Investment opportunities of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) were presented today to the Government and Private Business officials of Great Britain during the Kazakh-British Investments Forum in London City.

The event was organized by London City Corporation, AIFC and “National Company “KazakhInvest” JSC and supported by Kazakhstan’s Embassy in the UK.

During the Forum, welcome speeches were delivered by ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UK Yerlan Idrissov, ambassador of Great Britain to Kazakhstan Caroline Brown, AIFC Governor Kairat Kelimbetov and Deputy Chairman of the Board of “National Company “KazakhInvest” JSC Birzhan Kaneshev, as well as London City Lord Mayor Mr. Andrew Parmly and Trade Envoy of the UK Prime Minister to Kazakhstan, Baroness Emma Nicholson.

Yerlan Idrissov noted in his speech that for 25-year history of cooperation, status of relationships between Kazakhstan and Great Britain reached the level of strategic partnership.

"Based on strong and trusting relations, our countries actively cooperate in the implementation of such priority projects as creation and development of AIFC, the program of privatization of Kazakhstan’s national companies, interaction within the framework of the Chinese initiative ‘One Belt — One Road," the Kazakh ambassador to Great Britain said.

Ambassador of Great Britain to Kazakhstan Caroline Brown quotes that British professionals are willing to share experience with Kazakh colleagues.

“International confidence is a key to success of Astana International Financial Center. The more investors from the Great Britain and other countries and a variety of economic sectors consider the investment opportunities to Kazakhstan, the more will be a role of AIFC in providing financial and juridical services that investors will need,” K. Brown said.

Kairat Kelimbetov, a Governor of AIFC, mentioned during his speech that a platform being built is designed with a numerous privilegies for the investors and those advantages should be supportive in creating comfortable conditions of investments inflow to Kazakhstan.

“AIFC is well-placed to become Eurasian gate providing trade and financial flows between East and West countries,” stated K. Kelimbetov.

Deputy Chairman of the Board of “National Company “KazakhInvest” JSC, Birzhan Kaneshev delivered new approaches of the company, targeting regions and industries, to the operations with future investors.

“The total direct investments volume from the UK to Kazakh economy exceeds $12 billion. According to the National Investments Strategy of Kazakhstan, Great Britain is one of the high-priority countries in the context of investments attraction, which makes collaboration between our countries even stronger,” B. Kaneshev mentioned.

Following the results of the visit, Collaboration Memorandum with British Trade Chamber in Kazakhstan and European Bank of Reconstruction and Development were signed. Moreover, a number of meetings were held with companies running businesses in Kazakhstan, as well as those which are looking for such opportunities, in particular, Aggreko, Metalysis, Sentinel, William Hare, ConnectIreland, International Development Ireland and etc.

For reference: London City financial center possesses deep experience and knowledge in many spheres, including Islamic financing, fin technologies, green finance and right of common.