OREANDA-NEWS. On 27 March 2008 was announced, that the new stage of the project of business development started in Astana. The US Ambassador to Kazakhstan John Ordway informed at the press conference.

The center of business development in Astana was opened in September, 2005 by USAID with sponsor's support of Exxon Mobil fund. USAID has given \\$300 thousand and Exxon Mobil - \\$921 thousand to finance the center.

According to the center, from the beginning of the project about 4 500 businessmen, about 75 % of them are woman, have successfully participated in business-trainings. The center has provided business-consultation services for more than 130 companies working in small and medium business sector, including 51 enterprises, proprietors or the chairmen of which are women.

"This project is financed within the initiative of Exxon Mobil fund for training of women and girls," the General Manager of Exxon Mobil Corporation Kazakhstan Inc. Steve Rose explained.

From the beginning of the work of the center, USAID has carried out management of its activity. The International Professional Academy Turan-Profi and Federation of Development of Small and Medium Enterprises of Kazakhstan have been the local training partners.