-10° / -21°C WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 No 23 (161) www.astanatimes.com President urges larger role for non- West Kazakhstan region governmental organisations in society supports small businesses, productivity growth enterprise produces various types By Zhanna Shayakhmetova of fuels including diesel fuel of environmental class K5. The ca- ASTANA – The West Kazakh- pacity of the enterprise is 850,000 stan region ranks third in the coun- tonnes per year. The enterprises in try with a 40-percent share of the the field of mechanical engineer- medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) ing, metalworking, construction, in the gross regional product. This and furniture production also make indicator was achieved by increas- a contribution to the industrial ing the number of operating SMEs output. Many of them are export- to 40,000 enterprises with more oriented companies. For example, than 115,000 people working in 95 percent of items produced at the this sector, the region’s Akim Ural Transformer Plant are export- (Governor) Altay Kulginov said oriented,” said Kulginov. in an exclusive interview with the As a result of the industrial pro- newspaper. duction development, labour pro- The oil and gas sector make a ductivity increased by 26 percent. significant contribution to the in- The production in the processing dustrial growth as the region pro- industry grew by 8 percent to 156 duces 45 percent of the natural billion tenge (US$471 million). gas in the country. Karachaganak “Agriculture, especially live- Petroleum Operating B.V. expands stock, has huge potential. The and develops the Karachaganak Kublei company launched the field, one of the world’s largest oil animal waste recycling project and and gas condensate fields. switched to non-waste production. “Kazakh President Nursultan Overall, the region has exported Nazarbayev set the task of diver- about 8,000 tonnes of beef and sifying the economy and develop- more than 720 tonnes of lamb to ing the processing industry. This the CIS and other countries over industry occupies an important the past four years,” he said. place in our economy. Kondensat Continued on Page A2

NGOs in Kazakhstan have main- on a voluntary basis, posting the Social Development study pro- By Aidana Yergaliyeva ly contributed in helping vulner- necessary materials that will allow posals from the forum to create Annual diplomatic able groups of society, developing forming NGO ratings to ensure programmes in ecology, social ASTANA – Kazakh President social entrepreneurship and other their access to funding,” said the work, children’s rights in other Nursultan Nazarbayev stressed at projects of social importance. President. areas. Christmas bazaar raises the Nov. 27 eighth Civil Forum “The participation of NGOs The Civil Alliance of Kazakh- The President instructed gov- of Kazakhstan the importance of in creating a proactive environ- stan was also assigned to facilitate ernment to increase its support of reducing barriers to interaction be- ment for people with disabilities, state-society relations. volunteer movements. Volunteers tween the state and society. children and young people with “Akims (mayors and gover- helped organise EXPO 2017 and funds for charity The forum looked at the role of special needs is positive. The de- nors) of cities and regions need to the 26th Winter Universiade. million tenge (US$112,154.70) civil society in helping implement velopment of an inclusive society introduce a system of providing The President said the Ruhani By Dilshat Zhussupova was collected. The amount raised state programmes. is a global practice and one of the services to the population in open Zhangyru (Modernisation of Ka- this year was not available at The number of NGOs in Ka- key social objectives that are im- barrier-free spaces on the principle zakhstan’s Identity) programme ASTANA – The 11th annual press time. zakhstan has grown from 5,000 to plemented through civil society in of a single window using digital should be continued as noted in the Diplomatic Christmas Charity The idea for an event to help 22,000 in the last 15 years. Today, all developed countries,” said the technologies,” said Nazarbayev. President’s recent article “Seven Bazaar organised by the Ambas- people in need and showcase di- governmental social programmes President. The government now must de- Facets of the Great Steppe.” sadors’ Spouses Association verse cultures was initiated by receive financial support totalling Nazarbayev also instructed the velop a six-year plan to form civil The coming year has been desig- (ASA) took place Dec. 2 in Asta- ambassadors’ spouses in 2007. $53.40 million. NGOs address Kazakh government to create an society. nated the Year of the Youth, so the na. Today, it is one of the most an- many essential aspects of the social electronic register of NGOs. The The head of state suggested the President also encouraged NGOs Forty-six embassies, charity ticipated events in the capital and development, said Nazarbayev. organisations “will be registered government and the Ministry of to develop youth policy. organisations and schools sold records for the amount of funds handicrafts, souvenirs and na- raised are set annually. tional products and dishes to sup- “The Japanese Embassy has port local charities at the bazaar been participating in the bazaar in Astana Radisson Hotel. Thou- since the very start, 11 years sands attended this year’s bazaar, ago, and I am participating for Parliamentarians, experts reflect on President many of whom took part in the the third time,” said the Japanese annual lottery. Prizes featured Ambassador’s spouse Megumi baskets put together by embas- Kawabata, who had been on the sies, gift certificates, flight tickets charity committee in previous Nazarbayev’s role in Central Asian cooperation and a Lada car. years. Last year, approximately 42 Continued on Page B8 AIFC law conference presents new ways for business cooperation passed his words of welcome to By Saltanat Boteu the audience. “The aim of our conference is not ASTANA – The Astana Inter- only to introduce the AIFC and its national Financial Centre (AIFC) bodies, but to create the platform of introduced its services and co- discussion of current issues related operation opportunities to a lo- to AIFC general legal framework, cal and international audience at financial services framework, list- its Nov. 23 law conference. The ings of AIX and [registration] of the event included four presentations AIFC companies and participants…

Photo credit: parlam.kz. Photo credit: covering AIFC’s general legal We are aiming to meet international arbayev’s global initiatives to Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Russia, ership, Kazakhstan has come a framework, jurisdiction and fi- standards and insure high quality By Dilshat Zhussupova promote peace and strengthen in- Spain, Turkey and Uzbekistan. long way since independence nancial and ancillary services, of services… and looking forward to your recommendations…,” the terstate cooperation. Speaker of the Mazhilis Nur- from being a peripheral state of participants’ registration and list- message from Kelimbetov said. ASTANA – The international The conference was organised lan Nigmatulin began the event ing on the Astana International the former Soviet Union to a full AIFC legal advisory council conference, Astana – A Centre by the Kazakh Mazhilis (lower by praising Kazakhstan’s new- Exchange (AIX). member of the world community, member and Norton Rose Ful- of Global Integration, Security house of Parliament), supported found role as a centre of security AIFC advisory council mem- enjoying its well-deserved au- bright senior consultant Simon and Peace, gathered representa- by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and peace and a global gathering ber Sheikh Bilal Khan moderated thority and respect, and a respon- Cox spoke during the first panel tives of the Kazakh Parliament, and dedicated to the Day of the place for discussions on realis- sible partner in addressing global panel sessions. As AIFC Governor discussion on the organisation’s international organisations and First President, assembling high- ing political and economic initia- and regional problems,” he said. Kairat Kelimbetov was unable to general legal framework. think tanks Nov. 26 to discuss ranking parliamentarians from tives. attend, authority chief legal officer Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- Azerbaijan, Italy, Kazakhstan, “Under the President’s lead- Continued on Page A3 and deputy CEO Marat Aitenov Continued on Page A4

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIAL OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Kazakhstan launches e-housing register, Nurly Zhol systematically developing A new look at Kazakhstan’s history builds TUIMEBAYEV: New Turkestan Oblast, Afghan-American activist challenges simplifies residence and work permit infrastructure in key areas, say ministers A4 bridges to the future A6 beaming with opportunities, set for remarkable perceptions of disabilities B1 procedures A2 growth A7 AIFC law conference presents new ways for Semey – a historic city abundant with Modernising judicial system will foster public business cooperation A4 KOCH: Renewable energy potential attracts museums B6 trust, says President A2 greater investment to Kazakhstan A6

US$ 1 = 371.56 KZT € 1 = 422.43 KZT 1 = 5.56 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018

NATIONAL Kazakhstan launches e-housing register, simplifies NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- arbayev instructed the government residence and work permit procedures to increase pensions 7 percent and tion service has started issuing ad- Kazakh citizenship. Approximately a residence permit at the public issuing residence permits and social allowances for persons with disabilities and loss of a breadwin- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova dress certificates to homeowners 1.43 million individuals have re- service centre (TsONs). Migration certificates for stateless persons indicating all persons registered ceived citizenship since the coun- service centres will be opened permanently residing in Kazakh- ner 5 percent from Jan. 1, reported ASTANA – The Ministry of at the location. try’s independence in 1991. in all regions of the country to stan,” she added. Akorda Press. The average size of Internal Affairs launched an elec- “The migration service commit- “Next year, the migration ser- ease procedures provided by the The committee combined the social benefits will increase by up tronic housing register in October, tee is working on automating pub- vice will start providing new ser- migration service for foreigners services for issuing invitations to 30 percent from 2020. This year, the Central Communications Ser- lic services to make them avail- vices including issuing a refugee until the end of this year,” said and visas and registering foreign- 2.6 trillion tenge (US$6 billion) vice reported Nov. 19. The listing able through the e-government travel document and providing Sarsenova. ers temporarily staying in the was allocated for the social sphere, now includes approximately nine portal. We are working to shorten an individual identification num- Foreigners can currently secure country in cooperation with the which is 21.3 percent more than in million people. the period of service and the num- ber to foreign people temporarily work permits in centres in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the last year. The head of state in- Kazakh citizens have been sub- ber of documents required from staying in the country,” she noted. capital, Aktobe, Almaty, Atyrau, National Security Committee. structed to develop a new national mitting entitling documents for citizens,” said migration service Issuing an individual identifica- Petropavlovsk, Shymkent, Uralsk The action has reduced the period plan to ensure the rights and im- residential premises since 2017. committee deputy chairperson tion number now takes 15 min- and Ust-Kamenogorsk. from submitting an invitation to prove the quality of life of people The information can be received Galina Sarsenova. utes and the period for recording “Today, 11 services are pro- issuing a visa from 14 to 5 days. with disabilities. “It is necessary to online from the address registry Birth registration will be pro- permanent residency has been re- vided at the public service cen- When the invitation is submitted, adopt a law providing the increase using the individual identification vided in conjunction with birth duced from 30 to 17 days. In the tres in Astana. These include is- the foreign citizen’s Kazakh ad- of the size of the minimum salary number and the electronic hous- certificates issued through the end future, public service centres will suing documents for permanent dress is provided, eliminating the by up to 1.5 times. The ministries ing register system was developed of 2018. issue refugee travel documents. residence, issuing and extending need for temporary stay registra- and regional akimats (administra- based on the service. The migra- This year, 23,877 people received “Foreign citizens can apply for permits for labour migrants and tion. tions) need to take measures to control the provision of minimum salary increases and conduct ex- planatory work. A real salary in- crease should cover 1.3 million citi- Ministry of Education and Modernising judicial zens,” said Nazarbayev. A one mega-watt solar power station and the five mega-watt wind power station were launched Science, WB initiate project Nov. 30 in the Almaty region, re- system will foster public ported the press service of Samruk Energy company. Chinese com- pany Powerchina Zhongnan En- to improve secondary schools gineering built the facilities and trust, says President donated them to the ownership of schools, will help to bridge the and quality of education between proach. Judges must be models Kazakhstan. The solar station con- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova gap between rural and urban com- rural and urban schools. Nearly 60 Staff Report of competence, honesty, fairness sists of 3,608 photovoltaic mod- munities and improve the learning percent of the financing is aimed and dignity,” he added. ules installed on metal structures ASTANA – The Ministry of Ed- curriculum and quality of teaching at providing more than 5,000 rural ASTANA – Kazakh President The selection procedure for of two types – fixed and adjust- ucation and Science and the World across Kazakhstan,” he said. schools with multimedia equip- Nursultan Nazarbayev called for judges was recently tightened so able tilt angles. The wind station Bank have launched a $75 million Approximately three million ment, she added. additional measures to modern- includes two wind power plants education modernisation project schoolchildren, including those that only five of 100 applicants At the institutional level, the ise the judicial system at a Nov. with a capacity of 2.5 mega-watts aimed at improving the quality with special educational needs, were able to pass an exam for project will serve to improve the 19 presidential administration each. “According to the results and equity of the nation’s second- 170,000 rural teachers and princi- the position. Higher wages and potential of each school and, espe- meeting. of 72-hour comprehensive tests ary education system, according to pals and students from pedagogi- more demanding requirements cially in rural areas, the quality of Presidential Administration and testing, the stations are fully a report reviewed Nov. 20 at the cal universities will participate in are expected to attract highly secondary education at the system Head Asset Issekeshev, Supreme operational. The green bridge es- Central Communications Service. the project. qualified lawyers capable of level. At the national level, it will Court Chairman Zhakyp Assa- tablished between the countries is World Bank education sector “There are plans to support the handling complex cases. A draft help strengthen human capital for nov and Supreme Judicial Coun- aimed at further sharing experi- manager Harry Anthony Patrinos updated content of education, to law to enhance the quality of ju- the country’s sustainable develop- cil Chairman Talgat Donakov ence in the field of renewable en- noted Kazakh education systems provide multimedia equipment to dicial staff will also be prepared ment. The project will also aim to reported on the modernisation and submitted to Parliament. ergy sources,” reads the release. must prepare students to succeed rural schools, to raise the teacher increase competitiveness and have of the judicial system. As per the law “On the Judi- in the future workforce. qualification level in working a positive socio-economic effect. “Trust in the courts is compa- cial System and the Status of The construction of a new junc- “There is a race between tech- with poorly performing students, Inclusive education is a priority, rable to trust in the state,” the Judges,” an evaluation of 470 tion from Nazarbayev Avenue to nology and education. Education to support children with special noted Sukhanberdiyeva. President noted on the impor- judges will be conducted next Zhansugurov Street with a ramp has great promise. It can bring jobs needs and to strengthen the train- “Children with special needs tance of modernisation. “Im- year. Nazarbayev emphasised through railway tracks was com- and higher earnings, reduce pov- ing of teachers in universities,” are in need of quality educational proving the judicial system is an the importance of objectivity in pleted in late November in Al- erty, lead to better institutions and said Vice Minister of Education services. It is one of the basic and important aspect of modernising the evaluation process to the Su- maty, according to the city admin- service delivery and improve the and Science Elmira Sukhanberdi- indispensable conditions for their our economy and enhancing the preme Court and Supreme Judi- istration. This will reduce traffic overall productivity of a nation. yeva at the press conference. successful socialisation in various social wellbeing of citizens.” cial Council. on Seifullin Avenue along north- The new project, which will ben- The measures will increase types of professional and social ac- A key problem area is the ju- “We will be able to modernise south directions. The technically efit over 2.6 million children most- school capacity and student tivities,” she said. dicial workload, which has in- the judicial system when there complex project worth 7.4 billion ly from rural and disadvantaged achievement and reduce the gap Methodical training manuals creased twofold in the past three is robust trust among society tenge (US$19 million) was imple- and programmes will be devel- years. in judges – our ultimate goal is mented within the last two years. oped. Nine resource centres will “In one working day, a judge an independent and incorrupt- Approximately 30 traffic inter- be created and eight centres will be must hold four meetings, make ible judiciary. Therefore, court changes were built in the city in renovated to implement practical the same amount of decisions evaluation will be carried out the last 10 years. “The throughput experience and conduct network and carry out 150 sanctions. not only by statistical methods, capacity of junction is 48,000 cars interaction on inclusive education. Naturally, the question of quality but also by conducting inde- per day. The sidewalks are provid- “We intend to improve the arises,” said the President, call- pendent sociological research. ed and lighting poles with energy- qualifications of defectologists, ing for a reduced judicial burden Judges ought to understand that saving lamps are installed. Work psychologists, medical and peda- and simpler, quicker and more evaluation will depend on how continues on the arrangement of gogical staff and correctional of- transparent legal proceedings. transparently they work and in- staircases and the improvement of ficers. A publishing centre will be “Another issue of importance spire confidence. Prompt and the adjacent area,” said representa- created to provide textbooks and is the quality of judicial staff transparent justice, based on tive of the city administration. educational literature in Braille for and their degree of prepara- strict adherence to legislation, is children at the National Scientific tion and adaptation to modern in the interest of society and the The Almaty specialised inter-dis- Practical Centre for Correctional economic realities, which often country’s development path,” he trict economic court ruled to liqui- Pedagogy,” she added. require an entirely different ap- concluded. date the Bank of Astana, the press service of the city court reported. “The claims of the National Bank of Kazakhstan on the compulsory cessation of activities, liquidation of Bank of Astana were completely West Kazakhstan region supports small satisfied,” said the report. The deci- sion has not entered into force. The bank was deprived of a license to conduct banking and other opera- businesses, productivity growth tions from Sept. 19 by the resolution of the Board of the National Bank. Continued from Page A1 accommodate 4,400 tonnes of established. The waste sorting The region has many tourist Earlier, the court made a decision on cucumbers and 3,450 tonnes of complex is being built. It will destinations. The ancient city the liquidation of Qazaq Banki. The governor also spoke about tomatoes. be launched at the beginning of of Zhaiyk located near Uralsk recent investment projects. The region develops a fruitful next year,” he said. is one of the cultural landmarks. A $100 million high-quality ce- The investments in fixed as- cooperation with Finnish inves- As for tourism opportunities, At the excavation site, archae- ment plant was recently launched sets stands at 316 billion tenge tors. A joint Kazakh-Finnish en- the West Kazakhstan region is ologists discovered evidences in Rudnyi in the Kostanai re- (US$845 million). External in- terprise produces environmen- unique in its kind. The rich his- attributed by historians to the gion. The plant will export about vestments amounted to 197 bil- tally friendly, efficient windows tory and culture make the region 13th-14th centuries. Before this, 200,000-300,000 tonnes of prod- lion tenge (US$527 million) and and doors in Uralsk. attractive for visitors. Its major it was believed that urban culture ucts or 50 percent of design ca- their share in the main capital Local teachers learn 3D de- city Uralsk is considered the was not peculiar to western Ka- pacity to Ufa in Russia. The plant exceeds 62 percent. sign and information modelling most environmentally friendly zakhstan. plans to produce 17,200 tonnes Kazakh Invest earlier an- courses as part of a trilateral city in the country. The authorities will build a of cement by the end of the year. nounced the region has attract- agreement between the region, “Tourism is closely connected road to the Khan Ordasi histori- The plant has already created 190 ed more than 32 billion tenge the Finnish Business Hub and with the small and medium-sized cal museum complex. The ad- jobs. With a maximum plant load, (US$86.9 million) in investment the Collaprime Oy company. businesses as it directly depends ministrative centre of the Buk- the number of workers will be 304 projects at the regional council This initiative seeks to develop on investments, transport and lo- eyev Horde was located there people. “The interest rate to the meeting in Uralsk. Altay Kulginov BIM technologies in construc- gistics infrastructure and many and the location is now on the bank was subsidised to 1.3 bil- “Attracting investment is one tion and design, the introduc- other things. The construction list of 100 Sacred Places in Ka- lion tenge (US$3 million) as part of the top priorities. We created agro-industrial, tourism sectors, tion of training modules in vo- of roads is essential. The re- zakhstan. of the Business Road Map 2020. favourable conditions for inves- construction industry and recy- cational education, the governor construction of the highway to “We will also develop small Some 750 million tenge (US$2 tors. The regional council for cling of solid household waste. explained. Saratov will be completed soon. aircraft transportation to the re- million) for utilities, 730 million attracting investments and im- We agreed on projects to build The modernisation of solid Next year, we start the repair of mote areas of the region. The tenge (US$1 million) are guaran- proving the investment climate three four-star hotels and several waste management system is the road to Orenburg. Some 500 reconstruction of the airport ter- tees, and almost 600 million tenge and the Smart Uralsk operational plants,” he said. the major project in the field of kilometres of roads are repaired minal will start in the spring. We (US$1 million) for railway lines management centre for inves- A local company World Green, green economy. annually,” he said. have regular flights from Mos- were allocated. The most impor- tors operate. This year we held in cooperation with a Dutch “It is aimed not only at separate The work is underway to de- cow and Frankfurt. Three inter- tant thing is that cement should be three meetings including the company, will build a 13-bil- sorting and disposal of waste, velop youth tourism. The Centre national hotels will be built in of good quality,” said Kostanai Re- visit of President of Tatarstan. lion tenge (US$35.3 million) but also at obtaining biogas. The for Children’s Tourism obtained the near future in Uralsk,” Kulg- gion Akim (Governor) Arkhimed We reviewed the projects in the greenhouse. The greenhouse will Finnish-Kazakh consortium was the status of UNESCO Club. inov said. Mukhambetov. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakhstan presents proposals for Kazakhstan’s Daneliya Tule- shova took sixth place at the Jun- ior Eurovision song contest hosted new EU Strategy on Central Asia by Minsk, Belarus. It was Kazakh- strategy, as well as enhancing its 80 percent. In the past two years, stan’s debut at the contest, which By Elya Altynsarina visual perception. trade between Kazakhstan and gathered junior vocalists aged nine To achieve the latter, Kazakhstan the EU has shown steady average to 14 years from 18 countries, the BRUSSELS – The Belgian capi- proposed creating a single online growth of 20 percent and the ob- others being Albania, Armenia, tal hosted the Nov. 23 European portal that would provide “virtual jective for the coming years is to Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Union-Central Asia ministerial institutionalisation” of cooperation diversify trade and economic co- France, Georgia, Ireland, Israel, meeting attended by the foreign and could become a universal on- operation. Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Poland, ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyr- line window to Europe for 70 mil- In this context, the sides have Portugal, Russia, Serbia and the gyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan lion Central Asians. high hopes for the EPCA and in- Netherlands. Roksana Węgiel and Uzbekistan and the European Following the plenary session, tend to use the full potential of the from Poland earned 215 points Union’s High Representative for the sides adopted a joint communi- new document. to win. Tuleshova performed the Foreign Affairs and Security Pol- qué which stressed the importance As part of the EPCA, Astana is song “Ozine Sen” (“Believe in icy Federica Mogherini. of adopting a new strategy in early aiming at further rapprochement Yourself”). Born in Almaty in The agenda focused on a new 2019 “to guide the development of between Kazakhstan and the EU. 2006, Tuleshova gained popular- Affairs. Ministry of Foreign Photo credit: draft of the EU Strategy on Cen- region-to-region relations in a way Easing visa restrictions for Ka- ity after winning the “The Voice tral Asia. According to Kazakh a new technological paradigm and and adapt archival, archaeologi- that brings mutual, tangible and zakh citizens visiting the EU is Kids” talent show in Ukraine in Foreign Minister Kairat Abdra- digitisation elements, interfacing cal and other data to be understood long-term benefits.” a priority, said Abdrakhmanov, 2017, the year after she earned the khmanov, Central Asia is one of transport and logistics infrastruc- and used by citizens at the age of Abdrakhmanov and Mogherini People’s Favourite national award expressing hope that relevant the world’s most dynamically de- tures, sharing experience in energy digital civilisation. later discussed the progress of rati- in Kazakhstan and a Bravo music negotiations will begin after the veloping regions which plays a efficiency and introducing green EU and Central Asia interaction fying and implementing the En- award in Russia. The video of her EU adopts a new union code on strategic role and has significant technologies. The issues of envi- vis-a-vis the Eurasian Economic hanced Partnership and Coopera- performing “Stone Cold” during visas. human and high economic poten- ronmental protection and rational Union (EAEU) and the Belt and “The Voice Kids” has reached 30 tion Agreement (EPCA) between Mogherini underscored the rel- tial, including excellent natural use of water resources, as well as Road Initiative, the largest eco- million views on YouTube. Kazakhstan and the EU, as well as evance of ongoing political and and industrial resources. joint assistance to help restore and nomic projects in the Eurasian the outcomes of the 12th Asia-Eu- administrative reforms in Kazakh- In its vision of the new strategy, stabilise Afghanistan, are critical. space, can make Central Asia an Frankfurt recently hosted a busi- rope Meeting (ASEM) summit and stan that provide a solid basis for the Kazakh side emphasised devel- According to the Kazakh side, important link in global econom- ness forum that presented Kazakh issues of international and regional engagement between the nation oping human capital through edu- these and other measures should ic relations. The minister spoke investment opportunities to 60 cooperation. and the EU. She also stressed the cation, promoting the rule of law be taken into account in the docu- about Astana’s readiness, if neces- German businesses and investors. The EU is Kazakhstan’s largest country’s important role in region- and high-quality public admin- ment. sary, to provide a platform to start Kazakh Invest representative in trade, economic and investment al processes and the significance of In addition, Abdrakhmanov dialogue on EU-EAEU-China in- Germany Hans Bischoff briefed istration and developing private partner, accounting for approxi- initiatives that contribute to deep- drew participants’ attention to the teraction. participants about doing business entrepreneurship and small and mately half of its foreign trade ening regional dialogue. main provisions of Kazakh Presi- Abdrakhmanov drew attention in Kazakhstan and promising areas medium-sized businesses focused and investment, and is one of the The sides talked about the EU dent Nursultan Nazarbayev’s ar- to the need to comply with three for investments. Businesses also on women’s entrepreneurship. priorities of the country’s foreign strategy on connectivity with ticle, “Seven Facets of the Great key elements to implement the discussed joint projects, one being The delegation noted Central policy, noted Abdrakhmanov. Ka- Asian countries which it presented Steppe.” The writing details how document: ensuring cooperation the construction of a 100 MW so- Asia’s growing involvement in zakhstan ranks 32nd among the at the ASEM summit. Kazakhstan Kazakhstan plans to implement integrity in the EU-Central Asia lar power plant in Saran, Karagan- global economic processes also re- EU’s largest trade partners, while found the document provisions rel- large-scale projects to update the format and creating more flexible da region. Kazakh Ambassador to quires closer cooperation between its share of the EU trade turnover evant and was ready to participate centuries-old historical heritage tools to practically implement the Germany Bolat Nussupov said the the regions, including introducing with Central Asia is approximately in its practical execution. sides are also negotiating the con- struction of two meat processing plants in Kazakhstan. Germany has been among the biggest inves- tors in the Kazakh economy, and German companies have invested Romania marks 100th anniversary of nearly $4.2 billion into Kazakh- stan since 2005, with 90 percent of those investments going toward Great Union with cultural celebrations the non-primary sector. Armeanu launched what he civilisation were organised Nov. very important for us to learn about commission between Kazakh- The National Museum of Ka- By Aidana Yergaliyeva called an “avant-premiere”, a pre- 27 in Astana at the Rixos Hotel each other and to create links be- stan’s Ministry of Energy and Ro- zakhstan has unveiled the “Eura- view, of the Great Union celebra- and Lev Gumilyov Eurasian Na- tween our nations,” said the envoy. mania’s Ministry of Economy. sian Utopia: Post Scriptum” ex- ASTANA – As Kazakhstan cel- tion for students at Kazakhstan’s tional University. As the Roma- All in all, over their 26-year This year Romanian and Kazakh hibition in Suwon Ipark Museum ebrated its First President’s Day State University of Karaganda nian national day also coincides partnership, Kazakhstan and Ro- universities signed 28 memoran- of Art (SIMA) in Suwon, a city in Dec. 1, Romania celebrated 100 Feb. 9 with an exhibition featuring with the 25th anniversary of Ro- mania have established good rela- dums of understanding in Astana, South Korea not far from Seoul. years since its Great Union. The images from December 1918 in mania’s first embassy in Kazakh- tions, Armeanu said. Kazakhstan Almaty, Atyrau and Karaganda, as The exhibition brings together date marks the union of all of Ro- Romania and a lecture to the stu- stan, opened in Almaty in Novem- remains Romania’s most impor- well as by the Atameken National more than 100 works by 57 artists mania’s historical provinces, in- dents and faculty in the history and ber 1993, a parallel exhibition of tant partner in Central Asia. Chamber of Entrepreneurs. focusing on the post-Soviet and cluding Transylvania, Bessarabia literature departments. images of Romanian Embassy in “In times that are complex and “I would like to congratulate contemporary period. “The project and Bukovina, and is hugely im- Similar exhibitions and events Kazakhstan will also be on dis- challenging, rapidly changing, the Kazakhstan for hosting this year is an example of the first successful portant to Romania and Romanian on Romanian history, culture and play. Romania was among the first people-to-people contacts, in my a number of international and organisation of a large scale display identity. states to recognise Kazakhstan’s opinion, are key elements in en- prestigious events as well as for of Kazakh modern art in the inter- “This National Day is a moment independence, on Dec. 17, 1991. suring mutual understanding and the activity at the United Nation national arena. Nearly 400 works of historical reflection, a moment On Nov. 29, a Romanian cultural support,” said Armeanu. Security Council. In times that are and archive documents by 94 art- of conclusions, of joy, of solidar- centre was opened at Lev Gumi- The envoy is also committed complex and challenging, mutual ists were on display in four cities: ity between all Romanian citizens lyov Eurasian National University to deepening trade and economic understanding and bilateral sup- London, Berlin, Jersey City and without any discrimination. It is in Astana. A Romanian history ex- ties between the countries. Other port are important in areas that are Suwon,” said project curator Roza a moment of responsibility for its hibition displays samples of tradi- important spheres of coopera- sometimes affected by geographi- Abenova. The exhibition seeks to destiny. In my opinion, this occa- tional ceramics unique to Horezu, tion for Armeanu are in human cal distance,” added the envoy. identify Kazakh art narratives by sion must be the basis of reconcili- an old town known for its pottery resources in education, science, “I take this opportunity to con- studying the art of artists of Soviet ation, peace, solidarity and unity,” culture, and traditional Romanian sport and culture; as well as inno- gratulate our Kazakh friends on period and contemporary artists, as Romanian Ambassador to Kazakh- closing that can be dated to 3,500 vative information technologies. The Day of the First President of well as the birth of contemporary stan Cezar Manole Armeanu told years BC. The Romanian popular “I’ve noticed the increasing in- the Republic of Kazakhstan, that art in independent Kazakhstan. The Astana Times. costume finds its roots in the part terest shown by our institutions was celebrated on December 1, in Romania’s embassy in Kazakh- of Thracian, Dacian and Getae an- and experts to cooperate in various fact, the same day with the Roma- A Kazakh delegation participated stan will mark this historic occa- cestors. fields like education, science and nian National Day, and on a very in the 13th Senior Officials Meet- sion with cultural and information- astana.mae.ro. Photo credit: “I think the lectures in Karaganda culture,” he pointed out. similar holiday, the Independence ing (SOM) of the Central Asia plus al events running until the middle Romanian Ambassador to State University and the cultural In October, the two countries Day of Kazakhstan, on Dec. 16,” Japan dialogue in Tokyo. The plat- of December. Kazakhstan Cezar Manole Armeanu. centre in Eurasian University will be had their 14th intergovernmental said Armeanu. form was first convened in 2004 and covered five areas – political dialogue, interregional cooperation, stimulating business, intellectual dialogue, cultural ties and humani- tarian exchange. The meeting agen- Parliamentarians, experts reflect on Nazarbayev’s da included issues such as regional security, tourism, transport and logistics, agriculture, trade and in- vestments. The sides also discussed role in Central Asian cooperation the upcoming ministerial meeting Continued from Page A1 area is currently a bridge between Cooperation and Global Initiatives gional cooperation among Central operation can function success- in December in Dushanbe. the East and West and, in this of Kazakhstan – Promoting Ideas Asian states since their independ- fully even when members have Nazarbayev’s accomplishments way, Central Asia unites Turkey of Peace and Concord included ex- ence,” said Nilsson. “Today, we very different approaches toward Kazakh director Emir Baigazin include promoting the idea of Eur- and Europe. Therefore, we be- perts from China, India, Germany, see a new impetus for regional larger integrational structures,” the won the best film award at the Lis- asianism, leading vast economic lieve that Kazakhstan plays a role Sweden and Spain. cooperation emerging in Central scholar said. bon and Sintra Film Festival, held reforms, which have attracted of great importance,” added the At the former session, Central Asia and key drivers are the in- The report’s findings centre on Nov. 16-25, for his “Ozen” (Riv- more than $300 billion of foreign Turkish Grand National Assem- Asia-Caucasus Analyst Deputy creasing prospects for continen- ways to ensure good intentions er). “Ozen” tells the story of five direct investment, facilitating bly Deputy Chairperson Mustafa Editor and Central Asia-Caucasus tal trade, reform processes taking translate into practical actions un- young brothers living in a remote peace dialogues via Kazakhstan’s Şentop. Institute and Institute of Secu- place in Kazakhstan and Uzbeki- der cooperation initiatives. farm in the middle of the Kazakh chairmanship in the Organisation Nazarbayev will continue ce- rity and Development Policy Re- stan and the changing role and “Cooperation needs to be grad- steppes with their strict father, who for Security and Cooperation in menting Kazakhstan’s unique role searcher Niklas Nilsson presented perception of Afghanistan in the ual and flexible to involve all demands obedience from them and Europe (OSCE), membership of in the global community as Astana Svante Cornell and Frederick region.” Central Asian states. Of course, justifies his control by saying he the United Nations (UN) Security will host a forum for parliamentar- Starr’s report “Modernisation and The report analyses historical the largest economies of the re- must protect his children from the Council and the Astana Process on ians of Asia and Europe in Sep- Regional Cooperation in Central and recent trends in regional coop- gion – Kazakhstan and Uzbeki- outside world and its dangers. The Syria as well as advancing mod- tember 2019, which will coincide Asia: A New Spring?,” which eration, also identifying opportu- stan – are indispensable in re- nearby river that the boys suddenly ernisation initiatives, such as the with the 25th anniversary of the analyses the recent emergence of nities and obstacles by drawing on gional cooperation but models discover becomes their getaway, recent article “Seven Facets of the idea of Eurasian integration. regionalism. the experiences of the Association also need to fit smaller states – but the arrival of Kanat, a boy hail- Great Steppe.” “Direct multilateral dialogue The five Central Asian leaders of Southeast Asian Nations (ASE- Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turk- ing from the city with his modern “The article not only provides between the leaders of legislative met in Astana in March, the UN AN) and the Nordic Council. menistan… The most important gadgets, disrupts the family’s rural for the prospect of modernising bodies of Eurasian states will con- General Assembly adopted the “ASEAN has enabled its mem- point is that membership in these and isolated life. Announcing the our society’s historical identity, tribute to solving the current prob- resolution “Strengthening regional bers to approach foreign great institutions of cooperation should award winner, jury member Mar- but also allows for a fresh take on lems faced by European and Asian and international cooperation to powers as a unit rather than indi- be exclusively Central Asian – tha Argerich said the Kazakh film the history of world civilisations,” countries,” said Nigmatulin, ex- ensure peace, stability and sustain- vidually. The organisation has also it should not be open to exter- is a “wonderful film with unusual said Nigmatulin. pressing confidence the forum will able development in the Central coordinated members’ economic nal powers. This is to provide a expressiveness, poetic power, hyp- “In his article, the President strengthen trust and understanding Asian Region” in June and the sec- and trade policy, fostering consid- platform through which Central notism, grandeur and humanism emphasises the main role of the among the two continents. ond summit of Central Asian lead- erable growth in Southeast Asia. Asian countries can conduct a and a unique film that struck from Silk Road and notes that it is the Subsequently, panel sessions on ers will take place in March 2019. The Nordic Council, on the other dialogue with foreign powers as the first shot.” cradle of the Turkic world. This Astana Vector: Trust, Security and “There is indeed a legacy of re- hand, has shown that regional co- a unit,” he concluded. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018

novation, promoting sustainable development and improving heat, ECONOMY NEWS IN BRIEF water supply and drainage systems. Nurly Zhol systematically developing Budget loans and subsidies will also be provided to modernise Kazakhstan is having a record heat, water supply and drainage year for investments in envi- systems. From 2015-2018, 2,982 ronmental protection, finprom. infrastructure in key areas, say ministers kilometres of heat, water supply kz reports. During the first 10 805 kilometres of railway tracks is “One thousand and four kilome- the capital, Moscow to Kyzylorda, and drainage networks, 24 boiler months of 2018, 61.1 billion tenge By Dilshat Zhussupova complete.” tres [of highways] were commis- Novosibirsk to Pavlodar, Atyrau to houses and 71 other facilities were (US$163.55 million) has been in- Minister for Investments and sioned with the allocated funds. Frankfurt, Krasnoyarsk and Riga completed. The plan is to construct vested, almost three times more ASTANA – The Nov. 19 govern- Development Zhenis Kassymbek This year, 19 projects are being to Almaty and the capital to Chely- and reconstruct another 3,478.6 than was invested last year. More ment meeting included a review noted 7,000 kilometres of national implemented, of which 13 projects abinsk, Kazan, Krasnodar, Sochi, kilometres of heat, water supply attention has been paid to environ- of the ways Nurly Zhol, the state roads were constructed and recon- are financed by the national budget Tomsk, Tyumen and Vilnius. and drainage networks, 29 boiler mentally friendly public transport infrastructure development pro- structed and 10,000 kilometres re- and six projects are financed with Regarding energy infrastructure houses and 95 other facilities. – in one pilot programme, Ka- gramme, has been and continues to paired. borrowed funds. By year’s end, development, construction of the According to Minister of Fi- zakhstan in cooperation with the be implemented from 2015-2019. “More than 100,000 jobs were 426 kilometres will be put into 500-KW Shulbinsk hydroelec- nance Alikhan Smailov, the nation- Organisation for Economic Coop- The programme has been allo- created at all sites and the share of operation and work will begin on tric power plant (Semey)–Akto- al budget funds allocated toward eration and Development (OECD) cated 792 billion tenge (US$2.16 domestically produced materials another 453 kilometres,” he added. gay–Taldykorgan–Alma project modernising transport, energy, prepared a plan to replace 300 old billion), of which 411 billion tenge was approximately 95 percent,” he Water transport measures centre funded by Kazakhstan Electricity network and housing and public buses with modern ones running (US$1.12 billion) or 52 percent said. on seaports. The annual handling Grid Operating Company will be utility infrastructure are being fully on clean fuels in Shymkent and has been utilised by November, Road tolls were tested on the Al- capacity at Aktau and Kuryk ports complete by year’s end. Budget utilised. He noted that in identify- Kostanai. The total value of invest- said First Vice Minister of Nation- maty–Kapchagai, Almaty–Khor- has increased from 19.5 million loans totaling 35.2 billion tenge ing risks when specifying its budg- ments will be US$29 million. Lat- al Economy Ruslan Dalenov. The gos and Astana–Temirtau sections tonnes to 25.5 million tonnes. (US$95.9 million) will be issued etary needs, the state programme er, they plan to involve more cities figure includes 439 billion tenge and will be installed more widely “Kazakhstan’s share in the mari- and 290.6 kilometres of networks optimised its expenditure by 37.5 and replace up to 2,800 buses, with (US$1.2 billion) made available next year. In 2020, toll roads will time transportation of goods in the will be constructed, of which 118.4 billion tenge (US$102.16 million). investments in the wider project from the national budget, of which cover approximately 6,600 kilo- Caspian Sea is approximately 37 kilometres are complete. Overall, Nurly Zhol activities estimated to reach $276 million. 335 billion tenge (US$912.61 mil- metres. percent,” said Kassymbek. International co-financing -or are proceeding in a timely man- Over the next two years, they also lion) or 76 percent has been uti- Approximately 807 billion tenge Growth has also been exhibited ganisations have committed 12.1 ner. Upon hearing the ministers’ plan to construct solar, biogas and lised. (US$2.2 billion) has been allo- in air transport. Nearly 6.7 million billion tenge (US$32.96 million) reports, Prime Minister Bakytzhan four hydroelectric power stations. “Regarding transport infrastruc- cated under Nurly Zhol to improve people flew in 2018, 9.6 percent to Nurly Zhol, of which three bil- Sagintayev drew their attention ture development, 25 road projects highway quality, said KazAv- more than the previous year. Ka- lion tenge (US$8.17 million) or 25 towards undertaking additional At the end of the first half of are under implementation,” he toZhol board chairperson Yermek zakh and foreign carriers have also percent has been distributed. Four measures to update housing and 2018, 31.2 percent of all invest- said. “As of today, the overhaul of Kizatov. opened new routes from Helsinki to projects centre on stimulating in- public utility infrastructure. ment flows into Kazakhstan’s transport infrastructure sector came from Chinese investors, making China the largest inves- tor in Kazakhstan. Most transport infrastructure projects are linked AIFC law conference Gov’t transitions to green economy to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initia- tenge (US$1.12 million), reported ment Programme (UNDP) and the tive. The total number of Kazakh- By Aidana Yergaliyeva Minister of Energy Kanat Bozum- Damu Entrepreneurship Develop- Chinese investment projects is bayev. As a result of more than 80 ment Fund, has started providing 51, with a value of around $27 presents new ways for ASTANA – Governmental pro- energy efficiency measures, the to- subsidies and project guarantees to billion. Chinese investment for jects directed towards increasing tal savings of energy resources was support energy service projects. To 2018-2019 will launch 11 projects energy efficiency have resulted in more than 12 million kW of electric- date, 28 projects have received such worth $4.4 billion. This will create approximately 3.5 billion tenge ity, 2,000 gigacalorie (Gcal) of ther- support. approximately 20,000 new per- business cooperation (US$9.55 million) in annual sav- mal energy, eight billion cubic me- Eighty-five state and socially sig- manent jobs. Over the last three Continued from Page A1 being located on the grounds does ings, reported Minister for Invest- tres of natural gas and 15,000 tonnes nificant facilities were selected un- years, there has been linear growth not imply a company is in the ments and Development Zhenis of boiler and furnace fuel. der a $21.7-million project with the in investment flows from China, “My colleagues at the council AIFC. Authorised firms can also Kassymbek at the Nov. 19 govern- “Work will continue until 2021 World Bank. The plan focuses on reaching the level of 6.6 percent. have been working with Marat’s offer and sell their products and ment meeting. in the exploration-mining sector of improving the working and training In 2018, the main instrument of team on the evolution of rules and services in the country’s broader Since the launch of the 2016 ener- the KazMunayGas group. There are conditions of more than 50,000 peo- Chinese investors for the first time regulations. I think it is essential to territory. gy efficiency map, a national unified plans to reduce the consumption of ple. The government is also joining was direct investment, which at pay tribute to the remarkable work AIFC membership can be rec- list of energy saving and efficiency energy resources by 4.5 million gi- with UNDP on two projects totalling the end of the first half of the year done by them. We’ve got a rule ognised in two different ways – projects, 68 projects for 15 billion gajoule (GJ). I would like to note the $10 million. amounted to $9.5 billion – 60.3 book which [is] 2,300 pages… AIFC recognition of a foreign-in- tenge (US$40.94 million) have been multiplicative effect of the moderni- In 2016, the ministry created the percent of all investments during This is an evolutionary process… corporated legal entity or a firm’s initiated. Twelve use energy service sation of our plants,” he said. state energy registry automated in- the year. Everybody in this room has an non-AIFC regulated status by the contract mechanisms and public- “With the increase in energy effi- formation system as a tool to control Domestic banks need external interest in making this work and AFSA. The latter is applicable private partnerships. ciency of oil refining after moderni- energy consumption. It currently loans to support the growth of Ka- we all need to work together to for Kazakh and foreign securi- The Pavlodarenergo power sta- sation and a significant improvement contains more than 5,000 organisa- zakhstan’s economy, according to develop these rules. They are not ties firms to become exchange or tion decreased brake-specific fuel in the quality of fuel, the energy ef- tions. finprom.kz. Over the last 10 years, perfect. They will develop over clearing house members. consumption (BSFC) to supply ficiency of motor vehicles will also The system has been running in the volume of foreign bank loans time; there will be feedback after AIFC Bureau for Continuing electric energy by 6 percent in 2017 increase proportionally,” he added. test mode this year. Nearly 40 per- has decreased eight-fold, from seeing how things actually work Professional Development chief compared to 2013. Consumption for The Ministry of Energy revised cent of those registered provided $45.9 billion to $6.1 billion. Over on practice,” he said. Nursultan Serikbai presented a the sale of thermal energy decreased energy consumption this year in all their energy consumption details on- the same period, the ratio of bank Cox added building a high qual- discussion on registration and by 1 percent in the same period. major Kazakh fuel and energy com- line. The ministry plans to consoli- loans to gross domestic product fell ity and independent legal system privileges of AIFC participants. Electrical energy consumption for plex enterprises. The results of en- date this at the legislative level, said twice to 24.6 percent. Corporate are AIFC’s fundamental issues. The step by step process is out- the country’s own needs decreased ergy audits of 35 energy-producing Kassymbek. lending over the past five years has Even though the legal framework lined at http://afsa.kz/registration- from 14 percent in 2017 against 16 and 19 energy-transmitting organi- The Ministry of Energy also be- grown by only 1 percent; the alter- is based on English common law, process. percent in 2013. At the same time, sations showed expenses can be re- lieves full coverage of the electric- native is the stock market and in- participants need not be knowl- In addition to the unique legal electric energy consumption supply duced on average up to 30 percent. ity commercial metering automated ternational capital. In the medium edgeable or experienced in it. and regulatory framework and decreased from 362 to 351 grams The available data on reducing in- system is one of the most effective term, banks will continue to reduce “The rules are brought together of equivalent fuel per kilowatts per dustrial energy intensity as a whole, measures in preventing losses in environment, he noted the centre their scale of funding the economy. without any reference to external hour in 2017, according to the Eura- however, was criticised as being too electrical networks. The investment offers a wide range of organisa- The lack of a long-term resource bodies of law… The rules [also] sian Energy Corporation. general. The statistics do not indi- programmes will provide for install- tional company forms, drafting base has forced banks to target the The KazMunayGas group of oil- cate whether energy consumption ing the system at all levels of electri- have minimum cross references, of rules and regulations, a simpli- retail lending segment. Thus, over producing companies decreased its was reduced in producing individual cal power transmission to the final are comparatively short and easy fied visa regime and special tax the past five years, the share of consumption of fuel and energy re- products or was the result of produc- consumer, said Bozumbayev. to read and understand and are ac- regime. loans to individuals increased from sources by 1 percent in 2017 com- tion cuts. In 2016, the World Bank ranked cessible on the AIFC website,” he The last session focused on list- 31.9 percent to 40.5 percent. said. ing on the AIX as explained by pared to 2016. In monetary terms, The ministry, in conjunction Kazakhstan 32nd in state energy the cost savings was 410 million with the United Nations Develop- regulation efficiency. The second panel, dedicated to AIX Chief Executive Officer Tim At the beginning of November, the AIFC jurisdiction and financial Bennett, who noted the Kazatom- subsistence minimum in Kazakhstan and ancillary services, was pre- prom IPO that recently appeared increased by 11.2 percent to 28,600 sented by Astana Financial Ser- on the market was an important tenge (US$76.60), while prices of vices Authority (AFSA) chief le- step in developing the Kazakh goods and services increased by gal officer Andre Gelinas. economy. For international inter- 5.3 percent year to year. Accord- “We are incorporating, rec- ested parties, the exchange can of- Nation to streamline rehabilitation ing to a new system for calculating ognising and licensing compa- fer a regulatory platform, connec- a subsistence minimum, non-food nies and partnerships… We have tivity with other participants and items and paid services amount to nearly 100 on the board so far,” global financial market securities. 45 percent of the total. At the end of he said. Most of the conference partici- and bankruptcy procedures October it amounted to 12,900 tenge AIFC’s acting laws are the Ka- pants were interested in under- “The draft law proposes to fa- times hundreds in the meeting. The (US$34.50). Now, the share of food zakh Constitution, AIFC consti- standing the use of international By Aidana Yergaliyeva cilitate this task: a court records a draft proposes optimising the pro- products occupies only 55 percent tutional statute, AIFC manage- and Kazakh law in different busi- presence of unfulfilled obligations cess with a more mobile committee of the subsistence minimum, which ment council resolutions, AIFC ness processes and posed the ASTANA – The Kazakh govern- over three months and a fact of a of creditors, a smaller group elected amounted to 15,700 tenge (US$42). acts (regulations, rules, orders) question to each panel. ment approved the draft law “On ‘positive’ balance. This confirms a as a representative body, and requires and the acting law of the country, “The relationship with broader amendments to some legislative company’s ability to restore its fi- creditors to file their bankruptcy The poverty level in Kazakhstan which applies in part to matters Kazakhstan is critical economi- acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan nancial position. Similarly, it works claims within the expiration period. has dropped over the past two dec- not governed by the constitutional cally and in terms of development on improving rehabilitation and in bankruptcy,” said Smailov. The draft also suggests introduc- ades, falling from 34.6 percent in statute and acts. Gelinas gave an of the law. It is not a stand-alone bankruptcy procedures” at the Nov. For bankruptcy, a court will need ing a simplified procedure for debt- 1996 to 4.7 percent in the first half example of the Kazakh laws’ ap- regime; there are many aspects 26 governmental meeting. to establish the fact of a “negative” or bankruptcy without the involve- of 2018. Experts, however, note plicability. such as criminal law where Ka- The draft law focuses on meas- balance on the date of filing an ap- ment of an administrator, which that while gross domestic product “If you have rules governing zakhstan law continues to apply,” ures to reduce the time for rehabili- plication for declaring a debtor should eliminate unnecessary costs is increasing, the real incomes of regulation of banking service, said Cox. tation and bankruptcy procedures bankrupt as evidence of an entity’s for debtors. the population have not increased, does any of the Kazakh National One participant shared his view and simplify liquidation of inactive insolvency. In addition, the ministry revised kapital.kz reports. Between 2015 Banking regulatory framework on the conference and its impor- debtors, said Minister of Finance In addition, the draft law will liabilities for intentional and false and 2017, real wages of the pop- filter in and apply? In my view, tance for the international busi- Alikhan Smailov. support rehabilitation of individual bankruptcy. As written, establish- ulation decreased by 3 percent, it would be no, because since we ness community. The need for the draft was in- entrepreneurs. Under the current ing the fact that the official removed while real economic growth ex- have a framework that regulates “People here are living in a tensified by the significant number law, they cannot claim rehabilita- a property before bankruptcy and ceeded 6 percent. The discrepancy the activity of banking in AIFC, completely different geography; of business entities undergoing the tion and are often forced to declare therefore damaged the creditors’ in- in the indicators is explained by the it broadly excludes the applica- this is all new to me. I’m a first procedures. Approximately 4,000 bankruptcy. The draft will cancel all terests will be sufficient. commodity model of the domestic tion of the regulatory framework timer in Astana so it’s a good op- business entities are currently in- arrests on a debtor’s accounts and “The proposed initiatives are economy, where the demand for la- of the National Bank of Kazakh- portunity to come and actually volved in a bankruptcy procedure, property from the moment a court expected to allow a 32 percent in- bour largely depends on inefficient stan. I think it is a key principle see it. This conference helped us while 400 enterprises are in a reha- approves a rehabilitation plan. crease in the use of rehabilitation services. Analysis of the average in terms of defining the sphere of to understand how the lawyers’ bilitation stage, he added. “This will enable the company and bankruptcy procedures by busi- monthly wage in 2017 showed regulation and law in AIFC,” he community and AIFC work here The ministry feels one important to proceed with the implementa- ness entities, reduce the time by up that the maximum wage was in the added. and this gives us good insight into change is the clarification of certain tion of planned activities, without to 25 percent and the cost of their mining and quarrying industry, at He also talked about the mean- how we can support them… I feel vague wordings in the laws. At pre- being distracted by litigation,” said implementation by up to 40 per- 341,775 tenge (US$914.9). Wages ing of being a part of the AIFC, good about it; they are reaching sent, a rehabilitation procedure ap- Smailov. cent, which will positively affect in the processing industry and ag- which occupies a large section not only in Kazakhstan, but also plication is filed with a notification The bankruptcy procedure can Kazakhstan’s position on the ‘Insol- riculture were about half as much, of the capital’s left bank. Partici- the entire region. Someday, [I of payment termination and of the currently take up to eight months, as vency Resolution’ indicator in the at 166,739 tenge (US$446.30) and pants must generally conduct their want to] make my contribution,” fact that a debtor has an opportunity it requires participation by all credi- World Bank’s Doing Business rank- 91,084 tenge (US$243.80) respec- business in the area, but merely said Faruh Saad, of Dubai. to restore solvency. tors, which can be dozens, and some- ing,” said Smailov. tively. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Shymkent Oil Refinery completes modernisation, Kazakhstan-based transformer manufacturer Alageum Electric will sign an agreement to purchase goods not yet produced with KEGOC, improves fuel and environmental standards Chair of Alageum Electric’s direc- environmental perspective is the percent of its gasoline, 25-27 per- tors’ board Yerkebulan Ilyasov told reduction of sulphur removal in cent of its diesel fuel, 12 percent the energy forum. This year, the diesel fuel to less than 50 PPM of its fuel oil and 6-7 percent of its company is launching production of (parts per million). According to jet fuel, said Bayetov. power transformers with a voltage class of 220 to 500 kilowatts in Shy- GOST, the sulphur content was The plant is also equipped for mkent’s Tassai industrial zone, abctv. allowed up to 500 PPM. We re- processing oil from the West kz reports. Their initial customer duced it from 500 PPM to 10 Kazakhstan and Aktobe regions, will be KEGOC, but Kazakhstan PPM,” he said. which has a higher sulphur con- Railways and Samruk Energo are The refinery is meant largely tent. also interested in engaging in similar to meet Kazakhstan’s light petro- Next year the refinery plans to contracts. According to its agreement leum product needs and decrease start producing jet fuel of the RT with KEGOC, Alageum Electric is the shortage of diesel fuel of the brand with further perspectives to planning to produce four types of country. produce Jet 1 international brand reactors not previously produced in “We all know that there is a for local and international market. Kazakhstan for a cost of 4 billion shortage of fuel during sowing The Technip (Italy), Kaz- tenge (US$10.70 million) until 2022. and harvesting. Since Kazakhstan giproneftetrans (Kazakhstan) and Kazakh local flax producers have is a major agrarian country, much China Petroleum Engineering seen a record harvest this year, mak- diesel fuel is needed for these pe- and Construction Corporation as ing Kazakhstan, for the first time, the riods,” said Bayetov. the general contractor developed world’s largest flax producer, reports The refinery is supplied pri- the project. Global leaders in oil abctv.kz. The gross harvest of flax marily by Kumkol oil filed in the refinery technology licensing in Kazakhstan this year exceeded Kyzylorda region. Kumkol oil is U.S. Universal Oil Products and 700,000 tonnes. Local producers are low in sulphur with approximate- French Axens also worked on the also developing the production of flax ly 6 percent of its liquefiedgas, 38 project. oil and are competing against Russian President Nazarbayev during his visit to Shymkent Oil Refinery at the end of September producers on the international market for the product. Kazakhstan is also the technical ability to do this. competing with Canada, the largest Staff Report Since we mainly supply local flax importer in the world, on the Bel- market, consumers are satisfied gian market. According to statistics ASTANA – The Shymkent Oil with the Euro 4 (K4) standard from the Kazakh Finance Ministry’s Refinery recently completed a products, but we can also produce State Revenue Committee, from Jan- modernisation allowing it to meet Euro 5 (K5) products. Same situ- uary to August, Kazakhstan’s flax ex- Euro-4 and Euro-5 fuel standards ation is with gasoline,” he said, ports to Belgium amounted to 99,000 while making the refinery more adding that prior to modernisa- tonnes for $31.8 million. Poland is the environmentally friendly. tion, refinery had worked ac- second largest buyer of Kazakh flax, The $1.8 billion upgrade also cording to Kazakh and interstate purchasing 39,000 tonnes for $12.3 increased the refinery’s annual GOST standards. million. The third is Afghanistan, at production capacity from 5.25 to The first stage included equip- 27,000 tonnes for $8.4 million. Over- 6 million tonnes. all exports for this period amounted to ping the refinery to produce el- 219,000 tonnes for $72 million. The modernisation of the re- emental sulphur and building a finery was part of Kazakhstan’s light naphtha isomerisation unit. Artisans from Kazakhstan, Kyr- national Industrialisation Pro- The stage also included the recon- gyzstan, Germany and Uzbekistan gramme and was completed in struction of the refinery’s diesel discussed the problems and prospects two stages beginning in 2014. hydro dewaxing refineries, said of the crafts industry at the Nov. 24 The first stage from 2014-2017 Bayetov. Uly Dala Eli (“Great Steppe Coun- equipped the refinery to meet K-4 The second stage from 2015- try”) forum in Astana, reports kapital. and K-5 (Euro-4 and Euro-5) fuel 2018 increased the refinery’s ca- kz. Atameken National Chamber of standards, said Shymkent Oil Re- pacity to six million tonnes per Entrepreneurs Deputy Chair Olzhas finery Director Bolat Bayetov at a year and improved its refining Ordabayev emphasised that crafts- recent press conference announc- levels. men should unite to develop the ing the completion of project. The overall project also added sphere, giving the example of the ar- “The K5 standard requires sul- over 400 jobs and improved the tisans unions of Tajikistan and Russia, phur content in diesel fuel to be refinery’s ecological standards. which in the former unites more than less than 10 PPM. Now we have 100 artisans and in the latter unites 70 “The main objective from an associations of more than 5 million artisans. In his opinion, Kazakhstan has potential to develop its handicrafts industry as well. The meeting of folk arts representatives was intended to help promote the business potential EBRD: Kazakhstan has of the industry and individual produc- ers, and masters attending the forum could both present their products at the exhibition and also make contact decade of preparation with potential partners for expanding their businesses locally or for entering the international market. for diversification Turkestan Invest has begun work EBRD believes good risk man- on the implementation of 19 major By Yerbolat Uatkhanov agement on the fiscal side will new projects for 507 billion tenge be an important priority for fossil (US$1.35 billion) in the Turkestan ASTANA – According to the fuel-exporting countries. region, reports inform.kz. According new report of Eurasian Bank for The report, looking at fiscal to Chair of the Turkestan Social En- Reconstruction and Development implications for Kazakhstan of trepreneurship Corporation Aitmu- (EBRD) published Nov. 22, Ka- worldwide transition to a greener hammed Aldazharov, the organisation zakhstan has 20 years to diversify global economy, looks at three has three branches: Turkestan Invest, its economy away from oil and possible scenarios: business the Digitisation Centre and the Sta- other hydrocarbons and reform as usual, a partial green transi- bilisation Fund. These organisations public finances as the world starts tion and a full transition to a are working on construction, social green economic transition. low-carbon economy across the projects, tourism, attracting inves- EBRD published a report on globe. The first two scenarios tors and digitisation. Among the 19 vulnerabilities of major fossil would mean that the world falls projects, six are in alternative electric fuel exporters like Kazakhstan in far short of the goal to contain energy production, five in agriculture a future world that will use less global warming to 2°C; however, and eight in the manufacturing indus- oil. The report says that Kazakh- this may also mean that oil de- try. Construction of four enterprises stan’s fiscal revenues may nearly mand remains buoyant in global began this year. These projects should halve in the next 20 years. At markets, in which case Kazakh- provide people with 14,000 new jobs. that, the state’s public debt may stan’s fiscal position would not surge. The bank recommends di- be under threat. However, if there North Kazakhstan’s agricultural po- versification, better management is a worldwide shift to a greener tential is to be developed by increas- of revenues and spending, and economy, and oil prices settle at ing its livestock on the principle of an- longer-term fiscal planning. approximately $65, then over the chor cooperation, in which small and EBRD experts believe the course of the next decade this medium-sized farms work in partner- changing dynamics in global could lead to depletion of the ship, inform.kz reports. Deputy Akim energy markets are likely to put country’s national savings from (regional governor) of North Ka- pressure on such fossil fuel ex- oil. zakhstan Aidarbek Saparov said that porters such as Kazakhstan. The The most significant fiscal im- long-term investment programmes dynamics include the develop- pacts are projected to occur in are being developed with representa- ment of alternative energy sourc- the late 2020s, suggesting that tives of agriculture business. This year es, the falling costs of cleaner en- there is a window of opportunity the number of livestock and poultry in ergy technologies, and countries’ of around a decade in which Ka- the region has grown from 1.5 to 8.7 commitments to achieving global zakhstan could take action to ad- percent. About 80,000 tonnes of meat climate goals. This will mean that dress these impacts. in live weight, 503,000 tonnes of milk export revenues may fall – due The report proposes four areas and 681 million eggs have been pro- both to lower exports and lower of reform for Kazakhstan, which duced. More than 40 breeding (live- oil prices – by up to 40 percent in are also relevant to most other stock) reproducers have been created the next 20 years. The latter may emerging markets reliant on oil based on the imported livestock. Eve- lead to unsustainable levels of exports: diversification of rev- ry year the region has 4,000 heads of public debt in the country. enue sources, effective manage- young livestock. Seventeen modern The country’s oil is a main ment of the revenues from oil, dairy complexes using foreign ad- source of government revenue. good fiscal policies and medium vanced technologies are functioning That is why this may put pressure and long-term planning of public in the region. on the state budget. Therefore, finances. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 A new look at Kazakhstan’s history Renewable energy builds bridges to the future potential attracts greater inston Churchill is among those credited with the ingly self-confident nation, this reluctance to examine and celebrate the observation that it is the victors who write the history past has been overcome. Indeed, we have seen a concerted drive – led books. He was reminding us that the version of history by President Nazarbayev himself – to study and promote the country’s with which we are most familiar has often been biased history and culture. investment to Kazakhstan, Win favour of those nations or regions that have enjoyed not just military These efforts stem from recognition that a greater knowledge and but also political and economic superiority. understanding of shared roots and values is critical for the health of a This explains why, for example, the extraordinary contribution of nation. As we have seen across the world, such knowledge helps bind ancient Chinese or Islamic science and arts to global knowledge has, a country and its people together. It can also provide, if nations escape says scholar at least until recently, often been overlooked. The major roles played the trap of becoming prisoners of this past, a powerful springboard for by the classical civilisations of Greece and Rome and, in more mod- success in the future. By Dilshat Zhussupova ern times, the undoubtedly large part played by European and North There is, as Seven Facets of the Great Steppe demonstrates, a huge American scientists, thinkers and engineers in furthering knowledge amount to celebrate in Kazakhstan’s history. The domestication of the ASTANA – Central Asia’s renew- and prosperity have been given a greater emphasis. horse and the advanced production of metals, both of which can be able energy transformation is gain- But as our world becomes increasingly multi-polar, these partial traced back to these lands, are unquestionably hugely important in hu- ing momentum and market leaders narratives are being challenged. Chapter by chapter, a more compre- man development. are taking note, with increased in- hensive picture of the past is emerging – one that reflects the diverse We can also learn a great deal about the way those who inhabited vestments flowing in from the East contributions of different peoples and regions to humanity’s wider these lands lived in harmony with the environment. There is noth- and West. development. ing new in sustainable living. It is just that, across the world, we have Natalie Koch, an associate pro- It is against this trend that President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s recent forgotten these lessons. fessor at Syracuse University’s proposals in the article, Seven Facets of the Great Steppe, as well as So it is right that our country steps up its already considerable efforts Maxwell School of Citizenship and the entire Ruhani Zhangyru programme can be viewed. It is a drive to to protect and commemorate this history and the wider culture it has Public Affairs studying resource- identify and celebrate – both within Kazakhstan and across the world – inspired. This will include new museums, academic study as well as the rich states in Central Asia and the the rich history of the country and its people as well as the part played more popular depiction of characters and historical events through TV Arabian Peninsula, recently au- by the region in global civilisation. and film. thored “The geopolitics of specta- There are, of course, particular reasons why Kazakhstan’s history and These new initiatives are important for our citizens so they can better cle: Space, synecdoche and the new contribution has, in the past, been overlooked. The country has only understand the history of these lands and the part those who lived here capitals of Asia” and “Critical geog- Natalie Koch relatively recently regained its independence and for many decades, its played in human development. They can only strengthen further the raphies of sport: Space, power and culture was either downplayed or, at times, actively suppressed. bonds that unite our country as well, of course, as attracting more visi- sport in global perspective.” In an As we have said before, given this reluctance to promote past tors to Kazakhstan. exclusive interview with The Astana in the field of sustainable energy achievements, the surprise has been how strong the attachment of the By placing these initiatives firmly within the broader Modernisation Times, she illustrated Kazakhstan’s is important in the broader global country’s citizens to their land was. This was especially the case when, of Kazakhstan’s Identity programme, President Nazarbayev, however, current and future energy landscape. economic environment because be- because of geography and history, these citizens come from so many shows that his focus remains firmly on the years ahead. He believes, no The country generates approxi- ing ‘green’ is commonly equated different backgrounds. National pride and unity has been one of our matter how rich the past of these lands, the decades to come hold even mately 87 percent of its electricity with being modern and cutting edge. young country’s strongest qualities. more promise. It is this increasingly peaceful and prosperous future that by hydrocarbon-powered plants, 75 Thus, developing a new green port- Since Kazakhstan has become a modern, independent and increas- he is determined for our country to achieve. percent of which are coal-fired sta- folio – both for the country and for tions and 12 percent gas-fired plants. individual companies or sectors – is “The remaining 13 percent comes an important way to demonstrate to mostly from hydroelectric power sta- foreign investors that Kazakhstan is tions, with a negligible amount com- moving forward with broader global ing from renewable energy sources trends.” Transparency International notes like solar. However, Kazakhstan’s She emphasised that meaningful National Concept for Transition to progress in renewable energy adop- a Green Economy sets a timeline tion means reshaping the country’s to move Kazakhstan from under 1 hydrocarbon-oriented energy land- Kazakh progress in countering percent renewable energy sourcing, scape. when it was adopted in 2013, to 3 “Changing the appropriate legal percent by 2020, 30 percent by 2030 and infrastructural structures is pos- and 50 percent by 2050,” she said. sible, but it is a slow process and the corruption, official says Within this energy landscape, political and environmental rewards which defined the formation of a ated. This was the first step in the Koch singles out the crucial pres- are distant. Because there are no im- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov professional government as the institutionalisation and formation of ence and contribution of the Europe- mediate pressures on Kazakhstan’s long-term priority of state develop- a national model of public service an Bank for Reconstruction and De- current energy system, policymakers ASTANA – Kazakhstan has cut ment in 1997. at the stage of development of the velopment (EBRD), Central Asia’s are more likely to accept the status corruption in the form of bribes In 1998, Kazakh President Nur- country,” Mukashev said. largest institutional investor with ap- quo and defer harder projects to the by one third and the percentage sultan Nazarbayev issued a decree “In this regard, on June 23, 1999, proximately $14 billion committed future,” she said. of citizens focused on stopping that established an independent the Law on Civil Service was adopt- to more than 750 projects. Solar power is Kazakhstan’s most corruption has doubled in the last authorised state body – Agency for ed. In a short time, the agency devel- Cooperation between the bank and promising renewable energy source. three years, according to the recent Civil Service Affairs, which reports oped projects of all basic regulatory the Kazakh government on green “Two aspects of solar that do not International Barometer of World directly to the President. acts, in accordance with which the economy began with the signing of receive enough attention are the is- Corruption study Transparency In- The agency was given the au- corps of public servants was divid- the 2008 Sustainable Energy Action sues of cleaning the photovoltaic ternational. thority to improve legislation and ed into political and administrative Plan on investment and technical as- arrays and what happens to them The Head of the Department of the public service system as well public service, the qualification re- sistance and continued with support afterward,” she noted. “First, it is the Agency for Civil Service Affairs Adilbek Mukashev as the organisation of labour of quirements of administrative public for the Law “On Supporting the Use important that Kazakhstan’s solar and Anti-Corruption in the Pavlodar public service employees. It was servants were approved, a competi- of Renewable Energy Sources.” industry develops with minimal im- region Adilbek Mukashev recently reformed its Constitution, which also given the mandate to monitor tive system for selecting citizens for “[The law] lacked a regulatory pact on its limited water supplies. spoke to the Astana Times in an forms the basis of its national law, and train public service personnel, public service, an electronic testing component and a feed-in tariff sys- When solar cells get covered with exclusive interview about steps the defines the form of government improve the wage system and con- system and certification of public tem. Without this, renewable energy dust, they need to be cleaned. Many countries take to improve its public and public administration and cre- trol compliance with legislation on servants were introduced, standards producers could not realistically be places use water to do this but, in service. ates the structure of government public service, including the rules for the provision of public services expected to compete with traditional arid and dusty environments like “The world experience of state- branches. The reform also, for the of official ethics. were approved,” he said. fuel supplies, which have long been, Kazakhstan, this is not sustainable.” building has shown that a country first time, guaranteed the right of “Thus, for the first time in the “Taking into account interna- and continue to be, aided by artifi- To adopt renewable energy sourc- needs a special system – public ser- citizens to public service and intro- Commonwealth of Independent tional experience including of the cially low electricity prices thanks es without damaging the environ- vice – to fulfil state functions. The duced the official institution of pub- States (CIS), a body that coordi- countries such as the Unites States, to generous state subsidies… With ment, she suggests waterless clean- latter plays a crucial role in the im- lic service. nates the entire system of social, the U.K., and Canada and the pe- more legislative support from the ing techniques used by firms such as plementation of public authority,” Mukashev said another milestone legal, personnel interaction of the culiarities of the transition period EBRD, Kazakhstan introduced a First Solar. said Mukashev. in the development of public service state body and the social and legal that we were in, a positional model new tariff system in 2013, which “Second, there are still many Mukashev noted Kazakhstan has was the Kazakhstan 2030 strategy, relations of its employees was cre- of public service was defined in guarantees a competitive environ- problems to be resolved in the safe Kazakhstan, providing a candidate ment for renewable energy pro- disposal of broken or otherwise on a competitive basis to take any ducers for 15 years. In addition to dead photovoltaic cells. E-waste is a administrative position that meets exempting renewable energy pro- major problem in many developing qualification requirements,” Mu- ducers from electricity transporta- countries, so it will be important for kashev explained. tion costs, the same law established Kazakhstan’s leaders to think long- “At the initiative of the President, the Cost Clearing and Settlement term,” she added. a new stage of reforming the institu- Centre, which centralised the pur- EBRD committed to closer coop- tion of public administration contin- chase and sale of renewable energy,” eration with China and the European ued through the creation in 2014 of said Koch. Union to attract greater investment a unified Agency for Civil Service In 2014, the country’s first large- in Central Asia at Beijing’s Nov. 14 Affairs and Anti-Corruption. Such scale wind power project in the Ye- Central Asia Investment Forum. a step predetermined the urgency reymentau region was supported “Kazakhstan might be able to ben- of combining the efforts of the state with a $70 million loan from the efit from working more closely with and society in the effective imple- bank and the Clean Technology Fund Chinese solar companies to grow mentation of personnel policy and (CTF). EBRD and CTF also sup- their own renewable energy capac- countering corruption. Moreover, ported Burnoye Solar-1 and Solar-2 ity, advance the green technology the task of preventing corruption is in the Zhambyl region with an $80 sector and showcase the possibili- more important than combating its million loan in 2015 and $44.5 mil- ties for committing to sustainability consequences,” he added. lion in 2017. Additional funding was in practice rather than just rhetoric. “A system of control over com- provided by Samruk Kazyna Invest, Given the EBRD’s wealth of experi- pliance with ethical norms has been Samruk Energy and United Green. ence in promoting renewable energy formed by introducing an independ- With so much capital circulating in Kazakhstan, it would be exciting ent institution authorised on ethics in Kazakhstan’s renewable energy to see more investment in this direc- issues and transforming the Disci- market, it is important to understand tion with their backing,” said Koch plinary Councils into Ethics Coun- why countries are pursuing renew- on the prospects of increased region- cils, the basic direction of which able energy. al investment. defines prevention of corruption “Political leaders especially em- For further insight, Koch’s policy and ethical offenses. The measures phasise the potential of renewable memos on Kazakhstan’s energy and taken are positively evaluated by energy projects to attract foreign natural resources use may be found international rating agencies and direct investment,” said Koch. “Po- at www.ponarseurasia.org and www. national experts,” Mukashev said. sitioning Kazakhstan as a leader centralasiaprogram.org.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 New Turkestan Oblast, beaming with opportunities, set for remarkable growth, governor says ternational levels. We have major What will the transformation ered. This will ensure the active By Assel Satubaldina ment preferences in the form of tourist destinations. They include of Turkestan into the cultural development of new industries investment subsidies, exemption health tourism in the Saryagash In an exclusive interview with capital of the Turkic world mean, through subcontracting and indus- from taxes and customs duties, as this newspaper, Akim (Governor) district, ski tourism in the Tolebi in practical terms? trial outsourcing with manufactur- well as the provision of land plots of the recently created Turkestan district (Kaska-Su), historical and As is known, last year Turke- ers in developed and industrially as in-kind grants. Oblast Zhanseit Tuimebayev dis- cultural tourism (pilgrimage) in stan was the cultural capital of developing countries. Second, the region has nine suc- cusses the significance of the step Turkestan and others. the Turkic world. Many cultural cessfully operating industrial ar- and the impressive prospects for We have unique architectural, events took place in the city. A Turkestan recently hosted an eas, where land plots are provided the development of a strategically historical and archaeological concept paper for the development investment forum. Could you tell with existing infrastructure. located region known for its cul- monuments, amazing nature and of Turkestan for 2018 to 2021 has us how you will generate invest- Third, special financial institu- unique culture. There are over been developed. Last September ment? What are the priority sec- tions that are ready to co-invest tural heritage, density of popula- ontustik.gov.kz. Photo credit: tion, economic potential and en- Zhanseit Tuimebayev 1,000 historical, cultural and ar- the President approved the con- tors and what mechanisms will be up to $3 million in investment trepreneurial spirit. chaeological sites as well as four cept paper of the master plan for used? projects with foreign participation protected areas (Aksu-Zhabagly, the development of Turkestan as a Indeed, in September, we held have been created under the aki- Thanks to the favourable cli- What is the vision for develop- Karatau, Sairam-Ugam and Syr cultural and spiritual centre of the the first “Ancient Turkestan, New mat of the Turkestan Oblast. mate conditions, 80 percent of the Darya-Turkestan) in the oblast. In Turkic world. It is not too much to Opportunities” international in- Fourth, we have created the ing the region and what are the country’s greenhouse facilities are prospects? What major sectors 2017, more than 270,000 tourists say that the concept paper is fo- vestment and tourism forum. This Turkistan Invest investment centre located in the Turkestan Oblast. visited the oblast, which is 40 per- cused on preserving Kazakhstan’s international event was held on the that provides full 24/7 support to will be focused on – agriculture, The region also ranks first in the industry, tourism? cent more than in 2016. cultural and historical heritage sacred land of Turkestan for the investors starting from the idea to country in terms of the number of The city of Turkestan, which is with a world-class spiritual, cul- first time. Two hundred and fifty the full launch of projects. First and foremost, we should cattle, over one million animals. note the truly historic decision more than 1,500 years old, is truly tural and tourist centre. delegates and representatives of a This year alone, our farmers ex- the holy land of our ancestors. Work is already underway on the number of states, including from How will you develop coopera- our head of state made this June. ported 35,000 tonnes of meat to A new Turkestan Oblast has been Every year, hundreds of thousands administrative division of the city Europe, Turkey, Russia, South Ko- tion with Uzbekistan? What spe- Iran and Uzbekistan, which is 52 of people come from different into three areas. These are the area rea, China, Singapore, Malaysia, cific projects will be implement- created with the centre in Turke- percent of the total volume in the stan. parts of the world on pilgrimage. of regulation of developments, the Pakistan and Uzbekistan, visited ed? What are the prospects for country. Negotiations have been Twenty-one khans, 52 batyrs, 19 historical and sacral area, and the us. creating an international zone of We all are aware that Turkestan launched on the supply of meat has for many centuries been the biys and eight sultans of the Ka- administrative and business centre. International experts participat- cross-border cooperation? products to China, which opens zakh people are buried here. We plan to restore the historic ing in it commended the forum. We have close, centuries-old heart of the political and spiritual up unlimited opportunities in the life of the Kazakh Khanate. The main attraction of the city surroundings of the Mausoleum To be perfectly frank, some guests good-neighbourly relations, development of animal husbandry. is a masterpiece of human crea- of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi and the could not help but be amazed at shared culture and traditions and This truly historic decision has There is no doubt, as an agrarian marked a new page in the history tive genius – the United Nations medieval settlement. Cultural and how we managed to ensure the a long history of strategic partner- region and food base for the whole Educational, Scientific and Cul- leisure facilities, a visitors’ centre, participation of major and re- ship with Uzbekistan. of Kazakhstan and in the future country, we will focus on enhanc- will serve as the starting point tural Organisation (UNESCO) an open-air museum, an amphithe- nowned experts and companies in In recent years, bilateral rela- ing the processing of agricultural World Heritage Site, Mausoleum atre and fountains will be erected such a short time. tions at the political level have sig- for the revival of Turkestan as the products. We plan to increase the spiritual and cultural centre of the of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi. It is not in the immediate vicinity of the As we planned, we saw an eco- nificantly intensified. supply of agricultural products by chance it is called the “Second mausoleum. Therefore, the preser- nomic effect in the form of signed Our President declared 2018 entire Turkic world and will boost not only in the country, but also the social and economic develop- Mecca” and people say “Mecca vation and improvement of the set- agreements and memorandums. the year of Uzbekistan in Kazakh- abroad. I am sure we can do this. has Muhammad and Turkestan has tlement, and the open-air museum Thus, we signed 19 memorandums stan. This once again confirms the ment of our region. Therefore, this However, despite the agrarian wise decision has already outlined Khoja Ahmed.” This October, we will attract tourists. worth about $1.7 billion. Agree- fraternal nature of our relations, character of the regional economy, celebrated the millionth visitor to The Turkic world centre, Khoja ments were concluded between the whose roots go deep into history. the priorities and prospects for the we plan to pay attention to other development of the region. the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Ahmed Yassawi Centre, Kazakh akimat of the Turkestan Oblast and We have registered 64 joint ven- areas of the economy. I think it is Yassawi; it was a married couple Khandary Men Bileri Cultural investors from Iran, Turkey, the tures with Uzbekistan in the oblast. In line with the task set by the necessary to follow the lead of the President, construction of new from North Carolina, USA. and Historical Centre, Uly Dala Czech Republic, Russia, the Unit- Currently, 31 of them are active. traditional triangle “industry – ag- Tourists are also attracted to the Eli Centre, Museum of Fine Arts, ed Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Italy, In 2017, bilateral trade increased administrative, social and cul- riculture – services.” tural facilities will be launched ancient settlements of Khankor- Astana Park, and other facilities Poland and China. by 30 percent and amounted to $2 Moreover, the tourism sector gan, Oksyz, Otrar, Sauran and oth- including a hammam will also be By holding this forum, we, in billion. The leaders of our coun- soon. At the first stage, the state will develop as part of industry envisages about $2 billion of in- er monuments of ancient culture. constructed in the city. fact, laid the first stone for the con- tries set a task this year to increase and services. We plan to introduce Therefore, the further establish- struction of a new economic and trade to $3 billion, and by 2020 to vestment in the construction of the advanced foreign expertise of buildings, facilities and infra- ment of Turkestan as a centre of Given the special attention cur- investment brand of Turkestan. A 5 billion. successful tourist countries, care- international tourism and pilgrim- rently devoted to the development spiritual and cultural brand, as I The key items exported from structure. New buildings, theatres, fully studying all the features of residential houses, an airport and age is one of the priorities for the of Turkestan itself, what can you mentioned, has already existed for Uzbekistan generally include veg- the development of this crucial development of the region. say about the development of the more than 1,500 years. etables, fruits, dried fruits, textiles an administrative and business sector of the economy. centre will be constructed. A new As I noted above, we have all the city’s transport infrastructure? Turkestan’s promotion in the and cars, and Kazakhstan supplies If you look at a geographical opportunities for tourism develop- I think it would be more correct international arena as the spiritual mainly flour, oil products, metal international airport will create map of the region, you can see the opportunities for investment and ment. First, the territory itself and to consider the development of the capital of the entire Turkic world ware and cement to Uzbekistan. diversity of landscapes and their the infrastructure of the region al- transport and logistics infrastruc- requires significant investment in As for specific investment pro- tourism growth. The development saturation with water courses, as of Turkestan will be based on ad- low for the comprehensive devel- ture not only of the oblast centre, infrastructure development, in- jects, a $330,000 project for the well as rich flora and fauna. The opment of tourism. We are talking but also of the entire region. troducing advanced practices and production of gas stoves was im- vanced technologies in the field oblast has a large number of ar- of construction and digitisation. It about the historically established As is known, the international technology. plemented in 2017 in the Badam chaeological, historical, cultural Great Silk Road, many tourist sites Western Europe-Western China To ensure Turkestan’s invest- industrial area with the partici- will be a safe and smart city of the and religious sites and sacred future. of historical and cultural heritage highway crosses our region. I ment attractiveness, we continue pation of Uzbek company Artel places. Therefore, the region is and a high degree of urbanisation think you do not even have to be to work on a special economic Manufacturing. In the Shardara Local and foreign companies promising for the development of and growth of the population as a an economist to understand that zone called “Turkistan”. Here, in- industrial area, with the participa- will actively work here. We are any form of domestic and interna- traditional culture bearer. this opens truly tremendous transit vestors will be provided with land tion of Uzbek business, the Ayka- particularly pleased with the activ- tional tourism. Second, it is about our geo- and logistical opportunities for en- with existing infrastructure and tax zhy company is finalising a $2.5 ity and social responsibility of the Our government has adopted the graphic location, with climatic tering the billion-dollar markets of benefits for 25 years. These invest- million project for the construc- private sector. For example, some concept for the development of conditions and proximity to the China and Europe. ment preferences are provided not tion of a cotton processing plant domestic and foreign companies tourism in Kazakhstan until 2023. borders of neighbouring states. International transport corridors only for tourism projects, but also with a capacity of 50,000 tonnes have already decided to invest in In the coming years, the Turkestan Third, natural diversity provides cross our area. The Turkestan, for the construction and industry per year. construction of five-star hotels Oblast and Turkestan will be the an opportunity to intensively de- Tashkent and Sughd Oblasts and sectors. We plan to develop joint tour- and shopping, entertainment and main tourist sites of the Revival velop medical, health, eco-adven- the cities of Shymkent, Tashkent As for raising investment, we ism projects with Uzbekistan. As I sports centres, as well as other fa- of the Great Silk Road cluster. ture, children’s, business, event, and Khujand strategically connect create the most favourable con- noted earlier, there is great poten- cilities worth over $100 million. Turkestan was also included in the rural and sports types of tourism. international markets; Turkestan ditions for this in the oblast. We tial for mountain and beach tour- Our agriculture, industry and top 10 promising projects of the We began landscaping the Ar- Oblast is located at the crossroads regularly work to improve the ism in our national park Ugam- services sectors are gaining mo- map of tourism development of ystanbab Mausoleum, Mausoleum of the Western Europe-Western business climate, resolve admin- Sairam and Lake Shardara. We mentum. There is a huge potential our country. for the development of export- of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, Otrar China highway and the Central istrative issues as quickly as pos- have prepared specific projects and settlement and Sauran. We pay Asia-Siberia highway, and the sible, try to help every investor, proposals for joint cooperation in oriented production, as well as What are the objectives of the special attention to the develop- Tashkent and Sughd Oblasts are ensure comprehensive support for this regard. Considering the well- border trade. If we fulfil this po- Turkestan Oblast in economic ment of the so-called soft infra- tourist centres of Central Asia. each project. Therefore, the busi- developed inbound tourism in Uz- tential, our manufacturers will get terms? Do you plan to develop structure of tourist facilities in the Moreover, all three regions stand ness climate of the region today is access to a common market of the new sectors and create new jobs? bekistan and its close proximity, region. out for a certain level of economic attractive for both local entrepre- countries of the Eurasian Eco- Today’s Turkestan Oblast is the we plan to develop joint tour pack- Every year we take an inventory complementarity, especially in lo- neurs and foreign investors. nomic Union with a population of most densely populated region ages that will extend the stay and of tourist facilities and organise gistics, agriculture, the food indus- more than 170 million people, as in Kazakhstan, with a favourable For instance, in 2017, invest- raise the interest of foreign tourists expeditions to explore new tourist try and close historical and cultural well as China and Uzbekistan. warm climate and a population of ment attracted in our oblast in our cities. routes. For example, this year with relations between the three coun- Our region is traditionally con- two million. amounted to $1.4 billion. Accord- Recently, we successfully held the participation of local history sidered to be agrarian. Fertile soil, The oblast has a favourable geo- tries. ing to this figure, our region is the first Forum of Interregional abundant sunshine and vast pas- graphic location at the crossroads experts, historians, photographers The region has the highest con- one of the leaders in the country. Cooperation between Kazakhstan tures create great opportunities to of land routes that link China and and representatives of travel agen- centration of population, 9 million Almost 60 percent of investment and Uzbekistan. We discussed develop diverse agricultural sec- Southeast Asia with the Middle cies we organised an expedition to people, which represent 15 percent is generated by small and medium- the development of economic and Sozak district. of the population of Central Asia sized businesses. We also hold one tors in the region. This is, first of East and Europe. For example, investment relations and cross- all, irrigated farming and animal Now, together with McKinsey, within a distance of only 420 km, of the leading positions in terms of border trade. Memorandums were within a radius of 1,000 km from husbandry. we are developing a comprehen- including such cities as Turkestan, the number of SMEs in the coun- signed between the Turkestan Turkestan there are seven capi- The region ranks first in the sive master plan for further de- Shymkent, Tashkent, and Khujand. try. The oblast has 130,000 SMEs. Oblast, the cities of Jizzakh, Tash- country in terms of the area under tals of foreign states. Our region velopment of Turkestan. Accord- All this creates a favourable en- Over 1,000 of these enterprises kent and the Tashkent Oblast. vegetables and gourds (111,000 is located in the heart of the Silk ing to preliminary estimates, the vironment for the development of successfully cooperate with for- We have great prospects and hectares), as well as in terms of Road and is the southern gate of number of tourists by 2030 will be cross-border cooperation, logistics eign companies in trade, industry, enormous opportunities in agri- vegetable harvesting (109,000 Kazakhstan. over 1.6 million people annually. infrastructure and services in the agriculture, construction and the culture, favourable conditions for hectares). We plan to increase the The main objectives of the re- As you know, in our region there region. production of building materials. the development of cross-border area under crops to 881,500 hec- gional economy are agriculture, are mineral water sources called To this end, with the support of With the participation of foreign cooperation in transport, logistics tares by 2025 and planting of gar- tourism and industry. It is obvious Saryagash. The Saryagash Resort the Asian Development Bank, we capital, we plan to implement 26 and services in the region. Since dens through the use of advanced that the effective development of Area allows us to actively develop have initiated the creation of the projects totalling $4.8 billion and our countries are landlocked, we technologies. these sectors will require the at- medical and health tourism. One Turkestan-Shymkent-Tashkent- create 10,000 jobs. We have al- need to develop overland transport Due to smart technologies, this traction of foreign investment. of its advantages is a wine chateau Khujand Economic Corridor that ready implemented 12 projects to ensure a full and sustainable ac- year the harvest of vegetables and With the participation of foreign of French vintage wines and a golf is a strategic section of the Inter- worth $2.1 billion. cess to developed markets. gourds was a record 2.7 million capital, we plan to implement 24 course that meets all international national North-South Transport The economy of the region is As I mentioned, the favourable tonnes, 500,000 tonnes of which projects in the oblast totalling $1.4 standards. In early November, we Corridor. quite diversified. We are not de- location of the region along the have already been exported to billion and create over 15,000 held the Saryagash Open 2018 A project will be implemented pendent on the sale of raw mate- Western Europe-Western China Germany, Latvia and Russia. We jobs. international golf tournament in in the region to create the Cen- rials; the manufacturing industry highway opens great transit and lo- have ample opportunities to im- Saryagash. Over one hundred golf tral Asia International Centre for makes up more than 60 percent of gistical opportunities for entering plement investment projects for What are the opportunities in lovers from Russia, South Korea, Cross-Border Cooperation (ICBC) the regional economy. the billion-dollar markets in China the storage and processing of ag- tourism development, given the Turkey and Uzbekistan took part on the border of Kazakhstan and Therefore, it is safe to say that and Europe. A joint project will be ricultural products. sacred places of the region? in the tournament. There is also a Uzbekistan. the oblast has created all the nec- implemented with the Uzbek side We produce 100 percent of We have a lot of opportunities great potential for mountain and The construction of a dry port essary conditions for attracting in- to create the Central Asia Interna- the total national volume of cot- for the development of this most beach tourism in our Shardara at the Kazakh-Uzbek border and a vestment. tional Centre for Cross-Border Co- ton and 70 percent of grapes and important area in our region. This Reservoir and Ugam-Sairam Na- modern distribution infrastructure First, at the legislative level, in- operation (ICBC) at the border of gourds. applies to both regional and in- tional Park. in the region is also being consid- vestors are provided with invest- Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 Growing bilateral relationship noted at celebration of Omani National Day million and that Oman’s national recognised the independence of By Saltanat Boteu oil company is helping develop Kazakhstan. President Nursultan the Pearl oil field in Kazakhstan’s Nazarbayev’s first visit to Oman ASTANA – The ambassador of sector of the Caspian Sea and the was in 1997, during which several Oman to Kazakhstan spoke with Dunga deposit in the country’s agreements and memoranda that The Astana Times about political, western Mangystau region. contributed to the Oman-Kazakh- economic and cultural relations Tourism is a sector the countries stan relationship were signed… between the two nations during are eager to build, and the two re- For us and for Arab world coun- the Nov. 21 celebration of Oman’s cently signed an agreement on mu- tries, Central Asia has an impor- 48th National Day at Astana’s tual exemption from visa require- tance because we have ancient re- Radisson Hotel, stressing tourism, ments for holders of diplomatic, lations in a cultural and traditional agriculture and energy as the main special and service passports. context,” he commented. fields of cooperation. Oman sees tourism as a rapidly Many Omani companies work in The event started with a wel- developing sphere and hopes to Kazakhstan, particularly in the oil come speech from Ambassador sign a similar visa waiver for all and gas sphere. Many Omani busi- Saeed bin Mohammed bin Ali al- citizens, the ambassador told The ness delegations have travelled to Barami and Kazakh Deputy Min- Astana Times. the country. ister of Foreign Affairs Roman Vassilenko concluded by em- “We cooperate in the tourism, Vassilenko. phasising the cultural ties between energy, business, and oil and gas “I have the pleasure to wel- Oman and Kazakhstan. spheres. We also have an interest come you at this festive ceremony “I would like to highlight that in agriculture that includes grain dedicated to the 48th glorious an- Kazakhstan Film Week and the and meat. Last year, we imported niversary of the National Day of ‘Astana, Heart of Eurasia’ photo 1,000 sheep to Muscat,” said Bar- the Oman Sultanate and thank you exhibition took place in Muscat ami. very much for your participation. this year. Today I must also under- The celebration gathered ap- It has been 48 years of the leader- line the high potential and tremen- proximately 400 guests, who were ship of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Omani Embassy. Photo credit: dous opportunities that enable us to gifted the first Kazakh language L-R: Omani Ambassador to Kazakhstan Saeed bin Mohammed bin Ali al-Barami and Kazakh Deputy Minister bin Said in Oman … During this of Foreign Affairs Roman Vassilenko. raise economic, trade and cultural book about Oman, written by period of its history, the Sultan- ties to a new level… I would like scholar and former Kazakh Deputy ate has enjoyed security, stability to express our strong confidence in Minister of Foreign Affairs Sailau and well-being … We will always “On behalf of the Kazakh gov- operation has been successfully signed then laid a solid legal basis the further dynamic development Batyrshauly. work for peace, security and sta- ernment and myself, I would like developing due to the political will for our bilateral cooperation,” he of Kazakhstan-Oman relations for “This is the first book about bility in our region and the world,” to extend our wholehearted con- of our leaders. The official visit of said. the benefit of both countries’ peo- Oman in the Kazakh language said the ambassador. gratulations to our Omani friends President Nursultan Nazarbayev to The deputy minister also touched ple,” he finished. written by the first Kazakh deputy He also congratulated Kazakh- on the 48th anniversary of the Oman in 2008 gave a strong impe- on current conditions of the bilat- Barami also heralded the strong minister after [Kazakhstan’s] inde- stan’s citizens on their upcoming Oman Sultanate’s National Day. tus for further cooperation and al- eral relationship, mentioning that relationship between the countries. pendence, Sailau Batyrshauly. The Independence Day. Vassilenko Since the establishment of diplo- lowed us to verify our position on overall direct investment from “Kazakhstan and Oman have book covers the history, politics, pointed out the strong relationship matic relations between Kazakh- topical international and regional Oman to Kazakhstan from 2005 to a great relationship. Oman is the economy, nature and tourism of between Oman and Kazakhstan. stan and Oman, our bilateral co- issues. In addition, the documents 2018 amounted to more than $250 first country in the Arab world that the country,” said the ambassador. Central Asian self-governance enabled Kazpost issues stamp by greater regionalism, say scholars commemorating country’s and trade policy, fostering consid- By Dilshat Zhussupova erable growth in Southeast Asia. The Nordic Council, on the other ASTANA – Central Asia is shed- hand, has shown that regional co- membership on UNSC ding its image as a mere domain operation can function successful- of competition among great pow- ly even when members have very By Malika Orazgaliyeva ers and increasingly asserting its different approaches toward larger agency, said a Swedish scholar in integrational structures,” said Nils- ASTANA– The Kazakh Min- a recent visit to Astana. son at the report’s presentation. istry of Foreign Affairs held Nov. Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst “ASEAN and the Nordic Coun- 26 a ceremony marking the issu- Deputy Editor and Central Asia- cil have been successful precisely ance of a postage stamp from the Caucasus Institute (CACI) and In- because the founders of these or- memorable and jubilee dates series stitute of Security and Development ganisations paid close attention titled Membership of the Republic Policy (ISDP) Researcher Niklas Svante Cornell to the structures and institutions of Kazakhstan in the United Na- Nilsson presented Nov. 26 Svante that would enable cooperation to tions Security Council. Cornell and Frederick Starr’s report in Central Asia is driven by greater thrive. Institutions mean that co- In 2016, 130 UN member states opportunities for continental trade, elected Kazakhstan as the first

“Modernisation and Regional Co- operation will develop organically inform.kz. Photo credit: operation in Central Asia: A New political and economic reform in and at all levels of government and Central Asian country to be a non- Spring?” at the conference, Astana Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan post- become part of each country’s po- permanent member of the UN Se- “It is symbolic that today’s cer- offset printing in four colours – A Centre of Global Integration, oil price drop and the changing litical culture – even at times when curity Council for 2017-2018. emony was held on the eve of the in the form of a sheetlet of ten Security and Peace. role and perception of Afghanistan the highest levels of government According to Deputy Foreign Day of the First President of Ka- stamps. The edition is 20,000 cop- In an interview with The Astana in the region. are not able to focus much of their Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev, zakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, ies. The price per copy will be 250 Times, CACI & Silk Road Studies “Some factors have been there time on regional cooperation,” Kazakhstan’s membership in who was at the core of our coun- tenge. Programme Joint Centre Director, for some time, particularly the said Cornell on the importance of the Security Council is one of try’s election as a non-permanent Ashikbayev and Managing Di- member of the UN Security Coun- rector of Kazpost Baurzhan Aina- ISDP Director and Co-founder and pressure of great powers like Chi- institutions’ quality for long-term the overarching foreign policy cil,” he emphasised. bekov attended the event to launch the report’s co-author Cornell ex- na and Russia on the region. Yet cooperation. achievements of the country over The postage stamp is made by the stamp. plained the research findings and that could have worked both ways, The authors conclude by illus- 27 years of independence. their significance. by either leading regional states trating what effective regionalism The report begins with the grand to closer cooperation or to further would look like, emphasising an vision that Central Asia is to po- division if they proved unable to exclusively Central Asian model tentially become a truly self-gov- coalesce. The cold shower of the of cooperation that is inclusive of erning region, “where problems oil price collapse a few years ago all Central Asian states, whether IAEA purchases low-enriched uranium are resolved by Central Asians; was important in making it clear big or small. where foreign powers can cooper- that business as usual in the eco- “Cooperation needs to be inclu- ate, but not engage in destructive nomic realm would no longer be sive in the sense that the smaller rivalries,” write Starr and Cornell possible. That, in turn, meant di- regional states must feel their voic- for LEU Bank in Kazakhstan versification. Without regional co- in its preface. es are heard,” said Cornell. “It is in strict adherence to the principles The bank is based at the Ulba operation, diversification through Over the past year, Central obvious that Kazakhstan and Uz- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov of transparency, fairness, compe- Metallurgy Plant in Ust-Kame- Asian states have certainly made development of the transportation bekistan will take the lead because tition and best value, the agency nogorsk in the East Kazakhstan remarkable progress on resolving sector would not be possible,” said of their size and resources but the ASTANA – The International said. region. The plant has dealt with problems that impeded closer re- Cornell. interests of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) In 2010, the IAEA management and stored nuclear materials for gionalism. The leaders of the five The conditions for closer and and Turkmenistan must also be has signed contracts to purchase decided to establish the LEU Bank more than 60 years without inci- countries met in Astana in March, more meaningful regional coop- recognised. I think leaders in Asta- low-enriched uranium (LEU) to to ensure the supply mechanism dents. the United Nations General As- eration have been increasingly na and Tashkent are very aware start operation of a Low-Enriched of last resort for IAEA member The idea to establish the LEU sembly (UNGA) adopted the reso- present as Central Asian statehood of this. Moreover, the role of Af- Uranium Bank in Kazakhstan in states. The bank will help the bank was initially put forward lution “Strengthening regional and underwent consolidation, “but it ghanistan in regional cooperation 2019. member states, which have a sup- in 2006 by Ted Turner and Sam international cooperation to ensure takes leadership to actually take will need to be agreed upon. There The purchase will be the IAEA’s ply disruption due to exceptional Nunn, co-founders of the Nu- peace, stability and sustainable the step toward building a region, is a consensus that Afghanistan is largest procurement since its foun- circumstances and face challenges clear Threat Initiative (NTI), a development in the Central Asian which is what we saw happen in part of Central Asia, but it is not dation in 1957. The acquisition with the purchase of nuclear power non-profit organisation aimed at Region” in June and the second the past two years, particularly clear how that gets translated into contracts were signed with two fuel from the commercial market. strengthening global security by summit of Central Asian leaders through the actions of Kazakh practice.” suppliers, Kazatomprom National The LEU bank is owned by the minimising the proliferation of will take place in Tashkent in the President Nursultan Nazarbayev “The most important point is that Atomic Company from Kazakh- IAEA and is operated in Kazakh- biological, chemical and nuclear spring of 2019. and Uzbek President Shavkat Mir- membership in these institutions of stan and Orano Cycle. They both stan. It will be a physical reserve weapons. The IAEA authorised the “Now, we are seeing closer in- ziyoyev,” he added. cooperation should be exclusively will supply LEU, the basic ingre- of up to 90 metric tonnes of LEU initiative in 2010 and Kazakhstan formal coordination in important Two regional cooperation struc- Central Asian – it should not be dient to produce nuclear power suitable to make fuel for a typical volunteered the following year to areas,” Cornell said. “These in- tures, the Association of Southeast open to external powers. This is to fuel, for transport to a facility in light water reactor, available for host the bank. clude how to jointly approach the Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the provide a platform through which Ust-Kamenogorsk (the East Ka- eligible countries. Kazakhstan is promoting initia- policies of great powers, how to Nordic Council, hold relevance for Central Asian countries can con- zakhstan region) where the mate- The operation of the LEU Bank tives voiced by Kazakh President promote and develop transpor- Central Asia. A comparative analy- duct a dialogue with foreign pow- rial will be stored. is fully funded by voluntary contri- Nursultan Nazarbayev, including tation routes and how to play a sis suggests that institutions matter ers as a unit,” added Nilsson at his According to the IAEA’s stand- butions from IAEA member states contributing to a global nuclear supportive role in Afghanistan’s greatly. presentation, noting that possible ard procedures for open tender, totalling $150 million. The latter disarmament movement. In the development. The most important “ASEAN has enabled its mem- relationships with Azerbaijan, the names of the successful bid- is enough to cover estimated costs 1990s, Kazakhstan voluntarily re- accomplishment was the UNGA bers to approach foreign great Georgia and Mongolia may be ders have been published at the for 20 years of the bank’s opera- nounced the world’s fourth larg- resolution on Central Asia passed powers as a unit rather than indi- considered at some point. United Nations Global Market- tion. At that, the bank’s operation est nuclear arsenal, which it had this summer.” vidually. The organisation has also The report is available at place (UNGM) web site. The LEU has no impact on the agency’s inherited after the collapse of the The new impetus for regionalism coordinated members’ economic www.silkroadstudies.org. acquisition process was carried out budget or other activities. Soviet Union in 1991. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Kazakhs and Cossack Dimash Kudaibergen performs Kazakh boxers improve their communities share historical solo concert in London BoxRec ranking roots, cultural similarities B2 B3 B7 TEDxAbayStWomen, Afghan-American TEDxYouth@AbaySt promote openness, activist challenges provoke conversation that matters perceptions of disabilities pital staff] gave me a place to stay By Saltanat Boteu and I started to go to school to get an education… I started a small ASTANA – U.S.-based moti- business fixing and repairing cell vator and activist for people with phones… to make enough money physical challenges Mohammad to pay for the school, food and Sayed presented Nov. 26 in Astana clothing,” said Sayed. the comic book he created about a He also made friends with some man in a wheelchair. of the people at the hospital. “The important thing I want peo- “Because the hospital was run ple to get out of this presentation by foreigners, there was an Ameri- is no matter what kind of disability can doctor who came there to help we have, what part of the world we people, victims of war. I met him. are from, we all face challenges… He wanted to learn to speak [Farsi] and go through difficulties. But the and he taught English to me… He important thing is we should never became my doctor and over time, give up, we should be hopeful and we really bonded,” said Sayed. work hard to achieve our dreams After seven years of life in the like everybody else,” said Sayed. hospital, he had to find a new way Sayed was born in Afghanistan to survive, as the hospital had to in a family with two brothers and close. a sister. His mother died when he “After seven years, when life was five and two weeks later, he was getting on the right path, an was paralyzed when his house was Italian journalist was kidnapped. bombed. His father took him to the Since the hospital was Italian, they hospital and Sayed never saw him decided to shut it down and eve- again. He lived for seven years in rybody left. Once again, I was on the hospital run by a non-govern- my own. I had to figure out again mental organisation in the Panshir [how] to survive… During the time Valley. I was living there, one doctor gave “From that age, I was on my me a camera and the other gave me own and I lived in this hospital in a printer, so I started a photogra- the mountains… Since I had no phy business,” said Sayed. family to take me home, they [hos- Continued on Page B2

exclusive interview with The ago, which started as an “enthusi- “There is no hierarchy; all par- By Assel Satubaldina Astana Times. astic idea.” ticipants get invited, no special The team also coordinated the “It was in 2016, when we were places for partners or someone else. ASTANA – Almaty residents Nov. 17 TEDxYouth@AbaySt, running an education centre with There are no logos of sponsors on Experts call for more and guests had a chance to im- with “x” denoting an independent- a partner. Then, we set a goal to the stage. The focus is solely on merse in the TED Talk experi- ly organised event. The “Be Equal” build a sort of community around the conference and the idea,” said ence, famous for its “ideas worth motto gathered people to speak our education project and we were Makhmudova. spreading” mission, as the city about the role of youth, the impor- looking at different formats. I She emphasised the opportunity information on hosted TEDxAbayStWomen Dec. tance of their ideas and that their came across the TEDx format and to create your “own community and 2. The day presented speakers an opinions should be treated equally. we really liked it, because the idea, provide a safe space for all speakers.” opportunity to share unique stories Makhmudova believes rhetoric values, concept and organisational The platform has changed over and ideas about the role of women about women and young people is aspects were very similar. I saw the years, as the concept of gender Almaty reconstruction and girls in Kazakhstan, their de- similar. that the event was well planned has changed. change the colour of house and cisions, choices and power to be “It is from top to bottom. Some- and truly promotes such values as “It became not only about By Assel Satubaldina public building façades and install change makers. one, by virtue of gender or age, openness and diversity and makes women, but also about gender, bins and lights. Started in 1984, TED confer- tells women and young people ideas visible,” she noted. gender roles, what it means to ASTANA – Urban Forum Ka- Part of Zhibek Zholy Street ences feature speeches on topics what they need to do, how they “There were hardly any platforms be woman and man, to what ex- zakhstan recently gathered experts from Zheltoksan Street to Seiful- ranging from science and art to should behave or should not be- to discuss gender topics. Why is it tent a person has a right to be to discuss the Almaty renovation lin Avenue will also be renovat- politics and business with a se- have. Their [women and young like that? When I saw this ‘women’ himself or herself, if he or she plan scheduled for next year. The ed, with 207 trees to be planted. ries of special events, such as people] opinion and vision are in format and that there is so much does not want to live up to the project envisions reconstructing Baiseitova Street will be updated TED Women and TED Youth. most cases left unseen and unval- not said and so much not covered, standards of men and women the Esentai and Malaya Almatinka from Kabanbai Batyr Street to Local organiser Leyla Zuleikha ued both professionally and per- I thought that this platform should in his or her society, about dis- embankments and Dostyk, Gogol, Tole Bi Street, while Tole Bi Makhmudova, a gender and edu- sonally,” she said. exist here,” she added. crimination. It is related to all,” Kazybek Bi, Tole Bi and Zhibek Street will be refurbished from cation consultant, spoke about She and her team organised the Riveting speeches and ideas can she added. Zholy streets. Kaldayakov Street to the Esentai Continued on Page B5 their goals and experience in an first TED Women event two years provoke conversations that matter. The meeting included architects, River embankment. The project ecologists, businesspersons, sus- also includes part of Gogol Street tainable transport experts, urban from Kaldayakov Street to Cen- professionals and specialists fo- tral Park. cusing on historical legacy. This year, the city administra- In September, Almaty city De- tion has been working on improv- Kazakh PhD students in UK initiate partment of Architecture and Ur- ing pedestrian walkways on Abai, ban Planning published its plan to Abylaikhan and Nazarbayev av- rebuild some of the central streets enues, Republic Palace Square and of Kazakhstan’s largest city. Kazy- Gogol and Zheltoksan streets. The collaboration, research exchanges bek Bi Street will be reconstructed reconstruction process, however, in the 4.07 hectares from Dostyk did not involve the public in the Avenue to Nauryzbai Batyr Street. discussion. to achieve SDGs in Central Asia The plan is to plant 1,288 trees, Continued on Page B4 By Zhanna Shayakhmetova THINGS TO WATCH & ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s PhD Association in the U.K. will organise PLACES TO GO the second Central Asian Research Forum on Sustainable Development BARYS ARENA and Innovation March 18 in Lough- December 6 at 7.30 p.m. HC Barys – HC Traktor borough and April 4 in the Kazakh capital. Loughborough University Chelyabinsk and Nazarbayev University will host December 18 at 5 p.m. HC Barys – HC Severstal the student-led initiative. Cherepovets As a preview, The Astana Times spoke with association founder December 20 at HC Barys – HC Lokomotiv and president Aliya Sembayeva to 7.30 p.m. Yaroslavl learn about its activities and pro- jects. “The forum will provide a plat- ASTANA OPERA form for researchers to present December 16 at 5 p.m. Gala Opera, concert and discuss their cutting-edge and action-oriented research projects December 21 at 7 p.m. Turandot, opera on the sustainable development of Kazakhstan and Central Asia and to implement these projects in co- CONGRESS CENTRE operation with potential partners December 21, 22, Mr. Adam, chamber from the government and business 23 at 5, 8 p.m. orchestra concert sector,” she said. Aliya Sembayeva The forum will seek to establish institutional links and strengthen across all local universities in Ka- forum in March with the support of ing the life conditions of people in ASTANA BALLET collaboration between Kazakh and zakhstan and other Central Asian the Kazakh Embassy in the U.K. Kazakhstan and the entire Central British universities and stimulate nations. “Kazakh researchers demon- Asian region,” she added. December 22, 23 at 6 p.m The Nutcracker, ballet sustainable development research The association organised the first strated projects aimed at improv- Continued on Page B5 B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 Kazakhs and Cossack communities share historical roots, cultural similarities, says community leader of the ethnic group increasingly others. It is a big holiday during The community leader empha- By Dilshat Zhussupova find that the culture that they seek which, among other things, we go sised the community-oriented na- to preserve is really a synthesis to Church and eat our national dish ture of their projects. ASTANA – The Akmola De- of cultures, said the community’s of pelmeni (dumplings). Without “We will be submitting our sug- partment of Cossacks serves as leader Yegor Shadrin to The Asta- the latter, a New Year’s celebration gestions to the Kazakh Ministry the region’s ethno-cultural or- na Times. is incomplete,” he said. of Internal Affairs and regional ganisation for Cossacks, who “Speaking on behalf of the Ak- The Akmola Department of Cos- akimat (administration) on, for number approximately 100,000 in mola Department of Cossacks, sacks was recently registered in instance, helping out with street Kazakhstan. many of us were born in Kazakh- October, having previously been patrols if necessary. We are net- The similar-sounding ethno- stan so we truly think of it as our a part of the World Union of Cos- working in order to be invited to nyms Cossack and Kazakh in the homeland. We certainly have our sack Atamans. city-wide events, where we can Kazakh language are suggestive own culture and seek to preserve “I believe that we are one of the present our culture to the public. of the way in which the ethnic it, but we also try to converse in first, if not only, ethno-cultural We are trying to rent a place to groups’ history is closely tied. Kazakh – many of us are fluent. organisations to have formed a host a youth club so that, instead of Historically, Cossacks in Ka- Generally, our culture is close to department just for the Akmola re- hanging around the courtyard, our zakhstan consisted of several ter- that of the Kazakhs. Our roots are gion,” noted Shadrin. “We are now youth may have a space to develop ritorial groups that were separate one and the same – Turkic,” he establishing a Muslim Department their interests and also learn about troops. The Ural, Orenburg, Sibe- said. of Cossacks, the first in the north- Cossack and Kazakh culture. Re- rian and Semirechensky Cossack Community members preserve ern region.” garding our humanitarian work, troops constituted Russia’s politi- their culture by researching his- Its mission is, first and foremost, we will be providing assistance at cal, military, economic and socio- dailynews.kz. Photo credit: torical facts and their great grand- to present its culture within Ka- elderly homes and orphanages,” he cultural presence in Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev meets with Cossacks on the Day of Unity of the fathers’ stories and taking part in zakh society. said. and would directly interact with People of Kazakhstan. national songs and dances. Still, “Our mission is in no way mil- The department is not yet a part the Kazakh population. Their re- Cossacks and Kazakhs are likely itary-based,” he said. “We seek to of the Assembly of the People of lations were often mutually ben- instead accompanied by military nity has come a long way since the to spend a particular day of the show our culture, devoid of harm- Kazakhstan but “looks forward eficial, accompanied by trade and clashes and struggles over land registration of its first organisation, year in much the same way. ful stereotypes. Likewise, we wish to making its contribution if and technology transfers. At other resources. Ural’s Cossack Historical and Cul- “New Years is the most impor- to foster our members’ interest in when it is able to join,” concluded times, relations were strained, The country’s Cossack commu- tural Society, in 1990. Members tant celebration for us and for many Kazakh culture.” Shadrin. Founder of local NGO brings Afghan-American activist unique therapy to children challenges perceptions with disabilities of disabilities “It was 2007. I remember that tary donations and attracts volun- Continued from Page B1 thing we did was we wanted to cre- comic books is that, for him, this is By Saltanat Boteu dogs were brought to our clinic. teers to help. ate five original superheroes, which a good way to reach out to young Volunteers brought them once a “The principal difference of our The American doctor Sayed had are Wheelchair Man, Wheelchair generation. He believes he can in- ASTANA – Yerlan Kumiskali- week… It was a great happiness organisation from others is that befriended was back in the United Woman, Wheelchair Girl, Wheel- fluence and change the mentality of yev, chair of the Atyrau Is a Small for us (patients). We waited every we do not ask for funds from the States and asked a nurse going to chair Boy and Captain Afghanistan. people through his works. Country public fund and one of Wednesday of the week… I be- government. It is my choice. My Afghanistan to check on Sayed’s We want them to be not only di- “The goal for anybody in any part Kazakhstan’s 100 New Faces, is lieve that my recovery is a merit mission in life is to help my coun- condition after the closing of the verse in disability, but also in gen- of the world is to accept us in com- working to support children with of dog therapists. When they come try and to try to solve at least one hospital. In 2009, the nurse invited der, race and ethnicity,” explained munity and see that we have a lot to brain and spinal cord injuries. He and lay on your hands looking problem… We develop social en- Sayed to move to the United States Sayed. give to the community… Changes is also building a small village for with kind eyes, everything chang- trepreneurship. We earn funds for and began a new life. His goal is also to draw the atten- do not happen overnight. We are the youngsters to help them adapt es. At that time, an idea came to ourselves,” said Kumiskaliyev. “In 2009, she asked me if I want- tion of people all over the world to not alone fighting for equality, jus- and become full members of soci- my mind, ‘there are also patients Seventy percent of patients are ed to go to America with her and be the abilities of those who live and tice and being involved in the com- ety. in my city,’” he added. children of single mothers. The her family… and I agreed… She is move in wheelchairs. After starting munity. It will be a long road ahead, centre also tries to help them, as now my mother. I live with her and his company, Sayed’s activities ex- but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t a child’s successful rehabilitation we have two birds… I have a fam- panded. fight for that,” noted Sayed. depends on their psychological ily,” said Sayed. “In 2017, we launched Wheel- Wanting to convey his message state. The mothers can attend vari- After arriving in the United chair Man and it really made head- about hope and the empowerment ous clubs such as dance, fitness States, Sayed endured several sur- lines… We started to collaborate of people with disabilities around and beauty for free. geries over six months. with different organisations around the world, Sayed is now focusing Approximately 80 percent of the “My condition was really bad. the world. I was just an inventor his creative talents on helping oth- patients are children with arm and I had a lot of different issues. My and once it started to make news, I ers with spinal cord injuries through leg sensitivity. Despite all the dif- spine was really curved. Actually, was pulled into different directions, the development of adaptive tools. ficulties, some have been able to doctors told me if I did not come like now, advocacy and travelling “Since I had this creative mind, I attend kindergarten and school af- to America, I would have been around the world sharing my story. always wanted to invent and solve ter recovery. Kumiskaliyev travels dead by the age of 18. Right when I started to create next comic books. problems. Along with my high around Kazakhstan helping chil- I arrived, I went into six months of In 2018, we launched Captain Af- school education I started to take dren from different regions and intensive surgeries. They straight- ghanistan, which is based on my courses at MIT and Harvard to get cities. In addition to his two origi- ened my spine and legs… Then af- best friend’s story who lost his leg different skills, because I wanted to nal male dogs, he has also raised a ter I recovered, I started school in and an eye. When I left Afghani- start creating different tools to not Yerlan Kumiskaliyev female Labrador. America,” said Sayed. stan, he was unfortunately living in only help people physically, but also “Just from the Atyrau region I Today he creates comic charac- the streets. He was my hero and I psychologically. In 2016, I gradu- have 370 children and approxi- ters to inspire people in wheelchairs was his. This was my way of hon- ated from high school and founded Born in 1971 in the Atyrau re- Kumiskaliyev wondered about mately 50 children in Almaty. to think and feel different about ouring him in his memory,” said my first company to bring my vi- gion, Kumiskaliyev’s life was ways to incorporate canine therapy Also, I have children from Pav- themselves, and to challenge the Sayed. sions to life. During that time, when shaped by two family situations. at home. He began by thinking lodar, Petropavlovsk, Ust-Kame- society’s perception about people The Sayed’s next comic book I was creating these assistive devic- When he was young, his father about his ability to raise such dogs nogorsk, Uralsk and other cities,” with disabilities as well. For Sayed, will be about a woman in a wheel- es, U.S. President Barack Obama suffered a stroke, and the son de- and held sessions for people. He he noted. people with disabilities are heroes chair from India. For that, he wants … heard that I use 3D technologies cided his future would be devoted also considered others’ reactions In the last several years, Ku- because they face difficulties and to travel to India in 2019 and find a and invited me to the White House,” to helping others. to his idea. Finally, he discovered miskaliyev has initiated plans for challenges every day. role model for the book’s character. said Sayed. After graduating from high an organisation to help implement a small village for children with “In America, we have a lot of “The storyline is that she was For Sayed, that was a huge mo- school, he entered medical col- the project. disabilities where he hopes to of- superheroes: Superman, Spider- paralysed, and her parents took her tivation. lege. He worked in the healthcare “I found an organisation on the fer special facilities and different man, Batman and others. But there to a facility and left her there. She The Astana event presenting his field, then enrolled in Kazakh Law Internet and started to expand my animals to create a pleasant at- was nobody that represented disa- started to go to school. After gradu- latest comic book was organised by University in Taldykorgan. After knowledge in canine therapy. I mosphere for their recovery. The bled community. I went to Boston ating she started to give back to her the Rights of Persons with Disabili- returning to Atyrau, he taught at contacted a dog kennel in Sara- village is expected to open in the Comic Con and saw everybody in community by fighting for equality ties Commission named after Kairat the Humanitarian and Technical tov city (Russia) that trains guide spring. costumes. Nobody showed a sign for girls in India,” added Sayed. Imanaliev in cooperation with the College. dogs, rescue dogs and dogs-canine “Currently, we are building a that people with disabilities could The reason Sayed chooses to U.S. Embassy. Sayed will also The second part of his story therapists. I sent a request to them small village on a territory of five be superheroes too. So, the first share his ideas and thoughts through visit Almaty and Shymkent cities. began when he took his sister to for dogs. Then, I waited for two or hectares that the [Atyrau] region’s China for a medical examination. two and a-half years in a queue… akim (governor) gave us. It is a While there, he was also checked After two years, they called [and special village, because it is the and diagnosed with a significant offered] two puppies. For ca- third such village in the world. The illness. During his treatment, he nine therapy the dogs should be first one appeared in Aberdeen in decided that if he recovered he brought in 10 days before they the United Kingdom, the second would dedicate his life to helping open their eyes… I brought them one is located in the Yaroslav re- people in need. and they grew up as my own chil- gion of Russia and our ‘small “I was shocked. From that time, dren,” he said. country’ will be the third one. This I started a fight for my life. I had The Centre for Supporting Chil- territory is for helping these chil- so many dreams and plans… I was dren with Brain and Spinal Cord dren to acquire certain skills that very young… During the treat- Damage (cerebral palsy, Down they cannot acquire in the city. ment, I lost 30 kilogrammes… syndrome and autism) was opened Most important for us is to help a One day I opened my eyes – my in 2012 with two Labrador pup- child become independent without bed was in front of the window – pies. help from parents,” he said. I saw a huge moon and I said, ‘if “Interestingly, one dog ex- Kumiskaliyev expressed his God makes my dream to return pressed great skills in working deep gratitude to all those support- home come true, I will dedicate with active children such as chil- ing him in the projects. my life to those with difficulties dren with Down syndrome and “When society recognises you, who need my help,” he told The autism, while the other dog is it gives you a lot of strength. Be- Astana Times. good at working with bedbound cause we work with children who Returning to Kazakhstan, he children with cerebral palsy,” he are in such a difficult situation, we wanted to open a canine therapy noted. spend almost 24 hours a day with centre based on his own experi- Rehabilitation and other assis- them. It is very difficult emotional- ence of communicating with dogs tance at the centre are always free ly and when you get such a reward Wheelchair Man facebook page. Photo credit: during his recovery. of charge. It exists only on volun- it inspires,” he said. Mohammad Sayed (centre, seated) meets with readers at the presentation on Nov. 26 in Astana. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 Dimash Kudaibergen Spirit of the Great Steppe exhibition performs solo displays Kazakh art in Turkey thography’ in Kazakhstan has re- By Aidana Yergaliyeva mained intact,” said Ketiz. The exhibition was displayed in concert in London ASTANA – Mustafa Ayaz Mod- the Turkish capital until Nov. 25 ern Arts Museum in Ankara recent- and will next be presented in mid- ly opened the exhibition “Spirit of December in Bursa, Turkey. the Great Steppe” that showcases The Abylkhan Kasteyev State 32 works of contemporary Kazakh Museum of Art organised the ex- artists. hibition. The exhibition features nomadic “Thanks to the organisation of culture and traditions of the Ka- such exhibitions in different cities zakh steppes. of the world, the Kasteev Art Mu- “Through these paintings, we seum brings the art of Kazakhstan see the world through the eyes of to an international level, introduc- Kazakh artists,” said Abbas Ketiz, es the international public to the an associate professor at the De- history and culture of our people, partment of Fine Arts of Gazi Uni- to the works of our artists,” said versity. Gulmira Shalabayeva, director of Some art works depict the at- the Kasteyev State Museum of mosphere of ancient Kazakh na- Art.

tional games with the competitive inform.kz. Photo credit: The exhibition was presented as fervour and tension of the battle, part of the Ruhani Jangyru (Mod- finest lyricism, while others illus- such as the realistic poetics of professionally. For example, such ernisation of Kazakhstan’s Iden- trate historical figures, nomadic Dulat Aliyev, the abstraction of pictures in graphics technique tity) programme and initiated by migrations on camels, commer- Marat Bekeyev, Gaisha Madanova have not been drawn for a long the Kazakh Ministry Culture and cial caravans, women’s national and Andrei Noda and the graphic time. Lectures about this tech- Sports, International Organization dresses and the culture of Kazakh work of Yevgeny Sidorkin. nique were held twenty years ago of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) hospitality. “Turkish people must visit this at the Academy of Fine Arts. As and Kasteyev State Museum of The artists used techniques, exhibition. Works are performed you can see, the technique of ‘li- Arts.

Staff Report who has a vocal range covering five octaves, four notes and one ASTANA – Famous Kazakh semitone, was the winner of the Astana Chamber Choir performs singer Dimash Kudaibergen per- Grand Prix of the Slavic Bazaar formed his exclusive “DQ” solo 2015 competition in Vitebsk (Be- concert Nov. 19 in London at O2 larus) and the People’s Favourite Arena’s Indigo Hall. National Prize in Kazakhstan. Rock Opera and Broadway hits The concert joined the celebra- He was also awarded the Cer- Queen, “Stand by Me” by Ben tured the song “Araily Astana” tre-Dame de Paris” by R. Cocci- tion of Days of Kazakh culture in tificate of Honour of the Kazakh By Aidana Yergaliyeva King, “Ain’t Now,” “We Shall by Kazakh composer Zholaman ante and many others. the United Kingdom organised by President. Overcome” and others. Tursynbayev and hits from the The Chamber Choir of the the Kazakh Ministry of Culture His popularity in Asia grew tre- ASTANA – The Chamber The performance also included musicals “My Fair Lady” by State Academic Philharmonic and Sports and the Kazakh Em- mendously after his participation Choir of the State Academic Phil- pieces from musicals recognised Frederick Loewe, “West Side Sto- of the Astana Akimat under the bassy in London. at “Singer,” one of the most popu- harmonic of the Astana Akimat worldwide. Musicals, being dras- ry” by Leonard Bernstein, “Chi- direction of honorary artists of “When you are performing in lar music TV shows in China. (city administration) performed tically different from the classical cago” by John Kander, “Rent” by Kazakhstan Gulmira Kuttybada- front of such a vivid audience with In March 2017, the Kazakh star worldwide hits from rock operas operatic vocals, are done with a Jonathan Larson, “Mamma Mia!” mova form a team that has repeat- sparkling eyes and when you sing won the top award at the China and musicals Nov. 27 in Astana unique combination of musical, by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny An- edly won awards at several inter- your favourite songs, it is difficult Top Music Awards in the category Opera. dramatic, choreographic and op- dersson from ABBA, as well as national competitions and toured to say right away how this concert Best Asian Popular Singer for his In the last few years, rock hits eratic art. “Roméo et Juliette: de la Haine à many cities across Kazakhstan influenced you. The only thing I outstanding performances in the performed by local orchestras have The concert programme fea- l’Amour” by G. Presgurvic, “No- and abroad. can say now is I am very glad,” show. been well received in Astana’s said Kudaibergen. Kudaibergen will also perform concert halls. The rock opera as a The programme featured his hits at the Song of the Year concert and genre dates back to the 1960s. It is and new songs that he performed take part in the making of New still an opera that narrates a story, exclusively in London. Year Blue Light show aired annu- but the plot is revealed through Kudaibergen also performed ally on New Year’s night on a Rus- vocal compositions written in the some of the world’s popular sin- sia TV channel. rock style. In addition, guitarists gles and paid tribute to Kazakh fig- Prominent Russian composer and other rock musicians can be ure skater and Olympic medallist and producer Igor Krutoi invited onstage along with vocalists. Denis Ten who tragically passed Kudaibergen to perform. The choir sang popular com- away in July, singing “S.O.S. D’un “When I met Igor Krutoi, I had positions from rock operas such Terrien En Detresse.” a special feeling. He worked with as “Jesus Christ Superstar” by The organisers said fans from 45 great singers, such as Andrea Bo- Andrew Lloyd Webber, “Mo- countries came to watch the Ka- celli, Dmitry Khvorostovsky, Lara zart, l’Opéra Rock” based on a zakh singer’s concert and nearly Fabian. Igor Krutoi is an easy go- book by Dove Attia and François 100 of them welcomed him at the ing and kind person. I accept each Chouquet, “Juno and Avos” by Heathrow Airport. of his invitation in all sincerity,” Alexey Rybnikov, as well as the Aktobe native Kudaibergen, said Kudaibergen. songs “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Young artist uses art to draw a connection between Great Steppe and human soul meras in Notre Dame or like some thing in the next painting… They By Aidana Yergaliyeva Japanese houses that have these work in complex to create a gen- scary monsters on their roofs, eral picture.” ASTANA – Young artist Adil they are there to protect the own- As the exhibit name indicates, Aubekerov opened his personal ers from evil spirits,” said gallery lines and destination are the keys exhibit “Lines and Destinations” owner Dina Baitasova. to understanding the painter’s Nov. 22 at TSE Art Destination. The exhibit contains both his mind. The show will continue through earlier paintings and new ones “The line of life is the complex Jan. 12. created exclusively for the show. of everything. All of my visual cul- “Adil Aubekerov, an artist of “The mirror of a soul” is the first ture forms with lines. If you take the 21st century, is looking for work that catches one’s eye. a look at a human, some combina- signs of purpose not in the ingen- “I always liked the feeling of a tion of lines gives its figure. We ious science of fortune telling, but portal. These lines are from vibra- read this is a building or a cup or in patient questioning of reality tion; i.e. I try to paint sound pe- a spoon with minimal quantity of about the meaning of their art. He riodically,” said Aubekerov. “This lines that give us the description. is waiting for the beauty in full silhouette is like a mirror; i.e. you Everything should work in a com- arms to mature in his heart and come up to a mirror and contem- plex,” he said. will tell the moment for the action, plate yourself on a bigger scale: Aubekerov often paints in an the moment when it should enter what are you in relation to beauty, unconscious manner, letting his into this world. This is a special nature?” he asked. feelings and inner state dictate kind of hunt for power,” said exhi- One can see human shapes his motions. At the same time, his bition curator Yerzhan Akatayev. reminiscent of faces and hands paintings are very serious and ad- An ethnic Kazakh, Aubekerov in nearly every painting. All rep- dress certain issues. His work is was born and raised in Astrakhan, resent the inner state of a person similar to many European artists one of the Russian cities of cultur- and, maybe, even the visualisa- of the 20th century who were in- al and economic importance. He tion of a soul, he said. terested in unconscious art, whose connects with the Great Steppes Adil Aubekerov “These are the eternal themes brushstrokes unveiled the stories in his own way. on the crossroads of life and that Aubekerov notes are “stored “What I do is this great song at exhibitions in Moscow, St. Pe- we could get inspired from,” he “Ghost Exhibition,” the last part of death. Nobody knows what’s in in our subconscious mind.” of nothing less than the Great tersburg and Saint-Tropez and added. the show. there. It is important for me, as “All of this initially splashes Steppe. Since my place of birth is previously shown in France, Ger- Aubekerov visited Kazakhstan “His paintings beam a strong a painter, to think about. In all of unconsciously, but then it gets the Astrakhan region, this steppe many and Spain. They reflect in August to participate in the energy and power. The energy is these, there is something mysti- corrected by my own preferences climate also inspires me very his thoughts on the history of his three-part Astana Art Show, one very positive. Some people might cal,” he added. and experience. It is not possible much. Therefore, all that is col- homeland. of autumn’s brightest events. He think that some images are fright- Aubekerov also noted the im- to say that it is only unconscious. lected here is a kind of love for “I see a dialogue with the past. painted the façade of the gallery. ening, but he explained to me that portance of the visitor’s final per- Unconscious energy is chaos; it is these places,” he said. It is the ancient cultures that might His display continues the theme these images, on the contrary, ception, because “each painting important to direct this energy,” His works were well received have populated the localities that of the steppes and sacral places of guard a person. Just like the chi- has a detail that completes some- he said. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 Kazakhstan to modernise police, conduct performance appraisals ards between police officers and toring systems. The new services of independence. The current state This will save 16 billion tenge misdemeanours will lose all ben- Staff Report citizens are outdated. will improve public feedback on- of preventing violations does not (US$43.4 million),” he said. efits. “The activities of the internal line,” he said. fully meet the requirements of The released funds will be ear- “We need police officers of the ASTANA – Kazakh President affairs bodies do not meet the ex- Digitisation will help reduce people,” he said. marked to improve the employees’ new formation. The system of Nursultan Nazarbayev announced pectations of society and cause corruption and optimise manage- The changes in internal affairs labour remuneration system and selection, training and promo- plans to reform the police and oth- complaints from citizens. People ment links and staffing levels. The should occur in accordance with social protection. A need also ex- tion of personnel will be revised. er agencies of the Ministry of In- do not feel safe. We cannot ensure changes will affect the penitentiary the directions in the Oct. 5 state- ists to conduct systematic work on The training will undergo major ternal Affairs at the Nov. 18 meet- the best quality of life without this. system, where violent criminals of-the-nation address. The head of finding additional internal reserves changes. We need the new police ing at the Akorda. Safety is of great importance,” he will be separated from other con- state also set the task to cut staff and and eliminating inefficient admin- academies for a quality education “Every year, more than 4.5 mil- added. victs. exclude non-mandatory functions. istrative costs. which meets international stand- lion citizens report crimes to the The President noted the need to Nazarbayev also directed tak- “There is a need to focus on “An additional 21.4 billion tenge ards,” said Nazarbayev. police, but the conditions for them create comfortable, technically- ing measures to minimise street the fight against crime. The staff (US$58.1 million) will be allo- The ministry will operate only are not created. The police need to equipped front offices with con- crimes. number will be reduced by 10 per- cated to increase the salary of the five of its 12 educational institu- deal with their problems promptly venient work schedules. “The crime rate decreased by cent. These measures will lead to police officers. Citizens pay taxes tions. and in accordance with the law. “Digital technologies will be 17.5 percent over the past three a decrease in the number of po- and they expect that law enforce- “The certification will be organ- This is the new standard of work introduced in the internal affairs years. Some 779 police offic- lice officers from 471 to 424 for ment agencies fulfil their duties ised for acting police officers. Em- with the population,” he said. departments. The cities will be ers died and approximately 2,000 every 100,000 citizens as well as properly,” he added. ployees who do not pass this ex- The existing relationship stand- equipped with public safety moni- have been injured over the years the European Union average level. Police officers dismissed for amination will be fired,” he added. Research institute to enact comprehensive Experts call for more plan to counter cancer mortality information on which are not yet available in the cers of the brain and cornea in chil- derway in the care system for pa- Staff Report country. dren. According to Kaidarova, there tients with cancer. The institute plans to update all are 57 such centres worldwide. “We are rebuilding the entire ASTANA – The Kazakh Re- radiotherapy technology in coun- “Now, within our institute at system of oncological care. Today, Almaty reconstruction search Institute of Oncology and try’s regions, to allow doctors to Nazarbayev University, we are there is a gradual shift to early detec- Continued from Page B1 the streets’ capacity to manage Radiology has prepared a 35 bil- use more modern methods. All pa- conducting a large scientific study tion and diagnosis of cancer based precipitation and runoff, which lion tenge (US$93.88 million) ac- tients will be able to receive treat- on the identification of gene muta- on screening research and high-tech Experts noted the information has proven to be a serious prob- tion plan to reduce cancer mortal- ment free of charge. tions that contribute to the devel- detection methods, including labo- published on the department web- lem for the city after heavy spring ity rates for the next year, Director Some of the plan’s funds will be opment of cancer in the Kazakh ratory detection,” said Birtanov. site and its Facebook page, which and summer rains and the failure of the institute Dilyara Kaidarova allocated to install equipment for population, because Kazakhs have Over 10 years, the death rate mostly includes before/after im- of the sewage and water manage- told the recent Innovations in proton therapy at Astana’s new on- certain types of cancer that are not from cancer has decreased by 1.5 ages, is insufficient to draw con- ment systems to properly control Healthcare forum. cology centre. The therapy is one the same as in Europeans or Amer- times in Kazakhstan. clusions and understand the scale them. The comprehensive plan to fight of the most progressive and safest icans,” she said. According to screening data, of the work. They also underlined the lack cancer includes the purchase of in- treatment methods. Surgeons use Minister of Healthcare Yelzhan Kazakhs suffer more often from “During two weeks, our experts of lighting at roads and walkways novative equipment, some types of the method most often to treat can- Birtanov said changes are also un- breast, lung and colorectal cancer. were working, examining mate- and need to adapt streets for the rials and projects and collecting low mobility population. documents that we have consoli- The plan should be more practi- dated into a single presentation. cal, they noted, and take into ac- The main task was to examine the count historical buildings located planned project taking into ac- on the streets. Language policy programme brings positive count three questions – what in- “It would be good if the ar- formation is lacking, what we can chitecture and urban planning conclude from the proposed mate- department published the list of rial and whether we can take into buildings with their addresses and results, considers terminology update account the experience from past type of planned work. The status was 93 percent, including 91 per- the Kazakh language and translate years,” said Urban Forum direc- of buildings should also be men- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova cent in central executive bodies, it into scientific language. Kazakh tor Assel Yeszhanova to open the tioned. Many were built in differ- 95 percent in local executive bod- equivalents for a number of foreign meeting. ent years and different styles. We ASTANA – The state pro- ies and 46 percent in national com- language terms were revised. “The point is that we, as citi- need to assess to what extent these gramme on language development panies in nine months of this year,” More than 45,000 school gradu- zens, learn about the upcoming buildings need reconstruction,” and functioning is in full swing said Raimkulova. ates passed the native language reconstruction post factum and we said sustainable transport expert throughout the country. More than Vice Minister of Culture and assessment and literature test and could no longer have a voice in Elena Yerzakovich. 42,000 people have attended lan- Sports Aktoty Raimkulova. Photo mastered their level to B1, said the decision-making process. We “Changing the cladding and col- guage courses at the training cen- credit: primeminister.kz. Minister of Education and Science must take part in these projects at our of some façades contradicts tres and 52,245, including 20,057 Kazakh language documenta- Yerlan Sagadiyev. The indicator the invitation of the city adminis- the goal to preserve the architec- civil servants, passed the KazTest tion for all sectors is available at increased to 90 percent this year. tration and not gather at a neutral tural landscape of the Almaty his- examination of their proficiency of Qujat.kz. The onomastic website Work is underway to introduce platform. Our experts analysed toric centre. In particular, the col- the Kazakh language in a seven- Atau.kz, orthographic portal Emle. the standard practice of continuous the reconstruction plan, but the ouring of natural stone on some month period, said Vice Minis- kz, Tilmedia.kz trilingual website state language education in the kin- information is not sufficient,” he buildings subject to reconstruction ter of Culture and Sports Aktoty and Balatili.kz children’s website dergarten – school – college system. added. in 2019 is unacceptable,” experts Raimkulova at the Nov. 26 govern- have been launched. Prime Minister Bakytzhan Architect Aisulu Uali agreed stated in the document with rec- ment meeting. Aktoty Raimkulova The ministry is also monitoring Sagintayev proposed creating a with her colleague. ommendations. The programme was augmented the use of terms. The national ter- new language development and “We started to study the projects Petr Smirnov, speaking on with tasks to clarify the phased ees from central executive bodies minology commission approved functioning programme for 2020- published on Facebook and their behalf of residents, questioned switch of the Kazakh language to participated in language courses 21,000 terms, including 40.8 per- 2024. The programme would en- official website and it was evident the need to renovate the central the Latin script to improve spelling this year and the government sup- cent rooted in Kazakh and 59.2 sure the harmonious co-existence from the start that this information streets. and ensure accessibility. ported 26 ethnic groups in study- percent borrowed and mixed. of the state language as the major is not sufficient to make conclu- “The key question is whether we One state and 88 regional na- ing the native language to preserve In addition, the ministry is moni- factor in strengthening Kazakh- sions in full,” she said. need these projects in the central tional language centres operate the nation’s linguistic capital. toring terminology principles and stan’s identity and unity and the Uali underlined the need for part of the city, which is in proper throughout the country. Approxi- “The share of total document solving the main tasks of applied languages of all ethnic groups liv- project documentation, an impor- condition now. Many wonder why mately 600 civil service employ- circulation in the state language terminology to preserve the purity of ing in the country. tant link in the process from con- we are dealing with the centre and tract to working project. not doing anything with the city’s “When we see that, for instance, peripheries,” he said. Kunayev Street [three kilometres Almaty architecture and urban subject to renovation] has only planning department deputy chair one picture, there is not a gen- Almaskhan Akhmedzhanov as- Healthcare Ministry proposes reducing eral plan, façades or any informa- sured the forum that the city ad- tion about the materials’ use. We ministration will consider its rec- would like to note this and receive ommendations. some feedback from the depart- “We will take into account, confidential abortion age to 16 ment and receive, first and fore- without doubt, all your com- has decreased by 26 percent, their Receiving medical care with a care. The patient will sign accept- most, the general plan. We also ments. We will once again raise Staff Report number was 3,443 in 2017,” she guardians’ permission could be ance documents. Exemption from would like to know whether there some serious issues and will make said. difficult if the child lives at a dis- classes (for students) will depend was any concept design stage. It is changes to the project documenta- ASTANA – Kazakh Vice Minis- Aktayeva also proposed the tance, noted Ismagambetova. The on the patient’s health condition, a very important part, because we tion. We would disagree with you ter of Healthcare Lyazzat Aktayeva Education and Science Ministry ministry wants to provide timely she added. are talking here not about an indi- at some points, because there are suggested reducing the age when revise the topics and increase the medical care. Ismagambetova noted having vidual building, but the city where still certain construction norms adolescents can have an abortion hours dedicated to healthy lifestyle “They (adolescents) cannot re- an abortion at age 16 does not thousands and hundreds are living and requirements of the current without their parents’ permission subjects in the school curriculum. ceive medical care without legal contradict international norms. In and we need to bring this to dis- legislation. I would like to note (confidentially) to 16 during a Ma- Young people aged 15-29 com- representatives. To bring a legal Russia, students can terminate an cussion,” she added. that all our projects are evaluated jilis (lower house of Parliament) pose 22 percent of Kazakhstan’s representative from somewhere in unwanted pregnancy without their Experts raised questions about by international experts,” he said. meeting. Children’s health is the population, she said. Comprehen- the region 300 kilometres away is parents’ consent beginning at age most important issue and access sive medical and social assistance difficult. Therefore, today we are 15. to timely medical services is es- are provided at 105 youth health pursuing a law to ensure that mi- “In some foreign countries, sential, said the ministry’s public centres. nors have access to medical care,” there is no lower age limit at all. health policy department director “Today in Kazakhstan, there she said. According to our research, which Aizhan Ismagambetova after the are separate legal entities in pri- was conducted in the country, 70 session. mary healthcare organisations percent of young people enter into According to current Kazakh such as youth centres that pro- Young people aged their first sexual contact before the law, underage girls cannot termi- vide psychological counselling… age of 15,” she said. nate a pregnancy without their par- We aim to ensure that young peo- 15-29 compose She noted Kazakh youth, due to ents’ or guardians’ consent, which ple go to these centres, receive 22 percent of their low level of awareness, do limits medical services to minors. counselling services and medi- not use condoms. “This restriction prevents the cal assistance and this affects Kazakhstan’s “Young people do not use con- timely receipt of medical services the protection of young people’s population. traceptives. It is typical for their for the prevention of unwanted reproductive health,” she added. age to have low awareness. We pregnancy and in the case of un- “From year to year, the number envisage distribution of contracep- wanted pregnancy, abortion and of applicants is growing. Since In an emergency, the immediate tives for free to be implemented in childbirth. Despite the fact that the beginning of 2018, more than family will still be notified, while the health code. This is also in the the number of births among ado- 256,000 young people have ap- the doctor will assume responsi- discussion process, because it is lescents over the past three years plied there.” bility for the quality of medical costly,” she added. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 Fab Lab at Nazarbayev University promotes material innovation, tech savvy University. Some visit the lab out For those with no skills, but with Bizhanova says it “represents a By Assel Satubaldina of personal interest; some are as- an enthusiasm to learn, the lab bright example of the lab’s activi- signed coursework there. conducts training courses. ties.” ASTANA – Nazarbayev Univer- “Professors send their students “We are now running a training “It has three stages. In the first, sity’s Fab Lab (fabrication labora- to implement projects in the Fab course on Solid Works consist- people with special needs and tory), is a place where innovative Lab. We have completed our first ing of approximately nine classes makers meet to discuss the prob- solutions are nurtured with the session, with 62 students working lasting two hours each over three lems people with special needs help of engineering and fabrica- on 31 projects. This was part of the weeks. We teach in Kazakh and face. The second stage is a 72-hour tions tools. academic programme for first year Russian,” she added. block of work, during which mak- The lab, part of the Nazarbayev students in the Fundamentals of The lab also organises free mas- ers work to develop a product to University Research and Innova- Engineering course. Step by step, ter classes every Thursday. address these problems,” she said. tion System cluster, is intended to we are building a model of coop- “We have different master class- The second stage produced five contribute to the innovative and eration with the university,” said es. Some teach 3D printing. This prototypes. technical potential of the country, Bizhanova. week we had a class on the Fusion “One of them is verticaliser for Fab Lab manager Asselya Bizh- A subscription is required to use programme,” she said. people who cannot walk. The task anova told The Astana Times in a the lab. The price for students is Trainings can also be organised was to build a device that would recent interview. Institute of Technology Centre for to our lab – not only students but 2,500 tenge (US$6.81); for pro- on demand, she added. “People help a person not only walk but Digital fabrication allows people Bits and Atoms. others,” said Bizhanova. fessors and university workers, come and see and if they want to also to conduct water procedures. to produce tangible items address- The Fab Lab at Nazarbayev Uni- The main goal of the lab is to de- 10,000 tenge (US$27.23); and for understand this programme in a For those who take care of people, ing an array of day-to-day prob- versity opened in July last year and velop engineering skills and tech- organisations outside the univer- more detailed way, they can submit it is sometimes difficult to hold lems. Fab Lab users have access to is part of a global fab lab network nical potential in young people. sity, 12,000 tenge (US$32.67). an application asking for a master them,” she said. advanced rapid-prototyping equip- connecting a worldwide commu- “Because we are a relatively new Bizhanova noted that using the class on that particular topic to be The event displayed these prod- ment, such as laser cutters, com- nity of innovators, researchers and department at NURIS, we are only lab requires certain skills. arranged.” ucts as well as other devices pro- puter-controlled desktop milling makers. now at the stage of finding com- “A person should possess at least One of the biggest projects run duced by lab users, including a machines, 3D printers and scan- “In the first year we were deal- mon ground with our professors, some skills when he enters the lab. by the lab is Makeathon, an inter- self-made 3D printer, robots and ners, and a soldering station. ing mostly with documentation students. We are trying to involve You should be able to use software national social project that gener- mechanical watches. The “fab lab” concept grew from and agreeing on a budget. This more of our research and academic programmes, for example, in 3D ates solutions to help people with Bizhanova said the lab plans a class called “How to Make Any- year, we started organising events, potential,” she added. modelling, such as Solid Works, special needs overcome their eve- to expand its activities next year, thing”, taught by Professor Neil trainings and courses more active- The majority of Fab Lab us- Fusion 360 or Core or any other,” ryday challenges. including reaching out to school Gershenfeld at the Massachusetts ly. A wider public now has access ers are students at Nazarbayev she said. The event was held Nov. 30, and students. Zhurekten Zhurekke charity fund founder Pharmaceutical plants among Kazakhstan’s 100 New Faces to provide majority ple have volunteered to assist with Once we gathered 1 million tenge By Assel Satubaldina the organisation’s projects. (US$2,734) within a day and after The fund has attracted nearly 30 that I started to believe that our fu- ASTANA – The Zhurekten million tenge (US$82,000). ture is in our hands,” said fund vol- of essential medicines Zhurekke (From Heart to Heart) An exhibition displaying hand- unteer Ainur Yesengaliyeva. sis, post-transplantation issues and tions International Children’s charity fund promotes charitable made items made by children from Among the key projects are Give By Zhanna Shayakhmetova listeriosis. Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and culture in Atyrau and beyond by the Shanyrak orphanage was the Life to Child, Smile Therapy, Give “The procurement process was United Nations Development Pro- helping children diagnosed with se- first project organised by the fund. Warmth to Family, Kindness in ASTANA – Local pharmaceuti- carried out in several stages. The gramme (UNDP). The public pro- vere diseases, people with disabili- The organisation’s mission has Children’s Eyes, Road to School cal plants will provide 1,144 essen- first stage was the preparations ac- curement is estimated to save the ties and low-income families. found widespread support across and Soul Warmth. The recent one tial medicines for free in 2019, ac- cording to the concluded contracts budget more than 16 billion tenge Founder Aigerim Doskaliyeva Kazakhstan with 11 more cities was a city campaign meant to en- cording to a Nov. 23 report by the with domestic manufacturers,” she (US$43 million). is among the country’s 100 New opening branches. courage citizens to donate blood. Central Communications Service. noted. SK Pharmacy has launched a Faces. The project includes 102 The volunteers also reach out to Doskaliyeva also believes reach- The list includes drugs to treat arte- Medical organisations submitted contact centre to provide citizens exemplary individuals from around elderly population. ing out to parents is important, as rial hypertension, diabetes, oncolo- applications totalling 203.5 bil- with free medicine. the country, whose sustained efforts “What I like most about our fund many face challenges in bringing up gy, haemophilia, multiple sclerosis, lion tenge (US$556 million). More “Patients can contact for free could inspire other Kazakh citizens. is that we first respect each other. kids with special needs. The fund re- heart failure, pneumonia, bronchial than 550 medicines designated for through telephone number 1439. In September, the project entered its Our volunteers believe that children cently organised a national forum for asthma and other diseases. 45 diseases were identified as part Operators will provide informa- second stage. can overcome their challenges. We mothers in Atyrau, gathering doctors “We concluded the contracts of outpatient treatment offerings, tion on the terms and planned dates Doskaliyeva founded the organi- have different campaigns. My fa- and medicine workers from big cit- with domestic producers and held 482 of which were purchased for of delivery of the necessary medi- sation in 2013 and many young peo- vourite is when we sell balloons. ies, including Almaty and Astana. negotiations with foreign manu- outpatient care. cines,” said SK Pharmacy acting facturers. We purchased 83 percent Local facilities will supply 494 board chairperson Berik Sharip. of the total number of medicines medicines worth 50 billion tenge A single electronic guide will in- for next year. The items will be de- (US$136 million) next year, in- dicate the availability of free drugs livered to the warehouses of a sin- cluding drugs for cardiovascular in medical organisations. gle distributor in early December diseases, diabetes, oncology, HIV Domestic pharmaceutical plants TEDxAbayStWomen, and beginning in early 2019 they and other illnesses. Approximately have increased production by more will be shipped to medical organi- 106 medicines that do not have than 73 percent, registering in ex- sations,” Lyudmila Byurabekova, registered analogues in the coun- cess of 100 new drugs last year. Chairperson of the Ministry of try will be purchased from foreign Forecasts indicate their share of TEDxYouth@AbaySt promote openness, Healthcare’s Pharmacy Commit- manufacturers. public procurement will grow to tee, said at the press conference. Plans are underway to purchase 80 percent in the next five years. Other specialised medicines will 25 medicines for 8.7 billion tenge Many medicines are in demand not be added for treating HIV-infected (US$23 million) as part of the only in Kazakhstan, but also in for- provoke conversation that matters patients, multi-resident tuberculo- agreements with the United Na- eign markets. Continued from Page B1 Compared to her experience Speakers shared different sto- of organising the 2016 event, ries during TEDxYouth@AbaySt Though the concept of gender Makhmudova noted the commu- that sought to make young people has become more common, it re- nity is growing. Kazakhstan is part heard. mains within its narrow sense at of the global media space with its “There was a talk that discussed the local level. far-reaching impact. Topics like the work of teenagers, because the Kazakh PhD students in UK initiate “Honestly, at the local level, it gender equality and feminism are law sets work restrictions if you is still difficult to talk about gen- becoming more wide spread. have not reached 18 years. There der. We are still at that level when “I see a certain community built is also a cultural perspective that we mean women [when we talk around our platform, who are some- if you are young, then you are not collaboration, research exchanges about gender], about rights, their how related to gender projects. In treated seriously,” she said. role, choices they can make. We 2016, there was nothing like this, Among the speakers was a really want to expand the topic of but now, it is here. We need to un- 16-year-old who works in big data gender, so that not only women, derstand that all these trends are ex- and transnational services compa- to achieve SDGs in Central Asia but also men can speak on our ternal. It is not that the Ministry of nies. He stayed in the country to Continued from Page B1 managerial, academic and research tions, governments, policy-mak- stage,” said Makhmudova. Culture or Education decided to put develop his start-up. practices. ers, civil society, business sectors, The team does not have the goal the topic of gender on the agenda. “The story is unique, but if it The initial conference joined the “We want to set up primary and local communities and, of course, of inviting popular figures, but rath- Unfortunately, it does not happen,” is out there, then it can turn to association and Centre for Social secondary schools in villages with researchers and universities,” said er people ready to tell their stories. she said. a norm. The point is to what ex- Cooperation and Communication the best global and inclusive teach- Sembayeva. The 23-person organising group is tent we are ready to accept the to actively involve PhD research- ing practices. We want to give a The association has also organ- divided into three subgroups, each fact that your 16-year-old son or ers in Samruk Kazyna Sovereign chance to children with any learn- ised ongoing seminars and work- having different responsibilities. “The story is unique, daughter can do serious things Wealth Fund projects and publish ing abilities and academic capa- shops in both countries. Research is an important part of and they could really know what research results in the SK News bilities to get high-quality knowl- “We conduct meetings once the speaker selection process. The but if it is out there, they want,” she said. corporate magazine. edge in their villages without the every two-three months, where team browses news, media and all then it can turn to a The event also featured sensitive Sembayeva is one of 71 PhD need to travel to bigger cities and we discuss our research projects open channels to determine topics issues, such as an HIV infection in students currently studying in the to increase the competitiveness and future plans. We invite pro- that matter over the year with a fo- norm. The point is to Shymkent in 2006, when at least U.K. She is pursuing her doctorate of graduates of village schools fessionals as our guest speakers cus on diversity of speakers, disci- 150 kids contracted AIDS through in chemistry at the University of compared to the graduates of city to share their expertise and in- plines and themes. Each person can what extent we are tainted blood transfusions. Liverpool. schools,” she noted. sights with all the interested stu- also nominate speakers. ready to accept the “We did not know what is go- “The mission of our association The project seeks to address is- dents. We organise seminars and “We compile a long list, includ- ing on with them today. We had is in line with the UN Agenda for sues such as the underdevelopment practical workshops led by our ing these recommendations, and fact that your 16-year- a speaker, Bauyrzhan, who is the Sustainable Development that is and degradation of villages and own experts. The upcoming prac- then we have a short interview only one who lives with an open to end poverty, protect our planet, their marginalised populations and tical workshop will be organised where we can get to know the per- old son or daughter HIV status. Among those kids, he promote peace and ensure prosper- the significant development gap by Khalida Azhigulova, who is son and see if they are a fit [for the can do serious things is the only one who discloses it. ity for all by achieving sustainable between villages and the major cit- our PhD candidate in asylum and event], whether their activities re- All his friends and teachers know development goals (SDGs) by ies of Almaty and Astana, which migration law at the University flect their idea,” she said. and they could really about this and, of course, this is 2030 and improving the quality of leads to growing social tensions of Leicester, a Fellow of the Brit- Speakers have strict require- know what they huge work for his parents, how life in Kazakhstan for the current between their residents, rural un- ish Academy of Higher Educa- ments, as they need to go through a they worked with schools, stu- and future generations,” she said. employment and youth migration tion, a certified UNHCR (United thorough preparation process. want.” dents,” she said. This year, young leaders to urban areas while children and Nations Human Rights Council) “They should send their drafts, “This is all about the initiative launched Global Village School, elderly remain in the villages. trainer of protection learning work it out with a curator, rehearse and enthusiasm of people around a sustainable development project “But the main thing to remember programmes and a Central Asian several times. If we see the person The team plans to expand the num- me. Perhaps we started it and the which turns rural schools into lo- is that the ultimate success of the expert in the law and politics of is ready and is committed to our ber of participants. At present, the interest will increase. You never cal cultural, educational and re- SDGs depends on solid collabo- human rights and forced and la- values, then we invite him or her as event can accept only 100 audience know what will happen next,” said search centres operating according ration and partnership among all bour migration in Central Asia,” a speaker,” she added. members and the demand is growing. Makhmudova. to the best global and cutting-edge concerned actors: the United Na- she added. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018

a meeting place for Alash movement activists, where they discussed their strategy and plans to struggle for the Semey – a historic city abundant with museums Kazakh people’s freedom. In 1919- 1920, Bokeikhanov and writer and By Saltanat Boteu educator Mirzhakyp Dulatov lived in the house with their families. ASTANA – The city of Semey To mark Auezov’s 100th anni- in the East Kazakhstan region has versary, the museum opened the a rich history reflected in its many “Alash Arystary (defenders or bear- museums. The exhibits are an at- ers) and Mukhtar Auezov” exhibit tractive cultural tourism destination. in the house in September 1997. Semey’s history as a settlement Visitors are introduced to Auezov’s started in 1718 when Tsarist Rus- life and work and Alash movement sia built the Semipalatinsk fortress. members’ lives and activities. The fortress, which emerged as a Semey’s other significant cultural border and military support base, heritage spot is the Dostoyevsky became an important trade point Literary and Memorial House- between Central Asia, Russia and Museum, the only museum out- Western China bringing different side Russia dedicated to the writer. people to the city. Semey was Rus- Founded in 1971, the wooden house sian writer Feodor Dostoyevsky’s built in 1838 where Dostoyevsky place of work beginning in 1854 lived in 1857-1859 became the and Kazakh writer Abai Kunan- museum’s home. In the 1970s, a bayev’s homeland (born in 1845). It two-storey extension and bronze was the capital of Alash Autonomy sculpture of Dostoyevsky and his in 1918, gathering political lead- close friend, Kazakh geographer ers and intellectuals from different and scientist Shokan Ualikhanov, parts of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist were added. The museum tells the Republic. writer’s life story, emphasising the The history and geography of the time he spent in the city. region are presented at Semey Re- The newest gallery, the Fine Arts gional History Museum, founded Nineteenth century Semey. Museum, was established in 1985. in 1883 as an initiative of political Yulyi Nevzorov, who owned a large exiles. At different times, Kunan- collection, was willing to present bayev, his nephew, philosopher and forming Kazakh Autonomy was Test Site and Semey in the Years of where Moldabaiuly lived, built in but it merged into a single architec- his works for display and visited 15 thinker Shakarim Kudaibergenuly discussed. Independence. the 20th century, has survived to the tural ensemble with the adminis- Soviet Union cities. With the excep- and writer Mukhtar Auezov contrib- The museum has 2,489 archaeo- Kunanbayev’s Literary and Me- present day to become the museum. tration building (an old two-storey tion of two pieces, his family left uted to the museum’s development. logical exhibits (427 units) from morial Museum, the city’s second Kunanbayev often stayed in the mansion) and mosque with Ahmet almost the entire exhibit, donating During the October 1917 revo- the early and middle eras of history, oldest museum opened in 1940, house and his room and its furnish- Riza Madrasa (college), where Ku- 569 artworks including 177 paint- lution, the building was called the zoology, botany, mineralogy (1,860 presents the writer’s life, work and ings have been maintained. nanbayev studied. The madrasa has ings. In 1991, the museum was House of Freedom, as Alikhan units) and ethnography (162 units). public activities. In addition to his In the 1970s, the museum was some of the oldest books and manu- named for the Nevzorov family. Its Bokeikhanov, leader of the Alash The exposition is in six halls in sec- creative work, Abai, as he is more expanded and transferred to the scripts in the collection in Arabic, stored collection currently has more (Kazakh intellectuals) movement, tions such as Palaeontology and commonly known, was engaged in former house of traders the Ershov Chagatai, Farsi, Tatar and Turkish. than 5,000 works representing 17th- spoke to city residents there. The Geology, Native Land’s Nature, Ar- public affairs, education and charity. brothers. Adjustments were also The museum’s former building 19th century Russian Fine Arts, same year, the first Kazakh Semi- chaeology and Ethnography, City’s Among those he helped was Aniyar made on the eve of Kunanbayev’s became the Alash members’ mu- Soviet artwork, European artwork palatinsk Regional Congress was History, the Alash city and Alash Moldabaiuly, sending him to study 150th anniversary in 1995. The mu- seum in the Kunanbayev museum of the 16th-19th centuries and 20th held in the museum building, where Movement, Semipalatinsk Nuclear in Russia. The two-storey mansion seum building remained the same, complex. Moldabaiyly’s house was century Kazakh artwork. Mangistau region: land of 362 saints and historical monuments not only in the region, but nation- trict and is considered most an- and SCAT Airlines offer flights Astana to Aktau Airport. Another the Mangyshlak Station, 20 kilo- By Assel Satubaldina wide. Born in 1750, Beket Ata cient architectural monument in from Aktobe, Almaty, Atyrau and option is train with a final stop at metres from Aktau. was one of the greatest religious the western region of Kazakhstan ASTANA – The Mangistau teachers, scientists and philoso- dating back to the 9th-10th cen- region, located in south western phers in the history of Central turies. Kazakhstan, is known for a myri- Asia. He was a great spiritual Similar to some of Beket Ata ad of historical sites. Though the teacher of Sufism and famous mosques, Shakpak Ata mosque region is better known for its vast throughout the Turkic world. was carved out in a mountain oil and gas onshore and offshore After returning home from Kh- chalk rock. Legends say that Sufi reserves, it is also known among iva, in what is now Uzbekistan, followers hid in the cave to prac- locals as the land of 362 saints at- where he learnt science, he built tice healing magic and treat peo- tracting pilgrims. four mosques in the Mangistau ple. Among the unique aspects of Located east of the Caspian Sea, lands, three of them were under- the site is that it has remained in bordering Uzbekistan on the east ground. The first was built in his its original form. and Turkmenistan on the south, birthplace Kulsary; the second  The Seisem Ata necropolis, the territory is diverse in land- was cut out of the chalk cliffs where some of the most promi- scapes from Caspian lowland, near the village of Beineu and nent historical figures were -bur plateaus, such as Ustyurt, Man- then in the Bayshatyr lands on ied in pantheon is also among the gyshlak and Kendirli-Kayasan the Ustyurt plateau and the last destinations in the list. The ar- to Aktau and Karatau mountains carved out of the cretaceous rock chitectural sight was building for and desert lands. of the Oglandy Mountains, where five centuries. The Ustyurt Plateau, a clay and he was buried. Tourists also visit ancient stony desert occupying an area of The region is also home to an- Kyzyl-kala city, one of the Great almost 200,000 square kilome- other beautiful piece of architec- Silk Road cities. Photo credit: ruh.kz. Photo credit: tres, is a must visit sight in one’s ture, Shakpak Ata underground Getting there is a challenge but worth the effort. Air Astana Beket Ata mosque. journey in the region. Rocky sand mosque. cliffs rise more than 300 metres Shakpak Ata was a student of across the plateau. Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, promi- The Beket Ata underground nent Sufi master. The mosque is mosque is a famous sacred site located in the Tub-Karagan dis- Photo credit: ruh.kz. Photo credit: Seisem Ata necropolis. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 Kazakh boxers improve their BoxRec ranking Almaty hosts national power? I believe more in that I hit on time rather than that. In general, the fight in Monte Carlo is great for me, it’s a new level,” said Yeleussinov. electronic sports finals Currently, 27-year-old Yeleu­ ssinov has five victories in profes- sional boxing. His professional debut was April 28 in New York, where he defeated local boxer Noah Kidd in the third round (3-1- 1, 2 KOs). Then victories over the Hungarians Zoltan Szabo (25-13, 11 KOs), Gabor Gorbics (26-13, 16 KOs) and another American Matt Doherty (8-6-1, 4 KOs) fol- lowed. The defeat was the third of Mojica’s career. “Yeleussinov used his speed and timing to punch Mojica already in the first round. In the second, he twice knocked down a boxer from Nicaragua with a sharp blow Photo credit: Qazaqstan Cybersport Federation. Photo credit: to the left and to the body. A gong saved Mojica. In the third round By Saltanat Boteu According to Qazaq Cybersport Yeleussinov again sent him to the Federation Vice President Yevgeny canvas with a deafening combina- ASTANA – The winners of the Bogatyrev, many different tourna- tion. Mojika refused to give up in Nov. 11 Kazakhstan national fi- ments are planned for the next sea-

Photo credits: sport.kz. Photo credits: his heart, but after a powerful up- nal of the World Electronic Sports son. Daniyar Yeleussinov (L) and Marcos Mojica. percut the referee had no choice Games (WESG) cybersports world “Now e-sports is on the verge of but to save him from further beat- championship in Almaty will par- joining the Olympic Charter. Very By Saltanat Boteu third round with Yeleussinov’s vic- referee intervened and stopped the ing,” said Fightnights.com jour- ticipate in the online Central Asia soon, we will be represented in the tory over Nicaraguan Marcos Mo- bout. nalist Ryan O’Hara. qualifiers for the opportunity to Olympic Games. In this regard, our ASTANA – Kazakh boxers jica (16-3-2, 12 KOs). In the welterweight ranking, Another Kazakh super feather- compete in China in the 2019 main goal is to create the necessary Daniyar Yeleussinov and Sultan In the second round, Yeleussinov Yeleussinov moved up 48 posi- weight boxer Zaurbek (2-0, 1 KO) WESG Grand Final and win its conditions for the development of Zaurbek improved their rating on twice knocked down his rival. In tions and now ranks 184th at the knocked down the Nicaraguan $5.5 million prize, reported vesti. e-sports in the country. We will the BoxRec International Boxing the third round, the referee count- BoxRec. boxer Johnson Telles (12-45-5, kz. have our own team to represent the Record Keeping Platform after ed Mojica another knockdown, but “I am happy, it’s very good per- 6 KOs) in the third round on the The national finals were held at country in the world,” he said. their Nov. 24 wins at the Salle Mé- let him continue the fight. Howev- formance. I feel I improved under third night boxing. He moved up to the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace Kazakhstan recognised cyber- decin of Monte-Carlo Casino in er, the Latin American boxer was the John David Jackson guidance. 638th place in its division for 154 in Almaty. The Empire Orchestra sports as an official sport on June Monaco, reported sport.kz. defeated during the next attack by Thanks to everyone, my team and positions. Zaurbek will fight again performed the opening ceremony. 25. According to Qazaq Cyber- Yeleussinov’s fight ended in the the Kazakh boxer. Ultimately, the Eddie Hearn! Do I believe in my Dec. 14 in London. The event also included mini- sport Federation President and tournaments from competitions’ Kazakhtelecom Chair Kuanyshbek sponsors, prize draws, autograph Yesekeyev, this is a first step to e- sessions and performances by sport development in Kazakhstan. cosplayers, people dressed up as “For our IT industry, e-sports is a game, movie or anime charac- the key to a digital future. Simi- ter. Q-pop musicians, such as EQ, larly, large aircraft with all Boeing Sharipova forced to postpone fight for WBC champion belt Ziruza and Newton performed. and Airbus starts with the launch most prestigious boxing organi- The date will be announced training process and hope that More than three thousand people of models from cardboard and ply- By Aidana Yergaliyeva sation,” said her personal man- once the negotiations are fin- she will not conduct an interim came to watch the competition. wood aircraft. These players, fa- ager Sergey Zavileiski. ished. fight,” Zavileiski added. The tournament prize pool natically clicking on the mouse and ASTANA – Kazakh boxer Wahlström’s team was con- “We are ready to offer her Sharipova defeated Russian was $14,752, which was divided keyboard, tomorrow will become Firuza Sharipova has postponed tacted to reschedule the fight. partial compensation for the Yulia Kutsenko Sept. 9 in the among game disciplines, such as the leaders of the global digital her fight with World Boxing main match of a boxing even- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, economy,” he said. Council (WBC) champion Eva ing in St. Petersburg. The fight Dota 2, Hearthstone, StarCraft II According to WESG official Wahlström of Finland originally was designed for ten rounds and and Pro Evolution Soccer (PES). website, Alisports, the organiser scheduled for Dec. 22 in St. Pe- she defended her Women’s In- The greatest interest among the au- of the international tournament tersburg, Russia. ternational Boxing Association dience was in the final in Counter and the Olympic Games’ partner, Sharipova was injured while (WIBA) lightweight champion Strike. announced the third WESG’s of- preparing for the bout, and ac- title. The match went the dis- The Dota 2 battle between the ficial start on June 29, 2018 in cording to doctors needs at least tance a§nd Sharipova won with Patriot and Seven7sport teams Kuala Lumpur. This tournament is a month to recover. Despite the a unanimous decision and scores lasted more than two hours. In the the world’s only Olympic-style e- injury, the 24-year-old spoke of 98:92, 96:94 and 96:94. Kut- end, the Patriot team prevailed. sports. The last WESG season at- about her willingness to com- senko, 29, suffered her first de- The K23 (Gambit) team won in tracted 68,000 players from more pete as planned, but her team feat following seven wins (three Counter-Strike. than 126 countries and regions of- decided to rearrange the fight so early) and one draw. In addition to team disciplines, fering the US$5.5 million prize. she can show her best. Sharipova has nine victories, individual champions were de- “Kazakhstan has good chances “This is a battle of such a four early and one final. She termined. In the football simula- of becoming the centre attracting level that we simply cannot al- also holds the International tor, 2019 PES, the athlete Kanysh large-scale events in the electronic low her to do so. We decided Boxing Organisation (IBO) and Abykeov, under the nickname sports field. We have [Qazaq Cy- to postpone the fight with the WBC silver titles in the feather- Abdulkin, became the winner. In bersport] Federation (QCF) that coaching staff. We will follow weight and lightweight profes- the Hearthstone competition, Vy- will do everything to develop the recommendations of doctors sional boxing champion divi- acheslav Takizhanov (Cagey) was sports,” Kazakh Culture and Sports to preserve the health of Firuza. sions, which she won Dec. 30 in the best, and Almat Toleugaliyev Minister Arystanbek Mukhamedi-

We would not want to miss the inform.kz. Photo credit: a fight against Belgian Djemilla (Replicant) took the lead in the uly told the athletes competing in chance to win the title of the Boxer Firuza Sharipova. Gontaryuk in Almaty. Starcraft 2 tournament. the Nov. 11 tournament. PetroKazakhstan supports open youth tennis tournament in Shymkent Staff Report The first three parts of the tour- nament were held at the Interna- ASTANA – More than 70 chil- tional Tennis Centre in Shymkent dren participated in a recent open and were among some of the re- tennis tournament in Shymkent. gion’s most well attended sport- The tournament was sponsored ing events of the autumn. by PetroKazakhstan Oil Products Players from around Kazakh- (PKOP) as part of an ongoing ef- stan participated, including from fort by the company to promote Uralsk, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Ak- sports in the region. tobe, Taraz, Almaty, Astana and Tennis is popular in Kazakhstan Petropavlovsk. and the Kazakh Tennis Federa- According to the results of the tion often sponsors national level third competition of the Shym- tournaments. However, the sport kent Cup 12 & Under held Nov. remains out of reach for many as 2, Karakat Koilybayeva won a result of associated costs. among girls, while Damir Ibragi- So, the company stepped in to mov won among boys. Dan- sponsor the open four-part Shy- iel Tazabekov and Anastassiya mkent Cup juniors tennis tourna- Krymkova won the mixed dou- ment. bles.

“I am so pleased that I won!” Raphael Nadal. I chose tennis subsequent tournaments, and we stars. Tashbulatov set a record said Karakat. “My parents first myself,” said Damir. saw more and more children taking this year at the category A unof- took me to the tennis centre and I The fourth round of competi- part,” said Chief Tournament Refer- ficial youth world championships spend two hours there every day, tion is planned for this December. ee and Trainer Ruslan Areprintsev. in the United States, the Orange and I enjoy it all.” Winners received gadgets since International Tennis Centre in Bowl Dunlop International Ten- “I had two tough opponents the rules for those under 18 allow Shymkent is well known in Ka- nis Championships, which is in the tournament and it wasn’t no cash prizes. zakhstan. It helped to reveal the held annually in Florida. Tashbu- easy. I want to play as well as I “After receiving prizes from the potential of young Dastanbek latov came second in this tourna- can and to do so I need to train first competition, a lot of the play- Tashbulatov, one of Kazakh- ment and has risen to No. 50 in more. I’d like to become like ers were motivated to take part in stan’s brightest youth tennis the world. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 Annual diplomatic Christmas bazaar raises funds for charity Photo credit: Sputniknews.kz Photo credit:

Continued from Page A1 a lot of beadwork. Many people sations assisting orphans, peo- are not aware of this but, on our ple with disabilities and families “I think that the bazaar is a Christmas trees [in South Africa], from low socioeconomic back- good example of how the dip- we have African objects that are grounds to buy food, clothing, lomatic community, across all made with beadwork, wood and medicine and special equipment. nations and across all dividing fabric and are handcrafted, which The recipients of the funds were lines, can help charity,” said U.S. is very unique,” said South Afri- chosen from many applications to Deputy Chief of Mission Theo- can Ambassador to Kazakhstan the charity committee, with Lyng dore Lyng at the event. Keitumetse Seipelo Thandeka noting that this year’s “choice of Embassies promote their cul- Matthews on what her country charities is really inspiring.” tures by selling authentic national had to showcase at the bazaar. “We make sure that the money products. “Japan has some really lovely goes where it is meant to and that “A lot of the things are made porcelain, and the very unique it is really helping people,” said by people at the embassy and are Portuguese jewelry from the this year’s Charity Committee really homemade, so we wanted north of Portugal that is called fil- Chair and the Finnish Ambas- to showcase our individual touch igree caught my eye. At the Ma- sador’s spouse Maria Kivikoski and our people-to-people contact laysian table, they have the silk in an earlier interview with The with the people of Kazakhstan,” kaftans which are very beautiful, Astana Times. “After the bazaar, said Lyng on the U.S. bazaar so there is a lot that I liked. Eve- we make many visits to see the stand. rybody has something special,” projects that they are doing with “This year, we are concentrat- she added. our funds. We make sure that the ing a lot on handmade ornaments of our ornaments with beads are especially in the Kwazulu-Natal ful beadwork and in the East- The funds raised at the event money helps people in Kazakh- for Christmas trees because a lot made by hand by craft workers, region where they do beauti- ern Cape where they also have will be distributed among organi- stan, all over the country.” Mayor announces plans to achieve Construction to presidential initiatives begin in 2019 on economic, cultural and spiritual city’s main axis, Bozok occupies a By Dilshat Zhussupova development. Astana approaches special place.” its anniversary as a beautiful and By 2020, the city akimat and ASTANA – Astana Akim modern city, known throughout the Kazakh Ministry of Culture Kazakhstan’s second (Mayor) Bakhyt Sultanov shared the world and recognised as an and Sport will create a historical at a Nov. 22 meeting plans to important interactive platform on and cultural complex. The area of achieve Kazakh President Nur- a global scale.” Bozok is to become a cultural and sultan Nazarbayev’s ideas, In addition to celebrating its tourist centre where research on World Trade Centre which the President put forth in recent history, the akim noted the archaeological antiquities will also international corporations and his article “Seven Facets of the importance of preserving the capi- be carried out. By Dilshat Zhussupova financial institutions to Kazakh- Great Steppe,” reports the capi- tal’s rich past. In focusing on its “We plan to start implementing a stan, after which construction on tal’s akimat (city administra- relatively young age, it is easy to project on creating a three-dimen- ASTANA – The World Trade Astana’s WTC was agreed on. tion). overlook the broader context of the sional model of Bozok with aug- Centres Association (WTCA) The same month, Kazakhstan

The president has recently writ- astana.gov.kz. Photo credit: city as a continuation of the Great mented virtual reality and a series will begin construction in late jumped from 36th place last ten on equestrian culture, ancient Bakhyt Sultanov Silk Road. of archaeological discoveries rep- 2019 of Kazakhstan’s second year to 28th in the 2019 World metallurgy, the Great Silk Road “In his article, the President resentative of medieval Kazakh- $200-million World Trade Centre Bank Doing Business Report, and the political and economic Organisation (UNESCO) rec- recounted the importance of an stan, which will give everyone the (WTC), reports Tengrinews.kz. the 16th in a series of annual re- pursuits of Kazakh ancestors and ognition as a UNESCO City of awareness among the newer gen- opportunity to familiarise them- A WTC is a building or com- ports exploring the regulations other topics. Peace was awarded [to Astana],” erations of their national history, selves with the historical heritage plex of buildings established that influence domestic firms’ At the meeting, Sultanov em- he said. “Today, celebrating its in all its versatility and multidi- of that period,” he said. and operated by the World Trade activities in 190 countries. In phasised the President’s role in 20th anniversary, Astana has eve- mensionality,” he said. “[Astana] The capital is to be conceived Centres Association (WTCA). the Ease of Doing Business shaping and developing the city as ry reason to become one of the is based on a historical territory as a symbol of independent Ka- It places all services associated score, the country ranked higher a capital. world’s most advanced cities. All combining past, present and future zakhstan and the foundation upon with global commerce under a in enforcing contracts, starting “A year after moving the capi- these years, the capital has dem- because it was here, in the Middle which the national idea Mangilik single roof to foster networking businesses, trading across bor- tal, the United Nations Educa- onstrated steady growth across Ages, where the ancient settlement Yel (Eternal Nation) is based, said among governments and busi- ders, enforcing contracts deal- tional, Scientific and Cultural all the main indicators on socio- Bozok was located. Located on the the mayor. nesses. WTC complexes are lo- ing with construction permits, cated in cities, such as Amster- getting credit and resolving in- dam, Dubai, New York, Seoul solvency. and Tokyo and are often occupied “The jump in eight places is an by offices of major corporations. objective reflection of the - per Astana considers designated parking for electric In the Ease of Doing Business score, the country ranked higher in enforcing vehicles, introduction of electric buses contracts, starting businesses, trading across disabilities, now for electric vehicles.’ borders, enforcing contracts dealing with By Aidana Yergaliyeva But, nevertheless, we are defending our position. In the world, this trend construction permits, getting credit and ASTANA – Astana’s 2018- is being actively implemented. This 2020 comprehensive plan to project is planned to be launched in resolving insolvency. make the capital a greener city pilot mode until 2020,” she said. calls for designated parking The akimat further discussed The latest WTC will be locat- sistent work of the Kazakh gov- spaces for electric vehicles at all launching electric buses during ed on two hectares of the EXPO ernment, which has been imple- socially significant facilities, ad- their recent regular meeting on the 2017 campus and the main build- menting a special programme to ministrative buildings and shop- plan’s progress. ing will be 150 metres tall. improve the business climate in ping malls. According to Solovyova, a route “There is an investor who will the country for some time now,” “This is one of the tools to stim- has been determined and a com- bear all implementation costs TALAP Centre for Applied Re- ulate the benefits of electric vehi- pany has been found to implement – we are partners and currently search director Rakhim Oshak- cles, because many old cars and the programme. dealing with the provision of land bayev told The Astana Times in others emit a lot of harmful sub- Before introducing electric bus- and permits from state bodies,” October. stances. And they [electric cars] es to the public, the buses will be said Astana Socio-Entrepreneur- The WTCA is a non-profit or- contribute to the improvement of tested on the route for a year. They ial Corporation (SEC) Chairper- ganisation established in 1968 the environment,” Aigul Solovy- eugene.kaspersky.com. Photo credit: will be observed for the amount of son Nurlan Zhakupov at a SEC which has 317 members in 91 ova, chair of the board of the As- parking areas will be designated stimulate the operation of electric carbon emissions and performance meeting earlier this month. countries. It seeks to advance sociation of Ecological Organiza- for electric vehicles, and the meas- vehicles.” in the capital’s severe climate. Kazakh President Nursultan the WTC concept, promote inter- tions of Kazakhstan, said during a ure is supported by Astana Akimat In addition, the plan includes “Astana has become a start and Nazarbayev met with WTCA national business relationships recent government administration (administration). placing approximately 100 refuel- a pilot for us, since the openness Deputy Chairperson Rolf Draak and foster world trade expansion meeting to discuss the comprehen- The comprehensive plan in- ling stations. of the akimat and the desire to in- and Director Mehran Eftekhar among industrialising nations. sive plan. cludes “development and approval “Some people say that ‘we have al- volve the public was quite large,” during his October visit to Bel- Kazakhstan’s first WTC is lo- At least 10 percent the affected of a traffic management scheme to ready allocated places for people with she explained. gium to discuss attracting major cated in Almaty.