Astana International Financial Center holds Investor Day in London

    The Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), in cooperation with the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UK, TheCityUK and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) held an Investor Day in the City of London.
    H.E. Yerzhan Kazykhanov, ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UK, ICAEW Executive Director Robert Hodgkinson and Kairat Kelimbetov, director of the Astana International Financial Center addressed members of the international business community and major investment banks and international financial organizations.
    Ambassador Kazykhanov pointed out that the Center would provide Kazakh and regional companies with much needed access to capital and investors from all over the world.
    The AIFC will serve as a major platform for implementing a large-scale privatization program of Kazakhstan’s state-owned companies.
    Steve Bourne, Head Eurasia, TheCityUK, said that TheCityUK and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development are working together under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding with Kelimbetov and the AIFC Authority to help develop the new Astana International Financial Center.
    The UK-based financial and related professional services industry support this initiative, which will underline the importance of the investment climate and integration into international business standards.
    The creation of the new AIFC sends a clear signal that Kazakhstan is open for business and ready to welcome foreign direct investment, within a strong and assured regulatory framework, officials say.
    ICAEW Executive Director, Mr. Robert Hodgkinson said that with the establishment of the AIFC, the region will become more attractive to foreign investors since the AIFC will apply English law and regulations, including financial reporting requirements, and will comply with international standards, Kazinform reports.