kazakhstan-cyprus business — The Kazakhstan-Cyprus Business Forum was held in Astana as part of the first official visit of President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to Kazakhstan. This significant event gathered the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, alongside President Christodoulides and over 70 representatives from the business communities of both nations to explore avenues for economic cooperation.
Photo: en.philenews.com
Hosted by Freedom Holding Corp., one of the largest investment holding companies in Central Asia and Europe, the forum aimed to strengthen economic dialogue and create practical opportunities for collaboration in several key sectors. Discussions focused on trade, logistics, agriculture, IT, artificial intelligence, fintech, and investment, highlighting areas where both countries see potential for growth.
Photo: en.philenews.com
Kazakhstan-cyprus business: Building Bridges Between Nations
The forum not only emphasised the importance of economic ties but also served as a platform for discussing long-term investments. Key institutional partners, including Kazakh Invest and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), participated actively in the discussions.
Timur Turlov, Founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., moderated the plenary session, marking the only private-sector representation at the forum. He remarked on the potential for stronger direct links between the entrepreneurial communities of the two countries, stating that such connections could unlock new opportunities for investment and broader economic cooperation.
Cyprus and Kazakhstan: A Partnership of Potential
Evgenii Tiapkin, Executive Director at Freedom24, noted the event’s significance, particularly in the context of Kazakhstan’s advancements in digitalisation. He expressed pride in contributing to the integration of a commercial bank and other services into Kazakhstan’s government digital ecosystem. “Kazakhstan is one of the global leaders in digitalization, and we are proud to be part of this transformation,” Tiapkin said.
With a substantial part of Freedom24’s European team based in Cyprus, Tiapkin highlighted the potential for mutual benefit through the exchange of expertise, technology, and investment. The forum showcased Kazakhstan’s Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) as a critical element of its investment infrastructure, operating under English common law. Over 30 Cypriot companies are already registered with the AIFC, illustrating the growing institutional links between the two markets.
A Vision for Future Cooperation
During the forum, President Christodoulides acknowledged Kazakhstan’s strategic importance as a partner in Central Asia, noting its role in enhancing connectivity between Europe and Asia. He pointed out Cyprus’ capability as a reliable hub within the EU, offering Kazakh companies a gateway to European markets.
Prime Minister Bektenov discussed Kazakhstan’s commitment to economic diversification, innovation, and the development of a knowledge-based economy. He reassured attendees of Kazakhstan’s openness to attracting investors and highly skilled specialists, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the forum.
Discussions also extended to digital transformation and innovation, with Kazakhstan presenting its burgeoning technology infrastructure, including the Alem.AI International Artificial Intelligence Centre and the planned Data Centre Valley. These initiatives aim to create opportunities for joint projects in IT, fintech, GovTech, and digital public services.
Strengthening Connections for Mutual Benefit
The forum concluded with a shared commitment to expand business ties and initiate new projects that would benefit both nations. Plans for the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Astana and the introduction of direct flights signify a new phase in Kazakhstan-Cyprus relations, driven by an increasing interest from the business communities.
