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City of Greater Sudbury Hosts Kazakhstan Ambassador

On February 13 and 14, the City of Greater Sudbury had the distinct pleasure of hosting Kazakhstan Ambassador Dauletbek Kussainov. This visit marks a significant milestone in the growing relationship between Greater Sudbury and Kazakhstan, highlighting the potential for future collaborations and opportunities.

Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia by population and the ninth largest by area, is renowned for its rich natural resources, including oil, gas, uranium and various rich minerals. The country also has a diverse cultural heritage and a history of space exploration, being home to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s first and largest operational space launch facility.

During the visit, Ambassador Kussainov and his delegation met with the City’s Economic Development team, who showcased the rich history and numerous opportunities within Greater Sudbury. There was a strong emphasis on partnerships and bilateral trade between Canada and Kazakhstan as well as the opportunities for Canadian suppliers to work with Kazakhstan.

Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre had the honour of meeting with Ambassador Kussainov, where they exchanged meaningful gifts from their respective regions. Mayor Lefebvre presented a copy of the book 102 Things to Do with a Hole in the Ground, co-written by Peter Whitbread-Abrutat and Robert Lowe, which highlights the world-renowned Sudbury Regreening Story. In return, Ambassador Kussainov gifted Greater Sudbury a stunning piece of artwork depicting Kazakhstan’s landmarks in 24 karat gold.

“By fostering strong international relationships, we are actively advocating for our local businesses and industries, creating new opportunities for investment and collaboration that drive our community forward,” said Mayor Lefebvre. “Engaging with global partners like Kazakhstan is essential to ensuring Greater Sudbury remains a leader in economic growth, opening doors for our businesses to thrive on an international stage.”

The delegation’s itinerary for their visit included meetings with the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI and the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA), Cambrian College’s Centre for Smart Mining, attendance at the MineConnect AGM, and a tour of the NORCAT test mine. These engagements underscore Greater Sudbury’s commitment to fostering global partnerships that drive progress, innovation and investment in the region.

Greater Sudbury is dedicated to working with international partners to create lasting relationships and opportunities that benefit the community. These meetings and discussions are vital for the city’s growth and development, ensuring that Greater Sudbury remains at the forefront of economic advancements.