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Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
KAZAKHSTAN - Country Overview
Independent from Soviet Union since 1991
 Central Asia, landlocked, borders Areal and Caspian Seas.
 Population 16.8 Million; GDP US$52.9 million
 Language: Russian and Kazak
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Business Culture:
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Largely influenced by the Muslim Culture
Family Hierarchy at the heart of business framework
“God Willing” circumstances are supposed to be.
Women are not touched
Business Attire should not reveal flesh beyond: face, hands and feet.
Geographic Access:
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Need a Visa but rules are constantly changing– double check.
Almaty has an international Airport.
KAZAKSTAN - Political overview
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Government Representation- Canadian embassy
in Almaty
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Political unrest
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Possibility of war – two viewpoints:
1.Government
views no unrest: 1996 voluntary
disarmament;nuclear non-proliferation treaties;peaceful
resolution of disputes;spread of democratic principles.
2.Other sources: unpredictable region, extreme religious
fundamentalism and terrorism
no democracy
Business Customs
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Is more European than Asian
Customary to shake hands and call people
by their first names at business meetings
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Men generally do not shake women's hands in
company.
Business attire  a suit and tie for men, and
a suit or business dress for women.
Small gifts (pens, company logo pins, memo,
and books) are frequently given at the end of
an initial meeting
Business cards are the norm, often in both
Russian and English.
Business Customs
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Are less direct than American
businessmen
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The negotiations take more time than
USA
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An experienced and competent
interpreter can add invaluable context
to your business meetings
Business Customs
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It is common in Kazakhstan to have dinner
with business contacts, but usually only after
establishing business contacts in a more
formal setting.
Usually diners share a bottle of vodka or
cognac
After-hours informal meetings, dinners and
toasts, as well as weekend hunting and
barbecues can be very important to forge
business relations