Trade between Kazakhstan and Russia's Leningrad Region rose 2.5% in the first eight months of 2026 to reach $257.9 million. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin and Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko discussed the prospects for economic cooperation, the website infohub.kz reports, citing the press service of the Kazakh government.
The two sides examined the launch of joint production facilities, the development of the agro-industrial complex and the expansion of shipments of Kazakh cargo through Russian ports. Participants named the agro-industrial complex as one of the priority areas.
Kazakhstan is interested in joint projects in dairy farming, breeding, food production and the processing of agricultural raw materials. The parties believe Leningrad Region's experience in these areas could help broaden cooperation and increase processing volumes.
The meeting also separately examined opportunities for industrial cooperation and the localization of production. Potential areas include mechanical engineering, the chemical industry, and the manufacture of equipment and construction materials. Supplies of raw materials for mineral fertilizer production and a project to produce modern organic fertilizers in Zhambyl Region were also discussed.
Another topic was the transport of Kazakh cargo. Leningrad Region is interested in concluding long-term contracts for freight transport through its ports. The two sides also discussed rail transit and improving the resilience of freight shipments.
In addition, Kazakhstan and the Russian region looked at prospects for cooperation in the nuclear industry, including the training of specialists in the field.
Summing up the meeting, Zhumangarin stressed the need to move from talks to practical results and proposed stepping up direct contacts between companies on both sides.