+16° / +14°C WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 No 17 (131) www.astanatimes.com IAEA low enriched uranium fuel bank President opens opens in Ust-Kamenogorsk Parliament’s

By Yerbolat Uatkhanov

ASTANA – The International third session Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) menting a number of strategi- supported by the Kazakh govern- By Aigerim Seisembayeva cally important tasks. The Parlia- ment opened Aug. 29 its first-ever ment and the government must Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) ASTANA – The third session take all the necessary measures Bank in Kazakhstan. The $150 of the Kazakh Parliament’s sixth to ensure the implementation of million facility will help ensure a convocation opened Sept. 4 with the Plan of the Nation, the state- steady supply of low enriched ura- President Nursultan Nazarbayev of-the-nation address and all the nium for countries’ nuclear power setting the legislature’s tasks for programmes adopted over the programmes. the coming 10 months. past years,” he said. Speaking at the bank’s elaborate Speaking before the members Nazarbayev dwelled on cer- launch ceremony in Astana’s newly of both chambers, Nazarbayev tain areas of social development, opened Hilton Hotel, Kazakhstan summed up the results of Parlia- drawing attention to the tasks of President Nursultan Nazarbayev ment’s work during the previous modernising national identity highlighted that during the years session and stressed the impor- and ensuring economic growth. of independence, his country has tance of continuing the current “This year, the draft of the progressed from the holder of the legislative reform provisions. new tax code will be submitted world’s fourth nuclear arsenal to a The head of state noted Ka- to the Parliament. We must sig- leader in global non-proliferation. zakhstan’s internal stability and nificantly improve our tax policy He said that the opening of the bank public consensus made possible and encourage business to work is the result of many years of work the three modernisation process- transparently. There is a need to and is a very important event for the es relating to economy, politics improve legislation on special state. and national identity. He also economic and industrial zones. “As a state possessing large vol- mentioned the external tenden- We also need to legislatively umes of uranium-containing raw cies and challenges the country provide the National Bank with materials, we contribute to the is currently facing: an unstable more opportunities for effective peaceful use of atomic energy,” he sufficient to run a 1,000 MW light cated to the energy of the future, in the European Union, Kuwait, Nor- global environment, the sanc- control over banks,” he said. said at the ceremony. water reactor or give power to a Astana,” President Nazarbayev fur- way, the United Arab Emirates, “The LEU Bank will serve as a large city for three years. ther said. and the Washington-based Nuclear tions policy pursued by world The President also noted the last-resort mechanism to provide President Nazarbayev said that by “I am confident that the IAEA Threat Initiative, an NGO which powers and the spread of destruc- importance of developing the confidence to countries that they providing the IAEA the possibility LEU Bank will make a valuable jump-started the process of its es- tive phenomena that, according insurance system, sorting out will be able to obtain LEU for the to establish the LEU Bank, Kazakh- contribution to international efforts tablishment with an offer of $50 to Nazarbayev, are becoming medicine turnover, ensuring the manufacture of fuel for nuclear stan is helping to strengthen the non- to ensure the availability of fuel for million as seed money provided by even more active. country’s informational security power plants in the event of an un- proliferation regime and creating a nuclear power plants,” Amano said billionaire Warren Buffet. “At the same time, total digi- and implementing law enforce- foreseen, non-commercial disrup- unique mechanism for the safe sup- at the event. In 2009, Kazakhstan proposed to talisation is gaining momentum, ment reforms. tion to their supplies,” IAEA Direc- ply of nuclear fuel. He emphasised The IAEA plans to start buying host the LEU bank in Kazakhstan bearing both new opportunities “The Parliament and the whole tor General Yukiya Amano, who that the bank will function under the uranium soon and to start shipping under the IAEA. An agreement was and risks. All of these mean that country are to carry out big and addressed the ceremony as well, full control of the IAEA and will be it to the bank in 2018. signed with the IAEA on Aug. 27, at the time of modernisation, responsible work. Large-scale said on Aug. 28. in its official legal possession. The IAEA is the world’s central 2015. Kazakhstan is a leading pro- every minute counts. Kazakhstan tasks and solutions are, in fact, The LEU Bank is based at the “We are the largest producer of intergovernmental organisation, es- ducer of uranium, boasting more surely needs to keep up and I our response to the global chal- Ulba Metallurgical Plant (UMP) in uranium and are ready to play an tablished for scientific and techni- than 15 percent of global uranium know we can do it,” he said. lenges of 2017. Modernisation Ust-Kamenogorsk, in the East Ka- important role in the world energy. cal cooperation in the nuclear field. reserves. The President noted the legis- requires the mobilisation of all zakhstan region. The facility will Also, Kazakhstan is in the main- The IAEA seeks safe, secure and Russia established its own LEU lative process has become more forces. Under the new condi- store nuclear fuel and sell it to IAEA stream of a global green trend. That peaceful uses of nuclear technolo- bank in 2010, but the LEU bank in transparent. Parliamentary hear- tions, the legislative and execu- members. The bank will store up to is why we are holding the EXPO gies and science. Kazakhstan is the first to be fully ings have become more frequent tive branches should collaborate 90 tonnes of low-enriched uranium, 2017 international exhibition, dedi- The bank is funded by the U.S., owned and managed by the IAEA. and experts and representatives constructively,” he said. of civil society and the media are The session was attended by invited to bill consideration pro- a renewed Senate. The upper cesses. Kazakh citizens are not chamber elections in June re- always aware of their legal rights sulted in 16 new deputies, one and duties, however, and special from each region, the capital and Kazakhstan can be moral leader, key mediator attention should therefore be paid Almaty. to explanatory work, he stressed. Parliament currently has 27 “During the previous session, bills under consideration. Some the Parliament considered and of the most important are the in nuclear disarmament: head of CTBTO draft laws on taxation, insurance, adopted 84 draft laws. Among ation and ultimately nuclear weap- non-proliferation and disarmament well-aware of the risks of nuclear them is the law ‘On Amendments housing, social security and reg- By Dmitry Lee ons disarmament. movements should be the next fo- weapon testing in the country.” and Additions to the Constitution ulating the agro-industrial com- “Japan as a country that has suf- cus for the organisation. “Now this youth needs to join of the Republic of Kazakhstan.’ plex. The members are expected ASTANA – Executive Secretary fered from nuclear weapon use and “Kazakhstan has participated in youth from other countries together Fifteen bills were elaborated on to pay close attention to the new many meetings with youth, as we of the Vienna-based Comprehen- Kazakhstan as the country that has with what has been achieved with the legislature’s initiative over version of the law on currency are focusing on a big youth com- President Nazarbayev in Kazakh- sive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Or- suffered the most nuclear explo- the past year,” said Nazarbayev. regulation and currency control. ponent. What I am trying to do as stan, so people are well aware about ganisation (CTBTO) Preparatory He also emphasised the high The legislature will also consider sions” have the experience to back my next step is to join the efforts what happened at the Semipalatinsk Commission Dr. Lassina Zerbo up their position, he told The Asta- by [Kazakh] President Nursultan nuclear test site; so that never again responsibility of the Parliament the code on taxes, other manda- believes Kazakhstan and Japan na Times in an exclusive interview. Nazarbayev, who has spent all there would be a situation where this and the government to execute tory budget payments and cus- have a moral obligation to lead the Zerbo is a staunch believer that efforts to make sure the youth in is possible,” he stressed. the tasks set before the govern- toms regulations, as well as the world toward nuclear non-prolifer- involving youth in nuclear weapon Kazakhstan are well-educated and Continued on Page A6 mental bodies. code on subsoil and subsoil use, “Today, Kazakhstan is imple- before the end of the year. UN General Assembly commemorates Economy grows International Day against Nuclear Tests By George D. Gleboff President Peter Thomson called this date, Aug. 29, the UN Interna- “More than 2,000 nuclear tests 4 percent for global action to halt nuclear tional Day against Nuclear Tests, as a have been conducted over the past NEW YORK – The United Na- tests and the proliferation of nu- tribute to the victims of nuclear tests seven decades — from the South tions General Assembly (UNGA) clear arsenals and materials. and a reminder to all humankind of a Pacific to North America, from commemorated the International Under-Secretary-General and serious threat to international stabil- Central Asia to North Africa. They in 2017 so far Day against Nuclear Tests with an High Representative for Disarma- ity and security. It also called upon have harmed some of the world’s Nursultan Nazarbayev, said Sulei- Aug. 30 special meeting highlighting ment Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu made all countries to unite their efforts most vulnerable peoples and pris- By Assel Satubaldina menov. the need for unified efforts to legally a statement on behalf of UN Secre- for the early entry into force of the tine ecosystems,” the statement “The tax and budget policy is stop further nuclear weapons testing. tary-General António Guterres. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban noted. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s what ensures macroeconomic Addressing the audience, UNGA speech reflected the importance of Treaty (CTBT). Continued on Page A3 economy has witnessed a 4-per- stability and this year the mac- cent growth in the first seven roeconomic situation is good, months of 2017 and Minister as we witnessed a 4-percent of Economy Timur Suleimenov growth. The current budget sit- marked the overall macroeco- uation is also good,” said Sulei- Pugwash Council calls for nomic stability during an Aug. menov. 29 government meeting that The economy is expected focused on the main priorities to grow 3.4 percent through of the nation’s socio-economic the end of this year, he added. nuclear disarmament development for 2018-2022. Referring to the International The government also approved Monetary Fund report, he noted ar weapons and to spare no efforts “One of the initiatives that the significant factors that led to the global economy is projected the budget for the next three By Zhanna Shayakhmetova towards achieving a nuclear-weap- changed the tide in the fight the moratorium on nuclear test- to grow by 3.5 percent in 2017 years. on-free world. This was stated in against nuclear weapons testing ing, followed by the successful and 3.6 percent in 2018 driven Macroeconomic stability is a ASTANA – The Pugwash Coun- the Astana Declaration “From Pro- was at Semipalatinsk. The deci- negotiation of the Comprehen- by a gradual acceleration in cil called upon all governments hibition of Nuclear Testing toward sion by Kazakhstan to perma- sive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in key tenet of the third direction economic activity in advanced and people to reflect on the grave Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons” nently close the Soviet nuclear 1996,” according to a council in the nation’s Third Moderni- economies. and irreversible ecological and hu- Aug. 29 at the 62nd Pugwash Con- test site was promulgated on document. sation, Global Competitiveness manitarian consequences of nucle- ference. Aug. 29, 1991. It became one of Continued on Page A8 Programme set forth by President Continued on Page A4

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIAL OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Minister reports on Digital Kazakhstan 60 percent of privatisation programme EXPO 2017, OIC and its first ever Summit SOLHEIM: EXPO 2017 “is what conversation World holds minute of silence in memory programme as launch date approaches A2 completed, says Samruk Kazyna chair A4 on Science and Technology A6 on clean energy needs to be about” A7 of nuclear test victims B1 Kazakh PM gets two new deputies A2 Zaman-Bank becomes Kazakhstan’s second BAIMUKHAN: Kazakhstan, Poland build Astana to build enclosed pedestrian skyway Islamic bank A5 on 25 years of relations A7 system B8

US$ 1 = 338.22 KZT € 1 = 402.89 KZT 1 = 5.84 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

nomic sectors and improvement of NATIONAL the system of provision of public NEWS IN BRIEF services,” he said. Minister reports on Digital Kazakhstan The President gave a number of specific instructions to end the Astana hosted the Women for the meeting. Future Energy International Forum The main goal of the Digital Aug. 31. “President Nursultan Naz- programme as launch date approaches Kazakhstan programme is the pro- arbayev set the task of increasing the gressive development of the coun- share of alternative and renewable en- Staff Report try’s digital ecosystem to achieve ergy to 50 percent by 2050,” Kazakh sustainable economic growth, State Secretary Gulshara Abdyka- ASTANA – President of Ka- improve the competitiveness of likov said at the event, Kazinform zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev the economy and the nation, and reports. “The world needs to increase held a meeting Aug. 23 with Min- improve the quality of life of the the participation of women in a glob- ister of Information and Com- population. al, inclusive and sustainable develop- munications Dauren Abayev, The programme will be present- ment. We should make our special according to akorda.kz, during ed Sept. 13. contribution to the green economy which the minister reported on “We are well aware that infra- transition and the use of alternative the development of the Digital structure is important for such a energy.” More than 300 delegates Kazakhstan programme. large country as Kazakhstan. The from 25 countries attended the forum, Nazarbayev stressed the rel- penetration rate of the internet ex- where issues on ensuring sustainable evance of large-scale digitalisation ceeds 70 percent, but its quality and inclusive growth in a renewable of the economy in the context of varies. In cities and towns with energy economy; the contribution of growing global competition. more than 2,000 people, the inter- women in promoting innovative ideas “Today this issue is being net connection is good. But in Ka- in alternative energy; and growing brought to the forefront. The whole zakhstan, 47 percent of the popu- a green economy through effective world is moving in this direction, lation lives in rural settlements. partnership of the state, business and and we must not lag behind, which Therefore, if we do not build the civil society were on the agenda. is a very difficult task. It is neces- infrastructure now, it will be diffi- sary that all departments, minis- akorda.kz. Photo credit: cult to even the digital inequality The youth wing of the Associa- tries and regions work together ity areas identified in the new pro- programme with all interested rections of work – development of between the village and the city,” tion of Business Women was pre- well,” said Nazarbayev. gramme. parties. The Digital Kazakhstan infrastructure, improvement of hu- said Abayev during the Eurasian sented at an Aug. 30 international Abayev reviewed the four prior- “We have discussed the draft programme outlines four main di- man capital, digitalisation of eco- Week forum. business conference in Astana. “A young generation of entrepreneurs has grown up in a totally differ- economy, as the draft of the Digi- ent environment. They don’t know tal Kazakhstan state programme is those problems that the first gener- currently on the agenda, noted the ation of entrepreneurs in the 1990s Prime Minister gets two new deputies report from primeminister.kz. had to face. They grew up in the era strengthen the “economic block, in Sagintayev indicated the head of of the internet and digital technolo- By Dmitry Lee particular, coordination of the ongo- state has set specific tasks for the gies and they have a different view ing portfolio of projects for the mod- current government. on how to do business,” said Ka- ASTANA – Kazakh Prime ernisation of key economic sectors.” “In particular, [those instructions zakh Senator Dariga Nazarbayeva. Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev Zhumagaliyev, born in 1972, were given] within the framework It was proposed to introduce ba- received two newest deputies fol- was appointed to the Ministry of of the Aug.18 meeting on the so- sics of entrepreneurship courses in lowing the presidential decrees Transport and Communications in cio-economic development of re- schools and organise a competition Aug. 29. Yerbolat Dossayev and 2001. gions and implementation of state for the best business project the re- Askar Zhumagaliyev were pre- He had held posts as chairperson programmes, as well as a meeting gional and national levels. sented as two new deputy prime of the Agency for Informatisation on the activities of the National ministers during the Aug. 29 gov- and Communication and president Commission for Modernisation, The Riger Transport and Logis- ernmental meeting. of Kazakhtelecom. He was later which took place on Aug. 25,” he tics Centre for the storage of medi- Dossayev, born in 1970, worked appointed Minister of Communica- said. cines and medical supplies has as a deputy chairperson at Bank tions and Information, Transport and With the two recent appoint- opened in Karaganda. The project, Turan Alem and later at ATF Bank He later headed the Kazakh ment and Trade. In 2014, he was Communications and chair of the ments, Sagintayev now has four worth 1.372 billion tenge (US$4 in the 1990s. He was subsequently Agency for Regulation of Natural appointed Minister of National Agency for Communications and In- deputies. The other two are Askar million), was approved for sub- appointed as the advisor to the Ka- Monopolies, Protection of Compe- Economy and two years later was formation. Since 2015, he has been Mamin as First Deputy Prime Min- sidising the interest rate on loan. zakh prime minister, then held the tition and Support of Small Busi- elected chairperson of the board of chairman of the board of the Kaz- ister in charge of the real economic An automated control system has posts of vice minister at the Minis- ness and has served as the minis- Baiterek National Managing Hold- atomprom national atomic company. sector, and Askar Myrzakhmetov been introduced to improve the ef- try of Energy, Industry and Trade ter at the Ministries of Finance, ing. Zhumagaliyev will supervise and Deputy Prime Minister and ficiency of work processes. “The and Ministry of Finance. Healthcare, Economic Develop- Sagintayev noted Dossayev will the ongoing work of digitising the Minister of Agriculture. Nur Otan party carries out constant monitoring of the targeted and ef- fective use of funds allocated for the implementation of state pro- grammes set by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev,” said Nur Kazakhstan steps up radicalism prevention efforts Otan Party First Deputy Chairman Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed at the leader’s state-of-the-nation address allows the state bodies to combine These and other measures envi- opening ceremony. By Assel Satubaldina and public recommendations. their efforts in revealing illicit con- sioned in the concept seek to make The document sets an “ideo- tent, including printed materials. It the work of religious associations The Taraz Akimat (city admin- ASTANA – Work to prevent the logical foundation” for 60 amend- cuts bureaucratic procedures and more transparent, protect the rights istration) presented Aug. 25 an spread of religious radicalism is ments in the country’s 13 laws and duplication of effort, he said. of citizens regardless of their reli- industrial park with an area of ​​41 well underway in Kazakhstan, as four codes, he added. Though the Yermekbayev added the minis- gious affiliation or lack thereof and hectares at the Taraz metallurgi- state agencies led by the Ministry of amendments have not yet been en- try expanded the scope of control enforce the key role of secularism. cal plant. It contains production, Religious Affairs and Civil Society dorsed, the stipulated measures are on the content of religious associa- The government acknowledged administrative and storage facili- are implementing a comprehensive underway. tions without interfering with their its negative position towards de- ties, and production infrastructure set of measures to contend with the The ministry and other compe- canonical issues by cooperating structive religious groups for the to support industrial facilities. A problem. The action is in line with primeminister.kz Photo credit: tent bodies are monitoring reli- with the 3,600 religious groups in first time in October and the ma- special programme of cooperation the fifth direction in the nation’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Civil Society Nurlan Yermekbayev. gious propaganda channels, said the country. jority of the population shares this for small and medium-sized busi- Third Modernisation, Global Com- Yermekbayev. During the first Children will also have a new view, said Yermekbayev. nesses has also been launched. It is petitiveness Programme put for- ety Nurlan Yermekbayev, quoting seven months of the year, experts textbook, preliminarily called “So- “Over the past year, people de- planned to open and launch a busi- ward by President Nursultan Naz- the head of state during an Aug. 28 examined nearly 3,000 such chan- ciety and Religion,” which unlike veloped a clear negative attitude ness incubator in a 7,000-square- arbayev earlier this year. briefing. nels and determined 1,500 were previous editions places a stronger and rejection of destructive reli- metre building on the site. “Secular tradition is an old lega- The ministry developed a con- spreading illegal content. emphasis on the state’s secular gious movements. Based on a soci- cy of Kazakhstan which is founded cept of the state policy on religion Starting Aug. 1, the ministry, principles. The content will serve ological survey, nearly 85 percent Two open-air museums are on tolerance, peace and respect of for 2017-2020 as an open message together with the Prosecutor Gen- to raise religious awareness among of the population has a negative planned to launch in Atyrau, re- rights of religious and non-reli- to society about the country’s per- eral’s Office and the Ministry of the younger population, usually the attitude towards pseudo-Salafism. ported Kazinform. “Archaeological gious people,” noted Minister of spective on the topic, he said, incor- Information and Communication, most vulnerable to radical ideas Others either do not know or are work at the ancient settlements of Religious Affairs and Civil Soci- porating key tenets of the Kazakh launched a cyber shield portal that due to lack of religious knowledge. not interested,” he said. Saraishyk and Aktobe-Laeti is un- derway this year. The money was allocated and the specialists started to work. When the work to preserve the monuments finishes, two open- air museums will be opened. It is Almaty Appeals Court upholds conviction of fugitive expected to develop a special tour- ist zone near these settlements with the participation of the regional En- trepreneurship and Industrial-Inno- ex-banker in the nation’s biggest fraud case vative Development Department,” of England Judge Sir Nigel Teare arrest when he failed to appear for tracked down by private investiga- said Culture, Archives and Docu- Staff Report found Ablyazov guilty of lying his sentencing. Rather than abide by tors working for BTA and arrested mentation Regional Department to the court about the scale of his the court’s ruling, Ablyazov fled the July 31, 2013 in France. French deputy head Azamat Zholayev at ASTANA – The Almaty City fortune, including a nine-bedroom U.K. and became a fugitive from courts refused bail three times on an Aug. 26 briefing. Court Appeals Board upheld the mansion on The Bishops Avenue, justice. the basis he was likely to flee the decision of the Almaty City Spe- London’s premier billionaire’s In November 2012, the U.K. country if released on bail. Khabar TV channel is planning cialised Criminal Court against row; Oakland Park, a 100-acre Court of Appeal unanimously up- On Oct. 24, 2014, the Court of to release in December the “Batyr- BTA Bank’s former board of direc- estate near Windsor, and an apart- held Ablyazov’s conviction. Lyon granted both Russia and lar Zholy” (“The Way of the War- tors’ chairman Mukhtar Ablyazov, ment in Central London. The judge “It is difficult to imagine a party Ukraine’s requests to extradite riors”) historical television series who in June 2017 was found guilty Reuters Photo credit: said Ablyazov has been accused of to commercial litigation who has Ablyazov, a decision later upheld that is now filming near Almaty. of organising and leading a crimi- Mukhtar Ablyazov “fraud on an epic scale” and of us- acted with more cynicism, oppor- by the French Supreme Court. “It is important to know your own nal group and embezzling more ing the bank “as if it were his own tunism and deviousness towards While in custody, Ablyazov fought history, remember how it all began, than one trillion tenge (more than faulted on $10 billion in debt owed private source of funds.” court orders than Mr. Ablyazov,” every level of the nation’s courts to what efforts it cost our forefathers to US$7.5 billion) from the bank. to majority-state-owned Royal He sentenced Ablyazov to 22 said Lord Justice Maurice Kay of prevent extradition. He applied to build and protect the state. Viewers The ex-banker was sentenced in Bank of Scotland (RBS), Barclays, months in jail for “brazen,” “delib- the U.K. Court of Appeal. the Conseil d’État and, in a highly will be able to see how important absentia to 20 years in prison, ac- JP Morgan Chase, PNC Bank NA, erate” and “substantial contempt” In separate legal proceedings, unusual move in December 2016, the role of these glorious warriors cording to the court statement. Bank of New York and others. of court, saying he had lied under Justice Henderson ruled Nov. 26, France’s highest administrative was in the history of our country,” The bank launched the global The most comprehensive legal oath about his ownership of com- 2013 that Ablyazov had misappro- court cancelled the extradition or- said Khabar Agency Board Chair- legal proceedings against Ablya- proceedings are 11 claims filed panies and property as well as priated an additional $300 million der on the grounds that Russia had person Almagul Akhmetzhanova. zov in 2009 after Pricewater- by BTA Bank in the English High dealing with assets in breach of a in AAA-rated investment bonds a political motive in making the The series tells about the life and houseCoopers auditors identified Court seeking to recover more than worldwide freezing order. from the bank in 2008. In assessing extradition request. exploits of Kazakh warriors. The that from 2005-2009, Ablyazov $6 billion in assets which Ablya- “The seriousness of Mr. Ablya- the case, the English judge conclud- Numerous legal proceedings are show takes place at the beginning siphoned more than $10 billion zov misappropriated. The bank has zov’s conduct, in my judgment, ed Ablyazov’s defence to the bank’s currently underway against Ablya- of the 17th century at a time of through a network of companies secured numerous judgments of $4 requires immediate custody,” Teare claims was variously “implausible, zov and others related to him in var- civil strife among the Kazakh sul- he owned. Ablyazov fled to Britain billion against Ablyazov and others. told the court. The judge issued a untenable and frankly incredible.” ious jurisdictions, including Cyprus, tans (feudal lords) and biis (rulers, the same year after the bank de- In February 2012, High Court warrant for Ablyazov’s immediate Ablyazov was eventually the United States and elsewhere. noble judges). 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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakhstan seeks to further promote global Kazakh Ambassador to Hunga- ry Nurbakh Rustemov visited the Lakitelek People’s Institute in Hungary Aug. 30. Every year the nuclear security, launches LEU Bank to institute runs courses of Kazakh, Russian, Mongolian and Bela- russian languages, with Kazakh boost nuclear power industry language the most in demand, the Kazakh Embassy in Buda- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova sue. We will discuss nuclear risks, ger – the danger posed by nuclear pest reports. During the visit, the since nuclear weapons still exist. testing. It is hard and dangerous in Kazakh envoy met with students ASTANA – The International We have about 15,000-16,000 [nu- [terms of] destabilising impacts on and Deputy Speaker of the Hun- Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) clear weapons in the world right global security and terrible effects garian National Assembly and Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) now]. Numbers can vary accord- on human health and environment. ing to the various opinions and es- The absence of wartime does not Director of the Institute Sándor Bank was to be launched Aug. 29 at the Ulba Metallurgical Plant in timates,” he said. mean the absence of victims and Lezsák. Rustemov spoke about Ust-Kamenogorsk, said Parliament Cotta-Ramusino added “the idea that leads me to the lesson learned the history of independent Ka- Senate Chairman Kassym-Jomart of having an international nuclear by Kazakhstan’s experience of nu- zakhstan and key achievements Tokayev at the opening of the 62nd fuel centre is an important one, clear testing. Kazakhstan is a vivid of the young nation and intro- Pugwash Conference on Science something we would like to push example of the risk posed by nu- duced Kazakh President Nursul- and World Affairs here on Aug. 25. and promote all over the world.” clear tests,” he said. tan Nazarbayev’s recent article, The conference titled “Confront- “We need to have international “I think the Comprehensive Test “Course Towards the Future: ing New Nuclear Dangers,” held cooperation for the production of Ban Treaty flows in Kazakhstan’s Modernisation of Kazakhstan’s Aug. 25-29 in the capital, attracted nuclear fuel for nuclear energy blood. In his manifesto, President Identity.” He also noted the stra- more than 200 delegates from 46 plans in a way that we have recip- Nazarbayev rightly points out that tegic cooperation between Ka- countries. rocal control and basically a check the effects of nuclear weapons and zakhstan and Hungary, highlight- A short film with a deep, mean- that none of these nuclear fuels nuclear weapon testing cannot be ing the particular importance of ingful message featuring the inform.kz. Photo credit: and materials can be used for mili- contained in time or space. These close cultural and humanitarian Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, its great tribute to the way in which Tokayev added Kazakhstan calls tary purposes,” he said. are global issues which require ties. victims and Kazakhstan’s peace Kazakhstan has contributed to- upon all states to step up interna- UN Under-Secretary-General global cooperation,” he added. actions received a big round of ap- wards the strengthening of the tional efforts to strengthen the re- and High Representative for Disar- Zerbo noted the importance of Kazakh students in Moscow plause at the opening ceremony. It Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, gime of the Non-Proliferation of mament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu trust at the regional and interna- celebrated Constitution Day on also featured The ATOM Project, in particular the strengthening of Nuclear Weapons treaty and to spoke about the dangers that thou- tional levels, adding that making Aug. 30 with a festive flash mob an international campaign seeking two pillars of the peaceful uses of bring into force the Comprehensive sands of nuclear weapons can cause. the world free of nuclear tests is near the Chistye Prudy and Abai to galvanise global public support nuclear energy and non-prolifera- Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). “We face a range of new chal- achievable. Kunanbayev monument. The Ka- against nuclear weapons testing, tion,” he said. “A fair exercise of rights of all lenges to the global disarmament “It needs strong political will zakh student association, includ- and its Honorary Ambassador and In his keynote remarks, To- states to peacefully use nuclear and non-proliferation regime from and preference for multilateral and ing Bolashak programme stu- armless artist Karipbek Kuyukov. kayev noted the country has been energy under the strict verification deteriorating security conditions collective security. We can’t ig- dents and Zhas Tulpar association “The documentary expresses a staunch advocate of the Central by the IAEA is crucial to promot- and shifting global balances due nore the collective ban treaty when activists, took part in the event more eloquently than I can the Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone ing global nuclear security. The to the new technologies that are we talk about non-proliferation organised with the support of the history of the nuclear age and ef- treaty signed in Semipalatinsk in nuclear deal on Iran has raised the rapidly overhauling the status quo and disarmament,” he said. Kazakh Embassy in Russia. The forts being made by both the na- 2006. prospects of peace and stability in of the world economy, society and “The CTBTO is doing important students noted that although they tion of Kazakhstan and [President] “The establishment of the IAEA the Middle East. We are confident security,” she said. work by giving states confidence are far from their home coun- Nursultan Nazarbayev, as well as LEU Bank on the Kazakh terri- that the LEU Bank will ensure an Nakamitsu reconfirmed the that the global moratorium against try, they wanted to celebrate this Pugwash,” said Pugwash President tory is a vital contribution towards assured supply of nuclear fuel to UN’s united and solid commitment nuclear testing is being upheld and strengthening the non-prolifera- boost the nuclear power industry,” that no nuclear test or explosion important date in the history of Jayantha Dhanapala. to nuclear disarmament and engag- He noted the Kazakh people and tion regime,” he added. he said. ing in inclusive dialogue necessary will go undetected. To finish what their nation. Passers-by congratu- Kuyukov capture Nazarbayev’s As a non-permanent member of Pugwash Secretary General to make it happen. we started, we need the ratifica- lated Kazakhs and many of them principles, a man who has done the United Nations (UN) Security Paolo Cotta-Ramusino stressed Comprehensive Nuclear-Test- tion of the treaty by eight remain- turned out to know about Consti- so much for nuclear disarmament Council in 2017-2018, Kazakhstan Kazakhstan has been affected by Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) ing countries. These are China, the tution Day. including the creation, together has been focusing on nuclear dis- nuclear weapons and plays an im- Executive Secretary Lassina Zerbo U.S., Egypt, Iran and Israel, which with other four regional states, of armament issues. portant role in contributing to stop- emphasised a number of challeng- are countries that need to ratify Kazakhstan has rendered hu- a nuclear-weapon-free zone centre “We have been promoting initia- ping nuclear tests. es facing the international commu- the treaty, and India, Pakistan manitarian aid worth $914,000 to in Central Asia. tives voiced by President Nursul- “We are reminded of the adverse nity making the need for dialogue and North Korea that have never Tajikistan, including food prod- “We have seen Kazakhstan con- tan Nazarbayev, that is to establish effects of nuclear tests in terms of and discussion among practition- signed it,” he said. ucts. Kazakhstan’s Ambassador verted into a dialogue platform not a global anti-nuclear movement health, environment and people, ers, the academic community and The issues of nuclear disarma- to Tajikistan Nurlan Seitimov only for nuclear disarmament, but and to build a nuclear-weapon-free but also in terms of politics, since international organisations more ment and the UN negotiation pro- took part in an official ceremony also for conflicts like the Syrian world by 2045, the year when the nuclear tests are contributing to critical than ever. He stressed the cess to prohibit nuclear weapons, to transfer the aid in Dushanbe. conflict, with the Astana Process UN will celebrate its centennial the creation of new nuclear weap- CTBTO’s role in non-proliferation energy and regional security and Kazakhstan sent 21 freight cars contributing towards the search anniversary. We are convinced that ons… The fewer countries that and disarmament. the future of civilian nuclear ener- carrying flour, grain, meat and for a political solution… The in- these actions to achieve nuclear have nuclear weapons, the better “I have experience confronting gy were also on the agenda of the dairy canned goods. The diplo- auguration of the LEU Bank is a zero are indispensable,” he noted. it is. Non-proliferation is a key is- one particular type of nuclear dan- five-day conference. mat marked Kazakhstan’s con- sistent assistance to the Central Asian nation in its efforts to help nium Bank Facility in Kazakhstan mitigate the consequences of Aug. 29, Vassilenko shared the natural disasters and address the important initiatives outlined by needs of people and regions af- UN General Assembly commemorates Nazarbayev at the bank’s launch fected by them. ceremony. “First, he proposed convening Kazakh diplomats presented a summit of all states possessing the nation’s tourism potential in International Day against Nuclear Tests nuclear weapons to collectively Kiev Aug. 30, performing na- Continued from Page A1 discuss further steps they could tional songs accompanied by and should take towards nuclear Kazakh national music instru- Nakamitsu also underlined disarmament. He further said the ment the dombra and offering a that on Aug. 29, 1991 the Semi- nuclear-weapon-free zones serve master class on setting up a yurt, palatinsk nuclear test site was shut as effective means of stopping the portable felt house used in the down by decree of Kazakh Presi- further nuclear proliferation and past as a dwelling by Kazakh no- dent Nursultan Nazarbayev. called for joining the efforts of all mads. The Ukrainian side point- Deputy Foreign Minister Roman states participating in such zones.” ed out that the number of Ukrain- Vassilenko represented Kazakh- According to Nazarbayev, Vas- ians travelling to Kazakhstan stan in the discussion. silenko continued, Kazakhstan in recent years had halved, yet Welcoming the participants, Vas- has been a consistent proponent EXPO 2017 taking place in Asta- silenko said he took every member of nuclear disarmament and global na changed the situation, bring- state’s participation in the meeting nuclear security and believes that ing nearly 2,000 Ukrainians to “as an indication of our common nuclear security can only be uni- the Kazakh capital. The Kazakh firm commitment to a world with- versal and non-discriminatory. diplomats briefed representatives out nuclear tests, as well as our The Kazakh leader had therefore of Ukrainian tourism companies true aspirations to ultimately build proposed reviving the process of on Kazakhstan’s tourism poten- a future without a nuclear threat.” global nuclear security summits According to Vassilenko, the tial and the country’s range of and offered Astana as a host for International Day against Nu- travel possibilities. such a summit. clear Tests was designated by the “President Nazarbayev further UNGA as it unanimously adopted tions,” he said, adding that “if we should contribute to further pro- President of Turkmenistan “Yesterday, Kazakh Foreign said that in 2020 the world will Resolution 64/35 Dec. 2, 2009. He need any further inspiration, let gress in nuclear disarmament, in- mark the 50th anniversary of the Gurbanguly Berdymukhame- Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov thanked the UN community for us remember the horrible conse- cluding the early entry into force entry into force of the Treaty on dov met Aug. 28 with Kazakh and CTBTO Executive Secretary endorsing this resolution, initiated Lassina Zerbo, in their joint state- quences of nuclear weapons use in of the CTBT,” said Vassilenko. the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Ambassador to Turkmenistan by Kazakhstan, and especially the ment called on all UN member 1945 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, At the same time, Vassilenko Weapons and called for joint ef- Orman Nurbayev, whose diplo- large number of member states states to commemorate the Inter- and of the four decades of nuclear expressed hope for continued forts to make sure that by then the matic mission ended in August. who co-sponsored it. national Day against Nuclear Tests weapons testing in Kazakhstan, as dialogue among nuclear-weapon Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty also Nurbayev thanked the Turk- Vassilenko said that Aug. 29, annually by holding joint interna- well as in the South Pacific, North states and non-nuclear-weapon enters into force,” the diplomat men leader for his contribution 1991, led to the subsequent silenc- tional events devoted to the urgent Africa, North America and other states on further actions in the area noted. to the development of bilateral ing of many test sites and to other need for the early entry into force regions.” of nuclear disarmament, pointing Speakers of the UNGA meeting ties between the two nations and global actions and processes to of the CTBT, especially given the Vassilenko mentioned The out that, in this light, the Confer- representing different regions and his constant support throughout reduce the global nuclear threat, continuing worrying quest for nu- ATOM Project and its Honorary ence on Disarmament in Geneva continents, such as Latin America Nurbayev’s mission in Ashgabat. including the development of the clear capabilities and nuclear tests Ambassador and artist Karipbek remains “a key platform.” (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Berdymukhamedov, in turn, em- CTBT. The CTBT progressed con- in different regions of the world, Kuyukov, who was born armless Vassilenko told the audience Mexico), Europe (Belgium, Italy, phasised the special attention siderably, he observed, and already including the Korean Peninsula,” because of the effects of nuclear about Kazakh President Nursul- Norway, Switzerland), Asia (Ma- devoted to the country’s neigh- provides an important service to said Vassilenko. testing at Semipalatinsk, have tan Nazarbayev’s Manifesto “The laysia, South Korea, Japan), as bours, including Kazakhstan, mankind through its advanced He urged those states that have done a lot to tell the world of those World. The 21st Century,” which well as representatives of Ukraine with whom they share deep his- monitoring systems. A new nu- not yet signed or ratified the CTBT consequences. “And I would urge suggests elaborating the 2045 and Kyrgyzstan thanked Kazakh- torical roots, spiritual ties and clear-weapon-free zone in Central to do so without delay, and espe- everybody to learn that history to Global Strategic Initiative Plan, the stan and its leadership for estab- traditions of brotherly nations. Asia was established, the first of its cially called on the remaining eight get motivated for further striving main goal of which is to eliminate lishing the international day which He highlighted the high level of kind in the Northern Hemisphere. CTBT Annex II States, whose sig- towards the noble goal of legally the root causes of war and conflicts helps enhance the international cooperation and thanked Nur- Since 2015, he continued, Ka- natures and ratifications are need- ending nuclear weapons testing on and create a nuclear-weapons-free community’s commitment to ban- bayev for his fruitful work and zakhstan, along with Japan, as ed for the treaty’s entry into force, this planet,” he declared. world by the UN’s Centenary. ning nuclear testing. significant personal contribu- Co-Chair of the Article XIV Con- to demonstrate leadership in taking “We believe the recently adopted Noting that recently Astana The permanent representatives tion. Taking the opportunity, the ference on the CTBT’s early entry this important step. Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty will hosted the Jubilee Conference of of the UN member states, experts, sides discussed various issues in into force, has urged all stakehold- “We owe it to the estimated mil- become yet another step towards a the Pugwash movement of scien- as well as representatives of inter- Kazakh-Turkmen bilateral and ers to work aggressively towards lions of victims of nuclear weap- world free from the nuclear threat. tists Aug. 25-29 and the opening national organisations and media multilateral cooperation. the treaty’s entry into force. ons testing and to future genera- We believe the ban treaty can and of the IAEA Low Enriched Ura- took part in the meeting. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

ECONOMY 60 percent of privatisation programme NEWS IN BRIEF Twenty-four investment pro- jects worth $5 billion, covering areas such as engineering, agri- completed, says Samruk Kazyna chair culture, trade, chemistry, mining folio and enhance the performance are implementing over 130 trans- and infrastructure, are underway Staff Report of companies once they are put formation projects in subsidiaries. in Kazakhstan, said Kazakh In- into a competitive environment. The privatisation of 60 percent of vest Deputy Chairperson Nursul- ASTANA – The privatisation of Nazarbayev emphasised the im- 215 companies sought for privati- tan Jiyenbayev at a meeting with 60 percent of companies sought portance of the fund for the Ka- sation is completed. Now we are embassy representatives from for Kazakhstan’s national privati- zakh economy. proceeding to selling large compa- 20 countries, reported 24.kz. He sation programme within the Sam- “Samruk Kazyna serves a spe- nies,” Shukeyev said. noted Kazakhstan creates all the ruk Kazyna National Welfare Fund cial role for the country’s econo- He also touched upon the course conditions needed to launch joint has been completed. Samruk Ka- my. It manages the important state of preparations for the Interna- ventures with foreign companies. zyna Chairperson Umirzak Shuke- assets. The situation is now good. tional Forum of Sovereign Wealth Nearly $1.5 billion was invested ev reported Aug. 23 on the fund’s Prices for metals remain at a good Funds (IFSWF-2017) scheduled in the agro-industrial complex in activities to Kazakhstan President level,” noted the Kazakh President for Sept. 5-7 in Astana. The event the past five years, including a Nursultan Nazarbayev, highlight- during the meeting with Shukeyev. will bring nearly 200 participants, meat processing plant and factory ing the progress in its transforma- Shukeyev reported the progress including representatives of sover- producing semi-finished prod- tion and privatisation programmes. in the fund activities in the last eign wealth funds from more than ucts built in the Almaty region. Established in 2008, the fund Temir Zholy and KazPost. duction efficiency and improve as- seven months. 30 countries, multilateral devel- Foreign guests offered a number manages assets, either in whole or Following the instruction of sets management. “Production and cost indica- opment and financial institutions of project comments and recom- in part, worth $66.7 billion in stra- Nazarbayev in 2013, the fund The privatisation programme tors of the fund are much higher and foreign investors, together mendations, stressing the greatest tegic national companies in vari- launched the transformation pro- envisaging the sale of 215 compa- compared to the previous year. In to review issues for investment attention should be given to infra- ous sectors, including KazAtom- gramme a year later to double the nies, unveiled the same year, was general, the situation within the community amid unstable global structure. Prom, Air Astana, Kazakhstan value of the fund assets, boost pro- meant to optimise the assets port- fund is now stable. Currently, we economy. Pension savings in the Sin- gle Accumulative Pension Fund surpassed the mark of 7 trillion lieve that sanctions will not have tenge (US$20.75 billion) at the a negative impact on Kazakhstan. end of June and by the end of Accordingly, the impact on the July reached 7.3 trillion tenge National Bank should prevent inflation exchange rate will be minimal. (US$21.63 billion), reported The President gave a number of ranking.kz. The average month- specific instructions to ensure ly increase was 84 billion tenge stability in the exchange market (US$248.9 million). The vol- growth, Nazarbayev says and the need to give clear expla- ume of mandatory contributions is working and instructed the na- Akishev briefed the President ternal factors, primarily the ex- nations,” Akishev said after the in July was 56.7 billion tenge By Dana Omirgazy tion’s chief bank to continue infla- on the status of the currency and change rate of ruble against the meeting. (US$168 million), 2.4 times more tion prevention measures, accord- financial markets. U.S. dollar. The fact that the sanc- In the first week of August, the than the mandatory contributions ASTANA – President Nursul- ing to akorda.kz. “The situation in the foreign tions the U.S. plans to implement tenge rate has changed in the cor- for July 2016. Mandatory con- tan Nazarbayev during an Aug. “All this plays a very important exchange market was quite sta- against Russia can have an effect, ridor of 320-340 tenge per dollar. 14 meeting with National Bank role – both the currency rate and ble, except for the first week of including on Russia’s neighbours, Over the last two weeks the rate tributions reached 403.5 billion Chairman Daniyar Akishev noted everything else. How to improve August, when there were changes is also a negative background in has lowered the fluctuations and tenge (US$1.19 billion) from that the country’s free floating the financial system, pension in the tenge exchange rate against the external financial markets. fixed at about 332-334 tenge per January-July, 76.3 percent more national currency exchange rate funds,” Nazarbayev said. the U.S. dollar, depending on ex- Analysing the situation, we be- dollar. compared to the same period last year. The maximum increase – 61.3 billion tenge (US$181.7 mil- lion) – was recorded in June.

Organic products from the Ko- National Bank Balance of payment improvements stanai and Almaty regions are being exported to the European market, reported khabar.kz. The enterprises have passed certifica- cuts base rate to reduce exchange rate risk, tion to cultivate organic products and sell oilseeds, melon crops, grains and vegetables to Europe. The total amount of supplies ex- 10.25 percent says NB chairman ceeded $10 million, said Vice ital injections into large banks in Minister of Agriculture Gulmira By Zhaniya Urankayeva the form of subordinated debt on Issayeva during the Agrarian In- a return basis. The funds provided vestment Forum. She added state ASTANA – The inflation target will go to the banks’ capital. The support measures and the growth in Kazakhstan is determined at limited capital of banks is a signifi- of investments are contributing the level of 5-7 percent with fur- cant factor,” he noted. to the development of the agro- ther gradual decrease to 4 percent The volume of non-performing industrial complex. In addition, and lower by 2020. This was an- loans will be reduced by more the European Investment Bank nounced by National Bank Chair than 1 trillion tenge (US$3 billion) will provide 100 million euros Daniyar Akishev Aug. 29 at a gov- within five years, according to es- (US$118.9 million) to lend to Ka- ernment meeting dedicated to the timates. zakh farmers. forecast and main priorities of so- “This will strengthen the finan- cial and economic development for cial stability and stability of the Kazakhstan will start issuing 2018-2022 and the risk assessment National Bank Chair Daniyar Akishev. banking system and ensure an preferential loans to purchase do- for the exchange rate policy. The in- increase in the issuance of new mestic agricultural machinery, ac- flation forecast for 2018 is the key emphasised that the dynamics of loans to priority industries in the cording to First Vice Minister of By Zhazira Dyussembekova the same time, the negative dy- indicator for the National Bank. the national currency will be deter- amount of at least 300 billion Agriculture Kairat Aituganov, re- namics of real wages limit infla- The National Bank’s estimates mined on the basis of fundamen- tenge (US$887 million) per year,” ported khabar.kz. The interest rate ASTANA – The National Bank tionary risks. of future inflation and inflation ex- tal factors, including the balance he said. will be no more than 5.5 percent of Kazakhstan has reduced the pectations of the population dem- of payments, world oil prices and The financial regulator will con- per annum and the term of the loan base rate to 10.25 percent with a onstrate that “inflation will be sta- exchange rates in the trade partner tinue to liberalise the activities of is up to 10 years. Foreign agricul- corridor of +/-1 percent, according Economic activity ble within the target boundaries.” countries that will prevent imbal- issuers and investors and simplify tural machinery, which currently to an Aug. 21 press release. continues to recover “A significant improvement in ances and ensure the competitive- market regulation to further reform prevails in the country’s market, is “The annual inflation rate con- the balance of payments in the ness of the economy. the stock market. Improvement of purchased annually for 20 billion tinues to decelerate and remains with stable growth first half of 2017 reduces further According to Akishev, the finan- the stock market infrastructure and tenge (US$59.1 million). “Today, within the target range; its de- risks for the exchange rate policy cial market will implement a pro- introduction of new technologies according to our analysis, we can celeration trajectory matches the in the domestic provided that world prices for the gramme to support the financial sta- will also continue. replace the production of hinged forecasted estimates of the Na- consumer market and positions of Kazakhstan’s exports bility of the banking sector adopted The bank will continue to imple- and trailed equipment by 80 per- tional Bank. Easing monetary are stable,” said Akishev. by the National Bank board. ment a policy of free floating ex- cent; that is, reduce import substi- policy conditions is stipulated by investment demand. The head of the National Bank “The programme envisages cap- change rate. tution by 80 percent. For the first the stable level of the inflationary time, KazAgro Holding and the expectations, stabilisation of the “The gradual credit expansion Ministry of Agriculture developed situation on the commodity mar- supports the consumer demand; the road map for lending. This kets and also by the forecasts of however, the further expansion of year, 4 billion tenge (US$11.83 the further deceleration of the in- consumer credit will depend on the million) is allocated for pilot lend- flation level in the medium term,” dynamics of the interest rate for in- Economy grows 4 percent in 2017 ing for the purchase of trailed and read the statement. dividuals, which currently remains attached equipment,” he said. In addition, the National Bank at a rather high level,” according has reconsidered the possibility of to the bank. More than 5,600 new jobs will further reducing the base rate in The National Bank also sees the so far, projected to grow 3.4 be created in the Atyrau region the short run, taking into account situation stabilising in the com- under the State Programme of Ac- the existing uncertainty and vola- modity markets, with oil prices celerated Industrial and Innovative tility of external conditions. The reaching $50 per barrel after the Development. Five projects worth base rate was cut due to several recent drop in June. In addition, percent by year’s end 5 billion tenge ($14.7 million) factors, including annual inflation the external situation can be char- Continued from Page A1 a 134.6 billion tenge (US$401.6 around 1 percent in the next years. will be commissioned this year, and its expected increase, as well acterised by the growth of uncer- million) increase above this year’s The state budget plan sets it at 1.1 creating 344 workplaces. Kazakh as economic activity and monetary tainty and risk aggravation. In “If we look at key budget indica- plan, noted Sultanov. percent for next year and at 1 per- President Nursultan Nazarbayev conditions. July, the rise of the FAO (Food tors, most importantly we cut budg- Nearly half of the budget is ear- cent in 2019-2020,” Sultanov said. has emphasised developing the The annual inflation in July and Agriculture Organisation of et deficit, which this year was 3.1 marked for social sector spending The budget will eventually be- manufacturing sectors of the econ- slowed to 7.1 percent due to the the United Nations) Food Price percent and next year, 1.1 percent. and underpinning the budget plan come less dependent on the Na- omy, which allowed the region to price drop of food products and Index was higher than expected as This is a significant decrease and in hike are the increase in pensions tional Fund and starting in 2018 make a huge step towards a depar- remains in the middle of the target the result of the price growth for terms of macro and budget policy and birth allowances as well as will no longer use targeted trans- ture from commodity orientation. range. The core inflation in annual most cereals and dairy. Increased this is a big step forward,” he said. restructuring the living wage and fers from the fund. Twenty-eight projects worth 66.9 terms also keeps decreasing, noted external pressure was also caused The budget deficit is expected process of assigning pensions. “As you know, over the past four billion tenge (US$197.9 million) the bank. by the change in economic condi- to reach 1 percent by 2019-2020, Forming the budget policy was years we used the National Fund were put into operation, creating Economic activity continues to tions among Kazakhstan’s main according to Minister of Finance complicated due to two fiscal limi- for targeted transfers to finance 2,135 jobs in the first five-year recover with stable growth in the trade partners. Bakhyt Sultanov, which will allow tations, he said. our anti-crisis programmes that period of industrial-innovative de- domestic consumer market and Monetary conditions remain preserving the state debt at moder- “First, it is the new budget poli- supported both banking and real velopment from 2010-2014, said investment demand. Economic re- neutral, stated the report. The ate levels. cy under which we should ensure sectors of the economy and im- regional Department for Entrepre- covery is proven by trade data and real interest rate is at a level cor- The government approved a stability and management of the plement our infrastructure devel- neurship and Industrial-Innovative employment and external demand responding to long-run potential 9,217.9 billion tenge (US$27.5 state debt and in this regard we opment programmes. It produced Development head Aikyn Yeleu- indicators, said the regulator. At economic growth rates. billion) state budget plan for 2018, need to keep the budget deficit at good results,” he added. sizov. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Zaman-Bank becomes country’s More than 250 projects The Kazatomprom national atomic company intends to sell a 40 percent stake in the Caustic company, according to kapital.kz. second Islamic bank worth $5.1 billion launched Dependent companies and subsid- counting for less than one percent Development of the Private Sector iaries of Kazatomprom are being By Assel Satubaldina of the country’s total banking sec- (ICD), a multilateral organisation sold through the Business Trans- tor assets, the segment offers a wide and a member of the Islamic Devel- formation Programme. The start- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s previ- range of opportunities. opment Bank (IDB) Group. in first two years ing price of the block of shares ously commercial Zaman-Bank be- Al Hilal Bank, operating since Subsequently, ICD acquired a is 7.44 billion tenge (US$22 mil- came an official Islamic bank Aug. 2010 based on intergovernmen- mandate to transform Zaman-Bank lion). Applications for the sale are 17 after receiving a license from tal agreements between Kazakh- into an Islamic bank with expected due by Sept. 25. Caustic produces the National Bank of Kazakhstan. stan and the United Arab Emirates investment of up to 35 percent of the of industrialisation plan caustic soda, liquid chlorine, hy- The license allows the bank to tap (UAE), had been the country’s only bank’s subscribed and paid-up capi- “Our economy needs diversi- drochloric acid and technical so- into the Islamic banking sector and Islamic bank so far. tal, noted the bank representative. By Assel Satubaldina fication and this programme has dium hypochlorite for oil fields; makes Zaman-Bank the second Is- “The bank converted to an Is- Zaman-Bank is planning to focus been working for several years the chemical, medical and food lamic bank in the country. lamic bank, because this sector is on retail banking and small and me- ASTANA – Kazakhstan now. The results are evident and industries; and non-ferrous and Established in 1991, Zaman-Bank still open in Kazakhstan, especial- dium enterprises (SMEs), which are launched 258 projects worth 1.7 every year we are witnessing ferrous metallurgy. It was estab- announced plans to convert to an Is- ly consumer banking,” said Head crucial for such an emerging econo- trillion tenge (US$5.1 billion) in the growth of the processing in- lished in 2002 at the Pavlodar lamic bank in 2014, but was delayed of Zaman-Bank Islamic Finance my as Kazakhstan. The bank already the first two years of its second dustry. It constitutes 12 percent chemical plant. Around US$108 as a result of a lack of regulations Development Unit Timur Ruste- offers a range of deposit options, in- five-year industrialisation plan. of the current [gross domestic concerning the conversion process. mov in an interview for this story. cluding wakala and mudaraba. million was invested in the con- The plan is meant to diversify product] and 30 percent in the struction. Converting is complicated be- May 2013 marked a milestone “With the second Islamic bank en- cause banks must conform to Islam- event in the history of the bank, he tering the sector, we hope eventually the country’s economy and boost economy in general,” added Aid- domestic production. arbayev. PJ Western, the owner of the ic law principles and the country’s said, as Zaman-Bank signed a stra- to offer Islamic auto finance, Islamic Kazakhstan’s First Vice Minis- A rapidly growing sector in Papa John’s brand franchise in National Bank regulations. tegic partnership agreement with mortgage and a range of products and ter of Investments and Develop- the domestic economy, the pro- Russia and Belarus, will develop a But with an Islamic banking ac- the Islamic Corporation for the services for SMEs,” noted Rustemov. ment Alik Aidarbayev reported cessing industry also serves as a network of pizzerias in three more on the country’s progress in its main driver of industrial growth, countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Poland, according to Vedomo- State Industrial and Innovative according to Aidarbayev. sti. According to preliminary data, Development Programme for “Within seven months of 2017 the first Papa John’s pizzeria will 2015-2019 during an Aug. 22 the real growth in the processing Manufacturing industry is major press conference. industry was 6.3 percent, while open in Almaty this fall. The net- work plans to open 16 restaurants “In line with the industriali- production grew 5.3 percent. The by 2022. Papa John’s International sation road map, we continue volume of exports totalled $6.2 was founded in 1984 in the U.S. launching new ventures, cre- billion, which is 27.8 percent driver of growth, says official ating and preserving jobs. We more than in the same period last Now it is the third-largest pizza de- “In total, items worth about 8 tril- billion) have been implemented and livery company in the world. The By Zhanna Shayakhmetova unveiled 258 projects worth 1.7 year. This is due to the favour- lion tenge (US$24 billion), includ- 21,000 jobs created in the manufactur- network includes 5,000 restaurants trillion tenge (US$5.1 billion) able conditions in international ASTANA – Approximately 500 ing 2.2 trillion tenge (US$6.5 bil- ing, pharmaceutical and food produc- in 45 countries. since the beginning of the sec- markets and expansion in new new locally made items have ap- lion) in 2016, were produced since tion industries in the past two years. ond five-year plan in 2015. We foreign markets. The amount of peared on the market in the past the beginning of the industrialisation Thirty-two projects generating more created 21,000 jobs. Since the investments in the processing in- The largest co-working space in seven years, said Kazakh First Vice programme implementation. The than 489.8 billion tenge (US$1.4 bil- Central Asia is being built in Al- beginning of this year, 32 pro- dustry is estimated at 411 billion Minister for Investments and De- worth of items released was more lion) were started this year. jects worth 489 billion tenge tenge (US$1.24 billion) in the maty. Its total area will be 13,000 velopment Alik Aidarbayev at a than 180 billion tenge (US$539 “All these enterprises, of course, op- (US$1.47 billion) were commis- first half of 2017, which shows a square metres, according to the government press conference in late million) on average a month as part erate in different sectors of the econ- sioned, providing jobs to 3,900 2.7 percent increase compared to Almaty administration press ser- August. the implementation of the Business omy. Prommashkomplekt is one of the same period last year,” noted vice. The new office space will “About 500 new items previously Road Map,” said Aidarbayev. the largest enterprises in the machine people. Over the industrialisa- have 64 offices, four conference not produced in Kazakhstan were The projects launched as part of industry and is expected to produce tion years, [since 2010] 1,060 the vice minister. rooms, an exhibition area with launched, including freight and pas- the industrialisation map produced wheel sets for waggons. Yessil House projects amounting to 5.1 trillion The industrialisation pro- a capacity of up to 1,000 people senger cars, electric locomotives, items which represented 18.5 per- will produce high-quality aluminium tenge (US$15.33 billion) were gramme allowed the country to and a zone for children. Another trucks, cars and buses, transformers, cent (1.4 trillion tenge [US$4 bil- in the Pavlodar region. The enterprise launched creating 100,000 jobs,” produce 500 different commodi- new co-working space of 10,000 X-ray equipment, LED lamps, titani- lion]) of the total manufacturing in- was launched with the participation of said Aidarbayev. ties previously not produced do- square metres will include the um ingots and slabs, medicines, dairy dustry output in 2016. German investors,” he said. One of the key goals of the mestically, including passenger Centre for Contemporary Arts; products and other items,” he said. Plans are underway to commis- Product diversification and manu- programme, according to the and freight cars, electric locomo- Impact Hub, a network for the de- He noted 1,060 projects worth 5.1 sion more than 100 projects estimat- facturing sector growth are the ma- vice minister, is the diversifica- tives, x-ray equipment and phar- velopment of social entrepreneur- trillion tenge (US$15 billion) were ed at 1 trillion tenge (US$3 billion) jor goals of the industrialisation pro- tion of the predominantly re- maceutical products. ship; Expo-zone; and American initiated and more than 100,000 jobs and creating 10,000 jobs in the sec- gramme. The manufacturing share source-based Kazakh economy One hundred projects worth Corner + Maker’s Space, a youth created through the industrialisation ond half of the year. of the GDP was 12 percent and and the subsequent increase of more than one trillion tenge development enterprise offering programme from 2010-2014 and More than 250 projects valued at reached 30 percent in the economy the processing industry’s share (US$3 billion) are to be imple- consultations on obtaining educa- 2015-2019. approximately 1.7 trillion tenge (US$5 as a whole. in the domestic market. mented by the end of this year. tional grants and youth entrepre- neurship.

Over the last seven years, 74 industrial projects worth 160.5 billion tenge (US$473.2 million) KTZ boosts were put into operation in the Ak- mola region, according to the re- gional communications service. The projects helped create 7,000 digitalisation to increase permanent jobs. The new projects are being supported by the Indus- trialisation Map, part of Kazakh- stan’s State Programme of Indus- competitiveness trial and Innovative Development rail system, contractual and com- for 2015-2019, which includes 90 By Yerbolat Uatkhanov mercial work and energy dispatch projects. traction have been introduced in ASTANA – A conference called the railway industry, which com- Over six months, Kazakhstan Drivers of Transport Development pletely corresponds to the goals has imported 17,200 tonnes of was held in the capital Aug. 28 of this year’s state-of-the-nation tea worth US$62.8 million, ac- in conjunction with the Eurasian address – “The Third Modernisa- cording to energyprom.kz. The Week international forum. The tion of Kazakhstan: Global Com- average price for the tea is 2,900 agenda focused on digital trans- petitiveness.” In accordance with tenge per kilogramme. Annual formation in the transport industry the national programme, KTZ has growth in tea sales reached 15.9 and the Eurasian Economic Com- created Digital Railway. percent. The production of tea mission’s (EAEC) cooperation “The strategy provides for digi- and coffee products from January with the Silk Road Economic Belt, talisation of the company’s busi- to July 2017 amounted to 10,080 including a report by Kazakhstan ness model and the introduction of tonnes – only 1.8 percent more Temir Zholy (KTZ) on its plans to new technologies in all key operat- than a year earlier. The stagna- boost the digitalisation process. ing segments: freight and passen- tion is caused by a reduction in KTZ Chief Engineer Batyr Ko- ger transportation, infrastructure output from Kazakhstan’s main tyrev presented an introduction and transport logistics,” he said. tea and coffee production region, about innovative technologies in The company is planning to in- Almaty. This year it produced transport and spoke about the im- troduce a multimodal transporta- 83.1 percent of the country’s vol- portance of ensuring high level, ef- tion management system and ter- ume; last year it was 86.7 percent. ficiency transport and logistics ser- minals in the transport logistics The sector has been declining vices. As a result, there is a need to sector, an intelligent planning and over the long term: the volume make qualitative changes in infra- management system for freight of output in the tea and coffee in- structure, service and institutional rail transport. The strategy also dustry in 2016 were 9.8 percent environment. includes operating and maintain- below the indicators of 2015. The Kotyrev emphasised that sim- ing infrastructure, using a high- key tea suppliers to the country plifying and accelerating customs tech diagnostics system based on are Kenya (6,970 tonnes worth procedures, improving logistics the Magistral Automated Control US$25.2 million), India (6,920 and tracking and controlling car- System and constructing a wire- tonnes worth US$22.86 million) goes throughout the supply chain less network based on the LTE-R and Russia (1,740 tonnes worth are essential for the industry. standard. US$10.25 million). He also stressed digitising the Introducing satellite Internet in transport and logistics complex passenger trains and equipping sta- Kazakhstan will introduce pre- to ensure transparency, improve tions with digital services will al- ventive control of the activities of efficiency and reduce operating low the national railway to switch businesses, according to Kazakh costs. to electronic ticket sales and pro- Minister of National Economy “Taking into account these and vide a new level of passenger ser- Timur Suleimenov. The draft other factors, Kazakhstan Temir vice. law proposes to exclude 24 of the Zholy implements a set of meas- Using modern information 114 spheres of control and three ures for innovative and techno- technologies is a top priority for spheres from 18 areas of supervi- logical development, providing for the company, as they will increase sion in connection that were found a phased transition to the digitali- the efficiency of all processes, to be inefficient or redundant. This sation of the company’s business,” number and quality of services will cut 50 percent requirements he said. provided and level of competi- for the verification of business en- Kotyrev indicated new techno- tiveness and client-centeredness, tities. logical platforms such as the multi- said Kotyrev. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 EXPO 2017, OIC and its first Astana Expo and warm ever Summit on Science feeling that stays on By David Valera

As someone who spent the and Technology major part of his summer in cience – and the practical technologi- doors, but it looks as if it will have attracted Kazakhstan working in and cal developments that spring from approximately four million people over the around EXPO 2017. I think advances in knowledge – affect every summer. Surveys have shown that they have it’s important to share both moment of our lives. They are the overwhelmingly enjoyed what they have seen my thoughts and experiences Sreasons we live longer and healthier, are more and experienced. as well as feelings about this, prosperous and have more opportunities than Not surprisingly, most of those attending especially as a foreigner. previous generations. Science has transformed have come from Kazakhstan but there have, as To begin with, my connec- our lives for the better. anyone living in Astana has noticed, a steady tion to the expo goes back We should be grateful, too, that the pace of stream of visitors from far further afield. As four years when this was scientific advances is not slowing down. We well as the physical legacy that EXPO 2017 still in the very early stages are depending on science to find the solutions has been designed from the start to leave and it seemed like the entire to many of our most pressing global problems. behind, one of its intangible impacts will be country was still preparing. Look, for example, at the challenge of cli- helping to put Kazakhstan more firmly on the Throughout those years I mate change. It’s thanks to science that we are global tourist map. would go to Kazakhstan and aware of worrying changes in our atmosphere The main long-term aim of the exhibition I would see the progress and and the impact on our climate and societies was, however, to share knowledge about the tremendous effort being now and in the future. We have seen these science and forge partnerships to accelerate made by the Kazakh gov- warnings realised in the devastating flooding advances in the future. There are plenty of ernment and its people as in Bangladesh and the southern United States signs that the exhibition has already encour- they prepared for what is to in the last few days. But we are also relying aged such developments. And it is this same be one of this country’s big- on science to help us find solutions to this spirit which lies behind the hosting of the first gest events thus far. increasing climate crisis. Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Summit When I arrived earlier this It is, of course, important that countries on Science and Technology in Astana next summer I not only found collectively and individually act to reduce week. the expo to be beautifully being the leader in future family always ask me about ble, kind, hard working, the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. But This first summit is an important develop- completed and efficiently energy, smart city design, safety so let me be very welcoming and, above all, we also need to develop technology, which ment for an organisation that is growing in functioning but I also found nuclear non-proliferation and clear: the level of safety, se- extremely proud of their will help us mitigate and adapt to the climate global importance. It will decisively push sci- myself arriving into a beau- a technologically advanced curity and oversight in and culture. change underway. And it is as critical that all ence, innovation and education up the OIC’s tiful and modern new airport and modern society. around the country as well Lastly, I really want to say these steps are taken while allowing coun- agenda, which is key to modernising econo- with an amazing facility and Everywhere I went, I was as the city itself made me ‘thank you so much’ to all tries to continue to grow their economies and mies and meeting the needs of its 1.5 billion highly educated and profes- greeted with a warm smile, feel safer than being in my my dear friends who greeted improve living standards. citizens. There is massive scope for increased sional staff. friendly hello and made to own home! And yes, police me while I was a visitor in Some of these answers like generating cooperation in science and technology, which Everyone I meet spoke flu- feel completely at home. The were everywhere but they your beautiful country, from more electricity from solar and wind power will not only benefit individual member coun- ent and perfect English and if city of Astana (where the were all courteous and pro- meeting me at the airport, rather than fossil fuels are already well tries but the world as a whole. your main language was not expo is being held) although fessional and always greet- to never letting me pay for known. But if we are to maximise the benefits The summit will also provide a powerful English (for the first time it has always been a beauti- ed me with a smile and very dinner, to showing me your of such green energy sources, there is still answer to those few voices who try to suggest ever since I have been visit- ful city, was transformed into polite ‘hello.’ beautiful Borovoye (Ka- a great deal of work to do. We need to find that somehow Islam is against science and ing Kazakhstan) I also met a magnificent and modern Although my work contin- zakhstan’s version of the ways, for example, of storing efficiently the education. It is a distorted and backward view many Kazakhs whose Span- metropolis where laser light ues in this part of the world, Hamptons). You made me power generated when the sun shines and which anchors Islam in the past and ignores ish was better than my own, shows, countless celebra- I am truly and incredibly feel not simply like part of wind blows. the extraordinary contribution of Islamic sci- and if Spanish was not your tions and fascinating events happy for the people of Ka- your family but like a true The switch to renewable and sustainable ence to the world. language then many Ka- were held every night. Many zakhstan and all the success Kazakh!!! I hope someday energy sources is, of course, the central theme It was, after all, Islamic scholars, physi- zakhs also spoke fluent Ger- world-famous artists such as they continue to achieve. to return the favour when of EXPO 2017 which is now entering its final cians, mathematicians and scientists who kept man, Italian and countless DJ Aoki, David Guetta and As someone who has you visit NYC in the future. days. It put science and technology centre the light of learning burning when Europe was other languages perfectly. Akon performed throughout traveled often to many dif- I love you, Kazakhstan! stage, showcasing the latest developments in trapped in the Dark Ages. And today, scien- The Kazakh people repre- the event. The beautifully ferent countries I continue the area of future energy and identifying areas tists from Islamic countries continue to play senting Kazakhstan both at designed architectural facili- to love both Kazakhstan The author is Director where we need to make faster progress. a key role in advances in knowledge in every the airport and at the expo ties are also a testament to and its people, not simply of Government Relations It also fascinated and thrilled the millions continent and in every field. These contribu- truly are a great example of how much this country con- because of all the success at CRM and Senior Vice of visitors to the exhibition site and its many tions should be celebrated and encouraged to both the excellence and in- tinues to advance into the they seem to be having but President for Internation- pavilions. We won’t know the final figures make our world a healthier, more prosperous credible progress this country future. because even with all this al Trade & Development until sometime after EXPO17 finally closes its and peaceful place. continues to make towards Many of my friends and success they remain hum- at GP International.

two [groups], as it has good rela- tions with the P5 countries and the Group of 77 [coalition of develop- Kazakhstan can be moral leader, key mediator ing nations],” he said. “Kazakhstan has a role to play using its moral obligation to make in nuclear disarmament: head of CTBTO people understand that we all want to achieve a world free of nuclear weap- Continued from Page A1 sation that will only be fully op- for the international community to it has also only recently become a ons but we have to make sure that erational upon the entry into force inject the notion of bringing the middle-income nation and has its we have established the trust neces- This is an important element, he of the CTBT – which is yet to be CTBT into force as an element for own development work to do. Ka- sary among countries before we can said, as it is young people who will signed and ratified by eight so- confidence-building.” zakhstan, with its unique nuclear achieve that dream.” It is a deficit of Kazakhstan can help bridge this be the leaders of tomorrow. called Annex II states with nuclear history, can mediate between these trust that has led people of the world gap, Zerbo says. Kazakhstan is cur- “And I often say they’re the weapons or nuclear weapon capa- groups. “This is where I am asking to believe they need nuclear weapons rently a non-permanent member leaders of today due to social me- bilities: China, Egypt, India, Iran, Kazakhstan to play that role, be- to protect themselves, Zerbo believes. of the UN Security Council, but dia – and if so, then we should give Israel, Pakistan, North Korea and cause Kazakhstan is among those But this crucial trust can be built. them the tools for them to make the U.S. Until then, the organisation sure their world today is safe and is the preparatory commission. One secure and they can prepare a bet- hundred and eighty-three countries ter world for the next generation.” have signed the treaty to date, and The key tool, he outlined, is opened Aug. 29 makes Kazakhstan 166 have ratified it; however, inter- “knowledge about what nuclear “shine in the international commu- national experts speculate that the testing is, the consequences of nu- nity” as a country that has taken eight countries that have not signed clear testing, visiting Kazakhstan, concrete steps to resolve some and ratified are unlikely to join any knowing more about Semipalat- global issues that led to the pro- time in the near future, as we still insk, knowing more about Hiro- liferation of nuclear capabilities, live in a world where nuclear weap- shima and understanding how this Zerbo said. The bank is a stockpile ons are seen to guarantee security. fits and how this can lay out the of LEU, necessary for nuclear fuel, Zerbo has an important message [groundwork] for the enforcement that will be available for countries about that. of the Comprehensive Nuclear to purchase to power their peaceful “Prohibition of nuclear weapons Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).” nuclear energy projects in case of can’t happen in a snap,” he said. “The world has to know that Ka- global supply chain interruptions. “It needs negotiations, agreements zakhstan has stopped nuclear tests “Kazakhstan should be com- and compromise. On the one hand, and closed its nuclear test site and mended for that,” Zerbo said. But we have two countries in the P5 has given up the fourth largest nu- there remains work to be done [the five permanent members of clear arsenal in the world to try and for people in Kazakhstan to un- the US Security Council] – the promote peace and security in Ka- derstand that the bank is a force U.S. and China – their ratifica- zakhstan and the region, and then against nuclear proliferation, not a tions are pending. On the other, we for the rest of the world. Having return to dangerous nuclear activi- have Iran, Israel and Egypt in the Central Asia as a region free of nu- ties on its soil, he noted. Middle East; while India, Pakistan clear weapons is an important step Aug. 29, the day of the LEU and North Korea have not even for both the country and its presi- Bank’s opening ceremony, is a signed the treaty. Experts say that dent. Then we hope his leadership very symbolic day for the CTBTO, China is waiting for the U.S., Iran in this matter will shine around the Zerba highlighted. “It’s the Inter- is waiting for Israel, India is wait- world and the region for people to national Day against Nuclear Test- ing for Pakistan and so forth – but understand that the 21st century ing and [we are] the only organi- someone has to take leadership. should remain as a world where sation that cares about this issue Of course, any of those remaining nuclear weapons are history.” right now.” eight countries’ leadership would The IAEA Low Enriched Ura- The CTBTO, established in be helpful but in the current geo- nium (LEU) Bank that officially 1997, is an international organi- political context, I think it is wise

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 EXPO 2017 “is what conversation on transition to clean energy needs to be about,” says head of UN Environment Programme speedy transition to a truly green to see how they contribute to the ter position to take care of the en- tential win-win for us all, whether By Aigerim Seisembayeva economy? achievements of the goals and vironment. for bright young minds preparing Specific incentives can come in targets, while making policy ad- for a job in the clean energy sector ASTANA – Erik Solheim, head two broad forms. One is the phas- justments as needed. How do you assess Kazakh- or people living in what are sadly of the UN Environment Programme ing down or removal of subsidies stan’s Official Development As- high-risk areas for hurricanes or and Deputy Secretary-General of that encourage excessive produc- The world is now heading to- sistance programme? other natural disasters. the UN, visited Astana late last tion and consumption of fossil wards urbanisation. By 2050, two- I very much commend the pro- You mention how policies and month to meet with senior Kazakh fuels. These subsidies serve as a thirds of the world’s population is gramme, which shows just how environmental challenges are officials and discuss joint activities, disincentive for investments in re- expected to be living in cities. Do mature and valuable the country’s closely linked and I would add as well as become acquainted with newable energy. you think it is possible to combine role is for the region. Such lead- other factors. With pollution levels the future-energy themed EXPO The other is the public sector’s urbanisation and a green future? ership can also help contribute rising worldwide, prices for renew- 2017. The Astana Times had the sharing of risks with investors in How can we achieve this? to the global goals. We hope that ables falling and the high potential opportunity to interview the Nor- renewable energy. This risk shar- It all depends on how we choose Kazakhstan can continue to set an for job creation, I strongly believe wegian-born diplomat. Erik Solheim ing could be done in the form of to live. With the right urban plan- example and also step up its in- the clean energy transition will loan guarantees, tax breaks for ning and infrastructure – coupled vestment in our common climate; happen even faster than we think. First of all, thank you for vis- ing the incredible opportunities both producers and users of renew- with smart choices made by citi- for example, to the environment iting Kazakhstan and attending that are out there. able energy, public procurement zens – we can certainly achieve fund that supports our work and We know that you have solid EXPO 2017 with the theme of Fu- requiring the use of renewable en- this. There is no reason for cities the quality of service that we strive experience as a peace negotiator, ture Energy. The country largely As you know, the Kazakh gov- ergy products, requirement for the to be unbearable, polluted and gas- to deliver to member states. having contributed to the peace depends on fossil fuels – do you ernment aims to rearrange its en- national grid to be open to renew- guzzling places! processes in Sri Lanka, Sudan, My- think it fulfilled its aim to show- ergy mix and make 50 percent of able energy sources and public in- Look at Astana. Any visitor can Time has shown that policies anmar, Nepal and Burundi. Do you case the best practices in clean the country’s energy come from vestment in research and develop- see how rapidly it is developing, and environmental challenges are think the Astana Process is bring- energy and encourage other na- renewables by 2050. What are the ment, among others. yet it still aims to see more than closely intertwined and interde- ing any tangible results? What else tions to use them? tools to make investors interested In broader terms, it is also criti- half of its land area flourish with pendent. Taking into account that can be done to make it efficient? For me, this really has been a in this process? What incentives cal to build public support for the green cover by 2030. Connecting the U.S. administration is one of There certainly has been some welcome declaration of intent that should the government apply to change by finding ways in which artificial forests and parks through- the biggest and most influential progress, in that we have seen sends a very strong message. Ka- make this goal a reality? the public can quickly see that the out the city will not only help clean actors, what do you think are the some reduction in violence in Syr- zakhstan has shown that it under- This is an important and wel- shift brings more jobs and better the air, but also reduce its tempera- consequences of the Trump ad- ia as a result of the Astana Process. stands the challenges faced by the come commitment, and it is per- health, for example. ture and ensure it remains a pleas- ministration’s decision to with- I very much hope that it will suc- planet and that the future, both for fectly achievable. A key ingredient At expo, we held a high level di- ant place to live. draw from the Paris Agreement? ceed, but unfortunately the kind of its own economy and the rest of will be to create the policy frame- alogue on this topic together with Meanwhile, the city of Copenha- Earlier this year, a coal museum in tangible result that we need to see the world, needs to be low carbon. work and stable business space the government of Switzerland gen is also growing, but still aims Kentucky in the United States need- – a complete cessation of violence What is also so encouraging is for this change to take place, so and the explorer and Solar Impulse to become carbon neutral by 2025. ed to install new electricity capacity. and a halt to a terrible humanitar- that rather than sit around and talk investors can be mobilised and pioneer Bertrand Piccard. There Thanks to excellent urban design What type of energy did it choose? ian crisis – has not happened yet. about the problems, Kazakhstan confident that a shift to renewable is promising momentum that the and the fact that cycling is fun, It opted for solar power. This speaks This is ultimately what matters has hosted an event entirely fo- energy is irreversible. From a po- transition will be a speedy one. cheap and healthy, even now there volumes as to where we are inevita- most: an end to the terrible suffer- cused on solutions. We have seen litical perspective, it always helps In order to ensure a speedy are more bikes than people in the bly heading. There can be no doubt ing of the Syrian people. the solutions of the future and so- if such strategies are presented as a transition, it is important first city! Such examples show how ur- that the future lies in clean energy. Speaking from experience, I ful- lutions that can be deployed today, non-partisan, national priority. to specify measurable goals and banisation and a green future can If anything, I think we have seen ly understand how challenging a ranging from energy-generating As a key voice in the Central targets over specific time peri- go hand-in-hand. a renewed surge in momentum peace process can be. Getting two buildings to electricity from garden Asia region, it is also important for ods, then to estimate the amount While more and more of us live from cities and the private sec- sides or multiple sides to the same plants and even a sustainable dance Kazakhstan to do its part to ensure of investments required to de- in cities, we can and must keep tor towards climate action in the table is in itself a huge challenge floor that I had a go on myself! that the environment is a central liver those goals and targets. our relationship with nature in- United States. As a result, at this and every step of the process can Ultimately, this is what the priority in the development of Chi- Domestic and external financial tact. Astana shows that we need rate we can realistically expect the be extremely frustrating and dis- conversation on the transition to na’s One Belt, One Road initiative. resources need to be mobilised not imagine ugly, grey and ineffi- country to fulfil its commitments couraging. Every step can be very clean energy needs to be about. It to make the investments hap- cient buildings when we think of made under the Paris Agreement – time consuming, meaning a great is about showcasing innovation, What are your practical rec- pen and these investments need urbanisation – green can and must whether it is officially a part of it deal of patience, determination making connections and highlight- ommendations for Kazakhstan’s to be monitored and evaluated be beautiful. That puts us in a bet- or not. We are talking about a po- and resolve is required. Kazakhstan, Poland build on 25 years of relations, says envoy on Cooperation between the Devel- cial Economic Zone Astana – New joint projects in the fields of phar- stimulating conditions for further By Galiaskar Seitzhan opment Bank of Kazakhstan and City). maceuticals, engineering, IT, agro- development of mutually beneficial the Bank of the National Economy Kazakhstan is regularly visited industrial complex, food industry, cooperation. As became known, President of of Poland were signed. The latter by representatives of large Polish chemical industry, financial sector, the Republic of Poland Andrzej document provides for opening by businesses, who study the possi- tourism, mining equipment, build- What other areas of coopera- Duda plans to pay a state visit to the Polish side of a credit line in bilities of investing in various pro- ing materials and furniture. Po- tion, except for the development of Astana on Sept. 6-7. On the eve of the amount of 300 million euros to jects in Kazakhstan. The embassy land has appropriate technologies economic contacts, are of particu- this major event in bilateral rela- finance joint investment projects in strongly supports this process, con- and knowledge in these areas. The lar interest in the relations with tions development, we asked a few Kazakhstan. sidering that Kazakhstan has all the country is leading in Europe for a Poland? questions from the Ambassador An important event of the visit necessary conditions for this. number of positions in the indus- The relations between the two of the Republic of Kazakhstan to was the Kazakh-Polish business fo- As a new format for cooperation, trial nomenclature. In particular, it countries are expanding in the the Republic of Poland Margulan rum. More than 400 Polish compa- the embassy sees the interaction is the first in the production of TVs, sphere of education. The impetus Baimukhan. nies and representatives of central of potential Polish investors with third in the production of copper, for this was the entry into force on state bodies, economic and finan- a specialised national investment eighth in steel and tenth in paper June 6, 2016 of an intergovernmen- What is the basis of the Kazakh- cial organizations of the two coun- company Kazakh Invest. It is ex- and cardboard production. An im- tal agreement on cooperation in ed- Polish cooperation, what is the tries took part in it. pected to carry out the work by a portant place in the EU economy ucation. Currently, more than 770 mutual interest of the two coun- principle of “one stop shop.” In this belongs to Polish agriculture. Po- students from Kazakhstan study at tries? Margulan Baimukhan What is the situation in bilateral regard, the company will not only land is the first in the European Un- Polish universities. Thank you for your interest in trade? be the “entry point” for a potential ion for growing apples, the second Agreements are also being imple- the theme of Kazakhstan-Poland a leading position in the Eurasian The visit of the head of state to Polish investor, but will also pro- for rye and potatoes and the third mented in the field of cultural ex- cooperation. On April 6, 2017, we space. As a result, Polish-Kazakh Warsaw gave a significant impetus vide its support in interaction with for beets and rapeseed. Among the change. For example, in November marked the 25th anniversary of the turnover is more than 80 percent to bilateral cooperation, includ- government agencies and solve European leaders are Polish pro- 2016, the creative team of Astana establishment of diplomatic rela- of the total trade volume of Poland ing the sphere of trade, which has emerging issues on-site. In general, ducers of wheat, milk and meat. Ballet showed performances, de- tions between our two countries. with the countries of our region. become most noticeable since the the embassy is aimed to work on Both countries also have a sig- voted to the 25th anniversary of Cooperation between Astana and beginning of this year. In particu- specific points of specific projects. nificant transit-transport potential. independence of our country, in Warsaw has reached a high level In August last year, President lar, according to the Ministry of At the initial stage, probably, their Therefore, today joint projects re- opera theatres of Warsaw and Wro- and is developing very well. of Kazakhstan Nursultan Naz- Development of Poland, the trade number will not be so high, but they lated to One Belt, One Road initia- claw. The works by the canonical The approaches of Kazakhstan arbayev paid a state visit to War- turnover in the first half of 2017 will immediately get a commitment tive are also topical. It is notewor- writers of the two countries were and Poland to the issues of ensuring saw. How did it affect the course of amounted to 601.9 million euros. to a long-term investment presence thy that the wide-gauge railway published in Kazakh and Polish. In regional and global security, fight- bilateral cooperation? The increase compared to the same in the Kazakhstan market. track [used in Kazakhstan, Russia, the near future, it is planned to sign ing the main challenges and threats High-level visits have always period of last year exceeded 75.5 We also expect active coopera- Belarus and other CIS countries] an intergovernmental agreement on of the present are common or simi- been great events in bilateral rela- percent. At the same time, exports tion with Kazakh Invest and other reaches the heart of Poland through cultural and scientific and technical lar. Moreover, the parties often tions, as they create a powerful from Kazakhstan amounted to business entities of Kazakhstan to its eastern border for a distance of cooperation. support each other’s international stimulus to their further develop- 389.1 million euros (up by 90 per- promote Kazakh products to the up to 300 kilometres. An important role in strengthen- initiatives. For example, Poland ment. As a rule, the meetings of cent), imports from Poland – 212.8 Polish market. In this regard, we A new breath should be given to ing the ties between the two coun- voted in support for the candidacy the heads of state result in a break- million euros (a growth of 54.5 per- believe it is important to study the interregional cooperation between tries belongs to the Polish diaspora of Kazakhstan on the issue of hold- through in all spheres of coopera- cent). It is expected that by the end Polish experience in determining the Kazakh regions and the Pol- residing in Kazakhstan. At present, ing EXPO 2017. tion: political, economic, cultural, of 2017 bilateral trade will signifi- the product line and supporting ex- ish voivodships. It should be noted it accounts to about 34,000 people. Thus, from the political perspec- humanitarian, scientific and techni- cantly exceed one billion euros. ports. For example, it is interesting, that each separate region of Poland It serves as a kind of living bridge tive, there are no unsettled issues cal, etc. due to what factors, according to has its own production and export of friendship and cooperation be- or disagreements between the two On August 22-23, 2016, the Presi- What is being done by the em- the results of the first half of 2017 priority products. Thus, the eastern tween our countries. Kazakhstan countries. At the same time, by mu- dent of Kazakhstan visited Warsaw. bassy to develop mutually benefi- alone, the volume of income from voivodships specialise in the pro- has created all conditions for the tual recognition of the parties, there During the talks with the President cial cooperation with Poland? Polish exports, according to official cessing of agricultural products and Polish diaspora, including for the is a significant unused potential in of Poland, the sides discussed topi- Currently, private capital of statistics, amounted to 100 billion the production of agricultural ma- study of the native language, pres- the sphere of economic coopera- cal issues of bilateral relations and Poland is actively represented in euros? Naturally, the most impor- chinery. In turn, the western regions ervation of the national culture and tion. In this regard, I think it will be the international agenda. The visit many areas of the Kazakh econ- tant tasks of any embassy include specialise in manufacturing metal traditions. correct to say that the basis of our gave a qualitatively new and sig- omy. More than 200 entities with informing its capital about positive structures and plastic products. The unifying factor of Kazakh- contacts, first of all, is the promo- nificant impetus to the promotion Polish participation are registered developments in international prac- An important and new element of stan and Poland is the common tion of trade and investment and in- of all-round cooperation between in our country. The gross inflow of tice that can be useful in the reali- cooperation can be the participation memory of the World War II. Over novation cooperation. our countries. direct Polish investments into the ties of its own country. of Polish capital in the privatisation 60,000 Kazakhs died for liberation Poland is the leader in economic Further development can be ob- economy of Kazakhstan amounted of assets of the Samruk Kazyna of Poland from the Nazi invaders. growth in Central and Eastern Eu- served in the legal framework of to $190 million, and the amount of Which sectors of the economy Sovereign Wealth Fund as well as The embassy is involved in the rope, the second-fastest growing bilateral interaction. Within the Kazakh investments in Poland is are the most relevant in the Ka- facilities in the regions within the search for burials of the soldiers economy in the European Union. framework of the visit, the Decla- $25.5 million. Among the Polish zakh-Polish cooperation? framework of the Comprehensive who died on the Polish territory. At The GDP growth in 2017 is fore- ration on Economic Cooperation flagship investors in the Kazakh Drivers of economic growth in Privatisation Plan for 2016-2020. the same time, Kazakh diplomats casted to be 3.9 percent. Therefore, between Kazakhstan and Poland economy are Polpharma group of our country are the new sectors of From January 1, 2017, the intro- actively cooperate with archival it is not by chance that it is one of was adopted in the presence of the companies (pharmaceutical plant the economy, created in the frame- duction of a visa-free regime for depositories of local authorities, the leading economic partners of heads of state, two intergovernmen- in Shymkent) and Selena Group work of innovative industrialisa- Polish citizens, the launch of the as well as the Polish Red Cross. Kazakhstan in the European region. tal agreements on cooperation in the (a plant for the production of con- tion. In this regard, economic coop- direct Astana-Warsaw air commu- In turn, hundreds of Poles worked In turn, our country in terms of field of agriculture and readmission, struction mixtures and products eration between the two countries nication, as well as active participa- during the war at defence industries economic development also takes as well as a Framework Agreement for thermal insulation in the Spe- will focus on the implementation of tion of Poland in EXPO 2017, were in Kazakhstan. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 Astana and Seoul: 25 years of mutual sympathy, trust and support the Kazakh government issued a “The Astana expo provided a ways to develop cooperation,” he opment, e-government, and small- By Dana Omirgazy statement in which it very strongly great venue to intensify our rela- added. and medium-sized enterprises,” he condemns North Korea’s actions. tions. Many Koreans visited Asta- This year, Korean diaspora are said. ASTANA – With the new gov- Kazakhstan voluntarily aban- na this year. The Korean pavilion celebrating their 80th settlement South Korea has also been ernment of South Korea, Astana doned nuclear weapons in 1993. is the biggest one with the biggest year in Asia. The Korean diaspora demonstrating a strong commit- and Seoul have greater momentum As a global leader, your President number of cultural events organ- in Kazakhstan includes 107,169 ment to renewable energy and the to expand relations. This year, deal- showed a very good example of ised throughout the three-month people, according to 2016 statis- pavilion highlights 10 key tech- ings between the countries have making a world free of nuclear period. Expo is a festival; every- tics. They grow as excellent Ka- nologies. Korea is also trying to intensified significantly thanks to weapons,” he told the paper. body goes there to look at advanced zakh citizens and are a very good promote renewable energy sourc- EXPO 2017, said South Korean From an economic point of view, technologies. For the success of bridge to connect Kazakhstan with es as much as possible and Kim Ambassador and Korean pavilion Kazakhstan is the most important the festival of our friend, we have Korea, noted Kim. believes the countries have good commissioner Kim Dae-sik in an partner for South Korea in the tried to be the most active pavilion. “As a new ambassador, I have potential for win-win cooperation interview with The Astana Times. Central Asian region. The country We have been holding about 250 very strong motivation and will in the field. “As the new ambassador, I is also considered to be the biggest performances and we try to show to further promote our relations. “Kazakhstan has set a target to found out that our relations are Kim Dae-sik destination for investments. our friendship and showcase our I have big hope and I believe that generate up to 50 percent of en- very strong. I would rather say that Approximately 200 Korean achievements in renewable energy our future is very bright. I will re- ergy from renewable and alterna- our relations are more than excel- number of visitors. The ambas- companies are operating through- for citizens of Kazakhstan and oth- ally try to expand our relations tive sources by 2050 and started lent. Various aspects define our re- sador believes the interest reflects out Kazakhstan. Seoul proposed er countries,” he said. further. Economic cooperation the Green Bridge Partnership Pro- lations, including economic, polit- the closeness and friendship of the the Eurasian Economic Union “In July, we celebrated Korean implies cooperation not only in gramme in 2011. This is a very ical, cultural and people-to-people nations. (EAEU) conclude the free trade National Day with numerous fo- conventional energy, that is oil ambitious target. South Korea also exchange,” he said. “This close relation and friend- agreement, which, if enacted, aims to generate 20 percent of its The relations between the coun- ship somehow was initiated by could expand trade volume, invest- KIM: “This close relation and friendship electricity with clean, renewable tries have been developing rap- understanding of President Naz- ments and industrial cooperation. energy by 2030,” he said. idly in all areas during the past arbayev himself. He really has a “Your government announced somehow was initiated by understanding of He also shared his impressions 25 years, he noted. very strong and positive image of that Kazakhstan is set to be a hub after visiting the host nation’s pa- “Since the establishment of dip- Korea. He always mentions that for transport and logistics connect- President Nazarbayev himself. He really has vilion. lomatic ties between the countries Korea is one of the countries Ka- ing Europe and Asia. This is, of a very strong and positive image of Korea. “I saw every aspect of Kazakh in 1992, our cooperation has been zakhstan should learn from. Naz- course, a very good direction be- culture and the way of life of Ka- developing well. In 2009, we be- arbayev has made five state visits cause of Kazakhstan’s location in He always mentions that Korea is one of zakh people. I like Kazakhstan’s came closer as strategic partners. to Korea since 1992. His attitude Central Asia. It is a good strategy. the countries Kazakhstan should learn from. idea of future energy,” he added. As clear evidence, we opened the toward Korea became the locomo- If such an idea is implemented, a Nazarbayev visited the Korean consulate general in Almaty and a tive to make our relations closer. greater volume of Korean products Nazarbayev has made five state visits to Korea pavilion Aug. 26. The Kazakh cultural centre in Astana. It is not People of both countries also be- can be moved through this route,” President, who made a state visit a common case in every country. came closer,” he said. said Kim. since 1992. His attitude toward Korea became to Korea last November, stressed There are several Korean institu- He expressed his apprecia- Tourism statistics indicate the locomotive to make our relations closer. the deep ties between the countries tions and centres supported by tion for the Kazakh government’s 34,000 Kazakhs visited South Ko- and thanked everyone in the Ko- public finance in Almaty and Asta- strong support of Seoul’s policy rea last year and 28,000 Korean People of both countries also became closer.” rean language. na,” said Kim. toward North Korea. tourists came to Kazakh cities. The Korean pavilion welcomed Cultural and educational activi- “It is very important for our Introduction of a visa free regime rums and seminars. One of them and gas and construction, but also its 400,000th visitor this month. As ties organised by Korean centres to security as North Korea makes a between the countries at the end of was organised by ethnic Koreans. in many other areas such as the IT expected, the number of visitors familiarise local citizens with Ko- provocation by firing missiles or 2014 was followed by a rapid in- At that forum, business people sector, health and medical areas, will reach half a million people in rean culture always gather a large making nuclear tests. In addition, crease in tourist flow. from the two countries discussed education, human resource devel- early September. Pugwash Council... UK, Kazakhstan to train prison officers Continued from Page A1 weapons but also the possibility that these weapons can be used,” At the initiative of The ATOM he said. “Nuclear weapons can to international standards Project, the conference par- be used in the future not out of ticipants stood at 11.05 am to vacuum. Quite reasonably nucle- “In June, the U.K. Law Soci- tionship that our leaders have rec- est financial contributor to UN observe a minute of silence as ar weapons can be used as in the By Zhazira Dyussembekova ety, in partnership with the Astana ognised as an important one and so peacekeeping. Some 700 British a mark of respect for victims situation where there’s a conflict International Financial Centre they strengthened our ties through peacekeepers are deployed in six of nuclear tests on the Aug. 29 and antagonism. The important ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the (AIFC) and the Supreme Court of engagement between our peoples,” missions around the world. We are United Nations (UN) Interna- part of Pugwash in general that United Kingdom are marking their Kazakhstan, ran a training project he said. working together to sharpen that tional Day against Nuclear Tests. has been reported here is to deal 25th anniversary of cooperation to provide Kazakh judges with an The visit was the first for the capacity through the Steppe Eagle Parliament Senate Chairman with the regional conflicts in this year with Kazakhstan’s sixth understanding of the English Com- U.K. official, who touched on peacekeeping training programme, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in situation when nuclear weapons largest investor launching a new mon Law system and rule of law,” several points during his speech, which is the U.K.’s largest bilater- his conference closing speech matter.” project to train prison officers, said he said. including the country’s departure al defence exercise. I eagerly await that “the Pugwash conference The security challenges in U.K. Minister for Europe and the from the European Union. Kazakhstan’s first deployment on has been known for bringing Central Asia and civilian nuclear Americas Sir Alan Duncan. “The U.K. will continue to en- UN peacekeeping operations,” scientific insight generating energy also drew the attention of  “I am pleased to announce gage with the world,” he said. “We said Duncan. meaningful and collaborative the scientists at the event. today a U.K. investment of about are leaving the European Union, The U.K. is one of the finan- dialogue on the most pressing is- “The radical groups are get- $100,000 for a new project. NGOs but we are not leaving Europe. We cial contributors in developing sues facing humanity and seek- ting more and more relevance in will work in partnership with the also want to strengthen our rela- the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium ing a world free of nuclear weap- world policy and they have an Ministry of Internal Affairs and the tionship and build strong partner- Bank launched on Aug. 29. ons.” influence on the situation where Kazakh government and Anti-Cor- ships with countries such as Ka- “We really welcome Kazakh- The Pugwash has a wide out- we have conflicts. On the last ruption Agency to train prison offic- zakhstan as we look towards the stan’s vital contribution in devel- reach engaging the young gen- day, we discussed the nuclear ers to retain international standards future.” oping the Low Enriched Uranium eration and groups worldwide. agreement concerning Iran and in prisons, contributing to President The U.K. will continue to work Bank, which was opened this “The Astana meeting brought a risk that this agreement can be Nazarbayev’s ambitious programme with its partners to find solutions week. It will play an important role new momentum to this important dismantled. Finally, there is a of reforms in the judicial and rule of to some of the world’s most com- in ensuring that there is a safe, se- work. It’s not a coincidence that strong correlation between nu- law sectors,” said the British politi- plex challenges, he said. cure and assured source of low en- our country was offered to hold clear energy and capability of cian during the Aug. 31 event at the “Our commitment to our exten- riched uranium to generate nuclear this forum. Today the interna- Nazarbayev Centre dedicated to re- sive security cooperation with our energy for peaceful purposes,” he building nuclear weapons,” he Sir Alan Duncan tional community marks the In- added. lations between the countries. allies remains solid. In this, Ka- said. ternational Day against Nuclear “The idea of creating bank for Kazakhstan has made real pro- zakhstan is a very important part- The U.K. has invested more than Tests. That day 26 years ago the Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) is gress in implementing human Collaboration is increasing in a ner. Two years in the UN Security $20 billion in Kazakhstan in its 25 Semipalatinsk nuclear test site a part of the deal of building the rights protection in accordance variety of areas, such as between Council present Kazakhstan with a years of independence and the na- was closed down by the historic international fuel cycle centre,” with internationally recognised the AIFC and the City of London, unique opportunity to play a major tion remains an attractive market decree of Kazakh President Nur- he stated. standards, he added. the famed financial centre in the role in tackling serious security is- for U.K. companies. More than sultan Nazarbayev who all these Since 1945, nuclear weapon “And as you make even greater British capital. sues facing the world. It will allow 500 British firms are registered in years has been playing a key role testing has played a primary strives to secure an even more “I welcome Kazakhstan’s deci- the country to bring unique geo- Kazakhstan, most working in the in global efforts in non-prolifer- role in the horizontal and ver- prosperous and ever more devel- sion to use English Common Law graphical, historical and cultural oil, gas and mining sectors. ation and disarmament areas,” tical proliferation of nuclear oped future for the nation, it is im- as the basis for the financial cen- perspectives to the work of the Duncan’s agenda included a vis- he said. weapons. Such testing has also portant to remember that the foun- tre,” he added. council,” he said. it to EXPO 2017. Tokayev added that the contact inflicted great damage on the dation of the future rests on the “This year we are celebrating 25 The United Kingdom also sup- “The expo shows that Kazakh- with the Pugwash will be main- environment and people, espe- society, where human rights and years of diplomatic relations be- ports Kazakhstan’s commitment to stan is taking its place in the world. tained in the future as it fulfils cially in areas adjacent to nucle- the equality of all citizens under tween Kazakhstan and the United develop its peacekeeping capacity I hope it will open new doors and its noble mission promoting the ar test ranges but also globally. the law is guaranteed,” he added. Kingdom and I am pleased to say in supporting UN security opera- new opportunities for Kazakhstan, cause of peace through dialogue The cumulative consequences Training for judges was held two that today this relationship has tions. such as modern trading routes across divides and offering new of more than 2,000 nuclear tests months ago. never been stronger. It is the rela- “The U.K. in the sixth larg- along the old Silk Road,” he said. thinking and creating approach- conducted since 1945 by nuclear es to emerging challenges. weapons states can be compared In his concluding remarks, to a slow-motion limited nuclear If agreements cannot be reached, Pugwash Secretary General Pao- war, waged by them on them- the negotiations will be postponed. lo Cotta-Ramusino spoke about selves and on humankind, the “If we do not complete the ne- the topics discussed by the work- declaration said. EAEU free trade zone negotiations gotiations in the next few days, but ing groups during the five-day The document concluded: insist on continuing to improve conference. “This year marks the 60th anni- the quality of the agreements, then “The conference started with versary of the first Pugwash Con- we will proceed to a somewhat the test ban treaty saying that in ference. The tragic results of the with Iran close to end slow stage of negotiations and this Kazakhstan, the legacy of the nu- Castle Bravo hydrogen bomb test these negotiations. The result of agreement are on commodity and agreement cannot be signed in the clear tests is a serious problem. by the US in 1954 in the Marshall By Frol Leandoer the negotiations consists of three agricultural goods, she added. near future,” she said. We wanted to use this opportunity Islands led Joseph Rotblat to set parts. One of them is the agree- “Negotiations are almost com- EEC Collegium Chairperson to strengthen and to stress the im- in motion what has now become ASTANA – Negotiations be- ment text, which is the regulatory plete. Now, it remains agreeing Tigran Sarkisyan earlier noted portance of bringing CTBT into a truly global movement. Here tween the Eurasian Economic framework that will determine the on individual goods, as there is the formation of a free trade zone force. Then we discussed the pro- in Astana, on the International Union (EAEU) and Iran to create rules of the game. This is very im- no mutual consent of the parties remains the most important in- posal in the UN for a new treaty, Day against Nuclear Tests, and a free trade zone are in their final portant due to the fact that Iran is yet. This is probably the biggest tellectual constructive dialogue which in fact is a total nuclear ban. aware of Kazakhstan’s important stage. not a member of the World Trade problem that we, together with our between the Eurasian integration We are looking forward to helping contributions to this cause, the “We have been conducting Organisation (WTO). That is why Iranian partners, [will face] and association and Iran. The nation the treaty itself to be expanded the Pugwash Council calls upon all quite intensive negotiations with the trade rules write-up between will soon stop at that stage of the is among several countries which most as we can,” he said. Governments and the people of Iran for over eight months,” said the union and Iran are a key ele- agreements (…), giving us a good are top priorities for the EAEU in A nuclear-weapon-free zone the world to reflect on the grave Eurasian Economic Commis- ment and we think we have pro- chance to report to the presidents terms of creating free trade. At the and WMD-free zones in the Mid- and irreversible ecological and sion (EEC) Minister for Trade duced a good enough text where of our countries about the comple- same time, union country presi- dle East and nuclear risks were humanitarian consequences of Veronika Nikishina, reported Iran is ready to take on a very tion of the negotiations and ask for dents have repeatedly expressed also discussed. nuclear weapons and to spare Kazinform. “We have had seven large package of trading strategies mandates for signing agreements their support for deepening the “Nuclear dangers are not only no efforts towards achieving a rounds of difficult negotiations. equivalent to the WTO.” by October of this year,” she add- relations between the EAEU and connected with the existence of nuclear-weapon-free world.” We have practically completed The other two sections of the ed. Iran. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Globalink Kazakhstan: from Astana Opera star wishes nation Kazakh boxers win gold, bronze humble beginnings to infinite well on Constitution Day and silver medals at world boxing opportunities B2 B3 championships in Hamburg B7 World holds minute of silence New religion textbook to in memory of nuclear test victims be included in national ed its first resolution focused solely By Zhazira Dyussembekova on nuclear testing last year. “I hope that represents a new momentum to- ASTANA – An international wards taking the essential next step school curriculum moment of silence honouring the in ridding the world of the menace tions of the state,” the minister memory of victims of all nuclear of nuclear weapons,” he added. Staff Report informed. weapons testing in the world was The UN International Day Yermekbayev noted that the in- held at 11:05 a.m. local time Aug. against Nuclear Tests was estab- ASTANA – A new religion text- troduction of the textbook into the 29 to mark United Nations In- lished December 2, 2009 at the book will be added to the national curriculum will begin no later than ternational Day against Nuclear 64th session of the UN General school curriculum, announced the next academic year or in the Tests. Assembly. The resolution was Minister of Religious Affairs and second half of this year. The time was chosen because at initiated by Kazakhstan to com- Civil Society of Kazakhstan Nur- Also, according to the minister, this point in the day, clock hands memorate the day in 1991 when lan Yermekbayev at a recent gov- the issue of training specialists in re- show a V. This moment is meant to President of Kazakhstan Nursultan ernment meeting. ligious studies is being taken care of. signify a coming victory of com- Nazarbayev made the historic de- Society and Religion is the text- “Taking into account certain mon sense over fear and a vic- cision to close the Semipalatinsk book’s working title, according to aspects of the development of tory for global efforts towards a nuclear test site, where 456 nu- Yermekbayev. the religious situation, the issue nuclear-weapons-free world, The clear tests were conducted by the “Together with the Ministry of the opening of the faculties of ATOM Project (Abolish Testing. Soviet Union. of Education and Science of the specialty religious studies is being Our Mission) website explains. The ATOM Project is an interna- Republic of Kazakhstan, work is worked out in one of the regions in The Aug. 29 minute of silence was tional campaign launched in 2012 being carried out on the editing western Kazakhstan, in Zhambyl, first initiated by The ATOM Pro- as a way to generate global popu- of the new textbook, which will Kyzylorda and East Kazakhstan ject in 2013. lar support for a permanent end to be included in the school curricu- regions, which will prepare the “Each year on Aug. 29, we ob- nuclear weapons testing and, ul- lum. The textbook’s content is necessary secular experts on re- serve the International Day against timately, the abolition of nuclear focused on the scientific presen- ligion in regions where there are Nuclear Tests to respect the victims weapons. More than 1.5 million tation of knowledge about world risks of spreading such destructive of the past and to remind the world citizens of Kazakhstan have been religions and the secular founda- currents,” he explained. of the persisting threat these tests seriously exposed to nuclear weap- pose to the environment and inter- ons tests, and to this day children national stability. More than 2,000 are born with severe deformities, nuclear tests have been conducted illnesses and a lifetime of health over the past seven decades – from challenges. the South Pacific to North Amer- Nazarbayev has urged his global Social Medical Insurance ica, from Central Asia to North counterparts to commit to peace, Africa. They have harmed some of need to ratify to accomplish this,” sible. For almost 20 years, a global dialogue and renunciation of nu- the world’s most vulnerable peo- he added. norm has existed against nuclear clear weapons in his manifesto, ples and pristine ecosystems,” said The CTBT was opened for sig- testing based on voluntarily uni- “The World. The 21st Century” Fund will have Secretary-General of the United nature in 1996 and has been signed lateral moratoriums. I applaud released during the 2016 Nuclear Nations Antonio Guterres in his by 183 states and ratified by 166 this restraint, but it is not enough. Security Summit in Washington, official message this year. states. It needs the signatures and Continued nuclear tests by the D.C. He warned there would be According to him, it is essential ratifications of eight specific states Democratic [People’s] Republic “no winners” in any modern war sufficient budget to finance that the Comprehensive Nuclear- listed in CTBT Annex II – China, of Korea demonstrate that even as it would inevitably lead to the Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) finally Egypt, India, Israel, North Korea, the strongest norm is no substitute use of weapons of mass destruc- enters into force to ensure that Pakistan and the United States. for a legally binding prohibition,” tion. As a result, the planet would no state can conduct another test. “I urge all countries yet to join stated Guterres. end “as a graveyard of radioactive medical institutions “Just eight more Annex II States the CTBT to do so as soon as pos- The UN Security Council adopt- materials.” that delayed transfers are col- By Dmitry Lee lected by state revenue bodies and are subject to a 2.5-time accrued ASTANA – In a recent interview interest, the official refinancing with KazPravda, Zabira Orazali- rate established by the National yeva, Social Medical Insurance Bank for each day of delay in- EXPO 2017 welcomes Fund (SMIF) managing director cluding the day of payment. The for medical care users, gave an law “On Administrative Offenses” overall assessment of the fund’s also stipulates a penalty for failure first month of operation. or “improper payments” and con- three-millionth visitor “Taking into account the obliga- tributions. “I liked the Kazakhstan pa- pen,” said Shurygin on the day of number of people attending the expo tions of individual entrepreneurs “Until the end of the year, we are By Zhazira Dyussembekova vilion. Now I need to visit the his visit. is increasing every day. According to working on a special tax regime on expecting to receive more than $68 Russian pavilion. Of course, we At the same time, Chairperson him, 15 percent of visitors are foreign- the basis of a patient, they need to million. Next year, SMIF must en- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s major would like to see an event of such of the Astana EXPO 2017 National ers, most of them are from Russia. pay contributions at the beginning sure a minimum required balance event, EXPO 2017, welcomed its a scale to take place in the Ural re- Company Akhmetzhan Yessimov “One of the main aims of the ex- of the period. SMIF was expecting in the National Bank accounts of at three-millionth visitor on Aug. 25. gion. There is a possibility of expo decided to personally congratulate hibition was to increase the tourist to receive no less than $1.7 million least $148 million,” said Orazali- He turned out to be a 38-year-old taking place in Yekaterinburg in him and present special gifts. flow into the country. in July,” she said. yeva. resident of Moscow, Yuri Shurygin. 2025. We really hope it will hap- Yessimov has also said that the Continued on Page B5 The deadline is no later than the According to SMIF estimates, 25th day of the month; July pay- on average the fund will need ments, for example, needed to be $151 million a month next year to made before Aug. 25, she said, finance medical services as part of adding “we are expecting the in- its programme. crease in the amount in August “Considering that from January Reviving and reliving nomadic past compared to July.” next year we will have income According to official data, as from other categories of payees, of Aug. 10, more than $3.8 mil- we will have enough funds to en- lion was transferred to the SMIF sure the uninterrupted financing at Huns ethno village near Almaty accounts at the National Bank of of medical institutions within the around the village. They started kesu, which is meant to bless the Visitors are also shown felt Kazakhstan. Mandatory Social Insurance Sys- By Dmitry Lee with the tradition called shashu – child, barely starting to walk, and craftsmanship and get the chance “Companies have made deduc- tem (MSIS),” she said, showering guests with candy like progressing into the next stage of to closely study the yurts. They tions for 699,000 individuals as “Currently, SMIF is working ASTANA – The Huns ethno Kazakhs do at weddings. Then the life. The youngster’s feet are tied witness horse games like kyz of Aug. 10. More than 97,000 in- with medical institutions to clar- village is an ideal place for those candy is picked up and kept for with a black and white silk rope – kuu – chasing a girl to kiss her on dividual entrepreneurs, private ify the conditions for the provi- willing to relive the nomadic past good luck. Kazakhs believe these the symbol of inconsistency and horseback and, if the man fails to, notaries, private bailiffs, lawyers, sion of services within MSIS and of ethnic Kazakhs. The village, sweets then bring luck,” he added. challenges in life – and the hon- she whips him, and atpen audarys- professional mediators and indi- the conclusion of contracts with about 35 kilometres from Almaty As the guests proceed, they wit- oured guest of the event must cut pak – wrestling horseback. viduals who receive income under SMIF. Private medical organisa- in the Talgar district, is also a great ness other traditions such as tusau and burn it. The tours are followed by danc- civil law contracts have made de- tions are involved in ongoing ac- way to escape to the mountains for es, traditional music and a meal. ductions for themselves,” she said. tivities. a breath of fresh air, horseback rid- Prices range from $15-20 per per- The law “On Compulsory So- ing and adventure. son. cial Health Insurance” stipulates Continued on Page B4 Built from the outside as a tiny Those willing to spend some fort, the Huns offers vast views of time with nature can request spe- the mountains and a mix of tradi- cial horseback riding tours into the tional Kazakh yurts and Soviet- mountains with or without guides, THINGS TO WATCH & looking hubs. depending on experience and the “They recommend pre-arranging wish of the guests. Such walks PLACES TO GO a local show with the administra- take about an hour and a-half and tors of the village, as local actors cost approximately $3 per person. and staff will happily demonstrate The Huns can simultaneously ASTANA OPERA all the traditions and customs of accommodate up to 60 guests with September 6 at 8 p.m. Falstaff, Opera by La Scala the Kazakhs along the given sce- overnight stays or up to 600 per nario,” Khalid Jamal, a guest from day, according to the administra- September 7 and 9 at 8 p.m. Symphony, Concert by La Scala Jordan who recently visited the tors. The cost per night at the cot- Huns with his friends, told The tages starts from $40-$55 and the EXPO 2017 Astana Times. large felt yurt costs $75-$80 for up June 17 - September 9 Cirque du Soleil. Reflekt Show “My friends arrived for EXPO to 10 people. at 8 p.m. 2017. I am from Astana and I “We were offered the option to wanted to show them the rest of stay in cottages for up to four per- Kazakhstan and we wanted to sons. They looked like yurts,” said NATIONAL MUSEUM travel the country and ended up in Jamal. June 9 - September 10 Terracotta Army, Exhibition the mountains of Almaty,” he ex- The Huns have a Facebook July 3 - September 20 Ancient Weapons, Exhibition plained. page, www.facebook.com/bazaot- “They welcomed guests atop dyhagunny, and a website, hunny. horses in the traditional armour of kz, or can be reached at +7 (707) nomads and spears and showed us 044 3737. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 Globalink Kazakhstan: from humble beginnings to infinite opportunities the Balkans and Eastern Europe, life in Kazakhstan is much more “Our small and medium sized to improve the country’s “ease of By Dmitry Lee connecting to Turkey, Iran and the than business achievements. I met customers take enormous advan- doing business” index managed Middle East, further going into In- some of my closest friends in Ka- tage of our adaptable, self-learning by the World Bank Group, noted ASTANA – Soon after the col- dia and Pakistan and now eyeing zakhstan. I met some great people business model. We transfer gen- Khan. The government is also try- lapse of the Soviet Union in the east Africa for expansion. We truly in the early 1990s and we kind of eral knowledge on best practices ing to enhance the competence of early 1990s, the entire Central created a multimodal transporta- grew together and became part of that we attain from our large-scale the national workforce. It’s a con- Asian region became uncharted tion ‘land-bridge’ between Asia, the new business face of Kazakh- global customers to our local SME stant improvement cycle for which territory. Many young, ambitious China, Europe, the Middle East stan. We have so many great sto- clientele to make their business there is no short-term solution. entrepreneurs faced the challenge and the CIS like no other private ries to share of our personal and model more efficient. The transfer “Looking back some 24 years of exhausted markets in the then- sector logistics company has done business lives in post-Soviet Ka- of knowledge, localisation and ed- ago in Kazakhstan history, and this volatile area, while investors were so far,” said Khan. zakhstan. If given a chance, I will ucation has indeed played an im- is coming from a person who has particularly sceptical about start- Today, Globalink Logistics is do exactly the same again, without portant role in our business devel- spent many of these years in the re- ing new ventures. one of the largest multimodal regrets,” he said. opment process. If you investigate gion, I can say that it is a real treat One man with his own vision, transportation and logistics com- Khan shared some key points Globalink as a start-up, we had to see young entrepreneurs of Ka- however, dared to found a trans- panies not only in the Eurasia re- why Globalink is among the lead- mostly expatriate management, zakhstan sitting in the lobbies of portation and logistics company gion, but in the world market, he ing transportation and logistics but today 99 percent of our work- five-star hotels, working on their that later turned into one of the Siddique Khan noted. companies in Eurasia. force consists of national talent in laptops and making business deals largest in Eurasia. The Astana “Together with our long standing “For Globalink Logistics, every every country we operate in,” said – we have come a very long way. Times sat recently with Siddique sion in 1993,” he added, as the partner Kerry Logistics, we have customer is a unique case study Khan. We should stop here for a moment Khan, one of the earliest industry majority of foreign investors were merged our businesses and now and source of learning. While we Betting on the new talent, he be- and be proud of what the people of investors in Kazakhstan, in the entering the Commonwealth of operate under the umbrella of our have many small and medium- lieves, is the key for the future of Kazakhstan have achieved in such hope of understanding the secret Independent States (CIS) market Hong Kong stock exchange listed sized businesses as our loyal cus- Kazakhstan. a short time. While we are aiming of his success. through Russia. company. I continue to be one of tomers in the CIS, the majority of “Grooming and harnessing the to have much more, which is a nat- “I established Globalink in 1993, “Today, I can say we are truly the proud shareholders of the com- our biggest revenue generators are talent is so important for business- ural human desire, we must also when I was 24 years old. I had a vi- privileged to be titled as the very pany and serve as CEO for Eurasia the Fortune 500 companies having es and governments alike. Change ask ourselves, ‘which way do we sion of the future of the transporta- first international transportation and Middle East. Under the um- well-established global best prac- is the only constant in the world go from here?’ And this is where tion and logistics industry, particu- and logistics company in Kazakh- brella of Kerry Logistics Network, tices that we focus on. Rather than and the only way to cope with it I want to emphasise that improve- larly the development of the East stan. We have operations in nine we own and operate more than four modifying their logistical systems is to develop a progressive educa- ment is a never-ending cycle,” he – West, North – South and cross- locations in Kazakhstan, more million square metres of ware- and standards region by region, we tion system, executive education said. Caspian Sea mobility corridors, than 28 locations in the CIS and housing and terminal space, have adjust our operating model to com- programmes and a national talent Khan noted the Western China connecting landlocked Central as a company we are represented more than 1,000 service points and plement theirs. Rather than a one- pool that will face the future chal- – Western Europe transportation Asian and Caucasus republics with in 51 countries and growing stead- employ 25,000 people in 51 coun- size-fit all style, we always take a lenges with full confidence. If you corridor is a great opportunity for China, Europe and the Middle East ily,” he said. tries worldwide,” he added. boutique approach and customise want to focus on the future, the key Kazakhstan which will help im- into a seamless transportation and Surviving the first two-three Although Kazakhstan is neither our service methodology to adapt is to have well educated younger prove the business environment in logistics network,” he said. years is crucial for any business one of the biggest contributors to the needs of our customers. We policy makers, whose worldview the regions. This greatest opportu- After investigating all the USSR and his company was no excep- of global revenues nor the global thoroughly investigate our cus- is based on not only present but nity must be inclusive, where pri- breakaway republics, Khan settled tion. headquarters of Globalink Logis- tomers’ internal and external needs future realities. We must not dis- vate sector participation should be in the Kazakh capital and estab- “In 1995, after we proved that, tics, Khan considers Kazakhstan in regards to their supply chain, miss the wisdom of the old school, encouraged by the government by lished Globalink Logistics. yes, we can sustain our growth his second home. His entrepre- logistics management and com- but at the same time we need the developing public-private partner- “Fundraising at the age of 24 for and are able to cover our operat- neurial achievements, however, pliance to develop fitting service inspiration of the new generation. ships and funding institutions. a start-up based on a future vision ing costs, we opened three more were not the best outcome of living solutions. Our backbone is our I can already see the young akims He added the Nurly Zhol and that no one ever heard of or be- locations. In 1996, we launched in the country of the Great Steppe. IT system – the one-stop-solution (governors and city mayors), min- Belt and Road initiatives are truly lieved in was not an easy task, but two more offices and then we just “Some of the best things in my concept and our Global Network, isters and deputy ministers being complementing one another. Both family and friends came through kept on expanding in the region life happened in Kazakhstan. One which means we have technical, appointed who hopefully will help go far beyond logistics to focus on with seed investment which helped and beyond. In 24 years’ time from of my best achievements in Ka- commercial and human resources realise the dreams of the President the overall development of infra- me launch the Globalink Logistics the date of Globalink establish- zakhstan is my family. I met my on the ground in every major glob- and the people of Kazakhstan,” he structure, transportation corridors project,” he said. ment, we expanded our business wife in Almaty in 1994. We got al market and trade centre of the added. and industrialisation. Choosing Kazakhstan as a start- from China all the way to Europe, married and have three beautiful world to serve our customers with The Kazakh government is con- “It is a win-win cooperation,” he up base was not a “popular deci- across the Black Sea, the Baltics, children. The best outcome of my utmost care,” he said. tinuously learning and taking steps said. Almaty entrepreneur develops Bike for Peace activists indoor gardening visit Astana on Int’l Day The level of humidity and light; By Zhanna Shayakhmetova the location of heating and ven- tilation systems, windows and ASTANA – Sometimes, starting doors; and the choice of plants are against Nuclear Tests a business in an unknown industry among the factors affecting the means instead of competitors, you price of a project. The rate starts By Dana Omirgazy develop collaborators. Citygarden from 130,000 tenge (US$392) per Company head Diana Kemel and square metre. ASTANA – Six riders with the her team want to bring gardens “The most expensive project international organisation Bike for indoors, but in growing their busi- cost 650,000 tenge (US$1,959) per Peace (BfP) started a tour along ness, they’re also helping grow an square metre when we used exotic the Bishkek-Almaty-Astana route industry. plants, which were purchased at Aug. 20 in advance of the Build- “I saw a large vertical wall at European auctions. Unfortunately, ing a Nuclear Weapon-Free World Singapore Changi Airport in 2017 we do not have indoor plants pro- international conference in the and I was very impressed. I began duction. We specialise in interior capital. This year’s 10-day peace to study this wall and decided to be landscaping and all interior plants initiative united five Norwegian engaged in vertical landscaping,” are imported from Europe. This riders and Ukrainian writer and ac- Kemel told The Astana Times. “At leads to higher prices. It would tivist Anastasiya Odnoroh. that time, I could not find informa- certainly be great if we opened a “For a long time, I was engaged tion about the technology. When I Diana Kemel local production,” she said. in public activities. Gradually, I was on maternity leave I paid more The entrepreneur is looking for began to study the experience of attention to this topic. I found a the country. I support them and an investor to help them launch a international peacekeeping organi- course for teaching vertical land- give advice if necessary, because greenhouse for indoor plants worth sations and thus learned about the scaping. I passed an annual training the technology is new enough for approximately $3 million. activities of the Norwegian or- course and I launched the project.” us and many people can make mis- “I want to open a greenhouse to ganisation Bike for Peace, which The Citygarden Company pro- takes at the initial stage.” reduce the price, and to save costs through sport carries the idea of vides vertical landscaping and The company’s specialists are for the consumer. I also plan to peace and nuclear disarmament,” roof gardening services. The com- often invited to help fix shortcom- launch training in vertical garden- she said in an interview with The pany’s mission is to bring nature ings in designs created by other ing because there are queries from Astana Times. closer to the life of citizens, to im- companies. regions where there is a lack of Tore Naerland, the organisa- prove the urban environment and “For example, some plants can- greenery. Vertical landscaping is tion’s permanent leader, has been She is working on her doctoral in the International Nuclear Disar- to create aesthetic and progressive not be combined. It looks beauti- only gaining momentum, people conducting races in different parts dissertation on the topic and study- mament Conference with the par- urban gardening. ful, but these plants have different are just beginning to learn about of the world for the past 40 years. ing the experience of the interna- ticipation of President Nursultan “We offer a wide range of ser- requirements for lighting, humid- it,” she said. Any volunteer, sportsperson, ac- tional peacekeeping movement to Nazarbayev,” said Odnoroh. vices. Recently we were asked to ity and watering, and over time, The company offers different tivist, public figure or concerned understand how it is possible to The trip is BfP’s third to Ka- create a mini-garden in a private one of the types of plant will die. variants of plant walls – semi- individual can participate in the solve conflicts in international hot zakhstan since the launch of the house. We offer clients various op- I’m ready to support companies automated and fully automated, rides. spots without using weapons and campaign against nuclear weap- tions that we can do and suggest working in our direction because which do not require human inter- “Thus, we remind the world and violence. ons in 1977. Naerland is inspired which are most suitable for the they should provide high qual- vention to care for plants. Periodic ourselves that despite conflicts, “To some, such an approach may by Kazakhstan led by Nazarbayev conditions of a particular room,” ity services. Customers should inspection is necessary. everyone wants peaceful coexist- seem idealistic, but it turned out and his action to rid the country of she said. not think that vertical gardening is “We earn almost nothing on pro- ence and a peaceful policy based that world history knows enough all nuclear weapons. It is a great An experienced team of special- nonsense, as the plant dies a month duction and installation of plant on non-violence. All these years examples when a non-violent way message to the nine countries ists and RaStenia patented technol- later,” she said. walls, but our main earnings come the motto of the organisation re- was used to actively and effective- known to possess nuclear weap- ogy allow the company to take into Kemel said that a shortage of from after-sales service, for which mains unchanged: A World with- ly solve various issues, including ons, he noted. account all the nuances of a given plant designers is a big challenge customers pay between 2,500 out Nuclear Weapons,” she added. military conflicts. I wrote my book “Since its independence in 1991, project and choose the optimal so- for the industry. and 10,000 tenge (US$8-30) per Odnoroh is the author of “Fare- because I want as many people as Kazakhstan could have become lution for its implementation us- “We have plant scientists who square metre,” she said. well to Arms or Three Ways to possible to learn about this ‘ordi- a country with the world’s fourth ing high-quality materials. Living know the plants well, but they “I am often asked about time solve conflicts Without War,” a nary miracle.’ I believe that the largest nuclear arsenal, but it de- plants and moss are used in creat- are not designers. And there are management,” the entrepreneur book where she raises issues of philosophy of non-violence must stroyed all 1,500 nuclear weapons ing plant walls as well as hydro- designers without experience in said. “I honestly admit that I do not peace without violence. necessarily be studied in schools after the Budapest agreement. BfP ponics, which ensures cleanliness working with plants. We are the have time. It’s necessary to turn “I became interested in this top- and universities,” she added. admires the country that made this and safety. only company in the country that off perfectionism and the desire ic with the beginning of military This year’s BfP tour was organ- choice and the nine nuclear powers “There were more than 1,500 deals with high quality plant de- to effectively manage your time, operations in the east of Ukraine. ised in cooperation with the Ka- should follow this example. The requests for vertical gardening at sign. Sometimes we offer our cli- otherwise it will lead to a nervous Trying to find the answer to the zakh Embassy in Oslo. aim is to establish international Google Analytics when I started ents a simple design project, not breakdown. It is necessary to set question of whether it is possible “The tour started in Bishkek, law prohibiting such weapons,” the project,” Kemel recalled. the whole project, and invite other your priorities right. At some point to achieve peace by nonviolent Kyrgyzstan, where we visited the Odnoroh added. “There was no competition in the companies to implement the pro- you just need to relax and focus means, I discovered for myself a villages of Kokzhar, Chong-Kemin Naerland and Odnoroh are market. Now there are more com- ject if they wish. Because we can on what is important at the mo- very interesting topic of the philos- and Rot-Front. Then, in Almaty we joined on this year’s tour by Kare panies working in this area. They guarantee a quality living green ment. Interpersonal communica- ophy of non-violence, which was visited the Medeo Skating Rink Jonasmo, Terje Karoliussen, Trond are more like partners for me, as we wall project that no one can offer,” tion skills and networking are very not known to the general reader,” and EXPO 2017 in Astana on Aug. Myhre and Berit Marie Fraas all popularise vertical gardening in she said. important in success.” she said. 28. The next day, we participated Tveit. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 Astana Opera star wishes nation well on Constitution Day poser Alibi Abdinurov. We have ented trainee soloists who have by talented instrumentalists, also By Yerbolat Uatkhanov been preparing this programme for joined the opera company of the participants and winners of many about a week. Young professional Astana Opera House are inter- international competitions: flutist ASTANA – Young artists of the soloists who are working in the national competition laureates: Zhibek Sapargaliyeva and Dolce Astana Opera presented Aug. 26 classical music genre have put all Nazym Sagintai (soprano), Ma- violin ensemble, piano player at the Astana Opera chamber Hall their heart and soul into the perfor- lika Minisini (mezzo-soprano), Raushan Beskembirova. “Our Song Is for You, Kazakh- mance. We would like to congratu- Shyngys Rasylkhan (bass). They Popular songs, romances, fa- stan!,” a festive concert in honour late all fellow citizens of Kazakh- prepared an unforgettable musi- mous arias and duets from ope- of Constitution Day. stan with this splendid holiday and cal evening for the audience. In- ras by Akhmet Zhubanov, Mukan “Our concert is dedicated to one wish prosperity to our country,” ternational competition laureates Tulebayev, Yevgeni Brussilovskiy, of the most important holidays of said mezzo-soprano singer of the Aigerim Amanzholova (sopra- Gaziza Zhubanova, Yerkegali Ra- our country – Constitution Day. On Astana Opera Malika Minisini in no), Almat Izbambetov (tenor), khmadiyev, Tles Kazhgaliyev, Serke this day, I have sung Dudar-ai folk an exclusive interview with the Azat Malik and Altynbek Abilda Mukhamedzhanov and others were song and Tugan Zher vocal work Astana Times. (baritones) took part in the con- performed. The full house gave the by contemporary Kazakhstan com- The young generation of tal- cert as well. They were joined performers long-standing ovations.

lic money was not used to fund Chan’s trip. The actor was not paid any fees and flew to Kazakhstan in Jackie Chan says he wants to a private plane. He did not provide World renowned jazz any riders, refused the service of a luxury car and asked for an ordi- nary minivan to see the city with make film in Kazakhstan his associates. Local Astana res- musicians perform in taurateurs were excited to see the By Yerbolat Uatkhanov actor and refused to receive pay- ment from him. ASTANA – Chairperson of the It was planned that Chan would festival in Astana Kazakhstan Television and Radio stay in Kazakhstan for a couple of Astana as well. He gained fame in Company Yerlan Karin recently days, but he couldn’t because of By Frol Leandoer the early 1970s, becoming one of announced that Chinese actor and his schedule. He said that he liked the founders of the fusion move- star of American cinema Jackie the country and promised to come ASTANA – Internationally- ment, and after concerts with Chan plans to make a movie in again soon. recognised jazz performers gath- Miles Davis, John McLaughlin Kazakhstan. “More than 10 years ago, the Ka- ered in Astana for the Aug. 15-17 “After his trip to Astana, Jackie zakh Ambassador in Hong Kong JAZZIA 2017 International Jazz JAZZIA is three days became even more fired up by the once told me about all the rich re- Festival. The festival was part of idea of filming one of his films in sources that Kazakhstan possesses. EXPO 2017. of performances by Kazakhstan. He even told me about And five years ago, the ambassador “JAZZIA is three days of per- world-famous music one of his ideas. And he again shared told me about the country again and formances by world-famous mu- his impressions of the trip to our I always had a dream to come to the sic groups from different coun- groups from different country. He said that he was amazed state and film here. Unfortunately, I tries who share the main values of by the views of Astana, the hospi- had a lot of work to this day and this the exhibition, which is the sus- countries who tality of Kazakhstan people and the liter.kz Photo credit: dream has not been realised. In the tainable development of mankind share Expo’s main kind attitude of his fans,” said Karin. Jackie Chan in Astana. future, I plan to come to Kazakh- in harmony with nature through Chan took part in the Kazakh- stan again and do it,” Chan said. the responsible use of resources values: sustainable Chinese Film Festival. His visit munications and Chinese partners Astana Akim (Mayor) Asset Is- He also said that he was im- and the collaboration of talents in was organised by Kazakhstan of the festival and was dedicated to sekeshev met the 63-year-old actor pressed by Kazakhstan’s natural order to create the spiritual energy development of Ministry of Information and Com- EXPO 2017. at the airport and noted that pub- environment. of music,” the press service of the mankind in harmony event reported. The first day of the festival with nature... opened with the EAST DRIVE professional band. The Bill Evans and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Band also performed on the first Cobham became a superstar. Almaty Drama Theatre brings day of the festival. Bill Evans is a The final day of JAZZIA 2017 famous American jazz saxophon- music festival included perfor- ist. mances by two groups on the The second day of JAZZIA Energy Hall stage. Each of the innovative performances to EXPO 2017 2017 was no less intense. At the two have been nominated for of modernisation of public con- by Gulnaz Balpeisova, one of the Energy Hall stage, two bands Grammy awards. The audience had the opportunity to listen to sciousness initiated by President most fashionable young directors performed. The trio of musicians the legendary Marcus Miller. At [of Kazakhstan] Nursultan Naz- in Moscow and a student of one of from Israel – Shai Maestro Trio the closing ceremony of the fes- arbayev. The choice of these two the most talented film directors of also performed. tival, famous guitarist Lee Riten- works is dictated by the need to our time, Rimas Tuminas. For the The legendary American drum- mer Billy Cobham performed in our performed. give the Russian classics a new, “Woe from Wit” production, the modern sound,” the theatre repre- theatre purchased modern light- sentatives explained. ing equipment and invited light- Director of “Masquerade” ning designer Narek Tumanyan, Dmitry Bilov is already familiar who has extensive experience in to Almaty theatre-goers for the the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, to performance “Andalusian Curse.” work his magic. The production Photo credit: inform.kz. Photo credit: In Europe, he is known also as a designer is Sergey Melzer, and By Dana Omirgazy cal circles of Almaty last spring. successful artist, and has had exhi- costumes were designed by Lubov The premieres of “Masquerade” bitions in the Louvre. The show’s Vozhenikova. ASTANA – The Lermontov Rus- and “Woe from Wit,” directed by artistic director is honoured work- The performances featured sian State Academic Drama Thea- invited masters from Germany and er of Kazakhstan and State Prize honoured figures and artists of tre from Almaty presented two of Russia, were triumphant. of Kazakhstan laureate Vladimir Kazakhstan Marina Gantseva, its most exciting and innovative Now, Astana residents and Kuzhel. The costume designer is Sergey Ufimtsev, Valentina stagings of the year in Astana Aug. guests of the expo have had the Lubov Vozhenikova. Zinchenko, Anatoly Krezhenchu- 22-23 under the EXPO 2017 cul- opportunity to enjoy these works The tragicomedy “Woe from kov, Mikhail Tokarev and Dmitry tural programme, according to the on the stage of the Astana Ballet Wit” focuses on deep and serious Skirta, and young actors Victoria theatre’s press service. Theatre. topics: internal emigration, the Pavlenko, Roman Zhukov, Kami- The unique performances, based “The repertoire policy of the conflict of fathers and children and la Ermekova, Irina Kelbler, Rauf on Russian classics known to every Lermontov Theatre is aimed at the tragedy of a lost generation. Habibullin, Arlan Kassimanov student, caused a stir in the theatri- implementing the programme “Woe from Wit” was directed and others. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 Astana-Pavlodar highway Kazakhstan to switch to to be toll road in 2018 electronic customs declaration the highway is five years, its opera- tional period is approximately 25- By Zhazira Dyussembekova 30 years. Constructing one kilometre usu- ASTANA – Kazakhstan will ally requires a month to six weeks. completely switch to electronic In addition to the main route, customs declaration, according to contractors are installing 70-kilo- the draft code “On Customs Regu- mteres of snow-blocking fences lation in Kazakhstan” presented at built in two rows. The fences will the Aug. 22 government meeting, reduce operating costs in the future reported inform.kz. and protect the surface from melt “Speaking of new things [in the water and snow drifts. Contractors code], one of the main [things] is guarantee five years of operation the fundamentally new approach without breakdowns. to customs regulation, which is The construction season lasts, about the automation of business at best, from April-October, when processes at customs. Priority of crews must finish the main portion electronic declaration is to be in- of customs bodies issues a decla- pay customs duties, the state gives of the work. The time period can troduced. There is no need to attach ration without the participation of him the right to use a deferral for be expanded depending on condi- any supporting documents. All the officials if there are no potential a month with interest payments,” By Inga Seleznyova and contractual obligations. The tions, but it is absolutely impossi- necessary information is indicated violations. Thus, the legal signifi- said Suleimenov. toll will eventually be one tenge ble to work in winter. Contractors in the declaration. Declaring on cance is attached to the issue with- In some cases, delays are pro- ASTANA – The Astana-Pav- per kilometre. As the distance use the time to prepare materials paper will remain only in certain out the participation of a person,” vided up to six months without lodar highway, where construc- between the cities is 470 kilome- and equipment. cases, for example, during techni- he said. paying interest. tion started in 2014 under the tres, the charge will be 470 tenge The contract was originally cal failures,” said Kazakh Minister The draft code consists of eight “This is, for example, when Nurly Zhol national programme, (US$1.40) for cars and up to 2,500 awarded to an Iranian firm, but is- of National Economy Timur Sulei- sections – general provisions, delivering supplies under inter- will begin operation in mid-2018. tenge (US$35.3) for trucks. sues arose, said Mendygaliyev. menov. customs payments, customs op- national treaties, when importing The route, an important part of The new highway will reduce “DENA Iranian construction The draft law also provides the erations, customs procedures, agricultural machinery, planting the Centre-East transport corridor, the length of the route by five kilo- company won a tender for the re- possibility of using the single-win- movement peculiarities of certain materials or pedigree animals or will be a toll road in the future. metres in bypassing Yereimentau construction of 115 kilometres of dow system. categories of goods, customs con- in cases when the damage caused The 1,016-kilometre transport village, thus saving time for trav- the highway in 2015, but failed “Now, the customs authorities trol, persons engaged in customs to the payer is a result of a natural corridor has been under repair ellers. to fulfil its own obligations. We will not request documents that activities and final and transitional disaster, technological catastrophe since 2011, said KazAvtoZhol The road consists of four layers replaced them with domestic con- can be obtained from information provisions. The new code would or other force majeure circum- Deputy Chairperson Temirkhan of pavement, including a 30-centi- tractors and they are using ma- systems of state bodies within in- also permit postponing customs stances,” he said. Mendygaliyev. The highway was metre primer-mineral mixture and terials made in Kazakhstan for formation interaction,” he added. duties and taxes. The new code also provides a divided into 15 reconstruction crushed stone and gravel sandblast the reconstruction. Correspond- Implementing these two provi- “The code has a number of op- two-fold reduction up to five days sites and three have already been mixture with 25-centimetre cement. ent measures have been taken to sions will allow goods to be re- portunities that allow participants to clear customs goods. put into operation, reported Ka- This approach in construction will recover the bank guarantees, ad- leased automatically. The innova- in foreign economic activities to Under the states’ agreement, the zpravda. help withstand the projected traffic vance payments and enforce the tions will significantly simplify optimise their costs; for example, document will come into force Each portion of the road must loads and ensure uninterrupted and contract and penalties have been the declaration process and reduce to receive a delay in customs du- Jan. 1, 2018, simultaneously with pass national inspection, which safe travel throughout the site. Al- assessed on the Iranian company,” corruption risks. ties and taxes. If for any reason the Eurasian Economic Union cus- specifies the construction period though the contractual warranty for he said. “That is, the information system the declarant cannot immediately toms code. Social Medical Insurance Local companies will be obliged Fund will have sufficient to report greenhouse gas emissions “We assume that we will deter- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova mine the market, its needs and the surplus of quotas and our enter- budget to finance medical ASTANA – Domestic industrial prises will have the opportunity to enterprises will be obliged to pro- sell surplus quotas on the domes- vide online data on greenhouse gas tic market. There will also be the emissions, said Kazakh Vice Min- possibility of its implementation institutions in foreign markets in 2018,” he ister of Energy Gani Sadibekov Continued from Page B1 at the Aug. 18 interdepartmental said. commission meeting. Kazakhstan has accumulated ap- It should be noted that today, The proposed amendments to proximately 100 million tonnes of up to 30 percent of them are still certain legislative acts on environ- solid waste. providers of medical services as mental issues in greenhouse gas In cooperation with the World part of the guaranteed free medi- and ozone-depleting substances Bank, the Energy Ministry cal care as the main performer or regulation were presented at the launched a project to develop an as co-executor for certain types of Ministry of Justice. The draft con- electronic reporting platform for services. Among them, for exam- cept provides for expanding the greenhouse gas emissions. The ple, are such medical centres as conceptual base of the Environ- cadastre is expected to be intro- DostarMed, Centre ECO, Medik- mental Code and amending certain duced by the end of December. According to the World Bank, the er Astana, Multiprofile Medical Zabira Orazaliyeva, SMIF managing legislative acts in connection with need for accurate and reliable data Centre and Meiirim. director for medical care users. adopting obligations under the on greenhouse gas emissions is “The law ‘On Mandatory So- in the health insurance system,” Paris Agreement. kapital.kz Photo credit: becoming more relevant, as coun- cial Health Insurance’ provides said Orazaliyeva. “We have some experience in data provided to make timely de- ticipate in greenhouse gas emis- tries are working to implement the that the state will transfer con- She also explained the automa- the system of trading greenhouse cisions. sion quota trading. The restart of Paris Agreement to achieve the tributions to SMIF for children, tion system being implemented as gas emissions quotas. There is a “The draft amendment aims to the quota trading system will be goal of preventing climate change the unemployed, mothers with part of the programme. need to improve the enterprise ca- more than three children, people improve the quota trading system carried out in 2018. by 2020. “The SMIF automation is car- dastral systems that have an indus- and to make the necessary changes with disabilities and other ‘so- ried out in stages. In the first trial impact on the environment. cially vulnerable’ citizens, some and regulations in the relevant leg- The need for accurate and reliable stage, the existing information This is primarily the emission of islation. We are also introducing 14 preferential categories, and of the Ministry of Healthcare is greenhouse gases. All subsoil us- a new concept as an adaptation to that’s some 10 million people,” data on greenhouse gas emissions being adapted for the SMIF ac- ers will be required to provide climate change,” he added. she added. tivities to conclude contracts, information in this cadastre and The draft amendment suggests is becoming more relevant, as countries monitor the quality of medical register in a single format online,” introducing amendments and addi- are working to implement the Paris According services and collect statistics for said Sadibekov. tions to the Environmental, Land, health service planning, forecast- The transition to an electronic Entrepreneurship Codes and the Agreement to achieve the goal of preventing to SMIF estimates, ing and risk analysis. Also at this reporting system will improve Code of Administrative Offenses. stage, the creation of the main the quality and pertinence of the About 170 large enterprises par- climate change by 2020. on average the fund accounting system of the SMIF will need $151 million is planned; the corresponding competition has already been an- a month next year nounced through a single operator to finance medical on the portal of the Ministry of Finance,” she noted. New children’s vaccination method proposed services as part of its “During the second stage, the implementation of integrated au- fifth priority of the address of the tion of Kazakhstan: global com- The minister also noted the ma- programme. tomation is planned. Currently, Staff Report head of state, “Third moderniza- petitiveness.” jority of those who refuse to vac- the Ministry of Healthcare, in con- cinate do so not for religious rea- junction with SMIF, is completing ASTANA – Kazakhstan is con- sons. In the amendments to the law the preparation of the concept for sidering making children’s vac- “If someone is not vaccinated, “On Mandatory Social Health the creation of an information cinations mandatory only for he can not only get sick himself, Insurance” signed June 30 by system for subsequent coordina- dangerous infectious diseases, but also infect others. This is al- President Nursultan Nazarbayev, tion with interested bodies in the Minister of Religious Affairs and ready a violation of the rights of “other persons” were determined public-private partnership model. Civil Society of Kazakhstan Nur- other people, which we should not as a new category of payees. “With regard to access to medi- lan Yermekbayev announced dur- allow, which is now being decided. “These are so-called ‘non-pro- cal services, both free care and in ing a recent government meeting. Indeed, a large part of the popula- ductive self-employed’ and there the future within the MSIS, the “We are currently considering tion refuses to vaccinate, but this are about 2.3-2.5 million such in- existing health information sys- the issue of mandatory vaccination happens not on religious, but on dividuals. Their contributions are tems will be involved, including provided for dangerous infections, other grounds,” the speaker con- determined at the level of 5 per- an attached population register parasitic diseases that can be trans- cluded. cent of the minimum wage, which that will allow the citizen, after mitted from one child to another,” The ministry considering intro- in the next year when they begin getting listed, to confirm the sta- he said. ducing fines for parents who refuse to make contributions will be ap- tus of the insured and get the ser- The announcement came during to vaccinate their children. proximately $4; thus, they will be vice by simply showing an iden- a press conference on preventing The proposal will be submitted able to independently implement tity card at any medical centre,” religious extremism and radical- to Parliament for consideration in these deductions and participate she added. ism within the framework of the October. B5 NATION&CAPITAL EXPO 2017

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 Prime Minister praises EXPO 2017 Qatar’s new energy in Eurasian Week opening remarks horizons reflected ness community. I am also confi- ing integration by entrepreneurs. Staff Report dent that the forum will become We will be glad to further expand an important tool for developing this list of enterprises,” the prime ASTANA – Kazakh Prime the economy of the investment minister said. at expo pavilion Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev and export potential of EAEU,” Sagintayev also said numerous praised EXPO 2017’s contribution Sagintayev said. agricultural agreements are likely to economic growth and regional The head of the government be- to be signed during the forum. integration in his opening remarks lieves that the scale of the event “On the margins of the forum to the Eurasian Week forum on will also assist the integration pro- it is proposed to sign a number Aug. 24. cesses. of documents that contribute to “It is very symbolic that the Eur- “For example, Kazakhstan rep- the international development asian Week forum is held within resents about 80 export-oriented of the agro-industrial com- the international EXPO exhibi- companies in various sectors, plex within the framework of tion, the achievements of which which will help our countries to the EAEU, including measures will contribute to a harmonious develop new mutually beneficial aimed at export development. I transition of our economies to a Bakytzhan Sagintayev contacts. Today in Kazakhstan, would also like to note that the protective, innovative, resource- more than 8,000 joint ventures are national economies of the mem- saving type of development. I am of contacts and further develop- working with the EAEU (Eurasian bers of the union were able to convinced that the forum platform ment of existing relations between Economic Union) countries, which favourably adapt to the new re- will promote both the development the public sector and the busi- I think is a good indicator, support- alities,” Sagintayev said.

By Dmitry Lee ing only natural gas; there will be no pollution in these two cities,” EXPO 2017 welcomes three-millionth visitor ASTANA – The Qatari pavilion said Al-Bloshi. is hard to miss, for its glaring steel According to the pavilion guide Continued from Page B1 ple. That goal was reached on Aug. heads fidgeting in the wind attract and official information provided, 4. The lucky visitor was a 34-year- the attention of many from afar. It “Lusail City extends across an We reached the projected mark. old businessman from Uralsk Gai- is nearly impossible to pass with- area of 38 square kilometres and EXPO 2017 justified our expecta- sa Zhumaliyev. out taking a picture. includes four exclusive islands tions completely. The exhibition The future of the exhibition The nation of 2.8 million on the and 19 multi-purpose residential, increased not only the number of has become interesting object for Arabian Peninsula is 235 times mixed use, entertainment and com- jobs, but also increased incomes. many people. Yessimov has stated smaller than the size of Kazakh- mercial districts. It is a compre- Everyone felt the multiplication that President Nursultan Naz- stan, yet it boasts some of the hensive arena with leisure spots, effect for small and medium-sized arbayev has approved the plan of world’s largest natural gas and oil residential buildings, commercial businesses. The hotels occupancy post-exhibition use of its facilities. reserves. towers, avenues and public mari- has doubled. The same dynamics After Sept. 10, maintenance works “As you well know, the theme nas. The city of the future can ac- can be observed with restaurants will take place, after which the of EXPO 2017 is Future Energy,” commodate 200,000 residents and and public catering points of the main facilities will start working said pavilion director Mohammed 170,000 employees; it will also city,” said Yessimov. again as three legacy projects are Saeed Al-Bloshi in an interview welcome over 80,000 visitors. The On Aug. 24, Kazakhstan’s na- to take shape – the Astana Interna- with The Astana Times. “The total estimated capacity of Lusail tional pavilion, Nur Alem, regis- tional Financial Center (AIFC), the theme of our pavilion is New Ener- will eventually reach 450,000 peo- tered its one-millionth visitor. Future Energy international center gy Horizons, but we also wanted to ple. The city also includes numer- Earlier it was expected that dur- for the transfer of green technolo- show visitors the history of Qatar.” ous residential units, office build- ing three months the exhibition gies and investment projects and The pavilion is divided into three ings of various sizes and 22 hotels will be visited by two million peo- the international IT start-up hub. Akhmetzhan Yessimov (R) and Yuri Shurygin. parts – past, present and future. with different international star “In each part you will see differ- ratings, making it an element of at- ent information about Qatar. The traction for investment in Qatar.” welcome area shows our hospital- Al-Bloshi, who noted the visit ity, where visitors are greeted in wasn’t his first time in the capital, 16 languages, including Arabic. In said there are many cultural com- Italy presents latest innovations in the second part, visitors will see monalities between the countries. how we used energy in the past. “There are many similar cultural Then the story highlights when our things between Qatar and Kazakh- country discovered oil and every- stan. You have nomads and we renewable energy at Venetian week thing started to change, especially have Bedouin people. You have a tasks related to the competitive use dedicated to a particular theme from 1950 until the 2000s when we yurt and we have a Bedouin tent; of environmentally-friendly en- and named after one of the Italian started to switch to natural gas.” it’s a different shape, but the idea ergy sources for industry, logistics scientists who left his footprints in Today, Qatar is the world’s top is the same. You have berkutchis and transport and, in particular, history. Video materials projecting exporter of liquefied natural gas and we have falcon hunters; there (LNG), with Japan and South Ko- are so many related cultural things electric mobility. on the pavilion’s high walls dem- rea being the country’s largest im- including the musical instruments. Venetian days ended with the onstrate the history of the nation’s porters. I also like Astana; it is a clean and energy development. transfer of the Veneto symbol – “The pavilion then tells the new city – like a part in Doha – the vases styled from Murano glass – The Veneto region’s official pres- story of how we use the three en- New Doha, it has more buildings as a gift to the National Museum of entation with the participation of ergies, wind, solar and clean en- made of glass,” he said. Kazakhstan. They were exhibited Italian Ambassador to Kazakhstan ergy. We are building a stadium The Qatari pavilion hosts ap- during Venetian week at the Ales- and its country’s expo commission- for the football 2022 World Cup proximately 5,000 visitors on sandro Volta hall in the centre of er Stefano Ravagnan was held Aug. using only solar energy and clean weekdays and up to 11,000 on the pavilion. 20. The ceremony featured a live energy. We are also building two weekends. At press time, approxi- The Italian pavilion is among the performance by Rovigo Conserva- cities right now – Lusail city and mately 450,000 guests had toured largest at the expo. The building is tory musicians Giovanni Angeleri Energy city. These two cities are the pavilion since the beginning of divided into four oval areas, each and Cecilia Francini. being built with clean energy us- the exhibition, said Al-Bloshi.

By Dana Omirgazy The project was designed to en- sure the continuity of energy gen- ASTANA – The Italian region erated by photovoltaic and wind of Veneto brought its best energy systems. solutions to the capital as part of The next day, the Italian pavilion Venetian week at EXPO 2017. hosted the region’s innovation, en- The region’s scientists offered a terprises and starts-ups in energy. unique experience in generating Regional start-ups and SMEs pre- solar energy and producing energy sented their technology and busi- from biofuel, including processed ness partnership proposals, such materials from vineyards, reported as geo-batteries for thermal diffu- inform.kz. sion, built-in household batteries “Visitors and participants of the to store energy from renewable en- exhibition will witness the best ergy sources, electricity distribu- achievements of the region that tion systems and heating systems managed to fulfil the Energy Effi- with heat recovery and energy re- ciency Directive’s tasks in a short cycling. period of time,” said regional Par- The region’s innovative wine liament President Roberto Cham- production systems were pre- betti, adding 40 percent of the sented at the Identity, Innovation, region’s energy is produced from Sustainability: the Energy of Con- renewable sources. egliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Venetian week also featured Superiore Docg seminar. leading electricity and heat power A session on stationary and mo- companies, as well as electricity bile storage for boosting renew- generation. able energy sources was held Aug. The University of Padua Giorgio 24 to demonstrate scientific and Levi Cases Centre on Economics technological innovation in energy and Technology for Energy opened storage. Aug. 22 with a presentation on Italian scientists are convinced electrochemical energy storage the accumulation of renewable systems. energy sources is one of the main B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 Time to create platform for international cooperation, one common, multi-lateral tourist product: Tourist Silk Road Canyon – is compared to the Grand was successfully demonstrated at by UNESCO. We want to promote en. This could be achieved through By Jacek Pałkiewicz Canyon in the United States. Not a film festival in Milan, as well as our countries and their achieve- the mutual use of the rich resourc- far from it is the village of Saty, received in New York.” ments and refresh the spirit of the es of the region, the creation of a Kazakhstan has recently been in a mountain base, for example, to I grew up on the Silk Road myth, legendary route in reference to favourable investment climate and the news because of the prestig- Lake Kayindy, which was created so I am delighted that in 2014 it the Chinese initiative of Belt and modern infrastructure, the closer ious international event, the Fu- only a hundred years ago because has reached a distinction of an elite Road. links between cities in neighbour- ture Energy-themed Astana EXPO of an earthquake. It stuns you with nature. Due to its unique cultural The latter is an ambitious vision ing countries, the removal of vari- 2017. an extraordinary picture of the for- value for humanity, three sites of the transport and communica- ous shortcomings, primitive ob- “It will become a model for est rising from the water. Accord- have been listed in the UNESCO tions network linking the Middle stacles and archaic procedures at future sustainable living,” notes ing to government estimates, in World Heritage List and are sub- East and Central Asia with Eu- border crossings. It is also time for Margulan Baimukhan, Kazakh 2020, around one million tourists ject to special protection. These are rope. Astana has embraced this the promotional TravelPass for in- ambassador to Poland. “It will are expected to visit the Burabai the fourteenth century Mausoleum historical project and intends to ternational use, entitling one to en- certainly play an important role in National Park in the north of the of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, erected actively participate in its imple- ter a number of tourist facilities or raising awareness of international country, commonly referred by the on the initiative of the ruthless mentation. Local analysts predict use of transport, including airplane audiences about the culture and locals as the Kazakh equivalent conqueror Tamerlane, drawing pil- that this initiative will have a sig- flights, or family packages, etc. All heritage of Kazakhstan.” of the natural beauties of Switzer- grims from all across the region, nificant impact on the economy of this would contribute to popularis- This is a great opportunity land, with a picturesque mountain as well as petroglyphs depicting their country in the near future. ing and developing the tourist im- to showcase a new look of the landscape, forests, and clear lakes mysterious idols with sun-shaped The Silk Road, which has played age of the Silk Road; thus, increas- 25-year-old independent nation, use for that. Our country is good and air. heads in the Tamgaly archaeo- an invaluable role in the develop- ing its potential. which, thanks to positive chang- for sightseeing, strong cultural di- Internationally, Kazakhstan is logical reserve, which has traces ment of civilisation and cultural This idea also has room for Po- es and achievements, wants to versity, and the climate is attractive viewed as an exceptionally stable of settlement from around 2,000 integration in many countries in land. One should recall that at vari- join the group of 30 most devel- at any time of the year. We have state, where there are no conflicts BC; and above all, the system of the past, is one of the world’s big- ous times our land also served as oped ones by 2050. They call it recently made a fundamental step with neighbours or domestically, routes of the Chang’an-Tianshan gest brands. Today, after catching a crossroad for the transit routes the Central Asian snow leopard, in abolishing the visa requirement, along either ethnic or religious corridor. The 5,000-km-long road, up on the creation of own state- of long-distance trade of bigger and its rapidly growing capital which has led to the increased lines. Experts emphasise that a stretching through China, Kyr- hood, when the process of ma- or smaller significance. In the pre- city of Astana, which has grown presence of foreign guests.” newcomer in this country can gyzstan, and Kazakhstan, features turing of societies that define the Piast times, from the North to the from scratch in the steppes, with Traditions draw special atten- count on traditional Kazakh hos- 33 unique tourist attractions: the model of economic functioning South, the Amber Road, an equiva- its stunning architecture, is often tion in Kazakhstan. Since ancient pitality, which commands treat- palace complexes of various em- goes on throughout Central Asia, lent of the Silk Road, was created compared to the Dubai region. times, the contemporary Kazakh ing newcomers with respect and pires, ancient trading houses, forti- the trail reveals many potential at roughly the same time. This lands were part of the world’s larg- friendship. fications, Buddhist temples, navi- benefits for the tourism sector of land-water artery, a pearl of the Eu- est nomadic domain of the tribes of The concept of tourism develop- gational towers, and fragments of individual states. ropean cultural heritage, led from Great hopes of a great Turkish and Mongolian origin. In- ment in Kazakhstan to 2020 stipu- the Great Wall. the Baltic Sea, through Żuławy, teraction between the nomadic lates implementation of a number One needs to note the magical the largest centre for the process- country civilisations with the agrarian ones of regional cultural projects, such ambiance of the bazaars. Just as the Time for cooperation Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth ing of the amber (the “Baltic’s ensured the strength and prosper- as Astana – The Heart of Eurasia, Silk Road once brought great prof- And here lies, potentially, a rec- largest country, which is still not gold”), up the Vistula, then Warta, ity of the Silk Road. Thanks to the Almaty – the Cultural Domain of its, today trade remains an element ipe for success. Starting from the very well known, intends to enter Prosna, Upper Odra, to Kłodzko nomads, ideas and resources wan- Kazakhstan, World of Nomads, of everyday life. I experienced the assumption that travellers, easily a new phase of economic develop- Valley and from there to the Mora- dered, and thanks to the commu- Caspian Gate, or Revitalization of spirit of the old days in the bus- crossing this part of Asia, usually ment. One of the key catalysts is vian Gate and beyond, through the nities that settled in cities – civili- the Silk Road. tling, lively markets of the sophis- do not limit themselves to visit- going to be tourism or rather the Alpine and Carpathian Passes to sation and culture developed. The ticated Almaty; in Turkestan, once ing only one country, it would be tourism industry. It is auspicious Italy and Greece. nomadic heritage and spiritual- an important shopping centre; or in important to find inspiration and that a newly formed committee From East towards Western Bazaars, palaces, temples Taraz or Shymkent. They are full mechanisms for integrating the within the Ministry of Culture and ity of migrant peoples shaped the Europe, the Road from the Volga “And it must be emphasised that of not only fabrics and carpets, but great historical region. Restore Sports is called so, is and led by an identity for many generations of Region, where the Silk Road, fre- this revived, legendary trading also clothing and electronics made and revive the Silk Road tradi- experienced diplomat, Mainyura the Kazakh people. Tradition is quented by many caravans during route is a topic in itself,” says An- in China, among which Kazakhs tions, around which national nar- Murzamadiyeva. strongly cultivated here; local peo- Genghis Khan’s conquests who drey Khasbulatov, general manag- mix with the Uzbeks, the Kyrgyz ration and the process of restoring “We have a unique potential that ple often talk about their roots and did not dare to go from Bukhara er of the Kazakh Scientific Institute with the Chinese or the Tajik. historical memory would be built. has not been used until now,” says love everything that reactivates to Persia and beyond, but bounced for Cultural Research. “It is a real The international expedition It is time to create a platform Shokan, a journalist specialising in their past. northwest to reach the Volga, it in- treasure at your fingertips. More project New Silk Road 2017/2018 for international cooperation, one economic issues, “Now the gov- tersected between the 10th and the and more frequently tourists visit (www.silkroad-2017.com) is in the common, multi-lateral tourist ernment decided to develop tour- 13th centuries with another trade the route, for example, the historic advanced stage. Its status is en- product: the Silk Road. The at- ism using foreign and domestic Pearls of the landscape route know as From the Vikings battlefields of the army of Genghis hanced by the government patron- tractiveness of the entire region investments on a partnership basis to the Greeks and earlier with the Khan in Turkestan. We showed it age of countries on the route run- will then be greater than of just between private and state sectors of Kazakhstan Volga Trail, linking Scandina- The largest landscaping attrac- in the popular science film ‘The ning from China to Poland and the one country. Opportunities for co- while emphasising support for pri- via and the Finnish Gulf with the tion of Kazakhstan – the Sharyn Silk Road of Marco Polo,’ which highest form of support presented operation in new fields will wid- vate initiatives. It wants to develop Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf almost all forms of tourism. From through the network of rivers. The sightseeing, related to the visiting latter route led from the mouth of various cultural-historical and of the Volga River, through Kyiv, leisure facilities, through adven- Krakow, and Wroclaw, to Magde- ture, ecological or agritourism, burg and further. Goods were extreme expeditions, incentive also transported from Krakow to tourism, business tourism, and spa Prague and southern Germany. activities. There is also an interest Recently, the air link between in hunting and fishing.” Warsaw and Astana has brought To expand this neglected branch Kazakhstan closer to Poland. My of the economy and create good compatriot, Franciscan friar Ben- conditions for tourists, the gov- edict of Poland (Benedykt Polak), ernment wants to restore historic who reached Kazakhstan long buildings, build infrastructure, before the Marco Polo expedi- train specialists, develop craft (to tion, had to travel there for many preserve rich folk traditions) and months. For today’s traveler, it is a marketing, and form a tourist im- matter of fewer than five hours. Al- age of Kazakhstan. though it will not bring mass tour- “Today we are facing new chal- ism yet, it will surely move Ka- lenges in the global economy, so zakhstan up in the coming years in it’s a good time to start an ambi- the world ranking for travellers. tious project,” Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko told The author is Italy-based Pol- me in Astana. “I believe in suc- ish journalist, traveller, explorer, cess, since we have many tools to palkiewicz.com. Photo credit: and propagator of survival skills.

The Pana (Shelter) Guest House Korgalzhyn village and Balmyrza in Korgalzhyn village has operated equestrian sport centre in Birtaban. since 2007. Weekend tours are es- Tourists can also visit the Batygai Korgalzhyn eco-tours provide authentic pecially in demand, said host Bibi- Mausoleum and Kanykei sacred nur Amanzholova. site. Hotel accommodations with “Many foreign tourists from Ger- three meals a day are 8,000 tenge many, Hungary, the Netherlands, (US$24). and affordable travel experience South Korea and the U.S. come The eco-route is a perfect op- to visit us. We introduce them to portunity to enjoy bird watching at By Zhanna Shayakhmetova the national customs, traditions Lake Birtaban. From mid-April to and music. We invite the Dudarai September, many species visit the ASTANA – The Korgalzhyn Na- folklore ensemble for a concert shores to breed. Flamingos usually ture Reserve, one of Kazakhstan’s programme. The season lasts from arrive in Korgalzhyn for the entire major attractions, occupies almost April-October, as flamingos arrive spring and summer. 550,000 hectares in two regions and tulips blossom,” she said. Swimming in the lake, boating about 130 kilometres southwest The guides also organise excur- and sailing catamarans are offered of the capital. It is included in the sions to the reserve and the mu- by the host and ice fishing is popu- United Nations Educational, Sci- seum is across the road. The guest lar in the winter months. A variety entific and Cultural Organisation house accommodates up to 20 peo- of souvenir items made by local (UNESCO) World Heritage List. ple and lodging in yurts or small craftspeople is available at the ki- The vast lands of the reserve houses with three meals a day osks. provide the necessary living space costs 10,000 tenge (US$30). All visitors must register at the for Asia’s largest population of The Ptichyi Rai (Bird’s Para- administration and pay the fee be- water birds. The wildlife commu- dise), which provides all the neces- fore entering the reserve. Citizens nity consists of more than 60 rare sary information and tours around of Kazakhstan and the Common- species of plants and animals, in- the reserve, is seeking to become wealth of Independent States must cluding flamingos and the Shrenk an environmental education centre have a copy of their ID, while tour- wild tulip, listed in the IUCN not only for the local population, ists from other countries should (International Union for Conser- but also for visitors. provide a document proving their vation of Nature) Red Book. The The centre offers a three-day, identity. pink birds come to this northern- two-night ecological route for a A one-way bus ticket to Kor- most part of the world once a year maximum of 20 people includ- galzhyn village costs 1,000 tenge and as a result, it has become a de- ing excursions to the ALZHIR (US$3); taxi fare is approximately sirable tourist destination. museum and memorial complex, 4,000 tenge (US$12). B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 Kazakh boxers win gold, bronze and silver medals at world boxing championships in Hamburg young boxer’s great prospects for By Anuar Abdrakhmanov the future. Another silver medal came HAMBURG – Kazakh boxers from Kamshibek Kunkabayev. He won one gold, two silver and fought in the super heavyweights three bronze medals at the Aug. (above 91 kg) and only gave way 25 to Sept. 2 AIBA World Box- in the final bout to Mahommedra- ing Championships in Ham- sul Majidov of Azerbaijan. burg. Vasily Levit (heavyweight, up Kairat Yeraliyev, considered one to 91 kg), Ablaikhan Zhussupov of the nation’s main hopes before (welterweight, up to 69 kg), and the championship, triumphed in Zhomart Yerzhan (light flyweight, the bantamweight (up to 56 kg). In up to 49 kg) won bronze medals. the final bout, he fought Duke Ra- “We had chances to win three gan of the United States and won gold medals in Hamburg, but let us 3-2. not forget that our team is young. “I would like to thank all those Our guys still have something to who supported and cheered for work on and continue their growth. me. I am also grateful to the Na- They need to do [even more] to tional Olympic Committee of improve their skills,” commented Kazakhstan. The achievements of head coach of the Kazakhstan’s Kazakh athletes are the outcome national boxing team Myrzagali of great efforts and attention [paid] Aitzhanov. to us… I am glad that development Cuban boxers topped the in- of sports is comprehensively sup- formal national team ranking in ported in our country,” said Yerali- Hamburg as they claimed five gold yev. and two silver medals. The sec- Abilkhan Amankul represented ond-placed Uzbekistan won one Kazakhstan in the middleweight gold, three silver and two bronze (up to 75 kg). In the final bout, he medals. Boxers from Azerbaijan, lost to Ukrainian Alexander Kh- France, and Ukraine also won one izhnyak on points. However, the gold medal each. The next world medal he won at his first world championships will be in two championship speaks about the years in Sochi, Russia. FC Astana defeats Celtic at KazSport TV channel home, but fails to qualify for changes name to Qazsport sports TV channel will be now be the press service of the company Staff Report called Qazsport. reports. The organisation’s website The channel is available through Champions League ASTANA – The Kazakhstan promises the channel will present the national broadcasting system TV/radio company, which in- new and interesting programmes. Otau TV and cable operators. cludes the only sports television “In addition, the channel will The website of TRK Kazakh- channel KazSport in the coun- broadcast the most important stan also notes that the new logo try, has rebranded itself. Starting sporting events in the world, in- of all TV channels of the corpora- with the new TV season, which cluding the fights of Kazakhstan’s tion are united by one common the channel starts on Aug. 28, the boxing professionals, as well symbol that combines the main names of a number of TV chan- as live broadcasts from various two colours: turquoise and yellow, nels will be written in Latin. Its events and special programmes,” symbolising the nation’s state flag. Team Kazakhstan falls to Montenegro, Poland in FIFA World Cup qualifiers chances. Midfielder Marco second half, but failed to con- By Anuar Abdrakhmanov Jankovic used a free kick to vol- vert them. By Anuar Abdrakhmanov post. Junior Kabananga had some needed to score three more goals, ley the ball into the penalty area, In the 49th minute, forward scoring chances as well, only to but given how confidently they ASTANA – Kazakh national where forward Fatos Beciraj Sergei Khizhnichenko sent the ASTANA – FC Astana secured a be blocked by Gordon. Finally, in scored the last three it looked like football was dealt two straight doubled his team’s lead with a ball into the net behind Polish 4-3 win over Celtic FC in the spec- the 26th minute, Dmitry Shomko the Celtic players were close to 0-3 defeats by Group E in the header. Ten minutes later, de- goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. tacular return match of the UEFA made a long-range shot and the a panic. Astana had at least two FIFA World Cup 2018 quali- fender Marko Simic scored his Unfortunately, the referee ruled Champions League playoffs Aug. ball ricocheted off the defender’s more scoring chances in the fol- fiers, first on September 1 at team’s third of the night in simi- that Kuat had been offside, cost- 22, extending its undefeated home foot into the Celtic’s net. The Scots lowing minutes, but they lacked a home at the hands of Montene- lar fashion. ing Khizhnichenko, who had streak in European club competi- evened the score six minutes later, bit of luck. gro and three days later away “We lost to a very good, well- a spell in the Polish Premier tions to 15 matches. however, when Scott Sinclair got Playing all attack and a huge against Poland. organised team. We worked on League from 2013 to 2014 with The Scots had already virtu- the ball at the left wing and shot it desire to score often imply a Facing the Montenegrins at defending our goal during free Korona Kielce, a chance to up- ally secured their berth in the into the far corner. heightened risk of missing a Astana Arena, the hosts were in kicks but actually missed two set Polish fans one more time. Champions League group stage Stoilov changed the game counter-strike and that is exactly serious trouble almost as soon of them. I admit [free kicks and (He had two goals in the previ- in the first game at Celtic Park, scheme at halftime, restructur- what happened. In the remaining as the match began. Midfielder corners] are our big problem. ous match between the teams, where they crushed the opposi- ing into three central defenders time, Celtic made a few quick at- Georgy Zhukov had to leave the We also had good chances and the 2-2 draw a year ago at Asta- tion with a more-than-confident and placing Abzal Beisebekov tacks of its own and scored two field due to an injury and Ka- needed to use them. Montene- na Arena.) 5-0 win. Astana manager Stanimir at right flank. The moves proved more goals, making it 4-3 and zakh Manager Aleksandr Boro- gro is a very serious opponent, The Poles soon had a goal dis- Stoilov admitted at a press confer- fruitful at the 47th minute. Srdjan thus dashing the hope of the Ka- dyuk sent Maksat Baizhanov which is why they are compet- allowed, too, although replays ence ahead of the return leg that Grahovac made a cross into the zakh fans. instead. ing for a berth in the World Cup. showed the ball actually crossed his team had very little chance to penalty area, where Muzhikov The Kazakh titleholders still In the first half, team Kazakh- We still have a lot of work to the goal line following a free cut the deficit. Few, however, ex- confidently sent the ball into the secured a win in the match, but it stan played on par with the visi- do,” Borodyuk commented after kick from Poland’s star striker pected the players would come so goal. Two minutes later Shomko was Celtic that eventually made it tors and had a few decent scor- the game. Robert Lewandowski. But they close to working a miracle. made an accurate pass to Twu- to the group stage of the Cham- ing chances but failed to convert Kazakhstan’s next match was managed to score again twice, pions League. As a result, Astana them. Montenegro, on the other September 4 in Warsaw against with Kamil Glik sending a head- STOILOV: “My players showed good football will now continue in the Europa hand, used its own very well, Poland, the Group E leaders. er below the bar after a volley League, the second most impor- and Marko Vesic scored in the The White Eagles suffered their cross in the 74th minute and Le- and the fans should have liked that. tant continental club tournament. 31st minute. Kazakhstan soon own, quite sobering 0-4 defeat wandowski converting a penalty On Aug. 25, after a draw in Mo- had a great opportunity to equal- at the hands of Denmark in their in the 86th minute. If we had scored another goal when we had it naco, they learned that their oppo- ise, but Islambek Kuat’s shot previous game away, so they The confident 3-0 victory 4-1, there could have been a chance. nents in Group A will include Vil- hit the bar. Montenegro had one were eager to regain their fans’ for the Poles means they have larreal CF, Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC, more good chance to score be- trust against the group’s outsid- now earned 19 points in eight I am glad we won. If it were not for the and SK Slavia Praha. fore the break, but Kazakhstan’s ers from Kazakhstan. matches and retain their lead in mistakes in the first match, we could have been “My players showed good foot- David Loria deflected Stefan Supported by full stands in the group, followed by Monte- ball and the fans should have liked Jovetic’s free kick attempt. the red-and-white coloured negro and Denmark, which both closer to the Champions League.” that. If we had scored another goal Two good chances came Ka- Narodowy (National) Stadium, have 16 points. Romania comes zakhstan’s way at the very be- the Poles dominated the field fourth with nine and Armenia when we had it 4-1, there could ginning of the second half: first, from the earliest minutes. They fifth with six. Kazakhstan re- From the first minutes, Astana masi, who sent a header behind have been a chance. I am glad we Gordon into the net. forward Roman Murtazayev soon opened the score when in mains at the bottom of the group started attacking its opponent’s won. If it were not for the mis- headed the ball towards the net, the 10th minute Arkadiusz Gi- with only two points earned in At the 69th minute, after a clear goal. Patrick Twumasi had a nice takes in the first match, we could but Montenegrin goalkeeper lik sent the ball into the net fol- home matches last autumn. shot at the target, but Celtic’s goal- run on goal Twumasi scored his have been closer to the Champions Danijel Petkovic saved his team; lowing a volley cross into the Each team now has two games keeper Craig Gordon blocked it. team’s fourth of the night and for League. The team will continue then Kuat failed to score after a visitors’ penalty box. The hosts left. The Kazakhs will play Another attempt came a bit later the first time the chance of over- growing, but today the Europa good cross from Serikzhan Mu- had a number of other chances theirs against Romania away from Serikzhan Muzhikov, but turning the deficit from the first League is a good achievement for zhikov. In the 53rd minute, the to extend their lead, both in the October 5 and against Armenia this time the ball missed the goal- match seemed realistic. The team us, [too],” said Stoilov. hosts paid for missing those first and the beginning of the at Astana Arena October 8. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 Capital hosts swimming race for children with disabilities tending adaptive swimming pro- First Deputy Chairperson of the Staff Report gramme for six months launched Astana office of Nur Otan party by our association together with Bakhyt Saparov joined the cel- ASTANA – A swimming com- Space Fitness centre. We have such ebrations and awarded the certifi- petition involving children with opportunity thanks to our coopera- cates to the participants. disabilities took place Aug. 17 in tion. We want to show that our chil- Funded by private funds, the as- Astana. The Kazakh association of dren are capable of everything,” sociation runs two group classes parents of children with disabili- Chairperson of the Kazakh asso- this year – adaptive swimming and ties organised the event with the ciation Nurgul Ulzhekova noted. adaptive karate providing training support of Asyl Bala national asso- Focusing on opportunities rather to nearly 60 kids. ciation to demonstrate children’s than limitations is essential, ac- Children are demonstrating boundless capabilities. cording to Ulzhekova, as it helps incredible results within a short Children that participated in the demonstrate children abilities, pro- period, including strengthening race have different diagnoses, in- mote healthy lifestyle and physical their immune systems, improving cluding cerebral palsy, spina bifida activity and transform common coordination of movement and and sight and hearing difficulties. stereotype-based perception about memory and learning movement “Our children have been at- people with special needs. skills. Astana to build Astana first city in CIS to complete enclosed pedestrian first phase of dilapidated housing skyway system improvement programme transport infrastructure, as well as By Yerbolat Uatkhanov molished and 3,500 families were structs apartments and gives 30 struction. In such a manner, the Staff Report to increase the number of parking resettled because the houses posed percent of them to the Astana ad- company continues to build hous- lots, streets, bridges, overpasses ASTANA – Kazakhstan recent- a threat to the occupants’ lives. ministration for the resettlement es at the expense of its own capital. ASTANA – The Astana city gov- and traffic interchanges. Light rail ly became the first country in the From 2013 to 2016, 117 such The city administration reports ernment plans to build a system of transport will be introduced to de- Commonwealth of Independent houses were demolished and more The Moscow city that it decided to use land of de- enclosed pedestrian footbridges con- velop alternative modes of trans- states to complete the first phase than 1,500 families were resettled. molished houses for the construc- necting buildings two and three sto- port. For the successful implemen- of demolition in a pilot project At the moment, residents are be- administration tion of parks, squares, sports tation of the comprehensive plan, ries above the sidewalk, according concerning dilapidated housing. ing resettled from 77 emergency grounds for people living in these to the akimat (city administration) the best international experience of The Moscow city administration houses. has decided to use areas, according to vlast.kz. press service. The announcement such large metropolises as Dubai, has decided to use Astana’s expe- In 2017, the demolition of 111 Astana’s experience In January 2018, the imple- was made during a meeting with the Madrid, New York, Hong Kong, rience for its dilapidated housing houses, home to more than 1,800 participation of Akim (Mayor) of Istanbul, Paris and other cities of project. families, is planned. for its dilapidated mentation of the second phase of Astana Asset Issekeshev. the world will be used, according The project in Astana was called The Elorda Damu company was the pilot project will begin. It is The system will be similar to to the city’s statement. Affordable Housing 2020 and it established to implement the pilot housing project. planned to put into operation an the “American Skyway” system started in 2013. Now it is integrat- project by the Astana administra- additional 8,500 apartments with a in the United States city of Min- ed into the Nurly Zher national tion. The company allocated loan of the residents of people from total area of about 600,000 square neapolis. That system connects the For the successful programme, and seeks to demol- funds from the national budget at dilapidated houses. The company metres. Reinvestment of the pilot second and third floors of various implementation ish dilapidated housing. the initial stage of the project. In sells 70 percent of the apartments. project at the end of 2017 will office towers, hotels, banks, corpo- At the first stage of the project, accordance with the terms of the Proceeds from the sale funds the require 48 billion tenge (US$144 rate and government offices with of the plan, the 228 dilapidated houses were de- pilot project, the company con- company to again invest in con- million). restaurants and retail stores. The best international Minneapolis system also includes condominium and apartment com- experience of Dubai, plexes, allowing residents to live, work, and shop downtown without Madrid, New York, having to leave the skyway sys- Hong Kong, Istanbul, WIP Astana – city’s new type of public space tem, according to online sources. ready-made answers to these That system is sometimes Paris and other cities By Zhazira Dyussembekova questions [listed above],” stated called a “city within the city” and will be used. Ospanova. is temperature controlled to ac- ASTANA – Probably many pas- Astana has a lot of communities commodate the sharp winter and sers-by have noticed a stage next and people who care for the city summer temperature changes in At present, more than 350,000 to the Keruen Shopping Mall. A and its inhabitants, she stated. Minneapolis. vehicles are registered in Astana. special open-air space with the 80 In addition to the main func- Astana also plans to commer- The number of non-resident cars is seats and LED screen suddenly tion of the site, which is for film cialise its walkways. It also plans 400,000-450,000. The number of appeared in the city during the screenings, it can be transformed to build ring roads and develop public transport vehicles is 1,025. celebrations of the Capital Day on to host a variety of events. July 6. Work in Progress Astana, “So, for today we have already or simply WIP Astana is a new held master classes, TED talks, format of public space. It is free poetic and literary readings, con- multifunctional area for the pub- certs, children’s social camp, lic, which is offered for the non- dance nights and sports events commercial events. and much more to come,” she “Working in the Urban Centre, I said. have been a part of the discussions For example, this week WIP is that the city needs more quality hosting volunteer meetings, Zum- public space numerous times. But ba class, screening of the “Boo- in fact, we do not quite understand merang” film, a sign language what they should be. What gives master class and more. it that quality? What is it made an experiment in this sense, she “To this end, for several months While the space was designed of? What functions should public added. “It is designed to identify now we have been collecting a by the Urban Centre, it was im- space perform?” said centre’s team the real needs of urban communi- list of communities and offering plemented with the support of the leader Aigerim Ospanova in an in- ties and citizens and to reveal the them a free site for their activities. city’s Yessil district administration terview with The Astana Times. characteristics of a universal suc- Thus, we will establish a commu- and Astana Art Fest and will be So, WIP Astana turned out to be cessful public space.” nication channel: we will receive open until the end of October. David Guetta’s EXPO 2017 concert brings down house expo amphitheatre and anyone The DJ played famous tracks than three million people have already one and half time higher expected prior to the start of the By Dmitry Lee with an expo ticket could attend by Rihanna, Swedish House Ma- already attended. That figure is the estimated total attendance exhibition. the show. There was no room to fia and Charlie Puth, as well as ASTANA – EXPO 2017 has breathe and forget any manoeu- his own hits “World is Mine,” made this summer truly unforget- vring. “When Love Takes Over,” “Love table for many capital residents, as “This summer we have wit- is Gone,” “Without You” and his it hosted multiple world-renowned nessed many great concerts, like absolute hit “Titanium.” singers and celebrities. The David Steve Aoki and Afrojack. They’re Although by law loud music Guetta concert on Aug. 29, howev- all unique and special, but I think is not allowed in Kazakhstan er, blew the scale completely out this one completely outweighed after 11 p.m., the concert went of proportion. the others by the size of the deep into the night until 1:30 Traffic stalled along the streets crowd,” guest Zamira Duyssen a.m. as promised by expo offi- bordering the expo from approxi- told The Astana Times. cials. They warned neighbours mately 7 p.m. until late night. According to preliminary data, about the show the day before Thousands of residents charged close to 25,000 people attended and expressed hope for under- the gates in the hope of a glance at the concert, a figure which even standing. their favourite DJ. surprised Guetta. Hundreds of staff, including “The lines for expo tickets start- “This is incredible! I didn’t ex- medics, police, firemen, general ed from the entrance to the Mega pect something like this!” he said servicemen and volunteers, were Silk Way Mall to the ticket office during the concert. “Thank you for on-site to avoid any accidents, ac- – people lined up in the queue being here tonight, trying to make cording to expo officials. for over two hours and refused to this concert special. I know that The international exposition, leave,” said a capital resident and many people came from different which opened June 9, will con- concert guest. countries, but tonight we will be as tinue through Sept. 10. Offi- Guetta fans occupied the entire one because we are together.” cials recently announced more