+9°C / -3°C Wednesday, april 23, 2014 No 8 (51) www.astanatimes.com Bahraini King Pays First Visit to PM Massimov Visits , Discusses Draft Astana, Political and Commercial Treaty on Eurasian Ties Expand Economic Union By Artur Abubakirov in the lead up to the meeting of presidents and a session of the Su- ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Min- preme Council in Minsk at the end ister Karim Massimov met with his of April. counterparts from member states “In particular, the parties dis- of the Customs Union (CU) and cussed a number of issues relating Common Economic Space (CES) to the oil and gas industry, agri- on April 15 in to discuss culture, road and rail communica- the ongoing process of Eurasian tions,” the Prime Min- economic integration. ister’s office reported. During the meeting, Prime Min- “Today, we have discussed all isters Massimov, Dmitry Medve- disputable issues and after final- dev of Russia and Mikhail My- ising the document will be ready asnikovich of Belarus discussed for signing by the heads of state,” deepening Eurasian economic Massimov said at the press confer- integration, as well as reviewed ence after the meeting. preparation of the treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) Continued on Page A8 Astana, London Sign Agreements on Cargo Transit from Afghanistan By Rufiya Ospanova signed agreements on the transit of British cargo through the territory ASTANA – Britain’s Senior of Kazakhstan. The documents, re- Minister of State for Foreign and quiring ratification in Kazakhstan, Commonwealth Affairs Baron- are of great importance for the effec- President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan (l) and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain in the Ak Orda residence discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ess Sayeeda Warsi visited Astana tive and timely withdrawal of British relations. April 14-15 for high level and wide troops from Afghanistan this year. By Malika Rustem King was welcomed on arrival Orda residence on April 14 to dis- “During the short time Bahrain ranging talks with Kazakhstan of- “The withdrawal of troops does not in Astana by Kazakhstan’s Dep- cuss ways to strengthen bilateral has turned into an advanced indus- ficials, resulting in the signing of mean the end of our involvement in ASTANA – King Hamad bin bilateral agreements expanding the uty Prime Minister and Minister relations. The two leaders also dis- trial state. Your country is known Afghanistan,” Baroness Warsi said in Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain paid his legal basis for British military-re- an exclusive interview with The Asta- of Industry and New Technolo- cussed trade and investment. around the world as one of the big- first official visit to Kazakhstan on gest financial centres in the world lated transit from Afghanistan. na Times after the talks as she sought gies Asset Issekeshev and other In his opening remarks, the April 13-15. and the homeland of the Islamic Following talks with Foreign Min- to reaffirm London’s continued com- Accompanied by a high-level senior officials. President said Bahrain is one of Bank,” the President said during ister Erlan Idrissov at the foreign mitment to the region and to the stabi- delegation of more than 200 of- President Nursultan Nazarbayev the most important partners for the meeting. ministry, Baroness Warsi and Dep- lisation of the situation in that country. ficials and business leaders, the welcomed King Hamad in his Ak Kazakhstan among the Arab states. Continued on Page A3 uty Foreign Minister Alexey Volkov Continued on Page A8 Twenty Years of Evolving President Stresses Importance ADB Support for of Maintaining Inter-Ethnic Economic Growth Unity in Country plementation of the Kazakhstan ships with key neighbours Russia By Blaise Hopkinson and Jan Furst 2050 Strategy, which the President and China. ASTANA – Stressing the impor- said “reflects the wisdom of our He declared that “today, Ka- in Kazakhstan tance of maintaining inter-ethnic great multiethnic nation.” zakhstan and Russia are good By Jan Furst as helping nations prepare for the tor lending activities paused as oil unity in the country and Kazakh- He added the strategy reflects neighbours, allies and strategic impact of climate change and bet- revenues filled the government’s stan’s close ties with neighbours the principles of the country’s partners.” ASTANA – The Asian Develop- ter manage their natural resources. coffers and the need for external fi- Russia and China, President Nur- unique culture of peace and spir- The President also underscored ment Bank (ADB) works in de- ADB assistance comes mainly nance declined. However, the global sultan Nazarbayev told delegates itual accord. this year’s 60th anniversary of the veloping countries in Asia and the through loans, grants, policy dia- economic crisis in 2007 prompted at the April 18 opening of the 21st Held at the Palace of Peace and beginning of the Virgin Lands pro- Pacific region to alleviate poverty logue, technical assistance and the government to once again access Accord, the opening ceremony pro- gramme: “We commemorate all and support sustainable growth. Assembly of the People of Ka- equity investments, Westfall said. external concessional resources, and zakhstan that while Kazakhstan vided a rich visual spectacle with who worked to raise the harvests Country Director Matthew West- The bank provided about $21.57 our activities quickly picked up. We did not choose its neighbours, it many of the delegates attired in the of cereal and building of grana- fall spoke with The Astana Times billion in financing across the Asia responded with a $500 million coun- can choose to maintain excellent traditional costumes of their ethnic ries in the country. I congratulate about what the ADB stands for and and Pacific region in 2012. all those who built infrastructure ter cyclical loan, followed by sup- relationships with them. origins and . its role and objectives in Kazakh- “The end game for us is a region port for operations in road transport, in harsh environments and barren “That is why there will always be The Assembly is bringing under stan. where our developing member small and medium-sized enterprise steppe.” a close relationship with our neigh- one umbrella the activities of more “The ADB was founded in 1966, countries have been able to evolve development and the private sector. “Today, more than 300,000 of our bours,” the President said in his than 820 ethnic and cultural organi- driven by a desire to improve peo- and graduate into thriving, modern More recently, the ADB and Ka- citizens are Ukrainians. Ukrain- opening remarks, attended by hun- sations from across Kazakhstan. ple’s lives in developing Asia and economies that are well integrated zakhstan jointly launched an inno- ian soil is strewn with many holy Turning to Central Asian affairs, the Pacific,” Westfall explained. with each other and the world,” vative knowledge and experience dreds of leading figures represent- remains of thousands of Kazakhs, The organisation’s headquarters said Westfall. exchange programme, which aims ing Kazakhstan’s ethnic diversity. President Nazarbayev noted that who heroically died in the battles for are in Manila, Philippines and its Following is a question and an- to help the country diversify its Founded by President Naz- the state of international affairs Ukraine’s liberation from fascism. mission in Kazakhstan is one of 28 swer with Matthew Westfall. economy and achieve more equita- arbayev in 1995, the Assembly is underlines the need for Kazakh- such offices around the region. ble and sustainable growth. playing an integral role in the im- stan to maintain positive relation- Continued on Page A2 “In partnership with our devel- What are the ADB’s main ob- Our country partnership strategy oping member countries and other jectives in Kazakhstan? Since for 2012-2016 has been designed stakeholders, we try our best to 1994, what have been the most to help make the economy more target resources effectively, with significant projects the ADB has competitive and diverse in order to a sharp focus on alleviating pov- supported in Kazakhstan? sustain growth and create jobs, de- erty and helping create a world in The ADB’s partnership with Ka- fining a new development partner- which everyone can share in the zakhstan began after the collapse ship that is relevant and responsive benefits of sustained and -inclu of the and has been to Kazakhstan’s goal of transition- sive growth. It’s a big task, fraught underway for 20 years. In the early ing to a high-income country. with challenges, but we carry on years of this partnership, the ADB Our public sector lending op- important development that strives provided much-needed support erations are increasingly selective, to make the world a better place,” in agriculture, education, finance focusing on modernising infra- Westfall said. and delivery of social services to structure and utilities and improv- The ADB does this through in- help the country’s transition from ing access to finance for small and vesting in infrastructure, health a centrally-planned economy to a medium-sized enterprises. care services, financial and public free market system. administration systems, as well By 2004, the ADB’s public sec- Continued on Page A4 The Assembly is playing an integral role in the implementation of the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy.

Inside Nation Economy & Business editorial opinions NATION & CAPITAL Activists, Ministries Work to Promote Healthy Kazakhstan Proceeds with WTO Accession Ethnic Harmony and Multi-Vector Foreign Smailov: Defining the Labour Market to ‘We Try to Seek Win-Win Results,’ Chair of Lifestyles A2 Talks A4 Policy Key to Kazakhstan’s Stability, Ensure Social Protection for All A7 Sports Press Association Says B1 Development A6 National Oil Company Enhances Russian, Soni: 20th Anniversary of Freedom and Astana Dakar Teams Take on Abu Dhabi Kazakh Cooperation A5 Democracy in South Africa A7 Desert Challenge B1

US$ 1 = 182.07 KZT 1 Euro = 251.78 KZT 1 Rouble = 5.11 KZT A2 NATION

Wednesday, april 23, 2014

NATIONAL Activists, Ministries Work to Promote Healthy Lifestyles news in brief pharmacies to help convert one type On April 10, Kazakhstan’s Sen- of drug into another. This is a global ate passed a bill ratifying amend- problem. Also, we must take into ments to the Montreal Protocol on consideration the fact that our coun- Substances that Deplete the Ozone try is located on the drug trafficking Layer adopted in Beijing on Dec. corridor connecting Afghanistan to 3, 1999. The ratification will de- Europe. But at the same time, I must crease financial losses for small and say that at least in the capital, the medium-sized businesses while in- situation with drug addiction im- troducing limits on the consumption of substances depleting the ozone proves every year. This is manifest- layer, minimising the risk of grey ed by a steady decline in the number schemes and smuggling, harmonis- of addicts subject to medical check- ing national legislation within the ups. We adopted the programme Customs Union and helping imple- Astana: A City Without Drugs and ment the concept of Kazakhstan’s our centre is closely cooperating transition to a green economy by at- with the CADAP and CADCA, two tracting new technologies. The Sen- international organisations that are ate also ratified the Kazakh-Chinese engaged in drug use prevention. Intergovernmental Agreement on Besides, bad habits cannot be Cooperation for the Construction treated as separate problems. We of the Dostyk Joint Hydrosystem should promote more than vic- on the Khorgos River. To become tory over one particular bad habit. laws, the bills need to be signed by Whether it is alcoholism, smoking the President of Kazakhstan. or drug addiction, we must pro- mote living a healthy lifestyle. We Presidential decree 786, on the organise events such as the Festi- state programme of water resources management of Kazakhstan and the val of Health, the nationwide con- introduction of additions to presiden- test “The Territory of Dance,” a tial decree 957, on approval of the list youth rap-festival, the bard festival of state programmes, was adopted on “String Drops” and many other en- April 4. The government was tasked tertainment and sporting events. All with developing and approving the of them are aimed at engaging crea- To promotion healthy lifestyle, the Astana Centre for Healthy Living organises the Festival of Health. action plan on implementing the pro- tive young people and encouraging gramme in one month and submitting By Azamat Syzdykbayev a healthy society. task as it might seem at first glance. ing problem is adolescent suicide. Will it be introduced in second- the results of monitoring programme All this is done to increase the implementation as prescribed by the Kazakhstan is still among the top ary schools? The World Health Organisation average life expectancy of our presidential decree 931, on certain What are the most pressing tasks three countries in adolescent suicide. The use of any methods of re- was established April 7, 1948 and population. Gradually our effort is issues of further functioning of state regarding health problems today? search in our country is regulated since then, on that day, the world paying off. In 1991, the average life planning systems in Kazakhstan, The majority of our adult popula- What are the causes? by the law. Thus, persons under celebrates World Health Day. Di- expectancy was 58, now it is 70. Of to the Presidential Administration. rector of the Astana Centre for tion is overweight and this phenom- The problem is very complex; 18 cannot be examined or tested course, it is unrealistic, for exam- Central and local executive bodies as Healthy Living Marat Kurmanov enon is behind most cardiovascular single parent families, conflicts without permission from parents ple, to persuade the entire popula- well as state bodies directly subordi- recently talked about the state of diseases in the country, which is the with parents and teachers and social or legal guardians. We cannot vio- tion to give up smoking. But our nate and accountable to the President of Kazakhstan were instructed to im- health affairs in the capital. leading cause of mortality. If you psychological problems within the late the law, but if the pedagogical main objective is to prevent people plement the programme. look at the statistics, you see that family are all contributing factors. councils and parent committees from starting. What are the tasks of the centre more than 40 percent of Kazakh- Where can children find help in recommend it, we will cooperate Five inter-regional oncology cen- today? stan’s people today are overweight such cases? In addition, we should with them. What is done in the regions to and about 18-20 percent are obese. take into account the fragility of the tres equipped with modern equip- Its objectives are the same: pro- promote healthy living? ment will be established this year as Our main programmes are aimed at child’s psychology complicated by Recently, the public fund Ules, moting healthy lifestyles and good In fact, new stadiums, football part of the government’s cancer pro- nutrition, reducing the level of promoting a balanced diet, including their awkward age. We have organ- together with the Department on and other sports grounds are being gramme, Deputy Minister of Health- socially transmitted diseases, the fruits and vegetables and prevent- ised psychiatric services and devel- Drug Trafficking and the Centre constructed in all regions of the re- care Erik Baizhunussov reported at study of indicators of behavioral ing inactivity. Today, people spend oped and introduced research tests for Healthy Living held its second public. Therefore, our young people the sitting of the Nur Otan Party risk factors, ensuring the health of a lot of time sitting at the computer for a universal psycho-diagnostic event aimed at combatting drug have a choice: to hit the skids or start chaired by Mazhilis (lower cham- schoolchildren and adolescents, the and watching TV. This sedentary apparatus. Now, we can identify the addiction. How acute is this prob- to develop their abilities. An addi- ber of Parliament) Deputy Aitkul prevention of road traffic injuries, lifestyle leads to excess weight and warning signs of adolescent suicide lem? tional incentive for young people is Samakova on April 17. In particular, fighting tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, impairment of the cardiovascular in advance and notify specialists. Actually, addiction is a very se- the possibility to succeed in national a centre of nuclear therapy of inter- monitoring screening studies and system. Starting April 1, we will be We conduct this research testing on rious phenomenon, taking into ac- sports, achieve affection and the at- national standards will be opened protection of reproductive health. I living in the decade of healthy eat- a voluntary basis, but this year, the count the fact that in Kazakhstan, tention that top athletes command. in Semey for treating people with have been leading this service since ing. Our website, which has more Ministry of Defence decided to use there is wild hemp, for example in We organise mass sporting events thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer 2010 and I’d like to say that leading than two million users, also pro- this psycho diagnostic system dur- the Chu valley. In addition, drug that include thousands of people to and other cancers of the glands. “All oncology centres will be equipped a healthy lifestyle is not as easy a motes healthy eating. Another press- ing conscription. addicts try to buy substances from promote healthy lifestyles. with modern equipment and diag- nostic tools. These measures are intended to significantly improve cancer treatment in the country and help increase awareness and the President Stresses Importance of early detection of diseases and thus make people undergo screening pro- Maintaining Inter-Ethnic Unity grammes,” the deputy minister said. In the North Kazakhstan region, in Country veterans of World War II will re- Continued from Page A1 clear self-destruction,” Nazarbayev ceive 117,600 tenge (US$645.90) each on the eve of Victory Day. underscored. Thousands of Kazakhs studied According to the region’s press The Kazakh leader believes that service, veterans and equivalents in Ukraine. You know that I’m one the G-Global platform could help will be rendered social assistance of those [students]. [In Ukraine], I resolve some key issues in today’s in the amount of 57.7 million learned the art of metallurgy,” the current political climate. tenge (US$316,888) dedicated to President noted. “Current global challenges can the celebration of Victory Day. “In “Therefore, we, Kazakhs, feel be overcome if there are profound accordance with the order of the sympathy for the Ukrainian people changes in international law, foreign administration of the North Ka- and express brotherly hope for a policy and methods of interstate re- zakhstan region, 344 veterans of quick restoration of stability and uni- lations. Therefore, our proposal on World War II will receive social ty of the Ukrainian society. We are the principles of G-GLOBAL today assistance in the amount of 31.9 confident that the Ukrainian people can be useful to the world commu- million tenge (US$175,194), mak- should solve internal problems with- nity. I am sure that they would help ing it 92,600 (US$508.65) tenge out external interference, through the world develop but not in a cha- for each veteran,” the press service peaceful negotiations with all parties otic order as now, but in constructive said. With the addition of another involved,” the President said. one,” he noted. 8.6 million tenge (US$47,234) to The Kazakh President also em- “The Assembly has many inter- charity events, the veterans will phasised that stability and unity are national connections. I urge you all have 25,000 (US$137.30) tenge important to Kazakhstan’s develop- to use [these] international contacts each added to the initial amount. “Thus, the total payment to each ment. to promote the idea of G-GLOBAL. veteran will equal 117,600 tenge.” “It is, therefore, necessary to adopt Also, the Assembly should have its a number of new measures to further own distinct action plan to participate Chairman of the Supreme Judi- promote the Kazakh model of toler- in the preparation for such major in- cial Council Bektas Beknazarov, ance and harmony,” he said. ternational events in our country as Chairman of the Estimation Com- The President also spoke about the World Exhibition EXPO 2017 in mittee for Control over Execution the current global situation and the Astana and the Universiade-2017 in of the National Budget Kozy-Kor- Kazakh position in some key world Almaty. At these events, we need to pesh Dzhanburchin, Chief of the issues. show the world our culture, tolerance, Presidential Security Service Anuar “The world has entered a period the multi-ethnic people of our coun- Sadykulov, members of the govern- of great change,” he said. “Interna- try and our achievements in peace and ment and some governors of regions tional relations are undergoing a ma- harmony," Nazarbayev urged. took an oath to the people and the jor crisis. The information about the To mark the historic 21st anniver- President of Kazakhstan on April possible termination of cooperation sary of the Assembly of the People 17. Addressing participants of the of leading nuclear powers in the area of Kazakhstan, the President also in- ceremony, the President noted that of physical protection of nuclear structed the government and the As- each word of the oath carries a huge materials really concerns me. This sembly to formulate a national action responsibility. “Within the frame- could seriously undermine the entire plan to govern the anniversary year. work of the Kazakhstan 2050 Strat- process of nuclear non-proliferation He also noted that there are not egy and our goal to become one of the top 30 most-developed coun- in the world and erase the progress many countries in the world in tries in the world, the country faces made in this area over the last dec- which most citizens speak at least great challenges. Each of us should ade, including the recent Nuclear two languages, saying that Kazakh- bear our duties and responsibilities Security Summit in The Hague.” stan’s multilingual profile contrib- at the highest level. Your duty is to “We closed the Semipalatinsk nu- uted significantly to the welfare and improve the country’s economy, in- clear test site backed by the will of prosperity of the country. crease the people’s welfare in each the people and acquired a nuclear The President further confirmed region and preserve the unity of weapons-free status. We, the Ka- that 2015 would be guided by the the people. If each of us works effi- zakhs, remain faithful to the ideals slogan “Astana – the city of peace ciently, we will achieve all the goals of peace free from the threat of nu- and accord.” set before us,” the President said. A3 eurasia&world

Wednesday, april 23, 2014

external news in brief Kazakh Envoy to U.S. Bahraini King Pays First Speaker of Kazakhstan’s Mazhi- lis (lower chamber of the Parlia- ment) Kabibulla Dzhakupov held a Speaks at Scranton, Seeks to number of bilateral meetings with Visit to Astana, Political and his colleagues from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia on the side- Expand Citizen Diplomacy lines of the April 17 meeting of the Commonwealth of Independ- Commercial Ties Expand ent States (CIS) Interparliamen- Continued from Page A1 The business forum showed bilateral economic co-operation tary Assembly in St. Petersburg. there are many common points of between Manama and Astana Issues in Kazakh-Russian coop- The King underlined the impor- interest. would provide the kingdom with eration were addressed at a meet- tance of close cooperation with “We know extraction and pro- many advantages such as boosting ing with Chairman of the State Kazakhstan and expressed his sat- cessing of oil and gas, aluminum, food security and benefiting from Duma of Russia Sergey Naryshkin isfaction with the signing of mem- as well as its financial and bank- Kazakhstan’s abundant mineral and Chairman of the Federation oranda of understanding in the ing sector, agriculture, tourism wealth. Council of Russia Valentina Mat- fields of diplomacy, food security, and food industry are among the viyenko. The two parties noted the agriculture, finance, investment strongest sectors in Bahrain’s importance and necessity of further “We would be very economy,” Deputy Prime Minis- developing cooperation between and education. the parliamentarians of Kazakh- An important part of the talks ter and Minister of Industry and much interested stan and Russia. At a meeting with was also easing the visa regime. New Technologies Asset Isseke- “Today we’ve discussed launch- shev said at the forum. He added in Manama’s Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh of From left to right: former U.S.Ambassador to Kazakhstan William Courtney, Kyrgyzstan Asilbek Jeenbekov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the U.S. Kairat Umarov, founder of the Atlanta ing direct flights between our that Kazakhstan, in turn, has huge promising directions of interparlia- Communications Group Nancy Neill, and Professor of St. John’s University Jay countries. King Hamad bin Isa Al potential for exporting wheat, bar- systemic approach mentary cooperation between the Nathan. Khalifa instructed to ease the visa ley and forage wheat to Bahrain, and successful two countries were discussed. The By Daniel Massow cate the future intellectual elite of regime for citizens of Kazakhstan,” as well as for establishing a joint fourth session of the Interparlia- Kazakhstan, Umarov added. the President said at a joint press halal meat production. Issekeshev experience as a mentary Cooperation Commission SCRANTON, PENNSYLVA- Kazakhstan’s ambassador said it conference after their meeting. believes these areas could be the of the Kazakh and Kyrgyz Parlia- NIA – Kazakhstan’s Ambassa- was symbolic that the University At the invitation of President foundation for the creation of joint regional Islamic ments, scheduled for June 2014 dor to the Kairat of Scranton’s faith-based inclusive Nazarbayev, the King took a sight- enterprises, both in Kazakhstan in Bishkek, and the upcoming Umarov, addressing the audience educational vision coincides with seeing tour around Astana. During and in Bahrain. finance centre.” – session of the Parliamentary As- of the inaugural Jay Nathan lecture Kazakhstan’s philosophy of ethnic the day, King Hamad also met with “In terms of processing alu- sembly of Turkic-Speaking Coun- series at the University of Scranton and religious tolerance, which has Prime Minister Karim Massimov. minum, your experience in alu- Asset Issekeshev tries (TURKPA) in Baku were on April 2, said that despite early its origins in its history and heritage Meanwhile, the “Kazakhstan- minum industry has real prospects addressed. Dzhakupov and Chair- doubts in the West about Kazakh- of Silk Road traders. In Kazakhstan, Bahrain: Strategic Partnership” in creating production that will be They expressed optimism re- man of the Majlisi Namyandagon stan’s viability as an independent home to more than 100 nationalities business forum took place in Asta- in demand domestically, both in garding the outcome of the royal (Supreme Assembly) of Tajikistan nation and the security of its bor- and ethnic groups representing 18 na on the sidelines of the royal the north, in Pavlodar, and in the visit which was an exploratory trip Shukurjon Zuhurov reached an ders, today Kazakhstan is a sover- confessions, “we celebrate unity in visit to Kazakhstan. More than 40 south region of Kazakhstan,” Is- for the delegation comprising busi- agreement on strengthening coop- eign state, and by most measures diversity and our proud history of biggest Bahraini companies work- sekeshev said adding that Bahrain nessmen and investors, especially eration at the meeting. one of the most successful coun- peaceful coexistence between Mus- ing in banking, food, oil and gas, today processes around 800,000 as the Astana market is teeming tries in Eurasia. lims and Christians,” while “it is with investment opportunities in Speaker of Kazakhstan’s Mazhi- Umarov told more than 100 mem- petrochemistry, metallurgy and tonnes of aluminum while Ka- also a beautiful historic irony that in aluminum production, engineer- zakhstan, with its vast ore reserves, all sectors. They said they also lis (lower chamber of the Parlia- bers of the faculty, student body and Kazakhstan today the Jewish faith ing, transport and tourism fields processes only 25,000 tonnes. looked forward to attracting Ka- ment) Kabibulla Dzhakupov was Scranton community assembled in flourishes where Stalinist gulags zakh investments into Bahrain. elected Chairman of the Interparlia- the university’s Weinberg Memo- once stood,” Umarov noted. participated in the forum. “That is why we are ready to mentary Assembly of the Eurasian rial Library that in the immediate Umarov also spoke about Ka- The Kingdom of Bahrain is in- establish a special zone to process According to Othman Sharif, Economic Community (EurAsEC) wake of independence, President of zakhstan’s efforts since the first days terested in expanding its presence aluminum in Pavlodar to expand Bahrain Chamber of Commerce at the session in St. Petersburg on Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev of its independence to promote tol- in , and since both its extraction from 250,000 tonnes and Industry’s (BCCI) first deputy April 17. This is the EurAsEC’s made three core decisions that erance and interreligious dialogue Kazakhstan and Bahrain play key to 500,000 tonnes annually,” Is- chairman, the opening into Asian second Kazakh chairman in a row. proved to be essential to its path to worldwide. As the world was recov- roles in their respective regions, sekeshev said. countries would give Bahrain an Issues regarding the harmonisa- success: renouncing nuclear weap- ering from the aftermath of 9/11, he the cooperation with Kazakhstan There are also prospects for co- economic advantage especially as tion of national legislation of the ons, pursuing fundamental eco- told the audience, “Kazakhstan re- will be mutually beneficial, Min- operation in oil and gas production Asian countries have many posi- EurAsEC member states governing nomic reforms and investing in the sponded to international grievances ister of Transport and chief of the and transportation, as well as in the tive positions on matters and is- social conduct, the environment and education of a new generation. of Muslims, Christians, Jews, Bud- executive office of the Bahraini banking sector, especially given sues of mutual interest that are in industrial safety and the regulation Kazakhstan’s diplomat recalled dhists and many others by conven- Council of Economic Develop- that Bahrain is a financial centre common with Bahrain. of foreigners’ visits to the territories that for more than 40 years, Ka- ing on invitation of the head of state ment Kamal Muhammed Ahmed in the Gulf and given that Kazakh- As a result of the business forum, of EurAsEC member states were zakhstan had been the “epicentre” a Congress of Leaders of World and said at the opening of the forum. stan would like to press ahead with a memorandum of cooperation be- addressed at the meeting. Special of Soviet nuclear weapons testing Traditional Religions.” The congress He noted the similarities be- the establishment of a regional hub tween the Kazakhstan’s Baiterek attention was paid to harmonising in Semipalatinsk, which affected has now become a tradition, gather- tween the two countries, both be- of alternative financing. National Holding and Bahrain’s social laws. In particular, draft laws almost 1.5 million people and con- ing every third year in Kazakhstan’s ing rich in natural resources, and “We would be very much inter- Mumtalakat Holding was signed. governing social assistance and taminated an immense territory al- capital, Astana, with an ever-grow- the two governments’ similar de- ested in Manama’s systemic ap- The forum also saw the an- state-sponsored insurance were dis- most the size of New Jersey, more ing number of participants. sire to diversify their economies. proach and successful experience nouncement of a Kazakhstan-Bah- cussed. Having emphasised the im- than five times the size of the Ne- Other speakers on the panel in- The Bahraini official also stressed as a regional Islamic finance cen- raini Business Council that will portance of the EurAsEC Interpar- vada Test Site, with radiation. Hav- cluded Professor Jay Nathan of St. that the annual mutual trade worth tre,” Issekeshev said. soon be established to facilitate liamentary Assembly, Dzhakupov ing dismantled the test site’s infra- John’s University, Queens, New noted that its activities were aimed structure in cooperation with the York; William Courtney, the first $1 million was way too little and At the forum, Bahraini busi- commercial contacts between the at harmonising the laws of member U.S. and Russia, today Kazakhstan U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan; far from the true potential. ness people said consolidation of two countries. states to help develop economic ranks 15th in the Nuclear Threat and Nancy Neill, founder of the integration and improve the social Initiative’s Nuclear Materials Se- Atlanta Communications Group. It welfare of the region’s people. curity Index. One of Kazakhstan’s was followed by an hour-long lively most recent contributions has been discussion and a Q&A session that The Astana Economic Forum the decision to support the Interna- covered a wide range of topics about (AEF) was recently presented to tional Atomic Energy Agency's ini- Kazakhstan’s major export and im- heads of international financial and tiative to establish an international port items, tourism industry, literacy investment companies and world low-enriched uranium fuel bank in rates, women’s rights and more. stock exchange experts on Wall the country, Umarov said. As part of ongoing efforts to Street, in New York. The presenta- Defining nuclear nonproliferation promote people-to-people ties and tion was attended by a wide range as the pillar of the Kazakhstan-U.S. educational and citizen exchanges of top-level officials: Chairman and strategic partnership, Umarov said between Kazakhstan and the United Founder of the Ljubljana Stock Ex- the bilateral meeting between Presi- States, Umarov also met with Uni- change Drasko Veselinovic; Deputy dent Nazarbayev and U.S. Presi- versity of Scranton President Kevin Chairman, Managing Partner of dent Barack Obama on the fringes P. Quinn, Provost Senior Vice Presi- CAPMEX and former director of of the Nuclear Security Summit in dent for Academic Affairs Patricia the Vienna Stock Exchange Hannes The Hague in March served to once Harrington, deans and faculty mem- Takacs; NASDAQ Chairman David again reaffirm the countries’ shared bers to discuss areas of potential Wilde; Secretary of NASDAQ and commitment to nonproliferation cooperation between the University former Director General of the New and strengthening nuclear security. of Scranton and higher educational Zealand Stock Exchange William He also spoke extensively about institutions in Kazakhstan. Foster; former Vice Chairman of the Kazakhstan’s new national devel- Founded in 1888, Scranton is a Istanbul Stock Exchange Aryl Sor- opment strategy to guide the coun- private Catholic and Jesuit univer- en; General Director of the Frank- try toward the year 2050. The Ka- sity known for academic quality and furt Stock Exchange Rudiger von zakhstan 2050 Strategy, Umarov a technology-rich campus. For 20 Rosen; former Executive Chair- noted, sets forth a bold vision of the consecutive years, the U.S. News man of the Kuala Lumpur Stock country joining the ranks of the 30 & World Report’s “Best Colleges” Exchange Nick Mohamed Dean; most-developed countries by 2050 guidebook has ranked the university former Executive Chairman of the and affirms the goal of improving among the top 10 master’s universi- Egyptian Stock Exchange Moham- the quality of life of all people of ties in the northern United States. ed Abdel Salam and others. Partici- Kazakhstan. The university’s Jay Nathan Vis- pants of the event were told about As the country moves ahead in re- iting Scholar Lecture Series was the initiatives and projects offered alising its vision, “we clearly under- created to offer an opportunity for by Kazakhstan, and also discussed stand that we live in a very tightly international scholars and profes- the programme of the upcoming networked world,” the ambassador sionals to address issues that could seventh AEF. “From May 21-23, said. Noting that the G8 and G20 enlighten and benefit students, fac- 2014, the capital of Kazakhstan, formats are not fully effective in ulty and the community at large. Astana, will host the seventh annual dealing with global problems, he The lecture series’ founder, Nathan, economic forum,” said Dinara Kar- reiterated President Nazarbayev’s is a lifetime member of the Fulbright shalova, representative of the Eura- call for the world to unite “in the Association. In 2002-03, 2004, sian Economic Club of Scientists, face of common threats to bring and 2005, Nathan was a Fulbright addressing guests of the presenta- about long-term and systematic ap- Scholar to Kazakhstan, serving as tion. “Currently, the forum attracts proaches to shared challenges.” The a visiting professor and Ph.D. advi- more than 10,000 participants from G-Global initiative put forward by sor at the Lev Gumilyov Eurasian more than 150 countries to work Nazarbayev two years ago, Umarov National University in Astana. He is and actively search for solutions said, offers a path toward a fair, an Honorary Professor of the Kara- to problems of the global financial transparent, multipolar and con- ganda University of Economics and system. They include current and structive world order. author of the book, “Kazakhstan’s former heads of states, economists, Ambassador Umarov noted that New Economy.” politicians, financial experts, Nobel Kazakhstan attaches significant In 2012, Nathan endowed the Pro- Prize winners and business leaders importance to expanding the coun- fessor Jay Nathan Scholarship at the of the highest level,” she said. At try’s educational ties, exchanges University of Scranton to provide the meeting it was also said that the and dialogue with U.S. universi- financial assistance to graduate stu- AEF provides a real chance to take ties. Thousands of young students dents enrolled in the university’s Ka- part in the formation of the concept from Kazakhstan have studied at nia School of Management who are of the World Anti-Crisis Plan, as American universities as part of the from Mongolia, Thailand, India, Po- well an opportunity to establish new prestigious state-funded Bolashak land or the Central Asian countries professional relationships and gain programme. The selection process of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajik- access to innovative developments. is highly selective, aiming to edu- istan, Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan. A4 economy

Wednesday, april 23, 2014

economy Twenty Years of Evolving ADB Support news in brief At the Boao Forum for Asia 2014 (BFA) held from April 8-11, Kazakhstan’s G-Global informa- for Economic Growth in Kazakhstan tion and communications platform Continued from Page A1 ranean via Azerbaijan and Turkey; ment and output over a sustained ministers and private sector leaders, and the Astana Economic Forum by barge and rail to Batumi, Geor- period of time. to the country. The meeting will (AEF) were presented. The BFA, Our private sector operations, gia; and by building a pipeline to Industrialisation is not about help affirm Kazakhstan’s profile as which promotes economic co- on the other hand, target trade fi- China. Kazakhstan now serves as manufacturing only; it is relevant a desirable, stable investment des- operation in Asia, has become a nance, transport, energy and agri- a transit country for natural gas for promoting economic sectors tination and as a leader in regional platform for the presentation of business, as well as opportunities from Uzbekistan and Turkmeni- other than manufacturing, includ- and global discussions on key eco- Kazakhstan’s initiatives. Over four for selected equity investments in stan to Russia and China. Diver- ing agriculture and services. Given nomic and development issues. days, delegates from 150 coun- banks and equity and debt financ- sification of transport routes is a its natural advantages, Kazakhstan tries discussed current issues in ing of investment funds. way to protect against unforeseen has a large potential in developing The ADB is one of the major the world economy and politics Over time, as Kazakhstan con- circumstances. To diversify trans- oil processing and agribusiness in- players in CAREC, with a total and the process of jointly building tinues on its impressive devel- port routes, Kazakhstan is heavily dustries. Upgrading these sectors of $8 billion in investments. How the future of Asia. Documents on opment trajectory, our growing investing into pipelines, roads and can create the jobs necessary to would you describe Kazakhstan's the seventh AEF, the second World knowledge partnership will take a railways, creating important links keep Kazakhstan’s growing labour role in CAREC? In the Central Anti-Crisis Conference (WAC), more prominent role and will in- to its neighbours and the region force employed. Asian region? the Draft Concept of the World creasingly define our relationship beyond, via Turkmenistan and Iran We, through our country part- Kazakhstan has been an active Anti-Crisis Plan and G-Global Matthew Westfall in the years ahead. to the Persian Gulf and via China nership strategy, will continue sup- participant in the CAREC [Central were among the BFA’s official productivity and diversity through to the Lianyungang port. porting the country’s drive toward Asian Regional Economic Coop- documents. A number of meetings How would you characterise innovation and entrepreneurship. At the same time, the country’s a more competitive and diversified eration Programme] Programme with representatives of Chinese the investment climate in Kazakh- For this to happen, a sustained heavy reliance on oil causes down- economy by investing in energy, since its launch in 2001. [CAREC media, such as the Boao Review, stan at the moment? improvement in the business en- side risks, including a possible transport, SME programmes, the includes Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Economic Daily and China Eco- Kazakhstan’s gross domestic vironment to promote greater pri- drop in energy prices and a weak- private sector, and deepening the China, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz nomic Net were held as part of product per capita has grown by vate investment is needed. Clear, ening in external demand. This knowledge partnership between Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Ta- Kazakhstan’s presentations, which more than 17 times in the past 20 firm and decisively executed poli- makes it all the more important for the government and the ADB. jikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbek- resulted in an agreement to hold years, from about $700 to $13,000, cies that are important for building Kazakhstan to diversify its econo- istan as well as institutional part- joint debates during the upcoming and the country has graduated from confidence in the private sector are my and reduce its dependence on “In 2014-2015, we ners the ADB, European Bank for seventh AEF. a lower-middle income country to needed, and this applies to both oil and other extractive minerals. Reconstruction and Development, an upper-middle income country. foreign and domestic investors. To diversify, the productivity and project that the the International Monetary Fund, Member of the Board of Direc- This stellar performance has competitiveness of the economy economy will maintain the Islamic Development Bank, tors of the Baiterek Holding Klaus been the result of both sound What are the positives and neg- has to be increased. Kazakhstan’s the United Nations Development Mangold believes that financing macroeconomic policies and a atives of this huge, land-locked, productivity level is still low by de- the pace and will grow Programme and the World Bank.] business projects undergoing dif- favourable investment climate. resource-rich country? veloped countries’ standards. Re- at 6.0 percent and 6.4 Kazakhstan recognises the im- ficulties through second-tier banks The country has also successfully Kazakhstan is endowed with gional and rural-urban disparities portant role of regional coopera- and the Damu Fund is a good way to weathered challenges and implica- abundant oil, gas and mineral re- within Kazakhstan remain signifi- percent, respectively.” tion and integration in expanding promote industrial development. He tions of the global economic crisis serves. It has a forward-looking cant. Growth and industrialisation its markets and diversifying its shared his view on this measure after and has managed to maintain its development strategy that fo- need to be underwritten by strong economy. The country can benefit the government approved the joint investment grade rating. cuses on industrialisation and the governance and environmental Why was Astana chosen to be from leveraging its strategic loca- action plan on supporting small and All that said, there is still much diversification of the economy, sustainability. the host of this year’s meeting tion to facilitate global trade and medium-sized business. “I believe to be done. Improvements in infra- perhaps the two most critical as- of the ADB board of governors? transit between Asia and Europe that financing business projects, structure and human capital and pects to ensuring that growth can What are your economic pre- What does this mean for the Ka- along four CAREC transport corri- both new ones and projects undergo- greater transparency in legal and be sustained over the long term. dictions for the next 5-10 years? zakh capital and the ADB? dors passing through its vast area. ing difficulties, by dispersing funds regulatory environment have all It has embraced an ambitious vi- Kazakhstan’s prospects are also The meeting will look at con- Given its location, Kazakhstan in second-tier banks through the been flagged by investors as the sion through the Kazakhstan 2050 strong. In 2014-2015, we project necting Asia to the rest of the is central to enhancing regional Damu Fund is a good approach to most important reforms that will Strategy, which will help guide the that the economy will maintain the world, an idea inspired by the fa- transport connectivity. From 2001 further promote industrial develop- help increase Kazakhstan’s com- way. It also has a vast arable area pace and will grow at 6.0 percent mous Silk Road, which for centu- to the end of 2013, CAREC in- ment. Certainly, to successfully fulfil petitiveness. for agriculture, as well as a young and 6.4 percent, respectively. In ries was one of the world’s most vested almost $8.0 billion in loans the plan, it is necessary to focus on The importance of strengthening and educated population. And, its the longer run, much depends on important trade routes. and grants (35 percent of the finding viable projects and avoiding institutions and implementing re- strategic location allows it to pro- the success of industrialisation and Today, growing international CAREC total) in Kazakhstan, with mistakes in the process of restructur- forms in the financial and other sec- vide a land bridge between Europe development through innovation, trade in an increasingly globalised the ADB contributing almost $1.6 ing and refinancing,” he said. Man- tors is also critical. Risks remain in and Asia. These are all important improving infrastructure, encour- world means that a new Silk Road billion and the remaining $6.4 bil- gold also added, “I am confident the banking sector, especially the factors to achieving its vision of aging investment, upgrading hu- connecting Europe and Asia is a lion contributed by the Kazakhstan that the emphasis on agriculture problem of non-performing loans. the future. man capital [and] boosting produc- reality once again. This is an ex- government and other CAREC development is a priority, especially Continued risk aversion of the As we can see, Kazakhstan is tivity as well as targeted support to citing opportunity for Kazakhstan multilateral partners. taking into account the growing de- banking sector could continue to transforming from a land-locked help priority sectors. and the rest of Central Asia, and In 2013, Kazakhstan also suc- mand in regional and domestic mar- restrict the private sector’s access to a land-linked country. For ex- A recent study by the ADB finds we’re excited to be a part of mak- cessfully hosted the 12th CAREC kets as well as subsidiary benefits to credit and hamper investment. ample, Kazakhstan was previously that no country has achieved high- ing this possible. Ministerial Conference on October for related sectors of the economy. We hope to see the private sec- dependent on Russia for its oil ex- income status without its manufac- The ADB’s annual meeting will 23-24, 2013, in Astana as well as “Kazakhstan is humanising tor taking the lead in transforming ports, but has been able to reduce turing sectors reaching at least an attract top policymakers, includ- the Senior Officials’ Meetings and criminal legislation in the econom- the economy, which can increase this with exports to the Mediter- 18 percent share of total employ- ing central bank governors, finance sector committee meetings. ic sphere,” member of the Mazhilis (lower chamber of the Parliament) Ramazan Sarpekov noted at an April 17 Central Communications Service briefing. He added that the Kazakhstan Proceeds with new version of the Criminal Pro- cedure Code of Kazakhstan will not place excessive pressure on WTO Accession Talks business. “Kazakhstan has been humanising its criminal legislation By Rufiya Ospanova will have a very difficult situation over the past 5-6 years. Over the in agriculture and farmers will have last 2-3 years, it’s been a process The most recent round of nego- no jobs. This thesis is incorrect. Cur- tiations on Kazakhstan’s accession to targeted at the economic sphere. rently, we are holding complex nego- The new version of the Criminal the World Trade Organisation (WTO) tiations in terms of subsidies in agri- Procedure Code of Kazakhstan with the United States, this time fo- culture that will meet our long-term already includes all recommenda- cused on harmonizing measures re- plans to support the development of garding plant and animal disease con- the industry,” she added. tions and revisions,” Sarpekov not- trol, took place in Washington, D.C., By joining the WTO, Kazakh- ed. “Therefore, registration [and] on March 4-6 with the participation stan will become a full member of holding of inspections should be of Kazakh Minister for Economic In- the global trading system and will approved by the Prosecutor’s Of- tegration Zhanar Aitzhanova. be subject to all WTO fundamen- fice. Moreover, an inspector must The negotiations took place with- tal principles and rules. These in- inform the prosecutor before audit- out the presence of the Russian del- ing any business. This mechanism egation which was not invited by the clude nondiscriminatory conditions for the access of Kazakh products will be working in favour of busi- U.S. side in light of the ongoing cri- nesses,” he concluded. sis in and around Ukraine. to foreign markets on the basis of most favoured nation treatment and “We conducted the negotiations Integrating, expanding and and consultations independently, and national treatment; access to inter- strengthening mutually beneficial we are also consulting with our Rus- national mechanisms for resolving sian and Belarusian colleagues. The trade disputes; a more favourable external economic relations with consultations within the framework climate for foreign investment; in- foreign countries is the most im- of the Customs Union (CU) are also creased opportunities for Kazakh in- portant development priority of the underway. The issues are related to vestors in WTO member countries; East Kazakhstan region, Regional the Eurasian Economic Commission an increased flow of foreign goods, Akim (Governor) Berdybek Sa- (EEC) and the competencies of the services and investments, creating parbayev told a Central Communi- three countries, so in any case we conditions for improving the qual- cations Service (CCS) media brief- must coordinate them with our part- ity and competitiveness of domestic ing on April 17. “In 2013, trade ners in the CU. But since these nego- products; as well as the chance to turnover between Russia and the tiations concern Kazakhstan’s acces- participate in creating international East Kazakhstan region increased sion to the WTO, we will hold them trade rules that take into account Ka- by 27 percent. In terms of mon- independently,” Aitzhanova said. zakhstan’s national interests. ey, it reached about 268 billion The veterinary and phytosanitary It is hoped that this will enhance tenge [US$1.47 billion]. Similar measures discussed in this round of the country’s economic potential and growth is registered with Belarus, negotiations are among the three is- ultimately increase Kazakh stand- which equalled 62 billion tenge sues currently hindering Kazakhstan’s ards of living. [US$340.5 million]. We have good accession to the WTO. The other two The negotiation process for Kazakh- relations with other neighbouring stan’s accession to the organisation has hurdles are the harmonization of im- countries along with the countries now lasted almost two decades. This port customs duties with Russia and of Europe and Asia. Generally, the the countries of the CU, and subsidies January, then-Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov said the terms of WTO ac- relations we have are concentrated and agricultural donations. in the industrial sphere,” the head As Aitzhanova explained, regard- cession would be announced in March of the region noted. During the ing customs duties, Kazakhstan will or April and that accession was immi- join the WTO on its own terms. Until nent. While saying it was important briefing, Saparbayev used a local the completion of negotiations, cus- to “continue defending acceptable company as an example. “We have toms duties with Russia will be dif- terms” for joining the organisation, a valve plant producing equipment ferent. Akhmetov also said, “This year, we for the oil and gas sector and ex- “The third issue that directly con- need to make every effort to complete porting its products to Russia. In cerns the Kazakh economy is the the negotiation process.” 2013, the trade turnover of this volume of subsidies and agricultural The process of Kazakhstan’s ac- plant with Russia reached about 3 donations. I know that many experts cession to the WTO began more than billion tenge [US$16.4 million],” write that after WTO accession we 18 years ago, on Jan. 26, 1996. he said. A5 Business

Wednesday, april 23, 2014

Business News in Brief EBRD Provides ASTEX-2014 Set to Chinese website China Econom- ic Net and newspaper Economic Daily will moderate a televised debate at the seventh Astana Eco- $9 Million Loan for Attract Silicon Valley nomic Forum (AEF). The agree- ment was reached during the Boao Forum for Asia 2014. Vice Presi- dent of Kazakhstan’s Eurasian Transport Company Innovators to Astana Economic Club of Scientists As- sociation Maksat Kurbenov held several meetings with representa- Development tives of business and academic communities and high-ranking By Michelle Witte the privately held rolling stock in delegates at the Boao Forum. Mu- Kazakhstan and increasing partici- tually beneficial cooperation and The European Bank for Re- pation of the private sector on the active participation in the upcom- construction and Development operating lease market.” ing AEF and the second World (EBRD) will provide a $9 mil- EBRD officials have said the Anti-Crisis Conference (WAC) lion loan to Kazakhstan’s joint loan also supports the applica- became the main theme of negotia- stock company Olzha to pro- tion of modern business practices mote private investment in the tions between the Kazakh delega- in Kazakhstan. As part of the By Rufiya Ospanova tion and Boao Forum guests. Chi- country’s transport industry and agreement with the bank, Olzha ternational startups, Choco Fam- to support the business's devel- na Economic Net is one of China’s will adopt international occupa- ASTANA – The second Astana ily Chief Executive Officer Ramil Sanzhar Ketebekov, Silicon Valley opment, the EBRD reported on innovator. main information and analytical tional health and safety standards Smart Technologies Exhibition Mukhoryapov and others. March 28. resources and a major source of in- and environmental management (ASTEX-2104) and conference The event will take place in opinions on which areas of Kazakh Olzha, a nearly 20-year-old depth economic analysis of Asia. standards. The adoption of these will take place in the run up to one of the most technologically business should be developed. company, provides operating standards is expected in July 2014, the 7th Astana Economic Forum developed centres in the Com- Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trans- leases for freight wagons to cor- On April 11, heads of govern- Namazbayev said. (AEF) on May 15-16. monwealth of Independent States port and Communications, the porate clients inside and outside ment agencies and national com- Landlocked Kazakhstan has an The international exhibition will (CIS), the KazMediaOrtalygy TV Zerde National Information Com- of Kazakhstan. Its fleet of some panies, members of the National extensive railway network with a be held by the Information Com- and Radio Complex. It will dis- munication Technologies Holding 1,400 wagons transports mainly Chamber of Commerce and rep- freight wagon industry dominated munications Development Corpo- play innovative solutions in the and the Information Communica- resentatives of business circles liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by state organisations. Last year’s rate Fund of Kazakhstan, chaired information technologies sector, tions Technologies Development attended a session of the National and oil products. Olzha will use loan to Olzha was the EBRD’s first by Silicon Valley innovator San- including the latest technology in Corporate Fund are jointly organ- Investors’ Council chaired by Pres- the new EBRD financing to pur- private sector transaction in Ka- zhar Ketebekov, and will include holograms, virtual fitting rooms izing ASTEX-2014. ident Nursultan Nazarbayev. The chase about 100 freight wagons zakhstan’s railway industry. The heads of foreign companies, large and 3D printers. The first ASTEX was held at the session reviewed issues of national and a locomotive. A $24.8 mil- country is currently focused on ex- investors, business coaches, pro- Registration is available online 6th Astana Economic Forum on business and investment develop- lion EBRD loan to the company panding and diversifying its trans- fessors, e-commerce businessmen at www.astex.kz, where a personal May 21-22, 2013. The Informa- ment. The President of Kazakh- was approved last year, also for port sector and last year adopted and analysts as speakers. quick-response code will be is- tion Communications Technolo- stan noted that entrepreneurship the expansion of the company’s a major infrastructure develop- Robert Bellac, chief executive sued. Participants will be able to gies Development Corporate Fund is a driving force of the country’s fleet as well as for the implemen- ment plan for 2014-2020, which officer of NewEgg, one of Amer- test a mobile application for re- worked on finding and concluding economy. “Small and medium- tation of international health and includes the construction of more ica’s largest e-commerce firms, is mote access to the conference and agreements with sponsors and ex- sized business is the foundation of safety standards. than 8,000 kilometres of railways expected to speak on e-commerce will vote online for the best IT hibitors, attracting speakers, con- a strong middle class. We observe “The Bank closely moni- and the further integration of the trends to the Kazakh and foreign projects. The ASTEX prize will be ducting a comprehensive publicity positive dynamics in this sector. tors private wagon leasing and country into international trans- audience. awarded to the winner of the con- campaign, developing image prod- The number of self-employed in- freight-forwarding markets and port systems. The World Bank will The event’s guests will par- test. ucts and other event preparation creased by 8 percent and reached selected Olzha for its prudent help with the development of some ticipate in discussions and work- For the second year, ASTEX work. 2.6 million last year. The volume business management, transpar- of the plan and the country hopes shops. Mark Goodstein, executive will serve as an international com- As a result, within the two days of output produced by small and ency and financial robustness,” through this work to rank higher in director of IdeaLab, one of the first munication platform to share expe- of the 2013 exhibition and confer- medium-sized business account- Askar Namazbayev, principal the World Bank’s Logistics Perfor- Internet incubators for business riences and discuss relevant issues ence, 42 speakers spoke during ed for 9 trillion tenge ($49.4 bil- banker for transport at the EBRD mance Index. ideas in the United States, and in the industry, as well as provide four sessions (smart government, lion), with an annual growth of Resident Office in Almaty, told Kazakhstan and the EBRD also David Travers, partner in the in- an opportunity to enhance cooper- smart industry, smart business and 3.3 percent,” the President told The Astana Times. The bank is both foresee an increase in the vestment company Rustic Canyon ation between countries, organisa- smart life), 25 exhibitor compa- participants at the meeting. It was planning to expand its private country’s oil and gas production, Ventures, will discuss innovation tions and companies. nies, including some of the world’s at that meeting that President Naz- sector portfolio and is consider- which will increase demand for issues in e-business and the devel- Consortium Agreements on an largest vendors (HP, Microsoft, arbayev announced plans to organ- ing other wagon leasing com- rail transport. opment of information technolo- Open Logistics Platform and Data ASUSTek Computer Inc. and oth- ise the third so-called legalisation panies and other public-private Since 1993, the EBRD has in- gies in the business-to-client and Trading Platform for Subsurface ers) were presented and numerous of finances in Kazakhstan’s inde- partnerships, he said. vested nearly $6.6 billion in Ka- business-to-business sectors. Dara Users are expected to be signed workshops were held, including pendent history which is seen as “Both loans target strengthening zakhstan, with just over half its Khosrowshahi, chief executive of- within the exhibition, and an of- workshops on e-learning, e-com- an effort to reduce the size of the private sector presence in the rail- portfolio in the private sector. The ficer of Expedia Inc., the world’s fer to create an international elec- merce and e-health. grey economy and channel more way market, increasing competi- bank recently adopted a new strat- largest online travel company, will tronic commerce development as- The first ASTEX Awards for resources into the country’s banks tion and promoting high standards egy for Kazakhstan, focusing on share his experience in creating a sociation has been made. best IT manager in the public sec- and real sector. for business practice,” Namaz- diversifying and supporting the smart industry. Kazakh e-business Speakers will make recommen- tor, best IT manager in the corpo- bayev said. “By supporting Olzha non-resource sector, balancing the issues will be presented by SAT & dations as to how to promote com- rate sector, best IT manager in law Director of Russia’s Third Freight to acquire new wagons and a loco- state and market’s economic roles, Company Board Chairman Kenes panies in a smart environment and enforcement bodies, best blogger Company Yevgeny Scherbakov motive, the bank directly contrib- and promoting low-carbon growth Rakishev, famous for his role in how to effectively sell products at and best startup were also present- discussed the wide range of possi- utes towards increasing share of and energy efficiency. Mobli and other domestic and in- home. They will also share their ed then. bilities for cooperation between the business communities of the East Kazakhstan region and Russia’s Altai region in an interview with the Central Communications Ser- vice (CCS). “As we know, railways National Oil Company have always been considered an in- dicator of industrial development. During Soviet times, people used Enhances Russian, to say that railways are the arteries of industry and economy. There- fore, it is safe to say that there are Kazakh Cooperation great opportunities for export and import. This is an indicator of how By Zhubanysh Baygurinov ganisation employs more than 600 Kazakhstan and the East Kazakh- specialists. stan region, Russia and the Altai re- REGION – KazakhOil Two years ago, under a State Pro- gion that we represent, closely co- Aktobe is an example of beneficial gramme of Accelerated Industrial cooperation between oil production operation with each other,” he said. and Innovative Development (SPAI- specialists from Kazakhstan and ID), the company implemented one Russia. Businessmen in the East Ka- of its major projects, a new, modern The company was founded by gas-processing complex with ad- zakhstan region plan to open trade state-owned KazMunayGas and vanced technology that meets inter- centres in Russia’s Altai Territory Caspian Investments Resources, a national environmental safety stand- and launch production lines ori- Lukoil Overseas and Sinopec joint ards. ented at them, Akim (Governor) venture. KazakhOil Aktobe has More than $270 million was in- of the region Berdybek Sapar- been involved in the development vested in the construction of the bayev reported during an April 17 of the Alibekmola and Kozhasai facility and more than one hundred Central Communications Service oil and gas fields since 1999. In new jobs were created. The plant (CCS) media briefing. “Now, we 2004, the company produced its can produce 420 million cubic me- have opened a poultry process- first million tonnes of black gold tres of gas per year, 57,000 tonnes of ing plant in Ust-Kamenogorsk, and last year reached its jubilee liquid gas, 320 million cubic metres one of the first among the CIS goal of 10 million tonnes of crude of commercial dry gas and 10,000 [Commonwealth of Indepenedent oil. tonnes of granulated sulphur. States] countries. Seventy types of KazakhOil Aktobe is one of the According to experts, the new products are made from one kilo- largest companies in the region’s oil plant will maximise the company’s gramme of meat. The plant intends sector and is viewed as a responsible petroleum production. As a result, to open a factory in the Altai Ter- social and corporate partner. The ba- harmful emissions will be reduced ritory. We also recently agreed to sis of this success is the company’s and the environmental situation in open a trade centre in Barnaul to high growth rates in hydrocarbon Kazakhstan’s oil-producing regions sell products from the East Ka- production, its professionalism, will improve. In addition, the plant zakhstan region,” Saparbayev advanced technology and the com- will accommodate a large share of said. “We analyse and compare petency of its staff. Today, the or- the demand for inexpensive blue fuel. the quality and prices of products. Several days ago, we held Days of East Kazakhstan in Barnaul [the capital of the Altai Territory]. We organised a fair there and sold food products. We sold meat for 1,000 tenge [US$5.50] and their usual price, converting rubles to tenge, is about 1,500-1,700 [US$8.23-9.33] per kilogramme. The situation is the same regarding dairy products. Thus, we have some businessmen in the region who would like to open trade centres there and sell our products,” he said. A6 EDITORIAL&opinionS

Wednesday, april 23, 2014 Ethnic Harmony Regulation, Trade and the Voice of and Multi-Vector Business in the Coming Eurasian Foreign Policy Key Economic Union By Olga Kazantseva tant is positioning the integration closer to the people through them. association in foreign markets. MOSCOW – The countries of What are the priorities in this for- Another important question re- to Kazakhstan’s the Customs Union are preparing mat? lated to the operation of business is to enter a new stage of integration: We conduct a common trade pol- the desire to put in order national the presidents of Belarus, Kazakh- icy in relation to third countries. It statistical information systems, to stan and Russia have declared that is clear that together it is easier to make them more transparent and Stability, the Eurasian Economic Union must get better terms in trade with major reliable. How important is this to be formed by Jan. 1, 2015. Minister international players. We see that the functioning of the Common of Trade of the Eurasian Economic many foreign trading partners are Economic Space market? Commission Andrey Slepnev re- interested in our market; they seek It is necessary to provide busi- Development cently discussed the factors that will cooperation and offer trade agree- nesses access to international trade n April 18, the 21st session of the Assembly of the lead to integration success and the ments... statistics. Businesses must respond People of Kazakhstan chaired by President Nursultan problems of the transition period. quickly to any problematic chang- Nazarbayev took place in Astana. A fresh example is Israel… es that do harm or cause damage, The theme of the session was “Strategy “Ka- Economic integration is the Not only this country. Recently, through preparing statements on zakhstan 2050: the culture of peace, spirituality and foundation of Eurasian integra- we decided to form a group for the measures to protect the market. harmony.”O The session was attended by members of the Assembly, tion. Motivating its expediency, Andrey Slepnev study of free trade with India; we are Today, when we are limited in members of the government and the Kazakh Parliament, heads of experts point out that by creating holding talks with Vietnam, New changing duties by WTO obliga- political parties, religious groups, representatives of science and a single market, Belarus, Kazakh- nected with the transit potential of Zealand and a number of European tions, the only opportunity to re- academia, media and foreign guests. stan and Russia will protect their the country as a key area of the New states. In total, about 30 countries spond to adverse changes in the The key message of the opening speech by the President was on national economies from the risks Silk Road from China to Europe. and organisations have expressed market is protective measures. the stability and unity of Kazakhstan’s society. The harmonious and shocks of global financial and With the intensification of trade, the interest in enhancing relations with development of a multi-ethnic Kazakhstan is the essential factor in economic turmoil and achieve sus- sphere of transport is expanding, the CU. The scale of the CU allows The first day of January 2015 achieving the developmental goals set forth in Strategy 2050. tainability through the orientation as well as the scope of services for the creation of the best conditions will be the starting point of the of their production to the needs of Indeed, we witness how wise and deft management of a multi- traffic flows. And this is a signifi- for trade and the effective protec- Eurasian Economic Union, which the large market of the Customs cant segment of the economy. cultural society that provides equality before the law, freedom of tion of our interests. means a qualitatively new level of Union. Is this thesis confirmed by Thus, today we can see a lot of integration and the free movement religions and languages, plays a crucial role in social stability that specific arguments, the dynamics practical examples that the mar- At the recent meeting of the dia- of goods, services, capital and la- translates into sustainable economic development. President Naz- of trade turnover and other indica- ket of the CU is becoming a pri- logue platform with representa- bour in the common market. Are arbayev reiterated during the session that there are no preferences tors of economic activity? ority for productions organised in tives of the business communities we ready for the new quality of in Kazakh law based on ethnic, religious or national characteristics. Initially, the idea of economic in- Kazakhstan. Of course, there are of the Customs Union, you talked relations? All people of Kazakhstan are equal before the law. tegration was based on the fact that goods with falling trade volumes. about the new format of interac- The work in this area is quite In Kazakhstan, representatives of multiple nationalities live we are creating a broader and more First among these are groups of raw tion, implying closer cooperation active. But it is hardly possible to together and have equal access to all social services. Kazakhstan’s representative and attractive mar- products. But this trend is impacted with business associations in deci- say today that the creation of the multi-ethnic society has a long history: during Soviet times, repre- ket. Its capacity today exceeds 170 by global trends. It’s not a tragedy; sion-making. What is the expected Eurasian Economic Union will im- sentatives of various nationalities, including , Ukrainians, million consumers. And of course, on the contrary, there has been a effect of this interaction? mediately imply a sharp surge in Germans, Turkish and , under different circumstances the sustainability and functioning positive trend of growth in deliver- Our goal is to reduce the distance integration. We are not so long past moved to Kazakhstan. In his speech, President Nazarbayev focused of the laws of such a big market are ies from Kazakhstan of processed from the initiative to the decision. the date of formation of the Com- on Kazakhstan’s path toward its multinational society: from the past quite different from those of local products on the background of cri- It takes a lot of coordination with- mon Economic Space. We also still when different nationalities were initially united under the pres- markets. sis processes in world trade. All this in the governments and between haven’t fully used the potential of sures of World War II and later while implementing the grandiose What is the difference? First of suggests that we chose the correct governments. Therefore, all initia- the CES and its programmes. plans of the Soviet economy. At present, Kazakhstan’s people not all, these scales are attractive for course. tives must be discussed in a timely The new phase, of course, will be only strengthen inter-ethnic dialogue, but also learn how to benefit organising the overall production fashion with the involvement of all associated with the identification of from the richness of the country’s vast variety of national customs, of various goods: cars, appliances, However, despite all the benefits necessary specialists, agencies and new challenges and prospects for literature and traditions. In near future, the President called for ad- computers and so on. And this in of the common market, we cannot parties. the next 5-7 years. Now, we are ac- ditional measures to strengthen the Kazakh model of tolerance and turn means new jobs, investments, deny the obvious thing: the process For example, we raise the issue tively working with candidate coun- education and quite different re- harmony. He said the Assembly needs to support the work of ethnic of regulation and development of of customs duties. They’re good for tries Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, and quirements of the workforce in common rules of the game and we hope that during the current year and cultural groups and Kazakhstan’s culture as a whole. those who are engaged in produc- terms of its competence. Thus, we their observance is hugely compli- tion and bad for buyers of imports. the issue of the integration associa- Sadly, recent events in Ukraine, which, according to the Presi- have a wider palette of possibilities cated. And the supranational body, Therefore, it is very important to tion’s expansion will be decided. dent, “could not be heard of without pain in the soul,” display in terms of human capital than those the Eurasian Economic Commis- look for a compromise. Usually, it Actually, we will reach agree- how inter-ethnic discord may not only be detrimental to develop- offered by local markets, which sion, must neutralise the contra- can be found through the size of the ment on further liberalisation and ment, but bring grief to many Ukrainian families and threaten the have to become highly specialised dictions and conflicts of interests duty or specification, through selec- formation of single markets in a country’s future. According to the President, inter-ethnic relations, in the production of a small seg- of the parties. tion of individual products, localisa- number of sensitive sectors, first of civil equality and language policies cannot be a matter of political ment of goods and services. That’s That’s right. We should under- tion of the issue and so on. But, for all services and capital. This will games. One cannot ignore these values or use them in a struggle why the combined market of the stand that through integration, we that, those who initiate the request give additional capabilities to the for power. “Everyone must understand that there is a thin line that Customs Union has great potential. not only increase market volumes, and those who have a direct interest single market for energy to transit, separates chauvinism and nationalism from outright neo-fascism,” Now we see concrete positive but also improve regulation. We in the business should participate in which is important for Kazakhstan, President Nazarbayev said. effects, especially in Kazakhstan, are uniting on the basis of jointly the discussion of these regulatory in particular transport infrastruc- The unity of Kazakhstan’s society is a key factor in the imple- which today is actively involved in developed rules, which in turn are decisions. ture. Many sectors will be drawn mentation of Strategy 2050, while at the same time the strengthen- the processes of development with- formed from the best practices of We are sure that business asso- together in the regulation in order ing of peace and unity is the key outcome of the implementation of in the Common Economic Space. each country. By the way, many Ka- ciations of the CU are sufficiently to better use the opportunities of the the developmental plan. Turnover statistics illustrate such zakh developments in this sense are representative and able to provide common market. As all countries’ domestic and foreign policies are closely inter- positive effects. Last year, for ex- taken as the basis, for instance, as impartial and comprehensive solu- No less important is the insti- twined, Kazakhstan’s domestic multi-ethnicity goes hand-in-hand ample, the export volume of certain it was within the framework of the tions to these issues. So, we decided tutionalisation of our integration with its multi-vector foreign policy. In his speech at the session, the types of machinery and equipment Customs Code’s formation. to involve them in the activities of association, which will allow full President reiterated that Russia, Central Asian countries and China from Kazakhstan to the CU coun- In my opinion, a very important advisory committees. participation in world affairs and are neighbours of Kazakhstan; this is why Kazakhstan will always tries increased considerably: ma- effect of integration is the fact that the active assertion of common in- chinery and lifting devices by 4.8 terests. maintain amiable relations with those countries. this process contributes to the qual- Will businessmen have a real times, refrigerators and freezers by ity control of our common market. voice? All this work indicates substan- The recent meetings at the Nuclear Security Summit in the Hague 4.5 times, rolling machines by 5.5 Sometimes, we withdraw certain Certainly they will. We pursue a tial qualitative progress. Actually, it allowed Kazakhstan to advance bilateral relations and discuss press- times and land transportation means questions from the agenda and re- democratic approach to discussing is a logical conclusion of the inte- ing issues on the international agenda, including the situation in and by 2.6 times. turn to experts for revision, but on the issues, especially as the voice gration cycle, which began in 2009 around Ukraine. Last year 1,200 trucks were de- the fundamental decisions we usu- of business in such things is always when the CU and the CES were As the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Erlan Idrissov, wrote livered to Russia from Kazakhstan, ally reach a consensus. authoritative. Entrepreneurs pro- formed. Now, the integration expe- recently , in the Hague “global leaders both appreciated Kazakh- which is nine times higher than the We deeply analyse the conse- vide our citizens with jobs; they are rience will be formalised in the full- stan’s balanced position in the current complicated and contentious figure from 2012. Mostly, these are quences of this or that decision for close to people. And we try to get fledged union. circumstances and sought advice from the Kazakh leader given his new trucks with a capacity of 20 each of the national economies and vast experience in international politics and the respect he enjoys tonnes. Such dynamics are the result try to take into consideration the in- from all sides.” of investment projects implemented terests of all parties. Regardless of According to the foreign minister, “Recent foreign policy devel- in collaboration with global compa- the size of a particular economy, the opments, including top-level meetings and visits, have once again nies and with companies-partners voice of each side in our commis- demonstrated the critical importance of Kazakhstan’s multi-vector from CU countries. sion is equal. foreign policy. Remaining true to the fundamental principles and In 2015, a car factory in the East Working on the Treaty of the Eur- values of this well-established doctrine is the only viable option for Kazakhstan region with a capacity asian Economic Union, we certainly a country such as ours.” of 120,000 vehicles a year will be take into account the need to create Kazakhstan has maintained peace and harmony in a society that put into operation. Its production is new jobs that appear in the develop- brings together more than 100 ethnic groups and almost 20 reli- oriented primarily to the market of ment of productions and the need to gions. It has built up and maintained mutually beneficial relations the Customs Union. This project is use other possibilities of the unified with all countries, both near and far. And it has managed to reform implemented jointly by the Renault, labour market. Particular attention its economy by and large and ensure the sustainable growth of the Nissan and AvtoVAZ companies. is paid to additional guarantees for Kazakh exports of foodstuffs social security and pensions and to living standards for its population. and raw materials to the countries the free movement of workers. This This has been Kazakhstan’s recipe for success in the first 22 years of the CU grew by 2.1 times in the is very important because new op- of its independence. Policy directions coming from the country’s past year. Exports of wheat flour portunities for jobs associated with leaders indicate they intend to stay true to such a course. While grew almost 10 times and a steady the movement of the labour force there are numerous voices in the society openly challenging the growth, 19 percent, was observed in will appear, and in this sense it is wisdom of such policies, and proposing, for example, to draw down exported volume of chocolate prod- natural that people will plan their the level of cooperation with Russia, the overwhelming majority ucts in 2013. career trajectory. of the people in Kazakhstan seems to be firmly supportive of this The common market opens com- course of actions and policies, though. And it woud be only wise for pletely different opportunities in the The intensification of trade and them, and, in fact, for all of Kazakhstan’s foreign partners, to sup- service sector. If we speak about economic ties within the CU is just port it firmly, too, as this would benefit all. Kazakhstan, it is primarily con- one side of the coin. No less impor-

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Wednesday, april 23, 2014 Defining the Labour Market to Ensure Social Protection for All By Alikhan Smailov spondents’ answers, the economic but on the basis of intra-profit dis- agriculture, 674,900 or 26 percent The main aim is to assess the activity of the population is clas- tribution. in the retail sector and 599,100 or structure of the self-employed About 8.6 million people or 68 sified as employed (wage workers Members of a cooperative are 21.5 percent in providing various population and to determine the percent of the population aged 15 or self-employed), unemployed persons who are members of a la- public services, including transport, categories of persons to be engaged and older were employed in vari- or economically inactive, corre- bour cooperative engaged in entre- medical, educational or other ser- in productive employment, includ- ous areas of the domestic economy sponding to the basic principles and preneurial activity. vices. ing through the mechanisms of the in 2013. Compared to the previ- guidelines of the United Nations In Kazakhstan, the sample survey Results of the survey show that Employment Road Map 2020 pro- ous year, this was an increase of regarding economic characteristics of employment in the fourth quar- on average, one self-employed per- gramme, as well as to plan further 63.5 thousand people (0.7 percent). of populations and the International ter of 2013 showed that the number son works 35 hours a week, while steps for their formalisation and More than half of the employed, 4.4 classification of employment status. of self-employed was 2.6 million in 2010 this was 31 hours. Only 0.4 involvement in pension and social million were men; 48.8 percent, 4.2 Who are self-employed? Accord- (30.3 percent of total employment), percent of all self-employed people security schemes. million, were women. ing to the International classifica- including 160,700 employers, 2.4 work five hours or less. According to the new method- The number of hired workers in tion of employment status (ICSE million self-employed, 32,200 It should be noted that the share ology, the self-employed popu- 2013 was 6 million, or 69.4 percent 1993), employed workers are di- workers in family businesses and of self-employed of all employed lation in Kazakhstan is divided of the total number of people em- vided into wage (paid) workers and 14,800 members of cooperatives. people in developed countries is into two groups: the productively ployed in the economy. Compared self-employed. Independent workers account for about 12-14 percent. For example, employed and the unproductively with 2012, this was an increase of country. The surveys engage about Wage workers are those who are the lion’s share of self-employed in France it is 11.0 percent; in Ger- employed. 136,000 people (2.3 percent). The 75,000 people aged 15 and older. working under a contract of employ- (92 percent). Independent work- many, 11.6 percent and in the U.K., The main criterion is the level of number of self-employed among The methodology used by the ment (written or oral) providing for ers are those who work alone or 14.6 percent. In the Czech Repub- monthly income received from the the total number of employed was agency to determine the main indi- payment in the form of remuneration with one or more partners, are en- lic it is 18.5 percent; in Italy, 25.1 production of goods, works and 2.6 million or 30.6 percent. Of cators of the labour market, includ- (salary). Self-employed people are gaged in activities on the basis of percent; in , 28.2 percent and services. The level of monthly in- them, the share of productively ing the number of self-employed divided into the following groups: self-employment and do not hire Turkey, 37.1 percent. come is correlated with the subsist- employed people was 61.4 percent; and unemployed people, complies employers, own-account workers, permanent workers. About 63.3 In 2013, in accordance with the ence level formed in each region of unproductive employees made up with guidelines for the use of key unpaid family workers and members percent of the self-employed work instructions of the head of state for Kazakhstan. 38.6 percent. indicators of the labour market de- of cooperatives. on an individual basis (registered the government in the programme In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Currently, to collect data on em- veloped by the ILO. The methodo- Employers include persons en- or unregistered individual entrepre- article, “Social Modernisation of Ka- share of productive employment in ployment and unemployment, most logical approaches used to classify gaged in entrepreneurial activity neurs); 36.7 percent are involved in zakhstan: Twenty Steps to a Society the total number of self-employed countries conduct sample surveys a particular person as employed or in any form of economic activity production, both for their own con- of Universal Labour,” Kazakhstan’s was 64.5 percent and the proportion of the labour market, which meas- unemployed are used in statistical and using the hired labour of one sumption and for sale. According National Statistics Agency, in coop- of unproductive employees was ure the economic activity of the practice in most countries, which or more employees on a continuous to the employment survey, in the eration with the Ministry of Labour 35.5 percent. employed, unemployed and eco- allows them to obtain internation- basis. fourth quarter of 2013, more than and Social Protection, Ministry of More information on this topic is nomically inactive persons in ac- ally comparable labour market in- Independent workers are persons half (52.4 percent) of independent Economy and Budget Planning, available in the public domain on cordance with the criteria of the dicators. who carry out any kind of econom- workers received income from the Ministry of Regional Development the National Statistics Agency web- International Labour Organisation The population survey is carried ic activity and do not hire perma- sale of products manufactured at and Ministry of Agriculture, ap- site, http://www.stat.gov.kz. (ILO). out through employment question- nent employees. their own business. proved a new methodology to deter- In Kazakhstan, employment sur- naires of the sample survey, com- Unpaid family workers are em- Most of the self-employed, 1.36 mine the number of self-employed, The author is chairman of Na- veys have been conducted quarterly piled on the principle of a logical ployees of family firms that receive million or 52.5 percent, are in- their monthly incomes and the un- tional Statistics Agency of Ka- since 2001 in all regions of the sequence of questions. Based on re- rewards not in the form of wages volved in independent activity in employed population in the country. zakhstan. 20th Anniversary of Freedom and Democracy in South Africa • Our average annual economic that used electricity for lighting universities increased with 12% stronger every year. Toward the By Shirish Soni growth between 1994 and 2012 was increased from 58.2% in 1996 to during the last 5 years; end of 2013, Kazakhstan opened 3.2%; 84.7% in 2011, and households • Student enrolment numbers into its Embassy in South Africa. It is On 27 April 1994, South Africa • The gross domestic product that used electricity for cooking in- further Education and Training col- also anticipated that at least three cast aside centuries of discrimina- has grown to more than 3,5 trillion creased from 47.5% to 73.9% over leges increased with 90% during the agreements/MoUs will be signed tion and oppression to form a new rands; the same period. last 5 years; and between the two countries this year, society built on the foundation of • 3.7 million work opportunities Quality of life also continued to • The National Student Financial one on the reciprocal exemption freedom and democracy. It marked were created since 2009; improve. The overall life expectan- Aid Scheme increased its budget of visa requirements for holders of the end of apartheid rule and an in- • The time it will take to start a cy of South Africans improved sig- with R9 billion during the past 5 diplomatic and official/service pass- troduction of a new Constitutional mine from application to final ap- nificantly between 2009 and 2011 to years. ports, an agreement on trade and order, wherein all work towards provals was brought to under 300 62 years. Improving our healthcare On the international arena only economic cooperation and a memo- a united, non-racial, non-sexist, days; services delivered impressive re- during the past couple of years, randum of understanding between democratic and prosperous society • Mining’s contribution to our tax sults : South Africa experienced the fol- KazMunayGas and PetroSA. based on justice, equality, the rule revenue came to 20 billion rands • 300 new health care facilities lowing successes : By our own standards we declare of law and the inalienable human during the past 5 years; were built since 2009; • South Africa served as a non- that this is not good enough, that we rights of all. Our national symbols, dom and democracy were achieved, • 700 km of pipeline move 4 bil- • 160 new clinics were built dur- permanent member of the United must not rest until all people can our flag and our anthem are synony- the progress we have made during lion cubic litres of fuels a year from ing the same time and 10 hospitals Nations Security Council during claim a better life. While celebrat- mous with the shared values and the the past 20 years, and how South Durban to Gauteng; were built or refurbished; 2011-2012 for the second time (the ing our achievements, we must also unity of our nation. A national iden- Africans are going to work together • During 1993, South Africa • The tide is turning in the fight first time was during 2007-2008); look forward to the next 20 years. tity has emerged built on a respect to implement Vision 2030, our Na- counted 3 million foreign visitors; against HIV and AIDS. By March • The 2010 FIFA Soccer World At the centre of our democracy and for each other and our love for the tional Development Plan (NDP). during 2012, South Africa received 2012, more than 20.2 million people Cup was hosted by South Africa, freedom is our Constitution, it en- country that we all call home. We cannot afford to forget that our 13 million foreign visitors; had undergone testing since the HIV the first on African soil; shrines the rights of every South Af- However, we must never forget democratic birth was rightly hailed • Investment in public infra- Counselling and Testing campaign • During 2011 South Africa in- rican and explains our obligations as that our road to democracy was not as a miracle. Doomsayers and those structure development since 2009 started in April 2010; fused new life into the climate citizens to each other and the coun- easy and was achieved because of the who wanted us to fail had predicted amounted to 1 trillion rands; and • A revolutionary “one-tablet- change negotiations when we host- try within those rights. Our rights, as unyielding sacrifice of thousands of chaos and civil war. However, none • 37 000 km fibre-optic cable was a-day” treatment for people liv- ed COP17/CMP7; enshrined in the Constitution come patriots. During apartheid behaviour of these things came to pass and the laid by the private and public sec- ing with HIV was also recently • In May 2012, South Africa suc- with responsibilities. It is our collec- which is considered normal in a free values of democracy and freedom tors since 2009. launched. cessfully hosted the Global African tive responsibility to actively partici- society was criminalised. There was of our birth still endure today. Improvements made in the roll- Relentless efforts to improve the Diaspora Summit, an event of his- pate in building our country towards no freedom of speech, no freedom of South Africa abandoned its out of basic services and amenities quality of education are also ongo- toric significance in the relations be- reaching the country’s Vision 2030 association or movement. Apartheid shameful past and has stead- include, among others: ing : tween Africa and its Diaspora; as set out in the National Develop- intended to strip away every ounce of ily moved towards building a new • 3 million housing units were de- • 370 new schools replaced mud • South Africa hosted the historic ment Plan (NDP). The NDP is our dignity and humanity of black people culture based on respect of human livered since 1994; schools and other unsuitable struc- BRICS Summit in March 2013 – roadmap, our 2030 plan. The plan but did not succeed. Our freedom rights and dignity. • 500 informal settlements were tures since 2009; the first on African soil – whose key outlines the type of society we are was not free, it came about thanks to Compared to the times before replaced with quality housing and • 700 000 children attended Grade outcomes, the Ethekwini Action striving for in 2030, where no one the role of ordinary South Africans 1994, we can now proudly pro- basic services since 2009; R (pre-primary year) between 2003 Plan, is being implemented under is hungry, where everyone is able to who struggled against apartheid, of- claim that millions of people now • The number of households that and 2011; our Chairmanship to the satisfaction go to school and further their stud- ten at great personal cost. have water, electricity, sanitation had access to piped water increased • 9 million learners are currently of our BRICS partners (Brazil, Rus- ies if they so wish, where work is The year 2014 presents an oppor- and housing. The Census 2011 fig- from 80.3% in 1996 to 91.2% in on the government’s nutrition pro- sia, India, China and South Africa); available, where everyone is making tunity for the people of South Af- ures paint a picture of a country 2011; gramme; and a contribution because each person rica, the continent and the rest of the that has increased income levels, • The proportion of households • 8 million children do not pay • South Africa is also currently has been provided with what they world to join us in celebrating the an improvement in the roll-out of that have flush toilets connected to school fees; the co-chair of the Forum on China need to reach their full potential. South African story. And the South basic services and amenities and in- the sewage system have consist- • During 2013 we had a 73% pass Africa Cooperation, which will host African story is a good story to tell. creased levels of education. ently increased to 57% in 2011 from rate in Grade 12 compared to 61% the Summit in 2015. The author is the ambassador These celebrations offer us an Growing the economy and creat- 50% in 2001; in 2009; South African - Kazakhstan bi- of the Republic of South Africa to occasion to reflect on how our free- ing jobs : • The number of households • Student enrolment numbers into lateral relations are also becoming the Republic of Kazakhstan. Training Young Professionals to Harness Future Energy By Nurlan Tokmoldin tively before traditional resources ure is 2.5 terawatt/hours per year, Problems of efficient conversion purifying silicon – the base mate- the Institute. Heterojunction sili- disappear. but that differs significantly from of solar energy into electricity, rial for solar energy and electron- con solar cells, also known as HIT The theme of EXPO 2017 – Fu- Renewable energy sources in- the annual arrival of solar radia- heat and chemical energy of hy- ics – by metallurgical methods. cells, reach 25 percent efficiency ture Energy – is relevant as never clude wind, solar and hydro (riv- tion on the territory of the coun- drogen gas, as well as its storage Metallurgy-based technologies de- of solar energy-to-electricity con- before. Providing humanity with ers, seas and oceans) energy, ther- try, which is no less than 2 million and management, are studied at the veloped in the Institute allow not version, which is 1.5 times higher clean, safe and efficient sources mal energy of the Earth and the terawatt hours per year. In other Institute of Physics and Technol- only for the production of purified than the efficiency of standard sili- of energy is one of the most press- energy stored in biological mass. words, if we cover the entire terri- ogy of the “Parasat” National Sci- silicon from sand and quartzite, con solar cells. ing global problems, which inter- Their potential is different. The tory of Kazakhstan with solar cells ence and Technology Holding in but also of special silicon alloys, To continue our research and sects with the task of preserving largest amounts of energy acces- with an efficiency of 10 percent, cooperation with research centres from which one can obtain a gase- develop and improve existing the ecological balance. One can sible for conversion into work are the obtained amount of energy in the United States, Germany, the ous compound of silicon and hy- technologies, the Institute aims at argue about the scale of impact of contained in rivers, biomass, wind (with a large surplus) will meet the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan. drogen known as silane. The latter employing and training young pro- human activities on such environ- and sunlight. However, it is the en- energy needs of the planet. The research is aimed at creating is one of the most common materi- fessionals from leading technical mental problems as global warm- ergy of the sun where wind, water, The main drawback related to complete production cycles, from als for semiconductor electronics, universities of Almaty. We hope ing, but the fact that traditional, plants and animals ultimately de- solar energy is that there is no sun raw materials in the form of sand but its handling requires special they will help us bring R&D activi- non-renewable sources of energy rive their energy from. at night when it is required, for ex- and quartzite to finished solar cells precautions. The Institute, together ties at the Institute of Physics and in the form of oil, gas and coal will For Kazakhstan, with its vast ter- ample, for lighting. This requires and modules, from hydrogen pro- with the Siemens company, is cur- Technology to a higher level and run out in the foreseeable future ritory, low population density, abun- either finding a renewable energy duction by water photo-electroly- rently working on building of a contribute to the creation of high- remains undeniable. Protecting dance of sunshine and relatively source that remains available at sis to its storage within specially technology line for silane produc- tech green industries in our country. us from this outcome will require small number of rivers, solar energy, night or finding effective meth- designed polymeric materials and tion from this alloy. The ultimate finding new sources of energy. To along with the wind, can become the ods of energy collection, storage, efficient burning in fuel cells to objective for this project is to cre- The author holds a PhD from maintain the ecological and eco- basis of renewable energy sector. transfer and use. One of the prom- generate electricity. ate a research line for the produc- Imperial College London and is nomic balance, these new sources Existing estimates of the poten- ising ways to solve the latter prob- One of the fundamental technol- tion of heterojunction silicon solar Head of Gorelkinsky Laborato- must be renewable and humanity tial of solar energy in Kazakhstan lem is the development of hydro- ogies being developed at the Insti- cells based on the purified crystal- ry at the Institute of Physics and must learn how to use them effec- are ambiguous. The most cited fig- gen economy. tute over the years is obtaining and line silicon and silane obtained at Technology, Almaty. A8 eurasia&world

Wednesday, april 23, 2014 Astana, London Sign PM Massimov Visits Russia, Agreements on Cargo Discusses Draft Treaty on Transit from Afghanistan, Eurasian Economic Union Continued from Page A1 As British Minister Visits to “Throughout the negotiation process we were acting on the basic principle … of meeting eco- nomic interests of the participating Advance Wider Relations countries,” he stressed. In his turn, Medvedev welcomed Massimov and his new govern- ment and expressed his and his Belarussian counterpart’s shared desire to work together. “We wish all of you, and Mr. Massimov per- sonally, success in reaching Ka- zakhstan’s national goals,” Med- vedev said. During the meeting Medvedev noted the prompt organisation of the meeting of CES prime minis- ters in Moscow to discuss current issues, including a draft treaty on Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov (l) and Prime Minister of the Eurasian Economic Union. Russia Dmitry Medvedev discuss directions for deepening Eurasian economic “Our countries are moving to- integration. wards the formation of this union. We’ve formed a common cus- the context of the CES, this rep- The formation of the future Eur- toms territory and introduced CES resents real competition between asian Economic Union provides framework agreements. A substan- jurisdictions, which was our goal,” for the establishment of the free- tial number of our national powers he added. dom of capital flow and freedom have been transferred to our part- Massimov also held bilateral of the movement of labour, servic- ners from the organisation’s supra- meeting with Medvedev as they es, and goods which is expected to national body, the Eurasian Eco- discussed further development of give further impetus to the devel- nomic Commission, something we Kazakh-Russian cooperation and opment of key industries in three are still getting used to. Now we further interaction within the Cus- countries. are proceeding to an even higher toms Union and CES. According to experts, member level of integration,” Medvedev The officials praised the level nations of the Eurasian Economic said in his opening remarks. of bilateral cooperation and re- Community, the precursor to the “Our cooperation in this trilat- affirmed the interest of the two Customs Union and the Com- eral format has produced concrete countries in further deepening ties mon Economic Space, have made Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov (r) welcomes Britain’s Senior Minister of State for Foreign and results, such as fewer trade barri- across the spectrum of inter-state considerable headway in integra- Commonwealth Affairs Baroness Sayeeda Warsi for their meeting in Astana. ers, which can partially make up relations. tion, which would open up great for the reduction of external de- Meanwhile, talks on the acces- Continued from Page A1 man Kairat Kelimbetov on April ognise and we don’t underestimate opportunities, as well as improve mand and alleviate some of the 14 focused on the issue of Islamic it. And not just in relation to trade sion of Armenia and Kyrgyzstan the investment climate in member consequences of the financial cri- “This is the end of a chapter, not financing. “Britain has just an- links, but internationally… [given] to the Customs Union continue. states. sis,” he continued. the end of a book… Our main pri- nounced its intention to issue a the relationship with Iran, the rela- These countries have done much Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan ority is to see Afghanistan achieve sovereign sukuk which is a big tionship with Afghanistan, the re- Talking about trade turnover to become fully-fledged partici- are founding members of the Cus- success as a peaceful and stable moment for us. And we host the lationship now in terms of what’s within the Customs Union last pants in the integration process toms Union, which is the basis for nation.” Global Islamic Finance Invest- happening in Ukraine… It is such year, Medvedev said it exceeded Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus the upcoming EEU. According to the Kazakh foreign ment Group of which Kazakhstan an important regional player.” $64 billion, which he called an im- have been developing. President Nazarbayev first men- ministry, in addition to Afghani- is a member. So I think there’s lots Noting Kazakhstan’s past chair- pressive figure. He also mentioned As for the treaty, it should be tioned the concept of a Eurasian stan, Idrissov and Warsi covered of new avenues that we’re explor- manships in the Organisation of that the institutional changes are ready for signing by President Union during his speech at Lomon- a wide range of issues on the bi- ing,” Warsi explained. Islamic Cooperation and the Or- no less important. Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakh- osov in lateral and international agendas in During their talks, Idrissov and ganisation for Security and Coop- “The terms of the CES have stan, Russian President Vladimir March 1994 when he envisaged it their talks. The two officials noted Warsi also discussed further im- eration in Europe, Baroness Warsi given businesses the opportunity Putin and President Aleksandr Lu- as a mutually beneficial union of the dynamic development of bilat- provement of the visa regime and said “Kazakhstan is increasingly to locate in places where there are kashenko of Belarus in Astana in mutually respectful partners. eral relations after the visit by Brit- facilitating the process of obtain- playing its role as a serious inter- fewer administrative barriers and May and, prior to that, the three The treaty on the establishment ish Prime Minister David Cameron ing a British visa for Kazakhstan national player and that’s why it’s it is easier to do business. At first presidents will meet in Minsk later of the Eurasian Economic Union to Kazakhstan in July 2013 and the citizens, as was agreed during important to have this strong rela- glance, this may not seem good for this month to finalise the docu- is due to come into force as of meeting between President Nur- David Cameron’s visit to Astana. tionship.” our national interests. However, in ment. Jan. 1, 2015. sultan Nazarbayev and the head of They also discussed prospects for As Minister for Faith and Com- the British government in London cooperation between Kazakhstan munities at the Department for the same month. and the United Kingdom in the le- Communities and Local Govern- “The relationship [between Brit- gal sphere, and Astana’s campaign ment, another of her jobs with a ain and Kazakhstan] has really be- for a non-permanent member seat domestic focus in Britain, Warsi come much, much deeper,” Warsi at the UN Security Council for also speaks up on issues of free- said in her interview. “The Prime 2017-18. dom of religion in her own country Minister’s visit was a highlight According to the Kazakh for- and discusses related issues with moment and I see it as one my big- eign ministry, Idrissov and Warsi her colleagues on foreign trips. gest achievements to ensure that also noted mutual interest in see- She said over time she, in a way, the visit happened. The frankness ing the resolution of the situation brought together the two jobs as of the conversation is now more in Ukraine through diplomacy, their missions are closely inter- apparent.” including through the timely and twined and her work in the Foreign During their meeting, Idrissov effective conduct of negotiations Office also includes the human and Warsi stressed the importance between the EU, Russia, Ukraine rights brief. of the work of an intergovernmen- and the United States in Geneva on “How we deal with minorities tal commission on trade, econom- April 17. in our own country reflects on us ic, scientific, technological and “We have consistently asked for internationally, and what we do cultural cooperation which con- the situation to be de-escalated, for internationally really has an im- sists of specialised working groups Russia to return to direct talks with pact on us locally,” Warsi said as and the Kazakh-British Trade and the Ukrainians to allow for these she added that she had a chance to Industry Council (KBTIC). The matters to be resolved face to face visit Astana’s famous Khazret Sul- next meetings within the commis- and we sinrecely hope that some tan mosque on one of her previ- sion are expected to take place progress can be made in Geneva ous four visits in four years. “I’ve during the Astana Economic Fo- on Thursday [April 17],” Warsi taken much of what we’ve done on rum in May and at the traditional said in that regard in her interview. freedom of religion domestically Kazakh business forum in London Warsi, who is on a regional tour and I’ve tried to use it as a way in October. and is set to also visit Uzbekistan of trying to work with other coun- Trade and economic cooperation on April 16, also discussed the tries on how they deal with issues is a key component of bilateral general view of Central Asia in around the freedom of religion and ties. According to Kazakhstan’s London. belief.” Customs Control Committee, “One of the things that were “I also think it’s important to mutual trade reached $2.1 billion important for me when I became speak up not just for your co-re- in 2013, including $1.5 billion in responsible for Central Asia was ligionists. And I do not feel that Kazakh exports and $0.6 billion in to understand the uniqueness of people should be held accountable imports. Britain is the third larg- each country,” she said. “It’s not for their co-religionists,” Warsi est investor in Kazakhstan, after just a bloc. Everyone has its own said as she explained her stance the Netherlands and the U.S. Ac- strengths and weaknesses, its own against religious profiling and her cording to the National Bank of challenges, and our relationship efforts to prevent sectarianism and Kazakhstan, the total amount of with each country is very unique religious discrimination interna- direct British investment in the and very different.” tionally. country from 2005 to September Asked if she would relate to a In Astana, the host city of the 2013 amounted to $10 billion. tongue-in-cheek term for Kazakh- triennial Congresses of Leaders of “The economic relationship has stan from several years ago of a World and Traditional Religions, hugely developed. The intergov- “misunderestimated stan,” Warsi Warsi was sure to find a sympa- ernmental commission is a testi- chuckled and said: “I think it’s thetic audience as she also met mony of that. Already, well over a misunderstood and it’s underesti- with the head of the secretariat of billion pounds worth of deals have mated. And part of my relationship the Congress, Speaker of the Sen- been done [thanks to the work of building was to make sure that it ate Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the commission] and further needs was understood better, and the po- chairman of the Agency for Reli- to be done,” Warsi said in the in- tential was brought to the fore. The gious Affairs Marat Azilkhanov. terview. Prime Minister’s highly successful She also met with Akim (Mayor) She also added that her meet- visit is testimony of the fact that it of Astana Imangali Tasmagambe- ing with National Bank Chair- is better understood and we do rec- tov. B Nation&Capital

Wednesday, april 23, 2014

People Culture Sports Kazakh Trained Ophthalmologist Meets Kostanai Regional Theatre Tours Golovkin Named Among Most Domestic Need B2 Astana B3 Entertaining Boxers B7 Young Shymkent Singer Honoured Astana Hosts Seminar in Russian Competition on Automating HR By Lyubov Dobrota Management Systems SHYMKENT – Young Kazakh singer Margarita Kin has won the the best aspects of similar pro- Bach’s Spring International Festi- By Alex Lee grammes from around the world. val Contest held in Magnitogorsk, The EU project drew interna- Russia. ASTANA – A seminar on auto- tional experts to the seminar, in- In two rounds of competi- mated human resource manage- cluding Sylvia Bronmans, chief tion, Kin performed the aria from ment systems in the public sector executive officer of the Dutch Bach’s oratorio “St. Matthew Pas- was held recently at the National government company P-Direkt, sion” and Adele’s couplets from Centre for Civil Service Person- who has experience in public the operetta “Die Fledermaus,” by nel Management. The seminar was sector personnel processes auto- Johann Strauss, winning over the supported by the Agency for Civil mation in the Netherlands. She jury headed by Luz Leskovitz, ar- Service Affairs of the Republic of spoke about the basic functions tistic director and conductor of the Kazakhstan and the European Un- and efforts of the P-Direkt sys- Salzburg Palace Concerts. Kin won ion-funded project “Civil Service tem, which is the most advanced in her category and was honoured Reform and Modernisation of the European model for centralising as one of the best performers in all Government of Kazakhstan”. generic functions of central gov- musical genres by the festival. In his welcoming speech, ernment bodies. This is Kin’s third major award Chairman of the Agency for Civil P-Direkt is a Dutch government in three years. Last year, the young Service Affairs of the Republic of agency that was designed to cen- singer won the national Dostar Kazakhstan Alikhan Baimenov tralize and standardise the human competition of young operetta noted that the introduction of up- resources processes of 10 minis- performers. The year before, she to-date personnel and informa- tries. Maximilian Foedinger, the took first place at the eighth Musi- tion technologies is a factor in key expert of the EU Project, also cal Garden Rübezahl International improving the quality of human covered issues on international Opera Festival in the Polish town resources management. There- practices regarding the automation of Karpacz. fore, it is planned to complete the of human resource management A graduate of the South Kazakh- e-kyzmet personnel management systems in the civil service. stan Music College and the Insti- integrated information system by tute of Culture, Kin for many years the end of 2015. It incorporates Continued on Page B8 Margarita Kin is involved in the ensemble of Russian folk instruments was honoured as one of the best performers in all has been working in the ensemble musical genres by Bach’s Spring International Festival Contest. of Russian folk instruments di- rected by Alexander Korotkov. She Several years ago, Kin took a se- a beautiful voice and amazing vo- of the Russian school of music plays several musical instruments, rious interest in singing. Her desire calisations, which she constantly is huge, but we should not focus including rare instruments like the to do everything in a professional develops and improves. I am glad narrowly on the Russian classics. ‘We Try to Seek small domra (a traditional Russian manner led her to the vocal depart- that we have a festival like Bach’s Bach’s music is a world language and Ukrainian string instrument) ment of a conservatory. Spring in Russia. It is necessary that unites peoples and countries,” and mandolin. “Her success is natural. She has for cultural balance. The potential Korotkov said. Win-Win Results,’

is planned to have at least 1,500 students enrolled in three-year pro- Chair of Sports Press grammes in English and to upgrade World Class Colleges to Focus qualifications in the most popular specialist disciplines. Association Says “As the focus of the college is to ensure access to education for By Rufiya Ospanova What are the main objectives of on Six Strategic Sectors young people from all over Ka- SPAK? ASTANA – In autumn 2013, said Talgat Dairov, deputy chair- oped jointly with strategic partners zakhstan, we project up to 60 per- My colleagues at SPAK support- Ilyas Omarov, a diplomat with By Jan Furst man of Kasipkor. of Kasipkor. Having studied the cent of available spaces will be ed me when I offered to work under “The profile of each school is de- theory, students will conduct practi- filled by rural youth young students more than 20 years of experi- the motto called “sports diplomacy.” ASTANA – A network of col- veloped together with international cal training on simulator platforms from poor families and orphans,” ence became a chair of the Sports There is such a concept as a win-win leges featuring finely tuned spe- consultants and reflects the needs in colleges. Platforms are similar to Dairov explained. Press Association of Kazakhstan partnership in diplomacy. The inter- cialisations, including tourism of the economy for deficit labour real production sites used in enter- About 40,000 square metres will (SPAK). For nearly nine years he national initiatives of Kazakhstan and hospitality, construction and niches. prises today. Students will undergo be allocated for the construction of worked as a press secretary of the are known as the ones that are aimed housing, energy, engineering, dormitories, giving students from Each college will contain six internships in the country’s largest Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan. at ensuring benefits for everyone. design and information technol- companies operating in the sector even the most remote regions of the schools: School of Tourism and Nesip Zhunusbayev, the former So, our association is open for ogy and communications is being they study. Some students will even country the opportunity to receive Hospitality; School of Construc- SPAK chair, a renowned journalist cooperation with anyone who is developed with campuses under be eligible for overseas internships. lodging and scholarships. tion and Housing, School of En- became its honorary president. interested in the development of construction in the capital Astana With the knowledge that diplomas “Full scholarship will cover edu- ergy Industry, School of Engineer- Omarov spoke to The Astana the Kazakhstan sports press, as we and also in the country’s business and certificates given by Kasipkor’s cation fees for all students accepted Times about current activities and ing, School of Design and School strategic partners will be recognised to World Class Colleges,” Dairov have similar goals. heartland of Almaty. objectives of the association. Continued on Page B7 Under the banner World Class of ICT.” on an international level, students of added. “These will be covered by “Students of the World Class Colleges, the learning institutes are World Class Colleges will be able to government grants. At the same Colleges will enjoy a number of the brainchild of Kasipkor Hold- find jobs in Europe and elsewhere. time, the amount of places in col- advantages, including diplomas “Also, we don’t force them to leges is limited. Non-residents and ing, a non-commercial joint stock and certificates that are recognised company formed for the specific pay back expenses for their educa- students from vulnerable groups will in Kazakhstan and internationally. tion. But we focus the attention of Things to Watch purpose of fostering new education be placed in the dormitories located They will also receive tuition in our graduates on the local market, opportunities for young Kazakhs. on the grounds of the colleges. English and practical training on since our purpose is to train deficit Monthly subsistence allowances april The areas of specialisation were modern equipment. In addition, specialists for our own domestic will also be paid to students. chosen based on analysis of the they will be employed by large labour market. Therefore, Kasipkor “We want to provide the opportu- most popular business focuses of companies across the country,” will employ them in the country nity to enter our Interregional Centre, more than 200 enterprises. They Dairov said. “Tuition will be con- and this will gradually lead to full APEC Petrotechnic in Atyrau and to AStana Opera are also in accordance with the pro- ducted by highly skilled teachers replacement of highly-paid foreign offer entrance examinations to every- jected plan for the development of from our strategic partners and stu- labour,” he said. Construction of one. For this purpose, Kasipkor held April 25, 26, 27 at 19:00 Swan Lake the country’s growth industries. dents will benefit from scholarships the campuses will commence this consultations in the Kyzylorda, Ak- “The basis for creation of World covering education, accommoda- year in Astana, eventually total- tobe, Mangistau, West Kazakhstan, May 9, 11, 12 at 19:00 “Tosca” opera by Giacomo Puccini Class Colleges in Astana and Al- tion and living expenses.” ling an area of 16.5 hectares (41 Atyrau and Akmola oblasts. maty is a system of profile schools,” The curricula are being devel- acres) when completed in 2017. It Continued on Page B4 Kazakh national university of arts

April 24 at 19:00 St. George’s Day Astana Dakar Teams Take on English music concert April 29 at 19:00 Jazz-2014 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge congress hall By Jan Furst in Abu Dhabi on April 9 for the first time in their career in Dakar April 26 at 19:00 “Atadan-Mura” concert of The prestigious rally race Abu rally racing, ahead of some of the folk music and dance Dhabi Desert Challenge took place world’s renowned names like Nani in the United Arab Emirates Apr Roma, the winner of Dakar 2014. April 29 at 19:30 “Kvartirnik” Bi-2 concert 3-10. Kazakhstan’s Astana Dakar “It was a hot and dynamic day,” April 30 at 19:30 “Tvoya_A” Anita Tsoy concert racing teams took on the challenge Rakhimbayev wrote in his Face- by winning the fourth leg of the book account. five-day race for the first time in “At last, I managed to ‘tame’ our Palace of independence club’s history and doing well over- MINI,” he said. “The wild, unbri- all. dled stallion – powerful with quite May 7, 8 at 13:00 Astana Fashion Days 2014 Three Kazakh teams participated a character!” in the Desert Challenge: Bauyr- The Kazakh pilot signed with zhan Issabayev/Vladimir Demy- MINI right after Dakar 2014 ear- Sary-Arka cycle race track anenko in Astana-Toyota, Denis lier this year and only had four Berezovskiy/Ignat Falkov, Astana- days prior to Abu Dhabi Desert April 26 at 19:40 Astana Arlans vs. Baku Fires Nissan and Aidyn Rakhimbayev/ Challenge to learn to “speak to the semifinal fight Anton Nikolayev in Astana-BMW MINI in its language” as he ex- Mini. It was Rakhimbayev and plained in his posts. Nikolayev who won Stage Four Continued on Page B7 B2 Nation&Capital People

Wednesday, april 23, 2014 Nazarbayev School Kazakh Trained Ophthalmologist Student Honoured Meets Domestic Need for Research Work By Klara Tishkambayeva KARAGANDA – In the past, people with eye problems had to ap- ply for consultation or an operation in Russia with Russian specialists. Today, By Svetlana Abenova giving motivating names with a the situation has changed, and the logical meaning to their children. republic has its own professional EAST KAZAKHSTAN RE- The name Kuanysh means ‘joy’ and ophthalmologists. Vladimir Kim is GION – Timur Serikbayev, a stu- the newborn child’s parents want to one of them. His eye microsurgery dent in the eighth grade of the tell people what a joy in their life the centres in Karaganda, Ust-Kame- Nazarbayev Intellectual School in birth of a son is. Unlike Kazakhs, nogorsk, Shymkent and Astana are known to many people who need Ust-Kamenogorsk, received two the British and Americans, to name qualified ophthalmic care. awards at the seventh International a few, mostly care for giving a name Conference of School and Uni- A graduate of the Alma-Ata State with a nice ring to it,” said Serik- Medical Institute, he gained ex- versity Students in Protvino in the bayev, who was the only student tensive practical experience at the Moscow region. The gifted teen- representing Kazakhstan in Protvino Dzhambul Regional Hospital and ager presented reports on linguis- and among the only six honorees in 15 years ago arrived in Karaganda tics and biology at the conference. the field of linguistics. Serikbayev with a great desire to create an oph- Extensive practical material was also the youngest winner. thalmology centre. is attached to his paper, “Joy or The Kazakh student’s second “We started with three rented Kuanysh: Similarities and differenc- work was on the treatment of bron- medical rooms and one for surgery, es in Kazakh and English names,” chial asthma with houseplants. if necessary. At the same time, we Professional ophthalmologist Vladimir Kim and his eye microsurgery centres in Karaganda, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Shymkent which he wrote under the guidance The highly motivated Serikbayev worked on mastering new technol- and Astana are known to many people who need qualified ophthalmic care. of Associate Professor of East Ka- is interested in chemistry as well ogies and always tried to offer high- constantly be one step ahead, I These are good signs for the clinic, thalmology services, the centre is zakhstan Serikbayev State Technical and spends a lot of time in the uni- quality services. The construction truly believe this. Of course, this said the doctor. ahead of similar hospitals not only University Tolkyn Abdrakhmanova. versity lab. His short-term plan is of our own clinic was a powerful involves great responsibility and Today, domestic clinics carry in the region but also nationwide. “I’m glad that Kazakhs are still to learn another foreign language. incentive for us. At that time, it was certain risks, but at the same time, out about 25,000 operations for “Now, thanks to President Nur- a novelty because the economy had it gives us huge advantages by cataract extraction every year. But sultan Nazarbayev, a lot of attention just begun to recover. We were also keeping us prepared for new de- unfortunately, many more people is being paid to the development of proud of the fact that we also made velopments and ahead of our com- need this type of surgery. Accord- healthcare in the country. I think a contribution to our common cause petitors,” the doctor said. ing to the doctor, the state allocates that the duty of every physician is of improving lives in the region,” Today, the most common surgery considerable funds for guaranteed to be of maximum service to his he said. treatment for cataracts is phaco- free medical care, but despite this, patients and for the improvement of Kim and his team have created emulsification. But 12 years ago, the budget is not able to cover all domestic medicine as a whole,” the several medical centres in the coun- only skilled surgeons in a few clin- those wishing to receive these med- doctor said. try, where ophthalmologic prob- ics in Kazakhstan used this method. ical services. Today, together with his team, he is lems are solved with a 90 percent Kim was one of the first to use an “In our clinic, the waiting list is taking the next step by adopting a new success rate. In our age of informa- ultrasound probe at such interfer- four to six months, but that is not method. It entails combining tradition- tion technology, eye diseases have ences. Its advantages are the abil- the longest wait. For example, in al phacoemulsification with a femto- become a special problem and their ity to operate on a cataract at an Hungary, it may be two to three second laser. This method makes treatment must be carried out with early stage and the ability to replace years. Considering the present the operation safer, more precise and the use of modern techniques and opacity lenses with flexible intraoc- stage of financing, a waiting list of more predictable. Moreover, it mini- the latest equipment. The treat- ular lenses which are very impor- six months is acceptable,” he ex- mises the possibility of human error. ment of diseases even as common tant due to the lack of distortion in plained. “The technology is very expen- as cataracts, for example, can be the postoperative period. In general, Kim and his team in sive, but it will justify itself. And in carried out with the use of well- The main criterion of this opera- their clinic in Karaganda carry out the future, it will also become the known methods and recent medical tion for ophthalmologists is stabili- about 2,500 major operations a norm. And I’m happy that we are Timur Serikbayev, an eighth grade student of the Nazarbayev Intellectual advances. ty and safety, as well as the absence year. In such indicators as speed, again in tune with the times and even School received two awards for reports on linguistics and biology. “If we want to succeed, we must of post-surgical complications. quality and predictability of oph- one step ahead of them,” Kim added. B3 Nation&Capital Culture

Wednesday, april 23, 2014 Kazakh Youth Win Russian Musical Competition By Raushan Director of Almaty Musical Col- ly partake in traditional festivals Shulembayeva lege Aya Kaliyeva said that gen- celebrating the languages of erous state support has allowed Kazakhstan’s people. They sing ALMATY – Fourth-year stu- the students to represent their na- songs and perform the folk music dent of the Pyotr Tchaikovsky tional culture on the global stage. of different ethnic groups. The Musical College in Almaty Alina “Over the past four short teachers believe that such tradi- Molchanova won first prize at a months, 37 of our students have tions strengthen young people’s prestigious international compe- won various competitions. They sense of patriotism and teach tition for young performers in Pskov, Russia, and her classmate are young talents that represent them to respect the cultures of Aigerim Umutbayeva won third well their country’s values and other nations. prize. comprehend the depth of thought The legendary school is proud It is significant that the two of President Nursultan Naz- of its artistic teams: its Ala- youths won a singing contest in arbayev who said that ‘patriot- tau youth choir, symphonic and Russia, which, along with Ar- ism in Kazakhstan is intimately chamber orchestras, big band, menia, Latvia and Lithuania are connected with the equality of the Akhmet Zhubanov Orches- known for their singers. The con- all citizens and their overall re- tra of Kazakh Folk Instruments, test’s lead judge, singer Nadezh- sponsibility to honour the moth- the Russian Folk Orchestra and da Yermigina, remarked on the erland,’” said Kaliyeva. Kazakhstan’s only Uyghur Or- young singers’ wonderful voices Today, there are 560 students chestra of Folk Instruments. and Kazakhstan’s robust pool of in the college from all corners of Their performances are always vocal talent. Both winning con- Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, met with a warm response from testants are students of Honoured Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, China the public because the distinctive Artist of Kazakhstan Lyubov and South Korea, who represent beauty of every nation’s music is Adilova. Larissa Kovalevskaya 20 ethnicities. All students, in- an inexhaustible source of love was the contest’s concertmaster. cluding those from abroad, glad- and positive human emotion. Kostanai Tale of Batu Unlocks the Secrets of Kazakh Culture, History for Children by Kazakh author and PhD of Philo- different mythological creatures, were created by talented young Regional Theatre By Julia Rutz logical Science Zira Nayrizbayeva. including the sacred bird Samryk, Kazakhstan artist Timur Davlet- The tale follows Batu and his which helps the main characters gireyev, who recently published his ALMATY – A fantasy story school friends as they meet As- defeat their enemies. own creative comic papers, which about the fascinating adventures Tours Astana of a young boy and his friends has para, the prince of the Massagets, The author also wanted to nur- were rendered in manga style. an ancient ethnic group that lived ture a sense of patriotism and soli- There are plans to translate the land, and to stay in her arms. just been published to inspire chil- in what is now contemporary Ka- darity among the young, as well book into the Kazakh language and By Arsen Dilim The story of one family shows dren to be curious about Kazakh zakhstan. The group sets off on a as illustrate that a person, even a also create a cartoon programme the wounded souls and experi- culture, the language and the coun- journey to find a stolen sacred cup child, should take responsibility about Batu and his friends, while ASTANA – The Kostanai Re- ences of tens of thousands of try’s rich history. of wisdom and peace. for their own deeds and for their an internet portal, interactive gional Theatre named after Ilyas fellow stranded far from home. Titled “In Search of the Golden Omarov toured the Kazakh capi- Life story of the national poet Cup: the Adventures of Batu and His While searching for the relic, the family and country in general. games and a journal for children tal Astana in the second half of Mariam Khakimzhanova was Friends,” the new book was written adventurous children encounter The illustrations for the book will be rolled out soon. April. portrayed in another premiere According to its director Nur- by Toleubai Mariam and Ilyas lan Yerekeshev, the troupe in- that finished the touring event. tended to dazzle spectators of The bright poet’s life story filled any age, which it seemed to have with many challenges didn’t managed to do perfectly as evi- Pereversev Releases New Online Album break her spirit. Her husband with an orchestra and organises denced by the fact that all tickets was proclaimed the enemy of were sold out. solo concerts. the state and was sentenced to Eleven productions were The pianist who studied at Hano- be shot, her second husband was shown to the capital’s sophis- ver High School of Music and Theat- a victim of the same fate. Hard- ticated viewers. Among them er in Germany, has won numerous ships and mourning, however, were the classics like Hamlet, awards and has received widespread couldn’t stop Mariam from rais- works by Abai and Sergey Yes- recognition. He also participated in ing children and Ilyas Omarov enin, as well as a drama staged the popular show “Minute of Glory” helps her do it. The spectacle by Yersayin Toleubai, and the and was one of the finalists on the tragedy by Kazygula Myrzhak- portrays Kazakh women during Ukrainian show “Ukraine Searches yp. The younger audience was the years of repression. for Talent.” The video, where Per- fond of the comedy Baizhiyev The theatre will only celebrate eversev plays “Flight of the Bum- ble Bee” on two at once was Bachelors and Mutual Under- its 15th anniversary next year, watched more than 1 million times. standing, Kuni No.13. The chil- however the bonded troupe has “Music is my passion. I first learned dren were not left without atten- already an impressive repertoire, how to play at the age of five. tion either with specially staged mostly represented by the grad- Since then, music has become an im- fairy tales Mashadu Kidnapped uates of the Zhurgenev Kazakh portant and integral part of my life and Onion Bulbs, and Gold and National Acamedy in Almaty, who demonstrate the growing I am always looking for new ways to Mind by Toleubai. perform,” explained Pereversev. The premieres also were pre- artistic maturity year on year. “Repertoire is the face of any According to the musician, the sented among them Nostalgia, idea of playing two pianos simul- theatre,” theatre’s art and stage and Mariam and Ilyas. taneously came spontaneously. “I director Toleubai commented af- In Nostalgia, playwright Zhol- am not the first one to play piano ter the tour. tai Almashuly told a story about By Jane Rivers music from different periods, in- Elise” and “The Moon Sonata” by in such an unusual way, but my the plight of his protagonist The Kostanai Drama Theatre cluding masterpieces by Bach, as Beethoven, “Italian Polka” by Ra- family and friends found it amaz- Asana, a descendant of a wealthy was established in September ALMATY – Famous Kazakh pia- well as self-composed songs. The chmaninov, “Nocturne No.20” by ing, so I decided to give the public family, who has a family liv- 2000 by the President of the Re- nist, Oleg Pereversev, who is also a album also includes an instrumen- Chopin and “Flight of the Bumble a glimpse,” says Pereversev. ing in well-being and prosperity public of Kazakhstan Nursultan member of the musical group Chick tal cover version of “Kozimnin Bee” by Rimski-Korsakov. The al- Chick Flick was founded in overseas. He is very homesick, Nazarbayev. As per the request Flick and instrumental duet Vivat, Karasy,” a song well known in Ka- bum has been released for internet 2009 and quickly became famous however, and his homeland is of the head of state, the theatre recently presented his new online zakhstan and written by the great users to listen online or download. amongst concert goers thanks to far away. And his only dream is is named after a famous Kazakh album “Classical Music for All.” Kazakh poet Abai. Classical music is important to their unusual sound that includes to breathe a gulp of his native state and public activist of the It took a year to prepare the new Classical music connoisseurs Pereversev. Apart from playing in elements of electro, synth pop, air, touch and kiss his native 20th century, Ilyas Omarov. tracks, which represent classical will be glad to hear the famous “To a musical group, he also performs acid jazz, bossa nova and lounge. Spiderman Speaks Kazakh Dubbing some scenes to en- Actress Alima Kairbekova By Alina Usmanova hance sound took even more dubbed Parker’s beloved Gwen time. Protagonist Peter Parker Stacy and Azamat Kanapiya The blockbuster film “Spider- was voiced by young theatre actor voiced Maxwell Dillon. Aigerim man: High Voltage” in 3D will be Merey Adzhibekov. He was part Onalbek was the dubbing direc- released in Russian and Kazakh of the team that worked on the tor; she previously worked on in Kazakhstan on April 24, ten- first “New Spiderman” film. films such as “Return to A,” “My grinews.kz recently reported. “There was a lot of text and Dubbing of the film into Ka- Heart Astana” and “Men in Black many emotional scenes. I felt as 3.” zakh began in November 2013. if I was inside of my character Kazakh became the seventh Over the subsequent months, during voicing. There were situa- language into which the film was voice castings were conducted tions where while voicing, I was and material from the produc- worried that my heart would leap translated. The translation was tion studio was received and ap- or tears would run down my face. carried out directly from English proved. Once approved, the dub- The project was not too difficult, into Kazakh to assure the highest bing of the Kazakh version, which with this being the second time I quality. Casting of the main char- will be released under the name have voiced Parker. I have really acters was conducted in February “Zhana Ormekshі Adam: Ker- gotten used to doing Spiderman in Almaty. Dubbing experts from negen Quat,” which is Kazakh for films. By the time I would arrive at Sony Pictures, who came to Ka- “Spiderman: High Voltage,” took the studio every day, I was already zakhstan specifically for the film, eight days. Peter Parker,” Adzhibekov stated. approved them. B4 Nation&Capital Country

Wednesday, april 23, 2014 Atyrau Strengthens Cooperation Kazakhstan at Investment Forum Explored During By Rinat Kulmagambetov Technologies of Kazakhstan Yerlan Khairov urged the use of the op- ATYRAU – A number of busi- portunities created by the Customs ness activities, including a tech- Union, with its common market of Academic Lecture nology conference and exhibitions 170 million people and a combined of achievements in the oil and gas gross domestic product of $2 tril- and construction industries, were lion. The benefits of Kazakhstan’s held within the Atyrau Invest 2014 Series at NY College economic integration with the re- Forum in this western Kazakhstan gion are a single customs territory city on April 1-3. and free movement of goods. The oil-rich western region of- Deputy head of Belarus’s Gomel fers great opportunities for inves- region, Boleslav Pirshtuk, speak- tors and entrepreneurs. The de- ing on mutually beneficial part- velopment of the large Tengiz and nerships, stressed that economic Kashagan oil and gas condensate cooperation and bilateral trade is fields in the last few years has giv- strengthening every year. en foreign partners an opportunity “The growing activity of inte- to examine the conditions of doing gration processes within the cur- business in Kazakhstan. Atyrau Invest 2014 Forum, held in the western Kazakhstan city, offers great opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. rently developing Eurasian Eco- Kazakhstan’s investment cli- nomic Community contributes to mate has been ranked more and that,” said the Belarusian delegate. more favourable over recent tykozha Izmukhambetov, open- dairy farms have recently been By the end of the forum, the Be- years, and President Nursultan ing the event. He stressed that the built and this year a complex for larusian delegation had signed Nazarbayev set the task of in- oil capital of the country brought breeding geese, a poultry farm and cooperation agreements with the creasing investment volume from together more than 600 partici- several greenhouses will be put regional chamber of entrepreneurs the current 18 percent to 30 per- pants including representatives of into operation. and a memorandum of understand- cent of the total gross domestic 100 companies from 15 countries Big hopes are associated with the ing with the Atyrau Special Eco- product in his most recent state- and delegations from Belarus and National Industrial Petrochemical nomic Zone of-the-nation address. neighbouring regions. Technology Park Special Econom- Overall, Atyrau Invest 2014 In that address, the President The intense interest in the forum ic Zone, which will create about brought to the region 15 memoran- called increasing investment one is explained by the fact that the 300 productions for the deep pro- da and agreements totalling 19 bil- of the main components of the region, which is the centre of ma- cessing of hydrocarbon raw mate- lion tenge (US$104.4 million). In economic growth that will facili- jor investment, has already estab- rials and the production of com- particular, the Meken farming part- lished cooperation with 50 coun- petitive products with high added tate Kazakhstan’s goal of joining nership and the Atyrau SEC signed Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the United the 30 most-developed countries in tries. More than 900 enterprises value. Alongside that, a 250-hec- an agreement on projects for the Nations (l) met with Dr. Jay Nathan, Ph.D. Professor of Management, Tobin the world. The adoption of legisla- with foreign capital are working tare industrial zone is being cre- construction of poultry farms and College of Business for an Academic Lecture Series event. tion on foreign direct investments, in the region, having created about ated in the region. The availability greenhouses. The Ak Kamy Com- Browne, Assistant Vice President as well as the support of state bod- 17,000 new jobs. of transport infrastructure provides pany intends to start production of By Bakhytzhan Kassymov for Government Relations, moder- ies, is also contributing to the crea- Last year, these companies trans- access to the markets of neighbour- environmentally friendly biofuels ated a broad discussion on current tion of a favourable investment ferred to the budget 1.7 trillion ing countries and world markets by in the region. NEW YORK – St. John’s Uni- issues and challenges facing Ka- climate. tenge (US$9.3 billion) in taxes. air and water transport. versity in New York welcomed The second annual Atyrau Invest zakhstan. “The 2014 Atyrau Invest Forum In addition to oil, Izmukhambetov According to the Statistics Agen- Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Perma- forum was held in parallel with the “The world is our classroom is aimed at strengthening mutually said, there are also other mineral cy of Kazakhstan, the volume of nent Representative of Kazakh- region’s long-running Oil and Gas and when societies interact, they beneficial cooperation between deposits in the region to be devel- investments in fixed assets of the stan to the United Nations, for an Exhibition. In addition, an industry learn,” Dr. Nathan remarked. foreign and domestic partners with oped: potash salt, borate ore, silica Atyrau region is 17.1 percent of Academic Lecture Series event conference and the Expert – West “When a society is far removed sand, gypsum, limestone and clay. the national figure. Chairman of on April 10 that explored the past, the companies in the region, at- Kazakhstan Regional Business from other countries, it lacks present and future of Kazakhstan. tracting investments,” said Akim The agro-industrial complex in the Investment Committee of the Forum were organised within the knowledge and knowledge is not Dr. Jay Nathan, Ph.D. Profes- (Governor) of the region Bak- the region is also developing. New Ministry of Industry and New main event. only powerful but critical to any sor of Management, Tobin Col- success.” lege of Business, coordinated a The lecture concluded with au- visit to the Queens Campus for the dience questions and answers and newly appointed Ambassador Ab- several smaller conversations with drakhmanov. It was one of Abdra- students and faculty who were Aktobe Farmers, Authorities khmanov’s first extended visits to in attendance. Kerry McGurty, a Queens County. third-year government and politics “I am very impressed with the major from Pennsylvania com- expansive campus, the diversity of mented, “I learned a great deal Expanding Beef Cattle Production students at St. John’s and the intel- By Zhubanysh Baygurinov about an emerging country and year allocated 244.7 million tenge the early 1990s by Kazakh scien- 500 kg in 18 months. An adult bull lectual curiosity presented during how my generation of students are (US$1.3 million) to help improve tists by crossbreeding three groups will generally reach 760 kg. Today, our conversation,” said Abdra- growing up in Kazakhstan.” – Authori- herds in 36 villages and pay for of beef cattle: Franco-Italian the partnership has 500 animals khmanov. “I am confident that we Before returning to his duties ties in Aktobe are focusing on cat- 680 breeding animals. Recently, Charolais, Canadian Aberdeen- and Kaldygulov said that he plans will have the opportunity to con- at the United Nations, Abdra- tle farming in their regions, com- two feedlots for 1,500 and 1,000 Angus and Kazakh Whitehead. to increase their beef exports. He tinue to talk in greater detail about khmanov left behind some books missioning feedlots and providing animals each were commissioned The end result was a new, highly has opened his own meat process- the issues related to my country and prints of artwork from Ka- funds for the purchase of breeding for the Reymkul farming part- productive breed of domestic beef ing plant in the oblast centre. and the current developments in zakhstan. animals. nership in the Alga district and animals that meet international The Zhantizer farming partner- our parts of the world.” “A global education dictates an To provide the region with pro- the Zhantizer partnership in the standards and are also well adapt- During the well-attended aca- ship has nine hectares of hay and understanding and appreciation for ductive livestock and increase the district, both of which ed to difficult climatic conditions. demic lecture, Dr. Nathan, a four- all corners of the world,” Browne grasslands and fields for forage export potential of Kazakh-pro- breed domestic beef cattle. For the third year, the farmers time Fulbright Scholar who lived, said. “Kazakhstan, a good and duced meat, Aktobe authorities are Samat Kaldygulov, leader of of the partnership have received a crops. They recently upgraded worked and researched in Ka- strategically important ally for turning their attention to develop- the Reymkul partnership, bought good animal yield. Last year, they their technical park and, through zakhstan and recently authoured a the United States, has a vital and ing domestic breeds, such as the the first batch of Auliekol cattle in sold dozens of seed bulls from their ongoing development, are book entitled “Kazakhstan’s New emerging role in the region and the Auliekol and Kazakh Whitehead 2010 in the Kostanai region. The their yield. The animals gain up to providing jobs and incomes to Economy,” presented some of his world that our students should un- breeds. The regional budget last Auliekol breed was developed in 400 kilogrammes a year and up to Alga district workers. research on Kazakhstan, and Brian derstand.” Shymkent Company Brings World Class Colleges to Focus Innovative Design Ideas to on Six Strategic Sectors Continued from Page B1 colleges in Kazakhstan with the as- of training, according to which stu- sistance of foreign specialists. dents will learn practical working Our staff held massive informa- “Teachers in World Class Colleg- skills, instead of theoretical knowl- Medical Equipment tion and explanatory campaigns not es will be highly skilled instructors edge. Due to that fact, graduates will By Lyubov Dobrota of a custom order usually results down to the smallest detail in order only in cities and towns, but also in from the strategic partners of Ka- be able to immediately start to work in mass production. to understand and find the weak schools in rural areas and also for sipkor, including from SAIT Poly- on real production. In order to meet SHYMKENT – “Everything is graduates of Youth Centres and or- technic (Canada), Pearson (Great these criteria, World Class Colleges “This is interesting and excit- points in the design of their expen- phanages. This category of entrants Britain) and Challenger Institute of will be equipped with the modern possible” is the motto of design ing work, thinking and solving sive, imported chair and to propose engineer Alexander Kushner of the will be provided with special privi- Technology (Australia). equipment, which is used by foreign complex problems,” Kushner said. a solution to solve their problem. leges.” “In line with this, we are train- and local companies working in Ka- Kazmedpribor company, which “Before taking an order, it is im- Today, these birthing chairs are Kaspikor is also initiating its ing teachers’ assistants for the sub- zakhstan. Production processes will produces medical devices. In his portant for me to collect as much among Kazmedpribor’s most fre- Preparatory School programme to sequent replacement of foreign be re-created in workshops. seven years at the company, Kush- information as possible. When the quently ordered products. They are assist with English language devel- instructors. During this time, as- “We are creating World Class ner has been involved in the devel- issue is improvement or, as they bought by medical institutions from opment for future students, start- sistants will be trained by foreign Colleges with the purpose of pro- opment of 300 kinds of medical say now, upgrading some equip- all regions of the country. ing from September this year. Stu- instructors, previously having done viding the labour market with high- products. ment, the first thing is to meet with The birthing chair-bed was also dents who failed the main entrance advanced training courses on pro- ly qualified specialists of scarce pro- Lately, he has been working people who work on it and ask one of the main exhibits at the test but who showed good subject fessional teaching skills,” Dairov files. Our students will be able to on equipment that solves prob- knowledge and motivation will be said. get an international education in our lems for doctors and patients. what they would like to improve, annual Moscow Healthcare Exhi- put into the Preparatory School pro- In regard to the provision of country,” Dairov concluded. Kazmedpribor began with basic change or enhance in the design. bition, where Kazmedpribor has gramme. This means that within a qualified personnel, Kasipkor deter- British consortium Pearson Lim- things, designing and producing No one knows their equipment now presented its products three year they will have intense training mines the selection criteria for col- ited was chosen as the strategic stands for the standard medical better than those who work with times and has received good ref- in four subjects: mathematics, Eng- lege’s experts, managers, teachers partner in the specialisations in- drips found in health facilities. it. Then I collect information and erences from Russian consumers lish, chemistry and physics. and training officers. cluding tourism and hospitality and Gradually, the need for more study all the details on this design and from overseas producers of “Therefore, students will have “All managers and teachers di- engineering, according to Kasipkor complex medical devices and theme. One day the insight comes medical furniture and equipment. more chances to finally pass the rectly or indirectly connected with Holding representatives. main test and get accepted to the Kasipkor or the colleges will be Kasipkor Holding was created at special equipment increased, and… all that is left to do is only to A Japanese company that manu- embody it in the design sample.” factures incubators for newborns major programme of the APEC added to the database of teach- the request of the President of Ka- as did orders for their design. Petrotechnic College. In the future, ers and managers. This database zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev to Fostering insight is a lot of work, appreciated the achievements of The company’s work always be- we also plan to accept students on is under creation by Department create a world-class network of col- gins with a request to improve of course. When the engineer devel- the design engineer from Shym- self-paid basis,” he added. of Teaching Excellence. It is used leges. The purpose of the company something or solve a problem oped a birthing chair-bed for preg- kent, who proposed replacing the Upon graduation students will re- as one of the data sources when is to promote the modernisation of and leads to a more comfortable nant women at the request of one drawer stand on their model with a ceive diplomas at Kazakh and for- searching for new staff to join Ka- technical and vocational education working environment for medi- of Shymkent’s maternity hospitals, more mobile design that can even eign levels that will ensure the full sipkor’s network,” he said. to build a new source network of cal professionals. The execution he had to study the whole process adjust the height of the equipment. competitiveness of graduates from Another important point is nature multi-skilled workers. B5 Nation&Capital Society

Wednesday, april 23, 2014

equality. According to calculations by international experts, increas- ing the representation of women in Kazakh-British UNDP Helps Promote Gender decision-making positions will result in an increase in labour productivity by 15-40 percent. Equality within families will also positively influ- Partnership Offers Equality in Kazakhstan ence the position of a family. It’s no 80 percent of the project’s funds Last year, within the creation of By Rufiya Ospanova secret that every third couple in Ka- are allocated by the government of the Customs Union, we held the first zakhstan gets divorced, and thus the Kazakhstan and 20 percent by the forum of border territories of the Opportunities to number of orphans increases. Lots ASTANA – The United Nations UNDP. Western Kazakhstan region, called of young people do not register their Development Programme (UNDP) “Initiatives of Women in the Cus- marriages and if the partners sepa- project to achieve gender equality What is the purpose of the pro- toms Union.” Representatives of rate, the women are left unprotected, has been promoting family values, ject? Local Scientists four western regions, Atyrau, Man- without housing, and their children the representation of women in By Jane Rivers Many of the countries involved The UNDP supports all layers gistau, Aktobe and Western Kazakh- grow up without fathers. Moral edu- decision-making positions, distance of society and brings advanced in- are where the British Council’s stan, as well as six Russian border cation is needed to counter all of this. employment and other related goals ternational practices to the country. ALMATY – A new £20 million in-depth knowledge on the ground regions took part. Within the forum, We lost lots of our values during the in Kazakhstan since 2012. Rashida This project is dedicated to the so- ($33.4 million) partnership pro- and trusted reputation can pro- women entrepreneurs shared their collapse of the Soviet Union, when Naubetova, the project’s manager, cial and economic renewal of Ka- gramme was launched on April experience and launched a cam- all the country’s attention was paid to vide the platform for new world- zakhstan, which will be achieved by 9 to promote scientific research spoke to The Astana Times about paign for the development of green economic growth. class collaboration grounded in working on the moral development cooperation between the United the goals and achievements of the entrepreneurship. Since we've al- Within the project we also plan excellence and in intercultural of the society, based on equal rights Kingdom and Kazakhstan, the project. ready worked in the western regions, to create a council of women in law understanding,” explained British and opportunities, in bringing up press service of the British Coun- Council Director of International this year we plan to move to eastern enforcement bodies. cil reported. How was the project launched the younger generation. The project Kazakhstan. Higher Education Professor Re- consists of two components. The The new Newton–Al-Farabi in Kazakhstan and what has been Last year, at our initiative, a regu- Do you have statistics on in- becca Hughes. first component is moral develop- partnership programme is a five- achieved? lation on distance employment was creases in the number of women in Since 1993, when the UNDP ment; the second one is the econom- year programme to increase co- The Newton-Al- introduced to the labour legislation decision-making positions? operation in science and innova- started to operate in Kazakhstan, ic and political promotion of wom- of Kazakhstan. This is an aspect of Upon the results of the latest Par- tion between the Kazakh and UK Farabi programme it has been contributing to the pro- en. Within this project, we manage saving the family. We did research liamentary elections in 2012, the governments, state and research gramme for women’s support, and to hold conferences, workshops, includes scholarships, on this and it became clear that nei- number of women in Parliament institutions, universities and en- in 1999 the National Commission research and training sessions. ther employers nor employees are increased by 1.6 points and now we terprises in order to strengthen the fellowships and joint for Women’s Affairs was estab- What activities have been held ready for such a system. We should have 28 women members of Parlia- innovation capacity and economic seminars for young lished. Activity started from the within the project? hold an education campaign to help ment. The number of female mem- development of Kazakhstan. very first days after the creation of Recently, in the Zhambyl region, people understand that distance em- bers of government also increased: “I am sure our scientists will researchers and senior the national mechanism and within we held a regional conference for the ployment can help save families. when the national commission was actively participate in this pro- research assistants 10 years the project has been under southern regions on moral education Together with Russian scientists, created, we had only one woman gramme to gain useful insight from implementation, with the assistance and the promotion of family values. we created a guidance manual on and now we have four women, their British colleagues. Moreover, from Kazakhstan and of Sweden. Thanks to the UNDP, Nongovernmental organisations in gender sensitivity in health care. three of whom are ministers and it is a good opportunity to bring Britain. our members of Parliament, civil moral education and representatives On Feb. 14, Kazakhstan defended one a deputy prime minister. Every domestic science to a new level The Newton Fund is part of the servants and entrepreneurs have of state bodies attended the confer- its report for the implementation fifth member of the government is because it presents new challenges UK’s official development as- travelled to Sweden to gain experi- ence. The Council of Fathers NGO of the Convention to Eliminate all a woman. Every fourth member and tasks for local researchers,” ence. came from the Kyzylorda region and Forms of Discrimination Against of local representative bodies is a said Amandyk Tuleshov, deputy sistance programme. Its aim is to In 2009, the national commission showed the role of fathers in bring- Women in Geneva and we got a woman. chairman of Science Committee of develop science and innovation was the first organisation to sign a ing up children, the Kazakh State positive response. Among people with higher educa- the Ministry of Education and Sci- partnerships that promote the eco- contract for a grant from the UNDP. Women’s Pedagogical University tions, 61 percent are women. Doc- ence of Kazakhstan. nomic development and welfare of Initially it was a three-year project did a presentation on the university’s What are your plans? tors of science are mostly women, The Newton-Al-Farabi pro- developing countries. dedicated to increasing the potential Kyz Zhibek club, where women are Gender policy is a relatively new Bolashak graduates are also mainly gramme includes scholarships, The fund covers three broad ar- of the national commission. Now, trained for family life. direction and we will also work women. Nevertheless, in manage- fellowships and joint seminars for eas of activity. It is aimed at im- this is the second joint project of In February, with UNDP sup- on that. The gender equality issue ment positions it is mainly men. young researchers and senior re- proving science and innovation the UNDP and the national com- port, we held a presentation of the should be taken into account in the In this regard, it is necessary to search assistants from Kazakhstan expertise, student and researcher mission for 2012-2014. Currently, Otbasym Centre of National Family strategic plans of all state bodies overcome stereotypes that women and Britain. fellowships and joint centres; re- the UNDP allocates less funding. Values. It is planned that this centre and all organisations. are only teachers or hospital staff, “The Newton Fund is making a search collaborations on develop- Initially, our projects were fully will open branches in other regions Our primary goal is achievement and gender education should be shift towards large scale, sustain- ment topics, as well as innovation funded by the UNDP and our Swed- and will work on the revival of our of gender equality, which brings eco- conducted from kindergarten on to able and mutually beneficial re- partnerships and challenge funds ish donors. Then we introduced a national traditions and reviving lost nomic growth. This includes both the promote women’s involvement in search relationships between the to develop innovative solutions on 50/50 allocation procedure and now Kazakh recipes. economic and political promotion of all spheres of our lives. UK and international partners. development topics Flash Mob Draws Attention to Physically Challenged in wheelchairs in most of Almaty’s According to Asanova, the Em- By Jane Rivers buildings,” explained another powerment Now! campaign is wheelchair dancer, Maria Tara- taking place in seven regions of ALMATY – A group of physi- sova. the country supported by different cally challenged individuals put on Flash mob participants ex- on-site non-governmental organi- a dancing flash mob show April 5 pressed their hope that such events sations. This campaign includes at the Maxima Shopping Mall. will help clarify misunderstand- seminars on the social adaptation The flash mob was warmly wel- ings and encourage people to ac- of disabled people and workshops comed by visitors. The three-min- cept physically challenged people for parents. The campaign also ute performance was organised to as equals and active social mem- seeks to bring youth with disabili- show people that disabilities don’t bers of society. ties together with their peers. stop people from enjoying their The arrangement was organised “We also organise exclusive fes- lives and even dancing. as part of Empowerment Now! tivals and work closely with the “The event had a positive mood. by the Civil Society Development media and offer seminars for jour- Some visitors even joined in on Association ARGO and Shyrak, a nalists where we teach them ap- our dancing. Frankly speaking, we public association of women with propriate terminology that can be didn’t expect so much attention,” disabilities. used while covering topics about said Sabina Kasimova, one of the “Unfortunately, the number of disabled people,” explained Asa- participants. disabled people in Kazakhstan is nova. “We love life and we like spend- increasing. At the moment, there The Empowerment Now! cam- ing our free time with friends like are more than 600,000 people paign was launched in August all other teenagers. Unfortunately, with disabilities, among them are 2012 and was supported by the we don’t have a lot of places like 200,000 women and 50,000 chil- United States Agency for Interna- Maxima to meet, as there is still a dren,” said ARGO Director Execu- tional Development (USAID). lack of special facilities for people tive Dzhamilya Asanova. New Technology to be Used in Kumyss Production in Karaganda results in enormous expenses faced pilot scheme is set to produce 10 By Julia Rutz by the producers to buy fodder. In thousand tons of powdered horse Kazakhstan, on the contrary, we milk in 2015 utilising 25,000 hec- ASTANA – A pilot project using have a lot of green pastures. Ac- tares (61,776 acres) of pasture ac- German technology to produce a ver- cording to the calculations made by commodating 272 horses. Capacity sion of the traditional Kazakh mare’s German entrepreneurs, it would be will be increased in the future. milk drink kumyss will be launched profitable for them to import milk Preliminary calculations put next year in the village of Osakarov- ka in the Karaganda region. powder from Kazakhstan,” said the cost of 1 kilogramme of pow- Entrepreneurs from Karaganda Balgat Zhumkin, vice-manager of dered horse milk at 20,000 tenge visited German facilities last year Eurasia Invest Ltd. (US$110) against the current Eu- to become familiar with the tech- According to producers, dry ropean price of 200 euro (50,000 nology of producing milk powder. kumyss can be stored for up to a tenge/US$276) per kilogramme. Production there was first launched year whereas fresh horse milk can “This milk is a very effective dietary almost 20 years ago. The German only be kept safely for a month. It ingredient for those who have cardio- enterprise is ready to share all the is also noteworthy that all the es- vascular diseases and hyposomnia. It necessary equipment and technol- sential properties are preserved in can even help prevent cancer. Horse ogy to commence manufacturing the powdered milk product. milk can be used to improve the well- the product in Kazakhstan. Production in the Karaganda re- being of the population of the coun- “There is no potential to increase gion will be the first of its kind in try,” Sharmanov explained. production in Germany. They al- the country, with the manufactur- The initiative is being supported ready have 200 horses, but, because ing facilities located 9.5 kilome- by the president of the Kazakhstan of the lack of space, the animals can tres from Osakarovka. Academy of Nutrition, Toregeldy only be kept in horseboxes, which Currently under construction, the Sharmanov. B6 Nation&Capital Tourism

Wednesday, april 23, 2014 Issyk Saka Mounds to Almaty Students to Work be Opened to Public as Tour Guides By Rufiya Ospanova By Diana Akhmetova it bears the name of a prominent upcoming Universiade 2017 and figure or an important historic EXPO 2017. Archaeologist Bekmukhanbet Almaty students of tourism will event. Yet, we do not always This month, Almaty university Nurmukhanbetov, a member of have the opportunity to work as remember these things; some students have been preparing for the expedition that discovered the guides on public transport telling people aren’t even aware of the the launch of the project by collect- passengers about the sights and famous “Golden Man,” announced lack of knowledge, let alone the ing information about city sites and recently that the Saka mounds in history of the cultural centre of the country. history,” head of Almaty city’s places and organising what they have Issyk will soon be open to the pub- youth policy department Sanzhar found in a manner that patrons of the lic. “This year, our city was cho- sen as the cultural centre of the Bokayev said. city transit networks can consume Nurmukhanbetov said that there Commonwealth of Independent The project is also aimed at fur- and find interesting and relevant. are more than 100 Saka mounds States (CIS), and we have lots of ther developing tourism. Organis- The main task of these on-board tour and ancient Rahat and Orikty settle- things to say to Almaty’s guests ers note that the “People’s Guide” guides will be giving short, informa- ments in Issyk. Most of the mounds that we can be truly proud of. project is a training activity for tive briefs on historic places to pas- have not yet been explored. Accord- Every street is unique because students of tourism before the sengers as they pass by them. ing to Nurmukhanbetov, during the excavations, the construction of un- derground tunnels through which tourists can go inside the mounds will be provided. Artifacts will re- main in the tombs, and people can see the decoration of ancient tombs. Nurmukhanbetov noted that tors. They will need to clean the No firm timeframe was provided the Saka mounds will be pro- mounds and install electricity. for the project, although it is ex- tected from looters. Archaeolo- The scientist added that volun- pected that its implementation will gists will have lots of work in teers are welcome to help the be a massive effort. preparing the mounds for visi- preparation effort.

Archaeologist discovers more than 100 Saka mounds and ancient Rahat and Orikty settlements in Issyk. Students of tourism will work as guides on public transport telling passengers about the sights and history of Almaty. Kazakhstan to Chair CIS Council of Tourism in 2015 By Alina Usmanova the Council of Tourism of the CIS. The Kazakhstan side included 20 ASTANA – Kazakhstan will points in the action plan for the chair the Council of Tourism in the Year of Tourism. Virtually all re- Commonwealth of Independent gions of the country supported States (CIS) in 2015, according to the initiative and presented their the press service of the Committee activities,” said Marat Igali, chair- for Tourism Industry of the Minis- man of the Committee for Tourism try of Industry and New Technolo- Industry. gies of Kazakhstan. The Council of Tourism of the On March 14, an international CIS member states was established economic forum, CIS and New in 1994. It is composed of repre- Formats of Cooperation, was held sentatives of Azerbaijan, Armenia, in Moscow. Within the forum, a Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, meeting of the Council of Tourism Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Uz- of CIS member states took place. bekistan and Ukraine. The council Belarus was elected chair of the focuses on developing a unified Council of Tourism for 2014 and strategy for tourism development 2014 was declared the Year of in the CIS countries and coordinat- Tourism in the CIS countries. ing implementation of the tourism “In 2015, Kazakhstan will chair policy. B7 Nation&Capital Sports

Wednesday, april 23, 2014 Astana Dakar Teams Take on Almaty to Host Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Open Asian Continued from Page B1 Astana Team, I have heard a lot about it in cycling and not mot- The Astana Team crew started orsport. Your team races in Tour Powerlifting ninth on the day of the fourth leg De France. I really like the sport. of the Desert Challenge and after And your cyclist Alexandre Vi- only 42 kilometres was literally novourov is one of the best in the hanging by the bumper of their world,” Roma underlined. Championship team mate the Dutch Erik Van Astana Motorsports manager Loon, who in turn was waiting for Artur Ardavichus, Dakar 2012 the Czech Miroslav Zapletal on H3 bronze medallist, also commented Hummer to err to overtake him. The Dutch got so pre-occupied on the occasion. with his target that allowed Ra- “Today in our camp and at the khimbayev and his co-pilot Anton media centre, everybody was talk- Nikolayev too close and eventu- ing about the presidential sports ally let them slip past him. club being first in ‘super-produc- “The first ten cars start with a tion’ category,” Ardavichus said. gap of two minutes, the rest with “Aidyn Rakhimbayev gave us the one minute,” Rakhimbayev ex- club’s first win and climbed even plained. “We waited for Van Loon Aidyn Rakhimbayev and his co-pilot Anton Nikolayev took on the challenge by higher in the standings. This is the to overtake Zapletal, once he did, winning the fourth leg of the five-day race. first time ever that one country and we attacked him, he certainly pace overtook other cars, and only Astana team and Van Loon eventu- one club were on a podium, Rakh- didn’t expect that!” the Euronews helicopter witnessed ally finished third. imbayev in T1 and Berezovskiy in Rakhimbayev explained that T2. Go forward, Astana, and good usually the overtaken car doesn’t this madness,” Rakhimbayev “We have the first place today,” wrote. Rakhimbayev said after the race. job, guys!” chase the obviously faster car with Overall, the Kazakhstan-Rus- at least a two minute faster pace. Approaching the finish line, the “We are proud that today we have Astana team crew was hoping to the leading position. I think it is a sian Rakhimbayev-Nikolayev Van Loon, however, is known for team finished the race in the 10th not letting go easily and the two finish at least second or third, how- very good result. This is my first position, almost four hours behind got into an intense “200 kilometre ever, and was pleasantly surprised time, when during the World Cup, clash of MINIs,” as Rakhimbayev to learn from one of the technical we take first place at one of the the Vasilyev-Zhiltsov team which Open Asian Powerlifting Championship gathers powerlifters and bodybuilders put it. commission officers about their stages,” he said. also drove MINI ALL4 Racing. in Almaty. victory. “Congratulations, perfect, The long-awaited stage win The Astana Team is now ready- “Over the remaining 200 kilo- strongest in each weight category you are the first!” he told them spurred attention to Rakhimbayev ing for the next world cup race, the By Rufiya Ospanova metres along the toughest route, and overall. smiling. and his success couldn’t go over- Sealine Cross Country Rally, in with endless steep dunes and sand The bodybuilder show will in- The All-Russian crew of looked by his fellow racers. Qatar on Apr. 20-25, where they From April 21-27, a major in- traps, we were in a mad race. Posi- clude compulsory pose and ar- Vladimir Vasilyev/Konstantin “I remember him from last Da- will take on their new rivals in top ternational powerlifting tourna- tions changed every 20-30 kilome- bitrary programmes of the most 10, only this time as the world cup ment, the Open Asian Powerlifting tres, [we] used every chance and Zhiltsov, also in a MINI, finished kar. Each time he improves his powerful and harmoniously devel- mistake to overtake and in a mad second, 50 seconds behind the prowess,” Roma said. “As for contenders. Championship, will be held for the first time in Almaty. Athletes from oped athletes. more than 10 countries have al- Winners in all nominations will ready confirmed their participation receive cash awards and other prizes, in the event. which will be provided by the main Men and women of all ages, from sponsor of the Asian Mega Cup, a ‘We Try to Seek Win-Win Results,’ juniors to veterans over 70 years of group of companies called the Asta- age, will take part in the champion- na Group, as well as other sponsors ship. During the first four days, April and organisers of the tournament. 21-24, the strongest athletes will Throughout the day, a brightly col- Chair of Sports Press Association Says compete in three disciplines: weight- oured show of pop stars and talented lifting (triathlon), bench press and young performers will take place in Continued from Page B1 consider their activities within the fective job convincing the govern- deadlift without special equipment. parallel with the sports programme SPAK very seriously and are not ment to allocate funds for a trip of On April 27, the international on the MEGA Mall stage. What are the main directions of going to just sit idle. “Otherwise, 40 sports journalists to Sochi. That tournament will finish with a sports Over the past few years, pow- the SPAK activity for the future? why do we need such a member- was a timely decision because we show, the Asian Mega Cup, which erlifting has grown significantly The main direction is assistance ship in the executive committee?” had only four accreditations from will take place on the stage of the in Kazakhstan. At the 2013 World to journalists. After all, sports jour- they reasonably noted. the International Olympic Com- MEGA Alma-Ata Mall. That day, Championship in Prague, Kazakh- nalism is not only about Astana I’d add that the executive com- mittee for the journalists covering the strongest athletes in bodybuild- stan’s team, which consisted of and Almaty. Sport life flourishes mittee is primarily a working body, the upcoming Winter Olympics. ing and powerlifting will come to- 15 people, won third place among across Kazakhstan. Currently, we which should facilitate the work of That is too little for our country. gether on one stage. more than 40 participating coun- analyse the state of sports jour- “literary fraternity” in the field of If before it was due to our modest The 15 strongest triathletes tries for the first time. Powerlifting nalism in the regions, assist in sports. results at the Olympics, after the who qualified in the first days of is becoming one of the most popu- the opening of regional branches. success in London, we have the the tournament will be divided lar sports in the country and can be Our first branch was established What is the procedure of join- right to expand the presence of our into three weight groups and the found in virtually every gym in all in Karaganda, Kostanai and Aktau ing SPAK? journalists. panel of judges will determine the localities of the country. followed this example, Uralsk and Any journalist in the field of For example, I met my col- Pavlodar are in the pipeline. I hope Ilyas Omarov sports can become a SPAK mem- leagues from Ukraine and Slo- this list can be continued. In the ber. All is needed is only to express vakia. The Ukrainians won five future, we plan to hold a national It is also necessary, jointly with a wish and fill out a questionnaire. medals at the Winter Olympics seminar of the sports press in Ka- the National Olympic Committee and got about 50 accreditations, zakhstan. of Kazakhstan and the Kazakh- When will the next SPAK meet- exclusive TV reporters. Slovakia Golovkin Named Along with this, it is necessary stan Agency of Sport and Physical ing take place, and what issues got four medals and they got 15 to promote the image of Kazakh- Education, to seek to increase the will be considered there? accreditations for journalists and stan in the international arena. For number of journalists’ accredita- According to the charter, the four for photographers, plus sepa- this purpose it is necessary to ac- tions granted by the International SPAK meeting shall be held at rate accreditations for TV and ra- Among Most tively participate in the activities Olympic Committee for the cover- least once a year. In our case, the dio reporters. We have six medals conducted under the auspices of age of the Olympic Games. deadline is this autumn. The main and got only four accreditations. I the International Sports Press As- issue will be the report on the ac- believe that the Kazakhstan sports sociation (AIPS). In particular, it What can you say about the tivities for the past period and sug- fans do not deserve such a treat- Entertaining Boxers is important to second journalists new composition of the SPAK ex- gestions for further development ment. Our association intends to to AIPS seminars, introduce our ecutive committee? of the activity. The SPAK execu- seek ways to change this situa- country representatives in AIPS The composition of the execu- tive committee is to address the tion. Naturally, this should be done committees in various sports. But tive committee includes true pro- current issues. If there is an issue in conjunction with the National for this purpose it is necessary to fessionals who can and want to requiring convening of an extraor- Olympic Committee of Kazakh- be a member of this international work. There is a common miscon- dinary meeting, it will be done as stan. organisation. ception that membership in the ex- needed. We offer all sports journalists in ecutive committee of such organi- And do you still work at the Kazakhstan to join the AIPS and sations is just a honorary position. I What can you say about the Foreign Ministry? we are ready to assist in this matter. was pleasantly surprised, however, work of the sports press at the My involvement with SPAK is Today, more than 40 Kazakhstan when many of the persons elected Sochi Olympics? a volunteer activity, so, yes, I con- journalists are members of AIPS. I to the executive committee stated Kazakhstan Agency for Physical tinue to work at the Foreign Min- believe this figure will grow soon. almost as an ultimatum that they Culture and Sports did a very ef- istry.

Kazakhstan Will Compete Gennady Golovkin’s knock out percentage is 89.66, the best among all current champions.

By Jan Furst in Tour d’Azerbaijan 2014 Earlier this year, Golovkin By Diana Akhmetova Baku will be represented by the tres long and runs from Qabala in the route developed for the 2015 ASTANA – Kazakh boxer Gen- was named to the Gatti List, Synergy – Baku team. Sheki back to Qabala and will start European Games. nady Golovkin, also known as GGG, named after the famous profes- The Tour d’Azerbaijan cycling The race starts in Baku on May on May 9. Stones on a site near the Tour d’Azerbaijan will be broad- has joined Manny Pacquiao, Ruslan sional boxer Arturo Gatti, which Provodnikov, Sergey Kovalev, Bran- race, consisting of 150 racers from 7 and finishes 154 kilometres away medieval Caravanserai will seri- casted by the Eurosport channel. lists the five most entertaining don Rios and others in being named boxers on HBO. He has also 22 countries, will take place May in Sumgayit. This stage will be a ously test riders. Half-hour race diaries and an hour- one of today’s most entertaining box- been named by various organi- 7-11 in Azerbaijan. good chance for sprinters. They The May 10 fourth stage is not and-a-half broadcast of the final ers, according to the site sports.ru. sations over the course of his ca- This year’s participants hail from can decide the fate of the race on very long. It is only 115 kilometres stage will be aired. The 32-year-old World Boxing reer the most feared boxer, most Austria, Britain, China, France, the last five legs. from Qabala to Pirqulu but fea- The total distance to be covered Association and International Box- avoided fighter and most power- Germany, Ireland, Kazakhstan, The second stage starts on May tures three inclines. by riders will be 838 kilometres. ing Organisation champion from ful puncher. Latvia, Luxembourg, Romania, 8 and is being repeated for a third The fifth stage will be held in The cycling race was placed in Karaganda, central Kazakhstan, is Golovkin had to cancel his fight Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey year and consists of 187 kilome- Baku on May 11 and consists of the 2.1 category by the Internation- known for turning each bout into a against Andy Lee earlier in April and Ukraine, and as well as other tres from Baku to Ismayilly, where a 120-kilometre loop, then six al Cycling Union, for which eight thriller. He has 29 wins in 29 fights due to the loss of Golovkin’s fa- countries. An Australian team racers will have to overcome a 13.6-kilometre laps, which include teams from South Africa, Spain, with 26 by knock out. His knock ther and is now preparing to fight will also participate in the Tour hilly route and strong winds. stretches on the old town’s cobble- Italy, Australia, the United States, out percentage is 89.66, the best Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez in the d’Azerbaijan for the first time. The third stage is 180 kilome- stone roads. This stage is a test of Russia and Poland will be licensed. among all current champions. U.S. in July. B8 Nation&Capital Capital

Wednesday, april 23, 2014 Charity Uses Art to Improve Lives of Children with Disabilities By Rufiya Ospanova paralysis, mental deficiencies and The campaign was organised birth defects of the central nervous by Zhanna Tuyakbayeva, head of ASTANA – The Believe in Won- system often study at home and Believe in Wonder, and Aida Ak- der charity fund and the Astana see other children and life through tanova, the group’s vice-president. Department of Education, in coop- their windows. So the campaign Believe in Wonder helps disa- eration with the Khan Shatyr Mall, brings the activity to the children. bled children feel that they are not held an event on April 19 to raise “Painting is a good remedy,” say alone in this world and its work is awareness about children with dis- the campaign’s organisers. based on the UN Convention on abilities. A concert of young singers from the Rights of the Child adopted The event is called My World is Astana was also held on April 19 at by the General Assembly in 1982. Behind the Window and involves the Khan Shatyr Mall as part of the The convention states that a men- sending 26 teachers from the city’s campaign. The concert was hosted tally or physically disabled child department of education to the by Syrym Kashkarbayev. Channel should enjoy a full and decent life, homes of children with disabili- Seven reporter Arystan Baltin and in conditions that ensure dignity, ties to teach them to paint free of Astana-TV reporter Ravil Omarov promote self-reliance and facilitate charge. also helped publicise the cam- the child’s active participation in Children with infantile cerebral paign. society. Astana Hosts Seminar on Capital Job Fair for the Disabled Automating HR Management Draws 100 Employers were offered by the National Diag- nostic Centre, including positions Systems for laboratory doctors, X-ray labo- ratory assistants, nurses and com- Continued from Page B1 money,” he said, calling P-Direkt now; they had a plan to rebuild and one of the leading European ex- did just that. If you rebuild some- munications engineers. According to first deputy of Nur “We are an EU-financed project perts in the field. body, you can do business with Otan’s city branch, Sapar Akhme- and our main task is to improve “We visited the UK, Germany, them. In regards to Kazakhstan, the tov, employment is one of the most civil services,” Foedinger said in an Hungary, Austria, Poland, etc., and country doesn’t need rebuilding, important areas of life and an im- interview with The Astana Times. out of all of the organisations we but rather strengthening,” Foeding- portant step towards improving He further explained that one visited, P-Direkt was the one with er said. This is one of the reasons, quality of life, a necessary condition of the key components of the pro- the most suitable criteria,” Foed- according to him, why agencies for Kazakhstan’s joining the world’s gramme is e-kyzmet. inger said. like P-Direkt are here today to share top 30 most-developed economies. Foedinger is an Austrian expert Foedinger went on to explain their knowledge. “Today, we invited employers with more than 23 years experi- that HR in the former Soviet states With the centralisation and au- who expressed a desire and had ence in consulting public and pri- and the CIS has been neglected, tomation of HR functions, HR By Gulyaim Tulesheva jobs available for disabled people. vate entities in Eastern Europe, the but he underlined that slowly the managers will have more time and list of occupations and professions Among the proposed vacancies Commonwealth of Independent importance of human resources is energy for dealing with strategic ASTANA – Astana’s depart- for training. The Baiterek Holding on the list are openings for health States (CIS) and the Middle East. being realised and given more at- issues. Foedinger also sees this was among the employers repre- workers, secretaries, accountants, ment of employment and social During his career, he has advised tention, especially in Kazakhstan. as a chance to constantly improve sented, having announced two va- managers, operators of closed cir- programmes and the city branch of numerous state bodies, including “It’s not only the natural resourc- and upgrade people’s skills and cancies for general managers. The cuit TV, janitors and more. Many the Nur Otan party recently held a ministries, agencies and regional es you have here. The government qualifications. Development Bank of Kazakhstan organisations are now at the stage and municipal administrations. [now] understands that the most Foedinger stated that the overall job fair for people with disabilities. is ready to employ two manag- of preparing jobs,” Akhmetov said. His core specialties are restructur- important natural resources are not budget of the project is 4.2 million About 100 employers, including ers, as is the Zhilstroisberbank of Heads of organisations and staff ing, innovation and research coop- gas and oil, but human resources. Euros (US$5.8 million), which have representatives of healthcare and ed- Kazakhstan. The National Scien- managers who participated in the eration, regional development and It’s about people that have the been allocated over 48 months. ucation companies, as well as other tific Centre of Emergency Medi- fair conducted interviews directly export promotion. power to either let a country fail or The seminar was attended by Astana-based organisations, pre- cal Care is ready to take into their with applicants and explained their “This will be a system which succeed,” Foedinger said. representatives of the personnel sented 300 vacancies at the fair. The clinic instructors of therapeutic requirements, and two capital resi- will manage all human resource “Why is the EU financing the management services of more fair was held as part of Nur Otan’s exercises, information technology dents found jobs during the fair. operations in Kazakhstan’s civil programme? The answer is really than 30 representatives of the Kedergіsіz Keleshek (“Future With- specialists, psychologists and fi- All wishing had an opportunity to service,” Foedinger said. very simple. Business can be done government and heads of the IT out Boundaries”) project. A series of nancial employees, reported chair- take part in the youth practice or “Of course, this is a huge task. in a strong economy; while under Association of Kazakhstan. The similar fairs are planned to be held man Vladimir Openko. The tech- choose paid public works. [We try] to find the best European a weak one, nothing can be done. recommendations elaborated upon over the course of the year. nical construction college needs According to the organisers, practices and bring them to Ka- Look at Europe after World War II, during the seminar will be applied During the fair, applicants were mathematics and physics teachers, there are currently 1,895 people zakhstan as part of the learning there was nothing left. Everything in the operations of government provided access to a data bank of car mechanics and computer pro- with disabilities of working age process and to find ways of saving was destroyed. Look at Europe agencies. available vacancies in the city and a grammers. Seven vacant positions without jobs in Astana. ADB 47th Annual Meeting to Seek to ‘Connect Asia With Changing World’ “The conference will be fo- President of Toyota Motor Eu- By Jan Furst cused on the economic potential rope Didier Leroy and others will of our country,” he said. speak at the conference. ASTANA – More than 3,000 According to Mukhanov, the “Participants at the conference international finance ministers, conference will be a good plat- will discuss issues relating to the central bank governors, business form to establish new business development of the economy, fi- leaders, investors, journalists and contacts and sign contracts. nancial system and state policy civil society representatives are “The main theme of the venue of Kazakhstan, which contributes expected to gather in Astana May will be, Silk Road: Connecting to attracting investments to the 2-5 for the 47th annual meet- Asia and the Changing World. country. Moreover, Kazakhstan’s ing of the Board of Governors The theme was proposed by the opportunities both on regional of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). government of Kazakhstan tak- and global scales in terms of at- The meeting is being held un- ing into account the increasing tracting investments in joint pro- der the heading, The Silk Road – potential and the role of our jects for promoting products and Connecting Asia with the Chang- territory in the development goods produced in Kazakhstan, ing World. of inter-regional cooperation,” as well as in the development of Among the meeting’s topics Mukhanov added. business and trade relations be- will be the modern investment “Currently, it is planned that tween national and foreign pro- climate in Kazakhstan. The meet- more than 3,000 delegates from ducers, will be discussed at the ing will include the conference, 67 world countries will partici- conference,” according to the Ka- Invest in Kazakhstan, with the pate in the event. More than 25 zakh Ministry of Economy and participation of politicians, busi- different events are planned to be Budget Planning. nessmen, as well as representa- held during the event,” he noted. Investment agreements and tives of European and Central “It is planned to hold impor- memorandums are also expected Asian regional financial institu- tant events, sessions that are to to be signed with foreign partners tions. help reveal the potential of Asia. as a result of the forum. “Invest in Kazakhstan confer- In particular, it is planned that Kazakhstan has been cooperat- ence is expected to be held on the some sessions will be aimed at ing with the ADB since 1991. The first day of the annual meeting of the development of innovations, country has attracted more than the ADB Board of Governors,” energy, transport and interna- $3.2 billion in loans from ADB said Maksat Mukhanov, head of the tional and regional cooperation in since its accession in 1994 for Institute of Economic Research, Asia,” he said. the development of agriculture, during a recent Central Communi- According to the programme, education, finance, transport and cations Services briefing. ADB President Takehiko Nakao, water supplies.