Over the past 25 years since gaining independence, Central Asian countries have witnessed rapid development and economic growth. However, the slump of commodity prices and recession in Russia are forcing the region to look for new models of growth. Forging new partnerships and cross – border cooperation, exploring new markets, creating transparent and fair terms for businesses and investors, widening the role for private sector are the key issues currently debated by the policy makers, businesses and investors across the Central Asian Region. The forthcoming reforms will shape up prospects for meeting massive investment needs and turning them into big opportunities.

To improve efficiency many national mining enterprises need to modernise and invest in infrastructure, production, R&D, exploration, training. This requires huge capital expenditures. The pressure is growing for more open and urgent collaboration between the Governments, Miners and Investors to balance their interests in order to successfully compete for capital, technologies and trade.

It is hard to overemphasise the importance of Central Asia as the new frontier for international investment and business development. China’s plans to create a “New Silk Road” have the potential to transform Central Asian economies, expand the Region’s infrastructure and connect with new markets. The creation of the Eurasian Economic Union and lifting international sanctions against Iran are opening new trade routes.

We are delighted that Forum spearheaded these important changes by providing truly global platform for presentation of mining policy developments, new investment projects, emerging international ventures and business knowledge exchange.

We are grateful to the Ministry of Investment and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the UK Trade and Investment Authority, Business Sweden and GIZ for endorsing and supporting the Forum.

We are also very grateful to the following sponsors and partners for continuing to support the Forum despite the austerity times.

Gold sponsors: SRK Consulting and Polymetal International plc

Silver sponsors; IMC Montan; DMT, Wardell Armstrong International

Bronze sponsor: Fugro

We also thank the Forum partners: Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises (AGMP); Autonomous Cluster Fund “Park of Innovative Technologies”; British Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan; Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA); Halyk Finance and McKinsey & Company.

We hope that the Forum contributed to the development of dynamic relationship between government & private sector to make Central Asia a favourable pro-business destination.

Delegates will be able to access post-event report and presentation materials on 10 May 2016

With best wishes

MINEX Central Asia 2016 Organising Committee