TRENDS AND PROSPECTS OF TRADE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN KAZAKHSTAN AND ITALY

Abstract

The article discusses the main directions of strategic cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Italian Republic in the trade and economic fields. It is emphasized that the strategic partnership between the two countries is based on a solid foundation, and mutually beneficial relations with the Italian Republic, which is the third largest economy in the eurozone, has become a priority of the foreign policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In August 1992, an agreement was signed between the Italian Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan to establish diplomatic relations. In 2007 the Business Council of Kazakhstan and Italy was created, the Intergovernmental Working Group on Industrial and Economic Cooperation and Exchange also operates.During this period the two states were able to raise the level of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, went through formation, development and transformation and are looking for reserves to continue effective multilateral cooperation. The need for research is due to a number of factors. Firstly, for Italy, as a country with an open economy, the market of Kazakhstan and Central Asia is an important platform for promoting its goods and services. Secondly, establishing multilateral relations between the two countries is in the interests o f both the European Union and the Eurasian integration. Thirdly, the participation of Italy and Kazakhstan in achieving common goals on the world stage within the UN and the OSCE contributes to an understanding of the goals of foreign policy and constructive dialogue. Kazakhstan is interested in Italy’s experience in the development of small and medium-sized enterprises; we are talking about combining efforts in creating new enterprises in various fields.The relevance of the article lies in the fact that Kazakhstan and Italy build their relations on alliance and respect for national interests and understand the importance of strategic interaction, which will only increase in connection with the integration processes taking place in Europe and the Eurasian space. Today large-scale political transformations are being carried out in Kazakhstan. The Head of our state has proposed a program of reforms aimed at modernizing the political system, improving mechanisms for protecting human rights, and building a New Kazakhstan. In this context the dynamic relationship with the Italian Republic makes an important contribution to the implementation and promotion of the reforms carried out in our country.Kazakhstan intends to continue to pursue a foreign policy aimed at comprehensively strengthening and developing the strategic partnership with Italy.