What's Happening?
Alipay+ has partnered with Kaspi.kz to enable international cross-border QR payment acceptance in Kazakhstan. This collaboration allows users of 12 Alipay+-enabled payment apps to make payments via Kaspi QR, which covers a wide range of merchants across the country. Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian country to accept Alipay+, leveraging its digital payment infrastructure to accommodate international tourists. This follows a successful partnership for outbound cross-border mobile payments since April 2024. The initiative aims to boost tourism by offering more international payment options, enhancing the digital payment landscape in Kazakhstan.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Alipay+ into Kazakhstan represents a significant step in the digital payment sector, particularly in Central Asia. By enabling international QR payments, local merchants can tap into the growing tourism market, potentially increasing revenue and economic activity. This move also highlights the importance of digital payment solutions in facilitating cross-border transactions and supporting global commerce. As Kazakhstan welcomes a record number of international visitors, the partnership with Alipay+ could enhance the country's appeal as a tourist destination, driving economic growth and digital innovation.