+13 / +4°C Wednesday, september 23, 2015 No 18 (84) www.astanatimes.com Astana Celebrates 550th Anniversary of Nazarbayev Visits Kazakh Khanate, Holds CCTS Summit Sochi, Attends Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum words, total imports from China, By Malika Orazgaliyeva India, the Caspian states and Cen- tral Asian countries exceed $170 ASTANA – President of Ka- billion annually. The two countries zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev have the potential to become lead- visited Sochi, Russia, on Sept. 15– ing players in the global food mar- 16 to meet with Russian President ket. Russia ranked third among the Vladimir Putin and attend the 12th world’s largest exporters of grain. Forum of Interregional Coopera- Today, our country is also part of tion between Russia and Kazakh- this market, he added. stan on cooperation in the field of Nazarbayev also stressed the im- agriculture and food security, the portance of cooperating in mutual press service of the Akorda re- investments, establishing cross- ported. border joint ventures, building During the talks with Putin, Naz- production chains and providing arbayev stressed that the forum quality transport and logistics in- plays a significant role for the two frastructure. A large-scale theatrical show was staged at the Barys Ice Palace to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the formation of the Kazakh Khanate on Sept. 11 in Astana. countries, especially in the context “Kazakhstan is completing the of current turbulence in the global construction of the Western Eu- Presidents of Azerbaijan Ilham the nation and reminder of the his- “We should remember that economy. rope–Western China highway, By Malika Orazgaliyeva Aliyev and Kyrgyzstan Almazbek tory lessons for today’s generation. we share a centuries-long his- “There is a decline in mutual which crosses the territory of Atambayev, Speaker of the Turk- He emphasised that the generation toric path with Russia, espe- trade caused by decreasing ex- Russia. With its help, we can cre- ASTANA – Kazakhstan cel- ish Grand National Assembly raised in independent Kazakhstan cially the Russian people. Over port prices and the volatility of ate centres of food supply expan- currency markets. In my opinion, ebrated the 550th anniversary of Ismet Yilmaz and Turkmenistan had lifted the prestige of the coun- the years of independence, we sion. For this, the resources of the our governments rapidly respond the formation of the Kazakh Khan- Deputy Prime Minister Sapar- try to unprecedented heights by re- have also written new pages of Eurasian Development Bank can to current issues. Today’s forum ate on Sept. 11 with a number of durdy Toylyev, as well as deputies alising the centuries-old dream of history together with the Euro- be used. Out of 12 bank projects is giving us an opportunity to dis- events throughout the capital. of the Kazakh Parliament and rep- its ancestors. pean Union and American and funded this year, 10 were agricul- cuss the most important of these President Nursultan Nazarbayev resentatives of the country’s intel- The head of state stressed that Muslim countries. Important in- tural,” Nazarbayev informed. issues,” Nazarbayev said. Nazarbayev noted that the Eura- congratulated all the country’s citi- ligentsia, sports, culture and arts Kazakhstan will always cherish ternational events hosted in our In turn, Putin stressed the im- sian Economic Union (EAEU) is zens on the day during a solemn fields. and preserve the friendship and country are now reflected on the portance of meetings involving going through difficult times and meeting held in the city’s Palace of Addressing the participants, trust with its neighbours and build pages of the newest history,” he Independence. Nazarbayev said the celebration good relations with all countries in regional leaders in Kazakhstan and trade turnover has decreased by said. Russia. The event was attended by the was a tribute to the glorious past of the world. Continued on Page A2 20–25 percent because of instabil- The leaders and members of re- ity in global markets. gional governments in Kazakhstan “At the moment, some say that and Russia attended the forum. the EAEU has stalled. It has stalled Nazarbayev stressed the impor- not because it is bad, but because tance of the forum’s theme, noting the situation is difficult. Econo- Top UN Officials Say Global that food is the most stable cur- mies rise and fall; we are experi- rency in the world today. encing crises not for the first time. “Both of our countries are ag- We should stay calm and find new ricultural and industrial. We have ways to increase trade turnover,” Nuclear-Test Ban Urgently Needed great potential in this area. Accord- the President said, as reported by world has endured over 2,000 nu- ing to the United Nations, by 2050 Tengrinews. By Yerbolat Uatkhanov clear tests. Those tests devastat- the world population will reach 9 In addition, Nazarbayev met ed pristine environments and lo- billion people. Therefore, food se- with the leadership of Russia’s NEW YORK – An informal cal populations around the world. curity will become an acute issue Sverdlovsk region and Ural Fed- meeting of the United Nations Many have never recovered from in further global development. Ka- eral University. (UN) General Assembly marked the legacies of nuclear testing zakhstan and Russia have a price- Governor of Sverdlovsk Re- the 2015 observance of the Inter- – including poisoned ground- less treasure, which is their huge gion Evgeniy Kuyvashev thanked national Day against Nuclear Tests water, cancer, birth defects and agricultural land area totalling ​​435 the Kazakh President for his on Sept. 10 and highlighted the radioactive fallout. Today, let us million hectares, as well as great great contribution to the develop- empirical threat posed by nuclear also send a strong signal that the experience in agricultural science. ment of neighbourly relations be- testing, calling for all countries to international community stands A variety of climatic zones and fer- tween Russia and Kazakhstan and sign and ratify the international united to take action that will tile soils allow us to be competi- strengthening relations between treaty banning testing. lead us to a safer and more se- tive in many agricultural sectors,” the border regions. “I have witnessed the last- cure world – a world free of nu- he said. Chairman of Ural Federal Uni- ing societal, environmental and clear weapons,” UN Secretary- Nazarbayev noted that the ag- versity Victor Koksharov awarded economic damage nuclear tests General Ban Ki-moon said at the ricultural and industrial complex Nazarbayev an Honorary Doc- have caused. Since the first test Honorary Ambassador of The ATOM Project Karipbek Kuyukov (R) shows his meeting. of Kazakhstan and Russia has a toral Degree in recognition of his in New Mexico 70 years ago, the paintings to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York on Sept. 10. Continued on Page A8 unique export potential. In his achievements in state activity. Kazakh Deputy PM Outlines Responses Heroes’ Welcome for for Water Challenges in Central Asia By Malika Rustem multiple water-related challenges in tion in the field of water management Int’l Space Station Crew Central Asia. and implementing combined projects Kazakh First Deputy Prime Min- In his report, Sagintayev outlined aimed at sustainable economic devel- ister Bakytzhan Sagintayev took part a number of proposals initiated ear- opment in Central Asian countries. in the Sept. 7 conference in Berlin on lier by Kazakh President Nursultan The German Federal Foreign Of- water and good neighbourly relations Nazarbayev to improve the water fice set up the Central Asia Water in Central Asia. situation in Central Asia. One of the Initiative (Berlin Process) in 2008 The event, convened and hosted by suggestions was a meeting of the to boost regional cooperation, thus German Foreign Minister Frank-Wal- council of heads of member states promoting sustainable water man- ter Steinmeier, was attended by more of the International Fund for Saving agement. The focus of phase I (2008- than 50 representatives from differ- the Aral Sea (IFAS) with participa- 2011) was on political advisory ser- ent German ministries, Central Asian tion of major donors and experts. The vices and strengthening institutions states, the European Union, United ideas also included creating a Central tasked with managing cross-border Nations, Organisation for Security Asian Investment Fund to implement rivers. Phase II (2012-2014) priori- and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) water projects and a regional centre tised support to develop approaches and other international and national for water security. for dealing with the increasing effects nongovernmental organisations. Sagintayev also voiced a proposal of climate change on Central Asian “Water supply will be a key topic to jointly develop and sign a pact on water resources. in the 21st century and is a task to be water and environmental security in The Sept. 7-8 conference on Wa- addressed by any forward-looking Central Asia, noting the importance ter and Good Neighbourly Relations foreign policy. That is why Germany of creating an open system of ex- in Central Asia marked the start of conducts active water diplomacy and, change of hydrologic data. He also Phase III (2015-2017), which is set together with the five Central Asian noted the need to improve the effi- to strengthen regional institutions and states, promotes regional coopera- ciency of the Interstate Commission processes – above all IFAS, which tion on matters relating to water. To- for Water Coordination of the Syrd- deals with regional water manage- gether, we now want to initiate the arya and Amudarya water basin as- ment. The aim is to create an insti- third phase of the ‘Berlin Process,’” sociations. tutional framework within which the said Steinmeier referring to an ear- The conference adopted a joint Central Asian states can manage their President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev (L) greets astronauts Aidyn Aimbetov, Gennady Padalka and Andreas lier German initiative to address the statement on strengthening coopera- own water cooperation. Mogensen (from left to right) in Astana on Sept. 12. Read full story on Page A2.

Inside NATION & eurasia&world Economy & Business editorial opinions nation & SPORT President Makes New Government Kazakh Tenge Rallies Against Dollar Following 70th Anniversary of the UN and Kazakhstan’s Yermekbayev: Kazakhstan Addresses Country Advances Green Energy Movement Appointments A2 National Bank Intervention A4 Bid for UN Security Council: Time for Security Challenges through Collective with Solar, Battery Projects B1 Efforts A7 Kazakhstan Brings Message of Dialogue, Energy Ministry Decreases Five-Year Oil Younger Nations to Have Louder Voice A6 Astana Pro Team Rider Wins Pragmatic Solutions to International Issues, Production Forecast A5 Kozhabekov: Race for Efficiency Has Vuelta a España B7 Says Deputy FM A3 Started A6

US$ 1 = 270.46 KZT 1 Euro = 305.48 KZT 1 Rouble = 4.08 KZT A2 NATION

Wednesday, september 23, 2015

NATIONAL President Makes New Astana Celebrates news in brief A conference offering internation- al experience in combating and pre- venting corruption in state revenue Government Appointments 550th Anniversary agencies coorganised by the Organi- sation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) was held in Asta- na Sept. 10–11, the OSCE reported. of Kazakh Khanate, Speakers encouraged intersectoral cooperation in the fight against cor- ruption and the promotion of good governance in the customs and tax administrations. Some 100 Finance Holds CCTS Ministry officials from across the country, experts from civil society, academia and the media, and rep- resentatives of the World Customs Summit Organisation, the World Bank and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime Continued from Page A1 signed the fifth summit declaration took part in the conference. Experts as well as decrees on the appoint- from the Caucusus, Europe and the Dariga Nazarbayeva Berdibek Saparbayev Archimed Mukhambetov Nazarbayev said a monument ment of the Turkic Council Deputy United States presented best prac- dedicated to the Kazakh Khan- Secretary General and President of tices in the field and discussed ways By Malika Orazgaliyeva gion replacing its former Akim, lorda, South Kazakhstan and East ate anniversary will be opened in the Turkish Fund of Culture and to improve the implementation of who was relieved of his position. Kazakhstan regions. Also, over the a month in ancient Taraz, a city Heritage. national anti-corruption strategies, ASTANA – Kazakh President Nazarbayeva, the daughter of years, Saparbayev served as chief which has more than 2,000 years The participants announced that specifically in view of Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Nazarbayev made new President Nazarbayev, is a promi- of staff in the Prime Minister’s of history located in an area where the sixth CCTS summit will be accession to the World Trade Organ- isation. Ambassador Natalia Zarud- appointments to government po- nent political figure of Kazakhstan Office, chairman of the Customs events related to the formation of held in 2016 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyr- na, head of the OSCE Programme sitions on Sept. 11, reported the who has focused on social devel- Control Agency, head of the Cus- the Khanate 550 years ago took gyzstan, with the theme of national Office in Astana, said that the OSCE press service of the Akorda presi- opment in recent years, including toms Control Committee of the place. sports. sees good governance as an effective dential residence. first as chair of a respective com- Finance Ministry, vice-minister After the meeting, the Akorda The council was established presidential residence held the way to ensure stability and sustain- Former Deputy Chairperson of mittee in the Mazhilis and then as of Economy and Budget Planning in 2009 as an international inter- able economic growth. the Mazhilis (lower house of Par- deputy chair of the body. She has and Minister of Labour and Social fifth summit of the Cooperation governmental organisation with Council of Turkic-Speaking States liament) Dariga Nazarbayeva was also been the leader of the organ- Welfare. the overarching aim of promot- Hosting a country office of the (CCTS), reported the President’s appointed Deputy Prime Minister ising committee of the Eurasian Mukhambetov graduated from ing comprehensive cooperation World Health Organisation in Al- press service. of Kazakhstan. In this position she Media Forum, which is in its 13th Samara State Technical University among Turkic-speaking states. maty will cost Kazakhstan $2 mil- The meeting was devoted to replaced Berdibek Saparbayev, year this year. She is also known and Kazakh-Russian International Its founding member states were lion a year, according to Melita who was appointed Akim (Gover- to hold massive charity campaigns University. He has a bachelor’s the theme of development of co- Vujnovic, WHO representative and operation in the sphere of infor- Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyr- nor) of the Aktobe region. In turn, helping children. degree in finance. In 2008, he was gyzstan and Turkey. head of its Kazakhstan Country Of- ex-governor of the Aktobe region Saparbayev has vast experience mation. Speeches were given by appointed akim of Aktobe city. In The same day, Nazarbayev Uni- fice, Tengrinews reports. The lower Archimed Mukhambetov was ap- in governing the regions; previous- July 2011, he became akim of the Nazarbayev, Aliyev, Atambayev, chamber of Kazakhstan’s Parlia- versity hosted Mangilik El, an pointed Akim of the Kostanai re- ly he served as Akim of the Kyzy- Aktobe region. Yilmaz and Toylyev, as well as ment, the Mazhilis, has approved CCTS Secretary General Ramil international scientific-practical an agreement with the WTO to Hasanov. conference dedicated to the Ka- launch a country office in Almaty In his speech, Nazarbayev said zakh Khanate anniversary. The with the aim of bolstering primary the CCTS fifth summit is an im- conference was attended by lead- health care, collect data on health portant step towards the integra- ing Kazak scholars and their coun- care services, coordinate work of Kazakhstan Increases Crime tion of the Turkic world. He put terparts from Azerbaijan, Belarus, preventive healthcare institutions. forward a number of proposals for Bulgaria, China, France, Germany, The agreement is for a 10-year pe- the member states. Great Britain, India, Israel, Italy, riod, with $2 million allotted from The Kazakh President suggested Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia, the government to keep it running, Fighting Cooperation with the accelerating the adoption of the Spain, Switzerland,Tajikistan, Vujnovic said at a press conference concept of Turkic world integra- Turkey, Ukraine, the United States about the agreement. Kazakhstan, tion prepared by the Turkic Acad- and Uzbekistan. Turkey and Russia had responded to the competition to accommodate emy. He also drew attention to the The conference was intended to country offices in their respective Nations of the Americas importance of joint efforts in the scientifically reveal the role and territories. Kazakhstan’s office will fight against terrorist, extremist significance of the Kazakh Khan- By Talgat Issenov and separatist threats. be focused on primary health care, ate in the history of the nation’s Russia’s on noncontagious diseases “We are interested in the soon- people and its statehood. The par- ASTANA – The Kazakh Sen- and Turkey’s on response to emer- est establishment of peace and ticipants considered the issues of gencies, she said. ate recently passed the law “On stability in Syria, Libya and Iraq. preserving Kazakh moral ideals ratification of the Inter-American We stand for the settlement of the for future generations in the frame- The board of the Samruk Ka- Convention on Mutual Assistance situation between Palestine and work of Mangilik El national idea zyna Sovereign Wealth Fund has in Criminal Matters.” Israel. We support solely peaceful and other important topics. approved the new concept for the This law is meant to improve the rehabilitation of Afghanistan,” he The day was capped with a group’s purchases, the Trend news effectiveness of the fight against said. large-scale theatrical show in agency reported on Sept. 8, citing crime by establishing cooperation Regarding the development Barys Ice Palace, the city’s new- the fund’s press service. Previous with the countries of the Americas. of cooperation in trade and eco- ly-built sports centre. The event procurement rules did not com- According to the convention, par- nomic spheres, Nazarbayev noted ply with World Trade Organisation ticipating countries will provide each of the CCTS member states was attended by the CCTS sum- practices and conditions Kazakhstan each other with mutual assistance has the chance to become a trans- mit participants and thousands of took on upon joining the Eurasian in the investigation of crimes. continental transit bridge con- guests. During the performance, Economic Union. The new concept “The agreement is multilateral. necting the economic and com- the audience was shown the most was designed to incorporate global The convention unites 26 coun- munication networks of China, significant events which occurred best practices on procurement man- tries, including the United States, Russia, Europe, the Middle East, during the last 3,000 years on the agement and includes a number of Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Venezue- the Caucasus and Central Asia.He territory of modern Kazakhstan. significant changes. Procurement of la and other countries. That means Chairman of the Kazakh Senate Kassym-Jomart Tokayev holds a Senate session. also suggested creating a common One of the brightest parts of the some goods, works and services will that by this document we will es- Turkic integration fund with the ceremony was the depiction of be centralised at the level of the fund tablish relationships with a number He noted that the issue of the ex- The senate also passed laws support of business communities the 300-year period of the Ka- and procurement of strategic catego- of American states,” said Kazakh tradition of Kazakh citizens con- ratifying agreements on legal as- and sponsors from the member zakh Khanate development and ries is to be optimised in portfolio Deputy Prosecutor General Zhakip victed in the U.S. is not regulated sistance in criminal matters with states. its culmination, the establishment companies. It is expected that the Assanov. by the document. Bulgaria and Romania. Following the event, the parties of an independent Kazakhstan. new purchasing practices will save the fund from $1.4 billion to $2.1 billion. The board of directors also considered the progress report on the implementation of the fund’s trans- formation programme, of which the President Welcomes Crew from International Space Station new procurement practices are part. By Aiman Turebekova According to Nazarbayev, Ka- “He has been dreaming of flying at the airport. “This day is very re- He also monitored areas crossed by Safety violations on Kazakh- zakhstan’s space activities will be to space since he was a child,” said markable for the country. We are hydrocarbon pipelines. This is an stan’s railways are down almost 10 ASTANA ­– On Sept. 12, Presi- further developed. As of today, the the mother of the Kazakh cosmo- very proud of our zhigit (Kazakh area of the shelf zone, where there percent for the first eight months of dent Nursultan Nazarbayev of Ka- country has a number of satellites in naut, who attended the ceremony in for young rider), who successfully is a large number of suspended 2015, Bnews reported on Sept. 15. zakhstan personally met Soyuz the orbit. “I am very happy that you, Astana. Aimbetov’s son Amir said completed his mission. He contrib- wells,” Zhantayev said. Aimbetov So far, inspection and enforcement TMA-16M crew Gennady Padalka Mr. President, and Kazakhstan’s cit- thanks to his father’s flight, he had uted a lot to the development of the activities have temporarily or per- also conducted research on the Aral of Russia, Aidyn Aimbetov of Ka- izens have supported and entrusted became “a super star” among his space industry.” manently prohibited the use of 241 zakhstan, and Andreas Mogensen me to represent Kazakhstan in the classmates. President of the National Centre Sea area, known for environmental units of rolling stock and closed of Denmark who were returning international crew. Kazakhstan’s Addressing media questions for Space Technology of the Aero- disaster caused by the shrinking sea. 168 stations. The total number of from the International Space Sta- programme of science experiments about the profitability of the flight, space Committee of the Ministry In addition, the Kazakh cos- safety violations has fallen by 44 tion (ISS), at Astana International was fulfilled and I am very glad that the President answered, “The space of Investment and Development of monaut monitored thunderstorm incidents, from 469 in 2014 to 425. airport. Kazakhstan, under the leadership of expenditures will not give immedi- Kazakhstan Zhumabek Zhantayev activity in the upper atmosphere, Accidents during water transport The President congratulated the Nursultan Nazarbayev, is moving ate yield. However, the whole world told reporters about the Kazakh cos- which could affect the spacecraft’s have fallen from 11 to 5 cases for the same period in both years. spaceship crew on their safe return, forward and developing space ac- is striving to master space. This monaut’s scientific experiments in onboard equipment, and studied adding that the flight was a momen- tivities,” said Aimbetov. promises great benefits for scientific space: research in ecology, physics biomedical issues, including the tous event in the year of the 60th The Nepali film “Kalo Pothi” “I am happy to come back to the and technical progress. Any expense and medicine. body’s response to gamma radiation anniversary of the Baikonur Cos- hospitable land of Kazakhstan,” said of the state that is directed to space “It is yet too early to speak about (“Black Hen”), directed by Min in weightless conditions. He also Bahadur Bham with Kazakh cin- modrome, from which the first man Padalka. The Russian cosmonaut will pay off. The whole world is the results. Aidyn Aimbetov con- ematographer Aziz Zhambaki- flew into space. had returned to Earth with the record competing for that and Russia is at ducted a series of experiments, and worked with other ISS crew mem- yev, won the Best Film Award at “You all were in our thoughts, as for having spent the most time in the forefront. We intend to develop the data will be processed on Earth bers on environmental and psycho- we were waiting for you to return. physical experiments. this year’s Venice Film Festival space (879 days in orbit) in the total our space agency and work together and will be implemented in many Critic’s Week, Tengrinews reports. All of Kazakhstan was waiting for Russian cosmonaut Sergey Volk- of five space flights. The previous with Russia, who is our partner, ally fields,” said Jantayev. The film was awarded by the Fed- the arrival of Aidyn, who was Ka- record, 803 days, was held by fellow and close neighbour.” As the media and assembled ov, Mogensen and Aimbetov ar- eration of Film Critics of Europe zakhstan’s third cosmonaut to fly in cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev. Nazarbayev also added how guests were waiting for the arrival rived at the space station Sept. 2, and the Mediterranean (FEDE- space. It is a very significant event Mogensen, who blasted off from proud Kazakhstan was to be able to of cosmonauts, he explained to as- two days after their launch, bring- ORA), and marked the first time in the anniversary year of the Bai- Baikonur along with Aimbetov on develop its own space programme sembled journalists which experi- ing the Soyuz TMA-18M ferry craft a Nepali film had won an award konur cosmodrome. We are glad Sept. 2, said the crew had “a fantas- as not many out of 200 countries in ments were conducted by the cos- Kelly and Kornienko needed for of this calibre. Zhambakiyev said that the flight went well, and that tic mission” at the ISS, whose nine the world enjoy such a privilege. monaut. “Experiments focused on their trip home. After swapping out that he was happy to share in the you are back,” he said. members represented five different Talgat Mussabayev, head of the four research areas. Firstly, [it had important moment for Nepali cin- custom seat liners, Mogensen and “With support of Roscosmos and nationalities at the time. Kazakh space agency Kazcosmos to do with] monitoring the anthro- ema. The Kazakh cinematographer the Russian leadership, we trained “This is a superb example of what and a veteran of three space flights, pogenic impact on the territory of Aimbetov were able to join Padalka was recognised at last year’s Berli- our cosmonauts Tokhtar Aubakirov, can be achieved together when we first met the cosmonauts on arrival the Caspian region and mountain- aboard the TMA-16M spacecraft nale Film Festival for his work on then Talgat Mussabayev, and now work together across borders and in the Kazakh steppes near Zhezka- ous regions with glaciers, in order to for their own ride back to Earth after the award-winning Kazakh film, Aidyn for space flights,” he said. boundaries,” he said. zgan and later joined the President understand the climatic conditions. an eight-day stay aboard the station. “Harmony Lessons.” A3 eurasia&world

Wednesday, september 23, 2015

external news in brief Kazakhstan, Tajikistan Sign CSTO Member Russia and Kazakhstan want to unify their air defence systems, Pavel Kurachenko, head of the Russian Aerospace Forces, said on Agreement on Strategic Partnership State Presidents Sept 8, the Tass news agency re- ported. The two countries signed By Nurbek Almashov and an agreement on creating a uni- Malika Orazgaliyeva fied air defence system in 2013 Discuss Regional and are now rehearsing coordina- DUSHANBE – President of Ka- tion among troops and establishing zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev the legislative framework for the paid an official visit to Dushanbe, system, Kurachenko said. General Tajikistan on Sept. 14, during Security Nurlan Ormanbetov, commander which several cooperation agree- of the Air Defence Forces of Ka- ments between the two countries zakhstan, is to command the uni- were signed. fied regional Air Defence system. During the visit, Nazarbayev in Dushanbe Russia also wants to create a uni- held a bilateral meeting with Presi- By Malika Orazgaliyeva “Renewal of the military ac- fied regional anti-aircraft defence dent of Tajikistan Emomali Rah- tivities in the northern part of Af- system with Armenia, Kyrgyzstan mon. During the talks, Nazarbayev DUSHANBE­ – The presidents ghanistan raises concerns. In order and Tajikistan, Kurachenko said. congratulated the Tajik people on of the Collective Security Treaty to adequately respond to the risks their Independence Day and the Organisation (CSTO) Council and challenges coming from the Kazakhstan’s senators have rati- 3,000th anniversary of Hissar, a fa- member states met in Dushanbe Afghan territory, it is necessary to fied the mutual legal assistance mous historical town and fortress Sept.15 to discuss regional secu- increase joint efforts in the frame- treaty between Kazakhstan and near Dushanbe. rity, organisational operations and work of the CSTO, both on a bilat- Bulgaria, the Focus Information “Kazakhstan and Tajikistan have the results of exercises of the Col- eral basis and in the framework of Agency reported on Sept. 10. The Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev (L) and Tajik President Emomali lective Rapid Reaction Forces. traditional friendly relations based Rahmon in Dushanbe on Sept. 14. other international organisations. assistance includes serving sum- on mutual respect and trust. Our The meeting was attended by the Kazakhstan continues to provide monses and other documents; col- countries have no disagreements the 550th anniversary of the Ka- participate in Kazakhstan’s indus- presidents of Armenia, Belarus, Ka- technical and humanitarian assis- lecting evidence; conducting in- in political and economic spheres. zakh Khanate. Our countries have trial projects. He said that Kazakh- zakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and tance to Kabul. We annually de- spections, search and seizures and Tajikistan for us is a brotherly a common culture and history. stan is shifting its emphasis from Tajikistan, as well as CSTO Sec- liver food, fuel, medicine, as well examinations; questioning victims, country, which is why we are in- Great events that were taking place the oil and gas sector to the indus- retary General Nikolai Bordyuzha as educate young Afghans in Ka- suspects, defendants, witnesses terested in its stable development. in our region for centuries are the trial one and is trying to diversify and heads of defence and foreign zakhstan’s leading universities,” and experts; and transferring ob- In the current difficult situation in roots that unite our people,” Naz- its economy. ministries of the member states. he said. jects and documents. In June, Ka- the global economy, we have op- arbayev noted. “We would like to invite Tajik Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that taking zakhstan ratified the agreement portunities for cooperation,” Naz- “Your visit today will give a companies to participate in our in- Nazarbayev told the gathering into account the difficult situation with Bulgaria on the extradition arbayev said. new impetus to the development of dustrial programmes. For instance, that among the main issues on the in the region, Kazakhstan supports of wanted persons, signed in Sofia The President also noted that neighbourly relations between our Kazakhstan will construct at least organisation’s agenda are threats measures to improve the combat on Nov. 14, 2014. The agreement the two countries pursue common countries,” Rahmon said. 7,000 kilometres of highways and from international terrorist and ex- capability of the CSTO Collective specifies when an extradition re- principles in international politics, The parties signed a number of railways through the Nurly Zhol tremist organisations. Rapid Reaction Forces. quest can and cannot be processed. which can be seen in their close documents on mutual coopera- programme,” he noted. “Unfortunately, we must hon- “We think it is necessary to hold cooperation in organisations in- tion, including an agreement on The Kazakh leader added that estly admit that citizens of the regular exercises, including unex- Kazakhstan was ranked second in cluding the Shanghai Cooperation strategic partnership between Ka- Kazakhstan is ready to open its CSTO member states join radical pected inspections,” Nazarbayev Central and South Asia in the 2015 Organisation (SCO), the Collec- zakhstan and Tajikistan; an agree- transport infrastructure to Tajik groups and participate in their il- said. Global Innovation Index, behind tive Security Treaty Organisation ment on cooperation in technical businesses so that they could ex- legal activities in the Middle East Among the session’s draft deci- India and ahead of third-place Sri (CSTO) and the Conference on In- protection of information; a pro- port their products to Europe and and Afghanistan. This fact requires sions, the Kazakh President high- Lanka. The index, co-published by teraction and Confidence Building gramme of cooperation between other countries. effective measures from our side,” lighted an agreement on coopera- Cornell University, INSEAD, and Measures in Asia (CICA). the Foreign Ministries of Kazakh- The Kazakh President also Nazarbayev stressed. tion in the field of transportation the World Intellectual Property Or- “We are grateful to the Tajik stan and Tajikistan; and a proto- stressed the important role of Ta- Nazarbayev emphasised the and other military formations, ganisation (an agency of the United side for the support of our candi- col on making amendments and jikistan in combating international need to provide economic support which regulates the movement of Nations), “looks at ‘Effective Inno- dacy for the UN Security Council additions to the current agreement terrorism and drew attention to the to Tajikistan, which is located in troops, weapons and equipment on vation Policies for Development’ non-permanent membership,” the between the two governments on need for further development of the foreground of the fight against the territories of the CSTO mem- and shows new ways that emerg- Kazakh President told Rahmon labour protection and migrant cultural and humanitarian coop- international terrorism. This year ber states. ing-economy policymakers can and the media at their joint press workers. eration. alone, he said, Kazakhstan has sent In conclusion, Nazarbayev as- boost innovation and spur growth briefing following the talks. “Your Noting that the new agreements Following the meeting, Naz- $2.7 million in food and construc- sured the participants that Kazakh- by building on local strengths and country also takes a constructive will strengthen the legal basis for arbayev laid a wreath at the Statue tion materials to Tajikistan. stan is meeting all of its obliga- ensuring the development of a stance on issues of water and en- cooperation which already in- of Ismoil Somoni, credited with In addition, the President drew tions within the CSTO as well as sound national innovation environ- ergy relations [in Central Asia].” cludes 80 agreements, Nazarbayev being the founder of a first Tajik the attention of the participants to providing humanitarian assistance ment,” according to a press release “A few days ago, we celebrated also urged Tajik business people to state more than 1,000 years ago. the situation in Afghanistan. to the allied countries. announcing this year’s index. Ka- zakhstan was ranked 82nd overall in this year’s list of 141 countries. Kazakhstan was 79th on last year’s list, which ranked 143 countries. Kazakhstan Brings Message of Dialogue, Pragmatic The presidents of Belarus, Ka- zakhstan and Russia met informally in Sochi on Sept. 15. The Russian and Kazakh leaders were meeting Solutions to International Issues, Says Deputy FM for the Russia-Kazakhstan Inter- might be projects in the economic of the most active countries in Asia, veloped nation with a collapsed regional Cooperation Forum. Dur- By Michelle Witte sphere, these might be cooperation a net contributor not only to region- economy to its current state, and ing the informal meeting, the three within multilateral institutions – it’s al but to global security.” how we managed our relation- leaders exchanged opinions about ASTANA – Kazakhstan brings to very diverse.” At the leaders-level summit on ships with all our neighbours, is a the functioning of the Eurasian the international stage – and soon, The campaign also goes hand in countering violent extremism on point of interest for many nations.” Economic Union and important it hopes, to the UN Security Coun- hand with promoting EXPO 2017 the UNGA sidelines, Kazakhstan Many nations have requested bi- international problems. The sides cil – an ethos that eschews conflict, in Astana, which Ashikbayev says will call for more work on fight- lateral meetings with Nazarbayev agreed to be in contact regularly to that is always ready to sit down for the country hopes to make a “truly ing terrorist ideologies, Ashikbayev on that topic, he said. “There is monitor Eurasian integration and negotiations, and that is interested global event.” said, calling extremism “a threat to no universal recipe, but definitely international issues. in finding avenues of cooperation All of these efforts serve Ka- the very foundations of our socie- Kazakhstan is seen by many as a even among the most distant part- zakhstan’s interests, he noted. “The ties.” success story in terms of nation Russia and Kazakhstan are to cre- ners, the country’s deputy foreign Deputy Foreign Minister more diversified our contacts are “You can defeat fighters on the building, in terms of economic and ate a joint regional irrigation system, minister told The Astana Times. Yerzhan Ashikbayev the better. We are now just on the battlefield, but the essential point social development. And from our Bnews reported on Sept. 17. The “The entire history of foreign verge of becoming a full-fledged is to defeat the ideology, and this side, we are very open to sharing agreement was signed between the policy of Kazakhstan is a demon- borders shortly after independence World Trade Organisation member is the approach that we’ve taken that experience.” governors’ offices of the West Ka- stration of our ability to negotiate and playing an instrumental role in – so that will effectively mean that to that problem,” Ashikbayev said. Kazakhstan, having success- zakhstan region, the Saratov region and to reach compromises,” said relaunching negotiations on Iran’s the number of our trade partners Aspects of an integrated approach fully implemented the Millennium of Russia and President of Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan nuclear programme. This is the ex- will increase. And we need those were discussed at the regional con- Development Goals (MDGs) and Bouquet Company Vladislav Burov. Ashikbayev in an interview on perience Kazakhstan brings to the connections, we need those ties.” ference on countering violent ex- most of its MDG+ commitments, Sept. 10. “We clearly have issues Security Council. The agreement was signed during And while Kazakhstan would tremism in Kazakhstan, he noted, welcomes the new UN Sustainable where we can take very principled “We are not dogmatic; we don’t not seem to have much in common including how to engage national the Kazakhstan-Russia Interregional Development Goals (SDGs), Ashi- positions, and at the same time, we have stigmas, previous policies. As with an island like Fiji – where and local governments and nongov- kbayev said. The new goals, which Cooperation Forum in Sochi. About always demonstrate the ability to a young nation, we are open and Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan ernmental organisations. address 169 targets through 17 200,000 hectares of land in the Sara- negotiate and to reach the desired flexible. … It’s through engage- Idrissov recently attended the Pa- “Despite the fact that we have goals relating to climate change, tov region and 50,000 hectares of outcome. … Some countries hesi- ment and dialogue and cooperation cific Islands Development forum been lucky enough to not witness health, energy, education, agri- land in the West Kazakhstan region tate to even demonstrate the will- that we would like to solve those – there is value in collaborating violence here, the threat is immi- culture, gender equality and other are to be jointly irrigated. ingness to negotiate. This is not the issues that we face, to solve those as “geographically disadvantaged nent, and we are very well aware of issues, are due to be adopted dur- case for Kazakhstan.” challenges, not through the way of nations,” Ashikbayev said. And it. We are coming to that countering ing a special conference within the The Eurasian Economic Un- Kazakhstan is campaigning for confrontation or conflict. And that’s the need to develop transport and violent extremism summit with the UNGA. ion member states are to develop a nonpermanent seat on the UN probably an overarching message transit potential – a major thrust of message that the threat is serious, Kazakhstan had already adopted a mechanism for organising and Security Council for 2017–2018, of Kazakhstan, coming to the UN Kazakhstan’s development at the the threat is not only a military one. its 2030 Strategy when the MDGs financing joint research in agricul- a seat for which Thailand is also a Security Council.” moment – is common in countries We need to win back the minds of were announced, Ashikbayev ture, Bnews reported on Sept. 17. candidate. What Kazakhstan has to Through its campaign, Kazakh- around the world, he noted. people, first of all.” pointed out, and the two documents A proposed mechanism will be put offer, at a time of mistrust between stan is reaching out to countries it Before either the expo or the UN Stability is crucial to counter- overlapped significantly. to the Eurasian Intergovernmental global powers and regions fractur- historically has not had much con- Security Council vote, however, ing violent messages, he said. “A “This time around, we are com- Council for approval. A press re- ing under protracted conflicts, is a tact with, including states in Africa, comes the 70th UN General As- lot depends on the stability and ing to the SDGs summit with the lease from the Eurasian Economic history of solving problems through Latin America and the Pacific Is- sembly (UNGA) and associated the successful rehabilitation of Af- Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy in our Commission noted that a list of engagement, Ashikbayev said. lands. The expansion is a natural summits on countering violent ex- ghanistan. But also, remember, four hands,” he said. The 2050 Strat- promising areas in agricultural re- When asked if his country would process, Ashikbayev said. tremism and other topics. Kazakh or five years ago, there were huge egy aims to vault Kazakhstan into search had been compiled in July. vote independently of other perma- “First of all, Kazakhstan, being President Nursultan Nazarbayev hopes for the so-called Arab Spring the ranks of the 30 most developed Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis (lower nent Security Council members, he the biggest landlocked country; we will deliver Kazakhstan’s tradi- and what it could bring. And Presi- countries in the world by 2050, in chamber of Parliament) has ap- said, “We are able to reach desired depend on our neighbours. Clearly, tional messages of engagement, dent Nazarbayev at the time was the meantime improving quality of outcomes not by confronting some- Central Asia is the zone of our sub- very cautious about such drastic proved the ratification of the inter- settling conflicts through dialogue life for its citizens, and covers each one, but by engaging – engaging stantive national interests. … But and stopping nuclear proliferation changes in those societies. And he and every SDG, Ashikbayev said. governmental agreement with Rus- in dialogue, underlining the im- in terms of diversification, we see – and, as is traditional,is helming a turned out to be right – we’ve seen “We have a feeling that Kazakh- sia on the conditions and procedures portance of trust. [A lack of trust] a great added value in our Security changed nation. how violent events became in Syr- stan is one step ahead, at least in for using the Balkhash radar node is one of the main problems of the Council campaign in reaching out “Each time President Nazarbayev ia, in Iraq. So a moderate approach terms of strategic planning [on] in Kazakhstan’s Karaganda region. current world: Nations and leaders to the regions, to nations in those attends the UN General Assembly, to a reform agenda would be our how to make the lives of our peo- The radar node is part of Russia’s just don’t trust each other, thereby distant areas where we don’t have Kazakhstan is a different country,” choice, and it is our choice here in ple more comfortable, more secure early missile warning system and is causing conflicts, causing suspi- diplomatic representation.” Ashikbayev said. “If we look at Kazakhstan. Development can only and overall, better. So, as in the case designed to continually monitor its cion, causing instability.” The process is not one-way, with the way that we’ve travelled over be based on stability in society.” of MDGs and this time around the zone of action out to space, detect- Kazakhstan has demonstrated assistance flowing from Kazakh- the past quarter century, Kazakh- Kazakhstan’s development is at- case of SDGs, Kazakhstan [has] its ing and tracking missiles and space that engagement and dialogue can stan, he notes. “We are trying to see stan started from being a newly tracting attention, he noted. “The own strategic planning and its own objects. The agreement was signed be successful, he said, notably in what else could be done in partner- independent state with a very weak experience of Kazakhstan, com- vision of how to implement those in Moscow in December 2014. peacefully negotiating all of its ship with those countries. These economy to its current state as one ing all the way from an underde- goals on a national level.” A4 economy

Wednesday, september 23, 2015

economy EBRD Urges Region-Specific Diversification news in brief KazMunayGas has received a $156 million tax bill from the Kazakh government, Rigzone. of Kazakhstan’s Economy com reported Sept. 9. The ad- the experiences of three pairs of “The regions’ potential is very ditional charge follows an audit By Yerbolat Uatkhanov regions, the report identified spe- strong. Their regional capability commenced in September 2014 cific product areas that each region index is based on three main fun- for the period between 2009 and ASTANA – Whiteshield Part- could potentially develop based on damental values, complexity, di- 2012. The bill includes a penalty ners, under a programme of the current knowledge and economic versity and industrialisation, and of 9.7 billion tenge ($39.8 mil- European Bank for Reconstruc- capabilities, from hydrometers and is very high too. The report speci- lion, at the time of the report) for tion and Development (EBRD) pyrometres for Atyrau to electrical fies what can be done at regional late payment, a fine of 10.2 billion and the Kazakhstan government, light equipment in Pavlodar. and national levels to diversify the tenge ($41.8 million) and an addi- presented a report Sept. 17 with “Kazakhstan has been losing ca- state’s economy,” Farra said. tional charge of 18.2 billion tenge consultancy analyses of the state’s pabilities for many years. For ex- The report recommends each ($74.7 million). The company is 16 regions, identifying challenges ample, in 2002 it had a comparative region use an individual diversifi- preparing an appeal and has said and opportunities that can help advantage in shipping and scien- cation strategy and take local cir- it will evaluate the adequacy of its Kazakhstan diversify its economy tific instruments, which was lost in cumstances into account. Regions provisions as the case progresses and boost its export capabilities. 2013. It doesn’t mean that it cannot that have already succeeded in through the court system. KMG’s “Diversification of the economy be used anymore. It means that Ka- developing new capabilities over net profit for the six months of away from excessive dependence zakhstan doesn’t have the compara- the past 10 years, such as Almaty, 2015 was considerably lower than on oil and gas is of the utmost im- tive advantage. The comparative now need to focus more on innova- profit in the same period in 2014: portance for Kazakhstan. To achieve advantage is a percentage of exports tion and moving up the value chain 2.9 billion tenge ($11.9 million) diversification, regions need to work of goods, which is lower than the in sectors where they have com- in 2015, compared to 210 billion together, building on each other’s global average,” said Co-Founder parative advantages. Regions with tenge ($862 million) the previous comparative advantages and eco- with Plekhanov, saying, “Regional ties in each of Kazakhstan’s re- and Partner of Whiteshield Partners less developed capabilities need year. KMG Exploration & Produc- nomic capabilities,” said EBRD Lead diversification is one of the main gions. Analysing over 10 years of Fadi Farra at the presentation of the to broaden their skills and capa- tion CEO Abat Nurseitov resigned Economist Alexander Plekhanov at a elements for successful develop- detailed regional export data for EBRD project on Sept. 17. bilities first, which can be achieved on Sept. 8. Chief Financial Officer roundtable hosted by the Ministry of ment of the whole country.” each sector, the experts compared He noted that Kazakhstan is still through policies focused on train- Dastan Abdulgafarov is currently National Economy in July. The study examined factors the development trajectories of the strong in cement and metal pro- ing, improvements in the business acting interim CEO. Vice Minister of National Econ- that support the development of regions and identified region-spe- duction and other core industries, environment and better coopera- omy Kairbek Uskenbayev agreed knowledge-based export capabili- cific policy priorities. Contrasting but loses in complex industries. tion between regions. The Standard & Poor international ratings agency has confirmed Ka- zakhstan’s long and short term rat- ings in local and foreign currency reporting and criticised the bank for as BBB/A-2, the Halyk IPO web- publishing incomplete and mislead- site reports. The S&P report also ing information. Publishing only gen- confirmed the national scale rating Kazakh Tenge Rallies Against Dollar eral volumes of trading is not enough, of kzAA+. “This outlook remains Halyk Bank, which was listed as the ‘negative’ and reflects the agency’s biggest trader leading up to Sept. 16, view of the significant risks to the said. budget, external economic and mon- Following National Bank Intervention “In order to form an objective etary indicators in Kazakhstan,” Ha- is completely immersed in the imple- competitiveness of our domestic en- Halyk Bank called for more trans- opinion, we offer to publish in a sys- lyk IPO said. However, the country’s By Michelle Witte mentation of the policy of inflation terprises will result in a balance.” He parency in the country’s financial tematic way, not only the general vol- budget projections and considerable targeting to reduce inflation to 6-8 did not say when the balance could markets in a statement published on ume, but the volume of net purchases international reserves are still posi- ASTANA – After sliding to nearly percent in the medium and to 3-4 be achieved. its website on Sept. 17. The state- and sales in the context of market par- tive factors, the S&P report said. 300 tenge to the dollar on Sept. 16, percent in the long term,” Ignatenko Bloomberg notes that currency trad- ments said it welcomed the disclo- ticipants. We call upon the National the National Bank of Kazakhstan in- said, according to Expert Online. ing volumes are on the rise, with the sure of trading volumes on the Ka- Bank of Kazakhstan to be consistent Kazakhstan plans to nearly dou- tervened and the tenge has rallied to A weaker tenge will help local zakhstan Stock Exchange, but called volume of tenge transactions reaching and to disclose such data exchange ble its output of mineral fertilisers trade at 267 to the dollar at the time of companies stay competitive against $233 million in the Sept. 17 morning it “only a first step to increase the trading by banks since August 17, writing. The relatively steady decline by 2019, Bnews.kz reported on Kazakhstan’s biggest trading part- session, following an average of $151 transparency of the financial market 2015. Moreover, the technical capa- and predictions that the currency Sept. 22. Chairman of the Commit- ners, Russia and China, according to million throughout the year. of Kazakhstan. Moreover, the Na- bilities of the Kazakhstan Stock Ex- could fall as low as 400 to the dol- tee of Industrial Development and Bloomberg. Recently, Vice Minister Halyk Bank reported on that day tional Bank has repeatedly offered change allow you to publish not only lar, however, have citizens concerned Industrial Safety Amaniyaz Yerzh- of Investment and Development of that almost 80 percent of the curren- to disclose such information to the the volume, but do exchange rates, on about the impact the falling tenge will Kazakhstan Albert Rau said that the anov said the output would be in- cy-trading transactions it was pro- whole market.” The statement also which there is the buying and selling have on their lives. ideal exchange rate for Russian rou- creased by 1.7 times compared to cessing involved selling dollars, not called for the National Bank to in- of the U.S. dollar,” the lender, one of A report by Bloomberg on Sept. bles to Kazakh tenge is 4.5 roubles 2014 at a recent press conference, tenge, the report noted. crease “professional and correct” the country’s largest, said. 17 outlined the slide and rally, not- to the tenge in response to questions noting that the recent transition to ing that the currency had traded the after the Interstate Council for Indus- inflation targeting had had positive day before as low as 299.9 tenge to trial Security of the Commonwealth impact on the country’s exporters. the dollar – more than 30 percent less of Independent States. The exchange In the short term, the industry plans than its value when the free-float was rate at the time of writing was 4 tenge to reorient production to the do- launched on Aug. 20 – before the to the rouble. mestic market, increase processing National Bank intervened on the Ka- While some in the business com- capacity and involve international zakhstan Stock Exchange by selling munity have welcomed the new ex- companies in developing Kazakh- $144 million to deter speculators. change rate, many private citizens stan’s chemical processing capabil- A National Bank statement ex- are concerned about their decreased ities, he said. The committee will be plained that the bank “does not inter- purchasing power. Financial column- actively searching for new markets fere with the formation of the market ists and bloggers in the country are for mineral fertilisers, he said. level of the tenge exchange rate, but beginning to tell citizens to prepare reserves the possibility of participa- for rates of 300, 350 and 400 tenge Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Invest- tion in the domestic market by for- to the dollar. In LS Magazine, writer ment and Development has an- eign exchange intervention, if nec- Kuralai Abylgazina, who is predict- nounced that 90 projects worth more essary, to ensure the stability of the ing a continued decline for the tenge, than 2 trillion tenge (US$7.5 billion) country’s financial system.” Due to said “[The free-float] ended the eu- are being implemented in the coun- volatility in the exchange rate, caused phoria of ‘We are great, we have oil, try’s special economic zones (SEZs), by speculation, it said, the bank had and the whole periodic table.’ Life with 16 of them to be put into op- decided to intervene in the amount of and market poked our noses into who eration before the end of 2015. The $144 million. The bank intervened we really are: third world countries. SEZs are designed to be the main again on Sept. 17 with an additional … Now we really have to work.” driver of investment in the country, $270.4 million. The government has promised and work on building investment at- Following the intervention, the to reimburse citizens for losses on tractiveness will be continued, the tenge rose to 270.5 to the dollar, and tenge deposits and has accelerated ministry announced. Over the first has continued to rise, making its big- plans to raise salaries for public sec- eight months of 2015, 13 projects gest gains since Aug. 20. Its swings in tor employees, which are now to be worth 58.6 billion tenge (US$219.6 value are currently the largest in the increased in January. Local officials million) were launched. The imple- world, according to Bloomberg. have been quick to announce agree- mentation of all the planned projects Some exchange offices in Almaty ments with food retailers, promising is expected to create 20,000 jobs, ac- and Astana have run out of dollars to hold prices steady, though at the an- cording to the ministry. and euros and stopped selling them, nouncement of the free float on Aug. according to an Expert Online report 20, Prime Minister Karim Massimov The Ministry of Investment and on Sept. 16. One Almaty exchange said that the government would con- Development announced Sept. 15 office manager told the magazine trol prices for a few months, but said that payments made through the that there were more people wishing the market would have to set prices in electronic government payment to exchange tenge for dollars or euros the long term. The government also system in the country had exceeded over the past two days than there had recently decided to stop regulating 10 billion tenge (US$37.5 million.) been over the previous week. prices for AI 92/93 petrol. Payments for traffic violation fines Speaking during the Russia-Ka- However, Minister of Finance zakhstan Interregional Cooperation Bakhyt Sultanov told reporters out- made up the biggest share, at 6.8 bil- Forum in Sochi on Sept. 16, President side the Mazhilis (lower chamber of lion tenge (US$25.5 million), with of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev Parliament) that salaries and purchas- payment of state fees comprising the acknowledged the economic turbu- ing power should not depend on the next largest share, followed by tax lence, saying crashing export prices currency rate, Tengrinews reported payments. The e-government portal were the cause of the decline in trade on Sept. 18. He said it would take allows payments for 46 types of fees between the two trading partners, and time to adapt to the new principles of or services, including utilities, com- their currency instability. letting the market dictate prices and munications and contributions to “Economies have this tendency – salaries. Asked how Kazakhs can af- housing savings programmes. they rise and fall. This is not the first ford to live with the new exchange time we are experiencing a crisis,” rate pushing up the prices of imports Vice Minister of Investment and he said, according to a Tengrinews but without salary adjustments, the Development of Kazakhstan Albert report. “It should be easy to treat this minister noted that civil servants’ Rau said that the ideal exchange and find a new point to address the is- salaries had been raised a number of rate for Russian roubles to Kazakh sues of increasing trade.” times in recent years, including a 10 tenge is 4.5 roubles to the tenge, Analyst Anastasia Ignatenko of percent raise for public sector em- Bnews reported on Sept. 18. Rau TeleTrade suggested in the Expert ployees after the 2014 devaluation. made the statement in response Online report that the new round of “Raises should not be connected to questions after the Interstate weakening of the tenge was due to with the dollar exchange rate, but Council for Industrial Security of the decision of the National Bank to to labour productivity,” Sultanov the Commonwealth of Independ- reduce the key interest rate to 12 per- said, as quoted by Tengrinews. “All ent States. That exchange rate will cent to maintain inflation targeting. In expenses of Kazakhs are in tenge. be best for Kazakhstan’s industrial February, the bank said it would de- Certainly, imported goods hold a and agricultural sectors, he said. crease interest rates by 1 percent each large segment of the market. But the The exchange rate at the time of month. “At the moment, the regulator work we are doing to increase the writing was 4 tenge to the rouble. A5 Business

Wednesday, september 23, 2015

BUSINESS news in brief Start-up Initiative Brings Kazakhstan is ready to ship the next batch of fifth-generation TE33A locomotives of the Evolu- tion series, built in Kazakhstan, Kazakh Apps to Market to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan Temir By Julia Rutz plication. Another two enthusiastic projects which failed because of the Zholy reported Sept. 8. An agree- programmers joined us during the team’s lack of knowledge about pro- ment to supply 10 locomotives to Young and talented programmers summer school,” said Tuyakbayev. moting a product and making it more Azerbaijan was signed between Arman Suleimenov, Almas Tuyak- He noted they continued working competitive in the market. Azerbaijan Railways and the Loko- bayev and Zhanserik Kenes are en- on new app production and mentor- “We like what we do. This is my motiv Kurastyru Zauyty Com- larging their business after the team ing participants at their school. stimulus to wake up in the morning. pany in August, and the first batch received a $20,000 grant in Febru- “I think it is important to do a pro- Success is inevitable and we are go- of locomotives was delivered to ary as the winners of the Build Your ject with people you trust. Another ing to do our best to reach the goal,” Baku that month. Vice President of Own Business Start-up competition. necessary condition is to delegate said Tuyakbayev. the Lokomotiv Kurastyru Zauyty The three friends established the tasks between the team members The team is aiming to upgrade Kanat Nuraly said the company will company Zero to One Labs to pro- in accordance with their weak and some of the apps created during the deliver two locomotives to Baku duce apps for the App Store. They strong sides. We are all program- summer school, like Syntle, Bulbul each month until the end of Janu- also organised an eight-week sum- mers, but, for example, Almas is a and Never Drink Alone, which have ary 2016. Kazakh-built engines are mer start-up school where 37 addi- good graphic designer. I am more the highest potential to be promoted in use in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, tional iPhone apps were presented. engaged in marketing issues. Each in the market, as well as develop a Ukraine and Turkmenistan. One of the apps, called Kelin, topped of us has a special talent to bring studying programme for the next the Kazakh App Store, scoring the company to the next level,” said start-up school. The Asian Development Bank 100,000 users in three weeks and Suleimenov. The Build Your Own Business (ADB) has announced it will pro- leaving trending apps like What- The major portion of the grant was Start-up competition was established vide a five-year loan of $228 mil- sApp, VK, Instagram, YouTube and used to cover the salaries of the pro- in 2014 by prolific Kazakh blogger lion to develop the small and me- Skype far behind in terms of local gramme’s developers. Plans are also and public relations expert Alisher dium-sized enterprise (SME) sector downloads. underway to rent an office and hire Elikbayev and supported by a promi- in Kazakhstan. The loans will be Tuyakbayev and Suleimenov the best employees for the company. nent businessman, Kenes Rakishev. distributed through participating graduated from schools abroad and “We don’t want to sit and wait, Kaspi Bank Chairman of the Board banks and the Damu Entrepreneur- got to know each other only a year hoping that one of our applications Vyacheslav Kim joined the project ship Development Fund. ADB Ka- before the competition. They met will unexpectedly succeed. We want this year. zakhstan Country Director Jinlin on Facebook to develop Taxi with to cover our expenses while putting “The competition will grow, as Yang said the project will focus on Friends, a way to transport people to the existing apps into operation. For well as the prize money and number lending to businesses in small cities their destinations and let them name example, the Being Beethoven app of investors. It is always difficult to and the regions and will prioritise the price by the end of the journey. has a mechanism for monetisation,” decide who has to win. We see that investment in fixed assets and in “Zhanserik is also our partner. He said Tuyakbayev. all the contestants have an entrepre- supporting women entrepreneurs. used to be my student. I remembered Suleimenov realises how impor- neurial spirit. These are people who The loan agreement was signed by we had been talking about a couple tant it is to attract new users and want to achieve something in life Yang and Chair of Damu’s Manage- of ideas, one of which was later re- invest in marketing. While in the and the competition is a good oppor- ment Board, Lyazzat Ibragimova. alised as the Being Beethoven ap- United States, he participated in two tunity for them,” Rakishev said then. Damu will make the funds available to DeltaBank, KazInvestBank, Ka- zKommertsbank and Tsesnabank, which will extend loans in tenge to their SME clients. The loan is the last part of a $500 million Small and Draft Budget Reveals Energy Ministry Medium Enterprise Investment Pro- gramme financing facility approved by ADB in September 2010. Lower Growth Expectations Decreases Five-Year Oil Kazakhstan’s car-making indus- try has grown again for the first by 3.4 percent and 1.7 percent in ing low, the draft budget predicts By Michelle Witte time since experiencing a 30 per- 2017 and 2018. Trade turnover is a decline of 1.3 percent in mining expected to grow by 2.8 percent Production Forecast cent decline over the past year, Ka- and quarrying from 2015 to 2016, ASTANA – The government of By Zhaniya Urankayeva zinform reported on Sept. 17. Vice this year, by 3.1 percent next year, AKIPress reports, with growth re- ic development forecast, which was Kazakhstan expects gross domes- Minister of Investment and De- by 4.8 percent in 2017 and by 4.8 suming at 3.4 percent in 2017. approved by the cabinet in August. tic product growth of 2.1 percent The Kazakh Ministry of Energy velopment Albert Rau said on the percent in 2018, AKIPress reports. The draft budget also shows oil In February, Deputy Energy Min- in 2016, 3.6 percent in 2017 and has decreased its oil production fore- sidelines of the Commonwealth The Economist Intelligence production falling to 77 million ister Uzakbai Karabalin stated that cast through 2020 by 11.5 percent. of Independent States Interstate 2.9 percent in 2018, according to a Unit (EIU), following the switch tonnes next year from 80.5 million Kazakhstan was planning to increase The new forecast has production Council for Industrial Safety that draft state budget for 2016 – 2018 to a free-floating exchange for the tonnes in 2015, Reuters reported. oil production beginning in 2017, reaching 92 million tonnes in 2020. the industry had grown by 7 per- that was sent to the Kazakh Parlia- tenge on Aug. 20, predicts growth Deputy Energy Minister Uzak- saying, “in spite of the decrease of “Oil production will reach 77 mil- cent in August 2015. There is also ment and seen by Reuters, Reuters in Kazakhstan of less than 2 per- bai Karabalin told reporters on oil production in the accounting growth in the country’s machinery and AKIPress reported on Sept. 8. cent for 2015 and 2016, though Sept. 9 that Kazakhstan would pro- lion tonnes in 2016 and 92 million period, it is planned to increase oil sectors, he said, asserting that the The new budget reflects a slight it said the move would boost the duce 79 – 80 million tonnes of oil tonnes in 2020, which is less than production in the following years. In growth will continue into the com- scaling back of forecasts for next country’s external sector. The Eu- in 2016 if prices remain at $50 per the amount of 3.8 million tonnes 2017, we plan to increase oil produc- ing fall and winter months. year and for 2018. Previous GDP ropean Bank for Reconstruction barrel, Reuters reported that day. If and 12 million tonns correspond- tion up to 86 million tonnes and up growth forecasts were for 2.2 in and Development forecast GDP the price drops to $40, output will ingly than were forecasted before,” to 104 million tonnes in 2020. This Astana has hosted the Samsung 2016, 3.3 in 2017, 3.6 in 2018 and growth for Kazakhstan at 1.5 per- be cut to 77 million tonnes; to $30, Vice Minister of National Economy increase will be connected with de- National Conference of Business 4.1 in 2019, according to AKIP- cent in February. 73 million tonnes. Marat Kussainov said at the pres- velopment at the Tengiz oil deposit Innovation, the Kazakhstan Busi- ress. Kazakhstan recently announced In August, President of Kazakh- entation of the national budget for and reopening Kashagan produc- ness Magazine reports, an event that Real GDP growth for 2015 is new subsoil tenders to be auc- stan Nursultan Nazarbayev told his 2016–2018 in the Mazhilis (lower tion.” Meanwhile, he said that the was attended by senior and middle expected to be 1.5 percent. The tioned in December, which the government that the country must chamber of Parliament). oil production forecast for 2016 was management of government agen- draft budget predicts no indus- EIU says may boost investment. adapt to oil prices of $30 – 40 per The project of the three-year budg- decreased because of the drop in oil cies and national companies. The trial growth in 2016 and growth With commodity prices remain- barrel for the coming years. et is based on the social and econom- price in the past week. conference was conducted in three sessions focusing on innovation in public infrastructure, education and culture and infrastructure for smart offices. Samsung Electronics Central Eurasia representatives spoke about Businessmen Wary of trends in information technologies and their application in business and demonstrated their latest solutions to specific business challenges, particu- Changes in Tax Laws larly education innovations in use at the appeal stated. “When decid- the Samsung School in Kazakhstan, By Adina Nurbergen ing on laws, we ask you to take which combine interactive white- into account the opinion of the boards, mobile devices and visu- ASTANA – The head of Ka- country’s business community alisation systems, as well as other zakhstan’s Lawyers and Entre- which creates the economic basis new rugged mobile devices for use preneurs Association Munavara of life for the entire Kazakh so- in challenging environments, com- Paltasheva proposed to suspend ciety.” prehensive management of printing changes in the tax regime for It was noted in an appeal that devices, printing outsourcing, inno- Kazakhstan’s small and medium changes and additions to the tax vative video and more. businesses for the coming three code proposed by ministries of years. A public hearing on tax pol- the economic block may put do- Meat from Kazakhstan will be icy issues in relation to subjects mestic entrepreneurship in un- sold in Moscow, Bnews reported of small and medium businesses equal conditions compared with Sept. 18, following an agreement involving parliamentarians and business in EAEU member coun- signed between the Moscow Trad- ministry officials took place at tries and may lead to decreased ing House and Abai Enterprises of Kazakhstan’s National Chamber potential possibilities for Ka- Pavlodar at the Kazakhstan-Russia of Entrepreneurs (NCE) Sept. 15. zakhstan businessmen to become Interregional Cooperation Forum. Apart from entrepreneurs, Ka- competitive both in domestic and Abai enterprises will supply up to zakh Ministry of National Econ- foreign markets. 2,000 tonnes of meat per month to omy and Ministry of Finance of- The head of NCE, Ablai Myr- Moscow, the Moscow regional ad- ficials participated in the event zakhmetov, stressed that there ministration said. where planned changes in tax ad- should be no “abrupt moves” in ministration and NCE proposals areas like the tariff policy for mo- TeliaSonera, the Scandinavian regarding an initiative by the gov- nopolists and tax policy. telecommunications operator that ernment of Kazakhstan in terms At the behest of the head of is the majority owner of Kazakh- of taxation and tax administration state, drastic measures to sup- stan cellular provider Kcell, has were discussed, the press service port domestic entrepreneurship, announced that it will pull out of of the NCE reported. Kazakh- including changes in the state Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, stan’s entrepreneur associations control and supervision system, Moldova, Tajikistan and Nepal, sent an open letter to Parliament simplifying the permitting sys- the Wall Street Journal reported about changes in tax regime. tem, changing legislation to sup- on Sept. 17. It is unclear how the “As company executives and port investment initiatives, finan- withdrawal will affect the service business association members, on cial and non-financial measures provided by Kcell, one of three behalf of the entire business com- within state programmes to sup- licensed GSM operators in Ka- munity, we ask the Parliament of port business have been adopted zakhstan. TeliaSonera CEO Johan Kazakhstan to pay attention to and implemented in the past few Dennelind said that the task will be our concerns over the tightening years, association participants “difficult and complex.” of tax policy and administration,” noted. A6 EDITORIAL&opinion

Wednesday, september 23, 2015 Kazakhstan’s Bid General Director of KING: for UNSC: Time for Race for Efficiency Has Started diversification of the local Kazakh how to develop those leadership By Arsen Zhabayev economy it is definitely an oppor- traits and not get rusty as a profes- tunity. Finally, the oil companies sional? Younger Nations to In this exclusive interview, Gen- have to really think of how to lower The recipe is one and only. Work eral Director of the Astana-based the costs and how to structure the hard and work a lot. Stay open and Kazakh Institute of Oil and Gas expenditure. “The race for the fast transparent; try to constantly learn (known by its Russian acronym revenues” has to become “The race new things, continue to grow and Have Louder Voice KING) Dastan Kozhabekov dis- for efficiency,” like we said already. try to pay attention to as much detail cusses the challenges the oil indus- Never before has the need to in- as possible about your trade. Gather n Sept. 15, the 70th session of the United Nations General try faces and the opportunities the crease capitalisation and save been the best professionals around you Assembly kicks off in New York. A record number of heads current situation offers. so important. But you need to save and allow them to do their job and of state are expected to attend the gathering, mainly in its right and stay smart about the po- they will help you develop as well. second week, including President Nursultan Nazarbayev. In late September, the 10th Kaz­ tential threats for your production When I was studying for my MBA at OEstablished in the autumn of 1945, the United Nation remains the Energy Eurasian Forum “New processes. How do you achieve Massachusetts Institute of Technol- main international organisation and the key political platform for dia- Energy Horizons: Prospects of that? It can be achieved if the tech- ogy (MIT), I had some class mates logue and interaction for almost every sovereign state in the contempo- Cooperation and Investment” will Dastan Kozhabekov nical solutions are provided by peo- who were 56 years old! While stud- rary world. bring together oil and gas indus- ple with a skill set combining tech- ying in the U.S., I observed the for- The 70th anniversary of the United Nations is an opportunity to try professionals from Kazakhstan Not only electric cars can be nical and managerial competence. mula which seemed to work great reflect, to look back on the UN’s history and take stock of its enduring and many other countries. It is mentioned here. The world is on So, the demand for these compe- there – every six years you have achievements. It is also an opportunity to shine a light where the UN, apparent that the industry is go- the verge of a lot of technologi- tent companies such as KING is to go through an education course. and the international community as a whole, need to redouble their ef- ing through some turbulent times cal breakthroughs. Some trends increasing under these conditions. This will not only boost your career, forts to meet current and future challenges across the three pillars of the right now. The world has to face do seem to have the potential to We can offer solutions which can but also develop your brain muscle UN’s work: peace and security, development and human rights. oil price volatility and demand and influence the traditional energy help optimise both capital expendi- and help to not get rusty. supply fluctuations. Several coun- industry. Quantum energy storage ture and operational costs. The cli- On a side note, I am now working Given these factors, the global role of the tries devaluated their local curren- units’ emergence has a chance of ents nowadays are in much need of on a panel of judges for the Innova- cies. All of that builds uncertainty transforming the energy balance in economically-sound technical solu- tion Man contest; the winner will United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and increases risks for the energy the world by restructuring the oil tions and quality engineering is in be selected at the final stage during and the need for it to reflect the broadest sector. What lies ahead for the Ka- consumption. Nuclear energy is an- high demand. the KazEnergy Youth Forum. You zakh oil and gas industry and why other area of promising advances. should see how many talented, mo- possible range of views, it is surprising that is it important to have an event like Further development of fast breed- Nonetheless, KazMunayGas has tivated, young and energetic guys this at such a time? Is this a “feast er reactors capable of accumulating sold KING’s shares… take part in that event! I genuinely in the 70 years of the UN’s existence in time of plague?” fissile elements and using high den- The shares were sold as part of like participating in such activities and in the more than 20 years It surely is not a “feast in time sity nitride uranium-plutonium fuel the privatisation plan of Samruk because the energy and the opti- of plague!” When are we going can change the landscape of energy Kazyna. We are looking at this the mism there are very contagious. of independence for Central Asian countries, to have a better moment to get sources. way that privatisation proves that When you see these motivated no country from Central Asia has yet been together and reassess what is go- However, nowadays these tech- our company has great potential. youth full of spirit and when you ing on, if not now? This will be a nologies are just shaping up; there The investors apparently agree understand what they are capable a member. Kazakhstan rightly hopes great opportunity to collectively is not enough computing power and with us and they see the future in of, you realise that tomorrow these brainstorm how the industry reacts other tools. Lack of the right algo- this business as well. And we see young people will live in a totally to correct this oversight if elected to the new challenges and how we rithms is the other side of the prob- another objective confirmation that different world which they will to a two-year term from 2017. convert the “race for barrels” of the lem. At the same time, oil has found we are competent and popular and change themselves. And all that is last couple of decades into the “race so many applications in our life, not that is, of course, a positive sign for taking into account that the oil and only as a fossil fuel source but as us. It is important to realise that the gas industry is and has always been Today, we take the idea of the United Nations for granted, but bring- for efficiency.” This is a unique platform to set up the dialogue be- a source of a huge number of pet- value of KING is not the buildings very conservative. I actually sit on ing it to life required huge leaps of statecraft to bridge differences. or design software packages; it is in similar committees, scientific and Every day, the United Nations feeds the hungry, shelters refugees and tween industry professionals and rochemical products. So, I am quite other stakeholders, such as national confident that the profession will the brainpower of our staff, people technical boards, award panels and vaccinates children against deadly diseases. Over the past 70 years, we who ultimately generate that value so on quite often. And when you get have witnessed some remarkable achievements: the defeat of smallpox companies, relevant ministries and be around for many years to come. other state institutions. But we should all understand that for our shareholders. The fact that such exposure it is obvious that the and guinea worm; millions of lives saved by vaccinations, the provision ideas are there, the understanding Now we live in times of all kind the “oilman of tomorrow” is a very the company was acquired for a de- of refugee workers and food aid; the vast improvement in maternal and of the modern world, in all its com- of divergent forecasts for the future. different kind of a professional who cent amount of money proves that neonatal health encouraged by the Millennium Development Goals; the KING is valuable in terms of its plexity, is there and Kazakhstan in- Some are crying blue murder and is very advanced with IT technolo- brave attempt to shake the world out of its complacency about climate team, its know-how and its compe- novators have a lot to offer. some are overestimating how much gies. Digital oilfield systems, wire- change and the need to preserve ozone, oceans and forests before it is tence and knowledge of the market. the crisis is an opportunity. Here at less sensors which not only collect too late. What do you think motivates KING we are staying neither pes- the information but also process it All of this work is undertaken by UN staff who, each day, do remark- Does that mean that engineers these guys to go in for science? simistic nor overly optimistic. It is in real time and other information able and often unsung work. People like the UNICEF team in Yemen, should not be afraid to become un- How do you make the youth more important to evaluate the situation technology applications are becom- striving to vaccinate children; the UNHCR personnel helping unprec- employed? involved in the world of R&D? realistically and act accordingly. ing more and more of an everyday edented numbers of people trying to find refuge in Europe this year; the When we talk about how KING’s The government can play a part reality in the Kazakh oil and gas World Food Programme relief teams who saved countless lives after the Yes, there is crisis. Yes, it demands team is valuable, we need to realise in motivating the young guys to industry. KING is staying on top Nepal earthquake. internal changes in the way we do that we are not only talking about pursue a career in science or R&D of this trend; we are transforming The UN has negotiated more than 170 peace deals, kept peace in 60 things, but it is obvious that the oil the technical competence of the en- or engineering. The mechanisms countries and has fostered democracy in 40. Yet the challenges for the and gas industry will handle it and what a conventional design engi- gineering team. It is also managerial of science and industry synergy UN in ensuring our collective security, and for the Security Council in hopefully come out of it stronger. neer’s workplace used to be. Apply- competence which leads the com- should be created and developed particular, are greater than at any time in recent memory. Old tensions This is what we are working for. ing cloud computing to design ac- pany to success. When the strategy by the state, because unfortunately that we hoped had been left to history have been revived while new tivities, using parametric modelling of where the company needs to be the industry does not formulate threats have emerged. In Syria and Iraq, we have witnessed the rise of So you are saying that the oil and BIM-technologies allow us to going is defined, it is very -impor the problems for scientists now. an abhorrent form of violent extremism that threatens the stability of all industry profession will stay in de- stay up-to-date and keep the quality tant for its successful implementa- There is a gap between what the countries. mand no matter what. How about at a very high level. tion that the organisational chart is industry needs and what the R&D It is a world as well in which Central Asia is of increasing importance. the growing popularity of electric Is this crisis a threat or an oppor- aligned with this direction and al- researchers work on. A challenging As globalisation continues, the region bridges the developed markets of cars all over the world? tunity? We feel like in terms of the lows achieving strategic goals. task motivates the scientist more Western Europe and North America with the economic powerhouses to This is why when I became the than anything else just by itself. Of the east. Its rich energy and mineral resources are vital to the economies The Kazakh Institute of Oil and Gas General Director, building an ef- course, the state and the compa- of partner countries, and its proximity to some of the most challenging ficient managing team was my top nies at their level have to create the countries, such as Afghanistan, means it is on the frontline of global The Joint Stock Company “Kazakh Institute of Oil and Gas” (KING) priority. I am proud to talk about conditions for this kind of people problems like extremism and drugs trafficking. is one of the largest engineering companies in Kazakhstan. It has a great that because I am no less confi- to realise their potential. The tasks Given these factors, the global role of the United Nations Security deal of experience, providing various design services and delivering in- dent in the top professional level have to be formulated, the interna- Council (UNSC) and the need for it to reflect the broadest possible range tegrated scientific and engineering support for the projects in oil and gas of KING’s management than in the tional cooperation channels need of views, it is surprising that in the 70 years of the UN’s existence and in and electric power industries. qualification of our experienced en- to be built and both financial and the more than 20 years of independence for Central Asian countries, no The company possesses all the necessary licenses for implementing gineers. But what is the managerial non-financial incentives have to be country from Central Asia has yet been a member. Kazakhstan rightly engineering projects, including the 1st category State License. competence? It is the grand total of developed. The people who pursue hopes to correct this oversight if elected to a two-year term from 2017. Among its clients and partners are the largest and the most respected knowledge, experience and leader- a scientific career and plan to re- Kazakhstan, of course, only became an independent country in 1991, national and international companies which are running the most ad- ship of the people in charge. Lead- ceive a long education have to be as did four other countries in Central Asia. But in the last two decades, vanced projects in oil and gas and energy sectors. The offices of KING ership is a very important quality properly compensated through gen- Kazakhstan has shown a total commitment to the principles and mecha- are located in Astana, Almaty and Aktau cities. The subsidiary company of a good manager – to be able to erous grants and allowances. This nisms of the UN. – JSC NIPI “Caspimunaigas” in Atyrau – is one of the oldest design and inspire people and lead by exam- would allow them to concentrate The nation’s history also means it fully understands the importance of engineering institutes in Kazakhstan. This company celebrates 75th an- ple. This is the type of people we on their research activities and not tolerance and dialogue. Kazakhstan is home to people of many differ- niversary in 2015 and has contributed to almost every large oil and gas have here at KING, because special be distracted. On the other hand, ent backgrounds and faiths who live in harmony within our borders. project in Kazakhstan throughout the time. attention was paid to these quality this would automatically cut off the This respect for tolerance reflects the values the UN has espoused for The personnel of KING group is comprised of more than 800 pro- combinations when the team was people just trying to make their re- 70 years. Through initiatives like the Congress of Leaders of World and fessionals, including more than 500 highly-qualified and experienced being built. We managed to com- sume look good. Traditional Religions and the country’s membership in organisations engineers. bine previous outside-of-the-energy In one of his lectures a few years like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Organisa- KING is an active member of a large number of industrial associa- sector experience (banking sector, ago, President Nursultan Naz- tion for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) – both of which tions such as the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken”, logistics, finances, private business, arbayev mentioned the quote from Kazakhstan has chaired in recent years – the country does all it can to “KAZENERGY” Association, Association of the Service Companies of etc.) with the deep understanding Winston Churchill, who said in promote tolerance and moderation internationally. Kazakhstan, Union of Engineering Companies, Kazakhstan Association of oil and gas industry amongst our 1943 that “the empires of the fu- It is a big step for a young nation like Kazakhstan to stand for the of Energy Auditors and others. top management. We are well bal- ture are the empires of the mind.” Security Council. But the amount of support the country has received anced with experienced staff mem- Today, when we create a chance over the last year from countries across the globe demonstrates that it Dastan Kozhabekov, 49, graduated from the Almaty Institute of Archi- bers whose expertise roots back to for these young guys, when we can stand up to the challenge. tecture and Construction, Industrial and Civil Construction Department the early ages of the Kazakh oil in- give them a platform for growth Kazakhstan is a successful economy and a stable society. It is a good with a degree in construction engineering. He received his MBA degree dustry and young energetic IT and like the KazEnergy Youth Forum, neighbour and has warm relations with Russia and the United States, (Innovation and Global Leadership Program) from the Massachusetts engineering professionals who give Innovation Man contest or Tech with Europe and China as well as developing countries around the Institute of Technology (MIT, Boston, USA). He also completed intern- us an edge in that “smart” oil and Garden Cup, when we give them world. ships at Georgetown University (Washington, USA) and Cambridge gas industry of the future we talked career opportunities within engi- Kazakhstan should be determined, whether or not it is successful in University (UK), as well as at Enbridge (Canada). about. So this synergy of the expe- neering or any other companies being elected to the Security Council, to play its full role in these chal- He started his career as a design engineer, and since 1997 worked rience and youth allows us to be op- for that matter, we are building our lenging times of promoting peace and dialogue through the United Na- in a number of top level management positions at NC KazakhOil, timistic about our future. own future with our own hands – tions. But, as the UN looks forward to future milestones, it is also time KazTrans­Oil, KazPetroMac, and KING. He was appointed general the empire of the mind of the fu- for Central Asia to have a louder voice in the international community. director of KING in April 2014. Do you have your own recipe of ture Kazakhstan.

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Wednesday, september 23, 2015

in peace and stability in the region, as well as a common vision of challeng- es and threats to regional security. Kazakhstan Addresses Security Challenges The second one is collaboration within international organisations, including the SCO and the Confer- through Collective Efforts, Top Official Says ence on Interaction and Confidence- Building Measures in Asia (CICA). trols about half of the country’s ter- potential recruits for international ommendations for subsequent sub- By Michelle Witte ritory and accounts for more than terrorist organisations. mission to the Security Council. The latter is an initiative of the Presi- 40,000 militants is a natural con- The government recently helped dent of Kazakhstan Nursultan Naz- How would you describe the cern for us. Today, there are eight launch the Akniet rehabilitation You previously worked as Ka- arbayev, which he put forward in level and the focus of coopera- training centres of the ISIS terrorist centre on de-radicalisation of cer- zakhstan’s ambassador to China. 1992. Today, China currently holds tion within the Collective Security group on the territory of Afghani- tain categories of our citizens. Does your appointment as Secre- chairmanship of the conference. It is Treaty Organisation (CSTO), and stan. Some of the participants come Overall, because of the joint ef- tary of the Security Council signal not by coincidence that at the May the Shanghai Cooperation Organi- from the post-Soviet countries. forts of government and civil so- an interest by Kazakhstan’s leader- 2014 CICA summit in Shanghai, the sation (SCO) for that matter, in Radically minded people have ciety, our compatriots began better ship to work more closely with Chi- concept of universal Asian security fighting terrorism and extremism? begun travelling to Syria and Iraq, realising the futility of a radical na on security issues, or to better was proposed. How would you summarise the re- where they are brainwashed and ideology. For example, last year understand their perspective? How Finally, the most important aspect sults of the CSTO meetings in Du- trained to acquire terrorist skills. more than 80 people changed their would you assess how China’s role is the high level of cooperation and shanbe on Sept. 14? in regional security is developing, According to experts, today the minds about going to the regions personal trust between the leaders Kazakhstan considers the Shang- controlled by extremists. especially in light of its call last year number of radicals from Central of the two countries. hai Cooperation Organisation and Nurlan Yermekbayev Asia in the Middle East exceeds Kazakhstan’s Security Council for a new Asian security concept? Earlier in September, Nazarbayev the Collective Security Treaty Or- 2,000. is an advisory body chaired by the I am not inclined to support a ganisation as key mechanisms of ployment of more than 2,500 troops, Several hundred of our citizens, President. Given the diverse nature hypothesis on direct correlation at the invitation of President of providing regional security. 200 items of military equipment and including women and children, left of the risks, challenges and threats between the personnel-related deci- China Xi Jinping paid a state visit to From its outset, the SCO was de- 20 aircraft of different types in the Kazakhstan for the areas in Syria to national security, the Council in- sions and geographical associations China. This is the fourth meeting of signed as a multifunctional multilat- area of the Tajik-Afghan border. and Iraq controlled by terrorist cludes the Prime Minister, Chairs of of someone’s previous jobs. In those the two leaders this year. eral structure. It does not stipulate On Sept. 15, Dushanbe hosted a groups. Dozens of them have al- the Chambers of Parliament, Secre- cases, a set of factors is considered. During the talks, a joint declara- military cooperation in the classic regular session of the CSTO Coun- ready died. This is a result of their tary of State, Head of the Presiden- Kazakhstan successfully cooper- tion on a new stage of all-round sense of the term and is not a mili- cil. The main theme of the session tragic delusion. I am quite certain tial Administration, Secretary of the ates with all states, including on is- strategic partnership was adopted. tary bloc. concerned the issues of countering that none of them will have a happy Security Council, and the leaders of sues of international security. As a result of the visit, Kazakhstan In addition, the SCO does not ap- contemporary risks and threats, as future as long as they are associated defence and law enforcement agen- Along with our main strategic signed $23 billion in agreements ply the generally accepted principle well as considering the results of the with international terrorist organisa- cies. partners, China plays a special role with China. Agreements on the es- of collective security in which ag- Thus, the principle of collegial- CRRF sudden inspection. tions. in the system of regional security. tablishment of about 45 new enter- gression against one member state During the session, the council ity and interagency cooperation is An important contribution of Bei- In the future, our region could prises in the manufacturing industry is considered an aggression against signed a protocol on the composi- already laid out at the stage of prep- jing in this respect is economic as- face a massive return of bandits who in Kazakhstan were approved. the other member states (“one for all tion and basing of Collective Air have links to international terrorist aration of proposals to the head of sistance. China has become one of A high frequency of meetings is and all for one”). Force and a decision on the system structures and have received money state. the main trade and investment part- The priority task of the organi- of CSTO Collective Forces man- from abroad. To ensure the authority of the ners for all countries in the region. observed between the foreign min- sation is counteracting “three evil agement. In practical terms, the threat posed President of Kazakhstan in the field Its concept of the Economic Belt of istries, intelligence services and law forces,” i.e. terrorism, separatism As we see it, issues of secur- by ISIS and other international ter- of security, the Security Council the Silk Road suggests implemen- enforcement agencies. Inter-parlia- and extremism. The Regional Anti- ing transport needs for joint events rorist organisations is connected to coordinates the activities of govern- tation of large scale infrastructure mentary, cultural and humanitarian Terror Structure (RATS), which in- and actions in the framework of the spread of the ideology of violent ment agencies involved in national projects linking Europe and Asia. relations are developing well too. cludes experts from all six member the CSTO (both on railway and in extremism. This propaganda is not security. Special funds were created to this In general, long-term geopolitical states, was created to solve these air) were one of the priorities of the limited to the Middle East region The main format is preparation end – the Silk Road Fund of $40 factors determine the importance of problems. It coordinates the inter- summit. and is conducted not only in Arabic and organisation of meetings and billion and the Asian Infrastructure action on identification and assess- Kazakh-Chinese cooperation. In a joint statement at the Du- but also in other languages. daily briefings of the Security Coun- Investment Bank with a capital of ment of terrorist threats, develop- In the interview with the Xinhua shanbe summit, the heads of CTSO Unfortunately, today the terrorists cil to discuss most important issues. $100 billion. ment of a joint response measures, news agency on Aug. 28 the Kazakh member states expressed deep con- manage to work quite freely in the They are not public, but independ- Over the past two years, Kazakh- information exchange and person- President highlighted that maintain- cern over the activities of terrorist information field. ent experts, representatives of busi- stan and China signed a number of nel training. ing good neighbourly relations with and extremist organisations that Therefore, it is only natural that ness and academics are involved in bilateral agreements on investment Joint anti-terrorist exercises are China is one of the main priorities feed the political, religious, social countering this propaganda was the the process of preparation. projects totalling $73.5 billion. conducted regularly under the aus- of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy. radicalism and spread of interna- focus of discussions involving poli- Supporting institutions are the Kazakh-Chinese cooperation in pices of the SCO RATS. An agree- tional crime. ticians and experts during a number council of experts, inter-agency the field of security is based on three “Looking ahead, I see an upward ment on cooperation and coordina- Of particular concern is the wors- panels, which conduct preliminary pillars. trajectory of the development of our tion of border issues was signed at of regional conferences organised in ening situation on the borders of the examination of materials and rec- The first one is a common interest relations,” he underlined. the SCO’s latest summit in Ufa on the continuation of the Washington CSTO responsibility zone, unre- July 10 in order to block penetra- Summit on Countering Violent Ex- solved regional conflicts, activation tion of persons involved in terrorist tremism. of the ISIS terrorist group and the activities in the territories of SCO Kazakhstan supports the interna- turning of Afghanistan into one of member states. In addition, it was tional community’s efforts in this decided to elaborate a SCO Con- the world’s largest centres of drug direction. On June 29-30, Astana vention on Combating Extremism. production. hosted a conference of ministers The Collective Security Treaty The document notes that the and high representatives of nine Organisation was established on CRRF is becoming an important countries of Central and South Asia, the basis of the Collective Security security factor in the CSTO respon- which was also attended by official Treaty of May 15, 1992 to secure sibility zone, including control of delegates of nine partner states and efficient defence against an external extremist and terrorist aspirations 11 international organisations, inter- military aggression. It has formed around the perimeter of the external national experts and representatives a unified system of coordination, borders of the organisation’s mem- of non-governmental sector to dis- which includes combat use plan- ber states. cuss countering violent extremism. ning, control of military contin- gents, military training and logisti- Some outside observers have re- Current discussions about coun- cal support. cently concluded that neither ISIS tering violent extremism focus on In recent years, the CSTO is be- nor instability from Afghanistan the need to take an integrated ap- ing adapted to meet new challenges represent immediate threats to Ka- proach in opposing that ideology. and threats, such as international zakhstan. Do you think the threat What specifically is the Security terrorism, drug trafficking, illegal to Kazakhstan is being underrat- Council doing to help facilitate co- migration and cybercrime. ed? operation among Kazakhstan’s Today, the Collective Rapid Re- Because of its balanced foreign military, legal, penal and social en- action Forces (CRRF) are optimised policy, Kazakhstan does not face a tities in order to effectively counter to fulfil various tasks – from repel- threat of direct military aggression violent extremist messages? ling an armed attack from outside to and maintains friendly relations In Kazakhstan, measures to pre- conduction of special operations to with all states. vent violent extremism are systemic combat drug trafficking. The CRRF At the same time, we should not and based on broad support from includes units of the armed forces, underestimate existing and potential civil society. police and intelligence services. risks and challenges. In order to implement the adopted At the same time, the CSTO is True, in this interconnected State Programme on Combating a military-political organisation, world, problems that seem distant Religious Extremism and Terrorism which is designed to participate in can suddenly become close. For ex- in 2013-2017, the government has the fight against international - ter ample, the long-term socio-political allocated about $600 million. rorism by using military means. For crisis in Afghanistan, instability in The Anti-Terrorist Centre was this purpose, annually trainings and the Middle East and some African created to coordinate the work of exercises are held to enhance com- countries today have become one state bodies in this direction. The bat skills and coordination. of the causes of the refugee crisis in priority of its work is prevention In May 2015, such exercises were Europe, which is located quite far and campaigns to raise awareness of held in Tajikistan for the first time from these regions. the threats associated with extrem- in the form of a sudden inspection. The situation in Afghanistan ism, which involve theologians, This included regrouping and de- where the Taliban movement con- psychologists and close relatives of A diverse career in the military, business, diplomacy and government Nurlan Yermekbayev, 52, is a sinologist with over 20 years of experience working with or on relations with China, including as a Soviet military staff officer – analyst in the 1980s and an ambassador for an independent Kazakhstan in recent years. Having graduated from the Moscow-based Military Institute of the Soviet Ministry of Defence in 1986 with honours with a major in Chinese language, he served in the army until retiring in 1991. According to his of- ficial biography, Yermekbayev worked in various private banks and companies in Kazakhstan until 1999 when he set up the first representative office of the Halyk Bank, one of Kazakhstan’s biggest second-tier banks, in China. In 2003, Yermekbayev was tasked with setting up Kazakhstan’s first diplomatic mission in Singapore and worked on organising President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s state visit to that country two months later. In 2004, he was appointed the head of the newly established Centre for Foreign Policy at the Akorda Presidential Resi- dence, assuming also the position of an advisor to the President in 2006. In 2007-2010, he served as deputy foreign minister of Kazakhstan, overseeing bilateral and multilateral relations with countries in Asia and Af- rica, where he was known for promoting the idea of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and where he headed a working group developing the country’s Foreign Policy Concept. Yermekbayev served as assistant to the President for foreign policy in 2010-12, a period marked by such important international initiatives and events as Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2010 and in the OIC in 2011-12. As ambassador in Beijing in 2012-14, he was credited with contributing to the expansion of commercial ties between Kazakhstan and China, including through the signing of $70 billion worth of bilateral deals in the following years. Kazakhstan’s diplomacy also scored success as China decided to assume the chairmanship in the Conference of Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), an important initiative of Kazakh President, from 2014 onwards. Yermekbayev has served as Assistant to the President – Secretary of the Security Council since Nov. 2014. A8 eurasia&world

Wednesday, september 23, 2015

interests in the region that China – now the largest single trading partner of four Central Asian states US Focus on Central Asia Waning as Nation’s – and Russia do. “However, the U.S. can do things to contribute in a positive way to Security Interests Dissipate, Experts Warn the development, stabilisation and security of Central Asia,” he said, challenges of decades past; secu- not a good outcome for the region regional officials, including Kazakh vantage, it becomes a problematic while not framing its engagement By Michelle Witte rity aside, relationships between the or for the U.S., he said. Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov. “A dynamic for us,” Kangas said in re- as a struggle for influence with the U.S. and the region had not devel- Some of this exhaustion may lot of the countries in the region are sponse to questions, noting that the region’s neighbours. ASTANA – The United States oped significantly and the ability come from dealing with a region taking [unilateral or bilateral] ap- U.S. is in some ways an outsider in What the U.S. can contribute, security interests in the region are of external actors to influence the that has grappled with the same proaches to these problems … and the region. “But the U.S. can play Mankoff said, is “soft infrastructure dissipating along with the country’s region is limited. challenges for 20 years, as Todd we’re not seeing the regional ap- a role as an innovator; as an eco- ideas,” including best practices in focus on Central Asian and Ka- “In focusing on the security as- noted. “This past week, Dr. Kan- proaches that perhaps are needed.” nomic partner, when needed; as a border and customs processes, for zakhstan policy, said U.S. scholars pect of the relationship, a lot of the gas and I were here with many She also noted that external supporter of different efforts in the example, or training on ensuring at the Sept. 9 New Security Trends things that underpinned the U.S. experts from the region to discuss pushes for regional integration – or region [on developing] economic that contracts are enforced to en- in Central Asia conference at the policy in the previous era [pre- new security challenges in Central any other goal – can’t be success- ties, developing militaries, devel- sure the legal environment in the Library of the First President in 9/11] fell by the wayside, including Asia. … And what we came to the ful without regional will. “I think oping civil societies. The U.S. has region is attractive to business. In Astana. a lot of the emphasis on economic conclusion of, is that many of the one of the takeaways from this past quite a few resources and a good many ways, he said, the U.S. and “There’s a sense right now, that reform, liberalisation and democ- things we are calling ‘new security week has been [is that] the policies deal of experience in these areas the Chinese approach – which cur- I think is pervasive in the world ratisation, an area where the coun- challenges’ are in fact many of the of external actors matter less than that we’ve applied elsewhere, and rently focuses on bigger, physical that I operate in, that Central Asia tries of Central Asia have not made, issues that have been challenges one would think. Because really it could obviously fit well in Cen- infrastructure projects – are very is becoming less of a priority for for the most part, terrific progress for the past 20–25 years,” she said. [what] it comes down to [is] what tral Asia.” compatible: one eliminates physi- the United States,” said Jeffrey in the years since they became in- “Everything from environmental are the policies of countries in this The U.S. in the past has sometimes cal barriers, the other process-based Mankoff, associate director and dependent,” Mankoff said in his concerns, such as managing water region? How can they work togeth- made the mistake of seeing things as ones. The challenge will be for the fellow with the Washington-based presentation. “And I would argue resources; climate change here in er or not work together, and what a choice of one external model or two powers to find a way to inte- Centre for Strategic and Interna- that that lack of progress is in some the region; demographic changes are the consequences for the coun- another, he said, and must abandon grate their two strengths in regional tional Studies (CSIS) Russia and ways a liability, both in terms of resulting from migration and popu- tries as a result of that? The U.S. that in favour of working with states projects, he said. Eurasia Programme. security issues and in terms of the lation shifts in these countries; and will always have interests in the on their unique development trajec- Cybersecurity is another area in American experts Mankoff, Re- future of American engagement in economic development and inte- region…. but that matters less than tories. “I think ultimately what we’re which the U.S. could play a useful search Associate William Carter the region.” gration or lack thereof.” … Kazakhstan’s interests in the re- looking at is, can we help make the role. With an increasingly digit- from the CSIS, Academic Dean The U.S., after its engagements Since independence, differences gion, or Uzbekistan’s. And I think Kazakh model better? Can we help ised government and plans to cre- and Professor of Central Asian in Iraq and Afghanistan, is tired of between the Central Asian states ultimately, those are the issues that make the Uzbek model better? Can ate an international financial centre Studies Roger Kangas of the Near being involved in overseas conflicts have grown rather than shrunk, have to be resolved.” we work with countries in the region in Astana, cybersecurity must be East South Asia Centre for Strate- and challenges, Mankoff said. The some experts noted, and despite The experts also denied the exist- as partners?” given proper attention, Carter said. gic Studies (NESA) and Associate rationale for U.S. engagement in talk of increasing connectivity, deep ence of a new “Great Game” in Cen- “At the end of the day, the U.S. Governance, energy and finance are Professor of Central Asian Studies Central Asia that has operated for divisions remain. “We often talk tral Asia, saying that Russia, China is not going to be the major driver some of the areas that draw the most at NESA Brianne Todd emphasised the last 15 years is losing relevance about how regional cooperation is and the U.S. are not vying for interest of political or economic develop- cyber attacks. The U.S. could play a that they were presenting expert and the security and economic case something we need more of … but in the region and that such an effort ments either inside the countries helpful role as a partner for educa- opinions, not U.S. government for continued engagement has not our group decided that what we’ve would be unprofitable for the U.S. of Central Asia or in the region as tion and training in how to identify policy. Still, a few themes emerged: yet been made. Unless a compelling seen over the past 25 years, is re- “If we start competing, if we a whole,” Mankoff said. It’s simply and respond to threats. “The U.S. rather than facing new threats, the case can be made, U.S. engagement ally regional disintegration,” Todd start seeing it as a zero sum game, too far away, has too many other wants to engage with the rest of the region was still grappling with the will lapse in the post-2015 period – said echoing earlier messages from ultimately we’re at such a disad- challenges and doesn’t have the world [on cybersecurity],” he said. Kazakh Delegation Presents Efforts Top UN Officials: Global Nuclear- on Nuclear Energy, Security at IAEA Test Ban Urgently Needed Continued from Page A1 tute an existential threat to humanity reduce strategic tension. We cannot and contradict some of the fundamen- delay in taking the path to nuclear dis- General Conference in Vienna Ban voiced support for Kazakh- tal principles of the UN. In its current armament. We must act with urgency stan’s efforts in nuclear-test ban activ- session, the General Assembly reiter- to reach our goal of zero nuclear ity, emphasising its leading role and ated its firm commitment to the treaty. weapons and we must do so with a the role of the nation’s president in I would like to use this occasion to sense of compromise and our com- this activity. stress the importance and urgency of mon responsibility to rid the world of Kazakh Permanent UN Represent- realising the CTBT’s entry into force these devastating weapons,” he said. ative Kairat Abdrakhmanov echoed without further delay,” he said. The reception held at the Kazakh his comments. The speech by The ATOM Pro- permanent mission was the highlight “Despite being the largest produc- ject Honorary Ambassador Karipbek of the day. Abdrakhmanov, a popu- er and supplier of natural uranium Kuyukov was equally compelling. lar figure in local diplomatic circles, in the world, Kazakhstan’s irrevo- The famous Kazakh artist and nuclear aroused the interest of his high-profile cable refusal to join the nuclear club test victim discussed the suffering and guests – including Ban Ki-moon – by proves that harmony and coopera- damage caused by nuclear tests to his posing an informal quiz on nuclear tion can be stronger armaments for family and millions of people around testing. The guests were quick to an- global peace and security than any the world and called on the partici- swer the questions on various stages weaponry,” he said. pants to achieve the entry into force in global nuclear testing and the The secretary-general noted the of CTBT and sign the online petition impact on the environment.All the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban of The ATOM Project, an campaign guests, including the top UN officials, Treaty (CTBT), which was adopted launched in 2012 to help galvanise visited Kuyukov’s exhibit devoted to in 1996 as an essential building block public opinion against nuclear testing nuclear test and nuclear test survivors. for achieving this goal as a legally- and achieve the early entry into force At Kazakhstan’s initiative, in binding, verifiable means by which of the treaty. 2009 the UN General Assembly de- to constrain the quantitative and UN Acting High Representative clared Aug. 29 as the International qualitative development of nuclear for Disarmament Affairs Kim Won- Day against Nuclear Tests. The day weapons,must enter into force in or- soo also emphasised the need to uni- aims to raise awareness about the Minister of Energy Vladimir Shkolnik addresses the IAEA General Conference in Vienna. der to be truly effective. He called versalise the norm against nuclear dangers of nuclear tests and calls on all remaining nations to sign and testing. for a total ban. The date marks the ratify the instrument, including China, “It is true that we live in an increas- first Soviet nuclear test conducted at expected to be adopted by govern- tives from the MFA, President of the Democratic People’s Republic of ingly complex security environment. the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site By Malika Orazgaliyeva ments in New York next week. “Ar- national atomic company Kazatom- Korea, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Paki- Yet we cannot allow the security en- in 1949, as well as the site’s clo- eas covered by both include energy, prom Askar Zhumagaliyev, officials stan and the United States. vironment to prevent us from making sure by Kazakh President Nursultan ASTANA – The 59th session of food security and nutrition, human from the National Nuclear Centre of UN General Assembly President progress on nuclear disarmament. We Nazarbayev in 1991. Kazakhstan is the International Atomic Energy health and environmental protec- Kazakhstan and other entities. Sam Kutesa highlighted the impor- should remember the lessons of the seeking a two-year nonpermanent Agency (IAEA) General Confer- tion, as well as the management of At the opening of the general con- tance of the treaty. Cold War, when arms control agree- seat in the UN Security Council for ence opened in Vienna on Sept. 14 water resources,” Amano said. “I ference, Shkolnik reflected on the “Nuclear tests and weapons consti- ments provided valuable lessons to 2017 and 2018. and will continue until Sept. 18, the very much welcome the fact that achievements of his country in nu- press service of the Kazakh Ministry there is explicit recognition in the clear disarmament and nonprolifer- of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reported. new development goals of the im- ation and the effective cooperation This main annual meeting of portance of science and technology between Kazakhstan and the IAEA delegations from the agency’s 165 in advancing development.” on peaceful nuclear energy use. Par- member states will consider the “Last month, I signed a Host State ticipants were informed about Ka- IAEA Annual Report, which cov- Agreement and a related technical zakhstan’s plans to develop its na- ers the agency’s activities in peace- agreement with the government of tional nuclear energy programmes ful nuclear energy use, international Kazakhstan, establishing an IAEA and atomic sphere. The member cooperation in ensuring nuclear and bank of low-enriched uranium states’ attention was also drawn to radiation safety, nuclear safeguards (LEU) in that country,” Amano con- the initiatives of President of Ka- and the nuclear nonproliferation tinued. “A second technical agree- zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev in regime. Delegates will also discuss ment was concluded with the opera- the field of nuclear nonproliferation, the programme and budget of the tor of the IAEA LEU Bank. This is including The ATOM Project. IAEA and the staffing of the Secre- a significant step forward. The legal On the sidelines of the conference, tariat. framework is now fully in place and Shkolnik held bilateral meetings with “The agency has so much to offer we can move toward full-scale im- Amano as well as with the heads in this area that I often summarise plementation.” of delegations from Iran, the U.S., our work as Atoms for Peace and “The IAEA LEU Bank will serve Japan, France, Russia and India to Development,” Director General as a supply of last resort. It is a discuss a wide range of bilateral and of the IAEA Yukiya Amano said in mechanism to provide confidence multilateral cooperation issues, in- his opening remarks distributed by to countries that they will be able to cluding preparations for the interna- the organisation. “We make peace- obtain LEU to make fuel for nuclear tional specialised exhibition EXPO ful nuclear technology available to power plants in case of an unfore- 2017 in Astana. Kazatomprom is improve the welfare and prosperity seen disruption to their supplies that hosting an exhibition at the Vienna of the people of the world.” cannot be remedied by commercial International Centre for the duration After welcoming Guyana, the Re- means. I am grateful to the govern- of the conference.Overall, several public of Djibouti and Vanuatu as ment of Kazakhstan for hosting the dozen exhibits and side events are newest member states of the IAEA, IAEA LEU Bank,” Amano added. scheduled from Sept. 14 – 18. Amano pointed out the clear links A delegation from Kazakhstan The IAEA was established in between the work of the IAEA and led by Minister of Energy Vladimir 1957. Kazakhstan became the 121st the 17 new United Nations Sustain- Shkolnik took part in the confer- IAEA member state on Feb. 14, able Development Goals that are ence. It includes senior representa- 1994. B Nation & Capital

Wednesday, september 23, 2015

Culture SOCIETY Sports Astana Opera to Premiere New Invataxi Marks Progress, Ski Federation Eager to Start Version of ‘Abai’ This Month B3 Introduces Future Plans B5 Season under New Management B7 Kazakh Eli Square Transformed Country Advances to Historic Village for Anniversary Green Energy of Kazakh Khanate Movement with Solar, niversary of the Kazakh Khanate is a national treasure of the whole country and excellent momentum for conquering new peaks in the Battery Projects history of our state,” he said, the according to a company press re- akimat reported. By Michelle Witte lease. Construction on the plant be- The celebrations also included a gan in August 2014 and was ready concert performed by representa- ASTANA – Two major renewa- for grid connection in April of this tives of the different regions of bles projects have been announced year, according to Schneider Elec- the country, a fashion show titled, recently in Kazakhstan: the provi- tric. (It is unclear whether the plant “History of the people through the sion of solar panels to a 50 mega- has been connected to the grid or story of the Kazakh national cos- watt solar power plant and a pro- when that might happen.) ject to test a 25 MW flow batteries tume” and an interactive lecture Schneider contributed 32 of its system in the country. from each region named “Journey photovoltaic boxes, which are de- Schneider Electric announced on the magical Tulpar” (flying signed to be ready to connect when Sept. 9 that the company had been horse in Kazakh mythology).Also they arrive on a site. The company selected as the “solutions provider” held in Kazakh Eli Square were the also built a sub-station for the project, for Kazakhstan’s first large photo- Sikirly bi Alemi dance festival, the according to the press release. Project voltaic power plant, the biggest in Bіrlіgіmіz Zharaskan concert dedi- management and engineering was the country and in the Common- cated to the friendship of the peo- done by Schneider Electric Germany. wealth of Independent States (CIS), Continued on Page B4 ple of Kazakhstan and the Gasyrlar Uni ethnic music concert. Other sites within the city also hosted events as part of the cel- ebratory weekend. The Atameken across the square, each of which On Sept. 12, representatives Ethno-Memorial complex held a By Zhazira Dyussembekova demonstrated features of a region. of Kazakh regions gathered for Qatar to Build celebration of kumis (fermented The yurts housed collections of a parade and dressed in national horse milk), where the national ASTANA – Astana’s Kazakh Eli Kazakh literatureand artifacts that clothing. The opening of the cel- drink could be sampled, and mu- Square was the site of most of the were on loan from local museums ebrations was launched by Deputy sicians, singers and dancers per- Sept. 11–13 celebrations of the 550th Rehabilitation Centre and private collections, including Akim (Mayor) of Astana Yermek formed. There were also quizzes anniversary of the Kazakh Khanate. clothes, jewelry and household Amanshayev. “I congratulate eve- about kumis, arm wrestling and More than 1,500 representatives items, musical instruments, paint- ryone on the 550th anniversary kumis-drinking contests. An exhi- from across the country came to the ings and wooden and ceramic of the Kazakh Khanate. We pay bition of carpets made of camel’s for Victims capital to participate in the celebra- functional and decorative items. tribute to the memory of deeds of hair with Kazakh ornaments and a tion, according to the website of the Dance and theatrical performances our ancestors and remember that runway show of women in national Astana Akimat (city administration). were held on stages located inside the history of our sacred land has costumes were also held, the aki- Fifty yurts were positioned the collection of yurts. several millennia. The 550th an- mat reported. of Nuclear Testing ment reached in Astana between By Anna Vladimirova Nazarbayev and Tamim ben Ham- ad Al Tani, the sheikh of Qatar, on ASTANA – Director of the creating the centre in Semey (for- Nursultan Nazarbayev Fund for merly Semipalatinsk), near what Idrissov Opens 2015-2016 KAZGUU Education, Culture and Social was the infamous nuclear test site. Programmes and Mazhilis (low- According to the Kazakh fund, it er house of Parliament) Deputy is believed that more than 730,000 Kanat Saudabayev and Qatar residents of the East Kazakhstan, Academic-Diplomatic Club Session Minister of Foreign Affairs and Karaganda and Pavlodar oblasts Kazakhstan played a significant jects relating to energy resources Programmes and International Re- Chairman of the Fund for Devel- (regions) are in need of treatment By Kamila Zhumabayeva role in reaching an agreement on and electricity transportation with lations Department Renata Faizova opment Khalid bin Mohammad and rehabilitation from the adverse Iran’s nuclear programe, hosting two India and a massive infrastructure told The Astana Times. “We expect Al Attiyah recently discussed effects of 40 years of Soviet nu- ASTANA – Kazakh Minister rounds of negotiations that came to a project with Pakistan.” guest lectures from ambassadors and in Doha Qatar’s offer to build a clear testing at the Semipalatinsk of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov promising conclusion, he added. Representatives of the diplomatic ministers of foreign countries, an rehabilitation centre for Kazakh test site. launched the Aug. 8 opening of the “We believe that the implemen- corps, international organisations, event dedicated to 70th anniversary victims of Soviet-era nuclear Ambassador of Kazakhstan to 2015-2016 session of the KAZGUU tation of the agreement will be academics and students attended celebration of the United Nations, weapons testing. Qatar Askar Shokybayev also par- University Academic-Diplomatic changing again both globally and the event where diplomats and Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, a tra- The talks follow a 2014 agree- ticipated in the meeting. Club. He shared his thoughts in a regionally … This may open a lot of students asked questions on vari- ditional meeting of representatives lecture on the country’s foreign poli- economic and connectivity opportu- ous topics, reported the KAZGUU of BRICS member countries, joint cy and its role in multilateral organi- nities,” said Idrissov. press release. roundtable discussions, conferences sations. Kazakhstan continues to develop Special attention was paid to the with embassies and international or- “We are a part of China’s new poli- partnerships, concentrating on con- upcoming EXPO 2017. Swiss Am- ganisations and much more.” cy ‘One Belt, One Road’ through the gruence as a new feature of its for- bassador Mauro Reina suggested Established May 5, 2014, the KA- Silk Way economic belt that is un- eign policy. organising a meeting between rep- ZGUU Academic-Diplomatic Club folding quite successfully. The focus “Kazakhstan embraces opportu- resentatives and ambassadors of the is a free platform for discussing topi- on economic and infrastructure con- nities that EAEU gives in terms of nations participating in the exhibi- cal issues on international relations nectivity was clearly seen during our connecting the countries economi- tion, while Macedonia’s ambassador in the field of politics, economics, recent negotiations there,” Idrissov cally, industrially and socially, and proposed simplifying the Kazakh culture and education, according to stated in his speech, as published the concept of China’s leaders of visa regime, stated the press release. the press release. The club’s mission by the ministry. “By the year 2030, the Silk Way economic belt,” the “The academic-diplomatic club is to create strong cooperation and we are going to bring our economy minister stressed. “The country has become an integral part of KA- friendly relations among people of up to 30 percent and by 2050, to 50 sees a lot of connectivity oppor- ZGUU and plans to conduct a num- different cultures. The club conducts percent. This is a very serious com- tunities … Kazakhstan, Iran and ber of important and significant monthly discussions, conferences, mitment that was imprinted on our Turkmenistan have a part in rail- events for the upcoming year,” the public lectures, business forums, practical activities in legislation.” road-building. We discussed pro- university’s Director of Postgraduate cultural events and more. The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty Announces Club for Newlyweds offers a Wedding Concierge ser- of which comprises 788 square me- at the hotel’s signature Laurent Tou- By Bakhytbek Narimanov vice. The Wedding Concierge will tres with a capacity to host up to 500 rondel restaurant, LT Grill, The Ritz- help the happy couple make their people. The wedding menu includes a Carlton, Almaty, possesses a unique ALMATY – The Ritz-Carlton Al- wedding dreams come true, with, wide variety of dishes and drinks and style unlike other hotels in Almaty. maty launched its new Wedding Club for example, a rehearsal dinner, a the hotel’s food tasting service allows Modern style has been blended with on Sept. 1. Club members – couples church wedding or wedding cere- the happy couple to taste and choose traditional Kazakh elements, while who have held a wedding in the hotel mony. The concierge also provides all dishes for their celebration in ad- an extensive collection of works by – are given access to benefits includ- information about all the advan- vance, giving consideration to the emerging and established Kazakh art- ing parties and special offers at the tages of holding a wedding at The tastes of guests and their own pref- ists provides further insight into the hotel. This is only the second Wed- Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, recommend- erences. The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty’s, country’s rich and dynamic culture. ding Club to be launched by the Ritz- ing the best suppliers, planning famous cakes by Vitaly Medvedev, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Carlton; the first was started at the the best schedule for the big day, the hotel’s confectioner, are made to L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, MD, current- Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. choosing the best dishes and other design and are created based on the ly operates 90 hotels in the Americas, “The Wedding Club is not just a aspects of making a remarkable wedding’s colour theme and ensure Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, system of discounts and benefits; it with them further,” said Ekaterina Ritz-Carlton, Almaty for at least 10 wedding ceremony. an individual approach to the small- and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel is primarily a community of young Sowa, marketing and sales director at million tenge can join the Wedding Holding a wedding at The Ritz- est details. and residential projects are under de- people committed to The Ritz-Carl- The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty. Club. Membership cards are awarded Carlton, Almaty The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty has more velopment around the globe. The Ritz- ton brand and who appreciate its The Wedding Club cardholders en- following the celebration and there is The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty provides than 145 guest rooms and suites and Carlton is the only service company high level of service. We are pleased joy benefits such as a 20 percent dis- no membership fee. wedding packages that offer the most is located on the top ten floors of the to have twice earned the prestigious to provide comfortable stays for our count at restaurants in The Ritz-Carl- One of the closest events on the cal- convenient and comfortable condi- Esentai Tower. The five-star supe- Malcolm Baldrige National Quality guests and to give residents of Al- ton, Almaty, a 10 percent discount for endar is the New Year’s party, which tions thanks to the close proximity of rior hotel offers unique rooms and Award in the United States which rec- maty the opportunity to become part events at the hotel, discount vouch- will give members of the Wedding locations and the hotel’s professional exceptional service of the highest ognises outstanding customer service. of our brand and our values, having ers, free room upgrades and also dis- Club an opportunity to ring in the team. The hotel can host weddings level. Featuring sleek room and suite The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, made the most important day in their counts at the Six Senses Spa. New- New Year together. and ceremonies on the territory of accommodations, the opulent Six L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary life memorable, and remain in contact lyweds who hold a wedding at The The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty also the hotel and in its halls, the total area Senses Spa, and sumptuous dining of Marriott International, Inc. B2 Nation&Capital people

Wednesday, september 23, 2015 Successful Italian Restaurateur Sees “Enormous Potential” for Business in Kazakhstan sive restaurants or fast food. Ka- By Dmitry Lee zakhstan needs a middle class and the country has just built it up.” ASTANA – The mentality of the As for the smaller-scale chal- people and the enormous poten- lenges of operating a successful tial were the two big reasons that restaurant in Kazakhstan, such as compelled Enrico Nappini to do the quality of restaurant service something he has not regretted: to in the country, Nappini says the found the Italian restaurant Pane & workers need better training. Vino in Astana, which turned out “Kazakhstan is a very young to be one of the best and most fre- country, we need to understand quented among others. that. In my restaurant, my whole “I started my career working for service staff has started with me. one of the largest wine exporters I did it on purpose; I want to train in Italy about 35 years ago,” Nap- my staff from zero. I suggest this to pini told this reporter in an inter- all, start from zero and spend time view. He was relocated to Moscow with the staff, show them yourself with the job to build a distribution how to do things, follow them. line in Russia. Later, he opened his There are no other ways.” Some own restaurant Spago, and in 2004 courses in the service area would together with his partner, Russia’s also help, he said. “These [courses] top restaurateur as claimed by nu- would help people understand that merous media sources Arkady No- waiting is a serious job.” vikov, opened Cantinetta Antinori. In terms of his restaurant’s menu Both restaurants are still open in and specialties, Nappini says he Moscow. has a few surprises in store. Nappini, who has 25 years of “I will not tell you anything experience in the restaurant busi- about the surprises, I want people ness, was invited to Almaty first to come and discover them for in 2013 by the Antinori family to themselves,” he said. start a new project and later moved Given Nappini’s extensive ex- to Astana. learn fast. So here [one] can find It was very simple. Perhaps one of products as their prices remain in tions by the West and “Kazakhstan perience in wine importing to this “Continetta Antinori is a chain the right soil to build something.” the challenges was to find the right foreign currencies, such as U.S. was like a little paradise as there part of the world, Pane & Vino is of four restaurants in Florence, He also added that he liked the products. If you are speaking about dollars or euros, while the national were no barriers for importing in still importing some exclusive Ital- Zurich, Vienna and Moscow – all fact that the new Kazakh capital is international cuisine, definitively currency keeps fluctuating. the country,” Nappini continued. ian wines that are not to be found of them are owned by the Antinori calm and not as stressful as some you need to import something. “The prices in the menu should “But right now the problem is the anywhere else in Kazakhstan. family expect for the one in Mos- other large mega cities, which also If you speak about the quality of be increased according to the price dollar,” he added. Pane & Vino opened in Decem- cow. I was the only one who was influenced his decision to open meat, it’s excellent, but unfortu- of the [U.S.] dollar. But this is Kazakhstan’s accession to the ber 2014 and has quickly become given the right to open it [there]. Pane & Vino in Astana. nately it is of no stable quality. So something I didn’t do yet. I will World Trade Organisation and the well-known in the city, especially But then I liked it so much in Ka- Although, no matter where one there are many things that make wait. But that’s only one problem; EAEU could be of some help to among foreigners. Nappini, how- zakhstan that I decided to stay opens a business, there are always this kind of business very [hard] if the other problem is that the main businesses such as Nappini’s, but ever, said he likes to keep the buzz here.” hardships and challenges, includ- you want to properly maintain it.” exporter has stopped exporting to only in terms of state-wide eco- about the restaurant understated. Asked what he liked the most, ing Astana. Nappini stated that he imported Kazakhstan because they don’t nomic improvement on the whole “I would like to apologise to Nappini said: “The mentality of “I didn’t find any difficulties in up to 90 percent of products from know what rate to apply. So they and not his specific business, said some of my clients as it is hard for the people, their attitude. In terms terms of bureaucracy. I would say abroad, such as green salad, meat just stopped.” Nappini, as the restaurant business some of them to locate my restau- of business, I liked the enormous the [rights] here in Kazakhstan are and fish among many others. The Eurasian Economic Union is closely connected to the national rant because I don’t advertise a lot. potential. In a way, Kazakhstan is very well settled. Because if you With the new free-floating tenge (EAEU) is unlikely to be of great economy. I prefer the word of mouth adver- a very young country in the restau- prepare properly the papers and policy, Nappini said it is now ex- help to Nappini’s situation, as Rus- “In many countries the situation tising; it is the best advertising one rant business with an attitude to documents, nobody can stop you. tremely hard to continue importing sia is facing more rigorous sanc- is chaotic. There are very expen- can have,” Nappini concluded. Nine-Year-Old Kazakh Boy Does 550 Push-Ups, Breaks Record great example for our young peo- She added he has repeatedly By Meruert Nurgazinova ple. It is good that our people are met with Olympic champions and trying to distinguish themselves in wants to emulate them. The young ASTANA –Nine-year-old Amir a good way. It is great that there is athlete likes boxing and judo and Makhmet celebrated the 550th an- a book – Kazakhstan Information has excellent grades in school. niversary of the Kazakh Khanate Encyclopaedia Directory – which “I hope he will grow up a good by doing an equal number of push- fixes such records. It is a world- citizen of our country and will be ups and breaking his previous re- wide practice. I think we need to a world-famous athlete. When it cord in the process. develop it more,” said Ilyin. comes to me as his father, I will Makhmet is a two-time champi- The young athlete’s mother, always be around, I will support,” on in the Kazakhstan Information Kalamkas Makhmetova, was said Anuar Makhmetov. Encyclopaedia Directory (KInES), more worried about her son “Today, we are pleased to fix a setting his first record at the June than anyone else in attendance. new record of our young hero. To 1 opening of the Street Workout Makhmet is an impulsive, pur- tell the truth, the whole editorial summer season. He followed it poseful and hyperactive child board and research department is with a second record at the Akmo- who became seriously involved very excited. Kazakhstan’s Record la region Street Workout champi- in sports one year ago. Book focuses on the most positive onship by performing 50 push-ups “My husband is responsible for developments in the life of the Ka- in 30 seconds. the child’s activities and it is his zakh people. We try to fix records Eminent Kazakh athletes such as merit. They talk a lot and plan that elevate the spirit of the peo- weightlifter Ilya Ilyin, boxer Serik something all the time. I’m just ple and raise human culture. This Sapiyev, Federation of Jiu-Jitsu watching after his school stud- book, which will be released in and MMA President Anatoly Kim ies. He got engaged in sport when two months, includes a photo of and karate and MMA world cham- he was eight years old. The first Amir. We do not fix records like pion and Presidential Professional record was set at that age,” said the biggest number of pies eaten Sport Club Astana General Man- Makhmetova. “I do not worry or beer drunk, only sane ones. This ager Aidar Makhmetov, who is the about whether he will do the re- book has only the most successful uncle of the boy, came to the event quired number of push-ups; I wor- achievements of the people of our to support Makhmet. ry about his health at the moment society,” said KInES representa- “The boy did really well; he is a when he will do it and after.” tive Kuandyk Kudaibergenov. B3 Nation&Capital Culture

Wednesday, september 23, 2015 Astana Opera to Premiere New Version of ‘Abai’ This Month “Things that are interesting for stage’s technical equipment, noted By Kamila Zhumabayeva any person regardless of his na- the statement. Twenty-five Ital- tionality are told in this opera, ian craftspeople and specialists ASTANA – A grand début of while the music is so emotional from the Astana Opera artistic and “Abai,” the story of Kazakh poet and beautiful that the public won’t production department are work- and philosopher Abai Kunan- be disappointed. I invite all to the ing daily with Frigerio’s team to bayev, will be held Sept. 25-26 premiere,” said Buribayev as quot- create complex constructions of at the Astana Opera. The modern ed in the statement. aluminium, steel, wood and other interpretation of the opera prom- The updated version is the con- materials with a total weight of 33 ises to provide the audience with cept of the son of well-known op- tonnes. maximum open stage space, 3D era singer Mario Del Monaco and The “Abai” premiere is a major video installations and luxurious director of the production Gian- event this year in the cultural life costumes and decorations, accord- carlo Del Monaco, together with of the country. The nation’s op- ing to the company’s press release. director-consultant, People’s Artist era critics note the performance “The identity of Abai Kunan- should cause great resonance, said bayev is very important to our na- of Kazakhstan and professor Es- tion,” said Ruslan Baimurzin, as- mukhan Obayev. the statement. sistant to the chief conductor of the Preparation for the premiere is “Either way, Kazakh opera arts production Alan Buribayev, in an currently underway in the theatre, continue developing without for- interview with The Astana Times. according to the press release. The getting their tradition. Currently, “‘Abai’ is in its first production in wardrobe and decorations have there are a lot of amazing compos- the Astana Opera, but was previ- been created in the Astana Opera ers who try themselves in this gen- ously at Kulyash Baisseitova Na- and Italian and Astana masters re. The three big opera theatres in tional Opera and Ballet Theatre.” sewed 97 costumes. The art deco- Almaty, Astana and Shymkent are Considered to be one of the ration has been completed by Ka- big indicators of the respect and best achievements of Kazakh op- zakh and Italian craftsmen, led by love for opera arts in Kazakhstan,” era, “Abai” incorporates classics modern set designer Ezio Frigerio noted Baimurzin. penned by composers Akhmet and costume designer Franca He added Kazakhstan’s opera Zhubanov and Latif Khamidi. Actors rehearsing on stage for the premiere of “Abai.” Squarciapino. arts are among the most significant Social activist, professor and So- Kazakh audiences will be on the international scale in the viet honoured academic Mukhtar critics named the work a musical outstanding poet, educator and cul- Aidar, who was killed by a deadly treated for the first time to such a plan of their operas, singers and Auezov authored the libretto. The masterpiece. tural reformer, his passionate love poison poured into his drink by en- large-scale show with grand deco- theatres and will go very far show- premiere was held in 1944 and The plot tells the story of the and the tragic death of his student, vious individuals. rations, with the play using all the ing themselves to the world. Kazakh Diaspora Chooses Unique Ways to Maintain Identity, Ties with Homeland sciousness, character and percep- Candidate of philosophical sci- reverence by status became out- She also believes the tradition edge, native, Russian and foreign By Kamila Zhumabayeva tion of the world, noted member ences and associate professor at dated. of stealing and abducting brides is languages and people who be- Lazat Davlet. the Russian State Humanitarian “More attention goes to the el- very shameful for Kazakhs. come successful by their own ef- ASTANA – Kazakh diaspora in “So, although we externally are University Gulshat Urazaliyeva derly, but not because of high fi- “Resurgent interest and justifi- forts and not at the cost of symbol- diverse parts of the world chose modern, we are internally quite is a Kazakh citizen living in Rus- nancial and social status. I believe cation of bigamy not only humili- ic and financial capital of a family, different ways of maintaining conservative; it is a combination sia since marrying her husband increased attention to tribal divi- ates women, but also men. The genus or proximity to authorities,” their identity and traditions. As- of cosmopolitanism and love for in Moscow in 1990. She is con- sions in modern Kazakhstan is a medieval archaic can lead our na- Urazaliyeva added. sociations and student commu- past traditions and history,” she cerned and interested in political relic,” she stressed. “Moreover, tion to degradation,” she stressed. “I love all my relatives and nities organise various events to said. and governmental processes in her making souvenirs, seals of all ge- Other traditions which allow friends and remember and cherish celebrate Nauryz and Independ- “Briefly, we celebrate Nauryz native country. nus and archaics of genus stratifi- modern Kazakhstan to develop are them. I was and will remain Ka- ence Day holidays. They have and the independence of Kazakh- “Kazakhstan’s presidential elec- cation harms unified Kazakh eth- being born. zakh, daughter of my parents and, also shared traditions which have stan and someone celebrates reli- tions are always topical for me. nic identity.” “Respect for scientific knowl- I hope, my nation.” become outdated to maintain them gious holidays. We put on national I also continue being interested in the countries where they reside. costumes when it is possible in economic, political, legal and The Kazakh American Associa- and tell about the culture of Ka- cultural spheres. As my historical tion promotes the strengthening of zakhstan to everyone here,” said homeland, the problems of Ka- Kazakh diaspora permanently re- Davlet. zakhstan also remain at the centre siding in the United States as well “Being a Kazakh abroad, rep- of my attention,” said Urazaliye- as supporting those who are tem- resenting my nation and culture va. “After all, all of my family and porarily in the country. The asso- means feeling an enormous re- relatives live in Kazakhstan. I am ciation manifests itself in different sponsibility for my country. It is the only one living beyond its bor- spheres of social life and presents necessary to understand that each ders. These are my roots and my national-cultural spheres by coor- of us is judged not only as an indi- native element.” dinating different events. vidual, but also by our country as She added she has not attempted “Special attention goes to chil- a whole. I, therefore, believe our to westernise her looks. dren adopted from Kazakhstan names should always be associ- “If talking about appearance by American parents and con- ated only with good deeds,” said and anthropological attributes, I stant meetings give those chil- political science student at the did not change. I did not have any dren an opportunity to familiarise University of Vienna, president plastic surgery, do not hesitate themselves with their roots and of the Kazakh student community due to my Asian appearance and traditions,” active organisation in Austria and editor-in-chief of did not colour my hair to become member Ainur Rodgers told The Sakssauyl Kazakh-Austrian mag- blond,” said Urazaliyeva. Astana Times. “The association azine Nursultan Akhmediya. She remembers her ethnic roots holds Nauryz celebrations and He added he always tries to be and loves Kazakhstan’s culture, family picnics each year where a part of everything related to Ka- music and cuisine to which she compatriots, their families, chil- zakhstan, while noting the special treats her Moscow and foreign dren adopted in the U.S., diplo- role of the Kazakh student com- friends. matic workers and all other people munity that unites people from “We have beshbarmak, manty who are interested in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan living in Austria. Reg- (dumplings) and bayursak on our are invited.” istered as an NGO by the Austrian table during holidays,” she added. Among those opportunities in- Ministry of Justice, it pays special For her, being a Kazakh in Mos- clude a BalaUSA Kazakh-Ameri- attention to relations between Ka- cow means being on a high level can children’s choir organised by zakh people in Europe. professionally and personally and the association. “Teams from a number of Ka- in communication with other peo- “The choir held their first re- zakhs studying in Austria, Poland, ple. hearsal in this school year. The the Czech Republic, Germany, “I follow the current situation children performed anthems of France and Hungary, as well as in the country on social networks both countries in honour of Ka- representatives of Kazakh dias- like Facebook and actively dis- zakhstan’s Independence Day,” pora that moved to Austria back cuss all current challenges in Ka- she said. in the 1970-80s, participated in a zakhstan with my real and virtual Strengthening ties between football tournament held by the friends,” said Urazaliyeva. compatriots contributes to a organisation in April of this year,” When it comes to her participa- prompt integration into a new life. said Akhmedyia. tion in Moscow’s scientific confer- The group is also involved in fun- As in many other countries, Ka- ences on the subjects of interethnic draising efforts, the latest of which zakhstan’s Embassy in Austria or- relations and conflicts, she does was to help flood victims of the ganises various events. not refuse but always remembers Karaganda oblast. “Apart from annual Nauryz her ethnic identity. Urazaliyeva “We have increasingly been celebrations, we held sports tour- is part of the Kazakh diaspora in holding fundraising for medical nament on the Asyk Atu national Russia and actively participates in treatment or for emergency needs game for the first time this year functions of the Moscow Kazakh of Kazakhstan people. The asso- and timed it to Kazakhstan’s Inde- cultural centre, events dedicated ciation collected and sent funds pendence Day,” said Akhmedyia. to memorable dates and well- for treatment of the severely ill Although the Kazakh culture is known cultural figures. and contributed to solutions of im- very unique, there are some as- “I was reading the poems of mediate problems for many in the pects which he believes do not suit Ilyas Dzhansugurov along with U.S.,” Rodgers stated. modern life. other Muscovites at a memorial “As one of the main elements of “I would relate fancy wed- evening of the great Kazakh poet. national identity, Kazakh language ding celebrations to it, because of We have such cultural events quit is very important to me. In order which organisers get themselves often,” she noted. to preserve our language among into debt. I believe spending a She also supports traditions of those abroad, I usually speak Ka- huge amount of money on such Kazakh hospitality. zakh with my compatriot friends an unsecure event is dumb and “I remember my mother’s on a daily basis,” said another irrational,” he said. “Judging by mandate, ‘you cannot ask guests member of the association who statistical data regarding divorces, whether they want tea, you should gave his name only as Nurbek. a few newly-married couples are put a samovar out,’ that is to say The nation’s identity is not only happy to pay huge debts in the be- turn on an electric kettle,” she said. in its language but also in its con- ginning of family life.” Urazaliyeva added traditions of B4 Nation&Capital COUNTRY

Wednesday, september 23, 2015 Kazakh Cardiac Surgeons Share Military Demonstrates Experience with European Colleagues Remote Firing System surgery. You are several years ahead per-day remote monitoring and By Zhazira Dyussembekova of us. Our clinic is planning to carry By Aiman Turebekova firing in all weather conditions. out such operations only after two Monitoring is done with an in- ASTANA – The unique surgical years,” said German master class Representatives of the Kazakh tegrated electro-optical system, military-industrial complex took methodology to implant Heart Mate participant Martin Muller in an inter- which combines a thermal imaging part in the Sept. 9-12 10th Russia 3, a left ventricular assist device, was view with Khabar TV. camera, daylight camera vision, a Arms Expo 2015, an international shown Sept. 2-3 during master class- “In our country, we use devices of laser range finder and weather sen- arms, military equipment and am- es at the National Research Cardiac the first and second generation and sors. munition exhibition in Nizhny Surgery Centre (NRCSC). Kazakh- you are already working with the lat- Kazakhstan ASELSAN Engi- stan was the first country to perform est model. Well done that you took Tagil, reported the Kazakh Minis- try of Defence press service. neering, the Petropavlovsk Heavy such operations, reported the centre’s a chance and went ahead. The tech- Engineering Plant and the West press service. nique is very progressive,” Croatian More than 400 exhibitors and representatives of military authori- Kazakhstan Engineering Company Similar master classes have been surgeon Zeljko Sultic told Khabar will jointly mass produce the sys- organised for more than a year. This TV. ties, defence ministers and chiefs of general staffs from more than tem. In this exhibition of arms and time, NRCSC Chairman and cardiac After the master class in Kazakh- military equipment, with a total surgeon Yury Pya and his colleagues stan, European surgeons will be re- 50 countries participated. The Russia Arms Expo offers area of more than 400,000 square demonstrated artificial heart trans- quired to secure a license. Only then metres, Kazakhstan was repre- plantation to 30 surgeons from Croa- they will be able to conduct such a shooting range that allows par- ticipants to showcase the combat sented by Kazakhstan ASELSAN tia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands operations, according to Khabar TV. Engineering, which is part of the and Switzerland. and performance characteristics of NRCSC has implanted first and Kazakhstan Engineering group of “Favourable conditions for inno- their arms and equipment, deliver second-generation devices in the left national companies. vation were created due to the policy fire aimed at targets of various de- ventricle as an alternative to heart Kazakhstan ASELSAN Engi- of the President and the government; grees of complexity and assess the Yury Pya performs a surgery. transplantation since 2011. During neering was established April 18, not every developed country has it,” this time, Kazakhstan’s cardiac sur- performance of military products 2011. The founders of the com- said Pya in an interview with ka- “Europe and the U.S. cannot use implantation and transplantation of gery capability was ranked among on a real-time basis. pany are Kazakhstan Engineering zpravda.kz. “Last year, Kazakhstan this technique, they do not have donor organs. the top 20 in the world and the coun- Kazakh specialists showcased (50 percent), the Turkish company was among five countries to be in- permission, but Kazakhstan has. The first day of the master classes try became one of the leading places the stabilised, remotely operated weapon station (SROWS), which ASELSAN (49 percent) and the cluded in the international project for Our country is the first country in included performing a series of op- in the world in the number of high- drew interest from exhibition visi- Committee of Defense Industry of the introduction of artificial hearts the world which uses this technol- erations on the installation of Heart tech operations performed. The cen- tors. This system allows 24-hour- Turkey (1 percent). of the third generation into clinical ogy and uses it very positively and Mate 3. The following day, partici- tre also has JCI accreditation, which practice. And today, our centre has effectively. We now share our suc- pants discussed the issues of selec- confirms international recognition. the most experience in the world in cess and our experience with our tion and postoperative stages of Heart Mate 3 is made by Thor- implanting Heart Mate 3. It has good foreign colleagues,” said NRCSC patients with the implanted devices. atec Corporation, a U.S. company results, so we can host the leading department head Serik Bekbosu- Pya shared his experience of such that produces devices for advanced specialists of Europe. They come to nov in an interview with Kazakh operations with his European col- heart failure patients. Its main differ- TV. leagues, who were also able to prac- Country Advances us to study and adopt Kazakhstan’s ence from previous devices is that it experience. [They] master their skills According to the NRCSC press tice their skills on installing Heart pulses, a feature which is technically on the hearts of animals, take part in service, in the past five years, Ka- Mate 3 on a pig heart in a simulation very hard to create. The NRCSC is the operations, and they will be able zakh cardiac surgeons have suc- laboratory. the only centre in Central Asia and Green Energy to implement the technology back cessfully performed more than 150 “We liked everything in Astana. the post-Soviet space that implants home in the future.” surgeries on artificial heart ventricle There is the highest level of cardiac such devices. Movement with Solar, Government Proposes Introducing Battery Projects Continued from Page B1 vironmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). Mandatory Health Insurance “We are proud to have provided “Storing electrons safely, inex- as the founder and sole shareholder, The state contribution rate for citi- and individuals who receive income high-tech Schneider Electric solu- pensively, and with virtually no By Nazgul Zhenis will contribute to reducing informal zens of particular categories (for so- under contracts of a civil nature) tions and products for the first large battery degradation, has long been payments in the healthcare system. cially-vulnerable layers of the popu- will be 7 percent of their income. PV power plant built in Kazakh- a strategic imperative for the global ASTANA – Implementing man- The draft envisions the introduc- lation) accounted for 7 percent of This equates to 2 percent in 2017, 3 stan,” said General Director of Sch- energy industry, drawing world- datory social health insurance will tion of two packages of medical ser- average monthly salary. In this case, percent in 2018, 5 percent in 2019 neider Electric Kazakhstan Irina class brains to find a winning solu- improve the quality and availability vices: basic and insurance. The first, the figure will gradually increase: 4 and 7 percent in 2020. The interest Dmitrenko, per the press release. tion,” said Ilya Golubovich of I2BF of medical services in Kazakhstan, available to all citizens, is expected percent in 2017, 5 percent in 2018, deduction will not exceed 15 times “For this project, Schneider Elec- in the Primus press release. “We reported the press service of the na- to be financed by the state budget. It 6 percent in 2023, and 7 percent in the minimum wage. tric has provided the full electrical are convinced that Primus Power tion’s Ministry of Health and Social would include access to ambulance 2024. Children, mothers with more than conversion chain, from grid to DC has developed the ultimate elec- Development. and medical aviation services, health The employer’s total contribu- five children, veterans, the disabled, connection, with fully trained and tron warehouse. The technology is Minister of Health and Social care for socially-significant diseases tion will be 5 percent of income, the unemployed, students, non- experienced staff.” field-proven and the company is at Development Tamara Duyssenova and preventive vaccination (in case with deductions starting at 2 per- working pregnant women, parents The country is also looking into the right stage for I2BF to double presented the draft bill “On man- of emergency). The insurance pack- cent in 2017 and hiking to 3 per- on parental leave, pensioners, mili- options for storing its renewable- down, and for RKNF to take a posi- datory medical insurance” Sept. age, provided by the health insur- cent in 2018, 4 percent in 2019 and tary personnel, law enforcement of- sourced energy. Through a multi- tion.” 7 in Parliament. The task of pre- ance fund, would include outpatient 5 percent in 2020. Considering the ficers and prisoners will be relieved year strategic cooperation agree- Primus Power CEO Tom Stepien paring such a bill was envisioned and inpatient care, medical rehabili- contributions will be deductible from contributing to the social health ment, Samruk Energy, a subsidiary noted the importance of the agree- under the 100 Concrete Steps pro- tation, palliative care, nursing care when calculating corporate income insurance fund. of the Samruk Kazyna Sovereign ment with Samruk Energy in the gramme announced earlier this and high-tech help. All permanent tax, the actual load on the employer Not all participants, however, Wealth Fund, has agreed to pur- company statement. “Primus is year by Kazakh President Nursul- residents of the country, on whose will be 1.6 percent in 2017, 2.4 per- expressed support for the bill. The chase 1,250 zinc-bromide-based, very fortunate to add another high- tan Nazarbayev. behalf contributions would be trans- cent in 2018, 3.2 percent in 2019 leader of the pro-business Ak Zhol single-tank energy storage systems, caliber international investor to According to the ministry, the leg- ferred to the fund, would have the and 4 percent in 2020. Democratic Party’s parliamentary totalling 25 MW or 100 megawatt- our syndicate. Their participation islation will concentrate on priority right to benefit from the package. The employee’s contribution rate faction Azat Peruashev felt that hours, from Primus Power, Yahoo highlights the need for low total development of primary health care, The government will be carrying is 2 percent of income; deduction some entrepreneurs would begin to Finance reports. Primus is a spe- cost-of-ownership energy storage measures to facilitate development contributions for the economically- will start at 1 percent in 2019 and 2 take employee’s wages in the shade, cialist in grid-scale energy storage solutions, and the commitment by of private medical services and en- inactive population. Employers percent, in 2020. thus trying to remove any unneces- technology. The storage systems major global players to support hancing competition among medical will pay for their employees; self- The contribution rate of self-em- sary financial burden. This would are to be assembled inside Kazakh- deployment of market-ready tech- organisations. In addition, officials employed citizens registered with ployed people (individual entrepre- mean taking one step forward and stan and are expected to help the nology. Joining forces means we hope establishing a social health in- the tax authorities will pay for them- neurs, private notaries, private bail- two steps back, he said, according to country reach its goals of getting 30 can accelerate our product ship- surance fund, with the government selves, said the ministry. iffs, lawyers, professional mediators the 31st TV channel. percent of its energy from renewa- ments in North America, respond to ble sources by 2030 and 50 percent important needs in countries with by 2050. significant renewable energy plans Chairman of Samruk Energy like Kazakhstan, and form strong Almassadam Satkaliyev said, “We technology partnerships with inno- expect that the joint work with vative companies such as Samruk New State Corporation to Deliver More Primus Power, the leader in the Energy.” development of energy storage Stepien spoke with Greentech technologies, will accelerate the Media on the funding and noted development of renewable energy that Kazakhstan was moving to- Documentation Services in One Place in Kazakhstan, and will provide ward more solar and wind power connected with the provision of Sarsenov in presenting the legis- on creating a new corporation, re- us with opportunities for practi- and working to update its grid. By Nazgul Zhenis public services to individuals and lation. ported Tengrinews.kz. cal implementation of innovative The company has begun working legal entities according to the one “At the initial stage, it is pro- “I think there will be a reduc- solutions in the electricity sector,” out the details of fitting its batteries ASTANA – During a presenta- window principle, where all ser- posed to transfer the most impor- tion, it is certain, because one cor- according to a story by Yahoo Fi- into the existing grid and expects to tion before the Kazakh Parliament vices related to issuing govern- tant state services in the sphere of poration will be created from four nance. ship the first batteries to Kazakh- of the draft law “On amendments ment papers for citizens would land relations, real estate, social enterprises. Therefore, all of the Primus Power announced on stan by the end of this year or early and additions to some legislative occur. and pension payments [with the supporting positions will be cut. Sept. 9 that it had secured $25 mil- next year, with eventual plans to as- acts concerning the provision of Improving the quality of public use of] the Canadian experience,” There are administrative bodies lion in its Series D funding round, a semble the systems in-country, he public services,” Vice Minister of services is ensured through the de- he added. and [departments of] budget and late-stage round of funding usually said. Investment and Development Sak- velopment of two key tools – the Thus, the draft legislation stip- finance and personnel in four such used to help startups expand. I2BF Primus claims its batteries will en Sarsenov announced citizens citizen service centres (CSC), bet- ulates assigning organisational entities, so there will be no reduc- Global Ventures led the round and last for 20 years or more. The six- will soon be able to receive all ter known among residents under functions of the CSC national state tion of [core] employees. That is the Russia-Kazakhstan Nanotech- year-old startup uses a single-loop government services in one place its Russian acronym TSON, and enterprise centre for servicing the why there will be optimisation,” nology Fund (RKNF), a fund man- flow battery design, which plates as part of the creation of the gov- electronic government, a website population by providing public she said. aged by I2BF, participated in the zinc on titanium-based electrodes to ernment for citizens state corpora- offering a wide range of informa- services to individuals and legal It is difficult to estimate number offering, Primus reported in a press perform the key energy exchange, tion, reported a Mazhilis (lower tion and documentation services. entities according to the one win- of employees who will be cut, she release. Greentech Media explained. Most house of Parliament) press release. CSC provides front office ser- dow principle. The move would added. The company has also received other flow batteries run electrolytes Establishing such an organisa- vices only, receiving applications also consolidate the services of the “They now need to review the strategic government grants to- through membranes, which Stepien tion was envisioned in the 100 and giving results. Creating the research and production centre of work of all these four state enter- talling $20 million from the U.S. said eventually must be replaced, Concrete Steps programme of government for citizens by merg- land cadastre, centre for real estate prises and conduct an audit. They Department of Energy (DOE), the unlike in Primus’s batteries. large-scale reform announced ear- ing key service providers in the and state centre for pension pay- need to see what staff size will be Advanced Research Projects Agen- Kazakhstan generated about 20 lier this year by Kazakh President fields of social welfare services, ments of the state corporation. needed for the new corporation,” cy-Energy (ARPA-E), the Bonnev- gigawatts of power in 2015, ac- Nursultan Nazarbayev. land relations and real estate reg- Merging four state enterprises said Aisina. ille Power Administration (BPA), cording to Greentech Media, most- The main objective of the pro- istration would allow the office into one may result in a reduc- She noted the corporation would the California Energy Commission ly generated in coal-fired power posed innovations is to legislate not only to accept applications, tion in staff, said Mazhilis Deputy presumably begin providing ser- (CEC), and the U.S. Department plants. The country expects to pro- the norms regulating the relations but also to perform them, said Maira Aisina when commenting vices in the first quarter of 2016. of Defence (DOD) through its En- duce 28 gigawatts by 2030. B5 Nation&Capital SOCIETY

Wednesday, september 23, 2015 Instagram – Astana’s Online ‘Yellow Pages’ “You need to hold your smart- from my ‘mommy’ friends. They and I am always happy to see them people if they wanted to order eve- correct hashtags gives people the By Botagoz Tanatova phone at 45 degrees just above your always chat about what they saw on in real life. I meet them when I trav- rything together and just divide the information: where to go, what eye line,” she taught me. “The pose Instagram and suggest each other el around Kazakhstan; when I was cost of shipping between us. People to buy and what service to use in ASTANA – The addiction of so- is important and your smile says follow some accounts. Instagram is in Paris and in Moscow I met my liked the idea because most of them Astana,” she said. cial media is not lost on Kazakh- you are not taking it too seriously.” my open microphone now. Usually followers as well,” she said. just wanted to buy one thing abroad She added @shodim_ASTA- stan. Among all popular social A law school student, Smolniko- I post pictures of my children, but Evgeniya Garkushina is also a and did not want to spend the time NA (Where to go in Astana) has platforms in the country, the high- va spends most of her free time on most of the users follow me just be- busy mother who is now on mater- for the whole process of ordering. around 40,000 followers and posts est growth rate is among Instagram Instagram. cause they like to read the descrip- nity leave. Her initial experience After my announcement, the num- three-four announcements daily. users. Even though there is still a “It is a minimum of four hours tions I write under the photos. I with social media was for work and ber of my followers rose rapidly. The same types of accounts ex- place for selfies and life moment per day,” she noted. speak openly about everything that at first she was very skeptical about I even made my account private ist in every Kazakh city. Aizhan posts, more and more Astana resi- She admitted it is an addiction, happened or is happening in my Instagram. in order to protect my followers’ Kozhakhmetova follows @sho- dents find Instagram to be their on- but at the same time does not want life. I think it is a rare phenomenon “I thought it was just a platform information. And now I have my dim_ASTANA accounts and many line reference guide. to quit. in Astana when people tell their for people who like to take selfies. own business based on Instagram; others: her designer Instagram, According to the Pew Research “It’s almost like a visual diary. I true opinions and are honest with However, when all the people I am it is not profitable, but I enjoy help- family accounts, online stores, doc- Centre, 31 percent of Instagram us- tors and even some pets. ers worldwide are women between can look back and see what I looked each other in social media. Most of surrounded by started to use it, I ing people and being useful for my the ages of 18-29. like at a particular time, what I was the users just got stuck on the topic decided to open an account there family as well,” she said. “Instagram is a very useful plat- “There is no information on de- wearing. There are no friendship of ‘how cool I am,’” said Issenova as well. I realised how useful it Suponova confirmed Instagram form. We can find everything we mographics in social media in Ka- boundaries between followers and in a Sept. 4 interview. can be; I found a nice cosmetolo- is becoming the favourite commu- need there. I am a small business- zakhstan, but according to our in- you do not feel social pressure as on Most of her friends have come gist there, kindergarten for my child nication and public relations instru- woman and I found the way to sell formation the majority of Instagram Facebook. You can make your ac- from Instagram. She meets and and all my followers now help me ment for small entrepreneurs. my handmade jewelry via Insta- users in Kazakhstan are also young count private and follow only those reads them every day and claims and share information with me that “One of the biggest benefits to gram. So now I have quit my office women,” said MediaTime.kz Busi- who you like,” said Smolnikova. Instagram is the best communica- I need,” she said in a Sept. 3 inter- using Instagram as a marketing job and finally do what I love. I did ness Development Department Aliya Issenova is also a frequent tion tool for her. view. tool is that it is completely free and not invest money to promote my head Assel Suponova in a Sept. 4 Instagram user. The mother of two “As a mother of two children, Garkushina was originally a pas- very simple. Many small business- business. Instagram is a free plat- interview. children, she has been using the employee and wife, I do not have sive Instagram user, but now she es use Instagram as a storefront to form; you just have to know how Elena Smolnikova is one of them. platform for more than three years. enough time for myself and for my has her own community. ‘display’ new products and ideas. to take nice pictures and be quick Following our Sept. 7 meeting, she She calls Instagram her family pho- friends. So it is easy for me to share “I always liked to buy things on- Most of the sellers, pastry masters, in replying to comments. I was. So proposed taking a selfie, then slight- tobook and more than 11,000 fol- my problems with people on Insta- line, but the price for shipping to hairdressers and barbers do not now I can even afford to pay the ly elevated an eyebrow, smiled and lowers have never missed a turn in gram and get support and nice com- Kazakhstan is quite high. So one give customers their business card person who helps me with deliver- took the picture of us by touching a her life. ments from my followers. Most of day I decided to announce that I was in their first meeting, but tell them ing my products to customers,” she button on the front of her camera. “I first learned about Instagram them want to meet me personally going to order things online. I asked their Instagram pages. The use of said in a Sept. 10 interview.

ADVERTISEMENT Company Founder Finds Invataxi Marks Progress, Introduces Future Plans Happiness in Cooking By Julia Rutz cab twice a week and are very sat- projects for the disabled population isfied with the service. They live in as well. That is why we can cover ries of countries and regions. Food that the cobra sauce was unavail- Invataxi, a special free taxi ser- a remote district far from the city only about 10 percent of all calls By Lyaziza Mukasheva trade has always been an impor- able in the market. Upon seeing vice for passengers with disabili- centre and it is a challenge to use received in the office,” said Shva- tant component in international this Mr. Chen saw the opportunity ties, was established in Almaty in public transport to get to the ARDI chunova. In Kazakhstan, locals are con- trading. Mr. Chen, because of his and decided to produce Cobra 2009 after the Sabi charity fund One of Invataxi’s initiators and suming products of TsinKaz in Medical Centre. strong sense of social responsibil- Sauce in order to save time and purchased 14 specially-equipped “We use the taxi service each Kazakh Union of Organisations growing numbers. ity, works to ensure the safety of energy by this being available on Volkswagen Caddys and Trans- TsinKaz Ltd. is a company en- time we need it, as this type of of Disabled People Chairman Ali the food, manpower, and material market shelves. porters and donated them to the Al- transportation is much more con- Amanbayev said he saw special gaged in the agricultural and deep resources to provide the consum- The product “Adgika” is also maty City Society of Persons with processing industry. This multina- venient for us. Unfortunately, it is taxi cabs for the first time in the ers full quality goods. Along the a creation of Mr. Chen, which Disabilities. The funds used to ac- not always possible to order a taxi. United States when he was there in tional enterprise gets government way, he works to establish the is now a must for local family quire the vehicles were raised dur- recognition, consumer confidence, At 9:30, all the cabs are usually no the 1990s. “from the farm to the kitchen” kitchens in Kazakhstan. Both of ing a charity auction of paintings longer available, so we have to call “Our service is free, while, for and gold product quality awards production process. His social these products have been awarded created by Kazakh artists, as well at 9 a.m. from several phones in or- example, in Moscow people have in Kazakhstan. With a share of 40 responsibility does not end with as “Best Product of Kazakhstan” as attained from private sponsors. percent in its segment of Ka- der to get a car. I think they have a to pay for that. At the same time we during a contest, which has been The Almaty office is managed great flow of customers,” said an- experience a lack of financial sup- zakhstan’s market, TsinKaz was organized by the Ministry of by veteran of the Soviet conflict in the first to achieve an ISO9000 other client, Bazan Mazhitova. port, so four of our cabs are not op- Industry and New Technology. Afghanistan and person with dis- The taxi service offers a spe- erating. Right now our capacity al- certification. All of the success abilities of the second degree Ser- The Mayor of Almaty has pre- cial monthly schedule for those lows us to transport 120 persons a that TsinKaz has achieved is due gei Makhashev. The facility, which sented the certificate for this award with disabilities who are studying day, but the experience shows that to the leadership of its founder, Qi- has operated at private expense for personally. or working, so the person doesn’t the demand is much higher. Ka- gang Chen. His innovation in how two years, is now receiving public Determined to create a brand have to call and order a car each zakhstan ratified the UN Conven- he manages the company as well funding. new concept called “Happy time. tion on the Rights of Persons with as his ideas and strong attention Invataxi is available to all wheel- Cooking,” this concept’s purpose “I am studying law in Turan Col- Disabilities on Jan. 20 this year; I to cultural nuances is what made is to make cooking easier and chair users in Almaty and its da- TsinKaz successful In Kazakhstan. lege, so I use Invataxi every day. hope this will change the situation. more pleasant through semi-ready tabase includes 1,068 registered Mr. Chen is one of the most I also order a car on the weekend There is also a positive change, as products. His extraordinary ability clients. To obtain the right to use prominent entrepreneurs manag- to go to the park to get some fresh the Invataxi service is now avail- helps Mr. Chen grasp the chances the service, a potential patron must ing multinational corporations. Qigang Chen air,” said 23-year-old Zhasulan able in other cities of the country he has in the market. He turns bring an ID card, certificate of disa- TsinKaz is the leading enterprise Umitkazinov. like Pavlodar, Aktobe, Kokshe- his consumers but also includes his focus to the new demand of bility, individual rehabilitation pro- in the production and sales of Invataxi also offers work oppor- tau, Temirtau, Ust-Kamenogorsk, the man power as well and to the generation now and future gen- gramme certificate and certificate tomato products and canned tunities for citizens with disabili- Uralsk, Kyzylorda, Ekibastuz, ensure their protection, a new erations of his market in Central No. 035/y to the office. The taxi vegetables in Central Asia. Today, ties. Svetlana Kerimbekova has Taldykorgan, Zhezkazgan, Turke- mode of cooperation is established Asia who are reluctant to spend so service is available after 9 a.m. and TsinKaz products are seen in many been a call operator since 2010. stan, Karaganda, Semei and Pe- for farmers that includes plant- much time in the kitchen and are orders need to be registered a day family kitchens in Kazakhstan. ing development, protocols, and “I can implement only seated tropavlovsk, where the Invataxi not willing to pay too much for before the planned transportation. TsinKaz products are also con- technical training in cultivation. work, so I was very grateful when office has two cars. Three cars are dining out either. Based on a good In addition to cars, which are sidered to be gifts by family and With periodic guidance of experts, the Society of Disabled People of available in Atyrau and Kostanai. understanding of Western food and able to transport one person in a friends during holidays and anni- minimum annual income grows. Medeu District appointed me here. Shymkent and Astana have four Asian cuisine, Mr. Chen has real- wheelchair and one person in the versaries. This innovative idea has The effects of Mr. Chen’s in- back seat, the office also offers a We have a very friendly collec- and six cars, respectively,” said ised that behind the simplified way earned recognition and honor for novative ideas not only benefit his Volkswagen Crafter bus to carry tive,” said Kerimbekova. Amanbayev. of cooking is a vast market. He is TsinKaz as the company has been own enterprise but also the whole three persons in wheelchairs and According to Invataxi deputy He also stressed the importance dedicated to move the fast food awarded “Choice of the Year in industry. Whenever he starts to three more in the rear. head Tatiana Shvachunova, the of teaching local bus drivers how at home with new ideas, new prod- Kazakhstan” and “Producer No.1 “I like my job, as it is always company does not have enough they should help passengers get ucts, and new managerial skills. for 10 years in Kazakhstan”. The effects of Mr. nice to do good things for others. cars to service all those who need into the vehicle. Mr. Chen ensures that the com- Along these many awards Mr. It may be challenging sometimes to transportation. The total amount of “We need to explain that they Chen has brought an innova- Chen’s innovative pleteness of the raw materials and find an individual approach to our public funding allows only 10 trips must come out of the bus, put tive new management model ideas not only benefit original taste of ingredients were passengers; however, you just have per car, so the office is unable to forward a special ramp and help to Kazakhstan. Differing from preserved to its maximum extent. to start communicating with them. send more vehicles even when cli- people with disabilities entering the classical series of transna- his own enterprise In addition to an easier operation, Usually, I transport people to the ents are waiting to order them. the bus. We have also proposed in- tional management, the innova- now the whole catering industry medical centres for treatment and “We send reports to the Labour troducing a special stop button on tive HPFM strategy is sourced but also the whole can benefit from his newly devel- rehabilitation. I work every day, as and Social Protection Depart- the bus stop to send a signal to the from the practices Mr. Chen has industry. oped products, the diced tomatoes well as on weekends, depending on ment of Almaty every month ask- driver saying that a disabled pas- summarized in his experiences processed by a microwave oven, the schedule,” said driver Shauket ing them to increase the financial senger wants to get into the bus. in establishing and managing the the spicy sauce, ketchup, etc. Usmanov. support. However, the answer is This is the only way we can meet transnational corporation, and has bring about a new product, he makes the time of cooking more According to Diana Baiturova, always negative. The authorities the transportation needs of people raised it to a theoretical height researches thoroughly and studies efficient and the kitchen cleaner. whose 14-year-old daughter is a used to claim that the budget is lim- with disabilities in Almaty and in of which “H” is “HR Manage- local culture and tradition to have This makes housewives and cooks regular Invataxi client, they order a ited and they have to sponsor other Kazakhstan,” said Amanbayev. ment Localisation,” “P” refers a better understanding of his mar- everywhere happier, more cost to “Product R&D Serialisation,” ket and consumer. From collec- efficient, and satisfied. “F” means “Financial Budget tions of folk recipes, suggestions Given his accomplishments, Management,” and “M” stands for from experts in the food process- achievements, and successes, Mr. “Marketing Network.” ing industry, and preferences of Chen is here to remind us that He encourages his employees customers through taste tests and through hard work, dedication and to further learn and develop their evaluations, he has improved perseverance everything is pos- skills thus creating more benefits the way to develop products and sible. He is an innovator willing to for the employees. TsinKaz was meet the needs of his consum- take risks and accept the changes rewarded by the Committee of ers. Furthermore, large-scale and going on around him, adapting to Labour Protection and Supervision standardized production enable this and modernising society. He of Kazakhstan for its outstanding the enterprise to realise product is not only an innovator but also contributions to creating jobs for serialisation. a concerned citizen, changing the the local communities. The way he worked on the lives of the families in Kazakhstan It has always been Mr. Chen’s product “Cobra” serves as an by making cooking easier, more priority to see what his consum- example of how Mr. Chen brings accessible, and cost efficient as ers are interested in. Because of about a new product. The Cobra well as improving the economic this and his strong sense of social sauce is used in various meals and status of the country. This is a true responsibility he turns his focus recipes, including noodles, dump- success he has accomplished not on food safety and modern food lings, and fried rice. Housewives only to himself or his company but production, processing, circulation and cooks would make the Cobra also to the country of Kazakhstan P hoto by M uzhtar Zhirenov and consumption across bounda- sauce out of scratch due to the fact and to its people. Invataxi users. B6 Nation&Capital Tourism&EXPO 2017

Wednesday, september 23, 2015 Astana, Almaty Vietnam Considers Visa-free Regime Among Top 10 for Citizens of Kazakhstan By Staff Report Most Visited ASTANA – Vietnam’s Tourism Association President Nguen Huu Tho announced during a recent meeting with Kazakhstan’s Am- Cities by Russian bassador in Vietnam Beketzhan Zhumakhanov that Vietnam is considering introducing a visa-free regime for Kazakh citizens for up Tourists to 15 days, according to the press service of the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting came as Kazakh diplomats participated in an inter- national tourism exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City. The sides discussed bilateral tourism cooperation and attracting P hoto credit: dnevnik.bigmir.net Kazakh tourists to Vietnam. The soon and a commissioner respon- were briefed on Kazakhstan’s tour- serviced by Air Astana, will also Vietnamese tourism association sible for the country’s national pa- ism market development with an promote trips between the two has expressed interest in cooperat- vilion at the exhibition will be ap- emphasis on attracting Vietnamese countries. ing with Kazakhstan’s tourism as- pointed the following month. tourists to the expo. During roundtable discussions, sociation. Within the tourism exhibi- Vietnam, with a population of Vietnamese tour operators dis- The issue of whether Vietnam tion, Kazakhstan’s embassy to- more than 90 million people, has cussed their intention to visit Ka- will participate in EXPO 2017 was gether with Vietnam’s national a strong tourism market. Vietnam zakhstan with a tourism delegation also discussed during the ambas- administration on tourism held hopes its tourism market will be at the end of October, in order to Astana’s iconic skyline. sador’s meeting with Vietnamese roundtable discussions with the improved by an agreement signed participate in the seventh session Minister of Culture, Sport and involvement of Vietnam’s major in May concerning free trade be- of the Kazakh-Vietnamese Inter- Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh. tour operators and airlines, such tween the Eurasian Economic Un- governmental Commission. The average hotel budget in Bishkek is By Zhazira Dyussembekova The minister said Vietnam will as Saigontourist, Vietravel, Fo- ion and Vietnam. The availability delegation will include major tour only $30 per day. provide a written agreement to cusTravel, IndоchinaHeritage and of direct flights between Almaty operators, the press and cultural According to Travel.ru, Kazakh- ASTANA – Almaty and Astana participate in Astana’s exhibition VietJetAir. Exhibition participants and Ho Chi Minh cities, which are figures. stan was ranked as the third most have been among the top 10 most visited country after Belarus and visited cities by Russian tourists Ukraine. Sixteen percent of Rus- this year, according to a survey sian citizens travelling to the CIS by Russian website Travel.ru. chose Kazakh cities as their desti- Minsk, Kiev, Baku, Yerevan, nation. Thirty-seven percent went Vitebsk, Bishkek, Tashkent and Rail Company Seeks State Support to Belarus and 22 percent headed Chisinau were also among the top to Ukraine. Azerbaijan and Arme- 10, according to online bookings nia were also in the top five. made without the aid of a travel On average, Russian tourists to Establish ‘Hotel on Wheels’ agent. spent four days and $80 per day The survey also showed that the support in terms of tax benefits, 2016. The ministry is considering be useful for school students dur- for hotels in the countries visited. By Staff Report subsidisation of transportation and the request. number of online bookings for ho- The Borovoye resort is among ing holiday periods. This would preferential lending. The compa- “Similar tours, especially within tels in the Commonwealth of Inde- the most visited places during the be extra knowledge of the nation’s ASTANA – The Turan Express ny hopes to launch the service in the ‘Silk Way’ programme, would pendent States (CIS) increased by summer season, as well as Issyk history and culture and a solution almost 1.5 times in the last year. passenger rail company recently Kul in Kyrgyzstan, Lake Narach sought state support from the Ka- for issues of child summer holiday Aktau and Aktobe were listed in Belarus, the village Nabran in arrangements,” said Minister Asset among the top 20 of the most zakh Ministry of Investment and Azerbaijan and Sevan in Arme- Isekeshev. visited cities of the CIS. Bela- Development to launch a “hotel on nia. In 2013, Turan Express organ- rus’s Brest, Grodno and Gomel; The most visited attractions in wheels.” Ukraine’s Lviv, Odessa and Astana include the Baiterek Tow- “We can form a tourist train ised specialised travel trains along Kharkov; as well as Turkmeni- er, Akorda, Hazret Sultan Mosque, that will simultaneously be a ‘ho- Almaty – Alakol Lake – Dostyq stan’s Ashgabat and Tajikistan’s Astana Opera, the Palace of Peace tel on the wheels’ and will service routes. The demand for similar Dushanbe were also on the list. and Harmony and the Khan Sha- the Khorgos – Almaty – Taraz – routes was high, so the company The research showed tourists tyr Entertainment Centre. Astana Shymkent – Turkestan – Kyzy- is seeking to expand the geogra- lorda – Baikonur touristic rail- spent an average of $73 per day for is famous for its modern archi- phy of transportation and range of a hotel in Minsk, $87 in Kiev, $84 tecture, while Almaty offers more way route with a mandatory visit services. in Almaty, $78 in Baku and $63 in history. Almaty attractions include to Astana,” Director General of Yerevan. the Medeu Skating Rink and Ski Turan Express Roman Botabekov In particular, the company would Astana was named the most ex- Resort, beautiful lakes, the Kas- said, according to the ministry’s like to establish routes along Ka- pensive capital of the CIS with ho- teev Art Gallery, Panfilov Park and press service. zakh and Central Asian historic tel prices at $115 per day while the the Kok Tobe Cable Car. The company is seeking state and cultural sites. Silicon Valley Companies Demonstrate Strong Interest in EXPO 2017, UNDP Confirms Participation of UN memberstates in the event. UN Climate Change Conference in the field of energy for the next which facilitates its integration to positive attitude towards participa- By Murager Sauranbayev The parties reportedly also dis- in Paris, scheduled for Nov. 30. 15 years, predicting the share of existing thermal power plants. tion in the exposition and are ready cussed priorities of cooperation in Technical opportunities provided renewable sources in energy pro- Based on the results of the meet- not only to show but also to imple- SAN FRANCISCO – EXPO the framework of KazAID, a soon by Google Earth can be used to ob- duction will increase up to 30 ing, the parties agreed to install ment their recent technologiesin 2017 Commissioner and Kazakh to be launched national opera- serve climate change on the planet percent. In this context, Prinz said carbon negative technology equip- the field of energy saving and ef- First Deputy Foreign Minister tor for Kazakhstan’s international through the decades, said Sullivan. the share of coal in global energy ment on the EXPO 2017 field fectiveness. Rapil Zhoshybayev completed his development assistance. Clark Google’s interest in participat- balance would decrease and that which will catch carbon dioxide In New York, companies such 10-day trip to the U.S. with visits welcomed KazAID’s potential to ing in EXPO 2017 may offer a of natural gas would grow, while from the air with the further pos- as С40 Cities Climate Leadership to New York and San Francisco. help increase cooperation along good opportunity for Kazakhstan consumption of petroleum would sibility of using it in bio-fuel. The Group and GenYES also dem- If his focus in the Big Apple was the South-South axis and said she to engage in joint projects with the stay the same and see no major American side expressed interest onstrated enthusiastic interest in on the United Nations family of or- looked forward to a successful im- global company and extend sup- changes. in presenting its inventions at the the exposition, assuring they will ganisations, he paid much more at- plementation of the Kazakhstan- port to the world’s scientific and The commissioner also had a exposition. propose a row of projects on CO2 tention in the Golden Gate City to UNDP partnership programme for environmental community by pro- meeting with prominent climate In the Silicon Valley, Zhoshy- emission reduction and renewable luring America’s leading high tech 2016-2020. viding access to quickly process change expert Graziella Chichilin- bayev met with the management and alternative sources of energy companies like Google to present- After moving from coast to huge chunks of data. ski, best known for proposing and and founders of Obscura Digital, to demonstrate in the expo’s best ing their know-how at the Future coast, Zhoshybayev held talks At the San Francisco mayor’s designing the carbon credit emis- which is engaged in creating large- practices zone. Energy-themed forum in Astana. with top management leadership office, Zhoshybayev was briefed sions trading market underlying scale 3D projections throughout the Following completion of the The good news from the meet- and founders of companies such on the city’s leadership in advanc- the Kyoto Protocol. world. In addition, the company West Coast programme, the expo ings in New York was official con- ing energy-saving technologies. The founder of Global Ther- creates LED panels for stadiums commissioner flew to South Amer- firmation from the United Nations as Google, Obscura Digital, Planet mostat, one of the world’s most and huge multimedia touchscreens ica where he held talks in the hope Development Programme (UNDP) Labs, Global Thermostat, С40 Cit- California’s fourth-most populated of securing the participation of of its participation in the expo. The ies Climate Leadership Group and city hosted an expo 100 years ago innovative energy companies, and is very popular among Inter- announcement was made as Zho- GenYES. He also had sessions in and considering its history and ex- presented a prototype of the indus- net users. Obscura Digital’s most Argentina and Brazil in the Astana shybayev held talks with UN Un- the San Francisco Mayor’s office perience, Zhoshybeyev suggested trial installation designed to catch successful projects are the main event. der-Secretary-General and UNDP and at Stanford University. sending a delegation to EXPO carbon dioxide from the burnt gas mosque in Abu Dhabi, the video EXPO 2017 will be a major Administrator Helen Clark. The At the meeting with Google, it 2017 to present the best practices on thermoelectric plants or directly show on the roof of the Sydney display of technological achieve- UNDP thus became the seventh quickly became clear the company devised by the city in promoting from the air. According to the pro- Opera House, which had 32 million ments, demonstrating the newest international organisation so far to was expressing significant interest sustainable urban development. totype description, carbon dioxide views in four hours, and a show on inventions of the 21st century in confirm its planned presence at the in EXPO 2017. According to Brian At Stanford, one of America’s is caught by blowing the burnt the Empire State Building in New the field of alternative and renew- exposition. Sullivan, Programme Manager at most prestigious universities, the gas and air through special mem- York which had more than one able energy. The Kazakh govern- Talking with Clark, Zhoshy- Google Ocean and Earth Outreach, expo commissioner visited some branes, with the polymeric spatter- billion watchers. Considering the ment is paying significant attention bayev highlighted the expo’s main the tasks and aims of the event cor- of the advanced labs in the Depart- ing catching the CO2. This tech- professionalism of the collabora- to running successful preparations theme and three sub-themes: re- respond with Google’s mission. ment of Mechanical Engineering nology is commercially viable, as tors and scale of the projects, these for the event. duction of CO2 emission, energy He added the corporation has be- which actively engage in energy the clean carbon dioxide emitted inventions could be successfully in- To date, 49 countries and seven effective lifestyle and energy for gun cooperating with the UN on research. can be re-used for food industry troduced at the expo. At the end of international organisations have all. Both agreed the topics are of countering climate change and Zhoshybayev spoke with depart- needs, producing dry ice and in the the meeting, the company indicated confirmed their participation in global concern and would con- examining the best ways to use its ment Professor Friedrich Prinz on oil and gas sphere to raise the debit its readiness to present its opportu- the exposition to be held June 10- tribute towards implementing the technologies to help solve the is- ways to engage educational com- of the old fields and create indus- nities at the exposition and render Sept. 10. It is ultimately expected UNDP’s initiative of “Sustainable sue. The American company plans munities in preparations for the trial gas. The company currently technical assistance for the event. that no less than 100 nations and Energy for All.” Clarke added she to present its proposals related to Astana expo. In turn, the academic has 16 international patents in 147 The large U.S. energy and in- 10 international organisations will would encourage the participation the Google Earth project at the shared his vision for development countries and a module structure dustrial companies demonstrated a take part in EXPO 2017. B7 Nation&Capital Sports

Wednesday, september 23, 2015 Two Kazakh Wrestlers Win Bronze, Kazakh Weightlifters Gain Olympic Bids at Las Vegas Win Six Medals World Wrestling Championships at Senior Asian KIM Hyeon-Woo of South Korea By Michelle Witte before falling to Russian silver medallist Roman Vlasov. ASTANA – Two Greco-Ro- Among Kazakhstan’s other Weightlifting man wrestlers from Kazakhstan Greco-Roman wrestlers, Askhat brought medals home from the re- Dilmuhamedov (80 kg) conced- cent World Wrestling Champion- ed in his bronze medal match to ships in Las Vegas and earned the Yousef Ahmad Ghaderian of Iran. Championship right to compete in the Rio 2016 The Kazakh Greco-Roman team Olympic Games. came in fifth overall out of 10, with By Yerbolat Uatkhanov Doszhan Kartikov, wrestling in 23 points, trailing Russia, Azerbai- the 75 kilogrammes weight class, jan, Ukraine and Iran. ASTANA – Kazakh weightlift- beat Alvin Musaliyev of Azer- On Kazakhstan’s freestyle wres- ers earned three gold and three baijan to take home the bronze, tling team, Artas Sanaa (57kg) lost bronze medals at the recent 26th in the process earning himself an the bronze medal match to Bekhba- Senior Women’s and 45th Senior Olympic Games spot, Express.kz yar Erdenebat of Mongolia. Nurlan Men’s Asian Weightlifting Cham- reported. Almat Kebispayev, com- Bekzhanov (70kg) and Darkhan pionships in Phuket, Thailand. Kazakh athletes Yermek Omir- P hoto credit: zakon.kz peting in the 59 kg class, also won Bayakhmetov (71 kg) compet- Rustem Sybai bronze and an Olympic spot with ed for slots at the bronze medal tai, Aidar Kazov and Rustem Syb- his victory over Soslan Daurov of matches in their weight classes but ai won gold in the men’s 85 kg, 77 became the last weightlifter from Belarus, Vesti.kz reported. were defeated by opponents from kg and 94 kg categories, respec- Kazakhstan to clinch bronze in During the event, which ran Turkey and Armenia, respectively. tively. Omirtai lifted 364 kg (161 Phuket. Sept. 7–12, Kebispayev defeated Sergei Beloglazov, two-time kg + 203 kg) and had a failed try The Amateur Weightlifting fighters from Egypt and Norway Olympic champion and multiple at lifting 206 kg. Sybai lifted 383 Association (TAWA) of Thai- before losing to Cuban wrester Is- world and European championship kg (167 kg + 216 kg), showing the land hosted the Asian Weightlift- mail Borrero Malino in the semifi- winner was named the head coach best result in the jerk competition. ing Championship from Sep. 3 nals. Kartikov overcame wrestlers of the men’s freestyle wrestling Kazov lifted 350 kg (156 kg + 194 through 12. The Asian Weightlift- kg) as did his main rival from the ing Championships were held in from Ukraine, Moldova and World team in June, taking over from Almat Kebispayev is declared the winner in a match at the World Wrestling Champion and Olympic champion Ruslan Umraliyev. Championships in Las Vegas. Democratic People’s Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty, Taldykor- Korea, but Omirtai won the gold gan and Astana in 2004, 2009 and medal because he weighed less 2013. than his competitor, according to The Asian Weightlifting Cham- Vesti.kz. pionships is a weightlifting cham- Kazakhs Faina Sivanbaye- pionship for athletes from Asian Ski Federation Eager to Start Season va and Assem Sadykova won countries that is organised by the bronze in the women’s 63kg and Asian Weightlifting Federation. 58kg category. Maira Faizul- It was established in 1971 and in layeva lifted 226 kg – 101kg 2008 the championships provided under New Management in the snatch and 125kg in the the official qualification for Asian clean and jerk – and edged out competitors in the 2008 Beijing tions, he added, explaining the fed- D.C. to New York City, finishing in wegian group held a bike race from Wan Ting Hung from Taipei. She Olympics. By Dmitry Lee erations are extremely important as front of the United Nations head- Beijing to Oslo via Almaty and in they supply the national team with quarters. The organisers sought to Almaty I joined the cause. Later, I ASTANA – The winter season is young prospects. Smirnov empha- attract attention to the tragic conse- took part in a race from Semipalat- right around the corner and unfortu- sised promotion of the sport should quences of nuclear weapons testing insk to Astana and this time from nate as it may seem for some, win- start early in school. and urge the international commu- Washington to New York.” ter sports lovers are surely excited. “We need to fully promote the nity to move more resolutely to- At the end of the interview, For Ski Federation of Kazakhstan Barys Starts 8th skiing sports in schools like in the wards abolishing nuclear weapons. Smirnov wished “every Kazakh cit- (SFK) President Vladimir Smirnov, 1980s, where it was a part of the “I was invited to take part in a izen to be joyful, cheerful and have who has spent his whole life on skis, curriculum,” he said. “The chil- similar event five years ago. A Nor- family happiness.” this just means setting new goals for dren’s sports schools are open for the organisation and preparing to KHL Season kids who want to sign up for skiing; popularise the sport this season. such schools are located in each re- In an exclusive interview with gion. They offer the necessary gear The Astana Times, Smirnov, who and coaches, though they struggle Similar to Previous assumed the post July 1, shared his with a shortage of gear and quali- plans for the upcoming winter and fied coaches who can’t stay due to shed some light on the current situa- low salaries.” tion of the sport in the country. The Under Smirnov’s guidance, the Early Efforts 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympic SFK is actively working on hosting Games gold medallist, Smirnov also more than half a decade experi- By Erlan Zhanayev secured four silver and two bronze high-end events to promote sports ence working with youth hockey Olympic medals, was a four-time and the country’s image abroad. players. Another coach, Andrey world champion and champion of One of such competitions is the Ka- Twelve games into the Conti- Shayanov, was also involved in numerous races in the USSR. zakhstan Cup, which will be held nental Hockey League’s (KHL) the formation of such players as “In general, the situation is tough at the Almaty Biathlon and Cross- eighth season and with 60 games Roman Starchenko, Evgeniy Mal- because our team is not reaching the Country Ski Complex Dec. 22-26 to play, the Astana Barys hockey kin, Anton Khudobin and Nikolai goals that have been set by the man- under the auspices of the Fédération club’s early performance has been Kulemin while working in a chil- agement. The goal is to make it to Internationale de Ski (FIS, or Inter- similar to the 2014 season. dren’s and youth hockey. the top 15-20 at the World Cup com- national Ski Federation). The players for new Head Coach From the beginning of this sea- petitions and top 10 at the World In his life away from the slopes, Erlan Sagymbayev have achieved son, a chance to shine at a senior Championship; however, Alexei Smirnov is an activist against nu- four wins at the start of the sea- level has been given to Dmitry Poltoranin is the only skier who has clear weapons. He has promoted a son, including three regular time Grenz, Nikita Mikhaylis, Damir lived up to expectations. For the up- nuclear weapons free world on sev- wins and scored in seven games. Ryspaev, Daniyar Kairov and coming season, we have refreshed eral occasions, including with The The players have scored 23 goals Maxim Baranov. Each of them has our roster with young talents and in ATOM Project, an online petition and missed 32. The total amount spent more than five minutes on the coming years we hope we will launched by Kazakh President Nur- of points is 14. These results are the ice, although in some games, help them meet our planned results. sultan Nazarbayev in 2012 to raise similar to the start of seasons past some of them reached 10 minutes. We also set the goal not only to be awareness in the global community and after the summer holidays, the Moreover, participation by the the best in Kazakhstan, but also to and advance the entry into force of club has also improved. younger breed does not depend on find our role in the world commu- the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test- A distinctive feature of this sea- which opponent opposes Barys. nity,” said Smirnov. Ban Treaty (CTBT). son is the work of Barys’s coaches Despite a strong start to the sea- The SFK is spending funds to sup- Earlier this year, Smirnov par- with young players. This is not son, Barys players and coaches say ply the skiers with proper gear and ticipated in Bike Away the Atomic surprising as Sagymbayev and his they are seeking even better results training and finance regional federa- Bomb, a ride from Washington, Vladimir Smirnov assistant Evgeniy Koreshkov have in the rest of the season. Astana Pro Team Rider Wins Vuelta a España Aru wasn’t even Astana’s lead- of attacks that saw the Italian fin- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov er in the beginning of the race but ish almost four minutes clear of moved into contention after his Dumoulin. ASTANA – Astana Pro Team’s compatriot Vincenzo Nibali, the Aru said after the race he would Fabio Aru recently won the 70th 2014 Tour de France champion like to participate in the 2016 Tour Vuelta a España. It was the first who won the Vuelta in 2010, was de France but he needs to meet grand tour win for the 25-year-old, disqualified for hanging onto the with Astana team officials to de- who finished second behind Al- Astana team car after a crash on cide on the year’s objectives. berto Contador at this year’s Giro d’Italia. The win confirms his sta- the second stage. Aru avoided “Nibali is a great rider; he’s won tus as one of the best young riders the accident to seal victory in the grand tours. So in our team, it’s not in the sport. last major event of the cycling a question of being a leader or not “This is not just a triumph for season. Germany’s John Degen- being a leader. He was in the team Aru, this is about the victory of kolb won the last stage itself. here, but he had to leave in the sec- a team. On paper it seems easy, Aru’s triumph was made after ond stage. But if he had been in the but the reality is that it was very he overtook leader and Dutch- race, we’d both have raced to get a tough,” Astana Director Alexan- man Tom Dumoulin in the race’s top result because we’re both pro- der Vinokourov said, according to mountainous stage 20. Aru and fessionals,” Aru said, as reported RTE Sport. his teammates launched a series by RTE Sport. Fabio Aru (C) is congratulated by his competitors. B8 capital Wednesday, september 23, 2015 Men’s Grooming Intends to Occupy Niche in Country’s Beauty Industry Entrepreneur Andrey Plastun has it is part of showing respect to oth- By Zhazira Dyussembekova launched Chop-Chop barber shops er people in society. in the capital and Almaty. He owns “A man should always look ASTANA – Although men’s a franchise in a company that oper- good, especially these days. Such grooming is usually considered to ates in more than 50 barber shops salons have been operating abroad be a modern fashion wave, its ori- in different cities of the Common- for a while now and they finally gins trace to ancient Egypt where wealth of Independent States. reached Kazakhstan. I think they it became an inherent part of hy- “We don’t want to be called a have a great future,” he said. giene and health. Men’s salons beauty salon. We provide services Baurzhan Kozhaliyev, 41, a and barber shops have succeeded only for men. We cut beards, we manager in the oil and gas sector, in western countries and Kazakh- do shaving and we do haircuts,” said he would like to visit such a stan’s entrepreneurs have decided said Plastun. place, adding it sounds interesting. to embark on a new direction of His decision to open a barber “I would like to get groomed, the country’s beauty industry. shop was due to his dislike of uni- for example, for a special event. In Canadian native and long-time sex beauty salons, which he de- some ways, I am conservative. For Kazakh resident Kevin Freake has scribed as locations where “you example, I am not ready to go to a launched Esquire, the capital’s first can still get a Soviet-style haircut.” salon to get a manicure. But it is male grooming salon. He opened “That’s why I wanted to launch something new; I would definitely the shop in November 2014 despite a barber shop. They represent warnings from industry profession- try it,” he said. als that the idea would fail because new service for customers in Ka- Yerlik Karazhan, 37, a busi- the market in the city was a small zakhstan. I can definitely say that nessman, noted the services are one, and women spend more than they are popular and getting more ones that are needed. “I have men on their appearance. popular day by day. I think people never heard of such salons exist- “I began thinking of this concept, go there because of the service, at- ing in Astana. In my opinion, men a gentleman’s hair salon, several mosphere and affordable price. And need some privacy while getting years ago while sitting in an Astana there is something special about the groomed. I would love to try. I hair salon surrounded by women environment, nothing like tradition- think it is a very good idea and clients when a male friend came Inside Esquire male grooming salon in Astana. al beauty salons,” he added. it should be developed. Moscow and asked if I, too, was waiting The entrepreneur is sure the showed us a real example; demand for my wife. I didn’t tell him that market will expand and contribute there is really high,” he said. home. Secondly, a place where a vide an “old-world gentleman’s sonalised shirt to wear upon enter- I was actually waiting for a stylist. to the rise in quality of the services Marat Mukhamedsaliyev, 42, gentleman would receive the finest club atmosphere” and ensure cli- ing the styling room, and his jacket I discretely left. That’s when I be- provided. The city and Almaty are PR director at an energy holding, gan to search for a men’s salon, a haircuts and experience a premium ents’ privacy in their surroundings. is steam-pressed and ready for him on the verge of something great in said men have a natural need for place that would feel masculine and traditional straight-razor shave. The shop does not have specific when it is time to leave. The salon the men’s industry, he added. this kind of service. specialise in men’s grooming. Even Thirdly, a place where a gentle- business hours. says, “The days of sharing a room Freedom Island, the capital’s “I belong to a conservative gen- though there are many good stylists man could purchase the ultimate “Simply call our 24/7 service with other men and women are trending new venue, hosted a Sept. eration, and I usually prefer to do in Astana, I couldn’t find a salon in hair care and shaving products. concierge number to arrange a over for you.” 9 event dedicated to the discussion everything by myself, except a that felt masculine. That’s when I believe I have done that with time suitable to you,” said Freake. Male grooming salons appeared of male fashion, where partici- haircut. Anyway, I would give it a I started to think of launching my Esquire Male Grooming Salon. The client is welcomed by the after traditional barbershops, pants shared their thoughts on the try,” he added. own salon,” said Freake in a recent I want to take service to another concierge team and either escorted which originally were places for capital’s new grooming spots. Men’s grooming may be a new interview with The Astana Times. level not seen before in Astana,” to his private styling or spa space men to get a shave and haircut. Malik Ismagulov, 42, a director wave in Kazakhstan’s culture, but “First, I wanted to create a place said Freake. or the library for a pre-styling bev- Barbershops were known as spots of men’s clothing stores, thinks it it has already aroused great inter- where a gentleman would feel at The new salon promises to pro- erage. Each man is offered a per- where men could socialise. is becoming a trend now. He feels est and received positive feedback. BKS, Air Astana Marathon Ark of Taste Conference Seeks Brings Together More to Preserve National Dishes is based on the concept of quality Ark of Taste is ‘kospa.’ This is the By Dmitry Lee ingredients defined by the inter- dairy product similar to cottage related principles of taste, tradition cheese which is very popular in Than 500 Runners ASTANA – In today’s fast-paced and the honest pleasures of food. the Akmola region and the north- world, having a quick bite has be- “Tasty means fresh, full-fla- ern parts of Kazakhstan. The resi- come a regular thing. Food courts voured and seasonal food, capable dents of Southern Kazakhstan do are overpopulated with fast-food of awaking emotions and being not consume it so often, but this is outlets and people often pay little part of our local culture; tradi- the one of the dishes that is being attention to what they eat while on tion means food made in harmony lost in time,” said Akhmetova. the go. A recent conference, how- with the environment and human Nurlan Sagandykov, founder ever, reminded city residents of their favourite traditional foods. “The Ark of Taste in Kazakh- Akhmetova: “Tasty means fresh, stan” was held at Seifullin Kazakh AgroTechnical University in con- full-flavoured and seasonal food, capable junction with the nonprofit group of awaking emotions and being part of our Slow Food International, Slow Food Astana and the Otbasym local culture.” National Values Centre (Kazakh for “My Family”). The meeting health; honest means food avail- of the Zhibrayev enterprise, was was also supported by the National able through prices that are afford- among the speakers. His 70 hon- Commission for Women, Family able to consumers and fair salary eybee colonies, supported by a and Demographic Policy under the provisions for small-sized produc- UNDP grant, produce six to ten President of Kazakhstan and the ers,” said Slow Food Astana leader tonnes of environmentally-clean United Nations Development Pro- Khanym Akhmetova in a press re- and organic honey per year. gramme (UNDP) in the country. Slow Food strives to promote lease. In an interview with Kazakh “We used the money to buy healthy food globally and remind TV, she added, “Slow Food is the equipment, ordered printed prod- diners of the pleasure of gathering organisation that strives to provide ucts, made appropriate packag- around the table. Founded in 1989, people all over the world with or- ing and started selling honey. We the organisation is making efforts ganic food that has no nitrates, pre- hope to have long-term coopera- to “prevent the disappearance of servatives or genetically modified tion with the UNDP. I would like local food cultures and traditions, organisms (GMO), when food is to note the high professionalism counteract the rise of fast life and grown without using chemical fer- of the staff; they get to know all combat people’s dwindling interest tilisers or pesticides.” the details of our projects,” said in the food they eat, where it comes The international movement, Sagandykov.

P hoto: astana.gov.kz from and how our food choices af- uniting nearly 160 countries The conference closed with a Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov and Astana Akim (Mayor) Adilbek Dzhaksybekov joined others fect the world around us,” accord- worldwide, is becoming more tasting and an exhibition, “The at the marathon. ing to www.slowfood.com. popular in Kazakhstan. Ark of Taste: Our History, Culture Slow Food’s approach to agricul- “One of the most outstanding and Traditions,” to showcase dis- who participated in the marathon. na, France, Germany, Italy, Russia ture, food production and cooking dishes we want to include in the appearing traditional foods. By Zhazira Dyussembekova I urge all Astana residents to take and the United Kingdom. part in such events,” said Dzhaks- All the money raised will be do- ASTANA – The streets of Astana ybekov, as reported by the Astana nated to the Ayala Charity Fund’s served as the course Sept. 13 for a Akimat (city administration). Room-Doctor project, which pro- charity marathon organised by the Famous Kazakh athletes Arman vides assistance to the state chil- British-Kazakh Society (BKS) and Chilmanov, Kirill Pavlov, Serik dren’s medical and educational in- Air Astana. Kazakh Prime Min- Sapiyev, Gani Seidildayev and stitutions. Room-Doctor structures ister Karim Massimov, Minister Askhat Zhitkeyev congratulated the environment in a special way, of Culture and Sport Arystanbek the participants and ran the whole filling it with different kinds of Mukhamediuly and Akim (Mayor) distance despite the rainy weather, stimulants that affect all the child’s Adilbek Dzhaksybekov participat- reported zakon.kz. senses – sight, hearing, smell, ed in the race. “Being engaged in sports and touch and taste. Soft colours, soft “This is a great event for our attracting others to a healthy life- light, fragrances and soothing mu- athletes and for those who want to style is very important. Our chil- sic – these offerings in the sensory maintain a healthy lifestyle and to dren will grow up healthy and room help the child relax and calm join the sport. On instructions of will choose sport after looking down, which is especially impor- the President, all conditions are at you. Please accept our sincere tant for youngsters with various being created in Astana for devel- congratulations on this holiday,” disabilities, according to the mara- opment of sport and maintaining said Sapiyev, Kazakhstan’s 2012 thon’s website. a healthy lifestyle. This helps the Olympic boxing champion, during BKS will hold marathons in Al- residents of Astana to take up the his speech at the closing ceremony. maty and London on Sept. 19 and healthy lifestyle. Today all the par- More than 500 runners decided Oct. 31, respectively. The society ticipants are the winners, because to test their endurance during the has been developing such races first of all they have won them- marathon. In excess of 100 of them since 2009 and the recent event selves, their laziness and improved were foreign participants from 18 was the very first full-length mara- their health. I congratulate all those different countries, including Chi- thon in Astana.