Astana International Exchange (“AIX”, “Exchange”) held its fifth annual Capital Markets Forum on the central theme ‘Economic Transformation, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainability’. The forum, which was held in hybrid format, was attended by over 30 representatives of investment funds from Europe, the US and China that focus on frontier markets investments and are open to new opportunities in Kazakhstan.
During the Capital Markets Forum, representatives of the Government of Kazakhstan, top executives of national companies, managers of leading global investment funds, financial institutions and industry experts have discussed the economic recovery expectations, inflationary pressures, privatization program, local retail investors’ base development and other high priority issues.
Alibek Kuantyrov, Minister of National Economy of the RK stated:
“The key task at this stage is to restore the confidence of global institutional investors, as any further growth and viability of Kazakhstan’s stock market essentially depends on them. The development of the domestic retail investment base is no less important. This process contributes not only to the financial inclusivity of the population, but also provides new opportunities for long-term welfare and additional income, and thus increases the level of social confidence and well-being of citizens of the country.”
Renat Bekturov, CEO of AIX, stated:
“The conditions have been challenging for markets around the world and locally. However, the participants of the Forum agreed that the current situation is just another challenge for all of us and it shouldn’t overshadow the opportunities that Kazakhstan can offer in the medium and long term. AIFC and AIX’ ambition to become the financial hub of Central Asia and surrounding regions is gaining strong momentum amongst international investors.”
Edward Knight, Executive Vice Chair, Nasdaq, noted:
“Nasdaq is proud of its strategic partnership with AIX and our role in supplying technology to a critical element of the Kazakhstan economic infrastructure. Despite the strains caused by the pandemic and global market turmoil, AIX market has been strong, steady, and reliable. Now more than ever, AIX’s market is needed to fuel the continued growth of the country’s economy as the importance of modern, well-regulated, agile markets has never been more important. Critically, AIX has proven to be resilient and innovative in serving its investors and stakeholders.”
The one-on-one and group meetings with top executives of Kazatomprom, Qazaq Gaz, Halyk Bank, Bank Centre Credit and other local companies provided a forum for foreign investors to interact with their corporate management in a meaningful way.
AIX Forum was held within the framework of Astana Finance Days 2022 (AFD), organized by the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC).
The participants of the AFD also discussed the opportunities and challenges of the RMB market at the AIFC and the further development of investment solutions for Kazakhstan and regions under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Barry Chan, Managing Director of CICC HK, noted:
“The geo-strategically located and business friendly Nur-Sultan – often referred to as the «Buckle of the Belt» – will remain a key recipient to attract greater flows of investment into the national economy via AIFC. There is a great potential in Offshore RMB Market development in the regions, particularly by promoting the RMB financing solutions, which are several scenarios of the RMB usage to strengthen the financial cooperation between Kazakhstan and China via AIFC, including RMB bank loans, RMB direct investments (industrial and private equity investments) and RMB settlements.”
Reference:
AIX was formed in 2017 within the Astana International Financial Centre development framework. AIX shareholders are AIFC, Goldman Sachs, the Shanghai stock exchange, the silk Road Fund, and NASDAQ, which also provides the AIX trading platform. The exchange operates within a regulatory environment based on the principles of English Law, thus providing a reliable investment environment. The mission of AIX is to develop an active capital market in Kazakhstan and the region by providing clear and favorable conditions for attracting financing to private and public businesses. AIX develops special segments for mining companies as well as infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road initiative. More details:www.aix.kz
The Astana International Financial Centre The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction that started operations in 2018. In accordance with the Development Strategy until 2025, the key focus of the AIFC is to consolidate as a universal platform connecting the countries of the EAEU, Central Asia and the Caucasus. https://aifc.kz/