Kazakhstan rebounded to the pre-pandemic level of foreign investment inflows
According to the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan managed to reverse the downward trend of foreign investment inflows to the country, as well as to reach the indicators of 2017-2019.
Thus, by the end of 2021, the gross inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Kazakhstan amounted to $23.7 billion, growing 37.7 per cent compared to 2020 ($17.2 billion).
The top five countries with the largest amount of investments in the economy of Kazakhstan is the same as before. The Netherlands, USA, Switzerland, Russia and China are confidently the leaders with growing of investments ranging from 25% to 92%. The share of investments from these countries accounts for 68.3% of the total volume of attracted investments.
Moreover, the significant changes have taken place in the second part of the TOP-10 countries. Belgium displaced the UK from sixth place, showing a significant increase of 35.1%. South Korea, with a growth of 73.2%, moved from ninth to eighth place, ahead of French investors, who closed out the top ten list of the investors. Turkish investors also ensured an 87 per cent growth of capital investments in the Republic and ranks ninth, being ahead of France and Cyprus.
For reference: TOP 10 INVESTOR COUNTRIES IN 2021
1. Netherlands - $7.0 billion
2. USA - $2.8 billion
3. Switzerland - $2.6 billion
4. Russia - $1.9 billion
5. China - $1.8 billion
6. Belgium - $1.06 billion
7. Great Britain - $1.02 billion
8. South Korea - $805.5 million
9. Turkey - $679.5 million
10. France - $603.1 million
As for the industries, according to the results of 2021, agriculture, forestry and fishery showed a 2.8-time increase, in the professional, scientific and technical activities – a 2.6-time growth, 80.1% more was invested in the information and communication, as well as 68.3% more in the electricity supply.
There is also a significant increase of investments in the processing industry. Last year, it was invested $2 billion more in this sector compared to 2020, with a 65.4 per cent increase.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which oversees the attraction of investments, predicted to attract over $19 billion in foreign investment by the end of 2021.
Due to the successful implementation of the pool of investment projects and the three-tier system of attracting investments used in Kazakhstan: “Embassies of the Republic of Kazakhstan - central government agencies - regional akimats”, Kazakhstan reached the indicators of 2017-2019.
The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan is constantly working to improve the investment climate in accordance with the best world standards, has always placed great importance on creating a strong and competitive business environment.
For this reason, NC KAZAKH INVEST JSC acts as a single operator for attracting investments, providing a set of measures to promote investors, in particular, organizing visits to Kazakhstan, identifying sources of funding and sites for project implementation, interacting with local business partners and consulting support in obtaining permits and other documents.
These facts are confirmed by the reputable international rating agency Standard & Poor's. The Agency announced that the sovereign credit rating of the Republic of Kazakhstan will remain at BBB-, with a stable outlook.
At the moment, the Concept of a new investment policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan through 2025 is being developed, meeting the ESG standards (Environmental, Social, Governance and Prosperity).