Ring the Bell for SMEs ceremony was held at KASE

The ceremony included a discussion "Does Impact Investing work in Kazakhstan: a look through the lens of SMEs", where experts shared their experiences and visions.

Chairman of the KASE’s Management Board Adil Mukhamejanov delivered a welcoming speech. He emphasized the key role of SMEs in the country's economy and noted the sector's enormous potential - not only for developing of profitable businesses but also for implementing the social, environmental and economic initiatives. He stated that KASE is ready to serve not only as a trading platform but also as a platform for dialogue between the government, investors and businesses to promote sustainable development.

Zhanar Ibrasheva, Deputy Chairperson of the Management Board of Industrial Development Fund JSC, added that the Fund is ready to support bond issues from the SME sector.

Natalya Lim, Partner at Strategy& and Leader of PwC's Advisory Practice in Eurasia, noted the KASE's important role in advancing the ESG agenda and creating the sustainable financing instruments. She stated that PwC's recommendations for issue of ESG bonds will simplify the process and bring it closer to the international standards, thereby stimulating investment in the real sector.

Albert Ni, General Director of Schoolbus LLP, noted that the company's listing on KASE with the first bond issue worth one billion tenge in 2025 was a breakthrough for it. Thanks to the two bond issues, Schoolbus was able to launch new initiatives in the field of school transportation.

The event served as a platform for an open exchange of ideas and practical experiences, discussing the key challenges and prospects for SME development as well as the stock market’s role in supporting the sustainable growth. The ceremony was held as part of the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UN SSE) global initiative, of which KASE has been a member since 2015.