Although Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world, whenever we come to the country we tend to land in just one of two places: Astana (the capital) or Almaty (the former capital). We hear a lot about the oil-rich west, but few of us go there to explore business opportunities – a big mistake in my view. From what I’ve seen, I would claim that Aktau – in the western Mangystau region - is a gateway to Kazakhstan. Ato Brown, World Bank Country Manager for Kazakhstan, points out the strategic location of the Mangistau region on a map.I have visited this ‘oil capital’ twice this year and I have gained an understanding of the issues and opportunities is this developing region - named after the Mangystau peninsula. The potential is impressive – it has all the ingredients to become a transport and logistical hub for Eurasia, along the New Silk Road. In fact, transport traffic through Aktau is currently gaining prominence as an alternative route... — blog.wb.org/blogs