Economy
Almaty generates approximately 20 per cent of Kazakhstan's GDP(or $36 billion in 2010); Almaty is a key financial centre in Central Asia and is considered to be a Gamma Global City
One of the largest industries in Almaty is finance, and its financial exports make it a large contributor to the Kazakhstan's balance of payments. Almaty is home to the BTA Bank, which is the largest bank in Central Asia, Kaz Kom Bank and other major banks. The Kazakhstan Stock Exchange is based in Almaty.
Almaty is also developing as the regional financial and business centre – RFCA..
Currently under construction is 'Almaty Financial District and Esentai Park'. This was designed by T.J. Gottesdiener, who designed 7 World Trade Center in New York City, Time Warner Center in New York City and Tokyo Midtown. Its publicised aim is to become the largest business centre in Central Asia. Esentai Tower, a building in the park, is the tallest mixed-use building in Kazakhstan.
Along with professional services, media companies are concentrated in Almaty as well. The media distribution industry has been growing rapidly since 2006. Major broadcasting channels KTK and NTK are based in Almaty, as are several national newspapers.
There are plans to construct a Western Europe-Western China highway, passing through Almaty. A new port in Almaty expects to handle about 45 million tonnes of cargo each year.
Air Astana is headquartered in the Air Astana Centre 1 in Almaty. Prior to their dissolution, Air Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan Airlines were also headquartered in Almaty.
Read more about this topic: Almaty
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