15th- 24th April, 2010
The Duke of York visits Central Asia and Ukraine
The Duke of York visited Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine in his role as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.
His Royal Highness’s visit to The Republic of Turkmenistan built on his previous visits in October 2008 and July 2009. The Duke of York met with The President, The Deputy Prime Ministers and business leaders to better understand how UK companies can help the country harness it significant gas reserves. His Royal Highness also discussed with the Government how to build on the good bilateral relations between our countries.
In Kazakhstan, The Duke of York met with The President and The Prime Minister. He also called on The Chairman of the National Bank and The Chairman of Samruk-Kazyna (the state holding company) to discuss Kazakhstan’s recovery from the financial crisis and the opportunities for UK companies to enter the market and help diversify its economy. He also called on the Akims (mayors) of Almaty (the business capital), and Atyrau (a prosperous region near the Caspian).
Finally in Kazakhstan, His Royal Highness visited Kashagan, the off-shore oil refinery which has benefitted from major investment from Shell as well as service contracts worth roughly $3bn to British companies (such as Lloyds Register, Rolls-Royce Power Engineering and Invensys).
In Ukraine, The Duke of York met with the new Government following their election victory in February 2010. He heard of the wide range of business opportunities for UK companies in Ukraine, including possible partnerships with the National Oil Company, providing technology in support of the agriculture sector and providing IT support services on behalf of UK banks.
