Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital city since 1997, has grown exponentially over the past 18 years and is now central to the country’s future plans, a position emboldened by its hosting of global events such as Expo 2017. Jacopo Dettoni pays a visit.

Chinese company Huawei is expanding exponentially, shipping millions of smartphones annually. But, says Karen E Thuermer, the telecommunications supplier is keen to keep it local when it comes to establishing a presence in new markets.

South Korea is a relatively small Asian country that packs a huge economic punch. Its strong background in hi-tech products and innovation has provided the country with a firm foundation over the past 60 years, as has its strength in exports, but it is increasingly looking to FDI to maintain its impressive growth story.

When Astana was made the capital city of Kazakhstan, few would have imagined that the small, windswept town would become a major central Asian economic hub hosting events such as Expo 2017. However, can it maintain this pace of development? Jacopo Dettoni investigates.

Nurali Aliyev, the deputy mayor of Astana, is confident that the city's aspirations to become a major investment hub within central Asia and beyond will be delivered upon. He talks to Courtney Fingar.