Presidents of Kazakhstan and Armenia Visit Astana International Financial Centre
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan recently visited the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) during Khachaturyan’s official visit to Kazakhstan. The tour, which took place on Oct. 16, provided the two leaders with insight into the center’s activities and contributions to regional initiatives.
During the visit, AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov briefed the Presidents on the center’s key activities and its significant impact on Kazakhstan’s economy. To date, the AIFC has attracted over $13 billion into the country’s economy, with $5.9 billion coming from portfolio investments through the Astana International Exchange and $7.3 billion from companies operating within the center.
Currently, the AIFC is home to approximately 3,200 companies from more than 80 countries. Notably, the center hosts six major Armenian firms specializing in IT, financial services, and insurance.
In addition to learning about the center’s economic contributions, the Presidents were introduced to the AIFC’s judicial system, including the functions of the AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre, as well as the operations of the Astana Financial Services Authority. Furthermore, the latter has a memorandum of cooperation with Armenia’s Central Bank to collaborate on the supervision and regulation of banking, insurance activities, and securities markets.
The visit to the AIFC provided President Tokayev and President Khachaturyan with valuable insights into the center’s role in driving economic growth and fostering international cooperation. With its significant contributions to Kazakhstan’s economy and its role as a hub for global businesses, the AIFC continues to play a crucial role in the region’s financial landscape.
