Kazakhstan Finalizes CICA Membership with Legal Adjustments

Kazakhstan Strengthens Ties with Asia Conference by Ratifying Protocol

Astana, Kazakhstan — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed into law a protocol that amends the agreement between the Kazakh government and the Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), enhancing the organization's operational efficiency. The ratification aims to transform CICA into a full-fledged international organization, in line with the president's directive.

CICA, headquartered in Astana, includes 28 member states, representing 90% of the Asian continent. By signing the ratified protocol, Kazakhstan seeks to further improve the organization's overall work, bolstering the role of its executive body—the secretariat.

Notably, the revised protocol introduces measures to strengthen the status of secretariat employees, whether they are seconded from member states or recruited on a contractual basis. These changes align with international practices observed in the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations. Employees are granted immunity from the host country's jurisdiction while performing official duties, are exempt from state individual income tax, and are provided with a range of other privileges.

Senator Darkhan Kydyrali stated that the amendments aim to enhance the organization's effectiveness and strengthen the role of its executive body, the secretariat. Kydyrali made these comments earlier on May 8.

The ratified protocol introduces 32 changes to the original 2007 agreement on the secretariat's stay in Kazakhstan. Thirteen of these provisions focus on granting secretariat personnel the status of international civil servants, while the remaining 19 amendments are editorial.

Kazakhstan has reaffirmed its commitment to regional economic development. At the eighth plenary session of the CICA Business Council held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on May 20, the country presented its achievements in industrial cooperation, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development, and investment attraction.

Kazakhstan's industrial production index reached 106% in 2024, with the manufacturing sector posting 8.7% growth in the first quarter of 2025. Key growth areas included machine-building, the food industry, and metal goods production.

Furthermore, representatives from the Atameken National Chamber emphasized that SMEs are essential players in global value chains, given their adaptability and capacity for innovation. Supporting their integration into international projects remains a strategic focus.

To facilitate business operations, Kazakhstan has launched a national digital investment platform and is preparing to launch "eGov Business," a digital service to simplify access to government services for SMEs.

Azerbaijan, as the current CICA chair for the 2024-2026 period, is leading the organization's business council through its Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA).

During the CICA session, Azerbaijan highlighted the need for deeper regional collaboration in transport and logistics. By prioritizing infrastructure and logistical corridor development, Azerbaijan aims to foster regional stability and prosperity. Harmonizing customs procedures, adopting common digital standards, and building roads and railways were emphasized as key initiatives to reshape Asia's transport landscape.

As Kazakhstan strengthens ties with Asia through organizations like CICA, it is making significant strides in business and finance by enhancing the status of secretariat employees, immunizing them from host country's jurisdiction and providing tax exemptions, mirroring practices observed in international organizations such as the United Nations.
In line with its commitment to regional economic development, Kazakhstan presented its achievements in industrial cooperation, SME development, and investment attraction during the eighth plenary session of the CICA Business Council, demonstrating its focus on policy-and-legislation activities that foster the general news of regional prosperity and stability, particularly in transport and logistics.