+19° / +11°C WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 No 16 (154) www.astanatimes.com Central Asian leaders hold first Aral Sea summit Skolkovo’s study since 2009, agree to develop action plan focuses on Islamic economy in Eurasian region ship banks or ‘Islamic windows’ By Zhanna Shayakhmetova that provide Sharia-compliant loans, deposits and investment op- ASTANA – What is the real size portunities. We organise various of the Islamic economy phenome- halal exhibitions where domestic non? Why are Islamic economy and halal-certified producers showcase its ecosystem an important theme? goods to be exported to Muslim What Eurasian country has the consumers worldwide. We intro- most Islamic financial assets and duce new educational courses on holds the leading position in terms Islamic law and Islamic finance, of the quality of its ecosystem? prepare qualified halal-certifiers Skolkovo Institute for Emerg- and record success stories of Mus- ing Market Studies (IEMS) re- lim tech start-ups.” leased Islamic Economy – the The global Islamic economy is Fastest Growing Large Economy, worth more than $2.2 trillion with a Eurasian-focused report provid- a projected growth rate of more ing information about one of the than 7 percent annually until 2022. most promising phenomena in the According to the report, more region. To learn more about the than one-third of the Eurasian pop- study, The Astana Times spoke ulation is Muslim. They are cus- with IEMS Eurasia lab head tomers for halal goods and servic- Gaukhar Nurgalieva. es and entrepreneurs who have the In a preview of the report, Presi- potential to enter the halal market. dent of the Skolkovo Moscow “Therefore, the Islamic econo- School of Management Andrei my has established itself in Eura- Sharonov said, “Eurasia is destined sia, while the ecosystem to sup- Photo credit: akorda.kz. Photo credit: to become one of the meaningful port it (institutions, human capital fishing enterprises have opened As dramatic changes continued, tions (UN) is being considered. centres of Islamic economy” with and awareness) is still evolving. By Elya Altynsarina improving the social, economic the original level of water salinity Earlier, following the initiative a diverse ethnical, linguistic, reli- In some countries it has reached conditions in the area. of 10 grams per litre rose to ap- of Tajikistan, the UN General gious and cultural composition. a more advanced level, while in ASTANA – Kazakh President The summit participants, includ- proximately 100 grams/litre in the Assembly declared 2018-2028 “Тhe economies in Eurasia others it is less developed. For in- Nursultan Nazarbayev urged an ing the five presidents of Kazakh- remaining part of the lake, thus the International Decade for Ac- are more Islamic than we think,” stance, Azerbaijan leads the Eura- Aug. 24 summit of the heads of stan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turk- harming the public health and at- tion “Water for Sustainable De- said Nurgalieva, emphasising the sian region in terms of the level of the founding states of the Inter- menistan and Uzbekistan, agreed mosphere: today the deserted basin velopment”; the Government of main message of the report. “We Islamic economic development. national Fund for Saving the Aral to examine the role of the organi- releases up to 80 million tons of Uzbekistan hosted the Central already have functioning partner- Continued on Page A4 Sea (IFAS) in Turkmenbashi city, sation’s executive bodies and, in a poisonous salt into the atmosphere Asian International Environmen- Turkmenistan to reorganise the press conference after the summit, – one can find its particles carried tal Forum in Tashkent in June, IFAS to better protect the environ- said it is necessary to bring the is- by dust storms in the territory of while Kyrgyzstan jointly with UN mentally-damaged water body. sue to the global community, con- Western Europe and the peaks of agencies developed the Strategic “It is time to automate the man- tinue raising awareness at the UN, Himalayas. Action Programme for the Chu agement, distribution, the ac- funds and financial institutions in- The IFAS was established with and Talas River Basins. Minister says counting and monitoring of water volved in supporting the IFAS. the support of Central Asian states Commending these actions, the resources and its quality; it is as It was also specified that water and has a mission to “coordinate President of Kazakhstan invited relevant as ever to establish the In- consumption needs to be reduced cooperation at national and in- participants to the Oct. 10-12 ternational Water and Energy Con- by 50-60 percent by applying ternational levels in order to use Eighth Session of the Meeting of industrial production sortium of Central Asia (…), and drip irrigation, and it was recom- existing water resources more ef- the Parties to the Convention on consider the permanent deploy- mended that salt-resistant crops be fectively and to improve the en- the Protection and Use of Trans- ment of the Executive Committee planted to improve environmental vironmental and socio-economic boundary Watercourses and Inter- of IFAS in one of our countries,” conditions and to develop new situation in the Aral Sea Basin,” national Lakes in Astana. growing five percent stressed Nazarbayev. types of feed for livestock. according to the organisation’s Other than these initiatives, un- Sarybai Mining Production Asso- He said the summit, the first The meeting initiatives and website. til now, the Syr Darya Control and By Abira Kuandyk ciation [known under its Russian since 2009, is a landmark event agreements were stipulated in the “Thanks to IFAS’s active en- Northern Aral Sea (NAS) Project acronym SSGPO], the largest iron of an international scale and will summit communiqué that will gagement with international part- helped to improve ecological and ASTANA – Minister for Invest- ore enterprise in Kazakhstan’s increase regional water resource serve as the basis for an action plan ners, the region today receives environmental conditions in the ments and Development Zhenis mining industry. The increase in cooperation. to be drafted by the Turkmen side. substantial assistance from the delta area: the water level has re- Kassymbek reviewed the nation’s the extraction of non-ferrous metal “We defined new priorities and The Aral Sea used to be the global community and internation- mained at 42 metres since 2010; industrial production at the Aug. ores is associated with an increase tasks here. The solution of these is- fourth largest saline lake in the al financial institutions,” said Naz- water salinity continues decreas- 14 government meeting saying in- in the production of copper ore sues is of fundamental importance world until the third quarter of the arbayev. “Our joint efforts contrib- ing and flora and fauna are being dustrial production has increased at Kazakhmys Corporation LLP, for ensuring the sustainable devel- 20th century when the Soviet Un- uted to the fund’s observer status restored. 5.1 percent based on the results of Kopper Technology LLP and the opment and prosperity of Central ion diverted water from the two in the UN General Assembly.” On the summit sidelines, Naz- the first seven months of the year, production of bauxite at Aluminum Asia. Therefore, all this requires main rivers flowing into the lake – According to Nazarbayev, the arbayev met with Turkmen reported primeminister.kz. Kazakhstan JSC,” he added. from us coordinated joint actions. Amu Darya and Syr Darya – to ir- trans-boundary water resources in President Gurbanguly Berdimu- The hike, which includes a Among the processing indus- For my part, I want to assure you rigate agricultural lands to produce Central Asia are the common her- hamedov to discuss cooperation 5.4-percent increase in mining and tries, metallurgy grew 3.6 percent, that Kazakhstan has been and re- mostly cotton. itage and property of the peoples following the recent signing of the 4.9-percent increase in manufac- chemicals by 10.9 percent and me- mains a consistent and reliable The diversion reduced the lake’s of the region, and all countries are Caspian Sea Legal Status Conven- turing, has been observed in the chanical engineering output by 16 partner in the issues of regional size thirtyfold, significantly dam- seeking common solutions. tion, which opens up the possibil- country’s 14 regions, said Kass- percent. Furniture and light indus- cooperation,” said Nazarbayev. aging the region’s ecosystem, flora Currently, at the initiative of ity, according to the two leaders, ymbek. try production rose 5.2 percent and Nazarbayev added that in the and fauna. The damage is consid- Turkmenistan, a programme for for a joint roadmap in the field of The volume of non-ferrous met- 2.3 percent, respectively, accord- Kazakh part of the Aral Sea the ered one of the world’s largest en- the countries of the Aral Sea un- transportation, transit and regional al ores extraction increased by 3.1 ing to Kassymbek. climate is getting better; several vironmental disasters. der the auspices of the United Na- security. percent, while iron ore extraction The nation reached the projected rose 7.4 percent. figure for transport, with a volume “The growth in the extraction index of 104.9 percent for the pe- of iron ore stemmed from the in- riod. Italian artist motorbikes through 11 countries, creased activities at the Sokolov- Continued on Page A4 finds ‘surprising hospitality’ in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan in 10th place “I dedicate the physical effort of By Zhanna Shayakhmetova the journey to women who strug- gle every day in silence to assert at 2018 Asian Games ASTANA – Rosaria Iazzetta their dreams. My idea is to show started a motorbike journey to bat- that regardless of the continents on tle her own fears, but, in fact, her which women live and the cultural courage and enthusiasm has in- history of the country born, there is spired thousands of people she has a need for a woman to contend and met during the trip. Likewise, she fight to affirm her own right or to got inspired by the great hospital- affirm a dream. I have always been ity of people of all walks of life involved in social art. I believe along the route, including, most that art has a social reason and a recently, in Kazakhstan. social purpose, but in this project, A sculpture professor at the I do not want to be in my studio Academy of Fine Arts of Naples, to make a sculpture, but to put my Iazzetta is travelling from Italy to physical effort on the journey, to Japan to collect interviews with put together testimonies and build women from different continents. a social sculpture made up of com- The conversations will be featured munities of women,” she said in an in a documentary as part of the Rosaria Iazzetta interview for this story. Yellow Horse project. Creativity is an instrument of Starting in June from Naples, en engaged in arts, politics, sports In Kazakhstan, Iazzetta visited freedom and strong inspiration, she intends to visit 11 countries and sociology, reaching Morioka Astana, Ekibastuz, Kokshetau and said Iazzetta. Karate athlete Guzaliya Gafurova wins gold at 2018 Asian Games. and 59 cities to meet with 45 wom- in October. Petropavlovsk. Continued on Page B2 See the coverage on Page B7.

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIALS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Qurban Ait – festival of kindness and Kazakhstan updates business development August 29 is a day to reflect on our nuclear BURUNCIUC: Investing Today for a Brighter Open air ethno fest in Astana promotes friendship A2 road map, improves conditions for weapon-free future A6 Future Tomorrow A7 traditions B1 entrepreneurs A4 Kazakhstan to revoke licenses from A strong, flexible constitution remains key to YEVNIYEV: Scientists should go to farmers, Qazaq Geography embarks on fourth universities producing low employment A2 Wilo opens plant near Almaty A5 any nation’s development A6 not to officials, Kazakh vice minister saysA7 expedition B6

US$ 1 = 361.19 KZT € 1 = 419.56 KZT 1 = 5.37 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018

NATIONAL Qurban Ait – festival of kindness and friendship NEWS IN BRIEF wonderful that such holidays allow Kazakhstan’s maternal mortal- By Meruyert Abugaliyeva us to maintain good relations and ity decreased 1.5 percent and in- show respect to each other’s reli- fant mortality 7 percent in 2017, ASTANA – Qurban Ait (Eid al- gion,” said one city resident who reported Kazinform. One hundred Adha), one of two main Islamic preferred not to be named. and twelve social projects on fam- holidays, was celebrated Aug. Considerable attention is paid ily planning were implemented 21 this year. The holiday, mostly to family ties during the holiday, and 15 international documents associated with sacrificing an when people congratulate and visit were ratified in the country. The animal, symbolises kindness and relatives and friends. Institution of Children’s Ombuds- generosity, friendship and mutual “On the holiday eve, we have man, Committee for the Protection understanding for many Kazakh a tradition of cleaning our houses of Rights of Children and Centres citizens. and cooking. Early in the morning, for Support of Children in Difficult According to Islamic tradition, we put on new beautiful clothes Life Situations also operate. Some Muslims throughout the world and go to the mosque for the fes- 8,362 psychologists, 4,268 social slaughter an animal, such as a tive prayer. After the prayer, cel- educators and 2,177 police in- one-year-old sheep, cow or camel. ebrations officially begin and peo- spectors work in schools. Authori- The meat is then divided into three ple start congratulating each other. ties take systematic measures to parts – one part is donated to the Throughout the day, we either go strengthen the reproductive health poor and needy, the second given and visit our nearest and dearest of citizens and protect the health to relatives and neighbours in need or organise a meal at our place. of mother and child. “Protection of and the rest earmarked for the meal Qurban Ait is a good reason to see rights and reproductive health of cooked during the celebration. people you do not meet often due citizens is of great importance for “Since early childhood, I re- to the busy city life,” said capital spiritual and moral development of member going to the bazaar with local Aigerim Omirbay. the younger generation,” said State Secretary of Kazakhstan Gulshara my father, where we bought a President Nursultan Nazarbayev visits Hazrat Sultan Mosque on Aug. 21 in Astana. The sacrificial festival is also sheep and slaughtered it. Thus, associated with Aittyk, the Ka- Abdykalikova at an Aug. 23 gov- sheep sacrifice has become our an- bution symbolises the willingness between people of different reli- mal and basic foods, such as rice, zakh tradition especially loved by ernment meeting. nual tradition. After we go home to give up some property in order gious views and nationalities. While flour, tea, fruits and vegetables to children. Youngsters often go into  and give mother a piece of meat to extend a hand of friendship and only the first day of the festival is an families in need regardless of the the streets, approach people near Belgium company Carmeuse for a festive dinner, we distribute compassion to the less fortunate. official holiday, citizens enjoy meals nationality or religious beliefs of the mosques or even visit houses Group invested $55 million to the other two parts among the el- The holiday is a good opportunity and guest visits for three days. the people. We donate meat to our and congratulate homeowners by build a lime production plant at the derly and families in need,” said to think about blessings. “During the Eid, every year we neighbours following another reli- saying “Aittyk.” The person ad- Saryopan field in the Karaganda capital resident Adil Maksut. In Kazakhstan, Qurban Ait is also go to the city suburbs and distrib- gion, but we also receive coloured dressed should give them money region, according to the press ser- Animal sacrifice and meat distri- marked with special warm relations ute meat from the sacrificed ani- eggs and bread during Easter. It is or sweets in return. vice of Kazakh Invest. The pro- duction capacity is expected to be 300,000 tonnes of lime per year and 105 positions will be created. “We thank Kazakh Invest for their support. One of the technological Ministry of Education and Science advances innovations will be producing both quicklime and hydrated lime,” said representative of Carmeuse Group. The company was founded in 1860 country’s education system in Belgium and is one of the world leaders in lime production. The an- approbation process beginning in are also underway to open IT ly- which more than 36,000 passed. teen licenses have already been nual turnover of the company is By Malika Orazgaliyeva the fourth, ninth and tenth grades. ceums in all regions. At the same time, more than withdrawn. The action will lead to 1.5 billion euros (US$1.7 billion). We are moving gradually. Teach- Concerning unified national test- 110,000 teachers will be trained specialising higher education in- ASTANA ­­– Kazakh Minister of ers are ready. Textbooks are ready. ing (UNT), the difference between at national budget expense. More stitutions on main areas of study. The third expedition titled Dzun- Education and Science Yerlan Sa- Especially, a lot of work has been Kazakh and Russian schools was than 8,000 teachers are studying “We can proudly say that a garian Alatau was completed Aug. gadiyev participated Aug. 18 in Hu- done to improve the quality of eliminated in the previous aca- language courses to teach their league of universities is being cre- 24, according to the press service man Resources in the Framework textbooks, which were also intro- demic year. A difference remains, subjects in English, nearly 5,000 ated in Kazakhstan that will sys- of Kazakh Tourism. Members of the Fourth Industrial Revolu- duced in electronic format,” said however, in the quality of education of whom will start teaching in tematically put high demands on of the expedition travelled 2,130 tion, an annual pedagogical work- Sagadiyev. between rural and urban areas, said English in September. The rules students, academic honesty and kilometres and studied the sacred ers’ conference. He reported on the Within the Ruhani Zhangyru Sagadiyev. have also become stricter to raise the university’s name over the places of Almaty region during Ministry’s activities to advance the the professional level of princi- current market situation,” he said. 12 days. “We explored the unique country’s education system. pals. “These are not all the measures route that opens up new facets of Sagadiyev noted that thanks to Migration is another sensitive that we will undertake. There are our native land. This inspires to the attention of President Nursultan question regarding the country’s ed- KPIs (key performance indicators) discover more. This route is rich Nazarbayev and the government, ucation system. According to 2017 for rectors of the state universities, in both natural and archaeological some of the most important issues results, more than 320,000 people compulsory anti-plagiarism, grad- monuments. A tour requires some were solved in the last year. Spe- have participated in interregional ual introduction of certification for physical preparation from travel- cifically, the situation with teachers’ migration. Last year, approximately graduates of regulated professions lers. Due to this, we will develop pay was improved and the respon- 80,000 individuals, including nearly and so on. All the measures un- several routes differing both in sibility of educational institutions 17,000 children, moved to the capi- dertaken by the ministry are either terms and levels of complexity,” increased. tal from other regions. The large coming from the universities them- said Expedition Leader Inkar Me- The minister opened with pre- number of children will result in the selves, or widely discussed with nayakova. school education. The most impor- need to open almost 15 new schools them,” he added. tant aspects include full coverage by annually. The ministry has reduced nega- Kazakhstan’s air passenger traf- pre-school learning and introducing Sagadiyev noted business in- tive trends such as annually re- fic grew 15 percent in the first a single programme, as well as or- volvement is very important to ducing technical and vocational Minister of Education and Science Yerlan Sagadiyev. seven months of 2018, reported ganising teacher trainings, he said. address the problem. The national education students by increasing the press service of the Ministry The current level of public and budget guarantees return of invest- the proportion of students studying for Investments and Development. (Modernisation of Kazakhstan’s He noted the next key issue is private partnerships in Kazakhstan ment to private companies. under the state order to 54 percent. The airlines carried more than 4.6 Identity) programme, a course teachers. The overwhelming major- corresponds to the global indicator. The Ministry is also introducing The ministry is also focused on million people. Last year, this fig- of regional studies will be intro- ity are attracted to other jobs due to The proportion of private kinder- modern educational programmes protecting children’s rights and sig- ure was four million people. Local duced for fifth, sixth and seventh wide gaps in the system. To solve gartens exceeds 30 percent and 93 and raising the requirements for nificant work is being done in the airports served 7.7 million people grade students. The ministry has the problem, the ministry is revising percent of children between ages students in higher and postgradu- area, according to Sagadiyev. in Jan.-July, which is 11 percent created the necessary textbooks and updating the teachers’ functions. three-six are provided with kinder- ate education. The law on academic Integrating science and business more than in the same period of in collaboration with regional au- Starting in September, teach- garten. freedom provides an opportunity is also one of the main trends, as 2017 with 6.9 million people. The thors. ers will be no longer participate in The next important work in this for institutions to update their pro- business has actively begun to state subsidises 17 air routes with- Computer science will be taught UNT and should only be engaged area is converting the kindergarten grammes. co-finance science. Last year, the in Kazakhstan and in recent years as part of the Digital Kazakhstan queue into electronic format, which in providing quality education. President Nazarbayev increased share of business expenses in re- 13 new international flights were will help move the line quicker and programme starting in third grade. UNT school ratings have also been the number of educational grants search and development (R&D) launched. Terminals in regional open it to the public. The course will be introduced in removed. from last year’s 10,000 to 20,000, was 32.3 percent, a 2-percent in- airports were also renovated. “The most significant attention first and second grade next year. Teachers will receive an addi- noted Sagadiyev. Therefore, uni- crease compared to 2016. was paid to secondary education. Digitisation is of particular at- tional 30 percent-50 percent bo- versities’ responsibilities for the The country is also developing Kazinform reports, Aktau be- In accordance with the schedule, tention with IT technologies and nus of their salary in accordance quality of education has become a process to integrate Kazakh sci- came the fourth city with an auto- we are moving on to an updated robotics. Local executive bodies with their categories, which will the number one task. ence into the international scientific mated bicycle station. Aqtaybike content. From the beginning of the are working to expand the robot- be determined by the results of the In order to solve the problem, community. Nearly 500 local pro- now includes five stations for 76 new academic year, programmes ics, programming and 3D printing attestation, said Sagadiyev. Ap- the Ministry will revoke licenses jects are being carried out with the parking spaces and 38 bicycles. . of the third, sixth and eighth grades classes currently available in ap- proximately 60,000 teachers ap- from universities with a low level participation of foreign scientists, Akim (Governor) of the Mangistau will be updated. There is also an proximately 1,500 schools. Plans plied for certification in May, of of student employment. Seven- he noted. region Yeraly Tugzhanov instruct- ed to work out the location for ad- ditional bike stations, to prepare the sites for stations and to develop bicycle lanes in accordance with Kazakhstan’s 2019 census will be the requirements of road safety. The first Hampton by Hilton hotel was opened Aug. 15 in the in electronic format for first time Kazakh capital. It is located at the heart of the new business district becoming increasingly obscure. Respondent registration in- Safety was a key priority in de- been expanded. These cover mi- near to Nazarbayev University, By Dilshat Zhussupova The 2009 census cost the treas- volves inputting one’s individual signing the procedure. The more gration issues such as ‘are there EXPO 2017 and the airport. The ury 1.14 billion tenge (US$3.17 identification number (IIN), iden- than 30,000 people involved in plans to leave the Republic of hotel features 114 rooms. A stand- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s 2019 million), although only 379 mil- tity document (ID) number, mobile conducting the census will be Kazakhstan to another country,’ ard room price starts from 24,000 population census will be conduct- lion tenge (US$1.05 million) was phone number, code and confirma- dressed in a special uniform and employment issues and matrimo- tenge (US$66) per day. “Hampton ed in electronic format rather than allocated and properly spent. An tion password. The system will be carrying documents with a photo nial issues on previous and current by Hilton hotel in Kazakhstan has a the usual paper-based method, re- investigation determined most of available 24 hours a day and the and seal to assure the legitimacy of marriages,” said committee chief great location and spacious rooms. ported Forbes.kz. the funds were misappropriated by option of selecting a convenient their work. expert Zhanar Akhmetova. We are looking forward to our first Since its independence, Ka- the census services, necessitating time to complete the survey should The Kazakh Ministry of Na- The purpose of the census is to guests who will be able to appreci- zakhstan has conducted national a shift towards a more transparent help improve the quality of the re- tional Economy’s Committee on collect, process and disseminate ate the world-famous Hamptonal- censuses in 1999 and 2009. As format. The electronic method will sponses. Statistics will also gather compre- information on the demographic, ity service and branded amenities the counts are completed at least also make the procedure and pro- Interviewers will then continu- hensive information on foreigners social and economic characteris- of our hotel chain,” said General once every ten years, the next tally cessing its data much simpler. ously stop at households to col- who work or temporarily reside in tics of Kazakhstan’s population at Manager of Hampton by Hilton is scheduled for November 2019. The upcoming census promises to lect data. Online respondents will the country. The questionnaire will a certain point in time. Among oth- Astana Triumphal Arch Maria Te- The online survey will occur Nov. be easier for respondents either indi- simply need to confirm they com- include 45 queries, a greater num- er uses, census data are typically merova at the opening ceremony. 1–15 and interviewers with tablets vidually completing an online survey pleted the survey and information ber than in previous years. employed by government agencies The five-star Hilton Astana and will visit households Nov. 15–30. on the SANAQ-2019 website or as- will be collected from the remain- “Additional questions have been in creating programmes aimed at Hilton Garden Inn Astana already Paper-based questionnaires are sisted by specially trained interviewers. ing individuals. added and some questions have socioeconomic development. operate in the city. A3 CENTRAL ASIA

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakh-Kyrgyz Intergovernmental Council meets Tea Board of India, the gov- infrastructure of these checkpoints ernment agency overseeing the By Malika Orazgaliyeva and access roads to them. Ensuring product’s promotion, cultivation the high-quality functioning of the and export, organised a tea pro- ASTANA­­ – Kazakh Prime border is one of the priority tasks,” motion event Aug. 23 in Almaty. Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev Sagintayev noted. A 22-member delegation headed and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Muk- Abylgaziev underlined the im- by Deputy Board Chair Shri A.K. hammedkalyi Abylgaziev dis- portance of collaboration in the Ray visited the former Kazakh cussed bilateral ties during the sev- spheres of trade, transport, transit capital for the two-day event. enth session of the Kazakh-Kyrgyz and tourism. He also stressed the The programme included meet- Intergovernmental Council Aug. potential of interaction within the ings between buyers and sellers, 17. digital transformation of the two tea testing sessions and seminars. The two government leaders countries’ economies in the frame- India, the biggest tea exporter to discussed trade and economic co- work of the EAEU unified digital Kazakhstan, is seeking to boost operation, as well as the expansion agenda. Similarly, Abylgaziev shipments. The country exported of investment projects in water and touched upon the issues of improv- 46.92 million kilograms of tea energy, tourism, transit and trans- ing tax administration, identifica- from April 2017-January 2018 to port areas, reported primeminister. tion and marking of goods. the Commonwealth of Independ- kz. Another significant direction of ent States (CIS). The council participants consid- potential interaction is develop-  ered the results of the implementa- ment of regional tourist routes, the Kazakhstan will host the first tion the previous session’s proto- primeminister.kz reported. A vivid World Traditional Sport Games col and took stock of further stages example of beneficial cooperation in 2021. The decision, made dur- of cooperation in trade, transport, is the tourist routes to the Khan Photo credit: primeminister.kz. primeminister.kz. Photo credit: ing the fourth consultation coun- investment, energy, agriculture, Tengri Peak, running through the Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev (L) and Bakytzhan Sagintayev (R). cil meeting on traditional sports tourism and digitisation. In ad- territories of the two countries. and games as part of the Turkic dition, the Comprehensive Pro- At the ceremony of signing Games 2018 in the Turkish city gramme of Cooperation between the two countries increased 13.4 construction, services, as well as action in the field of transboundary documents, Sagintayev and Abyl- of Erzurum, was initiated by Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for percent, while the results of the professional, scientific and techni- water use, as well as the prospects gaziev signed the protocol of the the United Nations Educational, 2018-2020 was reviewed. first five months of 2018 show an cal activities. In addition, in order of development of collaboration Council’s seventh session, as well Scientific and Cultural Organisa- Kazakh-Kyrgyz cooperation has increase of 9.8 percent. to attract foreign investors to pri- on the Kazakh-Kyrgyz state bor- as the protocol on amendments tion (UNESCO). UNESCO tradi- reached a new level thanks to mu- Kazakhstan has acquired new ority sectors of the economy, the der. to the agreement between Ka- tional sports and games committee tually respectful and friendly rela- production capacities and now Kazakh Invest national company “At the suggestion of the Kyr- zakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on bor- representatives Marcellin Dally, tions between Kazakh President exports products to foreign mar- together with Deloitte prepared gyz side, we are ready to sign the der crossing points dated Dec.25, Khalil Ahmed Khan and Shami Nursultan Nazarbayev and and kets. Kazakh producers have the 50 ‘niche projects’ in which the protocol on Changing the Sta- 2003. The Kazakh Ministry of Rana visited Astana July 1-2 dur- Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeen- potential to export products from Kyrgyz side can participate. Obvi- tus of the Checkpoints Sartobe National Economy and the Kyrgyz ing Kazakhstan’s bid to serve as bekov, said Sagintayev. the metallurgy sector, food indus- ously, the plans to increase mutual (Tokmok) and Auhatta (Kenbulun) Ministry of Economy adopted a host. The year will be symbolic as The council discussed the imple- try, digitalisation, medicines and trade to $1 billion are quite feasi- from bilateral to multilateral. This memorandum of cooperation. the nation will celebrate the 30th mentation the Roadmap for Bilat- building materials. ble,” Sagintayev said. will increase their throughput. We The next eighth session of the anniversary of its independence. eral Economic Cooperation signed “Today, 824 joint ventures op- Besides, the meeting partici- also understand that implementa- Kazakh-Kyrgyz Intergovernmen­ last year in Astana on Dec. 2. In erate in Kazakhstan in wholesale pants reviewed military-technical tion of this solution will require tal Council will take place in Kazakh companies discussed 2017, the amount of trade between and retail trade, manufacturing, cooperation, development of inter- additional modernisation of the Bishkek in 2019. their participation in EXPO 2020 in Dubai during a Kazakh trade and economy mission to the Unit- ed Arab Emirates. The meeting gathered 16 Kazakh and 34 Arab companies acquainted with Ka- Almaty Border Guard Service Academy to train zakh agriculture, metallurgy, oil, gas and food production. Kazakh Invest in the UAE office head Ilya Urazakov said Arab companies are Central Asian customs, border-control personnel interested in Kazakhstan as a busi- ness partner and stable, developing only the upper deck of the air- and means of in-depth inspection academy lasts for four years. In can come and advance their skills. region with excellent prospects. By Abira Kuandyk craft, but also the technical com- of cargo carried across state bor- addition to the practical lessons, We had similar projects in other partments, including the cockpit ders,” said Pavel Polivanov, head we conduct seminars and trainings Central Asian countries; however, Young Kazakh geologists ASTANA – Almaty’s Bor- and the crew’s resting place in the of the Kazakh National Security to detect prohibited items, from the most ambitious and large-scale claimed two gold, one silver and der Guard Service Academy has 22-metre simulator of the world’s Committee Border Guard Service drugs to weapons, within the pas- one is realised in Kazakhstan,” he three bronze medals at the Inter- opened its largest educational largest aircraft, the Boeing 777. Academy. senger flow. The practical lessons added. national Earth Science Olympiad complex to train Central Asian There is also a railway platform “The learning process in our for our cadets will start in the com- Lyng added there are more than Aug. 8-17 at Mahidol Univer- customs and border-control per- ing September,” he added. 20 aircraft simulators for training sity in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi sonnel, reported Inform.kz. U.S. Embassy representatives border agency military personnel. province. The annual competition The new training base includes noted Kazakhstan is suited for its In terms of scale and technical gathered school students from 40 a simulator of the world’s largest position in state security and disar- equipment, however, the simulator countries across disciplines such aircraft, the Boeing 777, an edu- mament to implement the project. at the academy is considered the as geology, meteorology, geophys- cational train, garage to simulta- The cost to open the base is more only one. ics, oceanography and astronomy. neously inspect three trucks and than $2 million. The U.S. has been cooper- Kamila Kazhen from Nazarbayev special equipment. “This event marks the 25-year ating with Kazakhstan for 18 Intellectual School (NIS) in Astana The project, designed collabo- history of close and fruitful co- years to strengthen border se- earned two golds, while Aknazar ratively with the U.S. Embassy operation between our countries. curity and prevent the prolif- Kazhymurat from NIS in Almaty under the Export Control and Kazakhstan is a recognised leader eration of weapons of mass won silver. Umurzak Asylbek Related Border Security (EXBS) in the world in the field of non- destruction. Modular houses and Islam Aituganov from NIS in programme, will train personnel proliferation of weapons of mass for border guards, inspection Astana won three bronze medals. in all regional countries, including destruction,” noted Theodore equipment and communica- Afghanistan. Lyng, U.S. Deputy Chief Mission tion facilities, patrol boats and Specialists from the U.S. De- “This is a new educational and in Astana. crossing point training were partment of Energy National equipment base of our academy “The cooperation will help to completed and transferred to Nuclear Security Administration for grasping skills in the field strengthen these positions in Cen- the academy under the EXBS and Defence Department Threat of preventing illegal movement. inform.kz. Photo credit: tral Asia, including Afghanistan. programme, the American dip- Reduction Agency toured the There is a possibility to check not Colonel Daulet Zhumabekov (L) and Theodore Lyng. The cadets from other countries lomat added. Kazakh National Nuclear Centre as part of their visit to the coun- try. The delegation observed the centre’s research base and for- mer Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, discussing current projects Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan solve meant to ensure safety at the site and convert research reac- tors. Throughout more than 25 years of cooperation, Kazakh and border congestion issue American organisations have im- toms documents and doing drug plemented projects such as elimi- Staff Report searches and other procedures nating the infrastructure remain- necessary at the border now work ing from nuclear tests, removing ASTANA – Representatives in several shifts. This reduced the reactors from service and creat- of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan number of vehicles at the Konys- ing a network of seismic moni- reached an agreement to begin baev checkpoint to 60 cars. toring in support of the Compre- measures to stop border traffic The heightened congestion re- hensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty congestion at the Konysbayev sulted from a significant increase (CTBT). customs post during an Aug. 18 in the flow of goods to Uzbeki- meeting in Kazakhstan’s Turke- stan using Kazakhstan as a transit The governments of Kazakh- stan region. corridor. China is the main trans- stan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and The issue stemmed from 315 porter and fortunately the major- Turkey, members of the Turkic freight vehicles stalled Aug. 1-7 ity of products have a long shelf Council, are mulling the creation before entering the checkpoint. life. of the Centre for Nomadic Civi- Truck drivers were forced to wait “The cargo flow increased by lisation in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, two-six days Aug. 15 in a seven- 65 percent compared to last year. reports Bnews.kz. The centre is kilometre back-up. We managed to solve this issue to serve as a platform for trust Ardak Tengebayev, chairperson because we are working in a more and cooperation among Turkic- of the Kazakh Committee of State intensive regime. The capacity speaking nations and other states. Revenues , and Muradzhan Azi- of our post is 100-120 vehicles The hosting of sports events, in- mov, head of the Uzbek customs [daily], but now we have a total clusion of people with disabilities, committee, approved actions to of 300-320 vehicles entering and organisation and development of solve the problem. The decision exiting,” said Konysbayev post Turkic national, ethnic and no- will distribute drivers among three chief specialist Yermolda Zhuma- madic games and cooperation with border checkpoints – Atameken- bayev. international sports organisations Syr Darya, Kaplanbek-Navoi and Both countries’ customs com- will all contribute to the objective Kazygurt-Nadzhimov. mittees believe the problem will of promoting sports. The centre’s In addition, Uzbek and Kazakh end in several years. They plan working languages will include customs offices have already in- to modernise the checkpoint by English and the state or official creased the number of personnel. adding several lanes for trucks languages of the participating Employees completing phyto and and cars, which should accelerate states. technical control, executing cus- border crossings. inform.kz. Photo credit: A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018

creating more than 89,000 jobs and paying more than 900 billion tenge ECONOMY NEWS IN BRIEF (US$2.48 billion) in taxes. Kazakhstan updates business development road This year, the government plans National budget revenue reached to provide approximately 2,200 5.3 trillion tenge (US$14.6 billion) subsidies and guarantees to small in the first six months, 4.8 percent and medium-sized enterprises more than in the corresponding map, improves conditions for entrepreneurs through credit lines from second period last year. The main source market as an alternative to bank and rural areas that can ensure tier banks, offer 6.6 billion tenge of revenue is taxes, which account By Assel Satubaldina lending,” he said. increases in tax payments and (US$18.2 million) for needed for almost 70 percent of the total Process automatisation and opti- production output and maintain a infrastructure and provide non- income. Tax revenue comprised ASTANA – The Kazakh gov- misation to provide state services 10-percent hike within two years financial services to more than 3.7 trillion tenge (US$10.2 bil- ernment updated the country’s are also new. of receiving state support. 20,000 people. lion), growing 13.8 percent com- business development road map “This work was conducted as The same figure, he said, is set Entrepreneurs will be able to pared to last year. Transfers were devised to ensure sustainable and part of the Digital Kazakhstan pro- at 20 percent for priority areas of receive online consultations and the second largest revenue source, balanced growth in regional en- gramme, where a single business the economy and those included in training in tax and statistical report- contributing 1.4 trillion tenge trepreneurship, support existing platform works to provide state ser- the state industrial innovation de- ing at public services and business (US$3.9 billion). Budget spend- businesses and create jobs. Min- vices in electronic format based on a velopment programme. support centres, said Atameken Na- ing was 5.1 trillion tenge (US$14 ister of National Economy Timur single window principle,” he added. Since the programme was tional Chamber of Entrepreneurs billion), 9.6 percent larger than Suleimenov reported the strategic The programme excluded sev- launched in 2015, the government Chair Ablai Myrzakhmetov. The last year’s figure. More than two- changes needed to become a na- eral stages in the decision-making has provided interest rate subsidies chamber oversees non-financial thirds of the funds were spent on tional programme during the Aug. process, cutting time for business- of 2.2 trillion tenge (US$6.06 bil- support provision, the fourth area Kazakh Minister of National social benefits, education, health- 14 government meeting. Economy Timur Suleimenov. es in their effort to obtain state sup- lion) on loan portfolios for 11,904 of the programme that includes care, public order, security and The road map works across four port. Starting in October, decisions projects across first three areas helping businesses develop busi- government services. areas – business initiative support providing grants, building infra- regarding subsidies and guarantees and guaranteeing loans of 155 bil- ness plans and offering marketing, in regions and rural areas, indus- structure for projects, training and will be made within five days in lion tenge (US$426.8 million) for tax and legal issue assistance. Since Sept. 1, the Eurasian Eco- try-specific support for entrepre- consultation services. contrast to the previous 25 days 4,302 projects in first two areas. He believes the backing dem- nomic Union (EAEU) has lowered neurs working in priority areas Among the changes was coupon and grant results cut from 48 days Grants of 4.6 billion tenge onstrates “the significance of this import tariffs for light vehicles of the economy and processing interest rate subsidies for bonds is- to 16 days. Next year, the same (US$12.7 million) were allocated programme for businesses and its entering Customs Union (CU) industry, reducing exchange rate sued by businesses. process will take three days. to 1,940 projects and 123 billion potential.” territory, reported inform.kz. For risks for businesses and providing “Based on current international Suleimenov believes these meas- tenge (US$338.7 million) in infra- “Over the past four years, more a new vehicle, the import duty non-financial support. practices, placing corporate bonds ures will facilitate transparency in structure was provided to 810 pro- than 200,000 beginning and active will be lowered from 23 percent Suleimenov noted basic mecha- in stock markets is a source of the decision-making process and jects, said Suleimenov. entrepreneurs received the services. to 17 percent of its customs value nisms of financial and non-fi- funding for business initiatives. meet deadlines for the budget. With the measures put into effect Over these years, 7,600 enterprises through Aug. 31, 2019. The duty nancial support remained in the In this regard, subsidising bonds To increase funding efficiency, as part of the programme, entrepre- were opened. In general, as part of is expected to be further cut to 15 document, including subsidising of local companies serves as an the focus will be redirected to ef- neurs generated output worth 13.5 the programme, more than 11,000 percent in 2020. For a vehicle old- interest rates, guaranteeing loans, instrument to develop the stock ficient enterprises in small towns trillion tenge (US$37.2 billion), projects got support,” he added. er than five-seven years from its production year, the import tariff is 22 percent of its value. In addi- tion to cars, the EAEU also plans to cut import tariffs on more than Nearly 5.5 million hectares Minister says industrial 95 types of goods. Cargo transportation volume in- creased by 6.7 percent to 2.2 bil- lion tonnes during the first seven in Akmola region digitised production growing five percent months of the year, according to ing are being introduced in the prac- Continued from Page A1 sation process of Pavlodar petro- tion is 55.8 percent complete. A kapital.kz. Last year, the figure By Abira Kuandyk tice by agricultural producers of the chemical plant,” said Kassymbek. total of 58,000 housing units were grew only 3.6 percent in the cor- region. During the period of prepa- “The total volume of container The Nurly Zher state housing commissioned in the country, in- responding period. Total freight ASTANA – Introducing digital ration for the planting season, spe- transport through Kazakhstan construction programme is con- cluding 23,662 individual houses,” turnover also increased by 9.4 transformation, or precise farm- cialists initially determine important reached 250,800 containers and tinuing. Since the beginning of the said Kassymbek. percent to 333.6 billion tonne-kil- ing, is one of the main develop- elements in the soil (nitrogen, phos- grew by 40 percent compared to year, 608 billion tenge (US$1.7 The planned construction indi- ometres. The highest volumes of ment directions of the Akmola phorus, potassium) for the develop- the previous year’s figures. In the billion) has been invested, 129.7 cators are expected to be reached transportation were registered in region’s agro-industrial complex. ment of plants. They also take into China – European Union – Chi- percent higher than last year. by the end of the year, considering the Karaganda, East Kazakhstan The region’s 2,707 land users have account criteria such as the humus na direction, this figure totalled “Residential buildings with a to- the launch of the so called 7-20- and Kostanai regions, contribut- digitised approximately 5.5 mil- content and soil acidity. Based on 143,900 containers and grew by 63 tal area of 6.8 million square me- 25 housing lending programme ing more than one-third of the lion hectares, reported Kazinform the information received, farmers percent compared to the previous tres were put into operation. The and maintaining Nurly Zher pro- total volume. Reduced transporta- with reference to the regional com- enter mineral fertilisers considering year’s figures. The revenue from annual plan for housing construc- gramme rates, he added. tion volume was only observed in munications service. the state of each specific section of transport activities increased by the Pavlodar region, where annual By definition, e-agriculture in- the field,” noted the service. 17.5 percent and amounted to 1.5 freight turnover fell from 72.4 volves designing, developing and In addition, the space monitoring trillion tenge (US$4.1 billion),” he tonnes to 30.5 tonnes. applying innovative ways to use system is underway in the Akmola said. information and communication region, the results of which will Construction volume index The Kazakh National Bank technologies, including digital determine the pollution state of reached 101.3 percent, with posi- foreign reserve portfolio shrank technologies, in the rural domain. sowing and fallows as well as the by 6.2 percent during the year to Farmers use smartphones to check forecast of gross harvest by district. tive dynamics observed in 13 re- gions. A decline was seen in Asta- $30.9 billion at the end of July, soil depth and communicate with “The application of the method reported forbes.kz. The reduc- farm management software, driv- will allow producers of agricul- na, as well as in Atyrau, Pavlodar and Shymkent regions. tion was due to a 16-percent de- erless tractors and aerial drones. tural products to promptly make crease in the value of foreign cur- “The decline in Astana relates The primary focus is on agricul- the optimal solutions on the use rency reserve from $21.5 billion to the high rates of construction ture, including fisheries, forestry of agricultural technology during to $18.1 billion. The gold reserve of EXPO 2017 facilities, the Mega and livestock, according to the the field work. Most importantly, value, on the contrary, rose from Silkway shopping centre, the new United Nations Food and Agricul- it will also allow saving petrol, oil $11.4 billion to $12.8 billion, ac- airport terminal and the Nurly Zhol ture Organisation. and lubricants and to effectively counting for more than 40 percent Elements of precise farming use the fertilisers and herbicides, railway station last year. Shymkent of the total portfolio. The Na- have been introduced in pilot as well as to make electronic ap- reduced the construction activi- tional Fund continued decreasing mode this season by scientists plications for subsidies, loans and ties in the multi-family residential its resources, another component from Saken Seifullin Kazakh State insurance,” added the service. buildings. The volume of work of Kazakh foreign reserves, and Agrotechnical University at the According to FAO, agricultural in the construction of main pipe- with the course launched in 2015, region’s core enterprises such as production could become more lines and industrial facilities has current reserves are estimated at Akmola Phoenix, Dihan Plus LLP precise, environmentally friendly decreased in Atyrau region. The $56.8 billion, down 16.7 percent and Zhuravlevka – 1 LLP. and fast-reacting if digital technol- indicator declined in Pavlodar due or $11.4 billion in the past three “Certain elements of precise farm- ogies penetrate the sector. to the completion of the moderni- kaztag.kz. Photo credit: years.

The Kazakh Ministry of Agri- culture anticipates an increase in grain prices for the new harvest, according to inform.kz. “Last Skolkovo’s study focuses on Islamic economy... year, a tonne of wheat was sold for Continued from Page A1 of growth. At the same time, so Astana International Financial the local halal standards base 35,000 tenge (US$97), whereas little information is available on Centre (AIFC) Governor Kairat and certification procedures and currently one tonne of third class It has the highest overall Global Islamic economy development in Kelimbetov and EY Global Vice institutions have been improv- wheat is priced at 48,000 tenge Islamic Economy Indicator score our region. We could not stay apart Chair for Markets Jay Nibbe noted ing. Islamic banks or Islamic (US$123). Therefore, we expect in the halal food, travel and phar- from informing local stakeholders the report is timely and will serve windows in conventional banks further price increase,” said Dep- maceuticals and cosmetics seg- on great opportunities and pros- as a starting point for all stake- are expanding their activities. uty Prime Minister and Minister ments,” she said. pects that we believe are inherent holders studying the Islamic econ- Relationships with countries of of Agriculture Umirzak Shukeev. Russia is a leader in the mod- to Islamic economy,” she said. omy and business opportunities in the OIC and Islamic Develop- Preparations for wheat exports est fashion sector of the Eurasian Nurgalieva feels developing the Russia, Central Asia and the South ment Bank are deepening.” are underway, including measures Islamic economy both in terms of Islamic economy is an important Caucasus. The most exciting trend is the to ensure the availability of grain export volume to the Organisation challenge, as it is not about certain AIFC consulted the team on increasing number of businesses carriers and lower tariffs for grain of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and countries, but is about the Mus- Kazakh legislation amendments interested in halal certification transportation. The wheat harvest raising awareness of halal fashion Gaukhar Nurgalieva lim population. That population related to Islamic finance and con- and entering the Islamic states and is expected to exceed 20 million through mass media and events. In complete their activities under the is growing and especially techno- tributed by telling the story of es- halal market. The competitive ad- tonnes. the Islamic finance sector, Kazakh- guidance of project leaders and logically savvy Muslim young- tablishing AIFC and technical is- vantage and potential of Eurasia stan has the most Islamic financial school executives. sters or millennials are increasing sues such as checking the specific should not be ignored and must be Central Asia’s first car-sharing assets with 69 percent of the total “The main objective of the re- the demand for halal products and Islamic economy terms. monetised. service called Anytime will launch among the nine Eurasian countries port is to tell more about the de- services. “Eurasia steadily moves to be Nurgalieva stressed Eurasian in September in Almaty, reported reviewed in the report. velopment of the Islamic economy “Writing this report, we have a meaningful player in the glob- countries are already success- kapital.kz. Statistical data shows “Moreover, there are tremendous phenomenon in the world and Eur- several times amended its structure al Islamic economy, as it has all fully adopting the experience of personal cars are used approxi- opportunities for Islamic economy asia, its dimensions and its driv- because we wanted to deliver such the prerequisites for that,” said advanced Islamic states in halal mately 4 percent of the time and development within China’s Belt ers,” she added. voluminous material in the most Nurgalieva. “First, the competi- certification, rulemaking, bank- one shared car can replace 8-15 and Road Initiatives since the ma- The project authors researched accessible form to our readers. I tive advantage is 86 million lo- ing and other sectors. Cooperation personal cars, contributing to eas- jority of the infrastructure projects the Islamic economic ecosystem in think it was the most challenging cal Muslims whose lifestyle with countries owning advanced ing traffic jams in the city and that are to be developed will be in Eurasia through its main catego- part. The most interesting part in requires more and more Sharia- Islamic economic ecosystems also allocating parking lots more effi- the countries with predominantly ries: institutions (regulations, politi- creating the report was interaction compliant goods and services. contributes to developing the skills ciently. Almaty residents will have Muslim populations or outright cal will), awareness (mass media, with the business community, with This number of Muslims in the of local specialists in the field. an opportunity to borrow one of Muslim countries. This should cre- events) and human capital (educa- those firms who introduced halal Eurasian region is comparable The author noted the report is 100 cars, park it in the designated ate a number of opportunities for tion, training). Three main segments lines of products in their business- with the population of a country more custom-tailored to the region area and pay for its use on a min- businesses and the people of these of the Islamic economy – halal food, es. It was very exciting to reveal such as Germany or Iran. The and will be of interest both for the ute basis, with the price including countries,” Nurgalieva said. modest fashion and Islamic finance their path towards becoming part number of Muslim millennials in Eurasian business community and petrol, car wash, insurance and The team that conducted the – were in major focus. of the Islamic economy, what chal- the region is over 50 million, or policymakers and for students and parking price. The service is oper- analysis consists of in-house and “The Islamic economy aston- lenges they had to overcome and 58 percent of the total Eurasian researchers interested in Islamic ated via a mobile app, which also independent researchers who ished us with its size and its pace how they succeeded,” she said. Muslim population. Secondly, economy. serves as the key to the vehicle. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF SES Saran, a 100-megawatt Wilo opens plant near Almaty capacity solar power plant in Sa- such as Smart Urban Areas in the ran in the Karaganda region, will By Malika Orazgaliyeva region, where urban infrastructure begin operating in November, re- and different areas of life are con- ported inform.kz. Approximately ASTANA – Leading pump nected with one another digitally 370,000 photovoltaic solar panels manufacturer Wilo opened a plant and intelligently. The Kazakh cap- will be installed throughout 160 Aug. 23 near Almaty. The plant ital Astana is the closest example hectares for an estimated annual will serve Kazakhstan and Central of where the smart Wilo product electricity generation of 145 mil- Asia, reported wilo.com. portfolio can address challenges, lion kilowatts per hour. Construc- “Our investment in Wilo’s the press release from the com- tion of Central Asia’s largest solar new site in Kazakhstan is part of pany said. power plant began in June 2017 Wilo’s intensified global localisa- The event was attended by Ka- with $340 million in private for- tion strategy. It will strengthen our zakh officials, Wilo top manage- eign investment. An initiative of competitive position not only in ment from Dortmund, employees companies from several European Kazakhstan but also in the entire from Central Asia and their region- Union (EU) countries, the main Central Asian region. Kazakhstan, al customers and partners. project partners include France’s as a leading hub, will serve as a The Kazakh Invest national Schneider Electric and Germany’s platform for our business activities company provided support to Wilo Grass Engineering. State support in this area,” said CEO and Chair- in organising the certification of its includes the guaranteed purchase man of the Executive Board of the products locally. of the generated power at a fixed Wilo Group Oliver Hermes. Wilo Group is a leading global price. Almaty Region Akim (Gover- supplier of pumps and pump sys- nor) Amandyk Batalov and Chair- L -R: Erlan Khairov, Amandyk Batalov, Jens Dallendörfer and Christian Kruse opening the new Wilo subsidiary tems for building services, water  in Kazakhstan. Almaty is attracting 11 invest- man of the Investment Committee management and the industrial sec- ment projects with $414.8 million of the Ministry for Investment us to be closer to our customers, energy efficient pumps and give and Europe. Projects like One tor. The company is also develop- in international investment. In the and Development Erlan Khairov to better address their challenges work to 50 specialists. Belt, One Road or the Common ing from a component supplier to first half of 2018, investment into awarded Group Vice President and improve our responsiveness, According to Hermes, the Ka- Economic Space from Vladiv- a system supplier and hopes to be a the city was approximately $851 Eurasia Sales at Wilo Jens Dallen- including services and trainings. zakh facility is a new connection ostok to Lisbon initiative foster the leader in pump segment technology. million, 22.7 percent more than dörfer a LEED certificate for the We are happy and proud of the de- between Asia and Europe. economic development of Central The company hopes to be digital pi- in the previous year. The projects green building at the launch event. velopment in the recent years and “Due to its strategically favour- Asia and the integration of the oneer of the industry by 2020. The will centre on manufacturing and This was the first LEED Gold cer- looking forward to further expand- able location, Kazakhstan has a region into the global economy,” company employs more than 7,700 trade, creating more than 3,000 tificate granted in Kazakhstan. ing our business,” Dallendörfer huge potential to build a cultural said Hermes. people at more than 60 subsidiaries jobs. Project include a $100 mil- “Our new subsidiary will allow said. The new facility will produce and economic bridge between Asia There are also planned projects, worldwide, according to wilo.com. lion Chinese company producing welded pipes, a $20.3 million Rus- sian firm manufacturing cabling and wiring products and $44 mil- lion with Eurabus, a German com- pany assembling electric buses. Industrialisation map projects are growing, A Japanese engineering systems plant and French construction ma- terials hypermarket, Leroy Merlin, are already operating. driving increased exports according to the tasks set by the the number of enterprises in ma- “Exports of manufacturing prod- terials to Uzbekistan and chemical Twenty-two companies with By Zhanna Shayakhmetova head of state. Its main objective is chine building, the food indus- ucts increased by 20.5 percent in products to Ukraine this year,” he Kazakh capital were registered in to enhance competitiveness of the try and construction materials two months compared with the said. Turkey in June, 11 more than in ASTANA – Approximately manufacturing industry focusing production. The total growth of same period in 2017 and amounted Food industry items are still in June 2017, reported Trend.az. The 100 projects worth about 1.1 tril- on developing and promoting ex- operating manufacturing enter- to $2.5 billion. Exports grew by great demand. As a result, the total companies provided 1.8 million lion tenge (US$3 billion) will be ports,” said Kassymbek. prises is more than 50 percent,” 2.3 times in Kyzylorda region, volume of food exports amounted lira (US$295,318) in capital com- launched in the second half of this Technology transfer and pro- he said. doubled in North Kazakhstan and to $112 million. pared to 460,000 lira (US$75,470) year, Minister for Investment and moting digitisation in the manu- The manufacturing sector grew grew by 1.9 times in Pavlodar,” he “We started to deliver meat prod- the previous year. In June alone, Development Zhenis Kassymbek facturing industry are of great im- by 5.2 percent in a six-month peri- said. ucts to Bahrain and Iran. The ex- 11,681 companies registered and reported at an Aug. 22 government portance. od compared with the same period Exports of petroleum products, port of meat products, animal and 2,671 companies closed in Turkey. meeting in the capital. This will “We plan to discuss the basic of last year. The main drivers of however, decreased by 25 percent, vegetable oils to Russia, vegetable Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) create 12,200 new positions. principles and approaches for the growth are engineering, the chem- vehicle production fell by 60.5 oil to China and sugar to Uzbeki- cargo turnover in January-June The projects include a new steel third five-year industrialisation ical industry, food production, oil percent and agricultural machinery stan also increased. This is facili- was 106.5 billion tonne-kilome- welded pipes plant in Almaty, a plan at the meeting of the Indus- refining, metallurgy and construc- production by 62.3 percent. tated by support services provided tres, 9 percent higher than the pre- railway wheel production plant in trial Development Commission tion materials production. Kazakhstan currently exports for exporters, the organisation of vious year, reported the KTZ press Pavlodar and a sheet glass manu- this September,” he said. Eighteen projects worth 187 approximately 800 commodity trade missions and activities to service. Cargo turnover will reach facturing plant in Kyzylorda. Some 3,500 enterprises have billion tenge (US$520 million) items to 123 countries. promote domestic products,” said the 219 billion tonne-kilometre “We developed a conceptual vi- been launched in the processing were implemented and 1,800 “New markets were opened for the minister. level through the end of the year, sion of industrial-innovative de- sector since 2010. workplaces were created as part some commodity items. For exam- This year, seven model digitised according to KTZ management velopment for 2020 to 2024 amid “The positive dynamics in the of the industrialisation map in six ple, we started to export engineer- factories are also scheduled to be board president Kanat Alpys- new global technological trends sector are due to the increase in months. ing products and construction ma- opened. bayev. Rail transit increased by 23 percent in the first half of 2018 and transit container traffic was Erlan Khairov (left), Amandyk Batalov (centre), Jens Dallendörfer (right) and 206,600 twenty-foot equivalent Christian Kruse opening the new Wilo subsidiary in Kazakhstan. units, up 39.5 percent over the pre- vious year. Approximately 26 per- Eurabus to open cent of KTZ’s revenue stems from transit traffic, which represents 14 percent of cargo turnover. plant in Almaty The Kazakh Ministry of Nation- al Economy has developed a series of legislative amendments on trade regulation, reported Abctv.kz. In particular, norms on e-commerce were advanced to raise the level of consumer trust and stimulate online purchases. When selling goods, all information on the cost, characteristics, payment method, Photo credit: electricdrive.com. Photo credit: delivery and seller must be made available on the seller’s official By Yerbolat Uatkhanov ket launch of its next product – a Internet resource and/or on the e- plug & play high-voltage drivetrain commerce intermediary in Kazakh ASTANA – German electric bus platform. and Russian. Information on food manufacturer Eurabus is open- The multi-purpose battery sys- products must contain their com- ing an assembly plant in Almaty. tem can serve as a traction battery position, nutritional value, condi- The facility will produce up to 100 in electric buses as well as a buffer tions for use and storage, weight, buses each year and their use will for charging stations or large-grid preparation method, date and significantly improve the city’s air industrial storage systems. The place of manufacture and pack- pollution concerns. scalable lithium battery system ing and contraindications for their  The $44-million plant, using provides high energy density. The consumption in the case of certain construction kit assembly imported company has starting supplying the diseases. by the manufacturer, will create ap- system to partners and will soon of- proximately 400 new jobs. The first fer the platform for buses and utility Kashagan, Karachaganak and completed models are expected in vehicles. Tengiz, Kazakhstan’s three ma- autumn, according to inform.kz. Eurabus and Germany’s BMZ jor oil and gas projects, will un- Eurabus began discussing plans Group signed a $171.3 million, dergo expansion, said a KazEn- in 2017 to construct two models of long-term master agreement which ergy association representative. its Eurabus 3.0 in Azerbaijan, Ka- includes supplying more than 1,000 By 2024, Kashagan’s expansion zakhstan and Latin America. Seven electric bus battery systems within will increase annual production hundred vehicles will be brought to the next two-three years. from 13 million to 16 million Kazakhstan in the next three years. The electric buses will be pow- tonnes. Approximately $570 mil- Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest ered by modular battery packs of up lion in social and infrastructure city, has declared war against air to 790 kilowatts per hour, allowing development has been invested in pollution and the buses will assist the vehicle run up to 650 kilome- the region since the project was in the battle. Initially, the contract tres on a single charge. BMZ’s li- implemented in 1998. Through partner also ordered diesel buses, ion batteries feature a management 2020, project investment in the but after intervention by city coun- system, assuring the vehicles can Karachaganak field will exceed cil, decided to completely transition still be operated even if the battery $1.5 billion, focusing on facility to electric buses. A depot with space suffers a partial failure. modernisation and compressor for 500 e-buses will be constructed Almaty has begun substitut- and pipeline construction. Af- to house the fleet. ing old diesel engine, air polluting ter 2022, annual oil production Based in Berlin, Eurabus is intro- buses with new vehicles fueled by in Tengiz will hike from 27 mil- ducing its own high-energy battery compressed natural gas (CNG). lion to 39 million tonnes, likely system as a stand-alone product for Conversion to 100-percent electric increasing the number of oilfield electric-powered buses and utility buses will help solve the city’s air workers from the current 30,000. vehicles and is preparing the mar- pollution problem. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 August 29 is a day to reflect on “Nuclear” August calls for our nuclear weapon-free future renewed commitment to nuclear azakhstan, for such a young International Atomic Energy Agency’s Low country, can point to significant Enriched Uranium Fuel Bank – officially foreign policy achievements. It launched on August 29 last year – the country has built good relations with both has worked tirelessly to create the conditions security and disarmament theK major powers and developing nations in which will see the world turn its back on The first is switching from a morato- enrich uranium for nuclear power plants, every continent. It has won global respect for these terrifying weapons. By Vladimir Osipov rium on nuclear tests to their complete, we proposed to create a bank of low- its commitment to promoting international Practical building blocks towards this absolute and unconditional prohibition. enriched nuclear fuel in Kazakhstan. It dialogue and understanding whenever it can. ambition, such as the Central Asian Nuclear August 6 is Hiroshima Day, the Inter- The second is the inalienable right of could provide safe, low-enriched ura- But there is no single issue which better Weapons-Free Zone, have been pioneered. national Day for the Total Elimination of sovereign states to develop nuclear en- nium for nuclear power plants,” stressed defines the country’s values, outlook and Major conferences to identify and overcome Nuclear Weapons. ergy for peaceful purposes. And the the head of state. influence in the international sphere than challenges have been hosted. Raising the There are two key dates on the world third is the steady reduction of the nu- The second key aspect highlighted by its campaign against nuclear weapons. By sights of the international community, Presi- calendar which symbolise the anti-nu- clear capacity of all real members of the the President is nuclear non-prolifera- actions as well as campaigning, Kazakhstan dent Nazarbayev urged them to eliminate clear movement. Both of them are in “nuclear club,” formal and informal. tion. It is important to show that the se- has taken on a global leadership role to rid nuclear weapons by 2045, the 100th anniver- August. The first one is Hiroshima Day. This article as a whole anticipated the curity system is based not on the power the world of this threat to all who share our sary of the UN itself. It was Aug. 6 when the city suffered the discussions that unfolded on the global of nuclear weapons, but on peaceful planet. Meeting this deadline, as he knows and world’s first ever nuclear attack and now dialogue platform. dialogue and cooperation. Only this ap- Nothing better underlines this role than as everybody knows, will be very difficult. it has become an eternal symbol of the As a result of the summit, the spe- proach can stop the uncontrolled expan- the fact that on Aug. 29, the world will again There may be overwhelming international fight against weapons of mass destruc- cial assistant to Obama on national se- sion of the nuclear club. Otherwise, the mark the International Day against Nuclear agreement that we would all be safer if there tion. The first International Conference curity issues Michael McFaul said that crisis of confidence will only grow. Testing. It is a date chosen by the United Na- were no nuclear weapons but there are many for the Prohibition of Atomic and Hy- the head of the White House described Indeed, the legitimate nuclear powers tions because it commemorates the anniver- obstacles to overcome. drogen Weapons took place on Aug. 6, Nazarbayev as one of the leaders who include only five states – China, France, sary of President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s Those countries that have nuclear arsenals 1955 in Hiroshima. should be looked up to in nuclear secu- Russia, the United Kingdom and the decision in 1991 to shut down the Semipalat- can convince themselves it is vital to their The second date is Aug. 29, the In- rity matters and said that the summit in United States. However, several other insk Nuclear Test Site. defence interests when others retain the ternational Day Against Nuclear Tests, Washington would not have taken place states possess them de facto and this The decision to close the Semipalatinsk test same weapons. In turn, nations which feel approved by the United Nations on the “without him.” causes additional problems. In fact, the site, the scene of nearly 500 Soviet nuclear threatened by those states possessing nuclear initiative of President of Kazakhstan The second Nuclear Security Sum- informal members of the nuclear club tests, was all the more remarkable because weapons may believe their best interests are Nursultan Nazarbayev. On Aug. 29, mit took place in Seoul. Presidents and are not actually covered by the NPT. it was taken months before Kazakhstan served by developing their own. 1949, the USSR tested its first nuclear heads of government from 53 countries “The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation achieved full independence. It was soon fol- At a time when suspicions between coun- weapon, the RDS-1 nuclear bomb at the arrived in The Land of the Morning of Nuclear Weapons is violated and no lowed by the even more momentous decision tries seem to be growing, these concerns are test site in Semipalatinsk. On the same Calm. Participants sought answers to the sanctions are taken… We should have a to give up the huge nuclear arsenal which going to be even more difficult to tackle. day in 1991, symbolically, the test site main question: why, two decades after method of enforcement. If the interna- the country inherited on the break-up of the But such tensions, along with the increasing was closed by the decree of President the end of the Cold War, do we witness tional rules are not followed, the states Soviet Union. and grave threat that these weapons could Nazarbayev. a sad irony – the risk of a nuclear attack, should be punished. But there are no strict Both decisions were rooted in the country’s fall into the hands of terrorist groups, are Being historically on different sides of on the contrary, has increased. For ex- rules,” said the Kazakh head of state. history and had the full backing of its citizens also the reason why we must redouble ef- the barricades, both Kazakhstan and Ja- ample, we are talking about the potential The fourth and final Nuclear Security because Kazakhstan had, of course, seen first- forts to create a nuclear weapon-free world. pan eventually united in a common aspi- threat of nuclear terrorism. Summit again took place on the banks hand the damage that nuclear weapons cause As President Nazarbayev told the UN Se- ration to achieve a nuclear weapon-free In the world, there are more than 130 of the Potomac. The agenda was still the – damage which is sadly still continuing. But curity Council earlier this year, it is rebuilding world. After all, our states suffered the reactors using highly enriched uranium. same – nuclear terrorism, disarmament this tragic legacy also convinced Kazakhstan trust within the international community, not most from nuclear weapons. Some of them are in developing coun- and the nuclear ambitions of North Ko- that it had to do more than turn its back on building more nuclear weapons, which is the Astana and Tokyo support each other tries. Nobody will give an absolute guar- rea, as well as overall increased conflicts nuclear weapons and had a responsibility to best defence for countries and the best hope in all peacemaking initiatives. In par- antee of the safety of nuclear materials in international affairs. help lift the dark shadow from our world. of a peaceful future for our world. We must ticular, the President of Kazakhstan and at these facilities. From uranium and “Today, the use of weapons of mass The history of the last 25 years shows how hope that Aug. 29 and the events to mark the the Prime Minister of Japan did a lot for plutonium, which are actively used in destruction by terrorists becomes a real- seriously Kazakhstan has taken this responsi- International Day against Nuclear Testing, the entry into force of the Comprehen- power engineering, it is possible to cre- ity, demanding concrete actions from the bility. From its strong support for the Com- both in Kazakhstan, at the UN in New York sive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), ate hundreds and thousands of nuclear world leaders. There is a need to create prehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty more and around the world, provide an opportunity becoming permanent irritants for those bombs. This is the rare case when all a global network against terrorism with than two decades ago to the hosting of the to reflect on this important message. countries that continue to think in terms countries were unanimous in their desire the participation of all countries under of the Cold War era or cherish nuclear to reduce the common threat. the auspices of the UN. We need to take ambitions. The document has already “The two years that have passed since into account virtually everyone. We been signed by 183 and ratified by 166 the meeting in Washington have been need to ensure total control over every states, but has not yet entered into force, full of significant events in the field of human being and fight [against terror- as it needs the endorsement of eight global nuclear security. First, in 2011, ism]. This is the only way we can win in A strong, flexible constitution specific so called Annex II states with the NPT Review Conference was held. this undeclared war,” said Nazarbayev nuclear capabilities. In particular, the Second, over two years a large volume at the summit. treaty was signed, but not yet ratified, by of highly enriched uranium has been In this context, alarming statistics of China, Egypt, Iran, Israel and the United eliminated in the world. Over 30 states the International Atomic Energy Agency remains key to any nation’s States and has not even been signed yet have adopted national commitments (IAEA) draws a rather bleak picture: by the the Democratic People’s Republic in the field of nuclear security. Third, from 1993-2014, there were more than of Korea (DPRK), India and Pakistan. in 2010 the Conference of the Global 1,000 cases of loss, theft and illicit traf- Not all of them implement the provi- Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism ficking of nuclear and radioactive mate- development sions of the Treaty on the Non-Prolif- was held in Astana,” the President of rials. he death of veteran U.S. Senator But all these achievements could have been eration of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). At Kazakhstan stressed at that summit. By the way, the efforts of Kazakhstan John McCain last weekend led to put in jeopardy if a constitution prevents a the UN Security Council, the President As Nazarbayev noted, our country has and the IAEA helped to solve one of heart-felt tributes from both sides country from meeting changing circumstanc- of Kazakhstan proposed to tighten the ratified the amendments to the Conven- the major dilemmas in the development of the American political divide es, challenges and ambitions. For thanks to provisions on the withdrawal of individ- tion on the Physical Protection of Nucle- of nuclear energy. The creation of the Tand from across the world. They touched on the efforts of its people, Kazakhstan is now at ual states from its regime (for example, ar Material and called on all participants IAEA low enriched uranium fuel bank his bravery and sacrifice as well as his long a very different stage of development. the DPRK withdrew from NPT) At the of the Seoul summit to do so. The call was named one of the most important political record. Twenty-three years ago, the main chal- same time, the Security Council should of the Kazakh President was reflected in achievements of the summit, which was But in their remarks on their one-time lenges were how to pull Kazakhstan out of develop measures of influence on states the final communiqué. reflected in the joint statement of the political adversary, Bill and Hillary Clinton the chaos, which was the collapse of the old that do not comply with the non-prolif- The third summit was unusual. From leaders of the states participating in the went further. They said Senator McCain Soviet Union. It was escaping poverty not eration regime. Washington and Seoul, the global dia- global forum. had throughout his long life of service been building prosperity which was the central An important step in this direction logue torch was handed over to The In parallel with the main event, Wash- guided by his strong belief that every Ameri- task for the country. was the development of a new docu- Hague and here for the first time the ington hosted the Nuclear Industry can had a responsibility to make something There is, of course, more to be done to ment – the Treaty on the Prohibition of heads of the participating states played Summit. For the first time, that forum of the freedoms granted by their constitu- ensure that everyone shares in the country’s Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Kazakhstan a nuclear conflict simulator game seek- established an international award for tion. progress. But the national goal now is to join took an active part in drafting the docu- ing answers to questions such as “How contribution to the development of anti- It was a reminder of the critical impor- the ranks of the most developed and prosper- ment text, which was the result of two to act in case of a nuclear attack?” and nuclear initiatives. Kazakhstan was the tance of a constitution to a country and its ous nations by the middle of this century. sessions of the UN conference held in “What are the threats?” first country to receive it. citizens. For, to be effective, a constitution As we said in these pages on its 20th an- March and June-July 2017 in New York. The forum, which is characteris- Security today has global significance. must do far more than dryly elaborate the niversary, the danger is that a constitution acts The conference was open for the tic, was held behind closed doors. The It could not be viewed through the prism structure of government. At its best, it pro- as a straitjacket, limiting the right response to participation of all UN member states. broadcast was stopped on the initiative of the boundaries of a single state. Only vides guidance to how both the nation and changing conditions. Kazakhstan has not fallen However, nine countries, which possess of the organisers a few minutes after the united efforts can produce a synergetic its people conduct themselves. into this trap as the 2017 constitutional reforms nuclear weapons de facto and de jure, start. But there was not a lack of infor- effect of a breakthrough. That is why it’s The U.S. constitution is now, of course, have underlined. Decision-making has been and their allies remained aloof from mation. In particular, the heads of state quite natural to ask the question: what well over 200 years old. But no one would devolved and decentralised, oversight and the topical dialogue. Nevertheless, 122 were invited to make video messages, has been achieved in the eight years since doubt its relevance to modern America. It is accountability improved and the separation states parties to the NPT voted for the which were broadcast on the margins of the beginning of the global dialogue? something debated loudly on an almost daily of powers strengthened so that the country is new treaty. The TPNW was opened for the summit. Special attention was paid The results are as follows. Partici- basis, the centre of political life. ready for the next stage of its development. signing in September 2017 and it has to the video message of the head of our pating states undertook more than 260 But the importance of a constitution, as we While Kazakhstan is to continue with been already signed by 59 countries, and state, which in a concise, concentrated specific commitments on the establish- have said before, is perhaps even greater to a presidential-style system, significant ratified by 10 so far. (It will enter into form revealed the problems of the day ment of nuclear security and almost a young country like Kazakhstan than it is responsibilities have now been transferred force after the 50th ratification.) and ways to overcome modern threats. three-quarters of these commitments to those which have been shaped by many to the government and parliament. In future, Apparently, there has been a trend, Summarising, we can define several have been fulfilled. More than a dozen generations as independent nations. It helps the President will take a more strategic role when the upper hand is no longer gained topics on which the President of Ka- countries have removed highly enriched identify shared values, provides a national while the Prime Minister and Cabinet have by countries possessing a nuclear arse- zakhstan has focused. uranium and plutonium. Over 100 states purpose and road map for the future. It is the been made more accountable to Parliament. nal, but by peaceful states creating new First, Nazarbayev emphasised that the have ratified the Convention on the role which is celebrated this week. At the same time, the role of the Consti- rules of the game. It would be good if it antiterrorist campaign should not limit Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. Looking back over the years since our tutional Council has been strengthened and were possible to revive anti-nuclear sum- the right of states to peaceful nuclear However, there is another question: constitution was overwhelmingly approved the judicial system modernised. The aim is mits in a new format, which had been programmes, exchange of technology what is next? Should we continue the in a national referendum on Aug. 30, 1995, to meet the highest international standards initiated by the U.S. Administration, and equipment, knowledge and experi- dialogue? Kazakhstan, for example, is it is very clear how important it has been to and strengthen protection of rights of the but ceased to be necessary after Barack ence. But the question is how to combine ready to update the global Nuclear Se- our progress as a country. It has provided individual. Obama stepped down as U.S. President. the desire of many countries to develop curity Summit, holding it in Astana. The both the principles and mechanics which These significant democratic and insti- On the eve of the first summit, held in peaceful nuclear energy and at the same main thing is to be united and persuade have enabled Kazakhstan to rise to every tutional reforms are aimed at ensuring the 2010 in Washington, Izvestia newspaper time, to limit access to nuclear material to cooperate those who are not very challenge it has faced. constitution is an important platform for Ka- published Nazarbayev’s policy article for a bomb. One of the solutions de- committed to it… Practice shows, if The strong emphasis, for example, placed zakhstan’s success in the next two decades “The Global Peace and Nuclear Secu- signed to reduce the risk to a minimum there is a will, all goals are achievable. on individual rights and equality before the as it has been in our first two as a modern rity.” In the article, the President clearly is to phase out the use of highly enriched law has helped forge a tolerant harmonious independent country. It is a role and ambi- identified three vectors of nuclear disar- uranium from the nuclear industry. The author is the analyst with the society which has won international respect. tion which is worth celebrating this week. mament. “So that every state would not have to Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 Investing Today for a Brighter Future Tomorrow Wealth of Nations shows that hu- the first years of a child’s life is efforts to introduce classroom develop stronger national systems. By Lilia Burunciuc man capital – collection of knowl- both the most cost effective and observation and feedback mecha- Without assessment, countries will edge, talents, skills and abilities equitable investment governments nisms on teacher performance not find out whether teaching is A young man sitting next to me of people – is one of the largest can make. offer some promise. But wider producing the needed learning out- on a recent flight from Almaty to components of the wealth of a na- reforms in teacher education and comes. Dushanbe told me, “I regret that tion. It accounts for 68 percent of Teachers matter most professional development remain I did not get a better education. I the wealth of a developed country The quality of teachers is the critical. Focus on results could have had a better job.” He is and over 41 percent of a develop- single most important factor con- Countries in Central Asia spend, one of many Central Asian labour ing country. tributing to learning outcomes. Measurement is key on average, about 15-20 percent of migrants doing low-skilled work By building and fostering hu- For example, in the US, replacing If you don’t know that you have government expenditure on edu- in neighbouring countries. He man capital and investments in a low-quality teacher with an av- a problem, you are not likely to re- cation, which is generally on par erage one can add $250,000 to a solve it. Therefore, well-designed with the OECD average. Yet the continued, “I’m telling my broth- this area, countries in Central Asia child’s lifetime income. student assessments are important outcomes are far less equitable, ers and sisters to study hard if they can bolster their wealth and grow In most countries in Central and can help guide teachers and which means that there is a need want to have a better life.” stronger. to use funds more efficiently to en- It was an important reminder In the recent World Develop- sure better learning outcomes. about the responsibility we have ment Report, Learning to Realise In light of the technological revolution we are competency in math and reading Education’s Promise, we identified Evidence from around the world as a society to ensure that young witnessing today, the promise of education shows that education standards can people like him get the education according to PISA 2010 results. key areas that can help tackle the In Tajikistan, 77 percent of second challenges in education. improve dramatically if countries they deserve. is becoming even more important. The make “learning for all” a national In light of the technological graders could not meet the national benchmarks in reading fluency and Start early, gain more emergence of robotics, autonomous transport, priority. South Korea is one such revolution we are witnessing to- Early investments in nutrition, example. From a war-torn coun- day, the promise of education is comprehension. Even in Kazakh- stan, the PISA 2012 results show health, protection and education artificial intelligence and machine learning will try with very low literacy rates in becoming even more important. are essential to produce good the 1950s, South Korea managed The emergence of robotics, au- that its students are one year of transform the way we live, the way we work schooling behind their Organisa- learning outcomes and strong hu- to achieve universal enrolment tonomous transport, artificial in- man capital. by 1995 in high-quality educa- tion for Economic Co-operation and the skills we will need for work. Some telligence and machine learning The foundations of brain archi- tion through to secondary school. and Development (OECD) peers. will transform the way we live, the tecture are set from the prenatal jobs will disappear and some that don’t even Today, the country’s young people At the same time, Kazakh students way we work and the skills we will period to age five. During this peri- exist today will become commonplace. What perform at the highest levels in in- need for work. Some jobs will dis- are doing well in mathematics and od the brain’s ability to learn from ternational learning assessments. appear and some that don’t even science according to the TIMMS experience is at its highest, but this is certain is that education will be critical to As countries prepare for a more exist today will become common- 2016 assessment. Uzbekistan and ability decreases with age. If this technologically advanced and dig- place. What is certain is that edu- Turkmenistan have not partici- window is missed, skill-building succeed in the new reality. itised global economy, which will cation will be critical to succeed in pated in any international assess- becomes harder. Children who are require news skills and significant- the new reality. ments, which makes it hard to poorly nourished, who are stunted Asia, governments struggle to students, improve management of ly higher levels of human capital, While Central Asian countries benchmark learning outcomes. and who do not receive adequate recruit teachers. Relatively low education systems and focus great- the countries of Central Asia have inherited high-levels of adult liter- Most Central Asian countries also parenting or stimulation before salaries and limited professional er policy attention on learning. an opportunity to overcome the acy and education attainment from face a huge gap in access to pre- their fifth birthday are likely to development opportunities make National assessment systems challenges in their education sys- the Soviet period, the region has school education: coverage ranges learn less at school and earn less teaching an unappealing career in Central Asia need improve- tems and equip their young gen- since experienced a visible decline from 58 percent in Kazakhstan to as adults, perpetuating the cycle of path. Teacher training is not cus- ments. While Kazakhstan and the erations with the knowledge and in the quality of learning. Students as low as 12 percent in Tajikistan. poverty across generations. tomised to their specific needs Kyrgyz Republic participate in skills needed to succeed in this here often lag behind in such basic While the Kyrgyz Republic and Evidence suggests that an addi- and to the needs of the economy. international assessments like PI- rapidly changing world. skills as critical thinking, reason- Uzbekistan are investing in expand- tional dollar invested in quality nu- This all leads to a lower quality AAC, PISA and TIMMS, the other ing and problem solving. ing access, the majority of rural and trition and preschool programmes of teaching – and consequently to Central Asian countries do not. As The author is the Regional In the Kyrgyz Republic, for ex- remote communities still struggle will yield a return of between $6- lower learning outcomes for stu- such, those countries are missing Director for the World Bank in ample, over 80 percent of students to access pre-school education. $17 to the national economy. Thus, dents. an important opportunity to bench- Central Asia, and is based in Al- scored below the basic level of Our recent report The Changing investing in human capital during In the Kyrgyz Republic, recent mark their learning outcomes and maty, Kazakhstan. Scientists should go to farmers, not to officials, Kazakh vice minister says weights per hectare. In terms of straw, full of earthworms under- 90 percent and the money saved lion tenge (US$28 million). The By Assel Mukanova vegetation, we selected mid-ripen- neath, i.e. the soil, despite the can buy sprayers with computer bulk of the money is designed to ing varieties, up to 110 days. The absence of targeted irrigation, is vision. Thanks to photocells they run three stationary test sites and The Kazakh Agriculture Minis- shortest vegetation is seen in for- still an alive and breathing organ- try has adopted targeted farming, eign varieties, although in general ism. Crop residues do not let soil which proved itself in such coun- the ripening difference is a week become overheated and actively If grain turnover per hectare amounted to tries as Australia and the United maximum. evaporate. Besides, the wind States and is applied in the Eu- Looking at the general back- doesn’t blow them away. no more than 100,000 tenge (US$279.53), ropean Union. Kazakh First Vice ground of the fields, you can tell Soybean and corn yields reach now it will be no less than 200,000 tenge Minister of Agriculture Arman the difference between varieties three tonnes with irrigation and Evniyev spoke about new funding by flowers, leaves, form. For ex- without irrigation – about 1.7-1.8 (US$559.06). Secondly, we can dramatically principles for agricultural science ample, separately, the site presents tonnes per hectare, although prof- and research and production site Arman Yevniyev the European selection of the cul- itability is the same. First, because increase soybean production area in our region tasks. tivar Moon, imported from Italy. we are increasing the efficiency of on non-irrigated lands, as well as corn, because Its potential yield is 60 hundred- use of each hectare. What’s the idea of this novelty? from the acquired knowledge, weights per hectare. In our condi- If grain turnover per hec- corn and soybeans are complementary to each Earlier our agricultural scien- but also serve as mentors to other tions, we are close to it. Tradition- tare amounted to no more than tists and farmers went abroad to farms. ally, ours and European sowing 100,000 tenge (US$279.53), now other in crop rotation. learn from other countries, but The Agriculture Ministry has systems are the same – you can it will be no less than 200,000 now Kazakhstan has three ex- already presented the work of sow until the third generation. tenge (US$559.06). Secondly, we can identify weeds, which greatly to support three agricultural uni- perimental demo sites of targeted Kaskelen Agropark. On the Days As for results on Italian soy, can dramatically increase soybean reduces costs. versities. farming: in Kaskelen Agropark, of Field, we even had a dem- we have achieved the density production area in our region on Some companies in the north- By 2021, the funding of agricul- Almaty Oblast; in the village of onstration of a John Deere un- of planting. Thanks to preci- non-irrigated lands, as well as ern regions have been applying tural science should be brought to Shortandy, Akmola Oblast and in manned combine harvester that sion seeding, each plant does not corn, because corn and soybeans this technology for several years. at least 0.5 percent of the GDP Zarechnoye Household Farm, Ko- aroused the great interest of the compete with others and grows are complementary to each other For example, the leadership of from the industry. Essentially, this stanai Oblast. press. However, the main activity normally: blooming, no abortion, in crop rotation. Atameken-Agro assures that in means an increase of over three no suppression from the fact that By the way, Kaskelen Agropark six or seven years with this tech- times. To use the money correctly there are not enough nutrients or presented new feed crops for live- nology, they have been able to so that it reaches the real pro- Business and science, as we see it, must be moisture. stock. These are sweet sorghum, cut costs by a third, losses by 25 ducer, we decided to change the To form this density by an ordi- sorghum-sudangrass hybrids and percent and dramatically increase financing scheme. We have de- united. We specifically asked the scientists to nary seeding machine, you must foxtail millet. consolidated profit. veloped a package of legislative talk not only about technology, but also about thoroughly sow an average of Today, funding of agricultural amendments and once the mem- about 110 kilograms of seeds per Does the Ministry plan to science is insufficient. Only 5.5 bers of Parliament return from the economy: how quickly the costs are recovered, hectare, but we only spend 75 ki- scale-up the test sites throughout billion tenge (US$15.4 million) is summer break, we’ll be working los. The planting scheme allows Kazakhstan? allocated for 2018. This includes on their adoption. how sensors and devices can bring benefits. It any tractor to go to the field and Yes, and engage students in maintenance of 23 research insti- The scheme will be fundamen- is important that new technologies and smart perform the processing in stand- this work. Because today the ex- tutions, salary of scientists and re- tally changed. Now, the system ard mode. Exactly this method of perimental sites actively use un- search and development projects. provides money for maintenance farms have a ripple effect on agriculture and planting gives maximum results. manned harvesters and drones That is only 0.12 percent of the of research teams. We want the Kazakh farmers not only get the energy from Besides, the rotary harvester can and widely use x-rays of fields. GDP from the agriculture of Ka- money, which will be increased save up to a tonne of seeds on each The world is moving towards au- zakhstan! For comparison, coun- from year to year, to be used in the acquired knowledge, but also serve as hectare by thrashing. tomation and digitisation and ag- tries with developed agriculture a way that the farmers pay them- riculture represents a huge green like Australia, Canada, France, selves for the services of scien- mentors to other farms. Does the agropark create gen- field in this sense. Germany, the Netherlands and the tists. Now, scientists should not eration seeds or do you have to Harvesters with parallel driving United States provide standard fi- come to the Agriculture Ministry; The idea of these scientific ag- of the agropark – the application import them from abroad each save costs and reduce fuel costs nancing for agroscience, which is they should go to the farmers and ricultural sites is to simplify the of new technologies to cultivate time? and total losses. Seeding and pro- normally from 1-3 percent of ag- present their technologies: how to life of an ordinary farmer as much such popular crops as wheat and Now its staff is creating their cessing equipment and sprayers ricultural GDP. increase the harvest, how to in- as possible. Here they can see the barley, soybeans and corn – in own selection, including in close with computer vision reduce the Our agricultural science is of- crease milk production and gain in fields, learn new seeding technol- fact, remained in the shadows. cooperation with companies that number of people employed. ten criticised for the considerable weight. If they prove that the pro- ogy and try to operate new com- Meanwhile, on the territory of could become regular suppliers of outflow of personnel. Youth does posed technology is useful, then bine harvesters and tractors. the facility, there are different va- the right seeds. Moreover, the site The Investment Subsidy Pro- not seek to engage in research ac- the farmers will pay them. There- Business and science, as we see rieties of spring barley, whose har- has elements of zero soil treat- gramme says that if farmers ac- tivities in the field of agriculture. fore, it is better to spend the 85-90 it, must be united. We specifical- vest exceeds 50 hundredweights ment technology for soybeans and quire technology and modern But in order to reset the situa- percent of the allocated funds as ly asked the scientists to talk not per hectare and this is without ir- corn. Zero soil treatment technol- equipment, the state reimburses tion, this year we came up with direct subsidies to farmers. only about technology, but also rigation! ogy means no treatment of the soil them 25 percent of costs. What the idea of creating technological We discussed this initiative with about economy: how quickly the As for soybeans, the Almaty test before sowing. other developments do we have experimental sites to signal our representatives of business and costs are recovered, how sensors site presents many domestic and Crop residues, so called mulch, in terms of agricultural financ- scientists that today the industry it will be implemented through and devices can bring benefits. It foreign varieties. For example, serve as material which is laid ing? is changing, their work is in de- sectoral business associations, be- is important that new technologies there is a local variety called swal- over future crop fields so that they Every year, you spend money mand. cause nobody knows better than and smart farms have a ripple ef- low. The park developed a fairly can absorb the slightest rainfall. on the same herbicides to handle The government supported the them what the farmers need. It fect on agriculture and Kazakh high potential yield of this type of It makes an absolutely dry field solid ground and the consumption proposal of the Ministry and ad- becomes a good incentive for sci- farmers not only get the energy soybean – minimum 40 hundred- without watering, covered with of these drugs can be reduced by ditionally allocated nearly 10 bil- entists. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 “We Were The World”. Canadian MDs felt global bond in crowd gathered to protest U.S.S.R. weapon test agreed to interpret into English host nodded, proud that at last his cal walls were covered with thick, By Dr. Mary-Wynne Ashford for the Swedes and Japanese in guest had shared the wisdom we bright rugs. A circle of low tables our group, and then translated expect of our elders. separated guests from the host “Olzhas! Olzhas!” the crowd their poetic toasts into my pedan- Then he asked us to sing for who sat in the centre. A feast of roared whenever their hero took tic French. them. What song would he like? vegetables and nuts, dried fruits the stage. A year ago, Olzhas The host began by telling “We Shall Overcome.” We sang and conserves, steaming dishes Suleimenov, a 50-year-old poet, us that the eldest man present, together, Swedes, Canadians, of spicy lamb in sauce, pungent founded a protest movement in Swedish doctor Ulff Magnus- Japanese, Americans and Ka- horsemeat and chicken were piled Kazakhstan to stop the Soviets sen, was the guest of honour. He zakhs. Were we just a little insig- overlapping in a kaleidoscope of from testing their nuclear weap- wanted to hear Ulff’s wisdom nificant circle of people in a tent colour. Horse milk and fragrant ons in the Kazakh Desert. about the tests and the people of on the Great Russian Steppes, or tea were passed along with vodka Now his admiring country- the world. Ulff, who is very shy were we something more? and cognac. men carry him on their shoulders and somewhat hard of hearing, I think there is a revolution Our Kazakh host welcomed us, as they march, and they name proposed a toast to peace and happening in the world, a revolu- saying “I was raised to believe their infant sons after him. They health. The host was not at all tion of people taking power from that there was an enemy lurking elected him to the Congress of happy. The interpreter explained governments and demanding jus- outside Kazakhstan waiting to Peoples’ Deputies in Moscow. to me that the eldest person tice. I think we were a tiny part of destroy us, and therefore, we had Suleimenov named the protest must share with us the benefit of that revolution. to test our nuclear bombs here. movement “Nevada-Semipalat- his long life, and that his toast Now you are in my yurt, and you insk” to link the people in both must give us his insights and his don’t fit my images… Mary, you the U.S. and U.S.S.R. who have special perspective. The host Diary entry, are not the enemy. Ulff, you are suffered the effects of nuclear sighed. Ulff looked very embar- May 27, 1990 – Karaul, not, and Tom, you are not my en- testing. rassed and asked for a moment emy. Who then is my enemy?” He In May, the Nevada-Semipalat- to think. Kazakhstan, U.S.S.R. paused. “We are all one people. insk movement held a meeting in The host then asked me to speak At breakfast, I spoke of my You have come here to help. You Kazakhstan and invited 300 for- from my perspective as a mother fears of being on the test range are more than my friends, you are eigners, including 150 doctors, and a physician. When I finished, where the Soviets had carried my brethren.” He asked us to sing to join them and visit the desert he pursed his lips in obvious dis- out plutonium dispersion experi- for them. test site near Semipalatinsk. I was appointment. He said that I had ments. Plutonium is the most po- It was nearly midnight. I could one of three doctors who attended not really given my special un- tent carcinogen known. I asked imagine the U.S. satellite over- from Canadian Physicians for the derstanding of why tests are so some of the other physicians head, faithfully recording the Prevention of Nuclear War. The abhorrent – what about little chil- whether or not we should eat or activity at the Soviet nuclear test others were Dr. Alex Bryans, the dren dying of cancer? What about drink at Karaul. Someone said range, looking down on a circle president of CPPNW, and Dr. Ed how I feel when I deliver babies there would be very little food of white yurts lit up against the Crispin, a general practitioner and deal with death? available anyway and the most night sky. Inside, hundreds of from Guelph. I tried again, and with the help useful precaution would be not to people, white, black, Japanese, We met first in Alma Ata for of the vodka, I was able to speak breathe! Shoshone Indian and Kazakh, a conference addressed by sci- from my heart about how it must Spring green desert, vast and were eating a traditional feast and entists and physicians, but taken be for a Kazakh doctor to deliver uninhabited, rolled by for three singing “We Shall Overcome.” over by Kazakhs – herdsmen, a baby to a future of almost cer- hours. Suddenly we came upon What do you think, little satel- poets, construction workers and tain suffering. The interpreter the demonstration of hundreds of lite? Shall the voice of the people veterans. They grabbed the mi- must have given my words a people gathered on a hillside. We finally be heard? crophones and became so ex- was that what was needed was the tests are done. We had seen poetic turn. The host was finally blended with them, doctors and cited and shouted so rapidly the justice, not secession. a film of a test carried out inside satisfied and took my hand in his herdsmen, poets and scientists, Mary-Wynne Ashford was translation was either garbled or The protests have succeeded in the mountain. The blast lifted the with thanks and said I was his mothers and babies. Grasshoppers president of Canadian Physi- drowned out. Occasionally the stopping all Soviet tests since last whole side of the mountain into brother. landed on my Nike runners; dust cians for the Prevention of Nu- interpreter would say cryptically October – a year now. Mikhail the air and dropped it back in a Eventually Ulff spoke again, settled on my clothes. The magnif- clear War from 1988 to 1990 “that seemed to be an in-group Gorbachev recently told Dr. Ber- cloud of dust. pleading with us to remember icent land of the poet Abai, and the and was a general practitioner debate”. nard Lown, co-president of IP- The demonstration went on all that tests are still occurring in crossroads of the Great Silk Way in Victoria, B.C. I have travelled in the Soviet PNW, that if the Americans put as afternoon. We were absorbed into Nevada, China and Mururoa as stretched out forever, contaminat- Union with International Physi- much pressure on George Bush the crowd of Kazakhs, some on well as at Karaul. It is up to us ed with radiation. Our desert. Our Originally published in The cians for the Prevention of Nu- as the Kazakh people have put horseback, many carrying chil- as global citizens to speak out planet. Our shared despair. Medical Post on Nov. 20, 1990. clear War four times before, but on him, the world would have a dren. The Kazakhs are handsome and to stop them everywhere. Dinner was in traditional Mon- Reprinted with permission I have never experienced such Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Mongolian-looking people with He said our ultimate responsibil- golian tents called yurts, with 20 from the author, Dr. Mary- a gathering. Posters had caustic tomorrow. long straight noses and tanned ity is to protect life on earth. The people in each. Inside, the verti- Wynne Ashford. message like “Let the Generals We flew to Semipalatinsk and skin. A Shoshone Indian man from Nevada looked so much like Spring green desert, vast and uninhabited, the Kazakhs he might have been related. rolled by for three hours. Suddenly we came Some of our doctors were Let us recapture the fervour of the wearing film badges to detect ra- upon the demonstration of hundreds of people diation. I was trying to clench my gathered on a hillside. We blended with them, nostrils in a vain attempt to mini- mise breathing, and I avoided sit- first antinuclear weapons activists doctors and herdsmen, poets and scientists, ting in the dust. But we cannot Were The World,” published avoid knowing that we are peo- mothers and babies. Grasshoppers landed on By Alimzhan Akhmetov in Canada in the Medical Post ple of the same earth. This desert in 1990. my Nike runners; dust settled on my clothes. that is blooming in early spring is On Aug. 29, 1949 in Kazakh- The article describes personal The magnificent land of the poet Abai, and my desert, too, and this tragedy stan at the Semipalatinsk Nu- impressions of the author from is also my tragedy. I am no more clear Test Site at 7 o’clock in participation in the conference the crossroads of the Great Silk Way stretched special than this Kazakh woman the morning, an explosion thun- organised by the international out forever, contaminated with radiation. Our with her child in her arms. To- dered. This was the first test of movement Nevada-Semipalat- gether we must stop the destruc- nuclear weapons in the USSR. insk in Kazakhstan in May 1990. desert. Our planet. Our shared despair. tion of our planet. In total, 456 nuclear explosions The emotional and lively lan- That evening we ate dinner sit- were conducted at the test site, guage of the author allows us to build their summer houses on the then took buses across the de- ting on low stools in yurts, the 116 of which were atmospheric return 28 years back and become tents of the Kazakhs. There were Test Range!” Gone were the pas- sert to Karaul, about three hours explosions. Experts calculated “eyewitnesses” to those events. 20 of us in each tent with a host sive faces and the clichés about away. The plains were green with that the total capacity of those at- Today, when there are still who sat in the centre of a circle being a peace-loving people. In- spring grass, flat like southern mospheric explosions was 2,500 menov on Feb. 28, 1989, made about 15,000 nuclear warheads of tables. We had an incredible stead, we saw alternating anger Saskatchewan and utterly empty. times higher than the power of a huge contribution to stopping in the world, and the threat of feast, supplemented with cognac, the atomic bomb dropped on Hi- the tests. nuclear war remains relevant, I and euphoria as the people began We saw no houses, and only two vodka and bowls of fresh horse to recognise their own power. herdsmen and a flock of sheep in roshima. More than 1.5 million Thanks to the unification of think it will be interesting and milk. I remembered the Brucello- people have suffered from nu- the efforts of the victims of the useful for the reader to recharge The Soviet tests have caused the whole day’s journey. sis clinic we had passed, and as- clear tests in Kazakhstan. tests and activists of the move- with the courage, enthusiasm widespread radioactive contami- At Karaul, there was a dem- sumed horse’s milk would be as On Aug. 29, 1991, the Kazakh ment, the Semipalatinsk test site and sincerity of these people nation and appear to be continuing onstration on a hillside, with risky as cow’s milk, so I passed. President Nursultan Nazarbayev became the first testing site in in their struggle for the nuclear to cause cancers and birth defects hundreds of people holding ban- Each tent had an interpreter. by his decree shut down the the world where nuclear tests weapons-free future of our com- at a horrific rate. I say “appear to ners and waiting for our arrival. Ours spoke only Kazakh and Semipalatinsk test site. were stopped. After it, all other mon home – Planet Earth. be” because what statistics there Again, the passionate speeches French. There was great con- The international movement nuclear test sites in the world are secret and even their doctors and the shouts for Olzhas Sulei- sternation because the only com- Nevada-Semipalatinsk, an anti- were also silenced. The author is the Director don’t know the epidemiologic ev- menov, their leader. I walked up mon language of the guests was nuclear movement organised by Let us bring to the attention of the Astana-based Centre idence. Some speakers called for the hill and looked back over the English, and mutual toasting the famous poet and public fig- of the reader the article by Dr. for International Security and strikes and independence for Ka- majestic foothills and out to the and speeches were an essential ure of Kazakhstan Olzhas Sulei- Mary-Wynne Ashford, “We Policy. zakhstan, but the general feeling mountains 30 km away where Kazakh tradition. Reluctantly, I Aral Sea being revived, partially, as fishing recovers disastrous effects of Soviet-initi- 34 species of fish, more than was famous for its fish. They were sharing the sea disagreed about ists, Kazakhstan created the Save By Aidana Yergaliyeva ated irrigation mega-projects, have 20 of which were of commer- so plentiful that at times, fisher- its proper management, creating the Aral Sea project to revive and been making the impossible pos- cial importance. The sea is now men simply needed to beat the sur- a challenge to its preservation. develop fisheries. Measures were ASTANA – The Aral Sea and its sible. As a result, 16 small facto- home to local flounder, zander face with sticks for a catch. Therefore, Kazakhstan began to taken to stop local emigration, fishing industry, one of the biggest ries and fish processing enterprises (pike-perch), carp, vobla and During the Soviet times, how- save only the part of the sea in its especially of fishermen, from Ag- man-made ecological disasters, is have opened in the region, with the bream brought from the Azov ever, water from two rivers that territory, the Northern or Small espe, Akbasty and Tastubek vil- recovering, reported express-k.kz. annual total catch reaching 7,000 Sea in the 1970s. flowed to the sea was redirected Aral. lages on the western shore of the The sea, situated between Ka- tonnes. It is now possible to serve Aral to irrigate the cotton fields. As a Kokaral Dam was later built, Small Aral Sea. zakhstan and Uzbekistan, pro- While the Aral Sea is still far fish, which was close to disap- result, the sea started to shrink with the co-funding from the Aral Tenizi, which united local duced 23,000 tonnes of fish in from being restored, it is a sea be- pearing, for lunch or dinner. The and the rivers were contaminated World Bank, to divide the single small fishery farms into one pow- 1946. Fifty years later, the figure ing revived, especially its norther revival also represents exports, as with pesticides. The salt level in- sea into the Small Aral, which erful production organisation, was had plummeted to just 30 tonnes. part, the so-called Small Aral. Kazakh zander and carp are quite creased, creating a deadly environ- received water from Syr Darya established in Aralsk. Aral Sea For the last few years, joint ef- Problems such as poaching, sea- popular in a number of European ment for fish and those who once River, and the dried-up Southern area residents receive water, elec- forts between Kazakhstan and in- sonality and excess production ca- countries, and the market price has lived along the shores. (Large) Aral, once fed by the Amu tricity, and gas and the dam has ternational organisations to revive pacity, however, still remain. caught up with the availability. Many attempts were made to Darya River. significantly improved the infra- the sea, or at least mitigate the The waterway once supported In ancient times, the Aral Sea save the Aral, but the countries With the help of Danish special- structure, primarily roads. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Kazakhstan’s Finns and Karelians L’Etrange Festival to feature Astana Marathon has raised almost preserve and try to recover their three films by Kazakh director $100,000 for charity traditions, culture B2 B3 B7 Open air ethno fest in Astana Scholar examines promotes traditions resurgence of Kokpar in Kazakhstan, Central Asia par rules, distinguished from Kyr- By Abira Kuandyk gyzstan, that become widespread after EXPO 2017. ASTANA – Ulan Bigozhin, an “Kazakhstan is making attempts Indiana University PhD gradu- to include a dummy goat, an arti- ate and Nazarbayev University ficial corpse of a goat, into the of- post-doctoral scholar, is a cultural ficial kokpar for two reasons. First, anthropologist examining the rein- to make the game animal friendly stitution of kokpar in contempo- and adhere to Greenpeace, because rary Kazakhstan and its increasing there are many foreign teams com- popularity in Central Asia. ing and playing kokpar in Kazakh- Bigozhin conducted ethno- stan. The second reason relates graphic fieldwork from May to to financial issues. Kokpar teams August across Kazakhstan. In an regularly train and play; thus, they interview with The Astana Times, cannot slaughter a goat for every he spoke about how the game has training if they train every week- been transformed and reimagined end or six-seven times per sum- as a modern type of sport in con- mer,” said Bigozhin. junction with the country’s more Horses are also quite expen- global profile. sive. A basic kokpar horse, a good Kokpar is an ancient equestrian stallion that has never played the sport in which horse-mounted game but shows potential, starts players attempt to advance a head- at 700,000 tenge (US$1,946). The less goat carcass towards the op- price range increases from game to posing team’s goal. The national game, reaching approximately 1.5- game is known as kokpar in Ka- 2 million tenge (US$4,171-5,562) zakhstan, buzkashi in Afghanistan, for horses that have demonstrated Tajikistan and the U.S., kokboru good stamina, good behaviour and and ulaq tartysh in Kyrgyzstan speed in previous games. and kupkari in Uzbekistan. Agil- “I saw horse owners who sold ity, strength, accuracy and ability their stallions for US$20,000 and Head of the Central Kazakhstan Kazakhstan on such a mas- items, leather items, bags, parcels. to stay in the saddle define a strong more. But, there are also some By Assel Satubaldina Association for Tourism, Restau- sive scale. The festival features My wife is using felt to produce kokparshy (kokpar player) or sha- kokpar horse owners that will rant and Hotel Business Maya different types of traditional clothing, carpet, different deco- bandoz (palvon). never sell their horses. I went to ASTANA – Despite rainy weath- Agadilova said the goal is to popu- games, sports. We will also have rative flowers. We do all of this Kazakhstan has at least two Saryagash (a city in Turkistan re- er, the open-air Ethno Fest opened larise Kazakh national traditions fashion show. This is a way to together as a family. We are a dy- types of kokpar, noted Bigozhin. gion) for an interview with one its doors Aug. 25-26 in Astana, wel- that have been forgotten. unite people and citizens of Ka- nasty of artisans. We have devoted “First is zhappai kokpar (com- kokpar horse owner who thought I coming people to get closer to their “For the first time, legacy zakhstan in such big direction as our entire life to this art,” said one munal kokpar), where every play- was one of these horse buyers. He national culture and traditions. of ancestors is represented in ethno festival,” Agadilova told of Konyr family members. er plays for himself. There are no repeatedly shouted that the horse is The Astana Times. Zhanat Bekmagambetov, head teams; thus, up to 200 or 300 play- not for sale. It took me a couple of The festival, she said, is devoted of the Kazakh National Culture ers play against each other. Second minutes to explain that actually I to the 20th anniversary of the capi- Centre in Omsk, said the country is team-based kokpar. There is a am not a horse buyer,” he said. tal and will turn into an annual tra- has made significant progress in team usually consisting of 12 peo- “This is part of their mentality dition. promoting its culture. He was in- ple and they play in specially des- and tradition. They can show the The exhibition, part of the fes- vited to participate in an Aug. 26 ignated areas such as hippodromes horse and allow you to take a pho- tival, featured exhibits, including roundtable, part of the festival pro- and empty circle fields,” he said. to, but will never sell,” he added. jewellery, applied arts items, cloth- gramme, discussing obstacles to Kazakhstan made its own kok- Continued on Page B7 ing, pertaining to different centu- studying the Kazakh language in ries and regions of Kazakhstan Russia. once inhabited by nomadic tribes. “I am not the first time here. The Demonstrating Kazakh culture, last time I was in Astana was three instilling historical values among years ago and I can see positive young people and showing the changes in promoting Kazakh cul- Salben Comics brings beauty of the works of Kazakh ar- ture. This is great. I see that many tisans are also among the festival’s people come to such events,” said objectives. Bekmagambetov. Among the festival participants He believes Kazakhstan has the Marvel Comics were the Konyrs family from Al- potential to become a “touristic “We are working over ‘The maty. Mecca.” By Abira Kuandyk Mask’ comic book series by John “We came from Almaty. We are “The direction is set rightly, so Arcudi. We have already pub- making applied art items within that it [culture] is shown not only ASTANA – Salben Comics, the lished two comics in this series. our family. There are many types, to locals, but also to other people Almaty-based publisher founded Also, we published ‘The End of for example, rings, earrings, silver around the world,” he added. in December 2013, has brought the ****ing World’ comic, adapt- Marvel comics to Kazakhstan. ed as the eponymous popular TV Known as the inspiration for series shown on Netflix. We also movies and TV series adaptations, plan to publish comics from major Salben Comics sells its works in American publishing houses such Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, said as Image, Fantagraphics, Drawn Authentic Kazakh clothes, company head Sabit Bakytzhan in and Quarterly,” he said. accessories in vogue again an interview with The Astana Times. Continued on Page B3 the city’s trade and entertainment clothes with national elements. presents comfortable hand-made By Meruyert Abugaliyeva centres. However, there were only clothes dresses. The brand name comes THINGS TO WATCH & Samidel develops its own prints designed for the stage and clothes from traditional Kazakh blankets, PLACES TO GO ASTANA – Local designers are and textiles to create clothes with looking too traditional, which we pieces of quilt sewn together to sym- helping Kazakh citizens look styl- traditional ornaments. Established cannot wear in our daily life. Then, bolise the unity of the Sun, Moon, ish and feel comfortable while in 2012, the designer offers blous- I decided to create stylish but com- rain, clouds, flowers and Earth. NATIONAL MUSEUM wearing clothes with traditional es, skirts, costumes and dresses for fortable garments with national el- Shukiman makes clothes suit- June 28 – Sept.30 Paul Sérusier and Brittany: elements. day and evening wear sold in the ements, which one could wear with able for colder weather, offering The Magic of Legends, exhibition Kazakhs have typically paid a brand’s namesake shop at 9 Ka- sports shoes or even boots,” said garments from woven fabric with great deal of attention to the gar- banbay Batyr Avenue. Samidel founder Dinara Abdullina. traditional Kazakh ornaments. July 6 – Oct. 3 Artists of 19th and 20th centuries ments they wear. Clothes, often “I have always wanted to wear Kurak Korpe (patchwork quilt) Dresses, costumes, skirts and jack- from private collections, exhibition made from fur, silk and wool, were ets, some of which are decorated, used to show well-being and social are simple, yet comfortable for status and ethnic ornaments were daily wear. The brand has a shop at ETHNOAUL NATIONAL the main elements of décor. Keruen mall. Now, local designers are bring- National style accessories are CULTURAL COMPLEX ing ethnic ornaments back while also in high demand, adding a Aug.30, 31 at 7.30 p.m. Alpamys, theatrical and keeping clothes suitable for daily sense of style to one’s look. Lo- use and elegant enough for even- cal brand Adili offers fashionable circus show ing. leather bags and purses, silk scarfs, Aida Kaumenova, who estab- ties, handkerchiefs and umbrellas ASTANA ARENA lished her brand Aida KaumeNO- with ornaments in exclusive prints VA in 2006, is one of the first de- for men and women. In the capital, Aug.30 at 8 p.m. FC Astana - APOEL FC, signers to promote national style. Adili products can be purchased at UEFA Europa League She creates romantic, sophisti- Saryarka and Mega Silk Way. cated dresses with an Asian touch Mukajan focuses on leather Sept.6 at 8 p.m. Kazakhstan – Georgia, for women of any age. Although purses, bags and belts decorated UEFA Nations League Aida KaumeNOVA offers relaxed with traditional ornaments. The outfits for everyday lifestyles, company pays attention to the the collections often include gor- quality of material and products, ASTANA OPERA geous handmade evening dresses while trying to make the items Sept.8 at 6 p.m. Astana is My Beautiful especially popular with local art- affordable even to university stu- ists. The most recent collection is dents. The accessories are avail- Dream, concert

available at Keruen and Saryarka, tengrinews.kz. Photo credit: able at Asia Park. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 Changing the world for the better is goal of one of 100 New Faces “City-farming is a training pro- this technology in 1911. It has been a-half years he left NURIS and a mistakes, then he cannot create,” By Assel Mukanova gramme for soilless cultivation used successfully in Indonesia, Is- year later became the head of the says Tastanbekov. which includes theory and practice rael, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Alternative Polymer Materials pri- It is especially important that a ASTANA – Young research to give the participants a clearer Singapore and the United States. vate laboratory. young researcher willingly shares chemist Dias Tastanbekov, one picture of the soilless systems for Together with his partner Ar- Even while working as a junior his/her own knowledge and experi- of Kazakhstan’s 100 New Faces, growing plants within a controlled man Toskanbayev, using a start-up researcher, Tastanbekov started to ence. In addition to the aforemen- wants to provide facilities for grow- environment. Our courses are Bolashak grant and private invest- work on his own projects: talk- tioned projects he has a YouTube ing environmentally friendly and practical which allows not only to ment, Tastanbekov started a green- ing orderly bin, video cards, 3D- channel called Q100, where he, locally made products for everyone. develop knowledge but also to in- house business in Karaganda, but printing and DePrinter (a method together with like-minded people, In his famous article “Course to- crease opportunities for continuing later transferred it to the Almaty of cleaning printer ink from office tells in plain language about the wards the Future: Modernisation of the training. If you are interested in region. They grow arugula and paper for repeated use). Today, the novelties in the sphere of science Kazakhstan’s Identity,” President basil; the planned yield is 30 kilos aero- or hydroponics, whether as a chemist is preparing a bid for his and education. Nursultan Nazarbayev noted last per day. In Almaty, they also have hobby or business, this course can biggest project – biodegradable “For self-fulfilment and bring- year, “The history of independence a laboratory where they carry out be a great starting point. At the end, implants for osteosynthesis and ing your ideas to life, you need to is only a quarter of a century. But different experiments. There are plans to write his doctoral work get rid of stereotypes; these ‘limit- Dias Tastambekov anyone will be able to build his/her it is amazing! The historic scale of plans that soon these greenhouses about it. ers’ do not give the opportunity to achievements does not raise any own hydroponic facility, under- will be installed in Astana and However, the limits of any in- spread the wings for young talents doubts. However, very often we do faculty of chemistry and chemical standing the process and cultiva- Shymkent. stitution soon became too tight and to do what they really love,” not see bright, dramatic and happy technology of Al-Farabi Kazakh tion conditions,” says Tastanbekov. The goal is clear: to provide use- In general, aero- and hydropon- for a seeker such as Tastanbekov. says the young scientist. human destinies behind numbers National University with a research ful, environmentally friendly and Therefore, he started his own busi- and facts.” chemist degree and a graduate of ics are highly relevant for Kazakh- “The people still mistakenly locally made products and to equip ness projects. The 100 New Faces of Kazakh- the University of Sheffield (UK) stan, where not all lands are suit- believe that a good education pro- public catering, cafes, restaurants “Today we need people who can stan project aims to uncover the under the Bolashak programme. able for agriculture and water is vides a comfortable life. Yes, edu- and even private houses with simi- analyse, synthesise their cross- stories of people of different re- Today, Tastanbekov is CEO of not sufficient. It is the process of lar facilities, so that greens could cation really is a kind of social lift disciplinary knowledge. I am gions, ages, professions and ethnic Akyl-D LLP producing aero- and growing plants in an air environ- be grown by everyone. for humans, but it does not guar- groups, to show them to the gener- hydroponic facilities. The com- ment without soil, wherein nutri- A year after the master’s pro- convinced that every person can antee a successful life. Much more al public and their professional and pany has three areas of specialisa- ents are delivered to roots in the gramme, Tastanbekov took a job as do something that would change depends on the person,” adds Tas- real-life success model and moti- tion: cultivation and marketing of form of an aerosol. The ecological a junior researcher in the research the world for the better. All make tanbekov. vation for the younger generation. environmentally friendly greens advantages of aeroponics are sav- centre of Nazarbayev University mistakes. Scientists are no excep- On the question of what the 100 One of the 18 winners of the by aeroponics (automated soilless ing water and energy. Research and Innovation System tion. After all, they are in constant New Faces project gives him, the contest in the science nomination, growing of plants) and equipping By the way, according to Tastan- (NURIS), where he studied two search for new solutions. But as young researcher says, “For me it along with older venerable scien- schools with hydroponic facilities bekov, it was used in the days of the types of polymers: biodegradable they say, without defeats there are is trust, which I want to justify. For tists, was 32-year-old Dias Tas- and methods of their operation, as Maya civilisation. Officially, scien- for medicine and semiconduc- no victories. If the person is not that, I just need to keep doing what tanbekov. He is a graduate of the well as educational courses. tist Artemiy Artsikhovsky patented tor for solar cells. After four and going to try to experiment, make I am doing.” Socially conscious Kazakhstan’s Finns and Karelians preserve agrarian among and try to recover their traditions, culture ethnic groups in the then Soviet Un- National Cultural Centre called book ‘100 Social Innovations of By Aidana Yergaliyeva ion were subjected to deportation. Suomi has united both Karelians Finland’,” said Smirnov. Before being relocated to Kazakh- and Finns since June 2002. There In addition, each year since nation’s 100 New Faces ASTANA – Finns and Karelians stan, Finns and Karelians immigrat- are three regional offices in Pav- 2004, the ethno-cultural centre has Apart from farm management, in Kazakhstan are small in number ed to the Russian Leningrad region lodar, Oskemen, and Shymkent. participated in a forum of Kazakh- By Meruyert Abugaliyeva Akulov pays special attention to cor- yet strive to preserve their iden- in the 17th century. Another reason As do other cultural centres, Finnish entrepreneurs in Astana. porate social responsibility and char- tity after an uneasy history for their was the Soviet personnel policy of Suomi also works to preserve the The head of the centre points out ASTANA – Vladimir Akulov, ity, spending more than 70 million people during the Soviet times, the staff rotation that required people to culture, traditions, customs, rites that despite these efforts, still fewer businessperson and agrarian from tenge (US$193,750) on good causes. head of national cultural centre constantly move across the country, and language of Finns and Kare- people are becoming involved with the East Kazakhstan region, is Akulov built 11 houses with Suomi Alexander Smirnov told The thereby spreading them out. lians through various events and the popularisation of Finnish and Ka- among 102 winners of the nation’s all the modern conveniences for Astana Times in a recent interview. Today, in independent Kazakh- activities. relian cultures. The centre faces fi- 100 New Faces project for his at- young professionals working on “Indeed, we live in Kazakhstan stan, these ethnic groups can freely “[Suomi] produces booklets nancial problems and the number of tention to corporate social respon- the farm. so we are Kazakhs now. Still, all and openly live without fear along about its activities annually. Last youth interested in cultural activities sibility and charity. The project “If people have the conditions people should know their origins,” with many other ethnicities. The year, we did a presentation of the has been decreasing over the years. said Smirnov. Kazakhstan is known for its multi-ethnic environment, yet not everyone knows that among the sea of ethnicities coming from post-Soviet republics there is a small minority of Scandinavians, namely Finns and Karelians (sub- group of Finns). According to Smirnov, last cen- sus counted about 200 of them in Almaty, yet there can be a lot more of them. In Soviet times, identify- ing oneself as Finn implied that a person will have no career, because Finns were not accepted in higher education institutions and could hardly find a job, said Smirnov. Thus, many Finns were registered was established to recognise exem- for a comfortable living in the ru- as Karelians or Russians. plary individuals and promote their ral area, such as warm water, elec- Finns and Karelians arrived and success stories to inspire others. tricity, heating, washing machines, settled in Kazakhstan for a few his- In times of post-war hardships they will make more efforts at torical reasons. One of them was re- in Belarus, his family decided to work,” added Akulov. pression in the 1930s, when entire Members of Finn and Karelian ethnic community in Pavlodar region. move to Kazakhstan during the The farm management monitors Virgin Lands Campaign. the performance of the workers and awards money and benefits, “At that time, I was only five such as tours to health and recrea- years old; my parents and my three tion centres, to the distinguished siblings joined the Belarus dias- workers. pora residing in East Kazakhstan. Italian artist motorbikes through 11 countries, His entity also funded the con- Our family was given a cow and struction and maintenance of a several piglets, since then we were playground, park and small zoo, committed to the rural life,” said attracting visitors from neighbour- finds ‘surprising hospitality’ in Kazakhstan Akulov. ing villages and settlements. This experience affected Aku- Continued from Page A1 I am always interested to know “A Kazakh family, who saw the on the moments when she will ar- lov’s whole life. Upon graduation what the cultural situation in an- motorbike at a sight, asked me if I rive in Japan. from Semipalatinsk veterinary zoo Akulov built 11 “Our worries come from some other country is. The art in other wanted to join the party that they “I think about the few words I technical institute, he started his consideration of something you continents is of great interest to organised. I was cold, frozen and will tell to myself and to the sky houses with all the when I arrive to Japan. This mo- career as a veterinary physician in don’t know or from experience me,” she said. agreed. We had a wonderful din- from somebody else. Everybody For Iazzetta, meeting with artis- ner and danced. At the end, they ment gives me the possibility not 1982. Later, he went on to become modern conveniences has his or her personal energy. tic communities is an amasing part said you must be our guest and stay to worry. Being in a safe and com- a deputy chair of the collective for young Every energy moves in a different of the journey. While in the capital, with us. I was happy and surprised fort zone does not give you the farm named after Lenin. After Ka- professionals working way. We cannot compare. Our per- she spoke with Expo and Women’s by their hospitality. Kazakhstan is a possibility to know more about zakhstan gained independence, he sonal experience is always incred- Executive Director Lyazat Askaro- unique country; it is not a Europe- life,” she said. established his own farm in 1996. on the farm. ibly different from others. And for va, Kazakh National University of an or Asian country. The mixing of Iazzetta presented the logo of After years of laborious work this a lot of suggestions were given Arts Rector Aiman Mussakhajaye- culture and people that are so open a lady surfing on the motorbike Recently, he has also sponsored and post-Soviet hardship, his enti- to me from other people, travellers, va, artist Aktoty Smagulova, pro- for foreign people made me incred- made by her student Alfredo for repairs to the local kindergarten ty managed to achieve outstanding bloggers or news on the Internet ducer Zhazira Dyussembekova ibly surprised and happy,” she said. people she meets during her trip. results in the realm of cattle breed- and entertainment centre. and books was a little bit wrong and Has Sanat Gallery co-director Iazzetta started preparing for the “I love the expression of peo- ing and animal selection. In 2010, “There were hard times when because what happens to you also Zhanel Zholzhaksy. trip almost three years ago. ple I meet. It is incredible to tell his entity was awarded a golden I had to count every tenge in or- depends on you,” she added. “We have one expectation, but “When you are alone, you easily them that I am going from Italy medal for breeding cattle of the der to pay salaries to workers. But Iazzetta started working on the the reality is always different. It is listen to what your heart wants. I to Japan. The larger the distance, red-motley breed. when we have the opportunity to project dedicated to Iwate Women, incredible energy sharing. I go to love people, but it is important to the more surprised the people are. Currently, there are more than help, we are willing to extend a who two years ago decided to take them and they come to me attract- understand when there is a mo- These interviews are wonderful 6,800 animals at the farm, includ- hand of assistance. You cannot their lives. ed by the project. It is important to ment when you should listen to inspiration for the younger genera- ing horses, camels, sheep, poultry be rich on your own; if a village “I come from the dynamics of see them in person and for them to your voice and to stay with your- tion and it can be helpful for them and 2,200 dairy cows. The farm is wealthy, the country prospers. activism against mafia here in be true in the few questions that I self. All the time we just pay atten- and for everybody I met on this provides 500 workplaces and con- I cannot imagine myself without Naples. Then, I devoted all my at- ask,” she said. tion and take care of others, so the trip. The trip is difficult, but life is tains a dairy plant, animal feed Kazakhstan, my village and my tention to supporting the feminist She shared a story from Pe- trip was an idea of taking care of not easy, too. It is better to try to producing facility equipped with farm, and I hope that my son and struggle, as I believe that this is a tropavlovsk, when she was unable me,” she said. do something stronger that helps state-of-the-art equipment, green- grandchildren will follow in my priority cause and important in the to find a room as all the hotels A positive person, she tries not make a connection with people,” houses and cultivated areas. footsteps,” he said. fight against mafia. As a professor, were fully booked. to think about the road and reflects she added. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 Salben Comics brings Singer NAsia brings passion Marvel Comics and authenticity to jazz Kazakhstan’s budding music scene. By Dilshat Zhussupova Still, Alzhanova wishes and urges the music community to develop ASTANA – Kazakh singer Nazi- at a greater pace and foster a young ya Alzhanova, better known to her generation of musicians, producers, listeners as NAsia, is making waves managers and listeners. She wel- at home and abroad in jazz, funk, comes initiatives such as more mu- blues and soul. In an interview with sic festivals, shows and contests for The Astana Times, she talked of her talent discovery and development. humble beginnings, recent projects “Kazakh voices and melodies are and long-term aspirations. unique. There are youngsters with Alzhanova’s rousing perfor- great potential on the global musi- mance of Etta James’ “At Last” cal stage,” she said. secured first place at the Big Sky Her listeners are a small, dedicat- 2017 international jazz competition ed fan base aged 20-60, who Alzh-

in Moscow. She impressed a global Alan Kolomets. Photo credit: anova characterises as romantic jury of record company producers, and open-minded individuals, like Naziya Alzhanova concert and festival agents and mu- herself. sic distributors. “I have long-standing relation- Born in Almaty, Alzhanova at- “I accepted every opportunity to Alzhanova’s vocals, accompanied ships with each song that I per- tended a linguistic gymnasium face people and let them hear me, only by musician Ruslan Zhurbin form,” she said. “There are songs to

Photo credit: the-steppe.com. Photo credit: school and later graduated from the so I sang in different situations – in on guitar, at her Boring Collection perform with someone, songs only Sabit Bakytzhan Almaty Institute of Foreign Lan- small pubs, clubs, restaurants, liv- concert. for the classroom, songs I love but Continued from Page B1 in Ukraine and Belarus. We bring guages. Her strong linguistic foun- ing rooms, big philharmonic halls “It was important for me to im- would never sing and songs I am not comics to Almaty to demonstrate dation enables her to sing in several and even once in the steppe. With plement the whole idea without any emotionally ready to sing yet. Still, Salben has released well- at the exhibitions and usually languages. Her musical background experience, now I can say that per- compromises regarding the audi- there are songs that I feel are ‘mine,’ known franchises such as The they are not intended for sale,” includes Tagir Zaripov’s Jazz forming is not so much about the ence’s potential preferences, col- in which the lyrics are usually the Fantastic Four and The X-Men. he said. School, where she first developed a location or concert hall, but more league’s opinions and the risk of los- most important, melody second and “I bought The Fantastic Four “Interest in comics in Kazakh- passion for jazz, and the Milan Ac- about a good sound, the right at- ing fans,” she said of the bold move. then emotional resonance. The mu- franchise for four years. Our stan is quite high, but sales are cademia del Suono. mosphere for the music you will Following the successful project, sical genre does not matter.” company was the only one to not so big for two reasons. The “Music had always been a hobby, play and the audience,” said Alzh- Alzhanova feels inspired to face Alzhanova invites readers to her have rights to publish comics first cause is high prices for com- I just never thought it would be my anova. risks head on, with much to say show, since listening to her live is with these heroes within the CIS ics as well as few selling points main occupation in life,” said Alzh- These days, you won’t find her and sing. Her dream collaborations the best way to become acquainted (Commonwealth of Independent over the country. The second rea- anova. “In fact, it all really began singing background music while include the Jazz at Lincoln Centre with her and her music, and listen- States). Recently, I passed the son is related to piracy, which I when I went with friends to the people talk and eat. She has ma- Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, ing to jazz is a great way to both re- torch to our Russian colleagues consider as the main constrain. If Umbria Jazz Festival whilst taking tured as both a performer and mu- Tony Bennett, Kurt Elling, Robert lax and, for many Kazakh listeners, and now they will start releasing piracy would be treated in a se- summer courses at Berklee College sician. Glasper, Bjork, Adele and Daniel step outside their comfort zone. comics on The Fantastic Four,” rious manner (as seen in Russia of Music. I met different people “I have been a professional sing- Caesar. “You can listen to me at different he said. recently), then I believe comic from all over the world and felt an er in a sense only in the last two “Every time I travel, I try to at- festivals such as Jazzystan Music Kazakhstan’s comic industry is book sales would go up and ac- authentic and comfortable music years,” said Alzhanova. “I have tend as many shows as I can, not Festival, Almaty Jazz Festival and up-and-coming. cordingly, interest will increase atmosphere. I realised that I want- tried different projects, genres and only jazz ones,” she added. “When Esentai Music Festival. I am cur- “It seems to me that we need even more,” he added. ed to be a part of it and that music stages as a performer, self-promoter I see live shows, I always try to no- rently based in Almaty, so you can several generations to be re- Bakytzhan is also involved in makes me happy.” and manager. I am still improving tice and learn different things. I was catch me live at the Muzkafe Pub or placed and then perhaps comics hosting and organising the festi- There, she met musician Dennis myself as a musician, but now I can really touched by John Legend’s at my regular monthly show,” she will be taken seriously, and the vals. He participated at the Aug. Montgomery III, who praised her say that I have determined the final- Umbria show in 2013, D’Angelo’s noted. country will start to support this 4-5 Geek Con in the capital. unique timbre and encouraged her ised concept for ‘nasiafromasia’ as Milan show in 2015 and Marcus Alzhanova’s music is available culture, which is one of the lead- “Our AlmaCon festival in Al- to continue studying. Since com- a musical project, which is what I Miller’s Astana show in 2017.” on YouTube (@nasiafromasia), ing ones in the U.S. Comics and maty is held one-two times a pleting her education, she has pur- find really important.” Boring Collection was a small- VKontakte (@nasiafromasia) and everything related to them attract year. The main goal is to promote sued performing onstage. In June, audiences were treated to scale but important contribution to Instagram (@nasiafromasia). billions around the world,” said the comic culture in Kazakhstan. Bakytzhan. We invite many comic bloggers “For me, comics, first and fore- and artists. We also make a satu- most, is about huge team work, rated lecture zone, where we talk which consists of an artist, script- about how to create comics,” he writer, editor and proofreader. said. L’Etrange Festival to feature Often, comics are perceived as “To tell you the truth, I really painted colouring books and liked Geek Con in Astana. We it is very sad. More people and conducted similar festivals in strength are involved in working Almaty, but we skewed more to- three films by Kazakh director over the comics than for books, wards Salben Comics. The main presented at the festival. They of European cinema lovers to my for example,” he added. drawback of Geek Con in Astana were produced at the Shacken work, because they are interested Bakytzhan noted Salben was the lack of comics at the fes- Aimanov Kazakhfilm studio at the in it. They are attentive to films Comic’s main direction is the tival as a whole. There were no request from the Kazakh Ministry that are engaged in the search for licensing market, although the lectures, alleys of authors and of Culture and Sports. a new movie language,” said Ye- company also realises domestic artists. However, for the first “Far from repeating itself, Ye- rzhanov. projects. time everything was very cool,” rzhanov’s cinema works like a Born in 1982, Yerzhanov ob- “We have released Ermek Ba- he added. puzzle universe and can be appre- tained a diploma from the Ka- tyr, the first national comics pro- Bakytzhan also co-founded ciated as whole, with its incessant zakhstan National Academy of ject, featuring the Kazakh super- 451 Degrees, a literary club to re-interpretation and re-invention. Arts in 2009 and immediately tried hero. This is our first domestic fill the places where people read How better to grasp this than by to rattle his country’s social and project so far, but we are releas- books. a presentation of all his feature cinematographic values, reports ing it in a very high-quality hard- “The idea to create a literature films, including his surprising doc- etrangefestival.com. cover and Ermek Batyr has been club existed for a long time. I umentary on Kazakh cinema,” said “For the last 10 years, young bestowed with numerous awards was able to realise it a year ago. festival organisers. filmmaker Adilkhan Yerzhanov at the international book exhibi- It seemed to me that there are not “The L’Etrange Festival drew has been developing a coherent tions,” he said. enough places in Almaty where etrangefestival.com. Photo credit: attention to me after my film and exciting body of work that Salben brought five-six comic you can sit and read books. We of Kazakh director Adilkhan Ye- ‘The Plague at the Karatas Vil- shakes up Kazakhstan’s produc- strips to Almaty. Printing, pub- opened a literary club with my Staff Report rzhanov within its special Focus lage’. The organisers wanted to tion,” it added. lishing and selling are currently friend and named it 451 Degrees, programme, reports the Kazakh- show ‘Night God’ and waited For the last quarter century, based in Russia. which is very symbolic. We con- ASTANA – The 24th French film press service. for a year. It is great they did not L’Etrange Festival has become a “Fifty percent of the entire duct various presentations, lec- film festival, L’Etrange Festival, “The Owners” (2014), “Night burn out and we managed to pre- reference for unusual films, by re- circulation is sold out in Russia, tures and master classes in our taking place in Paris Sep. 5-16, God” (2018) and “Realtors” sent them the film. I think, organ- vealing and confirming the talents Moscow and St. Petersburg, then club,” he said. will show the entire filmography (2017) are among the films to be isers want to draw the attention celebrated by the festival. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 Government to provide cities and villages with 5G Internet connection next year tion and Communications to take The “Provision of broadband ac- facilitate remote operations in real “The total number of fibre-optic By Aidana Yergaliyeva measures ensuring high-speed In- cess to rural communities of the time, agricultural machinery man- lines that will be built in the next ternet and assigned Deputy Prime Republic of Kazakhstan in fibre- agement, field monitoring and in- three years is 14,217 km. There are ASTANA – Kazakh officials Minister Askar Zhumagaliyev to optic communication technology” dustrial robot speed. plans to connect 2,496 state bodies to discussed the progress of projects control the process. project will eliminate digital in- Introducing 5G mobile com- them. The average cost of investment to provide broadband Internet ac- Zhumagaliyev stressed work on equality between urban and rural munication will be possible after is about 50 billion tenge (US$137.7 cess and introduce 5G and equally providing rural broadband Internet areas. It will allow connecting state its standards are adopted by the million),” said company chair of the high-quality data centres in both access is currently being complet- authorities and budgetary institu- International Telecommunication board Kuanyshbek Yesekeyev. urban and rural areas at the Aug. ed and plans will be available by tions to telecommunication servic- Union, noted Minister of Informa- Kazakhtelecom confirmed one 14 government meeting. the end of this year. Pilot mode 5G es in 1,249 rural settlements using tion and Communications Dauren of the vendors was ready to pro- “Providing broadband Internet introduction is planned for 2019. fibre-optic communication technol- Abayev. To date, frequency selec- vide the equipment and software access is not our only requirement. Minister of Information and “We studied the most advanced ogy with a communication capacity tion works to test 5G mobile com- necessary to begin 5G testing, he We must not lag behind [the rest of Communications Dauren Abayev experience, including countries of at least 50 Mbits per second. munications have been carried out added. the developed world]; the neces- Minister Bakhytzhan Sagyntayev. such as Great Britain and Esto- 5G will provide a speed 40 times in the capital, Almaty as well as The focus on advancing digital sary documents are adopted and all Slow Internet, especially nia. We will develop data centres faster than 4G technology and the Akmola and Almaty regions. technologies is part of the Digital the solutions are available. This is throughout the regions, is the main to store data and process it. Pro- should be enough to view a video Kazakhtelecom plans to provide Kazakhstan state programme to the imperative of the time, on the problem not only for businesses grammes to provide broadband file in 3D and download a movie broadband Internet access to 6,212 accelerate the pace of economic agendas of many states. We only but the population in general. He Internet will be kept under strict in just six seconds. It is expected rural settlements with a population development and improve citi- need to actively work,” said Prime instructed the Ministry of Informa- control,” he said. to reduce signal delays, as well as of 7,622,927 by the end of 2021. zens’ quality of life. Astana offers free, New textbooks, interactive programmes short-term job to help students learn history Organisers believe such games attract students’ attention to their textbooks are dedicated to the By Yerbolat Uatkhanov will reveal to young people how own history. culture of the Taraz and Zhambyl exciting local history can be. “We want students to know the regions. The local history textbook training ASTANA – Historians in Ka- history of the streets of the city, the for fifth to seventh grades was also termined with the application of zakhstan have begun a programme history of the city establishment, presented in Karaganda. It is a sup- Staff Report big data, were removed from the of history teaching using new for- The new textbooks, of famous historical figures who were plementary textbook on the history government order. mats intended to captivate students which about 60,000 born and worked in Almaty. Stu- of Kazakhstan, geography, Ka- ASTANA – More than 700 un- Throughout the training pro- and give them the opportunity to dents will also learn local history zakh literature and music,” school employed young people in Astana gramme, young people receive a study not only the history of their will be printed, will from absolutely new textbooks. teacher Bazarbai Duyssenbayev have been going through short- monthly stipend of 16,759 tenge country, but the histories of their The first copies of the book in the said. term professional trainings under (US$47 dollars) and get a certifi- regions, cities and even the dis- help students learn Kazakh language for students in The new textbooks, of which Employment and Mass Entrepre- cate upon completion. The gradu- tricts where they live. Events and about the legends the fifth, sixth and seventh grades about 60,000 will be printed, will neurship Programme since the be- ates are also provided assistance textbooks connected to this change were presented in Taraz. Lead- help students learn about the leg- ginning of the year. in finding a job and mastering the are already being produced. and historical ing historians and teachers of the ends and historical monuments of Currently, 333 people are train- occupation. One such event was Almaty’s in- monuments of the Zhambyl region have written on the Karaganda region. The edu- ing for occupations, including 24 Additional sessions are organ- teractive quest, Through the Pages 20 topics of history, geography, cational programme will focus on people training to be cooks, 48 ised in the evenings and during the of Memory in Almaty. Through Karaganda region. Kazakh literature and music in research activities. hairdressers and 85 tailors. The weekends to help people working this practical implementation of the book. The textbook consists of “If a student lives in the Shet sessions also prepare eight trade in construction and markets take the Ruhani Zhangyru (Modernisa- The educational three parts. Officials plan to pub- district and knows the history of managers, 17 cashiers, 17 ba- up a new occupation and receive tion of Kazakhstan’s Identity) pro- programme will focus lish 20,000 copies of the book by his district, he will learn more in- bysitters, 23 administrators, 25 additional income. gramme, students were asked to September,” he said, Kazakh TV formation in this textbook about nail artists, 22 bakers and 25 peo- The employment situation in solve puzzles about their area. In on research activities. reports. the incredible historical sites of the ple capable of working in confec- Astana remains stable. The unem- doing so, they learned the history of “The book offers a lot of infor- Ulytau and Zhana Arka districts. tioneries. ployment rate of 4.6 percent regis- Almaty from the Iron Age through mation on local history. The text- The book also presents informa- The trainings will also prepare tered in the capital is the lowest in the Middle Ages, the Verny period, Senior officer of the Almaty book for fifth graders provides an tion about the prominent talents specialists for highly demanded Kazakhstan. Every month approx- the post-World Wars years and up Museums Union Kairat Tarbayev overview of local history while born on this land such as biys occupations, identified with the imately 2,200 small and medium- to the establishment of modern in- is a strong supporter of the event, the textbooks for the sixth grad- [Kazakh judges], akyns [singers] help of big data, such as mobile sized entities (SMEs) launch and dependent Kazakhstan. Five muse- saying the game’s main purpose is ers reveal great personalities of and speakers,” textbook author application developer, specialists provide job opportunities for capi- ums participated in the event. to study the history of Almaty and the region. The seventh graders’ Bakhytkul Abdikerova said. in cybersecurity, animation and tal residents. In the last six months, video graphics, elevator operator, more than 11,000 workplaces were drivers, car electricians and me- created, which is 18.5 percent chanics. more than for the corresponding Obsolete occupations, also de- period the last year. Intensive high school entrepreneurship course to support creativity, reasoning Astana vocational as international companies took tice. Within the course, students department for Business Commu- By Abira Kuandyk part in developing and establishing will acquire self-presentation nication Development in the state the course curricula. and promotion skills,” said Aim- language at the Atameken Nation- ASTANA – Kazakh high school agambetov. al Chamber of Entrepreneurs. schools introduce students can now prepare to launch Solving case studies The developers intend to make Solving case studies and ad- their own businesses through the the course material as engag- dressing theoretical questions are Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship and addressing ing and informative as possible. necessary skills that will allow elective course, which will be of- theoretical questions Over two academic years, stu- student to launch their own busi- electronic admissions fered for the 2019 to 2020 academ- dents will have 68 lessons on nesses in the future, Aimagambe- schools in Astana offer technical ic year. The process of textbook are necessary skills this subject. tov said. After university, instead Staff Report and professional education free of approbation will start this year at “The course is going to help of being confined to seeking office charge. The Astana Akimat (city educational institutions across the that will allow student high school students understand jobs, they’ll have the tools to help ASTANA – Astana Educa- administration) supports state edu- country, Vice Minister of Education to launch their own the basics of taxing, accounting, fi- them realise their own ideas. tion Administration Head Anuar cation in 24 organisations of tech- and Science Askhat Aimagambetov nancial statements and VAT [value The major goal is to develop a nical and vocational education. told a recent press conference at the businesses in the added tax]. The terms are going to creative mindset and reasoning In addition, 1,050 slots are avail- Central Communications Service. be explained by simple and con- skills in students. School children “Since Aug. 1 able for free education by Work- Fundamentals of Entrepreneur- future. crete examples, through games will study the fundamentals of of the current force Skills Qualification (WSQ) ship is an elective course that will and practical exercises. Some business through the cases of on- training as part of the 2017-2021 be offered to students in the 10th “The programme is created with tasks will include the creation of line, short-form video creators and year, submission Productive Employment and Mass and 11th grades. the application of both theory a mobile application, how to sell marketers as well as young entre- Entrepreneurship Programme, Aimagambetov noted that uni- and practice. Forty percent of the a product, so that students will preneurs, he added. of documents is added Zhangozin. versity representatives, experts, course will include theory, 15 per- possess a capacity to start their The course was introduced in a accessible in an The capital’s 35 vocational business people, Nazarbayev Intel- cent will involve case analysis and own business independently,” said pilot mode at schools in Kokshetau schools offer educational services lectual Schools delegates as well the remaining 45 percent is prac- Baurzhan Orazgaliyev, head of the and Aktobe in 2017. electronic form. The of technical and vocational educa- service is available tion covering 26,000 students. The classes at the vocational on the e.astana.kz schools start Sept. 1 as do other schools. This year the trainings portal.” will include 74 majors and 125 Kazakhstan to launch one card library pass disciplines. it possible to exchange files and Faces project inspire further search book to Latin script by pressing Zhangozin announced during a Zhangozin also said out-of- Staff Report search books. of new ideas and creative projects. the key. This will be convenient recent press conference at the town students will be placed in “We plan to use a one card li- It is a responsibility to implement for future generations of read- Central Communications Service 16 existing dormitories and hos- ASTANA – Digital library brary pass throughout Kazakh- these projects,” he said. ers,” he said. that students are now able to sub- tels. The average cost per student cards, which give readers access stan. It is not necessary to apply More than 107,000 books have Using tablets in the classroom mit documents electronically for will be approximately 5,000 tenge to libraries nationwide using a sin- and get a card in each library. Citi- been published in Kazakhstan, also has many advantages. admission to the city’s vocational (US$13.9) per month. gle pass, will soon be introduced zens can use one card in all librar- noted Zholdybalinov. “I feel positive about using new schools. Kazakhstan’s education system in the country, said National Aca- ies. We aim to cooperate with for- “We want to download all the technologies in the classroom “Since Aug. 1 of the current allows students to choose between demic Library acting head Nur- eign libraries in this direction in books to the digital library. Cur- environment. Why should small year, submission of documents is high school and vocational school zhan Zholdybalinov in an Aug. 14 the future. Now, we are working rently, we are converting eBooks children carry 10 or more books? accessible in an electronic form. after middle school. Vocational announcement. on this,” he said. from Cyrillic to Latin script, be- All these books can be replaced The service is available on the school education provides both The project is one of several An IT specialist by occupation, cause the younger generation with a single tablet. The devices e.astana.kz portal. The number of academic general education and successful electronic updates, Zholdybalinov is one of the indi- will read books already in Latin are adapted for reading and do applications submitted currently advanced vocational education. which include implementing auto- viduals included in the 100 New script. For example, the digitised not damage the eyesight. Some through the portal is 1,508. The Programmes last for three to four mated information systems to ease Faces project. version of ‘Abai’s Way’ written countries prefer paper books. Ac- admission will last till Aug. 25,” years (grades 10-12, 13). Gradu- workloads. Now, libraries coor- “The Ruhani Zhangyru (Mod- by Mukhtar Auezov will be avail- cording to statistics, young people said Zhangozin. ates may go on to university or dinate with a single base through ernisation of Kazakhstan’s Iden- able both in Cyrillic and Latin in our country prefer to read elec- Zhangozin noted the vocational may begin working. international protocol, making tity) programme and its 100 New scripts. The user can convert the tronic books,” he added. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 Air taxi service shows country from unique angle when it comes to short distances,” customers back 340,000 tenge beauty from a bird’s eye view,” By Dilshat Zhussupova he noted. “For example, when the (US$944.52). To date, the taxi ser- noted Shynybayev. “From the hel- highway is closed off due to bad vice has served more than 300 pas- icopter’s large window, you may ASTANA – In paying closer at- weather, a helicopter is an excel- sengers and conducted in excess of admire the ornaments shaped by tention to technology trends and, lent alternative to a car. When you 100 flights. flower gardens, the winding paths perhaps, the sky, capital and Al- need to fly to a hard-to-reach place A variety of people choose to of parks and the sheer height of maty residents may have noticed or where there is no runway at all, sightsee via helicopter. Some- buildings. In Almaty, onlookers air services operating at an in- a helicopter is what comes to your times, a gift certificate from a are impressed in a distinctly dif- creasing pace. Aue Taxi, Kazakh- rescue.” friend or colleague nudges indi- ferent way by the indescribably stan’s first and only air taxi- ser Initially, the taxi service trans- viduals to seek such a unique ex- beautiful nature. Secondly, unlike vice, allows passengers to travel ported passengers and cargo on perience. Clients who value their an airplane, a helicopter soars at a on demand in the comfort of a Kazakh territory on an individual comfort and time are the ones who height of 200 metres above ground helicopter. application basis. usually rent helicopters across a and thus conveys the feeling that if Launched by Astana Business “As in any business, when you customised route, such as to visit you were to stretch out your hand, Aviation in 2014, the taxi service enter the market you inevitably production facilities. Celebrating you could touch the top of Khan also conducts passenger and cargo face issues such as tough com- wedding anniversaries or making Shatyr or a mountain.” charter flights. In an interview petition, unscrupulous suppliers marriage proposals in the air have The helicopters take flight any with The Astana Times, company and minor technical hiccups. All also become popular activities. time of the year, promising both director Kaisar Shynybayev spoke these factors may contribute to Opting to journey by helicopter, comfort and safety during the win- about what drives him, his busi- losses in investment, customers rather than by a ground or wa- ter. ness and his clients. and reputation,” said Shynybayev. ter vehicle, allows passengers to “If the purpose of your trip is an A Satbayev Kazakh National “Therefore, we had to work hard, have a bird’s eye view of the capi- excursion, a photography trip or Technical University graduate, frequently check on suppliers, per- tal’s architecture and scenery. A you just want to enjoy the beauti- Shynybayev majored in engineer- sonally meet and attend to every typical route includes impressive ful landscapes, then summer is un- ing and pursued entrepreneurship client and find problem-solving sights of its parks, shopping and doubtedly the best period to go,” after his studies. people to provide the necessary entertainment centres, sports sta- he added. “At the beginning of my career, support for our clients.” diums, universities, theatres and Aue Taxi will continue expand- I was engaged in various business His entrepreneurial nature soon famous monuments. An Almaty ing its services. Having recently areas,” he said. “This experience drove him to make helicopter route tours above more natural obtained permission for new has taught me to build relation- flights more accessible to the aver- landscapes such as Medeo Skating routes, the business will continue ships with clients and partners, age consumer. The idea to organise Rink, Shymbulak Ski Resort, Tur- developing its presence in Almaty monitor the market, set goals and excursion flights, where anyone gen Waterfall and Charyn Canyon. and, at a later point, other Kazakh understand that the outcome ul- could purchase a place on board Sightseers may also embark on a cities. timately depends on you alone. rather than rent an entire helicop- flight over Burabai resort, Elikty “For each person, flying is some- Perhaps, this is what determined ter, came in the months prior to Park ski and recreation centre, thing personal. For me, above all, the fact that I started my own busi- EXPO 2017. Before long, Aue ALZHIR memorial museum and it involves a conviction that every- ness.” Taxi’s efforts were recognised with site and even glaciers, which are thing is possible in life. After each Shynybayev launched Aue Taxi the Partner of Astana City award. otherwise closed to regular modes flight, you come to understand in response to a natural demand for The cost depends on the dis- of transport. that your limits rest in your head helicopter flights. tance, number of passengers and “First, it is a beautiful experi- alone and seek to set more ambi- “The helicopter is a more mobile hours in flight. A group flight is ence. Astana is a very beautiful tious goals, reach new heights and vehicle than most and it has a num- 55,000 tenge (US$152.79) per city with unusual architecture, but sense an inner freedom,” said Shy- ber of advantages over the airplane person and a private trip will set you can only truly appreciate its nybayev. Kindergartens, schools ready for Breast cancer 2018-2019 academic year mortality rate declines, mately 1.3 billion tenge (US$3.62 ers, will study in 7,024 schools this sixth and eighth grade textbooks. By Meruyert Abugaliyeva million) from regional budgets was year. Delivery is monitored on a daily ba- spent on 1,662 kindergartens. Twenty-one new schools were sis and as of Aug. 20, 82.7 percent ASTANA – School opens Sept. “More than 41,000 places in kin- opened during the summer. More had arrived. yet problem remains 1 and the Kazakh education sys- dergartens were created this year, than 100 schools are being built with Approximately 18 percent, or tem is ready for the academic year, so that 93 percent of children aged funds from the national budget and 495,000 students, will receive meals said Minister of Education and Sci- three-six are provided with a place,” 72 will be commissioned this year. at school from regional budgets and ence Yerlan Sagadiyev, reporting on said Sagadiyev. Local budgets funded building 94 donated funds. In three regions, free kindergarten and school prepara- Primary and secondary educa- schools, 17 of which will also wel- meals will be provided for first- tion during an Aug. 22 government tion received considerable atten- come students this year. fourth graders thanks to the initia- meeting. tion during the preparation process. Repairs were completed in 166 tives of regional akims (governors). The country has 10,311 kindergar- Improvements were introduced to schools and more than four billion Daily two-way transfers will be tens for nearly 900,000 pre-school- school syllabi and electronic text- tenge (US$11.1 million) was spent provided for 20,640 children resid- age children, including 6,727 public books were fully uploaded. No to fill fire extinguishers and improve ing in 1,558 settlements without and 3,584 private institutions. Ex- changes to the school uniform will firefighting systems. schools and 3,408 students will tensive repairs were completed in 72 be introduced this year. In addition to infrastructure up- study at boarding schools. The of 99 institutions, with the balance An excess of three million chil- grades, more than 28.6 billion tenge measures will cover 98 percent of to be finished by Aug. 31. Approxi- dren, including 350,000 first grad- (US$79 million) was spent on third, students in those areas. Online insurance to be introduced next year tracts will no longer be used and access, quality and cut the cost of tory and integrated securities reg- By Assel Satubaldina contracts will be verified through a insurance for people, protect the istrar. The law also provides for single database. The changes will rights of people using insurance the National Bank taking over of Dilyara Kaidarova, chief oncologist at the Ministry of Healthcare (C). ASTANA – Starting in 2019, also affect car users who will not services as well as boost the stock functions from the stock market Kazakh citizens will be able to need to show insurance on paper to market,” said the statement. to create and ensure the work of en to be screened after age 50, the complete insurance contracts on- a police officer. The document also said insur- an expert committee on manag- By Aidana Yergaliyeva Kazakh screening threshold was line, Kazakh National Bank press “Introduction of online insur- ance companies will be able to ing securities at the stock market reduced to 40 in an effort to fur- service reported recently. ance will allow cutting the cost of offer up to 10 percent discount to and the optimisation of permission ASTANA – Kazakh oncolo- ther decrease the mortality rate. The changes in the country’s insurance for population and busi- vehicle owners for compulsory in- procedures on the issuing, placing gists discussed breast cancer “Breast cancer in Kazakh legislation adopted July 2 allow nesses, signing of contracts direct- surance of civil liability signed in and closing of non-state equity se- mortality rates and why the coun- women is very aggressive. The online insurance and legitimisa- ly through online services of insur- electronic format. curities. try’s screening threshold was re- disease is getting younger; we tion of insurance policies in elec- ance firms without the need to visit Other changes introduced by the The creation of an integrated duced to age 40 during an Aug. diagnose these diseases even in tronic format, including in relation an office and interact with other recently adopted law on insurance information system for the over- 15 press conference. young women aged 35-40… and to both compulsory and volunteer intermediaries as well as speed up and stock market development in- the-counter securities market and The mortality rate reduced 9.7 among those who still breastfeed insurance. insurance payment process,” said a clude compulsory insurance for optimisation of procedures for percent from 2011-2017, said their babies. In other words, we With online insurance coming National Bank statement. citizens traveling abroad, integra- dividend payments stock are also Dilyara Kaidarova, the Minis- identify it [the disease] along into effect, paper insurance con- “The law is designed to increase tion of central securities deposi- stipulated in the document. try of Healthcare chief oncolo- with factors that, on the contrary, gist and director of the Kazakh should serve to prevent breast increase the motivation and re- Research Institute on Oncology cancer,” said Kaidarova as quot- sponsibility of Kazakh higher and Radiology. Figures declined ed by TengriNews. education institutions to provide from 1,377 cases (8.3 percent per Oncologists warn that even Kazakhstan to revoke licenses from higher-quality education. 100,000) in 2011 to 1,243 cases in the absence of complaints, The ministry plans to take addi- (6.9 percent per 100,000) in screenings should be done at tional measures such as calculating 2017, reported Kazinform. least once every two years. KPIs (key performance indicators) In the same time period, mam- “We encourage women to un- universities producing low employment for state university rectors and mogram screenings improved the dergo screenings in a timely sively and thereby leave only key Their credentials will be checked mandatory introduction of anti- timely diagnosis of breast cancer manner, at least one day a year. Staff Report areas that can produce competitive in accordance with a newly devel- plagiarism systems. Many univer- by 11.3 percent. Early (I-II) stage Usually when they are sick, our professionals in their area of study. oped system which is “prudential, sities highlighted the need for such diagnosis increased from 73.4 per- women do not come to the study ASTANA – The Ministry of “Where they can teach well, let objective, and independent of the measures themselves and are cur- cent (2,568 cases) in 2011 to 84.7 because there is no time,” she Science and Education will be in- them teach. Where a diploma does ministry,” said the minister. rently discussing the issue with the percent (3,677) six years later. added. troducing new measures that will not give good demand, teaching “This was suggested by the ministry. Despite the improvements, Breast cancer morbidity is revoke licenses from higher educa- does not make sense,” said Minis- higher education institutions Sagadiyev noted Kazakh Presi- breast cancer remains the most more frequent in the Almaty, tional institutions or their faculties ter of Education and Science Yer- themselves. We are proud to say dent Nursultan Nazarbayev in- frequent type with the highest Karaganda, Kostanai, Kyzylorda, producing specialists that have low lan Sagadiyev. that now in Kazakhstan a league creased the number of state morbidity rate. Records show Pavlodar and South Kazakhstan employability opportunities. The Qualification requirements for of universities is being created scholarships for higher education the disease resulted in 13.8 per- regions, as well as the capital and announcement was made Aug. 17 higher education institutions have that will systematically raise high institutions by 10,000 last year and cent of oncologic deaths last year Almaty, where the rate is approx- at the annual Kazakh teachers con- also become stricter. The ministry standards for students, stand for added 20,000 state grants this year. (14.5 percent in 2016), with an imately 30 percent. ference in the capital. is currently negotiating with the academic honesty [and work for “We were given a great trust, so incidence of 24.5 percent per Lower rates were recorded in The ministry has withdrawn 17 rectors of all Kazakh universities to the reputation of] the university [increasing] the responsibility of 100,000 in 2017 (26.1 percent in Mangistau (14.2 percent), South licenses from various universities determine the compatibility of their name over the current market con- universities for quality [of educa- 2016). Kazakhstan (14.7 percent), this year. Plans are underway to fil- status with their names, whether a ditions,” said Sagadiyev. tion] is the number one task,” he Although the World Health Or- Kyzylorda (15.4 percent) and ter “useless” faculties more inten- university, institute or academy. He added these changes should added. ganisation (WHO) advises wom- Atyrau (15.6 percent) regions. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 Turkestan, ancient city with rich history Investments in Mangistau region infrastructure to increase tourism Tourism represents a 1.2-percent By Aidana Yergaliyeva share of the gross regional product, reported Kazinform. ASTANA – Just a few years ago, A 485.2-million tenge (US$1.34 the Mangistau region could attract million) tourist complex recently visitors only for its wilderness. opened offering additional swim- Now, it is receiving significant in- ming pools and water attractions. vestment to create infrastructure Local authorities believe such large and make it a popular destination. expenditures are fully justified, The region, on the shores of Cas- as last year the complex attracted pian Sea, offers numerous historic 87,000 bathing season visitors. tourist and pilgrimage sites such as The regional akimat (administra- Beket Ata, the famous underground tion) and tourism committee are mosque. Despite the excellent po- also working on projects to enhance tential for tourism, the infrastructure and adapt Aktau’s beach, this year was extremely underdeveloped. extending the sand’s tourist-friendly There were no roads and travellers zone from just 1.5 km to 7 km. Au- Photo credit: wikipedia.org. Photo credit: always stressed the anti-sanitary thorities predict the entire beach line Khoja Ahmed Yassawi mausoleum. conditions. Yet, foreigners were still will be adapted for guests by 2019. attracted to the region, as it offered The project’s main focus is Rock powerful ruler of Central Asia, the Aisha Bibi mausoleum, dating to stroyed and a new building for pil- the unique experience of visiting Trail (Skalnaya tropa), a 2.2-km By Assel Satubaldina mausoleum is considered a mas- the 12th century, is also a popular grims constructed in 1990. exotic and pristine natural areas. pedestrian crossing over the steep terpiece of medieval architecture. destination among tourists, includ- The Turkestan railway station is “They like the absence of roads, cliffs connecting the city’s prom- ASTANA – Turkestan, an an- Prominent Kazakh leaders such as ing pilgrims. She was the daughter also part of Kazakh history. It was a journey accompanied by difficul- enade and beach zone. Experts feel cient city in southern Kazakhstan Abulkhair Khan, Abylai Khan and of Muslim saint Zengi Baba and built in 1903 during construction ties. For them, this is an extreme the site makes Aktau unique and is near the Syr Darya River, boasts Yessim Khan, as well as Kazakh Anvar Begim and as many as 28 of the southern branch of a famous kind of tourism. They are tired of key to attracting tourists. President more than 1,500 years of rich his- judge Kazbek-bi, one the three key versions circulate of the legend Orenburg-Tashkent Railroad. services using advanced technolo- Nursultan Nazarbayev showed this tory and numerous cultural and judges of the Kazakh Khanate, are surrounding her life. The most Those willing to visit Turkestan gies, when they receive everything trail to his counterparts from other sacred sites preserved to this day. buried inside the mausoleum. popular one tells a tragic love story and the southern part of the coun- at the touch of a button,” Gulmira Caspian littoral states during the Located approximately 862 kilo- The architectural complex is of young Karakhan Muhammad, try should be aware of high sum- Suyuova, regional tourism depart- Aktau summit on Aug. 12. metres from Almaty and 168 kilo- revered among Muslim pilgrims ruler of the ancient city of Taraz, mer temperatures. Visits are rec- ment deputy head, said in 2015 as The coastline still needs more at- metres from Shymkent, Turkestan throughout Central Asia, as many who fell in love with her. ommended in spring or fall. quoted by Azattyq.org. tention, however, as only three of its is a great destination to immerse in seek to commemorate Yassawi, an After her father prohibited her In June, President Nursultan Mangistau has finally received 29 recreation centres meet comfort the authentic and vibrant culture of influential Turkic Muslim religious from meeting the young man, Ai- Nazarbayev signed a decree mak- the government’s attention. To date, standards. Construction to provide medieval Central Asia with beauti- scholar and mystic who founded sha and her babysitter Babaji Kha- ing Turkestan the regional centre 78 accommodation spots have been the entire zone with access to elec- ful architectural complexes, noisy the Yassawiya order of Sufis. tun, whose mausoleum is close to of the newly renamed Turkestan built, 16 of which are certified ho- tricity and water will begin next bazaars and vast steppes. Timur died before the mauso- Aisha Bibi mausoleum, escaped Region (previously, South Ka- tels and two affiliated with interna- year. The northern part of the Silk leum was completed and it has the house at night. On their way zakhstan), and designating Shym- tional networks, Holiday Inn and Plans through 2023 allocate 18.5 Road once passed through Turke- remained in its original state. In to Taraz, a reptile killed the girl on kent, a city of one million people Marriott Renaissance. billion tenge (US$51.2 million) stan and the other ancient cities of 2004, it was included on the Unit- the shore of the Asa River. Mourn- and long-time regional centre, the The number of tourists increased for tourism infrastructure, with the the area such as Otyrar, Sairam, ed Nations Educational, Scientific ing his beloved one, Muhammad city of national significance, on a by 7 percent from 2016-2017, hope of attracting 20 billion tenge Sauran and Syganak. Linking east and Cultural Organisation (UN- buried her on the hill and gathered par with Astana and Almaty. reaching 205,904, with the volume (US$55.4 million) in private invest- and west, they were major centres ESCO) world cultural heritage list. masters to build a mausoleum on of services rendered by local places ments to build 32 hotels and recrea- of trade, culture and knowledge. An ancient mosque, library and her grave. hiking 5 percent to US$4.2 billion. tion centres. In the 16th century, Kazakh canteen are situated close to the The mausoleum represents a Getting there khans (rulers) chose Turkestan as complex. beautiful complex, as it is deco- Travelling by air will be the fast- the capital of the Kazakh Khanate, Capital resident Meiramgul rated with unique carved terracotta est and probably most comfortable leveraging on the city’s significant Beisenova believes the mausole- tiles that, unlike other ancient option. The nearest airport is in symbolic meaning in the region. um is a “pearl of Turkestan.” She buildings, were not glued to the Shymkent, where flights are oper- Officials recently reported more travelled to the city several years bricks. ated frequently from other Kazakh than one million people visited the ago, noting it embraced both Ka- The tomb of Gaukhar Ana, Yas- regions and big cities, including city last year, many travelling to zakh and Uzbek motifs due to its sawi’s daughter, is also considered Almaty and the capital. Taxis, sacred places spanning the entire proximity to the border. a sacred place and one of the oldest busses and trains depart hourly to southern part of Kazakhstan. Arystan Bab mausoleum, de- monuments in Turkestan dating to Turkestan. For many tourists, their trip to voted to Yassawi’s teacher, is also the 12th-14th centuries. Legends The train is a cheaper option, but Turkestan starts at the mausoleum worth a visit. Many pilgrims be- say she was a healer and as she the ride is longer. The journey from of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi dating to lieve the stop there should be made was unable to have children, be- Astana to Turkestan takes approxi- the 15th and 16th centuries. Built before visiting Yassawi’s mauso- came mother to all she treated. Her mately 27 hours. The bus between in the late 14th century by a de- leum as a tribute to the scholar’s name means Mother Gaukhar. the cities, though less comfortable, cree of Timur (Tamerlane), once a tutor. The original grave was de- is another option. kazinform.kz Photo credit: Qazaq Geography embarks on fourth expedition 20th anniversary of the Kazakh Buiratau National Park, the first in the Pavlodar region. They rificed animals and worshipped zakhstan’s most ancient mosques By Meruyert Abugaliyeva capital, will continue through stop, is famous for birdwatching stopped near Toraigyr Lake, well the Sun, is often called the local built by Kunanbai Oskenbayuly, Sept. 4. Participants, including opportunities near Azhibai Lake. known for fish diversity, and Stonehenge. father of famous poet Abai. ASTANA – Sary-Arka, the TV journalists, tour operators Visitors can observe grebes, her- Zhasybai Lake in the mountain The current destination is The itinerary includes two fourth expedition of the Kazakh and local and foreign travel blog- ons, swans, ducks, waders and foothills. In addition to its natu- Karkaraly National Park in the more destinations, Kokshetau National Geographic Society gers, will travel 4,595 kilometres gulls from a quiet shelter on the ral beauty, the park is also appre- Karaganda region. The team National Park and Korgalzhyn (Qazaq Geography), set off from across the Akmola, Pavlodar, shore. ciated for its sacred objects. The climbed the mountains to reach Nature Reserve, which is includ- Astana Aug. 20. Karaganda and North Kazakh- The team continued its jour- mount, dating to the early Iron Shaitankol Lake at an attitude of ed on the United Nations Edu- The journey, dedicated to the stan regions. ney to Bayan Ayul National Park Age where ancient people sac- 1,200 metres and visited one of Ka- cational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage List. The goal of the expedition is to identify problems hampering tour- ism development, propose sugges- tions for tackling those issues, ex- plore new tourist routes and create illustrated visitor guides and photo banks. “We are very pleased to take part in such a large-scale project. We hope that everything will run smoothly and we will be able to demonstrate spectacular sites in 16 days. We will broadcast on social media and television so that every Kazakh citizen and foreign guest can enjoy nature’s beauty,” said Qazaq Geography project manager Nurzhan Algashov. The Sary-Arka expedition is a part of Uly Dala Eline Sayahat (Tour across the Country of the Great Steppe), a large-scale pro- ject organised by the Kazakh Tour- ism national company. The effort includes five more itineraries – Pearls of the Tian Shan, Altai – the Cradle of the Civilisation, Jungar Alatau, From Sea to Sea, and New Silk Road – to the country’s most important tourist destinations in eleven regions. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 Fencer Alexanin Kazakhstan in 10th place at 2018 Asian Games captured silver and bronze, respec- Kazakh ju-jitsu fighters Nartay That gold pushed Kazakhstan By Abira Kuandyk tively. Kazhekov, Nurzhan Seiduali and Ri- past Uzbekistan in the medal table Lutsenko earned his second gold zat Makhashev brought Kazakhstan of the Asian Games and into the top wins Kazakhstan’s ASTANA – With 44 medals, Ka- Aug. 24 in the men’s 40-kilometre bronze medals. 10. zakhstan is currently in 10th place at individual time trial, advancing past Kazakh karate fighter Guzaliya Taekwondo fighter Cansel Deniz, the 18th Asian Games. At the end of Uzbek and Japanese athletes. Gafurova (women’s 68-kg) brought the men’s doubles tennis team of day ten, the country’s athletes have “I congratulate our team with the sixth gold to the country Aug. 27. It Aleksander Bublik and Denis Yev- first gold at 2018 collected seven gold, eight silver gold medal. I am happy to bring the is the second time in her career she seyev, the Kazakh women’s water and 29 bronze medals. second gold medal from cycling. defeated an opponent from China in polo team and Kazakh karate fighter The games are taking place Aug. I wish good luck to all athletes in the final of the Asian games. Didar Amirali took silver. Similar Asian games 18-Sept. 2 in Jakarta and Palem- the 2018 Asian games. Go Kazakh- Gafurova is a bronze medalist at medals were presented to wrestlers bang, Indonesia. stan!” he said. the World Championships of, two- Zhuldyz Eshimova (women’s 53-kg Fencer Dmitriy Alexanin brought Ju-jitsu is making its first appear- times Asian Games champion, silver freestyle), Daniyar Kaisanov (men’s Kazakhstan its first gold, beating ance at the Games, and athletes and bronze medalist of the Asian 74-kg freestyle), Almat Kebispayev current Olympic champion Park Darkhan Nortayev and Ruslan Is- Games, three-time silver and two- (men’s 67-kg Greco-Roman) and Sang-young of South Korea Aug. 19 railov took gold medals. time bronze medalist of Asian cham- Nurmakhan Tinaliyev (men’s 130- in the men’s epee individual final. Darkhan Nortayev (newaza men’s pionships and the 24th right karate kg Greco-Roman). Cyclist Alexey Lutsenko grabbed 62-kg) grabbed the country’s gold competitor in the world. The 2018 Asian Games have at- the country’s second gold medal medal, beating an athlete from the The Kazakh team in rhythmic gym- tracted 10,000 athletes from 45 four days later in the individual United Arab Emirates in a decisive nastics, Dayana Abdirbekova, Alina countries to compete in 40 sports. men’s cycling road race. He com- match Aug. 25. Ruslan Israilov Adilkhanova and Adilya Tlekenova, The Kazakh national team is repre- pleted the 145.5-kilometre course in (newaza men’s 77-kg) also took brought the seventh gold medal to sented by 440 athletes, 404 of whom three hours, 25 minutes, 25 seconds. gold, defeating a Kyrgyz athlete in Kazakhstan, defeating the Uzbekistan vie for medals in 25 Olympic sports Athletes from Japan and Thailand the final Aug. 26. and South Korea national teams. in 37 disciplines. Aleksey Lutsenko brings second gold at 2018 Asian Games ond faster than Japan’s Fumiyuki By Anuar Abdrakhmanov Beppu. It took a photo finish to determine the winner. Thailand’s Photo credit: inform.kz. Photo credit: ASTANA – Kazakh cyclist Navuti Liphongyu took third. By Anuar Abdrakhmanov It happened that I fought against the Aleksey Lutsenko recently won a “Words cannot express my cur- Olympic bronze winner in the semi- gold medal in the group race at the rent feelings. Thanks to everyone ASTANA – Kazakh fencer Dmi- finals and in the final against the cur- 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. who supported me. I tried my best. triy Alexanin recently won Ka- rent Olympic champion. I aimed to A rider from South Korea was A gold medal is the best result for zakhstan’s first gold medal at the beat both of them. I knew that the ahead of Lutsenko for most of the us. Kazakhstan has had another 2018 Asian Games. latter would be in the final. I tried to 145.5-kilometre distance, but the medal. Tomorrow is another im- He beat the 2016 Olympic search for loopholes. Finally, I could tactics and discipline of Kazakh- portant day. So, keep supporting. Kazakhstan currently holds 33 won the Tour of Oman following Games champion Park Sang- do it! It was hard, but we managed. stan’s team helped him get out I’d like to especially thank guys young of South Korea 15:12. Go Kazakhstan,” said Alexanin. medals at the Games, including the total score of the team. He also “I am overwhelmed with emo- The Summer Asian Games be- ahead before the finish line . from my team. We controlled the three gold, seven silver and 23 won one of the stages of the Tour tions. Everything was good. A colos- gan Aug. 18. The national team of The final sprint took place race, and did our best. I can only bronze medals of Austria. In addition, Lutsenko sal work was done. I would like to Kazakhstan is represented by 440 among five athletes: Lutsenko, two thank them for the first place. The This is not the first victory for significantly helped Miguel Angel recognise my trainers Albert Valenti- athletes, of which 404 athletes will Japanese riders and two Thai rid- day was the best, as well as the Lutsenko this season. Earlier this Lopes on the way to his first gener- novich and Aleksey Borisovich. We fight for medals in 25 Olympic ers. Lutsenko edged them all out at team. Go Kazakhstan!” Lutsenko year, he won the group race at Ka- al classification prize in the Grand strived together towards this victory. sports in 37 sports disciplines. 3:25:25, just a thousandth of a sec- said after the event. zakhstan’s championship, and he Tour of Italy. Astana Marathon has raised almost $100,000 for charity running event that has been organ- and more runners of all abilities, in- ticipants to reach 5,000 people from (International Association of Athlet- timing system. However, athletes By Aidana Yergaliyeva ised annually since 2009 in the capi- cluding not only Kazakhs but people more than 20 countries. ics Federations). The IAAF has certi- can be disqualified and removed tal. The marathon promotes a healthy from around the globe. This year, the Astana is becoming a popular mar- fied the route of marathon’s distance. from the route for failing to meet the ASTANA – The annual interna- lifestyle and raises money for charity. organisers note a record number of athon destination as it has to offer a Marathon participants aged 16 six-hour deadline. tional Astana Marathon 2018 to be The money collected from last elite runners from Ethiopia, Kenya, flat race route. and older will run a distance of 10 The marathon will run from 7 held Sept. 16 has raised 36 million year’s marathon allowed the AYALA Eritrea and Uganda will participate. The Astana Marathon joined the kilometres, while those older than a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will tenge (US$99,675) since its exist- Foundation to buy and install equip- To date, 2,711 people from 19 Association of International Mara- 18 can choose routes up to 42.2 kil- gather at the corner of Ryskulov ence to support Kazakh charities, ment for hypothermia in new-borns countries have registered, accord- thons and Distance Races (AIMS) ometres. The runners will be able to Street and 2 Turkestan Street, in reports inform.kz. for the first time in Kazakhstan. ing to the marathon organisers. In this year and has filed an application receive their results on the same day the parking lot P4 opposite to the Astana Marathon is a big outdoor Every year, this event attracts more total, they expect the number of par- for the Bronze Label in the IAAF with the help of the Chronotrack EXPO 2017 campus. Scholar examines resurgence of Kokpar... Continued from Page B1 building one’s own symbolic capi- and Expo games. Kyrgyzstan is the “Some say there is less inter- and Kulager from South Kazakh- The mounts are prepared ac- tal, fame and popularity as a per- site of the World Nomad Games. est for kokpar among the young; stan, are the ones that usually com- cording to a certain schedule. Separate from entertainment son who respects tradition,” noted “Interestingly, in the kokpar fi- however, at the same time you pete in the final. “In summer, horses are fat- and sport, the game is becoming a Bigozhin. nal you are most likely to see two can see a lot of youth aged 16-17 The horse plays a major, central tened in South Kazakhstan; then, growing social phenomenon. Kokpar is becoming internation- teams, Kyrgyz and Kazakh. There who are playing and having their role in kokpar, followed by the role the cooling process is gradually “As any cultural tradition, kok- al, as it is widespread in Afghani- is a lot of connection, friendship social media pages with their own of the human. introduced in which the number par game is highly reconstructed stan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and socialising between Kyrgyz fans and publicity. They are treat- “Without a well-trained stallion, of calories given to the horse is and reimagined. As an anthropolo- Mongolia, Turkey, Russia and Uz- kokboru and Kazakh kokpar that ed similarly to soccer players with a person will not win kokpar. You decreased and cardio trainings im- gist, I would say that there is a lot bekistan. Teams from many coun- goes along with the rivalry,” he their own champions, stars, win- can be a great player, but if you do proved,” said Bigozhin. of re-imagination,” said Bigozhin. tries have travelled to Kazakhstan, said. ners and losers,” he added. not have a well-prepared horse, “When it is getting fresher, “Since 2016, after the start of which has hosted the Uly Dala Student teams with their own Bigozhin noted the two strong- you are more likely to lose,” he there are village trainings con- the Ruhani Zhangyru (Moderni- ducted on Sundays, where teams Oindary (Great Steppe Games) rules are also appearing in Almaty. est teams, Aulie Ata from Taraz said. sation of Kazakhstan’s Identity) play six players against six and programme and the mass spread- ride horses. This is similar to ing by the Kazakh National Sports other professional sportsmen’s Federation, young people in many trainings such as jogging,” he rural areas pursue the career of added. kokparshy,” he added. Horses are played on the defence Personal interest, desire and en- line and as attackers depending on thusiasm push players, as financial their physical structure. success is not the main driver. “Horses are also getting trained “I met one guy from Koschy (a to push the opponent and to stop village near Astana) who never near the opponent. A horse can be had horses. He decided, though, in imperfect physical shape, but to buy two horses and expressed it cannot be mentally damaged. his desire to develop kokpar game Kokpar is like horse rugby; clash- in Koschy. He said other villages ing together at full speed is not an near Astana such as Ilinka and Ta- exception, involving injuries and lapker play kokpar; thus, there is a traumas,” said Bigozhin. need to develop kokpar in Koschy Kokpar is a very tough game, as well,” he said. as players need to be born in a Some kokpar enthusiasts seek village, have more physical train- popularity and respect in their ings in open fields or work with communities through their horses. animals. “There are other kokpar enthusi- “Thus, the best kokpar play- asts who will never play, but will ers are usually those who work buy a horse, keep it and find a sha- with animals, horses. In Kazakh, bandoz (equestrian) who will play they are named ‘zhylkyshylar’ or on his horse for every game and ‘malshylar’ (shepherds),” he add- make his name famous. It is like bnews.kz. Photo credit: ed. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 New recreation zones offer leisure and novelty bikers may traverse a skatepark By Dilshat Zhussupova with steep climbs. Curious passers- by stumped by the Ames room’s ASTANA – Visitors young and optical illusions and youngsters old may now enjoy the comforta- amuse themselves on the play- ble and quirky surroundings of the ground’s slides and swings. newly-opened Park Chemodanov The cost of both projects was (Park of Suitcases) and Skver Ily- 130 million tenge (US$357,890), uzii (Square of Illusions) in the said Azamat Zhanatayev, director Saryarka district, reported Inform. of section for perspective plan- kz. Construction began in May ning of managing environmental and the recreation zones opened in projects of the city’s Department time for the capital’s 20th anniver- for Environmental Protection and sary celebrations. Nature Management Department . “Given the way in which the ar- The two sites were previously chitectural space is structured, each occupied by deteriorating barrack- square has its own unique style,” type houses, with limited space to said Yerassyl Sembayev, specialist walk and rest. Now, pedestrians at the city’s Environmental Protec- may take a break on the benches tion and Nature Management De- and find shade under the trees, partment. which were preserved during and Located near 5 Birzhan Sal after construction. Street, Park Chemodanov is aptly Residents may also look forward named given its proximity to the to visiting Skver Kamnei (Square railway station. Children may of Stones) in September. Located imagine themselves as travellers on Saryarka Avenue near house 27, when playing among the iron suit- its three recreational areas include cases, rails and even wheeled ten- stone installations, one playground nis tables scattered throughout its with various sports equipment 2,293 square metres. and a second with space for a cof- Skver Ilyuzii, measuring 2,765 fee shop or fast food eatery. The square metres, is located at the in- 2,304-square metre park was cre- tersection of Respublika Avenue ated at a cost of approximately 55

and Dukenuly Street. Skaters and million tenge (US$151,415). nur.kz. Photo credit: First knitting City’s economy grows in first half of 2018 increased from 342.4 billion year. The SME sector alone cre- tenge (US$715.31 million). The By Aidana Yergaliyeva tenge (US$952.26 million) to ated 10,887 new employment op- forecast for the year is 661.5 bil- 461.3 billion (US$1.28 billion) in portunities. The unemployment lion (US$1.84 billion). The de- festival incorporates ASTANA – A recent data report the period from January till July. rate for the second quarter was cline in construction is due to the published by Astana Akimat (city This type of investment com- 4.5 percent. construction of EXPO 2017 fa- administration) shows positive prises 88.7 percent of the fixed Another positive dynamic was ob- cilities, including a new railway creativity, social trends in basic economic sectors capital. served in trade development. There station, a terminal at the inter- in the first seven months of this As for small and medium-size was an increase of 3.6 percent with national airport, the large Mega year. enterprises (SMEs), the number of the total volume reaching 650.8 bil- Silkway shopping centre and new Approximately 519.9 billion operating entities increased 10.5 lion tenge (US$1.81 billion). hotels. justice tenge (US$1.45 billion) of in- percent (107,900 units). On aver- The input of income from op- Large infrastructure projects vestment was attracted in the first age, about 1,400 new businesses erations (IFO) of housing was are planned for the second half seven of whom constitute socially seven months of this year, report- open each month in Astana. 90.1 percent, with 1.5 million of 2018. Other large projects will By Dilshat Zhussupova vulnerable persons, as part of her ed Inform.kz. SME production increased by square metres of housing being also continue development in the efforts to help others master new The industrial sector has grown 6.8 percent reaching 908.8 billion used. The plan for the year is second half of 2018, including the ASTANA – Astana’s first knit- skills, socialise themselves and be 3.1 percent, which is 331.6 bil- tenge (US$2.53 billion) in the 2.3 million square metres. At the building of a new light rail tram ting festival Brain Yoga of the 21st exposed to social entrepreneur- lion tenge (US$922.23 million). first quarter of this year. The share same time, the pace of housing system, storm sewerage, thermo- Century gathered professional and ship. The share of foreign investment of tax revenues from SMEs is 46 increases monthly. For example, electric power stations, roads, amateur knitters in the nation’s “I teach people how to knit. It is increased almost threefold from percent, which is about 592.6 mil- 235,000 square metres were built multi-storey residential complex- capital Aug. 16. Astana residents a kind of therapy, since it helps to 10.5 percent to 27.1 percent com- lion tenge (US$1.65 million). in July, which is 14.8 percent es and other facilities. By the end weathered rainy conditions to at- concentrate and cope with prob- pared to the same period last year. Approximately 12,650 new more than in June. of the year, it is planned to start tend the event dedicated to their lems and ailments. For some, Similarly, as compared to the jobs were created, which is 16.5 The IFO of construction works projects worth more than 470.5 favourite pastime, reports Inform. knitting is their only way to earn last year, off-budget investments percent more than in the previous was 80.9 percent or 257.2 billion billion tenge (US$1.31 billion). kz. money,” said Mukusheva, who “With the support of the Astana found solace and a steady income Akimat (city administration), we in her knitting business after fac- had an opportunity to hold a knit- ing job loss. ting festival where everyone, re- Another social-minded aspect of gardless of age, health or profes- the festival included the opportu- Astana sees rise in transport card use sion could learn to knit or improve nity for attendees to knit clothing their existing skills,” said festival for prematurely-born babies, facil- to pay fares rose from 36 percent entiated fares, workday passenger tre or approximately 12 tenge Founder and social entrepreneur itated by Club 28 Petel (28 Loops) By Meruyert Abugaliyeva to 89 percent in July and has re- traffic has increased from 530,000 (US$0.03) with cash. Rakhima Mukusheva. volunteers. mained stable. to 580,000 passengers a day. Ap- Children’s fares on urban routes Festival goers marvelled at the “Doctors told me that prema- ASTANA – The number of Two-thirds of cardholders ob- proximately 418,000 people travel are 40 tenge (US$0.11) for card exhibition of crafts and had the op- ture babies have a thermoregula- transport card users has almost tained cards from the special by bus on weekends. users and 90 tenge (US$0.26) with portunity to try their hand at knit- tion disorder and there is a need doubled since the July 21 introduc- terminals and 15 percent from Starting July 21, bus passengers cash. For express routes, the fee is ting, yarn spinning and wool felt- to take care by retaining their tion of differentiated fares and the specialised offices, according have two options to pay for the 90 tenge (US$0.26) by card or 125 ing themselves in master classes heat from the first seconds. Pure new enter-and-exit rules for city to Astana Light Rail Transport ride, cash or transport card. For tenge (US$0.36) with cash. free of charge. Those looking for wool socks give warmth and, at bus passengers. (LRT) press service data. Four- urban routes, the non-cash fare is The card also allows bus passen- more physically demanding activi- the same, constantly massage – The initial 221,000 transport teen percent used QIWI termi- 90 tenge (US$0.26), while the cash gers to switch buses once within ties took part in yoga and samba a baby feels discomfort because cardholders reached 405,000 by nals and 6 percent the kaspi.kz fare is 180 tenge (US$0.52). The one hour free of charge. classes. A picnic format, hammock of the scratchy wool and he or the end of the month. As of Aug. 7, service. non-cash fare for express routes Cards may be purchased for 400 area and a concert encouraged at- she moves, not forgetting to the figure had risen to 415,000, in- At the same time, the number of is 180 tenge (US$0.52); the cash tenge (US$1.15) at 30 terminals tendees to stay long after they breathe,” said photographer and cluding 61,900 passengers eligible tickets provided for cash payments fare, 250 tenge (US$0.72). For throughout the city and refilled at sampled the exhibitions, contests journalist Karlygash Nurzhanova for bus fare discounts. decreased from 239,365 to 53,027. suburban routes, the non-cash fare designated offices, QIWI terminals The share of transport cards used and classes. who initiated the social project Since the introduction of differ- is 8 tenge (US$0.02) per kilome- and on the kaspi.kz website. Knitters, including staff of the Club 28 Petel in 2012. knitting studio Bergen and those Those who missed out on the with physical challenges, had the festival still have the opportunity opportunity to sell their handiwork to get involved in knitting by tak- at the festival. Cardigans, sweaters ing beginner classes at Mukush- and bags were available for sale. eva’s school, which cost 20,000 Digital solutions reduce crime rate Mukusheva runs Astana’s knit- tenge (US$55.41) per month and by 21 percent, road traffic injuries will help implement smart city pro- gion also introduced an e-apartment ting school and studio Bergen. are free for individuals belonging By Zhanna Shayakhmetova decreased by 20 percent and traf- jects,” he said. owners’ cooperative, smart kinder- There, she employs 12 people, to socially vulnerable groups. fic related deaths rate fell by half Those projects will be imple- garten and open akimat. ASTANA – Sergek video surveil- compared to last year. We also plan mented this year in five directions Kostanai region started agro- lance has helped police authorities to introduce projects on urban se- – security, housing and communal industrial complex digitisation and detect approximately 2,000 admin- curity such as predictive policing services, transport, education and Smart Kostanai, an app with more istrative violations in the first half of and face recognition,” said head of health. than 40 city services. the year, resulting in fines of more the investments and business de- Earlier, the Ministry of Health- than 14 million tenge (US$38,787). velopment department Alisher Ab- care also announced plans to trans- The indicators were reviewed on dykadyrov. “We want to get fer approximately 20 services to the inaugural day of digitisation at Implementing the projects has also feedback from electronic format, including hospi- the Astana Hub Aug. 10 for Ak- reduced the crime rate by 40 percent talisation records, issuing medical mola, Astana, Kostanai and North and resulted in a paperless work- both sides within certifications and other services. Kazakhstan region representatives flow. Hospital queues were lowered a month. From the The oncologic test for express di- dedicated to smart city projects. and public transport became more agnostics, blockchain in drug trace- Initiated by Zerde Holding, the comfortable and convenient. city authorities, we ability and analysis of accumulated day of digitisation for state bodies The day of digitisation will be data for predictive diagnosis will be and the domestic IT market serves held in other four cities, noted want to know what introduced in the near future. as an interactive platform to ensure Deputy Board Chairperson Yerlan challenges they face The Ministry of Finance has ap- state agencies’ openness to market Yesmambetov. The next meetings proximately 25 information sys- offers and introduce the IT market are scheduled in Almaty, Aktobe, in the implementation tems. Electronic public procure- to Digital Kazakhstan projects. Karaganda and Shymkent. of projects.” ment is one of the most successful The capital administration pre- “We want to get feedback from projects, with nearly 50 Kazakh sented four projects executed in both sides within a month. From the start-up companies using its pub- various sectors, including Smart city authorities, we want to know The smart school pilot project, lished data. The ministry is open Healthcare, iKomek (operational what challenges they face in the im- including electronic attendance re- to considering proposals from de- monitoring and help centre), Intelli- plementation of projects. As for the cords, e-library and non-cash can- velopers on creating a special user- gent Transport System and Sergek. IT community, they should provide teen payments, was launched in the friendly app for the universal decla- “The accident rate decreased ready-made technical solutions that North Kazakhstan region. The re- ration of income and property.