Nursultan Nazarbayev took part in opening of Kazakh-French business forum in Paris
Nursultan Nazarbayev, in his speech, emphasized that Kazakhstan was interested in development of cooperation with French businessmen and attracting investments from France. Currently 80 percent of all foreign investments in Central Asia are concentrated in Kazakhstan. The GDP growth has increased by 8 percent according to the results for the first half of the year.
Kazakhstan has attracted more than USD 119 bln investment money for the years of independence. It was one of the factors that helped develop Kazakhstan's economy.
The Head of the State noted that considerable results were achieved in many spheres of cooperation between the two countries over the last year.
Presently, there are around 100 French companies working in Kazakhstan. Their number is increasing.
'President Nikolas Sarkozy's visit to Kazakhstan last October and my current visit are a good proof of the intention of both countries for further cooperation', N. Nazarbayev noted.
N. Nazarbayev pointed out attention of the French businessmen to the Customs Union between Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus functioning since 2010.
'The Customs Union gives new opportunities to foreign investors. In fact, Kazakhstan becomes the gates to the markets of Russia and Belarus. We offer to French business to extend their work in Kazakhstan', the President said.
The Head of Kazakhstan called on French businessmen to take part in the projects of the State Forced Industrial-Innovation Development Program.
'We are ready to support those investors how will contribute to our economy in the form of know-how and different types of innovations', the President added.
Nursultan Nazarbayev wished success and prosperity to all participants of the forum.
