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THE RISING POTENTIAL OF ENHANCING COOPERATION BETWEEN
KAZAKHSTAN AND ASEAN
Zharaspaeva Ayaulym, Astana International University, Astana, Kazakhstan
E-mail: aaulymzaraspaeva@gmail. com
Asemkanova Elnura, Astana International University, Astana, Kazakhstan
E-mail: asemkanova04@mail.ru
Abstract. In this dynamic global environment, it's crucial to keep forging, strengthening and keeping positive ties with allies. Nowadays in the era of advancing technologies, one of the main priorities of Kazakhstan's foreign policy is to foster closer relations with Asian countries. This essay explores cultural and economic interactions between Kazakhstan and Southeast Asian countries, two regions with large geographical distances and opportunities for future cooperation with developing logistics, furthermore examining closer connections between ASEAN and Kazakhstan through the BRI project and possible opportunities created by the same project. The aim of this paper is to analyze how the relations between Kazakhstan and Southeast Asian countries have been developing and point out the opportunities presented by pragmatic and forward-looking cooperation. Observational and meta-analysis methods, including case studies, were used during the research for this paper.
Key words: international relations, foreign policy, Kazakhstan, ASEAN, Southeast Asia, BRI, cultural exchange, economics, trade, logistics, technology, education.
Kazakhstan sought to implement a multi-vector foreign policy after declaring independence in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse in December 1991. The main objective of this policy is to maintain good relations with all major players in the global arena, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Over great geographic distances, cultures, economies, and aspirations can converge, as seen by the interaction between Kazakhstan and the ASEAN. Also, sustaining peace, security, stability, and prosperity are among the guiding ideals that both Kazakhstan and ASEAN adhere to.
As Kazakh Foreign Minister Yerlan Idrissov noted at a meeting with ASEAN ambassadors in 2014, ASEAN has become a "centre for Asian integration" and "a basic structure for multilateral regional cooperation and plays an important role in cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region." Therefore, Kazakhstan sought to expand
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cooperation with ASEAN and its member countries, while for ASEAN Kazakhstan was considered as the most viable strategic partner among the countries of Central Asia. Kazakhstan's firm belief that "multipolarity is the most just and rational form of the world order, which alone can ensure a balance of power and a secure world," is well consistent with the idea of greater integration of ASEAN member States by creating the ASEAN Community and, consequently, becoming a single "pole" of a multipolar world.
Thus, Kazakhstan views ASEAN as a path to further political and economic integration in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region, as well as a significant market for trade and investment. As a result, Kazakhstan is making consistent efforts to interact with ASEAN and participate in forums held under the auspices of ASEAN.
Kazakhstan has constantly worked to build alliances or cooperation with ASEAN and groups in which it has either led or participated. The secretariats of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), of which Kazakhstan is a member, and ASEAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2005 to begin working together in several security and socio-economic areas, as Nazarbayev sought to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations.
The Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia (NWFZ), to which Kazakhstan is an active participant, and the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Southeast Asia (NWFZ) are another area of cooperation and exchange of experience that is often mentioned. In August 2019, representatives of all nuclear-weapon-free zones, including SEANWFZ, gathered in Kazakhstan for a seminar on developing and strengthening consultation mechanisms between existing nuclear-weapon-free zones.
In 2019, a summit was held in Tashkent on November 29, while continent-wide supranational structures such as the EU were less attractive to Central Asian leaders, this move towards regionalism within the region prompted analysts both inside and outside the region to discuss whether Central Asia could follow other successful models of regional cooperation. like ASEAN. Some have called ASEAN a suitable model of regionalism in Central Asia. Compared to Southeast Asia, Central Asia is much more homogeneous, and its leaders share the ASEAN values of peaceful conflict resolution and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
As a dynamically developing market, Kazakhstan should not be afraid to explore investment prospects outside its immediate neighborhood. Kazakhstan's mutual ties with China allow it to be connected to Southeast Asia within the framework of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative, which benefits the Central Asian country. Kazakhstan's plan to introduce Islamic finance will force Indonesia and Malaysia to increase their investments in the country. The country's emerging market is particularly promising for Southeast Asian countries that seek to invest in atypical partners. Kazakhstan will be better prepared to avoid dependence on China for trade in the future and strengthen its position as an emerging global market and regional transit center by expanding the number of its trading partners under the Belt and Road Initiative outside China.
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Central Asia can benefit from ASEAN's experience in building a foundation of solidarity among its members to prevent foreign powers from pitting ASEAN members against each other, which served ASEAN well during the Cold War and continues to benefit in the face of China's growing influence. Moreover, for Central Asian regionalism to be successful and encompass all five Central Asian States, there must be positive and constructive relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, while the voices and concerns of the other three States must also be fully taken into account. Turkmenistan's historical detachment from regional initiatives due to its non-aligned status is another factor that needs to be managed. Thus, the gradual, flexible and consensus-based ASEAN development process may prove to be a useful model for Central Asian cooperation in this regard.
Regarding the growing foreign influence in Kazakhstan, according to a Kazakh China specialist, several EAEU countries are increasingly turning to ASEAN countries to balance Beijing's growing economic influence in Central Eurasia as a result of their growing concerns about China's influence. In addition, he said that "one of the alternatives to Chinese domination in Central Asia" could be the development of a free trade agreement (FTA) between ASEAN and the governments of Central Asian countries. The expansion of cooperation between ASEAN and Central Asia is facilitated by the fact that, as another expert from Kazakhstan noted, ASEAN has a more favorable reputation in Central Asia than China.
According to Kazakh analysts, the problems that ASEAN faced in the early years of its existence were comparable to those that the Central Asian countries are facing now: unresolved economic recession, unresolved territorial and ethnic disputes and regional competition of great powers.
Tokayev is used to ASEAN and is probably going to maintain warm relations with it. Moreover, under President Tokayev, Singapore is likely to maintain its positive image, since Tokayev, like Nazarbayev before him, has long been a fan of Lee Kuan Yew and Singapore. At a meeting within the framework of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Armenia in October 2019, Tokayev told Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that Singapore "enjoys great respect in Kazakhstan" and that the two countries' close ties were formed thanks to the close relationship between Lee Kuan Yew and Nazarbayev. [1]
For Kazakhstan, Singapore is an important partner in Southeast Asia. The two countries have signed a number of intergovernmental agreements aimed at strengthening trade relations and expanding economic cooperation. In 2022, the trade turnover between them exceeded the $1.92 billion mark, which means an increase of 60% compared to the previous year. Compared to 2020, the growth is really impressive.
Given his knowledge of Asia and interest in it, it is also likely that Tokayev will pursue a foreign policy more focused on the region. Kazakhstan is expected to pay more attention to ASEAN, and ASEAN countries should take this opportunity to strengthen ties with Kazakhstan. However, due to its limited resources, Kazakhstan will have to prioritize its relations with specific ASEAN members that could help it,
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such as Thailand, which is a leader in the tourism and services industry that Kazakhstan is trying to promote, and Singapore, which is a model of business cooperation. a successful economy with a developed economy".
Kazakhstan and Thailand also enjoy close cooperation and support in international forums, including the United Nations, and share similar positions on issues such as nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Despite the competition for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2017-2018 from the Asia-Pacific Group, in which Kazakhstan won, both sides conducted their campaign in a friendly and constructive manner, maintaining friendly relations throughout the process and after it. Thailand was also one of the ASEAN countries that was "open" to Kazakhstan's possible future participation in the ARF, despite the current moratorium on new membership.
Thailand's largest agribusiness conglomerate, Charoen Pokphand, also invested $700,000 in Almaty, opening a pet food subsidiary, which proved to be very successful. On the Kazakh side, in June 2018, the Kazakh company KazStroyService won a tender for the construction of gas pipelines as part of the second phase of the Fifth project of the Thailand main gas pipeline with a length of 200 kilometers, the completion of which is expected in 2021.
Thailand's central location on the mainland of Southeast Asia also means that it plays a key role in the Southeast Asian segment of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative and, therefore, can help link Southeast Asia with Central Asia, which is actually one of the goals of the strategy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand in Central Asia.
Thus, Thailand is in a unique position to help strengthen both political and economic ties between Kazakhstan and ASEAN. We should take advantage of this opportunity, as Kazakhstan is considering new prospects with a large number of allies, such as ASEAN, and the ASEAN countries themselves are interested in more active interaction with Kazakhstan as a key player in Central Asia.
Opportunities
Due to Kazakhstan's key role in China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, ASEAN countries are showing increasing interest in establishing transport and economic ties with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. The Chinese One Belt and One Road initiative includes the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which were presented in 2013 by President Xi Jinping in Astana and Jakarta, respectively. Thanks to this project, there are more opportunities to explore potential links between Southeast Asia and Central Asia.
Kazakhstan plays an important role in China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative and attracts increased interest from ASEAN countries due to its central location and status as the largest country in Central Asia. Kazakhstan became an important transit and commercial bridge between Asia and Europe with the introduction in 2014 of the infrastructure program of then President Nursultan Nazarbayev "Nurly Zhol", which
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strengthened the link between Kazakhstan's transport infrastructure and the Chinese initiative "One Belt, One Road".
The fact that Kazakhstan has the most developed infrastructure and economy in Central Asia is another advantage for the ASEAN countries. Aktau port on the Caspian Sea, the Western China-Western Europe international highway, the logistics terminal in the Chinese port of Lianyungang and the Kazakh dry port of Khorgos on the border with China are all attractive advantages for ASEAN countries, which they can use for faster and more possible transportation of their goods to Central Asia and then to Europe. at a lower price. For example, cargo delivery between Europe and ASEAN via the port of Lianyungang and the overland route connecting Khorgos and Lianyungang is at least twice as fast as delivery across the Indian Ocean, which saves time and money and is especially useful when transporting perishable goods such as food.
Vietnam began transporting goods by rail from Hanoi to Duisburg, Germany, in March 2019. The route passed through China and Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan terminal at the port of Lianyungang is another option for transporting goods between Kazakhstan and Vietnam. Thailand and other ASEAN countries have already begun to consider the prospect of using these lines to solve the logistical and transport problems they currently face.
The next important factor is Kazakhstan's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). With a total population of about 184 million people and a GDP of about $1.9 trillion, the EAEU, which also includes Russia, Belarus, Armenia and the Kyrgyz Republic, represents an attractive market for ASEAN countries. EAEU members are increasingly turning to Asia in search of new business opportunities and joint efforts. The EAEU and ASEAN are considering the possibility of expanding their economic cooperation. In November 2018, the ASEAN Secretariat and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), which is responsible for overseeing the EAEU, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Economic Cooperation. In addition, several ASEAN members have either expressed interest in concluding free trade agreements with the EAEU or have already concluded them. Vietnam became the first country in ASEAN to sign a free trade agreement with the EAEU in May 2015, and as a result, the volume of trade between Vietnam and Kazakhstan has increased significantly. In 2017, the trade turnover reached 542 million dollars, which is 48 per cent more than in 2017.
After Singapore successfully concluded a free trade agreement with the EAEU in October 2019, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed the significant potential of connecting the EAEU economic space with ASEAN. As a first step towards a potential free trade agreement with the EAEU, other ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand, have also signed memorandums of cooperation with the EEC. There are prospects for expanding trade and commercial contacts between ASEAN and Kazakhstan due to the desire of ASEAN members to strengthen their economic ties with the EAEU [3].
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To not forget that during the period of globalization, the system of international relations has undergone radical changes. New forces have emerged on the world stage that can have a powerful impact on the course of world history. In today's global society, the interdependence of culture and politics is increasing, which, in turn, puts issues of cultural policy and social identification on the agenda in a rapidly changing world.
At the same time, giving a new impetus to the cultural policy of the state is one of the main tasks of creating a competitive society. Cultural exchange allows to export, distribute and popularize the national culture of a country, which can improve its image and diplomatic relations with other countries. It has been demonstrated that academic exchanges, in particular, are a powerful tool for promoting soft power and enhancing the status of cities in the world.
Socio-cultural ties are a very promising area for the relations of these countries. Recently, cultural exchange between Kazakhstan and some ASEAN countries has been proceeding very smoothly, offering many useful and abundant opportunities.
Thailand is a popular destination for Kazakhstani tourists, since 2017 it has been visited by more than 50,000 people a year, which is the second largest indicator after Russia among the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Most of these Kazakhstani tourists return home with gratitude for Thai culture, cuisine, massage and boxing. Muay Thai is especially popular in Kazakhstan, where boxing is the main sport. Although the number of Thai tourists visiting Kazakhstan is much smaller and amounted to only about a thousand in 2018, it was expected to increase, in particular, due to Kazakhstan's introduction of a visa-free entry regime for Thai citizens in September 2019.
However, the COVID-19 virus pandemic has made travel and tourism virtually impossible worldwide, affecting the tourism industry in all countries. Despite this, Kazakhstan remains interested in learning from Thailand's experience as a leader in tourism and services, which Kazakhstan seeks to develop and promote.
Nevertheless, Kazakhstan is one of Thailand's fastest-growing markets and the second-largest market in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) after Russia. In 2023, 172,489 people visited Thailand, which is 190% more than in 2022. In the period from January 1, 2024, to February 26, 2024, the number of arrivals amounted to 55,566 people, which is 11% more than in the same period of 2023.
The visa-free regime facilitates travel and allows representatives of many countries to interact and learn about each other's cultures directly. It promotes tolerance, appreciation and understanding of other people's traditions, customs and lifestyles. It can also contribute to the development of economic, tourist and diplomatic ties between the countries.
Thus, another example is the opening of direct flights between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in October 2022, which created favorable conditions for stimulating the growth of investment, trade, commerce, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.
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The Heads of State expressed interest in intensifying cooperation in the field of education on the basis of the protocol dated January 3, 2017, on amendments to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on cooperation in the field of education dated September 15, 2009.
The Presidents reaffirmed the importance of intensifying cultural and humanitarian ties, including expanding cooperation and exchanges in the fields of science, sports and health, in order to unite the two peoples and deepen mutual understanding, jointly enrich cultures and develop bilateral relations in general.
While economic growth is crucial for diplomatic relations, the visit also highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties. President Tokayev showed a sincere interest in the history and culture of Vietnam by visiting important cultural sites in Hanoi, including the Military Museum and the pottery village of Chu Dau in Hai Truong Province.
The agreement on visa-free travel and the start of the relevant procedures are long-awaited events for both countries, as they will strengthen ties between people and facilitate the travel of business representatives from both countries.
After the outbreak of COVID-19, Kazakhstan's tourism industry began to recover in October when direct flights between Almaty and Nha Trang opened. Vietnam attracts tourists from Kazakhstan with its mouth-watering cuisine, friendly locals and stunning beaches.
Along with other documents, a memorandum of cooperation in the field of tourism was signed between the Ministries of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Malaysian Education Agency also sought to strengthen ties with Kazakhstan in the academic field. Abdul Razak Ahmad, Chairman of EMGS, expressed a desire to deepen ties with Kazakhstan and Malaysia in the field of education. The desire of the Government of Kazakhstan to transform Kazakhstan into a scientific community is an important factor in Malaysia's interest in higher education. EMGS, established under the Ministry of Higher Education, provides assistance to international students pursuing higher education at universities in Malaysia, as well as in language and training centres. The Agency also promotes education in Malaysia, aiming to contribute to the globalization of the Malaysian higher education sector.
Malaysia has a strategic interest in Central Asia, especially Kazakhstan, concerning education. The increase in the number of Kazakhstani students over the past 20 years, except for the pandemic period, has led to an increase in the number of students coming to Malaysia. However, Malaysian students did not study in Kazakhstan due to a limited understanding of the country's education system. Cooperation with Kazakhstan can attract talented specialists to study in Malaysia and help Malaysian students get an education in Kazakhstan in the field of natural sciences. Malaysia's long-standing traditions in the field of higher education make it
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an important destination for Kazakhstan, allowing for a better understanding of the dynamics of Southeast Asia's development. Malaysia intends to create a visa system for international students that will allow them to continue their job search, complete an internship or work in startups. The Malaysian delegation held talks with the senior management of the Center for International Programs in Astana, as well as the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan. Abdul Razak Ahmad expressed hope that the Bolashak program will encourage more students to study in Malaysia, as many universities in Malaysia do not adhere to the Western rating system. In addition, a meeting was recently held with representatives of the Malaysian airline Air Asia X. The discussions focused on joint efforts to develop the tourism sector in Kazakhstan, plans to increase passenger traffic and joint initiatives to develop tourism.
In addition, Singapore's experience in introducing innovations in areas such as finance and technology can complement the advantages of natural resources, geographical location and the developing infrastructure of the Republic of Kazakhstan. For example, Kazakhstan is actively working on the digitalization of the economy and launching various initiatives that can attract investment in this sector. Singapore, a world-renowned technology center, can help with a wealth of experience and knowledge here, opening up opportunities for cooperation in the development of ecommerce, fintech projects and smart cities.
Kazakhstan is developing a Trans-Caspian international transport route that will connect the vast markets of Asia and the EU. This new transport route opens up solid export prospects not only for China but also for Europe. Kazakhstan's cooperation with Singapore, a major international transport and logistics centre, can help both countries improve the efficiency of transport links and better understand the possibilities of the Kazakhstan-China-Singapore economic corridor. Together, countries can gain access to different markets and help their entrepreneurs expand their presence.
The visit of President Halima Jacob to Kazakhstan in May 2023 once again highlighted the mutual desire of Kazakhstan and Singapore to strengthen economic ties. The meeting of the two heads of state became a platform for discussing key areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, technology and innovation. An important result of the visit was the signing of an Agreement on trade in services and investments within the framework of the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Singapore. The document aims to create a more favourable business environment by simplifying regulatory processes and reducing barriers. The agreement provides service contractors with access to markets, provides support for young talents and lays the foundation for the creation of investment protection rules.
And earlier this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan held political consultations in Indonesia aimed at strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Indonesia in key areas such as trade, economy, politics, culture and humanitarian activities. The heads of delegations confirmed their mutual commitment
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to a comprehensive partnership. During the consultations, the possibilities of strengthening cooperation in the educational, scientific, cultural and sports spheres were also discussed. Maintaining political dialogue is crucial for building connections in more narrow industries. The head of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has identified areas for expansion, such as trade, investment, tourism and mining, where Kazakhstan and Indonesia can significantly strengthen cooperation. The main focus, of course, is on maintaining a political dialogue to establish links in more narrow sectors.
In addition, Kazakhstan's ambitions to become a rapidly developing centre of Islamic finance also attract the predominantly Muslim members of ASEAN -Indonesia and Malaysia - to improve bilateral relations with their Central Asian partners. Discussions on improving the Islamic banking partnership between the two countries took place between the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) and Malaysian financial sector companies. Similarly, if Kazakhstan wants to "become the centre of Islamic finance and halal industry in Central Asia," Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Akylbek Kamaldinov noted that his country could follow the example of Indonesia. Kazakhstan's plan to expand its Islamic financial sector is likely to force Muslim countries in Southeast Asia to establish closer economic ties with this country. [4]
Speaking of potential opportunities, Thailand's leadership in the field of sustainable development can strengthen ties between Kazakhstan and ASEAN and pave the way for improved cooperation between the two regions. Sustainable development continues to be a top strategic priority for ASEAN. Thailand is currently the ASEAN Coordinator for Sustainable Development Cooperation. In order to promote complementarity between the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the ASEAN Community Vision for 2025, or the so-called Complementarity Initiative, Thailand is committed to expanding partnerships between ASEAN Member States and partners.
In Kazakhstan, the pursuit of sustainable development is central to the country's economic growth, and the country is committed to implementing the UN Sustainable Development Agenda for the period up to 2030. The numerous regional and international events held by Kazakhstan in support of sustainable development are examples of this commitment. One of them is the Second Regional Summit on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), scheduled for June 2022. The UN SDG Center for Central Asia and Afghanistan is currently located in Kazakhstan.
Similarly, the ASEAN Center for Research and Dialogue on Sustainable Development is located in Thailand and is a forum for policy discussion between ASEAN member States, as well as between ASEAN and its external partners. Its tasks include promoting research in the field of sustainable development and capacity building. Thus, it is obvious that there is a chance for cooperation between ASEAN and Kazakhstan in the field of sustainable development, given the role that Thailand
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and Kazakhstan have played in promoting and implementing sustainable development within the framework of ASEAN and the United Nations.
Currently, the developing partnership between Kazakhstan and ASEAN embodies the transformative power of cultural exchange, economic cooperation and diplomatic interaction. By embracing diversity, strengthening mutual respect and building ways of cooperation, both regions are ready to shape a more inclusive, prosperous and interconnected future. As Kazakhstan and ASEAN continue to deepen their ties, they are paving the way for a brighter future based on shared values and aspirations.
One of the current priorities of Kazakhstan's foreign policy is the involvement of such regional structures as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), the Asia-Europe Summit (ACEM) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the ASEAN Regional Security Forum (RFA) and others that contribute to mutually beneficial economic cooperation and solving security problems in the region.
Kazakhstan's intention to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum is dictated by the leading role of this organization in the development of the regional and global economy and its focus on creating a system of open trade and free movement of investments in the region.
Despite the great differences in geography and culture, Central and Southeast Asia have a lot in common. Southeast Asia is connected to Central Asia by all transport lines passing through the region, such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway and the Middle Corridor, which open up opportunities for expanding trade between the two regions.
Aktau port on the Caspian Sea, the Western China-Western Europe international highway, the logistics terminal in the Chinese port of Lianyungang and the Kazakh dry port of Khorgos on the border with China are all attractive advantages for ASEAN countries, which they can use for faster and more possible transportation of their goods to Central Asia. Asia, and then to Europe. at a lower price. For example, cargo delivery between Europe and ASEAN countries via the port of Lianyungang and the overland route connecting Khorgos and Lianyungang is at least twice as fast as delivery across the Indian Ocean. This saves money and time, which is especially useful when transporting perishable goods such as food. In March 2019, Vietnam began transporting goods by rail from Hanoi to Duisburg, Germany. The route passed through China and Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan terminal in the port of Lianyungang is another option for transporting goods between Kazakhstan and Vietnam. Thailand and other ASEAN countries have already begun to consider the possibility of using these lines to solve the logistical and transport problems they are currently facing.
In addition to interconnected transport networks, these two regions are also characterized by similar geopolitical dynamics involving influential world powers. Central Asia is facing the influence of Russia, China and the West due to the Ukraine crisis, while Southeast Asia is facing the consequences of U.S.-China rivalry and tensions over Taiwan. These striking similarities pave the way for joint efforts between the two regions, promising mutual benefits and increased productivity.
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The countries of Southeast Asia can also serve as an effective example for Central Asia in terms of regionalism, primarily due to their successful application of the ASEAN model. Close cooperation between the Central Asian countries is important in light of the current geopolitical unpredictability. Even though partnerships similar to the C5+1 model have appeared both in individual countries and in Central Asian states, there is no regional alliance in Central Asia consisting only of regional governments, as in ASEAN. The countries of Southeast Asia can greatly benefit from becoming a role model in Central Asia, given their common experience and similar conditions, which will allow them to promote successful regional cooperation.
In 2023, Southeast Asia and Central Asia began a series of historical exchanges. The mutual visits of the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Singapore and Vietnam represent a new chapter and a promising beginning for the rapprochement of relations between the two regions, even though state visits did not extend to most countries of Central and Southeast Asia. More broadly, there seem to be good opportunities for cooperation between the countries of Southeast Asia and Central Asia. These closer ties can protect the autonomy of these regional players, maintain a multi-vector approach to foreign policy and improve the security environment.
Despite its logistical remoteness, Kazakhstan has the potential to increase exports to the Southeast Asian market.
In addition to the existing growth potential, the necessary infrastructure for export promotion has been created, which includes the infrastructure of embassies and consular offices of Kazakhstan, as well as the necessary legal framework. To increase Kazakhstan's economic presence in the region, it is necessary to participate more actively in trade events held in the countries of the region online or offline.
Kazakhstan has not yet been able to achieve official participation in the activities of ASEAN-led institutions due to restrictions on submitting new applications for the status of ASEAN dialogue partners and membership in the ARF. However, since January 2014, Kazakhstan has appointed its Ambassador to Indonesia as its first ambassador to ASEAN.
The great physical distance and weak transport and logistics links between Kazakhstan and the ASEAN countries currently hinder the deepening of ties between the two regions. This hinders economic cooperation and trade. According to the ASEAN Secretariat, the volume of trade between Kazakhstan and ASEAN in 2017 amounted to 579 million dollars, which was only 0.03 per cent of the total trade volume of ASEAN with the rest of the world that year. Even taking into account the increase in the indicators of the Statistics Committee of the Ministry of National Economy of Kazakhstan in 2017, this still accounts for only 1.25 per cent of the country's total trade with the rest of the world. As a result, Kazakhstan and ASEAN as a whole have very limited trade with each other.
Despite the problems with logistics, there is an opportunity to increase the export of goods from Kazakhstan to the ASEAN countries. In addition, it seems that
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Kazakhstan can make rapid progress in the development of trade and economic relations with Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
This essay examines the developing relationship between ASEAN and Kazakhstan and its implications for both sides. It highlights the cultural and economic ties between the two regions, as well as the potential for further cooperation. Over the past few years, relations between ASEAN and Kazakhstan have expanded significantly. And based on the presented material, it was demonstrated that the relationship between ASEAN and Kazakhstan offers ultimate benefits and potential opportunities for both parties involved.
Currently, there are more opportunities to expand contacts between Kazakhstan and ASEAN for two reasons. The first is the key role of Kazakhstan in the Chinese initiative "One Belt, One Road", which has aroused the interest of an increasing number of ASEAN countries in creating transport and economic ties with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. As well as expanding cooperation in the field of socio-cultural exchange, which would provide even greater potential for finding ways to connect Southeast Asia with Central Asia.
Therefore, moving forward, it is extremely important to continue to develop positive relationships and explore new opportunities for cooperation. Ultimately, this would contribute to creating a more stable and prosperous world for both regions.
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