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Kazakhstan: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Kazakhstan
Greetings in Kazakhstan are typically formal, with a gentle handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile. However, some Kazakh men may avoid shaking hands with women for religious reasons, so women should extend their hand but not take offence if it is declined. Hierarchy is important, and it is customary to greet the eldest or highest-ranking person first. Business cards are essential and should ideally have one side printed in Russian and the other in English.
Kazakh communication tends to be indirect, as people may avoid giving outright refusals to maintain harmony. Small talk about family or recent events is common before discussing business, as building relationships is highly valued. Meetings generally start on time, but delays may occur, and decision-making can be slow, as key approvals often come from top management. Dress codes are formal, with men wearing suits and ties while women opt for business suits or dresses.
Kazakhstan has the largest economy in Central Asia, primarily driven by its rich reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals. The country's energy sector plays a crucial role in its economic stability, with oil production and exports significantly influencing government revenues. As a member of OPEC+, Kazakhstan adjusts its oil output to align with international agreements, reflecting its importance in global energy markets.
While high energy prices benefit the economy, its dependence on commodity exports makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global demand and pricing. To mitigate this risk, Kazakhstan has been working toward economic diversification, with a growing focus on renewable energy, infrastructure development, and digital transformation.
Foreign investment remains a key driver of growth, particularly in sectors like green hydrogen production, manufacturing, and logistics. The country is also strengthening its trade partnerships, particularly with Europe, China, and neighbouring Central Asian nations, to enhance economic resilience.
Keeping in Touch in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has a well-developed mobile network, making it convenient for visitors to stay connected. The country's primary mobile service providers are Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2. Travellers can easily acquire prepaid SIM cards from these operators at airports, retail stores, and official outlets.
Wi-Fi is available in most dining venues, large malls, airports, railway stations, and hotels.
Many major media outlets are either state-owned or controlled by entities linked to past ruling elite.
Television remains a dominant medium, with channels like KTK and First Channel Eurasia leading in viewership. The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, with platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, VKontakte (VK), and Odnoklassniki (OK.ru) being particularly popular among Kazakhstani users. This shift indicates a growing engagement with social media and digital content.
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