The 2009 year results showed that Kazakhstan turned out to be one of a few countries in the post-Soviet area, which continues showing positive economic performance indicators in the condition of the world crisis. In many respects, the sustainable development of our republic is achieved due to an effective investment policy, stability of legislation, availability of a rich mineral resource base and, as a consequence, high export potential. 

Within the frame of the Sino-Russian rivalry on Central Asia, the EU plays a minor role because of the deep lack of knowledge of the cultural, economic and social needs of the partner. It is indeed a paradox that the EU plans of development are constantly put aside in favour of Russian and Chinese ones, much less comprehensive and profitable.  

The raw material sector is one of the factors allowing Kazakhstan to make an economic spurt and becoming a competitive commodity producer. Along with that, the policy of concentration on raw material, pursued by the owners of of the mining companies creates a threat to the sustainable development of the economy. The Accelerated Industrial and Innovative Program of Kazakhstan as it is in the current state is hardly able to efficiently remove this threat. 

The efficient provision of the economy of Kazakhstan with skilled human resources became the main topic of discussion at the 23rd meeting of the Foreign Investors Council under the President of Kazakhstan. Today, people, representing businesses, and leaders of the state speak about the threat of the lack of highly-skilled human resources; they are going to solve this problem through active participation of foreign investors.  

The macroeconomic overview provided by SigmaBleyzer Compan 

As it is known, 2010 is the year of Germany in Kazakhstan. Within the framework of the year, Germany is planning a number of events devoted to the cultural, social and economic aspects of life in the Federal Republic of Germany. In the economic area, the first sign was the Investment and Trade Forum “Kazakhstan – Germany: Expand Your Business in the Heart of Central Asia”, held mid February in Almaty. 

The findings of the current Global Competitiveness Report 2009–2010 brought only disappointments to Kazakhstan again. We fall one more place in the World Economic Forum’s ranking that has lowered Kazakhstan to 67th. Although the situation is not yet developing as an avalanche, however, the fall of the country’s competitiveness is nevertheless implacable. 

Recently, many companies operating in Kazakhstan, including in subsoil usage, have encountered new local content legal requirements when procuring goods, works and services. This article discusses legal regulation of local content and proposed amendments to law on this matter. This subject will only grow in important, given the Kazakhstan government’s policies of import substitution and increasing the volume of goods, works and services purchased by investors in Kazakhstan. 

The National Welfare Fund Samruk-Kazyna, established at the height of the crisis, was announced by the government as a major operator of the anti-crisis program. Today, officials affirm that the fire is already "extinguished" and this is the right time to set new tasks, faced by Kazakhstani “chebol”.  

The 22nd regular plenary session of the Foreign Investors Council under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan that took place at the beginning of December 2009 in Astana became illustrative evidence of the fact that the relationship format between our country and transnational companies has seen significant changes in the recent period.  

In expectation of positive changes in the economy, the Kazakhstan government is going to toughen requirements to foreign mining companies in taxation and expansion of product range. 

Galia Dzhunusalieva, the deputy head of the German economy representative office in Central Asia and representative for Kazakhstan, gives an interview to the Kazakhstan magazine. 

Head of the German Economy Representative Office for Central Asia Yorg Hetch answers questions of The Kazakhstan magazine. 

Blitz-interview of the representatives of German companies for our magazine 

Dimitri Propp, Director of Marketing Group KNAUF in Central Asia, answers the questions of The Kazakhstan magazine.  

Opinion poll. Some of the Foreign Investors Council companies' representatives share with us their vision of potential interaction between the investors and the state 

Interview with Lord Renwick of Clifton KCMG, Vice-Chairman, Investment Banking, JP Morgan  

Interview with Claudio Descalzi, Chief Operating Officer Eni E&P  

Interview with Jean Luc Porcheron, Managing Director, Total E&P Kazakhstan  

Interview with Jay Johnson, Managing Director, Chevron Eurasia  

Interview with Keith Gaebel, Managing Partner, Central Asia and Caucasus, Ernst & Young