Kazakstanin suurlähettiläs Azamat Abdraimov. The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Finland Azamat Abdraimov.
The ambassador of Kazakhstan to Finland encourages Finnish companies to be bolder in Central Asia
Ambassador Abdraimov wants to serve both Finland and Kazakhstan by opening doors for companies to enter the region.
Kazakhstan’s new embassy in Kulosaari, Helsinki, exudes a sense of novelty, even though the building itself is located in a historic district of the city. The embassy relocated from downtown Helsinki in March, joining a neighborhood filled with other diplomatic missions. There are freshly hung paintings depicting Kazakhstan on the walls, and a traditional yurt is being constructed in the yard.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Azamat Abdraimov began his post in June 2024. What are his thoughts on Finland, Finnish companies, and the development of economic relations with Kazakhstan after his first year in office?
– My first year in Finland has been very inspiring. First of all, I felt very welcomed. It was little bit surprising after my experience in other countries, how transparent, open and easy it is to get in touch with different institutions and I had opportunity to meet several times with President Stubb, Abdraimov says.
“My first year in Finland has been very inspiring.”
The embassy’s relocation to higher-profile premises in Kulosaari reflects Kazakhstan’s increased commitment to Finland. Expanding trade, investment, and economic relations are the top priorities, which is why Abdraimov has actively visited Finnish companies—from small enterprises to large corporations. His main focus has been on SMEs.
– I have met with more than 50 companies during this time. As a diplomat my priority is to strengthen our bilateral relations and it’s two way road. I try to serve both countries, Abdraimov says.
From Kyzylorda to the world
Abdraimov is originally from the city of Kyzylorda in southern Kazakhstan. The region is known for its oil industry, agriculture, and logistics, as well as for the Baikonur Cosmodrome and the Aral Sea environmental disaster. Southeast of Kyzylorda lies one of Kazakhstan’s key cities, Shymkent, and a bit further east is Almaty.
Abdraimov describes himself as a career diplomat. He has served in Kazakhstan’s embassies and consulates in Italy, Spain, Cuba, and San Francisco, USA.
– Finland is my first country as ambassador. It’s double responsibility for me. Finland is our key partner in the region, Abdraimov says.
“Finland is my first country as ambassador.”
In the United States, Abdraimov’s task was to attract American tech companies to Central Asia. The rationale for entering the Central Asian market is the same for a US tech giant as it is for a Finnish SME: it’s not just about Kazakhstan, but about a rapidly developing market of 80 million people—one of the arenas of global competition.
Kazakhstan aims to serve as a gateway to the entire Central Asian region. The work in the United States paid off, and tech giants began strengthening their presence in the area.
More courage needed
The structure of trade between Finland and Kazakhstan is traditional—Finland exports machinery, chemicals, and paper, while Kazakhstan supplies various raw materials. The real potential lies in the momentum of modernization: countries in the whole region are upgrading their industries, agriculture, and infrastructure, and addressing critical development needs in the energy sector, water management, and logistics.
A key driver of the economy is population growth. In Kazakhstan, birth rates are rising, and this year more than 360,000 pupils started first grade. If children need new schools now, in ten years they will need higher education, Abdraimov explains. In addition, Kazakhstan is evolving into an international education hub, attracting more and more students from abroad. That’s why education is also one of the growing sectors.
From Finnish companies, Abdraimov simply hopes for more courage.
– Be more active in our market. It was surprising for me, why Finnish companies can’t be the main suppliers or EPC contractors. Even if they cover 80 percent of whole contract, they are shy to be the main contractor. If a company from the US will see, that they can cover over 40 percent of a project, they will tell you freely “I will cover everything”, Abdraimov compares.
“Be more active in our market.”
Finnish companies have a solid foundation in Kazakhstan thanks to their good reputation and the strong relations between the two countries. They are seen as reliable partners, and their products are considered high-quality. Abdraimov is also happy to recommend local production through joint ventures, as “Made in Kazakhstan” brings additional local advantages.
– Kazakhstan has significant potential for business development, offering companies opportunities for expansion and growth. Moreover, the country is making strong efforts to improve its investment climate, creating new prospects for attracting capital, Abdraimov adds.
In building economic relations, EastCham is an indispensable partner for Kazakhstan. In addition to company visits, Abdraimov proposes the establishment of a business council composed of company representatives.
Abdraimov’s tips
Ambassador Azamat Abdraimov has four pieces of advice for Finnish companies entering the Kazakh market:
- Come to our embassy. I’m personally very committed to meet any company.
- Don’t be too shy to compete with other companies.
- Don’t focus only on Astana or Almaty.
- I strongly recommend EastCham, which has an excellent and talented representative in Almaty, Altyn Shakirkhanova.