Archives

  • Pushing to New Export Markets?

    Posted 28/08/2014

    Successful exporting is often about knowing where and how to tap into demand for your products and services. Choosing the right international market is crucial to your success, whether your company is just starting out in export or already a seasoned exporter.

    So where do you start?

    Map with yellow pin

    Thorough market research is vital before you launch into doing business in a new country. It’s not only about finding a country where demand for your exports will be high – understanding the market will be just as important if you are to get your market entry strategy right.

    How to assess overseas market risks

    Research into potential export markets should include careful analysis of any:

    • Business risk – how will you avoid the pitfalls of a different business and social culture? Knowledge of local custom and practice will help you to avoid causing offence, misunderstandings and delay.
    • Legal or regulatory risk – what difficulties might arise from doing business under an unfamiliar legal or regulatory framework and dealing with different regulatory bodies?
    • Political risk – how stable is the market politically, economically and socially.

    Not only can the cost of such international research mount up, it also requires significant investment in terms of time – a resource which is often in short supply in the SME sector. How many business owners have time to travel to other countries to find out how local business operates? Not to mention the strain such enquiries could place on cash flow. Whilst government assistance may initially be available through UKTI, more detailed knowledge about an overseas market may be harder to come by without some form of partnership with an agent or company with the right knowledge and experience.

    This is where specialist companies like Kazopp can be invaluable. We can help by guiding your SME to where the potential demand is and working with you to facilitate your route into exports to Kazakhstan. We’ve already done the leg work in country and have built up knowledge, experience and most importantly, the business contacts and relationships which can give SMEs new to the country a head start.

    If you’re interested in starting or expanding your export portfolio, then get in contact with us.

     

    Posted in: Opportunities for SMEs

  • Energy Sector Reforms in Kazakhstan

    Posted 18/08/2014

    Kazakhstan has announced major reforms to the country’s energy sector. Kazakhstan’s president, Nusultan Nazarbayev confirmed that a new regulatory body will replace the Ministry of Oil and Gas and will benefit from greater links to other sectors, such as industry, technology, environment and water resources.
    Analysts are already predicting that a new and improved regulatory body with a broader remit could have a significant impact upon speeding up progress for energy projects, particularly within the oil and gas industries.
    Business
    Here at Kazopp, we welcome these further steps to streamline the regulatory framework for energy projects, which are likely to have a positive impact upon doing business in this sector. They further demonstrate the Kazakh authorities desire to facilitate business within the country, as shown by the recent relaxation of visa requirements.  All good news for potential exporters looking to benefit from the opportunities available in Kazakhstan, given the sheer scale of the country’s resources and projects.
    Never a better time to start thinking about growing your business by exporting to this exciting market – contact us to find out more.

    Posted in: Opportunities for SMEs, Recent Developments

  • Why consider exporting to Kazakhstan?

    Posted 21/07/2014

    According to UKTI* research, companies who export regularly see significant benefits:

    59% of companies found that overseas business led to fresh ideas and innovation driving upgrades to products and services

    58% of entrepreneurs said exporting has led to levels of growth otherwise unattainable

    44% of companies active abroad reported increased turnover over a three year period

    Kazakhstan country shape inset with flag

    Kazakhstan offers great potential returns in the oil/gas and construction industries, by virtue of the sheer size of those sectors in country. But we often talk to SMEs that don’t have the time and budget to research new markets or are cautious about branching out into new markets they are unfamiliar with. Kazopp’s network of contacts can help you to ensure your company is quickly talking to the right people, saving you valuable time and resource in finding new markets for your goods and services. We can also provide the reassurance you need to reach your export goals and succeed.

    We can offer you:

    • A unique opportunity to launch your company into Kazakhstan
    • Introductions to our established network of contacts
    • Support and advice on doing business in Kazakhstan
    • Up to date news and information on target markets via our website
    • Sector specific expertise and experience
    • Opportunities to raise your company profile

    Contact us today or call 01935 385929 for more information.

     Kazopp – Helping you succeed in Kazakhstan markets

     

    *www.ukti.gov.uk

     

    Posted in: Opportunities for SMEs

  • SMEs hold the key to growth

    Posted 25/06/2014

    Export image

    A recent article in The Astana Times highlights the importance of SMEs to Kazakhstan’s economy, where they are seen as the largest source of future growth and employment. So much so that the government there has made the competitiveness of SMEs and support to entrepreneurship a cornerstone of its “Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy”. This sets out calls for reforms deemed vital to securing Kazakhstan’s place among the top 30 global economies by 2050.

    SMEs central to economic policy

    This recognition that SMEs represent the country’s future and are key to securing economic growth has led to moves to place them

    “at the heart of any economic policy aimed at stimulating growth”. (Arancha Gonzalez, Astana Times)

    Kazakhstan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation is an important factor in driving the success of SMEs in global markets: it is hoped it will ensure transparent, fairer and clearly established rules for SMEs trading with other countries.

    All good news for Kazopp – we’ve been in contact with Kazakhstan SMEs for many years and are always keen to talk to UK SMEs looking to partner with companies in Kazakhstan. We help UK SMEs interested in export opportunities by facilitating partnerships with our contacts in Kazakhstan and help to ensure a hassle free transition into doing business there.

    This week, we’re at the UKTI South West Export Fair in Bristol, talking to companies about the opportunities currently available in the oil/gas and construction industries.

    Are you ready to unlock your export potential?

    If so, catch us at the Export Fair or get in touch today.

    Posted in: Opportunities for SMEs, Recent Developments

  • Opening up business travel to Kazakhstan

    Posted 17/06/2014

    Passport Visa image

    Visa-free travel pilot unveiled

    The President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev last week announced a pilot scheme to remove visa requirements for the citizens of 10 countries, including the UK. The move is further evidence of the country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral partnerships and establishing more favourable conditions for foreign business and investment.

    This visa-free regime will run from 15th July 2014 until 15th July 2015 and is aimed at those countries which have the best record of investment in Kazakhstan or greatest potential to invest in the future. During the pilot period, UK citizens with a valid passport will be able to enter, exit and transit through Kazakhstan on multiple occasions without a visa for up to 15 days at a time. Longer stays for business travel may be permitted upon application.

    At the conclusion of the one year pilot, the system will be reviewed by officials, as to whether it should continue.

    Watch out for further details of the pilot which are expected to be publicised within the next few weeks.

    This makes it a great time for potential exporters to the country to seize upon the vast array of export opportunities the oil/gas and construction industries have given rise to in Kazakhstan.

    Could your business become the next big export success story?

    Find out more about how we can help by contacting us today.

     

     

    Posted in: Opportunities for SMEs, Recent Developments

  • Opportunities in Kazakhstan’s Growing Energy Sector

    Posted 16/06/2014

    Did you know that Kazakhstan is the biggest energy producer after Russia among the former Soviet republics? The country plans to produce 81.8 million metric tons of oil this year, which equates to about 1.65 million barrels a day.

    Once the $50 billion Kashagan project, the country’s biggest oil field, located in the Caspian Sea, is up and running again, Kazakhstan could enter the top ten global oil exporters.

    Kashagan oil field

    The energy-rich country has also recently reported setting new goals to develop the production and processing of hydrocarbon resources and electricity. This forms part of the government’s latest concept for the development of the country’s fuel and energy complex, in which there are plans to invest around $2 billion.

    Kazakhstan ranks 12th in the world for its oil reserves, and 20th for gas reserves. The country has plans to increase the gross volume of oil and condensate production to nearly 112 million tons by 2030. In order to increase the volume of its hydrocarbon reserves, particularly in the Caspian basin, Kazakhstan authorities know that attention to the subsoil use and geological exploration needs to be increased.

    Kazakhstan’s Oil and Gas Ministry plans to implement a package of measures, including increasing the ration of oil production, carrying out measures on innovational development, and establishing a research support infrastructure.

    What does this mean for UK SMEs?

    If your SME could hold the key to resolving some of the issues faced in the energy sector in Kazakhstan right now or to improving production efficiency,  potential to become a part of the success story is immense. With the right advice, tapping into the export market to Kazakhstan could transform your business.

    Contact us today if your SME is ready to take the next step.

     

    Posted in: Opportunities for SMEs, Recent Developments