Kazakhstan has all conditions in place for effective development of business in the best traditions of Kazakh people and its centuries-long history: British MP Sir Tony Baldry
-On the 31st of July, 2013 at the extraordinary session of the Board of Directors I was elected the new chairman of Kazakhstan Kagazy. It is with great pleasure that I accepted the appointment to one of the leading industrial groups in Kazakhstan listed at the London Stock Exchange. Its listing is not only an advantage, it is a huge responsibility in maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance. I hope that my previous political, ministerial and managerial experience will allow me to head the group, to become the chairman of the Board of Directors.
The fact that Kazakhstan Kagazy is a 'green' company has also played its role. I'm happy to helm the company led by its CEO Tomas Mateos Werner who knows how to do business in Kazakhstan and genuinely strives to make Kazakhstan Kagazy one of the most successful industrial companies in Central Asia. There is a lot of work ahead, but Kazakhstan Kagazy, undoubtedly, has the assets, the team and determination to become the industrial leader.
The main goal of my visit is to prepare the development strategy of the company for 2014-2017. There have been a lot of meetings with the management of the company, the staff, local authorities, ministries and Majilis deputies. The result is we will strive to bring the development strategy of the company in sync with the focal points of the "Kazakhstan-2050" Development Strategy. We are proud that Kazakhstan Kagazy will contribute to the diversification and 'greening' of Kazakhstan's economy in years to come.
-What is the long-term development strategy of Kazakhstan Kagazy? What are its underlying principles?
-Our strategic goal is to become the largest world-class industrial holding in the nearest future. To become a leader not only in terms of size, but in terms of commercial viability in the sphere of green technologies and human potential. Currently, Kazakhstan Kagazy is the leader in waste paper utilization, in the foreseeable future we plan to utilize and process other recyclable materials, e.g. plastic materials, glass. We will use our unique experience in paper recycling in the implementation of new projects.
One of the key principles of our new development strategy is its harmony with the guidelines of the "Kazakhstan-2050" Development Strategy outlined in the state-of-the-nation address by President Nursultan Nazarbayev. We've closely studied his vision and believe the future of our company directly depends on the successful implementation of the President's strategy. And we also believe that Kazakhstan Kagazy has necessary potential in place in order to make worthy contribution to the achievement of these goals.
-Sir Tony, please tell us in more details about the participation of Kazakhstan Kagazy in the implementation of the "Kazakhstan-2050" Development Strategy.
-To star with, Kazakhstan Kagazy is the leader in terms of 'green economy' of the country. 75% of materials used by the company are recyclable. The manufacturing process based on the utilization and processing of waste paper is ecologically friendly and helps save around 1.5 million tree a year.
In next five years the company plans to channel $50 million into a number of industrial projects aimed at the diversification of Kazakhstan's economy. We proudly consider ourselves long-term investors and are confident in Kazakhstan's successful development.
Being the leader in its sector, Kazakhstan Kagazy will continue to contribute to the development of packaging industry and support the Packaging Association of Kazakhstan that backs and develops private enterprises in the country.
We also plan to support social policy of the President of Kazakhstan within the company by setting up a trust fund of social support for the staff. The fund will finance the social programs on health care and educational projects for the employees.
Kazakhstan Kagazy is proud of its multi-national and multi-faith workforce of more than 1 200 employees that represent various ethnic groups working together and contributing to the future growth of the company.
-How do you estimate the path Kazakhstan has traveled over 22 years of its independence?
-The success Kazakhstan has achieved over a short period of time is indeed impressive. Kazakhstan has managed to become a sustainable and prosperous economy in Central Asia, an example to its neighbors.
What is more inspiring is how the President of Kazakhstan sees the development of national economy, allowing to diversify its structure and make a transition from the extractive industry to 'green' one. Kazakhstan Kagazy plays a special role in this process as it leads 'green' business.
A couple of words about Kazakh people: it is a well-known fact that Kazakhstan is the land of hospitable people. Since attaining independence under the leadership of your President, the republic has become one of the key destinations for investments. Despite difficulties that foreign enterprises may face here, we all feel comfortable in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has all conditions in place for effective development of business in the best traditions of Kazakh people and its centuries-long history.