Entrepreneurship is essential in contributing to economic growth, job creation, technological advances, etc. in all countries, including Kazakhstan. Hence, the purpose of this study was to find out how to further facilitate the development of (foreign) entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan. In doing so, the authors attempted to identify factors influencing entrepreneurial intention (EI), specifically among the foreigners in Kazakhstan, and highlight the role of government support (GS) in general and under COVID-19. The study conceptualized the extended “TPB + Moderator (GS)” model. The hypotheses were tested on a sample of 362 new and established foreign entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan by means of descriptive analysis, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The study found that the foreigners’ personal attitude (PA) toward entrepreneurship was the strongest factor motivating their EI, followed by their perceived behavioral control (PBC) as the second strongest factor. The role of GS strengthened each effect of PA and PBC on EI. The moderating effect of GS and PA is greater than that of GS and PBC; each of the moderating effects is lower in magnitude than each of the direct effects. Their subject norms (SNs) and the moderating effect of GS and SNs are both insignificant.

Background : Western Kazakhstan, endowed with natural resources, cultural heritage, tourism resorts, and geopolitical advantages, plays a critical role in Kazakhstan’s economic development. Entrepreneurship is considered one of the most important factors to facilitate economic growth and development. Purpose of the research : This study aims to explore the role of entrepreneurship with Chinese investment in oil and gas sector in boosting the regional economy of western Kazakhstan, hence further benefiting the national economy. Methodology : This study employs qualitive secondary analysis method that uses existing data to examine the link between opportunity-driven and innovation-oriented entrepreneurship versus economic growth in western Kazakhstan. Findings : The research finds that Chinese entrepreneurship in oil and gas sector is an essential driving force for the regional economic growth. The proposed growth model can be applied as a paradigm for economic development in other business sectors in Kazakhstan. Originality/value of the research : The growth model is constructed to explain how entrepreneurship with Chinese investment in a specific sector in a region facilitates the local economy. The economic assessment model integrated in this paper serves as another contribution to the generic research on economic growth.