+15° / +5°C WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 No 8 (170) www.astanatimes.com Kazakh ruling party nominates Kazakhstan unveils incumbent President Tokayev as new measure to attract candidate for June 9 election foreign investment The council will be chaired by By Nazira Kozhanova Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin and include the first NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh of- deputy prime minister, deputy ficials unveiled at an April 22 prime minister responsible for government meeting the new Co- infrastructure development, ordinating Council on Investment heads of key ministries (Minis- Issues, which is meant to help the try of Justice, Ministry of For- country attract more foreign in- eign Affairs, Ministry of National vestment. Economy, Ministry of Industry “A working group with the in- and Infrastructural Development, volvement of all interested gov- Ministry of Energy, Ministry of ernment agencies and national Agriculture, Ministry of Internal companies has developed a new Affairs), the National Bank, Asta- approach to attracting investments. na International Financial Centre The parties’ opinions were taken (AIFC), national holdings, na- into consideration and a consen- tional companies, Atameken Na- sus was formed. The cornerstone tional Chamber of Entrepreneurs, of the new architecture will be the as well as the chairman of the Coordinating Council on Invest- Specialised Judicial College of ment Issues chaired by the Prime the Supreme Court, deputy attor- Minister of Kazakhstan,” First ney general and national security Deputy Prime Minister and Min- committee deputy chairman, said ister of Finance Alikhan Smailov Smailov. said at the government meeting. Continued on Page A4 Global leaders to focus on ‘inspiring Photo credit: Akorda.kz Photo credit: Kazakh First President Nursultan Nazarbayev (C) and current President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pose for selfie with the participants of the Nur Otan party congress on April 23. growth’ at AEF form that helps shape the global By Assel Satubaldina President and current party Chair arbayev. “I am sure Kassym-Jomart President March 20 per the Kazakh By Assel Satubaldina economic agenda. Nursultan Nazarbayev. Tokayev is such a candidate that Constitution following Nazarbayev’s The forum kicks off every year NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh ruling Nazarbayev has described To- will follow the politics of friendship, resignation March 19 from the office NUR-SULTAN – More than with a focus on a specific topic. Nur Otan party congress unani- kayev as a “close ally and out- equal rights of Kazakh citizens. I call he had held for nearly 30 years. 3,000 domestic and international Last year, it was about global mously nominated April 23 Ka- standing politician” and noted his on all our people to support this can- Born in 1953, Tokayev is a gradu- economists, political leaders and trends and challenges and this zakh President Kassym-Jomart vast experience. didate… I firmly believe in our vic- ate of Moscow State Institute of civil society representatives are year it will explore “inspiring Tokayev as the party’s candidate “As a party chair, I put forward tory, because our course is right and International Relations, Beijing expected to gather May 16-17 in growth” driven by people, cities for Kazakhstan’s June 9 presiden- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Having people trust us,” said Nazarbayev. Institute of the Chinese Language the Kazakh capital for the annual and economies. tial election. known him for many years, working Tokayev announced early presi- and the Diplomatic Academy of the Astana Economic Forum (AEF). “The forum participants will The nomination was supported together, I believe he is the most well- dential elections April 9 in a televised Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Approximately half the partici- discuss new ways for sustainable by 600 delegates at the congress deserved candidate for this highest address to the nation. The former pants will be foreign delegates growth, the development of hu- and was announced by former position in the country,” said Naz- Senate Speaker assumed the office of Continued on Page A2 from more than 100 countries. man capital and how to strength- The forum will address chang- en the potential of cities as in- es in global economies, the social ternational centres of knowledge sector, digital technologies, mul- and innovations,” said forum or- tiple industries and the unfolding ganisers. Fourth Industrial Revolution. The programme will feature UK sees Kazakhstan as major strategic partner The AEF was convened for the approximately 50 panel sessions, first time in 2008 in the midst of roundtables, conferences and a global financial crisis and has business meetings. in Central Asia, says British minister grown into an international plat- Continued on Page A4 State for Europe and the Americas ship transition. The stability and portunities. I’m pleased that over By Zhanna Shayakhmetova Sir Alan Duncan said in an exclu- predictability of the country’s poli- the last few years there has been sive interview with The Astana cies are important for the interna- business activity in excess of 20 NUR-SULTAN – The United Times. tional community. billion pounds (US$26 billion). Kingdom views Kazakhstan as He spoke about the U.K.’s sup- “The whole region is important It’s a lot, but it’s not enough. Belgian travel one of its major strategic partners port for the continuity represented for us. There are great opportuni- in Central Asia, U.K. Minister of by Kazakhstan’s domestic leader- ties and we want to take those op- Continued on Page A3 company offers Korean President brings ‘Fresh Wind’ insights, experiences to relations in Kazakh capital beyond clichés traveling to China. His interest By Elya Altynsarina By Dilshat Zhussupova in media, Kalysheva’s interest in marketing and their shared pas- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Presi- NUR-SULTAN – The Cara- sion for travel led them to create dent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and vanistan travel company is often Caravanistan. South Korean President Moon the first stop for first-time and “The people who come to see Jae-in discussed April 22 the peace experienced travelers seeking Central Asia are, more often, process on the Korean Peninsula visa, transportation, tour, lodg- explorers and pioneers, and dis- and bilateral economic coopera- ing and attractions information covery is a big part of it,” they tion during Moon Jae-in’s three- about Central Asia. said in an interview with The day state visit to Kazakhstan. The The company provides well- Astana Times. “The majority of visit marked the 10th anniversary rounded information on all as- people who read Caravanistan of strategic partnership between pects of travel in Kazakhstan are between 25 and 34. They are the two countries. and other Central Asian nations. adventurous, don’t just want to The two presidents signed a Visitors to their website www. lay on a beach and don’t mind wide-ranging joint statement that caravanistan.com can also find roughing it and having less com- dealt, in part, with the Fresh Wind local tour operators and reach fort if they can do something in- New Economic Programme be- out to fellow travelers in Central teresting and unusual.” tween Kazakhstan and South Ko- Asia in the company’s online fo- As a key source on the region rea. According to the joint state- rum. for English-speaking travelers, ment, the Fresh Wind covers areas Caravanistan was founded by Hermans and Kalysheva hope to such as infrastructure construction, Steven Hermans and Saule Kaly- change the media’s narrow con- agriculture, healthcare and culture. mfa.gov.kz. Photo credit: sheva in 2010, after they met in ception of Central Asia. Continued on Page A3 L-R: South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Kazakhstan while Hermans was Continued on Page B6

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY EDITORIAL BUSINESS NATION&CAPITAL Presidential hopefuls must gather 118,000 GDP grows 3.8 percent in first Orderly presidential E-commerce takes off in Kazakhstan, citizens Erasmus+ contributes to cooperation, mobility signatures to be on early election ballot A2 quarter of 2019 A4 transition represents latest milestone in double number of purchases A7 of Kazakh universities with EU partner countries B1 Teachers to receive up to 30-percent Key sectors see first-quarter growthA4 Kazakhstan’s development A6 Kazakh brand Shoqan produces high quality, affordable classic clothing A8 pay hike A2 Exports increase nearly 25 percent in 2018 A4 Bird watchers migrate to Almaty for Wings of Alakol festival B6

US$ 1 = 377.33 KZT € 1 = 424.68 KZT 1 = 5.92 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

NATIONAL Presidential hopefuls must gather 118,000 NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakhstan has created a tour- ist police force, the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs signatures to be on early election ballot has announced. Units have been April 10 announcement by the Ka- associations, according to elec- capital, said CEC Deputy Chair- will be certified within five days created in Nur-Sultan, Almaty, By Malika Orazgaliyeva zakh Central Election Commission tion.gov.kz. man Konstantin Petrov during the of completing all constitutional re- and the Akmola, Turkestan and (CEC). Nominated candidates must col- April 10 CEC meeting. quirements for candidacy. East Kazakhstan regions in the NUR-SULTAN – Presidential Nominations began April 10 lect 118,146 signatures, which The signatures are to be gathered The April 10 CEC meeting was first phase of the programme. hopefuls will need to gather ap- and will continue until 6 p.m. is 1 percent of Kazakhstan’s by proxies of the potential candi- joined via video by representa- Tourist police are intended to proximately 118,000 signatures April 28. Candidates must be 11,814,019 registered voters. The date and will be certified by -ter tives from political parties, territo- help keep visitors to Kazakhstan to be included on the ballot for nominated, according to the signatures must also represent at ritorial election commissions, he rial election commissions from the safe and informed. “The ministry Kazakhstan’s June 9 early presi- Kazakh Constitution, by a ma- least two-thirds of regions and said. regions, cities with national status initiated proposals to create e-vi- dential election, according to an jority vote of national public cities with national status and the Petrov added that candidates and the capital. sa and e-hotel databases and the tourist police as part of the con- cept for the development of the tourism industry. Today, visas are issued electronically for citizens of 117 countries. A hotel database Application process for media, observers opens will create accounts for all places cess and can be accompanied completed by June 3 at 6 p.m. servers should represent foreign Documents required for media of residence and eliminate the By Malika Orazgaliyeva by one interpreter, according to Foreign observers wishing to countries or international organi- accreditation include a cover let- obligation to visit the police for Central Election Commission monitor the elections must regis- sations. ter from the editor-in-chief re- registration,” Minister of Internal NUR-SULTAN­ – Foreign ob- of Kazakhstan rules announced ter for accreditation with Central International media seeking to questing accreditation for a jour- Affairs Yerlan Turgumbayev said April 19. servers and international organi- April 12. Election Commission through cover the election must also reg- nalist, a copy of a valid passport,  sations observing Kazakhstan’s The accreditation process will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ister with the foreign ministry a completed accreditation form, A solar power station worth June 9 presidential election must be conducted by the Ministry by emailing their applications by emailing their applications to a 3×4 cm digital photo and a $61 million will be completed complete an accreditation pro- of Foreign Affairs and must be to [email protected]. Ob- [email protected]. journalist’s brief biography. in the Karaganda region in June, Kazinform reports. The 50-meg- awatt-capacity plant is located on an area of 120 hectares. Some 150,000 panels and power substa- tions will be delivered in the near Kazakh ruling party nominates... future. “Work is going according Continued from Page A1 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His Tokayev told the gathering he honestly, more than three years. I journalist and writer. He is the to the schedule. A line from the diplomatic work is highly appreci- will ensure the continuity of the looked everywhere, looked at al- editor-in-chief at Qazanat, a pop- KEGOC substations to our sub- station will be ready soon. We He has held some of the coun- ated internationally. You know that course. lies and came to this conclusion. ular science journal and President try’s highest positions, includ- he has been UN Deputy Secretary Nazarbayev noted that the time And it was right,” he said. need to finish the project by June of the Kazakh Federation of Na- 30,” said General Director of SES ing foreign minister for a decade, General and is a very experienced has come for a new generation of The Nur Otan Congress gath- tional Equestrian Sports. leadership. ered nearly 1,500 participants, Saran Evgeny Grebennikov. prime minister and, most recently, statesman,” said Nazarbayev. The nomination of the candi- senate speaker. “I resigned March 19. But a new including the 600 delegates from Tokayev thanked Nazarbayev KazAgro national holding will generation will come to lead the across the country. Among them dates will continue until April 28. move from lending to funding, country. This is how it works in are Kazakh Parliament deputies, Several more political parties are “With all my heart, I feel the burden put on according to Kazakhstan’s Minis- life and I believe they will work high-level government officials, expected to hold congress to nomi- me by a great person, founder of our country. nate their candidates. try of Agriculture. Entrepreneurs for the sake of the country and our heads of national holdings and will be able to take out loans Therefore, I pledge to live up to such big trust generation should help them,” said companies, representatives of through the Economy of Simple Nazarbayev. civil society, diplomatic mis- The Uly Dala Things programme. Loans are to the best of my ability.” He also noted that he had been sions and international organisa- Qyrandary public provided for seven years at a final planning this decision for several tions. rate of 8 percent per year, taking years. Tokayev submitted the nomi- association also into account subsidies. For the “Since the very first years of in- for the support and nomination. “If I did something over this nation documents to the Central production of agricultural prod- dependence, Kassym-Zhomart To- “With all my heart, I feel the time, I am a happy person, happy Election Commission April 23. recently nominated ucts, loans are provided at a rate kayev worked close to me at different burden put on me by a great per- politician. I made a conscious The Uly Dala Qyrandary public 64-year-old Sadybek of 5 percent. “The work is be- responsible positions. He is among son, founder of our country. There- decision. Such decisions are association also recently nomi- ing done by funding second-tier those who was here with me when fore, I pledge to live up to such big not taken within one day or one nated 64-year-old Sadybek Tugel Tugel as their banks, credit partnerships and mi- we started to build Kazakhstan’s for- trust to the best of my ability,” said month. I was preparing for such as their candidate for the June 9 crocredit organisations to solve eign policy for many years leading Tokayev. a decision for a few years and, election. Tugel is an experienced candidate. debt problems. The dominance of KazAgro in the financing of the agricultural sector should gradu- ally decrease. KazAgro will shift from direct lending to funding private lending organisations. Teachers to receive up to 30-percent pay hike Access to financing for agri- In the next three years, the coun- more than 120,000 references. The additional six-month courses. We cultural producers will become By Assel Satubaldina try will allocate 378 billion tenge ministry will continue to integrate revised this issue and starting in available at the banks, credit (US$996.2 million) to increase STREAM (Science, Technology, 2020, the funds [US$10.5 million] partnerships and micro-lending NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan salaries, including 67 billion tenge Reading, Engineering, Arts and that were initially meant to improve organisations. Second-tier banks plans to boost salaries for educa- (US$176.5 million) in 2018. Math) learning, IT skills, projects teachers’ qualifications in English should enter this sector, accumu- tion system workers from 10-30 Nearly 70 percent of teachers, or and research in school curriculum, will be directed to other education late experience through funding percent starting in June in conjunc- 208,000, have received a 30-percent she noted. goals and training of specialists in from KazAgro, and then invest… tion with the new system of coef- increase since 2018 for switching to Shamshidinova also briefed the pedagogical universities so that they in the agro-industrial complex,” ficients to be launched that month, an updated education programme. gathering on the ministry’s ef- come already prepared,” she added. Vice Minister of Agriculture of said Kazakh Minister of Educa- Sixty thousand have received a 30- forts to support teachers who are The ministry also seeks to en- Kazakhstan Rustem Kurmanov tion Kulyash Shamshidinova at an 50 percent raise for passing national learning English. Educators are courage student volunteer efforts. said April 18. April 15 press conference. Kulyash Shamshidinova qualification tests administered in taking English language courses Incentives include providing The new set of coefficients for May and November. and starting next year, teaching 25,000 tenge (US$65.89) vouch- The construction of the Sar- calculating salaries applies to state The raises are part of the coun- “In the upcoming three yeas, English will be a responsibility for ers and a two-credit retake for 25 yarka gas pipeline will be com- workers, including those in edu- try’s efforts to improve its education 144,000 teachers will pass quali- Kazakh universities. volunteer hours and 50,000 tenge pleted in December, according to cation. The system will take into system and will be implemented in fication tests to teach an updated “Of 14,000 teachers of chemis- (US$131.70) and a five-credit re- the press service of the Samruk account the teacher’s education line with former President Nursultan education programme, 82,000 psy- try, biology, IT and physics, 11,000 take for 50 hours. Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund. level, qualifications and working Nazarbayev’s instructions to increase chologists, 15,000 engineer and have completed English language The ministry identified several “Major construction work will be conditions. salaries for state workers and in line pedagogical college workers and courses. The course that started in volunteer areas such as helping completed by the end of the year “Seventy-five percent of funds with President Kassym-Jomart To- 2,400 university professors,” said 2019, we could not stop it now,” kids with special learning needs, and the commissioning is planned meant for an increase in salaries for kayev’s instructions to bring for- Shamshidinova. she said. tutoring, working with minors for 2020. The pipeline is intended state workers will go to the educa- ward the date for the increase by one Teachers can access support ma- “Those teachers that completed demonstrating deviant behaviour for the gasification of the capital, tion system,” said Shamshidinova. month, from July 1 to June 1. terial at smk.edu.kz that includes three-month courses have taken and social help for the elderly. the central and northern regions. The capacity of the gas pipeline will be 2.2 billion cubic metres of gas per year. A total of 171 set- tlements in the Karaganda and Akmola regions will be supplied APK to continue interethnic, religious harmony with gas. The consumption of coal fuel will decrease by 650,000 tonnes per year. The construction provides jobs for more than 800 building in wake of political changes people and more than 2,000 peo- March 1, 1995 to unite the diverse sociations and the Zhangyru Zholy “Such provocations should be ple in the busiest months,” reads a press release from the fund. By Aidana Yergaliyeva nation after the collapse of the movement. immediately stopped, both by law USSR. It has become a mechanism “In all regions, we have councils enforcement agencies and by ideo- A pasta-making plant worth NUR-SULTAN – In response to working on strengthening ethnic of public accord and councils of logical measures,” he added. $580,000 will be opened in the the recent change in the Kazakh and religious peaceful coexistence mediation. A huge role is played by The meeting participants also Saryagash district of the Turke- presidency, the Assembly of the and promoting family values and the mothers’ councils. Of course, discussed the Law on the Assem- stan region. The district’s gross People of Kazakhstan (APK) or- youth development. Nazarbayev re- all this is possible with the direct bly of the People of Kazakhstan. output was $380 million in 2018, ganised a national extended meet- mains the chairman of the assembly. support in each region of scientific Currently, the assembly is working and 13,660 small and medium- ing April 2 to redefine and discuss The assembly will generally expert groups that we operate. We to develop an event plan through sized businesses operate there. its agenda. The participants agreed continue its activities and promote would like to share our work with 2025 that will enforce the recent Seven projects worth $643,000 to maintain its current course and the established “Kazakh model of all our regions, as well as outline changes and additions to the law. have been implemented through involve more people in key nation- social harmony and national unity, a plan for 2019,” said Kostanai APK will organise its 27th ses- the Business Road Map 2020 pro-

al modernisation initiatives. rightly bearing the name of Nur- assembly.kz. Photo credit: Region’s APK Secretariat head sion, Formula of Peace and Har- gramme. “We added an invest- “Today, we are entering a new sultan Nazarbayev,” he noted. APK Deputy Chair and Secretariat Bibigul Akkuzhina. mony: Social Unity and Moderni- ment project worth $1.1 million stage of development. It is impor- The meeting participants plan to head Zhanseit Tuimebayev. The APK structure should en- sation, on April 29. to the business support map. Last tant for us to ensure the continuity engage all APK structures through- courage all Kazakh citizens to “This session should be a land- year, we attracted $55 million to of the strategic course of Elbasy out the country to contribute and The assembly’s structure in- support social initiatives and mod- mark event in the political agenda, the region. It is planned to attract (Leader of the Nation, the consti- participate in national events pri- cludes chairs, mediators, ethno ernise the country. The assembly ensuring further strengthening of $60 million this year. Last year, tutional title accorded to former oritising the Year of Youth, Ru- cultural associations, journalism should also strengthen tools of ide- social harmony and national unity we built four tourist facilities and President Nursultan Nazarbayev),” hani Zhangyru (Modernisation of clubs, public accord councils, ological control that should elimi- in our country. In this regard, there created 80 jobs. This year, we said APK Deputy Chair and Secre- Kazakhstan’s Identity) programme mothers’ councils, scientific expert nate attempts to give inter-ethnic is a need to hold it at a high ideo- will launch five facilities,” said tariat head Zhanseit Tuimebayev. and Nazarbayev’s 2018 article, groups, maslikhats (city assem- overtones to particular resonance logical and organisational level,” district akim (mayor) Kairat Ab- Nazarbayev established APK on “Seven Facets of the Great Steppe.” blies) deputy groups, business as- events, said Tuimebayev. said Tuimebayev. dualiyev. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

International Centre for Trade and EXTERNAL Economic Cooperation on the Ka- NEWS IN BRIEF zakh-Uzbek border will “stream- President visits Uzbekistan, assures line cross-border trade, improve Kazakh President Kassym- the access control infrastructure, Zhomart Tokayev launched the as well as create a large trade and Year of Kazakhstan in Uzbeki- logistics hub in Central Asia.” stan April 15. The ceremony current bilateral policies will continue The presidents also said it was was attended by Uzbek Presi- as on cooperation in combating il- the Committee for Religious Af- ments and further horizons of our important to increase the work of dent Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Some By Malika Orazgaliyeva legal migration and a programme fairs under the Cabinet of Minis- cooperation,” Tokayev said. the joint intergovernmental com- of Kazakhstan’s brightest stars, of cooperation between the two ters of Uzbekistan were signed. The Kazakh President also noted mission on bilateral cooperation including Dimash Kudaiber- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Presi- foreign ministries. In addition to the agreements, the the two countries should seek out and to appoint the heads of the two gen, Medet Chotabayev, Nur- dent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid Agreements were also signed presidents also discussed coopera- new economic areas of coopera- government as co-chairs. lan Bekmukhambetov and Ma- the state visit to neighbouring between the Ministries of Defence tion in science, technology, space, tion to increase trade to $5 billion The sides also agreed to coop- ria Mudryak, performed at the Uzbekistan April 14-15. The visit of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on education, culture, art, tourism and by the end of 2020. Tokayev added erate within the Shanghai Coop- concert. The Year of Kazakh- saw a number of intergovernmen- cooperation in the field of air de- sports. They also discussed fuel, wa- that the number of Kazakh-Uzbek eration Organisation (SCO), Com- stan in Uzbekistan is meant to tal documents signed in the area of fence, as well as on the reception, ter and energy, transit and transport, joint ventures has already begun to monwealth of Independent States boost cultural ties between the economy, investment, defence and airfield and technical maintenance imports and exports, cultural, hu- grow as a result of Kazakhstan’s (CIS), Conference on Interaction two countries, among the goals migration. and protection of military aircraft manitarian and youth collaboration. measures to create a favourable in- and Confidence Building Meas- agreed to by Mirziyoyev and Tokayev’s visit to Tashkent saw at military airfields. President Tokayev assured his vestment climate. ures in Asia (CICA), UN and other Tokayev during Tokayev’s re- the heads of the two states sign As part of the visit, a memoran- counterpart Kazakhstan would “Successful examples of such international and regional organi- cent state visit to Uzbekistan. the Joint Statement outlining key dum of understanding between the continue the policies established interaction include projects on sations. Last year was the Year of Uz- priorities for further expansion of Ministry of National Economy of by First President Nursultan Naz- the joint assembly of cars, trucks Tokayev and Mirziyoyev also bekistan in Kazakhstan. ties which have seen a remarkable Kazakhstan and the Ministry of arbayev. and other equipment in Kazakh- discussed ways to help restore Af- growth over the last two and a half Investments and Foreign Trade of “I intend to ensure the continu- stan. Taking into account the par- ghanistan. They reaffirmed their The Astana International Fi- years. Uzbekistan on the establishment of ity of the policy of Elbasy (Leader ticular importance of this field for commitment to assisting in the re- nancial Centre will partner with Other documents signed by the the International Centre for Trade of the Nation) and continue the our economies, an agreement was vival of the Afghan economy and Hong Kong-based investment sides in the presence of the two and Economic Cooperation Cen- development of comprehensive reached to continue active work in underlined the need to develop group Raffles Partners Asset presidents included the agreement tral Asia, as well as a memoran- Kazakh-Uzbek interaction. This is this direction,” Tokayev stated. long-term cooperation with Af- Management to launch profes- between the governments on em- dum on cooperation between the illustrated by the joint statement of He also noted the success of last ghanistan, including through the sional training for Kazakh spe- ployment and the protection of the Ministry of Information and Social the presidents signed today by us, year’s Inter-Regional Cooperation implementation of major transport, cialists, giving them a chance to rights of migrant workers, as well Development of Kazakhstan and which reflects the main achieve- Forum and said the creation of an education and health projects. learn more about attracting in- vestments and preparing compa- nies for initial public offerings ticipated in all their projects here. (IPOs). To select the candidates, Every time I am surprised by what the Continuing Professional De- a huge power is being revealed velopment Bureau at the AIFC Kazakh-Lithuanian cooperation particularly when we reach this atmosphere of will conduct a month-long pre- family, when we look at another IPO training session in the Ka- person really precious to you. And zakh capital open to all special- that’s the whole trick, because ists. The best candidates will strong in education, says Lithuanian diplomat if the person is precious to you, start a month-long internship in particularly attractive to students. The institute maintains an infor- then you want to do everything for Hong Kong July 8. By Aidana Yergaliyeva Universities offer a high quality, mal atmosphere, teaching students them. You’ll always find a solu- affordable education, as well as no through seminars, games, discus- tion,” said Davalga. A Kazakh delegation took part NUR-SULTAN – Bilateral co- strict requirement for level of Eng- sions and excursions. It focuses The same applies to Kazakhstan, in the High-Level European Un- operation has been gradually lish or Lithuanian. on finding creative solutions and, as the nation can withstand anything ion Conference for Central Asia growing since Kazakhstan and Davalga, who has served as the most importantly, teamwork. as long as it continues to value unity “Connectivity for Sustainable Lithuania established diplomatic second in command at the Em- “It is really extraordinary, be- and is open to new experiences, he Development” April 15 in Bu- relations in the early 1990s. Coop- bassy for four years, has witnessed cause you can solve any issue and noted. Despite First President Nur- charest. Kazakh Deputy Foreign eration in education has been the how the Kazakh branch of Inso- any problem whether it is in a fam- sultan Nazarbayev’s resignation and Minister Roman Vassilenko em- most vivid, said Lithuanian Em- cium, institute of integral society ily, in a business, at the embassy or the early election coming up, the phasised the need to boost con- bassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim based in Lithuania, had started to university – the level doesn’t mat- country should not fear the transi- nectivity in the broadest sense Adomas Davalga in an interview operate and flourish, becoming a ter. They found out that we need to tion, the diplomat said. and use transport and logistics with The Astana Times. model that can be transferred to create an atmosphere like in a per- “I think Kazakhstan is in a very projects to promote greater eco- While indicators such as trade other countries. fect family, to work in a team. This important stage of its develop- nomic integration. He informed turnover are more volatile and fluc- “The most pleasant surprise now is the necessary condition for us to ment. It’s a historical moment the gathering on Kazakhstan’s Lithuanian Embassy Chargé tuations depend largely on external is we have more activities. The in- succeed,” he added. transport and logistics devel- d’Affaires ad interim Adomas now. We already have the date of factors, educational and medical stitute is more active here than in Perhaps the key factor that opment through its Nurly Zhol Davalga. the presidential election. I think it cooperation are managed by inter- Lithuania or any other country… It pushed the project is the common programme and the Belt and is good that it will be earlier… I state interaction that is continually hundreds of students every year. was so successful in Kazakhstan; ground it shares with the Kazakh Road initiative. “Synergies be- think it is the best way the transi- strengthening, he noted. We have many students coming, now, their experience is being ex- government’s agenda that pro- tween these programmes cre- tion can go,” he said. Universities in the city of Kau- and it is the greatest joy that young ported to other countries, because motes unity and tolerance despite ate good conditions to attract “The biggest asset that Kazakh- nas, for example, are gaining pop- people who have the whole world they put emphasis on unity among diversity in religion, ethnicity or foreign investments, advanced stan holds is the eagerness to look ularity among Kazakh students. in front of them choose Lithuania,” people and relationships between social status. technologies and promote Ka- for something new. You are open “Some taxi drivers in Kaunas said Davalga. people. Their statement is very “We should build and strengthen zakh exports. Being the first to best practices. Many countries say that they already speak some Lithuanian education is based simple – that the only element we country on the route of the Chi- relationships between people, no are somehow closed to many Kazakh language and most of their on the principle of the three Ks nese initiative to Europe, we are must change is how we interact be- matter where, what people and things. Thinking that you are a de- profit comes from students and (Kaina, Kokybės and Kalba (Price, tween each other, the relationship what age, and they (Insocium) do veloped country is the beginning connecting China to Europe and Quality and Language)), making it serve as a key component of the their family members… We have between people,” he said. it very professionally. I think I par- of the end,” he added. Eurasian continental bridge,” he said.

Kazakh tourism companies are taking part in the China Outbound Travel & Tourism UK sees Kazakhstan as major strategic partner... Market (COTTM) exhibition. Continued from Page A1 it can be good for all concerned if to the principles of English com- vestment climate is improving. gas and mining, but also in agricul- Eleven Kazakh companies seek there can be more freedom in vari- mon law. To have the integrity of “People need to trust the law ture and IT. The job of politicians to familiarise Chinese visitors And as we leave the European ous areas. But we respect the dif- law so that people trust what’s go- and they need to be able to regis- and government is to create the with activities in Kazakhstan, Union, we want to look outwards ferences between our countries and ing on is very important and I’m ter and run their businesses on the conditions in which entrepreneurs tourist routes and Kazakh prod- and be more global and Kazakh- the opportunity to have a good con- glad the U.K. is guiding a lot of basis of trust. If there’s a dispute, and business people can take the ucts. The participation of Ka- stan, at the heart of Central Asia structive relationship,” he added. the development of the AIFC,” he you need to know that it’s going to opportunities,” he said. zakh companies was made pos- is in a very important region,” he sible by the support of Kazakh Duncan also spoke about the said. be resolved fairly. You also need During his visit to Kazakhstan, Ministry of Culture and Sports. said. Astana International Financial The U.K. is one the five larg- an entire climate in which there Sir Alan met with Minister of For- “Starting April 1, Chinese citi- The U.K. aims to strengthen po- Centre (AIFC). est investors in Kazakhstan, with is no corruption. Corruption actu- eign Affairs Beibut Atamkulov on zens can use Kazakhstan’s elec- litical, trade and economic coop- “All mature markets need sup- $13.3 billion in gross direct invest- ally destroys business and destroys April 17 to discuss prospects of tronic visa system. For that, eration with Kazakhstan. portive financial markets. I think ment from 2005-2018. More than economies and it destroys govern- bilateral strategic partnership and the Chinese tour operator has “We admire this stability and to have the financial centre is a 860 legal entities, branches and ments. So ironing out any kind of issues on the international agenda, to receive an invitation from a continuity that’s good for business. very good ambition and it’s an representative offices with British corruption is very important. In as well as Prime Minister Askar Kazakh tour operator. The in- It’s also good for any relation- area where we’d like to see further participation are registered in Ka- terms of future trade, I think that Mamin, Speaker of the Senate vitation number is typed into ship. We obviously think with our close links with the City of Lon- zakhstan. there are many opportunities in the Dariga Nazarbayeva and Speaker the website, an electronic pay- deeply-held democratic values that don. The AIFC operates according Duncan noted the Kazakh in- extractive industries like oil and of the Majilis Nurlan Nigmatulin. ment of $60 is sent and the visa is printed. With this visa, Chi- nese tourists can fly to Nur-Sul- tan and Almaty. This is a huge achievement,” said Eurasian Tourism Association head Rysty Korean President brings ‘Fresh Wind’ to relations... Karabayeva. Continued from Page A1 “Last year, we reached a record $4 commission on trade, economic and have said they seek to expand coop- ise the Korean Peninsula. “We are The poems of great Kazakh billion [in bilateral trade], doubling scientific and technological coop- eration in implementing the policy. closely following it and highly poet Abai Kunanbayev will be “We are already implementing the volume of 2017. Systematic de- eration and through opening a Ka- “I hope my visit will give impe- commend your efforts,” said To- translated into Albanian and large projects in engineering, road velopment; only inflow of direct in- zakhstan-South Korean Internation- tus not only to the development of kayev, referring to South Korea’s Macedonian languages, said and infrastructure construction, vestments from Korea amounted to al IT Centre in the Kazakh capital. bilateral relations, but also to the efforts. Chargé d’Affaires of North agriculture, the financial sector, about $7 billion,” he said. The presidents also agreed dur- strengthening of multilateral co- The presidents also attended a Macedonia in Kazakhstan Muar- healthcare, information and com- Earlier, Foreign Minister of Ka- ing the visit on the need to develop operation between the Republic of Kazakh-Korean business forum em Medziti. The translation is munication technologies. It is great zakhstan Beibut Atamkulov and transport routes and implement joint Korea and the countries of Central while delegations from each coun- under way, he said. The works to see that Korean business has Korean Ambassador Kim Dae- infrastructure projects. They also Asia,” said the Korean leader. try also signed eight cooperation will be available at the National a growing interest in stepping up sik announced that bilateral trade discussed education and healthcare, The two presidents also reiterated agreements during the visit. Library in Skopje, where two cooperation,” Tokayev said at the reached $3.9 billion in 2018, in- the Aral Sea, the rehabilitation of support for implementing Kazakh- President Moon also met during years ago a Kazakh literature beginning of the meeting with the cluding $2.9 billion in exports and ecological disaster zones and par- stan’s Nurly Zhol infrastructure de- his visit with Kazakhstan’s First and culture centre opened its Korean leader at the Akorda presi- $922 million in imports. The sides liamentary diplomacy. velopment programme. President Nursultan Nazarbayev to doors. Macedonian literature is dential residence. noted then that approximately 500 Tokayev noted the importance The presidents also held a joint discuss denuclearisation efforts on also available to Kazakh read- Tokayev said Seoul is among joint companies are currently op- of the peace process on the Korean press briefing after their meeting. Korean Peninsula and ways to build ers at National Library in the Kazakhstan’s top 10 partners for erating in Kazakhstan. Hyundai, Peninsula and reiterated Kazakh- Commending the agreements a stronger partnership. Kazakh capital. “In 2017, we developing trade, investment and LG, Samsung, Lotte Confectionery, stan’s support for de-nuclearisation reached, Tokayev underlined the Moon Jae-in began his visit to opened a Macedonian literature technology cooperation technology SK, Highvill are among the Korean in the region. importance Kazakhstan puts on re- Kazakhstan in Almaty on April 21 corner here in the library. There and investment cooperation. companies working in Kazakhstan. Moon Jae-in said Kazakhstan is lationships with its second largest where he saw a play at a local Ko- are books from Macedonia in Approximately 110,000 Kore- Kazakh officials have expressed a key partner in promoting Korea’s trade and economic partner in Asia. rean theatre and met with some 300 Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish ans live in Kazakhstan and South interest in learning about and intro- New Northern Policy, which seeks The leading role of Nur-Sultan in Koreans living in the city. and English. We handed over Korean businesses in Kazakhstan ducing Korean innovative technolo- to establish peace and expand coop- advancing the global anti-nuclear He also attended a ceremony re- 2,700 books to the library,” said operate in the food, mining and au- gies.That interest is expected to be eration on the Eurasian continent. movement has been highlighted turning the remains of two Korean Medziti. tomotive sectors. revived under an intergovernmental Kazakh and North Korean officials in relation to efforts to denuclear- soldiers that fought against Japan. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

ECONOMY Key sectors see GDP grows 3.8 percent NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakhstan’s international gold reserves had decreased 11.8 percent to $27 billion by the end first-quarter growth in first quarter of 2019 of March. The only greater de- cline (of 20.6 percent) happened By Dilshat Zhussupova By Assel Satubaldina in 2013. The drop in the price of gold by 1.8 percent to $1,302.3 per NUR-SULTAN – Construction NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s ounce was one of the reasons for and trade were among the key sec- GDP rose 3.8 percent in the first this year’s decline in reserves. At tors in Kazakhstan which experi- quarter of 2019, said Kazakh First the same time, the share of gold enced first-quarter growth, said Ka- Deputy Prime Minister and Minis- in Kazakhstan’s international re- zakh Minister of National Economy ter of Finance Alikhan Smailov at serves increased by 13.8 percent Ruslan Dalenov at an April 16 gov- an April 10 meeting of the Kazakh to 55.5 percent ($15 billion) by the ernment meeting. Security Council chaired by the end of March. Foreign exchange January through March, growth country’s First President, Nursul- reserves declined 31.8 percent. was 8.9 percent in construction, tan Nazarbayev. The dynamics of changes in the 7.2 percent in trade, 4.4 percent in Smailov noted a 4.8 percent de- gold reserves shares and currency reserves is described as de-dollar- transport, 3.6 percent in agriculture, Alikhan Smailov crease in inflation. Investments in 3.2 percent in industry and 0.2 per- fixed capital increased 7 percent, isation of reserves, finprom.kz re- cent in communication services. local budgets revenue exceeded the while industrial production surged ports. Excluding the International “In the January-March period, planned revenue by 16.6 percent. 3.2 percent. Monetary Fund, Kazakhstan is gross domestic product growth in- Kazakh First Deputy Prime Car production rose 33 percent, fourteenth in the world in terms of creased to 3.8 percent. In the Janu- Minister and Minister of Finance he said. Unemployment reached 4.8 per- “Going through all trials decent- gold reserves, with 356.3 tonnes, ary-February period, it was 3.5 per- Alikhan Smailov also noted a na- Chemistry and construction ma- cent, while average real income ly, we have built a successful coun- 1.1 percent of world’s reserves. cent. Accelerated growth has been tional budget deficit for the first terials production and machinery rose 9.4 percent. try known and respected world-  achieved by an increased output in quarter. grew 10 percent. The security council meeting wide. As a founder, I am worried Tariffs for housing and com- the manufacturing industry, as well “The state budget revenue within Production in agriculture, a key also covered social and economic about the future of our state and munal services in Kazakhstan as by increased growth in construc- this period was 2.9 trillion tenge sector of the Kazakh economy, issues. well being of our citizens. All have decreased 4 percent since tion and investment,” he said. (US$7.64 billion). Expenses of saw 3.6 percent growth. In his remarks, Nazarbayev said my steps are driven by this,” said the beginning of the year. The The light and automotive indus- three trillion tenge (US$7.9 billion) External trade grew 7.5 percent the political processes currently Nazarbayev. “Systematic imple- Mazhilis (lower chamber of Par- tries as well as the production of were incurred. The state budget def- in two months with exports dem- unfolding in the country, including mentation of programmes is a key liament) approved a draft legisla- plastic, beverages and building ma- icit was 94 billion tenge (US$247.6 onstrating 11.1 percent growth and the recent announcement of a June condition for our development. We tive amendment on housing and terials also experienced double-digit million). This is 162 billion tenge imports 0.3 percent growth. 9 early presidential election, has need to continue working to pro- communal services to reduce the growth. (US$426.72 million) less than Second tier banks loaned 1.9 drawn the world’s interest. vide people with housing, work, contribution by four times to 12 In March, the monthly inflation planned,” said Smailov. trillion tenge (US$5 billion) to He said the current leadership quality medical services and edu- tenge (US$0.03) per square metre. rate was 0.5 percent, said Kazakh “For the second quarter, it is im- Kazakh citizens, 11 percent more will ensure the continuity of politi- cation. These all are investments in The cost of housing services, as National Bank Chairman Yerbolat portant to maintain momentum,” than the same period in 2018. cal course. a bright future.” well as tariffs for water, electric- Dossayev. The annual inflation noted Dalenov. “Financing from ity, gas and heating, decreased 1.7 rate remains at 4.8 percent, which the revised budget will become percent in the first quarter of 2019. corresponds to this year’s target of available, which will increase con- In the same period in 2018, prices four to six percent. The Kazakh sumer and investment demand. had increased 8.1 percent year on National Bank lowered the base Secondly, the period for (more) year. However, eight regions have Exports increase nearly seen an increase in tariffs this year. rate April 15 to nine percent to construction, investment and agro- stimulate economic activitiy and industrial work will begin. Thirdly, The largest increases are in the help achieve the nation’s inflation small and medium-sized business Pavlodar (2.7 percent per year), target. activity usually picks up in the sec- 25 percent in 2018 Kostanai (2.2 percent) and East In the first quarter, state budget ond quarter.” Kazakhstan (1.9 percent) regions. Japan, Kyrgyzstan, the Nether- companies will go global, tapping revenue exceeded the planned Smailov called for industries and The most significant increases in By Assel Satubaldina lands, Russia, Turkey, the United into international construction revenue by 5.6 percent, the na- regions that did not achieve their tariffs have been for garbage col- Arab Emirates, the United King- companies. tional budget revenue exceeded the growth targets to step up their work lection (8.4 percent), as well as NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan dom and Uzbekistan are main con- Service exports also demon- planned revenue by 2.1 percent and in the second quarter of 2019. for rental (4.9 percent), repair (4.4 exported $68.3 billion in goods sumers. strated growth in 2018, including percent) and maintenance of hous- and services in 2018, a 24.2-per- “The main exports in the pro- a 15-percent hike in transport and ing (1.2 percent). cent growth compared to 2017, cessing industry are ferroalloys, 20-percent increase in construc- said Minister of Finance Ruslan raw zinc, refined copper, uranium, tion. Kazakhstan’s trade turnover in- Dalenov at the April 16 govern- petroleum gases, transformers and “Currently, domestic construc- creased 15.8 percent to $7.6 billion ment meeting. batteries,” said Sklyar. “Growth tion companies have started to in January year-on-year. Exported Global leaders Exports accounted for 40.1 per- was also recorded in the chemical enter the international construc- goods’ share in the total trade vol- cent of Kazakhstan’s gross domes- industry, which was 2.6 percent, tion market; for instance, road ume increased by 31 percent to tic product (GDP) and contributed 14.6 percent in mineral products, construction in Georgia, railroad 70.4 percent or $5.3 billion. While 0.5 percent to the country’s GDP 11 percent in machinery and 7.6 construction in Slovakia and a coal supplies to external markets keep to focus on ‘inspiring growth. percent in food products.” preparation plant in Kyrgyzstan. increasing, imports fell 9.3 percent “The growth is primarily due to He noted non-oil exports are Given the big potential that the to $2.2 billion. The Kazakh Export rising prices for oil. At the same expected to increase and outlined construction market has abroad, insurance company, a subsidiary time, non-oil exports and service several factors driving the growth. local companies need to be more of the Baiterek National Holding, growth’ at AEF exports made up $23 billion, in- “First, new export-oriented en- active in entering this market using supported exporters with insurance creasing by 4.1 percent since 2017. terprises launched last year as part existing export support measures of 90.2 billion tenge (US$237.49 Continued from Page A1 tive Secretary of the UN Economic Service exports demonstrate posi- of the national industrial develop- provided by Baiterek Holding,” million). The export revenues of and Social Commission for Asia tive dynamics. The growth is es- ment programme have an export said Sklyar. enterprises that received support Among key events are the an- and the Pacific Armida Alisjahbana timated at 12.3 percent, reaching potential of $458 million and half “This year, we will organise as a part of export and pre-export nual Kazakhstan Global Invest- and Boston Consulting Group Chair $7.3 billion,” said Dalenov. of their products go to export,” he 15 trade and economic missions, financing from 2014 to 2023 are ment Roundtable (KGIR), an in- Hans-Paul Bürkner are among the He noted metallurgy industry said. seven national pavilions and four expected to total 1.1 trillion tenge ternational conference marking speakers who have confirmed their products contribute the largest per- Kazakhstan will also allocate presentations of trade marks, as (US$2.9 billion). According to the the 100th anniversary of the Inter- participation at the forum. centage of non-oil exports, with an 500 billion tenge (US$1.3 billion) well as the participation of Kazakh most recent World Bank Doing national Labour Organisation, an Lagarde will take part in the ple- estimated 51-percent share. to support export-oriented indus- companies in 30 foreign industry Business report, in terms of inter- interim meeting on the preparation nary session about the new econ- Adopted in August 2017, Ka- tries. exhibitions abroad. They will re- national trade Kazakhstan ranks to the 12th Ministerial Conference omy and Kazakhstan’s growing zakhstan’s national export strategy “Taking into account increas- ceive support in the search and or- 102nd, exceeding its goal for 2019, of the World Trade Organisation investment potential that will be is designed to help the country ing consumption and demand at ganisation of meetings with poten- which was to rank 118th. in 2020 and the first forum in Ka- chaired by Kazakh Prime Minister increase non-oil exports to $32 foreign markets, we expect export tial foreign clients, advertisement zakhstan on the United Nations Askar Mamin. billion by 2022, including $20.2 growth in areas such as machin- of their products and covering Over the past three years, for- Sustainable Development Goals. “The participation of such dis- billion in industrial products, $1.9 ery driven by increasing exports their expenses for renting exhibi- eign direct investment (FDI) to International Monetary Fund tinguished politicians and experts billion in agricultural products and of transformers, batteries and tion areas, accommodation, meals, Kazakhstan increased 58 percent, Managing Director Christine La- in AEF 2019 proves not only the $9.7 billion in service exports. frictionless bearing tools and in tickets and translator services,” he though FDI globally is still falling. garde, 2018 Nobel Prize Winner in growing interest in the forum itself Kazakhstan currently sends 800 metallurgy driven by increasing added. In 2018, global investment flows Economics and World Bank Chief but is also a sign of a willingness products to 120 countries, said Ka- production of ferroalloys and steel The support measures are ex- decreased by 18.4 percent to $1.2 Economist Paul Romer, former to conduct open dialogue and enter zakh Minister of Investment and pipes, as well as chemical and light pected to help 270 local compa- trillion. The same year, almost half United States Federal Reserve Dep- into mutual cooperation,” said fo- Infrastructure Development Ro- industries,” said Sklyar. nies, accounting for 70 percent of of the European Union countries uty Chair Stanley Fischer, Execu- rum organisers. man Sklyar. Afghanistan, China, In addition, Kazakh construction local exporters. reduced their investments in Ka- zakhstan. The gross inflow of FDI from EU countries declined 12.2 percent totalling $24.3 billion. Fin- land’s FDI fell by 63.3 percent to Kazakhstan unveils new measure $11 million; Belgium’s by 1.9 per- cent to $19.9 million. The key in- vestors in Kazakhstan’s economy remain the Netherlands at $7.3 bil- to attract foreign investment lion (an increase of 23.8 percent), the United States at $5.3 billion Continued from Page A1 aged projects, using the available initiative to establish a Coordina- The government is also work- all the above issues, the Ministry (an increase of 44.7 percent) and channels of the AIFC and the in- tion Council and a Regional In- ing to automate the process of of Foreign Affairs has prepared a Switzerland at $2.5 billion (a drop Attracting foreign investment frastructure of the Ministry of For- vestment Hub. interaction with organisations to corresponding Concept and Draft of 14.3 percent). is a priority for the Kazakh gov- eign Affairs. The fourth stage is Minister of Foreign Affairs accompany investors at all levels Law and sent it to the Ministry of ernment. The project joins other the conclusion of contracts made Beibut Atamkulov also spoke at of development. The Ministry of National Economy. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s population in- efforts, including the New Ar- on the basis of the Investment Hub the government meeting about ef- Foreign Affairs and Kazakh Invest Atamkulov pointed out the need creased by 1.3 percent and reached chitecture of Investment Issues using the legal infrastructure of the forts completed in the first quarter have also established an informa- to modernise current legislation 18.4 million so far this year. De- Framework. AIFC,” said Smailov. to build an integrated ecosystem to tion monitoring system (CRM) to to maintain its position at the re- mographic growth, however, is “The project’s promotion within The project is to be presented attract investment. Meeting partic- support projects and investors on- gional level. slowing. The birth rate has been the New Architecture framework during the Astana Economic Fo- ipants also identified in each min- line. Minister of Justice Marat Beket- declining for three years in a row. will be as follows. The first stage rum May 16. The AIFC will co- istry the akimat (regional govern- Factors that impede foreign in- ayev also spoke at the meeting on In the beginning of 2018, out of is the centralised collection of all ordinate the project. Smailov ing body) and national companies vestment were also discussed at the advantages of the special legal a total of 390,300 births, nearly potential investment projects in highlighted the importance of the deputy chief executive officers the government meeting. Inves- regime of the AIFC. According to half were the first and the second the Regional Investment Hub. At project for the state. who are responsible for investment tors at dialogue platforms, such as the Constitution, a special legal re- children in the family. However, the second stage, the processing “Increasing the investment in- work and exports. the Council of Foreign Investors, gime was established in the finan- for Kazakhstan’s population to and analysis of projects based on flow rate is a necessary element Atamkulov said the heads of dip- the Council to Improve the Invest- cial sphere in the capital relating to continue to grow, families must Kazakh Invest with the involve- for ensuring GDP growth at the lomatic missions were given spe- ment Climate, European Business the AIFC. Investor activity at the have at least three children. Only ment of experts from the AIFC five percent level and achieving cific tasks in their host countries Association of Kazakhstan have centre is also governed by English 28.1 percent of all households live and consultants will be conducted. the strategic goals of the state,” he as well as performance indicators. noted challenges, including the common law and the official lan- with three or more children. In this We will also bring projects into said. Forty potential investor countries rule of law, the volatility of the guage is English. An independent regard, the Kazakh government is formats understandable to foreign AIFC Governor Kairat Kelimbe- of priority have been identified, tenge rate, infrastructure, alloca- court has also been created related working on a plan to increase so- investors… The third stage is the tov noted in a recent report that the including the United States, Ger- tion of land, decriminalisation of to the AIFC, overseen by English cial support, especially housing promotion of ready-made, pack- AIFC supports the government’s many and Japan. tax offenses and migration. On judges. support, for vulnerable families. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Huawei to prepare KazNU Toyota launches Baiterek Holding has joined the global initiative of the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) to implement the principles ICT professionals long-term vehicle of socially responsible investment, reports Baiterek.gov.kz. The IFC By Aidana Yergaliyeva Principles are in line with Baiterek Holding’s new investment policy, NUR-SULTAN – Huawei, the leasing for businesses which aims to achieve social and Chinese multinational telecommu- rental cars under both compul- environmental outcomes, in addi- nications manufacturer, is expand- By Aidana Yergaliyeva sory civil liability insurance and tion to financial ones. This commit- ing its investment in Kazakh Sci- casualty and collision (CASCO) ment opens up greater opportunities ence, Technology, Engineering and NUR-SULTAN – After con- voluntary car insurance. for attracting foreign capital to so- Mathematics (STEM) university sidering the needs of domestic cial and environmental issues, sets programmes by adding Al-Farabi businesses, Toyota Financial up a new level of engagement with Kazakh National University (Ka- Services Kazakhstan, the com- Toyota also global investment companies and zNU) to its global network. The pany’s representative branch in offers special allows Baiterek Holding to receive company will invite top perform- the country, is now offering op- methodological support regarding ing students to an internship at its erating leasing to its customers. services such as a tire responsible investment on a per- headquarters in Shenzhen and open The action will allow businesses manent basis from the World Bank, a Huawei Authorised Information to rent Toyotas for long-term service and global said Baiterek Holding Deputy and Network Academy (HAINA periods with a full range of ser- positioning system

Chair Galymzhan Tajiyakov at the or Huawei ICT (information and inform.kz. Photo credit: vices. April 11-13 annual meetings of the communications technology) L-R: KazNU President Galymkair Mutanov and Huawei Technologies Kazakh- Renting a car through oper- (GPS) real time World Bank and International Mon- Academy) on campus. stan Deputy Director General Liyang Dongbo. ating leasing has a number of tracking. etary Fund in the United States. KazNU President Galymkair advantages. The company will Mutanov and Huawei Technolo- ing the ICT market in Kazakhstan produce not only phones and com- always have new cars with a Kazakhstan’s low-cost airline, gies Kazakhstan Deputy Director for 21 years and has invested its puters, but also server equipment, simple monthly fee and no resid- Toyota cars are not listed on FlyArystan, has launched a com- General Liyang Dongbo signed a full soul in the development of tal- equipment of wireless networks ual risk liability. Unlike finance the client’s balance sheet and petition among Kazakhstan’s 18 memorandum of cooperation on ent. Together with KazNU, we will and more. We trust Huawei,” said leasing, in which the client is ul- remain the property of the com- airports to become its airport termi- April 1. work to spread the education of KazNU’s IT faculty Dean Ualisher timately obligated to redeem the pany. Thus, clients need not pay nal base, reports FlyArystan’s press Huawei will send four KazNU communication technology and de- Tukeyev. vehicle in use, the lessor takes additional taxes. service. The airport that proposes students to an internship with velop ICT personnel; we will cre- HAINA is a non-profit partner- the car back and issues new one All service and repairs are the best commercial offer by the Seeds for the Future, a corporate ate a chance for vocational educa- ship project between Huawei and in return at the end of the rental completed at official Toyota end of May will win, getting annual social responsibility (CSR) flag- tion so that people can get in touch universities around the world. period. Toyota assumes all the dealerships. Service is available passenger traffic of up to 1 million ship programme. They will have an with the information society,” said The company has cooperated with time-consuming responsibilities even in remote centres, as the people and the possibility of launch- opportunity to learn the company’s Dongbo. more than 300 universities in China which customers were required company has a large network of ing new domestic and international solutions and products and master The ICT Academy at KazNU and regions such as Europe, Latin to do themselves with usual cor- dealers in all regions. flights to eight to 10 destinations. their skills and knowledge in the will train more young Kazakh America, Central and Southeast porate fleets such as state regis- Toyota also offers special ser- The base is to also create hundreds latest ICT advancements. professionals in the field. Huawei Asia, North Africa, the Middle East tration, compulsory and volun- vices such as a tire service and of jobs at the airport and develop lo- Seeds for the Future, which opened its first HAINA in Kazakh- and Australia, cultivating more than tary insurance and self-service. global positioning system (GPS) cal tourism and infrastructure. The seeks to develop ICT talents glob- stan at Kazakh British Technical 10,000 students every year. The fixed monthly payments real time tracking. first FlyArystan flights will launch ally, has been operating since 2008. University. “We thank you for your coop- in tenge for the entire rental pe- The privilege cost is included May 1. Operating daily, the airline The programme has trained more “This is a kind of centre equipped eration. This will be a good help riod ensure financial protection. in the monthly payments and will offer more than 130,000 seats than 3,600 of the best performing with computers and multimedia for our students. I think it is very Clients do not have to worry rates depend on model, mileage annually on Airbus A320 aircraft students from approximately 350 equipment. Here, students can take important for them to undergo about devaluation risks and an and lease term. For example, on each of its routes. It follows the universities worldwide, including a special course in information this internship and improve their unexpected increase in monthly leasing a comfort class Toyo- low-cost airline model of airlines ten Kazakh students from Gumi- programmes and receive a certifi- professional skills, as well as give payments for leasing, as well as ta Corolla for two years, with Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, easyJet and lyov Eurasian National University cate. In the future, graduates and other teachers and students the op- unplanned expenses associated mileage not exceeding 20,000 Indigo. and International University of In- undergraduates may be employed portunity to learn how Huawei has with repairs due to accidents kilometres per year, is 183,360 formation Technologies in 2017. in telecommunications companies become so successful,” said Mu- and other possible negative tenge (US$482.40) per month KazMunayGas increased gaso- “Huawei has already been serv- that use Huawei products. They tanov. scenarios. Toyota insures all its excluding value added tax. line production 34.9 percent last year, reports Kmg.kz. Within the same period, diesel fuel production increased 13 percent, and jet fuel production increased 57.4 percent. Overall, the volume of petroleum Dairy company Emil exemplifies ‘Made in Kazakhstan’ label product production increased to 12.15 million tonnes following the self in 2015. With the Depot WPF tasty. My family and I like eve- mass and milk. Thank you for such want a quick and healthy snack,” large-scale modernisation of Ka- By Aidana Yergaliyeva branding agency, the company in- rything, especially the curd, curd products! It really helps when you said another consumer. zakhstan’s three refineries. Oil and troduced to its traditional range of gas condensate production in 2018 NUR-SULTAN – The Made in milk, kefir (fermented milk), but- was 23.6 million tonnes and 8.14 Kazakhstan label is given to agri- ter, cottage cheese and airan (di- billion cubic metres, respectively, cultural products that are organic, lute fermented milk), Le’Vital low and the volume of oil and gas trans- affordable and high-quality. The calorie yoghurts and Yo-ho-ho! portation was 75.04 million tonnes Emil dairy products company dairy products for children. and 111.6 billion cubic metres, re- meets all of those standards. Now Emil employs 800 people spectively. The company was founded in and produces more than 120 dairy 1993, just two years after inde- products and more than 100 ice The umbrella brand “Made in pendence, and, in the last few cream flavours. The company re- Kazakhstan” will launch in May years has increased its product peatedly won national and interna- to raise awareness of and demand supply tenfold. It first won loyalty tional competitions. for Kazakhstan’s products abroad, among customers in East Kazakh- Emil has consolidated its image Kazakh Minister of Industry and stan and has since moved into the as a supplier of dairy products with Infrastructure Development Roman capital city Nur-Sultan. delicate taste, pleasant uniform Sklyar told a recent government Many people from Ust-Kame- consistency, a variety of products meeting. Exporters under the um- nogorsk and the cities and villages and reasonable prices. brella brand will enjoy state sup- near it are familiar with the com- “The taste is excellent. I really port, which will allow for reduced pany from their childhood. In the hope that the quality will not fall. advertisement and promotion costs beginning, Emil started producing At the moment, you are the best! and simplify their entry into new only ice cream. In 1997, it began The only thing is I have to look for markets. Sklyar noted that the price to process milk and use modern your products at the shops,” one competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s equipment. shopper told comode.kz referring exported products is significantly The company has since been to Emil. affected by costly transportation, helping to ensure the growth for “(Once) we bought it to try and often shouldered by businesses. East Kazakhstan’s regional farms, now (we) cannot (live) without such as Kamyshinskoe, Vorobyev this product. First of all, it is very Eurasian Economic Union and Co. and Shemonaikhinskoe. tasty, not any less good than Food- (EAEU) member states will switch “With many of them, we have master’s sweet sour milk, it is also to a unified system of electronic been going hand in hand for more twice cheaper. (Usually,) we buy passports for vehicles Nov. 1, re- than a dozen years,” said Emil Di- 20 pieces from Magnum (super- ports Almaty.kgd.gov.kz. For ex- ample, Russian government agen- rector Anna Nikiforova-Aberle. markets),” said another customer. cies will only be issuing electronic “Many agricultural producers “Since I love protein-containing passports from Nov. 1 and will have managed to expand their business products, every day I go to the a capacity of 170,000 electronic thanks to the support of the state.” store where they are sold – always passports per month. Car users will The company also rebranded it- fresh, relatively inexpensive and be able to use paper-based vehicle passports for as long as they see fit and until they want to switch to an electronic passport or lose their current passport. A transition to electronic passports will simplify vehicle movement, registration procedures and databases in EAEU countries.

Kazakhstan’s embassies will launch front offices for managing investment projects, reports the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Af- fairs press service. The front of- fices will provide consulting and governmental services and facili- tate investment projects. An online system for investors and project support also recently launched in a customer relationship manage- ment mode and will be used as an information platform by front of- fices. amil.kz. Photo credit: A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 Orderly presidential Atyrau Region is working to improve transition represents latest investment climate, increase foreign milestone in Kazakhstan’s investment, says governor with a total area of 3,400 hectares, the ethylene Pipe Plant of ChevronMu- By Malika Orazgaliyeva purpose of which is the construction naiGas Company, BatysAlyansStroy and commissioning of infrastructure LLP, Beton Invest LLP, BIASTECH development NUR-SULTAN – In this exclu- facilities and the development of LLP, Caspian Construction Com- n any country with a presi- prizes are not going to be put sive interview, Atyrau Region Akim chemical, petrochemical and related pany Limited LLP, Direct Construc- dential system of govern- at risk. (Governor) Nurlan Nogayev talks industries. Today, 15 participants are tion Service LLP, Euroconcrete LLP, ment, who holds the top In his address setting out why about continued efforts to develop registered on the territory of the FEZ ISI Gips-Inder LLP, Kazcomservice post matters hugely for its he believed the election should major industries and SMEs in the and a number of investment projects LLP and UPTK LLP. directionI and success. The Presi- not wait until 2020 as sched- region famous for its abundant oil are being implemented. Light industry is represented by dent is inevitably the symbol of uled, President Tokayev said the and gas reserves and being home to In addition, there are plans to im- CaspiyLanaAtyrau LLP, Ertri LLP leadership at home and abroad. earlier national poll would help Tengiz, one of the world’s largest on- plement such investment projects and SAFETY SYSTEMS LTD LLP. At the very least, too, they set end any uncertainty about the shore oil fields. as the production of polypropylene Companies in the food industry in- the framework within which the country’s leadership. Given the  (with a capacity of 500,000 tonnes clude Almaly Kus LLP, Amangeldy other institutions of government momentous change, which had What types of social and econom- per year) and polyethylene (with a Production Cooperative, Atyrau operate. But when a country just taken place, he suggested ic development issues are on the capacity of 1.25 million tonnes per Agro Felix LLP, Atyrau Bodene has been led successfully by the that it would be wrong to take agenda for your region? Nurlan Nogayev year). LLP, Atyrau Sauda LLP, Caspian same person for three decades – the popular will for granted. The results of the social and eco- The FEZ provides potential par- Royal Fish LLP, Karat LLP, Per- as is the case here in Kazakhstan Instead, he said the time was nomic development of the region for percent (79,300 head); camels, 3.9 ticipants with a special legal regime vomaysky LLP, Saraishyk Breed percent (31,900 head) and sheep and – the election of a successor is right to ask the people directly, 2018 are as follows: in all its territory, which allows tax, Livestock Farm LLP, Zaman Group goats, 3.2 percent (559,900 head). of even greater importance. through a presidential election, Gross regional product of the customs and other benefits. LLP and Zhemchuzhina Health Cen- Approximately 51,600 tonnes tre LLP. their view on the direction the oblast for nine months of 2018 (103.8 percent) of meat was pro- How much foreign investment These enterprises manufacture country should take. amounted to 4,911.6 billion tenge duced; milk, 61,400 tonnes (102.2 was attracted to Atyrau Region in products for national companies, as Kazakhstan, of We won’t know for a few (US$12.8 billion). The index of percent) and eggs, 125.5 million 2017 and 2018? Please tell us about well as other consumers in the region days who will be standing in physical volume was 112.5 percent. course, is fortunate. The share of the region in the pieces (127 percent). the most significant projects in the and the near abroad, and can poten- this landmark poll on June 9, The number of operating small and construction, manufacturing and tially be considered as initiators of apart from Kassym-Jomart To- country’s gross domestic product is The first and founding 12.4 percent. medium-sized businesses is 46,756, agribusiness fields. the implementation of new invest- kayev who has been nominated The gross regional product (GRP) or 109 percent compared with 2017. Investments in fixed assets ment projects. President, Nursultan by the ruling Nur Otan party at per capita is 7.85 million tenge For the third quarter of last year, amounted to 3.7 trillion tenge its April 23 congress. Accord- Nazarbayev, who has (US$20,500). the unemployment rate was 4.9 per- (US$9.6 billion) or 135.1 percent Could you talk about activities ing to the election timetable The volume of industrial produc- cent, as 32,263 new jobs were creat- from January-December 2017, in- and projects in the field of public- shaped this country’s already set out, the deadline for tion amounted to 7.5 trillion tenge ed (21,214 are permanent and 11,049 cluding foreign investment in the private partnership (PPP)? extraordinary journey nominations is April 28. Just (US$19.6 billion); the physical vol- are temporary). amount of 1.6 trillion tenge (US$4.2 In 2017-2018, bilateral agree- as is the case in other coun- ume index is 110.6 percent. The average monthly salary in Jan- billion). ments were signed in the region on since its first days tries, potential candidates will Products worth 6.8 trillion tenge uary-September 2018 was 292,631 The main sectors of the region’s five projects within the framework of have to meet eligibility criteria (US$17.8 billion) were produced tenge (US$762.96), or 112.6 percent economy that form a significant part the public-private partnership (PPP). as an independent concerning age, citizenship and in the mining industry; the physical compared with January-September of the GRP are mining, oil refining, These are construction and opera- nation, has made sure residency. They will also have volume index was 111.2 percent. 2017. mechanical engineering, trade and tion of street lighting in the city of to be able to show a level of Approximately 47.2 million In terms of taxes and budget, as construction. Atyrau; creation and operation of ac- of a stable succession public support before they earn tonnes of oil and 23.6 billion cubic of Jan. 1, the state budget received In January-December 2018, the tion plans for the early diagnosis of a place on the ballot paper. metres of associated petroleum gas 1,387.9 billion tenge (US$3.6 bil- share of the mining sector in the pulmonary tuberculosis, including process. But while the number and were produced, which equals 111.8 lion) in taxes and other obligatory structure of industry was 91.1 per- the development of a diagnostic pro- names of candidates won’t be percent and 113 percent, respective- payments (or 101.1 percent of the cent; the share of manufacturing, 7.9 gramme, equipment with specialised Kazakhstan, of course, is clear for a few days, what we ly, compared to 2017. forecast); the national budget re- percent and others, 1.0 percent. software and digital X-ray systems in fortunate. The first and found- do know already is that the Tengizchevroil produced 28.6 mil- ceived 1,101.9 billion tenge (US$2.9 In January-December 2018, the Atyrau Region; construction and op- ing President, Nursultan Naz- election between them will be lion tonnes of oil, or 99.7 percent billion) (or 101.1 percent of the fore- volume of production in the min- eration of street lighting in the city of arbayev, who has shaped this free and fair. The rules and laws compared with 2017, as well as as- cast); the local budget, 286 billion ing industry amounted to 6,8 trillion Atyrau and transfer to trust manage- country’s extraordinary journey which govern elections in Ka- sociated petroleum gas in the amount tenge (US$745.7 million) (or 101.3 tenge (US$17.8 billion) and grew by ment for further modernisation and since its first days as an inde- zakhstan have been continually of 15.6 billion cubic metres (99.3 percent of the forecast). 11.2 percent compared to the previ- operation of state communal prop- pendent nation, has made sure modernised and strengthened percent). Approximately 1,444.4 billion ous year. erty held by the Atyrau City State of a stable succession process. over the last 25 years to ensure The North Caspian Operat- tenge (US$3.8 billion) were trans- The basis of the mining industry is Utility Polyclinic No. 2 (without a His announcement that he was they meet global standards. The ing Company (NCOC) produced ferred to the National Fund. oil and gas, sand and salt. purchase option). stepping back in March may reforms were drawn up with the 13,219.6 tonnes of oil (158.6 per- The volume of retail trade amount- Approximately 47.2 million For the development of PPP have surprised many with its help and advice of local NGOs cent), and 7,746.5 million cubic ed to 279.2 billion tenge (US$272.9 tonnes of oil and 23.6 billion cubic mechanisms, explanatory and meth- timing. It is clear, however, and major international bod- metres (157.9 percent) of associated million) or 100.5 percent. metres of associated petroleum gas odological work was carried out in that the decision to hand over ies, such as the Organisation petroleum gas. In January-September 2018, were produced, which is 111.7 per- the region; as a result, an analysis responsibility to highly experi- for Security and Cooperation in The volume of industrial output in the region’s foreign trade turnover cent and 112.9 percent, respectively, was made with regard to proposals enced Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Europe (OSCE). the manufacturing industry amount- amounted to $19.7 billion, or 145.5 compared to the 2017 level. on construction, reconstruction, trust was done in a careful and The OSCE is also expected to ed to 590.5 billion (US$1.5 billion) percent of the corresponding period The mining industry is concen- management and service contracts planned way. be among the many organisa- tenge or 108.1 percent. of 2017; exports were $17,8 billion trated mainly in five districts of received from departments and aki- (145.4 percent) and imports, $1,9 bil- The First President has also tions that will send observers In 2018, within the framework the oblast: Issatai, Kurmangazy, mats of Atyrau city and districts. lion (145.7 percent). made sure through constitution- to monitor the elections and, as of the Business Map, there were Kyzylkugin, Makat and Zhylyoi. To date, proposals are being re- al changes that his significant has been the case in the past, to plans to commission six projects Advancement of the mineral re- ceived on a number of promising What work is planned to improve experience and knowledge can in the amount of 9.4 billion tenge sources sector requires large-scale projects in order to expand the use watch what happens at poll- performance in the coming years? still be drawn on. This, too, has ing booths across the country. (US$24.5 million) and to create 162 geological exploration in order to in- of various forms of PPPs and to do The akimat (the administration) of crease the exploited reserves. helped re-assure both the coun- Journalists, too, from across the jobs; by the end of the year, five pro- a phased substitution of budget funds the Atyrau Region has been carry- One hundred and nine mineral try’s citizens and Kazakhstan’s globe will travel to Kazakhstan jects were launched in the amount of for private investment. ing out systematic work to improve deposits have been explored in the many friends abroad. The whole to report on the campaign and 6.7 billion tenge (US$17.5 million) In addition, documentation is be- the region’s investment climate and region. There are 21 vacant deposits ing drafted for several projects. transition process, in contrast polling day. There is a huge and 127 jobs were created: * Mill of Karat LLP (the pro- increase foreign direct investment in (deposits of construction and techno- to the turbulent periods often amount of interest in what is ject cost 4,500 million tenge the economy. logical raw materials) available for What work is done to attract tour- seen in other countries, has genuinely an historic elec- (US$11,732); 50 jobs); Currently, the region successfully investors. ists? How many tourists visited the won international plaudits and tion for the country and wider * Production of ready-mixed con- cooperates with more than 50 coun- According to experts, the most region in 2018? ensured economic confidence in region. crete by New Ascent LLP (the project tries of the world. More than 1,000 promising deposits are: The region pays special attention Kazakhstan remains high. The new President, according cost 1,623 million tenge (US$4,232); joint ventures and foreign enterprises 1. Keramzite clay deposits (Makat to the development of tourism. We Kazakhstan also has an to the election timetable, will 30 jobs); have been created and successfully district) – the reserves equal 49.86 are one of the leaders in Kazakhstan enviable track record of facing be in place by June 16 after the * Production of polyethylene bags operate in the region. million cubic metres. in terms of business tourism. challenges head on. It is one of country has made its decision. by Plasticcom LLP (the project cost In order to attract domestic and 2. Gypsum deposits (Inderskoe At the end of 2017, there were the reasons for both the coun- It will be another major mo- 27 million tenge (US$70,395); seven foreign investment in the regional No. 98) – the estimated resources are 174,723 people registered in the try’s success and stability. By ment in Kazakhstan’s modern jobs); economy, an international invest- 151.19 million cubic metres. field of business tourism. The region bringing forward presidential history. But given the calm way * Production of disposable paper ment forum is held annually in the There are 626 industrial enter- takes third place in the country, fol- elections to June, President the transition has been handled cups by ANTA LLP (the project cost oblast, as well as Global Oil & Gas prises in the region, including 18 me- lowing Nur-Sultan and Almaty. Ap- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has so far, there is every reason for 20.3 million tenge (US$52,927); 18 Atyrau regional exhibitions and the dium and 19 large enterprises. proximately 135,184 people were shown that these hard-won confidence for the future. jobs); Atyrau Build construction exhibi- Large manufacturing enterprises registered in the third quarter of 2018 * Production of reinforced con- tion. These events host exhibitions of operate in oil refining, chemistry, (7,104 more than in 2017). crete products by Atyrau Concrete investment projects requiring invest- mechanical engineering, food pro- For the third quarter of 2018, 24 LLP (the project cost 600 million ments. duction and construction. 101,373 visitors were served in do- tenge (US$1.6 million); 22 jobs). The investment potential of the Industrial production is concen- mestic tourism (6,561 people more Investments in fixed assets region has a number of positive fac- trated in the city of Atyrau and Zhy- than in 2017) and 49,414 visitors in amounted to 3,689.5 billion tenge tors: lyoi district of the oblast. inbound tourism (8,728 more than in (US$9.6 billion); the physical vol- * Sufficient wind and solar energy The leading enterprises in the 2017). ume index is 136 percent. to obtain alternative electricity and region in the field of mechanical Currently, the city of Atyrau has Approximately 793,900 square the presence of self-flowing under- engineering are AtyrauNefteMash developed and operates a sightsee- metres of housing were commis- ground wells makes it possible to LLP, Atyrau Pipe Fittings Plant, ing tour programme which includes sioned in the region (or 127.2 percent create desalination and drinking wa- ChevronMunaiGas Inc. Company many interesting historical and cul- in comparison to 2017). ter production facilities; Branch, Continent Co. Ltd. LLP; tural sights, monuments and enter- The volume of construction work * Availability of raw materials, Dossormunaimash LLP, Flowserve tainment facilities, as well as res- amounted to 637.2 billion tenge including 88 hydrocarbon deposits LLP, Kazakhstan Integrated Services taurants and cafés with a variety of (US$1.7 billion); the physical vol- and 21 vacant deposits of common LLP, KazTurboRemont LLP, Novus cuisines of the people living in the re- ume index is 107.2 percent. minerals; Sealing Caspian LLP and ZhigerMu- gion. At the same time, tourists have As for agriculture, forestry and * Availability of all necessary in- naiService LLP. the opportunity to visit the creative fisheries, the index of physical vol- frastructure and favourable invest- In the field of chemistry those are centre, where weekly shows of the ume (services) was 104.6 percent or ment conditions. Atyrau Oil Refinery LLP, KasChem national traditions and customs of 67.3 billion tenge (US$175.5 mil- One of the elements of investment LLP, Polymer Production LLP, the Kazakh people are demonstrated. lion). attractiveness of the region is the RauanNalko LLP and TUZ LLP. The number of cattle increased 6.9 presence of the National Industrial The leading companies in the field The full interview is available percent (168,100 head); horses, 8.9 Petrochemical Technopark (FEZ), of construction include Atyrau Poly- online.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 E-commerce takes off in Kazakhstan, Young entrepreneurs to citizens double number of purchases pitch start-ups at Echelon the subsequent popularisation of e- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov commerce, which envisages mass education of commerce through NUR-SULTAN – The number of the Internet, accounting for e- Asia Summit 2019 e-commerce purchases in Kazakh- commerce entities, comprehensive stan jumped from 1.3 million in provision of public and business 2017 to 2.3 million in 2018. access to the Internet, and im- Government officials attribute provement of consumer protection the increase to the Digital Kazakh- institutions,” she explained. stan state programme begun at the The Kazakh government is also end of 2017. working to improve electronic “Today, we see a positive effect commerce tools and to establish from the work being done. In 2018, electronic trading platforms and the volume of the e-commerce static.zakon.kz. Photo credit: electronic information platforms. market increased by two times regulation of electronic commerce, including those eligible for tax It is also strengthening the insti- compared to 2017 and reached 269 development of payment systems breaks under the country’s latest tution of consumer rights protec- billion tenge (US$707.1 million),” in electronic commerce, improv- tax code. tion in electronic commerce and is said Aizhan Bizhanova, Direc- ing digital and financial literacy Bizhanova said Kazakhstan is simplifying the procedure for de- tor of Trade Activities Regulation of population and entrepreneurs, utilising the experiences of other claring goods for export for indi- Department of the Ministry of Na- promotion of electronic commerce countries in developing its e-com- viduals. Individuals can now send tional Economy. and logistics infrastructure devel- merce industry. goods abroad using postal docu- A roadmap for the development opment. “Firstly, the development of in- ments as a declaration of goods. of electronic commerce for 2018- According to Bizhanova, e-com- frastructure, which includes the Also, the government is creating 2020 has been developed to imple- merce accounts for 2.9 percent of improvement of tax and customs transport and logistic storage cen- Staff Report “We take an identity document ment the programme. It includes total retail. More than 1,700 on- administration, logistics and non- tres to help local businesspeople (ID) and a person’s photo and 28 events in five areas: legislative line stores operate on the market, cash payments. And secondly, on export goods. NUR-SULTAN – Ten teams verify if it is the same person who from the acceleration programme provided the ID. The verification Smart Zholy will present their is based on the person’s unique start-up projects at Singapore’s features,” said participant Aza- Echelon Asia Summit May 23-24. mat Galymzhanov to Kazakh-tv. Twenty teams of English- kz on his team’s project on a bio- Business Roadmap 2020 financing speaking Kazakh entrepreneurs metric identification system that aged 18 to 30 were selected on is geared toward security. a competitive basis and given Participant Moldir Kussainova access to world-class experts and her team developed a service increased 57 percent to develop innovative products that sells concert, theatre, movie from SMEs were nearly 175 bil- ness Roadmap subsidises the ister of Industry and Infrastructure and services that have potential and sports event tickets at their By Aidana Yergaliyeva lion tenge (US$459.82 million) concessional lending rate to de- Development Roman Sklyar. in markets in Kazakhstan and cost price without commissions. per year. velop agricultural processing. Although the overall picture Southeast Asia. “The trip to Singapore is an op- NUR-SULTAN – Financing for More than half of the fund, or Agricultural processing accounts shows good progress for Business “[Smart Zholy] finalists are im- portunity for us to find investors Business Roadmap 2020, which 60.2 percent, was distributed to for half of the 200 billion tenge Roadmap 2020, certain regions are plementing their projects with the and expand our service. We plan supports small and medium-sized subsidise interest rates on loans (US$525.51 million) allocated for outliers. Kazakh Prime Minister largest companies in Kazakhstan – to enter Uzbekistan,” she said. enterprises (SMEs) through state from allocated funds. Another sig- agro-industrial complex develop- Askar Mamin raised concern about their solutions are used by the larg- The programme was launched allocated funds, increased 57 per- nificant amount, 25.2 percent, was ment. the insufficient work of several re- est insurance companies, and work in 2017 in Almaty, Karaganda, cent this year, said Minister of Na- distributed to build lacking infra- The Atameken National Cham- gional administrations, noting they is underway with leading banks,” Nur-Sultan and Pavlodar to tional Economy Ruslan Dalenov at structure for factories, plants and ber of Entrepreneurs, which is re- do not provide a sufficient level of said Centras Managing Director give Kazakh entrepreneurs the an April 9 government meeting. other SME production facilities. sponsible for realising a portion entrepreneurial support. Rashid Dyussembayev. “The pro- opportunity to enter the global As of Jan. 1, the number of oper- The balance was directed towards of the roadmap, provides non- “The active development of jects are connected to computer market, and it expanded to all ating SMEs increased 8.3 percent guaranteeing loans and providing financial support measures for en- small and medium-sized business- vision, artificial intelligence and regions in 2018 and 2019. Two to 1.2 million. grants, training and consulting ser- trepreneurs through its 20 business es largely depends on the work corporate software solutions.” hundred and thirty teams have In the last four years, the govern- vices for entrepreneurs. service centres and 191 business of local executive bodies. Unfor- Ten teams, including Sagrad participated in the programme ment has allotted 210 billion tenge This year, the government support centres. In 2018, more tunately, there are regions where Forms, Opera Build, Turaqshare, over three years. (US$551.79 million) from the na- will allocate 600 billion tenge than 138,000 entrepreneurs used business support is not up to stand- Pythonis, Tastamat, Verigram, Bi- Last year, 20 teams selected tional budget to support roadmap (US$1.58 billion) in preferential the free services, while 20,914 ard,” he said. ometric, Otbasy, Q-Bit and GoC- from more than 120 applications initiatives. Funds were provided loans to the Economy of Simple were trained as part of the business The West Kazakhstan region ode, will go to Echelon Asia Sum- participated in the programme annually for approximately 13,000 Things programme to develop the school and business connections has shown the worst performance mit 2019 to present their projects. under the mentorship of Singapo- SMEs, training 20,000 entrepre- light manufacturing, construction initiatives. in accomplishing the roadmap’s “We expect that, this year, two rean experts at Astana Hub. Sev- neurs, creating 10,000 jobs and and furniture industries. The pro- Since March 18, the project has plans. The region has 397 sub- or three projects will be able to en teams with the best projects producing goods valued at 3.3 gramme has identified 365 com- been monitoring the progress of sidised projects, 14 percent less attract investment. We also hope pitched to investors June 28-29 at trillion tenge (US$8.67 billion). modity items from 65 types of the preferential loan programme. than the national average, and only that some of today’s finalists will Echelon Asia Summit 2018, with Typically, 154,000 entrepreneurs economic activities. The office has held seven meetings 40,000 operating SMEs. The SME be able to step out and gain a Kazakhstan’s start-up WebTotem receive consulting and mainte- Minister of Agriculture Sa- and been contacted by more than share in the gross regional product foothold in the Southeast Asian ranking among the top 10 start- nance services each year and taxes parkhan Omarov noted the Busi- 300 regional enterprises, said Min- is also declining. market,” Dyussembayev added. ups in Southeast Asia. Kazakhstan ships first Caterpillar FlyArystan launches Almaty- carrier tractor exports to Russia Karaganda flights, announces Caterpillar carrier tractors are Caterpillar carrier tractors were By Nazira Kozhanova high-speed, floating, all-terrain formerly produced in a multitude vehicles with a bearing case and of plants throughout the former NUR-SULTAN – The Semey Ma- lead front wheels. The vehicle Soviet Union, including Kharkov contest for new airline hub chine Building Plant in Kazakhstan is meant to be used within dif- and Rubtsovsk, but are now manu- is the only factory in the Common- ficult climate conditions on soil factured only in Semey. The plant By Laura Tussupbekova wealth of Independent States that with a low load-bearing capacity was built in 1968 as a branch of the produces Caterpillar carrier tractors (swamps, fresh snow, off-road, Rubtsovsk plant, but the entire pro- NUR-SULTAN – FlyArystan, and this year the company exported rugged woodland, desert zone or duction was transferred to Semey in Kazakhstan’s first low-cost airline, its first four tractors to Russia, re- mountainous terrain) at tempera- 1977. In the 1980s, the facility pro- will launch daily flights from Al- ports the Kazakh Ministry of Digital tures between 60 degrees and -70 duced 600-700 tractors annually to maty to Karaganda starting May Development, Defense and Aero- degrees Celsius. The tractors have meet the needs of the entire USSR 2, reported the company press ser- space Industry press service. high maneuverability, even in dif- space, as it was widely used by the vice. The Semey factory produces the ficult circumstances. Soviet army, according to RMZ.ru, Tickets for the 90-minute flight vehicles with the majority of parts They are able to serve as the ba- a website dedicated to the history of on a 180-seat Airbus A320 start made in Kazakhstan, said Plant sis to construct other machines, the Rubtsovsk plant. at 5,999 tenge (US$16) one way, General Director Nurlan Omarov. with the addition of lifting, loading, The Semey Machine Building including all airport taxes. FlyAr- The tractors meet industry require- unloading, drilling and other tech- Plant is a subsidiary of Kazakhstan ystan offers options such as addi- ments and are manufactured ac- nological equipment at customers’ Engineering. It also produces roll- tional baggage, in-flight catering cording to the same quality specifi- requests, and are also intended for ing-stock details, mortar and other and priority boarding and recom- cations as their foreign counterparts. transporting goods and people. consumer goods. mends passengers carefully read the fare rules provided in detail on its website. be able to take part in the compe- the ticket prices between Almaty “Karaganda is the fourth largest tition. They must submit the best and Taraz to 3,999 tenge (US$11) city in Kazakhstan and tickets in commercial offer by the end of one way including all fees. We this direction are in high demand. May. The winning city will be- hope that all airports will take part Now, it will become even easier come FlyArystan’s airline hub in the competition and we will get and more comfortable to reach with two Airbus А320 aircraft a good offer from those who are it from the southern capital. We with 180 seats, an engineering and ready to grow with FlyArystan,” know that people will enjoy the technical base and crew,” reads the said company planning director services of the low-cost airline release. Rafael Taizhanov on April 15. FlyArystan,” said company sales The designation will create hun- First Kazakh President Nur- and marketing director Zhanar dreds of jobs at the airport and con- sultan Nazarbayev instructed the Zhailauova. tribute to developing local tourism country in November to create a The airline previously an- and infrastructure. budget airline based on Air Astana. nounced an open competition The company plans to reduce The FlyArystan fleet includes among local airports. The winner ticket prices by minimising airport four Airbus 320-232 aircraft, each will receive passenger traffic of costs. with 180 seats, that on average are up to one million people per year “We agreed with the manage- six years old. In 2022, the airline and the possibility of opening new ment of Taraz Airport and they plans to increase its fleet to 15 air- flights on domestic and interna- supported our initiative to increase craft, which will be based through-

Photo credit: avtotema.ru. Photo credit: tional routes. passenger traffic and significantly out the country. Tickets are avail- Caterpillar carrier tractor. “Some 18 airports in cities will reduce passenger fees. We reduced able at www.flyarystan.com. A8 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

from Shoqan suits!” added Madi. Currently, the clothing line in- cludes 35 suits, 11 shirts, 18 shoe Kazakh brand Shoqan produces high styles and various accessories. One set, which includes a suit, shirt and shoes, retails for 110,000 tenge (US$290). The suit can be pur- quality, affordable classic clothing chased separately for 55,000 tenge brand, the main idea is to instil the facilities in Kazakhstan and China (US$145), while the most expen- By Saltanat Boteu culture of wearing a suit as casual and 30 employees. It works in ten sive, a tuxedo, is approximately wear in Kazakhstan. We want to Kazakh cities – Aktobe, Almaty, 115,000 tenge (US$303). The shirt NUR-SULTAN – Almaty en- prove that it is fashionable, beauti- Atyrau, Karaganda, Oskemen, costs 12,000 tenge (US$31.60) and trepreneurs Nursultan Magzu- ful and comfortable. In the ward- Oral, Petropavlovsk, Shymkent, the leather shoes sell for approxi- mov and Ulugbek Sharipov are robe of a modern man, there is a Taraz and the capital – and recent- mately 40,000 tenge (US$105). promoting the culture of Kazakh place for several suits. In this case, ly opened a branch in Moscow. The company uses Australian men wearing suits by producing a a high quality product does not Nearly 70 percent of its prod- wool and Caucasian merino wool high-quality, stylish and affordable necessarily have to cost unthink- ucts, including shoes, are currently for its suits and local tanning raw clothing line. able money. At the same time, it is manufactured in modern factories materials for shoes and bags. The team, in conjunction with not quite true to say that we want in China, while individual tailor- “Tourists from Australia and the the Kazakh producer Eric Tastem- to conquer the mass market. The ing and corporate orders are com- United Kingdom did not believe bekov, founded Tumar Qazaqstan target audience of Shoqan is ambi- pleted in Kazakhstan. their eyes when they saw pure in 2016. In January 2017, they tious people who know their value Shoqan has a famous clientele, wool costumes for less than $300. registered the Tumar trademark of and want to look stylish,” said the including young Kazakh singer They bought several sets at once men’s watches and launched sales. entrepreneurs. Dimash Kudaibergen and actor and wondered if we were planning As the product met market de- The company’s name was not Sanzhar Madi. to open a store in their homeland. mands, the entrepreneurs decided chosen accidentally. Shoqan Ua- “Thanks to Nursultan and Ul- Well, having lived for six months to create a clothing line under the likhanov was a prominent 19th- ugbek, who always supported me, in Moscow, we got an idea of what Shoqan by Shoqan Ualikhanov century intellectual and they want- Shoqan is a brand of a new gen- kind of clothes Russian customers brand, reported forbes.kz. ed to pay a tribute to the Kazakh eration of man’s style – elegant, would like to buy. We have cre- “An additional proposal, which scholar. self-confident, capable and stimu- ated a trend and are working with was incorporated in the price of Facebook page Shoqan Company’s Photo credit: The company subsequently de- lating,” noted Kudaibergen on the an audience that understands us,” L-R: Nursultan Magzumov and Ulugbek Sharipov. the product, played its role. For cided to expand production with company website. said Sharipov. 15,000 tenge (US$39.50), the leather shoes, shirts and other ac- “I liked the boutique [of Sho- The founders have developed a buyer received a set of watches, a and still traditionally celebrated in duce men’s suits due to their inter- cessories creating a unique place qan]. They help you to choose a partner package. When investing brand pen and a leather purse in a Kazakhstan as an informal Men’s est and love of fashionable classic for costumers, where they can suit according to your body type, in construction of a Shoqan store, gift box. We successfully chose the Day), and the first set of 1,000 clothing and desire to prove that fully create their look with profes- eye colour and hair. I really liked the company provides marketing moment to start sales, which was quickly sold out in six weeks,” high quality, stylish items can be sional help. the costume that they picked for and operational support. In the fu- on the eve of Feb. 23 (Defender said Magzumov. produced in Kazakhstan. The company has 11 boutique me. It is of a good quality and fits ture, they plan to offer full-fledged of the Fatherland Day in Russia, The entrepreneurs chose to pro- “Talking about the Shoqan studios, two sewing production perfectly. Thanks to my friends franchises. Aselsan Engineering seeks to increase Kazakhstan, Germany domestic involvement in Kazakhstan seek to increase trade, in producing military products joint projects existing systems in the army in- production of mobile surveillance in sales happened because our pro- tween the countries and implement By Zhanna Shayakhmetova ventory. and reconnaissance system, anti- duction mainly depends on the or- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova targeted projects in real sectors of “We also carry out projects for the drone and electronic warfare systems ders of government departments the economy. The road map will NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan modernisation of the fire control sys- and production of radios for military of Kazakhstan. In order to reduce NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan contribute to modernising the Ka- Aselsan Engineering (KAE) is one tems and battle management systems and professional use compliant to our risk of losses and increase the used more than $183 million in zakh economy, attracting advanced of the companies that contributes of the T-72A and T-72B tanks, fire standard APCO-25,” he said. efficiency and profitability of the German capital last year to imple- German technologies and produc- not only to the city’s economy and direction and command control sys- KAE is also working on trans- company, we expanded our product ment four investment projects in ing Kazakh goods with a high de- the domestic market, but to the tems for howitzers, the modernisa- ferring high technologies, ranging range and field of activity and also trade, industry and renewable en- gree of processing. military preparedness of the coun- tion of the onboard avionic systems from large-node machinery assem- increased our focus on research and ergy sources, reported the Kazakh This year, Tönnies, a German try’s armed forces. and electronic equipment of the MI- bly and equipment for special and development projects in collabora- Invest press service. The projects meat processing and food produc- “The company’s main goal and 17 helicopter, the remote-controlled dual use, followed by localising the tion with Nazarbayev University. created 400 jobs. tion company, will invest in a plant the priority are to supply the Armed turret system for IGLA-1 and the production of systems and parts and Our approach is to grow by coop- More than 90 percent of Ger- with a feedlot, meat processing Forces of Kazakhstan with high- creating support and service centres. erating with local companies and man investments are directed to the facility and distribution centres. tech products and systems. Since As a foreign investor, the com- small-medium enterprises together non-primary sector including the Negotiations are underway with the beginning of the company’s KAE is also working pany collaborates with the city with working with universities and processing and chemical industries, the Sun Farming and Prisma Solar operations, we have supplied more on transferring high administration and Astana Invest state research centres,” he added. building materials production and companies to build renewable en- than 15,000 domestic-made devices, company for meetings with gov- KAE workers participate in agro-industrial complex. ergy facilities. such as night vision devices, thermal technologies, ranging ernment agencies and signing in- seminars and training courses in Germany is one of Kazakhstan’s imaging devices and reconnaissance from large-node vestment contracts, as it gives cus- Hungary, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, key political and leading trade and devices, as well as stabilised remote- toms privileges in receiving goods the Netherlands, Russia, Singapore FB Waste Recycling machinery assembly economic partners in the European controlled weapons systems,” said without duties and taxes. and Turkey. The company is also Union (EU) and one of the prior- intends to build a KAE CEO Ziya Yusuf Camoglu in and equipment for “Export will be the main and engaged in separate waste collec- ity countries of long-term export an interview for this story. driving key for the market around tion and disposal including paper, interest, said Kazakh Deputy Min- plant in cooperation Founded in 2013, the compa- special and dual use, our territory. We are actively work- plastics and industrial waste. ister of Foreign Affairs Yermek ny has the mission of providing followed by localising ing with our neighbouring coun- “Our goal is to reach a local con- Kosherbayev. He spoke in Berlin with a local electronic and electronic-optical tries Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, tent of 80 percent in a certain pe- April 12 at the 12th meeting of the company in the goods for the armed forces of Ka- the production of Kyrgyzstan and Turkey for export riod of time. As a company policy, Kazakh-German intergovernmental zakhstan and other military and systems and parts and opportunities,” said Camoglu. we are working on increasing the working group on trade and eco- Zhambyl Region. civil units. Within three years, The company observed some de- local content by adding Kazakh nomic cooperation. KAE began producing weapon creating support and crease in sales compared to 2017. producers to our suppliers list and “We are modernising our invest- The 50-million euro systems, command control sys- “We expect an increase in sales enhancing our collaboration with ment attraction ecosystem. The (US$56 million) tems (C4ISR) and modernising service centres. for the coming years. The decrease local companies,” Camoglu said. investment climate will meet the Organisation for Economic Co-op- operation will process eration and Development (OECD) standards. We will develop a chain 150,000 tonnes of of interaction from embassies municipal solid waste abroad to local executive bodies. South Korean Lotte Group to sweeten We are ready to make every effort per year and generate for our joint investment projects up to five megawatts and potential proposals for localis- ing production in Kazakhstan,” he of electricity per hour. investment in local candy company noted. “The construction is currently working since 2001 has been 2018 growth in revenue, profitabil- Kosherbayev proposed making The facility will create By Assel Satubaldina underway at the marmalade pro- producing for Commonwealth of ity and market share. maximum efforts to implement 80 jobs. duction line. The launch of this Independent States countries, Eu- The company’s income grew 4.8 large-scale joint investment pro- NUR-SULTAN – The Rakhat line is set for June 2019. Another rope, China and Mongolia. This percent compared to 2017, with jects and expand German produc- Shymkent confectionery com- project is to launch the production means domestic products comply revenue of 59.171 million tenge tion activities in Kazakhstan. FB Waste Recycling intends to pany plans to launch new product of sugar biscuits, which is planned with international standards,” said (US$158 million). Market share Removing barriers opens up new build a plant in cooperation with a lines to produce marmalade by for 2020,” said Rahipbekova in an Zhumin. grew 2 percent and reached 20.5 opportunities for increasing coop- local company in the Zhambyl Re- 2019 and sugar biscuits by 2020, interview for this story. In February, Rakhat reported percent in the main categories. eration between the countries, said gion. The 50-million euro (US$56 said Rakhat Shymkent Director “With the launch of marmalade German Deputy Federal Minister million) operation will process Zhyldyz Rahipbekova. production, we plan to create 33 for Economic Affairs and Energy 150,000 tonnes of municipal solid South Korean Lotte Group, jobs, which is a very good num- Eckhard Franz. waste per year and generate up to which owns 92.44 percent of Ra- ber for the local population. As for “Our relations have a large po- five megawatts of electricity per khat Shymkent’s shares, will in- sugar production, it is 30-35 peo- tential. For us, Kazakhstan is the hour. The facility will create 80 vest five billion tenge (US$13.1 ple, which means additional jobs,” key and most important partner in jobs. million) in the product lines. she said. Central Asia. The German econo- “Our plan includes 174 projects Rakhat has been operating in The new production lines are my is interested in participation in worth $40.1 billion with the par- Kazakhstan for 75 years and em- expected to increase output by the modernisation of the Kazakh ticipation of foreign investors. The ploys 4,500 people at production 14,000 tonnes per year. economy and is ready to make its projects are mainly in the agro-in- facilities in Almaty and Shymkent. The Shymkent Akimat (city ad- own contribution in this direction,” dustrial and mining-metallurgical Company produces more than ministration) hopes the upgrade he noted. complexes, oil and gas, chemistry, 400 confectionery products in 14 will strengthen business ties and Energy development and effi- engineering, infrastructure and categories. Rakhat also manufac- increase investment between Ka- ciency, renewable energy sources, trade. The company, with repre- tures diabetes care products, in- zakhstan and South Korea. Bilat- ecology, agriculture, industry, tech- sentatives abroad and in the re- cluding chocolate, candy, cookies eral trade in 2018 reached $2.5 nology transfer, transport and logis- gions, provides all the services for and waffles with reduced calorie billion tics, utilities, health, education and the investment projects from idea content and sugar alternatives. Shymkent Deputy Akim Danat tourism were defined as the priority to implementation and in the post- The company exports to nine Zhumin emphasised the signifi- cooperation areas. investment period, according to the countries, including Germany, cance of the enterprise for the city The parties agreed to develop single window principle,” said Ka- Mongolia, Afghanistan and Azer- development. and launch a road map to systema- zakh Invest national company Dep- baijan. “The factory that has been tise economic interaction areas be- uty Chairperson Rustam Issatayev. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS One of 100 New Faces promotes Astana Opera presents Athletes to run for charity in annual home-grown style of mixed “La Bohème,” series of chamber BI Marathon May 26 martial arts B2 orchestra concerts B3 B7 Where can a Finn find like-minded folk in Bublik wins Monterrey Pavlodar, Kazakhstan? Why, at the Challenger, Finno-Ugric Ethno Cultural Centre, of course enters ATP’s top 100 6-2 and 7-6 (5). Bublik then de- By Saltanat Boteu By Saltanat Boteu feated Ecuadorian Emilio Gomez in the final match, 6-3, 6-2, to win NUR-SULTAN – The Finno- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh tennis his third tournament of the year, Ugric ethno cultural centre in the player Alexander Bublik won the reported sports.kz. Pavlodar Region gathers nine eth- Association of Tennis Profession- Bublik (99th) advanced 21 posi- nicities, providing an opportunity als (ATP) Challenger tournament tions to enter ATP’s recently-up- for its members to preserve their in Monterrey, Mexico, entering dated top 100. Fellow countryper- cultural heritage and share it with ATP’s top 100 ranking. son Mikhail Kukushkin stands at the Kazakh people, said chair Olga Bublik defeated Serb Pedja 44th, the highest position among Nikolashina. Krstin and American Mitchell Kazakh tennis players. “This is how our work on the Krueger in the second and third Serb Novak Djokovic, Spaniard creation of the centre began. We rounds, respectively, then beat Rafael Nadal and German Alexan- worked with the archive, the migra- Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in the der Zverev are ranked number one, tion police and called people. At the quarterfinals, 7-6 (5), 6-3. In the two and three, respectively. second stage, [we] sent more than semi-finals, he topped American 300 letters and audio invitations Tennys Sandgren in three sets, 2-6, Continued on Page B7 about an organisational meeting to large supermarkets and public transport,” she told assembly.kz. The Finno-Ugric centre has a re- gional centre, a Mordovian branch in Qashyr and Udmurt branch in Almaty opens its the Uspen district. The 164 mem- bers represent the Estonian, Finn- ish, Hungarian, Komi-Permyak, Kven, Mari, Mordvin, Udmurt and cherry blossom alley Vepsian nationalities. “We picked up exactly the kind

Continued on Page B2 assembly.kz. Photo credit: By Aidana Yergaliyeva of sakura (cherry blossom) that fits the climate of Almaty. At the initial NUR-SULTAN – Almaty and stage, we brought over 100 trees, Japanese officials recently planted but we plan to plant even more,” the first of 100 cherry blossom said Kazunori. trees along the Esentai River in Tokyo Rope International will Three new visitors’ centres to help explore Almaty as a symbol of friendship protect the river bank from ero- between the city and Japan. sion using its rock box method. Tokyo Rope International Presi- The company, a subsidiary of the dent Sato Kazunori and Almaty transnational Tokyo Rope Manu- Kazakhstan’s rich cultural history Akim (Mayor) Bauyrzhan Baibek facturing, has been designing and “Our expert and methodologi- interest among people, and tour- Opening the Otyrar (Turkestan planted the first trees April 14, re- manufacturing eco-friendly disas- By Saltanat Boteu cal support mainly works in Nur- ism is developing. Our people Region), Tamgaly (Almaty Re- ported the city akimat (administra- ter prevention facilities since 1887. Sultan. The main work is carried from time immemorial visited sa- gion) and Ulytau (Karagandy Re- tion) press service. Continued on Page B5 NUR-SULTAN – Cultural her- out in the regions. Roads and ob- cred places, but now people will gion) visitor centres are expected itage tourism continues to de- jects (historical objects, facilities learn more about them. People to produce an increase in tourist velop in Kazakhstan, covering for tourists) are restored, visitor want to visit them because they flow. more regions and involving the centres are built. There are also are very interesting, because we “This should contribute to a country’s business community. buildings that are built by entre- have an abundance of historical greater increase in the number As part of the Ruhani Zhangyru preneurs. There are places where and pilgrimage sites. There are of tourists. Previously, tourists Khabar TV launches (Modernisation of Kazakhstan’s people want to come overnight, also beautiful nature reserves. could not eat and spend the night Identity) programme, the Otyrar, and hotels are built there. All this Information materials, many leg- there; now, such opportunities Tamgaly and Ulytau visitor cen- is carried out on a charity base. ends accompany this. Interesting appear. In fact, these visitor cen- tres will open this year, said Sa- The development of this type of videos are published, texts are tres will be like museums with Central Asia’s Got Talent cral Kazakhstan Research Centre tourism creates a good multiplier being written about this in social complete information about them sportsmen, while people with any head Berik Abdygaliuly after the effect and SMEs develop,” he networks and expeditions are be- [the destinations]. These are the By Nazira Kozhanova talent will be able to participate in programme’s national committee said, reported inform.kz. ing organised. These increase the largest national visiting centres; this show. Another feature of this meeting. Restoring tourism destinations knowledge of our citizens about there are also smaller ones in the NUR-SULTAN – Khabar TV, show is in its joint organisation by He spoke about developing the and objects and creating tour- their sacred wealth. It is through regions. It is gratifying that entre- in conjunction with Kyrgyz, Tajik Central Asian countries with par- cultural heritage tourism infra- ist facilities increase locals’ and sacred objects and historical preneurs, who are actively build- and Uzbek channels, started the ticipants from Kazakhstan, Uzbek- structure, noting small and medi- foreigners’ interest in the country events that we get to know our ing infrastructure there, are very casting process April 3 for Central istan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. um-sized enterprises (SMEs) are and its regions. history all over again,” said Ab- interested in their development,” Asia’s Got Talent. The show will Central Asia’s Got Talent’s goal is contributing to its progress. “Objects are restored, causing dygaliuly. he added. be broadcast in the four countries. to find the most talented and origi- “For the first time in Kazakh nal people in the Central Asian TV’s history, we will gather all tal- countries,” said Khabar Agency ented people in a single space. Pre- First Deputy Board Chairperson viously, Kazakh TV channels only Rinat Kertayev while presenting introduced single talent shows, the project. Erasmus+ contributes to cooperation, mobility such as singers, dancers and Continued on Page B3 of Kazakh universities with EU partner countries THINGS TO WATCH & activities of the national team of PLACES TO GO By Zhanna Shayakhmetova higher education reform experts. BARYS ARENA “There are two types of schol- April 25 at 7 p.m. Kazakhstan – Belarus, friendly NUR-SULTAN – Since 2007, arships. Erasmus Mundus Joint Kazakh students and organisa- Master Degrees offer scholar- April 26 at 7 p.m. Kazakhstan – South Korea, friendly tions have had the opportunity to ships for master’s students to fol- April 29 at 12.30 p.m. Hungary – South Korea, 2019 IIHF study in Europe as part of the Eu- low an entire degree programme. World Championship Division IA ropean Union’s (EU) Erasmus+ The programmes are delivered by April 29 at 4 p.m. Lithuania – Belarus, 2019 IIHF programme. The Astana Times in- a consortium of universities. Stu- World Championship Division IA terviewed National Erasmus+ Of- dents study and do research in at April 29 at 8 p.m. Slovenia – Kazakhstan, 2019 IIHF fice (NEO) Coordinator Shaizada least two European universities. World Championship Division IA Tasbulatova, university represent- Five local universities are part of April 30 at 7.30 p.m. Belarus – Hungary, 2019 IIHF atives and an Erasmus student to the prestigious Erasmus Mundus World Championship Division IA learn more about the project. consortium as full or associate May 1 at 4.30 p.m. Kazakhstan – Lithuania, 2019 IIHF NEO seeks to facilitate volun- partners. In 2018, 30 students from World Championship Division IA tary convergence of Kazakh higher Kazakhstan received scholarships May 2 at 12.30 p.m. Lithuania – Hungary, 2019 IIHF education with EU developments in the master’s programme,” she in higher education, including said. World Championship Division IA providing information, promoting Erasmus+ also facilitates short- May 2 at 4 p.m. Belarus – Slovenia, 2019 IIHF World Erasmus+ actions and monitor- term, incoming and outgoing mo- Championship Division IA ing ongoing Erasmus+ Capacity bility for university students and Building in Higher Education pro- staff. The programme funded 3.5 ASTANA OPERA jects. More than 170 universities million euros (US$3.9 million) April 27 at 6 p.m. The Barber of Seville, opera from programme countries coop- in mobility grants in 2018. Inter- May 1 at 6 p.m. Don Quixote, ballet erate with Kazakh universities. national Credit Mobility projects May 4 at 7 p.m. Madame Butterfly, opera Approximately 47 Kazakh institu- provided Kazakh universities May 7 at 6 p.m. Spartacus, ballet tions participate in capacity build- with 11.3 million euros (US$12.7 ing projects and 61 are involved Organic chef Sarah Viener and Anara Kakimova (R). million) in grants, which funded ASTANA ARENA in International Credit Mobility movement for 3,224 student and April 27 at 7 p.m. FC Astana – FC Tobyl, Qazaqstan fications of our staff. It is possible eration between universities,” said projects. staff in 2015-2018. Premier League “It is a unique programme in the to develop various curricula and Tasbulatova. “The projects involving Kazakh field of education, which is im- modernise the existing courses as The office also assists interest- universities get 65 percent of the ASTANA BALLET plemented by the EU. The capac- part of this project. It is challeng- ed higher education institutions International Credit Mobility re- May 8 at 2 p.m. Backstage Secrets, excursion ity building in higher education ing work. The support of European both in Kazakhstan and the EU in gional budget for Central Asia,” May 11, 12 at 6 p.m. A Journey of a Memory action focuses on improving the university partners is essential. It searching for partners to build the she said. potential and increasing the quali- includes different aspects of coop- consortium and coordinating the Continued on Page B5 B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 One of 100 New Faces promotes Content creators to share home-grown style of mixed martial arts their experiences at be there even if there is no fight- naments and gained a lot of By Ainur Seidakhmetova er representing Kazakhstan at experience in MMA. Nomad the tournament, because Nomad MMA embraces the best prac- NUR-SULTAN – Sergey An, the MMA originated in our country. tices from different martial festivals in Nur-Sultan, founder of Nomad MMA (Kazakh Sport is a great way to promote arts and it is a style created in national martial arts), has been the brand of Kazakhstan interna- Kazakhstan. Now, it competes popularising the group worldwide tionally,” he said. with martial arts from other for nearly 17 years with significant More than 13,000 children countries globally. I named it Aktobe, Shymkent results. Eighteen countries have across Kazakhstan attend No- Nomad because I wanted this joined the federation and Nomad mad MMA training sessions on a style to be associated with MMA tournaments have been or- regular basis. The federation has Kazakhstan and our nomadic ganised in Kyrgyzstan, Russia branches in all Kazakh cities. roots. Nomad MMA combines and Uzbekistan. Sergey An “The global MMA community the ancient fighting traditions “Since last year, China, Bang- recognised Nomad MMA as the of Kazakh warriors and modern ladesh, India, Afghanistan and 23-24. Our fighters showed good most secure martial art. Our aim is martial arts trends. There is a Pakistan have joined our federa- results and won medals. The to strengthen children`s health, not solid methodology of develop- tion. We will continue to expand representatives of the Pakistan to destroy it,” said An. ing cultural and spiritual values Vlast.kz Photo credit: its geography. Our aim is to have MMA community contacted us “I have been wrestling since behind a physical training pro- L-R: Ben Mauk, Larissa Pak, Kirsten Lewis. at least 50 member countries in the with the suggestion to organise my childhood, but mixed martial cess. We prepare strong fight- Nomad MMA Federation,” he said a Nomad MMA tournament in arts always attracted me. We have ers and people of spirit. Many in an interview with the Astana their country in April. Now, we strong traditions of Kazakh wres- fighters of Nomad MMA Feder- By Dilshat Zhussupova Speaker Aziza Utegenova is Times. are discussing the details. All the tling known as kazaksha kures, but ation are successful in the mili- the head of Kazakhstan’s largest “The most recent Nomad tournaments abroad are organ- we do not have our own national tary service and build careers in NUR-SULTAN – The festival crowdfunding platform, Start- MMA tournament was held in ised by our rules and under the marital arts,” he continued. defence and law enforcement The Art of Content kicked off Time, at www.start-time.kz. The Yekaterinburg (Russia) on March flag of Kazakhstan. Our flag will “I participated in many tour- agencies,” said An. April 24 at the capital’s Astana platform supports charity and Hub. The events will take place social projects and start-ups. at Aktobe’s Capital Plaza April Speaker Matse Uwatse Nnoli 26 and Shymkent’s co-working is the founder of MatseCooks, space Scrum April 27. a Nigerian food blog with West-  Every year, online maga- ern infusions. She shares news, zine Vlast.kz delivers an event Where can a Finn find like-minded folk... in which audiences are exposed Speakers will reflect Continued from Page B1 representatives of the Finno-Ugric winning first place. The older group and Udmurtia provide dictionaries, to diverse, high-quality content peoples’ dances and we all live un- performed Hungarian and Khanty phrasebooks and fiction books. from leaders in the media from on how they created, Twenty-one people attended the der one shanyrak (the upper dome dances, receiving the Grand Prix. The centre has organised and par- all over the world. This year, it centre’s first meeting on Feb. 15, of a yurt) in a large multinational “Such moments in life allow us to ticipated in more than 200 events. has expanded the event’s format packaged and 2015. With the participation of the family of Kazakhstan, the image of very clearly realise how great it is One of the more prominent ones was to include stories that will in- promoted their stories regional akim (governor), it was the golden-winged Samruk bird im- when there are like-minded people hosted in May 2018, when members terest business and civil society presented and dedicated April 30, mediately fell to everyone’s liking,” around, people who understand you joined the Pavlodar Geographic So- leaders, in addition to the media. and on crowdfunding, 2016 on the eve of the Unity Day of said Nikolashina. from a half-word. They also warmly ciety on an expeditionary voyage to Speakers will reflect on how they longreads, podcasts the People of Kazakhstan. “The Samruk dance group of the care about their activities and devote Lozovoe village of the Uspen district, created, packaged and promoted The centre has several artistic centre debuted in November 2017, themselves utterly to it,” she added. where 13 ethnicities live together. their stories and on crowdfund- and commercial groups including the Esne vocal participating in the Aq Kogershin The centre also has a Council The centre presented the branch ing, longreads, podcasts and group led by Yuliya Safronova, national contest of creativity in the of Elders, Council of Mothers and with a copy of its statute, an Udmur- commercial photography. photography. Samruk dance group led by Svetla- school age children and adolescent youth wing. Activities include the tochka doll made in the Finno-Ugric Speaker Ben Mauk is a jour- na Zubkova and Tugan Zher youth [categories]. [It] gave us the op- Finno-Ugric souvenir workshop, souvenir workshop, Udmurt Be- nalist who has written for The New York Times Magazine, kitchen tips, interviews and vocal group led by Olga Ivashkina. portunity to look at the work of the Finnish language studio and School reginya (doll) brought from Glazov breakthroughs in the art of cook- “During the three years of work groups from other regions, make of Finnish Health walking club. (city in Udmurtia) and collection of Harper’s Magazine, The New Yorker, The Guardian, the Lon- ing at www.matsecooks.co. of our centre, the creation of crea- friends with colleagues in the art The centre cooperates with the Udmurt folk songs and scarves for Speaker Bill Einreinhofer don Review of Books, Virginia tive groups, where the Samruk of dancing, and most importantly, Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples all participants. is the chair of New York Film Quarterly Review and n+1. choreographic group occupies a it laid the foundation for the suc- of Russia; the Finno-Ugric centres “The mission of our trip to Lo- Academy’s Broadcast Journal- Speaker Larissa Pak is a TEDx special place, has become an enor- cessful performances of the Samruk of Lahti (Finland), Omsk (Russia), zovoe was supported even by the ism Department. He has devel- Ambassador and communica- mous asset. Why Samruk? Today, group, becoming a launch pad for Saransk (Mordovia) and Sykty- weather. It could not be otherwise, oped and produced program- tions specialist and launched representatives of nine nationalities it,” she noted. vkar (Komi) and the Suomi Finn- because we arrived at the opening ming for the PBS NewsHour, one of Kazakhstan’s first pod- are engaged in our centre. As our The middle group performed Karelian centre in Almaty. Finland, of the Udmurt branch of the Finno- Good Morning America and choreographic group dances, all the Finnish and Mordovian dances, Karelia, Komi, Mari El, Mordovia Ugric Centre,” said Nikolashina. casts, “Every Day by Day,” in HBO. 2018. Her podcast is available at Speaker Aleksander Gor- www.everydaybyday.com. bachev is a journalist who was Speaker Kirsten Lewis is a formerly the editor-in-chief of photographer who brings the Afisha and deputy editor of Me- art of photojournalism to fam- duza. His master’s thesis at the ily photography. Her portfolio is world’s first school of journal- available at www.kirstenlewis- ism, Missouri School of Journal- photo.com. ism, was on business models of Speaker Roman Super is a American digital longform pub- reporter at Radio Free Europe/ lications. Radio Liberty’s Russian Service Speaker Anuar Nurpeisov is and contributes to the Russian an actor, and his new documen- versions of GQ and Esquire. He tary “Return from Khan Tengri” authored the documentary “On with actress Aisulu Azimbayeva Fingertips,” selected for the on reaching the highest point in 2015 Cannes Film Festival, and Kazakhstan as amateur alpinists the book “Of the Same Blood.” will be screened at the event. Speaker Anton Troianovski is The trailer is available at youtu. the Moscow bureau chief of The be/Vj28SmNd57o. Washington Post and previously Purchase tickets to attend The reported at The Wall Street Jour- Art of Content in Nur-Sultan at nal. He covered two German www.vlast.mito.kz/event/418, elections, two Olympic Games, in Aktobe at www.vlast.mito.kz/ the Ukraine crisis, migration event/419 and in Shymkent at and populist politics in Europe. www.vlast.mito.kz/event/420. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

Bohème’ and it is also my debut cluded works by composers from with Puccini’s music. I will try to the 16th-19th centuries includ- show my own vision of this won- ing Luigi Boccherini, Christoph Astana Opera presents “La Bohème,” derful opera. Ideas come to mind Gluck, George Frideric Handel, when I listen to the music and Nicola Porpora, Giuseppe Valen- read the libretto. I always strive to tini, Tomaso Antonio Vitali and understand the psychology of the Antonio Vivaldi. series of chamber orchestra concerts characters in order to show them “Songs without Words,” a musi- onstage in the best possible way. I cal evening dedicated to the 210th By Zhanna Shayakhmetova am trying to create poetical images anniversary of German romantic and stories that can excite the audi- composer Felix Mendelssohn Bar- NUR-SULTAN – Astana Opera ence. For me, it is important to tell tholdy, will be held April 25. House presented Giacomo Puc- the audience something new and to Opera and orchestra soloists cini’s opera “La Bohème” staged give them the opportunity to leave will perform the “Spring Waltz” by Andrea Bernard April 19 and 20, the theatre with an experience that concert April 28. The evening will reported the theatre’s press service. has enriched them,” said Bernard. feature chamber and vocal music Mariya Mudryak and Maira The director decided to set the works by Yevgeny Brusilovsky, Mukhamedkyzy performed Mimi, story in the early 1900s, when Shamshi Kaldayakov, Latif Kha- and Medet Chotabayev and Zhan Paris was a cultural, industrial and midi, Nagim Mendygaliyev Sydyk Tapin played Rodolfo. The orches- architectural centre of the world. Mukhamedzhanov, Kapan Mus- tra performed under the leadership “These were the years right after sin, Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev, Nur- of Italian music director Giuseppe the world exhibition that put Paris gisa Tlendiyev, Mukan Tulebayev, Acquaviva. at the centre of international atten- Gaziza Zhubanova and other Ka- “La Bohème is a lyrical opera, tion. At this time, cinema was born zakh composers. one of the most frequently per- and photography and impressionist “Musical Offering to Maestro” formed in opera houses, and I put art were developed. I thought that it is scheduled April 30 as part of the all my passion into this production. might be the right context to tell the promotion campaign for the fifth I believe that this is a successful story of these young people,” he said. Astana Piano Passion Internation- production for our opera house,” Astana Opera Chamber Hall al Festival of Classical Music and said set designer Ezio Frigerio. also presented a diverse concert Competition for Young Pianists. The opera is based on “Scènes programme. Young musicians and International competition laureate de la Vie de Bohème,” the popu- 100 New Faces of Kazakhstan Daniyar Yessimkhanov will play lar novel by French author Henri winners Batyrzhan Smakov (coun- Bach’s English Suite in A minor, Murger. It was conducted by tertenor) and Saida Kalykova (pi- Beethoven’s Sonata No. 31 in A 28-year-old Arturo Toscanini in its ano) performed Gioachino Ross- flat major, Liszt’s Ballade No. 2 in

1896 premiere in Turin. astanaopera.kz. Photo credit: ini’s “La Regata Veneziana” on B minor and Rachmaninoff’s Five “This is my first time staging ‘La A scene from “La Bohème”. April 21. The programme also in- Preludes. Ilyas Zhansugurov’s Khabar TV launches Central Asia’s Got Talent Continued from Page B1 Producer Serik Akishev, Kertayev unite in this cultural space. The Got Talent, created by Simon (Kazakhstan), KTRK Broadcast- project’s main feature is that it has Cowell, is co-owned by British Casting will occur in each ing Corporation Producer Kanat- no limitations, neither in gender companies Fremantle and Syco poem translated country both offline and online bek Kultayev (Kyrgyzstan), TV nor in age of participants. We are Entertainment. The show was first via social networks and messen- Safina International Department really excited about this project aired in the United States in June ger apps. Central Asia’s Got Tal- head Nargis Kassymova (Tajik- – its bright emotions and perfor- 2006 as America’s Got Talent and into English ent consists of five stages: cast- istan) and Zo’r TV Channel Pro- mances,” said Kassymova at the licensing for the format has sub- ing, open auditions, quarterfinal, ducer Timur Aliyev (Uzbekistan). Central Communications Service sequently been purchased in more where it all happened and then semi-final and grand finale. The Kassymova and Kertayev noted press conference. than 70 countries. Got Talent was By Nazira Kozhanova she understood this feeling show will premiere in September the project is targeted towards The winner will receive 10 mil- included in the Guinness World when she tried kumys (ferment- and the grand finale is scheduled strengthening cultural and spir- lion tenge (US$26,278). Each Records in April 2014 as the most NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh poet ed mare’s milk) and besbarmak for December. itual integration among the Central country will also have its own successful TV format in the world, Ilyas Zhansugurov’s poem “Ku- (meat and noodles); when she The show is organised by Central Asian nations. champion who will receive three as at the time it was broadcast in lager” has been translated into learned about our hospitality, Asia’s Got Talent Show General “It allows all our countries to million tenge (US$7,883). 58 countries. English to celebrate his 125th hiked in the mountains,” she said. birthday. The translation, com- BBC journalist Roza Kuda- pleted by English poet and trans- bayeva told Kazinform about the who works with a variety of ma- lator Belinda Cooke, was pre- technical details of Cooke’s pro- terials. Sculptures are made both sented April 5 at the National cess. of classic and unexpected materi- Academic Library of Kazakh- “Earlier, this poem was trans- Nur-Sultan hosts Triumvirart als, as Kazaryan likes to play with stan, reported Kazinform. lated into Russian and German. his material, working with bronze, Each translator put his or her soul aluminium, glass and ceramics. He The poem was in their translation and I would tries to create feelings of harsh ro- like to say that there is a part of contemporary art exhibition mantic and soft monumentalism in originally translated my soul in an English transla- shi Art Gallery. This exhibition is his works, subverting expectations tion of ‘Kulager.’ Belinda Cooke called Triumvirart, which is a word to create viewers’ emotions. line-by-line from its needed help understanding some play on the Latin word triumvirat Noda’s signature painting style original Kazakh by a Kazakh phrases because the (“three men union”) and the word consists of colour, shapes and un- poem was originally written in “art”, as it will feature the works of expected composition solutions. team of consultants Kazakh. For example, ‘tabakshy- three artists, united by a common He creates a monumental feeling fluent in Kazakh lar’ [is a] word that means young goal of creating art together and using broken lines, making his people carrying trays of tradi- making it more accessible for Ka- paintings graphically precise. and English, but tional food. We decided to trans- zakh citizens. Bekeyev is an Almaty-based late it as ‘waiters’, but we kept Each one of the three artists has artist. He is a member of the Ka- Cooke returned the ‘tabak’ [traditional Kazakh large a distinct style, as described by the zakhstan Union of Artists. Ka- poetic form and plate] in the same sentence,” she Head of Kulanshi Curator Council zaryan also is an Almaty-based said. Leila Makhat. Bekeyev’s paint- artist who received numerous metaphorical sound. Nazarbayev University Kazakh ing style is filled with allegories, awards for his art and his impact language and Turkic studies de- afk.kz. Photo credit: combining conciseness with com- on Armenian culture (Kazaryan is partment chair Uli Schamiloglu work of three Kazakh artists Marat plexity of shapes and images. His ethnically Armenian). Noda is a The Ilyas Zhansugurov Fund told Kazakh TV about the impor- By Nazira Kozhanova Bekeyev, Eduard Kazaryan and paintings’ dramatic qualities aim Tarlan-based artist. During his 40 trusted the translation to Cooke, tance of the translation. Andrei Noda. The artists’ work to create an illusion of the work year-long career he participated who transcribed the works of “In my opinion, the world NUR-SULTAN – The April 4-30 features paintings and sculptures. just being finished, with the viewer in more than 300 exhibitions, in- Zhansugurov’s contemporaries, today knows very little about Triumvirart contemporary art ex- The free exhibition is being feeling the energy of the work. cluding 30 of his personal exhibi- Russian poets Osip Mandelstam, Kazakh literature, so it’s impor- hibition in the capital features the hosted by the Forte Bank Kulan- Kazaryan is a renowned sculptor tions. Boris Pasternak and Marina Ts- tant to introduce contemporary vetayeva. The poem was origi- Kazakh literature, 20th century nally translated line-by-line from literature and classic literature. its original Kazakh by a team of I think that the best novels and consultants fluent in Kazakh and poems in Kazakh have to be English, but Cooke returned the translated into English and other Yerzhan Maksim to compete in Russia’s poetic form and metaphorical world languages. In this sense, sound. the ‘Kulager’ poem translation Cooke immersed herself into is very important. I plan to share Kazakh culture in an effort to this book with my colleagues and ‘The Voice Kids’ final April 26 convey the emotions in “Ku- students. It will only be right if toward the audience during his per- lager”, Zhansugurov’s niece Zha- they read it,” he said. Staff Report formance and were quick to turn nar Jandosova told Kazakh TV. The effort was sponsored by their chairs toward him to express “Belinda had to spend some the National Translation Bureau, NUR-SULTAN – Yerzhan Mak- their interest in coaching him. Me- time here, drive to Akan Sery’s with the goal of making Kazakh sim, a 12-year-old schoolboy from ladze has been Maksim’s mentor grave and go to Borovoye and literature available for the inter- Oral, was selected by Russian throughout the competition, and Zerenda. She saw the places national public. singer Valeriy Meladze to compete the young singer is currently pre- in the final of the Russian reality paring for the final in Aktau with talent show “The Voice Kids” in vocalist Nurgul Mederbekova. The Moscow April 26. winner of the sixth season will be “A lot of people came to support determined by television viewers my son, but only four were let in voting by telephone, SMS text and – me, an aunt, my friend and Yer- the official app. zhan’s friend, whom he met at an- “We hope that, with the support other international competition,” of Kazakhstan, we will be able to said Gulmira Alibek, Maksim’s win because the winner (of the fi- Yerzhan Maksim mother, at the semifinal. “The ex- nal) will be determined by public citement overwhelmed us. My son voting,” Alibek added. Dariya Bakytova, Maksim’s music “He has a calm personality. He is performed with two other contest- Maksim has been taking music teacher, to Kazakh-tv.kz. confident on stage like a true artist ants, and they sang Muslim Mago- classes since 2012. Maksim took first place in the and can interact with the audience. mayev’s song ‘Blue Eternity’.” “Yerzhan has grown a lot profes- 2016 Batumi Dolphin Fest and Among friends, he is cheerful, During the blind audition stage sionally. He has extensive experi- second place in the 2017 Slavi- open-minded and friendly… He for “The Voice Kids,” Maksim ence in international competitions. anski Bazaar and was a finalist in dreams of putting Kazakhstan on sang Andrea Bocelli’s “Ama Credi He has a powerful and flexible the 2017 San Remo Junior Festi- the map in the future like Dimash,” e Vai.” Judges Pelageya, Meladze voice, can hit high notes and always val and the 2018 Junior Eurovision said Alibek referring to the rising

Photo credit: inform.kz. Photo credit: and Svetlana Loboda were faced performs songs with passion,” said Song Contest. star Dimash Kudaibergen. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 Country modernises criminal procedure law to Agro industry strengthen human rights in criminal proceedings goes digital brought to court within two days, time and damages are fully com- support measures. Basic levels By Aidana Yergaliyeva rather than three. pensated. At the same time, the tax By Nazira Kozhanova are ensured through the e-AIC “We have simplified proceedings evasion damage threshold increased programme via digitising all crop- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s for misconduct and minor crimes. ten times from 2,000 to 20,000 NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan lands, as well as actualising agro- modernised criminal law has miti- When the guilty person fully ad- monthly calculation indices (MCIs). will launch 20 digital and 4,000 chemical soil condition maps. gated punitive measures to better mits his guilt, the time and resources As of Jan. 1, the MCI is 2,525 tenge advanced farms as part of a larger Now, we have to progress from the protect human rights in criminal of the police is saved. A person is (US$6.70). initiative to digitise the nation’s basic level to advanced and from processes. As a result, the number guaranteed to be able to avoid se- The competitiveness of the crimi- agro-industrial complex. advanced to digital farms. A digi- of people taken into custody has vere punishment. In the order of the nal process has increased through “As a part of the agro-industrial tal evolution chain has been estab- decreased 37 percent to 9,957 com- new obligatory proceedings, more strengthening the defence side. In complex digitisation initiative, no lished and is currently being imple- pared to 2018. than 750 (768) cases were inves- particular, the law vests lawyers with less than 20 digital and 4,000 ad- mented,” he added. The Law on Modernisation of tigated and sent to the court,” said broader rights, such as the option to vanced farms will be created on the Minister of Agriculture Omirzak Criminal Procedure entered into Deputy Prosecutor General Marat apply to the investigating judge for a entire state territory. Also, 100 per- Shukeyev (currently the Turkestan force in early 2018. In addition to ortcom.kz. Photo credit: Akhmetzhanov. petition. The number of participant cent of processes and state services region akim (governor)) spoke in Deputy Prosecutor General Marat strengthening human rights, it also Akhmetzhanov. The new law also reduced fine complaints during the investigating will be automated. As a part of the September with BNews, providing increased competition between par- costs and eased suspension and re- stage of various violations decreased precision farming incorporation more detail about digital farms. ties at the trial, expanded judicial placed under house arrest and signed a sumption processes. Six types of 5 percent, from 123,000 to 117,000. initiative by the Ministry of Agri- “We have to create digital farms control, eliminated duplication and travel ban. The number of those under economic crimes have been assessed The same law introduced elec- culture, three levels of farms were in every district; we will demand ensured clearer distribution of pow- house arrest doubled from 98 to 229, with fines instead of imprisonment tronic criminal cases. According to established – a digital farm, an ad- it from the akimats. We are doing ers among investigating authorities, while those who signed an agreement and the law bans a pre-trial arrest for Akhmetzhanov, the digital format vanced farm and a basic farm, each it so every Kazakh farmer can see the prosecutor’s office and the court. not to leave his or her residence in- economic crimes except for six ex- minimises falsified evidence and of which has a set of necessary el- with their own eyes and experience The trend has continued this year. creased five times, from 526 to 3,121. tremely serious crimes. various violations of the law. Since ements. The further work will be the result of using digital technolo- In the first few months, the number The law reduced the detention pe- In addition, the changes provide the beginning of last year, approxi- directed towards farmers improv- gies themselves. We created three of detainees decreased 17 percent to riod from 72 hours to 48 hours and complete exemption from liability mately 36,000 cases, or 7 percent, ing their levels using governmen- test sites – these are Kaskelen agro 2,742, while arrests declined 13 per- for minors to 24 hours. Last year, for seven economic crimes, if the have been investigated online, with tal support services,” said Barayev park, Shortandy in Barayev Insti- cent to 2,633. More people were also 80.27 percent of detainees were crime was committed for the first 8,500 sent to court. Research and Production Centre tute and the Kostanai area based in Director Kenzhe Abdullayev at the Zarechny,” he said. April 15 Central Communication Zerde Board Chairperson Ruslan Services press conference. Yessenbayev described precision The country currently has 114 farming to 24 TV. The process con- advanced and 10 digital farms, sists of gathering soil chemistry, Kazakhstan establishes uniform pricing for which pave the way to upgrade ba- moisture and weather data for each sic and advanced farms to the next square metre of land. level. With agro-industrial complex “It’s a good beginning, but aki- digitisation, labour productivity pharmaceuticals, makes prices available online mats (local administration) have and processed agricultural product Staff Report agreed-upon associations. Cur- macy committee, National Centre “Later, treatment plans by re- to continue helping farms in their export are to increase at least 2.5 rently, rules are being approved Medicine Medical Purpose Goods gions will become a part of the digital development through state times by the end of 2021. NUR-SULTAN – Uniform prices and registered by the Ministry of and Medical Technology Expertise SK-Pharmaciya single pharmacy will be set in all Kazakh pharma- Justice,” said Kazakh Ministry of websites. A mobile app will also be information system, where we will cies by May. Medical supply prices Healthcare pharmacy committee developed, with all the prices avail- be able to see the total request of will be available online, as well as chairperson Ludmila Burabekova able,” she added. the state of the necessary medicine by request, to make medicine more during a Central Communication To make medicine more accessi- with an amount by regions and clin- accessible. Service press conference. ble, the initiative includes a medi- ics. After that, the total request will Atyrau authorities, “A law will come into force to- She clarified prices will be es- cine supply request that can now be sent to the budget commission morrow, according to which the tablished after the law comes into be completed electronically. The for budget forming and the distri- Kazakh Ministry of Healthcare is force and spoke about the availabil- action will help avoid under- and bution of corresponding budget re- vested with the competence to set ity of price lists. over-supply of certain medicines, sources,” said Burabekova. investor to build waste prices for all medicine. While im- “Approximately this May, these as the needs of those with illnesses She added the work on forming plementing this law, the ministry prices will come into force. They will become part of the same data- the request will begin soon and end has developed rules that profile will be posted on the ministry, phar- base. May 15. processing plant waste paper and cardboard into Staff Report landfills. As a result, the Ministry of Energy and regional akimats NUR-SULTAN – Atyrau author- (city administrations) have de- National Guard to shoot film ities and a private investor will be veloped a set of measures for the constructing a waste sorting com- timely disposal and recycling of plex and plastic processing work- solid household waste with wide shop. The high-tech installation is involvement of small and medi- about fallen soldiers’ heroism scheduled to launch in May. um-sized businesses. Nursultan Nazarbayev awarded “The complex was purchased The complex will be located on Staff Report five soldiers posthumously with at the expense of a private inves- 1,000 square meters adjacent to a the II degree Aibyn (Virtue) Order tor. The equipment will be deliv- landfill. The equipment is being NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh and 12 with Zhauyngerlik erlіgі ered from Belarussian Sifaniya- supplied on schedule based on an National Guard will be shooting a ushіn (For military heroism) med- Ekotekhnika company, which agreement with the manufacturer, film and TV series about the hero- als for the courage and dedication supplies waste processing equip- according to authorities, which ism of fallen Kazakh soldiers in shown during their military duty ment to the Commonwealth of In- will install the apparatus and put the 1995 battle at the Tajik-Afghan protecting the CIS borders. dependent States (CIS) countries it into operation. A trial launch is border while protecting the Com- The feature film and 10-part televi- and the European Union (EU). Such scheduled for early summer. monwealth of Independent States’ sion series will recall the fallen sol- equipment is already operating in Some of the plastic waste recy- (CIS) external borders, said National diers’ courage and heroism. Aktau, Kostanai and Zhanaozen. cling equipment has been received Guard Deputy Commander-in-Chief “Along with the Kazakhstan TV The last fact played a major role in and the hangar mounted. and Major General Mukhometkali channel and the AU Cinema film choosing the equipment. The Man- Approximately 250-300 tonnes Satov at the April 6 wreath laying company with the support of the gystau and Atyrau regions have of solid waste are taken each day ceremony in the capital. Ministry of Information and Social similar climatic conditions and the from Atyrau to the garbage landfill. The ceremony was held near the Development, we plan to shoot a same salty clay soil,” said plant The new equipment is designed to Defenders of the Fatherland monu- took 17 young lives of Kazakh sol- Afghan border. Our people never 10-part television series and a fea- head Almas Izteleuov. sort up to 100,000 tonnes of mu- ment. Veterans of local and inter- diers. Many were injured. In spite forget their friends, especially since ture film about those tragic events Since Jan. 1, Kazakhstan has nicipal solid waste per year and the national conflicts, National Guard of the losses, the seventh company they [the soldiers] went there at the in the summer of this year. I think banned dumping plastic, glass, plant will create 70 new jobs. and Border Guard Service officers of the Internal Troops honour- request of the leadership of Tajik- this project will serve as a good and military personnel and stu- ably fulfilled its military duty and istan. You know that Kazakhs never example in educating the future dents from school No. 25’s cadet remained faithful to the military leave their close neighbours and generation in the spirit of Kazakh- class attended the event. oath, without dropping honour comrades in distress. It is terrible to stan’s patriotism,” said Satov. “The National Guard of Kazakh- and dignity,” reported the National imagine what would have happened Last year, the National Guard, stan declared April 7 as the Day of Guard’s website. if the Mujahideen had seized power Khabar TV channel and AU Cin- Courage. On that day exactly 24 Satov noted all regions of the coun- in certain regions. In Dushanbe, in ema produced the feature film years ago, in the Pshihavr moun- try, National Guard personnel, veter- honour of perpetuating the memory “Shestoi post” (The Sixth Post), tain gorge in Tajikistan, an unequal ans, fellow soldiers, friends and com- of the fallen soldiers, a monument which was shown across the coun- battle ensued with superior gangs rades honour the heroes’ memory. was built. This is a sign of serious try. Based on real events, the mov- from the adjacent side. The battle “Many wonder what the need was recognition,” he said. ie was among the top best domes- lasted more than four hours and to send our children to the Tajik- First President of Kazakhstan tic films of the year.

in Atlanta… I think this centre will serve primarily for the security of the people of Kazakhstan and Emergency Health Centre meets international it will also improve the technical operational equipment of the Min- istry of Healthcare,” he said. The centre currently has a chem- regulations for public health crises response ist, radiologist, infectious diseases ments of the International Health coming speech at the launch of the tion programme, said Healthcare they have chemical, radiological or epidemiologist and IT specialist Staff Report Regulations (IHR) and the Global facility. Ministry National Centre for Pub- biological nature,” he said. who will accumulate risk data and Health Protection Programme for The April 12 presentation was at- lic Health Deputy Director Damir Zhandarbek Bekshin, the inform the relevant state structures NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh the government of Kazakhstan to tended by United States Embassy in Kobzhasarov. Healthcare Ministry Public Health to ensure preventive measures, as government has opened an Emer- meet the public health response Kazakhstan Deputy Chief of Mis- “This centre was created with the Committee Chair – Chief State well as during emergency events. gency Health Operations Centre obligations of the member states sion Ted Ling and representatives support of the U.S. Centres for Dis- Sanitary Doctor, noted the centre “Further expansion is planned in the capital aimed towards emer- to prevent the international spread of the World Health Organisation ease Control and Prevention (CDC). will serve citizens’ safety. in order to adequately and fully re- gency response preparedness, pro- of diseases. The IHR were adopted (WHO) in Kazakhstan, Ministry of Technical and methodological sup- The Healthcare Ministry Public spond to all cases of emergency tecting the life and well-being of by 196 countries of the world, in- Internal Affairs and Ministry of Ag- port is provided here [locally]. In Health Committee Chair – Chief situations. We now understand that the country’s population and mini- cluding Kazakhstan, at the 58th riculture Veterinary Supervision and general, this centre is designed to State Sanitary Doctor Zhandarbek five people are for the time being the mising the negative consequences World Health Assembly in 2005,” Control Committee, among others. ensure that our country and our Bekshin. Photo credit: ortcom.kz. minimum that can ensure the collec- of emergency situations. said Healthcare Ministry National The centre was created accord- healthcare system and medicine “We had the opportunity to get tion and monitoring of information “This centre has been estab- Centre for Public Health Director ing to international health regula- can respond in time to all cases of acquainted with the activities of a and in the future, we will prepare re- lished to implement the require- Valikhan Akhmetov in his wel- tions and the global health protec- public health emergencies, whether similar situation centre at the CDC serve personnel,” said Kobzhasarov. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 Kazakh orphans find four-leaf Government to spend clover with Irish parents nearly $250 million for tive families gather and share Staff Report news. Some of them travel to Kazakhstan and come back with NUR-SULTAN – The statis- pleasant impressions,” said Irish targeted social assistance tics show that Irish citizens have State Adoption Agency Head Pa- adopted more children from Ka- tricia Carey. By Dilshat Zhussupova zakh orphanages than in any other It is highly important to support European countries. Today, ap- a continuous cultural connection of NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh proximately 150 young ethnic Ka- adopted children with their historic Government has provided social zakhs have found new families in homeland, officials and families assistance for 282,000 people to- Ireland. agree. The Kazakh embassy is ready taling 9.3 billion tenge (US$24.44 The Kazakh diaspora in Ireland to provide further assistance in or- million) this year and plans to along with the Kazakh embassy ganising general meetings, as well spend another 83 billion tenge organised a March 30 festive event as travel of children to Kazakhstan (US$218.12 million) to assist at the Pearse Museum in Dublin. and providing them with informa- 821,000 more people by year’s Twenty Irish families adopting Ka- brought together many families buy books. My son Sanzhar is in- tion materials, said Ambassador of end, said Kazakh Minister of La- zakh children attended the gather- from all over Ireland. terested in hunting with birds. For Kazakhstan to the United Kingdom bour and Social Protection Berdy- ing. Kazakh children, adopted by the now, I can’t imagine what this and Ireland Erlan Idrissov. bek Saparbayev at an April 9 gov- In a cosy atmosphere of tradi- Irish, honour national traditions, will lead to,” said Paula Nyland, The participants of the meet- ernment meeting. tional Irish melodies, hot English and their adoptive parents try to Sanzhar-Kormak’s mother and a ing received gifts and memorable Since April 1, approximately tea and full table of treats children keep their children in touch with representative of the Association souvenirs in the form of colourful 147,000 people have filed 42,000 Berdybek Saparbayev played in Kazakh national cos- their historic homeland. of Irish people Adopting Children publications about modern Ka- applications for targeted social as- tumes. The children could com- “Local Kazakhs living here in Kazakhstan. zakhstan, its history and culture, sistance. This year, 31,900 new jobs were municate with their peers and teach us to cook national dishes. “The adoption programme be- CDs with folk songs, as well as “The implementation of Elbasy’s created, and another 373,000 new learn more about Kazakhstan. All We always keep in touch with gan its work 15 years ago. Every products of the confectionery in- (Leader of the Nation, the consti- jobs will be created by year’s end. this is a social networking, which them, learn Kazakh language. We year we hold events where adop- dustry of Kazakhstan. tutional title accorded to Former “However, one should not rely President Nursultan Nazarbayev) exclusively on the state,” said Sa- new social measures Aleumetyk parbayev. “Akims (governors) of Kakimova recommended future Kamkorlyk (Social Care) was regions, heads of companies and students thoroughly study the Eu- launched and the legislation was citizens, for whom social respon- ropean universities participating in amended accordingly. Documents sibility is not just a trend but the Erasmus+ contributes... the programme and prepare admis- for targeted social assistance are foundation of the country’s sus- Continued from Page B1 universities in Belgium, the Czech tions Manager Anara Kakimova has sion documents in advance. being accepted everywhere since tainable development, must also Republic, France, Germany, Italy, identified herself as a global citizen “I think it is better to learn about April 1,” said the minister. contribute [to supporting socially Since 2015, more than 200 Gu- Latvia, Poland, Spain and Turkey in since graduating from Portugal’s culture and language, even to take Five hundred billion tenge vulnerable groups].” milyov Eurasian National Univer- the 2018-2019 academic year. Porto University in 2013. a basic language course before- (US$1.31 billion) from the nation- “Corporate social responsibil- sity (ENU) students have taken “The sustainable development of “Studying at one of the European hand. I attended the additional lec- al budget will be allocated for rent- ity should be perceived in society part in the mobility programme, partnerships between Kazakh uni- universities is a good experience. tures in Portuguese and read local al housing and soft loans through as an effective tool for enhancing trainings and internships at 36 Eu- versities and Europe is the result of The study differs starting from the newspapers. I found a lot of friends Zhilstroisberbank for 58,000 fami- a company’s reputation because ropean universities. joint participation in all directions education system to student life. It among locals and participated in lies. it is a voluntary contribution by “First of all, knowledge, skills of the Erasmus+ programme. The mainly focuses on work in librar- interesting projects,” she added. “According to the akimats (local the business to the country’s so- and experience gained as a result of number of capacity building projects ies and interesting lectures. I espe- A good command of English, administrations), there are 340,400 cio-economic development,” he training help students find jobs after in higher education was 12 since cially enjoyed volunteer activities Portuguese and Spanish helped large families in the country. The added, appealing to the business graduation and to increase the com- 2015 and ENU became a leader in in various social movements and her find a job at the Ministry of national budget provides funds for community. petitiveness of graduates not only in Kazakhstan,” said Department of In- environmental conferences, which Foreign Affairs upon returning to building rental housing and issuing Outreach work on the new so- the domestic, but also in the global ternational Educational Programmes enabled me to contribute to solv- Kazakhstan. soft loans, as well as for providing cial measures includes visits to the labour market. The programme con- head Sabina Mendagazieva. ing global issues. The events and “At the moment, my career is assistance to socially vulnerable country’s regions, during which tributes to the promotion of Kazakh The university also received an meetings within the Erasmus com- not related to civil service, but I categories of citizens. I believe people receive their information universities in Europe and to the EU grant to open the European Di- munity throughout Europe were still take part in the activities of that the housing constructed at the directly from the Kazakh Ministry assessment of its potential in high- plomacy Department as part of the exciting. We travelled in groups to the Portuguese-speaking commu- expense of the budget will have of Labour and Social Protection. quality training,” said International Jean Monnet activities, which are different cities, visited museums nity. I keep in touch with friends a positive effect on reducing the The ministry also launched a hot- Ranking Centre Promotion Director designed to promote excellence in and exhibitions and shared life ex- from Portugal and meet with Por- number of people on the waiting line at call centre 111 to answer Anastassiya Karmelyuk. teaching and research in EU studies. periences. This is also a part of an tuguese who visit Kazakhstan,” list of low-income and large fami- queries on applying for and receiv- Thirty-one students studied at 16 Khabar TV International Rela- Erasmus+ student’s life,” she said. said Kakimova. lies,” noted Saparbayev. ing targeted social assistance. Kazakhstan tests text Indian Embassy marks important messages as way to dates with events in Nur-Sultan from the Arcelor Mittal, Temirtau By Nazira Kozhanova Kazakh Culture Centre directed and choreographed by Akmaral confirm receipt of state- NUR-SULTAN – The Indian Abduakitova. The concert ended Embassy in Kazakhstan organ- with the Centre for Indian Classical ised a concert of Kazakh artists Dances group performance. Based performing Indian dance and mu- in Almaty and headed by Akmaral administered medications sic April 9 to celebrate the Indian Kainazarova, the troupe is one of said Social and Medical Insur- Council for Cultural Relations the oldest and foremost Indian Staff Report ance Fund Chair Aibatyr Zhum- (ICCR) Foundation Day and the culture celebration institutions in agulov. 25th anniversary of the Swami Kazakhstan and holds several in- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan Vivekananda Cultural Centre ternational awards from Georgian, is testing a pilot programme us- (SVCC) in Kazakhstan. Kazakh, Polish and Spanish dance ing text messages to confirm pa- The messages inform Regional performers who have contests and festivals. tients receive medication paid for been practicing and promoting In- ICCR was founded in 1950 by the state. drug recipients who dian music and dance had a chance by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, The programme was launched registered with the to showcase their craft. The con- independent India’s first Educa- at the end of 2018 and will con- cert, named PROTSAHAN (en- tion Minister. SVCC, formerly tinue through the end of June. ISLO about the couragement), was free of charge known as the Indian Cultural It was launched by the Informa- and seats were assigned on a first- Centre, was formed in May 1994 tion System of Drug Provision prescription number come, first-served basis. folk and contemporary dance. A group from Arkalyk, which in Almaty with the objective of (ISLO) in cooperation with the and medicines’ The concert opened with a per- The performance was followed completed ten years of training establishing and strengthening Kazakh Ministry of Healthcare, formance by SVCC students. by Shakhti Dance Studio students in Kathak, Bollywood and Indian cultural relations between India the Social and Medical Insurance delivery date. Shruti Ghosh, the centre’s dance from Kostanai trained in Kathak folk dances with Aigerim Ossipo- and Kazakhstan. The embassy Fund and SK Pharmacy. teacher, trained the group in and Bollywood dance by Ainur va, performed Nataraja Dance. It and centre both relocated to the The messages inform drug Kathak, Bollywood and Indian Uteshova. was followed by the Ekeler group capital in 2007. recipients who registered with The fund administers two the ISLO about the prescription medical packages, a guaran- number and medicines’ delivery teed amount of medical care fi- date. If a patient does not receive nanced from the national budget their medications, they can re- and compulsory medical insur- spond to the state’s text message ance financed by contributions Almaty opens its cherry blossom alley with “0” or call SK Pharmacy at from employers, citizens and the 1439. state. The fund has been making Continued from Page B1 the then Kazakh President Nur- Approximately 191,600 texts payment for services in the first sultan Nazarbayev telecast the have been sent to drug recipients, package since 2018, while pay- “This is a strong and dura- launch of Tokyo Rope Almaty, 8,123 responses have been re- ments for the second package ble engineering protection sys- the first Japanese steel products ceived and 1,218 calls processed. will be collected starting from tem created from an alloy of manufacturing plant. A year ago, The project is able to handle 2020. aluminum and zinc. It has no the Japanese business opened its at least 5.7 million phone num- SK Pharmacy purchases drugs analogues in the world. Its en- second high-tech plant in the Al- bers, but officials urge patients to and medical products for clinics vironmental friendliness is also maty industrial zone. contact the SK Pharmacy if the with funds received from the So- important. Unlike concrete, with The day before the sakura patient does not receive their text cial and Medical Insurance Fund. the rock box, which is produced planting, approximately 120 vol- messages. The fund and SK Pharmacy at the Almaty plant, this is feasi- unteers participated in the city’s “It is necessary to take into ac- recently signed an agreement ble,” he added. Jasyl Meken programme, install- count that not everyone will re- totalling 86.9 billion tenge The company also invested ap- ing nearly 7,000 trees which ceive the messages, as patients (US$228.80 million). As of proximately $3 million to open saturated the city’s heavily pol- could make mistakes when indi- March 31, medical organisations a Japanese eco-style restaurant luted air with oxygen. The spe- cating their contact phone num- issued prescriptions worth 14 bil- near the river and continue shore cies included ash, birch, linden, bers, so we draw the public’s lion tenge (US$36.86 million), protection works, said Kazunori. oak, maple, acacia and spruce,

attention to the possibility of while the amount of secured Japan is one of Kazakhstan’s and the city akimat plans to almaty.gov.kz. Photo credit: (giving) feedback through the prescriptions is 13 billion tenge key partners. During his first plant more than 12,000 trees this Tokyo Rope International President Sato Kazunori (L) and Almaty Akim contact centre of SK Pharmacy,” (US$34.23 million). visit to Tokyo several years ago, spring. (Mayor) Bauyrzhan Baibek planting the first sakura trees. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 Bird watchers migrate to Almaty Almaty’s Esentai Mall seeks for Wings of Alakol festival to go tax-free for tourists Uzbekistan,” she added. Ka- By Saltanat Boteu By Dilshat Zhussupova zakhstan’s tax rebate programme will launch on a broader scale in NUR-SULTAN – The Wings of NUR-SULTAN – Almaty’s Es- 2022 at airports in the capital, Alakol bird watching festival will entai Mall will be offering a sys- Almaty and Shymkent. Refunds take place May 9-11 at the Pelikan tem for value-added tax (VAT) will range from 7-22 percent of Family Recreation Centre on Ala- refunds on purchases made by the purchase price and depend kol Lake in the Almaty Region. foreign citizens, said marketing on the size of the VAT and tax- Festival will offer bird watching director Olga Komissar at an free operator fee. opportunities as well as art and cul- April 15 meeting with journal- Komissar also presented Es- tural activities and performances. ists, reported Forbes.kz. entai Mall’s new marketing The recreation centre and Veter Kazakhstan’s VAT rate is 12 strategy, in which the shopping Stranstvii (Wind of Travels) maga- percent and applies to revenues centre, marking its seventh year, zine are organising the festival derived from the sale of goods will position itself as a tourist at- with the support of the regional and services within the country traction. akimat (administration) tourism and the import of goods. “What we are saying is that, administration. “Esentai Mall is in negotiations upon arriving at Almaty, you can “The festival is the only bird with the government to launch relax at Shymbulak [ski resort], watching festival in Kazakhstan, the pilot project this year,” she reside at the Ritz-Carlton [ho- which takes place at the natural said. “By the end of the year, we tel] and go shopping at Esentai and climatic Pelikan Family Rec- hope to attract additional tourist Mall,” said Komissar. reation Centre resort, (which is lo- traffic.” A loyalty programme for cli- cated in) an amazing place where Komissar previously intro- ents of Esentai Mall, the Ritz- the steppe, mountain landscapes veters.kz. Photo credit: duced tax-free shopping at Mos- Carlton hotel and Shymbulak and the surface of the most myste- cow’s Tsum shopping centre, ski resort will start in May. The rious Alakol Lake join,” noted the “We will create masterpieces it, making it even richer and more sions to the surrounding area and increasing the percentage of shopping centre is also testing its magazine’s website. from oil on real canvases at the interesting. The trainings help sightseeing. Kazakh and Russian foreign shoppers at the mall to Personal Shopping Service pro- The festival includes excursions shore of Alakol Lake… Then, their participants to find answers ornithologists, experienced tour- 20 percent. She intends to at- gramme, in which personal styl- to various nearby coast, steppe and we will arrange an exhibition of to questions that concern them, ist guides and hotel industry rep- tract visitors to Kazakhstan from ists select clothes for shoppers. mountain biotopes for watching your creations right on the shore. teach constructive communica- resentatives, such as Novosibirsk three priority areas. “The service will allow shop- different species in their specific There will be gifts from the Italy tion with unfamiliar people, find bird watcher and ornithologist “Tourists from China often pers to not waste time on walk- habitats. Excursions include visit- Educational Centre and work- non-standard solutions to the Konstantin Romanov and Tomsk seek out major fashion brands, ing through all of the mall’s ing the city of Usharal and Alakol shops of Italian language. Car- posed issues and much more,” ornithologist and biologist An- lower prices and better deals floors,” said Komissar. “Now, Nature Reserve museum. mine’s spouse, Sharbat Barbaro, said the website. drew Bazdyrev, will be among the on luxury goods. Secondly, we the programme is running in test The festival will also offer art and will teach us to cook real Italian And for those in the tourism in- speakers. chose Arab states and, specifi- mode with 10 stylists.” cultural programmes. Participants dishes,” noted the website. dustry, organisers are also arrang- Participants can choose three cally, cities from which tour- The shopping centre will also will be able to paint with artist and In the evenings, festival goers ing a free two-day training semi- types of three-day accommoda- ists fly directly to Kazakhstan, be opening a concept store, Italy Educational Centre Director will be invited to listen to the Sev- nar this year for administrators and tion services at the Pelikan Fam- such as Dubai, which is close to added Deputy General Director Carmine Barbaro, cook Italian food ernyi Veter and Aquafon bands, employees of Alakol coast recrea- ily Recreation Centre – 19,500 Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Some for Retail Development Madina with his spouse Sharbat Barbaro and watch the film “Pelikadry” about tion centres and guesthouse own- tenge (US$51.40), 22,500 tenge may say that Kazakh tourists Abilpanova. try on hats, earrings, bracelets, rings Alakol and attend an event or- ers in Akshi and Koktum villages. (US$59.30) or 25,500 tenge fly to Dubai for their shopping, “This will be a store where and glasses made by Almaty artist ganised by XS Company. On the The sessions will focus on updat- (US$67.20) per guest. Organisers but, upon price comparison, it trends will be displayed before Vsevolod Demidov at the Ptichii last day, participants will attend a ing regional tourism workers and will provide bus transportation for turned out that Dubai is more they reach the masses. In this Bazar (bird market) local artists and training session by Almaty psy- demonstrating possible recreation 6,000 tenge (US$15.80). For more expensive. Our third market is way, we will cultivate a culture artisans’ handmade fair. Demidov chologist Natalia Imtosimi. centre activities beyond beach sea- information, one can visit http:// the Commonwealth of Independ- of fashion in our community,” will also host a master class. “Every time Natalia improves son, such as bird watching, excur- veters.kz/krylya-alakolya-2019/. ent States, including Russia and she said.

to five years, according to the ex- perts. In this time, we will gain the experience we need, will be able to Construction of Kok Zhailau prepare workers better and study Hometown love can win public opinions. Only after that we will be able to start Kok Zhailau mountain resort construction,” resort to be delayed 3-5 years said Baibek. schoolchildren 10-day to five years as recommended by through preparatory work for this President Tokayev tweeted sup- Staff Report President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, project and to delay it for now,” port for the decision on April 8. Almaty Akim (Mayor) Baurzhan Baibek announced “Almaty Akim Baibek suggest- NUR-SULTAN – Construction Baibek announced April 8 during “We are considering that the de- ed delaying the Kok Zhailau pro- trip across the country of the Kok Zhailau Mountain resort an Almaty Public Council meeting. velopment of already functioning ject for studying expert and public for 10 days across Kazakhstan to near Almaty will be delayed three “I suggest to once again go resorts will take no less than three opinions. I support this decision By Saltanat Boteu visit five cities. The contest is part that is based on my recommenda- of the Tugan Elge Sayahat chil- tion. There can be no rush with an NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh school dren’s excursion train project and issue as important as this one is,” children aged 11 to 15 now have will include three trips. wrote Tokayev. the opportunity to win a 10-day trip The winners will visit destina- Head of the Almaty Tourism Ad- across Kazakhstan by expressing tions on the Nur-Sultan – Baikonur ministration Maksat Kikimov noted what they love about their home – Taraz – Almaty – Balkhash – Nur- that the project can be simplified. region. Sultan route. “The Kok Zhailau consultant The Samruk Kazyna Social De- The trips will also include visits and developer suggests the op- velopment Trust recently launched with hobby groups and intellectual tion of using another slope for ski a national competition asking par- clubs, English language courses slopes, finding the possibility of ticipants to write an essay or poem and sports games. reducing the area of residential or produce a film describing what “The project is aimed at the development, moving the hotel they love about their home town comprehensive development of project from the top of the plateau and what they would like to change children, increasing interest in the to the bottom, building a base sta- about their home region. outside world, studying historical tion and cableways from CSKA The contest will choose 600 win- and architectural monuments of the skiing base side. The option of de- ners who will be divided among country and strengthening patriot- veloping existing resorts instead of three trips. The contest is open to all ism,” reported the fund’s website. building new ones is also reflected children, but a percentage of win- “Participants whose work is dif- in the opinion of the director of the ners will be chosen from remote ferent in content, unique and has consulting and developing com- regions and socially vulnerable artistic taste and originality of pres- pany. We also suggested an option groups. entation will have the opportunity of first building cable cars and then Among the winners will be 500 to go on the excursion tour across gradually transitioning to resort’s children of employees of Samruk Kazakhstan,” reported the website.

Photo Credit: picnicteam.kz. Photo Credit: development,” said Kikimov. Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund Entrants may submit one essay, industrial enterprises and plants film or poem by May 17 via e-mail from remote settlements, children to [email protected]. Winners will brought up in large, low-income or be announced by May 25 while the because we felt it clashed with our single parent families and children first trip begins June 1, according to mission of meaningful travel. We felt with good academic performance. Samruk Kazyna Trust’s Corporate that if you go to the Charyn Canyon Fifty children from across Kazakh- Communications Department Di- Belgian travel company offers for one day, it is not enough,” Her- stan will be chosen on a competitive rector Miras Irgebayev. mans added. basis as well as 50 children from “The number of children par- With its steppe and mountains, among the representatives of the Ka- ticipating in the excursion tour is Hermans and Kalysheva single out zakh diaspora from other countries, growing every year. In 2016, 120 insights, experiences beyond clichés Kazakhstan’s landscapes as truly whom the fund will choose in coop- children went on a tour across Ka- Continued from Page A1 Kazakhstan’s visa-free regime and you’re not interested in museums unique in Central Asia. Their favour- eration with the Otandastar Fund. zakhstan; in 2017, 400 and in 2017, e-visa for many countries, people’s but really interested in trains, where ite destinations are the Altai moun- The winners will travel by train 600 children,” said Irgebayev. “When people talk about Cen- perceptions are beginning to change. you can meet all kinds of people. tains, the Mangystau Region and tral Asia, if they know anything, “I think more people are coming to Meaningful travel is also about what the Almaty Region, the latter’s high- it is usually something bad,” they Central Asia, talking about it to their is meaningful to locals. If you’re just lights including Altyn Emel National noted. “If you see the travel bro- friends and posting their pictures on hopping in and out for a day, you are Park, the Charyn Canyon, the Kolsay chures, everything is fantastic. It is Instagram,” said Hermans and Kaly- using the locals’ services, food and Lakes and Lake Kayindy that can be all about eagle hunting and kokpar sheva. “When they come back home hospitality but not really giving any- experienced in a five-to-six-day tour. (national equestrian sport). These with their stories, this makes the sto- thing back. To make these connec- “These are things that you can’t things are also true, but we feel ry [on Central Asia] bigger, and we tions, we think that takes time.” see in any other Central Asian coun- like they are all simplifications. It are happy with that.” Silk Road tours, which are com- try and, definitely, not at this scale. is like you are showing it in black The founders also hope to impress bined tours of Kazakhstan, Kyr- The size of Kazakhstan really allows and white, and what we try to do is upon their adventurous audience the gyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, you to see such huge landscapes. It add a bit of colour to writing and importance of meaningful travel. are popular among travelers hoping really is a ‘big sky’ country,” they reporting on Central Asia to make it “It is about slowing down and to see Central Asia from its many said. more nuanced.” finding something that you find sides, said Kalysheva. “I would encourage people to With greater freedom of move- meaningful, not something that is in “We used to have a lot of one-day come here, see things for themselves ment and exposure to the region the guidebooks and people tell you tours, and these were quite popular. and try not to have any clichés in following new policies, such as is a ‘must do’,” they said. “Maybe We decided to stop promoting them your head,” said Kalysheva. sk-trust.kz. Photo credit: B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 Kazakhstan’s only professional female F4 Television series on driver participates in SEA Championship boxer Sattarkhanov race, the temperature in the car is By Zhanna Shayakhmetova approximately 58 degrees Celsius and it is important for the driver to NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh racer maintain his or her fluid balance. to air this spring Lyubov Ozeretskovskaya, 22, fin- “I plan to drive the whole season ished first in the women’s stand- in this series, but it also depends on ings at the second stage of the financial support. I need to com- 2019 Formula 4 Southeast Asia plete a full season in Formula 4 Championship (F4 SEA) April to gain experience and go through 19-21 in Kuala Lumpur. She will the entire qualifying round of the join the next stage May 10-12 in W Series in 2020. I think that the Thailand. Asian Championships are quite She scored in three of four rac- strong and developed. We per- es and ranked 10th in the cham- formed together with TCR Asia, F3 pionship standings in the first Asia and Blancpain GT Asia. I ex- round of the Sepang International press my deep gratitude to every- Circuit. one who supports me,” she added. “This is one of the favourite au- Kazakhstan’s only female racer, todromes with small differences Ozeretskovskaya began her career in heights and complex, techni- at age nine and won her first title cal turns. Since I had a fairly long two years later at the Kazakhstan

break in my racing career for al- Karting Championship. She has 24.kz. Photo credit: most three years, I had to get used trained in Moscow since her 2014 Bekzat Sattarkhanov to everything. We did a great job Formula Russia debut. and managed to make great pro- F4 SEA, certified by the Inter- the video (of the match,) you can gress in two short sessions with national Automobile Federation By Dilshat Zhussupova see Sattarkhanov’s knot on his back. my engineer Gabriella. Of course, (FIA), features rounds in India, He said that he wanted to enter the we still have a lot of work ahead to Malaysia, the Philippines and NUR-SULTAN – Khabar Agen- join the group leaders in the cham- Thailand. cy’s biographical television series Ever year in April, the pionship,” she said after the first French driver Hadrian David “Bekzat,” commemorating the late round. leads in the overall standings af- Kazakh professional boxer Bekzat Bekzat Sattarkhanov Ozeretskovskaya finished in Lyubov Ozeretskovskaya (L). ter winning three of the four first- Sattarkhanov, will air this spring, 10th place in the first race, 11th ditions those days. We had racing conditions. But this was a good ex- stage races. Irish driver Lucca Al- reports the National Olympic Com- Youth Memorial in the second, ninth in third and slicks on a dry surface. Then, it perience and I got my points in the len was the only driver to be on the mittee. Tournament gathers fourth races and 10th place in the started to rain on the second half of championships,” she noted. podium in all four races. Finnish Filming of the six-episode series last race. the route and we had to cope with Physical training is essential for racer Emil Seppanen finished third recently wrapped up. Its plot cen- young Kazakh and “We had difficult weather con- the car in difficult and unfamiliar races held in Malaysia. During the in Race 4. tres on the 2000 Summer Olympic foreign boxers in Games, and its characters are former International Boxing Association Turkestan, the boxer’s Vice President Beket Makhmu- tov, former National Boxing Team home city, to compete Head Coach Tursyngali Yedilov in 11 divisions. Bublik wins Monterrey Challenger, and Kazakh professional boxers Mukhtarkhan Dildabek and Yer- makhan Ibrayimov. Kazakh actor ring in a champion’s shirt, although Samat Azimkulov plays the role of I was not yet a winner at the time. enters ATP’s top 100 Sattarkhanov. Bekzat convinced me that I could Continued from Page B1 205) and drawing the attention of points to become eligible for the entry at ATP World Tour tourna- Sattarkhanov won the 1998 Junior win a gold medal myself,” recalled Ibrayimov, who won the 2000 Sum- the sports community. In Novem- main draw or qualifying draw ments. World Boxing Championships silver Bublik was born June 17, 1997, ber 2016, he announced he would medal in the men’s bantamweight di- mer Olympic Games gold medal in in Gatchina, Saint Petersburg, represent Kazakhstan. vision (54 kilogrammes) in Buenos the Light Middleweight division (71 according to his website. His fa- He entered the top 100 in 2017 Aires, Argentina. He defeated Italian kilogrammes), reports Kazakh-tv.kz. ther and coach, Stanislav Bublik, after winning the Cuernavaca boxer Michele di Angelo, Swedish Before Sattarkhanov could con- introduced him to tennis at age and Aptos ATP Challengers and boxer Patrick Bogere, Cuban boxer tinue his promising career, he passed two. reaching the quarterfinals in the Guillermo Rigondeaux and Ger- away in a car accident Dec. 31, “A former junior top 20, Alex ATP 250 tournament in Moscow. man boxer Hamisi Durst, losing to 2000 at the age of 20. On April 4, he is from the same generation of He also reached the draws at the Ukrainian Servin Suleymanov. would have turned 39 years old. highly talented players such as Australian Open and Wimbledon. He went on to win the 2000 Sum- Ever year in April, the Bekzat Sat- Zverev, [Taylor] Fritz and his A foot injury at Indian Wells, mer Olympics Games gold medal in tarkhanov Youth Memorial Tourna- co-nationals [Karen] Khachanov, California (U.S.) in 2018 dropped the men’s featherweight division (57 ment gathers young Kazakh and for- [Andrey] Rublev and [Roman] him to 250th, but he managed to kilogrammes) in Sydney, Australia. eign boxers in Turkestan, the boxer’s Saffiulin. A bit crazy, aggressive close the year ranked 170th. He faced Romanian boxer Ovidiu home city, to compete in 11 divisions. and highly competitive player on The ATP Challenger Tour is Bobirnat, South African Jeffrey This year, gold medallists are box- court, Alex is recognised by his a series of professional tennis Mathebula, Turkish Ramazan Palya- ers Zharas Komshabayev (46 kg), peers to be a fun, smiling and competitions. In recent years, ni, Moroccan Tahar Tamsamani and Daryn Kulzhabayev (49 kg), Almaz warm character off the court,” it more than 150 competitions per American Ricardo Juarez. Duisenkul (52 kg), Askhat Tastanbek notes. year (178 in 2008) have been “There is an interesting story (56 kg), Aidos Zhaparbergen (60 kg), Bublik turned pro in 2014. Two held in more than 40 countries, behind the Olympics in Sydney. Yermakhan Otemis (64 kg), Madi years later, he played his first ATP including those where tennis is a Bekzat borrowed my red singlet to Altynbayev (69 kg), Marat Kassayev tournament in Saint Petersburg, new sport. Players who succeed enter the ring. I warned that it would (75 kg), Bagdaulet Kural (81 kg), moving more than 700 positions on the international men’s ATP olympic.kz. Photo credit: be too big for him, but he said that Bagdaulet Abdullayev (91 kg) and in the ATP ranking (from 964 to Challenger Tour earn ranking Alexander Bublik he would tie a knot at the back. In Ozodbek Irismetov (+91 kg). Athletes to run for charity in annual BI Marathon May 26 mer Olympic Games gold medal- By Dilshat Zhussupova list in boxing in the welterweight division, recently confirmed his NUR-SULTAN – Professional participation. and amateur athletes will run for “Registration is in full swing – charity in the capital’s annual BI approximately 4,000 people have Marathon May 26, reports the registered,” said BI Marathon Nur-Sultan Akimat (city adminis- Sports Director Alexey Sidoren- tration) press service. ko. “Based on past experience, The event aims to develop athletes will come from more than sports in the country, familiarise 22 countries in the world, includ- people with physical education, ing neighbouring Russia, Kyr- popularise a healthy lifestyle and gyzstan and Uzbekistan, as well support charity and social respon- as Germany, Austria, Belgium, sibility. Funds raised from the the United States, Denmark and event will go to charity foundation Indonesia.” BI Zhuldyzai for the treatment and This year’s route will differ from rehabilitation of children with cer- past races and include exiting the ebral palsy. park, running along four streets Running distances include two and the Yessil River embankment kilometres for participants under and a start and finish line at Triath- 14 years old, five kilometres for lon Park. participants between 14 and 16, 10 “Live music along the route, a kilometres for participants over 16, novelty in 2018, will become a tra- and 21 kilometres and 42.2 kilome- dition and give strength and spirit tres for participants over 18. Nordic to the runners,” said BI Marathon walking is an option for athletes of Sports Director Sergey Bodrov. the 10-kilometre race, and corporate Last year, 7,200 athletes com- participants may run a relay race. pleted the race, including 4,323 Registration to participate began men and 2,877 women and 2,131 Dec. 16, earlier than in previous of the participants were BI Group years, to encourage greater par- representatives. They consumed ticipation and preparation. By the 45,544 litres of water and ran end of May, athletes will have had 168,465 kilometres altogether. The sufficient time to have thoroughly best result was 2 hours, 34 minutes prepared for their chosen distance. and 44 seconds for the full distance. Ten thousand athletes are expected To register, visit www.bi-mara- to run. Serik Sapiyev, a 2012 Sum- bi-marathon.kz. Photo credit: thon.kz. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 Ploggers clean capital’s parks when the snow melted in the city, and non-sportsmen – everyone By Saltanat Boteu we saw a large amount of litter. who wants to see our city, country Therefore, we decided to organise and the world clean can partici- NUR-SULTAN – More than 400 a useful run. We are very glad that pate,” said the organisers. ploggers participated in an April 7 today a large number of people event aimed at cleaning the capi- supported us,” said eco-activist tal’s parks and drawing people’s Assel Kuspanova to the akimat’s Plogging, or attention to the environment, recy- press service. picking up trash cling and a healthy lifestyle. Participants gathered in the Sparta Astana Eco Club, Sparta morning in Central, Triathlon and while jogging, is Astana Running Club and We Are Zheruyik parks, the Botanical for a Clean Country Eco Move- Garden and near Kenessary Khan a portmanteau of ment, supported by the city akimat monument on the bank of the Yesil plocka upp (pick up in (administration) and Adal Volun- River. They were asked to bring teers Movement, organised the recyclable bags for litter and or- Swedish) and jogging. Menin Kalam-Taza Kala (My city ganisers met them people in each is a clean city) action. location. Other Kazakh cities organised Plogging, or picking up trash After the run, the organisers held similar events. while jogging, is a portmanteau of a competition for the heaviest bag “We have already been sup- plocka upp (pick up in Swedish) of garbage. They weighed the bags ported in Karaganda, Kokshetau, and jogging. The environmental in each park, identified four win- Atyrau and Semei. I know that Al- action, which originated in Scandi- ners and gave them eco prizes. maty held a similar event yester- navia, combines a healthy activity They also held workshops on sort- day and this is very pleasing. We and attentive attitude to nature. ing garbage, which was handed are all for clean cities. All people “We decided to organise today’s over for recycling. who came advocate cleanliness of plogging event with the aim of “There is no task to run at a our city, parks and streets,” said preserving and caring for our envi- maximum pace or a full marathon. Oraz Isin, one of organisers, to ronment. One day, during jogging astana.gov.kz. Photo credit: Adults, children, elders, sportsmen 24.kz. Astana Art Show 2019 to kick off June 7 Nur-Sultan conducts ing the Galaxy will launch July 4, National Museum and the Ruhani in which 40 Kazakh and foreign Zhangyru (Modernisation of Ka- artists from 15 countries, including zakhstan’s Identity) Programme Office. Forty Kazakh and foreign first electronic land Argentina, China, Cuba, France, Korea, Italy, Madagascar, Turkey artists from 12 countries show- and the United States, will present cased their works, and exhibited their works. artists featured Kazakh artists Adil sublease auction Astana Art Show 2019 organisers Aubekerov, Anvar Musrepov and process of participating in the auc- are Artios Art Advisory and the city Aza Shadenova and Japanese pho- By Nazira Kozhanova tion. akimat, and its curators are TSE Art tographer Ikuru Kuwajima. People “[We have been] using elec- Destination and Artios Art Advi- also attended master classes, work- NUR-SULTAN – The first land tronic digital signatures, using sory Founder Dina Baitassova and shops and public lectures with Ka- plot sublease electronic auction blockchain technology. So, all the French art critic and director of con- zakh artists Saule Suleimenova was conducted in Nur-Sultan from entrepreneurs knew this auction temporary art institutions Jérôme and Suinbike Suleimenova, Ka- March 20 to April 4. Eighty-one really is transparent. It’s impossi- Sans. The message Baitassova and zakh art critic Ardak Yussupova entrepreneurs competed for 10 ble to fake, change and somehow

Photo credit: Astana Art Show Facebook Page. Astana Photo credit: Sans hope to convey at Astana Art and Kazakh dancer Arsen Imenov. land plots that were subleased via influence the results. Everything Aleksander Blanar Show 2019 is the artists’ freedom Free master classes, workshops the auction. is done automatically. From the and spirit of nomadism. and public lectures at TSE Art Des- “This electronic platform con- moment of posting the ad, apply- By Dilshat Zhussupova 10, reports the city akimat (admin- From Sept. 15 to Oct. 28, more tination will resume this month, ducts a land sublease rights auc- ing for the lot and then the auction istration) press service. than 35,000 people attended with Russian art curator Aleksander tion for the first time. Only the itself. So, we can only see the re- NUR-SULTAN – The capital To mark the Year of Youth in Astana Art Show 2018 at TSE Art Blanar presenting a 7 p.m. public property that is to be transferred sult with the auction winner,” said will once more become a hub for Kazakhstan, young artists will at- Destination, and more than 2,000 lecture April 12-13. One can stay into the private sector was sold via Nurgisayev. contemporary art during Astana tend master classes, meet artists people attended its opening cer- up to date on the capital’s upcom- this website before,” Vice-Chair of Entrepreneur Adil Bidakhmetov Art Show 2019 at the Palace of and art historians and exhibit their emony. Its organisers were Artios ing art events on Facebook (@ the Board of Astana Social Entre- who participated in the auction Peace and Reconciliation and Pal- art at an exhibition June 7. Art Advisory, the Kazakh Ministry astanaartshow) and Instagram (@ preneurial Corporation Temirlan agrees with Nurgisayev about the ace of Independence June 7-Aug. International art exhibition Rac- of Culture and Sport, the Kazakh astana_art_show). Nurgisayev told Khabar TV. convenience of electronic auc- “Success of this (sublease rights) tions. auction supports big demand for “Earlier we had to come here, small and medium-sized busi- leave a request, wait a few days nesses for land plots, as well as the when the auction is to end. Later, trust participants have shown for we were gathered in this big hall. this distribution type. We intended We had to wait in line for our turn. Ancient manuscripts, autograph sessions to make the land distribution pro- People got tired. We had to spend cess as transparent as possible as days to participate in the auction. a part of ‘1000 spots – street trade’ Then we waited for results. Now, it programme. This technique will got way easier. Everything is done and master classes to pique readers’ allow avoiding manipulating doc- online, we analyse everything, uments, registers. The list of land quickly, the time has decreased a plots is agreed upon by all govern- lot,” said Bidakhmetov. mental organisations involved in Overall, 100 street trading land interest at 2019 Eurasian Book Fair this issue, and the only condition plots will be distributed via elec- Daurenbekkyzy at the Central Book of the Year competition in oria arts master class, as well as a for the programme participants is tronic auctions, with 15 land plots By Nazira Kozhanova Communications Service press six categories – Study Book, Local party, the “Alice in Wonderland”- agreeing with all the correspond- allocated to entrepreneurs from the conference. History Edition, Children, Culture themed quest, concerts and singing ing laws,” said Nurgisayev. groups of population considered NUR-SULTAN – Eurasian Book She elaborated on the most inter- and Art, Science and Innovations, competitions. Nurgisayev also discussed the socially vulnerable. Fair 2019, featuring a book exhi- esting exhibits to be featured. and Grand Prix. Competition win- Kazakh publishing houses Al- bition, presentations, talks, work- “One of the best examples is a ners and nominees will be awarded matykitap, Atamura, Kazakh shops and meetings with writers, manuscript dated 1532 and writ- with special diplomas. Encyclopediasy and Mektep and kicked off April 24 in the capital’s ten in the ancient Roman script. Autograph sessions will be Russian publishing houses Fer- Korme Exhibition Centre. Another highlight is a book dating featured with writers Anna Gon- ber, Ivanov, Kozhanaya Mozaika, The main goal of the book fair is back to 1735 extracted from the charova, Yuri Nechiporenko and Mann, Rozovyi Zhiraf, Samokat, to promote reading, as well as sup- authentic works of Persia, India, Anastasiya Strokina. Books will port literary heritage development China and Japan. There are only be presented by Rishat Guntekin, Universalist and White Town are among the participant countries. It three existing copies of the book. Orhan Pamuk, Nazira Rakhmano- slated to participate. The fair will will include 150 events, approxi- The first one is on display at the va and Koishyghar Salgharuly feature 90 participants from 13 mately the same number of pres- Louvre Museum, the second in and meetings with writers Yerlan countries – Armenia, Azerbai- entations and the exhibit. Kazakhstan and the third copy is Sydykov, Mergen Toksanbai and jan, Belgium, China, Iran, Kyr- “The exhibition will feature rare kept by an unknown reader,” she Ulugbek Yesdaulet are scheduled. gyzstan, Latvia, Poland, Russia, manuscripts,” said National Aca- noted. Master classes for children are Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine and demic Library Director Umitkhan The fair will include the Best also planned, including a Mimi- Uzbekistan. Presidential hospital performs robot-aided surgery hands of an experienced doctor kidneys and the functions of the continue to live as an ordinary, rlan Yensebayev referring to a re- accurately and efficiently,” he By Yerbolat Uatkhanov leads to a better result and saves organs are preserved and she will healthy person,” said surgeon Ye- cent patient. said. lives,” said David Samadi, an Hospital gynaecologists have Fifty-five complex opera- NUR-SULTAN – Surgeons at American urologist who advises already begun laparoscopic ro- tions have been performed at the capital’s Presidential Hospital surgeons on robot-assisted tech- bot-assisted surgery by using the the hospital using robot-assisted are expanding their capabilities nology. Senhance installation to remove technology. The robotic operat- in robot-assisted surgery. Using An ultrasound device, the an ovarian cyst and completely ing room is a modern, effective equipment which reduces blood world’s first working with a Sen- remove a uterus and uterine tube. method of surgical treatment in loss and operation time, they have hance surgical robotic system, Gulbaram Basharova performed a urology, gynaecology and gen- begun doing new procedures to was applied during urological total hysterectomy using the ro- eral surgery (when internal or- remove kidney tumours and uter- surgery to remove a kidney tu- bot. gans are operated through small uses. The training centre opened in mour. “A total hysterectomy is the re- openings on the patient’s body). November. “This is really a very difficult moval of the uterus and adjacent Additional benefits for surgeons “The main advantage of the operation and it was successful. It organs. The patient had a pathol- using robots are multiple image robot is higher accuracy and bet- was easier, of course, to remove ogy of the cervix and fibroids. magnification, completely elimi- ter magnification, which leads the kidney, but we did an opera- Today, for the first time in our nating shaking hands and pro- to less blood loss and faster re- tion to preserve the organ. The hospital, we used the radio tool tecting against errors. The advan- covery. The robot is completely so-called partial nephrectomy of to perform such an operation. It tages for the patient are no large under the control of the surgeon. the left kidney, that is, its partial allows surgeons to perform in- incisions, minimal blood loss and

It is an effective tool that in the removal, was carried out. The tengrinews.kz. Photo credit: ternal manipulations much more fast recovery.