Kazakhstan expects new investment inflows

The 47th meeting of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB) took place in Astana was, as expected, a good opportunity for the presentation of Kazakhstan as an attractive country for foreign investment. An international investment conference organized within the framework of the meeting showed special interest of companies operating in various sectors of economy to projects in Kazakhstan.

It should be noted that today the republic's economy shows steady growth, despite the impact of the global crisis. Thus, for the past 12 years, real GDP grew by 8%, gross investment in 2005 amounted to more than USD 180 billion. Inflow of direct investment from the Asian countries into Kazakhstan's economy for the last 8 years amounted to more than USD 23 billion (Japan - USD 4.2 billion, South Korea - USD 3 billion, UAE - USD 1.8 billion, Turkey - USD 1.5 billion).
With regard to trade relations with Asian countries, the figures are as follows: trade turnover in 2013 amounted to about USD 37.7 billion (in 2012 - USD 36.5 billion). There have been implemented 40 projects worth USD 12.3 billion, and 45 projects worth USD 28.4 billion. In addition it is planned to implement another 39 projects worth USD 25.8 billion.

Kazakhstan also intends to make a new breakthrough for the radical improvement of the investment climate including simplification of the visa regime on the principle of "green corridor" (up to 90 days of visa-free stay for citizens of most developed countries), simplification of procedures to attract foreign labor for the implementation of investment projects, introduction of guarantees against changes in legislation for investors, tax incentives and preferences.
Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao said confidently that the country already has a very strong position on the global level in the world market.

"Moreover, thanks to the geographical position Kazakhstan may serve as a bridge between Asia and Europe. There is a program that created logistical and infrastructure capabilities which enable us to create a priority corridor between Asia and Europe", noted ADB President.

Speaking at the 47th session of the Asian Development Bank head of Toyota Tsusho Corporation in Kazakhstan Takuya Ichihashi noted that ‘we have a great opportunity to work in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is located in the heart of Eurasia. There will be huge opportunities for sustainable development, if we invest in Kazakhstan'.

He stressed that the company is willing to share its experience and know-how with Kazakhstan. "We always act as the organizer and coordinator in the application of new ways for all countries of the world and that is why we are here today", said the head of Toyota Tsusho Corporation in Kazakhstan. Toyota began its operations in Kazakhstan in 1993. The company has invested in the sale of cars. Recent investments have been made in "showroom Lexus" in the city of Almaty. Toyota Tsusho Corporation is currently engaged in the implementation of projects in three main areas: agriculture, railway logistics and automotive industries.

Toyota Tsusho has more than 900 subsidiaries in more than 70 countries. The company employs about 8 thousand people. In addition to the automotive industry, the company manufactures spare parts, manages logistics and so on.