Archives

• 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

• 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.

  

  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 12^th in the world for its oil reserves, and 20^th 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

• Top Ten Tips on Business Trips to Kazakhstan

  Posted 03/06/2014

  What the Guide books won’t tell you…!!

  1. Before you go: Make sure you pack plenty of mosquito repellant – Atyrau has a high population of mosquitos and good repellant is essential. Despite the heat, long sleeves provide further protection when mosquito levels are high.
  2. Take a copy of your passport/visa/photo, notarised if possible  to keep in your hotel safe on arrival.
  3. When flying to Aktau, go via Russia or Baku for cost effective flights.
  4. On arrival: When passing through immigration, get two stamps on the immigration/landing card handed to you on the plane. Keep this clipped to your passport in the visa page (good idea to take a paperclip for this)
  5. Keep your luggage retrieval labels (attached to your boarding card) as you will need this to leave the airport arrivals area.
  6. During your stay:Keep your passport with you at all times, together with your visa.
  7. Always agree taxi fares before getting into cabs – if you don’t speak Kazakh or Russian, avoid being fleeced as a foreigner by asking your hotel or host organisation to call a taxi from reception, establishing the fare first. (N.B. current rates in Atyrau are 500-1500 tenge (£2-£5), depending on the length of the journey and time of the day). When arriving for the first time, ensure your hotel or host orders you the taxi and they meet you at the airport.
  8. Currency – You can only get Tenge in country, so if travelling for the first time, take dollars and get the hotel to book you the place and add to your bill, as you can often get cash in the hotel.
  9. Be attentive after dark – there are many uneven road surfaces In Kazakhstan, potholes and bumps!
  10. When leaving the country, use the toilet before travelling to the airport – toilets in Departures are often fall short – don’t get caught short!

   

  Posted in: Opportunities for SMEs