As an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations and at the initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan, the Embassy of Kazakhstan met with the director and founder of the Gambling Consulting Authority, Head of the Georgian Gambling Association Mr. George Mamulaishvili and his team. One of the main topic was the strengthening of co-operation between Georgia and Kazakhstan in the development of the gambling sector. Main focus of the meeting was the possibility of improving the legislative framework, improving the systems of administration taking into account the long-term best practices of Georgia in the gambling sector and help to attract investors, in connection with the opening of new gambling zones in Kazakhstan, as well as the need to create favourable working conditions for the gambling business, including taxation.

During the meeting, representatives of Kazakhstan presented a presentation prepared by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan describing the current state of the gambling business in Kazakhstan, the regulatory framework, potential opportunities for investment and business development in new gambling zones. The Embassy of Kazakhstan expressed its keen interest in developing cooperation with Georgia in this sector by implementing projects and attracting investment in the gambling sector, which would be mutually beneficial. The representatives of Kazakhstan emphasised the attractiveness of Kazakhstan as an investment destination, including its abundant resources, territorial location and logistical routes, the opening of new zones and changes in legislation, the country's favourable investment climate and sustainable economic growth, as well as cultural peculiarities.

George Mamulaishvili, in turn, spoke in more detail about how the gambling business works in Georgia, what recent changes have been adopted in the Georgian legislation and how they will affect the development of the business, gave examples of best and unsuccessful solutions in the sphere of state regulation of the gambling business. He also highlighted the benefits of gambling development for the country's economy, the need to effectively combat the grey and black markets in this industry, and to develop and strengthen the principles of responsible gambling using strategies and methods that have already been tested in practice.

The Kazakh delegation expressed interest in engaging with Georgian investors in a more in-depth dialogue on possible cooperation, as well as the study and possible implementation of best practices to improve its own regulatory framework and administration, and further cooperation in the development of the gaming sector in Kazakhstan and the improvement of the regulatory framework and administrative processes.

Embassy representatives were also invited to the Central Asian Gaming and Betting Summit, hosted by the GCA in Aktau on 17-18 October this year. The benefits of such an event were noted by both sides, and it is also in line with Kazakhstan's wider strategy to attract foreign investment and develop the tourism and sports sectors.

With the gaming industry growing rapidly around the world, cooperation in this area and the involvement of international experts will lead to economic growth and benefits for both countries.