On July 8, 2004, a conference entitled «Raising capital on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) — new opportunities for developing companies» was held in the Hyatt Regency hotel, Almaty.

The event was organized by the London Stock Exchange with the support of GRATA Law Firm and Deloitte & Touche. The conference attracted the attention of both Kazakh executives and representatives of foreign companies. Participants included leading commercial banks and Kazakh national companies (National Bank of Kazkahstan, KazMunaiGas, KasTransOil), brokers and investment banks (Kazakhstan Development Bank, Deutsche Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation) and several leading consultancy and law firms. In total, eighty companies were represented.

The conference was held under the chairmanship of Aidar Sarymsakov, Managing Partner of GRATA Law Firm. Speakers included: John Edwards, Senior manager EMEA, International Business Development, London Stock Exchange (LSE), UK; Robin Binks, Partner, Deloitte, UK; Ewan Leggat, corporate finance manager, Seymour Pierce Limited, UK; Elena Kirilovskaya, Head of legal and compliance, ABN AMRO Bank Kazakhstan; Geoffrey Picton-Turbeville, Partner, Ashurst, London, UK; Rashid Gaissin, Senior Lawyer at GRATA Law Firm.

The agenda was focused on getting the heads of Kazakh companies acquainted with the opportunities and advantages of raising finances on the international capital markets. Presentations covered registration procedures and regulation of companies at the LSE and highlighted certain aspects of Kazakh legislation connected to those issues. The event also provided a splendid opportunity to communicate with the key participants in the AIM listing process.

The level of interest in the conference demonstrates the steady development of the economy of Kazakhstan, its competitive strength and its appeal for international capital.