+20° / +14°C Wednesday, april 22, 2015 No 8 (74) www.astanatimes.com Kazakhstan, Turkey Discuss Regional, Floods in Karaganda International Cooperation Draw Unprecedented Public Support, Civil Activism after having twice refused evacua- By Aiman Turebekova tion services in writing. Affected areas can also be found ASTANA – Man is often power- in the Akmola, North Kazakhstan less in combating natural disasters. and Pavlodar Oblasts. These events often occur without Commenting on relief efforts, warning, which sometimes means Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- major losses, endangered lives and arbayev said he had instructed all property destruction. government agencies and local ex- Last week’s floods in the Kara- ecutive authorities to take all steps ganda and Akmola regions were necessary to help the affected pop- triggered by abundant rainfall and ulation and minimise the damage melting snow. They affected high- done to public and private property. ways of national significance and “The Karaganda region has been wide areas of central and northern allocated 1 billion tenge (US$5.38 Kazakhstan. The weather has de- million) [in relief money]. The stroyed bridges and left a number water is subsiding. I think we will of villages without electricity. In solve this problem, everything is addition to the government re- under control, do not worry; help sponse, civil society’s sympa- is on the scene and all possible ef- thetic reaction to the disaster has forts are being made,” he said on been unprecedented and provided April 16. encouragement to many who have `“We will support everybody. looked for the emergence of a The main thing is assuring that more active civil society. there are no further victims. All President Nursultan Nazarbayev (l) with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (c) and other officials visited a business forum on April 16. On April 14, the Committee for [property-related] issues will Emergency Situations of the Minis- be resolved soon. Temporary By Malika Orazgaliyeva try of Internal Affairs reported that dams are being created in the “Turkey has made great progress to the Kazakh President for his High-Level Strategic Cooperation nearly 10,000 residents were evac- over the past 12 years under your visit last year to Turkey and for Council. area. Roads and electricity in ASTANA – President Nursul- uated, more than 1,700 houses in some flooded villages are being tan Nazarbayev met with Turkish leadership. It ranks 16th in the world participating in his inauguration During the roundtable, the parties 35 villages were flooded and more in terms of economic indicators, ceremony. discussed issues of strengthening restored,” Akim (Governor) of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan than 300 head of cattle had died. Karaganda Oblast Nurmukham- which is the result of the work of all Erdoğan noted that despite the cooperation in various fields, as well at the Akorda presidential resi- A state of emergency was de- bet Abdibekov said as he prom- the people of Turkey and your per- difficult global economic situa- as the joint economic programme, dence on April 16. clared in nine districts and two cit- ised those left homeless that they sonal efforts. You arrived in Kazakh- tion, Kazakhstan is developing the New Synergy. The programme, The two presidents discussed ies of the Karaganda region. “The would have the option to allow stan with a large delegation that will dynamically and achieving sig- strengthening cooperation in trade, developed under the patronage of stream was so strong that it [eas- authorities to help them build new take part in a bilateral business forum. nificant success. In addition, he the economy, investments, indus- the presidents of Kazakhstan and ily] knocked people down,” wit- homes. I am sure that your visit will contrib- wished Nazarbayev victory in the try, transit and transport, culture Turkey, is a fundamentally new nesses commented with horror. Rebuilding housing and acquir- ute to improving our relations,” Naz- upcoming presidential election on and humanitarian affairs, as well concept regarding trade and eco- Unfortunately, an elderly cou- ing things such as clothing, food as international issues. Nazarbayev arbayev said in welcoming Erdoğan April 26. nomic cooperation and is aimed at ple, Yuri (78) and Vasilina (76) products and toiletries, cannot be noted that relations between the two for his first state visit to Kazakhstan After the bilateral meeting, increasing mutual trade turnover to Vakulko, were found dead on April done quickly. countries are characterised by their as the Turkish head of state. the presidents attended a meet- $10 billion by 2015. 13 in their home in the Karaganda brotherly and friendly nature. Erdoğan expressed his gratitude ing of the Kazakhstan-Turkey Continued on Page A3 oblast’s Gabiden Mustafin village Continued on Page B2 New Research Finds Most Kazakhs Think Country Is Improving, Ready for Election segments of respondents reported being maximally satisfied. On the courts and justice system and prices, the majority reported being satis- fied, but were less glowing. The vast majority of respond- ents, 93 percent, said they were “certain to vote”, “very likely to vote” and “quite likely to vote” in the upcoming election. Voter turn- outs in Kazakhstan are generally higher than the averages in coun- tries of the Organisation for Eco- nomic Cooperation and Develop- ment (OECD), and turnout for the three presidential elections since independence has averaged 84 By Michelle Witte country’s ethnic assembly, the As- percent, according to the Interna- sembly of the People of Kazakh- tional Institute for Democracy and ASTANA – New research con- stan (APK). Electoral Assistance, an intergov- ducted by U.K. market research Ipsos MORI has done similar ernmental organisation with the agency Ipsos MORI with Kazakh surveys in Kazakhstan with simi- mission of supporting democracy adults shows that a large majority lar samples in 2013 and 2014. and proving comparative knowl- of citizens of the country believe When thinking about their coun- edge on democratic processes. the country is moving in the right try in general, this survey found The data was collected during direction and that most also agree that 93 percent of Kazakh adults in-home, face-to-face interviews. that the country is ready to hold the feel “fairly positive” or “very posi- Three candidates are standing presidential election scheduled for tive,” an increase of 3 and 7 percent- in the April 26 election: Turgun April 26. age points on the similar polls from Syzdykov of the Communist Peo- The research, made public April 2014 and 2013. Seventy-eight per- ple’s Party of Kazakhstan, who is 20 by Ipsos MORI and the Eura- cent felt “fairly” or “very” positive running on a platform of combat- sian Council on Foreign Affairs about the country’s economy, and ing “decadent Western values”; (ECFA) that commissioned it, was 85 percent said they thought life had self-nominated Abelgazy Kus- conducted with a nationally repre- gotten better over the past 10 years. sainov, who is using his campaign sentative sample of 1,000 adults Respondents were asked to con- to draw attention to environmental aged 18 and over from March 16 sider specific aspects of life from issues; and incumbent President to April 3. 10 years ago and today, including Nursultan Nazarbayev. It found that nearly nine in ten infrastructure, prices of everyday The Eurasian Council on For- (89 percent) of adults interviewed goods, education, policing, corrup- eign Affairs is a recently estab- thought that life in general and on tion, the courts and justice system lished think tank with the stated balance was moving in the right and other issues. On infrastructure, mission of providing a platform direction in the country, while 79 education, overall quality of life, for engagement between Central percent thought the country was healthcare, their own standards of Asia and the European Union. The ready for the election, which was living, eliminating corruption, find- Brussels-based council publishes originally scheduled for 2016 but ing opportunities to advance in soci- papers and provides research on a was moved up after calls from ety and job opportunities, the larger variety of issues in Central Asia.

Inside nation Economy & Business editorials opinions nation & capital Three Presidential Candidates Continue Cultural, Economic Cooperation with UNESCO, Development Assistance Key to Eliminating Aldabergenov: Eurasian Economic KazGeo Expedition Succeeds in Reaching Campaigns across Kazakhstan A2 OECD Discussed During Top Level Visit to Support for Extremists A6 Union Minister Discusses Competition, North Pole on Skis B1 Paris A4 UN Development Programme Allows APK’s 20th Anniversary is as Much About the Antitrust Regulatons A7 Bike Away the Atomic Bomb Calls for Oralmans Teach Fellow Oralmans A2 Samruk Kazyna Plans to Open Subsidiary in Past, as it is About the Future A6 Tuimebayev: Kazakhstan-Turkey Strategic Progress at NPT Review Conference B1 Silicon Valley A5 Partnership Can be an Example A7

US$ 1 = 185.80 KZT 1 Euro = 199.62 KZT 1 Rouble = 3.60 KZT A2 NATION

Wednesday, april 22, 2015

degrees Celsius, in Japan 16 C, in the U.S. 15 C, in Singapore 27 C and in NATIONAL news in brief Malaysia 28 C, whereas the average President Explains Kazakhstan’s Specific annual temperature in the most im- portant cities of Kazakhstan, such as All necessary measures are be- Astana in the Akmola region and cit- ing taken in Kazakhstan to develop ies like Pavlodar and others in north- the languages of various ethnic Economic Challenges at Youth Forum ern Kazakhstan, is 2.5 C. groups living in the nation, said “We have an energy-intensive Deputy Prime Minister Berdibek By Malika Orazgaliyeva economy, because of the energy- Saparbayev at a recent national intensive nature around us. Our seminar on language as the basis ASTANA – Kazakh President entire industry, all of our cities, of consent. “The policy pursued Nursultan Nazarbayev addressed villages and districts, need to be by our state is aimed at creating a youth forum on April 10, draw- heated for seven months of the conditions for the development of ing attention to Kazakhstan’s year. In addition, people need to languages of the peoples who live achievements during its years of be paid corresponding salaries, so in our country,” said Saparbayev. independence and the importance they can buy warm clothes, heat The deputy prime minister noted of strengthening the country to their houses and eat food rich in that Kazakhstan has15 theatres per- ensure further development, unity calories,” Nazarbayev said. forming in Russian, as well as four and well-being among its citizens. As an example, Nazarbayev not- theatres in Korean, German, Uzbek In his speech at the youth forum, ed that in Canada, people from the and Uighur languages. “In Kazakh- Nazarbayev also explained why southern regions who go to work in stan, newspapers are published in Kazakhs do not live like citizens the less-populated north are consid- five languages of different ethnic of Western Europe or the United ered heroes. If this comparison was groups, as well as the programmes Arab Emirates. be transferred to Kazakhstan, he on radio and television. In many The President highlighted a quipped, there would be 17 million cities and regional centres there are number of specific factors dra- heroes living in the country. “We Sunday schools which aim to en- matically affecting the domestic President Nursultan Nazarbayev with participants of the April 10 youth forum. have to work harder, overcome sure that the people do not forget economy. more difficulties than others – for their languages, cultures and tradi- “You are the first generation this reason, our lives are more in- tions,” said Saparbayev. According living in conditions of the global tances, landlockedness [and] his- people and pride in their homeland. ally frosty winters like we do. These teresting,” he concluded, drawing to official figures, among the 7,563 world; therefore you need to clear- torical and cultural heritage. In “The richest top 30 countries of countries have access to the sea and laughter from the assembled crowd. schools in Kazakhstan 1,291 are ly understand the circumstances fact, all these years we are moving the world that we aspire to join, or ocean everywhere. Economic pros- More than 2,000 people from taught in Russian, 20 in Uzbek, 13 of our growth and development. forward in spite of many objective the Organisation for Economic Co- perity does not like the cold, prefer- all regions of Kazakhstan attend- in Uighur, four in Tajik language Some ask why we do not live like challenges,” Nazarbayev said. operation and Development, are sit- ring warm, temperate climates. These ed the forum, including activists and 2,100 schools are mixed. [they do] in Western Europe or in The President noted how impor- uated in more favourable climates countries save many times more from Zhas Otan, the youth wing Among 8,467 preschools, 1,840 the United Arab Emirates or, for tant it is for the younger generation to than Kazakhstan. Those are the energy than we do. For example, to of the Nur Otan People’s Demo- are Russian, three in other languag- example, in America. Not every- know the history of the country and countries of Western Europe, Aus- build a two-storey house in Astana is cratic Party, young deputies of es and 1,098 are bilingual. In 190 thing is obvious. There are simple its traditions and values. He stressed tralia, the U.S., Japan, Singapore, 10 times more expensive than to build maslikhats (local assemblies), Sunday schools of ethno-cultural specific factors that fundamentally that today, all Kazakhs are united by South Korea, Malaysia, the United it in Malaysia,” Nazarbayev noted. entrepreneurs, scientists, famous associations, native languages of affect our economy and life. First common values, such as creative la- Arab Emirates and others,” he said. The President said that the average athletes and leaders of the largest 30 ethnic groups are studied. of all, these are climate, long dis- bour, peace and harmony, unity of the “These places do not have re- annual temperature in Germany is 20 youth organisations. Post office employees in Ka- zakhstan will be provided with dren,” she added.“Our teacher had smartphones and printers to re- to teach them from the ground up.” ceive orders and payments, ac- The students are typically 20-45 cording to a recent announcement UN Development Programme Allows years old, although Bakhytgul had by the chairman of the board of one pupil who was a 55-year-old Kazpost Bagdat Mussin. “We will man, a seller who needed to know reconsider the image of postmen in Russian. A large number of students order to modernise and improve it. Oralmans Teach Fellow Oralmans initially enrolled in the courses, but This year, all postmen in each city you a real citizen,” said Bakhytgul ence, with the teachers selected on golia were unable to read, write many were forced to stop because and region will be provided with By Yerbolat Uatkhanov in an April 14 interview. “A great a competitive basis. Computer sci- or speak Russian, said Bakhytgul. of work and other reasons.The smartphones. The smartphone will number of claimants sought this ence was taught by Manap Kerey, Lessons often began by teaching teacher is satisfied with the results, receive orders, which allows post- ASTANA – Individuals who position, but I was appointed.” who like Bakhytgul immigrated letters, as oralmans use the Roman however, noting the education will men to avoid unnecessary walking were once students are now serv- Oralmans, which is translated from Mongolia. alphabet and were unfamiliar with continue as there are many people from office to addressee. Secondly, ing as teachers. as returnees, are the descendants East Kazakhstan is home to both the Cyrillic one. who want to study. it will mark the status of delivery. Classes in Russian and computer of those who left Kazakhstan dur- Kazakh and Russian-speaking “The peculiarity of the lessons “I think that three months is a Thirdly, it will receive payments literacy, provided under the United ing the 1930s during the Stalin- populations and the repatriates for oralmans was in a very low sufficient period of time necessary for communal services,” Mussin Nations Development Programme ist purges and the collectivisation deal with the language and low level of Russian. It would be better for education. My students learned clarified. Salaries of Kazpost em- (UNDP), are being taught in East drive that led to the great famine computer literacy barrier. Despite to say that the level was equal to to make conversation,” she said. ployees will be increased due to Kazakhstan by oralmans, ethnic Ka- of 1932–33. It is estimated that the fact that all the students work zero,” she added. “Sometimes they “One of my students, a woman, the company’s profit. According to zakhs who have immigrated to the more than one million Kazakhs, during the day, they have found came to the city and asked me the came to me and said that she spoke him, at the moment 22,000 people country from neighbouring lands who were forced to abandon their time to attend the three-month meaning of some words. Pronun- to a passerby and asked him about work at Kazpost, 50 percent in ru- since its independence in 1991. The traditional nomadic lifestyle and courses scheduled in the evenings, ciation and stress were very com- the street they were on.” ral areas. courses are unique, as the instructors give up their livestock, died during as quoted by the UNDP report. plicated for them, too, but by fin- At the closing ceremony, the themselves were once oralmans, ac- these tumultuous years, while hun- Since its 2011 beginning, the ishing the courses they understand oralman students said that there The Kazakh Yeli – Mangilik cording to UNDP report. dreds of thousands of others emi- UN Joint Programme in the region each other in Russian.” is a need to learn English and ex- Yel auto caravan, dedicated to the Hanan Bakhytgul, who formerly grated to neighbouring countries has actively worked to promote the The language is as critical as it is pressed gratitude for the courses 550th anniversary of the Kazakh lived in Mongolia, teaches Rus- such as Mongolia, China or Iran. adjustment of repatriates. UNDP complicated for oralmans, as Rus- which are essential to improve Khanate, left April 14 from Kok- sian. She noted her fellow oral- The classes, which started in opened the centre of integration sian is very popular in East Ka- their lives in their historic home- shetau, reported the Department mans did not understand simple March, were attended by 42 oral- and adaptation of oralmen in 2009. zakhstan. Learning computer skills land. One of the participants, of Internal Policy of Kazakhstan’s words and often had difficulty with mans who moved from China, In the first three years, UNDP joint is equally important and similar to Muratkhan Meseyhanuly, wrote Akmola region. The organisers of tasks such as completing bank Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Russia. programme staff organised a series the linguistics classes, the students a poem where he shared his chal- the event noted the importance of forms. As teaching is her occupa- The course was organised by the of educational systems on training had “a low level or zero level of lenges in communicating with the forming Kazakh Yeli – Mangіlіk tion, she felt she could provide as- Kazakh Law Academy Institute and employment of repatriates and computer literacy,” said Bakhyt- local people and thanked UNDP Yel, as it fosters respect for the his- sistance and her intention became of Advanced Training in Semey. attracting teachers from universi- gul. They are taught how to use for the opportunity to speak Rus- tory of the country and the spirit of personal and professional. The programme was designed by ties and high vocational schools. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel sian and use the computer in his Kazakhstan patriotism. The cara- “I had a mind to help them. I can the candidates in science based on The first classes were quite basic, and the Internet. work, according to the UNDP re- van, which will end Aug. 30, is ex- say that knowing languages makes the specifics of the trained audi- as oralmans from China and Mon- “They learn it like little chil- port. pected to cover all areas and cities of the country and began with the ceremonial laying of flowers at the of the Aktyubrentgen Ferroalloy Abylai Khan monument. Regional Plant, as well as representatives Deputy Akim (Governor) Nurlan of veteran groups and patriotic or- Nurkenov noted that this event is Three Presidential Candidates Continue ganisations. of great importance in consolidat- Meanwhile, the campaign of Tur- ing society around core values – gun Syzdykov in Karaganda and Kazakhstan’s independence, state- East Kazakhstan oblasts informed the hood, stability, peace and harmony. Campaigns across Kazakhstan public of the advantages of his plat- According to the organisers, scien- form. The press service of the Com- tists, historians, young people and munist People’s Party of Kazakhstan intellectuals joined the caravan. (CPPK) stated that the public fully They added that the tour is sup- agrees with the notion that “Western posed to raise large-scale aware- culture is negatively impacting Ka- ness and cultural and recreational zakhstan’s young generation.” activities among all categories of “Our campaign events are be- citizens and residents of the most ing held by standard guidelines and remote stations and sidings. The without any excess, we actively hold final point will be the visit to the meetings with the public and explain Burabai district – the famous head- our electoral programme,” members quarters of Abylai Khan as part of of the CPPK regional campaign the history of the Kazakh Khanate. stated. Self-nominated candidate Abelgazy Kussainov Candidate of the Communist People’s Party of Kazakhstan Turgun Syzdykov Syzdykov paid a personal visit to Kazakh deputy head of the Min- the West Kazakhstan Agrarian Tech- istry of Internal Affairs Vladimir By Malika Orazgaliyeva of Transport, Communications and understand the need to preserve our finery and Chevron MunaiGas. nical University on April 14. The Bozhko reported April 14 that the Technologyon April 14. He held a ecological balance,” he summed up. Also, campaign members took part candidate travelled to Astana to ad- water committee has allocated ASTANA – Presidential candi- similar meeting at Atyrau College Representatives of the National at a gathering in the Zhaik Sports dress employees of the AstanaGas more than 8 billion tenge (US$43.2 dates Abelgazy Kussainov, incum- for the Humanities on April 16. Election Campaign of Nursultan Palace where thousands of people Service that same day. bent Nursultan Nazarbayev and Tur- “Our primary objectives should be Nazarbayev, who does not official- came together to support the nation’s CPPK members from the Atyrau million) for dam repairs, which is gun Syzdykov and their campaigns starting to use our natural resources ly campaign, also visited the West leader. and Aktobe headquarters reported very pertinent given the flooding are continuing election canvassing in a rational and planned manner, Kazakhstan region. In Uralsk, they Later on, a meeting with labour on the progress made. According to in various regions of the country. across Kazakhstan. protecting the environment, intro- held meetings with students of the veterans from the Atyrau oblast was a statement, presidential candidate Bozhko also said that all the hy- This week, self-nominated candi- ducing a planned system of state Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan held. Syzdykov lives and eats modestly. draulic works were brought under date Abelgazy Kussainov visited a control, organising international and Agrarian Technical University, em- Members of the Nazarbayev cam- “Faithful to the ideals of the party, control and examined and they number of cities in West Kazakhstan public events aimed at the rational ployees of the West Kazakhstan En- paign then moved to Mangistau the communist does not allow him- opened the passport of the facili- Oblast to promote his candidacy. use, protection and restoration of nat- gineering Company and Agrofirma Oblast on April 15 to meet the staff self anything extra and does not suc- ties. “However, some dams have During the meeting with public ural resources and securing Kazakh- Akas, a dairy farm, as well as with of the Aktau International Sea Trade cumb to the temptation of Western been in private hands; they also re- officials in Aktobe on April 13, Kus- stan’s material and cultural needs for representatives of ethnic and cultur- Port, the Aktau Foundry and doctors advertising. He eats simple modest ceive regulations because we have sainov spoke on the key aspects of future generations,” Kussainov said al associations on April 13. from the Regional Blood Сentre. food, does not accept any luxury, or tightened responsibility,” he added. his election platform, which is based while addressing the public. The next day, April 14, the staff Election campaign representa- the cult of material wealth; he is en- Since Jan. 1, the inspection en- on defining and solving ecological “We need to develop civic partici- visited the Atyrau oblast, where they tives moved to the Aktobe Oblast gaged in self-development and cares gaged in the operation and control issues. Kussainov met with students pation on environmental issues and presented their candidate’s platform on April 16 to meet state work- about people,” the head of the Ak- of dam safety has been established and teachers at the Aktobe College conservation activities. People must to employees of the Atyrau Oil Re- ers, entrepreneurs and employees tobe election campaign said. in the Ministry of Agriculture. A3 eurasia&world

Wednesday, april 22, 2015

Glasgow, who suggested on Twit- external ter that a nuclear deal between the news in brief West and Iran could be a “game- Iran’s Zarif Says No Imposed changer for Central Asia,” a Over the past 10 years, Kazakh- land-locked region for which Iran stan has invested $900 million in would provide the most direct and Singapore’s economy, while the the shortest path to the open seas. inflow of direct investment from Solution Can Be Sustainable International sanctions on Iran, Singapore into Kazakhstan’s econ- Turning to the most timely is- caused by concerns over the intent omy amounted to more than $60 By Malika Rustem sue of the day, Iran’s nuclear pro- of its nuclear programme, have million, Chairman of the Invest- gramme and the recent talks held long been an impediment in the ment Committee of the Ministry ASTANA – On April 13, Iranian between Iran and the P5+1 (the process of unlocking the region’s of Investment and Development Foreign Minister Mohammad Ja- U.S., Russia, China, France, the huge resources, including its abun- of Kazakhstan Yerlan Khairov an- vad Zarif started his official two- U.K. and Germany) in Lausanne, dant oil and gas reserves. nounced at an April 15 Kazakh- day visit to Astana, beginning with Zarif marked the importance of Iran and the P5+1 countries will stan-Singapore Business Forum a lecture in English at the Kazakh understanding between the con- meet again to sign a final agree- meeting. “Kazakhstan has invested State University of Humanities sulting countries. “If we want to ment in June. All sanctions on Iran $900 million in Singapore. From and Law, where he dwelt exten- resolve the nuclear issue, every- remain in place until the agree- 2005 to 2014, the inflow of direct sively on the recent results of the body, including the Western coun- ment is signed. investment from Singapore to Ka- multilateral talks on Iran’s nuclear tries and particularly the Western The lecture was attended by zakhstan amounted to more than programme in Lausanne. countries, must also realise that in representatives of the diplomatic $60.25 million,” Khairov said. He In fact, students and representa- today’s world you cannot have se- corps and the media, students of noted that Kazakhstan has created tives of the mass media were able curity at the expense of the insecu- law departments of the university a favourable investment climate, to ask him questions ranging from rity of others; you cannot impose. and Deputy Foreign Minister of having undertaken reforms based the Kazakh-Iranian relationship to No imposed solution is a sustain- Kazakhstan Askar Mussinov, who off of those implemented by Sin- the recent Lausanne negotiations. able solution and I believe that was there to welcome the Iranian gapore. Thus, Kazakh businesses Zarif started his speech with Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks at the Kazakh State there has been some realisation of foreign minister. that are actively cooperating with warm gratitude to Kazakhstan for University of Humanities and Law in Astana on April 13 and university rector that solution in the nuclear discus- During his visit to Astana, Za- Singaporean companies in com- the invitation to visit and their hos- Maksut Narikbayev looks on . sion, but not in full. Because they rif also met with President Naz- munication management consult- pitality. are still trying to maintain some arbayev, Chairman of the Senate ing have taken on a new economic “We share historical ties that go teraction and Confidence-Building and religion, in addition to ties of pressure. Pressure and cooperation of the Parliament Kassym-Jomart model. “Because of Singapore’s beyond political considerations. Measures in Asia (CICA) as one geography. We share many bounda- do not go together. You can choose Tokayev and Kazakh Foreign Min- economic and social development, We are bound by similarities in of Kazakh President Nursultan ries together: the boundary of the either,” he concluded. ister Erlan Idrissov. Key regional the approaches chosen by Lee culture, traditions, geography and Nazarbayev’s initiatives for en- Caspian Sea that we share with This was the first public speech and international developments Kuan Yew have gained respect history,” the Iranian foreign minis- hancing cooperation in the interest Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia Zarif has given since the negotia- are on the agenda of these meet- and a foothold in Kazakhstan, as ter said. of peace, security and stability in and Azerbaijan. … Our companies, tions on Iran’s nuclear programme ings. we view them as proven methods While talking about the bilateral Asia. our experts are active in Kazakh- in Switzerland. It generated some President Hassan Rouhani paid for stimulating growth and safe- relationship, Zarif emphasised the “For us, Central Asia is our im- stan and the rest of Central Asia, commentary by Central Asia an official visit to Kazakhstan last guarding the population’s welfare. importance of Kazakhstan’s role mediate neighbourhood, where helping in the promotion of indus- watchers, including from Luca September, when he also partici- Kazakhstan is actively cooperat- in the region, particularly the im- we enjoy extremely important and try, railroads, road construction and Anceschi, a lecturer in Central pated in the Iran-Kazakhstan eco- ing with Singaporean companies portance of the Conference on In- deep-rooted ties of culture, history all other sectors,” Zarif said. Asian Studies at the University of nomic forum. in economic zone management consulting. Kazakh companies, to- gether with JURONG Internation- to be worked out for the railway to al, have developed recommenda- operate at its full capacity. tions for a new model of economic Following the meeting, the two Kazakhstan, Iran Discuss Bilateral ministers also mentioned that the zone management,” Khairov said. next meetings of the Intergov- “Kazgeology has successfully at- ernmental Commission on Trade, tracted foreign investment in min- Cooperation, Regional Security Economic, Scientific, Technologi- eral exploration in Kazakhstan,” cal and Cultural Cooperation and “We have a good basis for fur- September in strengthening their ment on Iran’s nuclear programme Chairman of the Board of Kazge- the Business Council comprising By Malika Orazgaliyeva ther interaction in the framework cooperation and friendship. within the agreed timeframe, ology, Kazakhstan’s state-owned the National Chamber of Entre- of the transit of raw materials and “We are expecting the visit of which is June 30. preneurs of Kazakhstan and the geological exploration and min- ASTANA – President Nursultan minerals, industry and road con- President [Nursultan] Nazarbayev The ministers noted that intensi- Iranian Chamber of Commerce, ing company, Galym Nurzhanov Nazarbayev received visiting Min- struction. Iran intends to further to Iran and hope that this visit will fied contacts at the highest levels said at an April 15 media briefing. ister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Mo- which should give an additional deepen cooperation with Kazakh- contribute to the further develop- have positively affected trade turn- impetus to economic cooperation, Over the past two years, four ma- hammad Javad Zarif in the Akorda stan in these and other spheres. We ment of bilateral relations,” Zarif over between the two countries: jor foreign investors, including the presidential residence on April 13, are planned to be held this year. are confident that with the support noted. the volume of trade turnover in According to the press service Anglo-Australian Rio Tinto, South emphasising that Kazakhstan sees of President Nazarbayev our rela- The Iranian minister stressed the 2014 amounted to $1 billion, 1.6 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Korean KORES, Australian Iluka Iran as a close political and eco- tions with Kazakhstan will grow constructive role of Kazakhstan in times more than in 2013. In this of Kazakhstan, Idrissov and Zarif Resources and the German invest- nomic partner. stronger,” Zarif said as quoted by the process of multilateral negotia- regard, the parties welcomed the reviewed the implementation of ment fund Ulmus Fund have taken “I have worked with all the Irani- the Akorda. tions on Iran’s nuclear programme opening of Kazakhstan-Turkmen- agreements reached at the Astra- part in exploration operations in an heads of state with mutual trust. While in Astana, Zarif was also and thanked the leadership of Ka- istan-Iran railway and expressed khan Summit of Caspian States in Kazakhstan. These companies are Last year, I met four times with received by Kassym-Jomart To- zakhstan for providing a platform hope that trade between Kazakh- ready to invest 5.5 billion tenge President Rouhani. Our countries kayev, chairman of the Senate of for two rounds of negotiations in stan and Iran as well as regional September 2014, as well as prepara- (US$296 million) in mineral ex- have great potential for coopera- Kazakhstan, to discuss the poten- Almaty in 2013. trade would grow. tions for the Astana Summit of 2016. ploration. Rio Tinto completed all tion. A lot of work is being done in tial for expanding ties at the parlia- “I would like to thank Minis- “I would like to note the signifi- They noted the importance of further of the necessary procedures for set- the framework of the revival of the mentary level. ter Idrissov for his very positive cance of the opening of Kazakh- constructive collaboration aimed ting up joint ventures in the Kara- Great Silk Road. The railway from Earlier in the day, Minister of speech in regard to the Iranian stan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway. at developing mutually acceptable ganda region. Iluka Resources, the Kazakhstan, with access to the Per- Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Er- nuclear programme talks. Also, I Kazakhstan gains access to the principles on which a convention on world’s largest producer of zircon sian Gulf, will greatly contribute to lan Idrissov also held talks with am grateful to Kazakhstan for the open seas. We have great poten- the legal status of the Caspian Sea and a global manufacturer of tita- strengthening economic ties. Also, Mohammad Zarif. role it has played in the P5+1 talks tial in agriculture and other indus- can be based, the press service said. nium products, is now a name in our countries established agree- The sides discussed bilateral [with Iran], as well as for their hos- tries. The Iranian side is interested “The Caspian Sea is a sea of Kazakhstan’s markets. Nurzhanov ments concerning cooperation relations in the political, trade, pitality,” he said. in various investment projects in peace and friendship... it is our said that this year’s exploration op- on the Caspian Sea, due to which economic and investment spheres, As a state which has made a Kazakhstan, including in miner- common wealth,” Zarif stressed at erations in Dyussembai and Bess- the issue should find its solution,” as well as their interaction within significant contribution to nuclear als,” Zarif said at the press con- the press conference. hokywill include KORES and the Nazarbayev said, according to the multilateral institutions and sig- nonproliferation, Idrissov noted ference. During the talks, the sides also Ulmus Fund.“The companies are Akorda press service. nificant regional and international Kazakhstan’s readiness to con- “Kazakh companies are ready discussed combating international satisfied with their progress and Nazarbayev went on to con- issues, according to the two min- tinue providing assistance in order to open terminals in Iran at rail- terrorism, extremism and drug traf- are interested in implementing new gratulate Zarif on the outcome of isters’ statements at a joint press to reach a final agreement between way junctions and in the Persian ficking, as well as Kazakh-Iranian joint exploration projects with Ka- multilateral talks on Iran’s nuclear conference following their talks. Iran and the group of internation- Gulf. Iranian companies are ready cooperation in international and re- zgeology,” he said. Kazgeology is programme in Lausanne. The ministers highlighted the al negotiators on the issue. The to take part in the development gional organisations including the constantly engaged in exploration Zarif noted that Kazakhstan and expansion of economic and re- Kazakh minister also expressed of port infrastructure in Kazakh- Conference on Interaction and Con- and introducing new equipment Iran are friends with a common gional cooperation between their hope that the political will of the stan,” Idrissov noted in his turn, fidence-Building Measures in Asia and advanced technologies. To- history and culture and have close countries and the importance of countries participating in the ne- adding that various issues, such as (CICA), the Organisation of Islamic gether with the Canadian company positions on many international the visit of Iranian President Has- gotiations will help push them to streamlining tariffs and determin- Cooperation (OIC) and the Shang- Geotech, they founded an airborne and regional issues. san Rouhani to Kazakhstan last achieve a comprehensive agree- ing technical modalities, still need hai Cooperation Organisation. geophysical company. Kazakhstan has already used unique VTEM and ZTEM technology, which allows geologists to survey solid minerals to a depth of 2.5 kilometres. Kazakhstan, Turkey Review Regional, A legal code on subsurface re- sources in Kazakhstan will be de- veloped based on an Australian model, Executive Director of the International Cooperation National Association of Mining and Continued from Page A1 crisis. This programme provides Traditional Religions, which will agreements on the implementation Kazakhstan is one of Turkey’s Metallurgical Enterprises Nikolai great opportunities for business- be held in Astana June 10–11,” of 19 projects totalling $800 mil- most important political and eco- Radostovets recently announced. “Many Turkish companies have men from both Kazakhstan and Nazarbayev said. lion were signed between compa- nomic partners in Central Asia. “The code demonstrates new rela- successful operations in Kazakh- other countries. “Turkey supports Kazakhstan’s nies of the two countries, the press The frequency of high-level bi- tions with investors. The relations stan. A large amount of Turkish It was mentioned that Turkish candidacy in becoming a non- service of the Ministry for Invest- lateral visits reflects the level of should be based on the best interna- capital is dispersed amongst more companies received an offer from permanent member of the UN Se- ment and Development of Kazakh- relations between the nations and tional experience. Thus, Australia’s than 1,600 enterprises operating in Kazakhstan on the joint imple- curity Council for 2017 and 2018. stan reported. provides a platform upon which experience will be applied,” he said. our country. It should be noted that mentation of 25 projects that will Turkey is planning to participate in “The first list of projects -in or to exchange views on bilateral, According to him, the Australian Turkish businesses were a big part strengthen trade and economic re- EXPO in Astana in 2017. We hope der to activate the work within of regional and international issues. code interprets the size of taxation. of building Astana, Kazakhstan’s lations. that in the near future, talks on Ka- the New Synergy programme was Erdoğan’s visit to Kazakhstan He also noted that within the sec- new capital. The total volume of “Kazakhstan and Turkey play an zakhstan’s accession to the World created. It includes 23 business in 2012, then as prime minister, ond phased of the State Programme contracted work carried out by active role in the issues of regional Trade Organisation (WTO) will be initiatives totalling more than $2.8 helped expand cooperation be- of Accelerated Industrial and Inno- Turkish businesses in Astana totals and international security. It is re- completed. We intend to continue billion. Today, the documents on tween the two countries. vative Development, ferrous met- about $20 billion. Currently, Turk- flected in the interaction within the supporting our brother Kazakhstan implementation of 19 out of 23 On April 17, Nazarbayev and allurgy projects worth 390 billion ish businessmen are involved in framework of organisations, such in its aspirations,” Erdoğan said projects, worth more than $800 Erdoğan jointly visited the spir- tenge (US$2.09 billion) will be im- implementing 14 investment pro- as the United Nations, Organisa- at a joint press briefing of the two million, were signed during the itual centre of the Turkic world, plemented and over 1 trillion tenge jects totalling $1.5 billion. Trade tion for Security and Coopera- leaders following the talks. business forum,” the report stated. Turkestan, a town in the south of (US$5.4 billion) in nonferrous met- turnover between the two coun- tion in Europe, the Organisation Following the talks, the heads Turkey was the first country to Kazakhstan. There, the two leaders allurgy. “Despite the difficult con- tries has reached $3.29 billion. for Economic Cooperation, the of state signed a joint statement of recognise Kazakh independence attended the opening of major cul- ditions, we expect investments to This figure is less than it used to Organisation for Islamic Coop- the second meeting of the Strate- on Dec. 16, 1991. The Turkish tural and educational facilities, in- be made in this sector. According to be, but we should take into account eration, Conference on Interaction gic Cooperation Council, as well Embassy in Almaty was opened cluding a mosque, the construction expert predictions and Bloomberg, the negative impact of the global and Confidence-Building Meas- as a protocol on implementing a in March 1992 and later moved to of which started about 15 years Kazakhstan ranked ninth among financial crisis,” Nazarbayev said. ures in Asia, the Turkic Council plan of action as part of the New Astana. ago. They also visited the Khoja the fastest developing economies He noted that Kazakhstan adopt- and TURKSOY. Turkey is plan- Synergy. Today, Turkey plays a leading Akhmet Yassawi mausoleum and after the United Arab Emirates,” he ed the Nurly Zhol programme as ning to take part in the fifth Con- During the Kazakh-Turkish role in the Kazakh construction spoke to students at the Interna- highlighted. a response to the global financial gress of the Leaders of World and business forum on the same day, industry. tional Kazakh-Turkish University. A4 economy

Wednesday, april 22, 2015

economy Cultural, Economic Cooperation with UNESCO, news in brief Chairman of the Committee on Statistics of the Ministry of National OECD Discussed During Top Level Visit to Paris Economy Alikhan Smailov spoke at an April 15 media briefing about the By Aiman Turebekova age of Turkic peoples, but also the main indicators of Kazakh socio- wealth of all mankind.” economic development. The growth ASTANA – Gulshara Abdyka- The next day Abdykalikova met of the short-term economic indica- likova, Kazakhstan’s secretary of with Deputy Secretary-General tor in January–March amounted state, discussed potential avenues of the Organisation for Economic to 2 percent compared to the same for expanding the country’s eco- Cooperation and Development period last year. The calculation of nomic and cultural cooperation (OECD) Mari Kiviniemi and head with international organisations this index is based on the change in of the Secretariat of Global Con- the index of manufacturing’s main during her visit to Paris on April nections Marcos Bonturi. They 15–16. sectors: agriculture, industry, con- discussed the dynamic develop- struction, trade, transport and com- Abdykalikova, who is the high- ment of cooperation in all areas, est ranked woman in modern munications, which make up 67–68 which includes, among others, the percent of the country’s gross do- Kazakhstan’s history, visited the implementation of projects under headquarters of the United Nations mestic product. The volume of the Country Programme Partner- industrial production in January– Educational, Scientific and Cultur- ship between Kazakhstan and the al Organisation (UNESCO), where March totalled 3.37 trillion tenge OECD signed last January. (US$18.2 billion) in current prices, she met with UNESCO Director Abdykalikova emphasised the General Irina Bokova. which is 0.6 percent more than last development of the social sphere in The two officials noted the high year. In mining and quarrying pro- Kazakhstan, in particular, health, level of cooperation between Ka- duction it increased by 1.1 percent. education, gender policy and the zakhstan and UNESCO, as well The production in agriculture grew exchange of statistical data. She as Kazakhstan’s commitment to by 3 percent to 254.3 billion tenge expressed an interest in the de- UNESCO’s goals and principles. (US$1.4 billion). According to the velopment by the Kazakh side of As quoted by the press service of transport industry volume index, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign the Memorandum of Cooperation the ratio of the actual level of pro- Affairs, Bokova said she highly between the National Commission duction in January-March showed a for Women, Family and Demo- 7 percent increase. In the first quar- appreciates the support from Ka- Secretary of State Gulshara Abdykalikova delivers remarks at a UNESCO event dedicated to Korkyt Ata on April 15. zakhstan’s leadership in funding graphic Policy under the President ter of this year the volume of pas- and the OECD. senger traffic totalled 60.2 billion numerous programmes, as well as age of Humanity in November She also briefed Bokova on the stan, the first French university “The development strategy for passenger-kilometres, which is 4 the country’s active participation 2014. Earlier, the Mausoleum of activities of the Assembly of Peo- in Central Asia, were discussed, gender equality for 2006–2016 pro- percent more than the same period in UNESCO activities. Khoja Ahmed Yassawi; the petro- ple of Kazakhstan (APK), a con- and the parties agreed to organise vides for the economic participation last year. The communication and Kazakhstan became a member of glyphs of the archaeological land- stitutional body comprising rep- this year the next Inter-University of women in SMEs and large infra- trade industries showed an increase UNESCO in May 1992. The coun- scape of Tamgaly; the Silk Road resentatives of ethnic associations Forum in Paris or in Astana with try attaches great importance to the structure projects. Now, I can say in actual production levels of 7.3 and Sary-Arka, the steppes and which is empowered to nominate the participation of the heads of that 50 percent of the SME sector is percent and 3.1 percent, respec- implementation of programmes lakes of Northern Kazakhstan; and nine deputies into the national par- leading universities of the two aimed at the promotion and pro- made up of women,” Abdykalikova tively. Thus, the volume of retail the World Network of Biosphere liament’s lower chamber. In April countries. said in the interview with EFE news trade in January-March increased tection of the national and world Reserves (Korgalzhyn, Alakol, and throughout the year, Kazakh- On April 15, the secretary of cultural and natural heritage and agency. Abdykalikova also told the by 3.6 percent to 1.3 trillion tenge Akzhayik and Katon Karagai) stan is celebrating the 20th an- state also attended a ceremony to the promotion of a culture of peace news agency that Kazakhstan has (US$7 billion) in cash. The vol- were also added to this list. niversary of the APK, which was mark the 200th anniversary of the and nonviolence. The Internation- set a target of 30 percent for the ume of wholesale trade in the same During the conversation with established in 1995. publication of the first book by al Decade for the Rapprochement representation of women in politi- period amounted to 3.143 trillion of Cultures 2013–2022 under the Bokova, Abdykalikova outlined In Paris, Abdykalikova also Korkyt Ata and the 70th anniver- cal decision-making posts, while 20 tenge (US$17 billion), an increase auspices of UNESCO, initiated by measures taken by the government met with Director General of sary of UNESCO. As part of the percent of its Parliament is already of 2.9 percent compared to the first Kazakhstan, has been considered of Kazakhstan to develop educa- the Campus France educational event, the Symphony Orchestra of comprised of women. quarter of 2014. The total number of an important contribution to the tion, science and culture, as well agency Antoine Grassen, Presi- the Kazakh National University of While in Paris, the secretary of registered legal entities as of April 1 promotion of harmony among cul- as to ensure gender equality. Ab- dent of the Sorbonne Paris Cité Arts presented Korkyt’s famous state also discussed the upcoming amounted to 357,194 units, a growth tures, civilisations and peoples. dykalikova, a former head of the Association of Universities Jean- works. Abdykalikova noted that presidential election. “We expect of 4 percent, 348,259 of which have The art of playing the dombra National Commission for Women, Yves Mérindol and with Marek the image of Korkyt is considered more than 400 international ob- fewer than 100 employees. Smailov kui and the manufacturing tech- Family and Demographic Policy, Halter, a public figure, who ini- a golden bridge for the cultural servers to be present in these elec- noted the positive trend of income niques for making Kazakh and was instrumental in developing tiated the establishment of Uni- and spiritual traditions of the Tur- tions,” she told EFE, referring to growth. Per capita nominal income Kyrgyz yurts were included on and implementing a national strat- versity Sorbonne-Kazakhstan kic people throughout Eurasia. the number of observers from the in February 2015 was 62,388 tenge UNESCO’s Representative List egy for gender equality for 2006– in 2014. During these meetings, She also added that “the book of OSCE expected for the April 26 (US$337.26), which is 10.4 percent of the Intangible Cultural Herit- 2016. issues of the Sorbonne-Kazakh- Korkyt Ata is not only the herit- poll. higher than in February last year, while real incomes for the period increased by 4.1 percent. The av- erage monthly nominal wage per employee assessment in Febru- ary this year amounted to 120,975 Kazakh Middle Class Should Become tenge (US$653.98). Unemployment statistics remained unchanged and amounted to 460,300 people, or 5 percent of the economically-active Active in Stock Investments, Say Experts population. the U.S. and other countries, give Exchange. Now, I also have sev- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov an advisory opinion and furnish eral investments in international The volume of investments in trust management services. We companies (mainly America and Kazakhstan increased by 2.9 per- ASTANA – Stocks aren’t part produce investment ideas for our Asia). My decision to invest came cent from January-March compared of the culture in Kazakhstan as clients and suggest to them when with overall interest in this sphere to the same period last year, said they are in the U.S. and many and what they should buy or sell. together with my finance educa- Chairman of the Kazakh Commit- tee on Statistics Alikhan Smailov other Western countries. Experts We get access to unique IPOs (our tion,” he said. at an April 15 media briefing. “The and private investors, however, company participated in Alibaba, Arstanbekov strongly recom- volume of investment in fixed assets consider that the situation should Virgin America, Facebook and mends investing. in January–March amounted to 969 be slowly changed and regular Hilton IPOs), where our clients “For ordinary people, investing billion tenge (US$5.2 billion), which people should start to learn more earned well. I am referring to 30, in securities may give an addi- is 2.9 percent more than in the first about investments in Kazakh se- 40, 50 percent and more in a few tional source of huge profit, since quarter of last year,” he said. Ac- curities, because they are safe and months.” securities are almost unlimited in cording to Smailov, the growth of very profitable. Smirnov advises arming your- terms of possible gain. The per- the short-term economic indicator Dmitry Smirnov, vice director centage of profit is much higher self with patience if you are a par- in January–March was 102 percent; of the Physical Bodies Depart- than deposits (approximately 10 ticipant in Kazakhstan’s IPOs. He the gross domestic product for the ment of Freedom Finance, a major feels that KEGOC shares show percent). Investing in real estate investment company in Kazakh- first quarter grew in real terms by in the near future. It will be the to buy different shares during depreciation because most people requires a much bigger invest- stan and Russia, discussed the 2.2 percent, and the volume of indus- first such story in our market.” 10–15 years for 10–15 percent of who wanted to buy shares did so. ment than securities and requires situation. trial production for the first quarter Smirnov is sure that a middle- your annual income. Believe me, As of today, there are no buyers personal involvement in all is- “People in Kazakhstan invested was 3.372 trillion tenge (US$18.2 class Kazakh citizen without cor- the aggregate result will gladden in the market. KazTransOil shares sues, such as purchasing real es- their money in real estate, bank de- billion), including mining output responding education and skills you.” were purchased by United Pen- tate, reconstruction, maintenance, posits and their own business for a growth which amounted to 1.1 per- can invest money in stocks. Smirnov also advises preparing sion Savings Fund, but now the renting, whereas investing in se- long time. Even today, investment cent and manufacturing, 0.5 percent. “Everybody should make in- an investment strategy. fund invests in other fields. That curities requires minimum per- culture is low. There are many rea- vestments. Your money must “First of all, you need to under- “The volume of gross output of ag- is why investors should wait for sonal involvement. At that, in- riculture amounted to 254 billion sons for this: the absence of experi- work for you. You should have stand and decide what you need. buyers, earnings per shares and vesting in securities could be very tenge (US$1.4 billion) with growth ence, nascence of financial instru- passive income, which is more After that, you should contact an good news. profitable, but risky at the same of 3 percent, transport services in ments, bad experience of investment than paper money inflation and investment company. The stock Aubakir Arstanbekov is a grad- time. The market is volatile; dif- real terms grew by 7 percent, in the in economic ‘bubbles.’ We have low to moderate risk. You should market has a lot of interesting in- uate of KIMEP University, the ferent news and accidents could communications sector the services learned to earn, but only a few peo- always have a safety cushion if struments and everyone can find ple correctly invest their money. leading independent North Amer- significantly affect stock price. volume grew by 7.3 percent, in trade, you don’t earn your basic income exactly what he needs. You can As of today, the situation is slowly ican-styled academic institution Loss could be as big as initial 3.1 percent,” he stressed. Smailov or for any other unforeseen cir- get fixed income buying bonds. changing. People discover new in- in the Commonwealth of Inde- profit. An investor should be in noted that Kazakh foreign trade turn- cumstances. Travelling abroad or You can invest in precious metals struments and begin to use them,” he pendent States (CIS). He majored the swim to constantly monitor over for the current two months was the purchase of an apartment for said. and so on and you can do this us- in finance and earned an MBA prices and news.” $13.3 billion, of which exports were Smirnov also spoke about the your children for money which ing one account.” from Kazakh British Technical Arstanbekov outlined some $8.53 billion, imports $4.8 billion. reasons for the sluggishness in was easily earned is real, if you Smirnov recommends investors University. Arstanbekov worked suggestions for investors. Kazakh securities investment. invest a minimum 10 percent of be wary of passion and greed. in the auditing department of “I have successfully invested in The Kazakh Ministry of National “We need time for stock mar- your income using different finan- “Very often people want to get KPMG LLC, then for Samsung Chinese companies. I would rec- Economy reported April 14 that ket development. There is a lack cial instruments.” high yield, but this makes them Electronics, and currently works ommend investing in securities if in January–February trade turno- of people who have earned mon- Smirnov is sure that there are crazy. They want to earn more as key channels manager at Sony a person has free capital. You need ver between Kazakhstan and the ey in investment equities, who no guarantees that you won’t lose and more, but it makes them risk Electronics, managing sales and to plan all your expenses ahead; if EAEU reached $2.262 billion. The worked with stocks one way or you money if you invest in equi- too much. Don’t seek big money, marketing with major Kazakh you realise you have some capital department made it clear that in the another. First of all, we need good ties, which is a risky kind of ac- follow your investment strategy. electronic retailers. to invest, you need to choose the structure of Kazakhstan’s exports, investment stories. People in Ka- tivity. It is very important to be disci- “Since KIMEP, I’ve been inter- best company and broker. After a mineral products, metal products, zakhstan should know that their “But because of the risks, such plined and know how to make ested in finance and economics. I decision is made, a person needs chemical products, products of ani- friends and relatives earned a lot investments enable [the person] decisions.” have read lots of books and arti- to carefully study all possibilities mal and vegetable origin and ready of money investing in equities to to get high income. In fact, eve- Smirnov noted his company cles. I practiced securities trading and consult with a financial man- food products dominate the figure. buy shares for themselves. Also, rything is easy. You don’t need to provides the opportunity to invest with the STOCKTRACK trad- ager. The manager could advise Machinery and equipment, mineral the companies should know that have special knowledge and cor- in foreign markets and takes ad- ing simulator and won the prize interesting stocks for investment products, metals and metal prod- it is very profitable to get money responding education to invest. vantage of all available informa- for ‘largest gain for six months.’ and share some insights and anal- ucts, chemical products, products for their own projects in the paper Everything you need is to under- tion. I started to invest since KIMEP ysis. As for me, I am planning to of animal and vegetable origin and market. Our company is going to stand the situation in general and “We provide access to the stock – I’ve played on FOREX and expand my investments into Chi- ready food products are largely im- present shares of BAST company your own strategy; for example, markets of Kazakhstan, Russia, invested in the New York Stock nese companies,” he said. ported from the EAEU countries. A5 Business

Wednesday, april 22, 2015

BUSINESS news in brief Kashagan Field to Restart Production in 2017, Acting Deputy General Direc- tor of Gazprom Neft Kazakhstan Marat Malatayev reported April 15 that the company is currently con- Says Royal Dutch Shell Annual Report sidering the issues for Euro-4 do- the end of 2016,” the Feb. 6 ar- mestic refineries gasoline quality in By Michelle Witte ticle said. 2016. “If we compare the produc- Kashagan’s oil is deep below tion technology, we should grow. ASTANA – Production at Ka- the Caspian seabed at very high zakhstan’s giant Kashagan off- For example, large investments pressure, and its associated gas shore oil field is expected to restart were made in the Omsk plant for has extremely high levels of toxic in 2017, Royal Dutch Shell stated five years. They have modernised and corrosive hydrogen sulphide, in its 2014 annual report. the manufacturing for the produc- the cause of pipe leaks and subse- “After the start of production tion of Euro-4 and Euro-5 fuel,” quent delays. Saipem’s new pipe- he said. Today, Kazakhstan can from the Kashagan field in Sep- lines will be made of carbon steel produce Euro-2 standard fuel. The tember 2013, operations had to be acting deputy general director said stopped in October 2013 due to and lined inside with a corrosion- that investments in Kazakhstan are gas leaks from the sour gas pipe- resistant alloy layer, Reuters re- currently aimed at modernising line. Following investigations, it ported. the Atyrau oil refinery, which, as has been decided that both the oil The Kashagan field is operated well as the Pavlodar refinery, will and the gas pipeline will be re- by the North Caspian Operating start producing Euro-4 fuelon Jan. placed. Replacement activities are Company, and partners in the pro- 1, 2016. “Any production must ongoing, with production expected ject include Shell, Italian energy strive to maximise their efficiency to restart in 2017,” page 27 of the company Eni, ExxonMobil, To- and produce fuel that will be de- annual report, released on March tal, the China National Petroleum manded by the consumer,” said 12, said. Corporation, Japan’s Inpex and Malatayev. He added the company After sour gas leaks forced pro- KazMunayGas. Upon its discov- plans to increase its market share duction to halt soon after it began ery in 2000, Kashagan field was at the Kazakhstan gas market in late 2013 – already years behind considered to be the biggest oil from 7 percent to 12-14 percent. the original schedule – predictions discovery in 30 years. Because of He found it difficult, however, to the low temperature, high pres- forecast fuel prices in Kazakhstan. as to when the project would actu- “There are factors such as govern- ally produce have been repeatedly nik was announcing that Kasha- that Italian oil service company zakhstan. Saipem’s statement on sure and sour gas associated with ment regulation and the impact of made and then pushed back, and gain would come online in late Saipem had won a $1.8 billion the contract to build two 95-kil- the project, it is also considered to the local and international mar- even in late January of this year, 2016. contract to replace leaking pipe- ometre pipelines said “The con- be one of the world’s most chal- ket. Therefore, we cannot predict Energy Minister Vladimir Shkol- Reuters reported in February lines at the giant field in Ka- struction will be completed by lenging. whether the price of gasoline will increase or decrease,” noted the acting deputy general director. Kazakhs are choosing not to take advantage of the offer. Kuat Bai- The Council on Competitiveness gozhin, a 42-year-old businessman of the National Chamber of Entre- Cheap Loans to be Available to from Astana, is familiar with the preneurs (NCE) announced the programme, but added he would list of national champions among not use it. He and a friend took a competitive companies in promis- Purchase Kazakh-Made Cars pleasure trip to Russia last month ing sectors of the Kazakh economy and Baigozhin returned with a car on April 15. Council Chairman siders that the cheap loans are, residents, as well as Kazakh auto it easily because of the devaluation which he said was “a bargain pur- Yeldar Abdrazakov noted that the By Yerbolat Uatkhanov most importantly, destined for the producers, will benefit from the and inflation,” she said in an April chase.” selection of national champions support of Kazakhstan automo- loan programme. 15 interview. ASTANA – Cheap loans to pur- was carried out by the members of bile producers. He noted a fee rate “As the saying goes, ‘a new car Zhakupova added, however, that “There is still a great difference chase Kazakh-made cars, with a the expert group on the basis of at- which should be used in second- is a new car,’ and a cheap auto loan not everyone will be able to take in prices for new cars between four percent nominal fee rate and tributes of statistical and analytical tier banks is incommensurable is an undoubtedly-favourable offer advantage of the programme. Kazakhstan and Russia. I saved five year maximum loan term, will data of the Expert Credit Rating with devaluation and the refinance considering the low fee rate. While “Unfortunately, the purchase of approximately $8,000 and really be available beginning April 20. Agency – Kazakhstan. “From the rate. Banks usually need to attract people await tenge devaluation and a new car, even using such a cheap don’t want to pay more in a Ka- “As of today, the project is de- selection, state-owned companies monetary funds from abroad and inflation, using such a loan with a loan, isn’t available for a major zakhstan car dealership. Even the veloped, but we plan to sign all the and companies controlled by for- draw money from Kazakhstan citi- absence of a warranty didn’t stop documents on April 20 and begin long term is advantageous, indeed. part of Kazakhstan citizens,” she eign legal entities were excluded,” zens through deposits. In this case, to work on the project. Mean- I am sure that if you get such a loan said. me,” he added in an April 14 in- he said. Rating agency general however, banks will get money di- while, we don’t have any failures with a long term, you will return Despite the low rates, some terview. director Adil Mamazhanov said rectly from the government with- and problems,” said head of the that studies have focused more on out the need to pay dividends to Kazakhstan Automobile Business medium-sized companies, which the state. Association Andrey Lavrentyev, are rapidly developing in certain Kim added the cheap car loan as quoted by Tengrinews. sectors of the economy rather Lavrentyev noted the pro- programme is not limited and will than large multinational corpora- gramme is not a new one. Thirty enable residents to purchase any tions. “This is due to the fact that percent of the loan is prepayment number of vehicles. the modern post-industrial society for leasing, while the balance is “That is why there is no problem is based on the principle of meet- executed under normal acts and with the refinance rate increase ing the needs of a variety of goods acting legislation, and the docu- and if the programme works as and services, which is dominated ment package is the same as one it is planned to work, it will be a by small and medium businesses. for a usual car loan. very profitable project which can The medium business is more “The cheap car loans will be motivate people to purchase cars mobile and sensitive to the needs suitable only for cars made in made in Kazakhstan,” said Kim, as of consumers and innovation and Kazakhstan with a price not ex- reported by Tengrinews. is less susceptible to global risks. ceeding 5.6 million tenge, which The programme is appealing to The SMEs, by some estimates, are is approximately equal to 30,000 buyers like 33-year-old Altynai about 95 percent of the total num- U.S. dollars. This is an excellent Zhakupova, the head of an elec- ber of enterprises in the world, thus programme destined for Kazakh- tric company purchasing depart- providing most of the employment stan middle class support,” said ment who purchased a Kia Soul of the population of the planet,” Lavrentyev. produced by Azia Avto three years he said. The national champion Chairman of the Board of the ago. She noted she likes her stylish companies were Concern Tsesna- Kazakhstan Independent Automo- car, which she drives every day, Astyk, Rodina Agricultural Com- bile Business Union Pavel Kim adding she “knows how to control pany, the Centras group, KazMi- agreed with Lavrentyev, but con- the purse strings” and feels regular croFinance, Central Asian Electric Power Corporation, RG Brands, Alina Pro, KSP Steel, Tang Media Holding, Logician, Astana Group Holding, Magnum Cash & Carry, Technodom Group, Globalink and Samruk Kazyna Plans Altyn Kyran. The share of small and medium- to Open Subsidiary in sized business in the Gross Re- gional Product (GRP) exceeded 65 percent, Astana Akim (Mayor) Silicon Valley Adilbek Dzhaksybekov said at the recent annual conference of based in Silicon Valley,” said a entrepreneurs in Astana. “Goods By Talgat Issenov Samruk Kazyna press release. worth 2.3 trillion tenge (US$12.4 In the course of the visit, Samruk billion) have been produced for The Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Kazyna companies provided infor- nine months of 2014,” he added. Wealth Fund plans to establish a mation about the upcoming Astana Dzhaksybekov said that Astana subsidiary in Silicon Valley, Cali- EXPO 2017 international special- aims to develop dynamic small fornia. ised exhibition, the Green Quarter and medium-sized business with A working group consisting of the project in the capital of Kazakh- high innovation parts. According heads of a number of Samruk Ka- stan and the Kaz PV project for the to the akim, the number of ac- zyna companies, led by the chair- production of solar panels. tive SME subjects in the capital man of the organisation, Umirzak Representatives of Stanford, So- is about 60,000 units; 233,000 or Shukeyev, visited companies of larCity and Tesla Motors were in- half of working-age residents are Silicon Valley on April 9–10, where vited to Kazakhstan to participate in employed in this sphere. Accord- they were acquainted with the work the Astana Economic Forum in May ing to Dzhaksybekov, the Astana– of Stanford University, Berkeley, as and discuss joint projects in prepa- New City special economic zone well as such well-known innovative ration for EXPO 2017. The proposal (SEZ) provides a positive eco- companies as Tesla Motors, Solar- was met with interest in the business nomic effect. “Fifty-four projects City and other start-up companies. and academic circles in Silicon Val- with investments worth 147 billion “The sides discussed the possibil- ley, according to the press release. tenge (US$794.7 million) are be- ity of cooperation in the develop- At a meeting with a member of the ing realised on the industrial park ment of clean energy, gas chemis- Board of Directors of SolarCity and territory. To date, 21 projects have try, transport, medicine, agriculture, Chief Executive Officer of Tesla been launched and construction education and IT. In particular, they Motors Elon Musk, several options work is going on at 17 facilities,” considered the possibility of creat- for cooperation beyond participa- he added. ing Samruk Innovation, a company tion in the EXPO were developed. A6 EDITORIALS

Wednesday, april 22, 2015 Development Assistance APK’s 20th Anniversary is Key to Eliminating as Much About the Past, Support for Extremists as it is About the Future s we look around the world, the conditions for international, regional and t would be no surprise if there was newly independent nation inherited a own region – pulled apart and descend violent extremism and terrorism national security. some bewilderment from those out- rich mosaic of peoples and cultures. into conflict, Kazakhstan is seen to offer has never been a greater threat. Yet despite the United Nations urging side our country at the prominence The violent experiences of many other people of all backgrounds a chance to be In parts of the Middle East and developed countries to spend 0.7 per cent given to the 20th anniversary of the countries shows that this diversity can be part of a stable and prosperous future. The Africa,A for example, it has fuelled conflict of their gross national income (GNI) on AssemblyI of the People of Kazakhstan a source of conflict and division. As the diversity has been an important part of that is tearing countries apart. But while overseas development aid, very few coun- (APK). After all, it is not our country’s United Nations Secretary-General Ban this nation’s success story. some regions suffer far worse from this tries have reached this target. The median Parliament, it is not directly elected and Ki-Moon said when visiting the Assembly It is not only, of course, within our bor- modern scourge, none of us, wherever we size of the assistance provided by member its role remains largely advisory. in Astana in 2010: “Too many countries in ders that this diversity has been important. live, are safe. countries of the Organisation for Economic The confusion is not helped by the fact the world have been torn apart by ethnic It has also been invaluable in shaping the Globalisation and modern communication Cooperation and Development (OECD), a that there are not many similar bodies strife. Too many have seen their develop- openness, mutual respect and friendship has brought many benefits. But the speed global club of 34 well-off nations, is about in other countries. Indeed, it is the very ment held back by discord and suspicion. which are the hallmarks of our country’s and ease in which both ideas and people can 0.4 percent of GNI. (Admittedly, indicators uniqueness of the Assembly and its role Distrust among cultures and faiths is still foreign policy. now travel have also increased risks. There of the leading donors in relative-size helped which can make its place in our national an obstacle to peace and progress in our We have been able to build on the his- is no point hiding and hoping that instability reach 1 percent of global GNI.) Progress life difficult to grasp. So how do we ex- globalised world.” toric ties of language and culture we have elsewhere will not bring violence or blood- has not been helped, in recent years, by the plain why 2015 was officially declared the The creation of the Assembly in 1995 through our ethnic groups to forge modern, shed to our societies. In an open world, the continuing fall-out from the global financial Year of the Assembly and the fanfare that was a powerful signal of the determina- friendly relations with the countries of their tragic evidence exposes the failure of such crisis which has left many countries with will greet its 20th anniversary meeting in tion of our country – and President Nur- ancestors. The 100,000 citizens of Kazakh- an approach. large public debts and reduced revenues. Astana this week? sultan Nazarbayev – to ensure Kazakhstan stan of Korean descent, for example, have This evidence also underlines how long- But given the rise of violent extrem- Any explanation has to examine Ka- did not suffer this fate. Its representatives, given us an advantage other countries have term success cannot be achieved solely ism, cutting back on overseas aid may well zakhstan’s often troubled past, the legacy drawn from all the ethnic groups liv- not possessed in building strong trade and through military and security solutions. be a false economy. It is certainly a view this left the newly independent nation and ing in Kazakhstan, are the guardians of educational ties with South Korea. Even Winning a battle against extremism, let taken by Kazakhstan whose strong eco- the threat this posed to our stability and Kazakhstan’s rich and harmonious ethnic when people have left to begin new lives alone a war against an insurgency, cannot nomic growth has seen it join the ranks of ambitions. For the Assembly provides a diversity and ensure it is a strength rather elsewhere, they continue to have warm be delivered by conventional firepower or middle-income countries. It is against this window into Kazakhstan’s history and than a weakness. feelings for our country and the connec- engaging an enemy in open-field battles. background, its sense of global responsibil- brings to life the values which underpin As part of this role, the Assembly as- tions are strong and beneficial. The same Defeating terrorism when it is not clear who ity and recognition of the benefits it brings our modern nation. sesses all laws to ensure they meet the can be said of the ethnic Germans, who are is the enemy or potential enemy is even to both national and international goals that Our land, from the age of the nomads to rigorous standards set out in the nation’s the descendants of those exiled to Kazakh- more complex. Kazakhstan has signalled it wants to assist the Khanates and the birth of the Kazakh constitution to uphold the rights of ethnic stan from the Volga region in the 1940s Intelligence operations and international in the development of other societies. nation, through the Great Silk Road be- groups – rights which were often ignored and many of whom moved to Germany partnerships have never been more impor- Kazakhstan is already playing its role in tween Asia and Europe and, of course, in in the Soviet era – and promote respect from Kazakhstan in the 1990s. They are tant. So, too, is the battle for the “hearts and supporting Afghanistan – both a near-neigh- more recent times has been a melting pot of and tolerance. But they also positively now famously called the living bridge be- minds” of populations who provide both the bour and one of the countries which has suf- peoples and cultures. It has left its mark in a promote this diversity by operating cul- tween the two countries, creating a myriad recruits for the violent extremists but also fered most from the conflict and divisions remarkably diverse population of more than tural centres, specialist schools and media of cultural and business ties. the passive support on which they depend. caused by violent extremism. Humanitarian 130 ethnic groups and 17 religions. across the country. Over the past two decades, Kazakhstan We have to ask why so many young support has been offered to its people while This history has, of course, not always The Assembly is responsible for has become internationally recognised men – and increasingly women – fall prey 1,000 of its brightest young people are be- been a happy one. Many of the ethnic running nearly 90 schools providing as a positive story of ethnic and religious to the appeal of Jihadist ideologists who ing trained in our universities. Kazakhstan groups in Kazakhstan are here as a result education in the many languages of our accord and worked to promote these of the forced relocations of the Stalin convinced them to sacrifice their lives “for is also increasingly offering emergency aid varied population. It supports close to values internationally through initiatives era. Whole populations were uprooted – such as the Congress of Leaders of World Islam.” It is, in many cases, these preachers to those countries hit by natural disasters. 200 specialised linguistic centres where often on the flimsiest of excuses – from children and adults can study 30 differ- and Traditional Religions. With sectarian of hate who offer hope and answers when President Nursultan Nazarbayev sig- their lands and forcibly transported to a ent languages, and provides funding for conflict and religious intolerance on the elsewhere their target audience see despair nalled in 2013 a determination to extend new home in Kazakhstan. Over 150,000 newspapers and broadcasts in the native rise around the world, the Fifth Congress, and confusion. We also have to examine and strengthen this work. He approved the Koreans, for example, living peacefully languages of our many citizens. which takes place June 10–11 this year, why the general population in these areas, document setting out the country’s plans although not themselves recruited directly in far eastern Russia, were deported in But the influence of the Assembly goes could not come at a more important time. and ambitions in the field of overseas to the extremist cause, are prepared to give the 1930s to Kazakhstan over unfounded well beyond this formal role. By giving Indeed, it is the values embodied by the development assistance (ODA) which. After the extremists passive support. fears that they could be Japanese spies. a voice and representation to the many Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan a lengthy legislative process, the plant to Al-Qaeda in Iraq exploited the grievances Our lands became a dumping ground different cultures that have come to call that have enabled this country to act as create an ODA capacity was signed into and fears of the country’s Sunni popula- for many other ethnic groups and people Kazakhstan home over the last 20 years, it a bridge between nations and cultures. It law last December. It outlined the country’s tion to build their territorial power-base in because of suspicion and paranoia. It has shown the country’s determination not is a role that we have embraced with our intention to use aid to promote sustainable the country. Many supported the terrorist marked a terrible moment in their cultural to fall into the traps that the UN secretary- chairmanships of organisations including development regionally and globally. group’s rule in their part of the nation out history and in many cases threatened their general so eloquently spelt out. the Organisation for Security and Coop- Priority sectors for this work are agricul- of a belief that what they offered was more very existence. They were often forced to The new freedom that independence eration in Europe and Organisation of ture and food security, protection of the en- attractive than the chaos and hostility of the work in extreme conditions while practice has brought saw some people decide to Islamic Cooperation, among many others. vironment, conflict resolution and security, alternative. Only when they were offered of their culture was supressed. return to the countries of their ancestors. It is against this background and track the prospect of a better future, together with combating transnational crime, supporting But it is a testament to their determina- But the overwhelming majority have record of positive results that we are their disgust at the violent behaviour of the education and health care, improving public tion and perseverance – and to the open- decided to remain and continue to build marking the 20th anniversary of the As- terrorists, were al-Qaeda defeated. Today, administration, poverty reduction including ness of the Kazakhs, the native people of their lives here. They have been joined sembly. In doing so, we are also celebrat- the so called Islamic State, or ISIS, is through the promotion of economic growth this land who in many cases sheltered and by hundreds of thousands of those with ing the values which have underpinned feeding on the same anxieties in a far more and business support and the development helped them – that despite all the obstacles Kazakh roots who had been living beyond this country in its modern history. As the violent and sophisticated way. of trade. The primary and initial focus of the they made a successful new life in their on our borders and returned home. UN secretary-general said, celebrating Education is a vital weapon in the battle future ODA agency is to be in Central Asia. new surroundings. Tolerance and hard It is a strong symbol of how, in an era and strengthening diversity is the way to to keep young people out of the hands of At its heart is a recognition that, more work have a long tradition in our country. when ethnic and religious tensions have build “an inclusive society – stable, mod- the extremists. The moral education and than ever before, we succeed or fail togeth- The result, however, was that our seen nations – including some in our ern and successful.” spiritual formation of our children should er. It was a theme underlined by President be the fundamental concern of parents. But Nazarbayev last year when he spoke at the economics is also important. Young people seventh Astana Economic Forum in May will be more receptive to what they are 2014. He pointed out that it was “impossible being told by their parents – and mothers in a globalised world to live in harmony and and fathers will put more effort into helping prosperity when there are serious problems their children chart the right course – if they in the world, especially in neighbouring are confident about the future and see real- countries.” He added that Kazakhstan may istic opportunities to build safer and more have been one of the world’s fastest-grow- prosperous lives. ing economies but its ambitions of joining Kazakhstan’s own recent history shows the ranks of the 30 most-developed coun- the benefit of citizens having confidence tries relied on “closer integration with our and a stake in the future. Our stability and neighbours”. This meant that the country prosperity have reinforced each other over could not be “indifferent” to what was hap- the last 23 years and forged a united people. pening elsewhere in the region. In contrast, it is those societies riven by It is clear that preparations for a special- division and where the economic prospects ised ODA programme under the brand of are seen to be poor for the vast majority of KazAid show the government’s determina- citizens where extremism too often takes tion to put these words into action. They hold. Unemployed young men are the pri- demonstrate Kazakhstan’s maturity as a mary recruiting pool for terrorist and insur- country and the strong commitment to being gent groups. They feel they have nothing to a growing force for good in the world. lose and are persuaded by the easy answers If we are to win the global battle for peddled to them. hearts and minds, people have to be con- Social stability and economic strength vinced that they have a better future through depend on many factors. Countries that a peaceful path. It is here that well-targeted have ineffective government institutions, overseas aid can be so effective. wide-spread corruption and weak rule of It would be extremely important then for law have a significantly higher risk of civil Kazakhstan, other countries in the region unrest and extreme criminal violence than and beyond, as well as the United Nations other developing countries. Economic organisations, to continue cooperating in a strength requires sound macro-policies, constructive and timely manner on progres- investment in infrastructure and, last but not sive programmes and projects in the coun- least, a healthy climate for investments and tries that need those most to build a more entrepreneurship. secure environment for sustainable develop- Countries can help build these condi- ment and prevent the spread of instability tions beyond their borders through their and radicalism. own example and by building bilateral and By strengthening stability and driving multilateral partnerships. There is also the progress in Central Asia, development assis- opportunity to use direct development assis- tance can help roll back the threat of violent tance to help extend prosperity and provide extremism from our borders and globally.

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Wednesday, april 22, 2015

On the other hand, it is clear that around the Iranian issue gets more Caspian Sea, and in light of future a new geopolitical game has begun and more complicated each time. It transportation corridors from Asia around Iran, the aim of which is Rus- is constantly being updated with new to Europe. Last year, Kazakhstan, Iran at the Crossroads sia. Apparently, behind the efforts components; indeed, it is beginning Turkmenistan and Iran launched a By Timur Shaimergenov regional rivalry has acquired a new of the West to return Tehran to the to seem that Iran’s position on its nu- new railway line. Today, this new edge from the armed conflict taking energy market might be a plan to pit clear programme is already playing a line can serve as an important artery Despite the diplomatic success place in Yemen (where, according to Russia against Iran, the economy of minor role. in creating the Silk Road Economic achieved in the talks between Tehran some sources, pro-Iranian and pro- which has weakened over the years Despite all the constrictive conces- Belt, which was initiated by China. and the P5+1 group in March, the Saudi forces are facing off). of sanctions and needs an influx of sions and compromises of Tehran on The implementation of this macro- situation surrounding Iran is still un- The conflict in Yemen has again funds (which is possible only through nuclear development, the abolition of regional initiative can become the certain. Presently, the Iranian issue is illustrated the complexity of Middle the sale of energy resources). For the sanctions will take a long time, and it beginning of the formation of a new one of the most complicated in world Eastern geopolitics. Now the West West, it is very important to drive a is not clear how the sanctions will be geo-economics of a grand Eurasia, politics – it intertwines the geopoliti- has to make a difficult, almost im- wedge in the longstanding Russian- removed – completely or gradually. as well as provide an opportunity for cal, economic, energy and military possible choice: support their long- Iranian relationship. With the back- According to statements by Iranian the development of new, rapid trade interests of a number of countries standing ally, Riyadh, or try to build ground of the Ukrainian crisis, this officials, this uncertainty is annoying and economic communications be- and entire regions. Not only the fate a fragile, peaceful dialogue with Teh- problem is becoming strategic for the Iranian elite. tween East and West and North and of Iran itself, but also the prospects of ran. Despite the difficulty of the deci- the West. It seems that for the West, it is im- South. If they succeed, the new trade many regional projects far removed particular, which could then diversi- sion, neutrality and non-interference In addition, if Tehran ends up in portant not to keep the issue in limbo channels would enable all member from nuclear projects or geopolitical fy its energy imports, one of the key in general can lead to unpredictable competition with Russia for Eu- for too long. Otherwise, the rapidly states to create new points of eco- conflicts in the Middle East all de- issues on the agenda of development results in world politics. ropean markets, the West would changing conditions in the world and nomic growth. However, at the mo- pend on the solution to the problem. and security for Brussels. In spite of the apparent locality solve the question of how to create in the Middle East could lead to a sit- ment, the prospects of the modern On one hand, all would benefit if However, many experts are saying of the conflict, the war in Yemen, as additional pressure on the Russian uation in which signing agreements Silk Road depend on the outcome of economic sanctions are fully lifted that the return of Iran, with its power- with many others in the Middle East, economy, which is to some extent with the West on its terms could be- complex international agreements on from Iran. This would give an op- ful export opportunities, to the world affects the interests of many global dependent on energy exports. Rus- come unprofitable for Iran, which Iran, its nuclear programme and geo- portunity to investors to return to market could cause already-low and regional powers. In addition, the sia is already taking its own steps, will be a complete surprise scenario political trends. the quite sizeable Iranian market and prices for hydrocarbons to fall even intersection of major international removing restrictions on the supply to all. start developing the country’s rich further, due to possible special offers. conflicts and problems, including of anti-aircraft missile complexes, In general, lifting sanctions on The author is deputy director of oil and gas resources. Many Western In this case, long-time rivals Iran and the Sunni-Shiite conflict, the devel- long requested by Iran. This friendly Iran will undoubtedly be beneficial the Library of the First President and Russian companies have already Saudi Arabia might find themselves opment of the Islamic State terrorist signal to Tehran could help Moscow for Kazakhstan, both from the posi- of Kazakhstan - Leader of the Na- stated their readiness to return to again with serious conflicts of inter- group and low oil prices, are attract- preserve the partnership. tion of the removal of military ten- tion and has a PhD in political sci- Iran. This would benefit the EU in est. Moreover, at the moment, this ing attention. Thus, the political bargaining sions around its neighbour across the ence.

protect the rights of domestic pro- ducers and we intend to defend the interests of the nation’s economy. Eurasian Economic Union Minister Discusses The issue of parallel imports entails positive changes in many related industries. In addition, the Competition, Antitrust Regulatons change in the principle of exhaus- tion of trademark rights will open You want to say that the supra- practice shows, executing all the if we choose the principle of the new opportunities not only to Ka- By Julia Polonskaya national authority is capable of provisions within one year is pos- exhaustion of rights that is? zakh business, but also to third punishing monopolists who mis- sible. It has been decided to divide In Kazakhstan, Russia and Be- country manufacturers who can Minister for Competition and use their dominant position in a the implementation process into larus and in today’s world of open supply us with branded products at Antitrust Regulation of the Eura- particular market? phases. The result of the first phase international exchange of goods, prices set by competitive markets. sian Economic Commission Nur- The responsibility, which the was the establishment of the ad- this principle is alive in well. De- This will significantly increase lan Aldabergenov discussed fur- commission imposes on unfair monition institute, which is also a velopment of the domestic market the performance of cross-border ther developing the ecconomic market players, is equivalent to tool for supporting local business- is not always profitable. Under the union. turnover and lower the prices of a court resolution. I must say, in es. The next phase will solve the current conditions, Kazakhstan imported goods in Kazakhstan. some cases, these sanctions are problem of eliminating discrimi- can buy branded goods only from Today, we see two ways of resolv- How powerful is the suprana- wider and stiffer than national an- natory conditions. authorised distributors who dictate ing the situation: either using the in- tional antimonopoly body and titrust laws. The provisions of this law have their own prices and conditions. ternational principle of exhausting how does it help Kazakh produc- Nurlan Aldabergenov However, it should be under- also been included in Russian leg- Here is a simple example, the withdrawal rights (with the ability ers who are now entering the Rus- These commissions will address stood that in order to invoke the islation; in particular, the provision medication Fosavance, which is pro- to regulate the market in some ar- sian and Belarussian markets? issues of competition policy. As for responsibility of a large monopoly, concerning control over the crea- duced in Spain, costs $35. The legal We face a complicated task. the benefits, the union offers many it is necessary to make a case us- tion of municipal enterprises. Sim- owner of the trademark in Kazakh- eas), or keeping the regional prin- On one hand, the Eurasian Eco- to each participant, but especially, ing a legal basis. Therefore, the ilar legislative work is also taking stan sells it for $65. In Russia, the ciple of the exhaustion of rights, nomic Commission must ensure to Kazakh producers. It is vital for commission monitors the flow place in Belarus. medication can be bought for $108. but while opening some markets. I equal conditions for competition our fast-growing economy to have and realisation of goods and ser- However, in England, the same think we will come to a unanimous in cross-border markets and on the access to other markets, first and vices. It also tracks down large Speaking of the transparency of medicine can be easily purchased decision with our colleagues within other, we want to protect domestic foremost, Russian markets. monopolists on a national and cross-border markets, when will for $32 from the local distributor. a couple of months. After that, the businesses. This can be achieved The union also opens new op- transnational level. Such research Kazakh entrepreneurs be able to What does this mean? It means that issue will be submitted to the board only by introducing antitrust laws. portunities for Kazakhstan based includes poll analysis, sales condi- participate in electronic trading the central office of the company or of the First Deputy Prime Ministers We are talking about eliminating manufacturers in transporting tions, interaction with consumers on public procurement in Russia a dealer, who manufactures and sells of Participating States. dominant market positions, identi- goods through member states. ... and obstacles that stop the flow of and Belarus? the medicine, has simply divided the fying unfair competition and third, In this regard, the supranational goods. By analysing this informa- Last year, our manufacturers had market into geographical and price You are constantly talking the early elimination of cartels in antitrust authority prevents and tion, researches are able to confirm already signed about 166 contracts segments. This is a violation of the about supporting domestic pro- cross-border markets. All of these eliminates existing obstacles to the whether the monopolist is violat- worth 265 million tenge (US$1.42 rights of the competition policy. ducers, but consumers often need tasks should be executed by the su- movement of goods originating in ing the law or not. million). Next year, we plan to in- Although we are changing the to be protected too. What can you pranational antitrust body. Kazakhstan. troduce electronic trading on pub- principle of the exhaustion of say about this? This mechanism enables moni- You said that the legal frame- lic procurement across the union. rights, we are not going to close the Our experts are negotiating toring compliance with antitrust Can you name such obstacles? work for cross-border markets In the meantime, it is necessary national market to foreign industrial with manufacturers and explain- laws not only within one state, but Unfortunately, we are often con- has been completed. It also means to modify several legal and regu- giants, it must be admitted that the ing to them how they lose profit also throughout the entire union. fronted with obstacles in exporting that a law on competition should latory frameworks at the national domestic manufacturing sector is when overpricing merchandise. To be able to track violations in gas, oil and electricity. Aktobe and be implemented. What can you level. ... dependent on foreign imports. We If a monopolist does not listen to cross-border markets, the Eurasian West Kazakhstan are now expe- say about that? One of the most discussed is- are pursuing only one goal: letting our arguments and their actions do Economic Commission formed riencing electricity shortages; the There is a model law on compe- sues of today is about opportu- foreign partners work in our market not change for a long time, it can a relevant regulatory framework. ability to transport through Russian tition with a lot of provisions that nities for parallel imports. What under the same rules they adhere to be concluded that the company is Two commissions have been creat- networks via our country’s northern have not been taken into account are, in your opinion, the main in their domestic markets. The very deliberately violating the rules of ed via the union’s court in Minsk. regions would solve this problem. by national legislations before. As options for how to move forward, first task of the commission is to competition. ... Kazakhstan-Turkey Strategic Partnership Can Be an Example ders and Turkic Academy based in The New Synergy Programme, prove the investment climate in our Abylai Khan, Magzhan Zhuma- By Zhanseit Tuimebayev Astana. developed under the patronage of the country. bayev, Mukhtar Auezov and Kaban- The spectrum of interaction be- Presidents of Kazakhstan and Tur- Successful Kazakh-Turkish coop- bai Batyr, as well as a monument to From the first days of independ- tween Kazakhstan and Turkey in key, is a fundamentally new concept eration is continued in the cultural- the first President of Kazakhstan, ence, Kazakhstan has held an open bilateral and multilateral formats is on trade and economic cooperation humanitarian sphere. The most were opened in Turkey. There are and balanced foreign policy. The very wide. It should be noted that and is aimed at increasing mutual advanced project in the field of also central streets named Nursultan country established friendly rela- the current level of strategic part- trade turnover to $10 billion by 2015. education is the Khodja Ahmed Yas- Nazarbayev and Kazakhstan in the tions with many countries of the nership is largely achieved due to In 2013–2014, the Turkish prov- sawi International Kazakh-Turkish cities of Kırşehir and Nevşehir. world. Turkey has a special place in the contacts at the highest level. As inces of Sakarya, Kocaeli, Izmir, University in Turkestan. Presently, In turn, Kazakhstan opened the these relationships. it is known, the intensity of mutual Izmit, Eskisehir, Nevsehir, Trabzon, this university is a modern higher majestic monument to Mustafa Ke- An important factor of deepening visits at the highest levels can serve Rize, Istanbul, Nide, Samsun, Kon- educational institution with a solid mal Ataturk on the bank of the Ishim friendly relations between the peo- as an indicator of bilateral relations. ya, Giresun, Malatya, Manisa and methodological and experimental River. The Turkish community ex- ples of Kazakhstan and Turkey is The dynamics of visits between Ka- Denizli successfully hosted regional base. The education of Kazakh stu- pressed enthusiasm, considering this a constructive interstate collabora- tions, such as the UN, the Organisa- zakhstan and Turkey demonstrate business forums with the participa- dents in Turkey’s higher educational event a tribute and a sign of confi- tion. The two countries understand tion for Security and Cooperation in close cooperation. In 2014, Kazakh tion of Kazakh entrepreneurs. Dur- institutions is also continuing. dence in their country. and appreciate each other’s success. Europe (OSCE), the Organisation President Nursultan Nazarbayev ing the same time period, the visits In turn, 28 Kazakh-Turkish high On his first visit, President- Er There are no unsolvable problems for Economic Cooperation, the Or- paid working visits to Turkey twice. of Turkish business delegations schools with more than 5,000 stu- dogan will visit Astana and Turkestan. between Kazakhstan and Turkey. ganisation of Islamic Cooperation During the first visit, he participated were held in different regions of Ka- dents successfully operate in Ka- Astana will host the second meeting Turkey recognises the leading role (OIC), the Conference on Interation in the summit of the Turkic Council; zakhstan. zakhstan. There is also the private of the Strategic Cooperation Council of our country in Central Asia and and Confidence-Building Measures during the second visit, Nazarbayev Turkish investment has found its University of Suleyman Demirel with the participation the two presi- considers Kazakhstan a priority in Asia (CICA), the Turkic Council took part in the inauguration of Pres- niche in our country. The construc- opened in 1998. Many Kazakh sci- dents. The Kazakh-Turkish business partner in the region. The state visit and TURKSOY. ident Erdogan. tion industry, pharmaceutics and entists and experts teach a in Turkish forum will also be held there. of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan The Turkic Council clearly states The April 16–17 visit of the Turk- medicine and soft drinks are not the universities. Through the experience In Turkestan, Erdogan will attend to Kazakhstan on April 16–17 will the importance of common Turkic ish leader to Kazakhstan will pro- only areas in which Turkish busi- exchange programme between spe- the opening of the major cultural contribute to further development integration processes. Turkey, as vide an opportunity to evaluate the nessmen showed their professional- cialists of the two countries, over and educational facilities, including of bilateral relations in all areas of well as Kazakhstan, is an active sup- 24-year strategic partnership. Many ism. Turkey has a long and success- 300 teachers, more than 200 repre- a mosque, the foundation of which strategic cooperation. porter of this idea. Several meetings projects in many spheres were real- ful experience in the establishment sentatives of law enforcement agen- started about 15 years ago. Located at the crossroads of East of the Cooperation Council of Tur- ised over the past years. Mutual ties of organised industrial zones that cies and more than 150 representa- In general, the visit and all of these and West, Turkey is always ready to kic Speaking States, better known in trade and economy, culture and serve as the locomotive of develop- tives of health care were trained. examples of mutual cooperation support the initiatives of Kazakh- as the Turkic Council, were held on humanitarian work are developing ment of industry and the economy On the initiative and support of benefit the brotherly countries and stan, located at the heart of Eurasia, Turkish territory. steadily. At the moment, there are as a whole. The Kazakh side is inter- the Kazakh Embassy in Turkey, two peoples. Bilateral relations have not because we have common roots and Historic decisions have been more than 1,400 Turkish firms and ested in studying and applying this books of Kazakh classic literature just reached the level of a strategic a common worldview. Our common made by the meetings among companies operating in Kazakhstan. experience. Opening joint industrial were translated into Turkish and partnership, but have all the prereq- ground and mutual support on many leaders of these countries, includ- Trade turnover between the two zones in Kazakhstan partly funded published. uisites to serve as an example. political issues are reflected in the ing the creation of the Secretariat countries has reached $3.29 billion. by Turkish capital gives an addition- On the initiative of the Turkish interaction within the framework of of the Turkic Council, the Parlia- However, there is the potential to in- al opportunity to Turkish businesses side, a number of monuments devot- The author is the ambassador of international and regional organisa- mentary Assembly, Council of El- crease these numbers. to enter the domestic market and im- ed to Kazakh leaders such as Abai, Kazakhstan to Turkey. A8 eurasia&world

Wednesday, april 22, 2015 Kazakhstan, Hungary Create Joint Agricultural Development Fund agricultural sector and transfer By Julia Rutz Hungarian and Western technolo- gies and knowhow. The agricultur- Kazakhstan established an agri- al development fund will facilitate cultural development fund during investments between companies Hungarian Prime Minister Victor located in Kazakhstan or ones with Orban’s recent visit to Astana, the operations mostly carried out in KazAgro press service reported. one or both of these states in the KazAgro established the fund agricultural or food processing jointly with the Hungarian Export- sectors. Import Bank (Eximbank) in a pro- KazAgro is the largest national ject spearheaded by both Orban holding responsible for execut- and Kazakh Prime Minister Karim ing national development policies Masimov. The main mission of the in the agricultural sector through new fund is to provide investment managing its subsidiaries’ invest- support to Kazakhstan’s agricul- ment funds. The holding includes tural sector. A total of 40 million the National Company, Food dollars has been set aside for the Contract Corporation, KazAgro- fund’s use; 50 percent is controlled Produkt, KazAgroFinance, the by Hungary and 50 percent by Ka- Agrarian Credit Corporation, the zakhstan. Fund for the Financial Support of The fund is also charged with Agriculture, KazAgroGarant and fostering bilateral trade links be- KazAgroMarketing. tween the two countries. It is a Orban also visited President pilot project and in June 2014, Nursultan Nazarbayev on April topped the two countries’ agenda 1. The Kazakh leader noted the during the meeting at which the importance Hungary plays in first cooperation memorandum Kazakhstan’s foreign policy and “Hungary is a very important portunity to exchange our views,” that Hungary was the first Euro- the Kazakh President for inviting was signed in Budapest. The fund Astana’s willingness to develop European partner of ours. I know Nazarbayev said during the meet- pean country to sign a cooperation him to the country and said that is meant to create a platform for trade relations with the Central that you came with business peo- ing. agreement with Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan has a reliable Euro- direct investment in Kazakhstan’s European nation. ple this time. This gives us the op- The President also reminded Hungarian Prime Minister thanked pean partner in Hungary. First Stage Completed in Steppe Eagle 2015 Peacekeeping Exercise as well as improving combat coor- detect illegal military formations this phase of the exercise, played commanders and operations units states. KAZBRIG’s growing capa- By Aiman Turebekova dination units in peacekeeping op- and cordon the area. According to a major role in the quality of the with whom they worked. bilities have resulted from years of erations in the conflict between the the introduction of this episode, episode. The annual Steppe Eagle exer- hard work, as preparatory efforts ASTANA – The first phase of warring parties,” said airmobile members of mock gangs had cap- This year marked the third time cise series is designed to prepare have included the establishment the Steppe Eagle2015 peacekeep- forces commander Major General tured civilians and the task of the exercise was held. The second the Kazakhstan armed forces to of the Partnership for Peace Train- ing exercises was completed April Daulet Ospanov. peacekeepers was to carry out an phase will take place June 15-26, join international peacekeeping ing Centre of the Military Institute 6-17 at Iliskiy training area near About 100 soldiers from the operation to rescue the citizens when the current participants will exercises led by NATO or the of Land Forces (KAZTSENT) to Almaty, reported the Kazakh Min- United States and Great Brit- and evacuate them from danger- be joined by military members United Nations (UN). train Kazakh military personnel to istry of Defence press service. ain and representatives of the ous areas, as well as to capture from Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Ta- The first exercise was held in “The main purpose of the event KAZBRIG peacekeeping bri- and destroy the insurgents. jikistan. 2003 as a trilateral drill involv- NATO standards and procedures. is to improve the practical skills of gade, which includes the Kazakh The coherence of international The final part of phase one was ing troops from Kazakhstan, the NATO certification would also the staff of Kazakhstan’s peace- armed forces airmobile troops, peacekeeping forces helped to suc- attended by representatives of gen- U.K. and the U.S. The number of confirm KAZBRIG’s ability to keeping brigade and the peace- attended Steppe Eagle2015. Sol- cessfully complete the mission. In eral staffs from the Kazakh, United participating countries has since operate in a multinational peace- keeping battalion in the course of diers worked on an episode of addition, the interoperability of States and United Kingdom ar- doubled and includes several addi- keeping environment under a UN the UN peacekeeping operations, the peacekeeping operation to soldiers, achieved in the course of mies. They praised the work of the tional European and Central Asian mandate. Kazakhstan Responds to Syrian Opposition Negotiation Request, Supports Continued Dialogue position in the framework of the Geneva II Conference on resolu- tion of the conflict in Syria. Ka- zakhstan strongly supports the position that resolution of the Syrian conflict is possible only by peaceful means.” In his letter, the foreign minis- ter emphasised that “Kazakhstan is ready to consider the possibili- ty of establishing a dialogue plat- form for the concerned parties and in accordance with this, in- vite the authors of the address to Astana for the first informal and non-public exchange of views,” Abibullayev added. “The let- ter specially pointed out that the format, composition of the del- egations, its representativeness, commitments and final goals of the participants of the proposed platform are particularly impor- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan tant for achieving success.” The spokesman explained that Minister of Foreign Affairs Er- at the moment the talk now is By Malika Orazgaliyeva lan Idrissov was also sent,” Altay only about a deeper study of this Abibullayev, official spokesman issue, confirming that Kazakh- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Min- for the Ministry of Foreign Af- stan supports the existing negoti- istry of Foreign Affairs confirmed fairs announced on April 20. ating platforms, such as the ones the country did receive a request As a matter of principle, he in Geneva and Moscow, and “has from some quarters of the Syrian said, “Kazakhstan supports the no ambitions to solve the Syrian opposition to provide a platform measures taken by the interna- crisis or intentions to replace the for dialogue in the hopes that the tional community through the existing platforms.” involvement of Astana even in United Nations, the Arab League, According to the spokesman, in this way may be helpful to end- the United States and the Russian his letter, Idrissov also noted the ing violence and bloodshed in the Federation, as well as the actions “deepest concern over the grave Middle Eastern nation. of the Syrian government and the humanitarian crisis in Syria” and “We would like to confirm that opposition aimed at determin- stressed that Kazakhstan has pro- we received a letter to President ing the political future of Syria vided assistance to ease the con- Nursultan Nazarbayev from cer- through dialogue and reconcilia- ditions of the civilian population tain representatives of the Syrian tion with a view to the immediate in Syria and intends to pursue opposition, which was reviewed end of violence and bloodshed. further work in this direction, as as befits such cases and required In this regard, Kazakhstan hopes well as believes that the interna- by the rules of politeness. In this for continued talks between the tional community should place regard, a reply letter on behalf of Syrian government and the op- priory focus on this area. B Nation & Capital

Wednesday, april 22, 2015

Culture SOCIETY Sports Astana Piano Festival Supports New Social Network Meant to Arlans Beat Condors, Extend Young Musicians Increase Kazakh Law, Financial Undefeated Streak to 13 B3 Knowledge B5 B7 KazGeo Expedition Succeeds in Reaching North Pole on Skis maty, then flew to Norway and on mark the 25th anniversary of our By Nurlan Meirmanov to the island of Spitsbergen. From independence: the Pole of Inac- Spitsbergen the group flew to Bar- cessibility, the Magnetic Pole, the ASTANA – The first Kazakhstan neo, a temporary ice base estab- Pole of Cold and the Geographic ski expedition to the North Pole lished annually on an ice floe in South Pole. Our biggest dream is has conquered the extreme north- the vicinity of the pole. The main certainly opening a station [on the ern tip of the world on April 15 and part of the ski expedition to its final Antarctica],” said Abduov. planted three flags on the Pole: the destination started from the Barneo Established in 2010, KazGeo national flag of Kazakhstan; the base. seeks to popularise geography and flag of the Assembly of the People “The expedition was quite tough. natural science in the country, as of Kazakhstan, which marks its We have been at the dome of the well as to promote travelling as a 20th anniversary this year; and a planet, in difficult conditions. We way to learn more about the world, flag designed specifically as part of walked down the frozen ocean, and to popularise knowledge about Kazakhstan’s bid to win a nonper- leaped over cracks in the ice, over- Kazakhstan internationally by ar- manent seat on the United Nations came a lot of obstacles, and stayed ranging thematic expeditions to Security Council for 2017–2018. in tents. We had a mission: to set various parts of the world. The expedition was organised up on the northernmost point of Kazakhstan is vying to become by the Kazakh Geographic Soci- Earth the flags of Kazakhstan and the first Central Asian state to ety (KazGeo) with support from the APK,” said Sergei Bodrov, one serve on the UN Security Council the Assembly of the People of Ka- of the members of the expedition in 2017–2018. Thailand is the sole zakhstan (APK), the Kazakh For- to the North Pole. competitor for the nonpermanent eign Ministry and the Kazakhstan According to head of KazGeo seat representing Asia during the Bloggers’ Alliance. The expedition Nurlan Abduov, Kazakh scientists term. Kazakhstan’s campaign is started its journey to the North and travellers have even more am- being promoted under the slogan Pole on March 31. bitious plans for future. “In 2016 “United for Global Security” and The group of eight people started in December we will organise highlights food, water, energy and The KazGeo team planted three flags at the North Pole including a flag designed specifically as part of Kazakhstan’s bid to its journey to the North Pole in Al- an expedition to the four poles to nuclear security, as priorities. win a nonpermanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2017–2018. Astana’s Rotary Club Launches Historic Scenes, Retro By Michelle Witte “There is a need in all countries, generosity and friendship and I want the World Health Organisation developed or developing, for chari- to do my bit in return.” (WHO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Military Equipment to ASTANA – Astana’s Rotary table humanitarian organisations,” The invitation-only clubs, which Foundation that has seen the gradual Club has now become operational, Gareth Stamp, first president of the are found in nearly every country disappearance of the disease in all marking their launch with an open- Astana Rotary Club, said in a state- in the world, gather prominent but a handful of countries. be Presented in ing ceremony in the capital’s Hil- ment on the launch. “Government members of their local communi- Now that the Astana chapter has ton Garden Inn on April 16. The cannot be expected to do everything ties to coordinate charitable and launched, it will also be focusing on humanitarian club has launched and deep down people care and want humanitarian projects. local issues, and they plan to tackle with around 30 members, but will to help others. During my time in The nearly 100-year-old organisa- even difficult topics like health edu- Victory Parade be hoping to attract more, Chair- Kazakhstan I have been privileged tion is currently working on the End cation and sexual health, Stamp Full-scale training began April 1, By Julia Rutz man of the Membership Commit- to meet amazing people who do Polio Now project, an ongoing, 10- reported. “The new Rotary Club of while the joint equipment and per- Astana will be the second in Ka- sonnel training started after April tee Taylan Karamanli confirmed in amazing things for others. Kazakhs year collaboration with the United Retro military equipment, much zakhstan but is already the biggest 15, he added. The final rehearsal, an interview on April 17. have shown me amazing hospitality, Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), of which is currently exhibited with nearly thirty members, who are with the participation of public au- as monuments in different cities all committed to doing good for oth- thorities, will take place May 3-5 throughout Kazakhstan, will line ers. … Over the coming months we on Astana’s Kazakh Eli Square. the streets of Astana May 7 as part will be investigating areas where we According to the announcement can best target our resources to make of the military parade dedicated to by the Kazakh Ministry of Defence, long lasting and sustainable pro- the 70th anniversary of the victory the parade will consist of two parts – jects. We will be concentrating on in the Great Patriotic War. The pro- historic and contemporary. The latter projects that change lives – whether cession will kick off May 7. will present examples of modern mil- they are in education or vocational “This military equipment was itary equipment which is now used in training, health – particularly wom- partly stored in our reserve and the army and military personnel will en’s and children’s health – provid- some was showcased on the city be dressed in modern uniforms. ing clean drinking water or develop- streets as monuments of the Great “The legendary Katyusha mul- ing people’s entrepreneurial spirit. Patriotic War. The restoration work tiple rocket launcher will be pre- All of our members have skills and was executed by the Semey-based sented at the parade for the first expertise that will be shared to help Kazakhstan Engineering plant,” time. All in all, 12 units of Soviet develop future generations,” he said. said Deputy Commander of Ka- rocket artillery, a world-famous Governor of Rotary International District 2430 Korhan Atilla and President of the Astana Rotary Club Gareth Stamp zakh Land Forces for Educational T-34 tank, 48 Maxim and Degtyar- (from centre) with attendees at the Astana club’s official launch. Continued on Page B8 and Ideological Work Colonel yov machine guns and about 180 Zhumabek Khassenov. soldiers armed with Mosin rifles The parade participants, approx- sample of 1896 will be involved in imately 3,500 soldiers from differ- the parade,” explained Khassenov. ent regions of the country, are liv- Plans are underway to use 220 ing in the field camp constructed pieces of heavy equipment and ‘Bike Away the Atomic Bomb’ Begins near Astana. weapons, as well as 84 aircraft. In By Yerbolat Uatkhanov “We have here 150 tents, four bath addition, about 200 female soldiers houses and 11 canteens for conveni- will be involved in the parade, WASHINGTON, D.C. – On ence. We will also manage a modern representing not only the modern April 21, the Bike Away the Atom- amphitheatre and two field automo- army but also the women who par- ic Bomb riders began their journey bile clubs of locally-produced vehi- ticipated in the Second World War. from Washington, D.C. to New cles,” said Khassenov. Continued on Page B2 York in another push to a global drive to rid the planet of nuclear weapons. The project, coordinated by Bike Things to Watch & for Peace, Mayors for Peace and The ATOM Project, the global on- line petition against nuclear test- Places to go ing, is a call for real action to be taken at the UN Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference in New Astana opera York that begins April 27. Bike for Peace and The ATOM April 24, 25 at 7 p.m. Astana Piano Passion, Concert Project, have joined Global Wave April 29 at 7 p.m. From Classical Music to Jazz 2015 in its schedule of coordinated public actions taking place this May 7 at 7 p.m. Spartacus, Ballet month as the UN prepares for the conference. Global Wave 2015 is urging humanity – and particularly cibus restaurant Riders of the tour pose for pictures as they prepare to depart from the U.S. Congress on April 21. the decision-makers at the UN con- April 24 at 8 p.m. Fryday 3-Year Anniversary ference – to wave goodbye to nu- clear weapons. ning of the month-long conference. Atomic Bomb press release re- Vestby is hoping to meet deci- Activists from around the world They are joined along the way by ported, after a starting ceremony sion-makers on this trip – particu- Middle school No. 32 gathered in Washington, D.C., to Frank Tomlinson, vice president of including speeches by Kazakh larly those not yet committed to kick off the Bike Away the Atomic Bike for Peace; Svein Arne Jerstad, Ambassador to the U.S. Kairat disarmament. “I really hope to meet April 25 at 9 a.m. Spring Play Astana, Mini-Football Bomb ride. mayor of Kvinesdal, Norway; and Umarov. a lot of mayors along the route, but Tore Nærland, co-founder of Ann Suellentrop, an American anti- Bike for Peace representatives also senators and members of the Bike for Peace, and Thore Vestby, nuclear activist, plus Kazakhstan’s have crossed more than 100 coun- House of Representatives in D.C. I Koktal 13 first ever Olympic gold medallist tries since the founding of the organi- also want to meet Republicans who mayor of Frogn, Norway, who is April 26 at 12 p.m. 45 metre Fly Rope Jumping also vice president of Mayors for Vladimir Smirnov and members sation in 1977, and Vestby has joined are not on the nuclear disarmament Peace and a member of Parlia- of the Potomac Pedallers Touring Naerland and Tomlinson on rides path. I want to hear their arguments. mentarians for Nuclear Nonprolif- Club. And they will supported and through most of the world’s nuclear- Those are the ones that are impor- gorky theatre eration and Disarmament (PNND), joined for meetings throughout the armed states. For this tour, Vestby tant to talk to. You know, the peace will ride from Washington through ride by Karipbek Kuyukov, Hon- says, he has a specific message: That and disarmament people are also May 3 at 6 p.m. Master and Margarita Baltimore, MD, Wilmington, DE, orary Ambassador of The ATOM nuclear weapons cannot be used, be- important, but they are already ‘in and Princeton, NJ over four days Project and a famous armless artist. cause of their enormous humanitari- place,’ they do not need to be con- before arriving in New York on The riders began from Capitol an and environmental consequences, vinced,” he told The Astana Times April 24, just ahead of the begin- Hill on April 21, a Bike Away the and are therefore useless. on April 17. B2 Nation&Capital people

Wednesday, april 22, 2015 State Archive to World War II Veterans Council, Present Book Chronicling Veterans of Foreign Wars Discuss 20th Century History Ways to Honour Veterans of Kazakhstan’s Jewish volved in coordinating the meeting. “It is worth mentioning the high the projects our nongovernmental By Yerbolat Uatkhanov “We are truly thankful to the level of organisation of the web organisation is implementing, es- staff of the Consulate General of conference. We had a clear plan, pecially by the project of targeted Community ASTANA – Representatives of the U.S. in Almaty who visited time limit and detailed agenda assistance to the veterans. It was the Council of World War II Vet- our office in the fall of 2014, met for the meeting. For the start, a great surprise for them that such tory against Nazism, includes ar- erans, Home Guard and Kids of veterans of World War II, nongov- we had an introduction session a huge project gets financial as- By Aiman Turebekova ticles about the roles of Jews in the War and the U.S.-based Veter- ernmental organisation staffand where each side talked about the sistance solely based on individ- the Soviet Union and Allied mili- ans of Foreign Wars recently met ASTANA – A presentation of the volunteers of the nongovernmen- organisation they represent. We ual and corporate donations from tary efforts. virtually to discuss international book “History, Memory, People,” tal organisation The Council of were lucky to meet two nongov- those who feel social responsibil- The publication is the result of an best practices in honouring and which depicts the losses of Ka- World War II Veterans, Home ernmental organisations from the ity for the veterans who sacrificed international project involving more preserving the memories of vet- zakhstan’s Jewish community in Guard and Kids of the War. The U.S. Then we talked about the their life and health for the right than 50 authors from Belarus, Cana- erans worldwide. The council and the 20th century, will be hosted by meeting was very cognitive and ways and principles by which cause,” he said about the meeting. da, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, English Access Microscholarship the Central State Archive April 28 constructive. During the discus- nongovernmental organisations Pochanov noted that six people Latvia, Russia and Uzbekistan. Programme organised student vol- in Almaty. “History, Memory, People” recounts sion, we came to the conclusion in Kazakhstan and the U.S. work. took part in this session from the The Mitsva Association of Jew- unteers to document the veterans’ that it will be very beneficial for us We then talked about the ways Kazakh side, including individu- the fate of those who lived through memories and experiences and ish organisations announced the the tragic events that left deep scars and for the similar organisation in nongovernmental organisations als from the nongovernmental share them with their schools. authors and publishers wanted the in the hearts of the individuals who the U.S. to hold a session on expe- of these two countries cooperate organisation staff, volunteers and Chaz Martin, public affairs of- book to commemorate the 20th faced so much injustice. Many arti- consulate office staff. He also ficer of the U.S. Consulate Gener- anniversary of the Assembly of cles came from presentations made ‘‘This type of event motivates us very thanked the consulate not only for al in Almaty, noted the talks high- the People of Kazakhstan (APK) in September 2014 by professors, much; we learn from each other, share best providing the facility and equip- and 70th anniversary of victory in researchers, journalists and archi- lighted the typical experiences of ment to hold this session, but World War II. vists at a conference in Almaty soldiers from both countries. practices and finally we meet really nice also for arranging for an inter- The book consists of four the- dedicated to mass deportations of “We organised a demonstration preter to facilitate the dialogue. matic sections. The first part in- the Second World War period and of photographs and films which people and we grow professionally with “We did not have a purpose to cludes 20 articles on the subject the losses of Jewish communities at were never shown. They are about them.’’ involve a big number of volun- “Eurasia in the 20th century: the time. The conflict forced masses everyday people who did great teers, as this was the first meet- evacuation, resettlement, refu- of people to move across Eurasia. things, about women in the war, ing and mainly nongovernmental gees,” while the second portion Many of those who survived did the U.S. and Soviet cooperation rience exchange on how veterans with the local government admin- organisation staff and a couple of concentrates on the history of in- not return to their former homes and and of course Kazakhstan’s con- are being assisted and what are the istration, how interests of veterans volunteers took part this time.The dividual Jewish communities in chose or were required to stay in tribution to the cause of peace and milestones on building relation- are being defended and how they most important thing for us is the various parts of Kazakhstan. The relocation sites, contributing to the one victory for all people in the ships with government bodies, as are being lobbied to initiate in- fact that we got acquainted and we third section features stories of multicultural make-up of Kazakh- world. These events are very im- well as fundraising. The consulate troduction of certain regulations. also agreed that we will continue outstanding figures among survi- stan’s population. portant for us and we admit great staff took the burden of setting up We also talked about the ways our cooperation and experience vors of the ordeal of both world As the Mitsva association notes, achievements of Kazakhstan vet- such an Internet-based meeting. these veterans organisations are exchange exercises and quite pos- wars, the Stalinist purges, perse- this year marks the second decade erans. In addition, we organised We decided to hold the meeting financed. Some good and relevant sibly initiate a combined project. cution, displacement, deportation of APK – a consultative body un- the virtual meeting using the In- from the consulate office, so we recommendations have been pro- This type of event motivates us and evacuation. It stresses the re- der the President which plays an ternet, which helped the Council started our meeting at 7 p.m. our vided by our colleagues, which very much; we learn from each markable contributions made by important role in ensuring religious of World War II Veterans and the time. We knew it was quite early made this discussion very lively. It other, share best practices and fi- Kazakh Jews to the progress of freedom and human rights in the U.S.-based organisation Veterans morning in D.C., so we truly ap- was of great interest for us to learn nally we meet really nice people their newly-acquired homeland as country. APK consists of 384 rep- of Foreign Wars to share the expe- preciate our colleagues in the U.S. of existing social adaptation pro- and we grow professionally with they worked in various industries, resentatives of all ethnic groups rience,” he said. for coming so early to the office grammes for the veterans in the them. In this regard we count on taught, pursued science, saved drawn from the regional assemblies Timur Pochanov, a representa- because of us,” he said. U.S. And we had an impression the support from the Consulate lives and helped build cities. The of the people and delegates nine tive of the Council of World War II Pochanov reviewed the items that our colleagues in the U.S. General of the U.S. in Almaty,” he final portion, dedicated to the vic- deputies to the national parliament. Veterans, valued the effort of all in- which were covered in the session. were very much impressed by said. Floods in Karaganda Draw Unprecedented Outpouring of Support, Civil Activism Continued from Page A1 ple via WhatsApp, Instagram, grinews agency quoted Indira, an Facebook and other social media action participant, saying. However, as the traditional and outlets to collect clothes, blan- “It can happen anywhere. We social media noted, the major ef- kets, food and toys for children. live in one country; we need to fect of this month’s floods was that The main gathering point was help each other. Many citizens they generated an authentic urge behind the Saryarka Shopping brought baby clothes and food. We across Kazakh society to help af- Mall. The campaign was popu- did not expect such a reaction from fected compatriots through numer- larised by popular public figures, people. One apa (elderly woman) ous grassroots initiatives. including political analyst Yerlan sent two vehicles full of supplies. One may say that this event Karin, former parliament member Mangystau residents are not indif- certainly left nobody indifferent. Bakhyt Syzdykova, musical pro- ferent when people are suffering Hundreds and thousands across ducer Bayan Yessentayeva and and they are willing to help,” the the country are actively involved television anchor Dinara Satzhan, media quoted volunteers from the in the process of supporting the among others. western city of Aktau as saying. people of Karaganda. Numerous “I learned about [the floods] In Almaty, volunteers gathered volunteers from different regions from Instagram. I brought items at Arman Cinema, which was full of the country rallied and are pro- for men, women and children. I of emergency relief supplies. More viding incredible support. brought clothes and toys. I main- than 50 volunteers helped ware- Ordinary citizens and NGOs ly brought warmer things, as the house the freshly arrived aid into alike swiftly reacted in helping weather is still cold. We are wor- boxes and bags. flood victims. People sent food, ried and feel sympathetic [towards Volunteers started a social media warm clothes, blankets, mattresses our compatriots]. I don’t want this campaign, which consequently led toiletries and toys to Karaganda. to happen again. Myself, I am a to an increase of people willing to In Astana, activists urged peo- southerner, from Almaty,” the Ten- help. “We have a lot of friends liv-

ing in Karaganda. As soon as we hour of posting on Facebook, so with huge hearts and good inten- heard about what happened there, many people would gather just to tions. we decided to help. We purchased help pack aid. Some even came As the threat of flooding in other goods, such as cereals and oil to with their children, saying that areas is still present, the authorities assure that people had something they must learn in their earliest are making every effort to prevent to eat. As far as we know, there is years that humans must be com- potential losses, as well as actively no food, even in shops, everything has been flooded,” Ainur Sergazi- “It can happen anywhere. We live in one yeva commented. Many commentators in the me- country; we need to help each other. Many dia and online social media net- works commended the public’s re- citizens brought baby clothes and food. We action and how they support each did not expect such a reaction from people. other in difficult times. “This week, to me at least, my One apa [elderly woman] sent two vehicles country proved itself an incredible place. In each photo out of Almaty, full of supplies. Mangystau residents are not Astana, Aktau, Aktobe and Kara- indifferent when people are suffering and ganda, I saw my friends. They brought food and various supplies they are willing to help.” and assisted in preparing them for shipment. I saw a lot more stran- passionate and ready to help those working to start rebuilding roads, gers, but felt that I knew them, not around them. The first lorry has dams, bridges and houses. because they brought supplies, been loaded and has already left. “[A total of] 6,308 people, 112 but because they brought a good Karaganda, we are with you!” specially equipped cars and 107 and kind attitude,” well-known another popular blogger Syrym swimming facilities are involved Almaty-based journalist and edi- Abdrakhmanov wrote on his Face- [in tackling the floods],” Chairman tor in chief of Vlast.kz Vyachelav book on April 18. of the Committee for Emergency Abdramov commented on his Fa- From all of the above, people Situations of the Ministry of Inter- Social network activists supporting victims of the flooding in Karaganda gather in Astana cebook page. can conclude from this story that nal Affairs of Kazakhstan Ruslan (photo credit: Syrym Abdrakhmanov’s facebook page). “I did not expect that within one Kazakhstan’s citizens are people Imankulov said. B3 Nation&Capital Culture

Wednesday, april 22, 2015 Almaty to Host Sixth French Film Festival and the comedy “Elle L’Adore” by the world based on admissions and By Lyazzat Shatayeva Jeanne Herry. revenues. French cinema is also Actresses Catherine Deneuve, the most successful film industry ALMATY – The latest sophis- Emmanuelle Beart and Juliette in Europe with the largest num- ticated, vibrant and daring films Binoche, the stars of the French ber of films produced annually, from France will be showcased be- cinema, have the leading roles in according to UniFrance, which ginning April 23 during the sixth four of the films included in the is responsible for promoting the French film festival “Le cinéma programme. films outside the country. Last français aujourd’hui.” The four-day event, offering a French actor Pio Marmai is ex- year, French filmmakers produced delightful and entertaining Eu- pected to travel to the city to pre- nearly 170 movies, making the ropean escape after the lingering sent “In the Courtyard,” a gentle nation the world’s second largest winter, is co-organised by Uni- and occasionally hilarious tale exporter of films following the France, the French Embassy and about friendship where he plays United States. Alliance Française. The films will a bicycle thief and drug addict A survey conducted in 14 coun- be shown in the Arman movie the- named Stephane. tries in April 2014 showed that atre. Telerman will also attend to pro- more than 70 percent of viewers This year, the festival will in- mote her film, which is based on greatly appreciate French cinema clude six new feature films: “Three Katherine Pancols runaway best- and when it comes to intelligent Hearts,” a drama by Benoit Jac- selling novel of the same name. dialogues, aesthetics of directing quot, “Jack in the Women’s King- The festival will also feature 20 and genuine acting, Kazakh view- dom,” a comedy directed by Riad short films to be presented in four ers are no exception. French films Sattouf, the drama “The Yellow programmes during the April 25 are the third most-viewed mov- Eyes of the Crocodiles” by direc- short film night, a regular feature ies in the country after American tor Cecile Telerman, “In the Court- of the festival. and Russian films and represented yard” by Pierre Salvadori, “Clouds France, the birthplace of cinema, 8.7 percent of the market share in of Sils Maria” by Olivier Assayas is the third biggest film market in 2013. Opening of the 5th French Cinema Today festival in the Arman theatre, Almaty, on April 23. Photo: UniFrance Astana Theatre Astana Piano Festival Supports Production to Young Musicians es Braque paintings from the Ch- Mukhamedzhanov; Rector of the French music channel Mezzo Back- Highlight Friendships By Rufiya Ospanova inggis & Ethan publishing house Kurmangazy Kazakh National stage, which plans to film three TV (Luxembourg). Winners of the spe- Conservatory and People’s Art- programmes about the Astana con- ASTANA – The third interna- cial prize from Director Matsuev ist of Kazakhstan Zhania Aubaki- cert halls where these performances between Country’s tional classical music festival and will participate in the following rova, famous Russian pianist and will be held: the Palace of Peace young pianist contest directed by international festivals: Crescendo teacher, People’s Artist of Russia and Accord, the Kazakhstan Central Denis Matsuev, a world-famous (Pskov, Russia), the Annecy Clas- Sergey Dorensky, Honoured Artist Concert Hall and the Astana Opera. Ethnic Groups musician and People’s Artist of sic (Annecy, France) and Stars on of Russia, Professor of the Mos- This year, Astana Piano Pas- Russia, will take place from April the Baikal (Irkutsk, Russia). cow State Conservatory Valery sion will include Matsuev’s per- By Shynar Ospanova the play, while leading actors 24 to May 2. Winners will give concerts at the Pyasecky, famous pianist, conduc- formance and a concert given by were chosen from of the capital’s The contest will begin with the Moscow Philharmonic and next tor and teacher Arie Vardi (Israel) 2014’s Piano Passion winners, Kazakh Auenderi, a national Zhastar Theatre, Gorky State Aca- semi-finalists because the first qual- year’s Astana Piano Passion festi- who is currently teaching at the master classes given by Vanessa concert company, will produce demic Russian Drama Theatre, ifying round has already taken place val. There will be awards for teach- Buchmann-Mehy Schol of Music Latarche and Arie Vardi. The a theatrical performance about National Korean Theatre of Musi- via video. Participants will perform ers whose students take top places. in Tel Aviv and in the Hochschule grand opening and a gala concert friendship between different eth- cal Comedy and the Kuzhamyarov a solo programme. A concert ac- The competition is divided amongst fur Music in Hanover, inventor, will take place on April 24 at the nic communities of Kazakhstan, Uighur National Theatre of Musi- companied by an orchestra will be the junior (under 10 years of age), innovator and researcher Pascal Astana Opera. according to company President cal Comedy. the last segment of the event. medium (ages 11-14) and older (15- Eskande (France), famous pianist The organisers of the music fes- Askhat Maemirov, who spoke at a The premiere of the play is The prize money will total 18 years of age) age groups. and teacher, head of the Depart- tival are the Ministry of Culture $60,000. The winners of the first The performances will be evalu- ment of Keyboard Instruments and Sports of Kazakhstan, the Maemirov: ‘‘The Theatre of Nations is three prizes will be awarded litho- ated by an authoritative interna- at the Royal College of Music in Astana Akimat (city administra- graphs of Rene Magritte, Henri tional jury: Matsuev, composer London Vanessa Latarche (UK). tion) and the Accordi di Astana unique in its nature. It brings together all Matisse, Salvador Dali and Georg- and honoured figure Tolegen This year’s festival will include the public fund. Over the course of three years, the creative forces of our country.’’ the organising committee of Asta- na Piano Passion received about 400 applications from 45 coun- press briefing of the Central Com- scheduled for April 25 at 7 p.m. in tries. This year, more than 120 munications Service on April 14. the Palace of Peace and Reconcili- applications were received, 30 of “‘Kazakh Qusy’ (Kazakh bird) ation in Astana. which were selected. For the first is a lyrical drama, which unites “We plan to tour across Kazakh- time, young musicians from Mon- all the peoples of our country and stan with this performance and golia, Macedonia, Norway and portrays topical problems of our show it in every city. The Theatre Finland decided to take part in the society at the turn of 19th and 20th of Nations is unique in its nature. Astana competition. centuries,” said Maemirov during It brings together all the creative “The competition is being held to the briefing. “But everything that forces of our country. So I think it support young musicians while they happens will be shown very sub- will be a unique and unusual per- are in their initial stages of their tly and humorously at times. The formance,” said the president of career. It is also supposed to pro- characters of the play are a social Kazakh Auenderi. mote classical piano music as part cross-section of our society. They The author of the play is famous of a well-rounded education for the love and appreciate the land on Kazakh writer Dulat Issabayev. younger generation. Young pianists which they live and while some The artistic director of the Thea- aged 8 to 18 divided amongst three had to abandon their native lands tre of Nations of Kazakhstan is age groups will take part in the com- not of their own volition, entire Lyubov Ni. Artistic director of the petition,” Lyudmila Doroshenko, families become friends and help Zhastar theatre Nurkanat Zhakyp- director of Accordi di Astana said, each other in difficult times,” said bai directs the play, and the master www.ortcom.kz reported. Maemirov. artist of the play is Chief Artist of Receipt of applications to partic- Famous director Nurkanat the Gorky Theatre Kanat Maksu- ipate in the contest began on Dec. Zhakypbai was invited to stage tov. People’s Artist of Russia and Director of Astana Piano Passion Denis Matsuev 1and lasted until March 1. B4 Nation&Capital COUNTRY

Wednesday, april 22, 2015 Chinese Company Plans to Construct New Oil Refinery in Mangistau zakhstan-Chinese Forum organ- Nursultan Nazarbayev, who noted By Julia Rutz ised in January. The capacity of the the country needs large amounts of new refinery is expected to reach gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel. The Chinese company CITIC, six million tonnes of oil per year, According to the President, it is which recently launched the first the cost of the project is antici- nonsense that an oil-producing bitumen plant in Mangistau, is pated to be about $5-$6 billion and state does not have enough refin- planning to finance the construc- construction should be finished in eries. tion of a new oil refinery in the re- five years. “Usually, the optimal location gion, according to tengrinews.kz. “At the moment, Kazakhstan for the refinery is either near mar- The report was confirmed dur- imports 1.8 million tonnes (30 kets, which are in the Southern, ing the official visit in March of percent) of oil products from oth- Northern and Central Kazakhstan the Kazakh delegation, headed by er countries. This problem was regions, or near oil fields, which Prime Minister Karim Massimov, caused decades ago, when Soviet are located in the western part of to Beijing, China. Kazakhstan-based refineries were the country. According to the joint Despite the apparent shortage dependent on oil imports from marketing analysis conducted by of domestically-produced petro- Western Siberia fields located in leum products on the market, the Russia. In the current market con- the Akimat of Mangistau region Kazakh government chose not to ditions, this situation leads to un- and Chinese oil companies, Man- build another refinery, proposing der-loaded Kazakh refinery feed- gistau was pointed out as the best instead the expansion of an ex- stock. In the early 1990s, domestic location for the fourth refinery. isting Shymkent-based oil plant. refineries processed about 17 mil- This is due to the presence of raw Built in 1985, the plant is the new- lion tonnes of oil, 80 percent of materials, as the volume of oil pro- est refinery that provides 30 - per which were imported from Russia. duction in the region amounted to cent of all oil products produced In recent years, the total volume 18 million tonnes during the past year, and the presence of the Aktau in the country. The decision was The existing oil refinery in Atyrau of processed oil has decreased by made because of the absence of the three times,” explained Amirzh- port logistics capabilities with the necessary investment needed for anov. ability to handle up to 12 million the construction of a new refinery. however, and will be financed by ing to Mangistau region Deputy Amirzhanov, the project was first He also mentioned the 2014 an- tonnes of oil per year,” concluded The Chinese project is cheaper, the country’s Exim Bank. Accord- Akim (Governor) Rakhimbek presented during the Third Ka- nual address of Kazakh President Amirzhanov. Contest Names Best Children’s $50 Million Wind Farm to Be Built in East Kazakhstan by 2016 Literature Authors By Yelden Sarybay gion was approved by a govern- stan by 2018, according to a re- cates the growing popularity of the “We hope that the competition ment decree in 2013. Based on cent statement by Anton Fedyaev, By Kseniya Voronina contest. The jury has done a great will attract public interest to chil- ASTANA – A new wind farm the document, Kazakhstan plans head of the regional Department of and responsible [job]. We tried to dren’s literature and will make a with 16 turbines and generating to build 106 wind energy facilities Housing and Communal Services Kazakhmys Corporation and the select the most memorable works,” significant contribution to the de- 78MW of power will be built in by 2020. and Energy. Union of Writers of Kazakhstan re- the Tainty Ulan district of East Ka- said Yelubai, chairman of the jury velopment of national culture and Also in 2013, during the Green Fedyaev said the projects form cently announced the winners of the and famous children’s author. the education of future generations zakhstan this year. Economy Forum, a memoran- part of an existing state programme Balausa competition to select the The Grand Prix of the contest was and the further development of the All the necessary documentation dum of cooperation in the field to develop renewables in the coun- best literary work in the Kazakh lan- awarded to Serіkbai Ospanuly for Kazakh language. I am sure that the of the $50 million project is ready, of renewable energy was signed try through to 2018. “These wind guage for children of preschool age. the poem “Bes sausaqqa buiryq.” interest of writers, students and pro- and a private investor has been between Spain Consulting, Yer- Two-hundred-fifty works from First place was taken by Tolymbek fessors and creative Kazakhs gives determined, according to head of tys National Company and Hydro farms will be built in four dis- 210 participants were received for Abdіraiym for his story “Kaishy- us a reason to continue the tradition the regional Department of Energy China International Engineering tricts of the region – Tayinshin, the competition. The jury consisted oiynshy kemes.” Second place was in the coming years,” said Askar and Utilities Darkhan Tokhtarov. LTD, which aims to build a wind Akkayin, Yessil and Musrepov,” of famous children’s writers Yesken shared by Toleubai Yermekbayev Matkenov, vice-president of a sub- The project is scheduled for com- farm on the Umysh mountain pass. added the head of department. “In Yelubai, Sultan Kaliyev, Beibit Sa- for his collection of poems “Bal- sidiary of the Kazakhmys Corpora- pletion in 2016. Last year, the government also this case, the expected capacity of rybay as well as representatives of apan” and poet Kadirbek Kunypi- tion. The construction of the wind announced plans to build up to six wind power will be from 35 to 100 the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan yauly. Third place was awarded to The first contest of children’s park in the East Kazakhstan re- wind projects in North Kazakh- MW.” and Kazakhmys Corporation. three participants – Sabit Duisen- works in the official language was “This year, more works than in biyev with his story “Almatynyn launched on April 2, 2012 on In- 2014 were submitted to the com- aporty,” Shaken Kulisbaiuly for ternational Children’s Book Day. petition. We are pleased that with his story “Kupiya” and Akylbek The main purpose of the contest is the growing number of participants Kozhauly for “Qazaqpyn.” to support the authors of children’s the quality of works increases. This The authors of the best works works and to educate children in year, students and schoolchildren were awarded cash prizes and their patriotism, curiosity, a love of read- took part in the competition on a par stories will be published in national ing, the native language and the with well-known writers. This indi- publications. cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan Naval Forces Celebrate 22nd Anniversary By Julia Rutz decided to establish naval forces littoral states summit is to take twenty-two years ago,” noted the place in Astana in 2016. Twenty-two years ago, the Kazakh- press service of the ministry. Kazakhstan’s fledgling Navy stan Navy was established as part of The Caspian Sea is considered has been helpful in protecting the the Armed Forces of a new independ- the largest inland body of water in country’s economic interests, in- ent state. The corresponding presi- the world. Five countries, Kazakh- cluding against poachers. dential decree was issued on April 2, stan, Russia and Azerbaijan, Turk- “Over the past three years, we 1993, according to press service of the menistan and Iran border the sea. have introduced three rocket-artil- Kazakhstan Ministry of Defence. The strategic importance of the lery ships, which were built on the Aktau city, being the main sea gate sea lays in its abundance of energy base of the domestic enterprise Ze- of the country on the Caspian Sea, resources. The sea contains large nit Ural Plant. Also, a mine vessel has organised several festive events volumes of natural gas and oil in is under construction now in the in order to commemorate the date. A both offshore deposits and onshore Russian ship-building yard Ala- public wreath laying, a parade of na- fields. Moreover, it is endowed tau. Moreover, we are considering val servants and a gala concert were with vast marine resources. the possibility of acquiring a new part of the celebration programme. Over the past 22 years, the five heavy guard ship,” according to a “The Caspian region is of a para- countries have been negotiating Defense Ministry representative. mount importance for the economy over a Caspian Sea legal status and Naval officers in Aktau congratu- of Kazakhstan and neighbouring at the September 2014 summit in lated the navy seaman and noted that countries. To ensure its protection, Astrakhan agreed to move forward the naval force of the country suc- as well as to secure economic inter- with determining the principles of cessfully executes its duties and pro- ests and state borders, Kazakhstan the status. The next Caspian Sea tects Kazakhstan’s western borders. B5 Nation&Capital SOCIETY

Wednesday, april 22, 2015 New Social Network Meant Kazakh-Specific to Increase Kazakh Law, Keyboards Expected Financial Knowledge by End of 2015 kaya, as reported by the Novosti- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov Kazakhstan Informational Agency. By Yelden Sarybay The website contains video lec- ASTANA – A new website, tures and clips and informational A recently patented keyboard www.1ccc.kz, has been created by charts. Users can participate in with comfortable positioning of the Financial Academy to increase forums, webinars, trainings and Kazakh letters will be produced Kazakh citizens’ understanding of seminars, find associates and join in Almaty and is expected by the the law and financial literacy. communities to discuss topical end of the year, according to pro- “The social network is a special- questions regarding tax and cus- ject curator Medet Turgambayev. ised professional website operat- toms control of state purchases, The inventors are Dias Zhunis- ing online. It is unique because of business accounting and audits. bekov and Yergali Adambayev, its opportunity to get information Users can ask questions of experts students at the International In- from professionals’ own lips,” said in any topical discussion, with the formation Technologies Univer- Olga Yanovskaya, president of the vice ministers of finance Ardak sity (IITU). The keyboard is cur- Financial Academy and an acade- Tengebayev, Ruslan Dalenov and rently made in small batches in mician at the Eurasia International Olga Yanovskaya Ruslan Beketayev and others also Chinese factories and they have Academy of Economics, at press a acting as advisors. been searching for a means to conference of the Central Commu- comments regarding regulatory The website developers plan to transfer production to Kazakh- nications Service. legal acts. create a news section which will stan. She noted businessmen and tax- “Our activity and the assistance be updated on a regular basis and payers are concerned with finan- of the Ministry of Finance enables have feedback from specialists “Currently, the workflow in the state (Kazakh) and Russian lan- A keyboard that positions Kazakh letters comfortably will be produced cial matters and legislation under them to get reliable and sufficient providing necessary information this year. present-day conditions. At times, information concerning legalisa- on users’ requests. The social net- guages is on the same level,” said individuals are unable to find de- tion, privatisation, business ac- work will also be adapted for iOS Turgambayev, IITU financial and Development (NATD) for grant May we will submit an applica- pendable and adequate material counting, auditing activities, tax, and Android platform, which can commercial director. “We intend funding. tion,” he added. and the website provides the nec- customs legislation andelectronic sufficiently increase the quantity to supply the keyboard not only “Work is being done on obtain- Moving production from China essary data as well as qualified state purchases,” said Yanovs- of users. to schools, but also national com- ing orders. This is at the level of to Alatau will eliminate the ne- panies.” government, so we can equip all cessity of minimum orders, for The specific letters of the Ka- schools in Kazakhstan with this once production begins the de- zakh language are usually lo- keyboard,” said the curator. vices will be released as needed. cated on the edges of a Cyrillic The patent for the students’ Manufacturing in the country will keyboard, whereas the new ar- invention is protected in Ka- lead to self-sufficiency, as there Historic Scenes, Retro rangement places them closer to zakhstan, as well as all Com- will be no need to spend money the centre for easier accessibility. monwealth of Independent States on transportation and customs Turgambaev noted that the pro- (CIS) countries. Documents are duties, which currently represent ject needs to buy the necessary currently being prepared and an Military Equipment to be equipment for keyboard produc- about 10 percent of the cost. Lo- application for funding and the tion. The developers intend to commercialisation of the project cal production will also allow the produce them at the Alatau Park will be submitted in May, said institute to enjoy the tax benefits of Innovative Technologies, a Turgambayev. of the innovative technologies Presented in Victory Parade park,” said Turgambayev. special economic zone in Almaty. “It is an on-going process. We Continued from Page B1 offspring of those who were in this soldiers in total, were ethnic Ka- Almost all the 3,000 pilot key- need to fill out a large number of “Therefore, it would be benefi- cavalry will help in reconstructing zakhs. boards have already been distrib- papers and collect a number of cial to us as producers and it will Forty Kazakh veterans who the departure scene, which took “This event is already included uted to schools in Kazakhstan, documents. We have other pro- be reflected in the final value of fought in the Great Patriotic War place March 23, 1942. According in the plan. There are volunteers said Turgambayev. Positive feed- jects as well, so we will submit the goods. If we receive a grant, will also march during the event. to protocol No. 87 of the Akmola and enthusiasts who want to take back about the gadget will allow all the documents at once. The we can set up domestic produc- An equestrian procession of the region committee, the cavalry had part in the reconstruction of this tion of the keyboard by the end 106th National Cavalry Division to join the sixth light brigade of event. All of them will be dressed the inventors to apply to the Na- NATD is not yet accepting appli- is also expected to be recreated, General A. Noskov to rescue the in uniforms of that period of time. tional Agency for Technological cations but I think that in April- of this year,” he added. said the head of the Kazakh Na- city of Kharkov, Ukraine. Accord- The procession will walk through tional Archive Fund Management ing to the report of that time, 90 the main streets of Astana in Service Akzada Hairullina. The percent of the cavalry, of the 4,000 April,” said Hairullina. Autism Resource Centres to Open as Almaty Holds World Autism Awareness Day

The main goal of these centres on the principles of early diagnosis, By Dmitry Lee is to improve the quality of life comprehensive rehabilitation, qual- of children with autism and their ity education and social adaptation. Hundreds of blue balloons were families through early diagno- We also believe that Kazakh soci- released into the sky to draw atten- sis, rehabilitation and inclusive ety must know more about people tion to the Light Up Blue campaign education and social integration. with autism and not alienate them, to mark United Nations Autism Children with autism will receive serve their needs and support their Awareness Day on April 2 in Almaty qualified rehabilitation services in families,”Aitmagambetov told kur- organised by Assyl Miras, a private the centres and will be integrated siv.kz. fund. In addition, the fund will open into society, while their parents In total, 77 cases of autism were four resource centres in Kazakhstan will receive all necessary infor- registered in Kazakhstan in 2003 to help combat the growing disease. mation, advice and psychological and today, there are 1,500 cases “We intend to develop and imple- assistance. It is planned to help so- nationwide, according to Kazakh ment a variety of services within cialise and rehabilitate more than TV. Almaty and the country’s capi- the walls of this [Almaty] resource 1,000 families. Approximately 15 tal Astana are to open the doors of centre. They include diagnostic ser- percent of people in Kazakhstan the first autism resource centres in vices, rehabilitation services and will gain primary knowledge of May-June of this year, while the medical support. We propose intro- autism during the first three years. Oskemen and Kyzylorda centres ducing a model of inclusive edu- “It is important that the govern- are to follow in 2016. These centres cation in order to prepare children ment pays attention to autism and will serve children and take special with autism for school,” said Marat introduces a system of early detec- measures regarding insulation and Aitmagambetov, director of the As- tion and timely assistance for chil- colour combinations, as some col- syl Miras Fund in an interview with dren with the Autism Spectre Disor- ours may adversely affect the per- Kazakh TV. der (ASD) and their families, based ception of children with autism. B6 Nation&Capital Tourism

Wednesday, april 22, 2015 The Short, Colourful Lives of Spring Steppe Flowers

tiny seed, or a bulb, up to the next blackberry and currant flowers. shades of blue and purple and shares the name of the southern Watching the eternal cycle of life By Michelle Witte year.” It is this strategy that makes Almost all the plants you’ll see crocuses provide the white. It is Kazakh city of Turkestan. – lush spring blossom and [the] the steppe spring so intense, he on the steppe are native to Ka- sometimes said in Kazakhstan The flowers and their short rapid fading of beautiful flowers, ASTANA – The hardy souls writes, “when suddenly and in zakhstan, Danilov said, and the that red poppies grow where there lives recur in Central Asian nomads believed that only in the who stick out one of Astana’s no time every single thing here dominant colours of the steppe in have been battles, while blue art and have been loaded with gardens of Paradise would they long and frigid winters can count revives, germinates, and literally spring are the reds and yellows of flowers grow in places of mourn- symbolism over the centuries. bloom forever. When nomads on at least one reward: when the explodes in billions of delicate wild tulips and poppies. Delicate ing. “[The] tulip was the symbol of laid their leaders to rest, they snows finally melt in April and and gentle flowers.” red wild corn poppies abound in Among the spring steppe flow- the ephemerality of earthly ex- decorated their clothes with gold May, the steppe bursts brightly, After the annuals start things the country’s south, Mikhailov ers, the most famous are probably istence in the mythology of the plates depicting tulips.” if briefly, into bloom around them off, perennials like tulips, gagea writes. There are also swathes of the country’s wild tulips – native nomads of Central Asia,” writes No flowers on this earthly in the few weeks between ex- (a group of spring flowers of the violet, white and light and dark to this region. There are dozens Oleg Belyalov in “Flowers of steppe can contend with both the treme cold and extreme heat that lilly family), blueflags, crocuses, blue, depending on the time of of tulip varieties in Kazakhstan, the Paradise Gardens,” on the pitiless cold and the pitiless sun – constitute spring in this part of hazel grouse and wind flowers year and the location, Danilov Mikhailov notes – some with the Unique Kazakhstan website. but over this month and then next, the world. start to open as well – but all dis- said. Poppies and tulips provide classic tulip bowl shape, others “The blooming coincided with between punishing seasons, Ka- “Annual plants bloom first in appear by summer, Danilov says, the steppe in spring, painting the preferring to spend most of their yellow and red, blueflags, speed- looking more like small stars, the main spring holiday, Nau- zakhstan’s patient native poseys landscape like a colourful carpet,” time resting as bulbs or other wells, violets and gentians bring like the tulipa turkestanica, which ryz, the beginning of a new year. will be blooming their hearts out. Mikhail Danilov, lead researcher forms of rootstock. at Almaty’s Phyto-Introduction Because Kazakhstan is so huge and Botanics Institute, told The and varies so much geographical- Astana Times on April 7. “The ly and climatically, the blooming plants live during the few warm seasons are different across the and humid days of early spring. country, and springtime creeps They are able to bloom and seed only slowly northward from during these few days.” southern cities toward the capital. The steppe spring is short and “You can see the flowering of cro- intense for a reason: “The bio- cus alatavicus [white crocuses] logical strategy of the majority around Almaty city in February,” of steppe plants is simple: a plant Danilov said. “The first flowers has to finish blossoming as early bloom in northern Kazakhstan not as possible, during that short pe- earlier than in the end of March or riod when the soil is already out in the beginning of April.” of winter frost, but is still soaked There will be blossoms over- enough with snowmelt waters,” head as well as underfoot, he Andrey Mikhailov writes in his notes: in addition to the wild ap- article “Steppe in Bloom” on the ples the country is known for, Unique Kazakhstan website. “It there are the progenitors of our has to do it so that afterwards it cultivated pear, plum and apricot could lie dormant in the form of a trees, plus pistachio, raspberry, Forbes Kazakhstan Establishes Architectural Innovation Award city appearance and lessening hu- By Julia Rutz man impact on the environment,” explained Jury Chairman Rudolf In light of the coming inter- Wienands, who is also a profes- national exhibition EXPO 2017, sor at Munich Technical Univer- which will largely focus on sus- sity (Germany) and the founder tainable development and the face of Wienands Plan GmbH architec- of energy in the future, Forbes tural bureau. Kazakhstan business magazine The esteemed judges are going decided to establish an architec- to nominate contestants in the fol- ture award this year. The award lowing categories: Best Residen- is intended to bring out the most tial Complex (housing), Best Pub- creative and innovative projects lic Building, Best Public Building in local architecture and create a Interior; Best Residential Interior, platform for extraordinary Kazakh Best Villa, Best Sustainable De- architects. sign and the Grand Prize (Forbes Some of the world’s leading ex- Kazakhstan’s choice). perts, with more than 30 years’ ex- According to competition rules, perience in the field and who also any group or organisation which have created great architectural executes any single or collec- achievements have been invited to tive architectural project that was participate as project judges. submitted to the contest, may par- “Such contests truly benefit ticipate. Moreover, all contestants everyone, because if a project is should have a Kazakhstan con- not only recognised by investors struction license. Submitted pro- or a client, but also by independ- jects may be under construction or ent professionals, it creates a huge can have been in progress for no incentive for architects to develop more than 10 years before the ap- themselves further and as a result, plication deadline. the competition enhances the qual- The application submission pe- ity of services available. Moreo- riod began on March 16 and ended ver, the award is an impetus for de- on April 15. Final results are ex- veloping urban culture, bettering pected to be announced on April 28. B7 Nation&Capital Sports

Wednesday, april 22, 2015 Kazakh Weightlifters Win Four Medals at World Youth Championship By Dmitry Lee

Kazakh weightlifters earned four medals at the April 8-12 World Youth Championship in Lima, Peru. Igor Song and Tatyana Kapus- tina won gold medals, Aigerim Aulbek took silver and Shyngys Sagyndykov won a bronze medal, while Igor Schwartz and Arystan- bek Zhakansha both took eighth place in their weight categories, according to vesti.kz. Song was the first to win gold for Kazakhstan in the 50 kilogrammes category. Song had previous high- level competition experience from Igor Song (c) competing in 2013 through 2014, Olympics and youth champion- four-time world champion Ilya but had failed to enter the top 10. ships before. Ilyin. Today, on the threshold of Later, Song topped the list of ath- letes on his team, then became Kazakhstan established itself as the next summer Olympics in Rio Asian youth champion and now a powerhouse in the weightlifting 2016, as the stakes and pressure world champion. world at the 2012 London Summer are higher, the country is betting Kapustina travelled to the cham- Olympics by winning four gold on new talents and has shifted its pionship as an experienced athlete, medals. And the national team has efforts to producing new champi- Tatyana Kapustina (second from right) having participated in the Youth included two-time Olympic and ons to strengthen its positions. Astana Arlans Beat Condors, Extend Barys Goalie Undefeated Streak to 13 Achieves Playoff’s By Dmitry Lee undefeated streak to 13 wins this the Arlans in the light flyweight tional Boxing Association (AIBA) season. category (49 kilogrammes). Junior World Championship bronze med- The Astana Arlans continued That same night, Kazakh box- Zarate beat Zhomart Yerzhan to allist Kairat Yeraliyev managed to their domination of Group B of the er Vassiliy Levit earned a bid to put the Condors ahead. The lead beat newcomer Jonathan Emanuel Highest Save World Series of Boxing (WSB) by participate in the 2016 Summer was short-lived, however, as the Sanchez to equalise the situation knocking out the Argentina Con- Olympics in Rio, worldseriesbox- Arlan’s took match number two. for the Arlans. dors 4-1 in an away match on April ing.com reports. In the bantamweight (56 kilo- In the next bout, Samat Bashe- 19. The victory extends the Arlan’s The night started with a loss for grammes) category, 2013 Interna- nov of Kazakhstan put his club Percentage ahead by winning every round to have the playoff’s highest save against Lucas Ivan Gimenez in the By Yerlan Zhanayev percentage. The Slovak’s result welterweight category (64 kilo- was 94.8 percent. With number The seventh season of the Con- grammes). 50 on his jersey, the Barys keeper tinental Hockey League (KHL) 2013 AIBA World Champion more than once this season con- wrapped up on April 19 with the Zhanibek Alimkhanuly managed firmed an old hockey proverb that premier Gagarin Cup going to a good goalie is worth half a team. to drop Christian Zarate in round SKA Saint Petersburg. one in the next bout, but the Con- The club from Russia’s second dor’s fighter resumed the fight and largest city defeated Ak Bars of finished it. Alimkhanuly still won Kazan in five matches (series are by points in the middleweight cat- played until one side reaches four egory (75 kilogrammes) to make it wins). This victory came on the 3-1 for the Arlans. back of SKA’s spectacular come- And finally in the spotlight dur- back in the semifinals against ing the evening was Kazakh heav- CSKA Moscow, the more famous yweight (91 kilogrammes) star of the two clubs with strong his- Vassiliy Levit of Kostanai who torical ties to the Red Army, after won a technical knockout against losing the first three matches. The Diego Blanche to earn his seventh only other series that went to sev- consecutive win this season, in- en games involved Barys Astana, cluding five with knockouts. The who lost to Avangard Omsk. victory also earned Levit a bid to As is customary at the end of participate in the 2016 Olympics the season, various statistical data in Rio. were announced regarding league The Astana Arlans will next face teams and individual players. The the Italia Thunder on April 25 at Kazakh fans may find consolation Centro Sportivo Italcementi in the fact the Astana club’s goal- Bergamo in Rome. tender Jan Laco was determined National Hockey Team Dominates in First Two Group Games we have to play better,” said An- onship held in Minsk, our players having lost all their games. In the must reach at least second place to drey Shayan, assistant to the head dropped out of the elite division, current tournament, Kazakhstan return to the world elite group. coach of Kazakhstan’s team, after the first game. In his words, the trio of Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev, Konstantin Savenkov and Evgeni Rymarev played successfully in the team’s first effort. In the second game, Kazakhstan, as if remembering their disappoint- ing defeat two years ago at the hands of the Hungarian team, came to the game focused and seemingly playing according to the idea that the best defence is to attack. In the first two periods, the Ka- zakh team significantly outper- formed its opponents in speed and had the Hungarians locked tightly in their own area, as evidenced by the By Arsen Dilim 4-0 score and the three-to-one ratio their first games, which strongly of shots on goal in Kazakhstan’s fa- Kazakhstan’s national hockey resembled each other. The only vour (19-7). In the third period, Ka- team has made a confident start difference was that in the first zakhstan scored again, bringing the in the first division of the world game, Kazakhstan allowed their final score to a decisive 5-0. championships in Krakow, Po- opponents to score twice in the last As this edition goes to print, the land. In their first two games in minute of the match. outcome of Kazakhstan’s third Group A, Kazakhstan convinc- Kevin Dallman scored the first game against Japan will be de- ingly beat the national teams of goal for Kazakhstan at the tourna- cided. Following that, the team Ukraine and Hungary, 5-2 and ment. will play two more group games, 5-0, respectively. “Our opponent could not cre- against Poland and Italy. The Kazakhs controlled both of ate big problems for us, but still, In the previous hockey champi- The Kazakh national team celebrates a Group A win. B8 Nation&Capital capital Wednesday, april 22, 2015 Marriott Seeks New Partners, New Local Relationships with Open Day cluding one room demonstrating its we decided to wait a little bit.” as well as curious Astana residents. By Michelle Witte more intimate concept for presenta- After nine months, he says, they “That’s OK – we’re happy with tions, Meeting Imagine. In the larger now know who they can work with curious people, we just want them ASTANA – The Marriott Astana halls, the hotel had laid out different – the hotel’s current partners are to come and say hello, we want to opened its third floor event facilities décor and entertainment options, Vostorg Decor and the Astana Con- meet them, have the opportunity [to to all comers during its Open Day on starting with an Aladdin-themed kids cert entertainment management introduce ourselves], to have the April 13, an event intended to dem- party room with cake pops and photo company – and they’ve got a good opportunity to reach out to people.” onstrate the hotel’s event capabilities stages and moving on to its Grand understanding of the market in Local and international compa- General Manager Philippe Mahuas (c) with the partners of the hotel at Marriott and reach out to new and existing Ballroom showing seasonal options Astana and have proven themselves nies in Kazakhstan are obvious po- Open Day on April 13. partners in the Kazakh capital. for wedding decorations. as a successful venue for corporate tential clients and partners for the “We’re trying to reach out more,” Most hotels have an open day and private events. “But we want to hotel, Mahuas said. But because Marriott has already hosted kids’ party organised by Astana Concert said General Manager Philippe Ma- as soon as they open – but Ma- do more. We didn’t want to just sit Astana is the capital, there is an ad- birthday parties, parties for enter- at the Marriott was a children’s huas. “I think that when you enter a huas chose to wait until some nine here and wait for people to come ditional market here: governments ing school, traditional Kyrkynan party, said Chingizkhan Nurkenov, new city, there is a historical relation- months after the hotel’s official to us or react to some of our sales and embassies. And with EXPO shygaru celebrations that mark the part of the Astana Concert team. ship that has been created in the area launch. “When you’re new, you promotions – we wanted to create 2017 coming, he said, there will 40th day after a child is born, wed- “People in Astana are happy that with existing partners, existing hotels, have lots of ideas but you don’t a day that would be an opportunity be national companies travelling dings, funerals and other important we have a new venue to organise et cetera. We are a new hotel – OK, have the structure in terms of op- for everyone to come and see the to Kazakhstan to be involved with family occasions, and about which social events,” he said. “Each event we are a leading brand, but we’re still erations, in terms of the knowledge hotel and the different set ups and the expo project and working with the staff seems the most excited. is special for us; we treat each one a new hotel, so we want to make sure of the local partners – you can different possibilities that we have their embassies in Astana, and he Standing amid the hall full of like it’s the only one. It could be a people know we are here.” promise a lot of things but you can’t for hosting events,” Mahuas said. hopes to also reach out to them. Disney characters and themed big concert or a VIP party or a kids’ Marriott’s two meeting rooms and automatically deliver them because The hotel was looking forward to But the hotel also values its per- sweets, Marriott Astana Marketing party: they’re all important to us, board room were set up and ready for you don’t know how strong you’re seeing their existing partners and sonal relationships with the resi- Manager Nina Nikitina said, “We and we try to leave our guests with delegations to enter and sit down, in- going to be [in different areas]. So new potential partners and clients – dents of the Kazakh capital. The like kids’ parties!” The most recent lasting memories.”

the devices can help save more than half of annual heating costs, they are already attracting interest Nazarbayev University Commercialisation from industries and homeowners, he reported. Nazarbayev University’s Com- Office Supports Domestic Innovation mercialisation Office collaborates with some other similar projects University scientists, and a spe- sults of research and development sulfur-based battery has also been Western partners that uses locally in the country, Zhumagulov said, By Michelle Witte cial commission that reviews the to the market, and form a ring of designed to use the huge amounts produced components. “This al- in particular the Technology Com- applications,” Zhumagulov notes. research-intensive and high-tech- of sulfur waste produced by oil lows for a cost in Kazakhstan [that mercialisation Centre (TCC) in ASTANA – At Nazarbayev Uni- Applications are subject to exter- nology companies around Naz- refineries in western Kazakhstan, is] half the selling price of such a Astana under the Ministry of Ed- versity, the drive to research and nal, independent review and given arbayev University. It must also thereby providing a solution to an device in Europe,” Baiseitov said. ucation and Science and World innovate is being balanced and scores that are taken into account create a favourable environment ecological problem. The two types “The project is mainly driven by Bank. Nazarbayev University informed by the need to create by the commission that decides on for researchers, attracting invest- of battery are currently being pat- the push towards renewable ener- practical, marketable products – a funding. ments to new technology research ented and produced on the small gy sources in Kazakhstan, sprung scientists have received funding process that is supported by the If a project is accepted for fund- within Nazarbayev University, de- scale; production will be scaled up in 2012 by the President Nursultan through the TCC’s grant competi- university’s Commercialisation ing, the Commercialisation Office veloping engineering potential in into larger consumer packs by the Nazarbayev’s legislative initiative tion, which is currently supporting Office, launched in the beginning then offers an administrative hand Kazakhstan, fostering transfer and end of the year, he said. to follow green economy princi- projects by Nazarbayev University of 2013. to the scientists, helping them ap- commercialisation of cutting-edge “The project received strong ples, as well as the decision to hold researchers on making batteries, “[The Commercialisation Of- proach the stage where they might technologies and creating jobs for interest from national companies EXPO 2017 in Astana.” developing current stabilisers and fice] provides administrative assis- interest a business, and then bring Nazarbayev University alumni,” such as KazAtomProm and Sam- This year, the devices are being developing industrial robots and tance (procurement, contracting, the business community into the the IIC website says. ruk Energy as a means of replacing assembled manually, but in the next software to operate them, TCC consulting, patenting, et cetera) mix when there is a working pro- Technopark Director Diaz Bais- bulky lead acid batteries, the price, two years, a full production line Lead Expert Erik Azulay told The to approved projects, aiming to totype to show them or to produce, seitov says their efforts are be- weight and size of which hinders using local resources and labour is Astana Times. He also reported get them to the working prototype he said. ginning to see results. “One of renewable energy accumulation,” to be set up. “In October 2014, the that the two organisations will be stage,” Daniyar Zhumagulov, di- The Commercialisation Office is the projects we are proud of is a he told The Astana Times. project won the KazINNO Energy working together more closely in rector of the Commercialisation part of the university’s Innovation novel battery type (Li-Sulfur and Baisseitov himself led another competition organised by the Na- the future: the university and the Office, told The Astana Times on Intellectual Cluster (IIC), which Li-aqueous) developed by our project through the Commerciali- tional Agency for Technological TCC are working on a programme April 2. consists of the Commercialisation team of scientists led by Profes- sation Office, this one to produce Development (NATD). The prize to have Nazarbayev University In the process, he said, a scien- Office, the Business Incubator, sor Zhumabai Bakenov. Compared flat solar thermal collectors with was an acceleration programme business students work on some tist will describe his or her innova- the Prototyping Centre, the Tech- to conventional batteries, it holds efficiency rates of up to 90 percent, in Silicon Valley, along with par- of the TCC’s commercialisation tion in an application for financing. nopark and the Research Park. up to 10 times more energy and as opposed to 15 percent for pho- ticipation in the CleanTech Open projects to get hands-on training “We have formal rules that gov- “The cluster is designed to create withstands far more recharging cy- tovoltaic devices, he explained. Global Forum, the world’s largest in providing market analysis, busi- ern financing commercialisation favourable conditions for innova- cles.” The batteries are also cheap- The KunTech start up produces the accelerator of projects in the field ness development, commercialisa- projects initiated by Nazarbayev tors, assist in introducing the re- er to produce, he said, and the heat collectors through a technol- of energy efficiency and resource tion strategies and other aspects of ogy developed in cooperation with conservation,” Baisseitov said. As matching technologies to markets.

The KunTech team, supported by Nazarbayev Universtiy’s Technology Commercialisation Office, with one of their solar thermal collection panels. Astana’s Rotary Club Launches Continued from Page B1 sions, and Stamp says the Astana a Rotary Club will add to Astana’s club will first be looking in particu- prestige, he suggested, and because The group’s first activities will lar to attract legal professionals and of attendance requirements for Ro- probably be related to raising international members, as well as tary meetings and events, having awareness of the group and fund- any former members of other Rotary a club in Astana means travelling raising. These may include a bike clubs (Karamanli, for example, was a Rotarians – who will be prominent tour around Astana sometime next member of a Rotary club in New Jer- members of their home communi- month, Karamanli said, and a car sey before moving to Kazakhstan). ties – will have an opportunity to at- journey from Astana to the U.K., with stops at other Rotary clubs “It’ll be good for the city,” Kara- tend meetings in Astana, increasing along the way, Stamp suggested. manli, managing director of the connections between Astana and Projects will be decided upon by alternative energy company KB the international community. members as the group evolves. Ro- Enterprises in Astana, said. “It’s im- Astana’s Rotary Club is the sec- tary membership rules stipulate that portant for Astana. Astana is a good ond in Kazakhstan, though it is al- clubs should strive for broad repre- city, a big city, but still, the image ready the largest; Almaty’s Rotary sentation among a variety of profes- is not there yet,” he said. Having Club launched in 1995.