0° / -1°C WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 No 6 (144) www.astanatimes.com Nauryz unites Kazakhstan in celebration Nazarbayev pays surprise traditional sport competition. The children mostly liked the ethnic village. No one was bored,” Asta- na resident Zhamilya Bayazitova visit to Samarkand, told The Astana Times. The traditional and symbolic holiday dish, Nauryz kozhe, meets with Mirziyoyev was prepared in an enormous taikazan (a type of cooking pot) with a capacity of 1,000 litres. Nauryz kozhe consists of sev- en components, a number that symbolises the seven days of the week and seven virtues. Tra- ditionally, everyone should visit seven houses and invite seven guests to their home on the holi- day. Guests were also offered other traditional Kazakh and Central Asian dishes in a food court. In the past, perhaps the biggest sensation was a performance by Photo credit: madeniet.astana.kz. Photo credit: legendary Kazakh wrestler and zher, bak konghan nurly el” (“Re- expect this holiday with pleasure Guinness World Record-holder By Aigerim Sadykova newed land, blessed country”) at and great joy, as day and night are Kazhimukan Munaitpasov and the expo’s Congress Centre. Nau- equal, winter ends and spring with Baluan Sholak. This year, famous ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s an- ryz was embodied as a boy in the summer begins,” Nazarbayev said. athlete and one of Kazakhstan’s nual Nauryz celebration on March story, a hero who returns warmth, Guests at the so called ethnic 100 New Faces Sergei Tsyrulnikov By Almasbek Zhumadilov of ties between the two nations’ 21 and 22 was as eventful as ever, love and patience stolen from his village were greeted by characters also delighted the crowd by tearing business communities as well as despite this year’s cold, foggy people by dark forces. He discov- from Kazakh folk tales and took apart chains and hammering pins ASTANA – Kazakh President effective bilateral cooperation on weather. ers for them the secret of happi- photos with them. Artists from the with his hands. Nursultan Nazarbayev paid an international and regional issues. Astana residents celebrated ness and prosperity. capital’s theatres showcased na- Spectators also paid great atten- unannounced visit to Uzbeki- Mirziyoyev and Nazarbayev Nauryz for the first time at the site Kazakh President Nursultan tional customs and traditions. There tion to the exhibition of ancient stan’s famous city of Samarkand also visited the Hazret Khizr of last year’s EXPO 2017, visiting Nazarbayev visited the musical was also an exhibition of handmade Kazakh dog breeds, the Tazy and March 21 where he discussed bi- memorial complex and paid ethnic villages erected on the high- and congratulated Kazakhstan’s pottery, felt and jewellery. Tobet. The speed of the Tazy hunt- lateral, regional and internation- tribute to the memory of the first tech campus and participating in people on the traditional new year “This year, the celebration lasts ing dogs – up to 80 kilometers an al issues with Uzbek President President of the Republic of Uz- outdoor activities March 21. holiday. for five days. I have a chance to hour – as well as their hunting Shavkat Mirziyoyev. bekistan Islam Karimov buried The festivities started with the “Nauryz is a holiday of spring, spend weekends with my family. skills amazed the viewers. Kazakh musical “Zhanarghan revival and growth. Historically, we My husband took part in a Kazakh Continued on Page A2 The two leaders praised the there. state of bilateral relations and On the eve of the Nauryz holi- outlined additional development day, common to the peoples of prospects. both countries, the heads of the According to the Akorda press two states visited Samarkand’s service, Nazarbayev noted the cultural and historical sights. positive effects the country’s bi- Mirziyoev visited Astana Central Asian leaders discuss lateral relations have on trade, March 15 to attend the meeting of economic relations and cultural the leaders of five Central Asian and humanitarian cooperation. nations and personally launch the He also noted increases in bi- Year of Uzbekistan in Kazakh- regional challenges in Astana lateral trade and the promotion stan. traregional trade, ensuring regional in political cooperation between our ism, extremism, drug trafficking, By Aigerim Seisembayeva security and facilitating the rap- countries. We managed to establish transnational organised crime and prochement of peoples. dialogue between our foreign minis- religious radicalism call on us to ASTANA – Leaders of five Cen- The Kazakh President also drew ters. I personally was pleased to see use all mechanisms of effective and tral Asian states met March 15 in attention to Kazakhstan’s relations your foreign ministers at the UN Se- prompt response. Solving these is- Astana in such a format for the first with other Central Asian states, curity Council meeting in New York sues is a priority task for our inter- Construction to begin in time in 10 years to address regional including export relationships, in- [in January]. It was a solid support action, because a change in the situ- challenges, such as borders, water tergovernmental commissions, the for us. That’s what we should al- ation in one country can negatively resource management and regional opening of new border crossings, ways do – support each other,” said affect the situation in the whole re- security. the simplification of passport pro- Nazarbayev. gion,” he said. July on gas pipeline serving The presidents of Kazakhstan, cedures, cooperation in building The Kazakh President also drew Mirziyoyev stressed the impor- Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uz- transportation infrastructure and attention to Kazakhstan’s trade re- tance of developing trade, economic bekistan attended. Turkmenistan cooperation in settling border is- lations with other Central Asian and interstate cooperation in ensur- was represented by its Parliament’s sues. states. ing regional security and stability. Astana, Karaganda, regions Speaker Akja Nurberdyeva and a He also noted that, during the “In 2017, Kazakhstan’s exports “All our joint actions, projects tion for approval. The gasifica- delegation, including the president’s meeting, the leaders agreed that the to each of your countries grew 35 and programmes will undoubtedly By Zhanna Shayakhmetova tion roadmap has already been son Serdar Berdymuhamedov, who delimitation and demarcation of percent. We hold meetings of in- strengthen the spirit of mutual trust approved. chairs the Turkmen Parliament’s borders between the five countries tergovernmental commissions. We and respect and provide specific ASTANA – Construction on “The working group consists Foreign Affairs Committee. is a priority to strengthen security are opening new border crossing content to our close regional coop- the Saryarka gas pipeline, intend- of state bodies and organisations Nazarbayev met on the sidelines and stability in the region. points, simplifying passport con- eration that is fully in line with our ed to bring gas to Kazakhstan’s to work out issues related to the of the gathering with Berdymu- Nazarbayev also outlined the trol procedures, building new roads common interests and is wholly capital and central and north- implementation of the first phase hamedov as well as Kyrgyz Presi- need for Central Asian states to and bridges, settling border issues, supported by our peoples,” he said. ern regions, will be launched in of this project, including the Nurberdyeva read out an address dent Sooronbay Jeenbekov and the strengthen ties with the leading developing transport infrastructure July, Kazakh Minister of Energy terms of financing, by raising and launching new flights and high- from Turkmen President Gurban- Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev. countries bordering the region – Kanat Bozumbayev told a March funds from international finan- The event produced a joint state- Russia and China. speed trains,” he said. guly Berdymuhamedov. 13 government meeting. A cubic cial institutions such as the Eur- ment on the upcoming Nauryz holi- Speaking at the meeting as a Kyrgyz President Jeenbekov also “Cooperation with the closest metre of gas will vary at a level asian Bank for Reconstruction day and a decision to meet in such a host, Nazarbayev applauded his stressed during the meeting the im- neighbours in Central Asia is one of 47-50 tenge (US$0.1-0.2). and Development (EBRD), the format annually. Uzbek counterpart Mirziyoyev for portance of regional cooperation, of the priority aspects of Turkmeni- “We agreed to ensure the de- Eurasian Development Bank, the Nazarbayev also proposed during proposing the idea of holding the saying, “today’s meeting will serve stan’s foreign policy strategy. Our velopment and approval of de- Development Bank of Kazakh- the meeting to establish a mecha- meeting. to renew and intensify our friendly country is committed to the widest sign estimates and the alloca- stan and other organisations,” he nism for five-sided regular consulta- “We can solve all our problems and good-neighbourly relations. It cooperation with the countries of tion of land for the gas pipeline tions between the security councils together. It is symbolic that our will give new impetus to our com- the region, while contributing in said. of Central Asian states, the Kazakh meeting is held on the eve of the mon aspirations aimed at greater every way to the enhancement of construction along the Kyzy- On March 5, Kazakh President leader told a press briefing follow- Nauryz holiday that is common for rapprochement of our countries and an equal and trustful dialogue in all lorda-Zhezkazgan-Karaganda- Nursultan Nazarbayev, as part of ing the meeting. all of us. Kazakhstan has always peoples.” directions, in both bilateral and mul- Temirtau-Astana route. The his Five Social Initiatives project Nazarbayev said the leaders also strived for close economic coopera- President of Tajikistan Emomali tilateral formats,” read the address. Ministry of Energy; Ministry of intended to improve the lives of considered establishing a five-sided tion with its neighbours, especially Rahmon, who arrived in Astana The meeting’s joint statement was Investments and Development; citizens, set the task of increas- working commission at the level with the countries of Central Asia, one day earlier for an official visit, dedicated to the upcoming Nauryz executive bodies of Kyzylorda, ing access to gas by building a deputy prime ministers to promote with whom we share common his- spoke about developing Central holiday and read: “It is very sym- Karaganda and Akmola regions; gas pipeline from Karaozek in regional economic cooperation. tory, culture, understanding and vi- Asia’s transit and transport poten- bolic that on the eve of this shared and the KazTransGas company the Kyzylorda region to Astana. He highlighted the advantages sion of the world,” said Nazarbayev, tial, rational use of water and energy holiday we express our desire for are responsible for the project’s The project implementation of holding consultative meetings at according to the Akorda press re- resources, cultural interaction and regional cooperation, mutual sup- implementation,” said Bozum- will have a socio-economic im- the highest level, noting the impor- lease. strengthening regional security. port and joint solutions to pressing bayev. pact, as it will replace some con- tance of combining the potential of “I am pleased to state that we “The growing challenges and issues, in order to ensure the secu- According to the ministry, the siderable coal consumption. It is Central Asian states, increasing in- have reached significant progress threats to security, such as terror- rity, stability and sustainable devel- gas pipeline will be construct- expected to save 36,100 tonnes opment of our entire region.” ed in four stages. In the first of pollutant emissions, including Following the meeting, the four stage, over the course of a year, sulphur dioxide, carbon monox- heads of state participated the of- a pipeline is to be built along ide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen ficial launch of the year of Uzbeki- the Kyzylorda-Zhezkazgan- oxide and solid particles, per stan in Kazakhstan, where President Karaganda-Astana route with a year in Astana alone. Nazarbayev awarded his Uzbek length of 1,081 kilometres. The “The construction and the cer- counterpart Mirziyoyev the Order project costs 267.3 billion tenge emony of welding the first joint of Dostyk (Friendship) of the 1st (US$837 million). The second of the gas pipeline are scheduled degree “for significant contribution stage of the project will see the for early July this year,” Bozum- to strengthening and developing pipeline continue from Astana bayev said. political, economic and cultural re- to Kokshetau; the third stage Regions taking part in the pro- lations between the two countries.” will extend it to Petropavlovsk. ject should provide the design The event was held at the Astana The fourth stage envisages the and construction of gas distri- Opera Theatre and included perfor- construction of Zhezkazgan and bution networks to ensure gas mances by leading Uzbek artists Temirtau compressor stations. supply to consumers by the time and an exhibition of folk and ap- KazTransGas is developing the construction on the pipeline is plied arts. design and estimate documenta- completed in December 2019.

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIAL OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Government approves five social National Bank presents consumer-friendly Kazakhstan’s digital transformation is central BAHARUDIN, SULEIMEN: Celebrating Central Asian artists bring postmodern life to initiatives roadmap A2 home loan programme A4 to nation’s next stage of development A6 25th anniversary of friendly relations between ancient oral traditions in US staging of women Kazakhstan and Singapore A7 warrior epic B1 Khorgos to introduce new luggage terminal DBK continues investing to fully automate cargo transportation A2 in non-primary economy A5 ALTANGEREL: Highlights of UNDP- Otrar settlement animated film presented under Kazakhstan partnership in the past four years A7 Ruhani Janghyru programme B6

US$ 1 = 319.26 KZT € 1 = 396.01 KZT 1 = 5.61 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

NATIONAL Government approves five social initiatives roadmap NEWS IN BRIEF South Kazakhstan region’s 24,900 ilies to purchase accommodations, The Ministry of National Econo- majors during the next academic on further gas provisions, namely farms will merge into 102 coopera- By Meruyert Abugaliyeva will establish a subsidiary national my will be responsible for the sec- year, including 16,000 for under- construction of a gas pipeline from tives this year, reported the regional company as the sole operator of ond initiative seeking to reduce the graduate studies, 3,000 for mas- Kyzylorda to the capital through akimat’s press service. The coopera- ASTANA – The Kazakh gov- the programme. The company tax burden and increase income of ter’s degrees and 1,000 for PhDs. Zhezkazgan and Karagandy. tives anticipate opening 3,173 small ernment approved the Five Social will purchase 25-year, 7-percent low-paid workers. By the end of May, regional gov- “The construction scheme of feeding grounds, 731 family dairy Initiatives roadmap March 13 pre- mortgages provided by second-tier “The plans are to make relevant ernors will identify land slots near the Saryarka pipeline and finance farms, 15 small poultry farms and viously announced by President banks to citizens with 20 percent amendments related to income universities and colleges for dor- terms will be identified by June. seven fish farms producing 2,700 Nursultan Nazarbayev. The meas- initial payment. tax to the tax code and investi- mitory construction. The objective There are plants to attract invest- tonnes of meat, 34,200 tonnes of ures, cutting across affordable “The key measures involve the gate potential implementation of is to build housing for 75,000 stu- ment from international financing milk, 6,000 tonnes of fruit and 5,000 housing, lower tax burden, acces- approval of 7-20-25 programme progressive income tax system dents by 2022. institutions, such as the European tonnes of vegetables. “Forty-nine The fourth initiative, increasing Bank for Reconstruction and De- sibility of higher education, busi- and introduction of relevant by August. The changes will en- investment projects worth 54 billion ness loans and gas provisions are amendments to normative legal ter into force during the next tax business loans, will be executed velopment (EBRD) and Eurasian tenge (US$168.48 million) will get meant to enhance the well-being of acts for its execution. We also plan period beginning Jan. 1, 2019,” by the Ministry of Labour and So- Development Bank. Regional gov- financing this year. The export of the Kazakh people. to boost Nurly Zher programme he added. cial Protection. It will amend the ernors will earmark land lots for food products will amount to $350 The roadmap, developed by the financing by 20 billion tenge The Ministry of Education and productive employment and mass the pipeline in June and the project million. The agricultural crops will National Bank and various min- (US$62.5 million) per year and Science will be accountable for the entrepreneurship programme for will be launched in June to termi- increase by 15,000 hectares and istries, was presented by Minister make the changes to it in accord- third initiative meant to increase 2017-2022 by seeking a bigger nate in February 2019,” said Sulei- reach 833,000 hectares according of National Economy Timur Sulei- ance with the terms of the 7-20-25 the accessibility and quality of objective of boosting microloans menov. to the Damu programme,” said re- menov. programme,” said Suleimenov. higher education and improve liv- and stimulating entrepreneurship, Overall, the roadmap consists of gional agriculture department head The National Bank, primarily re- The first housing loan under the ing conditions for students. Plans especially in rural areas. 35 measures and involves amend- Serik Turbekov. The change will sponsible for the first initiative to new mortgage scheme is expected are underway to provide 20,000 The Ministry of Energy will be ments to three codes, 12 draft laws also include intensive gardening provide new opportunities for fam- to be issued in August. state scholarships for technical responsible for the last initiative and six government decrees. introduced on 800 hectares, 200 ad- ditional hectares of greenhouses and 13,800 hectares of irrigated land.

Mechanical activities were com- pleted as part of the second modern- Government passes Samarkand, S. Kazakhstan isation stage at Shymkent oil refin- ery, according to the enterprise press service. Thirty local companies were involved in the project and 445 jobs draft national entrepreneurs agree to were created to operate the new plants. “The construction of RFCC catalytic cracking facilities, Prime anti-corruption report establish joint ventures G+ gasoline hydrotreating, desul- phurisation of saturated and Merox The second chapter analyses cor- sheep, which originated in north- unsaturated gases, Claus sulphur By Zhazira Dyussembekova ruption trends in Kazakhstan based By Aigerim Sadykova The buildings around ern Kazakhstan. The Samarkand production and PSA-2 hydrogen pu- on official legal statistics and a so- entrepreneurs suggested cross- rification were completed. Now, the ASTANA – The Kazakh govern- ciological measurement of the level ASTANA – Representatives of the mausoleum will be ing the Edilbai sheep with Gissar commissioning work starts on the ment adopted a draft National Re- of its perception, as well as the re- the Umar Company from Samar- sheep from Uzbekistan. new installations,” said the March port on Combating Corruption pre- sults of research conducted by in- kand city in Uzbekistan recently demolished to build Samarkand entrepreneurs also 20 report. The first phase was com- sented March 13 by public service ternational organisations. The third visited the South Kazakhstan re- national centres of the met with the Director of Nurosman pleted in June 2017 and the entire affairs and anti-corruption agency describes the measures taken to gion and agreed to establish joint Milling Combine Ibadulla Musa- project, with a refining capacity of deputy chairman Sayan Akhmetzh- eliminate corruption risks, as well enterprises with businesses from Turkic peoples. Each bekov in Turkestan. Entrepreneurs up to six million tonnes per year and anov. The document provides infor- as their social and economic effect. that region. Turkic country will be agreed on a two-step plan of coop- increased processing depth, should mation about anti-corruption work Chapter four is devoted to civil The company delegation was eration. First, flour and pasta will be finished by Sept. 30. in the country and an analysis of ex- society’s involvement in the state led by president of the organisa- able to construct a hotel, be delivered to Samarkand, then, isting issues, as well as suggestions policy of combating corruption, as tion and philantropist Umar Rad- depending on demand and sales, The Kyzyl gold deposit in the East for further improvement of the anti- well as forming public aversion to jabov on the invitation of the head handicraft workshops, they will create a joint production Kazakhstan region will be operating corruption policy. corruption and promoting an anti- of Ikanbir firm, Donish Mannatov. catering and other venture. at full capacity next year, reported “This year, Kazakhstan has corruption culture in society. “I visited factories and construc- The Nurosman Milling Combine Kazinform March 20. “The deposit, gained 31 points in the Cor- The final part explains the pros- tion sites, got acquainted with the attractions here. produces higher, first and second- with a capacity of two million tonnes ruption Perceptions Index and pects to further develop anti-cor- charitable work of Umar Compa- grade quality flour and will install of ore per year, is being developed ranked 122nd, improving in the ruption policies and legislation, ny last year in Samarkand. I was an Italian line to produce pasta, with the use of the latest technolo- index by two points and nine po- including implementing interna- convinced that our joint business national centres of the Turkic peo- added Musabekov. gies at the Bakyrchik mining and sitions. Such results, in particular tional anti-corruption standards, would bring great benefits. I invit- ples. Each Turkic country will be South Kazakh businessman Ba- processing enterprise. The project exceeding the threshold value of project management in a number ed Radjabov to start cooperating,” able to construct a hotel, handicraft tritdin Nishonkulov also said the will be put into operation in 2019,” 30 points, allowed Kazakhstan to of anti-corruption activities and Mannatov said, adding that tour- workshops, catering and other at- South Kazakhstan region plans to said regional entrepreneurship, in- withdraw from the category of the the draft plan to execute the anti- ism enterprises will also be needed tractions here. Radjabov intends to organise events celebrating Uz- dustrial and innovative development most corrupted countries,” he said. corruption strategy for 2018-2020. on both sides. build an Uzbek centre and invite bekistan. department deputy head Olga Grigo- “The analysis in the national re- Akhmetzhanov also provided The mausoleum of Khodja Ah- well-known builders and masters if “We will invite guests from Uz- ryeva. Kyzyl is a large deposit of 7.3 port indicates that one of the key recommendations to state bodies mad Yassawi, revered in the Mus- the Kazakh side will allocate a plot. bekistan, among them will be writ- million ounces of gold ore reserves factors of success was the legisla- and the quasi-public sector. Cen- lim world, built in Turkestan is Samarkand manufacturers and ers, poets, artists. We are going to with an average grade of 7.7 grams tive support of the anti-corruption tral and local executive bodies popular among pilgrims from Uz- Mannatov also negotiated to es- organise festivals and celebrate per tonne. Its full production capac- policy of the state and the creation should ensure the multiplicative bekistan as well as many tourists tablish a joint cattle-breeding com- significant dates in the history of ity is more than 300,000 ounces of of new institutions for the effective effect of disseminating the Astana- visiting the town. Thousands of pil- plex after visiting the Ikanbir firm. our countries,” Nishonkulov said. gold per year and extraction will be prevention of corruption, taking Adaldyk Alany project in all the grims visit the graves of two of the The firm is located 20 kilometres Nishonkulov also suggested conducted in the first 10 years. into account the best international country’s bodies and regions. The three great biys (judges) of the Ka- from Turkestan. Umar Company build houses in practices and high world stand- authorised bodies should take into zakh people buried in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek delegation visiting Shymkent and offered to establish Beginning May 31, SCAT Air- ards. The main emphasis in the account the specifics of national The buildings around the mau- an agricultural operation was sur- contacts with local construction lines will start Monday and Tuesday fight against corruption is made to legislation based on deep and bal- soleum will be demolished to build prised by the large size of Edilbai companies. flights from Tomsk (Russia) to Asta- the system and implementation of anced analysis, as well as consider na aboard a CRJ200. Tickets are al- effective measures to prevent cor- the prospects and need for adopt- ready on sale. “The much-anticipat- ruption,” he added. ing the Organisation for Economic ed flight to Astana will significantly The draft report has five chap- Co-operation and Development shorten time for students from Ka- ters. The first sums up the results (OECD) Anti-Corruption Net- zakhstan on the way home and make of the initial stage of the Anti-Cor- work recommendations within the Khorgos to introduce new business and tourist trips more con- ruption Strategy for 2015-2025 fourth round of monitoring the Is- venient,” said Tomsk Airport head and talks about the key directions tanbul Plan of Action for combat- Roman Frolenko. The schedule also of the national model of combating ing corruption and prepare a coor- allows passengers to book connect- corruption. dinated action strategy, he added. luggage terminal to fully ing flights to other Kazakh cities.

Seven agricultural pilot projects automate cargo transportation are being implemented in the Ko- stanai region under the digitisation Nauryz unites situation, carrying cargo of 50 kilo- “To provide quality service for road map, including introducing By Dana Omirgazy grammes several times a day. They luggage transportation, the centre precision farming elements, smart literally storm buses, trying to trans- is improving the system for passing control systems and smart meat and ASTANA – The Khorgos cross- port cargo in large quantities. Em- goods through luggage terminals, dairy farms. “We will determine the Kazakhstan border trade centre will offer im- ployees of the centre prevent this where their registration will take specific technologies and reveal the proved services, enhanced safety practice and intend to restore order place. There are plans to open three economic effect as part of these pro- and automated baggage handling to to the passengers and baggage trans- additional baggage drop-off points jects. The agro-technological hub provide better conditions for tour- portation system,” said the report. on the Chinese territory of the cen- will be created to ensure the trans- in celebration ists and avoid transporting cargo The Kazakh part of the centre tre. Baggage will be transported by fer of advanced technologies and its Continued from Page A1 pared tandai, a refreshing milk through the passenger bus system. currently has a sufficient number of truck separately from the passenger adaptation to local conditions with drink with spices. Each tourist may take only one buses for its passengers. Ten more and will be brought to the baggage the support of the Asian Develop- The next day, city celebrations Guests visiting the Almaty Art bag on the bus at the Kazakh-Chi- vehicles were purchased in February claim area outside the customs con- ment Bank. Farmers will take part included concerts and celebrations Centre purchased national souve- nese border; the rest of the cargo is and a fleet of 50 new buses will be- trol line. Further work on baggage in trainings on digital technologies,” of national cuisine; displays, dis- nirs, clothes with Kazakh orna- delivered through KazPost points, gin operation by the summer. Cargo, transportation provides for differen- said regional deputy akim (gover- cussions and performances in yurts; ments and handmade goods from according to the centre’s press ser- however, will not be permitted on tiation of oversized cargo, commer- nor) Meirzhan Myrzaliyev. master classes by famous artisans on the Qazaq Oner (Kazakh art) Craft vice. passenger buses. cial and tourist. For this, new trucks Central Asian arts and crafts; and, of Centre at a market alley nearby. “Unsatisfied with the imposed At the same time, work is continu- have been purchased,” reported the A children’s cancer and hematol- course, a variety of kids’ activities. Aktobe city was visited by a restrictions, certain unscrupulous ing to arrange adequate transporta- press service. ogy centre will open at the regional Artists and dance ensembles from Nauryz-Keruen caravan that con- entrepreneurs try to destabilise the tion for tourists and their baggage. Plans are underway to build a new hospital in Aktobe, reported Zakon. Turkey, Uzbekistan, Iran, Afghani- gratulated citizens and wished them luggage terminal by the end of the kz. “This centre is designed to iden- stan, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan per- great holidays. Carts harnessed year. With its completion, transport- tify the disease at an early stage and formed at a large concert, and the with horses were decorated with ing goods, customs control and re- provide all the necessary medical as- day ended with a fireworks show. carpets, ribbons and flowers. A car ceiving baggage at the centre’s exit sistance. Every year, 30-35 children Almaty residents learned about with an improvised stage headed will be fully automated. in the region are diagnosed with pri- the cuisines of Central Asia over the column while equestrians in Khorgos visitors reached 1.134 mary cases of the disease. Approxi- the Nauryz holiday. Azerbaijani traditional clothes accompanied million in 2017, growing 1.7 times mately 140 children are diagnosed chefs taught pilaf in pita bread the caravan. Young people sang the from the 671,000 a year earlier, ac- with cancer and hematological dis- preparations and made baklava song “Zharapazan,” which symbol- cording to the press service. ease each year. Now, we will be able desserts. Turkish masters made ises well-being and prosperity. Chil- “In 2016, no more than 1,800 peo- to provide all the necessary medical burek bun with spinach and the dren performed the song on peoples’ ple entered Khorgos from the Ka- assistance,” said regional health care sweet lukum. An Afghan chef doorsteps in old days and received zakh side on a daily basis. Last year, department head Asset Kaliyev. The showed the cooking process of candies or coins from the residents. this number exceeded 3,000 tourists centre will be built under a public- a drink made of seven kinds of Nauryz is celebrated across Cen- per day. In January, almost 80,000 private partnership at a cost of 4.2 fruit, while an Indian chef pre- tral Asia and in Afghanistan and Iran. people visited the centre,” it added. billion tenge (US$13 million). A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakh President, UAE Crown Prince discuss Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov met with Euro- pean Union (EU) delegation to Kazakhstan head Traian Hristea bilateral ties, oversee multiple agreements March 15 to discuss developing velopment Zhenis Kassymbek located on the western and eastern relationship in light of the 16th By Elya Altynsarina and UAE Minister of State for borders of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Financial Affairs Obiad Humaid For the past four years, DP World Council held in Brussels on Feb. ASTANA – Kazakh President Al Tayer inked an Agreement be- has been providing services to the 26. They agreed on the need to cre- Nursultan Nazarbayev paid an tween the two governments on the country’s main terminal on the ate a roadmap to execute the En- official visit to the United Arab promotion and mutual protection Caspian Sea at Aktau and at Khor- hanced Partnership and Coopera- Emirates (UAE) March 24, meet- of investments. gos, one of the main transit points tion Agreement (EPCA) between ing with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince A framework agreement on the of Eurasia, strategically located on Kazakhstan and the EU. Attention and UAE Armed Forces Deputy basic principles for the acquisition the Kazakh-Chinese border. was also paid to developing trans- Supreme Commander Sheikh Mo- of a 49-percent stake in the JSC The other agreements, which pro- port and logistics, cooperation hammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “Aktau Sea Port” Special Econom- vide for setting up a polyethylene advances between Central Asian According to the Akorda press ic Zone, and a framework agree- plant in Kazakhstan, constructing states, progress in promoting sus- service, the expanded meeting ment on the basic principles of DP an integrated gas chemical complex tainable development in Afghani- explored cooperation in invest- World’s participation in the capital and the repurchase/acquisition of stan and institutional reforms in ment protection, space technol- of the JSC “Khorgos-Eastern Gate” shares of the polypropylene plant, Photo credit: akorda.kz Photo credit: Kazakhstan. Hristea spoke about ogy, hydraulic power, petrochemi- Special Economic Zone Manage- both in the Atyrau Region, were progress in designing a new EU cals, agriculture and digitisation, sured the country’s leading position trade has doubled from $374 million ment Company were also signed. signed by Kazakh Energy Minister Strategy for Central Asia, which as well as tourism and trade. The in global development. He also paid to $643 million and [it has grown] The two documents, inked by Kanat Bozumbayev and UAE Min- should be adopted in the second latest agreement on mutual visa- tribute to the nation’s late founding six times since 2015,” he added. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy President ister of Energy and Industry Suhail half of 2019. The parties also dis- free travel between the countries, father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al The Crown Prince noted UAE Kanat Alpysbayev, Mangistau Re- Bin Mohammad Faraj Al Mazroui. cussed cooperation in executing which entered into force March Nahyan, whose 100th anniversary President Sheikh Khalifa Bin gion Governor Yeraly Tugzhanov Considering that Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s 10, is designed to impact relations will be celebrated this year. Zayed Al Nahyan is eager to boost and DP World chairperson and hosted EXPO 2017 and the up- Five Social Initiatives, which are and implement perspective deals. Underlining the positive dynam- cooperation and communication CEO Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, coming World EXPO 2020 is in fully compatible with the main The two leaders also empha- ics of Kazakh-UAE cooperation based on a policy of mutual re- represent a major development in Dubai,Kazakh2020 pavilion com- directions of cooperation between sised the importance of enhanc- and the importance of bringing it spect, confidence and interest. He the Kazakh transit and logistics missioner Alen Chaizhunusov Kazakhstan and the EU. ing efforts for regional and global to new heights, Nazarbayev ex- added he is prepared to expand co- markets. DP World, a global op- signed an agreement with his UAE peace and security by promoting pressed confidence the friendly operation in multiple fields. erator for marine and inland ter- counterparts on his country’s par- Majilis (lower house of Parlia- dialogue and peaceful cooperation. ties between the people of the two The visit included signing sev- minals, maritime services, logis- ticipation in the event. ment) Chair Nurlan Nigmatulin Nazarbayev hailed the UAE’s countries will continue to deepen. eral agreements, mostly in in- tics and technology-driven trade Nazarbayev ended his visit by met with Czech Parliament Cham- growth and achievements, noting “In 2017 alone, thanks to the im- vestments and economy. Kazakh services, will acquire, govern and inviting the Crown Prince to Ka- ber of Deputies Chair Radek Von- how the efforts of its leadership en- plementation of bilateral agreements Minister of Investment and De- manage a share of the two SEZs zakhstan. dracek during his official visit to the Czech Republic on March 14- 15. Nigmatulin noted strengthen- ing cooperation with the country is one of the main priorities of Ka- zakhstan’s foreign policy in Cen- Nazarbayev recognises Tajik President’s efforts to tral and Eastern Europe. He also valued Kazakhstan’s inclusion on the Czech list of its 12 main trade partners, especially in ma- deepen bilateral relations during meeting in Astana chinery manufacturing, agricul- ing states are coming. Tomorrow, I see how quickly the image of its as well as initiatives to establish veloping comprehensive and stra- ture, technology and innovation. By Almasbek Zhumadilov we will have the opportunity to capital Astana is changing. These the Islamic Organisation for Food tegic relations between our coun- Vondracek noted the international meet each other again. I know that achievements, first of all, are the Security (IOFS) and host EXPO tries,” added President Rahmon. centre of green technologies and ASTANA – President Nursultan this year you will have a confer- results of your wise and farsighted 2017 in Astana. Bilateral trade totalled $776 investment projects and IT start- Nazarbayev awarded Tajik Presi- ence on water resources manage- policy,” said the President of Ta- Rahmon also said bilateral trade million in 2017, a 31.5 percent up hub on the expo grounds might dent Emomali Rahmon during a ment. Kazakhstan supports this jikistan. and economic relations are develop- increase over 2016. Both lead- be a platform for diversifying Ka- March 14 meeting in Astana the initiative,” said Nazarbayev. Tajikistan also often supports ing rapidly and that Tajikistan would ers expressed confidence during zakh-Czech cooperation. He also Order of “Parasat” for achieve- Rahmon thanked the Kazakh Kazakh foreign policies, for exam- like to expand those relations.. the meeting that bilateral trade commended Kazakhstan’s role on ments in deepening Kazakh-Tajik President for the award, invited ple, supporting Kazakhstan’s non- “Kazakhstan is the second can reach $1 billion by increas- the UN Security Council, noting relations. the Kazakh leader to Tajikistan and permanent membership on the UN among Tajikistan’s leading eco- ing business contacts, creating a the countries’ common interests “Over all these years, thanks to praised Nazarbayev’s leadership. Security Council and its accession nomic partners in terms of trade business council and, possibly, by in maintaining stability and secu- your leadership, we have built re- “With every visit to Kazakhstan, to the World Trade Organisation, turnover. We are interested in de- launching direct Astana-Dushanbe rity. lations of great trust, cooperation airline flights. and friendship. We have never had The two leaders also signed a Kazakh President Nursul- unresolved issues. We have always joint statement and three agree- tan Nazarbayev congratulated supported each other, including in ments related to returning citizens, Vladimir Putin March 18 on his the international arena,” said Naz- visitors’ stays in each country and win in the Russian presidential arbayev, who also announced the migration. election. Nazarbayev noted such renaming of a street in Astana in The two countries’ ministries an impressive victory is a sign of honour of Tajik poet and philoso- of foreign affairs also signed a appreciation for Putin’s signifi- pher Rudaki. cooperation programme for 2018- cant contribution to the well-being This year marks the 25th anni- 2019, while seven memorandums of the people of the Russian Fed- versary of bilateral diplomatic re- of understanding concerning such eration and promoting its national lations, which Nazarbayev said he issues as social affairs, labour and interests. He also emphasised Ka- believes is on the verge of entering employment, public service and zakhstan seeks to strengthen ties a more advanced stage. antimonopoly policy were signed. with Russia in bilateral coopera- “We are ready to discuss with The bilateral legal framework en- tion and within the Eurasian Eco- you any questions and solve them. compasses more than 80 treaties nomic Union (EAEU). Moreover, the heads of neighbour- akorda.kz. Photo credit: and agreements. Majilis (lower house of Parlia- ment) Chair Nurlan Nigmatulin and South Korean National As- sembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun signed the first memorandum of Value of Astana Process recognised during cooperation between the parlia- ments during the latter’s visit to Astana in mid-March. The agree- ment will serve as the basis for international ministerial meeting on Syria sharing legislative experience. on concrete steps. Thanks to the es- rity Council Resolution 2401 and the a Congress,” the minister concluded. Noting South Korea’s techno- By Almasbek Zhumadilov tablished four de-escalation zones ceasefire regime to avoid senseless Speaking at the plenary session, “It is possible to logical advances, Nigmatulin ex- and the ceasefire monitoring mecha- bloodshed, unfortunately observed, Russia’s Lavrov said the Astana pressed interest in understanding ASTANA – The Kazakh capital nism, it has been possible to reduce for example, in Eastern Ghouta. format, created a year ago by Rus- achieve a final its method to implement inno- hosted a March 16 trilateral ministe- the violence level in the country and “It is possible to achieve a final sia, Iran and Turkey, proved its rel- settlement of the vative technologies in logistics, rial meeting of the guarantor states provide humanitarian assistance to settlement of the Syrian crisis only evance. “With the start of the Astana healthcare and education and leg- within the framework of the Astana the civilian population of Syria,” Ab- through the direct and inclusive dia- process, Astana has become an im- Syrian crisis only islative support for digital trans- Process on Syria, which was at- drakhmanov said. logue between the parties. We believe portant platform, where decisions are formations. Chung commended tended by Iranian Foreign Minister “Kazakhstan calls on all actors that this significant gathering will made on Syrian settlement – one of through the direct and Kazakhstan’s initiatives in nu- Mohammad Javad Zarif, Russian that support an early settlement of help to galvanise and positively con- the most pressing issues on the inter- inclusive dialogue clear disarmament and settling Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the Syrian conflict, including the tribute to the Geneva process, while national agenda. When the name of the conflict on the Korean penin- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut government of Syria, representatives respecting the interests and rights of the capital of Kazakhstan sounds in between the parties.” sula, adding the Kazakhstan 2050 Cavusoglu. of the armed opposition, guarantor the various ethnic and communal the media, millions of Syrians look Strategy offers great opportuni- In his opening remarks, Kazakh states, as well as other countries that groups of the Syrian population. We with hope towards Astana,” Lavrov ters have issued a joint statement. ties for the country. Foreign Minister Kairat Abdra- can exercise influence, to fully com- note that the conference agreed on a stressed. Among other things, the statement khmanov noted the negotiations to ply with the ceasefire regime,” the statement, setting out 12 principles During the meeting, the foreign announced the upcoming summit Representatives of Kazakh- help end the violence in Syria, that Kazakh foreign minister added. underlying the constitution, includ- ministers of Iran, Russia and Tur- meeting of the three guarantor states stan, Russia and the United Arab started in Astana in January 2017 The Kazakh top diplomat stressed ing a commitment that the security key exchanged views on the results in Istanbul on April 4. Emirates (UAE), meeting March with the full support of President the agreements, reached within the services would be democratically achieved last year since the Astana On the eve of the ministerial talks, 21 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Nursultan Nazarbayev, provided Astana Process, should not remain accountable. We fully support the Process launch and outlined steps Astana also hosted the first meeting agreed to form a working group in great opportunities for the restoration on paper and called on all inter- creation of a constitutional commit- to resolve the situation in Syria. of the Working Group on the Ex- April to further cooperate in space of a peaceful life to Syria. ested parties to observe UN Secu- tee that could lay the foundations for Following the meeting, the minis- change of Detainees, the Transfer activities and negotiate joint pro- “We must remember that the Asta- of the Bodies of the Dead and the jects regarding the cosmodrome. na Process is not a separate endeav- Search for the Missing, which was Earlier, the UAE expressed inter- our to the UN brokered talks but is established following the results of est in investment projects related fully intended to integrate with the the eighth round of the Astana Pro- to space activities, specifically the Geneva meetings. Any agreement cess negotiations. Kazakhstan–Russia Baiterek pro- reached in Astana undeniably com- On the sidelines of the meeting, ject expected to be launched by plements the Geneva process and Abdrakhmanov held bilateral meet- 2025. Kazakh Minister of Defence gives a positive impetus to the politi- ings with the foreign ministers of and Aerospace Industry Beibut cal settlement of the Syrian conflict,” Iran and Turkey, where the current is- Atamkulov, Roskosmos General said Abdrakhmanov. sues of Kazakh-Iranian and Kazakh- Director Igor Komarov and UAE “Despite the difficulties, the Asta- Turkish relations were discussed. Minister of Higher Education and na Process has proved its effective- The top diplomats of Iran, Rus- Space Agency Chair Ahmad Bel- ness as a platform where all par- sia and Turkey were also received hul Al-Falasi signed a protocol on ties to the conflict can express their by Kazakhstan President Nursultan expanding cooperation. views and, more importantly, agree mfa.kz Photo credit: Nazarbayev. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

ECONOMY AIFC to host World National Bank presents NEWS IN BRIEF The Khorgos-Eastern Gate Special Economic Zone (SEZ), on the border between Kazakhstan and China, and Islamic Economic consumer-friendly home the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) in South Korea have agreed to strengthen cooperation, reported 24.kz. The Kazakh Embassy in Forum in July loan programme Seoul met with large South Korean ment of AIFC as a regional hub ital will be necessary to raise funds is generally acceptable for most corporations and visited IFEZ. The By Yerbolat Uatkhanov of Islamic finance for the Com- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov from the financial market under working people of the country,” said South Koreans expressed interest in monwealth of Independent States, market conditions for repurchase Akishev. Kazakhstan’s Nurly Zhol economic ASTANA – The Astana Inter- Western and Central Asian coun- ASTANA – The Kazakh National of new mortgage loans granted by The fourth stage indicates prefer- policy and China’s Belt and Road Ini- national Financial Centre (AIFC) tries and will ensure the promo- Bank recently presented the 7-20- banks under the 7-20-25 formula. ential mortgage loans must be fully tiative, as well as the New Silk Road and World Islamic Economic Fo- tion of AIFC activities in the OIC 25 mortgage programme, which This is the securitisation mecha- secured and absolutely refundable. extension to the Busan seaport. IFEZ, rum Foundation recently signed countries’ business community, will provide soft conditions for nism,” he said. “It will be necessary to revise founded 15 years ago, has established an agreement to hold World Is- the organisers believe. The 14th every citizen with official income The second stage includes com- certain norms introduced in recent a large experimental platform using lamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in WIEF expects to attract more than to purchase housing. The plan was pany recognition by a financial years which made mortgage lend- advanced technology to construct Astana on July 4. The forum will 1,000 attendees from all over the initiated by President Nursultan agency to effectively implement the ing unattractive. The National Bank Songdo smart city, a progressive clin- attract more attention to the AIFC world. Nazarbayev to provide sufficiently programme. will also forward the necessary leg- ic and the highest tower and longest and promote it as a regional hub of After the agreement, the AIFC lower 7-percent interest rates (com- “This means the same taxation as islative amendments to the govern- bridge in the country. Islamic finance. delegation visited the Republic pared to the average 14-16 percent for government securities will be ment for consideration,” he said. The annual forum was founded of Malta to establish contacts mortgage loans offered by private used for the company’s bonds. The Akishev added the parameters are Arab businesspersons are willing by WIEF Foundation in 2006 and explore the local experience banks) with a 20-percent down pay- National Bank will submit neces- preliminary and will continue to be to invest in building and housing con- with the support of the Malaysian in the development of the finan- ment and 25-year loan. sary legislative amendments to the discussed with interested state bod- struction in Aktau, said 24.kz. The government. WIEF is a business cial services market. Malta is one The programme, to be managed government in March,” he added. ies and banks. new projects are expected to intro- platform showcasing business op- of the fastest-growing financial by a bank subsidiary, will have The third phase will provide new “It is very important to take into duce high technology in housing and communal services, preserve heat portunities in the Muslim world. centres in the European Union four main stages. The first phase opportunities to purchase real estate account the opinion and interests and produce electricity independent- The forum aims to promote coop- with flexible regulatory and tax includes a mechanism to secure with preferential terms. of local executive bodies concern- ly and provide local residents with eration between Muslim business regimes. mortgage loans by maximising the “The financial conditions of the ing increasing the availability of new jobs. Foreign investors plan to people, companies and govern- The delegation negotiated with opportunities of banks and the stock programme require the solvency housing in the regions. Under these launch the first phase of a 35-storey market, noted National Bank Chair- of future borrowers. Any Kazakh conditions, the measures and im- ments in member states of the Or- Malta government representatives, multifunctional campus, which will man Daniyar Akishev. citizen who has an official income plementation deadlines, which are ganisation of the Islamic Confer- top managers of the single regula- combine a residential complex and “In the near future, National Bank can take part in it. The criteria are outlined in the roadmap for the ence (OIC). tor for financial services activities business centres. “There are inves- will create a 100-percent owned now being worked out with banks. implementation of the Five social According to the 2017 Islamic Malta Financial Services Author- tors who are ready to cooperate with Finance Development Report pro- ity, FinanceMalta, Malta Funds subsidiary which will manage the For example, if the cost of housing initiatives of the Kazakhstan Presi- us. Residential facilities, including vided by Thomson Reuters, the Industry Association and Malta loan programme. The capital of the is seven million tenge (US$21,700), dent, are supported by us and pro- hotels and apartment houses, will Islamic finance industry will con- Stock Exchange. Corresponding new company will be formed at the a monthly payment will not be more vide timely implementation of leg- be sold on a commercial basis to the tinue to develop. Experts believe negotiations were held with the expense of National Bank. The cap- than 50,000 tenge (US$155), which islative amendments,” he said. residents of our city,” said regional the industry will reach $3.8 trillion representatives of Malta state bod- Chamber of Entrepreneurs Director by 2022 from $2.2 trillion at the ies, including Malta Residency Nurbek Karasayev. end of 2016. AIFC management Visa Agency and leading law firms considers Islamic finance one of Henley & Partners and Chetcuti Taraz students presented an eco- the key pillars of activities and a Cauchi Advocates. Following the friendly house with solar power, ac- potential source of foreign invest- meetings, the parties agreed to First Kazakh ammunitions cording to kazakh-tv.kz The young ments in Kazakhstan. exchange experience, jointly or- inventors made the house, which is The hosting of the 14th WIEF ganise seminars, round tables and adapted for desert, mountainous and in Astana will assist the establish- events. plant to launch this year arid regions, with no communica- tion. The smart house works with re- and the country is just as important effect will also be positive, as new newables, including a solar battery, By Zhazira Dyussembekova as the economic and social effect that jobs will be created for our citizens. wind generator and installation to is expected from the implementation Also, the new cartridge plant will collect rainwater, and does not harm ASTANA – Officials have indi- of this project,” said Kaztechnology give an opportunity to be independ- the environment, according to the IT services volume grew cated Kazakhstan’s first ammunitions board chair Talgatbek Aitkuzhinov, ent from the supplier countries, will developers. “During winter there is plant will start delivering cartridges to according to inform.kz. be able to meet the needs of the do- not enough solar energy, so the wind the Kazakh Armed Forces this year. Construction of the facility, in the mestic market and export its products generator will supplement the solar The project was under discussion for Karaganda region’s Saryarka Special to foreign markets,” said Aitkuzhi- power and the collected rainwater is 14 percent in 2017 several years and although work was Economic Zone, is being completed nov. used for secondary purposes, not for of the President of Kazakhstan expected to have finished by the end by Steel Manufacturing in accord- Issues arose last year because the drinking, but for washing. There is Staff Report on the basis of the address “The of 2017, it was slightly delayed. ance with the approved schedule, he ground water seriously affected the a triple-glazed window on the south Third Modernisation of Kazakh- Kaztechnology, a subordinate or- added. design of the main building and its side, which is filled with the inert ASTANA – Last year the vol- stan: Global Competitiveness.” ganisation of the Kazakh Ministry of The plant is designed for a produc- foundation. Plant head Dauren Ar- gas krypton, which lets the warmth ume of IT services in Kazakhstan The programme provides large- Defence and Aerospace Industry, is tion capacity of 30 million ammu- ynov later said the problem was fixed in and insulates it. Thus, the room grew 14 percent, at the same time scale digitisation in various sectors responsible for the plant’s construc- nition in a one-shift operation. The and work was proceeding according is heated naturally,” said student a sharp increase in demand for IT of the economy and daily lives of tion and launch. most popular cartridges – 5.45 x 39 to schedule. Nurtileu Amankeldy. services did not lead to specialists’ citizens. “As for the cartridge factory, which mm, 7.62 x 54 mm, 9 x 18 mm and 9 The project cost is more than 20 wages rising, reported energy- The largest volume of services is being built in the city of Karaganda, x 19 mm, will be manufactured. billion tenge (US$61.8 million). Six digital farms collecting the prom.kz. in the sector was in software de- it should be noted that the responsible “From the point of view of the de- The factory, to be furnished with ad- necessary data to improve soil qual- In 2017, the volume of computer velopment (48.2 percent) and IT task was set by the Supreme Com- velopment of the region’s economy, vanced equipment supplied by Cana- ity will start operating in Kazakhstan programming services, as well consulting services (16.9 percent). mander-in-Chief and the President the launch of the plant will certainly dian company Waterbury Farrel, is this year, said Zerde national holding as consulting and other similar A total of 10.7 percent of the of Kazakhstan. The launch of a car- become an impetus to the develop- expected to provide nearly 160 new head Ruslan Yensebayev, reported services in the sector, amounted total volume of services was pro- tridge plant for the needs of the army ment of other industries. The social jobs. 24.kz. Precise farming technology to more than 160 billion tenge vided to the population, which is (the efficient use of data including (US$502.4 million), which is 14.2 up from 7 percent. collection, analysis and adopting percent more than a year earlier. It is noteworthy that with the correct management decisions) More than 86 percent of IT growth of services at once by more will be introduced in several farms services were provided in the cit- than 14 percent, salaries in the IT and two farms will be designed for ies of Almaty (51.7 percent) in sector increased by only three per- Locally-made electric cars dairy, meat and crop production, he the amount of 83 billion tenge cent per year. Taking into account added. “Every square metre of land (US$260.6 million), showing a inflation, their purchasing power is unique and contains huge and 15 percent increase compared to declined 4 percent year-on-year. varied information: soil composi- 2016, and Astana (34.6 percent) However, programmers, coders to be available this year tion, humidity and other important in the amount of 55.6 billion tenge and other IT specialists still receive iEV7S in the second half of this faster than 60 kilometres per information about the climate,” said (US$174.5 million), which is 25.7 more than double the average sal- By Zhazira Dyussembekova year, reported kapital.kz. The price hour, you can drive up to 350 Yensebayev. percent more than in the previous ary in Kazakhstan – 308,900 tenge is expected to start at 7.5 million kilometres.” The mini-cross- year. (US$970), while the average for ASTANA – The Kostanai car tenge (US$23,300). over’s maximum speed is 130 Kazakhstan sent 35.7 billion tenge The Digital Kazakhstan pro- all industries in January-Decem- plant has started serial assembly SaryarkaAvtoProm plans to as- kilometres per hour and it can (US$112.09 million) in remittances gramme was approved in Decem- ber of 2017 was 149,700 tenge of electric cars and customers will semble more than 1,000 cars in three operate in temperatures as low abroad in January, almost 1.5 times ber. It was developed on behalf (US$470). be able to buy the Chinese JAC years. The company anticipates elec- as minus 27 degrees Celsius. more than the same month last year, tric cars will be purchased for private The country’s related infrastruc- said ranking.kz. More than 40 per- and taxi service use. ture is still poorly developed and cent of all transactions (14.5 billion Twenty-seven electric cars, the the Allure Group admits it will be tenge (US$45.53 million)) were EV4, EV5, EV6S, EV6E and EV7 difficult to find customers in the re- made from Kazakhstan to Russia, a models, have been assembled at gions in the coming years. As a re- 29.6-percent increase compared to the facility in the last two years. sult, the company is more focused 2017. Russia’s share in January 2017 Potential consumers and experts on residents of the capital and Al- was 46.6 percent. China is second have tested them and the JAC maty. The necessary charging sta- with 5.3 billion tenge (US$16.64 mil- iEV6S crossover has proven to tions are expected to emerge in, as lion) in transactions, 5.4 times more than the previous January and a share be the best, according to informa- well as between, the cities. increase from 4.1 percent to 14.8 per- tion provided by the Allure Group Kazakh residents bought 19 elec- cent. Kyrgyzstan’s share increased press service. SaryarkaAvtoProm tric cars last year from Chevrolet, from 7.1 to 10.9 percent, reaching 3.9 is a company shareholder. Renault, Tesla and Toyota, according billion tenge (US$12.24 million). “Of the five tested models, it to the Allure Group. Approximately best fits Kazakhstan’s climatic and 200 such vehicles are presently oper- Kazakhstan’s GDP in January- landscape conditions. In October ating in the country. February grew 4 percent, said Min- 2017, this model on the conveyors The Allure Group aims to lower ister of National Economy Timur was replaced by the improved JAC the cost of the vehicles for the ulti- Suleimenov, reported kazakh-tv. iEV7S. This car uses the most ad- mate consumer and customers will kz. He believes the positive dynam- vanced liquid cooling/heating sys- soon be able to get a 4-percent per ics were caused by higher rates in tem in its battery. It also meets the annum preferred car loan. The com- manufacturing and services and in- requirements of the technical regu- pany also expects to provide benefits creased investments. Fixed capital lations of the European Union and for electric cars owners in the form investments increased 54.5 percent. the Customs Union, which allows it of a special lane and free parking. The growth was accelerated by to be exported,” read the statement. The JAC models are not the first modernising and reconstructing the An ordinary 220V outlet can electric cars made in Kazakhstan. Shymkent Oil Refinery and building charge the vehicle for seven- The KIA Soul EV was released in the third generation plant and imple- eight hours, while a special sta- 2014 at the AziaAvto plant in Ust- menting project expansions at the tion can finish the job in an hour Kamenogorsk and the Lada Vesta Tengiz oil field. Investments have and a-half. The power reserve EV assembled in the same city was grown significantly in construction, provides enough charge to drive presented in June 2017. Both mod- industry and trade and agricultural 280 kilometres and the manu- els were in pilot mode without en- growth composed 3.3 percent due to facturer notes “if you move no tering serial production. improved livestock breeding. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF DBK continues investing in non-primary economy The planned Meruyert theme park bank will also approve funding for 15 ore mining and processing plant Last year was a favourable one under a third of 406 billion tenge project has been presented to the By Meruyert Abugaliyeva more projects for 332 billion tenge with a capacity of five million for the bank, as it generated a prof- (US$1.3 billion) was generated in Astana town-planning council. A (US$1 billion),” said DBK Chairman tonnes, 110 and 220-voltage pow- it of 4.8 billion tenge (US$14.9 2017 from budget sources, as most group of private of local and Euro- ASTANA – The Development of the Board Bolat Zhamishev. er transformer plants in the South million), although its strategy is of the funds were attracted on the pean investors intends to build it, ac- Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK), a sub- Last year, the bank funded nine Kazakhstan region and a wind aimed at break-even. Bank assets market. Additional sources includ- cording to Yelorda Info. They have sidiary of Baiterek National Hold- projects worth 489.5 billion tenge farm near Astana. increased by 5 percent to 2.5 tril- ed tenge denominated Eurobonds, already purchased 180 hectares of ing, plans to invest 405 billion (US$1.53 billion) and four pre- DBK also financed 11 projects lion tenge (US$7.83 billion) com- which DBK issued for the first land in the area of ​​the Korgalzhyn tenge (US$1.3 billion) into pro- export operations for 20.4 billion which either began operation or pared to 2016 and DBK’s loan time in December for 100 billion highway. The park is planned to be jects in 2018 related to the manu- tenge (US$63.9 million). DBK were modernised, including the portfolio was approximately 1.6 tenge (US$313 million), 98 per- about 26,000 square metres and will facturing industry and industry in- approved a total of 14 loan ap- Aktogai mining and processing trillion tenge (US$5 billion), with cent of which were purchased by cost about $40 million to build. The frastructure, according to a March plications for 526.1 billion tenge plant, updating the Pavlodar oil 85 percent loaned to projects in the foreign investors. volume of investments in the con- 5 press conference dedicated to the (US$1.65 billion). refinery, ensuring gas provisions manufacturing industry. The loans are part of a long-term struction of the park will be $180- bank’s past year performance. The ventures included greenfield to settlements in the Aktobe and This year, DBK plans to increase strategy to invest 4.4 trillion tenge 200 million, reads the source. The “This year, we expect that 11 pro- projects, entities built from scratch Kyzylorda regions and renovating its proportion of non-state sources (US$13.7 billion) into the manu- project is being managed by Mega jects will be put into operation, cre- which received long-term funding, the gas distribution system in the in loan structure to a minimum of facturing industry and industrial Construction in a consortium with ating around 2,700 workplaces. The such as the Zhairem polymetallic South Kazakhstan region. 55 percent. By comparison, just infrastructure in 2014-2023. Renovation Construction.

The Yandex Taxi app has started working in Taldykorgan, Ekibastuz, Temirtau and Zhezkazgan, accord- ing to the company’s press service. EBRD to finance modernising Tengizchevroil chooses It cooperates only with taxi com- panies and dispatch services. When distributing orders, the application takes into account drivers’ ratings, street lights in East Kazakhstan national cadres and based on user ratings and statistics mei and Ust-Kamenogorsk. The work investment projects aimed at devel- of completed trips. In each of the cit- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov will start in May. oping the region’s infrastructure. ies, more than 100 cars from several The regional administration and The current agreements will in- partner taxi companies are connect- ASTANA – East Kazakhstan EBRD management will also con- crease the bank’s investment volume local suppliers ed to the service. In Kazakhstan, the region Akim (Governor) Daniyal sider the possibility of developing in the region up to 108.9 billion tenge Etchison noted Kazakh citizens service appeared in July 2016. Since Akhmetov and European Bank technical documentation and financ- (US$341.9 million) by the end of the By Aigerim Sadykova fill 83 percent of the company’s then, Yandex Taxi has launched in for Reconstruction and Develop- ing for a 29.5 billion tenge (US$92.6 year. Including the recently-signed jobs, including 67 percent of middle 20 more Kazakh cities, including all ment (EBRD) President Sir Suma million) modern waste manage- document, 10 loan and investment ASTANA – Tengizchevroil and senior managers. regional centres. Chakrabarti signed a 5.6 billion ment and recycling project in Ust- agreements totalling 46.1 billion (TCO), the company responsible “Since 2007, 156 Kazakh spe- tenge (US$17.6 million) agreement Kamenogorsk. In addition, the bank tenge (US$144.8 million) have been for developing the Tengiz oil field cialists have replaced their foreign Social and entrepreneurial corpo- to finance modernising the street is to examine a 33.3 billion tenge concluded between the entities since in the Atyrau region, has expanded colleagues in key management and ration Yertis has become the new lighting systems in six cities and 11 (US$104.5 million) gasification pro- 2015. production through Future Growth technical positions,” he said. owner of the Ust-Kamenogorsk tram towns in the region. The document, ject in 50 rural settlements in the Tar- According to the bank, in line and Wellhead Pressure Management TCO has a talent management fleet after bidding to purchase the signed in London in early March, bagatai, Urzhar and Zaisan districts. with international efforts to combat (FGP-WPMP). The project has en- system similar to any serious com- property complex belonging to the will provide more than 32,000 en- While in London, Akhmetov climate change, EBRD supports gaged 30,000 Kazakh employees pany, said HR manager Sholpan Al- local transport company that was put ergy-saving bulbs and the changes visited the Southwark Integrated improvements in energy efficiency and involved 92 percent of the staff. tybaeva. up for sale because of debts to Bank will benefit a population of more Waste Management Facility, where and energy savings in every nation “We visit various regions through- “The share of workers in TCO Centre Credit, according to inform. than 630,000. he learned about sorting and pro- where it operates. The bank aims out Kazakhstan searching for local is not very high, but it is a highly kz. Yertis Chair Anton Kramarenko The project is the second stage to cessing solid waste. The delegation to unlock each country’s significant companies with goods that will meet skilled workforce. The staff turno- confirmed that the corporation had introduce energy-saving street light also spoke with the management of energy efficiency potential and pro- our quality, services and costs stand- ver rate was 1.5 percent last year. won the trams and property at auc- technology in the region, as the ad- Transport for London, the British mote energy efficiency investments ards. We urge foreign companies We do not take leaders from outside; tion. The purchase price was about ministration and the bank previously capital’s public transport operator, to including power generation and gas that are looking for opportunities do- we have a policy of bringing them 444 million tenge (US$1.4 million), inked the corresponding agreements gain experience in public transporta- flaring reduction, energy efficiency ing business with TCO to pay atten- up inside the company. Employees which is lower than the initial price for smart lighting systems. The 4.8 bil- tion organisation. in industrial processes, energy sav- tion to Kazakh makers,” said com- need to know production processes announced at the beginning of the lion tenge (US$15.1 million) contracts Akhmetov met with EBRD Vice ings in residential and public build- pany general director Ted Etchison. from the basics and understand the auction. will replace more than 25,000 bulbs President for Banking Alain Pilloux ings and an environmentally friendly TCO spent $2.5 billion in 2017 prospects for their own growth,” he with energy-saving technology in Se- March 6 to discuss additional joint transport infrastructure. to purchase Kazakh products, he added. A new cement plant is expected added. Partners from the Atyrau, More than 200 TCO employees to be launched in June in the city East Kazakhstan, Karaganda, North travel abroad for internships annu- of Rudny in the Kostanai region. Its Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and West Ka- ally and the most talented special- start had been postponed since 2016, zakhstan regions supply metal struc- ists have the opportunity to work according to inform.kz, but now, tures, cables, chemicals, reinforcing for long periods of time in foreign general manager of the plant Artyom EBRD loans $37.6 million iron, heat exchangers and pressure nations, according to company sta- Maklasov says that the enterprise is vessels for construction works. tistics. Forty-five Kazakh employees almost ready. “We have actually two “Most of the construction work worked outside the country last year unfinished objects. That is, today 98 must be completed this year. Now, and 19 earned their postgraduate percent of the construction is com- to Mangistau utility company we are working on finishing the nec- education at company expense. The pleted. … Construction of the rail- heat generation, distribution and modernisation of the existing sub- essary work for acceptance,” said budget for training employees has way and arrangement for the deliv- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov supply. stations and distribution lines, the TCO engineer Arsen Tagirov. grown 131 percent since 2008, from ery of raw materials are planned to “We are pleased to start EBRD’s construction of new power lines FGP-WPMP construction mod- $3.6 million to $8.3 million in 2012. be completed by June,” said Maklas- ASTANA – The European Bank engagement with Kazakhstan Util- and the installation of Supervisory ules manufactured in Italy, Kazakh- The TCO benefits package in- ov. According to him, the plant will for Reconstruction and Develop- ity Systems and to continue our Control and Data Acquisition sys- stan and South Korea will be trans- cludes medical insurance and inter- produce sulphate-resistant cement of ment (EBRD) will provide a $37.6 support of renewables and priva- tems (SCADA) and modern auto- ported to Tengiz for final assembly. est-free home loans. Employees do grade 400, which is the most popular million post-privatisation loan to tisation in the Kazakh energy sec- matic control systems. The project will increase production not pay traditionally high mortgage one, as well as 500, both with and the Mangistau Regional Distribu- tor,” EBRD Director for Energy MRDC’s network capacity, ef- by approximately 12 million tonnes interest rates and more than 1,400 without additives. tion Company (MRDC) to help the and Natural Resources for Rus- ficiency and reliability will be sig- per year (260,000 barrels per day), loans worth $104 million have been company improve efficiency and sia, the Caucasus and the Central nificantly improved and will allow as well as develop the use of domes- issued since 2010. Papa John’s, the famous Ameri- promote renewable power integra- Asian Region Aida Sitdikova said. a smooth integration of renewable tic goods and services. Kenzhetai Tlegenov has worked can pizza company, plans to enter tion in the region. “KUS is pleased to sign the first energy production elements into “The project provides an eco- for TCO since it was founded in the Kazakh market in the second The loan will help MRDC, a transaction with the EBRD and the grid. After the implementation nomic effect not only to Atyrau re- 1993. Starting as a simple operator, quarter of 2018 by launching a major power utility in western Ka- considers that this project is an im- of the project, MRDC will be able gion, but also to regions through- he today heads the Tengiz export pizzeria in Almaty, according to zakhstan, finance its investment portant first step that unlocks huge to achieve better efficiency and out Kazakhstan. Local producers department and his career history is kapital.kz. In the next 18 months programme until 2020. MRDC potential for our cooperation in the reduce energy losses, resulting in strive [to meet] our standards of classic and very common. the company plans to focus on de- was recently privatised under a future,” Kazakhstan Utility Sys- the reduction of CO2 emissions by quality. TCO brought quality “The key to success is you. The veloping the chain in Almaty, and government programme and the tems CEO and MRDC Chairman 11,670 tonnes per year. change to the culture of local pro- company provides equal opportuni- only after that enter other regions majority interest is now owned Nabi Aitzhanov noted. The loan will be the fourth sub- duction, working for a quarter of a ties for all employees to grow pro- of Kazakhstan. “We plan to open by Kazakhstan Utility Systems The EBRD loan will help finance project under the Kazakhstan Re- century in Kazakhstan,” said pub- fessionally. We need only to work the first pizzeria in the city centre, (KUS), a privately-owned compa- MRDC’s priority investments, up newables project established by lic relations general manager Rza- well and use these opportunities,” where traffic of visitors can reach ny that operates in electricity and to 40 subprojects, which include the bank in 2016. bek Artygaliyev. he said. 500 people daily. We are consider- ing all possible options – a residen- tial building, an office building and the first floors of shopping centres with a separate entrance. Delivery is a priority for the development of Vegetable oil production launches in East Kazakhstan our pizzeria network until 2022, so according to Vostok Agro director department head Kairat Mamyr- seed will be processed and export- produce rape seeds, because it is we do not need to open restaurants By Yerbolat Uatkhanov Yerzhan Nurbayev. baev. ed to China. The East Kazakhstan not an easy process and they are in food courts of shopping centres,” “We plan to create a farm coop- He added rapeseed and sunflow- region is the second after the Al- more expensive than sunflower said Executive Director of Papa ASTANA – Tag-Tin is the lat- erative, which will include farms er oil are in great demand in the maty region where rapeseeds will seeds. Last year, the price of rape- John’s in Russia, the Common- est Kazakh company to use state engaged in growing sunflower and Chinese market. If sunflower oil be processed. seeds reached 115,000 tenge ($360) wealth of Independent States and financing to increase production to rapeseed to guarantee the provi- can be sold in Kazakhstan, rape- Many Kazakh farmers do not per tonne, while the maximum Eastern Europe Mikhail Koltsov. compete with foreign producers. sion of a creamery with raw mate- price for a tonne of sunflower seeds The company is planning to build rials,” he said. was only 80,000 tenge ($250). In 2017, the revenue of KazZinc a sunflower and rape seed process- was $3.07 billion, according to com- The cost of construction is “This year, China had a crop pany’s annual report. Revenue grew ing plant for export to China. estimated at one billion tenge failure of rapeseeds. But, unfortu- 18 percent in annual terms. In 2016, The new creamery will be the (US$3.13 million). nately, we cannot export it in the the mining company’s revenue second in the country to process “We received funding from the form of raw materials. Kazakhstan reached $2.6 billion. The financial both crops. The facility, with a state. The project is implemented is not included in the list of suppli- growth of KazZinc was supported production capacity of more than in two stages: the construction of ers for this type of oilseed. We can by record prices for metallurgical 50,000 tonnes of raw material per the plant for processing agricultur- export sunflower seeds, sunflower products, particularly for zinc. The year, is expected to launch in May. al products and bottling sunflower oil and rapeseed oil, but not rape profitability of the company grew Tag-Tin is a subsidiary of Vostok oil,” he added. seeds,” said Nurbayev. along with revenue. Earnings before Agro, an agricultural and indus- “Now, the plant owners aren’t Most Kazakh oil processing interest and taxes showed growth of trial holding specialising in crop interested in exporting sunflower companies work for the domestic almost 43 percent over the two years, production with a technologically seeds, but in processing them market, yet still can’t supply the from $539 million in 2016 to $769 interconnected production and dis- and receiving added value. The demand. Russian companies are million in 2017. KazZinc continues tribution chain. One of the largest plant’s equipment can be easily their main competitors. In 2017, to increase capital expenditures in enterprises in the region, it plans switched to rape seed processing. domestic producers exported sun- order to improve its raw materials to switch to production diversifi- That is, when the sunflower seeds flower oil to Afghanistan, -Tajik base. In 2017, they grew by 15 per- cation and processing its own raw are over or there is no need for it, istan and Uzbekistan, but faced cent, or $20 million, to $173 million, materials. The plant will use 50 the plant can start processing rape some challenges connected to in- a third of which ($52 million) was percent of its raw materials and seeds,” said chamber of entrepre- creased railway tariffs and the un- aimed at expanding production. purchase the rest from farmers, neurs agricultural and industrial stable exchange rate. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 Kazakhstan’s digital transformation Central Asian leaders meeting central to next stage of development represents unity, understanding s a country, Kazakhstan has been fortunate Astana International Financial Centre and the Inter- Therefore, the main result of the in its rich natural resources. Although we national IT Start-up Hub are not only setting the lead By Erlan Karin meeting is not the mere fact of the faced many grave challenges in our first themselves but also working in collaboration more meeting itself (a week ago every- years as a modern, independent coun- widely to improve standards and support advances The first working meeting of the one was happy with the possibility try,A the discovery in particular of large oil and gas right across the economy. leaders of the Central Asian states of meeting only). Now we can say reserves provided the revenues to help us overcome It is vital that every corner of our economy, every has taken place. Negotiations to that the meeting took place, and it them. The result has been that we have transformed industry and business is part of the digital transfor- arrange this meeting lasted until managed to bring agreements on our country and the living standards and prospects of mation now underway. The construction of intelligent the very moment of the meeting, certain positions of common inter- all of our citizens. transport systems can shorten cargo delivering time during which the parties had been est and a shared agenda. But wise nations understand that natural resources to our markets and in transit across our country. adjusting the format, date and Ultimately, the regional dialogue alone are not sufficient for a sustainably success- In our manufacturing industry, the harnessing of agenda: no side was in a rush to was launched in Astana. Most like- ful economy. Their supply is, of course, finite and digital technologies can both boost productivity and make the announcement of the up- ly, this will be the nature of regular once exploited can’t be replaced. The inevitable increase quality. President Nursultan Nazarbayev has coming event. meetings. Much will depend on fluctuations in demand and price inject instability singled out agriculture as a major sector where har- Contrary to forecasts that the the parties filling the process with into economies and can knock even the best run off vests can be transformed and exports grown through meeting won’t happen, it eventu- practical steps. course. And, as the world strives to combat climate the use of smart technology. ally did. It is not only symbolic It did not oblige the parties to any- Regarding the absence of the change and limit environmental damage, there will A determined effort has been made to create the that the meeting took place on the thing, avoiding on the other hand President of Turkmenistan, I guess inevitably be a switch away from fossil fuels. environment where digital start-ups can grow. The eve of the Nauryz holiday. Binding excessive expectations. we should not take this too literally Kazakhstan’s response has been to commit itself first incubation programme with 14 projects was to this common holiday helped to Even though many predicted no / seriously. Two senior officials of to a new stage in its development by diversifying launched in February. We need a genuinely “creative coordinate the event more quickly specific decisions should be ex- Turkmenistan, Chairman of the and modernising its economy away from a depend- society” and are working hard to remove the remain- and avoid all sorts of hidden mo- pected from the meeting, I would Mejlis (house of the Parliament) ence on its natural resources. At its heart is the ing barriers to entrepreneurship and innovation. tives about a geopolitical back- say, based upon the final statement, Akjee Nurberdyeva and Chair- ambitious Digital Kazakhstan programme and a And just as we are committed to ensuring digitisa- ground of the event. Due to the voiced by the President of Kazakh- man of Mejlis Committee Serdar determination to maximise the opportunities that it tion delivers its full benefits across the economy, fact that the co-ordination was go- stan Nursultan Nazarbayev, that Berdimuhamedov came to Astana. brings to enhance competitiveness, unlock potential we want to see the same transformation in public ing until the last moment, not eve- the participants still worked out For those who understand the sub- and drive improvements in what the government services. There are many opportunities to enhance ryone noticed the actual status of certain positions in some areas. tleties of Central Asian politics, it delivers to its citizens. It is central to our goal of the way the government interacts with its citizens and the Astana meeting. The discussions touched on sev- is a very interesting and important joining the ranks of the 30 most developed countries we are committed to making the most of them. Neither in the announcements, eral topics including trade, securi- point. by 2050. Modernising and strengthening the supply chain nor in some releases, in any ty, culture, etc. As we have predict- This meeting was certainly a The programme involves major investment to cre- prevents shortages and cuts costs of providing ser- speeches – absolutely nowhere the ed in our report of “10 important common success for all countries ate what’s been called the Digital Silk Road through vices allowing savings to be re-invested to improve forthcoming meeting was called a events in Central Asia in 2018,” in Central Asia. It demonstrates which information can flow freely to all parts of our them further. There is huge potential to personal- summit. One may not notice this the success of this meeting (then, the understanding the leaders of vast country. Our aim is to connect all businesses ise services to the individual to reduce waste and important point, but why it is rel- the probability of the meeting was the region have on the challenges and, in time, all homes to a reliable, high-speed digi- improve the benefits to those who receive them. The evant? A formal summit would only discussed) will largely depend they face and demonstrates their tal infrastructure. This is as essential to the Fourth introduction of electronic payments is a powerful involve agreeing on certain final on how Astana and Tashkent – the focus, a pragmatic approach to Industrial Revolution as canals and railways were to weapon in the government’s battle to eliminate cor- documents, making specific deci- main stakeholders of the process, these challenges, as well as shows the first nearly two centuries ago. ruption. sions; from the very beginning, – will coordinate their efforts. the formation of a common region- We are also investing in digital skills at every level. The Digital Kazakhstan programme which will the entire regional process would The President of Kazakhstan has al identity. In our schools and colleges, there is a new emphasis touch every aspect of our country and have as big an be put into a framework. This in stressed several times that the ini- placed on ensuring our young people have the knowl- impact on the prosperity of our people as oil and gas the end could prevent the start of tiative belonged to President of Uz- The author is a political sci- edge and skills to maximise the opportunities the have in recent decades. Above all, it is about giving the dialogue. The initiators seem bekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, but entist and Chairperson of the digital revolution is bringing. our talented and educated young people – our most to have chosen an appropriate lan- it seems as if diplomatic efforts and Board of the Kazakhstan Na- We are training, too, the advanced specialists we important natural resource for the future – the oppor- guage when calling the event a political weight of Nursultan Naz- tional Television And Radio need to ensure we are in the forefront of future in- tunities to accelerate the progress we have seen over working and consultative meeting. arbayev were needed to act upon. Company. novation. Our universities and new hubs, such as the the last 26 years. Central Asia: one region with many faces and common prosperity the creation of industrial chains – By Aitolkyn Kourmanova with electricity and wage costs be- ing lower in some countries and fi- The recent Central Asian region- nance and technology available in al summit (or a working meeting?) others. The market around the re- did not bring any breakthrough an- gion is truly unique – Russia, Chi- nouncements but the whole idea na, Middle East and Iran, as well of a regular platform for only five as reconstructing Afghanistan. For Central Asian countries – without additional financing mechanisms, Russia, China and the U.S. – is the Astana International Financial revolutionary and changes every- Center may facilitate access to thing that was told about Central capital markets and attract inves- Asia years until now. At the same tors from outside. From large to time, the attentive analysts and small businesses, people in the re- watchers have been expecting this gion undoubtedly see the perspec- regional thaw even before Uzbek Uzbek as if this is truly a “one na- tives of trade, exchange and com- President Shavkat Mirziyoyev tion with two languages.” mon prosperity. proclaimed Central Asia a priority Second, there is a solid econom- And the third “reconnecting” of his foreign policy. ic logic in making Central Asia factor is external, as always. There are few logical arguments more interconnected. In the south, While an international agenda has that precipitate that Central Asia people grow lemons, in the north – opened new avenues for the coun- becomes a more interconnected wheat. There are vast cotton fields tries to participate as a region, the space. in one country and a growing current state of international rela- First, the people-to-people per- clothing industry in another. As tions necessitates that Central Asia spective. There are still relatives Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- should turn to itself too. President on both borders in every country arbaev has noted: “From pome- Nazarbayev has clearly stated that of the region. Families, students, granates to strawberries, the region “the region has to deal with its workers, and traders are travers- should trade more within itself.” issues independently, with no in- ing across the region’s undevel- Regional trade can easily be volvement of third parties.” As the oped roads by busy old buses, doubled if not tripled, should there Great Games may still reignite and cars and trains. After more than be fewer barriers to trade. There reengage, the region in its orbit two decades of independence, it could emerge a whole portfolio (particularly, the potential rivalries is a still a common space for the of regionally financed projects – between Russia and China, China Central Asians: with easily un- again the Uzbek-Tajik example: a and the West, the West and Rus- derstood languages, names, street decision by the Uzbeks to co-fi- sia), five Central Asian countries signs, and symbols, and, while nance some of the Talko’s projects. should have an opportunity to dis- abroad, Central Asians do often These may be smaller scale pro- cuss their positions between them- declare their regional identity jects compared to internationally selves. They are active members of (even though, many think a non- financed infrastructure or energy regional and international organi- existent one). projects funded by multinational sations and do present a powerful Therefore, there is almost unani- companies, but these regionally group by being a common region mous support in any of the coun- owned projects are critically im- with common positions. tries of the region in favour of portant for the local communities, Central Asia remains a diverse the regional cooperation agenda, their economies and job creation. and multinational space with sov- which is understood as more peo- Of course, the private sector ereign countries determining their ple-to-people ties, more contact will decide what is best to invest own future but this does not pre- and more friendship. This was so in, but from what has been already clude them from making their peo- colourfully displayed in the course discussed, there are potential com- ple closer and their economies and of the visit of Uzbek President mon projects in agriculture and the their friendship – stronger. Mirziyoyev to Dushanbe in the food industry, tourism (as Kazakhs first weeks of March. Flags were and Uzbeks already propose to The author is editor at the waving, girls were singing and po- introduce a common tourist visa), Central Asian Analytical Net- ets were competing in their most energy, and hydro projects. There work, a virtual network of ex- exquisite metaphors in Tajik and is a cost differential that enables perts on Central Asia.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 Celebrating 25th anniversary of friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Singapore By Arsen Omarov opmental experience. Meanwhile, Nowadays, the world does not actively be involved in these in- we are not resting on our lau- stand still and is rapidly becom- frastructure projects. On March 30, Kazakhstan and rels despite promising economic ing globalised and interconnected. Indeed, our countries have enor- Singapore mark the 25th anniver- growth figures (Singapore’s econ- Against this backdrop, with its mous potential within BRI. Devel- sary since the establishment of omy grew by 3.5 percent in 2017, strategic location on the world opment of infrastructure potential diplomatic relations. Ahead of the which is more than double of the map, Kazakhstan is becoming one has the paramount importance for date, The Astana Times talked to government’s initial forecast). For of the attractive destinations for Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has a both Kazakhstan’s Ambassador instance, the government has eco- doing business. huge infrastructure potential and to Singapore Dr. Usen Suleimen nomic restructuring plans in place Despite being the largest land- respective sites, it has concrete and Singapore’s Ambassador to and working with the unions and locked country, Kazakhstan is vision and appropriate state pro- Kazakhstan Zulkifli Baharudin to businesses to implement industry now joining the list of prospective grammes to elevate its logistics discuss the current state and pros- transformation maps, inculcate countries to do trade internation- potential to a higher level. Ka- pects of bilateral relations between lifelong learning in the Singa- ally. zakhstan intends to increase the the two countries. pore workforce, and help affected Recently, in January 2018, Pres- volume of transit freight traffic up workers to adapt and grow in their ident Nazarbayev delivered his to two million containers by 2020 Ambassador Zulkifli, you are new jobs. annual address to the nation, in through transcontinental transpor- giving this interview on the oc- As two vibrant economies and casion of the 25th anniversary of Zulkifli Baharudin Usen Suleimen societies that are doing our best SULEIMEN: Connecting BRI to Kazakhstan’s the establishment of diplomatic to navigate a more turbulent and relations between Kazakhstan its partnership with Nazarbayev information and communications challenging world today, there is infrastructure development programmes and Singapore, how would you University to offer Masters pro- technology as well as urban solu- much more that we can work to- describe the dynamics of relations grammes and courses to prom- tions. Initiatives like the Astana gether on and also learn from each would give a great impetus not only between the two countries during ising Kazakh executives. The EXPO2017 and Singapore’s par- other. Singapore is happy to con- to the development of trade and economic this period? LKYSPP has conducted courses ticipation in the Expo have helped tinue sharing our development ex- Ties between Singapore and for more than 700 senior Kazakh to draw attention to the immense perience with Kazakhstan. How- cooperation between our countries and regions Kazakhstan have grown from officials to date. opportunities in Kazakhstan to our ever, Kazakhstan needs to adapt strength to strength over the last 25 Third, our foreign ministries business community. Meanwhile, our experiences to its own needs but may transform Kazakhstan into years. Both sides have built on the convened an inaugural round of bi- Singapore can be considered as a and context. a transport-logistical and transit hub in close friendship between President lateral consultations in July 2016. platform to attract investments from, Nursultan Nazarbayev and the late Apart from serving as a mechanism and through Singapore, to Kazakh- Ambassador Dr. Usen Sulei- Eurasia. This is where Singapore can actively Lee Kuan Yew, with many high- to take stock of the bilateral ac- stan. We are also a key hub in the men, is there anything Kazakh- level exchanges today that helped count and explore new initiatives, Asia-Pacific region and a gateway stan has learnt from Singapore’s be involved in these infrastructure projects. foster closer connections between it has been useful in exchanging to the 600 million-strong ASEAN development experience? our respective leaderships. views regarding developments in market for Kazakhstan investments. Over these years, Kazakhstan which he outlined 10 top priorities, tation corridor between Asia and There is progress at the strategic has picked up a number of (ele- aimed at achieving the goals of the Europe, which has several links. BAHARUDIN: There is progress at the level to put in place the long-term ments of) Singapore’s experience, Fourth Industrial Revolution, spe- Almost of all them cross Kazakh- mechanisms to promote invest- especially in finance, education, cifically focusing on digital econ- stan’s territory. strategic level to put in place the long-term ments and trade. Negotiations for civil service and (establishing a) omy, trade and infrastructure. In In particular, we can use the op- a bilateral investment treaty have financial centre. I would like to this context, Kazakhstan has every portunities of the Khorgos free mechanisms to promote investments and trade. concluded and we look forward to highlight some significant exam- opportunity to enhance interaction economic zone on the border with Negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty its signing soon. We are also work- ples. with Singapore almost in every China and the Kazakhstan-Chinese ing with Kazakhstan to conclude The first is the establishment priority voiced by President Naz- joint logistics terminal in the Lian- have concluded and we look forward to its a free-trade agreement between of the Samruk Kazyna Sovereign arbayev in his address. yungang Sea port in the northeast Singapore and the Eurasian Eco- Wealth Fund), which is based Kazakhstan is considered to be of China through which businesses signing soon. nomic Union, which will benefit on the structures of the Temasek the most developed country in the of the two countries can deliver businesses from both sides sig- Holding and the government of Central Asian region and biggest goods in both directions via rail- For example, Emeritus Senior our respective regions. We look nificantly, including cost savings. Singapore Investment Corporation land-locked country in the world, road and sea routes. Minister Goh Chok Tong visited forward to hosting the next round I am confident that these will spur (GIC). We also picked up some while Singapore is the most suc- I would also include the Western Kazakhstan in September 2016, of the consultations. greater economic cooperation and experience in establishing our in- cessful and economically devel- Europe – Western China interna- while then-Speaker of Parliament Fourth, Kazakh officials con- bring our countries closer together ternational financial centre, as well oped country in South-East Asia, tional transit auto-corridor, with a Dr. Halimah Yacob, who is now tinue to embark on various bench- as investment gateways for our re- as reforming our pension system, which has one of the biggest sea- total length of 8,445 kilometres, of Singapore’s President, visited in marking visits to Singapore, spective regions. where we have borrowed some ports. For a long time, the inter- which 2,787 kilometres go through June last year. Asset Issekeshev, ranging from urban and transport ideas from Singapore’s Central action between these two regions Kazakhstan. the Mayor of Astana and Bauyr- planning to e-justice and ICT poli- What do Kazakhstan and Sin- Provident Fund system. was at a low level. In addition, recently, Kazakh- zhan Baibek, the Mayor of Al- cy-making and implementation. gapore have in common? Another good example is the Nowadays, in light of unfold- stan officially established its maty, visited Singapore in October We welcome more of such visits Despite the vast differences in Bolashak scholarship programme, ing global integration processes full-fledged financial centre, the and November 2017 respectively as opportunities for both countries our land mass and the geographical established in the 1990s. It is simi- in trade and economic dimension, Astana International Financial to explore synergies between our to exchange ideas and experiences distance, we share some similari- lar to Singapore’s public service particularly along the Belt and Centre (AIFC). In fact, AIFC has hub cities. The most recent vis- and strengthen ties at all levels. ties with Kazakhstan, such as our scholarship system. Every year, Road Initiative (BRI), our two no parallels in the Central Asia its were made by Chairwoman of multi-religious and multi-ethnic the Kazakh government sends up countries and regions have real op- the Commonwealth of Independ- the Senate Committee for Inter- In your opinion, what are the societies. As young nations, Singa- to 500 Kazakhs students overseas portunities to achieve an essential ent States region, and is based on national Relations, Defence and main prospects for development pore and Kazakhstan also share a to study in the world’s leading uni- breakthrough in the midterm per- its prototypes in Singapore and Security Dr. Dariga Nazarbayeva of bilateral relations between common interest in developing our versities. spective. Dubai. AIFC aims to become a and Chairman of the Supreme Astana and Singapore? economies and “soft” infrastruc- In reforming our civil service, It is no coincidence that BRI sort of Singapore in Central Asia, Court Zhakip Assanov in Febru- Let me focus on trade. While ture, including developing our hu- Kazakhstan has established the so was first announced by the Chi- spanning Central Asia, the Cauca- ary this year. Kazakhstan is Singapore’s largest man resources and grooming our called Corps A for senior executive nese leader Xi Jinping during his sus, the Eurasian Economic Un- Our institutional linkages are trading partner in Central Asia to- next generation of leaders. government officials. Its structure visit to Astana in September 2013. ion, Middle East countries, West- also growing. Let me cite a few day, there is potential to do more Kazakhstan is developing rapid- is similar to Singapore’s adminis- Apparently, such an announce- ern China, Mongolia and Eastern examples. First, our Civil Ser- to strengthen our economic link- ly and has set the goal of becoming trative service. ment became a clear message that Europe, which is almost the main vice College is collaborating with ages. Singapore’s strategic loca- one of the top 30 most developed Kazakhstan has an important role route of the land-based Silk Road. Kazakhstan’s Academy of Pub- tion along the Maritime Silk Road countries by 2050. I read President Ambassador Suleimen, what within the mega project. Having this in mind, AIFC’s main lic Administration on leadership and Kazakhstan’s position along Nazarbayev’s recent address in are the most promising areas to Connecting BRI to Kazakh- goal is to become a regional finan- training, with two workshops for the Silk Road Economic Belt make January 2018 on the 10 priorities enhance cooperation between Ka- stan’s infrastructure development cial hub within BRI. 150 Kazakh officials conducted in us complementary partners of land that Kazakhstan needs to imple- zakhstan and Singapore? programmes would give a great To sum up the main outcomes 2016. Both sides are now planning and sea. ment for its next stage of develop- Actually, from the very begin- impetus not only to the develop- and future prospects of bilateral re- a follow-up course on public ad- Singapore companies have ven- ment, such as introducing smart ning, the leadership of Kazakhstan ment of trade and economic co- lations, we can say with confidence ministration and public service re- tured into Kazakhstan in the fields city technologies, strengthening has been adhering to the funda- operation between our countries that both countries have built a forms to take place this September. of master planning and education. the rule of law and public adminis- mental principle, “economy first, and regions but may transform solid foundation, which now has Second, the Lee Kuan There is increasing interest from tration, as well as fighting against then politics,” which President Kazakhstan into a transport-lo- all the opportunities to be elevated Yew School of Public Policy our respective business communi- corruption. Many of these areas Nursultan Nazarbayev learnt from gistical and transit hub in Eura- to the strategic partnership level in (LKYSPP) has recently renewed ties to cooperate in sectors, such as resonate with Singapore’s devel- the late Lee Kuan Yew. sia. This is where Singapore can the midterm perspective.

consumption in line with the Paris territories and regions and in- climate agreements, as well as teract with the people and local provided us with an opportunity governments all the way from Highlights of UNDP-Kazakhstan to feature green technologies in Fort Shevchenko, Mangystau, to water, agriculture and energy for the township of Zaisan, East Ka- the benefit of the people and small zakhstan. I have experienced the and medium enterprises (SMEs). breathtaking beauty of national partnership in the past four years These are but highlights of a very parks and bio-reserves such as competencies and bonus frame- and promote South-South coop- productive and dynamic partner- Altyn Emel, Katon Karagai, and By Munkhtuya Altangerel work for civil service. eration. ship which UNDP enjoys with the Kurgalzhin; have witnessed the In partnership with the Minis- In 2017, UNDP, with sister UN Government of Kazakhstan. enormous human capacities and I have worked as the Deputy try of National Economy, UNDP agencies was privileged to partici- By end of March 2018, I will potential of the people living in Resident Representative for the helped analyse and optimise 43 pate in the global thematic EXPO have finished my official assign- remote auls and districts and have United Nations Development Pro- high-demand public services, 2017, Future Energy, hosted by ment here, and I’m grateful that I learned about the county’s deep gramme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan with the aim of improving their Kazakhstan. The platform pro- have had the opportunity to work cultural and historical heritage. from 2014 until now. During my efficiencies and quality. UNDP On a personal note, as a Mongo- tenure in Kazakhstan, our organi- has also helped implement in UNDP is particularly proud of contributing lian, I have felt close kinship to sation was privileged to support partnership with civil society and each person I have had the hon- the government’s core reforms and local akimats (regional adminis- to the ongoing modernisation of civil and our to interact throughout these transformation processes geared trations) landmark laws, which years. I am sincerely thankful for towards social, economic and in- promote local self-governance public services. For example, together with the the wonderful experiences I have stitutional modernisation. Out of and meaningful citizen participa- Agency of Civil Service and Anti-Corruption had and will always cherish in my these reforms, UNDP has focused tion in the local decision-making heart the hospitality and friend- its partnership with Kazakhstan in formational results in the past four processes. and the Astana Hub of Civil Service, we ship that has been extended to me support of the goals which promote years. UNDP, in partnership with and my family by the people of “government in service of the peo- UNDP is particularly proud of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contributed to the development of new and Kazakhstan. To all my colleagues ple,” and “governance for equita- contributing to the ongoing mod- and other partners such as Japan, competitive remuneration, competencies and and friends in Kazakhstan I would ble development in all regions of ernisation of civil and public ser- helped develop in-country capaci- like to say: Kop rakhmet! Alga, Kazakhstan,” among others. vices. For example, together with ties for launching Kazakhstan’s bonus framework for civil service. Kazakhstan! Көріскенше! (Until Our partnership scheme, well the Agency of Civil Service and Oversees Development Assistance we meet again!). established through Government- Anti-Corruption and the Astana (ODA) system, focused on helping vided by the EXPO helped facili- with the people and the Govern- UNDP cost-shared initiatives in Hub of Civil Service, we contrib- other countries achieve the global tate important global, regional and ment of Kazakhstan. I was lucky The author is UNDP Deputy line with core priorities of the uted to the development of new development agenda, such as the country-level dialogues to promote to be able to travel extensively Resident Representative in Ka- country, has achieved many trans- and competitive remuneration, Sustainable Development Goals sustainable energy production and through the vast and beautiful zakhstan A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 Kazakh FM attends EU-Central Senate Chair visits Indonesia the 6th congress that will devote services at the premises of newly By Elya Altynsarina this year’s meeting to a topic Re- established Astana International ligious Leaders for a Safer World. Financial Centre (AIFC). “We Asia Ministerial Meeting A meeting with the President of Speaking about bilateral rela- invite Indonesian institutions to Indonesia Joko Widodo was a cen- tions between Kazakhstan and work at AIFC,” said Tokayev. tral event of Chairman of the Sen- Indonesia, Tokayev focused on Concluding the meeting, Wido- ate of the Parliament of Kazakh- the importance of this leading the do thanked Tokayev and President stan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Southeast Asian nation to Kazakh- Nazarbayev for such consideration official visit to Indonesia in mid- stan in the field of trade, econom- and shared his intention to take March. ic and interregional partnership as measures for the expansion of po- On behalf of Kazakh President well as cultural, humanitarian and litical, economic and cultural ties Nursultan Nazarbayev, Tokayev inter-parliamentary cooperation. between the two countries. invited Widodo to visit Kazakh- In recent years, there has been a Tokayev then met with Indo- stan in October 2018 and partici- steady growth in these fields of nesian colleagues led by Chair- pate at the 6th Congress of Leaders interaction. Moreover, the launch man of the People’s Consultative of World and Traditional Reli- of transport and logistics routes Assembly of Indonesia Zulkifli gions. Extending the invitation to within the framework of Kazakh- Hasan and Speaker of the People’s Widodo, the speaker of the senate stan’s Nurly Zhol infrastructure Representative Council Bambang underlined that throughout these programme and the Chinese Belt Soesatyo to discuss prospects of years, the congress has become a and Road initiative are expected inter-parliamentary relations. helpful dialogue platform for not to help promote economic and Tokayev discussed the strong only spiritual, but political leaders trade relations. Kazakhstan ex- features of the legislative proce- to gather and share their views on pects the Kazakhstan – Lianyun- dures of the two countries and issues of common interest. gang Port (China) – Seaports of emphasised the latest social ini- “In different years, the United the Asia-Pacific Region corridor tiatives of the Kazakh President Nations Secretary-General, state to bring major trade and transit and the country’s programme of and government leaders and senior opportunities. identity modernisation. It has been officials of international organisa- According to the Senate press noted that the role of parliaments tions took part in the congress,” service, at the high-level meeting in enhancing the international co- recent meeting in Astana, open up During its presidency of the UN said Tokayev. with Indonesian officials, Tokayev operation is critical. Following the By Almasbek Zhumadilov broad prospects for cooperation Security Council in January 2018, He believes that the represen- praised the rich experience of the meetings, the Kazakh delegation between the European Union and Kazakhstan put forward strength- tation of Indonesia – the largest host country in Islamic finances was invited to visit the National ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign the region. ening the international efforts to and a respected Muslim country – – an area of great interest for Ka- Independence Monument and the Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov Abdrakhmanov noted that the assist Afghanistan as one of its personally by its President would zakhstan as the country embarks Taman Mini Indonesia Park in Ja- participated in an informal min- course set by Kazakh President top priorities. It organised the first greatly contribute to the success of on offering international financial karta. isterial meeting between Central Nursultan Nazarbayev towards a visit to Kabul of the UN Security Asia and the European Union on comprehensive modernisation of the Council in as many years and the March 26 in Tashkent as the minis- country opens new horizons for co- special session of the UNSC de- ters gathered in the Uzbek capital operation with the European Union. voted to Afghanistan that resulted for the Afghanistan conference to The sides confirmed their com- in the adoption of a presidential take place the following day. mon understanding of the priority statement outlining common ap- Astana, Tashkent boost Foreign ministers of Kazakh- to deepen cooperation in regional proaches to the many problems stan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and security and economic develop- faced by that nation. Uzbekistan, a deputy foreign min- ment and to deepen EU-CA in- According the Kazakh Foreign ister from Turkmenistan, as well as teraction, including within the Ministry, as a result of the joint economic cooperation EU High Representative for For- framework of the EU Strategy for work carried out by Central Asian lion in 2018 and $5 billion by 2020, hold forums on interregional coop- eign Affairs and Security Policy/ Central Asia that is being currently countries during Kazakhstan’s By Zhazira Dyussembekova according to the Kazakh prime eration on a regular basis, read the Vice-President of the European updated. UNSC presidency, it was possible minister’s press service. statement. Commission Federica Mogherini “Kazakhstan supports the EU’s to contribute to changing the inter- ASTANA – The Joint Inter- This is the Year of Uzbekistan The countries also agreed to con- discussed relations between the re- decision to update the Strategy national perception of Afghanistan governmental Commission on in Kazakhstan, with plans to hold sider the prospects for building an gion and the 28-nation bloc. for Central Asia and will present from that of a source of instability Bilateral Cooperation between more than 200 events highlighting international cross-border coopera- According to the Kazakh foreign its vision of the main elements to a source of great opportunities Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, co- the economy, tourism, culture and tion centre, a transport and logistics ministry press release, the main of the new document to the Eu- for regional development, trade chaired by Kazakh First Deputy humanitarianism. centre (dry port) in the border area message of the meeting was that ropean side shortly,” the Kazakh and connectivity. Prime Minister Askar Mamin and “The decision of the heads of our between the nations. the countries of Central Asia and FM noted. It is expected that the According to a press release Uzbek First Deputy Prime Minis- states to hold the Year of Uzbeki- In 2017, the volume of rail trans- the European Union are committed document will be prepared and ap- from the European External Ac- ter Ochilboy Ramatov, met March stan in Kazakhstan in 2018 and the portation between the states in- to developing cooperation, while proved by the middle of 2019. tion Service, Mogherini stressed 14 to discuss relations between the Year of Kazakhstan in Uzbekistan creased 8 percent to 20.5 million the EU remains committed to pro- During the meeting, the Kazakh the importance of the international states, including the expected in- in 2019 is a clear indication of the tonnes. During the first two months moting stable, secure and sustain- side proposed to update the main community – including regional crease in trade turnover, the Year unprecedentedly high level of trust of 2018, traffic volume increased able development of the region. areas of cooperation, identify clear partners – delivering on their com- of Uzbekistan in Kazakhstan and and partnership relations between by 44 percent compared to the same During the event, the European goals and indicators, and introduce mitment to promoting peace and vice versa and regional and border our countries,” said Mamin. period the previous year. The sides side was informed of the success- new tools to achieve these goals. prosperity in Afghanistan. Con- cooperation. One of the key cooperation fac- noted regular railway passenger ful outcome of the first so called According to Abdrakhmanov, the crete regional projects involving Trade turnover last year between tors is the interaction of business trains along the Samarkand-Astana Working (Consultative) Meet- priority areas of the new strategy Central Asian countries, aiming Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan was circles and investments. Two large route will start operation in April. ing of the Heads of Central Asian could include the development of at increasing connections with $2 billion, 31.2 percent higher than business forums were organised Water cooperation issues were states in Astana March 15. human capital, the rule of law and Afghanistan, such as railways, air in 2016. Exports from Kazakhstan last year and commercial agree- also discussed, as the counties will The European Union is one of good governance, the develop- links and pipelines, are welcome grew 35 percent in 2017 to $1.3 bil- ments worth more than $1 billion continue working to implement the key political, trade, economic ment of private entrepreneurship, and important steps in this regard, lion, while imports increased 25.1 were signed. Joint ventures operate water relations roadmap activities. and investment partners for the including the promotion of women the press release said. percent to $735.2 million. in food supplies, petrochemicals In addition, the sides discussed the Central Asian countries. Dialogue entrepreneurship, the promotion In this context, meeting par- “We welcome the stable, positive and chemistry. need to develop a legal mechanism and cooperation between them in of universal digitisation, the pro- ticipants were briefed about the dynamics in mutual trade. A further Within the agreement on long- for Central Asian trans-boundary recent years have acquired a new vision of interconnectedness and educational programme imple- increase in volumes and extension term cooperation between Uzav- water resources that considers the dynamic. The platform of annual the development of transport and mented in Kazakhstan since 2010 of the list of commodity turnover tosanoat and SaryarkaAvtoProm, interests of the entire region. ministerial meetings provides an logistics infrastructure, the promo- to train 1,000 Afghan youth in will contribute to an increase in the a joint project is being executed to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are opportunity to discuss issues and tion of energy efficiency and the peaceful professions. As it was volume of mutual trade. In addition, export products to foreign markets, also interested in gas industry coop- prospects for cooperation. introduction of green technologies, divulged, currently, Kazakhstan we need to timely implement trade including the Eurasian Economic eration. An agreement was reached Participants welcomed the posi- environmental protection. and the European Union are pre- contracts and agreements signed in Union. to continue the joint work to create tive dynamics of intra-regional At the meeting, particular em- paring to launch the first phase of 2017,” said Ramatov. Regional ties have been devel- the technical logistics to transport interaction. It was particularly em- phasis was placed on regional se- a new multilateral project aimed The parties agreed on further co- oping as well, noted the meeting Kazakh gas supplies through Uz- phasised that the recent positive curity and assistance to Afghani- at training Afghan girls in Ka- ordinated measures to ensure the participants, with Uzbekistan sup- bekistan to the southern portion of trends in the region, including the stan. zakhstan. growth of trade turnover to $3 bil- porting the Kazakh initiative to Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan announces conference on Afghan gender equality Taliban members from prisons and built through comprehensive ne- Yamamoto stressed that UNA- egation to the council also high- power Afghan women in the socio- By Elya Altynsarina their withdrawal from the sanc- gotiations and under the leadership MA is cooperating with inter- lighted Afghanistan’s achieve- economic and political spheres. tion’s list. of the Afghan people themselves.” national partners and national ments in women’s empowerment, He also informed that Kazakh- Ambassador-at-large of the Ka- In this vein, “sustained support The support of the international defense forces to pressure, prior saying the government of Na- stan has taken the initiative to zakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the countries of the region, community, including partners and to the elections season, terrorist tional Unity is committed to en- continue its flagship $50 million Stanislav Vassilenko proposed dur- the international community, the donors to the Afghan people, is in- groups that impede peace and sta- hancing the role of women in all education programme for Afghan ing a March 8 United Nations Se- UN and the Security Council, in- dispensable, Kaag continued. bility in the country. The visit of spheres of Afghan society and citizens for 2010-2021, now with curity Council meeting on Afghan- ternational, regional and sub-re- The Secretary-General’s Special the council members to Kabul on that women are represented in co-financing from the European istan a three-pronged approach to gional organisations is required,” Representative and Head of the January 13-15, organised during ministerial, parliamentary and Union and other partners. A total of bringing peace and stability to he said. United Nations Assistance Mission Kazakhstan’s presidency, has been diplomatic positions. 1,000 Afghan citizens will undergo Afghanistan and announced plans He also noted that a decision by in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Tadam- noted as a positive sign of high- In turn, Vassilenko also voiced training at Kazakh universities un- to hold a conference devoted to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to ichi Yamamoto also briefed partici- level support among international Kazakhstan’s support of the Af- der the Kazakh programme, said women empowerment. recognise the Taliban as a legiti- pants on the latest developments in partners for the Afghan govern- ghan government’s efforts to Vassilenko. Additionally, a joint The approach includes a) a secu- mate political group and offer it Afghanistan, including the launch ment and an illustration of regional improve gender equality and its project to educate Afghan girls spe- rity-development nexus, meaning the opportunity to open an office of construction on the Turkmen- partnership between Afghanistan adoption of the National Action cifically at Kazakhstan’s higher ed- that programmes for sustainable in Kabul with no preconditions istan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India and Central Asia in security and Plan, which includes develop- ucation institutions to be co-funded development would help achieve deserves “our most serious atten- (TAPI) gas pipeline. Officials hope development. ing a policy to protect women in by the EU and run in cooperation peace and security in the country, tion.” If the Taliban is to accept the the pipeline will spur regional co- The council meeting also oc- conflict, establish special courts to with the UN Women, is in the pipe- b) a regional approach to cross- deal, its members will have a right operation and the self-reliant eco- curred on International Women’s combat violence against women line, noted the Kazakh envoy. border challenges and threats in- to legitimately reside in the coun- nomic development of Afghanistan. Day and prominent female repre- and implement the Law on the Vassilenko also expressed con- stead of the widely practiced nar- try, with potential exclusion from Parliamentary and local elec- sentatives of Afghanistan, Deputy Elimination of Violence Against cern over the spread of violence row, country-specific focus and the council’s sanctions list. tions in 2018 and presidential one Chairperson of Afghanistan’s High Women and UN Security Coun- against women in Afghanistan, c) greater coordination between In that same council meeting, its next year have also called UNA- Peace Council Habibi Sarabi, and cil Resolution 1325 on Women, especially the deaths of women United Nations offices and pro- 15 members adopted Resolution MA into action to activate wom- Executive Director of the Organi- Peace and Security. He also noted and children because of terrorist grammes to improve efficiency 2405 (2018) on extending the man- en’s participation as voters and sation for Policy Research and De- the mission to Kabul in January attacks and offensive airstrikes and reduce fragmentation. date of the UN Assistance Mission candidates, said Yamamoto. Yet, velopment Studies Mariam Safi, included meetings with women’s and called on participants to join Vassilenko said he believes in Afghanistan (UNAMA) through the relationship gridlock between gave presentations on the lives of organisations led by First Lady of efforts to reduce such casualties. the situation in Afghanistan has March 17, 2019. President Ghani and one of the Afghan women. They noted that Afghanistan Rula Ghani, which The head of the Kazakh delega- entered a crucial phase on sev- President of the Security Coun- country’s political parties, Jamiat- the lives of women have been im- provided insights into gender is- tion concluded his remarks con- eral lines, including the ceasefire cil for the month of March and e Islami (Islamic society), over pacted by constitutional and legis- sues in Afghanistan. cerning gender equality by citing agreement, transitional confi- Minister for Foreign Trade and sacking its representative from the lative amendments and expressed The Kazakh special envoy then a Kazakh proverb, which says “A dence-building measures, upcom- Development Cooperation of the leadership of Balkh province of concern over the increased number announced Kazakhstan’s plans to woman rock the cradle with one ing elections, revising the nation’s Netherlands Sigrid Kaag said, Afghanistan is a new concern, said of women among refugees. organise an international confer- hand and rules the world with an- constitution, possible release of “Peace in Afghanistan can only be Yamamoto. A member of the Afghan del- ence in the fall to seek ways to em- other.” B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Gene editing will cure cancer, HIV, Kazakh comic superhero Ermek Skier wins Kazakhstan’s first gold young Kazakh biotechnologist says Batyr conquers mainstream US medal at Paralympic Games B2 audience, spin-off on its way B3 B7 Central Asian artists bring postmodern Life Is Here life to ancient oral traditions in US project inspires staging of women warrior epic appreciating life, the psyche, an echo of a forgotten matriarchal society. The performing cast includes Gumshagul Bekturganova and chasing dreams Gumisay Berdikhanova from Karakalpakstan; Aziza Davronova and Alibek Kabdurakhmanov from Uzbekistan; Saltanat Yersultan, Arailym Omirbekova and Tokzhan Karatai from Kazakhstan; and Makhabat Kobogonova from Kyr- gyzstan. The ensemble performs under the direction of Kazakhstan’s Raushan Orazbaeva, a performer of the two-stringed fiddle qobyz. The music was written by Uzbek composer Dmitri Yanov-Yanovsky. The performance alternates be- tween the narrative playing out on film and performances by live mu- sicians who recite, sing, murmur and act onstage. The story is told in different voices and Central Asian languages, subtitled in English. “It is difficult to say which stage Helene Satushkina I prefer in creation, each step has its own challenge, excitement and A scene from “Qyrq Qyz” multimedia theatrical performance. magic,” Ismailova noted. By Meruyert Abugaliyeva I have changed my perception of “Brooklyn Academy of Music the product, which is natural, I be- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova tive representatives. ‘Qyrq Qyz’ in- prominently in most spiritual ritu- got interested in the project at its ASTANA – Author Helene Sa- lieve. It has transformed into the tends to bring to life and transform als of Central Asia, whether for early stage, when even the sound tushkina established the Life Is ‘Book of Life’ and we no longer ASTANA – “Qyrq Qyz” (“Forty into a modern language an oral an- purification, mourning, healing, score was not finalised, only the Here project in the capital in 2015, call it a diary. Its original feature Girls”), a multimedia theatrical cient tradition that has disappeared. fertility, or life transitions. Eve- script was in place. This commit- including a diary and community lies in its message; it makes one performance directed by Uzbek For me, this project celebrates the ryone you know in Central Asia ment was important to embark for active and ambitious people, look for answers to serious ques- filmmaker Saodat Ismailova, de- spiritual dimension of women and knows the story of ‘Forty Girls,’” upon the project,” she commented. to remind individuals of the im- tions. What do you want from buted at New York’s BAM Har- their ability to become the driving she said. Initially, Ismailova made a short portance of living a conscious life. life? How do you want to live vey Theatre March 23 and 24. The force of a civilisation.” Through her complex new film titled “Gulaim” based on the The diary is not an ordinary note- it? ‘Life is Here’ inspires living show premiered March 1 at the “Qyrq Qyz” is in fact an ancient work’s first layer, audiences are legend. Then ethnomusicologist book – it is a Book of Life. a conscious life and answering Hopkins Centre in Vermont. oral epic widespread in Central presented with a sonic and visual Theodore Levin from the Aga “I chose ‘Life Is Here’ as a those questions honestly. I want “The premiere went impres- Asia. The legend tells the story landscape of Central Asia, she ex- Khan Music Initiative, an inter- name for two reasons. First, the owners to use it as a personal di- sively well. The girls are great! of 40 teenage girls, led by their plained. Then, the project speaks regional music and arts education book covers a certain period of ary, since writing helps us unveil Full hall, with such a positive and leader Gulaim. Ismailova’s hybrid about female power, as well as a programme, supported her idea of an owner’s life who is writing many fascinating things,” she generous reaction,” Ismailova told of film and performance also in- female world guided by the interior staging a multimedia concert per- dreams, plans, goals, thoughts, added. The Astana Times. “The project cludes moments of text recitation and spiritual as much as the linear formed by young women musi- gratitude and a personal life story More than 2,000 copies of Life is to show the strength and beauty – an homage to the old bards of and expressive. “Qyrq Qyz” is a cians from different Central Asian there. Moreover, the diary serves Is Here diaries are printed each of the Central Asian female world, Central Asia. story based on an ancient archetype countries. as a reminder that one should live year. Users who have completed through the talent of young crea- “This number [40] appears Ismailova says is rooted deeply in Continued on Page B3 in the present, act, love, be grate- the 100 List and strive to achieve ful and not to be stuck in the past their goals can join the project or future, missing out on today,” community, which currently has she said in an interview with The approximately 30 active members. Astana Times. Most are entrepreneurs, aged 22 The mission is to inspire people to 35, who dedicate considerable Kazakh stunt people take part in internationally to chase their dreams and pursue time and effort to self-develop- ambitious goals, to be honest with ment and personal growth. themselves and appreciate each “During the meetings we share day. our stories and achievements, sup- acclaimed films, launch training courses Satushkina elaborately devel- port and inspire each other. We “We plan to cooperate with Ser- ent tricks and techniques to make oped the diary’s page layout. Book also divide into parts and thus eve- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova gei Bodrov… Last year, the story the fight scenes look more believ- of Life contains regular and travel ryone gets a partner for the next of the legendary battle ‘Legend able. We have not done these battle calendars, an address book, list of month who will help track pro- ASTANA – Kazakh stunt per- about Kolovrat’ was released. The scenes yet. Azerbaijani and Turk- birthdays, films to watch, books to gress and provide guidance if nec- formers are known for their top- premiere of the ‘Tobol’ film di- ish stuntmen will join our team. read and places to visit and spe- essary. I believe it is important to level skills and spectacular horse rected by Igor Zaitsev is expected More than 100 people will be pre- cial pages for writing down ideas. communicate with someone who scenes. They are experts in fight in autumn. We started filming sent in one action scene. We want Apart from simple pages for every- thinks the same way, since people choreography using swords and ‘Tomiris’ with a large group of to present this film at the Taurus day planning, it has monthly plan- surrounding us play an important weapons, waterfall jumps, fires performers. The team joined the World Stunt Awards in January ners to conveniently see a whole role in our development,” noted and epic battle scenes. cast of ‘Kazak Batyrlary’ (‘Kazakh 2019,” he said. month at a glance. The unique fea- Satushkina. The Astana Times recently Warriors’) and ‘Mustafa Shokai.’ The team always finds time to ture is the 100 List, special cata- Announcements for monthly spoke with Nomad Stunts founder, We closely collaborate with Hol- take part in charity events and logues of things giving a sense of community meetings are posted performer and director Zhaidarbek lywood and Bollywood studio pro- cooperates with Kazakhstan’s gratitude, dreams and goals for the on the project’s Instagram page @ Kunguzhinov to learn about the Zhaidarbek Kunguzhinov jects,” said Kunguzhinov. Red Crescent Society. In 2017, it year and guidance on how to com- life.is.here, where more informa- company’s new productions and In 2016, Nomad Stunts opened organised Action for Red to help plete the lists. tion on both diaries and meetings projects. scenes in Netflix’s historical series its own training base designed to lonely pensioners and low-income “While working on the project is available. Established in 2000, Nomad “Marco Polo” and worked as the prepare actors and stunt people. families. Stunts currently consists of more stunt coordinator for the film “47 “The project began with the This year, they plan to open No- than 70 stuntmen and stuntwom- Ronin” and the TV series “The Ka- money we earned from filming. mad Stunts Turkey. en including professionals from zakh Khanate” and a Turkish TV We constructed a special sports “We never repeat our tricks and Australia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, series called “Survived.” He was hall for fitness workouts and a pad- setting new tricks is quite chal- THINGS TO WATCH & Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkey and also involved in the unique stunt of dock for training stunt horses. Peo- lenging. It is important to properly Ukraine. There are also 30 special- a running horse breaking through ple came from Bulgaria and Russia conduct the preparatory work. For PLACES TO GO ly trained stunt horses. a wall in Timur Bekmambetov’s for training last year. This year, a example, the rider simultaneously While filming, the team has col- movie “Daywatch.” stunt team from Canada wants to took two swords in the ‘Mon- ASTANA OPERA laborated with actors including The career of a stunt person is come to us for training,” he said. gol’ film. Nobody did this before. Colin Farrell, Jet Li, Keanu Reeves, difficult and amazing at the same Kunguzhinov talked about The director liked this scene and March 28 at 7 p.m. La Bayadère, ballet Arnold Schwarzenegger, Christian time, noted Kunguzhinov. shooting Akan Satayev’s much an- it blended well with the general March 30 at 3 p.m. The Journey of Peer Gynt, “Each motion picture has its Slater, Sylvester Stallone, Jason ticipated film “Tomiris.” outline of the film. This became a concert Statham and Bruce Willis. own difficulties. The most -chal “We put a lot of energy into this classic magic trick,” said Kungu- “Our team is currently involved lenging was the filming of ‘The film. There will be many differ- zhinov. March 31 at 6 p.m. The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, in two TV series and a filming Expendables.’ There are so many ballet tricks under water and explosions. process in Turkey. We also plan to April 1 at 6 p.m. at Musical Kaleidoscope, concert start shooting ‘Dekabrists’ (‘Rus- Some stuntmen were injured. The sian Revolutionaries’), a film to weather conditions were poor April 7,8 at 6 p.m. Notre-Dame de Paris, ballet be directed by Andrey Kravchuk during the filming of ‘The Vi- this March. There will be big- kings.’ It was cold in spring. The ASTANA BALLET screen tricks with horses. Some stunt horses began to get tired and March 31 at 6 p.m. Salome, ballet part of our team is participating they needed rest, but there was no in the Bollywood film based on time for rest. The preparatory pe- real events about the Indo-English riod lasted three months. However, KAZAKHSTAN CONCERT HALL war,” he said. everything was fine and the horses A martial arts Oscar winner, had no injuries,” he said. March 31 at 6 p.m. Aiman Mussakhajayeva Kunguzhinov is a member of the Nomad Stunts team during the presents…, concert Stuntmen Association, Kazakh filming of Viking film. Filmmakers Union and the Taurus This year, the stunt team also Academy as the best director of a appeared in the “McMafia” drama ASTANA ARENA foreign film. He performed stunts series on BBC One and will join March 31 at 4 p.m. FC Astana – FC Kairat in “The Expendables 2,” “Co- the cast for Disney’s “Mulan” live- nan the Barbarian” and the battle action remake. Nomad Stunts Photo credit: B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 Gene editing will cure cancer, HIV, Entrepreneur turns young Kazakh biotechnologist says hobby into business plained in an interview with The plenty of information on the inter- Astana Times. net; scientists must be able to com- By Zhazira Dyussembekova The method was first proposed municate their knowledge to the for gene editing in 2012 by Jen- public,” he added. ASTANA – Bakhargul Tole- nifer Doudna, a professor at Uni- Tleboldinov was particularly genkyzy, one of Kazakhstan’s 100 versity of California (UC) Berke- impressed by the competition par- New Faces, has been collecting ley. At that time, Tleboldinov was ticipants. Turkic gold and silver antiques studying biotechnology at UC Da- “I was surprised by the partici- since she was young, eventually vis, where he was a student from pants, as they are highly qualified presenting them in her own private 2012 to 2016. and the overall level of preparation museum. In 2000, she founded “Biotechnology was developing was great. Most of them are either Ademi-Ai Plus, which has become rapidly at that time and professors in a research group investigating one of country’s leaders in national were up to date with new publi- their topics or somehow related to souvenir production. cations and always informed us the topic. Moreover, there was no Tolegenkyzy moved to Kazakh- about them. There, I was always sense of rivalry, as we helped each stan from China in 1994. in the know. CRISPR/Cas9 was other prepare for presentation,” “I remember when the news a breakthrough, attracting a lot of he added. Tleboldinov currently came that Kazakhstan had re- Bakhargul Tolegenkyzy Galymzhan Tleboldinov interest. People, however, are still works at the National Centre for ceived independence; we were so interested in it and since the topic Science and Technology Evalua- happy when we were still students Tolegenkyzy thinks the main By Meruyert Abugaliyeva mune system of bacteria. In the was thoroughly researched in my tion. in China. I heard this news and I components of success for any 1980s, scientists found small university, I decided to tell about it “My work entails locating re- set a goal to go to my historical business are, first of all, hard work ASTANA – Genetically modi- pieces in DNA not belonging to at Famelab,” he said. spected experts and contacting homeland. After moving to Ka- and patience. fied living organisms might sound living organisms under study. Tleboldinov’s video about the them to provide feedback for zakhstan, I opened my own private “We must not only know and like fiction today, but in the not- Later it became known that gene editing process took 11th funding applications in biotech- museum for the first time, where love our work, but also constantly too-distant future, genome modi- these pieces belonged to viruses place among 240 entries in the nology and agriculture. The na- I presented different things in the learn new things. Equally impor- fication will be used to edit DNA – but the reason for their pres- first stage of the competition. For- ture of the work is closer to man- national style that I had collected tant is the benevolent atmosphere and treat human diseases like can- ence was still unknown. Only in tunately for him, one participant agement, and in the future, I do since my student days, and then I both in the family and in the team cer and HIV, Kazakh biotechnolo- 2012 did scientists conclude that decided to withdraw, allowing the not want to be just a researcher travelled all over Kazakhstan with where you work,” she said. gist Galymzhan Tleboldinov says. these pieces were deliberately young biotechnologist to join the in a lab. I want to work on col- that exhibition,” she said. Running a business takes The new method for such gene preserved by bacteria after the national competition. laboration between researchers, The museum, in Almaty, has a strength and perseverance; it editing, CRISPR, helped Tlebol- first attack of a particular virus. “During the competition, I as I feel that we have plenty of collection of more than 1,000 ex- requires a lot of work capac- dinov win the national stage of This was done in order for the learned that sometimes it does not talented scientists but there is not hibits which she often takes to dif- ity, knowledge, responsibility and Famelab 2018, a popular science bacteria to use that DNA piece matter how smart you are. I almost proper management in research,” ferent locations. The items include skills. communications competition held to destroy the virus if it attacked failed to make it to the national he added. jewellery dating to the first-third “For me this path was led by a by the British Council. again later. This system is now stage, because I was trying to show As a winner of the national centuries B.C., as well as clothes, great love of national traditions, “Indeed, the CRISPR/Cas9 studied and improved for drug how much I knew. The point of stage, Tleboldinov was invited to a variety of household utensils, love for applied art in the nation- system existed even before the development, agriculture, and Famelab is to deliver your speech represent Kazakhstan in the inter- equipment and cold steel as recent al style. I started to collect such first human appeared on Earth, the treatment of genetic diseases, in a clear way for your audience, national round of Famelab in Lon- as the 19-20th centuries. things from a small age. Kazakh art as it is based on the ancient im- such as HIV and cancer,” he ex- and to attract interest. There is don. Love for history brought Tolegen- is worthy of high praise, so I want kyzy to produce Kazakh-style sou- it to be known in the whole world venirs and accessories. Her compa- and I think that promoting this art ny also sells textiles, silver jewellery is my civic duty,” she added. and business accessories and was Tolegenkyzy noted it is not easy the first in the country to introduce to be a successful entrepreneur, Virtuoso violinist Erzhan Kulibaev gilding. Ademi-Ai Plus branches especially a businesswoman. A fe- have been opened in each region. male entrepreneur must still think “Our goal is to revive the ancient about her family so her children cultural heritage of the Kazakh can be fed and dressed on time, performs at Astana Opera people and their application for in addition to meeting their many fia High School of Music in Ma- Astana Opera Symphony Orches- the benefit of society. To breathe other needs. By Meruyert Abugaliyeva drid, Spain. He also did postgradu- tra at Carnegie Hall in New York, life into the forgotten past by writ- The support of her family, espe- ate studies with Professor Pierre the Sony Centre for the Perform- ing words of wishes and blessings cially her spouse, was the key el- ASTANA – World famous Amoyal at Mozarteum University ing Arts in Toronto, Canada and on the souvenirs, as well as the ement in successfully developing Kazakh violinist Erzhan Kuli- in Salzburg, Austria. Opera Bastille in Paris. winged expressions of our people; her business. baev was featured March 21 in He is currently a professor at Kata- Kulibaev, who resides in Spain, thus, to show the world the rich “He is a reliable support for me the Astana Opera Chamber Or- rina Gurska Higher School of Music believes studying and working and unique soul of the Kazakhs,” and a partner and a wise business chestra’s “Masterpieces of violin in Madrid. He plays a 1722 Antonio abroad was key to his success. He she said. adviser,” she said. music” concert under the direc- Stradivarius Rode violin provided by shared guidance for young musi- tion of Abzal Mukhitdinov. The Switzerland’s Madjini Foundation. cians in an interview for this story. programme included works by Kulibaev’s talent is recognised “Do not stay put in one place. eminent German composers Max and appreciated worldwide. He re- Fortunately for me I was able to Bruch and Ludwig van Beethoven. ceived first prizes at international go abroad, as I studied in Moscow “Almost 20 years have passed violin competitions in Berlin, Bue- and then joined Bron. Exploring since I first performed a concert nos Aires, Lisbon, Novosibirsk and the world, studying abroad and by Bruch with the orchestra un- Yekaterinburg, including the pres- communicating with musicians der maestro Mukhitdinov. Since tigious Henryk Wieniawski Com- from different countries helped me then, we have held joint concerts petition in Poznan, Poland, George achieve success. I lived in Salzburg, in many countries. Beethoven’s Enescu Festival in Bucharest, Roma- where I learned a lot about Mozart. music is the apex of violin reper- festivalenescu.ro Photo credit: nia and Washington Award in 2015. I drank the same water he drank and Erzhan Kulibaev toire and playing it in the original He has performed in concert enjoyed the same sceneries. It was version gives me an incomparable halls in Argentina, Austria, Bel- an invaluable experience,” he said. feeling,” said Kulibaev. Central Music School of Moscow gium, France, Germany, Greece, “My success was due to my The violinist started his musi- State Tchaikovsky Conservatory. Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Mex- mom, family and Zakhar Bron. cal education at the age of six at After graduation, Kulibaev contin- ico, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, In the future, I want to play music Kulyash Baisseitova Music School ued his studies with world famous Russia, Spain, Switzerland and with talented musicians and enjoy in Almaty, later studying at the teacher Zakhar Bron at Queen So- Ukraine. He was featured with the it,” he added. Promising young entrepreneur named one of 100 New Faces ising, protecting and developing named one of the country’s 100 graduation, he opened a small The companies also developed His team provides services for By Dana Omirgazy Kazakh entrepreneurial activi- New Faces. store in the city centre, earning and introduced technologies for ordinary people interested in the ties. His endeavour and persis- During his school years, the his first million tenge (US$3,117) groundless plant cultivation in topic. ASTANA – Arman Toskan- tence serve as an example for Karaganda native repaired old in just one summer. multi-tier installations. Private “In June last year, I released a bayev, 26, is an ambitious busi- thousands of novice entrepre- computers and sold the second- While he chose not to continue investments allowed him to build training programme for beginning nessperson engaged in popular- neurs, for which he has been hand office equipment. After his studies at a university, the lack a greenhouse in his home town, entrepreneurs ‘From idea to busi- of a higher education did not pre- where he grows spinach and ruc- ness.’ In total, over 600 young vent him from starting a business. cola. people underwent the training “Now, I run several busi- With his friend Aibek Yesse- programme during the year, of nesses. I do not remember how nov, Toskanbayev founded Unit- which 150 have opened their own many businesses I started. Some ed Business Group in 2015. The businesses,” he noted. of them failed, while others suc- company has been designing and Toskanbayev is a permanent ceeded,” he said in an interview producing watches, including the member of the Committee for for this story. Otan Patrioty (“The Country’s Small and Medium Business, Na- In 2014, Toskanbayev won Patriot”) brand, and business ac- tional Chamber of Entrepreneurs a grant for three million tenge cessories. Young Entrepreneurs Discussion (US$9,390) for a hydroponic pro- “The watches have Swiss Club and Nur Otan Party Public duction project through the Busi- movement; everything else is the Council of Small and Medium ness Road Map 2020 programme. work of Kazakh masters who cre- Enterprise Support Centre. He Later, he founded New Green ate unique watches with the em- encourages novice entrepreneurs Technology and Zertis, which blem of Kazakhstan. On the Day not to be lazy, to be more optimis- have become leading agricultural of the First President in 2016, tic, try everything new and never companies. I personally presented them to stop. New Green Technology is en- President of Kazakhstan Nursul- “I think that the 100 New Faces gaged in engineering, producing tan Nazarbayev. I also know that project is really necessary for Ka- and marketing hydroponic grow- our watches were presented to zakhstan. The project participants ing systems for feed. Russian Defence Minister Sergei are people with unique strength “The equipment allows growing Shoigu, President of Uzbekistan of will. To be among them is a the seeds to feed within seven days. Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Hol- great responsibility. I believe that Our systems of growing hydropon- lywood star Mark Dacascos,” he young people should develop ic green fodder in closed premises said. their talents while they are study- allow owners of cattle to receive Last year, Toskanbayev ing at school or a university. Tal- green food all year round directly at launched a new project of pro- ents and skills are very helpful in Arman Toskanbayev (R) shows the home hydroponic system. the place of consumption,” he said. ducing Kazakh crypto-currency. future endeavours,” he said. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 Kazakh comic superhero Ermek Batyr Adili – ethnic style conquers mainstream US audience accessories promoting the company in the U.S. It matter whether it is making a short By Zhanna Shayakhmetova was founded by architect Musabek- film, a low-budget indie film, a mu- ov and IT specialist Myrzakhmetov. sic video or a personal blog. Once, ASTANA – “Ermek Batyr,” a com- “I write scripts for our project and we made a YouTube prank video ic book featuring the Kazakh superhe- adapt them to the literary and cin- about famous UFC fighter Conor ro, has gained immediate interest since ematographic format. We all have McGregor featuring Islam Badurgov its release on Amazon’s Comixology, different backgrounds, but we share and Amir Allahverdi. It immediately the leading digital platform. Creators a common love for comic books. became popular,” he said. Madibek Musabekov and Bekzat When I first read the book, I knew Aidarbekov was also involved in Myrzakhmetov announced plans in it should be released in the U.S. At filming “Disaster Artist.” February for the spin-off “Brothers” this time, I have already finished my “It was my first Hollywood film written by scriptwriter, producer and books ‘Descent from Heaven’ and which received a Golden Globe director Aidiye Aidarbekov. ‘The Great Steppe.’ We decided to and was nominated for an Oscar. I The team is currently negotiating unite our efforts and collaborate as a wrote the script for the ‘Flags over with Amazon Studios to launch an Aidiye Aidarbekov team,” he said. Berlin’ film produced by Dauren To- animated cartoon series based on “We are also making an adaption leukhanov. British filmmaker Gareth the comics. market. Our team aims to develop of the Kazakh folk tale ‘Yer-Tostik’ Lewis and actor Damian Lewis will terns and diverse colours make the “Our book has a maximum five- a comic book culture in the coun- in the modern superhero style with join the project. Every day and every By Dana Omirgazy accessory unique. The Adili hand- point rating. We have received posi- try. Comics are a universal art that artist and animator Amira Tuyak- meeting in Hollywood is an opportu- kerchief collection meets this be- tive feedback from the American has conquered the whole world. No bayeva. In collaboration with pre- nity I cannot miss,” he added. ASTANA – National-style acces- lief, and customers say the acces- audience. Our comics are something matter what language you speak, if visualisation storyboard artist Alex- Despite his young age, Aidarbe- sories are becoming increasingly sories can compete with European new and unusual for them,” Aidarbe- you see a picture in a comic book, ander Sokolov, we are working on kov is one of the country’s 100 New in vogue in Kazakhstan. Adili, the fashion houses. kov told The Astana Times. you can understand what the author the comics and a film based on ‘The Faces and he has ambitious plans to brand offering fashionable accesso- The sisters subsequently re- Dark Matter showrunner and Star- wanted to say, even without read- Song of Hiawatha.’ This project serve his country with knowledge ries with a national ornament, is in- ceived numerous requests for gate executive producer Joseph Mal- ing the text. We promote our coun- already has great interest among and experience. troducing elements of that style into men’s accessories. Three years lozzi noted the high quality of the try through our comic books. The several large American film compa- “It is a great honour for me. I try everyday life. The company has an ago, Adili started producing a line comics in his blog. He wrote that by creation of the Kazakh Khanate is nies,” he added. to meet the expectations of the peo- online store (www.shopadili.com), of ties, scarves, handkerchiefs, “melding fantasy and science fiction, the starting point of Ermek Batyr’s Aidarbekov, who has a master’s ple who believe in me and support where customers can browse purses and bags. Musabekov’s art hints at a unique story. We set the task to show our degree in engineering, is currently me. The domestic film industry is through a charming collection for “We began to study what our folklore-based narrative.” rich and diverse traditions and cul- studying filmmaking at New York seeing major growth and I want to women and men. men wanted. It turned out that they “We have preliminary agree- ture,” he added. Film Academy in Los Angeles. contribute to the development of The concept of creating a brand are very conservative. They would ments with the major Kazakh me- As a co-owner of Kazakhstan- “I am engaged in producing, di- our cinematography. I have already of national style accessories came not wear those ties that I would dia companies to publish and dis- based Tengri Comics publishing recting and writing scripts. I’m trying received job offers in Kazakhstan,” to Adili founder and main designer like to produce. Therefore, we try tribute our comics in the domestic house, Aidarbekov is engaged in to participate in various projects no he said. Assel Adil in 2010 during her stud- to choose restrained ornaments ies in the U.K. The Bolashak Schol- and colours. Leather accessories arship student missed her native are made in black or brown col- ed the filming of the project,” she on the sites of ‘Qyrq Qyz’ ruins, and country and looked for any accesso- ours,” Adil told forbes.kz. revealed. in one of the oldest mosques of Tash- ry that reminded her of Kazakhstan. In seven years, the Adili brand It took two and a half years to kent,” she said. Her homesickness provided the in- has gained customer loyalty and Central Asian artists... create and produce the show. In early June, “Qyrq Qyz” will sight she realised once she returned. recently launched the innovative Continued from Page B1 Brooklyn Academy of Music, “We invited over 100 young wom- be staged at the Quai Branly Mu- Adil’s talent led her to believe project of digital printing on natu- Museum Quai Branly and the Na- en to a casting session in search of our seum in Paris. she could create a brand that ral fabrics. With the help of new “It is thanks to the Aga Khan tional Centre of Contemporary Gulaim for the film. We found her in “Later we are bringing the project would be highly recognised in technology, the company started Music Initiative that ‘Qyrq Qyz’ Art, France, supported the project. Aysanem Yusupova, a first-year act- to Tashkent. In 2019, we are hoping Kazakhstan and abroad. Her older producing home textiles under the came to life as a cross discipli- The Art and Culture Development ing student from Karakalpakstan. to organise presentations in Ka- sister Indira supported the idea to Adili Textile label. The company nary project. Dartmouth College, Foundation in Uzbekistan support- The film was shot in Karakalpakstan, zakhstan and Kyrgyzstan,” she said. create nationally inspired hand- offers an ecologically clean prod- kerchiefs and leather items and uct made in Kazakhstan. invested some capital into the new “Digital printing on natural fab- business. The idea turned into re- rics allows us to create a product ality and they started manufactur- with a high image and printing ing silk handkerchiefs, scarfs and quality corresponding to world Kazakh movie producer leather accessories. brands. Previously, Kazakhstan “The growing popularity of used rotary fabric printing tech- Kazakh ornaments in the fashion nology, which implied a long and industry inspired us. Accessories costly process of making draw- to shoot film using AI with Kazakh brands have become ings on fabric of rather low qual- “This is a story based on true intelligence for cinematic images of brain substance. After coming beloved among the country’s citi- ity. Adili Textile Company brought Staff Report events about Soviet lieutenant Lev creation,” he added. out of long coma, he was incapable zens. We try to meet this dress know-how to our market by mak- Zasecky, who lost the ability to In the film’s production, AI has of perceiving logical, cause-effect trend; we often design and produce ing world-class fabrics at a reason- ASTANA – Kazakh producer perceive the world around him af- numerous applications, including and spatial connections. Still, he new collections using bright and able price,” said Adil. Timur Bekmambetov plans to make ter serious head injury. The world plot arrangements, selection of ef- was aware of the changes occur- rich colours,” she said. Adili currently has stores in Ak- a film titled “Lost and Returned started falling into pieces for him, fects and background images and ring to him and started fighting for Using natural fabrics reflects tau, Aktobe, Almaty, Atyrau and World” about Soviet lieutenant Lev however, thanks to the power of creation of movie trailers. conscious life with the help of psy- sophistication and serves as a sub- the capital. The company plans Zasecky, who had to learn to perceive will he was able to regain faith in Lev Zasecky fought in World chologist Alexander Luria. tle hint of wealth and well-being. to open more shops throughout the world again after a severe war in- life,” said Bekmambetov. War II and later wrote “I will fight” Luria dedicated the “Lost and Those who collect silk handker- the country and continue creating jury. The movie will be produced with “Our film is an innovative pro- diary. In 1943, he received a severe Returned World” book to Zasecky, chiefs are confident and tiny pat- trendy and elegant collections. the help of artificial intelligence (AI). ject, the first to resort to artificial head injury losing almost a quarter who managed to partially recover. International contemporary music Bekmambetov festival to be held in Almaty presents “ Unfriended: Modern flute player Mario Caroli By Aigerim Sadykova will perform April 4. World music Dark Web” magazine American Record Guide owner is not only watching him ASTANA – The Kurmangazy characterised him as musician with Staff Report but will do anything to get it back. Kazakh National Conservatory is superhuman mastery and extraor- All the action unfolds on computer arranging an international festi- dinary musical intelligence. Caroli ASTANA – Kazakh producer screen of the main character. val of contemporary classic music will appear onstage in a premier Timur Bekmambetov and Blum- “A dark, grim, and truly unset- dedicated to the Nauryz holiday composed by Kazakh musician house Productions CEO Jason tling example of tech-horror, ‘Un- April 2 to 5 in Almaty. Outstanding Beibit Daldenbai. The festival will Blum presented a horror film titled friended: Dark Web’ is a reminder and world-renowned French and finish with a performance by young “Unfriended: Dark Web” at the that we’re never safe from pry- Austrian composers and other fa- Kazakh band Eegeru. They will play March 9-18 South by Southwest ing eyes,” said the review on the mous quests will perform with the masterpieces by Tristan Murail and (SXSW) Film Festival in Texas. Dread Central website. Kazakh State Academic Symphony Klaus Lang and new compositions “We all should have our doubts The original “Unfriended” film Orchestra, said conservatory rector by Kazakh musicians Rakhat-Bi Ab- about the personal weaknesses earned more than $64 million in Zhaniya Aubakirova. dyssagin, Vladimir Strigotsky-Pack we’ve exposed through our social the global ticket sales. It won the “Guests of the Nauryz-21 festi- and Olga Khromova. media accounts,” said a SXSW Most Innovative Film award at the val are first-rate representative of Eeggeru is the first ensemble from Eegeru Kazakh ensemble. Film Review. Fantasia Film Festival in Mon- the New Music Tristan Murail from Kazakhstan to perform contempo- The film written and directed by tréal in 2014. Bekmambetov’s France and progressive Austrian rary classical music. Composer San- Stephen Susco is a sequel to the film about the search for a missing thinker and composer Klaus Lang. who come to concerts of contempo- who has received prestigious mu- zhar Baiterekov founded Eegeru in “Unfriended” horror film released schoolgirl “Search” in a similar Also, world-class flutist Mario Car- rary music for new ideas and feel- sic awards from the Internationales 2015 with the help of the Kurman- in 2014. It is the fourth film pro- format won the Audience Award oli and conductor of St. Petersburg’s ings,” added Aubakirova. Musikinstitut Darmstadt, Gartov gazy conservatory, uniting young duced by Bazelevs studio in the and Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film modern eNsemble Fedor Lednyov The programme promises to be Stiftung and Kuhmo Chamber Mu- musicians specialising in cello, vi- screenlife format. Prize at the recent Sundance Film will take the stage,” she told The saturated, with 12 Kazakh and four sic Festivals. ola, fiddle, flute, clarinet and piano. “The film is the inception of Festival. The film “Profile,” about Astana Times. The Nikel ensemble world premieres, lectures, presen- The next day, the Israeli Nikel en- “The ensemble is working for Screenlife language. Screenlife is the recruitment of European wom- of contemporary music and Mos- tations and master classes with in- semble will perform in the Great Con- both export and import of contem- an innovative film language that en into the so called ISIS, won the cow ensemble of Contemporary vited guests and musical masters of cert Hall of the Kazakh Conservatory. porary music. Music is an elite art, tells a whole narrative within the 20th Panorama Audience Awards Music soloist Vladislav Pesin will Kazakhstan. The ensemble, founded in Tel Aviv in especially contemporary music. Our frames of a computer screen. The for best fiction film at the Berlin also participate in the festival. The first day of the festival, April 2, 2006, unites musicians from Israel, ensemble is ready to play one of the concept was initially developed International Film Festival. Aubakirova noted Kazakhstan’s will be a night of premiers. The Ka- France, Belgium and Sweden who main roles in setting up the image of when Timur Bekmambetov pro- The Bazelevs is an international only modern music ensemble, Ee- zakh premier of Tristan Murail’s “Re- play the piano, saxophone, electric our country, and to be a dialogue be- duced Unfriended, a horror flick film production company founded geru, which will perform at the flections 1-2” and “Siebzehnstufen,” guitar and percussion instruments. tween contemporary and traditional that turned into a commercial by Bekmambetov in 1994, with festival, has earned attention and written by Klaus Lang, will be con- They present a new format of musical cultures of East and West,” success,” the press service of the offices in Los Angeles, Moscow respect from colleagues and listen- ducted by Fedor Lednyov, who has chamber music and demonstrate new said Baiterekov in an interview with Bazelevs production company re- and Beijing. Its portfolio includes ers in a short time. performed more than 200 world pre- possibilities of sound in electronic and the and.kz website. ported. “Night Watch,” “Day Watch,” “The real result of the festival mieres of contemporary composers. acoustic instruments. Nikel is a par- The Nauryz-21 festival, held since According to Internet Movie Da- “Wanted,” the “Elki” franchise, will be a growing number of musi- The Kazakh State Academic ticipant of prestigious contemporary 2004, is the only large-scale platform tabase (IMDB), a teen comes into “9,” “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire cians looking for their unique lan- Symphony Orchestra will perform music festivals like the International for contemporary classic music in possession of a new laptop and Hunter,” “Unfriended,” “Hardcore guage of expression and listeners together with Pesin, a violinist Summer Music Course in Darmstadt. Central Asia and Kazakhstan. soon discovers that the previous Henry” and other films. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 Almaty quilting Kostanai region to advance agriculture, car enthusiasts try assembly with Italian, Chinese investments ject is important for our region,” cluding varieties with gluten lev- new brands and increasing exports. By Zhanna Shayakhmetova said Kostanai region Deputy Akim els of more than 25 percent, but In addition, the automotive indus- (Governor) Meirzhan Myrzaliyev. the products are mainly exported try is implementing two projects to patch together ASTANA – The Kostanai region The regional delegation met to neighbouring countries as raw to assemble light commercial ve- has announced plans to launch with ten interested companies, in- materials. The authorities sell the hicles and large-capacity IVECO eight projects this year worth 28.3 cluding AIDEPI, Andalini, Arete added value products in accord- trucks and to produce Peugeot 301 a world record billion tenge (US$88 million), ac- Slr, Bonifiche Ferraresi, Caseifi- ance with the instructions of the cars from CKD kits this year,” said cording to a March 13 regional cio Parma 2064, Fava, the Italian head of state. Myrzaliyev. press service report. Chamber of Commerce, ItalPast As part of the Kazakh-Chinese Best Kostanai commissioned Kazakh Invest, KazAgro and the and Pavan, before reaching the cooperation programme, the re- a mill complex last year with the region signed an investment agree- agreement. gion continues to attract Chinese participation of foreign capital. ment for agricultural product deep “The Italian investors are inter- investment. SaryarkaAvtoProm, in Plans are also underway to begin processing in mid-February with ested in land leasing with ready cooperation with China Machin- three projects with foreign partici- the Milan and Lombardy Cham- engineering and transport infra- ery, implemented a project in 2017 pation of 5.1 billion tenge (US$16 ber of Commerce and Industry, an structure, measures of state sup- to produce JAC cars in minimal fa- million) in the Kostanai Industrial organisation that unites more than port to provide investment prefer- cilities using completely knocked Zone, he added. 9,000 Italian companies. ences and stimulate exports and down (CKD) kits. A total of 58.5 billion tenge “We visited a number of enter- access to the Chinese and Russian “This year, the China Machinery (US$181 million) was invested prises involved in the processing markets,” he added. company plans to complete its en- in the non-primary sector of the of agricultural products in a four- The region, which has approxi- try as a strategic partner to the Al- economy in 2017, an indica- day period. We agreed to launch a mately six million hectares of lur Group. The acquisition of the tor which exceeded the previous joint plant producing durum wheat land with quality wheat varieties, company’s shares will contribute year’s figures by 17.8 billion tenge pasta in collaboration with the Pa- is seeking investors in agriculture to investing additional investments (US$55 million). Approximately van company, an enterprise with and food processing. The harvest in the working capital and fixed 5.5 billion tenge (US$17 million)

Photo credit: depositphotos.com Photo credit: 60 years of experience. This pro- reaches about 183,000 tonnes, in- assets of the enterprise, attracting was invested in January. the largest Kurak Korpe will be By Dana Omirgazy laid out. Later, pieces of the quilt will be exhibited at events through- ASTANA – Quilting enthusi- out the country. asts in Almaty will work from The previous record for quilting March 22 to the Sept. 16 Almaty was established in Porto, Portu- New York real estate baron to return Day to break a Guinness World gal. A quilt patchwork measuring Record for the world’s largest 25,100 square metres was com- patchwork quilt (“Kurak Korpe” pleted in 2000. in Kazakh), measuring 25,500 Another record on tea drinking assets to Kazakh BTA Bank square metres. Organisers chose will be arranged on Zhibek Zholy according to the judge’s order, ing the protective order issued ear- bank. The case against Ablyazov, March 22 as it marks the rebirth Avenue March 22 in Almaty. For Staff Report are kept in a deposit account. The lier by the court on transcripts of who has lived abroad for many of nature and the spring holiday this, organisers intend to install a funds will be released upon com- the plaintiffs’ depositions. years, was filed in Kazakhstan in of Nauryz. large teacup of 2,000 litres of in- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s BTA pletion of the trial. The court found that Ilyas Khra- 2009. An investigation found that Quilting materials will be col- stant tea to share with 20,000 peo- Bank will receive assets and mon- Chetrit was initially accused of punov leaked the transcript of the stolen funds were the Kazakh lected from 25 Almaty libraries ple. The record will be recorded in ey worth $38.3 million after reach- participating in an international a BTA Bank representative to a citizens’ pension deposits, person- prior to March 22. Kazakhstan’s book of records. ing an amicable agreement with money laundering scheme and number of media outlets. The court al savings and loans from foreign “Each piece of Kurak Korpe The main festive events for Nauryz Joseph Chetrit, an American de- helping Ablyazov and the Khrapu- ruling also stated that “Ilyas Khra- financial institutions. In 2017, he reflects the diversity of our Ka- will take place at several locations in veloper and former partner of fu- novs hide $40 million in New York punov has played games with this was sentenced in absentia by the zakh land: its steppes, mountains Almaty March 21-25 from 10 a.m. to gitive oligarch Mukhtar Ablyazov. real estate deals. court in the past, and his violation Kazakh court to 20 years in prison. and rivers, and, of course, the 9 p.m. On March 22, a concert and “During a trial initiated in 2015 by “The activities of the BTA Bank of the confidentiality order here is He is also wanted in Russia and unity of the people. Kazakhstan a festival of national cuisine will be BTA Bank JSC and Almaty Akimat on asset recovery at the interstate simply another example of this be- Ukraine and was convicted in ab- is a home for people of at least held on the Astana Square in Almaty. [mayor’s office] against Mukhtar level have created a legal prec- haviour.” sentia to 22 months of imprison- 130 nationalities. As quilts are Almaty residents will also attend Ablyazov, Viktor Khrapunov, Il- edent of establishing and returning This way, he not only violated ment by the English High Court of tightly sewn in one blanket, so celebrations on Panfilov and Zhibek yas Khrapunov, and Triadou SPV stolen assets through creating an the court’s order, but also ham- Justice for “deliberate” and “sub- we are united by one country,” Zholy streets March 22-25 from 10 S.A. in the Southern District Court evidence base in the U.S. judicial pered justice, the judge stated. stantial” contempt of court. Almaty Department of Culture a.m. to 10 p.m. of New York (USA), an amicable bodies. We also want to highlight “Taking into account these facts, Viktor Khrapunov, a former and Archives said in its an- The Spring Festival will be agreement was concluded with one the cooperation efforts of Ablya- BTA Bank and Almaty Akimat mayor of Almaty, was accused nouncement of the project. celebrated on the square near the of the participants in the lawsuit, zov’s former partner, which helped are set for a positive outcome of of creating and leading a crimi- The project will conclude with a Zhurgenov Academy, in the Ath- Mr. Joseph Chetrit,” BTA Bank’s resolve part of the dispute peace- the trial that is scheduled for the nal group, misappropriation and gathering on Almaty City Day in letic Village and near the Almaty press service reported March 16. fully and strictly in a legal field,” middle or the end of 2018. We are embezzlement of entrusted prop- the First President’s Park, where Arena Ice Palace. Chetrit transferred ownership the bank’s press release read. confident that in the future we will erty, fraud, money laundering rights for two real estate objects Additionally, as part of the trial, be able to identify and return other and abuse of office. He currently through a company owned by the court ruled on the defend- possible hidden assets to Kazakh- resides in Switzerland where he him, the total value of which, ac- ants’ contempt of court. During stan, including through the Ameri- fled after finding out the Kazakh cording to preliminary estimates, a March 5 trial, U.S. Magistrate can system of justice,” the bank’s government started an investiga- is $13.165 million, cash equal to Judge Katharine H. Parker found statement read. tion against him. He was placed on Ministry the estimated value of a property – Ilyas Khrapunov, the son of Viktor Ablyazov is a former chairman an international detention request $1.6 million, financial assets in the Khrapunov and the son-in-law of of BTA bank, who was accused of list by the International Criminal of Agriculture amount of $23.5 million, which, Ablyazov, responsible for violat- stealing about $7.5 billion from the Police Organisation (INTERPOL). to provide farmers Kyzylorda rice producers to make with free seeds animal feed from rice hulls production and use found Kazakh- have 70 percent nutrients, includ- gion in 2017. Ninety thousand in construction and manufacturing By Yerbolat Uatkhanov stan’s annual demand for quality Staff Report ing various medicinal components. tonnes of rice hull remain after the electrical products. seeds is approximately 2.4 million The recycled hulls can be used as grain processing that are burned or Regional scientists discovered ASTANA – The Kazakh Minis- tonnes of spring cereals, legumes, ASTANA – The Kyzylorda re- an easily digested additive in ani- thrown away,” he added. another way to use rice hulls last try of Agriculture has prepared a oilseeds, fodder crops and pota- gion Chamber of Entrepreneurs mal feed. Approximately 600 million summer. They created a new tech- new seed production programme in toes. The study also determined will be putting the phrase reduce- “There are two ways to dispose tonnes of rice hulls are buried or nology where the grain coverings which farmers will be offered free the share of elite seeds decreased reuse-recycle into action. The of lignin in the rice hull, to chop burned annually around the world, would be mixed with liquid glass high-quality seeds and required to 1.5 times in a five-year period, organisation, which studied the or to destroy the lignin form under causing negative effects on the en- and calcium chloride to form pa- return only a portion of their value from 5 percent in 2010 (124,000 leading rice-producing countries, high pressure compression. We vironment and human health as the percrete, a lightweight concrete in autumn. The remainder will be tonnes) to 3.3 percent in 2015 found many South Korean farmers found the facility in a South Ko- silicon dioxide they contain does used in construction. Using the paid by the state. The plan was (78,000 tonnes). In the same time use a processing technology that rean company,” said Zhaksylykov. not decompose under the ground. hulls would reduce the cost, mak- developed due to worsening grain period, the government decreased recycles the hulls. The chamber “About 530,000 tonnes of rice The substance does not conduct ing papercrete an economical and quality in the past few years. financial support for seed produc- plans to help its own growers by were harvested in Kyzylorda re- heat, however, and is widely used environmentally friendly product. Under the seed development tion, spending 3.7 billion tenge covering half the expense of the fund, every farmer will be able to (US$11.5 million) in 2013 and equipment. take the necessary quantity, then only 1.8 billion tenge (US$5.6 mil- “We came out with a proposal repay 30-50 percent of their value lion) in 2015. In addition, it did not to subsidise 50 percent of the cost, after the harvest. The payment de- subsidise elite seeds in 2015. stimulating farmers to install the lay is important and convenient, as Deciding to change the situation, Korean facility,” said chamber many farmers have financial prob- the ministry took measures to sup- head Galymbek Zhaksylykov at a lems in the spring and often do port seed production and the use of regional meeting. not have enough money for spare mineral fertilisers and, in particu- The equipment is in demand by parts, fuel and other expenses. lar, restore subsidising original and Korean and Kazakh rice producers. Kazakh grain has always been elite seeds. The state programme The cost varies from $122,925 to valued for its high gluten content set the goal to increase the share of $221,220 and the acquisition will made possible thanks to the coun- elite seeds up to 6 percent in the ensure the growth of rice farmers’ try’s traditionally hot, dry sum- hope of increasing their use and incomes and increase tax deduc- mers. Food grain must contain at production 2.8-fold in five years tions. By assisting in negotiations least 23 percent gluten to be con- (from 78,000-134,000 tonnes in with suppliers and providing a por- sidered high quality and the best 2017 to 219,000 tonnes in 2021). tion of the funding, the chamber Kazakh grain has up to 32 percent. The programme showed results hopes to motivate farmers to make Summers in Kazakhstan were un- very quickly and farmers were the purchase. usually wet in 2014-2016, however, pleased with the high quality of Rice hulls contain lignin, a resulting in a negative effect on grain last year’s harvest. complex polymer substance, and quality. The situation was aggra- The ministry intends to strictly Kyzylorda farmers have long vated by many farmers who sowed control the standard for updating faced the problem of how to use their fields with ordinary grains, not seeds to farmers who receive state them. Lignin is unsuitable for ani- seeds, and did not use fertilisers to support. State bodies will take mal feed, nor does it decompose in fight weeds and diseases. administrative measures against the open air or soil. While the hulls Research in 2016 regarding seed those who violate the regulations. contain 20 percent lignin, they also B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 Health Technology Kazakh consumers see small seasonal Assessment is key element price hikes for agricultural products rots. Citizens have also seen price Fund of Kazakhstan in January. Astana, as of Feb. 25, the Stabili- By Dana Omirgazy hikes in dairy products and beef. Particularly, the bulk of the pur- sation Fund accounts for 8,136.7 However, prices for buckwheat, chase was made by the Zhambyl tonnes of foodstuffs, as 14,257.8 in decision making, ASTANA – Prices for socially rice, eggs, granulated sugar, flour (2,000 tonnes of sugar), Pavlodar tonnes of products were delivered important food products have in- and salt have decreased. (68 tonnes of rice) and the West to refreshment and storage. creased 0.7 percent since the be- “In general, the price movements Kazakhstan regions (60 tonnes of “The accounts of social-entre- ginning of the year. The largest in- show seasonal fluctuations. The rice). preneurial corporations and depos- says Polish expert creases have been in Astana (102.2 prices depend on the costs and losses “This year, 5,538 tonnes of food- its of second-tier banks keep 4.4 equipment, procedures and or- percent), Almaty (101.6 percent) in the storage of products, a decrease stuffs were sold, including 2,541 billion tenge (US$13.7 million), By Zhazira Dyussembekova ganisational structures within the and Aktobe region (101.3 percent), in the supply of vegetable products tonnes of potatoes (45.9 percent), allocated for the formation of sta- healthcare system. HTA involves First Vice Minister of Agricul- due to a reduction in inventories, 762 tonnes of carrots (13.8 per- bilisation funds,” Yevniev added. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s health- choosing the best available treat- ture Arman Yevniyev said during a as well as an increase in the cost of cent), 618.6 tonnes of onions (11.2 Following the meeting, Prime care system is being reformed based ment methods that ensure maxi- March 13 government meeting in goods and services that directly af- percent), 577.3 tonnes of cabbage Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan on introducing compulsory health mum health benefits for the popu- Astana. fect the cost of production and trans- (10.4 percent) and 504.1 tonnes of Sagintayev instructed representa- insurance and no modern country lation at a given cost level. According to the minister, the portation costs,” Yevniyev said. flour (9.1 percent),” the vice min- tives of executive bodies to pre- can offer a basic benefit package The method allows specialists price increases can be seen primar- Meantime, almost 2,178 tonnes ister reported. vent further price increases and without a Health Technology As- to determine which products are ily in agricultural products such as of food products were purchased According to the regional and strengthen control over price hikes sessment (HTA), said Polish former more effective and economically cabbage, onions, potatoes and car- and delivered to the Stabilisation city administrations of Almaty and ahead of the upcoming holidays. Deputy Health Minister and strate- profitable, especially in cases gic medical technologies consult- when choosing between local and ant for Dentons Business Services foreign producers. According to EMEA Krzysztof Landa during a experts, the state seeks to use its March 15 workshop in the capital. funds more rationally and gives preference to Kazakh producers. Government to build more college dorms to If the assessment shows an expen- sive foreign medicine is more ef- fective, however, the state gives it preference. accommodate increasing student numbers “The knowledge of the HTA proximately 204,000, just over expected to further increase the mitory project and concludes a system and its functionality will By Zhanat Tukpiyev 38 percent, studying at Kazakh need for dormitories. Assylova contract with the financing com- be important for future decision- higher educational institutions said, adding that the 75,000 more pany, which will be determined making, which in the future will ASTANA – Kazakh President live outside of college dorms, beds should accommodate the by the programme operator. The result in using the technologies Nursultan Nazarbayev recently Vice Minister of Education and increase resulting from the new contract assumes that from the that are the most efficient, safe and ordered 75,000 more dormitory Science Bibigul Assylova said grants. day of the dormitory operation, economically beneficial and effec- beds be made available to ad- during the March 15 press con- Assylova also noted for the press a developer or university will re- tive for this country. It will result dress an increasing shortage in ference. the process for building dormito- ceive a monthly payment per one in rational use of healthcare re- sources,” said Centre for Rational housing for Kazakh college stu- The President also recently in- ries in Kazakhstan. bed over several years to recover Krzysztof Landa Use of Medicines head Gulzira dents. creased the number of available “First, a university or devel- the construction costs,” the vice Zhusupova at the event. Out of 530,000 students, ap- higher education grants, which is oper organisation prepares a dor- minister said. “If the country introduces health Using HTA in Kazakhstan is insurance or coverage and begins a recent development, as it was to collect money from taxes or pre- launched in 2009. Since 2011, the miums, it needs to define a basic World Bank has trained a number benefit package, so basically they of HTA experts and the list of the [officials] have to explain to peo- country’s high-tech medical ser- Kazakhstan Engineering celebrates ple what exactly people are paying vices was formed based on the as- for. In order to provide rational and sessment. transparent management of a basic The most important thing is that benefit package, an HTA must be Kazakhstan is moving towards 15th anniversary of domestic introduced. Otherwise, the pro- evidence-based healthcare, said cess of defining benefits for peo- Landa. Talking about Poland’s ex- ple covered with insurance will be perience, he noted the country has innovation in armaments not transparent and rational. That compulsory medical insurance and will cause many issues for deci- solidarity rule, which is actually a tronic boards and night vision them for the first time, think motherboards, which ultimately sion makers, since they may be coverage system. By Yerbolat Uatkhanov devices. It is one of Kazakhstan they are made of glass, but they increases the functionality of the accused of not being transparent “So, people pay money in the Engineering’s most successful are made from germanium. It’s devices,” Baizhumanov said. or not using limited resources the way of taxes and this money is then ASTANA – The Kazakhstan projects. the only material in nature that A good example of an innova- best possible way. HTA helps deci- managed by the National Health Engineering company celebrated “This is all for the needs of the allows to transfer heat up to 50 tive KAE product is its system sion makers to achieve the goal of Fund, so we have a monopsony its 15th anniversary March 13. Kazakh army. What is an opti- to 60 percent. But that’s not all. of image transmission from the transparency and rational use,” he institution which is responsible for Since its creation, the company cal sight? Previously, this de- Thanks to our technological pro- optical sight to a soldier’s eye told The Astana Times. the delivery of goods and benefits has ensured a unified financial, vice consisted of several lenses, cesses, we bring this number to monitor, which allows a shooter The workshop, “Health Tech- from the basic benefits package, production and technological but now modern military opti- 97 to 98 percent. The lenses are to fire from shelter, without com- nology Assessment in strategic including drug reimbursement. policy for the largest enterpris- cal sights are complex systems processed and covered by a spe- ing into the field of view of the healthcare management and policy All Polish citizens are entitled to es of Kazakhstan’s military- combining the most advanced cial coating,” said Baizhumanov. enemy. development: national and regional the basic benefit package and they industrial complex. Today, the developments in the field of op- “It’s just impossible to buy “A soldier puts an eye-patch decisions taking on the pharmaceu- have health coverage,” he said. company produces cutting-edge tics and electronics,” said KAE such a lens anywhere in the monitor on his helmet, connects tical listing and reimbursement,” Poland’s drug reimbursement military equipment unseen else- Commercial Director Yerassyl world. Purchase of such lenses to the sight with a wireless con- gathered Kazakh experts on HTA programme was introduced in the where in the Commonwealth of Baizhumanov, according to Ten- is controlled according to inter- nection and sees the aiming from and rational drug supply. The de- 1970s. Today, some medicines are Independent States (CIS). grinews.kz. national standards regulating the his weapon. That is, he can shoot tailed study of international best available for free and the major- The sole shareholder of Ka- There is sterile cleanliness in trade in armaments. Lense sales from behind the corner, from a practices has been attracting great ity of drugs on the reimbursement zakhstan Engineering is the Sam- the plant, because any dust par- are limited, but we do not buy trench, under cover, which can practical interest, said the organisers. list can be purchased for a lump ruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth ticle that gets into a night vision them – we manufacture them eventually save his life. The HTA is the only tool that al- sum payment of 3.2 Polish zloty Fund. The company is under the device or optical sight at the as- ourselves… At a military exhibi- product is very useful,” he ex- lows assessing the effectiveness (US$0.96). trust management of Kazakh- sembly stage can affect their op- tion, representatives of the CIS plained. of spending funds and achieving “Just like in Kazakhstan, emer- stan’s Ministry of Defence and eration. Almost everything at the countries were shocked at see- From May 23 to May 26, the their efficient use, said Landa. It gency care was reimbursed from Aerospace Industry. plant is hand-made. This is a ne- ing these samples, because they KADEX 2018 international ex- is an integrated interdisciplinary the beginning. There were proba- The KAE plant, a joint venture cessity caused by the huge num- believed that this type of produc- hibition of military equipment approach used to analyse health bly always some benefits in Poland among Kazakhstan Engineering, ber of components in each device tion was mastered only by Israel and armament will take place in policy based on the long-term con- for people needing urgent care, but Turkey’s Aselsan and the Turk- and the painstaking work needed and the U.S.,” the commercial Astana. For the first time, Ka- sequences of applying existing or then this system was developed,” ish Defence Industry Commit- to install them. director said. zakhstan’s Ministry of Defence new technologies for medical care. he added. tee, opened in December 2013 The plant uses nanotechnology He highlighted that the plant and Aerospace Industry will or- HTA is conducted to justify deci- Landa thinks the best way to in- and produces radio stations, to produce lenses that are very sim- produces not only modern opti- ganise the event. The KAE plant sions and formulate health policy troduce compulsory medical insur- surveillance systems, remotely ilar to glass, but are actually made cal devices, but radio-electronic is a permanent participant of KA- based on objective information. ance is learning from those nations controlled combat modules, col- of metal, an advanced process only equipment. DEX. This year, the enterprise The approach evaluates technolo- where programmes have succeed- limator sights, reconnaissance used in about 10 countries. “This is a unique production – will present promising projects gies such as medicines, medical ed, such as Australia and Scotland. devices, infrared lenses, elec- “Many people, when they see we can create up to 25 layers of as well as its main products. Smart technologies transform education, healthcare in Pavlodar region ture. The Bilim Land system, a digi- system is convenient. It allows spend- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova tal educational resource featuring ing much less time putting a tick in the 315 online and 55 offline courses, is necessary boxes. We need more effec- ASTANA – The Pavlodar region is available in 370 educational institu- tive approaches,” he added. building its smart cities by introduc- tions. The number of online lessons The same situation prevails in ing 74 education, healthcare, culture viewed has reached 700,000 in the healthcare. Physicians spend twice and social projects as part of the Digi- last three months,” said Pavlodar as much time on paperwork as seeing tal Kazakhstan initiative, reported the region Deputy Akim (Governor) patients. The electronic filing system regional press service. Meiram Begentayev at the March must be by default. The region is participating in a pilot 13 Central Communications Centre Today, 32 of 35 healthcare organi- programme on digitisation in edu- press briefing. sations are connected to the region’s cation by introducing an electronic He noted the need to eliminate the medical information system and the queue in preschool educational or- shortcomings related to digitisation. remaining hospitals will join by April ganisations, according to the Smart “The innovative solutions, first of 1. Creating a single database of per- Pavlodar project. The face recogni- all, should be convenient for people. sonal medical data for residents is tion system also operates at the Zhas For example, teachers have to fill in currently underway and will be in- Daryn School for gifted children and electronic and paper grade books. In tegrated into the Ministry of Health- the fingerprint payment solution is of- accordance with the current regula- care database. There are also plans to fered at public school No. 16. tory and legal acts, grade books must organise information system training “We are creating a unified educa- be in a written format. As a result, for medical workers and provide the tional information system. Current- teachers are required to fill in two latest computer equipment in hospi- ly, 366 out of 371 schools in the re- documents. Today, they have a choice tals and clinics. The archival paper

gion use this system. The remaining Zakon.kz Photo credit: to choose electronic or paper format. documents will be converted into five schools will join in the near fu- Zhas Daryn School launches face recognition technology at the entrance to the building. However, the electronic grade book digital format. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 Ancient Saraishyk Otrar settlement animated film presented to be revived under Ruhani Janghyru programme

By Lyubov Dobrota

in Atyrau region ASTANA – The animated film “Otyrardy Korgau” (“Defence of Otrar”) was presented in the South Kazakhstan region in early March under the Ruhani Janghyru (Mod- ernisation of Kazakhstan’s Identity) programme. “The film is aimed not only at small viewers. The presentation of the cartoon, held in the South Ka- zakhstan regional Opera and Bal- let Theatre, showed that adults also watched the film with interest. The fact that the film was created in 2D Photo credit: mgorod.kz Photo credit: and 3D attracted people. The SAK A model of the complex. studio created the film under the Ru- hani Janghyru programme. The idea Staff Report tion of the construction will be in- of filming came to Akim (Governor) dicated after the research,” he said. of the region Zhanseit Tuimebayev, ASTANA – A historical and cul- The Ural River has already who believes that books are not tural museum of Saraishyk, display- washed away more than 200 me- enough to promote the history and ing artefacts from this ancient city tres of the ancient city and con- cultural heritage of the country,” ac- pult – the most formidable weapon Bakytzhan Kulzhabai, composer Oksys settlement, where, according of the Great Silk Road, will be con- struction of a protective dam to be cording to the press release. of the time – from drawings found Ruslan Shynykulov and manager to historians, outstanding scientist, structed near Atyrau city, said Atyrau completed this year will preserve The film tells the story of Zhanai in one of the books. Their ingenuity Nuriddin Patteyev hope to transport poet and thinker Al-Farabi was born. region Akim (Governor) Nurlan No- Saraishyk’s cultural heritage. The and Aibol, rural boys who became and courage helped the Otrar inhab- audiences to the historical events. During the spring school holi- gayev. He outlined the plans during a government allocated 1.6 billion part of historical events, learned cul- itants protect their city. Their heroic Shymkent will soon host the days, South Kazakhstan region chil- recent meeting with the locals. tenge (US$5 million) in 2016 for tural heritage and made many curi- acts serve as an example to modern shooting of a ten-episode film about dren will have the chance to watch “The museum will increase en- the protective work. ous discoveries. They went to one of children and teenagers of the ways one of the Zhety Zhargy (Seven a number of animated movies like try and domestic tourism by draw- The ministry is also creating the the world’s biggest libraries in Otrar to receive and use knowledge, love Regulations) Code of Laws authors, “Kush atasy – Kazhymukan” about ing people’s attention to the sacred Bozok and Botai reserve museums to study different sciences. When their land and be real patriots, note orator and poet Tole-bi, as well Kazakh wrestler Kazhymukan, Saraishyk city,” he said. in Akmola and North Kazakhstan the Dzhungar warriors invaded, the the filmmakers. as the animated film “Ordabasy – “Kiyeli Kazygurt” about the Ka- Plans for the complex show ad- regions respectively. boys had to be brave to defend the The movie was created in four Birliktіn Tu’y” (“Ordabasy – Flag of zygurt holy mount and historical ministrative and household build- As part of the Rukhani Jang- settlement. months. Director and main artist Unity”). The latter will recount the cartoons “Otyrardy Korgau” and ings and a hotel. Guests will be hyru programme, Q-Daily media Zhanai and Aibol recreated a cata- Azamat Yernazarov, scriptwriter history of ancient Turkestan and the “Kone Zhetigennin Syry.” invited to visit the exhibition halls, centre created an animated film depository, conference hall and about children travelling to ancient open air ethnic village. There will Saraishyk. To write the script, the also be a laboratory, respiratory producers visited the excavation rooms and a library with book de- site, consulted with scientists and pository and electronic database. became acquainted with archaeo- Russia to introduce special registration rules A delegation led by Minister of logical research. Culture and Sports Arystanbek Saraishyk is 30 kilometres Mukhamediuly visited the com- from Atyrau. The Saraishyk Khan plex in February. (ruler) memorial complex built for Kazakh citizens during World Cup 2018 “This is a very good project; we in 1999 consists of a mosque and obliged to register within a day after be borne by the host party,” said the permit, legal entities, their branches have the same visit centre in Al- mausoleum with commemorative Staff Report arrival at the place of temporary stay embassy. or representative offices where the maty. I suggest building the centre plaques indicating where seven at the territorial migration authority The World Cup 2018 finals will foreign citizen works. on the embankment of the Ural Khans were buried, four rulers of ASTANA – Russia will be host- of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of be held June 14-July 15. Russia will Citizens will be asked to present River, not near the memorial com- the Golden Horde and three Ka- ing World Cup 2018 and the Kazakh Russia. The ministry will work in an be hosting the football champion- their passports and migration cards plex, because people from regional zakhs, including Kassym Khan. Embassy there will introduce special enhanced mode. These rules apply to ship for the first time and this year to the host party. Withdrawing the centres and other regions of the The latter’s reign was known as registration rules for Kazakh citizens foreign citizens staying only in the marks the first time the event will be passport and migration card will not country will come here. We have the period when the Kazakh state in a number of cities beginning May above-mentioned cities,” according in Eastern Europe. The champion- be permitted. to think if they can bath in the river reached its power in Central Asia. 25. to an embassy statement. ship is scheduled at 12 stadiums in The receiving party shall fill out during the summer,” he noted. Saraishyk was a major Golden “The special rules for the regis- Entry to remaining Russian cities 11 cities. a special notification form based The complex is 60 percent Horde trading centre and one of tration of foreign citizens will be will continue as normal. Kazakh citi- According to the special rules, all on the documents submitted by the complete, said company project the stops on the Great Silk Road in put into effect in Ekaterinburg, Ka- zens will be exempt from the need to registration procedures will be per- foreign citizen upon arrival. It will regional representative Azilkhan the 15th–17th centuries. Although liningrad, Kazan, Moscow, Nizhny register after arriving in Russia for a formed by the receiving party, which then submit the form and a copy of Baibatyrov. the city’s glory has long been as- Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Sa- period not exceeding 30 days. will not be required to contact any the passport and migration card to “A special commission will be sociated with successful trade, mara, Saransk, Sochi, St. Petersburg “The responsibility for registering organisation. the Russian Ministry of Internal Af- set up to study the banks of the Ural excavations of sacred books have and Volgograd for the period of the Kazakh citizens in hotels, sanatoria, The host can be either Russian or fairs territorial migration authority. River for human remains and ar- proven the theory it was also a cen- World Football Championship from rest homes or other places of tempo- foreign citizens permanently resid- The state registration fee will not be chaeological value. The exact loca- tre of spiritual enlightenment. May 25-July 25. Kazakh citizens are rary stay and accommodation shall ing in the country with a residence charged where the guests are staying. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

the younger generation,” the presi- ready, both mentally and physically. dential telegram read. The Kazakh Then we wrote to each other, and I President wished the athlete good asked him how he was doing. He had Skier wins Kazakhstan’s first gold health, well-being and more success. “We met with him in Borovoye right before the start, and I saw how “We met with him in medal at Paralympic Games he trained. And you know, he was Borovoye right before By Anuar Abdrakhmanov the start, and I saw The Kazakh National Paralym- how he trained. And pic team recently won its first you know, he was gold medal in the history of the Paralympic games with Alexander ready, both mentally Kolyadin’s winning gold in the and physically. Then men’s 1.5 km sprint classic. Kolyadin’s time was four minutes, we wrote to each other, 19.7 seconds. Second place went to and I asked him how Yoshihiro Nitta of Japan, followed by Mark Arendz of Canada and Iik- he was doing. He had ka Tuomisto from Finland. a winning mindset, he Kolyadin, who is from the Sar- ykol district of the Kostanai region, was ready to win and is a master of sports of Kazakhstan, promised to try.” six-time champion of the country and participant in the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games. The athlete’s a winning mindset, he was ready to best previous achievement was 6th win and promised to try,” said Koly- place at the World Championships adin’s coach Anatoly Poiskovoy. in Germany. Kazakhstan competed in cross- President of Kazakhstan Nursul- country skiing and biathlon at the tan Nazarbayev congratulated the Paralympic games in PyeongChang. athlete on his gold medal. The national team’s athletes placed “This is a wonderful victory, well in international competitions which the country can be proud of. leading up to the games. It gives joy to millions of fans in Ka- The Games included competitions zakhstan. Your achievement will go in alpine skiing, biathlon, cross- down in the history of Kazakhstan’s sputniknews.kz Photo credit: country skiing, ice hockey, snow- sport and will be a good example for Alexander Kolyadin (C). boarding and wheelchair curling.

The team won seven medals al- tyom Ageyev, bronze medalist of together, including four gold, two the 2017 Russian championship. silver and one bronze, the lastby Nurmaganbet knocked out his op- Kazakh boxers win four gold medals Aiboldy Daurenuly in the over 91 ponent with a quick blow 40 sec- kg category. onds into the match to become the Kazakh boxers earlier had sever- champ. al wins, including five champions, “We showed great results in Fin- at international tournament in Warsaw at the tournament in Finland. land. Of course, there is always defeating Mohammad Alvadi of bergenov breaking his opponent’s champion, in the up to 75 kg cat- Kairat Yeraliyev, the 2017 world room for improvement. Kairat Ye- By Anuar Abdrakhmanov Jordan. Bekdaulet Ibragimov (64 nose and then getting injured him- egory. kg) knocked out Damian Durkacz, self. The Kazakh boxer continued Kazakhstan’s national team cap- ASTANA – Kazakh boxers re- the host country’s only representa- to dominate, however, attacking in tain, two-time Olympic silver me- “This tournament is a good challenge for corded impressive results at the tive in the finals, and Aslanbek all three rounds until the final bell. dalist Adilbek Niyazymbetov, lost our guys. They will have a lot of important recent 25th Feliks Stamm Interna- Shymbergenov (69 kg) defeated Russian Student Champion- in the finals as well. The judges tional Tournament in Poland. Russian Sergey Sobylinsky. The ship victor Gleb Bakshi broke the gave the victory to his opponent tournaments, such as the Asian Games and World Ilyas Suleimenov won the gold last fight was quite spectacular Kazakh winning streak by defeat- Georgy Kushitashvili, the 2015 Championship. We were convinced that we have medal in the up to 56 kg category, with a bloody ending, with Shym- ing Abai Tolesh, the 2017 Kazakh Russian champ. Anton Pinchuk (91 kg), the last a strong team and despite the fact that the team Kazakh boxer to fight, took the gold leaders did not take part in the tournament in medal in the bout against Arslanbek Achilov of Turkmenistan. Poland, the team showed good results,” “The fight was not easy. I had to work hard to win. We will keep champion, won 5-0 over Hungarian raliyev had three fights in which working, as we have a lot of tasks boxer Nandor Csoka, the prizewin- he looked very convincing and and goals ahead to achieve. We will ner at the 2015 European Cham- showed his class once again. Aby- do our best to prove the high level pionship. Olympic athlete, Asian laikhan Zhussupov also had three of Kazakhstan’s boxing,” said Pin- championship and world prize bouts with good boxers. Vasily chuk after the tournament. winner Abylaikhan Zhussupov de- Levit needed all three bouts in the “This tournament is a good chal- feated British boxer Harris Akbar tournament. Kamshibek Kunka- lenge for our guys. They will have by the same score. Olympic silver bayev got very strong opponents in a lot of important tournaments, medalist Vasily Levit easily defeat- the super heavyweight category, a such as the Asian Games and World ed Ukrainian Konstantin Pinchuk. French boxer and an English one, Championship. We were convinced Kamshibek Kunkabayev, despite but had very convincing wins over that we have a strong team and de- getting a cut in the second round, them. Our young boxer Bek Nur- spite the fact that the team leaders injured Briton Solomon Dacros in maganbet had the first fight against did not take part in the tournament the same way, defeating him 5-0. a good Dutch athlete and knocked in Poland, the team showed good The highlight of the finals was out the 2017 Russian championship

Photo credit: Kazakhstan Box Federation Photo credit: results,” said national team head the fight between Kazakh boxer prizewinner in the first round of the Ilyas Suleimenov (R). coach Myrzagali Aitzhanov. Bek Nurmaganbet and Russian Ar- finals,” said Aitzhanov. Team Kazakhstan defeats Hungary in friendly match who plays for football club Ufa, stan, and it’s a double pleasure team that took part in the last Eu- gary, in particular, in their home,” team of Kazakhstan, Yevgeny By Anuar Abdrakhmanov scored his first goal in the national that we managed to defeat a strong ropean championship, team Hun- said the defender of the national Postnikov. team of Kazakhstan. ASTANA – The Kazakh nation- After that, team Hungary started al football team recently beat Hun- to increase pressure, eventually gary 3-2 in a friendly match in Bu- getting another one back. Hungar- dapest on March 24. The outcome ian player Christian Nemeth made was upset as the Hungarian team, the score 2-3. However, after that, a participant of the 2016 European team Kazakhstan dealt with all the championship in France, was ex- attacks of the Hungarian players, pected to win. managing to keep the score until The match was the first for the the final whistle. new head coach of the Kazakh- “I think the game was a good test stan’s national team, Bulgarian for both teams. I am satisfied with Stanimir Stoilov. Stoilov became the organisation and discipline the head coach of the national the national team of Kazakhstan team in early March. Prior to that, showed in their game. I’m also he worked within FC Astana, happy with the confidence of my which won the national cham- players, as I wanted them to play pionship four times and reached equally in both attack and defence, the group stage of the Champi- and they did it. I was more inter- ons League and the 1/16 finals of ested in how each player would the Europa League. The Kazakh prove himself than in the result team started the game well, tak- of the match. It’s great they won, ing the initiative. As early as the it will give them self-belief. As I 6th minute, 24-year-old midfielder said, the 136th place in the FIFA Roman Murtazayev opened the rating does not match the level of score. Four minutes later, 19-year- Kazakh players. The Hungarians old Bakhtiyor Zainutdinov scored also showed an excellent game, another goal. After a while the and it is clear that they are a high- Hungarians got one back thanks to level team. I wish them good luck Adam Szalai. in the League of Nations tourna- The Kazakh players did not re- ment,” Stoilov said. vert to a defensive posture but “Now everyone on the team and, continued to try their chances at I hope, all Kazakh fans, have only the opponents’ net. At the 39th positive emotions. I know that minute of the match, 18-year-old many were waiting for victories forward Yerkebulan Seidakhmet, from the national team of Kazakh- B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 Astana celebrates Nauryz in grand style Eli Square, City Square, Student By Meruyert Abugaliyeva Park and numerous residential sites. Each spot hosted concert ASTANA – Nauryz, an ancient programmes and more than 40 holiday symbolising spring re- yurts and altybakans (traditional vival, is always celebrated by Kazakh hanging swings). Kazakh people with grandeur. Ethno Auyl (Ethno Village) The festivities in the capital, in- was constructed on the former cluding concerts and exhibitions, expo grounds, where city artists took place throughout the week and cultural centre representa- ending with large-scale outdoor tives will showcase national cus- celebrations on March 21-22. toms and traditions near yurts. It The holiday, commonly re- also sponsored a Tazy and Tobet ferred to as “Ulystyn uly kuni” exhibit, breeds of ancient Ka- (“Great day of the nation” in Ka- zakh dogs, and greyhound rac- zakh,) is also a symbol of unity. ing. People gather in the streets to A special area with food courts congratulate each other and revel offered tastes of plov (rice with in the coming of spring. the celebration, beginning with expo Congress Centre. The same and a performance by its children ebrate Nauryz, we decided to meat and seasoned broth), baur- The festivities began March 16 an invitation to capital residents day, Astana Concert Hall hosted choir. include masterpieces of vocal sak (puff pastry) and Nauryz with an exhibition at Mangilik El and guests to a March 20 concert the “Auylym – anim” (“My vil- “The stage transformed into a and instrumental art which de- kozhe (a traditional cold drink Triumphal Arc of works dedicat- at Zhastar Theatre. The Kazakh lage – my song”) concert. yurt and each artist was a guest pict themes of love and spring prepared especially during the ed to Nauryz by the city’s young musical “Zhanarghan zher, bak The Astana Opera staged grand coming to dedicate the perfor- revival,” said pianist Raushan holiday). All guests also had an artists. Saken Seifullin Museum konghan nurly el” (“Renewed concert “Qosh qeldin, Nauryz” mance to Nauryz. We also pre- Beskembirova. opportunity to test their strength greeted visitors March 19-23 to its land, blessed country”), featuring (“Welcome, Nauryz”) March 23, pared an aitys, a vocal tradi- The outdoor festivities took and stamina in national sports “Welcome to Astana, Nauryz” ex- a symphonic orchestra and young including Kazakh national songs, tional competition between the place 10 a.m.-6 p.m., March competitions such as Kazakh hibit. opera, ballet and theatre talents, arias from the “Abai,” “Birzhan- performers. Since all the people 21-22 at several city locations, wrestling, arkan tartys (tug-of- Music is an important part of was presented March 21 at the Sara” and “Kyz Zhibek” operas of our multi-ethnic country cel- including the expo site, Kazakh war) and sheep lifting. Korean Cultural Centre hosts Olympics exhibit participate in programmes where leased in honour of the Olympic By Aigerim Sadykova he represented Kazakhstan and re- and Paralympic Games: badges, vealed the secrets of the national soft toys, eco-bags, various printed ASTANA – The city’s Korean cuisine. products and promo videos,” said Cultural Centre (KKC) is present- “I want to tell Koreans about KKC manager Gulnar Aubekero- ing an exhibit related to the Olym- Kazakhstan,” he said. va, pointing to souvenirs with the pic and Paralympic Winter Games Speaking about the exhibit, he mascots’ images and a glass stand in PyeongChang, South Korea. noted the Winter Games mascots, with the emblem. “The Winter Olympic and Para- the main characters, are embod- The exhibit is introduced with lympic Games are the festivals ied as tall puppets. Soohorang, a an information stand. Guests can filled with peace and hope for Korean guardian white tiger, sym- leave messages on the wish board. all generations. We invite you to bolises the Olympics. Its name is A TV showing Kazakh and Ko- the Winter Paralympic Games in derived from Sooho (Korean for rean Paralympic team competitions PyeongChang,” said Kazakh Para- protection) and Rang (tiger). will continue through the March lympic Games Honorary Ambas- Bandabi, the Asiatic black bear 18 closing ceremony. Six Kazakh sador Dastan Valiulin at a Feb. 27 representing the Paralympics, is a athletes are participating in cross- meeting with students. combination of Banda (half-moon) country skiing and biathlon. A student at Korean Kookmin and Bi (celebration of the Games). PyeongChang used the lat- University, Valiulin provided in- The mascot denotes the need for est technologies to broadcast the formation about life in the coun- equality and harmony and encour- Games, said Korean Ambassador try and the admission process to ages athletes to push themselves in Kazakhstan Kim Daesik at the Korean universities. He inspired beyond their limits. Feb. 9 opening ceremony broad- Kazakhs to watch and follow the The emblem of the Games, com- cast by KKC. Games. bining images of ice, snow, win- “The whole world will see ro- Valiulin moved to Korea for ter sports stars and people from bots with artificial intelligence, language courses. While studying all over the globe, shows a world the newest 5G network system and and working as a waiter, he was open to everyone, according to other modern technologies,” he noticed by Korean TV producer pyeongchang2018.com. noted.

Lee Seungtaek. He was invited to “There are several exhibits re- Cultural Centre. Korean Photo credit: The exhibit will close March 29. BI Group hosting start-up competition to mark Astana’s 20th anniversary “The company built 1.1 million nationwide. There are plans to constructing the first residential More than 32,000 families have number, providing comfortable By Zhanna Shayakhmetova square metres of housing, 1,500 launch seven housing blocks in complex in Atyrau,” said Mu- purchased BI Group houses. The conditions for real estate pur- km of roads and 9,000 premises, Almaty. In addition, we will start kanov. company is set to increase this chases in the capital ASTANA – BI Group, one of including residential and com- Kazakhstan’s leading construc- mercial real estate. A total of 61 tion and real estate companies, projects have been implement- is hosting the Happy Start-Up ed,” he said. competition to mark the capi- BI Group includes five compa- tal’s 20th anniversary. The best nies which construct highways, projects will be recognised by railways, residential complexes, the company with cash prizes commercial premises, infrastruc- and ten finalists will have the ture and industrial facilities. chance to attend courses at BI “We did a colossal job to im- University. Applications are due prove the quality of construc- by April 16. tion in the housing sector. All the “Our university was founded buildings meet all the require- in 2012 with a mission to pro- ments of comfort assessment,” he vide training for our employees. noted. This year, we celebrate its sixth The company is developing the anniversary. We started to invite area near the botanical garden, our partners and contractors to a project which will benefit the our programmes two years ago. city’s ecological environment. Today, we are ready to share our Visitors and residents will have knowledge and resources with all year-round access to the garden. interested parties,” said univer- “The Green Quarter multifunc- sity head Olga Baspayeva at the tional complex built on the green March 14 presentation. technologies and smart home The university offers approxi- principles is one of our most sig- mately 20 qualification pro- nificant projects. We monitor the grammes for builders, project quality level, installation work managers and owners of small and subsequent maintenance of and medium-sized businesses and facilities in the construction pro- organises trainings and master jects. The construction is subject classes conducted by well-known to constant technical supervision. coaches. Participants also share After commissioning the residen- experiences and establish con- tial complex, the warranty period tacts with potential partners. of the facility will be 36 months,” The company’s management he added. focuses special attention on inte- The company plans to launch grating science, education and in- the 51st housing blocks including novation and establishing a crea- 13 completely new projects. tive environment that maximises “We try to create maximum the ability of each individual. comfort for living. We addition- Development department head ally build leisure rooms and each Aibar Mukanov also spoke about resident will have the opportu- BI Group’s projects and activi- nity to spend time with friends. ties. The company intends to expand