Year In Review

What A Year

By all accounts, Kazakhstan had a challenging 2016, but prudent intervention from the central bank and a well-rounded government vision for the future mean confidence is beginning to creep back into the economy.

Review

A Seat at the Table

Achieving a stable domestic political situation is particularly important considering Kazakhstan's increased role as a political force in the region.

Inside Perspective

Nursultan Nazarbayev, President, Kazakhstan

Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan, on implementing the third phase of Kazakhstan's modernization and the country's key priorities.

Guest Speaker

Rt Hon Sir Alan Duncan, State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, United Kingdom

TBY talks to the Rt Hon Sir Alan Duncan MP, Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom, on the importance of Kazakhstan for the UK as a strategic partner in Central Asia and the variety of ventures that are improving economic cooperation between the two.

Focus: Africa

This time for Africa

Kazakhstan is now determined to enhance its currently underdeveloped diplomatic relations and is keen to grab the opportunities offered by the African continent.

Guest Speaker

Macky Sall, President, Republic of Senegal

TBY talks to Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, on the value of the establishment of strong relations between Africa and Central Asia and the opportunities for sectors of the Senegalese economy.

Guest Speaker

Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs , Turkey

TBY talks to Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, on the strong ties between Kazakhstan and Turkey, increasing bilateral trade, and attractive sectors for investment in Kazakhstan.

Guest Speaker

Tomislav Nikoli, former President, Serbia

TBY talks to Tomislav Nikoli, former President of Serbia, on President Nazarbayev's recent trip to the country and the future of bialteral relations.

Review

Paradigm Shift

Kazakhstan is undergoing a major economic overhaul that stands to base the economy on diversified and stable growth.

Column

Gabidulla Abdrakhimov, Mayor, Shymkent

TBY talks to Gabidulla Abdrakhimov, Mayor of Shymkent, on the economy sector.

Column

Ilya Martinenko, CEO, Avrora Holding

TBY talks to Ilya Martinenko, CEO, Avrora Holding on the sector.

Interview

Albert Rau, former First Vice Minister , Investment and Development

TBY talks to Albert Rau, former First Vice Minister of Investment and Development, on main initiatives, partnering with multinationals, and outlook for the year ahead.

Interview

Moazzam A. Mekan, Regional Manager, IFC in Central Asia

TBY talks to Moazzam A. Mekan, Regional Manager for IFC in Central Asia, on IFC's recent projects, the country's potential in agriculture, and the challenges and opportunities for Kazakhstan.

Interview

Bolat Zhamishev, CEO, Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK)

TBY talks to Bolat Zhamishev, CEO of the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK), on the role that the bank is playing in diversifying the economy and what the New Silk Road project will mean for Kazakhstan's producers.

Interview

Zhanseit Tuymenbayev, Mayor, South Kazakhstan

TBY talks to Zhanseit Tuymenbayev, Mayor of the South Kazakhstan region, on all the work that is being done to strengthen the region's attraction for tourists and business interests alike.

B2B

Shymkent

By focusing on their niche markets and key strengths, companies headquartered in Shymkent are seeing the positive results of their hard work.

Forum

Why Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan has a variety of needs and projects that have attracted the services of these players, who are keen to explore opportunities and overcome challenges in partnership with locals.

Interview

Ashley Clarke, Chairman, British Chamber of Commerce Kazakhstan

TBY talks to Ashley Clarke, Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Kazakhstan, on the establishment of the chamber, attracting more businesses to Kazakhstan, and investment opportunities in the country.

Interview

Doris Bradbury, Director, American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Kazakhstan

TBY talks to Doris Bradbury, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Kazakhstan, on strategies for supporting growth, developing supportive structures for SMEs, and creating a more sustainable agriculture sector.

Interview

Ablay Myrzakhmetov, Chairman, Atameken

TBY talks to Ablay Myrzakhmetov, Chairman of Atameken, on easing business processes and enabling the next generation of Kazakhstan's entrepreneurs.

Focus: PPPs

New Approaches

Following a 2015 law on PPPs, Kazakhstan has started to develop new interest in PPPs to implement important social infrastructure projects across the country and attract private investment.

Interview

Béla Ferenczi, CEO , GE Central Asia & Azerbaijan

TBY talks to Béla Ferenczi, CEO of GE Central Asia & Azerbaijan, on GE's historic relations with the country and the development of its infrastructure across a number of sectors.

Interview

Ermek Sakishev, Chairman , Investment Fund of Kazakhstan (IFK)

Ermek Sakishev began his career in 2005 at the Ministry of Economics and Budget Planning as a Lead Specialist. From 2005 to 2007 he worked at various private companies. From 2008 to 2011 he worked in the Administration of the President in various roles, from expert up to sector leader of the Social and Economic Monitoring Department. In 2011, he became the Director of the Innovative Policy Department of Samruk-Kazyna. From 2012 up to 2014 he occupied managerial positions within the private sector, becoming Deputy Chairman of the Board at Baiterek Development in 2015.

Focus: Expo

Astana Expo-sed

Astana is celebrating its 20th anniversary by hosting the largest event in its history, Expo 2017, which will leave the country with precious legacies for its residents and milestone innovations on its journey toward a greener future.

Column

Rapil S. Zhoshybayev , Commissioner, Expo 2017

TBY talks to Rapil S. Zhoshybayev , Commissioner, Expo 2017, on the sector.

Interview

Erlan Ospanov, Partner & CEO, Verny Capital

TBY talks to Erlan Ospanov, Managing Partner & CEO of Verny Capital, on the importance of environmentally friendly strategies, international partnerships, and plans for a diversified expansion.

Interview

Dinmukhamet Idrissov, Chairman , Ordabasy Group

TBY talks to Dinmukhamet Idrissov, Chairman of Ordabasy Group, on expansion amidst a more protectionist sentiment, mining, privatization, and how the group will develop in 2017.

Review: Banking

A Crowded, but Orderly House

Imprudent business practice during boom times, volatile commodity prices, and currency turmoil have sent lasting shivers through Kazakhstan's banking sector. Yet bold remedial moves from the authorities have brought relative recovery to a listing economy.

Interview

Daniyar Akishev, Governor, National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK)

TBY talks to Daniyar Akishev, Governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK), on its success with de-dollarizing the economy, banking sector consolidation, and sectors with significant potential.

Interview

Alina Aldambergen, Chairman of the Management Board , Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE)

TBY talks to Alina Aldambergen, Chairman of the Management Board of the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), on the launch of commercial bonds, upgrading the image the exchange, and the strategy for achieving that.

Roundtable

Envisioning Finance

TBY and the American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan jointly organized a roundtable with the heads of leading financial institutions to discuss the state of banking and their vision for the sector's development.

Focus: Banking Consolidation

Getting Together

Though uncertainty surrounds the benefits of further consolidation of the banking sector, the National Bank believes the sector requires higher capitalization and gradual consolidation to remain stronger.

Vox Populi

BANKS

The banking sector has emerged from a stormy period, but with reform based on strong fundamentals, new strategies are being implemented to provide and support new avenues for growth.

Review: Capital Markets

Brand Management

Kazakhstan's capital markets are currently being honed to mitigate the global challenges of today and facilitate the nation's wider economic objectives of tomorrow.<span></span><br>

Interview

Serik Imanbekov,, Chairman, L-Capital

TBY talks to Serik Imanbekov, Chairman of L-Capital, on profitable investment opportunities, presenting Kazakhstan to international investors, and the role the company will play in the diversification of the economy.

Forum

Investment Advice

Still a young market, much needs to be done to secure a stable framework that attracts finance by itself, ensuring the need for sound advice.

Review: Insurance

Weathering the Challenges

While still just a blip on the GDP growth screen, Kazakhstan's insurance sector has several catalysts to build premiums on, wider economic conditions permitting.

Column

Rauan Daukenov, Chairman, Asia Life Insurance

TBY talks to Rauan Daukenov, Chairman, Asia Life Insurance on the finance sector.

Interview

Amina Kassymova, CEO, Kazakhmys Insurance Company (KMIC)

TBY talks to Amina Kassymova, CEO of Kazakhmys Insurance Company (KMIC), on growth amidst recession, expansion into new sectors, and finding quality in a country full of quantity.

Review

Establishing the Brand

Diversification is often easier said than done, but Kazakhstan has its foot firmly on the ladder.

Column

Vladimir Aidarbekov, General Director, First Brewery

TBY talks to Vladimir Aidarbekov, General Director, First Brewery, on the sector.

Interview

Omer Ogun, Managing Director, Efes Kazakhstan

TBY talks to Omer Ogun, Managing Director of Efes Kazakhstan, on new recipes, investing in staff, and crafting the brews that people want.

Interview

Fatih Uzunoğlu, CEO, Galaksi Group

TBY talks to Fatih Uzunoğlu, CEO of Galaksi Group, on what it means to be a pioneer, changing national brand perceptions, and expanding in Eurasia.

B2B

Downstream Sector

Despite the economic crisis and currency devaluation, Kazakhstan's downstream players are working hard to develop their own manufacturing products, rely less on imports, and expand into regional markets.

Focus: Industrial Development

The Spiid Of Development

In 2014 Kazakhstan launched a five-year industrial development plan with the purpose of fostering growth of the industrial, mining, and manufacturing sectors. These areas, among others, were identified as being key to achieving the country's long-term vision of economic diversification.

Vox Populi

Industrial Development

Though the sector has been shaken up in the past two years with the collapse of the tenge, a combination of resilience, government activism, and belt-tightening has helped Kazakhstan's players weather the storm.

B2B

Construction Materials

Construction firms in Kazakhstan are settling in for the long haul, even if recent fluctuations in the market have given them pause.

Interview

Aibat Akhmetalimov, Managing Director, Philip Morris Kazakhstan and Central Asia

TBY talks to Aibat Akhmetalimov, Managing Director of Philip Morris Kazakhstan and Central Asia, on introducing non-combustible products, remaining competitive in a health-conscious world, and the company's vision for a smoke-free future.

Review

Lead With Tech

ICT will be central to Kazakhstan's attempt to diversify and develop its economy, and new large-scale projects like TASIM and university tech partnerships should pay dividends in the future.

Column

Alexander Komarov, CEO, Beeline

TBY talks to Alexander Komarov, CEO, Beeline, on the sector.

Interview

Hou Tao, General Director, Huawei Technologies

TBY talks to Hou Tao, General Director of Huawei Technologies, on supporting telecoms operators' digital transformation, bringing 4G to Kazakhstan, and the trickle-down effect of knowledge transfers

B2B

International ICT Players

For a country that's yet to be fully penetrated by some ICT solutions, the opportunities for outsourcing, technology, and knowledge-based transfers are huge.

Focus: Central Asian Silicon Valley

Dreaming of Electric Sheep

Within its diversification plan and investment drive, the government has placed great emphasis on developing a vibrant ICT sector and attracting investors from the high-tech sphere to make Astana the new Silicon Valley.

Column

Sanzhar Kettebekov, CEO, Almaty Tech Garden

TBY talks to Sanzhar Kettebekov, CEO, Almaty Tech Garden, on the sector.

Review

Silky Smooth

A vast bridge connecting the booming markets of the east with the consistent demand of the west, Kazakhstan is shaping up to become a pivotal game-changer in global logistics.

Column

Vladimir Denisov, President, SCAT Airlines

TBY talks to Vladimir Denisov, President, SCAT Airlines on the sector.

Column

Hicham Belmaachi, Chief Operating Officer, Management Company SEZ Khorgos East Gate

TBY talks to Hicham Belmaachi, Chief Operating Officer, Management Company SEZ Khorgos East Gate, on the sector.

Interview

Peter Foster, CEO & President, Air Astana

TBY talks to Peter Foster, CEO &amp; President of Air Astana, on building a transformative internal culture, the timeless importance of location, and the one-dollar stopover initiative.

Interview

Blair T. Pollock, CEO, Qazaq Air

TBY talks to Blair T. Pollock, CEO of Qazaq Air, on meeting ambitious targets, increasing fleet size, and the importance of aviation to economic growth.

Interview

Natalie Andriyevskaya, Managing Director, M&M Kazakhstan

TBY talks to Natalie Andriyevskaya, Managing Director of M&amp;M Kazakhstan, on doing business in Kazakhstan, logistics and transportation, and the outlook for 2017.

Forum

Logistics

Kazakhstan is situated in a key location and is becoming a logistics hub for the region.<span></span>

Focus: Aviation

Flying High

Important investments are being carried out by the government to enhance the competitiveness of the country's aviation sector toward the goals of sustainable development, international integration, and turning Astana into an international hub.

Column

Paolo Ricciotti, Chairman, Astana International Airport

TBY talks to Paolo Ricciotti Chairman, Astana International Airport, on the sector.

Review

All The Way Up

Government investment in new housing programs and increased commercial development in Astana are driving Kazakhstan's construction sector, which has seen strong growth in recent years.

Column

William Stott, Managing Partner, Monarch Eurasia

TBY talks to William Stott, Managing Partner, Monarch Eurasia, on the sector.

Column

Rinat Kassymov , Director General, Mercury Properties

TBY talks to Rinat Kassymov , Director General, Mercury Properties, on the sector.

Interview

Erdal Seyhan, CEO, MG Development

TBY talks to Erdal Seyhan, CEO of MG Development and COO of MG Holding, on the luxury martket, the local workforce, and launching the St. Regis Astana.

Interview

Aidyn Rakhimbayev, Chairman, BI Group

TBY talks to Aidyn Rakhimbayev, Chairman of BI Group, on sector standards, working internationally, and the state of the real estate sector today.

Forum

Local Constructors

Local constructors have a long history in Kazakhstan. These are the players leading the industry today.

Focus: ABU DHABI PLAZA

To The Steppes

A striking high-rise complex, funded and managed by UAE-based developers and constructors, will be launched in the heart of Astana in 2017, further contributing to the young capital's fascinating skyline and state-of-the-art architecture, as well as its growing status as an international hub.

Column

Marina Kostanian, Regional Director, AECOM Kazakhstan

TBY talks to Marina Kostanian, Regional Director, AECOM Kazakhstan, on the sector.

Review

Fields That Yield

Kazakhstan's vast steppe has long been a fertile area, and the government has grand plans to utilize it fully.

Column

Talgat Aldazharov, General Director, Syngenta

TBY talks to Talgat Aldazharov, General Director, Syngenta, on the agriculture sector.

Interview

Arman Aldabergenov, General Director of Kazakhstan and Central Asia , Lactalis

TBY talks to Arman Aldabergenov, General Director of Kazakhstan and Central Asia of Lactalis, on the success of the company in the country, challenges in the agriculture sector, and expectations for 2017.

Focus: Organic Growth

Soil & Grass

With vast natural pastures, Kazakhstan is extremely well positioned to become a major producer of organic agricultural products. As agriculture demonstrates increasing potential to become a driver of the economy, the government's new legislation on organic farming will boost the country's production and export of quality organic products.

Forum

Local Production

Rich in resources and ideally located, Kazakhstan is producing an increasing amount of products.

Review: Health

Healthy & Happy

With health expenditures expected to reach nearly USD9.1 billion in 2017, stakeholders in Kazakhstan are looking for new and diverse ways to ensure more of the money makes its way into the coffers of homegrown firms.

Column

Almaz Sharman, President, Academy of Preventive Medicine

TBY talks to Almaz Sharman, President, Academy of Preventive Medicine, on the sector.

Interview

Elzhan Birtanov, Minister, Health

TBY talks to Elzhan Birtanov, Minister of Health, on the insurance system, healthcare legislation, and outlooks for the sector.

B2B

Pharmacies

The Kazakhstani pharmaceutical sector is developing rapidly, and these pharmacies are at the forefront of its evolution.

Focus: Medical Health Insurance

Open-Door Policy

Kazakhstan is ready to implement a fundamental change in its healthcare system by launching a mandatory health insurance with the objective of providing free healthcare to all.

Column

Madina Umbetova, General Manager, International SOS

TBY talks to Madina Umbetova, General Manager, International SOS, on the sector.

B2B

International Pharmaceuticals

Kazakhstan is putting a greater emphasis on a healthy population, giving pharmaceutical companies an ideal market.

Review: Education

Learning Smarter

The Kazakhstani education system has undergone significant reforms in recent years to bring it in line with European systems in an effort to raise standards, increase academic collaboration, and create a more skilled economy.

Column

Craig Halsall, Headmaster, Haileybury

TBY talks to Craig Halsall, Headmaster, Haileybury, on the sector.

B2B

Universities

Universities in Kazakhstan are attracting more and more students from the country and region.

Review

If You Build it, They Will Come

Though small, Kazakhstan's tourism sector is developing rapidly thanks to improved government policy and rapid development that has seen the nation's key cities become regional hubs.

Column

Aytuğ Can, General Manager, Ramstore Kazakhstan LLC

TBY talks to Aytuğ Can, General Manager, Ramstore Kazakhstan LLC, on the sector.

Column

Timur Khairov, General Manager, Shymbulak Ski Resort

TBY talks to Timur Khairov, General Manager, Shymbulak Ski Resort on the sector.

Interview

Luciano Sozzo, General Manager, St. Regis Astana

TBY talks to Luciano Sozzo, General Manager of St. Regis Astana, on the grand opening, the hospitality sector, and expectations for the future.

B2B

CARS

Despite globally tumultuous times for the automotive industry, Kazakhstan has been able to find creative and successful ways to maintain the market.

Focus: ECOTOURISM

So Good It Yurts

Kazakhstan is looking to make its mark as the region's main tourist destination. Out of the nine “stans," Kazakhstan is the largest and most topographically diverse, boasting miles of steppe, desert, and mountains, making it the perfect destination for an ecotourism industry.

B2B

Fast Moving Consumer Goods

Kazakhstan offers unique challenges, but companies are finding creative ways to address the problems and reap the country's unique benefits.

Focus: Mega Silk Way Mall

Mega Silk Way

A new iconic shopping mall incorporated in the state-of-the-art Expo architectural framework opens in 2017 and is set to be the symbol of the exhibition and of Kazakhstan's new flourishing retail industry, with positive effects on employment and the economy.

Review: Doing Business

Sweet and Tenge Delight

Though Kazakhstan's macroeconomic outlook has suffered enormously in the past few years from the collapse in oil prices and currency devaluation, its political leadership strengthened long-term ties with the Russia, the West, and China and drastically increased the ease of doing business.

Review: Legal

Registering Trademarks With The Authorities In Kazakhstan

Michael Wilson &amp; Partners, Ltd. (MWP) provides a rundown of the process required for companies to register their trademarks and the protection of intellectual property rights in the country.

Review: Accountancy

Precipitating A New Age of Oil & Gas Investment

Anthony Mahon, Partner of Caspian Energy and Resources Leader of Deloitte Kazakhstan, on the importance of creating a secure investment environment and updating the tax regime to attract investors to the extractive industry.