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Archive for the ‘Kazakhstan’ Category

Investment Opportunities in Kazakhstan

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Kazakhstan, located between the borders of Russia and China in Central Asia, is size of the whole of Western Europe and four times the size of Texas. It currently has double the oil reserves of the the North Sea with over 35 billion barrels and by 2015 the current projections are for oil reserves of more than 100 billion barrels. For any economy this is a pretty good situation considering the oil price has been hovering at US$135 a barrel and will probably go higher. Besides oil, it has the world’s largest reserves of barite, lead, tungsten, and uranium; second largest reserves of chromite, silver, and zinc; third largest of manganese, significant deposits of copper, gold, and iron ore. Rich in natural resources, Kazakhstan has become a popular destination for the oil and mining industry since it emerged from independence from the Soviet Union.

Besides resources, there would appear to be significant tourism potential in Kazakhstan as a travel destination. Currently tourism accounts for 5% of the country’s GDP and is continuing to grow mainly driven by the strong growth in international business travellers working on the significant oil and gas projects. Positioned on the historical Silk Trade route between Europe and Asia, it offers historical monuments as well as diverse landscapes, mountains, rivers and lakes. Bird watching, fishing, hunting and trekking and beach holidays on the Caspian Sea are on offer. Opportunities for tourism remain positive and Kazakstan’s enterprising entrepreneurs should be quick to showcase development opportunities for the global tourism market.

One of the interesting facts about Kazakhstan is that it is where apples originate. In fact, the commercial centre of Kazakhstan, Almaty, means “Rich with Apples” in the local language. Agriculture is a significant contributor to the economy and it accounts for more than 20% of GDP. Agribusiness featuring grain and livestock production in the north and fruit and vegatable production in the south is another promising sector. Privatization and productivity improvements provide opportunities for astute investors to develop profitable operations. The one thing clear about Kazakhstan is that it is rich in resources and tourism potential. The next few years will present many business opportunities in this dynamic market especially for those willing to go beyond the traditional investment destinations.

Interesting Places to Visit in Kyrgyzstan

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Kyrgyzstan, even identified as the Switzerland of Asia, is gifted by plenty of natural magnificence and attractive sites which are worth visiting. If you are planning your holiday destination to one of the most amazing cities, then Kyrgyzstan is an ideal choice. People from across the planet have recently recognized the true magnificence of this state and the industry of tourism is flourishing from last few years because of the growing number of travelers each year. You will find many sites in Kyrgyzstan which are very attractive which will definitely beat your hope. Whether you are vacationing Kyrgyzstan with your children, associates or for some business reasons, your experience of visiting this incredible state is simply unmatched.

Kyrgyzstan’s 3/4th of the land is enclosed by Tian Shan Mountains which offers infinite mountaineering and hiking chances to those lovers of adventure. To the north of Kyrgyzstan are the temperate foothills and to the southwest you will notice the green and abundant subtropical Fergana Valley, this is what makes Kyrgyzstan purely diverse and an awesome tourist spot with climatic environment suitable for everyone who spends his lavish holidays here. Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and the largest town of this country. It has been a chief tourist attraction since it has several significant places and even the latest look of Bishkek like wide roads with a row of trees lined on both side, the Soviet gardens etc. that truly captivates this state.

The famous Ala Too Mountains add to its magnificence and it gives a fascinating surrounding as well as a calm and relaxed weather in the summers. The winters are really pleasurable too since these mountains serve alpine relaxing winter activities. On the east of Bishkek, you will be surprised to view Issyk-Kul, the planet’s second huge mountains. To the south of Issyk-Kul, you can enjoy seeing The Seven Bulls, which are the red stone formations, in the fertile green valley of Jety-Oguz gorge. En route to southwest, a small town called Kochkur which is famous for carpets and moreover identified for incredibly lovely Skazka Valley. This basin is a natural and beautiful formation of deep orange colors of crags and columns carved in limestone cliffs which is an outcome of old strong breezes raging over the softening snow. This is truly an exceptional art of nature.

The lake in Kyrgyzstan never solidifies even though it is enclosed by the chilled snow-clad mountains of Tian Shan, therefore the name Kyrgyz-The warm lake. Spending some of your vacation time in Cholpon-Ata, is a remarkable idea. You will be astounded to view the open air art museum which is said to be here since 500BC. The stone edicts, rock carvings, reveal the animal characters like goats, wolves, horses, snow leopards and ibex with long horns etc. which really reveal the old phase of humanity. The second important town of Kyrgyzstan is Osh, at the southwest part of the nation is about 3000 years old. It is situated along the Silk Road which has manifested its status throughout the olden times.