ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 2. There are 14 special economic zones operating in Kazakhstan, where investors are provided with tax and customs preferences, and the procedure for hiring foreign labor has been simplified, Trend reports.
The Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, made this statement during the VII Kazakhstan Round Table on Global Investments (KGIR-2024).
The round table brought together over 500 business representatives, including leaders from major international and Kazakh companies in agriculture, food production, energy, mining, and finance, as well as local entrepreneurs and investors. The plenary session focused on "Global Investment Trends: A Vision for the Future."
Opening the KGIR, Olzhas Bektenov noted that the round table is a logical continuation of the Foreign Investors Council meeting held the previous day under the leadership of Kazakhstan's President, aimed at fostering close dialogue with the business community. He emphasized that a permanent Investment Headquarters operates under the government to address entrepreneurs' issues promptly. A "Green Corridor" mechanism is being launched to expedite approval processes for priority investment projects, ensuring maximum protection for both domestic and foreign investors. International businesses now have the option to choose between English law in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and the national legal system.
KGIR participants shared their experiences in implementing projects in Kazakhstan and outlined prospects for further cooperation.
Nitin Kapoor, Vice President for the International Region of AstraZeneca, highlighted Kazakhstan's significance as a key player in the pharmaceutical market of Central Asia, noting the company’s efforts in developing local production and innovative solutions.
The plenary session also featured remarks from President of
Power International Holding Ramez Al-Hayat, Chairman of the Board
of Directors of Fufeng Group Limited Li Xuechun, CEO of ACWA Power
Marco Arcelli, Executive Vice President for Europe and India at
Carlsberg Group Lars Lehmann, President for Africa, the Middle
East, and Central Asia at Alstom Andrew Deleone, and Vice President
for Banking Operations at the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) Matteo Patrone. The Prime Minister underscored
that industrial development is a key priority for the country and
urged foreign companies to engage more closely with the Kazakh
business community.
As a result of KGIR-2024, a package of 32 documents, totaling $7
billion, was signed, as follows:
- A strategic cooperation agreement between the Akimat of Akmolinsk
Region, KAZAKH INVEST, and Dalian Hesheng Holding Group for deep
processing of wheat worth $650 million.
- A strategic cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, KAZAKH INVEST, and CHN Energy for the production of coal-chemical products worth $4 billion.
- An investment agreement between Orhun Medical LLP and the Government of Kazakhstan to improve medical services and healthcare infrastructure, totaling $80 million.
- An investment agreement between SILK WAY ENERGY LTD and the Government of Kazakhstan for constructing a liquefied natural gas plant in the Panfilov district of the Zhetysu region, worth $305 million.
- A project implementation agreement between NC KTZ and Transportation Global LLC for the introduction of digitization and artificial intelligence elements in railway engineering, amounting to $10.4 million.
- A framework agreement between Carlsberg Kazakhstan LLP and the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan for building a non-alcoholic beverage plant worth $100 million.
- A framework agreement between Shin-Line LLP and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan to create a food cluster in Almaty Region, involving leading global companies (35 production facilities in development).
- A framework agreement between the Akimat of Kostanay Region and Tech Digital LLP for producing high-quality aluminum alloy bars and profiles.
- A memorandum of cooperation between the Akimat of West Kazakhstan Region and Hyundai Solar KZ 777 LLP for constructing a solar power station, waste recycling complex, incineration plant, and modular greenhouse complex worth $167 million.
- A joint research plan for geological exploration potential on the North 1 block between NC QazaqGaz and CNPC.
- A memorandum of understanding between Otbasy Bank and the Asian Development Bank for promoting inclusive and green housing finance in Kazakhstan.
The plenary session recognized top investment companies such as Linde Gas GmbH in industrial and medical gases, Shin-Line in food production, KazFoodProducts in deep grain processing and confectionery, Orhun Medical in healthcare, Jiaxin International Resources Investment in tungsten ore development, Alstom in railway engineering, Zerde-Ceramics Aktobe in ceramic tile production, Zharkent Starch Plant in corn processing, and the leading railway cluster RK Railways Systems KZ and Carlsberg Group brewery.