The Bridge to
Business Success
in Kazakhstan
European Business Association of Kazakhstan (EUROBAK)
is a non-commercial organisation established in 1999 under initiative of European companies and the Delegation of the European Union in Kazakhstan. Today, EUROBAK unites 160+ Members, including European, world-renowned international, local comnpanies, as well as international organisations and diplomatic missions from Europe and other countries. The Association plays an important role in fostering and strengthening a constructive dialogue between Kazakhstan and Europe in business and social spheres.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
2 July 2026
«Климатическая стратегия как инструмент роста бизнеса»
Annual general meeting (AGM)
Annual General Meeting for Member companies of Association is aligned to sum up the previous year and elect a new Board of Directors of EUROBAK
Executive Get Together
Executive Get Together is intended for the companies’ executives. In the course of these meetings, top managers have an excellent opportunity to discuss current business matters
EUROBAK Award Ceremony
EUROBAK Award Ceremony aims to highlight and appreciate the commendable social projects initiated by companies in diverse sectors
EUROBAK Executive Festive Dinner
Festive Dinner is an enchanting evening once a year in November filled with gourmet delights, heartwarming laughter, and live musical performances
EUROBAK Platform for Professional Development of Women in Business and Boards
encourages candid conversations on various professional topics and allows women to grow professionally
EUROBAK Mentorship programme
Mentorship programme contributes to the professional growth of individuals within the Association’s Member companies
EUROBAK Art Night OUT
Art Night OUT - the main idea of this project is to explore art in Kazakhstan while fostering business networking
sport event
EUROBAK initiates highly relevant and effective events aimed at maintaining team spirit of member companies within the Association. EUROBAK provides an excellent opportunity for company employees to discover and show their talents
EUROBAK Signature Engagements & Platforms are designed to bring Member companies closer together through meaningful dialogue, professional development, high-level networking, and shared experiences.
From the Annual General Meeting and Executive Get Together to the Award Ceremony, Art Night OUT, Festive Dinner, sports events, EUROBAK Platform for Professional Development of Women in Business and Boards, and mentorship programme, each initiative creates a valuable space for business leaders and company teams to exchange ideas, strengthen connections, celebrate achievements, and explore new opportunities.
Through these engagements, EUROBAK supports not only business dialogue, but also leadership, talent development, corporate culture, creativity, and community spirit among its Member companies.
Partners
become a partner
Support key initiatives, strengthen your brand visibility, and become part of the professional business community in Kazakhstan.
STRUCTURE
Board of Directors
Chairman
Chairman
erlan dosymbekov
EY Managing Partner for Kazakhstan and Central Asia
Deputy Chairman
Deputy Chairman
Dias Assanov
Siemens Kazakhstan CEO
Treasurer
Treasurer
Oleg Khanin
Kommesk-Omir Insurance Company, Chairman of the Board
Secretary
Secretary
Abai Shaikenov
Dentons Kazakhstan, Managing Partner
Board member
Board member
Ibrahim Canliel
Air Astana
CEO
Board member
Board member
Ertan Kurt
Anadolu Efes Jsc, International Operations Business Unit General Manager
Board member
Board member
Hüseyin Özhan
EBRD, Managing Director, Central Asia and Mongolia
Board member
Board member
Igor Arakelyan
Pernod Ricard Kazakhstan, Managing Director
Board member
Board member
Omar Abdellatif
Phillip Morris International, Managing Director, Kazakhstan and CAS
Board member
Board member
Aleska Simkic
Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan Honorary Board Member
Ex-officio Board Member
Ex-officio Board Member
Julie Kussidi
EUROBAK CEO
COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS AGENDA DRIVERS
HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE
VAT on Pharmaceuticals
5% VAT instead of 20%
Challenge:
Proposal to increase VAT on pharmaceuticals from 0% to 20%
EUROBAK action:
- Dialogue with Ministry of Health
- Official position papers
- Joint advocacy with pharmaceutical industry
Result:
✔ VAT set at 5% instead of 20%
Impact:
Protection of access to medicines for patients, including high-risk and orphan disease groups
Improving Transparency
PUBLIC PROCUREMENT
PUBLIC PROCUREMENT REFORM HIGHLIGHTED
by the President of Kazakhstan
Challenge:
Concerns over closed procurement procedures and lack of transparency
EUROBAK action:
- Negotiations with government authorities
- Development of recommendations and comparative analysis
- Presentation at EU–Kaz Business Platform
Result:
Need to revise the structure of public procurement highlighted at the highest level
Lead:
Dias Assanov, EUROBAK Deputy Chairman and CEO of Siemens Kazakhstan
LICENSING OF SPECIFIC GOODS
Streamlining Certification
FASTER LICENSING PROCEDURES
Challenge:
Delays in customs clearance due to difficulties obtaining permits for specific goods
EUROBAK action:
- Engagement with EU Ambassador
- Communication of business concerns to authorities
- Industry-wide advocacy efforts
Result:
Licensing and certification processes became more efficient and timely
Impact:
Reduced delays, lower costs, and improved predictability for importers
Labour Legislation Review
50% WORKING TIME
50% WORKING TIME
Challenge:
The provision on 50% working time does not reflect modern living conditions, labour market realities, or actual working conditions
EUROBAK action:
- Official letter submitted to the Ministry
- Legal and business arguments prepared
- Advocacy on behalf of member companies
Result:
The Ministry expressed its readiness to review the provision
Impact:
More flexible and realistic labour regulation for employers and employees
Removal of Mandatory Transshipment
CARGO TRANSSHIPMENT AT BORDERS
Challenge:
Mandatory cargo transshipment at border crossings increased costs, delays, documentation burden, and delivery times
EUROBAK action:
- Meetings with authorities
- Official communications
- Industry advocacy through member companies
Result:
The Ministry of Transport abolished the transshipment requirement
Impact:
Reduced logistics costs, faster deliveries, and improved supply chain efficiency
Lead:
- Arman Zhalmagambetov, Public Affairs Manager at Mars Kazakhstan
- Khachat Markhiyeva, (former) General Director of METRO Cash & Carry
Challenges for foreign citizens
Banking access and payment cards
Challenge:
Foreign citizens faced difficulties opening bank accounts and obtaining payment cards in kazakhstan.
EUROBAK action:
Based on member companies’ requests, EUROBAK submitted an official inquiry to the relevant state authorities to clarify the applicable requirements.
Result:
State authorities confirmed that the rules apply equally to all non-resident individuals, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. Banks may request additional documents, assess client risks, and make independent decisions in line with aml/cft legislation and internal procedures.
Impact:
The financial regulator and the National Bank of Kazakhstan are now reviewing ways to reduce excessive regulatory burden and optimise bank account opening procedures for non-residents, including the possible removal of the current 12-month limit for debit payment cards.
Digital Committee
EUROBAK Digital Committee focuses on key issues affecting B2B operations, including Digital Code, personal data protection, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, AI solutions for business, regulatory sandboxes, cross-border data transfer, marketplace regulation, digital skills and responsible use of AI.
ESG COmmittee
EUROBAK ESG Committee focuses on ESG implementation, climate and decarbonisation agenda, sustainable business practices, as well as the development of ESG reporting and governance standards among Member companies.
FMCG COMMITTEE
EUROBAK FMCG Committee focuses on counterfeit goods, royalties, excise duty, traceability and product labelling, Extended Producer Responsibility, electronic document flow, railway tariffs, transport and cargo transshipment issues, food safety regulation, online marketplace gaps, border procedures and National Product Catalog requirements.
HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE
EUROBAK Healthcare Committee focuses on price regulation and deregulation of medicinal products, digitalisation of healthcare, access to aggregated medical data for research, regulation of AI in clinical decision support and diagnostics, electronic instructions, real-world evidence studies, VAT benefits, protection against counterfeit medicines, and regulation of marketplaces and online platforms.
HR COMMITTEE
EUROBAK HR Committee focuses on Human-AI collaboration in HR, labour law updates, women empowerment best practices, and employee wellbeing and health from a medical perspective.
TAX COMMITTEE
EUROBAK Tax Committee focuses on tax monitoring and audits, desk tax control, transfer pricing, VAT refunds, tax notifications, tax stability rules, taxation of digital assets, payroll taxation, electronic document management, digital signatures, Unified Digital Business Cabinet, Integrated Tax Administration System, taxation of trusts in AIFC, and the application of the Multilateral Instrument, including recent court practice.
TECHNICAL REGULATION AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE
EUROBAK Technical Regulation and Conformity Assessment Committee focuses on key aspects of technical regulation, conformity assessment and cooperation with regulators, including draft amendments in food safety, labelling, feed safety, food additives, dairy products, chemical products, authorised manufacturer representatives, electronic passports for self-propelled machinery, National Product Catalog and product labelling through Data Matrix codes.
TRAVEL, HOSPITALITY
& MICE COMMITTEE
EUROBAK Travel, Hospitality & MICE Committee focuses on monitoring legislative changes, promoting Kazakhstan’s tourism potential, strengthening the country’s image as a tourist-friendly market, developing Almaty as a convention centre, and building practical cooperation with the Government through exchange of experience and industry expertise.
marketing
& Pr committee
EUROBAK Marketing & PR Committee is designed to bring together marketing, communications and public relations professionals to exchange best practices, strengthen corporate reputation, support responsible communications and discuss key trends shaping brand visibility, stakeholder engagement and business positioning in Kazakhstan.
The Committee is currently on hold as part of the Association’s ongoing review of committee priorities and Member needs.
committee on Infrastructure, Logistics and Property Development
EUROBAK Infrastructure, Logistics and Property Development Committee is designed to bring together companies working across infrastructure, transport, logistics, real estate and property development to discuss key market challenges, regulatory developments and opportunities for improving Kazakhstan’s investment and business environment.
The Committee is currently on hold as part of Association’s ongoing review of committee priorities and Member needs.
Committees Executive Teams
Executive teams are elected on annual or bi-annual basis by EUROBAK Members. Any fully paid-up Member company can nominate a candidate.
Voting procedure is similar to elections procedure of EUROBAK Board.
Executive Team Members elect Chairperson, Deputy of the Committee who have mandate to run the Committee. Members contribute to the agenda and action plan of each Committee and bring it to the attention of EUROBAK Secretariat that administrates the work of each Committee.
Digital Committee
Dinara Tanasheva
Chairperson
EY Partner, Head of Tax & Law Practice in Kazakhstan & Central Asia
Digital Committee
Andrei Yorsh
Executive Team Member
Partner at the Almaty office of Baker McKenzie
ESG committee
Marzhan Khalmurzayeva
Chairperson
ESG Manager, Sustainability and ESG Department Kazakh Pharmaceutical Company “Medservice Plus” LLP
ESG Committee
Yulia Lim
Co-Chairperson
Chief Sustainability Officer
Air Astana
ESG Committee
Alexandra Akkirman
Co-Chairperson
Senior Director, Government Relations, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Central Asia and Caucasus
Co-Chairperson
Senior Director, Government Relations, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Central Asia and Caucasus
FMCG Committee
Alexandr Mendybayev
Chairperson
Deputy General Director
METRO Cash&Carry LLP
FMCG Committee
Chingiz Kaskeyev
Deputy Chairperson
Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director
Efes Kazakhstan FE JCS
FMCG Committee
Nadezhda Labodovskaya
Deputy Chairperson
Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager, Eurasia Néstle Food Kazakhstan LLP
FMCG Committee
Arman Zhalmagambetov
Executive Team Member
Public Affairs Manager, Mars Central Eurasia Cluster
Mars Kazakhstan LLP
FMCG Committee
Alima Issembayeva
Executive Team Member
Director Corporate Affairs
KZ & CAS
Philip Morris Kazakhstan LLP
Healthcare Committee
Svetlana Ceban
Co-Chairperson
EY, Partner
Healthcare Committee
Nina Neboga
Co-Chairperson
TEVA, General counsel & GR Head Kazakhstan
HR Committee
Alexandra Pak
Chairperson
Haileybury Kazakhstan, HR Director
HR Committee
Yelena Lazareva
Co-Chairperson
IBCU, Managing Partner
Tax Committee
Lolita Zakirova
Co-Chairperson
Founder/CEO
Tax Committee
Doniyorbek Zulunov
Co-Chairperson
Partner of Tax and Law practice
EY Kazakhstan
Tax Committee
Assel Ilyassova
Executive Team Member
Partner GRATA International Law Firm
Technical Regulation and Conformity Assessment Committee
Bakhadir Akhmetjanov
Chairperson
Regional Director
EAS Strategies
Technical Regulation and Conformity Assessment Committee
Gaukhar Kenzhibayeva
Co-Chairperson
Sr. Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Mars Kazakhstan
Technical Regulation and Conformity Assessment Committee
Arsen Kambalov
Executive Team Member
Advocacy & Communications Specialist Central Asia
BASF Central Asia
Travel, Hospitality & MICE
Oxana Serebrennikova
Chairperson
International Travel Plus
Travel, Hospitality & MICE
Mehmet Birgen Kaya
Deputy Chairperson
General Director
InterContinental Hotel Almaty
Annual edition
2025-2026
Annual edition
2024-2025
CSR Special edition
2025-2026
Monthly Newsletter
Stay updated with EUROBAK monthly newsletter, featuring the GR report, events report, Members’ news, upcoming events, committee activities, and key business insights for our Members and partners.
Government Relations
activities Digest
EUROBAK GR Digest is issued quarterly and provides members with a concise overview of key government relations updates, regulatory developments, advocacy activities, and important policy discussions affecting the business community.
STRUCTURE
Secretariat
CEO
Julie
Kussidi
World Monitor Editor-in-Chief
Government relations
Manager
Manager
Olga
Xinopoulou
gr@eurobak.kz
Business Development Manager
Svetlana Nestyorkina
wmdevelop@eurobak.kz
Event
manager
manager
Daria
Shulgina
event@eurobak.kz
Pr
manager
manager
Tomiris Zhandosova
pr@eurobak.kz
Administrative/Member
Relations Manager
Relations Manager
Oxana
Zavyalova
eurobak@eurobak.kz
Event & Government Relations Assistant
Olga
Klimuk
manager@eurobak.kz
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