+20° / +5°C WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 No 9 (147) www.astanatimes.com Nazarbayev attends Eurasian Economic World thought leaders Union Summit in Sochi, meets with Putin to gather for new AEF to debate the world’s most important Staff Report challenges and discuss solutions to create a more sustainable planet. ASTANA – The former President Participants will also include Mi- of France, the former UN Secretary- chio Kaku, physicist, co-founder of General and other international the string field theory and popular- thought leaders will gather in Astana iser of science, Jim O’Neill, former May 17-19 for the 11th Astana Eco- Goldman Sachs chief economist nomic Forum (AEF). The name of known for coining the BRIC acro- the forum is being changed this year nym, Parag Khanna, international to the Global Challenges Summit relations expert and visionary strate- (GCS) 2018, says a press release by gist of urban development, Mikheil AEF organisers. Janelidze, Georgia’s Vice Prime Former UN Secretary-General Minister and Minister of Foreign Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Inter- Affairs, Toomas Ilves, Estonia’s national Olympic Committee’s Eth- former president, Krzysztof Zanus- ics Commission Hans Timmer, Chief si, film director and winner of the Economist for the Europe and Cen- Golden Lion, the highest prize of tral Asian region of the World Bank the Venice Film Festival and others. and former French President Fran- Kazakhstan’s senior officials and cois Hollande are among those who heads of state-owned companies will participate. Other participants and development agencies will will include leaders in business, sci- participate in the discussion on the ence and art who will look at current country’s strategies for adapting to global risks and opportunities. the rapidly changing world and its The technological revolu- role in developing Central Asia. tion of recent years has created GCS 2018 follows Astana’s L-R: Tigran Sargsyan, Nikol Pashinyan, Alexander Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin, Nursultan Nazarbayev and Sooronbai Jeenbekov in Sochi on May 14. world-changing megatrends af- EXPO 2017 with its subject of Fu- fecting countries, businesses and ture Energy, which provided the By Almasbek Zhumadilov calmly, without creating any hype. tegration of EAEU member states, It is important to increase the role the world’s population. Economic backdrop for Kazakhstan to an- We are allies, and the media of the saying integration contributes to the of the Eurasian Development Bank growth and resource resilience, dig- nounce its large-scale Third Mod- ASTANA – Kazakhstan Presi- two countries should work in the economic growth of EAEU mem- and the Eurasian Stabilisation and itisation and urbanisation, longev- ernisation aimed at pushing the dent Nursultan Nazarbayev attend- same way,” Nazarbayev said. ber states. Development Fund in the activi- ity and financial revolution, global country into the top 30 of the world’s ed the Supreme Eurasian Economic Putin praised the state of relations “This was promoted by positive ties of our association. They should security and cultural shift will be strongest economies by means of Council’s meeting in Sochi on May and said Kazakhstan is a strategic dynamics in strategic sectors: in actively participate in the imple- among the summit’s topics. breakthroughs in innovative devel- 14 and, while meeting Vladimir Pu- ally and close economic partner. agriculture and industry. A signifi- mentation of major projects,” said The summit will include more opment, institutional reforms and tin, congratulated him on his recent “Relations between our countries cant ‘spurt’ occurred both in exter- Nazarbayev. than 200 speakers from 27 countries extensive international integration. election and praised Kazakh-Rus- are developing successfully and nal and in mutual trade. Over the In addition, he suggested using sian relations. consistently. Last year, in the econ- past year, external and mutual trade the three international centres cre- “On the 18th of March this year, a omy, we had a good result, 30 per- within the framework of the EAEU ated on the EXPO 2017 site in the historic event took place. You have cent growth in turnover. Russia re- increased by 24.4 percent and 26.1 work of the EAEU. won the confidence of the Russian mains one of the leading trade and percent, respectively. The positive “I invite the financial institutions people with a tremendous triumph. economic partners of Kazakhstan. I dynamics are also being preserved of the EAEU member states to use Minister: space technology In these difficult conditions, such would also like to note the growth this year,” said Nazarbayev. the opportunities of the Astana In- trust is very much worthwhile,” the of Russia’s direct investment in the He said the economic associa- ternational Financial Centre. In ad- President of Kazakhstan noted. Kazakh economy,” Putin said. tion is gaining international clout dition, the events of the EAEU’s “Kazakhstan is the closest coun- The Supreme Eurasian Economic and that an increasing number of financial block, including the sub- development among key try with which Russia has the most Council’s meeting also brought to- foreign countries want to develop sidiary and consultative-advisory exemplary relations and intensive gether the presidents of the Repub- trade and economic relations with bodies’ meetings, should be held on economic ties. Our turnover is lic of Belarus Alexander Lukashen- the union. the territory of the expo. At the same about $16 billion [annually]. The ko, the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbai He also noted the results of the time, within the framework of the themes of KADEX 2018 creation of joint ventures is on the Jeenbekov, the Prime Minister meeting of the Supreme Eurasian digital agenda, I propose to organ- cated to the space industry will be increase.” of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and Economic Council in a narrow for- ise the work of the Office for Digital By Amir Khaidar erected. Nazarbayev added that close co- Chairman of the Board of the Eura- mat, during which statutory treaty Project Management and Initiatives “A distinctive innovation of the operation between the countries sian Economic Commission Tigran amendments, EAEU international within the framework of the EAEU ASTANA – From May 23 to 26, exhibition will be the internation- helps resolve issues as they emerge. Sargsyan. Igor Dodon, president of activities and economic union de- on the basis of the future Interna- Astana will host KADEX 2018, its al forum, Days of Space in Ka- “Kazakhstan is always close by. Moldova, which is not a Eurasian velopment were discussed. tional Technopark of IT Startups,” international biennial exhibition zakhstan, the Cyber and Digital We will always work together and Economic Union (EAEU) member, Nazarbayev proposed forming the Kazakh President said. of weapons systems and military Security Conference and the sci- overcome this difficult time, mov- also attended. an intergovernmental committee In conclusion, Nazarbayev said equipment. Kazakh Minister of entific and practical conference ing forward. Today, there is normal The parties discussed strengthen- to analyse the results of the union’s he is confident the agreements Defence and Aerospace Industry Advanced Def Tech. They will work in all directions. We have ing economic cooperation within decisions and promote the EAEU. reached during the council’s meet- Beibut Atamkulov discussed in de- be the central dialogue platforms developed close relations between the economic union’s borders. “It is also necessary to work out ing will increase economic coop- tail the format and content of the of the exhibition,” Atamkulov governments and ministries. The The Kazakh President specifical- the possibility of implementing eration among all union member coming exhibition, the 5th KA- explained. At these events, ex- arising problems should be solved ly focused on further economic in- large infrastructure ‘megaprojects’. states. DEX, in an exclusive interview perts from around the world will with The Astana Times. exchange views on defence and “This is the first exhibition to be security, the development of the held under the aegis of our minis- global space industry and cyber- try. Today, 43 official delegations, security threats of present and the including from Russia, Belarus, future. APK discusses Nazarbayev’s social initiatives Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, the United The major theme of the exhibi- Arab Emirates, Turkey, Jordan, tion will remain the latest develop- Azerbaijan, Egypt, Israel, Italy ments of Kazakhstan’s military- By Aigerim Seisembayeva and Mongolia have confirmed industrial complex. their participation in the exhibi- “Kazakhstan Paramount Engi- ASTANA – Kazakh President tion. Also, about 100 executives of neering, one of the flagships of Nursultan Nazarbayev took part foreign companies expressed a de- the country’s defence industry, April 28 in the 26th session of the sire to visit KADEX 2018,” Atam- will present the next-generation Assembly of the People of Ka- kulov noted. armoured wheeled vehicles Barys zakhstan (APK), reported Akorda. In total, more than 300 com- 6×6 and Barys 8×8, as well as Ar- kz. The main topic was the Presi- panies from 30 countries will lan 4×4 and Alan 4×4,” said the dent’s recent Five Social Initia- showcase arms and military minister. tives aimed at improving the lives equipment, military and dual-use “The Kazakhstan Aselsan En- of Kazakh citizens. products, space technology and gineering (KAE) optical products  The session gathered 413 of developments in information se- plant will present surveillance de- 466 APK members from all the curity. vices, optical sights, night vision regions of the country. Chairper- “Visitors to KADEX 2018 will devices and radio stations… sons of ethno-cultural associations, Kazakhstan Engineering will members of the Kazakh Parliament be able to get acquainted with the latest achievements and promising demonstrate the GT-T crawler and government and heads of cen- transporter-tractor, which is a tral and local executive bodies, po- akorda.kz. Photo credit: scientific developments of -mili tary-industrial and space enterpris- high-speed, cross-country am- litical parties, religious associations, towards creating a consolidated “The 21st century shows that on the Kazakh people to create a phibious vehicle with front driv- non-governmental organisations, nation ,announcing 2.6 trillion global challenges and threats – so- new model of a social state and na- es. One hundred and twenty-four units of ground equipment and 18 ing wheels. scholars, movie actors and heads of tenge ($7.9 billion) will be allo- cial, ecological, technogenic – do tional well-being. This vehicle is environmentally the Kazakh media also attended. cated to implement the Five Social not vanish. Now is a different time, Lituanica chair and APK mem- types of aviation equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles will be friendly, has a simple design and Opening the session, Naz- Initiatives. when everyone needs to take re- ber Vitaly Tvarionas Iono and phi- excellent maintainability, and is arbayev stressed the assembly’s “We have launched five new sponsibility for the future,” he said. lanthropist Islambek Salzhanov exhibited at the open demonstra- tion site,” he said. designed to work in difficult cli- role as the main guarantor of peace projects despite the external cir- Nazarbayev emphasised the na- were appointed as new assembly matic conditions on soils with and stability in the country. cumstances, not because we have tion’s unity is the main condition deputies. The Palace of Peace and The exhibition site at the mili- tary section of Astana International low bearing capacity,” Atamkulov “Today, the assembly has to fulfil too much money and resources. for creating a renovated nation and Harmony, where the event was said. Kazakh manufacturer Tynys a number of tasks on Kazakhstan’s We are determined to give new im- congratulated all citizens on the held, was declared the APK Cen- Airport will consist of 10 pavil- ions. Three separate pavilions for will present ammunition for secu- modernisation path. In March of petus to improving the lives of the Day of Unity of the People of Ka- tral House of Friendship. rity forces, as well as truck cranes this year, as part of the social mod- people of Kazakhstan,” he said. zakhstan, celebrated May 1. The session ended with a fes- domestic manufacturers Kazakh- stan Engineering, Kazakhstan Par- and special equipment. The en- ernisation, I proposed the Five The head of state also stressed The session included reports by tive concert, where vocal group IL terprise will also exhibit body ar- amount Engineering and Kaztech- Initiatives. Their successful imple- the initiatives are aimed at solving government officials on the pro- Canto and Astana’s youth cham- mour, armoured vehicles, tactical nologies will be complemented by mentation will strengthen our citi- five of the most important social gress of social programmes and in- ber choir presented “Otan Ana,” a belts, bulletproof helmets and riot individual pavilions showcasing zens’ faith in the future, the state, issues in modern Kazakhstan and spiring speeches by successful Ka- new song by Nazarbayev. Famous shields. the society and each other,” he said. the funds for implementing them zakh citizens. It also adopted the singer Dimash Kudaibergen and technology from Turkey, China The President noted the social are direct investments in the future Appeal to the people of Kazakh- his younger sister Raushan also and Russia. For the first time at unity policy is an important step of Kazakh society. stan, in which the assembly called performed. KADEX, a unique pavilion dedi- Continued on Page A3

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIALS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Nazarbayev congratulates nation on Kazakh-Uzbek trade grows 50% in Q1 2018, Astana Economic Forum now global in scale, MARTINET: Wake up! France has changed A7 Immortal Regiment parade honours war could reach $3 billion by yearend, relevance A6 heroes’ memory B1 May 1 holiday A2 TURKSTRA: Social Initiatives will strengthen Mamin says A4 NGOs, gov’t officials discuss the country’s Romania, Kazakhstan interested in multiple middle class A7 Astana enters top three May Day CIS travel torture prevention efforts A2 Kazakhstan doubles automotive production in partnerships, Romanian MP says A6 destinations B8 Q1 of 2018 A5

US$ 1 = 327.85 KZT € 1 = 392.67 KZT 1 = 5.31 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

NATIONAL Nazarbayev congratulates nation on May 1 holiday NEWS IN BRIEF CNPC Aktobemunaigaz con- the unity and friendship of its mul- cluded contracts worth more than Staff Report tiethnic society. “As a result of unity, we took 3 billion tenge (US$9 million) ASTANA – President Nursultan the responsibility of improving the with Kazakh companies to in- Nazarbayev congratulated the na- lives of our people and entering crease the share of local content in tion May 1 on the Kazakh People’s into the 30 most developed coun- their activities in 2017, according Day of Unity. tries of the world. Thanks to the to Kazinform. A committee pro- “This truly national celebra- unity of our people, I announced moting the use of local goods and tion is a vivid symbol of our the Five Social Presidential Initia- services among large companies patriotism, love and devotion tives aimed at creating favourable operating in the region has been to our native land. Due to unity living conditions for every citi- active for three years. “The com- and harmony, we have achieved zen,” he said. mittee’s activities give visible re- great success in building an in- Nazarbayev once again con- sults. We developed a database of dependent state, having earned gratulated all those who gathered about 270 local commodity manu- high prestige and recognition in at the square and wished a bright facturers that produce about 3,000 the world.” he said. future for the younger generation items. They participate in procure- Nazarbayev added awareness and happiness and prosperity for ment procedures, but there are also of the importance of unity and every Kazakh family. some issues in interaction with harmony is the main factor in the “We see different cultures, lan- customers,” said regional chamber country’s congruent and sustain- guages and traditions in our coun- of entrepreneurs director Nurlybek able development. try. We are united, we love and Mukanov. “Only in unity, friendship and respect each other, we abide by a mutual respect is the true wealth single constitution and laws. To About 200 athletes took part and well-being of our great com- society and serve as a clear guide head of state attended a concert on People of Kazakhstan presented respect each other and have friend- in a sports flash mob initiated by mon home, the Republic of Ka- to its further consolidation and the square in front of Kazakh Eli traditional songs and dances. He ship is a great happiness. Let’s Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture zakhstan. These core values unity,” he added. monument, where ethno-cultural noted the nation’s impressive cherish this unity, let’s protect our and Sports and the Street Work- govern the world outlook of our As part of the festivities, the centres of the Assembly of the achievements were possible due to happiness,” he said. out Federation May 8 in Astana, reported the press service of the Mixed Marital Arts (MMA) Fed- Akhmetzhanov added in the past eration. The event was held as part four years, the number of prison- of the sixth MMA Championship ers has decreased from 49,000 to and Battle of Nomads 10, dedicat- NGOs, gov’t officials discuss the 35,000 and eight old-style colonies ed to the 20th anniversary of the were closed. In the World Prison Kazakh capital. “This campaign Brief, Kazakhstan improved its po- is of great importance for the pro- sitions from 35th to 73rd in terms motion of sports, physical activ- country’s torture prevention efforts of prison population rate, with ity, and a healthy lifestyle among The event, hosted by Kazakh- Most visits were made based on sphere is reflected in the World the higher figure indicating fewer young people,” said President By Aigerim Seisembayeva stan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, complaints about penitentiary in- Justice Project’s Rule of Law In- number of inmates per 100,000 of of the MMA Federation Anatoly was organised by the country’s stitutions. All information about dex, where our country climbed the general population. Kim. ASTANA –­ The results of last Human Rights Commissioner’s detected facts of torture or cruel from 74th position in 2012 to 64th He noted 85 percent of com- year’s preventive visits to deten- Office with the support of the Eu- treatment were transferred to the in 2018,” he said. plaints about torture and unlawful The Aktobe region intends to tion facilities were presented at ropean Union, Council of Europe, Prosecutor General’s Office. The Deputy Prosecutor General investigation methods are regis- increase wheat acreage by intro- the Kazakh Foreign Ministry April Organisation for Security and Co- document also notes the need to Marat Akhmetzhanov noted the tered at the pre-trial investigation ducing unused land into effective 26 as part of the second, two-day operation in Europe (OSCE) pro- introduce a special form of public Kazakh prison population has been stage. As a result, the Prosecutor turnover, according to the regional National Preventive Mechanism gramme office, Penal Reform In- report to investigate such cases. decreasing in recent years due to General’s Office is in the process press service. This year, at least (NPM) forum, “Prevention of tor- ternational and the United Nations It added most of the recom- consistent efforts aimed at human- of developing a new bill that will 754,000 hectares of area will be ture through joint efforts of nation- High Commissioner’s Office for mendations in the previous year’s ising the prosecution system and reduce the harshness of criminal planted, approximately 15 percent al human rights institutions and the Human Rights, Development Pro- report were implemented by the has decreased by 1,000 in the first law. more than in the previous year. NPM.” gramme (UNDP) and International governmental bodies in charge of quarter of 2018 alone. “The concept of the bill provides The region will introduce at least The NPM’s fourth consolidated Children’s Fund (UNICEF). the mandated closed institutions. “Gradual humanisation of legis- that only those who constitute real 8,000 hectares of irrigated land report contains an analysis of hu- Speaking at the forum, Kazakh Their activities indicate a readi- lation is taking place. A new law danger to the society are to be iso- as a result of agreements with the man rights observance in the fa- Human Rights Commissioner ness to implement the recommen- on modernising the criminal pro- lated, but other persons who com- European Bank for Reconstruc- cilities of the nation’s National Askar Shakirov said NPM par- dations presented in the report, cess was adopted this January. It mit non-violent grave crimes will tion and Development (EBRD) to Security Committee and Internal ticipants conducted more than 500 according to the ombudsman. He includes measures to increase the be punished without being isolated reduce imports and increase the Affairs, Defence, Healthcare and preventive visits to mandated in- added the NPM activity is one of competitiveness of parties of the from society. Despite the large- export of products. “The growth Education and Science ministries. stitutions in 2017 which resulted the most convincing examples of judicial process and strengthen ju- scale humanisation, these meas- rate reached more than 104 per- The forum was attended by more in substantive and relevant rec- constructive interaction between dicial control, as all sanctions were ures did not involve crimes related cent as of the first quarter of 2018. than 100 NPM participants from ommendations to institutional ad- governmental bodies and the civil transferred to the court and the to torture. On the contrary, we are The manufacturing output totalled the country’s 16 regions, govern- ministrations and local and central sector, including executing inter- rights of lawyers were expanded. increasing the responsibility for about 30 billion tenge [US$91.4 ment officials, human rights activ- governmental bodies on ways to national standards in human rights. They are now equal to the rights of torture and strengthening the guar- million]. We need to keep this ists from Central Asia and Europe, improve their work in preventing Deputy Foreign Minister Roman the prosecutors. The time of deten- antees of victim protection,” said positive tendency. We need to in- international experts and repre- torture and cruel treatment and Vassilenko noted Kazakhstan was tion of suspects was also reduced Akhmetzhanov adding that those crease livestock production, labour sentatives of non-governmental punishment. one of the first countries to accede from 72 to 48 hours and to 24 hours convicted of torture, and there productivity and introduce smart organisations. They not only dis- The report states the number of to the UN Convention against Tor- for minors. These measures result- have been 24 such convictions of technologies,” said Aktobe Akim cussed Kazakhstan’s torture pre- NPM special visits (in addition to ture and has made considerable ed in a reduction of the prison pop- officials in recent years, are not eli- (Governor) Berdybek Saparbayev. vention efforts, but also shared preventive visits) increased from progress in its prevention. ulation by 1,000 people in the first gible for reduction of sentence or their countries’ experiences. 15 to 24 cases compared to 2016. “Kazakhstan’s progress in this quarter of this year alone,” he said. early release due to amnesty. This year, 585 yards, 157 streets and 30 kilometres of pavement will be renovated using exclusive- ly local content in Almaty as part of the city’s street reconstruction project, the Almaty mayor’s press Nur Otan Party announces Kazakh President visits new service reported May 5. The Al- maty Entrepreneurship, Industrial and Innovative Development Of- new projects to execute mosque in futuristic style fice plans to hold meetings with all the city’s districts to promote cooperation between local pro- ducers and contractors. “This co- national programmes operation is important. The enter- prises will have guaranteed orders launch all the projects, but also dem- and contractors will receive qual- By Meruyert Abugaliyeva onstrate tangible outcomes in a short ity products accompanied by fol- period of time,” Ashimbayev added. low-up service. All the companies ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s rul- Considerable emphasis has been are participants of the Entrepre- ing Nur Otan political party has placed on projects within Digital Ka- neurship Support Map. They car- developed more than 20 projects zakhstan, such as launching 1,000 IT ried out modernisation, improved to support small and medium-sized classes and 20 IT centres across the quality, increased production and enterprises (SMEs), improve the country with the support of NGOs reduced the cost of production. educational system and execute the and the Atameken National Cham- Digital Kazakhstan and Rukhani ber of Entrepreneurs (NCE). Such They pay taxes and create jobs,” Janghyru (Modernisation of Ka- projects will significantly contribute said Industrial Enterprise Moni- zakhstan’s Identity) national pro- to digitisation, he noted. toring Department head Rustem grammes. The key priority, howev- More than 150,000 school stu- Voroshilov. er, is to update the party and increase dents per year will have an opportu- public trust. nity to learn programming skills and More than 460 million tenge “Nur Otan must be a paragon of robotics and approximately 35,000 (US$1.4 million) has been al- modernisation values and a key driv- highly qualified IT specialists will located for a three-year cultural ing force in our country. We need to be trained at the centres. was erected at the expense of char- ing in Kazakhstan. The building preservation and development create a highly effective political or- The party also plans to create a By Dana Omirgazy ity fundraising. of the mosque is designed in the project in the Zhambyl region, re- ganisation that will maintain a lead- unified online geo-information - ser “When the structural part was postmodernism style, using tra- ported the regional press service. ing position in the long term. All the vice centre, allowing businesspeo- ASTANA – Ahead of the Muslim ready, some changes were in- ditional ornaments and decora- The project is intended to help projects are designed to pursue this ple across Kazakhstan to learn about holy month of Ramadan, Kazakh troduced. We reduced heat con- tive elements. The main building protect historical sights, improve goal,” said first deputy chairperson renting land lots. President Nursultan Nazarbayev sumption 61 percent and changed has a sophisticated, hemispheri- the material and technical base of of the party Maulen Ashimbayev. Nur Otan will also seek to con- visited Astana’s new mosque, The windows. Multifunctional glass cal shape, consisting of triangular cultural institutions and develop The initiatives were developed trol food provisions and modernise Flower of Allah, akorda.kz press reflects cold and heat. We take 30 inclined planes, culminating in a tourism at sacred sites. “Eight in response to President Nursultan sports equipment in educational in- service reported. percent of the electricity from the dome with a diameter of 26 me- sites are included on the architec- Nazarbayev’s instructions to reno- stitutions. Another project involves The President learned about the city, but we produce it ourselves. tres. Externally, the design of the tural monuments of the region’s vate the country’s largest party. transforming libraries into modern construction of the mosque and al- We reduced ventilation and cool- mosque resembles a flower and at hologram at the local museum. “For the first time, Nur Otan will knowledge centres and making ternative sources of energy used to ing by 87 and 80 percent, respec- the same time diamond face. The There are only 200 cultural cen- apply international project manage- books available in electronic format. provide the building with electric- tively. The building uses energy height of the minaret, located on tres. Last year, we constructed a ment experience in its activities and The party will also attract volunteers ity and heat. saving lightning. Thus, we pro- the north side of the main building centre worth 52.7 million tenge will reorganise the work of its cen- to teach English language to chil- The construction of the mosque duce three times more energy than reaches 43.5 metres, and it is made [US$160,685] in the Akkainar tral apparatus and regional branches. dren in rural areas. on the right bank of the Yessil Riv- we consume,” General Director of in the form of “kalama” (“sacred village of Merken District. In to- It is important not to consider each Executing the projects will entail er started in 2016. The alternative Stroyinvest-SK construction com- feather”). The new mosque is de- tal, 547 cultural and archival or- project separately, but to perceive the cooperation of governmental sources used for the energy supply pany Alexander Kravchenko said, signed for 750 visitors. The area of ganisations operate in the region,” them as one activity meant to ad- organisations and local executive of the new mosque produce three according to 24.kz. the mosque is 2,248 square metres. said Culture, Archives and Docu- dress strategic tasks of the party and bodies, NCE, business entities and times more electricity than the re- The project of the new mosque The building occupies 1.44 hec- mentation Department head Duis- the state. We will not only need to NGOs. quired volume. The new mosque differs from the others exist- tares. senali Bykibayev. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakhstan-EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee adopts Kazakh and Turkish companies sought to expand partnerships and build on existing projects during the recent investment week in Istanbul joint declaration, confirms commitment to enhance ties organised by the Kazakh Embassy curity, economic and social issues, of the Mazhilis, Nurlan Nigmatu- tre for Law Enforcement Services, punov family, the Ryskaliyev broth- in Turkey and the Kazakh Invest By Aigerim Seisembayeva energy security, water resource lin, who said expanding relations the press service of the Prosecutor ers, Yerkanat Taizhanov and others. National Company. The Kazakh management and regional coop- with the EU is a Kazakh foreign General’s Office reports. “During the discussions, both delegation, headed by Vice Min- ASTANA – Kazakh and European eration, among other topics. policy priority and that the newly Of particular interest were Ka- sides criticised Ablyazov’s crimi- ister for Investment and Develop- parliamentary officials reconfirmed The declaration also welcomed updated EU Strategy for Central zakhstan’s experience in humanis- nal actions and attempts to desta- ment Arystan Kabikenov, met the mutual commitment to strengthen- the abolition by Kazakhstan of visa Asia will offer opportunities for ing criminal policy, which helped bilise the situation in the country,” top management of leading Turkish ing ties as they adopted a joint dec- requirements for the EU citizens additional cooperation. the country improve its position in the press service said referring to companies and industries, including laration following the May 10 15th and called on EU member states Grigule noted the EU views the World Prison Report from third Kazakhstan. Yildirim Holding and Calik Hold- annual session of the Kazakhstan- to grant a mandate to the European Kazakhstan as its most important to 73rd in terms of prison popula- Kozhamzharov thanked the EP ing. Calik Holding representatives European Union (EU) Parliamen- Commission to begin negotiations partner in the region. Stressing the tion rate and measures to modern- members for their support for the reaffirmed the company’s readi- tary Cooperation Committee (PCC). to facilitate the visa regime for Ka- importance of Kazakh President ise procedural legislation. EPCA. ness to take up projects in Kazakh-  The members of both parlia- zakh citizens visiting the EU. Nursultan Nazarbayev’s policy According to the press service, “The experience we gained in stan, including the construction of ments, according to the Kazakh The sides emphasised the new of resolving conflicts exclusively the delegation praised Kazakh- cooperation shows the effective- a 50-megawatt solar power plant, Mazhilis (lower house of Parlia- Enhanced Partnership and Cooper- through negotiations, she called stan’s efforts to reduce the harsh- ness of Kazakhstan’s legal system and consider further expansion of ment) discussed Kazakh and EU ation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan a good example, high- ness of the law and enhance the and our readiness to act as a reli- investments in renewable energy. foreign and security policies as Kazakhstan and the EU “has cre- lighting its role in the settlement of re-socialisation of convicts. able partner in Eurasia. We con- With its activities cutting across 11 well as commended Kazakhstan’s ated a solid foundation for further the Syrian crisis and the stabilisa- “The Prosecutor General’s Of- firmed that the most serious crimes sectors and an annual turnover of non-permanent membership in the progressive development of bilat- tion of the situation in Afghanistan. fice is undoubtedly the foundation that concern the entire internation- $2.2 billion, Yildirim Holding has UN Security Council, its efforts to eral cooperation.” The following day, the EP stone of the rule of law. It has all al community should not be left an agreement with KazGeology to help restore peace in Afghanistan The EPCA’s implementation, delegation met with Kazakh- the responsibility for observing unpunished,” he said. establish a joint enterprise for geo- and Kazakhstan’s assistance in ef- according to the declaration, “will stan’s Prosecutor General Kairat and protecting the rights of citi- The meeting also discussed the logical exploration, with the first forts to achieve peace in Syria. significantly increase the volume Kozhamzharov, who briefed them zens,” Grigule reportedly said. protection of citizens’ constitu- scheduled for this summer in the The document stated “both sides of trade and investments, generate on reforms in the criminal and In addition, the delegates got ac- tional rights, guarantees for the Zhambyl region. confirmed a strong commitment to new opportunities for economic criminal procedural legislation in quainted with the information on protection of privacy and property further deepening close and mutu- growth and job creation.” Kazakhstan, as it works to bring the criminal actions of the persons and the freedom of speech. Chair of Kazakhstan’s Mazhi- ally beneficial cooperation based The delegation of European Par- legislation in line with European hiding from Kazakhstan’s justice in The next meeting of the Kazakh- lis (lower chamber of Parliament) on common values and mutual liament led by Latvia’s MEP Iveta best practices. The meeting also Europe, including Mukhtar Ablya- stan-EU PCC is to take place in Nurlan Nigmatulin welcomed Eu- interests”, while also covering se- Grigule also met with the Speaker included a presentation of the Cen- zov and his accomplices, the Khra- Brussels in 2019. ropean Parliament member and Kazakhstan-EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee Co-Chair Iveta Grigule in the Kazakh capi- tal May 10. Nigmatulin noted the expansion of partnership with the “Religious Leaders for A Safe World”: Kazakh EU as one of the strategic priori- ties of Kazakh foreign policy and expressed firm belief that opportu- nities for new joint projects will be minister, ambassador, others speak at U.N. created with the adoption of the up- the “conciliatory role of religious As cosponsor of the special ences have become a hallmark of he lauded Kazakhstan as the host dated EU Strategy for Central Asia. By George Baumgarten, leaders in promoting peace.” Al- meeting, Kazakhstan sent its vice contemporary Kazakhstan, and the of the upcoming sixth Congress of The MEP emphasised Kazakh- United Nations Correspondent Nasser had himself participated in minister for religious affairs and state supports the noble values in- Leaders of World and Traditional stan’s role as a key partner in the some of the earliest conferences civil society. A noted career diplo- herent in all religions. Religions. region and praised the country’s in- NEW YORK – Kazakh Vice on this subject. And last July, he mat who has represented Kazakh- Rabbi Arthur Schneier is a Mod- As a leader long-experienced in itiatives to seek stabilisation in the Minister of Religious Affairs and brought together religious leaders stan in the North African countries ern Orthodox Jewish rabbi very religious dialogue, Rabbi Schneier Syrian conflict and in Afghanistan. Civil Society Berik Aryn was a for a panel on The Role of Reli- of Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and much involved with international noted that such leaders need part- The meeting preceded the 15th ses- principal speaker at a recent meet- gious leaders in Peace Building Morocco, Aryn has a background affairs and with the United Na- ners – from the political, business sion of the committee, which fo- ing on religious leadership at the in the Middle East. All this helped in languages and law. He spoke tions. Born in Hungary and a sur- and financial communities. But he cused on Kazakh-EU foreign and lead to the alliance’s ultimate ob- to the meeting on what he saw as vivor of the Holocaust, he serves decried the use of the word “toler- security policies, economic and United Nations in New York. He jective, “to provide a platform “radical changes” in global affairs. as Senior Rabbi of Park East Syna- ance.” Religious minorities do not social reforms, investment, energy was joined by Kazakh UN Ambas- allowing religious leaders from The interdependence of “global, gogue in New York City, and was security and regional cooperation. sador Kairat Umarov, who chaired wish to be merely “tolerated” by the meeting. The special meeting different faiths to work together national, religious and secular the founder of the Appeal of Con- those of the majority. Religious toward a safer world.” components” is of increasing im- science Foundation, which pro- Kazakh Ambassador to France had been called and jointly-spon- groups always work together in Al-Nasser stressed that rather portance. motes interreligious understand- and Permanent Representative to sored by the U.N.’s Alliance of times of disaster or calamity, but than be a source of hatred, “Re- Aryn noted that under the guise ing. He was introduced in glowing the UNESCO Zhan Galiyev met Civilisations and by the mission disadvantaged minorities are still ligion can be the source of non- of “searching for God,” terrorist terms by Nihal Saad of the Alli- with UNESCO Director-Gener- of Kazakhstan, in hopes of leaders persecuted in many lands and violent transformation, protec- acts have been committed, which ance of Civilisations, who chaired al Audrey Azoulay in Paris. Dur- of all faiths exerting influence to communities. He noted the spon- tion of human rights, integrity in underline the moral values of so- the meeting of religious leaders, ing the meeting, Azoulay stressed make this a safer and more peace- sorship by his foundation of the government, and reconciliation ciety. Kazakhstan is still commit- and noted his long involvement the organisation’s essential goal of ful world. UN General Assembly Resolu- and stability in divided societies.” ted to the fundamental concept of with the U.N. and its work. He promoting intercultural dialogue Speaking first, Qatar’s Nassir tion on the Protection of Religious And religious leaders within those unity in diversity. It has also led thanked Kazakhstan as sponsors and its appreciation of Kazakh- Abdulaziz Al-Nasser welcomed Sites, passed in 2001. societies “offer the opportunity to the way, in holding congresses to and noted that he had visited the stan’s commitment to the organisa- the delegates. An experienced dip- Rabbi Schneier spoke of the at- reflect on forgiveness and recon- promote religious, ethnic and cul- country at the invitation of Presi- tion’s projects and the International lomat with a distinguished career, tacks still made on places of reli- ciliation.” tural understanding. Such confer- dent Nursultan Nazarbayev. And Decade for the Rapprochement of Al-Nasser has served as both his gious worship. Therefore, human- Cultures (2013-2022). She noted country’s Permanent Representa- ity must stay alert to the dangers that work is underway to include tive to the United Nations, and as of such actions. He paraphrased Kazakhstan’s nominations in the President of the 66th Session of the quotation from the German UNESCO World Heritage list, the U.N. General Assembly (2011- writer Heinrich Heine, inscribed Intangible Cultural Heritage list, 12). In 2013, he was appointed on Washington’s United States World Network of Biosphere Re- High Representative for the United Holocaust Memorial Museum: serves and Global Geoparks, and Nations Alliance of Civilisations. “When books are burned… it is the Memory of the World docu- Al-Nasser noted that he was pre- only a matter of time until people mentary heritage. The nomina- sent at a UNESCO-sponsored con- will be burned.”Heinrich Heine tions, Azoulay noted, should be ference, at which the International died in 1856, over three-quarters used to promote sustainable tour- Decade of the Rapprochement of of a century before the rise of ism in the country. Culture was first launched at Ka- Nazi Germany. And in the new, zakhstan’s initiative. This decade fast-growing digital world, Rabbi Kazakh soprano and Astana is still currently in progress and Schneier said, we must confront Opera leading soloist Aizada Ka- will last from 2013 to 2022. those who are “masters” of the ponova won the Città di Pesaro He also cited the emphasis on inform.kz. Photo credit: internet. international competition (CIMP), which took place April 26-30 in Pesaro, eastern Italy. Kaponova is In addition to official events, a multiple winner of international the business programme and the competitions. “Participation in an exhibition itself, it is planned to international contest means gain- Minister: space technology development sign 50 memoranda, contracts and ing new experience and building agreements in the field of military- confidence in your abilities as well technical cooperation with organi- as meeting colleagues from differ- sations and companies from near ent countries. I am very happy I among key themes of KADEX 2018 and far abroad. represented my country at such a Continued from Page A1 science-intensive high-tech space of commercial launches,” said the “Literally we will combine the- significant competition in Italy, the industry that had never existed minister. ory and practice within the frame- birthplace of opera,” said Kapono- “These are just a few examples. in Kazakhstan, had been created Another ambitious project of work of one promising event. This va. More than 3,000 participants There are projects in the field of from the ground up. Over the the ministry is the launch of the will contribute to the development have taken part in the contest over armoured weapons and equip- years, the safety and restoration Spacecraft Assembly and Testing of partnerships in the field of mil- the 15 years since it began. ment, air defence and firearms. of the capacities of the world-fa- Complex in Astana. A complete itary-technical cooperation, cyber- Our enterprises are implementing mous Baikonur cosmodrome was production cycle, from design to security and joint exploration of Astana will host the 2018 ITU a lot of projects in the defence in- ensured and the available space assembly and testing of satellites outer space for peaceful purpos- (International Triathlon Union) dustry today, which indicates that infrastructure of the country was weighing from 100 kilogrammes es,” noted Atamkulov. Triathlon World Cup May 19-20. the defence industry of Kazakh- systematised. Enterprises were to 6 tonnes, as well as manufactur- KADEX 2018 is a platform The event will gather 130 profes- stan is entering a new level of its established in all strategic areas ing of components for satellites, for a constructive dialogue be- sional athletes from 36 countries development,” he commented. of development of space activi- will be performed at the enterprise. tween business representatives, and more than 200 amateur ath- “Our strategy is not limited to ties. Tremendous work was done The plant will allow the domestic developers and manufactur- letes. The participants will com- producing military and special- Beibut Atamkulov to train scientific and engineering space industry to enter a new stage ers of military products, and plete a triathlon consisting of a purpose products and develop- staff that serve as the backbone of of development. specialists from ministries and 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre ing cooperation with domestic two spacecraft and their terrestrial the space industry. During the exhibition, dem- agencies of different countries, bike ride and 10-kilometre run. The defence enterprises. We also aim complexes. At present, the satel- A partnership has been estab- onstration performances by the regardless of interstate relations event is part of the celebrations of to increase the competitiveness lites are assembled and undergo- lished with the world’s leading armed forces of Kazakhstan and and foreign policy views, the the capital’s 20th anniversary. Or- of our domestic military-indus- ing their final tests. Their launch space powers, including Russia, a demonstration of the military minister said. ganised in a Commonwealth of trial complex products on the is planned for the end of this year France, Germany, the UAE and equipment of the Kazakh army “We hope that KADEX 2018 Independent States country for the world arms market,” the minis- with the help of the Falcon-9 Saudi Arabia. will be held. On the same day, a becomes a large-scale event for first time, the international triath- ter said. launch vehicle. “As you may know, we will space imaging of the territory of the enterprises of the national de- lon championship is expected to Atamkulov added that another This year, Kazakhstan’s space commission the Baiterek space the exhibition by Kazakh remote fence industry, space sector and raise Kazakhstan’s image within task for the current year is the agency, Kazcosmos, celebrates rocket complex, which will al- sensing satellites will be carried cybersecurity and provides a major the international sports commu- launch of remote sensing satellites its 25th anniversary. The minis- low Kazakhstan to preserve the out, and the picture made available boost for their breakthrough on the nity and boost the development of for scientific and technological ter noted that since its launch, the prospects of the Baikonur cosmo- to the general public through open international arena,” Atamkulov triathlon in the country. purposes. The system consists of fundamentals of a new branch, a drome and enter the world market sources. stressed. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

ECONOMY Kazakh-Uzbek trade grows 50% in Q1 2018, NEWS IN BRIEF The International Centre for Green Technologies will be pre- sented at the Astana Economic could reach $3 billion by yearend, Mamin says Forum (AEF), kazakh-tv.kz report. During Mamin’s visit, an agree- working group meetings to in- The centre, which is one of the By Aigerim Seisembayeva ment was also reached to hold the crease trade. EXPO 2017 heritage projects, will first Kazakh-Uzbek Interregional Mamin said Uzbekistan’s eas- be introduced May 17 at the Green ASTANA – Kazakh-Uzbek trade Forum in Astana and the first meet- ing of certain excise taxes has in- Economy: A New Model of Sus- grew 50 percent in the first quarter ing of the Business Council and the creased trade and urged the Uzbek tainable Growth panel session. The of 2018 compared to the same pe- joint business forum in Shymkent. side to ease excise taxes on other forum participants will discuss the riod last year and the countries are “The interregional forum will Kazakh products with export po- centre’s activity, as well as the main working to grow trade to $3 billion provide an opportunity to enhance tential. areas of environmental and innova- by the end of the year, said Kazakh horizontal cooperation at the level The sides agreed the two coun- tive cooperation among Asian and First Deputy Prime Minister Askar of our regions. There is a big num- tries will ensure a supply of Uzbek European countries and the growth Mamin during a May 4 working ber of projects at that level that can natural gas to Kazakhstan’s south- of the green movement in the re- visit to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. be implemented jointly, and they ern regions in autumn and winter gion. Politicians, scientists and No- Mamin also told Uzbek Presi- are currently being elaborated,” and will help transit Kazakh natu- bel laureates are among the forum dent Shavkat Mirziyoyev in a Mamin commented in his inter- ral gas through Uzbekistan. speakers. Leading green technol- meeting that the two countries are view. The Kazakh official also pro- ogy centres from South Korea, Ja- working to increase trade to $5 bil- The sides also discussed boost- posed establishing the Central Asia pan and Denmark will also be rep- lion by 2020. ing investment cooperation, imple- International Centre for Cross- resented. The centre management is “We have all the necessary op- menting joint investment projects Border Cooperation (ICBC) on the expected to sign cooperation mem- portunities and potential to do this. to gain access to third country mar- Kazakh-Uzbek border. The centre orandums with the leaders of the We need to make use of all the kets and taking additional steps to would require infrastructure on Global Green Growth Institute, the possible reserves, and the Inter- facilitate cooperation in construc- both sides of the border. International Renewable Energy governmental Commission is cur- tion, engineering, transport, logis- The two first deputy prime min- Agency and the Climate Technol- rently working to tackle this issue,” tics, tourism, space and the military isters also decided to create a joint ogy Centre at the panel session. he said in an interview with the sectors. working group to address the mu- O’zbekiston 24 television channel, The trip also included a working tual recognition of visas for tourists In January-March, 113.4 billion noting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan meeting of the co-chairs of the Joint from third countries crossing the tenge (US$347.5 million) was sent are observing a boom in bilateral Intergovernmental Commission on Kazakh-Uzbek border to visit tour- from Kazakhstan abroad through relations in virtually all the sectors bilateral cooperation Mamin and ist sites along the Great Silk Route the money transfer systems, which is of the economy. Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Prime and to jointly promote tourism op- 36.4 percent more than in the same Uzbekistan is Kazakhstan’s larg- Minister Achilbay Ramatov. portunities in both countries. period last year, ranking.kz reports. est trading partner in the region and The meeting highlighted the Cultural and humanitarian coop- The volume of money received from the partner with whom Kazakhstan systemic character of trade, eco- eration are important components abroad grew only 5.9 percent to 59.6 has experienced the highest rate of nomic and investment cooperation in Kazakh-Uzbek relations. This billion tenge (US$182.6 million). Askar Mamin (L) and Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Achilbay Most transactions were delivered trade growth, Mamin said in the Ramatov (R). between Kazakhstan and Uzbeki- year has been declared the Year of television interview. stan. Joint trading houses operate Uzbekistan in Kazakhstan, while to Russia: almost 50 billion tenge Trade and economic cooperation, in the core sectors of the economy, next year will be the Year of Ka- (US$153.2 million), which is 30.1 especially on a regional level, were cussed plans for the first Regional of the working group at the level of such as agriculture, petrochemi- zakhstan in Uzbekistan. percent more than in January-March one of the main topics Mirziyoyev Economic Forum of Central Asian deputy prime ministers to prepare cals, pharmaceuticals and engi- “About 200 events were planned 2017. At the same time, the share and Mamin discussed. The Uzbek States in 2018 in Tashkent. The de- for the next meeting at the level of neering. within the Year of Uzbekistan in from Russia decreased from 46.2 to leader noted the role of the March cision to hold the forum, initiated heads of Central Asian states will The countries have experienced Kazakhstan; some of them have 44.1 percent. Next comes Turkey, 15 Heads of Central Asian States by Mirziyoyev, was adopted at the lay a solid foundation and create recent bilateral trade growth and already been held and are gaining where the volume of transfers dou- Consultative Meeting in Astana in last consultative meeting. opportunities to develop regional are working to implement large- great positive response in Kazakh- bled to 12.9 billion tenge (US$39.5 developing regional cooperation. “We are confident that holding economic interaction,” Mamin said scale infrastructure projects. The stan,” said Mamin in the interview million). The country’s share in- Mirziyoyev and Mamin also dis- this forum and then the meetings in his interview for O’zbekiston 24. sides also agreed to hold regular for the Uzbek TV channel. creased from 7.8 to 11.4 percent. Uz- bekistan and Kyrgyzstan follow Tur- key with 12.4 billion tenge (US$38 million) and 12.3 billion tenge (US$37.6 million), respectively. We need more Samruk Kazyna Fund adopts The share of the working popula- tion is declining year by year in the country, dknews.kz reports. At the end of the first quarter, the popula- livestock, says new development strategy tion of Kazakhstan was 18.2 mil- lion people, 1.3 percent more than country. The first long-term devel- all sectors. We adopted the coun- a year earlier. At the beginning of Staff Report opment strategy of the fund was try’s development strategy up to the year, the number of children adopted in 2012. It aimed to tackle 2025. Now it’s time to adopt the and adolescents under the age of agriculture vice ASTANA – Kazakh President the global financial crisis. The situ- new development strategy of Sam- 15 reached 5.3 million, 29.4 per- Nursultan Nazarbayev approved ation has changed in recent years. ruk Kazyna. We need to update the cent of the total number of Kazakh April 19 the updated Development We could build a more stable econ- fund’s transformation programme. citizens. The number of pension- Strategy of the Samruk Kazyna omy despite the external factors. A The initiative should reflect in the ers – men over 63 and women over minister Sovereign Wealth Fund for 2018- lot of work has been done,” Naz- company’s activities,” he said. cattle farming comes with certain 58 years – was 2.1 million people, 2028 and the fund’s transformation arbayev said. Human capital development representing 11.3 percent of the to- By Assel Satubaldina challenges, however, including the programme. and effective use of the human re- tal population of Kazakhstan. search for money and land. “The work of the fund should be sources are of great importance in ASTANA – Kazakhstan needs to “The first challenge for farm- aimed at improving the life of the Nazarbayev drew the updated strategy for 2018-2028 Representatives of 65 countries increase its livestock population, ers that are thinking about start- Kazakh people and strengthening and transformation programme. discussed cargo transportation along according to First Vice Minister of ing their business is where to get attention to the the country’s economy. The new “The fund continues to operate the Silk Road, development of trans- Agriculture Arman Yevniyev. The money. There is no money [eas- strategy and transformation pro- privatisation of the according to the multilevel man- port hubs and Kazakh ports, pros- ministry expects the new cattle ily available]. The programme ad- gramme will not only improve the agement system. This complicates pects of the Trans-Caspian corridor farming development programme dresses this issue,” said Yevniyev. fund’s activities, but also positive- fund’s assets noting decision-making, requires addi- at the international port conference will raise the population from sev- KazAgro, the leading Kazakh ly influence the further develop- tional financing for the administra- in Baku, 24.kz reports. In recent en million to 15 million heads. leasing company with a more ment of the national economy. The the high interest of tive and management personnel. years, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan He noted cattle farming is a than 70-percent share, will pro- government and the fund should It is necessary to reduce manage- foreign investors. have invested greatly in the develop- cooperate to implement these initi- ment levels,” he said. “most optimal element” for agri- vide 15-year loans to farmers at a ment of their port infrastructure. Due atives,” Nazarbayev told the gath- Nazarbayev drew attention to cultural production due to its rela- subsidised 4-percent interest rate. to this, cargoes from East to West ering of fund officials.  The head of state stressed the the privatisation of the fund’s as- tively low cost and high quality, The funds can be used to purchase in large volumes can now be trans- The President noted the strategic need to update previously adopted sets noting the high interest of for- and the 10-year programme seeks stock for further breeding and agri- ported in a shorter and more efficient importance of Samruk Kazyna in programmes in accordance with eign investors. to capitalise on these advantages. culture machinery and equipment way. The international conference, strengthening and developing the the country’s modernisation. The digitisation process is also Possessing vast grasslands and or construct livestock housing. which brought together representa- national economy. “We launched the third mod- relevant and necessary in terms of ranking fifth in the world with Approximately 50 billion tenge tives of major harbours, has become “Samruk Kazyna plays an im- ernisation of the economy. We are the fourth industrial revolution, he more than 180 million hectares of (US$152.2 million) will be allo- a platform for demonstrating oppor- portant role in the economy of the integrating digital technologies in noted. pastures, livestock has been a key cated to support farmers this year, tunities offered by the Caspian ports. component of Kazakh agriculture said KazAgro Board Chair Nurly- The port infrastructure in the Cas- as well as a source of income and bek Malelov. pian Sea is closely connected with employment for the rural popula- “There was no such thing be- the trans-Caspian route, which runs tion which accounts for roughly fore. The second question is where from China through the territory of half of the nation’s total popula- to get land. The programme has Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, tion. an answer to this question as well. Nation’s exports exceeded and Turkey on to Europe. The new development pro- Comprehensive work is being gramme addresses acute issues in done. All the recent changes pro- Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan plan the field, said Yevniyev. vide a mechanism to confiscate to strengthen their trade and econo- “We see a big potential for live- pastures and give them to those $48.3 billion in 2017 my relations. The countries are in- stock development. The country who need this,” he noted. in the same period last year,” Kass- (US$4.84 million). Every year creasing cooperation in agriculture, has all the resources to develop Pastures will be given without By Dana Omirgazy ymbek said. more than 400 exporters receive petro chemistry, pharmacy and ma- the sector,” he added. “The infra- competition. In the meantime, the country service support in the country,” the chine industry. Astana will host the structure is there, but we need to “We were reviewing the regions ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s foreign provides financial and service sup- minister said. first Kazakh-Uzbek interregional increase the livestock.” and some farms were found to be trade turnover increased by 25 per- port to boost export volumes. To increase the share of non- forum and Tashkent will host the The programme is meant to cre- possessing hundreds or more than cent to $69.5 billion last year. The “In 2010-2017, exporters were primary sector exports, the govern- regional economic congress of ate a “new class of farmers” by a million hectares and it is clear country’s exports increased by 30 provided with financial and in- ment is working with the ministries, Central Asia countries. The events growing the number of farms from there is no livestock. This will be percent and reached $48.3 billion; surance support worth more than the Atameken National Chamber were announced at a joint meeting 20,000 to 100,000 and raising ru- equal to irrational use of lands and imports grew by 15.5 percent to 112.6 billion tenge (US$340.6 of Entrepreneurs, Kazakh Invest, of the intergovernmental commis- ral employment from 100,000 to will be subject to confiscation,” $29.3 billion, Minister for Invest- million). The government also en- the Kazakh Export insurance com- sion on bilateral cooperation held in 500,000. With poverty in rural ar- said Yevniyev. ment and Development of Kazakh- sured export trade financing worth pany and local executive agencies Tashkent. Kazakh representatives eas (4.9 percent) almost four times More specialists are needed, he stan Zhenis Kassymbek reported at 14.7 billion tenge (US$44.4 mil- to modernise existing enterprises initiated a discussion on establish- higher than in urban areas (1.3 added, as “lack of competency and a May 2 government meeting. lion) and pre-export financing at and introduce new export-oriented ing the Central Asia International percent), additional employment knowledge” is hampering devel- Over four years from 2013 to 5 billion tenge (US$15.1 million). industries. The market shows a Centre for Cross-Border Coopera- opportunities are of paramount im- opment. 2017, the share of manufacturing ex- More than 40 exporters receive fi- steady trend since 2015 with the tion at the Zhibek Zholy checkpoint portance. “With the National Chamber of ports in Kazakhstan’s total exports nancial support every year. As part introduction of seven-eight new in the South Kazakhstan region Export revenues are forecast to Entrepreneurs, we run the Bastau increased from 23 to 32 percent. of the service support for exporters products to foreign markets. with a capacity of up to 25,000 reach $2.4 billion, he added. Business (Start Business) pro- “This year we are observing a in 2010 to 2017, 1,800 manufac- “In 2017, eight new products people daily. Meanwhile, the trade Large meat industry companies, gramme funded by the national positive export trend. According turers were able to conclude export were brought to foreign markets: turnover between Kazakhstan and including Australian Cedar Group, budget, where anyone willing to to relevant data, in the first two contracts for more than $2 billion, Niva and Peugeot cars, solar pan- Uzbekistan increased 50 percent in Chinese Rifa Holding, Citic Group take up the business can learn how months of this year, exports ex- including $197 million in 2017. els, gas boilers, cartridges, rails, the first quarter of 2018. Uzbekistan and Inalca Eurasia, will be invest- to work with livestock and other ceeded $8.8 billion, which is 27.4 Expenses were compensated to POS-terminals and dry mare’s plans to increase the import of Ka- ing in the programme. Developing specifics,” he added. percent – $1.9 billion – higher than 204 exporters for 1.6 billion tenge milk,” Kassymbek pointed out. zakh oil to five million tonnes. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakhstan doubles automotive Kazakhstan develops The common stock price of Ka- zakhstan Electric Grid Operating Company (KEGOC) has reached a three-year maximum of 1,487.4 production in Q1 of 2018 smart oil tenge (US$4.50), according to ka- pital.kz. As a result of the annual shareholders’ meeting, the decision was made to spend 70 percent of last transportation programme year’s net profit on dividends and some modifications, can be used the dividend per share was 40.13 By Raushan Shamsharkhan for pumping oil mixtures in oil tenge (US$0.12). Halyk Finance companies’ pipelines in the field,” investment bank analysts recom- ASTANA – Kazakhstan has de- said the inventors. mend keeping KEGOC shares. The veloped SmartTran, a unique digital Unlike control systems used in company’s net profit was 32.9 bil- technology to transport oil through Canada, Russia, the U.S. and other lion tenge (US$99.6 million) and is main pipelines. Inventors TransOil countries, the technology transports forecast to grow 6 percent annually technical policy department direc- high-viscosity, high-hardening by 2028 due to increasing energy tor Berik Sayakhov and Satbayev (paraffin) oil mixtures in areas with consumption and rising electricity University Modeling in Power En- several oil pumping stations and tariffs. Conversely, KEGOC’s ex- gineering research and production heating points while ensuring the penditures are expected to decline laboratory head Uzak Zhappas- safety of the main pipeline. as major investment projects will bayev described the programme in The distinctive feature is the way be completed by 2019. an interview with kapital.kz. the programme can simulate and Photo credit: kolesa.kz. Photo credit: “Solving energy efficiency optimise hot pumping, as more Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), “January-March became the fifth Lada Granta (US$7,900-$10,600). problems is one of the most sig- than 15 million tonnes of Kazakh the national railway company, sold By Yerbolat Uatkhanov quarter of continuous recovery The latter is one of the most rea- nificant tasks for the oil and gas oil mixtures are transported in this its 26-percent stake minus one growth of Kazakhstan’s auto in- sonably priced cars on the market. sector in Kazakhstan, in particu- way. Oil mixtures are hardened in share in Transtelecom, one of the ASTANA – Kazakh car assembly dustry. Against the backdrop of the Hyundai came in third with its own lar, pipeline transport,” they told heating furnaces and the energy ef- nation’s largest communications plants produced 90 percent more moderate figures of last year, the bestseller – Tucson (US$22,700- the news outlet. ficiency is determined by the- fur service providers, for 9.45 bil- vehicles in the first three months of volume of output doubled, reach- $32,700). Lada occupies fourth SmartTran automates energy nace and pumping units’ optimum lion tenge (US$28.6 million). The 2018 than in the same period last ing the level of 2015,” he added. place with Vesta (US$11,500- saving modes for oil transportation condition, taking into account pri- buyer now owns 75 percent of the year, with the companies’ contribu- The sales growth of locally- $14,500), with fifth place held planning and management systems, mary pipeline thermal regime safe- company, according to abctv.kz. tion to the national GDP reaching produced vehicles outstripped the by Largus (US$13,000-$14,200). improves workers’ productivity and ty conditions. Transtelecom, worth 24.5 billion 39.5 billion tenge (US$120 mil- speed of general market recovery. Vesta is the company’s most up- ensures the pipelines’ competitive- “For instance, hot pumping mod- tenge (US$74.3 million), had a net lion) in January-March. The share of Kazakh-manufactured to-date model, using Renault’s ness. The programme processes re- elling and optimisation at the main profit last year of 5.33 billion tenge “The contribution of indus- cars in March was 49.5 percent, al- technologies. Largus is the only al-time data received from dispatch Uzen-Atyrau-Samara pipeline sec- (US$1.6 million). The company try enterprises to the GDP of the most half of the market’s volume. reasonably-priced seven-seater. control to operate as well as man- tions will lead to significant energy has applied for a tender announced state in January-March of this year “Kazakhstan automotive plants Rounding out the top 10 are age transportation technology in the savings in the pump units and heat- by the Ministry of Information and reached 39.5 billion tenge, which have such strong positions for the Ravon Nexia (US$8,500-$10,000) main pipelines. It also dramatically ing furnace,” said the developers. Communication to provide broad- is an increase of 90.3 percent in first time in the history of the in- in sixth place. Kia is seventh increases pipeline operation and ef- According to the laws of hy- band Internet access to more than comparison with the indicator in dustry!” said Alferov. with its Sportage (US$23,600- ficient reliability. draulics, the specific electricity 400 settlements and 1,200 govern- the last year and far exceeds simi- The top five brands of locally- $30,900), a competitor of Hyun- The research was completed in consumption utilised to pump oil ment organisations in rural areas. lar figures of the pharmaceutical produced vehicles are Lada (Rus- dai’s Tuscon. Hyundai Elantra several stages. After a database was proportionally increases oil turno- and light industry,” said KazAvto- sia), Hyundai (South Korea), KIA (US$17,000-$22,000), in eighth created and modelled, the system ver to 1.75. The figure indicates EFKO, a major Russian oilseed Prom (Kazakhstan Automobile In- (South Korea), Ravon (Uzbeki- place, is the only С-class car in the was optimised and then integrated the need to reduce oil transporta- producer, is planning to enter the Ka- dustry Enterprises’ Union) Chair- stan) and JAC (China). rating. Lada is attracting attention with SCADA (Supervisory Con- tion costs by determining the ener- zakh market, seizing 10 percent of person Oleg Alferov. Lada 4×4 (US$9,400-$11,500), with its new XRAY compact SUV trol And Data Acquisition) and gy saving modes of the equipment the domestic market in the third quar- He noted the companies’ invest- the off-roader with a 40-year his- (US$11,800-$15,800), followed ASCEM (Automated System for (pumping units, heating furnace, ter of the year. In Russia, the com- ments during the period reached tory, was again the most popular in tenth place by JAC’s compact Commercial Electricity Metering). etc.). SmartTran can simulate and pany produces oil under the Sloboda 110.3 million tenge (US$334,000). model in Kazakhstan, followed by SUV S3 (US$12,100-$15,500). The technology included digitis- optimise the pumping volume, brand, but will use the Sultan name ing the entire transportation system technological equipment opera- in Kazakhstan. Company representa- production procedure. The five- tion and oil and oil mixtures trans- tives claim there are no rivals in Ka- year process, from 2012-2017, was portation via the KTO pipelines. zakhstan, as EFKO will be producing completed with a 128 million tenge “The pipeline transportation en- premium grade oil, whereas local (US$388,224) investment. ergy saving is largely related to en- producers make first grade oil, noted Astana Bank imposes new SmartTran has been incorporated ergy costs for oil transportation and abctv.kz. The company, however, into the KazTransOil (KTO) oil heating. Almost 70 percent of the plans to use domestic input products. mix control system. It determines consumed electricity is expended EFKO also plans to produce ketchup the pumping modes’ energy saving, for the pumping units’ operation and mayonnaise, although competi- restrictions, seeks way out economic and technological effi- and in the case of oil transportation tion in those markets is high. requirement for closing deposits, money even for food, according to ciency during transportation along through the hot oil pipeline, costs

By Yerbolat Uatkhanov which is approximately 10 percent posts in VKontakte, a Russian so- the company’s pipeline routes. are increased by 85 percent due to The Kazakh business entity reg- of all customers. cial media site. The programme also uses real- the oil heating furnace operation,” istration procedure has been simpli- ASTANA – Astana Bank intro- S&P analysts consider restric- Despite the ratings downgrade, time operational data (process said the developers. fied with the introduction of “one duced new restrictions May 4, in- tions on withdrawing funds, which Astana Bank is continuing to work equipment operation modes, oil In an environment where oil application” principle. Previously, cluding conducting cashless trans- the bank imposed earlier, indicate towards stabilising the situation. pumping volumes and parameters, prices are unstable and oil produc- future businesspeople were re- actions, which will be in use until its liquid assets are not sufficient to Management has emphasised the etc.) from SCADA. In turn, it de- tion is increasing, finding a decent quired to register a legal entity, then June 1. Despite the changes, S&P fulfil all of its obligations in full and volume of its assets can ensure re- termines the optimum operating way to face energy challenges open a bank account, register with Global Ratings has downgraded the on time. The agency will raise the paying obligations and is continu- conditions for pumping units and has become essential. SmartTrans the tax office as a VAT (value-added bank’s long-term and short-term bank’s rating from the D level once ing to negotiate with National Bank heating furnaces for energy-saving will lead to an increase in labour tax) taxpayer and visit an insurance credit ratings from CCC/C to D/D. it is again able to timely and com- on opportunities and conditions to transportation through the KTO productivity, progress in techno- agency. Founders will now need an The bank stopped withdrawing pletely fulfil its financial obligations. grant an emergency liquidity loan. pipeline routes. Incorporating electronic digital signature to regis- logical modes to transport oil and money May 2 from deposits, giving Kazakh President Nursultan If the loan is received, the bank SmartTran at the company’s facili- ter. Within two working days, not petroleum mixtures and efficiently loans, sending international transfers Nazarbayev criticised Astana will be able to promptly execute all ties is a complex and lengthy pro- including the day of application, plan and manage KTO’s main oil and changing currency. Beginning 7 Bank April 19. Three days later, client payments and transfers and cess requiring an entire production individuals will simultaneously re- pipelines. p.m. local time, May 4, those who the financial institution imposed ensure the continuity of its activi- system performance assessment. ceive a certificate of business entity “In 2018, all oil pipeline routes of own payment debit cards cannot its first restrictions, forbidding cli- ties, according to its press release. registration, bank account number “In addition to KazTransOil, the KazTransOil’s main pipelines conduct non-cash payments up to ents from making monetary trans- The management is also actively and signed contract with an insur- the consumers of the technology will be optimised for pumping oil 100,000 tenge (US$300) per month, fers greater than 200,000 tenge negotiating with its strategic in- ance company. Bank accounts are can be the Caspian Pipeline Con- and oil mixtures in energy-saving according to the bank’s website. (US$600) and withdrawing more vestors. It is conducting a detailed only available at four banks and sortium, the Kazakhstan-China modes. Based on their results, we According to S&P, Astana Bank than 1 million tenge (US$3,030) analysis of the current situation insurance contracts at three compa- Oil Pipeline, the North-Western can talk about the specific eco- had 60 billion tenge (US$181.6 per week from their accounts. and talking with a number of sec- nies, however, nine banks and four Pipeline Company Munai Tas, nomic effect from the introduction million) in liquidity on April 1. Customers have expressed dis- ond-tier banks and state develop- more insurance companies will be Karachaganak Petroleum Operat- of technology at the company’s fa- The bank was able to meet the 30 trust in the bank and complained ment funds to refinance its loan joining at a later date. ing B.V. and Turgai Petroleum. cilities,” said Sayakhov and Zhap- billion tenge (US$90.8 million) because they can’t spend their own portfolio, according to its website. In general, this technology, with pasbayev. KMG International, the European subsidiary of KazMunayGas, had a net profit last year of $80 million, according to the company’s press service. The figure is six times the net profit of 2016 and considerably Digital Railway strategy to increase higher than the negative $208 mil- lion reported in 2012. The company achieved record high indicators in speed, convenience, savings its 40-year history and 10 years af- ter integrating with KazMunayGas. The 2018-2022 Digital Railway railway stations. Internet ticketing and diminish registration costs million). “We have implemented The high figures were attained due By Raushan Shamsharkhan strategy sketches the implementa- options and another 17,000 ticket from $2,395 to $239.50 per every 100 percent paperless transporta- to successfully completing its mod- tion of 21 projects, two of which are terminals are to be available in registration, which in turn cuts the tion of goods, as well as integration ernisation programme and increased ASTANA – Kazakh national being implemented under the Digi- the near future, and waiting list risk of corruption offences. with the Astana-1 information sys- production capacity at Petromidia rail company Kazakhstan Temir tal Kazakhstan state programme. and train rating programmes have Information systems are also be- tem,” said Alpysbayev. refinery, the largest in Romania. The Zholy (KTZ) President Kanat Al- The Digital Railway project aims already been launched. E-ticket ing introduced in freight rail trans- According to preliminary esti- company plans to diversify its busi- pysbayev reported on the imple- to reduce traffic violations up to 85 sales currently make up 64 percent port to increase the efficiency of the mates, the total economic effect ness and expand to the Black Sea re- mentation of the country’s Digital percent, increase the average speed of all sales; by 2020, it is hoped organisation of transportation pro- from the implementation of the gion and Central and Eastern Europe. Railways strategy during the May of travel around the city, improve that they will make 90 percent. cesses, ensure the timely delivery strategy will be 110 billion tenge 2 government meeting on export, passenger transport safety and re- “It is planned to realise a 24/7 and safety of goods and simplify (US$331.3 million) by 2025. Lamoda.kz, a Russian Internet consumer and transport digitisa- duce the environmental footprint of system of centralised management procedures for crossing the borders The overall long-term effects of shop, has added a Made in KZ sec- tion policies. KTZ’s transport options. of customer appeals for prompt of other railway administrations. the programme are hoped to be a tion to its website, presenting Kazakh Transport makes up 8 percent An eight-component process has feedback to customers through “The company completed a 20 percent reduction in travel time, national brands to its customers, re- of Kazakhstan’s gross domestic been laid out to meet these goals. timely response to complaints and service for the online tracking of availability of information up to ported abctv.kz. Launched in 2016, product and has been increasing The first component is the further suggestions,” added Alpysbayev. goods, including a system of elec- 70 percent, an 8 to 10 percent re- the online store includes 18 national by at least 4.5 percent each year. application of modern information Likewise, a single electronic ex- tronic lock devices that ensures the duction in traffic accidents and a brands such as Adili, Altezza, Mi- Kazakhstan’s population of 18 systems in KTZ’s critical operat- change platform is being created safety of cargo and a prompt re- drop of harmful emissions by 24 mioriki, Mirasti and ShakerBay. The million owns 5.3 million automo- ing segments – cargo transporta- for multimodal transport, particu- sponse to any unauthorised attempt percent. The positive economic goal is to attract customer attention biles, suggesting 29 out of 100 tion, passenger transportation, larly transit container movements to access cargo. An automated sys- impact of all of this is expected to to Kazakh fashion labels by offering people in the country possess a ve- railway infrastructure and trans- with the account of more than tem of contractual and commercial be 380 billion tenge (US$1.14 bil- clothes, shoes and accessories, with hicle, compared to 14 out of 100 in port logistics. 1,700 customers-participants. Au- work was presented during the re- lion). children clothes currently the most the rest of the Commonwealth of Other components involve con- tomated processes are underway at port. An e-freight paperless work- “Successful implementation of popular products. Lamoda.kz plans Independent States and 48 out of trolling cost optimisation, launch- Khorgos-Eastern Gate on the bor- flow system for air cargo is going Digital Kazakhstan projects will to continue supporting local brands, 100 in Europe. In 2017, 2.5 million ing digital road diagnostics and der with China that can potentially to be implemented this year, and ensure the advancement of the cooperate with new producers and traffic violations were registered in implementing Traffic Management reduce traffic checkpoint time the project costs are estimated to be country’s logistics environment,” start selling Kazakh cosmetics. Kazakhstan. and Digital Services Centres at 17 from 10 minutes to 30 seconds, around 5.4 billion tenge (US$16.2 Alpysbayev emphasised. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 AEF now global Romania, Kazakhstan interested in multiple in scale, relevance partnerships, Romanian MP says o one who attends the 11th Astana There will be discussions, too, on hus- the sphere of protecting human rights Economic Forum taking place this banding natural resources and the role of By Aigerim Seisembayeva and establishing a multi-ethnic and month will be complaining that its sustainable energy as well as how we can multi-religious state? agenda does not get to the heart better arrive at – and deliver – solutions to ASTANA – What do Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan is a secular, sovereign and ofN global challenges or those invited to speak global problems. Whether, for instance, it Romania have in common? Which ar- independent state based on the rule of will lack insights on how we might overcome is tackling climate change or strengthening eas are best for cooperation for the two law. I know that due to the way human them. The revamped format provides oppor- international trade, our world can appear to states? Tamara-Dorina Ciofu, member of rights are guaranteed and respected here, tunities for debate on an extraordinary range be moving away from the common action the Chamber of Deputies of the Roma- including for ethnic and religious minori- of important topics while those contributing which is necessary. nian Parliament, answered some ques- ties, it has become a member of prestig- to discussions will bring a wealth of experi- But it is a measure of how the forum has tions for The Astana Times on the current ious international organisations. I know ence and expertise to the forum. evolved that it will also examine a whole state and prospects of Kazakh-Romanian that Kazakhstan is a member of the UN The ambition of the organisers underlines host of other economic and social issues relations following her recent visit to Ka- [since 1992], the [Organisation for Secu- how the AEF has grown over the last decade which will have a profound effect on our zakhstan. rity and Cooperation in Europe] OSCE into an established part of the international lives in the future. So, among the 11 global  since 1992 and also held the 2010 chair- calendar. Its appeal and focus now reaches challenges to be discussed, for example, Please tell us your thoughts about manship-in-office in that organisation, far beyond Kazakhstan or even Central Asia is how we tackle the impact of increasing Kazakh-Romanian relations: what has Tamara-Dorina Ciofu the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and is undeniably global in its perspective. longevity on our economies and societies. been achieved, what plans are there the Turkic Council and the Shanghai Co- Thousands of participants from as many as There will also be discussions on crypto- for the future and what still needs to be operation Organisation, to name a few. 80 countries are expected to attend. currencies as well as what we must do to done? merits on a technical level because they At the same time, the Kazakh state has What is also true is that the AEF has ensure we get the benefits that the digital Having stayed in Kazakhstan for a few encourage our institutions to meet more cooperation relations in various forms evolved as the need for fresh ideas has world and big data can bring while prevent- days, I found that Romania has a very often to find practical ways to implement and stages institutionalised with NATO become more urgent. When the first forum ing them from being misused or abused. good image and perception here and there the political decisions. [since 1992] and the EU [since 1993]. It was held in June 2008, of course, the full There will be sessions, too, focused on is a real interest in developing multiple was the first Central Asian state to con- catastrophic shock of the global financial how our megacities must change to meet partnerships. I would like to reiterate Ro- A new EU strategy for Central Asia clude in 2015 an Enhanced Partnership crisis was still a couple of months away. As the needs of the growing number of people mania’s support for the development of is being elaborated now. What do you and Cooperation Agreement with the the crisis spread rapidly from small-town who want to live in them. And the role of relations between our countries because think its main purpose, messages and EU. All these achievements indicate the America to every continent, it brought AI – Artificial Intelligence – in our work- we consider Kazakhstan the most im- essential provisions should be? recognition of the fact that Kazakhstan home – for many people for the first time – places and economies, the opportunities portant state in the region. Kazakhstan The new EU Strategy for Central Asia is a national guarantor of fundamental how our economies were now linked. The this will bring and the risks that we guard has become a respected member of the will define the main priorities for- fur rights, including those of minorities.Dur- crisis demanded a global response to repair against will also be examined. There will international community, a model for ther cooperation, and will be adopted by ing my stay, I visited churches belonging the damage and tackle the faults in the be a fascinating discussion on what humans Central Asia. The history of relations be- mid-2019, when Romania will hold the to a various range of denominations and I system now exposed. can offer which even the most intelligent tween Romania and Kazakhstan, which Presidency of the Council of the Euro- could remark upon the harmony relations Over the last 10 years, the AEF, as inter- machines cannot. started in 1992, is not only relevant from pean Union between citizens. national organisations, such as the UN have Issues of such importance and complex- a political, diplomatic or economic point We believe that three major directions recognised, has helped shape this response. ity need insightful speakers if the discus- of view, but also from the perspective would be of interest in the forthcoming You attended a briefing by Kazakh Measures and mechanisms now adopted sions are to be fruitful. There will be no of human interaction, links between our strategy: education, rule of law and envi- government officials concerning the to prevent the crisis being repeated and to disappointment in Astana at the list of those people and our interest in better knowing ronmental protection, plus programmes advancements in Kazakhstan’s torture remedy flaws in the system can be traced attending and contributing. each other’s culture and traditions and on the promotion and development of prevention mechanism. Could you tell back to recommendations out of the forum. Among those scheduled to share their understanding our contemporary socie- new technologies. us about the results of this event and From the beginning, its discussions have expertise are the former UN General ties. Also, cooperation may be strengthened your impressions? been focused on the practical rather than Secretary Ban Ki-moon and former French We believe education and people-to- in energy efficiency, education, human I appreciate the efforts of the Kazakh the purely theoretical. President Francois Hollande. The delegates people contacts are key elements that rights, strengthening civil society and party in solving issues related to equal Even a decade later, the world has failed will also hear from economists such as can ensure mutual understanding and increasing its role, the rule of law and opportunities, respect for human rights to shrug off the legacy of the crisis. Real the World Bank’s Hans Timmerand, Jim’ bring support for values that our coun- gender equality, environmental protec- in all the valences of this issue, including wages in many countries have failed to O’Neill, who famously devised the BRICS tries share, building bridges in areas that tion, rational use of water resources and domestic violence. We need to support recover while debt levels remain high. In- concept, as well as world-leading scientists are sometimes affected by geographical climate change, digitisation, developing judicial reform in Kazakhstan. equality both between and within countries such as physicist Michio Kaku. distance. We reaffirm Romania’s interest the region’s transit and transport poten- We support Kazakhstan’s legal re- has worsened. Indeed, how we can reduce It promises to be a lively and rewarding to develop overall bilateral relations with tial, modernisation and development of forms, providing experience and know- this gap at a time when global growth is couple of days. Even more importantly, we Kazakhstan. In this respect, we noticed logistics and transport, and also the de- how, in particular through financial and slowing – and whether priority should must all hope that the outcome of the dis- the increasing interest shown by our in- velopment of the ‘digital economy.’ technical cooperation and specific pro- be given to increasing GDP or reducing cussions will help us find the answers to the stitutions and experts to cooperate in var- I appreciate that the significant poten- jects funded under the European Instru- inequality – is one of the challenges which big challenges we face just as past forums ious fields like education, science, medi- tial for cooperation, the growth of the re- ment for Democracy and Human Rights. this year’s AEF will debate. have done. cine and culture. In this regard, I would gion’s market and the geographical loca- Kazakhstan is the recipient of EU fund- like to mention the establishment of the tion of Central Asia as ‘the main gateway ing for humanitarian and civilian aid and first lectureship of Romanian language, between Europe and Asia’ are among the disaster risk reduction measures as well culture and civilisation in Central Asia in reasons that explain the region’s impor- as improving school safety and health Karagandy on Jan. 24, 2014. tance to the EU. system training. Contracts and agreements have also The strategy needs to be more flexible I know that since Kazakhstan’s acces- Astana Process remains been signed between well-known Ro- in terms of how to implement its objec- sion to the United Nations Convention manian universities and important tives, while it is more focused and result- against Torture and its Optional Proto- education centres and universities in oriented, taking into account the growing col, much work has been done to create Kazakhstan, such as the twinning agree- needs of young people and providing a national system to combat torture. The key to diplomatic solution in Syria ments signed between the University economic opportunities in a region with- criminal legislation has been brought in espite the best efforts of the It is impossible to deny that the situation of Bucharest and the Eurasian National out a diversified economy. line with the norms of international law; international community, many in Syria remains critical, with violent clashes University (ENU) in Astana; between new criminal procedural and penal en- long-running issues in the Middle a daily occurrence. Several agreements that the Yessenov Caspian State University As you know, Kazakhstan is striving forcement codes have been adopted. East remain unresolved. Just re- were reached during the previous rounds of of Technology and Engineering and the to become a link between Europe and The rights and obligations are both for cently,D the uncertainty over the future of the talks, including the establishment of de-escala- Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti on Asia through its Nurly Zhol national the state and its citizens. The key is to Iranian nuclear deal, as well as the decision tion zones, have not been fully implemented in exchanging doctoral students; between programme and participation in Chi- respect the law and then everything will to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv practice. The humanitarian situation remains the Babeş-Bolyai University and the na’s Belt and Road Initiative. What do go well. to Jerusalem, have added to the region’s desperate and more help from the international Buketov Karagandy State University you think are the prospects of this en- complex challenges. community is urgently needed. Most worrying (including exchanges of teachers and deavour and what is Romania’s role There is a rather sizeable Romanian Elsewhere, the long-running conflict in of all is the apparent use of chemical weapons, students, creation of language lectures here? diaspora living in Kazakhstan, and a Syria has sparked dangerous confrontations a completely abhorrent act. and a culture based on reciprocity), the Romania welcomes this initiative and Kazakh diaspora living in Romania. between Israel and Iran, while the people Despite these setbacks and complex chal- Abylai Khan Kazakh University of In- considers it a continuation of the Silk How do you think they could enhance of Syria continue to suffer. For eight years lenges, there can be no military solution to ternational Relations and World Lan- Road idea in the 21st century. The Belt bilateral cooperation between our coun- now, the crisis has caused immense pain and this crisis. Only sustained diplomatic efforts guages and the Kazakh British Techni- and Road Initiative is one of the impor- tries? destruction. Countless lives have been lost and negotiations can offer some light at the cal University, both in Almaty. tant regional initiatives to develop trans- We believe the role of the diaspora is and families displaced. end of this dark tunnel. We are preparing to organise, in Oc- port. The region must become a global particularly important in strengthening In the face of this enduring conflict, it For this reason, the Astana Process tober 2018, the 14th session of the Joint market and develop global trade, but bilateral relations, in ensuring better un- might be easy to lose faith in the merits of must continue. This week, the participants Intergovernmental Commission, which above all, it must achieve global connec- derstanding among peoples. We particu- seeking a diplomatic solution. This would be discussed the ongoing implementation of will be hosted this year by Kazakhstan. tivity. Cross-border trade and regional larly appreciate the permanent support a grave error. Although the conflict may have de-escalation zones, the release of cap- This year, for the first time, beyond the connectivity are also important. Those that Kazakhstan gives to the Romanian started with violence, it cannot be ended by tives and hostages, and the formation of a usual format of this event, we will also will facilitate economic exchanges be- community in your country, which is it. A diplomatic solution must be found. Ne- constitutional committee. The government organise a business forum. The Roma- tween Europe, Central Asia and China. quite numerous, over 20,000 people. gotiating a peace settlement based on a com- of Kazakhstan has frequently stated that it is nian delegation will also visit Almaty, Romania is interested in all areas in- Whether living in Karagandy, Almaty or mon purpose remains the only way to resolve important that the guarantor states use their where economic meetings will be held to volved in this initiative, and welcomes Pavlodar, they enjoy the constant care of the Syrian crisis. As a nation determined to authority and influence to encourage the identify new partnership opportunities. Kazakhstan’s role and involvement in its central and local authorities. Similarly, in help end violent conflicts around the world, government and armed opposition groups A major priority is the development of development. Romania, we have a small Kazakh com- Kazakhstan is committed to this solution. of Syria to take concrete steps to imple- bilateral relations. In this sense, we believe The Belt and Road Initiative will stream- munity that enjoys rights and protection It is for this reason that Astana hosted a ment and strengthen confidence-building that together we will need to do more for line the introduction of Romanian products from the Romanian state and the au- ninth round of peace talks this week on 14- measures. The issues that were discussed knowing and promoting the common cul- in these markets and as a result, we are thorities, and the Kazakh Embassy could 15 May, attended by the guarantor states of this week are precisely aimed at such action. tural values and I appreciate, in this context, committed to contributing to the devel- confirm these aspects, because they are Russia, Turkey and Iran, representatives of These are crucial steps on to road to peace the role of parliaments and the importance opment of the project. China’s initiative closely involved in these issues. the Government of Syria and of the Syr- and stability in Syria. of developing parliamentary diplomacy. to connect Europe and Asia is an impor- We will also try to support the organi- ian armed opposition. Steffan de Mistura, Nobody is under any illusion that this And here, I would like to mention the ef- tant contribution to boosting cooperation sation of events in the two countries de- special envoy of UN Secretary General round of talks will be enough to create a forts made in the cultural sphere by the Em- and, as a matter of fact, we are already signed to help preserve and promote their for Syria, and representatives from Jordan breakthrough in the deadlock. But the out- bassy of Kazakhstan in Romania. involved in infrastructure and investment cultural identity without neglecting an participated as observers. come of the Astana Process, which seeks to At the same time, as we discussed programmes in the new road proposed by important element: everything must be The Astana Process negotiations have complement the UN-led intra-Syrian talks in with Ambassador Cezar Armeanu of Ro- China. done with respect for and promotion of helped to establish mechanisms to monitor Geneva, can offer tangible relief to the mil- mania in Kazakhstan, we consider that I believe the global economy needs the national specificity of the countries of Syrian ceasefires and were instrumental in lions of the country’s citizens who are des- Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdra- this project to increase cooperation and residence. the establishment of de-escalation zones. perate for any alleviation to their suffering. khmanov’s visit to Bucharest, as well as joint development, which will bring add- I would like to point out in this context Both actions helped reduce violence against For this reason, it is right that Kazakhstan Deputy Minister Roman Vassilenko’s ed value to Asia and Europe. that the way Kazakh President Nursul- civilians in the country throughout 2017. continues to offer its assistance as a neutral visit, will constitute the major elements tan Nazarbayev knows how to maintain Furthermore, the establishment of four de- and objective mediator in this conflict and of the positive resizing of our relations As an expert in human rights and na- balance and good understanding among escalation zones enabled civilians to receive remain committed to helping all sides find a on multiple plans. Beyond the clear po- tional minorities, what is your assess- more than 100 different ethnic groups much needed humanitarian assistance. lasting, credible solution. litical implications, high-level visits have ment of Kazakhstan’s achievements in can be a good example for anyone.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

instead of operating expenses, op- exchange financial instruments in Our countries enjoy a longstand- timise the use of state resources a safer, faster and cheaper way. In ing relationship that will celebrate and cut non-productive taxes that fact, knowledge and innovation are its 10 years of strategic partner- Wake up! France has changed deter additional investment. at the heart of our development: ship next month. We wish to build taxes to facilitate investment and France has changed, indeed. French digital firms are the most upon these ties to develop further By Phillippe Martinet simplify the legal framework ap- France is the country in Europe successful in Europe, regularly our cooperation in every possible plicable to companies: as such, la- where new firms are set up at the topping the podium of international direction: cultural, scientific, aca- Since President Emmanuel Ma- bour regimes will be negotiated on fastest annual rate. In 2016, the rankings. Moreover, France has the demic and economic, in defence cron was elected in May 2017, a sectorial basis to ease and adapt country has attracted more than best fiscal regime for R&D among and security as well as in innova- France’s economy is transforming the offer to the demand; 25.6 billion euro in foreign direct OECD member states. France has tion and technology. That is why at a lightning pace. Elected on an * Combine structural reforms investment, reaching the top-15 changed, and it shows: 16,250 pat- we launched with Kazakhstan this ambitious programme, the Presi- and ambitious investment policies worldwide. In the wake of Brexit, ents have been filed in 2017. year the Abai-Verne scholarship, dent has set about to modernise the in several sectors: education, in- numerous companies are taking up Today, Kazakhstan is at the an annual allocation of 100 grants French economic landscape. novation and research, apprentice- residence in France for its business- threshold of a new industrial revo- (90 for second-year graduate stu- Since May 2017, France has ship and vocational training, agri- friendly environment and “dou- lution, nourished by comprehen- dents and 10 for doctoral students) changed. Our country is determined culture, transport and ecological ceur de vivre”. Recently, Bank of sive state programmes such as the to study in France. That is why our to weigh in on the crucial decisions transition; America announced the opening of Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy and aerospace and defence companies that the international community rope, carrying the universal values * Reform the social and fiscal a thousand strong financial trading Digital Kazakhstan. will take an active part in Astana’s will have to make. We want to have which form an integral part of our system: abolition of the housing unit in Paris. Samsung will set up In one regard, France has NOT KADEX. That is also why we will a say in the battle against climate heritage. tax, introduction of a fairer health its third largest R&D Centre, fo- changed: France is a partner for focus the Embassy’s activities this change. We want to preserve the Therefore, reforms in France are system with no additional pay- cused on artificial intelligence, in diversification in the Kazakh econ- autumn on France’s contribution multilateral trade system which is conducted in full sync with this ments for the citizen, promotion of Saclay technology hub. omy with strong stakes in space, to the digitalisation of Kazakh- so beneficial to growth and employ- new European vision. Our reform real life gender equality, pension Samsung did not choose our transport, energy, manufacturing stan. ment throughout the continents. We agenda aims at the very objectives reform and inclusive local develop- country randomly. In fact, France and agribusiness. In the past few France has changed. Together want to be strong enough to make the European Union has set itself ment, urban policy renewal and de- is riding the wave of the new years, French companies have we can change and build a sustain- an effective contribution to world for a smart, sustainable and inclu- velopment of overseas territories; digital revolution. The country raised their interests in renew- able болашақ! peace and stability. We want to be sive growth. Four priorities are put * Transform the state and restore has been at the breakthrough of able energies, waste management, one of the countries which will forward: the balance of our public finances blockchain technology, being the smart urban development, includ- The author is Ambassador of build a new Europe, a stronger Eu- * Reform labour laws, reduce before 2022: focus on investment first to allow such technology to ing “safe city”. France to Kazakhstan.

impact, as it will replace a consid- erable amount of coal consump- tion, the most pollutant of fossil Social Initiatives will strengthen middle class fuels, saving 36,100 tonnes of pol- job creation in the Kazakh econ- strument to reduce social inequali- the relevant skills to the nation’s lutant emissions per year in Astana By Alberto Turkstra omy. SME development can also ties, providing equitable access to youth. In addition, investment in alone. lead to a reduced reliance on ex- affordable higher education for high-tech industries is helping Ka- Lastly, it is worth mentioning On March 5, Kazakhstan’s Presi- tractive industries, decreasing the students from rural areas, with zakhstan transition away from its that in February, an online plat- dent Nursultan Nazarbayev outlined exposure of the Kazakh economy disabilities and from lower socio- traditional dependency on com- form for monitoring, reporting and five new major social initiatives to to volatile commodity prices. economic statuses. modity exports, helping it establish verifying emission sources and improve the socio-economic stand- In recent years, programmes and Kazakhstan has made persistent a more knowledge and innovation- greenhouse gases was officially ing and progress of Kazakh citizens. instruments at the national and lo- efforts for its universities to offer intensive economy. In conjunction, launched by the Ministry of Energy These initiatives are a key pillar of cal level have gradually incorpo- skills relevant to the 21st Century these changes are hoped to move of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Kazakhstan’s ambitious modernisa- rated various forms of support (fi- labour market and the emerging the Kazakh economy up the global cooperation with the World Bank. tion programme and will aid the na- nancial and otherwise) for SMEs, industries in the country. As the value chain, making it increasingly In conclusion, Nazarbayev’s re- tion in the pursuit of the Kazakhstan along with the creation of an ena- economy diversifies towards high- competitive. cently announced social initiatives 2050 Strategy. With its strong focus Affordable housing will further bling environment for their devel- er value-added activities and sec- To be aligned with current will pave the way for Kazakhstan on infrastructure, logistics, private promote social inclusion and cohe- opment and expansion (high-tech tors, it is developing knowledge- trends, Almaty Management to continue rising in the ranks of sector and small and medium-sized sion, sustainable urban develop- parks, business incubators, etc). intensive services including ICT University has introduced a new the human development index af- enterprise (SME) development, ment and other positive spill-over However, the SME sector in Ka- and finance. course on business analytics and ter notable rises in recent years housing, social services and the en- effects in society. Careful attention zakhstan is still in its infancy. Ka- Kazakhstan has also made ef- global data (Big Data). In addi- (During the period 2010-2015, hancement of human capital, this will also need to be paid to the pro- zakhstan has over 750,000 regis- forts to internationalise its higher tion, space and nuclear science and Kazakhstan jumped seven spots). strategy, in combination with the vision of social housing for those tered SMEs employing 2.5 million education. This year marks the technology research have been at For this, the economy will need to Nurly Zhol strategy, hopes to help worse-off in society, as well as to people (roughly 28 percent of total 25th anniversary of the establish- the forefront of Kazakhstan’s mod- diversify further, a robust private establish Kazakhstan as one of the the rural-urban divide by ensuring employment), accounting for 20- ment of the Bolashak Scholarship ernisation programme. The recent sector should be further developed world’s 30 most developed econo- that the provision of infrastructure, 25 percent of the GDP. Kazakhstan Programme, which has allowed creation of the Ministry of De- and the productivity of various mies by 2050. housing and public services in the wishes to see this share increase to many talented young Kazakhs to fence and Aerospace Industry is no economic sectors increased with The first initiative consists of in- rural areas does not fall behind vis- 50 percent by 2050, as Nazarbayev study abroad. Furthermore, since exception, with the consolidation the availability of new technolo- creasing the supply of affordable à-vis the main urban centres of Al- indicated during his recent state- 2010, Kazakhstan has become a of expertise strengthening high- gies. The country is also equipping housing. maty and Astana. of-the-nation address. For this vi- full member of the Bologna Pro- tech industries as well as boosting its youth with the skills and know- This initiative builds upon the Af- The next initiative promotes the sion to be realised, SMEs should cess (it was the first Central Asian R&D processes. how necessary to flourish in the fordable Housing 2020 programme expansion of loans for business- also be given facilities to partici- country to join), making Kazakh The last initiative entails the impending fourth industrial revo- approved in 2014. Kazakhstan has people and the development of an pate in the supply and distribution degrees compatible with European construction of a new gas pipeline lution of high-tech and big data. been urbanising rapidly and its entrepreneurial environment con- chains of larger firms. Union (EU) jobs. Since then, Ka- to Astana, which should be under- These measures will further- population has been increasing at ducive to the flourishing of SMEs. Access to investment financing zakhstan has adapted and adjusted stood in the context of the vulner- more strengthen the resilience of a fast rate, too (at 1.4 percent, quite This initiative should be under- will need to become more widely its education system to converge ability of Kazakhstan to the effects the middle class, which has grown high compared to other developed stood within the context of the big accessible, especially to women, with the principles of the Bologna of climate change. Kazakhstan has to approximately 20 percent of countries) and additional measures privatisation push and structural youth and people with disabilities. Declaration and Kazakh universi- been developing the concept of the population according to World need to be taken for real estate con- reforms being undertaken in Ka- Kazakhstan can already take great ties have increasingly offered post- green economy since 2013, setting Bank statistics, with a vigorous struction to keep up with these two zakhstan in order to inject greater pride in the fact that women own graduate degrees in conjunction specific climate change mitigation middle class being a key driver of trends. While the number of transac- dynamism in the economy and and/or manage almost half of all with leading foreign universities. and adaptation targets including consumer spending, growth and tions for purchase and sale of hous- promote diversification. As such, SMEs, thanks in part to its par- A renewed focus on engineer- increasing its share of renewables stability. Lastly, new social initia- ing in 2017 increased by 25 percent the development of the private ticipation in the European Bank ing and technical studies is vital in electricity generation and reduc- tives reaffirm the fact that Kazakh- compared to the previous year (ac- sector is given high priority in the for Reconstruction and Develop- to ensure Kazakhstan harnesses ing greenhouse emissions by 25 stan has a people-oriented agenda cording to the statistics committee transition from a centralised to a ment’s (EBRD) Women in Busi- the abilities of its young people percent by 2030 compared with in place, with the well-being and of the National Economy Minis- market economy, in which less ness Programme for Kazakhstan and shapes the country’s place in 1990 levels as per its intended na- prosperity of its citizens at the cen- try), approximately 14 percent of efficient state-owned enterprises launched in 2015. the fourth industrial revolution. tionally-determined contributions tre of the national strategy. the population (2.5 million people) (SOEs) constitute a gradually low- The next initiative involves in- As the Kazakh economy becomes submitted in 2015. still own no residential property (ac- er share of the economy in favour creasing the accessibility to, and increasingly digitalised, it is im- The construction of the pipeline The author is Programme Co- cording to Regional Financial Cen- of SMEs, the engines of growth, quality of, higher education. portant that the education sec- is expected to have a positive so- ordinator Brussels-based Euro- tre of Almaty (RFCA) ratings). innovation, competitiveness and Education can be a powerful in- tor adapts accordingly, imparting cio-economic and environmental pean Institute for Asian Studies.

encounter in their everyday in- teractions with state and regional bodies. Anti-corruption strategies show signs of progress In this regard, the department ruption risk analysis at state bod- did not engage in combatting anti- level. In addition, instilling the has launched three projects. A By Raushan Shamsharkhan ies by checking their management corruption and to date, the depart- rejection of corruption in the peo- special office was formed to im- activities and analysing regulato- ment has conducted two forums. ple’s mentality has been ensured plement the Astana Adaldyk Ala- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s anti- ry acts. For the first time, Kazakh- Last year’s road map which out- through the efforts of the Assem- ny (Astana’s Integrity Platform) corruption strategies are showing stan is employing methods used lines the implementation of the bly of the People of Kazakhstan’s project, launched in conjunction early signs of progress, a top of- in OECD countries by completing Cooperation Agreement between (APK), ethno-cultural organisa- with the city akimat (city admin- ficial at the country’s Agency for corruption risk analysis and elimi- the Agency and the Atameken Na- tions, and religious figures. istration). Civil Service Affairs and Fighting nating causes and conditions. tional Chamber of Entrepreneurs, Muksimov’s functions include “Astana, and its local executive Corruption said. In addition, an e-government examined 16 areas it felt caused minimising the level of corrup- body, in particular, implements Salauat Muksimov, the agency’s forum was created for citizens’ questions, such as customs and tion by preventing it, eliminating this programme and meets with

anti-corruption policy department sputniknews.kz Photo credit: convenience and to ensure trans- taxation, and presented recom- its contributing causes and condi- residents, and contacts with the director spoke about executing Salauat Muksimov parency in state activities. Every mendations to state bodies. tions, shaping general corruption states and citizens indeed take anti-corruption strategies and citizen can now participate in Muksimov added the depart- rejection in society and involving place. It is convenient for us to public participation in combatting tion. Transparency International’s adopting regulatory and legal ment intensified its work with civil society so as not to confine see its relationship with the cen- corruption in a recent exclusive Corruption Perceptions Index, acts with her/his proposals to the foreign investors through a forum oneself to state bodies efforts tral apparatus and state bodies. interview for this story. released in February, indicated state and ministerial budgets be- for foreign ambassadors, busi- alone. Within the programme framework “In 2017, compared to the year the nation has entered the zone of ing transparent, as each state body nesspeople and others dedicated The agency is also tackling cor- and using the pilot programme, 2015, citizens’ confidence in the less corrupt countries, gaining 31 regularly posts its data. Muksi- to countering corruption and cre- ruption on the national and inter- the same mechanisms will be state anti-corruption policy in- points. mov noted the success of counter- ating a favourable investment cli- national level. scaled up and implemented in creased by 17.9 percent (from “Our upsurge in the OECD re- ing corruption is not only related mate. The department also com- “Regarding international anti- all other regions in Kazakhstan,” 55.5 percent to 73.4 percent). The ports is related to the adoption to the measures indicated in the pleted a second public initiatives corruption measures, Kazakhstan said Muksimov. number of registered corruption of the anti-corruption strategy. law, but also to their practical ex- congress with its reports and lat- follows the Istanbul Action Plan, Sanaly Urpak (Conscious Gen- offences decreased by 18 percent Previously various government ecution. est trends. alongside the Group of States eration), established in Almaty, during 2016 and 2017 as well. programmes were undertaken to “We created many localities “Till this day, the non-govern- against Corruption (GRECO) seeks to minimise corruption in Sociologists noted a noticeable combat corruption, but the strat- that were not previously available. mental sector had never attended proposal, Commonwealth of In- the education system. The project reduction in the corruption level, egy adopted in 2014 changed the These include entrepreneurs and [the congress] to discuss corrup- dependent States (CIS) Interstate has developed an optimal solu- an increase in the trust level of nature of attitude to corruption non-governmental actors. Today, tion problems. Today, we are talk- Council and the United Nations tion for curbing corruption at the this policy and eventually the pro- as a phenomenon. We moved to thanks to such a platform, every- ing about this openly together,” conventions,” he said. secondary and higher education portion of people who are ready the middle category. I expect that one feels capable of contributing he said. National actions refer to those level, as well as disseminating the to contribute to counteracting cor- next year we will witness good re- to changing the situation. Business The department designed a pub- systemic measures prescribed academic honesty principle. Uni- ruption has increased,” he said. sults in this regard. I believe quite received a clear signal that these lic control map that functions on by law, including an analysis versity academic integrity and co- According to recent Organisa- tangible results will appear before administrative and corruption bar- social networks as well as cre- of corruption risks, forming an hesion ratings will be issued an- tion for Economic Co-operation 2020,” the official said. riers can be eliminated and this un- ated call centres in all regions anti-corruption culture and anti- nually based on project estimates. and Development (OECD) re- The adopted law provided the derstanding grows into confidence. and formed a unique monitoring corruption monitoring. The most ports, Kazakhstan has made a sig- department with additional ca- This is a big sign,” he said. group to implement anti-corrup- pressing task is minimizing the The full version of this article nificant leap in countering corrup- pacities, such as conducting cor- The business sector previously tion measures on the regional internal corruption that citizens is available online. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 OIC ministerial addresses Rohingya people exodus, appoints Kazakh to high post

By Aigerim Seisembayeva

ASTANA – May 4-5 45th ses- sion of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh addressed is- sues facing the international Is- lamic community, including the humanitarian crisis resulting from the mass exodus of the Rohingya people from Myanmar, Bangla- desh’s neighbour. “While visiting Rohingya refu- gee camps, we had a chance to ob- tain a first-hand perspective of just how significant this disaster is. A collective response from the entire Muslim world is urgently needed to protect the destiny and future of arbayev and Turkish President OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, the position. Abdrakhmanov also sation for Food Security (IOFS) in programmes. Doing so will also Rohingya,” said Kazakh Foreign Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2016 to Saudi Arabia. briefed the gathering on Kazakh Astana, which was facilitated by support the implementation of Ka- Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov promote tolerance between Mus- “This appointment became pos- initiatives and proposals for chal- the entry into force of the IOFS zakhstan’s Nurly Zhol programme during the session, adding Ka- lim countries and encourage dia- sible due to the high authority of lenges facing the Muslim world. Statute. He noted that Kazakhstan and China’s Belt and Road Initia- zakhstan is committed to protect- logue. the President of Kazakhstan Nur- He said the Astana Process talks has ratified the agreement on the tive. ing the Rohingya people and pro- During the session, Kazakh dip- sultan Nazarbayev in the Muslim on Syria in support of the UN-led headquarters of the IOFS between The OIC, which used to be vided $500,000 in humanitarian lomat Askar Musinov was also world and his active work on de- Geneva talks helped reduce vio- the Kazakh government and the named the Organisation of the Is- aid in April to Rohingya refugees elected OIC Assistant Secretary veloping the Islamic world. The lence, maintain ceasefire and con- IOFS. lamic Conference until 2011, was in Bangladesh. General for Science and Technol- election of a Kazakh diplomat tributed to a more peaceful life in The new organisation’s work to established in 1969. The organi- The second day of the OIC min- ogy, gaining 12 out of 18 votes of for this important post is of par- four de-escalation zones. He also address food shortages requires in- sation received its present name isterial, titled “Islamic Values for the OIC Asia group. It is the high- ticular importance in light of the thanked the OIC member states terstate interaction, which should after the decision of the 38th ses- Sustainable Peace, Solidarity and est post within the OIC to which a implementation of the results of for attending the first OIC Sum- be facilitated by Kazakhstan’s Is- sion of the OIC Council of For- Development,” adopted the Dhaka Kazakh has been elected. the first OIC Summit on Science mit on Science and Technology in lamic Infrastructure Initiative (Tri- eign Ministers in Astana. Kazakh- Declaration and the Islamic Rap- Musinov had served as Kazakh and Technology held in Astana Astana. The summit was proposed ple I), said Abdrakhmanov. stan became a full OIC member prochement initiative, reports the ambassador to Egypt, Saudi Ara- in September 2017,” said Abdra- by Nazarbayev and took place in The organisation’s goal is to in 1995. At present, 56 countries Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press bia and the United Arab Emirates khmanov. the final days of EXPO 2017. ensure the maximum integration are members of the OIC with five service. and has until recently worked as Kamrul Ahsan, a secretary at The Kazakh minister also briefed of OIC transport and logistics countries and five international The initiative was proposed by director of the Peace, Security and the Bangladeshi Foreign Minis- the gathering on the launch of the systems by linking three Islamic organisations holding observer Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- Conflict Resolution Unit of the try, was Musinov’s opponent for Secretariat of the Islamic Organi- Development Bank development status. Astana, London E-visas to be issued beginning in July The process will be based on ex- also not need to increase our con- days and visa procedures have By Meruyert Abugaliyeva isting systems in Estonia and the sular staff. E-visas also contribute been simplified for residents of 53 United Arab Emirates. to the provision of comfortable additional nations. consider IT partnership ASTANA – Kazakhstan will With the launch of the electronic conditions for businesspeople and Visitors from Belarus, Kyr- a smart city system and the use of start issuing electronic visas July visas foreign citizens will no long- tourists,” he added. gyzstan and Russia are exempt By Aigerim Seisembayeva advanced innovation technologies. 1 as part of the Digital Kazakhstan er need to visit Kazakh embassies Blackwell expressed his willingness programme. Visitors will be able or consulates, said Interior Affairs ASTANA – Kazakh and United to continue cooperation to introduce to apply online through an elec- Deputy Minister Yerlan Turgum- With the launch of the electronic visas Kingdom officials recently dis- the smart city system in Astana. tronic portal. bayev. The e-visa system is the cussed the possibility of signing a The meeting with the National “We have identified several first in Central Asia. foreign citizens will no longer need to visit strategic partnership agreement to Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) countries and this year plan to im- Foreign citizens will be required Kazakh embassies or consulates, utilise the British model of devel- focused on cooperation in infor- plement pilot projects for them. to apply for visas from Kazakh- oping IT projects in Kazakhstan’s mation security, while at the meet- This will require the modernisa- stan’s migration office by provid- said Interior Affairs Deputy Minister Yerlan national digitisation programme. ing with the Open Data Institute, tion of Berkut, the unified system ing the required personal informa- The agreement would be between the sides agreed to cooperate in of monitoring foreigners and local tion, including purpose of visit, Turgumbayev. The e-visa system is the first in Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Informa- joint research and development of residents coming to and leaving financial position and length of Central Asia. tion and Communications and the methods for categorising data. Kazakhstan administered by the stay. UK’s Government Digital Service In global rankings, the UK ranks National Security Committee. The “We will check the information and would involve governmental first in terms of government data national budget committee has ap- with the database and if there are and IT business agencies from both openness, providing information sup- proved all the related expenses. no restrictions, we will issue a At present, citizens of 61 coun- from registration with the local countries. The discussions took place port for small and medium-sized busi- Therefore, we will start issuing e- visa. This will ease the registration tries, including all Organisation migration police during the first during Kazakh Deputy Prime Minis- nesses, as well as improving the qual- visas this year,” said First Deputy process, especially for the coun- for Cooperation and Development 30 days after entry and terms for ter Askar Zhumagaliyev’s April 24- ity of public services for UK citizens. Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileu- tries where there are no consular (OECD) members, do not need a a similar procedure are under dis- 27 visit to Great Britain and Ireland That is why the Kazakh side initiated berdi. services available. Thus, we will visa to stay in Kazakhstan for 30 cussion for Tajikistan. to discuss digital cooperation, cyber- the signing of a memorandum of un- security and smart cities, the Kazakh derstanding between Kazakhstan’s Embassy in the UK reports. Zerde National Infocommunication Zhumagaliyev met with heads of Holding and the UK’s Open Data In- digitisation of British governmen- stitute to conduct joint research and tal agencies, including the National seminars to enter the open data space. Kazakhstan, Tajikistan discuss cooperation, Cyber Security Centre and the Gov- Zhumagaliyev also visited the ernment Digital Service. Meetings Cambridge Innovation Centre, were also held with the London where he invited Cambridge com- Mayor’s office, the top management panies to take part in developing the sign commercial agreements in Dushanbe of TechNation, IntelliSence.io and Astana Hub and discussed opportu- other British and Irish companies. nities for cooperation in introducing By Aigerim Seisembayeva The meeting with National Tech- the Industry 4.0 platform in Kazakh- nology Adviser and UK Govern- stan. The topic was discussed in ASTANA – Kazakh First Dep- ment’s Chief Coordinator For Dig- more detail with the management of uty Prime Minister Askar Mamin itisation and New Technologies TechNation, with which the Astana discussed bilateral cooperation Liam Maxwell discussed Kazakh- Hub plans to sign a memorandum with Tajik President Emomali British cooperation in digitisation, of cooperation aimed at supporting Rahmon April 27 in Dushanbe. introducing digital technologies start-up projects from preparation to Mamin said agreements reached into the economy and improving initial public offering (IPO). between Kazakh President Nur- the e-government system. Zhumagaliyev also met with the sultan Nazarbayev and Rahmon in In addition, Zhumagaliyev pre- CEO and Founder of IntelliSense. Astana in March brought bilateral sented Maxwell with the main io Sam Bose and agreed to con- ties to a new level. priorities and the progress of Ka- tinue cooperation between Intel- “The heads of state set the task zakhstan’s strategic digitisation lisence.io and the Almaty Tech to the governments of Kazakhstan programmes and discussed plans Garden technology park, as well and Tajikistan to increase trade to develop the Astana Hub IT Park. as to expand cooperation in mining turnover to $2 billion,” Mamin Zhumagaliyev also highlighted industry digitisation and the devel- said, expressing Kazakhstan’s Kazakhstan’s interest in the UK’s opment of the Astana Hub. readiness to help achieve that experience in introducing and us- The Kazakh delegation also vis- goal. ing digital technologies in the ited Dublin April 27, where it held Rahmon praised the results of public services sector. The Digital meetings with Ireland’s tech com- the March 15 Consultative Meet- Service’s conditions created for panies. Irish businesses expressed ing of the Heads of State of Cen- British businesses on the principles keen interest in the Astana Hub tral Asia in Astana and stressed of open data has made London one project. Meetings with Enterprise the importance of the platform to inform.kz. Photo credit: of the largest IT hubs in the world, Ireland and International Devel- regional cooperation. Askar Mamin (L) and Emomali Rahmon (R). second only to California’s Silicon opment Ireland discussed tools Tajikistan is Kazakhstan’s sec- Valley. Maxwell briefed his coun- for supporting and developing the ond major trading partner in the First Deputy Prime Minister Said Mamin proposed to intensify the Commercial documents were terpart on the key elements of the digitisation market in Ireland, as Central Asian region and accounts Davlatali. activities of the working group on signed for the delivery of 300 UK digital transformation strategy well as forming an ecosystem for for more than 20 percent of the The Kazakh official noted the increasing trade turnover, develop Hyundai County buses assembled and confirmed the readiness of the IT start-ups. The management of economy’s total trade volume progress in cooperation between a roadmap in this area and approve in Kazakhstan, 500 freight cars, British side to assist Kazakhstan. the Trinity Irish Innovation Cen- within the region. the two countries in various sectors it at the next meeting of the Inter- four shunting and main locomo- The deputy prime minister’s meet- tre has confirmed its readiness to Mamin also discussed in Du- of the economy and spoke about governmental Commission. tives and 5,200 tonnes of R-65 ing with London’s first Chief Digital teach technical entrepreneurship to shanbe bilateral cooperation on the expanding deliveries to Tajikistan Interregional relations, direct rails, as well as 30,000 tonnes of Officer Theo Blackwell focused on Kazakh students, as well as to take Protocol of the Consultative Meet- of 57 types of goods in engineering, contacts between Kazakh and Tajik valves produced by Arcelor Mittal digitisation cooperation between the part in the creation of an IT univer- ing in Astana with Tajik Prime metallurgy, railway, food, construc- businesses and the unlocking of ex- Temirtau for the construction of two capitals, creating and developing sity based around the Astana Hub. Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda and tion and pharmaceuticals. port potential were also discussed. the Rogun Dam. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Psychologist creates cartoons Kazakh director’s film to be Golovkin defends World to help children with speech, featured at Cannes independent Champion titles language difficulties B2 film festival B3 B7 Immortal Regiment parade Yeleussinov wins honours war heroes’ memory first professional fight about Yeleussinov’s first knock- By Anuar Abdrakhmanov down, as he defended and made immediate counterattacks. He ASTANA – Daniyar Yeleussinov, needs to work hard to achieve Kazakhstan’s 2016 Olympic gold more victories and really turn into medalist, won his first professional a pro,” said Rio Olympics winner fight, knocking out American box- Serik Sapiev. er Noah Kidd (3-0-1, 2 KO) in a Kazakh national boxing team bout in New York. head coach Myrzagali Aitzhanov The fight reached its climax in also weighed in on the fight. the third round, when Yeleussinov “Well, we didn’t expect another knocked his opponent down. Af- result. Daniyar proved himself ter a short break Kidd decided to in amateur boxing as one of the continue the fight, only to receive strongest boxers in the world. He a second powerful blow. Referee won all the amateur tournaments, Eddie Claudio stopped the fight at gained experience and he is tal- the 2:52 minute mark. ented. Once again, he showed the As a result, the Rio champ strength of the Kazakh boxing gained his first win in the profes- school. This is the task of the na- sional ring by technical knockout. tional team – to bring the boxers to “I congratulate Daniyar on his a high level. Now, everything is in victory. I wish him every success his hands,” he said. in professional boxing! Every Yeleussinov will have his next next fight will be more difficult fight in June in Britain,manager than the previous one. Daniyar Eddie Hearn said in an inter- was boxing in his own style. He view with BoxingScene.com. has a variety of combinations and Yeleussinov will fight either June great experience. The Americans 6 or on the June 16 undercard of mentioned ‘timing’ when talking British boxer Josh Kelly. Photo credit: sputniknews.kz Photo credit: grandfathers and great-grandpar- The idea of the march originated dishes and famous Kazakh artists By Dana Omirgazy ents. The main objective of that in Tomsk in 2011. A year later, performed wartime songs in the project was to preserve the memo- history faculty and student Aida park and city square. ASTANA – The Immortal Regi- ry of war veterans in every family. Baimakova and former Astana At present, 2,067 Great Patriotic ment of Astana Peace March, the The Immortal Regiment campaign and Akmola regional trade un- War veterans and participants live Akmola region Victory Day procession commem- was held for the first time in 2016. ion chairperson Anna Shevchuk in Kazakhstan, according to the orating the memory of Soviet sol- Then, the number of event partici- consulted the campaign organiser Ministry of Labour and Social Pro- diers, took place May 9, according pants in Astana exceeded 7,000. and in 2014 created the Immortal tection of the Population. to the city akimat (administration) Last year, 20,000 people took part Regiment council in the capital. Approximately 1.4 million peo- focuses on spiritual press service. in the march. This year, the event The procession has subsequently ple from Kazakhstan were drafted The annual event preserves the gathered approximately 35,000 emerged into an international into the Red Army to fight the Na- personal memories for descend- participants,” according to the re- march uniting more than 80 coun- zis in 1941-45, every fourth adult ants of Great Patriotic War partici- port. tries. in the republic at that time. A total tourism pants, as well as promotes patriot- The gathering began at 12:30 Following the annual flower lay- of 12 infantry and four cavalry di- shetau Mountains related to Ke- ism among the younger generation. p.m. from Kazakh Yeli monument, ing ceremony at Otan Korgaushy- visions, four infantry brigades and By Zhanna Shayakhmetova nessary, the last Kazakh khan. A “More than 1,500 descendants with the route stretching to Otan lar, the celebration continued with about 50 stand-alone regiments monument erected in honour of of veterans organised the Path to Korgaushylar (Fatherland Defend- a tent camp in Studencheskiy Park. were created in Kazakhstan. Ap- ASTANA – Eight routes to sa- Abylai Khan stands in the centre Victory march for the first time in ers) monument along the Tauel- Eleven army bivouacs were in- proximately 600,000 soldiers from cred sites were approved as part of of Kokshetau. 2015 by holding portraits of their sizdik Avenue. stalled to treat veterans to festive Kazakhstan died in the war. the Ruhani Zhangyru (Modernisa- “Our main target markets are tion of Kazakhstan’s Identity) pro- Russia and China. There’s also an gramme in the Akmola region, ac- interest from visitors from India cording to Kazinform. The project and Iran. A quarter of all inbound aims to develop a tourist cluster tourists are from Russia. As for and increase the number of visitors the domestic market, the Ruhani Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan calls for up to three million per year. Zhangyru initiative is of special Approximately 80 select routes importance. Large-scale work is implemented by local tour opera- underway to develop domestic interethnic, interfaith harmony, moral education tors are included in the state reg- tourism as part of this programme. ister for the region. Ten operators Since the beginning of the year, we challenges from destructive reli- the same worldview and interests, also promote tours to historic and have developed a series of tourist By Zhanna Shayakhmetova gious teachings propagating hatred, today it does not happen that way. sacred sites in the Birzhan Sal, maps, guidebooks and banners for sowing suffering, destruction and Teenagers and even children are Burabai, Kokshetau, Korgalzhyn, outdoor advertising,” he said. ASTANA – To preserve Ka- fear. The whole society, including immersed in the virtual reality Yereimentau and Zerenda areas. Kazakhstan Is My Homeland, zakhstan’s way, the unique model representatives of traditional reli- world and find friends and like- “The Abylai Khan’s Headquar- the second national expedition of interethnic and interdenomina- gions, must make efforts to prevent minded people there, and not in ters architectural and historical highlighting the region’s tour- tional harmony the country enjoys, the radicalisation of young people. real life. Family members live to- complex is a project implemented ist and recreational potential, was it is crucial to strengthen traditions Youngsters need support and un- gether but due to new information as part of the inner and pilgrimage organised last year. More than of friendship and brotherly love derstanding. One must learn to be technologies they are essentially in tourism sub-programme to attract 22,000 people gathered at the Fla- preached by traditional religions, attentive to others, especially teen- different worlds. They do not even tourists to the complex located near mingo regional festival in the Kor- Gennadius, bishop of Kaskelen agers and women,” he noted. talk to each other,” he said. the Kokshetau Mountains. The da- galzhyn district. and manager of affairs of the Rus- Gennadius says corruption and The bishop quoted poet John tabase of all architectural and his- Visitaqmola.kz was launched sian Orthodox Church in Kazakh- social injustice must be eradicat- Donne: “Tis all in pieces, all co- torical sites located on the territory this year to promote the Akmola stan told The Astana Times. Gennadius, Bishop of Kaskelen, ed as part of efforts to inoculate herence gone/All just supply, and of the region is not systematised, brand. Interactive stands offering As of the first quarter of 2018, Manager of Affairs of Russian young people from hateful but all relation/Prince, subject, father, but this project creates a single ar- tourist information services were there were 327 religious asso- Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan. insidious messages. Young peo- son, are things forgot/For every chitectural and historical complex also installed. ciations of the Russian Orthodox ple are sensitive to social prob- man alone thinks he hath got/To be titled Khan’s Headquarters with the Ethno-cultural tours including Church in the country. They in- also in foreign policy. The Con- lems, always thirsting for truth and a phoenix…” historical monuments added after a visit to the maral (noble deer) clude the Metropolitan District gress of Leaders of World and Tra- ready to resist lies. Unfortunately, These words are “truly relevant scientific research,” said Akmola breeding farms and national cui- of the Russian Orthodox Church, ditional Religions held in Astana is experienced and malicious propa- now,” he said. “We need common region tourism department head sine presentation are being devel- nine dioceses, 295 parishes, 295 a good example of this policy,” he gandists can turn this energy and projects, businesses and common Daniyar Idiyatov. oped in Burabai. The area will also places of worship, 91 Orthodox said. The sixth iteration of the tri- passion toward destruction. holidays to preserve and strength- The project includes Abylai be launching a unique museum missionaries and the Almaty Or- ennial congress is to be convened “Under such circumstances, the en the unity of the people of Ka- Khan Square, Uali Khan’s burial where visitors can become ac- thodox Spiritual Seminary. in October 2018 in Astana. initiatives put forward by Presi- zakhstan. The Orthodox Church site located near the Khankol area quainted with the local history and “Religious affiliation does not The Russian Orthodox Church dent Nazarbayev are of immense testifies its values based on the and a granite cave in the Kok- culture using 3D glasses. play a decisive role in the society. opposes destructive phenomena in importance. Their implementation teachings of Christ the Saviour It is a positive factor in the devel- religion, he added. ought to destroy radical forces and calls for interethnic, interre- opment of the religious situation. “The church invariably defends aimed at destabilising society. The ligious harmony and peace. This There’s no interest in religious be- evangelical love and peace in any words of the national leader that conviction follows from the deep liefs when it comes to getting an historical or socio-political setting. ‘mutual respect and trust create the nature of Christianity – an uncon- THINGS TO WATCH & education, providing medical as- It denies any form of violence and unity of our people’ should be in ditional love for one’s neighbour. sistance, hiring and other services. destruction under any conditions. the heart of every man and woman It is deeply rooted in the Russian PLACES TO GO Religion should not become an ob- The Bible says ‘If anyone says, I of Kazakhstan,” he said. civilisation and culture,” he said. stacle to professional and creative love God, and hates his brother, he The country’s path toward eco- Christians and Muslims together NATIONAL MUSEUM abilities or social activities. This is is a liar,’” said the bishop. nomic and social development is have confronted godless ideolo- April 19 – July 23 Yerkin Mergenov’s art exhibition an essential achievement of our so- The socio-political position of being guided by a large-scale in- gies, suffered together, shed blood ciety, which must be preserved in the church remains unchanged. dustrialisation programme and the and defended the ideals of freedom every possible way,” he said. “We support all state and public Digital Kazakhstan and third wave and the truth of God in the difficult CAPITAL CIRCUS Kazakhstan’s state policy also institutions in striving for harmony of modernisation initiatives. Under years of the last century, Genna- supports interethnic and intercon- and prosperity. This goes in ac- such conditions, spiritual and mor- dius noted. April 29 – May 27 at 4 p.m. Antares circus show fessional dialogue. cordance with deep inner motives al education must not be forgotten, “We believe that the numerous “Kazakhstan under the leader- stemming from the very nature of the bishop believes. host of martyrs and confessors of ship of President Nursultan Naz- Orthodox Christianity,” he said. “We are in a completely new the land of Kazakhstan are now ASTANA OPERA arbayev, following the tradition of The church is especially con- cultural situation due to new tech- facing the throne of God and pray- May 25 at 7 p.m. Le Corsaire, ballet the Slavic-Turkic civilisation, has cerned about young people who nologies. The boundaries between ing for the preservation of our May 27, at 6 p.m. Classic music concert become a bridge linking Asia and are vulnerable to anti-human ide- civilisations are blurred; interpen- peace and harmony. I wish well- the West. The principles of inter- ology often sugar-coated with reli- etration of religious and cultural being, peace and unity to the entire May 30, at 7 p.m. La Traviata, opera faith and international consent are gious slogans. traditions is taking place. If earlier, multi-ethnic people of Kazakh- pursued not only in domestic but “Today, humankind faces global living together, as a rule, assumed stan,” he said. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 Psychologist creates cartoons Filia Association of Greek communities to help children with speech, celebrates 25 years language difficulties

the World Council of Hellenes Greeks to Kazakhstan: first in well-known in Kazakhstan and By Assel Satubaldina Abroad and one of its coordinating 1942 – Greeks from the Krasnodar their merits were recognised by councils encompassing former So- region, second in 1944 – Greeks of national awards. Among them are ASTANA – The Filia Asso- viet Union countries. Crimea and third in 1949 – Greeks well-known chemist and mem- ciation of Greek Communities, “The association seeks to de- from Georgia.” ber of the Russian Academy of uniting 17 groups throughout Ka- velop and organise events meant Greeks had been through harsh Technological Sciences Georgii zakhstan, is marking its 25th an- to revive the Greek culture and conditions. Ksandopulo, popular singer and niversary. Founded in 1993 after develop the native language of “People took what they needed People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Laki the merger of communities in Al- Greeks living in Kazakhstan. For with them, while the rest of their Kesoglu, Honoured Builder of maty, Shymkent and Zhambyl, the those who are interested, the as- property was subject to confisca- Kazakhstan Akim Atmachidi and organisation has been working to sociation assists in the learning of tion. Greeks holding Greek pass- leading geologist and oil explora- foster intercultural ties and pre- the Greek language, national tradi- ports were deported first. Thousands tion specialist Ivan Dalyan,” said serve Greek culture and traditions. tions, history, geography and cul- of Greeks died as a result of repres- Feodoridi. Photo credit: 100esim.el.kz Photo credit: The Greek diaspora, totalling ture of Greece, Cyprus and Greeks sions and deportations,” he noted. Hundreds of Greeks in Kazakh- Symbat Abdrakhmanova seven million worldwide, is one of residing in Kazakhstan and other Locals helped the Greek com- stan keep ties with their homeland. also engaged in work to identify the world’s oldest and still thriving countries of the Commonwealth of munity withstand the difficult They visit the country as part of By Assel Satubaldina suicidal sentiments among teenag- movements. According to the 2009 Independent States,” he said. time. the Greek government programme ers. She developed a psychological census, more than 9,000 Greeks Similar to other ethnic groups “In the process of settling in the meant to familiarise those living ASTANA – Young Kazakh test for that purpose. live in Kazakhstan. living in Kazakhstan, the major- new territory, Greeks took advan- outside the nation with their his- psychologist from the Kyzylorda She works with speech thera- “Based on the 1989 census, the ity of Greeks were moved to the tage of their professional skills. torical home and ancestors. region Symbat Abdrakhmanova pists helping children tackle their Greek population in Kazakhstan Kazakh steppes in the 1940s as a For example, Greeks living in Pan- “Seven million Greeks live out- is helping young children with problems with speech. To date, she was around 47,000 people; but, result of mass Soviet deportations. filovo village (then a state farm in side Greece, while the population speech and language difficulties released two cartoons – “Dybys- unfortunately, according to the Their exile was completed in three the Almaty region) grew the best of Greece is ten million. The Greek and their parents overcome those tardy Mashyqtandyru” (Training 1999 census the number was down phases. tobacco, while other Greeks were Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a challenges. the Sounds in Kazakh) and “Konil- to 12,703, which is explained by “The decrees were adopted be- employed at mines in Kentau (in special department – the General Abdrakhmanova is among the di Tuster” (Fun Colours), where a the opening of borders and return tween 1942 and 1950 that envi- the South Kazakhstan region),” Secretariat for Hellenic Affairs. 102 winners of the nation’s 100 little girl named Sara takes little of a significant number of Greeks sioned the deportation of the Greek said Feodoridi. The Filia Association works with New Faces project to recognise viewers on her journey exploring to their country of origin,” said population to the East with a goal Kazakhstan became a “second the department in organising vaca- people with exemplary experience the world and giving them differ- Filia Association head Pavel Feo- to reduce ethnic tension in the home” for many Greeks, a number tions of retired persons and children and merits contributing to the na- ent tasks. doridi in an interview with The northern Caucasus and Crimea,” of whom eventually contributed to in Greece, training of Greek lan- tion’s development. “I noticed how my children Astana Times. he said. “There were three stages Kazakh development. guage teachers and study of youth watch cartoons at home and com- The Filia Association is part of in the history of deportation of “Many of them (Greeks) are in Greek universities,” he added. plete all tasks [required by educa- “I noticed how tional cartoons] with great pleas- my children watch ure. Then I came up with the idea to create my own cartoons with a cartoons at home goal to help children with disabili- ties,” said the psychologist. Seven-year-old Kazakh boy becomes world and complete all Many children in Kazakhstan tasks [required by encounter different speech diffi- culties, according to her. “I wanted educational cartoons] to help them,” she added. chess champion in relevant category with great pleasure. A mother of three, Abdra- Zhansaya Abdumalik Chess Acad- of eight stages, Dinmunkhamed up the world championship re- khmanova is a self-taught anima- Staff Report emy, one of the leading chess surpassed his opponents by 1.5 sults. Then I came up with tor gaining her knowledge from schools in Kazakhstan established points and topped the ranking. Within two and a half months of the internet. She runs the project ASTANA – Seven-year-old Din- in 2014 by Zhansaya Abduma- During the entire competition, his studies at a chess school, Tu- the idea to create my on her own, writing the script, ed- mukhamed Tulendinov from Ka- lik, an 18-year-old Kazakh chess Dinmukhamed challenged his lendinov won the Almaty chess own cartoons with a iting and publishing it online. zakhstan came out on top in the prodigy and five-time junior world opponents, which gave him the championship and later became a The biggest challenge, she not- under-seven category at the recent champion holding International right to be named best in his age silver medal winner of the national goal to help children ed, was doing a voice over, and her FIDE World School Chess Cham- Master and Woman Grandmaster category,” read the chess acad- chess championship. with disabilities.” colleagues and friends helped her pionship in Durres, Albania. The titles. emy press statement. His win is a “historic event” for with that. competition welcomed 387 par- Georgian chess player with a Tulendinov first became inter- Kazakhstan, according to the chess The key requirement was for the ticipants from 40 countries com- vast experience and international ested in chess when he was five academy press service, as he be- Abdrakhmanova works in the voice to be clear, understandable peting in 12 categories from U7 to grandmaster Alexander Kashash- years old, said his father Bakyt comes the first boy in Kazakhstan regional education centre. As a for children and pleasant to the ear, U17. vili trains Tulendinov. Tulendinov during a recent press claiming championship in this age psychologist, Abdrakhamova is she added. Tulendinov is a student at the “Based on the overall results conference in Almaty wrapping category. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 Kazakh director’s film to be featured Filmmakers from Central at Cannes independent film festival Asia to participate in 48 Hour Film Race Photo credit: 48hourfilmrace.com Photo credit: Forty-eight films will be select- By Amir Khaidar ed for the final night and prizes Photo credit: brod.kz. Photo credit: awarded to the eight best pictures featured, and three projects from “From the very beginning, we our film was their favourite at the ASTANA – More than 1,500 in different categories. The pro- By Raushan Shamsharkhan Portugal will be presented in the acknowledged that we had little to selection and everyone liked it applications have been submitted duction team behind the best pic- ACID Trip section. “Bad Bad Win- no budget. That is why we filmed very much. Indeed, our emotions for the 48 Hour Film Race 2018 ture will receive five latest genera- ASTANA – “Bad Bad Winter” ter” will be shown four times dur- in one location with only five ac- just went off the scale, and we organised by the U.S. embassy tion smartphones. Organisers will by Kazakh director Olga Korot- ing the second week of the festival. tors,” Korotko told news agency could not fall asleep that night,” in Kazakhstan. Participants from also screen all the submitted films ko will be featured at the annual manshuq.com. recalled Korotko. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmeni- in movie theatres in May. Cannes Film Festival Association “Bad Bad Winter” is a “Bad Bad Winter” is a psychologi- Participation in ACID Cannes stan and Uzbekistan are also eligi- “Our film raises a very important for Independent Cinema and its cal thriller. The plot revolves around will give “Bad Bad Winter” a ble to compete in this year’s event. social issue of money and power; Distribution (ACID) programme. psychological thriller. Dinara, an Astana businessman’s chance at finding a distributor and Teams are given 48 hours to con- it is a drama. I hope that viewers “We just sent a CD with our daughter. She comes to the city of gives the filmmakers the opportu- ceive the idea, write the script, film will empathise with our characters movie to the Cannes film festival. The plot revolves her childhood to sell her grand- nity to find producers for upcoming and edit a four-minute film. To en- and will get a positive experience There is the common belief that around Dinara, an mother’s house. Former classmates projects. The programme focuses sure all have a fair chance of win- from watching it,” added Toleu. you definitely need a producer come to visit her, but their friendly on the promotion of films: after the ning, they are given the specific as- The main goal of the competi- who can recommend your film to Astana businessman’s meeting turns into something else: film festival, organisers conduct a signment to include certain objects tion is to inspire people to create get into Cannes, but we did not they tell her that they accidentally re-run. Nine selected works will be and a particular phrase. This year’s unique artistic content to share know anybody, so we just sent the daughter. committed murder and now they shown in various cities of France participants must incorporate a with the rest of the world. disc,” Korotko explained. need money. According to the film’s and meetings with the press and hat, apple, needle with thread and Similar competitions have been ACID Cannes is a platform The film has five main -charac writers, the story resembles a con- audiences will be arranged. Chosen the line “Do you speak English?” held globally since 2001, spurring founded in 1993 by the Independ- ters and was shot in the neighbour- frontation between the rich and the films will be promoted throughout “I heard about the competition creative competition among film- ent Cinematographers Association. hoods of Almaty. The crew was poor over survival itself. Filming the year, which undoubtedly opens last year and actually registered, makers. The Kazakh version is be- As a rule of thumb, programme small: just the operator, linear pro- took place in early 2017. new opportunities. but I could not take part on those ing held for the third time and its participants are non-released films ducer Aigul Nurbulatova and ar- “As soon as I received the letter, “Publishers have already started specific dates, even though I had a geography has expanded this year without distributors. This year, tistic director Madi Kairzhan, who members of the selection commit- contacting me. And, of course, we team and idea. So, I decided that to include all five Central Asian nine films from Belgium, Kazakh- was trying cinematography for the tee immediately began calling me, really want the film to be featured I will certainly participate next countries. The winners will be an- stan, the U.S. and France will be first time. congratulating me and saying that in Kazakhstan,” the director said. year,” said director Assan Toleu. nounced soon. Astana exhibit celebrates Smurfs’ 60th anniversary, magical story of ‘little blue men’

exhibit. Located on the border universal resonance. It is not sur- global phenomenon born in Bel- on NBC in 1981, with Hanna-Bar- ter classes and other events will By Zhanna Shayakhmetova between two great European cul- prising that these little men found gium in 1958. At least three gener- bera Productions producing 272 also be held here in the next three tures, Germanic and Romanic, an echo in so many countries, be ations of children fell in love with episodes in eight consecutive sea- days,” she said at the launch of ASTANA – An exhibition dedi- Belgium shares cultural diversity it through albums of comic strips, these little blue creatures in white sons. The Saturday morning show the exhibition. The volunteers cated to the Smurfs’ 60th anni- with Kazakhstan, he noted. which my generation read, or clothing thanks to distinguished reached 42 percent of the U.S. will teach children how to draw versary was held at the capital’s “It is therefore not surprising through animated cartoons which Belgian artist Pierre Culliford. audience and had a higher rating and talk about the history of com- School Children’s Palace April that cartoons were so successful were viewed by younger genera- They are still capturing the hearts than “Dallas,” the nation’s popular ic books. Our gallery is open for 26-28 as part of the Francophonie in our country. Beyond Hergé, our tions,” he said. of millions of children in Bel- primetime soap opera. cooperation as we create a spe- Spring Festival. The event was or- most famous author with his hero There’s no secret to the Smurfs gium, Kazakhstan and all around More than 3,000 goods and ser- cial atmosphere for people to talk ganised by the Belgian Embassy Tintin, the Smurfs of Peyo, alias popularity, as the characters are the world. More than 300 million vices currently feature Smurf char- about arts and promote our artists, with the support of the Alliance Pierre Culliford, became by acci- close to people and promote ide- Smurf figurines have sold world- acters. too.” Française offices in the city and dent the world famous little blue as of humanism, noted Kazakh wide,” he said. Art gallery historian Madina Sixty-four events were sched- Almaty. men. The Smurfs are well known Deputy Foreign Minister Roman The first Smurf short story ap- Dosamanova noted the cartoon uled in March and April as part of Belgium was proud to arrange for their jokes. These reflect a Vassilenko in his trun. Family peared in “Spirou” in 1959. Their timeline could teach children to the Francophonie festival to cele- the festivities, said Ambassador form of innocence which is fa- ties and friendship are essential to inaugural film, “The Smurfs and learn about and appreciate their brate the cultural revival and crea- Alexis de Crombrugghe de Pic- miliar to those who kept a child’s them. the Magic Flute,” was produced in culture. tive spirit of the French language quendaele in his remarks at an soul. Their adventures are also “Today we celebrate the 60th 1975. “We are glad to host such a and cultural diversity of French- April 25 reception to launch the marked by values which have a anniversary of the Smurfs, a truly The cartoon series began airing wonderful exhibition. The mas- speaking countries. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 Medical equipment database to improve 1,300 Expo Town healthcare facilities planning and procurement apartments to go tenge (US$153,600) is needed to By Zhanna Shayakhmetova purchase equipment and construct healthcare facilities. Last year, ASTANA – A national medical savings totalled 3.5 billion tenge on sale in June equipment database will be created (US$11 million) due to the expert as part of the Densaulyk (Health) assessment. development programme, reported “The equipment for the Minister of Healthcare Yelzhan healthcare organisations will be Birtanov at the April 24 govern- further provided as part of the ment meeting. private-public partnership and The database will increase trans- leasing mechanisms after the parency in planning and procur- analysis and taking into account ing medical equipment. Marginal the positive growth dynamics costs will be calculated based on of the concluded contracts,” he the documents submitted by the added. customer (Exworks price) with Sixteen medical supply agree- a 25-percent marginal premium, ments worth 5.4 billion tenge and healthcare organisations are (US$16 million) were signed in The pilot project with the par- private-public partnership (PPP) the Atyrau, Karaganda, Pavlodar The pilot project ticipation of domestic and foreign and leasing agreements. Ap- and West Kazakhstan regions in banks and Kazakh House Construc- monitoring system developers was proximately 42.8 billion tenge 2017-2018. PPP projects totalling By Amir Khaidar tion Savings Bank housing loans. with the participation launched by two healthcare organ- (US$131 million) in 2017 and 18 billion tenge (US$55 million) To insure transparency, appli- isations in the capital and Almaty. 40.2 billion tenge (US$124 mil- are in operation for the current ASTANA – Baiterek Develop- cations will be submitted online of domestic and The system will be introduced in lion) in 2018 were allocated to year. ment, a subsidiary of Baiterek through Digital Baiterek, said foreign monitoring all state organisations by the end of local executive bodies for tech- Birtanov noted 241 leasing Holding, will release 1,300 Expo Usserbayev. The platform is in test- the year. nical equipment. projects worth 4.9 billion tenge Town apartments for sale June ing mode and will be launched in system developers Birtanov noted the average “The ministry studied the equip- (US$15 million) were implement- 1, reported tengrinews.kz. The the near future. percent of medical supplies and ment purchased in 2012-2016 to ed in 2016-2018. The mechanism buildings were rented by Astana The apartments, rated at second was launched by equipment adhering to minimum assess the technical equipment in improves equipment acquisition EXPO 2017 and returned to the comfort level, are in move-in con- two healthcare standards is 65.2 percent and the healthcare institutions last May and service maintenance. company after the international dition. They range from studios depreciation rate of medical equip- and June according to the instruc- The expense payment reim- exhibition. to three-bedrooms, 41 square me- organisations in the ment in public healthcare organi- tions of the head of state. The sub- bursement is the main component “Forty-two apartment buildings tres-124 square metres. The pro- capital and Almaty. sations is more than 35 percent. ject of the analysis was equipment of the current leasing system. The were built in 2016. They housed jected cost will be announced fol- Updating medical devices costs 96 worth more than 5 million tenge state budget was previously the international delegations partici- lowing the consultant company’s billion tenge (US$294 million) per (US$15,360). As a result, viola- main financial source. pating in EXPO 2017. Property independent review. expected to plan procurement pro- year. tors were identified and appropri- Prime Minister Bakytzhan construction was financed by the Expo Town has 1,374 apart- cedures guided by the indicators. More than 128 billion tenge ate measures were taken,” said Sagintayev signalled the need to national fund and investments ments with a total area of more than The online monitoring system (US$393 million) in medical Birtanov. monitor equipment planning to re- from project companies. There- 110,000 square metres. As stipulated will also serve as a tool to increase equipment was purchased in The mandatory expert review is duce the risk of equipment down- fore, assets from the real estate by the contract, 74 units measuring medical equipment efficiency. 2016-2018, an increase due to conducted if more than 50 million time and inefficient use. sales will be returned to the na- 8,500 square metres were transferred tional fund,” said Baiterek De- to the two construction companies velopment Deputy Chairperson involved in building the village. Askarbek Usserbayev. The transferred property has been The apartments and parking listed on the market with prices spots will be offered to the general ranging from 38-55 million tenge Some electricity users to public and can be secured with per- (US$115,000-167,000) depending sonal finances. Purchases may also on size, according to real estate be charged more in 2018 be mortgaged through second-tier websites. and geographical location. There ple not using electric stoves per hour, was produced in the Staff Report are also discounts provided for have increased 10.1, 3.9 and Pavlodar region, which grew up the pensioners, people with dis- 1.3 percent and prices are 1,237 almost 23 percent over the year. Mangistau’s solar ASTANA – Some electric- abilities and World War II veter- tenge (US$3.74), 1,563 tenge The increase can be explained by ity users in Kazakhstan might be ans, according to a report from (US$4.73) and 1,904 tenge exports and growing domestic shocked to learn that domestic energyprom.kz.. (US$5.76) for levels one, two and demand. electric power prices have recent- The price for the first consump- three. Overall, electricity production power plant launched ly increased. tion level has gone up 6.2 per- In the first two months of 2018, is following an upward trend, equipment and will operate in an As of March, Kazakh citizens cent since January and 15.4 per- electricity production increased increasing from 94.5 billion kilo- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova eco-mode. The major characteristic using electric stoves pay 1,216 cent over the year. In comparison, in monetary terms 13.3 percent watts per hour in 2016 to 103.1 of the project is that 90 percent of tenge, 1,566 tenge and 1,903 prices for second and third levels, growing to 223 billion tenge billion kilowatts per hour in ASTANA – The first solar power the devices are produced in Kazakh- tenge for 100 kilowatts per hour however, have not grown consid- (US$675 million) and in real 2017, whereas imports remained plant with a 2-megawatt (3,500-kilo- stan,” said Mangistau region Akim for consumption levels one, two erably. The prices have increased terms 11.1 percent to 19.8 billion the same at 1.3 billion over the watt hour) annual capacity opened (Governor) Eraly Tugzhanov at the and three respectively. Tariffs are 4.8 percent and 1.9 percent since kilowatts per hour. period. Electricity exports more May 1 in Mangistau, reported the opening ceremony. differentiated into three levels ac- March 2017. The highest quantity of elec- than doubled from 2.3 billion to regional press service. The new fa- Construction of a desalination cording to the quantity consumed Electricity prices for peo- tricity, 8,515 billion kilowatts 5.7 billion kilowatts per hour. cility, with more than 8,000 locally- plant was launched the same day in produced solar panels, will provide Kuryk village in the Karakiyan dis- electricity to approximately 300 trict. The facility, with a 50,000-cubic buildings. metre per day capacity, will be built Situated on 36.05 hectares in Batyr as part of the private public partner- village of the Munaily district, the 1.2 ship (PPP) programme. The 39-bil- Mazhilis approves amendments to billion tenge (US$3.6 million) plant lion tenge (US$117 million) project, was financed as part of the Business which has an expected completion Roadmap 2020 development pro- date of 2020, will supply water to gramme. the Aktau, Munaishi, Zhanaozen and intellectual property rights legislation “Last year, we hosted EXPO Zhetybai areas. ranging social relations related to cussed with Eurasia Patent Or- terfeit goods” to make a clear 2017 with the Future Energy theme “President Nazarbayev said that Staff Report intellectual property rights and fur- ganisation, Eurasian Economic distinction from original product. initiated by President Nursultan the national wealth is the property of ther improve existing legislation,” Commission, World Intellectual According to Bizhanova, misin- Nazarbayev. Its main mission was society at the 26th session of the As- ASTANA – Registration of intel- said Mazhilis Committee on Leg- Property Organisation, foreign ex- terpretation often causes problems to draw public attention to solutions sembly of the People of Kazakhstan. lectual property rights will soon be islation and Judicial-Legal Reform perts, government bodies and for small and medium enterprises ensuring use of sustainable energy The national wealth in turn provides simplified as the Kazakh Mazhilis member Gulnar Bizhanova. NGOs during a roundtable. (SMEs) and sometimes even leads sources and today, we open a new a better life for citizens. This happens (lower house of Parliament) ap- The draft law was developed in The gathering agreed terms, to bankruptcy. It was also put in solar power plant on the Day of Uni- through the growth of the economy proved April 24 amendments on response to President Nursultan such as “trademark use,” “owner” writing that only counterfeit prod- ty of the People of Kazakhstan. This and reserves. As a result, we are build- intellectual property legislation in Nazarbayev’s instruction to con- and “rights holder,” need to be de- ucts are subject to confiscation. is one of the largest facilities as part ing the infrastructure and developing the second reading during a ple- duct systemic efforts and transit to fined precisely to prevent ambigu- In case of trademark rights vio- of the green energy sector develop- the social sphere. We are launching nary meeting. OECD standards in terms of intel- ity. lations, compensation will be in- ment. The station with a capacity several large projects on this holiday. “Amendments to the draft law lectual property protection. It was also suggested to clearly troduced as an alternative to pay- of 2 megawatts is equipped with The launch of the construction is one are made to create a basis for ar- Amendments were also dis- identify the definitions of “coun- ment for incurred losses. environmentally friendly, modern of them,” Tugzhanov added. Mazhilis meeting discusses Aral Sea protection in the IFAS. Now, all participating the transition of the chairmanship Staff Report countries are trying to work and to Turkmenistan. The meeting persuade Kyrgyzstan to resume its became possible because of the ASTANA – The Aral Sea prob- participation. It is clear that the sus- changes in Uzbekistan’s leader- lem and measures to mitigate the pension was followed by the uncon- ship. We got opportunity to discuss consequences of the drying sea were structive position of neighbouring the Aral problem,” he added. recently discussed at a meeting on countries, the leadership of which A summit of the IFAS with the par- the protection of water resources of has changed,” Deputy Minister of ticipation of the presidents of Kazakh- trans-boundary rivers in the Mazhi- Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Ga- stan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turk- lis (lower house of Parliament) in lymzhan Koishybayev noted. menistan and Uzbekistan is scheduled Astana. The Central Asian countries He noted that the IFAS Execu- for the end of August, he added. intend to persuade Kyrgyzstan to tive Committee had not met in “This means that the presidents unfreeze its participation in the In- more than nine years. will meet for the first time in many ternational Fund for Saving the Aral “The latest meeting was organ- years. The IFAS is our only inte- Sea (IFAS), established in 1993. ised Jan. 30, which became the gration platform in Central Asia, “There is one problem: Kyr- only one in the last nine years. which has institutionalisation,”

gyzstan has frozen its participation The meeting agenda concerned said Koishybayev. wordpress.com Photo credit: B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 Astana’s Confucius Institute promotes cultural ties, launches courses for children Women, was dedicated to the By Zhanna Shayakhmetova Spring Festival in China, Nauryz celebrations and Beijing EXPO ASTANA – Astana’s Confucius 2019. Institute will present Capitals of “It was aimed at preserving cul- the Silk Road, a photo exhibition tural diversity and promoting fu- July 2-3 in cooperation with the ture energy. Artists from Armenia, international organisation Expo & Iran and Moldova also took part Women. The event is part of the in the exhibition titled Traditions Global Silk Road Forum and Silk and the Present of the Great Silk Road Mayors’ Forum. Road,” she said. Institute head Saule Koshanova Koshanova is especially proud spoke about the exhibit, the or- of launching the Learn and Play, ganisation’s activities and new ap- a unique programme for children proaches to learning Chinese in an aged 8-12. interview with The Astana Times. “We were able to receive only “The application is open until 15 children. In autumn, we plan June 15. The exhibition’s theme is to open several groups of five- a city through the lens of the pho- seven children each. Children tographer,” she said. have the opportunity to start learn- The Confucius Institute office ing wushu. After a one-hour pro- was established at Lev Gumilyov gramme in Chinese, the second Eurasian National University in part of the lesson is the smart 2006 and Koshanova has been at sports. We decided that it is im- the forefront since its inception. The Open Road art event. portant to pay special attention to She was recently appointed by the physical education,” she said. Beijing EXPO 2019 committee to Kazakh Wushu Kung Fu Fed- lead the Expo & Women presidi- Kazakhstan with a Chinese Profi- institute. The Kazakhstan-China: programmes and language intern- eign Studies University – three eration head coach Vadim Traize um. ciency Test (HSK) license. Trust, Partnership, Stability con- ships. Eurasian National Uni- of them are candidates of science conducts the wushu classes, which “We are proud of the academic “The advanced professional ference held Dec. 22 became a versity signed memorandums of and five are graduate students. We parents can attend. advancements achieved by our training is of great importance. major event. Kazakh-Chinese ex- cooperation with China’s leading offer modules on the history and “We receive positive feedback students. They take part in Chinese The teachers study international perts discussed the issues related universities at the initiative and culture of China, calligraphy and from the participants and we no- language and Sinology competi- experiences and participate in in- to education, culture, energy and with the assistance of the institute. wushu. We also have choreograph- tice the sincere interest of the chil- tions and enter the top Chinese ternational conferences,” she said. draft strategies for the economic We reached an agreement on a ic courses, speaking, students and dren. Feedback is important for us universities. Many of them are As a scholar, Koshanova pro- belt of the Silk Road. The partici- number of research projects with film clubs,” she said. and we are open to dialogue. We pursuing careers in foreign ser- motes the country’s academic pants stressed that the institute has Peking University. We have a two- The centre offers more than plan to start Chinese business and vices, government departments achievements. She was invited become a bridge of friendship be- diploma education programme 6,500 books, teaching aids, video weekend Chinese courses soon. A and Kazakh-Chinese companies,” to deliver a series of lectures on tween the academic structures of with Shanghai University,” said and audio books. training seminar for teachers with she said. modern Kazakhstan and Kazakh- the two countries,” she noted. Koshanova. “The Embassy of China to Ka- the participation of philologists The institute conducts scientific Chinese relations at the Shanghai The institute is part of a global More than 3,500 students of var- zakhstan greatly supports us in and linguists from China is sched- research, develops educational Cooperation Organisation (SCO) network of cultural and educational ious ages have participated in the event organisation. We also work uled in May-June. At the end of programmes, organises exhibits, Public Diplomacy Institute and be- centres headquartered in Beijing language learning courses, with as a co-organiser of cultural and the course, the international con- Olympiads, lectures by foreign came the only foreign researcher and cooperates with Chinese uni- more than 150 receiving grants educational events initiated by the ference will be held to highlight and local scientists-sinologists and on its board of directors. versities and research organisations. from the institute’s head office to embassy,” she added. the latest developments in Chinese winter and summer internships and “We organised a number of “The Xian Foreign Studies Uni- continue their studies. The Open Road art event, held language teaching. Our team will provides consultations and semi- events dedicated to EXPO 2017 versity is our main partner in the “Our team includes highly quali- this year with the support of the present the Chinese online mod- nars. It is also the first school in and the 10th anniversary of the implementation of scholarship fied teachers from the Xian- For Chinese Embassy and Expo & ule,” said Koshanova. Inclusive design centre Bolashak Programme opens in Astana has awarded 12,831 scholarships in 25 years total, 46.2 percent are studying in Academic Ranking of World Uni- By Dana Omirgazy United Kingdom universities, 38.5 versities,” noted the release. percent in the U.S. and Canada, Individuals choose specialties in ASTANA – The Kazakhstan priority economic and social sec- government has awarded 12,831 More than 40 percent tors based on a list compiled an- Bolashak International scholar- nually which takes into account ships to students in the last 25 of graduates work in requests and needs of central and years, according to the Centre for local government agencies, nation- International Programmes press economics, 20 percent al companies, holdings and others. service. in education and More than 40 percent of graduates Established by Kazakh Presi- work in economics, 20 percent in dent Nursultan Nazarbayev on science and 7 percent education and science and 7 per- Nov. 5, 1993, 785 scholarships in medicine and cent in medicine and public health. were awarded from 1994-2004 “Bolashak graduates have pro- and 12,046 from 2005-2017. In public health. duced hundreds of scientific devel- excess of 10,000 specialists have opments and more than 100 major been trained and more than 200 5.2 percent in continental Europe, social projects in education, health, leading universities in 35 countries 4.9 percent in Asia and Oceania culture and engineering. Special- became Bolashak strategic part- and 5 percent in Russia. ists have conducted over 26,000 ners. At present, 1,209 scholarship “Today, holders of the Bolashak heart surgeries and introduced at employment assistance to indi- centre through its Unlimited Possi- holders are studying abroad; 14 Scholarship are trained in the most least 1,700 international standards Staff Report viduals with disabilities. bilities project. are in bachelor programmes, 1,021 advanced universities and scien- and treatment algorithms. The use “We are waiting for motivated “Innovations help to improve the are master’s degree students, 118 tific centres of the world according of foreign experience creates a real ASTANA – Wheelchair user, people who are eager to change lives of people with disabilities. are engaged in doctoral studies, to the international academic rat- effect on the quantitative and qual- blogger and Elaman Social Fund their lives. You can earn money and We are very pleased to help people two are undergoing post-graduate ings of Times Higher Education, itative indicators of certain sectors for Social Innovation Projects do your business even sitting in a with strong life positions as well courses and 54 are interns. Of the QS World University Ranking and of the economy,” it added. chairperson Almaz Yerzhan wheelchair or lying in a bed, thanks as be part of a progressive project knows the challenges of getting to the Internet,” he added. to change the life of the city,” said around the capital. His project, CEO of Beeline Company in Ka- an inclusive design centre to help zakhstan Alexander Komarov. wheelchair users find jobs and The centre will The centre will provide great ben- adapt socially, recently opened in develop seven areas. efits to people with disabilities, not- Medical spending up 22 the city. ed Vice Minister of Labour and So- The fund received support from The education cial Welfare Svetlana Zhakupova. the capital administration to cre- programme will “There should be access to the ate a barrier-free environment for realisation of all rights without any percent among population those with disabilities. organise seminars discrimination, including constitu- of medical services provided be- The East Kazakhstan region was “The administration rented out tional rights, electoral rights, edu- Staff Report tween 2012 and 2016 rose 45.7 found to have the highest demand an office for a very low price. Lat- and lectures about cation and rights that lead to social percent from 319.9 billion tenge for medical services last year with er, we found backers who helped an accessible benefits. I think the centre will gen- ASTANA – A recent report re- (US$982.7 million) in 2012 up to a 14.6 percent increase totalling us with the required equipment for erate new ideas,” she said. vealed people in Kazakhstan in- 1 trillion tenge (US$3 billion) in 19.9 billion tenge (US$61.1 mil- wheelchair users. Why did we call environment for The city’s employment and social creased their spending on treat- 2016. lion) in contrast to 17.4 billion it the centre of inclusive design? wheelchair users. protection office reported 774 out of ment 22 percent, reported finprom. Most medical services remain tenge (US$53.45 million) in the Our purpose is to change the city, 1,106 facilities were not accessible kz. funded by the state, which allocat- previous year. make it more comfortable for dis- to people with disabilities. To date, Approximately 14 percent of ed 237.1 billion tenge (US$728.3 The Almaty region and Asta- abled people,” he said. The centre will include a crea- 506 have been improved, said rep- the total volume of medical ser- million) in the fourth quarter of na also top the ranking in terms The centre will develop seven tive rehabilitation club and call resentative Ilya Sukub. vices were covered by patients 2017, accounting for 78.9 percent of the volume of medical ser- areas. The education programme centre for psychological support. The penalty for non-compliance themselves who paid 42.8 billion of the total volume of medical ser- vices, with 12.6 percent and will organise seminars and lectures The project will also suggest social with the standards varies from 50- tenge (US$131.4 million) in total. vices. 10.3 percent growth, respec- about an accessible environment entrepreneurship internships and 400 monthly calculation index; this Their spending hiked 22.4 percent In the last three months of last tively. for wheelchair users. The found- explain the rights of people with year’sindex is 2,405 tenge ($7.20). within a year, indicating the big- year alone, the volume of medi- The Zhambyl and Pavlodar re- ers plan to launch an information disabilities. In 2016, the city budget received 1.2 gest increase. cal services grew 4.1 percent by gions demonstrate the opposite and social website (www.inva.kz) Beeline, a telecommunications million tenge ($3,600); in 2017,less Demand for medical services 11.8 billion tenge (US$36.25 mil- pattern with declining volumes of and provide a consultation office company, will be providing laptops than 900,000 tenge ($2,700) for the has been steadily growing, ac- lion), reaching 300.7 billion tenge health services provided in the re- offering free psychological and and free high-speed Internet for the violations. cording to the report. The volume (US$923.7 million). gions. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

Brunches at Marriott hotels are famous for their assortment of sea- food, such as royal prawns, fresh ‘Music is to cooking like coffee is to a Monday oysters, mini squid and mussels. These are the most popular and important products at any brunch, and, as a superior world-class ho- morning’ for Astana Marriot sous chef tel, we strive to offer our guests the We involve the whole team in Chef provides an opportunity to de- best of such wide assortment. Staff Report this process, we provide every velop my creativity and express it. team member with an opportunity I try to cook non-standard dishes, Do you have your own recipe Twenty-nine-year-old Andrey to express themselves and share combining different cuisines, tex- book? Yes, for sure I have my Volkov moved from Moscow to their ideas. Our Executive Chef tures and tastes. Such experiments own recipe book, and in the near become the sous chef at the Astana Heri Sudarmanto and I compose create not only good taste, but also future I will definitely share it. Marriott Hotel alongside Execu- the main menu. After making a a pleasant tactile effect. tive Chef Heri Sudarmanto. decision on the menu, we conduct How do you feel about criti- The Astana Times recently inter- final tasting with the general man- Have you ever faced difficulties cism? viewed Volkov about his journey ager of the Hotel. If the tasting was creating dishes here in Astana Criticism, if it is adequate, is an as a chef and culinary experiences successful, we establish pricing. due to a lack of ingredients or the opportunity for improvement. I in Astana. complexity of delivery? highly appreciate feedback from What is the key to creating a Lack of ingredients is a problem the guests, so I pay attention to Did you plan to dedicate your successful dish? that exists not only in Astana, but the plates that come back. If the entire life to cooking? Working at HoReCa business for also in many other countries and plate has returned full or half- To be honest – no, I did not. more than 11 years, I realised that regions. But in Astana, there are empty, then I will definitely ask My mother is a confectioner, she the key to successful and tasty dish special companies that operate for feedback, in order to under- cooks very well and that was Andrey Volkov is not the recipe, but the cooking in delivering such hard-to-reach stand what the guest did not like enough for me. But at the same process! If you get real pleasure products, for example fresh oys- and how we may improve our time, I can assert with confidence, when I worked at a hotel in Mos- cording to the highest standards of during the cooking, then the dish ters. For our Sunday brunch, we services. that from the very childhood I was cow. I gradually found time for the Marriott Hotel. Then I do an in- will 100 percent be delightful and order oysters which are delivered very sensitive to food and cook- self-realisation, time to cook ventory of the kitchen. I carefully tasty! Further, if you add skills and super-fresh despite the fact that Do you have a music playlist ing. One of the possible reasons something by myself. I got in- keep under control the cleanliness learned behaviour, obtained from there is no sea nearby, and they are you like to listen to while cook- of this is that my grandfather was spired and enthusiastic by the and tidiness of the kitchen. This is experienced master-chefs of high very tasty! ing? a Georgian. And as a real Geor- process and took inexpressible the first thing that catches my eye, cuisine, the result will be a real cu- Music for cuisine is like a coffee gian, he was proud of Georgian pleasure from the process of so that my kitchen must always be linary masterpiece! Could you please tell us a lit- for an early Monday morning. Be- national cuisine and he honoured cooking my own fine cuisine. clean. I am very dedicated to my tle about the traditional Sunday fore I started my professional ca- it very much. I remember how he That time I felt a vocation to work and I consider the kitchen It is widely known that cooks brunches at the Marriott Hotel? reer as a cook, I played in a drum- approached dishes with special cooking and realised that I should as my territory, as it is my full re- are creative personalities. Does Sunday is a wonderful occasion ming band. We even achieved trepidation and taught me that further develop in this direction. sponsibility. the working in a business hotel to switch from daily routine and some success in our genre. Now I all ingredients and proportions with high and strict standards spend time with friends and fam- do not play anymore, but I return should be strictly observed and How do you start your day in How often is the restaurant somehow limit your creative de- ily, in an atmosphere of comfort, to music all the time. There are controlled. On every family holi- the kitchen? menu updated at the Marriott Ho- sires? live music, gastronomic pleasure compositions of different genres in day, we always had a sumptuous I think that breakfast is the hall- tel? There is no limit in any way, and, of course, service at the high- my playlist, the choice depends on feast with a huge assortment of mark of success for every hotel. It Usually, we update the menu eve- there is still a wide field for creativ- est level. Brunches, first of all, re- what I am preparing, so I listen to Georgian dishes. From that time, is very important that our guests ry season, we compose the menu ity and self-expression and area for quire organisation and concentra- certain music anytime. If I need to my favorite dish is Satsivi. start their day with positive emo- that corresponds to a specific time self-development in a classical cui- tion from the whole team of cooks. concentrate in rush situations, then tions. That is why I start my day of year and we also conduct an anal- sine. For example, I very much like This is a highly important event for I listen to American punk rock, When did you realise you had overseeing the quality of the buf- ysis of the current menu. Updating cooking at our Vista restaurant and our hotel, so we are making every while I get into the cooking – then an attraction to cooking? fet breakfast line in order to make the menu is a complicated process, bar where haute cuisine dishes are effort to compose the menu and something sensual and deep is the I think I realised it quite late, sure that everything is prepared ac- which includes several stages. presented. In addition, Executive come up with new dishes. perfect choice. QazGeo to launch expeditions to Kokshetau: Aral Sea, sacred Kazakh places a beautiful ‘Blue Mountain’ into the sands, giving some hope stan, but to the entire Central Asian to Akkol Mosque, the more than By Assel Satubaldina for the sea’s revival. region of 62 million people. century-old house of worship “Now, water stays in the north- “The International Fund for made entirely of wood, approxi- ASTANA – Kazakhstan Nation- ern Aral. The water level is in- Saving the Aral Sea is marking mately 30 kilometres from Semei; al Geographic Society, or QazGeo, creasing and hence salinity is de- its 25 anniversary this year. The Ablai-kit Buddhist Temple; Konyr embarked on this year’s two big clining,” said Algashov. governments of five Central Asian Aulie Cave; Kunanbai Mosque expeditions. The organisation “Research and science constitute countries support the organisation. dedicated to the father of famous launched an expedition to the Aral an important component of the ex- Even though the Aral Sea is locat- Kazakh poet Abai and Kyzylkent Sea May 10 and will head to the pedition. Nazarbayev University ed in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Buddhist Temple. East Kazakhstan, Karaganda and (NU) researchers and hydrogeolo- the problem, in fact, is common,” “Researchers studying Bud- Pavlodar regions May 17 to study gists will study the water, taking he said. dhism identified the special re- sacred places. QazGeo Project samples from approximately 10 lo- The expedition group left from quirements of how Buddhist tem- Manager Nurzhan Algashov spoke cations in the northern and south- the capital May 10, travelling to ples are built. Based on that, they about the expeditions’ goals and ern Aral to study phytoplankton Shymkent through Merke in the confirmed that the objects (Ablai- the organisation’s future plans in diversity and development, salin- Zhambyl region. kit and Kyzylkent temples) belong skyscrapercity.com Photo credit: a recent interview with The Astana ity, acidity and other parameters,” “We will cross the border head- to the Buddhist culture,” said Al- Nauan Khazret mosque. Times. he added. ing to Tashkent on the third day, gashov. By Amir Khaidar Abylai Khan statue adorns the Established in 2013, QazGeo With the collected data, re- then to Samarkand, Bukhara, Ur- “Social scientists from Naz- main square of the city. Abylai seeks to foster conditions and pop- searchers will be able to build a gench, then Muynak, once a port arbayev University will take part ASTANA – Kokshetau is con- Khan was regarded as a wise poli- ularise the study of geography and broader picture of the current state city similar to our Aral,” said Al- in the second expedition. This pro- sidered one of Kazakhstan’s most tician and diplomat, who was rec- interdisciplinary sciences, includ- of the sea’s ecosystem. gashov. ject is not a one-year project. Last charming cities, located among ognised by both the Chinese and ing history, ethnography and envi- Tourism development is of equal The participants will then be- year, we visited Mangystau and beautiful lakes and mountains cov- Russian empires. For centuries, the ronment. The scope of its activities importance, as it contributes to gin their off-road trek. Due to few Ustyurt and studied sacred paces. ered with dense coniferous forests. city and outlying areas were major cuts across five areas – biodiver- maintaining the region, once a check points on the Kazakh-Uzbek This year, it continues in three Kokshetau is translated from Ka- political and intellectual centres of sity, climate, environment, geogra- major Soviet fishing centre that border, they will return to Kazakh- regions. Next year, we will visit zakh as “Blue Mountain” and the northern Kazakhstan. phy and tourism. eventually saw the collapse of the stan through Beineu village in other sacred sites,” he added. name is apt. The Blue Mountain Kokshetau has a beautiful “The first expedition to the Aral industry as the sea dried up. the Mangystau region, which will “Many sacred sites span across (Kokshe Tau) is the highest peak mosque constructed in the begin- Sea will last 20 days starting May “There is a disaster and meas- make the overall route longer. Kazakhstan. In Mangystau region in the Kokshe Mountains, reaching ning of the 20th century and a 10 and finishing May 30. A group ures are being taken, but we need “There are no closer check points. alone there are 362 such sites,” he 947 metres. Many songs, poems and Russian Orthodox Church temple of 20 people will take part cover- to support the region and its com- This is one of the salient issues for noted. legends about the beauty of the area of Archangel Michael. In 2004, a ing 7,000 kilometres,” said Al- munity. In fact, the more tourists the development of transborder The goal is to interview locals have been passed from one genera- Roman Catholic Church was built gashov. there, the bigger the contribution tourism. The closest check point is living in the regions, as they may tion to another. Locals have given in Gothic style using red bricks. The organisation has twice trav- we make to the region,” he said, Beineu. The distance between the possess unique information about the place a variety of names: the A new mosque for 1,200 people elled to the Aral Sea, once one of highlighting the potential for trans- Aral Sea and Beineu, not directly, the objects often passed from gen- Area of Blue Lakes, Kazakh Pearl named after Nauan Khazret opened the world’s largest lakes. Unlike border tourism. but along the roads, is around 600- eration to generation. and the Area of Blue Mountains. in 2015 and construction of a new previous trips, this year the group The third essential component, 700 km. We are entering Uzbeki- “These people may also have The city was established on the Orthodox Church is underway. will approach the sea both from the Algashov noted, is raising aware- stan through Tashkent for the same interesting documents they may bank of Kopa Lake in 1824 as a Kokshetau and its surroundings northern part of Kazakhstan and ness and drawing attention. reason, because it is the nearest share. With their consent, the in- fortress. In 1868, it became a re- are famous for their nature and southern portion of Uzbekistan. “Many have heard about the check point as well,” he noted. formation will be digitised and gional centre and today has a pop- wonderful landscapes. Burabai “We have some data about the problem of the Aral Sea, but not The second expedition, focusing then be available to the research ulation of 160,000. During the late National Park is one of Kokshe- northern Aral, but we have no all of them know certain aspects; on the study of six sacred places community,” he said. 1930s, many residents of other So- tau’s major sights. Borovoe Lake that, for example, life goes on in the East Kazakhstan, Karagan- information about the southern The expedition outcomes will be viet Union republics were forcibly is the most significant among its there. Therefore, photographers da and Pavlodar regions, will run Aral,” he noted. included in the Sacred Places map settled in the region because of the lakes and distinguished by its size. and journalists are going with us to through May 26. “We tend to see it (Aral Sea) as developed by NU researchers. political repressions against ethnic Located 70 kilometres from the capture that,” he said. The group will start at Akkol an environmental disaster, but cer- QazGeo runs several other pro- Polish and German communities. city, the lake is extremely popular The Aral Sea issue pertains not Tomb, approximately 90 kilome- tain measures are being taken, in- jects, including the next Travel On March 16, 1944, the city was among local and foreign tourists. only to Kazakhstan and Uzbeki- tres north of Ekibastuz, then head cluding the Kok-Aral Dam, which Fest on June 30 in Shymkent and named the Kokshetau region’s ad- Kokshetau National Park, estab- by and large saved the northern the annual Khan Koryk Youth Fes- ministrative centre. lished in 1996, is situated 60 kilome- Aral (the part situated in Kazakh- tival in Aktobe in June, as well as The picturesque image of the tres to the southwest of the city. The stan),” he added. other projects with its partners. The city that we see today on postcards Zerenda, Shalkar and Imantau lakes Central Asia’s two biggest rivers organisation is also working with was shaped in the 1970s-1980s. can be found there with numerous – the Amu Darya and Syr Darya international organisations, includ- During that time, Kokshetau saw pedestrian and equestrian routes. – feed the Aral Sea, yet the large ing the World Wildlife Foundation, rapid development, new residen- The areas have excellent accom- Soviet campaign launched in the and is open to building contacts tial districts and industrial facto- modations with hotels, sanatoria 1970s diverted most of the sea with other potential partners. ries. The city became a major hub and rest houses constructed on the water to supply the region’s grow- A large-scale event will be or- of railway and aviation routes. coasts. The soft mountain climate, ing cotton production. The action ganised in the capital in August Today, the city has a delight- clean air and curative dirt make caused the sea to dry to a tenth of dedicated to its 20th anniversary. ful appearance with clean streets, rest here not only pleasant but also its original area of 68,000 square “It will be not only a travel fest, roads, quiet parks and squares pro- useful for one’s health. kilometres. because the fest is only a small moting its cosy image. Kokshetau is Natural attractions and the city of The 13-kilometre long Kok-Aral part. There will be several days an urban area of youth and students Kokshetau have established their Dam, an $85 million project initi- and several events, including con- with 10 higher educational institu- own unique image and strive to be- ated by Kazakhstan and mostly ferences uniting all regions. This tions, 12 colleges, six lyceums and come a centre for international eco- funded by the World Bank, man- Aithozhin Zhanat Photo credit: will be an interesting event,” said 20 schools. The city has numerous tourism. It is truly one of the most aged to prevent water from going The expedition group heading to the Aral Sea in 2016. Algashov. museums, theatres and a cinema. charming cities in Kazakhstan. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 Astana basketball hero says investment in Golovkin defends youth leagues needed to lift Kazakhstan’s game World BC Astana is a five-time champi- on of the national league and is the strongest team in Kazakh basketball both financially and technically. BC Champion titles Astana hasn’t enjoyed the same suc- cess in the VTB League, however. The team features frequently in the playoffs but has never advanced past the first round, despite a strong presence of experienced foreign players in the team. “Foreign players are definitely essential to the improvement of local players, but not in the cur- rent amount. If you have a team of half foreign and half local players, there are limited chances for the lo- cal athletes to play. Foreign players are needed, maybe two per team; that way we make sure that local players learn and progress,” he sug- gested, adding that BC Astana has always welcomed foreign players

and that they contribute greatly to vk.com/ggolovkin Photo credit: the club. Yergali is also the captain of the a win by technical knockout to Kazakhstan national team and is By Anuar Abdrakhmanov Golovkin. The Kazakh champion

Photo credit: pbcastana.kz. Photo credit: motivated by that role. He supports has now defended his titles 20 his younger teammates with advice ASTANA – On May 5, one of times. By Amir Khaidar rgali and other promising talents of basketball in the country in the and is the key figure in the inter- the world’s best boxers – and local “I’m back and I feel great. First were invited to practice in Astana long term. action between the team and the hero – WBA super middleweight of all, I want to thank my friends ASTANA – Nicknamed “Jack- at the Munaitpasov sport boarding Towards the end of 2017, BC management of national basketball. champion and WBC, IBF and from Kazakhstan and fans all son” in his youth for wearing a school for gifted children. After Astana opened a basketball academy Kazakhstan’s national team is due IBO world middleweight cham- around the world who watch my sweatband like the famous NBA spending a decade with the Astana and foreign specialists were invited to play against Iraq and Iran in the pion Gennady Golovkin achieved fights. Honestly, I thought it would player, today Rustam Yergali is an Tigers and winning six consecutive to coach young players. The same summer for a chance to advance to another brilliant professional box- be serious business. Vanes gave icon of Kazakhstan’s basketball. In national championships, in 2011 he year, the national basketball federa- the second qualifying round of the ing win at the StubHub Centre in me some good punches in the first the midst of a career spent on the was invited to play for the newly tion partnered with the NBA to cre- 2019 World Basketball Champion- Carson, California, over American round. I didn’t expect the fight court, the 31-year-old gave advice formed Astana basketball club, un- ate an NBA junior league and raise ship in China. boxer Vanes Martirosyan. to end so quickly in the second and predictions for the future of Ka- der the Astana sport club franchise. the basketball profile in the country. “If the national team makes it Golovkin was initially going to round. Vanes is an excellent fight- zakh basketball. “Since the inception of the VTB Currently, Yergali and his team- to the World Championship, this have a rematch against Saul Alva- er. Unlike my other opponents, he “My career began in Kostanai; I League, the popularity of basketball mates play in the National League would be the first time, and I am rez in early May, but the fight was didn’t run around the ring; [he] saw NBA games on television and has increased in Kazakhstan, but I of Kazakhstan, the highest tier of sure it would give a big impulse to cancelled when the Mexican boxer took risks and tried to show he was started playing basketball with other can’t say that the overall level of domestic basketball, and in the VTB the development of basketball in the failed a drug test in February and ready to fight from the first round. kids on the street,” Yergali recalls. basketball increased,” admits Ye- United League, an international country. It would be hard, but we was disqualified for six months. He is worthy of respect for being During his first week of basket- rgali. If there is an interest in bas- basketball league. only play to win,” he added. After that, Martirosyan was cho- not afraid of fighting and show- ball training, he was expelled from ketball in the country’s regions, far “I put the national championship In the meantime, Yergali advised, sen as his next opponent. ing offensive boxing,” Golovkin the team for being late to practice. “I from city centres, though, it is still first and the management also sets young Kazakh players should hone Many analysts warned that Mar- said after his victory.President of was very upset that day, but I didn’t possible to find good players and similar goal: we are the main team their professional skills in interna- tirosyan would not be a strong Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev give up. I looked for other opportu- create teams – the most important in Kazakhstan and our first prior- tional leagues and championships, competitor against the current congratulated the champion on the nities and went to the local sports issue remains funding. According ity is to win the Kazakh champion- to develop their competitive edge world champion: the American victory in a telegram. school,” he said. to Yergali, investing in children and ship – then we think about the VTB and gain match experience. As they boxer of Armenian origin hadn’t “Once again you proved your After six months of training, Ye- youth could help improve the level League,” noted Yergali. grow, so will Kazakh basketball. boxed for two years, and he’d also great boxing skills and defended had to move to a heavier weight your champion titles in a spec- category to fight Golovkin. tacular fight. All the people of the World Finals in Brazil, where Golovkin, unsurprisingly, con- Kazakhstan are proud of you and they will compete with representa- trolled the bout until the end. Both praise your great achievements in tives of more than 60 countries. fighters were careful in the first sports. Thanks to talent and hard Futsal team to compete “We can note a very high level round, but in the second, Golovkin work, natural modesty and charm, of preparation and motivation of got down to business. The Ka- you have won over millions of the players at the Neymar Jr’s zakh backed his opponent onto fans around the world. I wish you Five tournament, although this is the ropes with a series of blows, to retain all these qualities and be in world finals in Brazil primarily street football and most then knocked him out. The referee a role model for young people,” was recently held in Astana and gathering more than 1,200 young teams are non-professional. Never- stopped the bout early and gave Nazarbayev said. By Anuar Abdrakhmanov Almaty. The winning team, Atlant, players. The three strongest teams theless, the level of the game was will represent Kazakhstan at the from Almaty, Astana and Aktobe quite high, and most of the games ASTANA – The national final World Finals in Brazil in July. competed in the final. Team Atlant were dynamic and spectacular. The of the international futsal cham- One-hundred-eighty-four teams of Almaty took a 5-0 win over Ak- strongest teams played in the final, pionship called Neymar Jr’s Five took part in the competition, tobe’s Aliya and secured a berth at and now we will watch the Almaty players competing in Brazil. I wish Almaty Marathon the remaining participants and those who couldn’t join the cham- pionship this year to train better, de- velop their skills and show a more continues run as spectacular and skilled game,” commented one of the organisers of the tournament Alisher Anvarov. According to the organisers, Ka- Central Asia’s largest zakhstan joined this international futsal competition in the 5x5 format for the first time. National qualify- ing matches were held in three sporting event cities such as Almaty, Astana and Runners also had the opportunity Aktobe. Both amateurs and profes- By Assel Satubaldina to replenish their energy stores with sionals aged 16 to 25 participated. mid-run snacks and water available Neymar Jr’s Five is a unique in- ASTANA – More than 14,000 throughout the distances. ternational futsal competition, the people from 38 countries gathered Twenty-four-year-old Nargiz Ke- dynamic format of which was cre- April 22 in Almaty to take part in melbekova ran the 10-kilometre ated by the captain of the Brazilian the Almaty Marathon, the largest distance and was surprised by the national team and the leader of the sporting event in Central Asia. Over popularity of the event. French club PSG. Over 160 000 the past seven years, the event has “I am glad I took part in the 7th players from more than 60 countries grown from 2,500 participants in Almaty Marathon. Though I regis- compete in 10-minute matches. 2012, when it was first organised. tered for the marathon (on the first Every time one team scores a goal, The participants could choose be- day) Jan. 1, my number was 4,442, the opponent loses a player. This tween distances of 42 kilometres, 21 which means almost 4,500 people goes on until the last player is kicked kilometres and 10 kilometres as well had registered before me in half a out of the game or the 10-minute pe- as a separate start for children and a day. The scale already surprised me riod ends. Each team has five main 10-kilometre distance for a Scandi- then,” Kemelbekova told The Asta- players and two reserve players. navian walk. na Times. Experienced runner Michael Kra- “In general, we were lucky the silov was first to cross the finish line weather was good, and the route was of the 42 kilometres marathon in relatively easy, though it was getting 2:32:00. He recently placed six in so hot closer to a finish line which the Hannover marathon, finishing in made it difficult to run,” she added. National team wins 14 medals at Asian 2:24:24. Kemelbekova and others praised Almaty Marathon Director Sal- the event’s organisers. tanat Kazybayeva said marathon “This is such a tremendous ef- route changed several times this year. fort to gather 14,000 people in one Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship Unlike previous years, when partici- place, direct them to their zones, tries took part in the competi- Zhakupova, Anel Talgatbek, Jessi- nese team, followed by Japanese pants ran from the Park of the First control cloakroom and food stor- By Anuar Abdrakhmannov tion. ca Budnik, Zhanerke Dauletkulova athletes. Earlier, Kazakh gymnasts President to the Central Stadium, this ages. I am surprised at people criti- Alina Adilkhanova won three took second place in group events. won first place in the team cham- year the route became a circle with cising and complaining about poor ASTANA – Kazakh athletes gold medals (all-around, ball, rib- In the juniors’ competitions, Ka- pionship among juniors, and third the start and finish in the same place organisation,” said Kemelbekova, won 14 medals at the recent bon), one silver (hoop) and one zakh athletes Aruana Sadubayeva, in the group event. Roza Abitova – the New Square. referring to some rumblings in the Asian Rhythmic Gymnastics bronze (club). Balkyz Elshibek, Dilnoza Mansur, qualified for the Youth Olympic The organisers also introduced social media about traffic jams on Championship in Kuala Lum- Kazakh national team mem- Yasmin Aliyeva and Deriya Tok- Games to take place October 6-18 online tracking, enabling the par- the day of the marathon and other pur. Athletes from 18 coun- bers Regina Sultanova, Dayana demir placed second after the Chi- in Buenos Aires, Argentina. ticipants to monitor their results. related issues. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 Astana enters top three May Day CIS travel destinations in February and March within the while selecting the Moldovan and Staff Report former Soviet area. The results Uzbek capitals for their inexpen- suggest the city is becoming a sive tours. The Kazakh city at- ASTANA – Minsk, Baku and tourist attraction and gaining an tracted tourists with excursions Astana were the most popular international spotlight. and shopping malls. Khan Shatyr Commonwealth of Independent Visitors booked an average Entertainment Centre, shaped like States (CIS) travel destinations for of 2.5 nights in the early days of a giant tent, and the blue-and- the May Day holidays, according May, spending more than 3,000 white marble National Museum to Russian booking service Tvil.ru. rubles (US$48) a day, according to were among the most frequently The cities were followed by service statistics. Tourists who pre- visited sites. Yerevan (Armenia), Almaty, ferred to stay in Almaty remained The city’s retro-futuristic archi- Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Chisinau for five days and spent an average tecture and modern bus network (Moldova), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), of $80 per day, noted turstat.kz. make visiting and exploring much Dushanbe (Tajikistan) and Ash- By comparison, guests in Baku more comfortable, notes the lone- gabat (Turkmenistan) in the rating typically stayed 2.5 days and spent lypanet.com tourist guidebook. based on an April 29-May 2 analy- approximately $41.70 per day. The online journal adds “Astana’s sis of holiday home and booking Minsk is 23 percent less expensive skyline grows more fantastic by requests. than Baku and 33 percent cheaper the year as landmark buildings, The Kazakh capital was a popu- than Astana and those staying for a many of them by leading interna- lar excursion and cultural centre similar duration usually spend al- tional architects, sprout along the for Russian tourists. Today.kz most $32. Tourists typically remain wide boulevards in a variety of also noted the city is attractive to two days in Yerevan and three in Asian, Western, Soviet and wacky Russian tourists throughout the Tashkent, spending approximately futuristic styles. Several spectacu- spring, referring to an analysis $32.11 per day in both cities. lar structures are open to visitors by turstat.kz. A similar survey by Russian tourists choose the and it’s hard not be impressed by turstat.kz found the capital is one capitals of Kazakhstan and Azer- the very concept of this Singapore

of the most preferred destinations orangesmile.com Photo credit: baijan as luxurious rest centres, of the steppe.”

transformations and share their invaluable experience and new op- portunities. TEDxAstana slated for June 10 “The goal of TEDx is to identify tor Aliya Sandybayeva, according and spread the ideas worth spread- By Meruyert Abugaliyeva to tengrinews.kz. ing. Together, we as a community Started in 1984, TED (Technol- are creating the latest encyclope- ASTANA – Second wind, the ogy, Entertainment and Design) dia of knowledge and ideas and physiological phenomenon when conferences feature speeches on gathering people who aspire to an out-of-breath marathoner sud- topics ranging from science and bring change to the world. These denly finds the strength to push art to politics and business. Sched- people, their ideas, their values harder, will be the topic of the uled annually since 1990, the and actions help us look at the June 10 TEDxAstana. mission is to share “ideas worth progress phenomena from a new “Second wind is a gift and sec- spreading.” perspective,” said TEDx regional TEDxAstana, with “x” denoting ambassador Larrisa Pak. ond chance allowing an athlete to an independently organised event, The first TEDx event in Ka- complete the marathon with even will conform to the traditional zakhstan and Central Asia was higher performance indicators and conference format. This year, lo- in Almaty in 2010 and has oc- finish running, swimming or rid- cal speakers will impart their ideas curred in the capital since 2015. ing a bicycle. Every person should and stories about opportunities, In addition to the conference, remember this phenomenon while diversity and the beauty of change this year will include a Next running his or her own marathon in science, technology, the arts, so- Reality workshop and open of changes. We chose this topic as cial initiatives and education. They lecture by Georgian artist Vato a metaphor pointing to the current will address the ability to preserve Tsereteli. situation in Astana and Kazakh- hope, find new purpose and goals, Registration is available through TEDxAstana Women team on October 29 in 2016. stan,” said TEDxAstana co-cura- discuss logical conclusions and June 3 at tedxastana.com. University job fair becomes annual tradition Deloitte, GRATA International, KPMG and McKinsey & Com- According to experts, the job fair effective ways to interact between job ment. KAZGUU plans to hold yearly By Yerbolat Uatkhanov Kazakhtelecom, Kazmunaygas, pany. format is considered one of the most seekers and those offering employ- job fairs and other major social events.

ASTANA – KAZGUU Uni- versity and Hilton Astana, in col- laboration with the city akimat (administration), sponsored Job Fair 2018, which for the first time welcomed graduates and under- graduates from all of the capital’s universities. Representatives of state, national and international companies had an opportunity to meet and interview newly-minted graduates and current students. Akim (Mayor) Asset Issekeshev supported the joint initiative, part of the social responsibility policy aimed at providing employment for the capital’s young people. He noted the job fair was well organ- ised and emphasised the need for such events on an annual basis to bring together the city’s employers and university graduates. KAZGUU Rector Talgat Narik- bayev and Hilton Astana general manager Stephan Reiter thanked the company representatives for their active support and called on them to strengthen their cooperation. The official opening was fol- lowed by the Best Employer 2018 award ceremony. The programme also included master classes such as Employment Lifehacks by Method Coding School co-founder Dagar Davlatov and Self-Made Career, where winners received a certifi- cate for completing a professional internship in a partner company. More than 600 university gradu- ates and undergraduates, in excess of 100 leading national and inter- national companies/employers and delegates from various economic sectors took part in the event. Representatives of state bodies and private companies conducted on-site interviews with graduates. Participants included the Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs and Jus- tice ministries, the Office of the Prosecutor General and the Su- preme Court and companies such as Air Astana, Astana International Financial Centre, Baiterek De- velopment, Damu Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development,