+1° / -3°C WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 No 21 (159) www.astanatimes.com CIS heads of government council Kazakhstan jumps in Astana: Kazakhstan calls for 8 points in WB Doing expanding trade relations Business ranking of an electronic case management By Saltanat Boteu system made possible the genera- tion of performance measurement ASTANA – Kazakhstan jumped reports. Court decisions rendered from 36th last year to 28th place in in commercial cases on all levels the 2019 World Bank Doing Busi- also began to be published pub- ness Report released Oct. 31. licly. Kazakhstan improved in three In starting new businesses, Ka- areas of the Ease of Doing Busi- zakhstan improved from 41th to ness (EODB) score, including 36th place. Kazakhstan simplified enforcing contracts, starting busi- the process to start a new business nesses and trading across borders. by cutting post-registration pro- Kazakhstan ranked 4th overall cedures, such as tax registration, in enforcing contracts, improving social security registration and li- its place to two points compared censing. In turn, this reduced the to last year. The contract process time spent on opening a business was simplified by the expansion of from nine to five days. court automation. The introduction Continued on Page A4 Astana Club platform to host fourth meeting, focus Photo credit: akordapress.kz. Photo credit:

trend continues this year,” said provide a major synergetic ef- by the Executive Committee” so By Elya Altynsarina Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- fect for the creation of high-tech everything can be prepared for on Eurasia arbayev in receiving the high- production in the commonwealth. execution “at the levels of statu- motion of the Kremlin’s foreign ASTANA – The heads of gov- level officials. Western countries are actively us- tory and sectoral bodies of the By Saltanat Boteu policy. The Boao Forum in China ernment of the Commonwealth He stressed the importance of ing the Internet in 5G format that commonwealth.” The delegations is focused on Beijing’s agenda. of Independent States (CIS) dis- strengthening the commonwealth allows functioning of artificial expressed confidence that the ASTANA – The Astana Club The World Economic Forum cov- cussed 15 agenda items during a by promoting its modernisation intelligence. We should deal with decisions and their performance international forum will host a ers [everything] from financial scheduled council meeting in the and efficiency and adapting to its development. Each of us will will contribute to cooperation Nov. 12-13 annual meeting of 50 markets to the problems of the Kazakh capital on Nov. 2. new realities. not be able to do this separately,” within CIS. leading experts, politicians and Earth’s ozone layer. Astana Eco- CIS is composed of Armenia, “To expand economic coopera- he said. Last year, Kazakhstan’s trade diplomats from 33 countries. The nomic Forum (AEF) is focused on Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, tion within the commonwealth, “The implementation of these with CIS countries grew by al- fourth meeting will be dedicated to issues of economic development. Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, we need to update the economic initiatives is not only about eco- most 25 percent, reaching $22 the prospects of building Eurasian Herewith, except for the AEF, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. One development strategy and accel- nomic development, but will be billion. In the first half of 2018, strategic architecture in a multi Central Asia and Kazakhstan are of the areas of focus was enhanc- erate the adopted projects of the an important factor in our rela- the figure increased by 10.6 per- polar-context and strengthening the objects for discussion on other ing economic and trade coopera- agreement on free trade in CIS tions,” he added. cent to $13.6 billion (compared medium-sized powers’ capacity to platforms. Astana Club’s format tion. countries,” he said. The formal part of the council to $12.3 billion in the same pe- shape a new geopolitical reality. makes Kazakhstan a shaper of the “For more than a quarter of a Nazarbayev also reminded his was conducted in narrow and ex- riod of 2017). From January-July, Astana Club is one of the larg- international agenda discussion,” century, the CIS has served as a colleagues about the achieve- tended formats. As the formats al- exports from Kazakhstan to CIS est international platforms where said the director. full-fledged organisation that al- ments on proposals made at the low proposals for further interac- countries grew by 16.9 percent the global expert and political This year, the meeting’s theme is lowed preserving historical ties heads of state council meeting in tion, the Kazakh side once again ($5.3 billion). community gather. According to “Toward a Greater Eurasia: how to between our peoples and helped Dushanbe, including removing raised issues of enhancing trade, Issues tabled at the prime min- Institute of World Economics and build a common future.” The dis- strengthen the sovereignty of trade obstacles; improved trans- implementing joint space pro- isters’ meeting included energy, Politics (IWEP) Director Yerzhan cussion will centre on prospects each country. Today, cooperation portation, logistics and tourism jects, stepping up work on transi- agriculture and social security Saltybayev, the club is unique to for building Eurasian strategic ar- within the commonwealth has coordination; joint space projects; tioning economies to digitisation cooperation; the space industry; Central Asia, given that other plat- chitecture in a multi-polar context, become even more significant. developing digital economy and and implementing CIS joint ini- tax administration; communica- forms are more narrow or wider in which strengthens medium-sized Mutual trade within the CIS con- adopting innovative solutions. tiatives in the green sphere. tion and innovation; protection scope. powers’ ability to shape a new geo- tinues to grow. Last year, turno- “The integration of technology CIS Executive Secretary Ser- of intellectual property rights and “The International Discussion political reality. ver amounted to $164 billion, an parks and the implementation gey Lebedev promised all initia- cultural interaction. Club Valdai is engaged in the pro- Continued on Page A3 increase of 25 percent. A similar of joint innovation projects will tives “will be carefully analysed Continued on Page A3 Kazakh anti-nuclear activist receives Kazakh peacekeepers join 2018 Nuclear-Free Future Award Indian battalion in of Education, Resistance and So- By Dilshat Zhussupova lutions, respectively. Didier and Paulette Anger of France and Peter Lebanon, as Guterres ASTANA – The ATOM Project Weish of Austria were recognised Honorary Ambassador Karipbek for driving their countries’ anti-nu- Kuyukov received the Nuclear- clear movements in the respective welcomes news Free Future Award at the Oct. 24 categories of Lifetime Achieve- awarding ceremony in Salzburg, ment and Special Recognition. keeping is a concrete demon- Austria. Kuyukov intends to spend the By Malika Orazgaliyeva stration of global solidarity and Since 1998, the Nuclear-Free prize money on preserving his responsibility. I send the Kazakh Future Award honours those who home village of Yegindibulak, just ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s first contingent and all Blue Helmets contribute to building a world 100 km from the nuclear test site, ever UN peacekeeping contin- my best wishes,” Secretary-Gen- without nuclear weapons, nuclear which he fears is becoming a ghost gent that is part of an Indian bat- eral of the UN Antonio Guterres energy and uranium ammunition. town. talion in the United Nations In- responded to the tweet welcom- This year marks its 20th anniver- “Yegindibulak was among the terim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ing the country’s service mem- sary. first to feel the consequences of the arrived in Lebanon Oct. 31. The bers. The recognition of Kuyukov re- testing during the 40 years [the site contingent will patrol areas, or- The Kazakh Ministry of De- flects the country’s important role was active],” he said. ganise observer posts and super- fence released a statement say- in the international anti-nuclear In receiving the award, he joins vise ceasefires. ing the UN mission will help movement, said Kazakh Ambassa- speeches and paintings, which he dren are born deformed and with the ranks of Kazakh photojournal- “We are proud to send Kazakh- strengthen international security dor to Austria Kairat Sarybay who creates holding the brush with his horrific health problems, many los- ist and the Phoenix Organisation stan’s first contingent to serve for and demonstrates Kazakhstan’s attended the event. The ATOM feet and mouth, he seeks to ensure ing their lives at an early age,” said and Nevada-Semipalatinsk move- UN peacekeeping. One hundred position as a responsible mem- Project, initiated by Kazakh Presi- that such nuclear testing atrocities jury member and Parliamentarians ment leader Yuri Kuydin, who and twenty Kazakh peacekeepers ber of the international commu- dent Nursultan Nazarbayev in are never repeated. for Nuclear Non-proliferation and was recognised in 2000 for rais- have deployed today in Lebanon nity. 2012, garners global public sup- “Karipbek demonstrated incred- Disarmament global coordinator ing awareness of nuclear testing in starting their mission for UNIFIL Kazakh service members port for the comprehensive nuclear ible courage in forging a meaning- Alyn Ware. Semipalatinsk beyond the Soviet with Indbatt. It is our next step joined the Indian battalion af- test ban and nuclear disarmament. ful life as a painter and anti-nuclear Along with Kuyukov, Jeffrey Union through his photography. and contribution to strengthen- ter the necessary memorandum Kuyukov was born without arms activist despite the physical dif- Lee of Australia and Linda Walker The following day, the laure- ing international security,” the was ratified by Kazakh Presi- in a small village near the Semipa- ficulties he personally encounters of the United States each received ates made presentations on their Kazakh Mission to the UN an- dent Nursultan Nazarbayev a few latinsk nuclear test site in eastern and the trauma of growing up in $10,000 prize money to support activism at the International Anti- nounced via Twitter. days earlier. Kazakhstan. Through his moving a community where so many chil- their activism in the categories Nuclear Symposium. “Contributing to UN peace- Continued on Page A8

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIALS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL National employment programme seeks to Foreign investments grow 15.4 percent in six Latest World Bank Doing Business Index BAKHARUDIN: No single state corporation World Press Photo exhibition tours employ more than 500,000 by year’s end A2 months, exceed $12 billiond A4 affirms Kazakhstan’s measures to improve can function successfully for long A7 Kazakhstan B1 business environment A6 Digitising transport and logistics will reduce Astana conference focuses on Kazakh, YAKOVLEV: Kazakh-Russian economic Zhambyl Region launches sacred sites costs, minister says A2 German agricultural partnership A5 cooperation is strong and developing, says website, multivolume encyclopaedia B6 Russian trade rep in Kazakhstan A7

US$ 1 = 371.88 KZT € 1 = 423.27 KZT 1 = 5.61 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

NATIONAL National employment programme seeks to NEWS IN BRIEF The French company Urbasolar SAS has attracted funding for the construction of a solar power plant employ more than 500,000 by year’s end in the Turkestan region, reports plan. Of those, 458,000 were em- nancing at least half of the educa- loans, according to Kazakh Min- “Providing accommodation is Kazakhstan’s Atameken Business By Assel Satubaldina ployed, including 327,000 on a full- tional cost. ister of National Economy Timur an important factor in relocat- Channel. The project, worth more time basis, or 71 percent,” she said. Developing mass entrepreneur- Suleimenov. ing [people] to the regions with than 7 billion tenge (US$18.9 mil- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s em- Mass technical and professional ship is set as the second direction “As of October, participants a lack of labour. As instructed by lion), will increase the share of ployment and mass entrepreneur- education is part of the effort envi- of the programme and microcred- of the programme that received the head of state, we developed renewable energy in the country, ship programme seeks to recruit sioned in the programme. Through its are key to facilitating business microloans in 2017 produced mechanisms to build and pur- which according to plans should 571,000 citizens through state October, nearly 40,000 citizens development, primarily in rural products worth 7.6 billion tenge chase housing for these people reach 3 percent by 2020. The plant support mechanisms by the end have attended short-term profes- areas. The ministry reported 42 (US$20.6 million), created nearly involving employers. Such an will be built in two phases over a of 2018, said Kazakh Minister of sional education courses, which billion tenge (US$113.9 million) 1,000 jobs and paid 299 million approach will first be applied in nine-month period and will incor- Labour and Social Protection Ma- exceeded the ministry’s plan by 7 was granted in microcredits, in- tenge (US$810,900) in taxes. We the North Kazakhstan region and porate more than 54,000 270 W dina Abylkassymova. percent. The ministry also plans to cluding 31 billion (US$84 mil- expect significant growth in the then applied in other regions,” solar PV panels. “The plant will be The programme primarily seeks extend the list of in-demand pro- lion) in rural areas and 11 billion indicators after the evaluation of she said. located on an area of 30 hectares. to improve the qualifications of fessions and skills currently con- tenge (US$29.8 million) in cities. tax reports in the end of the year; The budget plans to allocate 15 The Kaz Green Tek Solar project the labour force, develop mass nected with the courses. At present, 70 percent of the that is, after full use of budget re- billion tenge (US$40.6 million) company began construction and entrepreneurship and involve the Requirements for educational plan is complete, as Kazakh citi- sources in the economy,” he said. for this action for the next three installation works. Commission- self-employed and unemployed facilities will also be tightened, zens received 9,801 microloans, Abylkassymova added 128,000 years, providing housing to more ing and supply of electricity are population in the labour sector. she noted. Among the measures including 8,778 in rural areas and people were employed at sub- than 3,000 relocated families in scheduled for the fourth quarter of The budget allotted 112.9 billion will be improving the material and 1,023 in cities. Of those, 6,717 sidised jobs and nearly 336,000 the North Kazakhstan region. 2019. The facility will create 50 tenge (US$306.2 million) for the technical base, qualified staffs, were earmarked to support start- through an electronic labour ex- Coordination among state bod- jobs,” reads the release. programme this year. dual education and employing at ups, 2,464 to develop businesses change. ies needs to be improved, the “Of that, 82.5 billion tenge least 60 percent of graduates. and 620 to form new agriculture To facilitate the mobility of la- minister said, to monitor job crea- The Kazteleradio company has (US$223.75 million) was used Courses will also be taught for cooperatives. bour resources, 1,488 families tion as part of the national pro- launched digital broadcasting within ten months. As of October, workers training to meet the de- Seven second-tier banks and were relocated from southern re- grammes, investment projects and in Almaty as part of a state pro- the programme reached 563,000 mands of Industry 4.0, with the two micro financial organisations gions characterised by an excess in small and medium-sized busi- gramme, according to Kazinform. citizens, 99 percent of this year’s condition of the employer co-fi- are currently providing micro- work force. nesses. The release of radio frequencies is also planned. “Digital broadcast- ing is a priority for our country. We plan a phased transition to dig- ital television, which will increase the number of television and ra- Digitising transport and OpenU platform to give access to dio programmes and provides the small electricity consumption. We will develop the advertising mar- ket with the help of digital indus- logistics will reduce worldwide-recognised textbooks tries. Thirty TV channels in the regional centres and up to 15 TV channels in villages will be avail- able. Subscribers will not pay an costs, minister says in Kazakh language additional fee,” said head of the Radio-frequency identification school year. Electronic versions of proving education in the field. The Regional Television and Radio Di- By Saltanat Boteu (RFID) tags have been instituted By Saltanat Boteu some of the textbooks are availa- project is also expected to influ- rectorate Kaisar Razdykov. on the Astana-Schuchinsk route to ble on the bureau’s web page free- ence the development of translation ASTANA – Kazakh Minister collect information and make pay- ASTANA – The Kazakh Na- of-charge. studies in the country. Shymkent will launch a smart for Investments and Development ments easier using the Payway. tional Translation Bureau is work- Currently, translation of 30 books “Intellectuals, social science so- parking project worth 22 million Zhenis Kassymbek briefed gov- kz app, Internet Banking and Kiwi ing on translating internationally is on-going. The leading educa- ciety, teachers and students should tenge (US$59,500) in late Novem- ernment officials Oct. 23 on the System. Weather conditions, speed recognised textbooks in social sci- tional institutions of Kazakhstan consider this project as an opportu- ber, reports the Otyrar TV channel. The project will be self-sustainable progress of the Digital Kazakhstan restrictions and other information is ences and humanities into the and more than 200 specialists were nity that is directly related to their in the future and the funds raised programme. According to his re- posted on digital boards along the Kazakh language in accordance attracted to translate selected text- daily lives and future. […] We will be directed toward road infra- port, digitising transport and logis- route. with Kazakh President Nursultan books into Kazakh. The textbooks should not miss this opportunity. structure improvement and devel- tics will optimise costs and repairs Google Maps, Yandex Maps and Nazarbayev’s state-of-the-nation are repeatedly edited for literary The state created all conditions. opment. Approximately 300,000 for roads and transport. the KazWay app for Android and address. Based on their work dur- and scientific content. Therefore, it is necessary to create Shymkent residents have cars and Digitising transport and logistics iOS systems were developed to dig- ing two years, the bureau is devel- a society that can be involved,” said the haphazard regard for parking has several directions aimed at in- itise roadside service facilities and oping the online platform Kazakh the director. regulations causes traffic conges- creasing road and air route transit provide system information. Facil- Open University (OpenU) to make The project is Along with the translation of the tion. “Smart cameras will control capacity, creating comfortable con- ity updates will also be included on the books available for Kazakhstan textbooks, the bureau is working the parking situation and recog- ditions for passengers and lowering the International Road Transport citizens. expected to influence on online courses for OpenU. Ac- nise offenders. They will also mortality on the roads. It also reduc- The project, New Liberal Arts cording to the Digital Kazakhstan Union’s (IRU) transpark map. development of the help find cars in case of theft. An es costs for transport and logistics. Education: 100 New Textbooks in project and 2018-2020 roadmap for The roadway asset management hour of parking costs 100 tenge the Kazakh Language, is one of the Kazakh language the development of human capital, system was developed last year and (US$0.27). We are prepared for large-scale tasks set in the Rukhani along with the Kazakh Ministry of equipped with 16 vehicle laborato- city residents to meet this innova- Special automated Zhangyru (Modernisation of Ka- and expansion of Education and Science, the bureau ries. Each is furnished with a video tive approach with misunderstand- zakhstan’s Identity) programme. is working on the development of measuring tools were camera, ultrasonic rut recorder, knowledge in it. ing. But the situation will change The Kazakh National Translation the OpenU platform. ultrasonic position sensor, gyro- when traffic congestion reduces,” introduced to ensure Bureau is implementing the project Through this, the “Comprehensive work is done on scope, on-board computer, GPS, said a representative of the city ad- since 2017. the development of online courses weighing vehicles laser scanner and georadar. The Kazakh-language ministration. system is designed to reduce road To select textbooks, 800 lists that consist of a set of video lec- tures. [The lectures] are presented safely and lowering repair costs, and data collection from different Kazakh universities scientific content and France’s Alstom company has by leading experts and teachers and information security certifica- were reviewed. The bureau selected launched the production of on- violations and the language vocabulary based on the translated textbooks. tion are in process. 18 textbooks to translate in 2017. board transformers for electric Video lectures are supplemented cost of maintaining “We expect an economic effect “At least three edition of the text- will be enriched. In locomotives at the EKZ plant in with notes, tasks for consolidat- [reduction of costs] of 110 bil- book should be published [so that Astana, according to an Oct. 31 turn, it will provide ing the material, as well as tests roads by reducing lion tenge (US$302.85 million) by we can choose it for translation]. company press release. The pro- and exam questions for testing the 2025,” said Kassymbek. The most recent edition should duction capacity is expected to be overloads. The system the Kazakh-speaking knowledge,” said Kenzhekhanuly. Special automated measur- also be within the last three years. 300 transformers per year with 100 Online courses of the platform is forecast to reduce ing tools were introduced to en- These requirements prove that the audience with employees working at full capac- costs by 50 billion sure weighing vehicles safely and textbook is in use and its data is up- worldwide-recognised can be included in the curricula of ity. The plant is one of the main lowering violations and the cost to-date. The selection process starts students of any Kazakh university. drivers of economy and a hub tenge (US$137.66 of maintaining roads by reducing from universities [of Kazakhstan]. books in humanities The universities are given the op- for the production and export of overloads. The system is forecast We send them a request and asked portunity to receive complete in- locomotives to the region. “The million). to reduce costs by 50 billion tenge for the list of textbooks they con- and social sciences formation about the performance launch of the new production dem- (US$137.66 million). With the sider needed for them. There were improving education of their students, if necessary, to onstrates our solid and long-term help of these tools, 723 violations 800 lists of textbooks. There were provide them with methodological partnership with Kazakhstan. We Charging for road usage has start- were reported and 8 million tenge textbooks as well as research stud- in the field. support. By completing the course, are proud to contribute to Kazakh- ed on the Almaty-Khorgos, Almaty- (US$22,025) in fines collected in ies. All of them were from the lists the listener will have the opportu- stan’s machinery-building industry Kapshagai and Astana-Temirtau the first eight months of the year. of leading universities’ in humani- nity to receive a certificate. The project is expected to in- through localisation of technol- routes. The Almaty-Khorgos route, There are plans to launch 12 sys- ties and social sciences,” National OpenU has 95 online courses and ogy and production, creation of which leads to the Kazakhstan-Chi- tems by the end of the year, with a Translation Bureau Executive Di- fluence development of the Ka- 2,632 lectures from 107 authors. zakh language and expansion of new working places and training na border, started Sept. 27; to date, total of 46 by 2020. rector Rauan Kenzhekhanuly said The courses cover humanities and for local personnel,” said Alstom knowledge in it. Through this, the turnover capacity has increased ten “Automation of vehicle weigh- recently. social sciences disciplines such as Managing Director for Western times reaching a minimum of 2,500 ing procedures will eliminate the These textbooks are being trans- Kazakh-language scientific con- philosophy, anthropology, sociol- and Central Asia Bernard Peille. vehicles per day. As a result, budget human factor during transport con- lated into the Kazakh language, tent and language vocabulary will ogy, religious studies, economics, Alstom is the only manufacturer income from taxes and other pay- trol,” he added. published and delivered to uni- be enriched. In turn, it will provide entrepreneurship, management, of electric locomotives and point ments is expected to increase to 50 The interregional and internation- versities for free. New textbooks the Kazakh-speaking audience with history, psychology, law, peda- machines in Central Asia and the billion tenge (US$137.66 million). al passenger traffic dispatching sys- will be introduced into the higher worldwide-recognised books in gogy, media, cultural studies, lit- Caucasus. The logistic centre on the border tem is running and 416 routes and education system for 2018-2019 humanities and social sciences im- erature. was built with investor’s funds. more than 2,000 buses will be op- The Kyzylorda region has begun “Along with the Ministry of Fi- erating by the end of next year. The building a lead-zinc mining and nance, we concluded an agreement main task of the system is to ensure processing plant in the Zhanakor- with a private investor, Eurotransit compliance with the schedule and gan district, according to an Oct. company, which built this logistics route and regularity, which directly 26 press release from the Tau- centre and equipped it through their affects the quality of services. Ken Samruk company. The plant, own funds. It will be in their owner- The E-freight system of paperless worth 235 billion tenge (US$635 ship until 2026. The [Kazakh] gov- air cargo transportation workflow, million), will produce zinc and ernment will be buying out the place which will reduce time and costs, lead concentrates. The area’s prov- in partial payments until then,” said is expected to be introduced in De- en reserves suggest the possibility Kassymbek during a press confer- cember. of mining and enriching ore until ence after the meeting. “E-freight is an electronic system 2051. Some 1,500 workplaces In January, the ministry is plan- of air cargo data processing. Cur- will be created. “Commissioning ning to announce a tender to install rently, approximately 20 documents of the first stage of the plant with a payment system in the Astana- need to be collected and it takes two a capacity of 2 million tonnes is Pavlodar, Shymkent-Aktobe-Mar- days to process trans-shipment car- planned in October 2020. The sec- tuk and Shymkent-Taraz-Kainar go. In order to increase air transit ond complex with a capacity of 4 sections. In 2020, the charging sys- turnover, we entered the E-freight million tonnes will start to work tem will operate in 17 sections with international system that is used in November 2021,” said Shal- a length of approximately 6,500 by leading air and customs institu- kiyaZink General Director Askar kilometres. tions,” said Kassymbek. Dzhaukenov. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Astana hosts global conference on primary healthcare New Delhi hosted the round- table discussion, “Kazakhstan- Turkmenistan-Iran-India: Cur- rent Situation and Prospects,” Oct. 31. The event focused on logistics opportunities along the eastern route of the 7,200-kilo- metre North-South transit cor- ridor and drew representatives from India’s Foreign Ministry, Commerce and Industry Asso- ciation, and Trade and Industry Chamber Federation, as well as members of more than 30 lead- ing transport and logistics com- panies. The participants noted the potential of the transport route to significantly cut delivery time and double or triple trade, which stands currently at about $1 billion. As part of the event, Kazakh national logistics com- pany Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and India’s Tuberose Logistics company signed an agreement on rail transport and forwarding services.

The Kazakh film “Amre” won Best Global Hollywood Film award at the Hollywood Film Festival, held in Los An- United Healthcare (UHC) in 2019. throughout the world has devel- are undergoing screening. The pro- participants, including heads of geles, California, Oct. 23 to 28. By Malika Orazgaliyeva Kazakh President Nursultan oped in accordance with these gramme of vaccination against 21 state, ministers, non-governmental “Amre” was filmed in Latvia and Nazarbayev addressed conference key areas,” he said, according to infectious diseases covers five mil- organisations, professional organi- Kazakhstan in 2016. Directed by ASTANA­ – The Kazakh govern- participants via a video address. primeminister.kz. lion people annually,” he said. sations, academics, young profes- Jeff Vespa, it stars Sanzhar Madi- ment, World Health Organisation “Worldwide contribution to a Kazakh Prime Minister On the margins of the confer- sionals and youth leaders, health yev, Yerkebulan Dairov, Abbie and UNICEF co-hosted an Oct. better healthcare has become an Bakytzhan Sagintayev also ad- ence, Sagintayev discussed the practitioners and UN partners. Cornish and Ben Aldridge. Pre- 25-26 Global Conference in Asta- protection of children’s rights with Sagintayev also met with Direc- miered this year, the film tells na on primary healthcare (PHC). “During the last 10 years, we were focused UNICEF Executive Director Hen- tor General of the WHO Tedros the real story of Kazakh folk This year marks the 40th an- rietta Fore. Ghebreyesus. They discussed singer Amre Kashaubayev and niversary of the Declaration of on disease prevention. Each year, two million Sagintayev thanked UNICEF for the development of common ap- his enchanting performance at Alma-Ata, which was adopted at supporting Kazakhstan’s efforts to proaches to healthcare in the the Paris expo in 1925. Six films the International Conference of adults are undergoing screening. protect children’s rights and the world, the improvement of the were initially nominated for the Primary Care in 1978 in what was The programme of vaccination against country’s international and region- quality and accessibility of medi- festival from Kazakhstan, in- then the capital of the Kazakh So- al initiatives. cal services and education, as well cluding three long features and viet Socialist Republic. That con- 21 infectious diseases covers five million Sagintayev noted that Naz- as the introduction of modern digi- two short films. ference gathered health experts arbayev declared the next year the tal technologies to health infra- and world leaders to commit to people annually.” “Year of Youth of Kazakhstan.” structure at the meeting. Kazakh mobile operator Tele2 health for all. The Declaration of In this regard, the government has According to www.who.int, was named Best Asian Project at Alma-Ata formed the foundation important asset of the medical dressed the opening ceremony. been tasked to support the efforts PHC is about caring for people, the 14th Global Carrier Awards for the last 40 years of global pri- community. The Alma-Ata Dec- “Since Kazakhstan’s independ- of international organisations, rather than simply treating specif- Oct. 24 in London, which gath- mary healthcare efforts. laration, a historical document, ence in 1991, we achieved a to- the non-governmental sector, re- ic diseases or conditions. PHC is ered more than 400 industry Astana’s Global Conference on was included in textbooks of many tal coverage of our citizens with search and academic circles and made up of three main areas: em- leaders from across the interna- PHC adopted a new declaration universities outside of Kazakhstan. medical services. We have created human rights organisations to powered people and communities; tional telecommunications com- emphasising the critical role of pri- The document became a prime an extensive infrastructure of PHC protect children’s rights with an multisectoral policy and action; munity. The Kazakh operator, mary healthcare around the world. example of the effectiveness of facilities, which include 1,808 emphasis on the rights of vulner- and primary care and essential which accounts for 26.6 percent The declaration refocuses efforts international efforts. It outlined polyclinics, medical centres and able groups. public health functions as the core of the country’s mobile segment, on primary health care to ensure the basic principles of the devel- dispensaries. The priority area of The opening ceremony contin- of integrated health services. presented its integration project everyone everywhere achieves the opment of primary healthcare, in- our national healthcare policy is ued with meetings and sessions. This includes a spectrum of ser- with Altel at the contest, surpass- highest possible attainable stand- cluding public health education, primary healthcare,” he noted. In addition, the conference pro- vices from prevention, including ing China Telecom, Indian Airtel, ard of health. The Astana Declara- maternal and child health, disease “During the last 10 years, we gramme included discussion ses- vaccinations and family planning, Colt and Epsilon in the category. tion will inform the UN General prevention, vaccination and drug were focused on disease preven- sions and exhibitions. In general, to management of chronic health “We have been growing in all di- Assembly high-level meeting on provision. Since then, healthcare tion. Each year, two million adults the event was attended by 1,500 conditions and palliative care. rections, significantly exceeding the results of past years. We still remain a technological leader in 4G standard service provision and cover 74 percent of the coun- try’s population with this tech- Astana Club platform to host fourth meeting nology, which is significantly higher than the similar indicator Continued from Page A1 and making efforts to obtain a Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, meeting will be the presentation of dation of the First President of the among other companies. At pre- consensus between interests of all former Prime Minister of Pakistan “the Global Risk Rating for Eurasia Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy sent, we service more than 7 mil- The panel sessions’ themes in- Eurasian countries.” Shaukat Aziz, former Director in 2019.” The rating is based on a and IWEP. The main themes of lion people,” said Tele2 and Altel clude future scenarios on a Greater This year, 11 former presidents, General of the International Atom- survey of more than 1,000 experts discussion are geopolitical, secu- Board Chair Roman Volodin. Eurasia, prospects for develop- four former ministers of foreign af- ic Energy Agency and the Nobel from 60 countries, and 30 experts rity, and economic issues in Eura- ment of the Belt and Road Initia- fairs, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, sia. Kazakh military forces took tive, the Eurasian Economic Union the President of United Nations’ This year, 11 former presidents, four former The topic of the first Astana part in the 26th Euronaval inter- and modern transformation pro- 67th General Assembly, seven au- Club was the “Geo-economics of national four-day naval and mari- cesses in Central Asia. thors of world bestsellers in geopol- ministers of foreign affairs, a Nobel Peace Eurasia.” The second meeting in time exhibition and conference in “The current meeting will take itics and 21 experts in international Prize laureate, the President of United Nations’ 2016 was on the opportunities and Paris. Nearly 400 exhibitors from place in a difficult time… The relations, geopolitics and econom- challenges of the upcoming trans- 34 countries presented technolo- world entered the era of new pro- ics will participate in the event. 67th General Assembly, seven authors of formations in the region. The third gies and the latest innovations in tectionism, which is characterised “We do not pursue quantity but world bestsellers in geopolitics and 21 experts meeting was held under the motto watercraft and infrastructure, hy- by a more nationalistic agenda focus on quality. We strive to create “Big Eurasia – 2027: confrontation drography, oceanography, mari- and internally-oriented policies of a dialogue, to hear the opinions of in international relations, geopolitics and or partnership.” time security and safety, naval major states, increased military ac- each state that is actively interested In 2017, for the first time, a pan- architecture, maritime engineer- tivity, cross-sanctions and mutual in strengthening international coop- economics will participate in the event. el session was organised for mass ing, special operations, and train- trade wars. These processes pro- eration,” emphasised the director. media and national experts, mod- ing and simulation. The Kazakh voke new conflicts and aggravate Among participants are former Peace Prize Laureate Mohamed provided their substantive opinions erated by Stephen Sackur, the host delegation, led by Commander- the existing contradictions,” said President of the Islamic Repub- ElBaradei, and former Italian For- on global risk assessment. of the Hard Talk programme on in-Chief of Kazakhstan’s Na- Saltybayev. “Kazakhstan seeks to lic of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, eign Minister Franco Frattini. The Astana Club was created in BBC. This year’s discussions will val and Maritime Forces Saken contribute, providing its platform former President of the European The main outcome of the 2018 2015. The organisers are the Foun- also be open to media. Bekzhanov, was among 124 French and international delega- tions visiting the event. The pro- gramme featured presentations in joint military operations, naval and maritime operations, cyber CIS heads of government council in Astana... security and digitisation. Continued from Page A1 Bakytzhan Sagintayev met with trade cooperation in agriculture, Discussions about positive million; imports were $33.5 mil- Azerbaijani Prime Minister Novruz energy, transport and logistics, the trends in trade and economic coop- lion. Kazakh companies signed con- The delegations highlighted the Ismailoglu Mamedov and Arme- food and metallurgical industries eration between the nations were Within the last eight months, ap- tracts worth more than $1.5 mil- importance of the CIS Concept of explained by promoting exports proximately 1.3 million tonnes of lion during the recent Central Cooperation in developing and and increasing trade following the cargo were transshipped through Asian trade forum in Tashkent. producing high-tech energy equip- The delegations highlighted the importance of heads of state meeting in 2017. Kazakh ports towards Azerbaijan, The annual event, first convened ment. They believe it allows for the CIS Concept of Cooperation in developing The important role of the intergov- reported www.primeminister.kz. in 2011 in Bishkek, is meant to expanding and modernising pro- ernmental commission and imple- Sagintayev and Mirzoyan spoke foster regional trade and part- duction facilities and creating new and producing high-tech energy equipment. menting the roadmap to expand about energy, cultural and human- nerships and stimulate dialogue high-performance jobs, as well as trade and economic cooperation itarian cooperation; the chemical between regional businesses. increasing research potential and, They believe it allows for expanding and for 2017–2020 was also noted. industry, civil aviation, engineer- More than 1,000 delegates from in general, strengthening develop- modernising production facilities and creating As part of the countries’ cultur- ing and implementing joint IT in- 27 countries attended this year’s ment of the energy sector, engi- al relations agreements, Kazakh vestment projects. forum, which focused on “New neering and industry. new high-performance jobs, as well as Days of Culture in Azerbaijan Kazakhstan is considering ex- Horizons in Trade and Invest- Rosatom (the Russian State increasing research potential and, in general, will be celebrated in November- porting metals, food, animal and ments,” a theme that corresponds Atomic Energy Corporation) ex- December in Baku. vegetable-origin products and with the region’s growing link- ecutive Nikolay Spassky and Mos- strengthening development of the energy The trade turnover between the railway engineering goods to Ar- ages. Twenty-nine companies in cow Power Engineering Institute countries was $168.1 million for menia. Trade turnover between engineering, cabling and wiring, Provost Vladimir Zamolodchikov sector, engineering and industry. the first months of the year (2.1 the countries almost doubled from metallurgy, agriculture, the food gave reports. Council participants times increase compared with January-August compared to the industry, construction and medi- also signed 13 multilateral docu- nian First Deputy Prime Minister and pharmaceuticals, as well as $81.5 million in the same period same period in 2017 ($8.2 mil- cine represented Kazakhstan at ments in various fields. Ararat Mirzoyan. Sagintayev and jointly implementing investment last year). Exports to Azerbaijan lion in exports, $4.2 million in the forum. Kazakh Prime Minister Mamedov discussed economic and projects. increased 2.2 times to $134.6 imports). A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

ECONOMY Global trade integration is Foreign investments grow NEWS IN BRIEF The investment income of Ka- zakhstan’s Unified Accumulation Pension Fund (UAPF) for the first key to Central Asian economic 15.4 percent in six months, three quarters of 2018 reached 663.1 billion tenge (US$1.79 billion). At the end of September, pension sav- ings amounted to 8.9 trillion tenge growth, says Moody’s exceed $12 billion (US$24.06 billion), 17.9 percent States (CIS) markets and remit- “We made significant changes to more than a year ago. Savings in compulsory pension funds con- By Dilshat Zhussupova tances. By Assel Satubaldina our legislation and simplified the “CIS-focused trade linkages in regulatory system, taxation, cus- tributed 97.9 percent of all the rev- ASTANA – Central Asia’s eco- Central Asia stem largely from leg- ASTANA – The volume of for- toms control and migration and visa enue, while savings in professional nomic growth potential is limited acy supply chains, inherited from eign directed investments injected regime. The number of countries mandatory pensions accounted for by its low degree of integration the Soviet Union, as well as recent in the Kazakh economy rose by whose citizens can visit Kazakhstan another 2.1 percent (182.7 billion into global trade, according to a efforts to promote regional integra- 15.4 percent in six months, Min- without a visa is 62, including all tenge or US$494.01 million) of the recent Moody’s Investors Service tion within the Eurasian Economic ister for Investments and Develop- Organisation for Economic Coop- total amount. Voluntary pension sav- (Moody’s) report. Union. Central Asia’s trade and re- ment Zhenis Kassymbek reported eration and Development (OECD) ings remain the least popular con- According to Moody’s, the econ- mittance linkages with other CIS Oct. 23. The figure is estimated at member states. We also carried out tributing factor, accounting for only omies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, countries mean that the region’s $12.3 billion compared to $10.5 the work to improve the judiciary 0.02 percent of the total (1.8 billion Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uz- economies tend to have highly syn- billion during the same period in system in line with the OECD rec- tenge or US$4.87 million). bekistan should capitalise on their chronized cycles with the broader 2017. ommendations,” said Kassymbek. close proximity to the vast, high- CIS region,” reports moodys.com. Kazakhstan tops Central Asian Kazakh citizens enjoy a visa free The number of Kazakh banks has growth markets of China and India The region’s average annual real countries in terms of attracted in- regime in 20 countries. shrunk, leaving fewer players in the with respective credit ratings of A1 gross domestic product growth vestments, accounting for more He added the nation has a three- sector, though those remaining are stable and Baa2 stable. rate was 3.4 percentage points than 70 percent of all foreign direct level system to attract investments. the most reliable. The year started Minister for Investments and Devel- with 32 actively working banks, higher than the global average in investments into the region. opment Zhenis Kassymbek. External responsibility for accom- 2008-2017. Its rate was also 5.4 Kassymbek indicated min- plishing the task falls on the Min- but by autumn only 28 second-tier Despite the strong percentage points above Russia’s, ing ($6.7 billion in investments), Once opened, the system will be istry of Foreign Affairs, investment banks remained in the market. At the an economy rated Ba1 positive by transport ($393.3 million), finance operated by Linde Gas Kazakhstan. counsellors at Kazakh embassies same time, aggregate indicators of growth exhibited Moody’s. and insurance ($359.5 million), The Farm Frites potato process- and Kazakh Invest representatives; the banking sector remain positive. by Central Asian Despite the strong growth exhib- information and communications ing plant in the Almaty region has the ministry and its committee for The volume of assets of second-tier ited by Central Asian economies, ($124.2 million) and trade ($5.47 attracted $165 million in invest- investments oversee the national banks increased by 1.7 percent over economies, there there exist clear limitations to million) are among fastest growing ments. The facility will focus on level and local executive bod- September and amounted to 24.5 their growth models. According to industries. cultivating 11 elite potato varieties, ies with regional Kazakh Invest trillion tenge (US$66.25 billion). exist clear limitations the agency, these economies will “In nine months, gross fixed with its annual capacity reaching branches control the regional level. Annual growth was 0.4 percent. The to their growth struggle in developing specialised capital formation grew by 21.6 per- 70,000 tonnes. Farm Frites and Kassymbek also urged governors total volume of assets of first-tier industries and enjoying productiv- cent and reached 7.5 trillion tenge Kazakh Eurasia Gold are working to gear up work in providing land banks with a market share of over models. According ity gains from economies of scale (US$20.5 billion),” he said. “Of together to set up the Farm Frites for investment projects, building the 5 percent increased by 2.1 percent without a closer integration into those, 73.1 percent or 5.5 trillion Eurasia company that will run and engineering infrastructure, ensuring over the month, to 18.3 trillion tenge to the agency, these global non-commodity trade. tenge (US$15 million), can be at- manage the plant. the gas supply and boosting capac- (US$49.48 billion). economies will Increased costs for trading be- tributed to private investments.” Belgian Carmeuse Group, the ity of special economic zones, intro- yond Central Asia result from a lack Transnational companies are cur- world’s leading producer of lime ducing new financial mechanisms The assets of Kazakh invest- struggle in developing of physical infrastructure, restrictive rently involved in 34 investment and lime products, will build a high- to support large groundbreaking ment and management companies specialised industries border regulations and challenging projects worth $10.6 billion. quality production plant in the Kara- projects and improving the quality increased by 2.5 percent at the end geographic conditions. The region’s “Twelve projects worth $1.4 bil- ganda region with an annual capac- of investment portals. of September and totalled 171.9 and enjoying global trade costs are comparable lion are being implemented and, ity of 300,000 tonnes. Investment Addressing his colleagues, Minis- billion tenge (US$464.81 million). with those of landlocked countries of those, eight projects with a total volume is estimated at $70 million. ter of Foreign Affairs Kairat Abdra- The assets of companies are grow- productivity gains in sub-Saharan Africa. volume of investments reaching $1 Turkish Yuildirim Holding is in khmanov stressed the importance of ing from year to year, but with in- from economies of Addressing hard and soft trade billion entered an active stage of im- the planning stages to construct export-oriented industries as a “cen- creased volatility. Last September, barriers is the recommended plementation this year,” he added. a $220 million soda ash produc- tral element of economic policy” assets increased by 43.8 percent, scale without a closer course of action. The report also German gas and engineering gi- tion plant in the Zhambyl region. and economic diplomacy as a top while in 2016 the increase was by finds that the region’s global trade ant Linde Group, working in Ka- Company president Robert Yuksel priority of his ministry. 2.5 percent. Liabilities have grown integration into global integration will depend on both re- zakhstan since 2009, is planning to Yildirim revealed the proposal dur- “Here, we need a close coordina- along with assets, totalling 63.2 bil- non-commodity trade. duced trade barriers and a vibrant launch an integrated gas production ing his meeting with Kazakh Presi- tion of investment and export areas lion tenge (U$170.34 million), a private sector that can make the system at ArcelorMittal’s Temirtau dent Nursultan Nazarbayev in the to produce a synergetic effect,” he small increase compared to 2017’s most of lower trade costs. site to produce industrial gases. The capital in December, when the sides said. 63.1 billion tenge (US$170.62 mil- Moody’s Investors Service is Moody’s notes that each econo- system, with $83 million in invest- discussed the prospects of chemical Speaking of high-level visits to lion). The balance capitalisation of the Moody’s Corporation’s bond my’s ability to act on this advice ments, is scheduled be operational industry investment projects. The Belgium, China, Finland, Turkey, investment portfolio managers in credit rating business and one of varies. Kazakhstan, rated Baa3 in November 2019. holding expects to kick off con- the United Arab Emirates and the September increased by 3.9 percent the Big Three credit rating agen- stable, exhibits “ample financial The company partnered in 2013 struction in 2019 and commission United States, among recent trips, and amounted to 108.7 billion tenge cies. The agency’s conclusions are resources, [a] central location in with ArcelorMittal, the world’s the plant in 2021. he noted Kazakhstan signed nearly (US$293.92). made in its recent report “Sover- China’s Belt and Road Initiative largest steel corporation, to build an Twenty-two remaining projects 135 agreements worth $30.6 billion. eigns – Central Asia: Low global and a more conducive institutional air separation plant, the largest in worth $9.2 billion are currently “The ministry is constantly work- Investments in healthcare and trade integration, legacy economic environment” to do so. Kyrgyzstan Central Asia, at the Temirtau plant. being developed, involving inves- ing to monitor the implementation social services increased by 53.7 models constrain growth in Cen- and Tajikistan, rated B2 stable and With ArcelorMittal’s plans to boost tors such as Chinese CITIC Group, of these agreements reached dur- percent (amounting to 73.8 billion tral Asia.” B3 stable respectively, face greater production resulting in a growing Japanese aluminium producer ing the visits of the head of state tenge) for the first nine months of Central Asia’s long-term eco- financial, institutional and geo- demand for industrial gases, Linde Hanacans, Marubeni and Servier, a abroad and visits of foreign lead- 2018 compared to the same period nomic sustainability is hindered graphic challenges. will build a second air separation French pharmaceutical company. ers to Kazakhstan. Investment last year, though they still only reach by its reliance on commodity ex- Moody’s subscribers may read unit that will connect to the first The minister also reported on in- projects involving transnational a 1 percent share of the total invest- ports, non-commodity trade with the full report at www.moodys. to form an integrated and fully- centives the country is offering to corporations receive special atten- ment in fixed assets. The Almaty Commonwealth of Independent com. customised gas production system. potential investors. tion,” he said. region, Almaty and Astana provided for 42.3 percent of all investments in the sector. The main sources of funding for fixed capital were lo- cal budgets, which allocated 28.3 billion tenge, and own funds of the Kazakhstan jumps 8 points in World Bank’s business, 27.1 billion tenge, in nine months.

At the end of September, 2,340 Doing Business ranking active large enterprises registered, an increase of 3.9 percent compared Continued from Page A1 United Kingdom, and the Former ants from Georgia, which itself is ate conditions for expediting the dent of the World Bank Group, to last year. The total number of Yugoslav Republic of Macedo- ranked at number six this year, as speed of economic growth.” said in the foreword to the report. registered enterprises grew by 4.6 In international trading, Ka- nia. further reasons for the success. The 2019 Doing Business Report “Overall, Europe and Central percent. However, the number of ac- zakhstan improved from 123rd to “This jump of eight places is an “Kazakhstan has finally en- is the 16th in a series of annual re- Asia, in comparison to the very tive large businesses has not grown 102nd place. The world’s largest objective reflection of the persis- tered the top 30 countries accord- ports investigating the regulations first data collection for Doing significantly in the last five years; landlocked country introduced tent work of the Kazakh govern- ing to the Doing Business Report that influence business activities of Business, improved on the ease their number has fluctuated between the ASTANA-1 IS electronic ment that has been implementing which covers 190 countries,” local firms in 190 countries. The of business score very well. roughly 2,200 and 2,400. The share customs declaration system and a special programme to improve Olzhas Khudaibergenov, Sen- report examines the regulations Since 2005, the region improved of active large businesses has re- reduced customs administrative business climate in the country ior Partner at CSI Group, said. for doing business in 11 areas of on the indicator by 21.7 points, mained high over the years (94.4 fees, making trade across borders for some time now,” Rakhim Os- “Overall, there’s improvement a business life, of which 10 are while around the world this score percent this year). The most popu- easier. The changes reduced the hakbayev, Director of the TAL- across all criteria, yet indicators presented in the report. Those are changed by 14 points on aver- lar sphere is healthcare and social services, with 538 enterprises; state time and costs of border and doc- AP Centre for Applied Research, for ease of international trade starting a business, dealing with age,” said Doing Business ana- administration, defence, and com- umentary compliance for export. said in an interview for this story. and access to financing are still construction permits, getting elec- lyst Parvina Rakhimova during pulsory social security follow with a Kazakhstan also held onto its He also noted the close interac- low. The solution of these two tricity, registering property, getting the presentation in Astana. total of 262 businesses. The manu- first-place ranking in Protecting tion with the World Bank experts key problems will allow raising credit, protecting minority inves- Director of the World Bank facturing industry completes the top Minority Investors. as well as advice provided to the the ranking even further, but, tors, paying taxes, trading across Regional Branch in Central three with 252 operating companies. Kazakhstan trails only Azer- Kazakh government by consult- more importantly, will help cre- borders, enforcing contracts and Asia Liliya Burunchuk added baijan (25th place) among coun- resolving insolvency. that “trading across borders in- For the first three quarters of 2018, tries of the Commonwealth of The Doing Business Report dicator improved in all Central the volume of internet providers’ Independent States, while it is relies on four main sources of Asian countries. Trading and ex- services to access the worldwide ahead of Eurasian Economic Un- information, which are the laws port is one of the most important network reached 180.5 billion tenge ion (EAEU) members such as and regulations, Doing Business spheres of development in these (US$488.06 million), which is 6.7 Russia (31), Belarus (37), Arme- respondents, the governments of countries’ economies, both inside percent more than in the same period nia (41) and Kyrgyzstan (70). the studied countries and World and outside the region.” a year earlier, according to finprom. Kazakhstan is also ahead of Bank Group regional staff. The The Doing Business report kz. At the same time, the number of OECD member states such as data is gathered through respons- covered 131,791 respondents and users dropped by 1.6 percent at the Spain (30), France (32), Poland es to questionnaires, conference initiated 1,116 business reforms. end of September to 2.45 million. (33), Portugal (34), the Czech calls, written correspondence and Over 16 years, the research team Over a five-year period, the number Republic (35) and the Nether- visits by the World Bank team. visited 169 economies out of 190. of active internet users has increased lands (36). “Since its launch in 2003, Do- Low-income and lower middle- by 654,600, however. The number New Zealand, Singapore, and ing Business has inspired more income economies carried out of users with high-speed broadband Denmark kept their positions as than 3,500 reforms in the 10 areas 172 reforms in 2017-2018, most access exceeded 1 million by the the most business-friendly coun- of business regulation measured of which were made in the indi- end of January 2018, then dropped tries showing the best results. by the report. This year, we ob- cator of starting a business. to 341,100 by the end of February. The top ten countries also in- served a peak in reform activity The Doing Business team is The largest accumulation of users clude Hong Kong SAR of China, worldwide – 128 economies un- planning to visit Kazakhstan in with high-speed access is in Astana, the Republic of Korea, Georgia, dertook a record 314 reforms in late November to verify the col- at 675,300 uses. This figure a year Norway, the United States, the 2017/18,” Jim Yong Kim, Presi- lected data. earlier was only 192,500. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Astana conference focuses on Kazakh, French firm Alstom will imple- ment two projects in Almaty, Alstom board member Philippe Delair told a recent Kazakh-Europe business fo- German agricultural partnership rum in Brussels. The first project is zakh side,” he said, emphasising nearly 20 percent of the population countries of Central Asia among the said Kazakh Vice Minister of Agri- to modernise Kazakhstan’s railway By Assel Satubaldina an interest among Kazakh compa- or every fifth citizen. stereotypes. culture Berik Bisengaliyev. infrastructure, with investment to be nies. The country’s agriculture sector First Secretary of the German Em- He spoke about Kazakhstan’s ef- directed toward improving the secu- ASTANA – Astana welcomed Germany has been among the attracted nearly $1.3 billion invest- bassy in Astana Jonathan Weinberg forts to develop the sector. rity and reliability of the railway’s German and Kazakh businesses, biggest investors in the Kazakh ments in the past five years and expressed his country’s willingness “We are refining mechanisms and digital data transmission. It will be- representatives of governments economy, whose companies have Birimzhan noted the figure is pro- to build on the existing partnerships increasing volumes of state support. gin with an update of the data trans- and specialists for the conference, invested nearly $4.2 billion since jected to grow with more foreign in developing agriculture. If previously, all support amounted to mission systems in Kazakhstan’s Kazakhstan and Germany: Part- 2005. investors entering the market. “We are working based on a good almost 300 billion tenge (US$818.5 five main railway stations. The sec- ners in Building Sustainable Ag- Deputy Chair of Kazakh Invest “Kazakhstan has nearly 210 mil- trade exchange that exceeded $4 million) per year, now, as instructed ond project will centre on Almaty’s riculture, Oct. 26 in Astana. They national company Marat Birimzhan lion hectares of agricultural land, billion and we want to increase this by the President, additional 100 bil- light rail system. Founded in 1928, discussed increasing competitive- said the contribution is particularly second in the world, and 180 mil- figure. We believe Kazakh-German lion tenge (US$272.85 million) are Alstom operates in rail transport ness in agriculture, sustainable ag- important due to its focus on non- lion hectares are pastures that open agriculture cooperation is a very allotted every year and 200 billion markets, particularly in the fields of riculture, point farming, digitisa- primary sectors of the economy, colossal opportunities for boosting good example,” said Weinberg. tenge (US$545.7 million) to support passenger transportation, signalling tion, logistics and research. which is a current priority for Ka- the potential and agricultural pro- “Why do we organise such con- affordable lending in priority sectors and locomotives. “The huge work is being carried zakhstan. duction,” he added. ference? We look at agriculture of the agriculture. The support was out in these areas in Kazakh agri- “In comparison to $20 billion that “As a young country, very often as bright and very important for increased twofold,” he said. Kazakhstan’s uranium mining culture,” said Head of the Kazakh- we receive each year as foreign in- we come across several stereotypes our cooperation. Last year, we State support, he noted, cannot firm Kazatomprom will list up to 25 German Agro-Political Dialogue vestments, this amount of $4.2 bil- when negotiating with foreign in- celebrated 25 years of diplomatic encompass the entire sector and the percent of its shares on the London Jorg Dinkelaker. lion is very important, because 90 vestors. First is a small market. Yes, relations with intensive visits, as ministry attracts financial institu- stock exchange as part of its initial “Germany played an important percent of German investments are we are the ninth largest country the Federal President Frank-Walter tions and second tier banks. public offering, Kazatomprom CEO role in creating value added chain in non-primary sector, including en- size of Western Europe, but many Steinmeier visited Astana and also Investment subsidies mechanisms Galymzhan Pirmatov told an Oct. in meat and dairy production. It gineering, agriculture. I would like investors say that your market is just other high-level visits. This all re- were also revised, he added. 24 briefing. Kazatomprom, accord- optimised its production and made to note that Germany is not only our 18 million people, but I would like flected the depth of our ties that we “This boosted investment pro- ing to national law, is to offer 20 it profitable. A big role is attributed reliable partner in building sustain- to note that thanks to our integration built in quite short period of time,” jects. Last year, KazAgro approved percent of its shares in Kazakhstan to research and science component able agriculture, but also partner in processes and multi-vector policy he said. 40 investment projects worth 45 through the Astana International reflected in various forms. We are the country’s development,” said we have an access to a market of The agro-political dialogue, es- billon tenge (US$122.78 billion), Exchange, but the actual amount of ready to share our experience. Of Birimzhan. 500 million people,” he said, high- tablished with Kazakhstan since while in nine months 52 projects the offering will depend on demand. course, we need to adapt it to local He stressed the importance of lighting landlockedness and the ten- 2009 and the German agriculture worth 61 billion tenge (US$166.44 The company could be valued from conditions and demands of the Ka- the agriculture sector that employs dency to align Kazakhstan to other centre reflect effective cooperation, million) were financed,” he said. $3 billion to $4 billion, and its shares will be sold by the Samruk Kazyna sovereign wealth fund as depositary receipts. Automotive industry production Chevron pioneering technology Polish company invests in Kazakhstan increased by 70 per- cent, KazAvtoProm Chair Oleg Al- fyorov told a recent Central Com- munications Service meeting. In in Kazakhstan solves industry’s in Turkestan greenhouse, September alone, more than 3,000 vehicles were produced. The coun- try has produced approximately 23,000 vehicles worth in excess of pipeline challenges more projects expected 140 billion tenge (US$378.55 mil- While conventional polyeth- The plant was also tasked with lion) in 2018, 70.3 percent more Staff Report ylene pipelines experience dif- the production of a 20 kilometre than last year’s volumes. These ficulties in adverse temperatures, pipeline for water transportation. vehicles include cars, trucks, buses ASTANA – Pipeline corrosion Chevron’s polyethylene pipe Given the water’s toxicity and high in west of country and trailers. Within this time period, is a major challenge faced by the plant in Atyrau has pioneered the temperature, the search was on for tle. The project costs 1.2 billion the production of passenger cars in- global oil and gas industry, as a production of Polyethylene with technology which could meet the By Zhanna Shayakhmetova tenge (US$3.2 million). creased by 82.6 percent, while the corroded pipeline presents a clear Raised Temperature Resistance plant’s rigid requirements. After Central Feedlot intends to output of trucks decreased by 17.2 risk to the environment and for the (PE-RT) since 2003. three years of rigorous assessment, ASTANA – Poland’s Polcotton launch a 5,000-hectare fodder percent. companies responsible. To support Tengizchevroil’s the Dow Chemical Company’s will invest more than 13 million base for the fattening complex in The main obstacle in preventing (TCO) Future Growth Project- PE-RT Type II technology was euros (US$14 million) in an in- Yanaykino village of the Zeleno- Kazakh residents spent 23.8 bil- corrosion is that materials may wear Wellhead Pressure Management selected for implementation. This novative greenhouse construc- vski district. There are plans to lion tenge (US$64.35 million) on down over time from oil or gas mov- Project (FGP-WPMP), the Atyrau marked one of the first applica- tion project in the Sairam district expand the existing production entertainment in 2018 so far, reports ing through the pipeline, and coat- plant initiated a Europe-wide tions of the innovative material to of the Turkestan region, accord- capacity from 4,000 to 10,000 Energyprom.kz. This year’s ex- ing and inspecting metal pipelines search for suppliers of a suitable industrial pipes in the oil and gas ing to the Kazakh Invest press cattle in the first year. penditure exceeds last year’s by 20.7 are the primary corrosion preven- raw material for a water injection industry. service. The facility will create World Green, in cooperation percent. More than 80 percent of en- tion measures. Another approach is system upgrade, necessary for PE-RT pipeline technology more than 150 jobs in the com- with a Dutch company, will build tertainment expenditure centred on switching to alternative pipeline ma- meeting water injection require- use enabled the modernisation of ing year. a 13-billion tenge (US$35.3 mil- concert and theatre activities, while terials such as polyethylene. ments. TCO’s water injection system, im- “More than 300 jobs will be lion) greenhouse. The design ca- circus activities accounted for only proving the transportation of the created during the second stage pacity will accommodate 4,400 2 percent. Approximately 9 billion highly corrosive water produced of project implementation. The tonnes of cucumbers and 3,450 tenge (US$24.34 million) was spent at Tengiz oil field in the Atyrau construction of the greenhouse tonnes of tomatoes. on entertainment in Astana, which region. will last about a month and we A four-star hotel with 108 is 30.8 percent more than last year. “There are many added benefits rooms will be built in Aksai of In Almaty, more than 6 billion tenge plan to get the crops next Sep- to using PE-RT. Its service life tember. Thanks to the support of the Burlinsky district under a (US$16.22 million) was spent. of 50 years is approximately 10 Atyrau is in third place among the Kazakh Invest and local authori- franchise agreement with inter- times that of traditional pipeline ties, we hope that the project will continental hotel group Holiday regions, with expenditure at 1.45 materials. It is also less costly than billion tenge (US$3.92 million). be successful,” said Polcotton Inn. Local company Serik invest- metal pipelines, which require ca- Managing Director Alois Schön- ed more than 3.6 billion tenge The number of registered enter- thodic protection, inhibitors and tainment companies in Kazakhstan berger. (US$9 million) in the project. more regular inspection,” said the The enterprise will use a hy- reached 6,400 in 2018, a 7.1 percent plant’s Commercial Manager Yev- increase since last year. droponic vegetable system and geniy Legin. finished products will be deliv- Thirteen investment “Our use of this technology at Royal Dutch Shell and Kazakh- ered to China and Russia. projects totalling $615 TCO and FGP-WPMP is yet an- “Polish investors are greatly stan will continue energy sector other example of how we are using cooperation for the next 25 years, interested in Kazakhstan, par- million are expected innovation to safely and effective- ticularly in the rural sector. The Shell Exploration and Production ly unlock opportunities,” he added. to launch in the Director Andrew Brown told an Oc- project with Polcotton is a high- tober meeting of Kazakh President tech project. We expect more Turkestan region. By Nursultan Nazarbayev with Euro- agro-industrial projects when pean businesspersons in Brussels. other Polish companies visit Ka- the end of the year, According to Brown, the agreement zakhstan this year,” said Kazakh on friendly dispute resolution on the Invest representative in Poland three projects worth AIX to launch post-trade and Central Europe, Professor objectivity index recently signed be- $47.5 million will be tween Kazakhstan and stakeholders Arkadiusz Jakubczak. in the Karachaganak project, among Thirteen investment projects implemented creating them Shell, will facilitate more in- totalling $615 million are ex- infrastructure pected to launch in the region. 500 jobs. vestment. He also noted that Shell’s 2018 energy development scenario Avenir Technology is a global stan, adding to our existing portfolio By the end of the year, three provides for the global economy’s By Yerbolat Uatkhanov supplier of post-trade solutions. The of business,” said Avenir co-found- projects worth $47.5 million full decarbonisation, thus comply- five-year deal between the company er and director Martyn Bain. will be implemented creating The city also plans to recon- ing with EXPO 2017’s Future En- ASTANA – Astana International and the exchange covers not only Founded in 2014, Avenir pro- 500 jobs. struct the 570-million tenge ergy theme. Exchange (AIX) is preparing to central security depository (CSD), vides a range of financial market Kazakh Invest earlier an- launch post-trade market servic- but registry instances of the Avenir infrastructure solutions, operating nounced the West Kazakhstan (US$1.5 million) Uralsk Culture and Recreation Park featuring a Japanese conglomerate Hitachi es provided by Avenir Technol- suite. AIX just finished the roll-out with a growing number of clients region attracted more than 32 recently founded the sales company ogy Limited. The technology, used of the production version of the ap- located in both mature and emerg- billion tenge (US$86.9 million) 45-metre-high Ferris wheel. Eurasian Machinery in Kazakhstan worldwide, will ensure a safe and plications and all ten AIX CSD par- ing markets. in investment projects at the re- Fixed capital investments in as part of its expansion into Cen- reliable post-trading infrastructure ticipants are now connected to the Astana International Financial gional council meeting in Ural- the West Kazakhstan region tral Asia’s construction machinery for the exchange. Avenir platform, which also offers Centre (AIFC) was established on sk. amount to 275 billion tenge market, reports 24.kz. According to “The Astana International Ex- integrated SWIFT messaging capa- the initiative of Kazakh President The projects are important for (US$746 million), a 4.5-percent Eurasian Machinery CEO Mehmet change will be an efficient, glob- bilities. Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2015 af- the region, said Akim (Gover- increase in a nine-month pe- Kemal Cetinelli, Hitachi currently ally supported exchange platform Extensive testing has also been ter his approval of the centre’s con- nor) Altai Kulginov. The local riod. Investments in the produc- supplies equipment to KAZ Miner- for both Kazakhstan and the neigh- completed, including three full stitutional statute. It is establishing administration will provide sup- tion sector are 177 billion tenge als and Eurasian Resources Group. bouring countries. To ensure safe loop dress rehearsals involving all a leading international centre for port including land, investment (US$480.7 million); in the man- Now, specialised equipment from Ja- and reliable post-trading infrastruc- market participants, as well as third financial services, attracting invest- subsidies, customs duties and tax ufacturing industry, 12 billion pan will become more accessible to ture we needed a professional pro- party user acceptance testing (UAT) ments and creating an attractive obligations. Investors will have tenge (US$32.5 million). The mining and construction companies vider of sophisticated technologies conducted by Exactpro. environment for financial services ten-year benefits for exemption total share of fixed asset invest- in Central Asia. Hitachi Construction that could be tailored to meet our “Over the last four years, we have investments. from land and property taxation ments is 60.4 percent. In terms of Machinery Chair Tatsuro Ishizuka requirements. We are glad that in been working extensively in emerg- AIX was formed this year as part and a 20-percent return on in- the share of foreign investments, noted that Kazakhstan was chosen partnership with an experienced ing markets across the globe to and parcel of the centre’s develop- vestment deposits. the region ranks first in the coun- as the host country for the promising supplier of technologies for ex- provide them with next generation ment. The exchange’s shareholders Plans are underway in the try, due in greater part to the fact prospects it offered for the multina- changes we are ready to start opera- financial market infrastructure solu- are AIFC, Goldman Sachs, NAS- Syrymski and Zelenovski dis- that it hosts the Karachaganak tional company’s growth in the sales tions on AIX,” said AIX CEO Tim tions. We are delighted to have been DAQ, Shanghai Stock Exchange tricts to build an open feedlot gas condensate field developed network and value chain business. Bennett. awarded these contracts in Kazakh- and Silk Road Fund. which can hold up to 3,000 cat- by an international consortium. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 Latest World Bank Doing Kazakhstan’s peacekeeping Business Index affirms mission to Lebanon is yet Kazakhstan’s measures to another contribution to peace demonstrated a high level of By Kairat Abdrakhmanov readiness and compliance with international standards. improve business environment On Oct. 31, a Kazakh peace- Great amount of work has tributed to this impressive performance. The report also keeping company of 120 peo- been done together with India s we have pointed out before, having the cour- singles out praise for the steps taken to protect minority ple arrived to the UN Interim as our strategic partner. Coop- age to set big ambitions is vital whether you shareholder rights. Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for eration with India within the are an individual, business or country. Without The World Bank also points to reforms to help Kazakhstan deployment as part of the forces UN Interim Force in Lebanon such goals, there is a big danger that efforts capitalise on its geographical position as a bridge between of the joint Kazakh-Indian bat- is based on the Law of the Re- willA be unfocused and results disappointing. east and west. The introduction of electronic customs dec- talion called IndKazBat. This public of Kazakhstan on the But it is also absolutely critical that these ambitions are laration and reduction in fees underlines the commitment to battalion is deployed in the ratification of the memorandum backed by the practical and effective steps necessary to cutting delays and costs. They are decisions which are good Eastern sector of the area fall- of understanding between the achieve them. Otherwise, no matter how well-intentioned, for our country and for the global trade and prosperity. ing under responsibility of the government of Kazakhstan and they are destined to remain little more than false hopes It is not just big established businesses which are ben- East multinational land peace- Before the Kazakh peace- the government of India with with all the frustrations this failure brings. efiting from the steps being taken. The World Bank also keeping brigade, located along keepers set foot on Lebanese regard to the joint deployment That’s why the latest World Bank’s Doing Business commended Kazakhstan for reforms in all the right areas the border of Lebanon with Is- soil, this was preceded by many of Kazakh peacekeeping forces Index – which shows Kazakhstan has jumped eight places to help small- and medium-sized enterprises succeed. As rael and Syria. years of hard work on the part of in the Indian UNIFIL squad- to 28th in the global table – are so important. They con- evidence shows, these SMEs are the firms which drive Thus, another foreign policy all branches of the government ron, signed by President Naz- firm that the actions taken to meet the ambition of making employment and growth in every economy. decision of President Nursultan and many Kazakh institutions. arbayev in late October. the country a world-class place to invest and set up and And while Kazakhstan has still a long way to go until it Nazarbayev has been imple- This time, Kazakhstan used the I am confident that the in- grow a business are working. enters the top 10 for start-ups, this category too is head- mented and the commitment experience of the Ministry of volvement of Kazakh military The 2018 World Bank flagship index shows that Kazakh- ing in the right direction with a rise of five places to 36th. taken by Kazakhstan during the Defence, which sent our peace- personnel in UN peacekeeping stan for the first time is in the top 30 of the 190 economies New simplified procedures for registration mean that it successful election campaign keepers to Iraq in 2003-2008 as operations is aimed at further surveyed. It means a country, which a generation ago was now takes just five days to set up a new business, less to the UN Security Council has part of the stabilisation force in enhancement of Kazakhstan’s part of the Soviet system, now stands above some of the than half the regional average. been fulfilled. accordance with the UN Secu- position as one of the active leading economies such as France, Japan, Turkey and There is more to do, but the fact that the World Bank I would like to note that this rity Council resolution. Kazakh and reputable participants in China in creating a business-friendly environment. report found that Kazakhstan is one of a very few is a very important event in the officers continue to successful- strengthening peace and global Nor can this year’s performance be seen in isolation as economies which has put in place reforms in every area it history of our country, since for ly serve as observers, including security, as well as at further it comes on the back of sustained progress which has seen surveys for the index since it was first published in 2004 the first time the Kazakh mili- in command positions, within improvement of professional- Kazakhstan climb 25 places in the last five years. It is the shows that there is no complacency. The creation of the tary contingent is participating the United Nations Mission for ism of Kazakhstan’s military prize for a determined effort, first outlined in President Astana International Financial Centre and the work of in a UN peacekeeping mission. the Referendum in Western Sa- officers and invigoration of the Nursultan Nazarbayev’s Kazakhstan 2050 strategy six Kazakh Invest national company are just two examples On this occasion, the Secretary hara. country’s defence capacity. In years ago, to identify and dismantle barriers to business- to accelerate progress. Their efforts will only increase General of the Organisation, In recent years, the leader- simple terms, our servicemen es, whether home-grown or from outside investment. Kazakhstan’s attractiveness as will, in the long-run, its António Guterres, noted that ship of the country’s defence will receive invaluable experi- What has followed has been a concerted push to cut red position as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union. the contribution to UN peace- ministry held a series of talks ence by working “in the field” tape, streamline regulation and, above all, improve legal If Kazakhstan is to achieve its overall goal of joining keeping operations “is a con- with relevant departments and and interacting with foreign protections. How successful this has been can be seen by the ranks of the top 30 economies, then it is critical that crete demonstration of global services of the UN Secretariat partners. the fact that Kazakhstan is now ranked 4th overall in the there is no let up in removing the barriers for investment solidarity and responsibility” for peace-making and peace- index for enforcing contracts. The new electronic case and business. We must expect our competitors to raise and sent his best wishes to the building. Training centres for The author is Minister of management system and the decision to improve trans- their game in this global race and be ready to continue contingent of peacekeepers Kazakh peacekeepers under- Foreign Affairs of Kazakh- parency by publishing court decisions have both con- showing a lead. from Kazakhstan. went a rigorous check and stan.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 No single state corporation can function successfully for long, says Singaporean Ambassador to Kazakhstan Yes, we are actually different from the Third World to the First soon as these state-owned com- creating Singapore as a financial By Karlygash Ezhenova and far away from each other, World. He hoped to see it before panies reached the peak of their centre. We decided to merge local but now it is essential to lay the his death and he did it. There- growth, we sold the major share banks. Currently, we have only Singaporean Ambassador to foundation and build a sustainable fore, the most important thing is of these companies to the private three operating local banks. We Kazakhstan Zulkifli Bakharudin infrastructure for future genera- the prosperity of a country. Many sector. No government-owned invited foreign banks. Singapore recently spoke with exclusive.kz, tions. Perhaps I will not be there want to achieve something big, corporation can operate success- has become better, so we should noting the secret of his country’s to see my results, but my children but not everyone is ready to sacri- fully for a long time without par- be ready to sacrifice. Singapore success is the absence of a “sacred will enjoy these fruits. Singapore fice something for the sake of this ticipation of the private sector. thrives thanks to this policy. cow.” The nation is always ready had the same situation with other goal. We used to receive a lot of Therefore, we have put up for We always knew how to trade to change, even the legacy of the countries, such as China and In- criticism of our education system, sale almost all of our state-owned and make money. We still compete great Lee Kuan Yew. dia, not to mention Europe and the which put pressure on our chil- companies. The role of the state with Australia, Hong Kong and U.S. Thanks to political and eco- dren. But we did not give up and is to sow seeds. The state will Tokyo. We are trying to be unique As the Singaporean Ambassa- nomic relations, Europe and the did not change the system. Now, never be able to successfully do and attract investors. We show dor to Kazakhstan and Uzbeki- United States are the largest trad- we have a highly educated popu- its business. Only 20 percent of that we can manage risks in the stan, you know Central Asia very Zulkifli Bakharudin ing partners of Singapore. lation. companies in the energy sector financial sector better than others. well. Your biography is closely Kazakhstan is a very young The second is the implementa- are Singaporean; 80 percent came My advice for Kazakhstan is to connected with business. Is it common. Being small coun- state. It is characterised by fea- tion of the transport capabilities from outside. The role of the state use resources that we do not have, typical for Singapore to focus on tries, we need to maintain strong tures such as impatience and am- of Singapore. Let me remind you should be limited to the creation yet it is important to understand business in diplomacy? economies, keep a balance with bitiousness. These are very good that we have created the largest of infrastructure. that creating a new mindset will The foreign policy of Singa- other countries and have our own qualities for a young country, but seaport in the world; we have the take time. Perhaps this is the most pore is very interesting. We have strong, efficient army in order to you should not hurry too much. In largest container shipping com- That is quite a non-typical gov- difficult task. Kazakhstan should created a special position of non- have the right to hold our position order to build a house, you need a pany and it is state-owned. We ernance model for a state. Will pursue this way – the way of de- resident ambassador, who resides in this big game in order for great solid foundation. If we recall our have Singapore Airlines, but they this strategy be somehow adjust- veloping communication with the in Singapore. In addition to non- powers to honour us. relations with the West, the con- are owned by France. That is, we ed in the new conditions? It is external world. resident ambassadors, we have Secondly, Kazakhstan should struction of the foundation took were ready to sacrifice our ambi- always hard to succeed, but it is an institute of honorary consuls, have its own position in the region many years. Kazakhstan must also tions and give up our company so even harder to develop and grow. The West has made it clear to which is also actively used by us. and in the world. Both Kazakhstan learn to wait its time. that it develops. What new goals are set for the us that it is not up to Central Asia Our government chooses can- and Singapore need to be very Singapore is known for its med- country now? now, but as a good alternative, didates for such positions from mobile. We must quickly adapt to We are ready to wait any time, ical tourism. Our largest medical If you remember, the history of we have been offered China’s among the Singaporean business new conditions. but after all, Singapore is also a company was bought by Malay- Singapore is a series of continuous Belt and Road project. What is community in such a way that they Thirdly, as part of the Associa- very ambitious country. Singa- sia, but this did not affect our de- crises. Our recipe is that during the role of Singapore in this ini- correspond to high professional tion of Southeast Asian Nations pore’s impressive progress has cision. Now, people come to the each crisis, we built committees tiative? How do you assess it in and personal qualities, since this (ASEAN), Singapore has an been attained in just a few dec- Malaysian hospital and are treated that included both government general? is a rather public job and it is quite impact on its regional partners. ades. there. Many do not understand us, members and key members of the Singapore wants to be part of low-paid. It is very important that We are trying to involve them in At the time when Singapore but this is our strategy. high society of Singapore. As our this initiative, so we built a spe- the ambassador not only knows centrifugal processes; inter alia, gained independence, we were Prime Minister says, “There is no cial free trade zone in China. We countries he or she cooperates we are strengthening relations be- also a multi-ethnic state with nu- By the very fact of its exist- sacred cow in Singapore;” that hope that this zone will become with and maintains diplomatic re- tween ASEAN and the Eurasian merous internal social contradic- ence, Singapore is important not is, we can change anything, even the main element of the road that lations, but also has a special af- Economic Union (EAEU). I think tions, but we had a clear agenda only for Central Asia, but also for what our late leader said. unites Central Asia and China. fection for them. And this is the that Kazakhstan has great oppor- – to survive and thrive. We did the whole world. This is a story Currently, the Committee on Singapore cannot ignore initia- kind of affection I have for Ka- tunities to work in this direction. not have water and food, so every of tremendous post-traumatic the Future Economy operates in tives in the region, so we become zakhstan. member of the Singaporean soci- growth in the country of state Singapore. Its task is to shape the a part of them. We try to cooperate Yes, geographically, we are very It sounds like you are referring ety understood that tomorrow we capitalism. We have been advised development path for the next with all players in other regions, far from each other, but our rela- to the negotiations on creating a should become better than we are. to reduce the role of the state in 20-30 years. If they say that we not just with China. Kazakhstan tions are unique. They are based free trade zone between Singa- We have invested a lot in educa- the economy. How did you find have to cut or sew something, we is becoming an active participant on the very warm relationship pore and the EAEU. What are tion, in improving professional the balance? will do it. Singapore differs from in this initiative, if only because between our leaders, Nursultan the areas of common interest? competencies, because they al- We have attracted global trans- other countries in that we are not it passes through Kazakhstan. Nazarbayev and the late Lee Kuan The EAEU is now criticised in ways have the most long-term ef- national corporations to develop burdened with our heritage. We However, you should not rely on Yew. Thus, we can say that Singa- our country due to the fact that fect. Poor families sent their chil- the economy of Singapore. We do not look back. Every time we this project alone. You have to pore and Kazakhstan inherited this the major recipient of dividends dren to study, even if they did not have invested in education and start with a clean slate. We always do something on your own. You goodwill of the two leaders and from this organisation is Russia, have enough money for food, and training. When we managed to try to find the best people. We have to be strong to offer your ini- my goal is to further promote it, which, as a consequence, has the it bore fruit. Each member of the implement this, we realised that involve foreigners only because tiatives. You should have a higher unite our countries to continue the greatest influence in it. Singaporean society sought pros- the state should take a leading they are the best in their area. level of participation in other ini- traditions started by our leaders. I think you should not be dis- perity. The same trend existed in role in creating infrastructure, They work with us to develop a tiatives. tracted by temporary difficulties. other ASEAN countries and this building an airport and oil re- roadmap. You have to be flexible Finally, when a person does too Integration processes have be- The most crucial thing in the is the answer to the question of fineries. The task was to find and adapt quickly. Changing the much shopping, he/she ultimately gun in Central Asia. Do you think development of relations is the why our region is developing so and appoint the best managers current policy will not guarantee cannot understand what he/she Asian countries can help to make strong economic and diplomatic rapidly. in these areas. If we did not find that in the future you will achieve needs. It is very important to al- these integrations irreversible? ties that create the foundation for Our late leader decided that them in the region, we searched something. There is no other ways understand what you really First of all, we have a lot in stable relations. Singapore should be transferred for them all over the world. As choice. We created and are still want and keep this focus. Kazakh-Russian economic cooperation is strong and developing, says Russian trade rep in Kazakhstan $77.6 billion, including $17.4 bil- economies of the participating indicator of the development of and education of the two coun- By Mirgul Dzhilkishinova lion with the EAEU countries, a countries? bilateral trade and economic rela- tries. During the Forum, 10 docu- growth of 26 percent. Over eight For sure. The economic perfor- tions. The creation and successful ments were signed. In this interview, Trade Repre- months of 2018, the trade turno- mance of the Eurasian Economic operation of joint ventures con- On Nov. 9, 2018, the 15th Inter- sentative of the Russian Federa- ver of Kazakhstan with countries Union shows that the decision to tribute to the modernisation and regional Cooperation Forum be- tion in Kazakhstan Alexander Yak- around the globe has increased by establish it was timely and correct. development of the economies tween Russia and Kazakhstan will ovlev discussed new opportunities 21.6 percent. It was beneficial to all participants. of both countries. I would like be held in Petropavlovsk (Kazakh- the strengthening of trade and eco- Let me give some more statistics. to note that as of Oct.r 1, 2018, stan) with the participation of the nomic relations that the Eurasian What is the dynamics of rela- For example, the gross inflow of more than 31,000 joint ventures heads of state on the theme “New Economic Union (EAEU) offered tions between Russia and Ka- direct investment from the Rus- with foreign participation were approaches and trends in the tour- to the two countries. zakhstan in the post-Soviet eco- sian Federation to the Republic of registered in Kazakhstan. Nine ism development in Russia and Alexander Yakovlev nomic space? Kazakhstan from 2005 to the first thousand-nine hundred of them Kazakhstan” On its “margins” it Looking at a new history of re- The trade turnover between half of 2018 was $12.6 billion, its are Russian-Kazakh. Their num- is planned to sign a number of in- lations between Russia and Ka- velop small and medium business- Russia and Kazakhstan over eight share in the total volume of Ka- ber keeps growing. The number of tergovernmental, interagency and zakhstan, what factors, in your es, interregional trade and address months of 2018 has amounted zakhstan was 4.5 percent. operating enterprises with Russian interregional agreements, as well opinion, played the most impor- employment and social issues. to $11.3 billion (an increase of The gross inflow of direct in- participation is more than 6,000. as other documents between the tant positive role? We see the free mobility of 8.3 percent). Exports from Ka- vestment from Kazakhstan to the business communities. The Treaty on the Eurasian capital and labour. Prospects are zakhstan to Russia grew by 13.3 Russian Federation from 2005 to Based on your extensive expe- An important mechanism that Economic Union (EAEU) that of- held out and a real opportunity is percent, and imports from Rus- the first half of 2018 amounted to rience as a sales representative, determines the main directions ficially entered into force on Jan. offered to develop new and quite sia to Kazakhstan by 6.2 percent. $3.7 billion, its share in the total can you tell us which measures of trade, economic and invest- 1, 2015 offers our countries ad- large markets. The constantly Overall, our mutual trade pattern volume was 5.9 percent. In the and decisions are most beneficial ment cooperation is the intergov- ditional, almost unprecedented improving legal and regulatory is well differentiated. The main first half of 2018, the gross inflow for mutual economic cooperation ernmental commission, which benefits ensuring mutual access to framework of the organisation role here is played by 20-25 large of direct investment from Russia between Russia and Kazakhstan? addresses current issues of in- large and geographically closely ensures that the national interests companies of both countries that to Kazakhstan amounted to $821.0 In order to ensure a balanced teraction in the field of industry, located markets, creates condi- and development context of each have learned to adequately inter- million (184 percent increase economy and reduce negative phe- agricultural, industrial, fuel and tions for “barrier-free trade,” re- state are taken into account, and act with each other and control compared to the corresponding nomena due to the influence of in- energy sectors, transport, science ducing transport costs, and devel- this process will continue con- the market. However, our small period of 2017), from Kazakhstan ternal or external factors, we should and new technology, investment, oping a single labour market. The sidering the real needs to further and medium enterprises have not to Russia – $138.2 million (74.1 bring together and closely coordi- banking and other areas. The 20th growing interest of foreign coun- deepen economic interaction. yet said their last word in foreign percent compared to the corre- nate the actions taken. The govern- meeting of the commission, held tries in expanding economic rela- For example, since the creation trade. This once again points out sponding period of 2017). ments of our countries conduct sys- on Oct. 26, 2018 in Kazan, gave tions proves the attractiveness of of the EAEU, Kazakhstan’s GDP to the fact that our relations have At present, about 100 large tematic work in this direction. a new impetus to our business the Eurasian Economic Union as has never shown a negative trend. a potential for increasing and im- Russian-Kazakh projects totalling Every year, an Interregional Co- partnership. During the activities a reliable and predictable partner. Thus, in 2015 it grew by 1.2 per- proving the results of cooperation. about $20 billion are operating operation Forum is held between of the Intergovernmental Com- cent, in 2016 by 1.1 percent, in I would like to note that Russian- and are being planned for imple- the Russian Federation and Ka- mission on Cooperation between What is the most important role 2017 by 4 percent. This positive Kazakh companies can and should mentation in Kazakhstan. At the zakhstan with the participation of Russia and Kazakhstan, 17 issues of the EAEU? trend goes on in 2018, and, conse- not only pass the $25 billion mark same time, expanding the range heads of state. The 14th Forum were considered. First of all, the Eurasian Eco- quently, Kazakhstan’s GDP growth within three years, but also reach of competitive high value-added was held in Chelyabinsk on Nov. In the future, our efforts will be nomic Union allows for coor- is expected to range between 3.8 far more significant figures. Sta- products is important for Russia 9, 2017. It was dedicated to hu- focused on the implementation of dinated economic policy in key and 4 percent. Kazakhstan, being a tistics show that the trade turnover and Kazakhstan. man capital development and was the Russia-Kazakhstan Country economic sectors. It gives an op- member of the EAEU, shares with of the member countries of the un- attended by President of the Rus- Action Plan for 2018-2020 aimed portunity, which is extremely im- all other countries of the economic ion is growing steadily, and all the How actively is the format of sian Federation Vladimir Putin at increasing trade turnover, ex- portant now in the context of the union all its achievements, includ- EAEU states have expanded their joint ventures used in Russia and and President ofKazakhstan Nur- port of Russian goods (mainly crisis, to jointly advance common ing trade and investment growth. presence in foreign markets. Kazakhstan? sultan Nazarbayev, regional lead- due to high value-added goods) to interests, promote joint projects, Thus, Kazakhstan’s foreign trade The number of enterprises oper- ers, representatives of state agen- Kazakhstan, as well as facilitating attract additional investment re- turnover increased by 25 per- Does the EAEU contribute to ating in Kazakhstan with the Rus- cies, business circles, as well as the entry into the Russian market sources, create new industries, de- cent in 2017 and reached about the mutual development of the sian participation is an important experts and specialists in science for Kazakh producers. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 Accessible Spanish courses, direct flights and faster visa issuing will facilitate relations, says envoy launch direct flights to Spain and learn from the best practices in the “We are a very competitive some, like the engineering com- By Aidana Yergaliyeva on speeding up visa issuing proce- world and Spanish management country when it comes to exports pany Idom, is already involved in dures. of historical buildings and cultural of agro-food products, materials the project for Almaty tramways, ASTANA – Spanish Ambassa- “This will expand the coopera- sites is no exception. for construction and pharmaceuti- operation of which was suspend- dor David Carriedo, who began tion in every sense,” he said. Carriedo noted the countries’ cal products and, as I said before, ed on Oct. 31, 2015. The project his diplomatic mission to Kazakh- His strategy to speed up visa tourism departments will soon ne- machinery goods. So, we intend on upgrade, geared towards the stan on August 21, spoke with The procedures include moving the gotiate on future cooperation. The to increase our flows of exports system’s sustainability had start- Astana Times about the agenda for embassy to a bigger office, thereby combination of direct flights and into Kazakhstan in order to com- ed in 2013 and will be launched his three-year term to strengthen increasing its capacity for receiv- visas should increase not only the pensate a bit this huge trade deficit soon. relations between the countries ing visitors. In addition, Spanish inflow of Kazakh tourists, but also that we hold,” he said. “These [leading Spanish multi- with an emphasis on education visas might be issued, in certain trade and investment. Negotiations to increase the national] companies are ready to and the economy. cases, for longer terms and multi- He is particularly concerned presence of Spanish businesses contribute to the modernisation of Educational cooperation entails David Carriedo ple entries, which should dramati- about Spain’s big trade deficit took place at the fifth business Kazakhstan’s economy and partic- specific attention to make quality cally increase tourism between the with Kazakhstan. According to council and eighth intergovern- ipate in the infrastructure projects Spanish language education ac- Spanish speakers teaching in Ka- countries. embassy statistics, bilateral trade mental commission on economic organised by the government, par- cessible to Kazakh citizens. As the zakh universities. “We always say that tourism is approximately 1.7 billion eu- and industrial cooperation held ticularly PPP (private-public part- second most spoken language in “I am going to work on this. If is our oil, amounting to close to ros (US$1.95 billion) annually, Sept. 28 in the Kazakh capital. nership) projects,” he noted. the world, knowing Spanish is an not a full-fledged branch of the 15 percent of our gross domestic of which Kazakh exports to Spain “We share this message with Interest in tightening bilateral asset that advances one’s competi- institute, then the so called Aula product. Almost 173 billion euros amounted to 1.55 billion euros our Kazakh counterparts, [advise] relations is significant on both tiveness in the globalised environ- (classroom) Cervantes which is a (US$196.74 billion) per year; that (US$1.78 billion) in 2017 (includ- which projects can be of interest sides. Spanish companies such ment. Making the language more smaller facility but where students is more than Kazakhstan’s GDP, to ing oil exports at 94 percent of the to our companies and are competi- as MAXAM, Talgo and Inditex accessible for Kazakhs is of equal can study, pass exams and gain put it in perspective,” he added. total). tive and submit their proposals in (Zara) are already successfully interest to both governments. their titles,” he said. “Spain is not only about beach, Spain’s exports to Kazakhstan the tenders. There are about eight working in the Kazakh market. In order to meet the growing Carriedo sees great potential in sea and sun,” he said. were approximately 164 million or nine Spanish multinational “Kazakhstan can serve as a hub demand, Carriedo is working to education and feels both countries One of Spain’s main attractions euros (US$186.53 million), the companies that are participating in bridge between Europe and Asia. It open a branch of Cervantes Insti- should benefit from an increase is the wealth of United Nations bulk of which was textiles and the most advanced infrastructure is a good gateway to the Eurasian tute, the public institution created in exchange programmes for re- Educational, Scientific and Cul- machinery goods. projects in the world. We want to Economic Union. We definitely by Spain in 1991 to promote Span- search university students and tural Organisation (UNESCO) He suggested the Spanish Insti- be present here, too,” said Car- find opportunities in the area of ish language and culture world- teachers. sites, with 47 registered zones. tute of Foreign Trade will organise riedo. production of agro-food products wide. He noted the importance of To strengthen bilateral eco- The Kazakh government fre- exhibitions to promote the coun- Some Spanish companies are textiles, chemicals and, certainly, increasing the number of native nomic relations, he is working to quently refers to its eagerness to try’s goods. currently showing interest and infrastructure,” he added. Astana hosts roundtable on Kazakh peacekeepers join non-proliferation strategy, Indian battalion in Lebanon, denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula as Guterres welcomes news process of nuclear disarmament. He said that Kazakhstan, as a Continued from Page A1 battalion headquarters, three rifle stan, as a supporting state, is pro- By Almasbek Zhumadilov Peaceful foreign policy and ef- country seeking a nuclear weapons- companies, a mechanised infantry viding a rifle company numbering fective anti-nuclear initiatives of free world, supports continued nego- The memorandum provides for company, a headquarters company 120 service members. The total ASTANA – International and nu- President Nursultan Nazarbayev, tiations to achieve the nuclear disar- the joint deployment of the armed and a support company, for a total number of the joint battalion is clear security experts, Kazakh for- aimed at drawing the attention of mament of North Korea. forces of the two states in the UN of 730 service members. Kazakh- eign affairs officials and foreign dip- the international community to Swedish Ambassador to Ka- 850 people. Interim Force in Lebanon, as well The Kazakh peacekeeping lomats in Kazakhstan met in Astana countering the nuclear threat, are zakhstan Mats Foyer and British as the establishment of policies, Oct. 24 to discuss Kazakhstan’s nu- helping to consolidate the world Ambassador to Kazakhstan Mi- Training of the forces were deployed with their procedures and agreements be- Kazakh-issued personal weapons. clear non-proliferation policy and the against nuclear proliferation and chael Gifford, both of whom have tween the parties to plan and im- main forces of the During their peacekeeping op- situation on the Korean Peninsula. develop joint measures for the worked in North Korea, shared plement deployment, command eration, the soldiers will receive complete elimination of nuclear their assessment of the situation on and control and support the Ka- Kazakh peacekeeping “Kazakhstan weapons,” said KAZISS Director the peninsula. zakh peacekeeping contingent as contingent is a threefold financial allowance. Zarema Shaukenova. Remarks by KAZISS Deputy part of the Indian battalion. It also The UN will also pay $1,428 per welcomes all the Director of the Diplomacy Institute Director Sanat Kushkumbayev, delineates policies for training, conducted at the month to Kazakhstan for each sol- of the Public Administration Acad- Senior Research Fellow at the rotation, protection of communi- UN Peacekeeping dier. positive trends emy under the President of Kazakh- Eurasian Studies Institute Dau- cations and information systems, The deployment is part of ef- emerging around stan Dr. Marian Abisheva moderated ren Aben, Permanent Member of medical and financial support. Training Centre in forts to expand Kazakhstan’s in- a session on the Korean peninsula the International Group on Nu- India, as the lead nation, is ternational peacekeeping involve- the solution of the and Korea’s policy towards peace. clear Non-Proliferation Studies, providing command, control and New Delhi. ment. Joo-Hyeon Baik, who led the Korean KAZISS Chief Research Fel- Pyongyang nuclear diplomatic mission in Kazakhstan in low Murat Laumulin, KAZISS programme and 2012-2015, described in detail South Senior Research Fellow Ana- Korea’s efforts to resolve tensions on stassiya Reshetnyak focused on supports the policy the peninsula and the stages and suc- Kazakhstan’s contribution to cesses of the negotiation process. global non-proliferation of nu- of South Korea.” Director of Asia and Africa De- clear weapons and Kazakhstan’s partment of the Ministry of Foreign experience that could be used The event was organised by the Affairs of Kazakhstan Aidarbek Tu- by the DPRK in the process of Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic matov outlined Kazakhstan’s policy nuclear disarmament and acces- Studies under the President of Ka- position on Korean issues. sion to the non-proliferation re- zakhstan (KAZISS) and the South “Kazakhstan welcomes all the gime. Korean Embassy. Participants as- positive trends emerging around Ambassador of the Korean Repub- sessed Kazakhstan’s role in global the solution of the Pyongyang lic to Kazakhstan Kim Dae-sik and non-proliferation efforts and in nuclear programme and supports Chairman of the International Infor- helping resolve the situation on the the policy of South Korea and the mation Committee of the Ministry of Korean Peninsula. current leadership of that country Foreign Affairs Talgat Zhumagulov “Kazakhstan has made a his- towards its northern neighbour,” also noted Kazakhstan’s global non- toric contribution to the global stated Tumatov. proliferation efforts. Kazakhstan ratifies border agreements with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan stan on delimitation and demarca- the completion of an international Staff Report tion of Kazakh-Turkmen border legal formalisation of the state as of July 5, 2001. Kazakhstan border of Kazakhstan, eliminate ASTANA – Kazakh President and Uzbekistan determined the potential prerequisites for territo- Nursultan Nazarbyev signed a law Kazakh-Uzbek border line passing rial issues at the point of juncture.” Nov. 5 on the border agreement from the point of juncture to the The same day, Nazarbayev also between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan 125th border point stipulated in the signed the law on the border agree- and Turkmenistan that determined Kazakh-Uzbek border agreement ment between Kazakhstan and the points of juncture on the coun- as of Nov. 16, 2001,” said Abra- Kyrgyzstan. tries’ border. khmanov presenting the bill to the The agreement sets out the start- The agreement was signed in members of the Kazakh Senate. ing point at the point of juncture of November 2017 in Samarkand by The agreement can be consid- borders between Kazakhstan, Chi- Kazakh Minister of Foreign Af- ered a “historical document for na and Kyrgyzstan, while the end fairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov and Central Asia,” the Kazakh foreign point is at the juncture of border of his counterparts from Uzbekistan minister said last year. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uz- Abdulaziz Kamilov and Turkmen- “In fact, this is a matter of re- bekistan. istan Rashid Meredov. sponsible state building and secu- The sides will review the demar- “In accordance with the docu- rity. I would like to note that all cation of the border that stretches ment, Kazakhstan and Turkmeni- bilateral issues related to Kazakh- across 1,257 kilometres once each stan defined the Kazakh-Turkmen Turkmen and Kazakh-Uzbek bor- 10 years, and each country will border line passing from the point der were fully settled in the begin- control and manage its border of juncture to the first border point ning of the 2000s,” he said. signs. envisioned in the agreement be- The Senate said in a press re- The agreement is perpetual and tween Kazakhstan and Turkmeni- lease the document will “facilitate cannot be denounced. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Kazakh developers win award at Film director brings domestic Women’s basketball team wins first NASA competition in New York violence against women into silver at Asia U18 championship B2 spotlight B3 B7 World Press Photo exhibition tours Kazakhstan Urbanism activists By Dilshat Zhussupova

ASTANA – The 2018 World Press Photo exhibition, displaying preserve architectural the most important events of the past year through photojournalists’ lenses, is touring four Kazakh cit- heritage ies Oct. 24-Jan. 2. “The World Press Photo Foun- stakeholders of the city – citi- dation, founded in 1955, began By Dilshat Zhussupova zens, businesses, the city admin- with an international photo con- istration, cultural institutions test,” said World Press Photo exhi- ASTANA – Archcode Almaty, and non-governmental organisa- a research project to conserve bitions manager and curator Jerzy tions. For example, it involves the former capital’s architectural the practice of compulsory pub- Brinkhof. “It has grown to be one identity, seeks to preserve what lic hearings when important of the most important contests for “we will pass on to those who will decisions on buildings, public photojournalists. A selection of the live in the city after us,” said co- spaces and natural resources 2018 works are exhibited here [in founders Adil Azhiyev and Anel are made, not ‘for show’ but for Astana].” Moldakhmetova in an interview finding optimal solutions and The non-commercial exhibition with The Astana Times. taking into account the opinions is visited by approximately two Azhiyev is an architect and of all interested parties.” million people in 45 countries. The researcher specialising on the To facilitate the dialogue, the exhibition in Kazakhstan will tour strategic city development. duo has compiled an impressive Astana Oct. 24-Nov. 6, Karaganda Moldakhmetova is a researcher, digital catalogue of the city’s Nov. 10-23, Almaty Nov. 30-Dec. Light+Space urban project pro- 100 most significant buildings on 13 and Shymkent Dec. 20-Jan. 2. ducer and co-founder of Cityzen www.archcode.kz/objects/map. Admission is free. sputniknews.kz. Photo credit: Space, which specialises in stra- Additional awareness-raising ef- It is organised by the Dutch ted in this year’s international against the Maduro government, Melnikov’s masterclass, Pho- tegic communications. Together, forts include conducting open Embassy, Soros Foundation-Ka- photojournalism competition, and given that Venezuela is going tography as a tool for highlight- they seek to create an active pro- architectural walks and lectures zakhstan (SFK) and public fund 42 winners were recognised. Con- through a terrible economic crisis. ing social problems of society fessional community engaged in with international urbanism ex- Erkyndyk Kanaty. test categories include contem- What happened on this day is that as well as for aspects of human architectural heritage preserva- perts. Most recently, they organ- “For the third time, the Embassy porary issues, the environment, there were clashes between se- rights and freedom of expres- tion, involving the city adminis- ised a series of master classes on of the Netherlands organises the general news, long-term projects, curity forces and protesters. This sion, for professionals and ama- tration, developers and the wider archiving architectural landscapes World Press Photo exhibition in nature, portraits, sports and spot man got burning fuel on his body teurs will be conducted as part of public. Oct. 18, 21 and 25 at Tselinny Al- Kazakhstan,” said Dutch Ambas- news. and, in the instant that this photo the exhibition. His “Black Days “An urban dialogue is, after maty’s centre of contemporary sador Dirk Jan Kop at the Oct. 23 The main prize, the Photo of was taken, he fell over, was helped of Ukraine” photograph won in all, a dialogue,” they said. “It culture. opening ceremony. “Freedom of the Year award, is given to the by bystanders and ultimately sur- the 2017 World Press Photo’s is a discussion among different Continued on Page B2 expression begins with opening image which both encapsulates vived. A very striking detail and Long-Term Projects category, eyes.” photojournalism and represents one of the reasons the jury thought depicting civilians escaping a “We are glad that Kazakh au- an important issue at an outstand- it was such a strong photo is that burning house destroyed by an diences may see the photos that ing level of visual perception and you may notice [graffiti of] a gun air attack. have flown around the world and creativity. The 2018 award, be- on the wall. The gun is shooting The World Press Photo Founda- have become part of our collective longing to Venezuelan photogra- the Spanish word ‘paz’ (peace). tion is an independent organisa- memory,” noted SFK executive di- pher Ronaldo Schemidt, depicts This photo symbolises something tion, which aims to develop pho- Vulnerable groups to rector Anton Artemyev. the protester José Víctor Salazar bigger – it’s not just about a man, tojournalism and its standards, Approximately 73,000 photo- Balza catching fire during the it’s about Venezuela,” explained encourage knowledge-sharing and graphs from 4,500 photographers Venezuelan crisis in 2017. Brinkhof. promote a free exchange of infor- be supported in seeking from 125 countries were submit- “Schemidt documented a protest Russian photographer Valery mation. state-guaranteed legal aid ernmental organisations (NGOs) By Dilshat Zhussupova and international organisations Treaty ratification, signature remain global (IOs) gathered to discuss state- ASTANA – The effective pro- guaranteed legal aid (SGLA) and vision of legal aid, guaranteed the European Union delegation by the state and afforded by its to Kazakhstan-sponsored project priority, say CTBTO Youth Group members budget, is vital to ensuring access “Improving the legal aid system By Dilshat Zhussupova to justice, said Kazakh Interna- for vulnerable groups in Kazakh- tional Bureau for Human Rights stan.” ASTANA – The Comprehensive and Rule of Law director Evgeniy “Access to SGLA is an impor- Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisa- Zhovtis at the Nov. 2 conference tant condition for ensuring ac- tion (CTBTO) Youth Group (CYG) “Protecting the rights of vulner- cess to fair justice and the basis recently emphasised signing and able groups in Kazakhstan: in for building a legal state. Unfor- ratifying the CTBT remains a key search of a new model of state- tunately, not all citizens can go global objective 20 years after its guaranteed legal aid.” to court and protect their rights introduction. “The criteria for evaluating the in Kazakhstan, as highlighted by “I want all of the younger partici- effectiveness of this assistance this project’s research findings pants to know that I am grateful for centres on quality, accessibil- and many other human rights your interest and for the energy you ity, partnership, sustainability and reports. It is important to under- bring to our common cause,” said client-orientation,” he noted at stand that building an effective, CTBTO Executive Secretary Lassi- the event, organised by the Eura- consolidated and transparent na Zerbo, addressing CYG mem- sia Foundation of Central Asia model for the effective provi- bers at an Aug. 28 conference in the (EFCA) and financially supported sion of legal aid, thanks to which capital. “I believe that the time has by the Soros Foundation-Kazakh- each person may realise his or come to bring youth more firmly on stan (SFK). her constitutional rights, is a key board.” Lawyers, human rights experts, driver for the development of our The group, launched in 2016, Kazakh Mazhilis (lower house of country,” said SFK public policy gathers prominent young leaders in Parliament) members and repre- initiative director Bota Ayaz- global security, many of whom are sentatives of the ministries of jus- bayeva. students committed to advancing tice and internal affairs, non-gov- Continued on Page B5 the cause of the nuclear test ban. Its objectives include revitalising CTBTO Executive Secretary Lassina Zerbo (second row, C) along with CTBTO Youth Group and Group of Eminent CTBT discussions among decision Persons participants in Astana on Aug. 28, 2018. makers, scholars, experts, students THINGS TO WATCH & and the media; raising awareness and members’ activism since meet- ticular, used their knowledge of CYG founding member Ilya PLACES TO GO about the nuclear test ban; transfer- ing in the capital. their country’s nuclear legacy and Kursenko posted his thoughts on ring knowledge among the younger “Almost two million people have role in the anti-nuclear cause in dis- the website’s blog, at youthgroup. ASTANA ARENA generation and integrating new been affected [by the Semipalatinsk cussions. ctbto.org. November 8 at 9.50 p.m. FC Astana - FK Jablonec, technologies in CTBT promotion. nuclear tests], suffering from se- “At the conference, I interpreted “We must not lose the spirit we de- Current group members include vere health problems, cancer, birth for The ATOM Project Honorary veloped in Astana. We must keep it in UEFA Europa League undergraduate and graduate stu- deformities and death, which will Ambassador and anti-nuclear activ- our hearts all the time. What’s more November 11 at 3 p.m. FC Astana - FC Irtysh, dents from Nangarhar University continue for many generations to ist Karipbek Kuyukov and, upon important than anything else and (Afghanistan), University of West- come,” she said. “Therefore, I be- meeting him, was heartened to find upon which the destiny of the treaty Kazakhstan Cup 2018, semi-final ern Ontario (Canada), University of lieve that the role of the CTBTO is that Kazakhstan is so proactive and lays, as well, is that we must deliver November 15 at 9 p.m. Kazakhstan – Latvia, UEFA Lahore (Pakistan), Moscow State vital and instrumental in banning vocal on the international stage in the spirit of Astana to our communi- Institute (University) of Interna- nuclear tests everywhere in this advancing the cause for the nuclear ties and to our leaders,” he wrote. Nations League tional Relations (Russia), Oxford world forever in order to prevent test ban,” said Kalikhan. Kalikhan and Nurzhan noted par- and Cambridge universities (United further damage to human health and Participants also visited the for- ticipants have since regularly en- ASTANA OPERA Kingdom) and George Washington the environment.” mer Semipalatinsk test site to reflect gaged in CTBTO events, networks November 10 at 6 p.m. Gala Ballet University, Middlebury Institute of CYG’s second international con- on and witness first-hand the after- and outreach activities such as the International Studies at Monterey, ference “Remembering the Past, effects of nuclear testing. ninth Ministerial Meeting of the November 16, 17 Le Corsaire, ballet Stanford University and University Looking into the Future” gathered “I put on protective clothing and Friends of the CTBT, Thailand’s at 7 p.m., 6 p.m. of California, Davis (United States). youth in Astana this year “to build was reminded to not touch anything ratification and Tuvalu’s signature Central Asian group members a deeper understanding of the im- and not walk on the dirt because of in September. It is no surprise social include Yerassyl Kalikhan, an ana- pact of nuclear tests and the impera- radiation,” he added. “Upon leaving media platforms such as Facebook BARYS ARENA lyst and Nazarbayev University tive for nuclear disarmament,” she [the site], I thought ‘Soon I will be and Instagram have become power- November 14 HC Barys – HC Amur graduate, and Marzhan Nurzhan, added. home and away from all of this, in ful tools for participants’ activism. an Abolition 2000 Youth Network Students collaborated with and peace and tranquillity.’ Still, deep Reflections by CYG members Sa- at 7.30 p.m. Khabarovsk convener and Parliamentarians for learned from the CTBTO Group down, I understood that if the nu- rah Bidgood and Sylvia Mishra on November 16 HC Barys – HC Dynamo Moscow Nuclear Non-Proliferation coordi- of Eminent Persons, drawing on clear arms race continues among the the importance of women’s partici- nator for Commonwealth of Inde- the experts’ impressive experience superpowers, we may end up with a pation in policy decision making on at 7.30 p.m. pendent States, who spoke to The and knowledge on nuclear-related third world war. Then, it will not be weapons of mass destruction were November 18 at 5 p.m. HC Barys – HC Salavat Yulaev Ufa Astana Times on their involvement issues. Kazakh participants, in par- safe anywhere.” recently published online. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 Entrepreneur seeks new Philanthropists in Kazakhstan honoured ways to make movement at Altyn Zhurek award ceremony Staff Report

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s more accessible for people top 12 charity givers were an- nounced Oct. 27 during the 2018 Altyn Zhurek award ceremony at Almaty’s Abai Opera and Ballet in wheelchairs Theatre. The Altyn Zhurek award, estab- By Aidana Yergaliyeva lished in 2006 by the public fund Bauyrzhan, is given to individuals ASTANA – Kazakhstan 100 and commercial organisations for New Face’s entrepreneur and their contribution to Kazakhstan’s Paralympic sportsperson Sha- charity projects. Approximately han Zholdasbayev directs all 150 individual and 150 organisation of his power and will towards nominees competed for the award. creating an inclusive society by Expert and public councils, com- constructing ramps that allow posed of representatives of the gov- people with limited mobility ernment, non-governmental organi- the Year Category (East Kazakh- bution to Kazakhstan’s Develop- over 2,000 children back on their to easily move around the city. sations, mass media and business, stan), Bulat Utemuratov in the ment category (Moscow, Russian feet without resorting to surgery. He expanded the social Pandus- selected 36 winners in 12 categories. Charity Giver of the Year category Federation), environmental project She is also one of Kazakhstan’s Ok project into a company and 100esim.el.kz. Photo credit: Khareket Foundation was (Almaty), www.bestdoctor.kz in Tazalyk in the Contribution to En- 100 New Faces and the 2017 Best now builds cost-effective lifts to Shahan Zholdasbayev awarded in the Organisation of the the Informational Charity Giver vironmental Protection category Kazakh Female Inventor nominee. help them feel like full members Year category (Almaty), Sergey category (Astana), Olga Batutina (Almaty), Roza Alimkhanova in The award ceremony was spon- of society. stalled in the President’s Cen- Glushkov in the Philanthropist of and Ilya Baygabulov in the Contri- the Contribution to Healthcare sored by PetroKazakhstan, a part- For Zholdasbayev, 2007 was tral Park in Aktobe. The project category (Karaganda), Assylbek ner since 2011. In presenting the the year he was forced to re- received support from the city Kozhakhmetov in the Support for Organisation of the Year award dress his life after a terrifying akimat (administration). Education category (Almaty), Ar- to the Kharaket Foundation, the “Good foreign analogues car accident tied him to a wheel- man Mashimov in the Support and company’s president Wei Yuxiang chair without a chance to walk were very expensive, approxi- Development of Sports category emphasised the award’s role in again. He could hardly imagine mately two-three million tenge (Semey), Gulnar Kabylbekova in promoting humanism, mercy and how to move around the city on (US$5,396-$8,094.). For a kindness. The foundation helped customer, they were unafford- the Help to Children from Orphan- his own. in purchasing 35 apartments for He recalls moments of de- able. As a user of this structure, ages category (Ushtobe, Almaty families in need and has provided spair, tears and gloom. He was cheaper Russian-made models region), Seidakhmet Kaltayev in assistance throughout Kazakhstan responsible for his two little did not suit me because of the the Care for Veterans category sisters and elderly mother, how- flimsy, unreliable construction (Taraz) and Nurzhan Alzhanova in for 90 million tenge (US$241,436). ever, and decided to stay strong and the absence of handrails. the Care for People with Disabili- Guests and nominees enjoyed and move forward. Zholdas- We thought about our own pro- ties category (Almaty). the photo exhibition 100 Good bayev realised the infrastructure duction, developed a project Award recipient Professor Al- Deeds and were greeted by Ka- built by those who have never and implemented it,” he added. imkhanova developed a unique zakhstan’s musicians Medeu Ar- experienced a day of a person in Zholdasbayev focused on method for treating musculoskel- ynbayev, Madina Sadvakassova a wheelchair utterly disregards making a lift system as high etal disorders among youth and got and Miras and Kuralai. how difficult it is for them to quality yet as inexpensive as enter a Kazakh high-rise build- possible. ing. In many cases, ramps are “In 2015, I visited the United uncomfortable and dangerous States at the invitation of their or not provided at all. embassy and saw their inclusive Having some background in environment. I intend to realise Kazakh developers win award at engineering and understand- this accessibility in our country ing the struggles of wheelchair as well,” he said. life, Zholdasbayev developed a A year after his accident he business idea that won two mil- joined the Society for the Pro- NASA competition in New York lion tenge (US$5,396) for its re- tection of Paralysed in Aktobe, and on asteroids and transfer the alisation at the 2013 Atameken where he was motivated to par- By Assel Satubaldina data to Earth, which are character- Start-up competition. The fol- ticipate in Paralympic swim- istics not always present in robots. lowing year he launched Pan- ming. Completing 100 metres in ASTANA – Kazakh developers “We addressed the problem of dus-Ok with the slogan “Don’t 2 minutes, 23 seconds, Zholdas- Timur Ryspekov, Vladislav Polonski transferring the data by a robot to build for us without us.” His bayev won the bronze medal in and Anastasiya Kletscheva won Best the Earth. The robot can analyse social project is now recognised the German open championship Use of Hardware award at the recent more combinatorial information as one of the best in the Aktobe for people with disabilities. Space Apps Challenge competition within a unit of time. Smart man- region and the only one licensed Being listed among Kazakh- finals organised by National Aero- agement of the battery in the Mars to organise access for people stan’s 100 New Faces was an- nautics and Space Administration research vehicle increases its ser- with limited mobility. other achievement that made one (NASA) in New York. This year’s vice life in case of continuous dust To date, the company has more dream on his bucket list a competition brought 25,000 partici- storms on Mars,” said Ryspekov, done more than 70 projects to reality – meeting Kazakh Presi- pants from more than 70 countries. as quoted by Tengrinews. partially or comprehensively dent Nursultan Nazarbayev. The Space App Challenge is an The team started working on the adapt buildings and surrounding “Shortly before the accident, international 48-hour hackathon project in the summer, the research areas. They have become popu- when I worked in Astana at the organised simultaneously in dif- began two years ago. lar throughout Kazakhstan and Ministry of Environmental Pro- ferent cities around the world that They submitted their project in some Russian cities. tection fulfilling one of my of- seeks to address global problems first on the Product Hunt platform The company has expanded ficial assignments, I managed by using an open data, robotics, Timur Ryspekov (L) and Vladislav Polonskiy (R). in August where the team received its focus from ramps to other to visit the Akorda building. I data visualisation, hardware, de- 374 votes within a day. means of easier entrance. came from a small village and sign, among other specialties. challenge categories and each with The judges used several criteria “We were attending many meet- “We realised that many build- walking along the main build- The Kazakh team developed a a specific mission – “help oth- to evaluate the projects. Impact, ings presenting the project, were ings cannot afford to build a ing of our republic, I imagined laser beam random number gener- ers discover the Earth,” “can you creativity, validity, relevance as contacting companies and eventu- good, long ramp that meets the meeting the President, because ator that analyses NASA data and build a,” “volcanoes, icebergs and well as an ability to communicate ally realised the importance of our standards due to the lack of pro- he works within these walls. performs simulations to forecast asteroids,” “what the world needs the project in their presentation product for data science. Then, as duction space. Then, we thought Then, I set myself a goal that I potential disasters, including vol- now is,” “an icy glare” and “a uni- were among the selection criteria. winners of different hackathons, about the production of lifts,” will definitely succeed and de- canic eruptions, and seeks ways to verse of beauty and wonder.” Along with the generator, young we were invited to take part in the said Zholdasbayev. serve this meeting,” said Zhol- address them. NASA experts reviewed the re- developers presented a robot that NASA Space Apps Challenge in The first such lift was in- dasbayev. The teams worked across six sults and choose global winners. can collect data near volcanoes New York,” said Ryspekov. Urbanism activists preserve architectural heritage through research and dialogue Continued from Page B1 projects were initially carried out al, Scientific and Cultural Organi- demolition, at which point it is by visiting experts from Moscow, sation’s (UNESCO) broad criteria. difficult to effect change,” they “An event which garnered the after which local designers began He added the city’s culture depart- added. most resonance was the Architec- to get more involved. ment lacks the resources to carry Getting involved in preserving tural Code of Almaty pop-up mu- “Local architects managed to out the research necessary for de- one’s urban cultural heritage is a seum, which was notably held in give projects a uniqueness by add- veloping its own points of refer- straightforward, if not easy, pro- the former government building, ing façade design, solar protection ence. cess. now Kazakh-British Technical and natural materials such as Man- A lack of transparency and the “Start by exploring the history University. We received very emo- gystau shell rock and anodised top-down nature of the procedure of your city’s cultural heritage,” tional feedback from those who, aluminum,” they noted. “Kazakh for adding monuments to the ar- said Azhiyev and Moldakhmetova. prior, had not considered Almaty’s Soviet-era communist politician chitectural heritage list are also “Find a circle of like-minded peo- architectural value and who then Dinmukhamed Kunayev strongly major hindrances. ple via social networks and events thanked us for pushing them to re- promoted the creation of national “[Often, there is] no clear mech- in order to begin discussing the fate flect on how our architectural land- architecture, so it was during those anism for monitoring the quality of the architecture. Then, dissemi- scape is changing and what ought years that significant progress was of building restoration and recon- nate information on the value of to be preserved,” they said. made in shaping the face of the struction and licensed institutions’ the city’s architecture by working Cities’ cultural heritage is im- city.” decision making on restoration, with the press and produce articles portant to both study and preserve. Azhiyev and Moldakhmetova reconstruction and demolition pro- on these issues. Finally, do not re- “It is thanks to history and our single out several barriers to pre- jects,” they noted. main indifferent to historic build- Anel Moldakhmetova Adil Azhiyev collective memory that places ac- serving architectural heritage. A “Society is not engaged in these ings which are being demolished quire meaning, uniqueness and which its architecture is unique undergoing constructivism, fol- clear, locally-applicable criteria processes. In fact, people only be- or poorly restored – write appeals context,” said Moldakhmetova. in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. lowed by Stalin’s neoclassicism for assessing its value is underde- gin to write requests to the culture or petitions to your department of A brief look at Almaty’s his- Its architecture began taking a and the Soviet modernism of the veloped, so experts tend to draw department when a specific build- culture and highlight these issues tory suggests the many ways in distinctive shape in the 1930s by 1960-1980s. Many architectural on the United Nations Education- ing is already under the threat of in local and international media.” B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 Film director brings domestic Kazakh-born pianist Ivan violence into spotlight Gusev takes US stages By Zhanna Shayakhmetova because our actress, editor and By Assel Satubaldina my friend Kenzhe Kairbayeva im- ASTANA – Kazakh independent mediately found another baby and ASTANA – Kazakhstan has film director Zhanna Issabayeva’s I didn’t even notice that the actor given birth to many talents, one of latest film, “Rejected,” was pre- was replaced. She has demon- whom is Ivan Gusev, the Karagan- sented in late October and distrib- strated an extremely high degree da-born pianist currently residing uted nationwide on the Chaplin of professional proficiency. I am in the United States and perform- Cinema Network. The film is a por- grateful to Kenzhe that she sup- ing concert programmes on its trayal of attitudes and beliefs about ported me during the shooting,” world-famous stages. infringing on women’s rights and she added. Born in 1988, his family moved domestic violence among those Issabayeva spoke about the pos- to Korolev in the Moscow region residing in rural and remote areas. sible power of the movie. in Russia when he was four years The movie focuses on 25-year- “I cannot say that the film will old. His passion for music has its change the problem of domes- old Aiganym, a villager who risked roots in his childhood. tic violence in the country as a giving birth to her son without be- “This is a very peculiar story, as whole, but the first step to solving ing married. Her family refused I was not born into a family of mu- the problem is to recognise that Zhanna Issabayeva sicians. When I was three or four to accept her motherhood and she it does exist. My film is a social years old, I had a toy-like piano, a was isolated from them, but re- project. We do not need box of- small grand piano of blue colour. turns to her parents’ house seven “When I first saw Zhanargul fice revenues. Later, the film will years later after her father’s death. Zhanaymanova, I understood that be available online and we want I used to play it for nearly 30-45 Aiganym suffered quite a bit and she should play the main part. I more people to watch it. I hope minutes every day,” Gusev told wants her son to be a part of her was looking for a soft-hearted and this film will help some women The Astana Times. family. tender girl with a strong character. understand that their lives do not As a child, he attended the Writing the script was a year- This is a very rare combination. belong to anyone except them. School of Arts in Korolev and was long process and production start- It is a great pleasure to work with No one has the right to oppress invited to continue his studies at ed in 2016. Issabayeva created the Zhanargul, as she is a talented and us. The filmmaking was a chal- the Chopin Music School of the script in cooperation with Viktor highly disciplined person. She lenging task at all stages for three Moscow College of Instrumental Nemchenko. Producer Alisher Ye- bravely endured the burden of years. It did not change me. The Performance when he was nine. in Chopin and I believe all pianists ated from the Mannes School of likbayev supported the project and filmmaking. I can say she is my film let me know that my crew is “I started going to a music at some point in time go through Music at The New School with a invested in making the movie. person,” she noted. the best in the world. I work with school when I was seven and it,” he added. master’s degree in piano perfor- “Any premiere feels like an Young actor Yessim Turarbek great professionals who give me probably no one thought it would Gusev is a laureate of the Mauro mance. examination. You put all your ef- played the part of Timur and Is- their talent, love and time and it become something serious, but it Monopoli Prize International Pi- Throughout his career, he has forts into something and the audi- sabayeva shared some moments is only thanks to them that we can came about of itself. I started win- ano Competition in Barletta, Italy noted his parent’s support. ence reviews your work. Even if from the set. bring to life such ambitious pro- ning competitions; at first regional (2013), Benditsky Russian Piano “I was very lucky – my par- you are confident that you made “It was very cold during the jects,” she said. ones, then national ones,” he said. Competition (2014), International ents have always been supportive a good film, you are still nervous. shooting but, according to the Issabayeva’s filmography in- “My parents, though, are quite Keyboard Institute and Festival of me. My grandfather still lives Fortunately, the film received a script, the action took place in cludes “Bopem,” “Nagima,” musical. They had vinyl discs that in New York (2015), third Inter- in Karaganda. He is 91 years old warm response from viewers. We summer. Yessim stood wrapped “Karoy,” “Sveta” and “Talgat.” I listened to and my grandmother national Stanislav Neuhaus Piano and he is a very good philologist are especially glad to get positive in a blanket and when we started She is the winner and laureate of and great grandmother sang very Competition in Russia (2015) and my grandmother was also a reviews from acclaimed critics to shoot, we took off his blanket. international film festivals and a good as well,” he added. and New York Festival and Piano philologist. They taught Russian such as Vadim Boreiko and Madi Thank God, neither the boy nor the member of the Asian Film Acad- Talent is certainly a key to build- (2017), among other awards. literature in Karaganda Univer- Mambetov,” Issabayeva told The other actors got sick,” she said. emy. Laura Koroleva, who played ing a music career, yet it takes He has been performing in the sity. I was lucky to be growing up Astana Times. “Once we needed to film some the main role in “Sveta,” was re- years of hard work and true com- United States since he arrived al- learning a lot about literature and The main message of the film is scenes with a child, but he got sick. cently nominated for Best Actress mitment to succeed. most three years ago. His next art and this all influenced me and that every woman must know her What to do? It was a big problem at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards Gusev enrolled in Moscow’s concert is scheduled for Nov. 17 in served as a huge support for me,” worth. but I didn’t even know about it, 2018. Gnessin College of Music in 2004 Carnegie Hall in New York. Tick- he added. while continuing to participate in ets can be purchased online. Being a musician entails a con- national and international compe- “It is very good to be here – stant search. titions. He graduated from Tchaik- many opportunities to perform,” “There is no predetermined path ovsky Moscow State Conservatory he said, “The audience is very that you could accomplish. You with highest honours in 2013 and warm and welcoming. They are are always in search and in pursuit Qarakoz features evil not shy to express their emotions of something from one side to an- two years later earned his master’s degree there. and give standing ovations.” other, countless experiments,” he “I was doing good in sciences His concert programme is versa- said. spirits from folk tales and at some point in time, I be- tile, as he is interested in different Gusev has performed frequently lieve when I was 11 years old, styles and eras. in Russia and toured Finland, Italy, basic idea from a folk play of the not to dive into the folk theme, I performed the first part of the “It is very interesting to learn Norway, Poland, Spain and Swe- Staff Report same name. In the original tragedy, however, only telling about fairy concert. This music mesmerised something new and get back to den. One day, he hopes to perform Qarakoz was a female character tale heroes in a superficial manner. something you have not played for in Kazakhstan. ASTANA – The new horror film who suffered a fate similar to Ju- The goal was to make a true horror me so much up to the point when I realised I could do nothing but a long time and rediscover it, simi- “I hope very much that it will “Qarakoz,” featuring evil charac- liet in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and film that would scare people, said lar to meeting your old friend,” he happen. I was recently invited by ters from Kazakh tales and legends Juliet,” but was completely recre- director Roman Sidorenko. music. My brain stopped grasping said. the Kazakh community to perform in all their glory, went into wide ated for the film. The production team plans to math and sciences; then, I decided “I play classics from Scarlatti in Boston Dec. 16 [Kazakhstan’s distribution Nov. 1. Producer Ibrahim Makhmutov create a full-fledged Kazakh uni- that music is what I want to do,” and Bach to the 20th century to The film opens at night, with talked about the movie during its verse, using all the popular charac- he said. Independence Day]. I left [Ka- Prokofiev and Shostakovich. I per- five youngsters sitting around a premiere at the Chaplin Cinemas ters from legends and tales. Embarking on this path, how- zakhstan] when I was four years campfire in the woods sharing polemic club in Almaty. “We are writing a new script, ever, was a challenge. formed works of American com- old and I was there almost every their scary “true” stories of con- “We came up with Qarakoz, the where there will be deeper devel- “Choosing a profession, not to posers and contemporary music if summer, but there has been no fronting monsters. The demon-like angel of revenge. There is an idea opment of this topic. Now, we just be afraid, is hard. No one could I like it,” he said. chance yet to come to Kazakhstan creatures from Kazakh mythol- about [creating] a series of pre- wanted to remind people about the support me in my family in a pro- In 2017, Gusev won the George with a concert programme,” he ogy include Zhalmauyz Kempіr (a quels, the Qarakoz Universe, about existence of these characters, open fessional aspect. In this sense, it Gershwin International Music said. witch) and Zheztyrnak (a vampire- the spirit of revenge, with films in someone up again and then we’ll was a kind of challenge,” he noted. Competition in New York, which Gusev noted he had “pleasant like character with copper nails) the genre of self-irony and refer- immerse the audience. [We will] “My first, I would say, seri- he described as an “unexpected and strong” memories of Kazakh- and the Kapchagai highway ghost ences to horror films,” he said. make more horror. It can be differ- ous composition that I played in win.” The jury described his per- stan. (a legend that appeared four-five The film brings the old folk ent, but we want to do it in the spir- a music school was Pyotr Tchai- formance as “superb,” “extraor- “I would be really very happy years ago). characters to life, which many Ka- it of ‘Predator’ (a science fiction kovsky’s ‘Sick Doll.’ It is still in dinary” and “the highest level of to share the emotional experience Yet the most frightening among zakh children could only imagine film with Arnold Schwarzeneg- my memory. Sometimes I play it, mastery.” accumulated over the years,” he them is Qarakoz, which derived its in their heads. The authors chose ger),” said Makhmutov. too. Of course, there was interest While in the U.S, Gusev gradu- added. Astana Opera’s symphony orchestra to perform music for all times By Aidana Yergaliyeva across the wind swept, immense and the relationship of a human steppes,” wrote reviewer Marga- being to the surrounding world. ASTANA – Astana Opera’s rida Mota-Bull for Music Web In- The work summarises the compos- symphony orchestra will perform ternational. er’s early searches in various areas “Music for All Times” Nov. 8, fea- Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 of symphonic music, while at the turing the best pieces of famous in G minor, opus 26, another piece same time puts forward new tasks composers such as Max Bruch, that has taken a rightful place in and a new understanding of the Tles Kazhgaliyev and Pyotr Tchai- the repertoire of the world’s most genre. Tchaikovsky’s symphonic kovsky. famous orchestras, will be fea- compositions are distinguished by  The evening will open with a tured in a performance by the op- the romantic intensity of feelings, symphonic scherzo, the light and era house’s orchestra soloist and picturesque musical language, playful “Kyz Kuu” from Kazakh first violin Bagdat Abilkhanov. It sharp expressive contrasts and per- composer Kazhgaliyev’s “The is among the most popular violin fection of the form. Steppe Legend” suite. The suite concertos and widely recognised The symphony orchestra will has rightfully become a hallmark as one of the greatest romantic perform under the direction of of Kazakh art on the international masterpieces. The spectacular arena. dialogue between the soloist and Honoured Artist of Russia, maes- “The work was originally writ- orchestra has been captivating au- tro Alexander Titov of St. Peters- ten for a ballet and it draws on Ka- diences for more than 150 years. burg, who will be performing at zakh elements like the landscape Its expressiveness, depth, rich im- the Astana Opera Grand Hall for of the steppes and traditional char- agery, beauty of the melodies and the first time. Titov has worked as acters of the Kazakh culture. The distinctiveness of the virtuoso solo a guest conductor at the Mariinsky piece is very powerful and vibrant, fascinate from the start. Theatre, BBC Scottish Symphony almost too powerful for a small As its name suggests, the con- Orchestra, Teatro alla Scala and concert hall like Cadogan. It is full cert’s enduring compositions will Bolshoi Theatre of Russia. His of colour and energy, with beauti- include Tchaikovsky’s landmark awards include a victory at the To- ful, nearly graphical sounds which work Symphony No. 4 in F minor, kyo International Music Competi- stimulate the mind, making one opus 36. Listeners can plunge into tion for Conducting, the highest easily imagine a group of young his world, feelings, thoughts about theatre award of the St. Petersburg people riding freely on horseback life in general, the fate of a person Golden Sofit. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 Prosecutor General’s Office transitions Pension recipients to activities to digital format make single application Staff Report

ASTANA – The Kazakh Office of the General Prosecutor is transition- for pension fund services ing its criminal and administrative pension payments based on age proceedings to electronic format, au- By Dilshat Zhussupova and length of service from the tomating the registration of inspec- UAPF or voluntary accumula- tions of state bodies and the consid- ASTANA – Receiving pension tive pension fund. eration of appeals of citizens under savings from the Unified Accu- UAPF, established in 2013, is Digital Kazakhstan programme. The mulation Pension Fund (UAPF) Kazakhstan’s single administrator will be conducted via a single and operator of all pension system transition is meant to increase citizen application, reported the fund’s financial information and related protections, ensure timely justice and press service. services. Recent changes include increase transparency. According to the one-window increases in the basic pension Electronic criminal cases, elec- approach, those who have reached payment and minimum pension, tronic appeal, unified registration of retirement age or seek pension which affected more than two administrative proceedings, unified payments from obligatory pen- million pensioners, and a revised registration of subjects and objects sion contributions or obligatory method of assigning basic pension of inspections and analytical centres professional pension contribu- payments, where the payment fig- are among the main areas of digiti- tions may submit a single appli- ure now depends on the duration sation process. Some of the efforts cation exclusively to the Govern- of the individual’s participation in are meant to assist law enforcement ment for Citizens’ service centre. the pension system. agencies identify law enforcement of minor gravity and misconduct. In ies. Approximately 1,500 police of- have been registered electronically. The beneficiary will receive issues and social tensions. general, during the implementation ficers are equipped with tablets and All inspections must now be sched- a pension payment within ten A functional assistant to the in- of the project, more than 12,000 printers. Around 330,000 electronic uled through the system. working days from the applica- The beneficiary will vestigator with the use of artificial criminal offenses were investigated protocols have been compiled. In addition, the Prosecutor Gen- tion date or when he/she becomes intelligence, which will contribute in electronic format, of which about The programme has shown posi- eral’s Office is implementing the entitled to pension payments. receive a pension to the detection of crimes, is being 4,000 were sent to court. tive results in increasing the efficien- Electronic Appeals project to auto- Subsequent monthly payments payment within ten implemented. This year, the first The Office of the Prosecutor cy of business inspections. Since the mate the filing and management of will be made according to the phase of the E-Criminal Case pro- General is also automating admin- launch of one of the project modules applications from citizens and legal payment schedule established by working days from ject is being implemented in cases istrative proceedings in state bod- July 1, almost 50,000 inspections entities. the fund. Payments from the state budget the application date or and UAPF pension savings will when he/she becomes be completed on the same day and to the single bank account in- entitled to pension dicated in the application, which payments. Modernisation increases defence will particularly benefit pension recipients who have reached re- tirement age. “The UAPF’s other functions, The beneficiary will also be including conducting payments industry productivity provided with the fund’s servic- related to permanent residence, more than 20 machine-building en- lion tenge (US$2.7 million) in tax ductivity and breakthrough tech- es, which include issuing pension disability, inheritance and vol- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova terprises. deductions are expected annually. nologies in this area. scheme agreements, insurance untary pension contributions, as New methods of production tech- Productivity will increase 1.5 times. Kazakhstan Engineering is cur- company transfers and payments, well as issues of registration, the ASTANA – The Kazakh defence nology and competent management “Development of military equip- rently working to execute the Digi- individual pension account infor- calculation of monthly pension industry has grown steadily as a re- contributed to the results. ment provides new opportunities tal Kazakhstan programme. The mation and consultation. payments according to obligatory sult of modernisation and manage- A 40-percent increase in pro- for the development of high-tech company introduced digital pro- Kazakhstan’s retirement age is pension contributions and obliga- ment changes, the Ministry of De- duction assets is expected at the technologies used in other spheres,” duction processes, expanded the 63 years for men and 58 years tory professional pension con- fence and Aerospace Industry press Petropavlovsk Heavy Engineering he added. range of manufactured goods using and six months for women. Pen- tributions and various strategic service reported Oct. 25. and Kirov plants. The hike would According to forecasts, military new technologies and set measures sions are a combination of the objectives, remain unchanged,” In the past year, machine and tech- allow increasing localisation and and civilian goods production will to develop export-oriented items. basic pension payment and/or added the press service. nological equipment were renewed producing new types of goods, in- increase manufacturing by 40 per- With the support of the design at military-industrial factories. La- cluding lifting units and cementing cent by 2021. bureau, the Kazakhstan Paramount bour productivity reached $52.6, a control systems. Highly qualified personnel are Engineering plant is able change 60-percent increase in 2017 com- One of the most important tasks necessary to develop advanced equipment design to fit customer’s pared to $32.7 in 2016. The figure implemented by the ministry was weapons systems, the officials say. specially assigned tasks. The auto- is 2.4 times higher than the average modernising enterprises and sys- The salary growth rate that will mated systems are also put into op- Citizens withdraw more level in mechanical engineering. tematising domestic defence in- outpace the increase in labour pro- eration at other plants. The compa- The military-industrial complex dustry development, said military- ductivity could become one of the ny plans to introduce the enterprise currently includes more than 40 industrial department head Marat conditions to attract new special- resource planning (ERP) system to enterprises providing in excess of Karabayev. ists. Experienced personnel in the keep detailed records for the cen- than $21.6 billion from 8,000 jobs. Founded in 2003, Ka- More than 100 jobs will be cre- military-industrial complex will en- tral office and optimise production zakhstan Engineering units have ated and approximately one bil- sure further growth in labour pro- works. payment cards More than 700,000 Astana residents have contacted city’s nonemergency call centre iKomek merges all call cen- Common inquiries concern ing and developing life in the By Dilshat Zhussupova tres of the city’s utility services, street flooding, road and pave- capital. functioning as the single point of ment damage, elevator mainte- Residents may communi- ASTANA – Astana’s city utility contact for its residents. It offers nance and repair, open manhole cate their inquiries to opera- services response centre iKomek more than 1,050 types of services and well covers and stray dog tors through the social network has received more than 703,000 in its catalogue, which an operator capture. For the resolution of is- hashtag #astana109, Facebook inquiries in 2018, of which 99.7 may provide upon the first call. Its sues in a timely manner, appeals (@astana109), Instagram (@ percent were processed, reports expanded scope of work includes are processed and, if necessary, astana109), Telegram channel (@ the city administration’s press advising on school or kinder- entered into the Astana resident astana109112), Telegram chat bot service. garten enrolment, filing capital appeal registry with an assigned (@astanaikomek109_bot), Astana The number of inquiries in- house maintenance firm (KSK) registration number for further Akimat website www.astana.gov. creased by more than 300,000 complaints and transferring emer- transfer to state bodies and pub- kz and the toll-free number 109 from international cards, annual over 2017. The centre also marked gency calls in Kazakh or Russian. lic utility services. Within seven for landline and mobile phones. Staff Report growth was only 17.7 percent. a 20 percent decrease in the num- Seventy seven percent of requests days, the appropriate authorities The centre’s social media pres- The figure was 11.5 percent the ber of official requests to district are fully processed upon the first respond to the centre on the is- ence also informs residents on ac- ASTANA – Kazakh citizens previous year. offices and akimat (city adminis- point of contact, and the centre sue and residents are promptly tivities in the city, such as sched- withdrew 8.6 trillion tenge Kazakh cash withdrawal from tration) departments in compari- aims to improve this figure to 85 notified. In this way, iKomek uled water, heat or power outages (US$21.6 billion) from payment January-August hiked 25.1 per- son to last year. percent. continuously works on improv- and emergency situations. cards from January-August, a cent compared to the same period 26.4-percent increase compared last year. Almaty and the capital to the same period last year. At are the leaders. Almaty is in first the same time, they are more ac- place, as expected, with 2 billion tively using non-cash payments. tenge (US$5.4 million), posting According to a study by rank- 21.4-percent growth for the year. Senate adopts amendments ing.kz, withdrawals from inter- At the same time, its share of Ka- national system cards accounted zakhstan’s total volume decreased for 99.9 percent of the amount. from 24.4 percent to 23.6 percent. Figures show 95.3 percent was The capital is in the second to 2018-2020 budget plan transferred using Visa and Mas- place with 951 billion tenge 58.2 trillion tenge (US$157.37 bil- ing the Turkestan region, an addi- lion tenge (US$3.2 billion) higher terCard. (US$2.6 million) withdrawn, a Staff Report lion), one trillion tenge (US$2.7 tional 15.1 billion tenge (US$40.8 than the previous figure. MasterCard, the most active 23.6-percent increase compared billion) higher than the April indi- million) will be transferred from Senate deputies also adopted system in the last two years, has to last year. Its share of Kazakh- ASTANA – The Kazakh Senate cator. the Turkestan region budget to the changes to the law on national sta- become the driver of Kazakh- stan’s volume decreased from adopted changes to the national Real GDP growth has been Shymkent city budget. tistics. First Vice Minister of Na- stan’s card market. The annual 11.4 percent to 11.3 percent. budget for 2018-2020 during its maintained at 3.8 percent and in- The plan also envisions spending tional Economy Ruslan Dalenov increase in cash withdrawals ac- Approximately 10.1 million ac- Oct. 25 plenary session. flation remained within the 5-7 at 9.6 trillion tenge (US$25.95 bil- said the bill is designed to improve counted for 70.7 percent (2.7 tril- tive bank cards were registered in  The updated document in- percent corridor. lion), a 12.6 billion tenge (US$34 legal regulation in state statistics. lion tenge or US$7.3 billion) in the country as of the end of July, creased the expected exchange With rising oil prices, exports million) increase from the previ- “It is also meant to increase the first eight months of the year. 19.2 percent more than a year rate per dollar from 340 tenge to are forecast to grow to $56.5 bil- ously voiced figure. transparency of state bodies work- In 2017, growth in the same pe- earlier, according to National 350 tenge and raised the expected lion, with imports declining to The National Fund, which ac- ing in statistics, collection, pro- riod was 66.5 percent. Bank. The volume of non-cash price for a barrel of oil from $55 $32.2 billion. cumulates excess revenues fro cessing and spread of information, Despite the fact that Visa is payments that month was 488.9 to $60. It also incorporates the re- Revenues are expected to reach the country’s oil and gas industry, increasing the quality of the col- confidently leading the market billion tenge (US$1.36 billion). vised data from 2017 and projects 5.718 billion tenge (US$15.46 bil- is expected to receive 3.1 trillion lected data and official statistical with a 63.7-percent share of the The figure has increased by 20 the nominal GDP in 2018 to reach lion). In light of recently establish- tenge (US$8.38 billion), 1.2 tril- information,” he added. total volume of funds cashed out times in the last ten years. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 Smart service hackathon encourages smart city solutions Astana Innovations Deputy By Assel Satubaldina Chair Meiram Dyusyukov noted the role of technology and com- ASTANA – The city hosted the munications in developing a smart Smart Service hackathon Oct. 27- city. He believes young, creative 28, where 160 participants had the people are key to reaching the chance to suggest their solutions to goal. make the capital more innovative, “A smart city is when its objects attractive and comfortable. and subjects work with maximum The teams had 48 hours to de- benefit for the city and its resi- velop a product that would meet dents. Therefore, state and busi- the city’s needs as tasked by Asta- ness should become full-fledged na Innovations and its partners, partners in addressing not only including ARTA Digital Services, economic, but also social issues,” Ernst & Young, Open Technolo- he said. gies Group and the Sustainable He reaffirmed developing an in- Development Centre. novative eco system and culture Capital residents face an array among the company’s main goals. of problems that the administra- “We will provide significant tion is trying to address and more support in innovation projects at efforts are needed to facilitate Astana Innovations Photo credit: all stages,” he added. people’s involvement in city life, They received a 500,000 tenge answered yes,” added the project tives and problems in one place,” tween the city administration and Astana Innovations Challenge their ability to oversee its develop- (US$1,358) cash prize. representative. said the team. city residents, provides informa- organised six events last year de- ment, participation in the decision “We serve as an integrator be- The survey also queried whether The team also plans to use a tion about violations and fines, voted to different areas of the making process and opportunity to tween these three large segments. any measures were taken to address point system to encourage people, accepts requests and can conduct city’s development. The organisers report problems they face to state We simplify the work for state the problems and 60 percent of the where a user can receive points for conversations,” said the project received more than 2,000 applica- bodies. bodies. For private organisations, respondents answered no, as many each problem he or she reports and team, whose members study math tions with 60 finalists and 18 win- The participants presented 21 we provide access to citizens,” did not expect positive developments receive prizes. and computer science at Naz- ners. Six projects have continued projects, with the jury panel of 12 said the team. should they reach out to the city ad- The AIKA team, which devel- arbayev University. operating. experts selecting 10 finalists. First “To identify key problems, ministration with their requests. oped a bot that processes the tech- The Astana Reality team design “We plan to bring the projects of place went to the Usynys team we carried out an online survey “For the main question about nologies and specifics of the Ka- allows city residents and guests to our start-upers to an international with their project that connects with 250 respondents. We asked what ways you can suggest to zakh and Russian languages, took identify objects via a photo recog- market and conduct acceleration state bodies, citizens and private several questions; for instance, tackle an issue, more than 70 per- second place with a 300,000 tenge nition mechanism hard-coded in programmes. This competition is organisations in a single register whether they faced any problems cent said they would like to have (US$814.80) cash prize. a mobile app. The team received for sure not the last one this year,” of civil initiatives and problems. in the city. More than 70 percent an app that will collect all initia- “The bot serves as a link be- 200,000 tenge (US$543.20). said Dyusyukov. Rehabilitation centres for children with State programmes cerebral palsy open across country increase salaries, support provides for rehabilitation With the support of Samruk underwent rehabilitation with the Staff Report at least once a year at the National Kazyna Trust Social Projects De- support of Kassiyety Zhol is six- Centre for Children’s Rehabilita- velopment Fund, Kasiyetty Zhol year-old Nuriya Koyshiyeva, who ASTANA – Rehabilitation cen- tion, the Aksai national children’s opened a similar rehabilitation was diagnosed with cerebral palsy improve vocational tres for children with cerebral clinical hospital and the Balbulak centre in Shymkent in 2017. Eve- at birth. palsy are being developed across national children’s rehabilitation ry month, 50 children aged 2-15 “We arrived at the Kasiyetty Kazakhstan’s regions to make centre. years old with cerebral palsy, con- Zhol centre in 2014,” said Nuriya’s treatment more accessible. In 2014, the Kasiyetty Zhol genital malformations and Down mother Venera Koyshiyeva. “We education More than 19,000 children have public charity foundation opened syndrome undergo rehabilitation. began treatment and, within only the whole picture is visible. Form- been diagnosed with cerebral palsy a rehabilitation centre at Astana The same year, the Early Inter- a few sessions, saw improvements. By Aidana Yergaliyeva ing the overall picture together in Kazakhstan. Twenty percent are City Children’s Hospital No. 2. vention Centre at Astana’s Perina- It is impossible to convey my emo- with the market, the Ministry of undergoing rehabilitation, and the Two thousand nine hundred and tal Centre No. 1 was established tions with words. Nuriya started to ASTANA – The state pro- Education and Science and the rest await in line for treatment. thirteen children from all regions for children under 2 years old, lift her head, straighten her back grammes designed to increase Atameken National Chamber of There are 35 rehabilitation cen- have since received assistance. In where 56 patients undergo treat- and turn from one side to the other. wages, the employment rate and Entrepreneurs, we form the target tres for children with cerebral 2018 alone, 1,226 children were ment for ten days every month. These were small steps but, for us, entrepreneurship are showing pos- areas for which we need employ- palsy in the country. Government rehabilitated at the centre. Among the 2,000 children who they were great achievements.” itive results, reported representa- ees to be trained,” said Mukushev. tives of the Ministry of Labour and He noted the ministry recog- Social Protection of the Population nises digitising the state sets new at the Oct. 30 government press directions, requirements and work centre. format. As part of the programme, Since January, Kazakhstan’s the ministry closely interacts with KAZGUU introduces more flexible educational process minimum wage has increased employers, encouraging them to form is the product of American loaded to the system, thereby Business and University of Penn- by 26 percent to 28,000 tenge requalify and retrain their employ- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov developers and the company has simplifying and structuring a lec- sylvania. (US$75.90). The ministry is work- ees and, hence, keep them at the about 4,000 partners worldwide,” turer’s work. The system has a mobile app ing to raise it to 42,000 tenge pace of the latest technological ad- ASTANA – KAZGUU is the said distance learning department The platform also offers speed that allows users to download (US$113.90), noted Vice Minister vancements. first Kazakh university to intro- head Sarman Tuleubayev. grading, which allows the faculty tasks to their smartphones. Most of Labour and Social Security Na- duce Canvas, an LMS (learning “After a long study and analysis, member to set criteria according importantly, students can create a riman Mukushev. The ministry management system) that makes we came to the conclusion that this to estimates and recommends a virtual online environment, allow- “All issues related to increases the educational process flexible, platform has a number of com- particular grade for a student. The ing them to share knowledge and in wages are actively supported closely interacts secure and scalable. It can be petitive advantages and satisfies function involves the principles of information within the platform. as part of the development of pro- adapted to users’ needs and re- the needs of a modern university, artificial intelligence, according to Canvas conforms with the Digi- ductive employment among young with employers, leases teachers and students from which aims to provide high-quality the university press service. tal Kazakhstan programme, which people,” he said. encouraging them to paperwork. and modern education,” he added. Canvas is used by more than President Nursultan Nazarbayev The ministry and Agency for “After the business trip of Designed to manage education- 3,000 universities, educational in- presented in September 2017 when Civil Service Affairs are working requalify and retrain the university’s President Talgat al activities and develop and dis- stitutions and millions of individu- he highlighted the importance of to introduce a new methodology their employees and, Narikbayev to a foreign university tribute online materials, Canvas is als throughout the world, includ- highly qualified personnel training. for revising civil servants’ wages, in order to exchange experiences, in line with KAZGUU’s decision ing Brown, Harvard, Northwestern It demonstrates the need to revise said Zhenisbek Dulatov, director hence, keep them we got acquainted with a system to reduce paperwork. Students and Yale universities; Columbia educational policy and KAZGUU of the ministry’s Department of that allows us to implement an on- and faculty no longer need to deal Business School, University of is implementing the new technol- Employment and Labour Market at the pace of the line educational environment for with hard copies or books, as all California – Berkeley, University ogy under the programme, accord- Development. latest technological students and teachers. Canvas plat- teaching materials can be down- of Chicago – Booth School of ing to the university administration. “Two state bodies and two re- gions are already participating in advancements. the pilot project, where wages have actually increased 2-2.5 times. Starting next year, this methodol- The Mangilik El Zhastary ogy will be applied in other gov- – Industriyaga (Youth of the Vulnerable groups to be supported in ernment agencies and regions,” he Eternal Nation to the Industry!) added. programme has been training The programme to develop pro- personnel with higher technical ductive employment and mass and vocational education, thus seeking state-guaranteed legal aid entrepreneurship for 2017-2021 keeping graduates in their fields covers more than 563,000 citizens, of study. Continued from Page B1 seek any legal assistance. The latter EFCA executive director Rinad index for the number of prisoners 458,000 of whom were employed The first result of these projects were more likely to turn to parents, Temirbekov. “We believe there is per capita within six years and its and 327,000 have permanent jobs. under the Yengbek (Labour) pro- The aim of the EU-funded project guardians or relatives than lawyers. a need to improve the quality and steady improvement in judiciary Regarding employment rates, gramme is 18,000 employed of is to improve protection for vulner- Even if these groups are aware availability of SGLA to vulnerable rankings. the ministry has created a number 31,000 attendees who completed able groups’ rights, particularly if of the aid’s availability, they are groups and tailor it to their needs.” EFCA is a public organisation of requirements for educational in- short-term vocational training, they are within the criminal and unlikely to pursue it. Seventy-eight Kazakh President Nursultan mobilising public and private re- stitutions and centres such as the noted Mukushev. The highest civil justice system, by enhancing percent of the 263 minors surveyed Nazarbayev’s 100 Concrete Steps sources to help citizens actively presence of an appropriate mate- numbers of employed were record- the quality of and access to SGLA. did not apply for legal aid, despite initiative highlights that economic build and strengthen their local rial and technical base, using dual ed in the Akmola, Almaty, Kosta- Its main findings on seven Kazakh 59 percent having an understand- prosperity goes hand in hand with a communities and enhance civic education system elements (the nai and North Kazakhstan regions. regions centre on identifying cat- ing of this assistance. Among the fair, effective and humane criminal and economic welfare. SFK is an practical part includes on-the-job Yengbek’s second objective is egories of vulnerable groups, barri- 53 percent of the 1,500 women sur- justice system. The event served as NGO promoting public policies training) and employing at least 60 developing microcredits to sup- ers to accessing SGLA and ways to veyed who sought legal aid, only a platform for developing a com- to safeguard fundamental human percent of those trained. port start-up projects and create improve national legislation. 14 percent reached out to lawyers mon vision on further steps toward rights, ensure budget transpar- The ministry is also seeking to new jobs. As of October, 42 billion Zhovtis singled out convicts, or- or a court. Instead, they were more improving the SGLA system with ency and increase social activism create a register of educational tenge (US$113.91 million) was phanage alumni, juvenile offenders likely to seek out a public service the critical participation of rep- and tolerance within society. The centres and institutions to reaffirm spent on microcredit, 74 percent of and women in difficult life situa- centre or notary. resentatives of the public sector, EU has funded several projects as the in-demand profession and skill which was allocated to rural areas. tions as salient categories of vul- “In addition to providing the civil society, legal organisations part of its support for judicial re- list. Agriculture, forestry and fishery nerable groups. Thirty-five percent research findings, the project - gar and international organisations. form in Kazakhstan programme to “The whole programme is aimed projects, industries which should of convicts surveyed were not in- nered public awareness on mecha- Similar collaborative platforms strengthen the country’s rule of law at teaching exactly what is in de- be developed to strengthen the formed of their right to free legal nisms for obtaining SGLA and al- on criminal justice reform have and judicial reform by helping in mand on the market. We already Kazakh economy, use nearly 81 aid and 65.5 percent of the 225 or- lowed for the study and analysis contributed to Kazakhstan’s shift implementing the national policy know this; we have a public em- percent of all issued microloans, phanage alumni surveyed did not of Georgia’s best practices,” said from ranking third to 71st on an on humanising the justice system. ployment service through which he added. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 Zhambyl Region launches sacred sites website, multivolume encyclopaedia

The study consists of collect- and working groups. During ex- “A working group will col- included in the list of United (8th – 19th centuries), ancient By Zhanna Shayakhmetova ing photographs, maps, aerial peditions, they will conduct ar- laborate with experts from the Nations Educational, Scientific Taraz settlement and Merke- photographs and archival docu- chaeological research. Auezov Institute of Literature and Cultural Organisation (UN- Zhaisan memorial complex. ASTANA – The Zhambyl Re- ments, stories and legends about “We plan to launch a three- and Art. The books will be dedi- ESCO) World Heritage sites. Launched in 2017, Ruhani gion Department of Culture re- places included in the geogra- language site of sacred places cated to warriors, singers, aitys Eight monuments are listed Zhangyru is aimed at reviving cently launched the Aulie-Ata phy of sacred places in Kazakh- with digital passports of each (song competitions) and dance among the 100 Sacred Sites of the nation’s spiritual values in sacred sites map as part of the stan. A map in 3D format and a object. A virtual map of sacred traditions. The book will also Kazakhstan. The catalogue in- light of contemporary risks and Ruhani Zhangyru (Modernisa- hologram will be posted online places in the region will also be reflect the natural resources of cludes famous monuments of challenges of globalisation. It tion of Kazakhstan’s Identity) and an album book titled ‘Sa- available. All this will be avail- the region. Publication of the ancient architecture – the Aisha includes the Tugan Zher special state programme. The 25-mil- cred Map’ will be published,” able for scanning and copying. encyclopaedia will take place in Bibi mausoleum (which dates project promoting patriotism lion tenge (US$67,781) project said regional culture, archive You can download the QR code 2020,” he said. to the 11th–12th centuries), among residents and Sacred Ge- seeks to promote the region’s and documentation department of the system onto your mobile The region has more than Babadzhi-Khatun mausoleum ography of Kazakhstan project hallowed locations. head Duissenali Bykybayev on phone via Android and other 3,000 historical and cultural (10th–11th centuries) and Kara- about sacred sites, their history “The project is being imple- Oct. 22. mobile servers,” he noted. monuments, including five of khan Tekturmas mausoleums and descriptions, as well as other mented. The list of sacred places Scholars and historians, eth- The department also intends international importance. The (12th–14th centuries); the Baisak related projects such as the 100 is updated based on the materi- nographers and representatives to release a multivolume literary Aktobe (Balasagun) settle- Batyr mausoleum, as well as the New Faces highlighting success als of the study. Now, their num- of leading research institutes are encyclopaedia about the Aulie- ment, Akyrtas palace complex, archaeological monuments such stories of self-made individuals ber has increased from 35 to 52. participating in expert councils Ata district. Kostobe, Kulan and Ornek are as the Akyrtas palace complex in various walks of life. Ethno tourist centre opens in West Kazakhstan tourism. It will conduct rides their knowledge about its history. It will present the traditions of The administrative and house- basketball and volleyball courts By Saltanat Boteu through the region’s historic and With the support of the region- local ethnic groups and offer hold complex will have a café, ho- and a football field. The centre will cultural sites to show locals and al APK, the Menin Yelim (My hotel-type houses where guests tel and parking area. The 20-hec- soon build the necessary infra- ASTANA – Sayat, an ethno foreigners the beauties of West Motherland) ethno village will be can absorb their atmosphere and tare complex will include a stable, structure for water sports, hiking, tourist centre, was launched re- Kazakhstan nature and expand opened on the centre’s grounds. everyday life. indoor riding arena and meadow, skiing and cycling. cently in Michyurin rural area of Zelenovskyi district in the West Kazakhstan region. The centre seeks to develop local tourism and create conditions for active recreation, reported the West Ka- zakhstan region Akimat (adminis- tration) website. Regional akim (governor) Altai Kulginov, veterans of World War II and representatives of the Assem- bly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) and Kazakhstan Equestrian Federation attended the opening ceremony. National equestrian sports, such as kokpar and tenge alu, and different breeds of horses, were shown to the guests. The project, part of the Busi- ness Roadmap 2020, was funded by a government grant issued in 2016. The centre was in the development stage for two years using a 300 million tenge (US$822,810) investment. A 240 million tenge ($US658,248) loan was provided by the gov- ernment programme funding small and medium businesses and the balance came from in- dependent sources. The centre currently has a staff of 12 and is planning to expand to 22. Local businessperson and Beles Group head Murat Dzhakibayev developed the idea for the centre. “I would like young people not to lose their passion for horses, ride a horse and even participate in sports competitions. This is the purpose of the centre,” he said, ac- cording to Kazinform. Sayat currently has 20 horses and its main activities will focus on sports and medical tourism. The former includes teaching horse- back riding; developing eques- trian sports, including Olympic competitions such as jumping and dressage, and promoting national sports. The centre will also con- duct hippotherapy, which helps people with different illnesses to rehabilitate through horseback rid- ing and communicating with the animals. The centre also plans to devel- op educational and recreational B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 Women’s basketball team wins first silver at Asia U18 championship from their native stands and win the group, the Kazakhs reached By Aidana Yergaliyeva streak history. Nevertheless, the the quarterfinals, playing against game was intense, as the Kazakh the Iranian national team. They ASTANA – The Kazakh basket- team gave its rivals a fitting re- won 71-56, leaving their oppo- ball team consolidated its claim buff and did not give up until the nent no chance. to second place in the Division B very end. While the Indian players The silver in the first for the Ka- final of the International Basket- scored 16 points in both quarters zakh team which began participat- ball Federation (FIBA) Under-18 of the first half, the Kazakh team ing in the tournament in 2007. That (U18) Women’s Asian Champion- only managed to score as much in year, the squad took third place in ships Nov. 3 in Bengaluru, India, total. the division and the overall ninth reported nbf.kz. The road to silver was full of place. In 2008, the national team Although the team lost its first challenges. Despite the bad start was the best in the division, earn- match of the group stage to the against Syria, the Kazakh play- ing the right to participate in the Syrians by a score 56-40, they took ers under coach Alexander Gusev elite Division A at the next Asian revenge in the semi-finals with a rebounded to beat the Samoans championship, but was forced to 76-56 victory. in the second game, 67-51. In return to Division B after taking In the final match, however, the the final group stage match, luck the last line of the final standings odds were not in their favour, as turned away from the team again in 2010. Two years later, the play- they played against the host team. and the Hong Kong squad cel- ers won bronze medals, then took The Indian squad had an advan- ebrated with a 80-73 victory. By fourth place in the 2014 and 2016 tage in the overwhelming support securing the final third place in championships. Photo credit: nbf.kz. Photo credit: Almaty opens children’s football stadium to enjoy sports and grow as pa- careers right here. I am sure that By Aidana Yergaliyeva triots. Football should bring hap- all this will give a new impetus piness to all our parents, so that for the further development and ASTANA – The Almaty city there are positive emotions from education of young talents,” said akimat (administration) and Zhas each match played,” said Zhas Almaty Akim (Mayor) Baurzhan Kyran (also Orlyonok) football Kyran Kazakhstan League of Baibek. centre have renovated the old So- Children and Youth Football Pres- Sports in my Yard, the most viet Sputnik stadium into a foot- ident Berik Kaniev. notable initiative to promote ball training complex for children The new football academy pro- and support accessible sports for with the capacity to train more gramme was created on the basis children, has involved more than than 500 young sports enthusi- of the Olympic Reserve No. 2 18,000 Almaty youth since the asts, the akimat press service an- specialised sports school for chil- beginning of the year. Batyl Bol nounced Oct. 20. dren and youth opened in 1964. (Be Brave), a second, equally The centre employs a 50-mem- “In the state-of-the-nation ad- large-scale project organised by ber coaching staff. The refur- dress, our President paid special direct compensation to private bished stadium, with a hinged attention to the development of sports organisations, has promot- roof and below-stand spaces, sports and gave clear directions ed physical education for children seats 800. The field has a drainage for improving the country’s sports and teenagers from low-income system and the latest generation infrastructure. The Zhas Kyran families. of Italian artificial turf certified football centre did a lot of work The Almaty bicycle track is cur- by the Fédération Internationale on the stadium’s major overhaul. rently undergoing renovation and de Football Association (FIFA), You all know that Sputnik has a a 5,000-seat indoor athletics sta- reported bnews.kz. rich history. Many national foot- dium will begin construction next “The main goal is for children ball stars started their professional year, noted Baibek. Kazakh skater wins silver Beach volleyball team wins at World Short Track Cup country’s first world tour in Calgary gold medal duo overcame the experienced and 111th and Kazakhstan team is at By Saltanat Boteu titled hosts of the site, the silver 187th place. medallists of the last Asian cham- The Caspian Series third and ASTANA – The Kazakh beach pionship,” said Volleyball Team final tour has one-star status in volleyball team of Alexey Sidoren- Coach Denis Rovkin. World Tour FIVB. Twenty-six ko and Alexander Dyachenko In the first set, Sidorenko and male pairs from 11 countries at- won a golden medal at the recent Dyachenko took the lead. Near the tended it this year. Caspian Sea Series World Tour in end of the game, with the score 20- The main draw of the competition Bandar Anzali, Iran. It is the first 18 in favour of Kazakhstan, Vakili is 16 pairs that are divided into four golden medal in a world champi- injured his ankle and was unable to groups. The best 12 pairs are direct- onship in the history of Kazakh continue the game. ly seeded into the main draw. The beach volleyball, volley.kz reports. Sidorenko and Dyachenko also remaining four places are for the In the finale of the Caspian Sea got a prize of $1,000 and 200 rat- best teams of the qualifying round. Series, Sidorenko and Dyachenko ing points to previously earned This year, the main draw of the competed against Iranians Bah- points at the Asian Championships tour consisted of five pairs from man Salemi and Arash Vakili. in Satun and the second tourna- Iran, one pair each from Poland, “Sidorenko and Dyachenko are ment of the Caspian Series in Slovenia and Thailand, and two our leading volleyball players. Babolsar. Three weeks earlier, they pairs from Kazakhstan. The Ka- In competition with the strong- won bronze medals at the Asian zakh teams included the pairs est competitors from around the Championships in Thailand, while of Bogatu and Yakovlev, and world, they managed to win a com- Iranian team got silver medals. Sidorenko and Dyachenko in the petitive tournament in Iran, which In the World Tour rankings of main draw and Aldash and Mo- medal. In the final day of the first mixed team included Azhgali- indicates their strength and serious International Volleyball Federa- hammad, and Kuleshov and Pet- By Assel Satubaldina stage, I made it to the finals and yev, Denish Nikisha, Anastasiya intentions. In the final match, our tion (FIVB), the Iranian team is at rosyants in the qualifying round. took second place. In the final, I Krestova and Kim A Jong. ASTANA – Kazakh athlete was racing with three Olympic The next World Cup event will Abzal Azhgaliyev finished second champions. I hope there are more take place Nov. 9-11 in Salt Lake in the 500 metres at the season- wins to come,” he said. City, Utah. Almaty will host a opening World Cup Short Track Another Kazakh short tracker World Cup stage Dec. 7-9 for the Nov. 2-4 in Calgary, Canada. Yerkebulan Shamukhanov finished first time in Kazakhstan. Finishing the race in 40.136 sec- fifth in the men’s 1000-metre race. The season includes the ISU Eu- onds, Azhgaliyev placed second after Wu Dajing, China’s 24-year- old champion and gold medal “The first day, I reached semi-finals, but winner at the Winter Olympics in South Korea, whose result was unfortunately without a medal. In the final day 39.915 seconds. Shaolin Sandor Liu of Hungary of the first stage, I made it to the finals and finished third. took second place. In the final, I was racing This weekend’s World Cup fea- tured 500-metre, 1000-metre and with three Olympic champions. I hope there 1500-metre races in both the men’s are more wins to come.” and women’s events at the Calgary Olympic Oval. There were a women’s 3000-metre relay, a men’s 5000-metre relay and a Two teams from Kazakhstan ropean Short Track Speed Skating 2000-metre mixed gender relay. took part in the relay event finish- Championships, the ISU Junior The season start was good, said ing fifth. The women’s team con- World Short Track Speed Skating Azhgaliyev. sisted of Anastasiya Krestova, As- Championships and the ISU World

“The first day, I reached semi- sel Taishmanova, Olga Tikhonova Short Track Speed Skating Cham- volley.kz. Photo credit: finals, but unfortunately without a and Kim A Jong, while the second pionships. Alexander Dyachenko, Denis Rovkin and Alexey Sidorenko (L to R). B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 Astana Invest is a partner to businesses in capital, works to create comfortable city – deputy chair instruments that one just needs to teresting and very significant. The “I believe in the next five or 10 By Assel Satybaldina use in the right way,” he said. city needs it. The project is mega- years the city will be different. In “The population of our city ex- large even for Kazakhstan. It will the past two years, the city has al- ASTANA – The bustling Kazakh ceeded one million. We have a make its contribution,” he said, ready changed. I have been living capital is waiting for investors, of- growing trend toward healthy life- stressing the company’s efforts to here for 17 years and it is growing, fering a myriad of platforms and styles. We need more fitness cen- overcome misunderstandings be- not only because all this construc- mechanisms to turn ideas into re- tres, more sport sites, so people tween local bodies and the Arab tion is going on, but because the ality, says Astana Invest Deputy can do sports any time. We must companies running the project. culture and trends are changing. Chair Muhamed Kabuldinov. use sport facilities such as Barys “We have several projects in This is a positive development,” Astana Invest helps investors Arena right. We need to have big education. We are now develop- he said. implement projects in the capital. clusters around them, so that peo- ing two of them involving foreign The company, noted Kabuldi- Kabuldinov discussed the organi- ple can spend time there, come investors that will build private nov, does not differentiate between sation’s objectives and activities to watch hockey and after that go schools. The city lacks schools and foreign and local investors. with The Astana Times. somewhere. Everything needs to here investors came and expressed “We offer an opportunity to Founded in April 2017, the com- be centred [around such facili- an interest in building them. They understand, when coming to pany helps the local administra- ties],” said Kabuldinov. studied the market. We also have Astana, where a project could tion, which has witnessed tremen- The creative sector can also several investors that want to build find its place, what mechanisms dous growth over the past decade bring money, he added. Astana’s hotels. We consulted on several of state support a project can use. and is still developing. Muhamed Kabuldinov Family Day, organised in Septem- projects in the special economic We help investors receive permit- The population has grown near- ber, is an example of how the crea- zone,” he said. ting documents in obtaining land; ly four-fold, from 287,000 people tive sector can work. Attracting investments, how- technical documents; connecting in 1997 to more than 1 million this they might have, even if it is an on- Each city has its own cluster “It lasted two days. Not many ever, is not an end goal, as creat- to electricity, water and infra- year. It is projected to reach 1.7 going project,” said Kabuldinov. that drives growth. As an exam- knew about this park. If you pass ing conditions where people and structure. We control this process million by 2025. The regional strategy developed ple, Kabuldinov mentioned the it now, hardly anyone is there, but investors feel comfortable is a pri- to avoid bureaucracy and elimi- The volume of investments last year indicated 10 priority sec- strong information technology despite the weather, people still ority. nate corruption,” Kabuldinov ex- reached 957 billion tenge tors – five tradable and five sup- cluster in Tel Aviv and the proper came. People and companies par- “The goal, after all, is creating plained. (US$2.635 billion) last year and portive sectors. use of post-Olympic facilities in ticipating there were very satisfied. jobs, some social and economic The services the organisation almost 8 trillion tenge (US$22 bil- Tradable industries include Salt Lake City, Utah, that continue These mass events create positive component, so that our residents, provides are free of charge. lion) over the last 20 years. tourism, development, modern to benefit the city and the country things. People start opening up both those who were born here and “We do not ask for any money “Our main mission is to con- production, the Astana Interna- since the 2002 Winter Olympics. instead of being closed. They are those who have moved here, feel from investors and they do not tribute to the development of the tional Financial Centre launched Astana is waiting for investors, starting to take part in the city comfortable,” he said. give us any money. They of course capital by attracting investments in July, and services provided for said Kabuldinov, offering many life,” he said. Comfort, he noted, is not only pay for things they have to pay by in priority sectors of the economy, the public sector, international or- platforms to help them realise their Among the projects the organi- about building parks and squares, law; for example, some permits,” particularly of the city. We have ganisations and transnational cor- ideas. sation is monitoring is the con- though that is central to urban de- he said. priority sectors of the country, but porations. The supportive sectors “We need people to come and struction of Abu Dhabi Plaza, an velopment. Astana Invest works directly the city has its own sectors, its own include education, health, trade do things. There are investors that 88-storey multifunctional complex “This [comfort] also entails liv- with the city’s Investment and life and its own lifestyle,” said Ka- and logistics, culture and sport, do almost everything on their own with an estimated cost exceeding ing conditions, places of work, Business Development Depart- buldinov. and creative activities. and understand what they might $1.6 billion. how a person gets there and how ment, and with Astana’s akim Assisting new projects isn’t a “In developing the strategy, big not be able to do on their own The construction, however, has he goes back, what he or she sees (mayor) and deputy akim. matter of dispensing advice and metropolises such as New York and then they come. I am telling caught fire several times and had on his way. All this is done for the “If we are not able to do some- parting ways, he said. Rather, “we and Tokyo were studied, and cit- our business people that unless other problems. city to be attractive and to give an thing on our level, we bring it to start working with them. We direct ies with a population of 15 to 20 you start really to do things and “We are now assisting the city opportunity to everyone not to feel the akim. We have a regional coun- them on how to set up a legal en- million – how they were develop- move, you will have nothing. It administration in monitoring the separated,” said Kabuldinov. cil to attract investments that seeks tity, how to get a visa if it is a for- ing, what industries are strong and is not right to wait for something implementation of the project. We He believes Astana has distinct to address problems for investors, eigner, [on how to deal with] land what they are focusing on,” he from the akimat [local administra- have learned all their problems. features and charm that are “stead- and there akim raises the matter,” issues. We assist with any problem said. tion] or the government. There are The project is long, yet very in- ily taking shape.” he said. Astana school City begins e-architecture pilot project liminary design and architectural vice provision, reduce administra- guity. Our advice and user manu- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova planning task for approval online. tive barriers, support and expand als in the system are available. They can present a full package of the services for the population and We are open to suggestions from launches distance ASTANA – The electronic (e-) documents, monitor further pro- businesses and raise awareness in our users, and we are constantly architecture pilot project was re- cedures and receive a response to urban planning, architecture and working to improve our prod- cently presented in the capital, re- the application from the authorised the construction industry. It also uct,” he said. learning ported the Astana Invest (City De- bodies. reduces the impact of citizens’ and The department hosted the Oct. velopment Centre of Investments) “We plan to launch additional businesses’ locations on the ser- 15 presentation with the support press service. The system will be modules including issuing deci- vice provision process by ensur- of the Astana Invest new economy implemented in all major cities in sions on reconstruction and out- ing more effective and less costly development sector project office. the future. door advertising, providing mate- interaction with the State Depart- Design and construction compa- “The main mission of the sys- rials for reconstruction, accounting ment of Architecture, Urban Plan- nies had the opportunity to learn tem is to create a tool for the auto- for agreements on share participa- ning and Land Use. about the www.saulet.astana.kz/ mated process of providing online tion in housing construction and “We are glad to receive feed- decor/ website and the prospects services in compliance with the other services,” he said. back from designers who have of the electronic service. requirements of regulatory legal Developers are currently ne- questions and propose sugges- The developers noted the new and technical acts,” company rep- gotiating with law enforcement tions for finalising our system. system will contribute to the pro- resentative Daulet Assylbayev told agencies regarding publication We place great emphasis on us- fessional development and growth The Astana Times. safety for issuing a copy of the ability. While developing each of companies’ competences and E-architecture allows individu- topographic plan and returning the module, we properly study the have a positive impact on the city’s als and organisations working in updated copy. state standards and think over construction sector and investment urban planning to submit a pre- The project aims to optimise ser- each interface, excluding ambi- attractiveness in particular. Photo credit: inform.kz. Photo credit: start to work with fifth grade and By Yerbolat Uatkhanov higher students. We decided that we will not bring ninth-11th grade Astana considers reducing speeds ASTANA – The capital’s students into the project this year, gymnasium school No. 22 has because they are already preparing launched Free from School, a pro- for exams. We will not offer them ject allowing student-athletes and this opportunity now, although we in bus lanes to prevent accidents children who need an accelerated have a lot of applications from par- or delayed educational programme ents and children of this age,” she cidents, signs of 50 and 40 kilo- road signs 3.24 (the article about speed at other problem areas will to study remotely. Its official name added. Staff Report metres per hour were installed at maximum speed limit) and 7.14 be reduced. is Creating a Distance Learning Parents must complete an agree- these sites. Analysis of the sites (the article about lane) will appear The bus lane project implies a Form on the Moodle Platform. ment with the gymnasium and ASTANA – The speed on cer- will continue. above the public transport lane. separate lane for public transport, “We presented the project at the Centre for System Technologies, tain sections of bus lanes in Asta- “We have one section where The first such sign has already ap- which provides unimpeded move- scientific council in the education the technical organiser of the pro- na will be reduced to decrease we have reduced the speed to 40 peared on Turan Avenue. ment of the transport. The purpose department of Astana, which was ject. Each child has a personal ac- the number of traffic accidents, kilometres per hour. This is on According to the police depart- of this project is to create condi- held in August. Already in Sep- count on the Moodle platform and said Deputy Chairman of Astana Saryarka Street. A sign 3.24 (the ment, currently, road gaps are also tions for passengers’ comfortable tember, we received an order that once created, the student has ac- LRT Beibut Yeszhanov at a recent article in Kazakh road traffic reg- being studied with the possibility travel and prioritise the movement the project could start in the gym- cess to what he or she should learn. press conference. ulations) and a speed limit of 40 of increasing the speed of move- of public transport. nasium school No. 22 – and now “We are currently working on To reduce the number of ac- kilometres per hour (was imple- ment to improve turnover capac- This initiative is being imple- we are engaged in the implementa- lists. The first thing that parents cidents involving cars and pub- mented),” noted Yeszhanov. ity. mented with the Astana Passenger tion of this project,” said organiser need to do is to go to the website lic transport, the Administrative In this regard, road users are ad- If this practice decreases the Transport Department and the po- Vera Sadykova. of our project and register there. Police Department of Astana In- vised to be attentive since a set of number of traffic accidents, the lice department. The project, in development for After the registration, the manager ternal Affairs and Astana LRT three years, has a phased approach. is contacted by the parent and the transport company started work to The creators studied international parents send the data of their child, limit bus lane speeds. The police experiences and clearly under- which is included in the list,” said department has designated sev- stand it should be implemented Sadykova. eral sections of the lanes, where systematically. She is a strong supporter of the speeds will be limited. “Now the first stage of the pro- project. “As a proposal (to reduce the ject is underway, when we create “There are children who learn number of accidents), the only a community of parents who are very quickly and there is no sense way is to reduce the speed of interested in this form of teaching in keeping them with a standard public transport on the bus lane. children and begin to form student educational programme from Sep- But even having reduced speed, groups. Children in grades one- tember-May. We delay their devel- drivers and pedestrians should be four will begin to study remotely, opment when they can finish two vigilant,” said Yeszhanov. starting from the second quarter of classes in one year or go deeper The possibility of introducing 2018, and fifth graders will start in into the knowledge of physics or this practice on certain sections November,” she noted. other subjects. This is the 21th of the lane is being considered. “We have already started to work century! All technologies are open Astana LRT and the police de- with first-fourth grade students and now and we must give the children partment have already marked in November-December we will this opportunity,” she added. emergency sites. After several ac- alrt.kz. Photo credit: