Business Climate and U.S. Investment in Kazakhstan: A Conversation with Jeff Erlich

By Ryland Pitts, MALD 2026 Candidate, The Fletcher School

The Fletcher Russia and Eurasia Program and the Office of Career Services (OCS) hosted Jeff Erlich, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Kazakhstan, on January 17, 2025 for a discussion on investment, economic policy, and U.S. business interests in Central Asia.

Erlich, who represents more than 100 member companies—including major corporations like Chevron, Citibank, and General Electric, as well as smaller startups—spoke about his work advocating for free enterprise, fair competition, and the rule of law. He emphasized that AmCham Kazakhstan serves as the voice of its member companies rather than the broader international business community or the U.S. government, though he noted the interests of member companies and the U.S. government often align.

During his talk, Erlich highlighted Kazakhstan’s interest in expanding cooperation with American firms that provide high-quality investment. He cited examples such as John Deere, whose precision agriculture technology covers 20% of Kazakhstan’s farmland. While Chinese and Belarusian tractors may be cheaper, he said, John Deere offers a systems-based approach with sensors that help farmers optimize fertilizer, seed, and water use, demonstrating the value of American innovation.

Erlich also discussed AmCham’s role in advocacy, networking, and policy analysis, noting that the organization produces white papers and issues briefs on topics including the effectiveness of sanctions. He encouraged students to consider internship opportunities with AmCham, particularly in policy research and trade missions.

In a Q&A session, Erlich addressed geopolitical challenges in the region and how U.S. government policies impact American businesses in Kazakhstan. He noted that while Washington stresses the importance of securing critical minerals, agencies like USAID are reluctant to collaborate with mining companies, creating a policy gap that China exploits. He also discussed Kazakhstan’s complex relationship with Russia, particularly within the Eurasian Economic Union, which many in Kazakhstan see as benefiting Moscow more than Astana.

Erlich’s visit provided students with valuable insights into the realities of doing business in Central Asia and the challenges U.S. companies face in competing with Chinese and Russian economic strategies.