Although Astana is the capital of this Central Asian state, Almaty to the south is the business center.
(TIME) -- Bridging Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan has a complex cultural identity, which blends Mongol, Russian and Turkish influences.
The country has an almost equal percentage of Kazakh and ethnic Russian citizens, though more than 100 ethnic groups are represented here. Most people speak either Russian or Kazakh, or both.
English is not widely spoken and translators are usually a must. Be sensitive to the fact that local culture combines Islamic and specific Kazakh traditions, with Russian Orthodox and Western influences.
Business cards, written in both Russian and English, are widely used and associates should be addressed by their first and patronymic names, as in Russia.
Local business contacts may be able to introduce you to the relevant decision-making officials. The pace of business can be slow and it may take more than one visit to successfully conclude a deal.
Kazakhs are warm and hospitable people, who enjoy getting to know their business counterparts socially.
Typically, foreign delegates might be invited to drink tea at an associate's home, visit a communal sauna or attend a formal dinner in a restaurant.
Kazakh society is intensely hierarchical and seating arrangements at business dinners will be dictated by rank.
Vodka and cognac are drunk at social occasions and frequent toasts are customary. Kazakh negotiators are tenacious arguers and discussions may become extremely animated.
Do not openly contradict senior counterparts, as this would be considered disrespectful.
Once trust has been established, key decisions are often made informally and a handshake can carry greater weight than a written contract.
