The 7th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Spanish Business Council took place in Astana, organized by "Baiterek" JSC with the support of "NC "KAZAKH INVEST" JSC. The event brought together leading experts and representatives of the business communities from both countries to discuss the prospects and development of bilateral cooperation.
The goal of the event was to activate trade and economic cooperation, attract investments, and implement joint projects involving representatives of major Spanish companies and financial organizations.
The keynote speakers were Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, Kairat Torebayev, and the Secretary of State for Trade, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Mrs. Xiana Margarida Méndez Bértolo. According to the speakers, the Business Council, composed of leading enterprises from both countries, is an effective platform and a powerful driving force for the development of investment cooperation and the increase in trade turnover between the two countries.
During the panel session “Financial Instruments and Business Opportunities”, Meirzhan Yussupov, Chairman of the Management Board of "NC "KAZAKH INVEST" JSC delivered a presentation on investment opportunities and state support measures.
"Kazakhstan remains the most attractive investment destination in Central Asia. Over the past three decades, Kazakhstan has attracted FDI amounting to over $417 billion, which is the highest volume in the region. Last year, Kazakhstan was able to attract $28 billion, which is a record figure for the past 10 years. Thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, access to major neighboring markets, a favorable business environment, an accessible and qualified workforce, as well as comprehensive measures of state support, Kazakhstan continues to attract increasing attention from international investors," noted the head of the national company.
During the meeting, there were also speeches by Mr. Jaime Montalvo, International Director of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce; Ms. Marta Blanco, – President CEOE International (Spanish Confederation of Employers' Organizations); Mr. José María Casas, Chief Commercial Officer of MAXAM & Acting Spanish Co-Chair of the Business Council; and Kanat Sharlapayev, CEO of Baiterek Holding & Kazakh Co-Chair of the Business Council. The moderator of the event was Ayan Yerenov, Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce of Kazakhstan.
At the conclusion of the event, participants had the opportunity to hold meetings with potential clients and business partners to discuss the implementation of specific investment projects and establish direct contacts.