SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan - Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are keen to pursue different projects with Singapore and explore business opportunities with companies, said President Halimah Yacob on Thursday.

The inking of various agreements will create more economic opportunities for Singapore companies to explore, and hopefully open more doors in both markets, said Madam Halimah at the end of her five-day state visits to the two Central Asian countries.

In an interview to wrap up her trip, she said Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev gave her his personal assurance that he will “do his best to remove all the wrinkles for Singapore companies to be able to invest and trade with their private sector companies.”

Madam Halimah also highlighted the services and investment agreement signed on Monday with Kazakhstan as one important outcome of the visit.

The legally binding agreement will allow Singapore companies seamless access to various service sectors in Kazakhstan, such as specialised medical services, urban planning and engineering.

She noted that Singapore and Kazakhstan are focusing not just on business opportunities, but also how to expand the tourism sector.

To that end, plans by Astana Air to launch direct flights between both countries are welcome, she said.

“...