As the Trump administration engages more with the region, the Cold War-era Jackson-Vanik amendment will be a stumbling block.

ASTANA/WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kazakhstan and the United States are taking significant steps to deepen their bilateral relationship, focusing on trade liberalization, economic cooperation, and regional stability. Recent developments highlight their growing efforts to overcome Cold War-era constraints and foster mutually beneficial energy, infrastructure, and diplomacy partnerships.

A Push to Modernize Trade Relations

Central to this evolving partnership is the ongoing debate surrounding the Jackson-Vanik amendment, a Cold War relic that restricts normal trade relations with certain non-market economies. The amendment, enacted in 1974, aimed to promote human rights by tying trade liberalization to emigration policies in Soviet-bloc countries. While many former Soviet states, including Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, have since achieved normal trade status, the amendment still applies to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other Central Asian nations.

During his confirmation hearing to be U.S. Secretary of State, then-Senator Marco Rubio called for the amendment’s repeal. “I believe permanent removal requires legislative action,” Rubio stated. “This is a relic of an era that’s passed. Kazakhstan, which the Department of Commerce already said is a market economy, has met the conditions for its removal.”

Rubio’s comments echo broader bipartisan support for rethinking U.S. policy in Central Asia. Senator Steve Daines, a Republican from Montana, highlighted the region’s strategic importance, particularly as it navigates a delicate geopolitical landscape influenced by neighboring Russia and China. “We need more friends in Central Asia,” Daines remarked, emphasizing Kazakhstan’s commitment to economic modernization and multi-vector diplomacy.

A Strategic Partner in Central Asia

Kazakhstan’s unique geopolitical position makes it a vital partner for the United States. The nation’s vast energy resources and membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) position it as a key player in regional trade and development. Kazakhstan joined the WTO in 2015, signaling its readiness to integrate further into the global economy. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan continue to pursue individual trade agreements, with Uzbekistan eyeing WTO membership by 2026.

The Jackson-Vanik amendment’s repeal would not only enhance U.S.-Kazakhstan trade but also send a strong signal about America’s commitment to fostering economic growth and stability in the region. Senator Daines and his Democratic colleague Gary Peters have introduced initiatives aimed at rescinding the amendment for Central Asian nations, arguing that its continued enforcement hinders progress.

Strengthening Parliamentary Diplomacy

Beyond trade, parliamentary diplomacy bolsters Kazakhstan’s relationship with the United States. During a recent meeting in Astana with Senator Daines, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of legislative dialogue in strengthening bilateral ties. Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s focus on attracting foreign investment, advancing economic liberalization, and modernizing infrastructure as priorities for cooperation.

“Parliamentary diplomacy plays a critical role in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration,” Tokayev said, underscoring energy, mineral exploration, and infrastructure as areas of shared interest. The president also noted Kazakhstan’s readiness to address international security challenges, including terrorism, through multilateral coalitions.

Geopolitical Considerations

The evolving dynamics in Central Asia cannot be disentangled from the region’s complex geopolitical landscape: China’s growing economic influence and Russia’s historical ties present opportunities and challenges for U.S. engagement. Rubio, known for his hawkish stance on national security, described China as a “threat and adversary” during his confirmation hearing. He also criticized Moscow’s destabilizing actions in the region, including its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

However, Rubio’s remarks also reflected a pragmatic approach to Central Asia’s potential as a strategic counterbalance. “Kazakhstan is a market economy and therefore meets conditions for removal from the amendment’s restrictions,” Rubio noted, adding that enhanced trade relations could encourage the region to align more closely with Western norms and values.

Economic Opportunities and Challenges

Kazakhstan’s economic ambitions align with U.S. interests in promoting stability and growth in Central Asia. The country has made significant strides in diversifying its economy, prioritizing industrial development and infrastructure modernization. These efforts have positioned Kazakhstan as a regional trade and investment hub, particularly in energy and mineral resources.

President Tokayev’s government has actively sought foreign investment to accelerate these initiatives. Repealing the Jackson-Vanik amendment would further enhance Kazakhstan’s attractiveness as an investment destination, reducing barriers to U.S. businesses seeking opportunities in the region.

A Vision for the Future

The stakes are high as the United States prepares for a new chapter in its relationship with Central Asia. Repealing outdated trade restrictions like the Jackson-Vanik amendment represents a tangible step toward strengthening ties with Kazakhstan and its neighbors. Moreover, enhanced parliamentary diplomacy and economic collaboration could pave the way for a more stable and prosperous region.

Kazakhstan, for its part, has demonstrated its commitment to fostering an open and cooperative relationship with the United States. The nation seeks to position itself as a bridge between East and West through strategic reforms and multilateral engagement, offering a model of economic resilience and diplomatic pragmatism.

In a world increasingly shaped by shifting alliances and geopolitical rivalries, the deepening partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States offers a glimpse of how constructive engagement can overcome historical divisions. Both nations stand to benefit from a future built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to progress.