Global export finance leaders are discussing long-term development strategies on the second day of the Berne Union Spring Meeting in Astana

The spring meeting of the Berne Union (the International Union of Credit and Investment Insurers) continues in the capital of Kazakhstan. The third day of the delegates’ work was dedicated to issues of medium- and long-term insurance (MLT), as well as the activities of the Prague Club Committee, which brings together new and emerging export credit agencies (ECAs).

This year’s meeting is hosted by the Kazakhstan Export Credit Agency, which is part of the structure of the Baiterek National Managing Holding. The Agency is not only the organizer of the event but also a co-chair within the Berne Union structures. This reflects the international community’s strong confidence in Kazakhstan’s financial institutions and recognition of their expert role in risk management across the Silk Road region.

A key event within the MLT Committee agenda was the panel discussion titled “A Strategic Turning Point for Central Asia?” Participants discussed how geopolitical changes are transforming the region into a key hub connecting China, the EU, and neighboring markets.

The main speaker from the host side, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Baiterek Holding, Zhandos Shaikhi, addressed the panel. During discussions with representatives of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the EBRD, he highlighted Kazakhstan’s role in strengthening regional connectivity and attracting investment into critical minerals extraction and infrastructure projects.

“Central Asia is increasingly becoming a vital region for global trade, energy and food security, as well as international logistics. Kazakhstan views this moment not only as a geopolitical shift but also as an opportunity for large-scale economic transformation. We see our country and the region as a future industrial and infrastructure hub between Europe and Asia,” said Zhandos Shaikhi.

Within the forum’s business program, Managing Director of Baiterek Holding Saken Olzhabayev participated in discussions on the transformation of global trade flows and new approaches to risk management in international trade. The discussion focused on the growing role of Central Asia and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, as well as the shift of export credit agencies from the traditional “country risk” model to a more comprehensive approach that includes logistical, sanctions, and transactional risks. Participants also noted the increasing interest of international investors in Kazakhstan as a platform for developing new production facilities, logistics, and non-resource exports.

In addition, a meeting of the Prague Club Committee (PCC) was held, moderated by Deputy Chairman of the PCC and Deputy Chairman of the Kazakhstan Export Credit Agency, Ayan Bektybaeva. The committee discussed mechanisms for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the implementation of digital technologies. Delegates noted that ECAs are becoming increasingly “smarter,” introducing more than 70 innovations annually, including AI (LLM)-based tools to accelerate underwriting processes.

During the session “Local Exporters and the Ecosystem of the Kazakhstan Export Credit Agency,” Kazakh business leaders presented real case studies. Speakers discussed how the Kazakhstan Export Credit Agency supports companies in entering new markets and managing risks, as well as the role of state institutions in building a digital ecosystem for exporters.

“As co-chairs of the Berne Union and as the host side, we see that the export credit industry is undergoing a transformation. Our task is not only to insure risks, but also to build an intelligent ecosystem supporting exporters. Experience sharing within the Prague Club allows us to rapidly adopt best global practices to promote Kazakhstan’s non-resource exports,” said Ayan Bektybaeva.

The Kazakhstan Export Credit Agency is also a candidate for membership in the Short-Term Insurance Committee, which is seen as a step toward a qualitatively new level of international integration and recognition as a full member of the global expert community.

A separate part of the agenda was dedicated to the activities of the Development Bank of Kazakhstan. During the forum, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan signed a memorandum with the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE) to launch an on-lending program aimed at financing projects involving Korean technologies and investments in Kazakhstan. Priority sectors include logistics, energy, manufacturing, and green technologies.

Chairman of the Board of the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, Marat Yelibayev, spoke at the MLT Committee session, highlighting mechanisms for insuring political risks in the mining sector and the Bank’s role in attracting private investment into infrastructure and processing projects.

During the first days of the forum, the Kazakhstan Export Credit Agency signed strategic agreements with major international financial institutions, including Türk Eximbank, Saudi EXIM Bank, BAEZ, and ASHRA, and held a series of bilateral B2B meetings alongside the plenary session. The forum will continue on May 13–14 with specialized committee meetings and Prague Club sessions.

At the conclusion of the discussions, it was officially announced that the next meeting of the Union will be hosted by Tokyo, Japan.