Archives

• 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.

  

  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

• Could your SME hold the key?

  Posted 04/08/2014

  It’s a well known fact that much of the world’s easily accessible oil has now been exhausted. Whilst we are not about to run out of oil any time soon, the challenges for the future will be in finding ways to bring oil supplies which are not so accessible online.

  There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from oil/gas field projects, particularly the Kashagan field in western Kazakhstan as to operational difficulties and delays. That field alone is believed to contain 13 billion barrels of crude oil.

  Kashagan has suffered significant delays due to the presence of hydrogen sulphide and as a result of gas leaks discovered in the pipelines. There are also difficulties in managing the project due to extreme weather conditions – ice surrounds the oil field for lengthy periods throughout the year.

  

  The delays that such issues or mistakes cause are a major headache for the large oil companies – when something goes wrong, it costs a HUGE amount of capital.

  Might your SME hold the solution to the issues facing Kazakhstan’s oil industry?

  It will take a good degree of innovation and specialist skill to solve these issues and these are qualities often found in manufacturing SMEs. But how many are confident that they have the time and resources to consider exporting to an unfamiliar country like Kazakhstan, far from UK shores?

  And yet taking that step could be the big break most SME owners can only dream of.

  If your SME might hold the key to solving some of these issues, exporting to Kazakhstan could send your profits soaring. For advice and support which can make a real difference in easing the way to growth into this exciting market, contact us.

  Posted in: Opportunities for SMEs

• Astana Pro Team produce Tour de France Champion

  Posted 29/07/2014

  

  Congratulations to Vincent Nibali of the Astana Pro Team, who became champion of the Tour de France at the weekend. The Astana Pro Team is sponsored by the Samruk-Kazyna, a coalition of state-owned companies from Kazakhstan and named after its capital city.

  Nibali’s tactics in the mountain stages of the Tour were not dissimilar to those of Team Sky: to use his Astana teammates to set a tempo hard enough to weaken the opposition, before attacking with just a few kilometres to go to the finish line. But what made him untouchable over the past three weeks, and therefore a worthy champion, were his experience and calm approach. As well as being the best climber left in the race, the best descender, and the most consistent, his focus has been intense.

  The Italian rode a virtually flawless Tour de France to become only the sixth rider in the history of the sport to have won all three grand tours. He took only the best calculated risks, made no mistakes and seized every opportunity to make time against his rivals.

  Exporting to an unfamiliar country like Kazakhstan can seem like a calculated risk, but with the right help and advice, any element of risk can be minimised leaving the way clear to seize the extraordinary opportunities which the country, the 9th largest in the world, can offer to UK SMEs.

  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 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

  

  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

  

  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