+4° / -3°C WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 No 6 (168) www.astanatimes.com New President sworn in, praises Astana renamed predecessor, pledges continuity as Nur-Sultan President, , By Aidana Yergaliyeva March 20 immediately after he took the oath of office at the joint session NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Presi- of the Kazakh Parliament. dent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has “It is necessary to immortalise the signed a decree allowing the capi- name of our great contemporary, tal city of Astana to be renamed the First President of the Repub- Nur-Sultan in honour of the coun- lic of , Nursultan Naz- try’s founding President Nursultan arbayev. Our capital should bear the Nazarbayev, akorda.kz announced name of our President and be called March 23. Nur-Sultan. I would like to add that The decree reads as follows: “In this proposal was already expressed accordance with Article 9 of the Law by parliamentarians in the declara- of Dec. 8, 1993 ‘On the administra- tion adopted Nov. 23, 2016 on the tive and territorial structure of the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Republic of Kazakhstan,’ I decree: the independence of the Republic 1. To rename the city of Astana of Kazakhstan,” he said. – the capital of the Republic of Ka- The Kazakh government pro- zakhstan to the city of Nur-Sultan posed the President hold a national – the capital of the Republic of Ka- referendum to amend the Constitu- zakhstan. tion to rename the capital. President 2. This decree comes into force Tokayev submitted to the Parliament on the day of its first official pub- a proposal to change the name with- lication.” out a referendum. The Constitution- Tokayev has also signed amend- al Council had a positive ruling on ments to the country’s Constitution. the proposed change. As a result, the President Tokayev suggested Parliament approved the renaming renaming Astana as Nur-Sultan to of Astana to Nur-Sultan. perpetuate the name of the First Continued on Page A2 Improving social welfare among

Photo credit: akorda.kz. Photo credit: top priorities for Kassym-Jomart Tokayev taking the oath of office at the joint session of Parliament.

Tokayev defined the First security, peacemaking and mutual streets in all the cities of the coun- By Elya Altynsarina President’s place in history: “He confidence. try after Nazarbayev. He has been improve performance in the com- is already there as an outstand- Therefore, the President called also awarded a status of Honour- By Malika Orazgaliyeva ing years? NUR-SULTAN – The new Presi- ing reformer; he has managed on the people of Kazakhstan for ce- able Senator of the Parliament and We developed a plan of priority dent of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart to transform Kazakhstan into a menting the political legacy of El- received at the end of the ceremony, NUR-SULTAN – In an exclusive actions of the Akimat (regional ad- Tokayev, was sworn in March 20 modern, advanced state among basy (Kazakh for Leader of the Na- the highest merits of the nation Ha- interview to this newspaper, Akim ministration) of the Kyzylorda Re- during a joint session of the cham- the 50 most competitive coun- tion) and giving him the honour he lyk Kaharmany (Hero of the Na- (Governor) of Kyzylorda Region gion for 2019 in accordance with bers of the Kazakh Parliament. tries in the world. His economic rightfully deserves. Such a measure tion) and Yenbek Eri (Hero of La- discusses the state-of-the-nation addresses bour). Tokayev was sworn in following major developments in the region of the of the surprise resignation March 19 In addition to political powers to develop industry based on the Oct. 5, 2018, “Growing Welfare of Kazakhstan’s founding and only the First President will be vested public-private partnership princi- of Kazakh Citizens: Increase in previous President Nursultan Naz- with, Tokayev announced that “El- Income and Quality of Life,” of arbayev. basy’s word will have a priority in ple, promote tourism to the region famous for hosting the Baikonur March 5, 2018, “Five Social Initia- Tokayev, who had been serving the strategic decision-making in the tives of the President,” state pro- space launch site, among other as the Senate Speaker, dedicated country.” grammes, Strategy of Socio-Eco- subjects. his first speech as President to “Thus, we perform the transfer nomic Development of the region the achievements Kazakhstan has of power in a calm, non-conflict for 2020 and taking into account made since independence under situation, which is a powerful fac- What is on the agenda in terms the current economic situation. Nazarbayev’s leadership. Tokayev tor in ensuring domestic stability of social and economic develop- praised his predecessor for his deci- and strengthening the international ment? What is being planned to Continued on Page A6 sion, which was “dictated by con- prestige of Kazakhstan,” said the siderations of a highest order, true President. concern for the future of our state.” He thanked Nazarbayev for en- According to the President, against trusting him with the important role all odds that Kazakhstan faced in its in challenging times of world de- early years of sovereignty, geopoliti- velopment. Botai horses were first cal challenges and negative outlook, “Aware of the scope of respon- Nazarbayev succeeded in building and political reforms became a would help society, and particularly sibility of the new mission, I will a globally recognised state and im- symbol of wise government pol- the youth, to be able to justly evalu- put my knowledge and experience plementing reforms in all spheres of icy.” ate Nazarbayev’s work, he said. to ensure the continuity of the stra- to be domesticated, societal development. Overall, the new President thor- As a step towards recognising tegic course of the First President,” “As a long-time ally of Nursultan oughly narrated the historic deci- Nazarbayev’s name, Tokayev pro- Tokayev noted. Nazarbayev, I can say that he de- sions and greatest outcomes of posed to rename the capital city “The common goal for all of us voted his life to a noble service for Nazarbayev’s presidency over the from Astana to Nursultan; erect a will be to preserve and strengthen says UK professor the well-being of our people,” said last 30 years, including those aimed monument to the First President the independence of our state,” To- were first domesticated very early Tokayev. at enhancing regional and global in Astana and rename the central kayev concluded. By Nurbek Amisha in the Botai culture in modern Ka- zakhstan about 5,500 years ago. We NUR-SULTAN – Alan Outram, have evidence that they were milk- a professor of archaeological sci- ing horses at that time. We found ence at the University of Exeter, chemical evidence in the pottery in the has stud- that there was once kumys (fer- Nauryz celebrated throughout the country ied the Botai culture in North Ka- mented horse milk) present, which events, including championships with skin or felt) and altybakan performance of Mar Baidzhiyev’s zakhstan over the last two decades. obviously is a key indication that domesticated horses were being Staff Report in the martial arts and Kazakh kur- (traditional Kazakh swing) instal- novel “Tyl Tabyskandar” at Ka- He and his colleagues conducted milked. We also have evidence that esy [wrestling]. lations were featured at all venues. libek Kuanyshbayev Kazakh Dra- excavations at Botai and proved they were ridden because there are NUR-SULTAN – Nauryz, a Festivities started a few days Both Kazakh President Kassym- ma Theatre March 20 and March horses were first domesticated marks on the teeth, which showed holiday marking the coming of before the holiday in residential Zhomart Tokayev and former within what is now modern-day 22, respectively. they wore some sort of bit. Also, spring and the beginning of a neighbourhoods. Residents of the President Nursultan Nazarbayev Outdoor concerts also took place Kazakhstan approximately 5,500 years ago. This interview with the we found in the structure of settle- new year, was celebrated March International, Michurino, Zhelezno- attended celebrations at the EXPO at Zhetysu Park, City Square and ment, there are corral areas where professor took place in the Ka- 21-25 throughout the capital with dorozhny, Promyshlenny commu- 2017 site, congratulating the square near the Kazakh Eli they could have kept the horses. zakh capital as he was attending a outdoor concerts, sports competi- nities were the first to celebrate, on Nauryz. Nazarbayev personally monument March 20, March 21 There are a lot of all the types of screening of the film “Equus: His- tions and national artifact exhi- then the celebrations continued in gave his blessing to nine newly- and March 22, respectively, and horse bones around the site which bitions, said Nur-Sultan Akimat Prigorodnoye, Urker, Ondiris, Ka- wed couples attending the cel- Zhastar Palace held a concert tory of the Horse.” is another indication horses were (city administration) Deputy Akim zgorodok and Koktal. Celebratory ebrations. Astana Akim (Mayor) March 21-22. being kept close to the settlement. (Mayor) Nurlan Nurkenov. Similar events were held in 23 locations, and Over the holidays, the Kazakh na- Recently some scientists, in- If horses were hunted away from wide-ranging public celebrations including at the EXPO 2017 site, (lower house of Parliament) depu- tional football team started its Euro cluding yourself, have proven the site, only certain parts would were organised throughout the City Square, the square near the ties also attended the EXPO 2017 2020 qualifying campaign with a that the horses were first domes- be transported back to Botai from whole nation. Kazakh Eli Monument, Zhastar site celebrations. home match at against ticated in recent Kazakhstan ter- where they were killed. Then actu- The Nur-Sultan Akimat planned Palace, Zhastar Theatre, Zhetysu The event also included a per- Scotland March 21 (with Kazakh- ritory. Please tell us a little more ally the fact that there is a large set- more than 40 events to celebrate Park and in residential neighbour- formance of Bulat Zhandarbek- stan winning 3:0), and March about that. tlement with a very large number the holiday. A key part of the Nau- hoods. Concert programmes and ov’s novel “Tomiris” at the Palace 24 (with Russia winning 4:0). Thank you for giving me this of horses is interesting. ryz celebration included sporting yurt (portable round tents covered of Peace and Reconciliation and a Continued on Page A2 opportunity. We think that horses Continued on Page B6

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY EDITORIAL BUSINESS NATION&CAPITAL Experts praise former President’s decision, Nurly Zhol finishes first phase, as second Nursultan Nazarbayev has prepared the Microsoft Kazakhstan to assist companies Photo exhibition featuring Kazakh, Polish note stability he passes to new leaders A2 phase to be presented in March A4 country for next stage of development A6 integrate AI technology A7 peacekeepers from war opens B1 Kazakhs react to resignation of Government to introduce unified declaration for Company produces neckties handmade in Capital to host ITB Eurasia tourism Nursultan Nazarbayev A2 individual income and property A4 Kazakhstan A8 exhibition in 2020 B6

US$ 1 = 378.17 KZT € 1 = 429.11 KZT 1 = 5.88 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

NATIONAL Experts praise former President’s decision, NEWS IN BRIEF The capital’s new main mosque will be built in the park area next to EXPO town, the Akorda press note stability he passes to new leaders service reports. It will accom- presidential powers at the peak of the change in the (office) of Nur- IWEP expert, called Nazarbayev’s cial capital… The core of Kazakh modate up to 30,000 people in By Aidana Yergaliyeva his political influence, having an sultan Nazarbayev, the country decision “truly historic in nature statehood, which allowed us to a building of 57,000 square me- absolute index of the level of po- will continue to follow his course,” and aimed at ensuring the most op- make difficult political, economic tres with a minaret that reaches NUR-SULTAN – In the wake litical support among the popula- said Karin. timal conditions for strengthening and social transformations, is a 130 metres. Citizens and busi- of the surprise March 19 resigna- tion. So much so that he could go Zhaksylyk Sabitov, an expert Kazakhstan’s statehood. This step successful institution of the presi- nesses helped raise funds for its construction, which is expected tion of Kazakhstan’s founding to the polls again and confidently from the Institute of World Econo- testifies to the sustainable develop- dency,” wrote Shaukenova in a Fa- to be completed in two years. President Nursultan Nazarbayev, confirm his mandate,” said Karin. my and Politics (IWEP) under the ment trajectory of the state institu- cebook post. “The mosque will be the largest experts on the country and region Foundation of the First President tions of independent Kazakhstan.” Nazarbayev’s public approval mosque not only in Central Asia, praised the former President and agreed, saying, “With this state- did not fall below 85 percent even but also in the Commonwealth of noted the stability Nazarbayev Stability ensured ment, the First President calmed in the crisis years 2008-2009, said Karin also noted that Naz- The first president in Independent States… A museum created and has now passed to the arbayev built a stable nation over down all those who worried about Shaukenova. of Islam, a library, a craft work- next generation. his 30 years in office and put in the future of Kazakhstan.” Kazakh history “This suggests that for the over- shop and other institutions will Nazarbayev resigned during a place government systems that He added: “Foreign investors Nazarbayev became independ- whelming majority of Kazakhs, be located in the religious com- national televised address. For- would continue that stability after and the international community ent Kazakhstan’s first president the President managed to become a plex,” said executive director of mer Speaker of the Kazakh Senate he left office. received a clear signal that Ka- Dec. 16, 1991. He had served as reliable guarantor of stability. Un- the Astana 2020 foundation Nur- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took the “Nazarbayev purposefully built zakhstan will have continuity of Kazakh President for almost three swervingly following the political zhan Mynzhasarov. oath of office March 20 at 12 p.m. all necessary institutional and le- currency course and the status quo decades. course, the goal (of the President), in Astana. gal framework to ensure the stabil- will remain. (And) the popula- The former President’s length and Kazakhstan became democrat- Kazakhstan’s low-cost airline, Yerlan Karin, chair of the Ka- ity of the political process and the tion of Kazakhstan also received of service helped ensure stability ic, prosperous, self-confident and FlyArystan, will launch flights zakhstan Council on International sustainability of the state course. a signal that the policy of the new as the country developed, said Za- self-reliant, socially consolidated from to seven cities in Relations (KCIR), noted in his An effective system of state in- President will continue the course rema Shaukenova, director of the and recognised by the international May, according to the country’s Telegram channel that Nazarbayev stitutions has been created in the of the First President.” Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic community,” she said. Civil Aviation Committee. Tick- leaves office at a time when he re- country, capable of ensuring the He added that the systems the Studies under the President. Experts also noted that new ets will go on sale at the end of mains highly popular among peo- fulfillment of the strategic tasks set former President put in place will “Many foreign experts perceive President Tokayev is well prepared March. “The airline will oper- ple. by Elbasy (Leader of the Nation, keep the country on a stable path the political longevity of the first for the role and to continue the sta- ate daily flights from Almaty “Nursultan Nazarbayev sur- the constitutional title accorded to for a long time. President of Kazakhstan as an im- bility created under the previous to Astana, Atyrau, Kokshetau, prised everyone by ending his Nazarbayev). And regardless of Zhumabek Sarabekov, another portant political resource and so- president. Karaganda, Kostanai, Pavlodar and Taraz. At the initial stage, the airline fleet will consist of four Airbus A320s with only econo- my class for 180 seats, allocated from . The number of Kazakhs react to Astana renamed as Nur-Sultan aircraft will be increased to 15 Continued from Page A1 arbayev to resign is historic and “Nursultan Nazarbayev has al- by the end of 2022,” reads the that the city supports changing the ways emphasised the high status release. At the same joint session, To- name. of our city, which gives directions, resignation of Kazpost delivered 18.5 mil- kayev also proposed renaming “Today, President Kassym- unites the people of Kazakhstan main streets in Kazakhstan’s re- Jomart Tokayev suggested giving and is the pillar of peace, harmony lion parcels in 2018, 4.6 million gional capitals in Nazarbayev’s Astana the name of Nursultan Naz- and prosperity in our society. Re- of which made up its domestic Nursultan Nazarbayev honour and erecting a monument in arbayev. The city’s Akimat (admin- naming Astana in his honour will service, reported the company’s his honour in the capital. In addition istration) fully supports the propos- emphasise the greatness of his press service. The company in- Other commenters on social me- to this, Tokayev proposed granting al of the President to perpetuate our political wisdom and historical troduced a franchise network of By Nazira Kozhanova dia, whose tweets have gone mod- the former president the status of an great contemporary, First President mission for future generations of branches and digital offices last erately viral, tried to come to terms honourary senator and preserving Nursultan Nazarbayev,” he said Kazakhstan. The Akimat strongly year, and expanded the range of NUR-SULTAN – Following the with a shock caused by a sudden his photographs in offices, build- during a meeting at the Akimat supports the idea of the new head its online services and drone de- resignation of the first president of announcement: “The entire state ings and educational institutions. (city administration) on March 20. of the state to rename the capital liveries. “This year, we will open Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, feels like it is left to wait in line with The Astana Maslikhat (city as- He said that Astana is the brain- Nur-Sultan. We also offer you to a bonded warehouse at the Khor- on March 19, many citizens of Ka- adults, the parents are away. We were sembly) also approved March 20 a child of Nazarbayev and the per- support the initiative of President gos international service centre, zakhstan were shocked and turned to not ready for this,” wrote Kazakh @ proposal from President Tokayev to sonification of the country’s socio- Tokayev and to take part in the develop transit mail from China social media to share their reactions. B17ibrayev on Twitter. change the name of the capital. economic achievements over the creation of new opportunities for to Europe and Central Asia, and In the wake of Nazarbayev’s resig- “I don’t feel like this world is real Astana Akim (City Mayor) years of independence, which dem- the development of our capital,” promote e-commerce, franchise nation, Kazakhs reacted with an array without Nazarbayev. Astana doesn’t Bakhyt Sultanov said that the de- onstrates the country’s role and po- said Sultanov, addressing the city networks and digital projects. of emotions. Photographer Nazgul feel like Astana, snow doesn’t feel cision by former President Naz- tential for further development. assembly. The company’s income was 54.5 Kenzhetay approved of this decision like snow,” wrote @champagne8th, billion tenge (US$144 million), and summarised Nazarbayev’s work another Twitter user. an increase of 11 percent com- pared to 2017. Its net profit was 272 million tenge (US$718,683). We attracted 160 franchisee en- Nauryz celebrated trepreneurs, who opened 200 points of sale since we launched a partner network of branches last June,” said Kazpost Chair throughout the country Saken Sarsenov. Continued from Page A1 won in their respective weight cat- Seifullin Museum from March 21 egories. to March 24. Celebrations were The North Caspian Consortium Astana Nauryz Marathon run- An ethno auyl (ethno village) also held at Naz National Dance (NCOC) will invest $150 million ners made their way through Tri- was also established on the for- Theater and celebratory concerts in the socio-economic develop- athlon Park March 24. More than mer EXPO 2017 grounds, where work performed at Zhastar Palace ment of the Atyrau and Mangis- 700 runners, including adults and Kazakh singers performed and and School Number 68. tau regions from 2020 to 2022, Photo credit: akorda.kz. Photo credit: children, participated in the mara- theatrical artists and ethnocultural Hundreds of thousands of people report the regional press services. in her Instagram post: “Very smart “Oh god, something turned up- thon, with proceeds from registra- centre representatives showcased attended Nauryz celebration across Most of the investment will go to decision! Nursultan Nazarbayev is a side down inside of me” wrote @ tion fees going directed to charity. national customs and traditions. the city this year, according to Kazin- the education sector. “The NCOC worthy aksakal (wise old man) of our letnieno4i. Amateur competitions were held Yurts served as museums and dis- form. This year, Kazakh citizens had is the country’s largest project country! We are grateful to you!” Shymkent residents interviewed March 21 in Kazakhsha kures, played traditional musical instru- the longest weekend of the year dur- with direct foreign investment Almaty resident and sales worker by the nur.kz website expressed a weightlifting, kol kures (arm- ments, jewellery, hunting equip- ing Nauryz, with March 21 to March and has an impact on the econ- Kulzhazira Yerdenova also ex- mix of trust in Nazarbayev’s decision wrestling), arkan tartys (rope pull- ment and ethnography. Visitors 25 declared national holidays. omy through the creation of jobs pressed her gratitude in her Insta- and uncertainty about their future. ing) and assyk atu (board game). had the opportunity to see a Tazy Nauryz is considered a tradi- and opportunities for local com- gram post: “Today I, just like eve- “I’m shocked. It was like a stroke The first ever Kazakh Kazakh- and Tobet exhibit, featuring an- tional new year holiday that is cel- panies. More than 200 infrastruc- ryone else, got shocked by political at that moment, I got scared. What’s sha kuresy “Oner Barysy” tourna- cient Kazakh breeds of dogs and ebrated in countries with Persian ture and social projects worth news regarding the resignation of going to happen now?” Natalya ment was held March 21. More dog races. A food court offered and Turkic heritage on the day of $620 million were implemented our leader Nursultan Nazarbayev – Romanova told nur.kz. than 20 amateur Kazakh celebrity plov (rice with meat and seasoned the sping equinox. Nauryz is also in the regions over the last 20 it really touched my feelings. I can’t “This is a historical event for our wrestlers, including Abay Ayaz- broth), Nauryz kozhe (a traditional called “the great day of people” in years. Last year, the consortium’s imagine Kazakhstan without our country. Our President made a wise bayev, Serik Ibragimov, Meirzhan cold and warm drink prepared es- Kazakh. Since 2009, Nauryz has total costs were more than $420 president. 30 years of governance! decision, not everyone can do it,” Torebayev, Amangeldy Oteshov, pecially during the holiday) and been included in the United Na- million for local goods, work and He managed to create a strong and Yelaman Zholdas said. and Artur Tolepov participated in baursaks (puff pastries). A Nauryz- tions Educational, Scientific and services, which is more than 43 independent state of Kazakhstan!” “Well, you see it’s been 30 years. the tournament. Assylkhan Tole- themed “Qosh keldyn, Az Nauryz” Cultural Organisation’s Intangible percent of our total costs. The Time passes, our president sees that pov and Syrymbet Baibossynov exhibition was held at the Saken Cultural Heritage List. total amount of NCOC’s expen- there is a need for change. Don’t ditures on local goods, work, and Nazarbayev’s see any reasons to panic about it. services has exceeded $14 bil- resignation has already He remains with us,” Boris Alek- lion,” said NCOC Managing Di- sandrovich told nur.kz rector Richard Howe. inspired a song by “I was upset over Nazarbayev’s Diana Idris, a blogger resignation, it was scary and un- The BI Group company has clear, who will serve as his replace- opened a mortgage centre in from Shymkent. In ment. But Tokayev is a good civil Almaty, reports Informburo. It her song, Idris wanted servant and an authoritative politi- offers a full range of mortgage cian, I think it will be fine. Prob- lending services to participants to assure citizens ably right now all civil servants are in affordable and state housing scared of changes. We’ll see what programmes at a single service of Kazakhstan that happens,” said Ilyas Karimov. point. The company has built five Nazarbayev knows Nazarbayev’s resignation has residential complexes in Almaty. already inspired a song by Diana “Mortgage loans are available to what he is doing. Idris, a blogger from Shymkent. most of the population. BI Group In her song, Idris wanted to assure sold 98 apartments worth 2.2 At the same time some citi- citizens of Kazakhstan that Naz- billion tenge [US$5 million] us- zens were expressing their anxi- arbayev knows what he is doing. ing mortgage payments in 2018. ety over the change. A housewife Nazarbayev first became the This year, we have already sold from Karaganda, Olga Kessler, head of the state in 1991. Kazakh- apartments with a total value of wrote: “President of Kazakhstan stan’s ex-senate speaker Kassym- 0.4 billion tenge [US$1 million]. has resigned… I’m speechless… Zhomart Tokayev was sworn in We decided to make the property I had no idea this would happen… as the republic’s new president registration process convenient What’s going to happen next? I on March 20, 2019. Tokayev will and comfortable for our clients,” don’t know. To be honest, I’m a bit serve as the country’s president said head of BI Development Al- anxious,” Kessler shared her emo- until the term of his predecessor maty’s sales department Timur tions in her online post. expires in 2020. Sharzhau. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakh President, UAE Crown Prince discuss Kazakh Minister of Energy participated in the March 17 meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring economic relations, attend Special Olympics Committee of the Organisation Olympics World Games on March of Petroleum Exporting Coun- By Malika Orazgaliyeva 13-14 at Zayed Sports City Stadi- tries in Baku. OPEC+, a group um and visited the Sheikh Zayed of 24 major oil-producing coun- NUR-SULTAN – President Mosque in Abu Dhabi to honour tries, collectively decided to Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed the memory of the UAE’s founder cut their output by 1.2 million economic, transport and digiti- and first president. barrels a day for the first half sation cooperation among other The March 14-21 Special Olym- of this year to stabilise global topics with United Arab Emirates pic Games are the first of their markets. Bozumbayev assured (UAE) Crown Prince and Deputy kind in the history of the Middle participants that Kazakhstan will Supreme Commander of the UAE East and North Africa. More than commit to the plan based on re- Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed 7,500 athletes from more than sults from the first six months of bin Zayed Al Nahyan March 13- 170 countries are competing in 24 2019. “Kazakhstan is not yet a 14 in Abu Dhabi. sports. Kazakhstan is represented member of the OPEC+ monitor- The two leaders also discussed by 67 athletes in 15 sports, in- ing committee, but Saudi Arabia cooperation in tourism, space ex- cluding table tennis, tennis, judo, and Russia have invited us to ploration and agriculture as well swimming, power-lifting, athlet- join. In December 2018, OPEC as expanding the work of the In- ics, volleyball, , futsal, and OPEC+ countries decided to reduce production by 1.2 million tergovernmental Commission and golf, bocce, gymnastics, bowling, barrels per day to balance supply the Business Council. The discus- roller skating and badminton. and demand in the market. As a sions focused on attracting invest- “This important sport event will result, the price of oil has risen, ments and bringing Kazakh goods allow athletes with special abili- reaching a corridor of $60 to $70 to the UAE market. ties to show the world the strength per barrel. This has reduced vol- Nazarbayev also said bilateral of mind and will to win. A team atility and inventory levels have relations have strengthened over from Kazakhstan also takes part dropped significantly in major the past year. in this competition. The leaders oil importing countries,” he said. “Our frequent meetings and of your country traditionally par- close relations based on frater- ticipate in all international events A Kazakh delegation headed nity and trust give an impetus held by Kazakhstan. Therefore, I by Executive Secretary of the to comprehensive development came to take part in the opening in all dimensions. Last year, we ceremony of the Games in order to Ministry of Labour and Social terfaith harmony and dialogue in He greatly respected you and ad- framework. In this connection, a Protection Aida Kurmangaliyeva exchanged official visits and provide a friendly support,” Naz- reached the important agree- the world. mired you as a world leader. Your historic visit to the UAE of Pope arbayev told the Crown Prince. concluded its participation at the “This year we solemnly cel- example inspired us to declare the Francis took place in Feb. 2019,” 63rd session of the UN Com- ments, the implementation of Among the honorary guests of ebrated the 100th anniversary of year 2019 as the Year of Toler- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al mission on the Status of Women which is deeply satisfying,” said the opening ceremony were the Nahyan said. (CSW) at the UN headquarters in Nazarbayev. the founder of our country. You ance, and the UAE is positioned King of Bahrain, the Emir of Ku- New York. The event is a lead- The Crown Prince thanked Naz- knew Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al as a multinational, intercultural The Kazakh President also at- wait, the Chancellor of Austria ing annual conference meant to arbayev for helping establish in- Nahyan for more than 25 years. and interfaith centre under its tended the opening of the Special and the Prime Minister of Malta. promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. It gath- ers nearly 5,000 delegates from UN member states, UN agencies and accredited nongovernmental organisations from around the Central Asian region seeks to be main transit world. On the sidelines of the event, Kazakhstan, , , Turkmenistan and joined efforts with connecting East-West, North-South routes the regional office of UN Wom- ternational projects, such as the Kazakhstan proposed all Cen- vestment cooperation of the coun- Central Asian countries demon- en for Europe and Central Asia By Aidana Yergaliyeva Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line. tral and South Asian countries, tries of Central Asia, we propose strate great cooperation potential to organise a discussion on so- Kazakhstan has established a including Afghanistan, India and to fully use the potential of the ex- in all areas based on the principles cial protection in Central Asia. NUR-SULTAN – Delegations number of logistics centres such Pakistan, create the Council for isting railway lines connecting our of good neighbourliness and mu- Kurmangaliyeva moderated the from across the region gathered as the Aktau, Bautino and Kuryk the Development of Transport and countries. For more efficient and tual interest, he added. event and briefed the gathering in Tashkent, Uzbekistan March seaports and Khorgos-Eastern Transit Corridors of Central and intensive cooperation, we should Kazakhstan’s trade turnover on her country’s efforts to bol- 15 for the first Central Asian Eco- Gate dry port. South Asia, an interstate adviso- use the optimal tariff policy in the with other regional countries in- ster social protections and ex- nomic Forum (CAEF). Govern- “Central Asia plays an impor- ry and coordinating body. It will organisation of railway transit traf- creased 18.4 percent to $4.3 bil- pand access to public services ment representatives discussed tant transit role in the direction serve as another measure to in- fic. I am sure that the simplifica- lion in 2018. More than half, or to achieve gender equality and prospects of mutually beneficial of North-South and East-West. crease the region’s economic and tion of administrative procedures $2.5 billion, was with Uzbekistan, empower women. logistics and trade. In the past 10 years, Kazakhstan transport potential, as it will con- in the implementation of transport a 25.3-percent increase compared The geolocation of the Central has invested about $30 billion nect Central Asia with all regions between countries would allow to the previous year. Nur-Sultan is bidding to host Asian states provides an excellent into transport infrastructure,” said of Europe, Russia and Persian obtaining a positive multiplicative Countries throughout the region the World Martial Arts Games opportunity to serve as the main Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Gulf and South Asia countries. effect for all our countries,” said plan to strengthen mutual trade in 2021 against three other cit- transit area to connect West and . “To improve the trade and in- Kassymbek. by expanding the range of trans- ies, said Kazakh Minister of East. The region has been building ported goods. The nations identi- Culture and Sports Arystanbek new railways, roads, airways and fied approximately 45 in-demand Mukhamediuly during the Ka- checkpoints. commodity items. zakh Martial Arts Association’s “We have greatly simplified “There are great opportunities recent congress in the capital. customs procedures. We continue for investment cooperation in the Kazakhstan set up the organisa- to open new checkpoints and to mining industry, in the field of wa- tion in 2018 to promote sports, develop aviation and automo- ter and agriculture, engineering, uniting 20 non-Olympic sports bile communications and railway energy, food industry, transport federations. The minister said communication between the coun- and communications,” said Kass- the association will give a “new tries of the region. [We have also] ymbek. impetus to the development of resumed mutual energy supplies,” The participants also considered sports in the country” and “be an said Uzbek Deputy Prime Minis- creating a business council that excellent platform to prepare na- ter Elyor Ganiev. would connect regional business tional teams for upcoming inter- Kazakhstan will soon com- communities and joint ventures, national tournaments and World plete numerous construction as well as regular industry-specific Martial Arts Games under the projects under Nurly Zhol state business forums. They also agreed International Convention for the programme, including the West- to work on interregional coopera- Sport Accord.” ern Europe-Western China in- tion, develop mutual tourism and ternational transit road corridor introduce Silk Road visa. All the Tatarstan hosted a days of Ka- which has already been com- actions should expand and deepen zakh culture event that convened missioned. In addition, exports trade and economic, as well as with the exhibition, “The Great should be fostered by other in- cultural and humanitarian ties. Steppe: History and Culture,” in the Manezh exhibition hall of the Kazan Kremlin. “With active support from the culture ministries of Kazakhstan and Tatarstan, we opened the Altyn Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft launches from Adam [Gold Man] Tour exhibi- tion in Kazan and Days of Ka- zakh cinema,” Consul General of Kazakhstan in Kazan Yerkin Tu- Baikonur Cosmodrome, connects with ISS kumov announced. The exhibi- Soyuz-FG launch vehicle acci- includes (Ro- tion, which displays 127 exhibits Staff Report dent. from the Kazakh National Muse- scosmos, Russia), Ann McClain During the expedition, the Soyuz um’s collection representing an- (The National Aeronautics and cient and medieval Kazakh art, NUR-SULTAN – The Soyuz- MS-12 crew will conduct approxi- Space Administration (NASA), FG launch vehicle sent the Soyuz mately 300 medical and biological will run through April 15. the United States) and David MS-12 manned spacecraft March experiments, and experiments on 15 at 12.14 a.m. local time from remote sensing of the Earth. In ad- Saint-Jacques (Canadian Stand- A Portuguese translation of the ards Association (CSA), Canada) book “Era of Independence,” has the Site no. 1, also known as the dition, there will be an ultrasound docked at the space station March been presented in Brasilia. The Gagarin’s Start, of the Baikonur study of almost all human internal book by Nursultan Nazarbayev Cosmodrome. The spacecraft organs, which is a unique experi- 3. They are the first commercial tells the history of Kazakhstan, connected with the International ment that will study the influence crew vehicle to visit the orbiting its development and its role in Space Station (ISS) six hours af- of flight factors on the human laboratory and the first to launch the international arena. It is the ter the launch and delivered 126.9 body. into orbit from the United States first Kazakh book to be trans- kilogrammes of cargo. The launch of Soyuz MS-12 was since NASA’s Atlan- Commander of the Soyuz MS- the first from the Baikonur Cosmo- lated into Portuguese. The event tis in 2011. 12 spacecraft Alexei Ovchinin drome this year. The next expedi- was organised by the Foundation Kononenko and Ovchinin are of the First President of Kazakh- flew into space for the second tion to the ISS is planned for this stan and the Kazakh Embassy time, while American astronauts summer. planning an exit to outer space in Brazil with the support of the and The ISS now has two crews of May 29. The NASA astronauts Ministry of Foreign Affairs of were on their first spaceflights. expedition 59/60. They will stay in October, Ovchinin and Hague astronauts on board. The Crew have three spacewalks scheduled Brazil. Together they are the crew of the in the orbit for 204 days. Earlier failed to reach the ISS due to the Dragon of the that for March 22, 29 and April 8. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

ECONOMY NEWS IN BRIEF Nurly Zhol finishes Government to introduce Kazakhstan’s government and its National Bank announced in a joint statement March 20 that they first phase, as unified declaration for “will carry out the instructions and announced initiatives of the First President,” referring to former President Nursultan Nazarbayev. second phase to be individual income and property State programmes and structural reforms under the umbrella of 78.1 percent of the population reducing the number of sheets from Strategic Development Plans to By Saltanat Boteu prefer to submit tax declarations 15 to two and introduced a number 2025 and 2050 will continue, and in electronic form or via a mobile of tax deductions for large families. the government will remain fo- presented in March NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh application, while the rest of the “First of all, it is a tax deduction cused on maintaining a stable, Next year, the plan is to add Finance Ministry State Revenue population prefer hard copies. Im- for large families. Any parents, a predictable fiscal policy geared By Assel Satubaldina 5,500 kilometres of toll roads in Committee is testing an electron- plementing electronic declaration mother or a father or both can use toward macroeconomic stability. an effort to bring the figure to ic submission system for unified submission, however, is challeng- the deduction (282 Monthly Cal- The government and the bank will NUR-SULTAN –The first phase 6,500 kilometres by 2022, with declaration of individuals’ income ing in rural areas. culation Index (1 MCI is 2,525 fulfil all budget commitments and of the 2015-2019 Nurly Zhol pro- estimated revenue of 40 billion and property to be introduced be- “There is a low financial literacy tenge (US$7)) or 712,000 tenge social initiatives and work to pre- gramme, designed to upgrade in- tenge (US$106.1 billion). ginning in 2020 to reduce shadow of the population in rural areas. (US$1,884) per year for both),” vent unjustified price increases, frastructure build-up throughout Toll road revenue in 2019 is economy and corruption. The com- Access to the Internet in remote said Yensebayev. especially for socially significant the country, will be completed estimated at 5.4 billion tenge mittee reduced the declaration’s settlements is absent and the da- Parents can receive a tax de- goods and services. The National this year. The plan for the second (US$14.3 million). An average of volume, corrected taxpayer infor- tabase of authorised bodies (on duction for medical services for Bank will continue to pursue a pre- phase will be presented in March. 3.2 billion tenge (US$8.49 mil- mation discrepancies in govern- property, land and vehicles) is not themselves and their children (118 dictable monetary policy aimed at The programme received 791 lion) is required to maintain the ment databases and implemented up-to-date, as well as the informa- MCI or 298,000 tenge (US$789)) maintaining low inflation. National billion tenge (US$2.1 billion) roads. tax deductions for large families. tion on assets of Kazakh citizens per year. The same amount will Bank analysts expect Kazakhstan’s in 2018, including 437.2 bil- The new housing and public The committee plans to gradual- outside the country,” said Yense- be given for the parents’ mortgage economy to grow at a minimum lion (US$1.16 billion) from the utility infrastructure reduced net- ly introduce the declaration during bayev, reported ortcom.kz. and children’s education. level of 3.8 percent with inflation national budget. The funding work ware and tare from 60 per- the next five years. He added these issues are com- The electronic form of the dec- in the range of 4 to 6 percent. was allocated to renovate roads cent to 57 percent, said Dalenov. “We are working on the issue mon for all regions of Kazakhstan. laration can be completed in test (337.5 billion tenge (US$895.7 Approximately 172.7 kilometres of the phased introduction of the Residents of three villages in mode on the electronic government Preliminary data for 2018 shows million)), water transport (0.4 of networks were built last year, declaration. At the first stage, civil Osakarovka District of the Kara- (Egov.kz) website. Everyone regis- that domestic tourism grew 5 per- billion tenge (US$1 million)) representing 59.4 percent of the servants, their spouses and per- ganda Region have already sub- tered on the website can fill out the cent, said Kazakh Tourism Com- 290.6 kilometres planned for and railroads (91 billion tenge sons equated to them will submit mitted the declaration in test mode. declaration in his or her personal pany Chair Rashid Kuzembayev. 2018 and 2019. account. The committee also cre- (US$241.5 million)). the declaration. The remaining The villagers submitted 2,153 dec- In the first three quarters of 2018, ated the contact centre on tax and Nurly Zhol ensured the em- categories of citizens will submit larations, of which 114 taxpayer outbound tourism grew 4 percent customs’ issues as part of the e-gov ployment of 86,000 people in Nurly Zhol ensured it at subsequent stages within five information forms differ from au- year on year to 8.2 million tourists, Unified National Contact Centre 2018, exceeding the initial target years,” said Vice Minister of Fi- thorised body data, he noted. entry tourism grew 16.6 percent (phone number 1414). All informa- of 55,000, said Minister of Na- the employment of nance Ruslan Yensebayev during In 2018, the committee corrected to 6.8 million people and internal tion on the declaration is available tional Economy Ruslan Dalenov. the March 6 press conference at the approximately 100,000 incorrect re- tourism grew 5.8 percent to 4.6 86,000 people in on the committee’s website kgd. Approximately 4,600 kilometres Central Communications Service. cords of five million in the databases, million tourists. Inbound tourism gov.kz. of roads were improved and 528 2018, exceeding According to the data presented, optimised the declaration form by increased 10.2 percent compared kilometres of new roads con- to 2017, and approximately 8.5 structed. the initial target of million people visited Kazakhstan “Nine hundred and twenty- 55,000. in the period. Arrivals increased eight kilometres of railways saw from the company’s target coun- a major overhaul. The agree- tries, among them the United Arab The programme is also designed ments were signed to purchase Support for entrepreneurial youth to Emirates (a 50 percent increase), to help finance projects involving 129 units of passenger trains and India (49 percent), Malaysia (44 micro financiing organisations. 43 of those have been delivered. percent), Hong Kong (22 percent) In 2018, the budget allotted 11.6 The runway in Kostanai is being and Poland (16 percent). Kazakh reconstructed and the upgrade billion tenge (US$30.8 million) enable new businesses, job creation Tourism will introduce a separate to fund such areas as irrigation of the runway in Semei city was longs to the younger generation, employed. Meanwhile, according sectoral state programme for the and drainage system upgrades, completed,” he noted referring to By Dilshat Zhussupova with 2.3 million living in cities to scientists’ forecasts, by 2050 development of tourism in the next work skills development and job the local airports. and 1.7 million in rural areas. The approximately half of the current three to four months. Nearly 2,400 kilometres of na- creation, facilitating product in- NUR-SULTAN – State support Kazakh youth population aged 16 professions will be replaced by novations and increasing the tional roads were reconstructed will enable entrepreneurial youth to 24 will increase 30 percent by artificial intelligence,” said Naz- The prices of an average Kazakh competitiveness of small and me- and 4,400 kilometres will be re- to start their own businesses and 2030 and will require more tar- arbayev at the Jan. 23 launch of the preschool institution’s services de- dium-sized businesses. built this year, employing more create new jobs, said Kazakh Min- geted state support in entering and Year of Youth in Kazakhstan. creased 0.5 percent to 810 tenge Civil aviation has also demon- than 100,000 road construction istry of Information and Social De- remaining in employment, educa- “Demand will remain for com- (US$2.10) per visit as of March. strated positive dynamics, said workers, said Minister of Indus- velopment’s Youth and Family Af- tion and training. plex professions, where artificial Almaty kindergartens for low- Sklyar. With Kazakhstan plan- try and Infrastructure Develop- fairs Committee Chairman Askhat Equipping youth with the intelligence cannot replace people. income and large families have ning to open direct flights to Chi- ment . Oralov on initiatives during the knowledge and skills to compete Scientists, top managers, culture been free since spring. The Almaty na, Japan and the United States, “The construction works will Year of Youth in Kazakhstan. in the global economy was a pol- experts, information technology akimat (city administration) runs the country’s transit traffic grew start from Karaganda to Almaty Six-hundred young entrepre- icy priority for Kazakh President experts and doctors are among the Bakytty Otbasy (“Happy Fam- by 45 percent in 2018 to 900,000 and from Aktobe to the border neurs will receive grants over three Nursultan Nazarbayev, as outlined them,” he explained. ily”) programme, which makes passengers. Next year, the figure with Russia. We expect to open years under the Business Roadmap in his Oct. 5 state-of-the-nation ad- In the year ahead, the coun- kindergarten free for 350 children. is forecast to reach 1.6 million. traffic on 654 kilometres of re- 2020 state programme. Every year dress “Growing welfare of Kazakh try’s youth policy will prioritise Currently, 710 children from large “In the first six months of this constructed roads. The works will within a three-year period, 10,000 citizens: increase in income and addressing its 3.9 percent youth families are enrolled in preschool year, as instructed by the head of be finished at Astana-Pavlodar young entrepreneurs will receive quality of life.” unemployment rate, along with education in the city, while an elec- state, we plan to launch the first (441 kilometres), Schutschinsk- grants and another 15,000 will re- “Today, there are about 300 fostering the young generation’s tronic queue indicates that there are national low cost airline Fly Ar- Zerenda (80 kilometres), Beineu- ceive microcredit under the Yen- million young people aged 18 to socialisation, all-rounded develop- 1,717 more children in the catego- Akzhigit (85 kilometres), Taskest- ystan and transport up to one mil- bek state programme. 30 years in the world who do not ment and participation in decision- ry. In the fourth quarter of last year, ken-Bahty (20 kilometres) and lion passengers in the first year “In accordance with the Zhas Ka- have a permanent job or are un- making processes. preschool education services and Zhetybai-Zhanaozen (73 kilome- with prices two-times cheaper sipker project and as part of the Year training totalled 82.7 billion tenge tres) segments,” he noted. than the ones at Air Astana,” he of Youth Road Map, a set of meas- (US$218.51 million), an increase He reiterated the asphalt paving added. ures on the development of youth of 14.2 percent in 2018. The na- shortage problem during the con- Social focus is central in the entrepreneurship throughout the tional budget covers 75.4 percent struction peak. programme, said Prime Minister country has been developed,” said of services that preschool educa- “To address this issue, we ask who assumed his Oralov on training youth. “Meas- tional organisations offer. considering the introduction of a new responsibility in late Febru- ures include teaching business skills, ban on exporting bitumen prod- ary. coaching, providing psychological The average monthly wage in ucts,” the minister added in ad- “The most important goal of support and assisting in the imple- Kazakhstan reached 176,100 tenge dressing the government. the programme is to improve the mentation of start-up projects.” (US$465.30) in the fourth quarter Kazakh roads are continuing to quality of life for people. Con- During a three-year period, of 2018, which is 7.5 percent more test the toll system nationwide. struction of new roads allows the initiative will train more than than in the same period in 2017. In January, the government in- decreasing transport expenses by 60,000 youth in the basics of entre- Wage growth overtook inflation, troduced the system on 471 kilo- at least 15 percent when trans- preneurship and another 180,000 and the purchasing power of the metres of the Almaty-Kapshagai, porting products. This eventually will be trained within a university population increased 2.2 percent in Almaty-Khorgos, and Astana- affects net cost and the ultimate or vocational education institution. 2018. The salary fund, the money Temirtau roads. price for a consumer,” he noted. One in five Kazakh citizens be- that enterprises transfer to banks for the payment of salaries, reached 1.88 trillion tenge (US$4.97 bil- lion) in the fourth quarter of last year, 8.5 percent more than in 2017. The deposit volume of legal enti- Finance ministry amends draft budget ties, which includes salary funds, increased 1.6 percent in January to 8.4 trillion tenge (US$22.19 bil- plan, increases funds to social welfare lion). lion tenge (US$1.17 billion) to stan (HSBK), develop regional in- domestic product (GDP) for 2019. Unrefined sunflower oil pro- By Aidana Yergaliyeva the Aleumettik Qamqorlyq (So- frastructure and fund the Auyl – El GDP per capita will be $9,409. Ka- duction increased 10.8 percent in cial Care) programme, which the Besigi (Village is the Birthplace of zakhstan’s GDP in 2018 was 58.8 January to 12,800 tonnes. Refined NUR-SULTAN – The Minis- President mentioned at the 18th a Nation) project, said First Dep- trillion tenge (US$155.29 billion). oil production, in contrast, fell by try of Finance proposed increas- party congress. The sec- uty Prime Minister – Minister of Analysts expect a higher in- 29.5 percent to 7,300 tonnes. Most ing the guaranteed transfer from ond will provide 24.6 billion tenge Finance Alikhan Smailov. crease in the service sector, as the of Kazakhstan’s sunflower oil pro- the National Fund to 2.7 trillion (US$64.97 million) to support The ministry has considered en- domestic demand increased and duction is done in the East Kazakh- tenge (US$7.13 billion) at a March Year of Youth activities. The final forcing the comprehensive devel- other external and internal factors stan region, which produced 82.4 12 governmental meeting. The direction will allocate 286 billion opment plans for the Turkestan re- remain at the same approved level. percent of the country’s total unre- change translates to an additional tenge (US$755.33 million) to fund gion and the capital, constructing a The oil price is budgeted at $55 per fined oil and 71.5 percent of the re- 250 billion tenge (US$660.26 mil- other projects that the President scientific and oncological centre in barrel, the tenge exchange rate is fined. This year, it produced 10,500 lion) to finance President Nursul- proposed in his 2017, and 2018 the city and building the Saryarka estimated at 370 tenge per dollar tonnes of unrefined oil, an 11.8 tan Nazarbayev’s new initiatives state-of-the-nation addresses. gas pipeline from the heart of the and annual inflation target corridor percent increase since last year, this year. Aleumettik Qamqorlyq will country to Astana and later further is 4-6 percent. and 5,200 tonnes of refined oil, a The 2019 national budget strengthen social support, raise on to Petropavlovsk, as well as The mining industry, however, 21.7 percent decrease. The region’s revenues, excluding transfers, wages for low-paid workers and measures related to ensuring the expects a lower growth rate this biggest oil producer, the Sei-Nar are estimated at 7 trillion tenge Alikhan Smailov disability benefits, build rental country’s security. year, said Minister of National Production Complex, sends over (US$18.49 billion), 200.4 billion housing for large low-income fam- Regarding the general macro- Economy Ruslan Dalenov, as oil 60 percent of its production to Chi- tenge (US$529.26 million) more budget were created to distribute ilies and introduce concessional economic picture, the Ministry of production will decrease 1.4 mil- na, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The than the pre-approved plan. funds in three directions. The first, lending through the House Con- National Economy has estimated lion tonnes or 1.5 percent com- company produces meal, cake and The last corrections in the draft social welfare, allocates 444.3 bil- struction Savings Bank of Kazakh- 3.8-percent growth in the real gross pared to 2018. other processed products as well. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Businesses in Kazakhstan must Country to export 2.2 million Kazakhstan begins switch to using cash registers with online-transmission functions by the end of 2019 as a result of tax tonnes of wheat in 2019 meat exports to Iran changes taking effect this year. As of 2019, Kazakhstan has changed among processing enterprises,” the The vice minister said that there the regulations for legal entities Staff Report minister highlighted. are requests from Iran. to pay taxes. Over the course of Vice Minister of Agriculture “Iran now has processing ca- the year, every three months, 633 NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan Gulmira Issayeva said that last pacities of 25 million tonnes. types of activity (online mode) will recorded a record high wheat har- year 11.7 million tonnes of grain This country produces 12-12.5 be transferred in stages to the man- vest in 2018 and exported 4.9 mil- crops were exported. million tonnes. Accordingly, datory use of cash registers: 323 lion tonnes of wheat. The country “Of these, wheat was 4.9 million their businesses have turned to types from April 1, 86 types from plans to export 2.2 million tonnes tonnes. The rest is the export of the Iranian government to allow July 1, and 224 types from October of wheat this year, opening new barley and other crops,” she said. them to import Kazakh and Rus- 1, according to Informburo. countries for export. This year, Kazakhstan plans to sian wheat. Iranians are interest- start exporting wheat to Georgia ed in processing our grain and Kazakhs make up to 100,000 “Iran now has and Iran and increasing exports to further re-exporting flour and payments through QR codes every China to 1 million tonnes. other products to the markets month, and the number is grow- processing capacities “The Central Asian region and of neighbouring countries. That Afghanistan are traditional mar- is, we are only required to pro- ing, credit card company Visa said inform.kz. Photo credit: in a recent statement. Because of of 25 million tonnes. kets. Now we also have China duce high-quality grain, supply this trend, Visa plans to expand This country produces becoming a traditional market. In them, and then the Iranian mill- during the process. Meat is pack- the range of QR-code operations January, we signed a memoran- ers will further process and sell By Yerbolat Uatkhanov aged in vacuum containers and is available in Kazakhstan. Also, 12-12.5 million dum on wheat supply with Iran some of the flour in the domes- sent to Iran in chilled form,” said according to their statement, the – Iran has been closed for us for tic market, but another part to be NUR-SULTAN – The Akmola Serik Rakhimbayev, founder of the share of cashless operations in tonnes. Accordingly, the last three years. We are also exported to third countries,” she Region meat supplier Agroprod- company. Kazakhstan continues to grow to their businesses working on Georgia. Earlier, we explained. uct recently concluded Kazakh- “The first batch of our products 35 percent per year on average. In were actively presented there, then “We have a stable 8-9 million stan’s first contract to export meat has already reached them. Every- Kazakhstan, the total monthly vol- have turned to the we reduced it to a minimum. Now tonnes per year – this is our poten- to Iran. The first batch of meat has one liked everything, including ume of transactions is now 600 bil- Iranian government to we want to restore volumes back. tial. And when we collect a record already arrived in Iran. taste. We will increase the volume, lion tenge for all payment systems. Thus, we are working to restore high harvest, and we had a very “The first batch of export meat because the partner’s need is up to allow them to import our positions where we were pre- good one last year – we collected from Kazakhstan to Iran came from 1,000 tonnes of beef per month,” Beeline Kazakhstan will start viously present and open new mar- 22.8 million tonnes, then we al- the Akmola region. It is worth not- he said. issuing virtual payment cards. Kazakh and Russian kets,” said Issayeva. low ourselves to send the excess ing that Iran is a Muslim country The Agroproduct meat-packing According to Profi.kz, the opera- wheat.” with very high meat requirements. plant is located in the village of tor has noted the growing inter- And this suggests that the prod- Sabyndy in the Korgalzhyn dis- est among Kazakh users in such ucts manufactured by Agroprod- trict and is one of the largest meat “Today, we have 10.5 million services. The number of users of uct meet the highest standards of processors in the region. The com- tonnes of grain, of which 3.7 mil- the MFS for the year increased by halal products,” Deputy Akim of pany is equipped with modern lion tonnes is kept at grain-receiving 92 percent and reached 1 million the Akmola Region Marat Igaliyev German equipment and uses in- enterprises, 462,000 tonnes at flour- people. Such explosive growth al- said, Kazinform reports. novative technologies to produce grinding enterprises and 6.3 million lows the company to hope MFS Having certified the production high-quality, competitive, export- tonnes at farms. We have 8.3 million users will double this year. The according to the Halal standard, oriented meat products. The com- tonnes of wheat, including 690,000 next goal for the operator is virtual Agroproduct signed a contract for pany also produces sausage prod- tonnes we need for food needs, 1.6 cards. Beeline has already submit- the delivery of 700 tonnes of meat ucts using the Bakara brand. million tonnes we need for seed in four months to Iran. The Kazakh ted the relevant application to Visa Bakara’s meat products are needs, 128,000 tonnes for industrial company has already received an and expects to become the first widely represented in Astana. The processing. And we plan to export advance payment and delivered 60 company in Kazakhstan to receive company entered the Russian mar- about 2.2 million tonnes,” Minister tonnes. a BIN from Visa to issue its own ket in 2014, concluding contracts of Agriculture Saparkhan Omarov “We are going to ship the second with Moscow supermarkets. It also virtual cards. Beeline also intends said at a recent governmental press consignment till the end of March. develops new markets for domes- to develop its own payment organ- conference. Starting from April sales will be tic agricultural producers. isation, Kazevromobayl, which al- inform.kz. Photo credit: According to his calculations, increased up to 200 tonnes each Rakhimbayev also said that the ready has a general director. the carry-over balance will be 2.9 According to her, Kazakhstan for export. Therefore, it turned month. Iran is a Muslim country. company is one of the five cur- million tonnes. has significantly increased exports out that last year we exported 11.7 For example, when there is a ha- rently undergoing certification By 2035, Kazakhstan’s air trans- “Therefore, it would be wrong to of grain and flour over the last year million tonnes of grain crops,” she lal slaughter of every cattle head, a procedures for the supply of meat portation market will double, ac- say that there is a shortage of grain to the Chinese market. said. mullah has to come and be present products to China. cording to dknews.kz. According to forecasts by international avia- tion industry experts, by 2035, the air transportation market of Ka- zakhstan will have doubled, which will require the involvement of Kazakhstan, France additional personnel and young professionals. In order to form a personnel reserve of domestic civil aviation specialists, the Civil Avia- strengthen cooperation tion Committee of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Infra- structural Development is working to stoke public interest in aviation in solar energy issues in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhtelecom held negotia- tions with minority shareholders on March 18, 2019, profit.kz re- ports. The minority sharehold- ers are demanding to repurchase shares due to their disagreement with the decision of the board of directors to conclude a major trans- action: acquiring 75 percent of shares of public-private company Kcell. According to Kazakhtele-

com CFO Askar Uzbekov, when Ambassade du Kazakhstan en France Facebook Page. Photo credit: repurchasing shares, the company L-R: Paul Keurinck and Nurlan Kapenov. plans to apply a ratio that reflects the ratio of net income for 2018 Staff Report designs, builds and operates photo- to net income of the company for voltaic power plants in Europe. The 2017 on a consolidated basis. At NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh-French memorandum will provide a new the same time, the number of mi- business cooperation in solar energy impetus to Kazakh-French business nority shareholders of Kazakhtele- is being strengthened as the parties relations in alternative energy, said com JSC that agree with the trans- work on French President Emma- Kazakh Association of Solar Power action on the acquisition of shares nuel Macron’s visit to Kazakhstan Head Nurlan Kapenov and Urbaso- of Kcell JSC exceeds 16,000. scheduled for the second half of lar SAS International Director Paul 2019, said Kazakh Ambassador to Keurinck. In 2019, Kazpost will launch de- France Jean Galiev at a March 8 Ka- Kazakhstan is gradually transi- posits for legal entities and accept zakh-French forum on digitisation tioning to a green economy and de- payments for goods from Amazon, and alternative energy in Cannes. veloping its renewable energy by Kazpost Chair Saken Sarsenov an- At the forum organised by the constructing wind and solar power nounced, according to LS. The com- Kazakh Embassy in France, the Ka- plants. It has 33 hydroelectric power pany’s priorities for 2019 include zakh Honorary Consulate in France, plants, 19 solar power plants, 12 wind the opening of a bonded warehouse Kazakh Invest and the Movement of power plants and one biogas plant. at Khorgos, the development of Enterprises of France, the Kazakh Electricity generated by renew- transit and e-commerce, and build- Association of Solar Power shared able energy sources represented 1.2 ing a franchise network. Currently, its experience in constructing and percent of the country’s total elec- according to Sarsenov, the company commissioning solar power plants, tricity production in 2018 and 1 per- cooperates with 57 online stores in including Burnoye Solar 2. The so- cent a year earlier. This share is set Kazakhstan. This year, the company lar power plant was recognised as to increase by the year’s end given plans to attract another 80 and in- the best solar deal in Central and recent developments in the solar en- crease the storage of goods for ship- Eastern Europe at the 2018 Europe, ergy sector. ment in Kazakhstan and abroad. Middle East and Africa Project Fi- Kazakhstan saw a 9-percent in- nance Awards. crease last year in its volume of Kazakhstan will inaugurate a At the forum’s conclusion, a solar power-generated electricity. portal for export-import operations memorandum of mutual coop- The 2018 volume was 107.1 billion March 27. “Participants in foreign eration was signed by the Kazakh kilowatt hour (kWh) compared to economic activity will be able to Association of Solar Power and 103.1 billion kWh in 2017. Notably, provide information about the ex- Urbasolar SAS. The association a solar power plant in Saran in the port-import operations in a stand- aims to create informed policy and Karaganda Region began operat- ardised form through a single pass investment-conducive conditions ing in January and is the largest in channel,” said a representative of for the development of solar energy Central Asia with a capacity of 100 the state revenue committee. in Kazakhstan, and the French firm megawatts. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 Nursultan Improving social welfare among Nazarbayev has top priorities for Kyzylorda Region Continued from Page A1 The consumer price index in Decem- for construction of a plant with a capac- ber 2018 compared to December 2017 ity of 24,000 tonnes of tomato paste per prepared the In this regard, the plan of action de- amounted to 105.6 percent, including year together with the Turkish company fined nine main priorities on social and food products (104.9 percent), non- Tat sowed four varieties of tomatoes economic development of the region: food products (106.6 percent) and paid by drip irrigation as an experiment on 1) youth policy; services (105.5 percent). 10 hectares of land in the Zhanakorgan country for next 2. maintaining macroeconomic sta- In terms of taxes and budget, the state area. As a result, 100 tonnes of toma- bility; budget received 135.8 billion tenge toes have been collected on 10 hectares 3. digitisation of economic sectors (US$355.6 million) in taxes and other of land and 60 tonnes of products have and implementation of projects in the obligatory payments or 102 percent been sold. stage of framework of project management; compared to the forecast; the republi- In general, the export of products by 4. ensuring a favourable business cli- can budget received 80.8 billion tenge the projects of the Industrialisation Map mate; (US$211.6 million) (102.0 percent of in real terms increased by 27.7 percent 5. tariff policy and stabilisation of informburo.kz. Photo credit: the forecast) and the local budget re- and the volume of products produced development prices of essential goods; Krymbek Kusherbayev ceived 55.0 billion tenge (US$144 mil- by industrial projects increased by 32 6. development of human capital henever a long-standing national there is a need to implement the Ba- lion) (101.9 percent of the forecast). percent. (education, health, sports, culture, eth- As a result of the work carried out leader announces they are to step sic Industrialisation of Certain Sectors How much foreign investments have nopolitics, public order and others); in 2018, the volume of investments in down, there are always shock waves, of the Manufacturing Industry and the been attracted to Kyzylorda region in 7. development of public-private fixed assets increased by 25.5 percent particularly if the announcement Mining Sector, Support for Export-Ori- 2017 and 2018? What are the most partnerships (PPPs) and attraction of and amounted to 325.5 billion tenge Wcomes as a surprise. But when the leader has ented Enterprises and Development of important projects in the construction, direct investments, including through manufacturing and agro-industrial (US$852.3 million). In particular, the guided a country’s extraordinary and successful the Fuel and Energy Sector projects. international financial organisations; fields? volume of investments in the manu- journey for three decades – as has been the case At the same time, industrial enter- 8. modernisation of transport, hous- Within the second five-year plan of facturing industry increased by 37.6 with Nursultan Nazarbayev and Kazakhstan – that prises of the region began to introduce ing and utility infrastructure (develop- the industrialisation programme, 25 percent (33.3 billion tenge (US$87.2 shock is multiplied many times. new production technologies within the ment of the left bank and others); and projects worth more than 512 billion million)) and the volume of external The momentous decision on March 19 has under- framework of the Digital Kazakhstan 9. territorial development (develop- tenge (US$1.3 billion) with the crea- investments for 12 months of 2018 standably generated a powerful mixture of feelings. programme. ment of settlements of the region and tion of 5,400 jobs will be implemented compared to the same period of 2017 There is, of course, tremendous gratitude from his Kazgermunai LLP introduced smart the city of Baikonur). in the region (seven have already been increased by 1.7 times (98.25 billion fellow Kazakhs for what the country has achieved field technology within the approved under his guidance. After all, his leadership, vision In order to implement the Oct. 15, implemented). tenge (US$257.3 million)). 2018 address with regards to the an- roadmap for the digitisation of the fuel and resolve, through both good and challenging In 2018, two production facilities nouncement of 2019 as the Year of and energy sector of the Ministry of En- times, have transformed their living standards and have been launched in the construction Could you tell us about the work and Youth, there are plans to organise: ergy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. opportunities. The term Father of the Nation is of- industry: projects in the field of public-private * implementation of a comprehensive The introduction of digital technol- ten given too easily but no one can doubt President * a lime plant with a capacity of partnership (PPP)? action plan for the Year of Youth; ogy will increase oil production by 1-2 Nazarbayev deserves such an accolade. 75,000 tonnes per year in the Zhanakor- Kyzylorda region is implementing * implementation of measures of the percent, increase the period of time be- As we have pointed out before, it is all too easy gan area, whose products are already in 118 PPP projects in all sectors of the Road Map for Socialisation and Em- tween repairs to 700 days, reduce oper- when discussing Kazakhstan today to forget the demand not only in the region but also economy while the volume of invest- ployment of Young People of the NEET ating costs to 10 percent and increase beyond; ments in construction is more than 37 immense difficulties the country faced on achiev- (Not in Education, Employment or the efficiency of management decisions * in the framework of nationwide tel- billion tenge (US$96.9 million). In par- ing independence. The disintegration of the Soviet Training) category, including graduates to 20 percent. econference, with participation of the ticular: Union had left an economy in ruins and public ser- of 2018; In the uranium mining sector, Bai- President, we launched the first regional * 42 projects in the health sector; vices in a state of collapse. Prospects for the new * employment of 153 graduates of ken-U LLP introduced a robotic com- enterprise for cement production ahead * 27 projects in the field of physical country seemed dire. Very few outside experts saw Kyzylorda in 2019, studying under the plex of finished product units which of schedule. culture and sports; any other future than decades of desperate struggle. grant of the government of the Russian will completely remove manual labour, The company employs local staff * 20 projects in the housing and utili- There are, of course, many challenges to over- Federation at the Moscow National automate the entire algorithm of load- who have been trained in existing facto- ties sector; come but no impartial observer could look at the University of Science and Technology ing transport packaging containers with ries in the People’s Republic of China. * eight projects in the field of educa- last 30 years and not agree that Kazakhstan as an (MISIS), St. Petersburg State Univer- products and improve the environmen- Currently, the company has produced tion; economy and society has seen incredible change sity of Industrial Technologies and De- tal potential of the area. more than 11,000 tonnes of clinker, the * six projects in the field of digitalisa- for the better. A failing command economy has sign and Russian State Agrarian Uni- The launch of these projects, in turn, main component for the production of tion; been turned into a thriving market economy, which versity named after Timiryazev; will contribute to the increase of la- cement. The plant’s products will be * six projects in the field of culture; is attractive to outside investors and partners. * national scientific and practical bour productivity in the manufactur- widely used in construction, oil and gas * five projects in the field of passen- We are now among the top 50 developed coun- conference dedicated to World Health ing industry and the emergence of new and nuclear industries. ger transport and roads; tries. Incomes have risen nine-fold. Our citizens Day, in order to form a culture of export-oriented products with the use We are continuing construction of the * two projects in the field of public enjoy some of the best education and healthcare in healthy lifestyle, discuss modern steps of new innovative technologies in the glass factory with the participation of order and the region. A very diverse society lives in harmony. to strengthen the health of adolescents industry of the region. the Chinese company China Triumph. * one project in the field of social se- In his TV address on March 19, President Naz- and young people and share best prac- In 2018, industrial enterprises of the The project has consumed 1.68 billion curity and environment. arbayev, as he usually does,went out of his way to tices; region produced products in the amount tenge (US$4.4 million) of investments To date, PPP agreements were signed stress that all these achievements belonged to the * refresher courses for employees of of 930.4 billion tenge (US$2.4 billion). in 2018. Now, the Chinese company has for 32 projects (the amount of state ob- Kazakh people. But our citizens know that it was the youth health centre on adolescent The volume index is 93.1 percent. committed to put the plant into opera- ligations is 10.5 billion tenge (US$27.5 his bold leadership, his ambition and determination health with the involvement of interna- The volume of construction works tion this year and today is engaged in million)). In particular: which gave their efforts focus. tional training specialists; amounted to 93.3 billion tenge the redesign of the installation scheme * 12 outpatient clinics; They also take pride in the fact that Kazakhstan * developing and training of 15 train- (US$244.3 million) or 122.1 percent for the tin melt bath and annealing fur- * nine health and fitness centres; has real standing and influence in the world. They ers under the programme on developing compared to the corresponding period nace. * outpatient clinic for 400 visits per know again how much Nursultan Nazarbayev’s parental skills with the involvement of of 2017. Approximately 699,600 square As the second stage of the project, the shift in Kyzylorda; personality and values have played in winning the national trainers; metres of housing, or 114.3 percent Chinese company intends to act as an * kindergarten in the rural area of the respect of his fellow world leaders and in champi- * conducting master classes for vol- compared to the corresponding period investor – the construction of a plant for Tan Zhalagash region; oning causes such as nuclear disarmament. These unteers of the youth health centre on of 2017, were put into operation. the production of ultra-thin and ultra- * inclusive kindergarten in Kent successes help explain why his resignation attract- health issues with the involvement of The volume of gross agricultural transparent glass. Pre-project activity Aiteke Bi, Kazaly region; ed such widespread international coverage. international training specialists and output amounted to 97.7 billion tenge has been completed. This project will * small-capacity house for special so- But along with gratitude, there is understandably * national rally of volunteers under (US$255.8 million), or 101.6 percent to be a breakthrough and unique. cial services; some concern about the future. It was these anxi- the motto Healthy Generation – Key the corresponding period of 2017. We exported 218 tonnes of ammoni- * modernisation of the boiler room in eties which President Nazarbayev went out of his to Healthy Nation! dedicated to the In- During 2018, the region produced um metavanadate from vanadium depos- school No. 101 in Kyzylorda (transition way to ease. ternational Day of Volunteers with the 36,300 tonnes of meat of cattle and its of Balassauyskandyk to the UK and to gas heating); First, he handed over the Presidency to someone involvement of non-governmental or- poultry in live weight, milk (cow) – Russia. The volume of exports compared * equipping schools in the Kyzylorda with huge experience. Senate Speaker Kassym- ganisations. 86,400 tonnes and eggs – 8.3 million to the same period of 2017 increased by region with computers; Jomart Tokayev has worked closely with President The main task of maintaining macro- pieces, or 103.4 percent, 101.9 percent 70 percent (2017 – 128.5 tonnes). * construction of two angiographic Nazarbayev since our very first days as an inde- economic stability is establishing and and 123.8 percent, respectively, com- In the lead-zinc field of Shalkiya we laboratories in the region Medical Cen- pendent country. He has served with distinction strengthening competitiveness through pared to 2017. have continued working on engineering tre and Kazaly Central Regional Hos- both domestically and internationally and can be the modernisation of the economy on In the transport area, from January- infrastructure (technical and drinking pital relied on to settle nerves and carry forward reforms the basis of diversification, PPP and December 2018, the volume of cargo water, external power supply, electrici- * connecting power lines to the in- until new presidential elections are held as planned. investment and innovation, which will transportation amounted to 104.5 mil- ty and intake of Zhanakorgan), resolved dustrial area in the Shieli region; Secondly, President Nazarbayev made clear that ultimately ensure the growth of the wel- lion tonnes and remained at the level financial issues of the project, - deter * two projects on the installation of he has no intention of disappearing completely off fare of the population of the region. of last year (100 percent). The volume mined the German company Dobersek gas service in social facilities of the the political stage. After 30 years at the helm of In order to develop digital technolo- of cargo turnover amounted to 14,228.7 as the developer of the mining and pro- Shieli region. our country, no one could begrudge him complete gies, improve the quality and availabil- million tonne-kilometres and increased cessing plant and laid the capsule of the * two transport projects including retirement. But he has said he will remain on hand, ity of public services, there is a need to: by 2.4 percent compared to the corre- mining and processing plant. There are regular repairs and maintenance of re- through his role as head of the Security Council * strengthen the work to increase the sponding period of 2017. plans to start construction of the plant gion roads 472.24 km long. and chairmanship of the ruling Nur Otan party, to share of services received in electronic Motor transport of the region carried in 2019. To date, we have a positive state ex- help guide Kazakhstan through this next transi- form to 45 percent; 397.4 million passengers or an increase To date, the market of soda ash is 100 pert review. A tender is being held to tional stage and beyond. * raise the level of digital literacy of of 8.2 percent compared to 2017. Pas- percent covered by imported products, determine a private partner to carry His pledge of continued involvement will re- the population to 80 percent; senger turnover during this period in- the annual volume of which is 400,000 out regular repairs and maintenance of assure not just his fellow countrymen and women, * introduce e-employment system in creased by 6.9 percent and reached tonnes. In this regard, we started work- highways. with whom he remains remarkably popular, but also education; 6,977 million passenger-kilometres. ing on the project of construction of the The second project is the construction the country’s many friends and allies. They know * ensure public safety through video In the social field, the unemployment Aral Soda LLP soda ash plant with a ca- of a new passenger terminal in Kyzy- the stability which is one of President Nazarbayev’s cameras with functions of recognition rate was 4.8 percent (for the third quar- pacity of 300,000 tonnes per year. lorda Airport with Kazakhstan Project greatest achievements will not be put at risk. of objects and automated means for re- ter of 2018). During the period 29,738 To implement the project, we en- Preparation Fund LLP. BI-Industrial is But as well as gratitude and inevitable anxiety, cording traffic violations; people were employed, including per- gaged the Chinese transnational com- the private partner. An agreement has there should also be some sense of excitement. * introduce a Single Duty Dispatcher manent jobs (19,342), paid public jobs pany Haixi Desheng Soda Ash. been signed with BI-Industrial to de- Kazakhstan is a young country, bursting with talent Service – 112 in parts of the region; at the expense of local budgets (6,613), This plant will be the only one in the velop a feasibility study, design and es- and potential. President Nazarbayev, who knows * introduce public services for free youth practice (2,701 people) and social country producing soda ash, which will timates for the project. our nation better than anyone, believes the time is transportation, issuance of tickets for jobs (1,082). cover 75 percent of the country’s needs All PPP projects planned to be im- now right to hand over to a younger generation of recreation in the camps, provision of In January-December 2018, 11,384 for these products. Seven hundred new plemented in the Kyzylorda region are leaders. free food and submission of documents new jobs were created, including jobs will be created after commission- cost-effective, as well as provide for the He is confident that, with the right guidance, they in the secondary education organisa- 10,925 permanent ones. The aver- ing. costs of maintaining facilities through have the ability to take our country onto the next tions on a proactive basis and age monthly salary per employee for In the field of agriculture, the con- the provision of paid services, which stage of development. We should share his confi- * introduce Smart Qyzylorda mobile January-September 2018 amounted to struction of a poultry farm with a ca- will significantly reduce the burden on dence about the future and accept his challenge to application to improve the quality of 129,570 tenge (US$339.27) or 107 per- pacity of 1,500 tonnes per year and a the budget. increase our collective efforts to live up to his and, life and well-being of residents. cent compared to the corresponding pe- plant for deep processing of fish have in fact, our common expectations. As part of the project management riod of 2017. continued. The initiator of the project The full version is available online.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 Microsoft Kazakhstan to assist AIX targets more Kazakhs to companies integrate AI technology participate in financial market is how much liquidity is, what the “Last year we had nine people; Staff Report By Aidana Yergaliyeva turnover of the stock is. In most now, we are 65 and mostly Ka- emerging markets, liquidity turno- zakhs. When I arrived in Kazakh- NUR-SULTAN – Microsoft NUR-SULTAN – Approxi- ver is 20-30 percent and Kazatom- stan, the big surprise for me was plans to advise and support Ka- mately 20,000-30,000 Kazakh in- prom already has 40-50 percent. the enthusiasm, education level zakh developers and IT start-ups vestors are active in the stock ex- This is even better than we origi- and competence of the personnel. in integrating advancements in ar- change. The Astana International nally expected. Of course, Kaz- We have a great team. Of course, tificial intelligence and cloud com- Exchange (AIX) plans to expand atomprom is at the very beginning, we also have foreigners. There puting into businesses, said Micro- the retail investor base in the next the starting point. There is a lot of are three of us who help develop soft Kazakhstan General Manager 12-18 months, said AIX CEO Tim- work, big tasks… Kazatomprom this business; together, we have Tibor Kolejak at a recent presenta- othy Bennett at a March 15 press was a fantastic example,” he said. more than 80 years of experience tion on the robotisation of business conference. In addition, the Ministry of Fi- throughout the world. There are processes. Retail investors provided 66 nance recently scheduled the IPOs also colleagues from the Shanghai Microsoft Kazakhstan directly percent of the exchange’s securi- of the country’s three largest com- Stock Exchange who help us to works with the local companies ties trade turnover for Kazatom- panies. Kazakhtelecom’s IPO will build a relationship with China,” and sees opportunities for devel- prom. Company shares began trad- be in May, Air Astana will do the he said. opment in this direction. The tech- ing Nov. 14. During the first four offering in October or November AIX shareholders include the nological development of all struc- months, securities trade turnover and KazMunayGas’s IPO will be AIFC, Goldman Sachs, the NAS- tures is an important stage, said the Microsoft Kazakhstan General Manager Tibor Kolejak. was $15.9 million. in the second quarter of 2020. DAQ stock exchange, Shanghai general manager. “We are working together with The dates might be postponed in Stock Exchange and Silk Road “World statistics say that in recent the Samruk Kazyna [Sovereign accordance with company inter- Foundation. years, companies that have imple- developing a strategy to use cloud “We are ready to share knowl- Wealth] Fund to ensure wide par- ests. The AIFC rose to 51 of 102 in mented digitisation and actively use computing and artificial intelli- edge with all Kazakh companies ticipation of retail investors so that “Before placing shares on the the March 2019 Global Financial it, as part of business development, gence technologies in Kazakhstan. that have an interest in these areas. they participate in the IPO [initial stock exchange, there is a need to Centres Index (GFCI), 37 places have been making profits of more “Its goal is to make these tech- We are going to work actively with public offering]. Of course, invest- take into account market condi- higher than the previous year. The than $300 billion worldwide. Oth- nologies and tools available to start-ups cooperating with Astana ing in stocks is not for everyone tions and interest in investments. centre also took first place in the er official statistics say that in the each software developer to more Hub, because this site has an impact in Kazakhstan, but we want to Markets and capital have been vol- Eastern Europe and Central Asia framework of business digitisation, effectively solve business prob- on the development of technologi- develop a retail investor base and atile for the last six months, so we ranking. in the global format, is $1.2 trillion. lems under the Digital Kazakhstan cal potential in the country,” he said. companies such as Kazatomprom, are working to make these IPOs GFCI compiles its rating rely- This means that all this money can Programme,” said Kolejak. The Astana Hub is an interna- Kazakhtelecom and Air Astana are happen this year,” said Bennett. ing on more than 29,000 assess- be received by companies that dig- In addition to its Windows and tional technopark of start-ups that a good opportunity for such inves- AIX was formed in 2017 as part ments of financial centres from itise and develop their business in a Office, Microsoft is a major tech- provides multilevel support to en- tors to participate in the stock mar- of the Astana International Financial an online questionnaire and takes new way,” he added. nology player in the AI market, trepreneurs, including interaction ket,” said Bennett. Centre (AIFC). The then Kazakh into account more than 130 mac- The Kazakh branch of the multi- Data Science and productivity de- with local businesses and govern- AIX began trading shares of President Nursultan Nazarbayev roeconomic indicators of organi- national technological company is velopment. ment. Kazatomprom and its conditional launched the initial trading session sations such as the Organisation trading of global depository re- the day Kazatomprom placed its for Economic Co-operation and ceipts on Nov. 14. first shares. Although the AIX is Development (OECD) and the S&P affirms Kazakhstan’s “What is important for investors new, it has a highly qualified team. World Bank. credit rating at BBB- Air Astana’s low-cost airline recruits conversion of currency (transfer lising factors appear, for example, By Laura Tussupbekova and convertibility assessment) a sharp increase in dollarisation of from BBB- to BBB because of the household deposits. final employees ahead of launch NUR-SULTAN – The interna- openness of the foreign exchange According to the agency, ratings include four Airbus A320s, with passenger service agents, whose tional rating agency S&P Global policy,” the agency reports. in Kazakhstan are still built on a By Yerbolat Uatkhanov plans to grow to 15 aircraft by duties extend beyond those at Ratings recently confirmed the The stable outlook reflects the strong state balance, formed on 2022. All aircraft will be config- non-low-cost airlines. The role of long-term and short-term sover- S&P’s expectation that over the next past budget surpluses accumulated NUR-SULTAN – Air Astana has ured with 180 economy seats. a passenger service agent at the in the National Fund of the country hired 90 staff members for its new The new company held flight airline extends to call, airport and in an era of high commodity prices. low-cost airline FlyArystan and is attendant recruitment days in De- ground services, as well as deal- Liquid external assets of Kazakh- seeking 60 more employees prior cember and January, with 30 can- ing with passengers using social stan, exceeding external debt until to its scheduled launch in the first didates having been hired and sent media and providing support via 2021, maintain ratings as well. half of this year. for training at the Condor Interna- email. Ministry of National Economy Kazakhstan’s national airline tional School in Frankfurt, Ger- All new FlyArystan employ- has commented the S&P’s rat- announced in November plans for many. ees will be trained at Air Astana’s ing confirmation: “In 2019-2022, its low-cost subsidiary, which will FlyArystan is also recruiting analysts expect an increase in eco- Training Academy. nomic activity at an average of 3 Air Astana originally launched percent, which will be due to gov- the Try on a Dream recruitment ernment programmes and growth campaign for pilots, engineers and in the extractive industries. Also, flight attendants in 2017. Every according to S&P analysts, thanks year, the company recruits can- to the new tax code, government didates for the Ab-Initio training Photo credit: trtworld.com. Photo credit: revenues will progressively in- programme for pilots and engi- eign credit ratings in foreign and two years, the sovereign and external crease. The tax code will reduce neers. The airline also regularly national currency of Kazakhstan balance of accounts will remain vi- imbalances, will increase revenues holds open days, presentations at at the level of BBB-/A-3. The able. The agency also may raise rat- through rationalisation of excep- universities and arranges excur- agency expects that the country’s ings if recent political reforms help tions and preferences, increasing sions for schoolchildren on flight sovereign and external balance to strengthen Kazakhstan’s institutions. the tax base and contributing to remain viable. On the contrary, a sharp drop in fiscal consolidation.” simulators to generate interest in According to the agency, the out- oil prices or a reduction in produc- Also, the ministry has said it an aviation industry career. Indi- look is stable. S&P also confirmed tion can put ratings under pres- believes the de-dollarisation of viduals that are interested in work- the kzAAA national scale rating. sure if it leads to a deterioration the economy will be continue as ing for Air Astana or FlyArystan “We revised our risk assess- in external economic indicators. a result of tenge stabilisation and in any capacity can apply at job. ment of restricting the transfer and S&P can lower ratings if destabi- measures taken by National Bank. airastana.com.

pects of its investment attractive- ness. “The first question that people Kazakhstan, Egypt trade $84 million in 2018, ask not knowing Kazakhstan very well is that you probably do not have a big market. Our strategic location, being right in the middle emphasise huge untapped potential of the largest global markets, plays Kazakhstan in February 2016 was projects, especially in our priority a great role in terms of investment By Assel Satubaldina among the factors “bringing new areas, such as metallurgy, oil and attractiveness,” he said. impetus to the development of bi- gas processing, machine building With developing infrastructure NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan lateral cooperation.” and chemistry,” he added. and being blessed with natural and Egypt, celebrating 27 years Improving the investment cli- Ashikbayev noted Kazakhstan resources, the country welcomes of diplomatic relations, recorded mate remains a priority for Ka- has eased a variety of regulations. assistance from strategic partners $83.9 million in trade turnover in zakhstan. “We have simplified the licens- in developing and monetising “tre- 2018, a 29-percent increase com- “We have liberalised legislation ing and contracting for subsoil us- mendous opportunities.” pared to the previous year. The and foreign entrepreneurship. In ers. We have 22 industrial zones “In mining alone, McKinsey esti- countries noted huge untapped the World Bank Doing Business and for companies working in mates that if we do our exploration potential during the Kazakh-Egyp- rating, Kazakhstan now stands those zones we have tax breaks efforts right, in the next 10 years we tian business forum hosted March 28th out of 190 countries. We and other types of preferences. We would have an additional 15 large in- 5 in the capital and involving busi- are an associated member of the look forward to Egyptian investors ternational companies in Kazakhstan ness and government representa- Committee on Investments of the and companies finding their coun- of the multi-billion dollar Eurasian tives. Organisation for Economic Co-op- terparts here and investing directly Resources Group scale. We have a Egyptian Deputy Minister of eration and Development (OECD) to Kazakhstan,” he said. tremendous resource base, but we Trade and Industry Ahmed Taha Bo- and we have also joined the decla- Egypt seeks to use Kazakhstan’s need help in developing it. We need ray headed his country’s trade mis- ics, Solyphar and representatives In 2018, exports reached $16.6 ration on international investments potential as a hub for Egypt and a strong manufacturing sector, strong sion to explore potential trade, in- of the Suez Canal Economic Zone. million, primarily oil, oil and met- [of the OECD],” he said. Egyptian companies in the region, agricultural sector, transport and lo- dustry and investment cooperation. “The current state of affairs, of al products and flax seed; imports “We have set up national com- said Boray, while Kazakhstan can gistics and energy sector,” he added. Egyptian companies attending course, does not reflect the huge reached $67.2 million, including panies such as Kazakh Invest and access Africa, “the main strategic The company currently monitors the forum included Afri Medical, potential that we have,” said Ka- chemical products, aroma sub- Kazakh Export. The Foreign In- market not only for Egypt, but for 157 projects worth $39 billion. AGA, Assal Furniture, Bank Misr, zakh Deputy Minister of Foreign stances, pharmaceuticals, clothing vestment Council has the primary the majority of the world.” “We have good projects and we Building Material Export Coun- Affairs Yerzhan Ashikbayev em- and light and food industry prod- task to solve any issue that foreign Kazakh Invest Deputy Chair are looking for a strategic invest- cil, Daltex, French Home, Happy phasising the importance of the fo- ucts. investors may face here in Kazakh- Marat Birimzhan briefed the gath- ment partner who will bring in Sweet for Food Industries, Jana rum in bolstering bilateral business In his remarks, Ashikbayev not- stan. We developed an advanced ering on investment opportunities expertise, technology, risk sharing Agriculture, Orion, Royal Ceram- contacts. ed the Egyptian President’s visit to system of support for investment in the country, focusing on key as- and funding,” said Birimzhan. A8 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 Company produces Start-up makes staying online neckties handmade abroad cheap and easy in Kazakhstan By Nazira Kozhanova NUR-SULTAN – A Kazakh start-up has launched Nommi, an innovative product combining an LTE hotspot, virtual SIM technol- ogy and dual Wi-Fi, using a crowd- funding campaign that exceeded its target fund by 367 percent. The company is seeking to sell the de- vices through online retailers. The idea was born in 2015 when Kazakhs Kairat Akhmetov and Alyona Tkachenko determined that staying online abroad is im- portant, but often very expensive and inconvenient. Nommi was their solution. “Thinking of nomad people in history, we named this router Photo credit: entrepreneur.sabi.kz. Photo credit: Nommi – from nomad and mi-fi Nursultan Muminov (mobile access point). Nowadays, many of us are digital nomads for By Saltanat Boteu “The first sales were mostly to relatives, friends and acquaintanc- whom communication has become NUR-SULTAN – Intelligent es. A maximum 30-40 ties of sev- an integral part of life. It’s impor- Neckties, founded by Kazakh eral models (designs) were sewn at tant for all of us to check our mail- businessman Nursultan Muminov, that time and only for certain holi- boxes, get an Uber from an airport in another city or just share our produces cravats made of wool, days and dates,” he noted. old.forbes.kz. Photo credit: travel experiences with our friends flax and cotton that are approxi- Muminov paralleled his busi- Nommi team members. mately three times cheaper than ness with his work. In December via WhatsApp,” Tkachenko told imported products. The brand pro- 2017, he applied to the Sabi Fund’s Kursiv.kz. duces more than 13 models. Build your Business programme Nommi’s innovation is combin- credit card and provides you with its goal by a landslide ($144,873 busy with shipping our devices “Our competitors are global and received a $10,000 grant to ing existing technology in an el- local network access,” he added. instead of $25,000) in January to our first clients who are to re- brands, but our trick is in our po- develop his concept. egant device. Akhmetov and Tkachenko also 2018. Project backers were geo- ceive them in April… So, we are sition. We are a brand made in “With these funds, in April I “We focus on simplicity of In- included VPN and Wi-Fi capa- graphically diverse, with the ma- waiting for their first impressions, Kazakhstan. We have our own went to Italy, found a factory for ternet access. Even though Wi-Fi bilities to make Nommi useful not jority being from the U.S. and the if there are any bugs to fix. Apart buyers who support production in the production of fabric for neck- technology has existed for 15-20 only while traveling, but also at rest (in descending order) from from that, at the same time we are Kazakhstan. We are competitive ties and bought it. Before that, I years, you still have to manually home. Singapore, Kazakhstan, Germany, working on producing our second in price as well. In quality, our ties used Korean fabric in Almaty and choose the network to join and “The device can connect to any Australia, Canada, Great Britain, shipment of devices that will be are not inferior to foreign ones, but Astana. I also did a rebranding, ask your waiter for the Wi-Fi pass- available network worldwide. An Hong Kong, Switzerland and Ma- available for purchase by regular are two to three times cheaper,” he created gift wrapping and made word… We combine telecom level expansive password database is laysia. clients. We are primarily targeting said in an interview with forbes.kz. agreements with stores in Astana, solutions with hardware and soft- included with a purchase and the The start-up is currently focused the market of the USA with this Muminov devised the idea in Almaty and Karaganda,” he said. ware level solutions,” Akhmetov users can add passwords to it any on shipping devices pre-purchased shipment; first of all Amazon and 2016 after working in the corpo- Intelligent’s ties sell for 12,000 told Sputnik Kazakhstan. time,” Akhmetov told Hipo.kz. by backers, as well as producing perhaps some of our devices will rate world that required a business tenge (US$32)-15,000 tenge Nommi solves the problem of Nommi was initially funded via devices for the second shipment. also be available in Kazakhstan.” dress code. After finding it difficult (US$40). Customers can buy them expensive and inconvenient Inter- IndieGoGo, where it surpassed “First of all, right now we are The company then plans to con- to find affordable and high-quality in stores in the three cities and or- net abroad by using eSIM technol- tinue working with the American wool and cotton ties, he became der them through the brand’s Insta- ogy, which eliminates the need to market. interested in producing them lo- gram page (Intelligent_kz). “Thinking of nomad people in history, we purchase a physical SIM card and “Our priority is working with the cally. “Many people mistakenly be- named this router Nommi – from nomad USA market – most importantly “The fact is that I do not wear lieve that we have a workshop instead just join the local network. silk ties. Brand-name ties made of and a warehouse of fabrics and “SIM cards are essentially just and mi-fi (mobile access point). Nowadays, Amazon. But also, our priorities wool or cashmere, for example, accept orders. This is a finished a login and password for a mobile are working with Newegg and cost from 40,000 tenge (US$105). product of brand-name ties. We network… What you do with a many of us are digital nomads for whom other online retailers. Another pri- It is expensive, so my wife brought want people to buy ties for them- virtual SIM card [is] you fill in the communication has become an integral part ority is Southeast Asian countries, me ties from Europe, where she selves and foreign guests. Often, data once, attach your credit card first of all from the e-commerce was studying at that time,” he said. there is a problem with a gift such number and when you arrive in a of life. It’s important for all of us to check point of view, to develop partner Muminov analysed the market, as [considering] a gift for men or new country, the device realises our mailboxes, get an Uber from an airport in relationships with airports and air- purchased fabric and hired a tailor guests who came to Kazakhstan. it’s in England, for example, and lines. Also, we are interested and using a 300,000 tenge (US$791) We try to solve it by manufac- asks if you are willing to get, say, another city or just share our travel experiences considering partnerships with tel- personal investment. Initially, pro- turing a finished product,” said 500 megabytes for a $4 tariff. If ecom companies,” the two devel- duction was small and seasonal. Muminov. you agree with that, it charges your with our friends via WhatsApp.” opers say. ADB to loan Baikonur Solar $11.5 million to build solar power plant in Kyzylorda Region energy efficiency projects, such as finance, and health sectors,” he By Assel Satubaldina the Baikonur solar plant, is part of said. the organisation’s efforts to sup- Capannelli said the bank has NUR-SULTAN – The Asian port Kazakhstan and among three approved more than $5 billion in Development Bank (ADB) re- key pillars envisioned in its 2017- sovereign loans, non-sovereign cently signed a $11.5 million loan 2021 Country Partnership Strategy loans and guarantees in support of agreement with Baikonur Solar to with Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan’s economic and social provide the loan in tenge to build The pillars also include help for development. a 50 MW solar power plant in the Kazakhstan to decrease its depend- “Our sovereign portfolio in- Kyzylorda Region in southern Ka- ency on commodity exports, assist cludes three projects for a total zakhstan. in economic diversification and re- amount of $825 million, two in the Baikonur Solar, owned by United duce inequalities through the sup- road transport sector – for the re- Green Energy and Baiterek Ven- port of infrastructure development construction of the Aktobe-Makat ture Fund, a subsidiary of Baiterek and improving the quality of pub- road and one for the Zhetybay- Holding, is a 50-megawatt solar lic services. Zhanaozen project – and one fi- power plant in southern Kazakh- ADB has supported Kazakhstan nancial intermediation loan aimed stan spanning 150 hectares of land. since 1994, three years after the at supporting micro, small and It will be the first project in solar country gained independence, and medium-sized enterprises. Our energy development for the ADB opened a regional office in 1998. It investments in the private sector not only in Kazakhstan, but in was the first office in Central Asia. include deals in energy, renewable Central Asia in the organisation’s This year, the partnership marks energy and agribusiness,” he ex- effort to help Kazakhstan achieve 25 years. plained. its key targets in renewable ener- “ADB has a strong objective to The organisation’s assistance to gy. Those goals include increasing support clean energy and climate Kazakhstan also includes provid- renewable energy’s share of the “Today, almost 80 percent of million in U.S. dollar and euro The new plant is expected to finance: it targets 75 percent of ing expertise to local organisa- country’s energy mix to 30 percent Kazakhstan’s electricity is gener- equivalents from the Clean Tech- help cut annual carbon emissions the number of its committed op- tions. by 2030 and 50 percent by 2050. ated from coal-fired power plants, nology Fund. in Kazakhstan by 75,000 tonnes. erations to support climate change “The ADB fosters knowledge Renewable energy currently which are mostly outdated and ob- “The project comprises the de- “The solar project will help adaptation and mitigation by 2030. collaboration with the government supplies just above 1 percent of solete. The ADB is committed to sign, construction, commission- Kazakhstan fulfil its nationally We expect climate finance from and local think-tanks under the energy needs in Kazakhstan. finance renewable energy projects, ing, operation, and maintenance of determined contribution to the ADB’s own resources to reach $80 Knowledge and Experience Ex- “The ADB has been financ- including solar plants, wind farms the solar power plant, along with Paris Agreement of a 15 percent billion cumulatively from 2019 to change Programme, promotes re- ing several solar energy projects and other renewables,” he added. the necessary infrastructure for decrease in carbon emissions be- 2030,” he said. gional cooperation and integration across Asia, but the loan agree- The project is co-financed by grid integration,” said Capannelli. low 1990 levels by 2030. ADB’s Capannelli noted the importance through the CAREC (Central Asia ment for the Baikonur Solar Power the ADB, European Bank for Re- “This is our first co-financed assistance further helps private of Kazakhstan for the organisa- Regional Economic Cooperation Project marks the first time for us construction and Development project with the EBRD in Ka- sector engagement in the energy tion’s activities in Central Asia. Programme) and is also working to finance a solar project in Cen- (EBRD) and the Clean Technol- zakhstan’s renewable energy sec- sector, while the construction and “Kazakhstan is indeed a very closely with the in tral Asia. An interesting feature is ogy Fund. tor. As peer institutions with close operation of the solar plant is ex- important client for the ADB in providing support to Kazakhstan that we provide long-term tenge The financial package includes alignment in development goals pected to generate employment for climate finance in Central Asia. in achieving the Sustainable De- financing,” ADB Country Director two senior secured loans of up to and working relationships, we are the local population,” said Capan- We are also heavily involved with velopment Goals,” he said. for Kazakhstan Giovanni Capan- $30 million in tenge equivalent extremely happy working with nelli. operations in the transport, water, The ADB is also considering a nelli told The Astana Times. from the EBRD and up to $10.4 EBRD,” he said. Financing renewable energy and agriculture, urban infrastructure, project to build a wind farm. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS One of 100 New Faces found Dimash wins audience vote at Kazakhstan ranks fourth in UEFA vocation in giving life World’s Best, voluntarily leaves Euro 2020 qualifying Group I after B2 competition B3 first round B7 Photo exhibition featuring Kazakh, Young people should Polish peacekeepers from opens move with times, says Tatar community leader University named after Yevnei By Saltanat Boteu Buketov to specialise in psychol- ogy. Currently, she is a theology NUR-SULTAN – Assembly student at Russian Islamic Uni- of People of Kazakhstan (APK) versity. Mother’s Council and Duslyk Ta- “It was a difficult decision, be- tar Educational Cultural Centre cause I was a clerk and I doubted head Yannat Nizamutdinova is a whether I could work in another person who seeks constant devel- area. After all, my age is also not opment. She thinks young people small. I analysed, looked at active should move with the times while and successful women who are at the same time remembering retired and… stopped at the fact their culture and traditions. that I am a woman and women’s After her eighth grade, Niza- issues are close to me. Gather- mutdinova left her Tatar village in ing like-minded people, unani- Bashkortostan to study in Tselino- mously we decided to create a grad, later Astana. women’s organisation, the Centre “It was not easy for me to do for Friendship of Women of the [that] in those times. First, I spoke World, where I was elected the only the Tatar language; I un- chairperson. Later, [I was also derstood Russian but could not elected] the head of the Duslyk communicate freely. Secondly, Tatar Educational Cultural Cen- there was nostalgia and I greatly tre,” she said. missed my home. By then, the lo- Nizamutdinova founded the cals spoke mostly in Russian. If I Duslyk Centre in 2014. heard Kazakh spoken, I was very “Opening the centre, I was happy, (because) approximately faced with the question why. 90 percent of words coincided There was already the Tan Ta- with Tatar. I felt among kindred tar-Bashkir Centre in the capi- spirits,” she said in an interview tal, which has been leading its with assembly.kz. history since 1994 and in which She studied economy and after I have worked for many years. graduation, worked at large insti- By the way, I am still the vice tutions such as Kazakhstan Temir chairperson. However, there Zholy, the Kazakh Parliament and were interesting projects that Photo credit: nationalmuseum.kz. Photo credit: General Prosecutor’s Office. required special attention, a der the Polish command neutral- Centre-South multinational divi- Three photos that he photographed Thinking about her post-career separate study, and the new or- By Aidana Yergaliyeva ised more than four million pieces sion under the command of the himself open the exhibition. activities, Nizamutdinova decid- ganisation took care of them,” of explosive ordinance, cleaned Polish military contingent in Iraq. “We bow our heads before the ed to change the direction of her she noted. NUR-SULTAN – The photo ex- 6,718 cubic metres of water and It sent 290 Kazakh military per- feat of a 29-year-old captain Kairat life by entering Karaganda State Continued on Page B2 hibition “Under the common sky trained 572 cadets of the Iraqi sonnel with 10 rotations. Kudabayev, who was killed while of Iraq: Kazakh and Polish peace- Military Academy. Kazakh mili- The photo exhibition was organ- performing a mis- keepers” opened March 13 at the tary doctors made a commitment ised by the Captain Kairat Kuda- sion. We admire the feat of the vet- Kazakh National Museum. The as well by providing medical as- bayev Public Fund and Attaché for erans of the peacekeeping mission, exhibit will run through March 24 sistance to women and children af- the Defence of Poland in Kazakh- highly appreciate the enormous and includes more than 50 pho- fected by the hostilities. stan Piotr Wójtowicz and support- contribution to the patriotic edu- Khabar TV presents tographs that illustrate the life of “The photos have become silent ed by the Ministry of Defence and cation of the younger generation,” Kazakh and Polish peacekeepers witnesses of military events and the National Museum. said Satubaldin. during the seven-year Iraq war. convey the unique atmosphere of Kudabayev died Jan. 9 in 2005 The project has international The war ended Dec. 15 in 2011, the era in which they were taken. during a mission in Wasit Gov- importance and is helping to build documentary about and took the lives of more than The silent witnesses make a per- ernorate. He sacrificed his life to Kazakh-Polish relations, said Am- 10,000 Iraqis in military opera- son think about [the fact] that war save dozens of his colleagues, cov- bassador of Kazakhstan in Poland tions, forced 3.6 million Iraqis to is death, devastation and hunger,” ering an exploding wizbang with Margulan Baimukhan. emerging boxing stars search for asylums abroad and de- said National Museum Deputy Di- his body. The captain was posthu- The photo exhibition of peace- stroyed many cultural monuments. rector Abai Satubaldin. mously awarded with the Order of keepers in Iraq will be transferred The film follows 2013 world During the mission in Iraq, Ka- KAZBAT’s engineering bat- Aibyn of First Degree, the highest to the Museum of the Polish Army By Zhanna Shayakhmetova amateur boxing champion zakharmy engineers working un- talion detachment was part of the Kazakh military order of valour. in Warsaw May 25. Zhanibek Alimkhanuly and his NUR-SULTAN – Khabar TV manager Berik Sultan as they ar- previewed “Qazaq boks stıli” (Ka- rive in Los Angeles to begin the zakh boxing style), a documenta- former’s professional career. He ry directed by Kanat Beisekeyev, signed a contract with Las Vegas- March 13 in the capital, reported based Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, the channel’s press service. The who represents the best pay for Almaty activists to establish new film detailing the life of Kazakh performance (P4P) boxers in vari- boxers in the U.S. will be released ous weight categories including March 16. American Terence Crawford (33- “Khabar TV has supported 0, 24 KO) and Ukrainian Vasyl women’s aid, advocacy organisation sports events for many years, and Lomachenko (11-1, 9 KOs). all women’s organisations and the chair of Kazakh Instrakh and families and low-income families, we are trying to show broadcasts The film also features Madiyar By Zhanna Shayakhmetova unite our common efforts. We in- executive director of the Kazen- single parents and victims of do- of boxing matches with Kazakh Ashkeyev, Meirim Nursultanov, vite all Kazakh nongovernmental ergy association. mestic violence. boxers Daniyar Yeleussinov, Sagadat Rakhmankul and Askhat NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan organisations to join us. Women’s “I know that dialogue is essen- Financial and legal illiteracy Firuza Sharipova and Batyrzhan Ualikhanov as they live and train, will soon have a new women’s voices should be strong and confi- tial. We created a commission on among mothers of large families Jukembayev. This year, Khabar and tells the overall story of pro- assembly, Aruana, the leaders of dent,” said Ihlas Jurek Fund Chair social issues, and all the previous- and single mothers is one particu- and director Kanat Beisekeev fessional boxing, said Beisekeyev. nongovernmental organisations in Togzhan Kozhaliyeva. ly divided unions began to discuss lar urgent problem. made a documentary about young “I always wanted to make a film the country announced March 19. Kozhaliyeva previously worked urgent issues. Taking into account “It is important to know how boxers who are now becoming about boxers as I followed their The domestic violence crisis and with employee unions in the oil my experience in working with un- state programmes are implement- popular in the country. Talented careers. Later, I learned about information centre Ihlas Jurek and and gas sector and developed so- ions, we had the idea to create this ed and how families spend social athletes build their successful signing a contract with Top Rank. the Children of Kazakhstan charity cial policy. She has served as dep- association,” she said. benefits. Sociological research will careers not only in Kazakhstan, I thought about making a big story foundation have united to help ad- uty chair of the Liberal Movement Ilhas Jurek and Children of Ka- reveal this information and we can but also abroad,” said Khabar TV about it. It was important for me,” dress the major problems women of Kazakhstan, executive secretary zakhstan have applied for their new take further steps in this direction,” programme director Aikumis Sek- he said. and children face in society. of the For the Future of Kazakh- entity to be legally recognised. The said Kozhaliyeva. senbayeva. Continued on Page B7 “Our main mission is to gather stan youth movement, advisor to members of NGOs now help large Continued on Page B5

THINGS TO WATCH & PLACES TO GO FemAgora festival encourages Almaty ASTANA OPERA March 27 at 7 p.m. Manon, ballet community to explore gender equality March 30, 31 at 6 p.m. Eugene Onegin, opera success stories and raising acute The festival, in its second year, not want to limit the number of au- April 4, 5 at 7 p.m. Notre-Dame de Paris, ballet By Assel Satubaldina and sensitive issues. slightly changed its structure, said thors. We want to engage as many April 6, 7 at 6 p.m. Masterpieces of Musical Art, The programme featured panel organiser and gender advisor and people and organisations as pos- NUR-SULTAN – As the world discussions, roundtables, film educator Leila Zuleikha Makhmu- sible,” she told The Astana Times. concert celebrated March 8 International screenings and exhibitions engag- dova. “We position this festival as Women’s Day, the Almaty com- ing experts and researchers from “We organised the event with Central Asian. There were speak- ASTANA BALLET munity had a chance to explore Kazakhstan and beyond. Moldiyar Yergebekov [Associate ers from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and promote gender equality Each day explored different top- Professor at Suleiman Demirel and Uzbekistan and we also in- March 27 at 2 p.m. Backstage Secrets, tour through the prism of art, media, ics, including the way women are University, PhD in art history] for vited speakers for our science sec- health, science, cinema, econom- represented in the media, women the first time last year. This year, tion from Washington, London and SARYARKA VELODROME ics and politics during the week- in art and politics, economic op- we changed the format a little bit. Moscow with research interest in March 30 at 8 p.m. BC Astana – BC Parma Perm long FemAgora festival. The event portunities, sexual and reproduc- We added different authors for our Central Asian region to share was designed to show different tive health and the LGBTQ com- different sections. We decided to their expertise,” she added. examples of women sharing their munity. change the format, because we do Continued on Page B2 B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 One of 100 New Aktobe entrepreneur supports Faces found vocation regional social projects vided excellent opportunities for ments including Kazakh national By Ainur Seidakhmetova school children to study different instruments. languages. He sponsored purchas- “We hope that many talented in giving life NUR-SULTAN – Kairat Maite- ing a laboratory to develop speak- musicians will graduate from this kov, director of a distillery based ing skills in 33 languages and also school. They will represent Ka- in Aktobe, is one of the region’s provided the school with 30 vol- zakhstan on world stages like Di- prominent business people. He umes of Britannica Encyclopedia. mash Kudaibergen does now. He makes a significant contribution to In 2017, Maitekov supported was born in Aktobe and I think regional development by funding constructing the Zhubanovs Muse- he is a great example for Aktobe social projects. um named for Akhmet and Gaziza youth. I will be happy to par- In 2016, Maitekov sponsored Zhubanovs, Aktobe-born musi- ticipate in the process of growing renovations in Aktobe School cians and composers who contrib- young talents,” he said. No.3, where he graduated in 1991. Kairat Maitekov uted to developing Kazakh music “The social responsibility of “This idea came to me after the culture in the 20th century. The business is a trend which recently meeting with the governor of the million tenge (US$399,000) to im- 300-million tenge (US$798,000) came to Kazakhstan. Now, all busi- region. At the meeting, we dis- plement this project,” he said in an project, with a concert hall and nesspeople understand that being cussed the opportunities for pub- interview with The Astana Times. music classrooms, has become socially responsible for the region lic-private partnership in imple- With Maitekov’s support the a place that attracts talented and where they do business is mutually menting social projects. I thought school purchased sports equip- creative residents. beneficial for their business and lo- that I would be happy to sponsor ment, renovated 11 classrooms and Maitekov also plans to sponsor cal community. Socially responsible renovation works in my school, equipped a chemistry classroom building a music school named businesses get loyal customers and because I saw that it needed ma- with modern laboratory kits. for the couple where children will enjoy the support of local people. jor repairs. I decided to fund this Knowing languages is a necessi- have an opportunity to learn how It is very important for the strategic project by myself. We spent 150 ty in today’s world and he has pro- to play various musical instru- development of business,” he added.

Andrei Kukharuk FemAgora festival encourages Almaty

By Anzhela Kaliyeva patients, mother and child, were alive. community to explore gender equality NUR-SULTAN – Andrei Hospitals and clinics annually Continued from Page B1 among the festival goals. Their ef- United Nations Development Pro- likova [Deputy Prime Minister] and Kukharuk, one of Kazakhstan’s purchase new equipment and doc- forts entail a “transformative work gramme Assistant Resident Repre- Kulyash Shamshidinova [Minister 100 New Faces, knew his purpose tors study the tools to improve the Diverse themes that ensured di- for the region.” sentative Irina Goryunova. of Education and Science]. Women in life when he was a child. Today, quality of their work. Kukharuk is verse views make the festival dis- “These women, working in cin- Among the obstacles is also the account for 55 percent of administra- he helps new lives come into the working on apparatus for throm- tinct. ema, health and all other spheres, so-called glass ceiling, the term re- tive civil workers, 48.2 percent are world. boelastography. “I have participated in many are doing different jobs. They try ferring to a subtle and invisible bar- in the judiciary and 19 percent are in Kukharuk, a doctor and anaes- He chose the medical profession discussions, but regardless of the to work beyond the usual schemes. rier inhibiting one’s advancement second tier banks’ top management,” thesiologist-resuscitator, was born as a youngster, and he and his wife topic, either entrepreneurship or They make these spheres more in- in a hierarchy. said Mazhilis (lower house of Parlia- in 1984. He graduated from Akmo- are in the same field. She works as health, every time the discussion clusive not only for women, but for “Glass ceiling, as a rule, is driven ment) deputy Irina Smirnova. la State Medical Academy in 2008 an obstetrician-gynaecologist at leads to one topic – education – different groups of the population. by stereotypes, our culture and tra- Kazakhstan’s indicators are close with a degree in medicine and has the perinatal centre. but I have not witnessed this in Their vision is completely differ- ditions. We ourselves raise girls. to the Eastern Europe, Caucasus the second qualification category Kukharuk considers the main this festival. I think this is great ent,” said Makhmudova. Corporate culture, too, [contributes and Central Asia (EECCA) region- of anaesthesiologist-resuscitator. attribute in his work to be a good and it was achieved through our Though gender issues do not en- to the growing glass ceiling.] But, I al average, where 21.5 percent of He began working in the Regional attitude towards patients. He feels involvement of different authors joy high popularity among the pub- believe, we try to help these bright parliamentarians are women com- Perinatal Centre in Petropavlovsk there is a need to start a shift in that and speakers coming from different lic, the country is making efforts women to spread their wings and pared to 14.5 percent in 2006. in June 2011. direction, especially when dealing backgrounds. Usually we see same to ensure equal opportunities by enhance leadership skills and ex- The nation also ranks among the Kukharuk was present in 2016 with pregnant women. people at all conferences, but it was showing its commitment to gender pertise, so that they will actively top countries in terms of enrolment for a very complicated situation not the case for FemAgora,” said equality. Kazakh legislation toward take part in working groups [and in primary and secondary education due to the arrival of a large num- Makhmudova. gender equality has expanded with decision making.] Our support of and a growing number of women ber of pregnant women with pneu- Hospitals and While the festival gathered 50-80 the country joining the Convention women from bottom to top is very are working in small and medium- monia, half of whom were in seri- clinics annually attendees each day, she noted the on the Elimination of all Forms of important and we need to continue sized businesses. ous condition. There was a need to audience was not large. Discrimination Against Women doing that,” she said. Gender-based violence, however, save two lives – the mother’s and purchase new “There was one section where we (CEDAW) in 1998. Gender imbalance also includes still remains an acute issue in the the unborn child’s. equipment and had only two people, but we still The main legal document in this the wage gap. In 2016, Kazakh country.. According to obstetric indica- conducted the discussion. I felt all area is the country’s law on gen- women on average earned 31.4 per- “I can see positive changes and tions, one pregnant woman was doctors study right, regardless of how many peo- der equality adopted in 2009 that cent less than men, according to sta- despite the fact there are less wom- taken to the operating room. Be- ple were there, because I realise that guarantees equal rights and equal tistics made available by the Kazakh en in parliament, in the decision- fore administering anaesthesia, the tools to improve some themes are specific and are opportunities for men and women, Ministry of National Economy. making process, it is easier if their the woman went into respiratory the quality of their not quite popular; so is the interest in addition to the national gender Women currently compose 22.2 work is in society, where they can arrest and Kukharuk decided to that these themes draw,” she said. equality strategy for 2006-2016. percent of Parliament, which is show their active position and they intubate. The centre’s specialists work. Kukharuk “There were several people that In 2016, Kazakhstan endorsed the below the 30-percent gender equal- are less restrained and their voice provided further assistance and attended each and every day of Concept of Family and Gender Pol- ity threshold considered to be a can be heard,” said Smirnova. doctors in related specialties were is working on the festival. They were listening icy through 2030. point at which women can bring Makhmudova hopes the festival present, but the process of restor- apparatus for attentively and asking questions Despite the efforts, however, ex- real change to policy agendas, and will gather more participants in ing vital functions was still in the and it was visible that the festival perts note problems remain. slightly below the Organisation for 2020. hands of the anaesthesiologist- thromboelastography. changed something in their lives. “Gender equality is a right and Economic Co-operation and Devel- “We hope to see the same trend resuscitator. Such feedback shows that the goal similar to any constitutional right, opment (OECD) average of 27.1 next year. After all, we meet new The outcome was favourable. “Every smiling woman with a of the festival was achieved,” she it should live up to reality, enabling percent. people that can take part in the fes- By working together, they man- newborn in her arms is a major noted. civil society to thrive by expanding “Twenty-two percent of women tival. There are more women and aged to restore respiratory activity victory in my work. After all, we Gathering women from different its political, social and economic are in local level executive bod- they are not stopping, but continu- and safely deliver the baby, but the help to give birth to new lives,” he spheres and allowing them to share opportunities. This event is a good ies, 10.5 percent are in the govern- ing doing their job. The topic will most important thing is that both said. their experience and expertise was step to recognise these rights,” said ment, including Gulshara Abdyka- be expanding,” she said. Young people should move with times, says Tatar community leader Continued from Page B1 ings [related to] music,” said Ni- it. Kazakh citizens and President zamutdinova. of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov Every year, the centre organises The centre also conducts tours supported the initiative, but, un- a number of events devoted to the to historical and sacred places fortunately, it has not improved birthday of Tatar poet Gabdulla within the capital for young peo- much. We carried out a number of Tuqay. ple, the centre’s Sunday school activities, searching for archival “Our Tuqay’s spring was recog- students and their parents, chil- documents and correspondence nised as one of the best projects dren from low-income families with local authorities,” she said. at the World Tatar Youth Forum and the older generation. “I dream that historical justice in Kazan and recommended as It also cooperates with many is served and the mosque that our exemplary for implementation in universities in Kazan (the capi- Kazakh brothers built in the 19th the countries of Central Asia,” she tal and largest city of Tatarstan) century together with the Tatars said. including Kazan Federal Univer- will take its rightful place and The centre works to preserve sity, Kazan National Research decorate our beloved city,” she artworks of prominent and fa- Technological University and added. mous Tatars. It published the col- Russian Islamic University, by Nizamutdinova is a member lection of poems by Musa Jalil in helping interested people receive of APK, head of the Ak Kalfak Kazakh, Russian and Tatar and information. Council of Tatar and Bashkir for the last three years has organ- Nizamutdinova stressed one of women of Kazakhstan and mem- ised a national literary competi- the centre’s most important pro- ber of the capital akimat (city tion among school, college and jects is restoring the Green (Tatar) administration) family and de- university students dedicated to Mosque in the capital, built with mographic policy administration. his artwork. The competition re- Tatar merchant Nurken Zabirov’s She has received many medals ceived international status Feb. funds at the end of the 19th cen- and diplomas including the APK 15 and was renamed the Zvezda tury and destroyed during the So- Birlik Gold Medal (the highest Jalila (Jalil’s Star) International viet era. This project is a part of award of the Tatars’ World Con- Literary Competition. the Sacred Geography project of gress) and medals for Great Ser- “We will continue the cycles of the Ruhani Zhangyru (Moderni- vice to the Tatar People, the 20th literary evenings where we intend sation of Kazakhstan’s Identity) anniversary of Astana, 20th an- to discuss both individual works programme. niversary of the independence of of Tatar authors and the develop- “Today, only the old fence at Kazakhstan, 20th anniversary of ment of modern Tatar literature. assembly.kz. Photo credit: the intersection of Republic and the APK and in memory of the We plan to create similar meet- Yannat Nizamutdinova with President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov. Abai Avenues reminds [one] of 110th anniversary of Musa Jalil. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 Altyn Adam World Young instrumentalists perform Astana exhibition tour continues, Opera concert of string quartets musicians, featuring first violin- evision series “Star Trek: Discov- ist Adina Kenzhebayeva, violist By Dilshat Zhussupova ist and 10th International Youth ery.” Akezhan Dotayev and cellist Aknur Competition of Pyotr Tchaikovsky “This is one of the best works of Bagidulayeva in interpreting Tchai- next stop Tatarstan NUR-SULTAN – To mark the Laureate Akbike Algi, second vio- Alexander Borodin, and executing kovsky’s “String Quartet No. 1 in D Year of Youth in Kazakhstan, young linist Zhibek Mussurgaliyeva, vi- this inspirational work brings great Major Op. 11.” Composed in 1971, Kazakh instrumentalists performed olist Leonid Mysovsky and cellist joy to me,” said Algi. “The compos- the quartet premiered in Moscow classical music numbers at Astana Nurislambek Dzhumatov. They er dedicated it to his wife, the beau- and was the first of the composer’s Opera’s concert “At the Mercy of performed “String Quartet No. 2,” tiful pianist Yekaterina Borodina. three completed string quartets pub- Strings” March 25, reports the Asta- a string quartet in D major written The music is filled with a love for lished during his lifetime. When it na Opera press service. by Russian composer Alexander life and people, tenderness, light- was performed at a tribute concert The Year of Youth was launched Borodin in 1881, the same year ness and harmony. The composer’s for Leo Tolstoy, the Russian writ- Jan. 23 by Kazakh President Nur- he composed the symphonic poem emotional experiences and lyrical er was said to have been brought sultan Nazarbayev and was cel- “In the Steppes of Central Asia.” beginnings come across in the mu- to tears by its second movement. ebrated by Astana Opera with its Audiences could recognise the sic, and the feelings expressed in the American writer Helen Keller, who concert, starting at 6 p.m. quartet from the 1953 Broadway string quartet are strikingly pure and was deaf and blind, also reacted Kazakh National University of musical “Kismet,” Disney’s 2006 poetic.” strongly to Zoellner Quartet’s per- Arts Professor Madeniyet Syrly- short film “The Little Matchgirl” Syrlybayev also led first violinist formance of the piece when sensing bayev headed the young group of and the first episode of CBS’ tel- Aizhan Batpenova, second violin- the vibrations on a resonant tabletop. Dimash wins audience vote at World’s Best,

Photo credit: altynadamworld.com Photo credit: voluntarily leaves competition Kazakh singer Danelia Tuleshova that she understands the Dimash’s compositions. The young pianist Altyn Adam World exhibition in National Museum of Korea. By Saltanat Boteu and Indian pianist Lydian Nadhas- decision and supported him. Sing- passed to the finals. waram. er Faith Hill also expressed her re- Although Tuleshova did not pass tobe Kurgan, Shilikti near the cap- By Aidana Yergaliyeva NUR-SULTAN – Young Ka- “I’ve been told that there is spect to his decision. to the finals, the judges expressed ital and Taldy’s burial ground in zakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen something that you would like to Although Kudaibergen did not admiration of her talent and skills. Karkaraly District. NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Na- voluntarily left the World’s Best say,” said the competition’s host continue to participate in the con- “The richness of her voice and The Saka warrior’s burial cloth- tional Museum will present the competition and won the audience James Corden. test, he won audience voting on the its strength, I feel so privileged to ing is embroidered with golden Great Steppe: History and Culture vote for the best performance sing- “Good evening, dear judges, Twitter social network for his per- watch the beginning [of your jour- plates and his mound contained exhibition featuring Altyn Adam ing French song “SOS d’un terrien dear audience, performing in front formance of the French song “SOS ney]. In the future I can say that I nearly 4,000 pieces of skilfully (Golden Man) March 15-April 15 en detresse.” of you is a huge honour for me. d’un terrien en detresse.” The vot- was there, when Danelia became a handcrafted gold jewellery shaped in Kazan, Tatarstan. The display is At the final stage, Kudaiber- Today, I have to compete with two ing launched five days before the superstar,” said a jury member and like birds, hawks, hawthorns, hors- part of the Altyn Adam World pro- gen sang the “Adagio” song with beautiful talents. I want to ask you final stage of the competition. The actor RuPaul Andre Charles. es, moose and tulpars (Pegasus). ject seeking to familiarise foreign which he previously won the sixth to let the young participants move users chose their favourite perfor- “Every time she sings, I close Kazakhstan incorporated tulpars audiences with rich Kazakh his- round of the ‘I Am a Singer’ com- forward and let me step out of the mance based on all shows during my eyes and feel like I’m listening into its national coat of arms and torical and cultural heritage. petition in China. After the per- competition,” said Kudaibergen to the competition. to Adele or maybe Sia and I can- Altyn Adam sculpture decorates A museum in , Belarus, formance, he announced the com- the judges. Tuleshova sang the “What not wait to see what you are go- Independence Square in Almaty. hosted the first Altyn Adam World pletion of his participation in The This act surprised the judges About Us” song of an American ing to become. Thank you,” said a The Saka tribe (from Persian for exhibit in December 2017. The na- World’s Best contest explaining and audience causing various re- singer Pink. Nadhaswaram played member of the judges, model and “mighty men”) divided internally tional treasures have subsequently that he wants to give way to the actions. The jury member from simultaneously on two pianos per- former Miss Colombia, Ariadna into three large groups includ- been displayed in museums in younger participants, 12-year-old Kazakhstan, Gaukhar Nurtas, said forming Beethoven and Chopin’s Gutierrez. ing the Saka-Tigrahaud (“wilder- Azerbaijan, China, Poland, Russia men”), distant ancestors of the and South Korea. Kazakhs who lived in the territory The Kazan Kremlin State Muse- where the Issyk mound was dis- um, the first stop on this year’s tour, covered. In their writings, Ancient will have a ceremonial opening at Greek authors referred to them 5 p.m., March 15, at Manezh exhi- Spanish cinematographers to make as Asian Scythians, while other bition hall, announced the Kazakh ancient sources describe them as National Museum press service. “tours with fast horses.” The exhibit will include 127 ex- “We are promoting our history, hibits from the national museum’s film about Karlag labour camp paying close attention to the Altyn collection representing ancient Adam, which is referred to in the support the nation’s ideology and and screenwriters were impressed evision shows, with some of the and medieval Kazakh art. The dis- article of the head of state, ‘Sev- By Aidana Yergaliyeva were branded enemies of the state. with the story of the Spaniards former starring world famous ac- play will highlight archaeological en Facets of the Great Steppe.’ In Before World War II, thousands imprisoned in Karlag shown in tors such as Javier Bardem and findings from Saka mounds found of “special settlers” from other na- Enrique Gaspar Rodríguez’s docu- Penelope Cruz. For his role in in Berel (East Kazakhstan Re- addition, in the future we need to continue research relating to the NUR-SULTAN – Spanish film tions, including 150 Spanish civil mentary “Los olvidados de Kara- “Boca a Boca” (Mouth to Mouth), gion), Taksai (West Kazakhstan and television production com- war prisoners, were sent to such gandá” (Forgotten in Karaganda). produced by Benítez in 1995, Bar- Saka leader and find valuable data Region) and Taldy-2 (Karaganda pany called Plano a Plano is cur- camps in the harsh climate of the “The trip to Kazakhstan was very dem received the Goya Award, the on the Saka era. For three years, Region). rently in negotiations with Kazakh Kazakh steppes. Kazakhstan was emotional and useful for us. We most prestigious award in Spain. Altyn Adam, the main exhibit, research work has been carried out Novyi Mir Production to make the first country in the post-Soviet have learned a lot about your great Among their latest achievements includes the remains of the 17-18 in cooperation with archaeologists a movie about the events at the space to transfer archival docu- country with an interesting and dif- is the TV series “La Verdad” (The year old Saka prince who lived from Korea and China in the vicin- Karlag labour camp in Karaganda ments to Spain that represent a ficult history. We were inspired by Truth), which was released in 2018 during the early Iron Age, ap- ity of the Issyk mound, where the from 1940-1950, Minister of Cul- “priceless testimony for relatives the locations, history and mercy of and sold to 135 countries. proximately 5th-6th centuries BC. Altyn Adam was found. In the fu- ture and Sports Arystanbek Muha- and friends of prisoners and for the Kazakh people. We really want “I will add that the recently adopt- Archaeologist Kemal Akishev ture, we will look for facts that will mediuly announced March 11 on researchers,” said Mukhamediuly. to create, together with Kazakhstan, ed ‘Law on Cinematography’ allows discovered the first Altyn Adam complement and enrich our his- his Facebook page. “The Spanish producers pur- a feature film that tells about the us to expand international coopera- in 1969 near Almaty in the Issyk tory,” said Minister of Culture and Karlag, one of the infamous posefully visited the historical fate of people and their relationship tion in co-production and to attract mound. It is recognised as the Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly GULAG’s (acronym for the State museums of Karlag and Alzhir in those difficult times of repres- specialists from the world film mar- discovery of the century and re- at a Feb. 28 press conference. Administration of Camps) largest (Akmola’s Camp for Wives of sion. We are very different, we are ket, which will favourably affect the searchers recreated the look of an By the end of the year, the ex- labour camps, was created by the Traitors) and started a detailed distinguished by many things, but, development of cinema in Kazakh- ancient warrior to present it within hibition plans to visit museums in Soviet government in the 1930s study of the subject of war prison- in fact, there are many things and stan and will allow us to strengthen the objects’ topography. Georgia, Japan, Spain, Turkey and as a form of punishment under the ers and repressed people exiled to details that unite us,” said Plano a our country’s presence in the inter- Archaeological excavations the U.K. In 2020, it will be shown criminal code. It was an isolated the Karaganda Region,” he added. Plano producer César Benítez. national arena. So, of course, we are revealed five additional mounds in Austria, France, Germany, Italy prison-type camp with exhausting Before arriving in Kazakhstan, Benítez has produced more than open to cooperation and partner- containing “golden men” in Aral- and the U.S. daily labour for people who did not Plano a Plano’s crew of producers 30 feature films and nearly 20 tel- ship,” said Muhamediuly. Yeslyamova named best actress at Asian Film Awards went to Hong Kong veteran Kara not change significantly after re- By Nazira Kozhanova Wei for “Tracey.” Hong Kong ceiving international recognition. first-time helmer Oliver Chan was “Of course, people recognise me NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh ac- judged as the best new director for more often and I receive more of- tress Samal Yeslyamova received “Still Human,” Chinese auteur Jia fers. This spring, I’m starting my the best actress award for her role Zhangke was awarded best screen- work on a feature film in Russia. in “Ayka” March 18 at the 13th play for “Ash Is Purest White”and I have the main part – playing an Asian Film Awards. Her recogni- director Felix Chong’s “Project ethnic Kazakh woman from Rus- tion was congratulated by Minister Gutenberg” won best visual effects. sia,” she told Sputnik Kazakhstan. of Culture and Sport Arystanbek Yeslyamova was the first Kazakh She noted the most important Mukhamediuly. to win Best Actress at the Cannes thing “Ayka” taught her is the val- “Friends, I have received splen- Film Festival, receiving the award ue of hard work. did news from director Sergey in May 2018 for “Ayka.” She por- “Nothing in this life comes to Dvortsevoy! Samal Yeslyamova trays a Central Asian immigrant you easily. If you want to create in Hong Kong won the Asian Film struggling with the emotional tur- real art, you have to be ready for Awards for Best Actress for her moil of giving up her child while it. You need to dedicate all of your role in Dvortsevoy’s ‘Ayka,’” he surviving as a labour migrant in time, all of you to it,” she added. wrote on his Facebook page. Moscow. “Ayka” was among the Born Sept. 1, 1984 in Petropav- He noted the ceremony is films competing for the festival’s lovsk, Yeslyamova graduated from viewed as the Asian equivalent of Palme d’Or, which was presented GITIS (Russian Institute of Thea- the Academy Awards. to “Shoplifters.” tre Arts) in 2011. Prior to her role “Friends, the Asian Film Awards “Ayka” was also included in in “Ayka” she worked on Dvort-

Academy is considered to be the egemen.kz. Photo credti: December on the shortlist for the sevoy’s “Tulpan,” which tells Asian Oscars! The Asian Film Samal Yesslyamova Academy Awards Best Foreign about the life of Kazakh shepherds Academy shortlisted the nominees Language Film but ultimately was and won the Un Certain Regard on Jan. 11 and now – this victory! to the creative team! I am delight- the best actor award for “The Blood Yu (“Dying to Survive,” China) not included on the list of 2018 prize at Cannes in 2008. Dvort- It is a great achievement and suc- ed!” he added. of Wolves” and “Shoplifters” took claimed the best supporting actor nominees. sevoy is a Russian and Kazakh cess! My sincere congratulations Koji Yakusho (Japan) received home the best film award. Zhang award and best supporting actress Yeslyamova noted her life did director originally from Shymkent. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

free land plots as well as infrastruc- efficient solutions to managing the ture incentives and tax preferences city are also of part of the accelera- to facilitate increased production. tion programme. Shymkent officials brief PM on city’s The authorities plan to build an Located near Shymkent, the airport terminal and infrastructure, Turan micro-district is connected reconstruct the railway station, im- to the city as part of the expansion prove a bypass road, upgrade pub- plan. The district includes invest- development acceleration efforts lic transport and introduce elec- ment in multi-storey residential improvements on the outskirts of tronic ticketing. buildings, social and commercial By Zhanna Shayakhmetova large cities. The authorities should facilities as well as engineering immediately respond to current and communications infrastructure. NUR-SULTAN – Shymkent city problems of the population in new Mamin said Shymkent Thirteen roads totaling 33.7 kilome- officials briefed Kazakh Prime and under construction areas,” said tres will be constructed. Approxi- Minister Askar Mamin March 16 the prime minister during the visit should become a mately 4,000 people now live in the on the city’s project to accelerate of the city. centre of investment, district. The allocation of 3,000 land its comprehensive development Mamin said Shymkent should and construction plan. become a centre of investment, in- including the plots for individual housing con- The acceleration effort and the cluding the development of small struction is expected to increase the development plan through 2023 and medium-sized businesses and development of small number of residents to 70,000. seek to create new jobs, develop the textile industry. and medium-sized Some 2,000 apartments have small and medium-sized business- Thirteen projects have been im- also been commissioned at the es, improve the quality of public plemented and 1,396 jobs have businesses and the Shymkent City complex. This services and address social issues. been created at the Ontustik special year, it is planned to build 3,863 It also seeks to build interagency economic zone. Approximately 18 textile industry. houses as part of the project’s af- cooperation between the public and start implementation after re- cusing on the socio-economic, in- projects worth 92.2 billion tenge fordable housing initiatives, which and private sectors. ceiving support for acceleration,” frastructural and industrial sectors. (US$243 million) will be launched The project is also designed to includes building homes for large “The teams are formed with the reported the city akimat’s press “Shymkent is now one of the by the end of 2021. This will cre- solve housing problems among families in five years. The residen- participation of specially selected service. leading industrial, economic and ate 1,580 jobs. The products will socially vulnerable citizens, in- tial area includes a school, kinder- and trained employees from the The acceleration effort follows cultural centres of the country be supplied to the domestic market cluding building houses for low- garten, hospital, pharmacy, recrea- city administration and other par- a directive by Kazakh President with a population of one million and exported to China, Europe and income families. tion parks and a congress centre. ticipants, who define the tasks, de- Nursultan Nazarbayev to create a people. The government and local Central Asia. The modernisation of road in- The estimated population of the velop initiatives to solve tasks set comprehensive plan until 2023 fo- executive bodies should pay for The programme also includes frastructure, industrialisation and district is 50,000 people. Social insurance fund Current grain volume sufficient to meet accumulates $3.7 billion, domestic demand, says minister “The last two weeks, we have “The current volume is enough ladesh, Finland and Israel. Last By Assel Satubaldina seen a decline in grain prices in to meet the planned export indica- year, Kazakhstan exported grain domestic and export markets. tors and ensure domestic demand, for the first time to Egypt, Lat- envisions changes NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh As a result, the price for a tonne which is currently 8.3 million via, Norway, Spain, Tunisia and to two percent,” read the Mazhilis grain market has seen positive of third-class grain fell to 65,000 [tonnes]. Of those, 690,000 are Ukraine. By Assel Satubaldina press release on the event. growth in the past year. The vol- (US$171.40)-67,000 tenge for food needs, 1.6 million to be “As a result, 2.9 million tonnes Social payments in the case ume reached 10.5 million tonnes, (US$176.67) depending on its used as seeds, 730,000 for feed remain as a carryover. As an ex- NUR-SULTAN – As of Janu- of loss of earning capacity will sufficient to meet the country’s do- quality,” he added. conveyor and 128,000 for industry ample, based on scientific data on ary, the National Social Insurance depend on the degree of loss of mestic demand and satisfy export The price dynamics are shown processing,” said Omarov. bread consumption by one per- Fund has accumulated 1.4 tril- capacity to work ranging from needs, said Minister of Agriculture in auction results recorded by the Kazakhstan expects to export son [62.96 kilograms a year per lion tenge (US$3.7 billion) and is 30-100 percent. The degree is de- Saparkhan Omarov at a March 15 grain receipt holders’ electronic 2.2 million tonnes through the end person], it takes approximately reaching 6.126 million citizens, or termined by medical and social ex- press conference. state registry. The system enables of the marketing year, with 6.7 95,000 tonnes of grain per month 70.3 percent of the country’s work- pertise. Currently, the system uses Approximately 3.7 million online monitoring of current grain million tonnes already shipped. for the entire population of Ka- ing population, said Vice Minister average coefficients. tonnes are stored at licensed grain volumes at the country’s grain col- Afghanistan, China and Uzbeki- zakhstan. This carryover balance of Labour and Social Protection Measures to support families collecting facilities, 462,000 tonnes will be enough to meet the demand Svetlana Zhakupova at the recent who lost a wage earner include at mills and 6.3 million tonnes are for the next two and a half years, discussion by the Mazhilis (lower an increase in social benefits by held by agriculture producers. Kazakhstan expects to export while a bit more than five months house of Parliament) of the man- changing the coefficients of the The region has witnessed an in- are left until next harvest,” said datory social insurance bill. number of dependants. The bill crease both in price and product 2.2 million tonnes through the end of the Omarov. demand. marketing year, with 6.7 million tonnes He noted the ministry is moni- “One of the factors driving these toring prices to prevent hikes for processes was a decrease in last already shipped. Afghanistan, China and socially significant products, in- year’s harvest in Russia by 20 per- cluding grain. cent over the previous year. The Uzbekistan are among the main importers “Regional stabilisation funds price per tonne of third-class grain of Kazakh wheat. are working, where some types reached 75,000 tenge (US$197.76). of products are purchased for This is, of course, good for agricul- subsequent supply. Financial re- tural producers. Due to high prices, lecting facilities and keeps track of stan are among the main importers sources for formation of stabili- many producers were able to pay all operations with grain receipts of Kazakh wheat. sation funds are currently 3.1 bil- debts and allocate funds for spring to ensure transparency and mini- The country is also working to lion tenge (US$8.17 million),” he field works,” said Omarov. mise the risk of forged receipts. open new markets, such as Bang- added. Photo credit: Mazhilis Press Service. Mazhilis Press Photo credit: Svetlana Zhakupova speaking at Mazhilis. The conversation gathered rep- suggests increasing the coefficient Nur Otan party launches project to help resentatives of non-governmental from 40 percent to 50 percent for organisations, the Atamеken Na- one dependant, 50 percent to 65 tional Chamber of Entrepreneurs, percent for two, 60 percent to 80 National Bank and government. percent for three and 80 percent to people gain access to public services “The goal of the bill is to strength- 100 percent for four or more. en the legal, economic and organi- Job loss will ensure increasing By Zhanna Shayakhmetova sational foundation of mandatory the coefficient to substitute income social insurance in Kazakhstan in from 30 percent to 40 percent and NUR-SULTAN – The Nur Otan several areas, such as strengthen- the social allowance payment term party has responded to recent calls ing the link between one’s duration from four to six months depending for more public services with the in the system of mandatory social on one’s duration in the system. launch of the Khalyqqa Komek insurance and amount of social The efforts also include continu- (Assistance to the People) project. payments, increasing the social ing social payments to families “The head of state set the task security of the working population with newborns, despite the par- to implement four projects at the and increasing labour motivation ents’ employment status, to ensure 18th Congress of the Nur Otan and interest in formal employ- equal right to allowances at the Party. The first project is aimed ment,” said Zhakupova addressing minimum guaranteed level of state at supporting low-income, large the deputies. benefits until the child reaches age families. The second project is The document revises social ben- one. Even if a recipient resumes related to society demands. The efits across three types of social his or her job, he or she will con- third project is set to develop en- risks – loss of earning capacity, loss tinue receiving payments while gineering and social infrastruc- of wage earner and loss of job. The the social security payment will ture in the regions. The next pro- system also envisions risks such as decrease to the state benefit level. ject will create jobs and business loss of income due to pregnancy The state will continue paying opportunities for comfortable liv- and child birth, adopting a newborn mandatory pension contributions ing in rural areas. In the coming and the first year of childcare. for parents on maternity leave at years, four projects will become The ministry has suggested re- the payment level prior to the leave. the essence of our party activi- vising the coefficient for the length State benefits for maternity leave un- ties,” said First Deputy Chairman of time a citizen participates in the til a child reaches age one are 15,050 of Nur Otan Party Maulen Ashim- pension system for recipients who tenge (US$39.83) for one child, bayev at a March 18 press confer- have been in the system more than 17,794 tenge (US$47.10) for two ence at the Central Communica- five years. children, 20,512 tenge (US$54.29) tions Service. The figure is currently 1.0 for for three children and 23,255 tenge The project is included in The Ashimbayev noted that there cess of the project and citizens in mony and bureaucracy in issuing citizens with five or more years in (US$61.55) for four or more. Society for Welfare: 10 Goals of are situations when the party does difficult life situations can seek certificates,” said Deputy Head of the system. With that coefficient In its press release, the Mazhilis the Decade party’s programme un- not have the right to interfere in- help through the programme. Nur Otan Party Reception Office in place, given equal conditions, said the bill will “positively affect til 2030. cluding litigation, judicial issues The WhatsApp messenger, digi- Arystangali Sansyzbayev. recipients involved for 60 months people’s encouragement to be for- “The Kazakh President initi- and issues related to investigative tal services of Mayor’s offices, The party seeks to facilitate and 120 months are entitled to the mally employed, strengthen the so- ated this project. It is necessary cases. such as iKomek and Open Almaty communication between society same amount of social allowances. cial security of the working popula- to provide a quick response to the “We have no right to interfere in and Egov.kz, will be involved as and the government as the pro- “In this regard, we are suggest- tion and serve as a stimulating factor problems of the population and so- these situations. The citizens can feedback channels. gramme will help coordinate the ing preserving the current coef- for working citizens to get involved ciety,” Ashimbayev said. “All our contact our public reception of- “Users have the opportunity to activities of government agencies, ficients in case of one’s presence in mandatory social insurance.” branches in major cities and re- fices with the exception of cases submit an appeal or a proposal via non-governmental organisations in the system for up to 71 months The bill will be discussed at gions will take part in the project. where there is a legislative restric- the Facebook account. For exam- and businesses in implementing and for every next year, over 60 an upcoming meeting headed by Our task is to build work on the ef- tion,” he said. ple, when they face difficulties national directives related to the months, increase the coefficient Mazhilis Deputy Aigul Nurkina. fective solution of issues.” The party will monitor the suc- with non-payment of salary, ali- social sphere. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 Nazarbayev University strategic partnerships offer path to global rankings, says Duke University representative back in 2009 [when we were ap- 1924. There is a certain kinship be- is currently shaped by the ubiq- the best, most interesting research By Dilshat Zhussupova proached by NU], in 2010 when tween a university in Kazakhstan uity and speed of information in universities in the world. We then we signed the initial agreement that was looking to develop quick- the digital age, a reality that Duke present the research directly to NUR-SULTAN – Nazarbayev and in 2017 when we renewed ly and Duke, a university that has University and NU do not take for readers through our website, social University’s model for strategic it,” said Schoenfeld on the strate- also been young, ambitious and granted. media and newsletter. That creates development, based on partner- gic partnership that will continue fast-moving.” “Education has to be more than an awareness and an understand- ships with top research universi- through 2022. Duke University has kept up its just learning facts,” said Schoen- ing of the research and, hopefully, ties, has proven valuable for fast- Leading academic institutions, rapid pace of development since feld. “It has to be about constantly support for the individuals and in- paced growth and will likely be such as Oxford University and 1924, now administering Singa- innovating and creating opportuni- stitutions doing the research.” emulated in other academic insti- Harvard University are often the pore’s Duke-NUS Medical School ties for individuals to learn skills NU aims to join the global tutions, said Duke University Vice world’s oldest, with the former and China’s Duke Kunshan Uni- and how to use those skills. I feel rankings of leading research uni- President for Public Affairs and university established back in versity. very strongly that universities are versities by 2030 by pursuing in- Government Relations Michael 1096 and the latter predating the “Yes, Asia is large, vibrant and forces for good because they are novation, academic and research Schoenfeld in an interview with United States. To compete in glob- rapidly growing, but it is also a places where difficult conversa- excellence, production-oriented The Astana Times. al rankings by 2030, NU partnered nexus for many of the political, tions can take place, where people research and leadership in educa- In 2009, strategic partners Naz- Michael Schoenfeld with Duke University, the Univer- social, economic, cultural and with different points of view can tion reform and healthcare service arbayev University (NU) and sity of Wisconsin-Madison, the scientific ideas that are important come together and where ideas can models. Duke University’s Fuqua School March, NU students completed National University of Singapore, to the world today,” said Schoen- be nurtured, developed, debated, “I suspect that when NU gets to of Business leveraged their leader- their two-week residency at Duke the University of Pittsburgh, the feld on the university’s presence tested and activated – and that is that point of entering the ‘race’ (in ship, faculty and expertise to build University’s Fuqua School of University of Pennsylvania, the in Asia. “How can you study the what you see at a place like Duke global rankings), it will surprise a a world-class business school in Business in Durham, North Caro- University of Cambridge, Colo- environment and come up with and NU.” lot of people because of the scale Kazakhstan. NU gained advice lina. rado School of Mines, the Univer- ideas for how to address major Schoenfeld also sees a role for and strength of the institution,” and insight into best practices on “The opportunity to partner, in- sity of Warwick and University of environmental and climate issues universities in extending innova- said Schoenfeld. “If the Eurasian admission standards, classroom novate, be entrepreneurial in an College London. without spending a lot of time in tion and knowledge beyond the region continues to be a relatively design, curriculum development environment that is very excited “It takes a long time to develop Asia? How can you develop new university campus. stable place for innovation that de- and faculty recruitment, and its about entrepreneurship and create a world-class academic institution, ways of looking at public or global “There is no question that there velops ideas for economic activity, students now pursue a Master of a presence in a part of the globe and NU is doing it very quickly,” health without looking at Asia, and is strong public interest in research creating new knowledge and being Business Administration (MBA), that is growing and changing rap- said Schoenfeld. “Duke also de- how can you explore the historical and discovery,” he said on his non- a hospitable place for academic an Executive MBA, a Master of idly and is committed to develop- veloped very quickly. It is the trend of connecting the old with profit website www.futurity.org. freedom, then I think that NU has Science in Finance and an Ex- ing the best practices for business youngest of the major elite uni- the new in culture without looking “Through Futurity, we are able a very good chance of being recog- ecutive Education at the Gradu- – those were all things that were versities in the United States and at Asia?” to aggregate the best, most inter- nised among the top universities in ate School of Business. In early attractive to Duke University was founded in its current form in Importantly, higher education esting research that comes out of the world.” National aerospace competition Almaty activists to establish new opens registration for innovators women’s aid, advocacy organisation The jury will accept submissions ruk Kazyna Trust Corporate Com- Continued from Page B1 ers to children from large families and apply for state grants for their By Dilshat Zhussupova in areas such as architecture, bio- munications Sector Chief Manager to visit various clubs for free; to activities and to offer legal assis- technology, engineering, informa- Assem Issabekova and representa- They intend to identify the most organise classes of paediatricians tance in preparing documents for NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh- tion technology, oil and gas, min- tives from Cranfield University’s acute problems of Kazakhstan’s on proper nutrition, childcare and housing programmes. stan’s secondary school students ing, robotics and transport. Schools Aerospace Challenge Ian will soon face off in the national Seventeen teams from each re- Hollingworth, Frank Jukes and female community, to develop healthy lifestyles. Women will They also plan to lobby Kazakh- aerospace-themed competition gion in the country will be admit- Graham Stark. solutions and mechanisms to im- have access to consultations with stan’s lawmakers. Nazarbayev Fund Schools Chal- ted to the final qualifying round Finalists Yerlan Yessirkepov, plement them, to analyse state lawyers, psychologists and social “We invite all NGOs to partner lenge – 2019 organised by Air in the capital June 25-27. Final- Yernar Bimukhanbet, Almaz Ky- programmes serving women and workers. Each woman will get as- to develop a programme and build Astana, Cranfield University, the ists will make a seven-day study dyrmin, Anvar Nakov, Sultanali families and to create a directory sistance, and families in difficult an action plan. We want to solve Foundation of the First President, trip to Cranfield University in the Seidally, Azat Dzholamanov, Mag- of all women’s NGOs. They intend situations will become families the Ministry of Justice, National United Kingdom Aug. 19-26, and zhan Zhumanazarov, Dias Tleukh- to open public service centres to that can continue to live and de- Institute of Intellectual Property, an award ceremony will be in Ka- anov, Zulfiya Imanbekova, Damir advise women and families based velop,” said Director of the Do- The first consultation Nazarbayev University (NU) and zakhstan Oct. 15. Yessimbekov, Beksultan Ryszhan, on this experience and analysis. mestic Violence Crisis Centre centres will be Samruk Kazyna Trust Social Pro- The competition is held annually Turarbek Kadyrgaziyev, Sabina “We will help to increase pro- Zulfiya Baisakova. jects Development Fund, reports to develop schoolchildren’s aca- Kazbek, Sultan Sanakbekuly, opened in Almaty. the airline’s press service. demic potential, encourage a crea- Bauyrzhan Kubeyev, Aslanbek Teams of a schoolteacher and tive approach to science and famil- Turar, Alber Adilov, Malika Gab- The organisers intend four English-speaking school stu- iarise the public with the scientific dullina, Sultanmakhmut Yessen- to attract sponsors dents aged 16 to 18 with experi- achievements of young innovators. keldiyev, Dias Sagynat, Talant ence in pursuing projects inde- Last year, 85 students from Asta- Talipov, Ilya Schmidt, Kadirbek and apply for state pendently and achievements in na, Almaty and Shymkent attend- Sharau, Nurzhan Kongratbayev, mathematics and the natural sci- ed the July 24-26 final qualifying Gulnur Kulzhanova, Karina grants for their ences may register to participate round at NU. The jury included Air Temirzhan, Temirtas Sapargaliyev, activities and to offer on www.shapagat.kazpatent.kz/ru/ Astana Senior Maintenance Man- Artyem Fartygin, Dinmukhammed nfsc before the May 10 deadline. ager Ruslan Shayakhmetov, Sam- Begmetov, Yerserik Miranbeku- legal assistance in ly, Spandiyar Abutalip, Yeldos preparing documents Yegizbayev, Yevgeny Demidenko, Damir Sharip, Sultan Orynbay, for housing Dikesh Shakarim, Nursultan Ko- beisinov, Aikun Beksultanova, programmes. Alisher Maratov and Tomiris Zholdassova made an Aug. 19-26 problems systematically, including study trip to Cranfield University. at the legislative level, to analyse Photo credit: inform.kz. Photo credit: The Year of Youth in Kazakh- normative legal acts and to propose Togzhan Kozhaliyeva ( L). stan was launched Jan. 23 by the solutions to government agencies then Kazakh President Nursultan through the National Council for Nazarbayev, and the country will fessionalism in their jobs, to help The first consultation centres Women and Children. We want to see a number of youth-oriented them become financially inde- will be opened in Almaty. The or- organise a female lobby in the Par-

Photo credit: Air Astana Press Service. Astana Press Air Photo credit: initiatives in the year ahead. pendent. We will distribute vouch- ganisers intend to attract sponsors liament,” she said. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 Routes Silk Road forum Capital to host ITB Eurasia to be held this summer tourism exhibition in 2020 “As the youngest capital in the of new and existing destinations,” By Aidana Yergaliyeva world, with its futuristic architec- said airport general director ture and reputation as one of the Radilbek Adimolda. NUR-SULTAN – Routes Silk world’s best smart cities, Astana Kazakhstan generates 60 percent Road 2019 approved the Kazakh will be a unique experience for our of Central Asia’s gross domestic capital as the next forum venue to delegates,” said Routes Brand Di- product (GDP) and the capital, discuss and develop air routes for rector Stephen Small. which celebrated its 20th anniver- the Commonwealth of Independ- Kazakhstan’s Nurly Zhol state sary last year, has become a cen- ent States (CIS), Central and East- programme seeks to promote the tre for business, mediation and ern Europe and the Middle East. nation as the key transport and lo- development. The city regularly The forum will gather 250 avia- gistics centre in Eurasia. As part hosts the Astana Economic Forum tion company delegates July 15-17 of the programme, Astana Interna- and Congress of Leaders of World to address challenges and opportu- tional Airport opened a new termi- and Traditional Religions and held nities in the market during a three- nal in 2017 accommodating eight EXPO 2017 under the theme Fu- day programme of panel sessions, million passengers annually. The ture Energy. face-to-face meetings and other economic incentive plan brought “The Astana Convention Bureau networking events. $9 billion in investments to devel- is excited to host this prestigious Routes CIS/Silk Road was or- op the country’s infrastructure and event and welcome all participants ganised annually from 2010-2015 education. to our wonderful city. Astana is

(except 2011), with the most recent “For Astana Airport, the inter- growing at a tremendous pace and itb-berlin.com. Photo credit: forum in Tbilisi, Georgia, and the national exhibition Routes Silk this is an important and timely capital akimat (city administration) Road is a significant event. The event on our journey to develop exhibition director David Ruetz onstrated making cocktails from and Astana Convention Bureau conference will give us an ex- Astana into a leading business and By Saltanat Boteu opened the Kazakh stand March 6 kumys (fermented horse milk). proposed reviving the event. The cellent opportunity to declare convention destination in Central at ITB Berlin. Guests also could speak with 13 Ka- International Air Transport Associ- ourselves as a high-level airport, Asia,” said Astana Convention NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan For five days, the display- or zakh travel companies in a special ation (IATA) commended the return present the new passenger termi- Bureau Deputy Director Helena signed a memorandum of coopera- ganised by the Ministry’s Tourism zone designed like a dastarkhan (a and will support its organisation. nal and discuss the development Mahuas. tion to hold the 2020 Internationale Industry Committee and Tourism traditional round table). Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Eurasia ex- Administration of Almaty intro- During the exhibition, the Trek- hibition in the capital. The exhibi- duced visitors to the country’s kingclub.kz camp in Turgen Gorge tion, held every September, is part of culture and nature. The Kazakh (Almaty Region) entered the top the schedule of events with ITB Ber- Tourism national company pre- 100 sustainable destinations of lin in March, ITB China (Shanghai) sented ethnic and cultural tourism 2019, which represent the world’s Hilton plans to open Double- in May and ITB Asia (Singapore) in focusing on the national cuisine, most socially and environmentally October, reported bnews.kz. nomadic civilisation heritage and responsible tourism spots. Kazakh Tourism also reached cultural and natural sights. ITB Berlin, one of the main busi- an agreement to host Cirque du Visitors could attend master ness platforms for global tourism, Tree hotel in Almaty in 2020 Soleil’s “Reflect” in the country classes on making traditional Ka- has been held annually since 1966. further development opportunities Head Ansary Karaneyev noted for a second time following its zakh milk products and modelling Every year, more than 10,000 par- By Assel Satubaldina here and in the wider CIS (Com- the relevance of the project in Al- performances at EXPO 2017. The Kazakh musical instruments such as ticipants, including Kazakhstan, monwealth of Independent States) maty’s development. company is negotiating the date the sazsyrnay (ancient flute). They represent all areas of modern tour- NUR-SULTAN – Hilton Group region,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, “Almaty has long been a success- and venue. could take photos with a view of the ism. More than 160,000 individu- plans to expand its presence in Ka- senior vice president for develop- ful tourist destination with its un- Kazakh Minister of Culture and Bozzhyra tract in the background als, including international travel zakhstan with the first DoubleTree ment, for EMEA (Europe, the Mid- touched natural terrain and histori- Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly, and test virtual reality glasses. industry professionals, travellers, by Hilton hotel opening its doors in dle East and Africa) at Hilton, in cal heritage. It is also a significant Kazakh Ambassador to Germany Alibek Dzheibergenov, the nation’s bloggers and visitors, attended the Almaty in 2020. February 2017, when the group an- economic hub and remains the cen- Bolat Nusupov and ITB Berlin award-winning bartender, dem- trade show this year. The new 112-room hotel will join nounced its expansion plans. tre of commerce for Kazakhstan. 560 upscale hotels in 45 countries “Having recently announced our As a business, we have worked managed by DoubleTree by Hilton. first Hilton property in Georgia’s hard to build a successful entertain- The eleven-floor hotel will be on capital of Tblisi, Hilton’s brands are ment complex in the region, and we a 16,000-square-metre lot along at experiencing incredible momentum are delighted to now be working 115 Dosmukhamedov Street. The in this part of the world, and we’re with Hilton on our first hotel pro- Kazakhstan to introduce tax location is in the foothills of the pleased to be adding new properties ject, which will bring much needed Trans-Ili Alatau mountains and in Astana and Almaty,” he said then. accommodation for the corporate within a five-minute walk to the The same year, Abli Kurylys and sports sectors,” he said. Baikonur metro station, Almaty free system for foreign tourists Central Stadium and Circus. Mukhamediuly at the government zakhstan. It contributed to attract- The hotel experience will include By Yerbolat Uatkhanov meeting. ing 22,000 tourists from China and DoubleTree by Hilton’s signature Thanks to the measure, many de- India in 2018. The effect on the chocolate chip cookie that has been NUR-SULTAN – Foreign citi- veloped countries have increased economy reached $16 million. The part of the hotel’s branding since zens making purchases in Kazakh- not only trade turnover, but also tour community not only supports 1986. stan will be exempt from value the number of tourists who shop the extension of this regime, but The project is latest addition added tax (VAT) payments in a few while visiting. also actively supports its further of Hilton Worldwide Group that years. The Ministry of Culture and Reimbursement, with the possi- expansion. It is important to hu- opened Hampton by Hilton hotel, Sports will implement the system ble involvement of operators such manise the system of punishments another hotel brand in the group starting in 2022 and expects to at- as GlobalBlue, InnovaTaxfree and before introducing the e-Hotel sys- chain, last year in Astana, adding to tract more tourists to the country. PremierTaxFree, will be complet- tem and consistently address the the already operating five-star Hil- “The tenth measure (which is ed using financing from the na- issue of abolishing invitations for ton Astana and Hilton Garden Inn implemented under the national tional budget at the country’s ma- foreign tourists under the liberali- Astana in the Kazakh capital. programme of tourism develop- jor airports in the capital, Almaty sation process,” said Mukhamedi- The DoubleTree by Hilton will ment for 2019-2025) includes the and Shymkent. uly. open under a franchise agreement introduction of the tax free [sys- Liberalising the visa regime will He noted the measures will sig- with Kazakh company Abli Kurylys tem] starting in 2022 using the continue by using measures to op- nificantly increase the flow of tour- and its construction is being subsi- experience of the countries of the timise the e-Visa mechanism and ists, as the tax free system refunds dised by the Kazakh government European Union, Australia, Thai- expand 72-hour visa-free transit. the VAT on purchases made by for- under the government’s Business land, Singapore and some Com- The latter has been operating for eign nationals when they leave the Roadmap 2020 programme. monwealth of Independent States two years and only a few viola- country. The refund amounts range “Following our debut in Kazakh- (CIS) countries – Russia, Belarus tions have been recorded. from 7-22 percent of the purchase stan in 2014 with Hilton Garden and Georgia,” said Minister of “This is the first successful ex- price and depend on the size of the Inn Astana, we have been pursuing Culture and Sports Arystanbek perience of visa-free transit in Ka- VAT and tax free operator fee.

credibly important event in human history worldwide. Because if you think about it, the domestication of Botai horses were first to be the horse created the fastest form of transport until the steam train. Actu- ally, for most people until the com- mon use of the motor car. So just domesticated, says UK professor think about changing from walking Continued from Page A1 on the Botai horses and we know out about their horse milk. Fat, to having a horse and how that af- while they already domesticated in the fabric of an unglazed piece fected people in terms of being able It is highly unlikely people horses, they are not the ancestors of pottery can be preserved for to trade, migrate and [conduct] dif- could settle in large village and of modern domesticates. There is thousands of years. We are now ferent types of warfare. Actually, lived almost entirely from horses a small percentage of genetics in trying to look for ancient proteins if we start thinking about things if they were only hunting them. modern horses, which is related to of the milk as well. Although that like fast movement and different The people who came before them Botai horses, but a later breed of can be tricky because protein types of warfare, then a slightly were mixed hunter-gatherers. horses became more predominant. does not survive long periods of later development, which is also in They moved around the landscape We actually now know that Botai time as well as lipids, but we are the Kazakhstan region, is very sig- in small groups hunting different type of horses are similar to Prze- trying that. We can also look to nificant. There is another culture in animals. But in the Botai culture walski type of horse. Whilst Botai see where animals were moving the area of trans-Ural region, Rus- they suddenly settled down, fo- horses are the first domesticates, around in the landscape from the sia, also Northern Kazakhstan and cused entirely on horses. And modern domesticates relate to a chemical signatures in their teeth. it’s about 4,100 years ago. They that almost certainly means true later event. Because where an animal eats re- were the very first people to have husbandry and looking after the cords some of the chemistry from chariots and were clearly warriors. horses. Have you excavated and re- the geology of that area. So we Certainly, they were using horses searched human skeletons? can see even thousands of years in warfare to some extent as well.

You and other scholars such as Yes, we have also extracted the inform.kz. Photo credit: ago where potentially an animal So, another major development and Sandra Olsen and Ludovic Or- DNA of Botai people. We found Przewalski’s horses which are considered to be descendants of Botai horses. was feeding and how it was mov- something else was happening very lando have said that horses from that they are a very ancient group ing around in the seasons. So, we much in this region. quite closely related to some of the techniques have you found most Botai were ancestors of feral of people that are similar to the can see about study aspects of no- groups in Siberia, but also, they helpful? Przewalski horses. In an article, people that lived in the region dur- madism in pastoral movements. Have you tasted horsemeat and you also stated modern domes- ing the Ice Age. So, a very ancient shared common ancestors with na- We used analytical techniques milk? ticated horses did not descend group of people were still living tive Americans who way back in as well as extraction of ancient How did horses contribute to Yes. I have certainly tasted horse from the Botai horses. Could you in the local area of Kazakhstan. the Ice Age crossed into America. DNA; we do a lot of chemistry the development of human civili- meat and drinks, drank kumys. In elaborate? They do not really have any mod- of various types. We analysed the sation? fact, yesterday I had a horse milk We have done ancient genetics ern direct descendants. They are What modern technology or chemistry of fat residues to find Domestication of horses is an in- ice cream. It was slightly strange. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 Kazakhstan ranks fourth in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying Group I after first round scored the third goal with a the right flank to his teammate By Saltanat Boteu header. Denis Cheryshev, who kicked the In the fifty-fifth minute, Kazakh ball into the goal of Nepogodov. NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s goalkeeper Dmitro Nepogodov By the thirtieth minute, Kazakh national football team ranked stopped a shot by Scottish player player Yuri Logvinenko was un- fourth in the Union of European Stuart Armstrong from the close able to continue the match due to Football Associations (UEFA) range. injury. Vorogovsky replaced him. Euro 2020 qualifying’s Group I In the second match of the UEFA At the end of the first half, Ka- after Belgium, Cyprus and Rus- Euro 2020 qualifying tournament, zakhstan earned a free kick, which sia, but ahead of Scotland and San Kazakhstan played against Russia, Baktier Zainutdinov performed, Marino. again on Astana Arena. but he hit the wall. Kazakhstan sensationally won “We can, want and will try to In extended time, Cheryshev its first match 3:0 to Scotland make a surprise to the fans. We scored a double. March 21 on Astana Arena. will need to play as one team: In the fifty-second minute, the The Kazakh team scored the disciplined, orderly and compact. Russian team scored the third goal. first goal in the sixth minute of the We respect our rival and know After ten minutes, the team earned game. Kazakh player Alexander their strengths. We had a good a free kick. Cheryshev assisted and Merkel passed to Yuri Pertsukh, game in the first round, and we Kazakh player Abzal Beisebekov who made a sharp kick under the are in a good mood,” said Ka- accidentally cut the ball into his crossbar. zakh National Team Head Coach own net. In the tenth minute, the Kazakh Michal Bilek at a March 23 press “We analysed Kazakhstan team scored the second goal. Team conference after the game with (team’s game) well. We knew their captain Islambek Kuat made a cut- Scotland. strengths and weaknesses. I would ting pass to the corner of the goal- “There is no euphoria. We are not say that we beat the class. We keeper’s square to Yan Vorogovs- preparing for the match with the just used the opponent’s weakness- kiy who was breaking in and got Russian national team. They have es,” said Russian team defender it past Scottish goalkeeper Scott a good team. We have shown our Andrei Semenov. Bain. level and we will prepare further,” After two games, Group I stand- The Scottish team tried to break In the 28th minute, Kuat tested only to be deflected by the goal- In the fifty-first minute Ka- said Kuat. ings were Belgium (6 points), Cy- through the Kazakh team’s de- the Scottish goalkeeper for vigi- keeper. zakh player Gafurzhan Suyum- This time, the Russian team won prus (3 points), Russia (3 points), fence, but the Kazakh defenders lance, kicking the ball from the The first half of the game ended bayev passed the ball to team- 0:4. In the 19th minute, Russian Kazakhstan (3 points), Scotland (3 held back the attacks. middle distance under the crossbar with a score of 2:0. mate Baktier Zainutdinov, who player Alexei Ionov passed from points), San Marino (0 points). Kazakh grandmaster NOC, UNESCO strengthen cooperation defeats Russian world to promote Olympic Movement physical activity. Sport is a key Career Transition in which the and its values. Global anti-doping By Dilshat Zhussupova tool for forming a tolerant, just career opportunities, communica- efforts are a priority for the move- and peaceful society – it unites tion skills and financial literacy of ment and draw on the International vice-champion NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s people, no matter their gender, female athletes beyond sport was Olympic Charter Against Doping shared her opinion on the oppo- National Olympic Committee and race and values,” said Pikkat at the discussed. in Sport, the World Anti-Doping By Saltanat Boteu nents’ teams. United Nations Educational, Sci- ceremony. “National Olympic Committee Code and the International Con- “I believe that our main rivals entific and Cultural Organisation The National Olympic Com- President Timur Kulibayev tasked vention Against Doping in Sport. NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh grand- are Russia, Ukraine and China. (UNESCO) will cooperate in pro- mittee and UNESCO will focus us with strengthening relations Kazakhstan ratified the latter master Rinat Dzhumabayev de- We have very good chances with moting sport and physical education on advancing inclusive and equal with international organisations,” convention in 2010, committing feated 2016 world vice-champion the rest of the national teams if we in the country, said National Olym- access to sports, education, gender said Mussaibekov. “The Interna- to facilitating doping controls, Sergey Karyakin during the fifth brace ourselves and play concen- pic Committee Secretary General equality, anti-doping efforts and tional Olympic Committee and supporting national testing pro- round of the 2019 World Team trated and if luck is on our side,” Saken Mussaibekov and UNESCO the Olympic Movement in Ka- UNESCO have put forth a solid grammes, encouraging the estab- Chess Championship in the Ka- she said at the press conference, Almaty Cluster Office Head for zakhstan. foundation for cooperation in ar- lishment of codes of conduct for zakh capital. reported sports.kz. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan The signed memorandum be- eas of mutual interest and support. sport and anti-doping professions “It was a difficult game; howev- Kazakhstan Chess Federation and Uzbekistan Krista Pikkat at a tween the organisations is the We are ready to develop our part- and best practices in product label- er, I managed to seize the initiative Vice President Zhandos Abishev recent meeting in Almaty’s National first such memorandum in Central nership and remain active in the ling, marketing and distribution, from the opening. My opponent, as stressed the position improvements Olympic Committee Branch Office, Asia. National Olympic Commit- specified areas.” withholding financial support from always, demonstrated a high-class are also a good achievement. reports Olympic.kz. tee and UNESCO have cooperated The Olympic movement aims to those who engage in or support game, but after spending more than “If women and men perform in “For UNESCO, sport is not on projects, including the Dec. 13- educate youth through sport prac- doping and funding education and five hours in defence, he could not full force and show good creative merely a competitive culture of 14 programme Women Athletes’ tised in accordance with Olympism research on drugs in sport. stand the strain and made a mis- results, then these will also be take that cost him the game,” said achievements. For the women’s Dzhumabayev, reported kazchess. team, getting into the top five kz. would be a good result. Based on Karyakin, famous for his ability the fact that the men’s team takes to defend the worst positions, has ninth place in the ranking, then Golovkin signs six-fight Khabar TV presents earned the name “defence minis- seventh-ninth place will also be a ter.” good result for the men’s team,” “In the endgame, there were he said. almost no resources left for vic- The World Team Chess Cham- DAZN deal, plans to documentary about tory; a small group of white pieces pionship, held March 4-14 at of a rook and a bishop, headed the Astana International Finan- by the king, went ahead and sud- cial Centre, involved 10 men’s denly managed to create a mating and 10 women’s teams from 14 return to ring in June emerging boxing stars network for the black king. As a countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, 11 press conference in Los Angeles. Continued from Page B1 Kazakh female tennis players be- result, Dzhumabayev beat a con- China, Egypt, Georgia, Hungary, By Dilshat Zhussupova “We are focused right now on the fore her. Why do we make films? tender for the world chess crown,” India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, fight May 4 with Canelo and Dan- He feels Kazakhstan has many ath- Not just because they are athletes. said the Kazakhstan Chess Federa- Sweden, Ukraine, the United NUR-SULTAN – For the next ny Jacobs. Danny Jacobs also hap- letes who, like Gennady Golovkin, I think if I am six or seven and I tion. Kingdom, and the United States. three years, Kazakh professional pens to be a DAZN fighter. We’re will become famous future cham- watch a film about a boxer, I will Despite the victory, the Russian The participants included the boxer Gennady Golovkin will fight focused on the fight Gennady will pions. The film shows Alimkhanuly definitely be eager to go in for box- men’s team defeated the Kazakh current world and continental twice a year exclusively on the have in June, which we also expect as he trained for his debut, when he ing. These films are aimed at an team by a score of 3-1. The men champions. world’s largest sports streaming to be a difficult fight.” defeated 27-year-old Colombian audience that will go in for sports won in the second round March 6 The Kazakh national team in- platform in a six-fight deal between “It was difficult,” said Golovkin Carlos Galvan (16-8-1, 15 KOs). tomorrow. We say if you want to after defeating their Swedish rivals cluded Abdumalik, Bibissara As- GGG Promotions and subscription on his disputed loss to Alvarez in “Why did I choose Zhanibek as be athletes and champions, just go 3-1. saubayeva, Gulmira Dauletova, video streaming service DAZN, re- their Sept. 16 rematch in Las Vegas. the main character? I shot his debut to the gym and do it,” he said. The women’s team played to a Dzhumabayev, Anuar Ismagambe- ports DAZN’s press service. “I gained a lot of knowledge and ex- in professional boxing. His contract Beisekeyev has written and di- draw in the fifth round March 9 tov, Murtas Kazhgaleev, Denis No longer appearing on pay-per- perience from that fight, and it will with one of the most influential pro- rected more than 30 documentaries against the Ukrainian team. Makhnev, Guliskhan Nakhbayeva, view, the former middleweight world only help me [as I go forward]. It moters is a great success. I thought based on human stories, including Before the tournament, women’s Peter Kostenko and Dinara Sad- champion’s fights will be available to was a big experience.” that if these people believe in our ath- a series about Kazakh immigrants team leader Zhansaya Abdumalik vakassova. DAZN subscribers at no extra charge DAZN launched in 2016 and lete, I have to make a story about this. in the U.S., “After Release”, in all DAZN markets, including has since expanded to Austria, Bra- For example, everyone knew about “Bala” and “Neighbours.” Kazakhstan. GGG Promotions will zil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Golovkin when he already became a Khabar TV did broadcast also present two shows per year on Spain, Switzerland and the United champion. I think we have many of 2016 Olympic gold medallist DAZN in 2020 and 2021. States, hoping to reach 20 markets by Golovkin’s successors who can be- Yeleussinov (5-0, 3 KOs) in his “Gennady Golovkin is a genera- 2020. In signing with DAZN over of- come stars in boxing, too,” he noted. sixth professional fight against tional talent with international ap- fers from ESPN’s Top Rank Boxing, Beisekeyev would also enjoy Mexican Silverio Ortiz (37-23, 18 peal,” said DAZN Group Executive SHOWTIME Boxing and Premier making a film about tennis player KOs) March 16 in Philadelphia Chairman John Skipper to the press Boxing Champions, Golovkin joins Zarina Diyas. (U.S.) whom Yeleussinov beat by a service on the boxer with 38 wins, 34 its ambassadors Cristiano Ronaldo “I love tennis and Zarina’s story unanimous decision of the referees wins by knockout, one loss and one and Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior. is amazing. We haven’t had any after a full fight of eight rounds. draw. “We’re confident he will bring “DAZN has quickly become his passionate fans to the platform as the new home of boxing by mak- we produce tentpole events with his ing the biggest events easily avail- team over the next several years.” able to the fans,” said Golovkin to Thirty-seven-year-old Golovkin the press service. “When deciding expects to fight in June, and his on where I wanted to continue my opponent will be named at a later career, DAZN’s global vision per- date. He hopes to keep working fectly matched my goals – not just with his promoter Tom Loeffler for my career but the opportunity and trainer Abel Sanchez. to showcase talented Eastern Euro- “A third fight between Gennady pean fighters to the world.” and Canelo is a fight that fans want “The business is done, and now I to see,” Skipper said on Golovkin’s want to do the best fights the fans potential third bout with DAZN and the people want to see,” he add-

Photo credit: kazchess.kz. Photo credit: fighter Canelo Alvarez in a March ed at the press conference. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 School for children with hearing impairments opens Staff Report the screening in the first days of a are done in the capital and Al- child’s life. Premature babies, chil- maty. NUR-SULTAN – A special dren with Down syndrome, autis- “A cochlear apparatus is implant- school for children with hearing tic spectrum disorders and cerebral ed in children by surgery when loss recently opened in Astana palsy are also at risk, she said. they have fourth-degree deafness, based on the city children’s hos- The parents of children and ado- congenital deafness or when a pital No. 2. The main tasks of lescents with hearing impairments hearing kit has no effect. A special the school are health education need additional support and train- committee selects children for this and prevention of hearing impair- ing from professionals, therefore, surgery, which includes a surdolo- ment. For that, the school carries the school is vital, according to gist, a neuropathologist, a surgeon- out early age hardware screening experts. otolaryngologist, a tomography of hearing and organises lectures “The main tasks of the school physician, an anesthesiologist, a with doctors. are health education and preven- psychologist and a teacher-surdol- This hardware screening for tion of hearing impairment. Those ogist. This surgery is carried out on hearing helps to identify hearing include conducting conversations a quota, free of charge, according issues of children if present on the with parents and relatives of chil- to a queue,” she said. second day after birth. dren with hearing and speech im- The result of the surgery de- “The majority of newborns with pairments, teaching children and pends on many factors, such as at hearing issues inherited it geneti- parents how to care after hear- what age the device was implanted, cally, transmitting it from a mother ing kits and speech processors of whether there was some hearing if she gets sick during pregnancy, cochlear apparatuses, lecturing experience, whether a patient pre- or these are acquired issues,” said about the pathology of hearing viously wore a hearing aid, wheth- Chief Freelance Surdologist of and the auditory system with oto- er there was rehabilitation after the Astana Healthcare Department As- laryngologists, surdologists, psy- surgery and whether a patient had a sel Kudaibergenova. chologists, neuropathologists and concomitant neural disorder. In all maternity hospitals and geneticists,” said Kudaibergenova. The implantations have also clinics there are hearing screen- She stressed that currently sur- been done for adults with hearing

ing devices and it is better to make bnews.kz. Photo credit: geries to install cochlear implants loss. Road mortality rate twice Gas pipeline construction as low in 2018 as in 2017 to start in May capital’s road mortality rate in (per 100,000 people per year),” he gas supply system. This will re- system. The conditions for con- By Dilshat Zhussupova 2018 was twice as low as the rate said at a recent city administration Staff Report duce carbon dioxide emissions. necting to the system of central- in 2017. Abdykadyrov credits the meeting. “We will lay a gas pipeline ised gas supply will be provided NUR-SULTAN – The capital’s improved rate to the akimat’s in- Abdykadyrov has said ensur- NUR-SULTAN – The construc- along the streets and set a com- for high-rise buildings. roads are the country’s safest, re- troduction of innovative technol- ing residents’ safety and comfort tion of a central gas pipeline will mon box for seven-ten houses. “Residential buildings on the ports the Astana Akimat (city ad- ogy in machine learning and com- is the akimat’s priority. The video start this May in the capital, re- The inter-quarter networks will be outskirts will also be connected ministration). puter vision. surveillance system Sergek has ported the department for the fuel made and boxes with devices for to the boiler houses. The gas pipe- According to a 2015 World “At the end of 2018, the mortal- incentivised greater law abidance and energy complex and utilities. metering gas consumption will be line and gas distribution networks Health Organisation Global Sta- ity rate caused by road traffic in- among the capital’s residents and The pipeline, part of the larger installed there. Citizens can con- will connect with the autonomous tus Report on Road Safety, Ka- jury was 3.1 per 100,000 people drivers since 2017 and helped the Saryarka project that will bring nect after receiving a preliminary boiler room,” said Head of the de- zakhstan’s road mortality rate per per year. This is more than 3.5 capital’s police solve more than gas to the capital, worth 50 billion technical approval,” he said. partment for the fuel and energy 100,000 people per year was 23.2. times lower than the national av- 500 criminal offenses and reduce tenge (US$132 million) will be The second phase of the gasi- complex and municipal services The rate was 11.5 per 100,000 peo- erage, which is 11.5 (per 100,000 offenses by an average of 30 per- implemented in three stages. fication of the capital envisages Anuarbek Yessenaliyev. ple per year in 2018, said Astana people per year). According to this cent and accidents by 18 percent in The first stage will supply gas supply to four residential areas, The gas pipeline construction Akimat Department for Invest- indicator, Astana’s road mortality 2018. to the central heating and power including Telman, Prigorodnyi in Astana will be completed by ment and Business Development rate is at the level of Amsterdam The system works to prevent plant. Then, the gas will be sup- and Family Village. At the third 2023. One cubic metre of gas Head Alisher Abdykadyrov. The and New York, with rates of 3.2 serious road accidents by sending plied to the Koktal-1 and Kok- stage, the Ilyinka and Chubary will cost approximately 50 tenge a vehicle’s location and license tal-2 residential areas where coal districts will be connected to the (US$0.13). number to a police officer’s tab- and firewood are used for heating. let when a car violates road rules The pipeline will also be pro- several times within a short time. vided to the district in the area of It also collects data on traffic con- the main railway station and the gestion and feeds information to south-east district. an intelligent traffic light system, “The pipeline will carry gas having tracked the number of cars from Kyzylorda. Two gas aggres- passing through a given site and sors, a gas filling stations and a their direction. gas storage facility will be built as Since the system’s introduction part of the project,” said Head of in Astana, more than 467 million the Astana department for the fuel tenge (US$1.24 million) has been and energy complex and utilities contributed to the capital’s budget, Yerbol Toleuov. said Abdykadyrov. Sergek became The pipeline construction will Kazakhstan’s first information go along the Kyzylorda-Zhezka- technology export product shortly zgan-Karaganda-Temirtau-Asta- after. Kiev Smart City Project Co- na route. In the first stage, it is facilitator Yuriy Nazarov plans to planned to carry gas to 171 set- install a similar video surveillance tlements. This year, according to system to create a safe environ- experts, more than 22,000 houses

Photo credit: astana.gov.kz. Photo credit: ment in the capital of Ukraine. will be connected to the central Two dead, 27 injured in bus accident killed. Of the 27 people injured, By Aidana Yergaliyeva authorities believe half of them suffered serious injuries. NUR-SULTAN – Two people In the first minutes, all the driv- were killed and 27 were injured ers got out of the cars and began March 26 when three metropolitan to help the victims, said witness buses, two passenger cars and an Sarsenov. “The ambulance quick- ambulance collided at the inter- ly arrived. [They] arrived in four section of Kabanbai Batyr Avenue minutes, took away all the victims. with Uly Dala Street in the capital. For which, [I] thank them very “I was driving in my car in the much,” Sarsenov added. middle of the lane. At about 9.30 Twenty-two ambulance teams a.m., we were driving toward the took 25 injured people to the city’s city from Nazarbayev University. multi-purpose hospital No. 2. We stopped at the red light. At that Three of the injured remained in time, on my right, there was such intensive care at press time. a strong blow, loud. As soon as Nur-Sultan Akim (Mayor) we got out of the car, we saw that Bakhyt Sultanov has also arrived the bus crashed at speed. There at the scene and “personally in- are many victims,” said witness structed personnel to immediately Bakhytzhan Sarsenov. According to police, the bus of provide first aid, inform all - rela suburban route No. 303 ran a red tives, begin to help the families of light and collided with bus No. the victims, to provide psychologi- 12. Bus No. 53 and an ambulance cal assistance. All the necessary were also involved in the crash. assistance from the akimat (city The driver of bus No. 303 had administration) will be provided,” been a driver for more than eight said Akim’s (City Mayor’s) press years and was killed instantly. secretary Elvira Zhurgenbayeva. “During this time his perfor- The city police initiated a pre- mance has been very good. He was trial investigation under article 345 calm. He did not get into accidents of the Kazakh Criminal Code “Vi- at all, had no complaints and [there olation of traffic rules, resulting in was] no complaints about [his job the death of two or more persons.” performance],” said Astana Light The police investigation identified Rail Transit (LRT) Spokesperson that the car crash occurred because Nauat Azanbayeva. of the bus No. 303 that did not stop A 26-year-old woman was also for the red light.