London to help Almaty create a financial center: MP Michael Fallon

During the meeting with Mr. Fallon, mayor of Almaty city Akhmetzhan Yessimov said Great Britain was an important business and strategic partner of Kazakhstan. "Almaty plays by no means unimportant role in the bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Great Britain," he pointed out.

"Almaty is the largest in the country; it is the financial and economic heart of Kazakhstan. The fifth share of country's GDP is formed here. Almost all financial institutes and banks are based in Almaty. And London's experience as the world's financial capital is without doubt of great interest to us," mayor Yessimov noted.

The British high guest, in his turn, emphasized that London looked forward to sharing its experience in building up and developing a financial center with Almaty.

"Many Kazakh companies are listed on the London Stock Exchange. We would be happy to render all kind of assistance in terms of creating a financial center in your city. I am aware that now you are busy with the preparations for the Winter World University Games 2017. Reps of the companies responsible for the organization of the Summer Olympic Games in London coming to the Kazakh Business Forum in October will share their experience with your specialists," Michael Fallon added.