Investment opportunities in Kazakhstan were presented in Moscow during “Kazakhstan: New Opportunities,” an event organised by the Kazakh Embassy in Russia, Kazakh Trade Mission in Russia and Association of European Business (AEB) which attracted representatives of more than 50 foreign companies. Investors were briefed on the nation’s efforts to improve the business climate and support foreign investors. The conference featured a presentation by Kazakh Invest promoting the nation’s investment potential to attract investments, the Astana International Financial Centre and Pavlodar special economic zone. “Given the unfolding integration processes within the Eurasian Economic Union, it is very important for European businesses to learn and understand how the Kazakh economy is developing and what potential it has,” said AEB Director General Frank Schauff.
Ninety-four athletes are representing Kazakhstan at the 30th Summer Universiade Napoli 2019 that opened July 4 in Naples. More than 30,000 people gathered in San Paolo Stadium for the opening ceremony, where 900 participants paraded and Italian football player Lorenzo Insigne kicked a ball to light the universiade cauldron. Nearly 6,000 athletes from 112 countries will compete in 222 events across 18 sports. Kazakh gymnasts Milad Karimi and Nariman Kurbanov advanced the first day to the July 6-7 finals. The event will run through July 14.
As part of his visit to the United States, Kazakh Foreign Minister Beibit Atamkulov met July 2 with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton. Pompeo expressed support for an enhanced Kazakh-U.S. strategic partnership, noting he “looked forward to continuing to strengthen bilateral relations with the new government of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.” He also commended Kazakhstan’s Jusan humanitarian operation that returned nearly 600 Kazakh citizens from the conflict zone in Syria, encouraging Kazakhstan to share its experience with other nations. Bolton reaffirmed his country’s strong partnership with Kazakhstan, which he described as “an already robust relationship.” “Kazakhstan is a highly-valued partner in Central Asia, working with us to advance energy, economic, security and other regional priorities,” he said. American investments in Kazakhstan nearly doubled in 2018, reaching a record of $5.3 billion.
Kazakhstan’s Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund and Nasdaq Dubai, the region’s international financial exchange, agreed to promote the Islamic capital market and enhance financial markets in both countries. The memorandum also seeks to advance international awareness of investment opportunities in Kazakhstan. Nasdaq Dubai CEO Hamed Ali said Kazakhstan’s thriving and dynamic companies make the nation one of the world’s most attractive destinations for foreign investors. “Building on the close ties between our countries, Nasdaq Dubai is ready to provide its know-how and infrastructure to facilitate investments by private and public investors in Kazakh companies,” he said.
Adilkhan Yerzhanov’s “Night God” will be entered in the Camera Lucida competition at the Fantasia International Film Festival July 11-Aug. 1 in Montreal, Canada. The lineup includes more than 130 features from across the globe. Yerzhanov is a well-known director in Kazakhstan, whose works have been submitted to the most prestigious events, including the Cannes and Rotterdam film festivals. “The film reflects the great work of all departments, actors, artists and cameramen. Their work shaped a rather abstract plot. I am very glad that the film will be shown to audiences in Canada,” said Yerzhanov.
