US deepens Central Asia ties with new investment deals

The United States is expanding economic partnerships with Central Asia as Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed investment agreements with US firms, including a $180 million Mars pet food plant and talks on Boeing 787 deliveries expected in the second half of 2026.

The United States is increasing economic engagement with Central Asian partners while Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Washington for the inaugural Board of Peace meeting. Tokayev met US companies and announced several investment agreements covering agriculture, aviation and healthcare. The visit included discussions with government-linked investors and US agencies about further cooperation. The Board of Peace session also included Tokayev's pledge of financial and humanitarian support directed toward Gaza. Key developments: - The Kazakh Agriculture Ministry and Mars agreed to a $180 million investment to build a pet food production plant in Alatau. - Tokayev spoke with Boeing Executive Vice President Jeff Shockey about delivery of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Kazakhstan, expected in the second half of 2026, ordered by Air Astana for planned transatlantic service. - SCAT Airlines plans additional Boeing purchases and is exploring a joint maintenance and repair centre at Shymkent Airport. - Ashmore Group, with Samruk Kazyna Invest and Mount Sinai Health System, plans to construct the Ashmore Healthcare International clinic in Kazakhstan. - Tokayev discussed investment cooperation with the US International Development Finance Corporation and pledged substantial financial and humanitarian aid for Gaza during the Board of Peace meeting. Summary: The agreements reflect a broader push to deepen commercial ties between the United States and Central Asia across multiple sectors, including agriculture, healthcare and aviation. Several projects are in planning or early stages, and a Boeing 787 delivery is expected in the second half of 2026. Tokayev's visit also tied these economic discussions to diplomatic commitments announced at the Board of Peace meeting.