When international companies look for a gateway into the Central Asian market, they increasingly choose Almaty. The city leads a macro-region of more than 80 million people and a combined GDP approaching half a trillion dollars. This article lays out the four factors that explain why Almaty.
Geography: a key node of Eurasia
Almaty sits at the crossroads of transport corridors linking Europe, Russia, China, the Middle East and South Asia. Istanbul is 5 hours away by plane, Dubai 4, Seoul 6, Moscow 4, and Urumqi less than 2. Every country in Central Asia is reachable in under 90 minutes.
The city is also on the route of the New Silk Road. Modern rail connections to Khorgos on the Chinese border and the overland North–South corridor make moving goods between manufacturers and buyers exceptionally convenient — especially for heavy equipment and large shipments.
Economy: 19 million consumers
Kazakhstan is the region's largest economy. The country's GDP has surpassed $260 billion, the average salary in Almaty is above the regional norm, and the consumption profile is urban. On top of that comes a growing domestic market and steady investment inflows.
- Kazakhstan's population is around 19 million, of which 70% is urban.
- Almaty is the country's largest city with a population of over 2 million.
- Average GDP growth has been 4–5% per year over the past 5 years.
- The middle-class share is growing faster than the regional average.
- High internet penetration and a well-developed e-commerce sector.
Infrastructure: international standards
Almaty International Airport handles over 8 million passengers a year and is connected by direct flights to 60+ cities. International-chain business hotels (Hilton, Marriott, InterContinental, Rixos), modern conference centres and a well-developed restaurant and entertainment offer — all the elements that matter for international delegations.
Atakent IEC — the largest exhibition complex in Central Asia — is located in the city centre, 30 minutes from the airport. 19,000 m² of exhibition space, open-air areas, conference halls, parking for 1,500 vehicles and its own hotel infrastructure.
Business environment
Kazakhstan works systematically to improve the conditions for foreign business. A visa-free regime applies for more than 80 countries, opening a business takes days, and the tax burden is one of the lowest in the region.
- Visa-free entry for citizens of the EU, US, UK, UAE, Japan, Korea and other countries — up to 30 days.
- Standard corporate income tax rate of 20%, with incentives for priority sectors.
- Support for international payment systems Visa, Mastercard, Amex.
- English is the secondary business language in large companies.
- Legal protection of investment is guaranteed by agreements with 50+ countries.
What this means for exhibitors
For an international manufacturer or distributor, Almaty is "one ticket, five countries". Taking part in an exhibition here delivers direct access to buyers and partners not only in Kazakhstan but also in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and western China. Many regional distributors are headquartered specifically in Almaty.
For those entering the region for the first time, an exhibition is the fastest way to test demand, get to know the ecosystem and find partners. In three days you can hold dozens of meetings that would otherwise require months of business trips.
The Central Asia Trade Exhibitions team prepares exhibitors end to end: stand selection, B2B matchmaking, logistics, visas, interpreters and marketing support. Tell us about your product and we will recommend the right format.