Foreign media on Kazakhstan: Trans-Caspian route, Kazakh airline’s IPO, Astana International Forum
From the participation of the Kazakh delegation at the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity in Brussels, Air Astana’s IPO to the Astana International Forum in June, Kazinform News Agency presents a review of foreign media coverage about Kazakhstan this week.
Euractiv: Kazakhstan offers port, airport management to EU investors
Euractiv, a Brussels-based news agency, published an article on January 29, covering the Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity.
The article writes that Kazakhstan “offered its Caspian Sea ports of Aktau and Kuryk, as well as 22 airports, to European investors for management to build a strong transit hub between Asia and Europe,” citing Kazakh Transport Minister Marat Karabayev.
“In addition, the minister announced a similar partnership concerning the country’s seaports on the Caspian Sea ports, Aktau and Kuryk. The forum gathered many officials, but significantly, also a large number of representatives of the business community,” reads the article.
The minister extended an invitation to European companies to join the upcoming New Silkway Transport Forum scheduled for June 19-21 in Astana. Additionally, he disclosed plans for a significant investment forum in Kazakhstan in September, focusing on fostering the partnership between the EU and Kazakhstan within the transportation sector.
Times of Central Asia: Kazakhstan Could Become Main Transport Link Between Europe And Asia
Times of Central Asia reported on January 30 about Kazakhstan’s potential in transport and transit, citing Kazakhstan’s Transport Minister Marat Karabayev as he addressed the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity on January 29 in Brussels.
“Mr Karabayev said that in the next five years, Kazakhstan intends to attract investments worth 40 billion euros in major transport infrastructure projects. During this period Kazakhstan plans to reconstruct transit corridors with a length of 4,700 km and repair the roads that form the basis of the Trans Caspian Transport Corridor,” reads the article.
It quotes Karabayev, who said that to implement these projects Kazakhstan “proposes raising funds within the framework of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and invite European contractors to take part in the construction of roads in Kazakhstan.”
Caspian News: Kazakhstan, EU Collaborate to Streamline Visa Process for Kazakh Citizens
Caspian News, a Baku-based news agency, published an article on January 30 about Kazakhstan and the European Union’s (EU) plans to facilitate travel for Kazakh citizens intending to visit the EU.
“On Saturday, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev and the Ambassador of the European Union to Kazakhstan, Kestutis Jankauskas, met to discuss the second round of formal consultations aimed at simplifying the visa application process,” reads the article.
The primary goal of these discussions is to streamline the European visa regime.
“This involves reducing consular fees, extending visa validity periods, decreasing the time required for processing applications, and establishing a unified list of required documents for obtaining a visa,” reads the article.
Reuters: Air Astana aims to land $962 million valuation in float
Reuters reported on January 29 about Air Astana’s plans to start an initial public offering (IPO) of its shares.
“The offering is aiming to drum up $300 million, of which $120 million will be raised by the company. Bookrunners on the deal said on Monday evening that the books had been covered,” reads the article.
Air Astana expects a market valuation of between $770 million and $962 million through the float.
It cites Air Astana CEO Peter Foster, who said that “as one of the fast-growing airline groups,” Air Astana “represents an attractive investment proposition.”
Trend: Kazakhstan fixes running date for Astana International Forum
Trend.az Baku-based news agency, published an article on January 29, reporting on the date of the Astana International Forum in the Kazakh capital. The forum will take place on June 13-14 in Astana.
“As the international community faces increased polarization and geopolitical separation, Kazakhstan is introducing a new talks venue, the Astana International Forum, to bring together efforts to address important global concerns. The forum provides a venue for high-level delegates from foreign countries, international organizations, enterprises, and academic circles to engage in debate and explore answers to issues such as climate change, food shortages, and energy security,” reads the article.
