Kazakhstan and North Macedonia Explore Business Opportunities at AIFC
On June 9, 2025, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) hosted a roundtable focused on economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and North Macedonia. Representatives of both countries discussed the potential and opportunities to enhance mutual trade, investment, and tourism.
Bakhtiyar Tleubekov, CFO and Head of Administration of the AIFC Authority, noted in his welcome remarks: “Today’s roundtable between Kazakhstan and North Macedonia reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a meaningful dialogue and building practical partnerships between our two countries. We believe this platform will unlock new opportunities and foster deeper cooperation across key sectors of economic engagement.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia, Timcho Mucunski, also addressed the business communities of both countries: “I strongly believe that this platform will help in establishing further cooperation that is beneficial for both our sides. There is huge potential for developing trade and investment cooperation”.
Bakhtiyar Tleubekov presented the AIFC’s key advantages to the Macedonian delegation, including business structuring, investment facilitation, and deal-making opportunities. Currently, the AIFC ranked №1 in Eastern Europe and Central Asia – hosts over 3,900 companies from more than 80 countries, including the USA, UK, China, Türkiye, Singapore, and others. Since its launch in 2018, the AIFC has helped to attract over $14.8 billion in investments into Kazakhstan’s economy.
The North Macedonian delegation, in turn, highlighted its investment potential in the industrial-technological sector and tourism. Goce Dimovski, Director of the Directorate for Technological Industrial Development Zones, spoke on economic cooperation, while Akkan Mahmut, National Coordinator for Tourism, shared insights on tourism development.
From Kazakhstani side speakers included Azamat Kozhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, NC “Kazakh Invest”; Kairat Sadvakassov, Chairman of the Management Board, NC “Kazakh Tourism”; and Kanat Alin, Advisor to the Chairman of the Board to the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan “Atameken”. They outlined the investment, tourism, and business opportunities between the two countries.
According to Kanat Alin, the development of mutual trade directly depends on the activity of the business communities, and there is a positive dynamic in this direction. A favorable investment climate for doing business has been created in Kazakhstan, supported by the activities of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs and the Foreign Trade Chamber of Kazakhstan.
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to North Macedonia, Satybaldy Burshakov, and diplomats from North Macedonia also participated in the event.
Kazakhstan and North Macedonia share strong prospects for expanding trade and investment ties. In 2024, bilateral trade amounted to $7.4 million – a 64.4% increase compared to 2023. Currently, 11 companies with Macedonian capital operate in Kazakhstan.
During their bilateral meeting on May 28, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized cooperation in agriculture, transport, logistics, finance, and tourism. The presidents welcomed the decision of Macedonian pharmaceutical company Alkaloid to open a representative office in Kazakhstan.
The roundtable is expected to mark a significant step in strengthening the partnership and expanding mutually beneficial economic cooperation between the two nations.
Background Information:
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a leading financial hub in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, designed to connect global capital with the vast opportunities of emerging markets. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the AIFC combines international best practices with innovative approaches to create a world-class platform for investment, business, and financial services. Since its establishment in 2018, the AIFC has attracted over USD 14.8 bln in investments into Kazakhstan’s economy. Over 3,900 companies from 80+ countries, including the USA, the UK, China, Turkiye, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and others, are registered within the AIFC’s jurisdiction. www.aifc.kz
