+26° / +11°C WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 No 8 (122) www.astanatimes.com President lays out principles for Kazakhstan attracts modernisation of nation’s identity record amount of foreign By Aigerim Seisembayeva ASTANA – Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev published investment in 2016 April 12 a wide-ranging policy ar- By Zhazira Dyussembekova of Kazakh enterprises by direct ticle, “Course towards the future: investment increased $5.1 billion modernisation of Kazakhstan’s iden- ASTANA – In 2016, the gross against $3.8 billion in 2015, which tity” in national newspapers outlin- inflow of the foreign direct in- is a 35 percent decrease, according ing steps for modernisation of social vestments (FDI) in Kazakhstan to ranking.kz. norms and priorities alongside the reached new heights, growing 40 The volume of debts of Kazakh political and economic modernisa- percent compared to 2015 and sur- companies to foreign investors is tions announced in January. passing the previous record from $10.6 billion, or 5 percent less than “I am sure that the large-scale re- 2008, according to the National in the previous year. forms that we launched should be Bank of Kazakhstan. The main recipients of FDI were continued with advanced modernisa- The record inflow of foreign di- the mining industry, geological ex- tion of nation’s conscience. It won’t rect investment in 2016 was the ploration and processing. just complement the political and main source of financing of Ka- The growth of the indicator sig- economic modernisation, but will be zakhstan’s balance of payments, nals a return of interest from for- its core,” the article reads. according to a statement by the eign investors, which weakened in The three components of na- bank. 2013-2015 amid the crisis changes tional modernisation have one com- According to the financial regu- in the local economy, according to mon goal – to enter the world’s 30 lator, in 2016 the gross inflow of ranking.kz. most-developed countries. In Naz- FDI to Kazakhstan was $20.6 bil- The top four investors include arbayev’s opinion, it is impossible lion, while in 2015 it was $14.8 the Netherlands, the United States, to become an advanced country pre- billion. Switzerland and France. serving old models of consciousness The gross inflow of FDI has According to ranking.kz, last and thinking. It is important to adapt been growing steadily since 2007, year the Netherlands showed a to new conditions and take the best but declined by 17 percent in 2013. significant increase in interest in of what the new era offers. In 2014, the decrease slowed by 2 financing projects in Kazakhstan. percent and in 2015 it fell even The gross inflow of related invest- “That is why I decided to share my President Nursultan Nazarbayaev met with residents of Astana during an impromptu tour of the city on April 25 following a vision of how we can take a step to- major meeting devoted to its development and the status of preparations for EXPO 2017. See additional reporting on Page B6. more – by 38 percent. So, last ments increased by almost $2 bil- wards the future together and change year’s result was particularly sig- lion, or 33 percent. But at the same the nation’s conscience to become a teristics. This does not mean keep- individual guiding principle. the Kazakh language to the Roman nificant. time, the share of their investments united nation of strong and responsi- ing everything – both the things “We must clearly understand alphabet. “One of the components of the in the structure of FDI decreased ble people,” he wrote. that drive people into the future the lessons of history. The time of “In December 2012, in my annu- FDI inflow was the earnings rein- to 37 percent from 39 percent. He singled out several directions and the things that drag them revolutions is not over. And while al state of the nation address to the vested by non-residents. And their Direct investors from Switzer- where he proposed to modernise the back. The nation has to use its best they have changed greatly in their people of Kazakhstan ‘Kazakhstan volume exceeded $4.9 billion in land also increased the inflow of mindset of the nation and its people. traditions as prerequisites and im- form and content, our whole recent – 2050’, I said that we need to be- 2016. With the growth of incomes funds into the economy of Ka- portant conditions for success. A history says directly and unam- gin switching to the Roman alpha- of joint Kazakhstan enterprises, zakhstan by $724 million, their number of archaic habits should biguously: only evolutionary de- bet starting 2025,” he said. foreign investors increased the share in the gross volume of in- Competitiveness be left behind. velopment gives nations a chance By 2025, Kazakhstan will begin share of their income left in the vestments is 13 percent. Investors Society and individuals can succeed for prosperity. Otherwise, we will using the Roman alphabet in docu- country to finance the production from the United States increased only by developing their competitive- once again find ourselves in a his- mentation, periodicals, textbooks activity of enterprises,” the Na- the volume of direct investments ness in not only material things, but Cult of knowledge torical trap,” the President said. and other official forms of commu- tional Bank noted. In 2015, inves- for the year by $652 million, but also in knowledge, intellectual prod- Education should be the number nication to better accommodate the tors’ losses were $272 million. the share of their participation in ucts and quality of human resources. one priority and key value for the technological environment, commu- During the last year, the par- the economy decreased from 19 “That is why each Kazakh and nation. Only highly educated peo- Open-mindedness nications, scientific and educational ticipation of investors in capital percent to 17 percent. the nation in general should pos- ple capable of switching profes- Open-mindedness means at least processes, the President wrote. sess a set of qualities fit for the sions thanks to an elevated level of three peculiarities of conscience: Nazarbayev tasked the govern- 21st century. Among those quali- education will be able to live suc- - understanding what is going on ment to elaborate a transition time- ties are computer literacy, foreign cessfully in such conditions. in the world and in the region; table. By the end of 2017, the gov- language proficiency and cultural “The cult of education should be - being ready for changes that the ernment is to adopt a single standard openness,” Nazarbayev says. universal. And there is a crystal- technological revolution brings; version of the new Kazakh alphabet EBRD updates Kazakh clear reason for that. Half of exist- - being able to adopt others’ ex- (a task made important by the pres- ing professions will cease to exist perience and learn from others. In ence of numerous sounds in the Pragmatism in the upcoming decades because this regard, Nazarbayev sets the Kazakh language that cannot be This implies knowledge of na- of the technological revolution,” examples of the two great Asian simply identified by a single or sim- strategy to reflect green tional and personal resources, their Nazarbayev stresses. nations, Japan and China. ple Roman letter). In 2018, training economical use and ability to plan. The President emphasises that to teach the new alphabet will start, “The ability to live rationally with not being open-minded means not and textbooks will be prepared for Evolutionary, not revo- being able to see the bigger picture secondary schools. economy transition an emphasis on achieving real goals, on education, healthy lifestyle and and predict the future. During the adaptation period, the is fully committed continuing our lutionary development of By Dmitry Lee professional success is the pragma- modified Cyrillic alphabet, currently close collaboration,” he noted. tism in behaviour,” the article reads. Kazakhstan in use, will also be applicable. According to Preimanis, EBRD Kazakhstan has felt the positive Specific Projects The second project is called the ASTANA – The European Bank develops new country strategies and negative impacts from revolu- In addition to ideological prin- “New humanitarian knowledge. for Reconstruction and Devel- regularly, to reflect evolving pri- Preserving national identity tions on its territory over the 20th ciples, Nazarbayev noted specific One hundred new textbooks in opment (EBRD) is updating its orities of the government and the This means preserving the in- century and believes evolutionary, projects aimed at implementing the Kazakh language” project in Kazakhstan strategy to highlight lender. ner core of national identity while rather than revolutionary develop- those principles. the social and human sciences. Kazakhstan’s Green Economy “The new Kazakhstan Coun- changing only some of its charac- ment, should be a collective and The first project is to transition Continued on Page A2 Transition as an example for other try Strategy is expected to be ap- countries. Energy, resource effi- proved in July 2017 and it will run ciency and climate change mitiga- for a four-year period from 2017 tion will remain EBRD’s focus for until 2021,” he said. the next four years. The EBRD will be represented “The priorities of EBRD in in force during EXPO 2017, the Prime Minister promotes IT Kazakhstan for 2017-21 period Ministerial Conference, Astana reflect a significant increase in Economic Forum and the Foreign investments over the last three Investors Council, which will be years, which have made it the sec- co-chaired by the EBRD President cooperation during U.S. visit ond largest country of operation Sir Suma Chakrabarti. tion exchange between Kazakhstan cy in Kazakhstan and opportunities Advisors, AGCO, AES, Black and in 2016,” EBRD Director for Ka- Currently, the EBRD invites “the By Malika Orazgaliyeva and Silicon Valley, help develop to implement joint projects, attract Veatch and American Industrial zakhstan Agris Preimanis told The public to give its views on policies Kazakh start-ups in the region and investments, finance infrastructure Acquisition Corporation. Astana Times. and strategies,” commenting on its ASTANA­­ – Kazakh Prime access the latest innovations and projects and manage assets. The prime minister also wit- “The bank plans to continue sig- website that the EBRD manage- Minister Bakhytzhan Sagintayev companies to develop business and He also met with representatives nessed the signing of an agreement nificant investments in the country ment reviews all public comments discussed opportunities for coop- attract investment in Kazakhstan. of leading companies in artificial for launching organic food produc- in the forthcoming strategy period, and advises the board of directors. eration within Kazakhstan’s third Also in San Francisco, the prime intelligence, education, financial tion with worldwide distributor of as well as to continue providing “The EBRD takes this consul- stage modernisation with leading minister participated in the Pro- and mobile technologies, empha- fruits Rahal Foods. Agreements support to the Government, the tation into account in shaping its American innovation companies ject: Collider technology forum, sising that Kazakhstan needs to on attracting investments into the National Bank, the Astana Interna- assessments and decisions on poli- during an April 11-14 visit to the where he urged innovation compa- work with advanced companies production of technological equip- tional Financial Centre and other cies and strategies, alongside feed- United States. nies to participate in Kazakhstan’s and global venture funds to mod- ment in Kazakhstan were reached stakeholders with the implementa- back by shareholder governments, During visits to New York and economic modernisation. ernise its economy. during meeting with OSI Systems, tion of the key reforms. The EBRD clients and other interested parties, San Francisco, Sagintayev pro- Sagintayev also met during his Sagintayev also discussed coop- Pfizer and GE Transportation. will continue to work hand in hand and draft policies and strategies moted cooperation in IT technolo- trip to the United States with rep- eration in the development of tele- Kazakh representatives also with the government and private may be amended accordingly,” the gies, engineering, energy, mining, resentatives of the United States’ communications infrastructure and signed a memorandum of under- sector in the country on the imple- statement quotes, adding that the chemical, food and processing, tel- largest financial institutions, includ- the Astana International Financial standing between Zerde and Cisco mentation of third stage of coun- deadline for comments is May 22. ecommunications, transport, con- ing Citigroup, MasterCard, Berk- Centre (AIFC) with former New to finance pilot projects on self- try’s modernisation, which will In the meantime, EBRD notes struction and education. ley, Morgan Stanley, Black Rock, York mayors Rudolph Giuliani service kiosks to deliver public provide a new impetus to reform “significant downside risks” for In San Francisco, Sagintayev Goldman Sachs, rating agencies and Michael Bloomberg. services in remote regions. process in the country,” he noted. the country in its draft. Kazakh- witnessed the signing of an Standard&Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s Following the meeting with A memorandum was also signed “In 2016, we invested more than stan’s economic growth has been agreement between Kazakh Na- and Fitch Group, as well as Grey- Bloomberg, the parties also signed following a visit to the IBM Wat- $1 billion in Kazakhstan, making recovering slowly, the draft says, tional Infocommunication Hold- lock Capital Management, Ameri- an agreement to open a Bloomberg son West Centre in San Francisco it the second largest country of op- from 1.2 percent in 2015, com- ing Zerde, Almaty’s Autonomous can International Group (AIG), office and TV channel in Astana. between IBM and ACP PIT to cre- eration. We have worked closely pared to 4.3 percent in 2014, rea- Cluster Fund “Park of Innovative Guggenheim International, Al- Sagintayev also discussed ef- ate a laboratory within the start-up with the government on supporting soning with the “plunge in oil pric- Technologies” (ACF PIT) and liance Bernstein, Public Capital forts to attract new investments hub in Astana to research financial their reform efforts in areas such as es, recession in Russia, slowdown Global Venture Alliance (GVA) Advisors and the Business Coun- and technologies to Kazakhstan and smart city technologies for tariffs in regulated sectors, priva- in China and weaker domestic de- to open an innovation office in cil of International Understanding with leading U.S. companies, such urban construction and operation tisation, green economy and crea- mand. Silicon Valley. (BCIU). The participants discussed as I Scuared Capital, General Elec- management. tion of the Astana International Fi- The office will facilitate informa- the global economy, economic poli- tric, Grace, Robotti & Company Continued on Page A4 nancial Centre (AIFC). The EBRD Continued on Page A4

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIALS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Kazakhstan’s anti-corruption legislation may Kazakhstan to increase lamb exports Education, individuals are the keys SULEIMENOV: Kazakhstan’s Modernisation New Astana railway station become model for post-Soviet countries, say to China A4 to Kazakhstan’s continuing success A6 3.0 is to create a completely new, non- set to open June 1 B1 experts A2 commodity economic model, minister says A7 AIFC to launch its international stock Kazakhstan’s embrace of diversity President praises EXPO Security agencies prevented 12 terrorist exchange in fall A5 helps build national unity A6 SMOLYAKOV: National Bank has clear preparations B6 attacks in recent years A2 vision of banking sector development A7

US$ 1 = 311.89 KZT € 1 = 339.02 KZT 1 = 5.59 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017

NATIONAL Kazakhstan’s anti-corruption legislation may NEWS IN BRIEF The 27th congress of the World So- ciety of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons (WSCTS) will be held Sept. become model for post-Soviet countries, say experts 1-3 as part of Astana EXPO 2017, right direction. It means that Ka- corruption-related crimes. For ex- according to the Astana EXPO 2017 By Zhanna Shayakhmetova zakhstan is doing the right thing and ample, the number of individuals national company’s press release. that the international community is prosecuted for mediating a bribe “Every year, the WSCTS organising ASTANA – Transparency In- taking notice that Kazakhstan is on increased by 200 percent in the pe- committee selects a location three ternational, the leading civil soci- the right track,” said Pelizzo. riod 2012-2015 and the number of years ahead for the congress. Ka- ety organisation fighting corruption The 2012-2015 anti-corruption individuals prosecuted for offering zakhstan is the first country hosting worldwide, released its Corruption strategy focused on shifting from bribes increased by 226 percent in the WSCTS Congress among the Perceptions Index (CPI) at the end punishing to preventing corruption, the same time span, while the num- post-Soviet countries. The congress of January concerning the level of said Zhuldyz Davletbayeva, head of ber of individuals prosecuted for will become a large-scale platform, perceived corruption for 176 coun- the anti-corruption research scien- accepting a bribe increased by 132 where more than 1,000 professionals tries. Kazakhstan’s score improved tific centre at the President’s Acad- percent,” she said. from 50 countries gather together,” by one point to 29, moving the na- emy of Public Administration. A Kazakhstan is hoping to reduce said the statement. Live discussions, tion from 135th to 131st place. law “On preventing corruption” has the level of corruption even more master classes and training with the The Kazakh government has paid participation of more than 50 leading Riccardo Pelizzo Zhuldyz Davletbayeva for the first time provided such in- in 2017. In his annual address to the considerable attention to fighting stitutions as preventing corruption, nation, President Nursultan Naz- cardiothoracic surgeons are expected. corruption in contrast to many gov- several of the steps taken by the to fighting corruption, both the anti-corruption monitoring, corrup- arbayev noted the need to intensify ernments that in the past few years government of Kazakhstan in recent Worldwide Governance Indicators tion risks analysis and forming an efforts in identifying and eliminat- A Lithuanian representative office have paid little attention to curbing years. From the moment of gaining and Global Competitiveness Index anti-corruption culture. ing the causes of corruption. Many opened April 15 in Aktau, with Marat it, according to Nazarbayev Univer- independence, Kazakhstan has pur- acknowledged in 2015 that the level Through implementing large- anti-corruption efforts will depend Ormanov appointed as Lithuanian sity Graduate School of Public Pol- posefully and consistently attempt- of corruption in Kazakhstan had de- scale reforms as part of the 100 on the whole society’s active par- Honorary Consul in the region, re- icy Vice Dean for Academic Affairs ed to adopt international standards, creased, while the estimates gener- Concrete Steps, the approaches and ticipation. With the growth of social ported Kapital.kz. “The cooperation Professor Riccardo Pelizzo. mechanisms and institutions to ated by Transparency International nature of the modern anti-corrup- networks and other media resourc- between Lithuania and the Mangistau “One of the key messages that monitor, detect, sanction and deter indicated there was no difference tion legislation have dramatically es, growing and comprehensive region goes in different directions: Transparency International high- corruption,” he added. in the level from 2012-2015. The changed. Kazakh legislation in the non-acceptance should be a power- from cheese supplies to construction lighted in presenting its CPI scores A programme to combat corrup- result for some commentators was field of preventing corruption has ful tool in combating corruption. materials distribution. There is also for 2016 was that the number of tion with the application of concrete somewhat inconsistent with all the become, in fact, a model for post- “It means that Kazakhstan will a prospect for logistics and tourism countries in which corruption had measures to eliminate the causes anti-corruption activities the author- Soviet countries, experts claim. continue to implement policies that development. The opening of the increased from 2015 to 2016 ex- and conditions of corruption was ities conducted. The commission on fighting it has already launched, will have to representative office and the appoint- ceeded the number of countries in implemented in 2001. The anti- “The newly-released 2016 CPI against corruption under the Presi- launch new initiatives and will have ment of a consul in the Mangistau which the level of corruption had corruption measures are included in shows, however, that even Trans- dent and the Agency for Civil a chance to showcase to its citizens region will become a reliable bridge instead declined. Transparency In- a number of legislative acts regulat- parency International now acknowl- Service Affairs and Fighting Cor- and to the international community in strengthening the commodity-eco- ternational marked that it was a ing public procurement, taxation, edges that the level of corruption in ruption are essential to effectively the results it has achieved so far. nomic and cultural ties between Ka- worrisome result and urged gov- customs, licensing and other areas. Kazakhstan has declined and/or is applying the anticorruption strategy. Better communication of what Ka- zakhstan and Lithuania,” said Lithu- ernments to be more committed to Kazakhstan has joined the United declining. The decline is not large. “The anti-corruption national bu- zakhstan has been able to achieve anian Ambassador to Kazakhstan curbing corruption,” he told The Nations Convention against Cor- Kazakhstan’s score increased by reau [at the Agency] was created in the fight against corruption will Vytautas Naudužas. The trade turno- Astana Times. ruption and is an active member of one point from 28 to 29. Nonethe- for realisation of powers on the be essential to changing the level of ver between the region and Lithuania “Kazakhstan’s commitment to anti-corruption networks. less, this small improvement in the criminal law measures to prevent perceived corruption,” said Davlet- amounted to $35 million in 2016. fighting corruption is testified by Given the country’s commitment CPI score represents a step in the corruption. It actively prosecutes bayeva. Eco-Green, a robotic technology for tank cleaning, was developed by KBTU Special Mobile Company, according to Inform.kz. A state grant of four million tenge (US$12,796) Scientists, Academics Security agencies prevented 12 was allocated for the project in 2016. “Cleaning oil storage tanks is one of the main conditions for the reliabil- ity of their operation and the use of Discuss President’s Aim terrorist attacks in recent years only high-quality fuel. The proposed covered 32.1 percent of non-tradi- The readiness of regional and technical solution for cleaning tanks By Kamila Zhumabayeva tional religious movement adepts in field offices for response to terrorist provides product storage without 2016 and 90.7 percent for all years threats and minimising and relieving losing their quality. The process does of Alphabet Switch ASTANA – Kazakh Special the programme was implemented the consequences of terrorism acts not require the use of manual labour, By Dana Omirgazy Forces prevented 12 terroristic and from 2013-2017. The intentions of advanced from 89.9 percent to 91.7 which significantly reduces labour violent extremist acts in the nation 91 Kazakhstan citizens to leave for percent, noted Kapital.kz. and time costs,” said project man- ASTANA – Leading academic in the past few years. Since the start abroad to take part in armed hostili- “That being said, implementing ager Uzak Zhapbasbayev. and cultural voices met in Astana to of 2017, they have also been able to ties alongside international terrorist the programme showed the need to discuss the Kazakh President’s goal prevent a single citizen from leaving organisations were rendered abor- develop action against religious ex- A national strategy for attracting of shifting written Kazakh from the for overseas to be involved in ter- tive and supressed,” said Bilisbekov, tremism and terrorism. The analysis investments will be developed by the Cyrillic to the Latin alphabet within rorist activities, said National Secu- according to the news website. shows that the dynamics of citizens’ end of June, according to Kapital.kz. 10 years. rity Committee Deputy Chairperson As a consequence of the work con- involvement in destructive religious A monitoring system for projects will Nurgali Bilisbekov at a government ducted, 81 students were returned to movements is not decreasing. Radi- President of Kazakhstan Nursultan be also launched. “A strategy will be session in the capital, reported Ka- Kazakhstan and 177 people were di- calising the religious population of developed in cooperation with World Nazarbayev set a target for complet- pital.kz. verted from travelling to theological the country is going on, with counter ing the transition to the Latin alphabet Bank experts. It aims to provide a He added changes for the better facilities abroad. Committing terror- propaganda of ideological radical- comprehensive vision on foreign in- by 2025 in an April 12 article pub- Alima Auanassova emerged through prophylactic work, ist and other violent extremist acts ism remaining a problematic area. lished in official daily government vestment attraction and approval of re-enforcing tolerant and religious were shut out in the country during Young people, students and school the procedure for interaction and de- newspaper Egemen Kazakhstan. largely obscure historical cycle. It awareness and immunity for ideo- the reporting period. In total, 123 pupils are a basic group overtaken “The President’s foresight and vi- is impossible to occupy a place in termination of the target investment logical radicalism. radicals were convicted for terror- by counterpropaganda. The unem- sources. Promising industries and sion of the possibilities, his ability to an advanced group by preserving Preventive action on religious ex- istic and religious-extremist crimes. ployed are a covered share of other niches for attracting investments also look beyond the horizon, gives us the previous model of conscious- tremism has been enhanced at educa- The forces were unable to prevent categories; the marginal part of so- will be identified. Membership in the the prospect of further growth. This ness and mentality. Therefore, it is tional institutions, awareness-raising two terrorist acts committed by radi- ciety amounts to about 10 percent. Organisation for Economic Coopera- is the reformist spirit of our state. important to concentrate, change activities are being conducted via cals last year in Aktobe and Almaty, There is a need to systematise and tion and Development (OECD) Com- The transition from the Cyrillic to ourselves and take the best of what the E-Islam website, and the Akniet according to Bilisbekov. As a result, make a consistent effort by exposi- mittee allows Kazakhstan to intro- Latin alphabet is a gradual, objec- the new era bears in itself through rehabilitation centre, which manages conditions have been created to im- tory groups to dissuade the core au- duce advanced OECD standards and tive and logical step,” said Chief adaptation to changing condi- convicted radicals, is also operating. prove the safety of places vulnerable dience susceptible to non-traditional attract transnational companies,” said Researcher of the Institute of State tions,” he said. “Target-focused prophylactics to terrorism. and radical views,” he added. investments committee deputy chair- History Alima Auanassova at the “The first condition for a new person Yerbol Taszhurekov. April 15 roundtable on the Presi- type of modernisation is the pres- ervation of culture and its own dent’s article, “Course towards the A new rocket drop zone was national code. Without this, mod- future: modernisation of Kazakh- identified to implement the One ernisation will turn into an empty stan’s identity.” President lays out principles... World international space project sound. However, this does not “In Soviet times, during the tran- Continued from Page A1 about supporting business people, ture in the global world” project will in Kazakhstan, reported Inform.kz. sition from Latin to Cyrillic, people mean the preservation of every- officials and other people who, hav- identify the best examples of mod- “A number of measures are being underwent a very difficult process. thing in the national conscious- The project seeks to facilitate ing moved to other regions, would ern Kazakh culture, translate them taken to divert and open a new drop Our Kazakh society lost its literacy ness. … The new modernisation comprehensive education in human- like to support their region of birth. into the six languages of the UN zone in Kazakhstan to ensure the several times and was re-trained should not, as before, look arro- itarian sciences. It is to translate the The “Tugan Zher” programme and communicate them to the world. launch of Soyuz carrier rockets from anew. Now many people are con- gantly at historical experience and 100 best textbooks of the world into will be a basis for national patriot- Nazarbayev said the state and crea- the Baikonur Cosmodrome and to cerned with the question of how this traditions. On the contrary, it must Kazakh and enable youth to learn ism. Loving one’s local community tive intelligentsia should provide launch space vehicles as part of the transition passes. However, I consid- make the best traditions a prerequi- according to the best world stand- lays the groundwork for love of significant support to this project. One World project according to the er this a necessary step because we site, an important condition for the ards. In the 2018-2019 school year, country, the President wrote. “I think that 2017 should be of agreements between the aerospace must restore our connection with the success of modernisation. With- Kazakhstan is to start educating stu- Fourth, the “Spiritual holy sites critical importance: we should committee and Roscosmos. More Turkic people. We are an essential out reliance on national-cultural dents using these textbooks. of Kazakhstan” programme or “Sa- make a clear decision on what we than 600 spacecraft will be launched part of the Turkic world. We must roots, modernisation will hang in For these purposes, a non-state cral geography of Kazakhstan” will want to show to the world in the as part of the project,” said Baiterek convey our history and our culture in the air. I want it to stand firmly on National Translation Bureau will unite, in the national conscience, the cultural sphere. And we can im- project office director Oleg Balitsky. Latin records for their better percep- the ground. And this means that we be created. It is to start its work in monuments surrounding the Ulytau plement this programme in five to tion,” she continued. should take into account our his- summer 2017. and the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed seven years,” the President said. Football, volleyball and basketball Among the Kazakh experts at the tory and national traditions,” the This project will provide a quali- Yasawi, the ancient monuments of Sixth, the “100 new faces of Ka- youth leagues will be created in Shy- Taraz and many other places. zakhstan” project will tell the story discussion at the National Museum Kazakh President outlined. tatively different level of training of mkent to reduce the delinquency level “It is one of the elements of na- of 100 people from different regions, of Kazakhstan were academician According to the President, ma- personnel adapted to global com- among youth and develop healthy tional identity, that is why, for the representing different age groups Orazak Smagulov, Academic Sec- jor political and economic trans- petitiveness. And these people will lifestyle and mass sports initiatives, retary of the National Academic formations should be outpaced further become the main conduc- first time in a thousand years, we and ethnicities who have succeeded should develop and implement such during the years of independence. according to the region’s press ser- Library Taldybek Nurpeis, Scien- by the modernisation of national tors of the principles of modernisa- vice. “Sponsors can be attracted to tific Secretary of the Museum at the identity. The major reform pro- tion of consciousness – openness, a project,” Nazarbayev stated. They are to become the central He instructed the government to figures of TV documentaries and organise competitions among young Palace of Peace and Accord Aman- ject announced two years ago as- pragmatism and competitiveness. develop this project within a year role models for the people. The pro- people. Gifts including travel packag- bek Mukashev and cultural figure sumes large-scale work to be ac- Third, the “Tugan Zher” (“Home- es and scholarships will be provided land”) programme that will easily be and unite three elements in the ject is to show the real faces of those Kuandyk Shamakaiuly. They and complished by every citizen of for winners,” said Shymkent Akim translated into a wider framework of project while maintaining a dia- who are creating a modern Kazakh- other representatives of the scientific Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev believes. logue with the public: stan using their intellect, effort and (Mayor) Gabidulla Abdrakhimov. community reviewed questions re- The second part of the article con- “Tugan El” (“Home Country”). The programme will improve the - educate every citizen of Kazakh- talent. Regional projects of “100 The city has about 250,000 young lated to the article and coming tasks sists of specific tasks, including the business, educational and cultural stan on the role and place of this new faces” will also be launched. people aged 14-29, which is 27 per- for its implementation. gradual transition of the Kazakh lan- environments of Kazakhstan’s re- Cultural and Geographical Belt; “At a new break of ages, Kazakh- cent of the urban population. An ac- In the article, the President out- guage to the Latin alphabet, setting gions. It includes conducting a seri- - the mass media should be in- stan has a unique historic chance to tion plan was adopted with three main lined main directions for modernis- goals for the implementation of new ous study of local lore in the sphere volved in national information build a better future through modern- directions including developing mass ing the national identity in the 21st projects to support the humanities, of education, ecology and site im- projects in this sphere; isation and new ideas,” the President sports and supporting youth in educa- century and shared his vision of translating 100 of the world’s best provement, study of regional his- - domestic and international cul- wrote. “I am sure the people of Ka- tional institutions, crime prevention becoming a nation of intellectually educational books in the Kazakh tory, and restoration of cultural and tural tourism should be based on zakhstan, especially the young gen- among young people and preventing aware and conscious people. language, and other cultural and lit- historical monuments and cultural this project. eration, understand the importance unemployment among youth and en- “The world is beginning a new, erary programmes. sites of local significance. It is also Fifth, the “Modern Kazakh cul- of the proposed modernisation.” trepreneurial development. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26 , 2017

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan Sign Strategic In a recent interview with Eu- ronews Belgian economist, Vesa- lius College Associate Professor Munira Aminova said Kazakhstan Partnership Agreement, Border Accord is one of the most dynamically de- attention to ways to improve the le- agreement between the two Finance veloping countries in Central Asia. By Malika Orazgaliyeva gal framework for cooperation and Ministries on cooperation in fight- She attributes this to the rich natu- how to attract businesses to large ing against legalizing of revenues ral resources such as oil and gas, ASTANA – President of joint infrastructure projects. gained from illegal activities (mon- favourable investment climate, Turkmenistan Gurbanguly “The launch of the Kazakhstan- ey laundering) and the financing of business conditions and stable po- Berdymukhamedov and President Turkmenistan-Iran railway is a his- terrorism, and an agreement on co- litical situation. Throughout recent of Kazakhstan Nursultan Naz- toric event in the field of transit and operation between the Kazakhstan years, the country’s development arbayev discussed bilateral relations transport cooperation. Kazakh and National Chamber of Entrepreneurs has attracted the largest trading during Berdymukhamedov’s April Turkmen entrepreneurs should use and the Turkmenistan Chamber of partners and investors, she said. 18-19 state visit to Kazakhstan. His this advantage to strengthen mu- Commerce and Industry. “At this stage, the GDP per capita visit corresponded with the 25th tual trade turnover,” Nazarbayev Following the visit, Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan is 10 times higher anniversary of diplomatic relations stressed. awarded Berdymukhamedov the than that of neighbouring coun- between the two countries. According to Nazarbayev, water highest award for foreign lead- tries. Naturally, science, innova- During their meeting at the and energy issues, as well as acti- ers, the Order of Dostyk (Friend- tion and research have gravitated Akorda presidential residence on vation of the International Fund for ship) of first degree, for his contri- towards Kazakhstan for the last April 18, Nazarbayev congratulated Saving the Aral Sea, were a sepa- bution to securing friendship and decade because of investments in Berdymukhamedov on his victory rate topic of discussion. understanding between the two this area,” she told the media. The in the recent presidential election in “We once again confirmed that the countries. biggest investment partner is Chi- Turkmenistan. water resources of the trans-bounda- Following the official part at the na, not just for Kazakhstan but for “We highly appreciate your deci- ry rivers of Central Asia are a com- Akorda, Berdymukhamedov per- the region in general, according to sion to pay one of your first visits mon asset. The fate of millions of sonally presented three of his books Aminova. after the election to our country. people depends on their reasonable devoted to the Turkmen breed of Kazakh and Turkmen people are use. This year, Turkmenistan chairs horses, the Akhalteke, issued in the Businesspeople from Riga are bound by ties of partnership, neigh- akorda.kz Photo credit: the International Fund for Saving the Kazakh language for the first time, willing to develop trade and eco- bourhood and fraternity. For a quar- sis for further effective cooperation cooperation, as well as collabo- Aral Sea,” he said. Kazinform reported. nomic relations between Kazakh- ter of a century, our relations have between our countries. We are solv- ration in cultural, humanitarian The parties signed documents President of the Kazakh National stan and Latvia, reported Kazakh been developing on a foundation ing all border issues. We will be the and social spheres. According to including a joint statement by the Olympic Committee Timur Kuli- TV. Representatives from areas of mutual trust and support. Turk- only two countries [in Central Asia] Berdymukhamedov, the two states two presidents, a treaty on strategic bayev initiated the production of of expertise such as information menistan is an important partner that do not have any border issues are gaining a good reputation in the partnership between Kazakhstan these books in Kazakh. technology, pharmaceuticals, and ally of Kazakhstan in the re- remaining unresolved,” he said. [As international arena. They defined and Turkmenistan, an agreement on “I am doubly pleased because the tourism and architecture want to gion. Our peoples are brothers and things stand now, Kazakhstan have their positions on peace, stability demarcation of the Kazakh-Turk- presentation of my books coincides hear more about Kazakhstan’s good neighbours to each other,” signed agreements on border de- and security in the framework of men state border, an agreement be- with my state visit to your beautiful investment and export opportu- said Nazarbayev. limitation with all of its five neigh- the UN and the Organisation for tween the two governments on the country. We have been good neigh- nities, especially about the trans- Nazarbayev noted the develop- bours, Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Security and Cooperation in Eu- Kazakh-Turkmen Intergovernmen- bours and brothers over the centuries. port and logistics potential. China ment of bilateral cooperation in en- Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and rope (OSCE), he noted. tal Commission and agreements on … Our peoples highly honour race- is another huge potential market ergy, transit and transport spheres. it has now signed agreements on Nazarbayev said the Intergovern- mutual protection of confidential horses and treat them as family mem- for the expansion of business co- He also underlined existing pros- border demarcation with China and mental Commission on Economic information. bers. We have this in common. There operation, as it currently reviews pects in other areas of collaboration. Turkmenistan.] Cooperation under the chairman- The parties also signed the pro- is a saying ‘Waking up in the morn- quotas for the supply of Kazakh “Today we are signing the most Berdymukhamedov noted that ship of the two countries’ deputy gramme of cooperation between ing, greet your father and then your grain. China is one of the leaders important agreement concerning his visit to Kazakhstan is going to prime ministers will play a special the two countries’ Foreign Minis- horse’,” Berdymukhamedov said. in the volume of food produc- the strategic partnership between strengthen cooperation. role in achieving the key tasks of tries for 2017-2018, an agreement In addition, the Turkmen leader tion, but the demand supersedes Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The two presidents discussed is- bilateral cooperation. on establishing twinning relations was given a tour of the Kazakh Na- the supply. Its businesses long This agreement will serve as a ba- sues of regional and international During the talks, the parties paid between Astana and Ashgabat, an tional Museum. for organic food products, which in turn, opens doors for Kazakh suppliers.

Foreign experts recently com- mended Kazakhstan’s develop- EAEU defines macroeconomic policy, ment path in an interview with Khabar 24 news agency. UN Of- fice for South-South Coopera- tion (UNOSSC) Director Jorge establishes temporary free trade zone with Iran Chediek said that “in the last 25 and integration within the Eurasian eternal and recessions are followed sition of the heads of central banks lic of Moldova to grant it the status years, Kazakhstan has transformed By Aigerim Seisembayeva space. by growth,” Nazarbayev said. of EAEU countries. of observer state under the EAEU. its economy; it has grown impres- At the meeting of the council, The Kazakh President stressed “The council will advise the The informal meeting of CSTO sively among the fastest growing ASTANA – Two regional or- in which Moldovan President Igor that, despite the difficult conditions, EAEU authorities on financial and member states on the same day was economies in the world and in ad- ganisations in the economic and Dodon also took part as an invitee, most EAEU member states showed economic policies of member states attended by Sargsyan, Lukashenko, dition to that, it succeeded in trans- security spheres, the Eurasian Nazarbayev dwelt on the key as- an increase in economic indicators and development of concerted Nazarbayev, Atambayev, Putin, lating that extraordinary economic Economic Union (EAEU) and pects of the implementation of the last year. measures to prevent crises. Its work Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, growth into improving the quality the Collective Security Treaty treaty on the EAEU signed three “Particular optimism is prompted will be aimed at implementing as well as acting CSTO Secretary of life of its population. In addi- Organisation (CSTO), held their years ago in Astana. by the statistics of the beginning joint activities to ensure economic General Valery Semirikov. tion, Kazakhstan is an example top-level meetings April 14 in “Contractual and legal frame- of 2017. The first months of this growth and financial stability. The Development of the organisation of a country with many peoples, Bishkek, where key priorities of works have been established and year showed the volume of EAEU work of this council will be similar and deepening of cooperation in the many cultures working together development and expansion were are regularly being expanded, foreign trade has increased by 37 to the activity of the Council for Fi- security sphere were discussed. harmoniously and also becoming a defined. long- and medium-term pri- percent and mutual trade by 38 per- nancial Stability under the G20 and Nazarbayev noted that this year is big place of peace and stability in Kazakh President Nursultan orities of the organisation have cent,” Nazarbayev concluded. ECOFIN of the European Commis- a jubilee for CSTO member coun- the Central Asian region. That ex- Nazarbayev attended the meeting been defined. Free movement Also, noting the need to consoli- sion,” Nazarbayev said. tries. Congratulating the meeting ample has been recognised by its of the Supreme Eurasian Economic of goods, services, capital and date this positive trend, the head of The parties also considered the participants on the 25th anniversary election to the UN Security Coun- Council (SEEC) and the informal state singled out priority steps in issue of granting EAEU observer of the signing of the treaty, he par- cil.” Organisation for Economic meeting of the heads of CSTO labour is carried out in prac- this direction. status as there is great interest from ticularly emphasised its importance Co-operation and Development member states. tice. Together, we work in the “First, it is important to remove third countries. in ensuring national and regional (OECD) representative in Kazakh- The SEEC was also attended by economic sphere, we conduct a During the meeting, the main security, as well as in strengthening stan Edwin Lau underlined that the presidents of Armenia – Serzh coordinated policy in most im- all existing obstacles for EAEU guidelines of macroeconomic pol- the integrity of participating states. Kazakhstan is currently of interest Sargsyan, Belarus – Alexander Lu- portant sectors of the economy. development. Secondly, new trade He also drew attention to expand- to many countries. “Kazakhstan’s kashenko, Kyrgyzstan – Almazbek Contacts are being established and economic agreements should icy of the EAEU states for 2017- ing the zone of cooperation between experience is being examined Atambayev, Russia – Vladimir Pu- with various countries and in- be established with international 2018 were approved. The document worldwide,” he added. tin, as well as Chairperson of the ternational organisations,” the partners to expand sales markets provides for significant measures to the CSTO and other international Collegium of the Eurasian Eco- Kazakh President said. and increase investment. Thirdly, in improve the macroeconomic situa- institutions and organisations in the Turkish businesses and Kazakh nomic Commission (EEC) Tigran At the same time, Nazarbayev this difficult period for our econo- tion, stimulate the corporate sector field of security. investment plans crossed paths Sargsyan. noted that during its formation, the mies it is necessary to provide to increase investment, promote In addition, the members of the at the Day of Kazakhstan in Tur- A report on the implementation of EAEU had to overcome crisis situa- mutual support. Fourthly, the Anti- non-primary exports. organisation considered the possi- key, an event organised by Ka- the main directions of international tions of the global economy and the Crisis Council can become a good The meeting also adopted a docu- bility of consolidating efforts in the zakhstan’s Consulate General in activities of the Eurasian Economic challenges of a difficult geopolitical tool for overcoming crises,” Naz- ment on a temporary agreement on address regional and global chal- Turkey and the Kazakh Ministry Union (EAEU) in 2015-2016 was situation. arbayev noted. the formation of a free trade zone lenges. for Investment and Development. presented. “All of this has affected our or- He especially noted Kazakh- between the EAEU and its member At the end of the meeting, the Top managers from the Istanbul The parties discussed economic ganisation’s performance, which stan’s proposals on creating the states and Iran. heads of participating states ap- Chamber of Commerce and rep- cooperation within the EAEU as has significantly decreased in re- Council of Ministers of Economy In addition, the heads of state pointed Yuri Khachaturov the Sec- resentatives of 50 Turkish com- well as international cooperation cent years. However, crises are not and Finance, as well as the compo- considered the appeal of the Repub- retary General of the CSTO. panies had the chance to learn about Kazakhstan’s investment potential. The heads of Turkish industrial enterprises, who have been successfully working in Ka- zakhstan for many years, spoke SCO foreign ministers prepare for June summit about the privileges available By Malika Orazgaliyeva mit and to increase the organisa- China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajik- Later in the day, the Kazakh Nazarbayev noted a number of for foreign businesspeople in the tion’s international influence and istan and Uzbekistan at a meet- President received the participants issues on the SCO agenda, includ- Central Asian country. ASTANA – Shanghai Cooperation credibility. The group also ad- ing that took place at the Kazakh of the meeting, including Alimov, ing increasing efforts to approve Organisation (SCO) member state for- dressed strengthening regional Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdra- Sysoyev, Abdrakmanov, Chinese the SCO Cooperation Concept on The premiere of the Kazakh his- eign ministers met April 21 in Astana security, fighting terrorism and ex- khmanov also focused on econom- Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Kyrgyz Environmental Protection, sign the torical drama “A Road to Moth- to prepare for the June 8-9 meeting of tremism, combating drug traffick- ic and cultural-humanitarian coop- Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev, SCO Convention on Countering er” took place in Rome, reported the heads of member states. ing and developing cooperation eration within the organisation. He Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Extremism and adopt the statement Kazakh TV. “The feature film by The Council of Foreign Min- within the expanded organisation. noted that SCO representatives will Lavrov, Tajik Foreign Minister on this issue and the anti-drug strat- Kazakh director Akan Satayev isters (CFM) agreed on a draft Kazakhstan has chaired the SCO participate in a number of upcom- Sirodjidin Aslov, and Uzbek For- egy of the organisation’s member narrating about the power of a agenda for the Council of Heads since June 2016 and Kazakh For- ing events in Kazakhstan, includ- eign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. countries. mother’s love has moved the Ital- of State, which would take place eign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov ing EXPO 2017, the 11th week of Nazarbayev noted the impor- “The economic and cultural- ian audience to tears,” said the in Astana on the eve of the open- reminded the group of the priorities education in Astana, Festival of tance of the ministerial meeting on humanitarian cooperation within media. “Torn apart from her son, ing of the Astana EXPO 2017 in- laid out during the previous head of Arts and the SCO Youth Forum the threshold of the organisation’s the SCO is crucial. One more im- the protagonist Mariyam had been ternational specialised exhibition. states meeting by Kazakh President themed Development of Green summit in Astana. portant issue of the upcoming sum- waiting for him for 30 years. Her They also agreed on a SCO Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev, including Economy, Tourism and Sports. “As SCO chairman, Kazakh- mit’s agenda is adoption of a de- son has endured the hard blows Declaration draft and a list of docu- strengthening regional security, de- The meeting was also attended stan attaches great importance to cision on finalising the procedure of fate. He lived at an orphanage, ments to be submitted for signature veloping economic cooperation, un- by SCO Secretary General Rashid the upcoming summit of the or- of accepting India and Pakistan struggled through the war years, during the heads of state meeting. locking transit and transport capacity Alimov and Director of the Ex- ganisation in June in Astana. Our to full-fledged membership in the captivity and the Soviet camp, yet They also discussed the upcom- and deepening cultural and humani- ecutive Committee of the SCO chairmanship is going on in a SCO. The adoption of the Astana there was always hope that the son ing accession to the SCO of India tarian ties in the context of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure time of complicated processes in Declaration, which will define our would finally find the road to the and Pakistan, which is expected to Development Strategy 2025. (RATS SCO) Yevgeniy Sysoyev, the region and in the world,” he future plans is planned too,” he mother.” take place during the Astana sum- Addressing his colleagues from among others. said. noted. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017

ECONOMY Prime Minister promotes IT Kazakhstan to increase NEWS IN BRIEF The Kazakh economy grew 3 percent in the first quarter, 24.kz reports. According to Minister of cooperation during U.S. visit lamb exports to China National Economy Timur Sulei- Chinese are very interested in Ka- menov, increased consumer and By Dmitry Lee zakh meat products, legumes, bee- industrial activity in key trade part- keeping products and feed produc- ners the European Union, China ASTANA – Kazakh authorities tion. The Chinese are ready to invest and Russia prompted the growth. are planning to increase the volume in joint ventures.” The production, construction, of lamb exported to China by the end The average price for a kilo- transport and trade sectors also in- of April, said Vice Minister of Agri- gramme of beef in China is 3,100 fluenced growth, after the decrease culture Gulmira Issayeva at a recent tenge (US$10), while in Kazakh- of the past year. According to the government meeting. stan it is sold at about 1,500 tenge forecasts of the International Mon- “Kazakhstan’s bid was shortlisted (US$4.80), according Kazakh Meat etary Fund, economic activity will and the Main Directorate for Quality Union President Maksut Baktibayev. accelerate both in developed and Supervision, Inspection and Quaran- Altayev made it clear the Atameken tine of China (MDQSIQ) decided to is willing to support Kazakh agricul- developing countries. The Kazakh combine two inspection stages into tural producers “wishing to enter the economy is expected to grow 2.5 one to reduce licensing procedures. Chinese markets.” A special section, percent by the end of the year. We expect that in the second half of “Export to China,” has been created this year we will start real export of on the organisation’s website and so- The state Accounts Committee lamb,” she said. cial networks solely for that purpose. has published the results of the Authorities have been hoping to In addition, the Kazakh Ministry state audit of budget fund spend- start the real export of beef to the of Agriculture is planning to simplify ing, khabar.kz reports. The audit Chinese markets for years; however, the procedure to admit domestic revealed serious financial irregu- after an epidemic of foot-and-mouth enterprises to the Chinese market. larities and inefficient use of pub- disease in 2013, all previous efforts Chinese specialists are currently the lic funds in quasi-public sector resulted in minimal export volumes only ones permitted to inspect the organisations. Financial violations of meat. Chinese MDQSIQ inspec- produce; in the near future, however, reached 1.2 billion tenge (US$3.84 tors will arrive in Kazakhstan at the the Ministry of Agriculture hopes lo- million,) and inefficient use of end of the month. cal experts will be able to do it. budget money increased this fig- Photo credit: primeminister.kz Photo credit: “Because Kazakhstan has huge “We will evaluate the whole sys- ure to 2 billion tenge (US$6.4 potential for the production and sup- tem of food safety and we hope that Continued from Page A1 large-scale internet access net- John Watson to discuss the situation million.) In particular, violations ply of organic agricultural products, in the future, with the veterinary works. and the forecasts regarding global were revealed in the Kazakh In- we agreed that international experts service of China, we can agree that vest National Company. Last Sagintayev also met with Au- A meeting with Managing oil markets, as well as the expansion would arrive through the Food and either under the guarantee of our vet- todesk Vice President David Crane Partner at Learn Capital Partner of cooperation in oil and gas projects Agriculture Organisation and the erinary service or after recognising year, more than 190 million tenge following which a memorandum Greg Mauro also resulted in a in Kazakhstan, as well as the Future Ministry of Agriculture of China to the results of the audit of our system, (US$607,620) was spent on the of cooperation was signed between memorandum of cooperation with Growth Project (FGP) at Tengiz oil certify our products,” noted Issayeva. we could get the right to certify local maintenance of its branch offices Autodesk and ACF PIT. the Kazakh Ministry of Education field in the west of the country. “Every year, China spends $117 produce ourselves so our enterprises in a number of foreign countries. Bridgewest Group Chairper- and Science’s Information and An- Sagintayev also visited the Tesla billion on food products,” said would be able to work for export, However, despite the presence of son Massih Tayebi also signed a alytical Centre to develop a pilot Motors’ office where he discussed Atameken National Chamber of which is a mechanism that we have permanent representatives abroad, memorandum of understanding project on charter schools. innovative technologies in engineer- Entrepreneurs Deputy Chairperson with other countries, for example, travel expenses of the National with Kazakhtelecom to cooperate In California, Sagintayev also met ing, electric vehicle production and Nurzhan Altayev. “One billion dol- within the Eurasian Economic Union Company’s employees from Ka- on acquiring equipment to develop Chairman of the Board of Chevron unmanned vehicle management. lars is spent on meat. In addition, the (EAEU),” said Issayeva. zakhstan exceeded 10 million tenge (US$31,980.) Violations were also revealed in the activities of the Kazakhstan Industry Devel- opment Institute, as well as in the raw materials processing centre Regional internal ADB forecasts growth and its branches. Microfinance organisations boost support for rural entrepre- migration launched, more of Kazakh economy neurship, ranking.kz said. Over Kazakhstan’s gross domestic prod- in production at the Kashagan field the first six months of 2016, By Yerbolat Uatkhanov uct will reach 2.4 percent this year and expansion of the Tengiz field. small businesses were issued mi- and 2.2 percent in 2018. In 2016, The growth of agriculture in 2017 croloans for 153 million tenge than 630,000 jobs to be ASTANA – The Asian Devel- the nation’s GDP grew 1 percent. is projected at 3.5 percent in con- (US$489,294). In the third quarter, opment Bank (ADB) released its Annual inflation is projected at 8 nection with implementing a new the number of loans doubled. Be- forecast for the economic situation percent this year within the target programme of state support for the tween July and September 2016, in Kazakhstan for 2017, project- corridor of the National Bank (6-8 agricultural and industrial com- organisations issued loans worth created this year ing the country’s economic growth percent). The experts highlight plex. 150 million tenge (US$479,700), tions after graduation. In the pro- will accelerate as a result of state Kazakh authorities adjust the base Kazakhstan became a member and in the fourth quarter the fig- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova gramme’s first stage, short-term programmes aimed at stimulating rate, carry out transactions in the of ADB in 1994 and has received ure reached 193 million tenge vocational training courses lasting consumption and investment. stock market and maintain con- more than $5 billion in sovereign (US$617,214). In the second half ASTANA – The government has one-six months will be conducted “The measures taken by the au- trol over monopoly prices. At the and non-sovereign loans for de- of 2016, microfinance organisa- identified seven regions to stimu- at colleges, Atameken Chamber of thorities to solve the existing prob- same time, the report notes there velopment projects in agriculture, tions granted 2.2 times more loans late voluntary migration, said La- Entrepreneurs educational centres lems in the banking sector are an are problems in the banking sector education, finance, transport, wa- to rural entrepreneurs compared to bour and Social Protection Minister and enterprise training centres. important step in the right direc- which have to be solved. ter supply and sanitation. Projects the January-June period. Tamara Duissenova at the April 5 The Damu Fund will allocate loans tion,” said director of the ADB The report also emphasises implemented with the assistance Increasing Labour Market Mobility for programme participants in the cit- office in Kazakhstan Giovanni Ca- that increasing transparency and of ADB helped the country open Akim (Governor) of Pavlodar business forum in Shymkent. ies, while the Agricultural Support pannelli, reported Kazinform. improving communication will transport routes, support social Fund and Agrarian Credit Corpora- Region Bulat Bakauov visited Be- Labour migrants from the Al- “However, it is necessary to con- contribute to improving the ef- equality and develop knowledge maty, Mangistau, South Kazakh- tion will provide assistance for village larus to meet with Chairman of tinue working on stress testing and fectiveness of operation within the products, private entrepreneurship stan and Zhambyl regions will re- and town residents. The amount of Minsk Regional Executive Com- asset quality analysis in accord- ceive subsidies for relocation and loans granted will increase to 8,000 banking sector. and cooperation with neighbour- mittee Semyon Shapiro and visit housing rent for one year to move monthly calculated indices (MCIs) up ance with international standards Industrial growth in 2017 will ing countries. several large enterprises, reported to the Akmola, Atyrau, East, West to 18 million tenge (US$57,474) with to determine which banks need reach 2.4 percent, which will be Headquartered in Manila, ADB the Pavlodar regional akimat (ad- and North Kazakhstan, Kostanai a term of up to five years and yearly additional capital and to improve facilitated by significant infra- aims to reduce poverty in the Asia- ministration) press service. “We and Pavlodar regions. rate up to 6 percent. Loans with sev- the assessment of non-performing structure costs and increased pro- Pacific region through inclusive intend to share experience and en-year terms will be granted for live- loans,” he added. duction of oil and gas condensate. economic and environmentally attract more investments during stock and agricultural cooperatives. The bank’s experts suggest high- The volume of oil production is sustainable growth, as well as re- our trip in Belarus. At present, we A loan guarantee mechanism up er revenues from oil exports will expected to increase by 3.8 percent gional integration. The bank has cooperate in metallurgy, machine to 85 percent for starting entrepre- also contribute to the rise. Accord- and reach 81 million tonnes, which 67 member countries, 48 of which building, agriculture and food in- neurs and up to 50 percent for op- ing to the forecast, the growth of will be achieved due to an increase are from the region. dustry,” Bakauov said. “We are erating ones was introduced at the buying 20 trams here, and we will Agrarian Credit Corporation. conclude a contract for the pur- The programme also includes in- chase of five more cars. Our region creased targeted support to employ cooperates with Belarus on buses certain categories of citizens includ- and elevators. There are entrepre- ing youth, women and those with EBRD updates Kazakh strategy to neurs who are ready to consider disabilities, ensure labour mobility cooperation in agricultural ma- increase and labour market infra- structure development. chinery, particularly for the pro- duction of harvesters,” he added. Tamara Duissenova The ministry also believes the la- reflect green economy transition bour movement between sectors will The Productive Employment and identify professions that will become Continued from Page A1 practices,” it continues. “Notwith- inter-regional connectivity and in- Implementation of economic Mass Entrepreneurship Develop- obsolete due to the introduction of standing these efforts, a number ternational integration; promoting projects between Kazakhstan and ment Programme began in the coun- new technologies and industries This challenging environment of important challenges remain. green economy transition. Turkmenistan would be facilitat- try this year. It provides a number of where new jobs can be created as part continued into 2016, with the econ- These include the need to boost “Overall, the bank’s experience ed by the establishment of trad- measures including mass training and of the labour market modernisation. omy contracting from external pres- private sector competitiveness in Kazakhstan over the existing ing houses and the appointment inculcating skills in demanded profes- “The movement of labour resourc- sures, the tenge dropping by more and generate balanced, sustainable strategy period has demonstrated of trade representatives in both sions and business basics and creates es between the regions is of special than 50 percent after the introduction growth that extends beyond Ka- the value of joint ownership of the states, Orman Nurbayev, Kazakh conditions for mass entrepreneurship importance. We not only give the of a flexible exchange rate regime, zakhstan’s hydrocarbon resources reform agenda, with all key parties ambassador to Turkmenistan, through loan services, labour market opportunity to learning the profes- high inflation and limited liquidity. and increases the country’s resil- involved, and the government’s told the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda development assistance in employ- sion for free, but also give a choice Although the situation has stabilised, ience. Further steps are also needed strong financial commitment. The newspaper. “Having large re- ment and labour mobility support. to find new jobs, hire employers or with growth expected to reach 0.7 to reduce the state’s still-outsized bank will also continue its strong serves of hydrocarbon raw materi- “We should clearly know in which start business as part of the state ini- percent in 2016 and improve to 2.4 role in the economy, normalise the engagement in assisting Kazakh- als, both countries do not have di- sectors and regions new jobs will be tiative,” added Duissenova. percent in 2017,” the draft quotes. banking sector as a financial plat- stan’s transition to a low-carbon rect access to the sea. Obviously, created to regulate the labour market. There is also a need to establish “Kazakhstan has reacted to the form and boost regional connectiv- economy, including in relation under these conditions only joint Target indicators for creating jobs on and implement joint cooperation be- difficult economic environment by ity and inclusion and adherence to to its Conference of the Parties coordinated actions can provide projects implemented as part of the tween the regions in industry, agri- accelerating structural reforms and environmental standards in order (COP21) commitments, green leg- our hydrocarbons with access to state and industrial programmes were culture, transport and logistics, and international markets. Coopera- set by the ministry in cooperation with trade and services projects. fiscal stimulus, both of which are to create a more vibrant and com- islation and investments in energy the central state bodies and regions. Memorandums of cooperation re- helping to boost growth. The cor- petitive private sector, particularly efficiency and renewables. While tion in the fuel and energy sector We also signed relevant memoran- garding labour resources and increas- nerstone of the reform programme in the non-extractive industries.” the bank’s work in Kazakhstan to is one of the strategic directions, dums with local governors. More than ing labour market mobility among are the government’s efforts to The EBRD outlined its strategic date has been a leading example of taking into account the huge re- 630,000 jobs are expected to be cre- the East Kazakhstan, Kostanai, Pav- boost the competitiveness of the orientations in cooperation with its new Green Economy Transition serves of resources and the colos- ated which will serve as a reserve for lodar and South Kazakhstan regions economy, attract investment and the Central Asian country as fol- approach, energy and resource ef- sal transit and transport potential employment of citizens seeking help were signed as part of the event. streamline the regulatory frame- lows: balancing the roles of the ficiency and climate change - miti of both countries. Interaction in from the state,” said Duissenova. Similar business forums are work to promote competition and state and private sector; broaden- gation will continue to be a major this industry has great prospects A free vocational education will planned in the near future in the make it consistent with the Organ- ing access to finance, strengthening focus of its work,” the executive and requires constant search and be organised for young people who Almaty, Mangistau and Zhambyl isation for Economic Cooperation the banking sector and developing summary of the draft strategy con- laborious work,” Nurbayev em- did not enter educational institu- regions. and Development (OECD) best local capital markets; enhancing cludes. phasised. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF AIFC to launch its international stock exchange in fall Yandex, the Russian multinational By Zhazira Dyussembekova AIFC Governor Kairat Kelimbe- will see how the first companies ganisations specialising in Islamic AIFC will assist in attracting in- technology company, has opened a tov at the event. – Air Astana and KazAtomProm finance. vestments to the Kazakh economy sales office in Almaty. Its employees ASTANA – The Astana Inter- That alternative is the stock mar- – will be privatised… Privatisa- “The stock exchange will serve as by creating an attractive environ- will be engaged in promoting adver- national Financial Centre (AIFC) ket under development in the coun- tion in Kazakhstan is needed not a mechanism for the diversification of ment for investing in financial tising products and helping partners is planning to launch the Astana try. To date, the existing KASE to fill the holes in the budget, but the economy by providing access to services, developing the securities and clients build advertising cam- International Exchange (AIX) (Kazakhstan Stock Exchange) has to attract investments, to diversify capital and allowing Kazakh investors market and ensuring its integration paigns, according to the press service this fall, which is expected to help not been able to show good results; investors and, most importantly, to to benefit from the economic growth with international capital markets. of the company. “The Internet adver- create conditions for further eco- its capitalisation is only 5 percent improve corporate governance,” of the country by investing in local One of the main features of the tising market is developing rapidly, nomic growth. The initiative was to GDP, while, for example, in said Kelimbetov. major and successful enterprises,” ac- new financial centre is the fact that formats are changing, new products discussed at the international con- Eastern European countries the AIX will function under Eng- cording to the AIFC press service. legislation will be based on Eng- and technologies are emerging. ference “Kazakhstan: tapping in- rate is more than 15-20 percent, he lish law and will open access to a AIFC is set to create a new infra- lish common law. Working with customers and partners ternational capital markets,” held added. wide investors’ base. Its partners, structure jointly with its partners in “World experience shows that locally, we will help them to more ef- April 12 in the capital. AIX will be the main plat- the world’s largest exchanges, will accordance with the world’s best 85 percent of all the biggest suc- fectively take advantage of different “Today, Kazakhstan’s econo- form for the initial public offer- be announced in May or June and standards. It will allow trading in cessful global and regional finan- tools and types of advertising, tak- my is facing certain difficulties ing (IPOs) of Kazakhstan’s major help launch the most high-tech securities, commodities and de- cial centres work in the model of ing into account the specifics of the connected to the challenges in companies as part of the much-dis- platform in the region, he added. rivative securities with a full cycle the legal content of English com- local market,” said office director the banking sector of the econ- cussed privatisation programme. Thus far, AIFC has signed of the business process: the organi- mon law. Some can argue which Artyom Borisov. Initially, the new of- “A very good chance for the de- memorandums of understanding sation of trading and clearing and fice will employ five to seven people, omy. It is a cyclic problem and legislation is better – English but as business increases, staff will sooner or later it happens in any velopment of the stock market is with the Warsaw, Shanghai and registering securities. common or continental, – but expand. In addition to Kazakhstan, country, but, nevertheless, it is the initiative on privatisation of the Moscow stock exchanges, as well The conference was organised we see that basically financial Yandex offices are also located in a period of ‘painful’ reforms in largest assets of national compa- as NASDAQ, and exchanges in jointly with BNY Mellon, FTI models and financial regulation Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Germany, that sector. And we realise the nies, which are part of the Samruk South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Consulting and Kinstellar and are oriented towards English the Netherlands, Turkey, the United need to create an alternative to Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund A memorandum was also signed brought together representatives common law. The simplest jus- States, Switzerland and China. bank loans. … In our country, announced by the head of state with the Japan Securities Dealers of Credit Suisse, KMG D&S, Ka- tification for this is that English good borrowers are not overbur- within the 100 [Concrete] Steps. Association, Korea Capital Market zatomprom and experts and ana- common law is [based on] a prec- The problematic Karaganda avia- dened with loans and the level The programme of their IPOs will Institute, Korea Financial Invest- lytics in the investment and stock edent and, in fact, it is the most tion plant KazAviaSpectr, which of bad debts is really high,” said begin in 2018 and in 2019-2020 we ment Association and other or- market development fields. flexible,” said Kelimbetov. has not produced any aircraft for five years, was declared bankrupt, according to KazAgroFinance. It was planned that the plant would produce the agricultural aircraft ‘Farmer’ for processing fields with PwC director explains Chinese company chemicals. “By the decision of the Specialised Inter-District Economic Court of the Karaganda Region Ka- zAviaSpectr was declared bankrupt. new Kazakh work permit to buy 51 percent of Kazakh As part of the bankruptcy procedure, the issue of selling the aircraft fac- tory’s property through electronic rules for foreign citizens bidding will be decided,” according automaker AllurGroup to the statement. It is possible that states of the Eurasian Economic duction, welding, painting, a high ficiency,” according to the state- the plant could be sold in 2018. By Dmitry Lee Union (EAEU) are exempt from Staff Report level of localisation and imple- ment of AllurGroup. the requirement to apply for work mented technologies, is an attrac- The President of CMC Wang Tengizchevroil, which develops ASTANA – Last year, the Ka- permits,” she added. ASTANA – China National Ma- tive enterprise for foreign inves- Xusheng said that it is a great hon- the Tengiz oil field in the Atyrau zakh government issued more than One should keep in mind, how- chinery Import and Export Cor- tors and has a high development our for the company to become a region, will sign 70 contracts with 36,000 work permits for foreign ever, that the government has its poration (CMC) held negotiations potential. partner of the leading automobile Kazakh companies worth $2 bil- nationals, according to the prime own quotas for the number of for- and signed an agreement on the “For the Kazakh side, the part- company of Kazakhstan. lion, according to Kazinform. “Ten- minister’s official website data. eign employees each year. intention to acquire 51 percent of nership with the state-owned The AllurGroup includes pro- gizchevroil, which started construc- Around one-third, or slightly more “The number of foreign employ- common shares of Kazakh car- Chinese company, together with duction sites of Agromashholding tion of a third generation plant, works than 12,500, were issued to special- ees attracted to Kazakhstan every maker AllurGroup. the solution of the financing and SaryarkaAvtoProm and theAl- not only with large Kazakh suppliers ists from China and 3,500 to Turk- year should not exceed quotas an- “The deal has a great importance tasks, will bring a real transfer lurAuto dealer and distribution net- of goods and services. We are also ish nationals, while Uzbekistan, the nounced by the government for at- not only for our enterprise, but for of modern technologies and in- work. The sites manufacture the first trying to develop small and medium United Kingdom and India were tracting foreign labour. Companies the entire domestic auto industry. troduction of the newest produc- Kazakh SUVs SsangYong Nomad business. The company held a forum also among the top inquirers. sponsoring work permit applica- A new level of partnership con- tion methods. With the help of and Toyota Fortuner, as well as vari- of suppliers for relatively minor work Some of the changes to the work firms the fact that the Kazakhstan the Chinese partner, the Kosta- ous models of SsangYong, Peugeot, on the expansion project at Tengiz. permit rules, however, have been automobile industry is an attrac- nai enterprise can significantly JAC, Hyundai and commercial ve- It was announced at the forum that labelled as controversial. tive investment sector and demon- deepen the localisation of pro- hicles from Iveco and JAC. general contractors should contrib- “The government introduced new strates a high potential for stable duction, load and expand pro- AllurGroup not only assembles, ute to the development of the region, work permit rules in June of last development,” said a member of duction equipment, introduce it is also an official distributor of attracting small local companies to year,” said PricewaterhouseCoop- the AllurGroup board of directors the latest technologies, improve the brands SsangYong, Peugeot, contract work,” said Tengizchevroil ers (PwC) legal services director Yuri Tskhai. technological processes, produce Iveco and JAC in Kazakhstan. Al- Public Relations General Manager in Kazakhstan Aliya Aralbayeva During the negotiations, it was modern cars at the facilities of lurAuto is also the official dealer Rzabek Artygaliyev. After the im- in an exclusive interview with The noted that the AllurGroup, due to SaryarkaAvtoprom with the low- of Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Ford plementation of the project to build a Astana Times. “The rules were crit- the presence of small-scale pro- est expenditure and maximum ef- cars. third generation plant, oil production icised by the business communities in Tengiz will increase by 12 million because they removed freedoms for tonnes per year, reaching a level of some categories of foreign nation- 39 million tonnes. als. For example, foreign execu- tives of branches and representative Aliya Aralbayeva In the village of Blagoveshchenka offices of international companies Caspi Bitum plant increases of the North Kazakhstan region, were exempt in the past from the tions should send applications for Dynasty Agro Company produces requirement to apply for work per- quotas for the required number of pressed linseed oil, according to Ka- mits, but the June 2016 rules re- expatriate employees by August 1 zinform. An oilseed processing work- moved such exemptions, meaning each year. Work permits are issued efficiency with innovative shop was launched last December. that starting Jan. 1, executives were if there are no suitable candidates “The equipment at the enterprise was under obligation to have a valid for the jobs on the local labour mar- installed recently. Soon the second work permit.” ket,” she said. line will arrive, and we will be able Another controversy, she added, storage, transport method to process at least 20 tonnes per day. was the new requirement for for- State fees and sues of Caspi Bitum during April 12 plant meet national and international We can reach a volume of produc- eign specialists coming under the By Dana Omirgazy visit to the plant by representatives standards. tion of 6,000 to 7,000 tonnes of oil. inter-corporate transfer scheme to application process of the Kazakh Ministry of Energy, Caspi Bitum plant was built as The demand is big, especially from pass a Kazakh language test. The state fee is payable in the ASTANA – Aktau bitumen plant Roads Committee, KazAutoZhol part of the state programme on ac- China. The first company that came “We supported the views of busi- national currency – tenge – every has developed an innovative way of National Company, local executive celerated industrial and innovative to us was ready to sign a contract for ness communities that the language 12 months and depends on the storing and transporting bitumen, ka- agencies and road construction or- development for 2010-2014 to meet 5,000 tonnes of oil,” said head of the requirement, if introduced, would industry sector and employee cat- zinform.kz reports. ganisations. the needs of the road industry in company Vladimir Kan. He added be viewed as discriminatory and egory. “Viscous road bitumen is pack- According to Drobyshev, the plant high-quality road bitumen. It was put that negotiations are underway with against the Kazakh Constitution’s “The state fee for work permits aged in Big Bag disposable transport produced 111,000 tonnes of road bi- into operation in 2013. Bitumen pro- four more companies. There are no core principles,” she said. will vary from approximately containers and plastic bags with a ca- tumen last year for 400 kilometres duction capacity is 400,000 tonnes of problems with raw materials. In the In November, a number of busi- $1,000 (137 Monthly Calculated pacity of 1,000 and 40 kilogrammes of roads (a two-lane highway in the oxidised and about 120,000 tonnes past year, 26,000 hectares of oil crops ness associations and the Kazakh- Indices (MCIs) for a specialist respectively. New technology im- second category.) The plant fully of modified road bitumen. were planted in the area. stan Foreign Investors’ Council role application to approximately plies the packing of cold bitumen al- covered the country’s demand in The first batch of polymer-mod- Association started a campaign $1,820 (250 MCIs) for execu- lowing not only to preserve the qual- road bitumen, taking into account the ified bitumen was produced in Oc- GE Transportation announced the against the new changes, whereas tives,” said Aralbayeva. ity of material, but also to save on output of other domestic producers. tober 2015. This kind of road bitu- completion of the acquisition of a 50 the Ministry of Healthcare and So- In general, she noted the work logistics while delivering and storing Today the plant’s products are men is obtained by introducing a percent stake in locomotive build- cial Protection initiated a dialogue permit application is a “time- bitumen. In addition, thanks to the supplied for the construction of the polymeric component (modifier) ing company Lokomotiv Kurastyru with business circles. As a result, consuming process and should be Big Bags, asphalt plants reduce the Western Europe-Western China in- into the composition of petroleum Zauyty from the national company the proposals to change rules were planned by the sponsoring com- costs of maintaining bitumen in the ternational highway, as well as Shy- road bitumen. Due to the improved Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), introduced and approved the fol- pany well in advance.” The overall molten state in bitumen stores, thus mkent-Kyzylorda, Astana-Pavlodar, characteristics of heat, frost and wear according to Kapital.kz. “With GE lowing month. process could take up to one and solving energy efficiency issues,” Astana-Temirtau and Atyrau-Aktau resistance, this bitumen extends the Transportation, we have been suc- “Under the new work permit a-half to two months or sometimes said Konstantin Drobyshev, Deputy highways of national significance. service life of asphalt-concrete coat- cessfully cooperating for more than rules which came into effect on Jan. even longer, she stressed. General Director for Commercial Is- Products of the Aktau bitumen ings by almost two times. 10 years. Over this time, more than 1 this year, expatriates coming to “Work permits will be valid in 300 modern Evolution series loco- Kazakhstan for a term exceeding one region of Kazakhstan. Busi- motives have been manufactured, 120 days every calendar year to ness trips to other regions will be which are widely used on the rail- perform work activities are usually possible if the total number of days ways of Kazakhstan and neigh- required to apply for work permits on such trips does not exceed 90 bouring countries,” said President and work visas. Foreign employees calendar days collectively in one of KTZ Kanat Alpysbayev, adding travelling to Kazakhstan for the calendar year,” she said. that cooperation with GE Trans- purpose of engaging in productive PwC opened an office in Ka- portation will continue to develop. activities will require a work permit zakhstan in 1993 and currently Lokomotiv Kurastyru Zauyty was even if they come for short periods has more than 500 staff in two established in 2009 as a 50-50 joint of time,” said Aralbayeva. fully operating offices in Almaty, venture between KTZ and the Rus- “Expatriates travelling to Ka- Astana and Atyrau. In the past, sian Transmashholding. The plant zakhstan to work on the basis of a the company established offices in produces GE cargo and passenger work permit will need a work visa Baku (Azerbaijan), Tbilisi (Geor- locomotives of the Evolution series to enter the country. Visa validity gia), Yerevan (Armenia), Bishkek for the railways of Kazakhstan and will be linked to the work permit. (Kyrgyzstan), Tashkent (Uzbeki- other countries of the Common- Citizens of Russia, Kyrgyzstan, stan), Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) wealth of Independent States. Armenia and Belarus and member and Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia). inform.kz Photo credit: A6 EDITORIALS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 Education, individuals Cooperation between Kazakhstan, are the keys to Kazakhstan’s Qatar to have international impact here are plenty of dif- the world with countries, big and contribution to EXPO 2017. It is ferences between Qatar small. Both nations are also seen for the same reason that the Emir and Kazakhstan as even as important members of global was given a personal invitation continuing success the briefest glance at a efforts to counter terrorism and from President Nazarbayev to nvestment in our young people has been one of stressed the importance of the humanities and prom- Tmap of the world will show. But extremism. participate in the Organisation of the guiding principles of Kazakhstan since the ised to increase support for them in our universities. despite these big contrasts in size, Given this shared outlook and Islamic Cooperation’s first summit earliest days of independence. The Bolashak As well as those with scientific skills, we need, geography and climate, there are values, the strong and grow- on Science and Technology in programme, set up as far back as 1993, was, for he said, those “who understand modernity and the also many surprising similarities ing friendship between the two Astana in September. example,I a powerful symbol of our new country’s future well.” His call to translate the most influential which go beyond a shared religion countries is no surprise. This But with tensions increasing confidence and belief in the power of education as texts in this area into Kazakh for pupils to have ready of the majority of their popula- relationship was cemented by across the world, it was under- well as our openness to outside ideas. access to them also underlined the roles that schools tions. the visit of the Emir of Qatar to standable that the talks went well A society lacking confidence in the future would will play in building this knowledge. Both countries, for example, Astana in 2014 and of President beyond bilateral relations. This not have had the courage to send its brightest young Ensuring the young generation can compete glob- have for centuries been on global Nursultan Nazarbayev to Doha in is particularly relevant now that people to be educated abroad. Kazakhstan has reaped ally is also, of course, behind the new emphasis trade routes, which has given our the following year, which led to a Kazakhstan has the responsibility rich rewards from the thousands of students who given to English in schools. And it will be helped as peoples an outward outlook. Ka- new determination to strengthen of sitting on the United Nations have returned to work here after learning at some of well by the gradual switch to the Latin alphabet for zakhstan and Qatar, too, are rich economic ties and cooperation on Security Council. The continuing the world’s best universities. the Kazakh language. in oil and gas resources, which foreign policy. tragedy of Syria – and its impact At the same time, we have seen investment in our There will, the President said, be nothing sudden have helped transform the pros- Assessing the progress made on the region and beyond – was a home-grown educational institutes along with the im- about this change. It will follow the evolutionary perity of our people. Qatar has the in the last two years was high on major topic of discussion. position of high academic standards and recruitment approach which has served Kazakhstan well in so world’s third largest reserves of the agenda when Kazakh Foreign Through the Astana Process, of top-class staff. The result is that our universities many areas since independence. But he made clear natural gas and is already the big- Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov Kazakhstan is helping create now have a fast-growing reputation and are attracting that, within a decade, he wanted the change to be gest exporter of liquid natural gas. visited Qatar on April 23. In dis- conditions where dialogue con- students not just from Kazakhstan but from neigh- underway. But both countries are already cussions with the Emir and senior tinues and trust is built. There are bouring countries. Along with computer literacy and knowledge of looking towards a post-fossil fuel members of the government, both many barriers to overcome but But as President Nursultan Nazarbayev said April foreign languages, he put cultural openness at the world. National strategies have al- sides were pleased with the in- the goal is to make it easier, step 12 in his much-discussed opinion “Course towards heart of the Digital Kazakhstan programme. This ready been put in place, backed by creased financial and commercial by painful step, to find solutions. the future: modernisation of Kazakhstan’s identity”, includes an ambition for our country to be known not major investment, to help diver- links between the two countries Widening participation to include if education is to drive Kazakhstan’s continued suc- just for its rich natural resources and its remarkable sify our economies. This includes but also saw plenty of scope to countries, such as Qatar and oth- cess, it must also be universal. Our ambitions rest success in the foreign policy arena but also for its a priority given to investing in the deepen them in the years ahead. ers from the Arab world, if it can on ensuring that all our young people – indeed the cultural achievements. education of our young people. Kazakhstan’s ambitious privati- be agreed, might help remove entire workforce – have the skills, knowledge and He rightly pointed out the major part that Hol- Our two countries have also sation plans, for example, offer an obstacles to progress. qualities needed to make a positive mark on the 21st lywood and American culture as a whole has played been markedly successful in forg- opportunity for Qatar to increase Even a decade ago, it is Century. in growing and maintaining its influence and stature ing our own path in the world. In partnerships. Islamic finance, for unlikely many foreign policy The reasons are clear. We live in an era where the in the world. It has been a key factor in the appeal of global terms, we may be relatively which the new Astana Interna- experts would have predicted the world of work is faster than ever. Industries will dis- U.S. soft power. young nations but we already are tional Financial Centre will be a influence and status of Qatar and appear or transform. Entire professions will become No country can compete, of course, with the seen to have distinctive voices and regional base, is clearly another Kazakhstan today in the inter- redundant. Giving people the ability to find a role in universal attraction of American music or films. But to be champions for dialogue and area for cooperation. national community. The more the modern economy and to adapt as sectors and pro- Kazakhstan has been perhaps too shy at promoting cooperation. With its growing interest in this influence is used to build fessions change will be essential to both individual the achievements of its artists, entrepreneurs and We have worked hard to build renewable energy and green tech- prosperity and promote peace and national prosperity. scientists beyond its borders. It has perhaps too often strong relations with our neigh- nology, there is also expected to and cooperation, the better for This is one of the major challenges facing all relied instead on statistics to showcase its progress bours and forge alliances around be considerable interest in Qatar’s the world. countries not just Kazakhstan. The societies which internationally. thrive economically, socially and in terms of global Dry data, no matter how impressive, is not, howev- influence, will be those which find and put in place er as powerful as human stories for communication. the right answers. It is why the investment that Ka- By identifying Kazakhs whose personal stories could zakhstan is making in education – among the highest help give these achievements colour and life, we globally as a share of government spending – is so can more successfully promote Kazakhstan around important. the world. The initiative will have another benefit. What was also interesting was that the President It will also provide clear role models for our own saw the solution as education in its widest form. He young people to emulate. By raising their ambitions, made clear, of course, just how essential doctors and it will, in turn, create more success stories and faster engineers were to the country’s future. But he also progress. Kazakhstan’s embrace of diversity helps build national unity strong sense of national identity is national identity should be frozen. With change perhaps the most important resource a accelerating in our world, the nations who will be country can have. Societies which possess best able to cope and thrive in the decades ahead these feelings of pride and belonging can will be those with the courage to continue changing Agrasp opportunities more easily and, perhaps even themselves. This includes taking the steps necessary more importantly, work together to overcome chal- to strengthen and modernise their national identi- lenges. ties by being ready to shed those aspects which are We see this national resilience in action around out-of-date and will increasingly act as barriers to the world in the face of natural disasters or, all too progress. frequently today, when terrorism strikes. Where It is why together with programmes already there is a clear national identity, societies respond to begun to diversify and strengthen our economy and such outrages calmly and with increased solidarity, speed up political reform, the President has now set which prevents the divisions and fear which are, of out a clear vision to modernise Kazakhstan’s sense course, the aim of the terrorists. of national identity along with concrete steps to In the past, national identity was perhaps easier help deliver this ambition. It is another sign of the to shape. When the global flow of people was much determination to ensure the country is fit and ready slower and less common, countries were more to chart its way through what is a globally uncertain likely to be made up of those with similar ethnic era. backgrounds, experiences and language. But that’s It is an identity which, in some ways, will no longer the case. With widespread migration, the strengthen those connections with our past experi- challenge many countries have faced is maintaining ence. There is nothing new, for example, about or forging a strong sense of national identity from a making sure our economy and way of life are much more diverse population. sustainable. Living in tune with our environment, The United States, whose population is over- husbanding resources for future generations, was whelmingly made up of immigrants who moved to what our ancestors did naturally for centuries. build a new life, is a clear example of how this can In the past, too, those who lived on land were be achieved. In its own way, Kazakhstan, too, has a open to new ideas and influences. Kazakhstan huge amount in which to take pride. was then, as it is now, a place where cultures and From a population made up of a bewildering civilisations met. This openness has, of course, also variety of nationalities and ethnic groupings – many been one of the defining characteristics of modern of whom were forced to settle here – a cohesive Kazakhstan in its first 25 years and a major reason society has been created in which all, regardless for our success. of background, are valued and can make their full But it is an approach we can’t take for granted. contribution. It has enabled our country to plot a We have to have a willingness to continue to look distinctive course, both domestically and interna- and respond to what is happening beyond our tionally, over the last 25 years. borders. Unless countries are ready to learn and It is a sense of national identity deeply rooted in adapt from what we see, they will find themselves our land, our traditions, shared experiences and val- ill-prepared both for global storms which inevitably ues. These links, as President Nursultan Nazarbayev hit or to take advantage of new opportunities which said in his seminal opinion, “Course towards the change brings. future: modernisation of Kazakhstan’s identity,” This requires, as we have said before, continued must be protected and nurtured. It would be reckless investment in education. It also needs confidence to throw them away as they are the foundation on to keep modernising our national identity while which our success has been built. preserving what makes our country and people spe- But it is also important, as the President added, cial. It is the definition of a modern patriotism and a that we don’t fool ourselves into thinking our country which looks to the future with confidence.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 Kazakhstan’s Modernisation 3.0 is to create a completely new, non-commodity economic model, minister says By Irina Nos robotisation of production. We tive bodies is 40.7 billion tenge As a rule, ministers of the fi- And since the costs of servic- want to have accelerated devel- ($130 million), or 0.1 percent of nancial and economic sector, ing and repayment of the gov- The country has decided on a opment, but we are restrained by GDP. when answering questions about ernment debt should not exceed strategy: we need a new model for high dependence on the raw ma- Compared to early 2016, the the external debt of Kazakhstan, 15 percent of the revenues of the economic growth that will ensure terials sector and yet-low rates national debt increased by 2.4 tril- sharply differentiate between gov- national budget, a restriction will global competitiveness; we need of technological modernisation lion tenge ($7.7 billion) – from 9 ernment debt and the debt of the be imposed on the borrowing of to expand the business environ- in most industries, due to insuf- trillion ($28.7 billion) to 11.4 tril- quasi-public sector. Tell us about the quasi-public sector. That is, ment and improve the conditions ficiently active involvement of lion ($36.4 billion), mainly due to the latter – how large is it? the holdings will be obliged to for mass entrepreneurship; we new technologies in production. an increase in the domestic debt of That is an absolutely correct dif- coordinate the volume of external need to stabilise economic growth This also includes the still-wide the National Bank by 252.3 billion ferentiation. In general, the pres- and internal borrowings with the for the long term. What will be participation of the state in regu- tenge ($805.4 million). This was ence of national debt is evidence government. Kazakhstan’s response to exter- Timur Suleimenov lating business processes. caused by the implementation of that the economy is developing: nal and internal geopolitical and We need to radically improve the the monetary policy through issu- the country borrows from foreign The component of the national economic challenges? Minister of tion (by 5.3 percent), trade (by institutional and business environ- ing notes of the National Bank, as markets for development. As I debt in GDP that you have men- National Economy Timur Sulei- 2 percent) and transport (by 3.2 ment; we need to create conditions well as the development by the gov- have said, 25 percent of GDP is a tioned – 25 percent – could be menov spoke about the state of the percent). The construction sector comparable to the level of devel- ernment of loans on existing credit safe level of national debt. considered scanty if we had a economy here and now and about continues to grow: the volume of oped countries for the effective lines attracted from international Now, the aggregate debt of the clearly diversified economy. We how the county intends to achieve construction work has increased development of human capital. All financial organisations (IFOs) and three main entities of the quasi-public do not have such an economy – is its goals. by 5.3 percent due to the imple- this requires a pragmatic approach. the attraction of government loans sector – the Samruk Kazyna National that why it is so difficult for us to mentation of projects through the And our choice is the third mod- from themselves to finance the defi- Welfare Fund and the KazAgro and see this level of national debt as Mr. Suleimenov, what kind of Nurly Zhol state programme, the ernisation of Kazakhstan declared cit of the national budget. Baiterek national managing holdings low? understanding of trends in the Industrialisation Map and housing by the head of state in his address The government’s debt has in- – is 13.3 trillion tenge ($42.5 billion), We are coming to the end of a world and the national economy development programmes. Invest- to the people of Kazakhstan. We creased by 211.6 billion tenge or 29.1 percent of GDP, of which the cycle of high prices for raw mate- has 2016 brought us? What was ment activity also supports the have to create a new model of eco- ($675.5 million) due to the de- foreign debt is 7.3 trillion ($23.3 bil- rials and, accordingly, ultra-high the beginning of this year like positive pace of economic growth: nomic growth in a short period of velopment of loans under exist- lion), or 15.9 percent of GDP. rental income. The world, as you for us and what can you say according to recent figures, invest- time. ing credit lines attracted from Of course, the government see, is moving from hydrocarbons about the quality of our econom- ment volumes in January and Feb- IFOs and the development of the has developed and implemented to renewable energy sources. In ic growth? ruary 2017 has increased by 11.3 Kazakhstan’s national debt, government’s loan taken from measures aimed at restraining the Kazakhstan today, the pace of Let us start with the second part percent. its absolute and relative value the World Bank – $1 billion to growth of national debt and the modernisation of the economy of your question. The figures char- As for trends, the shocks on compared to GDP, is also of in- finance the deficit of the national debt of the quasi-public sector. Let and the development of different acterising the results of the year global raw materials markets, terest, isn’t it? It is especially budget. me point out that the concept for technologies, including the use have been mentioned many times, like the transition to a new eco- important in light of the upcom- At the same time, liabilities the formation and use of the Na- of renewable energy resources, so I will focus only on the main in- nomic reality, are just some signs ing changes in the institutional to the International Bank of Re- tional Fund Resources introduces a is not high. Therefore, in order to dicators. Thus, annual inflation in of rapid and irreversible change and practical implementation of construction and Development limit on the amount of government prevent structural changes in the 2016 was 8.5 percent compared to in the world. Our economy can- economic innovations. How big (IBRD), the European Bank of debt and foreign debt of the quasi- global economy from leading us 13.6 percent in 2015. Since early not be unaffected by issues of the is the national debt and why is Reconstruction and Development public sector, which should not ex- to significant costs and becoming 2016, there has been an improve- global economy and geopolitics it growing? (EBRD), the Asian Development ceed the size of the currency assets an obstacle to productivity growth, ment in economic activity and the that have occurred or are taking According to the Ministry of Fi- Bank (ADB) and the International of the National Fund. As of Jan. 1, we will create new industries at the indicators of the real sector of the place here and now. And the year nance, the national debt as of Jan. Development Bank (IDB) amount 2017, it accounts for $61.2 billion, junction of traditional sectors and economy. In January and Febru- 2016, as well as the two previous 1, 2017, amounted to 11.4 trillion to 2.2 trillion tenge ($7 billion), or or 44.6 percent of GDP. the services sector. The technolog- ary 2017, gross domestic product years, was rather complicated for tenge ($36.4 billion), or 25 percent 47.8 percent of the total external In addition, the law on the na- ical re-equipment of basic indus- growth was 2.5 percent compared Kazakhstan. We looked for ways of GDP. And this is a safe level of debt of the government. The next tional budget annually sets limits tries will increase labour produc- to the corresponding period of to adapt to new external and inter- national debt. The government’s largest part, 46.9 percent, is made on the government debt. For ex- tivity growth by 1.3 times by 2020. 2016. nal conditions. debt is 8.9 trillion tenge ($28.4 up of obligations on Eurobonds ample, in 2017, this limit amounts The purpose of implement- As for the quality of economic Nevertheless, we are not just billion), 19.4 percent of GDP; the (2.2 trillion tenge or $7 billion) to 11.2 billion tenge ($35.8 mil- ing the third modernisation in the growth, it is ensured by growth observers, we see and evaluate National Bank’s debt is 2.5 trillion and to governments of other coun- lion). The same applies to granting country is to create a completely in agriculture (by 1.6 percent), in- the trends of the economy’s dig- tenge ($7.9 billion), or 5.5 percent tries (244.8 billion tenge or $781.5 state guarantees and the debt of lo- new, non-commodity economic dustry (by 4.5 percent), construc- itisation and the automation and of GDP; the debt of local execu- million), at 5.3 percent. cal executive bodies. model. National Bank has clear vision of banking sector development By Meruert Feruzova called on the National Bank to banks should leave the market. that the basic condition for the planned to strengthen activities take quite a strong stand regard- Banks wishing to stay in the possible entry of Halyk Bank into on prevention of crisis phenom- This year, the National Bank of ing “weak” banks. Do you share bank services market in the face of the Kazkom capital is recapitali- ena, without waiting for the emer- Kazakhstan plans to perform an this approach or are you ready to the volatile economic situation in sation of the financial institution gence of problems and risk imple- independent assessment of banks’ lend a helping hand to financial the country and the world as well to a level sufficient to ensure its mentation. asset quality in the country. Veri- institutions in trouble? as challenges facing the banking smooth operation. At present, we have approved fication of the real situation in this President Nursultan Naz- sector of Kazakhstan should take approaches to the introduction sphere will give the regulator an arbayev, in his latest annual appropriate measures – to unite Earlier it was said that it is of risk-based supervision in ac- opportunity to effectively address state-of-the-nation address titled or recapitalise. At the same time, planned to involve the Fund for cordance with the methodology banks’ challenges. National Bank “Third Modernisation of Kazakh- the National Bank supports those Problem Loans into the potential adopted in the European Union. of Kazakhstan Deputy Chairman stan: Global Competitiveness,” banks’ initiatives that will ensure transaction. What will be its role These approaches provide for Oleg Smolyakov discussed these set a task for the National Bank stability of the entire bank sys- in this process? the development of a new su- issues in an interview. to develop a package of measures tem. The chosen approach corre- As it is known, a significant pervisory model, including the Oleg Smolyakov for the bank sector rehabilitation sponds to the current international part of the Kazkommertsbank identification of methods for How do you assess the quality Thus, the real banks’ asset qual- within the fulfilment of the task practice and received positive credit portfolio (over 50percent) assessing the viability of the of Kazakh banks’ loan portfolio? ity requires additional assess- aimed at “resetting” the financial feedback from the IMF during re- is represented by the liabilities of business model and its inherent Officially, the non-performing ment because of the low quality sector. In particular, we have a cent meetings and discussions on the BTA Bank. At the same time, risks, risk management systems loan share indicators have sig- of borrowers’ financial situations, task of accelerating the activities the state of the economy and the the BTA Bank assets are assets and internal control of banks, as nificantly decreased during re- use of non-hard collateral, for aimed at cleaning banks’ balance banking sector. with so-called long-term horizon well as internal systems for de- cent years. Does this statistics example, money and property sheets from bad loans and, if nec- of cost recovery. As a result, they termining capital adequacy and reflect the real situation? Some to be received in the future, af- essary, ensuring recapitalisation Does it mean that we can ex- do not form a sufficient level of liquidity. Risk-based supervision international experts think that filiated companies’ certificates of banks by their shareholders. pect new consolidation processes financial flows necessary for their provides for a complete change the potential share of non-per- of insurance, guarantees of natu- Following the results of the in the banking sector this year? maintenance of Kazkommerts- in the system of supervisory re- forming loans is quite high. ral persons, etc., as well as non- activities aimed at assessing the I repeat that we support the bank. Therefore, in order to en- sponse measures, in particular The banks’ portfolio quality is refundable loans of shareholders’ asset quality and stress tests, ap- initiatives launched by individual sure the financial stability of Ka- the conceptual modification of one of the key aspects influencing business and concerned persons. propriate measures will be under- banks to unite, which will help zkommertsbank, it is necessary existing limited impact measures the future of the state financial mar- This situation is not specific taken according to the identified to increase the capitalisation of to separate the assets of the BTA and early response measures, ket and its participants. As of early to Kazakhstan; many regulators problems. First of all, they include banks and improve existing busi- Bank from Kazkommertsbank at grounds for applying sanctions March 2017, the non-performing face it. In order to solve it, the requirements of bank recapitalisa- ness processes for customer ser- the first stage. The Fund for Prob- and enforcement measures. This loans level (over 90 days of delay National Bank, like regulators in tion on the part of its sharehold- vice. At the same time, on our part lem Loans will serve as the opera- supervisory model will allow for in payment), in accordance with other countries, plans to perform ers to increase bank sustainability. we are ready to provide necessary tor at this stage. In the future, it is gradually reducing the degree of banks’ reports, accounted for 7.32 an inclusive assessment of asset In addition, measures will include support to banks for speedy com- necessary to ensure involvement banks’ exposure to various risks percent or 1.1 trillion tenge; that is quality that is usually accompa- procedures of rehabilitation and pletion of integration processes of these assets in the economic by improving their management 3.8 percent lower than the maxi- nied by stress tests. An inclusive settlement of problem banks. That aimed at increasing the efficiency turnover within public-private systems. mum level set in 2014. assessment of banks’ asset qual- is why the National Bank’s ac- of the banking business. partnership projects, including re- In 2017, the National Bank Banks’ reports, prepared in ac- ity will be conducted this year tions aimed at conducting stress gional development programmes. plans to introduce a common cordance with the International using a common methodology in tests provide for the creation of What are the conditions un- According to the task set by methodology for assessing pro- Financial Reporting Standards order to bring the assessment to a legal and economic conditions for der which the transaction can be President Nazarbayev, legislative visions with appropriate adjust- (IFRS), provide for quite a sig- common denominator. In order to efficient rehabilitation and settle- concluded between Halyk Bank amendments are being developed ments to the bank’s capital (re- nificant difference in opinions of ensure fairness and credibility to ment of problem banks and safest and Kazkom? in Kazakhstan aimed at intro- ducing regulatory equity by the banks’ managers and auditors re- the assessment, central banks of approaches ensuring fast resolu- In accordance with legislative ducing risk-based supervision difference between regulatory ferring loans to the non-perform- other countries have attracted in- tion of banks’ problems without requirements, implementation that will allow the regulator to provisions and provisions under ing loans category. dependent experts. We will apply erosion of credibility to the bank of a potential transaction will be take preventive measures against the IFRS). In addition, approach- In 2015, major macroeconomic a similar approach. The banks’ system and with minimum state possible only if the rights and banks that have not yet violated es to the assessment of bank trans- shocks took place and had a nega- asset quality assessment will be expenses. Timeliness and aware- legitimate interests of deposi- the norms but are pursuing a risky actions with related parties and tive impact on the financial situ- conducted by an external consult- ness in undertaking measures to tors, creditors, other customers policy. Please, give us an example transactions on preferential terms ation and financial solvency of ant based on the methodology de- banks that are not strong enough and counterparties of banks un- of what these anticipatory actions will be strengthened. The issues bank borrowers. However, banks veloped in line with international lets the regulator significantly de- der contracts, including interna- might be. of strengthening the responsibil- seek to delay recognition of losses financial reporting standards. crease public costs aimed at ensur- tional obligations, are respected. Yes, indeed, in his latest state- ity of auditors and appraisers for on loans, including by means of Understanding the scale of poten- ing financial stability. The sooner In order to implement a potential of-the-nation address, President concealing information about the “artificial” restructuring of loans, tial problems will give us an oppor- the problem is identified, the easi- transaction for the purchase of Nazarbayev set a task to work out deterioration of the bank’s finan- postponing the payment. Such tunity to approach the process of in- er it is solved and fewer social and the Kazkommertsbank shares by a package of measures to rehabili- cial situation, including the ban loans are called “evergreen” in fi- troducing the system of structured economic losses are required. Halyk Bank, there is a need to tate the banking sector, to ensure on carrying out activities in the nancial circles. As a result, loans, problem resolution of failed banks In general, the National Bank conduct a joint independent as- a transition from a formalised ap- financial market, will also be con- with no payment, are not included widely using the instruments of re- adheres to a position in accord- sessment of the Kazkom assets proach to risk-based supervision. sidered. in the non-performing category capitalisation and restructuring of ance with which only strong and quality on the part of the National The National Bank has already At the same time, at the legisla- in banks’ reports. That is why the healthy banks and appropriate reha- financially stable banks can oper- Bank and Halyk Bank. The quan- started developing a package of tive level, the mandate of the Na- National Bank has every reason to bilitation of unhealthy ones. ate on the market, those that are titative parameters of the poten- measures to rehabilitate the bank- tional Bank will be strengthened consider that, in general, the po- able to meet the requirements of tial transaction will be determined ing sector, within which interna- in terms of carrying out the forced tential volume of non-performing Members of the International the regulator and conduct its ac- after obtaining the results of the tional principles of the regulatory restructuring of the bank’s capital loans exceeds the current level Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, tivities not disrupting the financial independent assessment. Howev- and supervisory process will be structure and simplifying the pro- stated by banks in reports. who visited Kazakhstan this year, stability of the bank system. Weak er, even now we can clearly state implemented. In particular, it is cess of uniting banks. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 Kazakhstan, China to launch Trade with EAEU China-to-Europe container train route members grows By Aigerim Seisembayea The results of the operational Staff Report of more than $4 trillion. The work of Kazakh and Chinese EAEU allows a free movement ASTANA – Kazakhstan Temir railways for 2016 and the first Kazakhstan’s trade with its of goods, capital, services and Zholy national railway company quarter of 2017 were consid- allies within the Eurasian Eco- people and provides for common President Kanat Alpysbayev and ered at the meeting. Last year, nomic Union (EAEU) is grow- policies in the macroeconomic Director General of China Rail- the volume of transport be- ing, according to the press ser- sphere, transportation, industry ways Lu Dongfu signed an agree- tween Kazakhstan and China vice of the Ministry of Energy and agriculture, energy, foreign ment April 13 in Beijing to launch was more than 8 million tonnes of Kazakhstan, outlining min- trade and investment, customs, a China-to-Europe container train of cargo, which is 16.6 percent eral products as dominant in the technical regulation, competi- route through Kazakhstan. more than in 2015. In 2017, structure of the country’s ex- tion and antitrust regulations. The sides also agreed to launch the more than 10 million tonnes of ports. There have been talks of intro- Astana-Altynkol high-speed passen- cargo are planned to be trans- “In January-February 2017, ducing a single currency, how- ger train in May using Tulpar-Talgo ported through the railway bor- Kazakh mutual trade with the ever, no definitive agreement LLP railway carriages. This is a pro- der crossings of the two states. EAEU member countries was has been reached. The EAEU ject within the EXPO 2017 interna- Alpysbayev informed the Chi- $2.5 billion, which is 56 percent has supranational and intergov- tional exhibition in Astana. nese side on measures to reorient more than in January-February ernmental institutions: the Su- The sides also discussed bilater- container cargo flows from the 2016, including exports of $742 preme Eurasian Economic Coun- al rail cooperation within the Nur- railways.kz Photo credit: interstate point of the Alashankou million (an increase by 42.6 per- cil (SEEC) is the supreme body ly Zhol programme and the Silk national container transport be- was104,500 twenty-foot equivalent – Dostyk to Khorgos – Altynkol cent), and imports of $1.8 mil- consisting of the heads of the Road Economic Belt initiative. tween China and Europe. units (TEUs) in 2016, twice as much with processing at the Dry Port of lion (62.2 percent more),” the of- member-states. The second level China has developed a five-year The volume of container ship- as 2015. By 2020, volume is expect- the Khorgos – Eastern Gate Spe- ficial press release of the Kazakh of intergovernmental institutions plan for the development of inter- ments from China to Europe ed to increase to 800,000 TEUs. cial Economic Zone (SEZ). Ministry of Energy said. is represented by the Eurasian Kazakhstan’s exports are Intergovernmental Council con- dominated by mineral products sisting of the prime ministers of in the latest drip irrigation methods at 38.5 percent of the exports to the member-states. and green water and energy-saving the EAEC countries; metals and The EAEU has been seek- approaches. metal products, 34.8 percent; ing ways to play a bigger role Central Asian farmers trained Leading Kazakh and Israeli chemical products, 13.3 percent in trade with East Asia. EAEU experts are conducting master and animal and vegetable prod- representatives have thus far classes. Israel has applied the lat- ucts along with easy-to-cook commenced talks for official est drip irrigation technology and food products, 7.6 percent. trade cooperation with the As- in latest agro-technologies has experience adapting this solu- Among the imported goods sociation of Southeast Asian Na- assistance (ODA) system and was seminar for 26 representatives tion in arid and semi-arid climatic from the EAEU there are chemi- tions (ASEAN). EAEU members By Malika Orazgaliyeva organised by the Kazakh Minis- of the agricultural sector of Kyr- conditions. cals at 23.0 percent; mineral have also agreed to step up talks try of Foreign Affairs, the United gyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan The participants said they hope products, 20.6 percent; machin- to strengthen cooperation with ASTANA – Almaty is hosting Nations Development Programme and Uzbekistan. similar events will be conducted ery and equipment, 19.7 percent; China, including in a format of April 24-28 an “Improving the (UNDP) office in Kazakhstan and The seminar topic was chosen more often to study the development metals and goods made of metal, exchange on goods and services productivity and profitability of the Israeli Agency for Internation- because of Central Asia’s poten- of modern agricultural production. 12 percent and 9 percent; prod- and to set up expert groups to de- agribusiness through teaching in- al Cooperation MASHAV for the tial as an agricultural hub, which The seminar will also include a ucts made of animals and vegeta- velop preferential trade regimes novative technologies of water countries of Central Asia. requires modern irrigation meth- visit to the School of Mining and bles and finished food products, with Israel and India. It already and energy saving to farmers and The Ushkonyr Knowledge Dis- ods, said Director of the Depart- Geosciences at the Nazarbayev 11.8 percent. has a free trade agreement with agricultural specialists of Central semination Centre in the Almaty ment for Foreign Economic Policy University and Seifullin Kazakh According to the official data, Vietnam. Asian countries” seminar. Oblast and the People’s Academy of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry AgroTechnical University, as well the EAEU has an integrated mar- The EAEU member states are The seminar is a pilot project of of Green Technologies in the Ak- Olzhas Issabekov. as a briefing on the activities of ket of some 183 million people Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and a gross domestic product Kazakhstan’s official development mola region are conducting the The participants will be trained Baiserke-Agro LLP. the Kyrgyz Republic and Russia. Kazakh, Chinese foreign ministries sign Central Asian hub 2017-2019 cooperation agreement for countering global By Aigerim Seisembayeva 8-9 Shanghai Cooperation Organi- sation (SCO) Summit in Astana. ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Wang Yi said he believes bilat- threats to open Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov eral cooperation will continue and By Zhanna Shayakhmetova search with law enforcement agen- and Chinese Foreign Minister that personal friendship, regular cies of Central Asian countries. China Wang Yi signed a coopera- contacts and mutual trust between ASTANA – The Central Asian During his stay in Vienna, Assa- tion agreement between their min- the leaders of the two countries are Regional Hub for Countering nov also met with OSCE Secretary istries for 2017-2019 during their important. Global Threats will be estab- General Lamberto Zannier to dis- April 21 meeting in Astana. “Under the leadership of Presi- lished in the capital within the cuss the main directions of coop- They discussed cooperation in dent Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Ka- Academy of Law Enforcement eration as part of the Central Asian politics, trade, the use of trans- zakh people have embarked on the Agencies under the Prosecutor regional hub. Kazakhstan cooper- boundary water resources and con- path of sustainable growth and sus- General’s Office. The plan was ates with the OSCE on all the most sular issues. They also stressed the tainable development, the country announced April 11 at the meet- important aspects of strengthening importance of dialogue. is carrying out important reforms ing in Vienna between Prosecu- international security in the sphere “Our meeting confirms the and is keeping pace with the times,” tor General Zhakip Assanov and high level of Kazakh-Chinese the Chinese minister said. United Nations Office on Drugs FEDOTOV: cooperation. This year we cel- The ministers agreed to meet and Crime (UNODC) Executive ebrate the 25th anniversary of regularly to discuss Kazakh- Director Yury Fedotov. “This will help the establishment of bilateral Chinese bilateral cooperation A memorandum of understand- diplomatic relations. Over these and international affairs, includ- ing was signed between the Ka- the Central Asian years, cooperation between our ing Kazakhstan’s non-permanent zakh Prosecutor General’s Office countries to increase countries has been developing membership on the UN Security and the UN, according to the of- in the direction of steady growth said, according to the Kazakh the May 14-15 One Belt One Road Council for 2017-2018. They also fice’s press service. their potential in and strengthening. In many re- foreign ministry’s press release. International Forum in Beijing and agreed to develop cooperation “It is an important event for us. spects, this became possible due The ministers also discussed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s within the Conference on Inter- This will help the Central Asian combating the to regular contacts of the heads preparations for President Nursul- June 7-9 visit to Astana. Both pres- action and Confidence-Building countries to increase their poten- challenges, security of our states,” Abdrakhmanov tan Nazarbayev’s participation in idents will participate in the June Measures in Asia (CICA). tial in combating the challenges, security and stability that stem and stability that from terrorism, violent extrem- stem from terrorism, ism and transnational organised crime. We are grateful to Kazakh- violent extremism stan for its support and we will Kazakhstan calls for global reduction work in cooperation in this direc- and transnational tion,” said Fedotov, according to organised crime.’’ the press release. The regional hub will become of combating the challenges and in military spending a location where law enforcement threats of our time, said Assanov. Kazakhstan, therefore, supports 21st Century,” Nazarbayev also the UN General Assembly in 2015 and special bodies will take part in “We need to unite joint efforts in By Aigerim Seisembayeva such international initiatives as the called for measures to eliminate the President Nursultan Nazarbayev trainings and learn the world’s best the fight against violent extremism GDAMS, saying that they are more use of force as a means of settling called for each country to divert one practices and advanced technolo- and terrorism, drug trafficking, ASTANA – Kazakhstan renewed important than ever. Launched in disputes. Reducing military ex- percent of military spending to help gies to counter five global threats corruption and money laundering. its call for a cut in global military 2011, its aim is to encourage coun- penditure from its present high lev- achieve the SDGs by their 2030 tar- – extremism and terrorism, illicit The academy’s initiative to create spending on the Global Day of Ac- tries to reduce military spending, els would be a step towards this goal get. drug, weapon and human traffick- a hub is timely and relevant. We tion on Military Spending (GDAMS) which, according to the Stockholm and would help ease tensions and “Even if this initiative does not ing, cybercrime and corruption. support this initiative. We must in an April 24 statement published by International Peace Research Insti- the dangerous competition between yet enjoy the support of some gov- “This hub will become a single attract the best experience of the the country’s Foreign Ministry. tute (SIPRI), reached $1.7 trillion in military blocks. ernments, at the same time, there is platform in Central Asia. The law international expert community,” The aim of the GDAMS 10-day 2015. Kazakhstan also believes that a growing awareness among the popu- enforcement and special authori- added Zannier. campaign that started April 18 is to “Since independence 25 years reduction in military budgets could lation of many states that military in- ties from Afghanistan, Kazakh- Assanov also held talks with In- push governments to invest money ago, Kazakhstan has championed the release funds to tackle hunger and tervention worsens rather than solves stan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turk- ternational Anti-Corruption Acad- in health, education, employment cause of peace, co-operation and dis- extreme poverty and build a fairer, problems,” the statement says. menistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan emy Dean Martin Kreutner. The and climate change rather than mili- armament. Our own devastating ex- more prosperous and stable world. Kazakhstan believes that by elimi- will learn the best world practices parties noted the common goals taries. periences led us to give up voluntar- These are the aims of the United nating nuclear weapons and trans- and technologies to counter major and tasks facing their respective The statement starts with an affir- ily the world’s fourth biggest nuclear Nations Sustainable Development ferring even a small part of military global threats,” said Assanov. institutions and expressed interest mation that the world has entered a arsenal and shut down the Semipal- Goals (SDGs) which were agreed budgets of all countries, the world The UN and Organisation for Se- in establishing mutually-beneficial new and troubling era, with tensions atinsk test site. President Nazarbayev to by the international community in could find significant additional re- curity and Co-operation in Europe cooperation. and conflicts, suspicions and com- has urged the international commu- 2015. sources to support sustainable de- (OSCE) headquarters in Vienna are UNODC, with 21 regional of- petition increasing between major nity to make building ‘a world with- The lessons from their predeces- velopment. This would, according to ready to send their leading experts fices in 150 countries, is a global powers. This, in turn, is leading to a out nuclear weapons the main goal sors – the Millennium Development the statement, improve the prospects to the regional hub to share expe- leader in combating illicit drug, new arms race and a greater use of of mankind in the 21st century’,” the Goals – underline the critical im- for security and peace around the rience. The hub aims to become a weapon and human trafficking, force to defend national interests and statement reads. portance of extra funding to deliver world and reduce the need for mili- major international research and organised crime and international expand spheres of influence. In his manifesto “The World. The transformational change. It is why at tary spending. development centre for joint re- terrorism. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26 , 2017

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS U.S. filmmaker chronicles Kazakh Japanese Oki Dub Ainu Band to More than 13,000 run in Almaty eagle hunters in Mongolia B2 perform at Almaty’s music festival B3 international charity marathon B7 New Astana railway station set to open June 1 Crowdfunding in Kazakhstan – finally a reality? foreign platforms. For example, By Zhazira Dyussembekova the funds for Kanat Beisekeyev’s documentary “Bala,” about Ka- ASTANA – Crowdfunding has zakh adoptees in the United States, become a usual thing to people were raised on a foreign platform. in developed countries. Kick- Would he have been able to raise starter was launched in 2009 and the money in Kazakhstan? Maybe, today is one of the most famous but it would have taken far longer. crowdfunding platforms in the The biggest challenge for Ka- world, along with Indiegogo and zakh crowdfunding platforms is a GoFundMe. Russian analogue lack of awareness and small audi- Boomstarter began in 2012 and ence. The attempts continue, how- has managed to reach IPO level. ever, and this time seem to be more Kazakhstan is just starting to show successful. interest in crowdsourcing, with two platforms founded last year. Several companies attempted to Baribirge.kz conquer the country’s crowdfund- “Baribirge.kz began its work ing pedestal prior to 2016, but their on Aug. 1, 2016 and in this short With a capacity of more than burden of vehicle movement and Rainwater harvesting and rain- attempts failed. The nation’s users time we have already managed to By Dana Omirgazy 35,000 passengers per day, the accelerate traffic. water recycling systems have received Startuper.kz, Startticket. attract more than 4 million tenge new station will significantly re- To ensure the safety of passen- been designed for the cleaning of kz, i6.kz, Gostart.kz, Asar.ainvest. (US$12,000) for various social ASTANA – Astana is set to open lieve the load from the existing gers with limited physical abili- facades and irrigation of adjacent kz without much enthusiasm. and creative projects,” said Anna a new railway station ahead of the station of Astana, which wel- ties, the facility with an area of territories. While the situation with the Tadzhimuratova, general director EXPO 2017 international special- comes up to 18,000 passengers more than 120,000 square metres For the convenience of passen- platforms was quiet uncertain, lo- of El-Mirador, the company that ised exhibition, to be called Nurly per day. will feature tactile paths, an infor- gers, modern queue management cal start-ups and talented people founded the website. Zhol. The facility will open June International experts from Buro- mation board with the use of the systems, electronic ticket sales and were able to collect funds through Continued on Page B2 1, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy press Happold, British professional ser- Braille and special cash desks. internet access are provided. service reports. vices firm providing engineering In addition to the main waiting To ensure a high level of protec- The project is divided into two consultancy, Tabanlioglu Archi- room, there will be hotel rooms, tion against threats in emergencies, stages ensuring the integration of tects, an architectural firm based storage rooms, mother-and-child security staff will carry out a wide the Astana railway junction and in Istanbul, and a team from Ger- rooms, medical offices, food range of anti-terrorist activities. the construction of a railway sta- many designed and implemented courts, restaurants, indoor and out- Facility will be equipped with pas- High water remains in regions tion complex. The former implies technical solutions to locate the door parking for more than 1,500 senger screening, video surveil- the development of infrastructure station on the concourse above the vehicles and much more services lance and access control systems. to provide the passage of increas- railway tracks. that meet the best world standards. Security staff will operate inside ing freight and passenger traffic. across Kazakhstan as some “This is a kind of know-how of “The building will be equipped and outside the facility to ensure “Advanced innovative technolo- the modern way to build the sta- with energy-saving elevators, es- 24-hour monitoring. gies available in the construction tion buildings. The ‘Station bridge’ calators and ground heat exchang- The new station will provide industry were used at a new railway almost everywhere have replaced ers, which pre-heat the air com- more than 1,300 people with jobs. residents return home station. Thus, the railway overpass the station of a ‘shore’ type due ing from the street in the winter General construction will be By Kamila Zhumabayeva According to analysis conducted, equipped with noise protection to greater efficiency, compactness and cools the air in the summer. A completed May 15 and during the minor flooding in populated places screens allowed to provide the pas- and more rational use of a space,” multi-zone air conditioning system next two weeks all tests of engi- ASTANA – For the past several and highways happened due to a large sage of trains to the new railway said the report. distributes cold and heat from one neering communications, intelli- days, Kazakhstan has been strug- inflow of flood and melt-water into station, without disturbing the ex- The new station is located clos- external unit directly to several gent train control system as well gling to control floods and high wa- reservoirs in the Akmola, Karaganda isting and planned transport arteries er to the Astana business centre, internal ones ensuring energy ef- as passenger services will be car- ter in several regions. Some 2,000 and Zhambyl regions, and an urgent of the city,” noted the report. which will significantly reduce the ficiency,” according to the report. ried out. homes have been flooded across increase of water removal became the country, Kazakhstan’s minister necessary. All rescue units are operat- of internal affairs informed during ing on high alert. Temporary gauging governmental session. stations were installed by subdivisions “Life-sustaining activity was dis- of the Internal Affairs Ministry along turbed in 52 populated places in the with akimats (city administrations). Kyzylorda volunteers cultivate concern for Karaganda, Akmola, North Kazakh- A local emergency situation was stan, Kostanai, Pavlodar, Aktobe declared on April 17 in three areas and East Kazakhstan regions, where of Karaganda region as activities of 1,949 houses were flooded … A se- daily living were disturbed in popu- others, present inclusive theatre production vere situation was observed in the lated places in the Bukhar Zhyrau, Akmola region, where 893 houses in Karkaralinsk and Abai districts, By Zhanna Shayakhmetova rore at a youth ball recently,” or- in one specific direction and tries or sponsors, working instead with 26 populated places were flooded and according to the press service of ganisation head Olga Chebakova to help everyone. Earlier, they ad- partners from public funds and 2,418 people were evacuated,” Minis- Karaganda region akimat. ASTANA – A Kyzylorda vol- told The Astana Times. dressed different social groups with associations. All the projects are ter of Internal Affairs Kalmukhanbet The press service of the Committee unteer organisation held a charity The group, called Kyzylorda a proposal to help them. Now, people widely covered by local media. Kassymov said, today.kz reported. of Emergencies recently announced concert April 21 as part of the so- Volunteers, was launched in Janu- come to them directly for assistance. Four coordinators initially de- A second flood wave hit Aktobe, that a noticeable decrease in water cial programme to help rehabili- ary 2015 when local enthusiasts Chebakova, an entrepreneur veloped plans and organised activ- where a large body of water reached level and water removing from reser- tate and socialise individuals with decided to unite and create a like- who owns a printing company, ities. Now, the main team consists suburban villages. On April 16, an voirs was observed in flooded areas physical challenges. The inclu- minded community. noted the main goal is to attract of 10-15 people of various age cat- emergency situation was declared in of Karaganda region. The committee sive theatre and wheelchair dance “There was no such thing as people’s attention. egories, a project head, coordina- the city due to high water. According noted all designated water areas are troupe presented its debut perfor- volunteering in our city. No one “We visited a rural foster house tor and consultant. to the Committee of Emergencies of under control while non-stop obser- mance. understood what it meant, what and held several events there. “When we have an event, the the Kazakh Ministry of Internal Af- vation of water levels in populated “We decided to arrange a con- should be done. I had a volunteer- We conducted master classes and coordinator conducts meetings, fairs, more than 500 country houses places is continuing. cert to support our unique pro- ing experience as I helped the or- trainings with children. Our activi- then notifies volunteers about the were flooded as of April 17 and 1,361 Two hundred and sixty seven residents had to quickly pack their jects – the inclusive theatre and ganisations at various events and ties made society pay attention to project. We also invite other par- people who were evacuated from wheelchair partner dancing. Our worked with public funds. We de- this centre. Then, other organisa- bags and evacuate to safety. Kyzylzhar Village of Bukhar-Zhyrau ticipants through social networks It was previously reported that performers have problems with cided to work purposefully in this tions started to offer their help in district have returned back to their such as Vkontakte and Facebook. hundreds of police and emergency homes. transportation. They do not have direction and therefore we opened organising other activities. We vis- People fill out the questionnaire staff in Aktobe were working around People also began to return to their the opportunity to get to a spe- ited the children’s and adult reha- our own organisation. United Na- and automatically receive the the clock in flood zones to safeguard homes in Kostanai region after flood- cialised bus. So, they proposed tions volunteer Nikita Shabayev bilitation centres and an oncology newsletter about the event. After public peace and the safety of resi- waters were gone. an idea to organise a concert from Astana came to us at the hospital. The activities with the the event, we also provide photo dents and to prevent looting. Earlier, President of Kazakhstan and use the funds collected to end of 2015. We collaborated for physically challenged are of spe- and video reports,” she said. The Atbasar area of the Akmola Nursultan Nazarbayev during a purchase a minivan. Soloists of a year. I am grateful for getting to cial importance for us,” she said. Chebakova feels helping some- region is also suffering after a pro- meeting with Kassymov tasked the the special dance project have al- know him. He consulted with us The volunteers conduct all their one is a path of spiritual purifi- tective dam built only last year government with restoring normalcy ready taken part in other events. on various issues,” she said. activities without the support of cation, making life’s challenges collapsed, causing 269 houses to to flooded regions. Their performance created a fu- The organisation does not work the akimat (local executive body) seem more bearable. be flooded as of April 17, today.kz The akim (governor) of North Ka- “I never thought I would be a wrote. The region is still waiting for zakhstan region said the cost of hous- volunteer. Now, the volunteer- floodwaters to recede. es that were fully destroyed would ing takes most of my time; on the Earlier, the anti-flood headquar- be compensated to residents. In ad- contrary, I work when I have spare ters of West Kazakhstan region con- dition, volunteers across Kazakhstan time. When I began to communi- ducted an aerial visual inspection of are arranging action to collect aid for flood-prone areas of the Ural River. cate with people with disabilities, fellow countrymen who are victims Complete ice clearance and the filling my personal problems faded into of flooding. Kazakhstan’s senators of the floodplains of the Ural River have also decided to help residents by the background. We forget how were observed during the visual in- transferring a day’s earnings to flood to enjoy life and simple things in spection, Tengrinews.kz reported. victims. our daily routine. We are obsessed with our problems and do not no- tice people who need help and at- THINGS TO WATCH & PLACES TO GO tention. I see a sense of respect, gratitude and joy in people’s eyes HILTON GARDEN INN and it is really inspiring,” she said. April 29 at 9 a.m. Networking Lab The attitude towards the volun- teer movement in Kyzylorda has changed. People have become RAMADA PLAZA more interested and ready to help. April 29 at 7 p.m. Flowers Ball “We would like to promote vol- unteering in schools next year. We plan to conduct trainings in this ASTANA OPERA direction. I plan to make a project April 30 at 6 p.m. Music of Latin America on voluntary groups. Volunteers May 4 at 7 p.m. Mozart, You Are God… have a completely different world view. Volunteering leads to suc- ASTANA CONGRESS HALL cess. Young philanthropists find a May 6 at 7:30 p.m. Yerlan Kokeyev and K7 Band good job and new hobbies easily,” she said. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 U.S. filmmaker chronicles Kazakh eagle hunters in Mongolia By Dana Omirgazy ASTANA – A stunning video named “Nomads of Mongolia” de- scribing the life of Kazakh eagle hunters in Western Mongolia shot by U.S. filmmaker Brandon Li has been amazing YouTube and Vimeo viewers over the past few months. The former MTV producer and current global nomad took some time from his schedule to give an exclusive interview to The Astana Times. “I was drawn to the Kazakh no- mads because I wanted to capture Brandon Li a part of the world that still lives traditionally in a unique and visu- tions. Every aspect of their life Today, enthusiasts in Kazakhstan, ally compelling way. Cultures like requires strength, from milking Germany, Japan, Italy, Spain, Pa- theirs are rapidly dying out around a camel to herding yaks. I was kistan, England, the United Arab the world, so my goal was to create also impressed by the dedication Emirates, Hungary and many other a vibrant short film that conveys required to train eagles for years countries practice eagle hunting. the spirit of their lifestyle while in order to utilise them for hunt- On Nov. 16, 2010 UNESCO rec- their traditions are still being prac- ing. I am glad the hunters eventu- ognised falconry as a living human between hunter and eagle,” Li ex- about 35 countries. Filmmaking Greece, Dubai, Oman and many ticed,” Li said. ally release the eagles back into heritage. plained. has been my main form of self- other places. I always try to fo- The filmmaker spent several the wild so the birds can breed. I “I held an eagle but I did not Li has made 42 videos so far. expression for most of my life, cus on the lives of the local peo- weeks in a unique and picturesque also enjoyed experiencing the dare try to eagle hunt. The birds His works are triggering great in- whether I was making home vid- ple, portraying them in a way place in Mongolia, home of the activities they do for fun like are so large and powerful – it takes terest and inspiring more people eos as a child, studying in film that is respectful and accurate Kazakh ethnic group. Kazakh peo- wrestling and horseracing. It was a brave person to tame an animal to travel and experience different school, or directing commercials while also being visually beauti- ple living there have rich traditions good to see a lighter side to their like that. I watched three eagle cultures. and films as an adult. Traveling ful. Next, I will be shooting in that are still being practiced today. lives,” he added. hunters go out and hunt, though. I “I was born and raised in the is my main source of inspira- Mexico and Central America for “I filmed in Bayan-Ölgii, in Since ancient times hunting was fascinated to see the strategies U.S. and have been a nomad tion so I am always looking for a short film, and who knows af- Sagsai and the Altai Mountains. I with eagles has been not only the they use to catch prey. Eagle hunt- for about four years. I spend opportunities to have an adven- ter that. The fun part about my was simply awed by how strong practice of trapping animals, but ing is a complicated and danger- almost all my time outside the ture and make a film about it. I life is that another adventure is these people are to survive un- also art and entertainment. It has ous practice that requires strength, U.S., traveling for work and have made films about India, Ja- always just around the corner,” der such harsh living condi- not lost its importance to this day. intelligence and a mutual trust pleasure. So far, I have visited pan, Hong Kong, Spain, France, he said.

“I realised that it is something I “These days, seeing female en- liked doing. We started with out- trepreneurs is a normal thing; there bound tourism, but as you know, are more and more of us each day. Secret weapons of Uzbek businesswomen Uzbekistan is rich in its own cul- This means that our economy is By Dmitry Lee successful managers and directors “Women are more often than my company three years ago, there ture and history and now we do doing well; the middle class is of small businesses. not getting into politics and busi- were times when I thought to my- both inbound and outbound tour- growing and I think it is a good ASTANA – Uzbekistan’s The Astana Times wanted to ness around the world. Our main self that there was no way to fur- ism. But I really enjoy doing this sign,” said Zaitullayeva. mostly male-dominated entre- learn what drives women entre- weapon to thrive in business is of ther it; that’s it the dead end and and this passion helps me thrive,” She dreams of teaching young preneurial arena is slowly being preneurs and how they manage to course being tactful, flexible, hav- now I need to shut it down. In she said. girls how to open their own busi- populated by women. According succeed in the modern economic ing good organisational skills and these times, now I just sleep on it A graduate of the English lin- nesses in the future, as she be- to the Uzbek statistics committee, environment. listening – something men often and when I wake up I always find guistics faculty of Uzbek State lieves it is something that should the number of businesswomen in Dilfuza Zaitullayeva, 25, is the don’t do,” she said, smiling. the way out,” she added. University, Zaitullayeva uses all be taught in public schools. small and private entrepreneur- owner of Uzbek Tours, a small “To have a successful small Zaitullayeva’s success is also the theoretical skills she acquired “I am grateful to my teachers for ships grew 1.6 times in the past travel agency. She was born and business, one needs a tempered motivated by her love of what she on the job. everything they taught me, but I decade – more than 40 percent are raised in Tashkent. character, patience. When I opened does. “Of course, you have to under- never used biology or geometry or stand that it’s not always like that algebra in my adulthood. I wish I – you just like something and open had learned a little bit about busi- a business and you will be good at ness management, the procedures it. You need basic skills or at least and what to expect, etc. I want to to have an understanding of what thank the Association of Business you’re doing. In my case, I speak Women of Uzbekistan, Tadbirkor English and Spanish fluently that I Aiyol, for helping me find my path majored in, so for me it was easy when I most needed it and all my to communicate with tourists and relatives who believed in me from foreign clients,” she noted. the very beginning,” she said. Starting one’s own company Zaitullayeva realises Uzbek these days in Uzbekistan is easy, Tours is still a small company with she claims. a moderate income. She is plan- “Opening a business is very ning on expanding and reaching simple: you pick a name for your out to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, company, provide state authori- however, and is looking for busi- ties with all the documents they ness partners. require and in about 10-15 busi- “I want the people who are ness days you’re a business lady. thinking about opening a business Then, depending on your type of to draw a map of what needs to be activity, you need to obtain the li- done, where they see themselves cense – here it might take up to six and plan each detail carefully. And months to obtain one, in our case most importantly, so the business in the tourism and hospitality sec- will not only bring financial stabil- tor,” Zaitullayeva explained. ity, but also pleasure,” she said. Study trip brings Dutch students to learn about people, EXPO They made friends with other don’t know a lot about it and it’s a Borovoe and was preparing to the temperature change rapidly different from what I am used to,” By Kamila Zhumabayeva students at KazGUU who helped big and a fascinating country. This leave for Shymkent, Turkestan. within months,” she noted. said student Ruben Scholtes. them when they needed a taxi or is why we chose Kazakhstan,” she They will then have a five-day “We are here to see the coun- “People are super friendly, shar- ASTANA – Fifty geography stu- translating when they went out said. stay in Almaty, where they plan to try because we don’t know much ing and curious about things. I dents from the Netherlands’ Utre- together. The Dutch students also She noted the students heard a spend some time at Medeu Skating about Kazakhstan and know we talked to students at KazGUU Uni- cht University visited Kazakhstan met people in Almaty who want to lot about the expo and are being Rink and hiking in the mountains. are learning a lot now. It is really versity about football; we went out for their annual study trip. The visit the Netherlands. Fakkel noted advised to visit it. Melskens be- “The weather in January was nice; I like it. The buildings and ar- together, it was great. I have their Astana Times learned how they she felt good about meeting new lieves coordinating such an event very cold and freezing, -20 degrees chitecture are amazing and a little phone numbers now, so they will were enjoying the good old hospi- people and making new friends. is good for Kazakhstan, because or something… The snow was all futuristic here. I have never seen call me when they are in the Neth- tality, friendliness and kind-heart- “I think it is really good for your people will know more about the over in Borovoe. It is funny to see such buildings before. It is very erlands,” he said, smiling. edness of the Kazakh people. country to have an expo exhibi- country and its activities. “We are geography students tion. Sustainability is really impor- “People here are very sweet. from the Netherlands on our study tant. I think it [the exhibition] will Most don’t speak English a lot and trip here. We do this every year, attract a lot of people. At first, one as good, but they try to help us chose a country to visit and go. may not want to visit because he or with phones and other things any- We have a day programme, visit she doesn’t know Kazakhstan, but way. They are very nice and help- museums and the university. In the now people may consider having a ful,” she said. evening, we can go out and dance look and find it nice,” she added. The students met two people a little bit,” said Chiara Fakkel of While in the capital, many stu- during their winter reconnaissance the group during the visit to a na- dents went to Khan Shatyr; others visit who helped them find a good tional museum in the capital. walked across the city eating lo- place to go out and eat. “We see a country we have cal food. All have different inter- “They helped us when we had never seen before. Kazakhstan is ests, so they made a small book language troubles, sharing their very big; we cannot relate to it, with highlights where students can phone numbers with us. Everybody our country is very small. People choose places they want to visit. is really friendly and we have made are very nice, open, very welcom- Some would like to have a seat a lot of friends; it is very easy to ing and everyone is willing to help somewhere, while others like to make friends over here,” she added. us. We met a girl who was helping explore the city and walk around, Melskens does not have a lot of us with everything when we were according to Fakkel. free time during the busy moments here in February,” she added. Student Dionne Melskens, a of the programme because of prep- The study group was invited April board member of a Dutch study arations, but she enjoys going for 13 to the capital’s KazGUU Univer- association, organised the trip. a walk on the streets, looking at sity, where Dutch Ambassador in Ka- “Every year we organise a study buildings and observing how peo- zakhstan Dirk Jan Kop and Kazakh trip. This year we wanted to do a ple live when she is in cities she Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs really big one and we thought Ka- has never visited before. Roman Vassilenko gave a lecture. zakhstan may be nice, because you The group has already been to B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 Japanese Oki Dub Ainu Band to perform at Almaty’s music festival once; I mean the Mongolian mili- ture, located on the largest island in By Kamila Zhumabayeva tary was good at horseback riding. Japan. He studied industrial arts at Finally, the Ainu lost the war and Tokyo National University of Fine ASTANA – As the May 20-21 concluded a trade treaty with the Arts and Music. Kano moved Spirit of Tengri 2017 contempo- Empire. We, the Ainu people, got to New York in 1987, where he rary ethnic music festival in Al- a lot of cultural influence from worked as a special effects artist maty gets closer, one of its most central Asia through trade,” he on film productions, returning to anticipated guest performers, the added. Japan in 1992, according to the Japanese Oki Dub Ainu Band, and According to various sources, band’s website. Ainu music and culture, is coming oral Ainu culture has numerous Kano often performs in Ja- into sharper focus. genres. Light-hearted ballads on pan, but has also participated in “I bumped into the Kazakh- daily affairs and rituals are accom- several folk music festivals in stan team in the elevator at the panied by traditional Ainu instru- other countries. His band was 2017 Sapporo Asian Winter ments and yukar (mimicry), a form recently on tour in Australia. In Games. They whispered ‘sha- of rhythmic epic poetry supported 2006, he released the album Kíla man,’ because I was wearing an by light percussion. & Oki with the Irish band of the Ainu costume for the opening The contents of these ballads same name. His earlier solo al- concert. I am not shaman, but a were “an important source of un- bums include collaborations with tonkori man. Tonkori is a kind of derstanding daily life as well as the female Ainu singing group harp handed by Sakhalin Ainu,” various traditions and habits of the Marewrew. Ainu musician, artist and lead Ainu people,” said Kano, and are The band is preparing for its band member Oki Kano (known significant in protecting its cultural visit to Almaty and performance in professionally as OKI) told The identity today, as seen by his ef- the festival. Astana Times. forts. “No fussing and fighting. Mu- Ainu are the indigenous people His band plays traditional Ainu sic makes the world go round. of Japan and Russia and the music songs in an electric style that mix- Oki Dub Ainu Band will rock the is a tradition of its namesake peo- es dub rhythms with the tonkori. Spirit of Tengri festival with heavy ple. A tonkori is an Ainu stringed During live concerts, he either drum and bass sound, plus deep instrument which Kano uses in worldwide genres. He also plays me of the sound of riding a horse. somewhere in central Asia,” he plays with the band or sings and echo and reverb DUB WISE! Let’s performances. guitar and traditional Ainu percus- Ainu didn’t have a horse culture said. plays the instrument in a solo share the special time together and Kano mixes traditional Ainu sion instruments. like the Mongols, but the roots of “The Mongol Empire invaded acoustic act. dance with wicked Ainu rhythm. music with reggae, dub and other “Some tonkori rhythm reminds the tonkori sound originated from Sakhalin. The Ainu won the war Kano is from Kanagawa Prefec- Don’t miss it!” said Kano. Crowdfunding in Kazakhstan – Kazakhfilm to complete filming finally a reality? of “Mir Mechty” in May Continued from Page B1 more than money from the projects came to us and said she wanted to only during summer of the last Among young candidates, Du- they support. create clothes in Nomad style for Staff Report year. We did not plan to make a lyga Akmolda was confirmed for The platform’s first success- “The idea is that by participat- the European concept store. Ear- film out of this book. We kept the the main role. Yerzhan Tusupov, ful project was raising funds to ing in various projects, a user can lier, she showed her line in Mos- ASTANA – A feature film main motive and tried to present it Gulzhamal Kazakhbayeva, Assel record an album of the Lampy receive something unique as a re- cow and attracted lots of attention named “Mir Mechty” (“The World in a more cinematographic way,” Kaliyeva and other actors will par- (Lamps) Orchestra. It collected ward. For example, in the project from the European public. So, she Of Dreams”) produced by the he said. ticipate in the film as well. the biggest amount – 1.211 mil- to raise funds for the recording of thought why not popularise Ka- Aimanov Kazakhfilm studio by A feature film tells the story of “Before filming began, the di- lion tenge (US$3,570) and 70 the album of Lampy Orchestra, as zakhstan through clothes? So, we an order from Kazakh Ministry of a man who tries to change his life. rector was preparing us for quite people pledged. Another big a reward it was possible to visit the decided to add her project on the Culture and Sports will complete The plot of the film is based on a a long time. We rehearsed every project was printing a book of group’s rehearsal. We attended this platform,” said Utegenova. filming in May, the press service of book of Kazakh writer Daniyar scene with him. The main charac- Kazakh tales by author Yury Ser- rehearsal together with those us- Recently, the website launched Kazakhfilm informs.kinoky.com Sugralinov named “Kirpichi 2.0” ter is close to my heart because he ebryansky, which received the ers who chose this reward and it fundraising for the informational “One of my friends who lives (“Building Blocks 2.0”). is simple. I myself did not encoun- President’s Diploma from the was unforgettable! The rehearsal poster “Snakes of Kazakhstan.” in Saint Petersburg told me that Farkhat Sharipov is known for ter such situations the main hero Association of Publishers, Print- turned into the live performance The goal is to collect 460,000 there is a writer named Daniyar films like the 2010 drama “Skaz faced but I know people who did,” ers and Booksellers of Kazakh- with casual communication and tenge (US$1,475). Sugralinov in Kazakhstan and that o Rozovom Zaitse” (“Tale of a Akmolda shared. stan and was nominated for “The a huge number of positive emo- “Many people have no idea what I have to meet him. But I didn’t Pink Hare”), the 2013 comedy Post production, editing, colour best publication for children and tions,” said Tadzhimuratova. kind of snakes we have in our give much thought to it back then,” “Inoplanetyane ni pri Chem’’ correction and dubbing on “Mir youth in two languages” by the Users who supported the ASAR country and which of them are poi- Sharipov shared. (“Not the Fault of Aliens”) and Mechty” will begin shortly after Director of the National Library project received gifts of wool sonous. In Almaty near the moun- “I got acquainted with his work “Akzhol.” May with a wide release planned of Kazakhstan. The project was products made by grandmothers tains there are lots of snakes and by chance and we met each other The film will be shot in Almaty. by the end of the year. supported by 69 participants. with love and gratitude to those when people see them, they take “At the moment, there are eight who supported them. rocks or a stick and exterminate them. With that money, the author wants to print posters and distrib- ute them to all of Kazakhstan’s schools. Famous Russian scientist Astana Opera House presents Nikolai Drozdov wrote a letter to the authors and invited them to the Kremlin,” she added. She shared her opinion on why new concert format previous platforms were unsuc- Staff Report ist in Five Parts” is one of the most later,” according to a release from cessful. popular works written by great the theatre. “We work with start-ups. We ASTANA – The “Fantastic” French romantic composer Hector Conductor Abzal Mukhitdinov have to be professionals in our symphony and concert featuring Berlioz. The symphony is consid- said that this symphony has some- field. I think the main reason previ- Italian oboist Gianfranco Bortola- ered to be autobiographical as the thing theatrical in its essence and ous attempts to create crowdfund- to premiered April 15 at the Astana composer was inspired by his love is an example of how vivid pic- ing websites failed was because Opera House. for Irish actress Harriet Smithson. tures and images can be created by they were start-ups, too. They faced First oboe at the La Scala Opera The symphony consists of five music. a lack of knowledge in legislation, House, the Royal Theatre of Turin parts including “Reveries – Pas- “This music excites the imagi- marketing, promotion and funding. and the Roman Opera, Bortolato sions,” “A Ball,” “Scene in the nation. And it’s a real revelation Anna Tadzhimuratova Aziza Utegenova A lot of such factors affected them, performed a Richard Strauss con- Fields,” “March to the Scaffold,” for many people. It is an unusual I think. It is not just about creating cert for oboe and orchestra with “Dream of the Night of the Sab- music format. For example, in the ongoing projects on our site and “These are the emotions that you the website. To manage a crowd- the Astana Opera symphonic or- bath.” third part we hear how the oboe we have successfully implement- cannot just go and buy in the store. funding platform, there should be a chestra in the first part of the pro- “Berlioz’s works were definitely sounds from the auditorium. There ed six projects already, includ- And most importantly, all the par- group of specialists,” she said. gramme. ahead of his time. Many composers is a transformation of the beloved ing two commercial projects and ticipants receive not only great The team behind start-time.kz The “Fantastic” symphony was used a stunning phantasmagoria in woman theme in the finale part. four socially-oriented ones,” said gratitude from the authors of the was engaged in charity projects presented in the second part of the the plot, interesting musical find- The waltz that sounded at the ball Tadzhimuratova. projects, but also a sense of their before crowdfunding. programme. A composition titled ings, formulas, genre synthesis, is transformed into the wild dance “As for our platform baribirge. involvement in interesting, impor- “So, we kind of digitalised our “An episode in the Life of an Art- which can be found in his works of witches,” said Mukhitdinov. kz, we have no special secret. tant and good deeds,” she added. work. We had our base of special- Before our launch, we thought “Crowdfunding gave a start ists and we were ready. We are also through the strategy and worked to a lot of interesting projects managed by an investor who can through all stages of launch and around the world and helped to invest in some of the projects. We development. Now step by step, realise a large number of impor- are not a start-up,” said Utegenova. we realise what we have planned; tant and useful ideas. We believe The number of people who we accumulate experience,” she that crowdfunding will develop in know about crowdfunding is small added. Kazakhstan and the result that we and the nation needs to create an Many still do not understand the have seen in such a short period of environment where start-ups can concept of crowdfunding. our work is a confirmation of that. develop, she added. “And statistics confirm this. De- As they say, the best way to pre- “Well, there are people who spite the fact that we have regis- dict the future is to create it,” said know what the crowdfunding is, tered more than 1,200 users, only Tadzhimuratova. but ordinary people, they have no part of them regularly participate idea. We say it is similar to the an- in the projects. A lot of people are cient Kazakh tradition called Asar. interested in what it is and how it Start-time.kz In the past, friends, neighbours and works, but they just observe,” she “The platform was launched relatives built yurts together and noted. in November 2016. At the mo- the recipient should cook a tasty The reason, perhaps, is that users ment, 10 projects are registered lunch and make a good atmos- still feel some kind of fear about on the website and three of them phere. So, crowdfunding is pretty something new and incomprehen- completed the fundraising,” said much the same. If we awake this sible. start-time.kz project director Aziza Asar tradition in people, crowd- “Most likely, this is due to the Utegenova. funding will find its place under fact that the history of crowdfund- The largest amount collected the sun. Moreover, it helps avoid ing in Kazakhstan is very short was 1,141,363 tenge (US$3,360) bureaucracy. If a person has an and people do not fully understand for a Kazakh brand of knitted idea and dreams about it and if what it is that is interesting for pro- clothes. people help him, who knows, may- ject participants,” said Tadzhimu- “In my opinion, that was a very be he will be a major businessman ratova. interesting and patriotic project. in the future and raise the econo- She stressed users get much The author, Diana Utemisova, my,” noted Utegenova. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017

civil service as part of an effective ticularly critical, because OECD government machinery responsive countries bring quite a bit of ex- to the needs of citizens. This is a perience in terms of methodology Kazakhstan seeks to improve civil service universal agenda for any govern- in data collection. We believe that ment in any country. The hub has having good statistics is impor- helped the Kazakh government tant not just for the capacity of and governments of participating the country, but also for evidence- through international partnerships countries to build capacity, forge based decision making. We are By Zhanna Shayakhmetova Global South-South Development peer learning and joint research partnerships and adopt best prac- pleased to be working with the hub Expo. activities between participating tices and innovations from all over to develop indicators on strategic ASTANA – The Civil Service “Another good example is the countries. It enables the consolida- the world with the view to develop human resource management for Development global and regional ever-growing cooperation with the tion of knowledge and best prac- a culture of operational excel- Kazakhstan,” he said. trends review highlighting civil Organisation for Economic Co-op- tices in the field of governance and lence,” he said. service development and re- eration and Development (OECD), serves as an efficient platform for Ashikbayev stressed more input ASHIKBAYEV: form in North America, Europe, which recently hosted the del- their dissemination. The hub’s ac- is expected from the hub on such Southeast Asia, the Caucasus egates from the hub’s participat- tivities contribute to the transform- issues as partnership with the pri- “The hub promotes and the Commonwealth of Inde- ing countries at its headquarters ative changes taking place in its vate sector, civil society and the pendent States (CIS) countries to facilitate the dialogue in the participating countries,” he said. media as Kazakhstan embarks on one of the national throughout the past 25 years was field of civil service reforms. The “The hub’s activities support a new pace of its modernisation strategy’s most highly commended by experts at ACSH service of press Photo credit: hub is advancing its relations with Kazakhstan’s development priori- agenda in line with priorities put an April 12 Partnership for Civil Civil Service Regional Hub professional associations from all ties and encompass the five insti- forward by President Nursultan important goals – Service Excellence conference in steering committee chairperson over the world,” he said. tutional reforms and the Plan of Nazarbayev. creation of the the capital. Alikhan Baimenov. Baimenov also noted the key Nation 100 Concrete Steps. The UNOSSC Secretary-General A unique summary, consisting of ment. This stimulates the search role of the United Nations Devel- regional hub assisted the Civil Ser- Envoy Jorge Chediek expressed professional civil the theoretical framework and ap- of the adequate responses to these opment Programme (UNDP). The vice Agency in this country over the organisation’s readiness “to plied expertise of leading scholars challenges. The United Nations hub’s institutional and financial the past year in undertaking re- scaling up their work with the service as part of an and practitioners was prepared by Economic and Social Council support is ensured by the agree- forms related to the new pay scales Astana hub with a view toward effective government the Astana Civil Service Hub and (ECOSOC) has started developing ment between the Kazakh govern- of civil servants and their new increasing capacities of the hub to aims to become a useful source a set of internationally-recognised ment and UNDP, which will be ex- competency framework. We hope address the needs of countries in machinery leading to further improvements principles of responsible and ef- tended for a three-year period. that this support will trigger the the region and beyond.” of civil service systems, said Civil fective governance and the region- The hub has become an impor- necessary changes in Kazakh civil “I came to sign an agreement responsive to the Service Regional Hub steering al hub is involved in this process,” tant platform for advancing civil service and public administration and confirm our commitment and needs of citizens.’’ committee chairperson Alikhan he said. service excellence not only in the to the benefit of the people of this to deepen our partnership with the Baimenov. Five new countries includ- CIS region but beyond, said UN country,” he added. Astana centre,” he said. Participants from 40 countries “Today’s era of globalisation ing Bhutan, Estonia, Indonesia, Resident Coordinator and UNDP The hub is one of the shining OECD representative Edwin considered the pressing issues and and development of information Lithuania and Palestine joined the Resident Representative in Ka- examples of highly productive and Lau noted the meeting was an op- challenges faced by regional na- and communication technologies hub. The number of international zakhstan Norimasa Shimomura. successful cooperation between portunity to better understand the tions in the civil service sphere and set new requirements to the quality experts currently includes more “The hub has become an excel- the Kazakh government and the types of practices that can help the roles of partnership and the hub of civil service systems. Citizens than 90 individuals. The UN Of- lent example of close and fruitful UN, noted Kazakh Deputy Foreign countries to develop and also de- in its solution. The heads of the au- turn to be well informed about fice for South-South Cooperation cooperation between UNDP and Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev. velop indicators that are appropri- thorised state bodies of Armenia, solutions in other countries… (UNOSSC) recognised the hub’s the Kazakh government which “The hub promotes one of the ate both for OECD and developing Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Kyr- The state bodies tend to function multi-faceted regional initiatives fosters knowledge development, national strategy’s most important countries. gyzstan, Mongolia and Ukraine in a quasi-competitive environ- and invited it to present at the 2016 knowledge sharing and peer-to- goals – creation of the professional “The work on indicators is par- took part in the discussions. Power station’s WorldSkills Kazakhstan regional contest heat allows winners determined in Taldykorgan By Dmitry Lee Almaty region Deputy Akim our region inside the national team winner in clothing and modeling (governor) Zhaksylyk Omar noted of Kazakhstan,” he said during the was Gulzhan Kabidolla from ASTANA – A regional practi- that the competitions of profes- awarding ceremony. the Kapshagai Multi-Discipli- unique fish farm cal stage of the two-day contest sional skills should be held more Experts at the regional con- nary College and the winner of for professional skills was held often and on a large scale. test had the chance to award all the hairdressing art category, recently at the Taldykorgan Col- “The Almaty region is one of the the participants and winners of Taldykorgan College of Service in Karaganda lege of Service and Technology largest regions in Kazakhstan with the contest with certificates. The and Technology student Madina and the College of Industrial In- more than 70 vocational-technical winner of the Grand Prix of the Bapova. dustry and New Technologies. colleges. Forty-four students are competition in cooking was a stu- The event was organised by The contest included students participating today in the contest dent from the Almaty Regional the Education Department of the in such specialties as welding, but taking into account our capa- College of Innovative Technolo- Almaty Oblast (region) and the cooking, hairdressing, modeling bilities, the number of participants gies in the Field of Service and Atameken National Chamber of and clothing design. should be even greater. We should Nutrition Yerassyl Argynbek; the Entrepreneurs. “In the conditions of building an try to show ourselves at the na- winner in the category welding All the winners will advance to innovative economy and moderni- tional and international champi- technology was Igor Kim from the national contest WorldSkills sation of vocational education, this onships and get representatives of Bastobinsk Service College; the Kazakhstan. contest is becoming especially rel- evant,” said Chairperson of the Re- gional Council of the Atameken Na- tional Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Almaty region Rimma Salykova. “One of the priority directions of the development of the country’s vocational education in recent years is improvement of the con- ditions to identify the talented and gifted working youth. We think Almas Taubayev that the heroes of today’s time should be young people, the rep- fish can breathe easily and freely. By Kamila Zhumabayeva resentatives of the working profes- This is as important for develop- sion. Because our business lacks ment as feeding quality. That is ASTANA – Natur Produkt farm simple workers, professionals in why we move them out to the lake has been culturing rainbow trout at their field,” she stressed. when it becomes hot in summer. the Topar Lake 40 kilometres from Some 44 students had to perform We turn aerating contrivance on Karaganda since last year. Close various competitive tasks to show for additional air incorporation proximity to Karaganda GRES 2 proficiency in their areas of exper- power station creates unique con- with oxygen if water temperature tise. Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs Photo credit: ditions for fish culturists, Forbes. rises above 18 degrees,” Head of kz reports. Natur Produkt Almas Taubayev Thermal release from the pow- says, according to Forbes.kz. er station’s refrigeration allows The fish are hand fed. There maintaining the temperature that are also long-term plans to auto- does not go below 17 degrees at a mate feeding. In the meantime, the 18-member staff of the farm enjoy Aktobe teacher establishes ostrich farm one-hectare big pond and without any expenses. feeding the fish. By Zhubanysh Baigurinov they have already adapted to our to produce their first eggs. This In addition to their meat and The power station’s work meth- “It is a great pleasure to walk climatic conditions,” said Matayev. African breed is recognised as the eggs, their feathers and skin also od proposes a year-round drain of around and feed the fish. Any ASTANA – A teacher of physi- He says he is doing everything best in terms of egg-laying and have a good price. The siblings warm and clean water from tur- kinds of stress go away when you cal education from the Aktobe to prevent their death. In this peri- also considered a long-liver. The from the rural district believe an bine refrigeration into the lake. A see how they become liven up region breeds African ostriches in od you need to be patient, he adds. entrepreneur believes his expenses ostrich farm is a very real and prof- portion of water gets into a pond and gambol in water,” the director his back yard. One more year is needed for them should pay off. itable project. via sluices set up inside a drain- notes. Sailaubek Matayev brought 20 But Matayev does not hide that age way. This is how a practically The first batch has now grown to exotic chicks in the summer of last there are complications. He buys tropic climate is being maintained, 40 centimetres in length and weights year from the Samara region of the food for the birds at the mar- the news report said. 1.5 kilogrammes. Local processers Russia. Together, with his brother ket and it is not cheap. He does Even when the temperature out- have slowly begun to process the they took a loan under the Road not complain, but he hopes for ad- side drops to a freezing minus 30 batch. The weight starting 1.5 kilo- Map of Employment Programme. ditional state subsidies to expand degrees below zero, water main- grammes to 5 kilogrammes is usu- Each bird cost 68,000 tenge production. tains 12 degrees plus temperature ally considered as marketable, the (US$218). The farmer plans to buy a due to the pond channel. These news website writes. Everyone has been predict- dozen ostriches and 30-40 hothouse conditions combine the The farm plans to start selling ing that birds will not survive the quails. He has appealed to local advantages of surface and en- live fish in May. For costumers to harsh winter. But the brothers did authorities to provide land for closed body of water. Fish grows access the freshest product, fish- not leave their idea and provided the expansion of a subsidiary all year round in an artificial res- bowls will be available in Kara- the nestlings with proper care. farm. He believes that it would ervoir while its living conditions ganda’s retail store chains. There were losses due to the lack be a good idea to establish an are no different than natural ones. The farm plans to produce 50 of previous experience, but, for- exotic ostrich park near the vil- A fresh wind blowing over a pond tonnes of trout this year and reach tunately, insignificant. As a result, lage in natural conditions, es- while enriching water with oxygen 100 tonnes next year. During the the chicks not only survived, but pecially since the Bulak rural is especially important. first stage, Natur Produkt intends also got stronger. Now their height district is located near the inter- “Winds here are strong to the to limit supply only to Karaganda is around 1.6 metres. national route and is included in extent where a pontoon blow off and perhaps Astana and go further “They still have to grow. They the tourist route of the region. It from water surface and tore a when they have their own produc- will be only one year old soon, most is located around 50 kilometres steel-wire rope. On the other hand tion facility. importantly, the winter is over, and from Aktobe. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 Clothing donation project brings warmth, hope to those in need By Zhanna Shayakhmetova a building that would be comfort- Timur also spoke about commu- able for the physically challenged nicating the effort to the media. ASTANA – Almaty residents who are involved in the sorting “The project is quite new in our can donate clothes and items process. It should also be bright country and at the moment, it at- to the Teplo (Warmth) charity and located in the centre with all tracts the attention of print media boxes to help people in emer- communication facilities and an and TV channels,” he said. “We gencies. There are currently five entrance for unloading and load- made social videos that are dis- collection points located at Es- ing trucks,” he added. tributed in social networks to draw entai Square, Dostyk Plaza Mall, There was also a need to es- the attention of the Kazakh people Mega Alma-Ata Mall, On Clinic tablish working processes and to the importance of helping peo- hospital and Pita Green healthy consider all stages, including un- ple from vulnerable segments of food restaurant. loading items, delivery to storage, the population. Everyone has mo- The social and charitable pro- further sorting and subsequent ments in life when he or she needs ject, aimed at organising contribu- chemical cleaning. some help and support. People’s tions for distribution to those in “Clean things are sent to people participation will save lives, their difficult situations, was launched only after all these procedures. care will give hope. Care unites Jan. 15 by Sinai Private Chari- Good logistics and powerful in- people.” table Foundation. The mission dustrial washing machines with a Collecting clothes led to the idea is to provide all types of clothes large load of clothing are needed of organising Teplo Express, the for people in need. The project, for the harmonious work of the logistics company that provides launched on permanent basis, also whole mechanism. We cooperate services to deliver and transport provides jobs as targeted assis- with the Daas Kazakhstan Com- various goods. In a case when the tance for individuals with physical pany in terms of logistics. Tricy- customer has unwanted clothing challenges. cles of this company are used to and items in good condition, he or Items are distributed through unload our boxes. Laundry is also she can donate them to the service social service centres for chil- a key point. We decided to cooper- for future distribution. dren and adolescents left without ate with the IC Pro Company. The “Daas Kazakhstan helped us guardians, trust funds and organi- equipment surpassed all our ex- with the organisation of Teplo Ex- sations working with vulnerable are delighted to provide support The venture started with install- offered us cooperation, but the pectations; in addition to washing press. We work to develop aware- citizens. for more than 50 families since ing donation boxes. KazHydroMash Company pro- and disinfecting, it dries clothes ness and humanity. We are able “Our team consists of six peo- the project’s launch,” project head “We needed a durable and posed the most suitable option and disinfects again in the final to achieve this together, as every ple. We have no sponsors and Timur, who preferred to be known sealed box with an anti-vandal for us. The second stage was the stage, treating with dry steam. In good deed is a small step for a public figures. The project is sup- only by his first name, told The mechanism inside and a beautiful search for storage. There was a lot the end, the item becomes like a person and a significant step for ported by me independently. We Astana Times. exterior design. Many companies of selection criteria, as we needed new one,” he said. all mankind,” he said. Fondy Global Modern micro district to be built in Taraz By Dana Omirgazy A new residential area to be of generations to the future, de- ucational institutions, residents located on a 100-hectare parcel velopment and progress. At the will be provided with a number ASTANA – Young families will become one of the attractive same time, it will serve as the ba- of medical facilities, including enters Kazakh market and couples in Taraz will now be residential spots for young peo- sis for the hinged screw structure rehabilitation and diagnostic markets of Europe and Asia,” said able to purchase an apartment in ple, according to National Asso- of the junction bridge pedestrian centres, an oncological dispen- By Zhazira Dyussembekova Voronin. a new residential area with mod- ciation of Construction Industry walkway. The upper level will be sary and polyclinic,” said the Fondy has offices in the Czech ern infrastructure. The Zhambyl chief Mukhit Azerbayev. Hous- designed for recreational use and report. ASTANA – International online Republic, Latvia, Russia, Slova- region administration had a look ing with yards will be isolated the lower one for bicycle riders, Zhambyl region Akim (Gov- merchant service provider Fondy kia, Ukraine and the United King- at a master plan and micro district from transit pedestrian flows and which will ensure security,” said ernor) Karim Kokrekbayev has Global has entered the Kazakh dom. miniature. public transport. Commercial Azerbayev. instructed to clarify some of the market. The local partner company The local e-commerce market is “The residential complex infrastructure facilities, such as The designers have offered to details and make changes and ad- bought its franchise at the end of expected to grow rapidly, said Vo- should appear at the entrance banks, pharmacies, fitness cen- organise a park zone, which will ditions to the project. In addition, last month. ronin. to the regional centre from the tres and shops, will be located on be decorated by the Wedding Pal- he proposed creating a technical “We received several requests “In Kazakhstan, only 11-12 per- the first floors of buildings. The ace. The builders will construct council to coordinate comments for cooperation from Kazakhstan. cent of users make purchases on- A new residential design is intended to create a wa- two schools for 1,200 students and work on refinements and pro- terfront with rest areas along the and three pre-schools for 250 posals. In general, the project re- area to be located Talas River. children and an additional 177 ceived a positive evaluation. “The eastern entrance to Taraz spots for pre-schoolers will be As expected, the ambitious mi- on a 100-hectare will be decorated with two nine- placed on the ground floors of the cro district will give the regional parcel will become storey multifunctional buildings residential buildings. The micro centre a new architectural look with offices, hotel and restaurants. district is positioned as a centre while solving the problems of pop- one of the attractive Shopping and entertainment cen- for living, leisure and recreation ulation growth and traffic flow. residential spots tres and big-box stores, as well for young people. During the years of Kazakh as a supermarket, will be avail- “There are plans to build independence, multi-storey mi- for young people, able on the flanks of the residen- 355,000 square metres of hous- cro districts with the symbolic tial area. Walking areas and green ing with 5,460 apartments in 49 names Astana and Baiterek have according to lawns will appear in the centre. houses. The district is designed appeared in Taraz. The residential National Association There is a proposal to place a for 15,600 people. In addition areas have appropriate infrastruc- of Construction stele symbolising the aspirations to residential buildings and ed- ture and social facilities. Industry chief Mukhit Azerbayev. north, along the Western Europe – Western China international highway. The Taraz city master CEO of Fondy Global Andrey Voronin plan adopted until 2025 includes almost 6,000 hectares of land in In addition, we very positively as- line, despite the significant amount the surrounding areas, expand- sess the dynamics of the growth of of card issuance and a wide range ing the city in the northwestern the e-commerce market in the short of other payment methods, such direction, including the coastal and medium term. Thus, relying on as electronic wallets and transfers. part of the Talas River and creat- these factors at the beginning of this Also, the share of e-commerce in ing a recreational zone,” accord- year, we decided to start working the retail structure is only about ing to the city administration’s with one of the partners with whom 1 percent, while, for example, in report. we already had joint projects. The Germany it is about 12 percent and New micro districts with new peculiarity of our business model in in the United Kingdom it is 15 per- modern high-rise buildings will Kazakhstan is that we usually coop- cent. Therefore, we expect an ac- occupy 462 hectares of land. erate in such formats as an affiliate tive growth of the audience of In- Architects have detailed design programme or white label, but in this ternet buyers in Kazakhstan in the projects, while engineering infra- case we decided to try the franchise coming years. I think that your e- structure projects are still being model,” said Fondy Global CEO An- commerce market can grow four- developed. drey Voronin, reported Kapital.kz. five times from the current in the According to company repre- next three-five years,” he added. sentatives, the Kazakh e-com- The financial technology indus- merce market is the most prom- try has been developing dynami- ising in the Commonwealth of cally in Kazakhstan over the last Independent States (CIS). The av- two-three years. erage check in 2016 compared to “We plan to actively involve the Prosecutor’s office launches website 2015 increased 31 percent, while players of the fintech market, includ- in Russia and Ukraine the growth ing those who previously worked was only 6 percent and in Belarus only in offline mode,” said Voronin. to assess doctors’ performance it decreased 5 percent. Fondy Global is working for the “The active growth of the e- third year in the CIS market. Staff Report video materials,” according to tor’s office will respond quickly to for the benefit of society improv- commerce market in Kazakhstan “Within this business model, the project initiators. violations in the health sector. Last ing healthcare system develop- entails the emergence of needs in partner is responsible for register- ASTANA – The Almaty pros- Anyone will be able to express year, about 500 complaints about ment,” Almaty Deputy Prosecutor both new technological and finan- ing a legal entity and buying a do- ecutor’s office has launched gratitude or leave a complaint to the city’s medical organisations Zhandos Umiraliyev said. cial solutions. First of all, the ad- main name, negotiating with banks almatymed.kz to allow local medical institutions and doctors, were received from the citizens. In turn, executive director of the vantages of Fondy are high tech- for further contracting for the or- residents to assess the work of which will be used to determine This was twice as much as the pre- Almaty Clinics Association Rassul nology and reliability of payment ganisation of processing, ensuring polyclinics and their medical staff, their performance rating. Future vious year. Dyussenov also shared his opinion technologies. In 2016, our custom- organisational work (attracting cus- 24.kz reports. patients will have an opportunity “The more such problems arise, on this matter. ers on average grew 1.5-2 times tomers, signing contracts, opening “The new website was devel- to choose a suitable specialist on- the more people will leave Ka- “I think that we will not get any faster than their country’s market accounts) and marketing. In their oped to increase the availability line. zakhstan and seek medical as- short-term results in the next 2-3 thanks to the active use of our turn, our experts provide a technical of relevant and useful informa- As noted, the main difference sistance abroad, leaving money months. However, I think we will know-how and this tells us that we platform, integrate with banks, set tion about the healthcare sys- from social networks is that a new there. Therefore, as a human rights see adequate ratings of medical or- are on the right track. Fondy will up financial processes in the back- tem and legal rights in Almaty, website is a kind of database. All agency, taking into account all ganisations and specialists within also provide assistance to online office for settlements with custom- as well as to provide feedback reviews will be concentrated on these problems and negatives, we a year. We will get an appropriate entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan in the ers and support clients,” said Fondy in the form of a response, com- one page, hospitals will be able to initiated the introduction of an in- assessment of their work based on integration into the international Global CIO Maxim Kozenko. plaint, rating, e-mail, photo or receive feedback, and the prosecu- formation system, which will work feedback,” Dyussenov said. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM&EXPO 2017

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 President praises EXPO preparations South Korea to showcase latest on its base a financial and business hub on the scale of the Eurasian space. “There are 2,700 foreign com- energy technology at EXPO panies working in Astana. They invested about $3.2 billion in the city’s economy. At the same time, the existing opportunities are not fully used. The potential of the special economic zone of Astana is involved weakly. The further development of the capi- tal must take into account the ur- banisation processes. By 2030, its population may grow by another one million people. This puts the city’s task of ensuring pro- ductive employment through the creation of new permanent jobs,” Nazarbayev said. The President also pointed out that Astana has a significant po- tential to become a tourist centre By Aiman Turebekova socio-economic development of structions to further develop the and instructed the government President and CEO of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency Jaehong Kim Astana and preparation for the capital. together with mayors to develop (R) with Astana EXPO 2017 Chairman Akhmetzhan Yessimov. ASTANA – Kazakh President exhibition attended by Astana “It is necessary to introduce the capital’s tourism. Nazarbayev States (CIS) country. It will be held Nursultan Nazarvayev praised Akim (Mayor) Asset Isseke- modern digital technologies in also emphasised the need to create By Yerbolat Uatkhanov June 10 to Sept. 10 under the theme preparations for EXPO 2017 dur- shev, Chairperson of the Astana all areas of urban management. roadside services for tourists who Future Energy. One-hundred-and- ing an April 21 visit to the Expo EXPO 2017 national company The government should define arrive by car. ASTANA – President and Chief fifteen countries have confirmed site. Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Kazakh Astana as the main platform for The head of state also focused on Executive Officer of the Korea their participation and are expected to “Official opening of the ex- Minister of Energy Kanat Bo- the introduction of digital tech- the preparation process of cultural Trade-Investment Promotion Agency showcase the latest in energy technol- (KOTRA) Jaehong Kim and Asta- hibition will take place on June zumbayev and Minister of In- nologies,” the head of state said. and mass events in the days of the ogy. Korea is expected to have one of na EXPO 2017 national company the largest pavilions under the theme 9. The readiness of EXPO 2017 ternal Affairs Kalmykhanbet According to his instructions, exhibition, the safety of guests and Chairman Akhmetzhan Yessimov of Future Energy, Smart Life. is at a final stage. The excellent Kassymov, among others. the International Technopark of residents of the capital and the lev- agreed to cooperate on the event dur- The main concept of the Korean holding of the exhibition will The President emphasised that IT startups will be launched on el of preparedness of volunteers to ing an April 19 visit to the expo site. pavilion follows a timeline of how demonstrate to the world the Astana should become one of the the expo site. Nazarbayev also in- meet visitors. Kim visited the site to check on con- one becomes an energy-efficient community achievements of an best cities in the world, conveni- structed to develop the city follow- EXPO 2017 will take place in struction of the Korean pavilion. citizen by developing new renew- independent Kazakhstan,” said ent and comfortable for living. In ing the example of Dubai, Hong Astana from June 10 through Sep- “The Korean pavilion at Astana able energy technology, construct- Nazarbayev at the meeting on this regard, Nazarbayev gave in- Kong and Singapore and to create tember 10, 2017. EXPO 2017 will be a memorable ed closely by the Energy Seed, the place for visitors and they will core source of all energy. South have an opportunity to experience Korea will also promote Korean the latest Korean technologies culture through K-Wave perfor- and culture with the accompani- mances and events. ment of the Energy Seed,” said the The Korean pavilion is expected Saka stone houses in Central Kazakhstan KOTRA president and CEO. to enhance relations and energy- Astana EXPO 2017 is the first related industry relationships with international exhibition hosted by CIS countries, known for their shed light on Kazakh nomadic culture, a Commonwealth of Independent abundant natural resources. archaeologist says length and were 8 to 10 metres of the ancients was cattle breeding. Kazakhstan improves four By Malika Orazgaliyeva wide. It is supposed that the houses The findings from the elite Saka ASTANA – The study of the set- were two metres in height, but with mounds of Taldy-2, Karashoky and tlements of the Saka, also referred their massive walls of more than Sherubai show that people there to as Scythians, ancient tribes that a metre in width, internal space mastered metallurgy and metal- slots in WEF’s Index lived in what is now modern-day would have been quite limited. working well. In excavated settle- By Zhazira Dyussembekova category, Kazakhstan showed good Kazakhstan, is one of the main The Sakas used the technique of ments in the Yedirei and Karakuys results in time required to receive tasks for Kazakh archaeologists the Andronovo era of filling gaps mountains, there have been found ASTANA – Kazakhstan im- construction permits, costs to start seeking to fill in the blank spots of between two rows of large slabs numerous fragments of stone hoes proved its position by four spots a business and tax rates. Kazakhstan’s information and the region’s history. with small stones and earth. Half and grain growers, which indicate to 81st in the latest World Eco- nomic Forum’s (WEF) Travel & communications technologies (ICT) Excavations in Central Kazakh- a century ago, Margulan and other the development of agriculture. Tourism Competitiveness Index. readiness was ranked 52nd with safe- stan have determined that ancient Kazakh anthropologists noted the These people are thought to have The index is published biannu- ty and security 58th. Human resourc- tribes made stone dwellings in the use of this technique in houses from occupied an ancient social stratum ally and compares 136 economies on es and the labour market ranked 47th. region more than 2,500 years ago. the Bronze Age. Andronovo ma- known to Kazakhs as “zhatak” (re- factors and policies enabling sustain- The three worst results were According to Arman Beisenov, sonry, a stable construction tradi- cumbent, immovable). In the winter, Arman Beisenov able travel and tourism development, reached in international openness head of the department of primi- tion, was used after the Sakas, too. Kazakh zhataks stayed with their which contributes to the develop- at 113th, environmental sustain- tive archaeology of the Alkey Mar- Saka era. The main materials were The area of the studied dwellings families in their houses, while other ment and competitiveness of a coun- ability at 99th and tourist service gulan Institute of Archaeology, the obtained in the Karaganda region is about 50 to 70 square metres, ac- residents went to zhailau (pastures) try, according to the WEF report. infrastructure at 97th. studies of stone dwellings became and neighbouring regions. cording to Beisenov. The residences to let their cattle graze. The zhatak’s The index is based on the four International openness included possible through the qualitative “The findings came from the were inhabited by 10 to 12 people duties included guarding, refurbish- sub-indexes, 14 categories and in- visa requirements, openness of improvement of archaeology in time of the Saka culture; it is ap- and most of the settlements have up ing houses and cultivating fields dividual indicators. bilateral air service agreements Kazakhstan not so long ago. proximately the eighth to fifth to three buildings. It turns out that with wheat and millet near the set- The top 10 countries in this year’s and the number of regional trade Since Kazakhstan’s independ- century B.C. A comparison with small communities of closely relat- tlement. After the return of the com- index are Spain, France, Germany, Ja- agreements in force. ence, archaeologists have been materials from North Kazakh- ed families lived in the settlements, munity, everybody went harvesting. pan, the United Kingdom, the United Environmental sustainability was grappling with the task of studying stan, Zhetysu, and Mountain Al- a hypothesis confirmed by ethno- “Our studies of settlements and States, Australia, Italy, Canada and assessed poorly mainly due to low Switzerland respectively. indicators in environment treaty rati- an ancient history. The programme tai regions, gave an additional graphic materials. dwellings of Central Kazakhstan Approximately 4,559,500 people fication and baseline water stress. “Madeni Mura” (Cultural Herit- and convincing vector of evi- The archaeological finds show that are aimed at the future. Just a week visit Kazakhstan annually and spend The report shows that within the age) gave a powerful impetus to dence. In addition, we received more than 2,500 years ago, the way ago, our colleagues from the Royal an average of $336, according to the tourist service infrastructure pil- archaeology in the country, and radiocarbon dates from several of life of different peoples in Central University of Belfast in the United report. Kazakhstan’s travel and tour- lar, quality of tourist infrastructure the series of discoveries of mounds foreign centres in St. Petersburg, Kazakhstan was very similar to the Kingdom told me about the pro- ism industry GDP is approximately and the presence of major car rental filled with golden artefacts raised Kiev and Belfast. There is no Kazakh one for centuries afterwards. gress in analysing materials found $3 billion, which is 1.6 percent of the companies dragged it down. the questions of who made those doubt that the Sakas lived in Cen- The clan consisted of small commu- in Central Kazakhstan. The results total GDP. Approximately 150,585 In the Eurasian region, Ka- amazing artefacts, and where? tral Kazakhstan,” Beisenov said nities. In winter, they lived in win- of the studies of the samples of bone people are employed in the industry, zakhstan is in fourth place after This interest led to the discov- in an interview with Kazakhstan- tertime settlements, and in summer, tissue of people buried in Taldy-2, which is 1.7 percent. Russia (43rd in the global rank), ery in Central Kazakhstan of more skaya Pravda newspaper. they went to river valleys, living no- Akbeit and other mounds proved The index ranks Kazakhstan sixth Georgia (70) and Azerbaijan (71). than 50 places with remnants of In Beisenov’s words, the known madically in folded yurts. that their diet included millet. As in health and hygiene, the country’s The country is followed by Arme- stone buildings used for residen- Saka houses were rectangular, The Kazakh anthropologist said you can see, the most interesting highest ranking in the index. Kazakh- nia (84), Tajikistan (107) and the tial and household purposes in the reached about 10 to 15 metres in that the foundation of the economy things are ahead,” Beisenov said. stan’s low HIV-positive population Kyrgyz Republic (115). and absence of malaria contributed to “The Eurasian sub-region [the the high-ranking in that category. report refers to the whole region as Kazakhstan’s second-best rank- Europe and Eurasia] faces issues ing, 8th, was in price competitive- relating to international openness ness. That category examines tick- and transport infrastructure. Yet et taxes and airport charges, hotel this sub-region boasts more quali- prices, purchasing power parity fied and efficient human resources and fuel prices level. while, at the same time, providing The WEF ranks Kazakhstan’s more price competitive options, business environment 36th in the thanks to lower hotel prices and world. Out of many indices in that fuel costs,” stated the report. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 More than 13,000 run in Almaty BI Marathon international charity marathon set for May 28 in Astana’s Triathlon Park By Kamila Zhumabayeva goal: to help children with special needs who are being treated within ASTANA – The annual BI Mara- medical and social programmes of thon is planned for May 28 in the cap- the BI-Zhuldyzai fund,” she ex- ital’s Triathlon Park, and 300 people plained. have already registered for the event. “This year the location of the Over nearly two marathon is changing to Astana’s Triathlon Park, which the BI years, about Group company gave to the capital [as a gift] for its 18th anniversary 2,000 children [in 2016]. We are confident that in have undergone the coming years, the new place will be important for physically rehabilitation at active residents and guests of the the fund’s medical capital city,” Gaukhar Kerimova, BI Group’s public relations direc- centre, and 300 of tor, told The Astana Times. The park, located in the centre them had surgeries of the city on the right bank of the done by foreign Yessil River, is a specialised area for running, bicycle racing enthu- specialists whom siasts and all those who make ex- the fund regularly km (half marathon), 42.2 (mara- Various people ran through the finisher medals and the winners re- ercise part of a healthy lifestyle. By Anuar Abdrakhmanov thon), 10 km (Nordic walking) and streets, including company manag- ceived medals, certificates of merit The annual marathon is growing brings to Astana. a team relay marathon of 42 kilo- ers, students, show business stars and gifts from partners. in popularity and this year’s event has already attracted more partici- Over nearly two years, about ASTANA – An international metres, 195 metres. and even professional athletes, “This is the sixth time our city pants than last year. Two hundred 2,000 children have undergone charity marathon took place April “This is one of the biggest sporting such as 2012 Olympic champion gathered lovers of a healthy life- guests and about 2,500 BI Group rehabilitation at the fund’s medi- 23 in Almaty. events in Central Asia. We see that Alexander Vinokourov. style at the start of the Almaty personnel joined last year’s run cal centre, and 300 of them had During the last several years, the every year it is gaining momentum. The finish line and awards- cer Marathon, which has a significant – fewer than the 300 that have so surgeries done by foreign spe- event has become a landmark not We not only do sports, but we also emony took place at Central Sta- impact on the city’s sports tour- far registered for the event in May, cialists whom the fund regular- only of Almaty, but of Kazakhstan help children with the money that dium. Nikolai Grigorov and Polina ism. Every year, people are be- according to the race’s website, ly brings to Astana. Thirty-one as well. This large Central Asian was raised today. More than 500,000 Repina won the marathon and re- coming more interested in mass www.bi-marathon.kz. children aged four to 12 who had sporting event, eagerly awaited by Almaty residents do sports today ceived cash prizes of 350,000 tenge sports events. The marathon has “We have set the limit to 3,000 been confined to wheelchairs thousands, has become an annual and about 1,000 sporting events are (US$ 1,123). Amir Baitukanov from become one of the most antici- people based on the experience of have been able to take their first holiday promoting an active life- held in our city. As the President of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Aidyn Kas- pated annual sports and charity past marathons, but we are sure steps due to treatment they re- style, health and charity. Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev sen from the capital claimed second events. This year, the funds re- that this year will have more peo- ceived through the fund, Keri- More than 13,000 individuals said, ‘only a healthy nation can be and third place, respectively, in the ceived from the entry fees will be ple interested in this event,” Keri- mova said. registered and received bib num- competitive, so I wish everyone men’s marathon. Alyona Uvarova, sent to six specialised institutions, mova said. Those who want to join but feel in- bers, while about 15,000 people success and to feel a unified sports of Almaty, came in second and in which 1,500 children with se- Terms of the marathon have not timidated can take advantage of free changed from last year. Runners training sessions the company offers. in total ran through the streets of spirit,’” said Almaty Akim (Mayor) Mariya Kireyeva, of Semey, took rious illnesses study and receive can take part in races of a variety “We would also like to point out the city. Participants passed 3 km Bauyrzhan Baibek in his remarks third in the women’s event. All par- treatment,” said marathon director of distances, from 1.5 kilometres the training sessions held along (children aged 10-14), 10 km, 21.1 before the start of the marathon. ticipants were awarded memorable Saltanat Kazybayeva. to 42.195 kilometres. with company paid coaches every The organisers hope this year weekday morning and evening at will have more team races, Ke- three parks in Astana. Full infor- rimova noted. The event includes mation and registration are avail- the Ekiden team race for six par- able at the bi-marathon.kz website. Astana Arlans win WSB group stage, reach playoffs ticipants. Join us and run towards victory “Our marathon has a happy along with us!” she said. By Anuar Abdrakhmanov to defeat Richabige Huricha- Association (AIBA). According to standard weight categories. The bilige. the WSB website, the appearance regular season takes the form of a ASTANA – The Astana Arlans In the two remaining fights, of the league “reunited the broader league phase, with the teams fac- team of Kazakhstan earned a hard- Kazakh boxers showed grit and boxing world and its grassroots ing each other home and away in fought 3-2 win over the China clinched a victory. First, Arman amateur foundation by providing alternating weight categories. The Dragons in the final match of the Rysbek won over Lida Wang, a bridge between Olympic Box- top teams continue to the playoff World Series of Boxing (WSB) knocking him out in the first ing and a future professional pro- stages. group stage. round. In the super heavy category, gramme within the AIBA family.” Teams representing franchises The match, contested in China, current champion of Kazakhstan WSB is wholly owned by the across the globe compete in a started poorly for the Arlans. An- Olzhas Bukayev defeated Zhibao AIBA. All WSB boxers are also league format leading to playoffs var Muzaparov of the 52 kg cat- Wang by a technical knockout in registered with AIBA and all ref- and a final. The boxers compete in egory lost to Chinese boxer Guo the fourth round. erees and officials working WSB five three-minute rounds and five Zhang. Then Zakir Safiullin lev- Thus, with five wins from matches are specifically certified bouts per match. elled the score. The 2015 Asian six matches, the Astana Arlans for the competition. Franchises The Astana Arlans club was championship’s silver medallist claimed first place in Group C and have a national identity and are founded in 2010. In the very first turned out to be stronger than Chi- went through to the playoffs. formed by national federations. season the club’s boxers proved na’s Sen Wang. WSB is a league that sees the Teams are allowed a quota of over- themselves as one of the strongest However, the home team took world’s best amateur boxers com- seas boxers: a maximum of eight teams in the world. The team is a the lead in the next bout. One peting in teams without headgear in total and no more than three of two-time WSB champion. It won of last season’s best boxers and using the scoring system of the same nationality. the third season in 2012-2013 and Aslanbek Shymbergenov failed the International Amateur Boxing Teams compete in the ten AIBA the fifth season in 2014 -2015. Kazakhstan’s national futsal team reaches UEFA Euro Futsal 2018 By Anuar Abdrakhmanov In the next match, Kazakhstan and Douglas brought the home competed against team Denmark. team to the top. The Czechs made ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s na- A lot was clear in this match by more attacks in the second half, tional futsal team made it through the end of the first half as well. but the goalkeeper of Kazakh- the April 8 and 11 qualifying round By this time, the home team stan’s national team played well. of the European Championship in were leading 4-0, and after the During the last minutes of the Almaty. break they secured the win. Din- match, Douglas, taking advan- Team Kazakhstan competed in mukhambet Suleimenov also got tage of the Czech team’s mistake, the Almaty Arena Stadium against a chance to distinguish himself in tackled the ball and hit the empty teams from Denmark, Czechia and the last seconds, making the final net. Thus, he secured the score Macedonia to secure a berth in score 5-0. The team’s goalkeeper 3-0 for the national team of Ka- the championship of the continent Igita also made several spectacu- zakhstan. branded UEFA Euro Futsal. lar saves during the second half, “We knew the match would be Team Kazakhstan, the previous after which the audience chanted very tough, so we prepared hard European Championship’s bronze his name for a long time. for it. Any team wants to show medallist, was a favourite in this The final game was played be- their best play. I would like to quartet. However, at the press con- tween Kazakhstan and the Czech praise my players for their profes- ference preceding the tournament, Republic, which, like Kazakh- sionalism. The guys analysed the the team coach made it clear his stan, had two wins from the first tactics of the opponents all day, team should not underestimate the two games at the tournament. and I’m doubly pleased. We did opponents. Thus, this match determined an excellent job. I would also like “We have a very interesting which team would take first place to thank our fans for the great at- group. Look at the teams that got in Group F and get through to mosphere, for their support to the here, there are no obvious outsid- the European Championship, and team in every match,” said Alesio. ers. All of them can claim first or sports.kz Photo credit: which one would have to com- For the second time in its histo- second place. I do not think the The tournament kicked off with leaders caught the Macedonian most empty net in front of Serik pete in the play-offs to get to the ry, team Kazakhstan will take part team of Kazakhstan is the favour- a Kazakhstan versus Macedonia goalkeeper off guard by a near Zhamankulov, who just had to do Championship. in the Europe’s main tournament. ite of the group. Every match will match. The two teams started off corner goal after a throw-in. Then, anything but miss. The final 3-0 Kazakh players, supported by The tournament will include 12 be difficult for us,” said Kazakh slow, but soon Leo of the Kazakh this Kazakh player who plays score for the national team of Ka- the fans, took a confident win. As teams and will be played Jan. 30 national team head coach Jose team stepped up. First, Leo, con- for Sporting, in a quick counter- zakhstan was earned by Albert Ak- early as the first half, the well- to Feb. 10, 2018 in the capital of Alesio. sidered one of team Kazakhstan’s attack, brought the ball to the al- balikov in the 33rd minute. placed shots by Mikhail Pershin Slovenia, Ljubljana. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017

turing many participants. That is, describe in what languages this today there is a menu in three lan- or that guide provides tours on guages. In general, personnel have the Smart Astana app and Astana Astana improves services, enhances security been undergoing special training; Guide app. This is an opportunity some of the staff members speak for all tourists to choose guides that one or more foreign languages. know reliable facts about Astana We also conduct trainings with the and contact them,” she said. to welcome EXPO 2017 visitors sanitary and epidemiological ser- Additional bus routes for EXPO (Mayor) Malika Bekturova in an shopping malls and other places vice on a permanent basis focusing facilities will also be introduced By Dana Omirgazy interview for this story. are connected to the situational on sanitary rules and regulations,” to smooth the traffic flow, tackle Given the scale of the upcoming centre that is already operating. she added. congestion and offer convenient ASTANA – In anticipation of event, the city’s administration is This centre coordinates the work transport service to the passengers. the EXPO 2017 international strengthening security measures of emergency services, the nation- New hostels and “There will be shuttle buses; it specialised exhibition, the city by installing more video surveil- al security committee, fire safety, is a bus service intended primarily administration is taking a holis- lance systems and conducting ambulance, department of internal 16 more hotels to shuttle passengers between two tic approach to preparing for the stress tests with relevant agencies affairs and other municipal servic- fixed points. In general, the traffic country’s main event in a decade. in all directions: mass gatherings es of the city. There is also a call will provide an schedule will be revised taking into The capital’s municipal enterprises of people, power outages, water centre for all potential emergen- additional 1,500 account the burden on the EXPO and businesses are completing pre- shutdowns and peak loads. cies. In addition, algorithms for district. Additionally, we are test- paratory works to provide a safe “We are now implementing a responding to a particular situa- beds by June 1. ing a single taxi service that will al- and positive experience for tourists project on video surveillance that tion have been developed. We are ready be operating in May. A single and citizens during the informative has several components. The first now cooperating together with the These trainings are constantly tariff for taxi service will be applied and recreational event. Malika Bekturova one implies installation of new EXPO 2017 National Company to enabling businesses to thoroughly for the convenience of residents and “Construction of all infrastruc- surveillance cameras, visual fixa- work out various non-standard sit- prepare for the EXPO. In addition, guests of Astana,” said Bekturova. ture facilities for EXPO is nearing way station will be ready May 25. tion equipment in public places uations. We will be training during a cultural tour guide programme A single reservation system is completion and will finish by June New hostels and 16 more hotels and parks, at intersections and April and May,” said Bekturova. was launched to offer services for also being introduced for hostels, 1. We have detailed construction will provide an additional 1,500 along streets and highways. The “We are also working with the foreign visitors. dormitories and other accom- schedule requirements for roads, beds by June 1. So, all construc- second component is the integra- owners of public catering facilities, “By the beginning of June, modations. Foreign tourists and infrastructure and additional sub- tion work continues in accordance tion of existing cameras; surveil- cafes and restaurants. Businesses Astana guides will complete train- guests will be able to book a room stations. The new passenger termi- with the approved schedules and lance systems at residential areas began preparing in advance for this ing and will receive certificates of and make contacts at information nal at Astana International Airport we have no doubt that they will and places of mass gatherings of event. There is a programme ‘Rec- official guides. We will post their kiosks at the railway stations, air- will open June 1 and the new rail- be completed,” said Deputy Akim people such as frequently visited ommended by EXPO 2017’ fea- photos with contact details and port and the city’s shopping malls. Almaty, Astana children’s camps offer healthy activities By Kamila Zhumabayeva next study year,” Pandaland.kz awarded the European Quality Camp is an active and interesting writes. award in 2009 in Oxford city. The place for children to spend their ASTANA – Summer is almost The Baldauren camp is a nation- camp is located in the town of summer holidays. around the corner and it is time al educational and recreational Schuchinsk in the Burabai region. A daily training programme in- for the holidays all children an- centre that operates all year round The Hilton children’s camp in- cludes hands-on and theoretical ticipate. The Astana Times has and welcomes nearly 300 children vites all children to develop their lessons. The programme incor- compiled a list of the best chil- every couple of weeks and every English language skills. Children porates natural horsemanship and dren’s camps near Almaty and the 20 days during a study year. will find their own group accord- agility methods. capital city. Children will enjoy modern liv- ing to age and language level. The children here stay in a Located in picturesque forests ing and study conditions here. All Kids will be offered a video li- freshly built complex in a new of the Borovoye resort area on the rooms are well equipped and have brary that contains dozens of Eng- building and spacious rooms with shores of Katarkol Lake, Konti- shower units with massage inside. lish language feature films and mountain views. A horse barn, an nent children’s therapeutic centre Five times a day, meals and cartoons. Apart from language outdoor training arena and more offers a swimming pool, exten- healthy activities, such as mas- courses, children play interest- is available for horse riding ac- sive educational programmes and sage, gala camera (a room where ing games, sing traditional and tivities, according to almata.kz. many kinds of leisure and outdoor one breezes in salts), therapy modern English language songs, The programme of this camp activities for children from seven tanks and medicinal baths, saunas make mini plays and other vari- also has football and volleyball to 15 years old. and cocktails are offered, accord- ous activities. Shows, carnivals, training, an indoor swimming “A multifaceted programme ing to the website. parodies and costume balls are pool, various workshops, a con- will not bore anyone. It has games School children aged eight to also held. cert, a bonfire and other sports Spending time in fresh air make the child’s stay pleasant and and competitions, walks to the 15 years old are welcome. The Located 20 minutes from the and recreation activities. daily, playing football, volley- enhance their health, according to forest and a lakeside, excursions, Kazakh Ministry of Education intersection of Navoi and Al-Far- Ak Bastau is another children’s ball, basketball, tennis, receiving the website. disco, sports activities, swimming and Science distributes holiday abi streets (Almaty), on spacious recreational camp located in Al- therapeutic and recreational treat- This camp also serves goat’s and a stage performance that will packages for this camp. land with clean mountain air, the maty’s Karagaily micro district, ments, sitting in an air salt room milk that is considered an “elixir energise children for the whole The Baldauren camp was Chamberlain Country Club and 23 Makatayev Street. and meeting new friends will of life.”

ers hope this will help ensure the transparency of the contest. This year’s festival opened with a Astana Piano Passion concert by the Astana Opera orches- tra conducted by Abzal Mukhitdinov. The orchestra performed Yerkagali Rakhmadiyev’s “Kudasha-duman.” Festival Kicks Off The winner from last year, Simon By Zhazira Dyussembekova from 13 countries will perform in Karakulidi of Russia, performed the semi-final round, the festival’s Sergei Prokofiev’s concert for piano ASTANA – The fourth Astana press service announced. with orchestra No.1, which was con- Piano Passion Festival, an inter- The contest aims to support ducted by Yerzhan Dautov. national festival of classical music young talents. The total prize fund Kazakh Vice-Minister of Culture and competition for young pianists, of the competition is $60,000. Win- and Sport Aktoty Raimkulova wel- officially opened in Astana April ners of special prizes from Matsuev comed participants to the competition 22. Young talents from different will take part in the international and announced that this year there will countries will be competing over festivals Crescendo and Stars at be a special prize from the ministry. the next few days for the right to Lake Baikal, as well as in the Anne- Also during the opening cer- participate in other international cy Classic in France. Astana Piano emony Rachmaninoff’s “Piano festivals and to win cash prizes. Passion winners will give concerts Concerto No. 3” was performed The closing ceremony is to be with the Moscow Philharmonic, at by Matsuev with the symphony held April 28. events planned for EXPO 2017 and orchestra of Astana Opera. “Our competition has become at next year’s Piano Passion. Tradi- During the festival, Astana hosts very popular all over the world. I am tionally, a special prize is also given auditions for semi-finalists and very glad that the applications were for the performance of works by a master classes of the best musi- record-breaking: from 28 countries. Kazakh composer. cians and teachers. For us, this is a big family; this is not Performances are assessed by an The final performances of pianists a competition. Of course, there is a international jury. The event is or- will be held April 26 to 27. The clos- contest. But this is a festival, it has an ganised by the Ministry of Culture ing ceremony on April 28 will be amazing atmosphere, and I always and Sports, the akimat (city admin- held at the Astana Ballet Theatre. have such anticipation. It means a istration) of Astana and the public Winners of the highest awards of lot,” said People’s Artist of Russia foundation Accordi di Astana with the competition will perform in the Denis Matsuev, who is art director of the support of the Moscow Philhar- closing ceremony, which will also the festival and also a member of the monic Society and Matsuev himself. feature an original performance of jury, according to 24.kz. This year, the battles of the George Gershwin’s famous “Rhap- This year, more than 140 par- young talented pianists can be wit- sody in Blue” by Matsuev. Musi- ticipants applied for the competi- nessed in real time. The official cians from Moscow Andrei Ivanov tion. The competition is becoming website of the festival, astana-app. on the double bass and Alexander more internationally representative, kz, is broadcasting all the compe- Zinger on the drums will improvise and for the first time competitors tition stages live online. Organis- onstage along with the maestro.