-6° / -10°C WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 No 23 (185) www.astanatimes.com Tokayev discusses economic cooperation Kazakhstan inks with German leaders, offers special agreements with Tyson conditions to German investors Foods, Valmont Industries The Kazakh government, Tyson By Nazira Kozhanova By Aidana Yergaliyeva Foods and Kusto Group, a Singa- pore-based company involved in NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Presi- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Prime beef production in Kazakhstan, dent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Minister Askar Mamin oversaw will provide capital for the plant’s discussed economic cooperation the signing of agreements with construction. It is expected that with German Chancellor Angela American agribusiness titans Ty- the new enterprise will meet the Merkel, German President Frank- son Foods and Valmont Industries needs of the Kazakh market and Walter Steinmeier and German en- Dec. 9 during his working visit to help boost agricultural exports. trepreneurs during Tokayev’s Dec. the United States. The companies Kazakhstan’s agriculture industry 5-6 official visit to Berlin. will invest in a new meat process- currently earns the country more “The purpose of my visit is to ing plant and a new plant to pro- than $1 billion per year. give an additional impetus, pri- duce irrigation systems in Kazakh- “Tyson Foods is a world-class marily to economic cooperation stan. company with the experience Ka- and political interaction. It so hap- Tyson Foods, the largest meat zakhstan needs to make a break- pened that Germany, being the processing company in the U.S., through in the development of fourth largest world economy, oc- will invest in the construction of a meat processing and increase the cupies the 12th place in our econ- modern meat processing complex number of livestock on farms,” omy in terms of investment pres- in Kazakhstan. The slaughterhouse Mamin said, the prime minister’s ence. I expressed the hope that in will have the capacity to process website reports. the very near future the situation approximately 2,000 head per day. Continued on Page A4 will be corrected in favour of Ger- many,” Tokayev told a press con- ference following his talks with Merkel. Tokayev also addressed the ses- sion organised by the Berlin Eura- Country sian Club, where he expressed Kazakhstan’s commitment to providing German investors with special conditions, such as a tax Photo credit: Akorda.kz. Photo credit: repatriates 14 exemption regime in special eco- L-R: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. nomic zones and infrastructural conditions. Kazakh Direct Investment Fund to system. Previously, we did not Germany sees Central Asia as “We are ready to give you the open special offices that will coop- provide such conditions to any a key part of the world economy, children from Iraq maximum of existing preferences, erate with German investors,” said other country. I sincerely hope Merkel said during a joint press the Iraqi authorities. This was a including a tax exemption regime Tokayev, according to akorda.kz. that with the right approach and conference with Tokayev after By Assel Satubaldina long negotiation process because in special economic zones, provi- Tokayev noted the measures are attitude, the Government and in- their talks on Dec. 5. we all had a big task to make sure sion of infrastructure, etc. I set unprecedented for Kazakhstan. vestors will make them truly effec- BAGHDAD – Kazakhstan re- that they are actually Kazakh citi- the task for Kazakh Invest and the “These measures are new to our tive,” he said. Continued on Page A3 turned 14 children from Iraq Nov. zens. We conducted DNA tests to 27 after a nearly nine-month-long find relatives here in Kazakhstan,” effort by the Kazakh government he said in an interview for this with the support of Iraqi officials. story, on a plane on the flight to The mission, which included rep- Baghdad. resentatives of the Kazakh Foreign The children hail from differ- Nazarbayev named honorary chair of Ministry, doctors, social workers ent regions of the country and and the media, travelled to Bagh- their relatives greeted them at the dad to pick up the youngsters on a capital airport. They will spend at chartered flight. least one month in a rehabilitation Central Asian Consultative Meeting, The children are aged from two centre in the city, where they will to thirteen. Some were school age receive appropriate care and sup- when their parents took them to port, including from specialised proposes solidifying cooperation the alleged Islamic State caliphate psychologists, to help them re- in Iraq and Syria, while most were cover from the psychological and the airport, Uzbek Prime Minister “Today, we will discuss press- ment of Central Asia in the 21st born there. physical trauma. By Galiya Khassenkhanova Abdulla Aripov met Nazarbayev,” ing issues of interaction and Century.” The kids have witnessed the hor- Kazakhstan is also in negotia- Nazarbayev’s press service an- agree on priority measures aimed “This fundamental political rors of war and conflict after spend- tions with Iraqi authorities to ex- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh- nounced. at expanding the partnership of document should reflect the basic ing almost two years in the Rusafa tradite th e six women from the stan’s First President, Nursultan This is not the first honorary ti- Central Asia,” the Uzbek Presi- principles and goals of our inter- prison in Baghdad with their moth- prison. The lack of an extradition Nazarbayev, attended the sec- tle Nazarbayev, who now carries dent said. “The meeting’s agenda action. The agreement will also ers. The women are serving life agreement with Iraq, however, has ond Consultative Meeting of the the title Elbasy or Leader of the includes regional policy issues, include provisions on mutual re- sentences, which means 25 years inhibited the process. Heads of State of Central Asia in Nation, has received since his res- cooperation in trade, economy, spect of the sovereignty, independ- in Iraq, for their involvement in “Again, this process is long, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Nov. 29, ignation last March. Six months investment, transport and com- ence and territorial integrity of our the terrorist activity. Six Kazakh but I hope it will be successful. where he was named Honorary ago, he was named honorary chair munication spheres; scientific, countries,” said Nazarbayev. women are incarcerated. I would like to say that Iraq also Chair. Uzbek President Shavkat of the Eurasian Economic Union technical and humanitarian ex- He also proposed holding a The children’s fathers have been does not have such an extradition Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyz President (EAEU), which includes Russia, changes; as well as ensuring se- Central Asian Security Council killed. One youngster lost both treaty with Russia, which evacuat- Sooronbai Zheenbekov, Tajik Armenia and Belarus in addition curity in Central Asia. We have to Secretaries meeting next year to parents and was taken from an or- ed a sufficiently big number of its President Emomali Rakhmon and to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. adopt the regulations and a joint strengthen security in the region phanage. children, but the Iraqi authorities Turkmen President Gurbanguly In Kazakhstan, he is also an hon- statement, as well as determine and called attention to Central The process to return the chil- do not give women away. They did Berdimukhamedov bestowed the orary senator, a title proposed by the place and time of the next Asia’s rapid demographic changes. dren started in March, said For- not give women back to Russia, title on Nazarbayev. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart consultative meeting.” Regarding cultural and humanitar- eign Ministry Ambassador at “Nursultan Nazarbayev, at the Tokayev. As a way to unify efforts to ian interaction, the First President Uzbekistan, Tajikistan or Kazakh- Large Stanislav Vassilenko, when stan. We will carry on these long- invitation of Uzbek President During the consultative meet- strengthen cooperation and in- proposed allocating 10 scholar- the government learned its citizens Shavkat Mirziyoyev, arrived in ing, the Central Asian leaders crease quality of life in the region, ships for students from each par- running negotiations,” explained were in the Iraqi prison. Vassilenko. Tashkent to participate in the sec- discussed regional cooperation in Nazarbayev proposed an “Agree- ticipating nation that will allow “We started negotiations with Continued on Page A3 ond Consultative Meeting of the politics, trade, economics, invest- ment on Good Neighbourliness them to study in the best universi- Heads of State of Central Asia. At ment and other fields. and Cooperation for the Develop- ties of Kazakhstan. Nazarbayev also proposed es- tablishing Central Asia Day on March 15, the day the first consul- tative meeting was held in 2018 Balandin wins gold, in Kazakhstan’s capital. Accord- ing to him, the dialogue that was launched then opened a new page silver at US open in the history of Central Asia. “It drastically improved the picture of our cooperation. The dialogue signalled to the five coun- swimming championship tries that our friendship will live of lead changes in the 200 breast. for centuries. Contacts started acti- By Aidana Yergaliyeva He swam a very even race at 29.3 / vating on all levels,” he said. 33.3 / 33.3 / 33.6. Nazarbayev also met with Mir- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Olym- Balandin moved from 7th to 4th ziyoyev, discussing the close re- pic champion Dmitriy Balan- to 5th to 2nd, and Wilson went lationships between their nations, din won silver Dec. 9, finishing a from 4th to 5th to 4th to 3rd. Kevin which through years of coopera- 200-metre distance in 2 minutes, Cordes held the lead over the first tion has reached a new qualitative 09 seconds 71 hundredths at the half of the race with 28.30 and level. Nazarbayev emphasised that men’s breaststroke final of 2019 1:02.46 at the 50 and 100 walls, Mirziyoyev’s initiative to hold the U.S. Open Swimming Champion- reported swimswam.com. consultative meetings facilitated ship in Atlanta, reported olympic. This is Balandin’s second med- the region’s multifaceted coopera- kz. al after he won gold at the 100 tion and presented a platform for Cody Miller was .04 seconds breaststroke of the championship. promoting collaboration. ahead of Balandin. Andrew Wil- He won gold Dec. 4 finishing a The next Consultative Meeting son closed the top three finishing 100-metre distance in 59.36 sec- will take place in Bishkek, Kyr- the 200 breaststroke in 2:10.10. onds.

Photo credit: Akorda.kz. Photo credit: gyzstan. Miller’s win caused a number Continued on Page B7

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY EDITORIAL BUSINESS NATION&CAPITAL Kazakhstan celebrates Day of First Government plans to urbanise 62 Kazakh Independence Day also celebrates Baiterek Holding creates favourable investment Barys HC celebrates 20th anniversary with 5-1 President A2 percent of population by 2025 A4 three decades of international partnerships A6 climate, suggests ways to minimise risks in win over Dynamo Minsk B1 market A7 New law makes ministers, governors Experts suggest Kazakhstan limit external INTERVIEW Kazakh Tourism launches tour for Chinese responsible for corruption among debts A4 New Hungarian envoy in Nur-Sultan continues Thirty-one agreements worth $2.3 billion travel bloggers B6 subordinates A2 strong relations A6 inked at Almaty Investment Forum 2019 A8

US$ 1 = 385.55 KZT € 1 = 426.57 KZT 1 = 6.05 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019

NATIONAL Kazakhstan celebrates Day of First President NEWS IN BRIEF The Ministry of Labour and So- Choice exhibit. Residents of the We met with him at the beginning cial Protection is developing its By Assel Satubaldina city and Almaty enjoyed fire- of a new start. All our discussions extensive migration profile with works shows. and conversations were about this the International Organisation for NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan The shows in the capital were new reality. Even the launch of the Migration, reported the ministry celebrated the Day of the First at the Yessil River embankment, Soyuz spacecraft at Baikonur was press service Dec. 5. A country President Dec. 1 with concerts, near Khan Shatyr Mall at the in- under the ‘peace’ motto. This is document will consist of detailed thematic exhibitions and firework tersection of Abylai Khan Avenue what united us. Nazarbayev sig- statistical and analytical informa- displays. and Pushkin Street. In Almaty, the nalled that the new start would tion to assess migration situation. The holiday, established in show was at Kok Tobe and First bring a new system, new chances In the future, the profile will allow recognition of Nursultan Naz- President’s Park. and new future,” said former Aus- creating separate strategic direc- arbayev’s achievements, has been To commemorate the important trian chancellor Franz Vranitzky tions based on factual data. The commemorated annually since date, the First President’s televi- (1986-1997) in the film. Mazhilis (lower house Parliament) 2012. The day marks the date in sion and radio complex released “He was the first leader after is studying a draft law on amend- 1991 when he was elected by pop- a short documentary featuring the collapse of the Soviet Union. ments and additions to some leg- ular vote in the country’s first-ever rare archive photos from Naz- He led, built a country, opened the islative acts to regulate migration presidential election. arbayev’s years in office. It also world to it, built a new capital. I processes. The law provides meas- Photo credit: Elbasy.kz. Photo credit: Twenty-eight years later, the day presents the way foreign leaders like the mixture of intelligence and ures to improve the mechanism for Kazakhstan’s First President Nursultan Nazarbayev. also has historical significance, as have perceived him and his role common sense, which you usually attracting labour immigrants, ad- Nazarbayev resigned earlier this in the country. call wisdom. This is what I appre- dress migrant issues brought to ad- year. Kazakhstan has had no other Despite his resignation, Naz- the nation and maintains contact “We met with President Naz- ciated on many occasions when I ministrative responsibility and im- leader since its independence and arbayev continues to play a sig- with foreign leaders. arbayev at the time when there met with President Nazarbayev,” plement international readmission 2019 saw the first presidential nificant role in the country’s politi- As part of the festivities, the was no confidence whether the So- added former Italian prime min- standards in national legislation. election where he was not a can- cal and economic life. He travels Kazakh National Museum in viet Union would exist or not, but ister Romano Prodi (1996-1998, didate. throughout the world representing the capital hosted the Historic anyways, everyone expected this. 2006-2008). Domestic airlines reduced the average fare on internal routes by 12 percent, according to the Min- istry of Investment and Infrastruc- tural Development press service. FlyArystan, the country’s first low- New law makes ministers, governors responsible cost airline, has affected the mar- ket and increased domestic compe- tition, which led to lower airfares. for corruption among subordinates Passenger traffic increased by 48 percent in Nur-Sultan, 45 percent accept the resignation is the pre- Anti-Corruption Service Olzhas his deputies, executive secretary, responsibility of the supervisor for in Almaty, 57 percent in Shymkent By Galiya Khassenkhanova rogative of the Head of State, but Bektenov. heads of staff or regional divi- his subordinate is stated at the leg- and 90 percent in Karaganda. a resignation letter is a mandatory The new law envisages two sions commit offences. The vice islative level,” he said. NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Presi- measure,” said Tokayev, according types of responsibilities. The first minister is responsible for the Under the previous law, a person Nur-Sultan hosted Kazakhstan’s dent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the presidential website. is the responsibility of political heads of supervised departments was liable only if he himself com- first Dell Technologies Forum signed a law making ministers and The new version of the law obli- civil servants to resign after a court and independent structural units. mitted the violation. This means Nov. 28. The company, which as of akims (governors) responsible for gates a supervisor to resign within verdict coming into force in case Akims of regions or cities of there were no legal grounds for February had 30.4 percent women corruption among their direct sub- 10 calendar days of an employee’s of a corruption offence by subor- national significance, including disciplining heads of state bodies employees, has set the goal of in- ordinates Nov. 28. The law intro- conviction of corruption. dinates appointed by that political the capital, are responsible for whose employees were systemati- creasing the number to 50 percent duces amendments that will oblige “From now on, political civil civil servant. their deputies, chiefs of staff and cally corrupt. and the number of women manag- ministers and governors to resign servants, which include ministers The second is a disciplinary re- akims of the districts. The new amendments are intro- ers by 40 percent by 2030, said Key if the top officials in their institu- and their deputies; regional akims sponsibility for corruption viola- According to Bektenov, the su- duced in eight codes and 19 laws Account Manager Anna Shemans- tions are found guilty of corrup- (governors) and their deputies; tions committed by employees pervisor must resign regardless of on civil service and anti-corruption kaya. The event gathered 250 lead- tion. akims (mayors) of Nur-Sultan, who are directly subordinate to po- whether he or she appointed the practices. ing local and foreign IT industry “If we seriously want to eradi- Almaty and Shymkent; and dis- litical civil servants. This includes employee in question. The deci- Annually, more than 2,000 cor- experts to discuss digital transfor- cate corruption, then, in my opin- trict akims are required to resign administrative employees such as sion to accept the resignation lies ruption crimes are registered in mation. Dell Technologies is also ion, state bodies’ heads should re- if their direct subordinates com- department directors, office heads with the president. Kazakhstan and more than 1,000 involved in implementing major sign if their subordinates commit mit a corruption crime,” said and division heads. “For the first time in the history people are held accountable on av- government initiatives, including corruption crimes. To accept or not First Deputy Chairman of the The minister will be liable if of independent Kazakhstan, the erage. the Digital Kazakhstan programme.

ArcelorMittal Temirtau will invest in General Electric elec- trostatic precipitators to improve UAPF head cautious about ...as another expert says pension system environmental performance at its Karaganda metallurgical plant, re- ported the company press service. Singapore pension system... should be reformed using Singaporean model The project includes a fully auto- mated emission cleaning system Staff Report Staff Report burden on the wage fund is 10-20 regulated by the electrostatic pre- percent lower than ours. There, the cipitator integrated controller. The system is made in such a way that a NUR-SULTAN – Unified Ac- NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh system maximises purifying sinter person can manage his savings for cumulative Pension Fund (UAPF) pension system should be re- emissions and optimising energy formed using the Singapore model, housing, education and medicine head Zhanat Kurmanov, speaking consumption. “The project to build said Centre for Strategic Develop- and, of course, then it no longer re- during the second Strategic Initia- new electrostatic precipitators in- ment senior partner Olzhas Khu- fers to the pension contribution as tives Forum Nov. 20 in the capital, stead of battery cyclones is being suggested the Singapore pension daibergenov Nov. 20 during the taxes,” he said. second Strategic Initiatives Forum. He recommended changing the implemented as part of an environ- system example should be viewed mental action plan agreed with the with caution. “Recently, a ranking of the best Kazakh system in favour of the Sin- gapore model and is hopeful Presi- Kazakh Ministry of Ecology, Ge- “There are countries with rich pension systems was published. If you take the top 10 countries, their dent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will ology and Water Resources. Dust experience in pension system Centre for Strategic Development pension systems assume that when senior partner Olzhas Khudaibergenov. consider this choice. emissions from sintering machines functioning and one of them is transitioning (to that system), the “Now, our proposals are propos- will be reduced by 25-30 percent Singapore. It should be noted that Zhanat Kurmanov tax burden will increase by two to no external debt,” he added. Khu- als from the expert sector. I hope by the end of 2021,” said Arce- there is no ideal pension system in two and a-half times. Naturally, we daibergenov emphasised changes the President considers this option lorMittal Temirtau Environmental the world. All experts agree that a Director Galina Drozdova. lion tenge (US$2,500), which is cannot afford this and only the Sin- to the pension system would entail and makes a decision. In terms of mixed pension system, which rep- not even enough for a mortgage gapore model allows you to save changes to the tax system. preparation, this will require a year, resents the state, an employee and Seven renewable energy projects down payment. A new system will the tax burden and even slightly “In Singapore, let’s say, they have maximum two. Until a new version an employer, is the most stable. will be implemented in the Akmola hopefully not only allow people reduce it,” he said. their own United National Pension of the pension system is launched, There is a need to be careful with Region, according to Kazinform, to save for their pension, but also He noted the Singapore system Fund (UAPF), which performs the housing reform can be launched and the Singapore pension system, be- functions of the UAPF, National as 45 percent of all electricity gen- accumulate funds for housing and is connected with housing provi- two years later launched with adap- Social Insurance Fund and the Na- erated is expected to be from re- cause there are certain economic other needs. sion, economic growth and em- tation to Kazakhstan at 10 percent tional Pension Payment Centre. newable energy sources by 2023. differences between our coun- In Singapore, both the employee ployment, which makes it particu- on the housing bill. Yes, these are larly attractive. They have one structure. Therefore, approximate calculations. In fact, in Three investment projects worth tries,” he said. and employer make monthly de- “These are issues of housing we may need to change something Singapore, rates vary depending on 60 billion tenge (US$156 million) He noted specific economic fac- posits into the pension fund, which tors influenced the formation of provision for the population and with our system. Also, in our case the age of the person. The older the have already been executed, in- are then distributed to three differ- economic growth and employ- this will cause changes in the tax person, the lower the rate. This has a cluding a 45-megawatt wind power Kazakhstan’s current pension sys- ent accounts – regular, special and tem. ment; all issues are solved togeth- system. In Singapore, there are side effect that it becomes beneficial station in the Yereymentau district, medical. er. It should be noted that Singa- two types of contributions – there for the employer to keep the person 750,000-kilowatt capacity wind “We have already decided not The funds from a regular account to completely copy Singapore’s pore is number one in the world in is an individual income tax and a if he is aging. Their model brilliantly power installation at the Rodina depositor can be used to purchase pension contribution. There are no experience in 1998. One should terms of competitiveness and the reflects all the needs and capabilities agriculture farm and 100-megawatt housing or pay for the person’s or only country in the world that has other types of taxes and the total tax of people,” he added. wind farm in the Arshaly District. always approach [this] carefully, another family member’s educa- through the prism of current eco- “Existing wind farms have already tion. Funds accumulated in a spe- provided 17 percent of the total en- nomic calculations [that are] 40-50 cial account are the “untouchable” years in advance,” he added. ergy generated in the region. This pension reserve. If the depositor indicator will increase to 22 per- Kurmanov emphasised many loses the ability to work or is diag- cent by the end of 2019 with the neighbouring countries are inter- nosed with a serious or incurable launch of CATEK Green Energy,” ested in the Kazakh model. illness, he or she can withdraw the said Karashash Samratova, an en- “Russia and Georgia show great money earlier. Medical account ergy manager with the regional interest in our pension system. We money is allocated for the deposi- Department of Energy and Hous- have implemented a very consist- tor’s healthcare expenses. ing and Public Utilities. ent and technological concept. It “Such a system can be success- is an institution which invests pen- fully adapted in Kazakhstan’s The share of farm animals and sion funds around the world and conditions. Such an integrated goods production increased in the collects all the results by the end of approach will be able to meet the Kostanai Region according to results the day. The next day you see the interests of all parties, including from the first 10 months of the year, investment results in your account. the state, which can legalise the reported Kazinform. Approximately We provide 80 percent of services shadow economy, and employers 1,700 tonnes of beef were exported to citizens remotely. Many issues for whom the tax burden on the and all food product exports totalled have really been resolved,” he wage fund will decrease. And, in more than $115 million. Agriculture said. this case, employees will receive represents an 11.2-percent share of Kazakh experts proposed us- a full-fledged tool to solve their the gross regional product. “More ing Singapore as an example after social issues. Plus, they will accu- than 125,000 people work in the ag- determining the need to reform mulate funds for their retirement,” riculture industry. This is 26 percent the Kazakh system. More than said Centre for Strategic Initiatives of the total employed population. 70 percent of citizens with pen- Project Director Bakhytzhan Sar- The region threshed three million sion savings have less than a mil- keev. tonnes of grain. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Tokayev, Zheenbekov hold talks on wide-ranging Kazakhstan’s Permanent Mis- sion to the United Nations hosted a roundtable Dec. 5 on the coun- try’s experience in repatriating its cooperation, EAEU in Bishkek citizens from conflict zones and their reintegration into society, with the results of the negotiations, operations, Tokayev offered to cre- reported the MFA press service. By Nazira Kozhanova and I would like to note the fruitful ate a logistics centre. The event gathered nearly 130 UN continuation of our cooperation,” “To support and stimulate ex- member state, international non- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Presi- he said, according to 24.kg. port-import operations, Kazakh- dent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid Tokayev said during the talks a stan proposed creating a logistics governmental organisation and an official visit to Bishkek,- Kyr major emphasis was made on trade centre for the design and process- UN specialised agency representa- gyzstan, Nov. 27 for negotiations and economic relations of two ing of goods. The implementation tives. Kazakhstan returned 595 of with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay countries, as well as investment of the project will greatly facilitate its citizens from Syria, including Zheenbekov. links. administrative procedures and the 400 children, from January-June “We strive to find and develop “Bilateral trade from 2015 to movement of goods across our through the Jusan (Bitter Worm- new areas of joint work that are 2018 increased by 30 percents and countries,” he said. wood) operation and recently consistent with the spirit and na- amounted to about $900 millions. Another central topic was the returned 14 children from Iraq. ture of Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan re- As a result, today our country is water management in the region. “Jusan operation is more than a lations,” Tokayev said after speak- one of the leading trade partners The Kyrgyz president also noted humanitarian mission, but an inter-

ing with Zheenbekov, according to Sultan Dosaliyev. Photo credit: of Kyrgyzstan, firmly occupying that the volume of trade between nationally recognised counterter- 24.kg. the third position after Russia and the neighbouring nations grew in rorism strategy. We prevent further L-R: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Regarding the content of the ne- China. In turn, Kyrgyzstan is Ka- 2019. radicalisation of citizens through gotiations, Zheenbekov noted that near future to organise reciprocal our countries, numbering about zakhstan’s second trading partner “We noted with satisfaction the their rehabilitation and reintegra- the development of cultural coop- Days of Culture, which were held 180 treaties and agreements. There among the countries of Central increase in the volume of mutual tion,” said Deputy Foreign Minis- eration and interactions within the more than six years ago. are other important institutions Asia,” said Tokayev, according to trade between our countries. Com- ter Yerzhan Ashikbayev, address- Eurasian Economic Union were at Tokayev described Kazakhstan where we constructively discuss akorda.kz. pared to last year, the indicator ing the gathering. He thanked the the heart of the discussion. and Kyrgyzstan as allies in good and find solutions to all issues of Tokayev said one of the goals of grew by 10.5 percent. The number United Nations Children’s Fund “Particular attention was paid to harmony. mutual interest. Kazakhstan does the cooperation is to increase the of Kyrgyz-Kazakh joint ventures (UNICEF), International Commit- cultural cooperation between our “Kyrgyzstan is a good neigh- not have such a comprehensive in- trade turnover up to $1 billion. The has grown to 1,900. This result can tee of the Red Cross and American two fraternal countries, having a bour, a fraternal state and an ally stitutionalisation of bilateral rela- two leaders discussed the possibili- serve as the basis for new success- and Iraqi officials for their contri- common history, language, reli- for Kazakhstan. We have a com- tions with any other state.” ty of launching a networking space es in the economy.” butions to the operation. Special- gion and traditions. We agreed that mon vision, similar views on the He drew the attention of journal- where the entrepreneurs of two Before the negotiations, Zheen- ised psychologists and theologists it is necessary to cooperate more development of the situation on ists to bilateral documents signed at countries could make connections. bekov met Tokayev and the Ka- continue to work with the returned actively in this area. We also dis- many topical issues on the interna- the end of the talks, highlighting the “One of the possible options zakh delegation at the Manas-2 citizens. cussed issues of interaction within tional agenda,” said Tokayev, ac- Comprehensive Cooperation Pro- could be the introduction of the airport in Bishkek. The two presi- the framework of the Eurasian cording to 24.kg. gramme that should give a signifi- practice of holding inter-regional dents then visited the late Kyrgyz Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways and Economic Union. During the talks, He also noted that Kazakhstan cant impetus to strengthening the forums of Kazakhstan and Kyr- writer Chingiz Aitmatov museum Malaysian Air Asia X will start fly- an exchange of views took place has signed more agreements and partnership between the two states. gyzstan. Governments have been house and the Ata-Beyit Kyrgyz ing to Kazakhstan in 2020 as part on pressing regional and interna- treaties with Kyrgyzstan than with Zheenbekov expressed satisfac- entrusted with working out this ethno-memorial complex, where of the country’s open skies regime tional issues,” he said. any other country. “A solid juridi- tion with the negotiations. proposal,” said Tokayev. they put flowers on Aitmatov’s launched Nov. l at its 11 airports, In particular, he proposed in the cal base has been formed between “The Kyrgyz side is pleased To support export and import grave. reported the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development press service. Negotiations were held during the twelfth Interna- tional Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation Tokayev offers special conditions to German investors Event (ICAN 2019), the world’s premier platform to build partner- Continued from Page A1 engaged in a constant constructive have the opportunity to enter new to our country, feel safe and suc- projects in agriculture, high tech- ships and conduct air services ne- dialogue with European leaders. markets for them.” cessfully develop. We are ready nology and digitisation, as well as gotiations, hosted Dec. 2-6 in Aqa- “China and Russia are great Kazakhstan will continue to sup- Tokayev expressed his hopes to provide special conditions for take part in the work of the Astana ba, Jordan. Jazeera Airways will neighbours of Kazakhstan. We port new EU approaches towards for the cooperation in information German business people,” he told International Financial Centre. launch its first flight this summer know the One Belt, One Road ini- the Central Asian region. It is ob- technologies, which is a sector the group. “It was a great honour for us to as part of the agreement between tiative. Therefore, we have every vious that in our interaction with Kazakhstan is developing. Tokayev emphasised Kazakh- speak with you. We are confident Kazakh and Kuwaiti aviation offi- reason as Europeans, as Germans, Europe, for many reasons, a spe- “We have adopted a special state stan’s location as an asset for com- that your visit will fruitfully affect cials. Both countries’ airlines will to perceive you in Central Asia as cial place is occupied by econom- programme, “Digital Kazakhstan”. panies interested in transporting not only our political contacts, but operate 14 flights per week and an a key participant in economic pro- ic, historical, cultural relations The Fraunhofer Institute from Ger- goods from China to Europe. also our economic ties,” said head unlimited number of cargo flights cesses, and also to actively par- with Germany,” said Tokayev. many participated in the develop- “We have very good relations of the Wilo company and chair of with fifth freedom rights. Air Asia ticipate in the development of this Among the perks of working ment of this strategic programme. with China, Russia and the coun- the Eastern Committee of the Ger- X will start flying to Kazakhstan region ourselves,” she noted. with Kazakhstan, Tokayev high- In order to support start-ups from tries of Central Asia,” he stressed. man Economy, Oliver Hermes, at in the second quarter. The open During their talks, Tokayev and lighted the benefits of Kazakh- all over our region, we organised “We are an important transport the Berlin Eurasian Club event on skies regime covers airports in Merkel focused on developing stan’s integration with its Central the Astana Hub and the IT Univer- hub between east and west. Over Dec. 6. “I want to assure you that Aktau, Almaty, Karaganda, Kok- economic cooperation, as well as Asian neighbours that allows Ger- sity. We hope that in three years we 70 percent of all transcontinen- German business as a whole is a shetau, Nur-Sultan, Pavlodar, Pe- partnerships in science and cul- man companies easy access to will have a pool of talents in the tal routes pass through Kazakh- reliable partner of Kazakhstan. I tropavlovsk, Semei, Shymkent, tural work. Central Asian markets. field of information technology. In stan. The international Western believe that we have good oppor- Taraz, and Ust-Kamenogorsk “Today’s talks with Chancel- “Our close integration with our general, we are ready for coopera- Europe-Western China transit tunities for future cooperation and without frequency restrictions and lor Angela Merkel and President neighbours provides convenient tion in the area of digitisation both corridor makes it possible to re- the growth of German investments with fifth freedom rights. The au- Frank-Walter Steinmeier were access to neighbouring markets. at the level of government struc- duce the time of transportation of in the economy of Kazakhstan.” thorities have also announced that held at a high level. I am sure More than 500 million people live tures and at the level of individual goods. This year, a record speed During Tokayev’s visit to Ger- Austrian and Kazakh airlines are they will give a new impetus to today in the immediate vicinity companies,” said Tokayev. was reached for the transportation many, representatives of the Ka- given opportunities to increase the the development of bilateral co- of our borders. Within the frame- During his visit to Germany, To- of goods from the Chinese city of zakh Development Bank signed number of regular flights to 21 per operation,” Tokayev said of their work of the Eurasian Economic kayev also held a business dinner Xi’an to Germany; the transporta- cooperation agreements with such week (currently, there are no such exchange. Union, we want to benefit from with German business executives, tion time was only 10 days.” German banks as Deutsche Bank, flights). During the Berlin Eurasia Club four freedoms – the movement as a stated aim of his trip was to Leading German concerns in- Commerzbank, KfW IPEX-Bank. event, Tokayev noted the impor- of goods, services, capital and diversify Kazakhstan’s portfolio cluding Volkswagen, Mann, Sie- A memorandum of understand- Kazakhstan participated in the tance of Kazakh-German coop- labour. We will continue to work of investors. mens, Knauf, Bayer and Metro ing was also signed with German Organisation for Security and Co- eration in Kazakh-European rela- closely with our closest neigh- “As the President of Kazakh- are already actively working in insurance company Euler Hermes operation in Europe (OSCE) Min- tions. bours in Central Asia. Therefore, stan, I will do everything in my Kazakhstan, the president noted, Aktiengesellschaft while a num- isterial Council Dec. 5-6 in Brati- “We pay great attention to what German companies that are al- power to ensure that business and calling for more German business- ber of commercial agreements slava, Slovakia, reported the MFA is happening in Europe. We are ready present in Kazakhstan will investments from Germany come es to join in the implementation of were signed as well. press service. The meeting gath- ered foreign ministers and sen- ior diplomats from the 57 OSCE participating states to review the organisation’s activities and bol- ster dialogue on security issues Country repatriates 14 children from Iraq in the OSCE area. The Kazakh delegation was headed by Deputy Continued from Page A1 It was not only a “right action for this year, including the escalation probably the only country that in eration. They did the bulk of the Foreign Minister Roman Vassilen- Kazakhstan to return its citizens, of the conflict in northern Syria such scale and stages consequently work, because they had to clear up ko, who in his remarks noted the The humanitarian mission is part but also very timely,” said Advi- which significantly complicates undertook these measures to return different issues with our foreign relevance of ideas and principles of the nation’s efforts to return its sor to the President of Kazakhstan efforts by other countries to extri- citizens both from Syria and Iraq. partners in difficult political con- written in the organisation’s Asta- citizens from territories formerly Erlan Karin who also personally cate their citizens from there. Other states also do it, but on a ditions. This was a not so visible na Declaration adopted in 2010 at controlled by terrorists. It follows participated in the evacuation of “The government takes its role smaller scale,” he told The Astana and not so noticeable amount of the OSCE summit in the Kazakh the four stages of the Jusan (Bitter the children. with responsibility despite the cir- Times. work,” he added. capital. He emphasised the impor- Wormwood) operation conducted The situation in the Middle East, cumstances [under which] the citi- “Our diplomats conducted huge The Kazakh government used tance of an inclusive dialogue and from January through June that he noted, has drastically changed zens ended up there. Kazakhstan is work, both in Jusan and in this op- different channels to find chil- coordinated actions of OSCE par- returned nearly 600 citizens, ap- dren trapped in conflict areas and ticipating states to react and pre- proximately 400 of whom were stranded in camps. vent conflict situations. Attendees children, from Syria. “The information across all were also briefed on Kazakhstan’s “Most of those kids who we channels is being accumulated. initiatives to support Afghanistan, brought back from Syria went Relatives contact parents them- including the October roundtable to school or kindergarten. Their selves through different ways to in Nur-Sultan organised by the Ka- mothers were employed. The ma- try to contact and seek help in their zakh Foreign Ministry, the Slovak jority of the 150 women that we repatriation or that of their kids,” chairmanship of the OSCE and the took back returned to the secular said Karin. OSCE Secretariat. way of life and rejected the radical A tangle of concerns needed to ideology. We have good examples be addressed to conduct such an Astana Opera principal dancer of the women that started working operation, he noted. Aigerim Beketayeva received the at rehabilitation centres and have “It took a long time. First of Commonwealth of Independent convinced the remaining women all, many may think that the issue States (CIS) Commonwealth of to come back to their families. is just in sending the plane and Debuts international youth award There are still some problems with bringing the kids, but actually Dec. 9 in Brest, Belarus, a CIS some women. Psychologists and there is a need to address legal is- 2019 Culture Capital. Armenia, theologists are working with them, sues. Children who are being re- Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakh- convincing them that it is a pseudo turned from Iraq, their parents are stan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Rus- state,” the diplomat added refer- sentenced and many of them lack sia and Tajikistan nominated 26 ring to DAESH. documents. The legal status of individuals and the international The trial process is ongoing in minors is unclear. Therefore, our jury selected eight winners, whose relation to the men who have been diplomats and other state bodies achievements have provided a sig- charged with terrorist activity in- needed to resolve all legal issues nificant contribution to developing volvement and returned to Ka- and prepare the documents,” he and promoting different arts. zakhstan from Syria. added. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019

ECONOMIC Government plans to urbanise 62 percent of population by 2025 NEWS IN BRIEF urbanisation. The new programme reduced. Real cash incomes of the government plans to allocate 1.3 According to the minister, In the first nine months of 2019, By Aidana Yergaliyeva defines important institutional population will grow 25 percent. trillion tenge (US$3.38 billion) to 17,000 specialists received pref- Kazakh National Fund’s assets conditions for the development of The main result of the programme develop villages. erential budget loans for the reached $59.34 billion, a 2.3-percent NUR-SULTAN – In the new the country. This is the formation will be an increase in the welfare The programme will also intro- purchase of housing under the increase year-on-year (yoy). The as- State Programme for the Develop- of centres of economic growth, of citizens living in cities, regional duce a regional standard system. Diplommen Auylga (With a Di- sets reached a 34-percent share of ment of Regions for 2020-2025, increasing the competitiveness of centres and villages,” said Dale- As a result of the first five- ploma to a Village) programme. the gross domestic product (GDP) the Kazakh government set the regions, ensuring a basic standard nov. year plan ending in 2019, the The programme finished 8,000 in 2018, exceeding the 30-percent goal of urbanising 62 percent of of living in all regions,” Dalenov rural improvement projects, im- minimum balance level. In early the country’s population. This explained. proving infrastructure in villages August, President Kassym-Jomart should improve social welfare, The programme will combine The programme will combine existing for 700,000 villagers. The Kazakh Tokayev signed a decree pursuing a Minister of National Economy existing state programmes, terri- government allocated 252 billion policy to diversify the assets. To in- Ruslan Dalenov said during his torial development programmes, state programmes, territorial development tenge (US$655.78 million) to crease long-term expected returns, report at a Dec. 3 government comprehensive plans and strate- programmes, comprehensive plans and these projects. the savings portfolio transitioned meeting. gies. The government wants to In addition, 1.4 trillion tenge from a conservative distribution (80 The next five-year programme concentrate labour and financial strategies. The government wants to (US$3.64 billion) has been allo- percent bonds, 20 percent shares) to prioritises developing urban resources. concentrate labour and financial resources. cated for the development of engi- a balanced distribution (60 percent growth centres. It identifies four This synergy should increase neering infrastructure since 2014, bonds, 30 percent shares, up to 5 large metropolitan areas (Nur-Sul- markets for rural producers, Dalenov said. percent alternative instruments and tan, Almaty, Aktobe and Shym- boost non-resource-based gross As part of the Auyl-El Besigі population of each of the three Kazakhstan has 17 regions with up to 5 percent gold). kent), 14 regional urbanised areas domestic product (GDP) and im- project, the programme will mod- large agglomerations and their 87 cities and 6,500 villages. The and 18 bigger remote villages to prove transport connectivity. The ernise 3,477 villages – 90 percent nearby settlements reached 1 level of urbanisation across the From January-October, fixed as- focus on. programme also includes infra- of all Kazakh villages, where al- million people (Almaty, Nur- country is 58.2 percent, the high- set investments in art, entertainment “Within the framework of the structure development projects most seven million people live. Sultan and Shymkent). The pro- est urbanisation level among the and leisure reached a record 118.9 Strategy of Kazakhstan 2050 and in cities, district centres and vil- The programme intends to cre- gramme also reduced the depre- countries of Central Asia, but billion tenge (US$309.27 million), a the Strategic Plan for the Develop- lages. ate access to high-quality drink- ciation of water supply networks still lower than in Organisation 53.5-percent increase year-on-year ment of the Republic of Kazakh- “Urbanisation will give an ad- ing water and improve transport in single-industry towns by 10 for Economic Co-operation and (yoy) and 1.2 percent share of all stan by 2025, the priority of re- ditional GDP growth of 0.52 per- links between the villages and percent and electricity networks Development (OECD) countries, fixed asset investments. One-quar- gional policy is to ensure managed cent. Regional imbalances will be their nearest regional centres. The by 12 percent. where it is 77 percent. ter of the investments are in Nur- Sultan. The top three regions, which also include the East Kazakhstan and Almaty regions, account for al- most 59 percent of all investments in the field. A noticeable increase Experts suggest Kazakhstan limit external debts in the investment portfolio resulted from a 93.5-percent increase (up to while transitioning to new eco- is a completely wrong option. We a normal situation. I am not saying growing, the debt is not growing a lot, 54 billion tenge (US$140.46 mil- Staff Report nomic policy, we should abolish should not use external loans for to actively use the National Fund, therefore, we are good in terms of per- lion)) in own fund investments, 45.4 external debts,” said Senior Part- this, or for state purposes,” he said. because it is within 3-4 percent and centage value,” he said. percent of the total volume of capi- NUR-SULTAN – Experts sug- ner at the Centre for Strategic Ini- Presidential Administration we borrow at slightly higher rates of The forum was organised by the tal investments in the field. gested at the recent Strategic Ini- tiatives Olzhas Khudaibergenov. Deputy Head Timur Suleimenov, 5-6 percent. We can take advantage Centre for Strategic Initiatives and tiatives Forum in Nur-Sultan that Implementation of state pro- former Minister of National Econ- from this,” said Suleimenov. gathered experts, policy makers and As of October, 436,500 small Kazakhstan should cease relying jects, he noted, can be done with- omy, voiced the opposite. He said external loans should heads of national companies and companies are registered in Ka- on external debts. out involving external debts. “At zero percent of external debt. serve as a driver. state bodies to explore the devel- zakhstan, a 2.3-percent increase “We suggest there is a need for “We can afford it, particularly I believe that this idea has a right to “It (external debt) is not very big opment of a new economic policy, year-on-year (yoy). The number of active investment policies. Our given the funds the National Fund exist, but in my opinion as long as we right now. It is around 23 percent. This modernisation of the Kazakh pen- operating companies increased 10.1 previous capital amnesties were possesses. We have a project to fi- are balanced in terms of assets and is quite a safe level. The total debt of sion system and the Kazakh banking percent to 294,000. Accordingly, formally successful, but there are nance the construction of customs liabilities of the state and by asset we the country is 86 percent. As you may sector. The government will consid- the share of small operating enter- still many assets abroad, which clearance check points, which was mean not only the budget but also remember, it was above 105-107 per- er the recommendations and propos- prises from registered companies can be returned. At the same time, done with the external loans. This the National Fund, we have quite cent. The gross domestic product is als made by experts at the forum. increased from 62.6 percent to 67.4 percent. The number of operating small businesses has increased in all regions, with Nur-Sultan show- ing the most noticeable growth of 15.1 percent to 49,300. The Turke- Kazakhstan inks agreements with stan Region and Shymkent had the highest growth rates of 14.5 percent and 14.4 percent, respectively. Tyson Foods, Valmont Industries At the end of October, Kazakh sec- ond-tier banks loaned 257.8 billion tenge (US$670.56 million) to agri- cultural entities compared to 495.1 billion tenge (US$1.29 billion) in 2018. The Almaty Region provided almost half (48 percent) of the loans, followed by the Akmola (25 billion tenge (US$65.03 million)) and Ko- stanai (23.1 billion tenge (US$60.09 million)) regions. The loan reduc- tion was caused by the banks’ high average lending rate (12 percent and higher) and stringent requirements on borrowers’ collateral base. Small en- terprises comprised the largest share (97.5 percent) of agricultural borrow- ers during the ten-month period.

In the first ten months of the year, metal ore mining reached 1.6 tril-

Photo credit: Primeminister.kz Photo credit: lion tenge (US$4.16 billion) and L-R: Chairman of the Board of Tyson Foods John Tyson, Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin and the industrial production index was Tyson Foods President and CEO Noel White. 115.8 percent (104.6 percent in 2018). In 2018, metal ore produc- Continued from Page A1 just 3 percent of its annual revenue Founded in 1935, Tyson Foods riculture, Kusto Group and Val- the plant’s capacity and produce tion value was slightly less than of $42.4 billion. Kazakhstan’s stra- processes more than 20,000 head mont Industries signed an agree- equipment for telecommunica- 1.5 trillion tenge (US$3.90 billion). “The opening of the enterprise tegic geographic location and well- per day and employs 141,000 peo- ment to collaborate to improve tions, renewable energy and infra- Non-ferrous metals accounted for will stimulate not only the devel- developed transportation networks ple. Mamin visited Tyson’s pro- agricultural productivity in Ka- structure construction. more than 78 percent of total pro- opment of the meat industry, but are among the key factors that drew duction, technological process, zakhstan. Kazakhstan plans to increase its ​​ duction. The Kostanai Region led also other related sectors of the Tyson Foods to invest in Kazakh- and research and development The document envisaged build- irrigated land from 1.4 million to in metal ore production with 378.6 agro-industrial complex – vet- stan, Tyson Chief Executive Noel facilities in Springdale, Arkansas, ing a plant to produce Valley 2 million hectares by 2022, and to billion tenge (US$984.78 mil- erinary medicine, agricultural ma- White told The Financial Times. and Dakota City, Nebraska. Pivot Irrigation Machines in Ka- 3 million hectares by 2030, said lion), of which 309.4 billion tenge chinery, fodder crops, the creation “This initiative is to help satisfy The prime minister also trav- zakhstan in 2022. The plant will Mamin. (US$804.8 million) was iron ore and of feedlots, et cetera. The project that growth in demand that we see elled to Omaha and met with Ne- have a capacity of 1,000 frontal “The use of advanced technolo- 69.2 billion tenge (US$179.99 mil- will create tens of thousands of over the course of the next 10-plus braska Governor Pete Ricketts and and circular irrigation machines gies by Valmont Industries will lion) non-ferrous metals. The East new jobs in Kazakhstan’s agricul- years,” he said. Kazakh farmers Valmont Industries President and per year. The American irrigation have a multiplier effect on crop Kazakhstan Region, the second big- ture,” he added. will have access to information CEO Stephen Kaniewski. Valmont technologies should increase crop production and the creation of a gest producer, extracted 334.4 bil- For Tyson, the plant is in keeping and consulting services, which is the global market leader in irri- productivity and halve agricul- forage base for livestock produc- lion tenge (US$869.81 million) in with its plans to expand its interna- also include on-the-job training gation systems. tural costs. tion,” he said, primeminister.kz non-ferrous metal ores. The Aktobe tional enterprises, which bring in and vocational training. The Kazakh Ministry of Ag- The parties plan to expand reports. Region closed the top three with 247.5 billion tenge (US$643.77 million), of which 242.8 billion tenge (US$631.55 million) is non- ferrous metals and 4.6 billion tenge Light industry boosts production by 18.9 percent in 2019 (US$11.96 million) iron ores. served in the production of tex- both commercial goods and goods In 2018, five new projects were 1 billion tenge (US$2.6 million), The Kazakh National Bank re- Staff Report tiles and of 7.5 percent in the pro- for national services. commissioned, including two in creating 45 new jobs. cently maintained the base rate at duction of clothes. Today, light “Kazakhstan’s light industry en- the territory of the Ontustyk spe- Currently, support for light in- 9.25 percent per annum while main- taining the interest rate band at +/- 1. NUR-SULTAN – The volume industry is a priority area that terprises produce work clothes for cial economic zone with a total dustry enterprises is provided by Annual inflation is below the expec- of production of light industry receives great attention from the national companies and healthcare investment of 7.3 billion tenge the Kazakh government as part tations of the National Bank. Real (US$19 million), thus creating 423 of systemic measures to develop products in Kazakhstan increased state. This industry includes more institutions; special uniforms for the GDP growth is gradually accelerat- by 18.9 percent over the first 10 than 20 sub-sectors, which are armed forces, police and other bod- jobs. Those include the produc- the manufacturing industry, such ing. Given the current decision on months of this year compared combined into three main groups: ies; as well as products for the popu- tion of processing polyethylene as promoting the export of prod- the base rate, inflation is expected to the same period in 2018 and the textile industry makes up 52 lation. These are outerwear – coats, terephthalate (PET) waste and the ucts, stimulating increased labour to develop within the target corridor amounted to 87.5 billion tenge percent, clothing production, 38 men’s suits, hosiery, children’s production of staple fibre, knitted productivity, promoting goods on of 4-6 percent for 2019-2020. Fur- (US$227 million), the press ser- percent, and leather and related clothing, hats, home textiles and women’s tights, towels, bathrobes, the domestic market, implement- ther decisions on the base rate will vice of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of products, 10 percent,” the minis- shoes. In addition, domestic enter- shoes and hay-knitting threads. In ing the Unified Business Support be made considering internal and Industry and Infrastructure Devel- try representative said about the prises produce cotton yarn and fab- 2019, the Bal Textile project, the and Development Programme of external risks, which will determine opment said Nov. 19. industry. rics, blended fabrics, carpets, leath- third workshop producing carpets the Business Road Map 2020 and the level of actual inflation and its “Growth of 23.7 percent is ob- Kazakh light industry produces er,” the representative explained. and rugs, was commissioned for other programmes. compliance with the targets. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Air Astana completes first Airbus A320neo Kazakhstan will gradually abandon plastic bags, reported informburo.kz. Retail chains will be required to charge their C-check at Almaty Airport base customers for standard plastic check maintenance at the carrier’s bags with a density of less than By Zhanna Shayakhmetova bases in Almaty and Nur-Sultan, 20 microns. In addition, the Min- according to the release. S7 Tech- istry of Ecology, Geology and NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh na- nics provides consulting services Natural Resources will introduce tional carrier Air Astana complet- and training for airline specialists a recycling fee on plastic packag- ed its first independent C-check of to expand their repair capabilities. ing manufacturers and importers an Airbus A320neo aircraft, a base The partnership involves sharing and there is also the possibly of maintenance check, at Almaty Air- and exchanging tools and equip- a sales ban on plastic bags after port base, reported the company’s ment between the Air Astana main- 2025. The ministry, the Atame- press service. tenance and S7 Technics bases. ken National Chamber of En- The company’s primary goal Air Astana will significantly in- trepreneurs and the Association is to minimise costs by indepen- crease its maintenance capability of Environmental Organisations dently performing heavy aircraft at the capital base in preparation signed a memorandum Sept. 20 to maintenance, said Vice President for the first C-check there in 2020. engage in a phased reduction in for Maintenance and Engineering In November, Air Astana an- plastic container turnover. Large Keith Wardle. nounced plans to launch an Al- chains such as Anvar, Kenmart, “With the expansion of our ex- maty-Paris flight on long-range Magnum and Small are ready to perience and capability, we also Airbus A321LRs beginning in join the initiative. see the possibility of carrying out June. The airline is the first in the maintenance for external custom- Commonwealth of Independent Ricoh, a Japanese multinational ers. This, in turn, will increase rev- States (CIS) to operate this type of imaging and electronics company, enue and offset part of the cost of aircraft. The flight, lasting seven opened a new office Nov. 26 in performing our own C-checks. We Air Astana. Photo credit: hours 15 minutes and seven hours Almaty, reported profit.kz. The expect this to happen in the com- and 45 minutes on its return, will company has been working in Ka- ing years,” he added. The check was completed in 10 “In the history of S7 Technics, the field of basic maintenance is be completed three times a week zakhstan for more than six years. In October, the European Avia- days by S7 Technics specialists this is the first such project, but not a whim, but a logical step to on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sun- Ricoh Commonwealth of Inde- tion Safety Agency (EASA) certi- and Air Astana engineers and sup- there are examples in the aviation reduce costs,” said S7 Technics days. pendent States (CIS) Sales De- fied the company to perform the port teams who conducted more industry when a provider helps a Deputy General Director for Mar- The cost of a round-trip ticket partment head Andrei Burkin said advanced maintenance. The cer- than 170 safety checks and cabin customer develop their own com- keting and Sales Igor Panshin. will vary from 191,765 tenge the company’s success in Kazakh- tificate allows Air Astana to do restoration. The engineers previ- petencies. For an airline of the Last year, Air Astana and S7 (US$496) in economy class to stan is largely due to the work of heavy maintenance (C-check) on ously participated in training at the scale of Air Astana, the develop- Technics signed a memorandum 944,206 tenge (US$2,440) in busi- its partners, adding the nation is Airbus A319/A320/A321 aircraft. S7 Technics base in Moscow. ment of its own competencies in of understanding to establish C- ness class with associated fees. its number one country in the re- gion. In 2013, the company began its CIS activities in Almaty. The the HydroPlat project was finding new office will enhance Ricoh’s specialists. work with partners and custom- “The challenge was in getting ers and organise the work of the HydroPlat project hopes to make expert opinion, because in Ka- official representative office that zakhstan we don’t really have a will cover the entire Central Asian lot of experts in the hydrogen en- region. ergy field and hydrogen cars. It hydrogen-powered cars more affordable was very difficult for us to find Kazakhtelecom, the largest pro- emissions. We won the award in tric cars, but they are not popular is a necessity to switch to non- people, so we had to have some vider of digital services in Kazakh- By Nazira Kozhanova our nomination,” she said. because it’s too expensive, and by petrolium fuel vehicles, which are expert opinions from overseas. It’s stan, and Russian multidisciplinary The idea came from the team’s using HydroPlat in hydrogen car either hydrogen cars or electric not only local people who help us IT structure IKS Holding signed a NUR-SULTAN – HydroPlat’s science project, as it decided to ap- manufacturing we’ll be able to cars. Even though there are some and advise us in our start-up,” she memorandum of cooperation and team project, the Clean Mobil- ply its findings to making hydro- produce them at a cheaper price, electric cars, they are not going to noted. joint activities during the Big Data ity Award winner at the Climate- gen cars more accessible. which will make them more af- last as much as hydrogen cars will, The team’s long-term plan is to in Kazakhstan: New Horizons in- LaunchPad Global Grand Final “The HydroPlat came from our fordable,” she added. because hydrogen cars are better establish a company that will be ternational conference held Nov. Nov. 19, could potentially make science project and we wanted to Hydrogen cars can potentially at recharging, so they can go a lot able to commercialise the project, 28 in Nur-Sultan, reported profit. hydrogen cars significantly cheap- first of all reduce the hydrogen become an even better alternative further. We think that in the future, said Toleshova. kz. According to the document, er, providing a sustainable and af- sulphides from the waste waters. to petroleum-fuelled cars than elec- even though it might seem impos- “Our short-term plan is to test the parties will establish strategic fordable vehicle option, said team Afterwards we thought ‘Ok, our tric cars, as they recharge better. sible now, but in five years we’ll our nanomaterials in real hydrogen relations and combine their accu- leader Aidana Toleshova. bacteria can reduce the hydrogen “Because the carbon emissions be using hydrogen cars,” said cars and our long-term plan is to mulated experience in processing, “Basically, we participated first sulphide, what can it do next?’ budget is getting smaller and Toleshova. establish our company and sell our storing, structuring and analysing in the national finals, which were We researched this topic with our smaller every year, I think there The main demand in developing nanomaterials,” she added. Big Data to develop Kazakhstan’s held at Nazarbayev University. We professor. We thought we can turn digital economy. became the winners of the national them into nanomaterials, which final and we had a chance to go to can be used in the fuel cells, and Chocofamily Holding bought the grand final that took place in fuel cells are used in hydrogen Aviata.kz, an online airplane and Amsterdam, the Netherlands… We cars. Our nanomaterial is able to railway ticket booking service. were nominated beforehand for the replace platinum catalysts in the Chocofamily, with its similar ser- clean mobility theme award. Clean fuel cell. This way we make the vice Chocotravel, now holds 100 mobility is about new technologies fuel cell a lot cheaper. Hydrogen percent of the shares in the coun- for transportation, reducing carbon cars are a lot better than even elec- try’s travel services, reported prof- it.kz Nov. 20. Aviata.kz founders Alexei Lee and Evgeny Matveev sold their shares and will focus on developing their own projects and AIFC aims to improve investing in start-ups. The united travel company continues to grow faster than the market, increasing its turnover 2.7 times to 1.5 billion educational technologies tenge (US$ 3.9 million) per month QazAngels co-founder and CEO in 18 months. The company sells By Yerbolat Uatkhanov Ruslan Rakymbai, AIFC BCPD more than 330,000 air and train Deputy CEO Elmira Seidazimova, tickets per month. NUR-SULTAN – The Astana In- Seedstars Kazakhstan CEO Serik ternational Financial Centre (AIFC) Shakarim, KPMG Digital Village QazTech Ventures held the first Bureau for Continuing Professional leading expert Madiyar Toleugali general meeting of business in- Development (BCPD) held an Ed- and Microsoft Commonwealth of cubator founders, where they Tech Camp Nov. 29 to improve the Independent States (CIS) Business finalised the need to create an country’s educational technologies Development and Education Man- association of Kazakh business through exchanging experience, ap- ager Almas Moldakanov. All are incubators, reported profit.kz Nov. plying the best international prac- AIFC BCPD partners in enhancing 27. The idea was raised a while tices and expertise and creating a human capital, digitisation and edu- ago, as no permanent platform professional platform to develop cational technologies. currently exists for communica- educational innovations. In addition to seminars by in- tion among them. The purpose will EdTech Camp brought together ternational experts, the EdTech be to develop a unified business in- local and international experts, en- founders shared their experience of cubation and acceleration method- trepreneurs and representatives of operating within the AIFC BCPD/ ology and conceptual framework, start-ups, industrial companies and Seedstars Kazakhstan joint effort. consolidate the competencies of the EdTech ecosystem interested in The programme will be recruiting all existing players in the Kazakh creating and digitising the educa- new members on a quarterly basis market and accelerate developing tional system. The event focused on in 2020. the business incubation system as practical issues including attracting AIFC BCPD assists in the Ed- a whole. and fostering human capital, inter- Tech industry by responding to the acting with investors and promoting challenges of the Fourth Industrial Atameken National Chamber of entrepreneurial initiatives, future Revolution, where technology and Entrepreneurs Deputy Chairper- education methods, technology people will be a single source of son of the Board Rustam Zhur- transit, modern cases and business progress. By creating a professional sunov proposed Nov. 29 attract- opportunities, as well as the pros- community, the bureau actively ing citizens’ pension savings and pects of developing EdTech in Ka- supports EdTech’s direction and commercial bank funds placed zakhstan and throughout the world. provides various opportunities for in notes in the country’s central IT, cyber security, change man- its development in the country. bank to long-term business lend- agement, project activity, digiti- BCPD, a former AIFC depart- ing, reported kursiv.kz. Financial sation and technology specialists ment, subsequently became a sub- reserves in National Bank and shared their experience and vision sidiary. It prepares for international Unified Accumulative Pension to grow the industry. The headliner professional certifications using Fund (UAPF) notes can become a of the event was Mikhail Sverdlov, the best global practices in contin- source of long money and should content director of SkyEng, the uing professional development to contribute to structural changes in leading online English language expand human resources and form the economy, including for financ- school in Russia and Europe, and a pool of worldwide professionals ing the real sector through public- founder and owner of successful In- from local specialists to work in private partnership mechanisms, ternet and B2B projects. the AIFC eco-system and on the he said. Workshops were also led by open market. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 Kazakh Independence Day New Hungarian envoy also celebrates three decades in Nur-Sultan continues of international partnerships strong relations n Dec. 16, Kazakhstan Through the efforts of the First well as the longest continuous once again celebrates President, we have the advantage land border in the world, we also By Galiya Khassenkhanova its independence. of being Central Asia’s most share many cultural similarities. Twenty-eight years economically developed and Our intertwined histories enable NUR-SULTAN – Newly-ap- ago,O First President Nursultan prosperous nation. Yet with this close diplomatic and economic pointed Hungarian Ambassador Nazarbayev brought our nation privilege comes responsibility. As relations. This legacy lives on to Kazakhstan Antal Heizer is into a new era. Thanks to the a member of the Commonwealth through our bilateral collabora- continuing the embassy’s work to considerable efforts of many, of Independent States, Shanghai tion within the sphere of the fight strengthen political, economic and Kazakhstan has developed into Cooperation Organisation, Organ- against global terrorism. cultural cooperation between the the leading economy of the region isation for Security and Coopera- This cooperation is emblematic nations. with a high profile on the global tion in Europe and as a founding of our close partnerships around “The relations between our stage. Our nation must never lose member of the Eurasian Eco- the world. In January 2018, U.S. countries are really excellent. Ka- sight of our foundations, both in nomic Union, Kazakhstan has a President Donald Trump wel- zakhstan at this moment is the what our people have achieved, key role across global forums for comed Nursultan Nazarbayev to only strategic partner of Hungary but also in those international dialogue and conflict resolution. the White House. In their joint in Central Asia and Hungary is partners who have been so impor- For example, in 2017, Kazakhstan press conference, Trump under- the only such partner in Central tant to our story. was given the honour of being the scored the importance of the re- Europe for Kazakhstan, so it is a Rather than looking inwards, first Central Asian nation to be lationship between our countries. good basis for cooperation. We try Kazakhstan’s independence elected as a non-permanent mem- Like him, we are proud to note to develop relationships with other demonstrated a distinct approach countries of the region, but we are to global politics, which saw Through the efforts of the First President, a little bit more advanced with Ka- Nursultan Nazarbayev forge last- zakhstan,” he said in an exclusive ing relationships with numerous we have the advantage of being Central interview with The Astana Times. international partners. Looking Asia’s most economically developed and Heizer assumed his post in Sep- around the world, multilateralism tember and presented his creden- is under more pressure than ever; prosperous nation. Yet with this privilege tials to President Kassym-Jomart conflict, tension and mistrust can Tokayev Nov. 11. He has served as be found on almost every conti- comes responsibility. As a member of the an ambassador since 2006, work- nent. The world is currently facing Commonwealth of Independent States, ing in Slovakia and Albania. Be- some of the most uncertain times fore coming to Kazakhstan, he was in its recent history. Now, more Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, OSCE director of the Hungarian Ministry than ever, there is a demand for of Foreign Affairs Territorial De- stability and diplomacy. and as a founding member of the Eurasian partment, which also deals with As we mark another Independ- Economic Union, Kazakhstan has a key Central Asia. ence Day, we must take stock “Our job, the job of the diplo- and recognise that Kazakhstan is role across global forums for dialogue mats and the job of the business strategically placed to suggests circle now, is to concretise the solutions to the world. Our nation and conflict resolution. sits at a global crossroads in the political level of cooperation on heart of Eurasia. We are a dy- ber of the UN Security Council. that the United States was one certain projects, on trade, econom- namic hub between Russia, China, We used this to great effect, such of the first countries to recognise ics and investments. Cultural and the Middle East and Europe, at as by hosting a ministerial debate Kazakhstan’s independence in social cooperation is a little more Akorda.kz. Photo credit: the centre of historic, current and focussing on the region’s security 1991. difficult, because they require fi- L-R: Ambassador Antal Heizer and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. future trade routes. From this key and sustainable development. As we transition to a new dec- nancial support,” he noted. position, Kazakhstan has the po- Kazakhstan’s expanding dip- ade, it is vital to underscore the The leaders of both nations scientific research and politics. be a new basis of our cooperation. tential to be the anchor of stability lomatic engagement can be seen importance of our close friend- meet frequently. Hungarian Prime In addition to bilateral relations, They will work in financial, eco- in a global storm. by looking at our neighbours. We ship with the European Union. Minister Viktor Orbán visited Ka- Hungary’s observer status in the nomic, political or cultural fields Now, in the face of global divi- maintain continuously positive On June 17, the European Union zakhstan last spring. Shortly after- Turkic Council is a new element and will be the contact people sions, we look to the future with relations with China and the other adopted a new strategy for Central wards, a strategic council meeting of possible cooperation. The em- between our two countries. It is the objective of global harmony. major economies of Southeast Asia with the priority of strength- in the capital was attended by Dep- bassy works to cooperate with the a long-term investment from the President Kassym-Jomart To- Asia. Kazakhstan is often referred ening ongoing dialogue and mul- uty Prime Minister and Minister of International Turkic Academy in Hungarian side. We hope the inter- kayev is building on the First to as the “buckle on the belt” of tilateral cooperation. We now look Finance Mihály Varga. Top-level the capital by organising common est of Hungarian students towards President’s legacy. During his the Belt and Road initiative, and forward to 2020 to realise this visits happen often, especially programmes and this involvement Kazakhstan will also rise,” he said. inauguration speech in June this our nation now accounts for 70 vision. This will particularly sup- among the ministers of foreign also provides cultural and parlia- The Kazakh embassy in Hun- year, the new President renewed percent of land-based transit pass- port closer ties within the sphere affairs, and the Hungarian prime mentary dimensions. gary is also helping with cultural Kazakhstan’s commitment to ing from China to Europe. This of economic cooperation, with the minister had the opportunity to A representative bureau of the and humanitarian projects, peri- a multi-vector foreign policy, economic partnership continues European Union being our largest meet First Kazakh President, Nur- Turkic Council recently opened odically gathering culturally ac- with a view to unify not only the to bolster our economy, creating trade partner. sultan Nazarbayev, at the Turkish in Budapest. Hungary invited dip- tive students in different Hungar- Eurasian region, but also global thousands of jobs and a predicted Every year we mark our inde- Council Summit in Baku, Azerbai- lomats from each member nation ian cities for singing, dancing and powers. addition of a percentage point to pendence with a day of celebra- jan in October. Heizer hopes that to visit this bureau, including Ka- participating in the Hungarian life. Nowhere else in the world is annual GDP by 2021. There is no tion, a milestone to remember next year Kazakh leaders will visit zakhstan, who will cooperate with The geographic distance be- surrounded by such talked about clearer indication of the strength how far our nation has come Hungary. their Hungarian colleagues on dif- tween the nations makes coop- neighbours. Over the last two dec- of our bilateral relations than and to acknowledge our future Hungary has made large invest- ferent projects. They also plan to eration slightly more difficult, ades, international media has been President Xi Jinping’s announce- direction. In 2019, friendship and ments in Kazakhstan and its oil cooperate with the TURKSOY, the but Wizzair direct flights, which consumed by conflicts in near-by ment of the Belt and Road initia- trust between countries both near company MOL have long been International Organisation of Tur- opened in 2017, help to connect countries, such as Afghanistan, tive in Nur-Sultan in 2013. and far are as important as they present in Western Kazakhstan. kic Culture. different large groups. Iraq and Syria. Yet Kazakhstan Independence Day also offers have ever been. On Dec. 16, we The embassy’s aim is also to bring “What I see on a Wizzair flight are has provided meaningful contri- an opportunity to remember the give thanks for 28 years of an Hungarian products to Kazakh- “I think there is a young people travelling, going there butions to stability of an often- important relationship with our independent Kazakhstan with our stan and the former Soviet Union, and back. They are going as tourists divided region. northern neighbour: Russia. As friends near and far. where the country’s agriculture is space here to bring and students and they are returning. well-known. In the future, I think this young gen- “I think there is a space here to Hungarian agriculture eration will do a lot for our bilateral bring Hungarian agriculture prod- products and food. cooperation,” said Heizer. ucts and food. We are active in The embassies were involved in other fields as well, but I think the We are active in other organisation of a Visegrad tourist focus should be on agriculture, not fields as well, but I show in the capital and Almaty and only on the export and import lev- the Visegrad nations – the Czech el, but also in investments,” said think the focus should Republic, Hungary, Poland and Heizer. Slovakia – seek to bring tourists Financial cooperation will soon be on agriculture, not from Central Asia in an organised be evident, as Hungary will take only on the export and manner to visit Central Europe. an active part in the Astana Inter- “Hungarian citizens might come national Financial Centre (AIFC). import level, but also as tourists. For them, it is easier The country will be opening a to travel to Kazakhstan because representative office of Hungar- in investments.” of the no visa system, for which ian bank EXIM and other finan- we are very grateful. I hope that cial organisations are interested Hungry has opened a Stipen- tourist cooperation will grow,” he in becoming involved. He noted dium Hungaricum programme for added. financial coordination is impor- foreign students in an effort to pro- The Hungarian ambassador tant because it will demonstrate to mote humanitarian and cultural co- is also responsible for relations Hungarian businesspeople the ben- operation. Kazakhstan was one of with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan efits of having the nation’s banks the first partners to join the system. and Heizer needs to complete the present in Kazakhstan. The banks Hungary provides Kazakh stu- accreditation process in those na- will give guarantees and ease the dents with 250 scholarships every tions. He is still becoming accus- loan process. year, which generate inquiries tomed to Kazakhstan and its cold Heizer noted Kazakh-Hungarian from more than 1,000 applicants. winters, but is already looking for- cooperation is based on ancient The application process is open till ward to exploring the region and relations between the nations, as mid-January and Heizer is hope- travelling with his wife. scientific research has shown that ful the interest will not diminish. Hungary has two offices in Ka- Hungarian tribes came from the The Erasmus+ programme is also zakhstan, the embassy in the capi- Central Asian region. The relative available for study in Hungary. tal and the general consulate in Al- ties among Hungarian, as well as “This group of young people maty, both of which are active and Kazakh, Kipchak, Kyrgyz and who are already in Budapest or charged with facilitating coopera- other Turkic nations is the focus of who will go there in the future will tion and creating contacts.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 Baiterek Holding creates favourable investment climate, suggests ways to minimise risks in market window approach, revising an in- sidiaries. Larger projects are usu- time such as non-compliance of “The foreign participants of the By Aidana Yergaliyeva vestor’s project “for cross-selling ally financed by the Development selected equipment and non-test- Kazakh-Dutch business forum tools of 11 subsidiaries,” he said. Bank of Kazakhstan, the holding’s ing of production technologies, he showed great interest in the hold- NUR-SULTAN – Baiterek Na- “At the initial stage of the pro- key development institution. said. The holding can assess these ing tools,” he added. tional Managing Holding attracts ject, the project developer can risks and suggest ways to mini- As part of the forum, Dutch investments by ensuring support contact our subsidiary, Kazakh- mise them during the examination company Farm Frites and the Ka- to foreign investors from the ini- stan Project Preparation Fund Risks associated with stage of an investment project. zakh K-Agro companies signed tial stages of project development (KPPF), and receive assistance in an agreement to establish an agri- through implementation, Baiterek the preparation of project docu- Kazakh market cultural products processing facil- Chair Aidar Arifkhanov told The mentation, project expertise and Arifkhanov noted financial risks Cooperating with more ity in Kazakhstan. The project “is Astana Times in an exclusive in- assistance looking for a partner,” of starting investment projects in currently under consideration by terview. he noted. the Kazakh market. Dutch companies the Development Bank of Kazakh- Baiterek is the Kazakh govern- “In terms of PPP (private public “The most relevant for Kazakh Arifkhanov expressed the com- stan,” which is a subsidiary of the ment’s key financial agent respon- partnership) projects, KPPF pro- enterprises is currency risk, when, pany’s eagerness “to establish holding, said Arifkhanov. sible for the country’s diversifi- vides full support to project devel- without export earnings, the com- close cooperation with Dutch com- The Netherlands is Kazakh- cation and sustainable economic opers in the person of state bod- pany receives a loan in foreign panies on projects” Oct. 31 during stan’s biggest investor and one of growth. It manages 11 state de- ies and private companies from currencies,” he said. the fifth Kazakh-Dutch business its leading European Union (EU) velopment institutions, financial Baiterek Chair Aidar Arifkhanov. the zero stage of the project to the Baiterek, therefore, avoids pro- forum in The Hague. trading partners. According to the organisations and national com- implementation itself,” he added. jects in foreign currencies to miti- “In particular, Baiterek is inter- Kazakh National Bank, its gross panies. The holding attracted ap- “The company has good resources gate the risk for an enterprise with- ested in establishing cooperation inflow of direct investment from proximately $2.95 billion in for- “in every possible way” in enter- at the level of project appraisal and out export earnings. with Dutch companies on projects the Netherlands-based compa- eign investment from 2016 to the ing the Kazakh market. works closely with international “Also, during the lengthy prepa- both in Kazakhstan and abroad. nies reached more than $85 bil- first half of 2019. “The holding is represented in financial organisations such as the ration of the investment project for The holding is ready to assist in the lion from 2005-2018; the figure The company’s main focus is working groups to improve the in- European Bank for Reconstruc- individual projects, there is a risk entry of Dutch companies into the for the first half of 2019 was $3.4 establishing “mutually beneficial vestment climate and promote ex- tion and Development, the Asian of an increase in value, as a result Kazakhstan market by providing a billion. relations with international fi- ports. Annually, an action plan to Development Bank and the Inter- of which the risk of completion of toolbox of 11 subsidiaries (that in- Among the major Dutch inves- nancial organisations, banks, in- attract investments of the holding national Finance Corporation.” the construction of the object at a cludes) searching for a co-investor, tors are Agip Caspian Sea BV, Fin- vestment funds and international group of companies is formed,” he Depending on the size of a later date is likely,” he added. development of project documen- tur Holdings BV, Floodgate Hold- companies,” noted Arifkhanov. It said. project, the holding can obtain In addition, there are technical tation, co-financing, trade financ- ing, Lukarco B.V., Royal Dutch strives to help foreign investors Baiterek practices the single financing through its several sub- risks that should be detected on ing and others,” he said. Shell and Witteveen+Bos. Almaty region leads Kazakhstan in investment projects offer, we provide basic informa- representative office of Kazakh includes a high-tech centre for the Located in Kapshagai, the En- keting and tourism. “We observe By Zhanna Shayakhmetova tion about Kazakhstan and its in- Invest. production and testing of pump- everse Kunkuat solar station, the interest of investors from vestment opportunities, includ- She noted work is underway to ing systems, a training centre for worth $71 million, was launched many countries because Kazakh- NUR-SULTAN – The Almaty ing taxes and other conditions. attract new investors. Almaty’s designers and engineers and a ser- in September. As one of the larg- stan is a good platform for doing region is implementing the most Then investors visit our region investment indicators are growing vice centre for public utilities. The est solar parks in the country, it business due to its trans-border investment projects in the coun- to discuss the project, select a by 30 percent annually, and more company supplies equipment for will generate approximately 160 location. For example, we work try, with 34 projects worth $3.8 site and consult on the provision than 20 multinational companies healthcare facilities, the Ministry of million kilowatt of electricity. It with investors from Germany, billion planned for the next few of necessary documents and oth- operate in the region. Defence, educational institutions, reduces carbon dioxide emissions as their advanced technologies years, the Kazakh Invest com- er services. We create all condi- Major projects with foreign par- sports facilities and public utilities. by 150,000 tonnes per year. are interesting to us. Foreign pany reports. Ten projects are tions for the implementation of ticipation include the Wilo Central The lubricants plant, worth $94 Ovsyannikova said investors businesspeople feel safe due to expected to launch at the end of the investment project. Our task Asia plant, the Lukoil Lubricants million, is designed to produce are interested in projects in Al- the fact that the rights of local this year. is to make the investor feel com- Central Asia lubricants production 100,000 metric tonnes of lubri- maty’s agricultural sector due and foreign investors are equal. Overall, 168 projects are regis- fortable in Kazakhstan from the plant and a 100-megawatt solar cants per year and created some to its fertile land and favourable Therefore, they have confidence tered in the Kazakh Invest moni- start of the project and after its plant. 200 jobs. The plant exports its climate. The region also has po- their rights will also be respected toring system nationwide. launch. We are also interested The Wilo Central Asia plant, products to Central Asia. tential in logistics, sales and mar- here,” she added. “We have a three-level system in further investments and mod- worth $5 million, was launched of working with foreign inves- ernisation,” said Darya Ovsyan- in 2018. It is located on an area of tors. Initially, when we have an nikova, director of the regional more than 2,000 square metres and Photo credit: invest.gov.kz Photo credit: Lukoil Lubricants Central Asia plant. Akmola Region works to improve investment climate communication and feedback will pany is considering opening it near By Aidana Yergaliyeva allow precise and quick work out Kokshetau. of investors’ problematic issues Another Turkish company, Kusto NUR-SULTAN – Akmola Re- regarding the implementation of Energy, has plans to build a biogas gion Akim (Governor) Yermek projects with the aim to improve plant for the Makinsk poultry farm Marzhikpaev organised the first the investment climate in the re- and KazBeef in Burabai district. investor hour and personal entre- gion,” said Marzhikpaev, reported The firm specialises in the energy preneurs’ reception Nov. 27 at the inform.kz. sector and has the resources and Atameken Regional Chamber of “We believe such a format for a technology to build and manage Entrepreneurs. meeting between the regional akim biogas plants producing environ- During the informal session, and business is very much in de- mentally friendly electricity, heat, potential investors and entrepre- mand for a positive solution to the gas and organic fertilisers. neurs with investment initiatives issues raised,” added Atameken The parties agreed to design a presented nearly 20 tourism, agri- Director Timur Nakhipbekov. roadmap to resolve each enter- culture and medicine projects and Borey Energo’s construction prise’s problems and assign a state development plans and outlined project for a more than 100-mega- body to work with them. problems they face in executing watt wind power station in the Ar- “The region akim supported the them in the region. The business shaly district received full support. proposal to hold such meetings eve- casual format was new to the dis- The company also plans to attract ry month at the site of the Atame- trict akims and industry department Chinese investors. ken Chamber of Entrepreneurs in representatives. Turkish Green Valley shared its the business format. The next topic “We plan to hold such meetings plans regarding a lentil growing of the meeting will identify issues regularly. Such a format for hold- and processing plant with a capac- related to the development of agri- ing meetings in the form of live ity of 200 tonnes per day. The com- culture,” said Nakhipbekov. A8 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 Thirty-one agreements worth $2.3 billion inked at Almaty Investment Forum 2019 business and investment climate. institutions will be required in the currently use air services, a figure transformation programme. It has By Zhanna Shayakhmetova The city ranks first among all Ka- next five years. which will double by 2036. stability at a time when we have zakh regions in the World Bank’s Almaty will develop according “Airports are the places where seen a lot of disruptions in many ALMATY – Thirty-one agree- subnational rating for ease of to the smart city concept and in- foreign investors and foreign tour- parts of the world. There’s a geo- ments worth $2.3 billion were doing business. In September, troduce the best smart practices in ists get the first impression when political recession. With such a signed between governmental Fitch Rating assigned Almaty a planning and development, hous- they arrive and get the full impres- vision, resources, strong team and bodies and the business commu- BBB with Stable Outlook, which ing and utilities, security, trans- sion when they leave. Airports are talent, I think Almaty and Kazakh- nity Nov. 27 at Almaty Investment means a low level of risk for in- port, education, healthcare and city called showrooms of the cities… stan can [not only] attract talent, Forum 2019. vestment. management. There are three players in the avia- but also capital,” he added. The major deals included an The city can be seen as a global “Almaty has scientific and tech- tion industry. One is aircraft man- Human capital stock is the most $11.3-million agreement on green business centre and major trans- nical potential. Thirty-five percent ufacturers like Airbus and Boeing; important thing for cities or coun- city financing between the Almaty port, logistics and tourist hub on of the country’s organisations in the other one is airlines like Turk- tries and the quality of that stock is akimat (city administration) and the New Silk Road. research and development are lo- ish Airlines or Qatar Airways. The the most defining factor in terms of European Bank for Reconstruction “We will develop areas that re- cated here and 42 percent of all third one is airports and unfortu- success or failure. Providing peo- and Development (EBRD) and a quire knowledge and high quali- workers in research and develop- nately, being mainly government- ple with “skills, upskilling them, memorandum of cooperation with fications, which are in demand ment are employed here. I invite owned, the airports stay at the very reskilling them, the existing stock the Astana International Financial in the regional and international investors to participate in the ac- back compared to other two play- of capital, then success is almost Centre (AIFC). markets. First, these include fi- celerated formation of an effective ers,” he added. guaranteed,” said Şimşek. The forum was held as the city is nance and insurance, information innovation ecosystem of the city,” Mehmet Şimşek, Qatar Invest The United Kingdom is Kazakh- creating its development strategy Akim (Mayor) Bakytzhan Sagintayev. and communication technologies, said Sagintayev. and Dome Group Financial Advi- stan’s biggest investor, said House for the next 30 years, said Akim logistics and distribution. Almaty Almaty is expected to develop sors consultant and former Turkish of Lords member and former U.K. (Mayor) Bakytzhan Sagintayev. ment field in the next five years. has strong traditions, a first-class as a cultural creative city, a centre Vice Prime Minister, spoke at the Trade and Industry and Social Se- The strategy through 2050, pre- “We need a strong economy. The personnel school, high reputation of innovation and new knowledge forum about the challenges of the curity Secretary Lord Peter Lilley. sented in open discussion with urban economy should develop at and growth prospects. We will in- economy industries. A creative global economy. He encouraged developing knowl- citizens, is designed for Almaty a rate of at least 5 percent per year. crease the share of these sectors in economy is seen as the most prom- “There’s a global manufacturing edge and researching businesses, to enter the top 100 best cities in We began a structural reform of the economy and employment in ising investment industry. recession out there. World trade is adding regulation is also important. the world in terms of quality of life the urban economy to ensure this the future,” Sagintayev said. TAV Airports Holding and TAV usually the main engine of growth. “Almaty has a highly educated and business opportunities. growth. We are focusing on the Construction is also an attrac- Construction Mustafa co-founder If you go back to the pre-financial population and [more] centres of The city authorities have plans to sectors of the new economy. This tive investment, as the volume of and Chief Executive Officer Sani crisis, world trade was growing at higher education than many other modernise the urban infrastructure structural manoeuvre opens up housing commissioning has grown Şener recently announced the twice global GDP growth. Today, countries. It is a tremendous op- to improve the quality and comfort fundamentally new fields for in- annually to more than two million company’s plan to invest $165 the trade volume is barely grow- portunity for you to encourage the of life. The akimat adopted a spe- vestment,” said Sagintayev. square metres. Authorities will million in Almaty International ing. This year it is estimated at 1.2 development of businesses related cial package of short and medium- The structural scheme will stimulate investment in the resi- Airport in the coming years. The percent, less than half of the global to your universities and hospitals, term development plans primarily develop export production and dential sector by offering a prefer- investment will significantly in- GDP growth rate of around 3 per- too,” he added. relating to a new Almaty includ- expand the presence of Almaty ential rate both on mortgages and crease the capabilities of the up- cent,” he said. The forum, attended by more ing the metropolitan area and city manufacturers in the global high- to install engineering infrastruc- dated airport, adding one million Domestic growth dynamics are than 700 businesspeople, also outskirts. The design will solve the tech economy. The growth will be ture. additional passengers and creat- now more important and Kazakh- addressed investment coopera- most urgent urban problems – wa- polycentric and concentrated in Social economy is also an impor- ing 3,000 jobs. stan has good planning, govern- tion opportunities, developing the ter supply, lighting, landscaping several zones in different parts of tant driver of economic growth. At The airline industry is growing ance and resources. smart city concept, trends in the and security and the infrastructure the city. least 19 schools, 16 outbuildings, rapidly and passenger traffic is in- “Kazakhstan has resources to real estate market and the chal- upgrades will open a new invest- Almaty boasts a favourable 400 kindergartens and 30 medical creasing. Seven billion passengers support its reform programme, lenges facing modern cities. Center for Research and Consulting Shymkent and Turkestan seeks to make Kazakhstan attractive Region launch new factories to talented individuals one nation, but from the point of By Galiya Khassenkhanova view of economics and migration flows, it is diversified. NUR-SULTAN – The Center The company’s major projects for Research and Consulting in the last two years include the (CRC) is a relatively young and Conceptual vision of Industrial growing company with the vi- and Innovative Development for sion of a better Kazakhstan. Its 2020-2025, the 2018 National specialisation lies in strategic Report on Entrepreneurship De- consulting for public sector. It velopment and the Nur-Sultan strives to make the country more Strategy through 2050. CRC also competitive and attractive for tal- held the Global Innovation Sum- ented people. mit 2019 in the capital as one of “The key here is for Kazakhstan the first Kazakh members of the to determine what proposition is Anuar Buranbayev Global Federation of Competi- needed to make it attractive to the tiveness Councils. talented youth of the world. We The company started in 2013 believe Kazakhstan can become urbanisation and concentrating as a joint enterprise between an successful and for that it needs to the population. There are two ap- international consulting company become people centric,” said one proaches to population manage- and a local holding company. of the company’s three partners ment – equalising the regions and Buranbayev and Kainar Kozhu- Anuar Buranbayev. bringing them to the same level mov bought CRC in 2015 with

CRC wants to change Kazakh- or concentrating people in certain the dream of creating a strong Primeminister.kz Photo credit: stan’s priorities by advocating for areas so each citizen will have strategic consulting competence “Kazakhstan’s First President plans to raise its annual capacity the need to create attractive sur- more opportunities. Counter to centre in the country. By Yelena Levkovich Nursultan Nazarbayev has set a up to 6,000 tonnes. Investments by roundings for talents from all the the popular opinion of supporting The company’s advantage is in goal on the Economy of Simple Uzbek partners will reach approxi- regions. villages, CRC has begun persuad- its approach to consulting tech- NUR-SULTAN – Prime Minis- Things development and light in- mately 4.6 billion tenge (US$120 “As a company, we hire young ing the government to condense niques. Instead of specialising ter Askar Mamin launched textile dustry plays a special role in it. million). inexperienced people and start the population into bigger cities, in one area and applying it to all and food plants Dec. 5 in Shym- Now, we can see the first results,” Two more factories will be teaching them. We think our big- as people are more important than possible fields, the “golden ham- kent and the Turkestan Region, said Mamin at the ceremony. launched under the road map as gest achievement is that we pre- regions. mer” approach, they use different reported Kazakh Invest press ser- part of the Shymkent textile clus- vented ten talented people from These ideas resonated in Ka- instruments that apply to a par- vice. ter rehabilitation. The operation, leaving Kazakhstan. These people zakhstan’s First President Nur- ticular case. His visit to the country’s third Mamin also launched according to experts, would dou- initially believed that they needed sultan Nazarbayev’s 2018 state- “We care for our clients; we do largest city and adjacent region of- ble the volume growth of cotton to leave, that it is impossible to of-the-nation address – “from not try to make money off them. fered the opportunity to review the a fast food products recycled in Kazakhstan and gener- find a job without connections or (bringing) infrastructure to peo- We want to change the country progress of the State Programme plant in Maylyoshak ate 800 additional jobs. be paid well for hard work. We ple to (bringing) people to infra- and the advice we give is aimed of Accelerated Industrial and Inno- Mamin also launched a fast food [convinced] them with our belief structure.” Instead of spending at that. Big international compa- vative Development and the Econ- village of the products plant in Maylyoshak vil- in the nation,” he added. money on extending the Internet nies put profit over ideas, we, on omy of Simple Things project ini- lage of the Turkestan Region. CG Buranbayev noted many Ka- to a remote, half-deserted village, the other hand, prefer to defend tiated by First President Nursultan Turkestan Region. Foods Central Asia, the largest in- zakhs are pessimistic, forcing it is better to bring people from our opinions if it is worth it, and Nazarbayev and implemented by CG Foods Central stant noodle company, invested 5.7 them to look towards the West, yet disadvantageous locations to big- choose not to always agree. It President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev billion tenge (US$14 million) in many Kyrgyz, Turks and Uzbeks ger towns and cities. is like with a doctor, sometimes for the area’s social and economic Asia, the largest the project and plans to hire more come to Kazakhstan and become CRC has also conducted re- the information is unpleasant but growth. instant noodle than 300 individuals. successful without any connec- search that affected Kazakhstan necessary,” said Buranbayev. In Shymkent, Mamin partici- The facility’s estimated annual tions or help. The nation offers politics. In spatial politics, spe- “Our recommendations are pated in the opening of the Alli- company, invested 5.7 capacity will be approximately opportunities for development cialists used to analyse Kazakh- rooted in an objective analysis. ance spinning mill. The company, 4,500 tonnes of products supplied and notes it is important to accept stan as an island of 17 regional There are times when a client a collaborative project between billion tenge (US$14 both to the internal and interna- those who come to the country. entities working with each other. may ask to alter the recommenda- Kazakhstan Investment Fund and million) in the project tional markets. The owners indi- Almaty, for example, has food In 2017, the company completed tions, but we would rather deny Uzbekistan’s Alliance Textile, cated they will only use domestic chains run by Kyrgyz. While a study for the Ministry of Na- their request, if otherwise the de- was launched under agreements and plans to hire more raw materials. they were successful at home, tional Economy which attempted sired result cannot be achieved. between the two governments on Mamin also visited soon-to- the market was not big enough, to look at Kazakhstan as an open Honestly, sometimes we lose joint textile cluster development than 300 individuals. be-opened facilities in Turkestan so they moved to the Kazakh city system in the world. The research contracts because of that, thus we signed during last summer’s 18th city, including the Turkestan In- and soon could move to Moscow. determined Kazakhstan as part of put ourselves under the risk too. session of the joint intergovern- He noted the factory launch will ternational Airport construction They create jobs, pay taxes and a big spatial system, a macro re- However, this is our own choice, mental commission. A building provide the impetus for further site and public road leading to develop healthy competition for gion where its northern cities de- we put our values over profit. In- which was boarded up for a long growth of the Kazakh textile clus- the future air harbour. The air- all businesses. They are talented pend more on Russian urban areas tegrity and honesty with which time was renovated and all facili- ter, adding Tokayev has repeatedly port will be built with Turkish and talented people choose big than Kazakh ones. Petropavlovsk we approach our work help us ties installed. Both sides worked spoken about the importance of investor participation, said the cities with more chances and op- is connected more to Omsk than to build strong ties with our cli- diligently to complete the con- foreign investments in the nation’s then Kazakh Invest Board Chair- portunities, he explained. the capital; Almaty is highly con- ents,” said third partner, Kuanysh struction on time and finish the non-commodity sector. person Saparbek Tuyakbayev in Buranbayev is a supporter of nected to China. Kazakhstan is Zhaikov. repairs. The 120-employee enterprise May. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Social workers start adaptation for Astana Ballet finishes first Yessil Winter Festival draws children returned from Iraq California tour winter sports fans, competitors B2 B3 in Nur-Sultan B7 Barys HC celebrates 20th anniversary Friends of Denis Ten with 5-1 win over Dynamo Minsk ice show comes to Nur-Sultan Dec. 14 three-time World Championship By Nazira Kozhanova medallists, three-time Canadian National champions and two-time NUR-SULTAN – The Friends of Grand Prix Final and Four Conti- Denis Ten ice show will take place nents champions. Dec. 14 in the capital, reported Abbott is the 2008 Grand Prix the show’s Instagram account @ Final champion, two-time Four denistenshow. This event is slated Continents bronze medallist and to feature skaters such as Tatyana four-time U.S. national champion. Volosozhar, Maxim Trankov, Eka- Kazakh British Technological terina Gordeeva, Kaitlyn Weaver, University launched a scholarship Andrew Poje and Jeremy Abbot. for KBTU student athletes Nov. The show started as Denis Ten 20 in Ten’s honour. The scholar- and Friends, when the Kazakh ship seeks to encourage students to Olympian and his skating col- continue his legacy by combining leagues organised the country’s studies with competitive sports. first ice shows. After Ten’s death “Denis was a graduate student in 2018, his team continued invit- of the Executive MBA of KBTU ing athletes to shows in the capital Business School and actively and Almaty. participated in the life of our Pairs skaters Volosozhar and university. Despite great suc- Trankov are two-time Olympic cess in sports, he did not stop champions, World Champions, there and continued to develop four-time European and three-time in various directions, inspiring Russian champions. This will be our youth with his own example. their second appearance with the That is why we decided to give show. the name of Denis to the KBTU Gordeeva, who will be mak- cinema hall, as well as to estab- ing her debut, is a Russian figure lish a scholarship named after skater who, with her late partner Denis Ten with the support of Photo credit: hcbarys.kz Photo credit: and husband Sergei Grinkov, was a the Endowment Foundation, in President of Kazakhstan’s Ice Hockey Federation and the country’s Prime Minister Askar Mamin (C), Nur-Sultan Akim (Mayor) Altai Kulginov (fourth from the two-time Olympian and four-time order to honour the memory of left), Barys Hockey Club President Boris Ivanishchev (next to Mamin) as well as former Barys players with their families. World Champion. our champion and continue his Ice dancers Weaver and Poje, work,” KBTU President Kenzhe- opment of sports, including ice ren since then. I watched him play has a great future in hockey – I to- performing for the third time, are bek Ibrashev told kt.kz. By Zhanna Shayakhmetova hockey. President Kassym-Jomart in Canada in a league called the tally see it and the fans that I saw Tokayev pays great attention to the Western Hockey League. I know and met were great,” he added. NUR-SULTAN – The capital’s development of professional and that Barys has a great organisa- Barys took a two-goal lead Barys Hockey Club celebrated its mass sports. I want to thank the tion and that the team is part of within 30 seconds of the start of 20-year anniversary and honoured players and coaches for making the Kontinental Hockey League the second period when Corban Thousands of people visit annual its greatest players in a pregame the club’s history,” he said. and has been around for 20 sea- Knight and Roman Starchenko ceremony Dec. 1 at Barys Arena. The sold-out arena hosted ap- sons now and is operated by great scored. Dynamo Minsk’s Alexan- The jerseys worn by Nikolai An- proximately 11,000 fans who gave people. The arena is definitely the der Kogalyov made it 2-1, but Atte Christmas Charity Bazaar for tropov, Brandon Bochenski, Kevin a warm welcome to favourite play- nicest one I’ve seen and watched Ohtamaa extended his team’s lead. Dallman, Alexander Koreshkov, ers Bochenski and Dallman, who hockey in and the atmosphere is Knight scored his second goal a cultural exchange, goodwill Fyodor Polischuk, Vitali Yere- retired last season. In an interview amazing with the fan base and sup- few minutes before the end of the British Embassy, has been visiting meyev and Talgat Zhailauov were with sports.kz, Bochenski noted port,” he told The Astana Times. third period, then Pavel Akolzin By Aidana Yergaliyeva the event for the last eight years. raised to the rafters for the first the capital is a special city for him, Truscott attended games during hit the empty net for the final goal. “That is a mini gastronomy time ahead of the game. The team adding he hopes to return next year the 2019 International Ice Hockey The win helped Barys break a NUR-SULTAN – “I am near tour around the world in an hour members wore special jerseys with and spend more time in the city. Federation (IIHF) World Division I series of 16 matches without wins Switzerland! Let’s meet in Iraq or two. I think this kind of event the names of all the former play- Canadian fan Cory Truscott was Championship this spring in the cap- in regular time. in ten minutes,” is a sentence is very rare. And I like that people ers in its 5-1 win against Dynamo among those who congratulated ital, when the Kazakh national team Barys head coach Andrei Ska- that would make sense only if gather here and talk to each other. Minsk. Barys via Instagram. A native of qualified for the top league next year. belka noted the legendary players one could time travel or visit the Although it is in their small circles, Barys Club is a well-developed Victoria, he has supported Kazakh He also supported the Kazakh junior helped the current team win the 12th annual Diplomatic Christmas anyways it is an interesting social system of training athletes from hockey players since the country hockey team at the World Juniors in game. Charity Bazaar Dec. 1 at Radisson event. And of course it is for a children’s hockey to profes- played in the Ice Hockey World January in Vancouver, Canada. “First of all, it’s nice to see leg- Hotel Astana in Nur-Sultan. good cause – all money go to the sional players, noted Kazakhstan Championships in 1993. “I’ve cheered for Kazakhstan ends in our locker room. Your win- The bazaar brought a little some- charity,” said Zhanbulatova. Ice Hockey Federation President “Kazakhstan has a great hockey every year they’re in the world ning spirit inspired the team and thing from 53 countries represent- There were also stalls from Askar Mamin. system and has come a long way juniors and it was an honour to helped them to win. Finally, we ed by embassies in Kazakhstan. schools, organisations such as the “Kazakhstan’s First President in the years. I’ve been a fan of watch them in Victoria. I’ve never scored more than two goals and The visitors, for example, could United Nations, companies such Nursultan Nazarbayev has made Barys since Darren Dietz joined seen a team play with so much [did not need to go into] overtime. buy Indian chicken curry, Mongo- as Kunde social café, Dom Mamy a huge contribution to the devel- the team. I’ve been a fan of Dar- heart for its country. Kazakhstan I congratulate all of you,” he said. lian wool socks, Spanish wine and (Mother’s house) fund that pro- Georgian churchkhela – all in one vides support for young mothers, place. among other small local compa- “You can feel the culture of nies. every country. It is so interesting In addition to a cultural exchange, Narxoz University launches dual degree programmes to plunge into it and feel it. To see the bazaar offered the spirit of their cuisine, their national clothes, Christmas and New Year. The dec- traditions that they convey through orated trees, Santa Claus, or rather this bazaar,” a visitor Saltanat Tur- Joulupukki performed by the Finn- with universities from France, Russia and UK labekova told The Astana Times. ish Ambassador Mikko Kivikoski, people together and forcing them to teach students how to think, The bazaar became a good tradi- gingerbread houses and Christmas By Zhanna Shayakhmetova to confront difficult issues and read and write, analyse, work with tion for many. Assel Zhanbulatova, tunes created the atmosphere. ideas, we create a generation of information, develop their own who helped run the raffle from the Continued on Page B8 NUR-SULTAN – Narxoz Uni- young people who think for them- point of view, ask questions and versity is launching dual degree selves, ask questions, create new work with others and learn from programmes beginning next year knowledge, feel at home in their them. The study is focused on with leading partner institutions own country and anywhere on the the 21st-century skills of English, THINGS TO WATCH & including Birkbeck (University of globe and have the mental flexibil- computer programming, ethics, PLACES TO GO London), the University of Coven- ity to deal with a rapidly changing entrepreneurship and statistics. try and Keele University (U.K.); world. Because we are in Almaty, The transition required retrain- BARYS ARENA La Rochelle University (France) an ideal university city, we think ing the faculty. Some teachers and the Financial Academy under that if we offer challenging and were either not willing or not Dec. 14 at 6.30 p.m. Friends of Denis Ten, ice Russian government. high-quality education as well able to adapt to new ways of do- Dec. 25 at 7.30 p.m. show HC Barys – HC SKA Students will study three years as exciting opportunities for per- ing things, he noted. As a result, Saint Petersburg at Narxoz and one year at the part- sonal development, we can attract the university has hired many new ner university. Upon graduation, students from many surrounding faculty members and is working they will receive degrees from countries, enriching both our Ka- hard to integrate them into its cur- NOMAD CITY HALL both institutions. zakh students and our visitors,” he riculum and approach. Dec. 14, 15 at 1 p.m., Imperial Russian Ballet Narxoz University Rector and added. “We are hiring well-trained U.S. Academy of Sciences mem- A graduate of Harvard Univer- practitioners who can strengthen 6 p.m. presents The Nutcracker ber Andrew Wachtel explained in Andrew Wachtel sity, Wachtel received his PhD what we offer our students in an interview for this story that one from the University of California, our major programmes, most of ASTANA OPERA of the main advantages of the dual demic mobility options, but Wach- Berkeley. He worked at the Uni- which are quite practically ori- programme is that the agreements tel feels in the next few years most versity of California, Stanford ented. Fortunately, there are plen- Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. La Bayadère, ballet allow students to work in the U.K. students will want double degree University and Northwestern Uni- ty of people in Almaty who have Dec. 20, 22 at 7 p.m., 5 p.m. Carmen, opera for two years after graduation. programmes, making one-semes- versity in Chicago. Before joining excellent educations and back- Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. Violin Melodies about Love, Tuition fees are expected to be af- ter academic mobility less popu- Narxoz, he served as President of grounds and love the opportunity fordable. lar. the American University in Cen- to work with demanding students. concert “The price for these will be low- Narxoz promotes not only its tral Asia (AUCA) and currently They don’t want to work for us Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. The Silken Ladder, opera er than in universities in Malaysia, education but also its lifestyle and heads the Association of Ameri- full-time, but that is fine as long Dec. 25 at 7 p.m. Christmas Concert the Czech Republic, Poland and location and sees itself as a hub for can International Colleges and as we make sure to instil in these the UAE (United Arab Emirates) talent development. Universities. part-time faculty members a and approximately one third of the “In the 21st century, a univer- Since his appointment in 2018, strong sense of what we want our ASTANA BALLET price of programmes in the U.K., sity can no longer be simply a Wachtel has recreated the curricu- graduates to be like and to be able Dec. 20-22 at 7.30 p.m., 6 p.m Cinderella the U.S. and Canada,” he said. place where people come to get lum for first-year bachelor’s stu- to do,” he said. The university also offers aca- information. Instead, by bringing dents. He sees it as a crucial time Continued on Page B5 B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 Social workers start adaptation for children returned from Iraq there is no stigma towards these For children who have rights By Aidana Yergaliyeva children, and to all children. If a for citizenship by blood and not child has committed an offence or by soil, there is “a long process NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s a crime, even the most serious one, underway to restore documents, humanitarian operation on Nov. 27 this does not mean that you need to because under the law we must brought 14 children back to their put an end to it. You need to work make sure that this child is of homeland from an Iraqi prison, with him,” she said. these parents,” Mazhilis (lower where they have been living for So, what is the “after” for the house of the Parliament) member two years with their mothers. The children? Zagipa Baliyeva said during the life “after” will start for them with “We will now go to the child re- Oct. 19 Child-Friendly Kazakh- courses of rehabilitation at Pravo habilitation centre, where children stan Conference in Nur-Sultan, public fund’s regional centres. will be for some time while they reported kursiv.kz. “There are six of them (moth- will have full medical check-up, The age range of the children re- ers). They are in an Iraqi prison and then a range of inspections, turned from the Iraqi prison vary in Bagdad. They have been serv- and then will join their relatives, from one year to 13 years. Many ing the life sentence, which in grandmothers and grandfathers, of them would have to go through Iraq means 25 years. And for two aunts and uncles,” Aruzhan Sain, a similar complex documentation years they (children) have been Kazakhstan’s Ombudsman for procedure that on average takes there with their mothers. Unfor- Children’s Rights told The Astana nearly four months. tunately, our government only got Times after they landed at Naz- The documents for children who to know that our citizens are in an arbayev International Airport Nov. have been returned in the first half Iraqi prison in March,” said The 27. of the year “now are in the final Astana Times reporter Assel Sa- Then the children are in the process. We performed genomic tubaldina who was reporting from trusteeship of Pravo Public examinations. Court hearings Baghdad. Fund’s centres. These are the only passed. And now the court deci- Previously, over the period from centres that deal with the “adap- sion comes into force. On the basis January to June, a different action, tation of minors and their sociali- of this, we receive birth certificates called Operation Jusan, returned sation related to de-radicalisation of the children,” Ryl said. 595 Kazakh citizens, including matters that we have created and The children saved from Iraq are 406 children, among them 33 or- have been creating since 2010,” from all of the parts of Kazakhstan phans, from Syria. said Ryl in an interview for this just like the children who arrived In Baghdad, Kazakh diplomats story. with the previous missions from found an orphaned child kept in After they arrive in Kazakhstan Syria. They will be later relocated an orphanage and 13 “others were “some live in our (Pravo) centres in accordance with their parents’ with their mothers in prison.” along with mothers; some come to last registered residence. “The condition is harsh in pris- tion of the returnees. These are the Following Operation Jusan that “they’re not guilty of what hap- our day hospital to receive a range “They are all from various re- on. All have some kind of illness. children of Kazakh citizens who returned adults as well, the govern- pened to them,” said Olga Ryl, of social services,” she said. gions. We hope they will adapt All have scabies,” Kazakh Foreign began to leave Kazakhstan with ment charged with penalties men the head of Pravo Public Fund All children, at first, have no quickly. They are mostly little. Ministry’s official who preferred their families eight years ago fol- who had an irrefutable evidence of that works with the adaptation of identity documents. The govern- So we want them to have a new not to mention his name told The lowing promises of a better life being engaged in terroristic acts. the children to a normal life where ment could immediately restore life and (we want) them to forget Astana Times. by DAESH. The tale ended when The public, however, should children play toys, not guns, re- the duplicate documents for 113 what has happened before. In their The Kazakh government has they arrived in a zone of military leave their bias behind when it ported sputniknews.kz. children who were born in Ka- motherland, everything will be all been supporting the rehabilita- conflict. comes to the children, because “We are working to ensure that zakhstan and returned from Syria. different,” said Sain. ECO Networks offers businesses a National Olympic Committee way to make recycling profitable names country’s best athletes the companies with which we By Aidana Yergaliyeva meet sign a contract with us,” Mukhamedzhanov said. “We NUR-SULTAN – Discussions see that the companies partici- of environmental responsibility pate with great pleasure and are have now permeated Kazakh so- responsive. In other words, we ciety and the one-year-old ECO chose the precise moment… Networks project aims to change When people understand that how people dispose of waste, nothing good happens for free.” starting with the workplace. The company attracts all kinds ECO Networks helps business- of businesses, from small firms es create their own Eco Offices, with a handful of employees to where employees can sort waste companies like Kcell and Astana for recycling, find companies to Motors with thousands. distribute their sorted waste – The project has launched ser- and thereby promote themselves ECO Networks Founder and vices in Nur-Sultan, Aktobe and as an environmentally friendly KASE Managing Director Yevgenii Taldykorgan. workplace. Mukhamedzhanov. “We recently signed our first “I thought about it when I first franchise deal in Kazakhstan. started sorting the waste at home. there are printing houses… In or- Currently, we are doing the first Well, I realised that everything der to solve this issue on a large round of investment,” he said. with the infrastructure is very scale, we needed a service that bad. Even if there are containers would learn how to work with [for processing recyclables], they business and make it profitable “We have a goal throw all in one, dump it into a for business to pay for it,” he to reach one million

single truck,” ECO Networks said. Olympic.kz Photo credit: Founder and Kazakhstan Stock The Kazakh market buys a people in five years. Skater Elizabet Tursynbayeva. Boxer Bekzad Nurdauletov. Exchange (KASE) Managing kilogramme of paper waste for Director Yevgenii Mukhamedzh- 20 tenge (US$0.05). But paying In other words, Ice Hockey Federation as the Best athlete to earn gold in the Mogul anov told The Astana Times. to have such a small amount of National Sports Federation. Freestyle World Championship. According to him, although paper sent to a recycling service we will have one Staff Report The Kyzylorda Region De- The men’s national ice hockey Kazakhstan has recycling plants, would likely cost more than that. million conscious partment of Physical Culture team won Best Team of the Year. The there are no services serving peo- That means recycling is a drain NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh and Sports was named the Best team made it to the elite division of ple who want to recycle. on businesses, not a benefit. people who will National Olympic Committee rec- Sports Region. Freestyle wres- the world hockey championship by “I studied the market a bit. ECO Networks, therefore, fo- ognised the country’s best athletes tling champion Alisher Yergali winning at the world championship I looked at how some projects cuses on corporate standards and pressure all those for 2019 Nov. 30 during the Al- received the Breakthrough of the (group A, first division) in the capital. were working on the market. And company image, aiming to use who are unaware.” tyn Samgau awards ceremony in Year award. He won a Kazakh The Altyn Samgau committee I realised that basically they are recycling to boost a business’ the capital. In traditional fashion, team license for the 2020 Olym- included nominations in Para- students. Of course, they can- brand, Mukhamedzhanov said. eminent and titled sports veterans pic Games in Tokyo at the World lympic sports for the first time in “We made the focus to the HR ECO Networks also started including Victor Aboimov, Guzel Cup in the capital. its history. Nurlan Dombay was brand. We invested into the val- a social project to provide their Manyurova, Kuralbek Ordabayev, Freestyle wrestling team coach named Best Paralympic Athlete In order to solve ues of the workers, so that the service in seven public schools Olga Shishigina and Zhaksy- Aset Serikbaev and freestyle mo- for his gold medal in the under 75 external image is formed. And free of charge. lyk Ushkempirov presented the gul team head coach Yelena Krug- kilogramme weight category at this issue on a large we came with this product and “We are not ready to take mon- awards. lykhina were honoured as the Best the 2019 Para Taekwondo World scale, we needed told a business ‘Would you like ey from them. We take them as Boxer Bekzad Nurdauletov Coaches in summer and winter Championship. The victory made this? It will cost from 20,000 a social responsibility. In other won the title of Best Summer sports, respectively. Kruglykhina him a two-time world champion. a service that would (US$51.70) and higher depend- words, we are a social entrepre- Sports Athlete. Nurdauletov, who won the title for the second con- The Best Paralympic Sports ing on the number of the staff. neurship and as a social project won the gold medal at the World secutive time. Her trainee, Yulia Trainer was the judo team’s head learn how to work We are ready to implement and we work with schools,” he said. Cup in Yekaterinburg, Russia, Galysheva, was the first Kazakh coach Zhandos Kiyanov. with business and accompany.’ The business took it “Plus, we have social projects defeated Olympic champion and very well,” he said. in the social area. We order all four-time world champion Julio make it profitable ECO Networks tested their our eco boxes from the Society of Cesar La Cruz, of Cuba, in the concept with four companies People with Blindness. And the semi-finals. for business to pay Nov. 15, 2018, and added one Society of Mothers with Many Nineteen-year-old skater Eliza- for it.” later. Children design all the string bet Tursynbayeva won Best Win- “They liked it and in March we bags and bags for clients… We ter Sports Athlete for her silver announced that we are ready to are always coming up with ways medal at the World Figure Skating not do anything of large-scale to go for the industrial exploitation. to develop this social ideology,” Championships in Saitama, Japan. solve the problem. That is, they And we started to actively attract he added. She performed the quadruple sal- bring the boxes, take them away companies, and we’re growing ECO Networks has plans to chow in the free skate programme, and quickly close,” he said. fast,” he said. grow bigger and eventually make becoming the first female skater to ECO Networks also wants both The company has been grow- more people socially responsible. successfully complete the difficult itself and the businesses it serves ing almost exponentially in its “We have a goal to reach 1 mil- element in senior competition. to profit from their partnership. year of its existence. To date, lion people in five years. In other Abilmansur Batyrgali, winner of “On waste paper, you will not ECO Networks has 75 compa- words, we will have 1 million the World Karate Youth Champi- earn with small volumes. Large nies in its network that covers conscious people who will pres- onships in Chile, was named Best volumes have long been disas- approximately 15,000 people. sure all those who are unaware,” Young Athlete. The committee Kazakhstan’s Olympic cycling gold medallist Alexander Vinokurov is greeted by sembled by large players where “Approximately 80 percent of he said. recognised the Kazakh National the fans as he arrives as a guest of honour. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 Astana Ballet finishes first California tour

By Galiya Khassenkhanova

NUR-SULTAN – Astana Bal- let performed for the first time on the United States West Coast Nov. 19-22, reported its press service. Three California cities – Los An- geles, San Diego and San Fran- cisco – were struck by the Kazakh national art and work of modern choreographers. “The national dance had a co- lossal impact on me. It is abso- lutely different in body plastics and mood, which you do not often see, especially here in California. The richness of the costumes, these bright colours and, of course, the music struck me. There was something inspiring about it. This evening was a pleasant discovery for me and I hope to someday see the performance of this beautiful troupe again,” said San Francisco resident Susan Galant. For four days, Astana Ballet artists showed their skills on the stages of Herbst Theatre in San Francisco, California Centre for

the Arts and Spreckels Theatre in Service. Astana Ballet Press Photo credit: San Diego and the famous Saban A scene from “A Fuego Lento” one-act ballet. Theatre in Los Angeles, which for decades was 20th Century Fox’s “Love’s Lost Idols,” the one-act light that seeks to seep through a three duets inspired by the life of “Bravo, it was a great perfor- complex programme, active tour leading theatre. lyrical ballet by American cho- crack in the wall in order to finally renowned French singer Edith Piaf. mance at a very high level. It is schedule, daily performances and Californians became acquainted reographer Nicolo Fonte. The be free – it is like a strong, instant, Each piece expresses feelings of nice that they brought a varied flights between cities was a- chal with Astana Ballet with its trade- performance answers the eternal emotional manifestation of joy or new love, then fear of indifference programme that showed modern lenge, the tour tempered and in- mark programme – the “Heritage question “How can we live and wonder,” said Fonte. and, finally, tragedy of loss. “A and national ballet. It allowed the spired the characters. of the Great Steppe” by Aigul love if everything that we know “Love Fear Loss” and “A Fuego Fuego Lento” speaks about feel- artists to present themselves in dif- Upon returning to Kazakhstan, Tati, which includes examples of and love will inescapably end?” Lento,” works of invited choreog- ings a person discovers when he or ferent roles. I think the troupe has Astana Ballet artists will start Kazakh folk dance. During the in- “For this ballet, I chose the music rapher Ricardo Amarante, have de- she encounters first love and desire. a great future – we will be glad preparations for the big winter pre- termission, audience members dis- of the Italian composer Ezio Bosso lighted audiences throughout the Tickets to all performances to see them again in the United miere of “Cinderella” from Dec. cussed the national music, artistic (String Quartet No. 5 ‘Music for the world and the United States was were sold out and the audience ac- States!” said Los Angeles resident 20-22 and the New Year’s perfor- images and choreography. Lodger’). This music is reminiscent no exception. knowledged the artists with loud Brian Mitchell. mance of “The Nutcracker” from The artists also presented of twilight, something similar to the “Love Fear Loss” consists of applause and flowers. While the artists noted the Dec. 26-31. Nur-Sultan hosts Not Just a Movie ‘Ayka’ honoured at China’s Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers film festival International Short Films Festival ed. There was a big interest from ence. The film was very warmly By Aidana Yergaliyeva the live audience,” “Shanyrau” received in China. The question producer Zarina Kissikova told and answer session about both NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh- The Astana Times. of our movies were full. It was made and Oscar-shortlisted film “Ayka” is about a young Kyrgyz very flattering. People were well “Ayka” continues to win the hearts immigrant who lives and works prepared and actively asked ques- of international audiences, this illegally in Moscow. After an un- tions,” said Kissikova. time in China, where the Golden wanted pregnancy, she abandons Yeslyamova won Best Ac- Rooster and Hundred Flowers fes- her baby in a hospital. tress for her role in “Ayka” at the tival recognised “Ayka” lead ac- Cannes Film Festival, the Asian tress Samal Yeslyamova with the Oscars and the 28th International Best Leading Actress in a Foreign “The movie is terrific! Film Festival in Germany. She re- Film Audience Award and “Ayka” It is travelling the ceived the Grand Prix at the Cott- director Sergey Dvortsevoy with bus Film Festival, surpassing 190 the Best Foreign Director Audi- world for the second other performers. The actress also ence Award at the Nov. 21 awards year. It has a very became the laureate of the Ka- ceremony. zakhstan People’s Favourite 2018 “The film is very well received big audience. They awards in the Breakthrough of the in China! They highly value the ar- Year nomination. tistic quality of the movie, because had been shooting it The film was shortlisted for the they say that ‘that is exactly what for very long. Each American Academy Award from we lack.’ Because the commercial Kazakhstan. ones take over and they are afraid scene is well thought The China Film Associa- to lose the artistic value of a mov- tion started the Golden Rooster ie… and of course it [“Ayka”] is through.” Awards for the best Chinese very emotional,” Dvortsevoy told filmmakers in 1981. In 1992, The Astana Times. “The movie is terrific! It is trav- the Golden Rooster and the One The film festival itself has been elling the world for the second Hundred Flowers awards were growing in prestige, delighting the year. It has a very big audience. combined into a single national Kazakh film’s Chinese co-produc- They had been shooting it for very festival. The awards opened for ers. long. Each scene is well thought filmmakers of other countries in “It is very important for them through… you see that a person 2005. The film festival has nomi- Photo credit: vosmerka.kz. Photo credit: [Chinese co-producers]. This festi- dedicated a lot of years for this. nations in 20 categories. lasts at least three minutes and no He added the festival was not a val is becoming very big in China The tremendous play of Samal Fifty Chinese films competed By Yelena Levkovich more than 40. competition, but an attempt at art and it is important for future movie Yeslyamova deserved its prize in the nominations this year. The “The films you will see are not communication between Kazakhs rental… And for Kazakhstan it is from the Cannes festival. Indeed, main prizes of the festival, Best NUR-SULTAN – Not Just a just cinematography – it is an act and Russians combined with the important as well. It is important well deserved. Of course, it is not Directing and Best Film, went to Movie International Short Films of creativity, an aspiration to ex- opportunity to see vivid novelties that we are known in this huge for everyone, but it found its audi- the film “Farewell, My Son.” Festival, a collaborative project press yourself, to get in contact. and festival short films. country for our Kazakh culture. of Vosmerka.kz and the Office of But most important about the Kazan International Short Film This is wonderful!” the director Rossotrudnichestvo in Kazakh- said. stan, opened Nov. 29 in the capital. “The films you will see are not just According to Dvortsevoy, For three days, participants and there were originally 28 foreign visitors were treated to 24 shorts cinematography – it is an act of creativity, an movies competing in the nomina- from three constituent regions of tions. But “then it was cut to 12 Russia – Chuvashia, Tatarstan and aspiration to express yourself, to get in contact. and, eventually, for some reason, Yakutiya, – as well as Kazakhstan. But most important about the films is the unique they had two winners for each “It is impossible not to highlight nomination.” any of the announced works. All way of thinking and self-perception, helping to “What made me happy is that the films deserve to be watched, this prize is not only from the au- particularly as it takes not much feel the world and society differently.” dience – it is made jointly with the time to do. We want our people juries, so there are some profes- to touch a wide variety of movie films is the unique way of think- Festival Programme Director sionals and the audience. [Being genres,” said festival Programme ing and self-perception, helping Adilya Khaibullina, the festival’s the audience’s choice] is especially Director Alexandra Porshneva. to feel the world and society dif- special visitor, was one of the lead- pleasing, of course. That means in Kazakhstan presented nine mov- ferently, to find out the similari- ing speakers at the “Short Film: China they liked the movie,” he ies covering various issues, from ties and disparities between the How and Where to Watch It” open said. “With a Diploma to the Village” filmmakers and the audience. Do discussion following the event. Chinese audiences watched two directed by Samgar Rakym to you know that the shorts com- Not Just a Movie Festival movies produced by Kazakh film- “The Sentry” by Alibek Aby. petitions are the toughest races opened a cycle of events under makers. The second, Zhanabek The films were divided into two among movie directors? The the VselennaYA (The Universe) Zhetiruov’s “Shanyrau,” was al- categories according to the accept- short format is very popular now; Festival programme, organised by most equally well received. able age of the viewers: age 12+ all global film festivals include the Rossodrudnichestvo with the “‘Shanyrau’ was undeservedly (two movies only) and 18+. The features in their competitive pro- support of Roskosmos State Space deprived of attention in Kazakh- themes were as different as their grammes,” noted Vosmerka.kz Corporation that will go through stan. But it had good engagement duration, as an average short film Chief Editor Yevgeny Lumpov. Dec. 22. in China. Distributors got interest- Sergey Dvortsevoy receives the award. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering delivers new batch of armoured vehicles to defence ministry important success story. The port- In addition to the advanced pro- By Aidana Yergaliyeva able manufacturing model that we tection and ability to handle up to have pioneered around the world a 4,500-kilogramme payload, the NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan has enhanced indigenous capabil- Arlan is also versatile, capable of Paramount Engineering (KPE) ity, high-skills training and local reaching up to 120 kilometres per delivered a series of Arlan 4×4 expertise,” he added. hour and travel a distance of 700 mine-protected armoured wheeled The Arlan has a modular de- kilometres. The vehicle can ford vehicles (AWVs) Nov. 28 to the sign and double-skin monocoque. at 1.2 metres and is able to climb Ministry of Defence and Special With its V-shaped hull, the ve- 60-percent grades and 35-percent Services Division. hicle can withstand the debris, KPE is a joint venture of the Par- dissipate energy of explosions side slopes. amount Group, a global aerospace and offer increased protection “We look forward to playing a and technology company based in against mine blasts. long-term role with our partners South Africa. In addition to the Ar- The AWV provides STANAG in Kazakhstan in enhancing local lan 4×4, the company produces ad- 4569 Level 3 ballistic protection capabilities and fuelling next-gen- vanced AWVs such as the Nomad against small arms ammunition eration employment opportunities 4×4, Barys 6×6 and Barys 8×8. and Levels 3a and 3b blast protec- and economic growth in the pro- “The delivery of yet another tion against mine explosions. It cess,” said Ichikowitz. significant batch of armoured ve- will survive 10-kilogramme TNT KPE is one of the leading de- hicles to the customer is testament (trinitrotoluene chemical explo- fence companies in Kazakhstan to the commitment, hard work sive) mine blasts beneath its hull, and the Commonwealth of Inde- and skills set of the KPE team,” 10-kilogramme TNT beneath any pendent States (CIS) region. The said Paramount Group Chair Ivor wheel and a 50-kilogramme TNT company began production of Ichikowitz. side blast explosion. Arlan AWVs in November 2015 Arlan AWVs are essentially The vehicle is also equipped with and presented the vehicle at the

Paramount’s iconic Marauder ve- Paramount Group. Photo credit: radiation, chemical and biological hicles, but enhanced and adapted Arlan armoured wheeled vehicles. protection (RCB) allowing it to KADEX 2016 Defence Expo. Its to Kazakhstan’s severe winter con- survive radiation dust spread, gas armoured vehicle factory is one of ditions. They operate in tempera- control system ensuring safety and requirements such as long-range “The strong growth of Kazakh- and/or biological attacks. It also the largest and most modern plants tures as low as –50 degrees Cel- comfort for military personnel. border patrol or quick reaction stan Paramount Engineering, has ventilation equipment able to of its type in the region. sius and summer temperatures up The range allows the armed forc- force operations in extreme envi- driven through indigenous manu- purify the air inside the cabin for Paramount Group was founded to +50 degrees, with a temperature es to complete extensive mission ronments. facturing solutions, has been an several hours. in 1994. Nation’s third peacekeeping International Turkic Writing unit starts mission in Lebanon Revival Day celebrated to establish friendly relations with Centre trainers, mine clearance cen- Adzhi named that date the day of kic states to support us,” she said, Staff Report representatives of the peacekeeping tre specialists and peacekeeping in- By Yelena Levkovich the second birth of Turks. The an- adding Azerbaijan and Turkey also contingent of other countries and structors. cient manuscripts have witnessed began celebrating Turkic Writing NUR-SULTAN – The third con- the local population,” said a ministry Kazakhstan is participating in the NUR-SULTAN – Almaty, Kyzy- the high level of language culture Day this year. solidated unit of Kazakh peacekeep- spokesperson. UN mission in Lebanon as part of lorda and the capital hosted Inter- and statehood of the Kazakh peo- As specialists have noted, an- ing forces started its operations Nov. The third unit will remain in Leba- the Indian battalion. Joint visits are national Turkic Writing Revival ple’s distant ancestors. The an- cient Turkic runic inscriptions 27 as part in the United Nations In- non until May. expected according to the bilateral Day events Nov. 25, reported the cient Turkic runic writing reflects can be found in large areas of Ka- terim Forces in Lebanon, reported cooperation programme between the Kazakh National Museum press the common ideology and pre- zakhstan, including the Ili, Irtysh, the Ministry of Defence press ser- countries. service. sents the concept of centralised Talas, Syr Darya and Zhaiyk river vice. The company consists of 120 The Kazakh “Our military personnel visit New The date is linked to Danish lin- polity as the surety of liberty and valleys. Experts have discovered military personnel from regional peacekeeping unit, Delhi as part of a peacekeeping guist, polyglot and historian Wil- independence,” said the Rukha- the scripts written on ceramics, commands and the country’s Air As- training course. At the final stage, a helm Thomsen’s discovery of the ni Janghyru (Modernisation of carved on bronze mirrors found in sault Forces. together with the training group from India arrives in way to decipher ancient Turkic Kazakhstan’s Identity) Kazakh the East Kazakhstan Region and “The first and second rotation Kazakhstan to conduct a two-week writing. In interpreting the words Institute of Social Development inscribed on other artifacts. performed their service perfectly. Indian battalion, will training course. Then, the special “Turk” and “Tengri” in the runic press service. The key event of the day was a You participated in a special course patrol 16 kilometres group determines the readiness of texts of the Orkhon River banks, The location choice for the event flash mob, with pictures of Turks in India. It is a great honour for me the military personnel to participate he opened a new chapter in Turkol- was not accidental – Kazakhstan from different countries writing to welcome you here. Since Ka- of the Lebanese- in the mission. Personnel undergo ogy history. is “a sacred Shanyrak,” the centre a few words from Kultegin’s (a zakh military personnel began to Israeli border, the mandatory vaccination as prescribed Thomsen presented his break- of the Turkic world, said Uly Bu- great warlord) proclamation. In perform tasks as part of the Indian by the World Health Organisation,” through to the Danish Royal Acad- dun Public Association Chair and the future, the photos will serve battalion, we call them not Indbatt Blue Line border reads the release. emy of Sciences on Nov. 25, 1893. art historian Meruert Kurmangali- as a unified appeal to all Turkic but IndKazBatt,” said Indian battal- The first 120-troop Kazakh peace- His work allowed foreign Turkolo- yeva. people. ion commander Narayan Bati in his demarcation between keeping company participated in gists to translate the manuscripts “We set a goal to unite Turkic The flash mob’s Internet - ver welcoming speech. the countries. the UN mission in Lebanon from and years later Azerbaijani, Ka- peoples, having links with many sion involved participants writing The Kazakh peacekeeping unit, to- October 2018-May 2019. A second zakh and Uzbek scientists have Turkologists interested in that. “ULU BUDUN” (“A great na- gether with the Indian battalion, will 120-member unit remained from joined them to further explore the What can really bring together all tion”) in runic and creatively deco- patrol 16 kilometres of the Lebanese- Prior to selection, military per- May-November. ancient writing. the representatives of the Turkic rating the letters. The most unusual Israeli border, the Blue Line border sonnel undergo psychological tests, The United Nations Interim Force “It was a great scientific dis- world? First, we must understand and beautiful inscriptions were demarcation between the countries. medical examinations and tests to de- in Lebanon is the UN peacekeeping covery in the world of linguis- that the writing is the foundation shown online throughout Turkic “They daily control the situa- termine their knowledge of the Eng- force deployed in southern Lebanon tics. The Russian explorer Murad of statehood. We want all the Tur- Writing Revival Day. tion and serve at checkpoints. They lish language. After being chosen, on the border with Israel with a six- are responsible for guarding and they take part in three or six-month month extension in accordance with strengthening military bases and theoretical and practical training UN Security Council Resolution No. patrolling operations. Their task is conducted by Partnership for Peace 425 of March 19, 1978. National Bank issues limited edition coins “Qazaqstan Respublikasy – Re- public of Kazakhstan,” is on the face. The denomination and infor- mation denoting the metal from which it is made, its fineness and weight are also shown. On the re- verse is an image of a handmade patchwork quilt and the Quraq kórpe inscription, year and Kazakh Mint trademark. The coin weighs 31.1 grammes, is 38.61-centimetres in diametre and of proof (higher quality) work- manship. Only 1,500 coins will be Staff Report The Quraq kórpe are named in honour of the Kazakh kurpe, circulated. NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Na- patchwork bedding with a distant The 100 and 200-tenge coins tional Bank issued a limited edi- history. The quilts accompany are lighter and smaller. Only 2,000 tion coin collection Nov. 27 in Kazakhs from early childhood – will be minted. denominations of 100 tenge first as a bright blanket to cover The coins are issued in souvenir (US$0.26), 200 tenge (US$0.52) the baby, then as a soft carpet on packages including a numbered and 500 tenge (US$1.30). which a growing person can run. certificate confirming the quality The 100 and 200-tenge coins Some families give kurpes as a of Kazakh National Bank in three are named Kόbelek (butterfly) bride’s dowry, decorating them languages – English, Kazakh and and the Lasiommata maera, made with symbolic ornaments for a Russian. of nickel and silver, and are part happy life. The coins were produced at the of the flora and fauna series. The The 500-tenge coins are manu- Kazakh National Bank Mint and 500-tenge Quraq kórpe coins, factured with colour printing can be purchased in all its re- from the Treasures of the Steppe technology. The Kazakh em- gional departments and through series, are all silver. blem, framed with the inscription www.nationalbank.kz. tengrinews.kz. Photo credit: B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 Campaign against domestic violence underway in Nur-Sultan UNFPA Kazakhstan UNFPA Photo credit:

L-R: Jacky Davis, the British Embassy in Kazakhstan Secretary on Political Issues, Julia Valese, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Kazakhstan representative and Yelena Tarasenko, member of the National Commission for Women and Family Demographic Policy under the Kazakh President. Photo credit: zdorovyegoroda.ru Photo credit: bodies, nongovernmental organi- and the help line offered their only Nur-Sultan hosted a round-table religious denominations, United cial demands within the gender By Yelena Levkovich sations and representatives of the access to psychological and moral discussion on the prevention of and Nations agencies in Kazakhstan violence response mechanisms. To public. assistance, legal advice, or even response to violence against wom- and the British Embassy. National further explore the issue, experts NUR-SULTAN – The national The domestic abuse situation in someone to simply listen to their en, taking into account the needs Commission Deputy Chair Ye- analysed Kazakh legislation and awareness raising campaign, “16 Kazakhstan is being intently ob- problems. of women with disabilities. The lena Tarasenko said a new draft of state policy in the field of gender Days Against Violence,” launched served by the Local Police service. Nur-Sultan’s Crisis Shelter Cen- Nov. 28 event, led by the National Kazakhstan’s law on preventing equality and protecting the rights in the Kazakh capital Nov. 25. The They have launched a telephone tre is another place where abused Commission for Women and Fam- domestic violence was making its of people with special needs. They campaign aims to promote human hotline for people in distress, and women can find support. Women ily Demographic Policy under the way through the Parliament, and also interviewed individuals with rights work on maternity and child since the beginning of the year, ap- and children can stay in the shelter Kazakh President and with techni- that it would address all forms of disabilities during their trip to the care among the population, the proximately 400 women have used for periods of time, receiving food, cal assistance from the United Na- violence – physical, psychological, Turkestan Region and Shymkent. Nur-Sultan akimat (city adminis- it. The problems the women cite medical service and employment tions Population Fund (UNFPA) in sexual and economic – and provide The campaign continued until tration) explained on its website. are common ones: most said they assistance. All the services are Kazakhstan and financial support comprehensive preventive and in- Dec. 10, incorporating training The campaign was initiated by faced violence at the hands of their provided free of charge and anony- from the British Embassy’s Conflict teragency responses. sessions, legal consultations and the Nur-Sultan Police Depart- spouses and were unable to protect mously. Those who need help can Prevention, Stability and Security The participants discussed the video broadcasts that promote the ment’s Local Police Service and themselves. Some of them didn’t also apply for support through the Fund Programme, gathered repre- results of a study on the needs right of women and children to feel UN-Women Kazakhstan with the want to involve the police, for fear centre’s 24-hour crisis line. sentatives of the National Commis- of people with different kinds of safe and the efforts being made to support of Kazakh government their husbands would be arrested, As part of the 16 Days campaign, sion, state entities, civil society, disabilities to integrate their spe- protect those rights. Narxoz University... Interference by relatives Continued from Page B1 ing private universities of the U.K. they could not have done so. That the specific training the company and U.S. is, given the pace of change, it is needs can start then and if the most common factor in The university has launched Wachtel addressed one of the impossible to design a programme company is willing to promise research initiatives, including the most debated issues, that univer- today that will produce exactly employment after graduation, the centres for gender economics, sities teach subjects that do not the kinds of graduates that will be process of adaptation can happen sustainability and future studies. match employers’ needs. needed by a given business in five much more quickly. We are very divorce – study The administration plans to build “I think there is a misconception years. To try to do so is a fool’s open to working with companies As for what they would deem suf- PhD, executive education and cer- among students, parents and em- errand,” he said. in Almaty and beyond on this ba- By Nazira Kozhanova ficient grounds for divorce, 45.7 per- tain master’s programmes around ployers regarding what a univer- There is a need to produce what sis,” he noted. cent of respondents cited a lack of these research strengths to create a sity can and should realistically companies are really seeking – Narxoz University, established NUR-SULTAN – Interfering rela- understanding, 45.3 percent named unique position in Eurasia. do to prepare students for the job trainable employees who have the in 1963 as the Alma-Ata Insti- tives and a lack of moral restrictions infidelity and 20.6 percent indicated The university is now moving market. Of course, all employers qualities and fundamental skills. tute of National Economy, was were cited as the most common the absence of children. from being a private joint stock want to get graduates who can Companies can then quickly and rebranded and renamed in 2016. causes of divorce among Kazakh “We should popularise counsel- company to becoming an inde- start to work immediately, but easily slot young people into their It is famous for its strategic coop- couples, a study published Nov. 28 ling, especially family counsel- pendent, not-for-profit private they really should not expect this. work forces and retrain them as eration with key stakeholders and by the Kazakh Institute for Equal ling. Sooner or later any family university that ultimately will be Why? For one thing, a university necessary. anti-corruption, directed strategic Rights and Opportunities found. has crises and people stop paying supported by a combination of course is four years long. If you “To be sure, if companies want planning policy. The university “Kazakhstan has a high divorce attention to each other, because of student tuition, research grants ask employers whether they could to work directly with us, we can became the first TEMPUS (Trans- rate; however, there is also statisti- mundane, constant problems. So, and projects and help from the have predicted, five years ago, co-design internship opportuni- European Mobility Programme cal data on high marriage rates. This frequently, family therapists help alumni network led by the board what specific skills and knowl- ties for students after their third for University Studies) project means that young Kazakhs are ready to repair the relationships, to help of trustees. Narxoz aims to be- edge they would need now, if they year. If a student begins to work grant holder among Central Asian to marry but, unfortunately, every people see in their partners inter- come a civic project like the lead- are honest, they will tell you that in a given company at that point, universities. third marriage falls apart in Kazakh- esting and important people. But, stan,” said Tatiana Rezvushkina, a unfortunately, our people are cau- sociologist who worked on the pro- tious about the therapists, thinking ject. only those with mental illnesses Interference by relatives in cou- can use their services, confusing ples’ relationships was named as a therapists with psychiatrists,” Rez- factor in their divorce by 61 percent vushkina commented on what can of respondents, while 41 percent be done to curb divorce rates in the cited a lack of moral restrictions. country. Slightly more than a quarter, 25.2 The survey also asked about vio- percent, also said the ease of getting lence in the homes. Among respond- a divorce factored into their split. ents, domestic violence was most of- “Reasons vary. First of all, the atti- ten committed against women, 44.2 tude towards family and marriage is percent, and children, 26.9 percent. changing. Previously, families were The elderly are also frequently sub- created for kinship and economic jected to violence, at 16.6 percent. reasons – today everyone tries to Men are subjected to violence less find in family and marriage so-called frequently, at 6.5 percent. psychological comfort, psychologi- The most common form of vio- cal safety… When people don’t find lence is physical violence, with 74.8 that in marriage or it’s lost, people percent of respondents indicating it; get divorced,” said Rezvushkina. 66.9 percent were subjected to psy- Traditional gender roles also play chological violence, and 27.3 per- a part in Kazakhstan’s high divorce cent to sexual violence. rates, she noted. Respondents consider criminal “There are a lot of traditional pre- punishment to be the most effective scriptions regarding a wife’s role in measure to combat violence, with the family in Kazakhstan: how the 60.6 percent in favour of criminal wife should be caring; attentive to punishments for domestic violence. the children but also to work. This Nearly 31 percent said a fine would is called the double shift. Domes- be sufficient, and 24 percent spoke tic labour is unpaid, it’s mundane, in favour of consultations with a routine, not paid and not noticed by psychologist. anyone. This frequently causes do- The study involved 17 types of ing daily tasks to feel pointless to families, classified as large families, women, and for women not to want single-parent families, families with to do them all on their own,” she disabled children and other group- continued. ings. Urban population made up “Men are prescribed to be bread- 62.5 percent of respondents, with the winners… In the capitalist economy, remainder coming from rural areas. it’s very difficult – the competition is A variety of age groups and ethnici- high on the labour market, economic ties were also included. More than crises. Men frequently lose their jobs three quarters of respondents, 77.6 or can’t find good jobs. Correspond- percent, were women; 22.4 percent ingly, women blame them for their are men. The study was conducted inability to provide,” the researcher from June to November in 14 re- explained. gions of Kazakhstan. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 Kazakh Tourism launches tour Kazakh Schengen visa for Chinese travel bloggers applications increase not a random one. According to Resort, where they enjoyed views global data, Chinese tourists spend of the Zailiyskiy Alatau moun- 26% since 2016 approximately $280 billion on tains and photographed golden travel, including winter tourism, eagles. which is actively promoted by “I want to live here forever! It is popular bloggers. only the third day of my stay in Al- The Chinese visitors spent their maty, but it seems I have spent the first day sightseeing in the city, entire week having so many activi- becoming acquainted with the ties, meeting new friends, eating people, culture and customs and so much delicious food! I plan to tasting traditional food – kurt (yo- bring my parents here next spring, gurt or cheese), kazy (horse meat I’ve heard it is the best time to visit bratwurst), koumiss (fermented Almaty,” said Zuo Ensyao, who mare’s milk), besbarmak (meat with 3.7 million followers, is one and noodles) and baursak (fried of the China’s most popular fash- bread). They also had the option ion and travel influencers. of visiting Esentai Mall, a luxury Syao Sayesha, who counts more emporium positioned by the or- than two million followers, agreed ganisers as the best shopping loca- with her colleague, sensing Chi- tion in the Central Asian region, nese tourists would appreciate with prices 25 percent lower than learning more about the history of similar malls in Dubai, Milan and the Silk Road and seeing the an- Moscow. cient Kazakh cities and mausole- The next day, the bloggers ums first-hand. travelled by helicopter to Charyn “The next time I arrive here I Canyon, also known as Valley will try to see more, to explore Ka- of Castles or Red Canyon, a ride zakhstan deeper,” she noted. which afforded them a bird’s- To attract Chinese tourists, the eye view of the landscape. After Ministry of Culture and Sport in- a guided walk along the canyon, tends to extend the visa free transit 6 percent more than 2014, she the guests were treated to a lunch stay up to 120 hours. The five-day By Zhanna Shayakhmetova added. The launch of European

Photo credit: qaztourism.kz. Photo credit: of national dishes and photo shoot period will allow visitors the op- low-cost flights from Nur-Sultan with batyrs (steppe warriors) and portunity to travel to several cities NUR-SULTAN – Schengen visa Airport and removal of Kazakh The tour, initiated by Kazakh girls dressed in traditional garb. or tourist destinations. applications from Kazakh citizens airlines from the European air By Yelena Levkovich Tourism with the support of Capi- That evening, Kazakh Tourism Last year, Kazakh Tourism in- have increased 26 percent in the safety list allowing them to fly to tal Partners Real Estate and Air organised a gala dinner to offi- vited four bloggers to visit Almaty, last two years, reported Schengen Europe were among the main rea- NUR-SULTAN – Thirteen of Astana, the nation’s largest car- cially greet the visitors. Shymkent and the East Kazakh- Visa Info. sons for the increase. China’s most influential travel, life- rier, was aimed at highlighting the Chinese citizens are permitted stan Region. The travellers spent After a five-year low of 124,735 More than 40,700 applications style, fashion and shopping blog- country, particularly Almaty and to stay in Kazakhstan for three nine days in Kazakhstan, express- applications in 2016, Kazakh pass- received multiple-entry approval, gers and public opinion leaders ar- the Almaty Region, as an ideal days under the 72-hour visa free ing their emotions online in videos port holders have increased the permitting the visa holder to en- rived in Almaty Nov. 13 to tell their destination for Chinese travellers. regime. The final day the travel- and social media posts followed by number to 157,608, the highest ter the Schengen zone more than followers about Kazakhstan. The decision to invite them was lers visited Shymbulak Mountain 145 million viewers. indicator in the last half-decade. once using the same visa without According to the most recent exceeding the permitted number of Schengen Visa statistics, embas- days of stay. sies in Kazakhstan processed ap- The proportion of rejected appli- proximately 160,000 applications cations has increased. While only Baikonur to be designated free economic zone in 2018, of which 149,575 were 2.2 percent were denied in 2014, approved. the percentage more than doubled vilions, observation platforms for riod is 25 years, from 2021 to 2046. Funding for a feasibility study, Schengen refers to the European in 2018 to 4.8 percent. By Nazira Kozhanova space rocket flights and others,” The priority areas here are the crea- the initial stage of the project, will Union (EU) passport-free zone The German consulates in Ka- he added. tion of the Baikonur international be allocated from the regional covering most of the union’s mem- zakhstan saw the highest number NUR-SULTAN – A free eco- The Baikonur development pro- spaceport, the Baikonur entertain- budget. ber states. A Schengen visa allows of visa applications, with 40,829 nomic zone will be created at the ject, planned for 2021-2046, in- ment and tourist zone and the or- “Seventy-six million tenge a person to travel to any of its 26 Baikonur Cosmodrome to attract cludes improving the area’s tour- ganisation of industrial production. (US$196,764) was allocated requests received. member countries for up to a 90- tourists to the world’s first and ism, entertainment and industrial As a part of the development of the from the regional budget for day tourism or business stay. largest operational space launch potential, noted Kyzylorda Region tourism potential of Baikonur, fol- the development of a feasibil- The number of short-term visa The number of short- facility, Kyzylorda Region Akim Department of Industrial and In- lowing the example of the success- ity study for the project. On applications filed at the Schengen (Governor) Kuanyshbek Iskakov novative Development head Rinat ful development of space tourism the territory of the entertain- term visa applications embassies in Kazakhstan increased told KazInform news agency Nov. Sultangereyev Nov. 25, according at Cape Canaveral, a concept for ment and tourist zones, there in relation to the worldwide num- filed at the Schengen 22. to caravan.kz. creating an entertainment and tour- are plans to locate objects of ber of applications received, noted “We have already developed the “The project implementation pe- ist zone was developed,” he said. entertainment and educational embassies in Schengen Visa Info expert Ella concept of a free economic zone. purposes to create the most Worehead. Kazakhstan increased One of the aims of the free eco- comfortable conditions for the “The number of applications nomic zone is the development development of small and me- received at the embassies and in relation to the of tourism. There are tourist and dium-sized businesses,” said entertainment zones, which are Sultangereyev. consulates in Kazakhstan has not worldwide number of included in the map of top 10 Creating the free economic zone marked drastic changes except applications received, tourist priority destinations of our is aimed towards developing the for the one decrease in 2016, republic. As you know, Baikonur industrial and innovative poten- which compared to 2014 and noted Schengen is a closed city and tourism is not tial of Kazakhstan and Russia, he 2018, was about a 25 percent de- developed there,” he said. noted. crease and increase, respectively. Visa Info expert Ella The akimat (city administration) “The creation of a free econom- Yet, if we look at the overall Worehead. is planning to build hotels, muse- ic zone corresponds to priority number of Schengen applications ums, pavilions and rocket obser- directions of economic develop- worldwide, the lowest number of vation platforms. ment of Kazakhstan and Russia. applications was filed in 2016, in Italy is also a favourite Schen- “I think that there will be fa- The main objectives of the project the same year that applications gen-area country for Kazakh visi- vourable conditions for the crea- are the development of industrial from Kazakhstan hit the lowest tors. The Italian consulate was tion of tourism. New facilities will and innovative potential, includ- as well,” she said. second to Germany in receiving be built, new hotels meeting inter- ing the field of space activities,” Kazakh applications increased 20,009 applications. Of those sub-

national standards, museums, pa- KazInform. Photo credit: he added. again in 2018 to approximately mitted, 1,185 were refused. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 Yessil Winter Festival draws winter sports fans, competitors in Nur-Sultan 2010 Winter Olympic Biathlon toward sports in a variety of By Yelena Levkovich silver medallist Yelena Khrusta- ways, including building football leva, skier and Master of Sport pitches and workout and play ar- NUR-SULTAN – The Yessil Mark Starostin and ice skater eas in city parks and establishing Winter Festival took place Nov. Yekaterina Aidova came to the sport gyms and fitness centres. 30 in the Kazakh capital. The city park to congratulate participants hopes to popularise winter sports and run the race with them. Yessil Approximately among its residents with the fes- District Akim (Mayor) Berik tival, according to the Nur-Sultan Dzhakenov also joined the com- 100 participants akimat (city administration) web- petition. site. Participants were divided into competed in the The festival was part of other eight groups according to their cross-country skiing celebrations of the Day of the First age, and could compete in one, President and was initiated by the three or five-kilometre races. races, supported by Yessil District akimat, the Cross All participants were provided Country Skiing Federation of Ka- equipment for the competition honoured athletes zakhstan and the Specialised Chil- by Ski Club Astana, a sports who came to watch. dren and Young People’s Sport outfitter and equipment rental School No. 2. company. The event also marked the start Winners in various categories The Yessil District administration of ski season, and began with were awarded diplomas, med- plans to build several winter rec- ski competitions in Nur-Sultan’s als and certificates to buy sport- reation areas, including a ski-trail Capital Park. Approximately 100 ing equipment. The youngest and and a skating rink. participants competed in the cross- oldest participants were also sin- According to data provided by country skiing races, supported by gled out for awards. the city, more than 29 percent of honoured athletes who came to City officials noted Nur-Sultan Nur-Sultan residents engage in watch. is working to draw its residents sport.

field athletics. A contract for 10 years was signed for the Diamond League with a company from Chi- Kazakhstan plans seven new sports na. Of course, we must continue to Athlete wins gold work to make changes in our sports and attract young people. We can- not stand still. The main challenge facilities to promote athletics for us is to encourage the younger at UAE Jiu-jitsu to discuss activities in new facili- structing seven new athletic cen- generation to play sports,” said Coe. By Nazira Kozhanova ties. We will create conditions for tres. He praised the government’s ac- the development of sports through “The popularisation of sports, tions regarding further athletic de- NUR-SULTAN – Training coach- these sports events. Another area including athletics, is an impor- velopment. Championship es, investing in regional facilities that is also very important is the tant area of our policy. In Kazakh- “I have had a busy last 24 hours already entering a state of cold and a fair sports culture are impor- support of a culture of fair sports. It stan, seven leading athletic centres in Kazakhstan. You have provided By Galiya Khassenkhanova mind, doing everything possible tant for developing Kazakh athlet- is important that we have the right are under construction – in Nur- me with unique opportunities for to defeat your opponent,” she said. ics, said World Athletics President trainers with the right principles, Sultan, Almaty, Pavlodar, Aktobe, meetings not only with leaders of NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh athlete Her third fight was against Swe- Sebastian Coe during a Nov. 3 press professionals who understand that Taldykorgan, Atyrau and Ust-Ka- sports organisations, but also with Moldir Mekenbayeva won a gold den’s Linda Lindstrom, an experi- conference in the capital. you can achieve the result with- menogorsk – which will contrib- representatives of the political lead- medal at the World Professional enced black belt. Lindstrom beat “There are two or three topics out using dishonest methods. It ute to the further cultivation of this ership. I was glad to see agreement Adult and Para Jiu-jitsu Champi- a Polish athlete, the 2017 world that we discussed. The first is the inspires me that your sports repre- sport,” he said. in the programme on the develop- onship Nov. 16-24 in Abu Dhabi. champion and reigning champion training of coaches, because this is sentatives understand this. Already Despite some significant growth ment of athletics. I see the readiness “This year, the world champi- in the United World Wrestling a key moment for the development in Nur-Sultan, I became a fan of in sports’ popularity and profitabili- of your federation for the challenges onship’s organisation was in the (UWW) grappling section, in her of sports. The second is the gov- the Barys hockey team. This is my ty, the priority is making them more that our sports have. On the part of hands of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation first round. ernment investment in all regions new (favourite) hockey club,” he attractive to young people, said Coe. the prime minister, we saw very of the United Arab Emirates. Who Mekenbayeva met Russia’s Po- of Kazakhstan,” he said regarding explained. “The Doha World Cup attracted strong support for investing in infra- else but Arabs knows how to con- lina Krupskaya in the finals. his discussion with Prime Minister Mamin, who agreed new invest- more spectators than previous world structure for the future of athletics duct competitions at the highest “The responsibility was insane, Askar Mamin. ment is necessary to help promote tournaments. The largest sponsors and preparing training programmes level. The Emirates, Abu Dhabi, because that day in the ne-waza “Now, we are ready to move on sports, noted the country is con- in history are involved in track and for trainers,” he added. Mubadala Arena, Rotana Hotel – section I was the only one who it smelled of seriousness. A clear could possibly win gold. Before schedule, responsive volunteers, the finals, I had the time to pre- arena, warm up, tatami, fair judg- pare, but waiting is the most pain- es, lights, cameras, you and your ful. I could not afford to surrender opponent,” she told The Astana mentally or psychologically, as I FC Astana beats Manchester United Times. treaded a thorny and difficult path when we were deeply defend- py with was the ten minutes when Mekenbayeva participated in to my goal. I remembered how I ing… We scored a goal after the they scored their two goals. You the adult female (52 kilogrammes) spent nights at the library study- moment when we illogically played could tell the pressure was com- ne-waza category, where the main ing to pass exams right before the a corner. They were great that they ing. These boys need men’s foot- objective is to transfer the fight to departure and pass the remaining were not upset but began to play ball; they got a taste of it tonight,” the ground. ones after the arrival. I trained as better. Today, I can only say good he said, according to telegraph. “In fact, I felt all the joy only hard as I could, not minding the things about my team… A conver- co.uk. when I was standing on the pedes- fatigue. I rigidly set priorities and sation took place during the break, Manchester United’s lack of ex- tal, holding my hand on my heart, my schedule, limiting myself in where we recalled what we talked perience was observed by those in singing the Kazakh anthem. Only many ways,” she said. about before and explained that we the stands. then did I realise that hard work She finished the fight with a could win this match,” he added. could achieve any goal. I cannot chokehold. Manchester United, with two convey in words what I felt. Per- “I knew and felt that in that wins and a draw preceeding the “A conversation haps, this is happiness,” she said. moment everyone – my family, Astana match, scored enough Mekenbayeva had an auto- friends and the whole of Kazakh- took place during matic pass in the first round due stan – expected that medal from

Photo credit: fcastana.kz. Photo credit: points to qualify for the playoff before the game. Astana lost two the break, where we to her previous victories. A gold me. In an instant, I was already on chuk after the match, according to matches before playing Man- medal in the Nur-Sultan Grand the tatami and the first grabs went. By Nazira Kozhanova vesti.kz. chester United, but the win did recalled what we Prix (Kazakhstan), silver medal Not bewildered, I immediately Manchester United’s Jessi Lin- not help the team qualify for the talked about before in the Asian Championship 2019 scrolled my game plan in my head. NUR-SULTAN – Astana Foot- gard team scored the first goal at playoffs. (Mongolia) and silver medal at A couple of minutes and the oppo- ball Club beat the U.K.’s Manches- the 10-minute mark, which was an- Manchester United Head Coach and explained that we the World Combat Games (South nent was already giving up. I was ter United 2-1 Nov. 28 in a Europa swered by Astana’s Dmitri Shom- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted could win this match.” Korea) put her in first place in the at a loss; I could not believe it. I League fifth group match in the ko in the 55th minute. The outcome the team’s performance declined Ju-Jitsu International Federation won,” she said. capital. The win was Astana’s first was decided on a pass by Astana’s throughout the match, noting many (JJIF) rating, which gave her a Twelve other Kazakh athletes in the Europa League. Antonio Rukavino, however, when players were new to the game and “When United still had strengths, pass to the second round. won medals, putting the country “People create an atmosphere, so Manchester United goalkeeper the match was the debut for three they attacked in the first half of the Mekenbayeva competed against seventh in the medal statistics. we must win. Thank God that we Di’Shon Bernard scored an own members. match. But later the lack of expe- Canada’s Jessica McNeill, a black Rustem Asherbekov, Yeldos Ka- were able to repay the debt. I want goal at the 66-minute mark. “I thought the three young boys rience showed itself and our play- belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and bdenov and Mekenbayeva took to say thanks to them for this,” said “In the first half, we had flaws. who started the game were excel- ers showed them,” said Astana fan 2017 world champion (55 kilo- gold; Islam Mamilov, Darkhan Astana head coach Roman Grigor- I told the players that the segment lent and the only part I wasn’t hap- Baku after the game. grammes), in the second round. Nortayev and Zhenis Nurlybaev “After the first grapples, your captured silver and the rest were breathing normalises and you are bronze. Balandin wins gold, silver... Continued from Page A1 stan’s records in both the 100 and 200-metre breaststrokes at the 2014 Wilson won the silver of the Asian Games, going three-for- 100 breaststroke race, finishing three. Balandin earned the Speedo in 59.54, while Miller took the Performance of the Week at the bronze in 59.92. Asian Games for his performance Adilbek Mussin also took part to in the 200-metre breaststroke. represent Kazakhstan at the tour- The Kazakh breaststroke swim- nament. mer skipped the men’s 200 breast- Balandin, 24, won gold at the stroke at the 2018 Asian Games in 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Jakarta while recovering from inju- where he became Kazakhstan’s ry. Yet he competed in 50 and 100. first ever Olympic swimming “He had a recent injury and a medallist in the 200-metre breast- recent recovery so his coach de- stroke. This was also his best time cided not to risk his health in the in the 200 breaststroke, 2:07.46. 200,” Balandin’s spokesman told

Balandin updated Kazakh- olympic.kz. Photo credit: Reuters. Moldir Mekenbayeva (left of centre) along with the other winners. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 Ring road opens around Nur-Sultan, car engine heating project launches road as part of the development By Zhanna Shayakhmetova of the transport infrastructure of the city,” he said. NUR-SULTAN – The 87-kilo- With an eye towards the cold metre ring road opened around weather, the city administration, the capital Nov. 29 will increase with the support of the Asian De- transport system efficiency, re- velopment Bank, launched the duce travel time by raising the car engine block heating project speed limit and improve the city’s based on Finnish technology. The environment. innovative idea is expected to Prime Minister Askar Mamin, have a positive effect on the en- who attended the opening cer- vironment and ease services for emony, noted safe and high- drivers. several districts for the installa- cost, engine wear and greenhouse quality road projects are being “The main objective of the tion of this equipment. A device gas emissions. implemented in the centre-south, project is to improve the envi- will be installed in each district The two-part technology consists centre-east and centre-west direc- ronment in our city. The tech- soon. Equipment can be used of a power plant and equipment in- tions. The highways will provide nology of electric engine pre- in the future for electric cars,” stalled in the car that connects to north-south and east-west pas- heating allows car owners to said capital Akim (Mayor) Altai an electric column (electric heater). sage. reduce fuel consumption and Kulginov. The features can be installed after- “Kazakhstan’s First President reduce carbon emissions. The More than 350,000 cars are market by a certified specialist or Nursultan Nazarbayev and head engine will always be in a warm registered in the city. In the win- included as a new car option. of state Kassym-Jomart Tokayev condition – no need to waste ter, residents often start their ve- The equipment will be mount- pay special attention to the devel- time and warm up. I believe hicles in advance to heat the en- ed in seven parking areas and the opment of the capital. Today is that this is only the beginning gine and passenger area, leading project is expected to launch in an important event. We open this Primeminister.kz Photo credit: of a joint project. We selected to excessive fuel consumption, other cities in the future. Public discussion, maintenance and communication are key to saving Nur-Sultan’s architectural heritage, says prominent architect started asking questions that dif- and in some aspects it’s even better with architects feeling free to meet Rites, the building that contained noted they gained quite a bit from By Nazira Kozhanova fer from the ones they asked a than others,” he explained. the city head architect. He also the largest stained glass window the talks. year ago, and the analysis led us “In principle, our city has its noted the hope for more considera- in the Eurasian region and was an “We were able to learn some NUR-SULTAN – Public dis- to thinking and listening about this face. Somehow it’s formed, but we tion to be given to senior architects integral part of the city, which was new information that was hidden cussion, building maintenance topic,” he said. can’t say all is bad. But it’s like in to maintain the city’s architectural demolished due to public indiffer- from our eyes before. I myself and communication are neces- “Young people come and say the family – we want everything at integrity. ence and a lack of awareness. work in archives and I saw Vasily sary to save the capital’s arche- that this is bad in our city and that once and we have neither the time, He spoke about existing archi- “The House of Rites is an exam- Viktorovich’s name in the reloca- ological heritage, said former is bad. A foreign journalist came nor money, nor skills to do every- tectural Soviet legacy objects such ple. We need to make its demise not tion documents many times,” said Tselinograd (Soviet name of and said that our benches are dif- thing at once,” the architect said. as the House of the Youth (current- empty, but in the name of some- one of the guests. Nur-Sultan) Region head archi- ferent. So, there is this dispropor- Toskin opened the lecture by ly called Zhastar – youth in Ka- thing,” said Violetta Toskina, SA The meeting was held as part of tect and SA Architects Creative tion of opinions that our city is bad discussing his work as the Tselino- zakh) and the role of proper main- Architects projects head architect. the Fading.TSE retrospective of Director Vasily Toskin at the and everything that was done was grad Region’s head architect. He tenance and commercialisation in She added the firm plans to hold the capital research project with Nov. 27 public discussion organ- bad. I ask them why did you come emphasised the importance of dia- keeping these objects intact. a larger scale discussion with archi- the support of the Soros Founda- ised by the Fading.TSE project. to me? Because I am a part of it. logue between the government and Toskin also highlighted the need tectural experts and the capital aki- tion Kazakhstan in partnership “Well, the idea of this gather- Because we all can travel to differ- architects facilitated by the person for public dialogue in making de- mat (administration) regarding the with Kazakhstan Academic Centre ing has emerged, because recently ent cities now and see that our city in that post and expressed his wish cisions regarding architectural her- city’s key architectural decisions. MA’AM-Eurasia, SA Architects journalists started coming and is no worse than any other ones for strengthening the dialogue, itage. He talked about the House of Public discussion participants and Urban Forum Kazakhstan. Inclusion support Thousands of people visit annual Christmas Charity office opens at school Bazaar for cultural exchange, goodwill Continued from Page B1

The Ambassadors Spouses Asta- na (ASA) Association has been organising this event since 2008 to raise money for charity. The as- sociation uses the funds raised to support projects that make positive changes in the daily lives of low- income families, children with dis- abilities from all parts of Kazakh- stan. “You get such a great joy just from the fact that by buying things you are doing charity. I’d like to

Photo credit: inform.kz. Photo credit: say a big thanks to the organisers,” hydroponics study room and said Turlabekova. By Yelena Levkovich three-in-one room, a unique phys- The bazaar raised approximately ics, chemistry and biology labo- $97,692 in 2018 and $92,994 this NUR-SULTAN – The inclusion ratory invented by the Kozmo. year. support office opened Nov. 27 at Drom educational project. While “People are buying and buying new school-lyceum No. 88 is the inspecting the school, Saparbayev everything. I think today there are more people than last year,” sixth under the Every Child De- noted the importance of coopera- Annual Charity Bazaar Instagram page. Photo credit: serves a School project launched said ASA President Luzia Sebesta tion among state and public organ- ASA President Luzia Sebesta Schmid (C) cuts the red ribbon at the opening of the 12th annual Christmas Charity Bazaar. by the Bolashak Corporate Foun- isations and foreign enterprises in Schmid. dation, reported the capital akimat realising social projects aimed at A part of the bazaar’s fame is the (city administration) website. supporting children with disabili- annual Grand Raffle that offered a clothes among 231 prizes from the from other cities to participate. It plastic, paper and food waste. The “Students (with special needs) ties. Lada Granta car provided by the bazaar’s 87 sponsors. was also a chance to increase the British Embassy in Kazakhstan now have the possibility to study “Our children have all the op- Russian Embassy, travel vouchers This year the association print- public awareness about being en- gave first thousand people “No with their peers and receive the portunities to study. This school to numerous destinations, luxury ed out 10,000 raffle tickets that vironmentally responsible. The or- plastic it’s fantastic” cotton bags to necessary individual support with- is equipped with up-to-date facili- accommodations and designer were sold out. Some people came ganisers provided sorting bins for do shopping. out interrupting the learning pro- ties and the start-ups are applying cess,” said foundation Board of their best innovative projects here. Trustees Сhair Dinara Chaizhu- To date, much attention has been nussova at the presentation. given to the development of edu- The opening was sponsored by cation,” he told the teachers and Chevron, which has been operat- administration. Storm sewer problem to be fully solved by 2030 ing in Kazakhstan for nearly 26 He added officials are taking the city is protected from flood- opment of the city of Nur-Sultan, (US$114 million) has been ear- years. specific measures to improve Staff Report waters. there are plans to allocate about marked for the work in the last “Our enterprise supports medi- teacher status and are anticipating “Every spring, the capital turns 40 billion tenge (US$103.7 mil- eight years. cal institutions and implements in- their impact in raising a worthy NUR-SULTAN – The capital into ‘steppe Venice.’ Floodwaters lion) more and double the cov- “In 2012, we developed a fea- ternational standards. In addition, generation of Kazakh citizens. will be outfitted with a complete flood streets and houses and at this erage [of the drainage system]. sibility study showing that 184 we introduce the local specialists Kulginov noted he appreciated drainage system by 2030, said time some citizens manage to sail This means that if now 13,000 billion tenge (US$476.9 mil- to the best global practices. This the efforts of the project initiators Marhabat Zhayymbetov, Chair- boats on those streets where there hectares are covered, it will be lion) is the necessary sum for is our contribution to the social and promised inclusion offices man of the Ministry of Industry is a storm sewer. On the outskirts 26,000, and the catchment area the drainage system to cover the and economic development of will soon be opened in other city and Infrastructural Development’s of the city, the situation is gener- of the city of Nur-Sultan occu- whole city. During 2011-2019, Kazakhstan,” said company repre- schools. Committee for Construction, ally disastrous. What is being done pies 34,000 hectares. We will do 44 billion tenge (US$114 mil- sentative Zhanar Koshpanova. “The new school is one of the Housing and Utilities. to prevent such situations; what it as funds are allocated, though lion) was allocated. What has Deputy Prime Minister best – a special thanks to the His comments came during the prevents the normal functioning of we know that until 2030 is a long been done? Now, the catchment Berdibek Saparbayev and capi- Chevron company for its coop- Water Security of Kazakhstan: storm sewers?” he asked. time. If the government will allo- area covers 13,000 hectares, tal Akim (Mayor) Altai Kulginov eration and support. Work hard State, Problems and Recommen- Zhayymbetov noted the sewers cate 184 billion tenge (US$476.9 which is nine times more than were present to get acquainted for the sake of knowledge – we dations parliamentary hearings, are expected to work properly by million), the entire territory of in 2011. We have built 380 kilo- with the new school and the inclu- are providing all the conditions where Senator Yedil Mamytbe- 2030. the city could be covered by the metres of storm sewers, 14 new sion office’s potential. for this,” he told the school’s first kov asked what measures the “In the next five years, accord- water catchment,” he said. treatment facilities and three The delegation examined the students. government was taking to ensure ing to the comprehensive devel- He noted 44 billion tenge storage ponds,” he added.