Monthly Archives: October 2013

  • Kazakhstan is EU’s reliable energy partner

    Posted 30/10/2013

    While energy price hikes are giving UK consumers (and MPs) plenty to think about at the moment, hi-tech businesses looking to escape the economic gloom would do well to take the advice of the Head of the EU delegation to Kazakhstan, Aurelia Bouchez.

    At KIOGE 2013, the recent Oil & Gas Exhibition in Almaty, Ms Bouchez noted that:

    “Extraction of oil at the Kashagan field, one of the world’s largest energy projects, is the symbol of achievements and potential of Kazakhstan. Foreign investments mean not only new financial resources but also involve the transfer of innovative ideas and expert knowledge and facilitate establishment of ties with the global economy”

    “There are many opportunities for business and both sides are interested in their development”.

    If your business supplies innovative products or expertise which would be of interest to potential oil and gas clients, or for their related construction projects, please ask us how we can help bring these to the market.

    Posted in: Recent Developments

  • Somerset does business in Kazakhstan

    Posted 17/10/2013

    Known as an aerospace hub, tourist destination and of course, for it’s great cider and cream teas, Somerset hasn’t often been seen as an ambitious exporter.

    Pot of tea with scone, clotted cream and jam

    However our Somerset contacts are keen to help solve the problems faced by oil companies and their supply chain in the Kazakhstan oil and gas market.

    Once such success story is Powrmatic, who provide comfortable and safe working environments worldwide through the selection of cost effective, energy efficient and low emission space heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

    When we spoke to Powrmatic about the technical problems our client had getting a new temporary storage facility open and fully operational, they were quick to identify, and deliver, a heating and ventilation product to meet their needs.

    It’s the combination of technical know-how and responsiveness that appeals our clients in Kazakhstan.  If this sounds like you, get in touch.

    Posted in: Recent Developments

  • Why would you export to Kazakhstan?

    Posted 14/10/2013

    Here’s one answer.  The KazMunaiGas corporation has recently announced a $23 billion project to expand production at the Tengiz field, to be implemented between 2013-2018.  Projects like this are currently planned and taking place across the country.  Compare this to projects currently taking place in the UK.  Only Hinkley Point C, which will involve an estimated £14 billion investment over a similar period, is in the same league. (Unless you count HS2, which we’re not counting on yet!).

    $23 billion Tengiz expansion project approved

    UK exports to Kazakhstan in 2012 were valued at £375 million, but the country remains a source of untapped potential. According to UK Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green:

    “Kazakhstan is emerging as the dominant economy in central Asia and offers many opportunities for British businesses small and large across a wide variety of sectors”

    Maybe the question should be why wouldn’t you export to Kazakhstan? Perhaps you don’t know what it might involve?  Why not ask us?

    Posted in: Recent Developments

  • Business visas and ownership … changes you need to know

    Posted 11/10/2013

    Kazakhstan is a great place to do business, but be prepared for a more bureaucratic approach than you may be used to here in the UK.

    Recent changes mean that British Citizens can no longer expect to obtain a business visa at the airport in Kazakhstan – you’ll need to apply well in advance of your visit, and include a letter of invitation from your business contact.  Our experience is that the more formal approach doesn’t necessarily mean that you can be sure when documents will be processed.  Our up-to-the-minute knowledge means that we can help you understand what’s likely to happen when, and how you can make sure everything goes to plan.

    At the moment, UK businesses can wholly own locally-registered companies, although it’s always been worthwhile working closely with a local partner.  With extensive natural assets in Kazakhstan, it’s understandable that the government are looking for ways to secure investment, while also developing local jobs.  Major companies in Kazakhstan have to report their spend on local content, with ownership of their contractors being a factor.

    Based on discussions with our local contacts, we have taken the view that it is likely that new businesses in Kazakhstan will increasingly need a locally-based majority shareholder with a shareholding of at least 50% in order to satisfy government targets.  We anticipate Kazakhstan following the middle-eastern model where at least 51% of shares must be locally-owned.  Our experience of the middle eastern model has been that it is realistic to expect to be able to secure a local sponsor who will hold a majority of shares in trust, while the international investor holds the beneficial interest and generates revenue through items supplied directly and management fees and royalties for the support they provide.

    Let us know if you would like to get out to visit potential customers in Kazakhstan, or if your next step is to set up in country.

    Posted in: Recent Developments

  • Kazakhstan International Oil & Gas Exhibition

    Posted 08/10/2013

    This week we’ve been following activities at KIOGE 2013, the Kazakhstan International Oil & Gas Exhibition.  With high profile support from the Kazakhstan government, and from the UK Ambassador and UKTI, it is seen as the go-to event for businesses looking to develop a presence in this vast, but often under-recognised, country.

    British Ambassador Dr Carolyn Browne and Kuandyk Kulmurzin, Ministry of Oil and Gas

    The exhibition and conference organisers have been keen to promote the fact that so many new technologies and innovations have been launched at this year’s exhibition.  It is no surprise that the major companies are keen to get their hands on solutions which can shorten production times.  Time is money in this industry, and whether it is high-tech or relatively low-tech, any solution which meets this requirement is eagerly sought.

    Let us know what expertise you’d like to bring to Kazakhstan.

    Related articles

    Posted in: Recent Developments