Kazakhstan intends to develop domestic industrial production - Nazarbayev
VIENNA-ASTANA. October 23. KAZINFORM President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and Federal President of Austria Heinz Fischer took part in the opening of Kazakh-Austrian business forum, the press service of the Akorda informed.
During the opening ceremony, the Kazakh President expressed gratitude for a warm reception and assistance in organization of the event.
"I'm confident the forum will become a useful dialog platform for the business circles of the two countries and will contribute to the search of new horizons of bilateral partnership. Kazakhstan highly appreciates Austria as reliable partner among the European Union countries. Kazakhstan has consistently pursued the policy of maximum transparency and stability. The volume of foreign investments is the evidence of confidence in the Kazakh economy. Since 1993, more than USD 160 billion of investment was attracted to our country. It should be noted that 80% of all foreign investments involved in the Central Asian region accounts for Kazakhstan," Nursultan Nazarbayev told.
Besides, the Kazakh President noted Kazakhstan is oriented for forced diversification and modernization of the Kazakh economy. Kazakhstan aims to develop its own industrial production and reduce dependence on energy exports." I think this opens a great potential for expansion of cooperation with Austrian companies intending to invest in priority sectors of our economy," Nazarbayev added.
In addition, the President stressed Kazakhstan is characterized by the favorable tax-investment climate and sustainable financial system.
Kazakhstan has huge natural recourses' reserves, low rates on energy, gas and relatively inexpensive railway transportations. Exceptional preferences are created in key economic spheres. "We are interested in the development of export-oriented industries with high added value. Taking into account Austrian leading global position in the field of engineering we see the engineering industry as one of the key areas for mutual cooperation," the President of Kazakhstan announced.
The Head of State also noted it is very important for Kazakhstan to create a high-tech economy and to develop services, education, health and tourism.