The Astana Hub International Techpark hosted a U.S. trade mission and presented the domestic IT market to major American technological companies, QazMonitor reports citing the hub's press service.
The American delegation, led by Khush Choksy, the senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, included top managers from Apple, Microsoft, Google, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Boeing, Bechtel, Baker Hughes, Coca-Cola, S&P Global, General Electric, GE Healthcare, EPAM Systems, Coursera, Honeywell, Valmont Irrigation, and other technology companies.
In his welcoming speech, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to the United States, stressed that this trade mission is the first of its kind for our country.
"Kazakhstan is one of the most remote markets for the American business community. Hence, the arrival of these companies in our country demonstrates a tangible interest in the local market," said Ashikbayev.
Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub, and Askar Zhambakin, the vice minister of digital development, briefed the guests on the domestic IT ecosystem and activities at the techpark, including the inner workings of the Blockchain Center and Alem programming school dedicated to the principles of mutual learning.
"We would like to cooperate with Astana Hub, especially in the development of the Microsoft for Startups ecosystem. It is wonderful that the technology park initiates the development of education, which contributes to the development of the IT economy and resources, coinciding with Microsoft's focus," said Michelle Simmons, the general manager for Central Europe at Microsoft.
The delegation was also introduced to a couple of projects developed within the walls of the technology park, such as Voiceloft, Kid Security, Black Ice AI, and Goat Chat.
"We are happy to welcome global industry leaders to Astana Hub. We are already actively working with EPAM, Microsoft, and Google for Startups and are always open to new opportunities and partnerships. Today we presented the results of our park’s activity, the outcomes of collaborations, and showcased our startups – innovative projects that may benefit not only Kazakhstan but also be of interest to other countries," concluded Madiyev.