Almaty B2B Hub Connects ASEAN Investors, Kazakhstan Tech
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Almaty B2B Hub bridges ASEAN and Central Asian companies for IT, AI, logistics & green energy investments. Explore projects & support.
The new Almaty B2B Hub connects ASEAN investors with Kazakhstan's tech sector, serving as a permanent bridge for foreign direct investment. Announced on 24 February 2026, following a meeting between Kazakhstan Chamber of International Commerce (KAZCIC) and Almaty Invest officials, the initiative targets high-growth industries including AI, logistics, and green energy. The Hub aims to streamline partnerships, boost trade, and solidify Almaty's position as a leading digital center in Central Asia.
What is the Almaty B2B Hub and how does it benefit ASEAN investors?
The Almaty B2B Hub is a strategic initiative designed to deepen economic ties between Kazakhstan and Southeast Asia. Its primary goal is to significantly increase foreign direct investment (FDI) from ASEAN nations by connecting investors directly with pre-vetted projects in Kazakhstan's technology, AI, logistics, and green energy sectors.
With ASEAN-Kazakhstan trade at USD 2.74 billion in 2024 but ASEAN FDI at only USD 711.8 million, the Hub provides a formal channel to close this gap. It specifically targets Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) - which constitute 97-99% of ASEAN businesses and 44.8% of the region's GDP - by offering streamlined market entry into Central Asia.
What the Almaty B2B Hub promises
The Almaty B2B Hub is a dedicated platform offering ASEAN investors streamlined access to Kazakhstan's high-growth sectors. It provides curated deal flow, expert-led webinars, physical site visits, and comprehensive support for market entry, aiming to significantly reduce investment barriers and connect businesses with verified local opportunities.
- Monthly Themed Webinars: Launching in March 2026, with an initial focus on Thai ICT firms.
- Quarterly Investor Delegations: A pilot visit for Vietnamese and Thai investors is scheduled for March-April 2026.
- Curated Deal Flow: Access to 1,319 verified projects valued at USD 165 billion via the National Digital Investment Platform, with numerous opportunities in AI, smart-city software, data centers, and renewable energy.
- Comprehensive Soft-Landing Support: Almaty Invest's one-stop shop will assist with legal registration, visa processing, and securing office space.
"The hub is not another conference - it is a rolling marketplace where an Indonesian data-analytics start-up can meet an Almaty fintech looking for predictive-AML modules, or a Thai solar-panel producer can find local EPC partners," Amirov told the chamber gathering.
Tech projects already on the table
The Hub offers immediate access to a pipeline of high-value projects. Notable opportunities available in the Almaty region for 2026-2027 include:
| Sector | Sample 2026-27 opportunities (Almaty region) | Indicative size |
|---|---|---|
| AI software | GITEX AI Central Asia anchor tenant programme, 4-5 May 2026 | USD 50 million fund |
| Data Centres | Tier-III facility in Alatau Smart City, powered by 120 MW wind | USD 300 million |
| Logistics | Airport domestic-terminal expansion + perishables hub | USD 220 million |
| Green energy | 500 MW rooftop solar for commercial buildings | USD 380 million |
This initiative aligns with Kazakhstan's national Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence. Further expanding its reach, KAZCIC recently facilitated a Memorandum between Astana Hub and the SEE UP accelerator, creating a new channel to bring Central European startups into the Almaty investment ecosystem.
Why Almaty?
- Proven Tech Hub: Generates 40% of Kazakhstan's total IT revenue.
- Vibrant Startup Ecosystem: Attracted over USD 19 million in startup investment in 2025, with a 2026 goal of USD 100 million for 300 new projects.
- Favorable Tax Incentives: Offers a reduced 15% corporate income tax rate for businesses in qualified tech parks (standard VAT is 12%).
To address investor concerns about currency controls, Almaty Invest is integrating approved Hub projects with the National Bank's 2026 investment-protection facility. This mechanism guarantees the repatriation of principal and declared dividends within a 45-day timeframe, significantly de-risking investments.
Calendar investors are watching
- 4-5 May 2026 - GITEX AI Central Asia & Caucasus, IEC Atakent
- 29 June 2026 - Vinitaly Kazakhstan Roadshow, Rixos Almaty
- Q3 2026 - First blended Thai-Vietnamese delegation visit (exact dates to be published)
Pre-registration for the inaugural online B2B session in March is now open through KAZCIC's ASEAN office. Companies that submit an executive summary by 10 March 2026 will receive priority matching with potential Almaty partners. Participation is free via the chamber's English-language portal.
For foreign tech firms, the entry ticket is no longer a three-day conference badge - it is a profile in the Almaty B2B Hub CRM that keeps generating matches long after the Zoom room closes.
The Almaty B2B Hub is a critical component of Kazakhstan's wider strategy to attract USD 25.5 billion in foreign investment out of a total USD 62.7 billion envelope for 2026. While the energy and mining sectors remain dominant, the government's Concept 2030 prioritizes high-value industries. The Hub is positioned to be the primary engine for converting national targets for AI, cloud services, and green technology into tangible, signed investment agreements.