Astana: H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, visited the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, alongside Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan. The visit aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation in finance and investment between the UAE and Kazakhstan.
According to Emirates News Agency, during the visit, Sheikh Khaled was briefed on AIFC’s financial services, infrastructure, and strategic projects designed to position Kazakhstan as a global finance hub. He also discussed the AIFC’s role in supporting business ecosystems and attracting investments with the centre’s personnel.
Sheikh Khaled emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange and partnerships between UAE and Kazakh financial institutions to promote economic growth. He also attended the UAE-Kazakhstan Business Forum, which aimed to explore investment opportunities and increase mutual investments in key economic sectors.
The forum provided a platform for establishing strategic partnerships, exchanging investment knowledge, and enhancing economic integration. Sheikh Khaled noted the forum’s role in creating an attractive investment environment, supporting the ambitions of both nations, and securing a better future for future generations.
On the forum’s sidelines, several cooperation agreements and MoUs were signed between public and private entities from both countries. These agreements covered sectors such as AI, smart cities, data protection, maritime transport, education, agriculture, and food products.
AIQ, a UAE company, signed a cooperation agreement with KMG Engineering to develop AI solutions. Presight AI signed an MoU to establish a data centre in Astana, enhancing digital transformation capabilities. AD Ports Group and Semurg Invest agreed to develop the Sarzha Multipurpose Terminal at the Kuryk Seaport.
Additionally, KEZAD Group signed MoUs to foster collaboration and explore partnership opportunities. The ADGM Office of Data Protection and AIFC’s Data Protection Office signed an MoU to enhance data protection cooperation.
In education, the Emirates Kazakhstan Education Investment Group partnered with Astana’s Education Board to build SABIS International School – Astana. In agriculture, Al Khaleej Sugar agreed to develop a sugar processing plant in the Almaty region, and Lulu Group signed an MoU to expand food trade with Kazakhstan.
The forum featured thematic panel discussions on digital transformation, financial technologies, urban development, and energy transition. It also included bilateral meetings to explore new investment and trade partnerships supporting sustainable development goals.