Showcasing Kazakhstan's Diverse Strengths: A Display of Silk and Solar Power
Unleashing Kazakhstan's Craftsmanship: The Ulttyq Ónim Expo
Step into the vibrant heart of Astana, Kazakhstan, as it buzzes with energy and Homegrown Pride during the eighth annual Ulttyq Ónim (National Product) 2025 exposition, taking place from May 16-18! Over 350 Kazakh companies, hailing from every corner of the nation, gather here to flaunt their locally crafted treasures—from machinery and food to clothing and jewelry—and inspire a newfound appreciation for domestic production.
The expo isn't just a showcase; it's a bustling hub where business leaders, government agencies, international financiers, and consumers gather to trade ideas and forge connections. Its ultimate mission? To ignite a spark of patriotism for Kazakh-made goods and drive the nation toward sustainable economic growth.
Kicking off the event is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin. The occasion is an opportune moment for Zhumangarin to spotlight the ceaseless evolution of local entrepreneurship and its striking impact. With their impressive growth, Kazakh producers are gleaming on the domestic landscape, breaking into export markets, and carving their names into the annals of international success. The Government's steadfast support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) shows no signs of dwindling, and promises to foster an environment that encourages innovation, job creation, and investment in key sectors like IT, logistics, tourism, food production, construction materials, mechanical engineering, light industry, and the chemical sector.
The event's economic impact extends far beyond its walls. In 2024, the Ministry of National Economy and Baiterek Holding pooled their significant resources, allocating a staggering 336 billion tenge (US$659.3 million) to fuel entrepreneurship. This generosity lent a helping hand to nearly 29,500 projects, with loans totaling an eye-popping 1.7 trillion tenge (US$3.34 billion) distributed, and a reinforcing 2,700 projects benefiting from lower interest rates.
Baiterek Holding's chairman, Rustam Karagoishin, asserts that fostering domestic production is a strategic priority for bolstering the nation's economy. He views Kazakh businesses as the foundation for growth andenders of innovation and employment.
The weekend-long event is more than just an exhibition – it's a celebration of Kazakh entrepreneurship. Alongside the vibrant exhibit halls, several panel discussions delve into the brave new world of entrepreneurship and banking, providing a forum for industry leaders to share their valuable insights. Farhat Sarsekeyev, chairman of the Damu Fund, sheds light on the event's role as a bustling Commons, where essential stakeholders gather and network. Over the years, the Damu Fund has supported more than 225,300 projects, with a total of 14.1 trillion tenge (US$27.7 billion) in loans issued, resulting in the creation of over 220,000 jobs and the preservation of over 1.2 million jobs.
The expo also underscores the essential role banks play in empowering SMEs. Elena Bakhmutova, chairwoman of the Council of the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan, emphasizes that banks have always been reliable allies to the business community and will continue to be so. During 2023 alone, the banking sector disbursed a remarkable 18.9 trillion tenge (US$37 billion) in new business loans, registering an impressive 18.5% increase compared to the previous year. Large businesses received a considerable 8 trillion tenge (US$15.7 billion) in loans, with SMEs accounting for a substantial 15% and medium-sized businesses recording a 18% growth in lending.
Visitors to the expo are invited to immerse themselves in a smorgasbord of Made in Kazakhstan products. From household and industrial machinery and medical devices to solar panels and water purifiers, the range is breathtaking. The food section features an array of delectable local delicacies, including meat, dairy, flour, honey, and traditional treats. Also on showcase are construction materials, paints, antiseptics, detergents, clothing and accessories, home textiles, handcrafted interior items, packaging solutions, and more!
Join the Ulttyq Ónim community for an unforgettable weekend of discovery, learning, and fellowship. Whether you're a local entrepreneur yearning to network, a curious consumer eager to sample new Kazakh products, or an intrigued onlooker seeking inspiration, there's something for everyone at Astana's most anticipated event!
- The Ulttyq Ónim expo serves as a bustling hub for business leaders, government agencies, and international financiers, not just showcasing Kazakh-made products, but also forging connections and encouraging collaboration in sectors such as finance, IT, logistics, tourism, food production, construction materials, mechanical engineering, light industry, and the chemical sector.
- Alongside the various exhibit halls, panel discussions during the Ulttyq Ónim event focus on topics related to entrepreneurship and banking, highlighting the essential role banks play in empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and fostering innovation, job creation, and investment in key sectors like business, IT, and more.
