Last updated March 3rd, 2019.

Businesses and investors alike are looking at Asian markets more than ever. It’s no secret that this dynamic region is growing faster than anywhere else on the planet.

Most people consider investing in the usual targets first: China, Thailand, Japan and the rest of Asia’s bigger economies.

Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with these countries. Yet they’re now flooded with foreign capital and aren’t exactly undiscovered.

Many of the “no-brainer” investment opportunities that once existed in those countries have come and gone. Let’s face it: you’re not exploring new investment frontiers if Goldman Sachs and Citibank have entered the market.

You’ll have better opportunities in places where everyone else isn’t already going. How about investing in Kazakhstan?

Why Should You Invest in Kazakhstan?

A nation of 18 million people, Kazakhstan is central Asia’s largest economy and previously was a member state of the USSR.

They’ve arguably become the region’s biggest success story since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. In fact, Kazakhstan boasts a GDP per capita which is almost on par with Russia’s.

But they certainly aren’t a bastion of liberty. President Nazarbayev has ruled over Kazakhstan’s one-party political system for nearly three decades.

Places like Singapore (and indeed Kazakhstan) are proof that lack of personal freedom doesn’t necessarily make somewhere bad to invest though. Look at the Heritage Foundation Economic Freedom Index and you’ll find barely any relation between democracies and free economies.

Vast oil reserves, pro-investment policies, and a strategic position on the map should lead to a bright future. Regardless, we think Kazakhstan’s location is their greatest asset.

That’s because Chinese-backed businesses alongside Kazakhstan’s government are financing billions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure in nearby countries. New railways, ports, roads, and other projects are popping up all over Asia.

Many of these projects are created through China’s New Silk Road, also known as the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative.

Beijing’s goal is creating a modern version of its historic Silk Road from centuries past. They’re creating better ways to move products and materials across Eurasia, from Mongolia to France.

The New Silk Road will provide obvious economic benefits. Yet China’s soft power will also rise since they’ll operate crucial infrastructure around the world. After all, you’re more likely to ally with people who own your railways and roads in the event of a major conflict.