EUROBAK was established in 1999 for various specific purposes. These include; representing the views of European business in Kazakhstan, through a strong collective voice, fostering EU-Kazakhstan business relations and providing support, information and networking to European companies based in Kazakhstan, or to those, who are considering doing business or investing in the country. EUROBAK also aims: to improve the level of communication and contact between our hosts, both in Government and business, and the European business community, endorse European business and commerce, serve and support the needs of our members and promote the image of the European Union, as one of the key economic partners for Kazakhstan, within the framework of the EU Kazakhstan Partnership and Co-operation Agreement. EUROBAK serves as an information centre for commercial missions visiting Kazakhstan and for those EU companies that wish to have up to date material on doing business here. Our members and their guests frequently interact through regular business meetings.

 

 

EUROBAK offers members several benefits and advantages. It maintains close contacts with the EU institutions in Kazakhstan, comprising the Delegation of the European Commission and the EU Presidency, the Embassies and Consulates of the countries of the EU, EFTA and EU aspirant member states. The Association engages in active consultations with Kazakh authorities on specific issues, bilateral contacts between the EU and Kazakhstan, provides members access to the resources of EUROBAK: reports and updates on the current status of EU-Kazakhstan co-operation and EU economic policy. There are, regular monthly briefings and seminars with the involvement of key politicians: Government represented by the Vice Prime Minister, President’s Administration Office, National Bank and various Ministries and prominent business figures of Kazakhstan. The Association maintains contact with other foreign business organisations. In particular, the Foreign Investors’ Council (chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan), American Chamber of Commerce, Kazakhstan Petroleum Association, Kazakhstan Mining Association and other Chambers of Commerce and business organizations. EUROBAK is a member of the Foreign Investors’ Council (FIC) Image Enhancement Working Group.

 

 

The Board, firmly, believes that direct communication with the Government is essential for maintaining the strong relationships established over the last five years. During this time, EUROBAK has had high ranking Government Officials speaking at its Forums, a EUROBAK representative participated in the business delegation accompanying President Nazarbayev on his official visits to Switzerland, Italy in 2003 (where a presentation on EUROBAK activities was made) and Germany, Sweden in 2004 and signed Memorandums of Cooperation with Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the Investment Committee. EUROBAK has excellent working relations with KazInvest and many other Government Ministries and Agencies, International Organisations, and International Conference Organisers based in Kazakhstan and abroad. Positive Expansion The Association continues to expand its activities. In July 2003, a communication center was opened in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana. This is headed by EUROBAK's Regional Representative, Ms Raushan Kazbekova; she has extensive experience working in Government structures, which we believe will enhance EUROBAK's relations with Official and Regulatory authorities. EUROBAK has held several events in Atyrau (this city is often unofficially referred to as "the oil capital of Kazakhstan”) and the long term objective is to have a EUROBAK branch office there providing members the same services and activities that are available in Almaty.

 

 

The interest and awareness of opportunities in Kazakhstan is constantly increasing, and we receive numerous queries from various European countries on general information about the country, doing business in Kazakhstan, partner search etc. EUROBAK itself has received wide exposure, through cooperation with various international printed publications, magazines, and communication with similar European Business Associations throughout the world. Through, the support of the EU Commission, we have participated in conferences organised internationally and locally and this has lead to the introduction of a Non-Resident category of membership; giving those companies who are interested in Kazakhstan, but not yet based here, an opportunity to receive updated information and support from the outset. EUROBAK is a fast growing and developing organisation, constantly, looking at and considering new opportunities, possibilities and improvements for the organisation, as well as, the services and benefits provided to our membership, and the business community as a whole.