Kazakhstan business prospects in 2018 and beyond

A lot is happening in Kazakhstan, one of JCC’s key target markets in the Central Asian region. In 2017, the Kazakh Government issued a National Investment Strategy that seeks to increase FDI outside the hydrocarbon and mineral sector by 26%. The Government will undertake a series of reforms between 2018 and 2022 to increase the attractiveness of the country for all types of investment in key sectors. The ongoing structural and institutional reforms under the 100 Concrete Steps program and the privatization agenda aim to reduce the role of the state in the economy and facilitate the development of a vibrant, modern and innovative tradable non-oil sector. If the implementation of structural reforms is successful, it will assist in the diversification of the economy and would raise Kazakhstan’s growth potential.

JCC’s Switzerland-Kazakhstan Business Roundtable that took place on April 11, 2018 at Burckhardt Compression, Winterthur showcased these reforms and key sectors of opportunities that are opening up. Speakers examined the role of Kazakhstan as a financial hub and the digitalization of the Kazakh Economy. The event culminated with insights from an old-hand in the Kazakhstan private sector, the former Country Manager of ABB Kazakhstan, just returned from his position in Astana.