Doing business in Kazakhstan is easier than in other CIS countries - expert's view

The Custom Union, apparently, has its advantages and disadvantages for Kazakhstan. How can Kazakhstan benefit from the single customs territory?

The Customs Union will give us more advantages than disadvantages which may fear many people. I can say that those feel feared who just do not want to work. Doing business in Kazakhstan is much easier than in any other post-Soviet country. Our Russian colleagues were surprised by the fact that in Kazakhstan has more liberal legislation and already has formed business for active entrepreneurs.

If you do not wish to be "swallowed" by your competitors you must work. Do not sit on the couch for days, watching TV, and find and create a project, call investors - and implement your projects. The State has created all conditions to do this. For example those Uzbek businessmen, who could not realize their potential in Uzbekistan came to Kazakhstan and started production of chandeliers from Chinese components. Now they are successfully selling their products in Russia and Kazakhstan. Here it is the entrepreneurial "veing", and it should be in everyone.

The President rightly said that it was enough to live waiting for someone to work for you. Such thing will never happen; do everything yourselves and for that you will be respected.

In your opinion, will the Custom Union affect the food prices?

The unhealthy hype around this matter is aroused by those who want to raise prices on products. I do not think that there will be any price rise. If our products are cheaper than in Russia, then what people will buy? Of course they will buy domestic products. If an entrepreneur raises the price under increased demand, we should not fear. Whatever he earns it will remain here, in Kazakhstan.

The Customs Union is a unique opportunity for Kazakhstan, for our entrepreneurs to realize new projects.

Kazakhstan and Russia, Russians and Kazakhs have always treated each other with respect. We worked together side by side, went through all difficulties, and we respect each other. Kazakhs have a unique gift of simplicity, hospitality, so in the coming years our country will be the center attracting everybody.

What kind of industries is profitable to develop in Kazakhstan?

First of all, it is profitable to develop those spheres which earlier developed due to natural-climatic and geopolitical situation of Kazakhstan. Also we need to develop the industries outlined in the Presidential Address to the Nation.

The government has already set to implementation of the country's forced industrialization program directed on development of electric power, oil processing, agricultural, metallurgical and other sectors which have already been established in Kazakhstan, but require introduction of high-value added productions.

For example, recently Kazakhstan was visited by the representatives of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The foreign guests prefer to buy our meat although meat supplied from Austria is much cheaper. They like our meat products because they are better and tasty.

Namely these spheres which are in demand in Kazakhstan and at the international market will be developed.

- Thank you for an interesting interview!