-16° / -18°C WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 No 1 (139) www.astanatimes.com President’s annual address seeks to digitise Economy minister: Kazakhstan, strengthen social protection inflation rate won’t

By Almasbek Zhumadilov

ASTANA – Kazakhstan President exceed 7 percent this year Nursultan Nazarbayev announced Ministry of National Economy and Jan. 9 the state-of-the-nation-ad- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov the Ministry of Agriculture are ac- dress “New opportunities under tively engaged in expanding the the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of supply of fruits and vegetables. In which was published Jan.10 in full. National Economy Timur Sulei- particular, a great deal of work is The new address is based on menov said the inflation rate will underway to increase inventories, such fundamental documents as stay within the projected corridor the number of warehouses and the Kazakhstan 2050 Develop- of 5-7 percent this year. He dis- wholesale centres and wholesale ment Strategy, the 100 Concrete cussed the preventive measures to distribution and trade in all major Steps Plan of the Nation, the Third curb inflation which the govern- cities and towns. Modernisation, the Industrialisa- ment will take by the end of 2018. The Ministry of National Econ- tion Programme, the Digital Ka- Suleimenov noted the inflation omy has also proposed reducing zakhstan, as well as the Strategic rate was 7.1 percent in 2017, when intermediary links, although Sulei- Development Plan up to 2025. it was supposed to stay within the menov emphasised there is no The head of state outlined that 6-8 percent corridor. He answered need to categorically dispose of all the world faces technological, eco- journalists’ questions about high mediators. nomic and social changes in the prices for some types of fruits and “Trade intermediation is abso- era of the Fourth Industrial Revo- vegetables in winter, saying Ka- lutely a normal economic activity, lution. The new technologies enter service press Akorda Photo credit: zakhstan still has a problem with because not every farmer, not eve- our lives significantly changing the cess during the EXPO 2017 inter- tor of industry. “We should clearly In this regard Kazakhstan in- seasonal supply and demand. ry peasant farm is able to deliver way we work, exercising our civil national specialised exhibition, the realise that Kazakhstan’s achieve- tends to broadly implement the “We can’t provide the same and produce its products on the rights and raising children. GDP’s 4 percent growth, industrial ments are a reliable foundation, Fourth Industrial Revolution volume of offers for vegetables shelves of bazaars and shopping President Nazarbayev highlight- production’s 7 percent raise, pover- but not a guarantee of tomorrow’s elements, concentrated on the and fruits in December, January, centres at a distance of 100-200 ed Kazakhstan’s non-permanent ty’s 13-fold decline and unemploy- success. The era of ‘oil abundance’ following objectives. Following February and March as in July, kilometres. Mediation is just right membership in the UN Security ment’s decrease to 4.9 percent. is almost coming to an end. The is the gist of the presidential ad- August and September. Therefore, for this,” he said. Council in 2017-2018 and the Janu- The emphasis was put on 40 per- country needs a new quality of de- dress. this particular seasonal surge has The main thing, he noted, is that ary presidency in this body, the suc- cent growth of the processing sec- velopment,” said the head of state. Continued on Page A7 been observed in our country at all it does not become a dependent times,” he said. situation. At the same time, he noted the Continued on Page A4 Full agenda, presidential appearance mark Kazakhstan’s UNSC presidency Afghan student said the council “had a responsibil- eventually to denuclearisation. Am- pia, Equatorial Guinea and Cote Special to the Astana Times ity to act early and decisively when bassador Olof Skoog of Sweden, d’Ivoire, told how the situation in appeals to Nazarbayev by George Alan Baumgarten, fundamental freedoms were under who (with Poland) had requested Darfur was showing significant pro- United Nations Correspondent threat.” the update on Korea, said “it is im- gress. Ivoirian Ambassador Bernard Other members disagreed, how- portant that the Security Council Tanoh-Boutchoue, in particular, said NEW YORK – In what would ever, or were unsure if any action remains active and united in its ef- “Peace must include national recon- ahead of U.S. visit be called a “double first,” Kazakh should be taken. Kazakh Ambas- forts to resolve the conflict.” ciliation, a permanent cessation of to convey my words to him and Ambassador to the United Nations sador Umarov, speaking in his na- On the same day as the briefing on hostilities and political dialogue.” By Assel Satubaldina begin peaceful negotiations in Ka- Kairat Umarov has taken over the tional capacity, said these develop- the Korea situation, the council held As the last speaker, Kazakhstan’s zakhstan,” he said. presidency of the United Nations ments were a domestic issue for a formal meeting for the purpose of Umarov welcomed the extension of ASTANA – Hafizullah Qaderi, Qaderi is a senior at Seifullin Security Council, for the month of Iran. Russian Ambassador Vasily keeping up to date with the situa- the recent ceasefire to March 2018, an Afghan student studying in Ka- Kazakh Agrotechnical University January. It was both Kazakhstan’s Nebenzia said the U.S. was “abus- tion in Colombia. The South Ameri- and hoped it would lead to an inclu- zakhstan, recently posted a video majoring in engineering. He has first such presidency and the first ing the platform of the Security can country had recently signed an sive peace process. on his Facebook page asking Ka- been living in the capital for nearly for any Central Asian republic since Council,” in attempting to take any agreement with the former FARC Sudan’s Ambassador Omer Dahab zakh President Nursultan Naz- five years. the collapse of the Soviet Union such action. And Iran’s representa- (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias Fadl Mohamed said that UN reports arbayev and U.S. President Donald “I really like Kazakhstan and more than 25 years ago. tive, Kholamali Khoshroo, said the de Colombia) rebels, and the coun- should cover a longer period than 80 Trump to step up efforts to find a I have learned a lot here, where Ambassador Umarov began his U.S. was “abusing its power as a cil has received periodic updates days. The only remaining issues, he solution to peace and stability in people of different nations live in term of office with the customary permanent member,” by even bring- on the situation there. Jean Arnault, said, were ones of development, and his homeland. peace together and respect each Programme of Work briefing, in ing the matter before the council. In who heads the verification mission that Sudan was in the process of im- “My address aims solely at peace other,” he said in an interview with which he outlined the worldwide is- the end, this entire debate produced there, told of a recent “upsurge in plementing development projects. in Afghanistan. I do not want war. The Astana Times. sues, problems and crises to be con- no result. violence,” and of the need to deploy On Jan. 11, the Security Council Our people became victims of Qaderi is among 1,000 Afghan sidered. Several African ongoing On Jan. 9, the council held its some 600 security forces, especially held the final meeting of the first full war,” he said in the message. students studying in Kazakh uni- peacekeeping missions were to be scheduled debate on the Democratic in vulnerable rural areas. week of the Kazakhstan presidency, Qaderi believes the war in Af- versities as part of Kazakhstan’s discussed – with detailed briefings Republic of the Congo. The D.R.C., Most of the members of the Se- on the subject of security in West Af- ghanistan means war in other $50 million project launched in on each. The seemingly-intractable which is one of Africa’s largest curity Council made statements rica and the Sahel. It heard a briefing Asian countries, stressing terror- 2010 which seeks to educate as Israel-Palestine conflict was sched- countries, has been bedevilled by on the subject, all appearing to ex- from UN Special Representative for ism has no faith or religion. many as 1,000 Afghan students uled for its monthly discussion on conflicts large and small, almost hibit the attitude of “hopeful, but the Region Mohamed Ibn Chambas “If the war in Afghanistan is not in its higher education institutes the 25th of the month. And a previ- continuously since its independence wary.”Exercising his right as presi- of Ghana. Ibn Chambas noted that stopped, then the Asian nations through 2020. As of September ously unscheduled and unexpected in 1960. In recent years, these con- dent to speak last, Umarov said there while there had been a decline in might suffer as well. Terrorism 2017, 564 students have gradu- review of the protests in Iran was flicts have centred on control of vast was “still a long way ahead,” and attacks by the Muslim insurgency will get closer to neighbouring ated from Kazakh universities and held Jan. 5. mineral deposits, especially in the that the recovery process was still Boko Haram in the first half of 2017, countries and will spur smuggling technical and vocational education But the highlight of the monthly provinces of North and South Kivu, evolving. recently there had been an “uptick” in those countries,” he said. institutes, while more than 400 are programme were expected to be in the country’s Northeast. Oscar Adolfo Naranjo Trujillo, in such attacks. Despite this, he “I survived in the Afghan war. I continuing their studies. an appearance, the first in several The discussion on the D.R.C. be- vice-president of Colombia, said noted that “the trajectory of demo- saw the tears of my closest people. Upon graduation, Afghan stu- years, by Kazakh President Nursul- gan with a briefing by the U.N.’s that the agreement with the FARC cratic elections across West Africa I saw the tears of my father. It is dents are required to return to their tan Nazarbayev at a special briefing new Under Secretary-General for rebels was “…the best news story has continued.” He also noted the horrible. I am scared to let my sis- native land and apply their expe- on “Non-proliferation of weapons Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lac- of the last 50 years for its people recent peaceful presidential election ter go to school, because she might rience and knowledge to rebuild of mass destruction: confidence- roix. Lacroix noted that former As- and the world.”He also noted that result in Liberia, and said that com- never come back,” the 23-year-old their nation. building measures” on Jan. 18 . sistant Secretary-General Dmitry his government had also been busy ing ones in Sierra Leone and Guinea Kabul native said in his message. “After graduation, I want to This is to be followed the next Titov was investigating an attack instituting many reforms and that should bear watching. Qaderi noted he does not want continue my graduate studies. I day by a debate on “Building a Re- in North Kivu that killed 15 Tanza- 2017 had been “the least violent year Ambassadors from several coun- revenge, adding he is only seeking want to study further. I believe gional Partnership in Afghanistan nian peacekeepers and wounded 44 in Colombia in the last 42 years.” tries, including Cote d’Ivoire, which stability and peace in Afghanistan. Kazakhstan will teach me how to and Central Asia as a Model to Link others. It was just the latest episode After the briefing on Colombia, is from this region, noted the hope- “Here, in Kazakhstan, I am re- find peace in Afghanistan. I want Security and Development,” to be said to have been perpetrated by the the council held two more meet- ful but highly precarious situation, ceiving a good education. I learned to help my family,” he said. chaired by Foreign Minister Kairat so-called Allied Democratic Forces. ings in its first week of work in and they particularly praised the to live in peace with people of dif- In his post, Qaderi called upon Abdrakhmanov, until barely a year The D.R.C.’s own representa- January, on the protracted war in efforts of the UN’s Office for West ferent ethnicities,” he said. young people to support his ad- ago Kazakhstan’s UN ambassador. tive, Ignace Gata Mavita Wa Lu- Sudan’s Darfur region and on the Arica (UNOWAS). But Council Qaderi believes his country dress, a plea which fellow engi- On Jan. 5, a previously-un- futa, noted the country’s emphasis situation in West Africa and the President Umarov said efforts had could learn how to build peace neering student Saber Rasuly said scheduled attempt was made to had been on preparations for com- Sahel. The peacekeeping operation become “more challenging” since from Kazakhstan’s example. He they have taken to heart. come to grips with the rising pro- ing elections, but that large dem- in the Sudan is a joint operation the closure of UN Missions in Li- stressed Nazarbayev’s consistent “My friend made this video to tests throughout Iran. Taye-Brook onstrations had been held, without between the UN and the African beria (UNMIL) and Cote d’Ivoire efforts to serve as a mediator in address the President of Kazakh- Zerihoun, UN assistant secretary- proper authorisation. He also men- Union, which is known as UNA- (UNOCI). He expressed particular settling the conflicts, including the stan to achieve peace in Afghani- general for political affairs, gave a tioned “confidence-building meas- MID. It is meant to keep the peace concern over crises of food insecu- Syrian peace talks that have been stan. All of us, young people, sup- briefing in which he detailed how ures,” such as the release of some in Darfur, a geographical designa- rity and forced displacement. held in the Kazakh capital since port him,” he said. the protests had started on Dec. 28, prisoners. tion that refers to three provinces in In contrast to this, however, sev- January 2017. Afghan students who come to 2017 and escalated quickly. It was A special meeting was held Jan. the West-Central part of the coun- eral council members welcomed While addressing Nazarbayev Kazakhstan after finishing high becoming difficult to verify many of 10 to take note of the situation on try. Under-Secretary-General for the creation of two new UN efforts: and Trump in particular, he urged school in Kabul complete ten the reports coming out of Iran. the Korean Peninsula and talks held Peacekeeping Jean-Pierre Lacroix the Multinational Joint Task Force all world leaders to galvanise ef- months of Russian and Kazakh U.S. Ambassador Nikki R. Ha- between the North and the South once again briefed the council on (MNJTF) and the UN Integrated forts to stabilise the situation in Af- language training. The classes al- ley said the world must take note of during preceding days. Though this mission, telling of the current Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS). ghanistan. The request was posted low them to speak and understand the protests, calling them a “funda- these talks dealt initially only with “forceful stage” of a weapons col- Security Council members have in advance of Nazarbayev’s much- local languages freely and im- mental expression of human rights, the coming Pyeongchang Winter lection campaign, which has raised also recently returned from a three- anticipated official visit to the U.S., merse comfortably into the local and a powerful expression of brave Olympics (to be held Feb. 9-25), it tensions somewhat. He noted, how- day “lightning visit” to Afghanistan as the two leaders met at the White environment. people.” Various other ambassadors is hoped that the talks can be con- ever, that there have not recently Jan. 12-15 arranged by the Kazakh House Jan. 16. Once he has completed his stud- concurred, suggesting it was a time tinued and lead to further progress been any major clashes. presidency. This will have been “I learned from the news that you ies, Rasuly plans to return home for some action. Dutch Ambassador toward the reduction of tensions in Various council members, in- its first such visit to the country in will soon meet Donald Trump and to work and help his family and Karel Van Oosterom, in particular, the Korean Peninsula, and perhaps cluding the African states of Ethio- seven years. I ask you, Nursultan Abishevich, friends.

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIALS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Healthcare minister reports on new New tax code provides simplified regime for Kazakhstan’s UNSC presidency gives voice to WILLIAMS: Kazakhstan 2018 A6 We can contribute to modernising infrastructure development plan A2 SMEs, new principles in administration A4 modern security, geopolitical realities A6 THUKRAL: Kazakh President’s vision good Kazakhstan’s identity, says Belarussian ethno cultural centre leader B1 Kazakhstan reconstructs 1,300 kilometres of 13 enterprises worth 9.4 billion tenge launched for country, investment A7 highways in two years A2 in South Kazakhstan in 2017 A5 Kazakhstan seeks ways to bolster tourism B6

US$ 1 = 329.41 KZT € 1 = 403.92 KZT 1 = 5.84 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

NATIONAL Healthcare minister Kazakhstan reconstructs NEWS IN BRIEF This year, the Civil Service Af- fairs and Anti-Corruption Agency will introduce fundamentally new reports on new 1,300 kilometres of highways types of mechanisms and new forms of work, head of the agency Alik Shpekbayev wrote on Face- book Jan. 10. The state body in- infrastructure in two years tends to organise a meeting of the board dedicated to the results of the year’s work and new priorities. “Effective state administration, the development plan preventive fight against corruption and the rule of law are among the main tasks. There is a clear vision of what the path to these goals should be. 2018 will be decisive for us. [Kazakh President Nursul- tan Nazarbayev’s] Address to the Nation covered such issues as the factor evaluation system, the digi- tal transformation in state bodies, the consolidation of administrative resources and the population’s in- volvement in solving the problems facing society. It is necessary to implement these tasks,” he said. The meeting will be broadcast live Yelzhan Birtanov for the first time. hospitals will continue to operate Highways Committee Chair Mereke Pshembayev (C). By Meruyert Abugaliyeva separately. Pshembayev noted 1,300 kilo- transport potential and economic The Astana city administration On the national level, the ex- By Assel Satubaldina metre of national highways were growth of its regions. will monitor hashtags on Facebook ASTANA – Minister of Health- isting research institutes will be renovated as part of the Nurly Other plans envisioned by the to handle complaints properly, ac- care Yelzhan Birtanov recently merged into university medical ASTANA – Kazakhstan saw Zhol programme, a large-scale programme also include the in- cording to the administration’s briefed the government on the centres. 1,300 kilometres of highways re- economic and development pro- troduction of toll charges along press service. “We ask residents Unified Healthcare Infrastructure “The unified plan includes the constructed in 2015-2016 within ject that seeks turning Kazakh- 6,500 kilometres of the reno- to tag City Monitoring and Op- Development Plan developed by national plan and 16 regional the nation’s large-scale Nurly Zhol stan into a transport and logistics vated highways by 2020, said erational Response Centre in your the ministry and local executive plans designed by local execu- programme. Kazakh President hub of Eurasia through moderni- Pshembayev, with the expected posts using #astana109 hashtag authorities seeking to make the tive authorities for 2018-2025. Nursultan Nazarbayev announced sation of transport infrastructure, capacity to generate nearly 30 to promptly respond to messages national healthcare system more Each of them takes into account the programme in his annual state- among other objectives. billion tenge (US$90.3 million) and addresses of residents,” an compact and efficient. corresponding demographic and of-the-nation address in 2014. Construction works continue annually by 2020. akimat press release explained. “As a result of the OECD (Or- epidemiological situations and the “Movement on Western Europe- on Temirtau-Karaganda, Asta- “In general, based on the re- The centre accepts appeals, coor- ganisation for Economic Co- existing infrastructure. The plan is Western China transit corridor, na-Pavlodar-Semei-Kalbatau, sults of the work that we have dinates the activities of municipal operation and Development) an effective management tool that Astana-Temirtau, Almaty-Kapsha- Beineu-Aktau, Aktobe-Atyrau, done so far, we plan to improve and operational services in solving Health Care Review, experts addresses the issues of optimisa- gai, Kapshagai-Balpyk Bi, Beineu- Kapshagai-Taldykorgan, Astana- 90 percent of the national high- accidents, creates policies of pre- approved the methods designed tion, privatisation, construction of Shetpe and Kokshetau-Petropav- Petropavlovsk and the Uralsk- ways and increase the share of ventive measures and monitors the to develop the infrastructure and new facilities and modernisation lovsk highways was fully opened. Kamenka highways, he said. roads rated as first and second city’s video surveillance system. It gave particular recommenda- of existing ones,” added Birtanov. The construction of the Central The committee chair noted technical category to 50 per- works around the clock. The con- tions, such as accelerating the According to the regional plans, Asia’s longest 12-kilometre bridge Kazakhstan plans to implement cent. It will allow for a two-fold tact number is 109 and residents consolidation of the healthcare outpatient clinic capacity is ex- crossing in Pavlodar spanning the 12 more projects involving high- increase in the capacity of high can also make contact via the sector and implementing a sys- pected to increase by 12.5 percent Irtysh River was finished as well,” ways with a total length of more traffic roads and freight traf- Smart Astana mobile app. tematic approach to streamline by 2025. Urban hospital capac- said Highways Committee Chair than 3,000 kilometres with lead- fic and 1.5-fold reduction in new investments. Currently, we ity will reach 424 beds, which is Mereke Pshembayev during the ing foreign financial institutes the time spent on the road,” he Khabar reports that 150 units are working on altering the con- close to best international practice, Dec. 25 press briefing. to further boost the nation’s added. of medical equipment worth 1.7 figuration of healthcare organi- whereas in rural areas this indica- billion tenge (US$5.1 million) sations,” he said. tor will remain at 91 beds. were provided for hospitals in the In rural areas, where availabil- In previous years, significant Kyzylorda region last year. A tele- ity of medical services is a prior- investments in healthcare were communication operating system ity, the existing facilities will be part of the 100 Schools, 100 Hos- was installed at the regional peri- modernised and medical care is to pitals and 350 family clinics pro- natal centre. “A total of 80 mil- be provided on district and inter- grammes. Those investments have lion tenge was allocated for the district levels. Specialised medical significantly decreased and the full equipment of the hospital last help will be available at the district current aggregate investment de- year. An artificial lung ventilation level depending on the demand in mand is one billion tenge (US$3 device and an anaesthetic respira- corresponding areas. million) until 2025. tory apparatus were purchased for In the urban environment, medi- “Implementation of investment the neonatal surgery department. cal care will be provided in outpa- projects is to be executed through We performed 1,980 operations, tient clinics. Specialised clinics, public-private partnership (PPP) six of which were neurosurgery such as cardiology, oncology and using a standard financial model on newborns. Previously, we sent birth centres, are to be integrated and affordable lending. Large patients to the capital; now we into general hospitals and the lo- PPP projects in 2018 should be fi- can conduct operations here,” cations will be used to provide nanced by Asian and European de- said deputy chief of the regional nursing care, he added. Children’s velopment banks,” said Birtanov. children’s hospital Kanat Medet- bayev.

The Kazakh population’s level of satisfaction with quality of healthcare reached 54.4 percent 26 years of independence: according to the last year’s social survey, the Healthcare Minis- try’s press service reported. “The greatest overall satisfaction with changing trends in Kazakhstan quality of healthcare is observed Organisation (CSTO), OIC, Or- crisis and production volume fell facturing areas, including the in Astana and the Karaganda ganisation for Security and Co- annually. automotive industry, railway and Kostanai regions. The west operation in Europe (OSCE), “A serious jump in oil reserves engineering, titanium industry, Kazakhstan region and Almaty Shanghai Cooperation Organisa- was made from 5.3 billion barrels medical equipment production showed the lowest level of satis- tion (SCO) and the Turkic Coun- in the 1990s to 30 billion barrels and solar and wind power. faction,” the ministry’s statement cil. The nation also hosts a regu- today. In 1991, oil exports were “The development of the coun- explained. The survey was con- lar congress of leaders of world approximately 12 million tonnes try’s transport and logistics sys- ducted on a voluntary and anony- and traditional religions, joined to limited locations; today, ex- tem is one of the most important mous basis. In total, 211,526 peo- the World Trade Organisation ports have been increased by priorities. Today, Kazakhstan ple were interviewed including (WTO), effectively mediated more than five times – over 66 has become a key element of 32,882 respondents in hospitals, in resolving conflict situations, million tonnes to 36 countries. In the Euro-Asian transit system. research institutes and national initiated the adoption of the UN 2016, Kazakhstan launched the In 2016, the President instructed centres and 178,644 people in General Assembly’s Universal long-awaited Kashagan project, developing the Nurly Zher pro- outpatient health clinics. The sur- Declaration for the Achieve- which is supposed to bring sub- gramme of housing construction. vey provides an opportunity to ment of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free stantial revenues to the country,” The programme is set to provide identify the population’s level of World and gained non-permanent according to the report. even more Kazakh families with satisfaction to guide operational membership on the UN Security The contribution of the oil affordable housing,” noted the and management decisions and, Council for 2017-2018. and gas sector to the economy review. ultimately, to increase the avail- “Kazakhstan is becoming more and social development of the The nation also pays special ability and quality of medical ser- processes, has joined the main attractive to foreign business. regions is unique. Investments attention to the social and labour vices in medical organisations. By Dana Omirgazy financial and economic institu- Approximately $300 billion in in Karachaganak, Kashagan and spheres, promoting employment tions and attracted multibillion- direct investment was attracted Tengiz fields exceeded $121 bil- and developing health, educa- The Atyrau oil refinery has ASTANA – Kazakhstan cele- dollar flows of foreign direct in- to the country over the past 26 lion, as their contribution to the tion, culture and sports. been fined about 22 million tenge brated its 26th anniversary of in- vestment. EXPO 2017, the first years. This is more than 70 per- economy reached $155 billion. “The country is looking for- (US$67,320) for violating emis- dependence Dec. 16 2017. Dur- OIC (Organisation of Islamic cent of the total inflow to the Kazakhstan currently follows ward to large-scale modernisa- sions regulations, reported 24.kz. ing the period, the country made Cooperation) Summit on Sci- countries of Central Asia. The a course towards new industri- tion of various spheres of Kazakh The excess pollution occurred the leap from the economic and ence and Technology and other largest investors are the Neth- alisation and production devel- society. This work will be done Dec. 11, 2017, when a fire broke political disruption of the early major forums were held in the erlands, the USA, Switzerland, opment, reducing the country’s under the national strategies out on a pipeline at the plant. High 1990s to a modern social state country [during 2017],” it not- France, Great Britain, Russia, dependence on raw materials. and programmes of Kazakhstan levels of carbonaceous soot, nitro- with a dynamically developing ed. Italy, Japan, Belgium and Cana- The manufacturing sector is be- 2050, the 100 Concrete Steps gen dioxide and sulphur dioxide market economy, democratic Kazakhstan has established da,” said the report. coming the main driver of indus- Plan of the Nation on the imple- were observed. “The ecological system, political stability and diplomatic relations with 180 Back in the early 1990s, the trial growth, facilitated by im- mentation of the five institutional damage caused during the fire is ethno-confessional peace and ac- countries, presided at such au- country’s oil and gas industry plementing the second five-year reforms, Nurly Zhol, third stage currently being calculated. The cord. The prime minister’s press thoritative international organisa- started with 25 million tonnes State Programme of Accelerated of Kazakhstan’s modernisation, enterprise is to pay an administra- service released a report Dec. 17 tions as the Conference on Inter- of oil production, the Atyrau-Sa- Industrial and Innovative Devel- Rukhani Janghyru (Modernisa- tive fine for damages,” said Ecol- reviewing the work which has action and Confidence-Building mara oil pipeline and a three-mil- opment. tion of Kazakhstan’s Identity) ogy Department head Zholdaskali been undertaken. Measures in Asia (CICA), Com- lion tonne per year export quota In addition to the traditional and 2025 Strategic Development Telagysov. The incident will not “Today, Kazakhstan is deeply monwealth of Independent States to foreign countries. The lack of metallurgy and food industries, Plan of Kazakhstan,” according affect the course of the plant’s integrated into the international (CIS), Collective Security Treaty investments threatened a severe the nation has 26 new manu- to the report. modernisation. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakhstan launches UNSC presidency with Kazakhstan attracted more than $15 billion in foreign direct invest- ment in the first nine months of 2017. Kazakh Minister of National January programme, new flag raising ceremony Economy Timur Suleimenov not- work with the assistance of the UN stan on its council presidency and of the six newly elected UNSC ciated Press, Agence France Press, ed the volume of investments grew By Almasbek Zhumadilov Secretariat. Kazakhstan will make wished the country success, the non-permanent members – Cote CBS, FOX News, Nikkei, Mainichi, 5.3 percent compared to the same statements on behalf of the council country’s Foreign Minister said in a d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ku- Fiji TV, Tokyo Shimbun and NHK. period in 2016. Investments from NEW YORK – For the first time in consultation with other members press release. wait, the Netherlands, Peru and In addition to the UNSC thematic the Eurasian Economic Union in its history, Kazakhstan will as- of the UNSC, as well as release Russian Permanent Representa- Poland. Peruvian Foreign Minister debates on non-proliferation and member states – Armenia, Belarus, sume the presidency of the United press statements following discus- tive to the United Nations Vasily Ricardo Luna and other member confidence-building measures, the Kyrgyzstan and Russia – increased Nations Security Council in Janu- sions within informal consultations Nebenzya said: “Knowing Kazakh- state, UN agency and NGO repre- council will hold a ministerial-level 40.8 percent, totalling $935.1 mil- ary as a non-permanent Security and whenever the Security Council stan perfectly as no other member sentatives and the media attended. debate on the threats to international lion and accounting for 5.9 percent Council member for 2017-2018. reaches agreement on the text of a of the council,” taking into account Some delegations noted the peace and security on Jan. 19 focus- of the total amount of investments. According to the country’s Min- document. the historical factor and traditionally event was a symbolic beginning of ing on “Building a Regional Part- Suleimenov said the growth dem- istry of Foreign Affairs, the pri- The presidency of the UN Se- close relations, the Russian side “is the Kazakh UNSC presidency and nership in Afghanistan and Central onstrates the presence of favour- orities of Kazakhstan’s non-perma- curity Council has a significant confident in the success of the work the launching of a new tradition at Asia as a Model to Link Security able conditions for doing business nent membership were outlined in international status, as the Security of the Kazakh delegation as the the UN. and Development.” It is expected in Kazakhstan. President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s Council can make decisions regard- President of the council.” The initiative is now considered that foreign ministers of Central policy address to the UNSC called ing coercive measures, economic The Russian diplomat also an- part of the legacy of Kazakhstan’s Asian countries and Afghanistan, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to “Kazakhstan’s Concept and Vision sanctions and collective military nounced the participation of Foreign UNSC presidency and Permanent as well as heads of foreign policy Switzerland Zhanar Aitzhanova for Sustaining Global Partnerships action. According to the UN Char- Minister Sergey Lavrov in the coun- Representative of Equatorial Guinea establishments of the UNSC mem- took part in the annual reception for a Secure, Just and Prosperous ter, the Security Council bears the cil’s high-level briefing with the said his country would repeat the ber states, will attend it. given by the Pope of the Roman World.” The document points out primary responsibility for main- participation of Kazakh President ceremony during its UNSC presi- The UNSC’s quarterly open de- Catholic Church on New Year’s following priorities: taining peace and international se- Nursultan Nazarbayev on the topic dency next year. bate will be organised on Jan. 25 to curity, and all UN member states “Non-proliferation of weapons of Umarov held the traditional first discuss “the situation in the Mid- Eve, during which the Kazakh dip- – achieving a world free of nu- clear weapons; are obliged to help in implementing mass destruction: confidence-build- day press conference, noting ele- dle East, including the Palestinian lomat conveyed warm greetings – eliminating the threat of a glob- its decisions. ing measures” on Jan. 18. ments of the January work plan question,” which will focus on the and wishes from Kazakh President al war and settling local conflicts; Kazakhstan began its month-long U.S. Ambassador Nikky Haley and Kazakhstan’s priority as UNSC Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Perma- Nursultan Nazarbayev to Pope – promoting the interests of Cen- mission as UN Security Council and other ambassadors on the coun- president. nent representatives of UN member Francis and expressed gratitude for tral Asia while strengthening re- President Jan. 1 presenting the coun- cil noted Kazakhstan’s focus in the Umarov fielded questions concern- states will attend it. the Vatican’s active participation gional security and cooperation; cil’s January activity programme January work programme on non- ing Kazakhstan’s hosting of a high- As conducted every year, the in EXPO 2017, held this summer – countering terrorism; and organising a member-state proliferation through confidence- level event in the field of non-prolif- Kazakhstan presidency in January in Astana, and for its consistent – peace and security in Africa; working breakfast hosted by the UN building measures and the inclusion eration through confidence-building will also host open and closed dis- support. Aitzhanova also noted the – ensuring an inextricable link Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan of the ministerial-level debates on measures with the participation of cussions of the council on the situ- Vatican’s comprehensive backing between security and sustainable to discuss the plan. Central Asia and Afghanistan. Other the Kazakh President, the situation ations in Syria, Libya, the Demo- of Kazakhstan’s global initiatives development; and The work plan was approved by countries noted the agenda included around North Korea, Iran, Palestine cratic Republic of the Congo, the promoting tolerance, peace and – adapting the Security Council the council and later presented to building a regional partnership in and the status of Jerusalem and My- Central African Republic, the re- accord. As part of the event, Aitzh- and the entire UN system to the member states in a separate brief- Afghanistan and Central Asia as a anmar. The press also asked about gion of Darfur, West Africa and anov also met with the Vatican threats and challenges of the 21st ing by Permanent Representative model for the interdependence of se- Syria, the humanitarian situation in Sahel, South Sudan, Mali, Soma- Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro century. of Kazakhstan Ambassador Kairat curity and development. Yemen, climate change and Kazakh lia, Cyprus and Colombia. Parolin and Secretary for Relations The presidency coordinates the Umarov. The UN held for the first time at initiatives for green technology. Several resolutions and presiden- with States within the Holy See’s UNSC’s activities and ensures con- The delegations participating in the initiative of Kazakhstan a sol- Press representatives included tial statements are scheduled to be Secretariat of State Paul Richard tinuity within the council’s daily the meeting congratulated Kazakh- emn ceremony to raise the flags Al-Arabiya, Huffington Post, Asso- adopted. Gallagher.

A new book about great Kazakh poet and founder of Kazakh writ- ten literature Abai Kunanbayev was published in Baku, Azerbai- UN official outlines expectations for Kazakhstan’s UNSC presidency jan, Kazakh TV reports. The book initiatives of peace and stability in “Members of both the council and Comparing to quite a traditional debate on “Non-proliferation of examines similarities and differ- By Elya Altynsarina Central Asia and nuclear disarma- the General Assembly highly appre- issue of nuclear non-proliferation, weapons of mass destruction: confi- ences between Kazakh and Azer- ment, to mediate in critical issues. ciate the work of Kazakhstan,” the the upcoming discussions on Cen- dence-building measures” is sched- baijani literature through the lens ASTANA – Assistant Secretary- “It is now clear that the situation diplomat said. tral Asia and Afghanistan is a rela- uled on Jan. 19 with the participa- of the poet’s famous works and General for Political Affairs of the in Afghanistan cannot be solved by Talking of the work procedures of tively new topic for the Security tion of President Nazarbayev and aphorisms, which are also featured United Nations Miroslav Jenca held military means only – we have to the council, its monthly programme Council. Although the council has UN Secretary-General Guterres. in the work. One of the researchers a webinar with Kazakh journalists focus on building the regional coop- is prepared well in advance. It in- been previously working on Af- Other heads of state and top officials on the project, Perikhanym Sol- in Astana Jan. 11 to discuss the role eration and infrastructure projects”, cludes topics scheduled beforehand ghanistan, Kazakhstan’s emphasis of the UNSC member states are ex- tangyzy, believes Kunanbayev’s of Kazakhstan as a non-permanent the speaker said. according to the council resolutions, on tying the situation in Afghani- pected to attend, too. According to He recalled his experience of giv- such as the situation in the Middle stan to Central Asia opens up a new Jenca, UN is interested in observing literature is diverse, rich and cross- member and president of the UN ing lectures at Almaty universities East, as well as the issues put on the sight to the issue. Jenca expects that the confidence-building practices es cultures. According to her, Ku- Security Council. Jenca said the presidency has a to students from Afghanistan during table as things develop. An example this discussion will focus on secu- particularly in Asia as Kazakhstan nanbayev is a “poet not only of the prominent role for the functioning his term at the United Nations Re- can be the developments and the re- rity and conflict prevention in the already has experience advancing Kazakh people, but also the Azer- of the council, as the president calls gional Centre for Preventive Diplo- cent talks between the two Koreas greater region. the Conference on Interaction and baijani people.” its meetings, approves the provi- macy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) which prompted a meeting of the “Kazakhstan is active in other Confidence Building Measures in sional agenda, and represents it in and pointed to the Kazakh practice Security Council. fields of the UN work, including Asia (CICA). Trade between Kazakhstan its capacity as an organ of the Unit- of giving scholarships to Afghan The council’s agenda reflects the the achievement of Sustainable Miroslav Jenca of Slovakia as- and the U.S., one of the nation’s ed Nations. According to the provi- youth as a concrete example of situation in the world, Jenca said. It Development Goals (SDGs), and sumed the position of Assistant Sec- key strategic partners, exceed- sional agenda, there will be several supporting the development of Af- is no coincidence that the issue of assisting the UN through measures retary-General for Political Affairs ed $1,300 billion during the 10 important meetings, including on ghanistan. nuclear disarmament, an important of preventive diplomacy,” he said. on May 1, 2015, and is responsible, months of 2017, reported Khabar issues of nuclear non-proliferation The procedures of the council topic, has been brought up for dis- The country has also contributed among other things, for overseeing TV. Economic ties between the and confidence-building measures provide that the Secretary-General, cussion by a country which, among to creating the UNRCCA Office in the divisions in the Department of two countries have grown through- with the participation of the Presi- all states and organs of the United the few, voluntarily renounced its Ashgabat, Turkmenistan in 2007, Political Affairs dealing with the out the years, with the U.S. invest- dent of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Naz- Nations communicate to bring the nuclear weapons and closed the test thereby underlining the preventive Americas, Asia and the Pacific, ing nearly $30 billion since 2005 arbayev, and a discussion concern- item to the UNSC agenda. Consid- site, he noted. diplomacy as its foreign policy tool Europe and the Middle East and primarily in the energy, transport ing Central Asia and Afghanistan. ering the complexity of items on Today, we see the nuclear tensions and priority. West Asia, as well as the Decolo- and communication and mining Alongside being the first non-per- the agenda, as well as Kazakhstan’s growing, making the risk of prolifer- In this regard, the views of Sec- nisation Unit and the Division for sectors. U.S. capital backs more manent member of the council from ambitious initiatives, the presidency ation much higher. The UN official retary General Antonio Guterres Palestinian Rights. He has served than 500 enterprises in Kazakh- Central Asia, Kazakhstan is contrib- presents a leadership challenge for explained. The decision of President to measures of conflict prevention as the Special Representative of the stan, including 140 joint projects uting to the peaceful resolution of its holder, Jenca said. But sharing Nazarbayev to personally attend the align with those of Kazakhstan. It Secretary-General and Head of the with Kazakhstan. the situation in Syria. Jenca believes his insight from participating in the UNSC meeting dedicated to non- might be another reason for positive United Nations Regional Centre that today the country is using its council’s work, he commended the proliferation of weapons of mass de- expectations from Kazakhstan’s for Preventive Diplomacy for Cen- Kazakhstan’s work as a non- track record of a peacemaker that skilfulness of Kazakh diplomats in struction demonstrates the country’s UNSC membership and presidency. tral Asia (UNRCCA) in Ashgabat, permanent member of the United has been built over many years on performing their duties. commitment to the issue, Jenca said. UN Security Council high-level Turkmenistan, since 2008. Nations Security Council, begun last year, could serve as an exam- He also dwelled upon Kazakh- ple, according to representatives stan’s relations with the countries of the Indonesian UN mission that of the Middle East. is bidding for a seat on the council Foreign ministry beefs up economic Speaking about Turkey, the min- for 2019-2020, reported Kazakh ister noted common historical roots TV. The Indonesian diplomats and cultural values, as well as the noted Kazakhstan’s effective per- New Synergy 2017-2020 project. formance at the UN. Permanent presence in Asia, FM tells parliament He also focused on Kazakhstan’s Representative of Indonesia to the has established offices in Dubai, stan’s foreign policy due to the Ka- cooperation with Iran in the eco- UN Dian Triansyah Djani believes By Aigerim Seisembayeva Istanbul, Beijing and is about to zakh diaspora living there. nomic and transit spheres, a com- Kazakhstan plays an important open one in Tehran. Kazakhstan’s In the South Asian vector, Ab- mitment to restoring Afghanistan, role in the body and puts forward ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Honorary Consuls are present in 70 drakhmanov spoke about Kazakh- trade and agricultural engagement acute issues on the agenda, serving Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov countries, he said. stan’s interest in India’s potential in with Saudi Arabia, Emirati invest- a “useful example” for them in the recently briefed participants at a He also specifically pointed out information technologies, transport ments and relations with Israel. future. government hour at Kazakhstan’s China’s growing geopolitical influ- and logistics, and in friendly rela- The foreign minister spoke in Mazhilis (lower house of Parlia- ence, powerful economic potential tions with Pakistan. more detail about the Astana Pro- Kazakhstan plans to increase gas ment) on the country’s foreign pol- and wide financial and technologi- As for the South East Asia, Ab- cess and its contribution to bring- exports to China to 10 billion cu- icy in Asia, saying the foreign min- cal capabilities. drakhmanov particularly dwelled ing lasting peace to Syria, the bic metres per year, as agreed by istry has strengthened its economic “Having invested $14 billion in upon the transport and logistic ties P5+1 talks on the Iranian nuclear Kazakhstan’s national gas and oil component in the region. ten years, Beijing has become one with Vietnam. deal, the CICA, the Organisation company KazMunayGas and Chi- Speaking at the end of December of the main foreign investors in “After the establishment of a of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the nese National Oil and Gas Corpo- 2017, Abdrakhmanov noted Asia’s Kairat Abdrakhmanov Kazakhstan’s economy,” he said, free trade zone between the Eura- Shanghai Cooperation Organisa- ration in line with the agreement growing political and economic noting the two states approved 51 sian Economic Union (EAEU) tion (SCO) and the Turkic Council. reached at the level of the heads role in world affairs and predicted In monetary terms, it amounted to joint industrial projects worth $26 and Vietnam in 2016, mutual trade Concluding his speech, Abdra- of states. The sides stressed the that role would grow further. $13.3 billion.” billion, five of which have already between Kazakhstan and Vietnam khmanov highlighted the inter- need to further develop gas trans- “In this regard, developing On strengthening the ministry’s been implemented ($158 million). amounted to $366 million in nine parliamentary engagement that is thriving both in bilateral format and port infrastructure and to mod- friendly relations and fruitful economic component in Asia, he Abdrakhmanov also briefed par- months of 2017, which exceeds bi- said that investment advisors have within international organisations. ernise and expand the capacity of economic cooperation with Asian liament members on Kazakhstan’s lateral trade with all other ASEAN countries, big and small, corre- been placed in China, South Korea, relations with Japan and South Ko- [Association of Southeast Asian Vice-Speaker of the Mazhilis currently operating gas pipelines. sponds to our national interests. Japan, India, Iran and several other rea, noting the joint statement on Nations] countries. In February Vladimir Bozhko also told the KazMunayGas Vice President … As they say, ‘when the wind countries and that institutes of cus- strategic partnership signed during 2017, Kazakhstan transported 720 meeting that the ministry’s Asia Kairat Sharipbayev noted the stra- blows, you build not a fence, but toms attachés have been created President Nazarbayev’s 2016 trip tonnes of wheat to Vietnam for the efforts are important in the year of tegic importance of gas exports to a mill.’ It is a capacious market, with the employees of the State to Tokyo, as well as the Joint Dec- first time in history through the the 25th anniversary of President China and assured the readiness of which by 2030 will exceed 42 Revenue Committee of Kazakh- laration on Further Deepening of new transport corridor in Lianyun- Nursultan Nazarbayev’s initiative the nation’s gas transport system percent of the world’s GDP (gross stan’s Finance Ministry in Turkey, Strategic Partnership and 18 agree- gang,” he said. on creating the Conference on In- to expand the export volumes. He domestic product),” he said. “Ka- China and South Korea. ments worth $640 million signed Abdrakhmanov also stated ne- teraction and Confidence Building said Chinese Belt and Road Initia- zakhstan’s trade turnover with Abdrakhmanov also noted Ka- during Nazarbayev’s visit to the gotiations on the creation of a free Measures in Asia (CICA) and on tive and Kazakhstan’s Nurly Zhol Asian countries grew 23 percent zakh Invest, the country’s one- Republic of Korea in 2016. trade zone between the EAEU and the eve of Kazakhstan’s January programme facilitate the progress in January-September 2017 com- stop-shop institution for attracting He also stressed that Mongolia Singapore with a potential of $3.9 2018 chairmanship at the UN Se- in joint projects. pared to the same period last year. and supporting foreign investors, plays an important role in Kazakh- billion have started this year. curity Council. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

ECONOMY New tax code provides simplified regime for NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakh Minister of Energy Kanat Bozumbayev believes the country needs a fourth oil refinery, khabar. SMEs, new principles in administration kz reports. According to Bozum- support that is its new alternative in the agrarian sector, in geologi- Privileges have been cancelled gality, the principle of effective bayev, a team of specialists has been By Zhazira Dyussembekova tax regime, which uses a fixed cal exploration and subsoil use, for turnover from the services interaction and the principle of studying this question. Next year, deduction (taking into account industry and investment and spe- of slot machines, sales of lottery risk-based administration. Rights it is planned to prepare a feasibil- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s new income and expenses) of 30 per- cial economic zones. The finan- tickets, state postal payment signs and responsibilities for conduct- ity study for a new refinery. As the Tax Code entered into force Jan. cent. Business owners themselves cial sector is expected to recover, and the import of postage stamps. ing tax audits have been clarified minister noted, from 2019 it will be 1. The updated code provides for will be able to choose which re- and the burden on payrolls has Privileges that contradict World and the risk management system necessary to attract an investor to fi- the introduction of some changes gime is more profitable for them. been reduced, according to za- Trade Organisation (WTO) re- has been radically revised. Tax nance the project and start construc- in the existing tax legislation, in- Businesses that make a maxi- kon.kz. quirements were cancelled as well. administration, including incen- tion. “Kazakhstan needs a fourth oil cluding a simplified tax regime mum income of 300 million tenge In order to solve this issue and in The WTO requires equal condi- tive and control measures, will refinery, in my opinion. We raise for small and medium-sized busi- (US$903,000) and have a maxi- order to maintain the current load, tions for taxation for domestically be built on a foundation of a dif- this question, because the construc- nesses, the cancellation of some mum of 50 employees can opt for the social tax rate was reduced produced goods and imports. Rev- ferentiated approach to taxpayers. tion of the plant is not a matter of tax privileges and the introduction this regime. from 11 percent to 9.5 percent. enues from e-commerce are now For low-risk taxpayers, there are one year. Demand for fuels and lu- of new principles in tax adminis- Relief is also offered to business Inefficient benefits and pay- exempt from corporate income tax no tax inspections, and the timing bricants is growing. According to tration. in the form of fewer inspections: ments have been cut. Auction and individual income tax. of reporting, the payment of debts, our forecasts, there will be a need to increase imports of petroleum prod- In describing the code previous- from 32 reasons for inspection, fees have been cancelled, as have New principles in the field of the possibility of participation in ucts by 2022. By this time, the fourth ly, Kazakh Minister of National there are now just 14. The tax rate payments for the use of navigable tax administration have been in- horizontal monitoring and other plant should have already been built. Economy Timur Suleimenov said for individual entrepreneurs work- waterways, since the state does troduced in an effort to establish activities may be relaxed. The capacity of the existing three that it aimed primarily at the de- ing under the patent was reduced not provide services and permits clear rules for interaction between Amendments to the new Tax will not be enough to meet the grow- velopment of small and medium- from 2 to 1 percent. in these cases, according to Sulei- state revenue bodies and taxpay- Code can be made no more than ing demand,” Bozumbayev said. sized businesses. One way to Tax changes have been made menov. ers. These are the principle of le- once a year. The portfolio of Kazakhstan’s second-tier banks exceeded 5 tril- lion tenge (US$15.05 billion), show- ing growth of more than 30 percent Economy minister: Kazakhstan and EBRD over the past three years, khabar.kz reports. According to experts, the traditional surge of activity is ex- plained by the New Year’s holidays, inflation rate won’t to continue work among other factors. The consumer lending market has revived, accord- ing to First Credit Bureau (FCB) specialists, based on their research exceed 7 percent on modernisation of economy among financial organisations. The credit activity index of the popula- and the renewable energy sector, ness sectors, the stimulation of tion, calculated by the FCB, reached By Zhazira Dyussembekova entrepreneurship and sustainable the improvement of Kazakhstan’s 30 points last year. This is a record regional development, states the global competitiveness, prepara- indicator over the last few years. this year ASTANA – The Kazakh gov- press release from the EBRD of- tions for national company priva- “This activity is primarily due to the fice in Kazakhstan. tisations, among others. Continued from Page A1 National Bank and, as a whole, ernment and the European Bank fact that banks are more willing to “In current circumstances, when “Over the past three years our showed a downward trend. As a for Reconstruction and Develop- lend. And not only banks: there are the global competitiveness of joint work within the Partnership “Right now, our committee for result of November, the consumer ment (EBRD) recently signed a companies that are engaged in lend- countries depends on investments, Framework has helped boost regulation of natural monopolies price growth index was 7.3 per- new three-year accord extending ing or microfinance organisations. technology development, and hu- investments and has driven for- and the protection of competi- cent, which is lower compared to cooperation within the Partnership That is, the consumer credit market man capital, the cooperation and ward a number of significant re- tion has legal levers: these are the end of last year – 8.5 percent,” Framework Arrangement (PFA) became active,” Business Develop- for Enhanced Cooperation for Pro- support from international finan- forms in the country. I would like turn-over penalties and the with- said National Bank chair Daniyar ment Director of FCB Assem Nur- motion of Sustainable Develop- cial institutions is crucial for our to commend our Kazakh coun- drawal of monopoly income. Akishev. galiyeva said. While this year we did not stir Prices for confectionery rose ment and Growth. The original ac- country. In this regard, we put the terparts for the effective work cord was signed in May 2014 and highest value to expanding coop- of the Coordination Council and anything, we will closely moni- 10.7 percent in 2017 and horse- In 2017, national spending on expired at the end of 2017. eration with the EBRD and look for their financial contribution to tor the development of the situa- meat and fresh fish prices grew the social sphere increased 12 per- The accord includes cooperation forward to a further fruitful part- various investment projects. We tion,” he added. 9.8 and 9.4 percent, respectively. cent and exceeded 4 trillion tenge on global competitiveness, green nership,” said Kazakh Minister of have jointly achieved tangible re- The December inflation rate was The prices for sugar dropped 19.5 (US$12.04 billion), increasing ben- economy, privatisation, infrastruc- National Economy Timur Sulei- sults in different areas including 0.7 percent compared to the previ- percent and sunflower oil by 9.9 efits and pensions, 24.kz reports. ture and other priorities. The coop- menov. SME support, innovation, invest- ous month and 7.1 percent year- percent. Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- eration is meant to modernise and The Partnership Framework ment climate, regional develop- on-year compared to 2016, ac- Diesel fuel prices rose 31.8 per- arbayev paid particular attention to diversify the Kazakh economy. Arrangement is expected to also ment and institutional reforms cording to the Ministry of National cent last year, gasoline (17.6 per- this sector in his annual address to A separate accord will be signed spur cooperation within municipal and municipal sector develop- Economy statistics committee. cent), coal (17.4 percent) and liq- the nation on Jan. 10. Pensions now covering cooperation in attract- infrastructure and identified co- ment to name a few,” said EBRD “One of the important trends of uefied gas (8.6 percent). Prices for depend on work records. Since Jan. ing investments, the development operation priorities, including the Director for Kazakhstan Agris the past year was the slowdown of healthcare services increased 7.9 1, so called solidary pensions in of the financial and small busi- development of a green economy Preimanis. inflationary processes. Throughout percent, legal services (7 percent) Kazakhstan have increased 8 per- the year, inflation was within the and entertainment and culture pro- cent. In July, depending on employ- 6-8 percent target corridor of the grammes (6.9 percent). ment, the basic pension will almost double. “Starting from July 1, the average pension size, taking into account the basic pension, will be Real estate prices to hold about 82,000 tenge (US$246.82). The total amount of funds provided Government adopts for pension provision of citizens steady, experts say this year will be 1.9 trillion tenge (US$5.719 billion),” Press Secre- of the United Association of Real- financial literacy and financial se- tary of Kazakh Minister of Labour bill to reduce Staff Report tors of Kazakhstan Yelena Griva. curity of families and other eco- and Social Protection Nurlybek According to her, prices will re- nomic factors. Zhenisbek said. ASTANA – Representatives of main on the same level due to the “The number of transactions in the United Association of Real- commissioning of new state pro- Kazakhstan for the period from Jan- In 2017, the average monthly transactions tors of Kazakhstan said prices for grammes and the further develop- uary to November 2017 compared salary of Kazakhstan citizens in- real estate in the country will not ment of existing ones. to the same period in 2016 rose creased 4.4 percent, said Kazakh show significant changes in 2018, In 2017, Kazakh residents have 28.6 percent. Is it due to increased Minister of National Economy according to inform.kz. observed relative stability in the solvency among the population? I Timur Suleimenov. “In January in foreign currency “There were no seasonal price market for new housing and a de- don’t think so. The first reason for to November 2017, the average is the provision by the resident changes for several years. The cline in the secondary market. In such growth in deals is calmness in monthly wage in nominal terms Staff Report of an interest-free financial loan price changes depend on the eco- new buildings in Astana, the price the hearts of those who planned to increased to 146,700 tenge to an unaffiliated non-resident nomic factors of demand. When was stable at a level of 318,000 improve their living conditions. For (US$444),” the minister said at a The Kazakh government has for a period exceeding 720 days considering the trends in these tenge (US$970) per square metre. this period of time, many watched Jan. 11 government meeting. Ac- adopted a bill developed by the or operations for payment of factors, real estate prices will not In Almaty, prices for new housing the exchange rates and did not hurry cording to the minister, steady National Bank of Kazakhstan to export or import with a repa- show any special changes in 2018. have fluctuated in the corridor of to invest in apartments and houses, growth of the economy was ac- reduce transactions in the coun- triation period of more than 720 In Almaty, prices will remain at 430,000-450,000 tenge (US$1,310- not fully understanding what will companied by an improvement try in foreign currency. days,” said Akishev. the same level or show a slight 1,370) per square metre. happen to the cost of different cur- in social indicators. He noted that “The bill is designed to ex- “Such transactions will be increase due to buyers who previ- Prices for secondary housing rencies,” said Lukyanenko about one of the main priorities is the pand the coverage of statistical carried out by banks only upon ously delayed the decision to pur- in 2017 in Almaty and Astana fell the trends of 2017. creation of new jobs. “Over nine monitoring of foreign exchange submission by the resident of chase real estate, and also these 5-8 percent on average, while in In 2018, in her opinion, demand months, the number of employ- transactions and reduce the use permission to transfer infor- factors will support continued some regions of the country the will remain at a high level, but it is ees increased by 53,100 people of foreign currency in Kazakh- mation to the financial control positive dynamics in the number price declined 10-11 percent. Vice much more important for this de- and reached 6.4 million people stan,” said bank chair Daniyar authorities and the draft law of transactions. The beginning of President of the United Associa- mand to be solvent. Only if demand as of Oct. 1 last year. This made Akishev, presenting the bill at a provides for the right to trans- the functioning of the Astana Inter- tion of Realtors Nina Lukyanenko is solvent will there be further posi- it possible to keep unemployment government meeting. fer information on currency national Financial Centre will also said that in 2018 the housing mar- tive movement. Small apartments at the low level of 5 percent. Ap- One of the important changes transactions containing bank set a positive trend in the property ket will be stimulated by migration purchased for personal use will be in proximately 34,000 self-employed and additions envisioned by the secrecy to the state committee,” market of Astana,” said President flows (of people moving to cities), demand. persons transferred to the category bill is strengthening currency he added. of paid workers,” the minister said. control over transactions aimed The proposal also introduces against moving funds outside a number of changes aimed at The Kazakh Council on Interna- the country. state revenue bodies’ access to tional Relations predicts growth for “In accordance with the in- more complete information on Central Asian economies this year, structions of the head of state, currency transactions, improv- inform.kz reports. “In our opinion, the bill defines a list of currency ing the effectiveness of curren- this year will be more positive in transactions that have signs of cy control in the legislation. At terms of economic development. movement of funds outside the the same time, the draft law in- The countries are expected to move country. First is the provision tends to preserve the principles to a positive dynamic of economic of a financial loan by a resident of the liberal currency regime. growth,” said Chairman of the Ka- to a non-resident, which does The draft legislative amend- zakh Council on International Re- not provide for repayment by ments were adopted at the gov- lations Erlan Karin, presenting an crediting funds in Kazakhstan. ernment meeting and will be analytical review of the region’s 10 Second is the provision of a fi- submitted for consideration to most important events. As he noted, nancial loan by a non-resident the Mazhilis (lower chamber according to various expert agen- to a resident, which does not of the Kazakh Parliament). The cies, including the World Bank, provide for repayment by cred- planned date for putting it into Central Asia’s economic growth iting funds in Kazakhstan. Third effect as the law is July 1, 2019. will average 2.7 percent this year. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF 13 enterprises worth 9.4 billion tenge A project to expand production at the Aktogai Ore Mining and Processing Plant with an invest- ment of $1.2 billion has been ap- launched in South Kazakhstan in 2017 proved, while the volume of pro- facture 4,000 units under the launched a 100-million tenge cessing of sulphide ore is planned By Meruyert Abugaliyeva Bella Zhikhazy brand. The cost (US$301,000) plant to produce to double starting in 2021, ac- of the project is 506 million tenge cardboard paper, drywall and ce- cording to inform.kz. KAZMiner- ASTANA – Thirteen enterprises (US$1.52 million) and the entre- ment bags. The factory is capa- als confirmed the planned steps. were established in the South Ka- preneur received 300 million tenge ble of producing 4,000 tonnes of The volume of investments will zakhstan region last year under (US$903,000) under the Business product per year. The Dezfumen be supported by a steady flow of the National Programme of Ac- Road Map 2020 programme. The project, which started functioning money from the Bozshakol and celerated Industrial and Innovative plant uses modern technology and last year, cost 150 million tenge Aktogai mines, and the construc- Development for 2015-2019. The created 50 openings. (US$455,000). tion of another division will dou- programme aims to boost econom- Syrly Sozak, which processes In Shymkent, RET produces ble the capacity of sulphide ore ic diversification and improve the polymer waste and produces low bricks with ceramic coating. The processing from 25 to 50 tonnes competitiveness of the manufac- pressure pipes, was established in cost of the enterprise, capable per year. According to Chairman turing industry. the Suzak district industrial zone. of producing 20 million bricks of the Board Oleg Novachuk, “the The new enterprises started The factory, supplying products to per year, is 103 million tenge expansion project is an opportu- manufacturing various goods and uranium enterprises, employs 31 (US$310,000). nity to provide a significant return created new jobs in the first 11 people. Chimpharm, owned by Polish on investment from the asset by months of the year. Rakhat-Shy- In the Kazygurt district, the firm Polpharma, launched a 4.3-bil- duplicating the existing sulphide mkent constructed an 850-million kapital.kz. Photo credit: Otyrabat-Kurylys plant start- lion tenge (US$13 million) shop to factory. The copper forecast re- tenge (US$2.6 million) shop to tonnes. Baza-Service opened a cess up to 5,000 tonnes of corn ed producing aerated concrete manufacture solid medicinal pro- mains positive, and this devel- produce wafer rolls, generating 28 canning shop in the Saryagash to provide feed for poultry farms. blocks. The 120-million tenge duction forms. The plant’s annual opment will help us continue to positions. The annual production district for fruit and vegetable stor- Akmergen, well-known for its (US$361,000) enterprise created capacity is 200 million tablets. grow in a market where demand capacity is 1,700 tonnes. age. The plant, with a price tag of new project of using natural reeds 12 jobs. Corporation City Story The entrepreneurship support is increasing.” Borte Milka launched a dairy 500 million tenge (US$1.5 mil- in production, opened a 622.3-mil- opened a plant capable of produc- programme provides help for 135 products facility in the Ordabasy lion), is capable of manufacturing lion tenge (US$1.9 million) plant ing 750,000 tonnes of asphalt per projects in South Kazakhstan with The Aktobe regional adminis- district. The 900-million tenge 40,000 cans per year. employing 30 workers. year. The project cost 280 million a total cost of 1.2 trillion tenge tration has signed a memorandum (US$2.7 million) plant has an an- Asia Agro built a plant in the The Rakhmankulov furniture tenge (US$843,000). (US$3.6 billion) and has created of cooperation with producers of nual production capacity of 4,320 Otyrar district to grow and pro- factory in Shymkent can manu- Ruberoid company Bumprom 17,500 jobs. construction materials, accord- ing to the press service of the region’s governor. According to the agreement, the producers will provide the market of the region with products before supplying MyBusiness: business without borders app markets elsewhere. Seven brick and gas concrete block produc- ers will provide for the internal needs of the region. “Last year to aid entrepreneurs doing business was a record year in terms of con- ders’ is a unique software product for their assistance in developing doing business in the country, fre- project, implemented by the Brit- struction. In summer, during the By Dmitry Lee ish Council and Chevron since peak season, there was a short- created for the business commu- the section on social entrepreneur- quently asked questions and suc- age of bricks. We had to deliver nity of the countries of the Eura- ship for this application.” cess stories. 2013. The project’s goal is to sup- not only from neighbouring re- ASTANA – The “MyBusiness: sian continent to support, develop The app includes various gov- The community of foreign en- port socially pro-active youth in gions, but also from Russia. This business without borders” app, de- and expand transparent conditions ernment databases, registrars, pro- trepreneurs in Kazakhstan is also Kazakhstan and create conditions year, according to the order of veloped and created by Chevron, for its successful quantitative and cedures for registering business in interested in participating in the for a sustainable solution of social regional Akim (Governor) Berdy- the British Council and the Atame- qualitative growth,” said Yerlan Kazakhstan, the list of banks and project and has offered its busi- problems through promoting so- bek Saparbayev, we want to meet ken National Chamber of Entre- Stambekov, chair of the Almaty legal database for entrepreneurs ness-related information to be up- cial entrepreneurship. the demand for bricks and other preneurs, is a hoped-for way to Chamber of Entrepreneurs region- interested in doing business in loaded into the database. The nearly 300 people who took building materials at the expense protect the rights of entrepreneurs al council during the app presen- this part of the world in English, “The interest to doing business part in the project last year had the of local production as much as in the country. tation in Almaty in mid-Decem- Kazakh, Mandarin and Russian. It in Kazakhstan is growing. Eight chance to learn more about project possible,” said Deputy Governor “The mobile application ‘My- ber. “We express our gratitude to also features tips from experienced countries have reciprocated, among management, fund raising, project Serik Tulenbergenov. In addi- Business: business without bor- Chevron and the British Council businesspeople who have been them China, Russia, Belarus and presentation to potential investors tion, in the second half of 2018, Armenia. The foreign investors and business planning. They inde- the opening of a new brick plant and businesspeople have expressed pendently implemented 18 social is expected in the Aktobe region, a desire to post information about projects and developed 12 social the capacity of which will be 120 themselves in the application and entrepreneurship projects, with the million bricks per year. to tell how they conduct business in two best receiving $2,000 in fund- their countries,” noted Stambekov. ing from Chevron. The company is The Atyrau Oil Refinery is the He added approximately 60 en- one of the leading private oil com- first in Kazakhstan to export ben- trepreneurs successfully used the panies in Kazakhstan with signifi- zene – a raw material for petro- app in 2016 to secure legal aid in cant shares in two large oil projects chemicals, reported inform.kz. resolving paperwork. More than – Tengiz and Karachaganak. “In 2017, 8,951 tonnes of benzene 20,000 people are currently using The British Council, which were produced, or 104 percent of the app with their own personal works in the fields of cultural rela- the planned amount. Since the pages and the chance to display tions and educational opportunities, beginning of the production of their business and services. contributes to creating a friendly at- benzene up to the present time, The presentation was held as mosphere for building cooperation 14,381 tonnes of products have part of closing a phase of the I- and strengthening mutual under- been produced and shipped. All SEED (Innovations – Social En- standing between the United King- of our product is exported to the trepreneurship and Education) dom and other countries. Russian Federation. Its quality complies with the international standard,” reads a press release from the refinery. Benzene is widely used in industry; it is the raw material for the production Club of Rome report paints dire of medicines, various plastics and synthetic rubber.

KazMunayGas transferred 50 picture of future of fossil fuels percent of the subsoil use rights an ecological civilisation, which and conclusions; the authors of the reviews and approves it, usually the press – and then disseminates for the Isatay oil field to Eni Isa- Staff Report has been fixed in the constitution reports, including those who are during its annual conference, often the results of the study, publish- tay B.V. According to the website and is already reflected in the pro- members of the club, enjoy com- in the presence of the general pub- ing reports and discussing them of the Kazakh Stock Exchange, ASTANA – The end of the jects of the country’s 13th (2016- plete freedom and independence. lic – representatives of the public, in front of different audiences in the deal to transfer 50 percent of fossil fuel era is inevitable, and 2020) five-year plan. China is be- Having received a report, the club scientific figures, politicians, and countries around the world. the subsoil use rights within the will likely arrive sooner than coming the leader in the field of contract for combined exploration previously predicted. The cost of alternative energy: in four years and production of hydrocarbons clean energy, like solar and wind the production of solar energy at Isatay was completed in De- energy, decreases every year, has increased by 20 times, and by cember 2017. Eni is the biggest and its production is increasing. 2050 the country intends to get 80 Italian oil and gas company. Its Growth in demand for oil will percent of its energy from renew- main regions of operation are Af- stop by 2020, and if Stanford re- able sources. rica, Russia and Kazakhstan. searcher Tony Seba is right, the The Club of Rome is an analyti- transition to renewable sources cal centre, an international public Two farms in the village of could happen by 2030, Hvylya. organisation, created by the Ital- Makhambet in Atyrau region net reports. ian industrialist Aurelio Peccei, plan to produce 20 tonnes of These were some of the con- who became its first president, and goose meat, reported inform.kz. clusions presented in the Club of Organisation for Economic Coop- “Thanks to subsidies, residents Rome’s “Come On! Capitalism, eration and Development (OECD) of the Makhambet district are myopia, population and the plan- General Director Alexander King developing poultry farming. The et’s destruction” jubilee report. on April 6-7, 1968. They brought first farm was aimed at produc- Its authors noted that huge de- representatives of the world’s po- ing quail eggs, which are sold in posits of oil and gas will remain litical, financial, cultural and scien- Atyrau. Not so long ago, a farm in the ground. The lost profits are tific elite to their new project, and opened for goose breeding. It is estimated in the range of $6 to the organisation has made a sig- designed to grow 5,000 birds a $20 trillion. The oil and gas sec- nificant contribution to the study year. A similar farm is already tors are becoming a huge bubble of prospects for the biosphere de- under construction. In total, after that could completely depreciate velopment and the propagation of reaching the planned volumes, up over several years. Some analysts the idea of bringing humanity into to 20 tonnes of goose meat per and banking structures are already harmony with nature. year will be produced in the dis- warning customers about the unac- One of the club’s main tasks is trict,” said Zheksenbai Pazulov, ceptable risks of investing in such attracting the world’s attention to head of the business and tourism enterprises. global problems through its re- department of the district. Anoth- The club’s experts say that sur- ports. The club determines the er poultry farm is already in op- prising changes are taking place topic of the report and guarantees eration in the district; it produces in China, the largest consumer of the financing of scientific research, up to 100 million chicken eggs resources. The Communist Party but in no way interferes with the per year. proclaimed a policy of building course of the work, nor its results A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 Kazakhstan’s UNSC presidency gives voice Kazakhstan 2018

By Dr. Lisa Williams

to modern security, geopolitical realities A total of 138 out of 193 countries voted in azakh citizens are justifiably proud that this month the and trust can be built at a regional and international level. June 2016 for Kazakhstan to become a non- country is chairing the United Nations Security Coun- We need to find agreed ways to resolve and prevent con- permanent member of the United Nations Se- cil. It is a special moment in our country’s history flicts so states no longer feel it is necessary for their security curity Council (UNSC), making its the first – another symbol of how far Kazakhstan has come as to develop nuclear weapons. In time, too, such successful Central Asian country to serve in the pres- wellK as recognition of the growing importance of Central Asia. measures may persuade countries who already have nuclear tigious position. Kazakhstan’s two-year term The presidency is, of course, taken in turns by UNSC mem- weapons to reduce their arsenal or follow Kazakhstan’s lead began in January 2017. In January 2018, Ka- bers, but its significance is not just symbolic. It provides the in giving them up altogether. zakhstan has assumed the rotating presidency opportunity for a country from outside the ranks of the old, It is a mark of President Nazarbayev’s own commitment to of the UNSC. Kazakhstan’s Senate Chairman traditional powers to help set the international agenda. Attention nuclear disarmament that he is helping lead these discussions can be focused and debate prompted on the global challenges it himself in the Security Council. His involvement during his Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted “this event believes are most critical or over-looked. busy schedule in the United States will give the talks a real is an historic victory for Kazakhstan…made These opportunities are, many would argue, perhaps not impetus. As the leader of the first country to renounce nuclear possible by the international authority of Pres- For the long-term, the only solution is the one frequent enough. Our world may have been transformed over weapons voluntarily, he has the personal credentials to per- ident Nursultan Nazarbayev.” I agree. President Nazarbayev has already put forward the last seven decades, but in some ways the UN as a body has suade fellow UNSC members to think seriously about what The purpose of the UNSC is to maintain in- – a universal ban on nuclear weapons. The late not kept up with these changes. Its structures and, in particular, needs to happen. ternational peace and security. Kazakhstan’s Congressman Faleomavaega so strongly sup- control of its decision-making levers can still seem to owe more His visit to New York also underlines the importance that Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov de- ported the idea that he included the following to the world of 1948 than 2018. Kazakhstan places on the United Nations. Right from Kazakh- livered President Nazarbayev’s Policy Ad- remarks in the United States of America Con- It is why Kazakhstan is determined, as it has been since it stan’s first days as an independent country, it has seen a strong dress to the UNSC in January 2017. Entitled gressional Record: took its seat on the Security Council a year ago, not to waste this UN, respected by all countries, as absolutely essential for global “Kazakhstan’s Concept Vision on Sustain- “I believe it is time to move from a nucle- chance to shape the global agenda. The country’s leadership, stability, security and prosperity. Twenty-six years later, its criti- ing Global Partnership for a Secure, Just and ar test ban to a nuclear weapons-free world. team at the United Nations and diplomats are working flat out to cal role is clearer than ever. Prosperous World,” the address focused on a After all, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty make progress on its regional and international priorities. As this paper has shown many times on different issues, our wide range of security issues including Syria, (CTBT), like the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Right at the top of this agenda is to make a start in remov- world is now so inter-connected and the challenges so complex, Afghanistan, Africa, the Palestinian-Israeli Treaty (NPT), is based on a flawed and out- ing for good the threat of nuclear war. When Kazakh President no country can overcome them on its own. Only by working conflict, and the denuclearization of the Ko- dated premise. The NPT asserts that only five Nursultan Nazarbayev urged fellow leaders at the UN in 2015 together can we hope to find the solutions needed. rean peninsula. Kazakhstan is also focusing on nations – the nuclear weapons states – name- to make their main goal a world free of nuclear weapons, some But if the UN is to play fully the role in identifying and food, water and energy security at the UNSC. ly, the United States, Russia, the United King- may have thought that he was over-estimating the danger of delivering answers, it must be modernised and strengthened. But, along with these important initiatives, dom, France, and China (which also happen Giving, for example, a greater role to the General Assembly catastrophic conflict. Scarcely more than two years later, this Kazakhstan will ring in 2018 with a renewed to be the five permanent members of the United complacency has disappeared. as well as a better balance between regions in a reformed and Nations Security Council) – will pursue nucle- Setting out such big ambitions is always important to expanded UNSC would help ensure solutions, which work focus on nuclear security. Unlike any other ar disarmament and share their technology for galvanise efforts and provide targets. But it must be coupled, for all countries, are identified and trusted. permanent or nonpermanent member state on as President Nazarbayev has shown many times, with practi- Encouraging the reforms and agreements which will the UNSC, only Kazakhstan has the political peaceful purposes if non-nuclear states agree cal steps to achieve them. This is exactly what the high-level produce a stronger, better equipped United Nations ready to legitimacy to lead the world on the issue of never to acquire nuclear weapons. The NPT UNSC discussions on confidence building measures regard- guide the world successfully through the challenges of the nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. also states that only the United States, Russia, ing weapons of mass destruction that Kazakhstan has initiated coming decades is another major priority for Kazakhstan. All What sets Kazakhstan apart on the UN Se- the United Kingdom, China, and France are this week are intended to help identify. who want to see a peaceful and prosperous world should be curity Council is President Nazarbayev. In permitted to own nuclear weapons because The aim of the discussions is to examine how confidence supporting Kazakhstan’s agenda. 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet only they possessed nuclear weapons at the Union, President Nazarbayev made a decision time the treaty was open for signature in 1968. to dismantle the nuclear arsenal it had inher- But the world has changed since 1968. No ited from the USSR. That decision changed longer can non-nuclear states support the the course of history – and continues to be a outdated premise of the NPT and none of us course that all other nations should follow. should settle for what the CTBT offers, par- From 1949-1989, the Soviet Union used ticularly since the signatories of the NPT are Kazakhstan as a nuclear testing ground. The among the worst violators of the nuclear code. Soviets exploded their first nuclear bomb on From 1949-1990, Russia conducted over August 29, 1949 at the Semipalatinsk Test Site 700 nuclear tests. In roughly the same time in the eastern part of Kazakhstan. The test was period, the U.S. conducted over 1,000 nuclear code-named “First Lightning” by the Soviets tests. Since 1964, China has conducted more and Joe-1 by the West, in reference to Joseph than 43 nuclear tests. Between 1960 and 1991, Stalin. The Soviets went on to explode another France conducted more than 200 nuclear tests 455 nuclear bombs at Semipalatinsk. It is es- and, in 1996, despite being a signatory of the timated that the cumulative effect of those ex- NPT, France broke a world moratorium con- plosions was equivalent to the power of 2,500 ducting 6 more tests at Moruroa Atoll in the Hiroshima-sized bombs. South Pacific while the Nuclear Suppliers I have been to the Semipalatinsk Test Site Group (NSG) silently consented. with the late Congressman Eni F.H. Faleoma- It is time for all of us to say enough is enough. vaega who was the Chairman of the influen- It is time for the world to follow Kazakhstan’s tial U.S. House of Representatives’ Foreign lead and begin the process of dismantling. If Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific Kazakhstan can dismantle a nuclear arsenal and the Global Environment and also the first which was larger than the combined nuclear American lawmaker to set foot at ground zero arsenals of Great Britain, France and China in Semipalatinsk. During his tenure in Con- combined, then certainly the United States, gress, Faleomavaega was an advocate for nu- Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and clear nonproliferation and consistently praised China can also do what is right. President Nazarbayev for his choice to re- Some twenty years ago, President Naz- nounce nuclear weaponry. arbayev emerged to champion the cause of The late Congressman Faleomavaega once a nuclear weapons-free world, and no other stated, “My position regarding this matter is leader before or since has done what he has no different than the position the United States done to advance the rights of the human per- took during a joint meeting between President son by promoting nuclear disarmament among Obama and President Nazarbayev on April 11, possessor states and preventing proliferation 2010 when President Obama stated that ‘the to new states. U.S. appreciates the leadership of President As President Loeak of the Republic of the Nazarbayev and the contribution of Kazakh- Marshall Islands stated, ‘Had Kazakhstan stan to nuclear disarmament and nonprolifera- retained the nuclear arsenal it inherited after tion’” – a view also held by former President achieving independence and following the col- George W. Bush and now by U.S. Secretary of lapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan State Rex Tillerson. could have altered the fragile peace brought On April 6, 2010, President Obama stated about by the Cold War. But knowing the price that “the United States will not conduct nu- Kazakhs and Marshallese paid to preserve clear testing and will seek ratification of the international peace, President Nazarbayev Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)” chose to renounce and disarm.’ which bans all nuclear explosions in all en- For this, President Nazarbayev should be vironments. While Obama was applauded commended again and again. I commend for his efforts, Congressman Faleomavaega President Nazarbayev for his initiative to agreed with President Nazarbayev – that the move the world from a nuclear test ban to a time had come to move from a nuclear test ban nuclear weapons-free world – and it is my sin- to a nuclear weapons-free world. cere hope that we will hold together and stand Simply put, nuclear weapons are horrific. As firm in our support of this great cause.’” a result of Soviet nuclear testing, more than If not for his untimely passing in February 1.5 million Kazakhs were exposed to nuclear 2017, I am certain the Honorable Eni F.H. radiation. From 1946-1958, the United States Faleomavaega would stand shoulder-to-shoul- conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Republic of der with President Nazarbayev as Kazakhstan the Marshall Islands (RMI) with an equivalent makes history at the UNSC. And, for sure, he yield of 7,000 Hiroshima bombs. The Mar- would join with the people and parliament of shallese people, like the people of Semipal- the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and urge atinsk, suffer from nuclear fallout to this day. others to do the same, in calling upon the No- “Neither the Soviet Union nor the U.S. have bel Peace Prize Committee to honor President fulfilled their obligation in cleaning up the Nazarbayev for promoting peace through nu- mess they left behind as a result of their Cold clear disarmament in a way no other has be- War arms race,” Congressman Faleomavaega fore or since. stated. And now, the DPRK is threatening to launch Dr. Lisa Williams is the former Staff Di- nuclear weapons. Kazakhstan rightly and with rector for the U.S. House of Representa- authority “calls upon all member states to ap- tives’ Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on ply every effort in resolving this troubling Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environ- situation,” Foreign Minister Abdrakhmanov ment, and the first woman to have served recently said. “Achieving this goal requires, in the position. She also served as Chief of above all, intensified dialogue between all Staff for the late Congressman Eni F.H. stakeholders in regional and global security.” Faleomavaega of American Samoa.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 President Nazarbayev’s annual address seeks to digitise Kazakhstan, strengthen social protection Continued from Page A1 should find strategic niches in in- the volume of housing construc- essary to accelerate the creation targeted social assistance to low- cluding their interaction with the ternational markets and promote tion in Kazakhstan exceeds 10 mil- of Kazakhstan’s advanced edu- income population groups will be public and business, is most im- First, industrialisation is to be domestic production in these are- lion square metres per year. The cation system, covering citizens shifted from 2018. The threshold portant in the fight against corrup- the flagship of the new technolo- as, creating and promoting a brand financial system for house savings of all ages. The key priority of has risen from 40 to 50 percent of tion and ensuring the rule of law. gies introduction. The new instru- of natural food “Made in Kazakh- effectively makes housing afford- educational programmes is the the living wage. From Jan. 1, soli- Citizens will see how their appeals ments aimed at modernising and stan.” able for the public. The provision development of the skills which dary pensions have risen by 8 per- are reviewed and receive timely digitising enterprises with a focus The entire agricultural industry of housing per capita has increased allow students to constantly adapt cent. The allowances for disabled and qualitative answers. Institu- on exporting products have to be should be radically reoriented and 30 percent in the last 10 years and to changes and assimilate new people, families who have lost tional reforms of judicial and law developed and tested. The best ex- based on agrarian science. Agrar- is now 21.6 square metres. It is im- knowledge. their primary income, and families enforcement systems are being periences on the digitisation of in- ian universities need to update portant to apply new construction Preschool education should, raising disabled children have in- carried out. Norms providing for dustrial enterprises will be widely training programmes and become methods, utilise modern materials by Sept. 1, 2019, have uniform creased 16 percent. strengthening the protection of the expanded. centres for the distribution of the and adopt fundamentally different standards for early childhood de- rights of citizens in criminal pro- Innovation centres, such as the most advanced knowledge and approaches to the design of build- velopment and provide enhanced Eighth, effective public admin- ceedings, reducing its repressive- Nazarbayev University, the Asta- best practices in the agro-industri- ings and urban planning. social and self-learning skills. In istration should be further ensured ness have been introduced to legis- na International Financial Cen- al sector. It is necessary to focus It is necessary to establish secondary education, Kazakhstan to reduce the expenses of the busi- lation. The rights of lawyers have tre (AIFC) and the International on the transfer of new technolo- increased regulations for the has launched a transition to updat- nesses and the wider population, been expanded, as well as judicial quality, environmental ed content and will complete it in when they apply for public admin- control at the pre-trial stage. The friendliness and energy 2021. istration. It is necessary to ensure powers and areas of responsibility “It is critical to ensure the efficiency of the labour efficiency of buildings. To improve the prestige of the the digitalisation of public services of law enforcement bodies are be- market by creating conditions that enable everyone to It is important to intro- teaching profession, the salary of for businesses, and their rendering ing delineated. duce appropriate changes teachers who are versed in the up- on a “one-stop-shop” principle. fulfil their potential. It is necessary to develop modern in legislation, including dated contents of teaching materi- State bodies should use modern Tenth, Kazakhstan will promote standards for all major occupations. It is necessary to regulating large hous- als will increase 30 percent. The digital technologies to listen to smart cities for a smart nation. 2018 ing consortiums. Akims updated contents are modern pro- citizens’ remarks and suggestions is the year of the 20th anniversary develop new or update existing educational programs (governors) need to more grammes of study, which meet in- in real time and provide prompt of the capital of Astana. Modern actively address issues of ternational standards. These have responses. technologies provide effective so- in line with professional standards.” modernisation in hous- been adapted in the Nazarbayev Integration of state information lutions to the problems of a fast- ing and communal infra- Intellectual Schools. systems will help to move from growing metropolis. Comprehen- Technology Park of IT Startups gies and their adaptation to do- structure on the basis of public- In order to improve the effec- the provision of an individual sive management of the urban will be actively involved in the mestic conditions. private partnerships. To solve the tiveness of diagnosis and treat- public service to the provision of environment based on the Smart digitisation process. A serious re- It is necessary to encourage issue of providing rural settle- ment, it will be necessary to estab- vision is required of the organisa- those who use the land with the ments with high-quality drinking lish genetic testing and artificial tion of the activities of the Alatau best returns and take measures to water, the government needs to intelligence in medicine. The qual- “To fit with the new times, we must unite Park of Innovative Technologies. address inefficient users. It is also provide at least 100 billion tenge ity of healthcare personnel training To deal with associated risks of necessary to overhaul ineffective ($303 million) annually. is an important issue. The medical as a single nation – a nation on the verge a large-scale release of work force, subsidies to reduce the cost of centres should be integrated within of a historic ascent under the conditions an agreed policy on the employ- bank loans for agribusiness enti- Sixth, “reloading” the financial all medical universities. ment of the released work force ties. sector, which means cleaning out A new edition of the Code on of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” should be worked out in advance. “bad” loans from the bank portfo- Public Health and Healthcare Sys- In 2018, the development of the Fourth, it is necessary to in- lio. Bank owners will have to bear tem should be developed to imple- a set of services on the “one ap- City concept and the development third five-year industrialisation crease the efficiency of transport economic responsibility, recog- ment these and other measures. plication” principle. The quality of competences of those people period devoted to the development and logistics infrastructure within nising losses. The withdrawal of It is critical to ensure the ef- of natural monopolies services moving to the city should be intro- of the “digital age” industry will the framework of transcontinen- funds from banks by shareholders ficiency of the labour market by should be improved. It is im- duced. “Benchmark” standard for be started. tal corridors passing through Ka- for the benefit of affiliated compa- creating conditions that enable portant to establish reasonable a Smart City should be formed tak- zakhstan. The transit of goods nies and individuals will be con- everyone to fulfil their potential. tariffs for these and for energy ing into account the experience of Second, the 21st century’s through Kazakhstan in 2017 in- sidered a serious crime. It is necessary to develop modern producers, taking into account Astana. The best practices of Asta- world still consumes natural re- creased 17 percent to almost 17 It is necessary to increase the standards for all major occupa- investment programmes. na and an exchange of experiences sources. It is necessary to criti- million tonnes. The new task is to speed that the law on bankruptcy tions. It is necessary to develop The civil servants’ salaries in between the cities of Kazakhstan cally rethink the organisation of bring annual revenues from transit of individuals is adopted. The Na- new or update existing educational the regions and the centre will be has to be expanded. Smart Cities commodity industries, approaches in 2020 to $5 billion. tional Bank should finally resolve programs in line with professional rebalanced taking into account the will be the engines of regional de- to the management of natural re- It is necessary to ensure the the issue of mortgage loans that standards. The work of the Atame- nature and effectiveness of their velopment, spreading innovations sources. large-scale introduction of digital were provided to Kazakh citizens ken National Chamber of Entre- work. The potential of the effec- and improvement to quality of life It is important to increase the technologies, such as blockchain, before Jan. 1, 2016, when the law preneurs on training businesses tiveness of the public service in throughout the country. requirements for energy efficiency to track the movement of goods to prohibit their issuance to indi- deserves support. the regions should be more fully Concluding his address, Presi- and energy saving of enterpris- online and to ensure their unhin- viduals was introduced. The full-scale implementa- revealed through increasing their dent Nazarbayev underscored that es, as well as the environmental dered transit, as well as to simplify The National Bank and the gov- tion of an online labour exchange economic independence and re- thanks to political stability and friendliness and efficiency of the customs operations. ernment should jointly address the database is required, where all sponsibility. In general, the focus public consensus, Kazakhstan will energy producers themselves. Ka- An Intelligent Transport Sys- issue of providing long-term busi- information on vacancies and of regional policy will be shifted begin to modernise its economy, zakhstan will increase the share of tem introduction is required to ness lending at rates that take into job-seekers will be collated and away from equalising expendi- policy and national consciousness. alternative energy to 30 percent effectively manage transport account the real profitability in the advertised. Citizens will be able tures and towards stimulating the “The impetus for a new stage of by 2030. Akims (governors) of flows and determine the require- sectors of the economy. to take vocational guidance tests, growth of the region’s own rev- technological and infrastructural the regions should take measures ment for further infrastructure It is important to further improve learn about training courses and enues. Domestic tourism is one of development has now been pro- on the modern disposal and recy- development. the investment climate and the de- state support measures, and find the most promising sources for any vided. Constitutional reform has cling of solid domestic waste with To improve intra-regional mo- velopment of the stock market interesting work without leaving region. established a more precise balance a broad involvement of small and bility, it is important to increase within the framework of the Asta- their homes. The law on electronic Since Jan. 1, in cities of district of power between the different medium-sized enterprises. funding for the repair and recon- na International Financial Centre, labour exchange must be adopted significance, as well as villages branches. We are in the process of struction of the local road network. applying English law and adopt- before April 1. and rural districts with a popula- updating our national identity,” he Third, the wide use of the smart The total budget allocated annu- ing modern financial technologies. The pension system is fully de- tion of more than two thousand said. technologies in the agricultural in- ally for this should be increased to The successful listing of Samruk pendent on length of service. Ex- people, the legislation provides for “In fact, these three basic as- dustry should ensure a radical in- 150 billion tenge ($454.5 million) Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund penditure on the social sector in the introduction of an independent pects are a comprehensive triad of crease in labour productivity and in the medium term. companies through the initial pub- 2018 has increased by 12 percent, budget and municipal ownership Kazakhstan’s modernisation. To fit growth in exports of processed lic offering (IPO) will also contrib- exceeding 4.1 trillion tenge ($12.4 of local government. From 2020, with the new times, we must unite agricultural products at least 2.5 Fifth, the introduction of mod- ute to the development of the stock billion). An increase in social ben- these norms will operate across all as a single nation – a nation on the times within the next 5 years. This ern technologies in the construc- market. efits, including pensions, will raise settlements. verge of a historic ascent under the will allow entering world markets tion and communal sectors should the income of more than three mil- conditions of the Fourth Indus- with high-quality end products. ensure 30 square metres of hous- Seventh, human capital is the lion Kazakhstan citizens. Ninth, the digitisation of pro- trial Revolution,” President Naz- The state, together with business, ing per capita by 2030. Currently, basis of modernisation. It is nec- A new method of providing cesses in government bodies, in- arbayev stressed. Kazakh President’s vision good for country, investment would use its resources and en- able of their actions and prepare improved healthy environment, an important sector of the nation. By Anurag Thukral ergy efficiently, reduce opera- for self-governance. This is a greater employment opportuni- President Nazarbayev’s strategy tional and management costs great initiative that shows that ties, improved medical systems, is on track with his agricultural The priority tasks as outlined and overheads. A greater con- the President’s policies are down healthy living and enhanced pos- policies to produce sufficient in 10 important areas by Presi- nectivity would encourage inter- to earth and he understands the sibilities of growth and satisfac- food for its citizens and lead the dent Nursultan Nazarbayev in national and national businesses needs and the difficulties of citi- tion of achieving professionally world food supply. his state of the nation address to have improved confidence. An zens. and financially will encourage The President has touched all Jan. 10 represent a great vision efficient and reliable connectiv- President Nazarbayev has the young generation to stay in aspects and all areas of the nation of a great leader of Kazakhstan. ity and access to the world finan- placed a great emphasis on the Kazakhstan. The retained young to make it a great nation. I take It shows how a strong dream and cial, economic, political and lat- health and welfare of the citi- talented workforce would be this opportunity to congratulate a powerful vision paves a strong est technological systems would zens of Kazakhstan. A healthy the biggest and most valuable Kazakhstan for having a great foundation to build a strong na- and services, would encourage keep Kazakh businesses in line nation is a strong nation. When national asset Kazakhstan will leader in President Nazarbayev. tion. After reading the address new business start-ups and en- with world trends. The vision of the top leader of the nation has have for all times. I can clearly His strong leadership and and understanding the depth and hance industrial output through President Nazarbayev for a smart clear visions are reflected in his passion, I am completely sold modern and innovative technolo- nation would place Kazakhstan straightforward and timely execu- on the vision of President Naz- gies. This initiative of the Presi- on the world map in gold. An efficient and reliable connectivity and tion. He has already commenced arbayev. dent will definitely make Ka- The President wants the Ka- access to the world financial, economic, the implementation of his vision One can envisage that this pro- zakhstan a strong and competent zakh government and public through his leadership team. gramme will benefit and improve business hub. bodies to effectively participate political and latest technological systems To encourage international the life of an ordinary Kazakh. As Development and smart man- in nation building by simplifying businesses to get established in this programme gets implement- agement of infrastructure and administrative procedures. He would keep Kazakh businesses in line Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Asia ed, Kazakhstan will be a leading transportation systems as initi- is encouraging innovation and with world trends. The vision of President Pacific Trade and Investment country in terms of growth inter- ated by the President would en- development of public policies Chamber (KAPTIC) was formed nationally and every citizen will hance international confidence, that would encourage businesses Nazarbayev for a smart nation would place to provide a welcoming platform be a proud Kazakh. increase connectivity and ensure and would improve the life of the for international companies to As implementation of the timely delivery of goods and ser- citizens. An efficient administra- Kazakhstan on the world map in gold. collaborate and form mutually- President’s priority programme vices. Efficient materiel handling tion would demonstrate national beneficial relationships. STARIN unfolds it will empower Kazakh and lowered transportation costs pride, and adopting systems that his focus on improving the life see that the implementation of Ltd is a founding member of the industry and its business entre- would increase profitability and demonstrate integrity would im- and living standard of its citi- the President’s programme will KAPTIC. preneurs to become world-class export. prove the confidence of ordinary zens, the citizens would have make every Kazakh patriotic. leaders. The programme would President Nazarbayev has his citizens when working with pub- greater pride and passion, and The President has vowed to The author is Managing Di- lead to increased labour produc- eyes on making Kazakhstan a lic bodies. The President wants would pay back to the nation by make Kazakhstan self-reliant for rector of STARIN, an Austral- tivity, improved quality of goods smart nation. A smart nation the government to be account- staying within the country. An food by boosting agriculture as ian investment company. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 EBRD continues work in Central Asia, returns to Uzbekistan key with nearly $6.5 billion in- merce and Industry for joint work the bank’s press release. In addi- the Kyrgyz economy in 160 differ- By Zhazira Dyussembekova vested in 236 projects throughout to improve competitiveness. tion, EBRD will provide technical ent projects, mostly in infrastruc- Turkmenistan the last 20 years. According to The bank noted its current objec- assistance to improve the airport’s ture. In early 2017, the bank an- ASTANA – The European Bank the bank’s website, it has several tives in Uzbekistan are supporting financial management and opera- nounced $10 million in financ- for Reconstruction and Develop- priorities in the country such as domestic SMEs and promoting tion efficiency, as well as energy ing to Turkmenistan Coca-Cola ment (EBRD) continued to sup- balancing the roles of the public trade finance and cross-border co- efficiency standards. Tajikistan Bottlers to support its expansion port the Central Asian region in and private sectors, strengthen- operation, as well as facilitating In December, the bank and the EBRD’s Women in Business and energy efficiency improve- 2017 with a total investment of $1 ing the banking sector and devel- foreign direct investment result- Kyrgyz Investment and Credit programme was launched in Ta- ments. The funds will allow the billion. It has also resumed opera- oping local capital markets. The ing in technology and know-how Bank (KICB) announced they are jikistan last year. The bank, which company to invest in energy ef- tions in Uzbekistan after a seven- bank also claims infrastructure as transfer and improving competi- providing financing to Kaindy- sees economic inclusion as one of ficient coolers, new vehicles and year pause. one of the most important areas. tiveness of the local economy. Kant, the country’s leading sugar the attributes of a successful mod- bottling machines to improve The bank is the largest institu- EBRD is also Kazakhstan’s larg- The EBRD Board of Directors is producer. The $2-million loan ern economy, has allocated $10 production processes, boost ca- tional investor in the region, with est investor in sustainable energy, expected to approve a new country agreement will provide the compa- million to the programme, accord- pacity and reduce energy waste. approximately $12.3 billion com- including renewable energy and strategy for Uzbekistan which will ny with working capital related to ing to the press release. As well As part of the project, the firm mitted to a variety of projects. With energy-efficient technologies. As set out longer-term strategic priori- procuring and subsequently stor- as access to finance, it will help will train local SMEs to help the new financing in Uzbekistan, the bank’s work in the country has ties, according to the bank’s press ing, transporting and processing women receive the know-how they them meet Coca-Cola standards its lending in the region reached been widely covered, the follow- release. sugar beets. need to develop their businesses and potentially become suppli- the figure last year, said EBRD ing concentrates on its activity in EBRD invested $1.07 billion At the same time, EBRD indi- through business advice, train- ers. first vice president Phil Bennett, neighbouring countries. in Uzbekistan in 54 projects from cated it will be contributing to the ing courses in key entrepreneurial EBRD will also provide Taze according to Reuters. 1992-2010. Next year, the bank is reliability of power distribution in skills and a mentoring programme. Ay, a family-owned meat pro- During his speech at Nazarbayev planning 15 projects in the coun- the country with a financing pack- In late December, EBRD an- ducer, with a loan of up to $4.5 University in June, EBRD Presi- Uzbekistan try. age up to $7.17 million to Vostoke- nounced it is committing new million in cooperation with Tai- dent Suma Chakrabarti noted Cen- With the reopening of the Tash- lectro, the power distributor cover- funds to address solid waste treat- wan ICDF (International Coop- tral Asia is one of the bank’s most kent office in November, EBRD ing 47 percent of the nation. It will ment issues in the country. The eration and Development Fund), important regions. has signed three loan agreements Kyrgyzstan consist of a sovereign loan and an loan, which will finance priority which will finance a third of the “We now combine a private sec- totalling $120 million. The larg- EBRD announced in May that it investment grant from the EBRD municipal investments in the city amount. The funding will help tor focus on financing and the de- est, worth $100 million, is for the is providing loan and grant financ- Shareholder Special Fund to sup- of Kulob, will be aimed at improv- the company expand its daily livery of development goals with Uzbek National Bank for Foreign ing to Manas Airport, Kyrgyzstan’s port the company’s investment to ing and expanding its solid waste production volume of halal extensive work on policy reform Economic Activity for on-lending main air gateway, to modernise the improve energy efficiency and re- collection network, procuring asso- products and acquire new refrig- with the governments of the coun- to small and medium-sized enter- terminal. Under the agreement, duce energy losses. Vostokelectro ciated equipment and constructing erator trucks, which will help tries where we work. In Central prises (SMEs) and trade finance. the airport operating company will be able to install advanced a new sanitary landfill. The pro- increase sales across the country Asia, for example, we are actively At the same time, agribusiness will receive a $4.7-million loan metering systems, modernise and ject is part of the Tajikistan Solid during the extremely hot sum- engaged in such reform in the are- Agromir Juice and medical sup- and $500,000 investment grant to strengthen its low- and medium- Waste Framework approved by the mer. as of green energy, diversification, plier Mutabar Medical Standart address the country’s growing de- voltage power infrastructure and EBRD Board in December 2014. The cumulative EBRD invest- the investment climate and the role will each receive approximately mand for good quality airport ser- establish a better integration with A total of 114 projects are cur- ment in Turkmenistan is $305 of the private sector,” he said. $10-million loans for expansion vices and assist in installing a ven- renewable sources of energy. rently and/or will be implemented million in 64 projects, with the Kazakhstan is one of EBRD’s and growth. EBRD also signed a tilation and heating system which During its years of operation, in Tajikistan, with a cumulative focus on private sector and SME largest countries of operation; it memorandum of understanding complies with international and EBRD has invested approximately EBRD investment of $716.7 mil- development. Ninety percent is ranked second last year after Tur- with the Uzbek Chamber of Com- energy efficiency standards, noted $770 million in various sectors of lion. targeted to support local SMEs. Expert weighs in on Central Asia’s top 10 foreign policy events in 2018 Central Asian states that has sig- come will be important in that it toll since 2001. The Taliban de is associated with increasing life permanent UNSC membership for By Yenlik Tlesheva nificantly increased in 2017 may will shape, expressly or by impli- facto controls 11 percent of the expectancy and a declining mor- 2017-2018, is expected to enhance lead this year to the first high-level cation, Moscow’s further actions country’s territory, claiming its au- tality rate. At the same time, the the country’s diplomatic mediation ASTANA – The first 2018 meet- gathering of Central Asian lead- in the region. thority over 29 percent. The devel- younger age groups will continue capacity. ing of the Kazakhstan Council on ers since 2005. Although bilateral Fourth, the return of Central opments in Syria lead to the acti- growing and by 2018 their share Last but not least, 2018 might International Relations (KCIR), cooperation will remain a driving Asian militants from Syria in- vation of ISIL/ISIS in that country, is expected to be 30 percent. As a be a year for increased water secu- held Jan. 8, involved a discussion partnership force in the region, the creases the terrorist threat in the which has already claimed to be result, the demographic changes in rity awareness in the region. This by experts of the top 10 significant region. Approximately 5,000 for- the perpetuator of terrorist attacks the region will be another of the year marks the 20th anniversary events which will have important eign fighters from Central Asia committed last month in Kabul year’s important developments. of the establishment of the Inter- implications for the political and have fought in Syria and Iraq, with and other Afghan locations/sites. After its latest enlargement in national Fund for Saving the Aral economic development, stabil- about 500 having already returned In light of such events, the world 2017, the Shanghai Cooperation Sea. Signing of the the agreement ity and security of Central Asia in home. This trend will intensify as might see a new U.S. strategy in Organisation (SCO) leaders’ sum- on the status of the Caspian Sea, as 2018. the situation in Syria and Iraq con- Afghanistan. mit will bring together eight coun- well as launching the Rogun Dam Council Chair Yerlan Karin, one tinues to change. The involvement Sixth, Central Asia will be mov- tries and 40 percent of the world’s Project, are expected this year. of the nation’s leading political of Central Asian natives in terrorist ing towards more digitalisation, as population for a meeting in China, KCIR was set up in early 2017 as analysts, highlighted the following activities abroad will have serious relevant state programmes in Ka- making it an essential occasion and a non-profit think tank specialising events as setting the trends in the security implications in Central zakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were an- No. 8 of the top 10 events. Con- in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy and region: Asia. In 2017, they committed sev- nounced earlier. sidering China’s foreign policy international affairs. Headquar- First, a stable foundation set in eral terroristic attacks on foreign Seventh, the Central Asian efforts in recent years, this event tered in Astana, it aims to consoli- 2017 will allow countries on av- Yerlan Karin soil, including Russia. This fact, population exceeded 70 million in may serve as a new platform for date local experts in international erage to achieve 2.7 percent eco- along with sleeper cells of extrem- 2017, marking a turning point in China to advocate its initiatives. affairs and serve as a resource for nomic growth in 2018. Depending perspective itself may signal the ists already existing in the region, the demographic structure of the Ninth, in January 2018 Kazakh- its members, government officials, on specific dimensions of internal revitalisation of regional coopera- adds up to security vulnerabilities region. According to UN data on stan is tasked with the UN Secu- journalists and others to help them and external factors, the average tion. in the region and the world, thus aging, some countries in Central rity Council (UNSC) presidency better understand the world and growth rate per country will vary. Third, given the strategic rela- keeping the fight against terrorism Asia are experiencing the growth with a programme focusing on the foreign policy choices fac- A projected modest increase in oil tionships between Russia and the on the region’s agenda. of life expectancy. The age struc- Central Asia. The country seeks ing Kazakhstan and Central Asia prices and U.S. Federal Reserve Central Asian states in security, Fifth, in 2017, the world has ture of the Kyrgyz and Uzbek pop- to advance cooperation issues and countries. The members include decisions are among the common politics and economy, campaign seen a worsening of the political ulations changed last year, as the be the region’s voice at the venue. elected officials, cabinet ministers, external triggers. rhetoric and statements rather and military situation in Afghani- proportion of people aged 65 and This historic event for Kazakh Parliament members and leading Second, communication among than the Russian election out- stan, reaching the highest human over has grown significantly. This foreign policy, along with non- foreign policy experts. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Gabidullina receives special award Tokyo audience welcomes Kazakh Skier Dmitry Reiherd wins from International Paralympic theatre with deeply moving play silver at World Cup Committee B2 B3 B7 We can contribute to modernising Smart city dev’t launches Kazakhstan’s identity, says Belarussian to improve infrastructure tion, pilot zones by regions and road By Zhanna Shayakhmetova map projects 2018 were defined. Local executive bodies are respon- ethno cultural centre leader ASTANA – Smart city technolo- sible for project application. The prior- gies are being introduced in the ities are improving the quality of life, country’s five largest cities – Aktobe, increasing the share of e-government Almaty, Astana, Karaganda and Shy- services, entry into the smart city in- mkent – as part of the Digital Ka- ternational ratings, implementing ini- zakhstan programme, said Minister tiative projects according to the smart of Information and Communications city concept and stimulating paperless Dauren Abayev at a Dec. 26 govern- interaction in G2G, B2B and G2B ment meeting. segments. The initial steps include The concept is designed to im- launching a laboratory, forming a prove the efficiency of all city servic- working group, approving road maps es, as people and their needs lie at the and creating a competence centre. heart of its mission. Comfort, safety, “The projects will be implemented efficiency and environmental friend- as part of the public-private partner- liness are the key characteristics of ship, informatisation model, budget smart cities. financing and private investment. The standard, developed as part of The projects will be launched using the state programme, includes pro- benchmarking; that is, with an orien- jects using the Internet of Things, arti- tation toward the best world and do- ficial intelligence and other advanced mestic practices,” said Abayev. technologies. The document also de- The national standards for smart fines the fundamental principles, ap- cities based on international standards proaches, goals, priorities and tasks were also developed and approved. to implement smart technologies. They provide unified requirements “Many organisations and inde- for fundamentally new opportunities pendent experts are currently en- for urban management and a high gaged in assessing the implemented level of security and services through models of smart cities and make rat- innovative solutions in energy sav- ings of smart cities. Participation in ing, housing and communal services, these ratings will make the city not transport, education, health, environ- only a popular travel destination, ment and information technology. but develop and implement the best The collaborative innovation will technologies to effectively address be the main mechanism as the format the most diverse problems of urban of interaction between state bodies development. In this regard, the and private organisations, which will system was developed for assess- gradually develop new improved in Kazakhstan. There is a folklore “Our centre’s activities are not Nazarbayev called for improving ing key performance indicators to solutions, approaches and necessary By Meruyert Abugaliyeva ensemble called Vyaselka func- financed by a particular organisa- society by preserving all the best assess the region’s readiness and its changes in laws and regulations. tioning inside the centre which tion. We function thanks to the en- of its behavioural and cultural as- decision to enter the world ratings,” The special map will be developed ASTANA – Dmitry Ostanko- is a regular participant in various thusiasm and energy of our mem- pects accumulated by tradition and said Abayev. to access smart city projects. The vich, leader of Radima Belarus festivals and contests. The prima- bers, the assistance of the People’s the history of the peoples residing Employee trainings were conduct- evaluation will be assigned to each ethno cultural centre, recently ry focus of its work is performing Assembly of Kazakhstan and the in Kazakhstan. ed in the regions and the criteria for industry based on compliance with noted ethnic Belarussians living in songs that stimulate love for the Embassy of Belarus in Kazakh- “The representatives of the Be- assessing the project initiative execu- the standard indicators. Kazakhstan will make every effort motherland and the high spiritual stan. This support allows our cen- larus nation have lived on the gra- to promote the virtues associated values of our people,” said Os- tre to work actively for the sake of cious land of Kazakhstan for more with Kazakhstan’s identity mod- tankovich. peace and friendship,” he added. than 150 years. We deserved the ernisation. He spoke about this and The centre has 40 active mem- Radima has set the 2018 goal sincere respect and love of mil- other topics in a recent interview bers, including students, public of stepping up its activities. The lions of Kazakhstan people due to with The Astana Times. service workers, doctors and busi- centre is currently working to our natural kindness and diligence. HR agencies will join the Of approximately 60,300 Bela- ness people. Radima provides op- launch a Sunday school in the city Therefore, we would like to con- russians currently residing in Ka- portunities for them to communi- and is also determined to work on tinue to be a great example of hard zakhstan, most live in the Kostanai cate and pursue common goals. the Nadezhda youth organisation, work and friendliness,” said Os- (21,000), Karaganda (18,000) and Ostankovich noted the centre is which unites young people and tankovich. Electronic Labour Exchange Akmola regions (16,000). Approxi- personally important to him. children. “We aspire to strengthen the The Electronic Labour Exchange mately 3,700 live in the capital and “The desire to continually de- “They have their own special trust and friendly ties between eth- By Frol Leandoer has been working in pilot mode in their representatives founded the velop prompted me to lead the interests and life attitudes. At the nic groups in Kazakhstan. It is of the employment centres of Astana, centre in 2013, uniting people who centre. However, it is also a huge same time, they treat the Belarus vital importance to take the good ASTANA – Internet sites and Almaty, Pavlodar and Shymkent care deeply about preserving and responsibility and I cannot let peo- culture and the culture of nations virtues from every one and learn private employment agencies are since October 2017. Since January promoting the Belarusian language, ple down who trusted me with this residing in Kazakhstan with great from each other. In our centre, we connecting with the Electronic 2018, the launch has been carried out traditions, customs and history. mission. Thanks to the centre and respect,” he said. will make every effort to develop Labour Exchange www.enbek.kz, throughout Kazakhstan. According “In a short period of time, our the People’s Assembly of Kazakh- The ethno cultural centre and in all the directions of spiritual the press service of the Ministry to the new business processes, the centre managed to conceive and stan, I have made a lot of friends Belarussians can contribute to Ka- modernisation, such as competi- of Labour and Social Protection of employment centres of the popula- hold various cultural projects. in our country and abroad and they zakh social life. In his programme tiveness, pragmatism, preservation Kazakhstan reported. tion will select candidates for vacan- We organise presentations and are not only Belarussians. I can article “Course towards the Future: of national identity, cult of knowl- “Today, four internet sites have cies, received through the website roundtables and try to make them also perform my original songs Modernisation of Kazakhstan’s edge, evolutionary development already joined the electronic labour www.enbek.kz from employers and appealing to all the ethnic groups during various events,” he said. Identity,” President Nursultan and open mindedness,” he added. exchange: hipo.kz, market.kz, rabota. private employment agencies. nur.kz, zarplata.kz. Search for vacan- A multi-channel procedure for cies posted on these Internet sites registering vacancies without manda- can be done at the Electronic Labour tory personal visits to employment Exchange at www.enbek.kz. To view centres is introduced for employers. the full information about the vacan- The employer can transfer informa- Blizzard shuts down Astana for one day cy, a transfer to the source site is car- tion to the employment centre about evening hours. Air Astana delayed ried out,” the ministry said. the availability of vacancies through By Yerbolat Uatkhanov four flights and canceled 30 flights, A total of 27 private employment a personal office. including 14 international. SCAT agencies from West Kazakhstan, Today, the employment centres ASTANA – Due to a major bliz- delayed nine flights and canceled Aktobe, Atyrau, Kostanai, Zhamb- are moving towards a proactive and zard, Astana Mayor Asset Isseke- 12 flights. yl, South Kazakhstan, Karaganda targeted format of interaction with shev announced an emergency An elementary school student regions, as well as Astana and Al- employers. In practice, approaches situation in Astana Jan. 11, asking also disappeared in the snowstorm maty registered a personal office focused on the interests of employers officials and managers of state in- on route to school but was later res- on the website and use the Elec- will be implemented. As modern HR stitutions, private companies to cued and returned to his parents. tronic Labour Exchange to carry services on the basis of professional cease operations for the day. Only “Dear Astana residents! Let’s out their activities such as media- selection by competence, they will be more tolerant on such days of tion in the search work and staff select the most suitable potential ap- 3,100 calls were unfavourable weather conditions selection. plicants for employers. and help each other. If you see that received by 112 people cannot walk on the road because of strong wind, please THINGS TO WATCH & emergency hot line help them. If cars are stuck, please services during one day. help them as well. Let’s be more PLACES TO GO kind and friendly,” said akim of ASTANA OPERA emergency services are asked to Saryarka district of Astana Arman continue working. Turlubek. January 20 at 6 p.m. Tosca, Opera “We recommend all heads of According to Official Represent- January 24 at 7 p.m. Spartacus, Ballet state bodies, educational institu- ative of Emergency Ministry of January 28 at 6 p.m. Kyz Zhibek, Opera tions, business entities (markets, Ministry of Internal Affairs Ruslan shopping and entertainment cen- Imankulov, Many cases of dam- tres), construction and other ac- age of cars and damage to the roofs BARYS ARENA tivities to stop operation, with the of private residential and multi- January 21 at 5 p.m. HC Barys – HC Lada Togliatti exception of the city’s life support storey buildings were registered in organisations: fire service, police, Astana. January 23 at 7.30 p.m. HC Barys – HC Avtomobilist emergency services, emergency The roof of the Agrarian Univer- Yekaterinburg medical services, medical institu- sity was damaged and all Kazpost tions, public utilities,” the Astana branches were shut down. Postal Mayor wrote on the website of the deliveries were also canceled. RADISSON HOTEL ASTANA city administration. Astana LRT announced about Nazarbayev International Air- changes in schedule and routes of January 27 at 7 p.m. Astana Burns Supper 2018, port stopped operation for a day public transport and provided in- Charity Gala Evening too, resuming flights closer to formation via hashtags. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 Gabidullina receives Astana cat café invites feline friends to spend special award from holidays with pets, opens first cat hotel

By Zhanna Shayakhmetova

International Paralympic ASTANA – Pet businesses are an emerging trend. While their uniqueness can be both attractive and challenging to find their niche Committee and customers, doing what one loves is one of the key elements of a successful business. Miki Piki Cat Café founder Aig- ul Kurmanaliyeva is enthusiastic about running an establishment re- lated to her favourite animal. “My husband and our children are fond of cats and we always have cats at home. We knew about cat cafés and two years ago when we were in South Korea, we went to the famous animal cafés. We really liked this idea and had a great desire to open a simi- lar café in our city,” said Kurmana- liyeva in an interview for this story. It took almost two years from inception to opening and the entre- Photo credit: sports.kz Photo credit: preneurs launched their eatery in Zulfiya Gabidullina and her daughter. July during EXPO 2017. pics, Gabidullina entered the “We were glad to find this perfect By Dana Omirgazy 50-metre backstroke, placing 12th location with a separate entrance in the S3 category. Four years later and everything here meets our re- ASTANA – Zulfiya Gabidullina, in Rio, she beat the world record quirements. Then, we immediately Kazakhstan’s first-ever Paralympics in the 100-metre freestyle, bring- bought nine kittens of different gold medal winner, is one of the ing home Kazakhstan’s first-ever breeds. It is important not only to country’s 100 New Faces. The in- Paralympic gold medal. gather cats, but to make them feel Photo by Oksana Korolenko spirational story of the 52-year-old Gabidullina is among the comfortable with each other. Our ish Shorthair cats and Scottish bring their own pets. Guests are and they come to certain cats. international class Master of Sports world’s eight strongest swimmers cats grew up together as a family Fold cats. There is also an Abys- prohibited from running and shout- We do not do advertising, as it’s in swimming, silver and three-time in several rankings. She has taken and now they are like brothers and sinian cat, Bengal cat, Elf cat, Ex- ing, because cats are very sensitive expensive; we promote our café bronze medallist in the 2013-2015 fourth place in the 50-metre free- sisters. We named the café after otic Shorthair cat, Kurilian Bobtail and like a quiet environment. through social media,” she said. World Championships, 2014 Asian style and fifth in the 100-metre dis- our tenth cat. My son called her cat, Norwegian Forest cat, Maine “All our cats are neutered to Veterinarians by occupation, Para Games winner and 13-time tance and is fifth in the 150-metre Miki Piki and we still do not know Coon cat, Oriental cat, Persian cat, prevent unwanted behaviour. the Kurmanaliyeva family was world record holder motivates and complex swimming and seventh in what that means,” she said. Sphynx cats and a Siamese cat,” They have passports and received involved for a long time in cow encourages people around the world 50-metre backstroke. Kurmanaliyeva believes their she noted. all mandatory and additional vac- breeding and farming. to achieve their dreams and goals “Sport is the most interesting café attracts visitors because they The concept café works as an cines, because many people come “There are some challenges in despite physical limitations. activity for me. Enthusiasm and have social friendly cats. They are anti-café with a drink and pastry to us and we need to protect them. running this kind of business to As a 5-year-old in 1971, Gabid- victories brought an interest to my on cloud nine when people come menu. There is table hockey, a bil- We keep everything clean and ask achieve self-sufficiency. We have ullina was in an accident which life,” she said. to them. liards table and piano. The two- visitors to put on shoe covers and a lot of expenses including food, resulted in spinal, head, hand and In December, Gabidullina be- “Many people think that this is hour entrance fee is 2,500 tenge treat their hands with an antisep- fillers, vaccines, sterilisation and foot injuries, multiple limb frac- came the world swimming cham- a café only for children; in fact, it (US$7.50) for adults and 1,500 tic. Our café is much more like a vitamins. This is more like a social tures and severe brain trauma. She pion at the Mexico City 2017 is a café for everyone. Now, we tenge (US$4.50) for children. kindergarten,” said Kurmanali- project for us now. Children and spent most of her childhood in Para-Sport Festival and received a have 15 cats. We have more Brit- Visitors are not permitted to yeva. students are our regular customers. rehabilitation centres, where her special prize from the International “Children should learn to play People also come from neighbour- parents brought her every three Paralympic Committee at the 2017 gently with pets. They should ing cities on weekends. We want months. While Gabidullina needed World Para Swimming Series. know how to pick up and hold pets to collaborate with the city admin- to learn how to cope with the diffi- “Famous sportswoman, cham- the right way, otherwise it is not istration and to include our café in culties, she never failed to believe pion of the 2016 Summer Para- safe to play with them. We try to Astana’s sightseeing map,” she said. in a bright future. lympics Zulfiya Gabidullina won gather different cat breeds so that “When I found out that I was first place at a distance of 50 metre The company also welcomes our visitors come and get closely among the project participants, I freestyle. Along with this, Gabid- new volunteers to join their team. was very surprised. You know, we ullina received a special award acquainted with them. Many peo- “Some say that dogs are loyal, are usually critical of ourselves. We from the International Paralympic ple come to work as volunteers but I think cats are also very de- think that others are better. When Committee. Four more athletes in and help us to look after the cats. voted friends. When we come in the voting began, my daughter was para swimming from other coun- We wanted to create a home en- the morning, they run to greet us. very excited and proud of me. I am tries earned a similar award. It is vironment and a young designer They are gentle and kind. They very pleased to be among the 100 gratifying that our athlete was on helped us implement this cosy in- have their instincts. They feel peo- New Faces project winners,” she this list of honorary swimmers,” terior. Cats are associated with the ple who love cats,” said Kurmana- told The Astana Times. reported the Kazakh National Par- house and we have soft carpets and liyeva. Gabidullina has been involved alympic Committee press service. sofas. There’s a separate area for The café’s hours are 3 p.m.- 9 in sports since 1990, taking first “Unfortunately, I could not par- food and drink,” she added. p.m., weekdays, and it opens at 3 place the following year in the ticipate in the Dec. 1 forum with The café also has a small cat p.m. on weekends and holidays. first presidential wheelchair races. the participation of the President. hotel. A passport and vaccinations Visits should be booked in advance She enjoyed participating in tour- I really wanted to be there and get are required and the cost is 2,000 to control the number of guests. naments and competitions and in to know those people who entered tenge (US$6) per day. Address: 58A Kabanbai Batyr 1994 became the best in athletics this project. However, I had to “Our cats are given gifts and Street, Building 1. and swimming contests. miss it, because I went to the Mex- volunteers bring some food. Some Contact number: +7 778 347 In the 2012 Summer Paralym- ico competitions,” she said. visitors have their favourite pets 1277. ATOM project honorary ambassador takes part in Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony proliferation. Those initiatives voluntarily renounce the world’s Union’s nuclear test site at Semi- “I participated in the meeting ICAN has played a key role in By Dana Omirgazy resulted in Kazakhstan becoming fourth largest nuclear arsenal and palatinsk, providing an example to of the Norwegian public with campaigning for the UN Treaty on the first country in the world to shutting down the infamous Soviet other world powers. 20 surviving victims of atomic the Prohibition of Nuclear Weap- ASTANA – Kazakh artist and bombings (Hibakusha) from Ja- ons, which was adopted by 122 Honorary Ambassador of The pan. … I listened to the speeches countries in July 2017. ATOM Project Karipbek Kuyukov of live witnesses of the Hiroshima took part in the Dec. 10 ceremony and Nagasaki bombings. I was re- The Kazakh artist in Oslo, Norway where the Inter- ally touched by the words of one national Campaign to Abolish Nu- Japanese woman who said that emphasised the clear Weapons (ICAN) organisa- Japanese women were very afraid tion was awarded the Nobel Peace of giving birth to children for a importance of the Prize for 2017. long time, and there was panic ICAN is a Geneva-based global foreign policy and fear, when they learned that civil society coalition made up of they would have a child. … Peo- initiatives of President 468 partner organisations, includ- ing The ATOM Project, in 101 ple kept silent about many things, Nursultan Nazarbayev countries. and only now they began to speak Kuyukov congratulated the win- about some events that led me to in the field of ners of the Nobel Peace Prize, not- a shock … I met there a victim disarmament and ing that the non-proliferation effort who remembers me young when is at “the beginning of a long way we were together and participat- non-proliferation. ahead of which there is still much ed in the Nevada-Semipalatinsk to be done.” movement,” Karipbek wrote in a He also took part in event with Facebook post. Beatrice Fihn, ICAN’s executive representatives of the victims of The Nobel committee awarded director, urged states possessing the atomic bombings in Japan’s ICAN the peace prize for ICAN’s nuclear arms to sign the agree- Hiroshima and the ICAN cam- “work to draw attention to the cata- ment. paign. In his remarks, the Kazakh strophic humanitarian consequenc- “It provides a choice. A choice artist emphasised the importance es of any use of nuclear weapons between the two endings: the end of the foreign policy initiatives of and for its ground-breaking efforts of nuclear weapons or the end of President Nursultan Nazarbayev in to achieve a treaty-based prohibi- us,” she said in her speech at the the field of disarmament and non- Karipbek Kuyukov (C) meets with international anti-nuclear activists. tion of such weapons.” Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 Tokyo audience welcomes Kazakh theatre with deeply moving play “It was incredible, especially By Assel Satubaldina the way the actors played their roles. Today, I watched the play ASTANA – A full house of for the second time and I am still 800, many of whom waited in deeply touched. I could not stop line for a seat, were recently crying when I watched it for the treated to Almaty’s Auezov first time. Today, I tried to hold Theatre presentation of the back my emotions to be more at- play “Ahiko from Aktas.” The tentive to details and be able to programme also featured Uly better understand the history. The Dala Eli, a concert with theatre actors are wonderful. Tetsuro soloists and dancers perform- chose Kazakhstan, where he now ing portions of the well-known lives, on his own. It is amazing. play “Kyz Zhybek” and singing The play shows us how important Kazakh songs. peace and friendship are for us,” “We came to Tokyo as part of noted club chair Yuriko Volker, as the Rukhani Janghyru (Moderni- quoted by Tengrinews. sation of Kazakhstan’s Identity) Japan Foundation President Hi- programme and its Modern Ka- royasu Ando noted the drama is zakhstan Culture in Global World a great achievement for Kazakh- project organised by the Ministry stan and Japan, serving as an ad- of Culture and Sports and sup- ditional stimulus to strengthening ported by the Embassy of Ka- friendly ties between the nations. zakhstan in Japan,” said theatre “Everything was beautiful. The director Yerlan Bilalov as he wel- life of Ahiko was conveyed in a comed the audience. very emotional way. I would love The play centres on Ahiko Tet- to visit Kazakhstan. We are work- suro, a Japanese man arrested by ing on various projects. It will be Soviet authorities in 1948 while great if they are implemented. he was a student. He was one of We would love to familiarise the more than 100 people, including Kazakh audience with Japanese women with newborns, sent to a culture,” he said, as quoted by concentration camp in a remote Tengrinews. area of Kazakhstan where he fell Kazakhstan President Nursul- victim to Soviet purges. tan Nazarbayev told Tetsuro’s After living through unspeak- A scene from “Ahiko from Aktas” play staged in Tokyo. story when he addressed the able nightmares, including severe Japanese parliament in Tokyo in famine, the captives were re- in Aktas village in Karaganda re- walked on the stage at the end of veloped in Russia and Europe. It the nightmare that Tetsuro lived November 2016. He stressed the leased six years later. Unlike his gion. the play. is the first time in the history of through, tell about his soul,” he lives of many Japanese people are fellow detainees, however, Tet- The emotional story of their Director Askhat Maemirov not- the Kazakh theatre that a person said. bound to Kazakhstan and the ac- suro chose to remain in Kazakh- fellow citizen left the audience ed the piece was written in a new is telling the story of his life. The The visitors included Japanese count is one of the brightest ex- stan rather than return to Japan. in tears. The hall broke into ap- dramatic genre. play was written based on his- fan club members of Kazakh ris- amples of fortitude and courage He married and the couple settled plause as the 87-year-old Tetsuro “Documental drama is well de- torical facts. We wanted to show ing star Dimash Kudaibergen. of Japanese prisoners of war. Astana Opera Almaty resident invents Kazakh-style to perform in Almaty Game of Thrones board game Akhmedyarov in an interview with Maira Mukhamedkyzy and Sal- conglomerations of tribes in the dispute by resorting to help from By Yerbolat Uatkhanov The Astana Times. tanat Akhmetova. Tatyana Vitsin- Staff Report Kazakh nation) and players must batyrs, sultans, tulpars and sarbazs The tour will begin with the out- skaya, baritone Yerzhan Saipov, gather as many villages and auls – mighty warriors, warlords, flying ASTANA – Astana Opera will standing work of Kazakh musical Talgat Galeyev, Barseg Tuman- ASTANA – Almaty resident Ko- as possible. The game takes them horses and soldiers, accordingly. be touring to the cultural capital of art – the classical opera “Abai.” yan, Bolat Yessimkhanov and bylanda Zhanabekuly has brought to the times of the great conquests, Zhanabekuly worked for nearly Kazakhstan – Almaty. The opera The production will be presented 6 mezzo-soprano Malika Minisini “Game of Thrones” to his own with the action unfolding on the a year to develop Kazakh Khanate, plans to present a rich programme p.m., Feb. 10 and 11, led by Astana will debut as well. country as the inventor of the board board. Players have chips, cards which includes features similar to featuring world art masterpieces Opera Maestro and Principal Con- The production was fashioned game Kazakh Khanate. It has been and precise calculations in their ar- chess, backgammon and monopo- at the Abai Opera House, the alma ductor Alan Buribayev. by Kazakh and Italian artists. The patented and is unique to the nation. senals and are given 30 minutes to ly. Before releasing the game, he mater of opera and ballet. The tour, “We did not choose the op- staging was created by Italian di- Kazakh Khanate has 40 different beat their opponent. tested the rules with players of var- to be held Feb. 10-18 under the era ‘Abai’ for the Almaty tour by rector Giancarlo del Monaco; the tribes across a field representing When players’ chips intersect, ious ages and walks of life, from Rukhani Janghyru programme, is chance; this work became the hall- consulting director is Professor the three zhuzes (the three largest they need to battle and resolve any 7-year-olds to retirees. supported by the Ministry of Cul- mark of our national art. By per- Yesmukhan Obayev and Yer- “The game is called Kazakh Khan- ture and Sports. forming this opera, we pay hom- zhan Dautov is chief choirmaster. ate because you play as a sultan – the “This tour is very important for age to the oldest Kazakh opera and Contemporary set designer Ezio way Abylai, Kassym, Zhanibek and us, first and foremost, because we ballet theatre named after Abai,” Frigerio and Academy Award- Kerey khans played in the very be- are performing for the people of said Akhmedyarov. winning costume designer Franca ginning. They united tribes and the Kazakhstan – our native viewers. The masterpiece, based on the Squarciapino are responsible for more Kazakhs you unite, the higher Most of the artists of our company libretto of Kazakh writer Mukhtar the design. your status rises, and whoever has will appear onstage in front of their Auezov, is the story of Kazakh On Feb. 14, Astana Opera will the biggest number of tribes first will teachers, who will assess their pro- poet, educator and philosopher present “Manon” by 20th-century become a khan,” he said. fessional growth. This is another Abai Kunanbayev. choreographer Kenneth MacMil- Kazakh Khanate combines the exam for all of us. In general, The roles will be performed by lan. The ballet is based on the traditions and customs of the Ka- every company needs a touring Sundet Baigozhin and Zhanat Shy- novel “L’Histoire du Chevalier zakh people. When a player’s chip life and exchange of experience,” bykbayev, Meir Bainesh, Nurlan des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut” lands on the Bazaar tile, for exam- said Astana Opera Director Galym Bekmukhambetov, opera prima by Abbé Prévost. The production ple, he or she uses cards with de- was added to the opera’s repertoire scriptions of different rituals which relatively recently, as the premiere help secure the desired territory. was held April 28. Choreographers The first batch of 500 copies is al- Karl Burnett and Patricia Ruanne, ready on sale. Prices vary from 15,000 keepers of the Royal Ballet tra- tenge ($45) to 20,800 tenge ($63). ditions, staged the work at the capital’s opera house. The music director and conductor is Arman Urazgaliyev and the ballet is or- chestrated and arranged by Martin Yates, with set and costume de- signer Nicholas Georgiadis. The production was added to the opera house’s repertoire thanks to the company’s artistic director Altynai Assylmuratova. She has danced the title role many times at London’s legendary Royal Opera House, working on the portrayal personally with MacMillan. The production team responded to her proposal with great joy to revive the masterpiece on the Kazakh stage. Madina Basbayeva will perform the part of Manon and Rustem Seitbekov will act as Des Grieux. Bakhtiyar Adamzhan, Zhanibek Imankulov, Anel Rustemova and Arman Urazov will also have roles. Roland Petit’s ballet “Notre Dame de Paris” set to the music of Maurice Jarre, to be presented Feb. 17 and 18, will conclude the tour. The production is popular through- out the world, yet is not featured in most opera houses. France’s Les Ballets Roland Petit Founda- tion has granted the Kazakh opera A scene from “Manon” ballet performed by Rustem Seitbekov house exclusive rights to recreate and Madina Basbayeva. the production. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 Mangistau region Nazarbayev University graduates develop intends to boost device to lower cost of electricity delivery and processed. The data will be The cost of the transformer reported this. “In the course of By Dana Omirgazy used to increase the efficiency of reaches several hundred thousand the experiment, after eight hours transformers and their life cycle. dollars. Large power plants own a and 35 minutes with an error of energy efficiency ASTANA – Nazarbayev Uni- The team of young scientists be- huge number of such devices. five minutes, the transformer A 250-megawatt combined versity graduates have developed lieve this invention will help moni- “For example, Astana – Re- burned down, and our experi- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova cycle gas turbine unit will be a device to extend the working tor, identify and eliminate prob- gional Electric Grid Company has ence was successful,” Zaurenbek launched at the site of the for- capacity of transformers, the press lems in the work of transformers. about 100,000 transformers, the said. ASTANA – Construction of mer Aktau nuclear power plant service of the city administration “The transformer is the same cost of each is almost $150,000. According to him, the research wind and solar power plants is as part of the public-private part- reported recently. machine that eventually breaks If they increase their life cycle by is applied at the first stage in the underway in an effort to develop nership. The unit aims to cover The project, named Remote down. If the problem is not detect- five years, this will save billions. laboratory. The team plans to use renewable energy sources in the electricity demand and increase Monitoring of Transformers, im- ed in time, it will eventually lead In the future, our system will act the equipment on real transform- Mangistau region in 2018, ac- the reliability of the energy sup- plies a cloud system with registered to breakdown. The faster the de- as artificial intelligence,” Zauren- ers. cording to the regional press ser- ply at the central heating and algorithms on the servers. Accord- vice is repaired, the cheaper it will bek said. The young team worked on the vice. power plant if a high load growth ing to manager and member of the cost. The efficiency will increase The invention underwent test- project for more than a year. The Two facilities, a five-megawatt scenario occurs. The competition start-up team Adlet Zaurenbek, data many times, and it will save a lot ing experimentally: it figured out launch of the device is scheduled wind farm in Akshukur village was announced to attract private from transformers will be collected of money,” he explained. a breakdown and automatically for the summer of 2018. of the Tupkaragan district and a investors. seven-megawatt solar power plant Total utility bill debts in the re- in Batyr village of the Munaily gion decreased from 2.1 billion to district, will be completed in the 1.6 billion tenge (US$6.3 million – first quarter. A 12-megawatt solar $5 million) compared to the same power plant in Shetpe village is period last year. Local executive Wireless service providers to be prevented Kazakh motor expected to launch by the end of bodies have recommended moni- the year. toring heating system functions “A desalination plant with a in residential buildings and taking capacity of 50,000 cubic metres appropriate measures to ensure from imposing unnecessary services pool is aging per day will be built using the timely payment of debts. roaming services. We will pre- connection of undesirable servic- Staff Report technology of the world’s lead- Mangistau, better known for its Staff Report vent operators from activities es,” he said. ing companies to provide a water vast oil and gas onshore and off- with the negative cash balance,” The full version of the docu- ASTANA – Kazakh vehicles are supply to the region. The Caspian shore reserves, is ranked second aging, with the largest share more than desalination plant will be entering in the local Ease of Doing Busi- ASTANA – The Kazakh Min- said Minister of Information and ment will be published in the me- 20 years old, according to the 2017 re- the second stage of modernisation ness list. The 204 projects worth istry of Information and Com- Communications Dauren Abayev dia soon and the regulation will port on vehicle registration dynamics. to increase productivity by 20,000 more 11 billion tenge (US$33 mil- munications recently announced in a post on Facebook Jan. 9. enter into force within 10 days Two thirds (66 percent) of ve- cubic metres per day and bring the lion) were subsidised as part of the plans to change the rules regulat- According to the minister, a beep after that. hicles re-registered last year were total capacity to 40,000 cubic me- Business Road Map. The number ing telecommunication services to signal when dialling to the num- “The mobile operators will have more than 10 years old, while the tres per day,” said energy and utili- is 1.3 times more than last year’s prevent wireless communications bers transferred from one network to introduce a single customer ser- largest share of registered vehicles ties department head Sapar Aman- figure and nearly 1,400 jobs were services from imposing unneces- to another will also be eliminated. vice and help desk number with (36.2 percent or 398,152 units) is bekov at a Dec. 26 meeting. created. sary services for users. Installation of additional acoustic the introduction of the rules. The more than 20 years old. Vehicles in Four energy and two water sup- The 47,000 small and medium “The ministry is making signals and pauses before the call contact number is 116 now. Re- the middle, from 11-20 years, rep- ply projects are expected to be businesses showed a growth of changes in the rules. We believe signal is now available only at the striction on the distribution of resent 29.4 percent (324,023 units). implemented from the list of 105 107 percent year on year. The en- that the amendments are de- request of the subscriber. advertisements at night, except By contract, the share of eight-10- year-old vehicles is 9 percent; four- projects presented at EXPO 2017 terprises employ approximately signed to solve many problems “We also introduce a USSD for information on emergencies that cellular communication sub- command or sending SMS to will be introduced. The measures seven years, 16.6 percent. Only 7.6 and approved by the Ministry of 112,000 people, 103.2 percent percent of vehicles in the country Energy. more than last year. scribers have faced for a long solve the issue of imposing ad- will not entail additional financial time. For example, the new rules ditional communication services. burdens for operators, and tariff are one-three years old. The num- do not allow mobile network op- Accidentally pressing the keypad increases are not expected,” said ber of new vehicles (less than one year old) is just 1.1 percent, accord- erators to render services in the while the phone is not in use, ac- Tariff Analysis and Tariff Regu- ing to KazAvtoProm, the nation’s absence of funds on the balance cidentally sending a message or lation Department Head Timur automobile industry union. sheet, in particular it concerns other actions will not result in the Bailov. The figures indicate further aging Snow turns dark in Temirtau, of the domestic fleet. The share of re- sale vehicles older than 20 years in the secondary market increased from 31.5 percent to 36.2 percent, while the share working group investigates of those less than a year old decreased tigation into the darkening of the Internet service providers: parents can from 2.7 percent to 1.1 percent. By Assel Satubaldina snow continues. Police registered 1,170,584 ve- “The department conducted an hicles from January-December, ASTANA – Kazakh officials inspection at the ArcelorMittal 19.2 percent more than 2016, ac- are investigating after the snow Temirtau and the results showed control children’s Internet access cording to KazAvtoProm. Of these, 1,100,684 units accounted for sec- in Temirtau city in the Karaganda the amount of emissions exceeded Kaspersky Lab,” said Mazhilis “Each parent can apply to the region recently turned dark from the limits. They also failed to fulfil ondary registration, 19.6 percent Staff Report (lower chamber of Parliament) operator and ask to connect the higher than the 920,654 units the what is believed to be emissions the plan of environmental protec- member Kenes Absatirov. safe Internet to the gadget, where previous year. Primary registered from the city’s numerous industrial tion measures. With these viola- ASTANA – The Internet opens He added the government pro- they will have access to certain vehicles totaled 69,900 units, 13.7 factories. Residents also reported a tions in place, the enterprise incurs wide possibilities for children, vided an official response to sites. Thus, each parent can show percent higher than the 2016 figure. specific smell across the city that an administrative liability totalling however, free access to all web- Mazhilis members on July 1, 2016 social responsibility and limit In- The aging trend is based on several feels particularly strong at night 105 million tenge (US$317,100) sites can pose hazards. While it and assigned the Ministry of In- ternet access for their children, factors, including the consequences of and weekends. and will also have to pay 495 mil- is technically impossible to make formation and Communications to particularly access to social net- national currency devaluation. Despite City residents blame the Arce- lion tenge (US$1.49 million) for sure a child surfs the web safely, study the question. works. This is the way out and we the fact the devaluation occurred sev- lorMittal plant, part of ArcelorMit- the environmental damage. The Internet service providers can “One and a-half years have al- are working in this direction,” he eral years ago, Kazakh citizens are not tal Group and a major mining and warrant was issued obliging it to block access to sites at the re- ready passed. Is it possible, given said. yet accustomed to prices for new vehi- metallurgy enterprise in Kazakh- rectify the violations,” noted Bek- quest of parents, said Vice Min- the high social price paid by chil- Mazhilis Speaker Nurlan Nig- cles, which have almost doubled and stan. mukhametov. ister of Information and Commu- dren involved in suicide sites, be- matulin noted the ministry should sound quite high. Another factor is the The working group consisting of ArcelorMittal representatives nications Alan Azhibayev during ing raped by ‘acquaintances’ from conduct wide information work in utilisation and registration fee, which representatives of the city and re- said the company has pledged the discussion of the draft law social networks and so on, to fi- this direction. made every new car 1 million tenge gional administration, prosecutor’s $56.4 million to improve its protecting children from harmful nally ensure control over access to “Responsibility should be (US$3,000) more expensive than it office, environmental experts, nat- cleansing equipment in 2017, 2018 information. social networks for children under mutual and parents should be was approximately one year ago. Due to severe climate conditions ural resources department special- and 2019 and that a final solution “In April 2016, domestic and 16 in the draft law?” he asked. responsible, not just letting chil- ists and representatives of indus- is a “long-term project.” and the poor quality of roads in the foreign media reported that the Although Azhibayev indicated dren into society with pockets remote regions, many Kazakh citi- tries, has been set up to investigate The Karaganda regional admin- European Parliament intended to it is not yet technically possible filled with telephones and gadg- zens prefer big cars with four-wheel the reasons behind an environmen- istration requested in April 2017 set age limits this year for social to ensure a safe Internet, he noted ets. There is a need to bring this drive. Such vehicles, however, have tal phenomenon. an inspection of the region’s major media use. This initiative is impor- parents can contact telecommuni- information to the whole soci- high price tags. At the same time, Head of the regional Ecology enterprises and biggest suspected tant for Kazakhstan as well. Parlia- cation operators and restrict ac- ety to ensure that parents and they don’t trust up-to-date turbo en- Department Alibek Bekmukha- air polluters – the ArcelorMittal ment members offered to apply a cess on children’s computers and the public know how to protect gines, computerised transmissions metov said the ArcelorMittal plant Temirtau, Bassel Group coal-fired similar norm in Kazakhstan. This devices. The corresponding agree- children with the help of those and CVTs (continuously variable was found to have excessive emis- thermal power station and Temir- initiative was backed by represent- ment would be concluded with the opportunities which we have,” transmissions) and prefer to buy sions but that the broader inves- tau electrometallurgical plant. atives of IT companies, including operator. he said. used, time-tested models. Country’s first robot surgery, transplantology centre to open in Ust-Kamenogorsk in 2018 simulation training rooms will be able for visitors,” the head of the By Zhanna Shayakhmetova also opened for students. region noted. “It is necessary to purchase The centre’s medical person- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s first equipment that will promote qual- nel took part in the training courses robot surgery and transplantology ity treatment of patients. All the in Germany and Italy. Last year, a centre will open in the first quar- infrastructure needs to be devel- group of specialists in the field of ter of 2018 in Ust-Kamenogorsk. oped properly too,” said East Ka- motherhood and childhood, cardiol- The centre is being paid for by the zakhstan region Akim (Governor) ogy and oncology studied in the U.K. national government, according to Daniyal Akhmetov. “Study abroad is only the first the regional government’s press Medical equipment was pur- step of our development. We service. chased as part of the moderni- should invite the best practicing The centre will offer endoscopic sation of medical organisations. specialists to train our doctors here interventions and low-traumatic Surgery can be performed with in the future. Our medicine should and minimally invasive treatments. the help of robotics. A low-trau- introduce new methods in treat- The unique facility is located at the matic method of treatment and ment and develop successfully,” city hospital. More than 60 surger- minimal pain after surgery are he said. ies are carried out annually in the the main advantages of this kind A stroke unit is also planned to region and 2,000 of them are con- of surgery. open at the centre. Trauma, com- ducted at the hospital. “It is necessary to use warm col- plex care and rehabilitation beds

The centre intends to serve up ours in interior design so that the and silent access wheelchairs are Inform.kz. Photo credit: to 500 patients annually. Surgical building will be cosy and comfort- already provided. East Kazakhstan region Akim (Governor) Daniyal Akhmetov (C) is shown visiting one of the region’s medical facilities. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 New media production company eager to take Kazakh market to new level started the project this year, Toka- sure is they are all talented, she By Dmitry Lee reva is already hopeful for the added. next half a decade. “Marat Ybyrai, our director, is ASTANA – Tochka, a creative “We have big plans for this year one of the most talented young video production agency estab- – it’s the year of our presenta- professionals, in my opinion. lished in October, is trying inno- tion and promotion. Speaking of He speaks Russian, Kazakh and vative ideas and approaches in the our plans for the future three-five English and has his own creative business and launching several years – my dream is to establish view in video production. Meir- projects this year. a web site with analytical long man Smagulov, our cameraper- In an exclusive interview with reads, videos mainly in Kazakh son, is also a professional with The Astana Times, CEO Galiya and about a quarter part in Rus- a good sense of humour and also Tokareva, also known by her sian. Now, I’m looking for an in- a very good person and a friend. maiden name as Galiya Idoyatova vestor,” she said. Askar Sabyrgaliyev – design and from her years on television, dis- Starting a new endeavour can be montage; he is one of the main cussed the new approaches her quite challenging, especially when guys in our team. His work is company is willing to undertake starting from scratch, but Toka- accurate and fast. Zarina Berem- to stick out from the crowd. reva believes being tough in this kul joined us in January; she is “We are doing TV clips, short business is not a decision, but a a journalist with great perspec- videos and we also have projects requirement. tives and potential. She could for YouTube and a project titled “The trouble is imminent when be a good interviewer and inves- ‘On equal,’” she said. one tries to leave one’s comfort tigate economic topics. Nurgul The latter is a not-for-profit pro- zone. All my life I worked for Nurmagambet is our producer; ject where an 8-year-old child is someone; now, I’m responsible she has extensive experience and trying to understand the nuances Tochka CEO Galiya Tokareva. for seven persons, for their salary, she is a very creative person. of doing business in Kazakhstan, for their future in some ways. It’s She is also responsible for our from agribusiness to restaurants. but I didn’t have enough finances project. I collected all the docu- are trying to change some rules in the best motivation for me. But profiles on the social networks. “We are also doing honest in- and I got an interesting proposal ments and found finances. My the production market. We will try if you ask me if I regret this start Balzhan Aliyeva is another pro- terviews with celebrities, politi- from the Atameken Business husband and I used our car as col- to do our own content with good up, I would say no, because every ducer who is doing impossible cians and businesspeople. We are Channel to work as a producer. lateral to get some money for it,” quality, with our soul and for an new start for me, for my team, is things for our video products; just starting this project now,” she For a year until October last year, I said Tokareva. affordable price. I don’t blame the best challenge and we will do she is good at finding things,” added. was working for the new business “I believe that all this invest- my colleagues who are also in the our best to satisfy our clients,” she said Tokareva. The idea for the company has channel as a general producer. I’ve ment will bring us dividends, video production business, but I said. “I want to say a big thanks to my been cooking for more than a year. met people there whose destiny, because this agency is not just a know there are some examples The Tochka team is young, team and to our first client, which “In 2016, I left my job at the like mine, then crisscrossed with business. It’s a company with a when the pricing is not honest,” smart and creative. While some we had in the end of November, Astana TV channel and planned Tochka. In October we decided to part of our heart and soul which she added. do not have extensive experience beginning of December last year, to try and create my own business, start this little but essential, for us, was started with eight people who Although the company just working on TV, the one thing for who believed in us,” she added. Young researcher combines One of nation’s 100 science and entrepreneurship New Faces helps digitise National Technical Research Uni- with Arman Toksanbayev, chemist tion for providing funding to start By Meruyert Abugaliyeva versity. He also works on commer- Yerkebulan Maral and three inves- this project,” he added. cial projects in small teams. tors. The facilities, in Almaty and The researcher plans to pursue a ASTANA – Dias Tastanbekov, “I believe it is more efficient to Karagandy, grow plants without PhD and dedicate study to biode- library materials one of the 100 New Faces project work in small teams separately soil by automatically spraying the gradable implants for treating bone winners, exemplifies hard work from large organisations despite roots and stems with water. fractures. Metal devices currently and a thirst for knowledge. He their resources and funding op- “The idea of aeroponics came implanted during surgery must be works with entrepreneurs on the portunities. I think bureaucracy is to me as a solution for my own removed after the bone has healed and using biodegradable implants will make a second invasive pro- cedure unnecessary. In the last two years, Tastanbekov submitted pro- posals to several funding organisa- tions to commercialise such tech- nology but without success and decided to do it himself. “This technology and aeropon- Nurzhan Zholdybalinov ics are not original. I always say for older people,” he explained. that unfortunately, and at the same By Zhanna Shayakhmetova “This change immediately in- time fortunately, this technology creased site traffic by 28 percent exists. Unfortunately, since I am ASTANA – National Academic in one quarter. We also intend to not a pioneer in the field and for- Library Deputy Head Nurzhan convert all the books of our on- tunately because now I know for Zholdybalinov, one of the coun- line library into Latin alphabet sure that such technology works try’s 100 New Faces, co-developed this year. We want books in the and is viable. I have done the pre- the digital library, digital library Latin script to be available for liminary research plan as well as card and introduced technology to the future generation. The read- research into scientific articles convert eBooks from Cyrillic to ers will have the option to choose and patents and now I am looking Latin script. reading books in Latin or Cyril- for collaborators in Germany and Zholdybalinov started his career lic scripts,” said he. “Today, we France,” he said. at the national library in 2007. An have more than 38,000 electronic Tastanbekov noted all his projects IT specialist by occupation, later copies of books. Unfortunately, demand individuals who are highly he received graduate degree from we cannot digitise all books due skilled in their fields and motivated a library school. to copyright rules. We invite au- to make a difference. To that end he “Our task was to develop the thors to cooperate with us and we launched the rocketry school, which digital library project by creating can post their books on our web Dias Tastanbekov will attract promising scientists for a single database. Nearly 2,000 portal. According to statistics, teaching positions and educate a books in PDF format were down- readers from 115 countries visit Zertis aeroponic greenhouse to an obstacle for research since it problem. When I was a junior re- new generation of researchers. The loaded the same year. We started our site.” produce green vegetables, while diminishes enthusiasm. Still, there searcher at NURIS, I had a lot of school is an example of STEM in- to download copyright-free books, The project of the digital library simultaneously researching bio- are many ways to obtain govern- plants and pets at home and long- terdisciplinary education technol- mostly rare ones. We closely col- card giving readers access to the degradable bone fixation implants mental and international support term business trips as well. If I ogy that makes science appealing laborate with other libraries, since libraries nationwide using a single for his PhD and running a rocketry for research and start-ups. There could leave the pets with friends, and easy to grasp. Tastanbekov also the project covers all the available card is also one of the successful school to make science attractive are gifted researchers and promis- there was still the problem of find- attracted rocketry expert Cheng- libraries in the country. Regional achievements of the developers. to children. ing inventions in Kazakhstan. We ing someone to water your plans in his Akhmetullayev, a test engineer libraries also handed us books for “We are currently creating an on- “My passion for science devel- do not lack support; we lack prop- your absence. I made a small inves- from the Baikonur branch of the digitisation,” said Zholdybalinov line catalogue for searching books oped at school and later I realised er management,” he said. tigation and realised that plant care Moscow Aviation Institute with five in a Jan.11 interview. across the country. New technolo- that I am par- can be automated years’ experience in Baikonur space The electronic library moderni- gies are rapidly developing as well ticularly keen on and gardening can launch, to join the school. The team sation also included the implemen- as programming language. We chemistry, which “It is wise to make outstanding people be soil-free. Such has created the Q100 educational tation of automated information li- successfully collaborate with IT gives me an un- recognisable and hold them as role models. farming is eco- YouTube channel for students. brary systems to ease library jobs. companies to develop our projects derstanding of the friendly and effi- “It is wise to make outstanding Now the libraries work on a single and to improve our services. We world around us. My nomination among the 100 New Faces cient in terms of people recognisable and hold them as base through an international pro- studied the best practices before Since I was also human resources, role models. My nomination among tocol, so it is possible to exchange introducing the projects. When we not bad at it, I felt is an advance payment for me. I have water use, soil, the 100 New Faces is an advance pay- files and search books. develop our project, we observe I should choose a place and expens- achievements, but they are not impressive. ment for me. I have achievements, “President Nursultan Naz- it from the readers’ point of view scientific career or es,” he said. but they are not impressive. There- arbayev said that the national to make an accessible service. at least a research- “We receive Therefore, this is a huge responsibility and fore, this is a huge responsibility and electronic library should become Now our e-library is recognised oriented one,” he requests from lo- I strive to live up to the expectations the think tank library in his ad- as one of the best digital library said. I strive to live up to the expectations of me. cal hotels, restau- of me. I perceive the victory as an op- dress in 2012. To us, the most im- projects in the Commonwealth of Tastanbekov I perceive the victory as an opportunity to rants and cafes. portunity to promote my projects and portant thing is that all full-text Independent States (CIS). We also received a Bolas- This year, we plan my teams, who made everything pos- books should be accessible to all have a version for the visually im- hak scholarship promote my projects and my teams, who to sell 30 kilo- sible,” said Tastanbekov. residents and those who study paired,” he added. to earn a Mas- made everything possible.” grammes of aru- “My dream is to build a sustain- abroad and the Kazakh diaspora,” Zholdybalinov said that his par- ter’s degree at gula and basil and able, self-funding, multidiscipli- he noted. ticipation in the 100 New Faces the University of to build green- nary research organisation so that The developers decided to can- project is a significant achieve- Sheffield. Upon his return, he em- Tastanbekov finds it conveni- houses in other cities. I would like every motivated researcher there cel authorisation and registration ment. barked on a career at Nazarbayev ent to apply science in business, to thank the Start-up Bolashak will have access to resources to on the website. “I am grateful for my manage- University Research and Innova- and then use the proceeds for fur- competition organised by Damu do science and make a contribu- “The analysis showed that au- ment and colleagues for their sup- tion System (NURIS), later be- ther research. His first project, the Entrepreneurship Development tion to the prosperity of society,” thorisation process caused dif- port. Of course, we have a lot of coming laboratory chief at Kazakh greenhouse, is run in cooperation Fund and the Bolashak Associa- he added. ficulties and took a lot of time things to do,” he said. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 Kazakhstan seeks ways to bolster tourism rate. That rate in hotels with a star individuals was approximately and motivate them to visit more By Elya Altynsarina rating is only 24 percent and 19 $1.6 billion. tourist attractions, including sa- percent in those lacking it. To overcome these and many cred sites.” ASTANA – Kazakhstan will In addition, Kazakhstan has other hurdles and by drawing Similarly, Kazakhstan plans to enhance its tourism industry by yet to apply contemporary ideas upon the best international tour- make concerted efforts to ensure developing a destination culture, of tourism management. Tourists ism development practices, the its tourist products, accommoda- mountain skiing and urban travel coming to the country are those Kazakh government is considering tions and services are listed on products, said managers of Kazakh mainly attracted by international focusing on “soft” infrastructure, such popular resources as Expedia. Tourism, a new state-owned com- events. As the report states, how- which does not require consider- com and Booking.com, with infor- pany tasked with developing tour- ever, there are not many compa- able funds and can provide a quick mation relevant to inbound tour- ism products in the country. nies that can skilfully arrange and return on investment. Government ism being regularly updated. By 2025, the country plans to supply domestic tourist products officials believe this tactic will In the long run, more investment increase the tourism share of the that would meet international entail a wider use of mass media, will be made in high-quality in-

GDP by 8 percent, up from the kursiv.kz Photo credit: standards, while domestic tour including television, the Internet frastructure to ensure accessibility current 0.9 percent. Comparable Kazakh Tourism CEO Rashid Kuzembayev. agencies mostly specialise in out- and social networks in an effort to and enhance the quality of tourist sectors of the domestic economy, bound tourism. shape the country’s international facilities and services. such as transportation (8 percent), people. Justifiably, that number report lists a number of drawbacks According to statistics, only 1 tourist image – a brand of a new “To enhance the tourism per- construction (5.9 percent) and ag- may have been helped by hosting hindering tourism. percent of visitors come to Ka- destination. spectives of Kazakhstan, our com- riculture (4.9 percent), would be the 2010 Organisation for Secu- First, problems persist with zakhstan primarily for tourism, Efforts will also be made to- pany is promoting PPP (public-pri- similarly affected, according to a rity and Co-operation in Europe visa and migration regimes and with the overwhelming majority wards creating competitive tourist vate partnership) in construction of recent government report. (OSCE) Summit, 2011 Asian Win- there is a lack of qualified person- of them from Russia, Kyrgyzstan goods and services. Popular tourist roads, airport terminals and other Kazakh Tourism is coordinating ter Games and EXPO 2017, as nel. The Kazakh Concept of the and Uzbekistan. People travel to destinations traditionally rely on infrastructure projects,” added the measures to create an industry- well as by establishing a visa-free Tourism Industry until 2023 does Kazakhstan mostly for business, attractions associated with unique Kuzembayev. friendly environment, including regime for most developed coun- not provide for a needs assess- personal or transit purposes or as nature, national history, architec- The government is currently institutional changes and region- tries and allowing new air routes ment and estimate of self-reliance labour migrants. ture, culture and art, local cuisine, considering measures such as im- specific goals of reconstructing into the nation. measures, making it difficult to McKinsey Kazakhstan Execu- active leisure and shopping. At the proving investment flows to the popular resort zones and highways. “Our goal is to maintain the flow attract investments and imple- tive Director Jochen Berbner has same time, the experience of other industry, adopting and including Some products will be developed and boost visitors’ interest in the ment projects. compared tourism development countries shows a successful tour- relevant tourism indicators in local in conjunction with the Ruhani future,” said Kazakh Tourism CEO The quality of service remains in the Commonwealth of Inde- ist industry does not need many governments’ strategic plans, in- Janghyru (Modernisation of Ka- Rashid Kuzembayev in a recent in- low, even in places most attrac- pendent States (CIS) and notes the tourist products, rather ones with troducing measures that facilitate zakhstan’s Identity) programme terview with kursiv.kz. tive to visitors. Not surprisingly, number of foreign visitors is high- quality and uniqueness. Berbner visa issuance while considering that envisions creating the “belt Yet in 2017, Kazakhstan ranked Kazakhstan ranks between 71 and er in other member nations. Yet, believes Kazakhstan has much a possibility of adopting no visa of sacred sites.” The memo claims only 81st in the World Economic 121 in the WEF’s Travel and Com- on average a visitor spends more to offer international visitors in rules for passengers who face ex- there are more than 100 such loca- Forum’s (WEF) World Competi- petitiveness Index in terms of ser- in Georgia or Azerbaijan. Statis- sports, business, sustainable and tended transit times and diversify- tions, not counting regional sites tiveness and Travel Competitive- vice quality, availability of rental tics from the report demonstrates ethno-tourism. ing air transportation routes. well-known to local communities. ness Index. cars, infrastructure quality and Kazakhstan is rather a “tourist do- “A strong emphasis will be Tourism is currently the fastest From 2006-2016, the number Kuzembayev emphasised the hotels-population ratio. More than nor” with 9.8 million visits abroad placed upon digitalisation of the growing trend in the world. Esti- of foreign visitors to Kazakhstan areas where the industry needs to half of the 1,770 hotels nationwide by its people in 2016 on private, industry,” said Kuzembayev. “In- mates show that the average an- doubled in comparison to the pre- improve if it is to successfully at- do not have a star rating, which business and tourist trips. The esti- ternet portals and mobile applica- nual market growth is expected to vious decade, reaching 6.5 million tract tourist flows. Similarly, the negatively affects the occupancy mated expenditure abroad by these tions will facilitate tourist flows be 46 percent between 2016-2020. Zhambyl region studies ancient Zerenda resort zone to build settlements, encourages visit centre to accommodate cultural development tourism growth in 2018 medieval mosque near the Kara- 8th – 19th centuries) and Zhaisan By Zhanna Shayakhmetova khan mausoleum and the Akyrtas Sanctuary. palace complex. The Zhambyl “Tens of thousands of artefacts ASTANA – Thirty projects to Zhabayev centre was also opened. were found during the archaeo- preserve history and encourage “The map of sacred sites has logical excavations of the Taraz cultural development are being been developed to boost domes- ancient settlement. The excava- developed in the Zhambyl region tic tourism and promote the his- tions were also conducted at the as part of the Rukhani Janghyru torical and cultural heritage sites. Bektobe, Georgievsk, Tamdi, and (Modernisation of Kazakhstan’s The tourist infrastructure is also Saudakent ancient fortifications. Identity) programme, reported Ka- improving. The digitalisation of Historians and archaeologists plan zinform. library and museum funds is cur- to conduct conservation and mu- “Six out of 27 projects have al- rently underway. The theatre festi- seumification of these sites. These ready been implemented as part of vals and competitions, aitys (song sites will be included in the list of the Tugan Zher (Small Homeland), contests) and other concerts are micro-sacral objects. All the ar- the Sacred Geography of Ka- held,” he noted. tefacts will be transferred to the zakhstan and the Modern Culture Eight historical and cultural Zhambyl regional museum of nat- projects,” said regional culture, sites in the Zhambyl region were ural history,” he said. archive and documentation depart- included in the list of the na- The Ruhani Janghyru, a pro- ment head Duissenali Bykybayev. tional fund for sacred objects. gramme article aimed at reviving The programme aims to imple- These are the ancient settlement the spiritual values of the nation ment the tasks set in President of Taraz, a large medieval city taking into account all the con- Nazarbayev’s article titled “Course centre and former Kazakh Khan- temporary risks and challenges towards the Future: Modernisation ate capital (dated to the 1st – 19th of globalisation, was launched in of Kazakhstan’s identity” in the centuries), the Tekturmas mauso- 2017. It includes the Tugan Zher next five years. leum (dated to the 14th century), special project promoting patriot- Financing of the culture sec- the Karakhan mausoleum (dated ism among residents, the Sacred tor increased to 2 billion tenge to the 12th century), the Aisha Geography of Kazakhstan project (US$6.1 million) from 2012 to Bibi mausoleum (dated to the about the sacred sites, their history 2017 in the region. Nearly 250 cul- 11th – 12th centuries), Babadzhi- and descriptions, as well as other tural objects were reconstructed, Khatun mausoleum (dated to the related projects such as the 100 including the Balasagun central 10th – 11th centuries), the Bai- New Faces highlighting success concert hall in Taraz, the Alexan- sak batyr mausoleum, the Akyr- stories of self-made people in vari- der Scriabin memorial museum, a tas palace complex (dated to the ous walks of life. of Culture and Sports Arystanbek in both directions is 1,167 kilome- By Dmitry Lee Mukhamediuly said there were tres, including 202.5 kilometres plans to create other visit centres of hiking trails, 860 kilometres of ASTANA – The Zerenda resort for tourists. automobile routes, 18 kilometres zone will build a visitors’ centre At the time, the minister also of sailing routes and kilometres this year, the advisor to the re- noted that the construction of such kilometres of combined routes, he gion’s akim (governor) announced centres is a “world practice” and wrote. in a Jan. 4 Facebook post. that “all necessary infrastructure “The Kokshetau national park Furthermore, Marat Igali wrote for visitors and tourists such as has six recreation facilities with a in his post, once the Schuchinsk- cafes, souvenir shops, conference one-time capacity of 200 people, Zerenda highway is completed halls, workshops and much more including four recreation centres, later this year, the Zerenda resorts will be located here.” the Ozerny station and the Hunt- will see more tourists. According to Igali, the visitors’ er’s House,” he noted, and said this “The regional Akmola branch centre will be located inside the year the park will build another of the Atameken National Cham- Kokshetau park area. recreation centre near Lake Zeren- ber of Entrepreneurs has discussed “The Kokshetau state national dinskoye as well as continue con- creating a visit centre for tourists nature park refers to a specially struction on other planned houses. inside the territory of the state na- protected natural area, a special “It is planned to build about 30 tional natural park in the Zerendin- regime of protection is estab- houses,” he revealed. sky district of the Akmola region. lished on its land plots, on natu- More than 50,000 tourists visit The general plan of development ral complexes and on water ob- the Zerenda resort and the national of the natural park includes a plot jects,” he wrote on his Facebook park each year. of land for the construction of the page. Zerenda is often referred to as a visit centre,” Igali wrote. “There are 20 hiking trails on the mini Borovoye, the famous moun- The government of Kazakhstan territory of the national park, for tain and lake resort a few hours has been allocating funds to stimu- which there are passports, all of outside of Astana. The scenery in late domestic and international them are registered in the register Zerenda is similar to Borovoye tourism in recent years. of hiking trails, including six tour- with pine forests surrounding the As a move to further develop the ist routes (three for automobiles, lake, but it so far attracts fewer tourism industry, last June the gov- two sailing and one combined) summer crowds. ernment approved a concept for and 14 sightseeing trails (hiking Zerenda is located about 50 the development of the tourism in- trails),” he explained. kilometres northwest of the city of dustry to 2023. In August, Minister The total length of hiking trails Kokshetau. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 Skier Dmitry Kazakh short track racer to carry flag Reiherd wins silver during 2018 Winter Olympic opening 1992 in Uralsk. He took the fifth By Frol Leandoer place in the team relay race at the Olympic Games in 2014. He at World Cup ASTANA – Kazakhstan short- is also the first in the history of also won individual and parallel track player Abzal Azhgaliyev has Kazakhstan World Cup winner moguls at the Universiade in Ka- been named flag bearer and cap- (Salt Lake City 2016-2017), a zakhstan and took fifth place in the tain of the Kazakh team for the two-time silver medallist of the last World Championship in Sochi Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, World Cup 2016-2017, two-time (Russia).He is ranked fifth in the the National Olympic Committee bronze medallist of the World overall standings. of Kazakhstan press service re- Cup 2016-2017 (as part of the Reiherd is one of the top possi- ported Jan. 9. team relay race), silver medal- bilities for a medal in next month’s “Only today I learned that I was list of the World Winter Univer- Olympics, the fourth of his career. chosen as the standard-bearer of siade 2017 and bronze medal- “Kazakhstan’s freestyle at the the Kazakhstan national team at list in the team relay race of the Olympics in PyeongChang will the Olympic Games. To say that proud that I was the one who was to justify the hopes placed on me,” Asian Winter Games in Sapporo be represented in two disciplines, I was surprised is to say nothing. trusted to carry the flag. I thankthe said Azhgaliyev, who is training in in 2017. moguls and acrobatics. So far, four This is a great honour for every National Olympic Committee of Holland. A special flag bearer’s costume athletes, including Yulia Galyshe- athlete, and I am very glad and the country for the trust, I will try Azhgaliyev was born Jun. 30, is being designed for the athlete. va, Ayaulym Amrenova, Dmitry Reiherd and Pavel Kolmakov, have qualified for the Olympics in Staff Report moguls. In acrobatics, we will have five athletes, but the final line-up Kazakh freestyle skier Dmitry for the Olympic Games will be Playing chess results in better brain function Reiherd took the silver in moguls known on Jan. 21. Our leading ath- By Dana Omirgazy only abroad in order to get these For the first time, we will assist in play chess. Chess improves cogni- at the World Cup stage in Deer Val- letes in both moguls and acrobat- norms,” she said. organising chess tournaments among tive abilities and problem-solving ley, Utah (USA). He scored 83.66 ics will compete for the medals of ASTANA – Chess is the best Kazakhstan hosted four interna- people with limited abilities. We will capacity. It has a positive effect on points, second only to Canadian the Olympics. I don’t want to think sport to exercise the most complex tional tournaments, including the start cooperation this year,” she noted. the development of intellectual po- Mikael Kingsbury (88.80), whose ahead; time will show, but I think and important organ in the body Astana Open International Chess Beginning in September, the tential. This is a good opportunity victory was his 13th in a row at we should believe in our athletes,” – the brain. In Kazakhstan, it be- Festival during EXPO 2017. Chess in School pilot project was for children to learn how to think the World Cup stages. Australian said Kazakh Freestyle Federation came the beloved intellectual game “It was a major event of the past introduced in 19 schools in Almaty, multi-channel. I am sure that chess Matt Graham (82.37) closed the Vice President and national team among children and adolescents. year. We managed to attract ap- Kyzylorda, Pavlodar and Pavlodar is the only way to teach children to top three. coach Elena Kruglykhina. In an exclusive interview with The proximately 600 people in differ- region involving approximately be adapted in our world. Our Presi- The showing is Reiherd’s fourth Athletes in moguls will start Astana Times, Kazakhstan Chess ent age categories and levels to this 1,500 students. The KCF and dent was right when he once said silver medal in the current season. competing at the Olympics earlier Federation (KCF) Executive Direc- tournament. We were glad to wel- Shakhmardan Yessenov Scientific that every leader should know how He previously placed second at the than representatives of other free- tor Irina Grishchenko talked about come participants from 18 coun- and Educational Foundation initi- to play chess,” she said. World Cups in Finland, China and style disciplines. The first qualifi- 2017’s key activities, ongoing pro- tries,” she said. ated the project and provided all the Kazakh chess champions Di- Canada. cation will take place Feb. 9, the jects and recent chess victories. The national chess team partici- necessary equipment. nara Saduakassova and Zhansaya Reiherd won the World Cup Games’ opening day. The women’s “This was a very interesting pated last year in all official FIDE “We provided schools with meth- Abdumalik are well-known for stage in Lake Placid, New York final race will be held Feb. 11, fol- year. We fulfilled all our plans. tournaments, with more than 3,500 odological guidebooks, textbooks their victories. Based on their lat- (USA) in 2017, one of several lowed by the men’s event the next The federation organised and car- players involved in national and and workbooks. In the summer, we est achievements, Grishchenko prizes he captured last year. He day. ried out 22 national tournaments. international competitions. Kazakh trained teachers and psychologists also named Kazybek Nogirbek, We held children’s cups and adult players earned nine gold, four silver under the project. Psychologists Ansat Aldiyar, as well as Meruert chess cups among men and wom- and seven bronze medals. conduct research and draw con- Kamalidenova and Assel Serikbai, en and invited grandmasters from In the past few years, the federa- clusions about the effects of chess who became Asian champions in several countries. This means tion has been witnessing an increase training. They observe improve- their age categories. that people were able to fulfil the in the number of both children and ments in students’ logical and stra- “I have an optimistic view of Ka- Deaflympics encourages standards of FIDE (Fédération In- adults playing chess. Compared to tegic thinking, memory and con- zakhstan’s chess development. I am ternationale des Échecs or World 2015, the figure has increased by centration,” she said. sure that chess lessons will be intro- Chess Federation) Master, Inter- two and a half times. According to The East Kazakhstan region is duced in all schools of the country. national Master and Grandmas- Grishchenko, this year the federa- expected to join the pilot project Our children and young people will Almaty to apply to host ter norms without going abroad. tion intends to increase the number next year by introducing chess les- become more concentrated, more Previously, according to FIDE of tournaments. sons in the school curriculum. competitive and intellectually de- 2019 Winter games rules, it was necessary to play “We plan to hold 24 tournaments. “We want all Kazakh people to veloped,” she noted. Deaflympics have not been held on By Meruyert Abugaliyeva the Asian continent. He also men- tioned potential benefits of hosting ASTANA – The Head of Inter- the Games, including developing Olympian Alzhan Zharmukhamedov national Committee of Sports for urban areas and improving ur- the Deaf Valery Rukhledev recent- ban environments for people with ly visited Almaty and encouraged physical challenges, including Kazakhstan to submit an applica- the installation of elevators, side- attends ‘Going Vertical’ premiere in Astana tion for Almaty to host the 2019 walks, traffic lights, special mark- By Ilyas Omarov Basketball Federation but they did Winter Deaflympics. ing and visual pointers. He also not achieve it because Uzbekistan “Almaty has not submitted its said such events generate interest ASTANA – The Olympic cham- fought for me at the highest level. application to host Winter Deaf- in sports among people with disa- pion of 1972 in basketball in Mu- After that, it turned out that I went lympics, but we would like to bilities, which helps them integrate nich Alzhan Zharmukhamedov to Moscow to CSKA,” he said. consider it as a candidate. We ob- into social life. recently visited Astana. In the In Astana, Zharmukhamedov served the sports infrastructure and The Deaflympics are an interna- Kazakh capital, he took part in held a meeting at the Youth Basket- were impressed by the architecture tional sports competetion for ath- the premiere of the Russian film ball Academy, where he conducted of the buildings, state-of-the-art letes with hearing impairment sanc- “Going Vertical,” which tells of a training session and shared some equipment and especially by the tioned by the International Olympic the historic victory of the USSR secrets of his mastery. basketball team over the U.S. “Basketball in Astana is develop-

active sports life in those facilities. Committee. The Games were first Photo by Ilyas Omarov ing, and it is noteworthy that a spe- In addition, we witnessed national held in 1924 in Paris. They were team in the 1972 Olympic finals. Zharmukhamedov is the hero of Alzhan Zharmukhamedov (L) and PBC Astana General cialist from Serbia Dejan Parizha- competitions in curling and skiing, the first international sports event manager Valery Tikhonenko (R). the film – the athlete played in the nin works in the Youth Academy children’s training of figure skat- for people with disabilities and the Soviet national team at this leg- my team. I was wrapped up in the “I always come to Kazakhstan because Serbia is famous all over ers and hockey players, as well second international sports com- endary game in Munich. game,” he recalled. with pleasure. Still, this is the the world for its school of basket- as mass skating and skiing. All petition after the Olympics. Ever The famous basketball player “After the premiere of the ‘Going motherland of my ancestors. Eve- ball,” he noted. of this, as well as the 28th World since 1924 the Games for the deaf said that during the historic Olym- Vertical’ on Dec. 21, I received many ry year I come to my small moth- Zharmukhamedov is the cham- Winter Universiade held in Feb- are held every four years with the pic finals in Munich he was on the invitations. I was also invited to erland in the South Kazakhstan pion of the 1972 Olympic Games, ruary 2017, prove that Almaty is exception of 1943 and 1947 due court almost the entire game: “I Astana. Of course, it’s very pleasant region. My first desire to move the bronze medalist of the 1976 deservedly one of the world winter to the World War II and the Winter had to play the most of the players. that in Kazakhstan there is such in- to Kazakhstan occurred in 1967, Olympics and the first Kazakh sports capitals,” said Rukhledev. Games were introduced in 1949. I played 36 minutes out of 40. I terest in the film and my person.The when I was invited to Almaty. who received the title of Olym- Almaty is home to 44,100 peo- Although there were only 9 coun- rested only two minutes in the first whole huge hall walked by me shak- There was a team called Lokomo- pic champion. Currently he lives ple with disabilities, including tries participating in the Games in half and in the second half. Eve- ing hands and taking pictures. I was tiv. I came and lived in the hotel in Moscow and continues his ac- 5,000 with hearing impairment. 1924, the Deaflympics now unite rything was this way – not to let even a little shocked by such great for about six months. They tried to tive life in the sports community, Rukhledev noted that the Winter athletes from 113 nations. the other team score, and to help interest,” said Zharmukhamedov. obtain the permission of the USSR teaching children basketball. Team Astana completes Peruvian stages of Dakar Rally managed to rise to ninth place in tion in doubt. However, despite the was on painkillers during the fifth weakness, the current condition of Another Astana ATV rider, Staff Report the standings by the end of the injury, the athlete started the fifth stage of the Dakar. Now he is suf- the athlete puts his further partici- Dmitry Shilov, was 14th in the stage and improve their position stage of the marathon and passed it fering and facing difficulties in pation in Dakar in doubt. fifth stage. The athlete holds the ASTANA – The final stage of to eighth place in the general clas- at a stable pace. Antimirov arrived moving independently. Consider- Last year’s ATV champion of same position in the general classi- the Dakar 2018 rally on the sandy sification. at the finish in the city of Arequipa ing that with each stage it will be Dakar, Russian racer Sergey Kar- fication. He noted that the situation paths of Peru ended Jan. 10. The “In total, I covered more than 15th, having risen in the general more difficult to finish while suf- yakin, left the race due to a fall in with Karyakin made him resist the route of the fifth stage of the mara- 900 kilometres today. We left the classification to 27th place. He fering pain and general physical the special stage of the fifth stage. urge to drive too fast. thon brought racers to the city of bivouac at six in the morning and The pilot was airlifted to a hospi- “It was a difficult day, first I de- Arequipa. For the next stage, the arrived at the next bivouac at 10 tal, where he was successfully op- cided to slow down the pace my- caravan of Dakar racers will travel in the evening. Today was a good erated on. self, but then I saw the helicopter to Bolivia for routes over 3,000 day. Navigation was carried out “We don’t spot a hole like that and Sergey being evacuated and meters high. without mistakes. We finished the on the track once – and a blow- decided to drop the tempo. Later According to the press service of stage without a single blot. Of out. We caught such holes while there was a mistake, I had to go the Astana Presidential Club, for course, we are really tired; the day driving the car. Nothing good, but back to seven kilometres and take the cargo crews, the total length was tough and fruitful,” comment- for a four-wheel motorcycle rider a position again. One of the rivals of the route was 934 kilometres ed Ardavichus. it is, of course, a great injury. It’s asked for a spare but I refused him, and the special stage lasted 268 Both quad riders of Astana also good that he’s alive! Sergey was because I still had 120 kilometres kilometres. Astana’s team never reached the finish line of the final supposed to be the winner, and to finish. Tomorrow we leave, and stopped at the final stage of the stage in Peru. our guys had to finish. Now there we’ll see what will happen at high Peruvian sands – the athletes spent In the previous stage, Maxim are only guys who must finish,” altitude. Tomorrow we leave Peru 16 hours in the truck. Antimirov injured his right leg, the Astana captain commented on and start to go up to Bolivia,” he Artur Ardavichus and his team which put his further participa- Karyakin’s disaster. said. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 Astana to celebrate 20th anniversary with grand cultural events Photo credit: Sputnik Kazakhstan Photo credit:

Arystanbek Mukhamediuly spoke productions with foreign theatres, duced with Russian Channel One. Grand Palais (France) and A History will be among the attractions. Those By Meruert Abugaliyeva about the plan at a Mazhilis (lower musicals, film production, exhibi- Contemporary composer Karl Jen- of the World in 100 Objects from who lean towards humour will have chamber of Parliament) govern- tions, music and sports festivals kins will present his new oratorio the British Museum collection. a chance to attend the Astana Azil ASTANA – Kazakhstan is plan- ment hour in December. and comedy shows. “Shine Astana,” dedicated to the The Eurasian Dance and Voice Star Fest and Bayrzhan Fest. ning a rich, year-long cultural “The whole year will be dedicated The Astana Opera House and capital. The Mariinsky Theatre and of Astana international pop music “All events organised for the programme to celebrate the 20th to the 20th anniversary of Astana. Beijing National Opera Theatre International Symphony Orchestra festivals will be among the interna- celebration of the capital’s 20th anniversary of its capital. Perfor- One of the main events organised will stage “Turandot,” Giacomo of the Silk Road will also perform. tional offerings. Academy Award- anniversary are intended to en- mances and exhibitions by the by the ministry will be the Parade Puccini’s last opera. Astana Musi- City residents and guests will winning actress Dame Helen Mirren hance the image and tourist attrac- Vienna Opera, New York City Bal- of Capitals: 20 years of Astana – 20 cal will present “Notre Dame de have an opportunity to attend four and theatres from France, Italy, Rus- tiveness of Astana and Kazakhstan let, Grand Palais in Paris and Brit- World Capitals international cultur- Paris” with its authors Riccardo unique international exhibitions fea- sia and Spain will attend the World and strengthen the cohesion and ish Museum and numerous events al project, which contains cultural Cocciante and Luc Plamondon. turing works from the State Tretya- Theatre Festival. The Spirit of the pride of the Kazakhstan people for from 20 world capitals will enrich events from 20 capitals,” he said. The events will include the pre- kov Gallery (Russia) and Great Dance, featuring modern ethnic mu- the development of an independent the festivities. The project includes tours by the miere of “My Happiness,” a six- Mughals – History Artefacts exhibi- sic and choreography, and the Uly Kazakh capital,” added Mukhame- Minister of Culture and Sports world’s leading performers, joint episode television series co-pro- tion (India), masterpieces from the Dala Ruhy national sports contest diuly. New Astana pay-to-park system will increase available parking, decrease traffic, says passenger transport department chief (US$0.3) from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. a long period, decrease the load of Staff Report Parking will be free weekends and parking spaces by 40-50 percent, holidays. increase the demand for public ASTANA – A new pay-to-park “By contributing your 100 transport by 15-20 percent and system to be launched in Astana tenge (US$0.3) for an hour of reduce traffic violations by 70-80 this month should increase access parking, we all make our contri- percent, among other results. to parking spaces, improve traffic bution to the formation of a new “The capacity significantly in- flow and help create a culture of le- culture for us – the culture of creased, traffic jams decreased. gal, systematic parking, said head parking. As a result, we get roads Now drivers do not drive round of the city’s Passenger Transport without chaos and traffic jams, and around trying to find a place Department Bekmyrza Igenberdi- which means significant decrease to park their car, when all those nov. in the number of road accidents. places were taken by numerous Nearly 9,000 toll parking spaces An ordinary driver wins, who no illegal taxi drivers,” he added, have been put into operation Jan. longer has to worry about his or “When the project launches, we 15 across two zones – the intersec- her health and safety, safety of will quite soon see its efficiency tion of Turan, Saraishyk, Orynbor car and the future of our capital,” – drivers will not be leaving their and Syganak streets and intersec- noted Igenberdinov. cars for days, there will be a con- tion of Saryarka Street, Bogenbai The new parking tolls are part of crete understanding of the turnover Batyr Street, Republic Avenue the city’s broader efforts to mod- of every parking lot. A car will be and the embankment of the Yessil ernise its transport system. parking for an hour or two, which River. Igenberdinov said the project means one parking space will ser- The first 30 minutes of park- seeks to decrease the traffic load vice a minimum of four or five cars ing will be free of charge, while by 20-30 percent by reducing the per day.” each next hour will cost 100 tenge number of cars parked on roads for People have a wide range of choice in the means of transport, according to him. “There are many possible ways to get to work – personal transport, taxi, public transport or by foot,” he added. “We have developed a clear-cut network of routes and we handle any load during a rush hour. It will cost 180 tenge (US$0.54) to a per- son to take a bus to work and back home,” said Igenberdinov. The toll parking introduced recently at the old train station serves as a successful example, said Igenberdinov, seeing an in- crease of road capacity in the first two weeks since the project came

Photo credit: today.kz Photo credit: into effect.