On February 10, AlmaU hosted the French Consul General in Almaty, Mr. Maxime Gerenge, on an official visit. He took office on September 1, 2025, and has been a professional diplomat in the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs since 2012.
The meeting also included Agnès Bousset, Director of the Sorbonne-Kazakhstan Institute.
AlmaU was represented by university leadership and the International Cooperation team: Timur Buldybaev, First Vice-Rector; Sholpan Tazabek, Vice-Rector for Global Partnership; Asel Aryn, Vice-Rector for Academic Development; Azamat Auezhanuly, Dean of the School of Management and Tourism; Kamran Guseinov, Director of the Institute of International Relations; Zarina Dauletkan, Director of the Institute of Urban Studies.
AlmaU has been collaborating with France for over 10 years, building strong partnerships with leading universities and business schools, including IESEG School of Management, EMLV, emlyon business school, Excelia, Y Schools, Burgundy School of Business, and Université Gustave Eiffel. Each year, AlmaU hosts around 15 French students and sends about 30 of its own students to study in France, reflecting active student exchange and joint practical projects.
During the meeting, the parties discussed current cooperation and identified priorities for further strengthening the partnership. Special attention was given to the creation of a new double-degree Master’s program in Economics and Management in collaboration with the University of Paris.
The guests also expressed interest in AlmaU’s initiatives in sustainable development and regional support, including the projects “ULY BALQASH SHAQYRADY!” and “SYR QORGANY – SEKSEÝIL”. These projects highlight the university’s contribution to the ESG/SDG agenda and practical solutions for Kazakhstan.
The meeting also covered prospects for systematic cooperation with the French Consulate, including support for joint academic initiatives, expanding contacts with French universities, and collaboration with the business community. On February 26, a business breakfast with French companies, supported by the France – Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce, will take place at AlmaU, marking a new step in connecting education and industry.
The meeting also highlighted the practical value of academic mobility programs, with Louis, an exchange student from France studying at AlmaU through the IÉSEG partnership, participating in the meeting.
The visit of the French Consul General confirmed France’s strong interest in strengthening academic and business ties with AlmaU.