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With the end of the U.S. Space Shuttle program, the interest in private sector space travel and related businesses continues to rise. Ripe for an influx of space age investment is the central Asian country of Kazakhstan. One place that is ready to fill the void is Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the home of the Cosmodrome. Originally built in 1955 as one of two Russian space launch complexes, it continues to be a major satellite and shuttle launching site.
Among the advantages of the Baikonur Cosmodrome is a climate the produces a large number of clear launch days and its distance from major population centers. Already in place are broadcast and satellite communications, ground control space communications and scientific and technical infrastructure. Whether the investor is looking to develop a new space shuttle service or a business that supports the burgeoning aerospace industry Kazakhstan has a lot to offer.
The Kazakhstan Democracy encourages investment and offers a number of programs to guide potential businesses and investors through the process. Aerospace is one of several business sectors that the Kazakhstan government has given priority status. Other priority sectors include: pharmaceutical, tourism, mining and smelting, biotechnology and information systems. By investing or starting a new business in one of the priority sectors, the Kazakhstan government offers some industry-specific incentives.
In addition, the government offers special incentives for investors who develop opportunities in specific Kazakhstan economic zones. Some of those incentives include: exemption from corporate tax and ground tax and an application of a customs-free policy.
