Kazakhstan and Canada Strengthen Ties at PDAC 2024 Business Council Session

09/03/2024

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The 6th plenary session of the Kazakhstan Canada Business Council (KCBC) took place at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto, marking a significant step forward in the economic cooperation between the two nations. The session, led by esteemed co-chairs, focused on exploring collaboration opportunities in key sectors such as uranium, energy security, education, and sustainability.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development of Canada, and The Honourable Kanat Sharlapaev, Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Their participation underscored the importance of the discussions and the commitment of both governments to fostering stronger bilateral ties.

During the session, two crucial Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed. The first is between the National Geological Survey of Kazakhstan and Koan Analytics Inc., and the second is with the Geological Survey of Finland. These MOUs aim to explore the potential establishment of a Centre of Excellence in AI within the framework of the National Geological Survey of Kazakhstan, showcasing the country’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies.

Mr. Tim Gitzel and Mr. Yussupov, prominent figures in the uranium industry, engaged in discussions on cooperation and the future development of the sector, with a focus on energy security and environmental sustainability. The working group reports presented during the session highlighted the progress and prospects in the mining, education, and agriculture sectors, demonstrating the diverse range of opportunities for collaboration between Kazakhstan and Canada.

One of the most exciting announcements came from Mr. Darkhan Akhmed-Zaki, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who unveiled the country’s ambitious plans to establish an academic hub for higher education. This initiative aims to attract international students and researchers, fostering knowledge exchange and innovation.

The KCBC plenary session was attended by more than 150 delegates from both nations, reflecting the growing interest in strengthening economic ties between Kazakhstan and Canada. Attendees actively engaged in networking at the KCBC Networking Reception and immersed themselves in Kazakh culture at the Kazakh Yurt photo zone, further enhancing the cultural understanding between the two countries.

As Kazakhstan and Canada continue to explore new avenues for cooperation, the success of the 6th KCBC plenary session at PDAC 2024 serves as a testament to the strong foundation of their economic partnership and the promising future that lies ahead.