Kazakhstani ice cream mogul to build hospital in the Almaty region

Andrey Shin, founder and owner of the popular Kazakhstani ice cream brand Shin-Line, has begun construction of a 200-bed hospital near Almaty along with his partner from South Korea, according to Forbes Kazakhstan. Shin’s deputy, Damir Digay, confirmed this in a conversation with Kursiv.media.

The project, dubbed SLG-Hyundae, was officially established as SLG Hyundae Medical LLP, with South Korea’s Hyundae Hospital General Director Kim Boo-seop holding 51% of the shares and Shin’s sister, Veronika, owning 49%.

Kim is the founder of the Hyundae clinic chain, which operates several hospitals with more than 1,000 beds in South Korea, as well as a clinic in Mongolia. Shin told Forbes that Kim «has been working in Kazakhstan for a long time, offering consulting services in an area where he has an expertise.»

Last fall, South Korean Hyundae Hospital, Shin-Line Group and the Almaty region’s administration signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a multi-profile clinic in the village of Baiserke. The project’s investment is estimated at $50 million, covering both construction and the procurement of medical equipment.

Shin-Line, a leader in Kazakhstan’s ice cream market with a 49% share (according to Euromonitor), was founded in 1995 by Andrey and Natalya Shin. The company’s brand portfolio includes products such as Mishka na Polyuse (Polar Bear), Snegovik (Snowman), Belochka (Little Squirrel), Bomba (Bomb) and the Jusiki popsicle.