On May 13 2021, the Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA) has held an online conference “Kazakhstan and Canada: 29 years of economic achievements” which was attended by representatives of business, diplomatic circles, government institutions of Kazakhstan and Canada.
The conference started with welcome speeches from distinguished speakers, including H.E. Akylbek Kamaldinov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada; H.E. Nicholas Brousseau, Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan; Ms. Margaret Skok, Former Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, Senior Fellow Carleton University/NPSIA. The conference was moderated by General Director and Chairman of the Board of “Al-Hilal” Bank Kazakhstan, member of the Board of Directions of CERBA Kazakhstan, Mr. Gordon Haskins
The conference speakers from Kazakhstan included Director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics Mr. Erzhan Saltybayev and “Bazis-A” Corporation CEO Mr. Alexander Belovich.
The Canadian side was represented by President and CEO of Cameco Corporation Mr. Timothy Gitzel, Chairman CERBA Kazakhstan, General Director Condor Petroleum Norman Storm, General Director Ex-Im Trading David Barker, BDM for AGI-CDCS Kazakhstan JV Mark Findlay.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada Akylbek Kamaldinov in his speech noted the main achievements of the country over the past years and also the reforms being carried out in the country. Additionally it was mentioned that Canada is one of the leading investor-countries to Kazakhstan. Since 2005, gross Canadian foreign direct investment exceeded over 6.5 billion CAD.
The Ambassador of Canada to Kazakhstan Nicholas Brousseau in his opening speech noted that “Since Kazakhstan has gained the independance our relationships has been developing extensively in every area: from official visits, bilateral cooperation to economic and trade relations”.
Former Ambassador of Canada to Kazakhstan Margaret Skok shared her memories about establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 and the first Canadian companies in the agriculture, mining sector, education and energy set their business in Kazakhstan.
Mr. E. Saltybaev in his speech touched upon two key directions of development of Kazakhstan as a sovereign state: the economic sphere and the unique model of the country’s foreign policy.
Canadian businessmen shared their 25 years of work experience in Kazakhstan. Representatives of each company drew a parallel to the development of bilateral relations between the two countries on the example of their own company and on aspects that allow business to be successful in Kazakhstan.
Businessmen also noted the investment opportunities available to Canadian companies; measures taken by the government to help simplifying business processes and promoting transparent interaction between the countries. They also shared practical advices for doing business.
Mr. A. Ya. Belovich referred to the history of “Bazis-A” corporation and the first buildings and objects that were built by means of Canadian technologies. Moreover he spoke about future projects in the construction sector and the new direction the company has taken in the field of agriculture.
The speakers of the conference highlighted the important role of such a guide between business and government as the Foreign Investor Council in Kazakhstan and the Kazakhstan-Canada Business Council (KKDC).
The event was organized by CERBA Kazakhstan with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada.
For more information, please contact the KCBC Coordinator and Regional Director of CERBA Kazakhstan Taskyn Koshman: taskyn@cerbanet.org.