Italian-Kazakh Agricultural Cooperation and Geopolitical Implications

Italy’s TRAMITE Group will launch a tomato processing operation in Kazakhstan, capitalising on the country’s agricultural potential and government incentives. The $100 million project aligns with Astana’s strategy to boost agricultural exports and attract foreign investment.

Italy’s increasing economic presence in Central Asia underscores its expansion there, mirroring the European Union’s heightened engagement in the region. This development mirrors a changing geopolitical landscape, with the EU forging stronger links in a traditionally Russian and Chinese sphere of influence, even as the U.S. reduces its involvement.

Kazakhstan’s long-term economic and political stability hinges on successfully managing its external partnerships.

Key Takeaways
TRAMITE Group’s investment deepens Italy’s economic ties with Kazakhstan and supports Astana’s agricultural development goals.
The EU is increasing its engagement in Central Asia, offering an alternative to Russian and Chinese influence.
Besides energy, Kazakhstan is also attracting foreign investment into areas like agriculture.
Background Information

Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector will receive a $100 million investment from TRAMITE Group, an Italian business aggregator founded by Gianantonio Tramet. The Italian company is partnering with Agriqa Farms to build a tomato processing plant in Shardara, where the local firm is developing an agro-export hub. Starting in May 2025, the plan includes a 124-hectare greenhouse complex, with a future expansion of 8,000 hectares by 2026 supported by advanced irrigation technology.

Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, met with Gianantonio Tramet, founder of Italy’s TRAMITE Group. According to Aidarbek Saparov, Kazakhstan is taking all necessary steps to reach the President’s goal of 70% processed products.

With tax breaks, investment subsidies, and low-interest credit, Astana is actively motivating foreign investment in agricultural processing. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has prioritised boosting processed agricultural exports, aiming for 70% of all agricultural output to be processed domestically.

Italy has been strengthening its economic ties with Kazakhstan, its top EU trade partner. Tokayev’s January 2024 trip to Italy, followed by President Mattarella’s return visit in March 2025, highlights the strengthening relationship between the two countries. Besides agriculture, Italy is heavily investing in Kazakhstan’s energy and infrastructure.

Geopolitical Scenario
Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a key agricultural exporter, and Italy’s involvement in its food processing sector fits within Astana’s broader economic diversification strategy. This investment shows a growing European interest in Central Asia, especially with the upcoming EU-Central Asia summit in April 2025. Brussels hopes to decrease Europe’s dependence on Russian supply chains by boosting cooperation in trade, energy security, and infrastructure development.

Kazakhstan plays a crucial role in regional trade, especially through the Middle Corridor and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), connecting Europe and Asia. By investing in these routes, the EU strategically seeks stronger ties with Central Asia, bypassing Russia. As the U.S. pulls back from the region, cutting USAID funding, the EU is stepping in to fill the void.

Astana must balance competing external interests. Moscow, despite being preoccupied with the Ukraine conflict, remains influential in the region. Beijing continues to expand its economic presence through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), while Ankara leverages cultural and trade ties to increase its footprint. Careful diplomacy is essential for managing these relationships and avoiding over-reliance on any one partner.

Internally, Kazakhstan faces economic and governance challenges, including corruption and monopolies, that could affect foreign investment. Government reforms intend to boost transparency and economic efficiency; however, sustained growth hinges on maintaining investor confidence.

Conclusion
TRAMITE Group’s investment in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector marks another step in Italy’s expanding role in Central Asia.

The project furthers both Astana’s economic diversification and Rome’s regional geopolitical interests. As Italian engagement in Central Asia increases, Kazakhstan might strengthen its trade ties and infrastructure. However, successfully managing external partnerships while addressing internal economic challenges will be critical to ensuring sustainable growth and stability in the long term.