-6° / -2°C FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 No 6 (72) www.astanatimes.com Nazarbayev, Putin and Lukashenko Three Official Candidates for Discuss Eurasian Economic Union Presidential Election Cooperation, Ukraine in Astana Remain; Most Self-Nominated “The union is not only a decla- ration of intents. We have passed Candidates Drop Out a lot of documents and formalised By Michelle Witte been nominated by political par- the union by signing a number of ties, while 25 self-nominated can- agreements. We must respond to ASTANA – Abelgazy Kus- didates threw their hats in the ring these challenges within the frame- sainov, Turgun Syzdykov and before the March 15 cut-off, the work of our union,” Lukashenko incumbent President Nursultan country’s Central Election Com- said. Nazarbayev remain the three of- mission reported. The three official “We have agreed to increase ficial candidates in Kazakhstan’s candidates have passed the Kazakh cooperation in almost all areas. early presidential election, which language exam, collected the req- We have outlined specific steps has been called for April 26, and uisite 93,012 signatures supporting to establish additional conditions hundreds of international observ- their campaign, provided tax infor- for the development of trade and ers are preparing to register to take mation and paid the $5,700 elec- economic cooperation, taking into part in monitoring the contest. tion deposit, the Central Election account new realities affecting Nazarbayev and Syzdykov are Commission confirmed. both our economies and the entire the only two candidates to have Continued on Page A2 world,” added the president of Be- larus. The heads of state exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine, which has had an impact on other Incumbent President countries. They have also touched on the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Great Victory. (L-R) President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan and President “It is clear that in the run-up to Accepts Party Nomination, Vladimir Putin of Russia meet in the Akorda on March 20. the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory, we should stay together. By Malika Rustem tion. We have already instructed to almost $60 billion,” Russia’s There are too many challenges; Presents Policy Priorities our governments to take measures President said. there have been attempts to rewrite “Thank you all for your appreciation ASTANA – Presidents Nursul- in order to renew growth in mutual He also noted the necessity for our common history. Therefore, in By Danna Bupezhanova of my work for the benefit of Kazakh- tan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, trade,” Nazarbayev said at a joint strengthening the relations of the the run-up to the 70th anniversary stan and its people. There is no greater Vladimir Putin of Russia and Al- press briefing in the Akorda fol- three countries in industry and of the Great Victory, we should ASTANA – Incumbent Kazakh reward than to have this confidence of exander Lukashenko of Belarus lowing the talks. technology, as well as in the fields demonstrate political and econom- President Nursultan Nazarbayev the people. I sincerely thank all those met in Astana on March 20 to dis- Putin noted that they have dis- of machinery, space and energy. ic unity,” the president of Belarus on March 11 accepted the Nur Otan who said that today and addressed kind cuss prospects for closer coopera- cussed all aspects of their relation- “The time has come to start said. party’s nomination to be the party’s words to me. I declare my consent to tion within the Eurasian Economic ships. thinking about forming a currency Lukashenko also announced at candidate in the April 26 early pres- run for the President from the Nur Union (EAEU) as well as the situ- “Our countries share close trade union,” Putin also said at the brief- the press briefing that the three idential election and laid out his Otan party in the upcoming elections. ation in Ukraine. and investment ties. The overall ing, providing no further details presidents will next meet in Mos- policy priorities for another term. Continued on Page A2 During the meeting in Akorda gross domestic product of the three about such a proposal. There was cow on May 8 prior to the May presidential residence, the Presi- countries is equal to 85 percent of no immediate reaction from either Victory Day parade. dent of Kazakhstan said that all the gross product of the CIS (Com- Nazarbayev or Lukashenko at the At the end of the meeting, Naz- three countries of the EAEU are monwealth of Independent States). briefing, while earlier Kazakh of- arbayev emphasised the impor- facing serious economic challeng- We constitute a large market with ficials had noted that discussions tance of active and regular meet- es stemming from the fall in global huge industrial and scientific po- about such a union, under the cur- ings to compare positions and Three Kazakhstan Citizens oil prices this year. tential. Russia is ranked first in the rent agreements, were meant to discuss the future of interstate co- “It is important to develop a joint external trade listings of Belarus take place no earlier than 8–10 operation. action plan to overcome the reces- and Kazakhstan while Kazakhstan years later. In turn, the two presidents ex- Die in Germanwings Crash sion in our economies. That’s the and Belarus rank third on the trade According to the Belarusian pressed their gratitude to Nursul- By Arsen Ormantayev The Kazakh Foreign Ministry primary focus of today’s meeting. balance of the Russian Federation. leader, every year brings new chal- tan Nazarbayev for the invitation has expressed its deepest condo- We have agreed to develop trade, Last year, Russian trade turnover lenges. In his opinion, the EAEU to Astana and the opportunity to ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Min- lences to the relatives of the de- economic and investment coopera- with these two countries amounted was created at the right time. discuss these specific issues. istry of Foreign Affairs confirmed ceased and confirmed its readiness on March 25 that at least three of to provide them with any needed its citizens died in the German- assistance in this tragic situation. wings A320 airliner crash in the The ministry also announced French Alps on March 24. that, according to German au- The citizens were a family of thorities, a woman by the name Concept of Organic Farming Planted, three, including father Yerbol of Yelena Bless was also onboard Imankulov, born in 1965; mother the airliner and might have held Aizhan Issengaliyeva, born in Kazakhstan citizenship as well. 1966; and Adil Imankulov, who The authorities are checking this Growing Slowly in Kazakhstan was born in 1989. information now, the statement policies to stimulate innovation hectares of certified ecologically Yerbol Imankulov was a director from Kazakhstan’s Foreign Min- By Michelle Witte Moving away from and gain experience and offered 12 clean fields. of the Tau-Ken Temir company, a istry said. concrete recommendations. These However, the country’s legacy of subsidiary of the Samruk Kazyna More than 150 people, includ- ASTANA – As Kazakhstan a destructive past included bringing the Ministries of A Nov. 24 roundtable discussion environmental damage can be felt Sovereign Wealth Fund, and man- ing citizens of Germany, Spain pushes to develop its agricultural Agriculture and Energy together organised by the Astana Centre of today. According to the NP.kz re- aged a project to revitalise silicium and Turkey, died as a result of the sector with increased funding for with the roundtable organisers to the Organisation for Security and port, the Agriculture Ministry said production in the Karaganda region. crash of a Germanwings plane that farming even in times of belt- draft regulations based on inter- was flying from Barcelona to Dus- Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) 21.4 million hectares of land were His wife was a director at KazZinc- tightening, organic farming and national experience and increase used for agriculture in 2014, which Aina, another mining company. seldorf. and the ULE Coalition for a Green permaculture experts are hoping awareness of the green economy should be increased to 22.5 million Economy and the Development of the concepts maintain a foothold transition and organic farming in hectares by 2018. However, ac- G-Global brought together gov- in the country. Kazakhstan; creating an online cording to Deputy General director ernment, business and nongovern- Though overlooked in recent exhibition of Kazakhstan’s inno- of the Kazakh Research Institute mental organisation representa- decades, the practices are part of vative, organic products for EXPO of the Agroindustrial Complex Nation Celebrates Nauryz tives to discuss the state’s role in the country’s not-too-distant past, 2017 in Astana; involving Ka- and Rural Development Vladimir supporting organic farming, in- and today, Kazakhstan is working zakhs more deeply in the organic Grigoruk, “according to our calcu- cluding providing incentives, as toward exporting its own ecologi- agriculture category of G-Global’s lations, it is possible today to grow well as specific agricultural tech- cally “clean” products under its annual EXPO 2017 competition on only 11.5 million hectares of ar- nologies. own national brand, Vice Min- and passing a draft law on organic able land, as the rest of the area, al- “The current methods of farming ister of Agriculture Yermek Ko- agriculture. (The draft law sets most half, is polluted by industrial in Kazakhstan are leading to the sherbayev said during a seminar out the provision of state support waste, various chemicals, buried destruction of natural vegetation on supporting the development of for organic agriculture, including animals or radioactive waste.” organic agriculture and institution- that protects the land from ero- setting rules for labelling organic al capacity-building in Kazakhstan sion and accelerate the process of products from Kazakhstan.) in Astana on Feb. 27. However, soil mineralisation, which result in At a media briefing on March Replanting organic roots Kosherbayev said, a lack of legis- drastic decline of its fertility, crops 12, Zhibek Azhibayeva, secretary Roland is working with the Kazakh lation is slowing the process down. yields and harvest as a whole,” said of the Trade Committee of the Ka- Research Institute of Fruit Growing “Until less than 100 years ago, head of the OSCE’s Astana Centre zakhstan’s National Chamber of and Viticulture (KazNIIPiV) in Al- all Kazakh agriculture was organ- Natalia Zarudna at the roundtable, Entrepreneurs, said Kazakhstan’s maty and the Institute for Ecological ic,” Ethan Roland, head of the non- as reported by the Times of Central organic products market had been and Social Development (IESD) in profit Apios Institute of Regenera- Asia on March 14. Organic farm- estimated at more than $500 mil- Almaty. They work primarily on pre- tive Perennial Agriculture based ing practices could contribute to lion and that plans were in place to serving and regenerating the biodi- in Massachusetts, told The Astana solving the problem, she said. introduce an organic products pro- versity of Kazakhstan’s apple forests, Times in a Feb. 27 interview. “And An OSCE report on the discus- duction chain, the Times of Cen- but also plan to branch out into other it sustained itself for literally thou- sion said that the group noted that tral Asia reported. areas of biodiverse farming. sands of years. … In my opinion, developing organic farming and According to Azhibaye- “This work is just beginning,” the current ‘development’ of Ka- implementing Kazakhstan’s tran- va,150,000 hectares of farmland Roland told The Astana Times. zakh (and most other global ‘green sition to a green economy depend in Kostanai oblast have been certi- “Some of my colleagues … have revolution’) agriculture towards a great deal on the development of fied as eco-friendly. At the Feb. 27 been working on different aspects fossil-fuel-dependent industrial appropriate legislation and gov- seminar, the Kazakhstan Federa- of this – e.g. IESD promoting monoculture is highly unsustain- ernment regulation, as well as us- tion of Organic Agriculture Move- sound agricultural practices within able. This alone will drive a shift ing domestic and international ex- ments (KAZFOAM) reported that the matrix of the existing biodi- to more climatically and culturally perience effectively. 25 farms in Almaty, Kostanai and verse apple forests. The country celebrated Nauryz, the traditional spring new year holiday, from appropriate agriculture.” Participants called for active North Kazakhstan have 296,000 Continued on Page A2 March 21-25. See story on B1.

Inside nation Economy & Business editorial opinions eurasia&world Central Electoral Commission Begins Gasification in Kazakhstan Expected to Institutional Reforms to Help Ensure Idrissov: Kazakhstan Ready and Able to Estonia Hopes to Increase Cooperation Cooperation with OSCE Observers A2 Grow Significantly, Says Energy Official A4 Kazakhstan’s Sustainable Development A6 Host 2022 Winter Olympic Games A6 in Transit, Technology, Education A8 EXPO 2017 Opens New Horizons for Lack of Funds Causes Delay in Kazakh Oil Rustemov: Kazakhstan, Hungary Build New School Built by Kazakhstan Cooperation with South Korea, Japan A3 Refineries ModernisationA5 on Strong Political, Economic, Cultural Ties, Opens in Bishkek A8 Ambassador in Budapest Says A7

US$ 1 = 185.5 KZT 1 Euro = 198.13 KZT 1 Rouble = 3.09 KZT A2 NATION

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015

NATIONAL Three Official Candidates for Presidential Election news in brief Kazakh Deputy Prime Minis- ter Berdibek Saparbayev made a working visit to the Atyrau region Remain; Most Self-Nominated Candidates Drop Out March 19 where he saw the work Continued from Page A1 ence have convinced me that we are out of 14 regions of Kazakhstan as based on citizenship; and encourag- Commonwealth of Independent of industrial and agricultural underestimating these problems. well as the two largest cities with ing transparency and accountability States. enterprises, met with the work- Syzdykov, a veteran of the Com- Therefore, my goal in this election the special status, Astana and Al- by the state. Chairman of the CEC Kuandyk force and held a meeting on im- munist People’s Party of Kazakh- is to convey these questions of our maty. Last week, both the Ak Zhol Turgankulov met with the head of plementing President Nursultan stan with a decades-long civil ser- existence to our society.” Nazarbayev will be promoting Democratic Party and the Party of the Election Observation Mission Nazarbayev’s instructions from vice career, was nominated by his Mels Yeleussizov, head of the his Nurly Zhol economic stimulus Patriots of Kazakhstan (PPK) of- (EOM) from the OSCE Office for the Feb. 11 enlarged government party in early March. Nazarbayev Tabigat Ecological Union, who has package, which emphasises trans- ficially threw their support behind Democratic Institutions and Hu- session. At the meeting in the was nominated unanimously by the dropped out of the race, said he’d port infrastructure development, Nazarbayev, who has also received man Rights Cornelia Jonker on Atyrau refinery, the discussion ruling Nur Otan party on March joined to shine a light on ecologi- and his Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy, support from several of his coun- March 24, saying his organisation centred on the progress of exe- 11. Kussainov, who has a 35-year cal problems within the country, which aims to raise Kazakhstan to try’s neighbours, including Presi- was open to cooperating with inter- cuting the Nurly Zhol programme career in local and central govern- which he said were more important join the world’s 30 most developed dent Vladimir Putin of Russia. national observers and welcomed and the previously-signed memo- ment positions, including serving than the government’s anti-crisis countries by 2050 and contains pro- As of March 10, about 100 mem- their engagement. Jonker, who has randa on job preservation, pro- in the Kazakh Senate, in two min- programme. Yeleussizov also ran grammes to promote the develop- bers of foreign media had been led observation missions to Kyr- duction stabilisation, employ- istries and as akim (governor) of in 2011, for the same reason, but ment of key economic sectors, in- accredited to observe the election, gyzstan and Serbia, was appointed ment and development of local Karaganda, is the only self-nomi- is known to have voted for Naz- cluding small business, agriculture the CEC announced. Thirteen for- to lead the observation mission in content. Addressing the partici- nated candidate announced by the arbayev. Six self-nominated candi- and industry. At the party congress eign election observers had been Kazakhstan last week. pants, Saparbayev stressed that CEC as having successfully com- dates declined to take the language during which he was nominated, he accredited by the CEC by March Candidates for president of Ka- “cooperation initiatives provided pleted the full election nomination exam, ending their candidacies. laid out five institutional reforms he 20, Kazakh TV reported, including zakhstan must be Kazakhstan citi- in the memoranda will allow us to process. The nomination process may be on- recommended for the nation: form- observers from Croatia, Estonia, zens by birth, no younger than 40, neutralise today’s economic chal- “Elections are always a possibil- going for some other self-nominat- ing a modern, professional and au- Germany, Georgia, Israel and the fluent in Kazakh language and have lenges.” He expressed confidence ity to raise important issues of the ed candidates; most, however, have tonomous state apparatus; empha- Netherlands, with accreditation re- lived in the country for 15 years at that the joint efforts of the gov- society and to draw attention to the either declined to take the language sising the rule of law, particularly maining open until April 20. About the time of their candidacy. This ernment, business and trade un- vital problems of every human life exam or otherwise dropped out of laws that protect business and en- 430 mission representatives from presidential election campaign will ions will make it possible to pre- like the environmental issues and the race. trepreneurial activity; diversifying the Organisation for Security and end on April 24, followed by a so- vent the decline of employment security,” Tengrinews.kz quoted The nominees had until March the economy and developing indus- Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) called “day of silence” when no and provide significant support Kussainov as saying on March 13. 25 to collect the required more than try; supporting religious and ethnic will monitor the campaign, as well campaigning is allowed and the ac- to businesses in difficult times. “My colossal work and life experi- 90,000 signatures in at least nine harmony and a Kazakhstan identity about the same number from the tual vote on April 26. During the trip, Saparbayev also became acquainted with the de- velopment of the region’s agro- industrial complex and visited the Almaly Kus poultry farm, which Central Election Commission Incumbent President Accepts has an annual capacity of 30 mil- lion eggs. Its commissioning at the end of 2014 significantly re- Begins Cooperation With Party Nomination, Presents duced the region’s demand for imported products.

OSCE Observers Kazakh medical staff willing electoral law and high international Policy Priorities to receive the higher, first or sec- By Galiaskar Seitzhan• standards. Continued from Page A1 Kazakhstan statehood, putting noting that it should be “pro- ond category in 2015 will need Turgankulov said he looked for- forward institutional reforms fessional and autonomous” and to demonstrate their emergency ASTANA – Past positive co- ward to the EOM delivering an I urge you, my fellows, Nur Otan in five key areas: establishing based on a career model rather skills during the knowledge eval- operation between Kazakhstan’s “honest and objective” observation party members and Kazakhstan’s a modern, professional and au- than the current positional one. uation process, according to the electoral authority and Organisa- of the election. people, to unite again and win! tonomous state apparatus; solidi- Nazarbayev also highlighted the Ministry of Health and Social De- tion for Security and Cooperation “I believe [in this regard] the in- Our joint moral power and high fying the rule of law; achieving need to toughen requirements velopment. In order to receive the in Europe (OSCE) observers was terests of the mission, CEC and all purpose is Mangelik El – Eter- industrialisation and economic for judges and increase the re- first and second category, doctors recalled March 24 as Chairman of those involved in the electoral pro- must demonstrate first aid skills the Central Election Commission cess coincide,” he added. nal Motherland! It will fill our growth based on diversification; sponsibility of police officers to- development in the 21st century unifying as a single nation for ward the people as it would cre- in anaphylactic shock, acute cor- (CEC) Kuandyk Turgankulov met Jonker, 48, was appointed last onary syndrome, sudden cardiac with the head of the Election Ob- with the energy of progress,” Naz- the future; and functioning as a ate conditions for implementing week to monitor the Kazakh elec- arrest and the ability to carry out servation Mission (EOM) from the tion. According to the OSCE’s arbayev said. “Building on our transparent and accountable gov- economic reforms to establish a basic cardiopulmonary resusci- OSCE Office for Democratic Insti- Warsaw-based Office for Demo- successes, we must move forward ernment. solid middle class. tutions and Human Rights Cornelia cratic Institutions and Human and that is why I am addressing He underlined that these reforms “The middle class should be tation and assist with a foreign Jonker. Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), she stud- you here today.” would strengthen the state and fa- considered as the basis of the body in the upper respiratory “We are open to cooperating with ied speech therapy and worked as a Nazarbayev was nominated cilitate its entry into the 30 most- Kazakhstan nation and the source tract. In order to receive the high- international observers and con- speech therapist in the management unanimously by the Nur Otan developed countries in the world. forming a professional state ap- er category, doctors with thera- sider their engagement a [welcome] of the Dutch Immigration and Nat- party’s 1,200 congress delegates. “The five institutional reforms paratus. It is the driving force, the peutic, surgical, gynaecological, contribution to securing transpar- uralisation Service, combined with “We must, as a party, nominate are the five steps, which the most interested in the rule of law, dental and other specialties must ency in the forthcoming election engagements in local and regional Nursultan Nazarbayev and receive country should take in that or- accountability to the people and be able to interpret laboratory and instrumental indicators using that raises [the level of] trust from politics. his consent. He is the only worthy der. Only in this case, will our the country’s stability. Therefore, clinical tasks and have the skills all [those involved] in the election From 2004 to June 2010, Jonker candidate, and I hereby put for- reforms be effective and will so- it is a broad middle class that is process,” said Turgankulov at the was a member of the Dutch Parlia- of the first and second category ward his candidacy,” prominent ciety and the state be united and the core of the formation of na- meeting. ment, chairing the committee on doctors. The ministry is continu- academician and Professor Kenz- stable. All successful states have tional identity,” he said. According to a CEC press re- social affairs. Concurrently, she be- ing its work on evaluating the hegali Sagadiyev announced at the gone through this path,” Naz- Addressing industrialisation, lease, senior members of CEC and came a member of the Parliamenta- knowledge and practical skills congress. arbayev said. Nazarbayev underlined exist- the EOM were also in attendance. ry Assembly of the Council of Eu- for doctors, except managers. Turgankulov briefed representa- rope (PACE), where she chaired the In accepting the nomination, “It is a way to implement the ing distortions in the system of According to the results of the tives from the latter on the CEC’s committee on migration, refugees Nazarbayev noted the achieve- Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy. Each state support for agriculture and evaluation, examination materi- preparations to hold the early presi- and population. She has extensive ments of independent Kazakhstan of the five institutional reforms proposed implementing approxi- als for doctors wishing to raise dential election set for April 26 and election experience as a member and presented new approaches and is a huge challenge and [impor- mately 10 large-scale projects in- their qualification category were key stages in the electoral cam- of PACE observer committees and policies, including those in the new tant] for the country. The success volving multinational companies reconsidered and improved in the paign. headed the PACE committee for the Nurly Zhol economic policy, which of these reforms can be achieved in the processing industry. second half of 2014. Claimants Jonker thanked the Kazakh side 2009 Albanian elections. is aimed at addressing global chal- only with the firm will of the Other transformations will af- applying for the higher, first and for inviting the OSCE to observe Jonker was the head of the lenges. government and the people. The fect simplification of the tariff second categories were evaluated the election and expressed hope OSCE/ODIHR election observa- “Firstly, avoid negative im- proposed measures will radically policy in the framework of the that EOM experts would establish tion mission to Kyrgyzstan in 2010 by independent experts and medi- pacts from external factors on change the system of social rela- Eurasian Economic Union, di- cal doctors with higher-category close cooperation with the CEC and 2011 and the OSCE/ODIHR state-building. Secondly, main- tions. To carry them out, I pro- versification of the economy, staff. “We look forward to positive limited election observation mis- status, science degrees and spe- tain the momentum of develop- pose to establish a National Com- development of small- and me- cial education. The evaluation of and fruitful cooperation,” Jonker, sion to Serbia in 2012. ment. Third, provide the condi- mission on Modernisation under dium-sized businesses in the who led several observation mis- OSCE/ODIHR deployed its mis- doctors’ practical skills will con- tions for further development. the President. It will coordinate service sector and introducing sions in the past to countries such sion following an official invitation tribute to improving the quality as Kyrgyzstan and Serbia, said. from Kazakhstan to observe the up- Fourth, continue advancing to- the implementation of the whole legislation of the special status of medical aid. “There is an experience and prac- coming election, based on the find- ward joining the 30 [most-devel- set of reforms. Thus, our central of Almaty as a regional and in- tice of such an interaction,” agreed ings and recommendations of the oped] countries in the world,” he task in the forthcoming years is ternational finance centre. “The Kazakhstan 2050 national Turgankulov. needs assessment mission that vis- said. to start and gradually implement The President also touched movement has been collecting The CEC assured the OSCE ited the country March 3–6. Since Amid economic crises, falling these five institutional reforms,” upon intercultural and inter- applications to employ youth experts that the government and 1999 election observation missions oil prices and geopolitical insta- he added. ethnic accord, a highly relevant within the Nurly Zhol programme electoral authorities had a shared have been deployed for Kazakh- bility, Nazarbayev stressed the Elaborating on the reforms, issue for the country, which in- and plans to involve about 5,000 goodwill to ensure the campaign stan’s seven previous presidential need for non-standard and strong he underlined the significance cludes more than 130 nationali- people,” movement Board Mem- proceeds in strict compliance with and parliamentary elections. responses to global challenges to of overhauling the civil service, ties. ber Mukhtar Mankeyev said at a March 16 Central Communi- cation Services (CCS) media tion in the country. “Since 2006 we briefing. “We plan to cover ap- have been working in this direction proximately 5,000 young people. and I must say that by and large, the Our goal is to throw together an Nur Otan Party Urges Country to Clarify draft law in this form will not change employer and a young man who anything in charity. Everything stated wants to work and in the future, in the draft law already exists in prac- to monitor how it works,” said tice, regulated by the tax code, Min- Mankeyev. He added that more Laws on Charity, Philanthropy istry of Justice, et cetera. In regard to than a thousand applications have ment of creativity, culture and sport. the population is engaged in charita- from state bodies, departments and the promotion of charitable activity been received from residents in By Kseniya Voronina Charity creates social responsibility ble giving, with 2 percent of the na- agencies, as well as companies with by awards, it seems to me that tax bo- rural areas. “We have initiated a of businesses and citizens, promotes tion’s annual gross domestic product state participation, which would in- nuses would be much more attractive project to promote the employ- ASTANA – A 2014 ranking by consolidation and humanisation of earmarked for charity. crease the effectiveness of spending for a business,” said Sain. ment of rural youth at the facili- the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) the society and ultimately leads to The draft involves a number of control and use of funds allocated According to Nikolai Kuzmin, a ties within the framework of the placed Kazakhstan 101st out of 135 an increase in the quality of human steps to create conditions in Kazakh- from the state budget. Another im- member of the Nur Otan faction in Nurly Zhol programme. There countries on the World Giving Index. capital and the development of the stan to activate this type of material portant point should be a requirement the Mazhilis (lower chamber of Par- were preliminary talks with the liament), the idea of a law on charity As a result, participants at a recent country. Therefore, the law on charity assistance. The draft is still under con- for effective use of funds spent by government, in particular with the should be “the need for clear legal meeting concluded the need for the is urgent and important,” stated the sideration and proposals to improve it charity organisations. Ministry of Education and Sci- nation to develop and adopt a draft press release. were discussed at the meeting. “The law should be primarily criteria to encourage people in their ence and the Ministry of Health law on charity, according to the Nur Experts pointed out that the prac- The Nur Otan Institute for Public aimed not at the administration, but at endeavours, rather than indulging Otan party press service. tice of philanthropy in Kazakhstan is Policy suggested strengthening the the development of charity. As a mo- them in their dependency.” The MP and Social Development,” he “Of course society needs charity, underdeveloped compared to other transparency and accountability pro- tivating factor it can be used for tax stressed that implementing the draft said. Applications were accepted because in this growing global eco- countries. Only 0.5 percent of citi- visions of the draft, including elimi- incentives, which is widespread in law would not require additional fi- in Kazpost offices until March nomic crisis it is especially important zens are constantly engaged in char- nating the phrase “opacity and secre- world practice,” said Aruzhan Sain, nancial costs from the state budget. 26, then the list of candidates was to ensure the protection of vulnerable ity, with the volume of donations, cy of charity organisations, as well as head of the Dobrovolnoye Obschest- A large number of substantive considered by employment agen- groups of the population. The devel- according to various estimates, rang- any corruption and corruption risks.” vo Miloserdiye (Mercy Voluntary comments and suggestions provided cies. By March 30, the final list of opment of charity contributes to bet- ing from 300 to 400 million tenge The proposal also included the Society) public fund. during the discussion will be ana- young people who will work on ter protection of vulnerable groups (US$1.6-$2.2 million). By compari- compulsory indication of sources of She also stressed that the document lysed and taken into account to fur- the Nurly Zhol programme will of the population and the develop- son, in the U.S. about 90 percent of received funds; that is, funds received considered will not change the situa- ther elaborate the draft law. be formed. A3 eurasia&world

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external news in brief Agreement Seeks to EXPO 2017 Opens New “The Kazakh-Austrian Busi- ness Council should consist of two divisions, an expert analytical centre and an investments promo- Improve Diplomatic Horizons for Cooperation tion department,” Kazakhstan Co- Chair Meiram Pshembayev said at a March 16 meeting of the coun- Staff Training cil’s board. “We believe that there with South Korea, Japan should be two divisions, an expert tions for the sixth meeting of the analytical centre and an invest- By Murager Sauranbayev Kazakh-Japanese Commission in ments promotion department. At- Tokyo in 2015 and the interac- tention needs to be paid to entre- TOKYO – To date, 20 countries tion of specialised government preneurs interested in finding local have confirmed their participation agencies on attracting corporate and foreign partners,” he said. The in EXPO 2017, among them South participants to EXPO 2017, es- co-chair also noted that any Ka- Korea and Japan, who have started pecially those working in energy, zakh or Austrian business or or- to prepare their pavilions, it was machinery and high technologies. ganisation may join the council. announced during the visit of a Ka- Zhoshybayev underlined that the Pshembayev noted the importance zakh delegation headed by EXPO exposition would be a platform for of establishing a visa-free regime 2017 Commissioner and First presenting Kazakhstan’s scientific between the two countries. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs potential in renewable energy and Rapil Zhoshybayev to South Korea would also provide a new incen- “The volume of gas transported and Japan on March 20 – 24. Rapil Zhoshybayev (l) and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Takashi Uto tive for the promotion of multilat- through the Kazakhstan-China In Seoul, talks were held with eral cooperation in this sphere. pipeline will be increased to 55 Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Light, which houses some of the (L-R) Bolatbek Abdrasilov, Erlan Idrissov and Alikhan Baimenov at the signing Ishiguro announced that Japan billion tenge (US$295.67 million) of a new agreement on diplomatic staff training in Astana on March 19. of South Korea Cho Tae-yul and company’s most advanced new had officially decided to take part worth,” Kazakh Vice Minister of CEO of the Korea Tourism Or- technological solutions, including in EXPO 2017. Japanese corpora- Energy Magzum Mirzagaliyev ganisation (KTO) Byun Chu-seok. those dealing with alternative and By Malika Rustem growing role of Kazakh diplomacy tions including Toyota, Mitsubishi said at a March 19 media brief- The meeting at the South Korean renewable sources of energy. and interest in the work of the Re- and others have already expressed ing at the Central Communication Foreign Office demonstrated the In Tokyo, the EXPO 2017 com- ASTANA – Foreign Minister Er- gional Hub from our neighbours. We their readiness to participate in the Services (CCS). “Last year, 30 bil- two sides’ overlapping positions missioner met with Vice Minister lan Idrissov, Chairman of the Steer- can say that the hub is launching a expo in Astana. lion cubic metres of gas was trans- on many current international is- of Foreign Affairs of Japan Takashi ing Committee of the Regional Hub new phase of its development in the In the course of the conversation ported through the Kazakhstan- sues, as well as their aligned views Uto, Vice Minister of Economy, of Civil Service Alikhan Baimenov training of national staff in the re- with the president of the JATA, China pipeline. But several years on the prospects of strengthening Trade and Industry of Japan Nori- and Rector of the Academy of Public gion,” said Baimenov, noting that 30 the parties agreed to more actively ago, there was no pipeline at all. bilateral cooperation. Zhoshy- hiko Ishiguro, President of the Administration Bolatbek Abdrasilov countries and five international - or promote Kazakhstan as a tourism Construction of the third branch bayev thanked South Korea for its Japan Association of Travel Agen- signed an agreement on March 19 to ganisations are involved in the work destination, including its historical of the Kazakhstan-China pipeline support of Kazakhstan’s candida- cies (JATA) Tatsuro Nakamura and ensure the training of foreign diplo- of hub today. monuments and cultural heritage has finished, which allows for 55 ture for a nonpermanent seat on Executive Vice-President of the mats at Kazakhstan’s academies. “The signing of this document along the ancient Silk Road. billion cubic metres of gas to be the UN Security Council. He also During the signing ceremony is a landmark event, which opens Japan External Trade Organisation Nakamura told Zhoshybayev transported,” Mirzagaliyev said. briefed his interlocutor on prepara- at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, up the possibility for development (JETRO) Soichi Yoshimura. that Kazakhstan was included He also reminded that logistics, Idrissov noted that this agreement tions for EXPO 2017 and officially During negotiations at Japan’s among the countries most recom- including gas transportation pro- of a new project in the work of the provides a foundation for joint sci- academy. I think that the level of our invited South Korea to take part in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the mended to Japanese tourists to jects, are given great attention entific, educational and research the exposition with a letter of in- parties noted the high level of po- visit and also expressed the hope under the Nurly Zhol programme, education and scientific projects do work, which will enhance the image attract attention from neighbouring vitation from President Nursultan litical, trade, economic and invest- that the introduction of a visa-free Kazakhstan’s new economic poli- of Kazakhstan as a regional leader in Nazarbayev to President of Korea ment cooperation between their regime for citizens of Japan would cy. countries. We are ready to continue diplomatic staff training. our cooperation with the Ministry Park Geun-hye. two countries. They also stressed significantly increase the flow of “The uniqueness and novelty of of Foreign Affairs and the Regional During the talks with the KTO, the importance of arranging the of- the Japanese tourists to Kazakh- On March 20, Vice President of this agreement lies in the fact that Hub,” concluded Abdrasilov. Zhoshybayev briefed the organi- ficial visit of Prime Minister of Ja- stan. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) Kazakhstan will start to facilitate de- As main priorities, they have de- sation on steps taken to develop pan Shinzo Abe to Astana in 2015, Ahead of the expo commission- Express Sergei Anashkin made a veloping a national staff from other termined several things. Among tourism in Kazakhstan as EXPO which is seen as a sign of a grow- er’s visit, a special presentation of statement that KTZ is currently countries in the region. According to those of particular importance are 2017 approaches and invited South ing bilateral partnership. videos about Kazakhstan and the considering building or leasing our agreement with Tajikistan, the scholarships for government offi- Korea to more actively utilise Ka- Zhoshybayev also handed his upcoming EXPO 2017 was organ- external logistics terminals. Ac- Institute of Diplomacy of the Acad- cials in the Institute of Diplomacy, zakhstan’s tourism potential, espe- Japanese colleague an official mes- ised by the Kazakh Embassy in cording to Anashkin, the company emy of Public Administration will development and introduction of cially in light of the visa-free re- sage from President Nazarbayev to Japan at two terminals in Tokyo’s is considering the possibility of start training two Tajik diplomats. new methods of training in foreign gime introduced between the two Prime Minister Abe concerning Haneda International Airport. renting sea port terminals in Yan- This demonstrates the proactive role policy, exchange of informational countries last year. A memoran- Kazakhstan’s bid for the UN Secu- The Kazakh Foreign Minis- tien and dry ports in Xi’an and of Kazakhstan in the region,” the and analytical materials, as well as dum of understanding between the rity Council seat. try’s press service reports that in Zhengzhou. Cargo capacity would minister said. training programmes and consulta- EXPO 2017 National Company With Vice Minister of Economy, 2015, the organising committee of be up to 2 million tonnes per year. Baimenov noted that one of the tions to improve diplomatic staff and the KTO was signed following Trade and Industry of Japan Nori- EXPO 2017 is planning to secure In addition, Anashkin noted that goals of the Regional Hub of the civ- training, promotion of collaborative the meeting outlining the prospec- hiko Ishiguro, who also co-chairs confirmations of participation in the Kazakhstan-China terminal in il service is to improve the region’s research projects, exchange of ex- tive areas of cooperation. the Joint Kazakh-Japanese Com- the international specialised ex- the port of Lianyungang and the human resources capacity. perts and teaching staff, as well as Kazakhstan’s delegation also mission on Economic Cooperation hibition in Astana from up to 60 construction or lease of logistics “Education of Tajik diplomats in participation in conferences, semi- visited the Samsung company’s for the State and Private Sectors, foreign countries and international terminals are in the planning stag- Kazakhstan’s academy shows the nars and roundtables. high-tech exposition complex, D- Zhoshybayev discussed prepara- organisations. es. Anashkin added that now they are evaluating the location of the terminal and the possible inclu- sion of Baltic ports. They carry a cargo handling capacity of up to 1.7 million tonnes per year. Historical Connections, Shared Challenges Bind On March 17, the Foreign Min- istry of Kazakhstan announced that the Secretary General of the Kazakhstan, Israel, Says Visiting Diplomat Shanghai Cooperation Organisa- ity of regional and global integra- he said. Kazakhstan has a very tol- gees, from Eastern Europe, from ongoing, expanded collaboration: tion (SCO) Dmitry Mezentsev By Michelle Witte tion, finding its place in the world erant, accepting, peaceful society, Poland, from Russia itself, during with Kazakhstan in the process of will head the SCO observer mis- through initiating the Conference Rav-Ner said. “I wish we had these the war found a very hospitable en- creating its official development sion during the early presiden- ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Is- kinds of attitudes and convictions vironment here in Kazakhstan dur- agency, Israel has offered the use tial elections in Kazakhstan. Ac- on Interaction and Confidence- rael are united by some common Building in Asia (CICA) – which, and ideologies in our region.” ing the Second World War,” he said of the farm as a KazAID training cording to the Foreign Ministry, roots and common challenges, a meeting of the SCO National Rav-Ner notes, Israel was among Israel and Kazakhstan also share – noting that some other countries centre for agriculture specialists Deputy Director General of Israel’s the first to support – the Congress security concerns, Rav-Ner noted. in the region also provided refuge. from across Central Asia, Brodsky Coordinators was held in Beijing, Foreign Ministry Zvi Rav-Ner said at which representatives planned of Leaders of World and Traditional “I think we share the same concern Though it happened 70 years ago, said. “Both countries would benefit during his March 10 – 11 visit to Religions, which Israel’s chief rab- with Kazakhstan and with some “it very much sets the atmosphere, from this and also other countries SCO observer activities. The SCO Astana, but it is time for them to includes Kazakhstan, Russia, Chi- bis are consistently involved in, and other countries in this region about the political atmosphere today …” in the region would benefit from create more concrete connections. other platforms. the rise of militant Islam. It’s a Rav-Ner said. “[W]e do owe and it.” Israel has also offered to share na, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and In town to meet with his counter- Tajikistan. In addition, the SCO The congress of religious leaders grave concern for them and a grave we do remember that it happened its development aid experience, he parts here, Rav-Ner also addressed is useful, Rav-Ner said. “First of all, concern for us.” The two countries here, and therefore our basic atti- said. granted observer status to Mon- Kazakhstan’s Institute of Diplo- golia, India, Iran, Pakistan and Af- we don’t have many forums of this discussed the issue a lot over his tude toward this country and these In water, another challenge for macy, touching on some issues that sort. ... [H]ow many conferences visit, he said, and while he said Is- people is positive.” both countries, Israel and Kazakh- ghanistan. The early presidential connect the two countries. He had of this kind do we have, where we rael should not be directly involved Though warm, the relationship is stan signed an agreement last Au- elections are scheduled for April two fundamental pieces of advice have Christians, Jews and Muslims, in Central Asia’s security issues not what it could be, Rav-Ner ad- gust on cooperating in water man- 26. for the diplomatic hopefuls – focus under the auspices, of course, of a and there is no concrete coopera- mits. “We should be doing more, agement and upgrading the water on your people, and work multilat- Muslim country? Not many.” tion on terrorism or security prob- I have to admit. This is part of the system in Kazakhstan. “It still “The Forgotten of Karaganda” erally. “[T]hey really, as diplomats, “For us, participation in CICA lems, they are topics of discussion. target of our trip, trying to revital- remains to be seen how this agree- (“Los Olvidados de Karagandá”) have to think and care about the ment will be implemented, but in received gold in the Documen- good of their country,” the deputy and these forums provides an op- The importance of the relation- ise and activate and do more.” The tary & Short International Movie director general, who heads the portunity to communicate informal- ship is demonstrated by high-level economic potential of Kazakhstan the meantime there is an agreement Competition in Jakarta, Indonesia Eurasia Division of Israel’s For- ly with representatives of countries political exchanges over the years is huge, he said. “We do think that in place on cooperation on a very in early March. The film, which eign Ministry, said in an inter- with whom we don’t have diplo- by heads of state, ministers, law- we have not yet reached even the large scale in Kazakhstan,” Brod- won Best Documentary in 2014 view in Astana on March 11. “Be- matic relations; for instance, some makers and diplomats. And while minimal economic opportunities sky said. at the California Documentary cause leaders change, parliaments Arab countries and others, like Pa- political consultations don’t neces- that are in this country. We think Kazakhstan and Central Asia, Film Competition, is a 50-min- change, but the country doesn’t and kistan, like Afghanistan. These are sarily lead to clear and immediate we can do much, much more … while not Israel’s top priority, are ute documentary about the fate of the people don’t. … And the coun- rare opportunities to communicate outcomes, they are important, Rav- there is room for partnership and important to the country, histori- Spanish members of the Repub- try is the people.” informally and we’d like to thank Ner said. joint initiatives.” cally, emotionally and politically, lican and Blue Division move- The other message was multi- Kazakhstan for creating these op- “Sometimes you may consider A key part of the relationship is Rav-Ner said. And while Israel and ments, who opposed each other lateralism – so many issues have portunities for us,” said Eurasia ‘political talks’ just talks. How- energy – Israel buys more than $1 Kazakhstan are still not connected during the Spanish Civil War but become regional and international Department Counsellor Michael ever, they are important, because billion worth of Kazakhstan’s oil by a direct flight – which the of- during World War II ended up in these days, and much diplomatic Brodsky in the same interview. you compare notes. You do try to every year, Brodsky said. But as ficials would like to see changed the same prison camp in Kazakh- work is now being done through the The bilateral relationship with understand each other – what is Kazakhstan diversifies its econo- – other Central Asian and Cauca- stan. The film shows the ideologi- United Nations, regional associa- Kazakhstan is also very important of major concern for this country my, there are other areas ripe for sian countries are. “Therefore, we cal enemies becoming allies and tions and special agencies, Rav-Ner to Israel, Rav-Ner said. here, what is of major concern for cooperation, particularly in ad- have great interest in these coun- forgetting their differences for the said. Though the UN isn’t perfect, it “Especially because we are hav- us. … It’s sometimes invisible, vanced technologies. tries. They are friendly countries, sake of personal and collective is still an invaluable institution, he ing a conflict with part of the Arab- it’s untouchable, in a way, but it’s So far, Brodsky said, the two politically, economically and oth- survival. The film uses eyewitness said. “Therefore – I wasn’t thinking Muslim world in our area, we do there. That sets the tune.” main fields with the greatest poten- erwise. Even though, as I admit- accounts and describes the cir- about it, but when I met them, they appreciate very much Kazakhstan, Emotional and historical con- tial for cooperation are agriculture ted, we have not done enough – in cumstances that led to the incar- were striving, upcoming new grad- as well as other countries of this nections between nations shouldn’t and health. In the next few days, he this respect, it also takes two to ceration of the Spanish prisoners uates of this country … I felt that I nature in this region. They are very be underestimated, Rav-Ner said. pointed out, a contingent of hospital tango: they also can do more … I in KarLag (part of the infamous had to tell them that diplomacy is important to us, because here we “Part of relations is also history. … directors will travel to Israel for a urge them to do more and we urge Gulag system of Stalin’s so-called not just a bilateral business. Grow- have relations with Muslim coun- for instance, Kazakhstan hosted at seminar. In May, Ushkonyr farm, a ourselves to do more. This is also labour correction camps), whose ingly, it is a matter of multilateral- tries that are a bit different – if not least 100,000 Jews during the sec- project using Israel’s drip irrigation our task – to convince our people stories remained unknown to most ism.” to say completely different – from ond World War, during the Holo- technology, will open near Almaty. to come and invest, to do business Spaniards until now. Kazakhstan is acting on the real- what we are used to in our region,” caust, here. Refugees, Jewish refu- The farm may be a source of here.” A4 economy

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015

was approved by the Energy Min- istry to support the development of economy news in brief environmentally friendly types of Gasification in Kazakhstan Expected transport in Almaty and a task team is working out legislative amend- “Transport currently makes up ments on the transition to a green 15-16 percent of Kazakhstan’s GDP economy. (gross domestic product) and this to Grow Significantly, Says Energy Official number will only increase,” mem- How quickly will the programme What about gas we use in our It has been said in the media ber of the Mazhilis (lower house of By Kenes Dandybayev move? homes? Is this a special gas? Is and cited by experts that if there Parliament) Serikbai Nurgissayev Most of our work until 2030 there a difference between the gas were rapid growth in demand for said at a March 17 Central Com- ASTANA – Kazakhstan Minister will focus on domestic gasification produced in the fields and what gas-based motor fuels, Kazakh- munications Service (CCS) briefing. of Energy Vladimir Shkolnik re- aimed at boosting the economy. In comes out of our stoves? stan would soon run short. Are “Developed transit sectors generally cently said that there are 1,150 gas- terms of figures, from 2006 to the There certainly is. Gas from the these fears grounded? constitute 16-20 percent of a nation’s ified localities in Kazakhstan and present, more than 130 provincial field is a mixture of various gases Motor gas fuel in Kazakhstan GDP; currently in Kazakhstan, this that by 2030, more than 1,600 will gasification projects are being im- with impurities, including harm- has been used for more than 10 indicator is at 15-16 percent. Sub- come online. Gas consumption is plemented by the state. Because of ful ones, such as sulphur. Already years, but unfortunately, consum- soil development is currently 40-45 expected to grow from 10.9 billion this, over the past eight years, the treated gas is what comes out of ers have been slow to adopt it. If percent of the country’s GDP. In the cubic metres in 2013 to 18 billion number of gasified communities our stoves. It is odorised, mean- we talk about volume, as of the future, the share of the transport sec- cubic metres in 2030. This includes grew from 728 to 1,150. Cover- ing that it is given a characteristic end of last year, nearly 2.5 million tor in GDP will grow,” Nurgissayev projects being carried out under the age of the population has increased smell in order to help people detect tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas said. He also noted that through the State Programme of Accelerated from 5 million to 7 million. Cur- leaks. was produced. The slated produc- development of international and tion volume for this year is 2.547 Industrial and Innovative Develop- rently, Kazakhstan’s western and interregional roads in Kazakhstan, ment (SPAIID). million tonnes. Consumption is southern regions are fully gasified It was mentioned that liquefied manufacturers in China, Iran, Rus- In this interview, Vice Minister Magzum Mirzagaliyev as well as Almaty, covering 10 of gas could be an alternative to pet- projected at about 500,000 tonnes. sia, Europe and the rest of Asia will of Energy Magzum Mirzagaliyev cy, the Nurly Zhol programme and the country’s 16 regions. Imple- rol. Does increasing the number Thus, we have a surplus of lique- further elaborated, discussing the the second five-years of industrial mentation of the General Gasifica- of petrol stations carrying this fuel fied petroleum gas in the internal become interested in moving goods ministry’s gasification aims. development programme. For ex- tion Scheme will bring the number make sense? market, i.e. five times more of it through Kazakhstan. ample, plans to develop the sec- of gasified citizens up to 12 mil- Liquefied petroleum gas as a mo- is produced than consumed. These Kazakhstan is known to be rich tor include increased gasification lion. By 2030, 13 regions will be tor fuel is much cheaper than tradi- experts you speak of should know The National Bank of Kazakhstan in mineral resources, especially around the country. A general gasi- covered by this scheme. Abou t656 tional fuel and could be a viable al- about this. held an interdepartmental work- oil. What about gas? fication scheme for 2015–2030 has billion tenge (US$3.53 billion) in ternative to traditional types, but in ing group meeting on March 20 Our country has abundant gas been approved. The policy defines investments will be needed to com- Kazakhstan, it is not so widely used What does the future of Ka- on developing a national mortgage reserves. Gas is one of the fast- economically viable directions for plete the project. because of a lack of infrastructure. zakhstan’s gas industry look like? refinancing programme. Basic refi- est growing fuels in the domestic a reliable gas supply to consumers. Calculations were made to pri- There are a little more than 500 gas All the facts I have discussed nancing conditions and a refinanc- economy: gas extraction is grow- Already, much work has been ac- oritise each region’s importance. stations in the country, which is not speak for themselves. The gas ing mechanism were defined. The ing, as is the gas pipeline network complished in this area. Regional Funding can be drawn from three enough. industry is dynamically and sys- National Bank made it clear that and refining infrastructure. administrations, together with the sources: the state budget, the na- To reduce import dependence, tematically moving into the fu- under the refinancing programme, In 2014, 43.2 billion cubic me- Ministry of Energy, have developed tional operator and other sources the Energy Ministry entered into ture. mortgages issued between 2004 and tres of gas was produced in Ka- regional gasification schemes. Gas (such as the public-private enter- a memorandum of understanding The launch of the third Ka- 2009 will see rate decreases. Deputy zakhstan; that is over five times consumption volumes have been prise). with KazMunayGas Processing zakhstan-China gas pipeline is Head of the National Bank Kuat greater than in 1991 and more than estimated. Kazakhstan’s General Gasification should be a driver of and Marketing as well as Helios on expected to take place this year; Kozhakhmetov explained that the twice as much (115.5 percent) as Gasification Scheme is based on economic growth, the basis for the cooperation on the use of gas as a also, the linear part of the main refinancing plan will be hallmarked four years ago. Kazakhstan’s geo- the findings, as was a development country’s industrialisation and en- motor fuel. gas pipeline, the Beineu-Bozoi, by the issuance of new loans with logical resources (taking into ac- roadmap for the country’s gas in- hance the ecological and social and Besides, since 2010, Ka- which will provide access to over low interest rates as well as with count the new discoveries on the dustry until 2030. economic welfare of the country. zTransGas has been working to 300 populated communities in the changes to loan validity dates. Caspian shelf) exceed 7.6 trillion According to commodity gas get more vehicles on compressed Kyzylorda and South Kazakhstan cubic metres and recoverable re- You have discussed the prepara- consumption forecasts for 2030, natural gas. From 2010–2014, five regions and transport gas from the A meeting concerning develop- serves are more than 3.9 trillion tory stage. But how will it be im- the largest share of consumption gas filling stations were built in western to southern regions will cubic metres. plemented in actuality? Heating will be in the industrial businesses Almaty. Another three stations in be launched. Thus, domestic en- ment in the cities of Zhezkazgan and We are pursuing current and re- houses with natural gas is eco- and fuel-energy complex (31 and Shymkent, Aktobe and Kyzylorda ergy development prospects, es- Satpayev and the Ulytau district of vised strategic objectives through nomically more attractive than 40 percent, respectively), including are being built. pecially those concerning gas, are the Karaganda region for 2012-2020 Kazakhstan’s new economic poli- with coal and wood for example. those that are a part of the SPAIID. A comprehensive action plan very optimistic. was held in the House of Govern- ment on March 18 chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev. The complex plan costs 351.50 billion tenge (US$1.88 billion) of which, 33.4 billion Concept of Organic Farming Planted, (US$179.58 million) has already been spent. The plan includes 88 pro- jects. Of that number, 13 were im- plemented between 2012 and 2014. Growing Slowly in Kazakhstan Mining for igneous rocks (building stone) has begun in the Nikolskiy Continued from Page A1 “Kazakh food production has a Ulytau District. Zhezkazgan Hospi- fascinating and beautiful history, tal and the City Polyclinic of Sat- Going forward, we intend to offer with two interwoven threads of payev, both state-owned enterprises, workshops on the benefits of biodi- livestock-focused semi-nomadism were provided with medical equip- verse farming and explore research and advanced mountainside and out- ment. In 2015, it is expected that 17 projects.” He expects to find a re- wash valley horticulture,” Roland projects will begin. Following the ceptive audience. His Kazakh col- explained. Now is the time to look meeting, Sagintayev instructed local leagues are also enthusiastic about back to the country’s early food pro- and executive bodies to implement developing organic agriculture, Ro- duction methods. the plan in a timely manner. The land said, especially as its products The country’s grasslands and meeting was attended by representa- will likely demand higher prices in forests would be particularly well- tives of central state bodies, various local and export markets. suited to organic and biodiverse ag- Karaganda executive offices and riculture, he said. “Modern ‘organic’ Kazakhmys Corporation which op- Draft law on organic agriculture often does not do much erates in the localities. more than change the sprays and of- farming awaits vote; fer a bit of focus on soil health. If the “It has been suggested that tax private initiatives overall framework is still industrial- deductions for business-philanthro- scale tillage, then ‘organic’ alone pists increase from 3 to 10 percent,” work to support isn’t much of an improvement.” He Deputy Chairman of the National proposes instead regenerative ag- Chamber of Entrepreneurs (NCE) organic development riculture, permaculture and carbon Nurzhan Altayev said at a March farming. 16 meeting of the Committee for Raul Karychev, laboratory chief at “In the long term,” Roland said, the Social Sphere and Social Part- KazNIIPiV, told The Astana Times “I believe that truly sustainable eco- nership of the Atameken NCE. “In on March 10 that his institute is stud- nomic and ecological growth will the draft law on charitable work, ying and implementing elements of come from Kazakhstan focusing on we propose tax incentives and that organic fruit growing, including its ancient agricultural history and the amount that can be deducted identifying varieties most adapted incredible resources.” from taxes for charitable giving be to local conditions and which don’t These include biodiverse food for- increased from 3 to 10 percent,” need chemical treatments and study- ests and vast grasslands, which can Altayev said. As NCE representa- ing adaptive orchard design and produce useful yields with little to no tives, we plan to introduce appropri- crown formation systems, drip ir- input, Roland said. “Mimicking the ate changes to the law “On Charity, rigation, high-technology farming, natural Kazakh ecosystems could Sponsorship and Patronage.” The organic fertiliser and more. produce a new form of mixed peren- NCE also made a proposal to es- With international partners in- nial agriculture, with many opportu- tablish an endowment fund. These cluding the Apios Institute, the in- nities for unique value-added prod- funds are established by stakehold- stitute has established wild fruit ucts.” Among these products could ers to obtain investments used to ecosystems in the Zaili Alatau re- be fruits like pears, plums, peaches finance beneficiaries. Non-profit- or gion, Karychev said. He also noted and many more; nuts; a variety of ganisations engaged in educational, that the Horticulture Master Plan of berries; vegetables; herbs; honey and scientific, administrative, social, the Agribusiness 2020 Programme maple syrup; plus some smaller live- cultural or other societally benefi- provides for a phased increase in stock. Most of these, Roland said, cial functions are eligible to become orchard areas in Kazakhstan. “The have been part of Kazakhstan’s in- beneficiaries of the fund. Kazakh government has embarked digenous ecosystem for years. on the green economy, so the area of Kazakhstan’s grasslands, if man- The Nurly Zhol economic stimu- organic orchards and the demand for aged holistically, could be systems lus programme will support the environmentally friendly products adaptable enough to withstand construction of 73 new schools will only grow,” he said. changing climates, weather and poli- in Kazakhstan between 2015 – tics and that could produce enough 2017, allocating 61.9 billion tenge From wild apples to meat for domestic and export mar- (US$332.77 million) for the project kets, Roland said, sustaining horses, from the country’s National Fund, sustainable traditions sheep, goats, deer, elk, buffalo and Bnews.kz reports. The allocation “The wild apple forests of Ka- other smaller animals producing will increase gradually year by year, zakhstan are part of one of the cheese, yogurt, kumis, leather and according to a Ministry of Educa- world’s biodiversity hot spots – it is fur. tion statement presented at a Central one of the centres of origins of many “The Kazakh people are brilliant Communications Service briefing. fruits, and could potentially hold the and resilient,” Roland concluded. Fifty-seven schools will be built to keys to a sustainable agriculture of “Despite attempts to crush nomadic eliminate the need for three-shift the future,” Roland says. But beyond culture and massive apple forest bio- school days; 16 will replace dilapi- apples, Kazakhstan also has an im- diversity, Kazakhstan’s ecosystems dated or otherwise undesirable build- portant agricultural tradition, and one and organic farmers can hold the key ings. The Nurly Zhol programme which is beginning to be recognised to a sustainable and regenerative fu- focuses on infrastructure and transit and supported. ture.” infrastructure development. A5 Business

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015

BUSINESS news in brief Lack of Funds Causes Kazakhstan Imposes • Consumption of liquefied gas in Kazakhstan reached about 600,000 tonnes, Kazakh Vice Minister of Energy Magzum Delay in Modernisation Temporary Ban Mirzagaliyev said at a March 19 Central Communications Services (CCS) briefing. “To date, we pro- duce 2.5 million tonnes and con- of Kazakh Oil Refineries on Some Russian sume about 600,000 tonnes,” said Mirzagaliyev, indicating the vol- ume of production of liquefied gas exceeds its consumption. Accord- Fuel Imports ing to him, this type of gas is pro- our plants and a lot of people may duced by 10 enterprises, including By Julia Rutz lose their jobs. Right now we are CNPC, Aktobemunaigas, three do- trying to somehow keep our re- mestic oil refining plants and other An official ban on imports of lations with Russia on a reason- concerns. “Gas is a valuable raw Russian motor fuels, like light able level. We will meet with the material in the oil and chemical distillates and diesel fuel prod- Ministry of Energy of the Russian sector. In this regard, it is planned ucts, will be in force from March Federation to decide how to tack- to build an oil and chemical plant 5–April 20, the Kazakh Minis- le this situation, so that we won’t which will produce polypropylene try of Energy press service an- harm local producers and, on the and polyetilen. The project will be nounced. other hand, can ensure a sufficient in the Atyrau region, in the area of According to the order, signed inflow of cheap gasoline,” said the National Oil Refining Plant,” by Minister of Energy Vladimir Shkolnik while speaking to depu- he concluded. Shkolnik, the ministry’s Oil In- ties of Parliament. dustry Development Department “In the near future, Kazakhstan should inform Kazakhstan Temir will adopt orders regulating the Zholy to undertake measures SHKOLNIK: ‘‘If procedure of subsoil granting in implementing the order in the cheap gasoline and exchange for investment and tech- prescribed manner. Law enforce- nology,” Minister of Investment ment should be controlled by First gasoline that is now and Development Asset Isseke- Deputy Minister of Energy Uzak- shev announced March 18 at the bai Karabalin. cheaper in Russia sixth mining forum on promoting It was reported earlier that the rushes into the investment and innovation in the ban was introduced in order to mining industry. “I think that in long the term,” said Vice General fuel from Russia would be im- ensure energy security connected country, it can cause with the danger of impeding the the next two weeks the order will By Yerbolat Uatkhanov Director of Refining and Market- posed for 45 days. problems for our be adopted and in the near future activity of the biggest local oil re- ing Yerlan Koibagarov at a panel “It is connected with indicative fineries due to the surplus of pe- will be registered in the Ministry ASTANA – KazMunayGas re- plants and a lot of discussion in Astana on March 5, balances, which are signed with troleum products imported from of Justice,” he said. In accordance cently announced that the mod- with the order, two commissions as reported by kursiv.kz. Russia on an annual basis. We Russia. The Kazakh Ministry of people may lose their ernisation of its oil refineries will will be set up in the Ministry of Koibagarov also said that large can get the defined preliminarily- Energy failed to find a compro- jobs.’’ Energy and Ministry of Invest- be prolonged due to lack of funds. quantities of low-cost Russian agreed quantity of petroleum, oil mise with its Russian counter- In spite of the ban on Russian fuel, ment and Development, Isseke- products were imported to the and lubricants free of duty in ac- parts limiting imports of oil prod- This is not the first time Ka- fuel prices will not be affected and ucts to the country. As a result, it shev added. The commission of state and until quite recently Kaz- cordance with the documents,” he zakhstan has introduced a ban was decided to undertake drastic the former will consider questions there are sufficient reserves from MunayGas had to temporarily sus- said at the same panel discussion, on imports of Russian petroleum measures to solve the problem. of mineral resources, while the all sources in the state, according pend its own refineries. He added according to Tengrinews. products. Such measures were ap- Sauat Minbayev, head of KazMu- hydrocarbons commission of the to Tengrinews. that the modernisation of oil re- Mirzagaliev again stated that the plied in 2013 and 2014 because latter will cover the issues of pro- “We plan to finish the moderni- fineries and ongoing maintenance prohibition won’t affect Kazakh nayGas, which owns three exist- ing refineries in Kazakhstan, said of the same reasons. Addressing vision of solid minerals. “The pro- sation in 2016, but as you know, are completely different types of gasoline prices and there is a suffi- in February that the volume of the problem of Kazakh oil pro- cedure is bound to be published in there are many factors which af- operations. Ongoing maintenance cient supply of gasoline and diesel cessing plants, Karabalin said that April. Those investors who want imports from Russia was slightly fect it. For example, availability efforts are permanent because Ka- fuel in the country. the general amount of gasoline 92 to get deposit in exchange for in- higher than the previously-indi- of money is a very important fac- reached 400,000 tonnes, leading vestment and technology may ap- zakh oil refineries aren’t new and “For example, we agreed that we cated volumes. According to him, to the fact that factories stopped ply to the relevant ministries,” he tor. We get the money from parties some of them were constructed will get 1.1 million tonnes of gaso- the level of light oil supplies from operating. concluded. which refine oil in our company. decades ago. line and 760,000 tonnes of diesel Russia was at the annual level of We planned to refine 15 million KazEnergy Association Gen- fuel this year. Due to the fact that 1.8 million tonnes. This level was “This is the worst option for two “Wind, solar and geothermal tonnes in January and February eral Director Asset Magauov told we imported sufficient quantities confirmed as indicative of the oil reasons. First, we have to import energy sources will be used at 2015, but we had to change the about the oil refineries’ modernisa- of petroleum, oil and lubricants balance between Kazakhstan and a particular amount of fuel from the sites of the international spe- plan and refined only 14.3 million tion. “All oil refineries are slowly this year, we have to control the Russia. Russia that is defined by the out- line plan. If we import the entire cialised exhibition EXPO 2017,” tonnes. This means that 700,000 modernised and now we can see import of the remaining quantities “You know that in December amount during the first two quar- Chairman of the Board of the tonnes weren’t refined in the pe- well-defined improvement of of the products and import them we lowered the price of gaso- line 92 and diesel fuel twice. All ters of the year, we won’t be able Astana Expo 2017 National Com- riod of time and we didn’t get light-oil product quality,” he said before the end of this year to avoid stores are now completely filled to import fuel during the last two pany Talgat Yermegiyaev said at payment for it and don’t have the at the March 5 panel discussion, deficiencies,” he said. He again a March 19 Central Communi- with diesel fuel, which composes quarters. Secondly, if plants stop money for the modernisation. If Tengrinews reported. stated that the prohibition won’t cations Services (CCS) briefing. almost 350,000 tonnes. Thus we operating we can’t get the profit, “Since the theme of the exhibition this trend continues, I really don’t Vice Minister of Energy Mag- affect on gasoline price in Ka- are facing a problem. If cheap which immediately affects the na- will be the future of energy, the know if we will have enough mon- zum Mirzagaliyev stated that be- zakhstan and there are sufficient gasoline and gasoline that is now tional and local budgets and these facilities will be partially covered etary funds for the modernisation ginning March 5, a temporary ban reserves of gasoline and diesel fuel cheaper in Russia rushes into the amounts are estimated in billions with solar panels that produce 7 or not. Maybe we will have to pro- on the import of defined types of in the state. country, it can cause problems for of tenge,” explained Karabalin. MW and wind turbines which will generate energy for illumination. This will be enough for entrances and passages, so-called ‘low en- ergy,’” said Yermegiyaev. Accord- ing to him, geothermal sources Int’l, Domestic Oil and Gas Experts Discuss will operate at the sites which will supply the Kazakhstan pavilion and office organisers with thermal energy. Exploration in Kazakhstan at Astana Forum rachaganak is expected in 15 to 20 Three billion tenge (US$16 mil- By Yelden Sarybay years, but exploration of resources lion) will be allocated from the in deep horizons can compensate National Fund and the national ASTANA – The first interna- for this trend. budget for pilot work on oil and tional forum on oil and gas explo- The forum programme covered gas, Minister of Investments and ration titled, “Kazakhstan Geology the development of the resource Development Asset Issekeshev Forum: Oil & Gas in Focus,” took potential of Kazakhstan, subsur- said March 12 at the first inter- place in Astana’s Rixos Hotel on face geophysical technology, the national forum Geologic Secret March 12–13 with the support of field of research, the develop- Service: Oil and Gas. “In 2015, the Ministry of Investment and ment of marine areas, scientific 3.26 billion tenge (US$17.6 mil- Development of Kazakhstan. research and questions of financ- lion) will be allocated from the “Since independence, the theme ing exploration work, training and [national] budget and the National of oil and gas geology has been retraining. Fund for financing of new region- discussed at such a high level with Specific topics of discussion in- al work on oil and gas,” said Is- the involvement of well-known cluded attracting investments in sekeshev. He also noted that the geologists, geophysicists, special- exploration, improving the legal ministry is continuing to work on ists, organisers of the prospecting framework, developing high and a geologic map of Kazakhstan. business, scientists, as well as rep- hard deposits of oil, associated gas “A special programme has been resentatives of foreign oil and gas utilisation and the introduction of in- developed. Until the end of 2015, companies and government agen- novative methods and technologies it will be possible to receive any cies for the first time,” President of in the oil and gas industry for the information without special re- Kazakhstan Society of Oil Indus- study of deep oil and gas reserves. quest,” he concluded. try Workers and Geologists Balta- Among the guests of the forum bek Kuandykov told the forum. were Chairman of the Board of Head of the Kyzylorda region- Minister of Investment and De- KazMunayGas Sauat Mynbayev, al department of business and velopment Asset Issekeshev who Chairman of the Committee on tourism Telman Suleimenov an- took part in the plenary session on Geology and Mineral Resources nounced March 22 that plans have the resource potential of mineral A participant addresses the March 12 –13 Kazakhstan Geology Forum in Astana. of the Ministry of Investment begun to open two new ventures resources of Kazakhstan, its status, and Development Bazarbai Nura- in the Aral Sea region for the pro- problems, innovative vector of de- rently problematic to attract inves- A special programme has been with an international consortium will bayev, Chief Executive Officer of duction of soft drinks and purified velopment and real prospects, an- tors.” developed. This year, through our start the realisation of “Eurasia,” the the Kazenergy Association Asset drinking water. State support will nounced that, “In 2015, 3.26 bil- According to Issekeshev, despite geology committee, we will pro- largest oil project in the Caspian Ba- Magauov and Chief Geologist of be provided for these projects, he lion tenge (US$17.6 million) from the optimisation of budget pro- vide a digital map that will include sin worth $500 million. Rosgeologiya Alexey Soloviyev. said, adding that land in the Ka- the national budget and the Na- grammes in several areas, oil ex- information on oil and gas sites. According to him, much of the The event was attended by about zalinsk industrial zone with all the tional Fund will be used to finance ploration is one of the few indus- By the end of 2015, this interac- oil in Kazakhstan is extracted 300 specialists from the oil and necessary infrastructure has been new regional exploration works on tries for which the state allocated tive map will be able to provide mainly in the fields of the Caspi- gas industry, as well as representa- allocated for the project. Sulei- oil and gas. In particular, two geo- more money than last year. any information without the need an depression, where up to 75-80 tives of more than 70 companies menov noted production will be physical surveys and the drilling of “In general, we are currently de- to request,” said Issekeshev. percent of hydrocarbon resources from Kazakhstan, Canada, the launched by the summer season, two support parametric wells. The veloping new approaches. The last Also during the forum, First Depu- of the country are concentrated. A Netherlands, Russia, Uzbekistan, when demand for drinks and bot- state will be financing the study of two to three years were great for ty Minister of Energy Uzakbai Kara- reduction in the production at ma- Belarus, France, the U.K. and Ger- tled water will rise sharply. less explored areas, where it’s cur the development of exploration. balin said that Kazakhstan together jor sites, such as Tengiz and Ka- many. A6 EDITORIAL&opinionS

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 Institutional Reforms Kazakhstan Ready and Able to to Help Ensure Host 2022 Winter Olympic Games host the most compact Winter Olympics By Erlan Idrissov in many years with all venues within a 30-kilometer radius of the Olympic Vil- Kazakhstan’s Sustainable When two years ago we launched our lage. bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, We have made sure, too, in our bid that few commentators gave Kazakhstan a hosting the Olympics will have a posi- chance. But following the IOC com- tive impact for generations to come. It Development mittee’s successful visit to Almaty last will strengthen Almaty’s position as the he decision by President Nur- and achieve its ambition of joining the month, the mood has changed. We are center of Eurasian mountain tourism and sultan Nazarbayev to seek re- ranks of the top 30 economies by 2050 – a now viewed as serious contenders. winter sporting events. All our Olympic election next month was neither dynamic and thriving SME sector is es- This knowledge has unleashed a huge facilities will be used for training new unexpected nor unwelcome to sential. sense of pride and excitement in the generations of athletes, hosting events Tmany citizens. His leadership has been an Among the specific areas of the econo- city and country. We are proud that we and serving as wonderful bases for rec- ever-present factor in Kazakhstan’s devel- my identified for attention were agricul- could host such an illustrious event and reation. opment as an economy and society since ture and tourism. Improved government have the chance to show off modern Ka- The 2022 Winter Olympics will also independence. The multiple challenges support for the farming industry will help zakhstan. We are excited as well at the drive wider economic and social pro- to our country’s continued growth and promote rural development. This will be prospect of working with the Olympic gress. The Olympic Park will become a stability were the reason the presidential aided by the hoped-for involvement of movement to deliver a modern but “real” great residential, commercial and tourist election was brought forward. In difficult major international businesses in setting Winter Games which is true to its great values that underpin the Olympic Move- center, close to our international airport. times, his record in guiding Kazakhstan up new plants to process agricultural com- tradition. ment. Kazakhstan is a country where The new convention center will boost the may yet again prove attractive to voters. modities within the country’s borders. We are confident that Almaty has a people of more than 100 different ethnic city’s ambition to host international exhi- But in announcing his candidature at the Rural employment and incomes will great deal to offer. It is cradled by the backgrounds and 40 faiths live in peace, bitions and meetings. Nur Otan Party Congress in Astana earlier also receive a much-needed boost through majestic Tien Shan mountains, which lie tolerance and harmony. If there is one na- Last month, when we welcomed the this month, the President made clear that the expansion of the country’s fledgling on the city’s doorstep and will provide tion ready to welcome citizens from all his appeal to the electorate was not relying tourism industry. Astana Times readers athletes and visitors breathtaking views. over the world with a warm heart, it is IOC delegation and shared details about on his past record or anxiety about the who have travelled widely will know that We have a strong winter sports tradition Kazakhstan. our bid, we showed how strongly we challenges that the country faces. Instead, Kazakhstan’s spectacular and varied natu- as well as experience of hosting major We are immensely proud as well not shared their vision of lowering hosting he set out a series of five major institu- ral beauty, its history and culture means winter events such as the 2011 Asian only of our country’s natural beauty but costs, integrating sustainability into our tional reforms needed to continue to drive its potential as a tourist destination is Winter Games. also the Kazakhstan we have built since planning and leaving a lasting legacy. We Kazakhstan forward. rich. But it remains largely untapped. By This means that eight of the 14 com- independence 23 years ago. We have also promised to continue working fully, They were also reforms which will investing to improve the tourist infrastruc- petition venues which will host Olympic gone from being a remote part of the transparently and openly with them to chime with the demands of many citizens. ture in all parts of the country, a success- events are already built and in use. They old Soviet Union to a dynamic, modern present the true potential of Almaty and The creation of a modern, professional ful industry can be built. EXPO 2017 in include the Medeo stadium, where many nation on course to be one of the top 30 do the Games and Olympic Movement public service with the expertise, com- Astana and, of course, the 2022 Winter world records have been set. Three more global economies in the world by 2050. proud. mitment and values to serve the needs of Olympics, if Almaty’s bid is successful, venues are under construction for the Almaty itself illustrates both our rich We are truly excited. We want the the country is essential. New initiatives to will be important levers to achieve this 2017 Winter Universiade, which will see tradition and recent success. On the his- world to witness for themselves the dif- strengthen meritocracy and end nepotism ambition. more than 2,000 student athletes from toric Silk Road, it has been a melting pot ferent cultures, traditions and nations in the recruitment and promotion of public Turning from the economy, the more than 50 countries compete. of language, art and culture for centuries. that live united in Kazakhstan. It is a servants will be welcomed. Casting the President stressed the importance of the It is precisely because so much of the Yet it is an exciting, vibrant, modern city spirit which underpins both the Olympic net wider including through the recruiting cohesiveness of Kazakhstan’s society and infrastructure is already built that our which will offer something for everyone Movement and our country. It is why we of successful business leaders for public the rights of its citizens. Our country’s $3.5 billion budget is lower than recent and where one in three of its population are ready to make history in 2022. office and government makes a great deal shared sense of purpose has been at the Games, as the IOC wants. We hope to is under 30. of sense. So, too, will renewed efforts to heart of its growth since independence. demonstrate that the Olympic spirit de- In global terms, it might be a relatively The author is the Minister of Foreign root out corruption at every level. Kazakh- President Nazarbayev said the concept of pends not on money but on dedication, small city of 1.5 million people, but we Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. stan is judged as a less corrupt society Mangilik El – the Eternal Nation – pro- hard work and ambition. intend to use its size to its advantage to The opinion first appeared in The Salt than many of its neighbours but there is no vided the framework for common values We also believe our country mirrors the stage a truly memorable Games. We can Lake Tribune. room for complacency. such as equality, industriousness, honesty, This is also true about strengthening the education, secularism and tolerance to be rule of law and property rights. Continued promoted. reform in this area is needed to give both As we see increasing divisions around foreign and domestic investors additional the world on religious and ethnic lines, confidence to do business in Kazakh- Kazakhstan’s harmonious and stable Whether a Common EAEU Currency? stan. Our country’s impressive economic society is something which we must ing that among them could be countries progress has been helped by the strong both take pride in and protect. What this By Olzhas Khudaibergenov such as Turkey. If a supranational cur- legal protections for investors and a lack means is that all citizens, whatever the rency is created, it will not harm any na- of government interference in contracts. race, gender and social origin, deserve The other day, a list of instructions tion’s sovereignty and is 100 percent de- But Kazakhstan is in a global competition to be valued and supported to make their given by Russian President Vladimir Pu- batable. If this becomes the case, minor for outside investment which grows fiercer full contribution to Kazakhstan’s future. tin following a meeting with members organisational details will be discussed. every year. Religious diversity, one of the strengths of of his government was published on the But, the main question still remains, how It is not, however, only foreign investors the country, must be protected. Kremlin’s website. Among the orders does Russia benefit? who depend on the rule of law. Effective Finally, President Nazarbayev set was one concerning a prospective Eura- Fifth, the currency union would like- and independent law enforcement agen- out his determination to ensure the sian Economic Union (EAEU) currency ly only be discussed when all member cies and judges are important for everyone state worked better for the benefit of its union, a proposal he again voiced at a states show signs of economic growth in the country. Requiring all new judges to citizens. He called for improved ac- joint press conference with Kazakhstan for several consecutive years, mutual have five years’ experience of courtrooms countability of public bodies, increased and Belarus leaders in the Akorda on trade turnover has been growing, na- and the introduction of a one-year proba- transparency and greater public participa- March 20. tional currencies are stable and there are tionary period for newly appointed judges tion in decision-making including in how “The Bank of Russia, in cooperation no external obstacles such as sanctions. will help meet these criteria. budgets are spent locally. A new law on with the Russian government and mem- In terms of the economy, not all of the The wider use of modern communica- access to public information will help this ber states’ central banks and Eurasian tions technology including mini video process. Economic Union members themselves above stated conditions have been met. cameras worn by individual police officers Citizens are also to be encouraged by [are tasked] with determining how we Therefore, opinion of the experts on the timeliness of the single currency is not will boost public trust in the police and new complaint systems to raise poor or will further integrate in regards to cur- ion can only be established after 2025. only wrong, but also envisages an extra reduce the potential for petty corruption. unfair treatment from civil servants and rency and the financial sectors. We will Fourthly, it is difficult to assess what But this must go alongside, as President public bodies so standards are continu- study the viability of establishing a cur- burden on the countries at a time when the currency union will bring to Ka- they already have enough internal prob- Nazarbayev said, a more rigorous recruit- ously improved. There is more to be done rency union,” the Russian president said. zakhstan, as there is no structure to do ment, training and development process to break out of the old Soviet mentality He assigned Russian Prime Minis- lems. it yet. If national currencies, including for police officers. All seeking to join that people should be grateful for what- ter Dmitry Medvedev and Chairman of Kazakhstan’s law enforcement agencies ever the state provides. It is why handing the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina with the tenge, are replaced, it would harm The author is an independent eco- along with serving officers must have the the delivery of public services to civil studying the issue. national sovereignty. It is unlikely that nomic analyst and formerly an adviser right character, values and motivation and society institutions, wherever possible, is A number of sources, such as the Al- EAEU member states would agree to to the Chairman of the National Bank training. an important step in the right direction. pari Broker Company drew incorrect something like that, especially consider- of Kazakhstan. Nursultan Nazarbayev’s Congress What was also interesting was the conclusions from the statement, saying speech also outlined new measures to ac- President’s suggestion that all these that a single currency will appear on Jan. celerate the diversification of the economy institutional reforms would pave the way 1, 2016. and ensure all parts of the country share in for additional political reform includ- But, Putin’s instructions only very its growth. He stressed that the country’s ing the election of local executives and vaguely define what exactly a viability industrialisation programme – given a new the transfer of responsibilities from the and opportunity study is. This means that impetus though the Nurly Zhol economic President’s office to the Government and before something is offered to partners, stimulus programme – was necessary Parliament. But he also stressed the im- they need to understand whether the cur- to provide stable employment and to portance of well-thought through reforms rency union is beneficial for all sides. If continue the expansion of the country’s based on the “strong state and economy they decide that it is beneficial, the is- fast-growing middle class. And this is a first, politics second” principle to ensure sue will be brought up for discussion by welcome emphasis as it is the middle class Kazakhstan’s continued stability. At a member states. All EAEU member states that will provide modern Kazakhstan with time of increased turmoil and regional have the right to bring up concerns or a strong backbone given that their direct and global threats, few can doubt this ideas. There has not been any mandate stake in the country’s prosperity and future prize has never been more important to creating any sort of currency union. will ensure our country stays on the right Kazakhstan’s future. Secondly, if Russia decides that a cur- track. In ending his speech, President Naz- rency union is beneficial, a long process It is for this reason, too, that a prior- arbayev remarked that experience from of negotiations, consultations and rati- ity must be placed on developing the other countries demonstrated that it fications will take place. They may last country’s service sector and the number could take four to five decades to create a for years, which makes the chances of of small and medium-sized entreprises strong, developed and liberal society. He creating a currency union by January 1, (SMEs). It is the countries which pro- could have added that it is perhaps a mark 2016 almost zero. vide the best conditions and support for of Kazakhstan’s development since inde- Thirdly, a currency union cannot func- entrepreneurs to set up and grow their own pendence, that critics, both domestic and tion without a single regulator, which ac- businesses which will be most successful international, have a tendency to forget cording to Section 2 of Article 103 of the in the decades ahead. If Kazakhstan wants that our country is only half-way through EAEU Treaty, will be located “in Almaty to be in this select group of countries – this period. in 2025.” In other words, a currency un-

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FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 Kazakhstan Works to Advance Human Rights, Nuclear Disarmament, Country’s Top Diplomat in Geneva Says ies, has been actively involved at the Tuncak, the special rapporteur on Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty the major world powers are fully By Gulbarshyn Sabayeva representative level of the organisa- toxic and dangerous materials and (NPT) Review Conference which aware of their responsibility to the tion and has defended its reports. All members of the working group begins in late April, the others will future of humanity and to signifi- In an interview with this news- of this effort goes to show how seri- on human rights and transnational also have ratified. cantly advance towards a world free paper, Mukhtar Tleuberdi, Kazakh- ously our country takes its dealings corporations and other business en- As for the NPT Review Confer- of nuclear weapons. stan’s Permanent Representative at with the United Nations. terprises will visit before the end ence, Kazakhstan is actively in- the UN Office in Geneva, discusses The foreign minister also held of the year. In accordance with the volved. We regret to note that one Where is Kazakhstan on the path the country’s approaches to work- bilateral meetings with Prince Zeid needs of these experts, Kazakhstan of the key decisions of the 2010 to WTO accession? ing with and within the UN Human Ra’ad Al-Hussein, the UN High is scheduling these visits. NPT Review Conference has still Kazakhstan has been working to Rights Council, as well as priorities Commissioner for Human Rights We are interested in further ex- not realised – the conference on the join the WTO since 1996. Over the in the areas of nuclear disarmanent and Michael Möller, acting director- panding dialogue with the council’s establishment of a zone free of all past several years, negotiations have and accessation to the World Trade general of the UN office in Geneva special procedures mandate holders. weapons of mass destruction in the been intensified. The negotiating Organisation (WTO). Mukhtar Tleuberdi and secretary-general of the Confer- The progress seen over the past Middle East has not yet been organ- team, headed by Zhanar Aitzhanova, had its own building in downtown ence on Disarmament. nine years and the positive dialogue ised. Minister for Economic Integration, What are the permanent mis- Geneva since 2006. During his conversation with the with the Human Rights Council sug- Our top priority is nuclear disar- aims to participate in the 10th WTO sion’s responsibilities? high commissioner, the minister gests the need to continue improving mament. This is not only because Ministerial Conference in December The UN office in Geneva is the How do you see the results of the expressed his satisfaction with the the working methods of the council of our quite recent tragic past, the in Nairobi as a full member of the second largest body of the UN sys- 28th session of the Human Rights current level of cooperation with the and its special procedures. consequences of which are still be- organisation. tem. The Geneva office serves as Council and the Conference on office of the High Commissioner for ing felt, but because of a pragmatic Joining the WTO is one of Ka- the centre of diplomatic meetings Disarmament that took place re- Human Rights. He praised the coun- What are Kazakhstan’s priori- view of the future completely free zakhstan’s strategic priorities. Ka- on disarmament, human rights, cently here in Geneva? cil for its timely response to chal- ties at the Conference on Disarma- from the deadly weapons. zakhstan should be involved in the poverty, sustainable development Each year, in the beginning of lenges all over the world. ment? processes of regulating international and emergency humanitarian as- March, leaders from almost every The foreign minister also stated We consider the Conference on How would you describe nuclear trade. sistance. UN member state converge on Ge- that our country has adopted meas- Disarmament the sole permanent non-proliferation efforts and their There is a WTO unit in our Per- About 180 permanent representa- neva for the UN Human Rights ures to protect the fundamental multilateral negotiating ground in future generally? manent Mission, which is directly tives are accredited to the office. Council and the UN Conference on rights and freedoms of its citizens. the field of disarmament, non-prolif- Despite the general stagnation in involved in negotiations regarding Almost all major international or- Disarmament. Minister Idrissov also invited the eration and arms control. the global disarmament process, I Kazakhstan’s accession to the WTO. ganisations are represented too. This year, Kazakhstan was repre- Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein to pay Our President initiated a UN should note the many past achieve- One of the mission’s major tasks Since 1946, the UN European sented by Minister of Foreign Af- an official visit to Kazakhstan. Universal Declaration of a Nuclear- ments. The closure of the Semipalat- is providing the negotiating team and then the UN Geneva office was fairs Erlan Idrissov. In his speeches, Weapon-Free World. Our experts insk test site prompted the closure of with information and analytical sup- led by representatives of Poland, he clearly outlined Kazakhstan’s hu- Recently, Maina Kiai, UN Spe- are working with the five nuclear other nuclear test sites. Kazakhstan, port regarding consumer markets the United States, the United King- man rights and disarmament initia- cial Rapporteur on the Right to powers, other interested countries Ukraine and Belarus’s abandonment and other nations’ agreements with dom, the Netherlands, Italy, Bel- tives. Peaceful Assembly visited our and the UN Secretariat to promote of nuclear weaponry helped as did the WTO. gium, Sweden, France, Russia and Our country makes targeted and country. How is Kazakhstan work- the draft declaration. the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear- The mission also elaborates on Kazakhstan. consistent efforts to accede to all ing with the Human Rights Coun- Another priority for Kazakhstan Test-Ban Treaty. There is also a sig- further training of Kazakh specialists Kazakhstan takes special pride major international instruments pro- cil’s mechanisms and special man- in the framework of the Confer- nificant reduction in the number of on regulating international trade and in the fact that Kassym-Jomart To- moting and protecting human rights. date holders? ence is to complete the institution- nuclear weapons in Russia and the WTO accession. Cooperation takes kayev was deputy secretary-general In February, Kazakhstan completed I would like to specifically high- alisation of a zone free of nuclear United States through the Treaty on place with the Economic Commis- of the United Nations and the direc- ratifying the International Conven- light our country’s cooperation with weapons in Central Asia. Last year, the Limitation of Strategic Offensive sion for Europe (UNECE, SPECA) tor-general of the UN Office in Ge- tion on the Protection of the Rights the special procedures mechanism the five nuclear powers signed Arms as well as unilateral reductions and the United Nations Conference neva from May 2011 until October of Persons with Disabilities, which of the UN Human Rights Council. a protocol to the Semipalatinsk by the UK and France. The expan- on Trade and Development (UNC- 2013. He was the first Asian repre- was recommended by a number of In 2009, our country issued an open Treaty under which they pledged sion of nuclear weapon free zones TAD) and the International Trade sentative to head the UN Office in countries during the second phase invitation to all special procedures to the five Central Asian nations around the world also played a ma- Centre (ITC) for technical assistance Geneva. of the Universal Periodic Review mandate holders and welcomed nine that they would not use or threaten jor role. projects regarding facilitating trade Kazakhstan’s permanent mission (UPR). special rapporteurs, including two to use nuclear weapons. Currently, In terms of trying to make fore- procedures, trade policy develop- was established by a presidential Kazakhstan diligently submits experts visiting Kazakhstan twice two countries have already ratified casts for the future, it’s a thankless ment and human capacity building degree in December 1995 and has periodic reports to UN treaty bod- which is a rare exception. Baskut the protocol. We expect that by the job. However, I would still hope that in foreign trade regulation. OECD Strengthens Partnership with Kazakhstan By Saltanat Janenova and its willingness and ability to tor integrity and governance, en- over effects of the country pro- chaired by Prime Minister Mas- design these reforms taking into vironment, health, taxation, com- gramme will benefit the reform simov decided March 2 to assign On Jan. 22 at the World Eco- account good international policy petition and business climate and agendas of other countries in the personal responsibility for im- nomic Forum in Davos, Prime practices. The programme could statistics. region.” plementation of the project of the Minister of Kazakhstan Karim lead to more than 20 policy re- After signing the agreement, The country programme is a country programme to the heads Massimov and Secretary General views, cooperation in capacity Massimov said that the “in- new OECD tool that enables part- and first deputy heads of govern- of the Organisation for Economic building projects, increased lev- troduction of the OECD best ner economies to leverage OECD ment bodies, which will facilitate Cooperation and Development els of participation in six OECD practices in our policies is a expertise and standards, strengthen the process of strengthening link- (OECD) Angel Gurria signed committees and possible adher- prerequisite for strengthening institutions and build capacity for ages between Kazakh stakeholders a memorandum of understand- ence to 28 OECD legal instru- our role in a global economy.” policy reforms. The programme and OECD Committees. ing between Kazakhstan and the ments. Gurria also said “Kazakhstan is marks the beginning of a new OECD on the implementation of Kazakhstan is one of four partner a leading economy in Central phase of the OECD’s ongoing co- Saltanat Janenova is a policy the Country Programme of Coop- economies that have been selected Asia strategically located at the operation with Kazakhstan. consultant and instructor at the eration for 2015-2016. knowledges Kazakhstan’s com- for this bilateral work programme crossroads of Europe and Asia. I The Coordination Council for Graduate School of Public Poli- The country programme ac- mitment to a plan of reforms covering areas such as public sec- am confident that positive spill- OECD-Kazakhstan Partnership cy, Nazarbayev University.

connection with the search for infor- mation about Kazakhstanis fallen, taken captive and missing. The dip- Astana, Budapest Build on Strong Political, Economic, lomatic corps forged close links with the Russian Ministry of Defense and a memorandum of cooperation in the area of military and memorial Cultural Ties, Kazakh Ambassador Says work was signed. Representatives of By Gulbarshyn Sabayeva our common roots with Hungarians Museum and the Hungarian Natu- economic and food sanctions game the embassies of Kazakhstan, Rus- in the modern Hungary’s population ral History Museum to determine a between themselves, preventing our sia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Ahead of the visit to Astana by is insignificant. scientific foundation for the activi- national currency (tenge) from de- Moldova and Ukraine take part in Hungarian Prime Minister Vik- ties described above. Now Kazakh valuation notwithstanding the col- the burial ceremonies of remains of tor Orbán in early April, Nurbakh It is believed that Turkic-Mon- and Hungarian scientists will be able lapse of the ruble – all these result newly-found and unknown soldiers Rustemov, Kazakhstan’s Ambas- golian tribes mixed with the Finno- to hold joint research and expert re- from our President’s political fore- in Hungary. It is a settled tradition. sador in Budapest, shared his views Ugric peoples and settled during views. sight and proficiency. on the bilateral relations and their Genghis Khan’s empire. When the His busy schedule calls to memo- Are there representatives of Ka- future, touching, among other things Kazakh Khanate was only emerg- Among the issues discussed by ry one of the final passages in “My zakhstan who reside in Hungary? on the interesting and long-standing ing, Hungary already was one of the the foreign ministers of the two Life,” the autobiography of Golda There are quite a few Kazakhs per- cultural links between the two coun- high-powered kingdoms in Central countries last February was the Meir. She wrote about the difficul- manently living here, predominantly tries. Europe. In modern Hungarian mu- Ukrainian crisis. In this respect, ties of existing in a world that is our fellow countrymen who married seums, one can find exhibits relating the countries’ liberals often criti- often insensitive to the sufferings local nationals and remained. Some In your interview last year with to the Soviet era and independent cise Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s of small nations. Her words mirac- of them accepted Hungarian nation- our newspaper, you said “In our ality. Protection of rights and legal Nurbakh Rustemov Kazakhstan, but the number of arti- policy as pro-Russian. How did ulously echo the statement of our cooperation with Hungary, we try facts dating to times of common pre- Hungarians accept the peace ef- head of state, “From my experience, interests of Kazakhstan citizens is not to confine ourselves to mere began developing action plans for history is close to nothing. I believe forts taken by Kazakhstan? I feel that the years to come will be- the obligation of every diplomatic political, economic, trade and so- the proposed translation of literature this gap can be filled by a mobile Prominent representatives of the come the time of global trials. The mission. cial areas. Our goal is to also at- in the context of cultural ties. Last exposition. political establishment and local ex- entire architecture of the world will tach high importance to literary August Kazakh Minister of Culture perts in Hungary gave high evalua- be changing. Not all countries will What is the news in cultural rela- and cultural ties and deepen mu- Arystanbek Mukhamadiuly met How much interest do Hungar- tion to the peace efforts taken recent- be able to get through these com- tions between the two countries? tual respect based on our common with leaders of the Hungarian cultur- ian historians demonstrate towards ly by President Nazarbayev between plications in a decent manner. Only In April, Hungarian Prime Min- roots.” What steps are being taken al and humanitarian institutions and Kazakh history? Ukraine and Russia and Russia and strong states, with their people unit- ister Viktor Orbán will pay an of- in this direction? What are the fu- discussed cooperation prospects. Among Hungarian ethnographers the West with respect to the Ukrain- ed, will manage to do that.” ficial visit to Kazakhstan. In the ture plans? and anthropologists, there are some ian crisis. The head of state made a framework of his visit, one can When Prime Minister Karim Early this year, Foreign Affairs who attempt to identify connec- huge contribution to the creation of This year is the 70th anniversa- enjoy the performance of the Hun- Massimov unveiled Abai’s sculpture Minister Yerlan Idrissov noted the tions with Turkic nations and some the necessary prerequisites for im- ry of victory in World War II. Are garian National Ballet’s prima that was placed on Astana Street in 550th anniversary of the Kazakh who gravitate towards the idea of plementation of the second Minsk there any updates in respect to Ka- ballerina, Kazakhstan-born Aliya Budapest, I thought “Abai should Khanate will be celebrated in those their Finno-Ugric origin. I try to Agreement. The presidents of Rus- zakh soldiers who took part in the Tanykpayeva and her Hungarian not remain just a monument in Hun- countries where the groups of Ka- understand why some Hungar- sia, Ukraine, France, US and the Hungarian liberation? partner Zoltán Oláh who will both gary.” Kazakhstan’s President Nur- zakhs are concentrated. Hungary is ians, in whose European language German Chancellor regularly con- In 2014, our embassy began its play the first parties in Tchaikovs- sultan Nazarbayev praises and pub- a land having common roots with the word “kurultaj” was preserved, sult with our President. search for the burial places of Ka- ky’s “Swan Lake” at Astana Opera licises the wise Abai at home and Kazakhs. Is there any information want to consider themselves the I believe that during the Ukrainian zakh Soviet soldiers reported miss- National Opera and Ballet Thea- abroad. I believe this noble cause of Kazakh history in Hungarian “most Western Turks.” It seems that crisis, our President has once again ing in Hungary. In 1944-1945 the tre. The artists of the Astana Ballet should be continued by all public museums? modern Hungarian researchers seek- proven himself a world-class diplo- 72nd and 73rd guard rifle divisions theatre will then demonstrate their officials and representatives of intel- Every time I visit the two-century- ing to learn the history of the Turkic mat. Being a part of an economic took part in the battles for liberation creativity to Hungarian audiences lectual circles. If Abai’s imaginative old National Museum and Ethno- nations fell under the influence of union with Russia and at the same of the territories of Hungary, South at the Budapest Palace of Arts in poetry and humanistic philosophy graphic Museum in Budapest, I start Turanism ideology as well. time supporting Ukraine’s integrity, Czech Republic and Austria. During May. gain wide recognition in the Hungar- looking for Turkic and Central Asian offering help with Ekibastuz coal at these battles, around 140,000 Soviet An expedition entitled “From Al- ian language, it will open the door to titles among permanent exhibitions. In December 2014, a memoran- the time of the energy crisis in Kiev, soldiers and officers fell in the lands tai to Danube” in connection with other diamonds of Kazakh literature. But the share of groups of the Kip- dum of understanding was signed keeping its own country neutral of Hungary. the anniversary of the Kazakh Khan- After the interview last year, we chak (Cuman) origin believed to link between the Kazakh Central State while Russia and the West play an There were a lot of difficulties in ate is also ready to depart. A8 eurasia&world

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015

than Kazakhstan, it can be geo- welcome in Estonia and in the Eu- graphically important, and it also ropean Union and the recent trade has high technology, particularly shows the growth of our business Estonia Hopes to Increase Cooperation information technology and cy- interest in Kazakhstan in particular ber security, to offer its partners, sectors. … I think we cannot stop Reinhold said. On a visit to Ka- these trends despite one or another zakhstan’s Mazhilis last year, the parallel developments,” he said. in Transit, Technology, Education ambassador was surprised to learn There is still work to be done bi- sador said, with high-level visits graduates to Estonia, to the Esto- that Kazakhstan’s first steps toward laterally, to open the doors to Esto- By Michelle Witte and a bilateral governmental com- nian Diplomatic School and oth- e-governance followed Estonia’s nian investors and joint work, Re- mission on economic affairs estab- ers. We would like to show [our example. He noted that 85 per- inhold said. “The business climate ASTANA – As NATO Contact lished in 2010. They are currently Kazakh partners] Estonia`s model cent of public services in Estonia in general is a very important issue. Point in Kazakhstan, Ambassador waiting for the appointment of new of state administration and they are are available online, and for en- If there are some improvements, of Estonia Jaan Reinhold hopes to co-chairman of this commission by really interested,” he said. terprises the figure is 100 percent. the investors and traders will come, share the values of the alliance in the Kazakh side, Reinhold noted, His country’s e-governance infra- definitely.” EXPO 2017 can make the country; bilaterally, the ambas- saying he hopes later this year the structure, digital medical prescrip- the country more attractive, he sador is hoping to see an increase commission will hold a working New NATO Contact tions, e-police, e-tax and e-customs said. “[B]ut there is still, from my in educational, technological and session in Tallinn. Point Hopes to Share board, among others, are studied or point of view, a lack of information scientific exchanges during his The 2014 agreement between copied by countries across Europe about EXPO 2017. I know that the mission here, as well increase ag- the two countries on mutually pro- Alliance’s Values and beyond, he said. [expo] commissioner is paying vis- ricultural and transit cooperation. moting and protecting investments “What I think is our advantage, its to countries and I hope that very “The EU is currently reviewing “definitely gave us more confi- in Central Asia, in Estonia and other Baltic states, soon he is able to visit the Baltic the EU’s Central Asia strategy, and dence to work together,” the am- Increase Bilateral is that we can speak relatively good states.” After that, Estonia will be I guess we have to do the same bassador said. Russian; we can understand recent able to make its decision. about NATO, about NATO’s role Jaan Reinhold Most recently, in February, a Trade Kazakh history and they can under- Other incentives would also be in Central Asia and further joint business delegation led by former stand us, and these connections are helpful, Reinhold said. He praised activities,” he said. Undoubtedly, from China to Europe via Kazakh- Estonian President Arnold Rüütel Another area of Estonian exper- still very rich and very good,” the the initiative last summer of elimi- Kazakhstan, as a member of the stan. The main issue is the opportu- came to the Kazakh capital. While tise the country is eager to share ambassador said. nating short-term visa require- Partnership for Peace Programme, nity to create synergy between the it is too early to determine the exact is in e-governance and e-services, However, when it comes to con- ments for 10 countries with major is an important partner for NATO Silk Road and former Hanseatic outcome of the visit, Reinhold says Reinhold said. “Using e-services, nections between the two countries’ investments in Kazakhstan – but in the region, Reinhold added. League countries along the Baltic the Estonian side were very satisfied we are saving about 2 percent of unions, the European Union and pointed out that smaller countries This public diplomacy – in the Sea, Reinhold said. and that they hope to meet and fol- our gross domestic product in ad- the new Eurasian Economic Union with smaller economies were left form of lectures, conferences and The Port of Tallinn is currently low up with potential partners soon. ministration costs. I believe it is rel- (EAEU), the ambassador says it is out. “I hope personally that they briefings on NATO’s activities and operating below its capacity, he “From the embassy’s point of evant also for Kazakhstan as well, too early to predict what form they will continue and enlarge this pilot values – will be directed toward commented, which is driving inter- view, we would also like to inten- to provide better online and other may take. “It is a fact that some project, by, for example, member representatives of Kazakhstan’s est in shipping from Kazakhstan. sify cooperation in education and services to its citizens, not only to [EAEU] signatory members are states of the OECD [Organisa- defence services, of course, the “The main obstacle to that is higher science, as well as tourism and save their time but also to reduce not members of the WTO [World tion for Economic Cooperation ambassador said, but also to the tariffs for railway cargo transporta- culture,” Reinhold said. In educa- bureaucracy and reduce adminis- Trade Organisation], which doesn’t and Development]. … Then we’ll general public, particularly through tion via Russia to Baltic states, but tion, the ambassador would like to trative costs.” Most government make the predicting game any easi- have an opportunity as well. Please universities and clubs like the Aca- at the end of the day, the reloading ramp up activities with the two Es- services in Estonia are internet- er.” Estonia supports Kazakhstan’s open the gates for us and then we demic Diplomatic Club at the Ka- and warehousing in our ports is tonian universities that are on the based, he noted, including parlia- accession to the WTO, he said, and will come to investigate how to in- zakh National Humanitarian Law safe, smooth and well-organised, Bolashak scholarship list, he said. mentary voting, and the Estonia recognises that Kazakhstan is close vest, in which sectors. … Open the University. and so could be beneficial for the They would also like to send more E-Academy is ready to share their to the end of that process. doors and we will come in.” Bilaterally, transit is generating Kazakh side. … We are also offer- lecturers to Kazakhstan. “We are experiences and technology with “From a bilateral point of view, Reinhold pointed out that Es- major buzz, with the head of the ing many other investment oppor- offering courses for the Academy Kazakhstan, which is in the midst I think we have to contribute to the tonia only opened an embassy in Port of Tallinn commenting earlier tunities for Kazakhstan,” he said. of Public Administration under of a push to modernise and stream- bilateral trade and economic rela- Astana in 2011. “We’ve quite re- this month that they would like to Estonia-Kazakhstan relations the President of Kazakhstan; they line its government processes. tions between the EU and Kazakh- cently come here, so there is a lot be a transit point for cargo shipped generally are dynamic, the ambas- are bringing their students or post Though Estonia is much smaller stan. Kazakh investors are very to discover,” he said. New School Built by Russia to Give up 90 percent of Taisoigan Training Ground Lease Kazakhstan Opens in Bishkek By Yelden Sarybay has more than 1,000 residents. Due underground nuclear explosions at to the fact that the land is leased, a depth of 500 metres were tested in Ninety percent of the Taisoigan people experience serious difficul- the period from 1966-1977. military training ground in Atyrau ties with documentation related to Since 2000, the training ground region will be withdrawn from Rus- the use of individual plots and pas- has not witnessed a single test what- sian lease and returned to Kazakh- tures. Farmers cannot receive loans soever. There has been no evalua- stan, according to a March 3 report or lease agricultural equipment. tion, however, of the harmful effects on Astana TV. Another important factor in the of the significant amount of nuclear Kazakh Senator Sarsenbai land use resolution is the possibil- waste on the environment and pop- Yensegenov, who has worked on ity of large deposits of oil located in ulation. According to information this issue since 2011, stated that the the territory. Three fields producing from the Russian Ministry of De- land coordinates have already been 496,000 tonnes of oil per year have fence, the military training ground, identified and an intergovernmental already been developed close to the known as the 929th State Flight Test agreement will soon be signed. training ground. Kondybai and Uaz Centre, is used as a safe zone to test “In early February, the [Kazakh] deposits were discovered a few years aircraft for their manoeuvrability and President granted powers to the ago in Taisoigan, but starting their forced landing in emergency situa- Ministry of Defence to sign an in- development is not possible due to tions. The rent received by Kazakh- tergovernmental agreement. Now the jurisdiction. Overall, 25 known stan is $4 million per year. this project is being developed. The geological structures are located in In a separate interview that agreement will be submitted to Par- the Taisoigan block. Yensegenov gave to Radio Azattyq, liament and will enter into force after The Taisoigan training ground is the senator stated, “Russia is show- its ratification. As I was told by the situated approximately 250 kilome- ing understanding on this issue. Not Ministry of Defence, the document tres from Atyrau and 60 kilometres to say that they do not want to part will be signed in late March,” said from Miyaly, the district centre. with the land. I cannot say this about Yensegenov. Since 1952, Strategic Rocket Forces all polygons, but it should be noted Several farms and more than a and Soviet Air Forces stationed in that the polygons in the Atyrau re- hundred houses are located in the the territory have conducted nuclear gion that were actively used during President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev (l) and Kazakh Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Beibit Issabayev cut the ribbon Taisoigan training grounds, which tests. According to official data, 24 the Soviet era are now virtually free.” on School No. 82 in Bishkek on March 20. By Nurlan Meirmanov According to a press release getting something new and big. from the Kazakh Embassy in Following this tradition, he pre- Construction on a new school Bishkek, School No. 82 can ac- sented the new school with a fully- in Bishkek funded by Kazakhstan commodate about 1,250 children equipped computer classroom and Country Seeks to Mitigate Development was completed on March 20 with on an area of 3.5 hectares and said that the Kazakh side was also an opening ceremony attended by has bright classrooms, a confer- planning to deliver materials for a Kyrgyzstan’s President Almazbek ence hall, departments for study- Kazakhstan-themed linguistic de- Atambayev. ing various majors and developing partment. of Potential Kazakh-Born Terrorists Kazakh Ambassador to Kyr- cultural and art skills, a food court, Concluding his speech, Issa- a subversive terrorist group from According to Bilisbekov, the gyzstan Beibit Issabayev, the an autonomous heating system and bayev once again congratulated By Malika Orazgaliyeva Syria and Turkey, which planned a remaining eight persons were re- mayor of Bishkek, deputies of other necessary infrastructure. the pupils and teaching staff of the series of resonant terrorist attacks leased from criminal liability in the city’s Kenesh (city council), The new school will decrease new school, and wished the chil- Deputy Chairman of the National in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.” connection with their non-partici- students and teachers of the new pressure on the Kyrgyz capital’s dren great successes in their stud- Security Committee (KNB) Nurgali School No. 82, located in the Kyr- education network, as well as Bilisbekov reported that accord- pation in terrorist activities. ies, arts and sport activities. Bilisbekov announced recently that ing to committee information, Also, he reported that more gyz capital’s Ala-Too district, also serve as a valuable recreation fa- Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan a Kazakh “assassin” who planned attended the event. about 150 Kazakh citizens are than 80 persons were prevented cility for the Ala-Too district, as have enjoyed friendly relations to carry out bombings and attacks “First of all, I would like to thank it can hold sport, art and cultural involved in combat operations in from being recruited by militants throughout the 23 years of their in- against Kazakh law enforcement Kazakhstan’s President, Nursultan events for children and adults. foreign countries as part of terror- in Kazakhstan in 2014. Accord- dependence. The Kazakh and Kyr- bodies was prevented from return- Nazarbayev, who takes care not Speaking at the event, Issa- ist groups. And about 200 women, ing to him, preventive measures gyz people share a nomadic past ing to Kazakhstan in June from Syr- only of Kazakh people, but also bayev quoted the old proverb, “If who are their wives, widows and are being applied and Kazakh- and their languages are largely of us. He helps in many things and you wish the best future for your ia and that a Kyrgyz demolitions ex- children are also involved. stan citizens are sometimes pro- solves many issues. I visit many children, give them a decent edu- mutually intelligible. Kazakhstan pert was apprehended in Shymkent. According to him, some of these hibited from going abroad as part countries and see that there are few cation.” He pointed out that this has provided significant develop- “The Kyrgyz intelligence ser- people are the victims of radical of efforts to thwart terrorist ac- such leaders as Nazarbayev, who principle was taken as a guide by ment assistance and humanitarian vice detained and handed us a propaganda. tions. respects and values us,” said Presi- the leaders of the two states in de- aid to its neighbour in times of dif- Kazakhstan citizen, who attended “In fact, they are deceived peo- “These approaches are justified. dent Atambayev in his welcoming ciding to build not one, but two ficulty. mine and explosives training in ple, deceived by their compatriots. The flow of recruits from Kazakh- speech at the ceremony. schools in Kyrgyzstan. The second In 2012, Astana announced Syria and returned to Central Asia Many of them have realised their stan has significantly reduced. Atambayev also noted that on school, fully funded by Kazakh- plans to institutionalise its offi- to commit terrorist acts in Kazakh- mistakes and want to return home, Last year, over 80 people have the eve of the spring holiday Nau- stan, is currently under construc- cial development assistance pro- stan and Kyrgyzstan. During the but are afraid,” Bilisbekov said. renounced such intentions,” said ryz, which marks Central Asia’s tion in South Kyrgyzstan’s key grammes under the umbrella of arrest, an explosive device was Meanwhile, since the beginning Bilisbekov. “Another channel for traditional new year, a new school city of Osh. Issabayev said that the new agency, KazAID. Last found in his possession,” Bilisbe- of 2014, 15 Kazakh citizens re- recruitment is through theologi- opening its doors exemplifies the construction of the second school December, President Nazarbayev kov said during a recent roundta- turned home from terrorist camps. cal institutions, most of which are consolidation of the centuries-old would be finished by the end of signed a bill, “On Official Devel- ble discussion titled, “International Three of them were sentenced to illegal in these countries. We do Kyrgyz-Kazakh friendship and the this year. opment Assistance,” the first of its Terrorism: Modern Tendencies various terms of imprisonment, work on getting such students to countries’ neighbourly relations. The ambassador mentioned that kind in the Commonwealth of In- and Counteracting Its Effects on criminal cases against two persons return. Already 90 young people Nazarbayev suggested building there is a centuries-old tradition dependent States. Kyrgyzstan and Youth,” according to a report by are currently being investigated have returned. Here, conditions for the school during his state visit among Kazakh and Kyrgyz people other nations in Central Asia are Forbes Kazakhstan. “In addition, and the purpose of return of two theological education on the basis to the Kyrgyz Republic in August called korimdik – the giving of a expected to become early benefi- together with our Kyrgyz and Uz- persons is being clarified, the dep- of domestic institutions have been 2012. special gift at a joyous moment of ciaries of KazAID projects. bek counterparts, we neutralised uty chairman said. created for them.” B Nation & Capital

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015

Culture SOCIETY Sports ATTRAKCION Presents Broadway’s Medical, Social Innovations Kazakh Skater Secures Country’s “Chicago” in Astana Improve Quality of Life in Mukur First World Cup Podium in 15 years B3 Village in East Kazakhstan B5 B7 Nauryz Celebrations Represent Renewal, Love and Abundance By Julia Rutz izens and tourists. Another tradition- al holiday event is aitys. Aitys is a On March 22, countries all traditional Kazakh form of oral tra- across Middle and Central Asia dition that is more or less a competi- will celebrated Nauryz, the New tive performance in the form of an Year, or the festival of spring and improvised poetic duel between two abundance. Historically, this holi- akyns (folk poets) playing string day, that, in accordance with some instruments, such as the dombra or estimations, is more than 5,000 qobyz. The one who better glorifies years old, had been celebrated Nauryz through their music wins. since long before the people of One of the main rituals during the this area were converted to Islam. day is to either host or be a guest. Even to this day, the holiday re- The feast is always celebrated with mains secular. traditional dishes, but the main treat For the people of Kazakhstan, is the Nauryz kozhe. This dish is this holiday is one of the most an- prepared with seven different types ticipated and joyful times of year of grains, they symbolise the sev- and symbolises spring renewal, en elements of life and are served love, abundance and friendship. with water, beef jerkey and airan, Traditionally, people used to wear a cold yogurt beverage mixed with holiday outfits and fill all vessels in salt. Those who eat this dish on the house with water, milk or grain Nauryz will be lucky and healthy to increase the odds of a good har- and their family members will not vest and prosperity. Home clean- experience animosity and be under ing and the planting of trees and protection during the year, accord- flowers several days before the ing to old beliefs. Apart from that, holiday is also an important ritu- pilaf and baursaks (Kazakh buns) al. It is believed that if Nauryz is are must have holiday foods. celebrated in a clean house, it will Nauryz was not celebrated in protect the hosts from misfortunes Kazakhstan during the Soviet era and illnesses during the year. between 1926 and 1988. In 2001, The word “Nauryz” has Persian the holiday was recognised as a na- origins and literally translates as “a tional holiday and since 2009, Ka- new day.” In Kazakhstan, this holi- zakhstan citizens have been given day is also called “the great day of three days off, March 21 – 23, to the nation.” The name of the third enjoy the holiday and experience month of the year in the Kazakh all the unique festivities. Because language has the same name as the of the overlapping of the three days holiday. It is also common to name Performers celebrate Nauryz in traditional costumes. off with the weekend, this year the babies born in March after the Nauryzgul are for girls. Marriages newlyweds who marry during the The celebration usually includes administration also organises en- celebration will last no less than holiday. Nauryzbai or Nayryzbek are also very common during the equinox will always love each oth- fairs, traditional sports, horse rac- tertainment events and concerts by five day, from March 21 through are the male forms and Nauryz or holiday, as people believe that er and will build a happy family. ing, dancing and singing. The city popular artists and musicians for cit- March 25. Kazakh Restaurateurs Trending With Culinary Arts in Kazakhstan “Made In Kazakhstan” Foodstuffs Heating Up as Service “Our association has a mission “This is undoubtedly a very “It is an absolutely logical state- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov – the establishment of a partner- right attitude, which positively af- ment for every state and every city. ship between domestic producers fects not only consumers, but also Moreover, for every field of activ- Sector Grows ASTANA – Kazakhstan restau- and businessmen. Kazakhstan representatives of the dining-hotel ity. That is every businessman, be World Association of Culinary rateurs have joined the farm-to- restaurateurs, hotel owners and business. Using domestic prod- he restaurateur or a businessman By Michelle Witte Unions in 2008. table movement, using “Made in other businessmen are ready to ucts avoids problems with deliv- of any field of activity, tries to While progress has been made, Kazakhstan” foodstuffs in their cooperate with Kazakhstan pro- ery, which guarantees our guests cut down his own expenses in a ASTANA – As Kazakhstan de- she and other culinary profession- menus. Those in the dining and ducers. We would really appreci- that our dishes are made of the number of ways. The purchase of velops economically and socially, als say Kazakhstan’s hospitality in- hotel business have developed ate if the bulk of Kazakhstan res- freshest and the most high-quali- products manufactured by domes- its culture of hospitality is slowly dustry needs to be taken more seri- long-term relationships with do- taurateurs’ menus would be made ty foodstuffs of the day,” he said tic producers is one of those ways, shifting from the domestic realm to ously. In a recent interview with this mestic producers due to the high of local foodstuffs, but of course in an interview with The Astana especially in these hard years,” the professional, and while cook- newspaper, Marriott Executive Chef quality, safety and freshness of we can’t and aren’t going to force Times on March 19. he said in an interview with The ing professionals say there is still Benoit Letellier noted that Kazakh- much ground to cover, interest in their products. somebody to do it. We will only The movement was also re- Astana Times on March. 19. stan’s under-30 generation is starting the culinary arts is growing. Igor Kopailov, president of the promote this trend,” he said, as inforced by Astana restaura- Filimonov added that support- to respect cooking as a profession, “Culinary arts in the country are HoReCa Kazakhstan national din- quoted by tengrinews.kz. teur Dmitriy Akhunov, head of ing domestic producers is impor- but there is still a mentality that the growing rapidly, onwards and up- ing-hotel business association, is Fedor Filimonov, general man- Dorogaya Ya Perezvonyu (which tant to the national economy. service industry in general is not a among the many who support the ager of the Radisson Hotel in stands for Darling, I’ll Call Back) wards, especially ahead of EXPO real career path. “In many countries, effort. Astana, echoed his comments. restaurant. Continued on Page B2 2017,” President of the Kazakh- you are a professional waiter. You stan National Culinary Associa- can build a career as a waiter and tion Yelena Machshinskaya told obviously advance, become manag- The Astana Times in a March ers, et cetera. But here, there isn’t 10 interview. The National Cu- this building of a career as a service linary Association was launched professional,” he commented. Uzbek Community Leader: APK Facilitates in 2003, she said, and joined the Continued on Page B4

Interethnic Accord Among Nations Things to Watch cally shared borders and Tashkent, of the Bukhara Emirate and the of the Regional Uzbek Cultural By Dmitry Lee the capital of Uzbekistan, was, at Kokand Khanate. Today, there are Centre. march-april some point, a key city in the Ka- over half a million Uzbeks living “Since Kazakhstan gained its in- Centuries ago Kazakh and Uz- zakh Khanate. In addition, some in Kazakhstan, mostly in the South dependence Nursultan Nazarbayev bek khanates belonged to the same of the modern southern Kazakh- Kazakhstan region, according to had one goal: to use the country’s Astana state circus dynasties. Both countries histori- stan territories were formerly part Ikram Khashimzhanov, chairman multiethnic community to advan- tage and to steer away from the March 14 - April at 4 p.m. Royal Water Circus political and economic deadlock and set the country on the bright path of development. On March 1, 1995, under President Nursultan rOCK CLUB Nazarbayev’s initiative, a unique March 28 at 8 p.m. Unplugged Rock Concert public institution, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK), was established. Considering that there are more than 130 ethnic astana opera house groups living in Kazakhstan, just in the South Kazakhstan region April 1-2 at 7 p.m. Swan Lake, Ballet there are almost half a million ethnic Uzbeks. [With such] num- bers, of course, Uzbeks play a vi- congress hall tal role in the region, contributing to the development, economy and April 4 at 7 p.m. Flexx Show-Ballet society. Twelve years ago during the opening of the Uzbek Drama Theatre, Nazarbayev noted that Uzbeks and Kazakhs are brotherly kazakhstan concert hall nations, as those Uzbeks living on April 5 at 7 p.m. Stars of San Remo -2015 with Son the territory of Kazakhstan have integrated well into the Kazakh- Pascal, Al Bano, Ricchi E Poveri stan society,” Khashimzhanov told The Astana Times in an exclusive interview. Uzbek performers play traditional instruments at an ethnic celebration. Continued on Page B2 B2 Nation&Capital people

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 Uzbek Community Leader: Assembly of People of Kazakhstan Facilitates Interethnic Accord Among Nations

Continued from Page B1 anniversary and, according to the the OSCE in the field of educa- stance, is they use the Latin al- and more understanding towards sity, the Shymkent University, the chairman, “throughout these years tion,” he said. phabet; we use Cyrillic. Thanks other cultures,” the leader of the Saparbayev Institute, Pedagogical “The APK, as Europeans re- we have done a lot of work to or- The High Commissioner on to the OSCE we are using a bilin- Uzbek community explained. and Engineering University and fer to it, is a mini version of the ganise events both in Kazakhstan National Minorities of the OSCE gual system of education. There Uzbeks in Kazakhstan are ac- also the Russian-Kazakh Univer- United Nations. It’s a unique in- and beyond the country’s borders Astrid Thors always pays a visit are about 100,000 Uzbek school tively learning the state language in sity in Astana, which have been a stitution that has kept all nations to demonstrate our culture, cus- to the South Kazakhstan region students in the South Kazakh- collaboration with other higher ed- part of this for the last two years. under one umbrella in peace, toms and traditions.” whenever their delegation is in stan region; there are 143 schools ucation institutions in Kazakhstan, In a span of eight years I gave out harmony, tolerance and intereth- In 2007, a Kazakhstan delega- Kazakhstan, Khashimzhanov says. [here] and 50 of them are com- the chairman stressed. “We have certificates for over 60 million nic accord. Our community is tion visited Seoul, South Korea, According to him, since 1995 our pletely Uzbek and the rest are the Kazakh language skills con- tenge (US$323,284).” glad to have found a home in this where Khashimzhanov, on behalf school graduates from Kazakhstan mixed. This year there will be tests every year in April. Whoever Kazakhs and Uzbeks are broth- country, where our destiny once of the APK, shared the beauty of had serious difficulties with enroll- over 4,000 students graduating gets the first places wins grants to erly nations, the chairman repeated placed us. We are the third larg- his culture with numerous South ing in Uzbek universities. There from schools. So they will have enroll in universities – that is, they to conclude the interview, stressing est ethnic group in the country Korean spectators. “Later we vis- were days when the Uzbek capital to speak their native tongue, Uz- will study for free. I would like to that there are too many evidences and the second largest population ited Vienna, Austria and partici- Tashkent used to recruit some of bek, the state language, Kazakh, thank the mass media that helped of such friendly relations that date in the South Kazakhstan region,” pated in the Integration through the best professionals in the re- and Russian to be able to inte- us hold these contests. Also, I es- back in history. The community is he continued. Education conference hosted by gion, but since gaining independ- grate fully into society. With the pecially thank the South Kazakh- preparing to celebrate the 550th The Uzbek National Association the Organisation for Security and ence these opportunities were not help of the OSCE our kids are stan Pedagogical Institute, the anniversary of the Kazakh Khan- was established almost 25 years Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).” available to Kazakhstan’s ethnic also learning English. I think the Akhmed Yassawi Kazakh-Turkish ate and the 20th anniversary of the ago. Next year the association is “Today, we are the only Uzbek Uzbek citizens. more languages one speaks, the University, the Mukhtar Auezov APK, with celebrations throughout preparing to celebrate the 25-year cultural centre that still works with “One of the reasons, for in- more intellectual one becomes State University, Dostyk Univer- the country on May 15-16. B3 Nation&Capital Culture

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 ATTRAKCION Presents Broadway’s “Chicago” in Astana their tongues at the actors of other loves life. A musical is one big By Lyazzat Shatayeva shows. This image has stuck with celebration of life. I see life as an me ever since, inspiring me later ongoing musical. Sometimes life ASTANA – Theatre lovers are to do the show. When I met some is far more comedic and theatrical swinging from the chandeliers as of our talented actresses who were than any stage performance. the amateur musical theatre At- fit to the parts in the musical, the trakcion showcases its interpreta- whole piece came together. I often What are your expectations tion of “Chicago,” Broadway’s draw my inspiration from women from the shows? satirical and sassy musical. Perfor- and their intricate world. I don’t like imposing a certain mances will run until March 21. reaction on a spectator. That’s The public’s growing interest How long did the production why I never expect a definite in musicals inspired the troupe to take? audience reaction. I just want to produce larger shows this season. Nearly half a year. All the ad- see people come to our shows The youth theatre secured its bite ministrative arrangements, includ- and live through certain emo- of the cherry when it obtained am- ing obtaining the rights to produce tions. Hopefully, seeing us play ateur rights to stage one, if not the the musical, securing the venue is a pleasant experience for most popular musical, of the day. and casting started in September them. We also have so many Attrakcion also changed its usual last year. The actual rehearsals gifted actors capable of becom- performance venue from Gumily- started in December. ing acclaimed artists. I’d like to ov Eurasian University to a larger see them realise their talents in stage at the Historical and Cultural What was the hardest part of the arts. Center of the First President. the production? The entire “Chicago” cast is Juggling between the artistic What do you consider the big- composed of actors whose day stage directing and administrative gest achievement of the theatre? jobs are unrelated to the perform- management of the entire theatre is Something that started off as a ing arts. The capabilities of the pretty challenging. Talent manage- one-time student performance has young performers, however, un- ment can get tough, too. However, evolved into a permanent theatre doubtedly give professionals a run and murderess. She opens the show’s success and public acclaim What inspired you to produce the hardest part of the production with a five-year history of regular for their money. The show’s brassy show with the famous “All That is rightfully granted to the theatre’s “Chicago?” for me is taming my inner critic, shows. We have grown profession- numbers are powered with strong Jazz,” taking the setback to the Founder and Director Ilyas Dani- I saw the musical on Broadway curbing that inner voice that inter- ally. I am proud that we have been vocals, original choreography and Jazz Age gangland of the Windy yarov, who has single-handedly in New York City many years ago. feres with the work process and is able to stay fresh and appealing to the charismatic presence of the ac- City. Pediatrician and model Ev- produced the musical. The script I was fascinated with the audacity hardly ever satisfied with any re- the audience. We have found our tors. geniya Klishina delivers a sweet translator, lyrics adapter, casting of the main characters and actors sult. niche and made a name for our- On stage, ornithologist-environ- and sexy Roxie Hart, a would-be director, choreographer, acting who played them. I later imagined selves among the amateur theatres. mentalist Zhanna Aksartova trans- star who is convinced that “there coach, stage director and producer how the saucy actors and dancers Who do you think is your audi- I’m also proud that we have kept forms into Velma Kelly, a finger- is no such thing as bad publicity.” told The Astana Times about the of “Chicago” would sit in a dress- ence? our autonomy both creatively and snapping, hip-rolling vaudevillian Yet the biggest credit for the preparation process. ing room, roll their eyes and cluck Our audience is anyone who financially.

Additionally, as per request of the President, the country will contin- Astana Opera Hires ue developing its preschool educa- Parliament Develops Plan tion system. “About 102 billion tenge Prominent Ballerina, (US$550 million) were allocated to realise the Balapan state pro- to Improve Cultural Sphere gramme and the Ministry of Edu- By Elmira Kirgeyeva concept was approved and is now He also noted that the Cultural cation and Science of Kazakhstan Well-Known going to be consistently implement- Heritage state programme will be is working on further improve- The Kazakh Parliament is de- ed, as we have already approved improved soon, so that it will cor- ment of the programme in accord- veloping a new working concept the budget. We are also planning relate with the idea of Mangilik El ance with the requirements of the Conductor as on cultural policy, according to a to improve the law ‘On Culture.’ A (Eternal Nation) which is aimed at day. In order to continue support- recent announcement by Akhan group of parliamentarians is work- building a national identity for Ka- ing preschool education, we have Bizhanov, member of the Mazhilis ing on this issue and proposes to zakhstan, as suggested by President been given about 76 billion tenge Creative Heads Committee for Social and Cultural introduce a new law in the cultural Nursultan Nazarbayev during his (US$409 million); about 20 billion Development and Science sphere,” said Bizhanov during a Jan. 17, 2014 address to the nation. (US$107 million) tenge were allo- “Scientists, experts and artists briefing at the Central Communica- Regional centres are also work- cated for the construction needs of were involved in the process. The tions Services under the President. ing to improve the cultural sphere. kindergartens,” said Bizhanov. ­­Japan Spring Arts Festival Offers Astana, Almaty a Glimpse of Japanese Culture “These concerts, held in Al- all over the world. First of all, we the world await their arrival every By Yerbolat Uatkhanov People’s Artist of Russia Altynai Assylmuratova (l) and Honoured Art Worker maty and Astana, present people want them to come to Astana and, year in growing numbers. Yamato of Kazakhstan Alan Buribayeva. with positive emotions. People of course, we want to show our members say their greatest goal is ASTANA – The Degdar Human- go out of a concert hall and their young talented young musicians to send their audiences home after By Yerbolat Uatkhanov sylmuratova thanked him for the itarian Fund supported by the Japa- reception, spoke about her plans faces are spiritual and happy. As who aren’t popular. I hope that this each performance with a new vi- ASTANA – In an effort to raise for the future and expressed her nese embassy in Kazakhstan made for me, every concert is a holiday event is a step for them to become tality and passion for life and to its profile at home and abroad, the readiness for cooperation. a musical gift to Astana within the for them. All the more so Japanese famous in the future and gladden present the spirit of Japan. Astana OperaTheatre management Alpiyev noted the importance of bounds of the Japan Spring Inter- and Kazakh music are partially the people of our state.” In addition to the concerts, the arts announced changes March 14 in complimenting the choreographer national Arts Festival in the form similar,” said concert participant This year, festival organisers festival also included master classes its staff composition. The Peo- with the conductor. of presentations of Japanese mu- Yermek Kurmanayev, as quoted were able to include Yamato, a fa- and workshops for students of Asta- ple’s Artist of Russia Altynai As- “Also, we invited one of the sical traditions. Unique Japanese by tengrinews.kz. mous Japanese drumming troupe. na and Almaty creative universities. sylmuratova was appointed as the most talented and popular young music as well as the creations of Timur Urmancheyev, Kazakh Yamato was founded in 1993 and The festival is open to the public ballet company’s artistic director, conductors in the world, laureate Kazakh composers, masterpieces honoured art worker, pianist and has given more than 2,500 perfor- and has been held twice a year in while Kazakh honoured art worker of international contests and hon- of European classics and Eastern festival art director was quoted by mances in 51 countries, creating Astana and Almaty since 2011 and Alan Buribayev was named the oured art worker of Kazakhstan tengrinews.kz as saying: “We try theatre’s principal musician. Alan Buribayev to the position of melodies were enjoyed by the re- and presenting original Yamato is called Japan Spring and Japan Theatre director Toleubek Al- the principal musician of the Asta- cent festival’s audience. to invite different musicians from compositions. Audiences around Autumn correspondingly. piyev praised the newly-named na Opera Theatre. We hope that his members of the artistic team. work experience in the position of “We must create leading mod- principal musician and art director received by the French public. In his ern Kazakh culture, which is part of the national symphony orchestra opening speech, Mayor of Cannes of world culture. One of the ele- of radio and television of Ireland David Lisnard said that he is a fan ments of the achievement of the and principal musician of the Bra- Kazakh Modern Art Well of Kazakh art. Speaking of the idea objective is repatriation of com- bant orchestra (the Netherlands) at of the project at the opening day, patriots, workers of culture who one time and guest director of the he said: “Kazakhstan is represented are interested in the social-cultural Bolshoi Theatre of Russia gives in Cannes as a young, dynamically development of the society. Today, the opportunity to Astana Opera Received by French Public developing country looking into the we invite such famous persons musicians to progress to the inter- of art by Kazakh painters and art- niques used in the showcased piec- future. Therefore, the compositional who achieved success abroad – national stage and provides high- By Malika Orazgaliyeva ists gained attention from art lovers es as well as the thoughts and ideas focus of the exhibition is clear. It is Altynai Assylmuratova and Alan quality management,” he said. from around the world. reflected in their works. made on the achievements in the Buribayev. The great creative and Buribayev thanked Alpiyev for The exhibition of contempo- According to Inzhudzhyan, this Initiated by the MP Land Is- field of fine art.” educational experience of Altynai his kind words. rary painters, sculptors and car- He also expressed his desire to Assylmuratova will be very useful “I have only positive emotions. large-scale international project is met public funds and supported by pet artists,“ Shanyrak, Canopy of for the theatre to improve the pro- I have known the Astana Opera based on the main principle of art, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of present more Kazakh artists to the fessionalism of the artists and the group for a long time and I know Heaven,” which was presented in which is the preservation and trans- Kazakhstan,this project was well French public. development of Kazakhstan ballet its opportunities and potential. I the framework of the international mission of human traditions and in general,” he said, as quoted by think that we will solve any crea- project “Building Bridges between the raising of cultural cooperation Kazinform. tive problems,” he said. East and West,”was held recently to a higher level. She stated that an Kazakh President Nursultan Assylmuratova added that she in Cannes. exhibition of this scale devoted to Nazarbayev met Jan. 27 with is glad to work for the benefit of According to an interview given the contemporary art of Kazakhstan Minister of Culture Arystanbek the Kazakh ballet and its develop- by the Project Managerof the ex- has never taken place before on the Mukhamediuly and Assylmura- ment. hibition Larisa Inzhudzhyan to the Cote d’Azur. This is why the open- tova to discuss the state and “I saw the ballet company of the “Liter” newspaper, the arts of Goul- ing day of the exhibition has been prospects to develop the cultural Astana Opera at the Nutcracker fairous Ismailova, Marat Bekeyev, calledan extraordinary event in the sphere and ballet art in particu- winter premier, produced by leg- Edouard Kazarian and Andrey history of Franco-Kazakh relations lar. The head of state emphasised endary choreographer Yuriy Grig- Noda have attracted much interest. by local journalists. the importance of the role of the orovich, for the first time. The cultural sphere in the state, the artists surprised me by their good The exhibition was held in the- The exhibition has stirred as significance of improving the work and shape. I am pleased to Central Exhibition Hall Miramar much enthusiasm among critics as conditions for its development know that it is a young group with on the famous Croisette Boulevard, it has among audiences. Art lovers and thehigh potential of Kazakh very many talented artists and their where according to artists every hadan opportunity to address their culture, which is becoming more training is really worthy,” she said. picture is a masterpiece. And since questions to artist Marat Bekeyev and more popular in the nation Assylmuratova and Buribayev Cannes is a centre of tourism and and sculptor Edouard Kazarian. and throughout the world. As- began in their new posts March 16. international festivals, the works The artists were asked about tech- B4 Nation&Capital COUNTRY

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 Culinary Arts in Kazakhstan Heating Up as Service Sector Grows Continued from Page B1 hospitality is a powerful industry cooks that join us every year, but With Kazakhstan increasing its now, she said, and includes a huge unfortunately usually the school can contact with the rest of the world al- Machshinskaya would agree. range of activities, from tourism and give only basic knowledge and the most daily through new flights, new “Our association engages in a lot of entertainment to hotel services, ca- rest is hard work and experience not international events and a growing work to enhance the prestige of the tering, sightseeing, event planning only in Kazakhstan but worldwide. tourist industry, an increased mutual profession of chef in the country, es- and more. “Educational institutions I put a lot of effort into training all interest in food seems inevitable pecially among young people. The should be focused on precise train- my staff in all aspects of kitchen op- and aspiring professionals aren’t prestige and involvement of young ing for the industry as a whole; then erations,” he said. the only ones interested in building talent in the profession are pressing the level of training would be much Of course, as restaurants and ho- their skills in the kitchen. As new challenges for food and hospitality higher,” Machshinskaya said. tels open in the Kazakh capital, they ingredients become available, home industry,” she said. “Since the culture of food in Ka- provide opportunities for young Ka- cooks in the country are also keen to The National Culinary Asso- zakhstan and especially in Astana zakh chefs to work in demanding expand their culinary horizons. ciation works with colleges to train was born only recently, there is still kitchens with international staff. “At “Yes, indeed, cooking is becom- cooking and catering specialists in a lot of space for improvement,” the moment, there are huge oppor- ing more popular,” Co-director of Kokshetau, Schuchinsk, Karaganda Rixos President Executive Chef Or- tunities for young cooks who want Almaty’s Compote Cooking Stu- and Astana. “The main problem of este Mancini told The Astana Times to learn to be better and get jobs dio Zau Abisheva told The Astana most educational institutions is that on March 12. Rixos works with the in the best places in the city, since Times on March 6. “We can now Compote Cooking Studio in Almaty they do not consider training for the College of Service and Food Ser- they are actively seeking staff,” said purchase many exotic products, so hospitality industry as a whole,” vice Professional Lyceum No. 2, he Mancini, who has worked in Astana preparing some exotic meals is now for amateurs. Yes, our workshops cal food traditions are “simple Machshinskaya commented. But explained. “There are a lot of young since October 2014. possible. Moreover, people don’t with famous chefs can be interest- and modest,” Machshinskaya also just want to go to restaurants, they ing for professionals, but our main pointed out that Kazakhstan, as a also want to understand what they audience unites people who just like multicultural nation, is home to a eat. All this enhances our interest in cooking.” huge variety of “national” food. cooking.” For the three years they’ve been “The President gave an entire street Compote opened in September in business, “the culinary arts have for restaurants of national cuisines 2012. “The idea was to establish a become more popular, but no dra- in Astana: Kazakh, Uzbek, Russian, useful and attractive place for citi- matic changes can be mentioned. It Georgian, Italian, Chinese, Korean. zens who would like to learn some- is changing slightly and gradually,” This is a great idea for a country thing new and enhance their cook- the co-director said. where more than 130 nationalities ing knowledge during workshops The celebrity chef craze sweeping live,” she said. with the participation of various North America and Europe doesn’t The National Culinary Associa- chefs and cooks. It was high time, as seem to have reached Kazakhstan tion is working on a framework for the interest for cooking was pretty yet. “Unfortunately, there are no the development of the hospitality high, but no experts could offer their such trends in Kazakhstan yet – if industry in Kazakhstan and forming skills,” Abisheva said. the cook has a name, it is only in policy in the education and devel- Compote mostly offers one-day professional circles, among col- opment of professional hospitality workshops on cuisines ranging leagues,” Machshinskaya said. “Of staff, among other activities. They from Italian to Japanese, Abisheva course, restaurateurs and chefs as- also host festivals of national food said, plus confectionery classes, pire to this – to organise workshops in Kazakhstan and represent the kids’ classes, courses for more ad- to share experiences, professional country in international culinary vanced chefs, wine tastings and communication, make a name for competitions. “It helps not only to lectures. They also do team build- themselves – but it is more com- share experiences, but also to ac- ing activities, parties and other mon in Almaty, [and] Astana, where quaint the world with the hospital- events, which all in all have drawn the range of consumers is large ity of the Kazakh people and with about 5,000 participants, Abisheva enough.” the traditions of national cuisine,” Compote Cooking Studio in Almaty said. “Our classes are meant only While Abisheva notes that lo- Machshinskaya said. Pension Reform Bill Likely to be Approved by Mazhilis tion in the pension system and payments will begin on Jan. 1, By Yelden Sarybay transferring pension contribu- 2023,” she said. tions. If a person has worked 10 At the end of the briefing, A bill to reform Kazakhstan’s years or less, they will be given Zhakupova informed that in 2015, pension system that takes into a basic pension of 50 percent of a onetime financial assistance consideration the years a pension- the subsistence minimum. For payment will be given to veterans er has worked is expected to be each year over 10 ten years of and those disabled during WWII, approved by year’s end, Deputy experience, they will be given an persons related to them, home Minister of Health and Social De- additional 2 percent. Accordingly, front workers and other Kazakh- velopment Svetlana Zhakupova if the length of their work experi- stan citizens who contributed to said in a Central Communica- ence is equal to 20 years, the base victory in the war. For this pur- tions Service press conference on payment will be 70 percent of the pose the state set aside a budget March 3. subsistence minimum. The most, of 5.69 billion tenge (US$30.67 “The bill has already been or the equivalent of the minimum million). drafted and is under considera- wage, will be given to pension- The scheme provides for the tion by the government. In April, ers who have 35 or more years following pay-outs of one-time fi- we plan to take it to the Mazhilis work experience,” Zhakupova ex- nancial assistance: 100,000 tenge (lower house of Parliament). Con- plained. (US$539) for veterans and those sequently, after it is considered by The bill also takes into account disabled during WWII; 70,000 members, it can be adopted by the a conditional savings system in tenge (US$377.32) to persons re- end of this year,” Zhakupova said. which employers make manda- lated to the veterans and those dis- The deputy minister stressed tory contributions of 5 percent of abled during WWII and those who that the document regulates the employee salaries. contributed to the victory in the complete transformation of basic “Employers will transfer 5 war; 30,000 tenge (US$161.71) to pension payments, which today percent of the payroll for each parents, spouses of soldiers killed does not take into account a pen- employee starting from Jan. 1, during the Second World War, the sioner’s work experience and is 2018. These contributions will residents of besieged Leningrad given without regard to their cur- be accumulated in a Unified Ac- and underage prisoners of fascist rent income and wages. cumulative Pension Fund. They concentration camps, ghettos and “Starting July 1, 2017, basic cannot be inherited and will other places of detention; 25,000 pension payments will be given be distributed among the par- tenge (US$134.76) to home front depending on the length of the ticipants of the pension system. workers and the wives of deceased prior employment’s insurance, Five years after the introduction disabled persons during WWII which is calculated by participa- of the conditional saving system, and persons related to them. Kazakh Research Institute Upgrades Eye Care at New Astana Branch treatment, such as myopia, hy- ophthalmologists training cours- By Marina Parkhomenko peropia and astigmatism. es. “Today, we are able to provide The new institute branch will The Kazakh Research Institute high-tech medical assistance and also become a platform for com- announced recently that it has make it available for every citizen ing scientific forums and a meet- expanded its range of diagnostic of the country. We have a highly ing organised for the Kazakhstan and treatment services at its re- qualified staff, as we invited sev- Association of Ophthalmologists cently opened Astana branch and en leading surgeons from Almaty on diabetic retinal lesions was has purchased 400 million tenge to Astana, and innovative equip- held in the frames of the open- (US$2.2 million) worth of mod- ment and we are ready to real- ing ceremony of the branch. Ac- ern equipment to increase its utili- ise what has been planned,” said cording to Eduardo Midena of sation of innovative technologies Chairman of the Board of the Ka- Italy, who is a member of the in medical treatment. zakh Research Institute Tursungul ophthalmologists association as The improved treatment and Botabekova. well as a professor and secretary equipment will allow vitreoreti- The institute conducts around general of the European College nal surgery, which is one of the 35,000 consultations, 13,000 op- of Ophthalmologists, the insti- most difficult types of eye surger- erations and 5,000 laser surgeries tute’s equipment meets interna- ies and had previously only been every year. After the acquisition tional standards and the institute available in Almaty, to now be of new equipment, these figures has professionals capable of using available in Astana through a free are expected to grow significant- the equipment. He praised the ef- medical care programme. ly. The structure of the branch forts of the branch for its work in The capital city now has its own includes adult and children’s de- pediatric retinopathy, noting that specialised laser centre equipped partments, day care, a consulta- only a nation that cares about the with a femtosecond laser used tive and diagnostic department, a health of its children may have a for refractive surgery anomalies laser centre and a laboratory for future. B5 Nation&Capital SOCIETY

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 Medical, Social Innovations Improve Quality of Life in Mukur Village in East Kazakhstan

Semey Deputy Mayor Zauresh Issabayeva cuts the ribbon on a new care centre in Mukur district. Mukur district’s new care centre, funded by the UNDP. disabilities in rural areas after they The construction of a daycare of people with specific activities their convenience, there is a sen- and No. 20 by purchasing special By Meiramgul Beisenova are successfully tested in the city centre to serve Mukur residents aimed at restoring their maxi- sory room with modern massage equipment and furniture. of Semey. with disabilities is long overdue mum level of function and inde- equipment. The centre also raises Semey Deputy Mayor for Social “Before, we could only dream “There are several problems and has not been addressed be- pendence in all aspects of life. public awareness about healthy Issues Zauresh Issabayeva par- of such luxuries. We thought that that increase the need for new and cause of inadequate funding. The As shown by the most effective lifestyle issues and provides psy- ticipated in the opening of these these kind of centres were privi- alternative forms of health and new centre opened with finan- social services in the UK, this chological support. According to two projects totaling 2.4 million leges only enjoyed by city dwell- social care provisions for local cial support from the UNDP as type of therapy actively restores them, all these dimensions of the tenge (US$12,947) to support so- ers, but now we have a centre right residents. Among them is the ag- part of a Nur Kala grant project. and preserves human health. The UN programme have contributed cially vulnerable segments of the here in Mukur,” said Mukur vil- ing population and related mental There are bikes, oxygen concen- akimat (administration) of the to the integration of the disabled population in Mukur and Semey lage resident Kulzipa Daulenova. and physical health issues. In ad- trators and other equipment for Mukur rural district, in consider- into society, recovery of their per- on Feb. 13. Deputy Head of the The East Kazakhstan region is dition, we can see an increase in indoor activities. According to ing the importance of the project, sonal and social standing, moti- Semey Education Department Ye- home to more than 57,000 disa- the number of relatively young health experts, the use of oxygen provided a separate room to serve vation to live long lives and their rzhan Yestayev thanked the UNDP bled people, including more than people with disabilities among concentrators is one the most ef- as the centre’s office. mental health. for paying attention to people with 10,000 in Semey who need con- residents affected by the nuclear ficient and cost-effective ways The first day care centre for Based on the principles of the disabilities and creating healthy siderably more assistance in their tests at the former Semipalatinsk to administer oxygen therapy for the elderly and persons with dis- Convention on the Rights of Per- conditions for classes to be held in integration into society than they Nuclear Test Site. Only last year, patients with chronic respiratory abilities in Semey was opened sons with Disabilities, the UNDP on behalf of parents. Issabayeva are currently receiving. There are 12 projects were implemented in failure at home. Oxygen concen- two years ago through another also supports initiatives that pro- asked that support for projects 2,928 people living in Mukur vil- this area, totaling 13 million tenge trators can reduce the length of grant project via a local medical vide opportunities to disabled aimed at creating a barrier free so- lage, including 1,406 pensioners, (US$70,102) as part of a joint UN hospital stays, allowing patients and social institution. The cen- children in Eastern Kazakhstan. ciety be continued. 30 persons with disabilities and programme in East Kazakhstan,” to continue treatment at home. tre can provide services to up to Taking into account the needs 12 World War II veterans. Mukur said Rauan Kaliyev, manager of They are also the only way to 350 people a year. Visitors to the of children in Semey, the UNDP The author is a communica- is a test site for the best global the UNDP Department for Im- extend the lives of patients with centre have noted a significant im- supported the establishment of tion specialist with the UN Joint practices in improving the lives proving Access to Social and Eco- severe respiratory failure. Occu- provement in the quality of social remedial (correctional) secondary Programme in East Kazakh- of older persons and persons with nomic Services. pational therapy is the treatment services received in Semey. For school classes at schools No. 42 stan. Astana, Kostanai Rated Nation’s Top Urban Hospitals Among regional diversified tau children’s hospital of the By Kseniya Voronina hospitals for adults, according to Karaganda region, city children’s the report, Kyzylorda Regional hospital No. 2 of Almaty and A new report shows that Asta- Medical Centre took first place Shymkent city children’s hospital na’s city hospital is the country’s followed by regional hospitals in No. 1 of the South Kazakhstan highest rated multidisciplinary Kostanai and Atyrau. region. medical institution followed by Among regional children’s The study also found that Ka- Kostanai city hospital and Rudny multidisciplinary hospitals, the zakhstan has 49 urban and 15 city hospital. Tekeli hospital of regional children’s hospital of the regional medical institutions, as the Almaty region was rated low- Mangistau region was rated num- well as 15 specialised children’s est in this category. ber one. In second place was the hospitals in outlying areas and 15 The report was compiled by regional children’s multidiscipli- specialised children’s hospitals in the National Centre for Health nary hospital of the Western Ka- the nation’s cities. The National Development, which rated 94 zakhstan region, the third was the Centre for Health Development multidisciplinary medical institu- regional children’s hospital of the annually evaluates medical insti- tions in the country. The institu- Karaganda region. The Zhambyl tutions in the country to better in- tions were rated on criteria such Regional Hospital was rated low- form the public about its medical as mortality rates, quality of care est in this category. care choices as well as to quan- and patient satisfaction, accord- The leader among urban chil- tify the state of management of ing to the centre’s press service. dren’s hospitals were the Temir- the institutions. Almaty Makes Multiple Upgrades to City’s Public Transportation System The city is also planning to “If the first phase of the pilot By Julia Rutz build dedicated bike lanes and es- project goes successfully, all city tablish a light rail transit line in trolley buses will be equipped Almaty city public transport, Almaty, which will travel at 26 with free Wi-Fi. We are also plan- ambulance and emergency, as kilometres per hour. Earlier, of- ning to provide the same service well as engineering vehicles will ficials with the sustainable trans- for buses, however, the terms get special traffic lanes by 2017, port programme concluded that have not been defined yet,” said reported TV channel Almaty. buses travel during rush hour at Nokerbekova. According to the channel’s re- 13.8 kilometres per hour and that Thus, the southern capital has port, the Kazakhstan Develop- loading and unloading of bus pas- become the latest city to provide ment Bank is ready to provide a sengers takes about 30 percent of Wi-Fi for public transport. The loan to the city administration the time of all trips. first city was Petropavlovsk in within the national campaign “En- Since Feb. 27, four city trolley northern Kazakhstan, which add- ergy Efficient Kazakhstan.” This buses with numbers 1263, 1212, ed Wi-Fi in 2013. Petropavlovsk measure will also support the Sus- 1202, 1243 as well as 212 street- was also the first to offer innova- tainable Transport programme, cars have been equipped with free tive heated bus shelters to keep aimed at improving the city’s ur- Wi-Fi, according to AlmatyElec- travelers more comfortable dur- ban infrastructure and passengers’ troTrans press secretary Gaukhar ing northern Kazakhstan’s harsh transportation system. Nokerbekova. winters. B6 Nation&Capital Tourism

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 Kazakhstan Flags to be Carried to North Pole fluence global peace and security, he noted. At the end of the press confer- ence, the expedition organisers were presented with the flags of Kazakhstan and the APK, as well as the flag specially designed for the UN bid. The team plans to fly from Almaty to Oslo on March 31 and then to Longyearbyen on the Nor- wegian archipelago of Svalbard. There they will finish preparations for the expedition, train in a base camp and conduct final equipment checks. The team will fly five days later to an ice runaway, where the ski expedition will kick off some 200 kilometres from the North Pole. The team estimates it will take seven to twelve days to reach its destination, with the need to sur- pass ice faults and ice pressure ridges (hummocks). The organis- ers hope that the expedition will help to highlight the achievements and core values celebrated by Ka- zakhstan as the country marks 550 years of nationhood, 70 years since the defeat of Nazism in the Second World War and 20 years of APK and the Constitution. Additionally, the expedition will have a scientific component The expedition team that will carry Kazakhstan’s flag to the North Pole with supporters on March 19 in Astana. as Kazakh researchers will be tak- ing DNA samples from residents specifically as part of the country’s Bloggers’ Alliance. The news was of APK, as well as to support the ened position within the interna- in Norway for later study to de- By Nurlan Meirmanov bid to win a non-permanent seat on announced by the three organisa- country’s bid for the UN Security tional community would allow termine the existence of common the United Nations Security Coun- tions at a March 19 press confer- Council seat. its contribution to regional and roots of the Norwegians and peo- ASTANA – The first Kazakhstan cil in 2017–2018. ence held in Astana. Chairman of the Kazakh For- global security to move to a new ple in central Eurasia. ski expedition to the North Pole The expedition is being organ- “One of the expedition’s tasks eign Ministry’s Committee for level through its bid for the UN Earlier this year, Norwegian will carry three flags – the national ised by the Kazakh Geographical is to popularise the assembly val- International Information Roman seat. Should the seat be granted, scholars travelled to various cit- flag, the flag of the Assembly of Society (KazGeo), with support ues abroad,” said APK Deputy Vassilenko welcomed the KazGeo Astana will have the opportunity ies in Kazakhstan to collect DNA the People of Kazakhstan (APK) from the Assembly of the People Chairman Yeraly Tugzhanov. Ka- project. He noted that in 2013, to promote its international initia- samples as part of a wider multina- which marks its 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan (APK), the Kazakh zGeo announced their project was President Nursultan Nazarbayev tives from this important platform, tional research project also involv- this year, and the flag designed Foreign Ministry and Kazakhstan dedicated to the 20th anniversary decided that the nation’s strength- where decisions are made that in- ing a leading Danish laboratory. Astana Making “Excellent” Progress on EXPO 2017, BIE Chief Says By Michelle Witte

ASTANA – Secretary General of the International Expositions Bu- reau (BIE) Vicente Loscertales said Astana was making “excellent” progress in preparations for EXPO 2017 during a March 19 press con- ference in the Kazakh capital’s Central Communications Service. Loscertales was in town for a two- day visit to meet with officials and assess the country’s progress on the multi-year project. “The management of the expo site is a model for future expos and for future construction pro- BIE Secretary General Vicente Loscertales (c) briefs the press on March 19, jects,” Loscertales said at the press with the chairman of the board of Astana EXPO 2017 and the EXPO 2017 conference, in which First Deputy national commisioner. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commissioner of EXPO 2017 for promoting the country, the capi- seemed to be advancing well. “The Rapil Zhoshybayev and Chairman tal and the expo. ideas and the way they are devel- of the Board of the Astana EXPO Zhoshybayev said the expo oping, I found that very positive 2017 National Company Talgat would be an engine driving tourism and very attractive for the visitors,” Yermegiyayev also participated. “I to Kazakhstan, and said the state Loscertales said of the plans he had am convinced that we are going to expects to receive about 5 million seen. be not only within the schedule that visitors to EXPO 2017. He said he The secretary general counselled was proposed, but also that we are had recently met with Secretary maintaining a balance of science and going to be in certain aspects a lit- General of the UN World Tour- entertainment, and for Kazakhstan to tle bit ahead of schedule.” ism Organisation (UNWTO) Taleb keep “strict control” over the quality Due to belt-tightening across Rifai, who praised Kazakhstan’s of the content and the attractiveness the board, the budget for the expo tourism potential and is now con- of the presentation, in response to has been cut, Yermegiyayev con- sidering holding a UNWTO event requests for advice. “Expos need to firmed in response to questions in Astana in 2017. Talks have also have a serious and interesting theme, after Loscertales’s remarks. “The been held with ministers of tour- but they also need to be entertaining. National Budget Commission ism in other countries, migration … My advice now is to keep a good has cut the budget of the exhibi- and immigration reforms are be- balance between quality of the con- tion by 10 billion tenge [US$53.8 ing considered and communication cept and attractiveness of the presen- million], of which 7 billion tenge with tour operators in key countries tation,” he said. [US$37.6 million] comes from including China, Germany, Russia, During a meeting with Mayor of construction and 3 billion tenge the U.K., France, Japan and other Astana Adilbek Zhaksybekov be- [US$16.1 million] [were ear- countries is open, Zhoshybayev re- fore the press conference, the BIE marked] for public relations and ported. secretary general discussed the entertainment,” he said. President The expo’s legal framework, city’s plans for new transport infra- of Kazakhstan Nursultan Naz- which must be approved by the Ka- structure for the event, including arbayev announced that the coun- zakh government and the BIE, is new roads, bus stations, rail way try would enter ‘savings mode’ in “advancing,” Loscertales said. “We stations, parking areas and a new February and called for a number have made progress toward that airport terminal. The mayor also of large scale budget cuts, includ- and we hope that this framework announced plans to build a new ing to EXPO 2017. will be prepared for the end of this 50 megawatt solar power plant, However, Loscertales said that year,” he said. He had discussed which is scheduled to be put into participation was on schedule and legal issues with Prime Minister operation in the first quarter of said he expected participation tar- of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov 2016. Apartments, hotels and en- gets for 2015 to be met. Zhoshy- earlier in the day, Loscertales said, tertainment venues are also slated bayev noted that 19 countries had commending Massimov for his on- to be built. At the press conference, confirmed their participation in the going support for EXPO 2017. Loscertales thanked the mayor for event so far and that more were Loscertales was also given an his spirit of openness and coopera- expected to join over the course of opportunity to check on the the- tion on the project. the year. With the launch of EXPO matic pavilions. He noted that all “Since I arrived, my first impres- 2015 in Milan will come an oppor- the project tenders have been won sion is of the rapid evolution of the tunity for Kazakhstan to drum up and now it only remains to see de- city,” Loscertales said to open the interest in its own expo, Loscertales tailed plans in a few months’ time. press conference. “The expo site said, saying Kazakhstan’s pavilion The secretary general said the de- has progressed … in a very effi- would be an important mechanism sign of the thematic pavilions also cient and impressive manner.” B7 Nation&Capital Sports

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 First Kazakhstan Formula 3 Racer Completes Testing in Malaysia conditions and high-quality of in 2:27.0 and in the final session, By Dmitry Lee the track.The cars are good and she rounded the circuit in 2:25.5, the people are great too,” An- breaking her target in the process. The first ever Formula 3 race car dreyeva’s manager Daniil An- Lyubov has great motivation and from Kazakhstan and the first ever dreyev said in an interview with focus and completed two days of female Formula 3 racer from there, the Astana Times. testing without making any mis- Lyubov Andreyeva, continue to “We want to win the upcoming takes. The team can see her basic impress the world of racing and Formula 3 Masters Russia season talent and understand the areas that represent Kazakhstan in another this year that will start in April. It she requires coaching in, an Asia elite world championship, having will have nine stages and we are Cup Series recommendation report successfully completed the Sepang determined to win the champion- stated. test drive on March 17 and getting ship,” Andreyev stressed. The Asia Cup Series, formerly noticed by the Formula BMW Pa- “The aim for the second day in known as the BMW Formula Tal- cific 2008 champion Ross Jami- the car was to lap the circuit in ent Cup, is a single-seat junior For- son. less than 2 minutes and 26 sec- mula series, where young, talented “This was a pre-season test onds. [Andreyeva] made big gains drivers are discovered and then re- for Lyubov. [We chose] Sepang, during the morning sessions, con- cruited by the world’s best racing as many European pilots do, be- stantly working with [Jamison] to franchises. Among the numerous cause it’s a popular racing series improve her driving. During the racers was current Formula 1 racer and because of the good weather third heat, she completed the track Nico Rosberg. Kazakh Skater Secures Kazakh Journalists Win Country’s First World Cup Int’l Sports Journalism Podium in 15 years Awards in Moscow By Damir Serikbayev The prize for the best photograph among Vice President of the Associa- foreign photojournalists went to Kazakh tion of Sports Press of Kazakhstan Mikhail Vasilyev won the award Stanislav Filippov, whose works have been for the best foreign television story at the recent fourth Energy of Vic- published by global news agencies, such as tories sports journalist competition Agence France-Presse and RIA Novosti. in Moscow. The competition was sponsored by Gazprom. of prominent representatives of the Fizkult-revue about athlete Svet- The prize for the best photograph sports press, such as Nikolai Dol- lana Makeyeva. among foreign photojournalists gopolov, Igor Rabiner and Andrei “This work is very humane,” went to Kazakh Stanislav Filippov, Golovanov. Chairman of the jury said Gusev. whose works have been published was popular Russian television In his words, the story is notable by global news agencies, such as commentator Viktor Gusev. for its heroine. She is gentle, but Agence France-Presse and RIA Vasilyev presented a story, at the same time strong. Although, Novosti. which was broadcast in the frame- there were many works about ath- event behind Heather Richardson am even more delighted. I don’t The jury of the contest consisted work of the television programme letes with disabilities, this work By Dmitry Lee and Brittany Bowe of the U.S. know what history pages it will stood out for its drama. Aidova won the first podium go into, but this day was hap- Vasilyev noted that he was told Kazakh speed skater Yekat- for Kazakhstan since the 2000- pier than all other at the World about the award on his birthday erina Aidova from Karaganda 2001 season, according to the Cups,” Aidova said. and it was a nice gift for him. secured third position and took zakon.kz website that inter- The Kazakh skater finished Filippov said he was surprised bronze during the International fourth four times during the that his work was acknowledged by Astana World Cup stage in front a distinguished jury. “I have never AIDOVA: ‘‘We hadn’t won a medal in 15 of her home crowd and said that participated in any international falling just short of a podium fin- competitions, so I wanted to deter- years at World Cups? I didn’t know that. ish helped her stay motivated to mine my professional level, whether break her own record to get on I can compete with photographers Now I am even more delighted.’’ the podium this time in the finals. from other countries,” Filippov said. viewed the skater right after the In the men’s competition, top Russian and foreign Russian- Skating Union (ISU) World event. Kazakh skater Denis Kuzin pulled speaking media journalists took Cup finals in Erfurt, Germany, “Seriously? We hadn’t won out of the event citing health rea- part in the contest. Out of 400 March 21-22. a medal in 15 years at World sons and saying that his season had works submitted, 85 were selected Aidova finished the 500-metre Cups? I didn’t know that. Now I ended. for the final round of judging. Combat Sports Canada, Kazakhstan Practice Diplomacy Confederation to on Ice with Friendly Hockey Match By Arsen Dilim Intensify Efforts ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Canada recently carried out a lit- tle diplomacy on ice when mem- bers of the Astana city adminis- for 2016 Olympics tration and the Canadian embassy in Astana met on the ice at the By Kseniya Voronina Kazakhstan Sports Palace for a hockey match to commemorate Confederation of Combat Sports the anniversary of the establish- and Powerlifting Chairman Timur ment of Kazakh-Canadian diplo- Kulibayev directed members of matic relations. the confederation during a March At the beginning of the match, 12 confederation meeting to inten- the players were greeted by the sify their preparations for the 2016 headof the Sports Department of Olympic Games. Astana Berik Marzhykpayev and New Confederation Director Ambassador of Canada to Ka- General Daniar Abulgazin was zakhstan Shawn Steil. also introduced at the meeting. He The Astana city administra- took the position after the resigna- tion team dominated the match Timur Kulibayev tion of Saken Musaibekov, who early, pulling to a 7:0 lead after was appointed by governmental The confederation also pays the first period. The Astana team decree to the position of Vice- special attention to the prevention also had a little help in the form Minister of Culture and Sports of and detection of illicit use of drugs of the play of Barys professional Kazakhstan.. by athletes. Therefore, the current hockey team General Manager The confederation meeting ad- year was declared the “Year of and former professional hockey dressed training quality, general Sport Medicine Development and player Nurlan Orazbayev.The preparations of the national team the Fight against Doping.” The Canadians were able to make it for the Olympics as well as im- president of the confederation di- a match, however, scoring five proving judicial qualifications and rected that cutting-edge science be unanswered goals in the second the participation of Kazakh judges used in that effort. period. as part of the judicial delegation at In August, Kazakhstan will host But with home ice advantage the 2016 Olympic Games. Con- a World Judo Championship in and the skills of a former profes- federation members also discussed Astana. In this regard, the Judo sional player, the home team ulti- developing international coop- Federation of Kazakhstan was mately prevailed 10:7. Relations eration and improving the English given precise instructions on the between the two cold-weather language skills of judges, coaches preparation and organisation of the nations are not reported to have and athletes. upcoming event. suffered. Canadian and Kazakh government workers face off on the ice in Astana. B8 Nation&Capital capital FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 Kazakh Restaurateurs Trending with “Made In Kazakhstan” Foodstuffs

Chefs and staff at Astana’s Radisson Hotel Guests at Astana’s Dorogaya Ya Perezvonyu (Darling, I’ll Call Back) restaurant. Photograph: ppz.kz Continued from Page B1 Although chefs want to use Ka- timely delivery and freshness,” he zakhstan always had a reputation tured by Kazakhstan producers. er starts production of this sort of zakh products, the “Made in Ka- added. for its meat delicacies, fruits and But of course this ratio depends on cheese, we will be glad to purchase “The support of domestic pro- zakhstan” promotion can be lim- Radisson Hotel chief cook Sunil wheat. Many foreign guests leave the menu. Our restaurant gives the it,” he said. ducers is an important contribu- ited by a lack of particular items. Gopal noted he is proud of the food the state thrilled to bits because of opportunity to use foodstuffs made Radisson Public Relations Co- tion to the development of our “I consider that limitation or pro- he can prepare in his restaurant us- the variety of natural products that in Kazakhstan. For example, Ger- ordinator Anastassiya Kazantseva state’s economy. We are always hibition could negatively affect my ing local products. are produced in Kazakhstan. Many man small sausages on our menu noted that using local items is a honest with our guests and we business, because there is no re- “First of all, it is a reasoned of them admit that bread and flour are made in Kazakhstan and they perfect way to publicise the excel- consider that the sale of imported placement for some imported prod- choice of fresh foodstuffs for the products are the most delicious in are made of Pavlodar meat. But we lence of Kazakh products. products under the pretense of ucts. So such limitation or prohibi- representatives of the restaurant- this country thanks to the special almost never purchase Kazakhstan “We came in contact with many domestic products not only limits tion can be legal only if we have hotel business. Guests must always climate and conditions in which the cheese, [we] use imported ones, be- domestic producers of foodstuffs consumers’ rights for free choice, any alternatives for such imported get high-quality and fresh products. wheat is grown. There is no guest cause Kazakhstan producers don’t during the years of our hotel’s op- but it is also a cheat. A guest must products,” said Akhunov. Patriotism manifests itself exactly who is indifferent to our meat deli- manufacture some sorts of cheese eration. Test by experience and always get the best, because when “Kazakhstan foodstuffs are high in the support of domestic produc- cacies. We really have foodstuffs to we need according to our recipes. time is the best advertisement of he lives in a hotel, he gets impres- quality and our producers don’t use ers,” he said in an interview with be proud of and we gladly support For example, mozzarella cheese. I quality and complete conformance sions about the state of where he chemicals and genetically modi- The Astana Times on March. 19. domestic producers,” Gopal added. really don’t know why our produc- to all standards for us. Thanks to is living. This is an outstanding fied organisms, even if they aren’t “Touring the culture and cus- Akhunov provided insight into ers don’t manufacture it, because such cooperation, our guests get opportunity for our domestic pro- always cheaper than imported toms of a state when you arrive his menu. it is very popular and every fourth only the best,” she said in an in- ducers to demonstrate the wealth ones. The usage of imported prod- for the first time always starts “In our restaurant we use up to client wants to eat a salad with this terview with The Astana Times on of Kazakhstan,” he said. ucts also leads to difficulties with with its traditional cuisine. Ka- 90 percent of products manufac- cheese. If any Kazakhstan produc- March. 19. Asian Country Governors, Mayors Capital’s Police Outreach Campaign Briefed on Astana Transportation Seeks to Prevent Teen Crime “Teenager – Law – Security” was cars equipped with digital video By Malika Orazgaliyeva launched on March 16 and sought recorders (DVRs). Management Progress toprevent juvenile delinquency, in- DIA Cynological Service Cen- During the forum, the Kazakh the efficiency of urban transport ASTANA – Employees of the crease legal literacy and teach safe tre search dogs also demonstrated By Malika Orazgaliyeva representatives informed interna- in the capital, the delegation re- Astana Department of Internal driving techniques. their skills to the students. tional participants about current ported. Affairs (DIA) Office for Adminis- High school and college students Students also visited special in- Bangkok was the site of the third development trends in Astana and According to the statement of trative Police together with repre- were able get acquainted with the stitutions for teenagers who have Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) for the achievements of the young the Akimat (town council), due to sentatives of state agencies, social work of police and visit the DIA mu- broken the law. According to Sen- governors and mayors March 11- capital. preparations for the international workers and school psychologists seum, where they learned about the ior Inspector on Special Assign- 13. This year’s theme, “ASEM A hot topic of discussion was exhibition, the organisation of recently launched a campaign al- history of the department. They were ments of Astana DIA Larissa Kras- Goes Local: Innovation and Regen- the sphere of transport and traffic Astana’s public transport will sig- lowing teens to visit with police also able to receive answers to legal nikova, this method offers positive eration,” focused on the four major management. In this context, the nificantly change by 2017. officers in an effort to steer teens questions from the police officers. results because the strict appear- topics of disaster management, re- Kazakh delegation presented de- Foreign delegates expressed the away from crime, according to an Highway patrol police officers ance of the guards, conditions and sponse to environmental problems, tails about the new Astana trans- intention to expand cooperation Astana city administration press also told the young people about atmosphere of such institutions traffic and transport management, port system project, which con- in the structure of ASEM, both at release. their work, as well as demon- demonstrate the consequences of as well as tourism management and sists of three complementary and the intergovernmental and inter- The two-day campaign called strated their equipment and patrol violating the law. cultural diversity. integrated high-tech systems: light regional levels. In his opening speech, Bangkok rail transit (LRT), bus rapid tran- In the framework of the forum, Governor Sukumband Paribatra sit (BRT) and intelligent transport the Kazakh delegation also held a stressed the importance of coop- system. A portion of the 21-kilo- bilateral meeting with Paribatra, eration between Asia and Europe metre LRT will join Astana Inter- during which the sides discussed in the context of globalisation and national Airport, the exhibition the current state of cooperation current geopolitical events. He area for EXPO 2017 and a new between Astana and Bangkok also separately welcomed the dele- railway station. An electronic tick- and agreed to further develop and gation from Astana, a new member eting system will soon be intro- deepen the partnership between of ASEM. duced, which will greatly enhance the capitals. Astana Symposium Examines Kazakhstan’s New Civil Service Model In his opening remarks, agen- to provide for the country’s sus- By Serik Krymbekov cy Deputy Chairman Sayan tainable growth and stability. Akhmetzhanov noted that during Chairman of the Steering Com- ASTANA – The Kazakh Agen- the Nur Otan Party’s 16th Con- mittee of the Regional hub of cy on Civil Service Affairs and gress, the head of state determined Civil Service in Astana Alikhan Anti-Corruption with the support the formation of modern, pro- Baimenov said that “international of the Regional Hub of Civil Ser- fessional and autonomous state experts note that as of today, Ka- vice organised a March 13 sym- apparatus, ensuring qualitative zakhstan is considered to be a rec- posium concerning the country’s implementation of economic pro- ognised leader in the field of civil civil service model. The sympo- grammes and provision of public service reform. Development of sium was held in the Academy services as a primary institutional civil service is a prime example of Public Administration and in- reform. He also stressed that the of consistent and progressive re- cluded participation of leading policy of the agency is aimed at form based on the strategic vision international experts and repre- professionalising the state appa- and political will of Nursultan sentatives of authorised civil ser- ratus on the basis of meritocracy Nazarbayev, the President of our vice bodies. principles and talent management state.” In his presentation, Maximilian Foedinger, key expert of the Eu- ropean Union project Civil Ser- vice Reform and Modernisation of the Government of Kazakhstan (CSR), spoke about the main re- sults of civil service reform imple- mented in the country and shared his views on improving its civil service model. Additional reports were deliv- ered by Associate Professor Rex Feyser (USA), CIVICA Asia-Pa- cific General Manager Sukhvinder Singh Chopra (Singapore) and Na- tional Union of Human Resource Management CEO Alexander Participants at the March 13 symposium on Kazakhstan’s civil service model. Turchinov (Russia).