The 2nd International Exhibition and Conference Oil & Gas Kazakhstan 2010 will be held at the Astana International Trade Center on April 20-22.

The 2nd Academic Tax Conference/Symposium is being organized by a KIMEP team led by Professor Tomas Balco, Chair of the AmCham Almaty and Astana Tax Working Groups.

After the tremendous success of their inaugural Summit last March, the American Conference Institute and C5 Group are pleased to introduce the 2nd Russia and CIS Summit on Anti-Corruption in Moscow March 11-12, 2010.

PricewaterhouseCoopers is pleased to invite you to celebrate Women's Day on March 6 at the Kazakhstan Hotel.

Mark the dates for the forthcoming 2010 Euroconvention Summit on Investing in Turkey's Regions, scheduled for 3 and 4 March at the Conrad Hotel Istanbul.

The Ernst & Young Academy of Business announces the launch of a new loyalty program for clients. Starting 1 March 2010 all clients participating in open training and preparatory programs will be issued a VIP card and will be enrolled into the bonus program in all the Academy of Business locations in the CIS: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Ekaterinburg, Almaty, Kyiv and Donetsk.

Eurasia Foundation (EF), a US-based public charitable organization promoting civil society development in the Eurasia region, together with the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA), is accepting applications for a joint position of EF Regional Vice President (RVP) for Central Asia, and President of EFCA.

Ernst & Young invites to participate in the supplementary report "Changes in remuneration as of February 2010", which is a part of Ernst & Young Compensation and Benefits Survey 2009/2010 in Kazakhstan.

Ernst & Young is pleased to invite you to a complimentary roundtable discussion to be held in Astana on 11 February 2010. At the workshop, Ernst & Young will cover essential tax and legal issues.

The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA) in cooperation with ExxonMobil Kazakhstan announces a competition among Kazakhstani journalists for the best story covering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) issues. Examples include labour rights, environmental sustainability, engagement of public interests into company policy, management of stakeholder rights (including investors, customers, clients, suppliers, communities), openess and transparency of company information, support of social projects and corporate philantropy, as well as other issues related to CSR.

Attached please find the Ernst & Young Legislative Alert special edition covering the most significant changes in the tax legislation of Kazakhstan.

Gautier Vasseur, a Partner with Pedersen & Partners, has until recently led operations in Central Asia.  For more than 15 years he lived and worked in Central and Eastern Europe.  He joined Pedersen & Partners in 2003, first working in the Prague office, then in Moscow and Almaty. 

Tennis.kz is pleased to invite you to participate in its 1st annual Tennis Tournament:

Co-organised by Euroconvention Conferences in association with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Russia & CIS Healthcare Investment and Finance Summit - the first flagship International event of its kind - will embrace a much broader topic area including hospital construction, medical equipment, technology, the pharma bio and nano sciences sectors and will highlight the plans for this fast-growing and potentially very lucrative Region.

The program of the conference is dedicated to opportunities for Canadians in rapidly expanding construction markets in Russia. A large international delegation, including representatives from Canada, Russian, Ukraine, Kazakhstan companies, chambers of commerce and building agencies are expected to attend.

Ernst & Young is pleased to invite you to a tax workshop to be held on 26 November, 2009 in Almaty. The workshop will cover practical application of the 2009 Tax Code and anticipated developments in tax legislation.

Ernst & Young is pleased to invite you to a roundtable discussion to be held in Atyrau on 1 December 2009. The company will present the results of a survey concerning compensation and benefits in Kazakhstan for 2009/2010 and will cover the essential tax issues.

The two-day workshop includes sessions focusing on defining emotional intelligence and helping participants learn how to be more effective in their self-awareness and relationships.

Euroconvention's Forum on Investing and Financing the Municipal & Regional Utilities Market (Air, Water and Waste Management) in CEE, SEE and the Caucasus will be held in Bucharest on October 28-29, 2009.

On 1 October, 2009 KPMG CIS announced the appointment of two new Kazakhstan audit partners: Asel Khairova and Alla Nigay.

The Turkish Investment Summit is Adam Smith Conferences’ latest addition to the series of our flagship country-focused events.

The 11th Annual Meeting of Oil and Gas Transportation in the CIS and Caspian Region will provide you with an opportunity to identify which oil and gas transportation projects will most likely be brought forward and how you can formulate your business strategy to incorporate those new priorities.

Ernst & Young invites to participate in a complimentary workshop on Ernst & Young’s HRM Metrics Survey 2009/2010 in Kazakhstan. The workshop will be held on 15 October from 15:00 to 16:15 at the Ernst & Young office (77/7 Al-Farabi Avenue).

U.S. Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Private-Public Sector Conference on Central Asia on October 7 in Washington D.C. Please refer to the attached file for a draft agenda.

ITIC and PricewaterhouseCoopers are pleased to invite you to the KIOGE 2009 Pre-Conference Roundtable.

Euroconvention's Forum on Infrastructure Investment & PPP Finance will be held in Tirana, on 30 September and 1 October 2009. It aims to shift its focus this year on the region of the Western Balkans. The Forum will emphasize such key issues as political and legal considerations for financing infrastructure PPP projects, encouraging the private sector's participation, challenges and solutions of PPP financing, while simultaneously focusing on IFI's contribution and presenting a comprehensive outlook on PPP future opportunities in the region.

Euroconvention's Forum on Infrastructure Investment & PPP Finance is scheduled to take place in Tirana, September 30th & October 1st, 2009 and aims to shift its focus on the region of the Western Balkans this year. The Forum will emphasize such key issues as political and legal considerations for financing infrastructure PPP projects, encouraging the private sector's participation, challenges and solutions of PPP financing, while simultaneously focusing on IFI's contribution and presenting a comprehensive outlook on PPP future opportunities in the region.

Polygon International is pleased to announce the availability of same day delivery of major worldwide newspapers, starting from September 2009 in Kazakhstan. Now you can enjoy your favorite newspaper from your home town on the date of publication, just as if you were at home! This is achieved through the advanced technology of NewspaperDirect’s global digital network. Virtually any newspaper can be reproduced in its original layout, right here in Kazakhstan, the moment it goes to press in its country of origin.

International Mentoring Conference will be held on September 28 in Luxembourg. The agenda of the event can be found in the attachment.

Following several years of rapid expansion, Kazakhstan might not grow at all in 2009. But what is the outlook for 2010 and beyond? Will the economy bounce back after one tough year, or remain sluggish for some time to come?

Given the challenges of today and new environment experienced by the oil and gas industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan during the financial crunch, the IV Eurasian Energy Forum 2009 in Astana will be an important stride towards further development of the oil and gas industry in Kazakhstan under the world financial crunch conditions.

The 2nd China-Russia-Central Asia Oil and Gas Forum will be held in Beijing on 23-24 September 2009.

Ernst & Young hosts workshop on HR audit and optimization of compensation system. Event will be held on 18 September in Astana and on 21 September in Almaty.

Gas Infrastructure World Caspian 2009 is the region's first strategic event to focus solely on Caspian gas, bringing together key decisions makers from Western Europe through to Turkmenistan, Iran and beyond.

For more details on new programs and the open training* schedule from September 2009 through December 2010, please visit: ey.com/cis/academy.

A 2-day international event for finance, investors, businessmen, SMEs and public sector representatives looking at infrastructure/green energy opportunities in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

ICCPLUS (International Coordinating Centre +) is seeking native English teachers (Part-time or Full-Time flexible hours).

The OSCE Centre in Astana in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and Communication of Kazakhstan and EU “International Logistics Centre/NODES Network in Central Asia” Project is holding the National Workshop on “Physical and non-physical barriers to trade. Problems and solutions. Ensuring transport security” on 11 August 2009 in Astana.

This issue gives a brief overview of the Law on “Implementation of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On taxes and other obligatory payments to the budget” (the Tax Code) regarding confirmation of registration as VAT payer.

This issue covers the most important amendments to currency legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which may affect residents or non-residents carrying out currency operations in Kazakhstan.

As of 17 July 2009 the Holiday Inn Hotel is glad to offer special SUMMER rates valid till 31 August 2009.

Booz Allen Hamilton (www.boozallen.com), a worldwide, U.S. - based consulting firm, seeks an accountant (or accountancy firm) who possesses the background required to fulfill financial support requirements for both local tax accounting and filings.

Ernst & Young invites to participate in 2009 Global Information Security Survey (GISS). In its 12th year, it is one of the longest running and most highly respected surveys of its kind, providing you an opportunity to compare your organization with others on important information security issues and gain insights for making key decisions.

A 2-day international event for finance, investors, businessmen, SMEs and public sector representatives looking at infrastructure opportunities in the Caucasus region.

AmCham is seeking a Program Officer for the Public-Private Economic Partnership Initiative (PPEPI).

Economist Conferences' 17th Business Roundtable with the Government of Turkey is your chance to join an exclusive debate on the country's business outlook and investment climate. You can explore the challenges and opportunities for your business at this unmissable event.

Development and investment opportunities for oil companies, financiers and investors.

For more details on new programs and the open training* schedule through December 2009, visit: ey.com/cis/academy.

The PPEPI Executive Exchanges Program supports international travel costs for citizens of Kazakhstan traveling from Kazakhstan to any international destination, preferably in North America or Europe, for a one-month period in 2009 to carry out a well-defined project of institutional benefit to both sending and host companies/organizations.

"Tennis.kz" is pleased to invite you to the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Tennis Sports Complex! The opening will take place on June 19th, 2009 at 11.00am at 191 Kablukova St. (south side of MegaCenter, cross-streets Rozybakyeva-Al Farabi).

Endorsed and supported by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UK Europe’s largest and most prestigious international forum on Kazakhstan will once again serve as a great networking platform for international investors, Kazakh corporates and key government officials during its 3 information-packed days, from 17th-19th June in London.

The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is leading a delegation consisting of 19 excellent Taiwan suppliers in various industries, such as machinery & equipment, hardware & tools, building materials, auto parts, electronic & electrical products, ICT, etc., to Kazakhstan.

Move One Relocations is seeking a Finance Assistant and Relocation Consultants.

The attached Tax and Legal alert summarizes some of the key developments in: Islamic Financing, Mineral Production Tax, Export Customs Duty, Transfer Pricing, System of Processing Tax Accounts (SPTA – “SONO”).

A 2-day umbrella-event for finance, investors, key-players and new entrants looking at the infrastructure and energy markets in the EMEEA Region.

5th Kazakhstan International Conference On 'New Techniques and Technologies for Oil and Gas Production Stimulation'.

The 1st Biannual International Exhibition for the Responsible Economic, Social and Environmental Development of Oil and Gas Resources in Kazakhstan will be held on 28-30 May 2009 at the World Trade Center Astana.

Ernst & Young invites to participate in the annual Ernst & Young 2009/2010 General Industry Compensation and Benefits Survey as well as in the industry surveys for Banking, Investment, Insurance, IT and Telecommunication, Oil & Gas, Extractive industry, FMCG, Hospitality/Tourism, Chemical & Pharmacy, Transport/Logistics.

The Energy Exchange is delighted to announce the 9th CIS Oil & Gas Summit which will be hosted by the Energy Exchange and TOTAL on 27-29 May 2009 in Paris.

Though some think a finance seminar might be about bookkeeping, such is not the case here. Instead, participants learn how to enhance and monitor the fiscal health of their business by using proven financial management methods.

Event Discovery Company is pleased to invite you to the 'Toyotsu 2009 Exhibition in Kazakhstan', which will be held on May 17-18 at the Bakshasaray Hall, Atakent.

The Almaty International Women’s Club and Diplomats Club are organizing a Spring Fair on May 16th, from 10:00 to 15:00, at the InterContinental Ankara Hotel's Tennis Courts.

KIHE 2009 Healthcare and Dentistry Exhibition will be open on May 13 at the Pavilion 11 of the Atakent Exhibition Centre.  The exhibition is organised by Iteca, a Kazakhstan exhibition company, together with international partners: ITE Group Plc (UK), GIMA (Germany), and EUF A.S. (Turkey).

PwC Training Academy is happy to invite you and your colleagues to open trainings in Almaty.

Centras Securities JSC is pleased to announce the start of investment activity in the Eurobond open-ended mutual fund.

The British Embassy in Astana, the United Nations Development Programme and the International Institute for Environment and Development are holding a one-day workshop to discuss key issues currently affecting Kazakhstan's oil and gas sector.

Kazakhstan's exhibition company Iteca and its partner, ITE Group Plc (UK), are pleased to inform that APEC 2009, Astana Petroleum Exhibition & Conference, will take place in Astana on 28 April 2009 at Rixos President Hotel.

The USAID’s Local and Rural Development Initiatives are searching for a Policy Advisor in Kazakhstan.

The Almaty Youth Jazz Band is pleased to invite you to the 8th International Jazz Festival that will take place from April 23-26 at the Dvoretz Shkolnikov.

Ernst & Young conducted the survey dedicated to the most significant changes in remuneration policies, fringe benefits, HR budgets and headcount as of February 2009. Please, see more detailed information in the attachment.

Eurasia Insurance Company would like to invite you to the 5th International Risk Management Conference to be held on 15-16 April 2009 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Attached please see the Ernst & Young April 2009 Legislative Alert dedicated to cover the most significant changes in the tax legislation of Kazakhstan.

Move One Relocations/AES Cargo announces an open position of Accountant/Finance coordinator.

Ernst & Young released the following reports as part of its General Industry Compensation and Benefits Survey 2008/2009 in Kazakhstan:
– Changes in the remuneration policies and fringe benefits as of February 2009
– Salary data for 376 job positions as of February 2009

KPMG is organizing a seminar on the new Tax Code on March 19 at the Holiday Inn Hotel (2D, Timiryazev St.).

This course covers the essentials of international taxation and presents a unique opportunity for tax practitioners to develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles of International Taxation.

The Kazakhstan Infrastructure Summit will take place on March 10-11, 2009 at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Astana.
This will be the major Infrastructure Summit for 2009 in CIS, attracting key Government officials and leading international private sector decision-makers in the area of concessions, PPP, project finance, construction, project management, legal, engineer and consultancies.

With Lufthansa the USA and Canada are as close as Europe now. Till the 14th of April, 2009, you can benefit from the special fares from Kazakhstan to 13 destinations in the North America.

Economist Conferences is holding the 11th Russia Business Roundtable on February 11th 2009 in Moscow. This high-level forum offers an exclusive opportunity for senior businesspeople to explore the key economic issues with their peers, and hear from business leaders and policy experts. The one-day event is designed to enable interactive, off-the-record sharing of ideas on the future of Russian business.

Ernst & Young is organizing a seminar on 'Deciphering the 2009 Tax Code' on February 5, at the InterContinental Almaty Hotel.

Attached is Ernst & Young January 2009 Legislative alert dedicated to cover the most significant changes in the tax legislation of Kazakhstan.

Ernst & Young Academy of Business continuously expands its range of intensive training in accordance with global trends and client needs. The economic downturn is no exception. In response to the new business conditions, the Academy’s specialists have developed a number of anti-crisis training programs. Their objective is to help participants work out plans of action and find relevant management tools to analyze business changes and facilitate correct decisions for the successful future of the company.

Come and enjoy a fabulous night celebrating the life and works of Scotland's National Poet, Robert Burns.

There will be delicious Scottish fare (including haggis), speeches and dancing and general merrymaking at the Intercontinental Hotel in Almaty.

PricewaterhouseCoopers is holding a Tax Management and Accounting Services seminar on Friday, December 12, 9:30 - 12:00, at the Hyattt Hotel Almaty-Astana Room.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Kazakhstan is pleased to invite you to a high-level overview of the newly approved Tax Code on December 9 followed by a more in-depth seminar, to answer technical questions, on December 10.

On December 3rd the American Chamber of Commerce had the pleasure of hosting its second Tax Seminar in as many months. KempHoogstad, a tax consultancy specializing in international taxation, shared its experience working with companies on a broad range of transactions. The company advises on European tax solutions and when and how to involve offshore companies. The program brought businesses, banks, law firms and embassies together for a half-day discussion on tax planning in emerging markets, with a particular emphasis on CIS countries.

The Atyrau Community League is kicking-off its Fund raising Campaign 2008-2009 with a Formal Fall Gala Dinner and Dance to be held on November 15th, 2008 (formally Black & White Dinner and Dance).

Hosted by FT Global Events, this exclusive one-day conference will feature expert speakers and key decision makers who will focus on the core themes arising in the Emerging Markets, examine where the best investment opportunities lie and assess the challenges, risks and immense rewards on offer to investors in this market.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Kazakhstan is pleased to invite you to its first Transfer Pricing seminar to discuss and analyse the key issues related to Transfer Pricing requirements in Kazakhstan.

Global Education is holding Executive Training Series on November 10-14, at the Eurasia Grand Hotel.

This training is a part of Executive Training Series which is designed to equip business owners, top directors and managers to enhance their companies for greater effectiveness in the market place.

Fircroft Engineering Services is pleased to announce the following vacancies:

Dear AmCham Members,

Many thanks for your generous support of the Almaty Little League Baseball program this summer through AmCham funding. 

The U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan is seeking an individual for the position of AGRICULTURAL SPECIALIST in the Foreign Agricultural Service Office.

The International Academy of Business is holding a seminar on Adizes methodology on November 22-23.

Prime Solution Executive Search & Recruitment is pleased to announce new vacancies for the following positions:

KPMG, the global network of professional service firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services, announced that member firm combined revenues increased to US$22.69 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, versus US$19.81 billion for the prior fiscal year, reflecting double-digit growth across all of KPMG’s service lines.

Almaty International Women’s Club in cooperation with the Diplomats Club of Kazakhstan invites you to the 12th Annual Charity Bazaar on Sunday, November 23 from 11-16 at Miras International School.  

Global Recruitment, Executive Search Division of Scot Holland Estates, is pleased to announce the following vacancies:

Career-Holdings Personnel Recruitment Center has launched a newly designed website www.career-holdings.kz. The e-mail address has also been changed to: all@career-holdings

PricewaterhouseCoopers is pleased to introduce its newly established PwC Kazakhstan Training Academy.

On 9 December 2008, an independent jury panel announced the finalists in the 2008 Ernst & Young  Entrepreneur Of The Year Kazakhstan award. This award is a part of the Ernst & Young international Entrepreneur Of The Year® award program, which is designed to recognize and honor the outstanding achievements of entrepreneurs in developing local and global economies.

Guenter Dahm is appointed as the new Country Manager of Microsoft Kazakhstan.

Ernst & Young Kazakhstan has published the final report on the 2008/2009 General Industry Compensation and Benefits Survey, as well as reports of the following industries:

Please find attached Ernst & Young February 2009 Legislative alert dedicated to cover the most significant changes in the tax legislation of Kazakhstan.

ANCOR Central Asia is pleased to announce the following vacancies:

The U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) seeks a Business Development Manager to join its Global Operations & Program Support Services (GOPSS) team.

IDC office in Almaty is seeking a Research Analyst (IT Markets).

KPMG firms were named ‘Best Islamic Assurance and Advisory Services Provider’ on February 24 for the second year in a row at the 2009 Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards ceremony in London, UK.

Human Resource Services practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers is pleased to announce reports, which will help organizations to ACT EFFICIENTLY through the downturn! 

Ernst & Young’s Academy of Business offers a new open training* schedule in Almaty and Astana.

Human Resources Services Practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers Kazakhstan is glad to invite you to participate in the 'Financial Sector in Time of Downturn' Survey.

On April 22nd, AmCham welcomed Hans Holzhacker, Chief Economist at ATF Bank, a member of the Unicredit Group, to a Business Roundtable Luncheon at the Hyatt Hotel. The speaker's topic was “BTA and After: Fallout, Risks, Chances, Hopes”. A complete presentation on the topic can be found in the attached file.

Ernst & Young together with Corporate Governance and Professional Ethics Center launches the 1st Kazakhstan corporate governance survey. This survey is designed to raise awareness of corporate governance among Kazakhstan market players.

Continuing its tradition of keeping people updated on legislative changes, KPMG offers you a short review of some of the most important recent amendments and additions to Kazakhstan legislation.

Deloitte announces the following open position:

METRO Cash & Carry opened its first store in Kazakhstan, which became the 30’s country where the international self-service wholesaler operates its stores.

Ernst & Young released the new Compensation and Benefits Survey 2009/2010 in Kazakhstan. As the part of the Survey the following reports were issued: General Industry Survey, Banking and Investments companies, Information Technologies and Telecommunication, Oil & Gas and Energy, Mining Industry, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Transport and Logistics, Real Estate and Construction.

Kazanada is seeking an individual for the position of Financial Analyst.

ICCPLUS (International Coordinating Centre +) has a vacancy for a Director of Studies ALMATY.

BRIC economies well ahead of the global average and coming from a higher starting point; challenge of East versus West appears exacerbated.

The attached Tax and Legal alert includes the following:

Former U.S. Embassy driver 5 years in Almaty and Astana, has worked for other embassies and diplomatic families long-term and for AmCham on an interim basis.

Andrew Crawford, experienced business executive who has lived and worked in Kazakhstan, Brazil, UK, Portugal, Egypt and Bahrain.

Alexander Yerofeyev has been appointed as Ernst & Young’s CIS Restructuring Services Leader and a member of the EMEIA Restructuring Services Management Group (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa).

According to Vyacheslav Zharavin, Director of Transactions and Restructuring of KPMG Kazakhstan and CIS, under the conditions of crisis, the Kazakhstani companies and Kazakhstani economy in general should not rely on handling the short-term problems but look for new opportunities in developing the company’s controls and managing thereof.  In this particular case, companies will be able to profit from crisis.

The Ernst & Young Academy of Business announces the launch of a new loyalty program for clients. Starting 1 March 2010 all clients participating in open training and preparatory programs will be issued a VIP card and will be enrolled into the bonus program in all the Academy of Business locations in the CIS: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Ekaterinburg, Almaty, Kyiv and Donetsk.