"The Upcoming C5+1 Dialogue on Critical Minerals"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Crossroads Asia
The Diplomat
1 June 2026
Published: https://thediplomat.com/2026/06/the-upcoming-c51-dialogue-on-critical-minerals/
On the sidelines of the Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress, the C5+1 aims to deepen cooperation on critical minerals.
" Investments, transit and industrial processing"
Interview with Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Kapital.kz
6 March, 2026
Published: https://kapital.kz/economic/145709/investicii-tranzit-i-promyshlennaya-pererabotka.html
Внешнеэкономическая повестка Казахстана все меньше
сводится к отдельным переговорам и все больше напоминает управляемую систему,
где дипломатия связана с инвестиционными институтами, отраслевыми проектами и
инфраструктурой. В этой логике одновременно решаются несколько задач:
укрепление предсказуемости правил для бизнеса, развитие транзита по Срединному
коридору, запуск перерабатывающих производств в АПК, продвижение технологичных
проектов в социальной сфере и усиление авиационной связности. Итог здесь измеряется
не громкостью заявлений, а тем, насколько устойчиво страна переводит
договоренности в работающие механизмы и реальные мощности. О том, что в этой
модели выглядит сильным, а где сохраняются риски исполнения, мы поговорили с
Уайлдером Алехандро Санчесом, президентом консалтинговой компании Second Floor
Strategies в Вашингтоне, который работает на стыке геополитики, торговли и
инвестиционной повестки по Центральной Азии.
Источник: https://kapital.kz/economic/145709/investicii-tranzit-i-promyshlennaya-pererabotka.html
"Japan and South Korea: Vital partners in the New Uzbekistan"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Marin Ekstrom
Modern Diplomacy
28 October 2025
Published: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/10/29/japan-and-south-korea-vital-partners-in-the-new-uzbekistan/
Uzbekistan has recently commenced construction of a new airport in Tashkent, valued at $2.5 billion, as a symbol of the country’s reinvention.
Uzbekistan has recently commenced construction of a new airport in Tashkent, valued at $2.5 billion, as a symbol of the country’s reinvention. The project, slated to begin operations in 2029, aims to serve as Central Asia’s key aviation hub by supporting more than 40 take-offs and landings per hour and serving 20 million passengers annually. Economists predict that increased air traffic at the airport could generate $27 billion in annual revenue and create thousands of new jobs.
To achieve this ambitious goal, Tokyo and Seoul will be critical partners: Japan’s Sojitz Corporation, which has extensive experience in the aviation sector, has agreed to invest millions of dollars and share technical expertise. As for South Korea, the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) signed a $24.5 million consulting contract to provide operational and service support for the development of the new Tashkent airport.
"Kazakhstan 2.0: Tokayev’s High-Speed Bid to Digitize a Petrostate"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
International Policy Digest
7 October
Published: https://intpolicydigest.org/kazakhstan-2-0-tokayev-s-high-speed-bid-to-digitize-a-petrostate/
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly is over, and the familiar churn of speeches will fuel analysts for weeks. But Astana isn’t waiting on New York.
In his State of the Nation address, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev set out a domestic agenda for the second half of the decade—an attempt to steer Kazakhstan through a volatile era by marrying digital transformation with targeted investment and institutional reform. “The world has entered a new historical era,” he warned, one that will test governments that fail to adapt.
"Critical Matters: Reflections on Mining in Kazakhstan"
By: Assel Nussupova
Caspian Policy Center
7 April, 2025
Published: https://caspianpolicy.org/research/commentary/critical-matters-reflections-on-mining-in-kazakhstan
Wilder Alejandro Sánchez, President of Second Floor Strategies, a consulting firm in Washington, DC, provided three reasons behind Kazakhstan’s appeal as a location for mining investment. “Kazakhstan has many mining deposits. Moreover, the country already has a good international name in the mining industry due to the production of uranium. The country has a friendly investment climate aimed at attracting more investors, not scaring them away. The Kazakhstani government has created entities like the Astana International Financial Centre, with its arbitration center, and Kazakh Invest, to engage potential investors and industries. There are already many mining projects across Kazakhstan. However, the country is vast, and many deposits are yet to be found. So, mining companies know that Kazakhstan’s mineral deposits have not yet been exhausted.”
Wilder Alejandro Sánchez delineated some of the barriers facing foreign companies or investors wanting to get involved in mining in Kazakhstan. He pointed to three main challenges: “Kazakhstan continues to be regarded as a frontier market. There are concerns about corruption, embezzlement, and other bad financial practices. These are all issues that need to be addressed. Astana must continue to show the world that mining projects will be treated fairly and that the Kazakhstani government and that the nation’s private industries are reliable partners for international investors and companies. [Another factor is] distance: Kazakhstan is rich in minerals but far away from the global market due to its geographical location. Thus, the problem is not just getting the minerals out of the ground but processing them locally and transporting them (processed or raw) to the final destination. This is particularly problematic in the current era of geopolitical tensions. [There is also a] lack of knowledge about new mining deposits.”
"Tashkent’s busy diplomatic agenda"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
NE Global
28 February 2025
Published: https://www.neglobal.eu/tashkents-busy-diplomatic-agenda/
In the coming months, Uzbekistan will host high-profile summits between Central Asia with the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council. As global geopolitics continue to be in flux, Uzbekistan in particular, and Central Asia in general, are adapting to this evolving world. Hosting high-level meetings with Brussels & the Gulf States and recent bilateral discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and even the Taliban suggest that Tashkent is eager to engage with current and new partners and approach unavoidable, high-risk neighbors.
"Transforming Central Asia from a frontier market to a stable investment"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
NEGlobal
21 December, 2024
Originally: https://www.neglobal.eu/transforming-central-asia-from-a-frontier-market-to-a-stable-investment/
Central Asia is considered a frontier market. However, at least two of the five countries that constitute this region, namely Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, are eager to diversify their economies and attract investors to new industries. While global geopolitics will remain unstable throughout 2025, Astana and Tashkent want to reassure investors that, in a volatile world and geographically distant region, investors should feel confident about “taking a chance” and investing in these countries.
To attract new investors, both governments are creating special economic zones and tax-free regimes that are more investor friendly. The two countries also engage in public relations campaigns to approach potential Western investors. For example, Uzbekistan organized the Third Tashkent International Investment Forum this year. There are also events in Washington, DC, as the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC) co-hosted a panel titled “Beyond Geopolitics: Strengthening U.S.-Central Asia Ties through Trade and Investment,” held on December 12 at the George Washington University in the U.S. capital.
"Green multivector policy: Kazakhstan's strategy for sustainable development and international relations"
Interview by: Assel Nussupova
5 March, 2024
Originally published: https://daryo.uz/en/2024/03/05/five-years-under-tokayev-expert-examines-the-numbers-behind-kazakhstans-reforms-part-2?utm=tg-en
Perspective can make all the difference. Drive through the bustling streets of downtown Almaty, gallop across the vast windswept steppes, both offer a very different view of Kazakhstan. In this series, we speak to a number of experts to explore their unique takes on Kazakhstan at a pivotal point in its history. With President Tokayev nearing five years in office, he has made clear that implementing reform is central to his priorities for the former Soviet country. What issues Kazakhstan is currently facing that need to be addressed in those reforms? What challenges and opportunities lie ahead? Today we hear from Wilder Alejandro Sánchez, President of Second Floor Strategies, a consulting firm based in Washington, DC. Assel Nussupova met with Alejandro Sánchez in Washington, DC in February 2024, to discuss his perspective on Kazakh issues ranging from water-related challenges to the need for economic diversification to Washington's perspective on Central Asia.
"Angola Bets on Critical Minerals and the Lobito Corridor"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Situation Report
Geopolitical Monitor
28 September, 2023
Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/angola-bets-on-critical-minerals-and-the-lobito-corridor/
The African continent has many, many natural resources, which are highly coveted by the rest of the globe, including critical minerals (CMs). Angola, a country already known for its oil wealth, will soon have a more significant role in the global race to access critical minerals.
"Kazakhstan’s Ports: A Vital Node of the Middle Corridor"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Crossroads Asia
The Diplomat
9 May, 2023
Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/kazakhstans-ports-a-vital-node-of-the-middle-corridor/
Kazakhstan is betting heavily on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), or Middle Corridor, as an alternative to reach European and international markets and bypass Russia. Many factors need to be considered to understand whether the corridor will boom in the short or long term; one vital topic is the future of Kazakhstani ports.
"Kazakhstan tells Washington and Brussels: We are open for business"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Advisor Perspectives
3 April, 2023
Originally published: https://www.advisorperspectives.com/commentaries/2023/04/03/kazakhstan-tells-washington-and-brussels-we-are-open-for-business
The late February visit to Astana by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the upcoming 2nd European Union-Central Asia Economic Forum, scheduled for May in Almaty, are venues for the Republic of Kazakhstan to demonstrate that, despite the ongoing global turmoil, the country remains a trustworthy trade partner and an attractive location for potential investment.
"Moldova and Türkiye: Keeping Friends Close"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Situation Report
Geopolitical Monitor
11 January 2023
Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/moldova-and-turkiye-keeping-friends-close/
There is a tendency to view the Republic of Moldova’s foreign policy as solely focused on Europe, the United States, or Russia. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s decision to apply for European Union membership have tended to reinforce that idea. However, Chisinau has one vital partner that does not fall in either category: the Republic of Türkiye.
"Kazakhstan and Singapore Look to Boost Economic Link"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Crossroads Asia
The Diplomat
3 September 2022
Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/kazakhstan-and-singapore-look-to-boost-economic-links/
Investment opportunities in the trade and commerce sectors, particularly related to transportation and the Middle Corridor, may prompt closer bilateral ties.
"Can Blinken Reset Washington’s Relationship With the DRC?"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
The Buzz
National Interest
4 August 2022
Originally published: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/can-blinken-reset-washington%E2%80%99s-relationship-drc-203977
Washington must develop a blueprint for a more comprehensive presence in the region, apart from defense relations or humanitarian assistance.
U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken will take a
five-nation tour across Africa and Asia from August 2-11. The senior
official’s visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) occurs at
a critical time as the country experiences a new wave of internal
violence and inter-state tensions while seeking to improve its
investment climate.
"The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Creating a More Secure Investment Climate"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Guest Column
Advisor Perspectives
25 July 2022
Originally published: https://www.advisorperspectives.com/commentaries/2022/07/25/the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-creating-a-more-secure-investment-climate
Attracting international investors and securing new trade partnerships while a country is involved in an internal armed conflict is very challenging. However, that is the task of the Congolese government and the National Investment Promotion Agency (Agence Nationale pour la Promotion des Investissements: ANAPI).
Kinshasa under Tshisekedi
Since coming to power in January 2019, President Félix Tshisekedi made it clear that bringing reliable and trustworthy international partners was imperative. On 11 July, International Commerce Minister Jean-Lucien Bussa Tongba told the local media that taxation in the country "is crushing." Thus, the government aims to cancel 14 taxes dealing with imports and exports to make the DRC more "economically competitive." The result will be an easier climate for investors to invest “more and more money [which will] allow us to diversify our economy.” the senior officer noted.
"A Frontier Market in the COVID-19 Era: Kazakhstan’s Economic Diversification in the 2020s"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Chapter published in:
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Kazakhstan was carrying out a strategy of economic diversification in order to decrease the country’s dependence on its profitable energy industry which constitute the bulk of Kazakhstan’s exports. As part of the diversification of its economy and trading partners, Kazakhstan has a long-term objective: become one of the world’s 30 most developed economics by 2050. The Central Asian nation is classified as a frontier market by global indexes, which means that it is viewed as having less developed political and economic structures, which makes them more volatile. However this label can be misleading as it does not properly demonstrate what Kazakhstan has accomplished in recent years in its quest to attract new trade partners and investors. New entities like the Astana International Financial Centre; the government's plans to become a trilingual nation; and recent initiatives to develop industries like agriculture, banking, manufacturing and tourism; demonstrate what good planning can accomplish. How will the pandemic affect Kazakhstan’s plans and objectives? This essay seeks to demonstrate that the country has handled COVID-19 generally well from an economic point of view. While the informal sector and lack of development in the periphery remain problematic issues, Nur-Sultan has achieved much in its three decades of independence as a frontier market, transforming from a Soviet-style to a Western-style economy. Kazakhstan, thus, is an example of how a global pandemic does not necessarily have to cripple the development plans of a frontier market, if said country has clear short-term as well as long-term goals.
"US-Georgia Economic Relations: Time for an FTA?"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
The Buzz
Geopolitical Monitor
20 January, 2022
Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/us-georgia-economic-relations-time-for-an-fta/
A late 2021 letter by several members of the United States Congress requests the U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tie, to increase commerce and investment with Georgia. While more significant trade will not alter the complicated dynamics of the Caucasus, at a bilateral level, strengthening this sector is essential for Washington-Tbilisi relations and will have obvious positive repercussions on the Georgian economy. Signing a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries is a necessary first step for this process to occur.
"Kazakhstan Turns to Foreign Investment for Post-COVID Growth"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Opinion
Geopolitical Monitor
November 22, 2021
Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/kazakhstan-turns-to-foreign-investment-for-post-covid-growth/
Since achieving independence from the Soviet Union three decades ago, the Republic of Kazakhstan has understood the importance of procuring a constant flow of foreign direct investments to promote development and economic growth. The government’s priorities regarding where should investment go have changed over the years, as the current goal is to promote economic diversification, moving away from industries like energy and mining, to sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and green technology.
"Kazakhstan: A Developing Frontier Market with a Western-friendly Attitude"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Commentary
Advisor Perspectives
22 July, 2021
Originally published: https://www.advisorperspectives.com/commentaries/2021/07/22/kazakhstan-a-developing-frontier-market-with-a-western-friendly-attitude
In the COVID-19 era, investors are turning to untapped frontier markets for higher returns and new opportunities. One nation that fits this objective is the Republic of Kazakhstan in Central Asia, as Nur-Sultan similarly aims to become a hub for Western investment as part of its own plans for economic development and diversification.
"Why Kazakhstan Joined New Investment Partnership With Uzbekistan, U"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Crossroads Asia
The Diplomat
26 January 2021
Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2021/01/why-kazakhstan-joined-new-investment-partnership-with-uzbekistan-us/
Kazakhstan is working toward a more diversified economy.
The governments of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the United States have launched the Central Asia Investment Partnership under the umbrella of the C5+1 format, in order to promote private-sector growth and strengthen regional economic cooperation.