Kazakhstan's financial hub keen for Chinese investment in regional projects, enterprises

SHANGHAI - The Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), Kazakhstan's regional financial services hub, says it is keen to attract Chinese investment in the Belt and Road Initiative projects and medium-sized enterprises in central Eurasia countries.

During a presentation held Tuesday in Shanghai for Chinese investment companies, AIFC Governor, Kairat Kelimbetov, said that the AIFC and its stock exchange, the Astana International Exchange, aim to "connect investors with promising projects that require financing to realize their full potential."

Kelimbetov said that projects under the Belt and Road Initiative in the region are "a clear and important priority."

"Another equally promising opportunity lies with mid-cap companies in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Georgia and other countries in the region that are eager to engage with Chinese investors, and we are helping to bring them together," he said.

The AIFC said that more than 40 enterprises in regional countries have signed letters of intent to pursue investment opportunities through it.

Liu Shaotong, executive vice-president of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, a major partner of the AIFC, said several Chinese securities companies have been doing business in Kazakhstan, taking part in the development of the country's capital market.

The AIFC was officially launched in July 2018.