Turkish entrepreneurial leaders and their past obstacles, juxtaposed with Kazakhstan's economic transformation

In the heart of Eurasia, Kazakhstan's strategic position and its vision for the "Middle Corridor" trade route are attracting significant investment. This is particularly evident in the growing presence of Turkish businesses in the Central Asian nation.

Turkish businessmen have been urging Ankara to adopt policies that encourage more companies to enter and operate in Kazakhstan. Their appeal seems to be resonating, as evidenced by the thriving Turkish presence in various sectors of Kazakhstan's economy.

Serkan Oztas of SMS Group, for instance, has made a substantial impact in Kazakhstan. He has built 65% of the country's intercity roads and is currently overseeing the renovation of Almaty Airport. His next venture is a $126 million agricultural investment, a testament to the diverse portfolio of Turkish businesses in Kazakhstan.

The story of Turkish investment in Kazakhstan began during a time of uncertainty. Pioneering entrepreneurs saw potential in the country and took risks that are now paying off. Ayan of AHSEL Group is one such example. He has built hotels, shopping malls, and over 8,000 housing units in Kazakhstan, contributing significantly to the modernisation of the nation.

Ahmet Hamdi Ayan, chairman of AHSEL Group, has played a leading role in shaping Kazakhstan's skyline. His investments include luxury hotels, shopping malls, and large-scale residential projects.

Turkish companies are also active in sectors such as construction, hospitality, retail, energy, logistics, and agriculture. Selcuk Yuce, chairman of DEIK's Türkiye-Kazakhstan Business Council, has highlighted agriculture, mining, energy, logistics, and defense as key areas for future cooperation.

The Intercontinental Hotel, once known as the Ankara Hotel, stands as a symbol of the long-standing relationship between Turkey and Kazakhstan. It has grown into one of the country's premier destinations for business and leisure travellers.

The future looks promising for Turkish entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan. The possible opening of the Zangezur corridor could lower transportation costs significantly, creating new opportunities across sectors.

The roundtable hosted by Türkiye'de Is Dunyasi magazine and the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK) emphasised the right time for new investments in Kazakhstan. This sentiment was echoed by Turgut Ozal, the then-President of Turkey, who visited Kazakhstan in 1993 and emphasised deepening ties with Central Asia.

As Kazakhstan continues to prosper and modernise, with a per capita GDP of $15,000, the enduring partnership between Turkey and Kazakhstan is set to flourish further, benefiting both nations economically and culturally. However, it's important to note that while Turkish entrepreneurs have realised large projects, specific names of entrepreneurs or detailed project lists in Kazakhstan were not explicitly found in the provided search results. Nonetheless, the impact of Turkish businesses in Kazakhstan is undeniable.

Turkish entrepreneurial leaders and their past obstacles, juxtaposed with Kazakhstan's economic transformation