The Netherlands and Central Asia

The Netherlands increasingly acknow-ledges the vital geostrategic importance of the Central Asian region and has adopted a multidimensional approach that reflects this standpoint. Dutch political and security relations with Central Asia are largely determined through multilateral diplomatic channels.

Its trade and energy ties with Central Asia are mainly established via bilateral relations, but also follow European Union (EU) policy. Trade is largely concentrated with Kazakhstan and since 2005 the Netherlands has been the largest contributor to Kazakhstan’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Development assistance is usually allocated through multilateral channels. Bilateral ties with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the field of trade are scarce and the multilateral instruments of the EU determine political relations with these two countries. Political relations with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are limited, while development assistance to both countries is non-existent.