Speaking before the heads of major French companies, the President of Kazakhstan underlined existing trade, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.
“Twenty-four French companies already implemented projects in Kazakhstan worth more than $2 billion; fourteen projects are in process and ten are planned to be implemented in the long term. In the framework of my visit, contracts worth more than $5 billion will be signed,” Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
“France is among the leading economic partners of Kazakhstan. In spite of the difficult external conditions, our mutual trade turnover in recent years remains at $6 billion. Over the last decade, French business investment in our economy amounted to about $12 billion. One-hundred and thirty French companies are operating in various industries of Kazakhstan’s market,” he added.
The head of state mentioned successful joint companies, such as Alstom Transport, Eurocopter, PeugeotCitroën and Danone. In cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space, he noted Kazakhstan launched two satellites for Earth remote sensing and plans to complete the construction of a spacecraft assembly and testing complex.
Nursultan Nazarbayev noted the positive impact of opening direct flights between Astana and Paris for investment cooperation between the two countries, which took place in March 2016, as well as introduction of a visa-free regime for short term visits for French citizens as of July 2014.
He mentioned contracts are being prepared between the two countries’ business circles covering important areas such as the supply of uranium to France, automobile industry, water supply and waste disposal.
The President also highlighted Kazakhstan’s work on improving the investment climate and implementing the five institutional reforms, the 100 Step Plan of the Nation and Nurly Zhol programme, as well as preparing for EXPO 2017.
Nursultan Nazarbayev invited French businesses to actively participate in his country’s industrialisation and planned privatisation of large enterprises, as well as in the work of the Astana International Financial Centre.
In turn, French company leaders praised the ongoing policy for building a favourable investment climate in Kazakhstan, noting the country has established itself as a reliable partner.
The event was attended by representatives of companies such as Airbus, Alstom Transport, Areva, Rothschild Group, Soufflet, Veolia Asia and Vicat.
