The Times of India published a short, very explicit interview with Kazakhstan's ambassador to India, Mr. Ulmarov, on Kazakhstan's trade and diplomacy aims. And if you want to know how it's done, this is a good place to start. A state that takes a proactive approach in courting industry gives itself a chance to choose which market actors with whom they negotiate. An attractive partner is well-funded and willing to share technical expertise, hire local workforce, and, like the state, is looking for long-term relations.
Another positive aspect to Kazakhstan's strategy is that they are basing many of their SEZs on fields with which they have experience and/or a natural stake. Textile development, petrochemicals and equipment, for instance, have a domestic resource base with Kazakhstan's cotton and petroleum industries. Developing a partnership with India in pharmaceuticals is canny in a different way: Kazakhstan is a prime customer of Indian pharmaceutical companies. Indian companies could well consider a location strategy that includes factories inside one of their best markets.
Last week, a trade delegation from India visited Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan (gas projects, cotton), and Azerbaijan (new Caspian oilfield investment). The delegation included corporate and state representatives.
See also: Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of India
Official newspage for Kazakhstan's accession to the WTO
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