President of Montenegro visited the Astana International Financial Centre

As part of his official visit to Kazakhstan, President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović visited the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), where he was introduced to the activities of the Centre’s key institutions, its legal and regulatory infrastructure, as well as opportunities for expanding investment and business cooperation between Kazakhstan and Montenegro.

During the visit, President Milatović toured the AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre, Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) and Expat Centre.

AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov presented delegation with an overview of the Centre’s key areas of activity and its role as a leading financial platform for attracting international capital to Kazakhstan, Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region. It was noted that since its inception, the AIFC has facilitated the attraction of a cumulative $25.3 billion in investments into Kazakhstan. More than 5,800 companies from 90 countries are currently registered within the AIFC ecosystem. AIFC participants have contributed KZT 317.4 billion in taxes to the state budget as of the first quarter of 2026.

During the presentation, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in financial services, investment, financial sector regulation, and the development of business ties between the two countries.

The visit of the President of Montenegro comes amid the growing bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Montenegro.

In 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to $3.2 million. During January–April 2026, trade turnover reached $256.5 thousand. Imports from Montenegro to Kazakhstan primarily consist of pharmaceutical products, mechanisms for equipment and vehicles, as well as selected categories of food products. Pharmaceuticals represent the largest import category, with supplies reaching $1.9 million in 2025, accounting for 59.3% of Montenegro’s total exports to Kazakhstan.

Significant potential remains for further investment cooperation in such areas as financial services, tourism, infrastructure development, renewable energy and the green economy.

Currently, 17 enterprises with Montenegrin participation are registered in Kazakhstan (as of 1 May 2026). The AIFC sees substantial opportunities to expand cooperation with Montenegrin partners, including attracting investors, developing financial services, structuring investment projects and strengthening business ties between Central Asia and Europe.

Reference:

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and business meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. www.aifc.kz     

AIFC Press Office,

Ainur Issabayeva, press secretary

E-mail: [email protected]