Tokayev convened a discussion with Kazakh engineers stationed in the United States
New York hosted a fascinating gathering attended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and representatives from the Digital Nomads IT community, a group of 400 Kazakh expats working for top-tier global tech companies. This meeting, held in a laid-back environment, served as a platform to deliberate on the future growth of Kazakhstan's IT industry and global tech trends.
Tokayev enlightened the participants about the new avenues presented by the Fair Kazakhstan initiative for the nation's budding youth. Prominent speakers at the event included Aset Abdullayev (Strategy and Development Head at Taskrabbit.com), Anna Fokin (Venture Capitalist and DCVC Director), Arai Sabyrzhan (Google Engineer-Programmer), and Alibek Datbaev (Booking.com Manager-Programmer). They discussed their experiences working for top-notch corporations and offered valuable suggestions to elevate Kazakhstan's domestic IT sector's competitiveness.
Tokayev extended his well-wishes to the Digital Nomads, expressing his belief that they would significantly contribute to Kazakhstan's growth and prosperity. The Digital Nomads, who are currently essential catalysts in the international tech world, are expected to make a significant impact on Kazakhstan's technological landscape.
While in the U.S., Tokayev is on a working visit and will deliver a speech at the General Assembly's General Debate on September 20. He is also scheduled to meet with high-ranking international officials such as the UN Secretary-General and the EU leadership, and several country heads as per their requests. Tokayev will also participate in the Global Food Security Summit.
Kazakhstan is persistently making concerted efforts to attract global talent, specifically in the IT sector, through innovative measures like the Digital Nomad Visa Programs and Astana Hub and AIFC initiatives. For instance, the Digital Nomad Visa (B9-1) is specifically designed for IT professionals, requiring a valid IT job or sponsorship from authorized tech bodies in Kazakhstan, like Astana Hub. The goal is to bolster Kazakhstan's digital foundation by attracting specialized IT talent.
Astana Hub is a hub for IT innovation and entrepreneurship, offering sponsorship opportunities for the B9-1 visa, making it easier for Digital Nomads to integrate into Kazakhstan's IT sector. Meanwhile, Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a special jurisdiction that seeks to create an optimal business environment, indirectly contributing to Kazakhstan's broader economic goal of diversification, which includes strengthening the IT sector.
Kazakhstan also rolled out a "Golden Visa" program focused on foreign investors, though it's more investment-centric than Digital Nomad-oriented. Nonetheless, it supports the country's aim to attract global talent and diversify its economy. These initiatives aspire to position Kazakhstan as a hub for digital innovation and business, attracting both skilled professionals and investors.
For more insights, check out Tokayev's meetings with S&P Global and Asia Society Heads, Jan Bremmer and Ed Emerson, global financial institutions' leaders in New York, and his preparations for the UN General Assembly's General Debate.
- President Tokayev highlighted the opportunities provided by the Fair Kazakhstan initiative for the country's youth, especially in the realm of education-and-self-development and technology, during his speech at the gathering with representatives from the Digital Nomads IT community.
- Aset Abdullayev, Anna Fokin, Arai Sabyrzhan, and Alibek Datbaev, prominent speakers at the event, shared their insights on the potential of venture capital investments, technology, and the importance of setting fair competition in Kazakhstan's IT sector.
- Tokayev expressed his appreciation for the Digital Nomads, acknowledging their potential contribution to Kazakhstan's growth and prosperity in technology and IT sector development, most notably through initiatives like the Digital Nomad Visa Program and Astana Hub.
- The Astana Hub offers sponsorship opportunities for the B9-1 digital nomad visa, making it simpler for IT professionals to establish themselves in Kazakhstan's technology and innovation sector as part of a broader effort to attract global talent and strengthen the nation's digital foundation.
