+22° / +6°C WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 No 18 (156) www.astanatimes.com Kazakh President meets with Turkish All conditions created for President, business leaders in Ankara increasing oil and gas extraction in Kazakhstan, says industry official represented by the KAZENERGY By Elya Altynsarina Association, which over the years has implemented several projects ASTANA – As the Kazakh capital to strengthen ties between the or- is preparing to host the World Petro- ganisation members. leum Council Oct. 1-3, The Astana The KNC has initiated a cycle of Times talked to Asset Magauov, expert seminars of the World Petro- Director General of KAZENERGY, leum Council aimed at studying ad- the Association of Oil and Gas and vanced expertise and international Energy Sector Organisations of Ka- practices of developing local content. zakhstan, about the event as well as We received strong support among the trends in the industry, the asso- the members of the organisation and ciation’s work to create a better leg- presented our results at the special islative framework and the longer sections of the World Petroleum term outlook for oil and gas produc- Congresses in Moscow and Istanbul. tion in the country. The upcoming meeting in Ka- zakhstan on Oct. 1-3 is not the first What are the goals, objectives of its kind. In 2012, we already and expected outcome of the up- hosted a WPC meeting in Astana, coming World Petroleum Council where more than 50 national com- Meeting in Astana? mittees’ representatives took part. Kazakhstan joined the World Pe- But for us, it is an honour to bring troleum Council (WPC) in 1997. back the WPC to the capital of Ka- Then we established the Kazakh- zakhstan after six years. stan National Committee (KNC) – Continued on Page A6 Supreme Mufti: care for Following a visit to the Kul- to inform me Turkey recognises Joint Programme, which supports By Elya Altynsarina liye presidential complex in An- our sovereignty,” Nazarbayev re- entrepreneurs. The programme has kara and meeting with his Turk- called. “Since that day, our rela- helped launch 23 projects totaling ASTANA – Kazakh President ish counterpart, the two leaders, tionship is only growing.” $800 million and created 3,000 jobs. peace is moral, civic duty Nursultan Nazarbayev held bilat- Kazakh and Turkish delegations Nazarbayev also praised the dis- Nazarbayev also invited Turkish eral talks with Turkish President sat for the Strategic Cooperation cussions with Erdogan. companies to invest in transporta- Recep Tayyip Erdogan, partici- Council meeting. “Astana and Ankara are open tion and logistics businesses at Ka- of every Muslim pated in the Third Meeting of the The council with the heads of to each other in discussing the zakhstan’s Aktau and Kuryk ports. High-Level Strategic Coopera- state and government ministers regional and international top- One day before Nazarbayev’s recent interview with The Astana tion Council and met with Turkish reviewed cooperation in oil and ics, our positions are similar,” he visit, a Kazakh delegation led by By Meruyert Abugaliyeva Times. business leaders during a Sept. 13 gas, military industries, transit said. He said both countries want Deputy Prime Minister Askar “Surely, Islam is a religion of official visit to Turkey. and education and agreed to de- to strengthen the political dialogue Mamin participated in the Kazakh- ASTANA – Kazakhstan is kindness and peace. There is one “Relations between Kazakhstan velop closer agricultural, tour- and friendship between the frater- Turkish Investment Forum and home to more than 130 ethnic saying by Prophet Muhammad, and Turkey are developing in the ism, science and technology co- nal peoples. signed 24 commercial agreements groups and the nation’s prosper- ‘The Muslim ummah (community) spirit of strategic partnership, an operation. Nazarbayev also met during his totaling $1.7 billion. The agree- ity is only possible when there is is like one body: if one organ com- important component of which is At a joint press briefing, both trip with Turkish business leaders ments are in the non-resource sec- peace and harmony, said Serikbay plains, the rest of the body develops trade and economic interaction,” leaders praised Kazakh-Turkish and noted that 1,800 businesses tor of Kazakhstan’s economy and kazhy Oraz, Chairperson of the a fever.’ Therefore, special attention Nazarbayev said during the visit. relations rooted in common history operating in Kazakhstan with are expected to create 3,000 jobs. Spiritual Administration of Mus- is paid to helping the people around, Turkey is among Kazakhstan’s and shared values. Turkish capital, and annual trade The agreements involve chemi- lims of Kazakhstan (SAMK) and especially those in need,” he said. top 10 trading partners and trade “Kazakhstan is one of Turkey’s volume has reached $2 billion. He cal industries in Zhambyl region, the Kazakh Supreme Mufti, in a Continued on Page B2 between the two countries grew 27 most important strategic partners,” said the sides agreed on a new goal real estate projects to develop percent in 2017. Erdogan said. Calling Nazarbayev of $5 billion. Almaty’s downtown, as well as a Nazarbayev said Kazakhstan a ‘patriarch of the Turkic world,’ Nazarbayev met with CEO of large greenhouse project in Turke- should utilise the intergovernmen- he said relations would grow in all Oyak Holding Suleiman Erdem, stan region. tal commission between Kazakh- sectors after the visit. Board Chairman of Yıldırım Turkish companies expressed stan and Turkey, develop new con- Nazarbayev congratulated Er- Group Robert Yüksel Yıldırım and interest in exploring opportunities President appoints new ditions for investment partnership dogan on his reelection in June. Board Chairman of Koc Holdings offered by Kazakhstan’s political and optimise Kazakhstan’s transit “When Kazakhstan declared its Ali Yildirim Koc, among other stability, growing infrastructural potential under the Nurly Zhol in- independence on Dec. 16, 1991, business persons. capacity in conjunction with Chi- frastructure programme to make late President of Turkey Turgut The Kazakh President and Turk- na’s Belt and Road Initiative and finance minister, security Kazakhstan a leading logistic hub Ozal was the first to call me, just ish industry leaders reviewed the the opportunities of the Astana In- in Central Asia. two hours after the announcement, interim results of New Synergy ternational Financial Centre. council secretary, economic aide Kazakhstan hopes to reach 4 percent state policy in ensuring national By Assel Satubaldina security and defence capabilities to maintain domestic political sta- ASTANA – Kazakh President bility, protect the constitutional or- GDP growth despite sluggish start in Nursultan Nazarbayev appointed der, state independence, territorial Sept. 19 Alikhan Smailov new integrity and the national interests Minister of Finance and Gabit of Kazakhstan. Baizhanov the Assistant to the In a related development, on some sectors, says minister President – Secretary of the Secu- Sept. 21, Nazarbayev appointed have experienced a 3.7 percent ment in fixed capital increased rity Council. Timur Zhaksylykov, until recent- By Aidana Yergaliyeva growth as opposed to the 4.1 per- 21.4 percent. Smailov had served as the Aide ly the Member of the Collegium cent predicted. Foreign trade turnover has also to the President for economic af- (Minister) for Economy and Fi- ASTANA – Kazakh government Growth from agricultural prod- grown steadily. In the last seven fairs since December 2015. He nancial Policy of the Eurasian officials hope to reach 4 percent ucts decreased 1.5 percent due to months, it increased by 20.1 per- replaced Bakhyt Sultanov in the Economic Commission, the inter- gross domestic product (GDP) a poor harvest in the four major cent or $51.9 billion. Exports in- position. governmental body coordinating growth for 2018, despite only 3.8 crop producing regions of Ak- creased by 26 percent or $34 bil- Baizhanov became the Security policies within the Eurasian Eco- percent growth between January mola, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan lion. Council secretary. Previously, he nomic Union (EAEU), as his Aide and August, Minister of National and East Kazakhstan, the minister The labour market also remains served as head of the country’s for economic affairs. Economy Timur Suleimenov told reported. stable with 297,100 people be- Syrbar Foreign Intelligence Ser- Nazarbayev had earlier signed at Sept. 11 government meeting. The production of industrial ing employed. Wages have been vice since May 2015. a decree Sept. 10 dismissing Adil- “Given the GDP growth rate products declined in the North growing at a moderate pace. Aver- The Security Council is a con- bek Dzhaksybekov, 64, from his from the beginning of the year, the Kazakhstan, West Kazakhstan, age monthly salaries increased 2.3 sultative deliberative body formed position as the head of the presi- 4 percent target remains achiev- Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions. percent between January and July. and chaired by the Kazakh Presi- dential administration, where he able. However, it is possible the In general, eight regions and Suleimenov said the 4 percent dent. worked since June 2016, stating he target growth rates will not be sayasat.org. Photo credit: cities of national importance per- GDP growth target remains achiev- In June, the new law granted had reached the retirement age. fulfilled in sectors such as- phar Minister of National Economy formed below the national average able but faces challenges from in- Nazarbayev a life long right to The same day, Nazarbayev re- maceuticals, food and beverage Timur Suleimenov. of 4.7 percent. ternational economic factors. head the body. The recent law also lieved then Astana Akim Asset production, oil refining and agri- Suleimenov also pointed to pos- “To achieve annual targets, expanded the role of the security Issekeshev of his position and ap- culture,” said Suleimenov. grown by 2.4 percent rather than itive signs of growth, including a there are four months left… This council by providing it with the pointed him the head of the presi- Suleimenov noted several sec- the targeted 3.5 percent. The con- 4.8 percent increase in transport is not an easy task given the grow- status of a constitutional body. dential administration. Bakhyt tors where growth has been slug- struction sector grew by only 0.8 and 5.8 percent growth in trade ing international trade conflicts The document said the council is Sultanov, a long-time finance min- gish since the beginning of the percent rather than the targeted 3.6 that exceeded the expected growth and volatility in the financial mar- now responsible for coordinating ister, was appointed the new may- year. Agricultural production has percent. And production services of 3.9 percent. Also, the invest- ket,” he said. the implementation of a unified or of the Kazakh capital.

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIAL OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL President notes challenges of relocating Major international oil, gas industry players to Kazakhstan’s ever-growing global and NAKAMITSU: Advancing disarmament within Three-part exhibit displays works of young regional centre to Turkestan A2 gather in Almaty for KIOGE 2018 A4 regional role as country near 27th the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development A7 Kazakh, international artists B1 Regional, city administrations gain increased Tsin-Kaz witnesses tremendous breakthrough anniversary A6 VASSILENKO: Kazakhstan’s assistance to Outdoor adventure, cycling tours in control over buildings and elevators A2 over 20 years, and offers reasonably priced, Afghanistan helps strengthen regional and Kazakhstan have great potential, says bicycle high quality products A5 global security A7 adventure club founder B6

US$ 1 = 354.12 KZT € 1 = 416.73 KZT 1 = 5.37 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

NATIONAL President notes challenges of relocating NEWS IN BRIEF The Nur Otan Party has organ- ised free English language elec- tive courses for 9th-11th grade regional centre to Turkestan students in 84 rural districts and centres as part of the English for Jastar (Youth) project. The pro- ject was developed to support the programme introducing trilin- gualism across the country. Stu- dents can improve their English as well as enhance their commu- nication skills. The pilot project, to be conducted September-No- vember, includes native English speakers and local specialists among its instructors. A total of 141 volunteers have expressed their willingness to contribute, 75 of whom are Kazakh univer- sity students.

Kazakh Tourism plans to im- plement quest games on sacred places around Kazakhstan as a way to develop domestic tourism. The expedition will be based on Pokemon Go, Deputy Chairper- son of the company Kairat Sadu- akasov told inform.kz. “First, we

Photo credit: akorda.kz. Photo credit: will create an electronic version of all sacred places. Players can Nazarbayev declared the estab- “Everyone knows that a new city for Kazakhstan and the en- mous people are buried here,” he gain points on a quest. For exam- By Staff Report lishment of the Turkestan region region, Turkestan region, was es- tire Turkic world. Turkestan, re- said. ple, one can get points for a trip June 19, when he changed the sta- tablished in our country. I believe vered among Muslim pilgrims, Also at the Akorda meeting, to Ulytau or other sacred place. ASTANA – Relocation of a region- tus of Shymkent city, previously this was a right decision. The re- boasts more than 1,500 years of First Deputy Prime Minister Askar As the quest travel expands, the al centre from Shymkent to Turkestan centre of the South Kazakhstan re- gional centre is being relocated to rich history with numerous cul- Mamin and Turkestan region Akim number of points will increase. is a difficult process in every respect, gion, to a city of “national signifi- Turkestan and this is a challenging tural and sacred sites preserved (Governor) Zhanseit Tuimebayev The conventional name for the said Kazakh President Nursultan cance” joining Astana and Almaty. process in all aspects,” said the to this day. reported on the territorial develop- points is Altyn (gold). Altyns Nazarbayev during a meeting at the The administrative centre was then President. “This is a sacred place for all ment of the city and the progress can be exchanged for various Akorda presidential residence focus- relocated to Turkestan, a city 150 He noted a special historical Turkic people, that is why many of the relocation of administrative discounts, such as exchanged ing on Turkestan’s development. kilometres north of Shymkent. and spiritual significance of the people come to visit it. Many fa- bodies to Turkestan. for business class instead of economy class on the airline or free luggage delivery. In addition to points, each player will have a personal status. At the begin- Ministers report Influenza vaccination ning, players will be ‘ulan,’ then advance to ‘sultan’ and finally to ‘khan.’ Such players will be progress in digital begins in October given special discounts,” he said. tion. The most effective measure we must take this into account,” he Almaty youngsters can learn Staff Report is the vaccination itself, which said. robotics for free at the children’s should be received in the pre-ep- The public health protection technopark recently opened in the literacy training ASTANA – Influenza vaccina- idemic season, usually October- committee monitors viruses and city’s Palace of Schoolchildren, tion will be conducted in Kazakh- November. threats across all regions annually reported inform.kz. “We installed stan starting Oct. 1. Nearly 1.5 Other measures include re- through 57 sentinel surveillance microblocks, unique equipment million doses were purchased for stricting time spent and wearing centres. The gathered data is then with which we will prepare chil- among population approximately one billion tenge disposable masks in congested sent to the World Health Organisa- dren for international competi- year, we organised a national gath- (US$2.76 million), according to areas, washing hands thoroughly tion (WHO) national centre, where tions. The technopark will work By Assel Satubaldina ering of parents where more than the Healthcare Ministry’s public with soap, regularly cleaning and it is analysed and used for fore- for free with 20 children in each 1.6 million parents were taught health protection committee chair- ventilating rooms, consuming casts. group. If there is greater interest, ASTANA – Kazakh Minister the use of educational information person Zhandarbek Bekshin. foods containing vitamin C, us- “According to the WHO fore- we will invite more teachers,” of Education and Science Yerlan systems. This is also done through The cost of a flu shot will vary ing drugs only at the recommen- cast, three strains will be circulat- said Aigul Bolatbekova, deputy Sagadiyev, Minister of Labour creation of parents’ chat, mobile from 1,600 tenge (US$4.42) to dation of a doctor and exercising ing this season – type A (H1N1) director of the Centre for New and Social Protection Madina Ab- apps and automatisation of public 3,500 tenge (US$9.67). regularly. Michigan, type A (H3N2) Sin- Technologies in Education in ylkassymova, Ministry of Health- services,” he said. “Anyone may receive a paid Ten percent of the Kazakh popu- gapore and type B Colorado. In Almaty. The programme will in- care Yelzhan Birtanov and First Digital literacy is also reinforced influenza vaccination provided in lation is vaccinated annually, ac- previous seasons, the viruses’ an- volve three groups – initial train- Vice Minister of Agriculture Ar- among healthcare workers, said private vaccination centres and cording to the committee. Bek- tigenic structure did not change ing in Legos, 3D modelling and man Yevniyev reported on pro- Birtanov, with more than 182,000 clinics’ vaccination rooms at plac- shin noted the optimal time to be because the same sorts of viruses an English section for children in gress in digital literacy training people currently employed at 740 es of residence, given that they vaccinated is October, rather than circulated. This year, there will advanced robotics. among the country’s population medical organisations. are authorised by the appropriate November or the first half of De- likely be circulation of these two during a Sept. 11 government “Within eight months, the num- body,” he said. cember. new types of viruses, type A Sin- The nation’s cinematography is meeting. ber of doctors that were trained in Bekshin emphasised the basic “The winter season will arrive gapore and type B Colorado,” said on the rise, as a number of Ka- The ministries are responsible the use of information systems of guidelines for influenza preven- sooner in the northern regions and Bekshin. zakh films will soon be released, for training professionals and the the ministry reached 44,869 and said Deputy Minister for Cul- country’s population in using in- also 118,035 nurses. A total of ture and Sports Aktoty Raimku- formation technologies in daily 46,282 doctors and 125,729 nurses lova. Historical movies such as life and work, which is the central attended digital literacy courses,” “Baluan Sholak,” “Kazakh Eli” aspect of the Digital Kazakhstan said the minister, emphasising the (Nation) and “Tomiris;” the fea- programme that seeks to reach 83 ministry’s goal to train all health- Regional, city administrations ture “Zhenimpaz” (Winner) and percent digital literacy level by care workers until the end of 2018. animated pictures “Kultegin” 2022. The ministry also conducts work and “Muzbalak,” as well as “Ku- Digital literacy encompasses a to reach out to the other side of nanbai” and “Oralman,” will be wide range of skills and Kazakh health sector, patients. Birtanov gain increased control over shown on the big screen. Kazakh ministries specify several levels said to date 5,093,257 people, ac- films were previously limited to of digital literacy, where the basic counting for 28.2 percent of the one-time showings at interna- level refers to one’s skill in using total contractual population, re- tional festivals and competitions. computer and mobile gadgets and ceived training. buildings and elevators Due to co-production by two or getting information from the inter- Digital literacy training facili- receiving all the comments, the more countries, however, the net. ties, 471 to date, are also installed By Yerbolat Uatkhanov standards will be approved. movies are gaining more world- The second level denotes the in healthcare organisations, where “It is clear that we can do the wide recognition, such as the ability to use e-government ser- specialists demonstrate patients ASTANA – The Kazakh govern- normative documents, but the res- vices and make payments, while how to install mobile apps and use Russian-Kazakh film “28 Pan- ment recently approved a draft law idents of the houses are not able the third level allows a person to health services with the apps. filov’s Riflemen” which became empowering regional and city ad- to collect [all the] money at once engage in e-commerce – buy, sell Abylkassymova believes elec- the leader in Russian rolled prod- ministrations to repair façades and and replace the elevators. For ex- and promote goods online. The tronic labour exchange, the coun- ucts, said Raimkulova. fourth level entails use of digital try’s recent initiative launched in roofs, increase housing stability ample, if there is a problem in a solutions, mobile applications and January, is one of the important in flood zones, repair and replace five-porch house, then you need Astana’s Paralympic training synchronising several gadgets and channels to enhance digital litera- elevators and manage gas supply to replace five elevators at the centre has launched Invaservice, the advanced level means a person cy of the population. infrastructure. same time. On average, an eleva- a unique self-service corner de- is capable of programming on his She said training at employ- Local executive bodies will be tor costs $50,000 and five eleva- signed for people with disabili- or her own. ment centres and electronic labour required to replace elevators at tors will cost $250,000. Probably, ties that enables them to clean Sagadiyev said his ministry’s exchanges have reached out to their budget’s expense, then resi- it is unrealistic for residents to their own wheelchairs. The sys- plan encompasses both teachers 535,695 people. dents will return the money to the collect and replace elevators and tem was invented by Ardak Otor- budget, said Vice Minister for In- replacing one elevator this year, and parents. Agriculture sector workers, primeminister.kz. Photo credit: bayev, a member of the Kazakh vestments and Development Kair- and the next in five years, is also national wheelchair dance team. “The courses include training noted Yevniyev, had four tracks Kairbek Uskenbayev teachers to improve content of in their digital literacy training bek Uskenbayev. abnormal. All residents should “It was hard to invent this de- “At present, we have about 16 equally receive all services,” said vice, as there were no previous classes taking into account digital that included electronic public ser- ry of the state and how they should technologies and their practical vices, filling electronic field maps, normative acts that regulate the Uskenbayev. examples. We did it through er- be maintained and operated,” he use, training them using different working with digital technologies operation of elevator-maintaining The new draft law on housing rors and various attempts. There said. education systems, mobile apps and using automated information organisations. Together with the and communal services has ex- was a need not only to make pi- and digital education resources,” system for identifying farm ani- Association of Elevator Maintain- “The entire mechanism from panded the powers of the city and lot equipment, but also to install said Sagadiyev. mals. ing Companies of Kazakhstan and the beginning of the delivery and regional administrations to use and run it. I personally tested the To facilitate the effort, teachers “We trained farmers on how to Atameken Scientific and Produc- production to its operation is pre- their budgets. Once elevators are equipment and showed how to can also communicate within a use electronic government servic- tion Association, we have created scribed in the standards,” he add- replaced, residents will reimburse use it. Now, people are using it single information network. es when they submit applications a working group and developed ed. the cost over eight to fifteen years, willingly, and it pleases me,” said “Introducing information sys- for subsidies of fertilisers. We had common standards that determine The regulations have been sub- for example, by paying 2,500 Otorbayev. Invaservice’s equip- tems and automatisation in the a task to train 40,000 farmers and which elevators should be pro- mitted for public discussion and tenge (US$6.60) per month. The ment is the first domestic system school learning process trains to date, the figure is 29,623,” said duced in the country, which ones published on the technical regu- same repayment currently takes invented based on the needs of teachers and equally parents. This Yevniyev. should be imported into the territo- lation committee website. After eight to eighteen years. those who use wheelchairs. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakh delegation participates in OSCE Human A delegation of Kazakh Supreme Court judges and representatives of the country’s judicial board and eco- nomic courts led by Deputy Minister Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw of Economy Serik Zhumangarin met tarian dimension, with approxi- tection of human rights. He noted stitutions of the electoral process, Aubakirov described the meeting in Berlin with representatives of the Staff Report mately 1,000 non-governmental the nation’s state policy is aimed at including based on the OSCE/ as non-standard, but consistent and German Federal Ministries of Econ- organisations (NGOs) and national developing and supporting the ac- ODIHR (Office for Democratic In- held regularly to discuss current omy and Justice and Berlin trade WARSAW, Sept. 14 – The annual delegations from 57 OSCE mem- tivities of civil society institutions. stitutions and Human Rights) rec- issues of Kazakhstan’s political and industry chamber to study the meeting of the Organisation for Se- ber states participating every year. The Dialogue Platform on Hu- ommendations,” she said. development in line with interna- latter nation’s methods of develop- curity and Cooperation in Europe’s The first two days focused on man Dimension, a consultative Mikhail Komissarov, a repre- tional platform standards. He noted ing anti-trust legislation. The agenda (OSCE) Office for Democratic the role of democratic institutions, and advisory body, has been per- sentative of Kazakhstan’s Ministry the recommendations developed as included business mergers, protect- Institutions and Human Rights in including at the national, regional manently operating since 2013 at of Information and Communica- part of the event will be discussed ing consumer rights and investigating Warsaw on Sept. 10-21 focused on and local levels, holding democrat- Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry tion, noted the country is taking in working groups with representa- antitrust law violations. Zhumanga- topical human rights issues such as ic and open elections in the OSCE and was cited as an example of the steps under its international com- tives of state bodies. rin said Kazakhstan has introduced the provision of basic human rights area and ensuring freedom of the work carried out by the ministry mitments to ensure respecting citi- A representative of the Kazakh- “very serious changes in legislation.” and freedoms, rule of law, inde- media. The participants discussed in cooperating with NGOs. The zens’ rights to freedom of speech stan International Human Rights “They [the German side] are interest- pendence of the judiciary, freedom relevant issues related to the topics, body’s main participants are the and expression. Large-scale work Bureau, Issenov presented statisti- ed, because courts are a continuation of speech and the media, freedom becoming acquainted with partner leaders of human rights NGOs and is being carried out to modernise cal data on revealed and eliminated of the investment climate. They are of assembly, religious and national countries’ experience on the topic. heads of state agencies. In this con- the national media landscape, de- violations in the penitentiary sys- also interested in our Astana Interna- minorities, democratic elections, Speaking at the meeting, Adil- text, Adilbayev said since its incep- velop a strong and competitive na- tem and made a comparative anal- tional Financial Centre that is based gender equality and combating hu- bayev noted Kazakhstan is com- tion, more than 20 meetings have tional media and develop dialogue ysis of activities against the back- on English common law,” he added. man trafficking. mitted to observing the rule of law been held, more than 100 recom- among the state, society and pro- ground of other Commonwealth of The Kazakh delegation led by at the national and international mendations developed and adopted fessional participants in the media Independent States (CIS) countries Abai State Academic Opera and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Am- levels, especially in keeping in- for implementation and another market. and Central Asia. Ballet Theatre received standing bassador-at-Large Zhalgas Adil- ternational peace and security. He 50 recommendations of interna- Kazakhstan’s civil society also Gulmira Aukasheva, a repre- ovations during its three-day gala bayev was composed of represent- noted Kazakhstan has become ful- tional human rights organisations participated in the meeting, initiat- sentative of the National Centre for programme at Tbilisi’s Zakaria Pa- atives of the Assembly of People ly engaged in international law as and civil society representatives ing a number of events devoted to Human Rights, presented the Mod- liashvili Opera and Ballet Theatre. of Kazakhstan, Central Election a participant in more than 60 mul- selected by the government to im- various topics in accordance with el National Preventive Mechanism The ballet dancers, soloists, sym- Commission, Ministries of Foreign tilateral, universal international hu- prove national legislation and law the agenda. A discussion organised (NPM) in Kazakhstan theme in phonic orchestra and choir per- Affairs, Information and Commu- man rights treaties, including seven enforcement practice, resulting in by Kazakh human rights activists detail. She talked about the struc- formed Akhmet Zhubanov and Latif nication, Internal Affairs and So- of the United Nations’ main uni- developing 50 road maps. was attended by representatives of ture and basis of NPM activities, Khamidi’s opera “Abai,” “The Foun- cial Development, the Office of the versal human rights conventions Central Election Commission the nation’s delegation, U.S. State measures used to develop the in- tain of Bakhchisaray” and works Commissioner for Human Rights known as international instruments member Zauresh Baimoldina spoke Department and U.S. Embassy in stitution and training human rights of European, Georgian and Kazakh and the Prosecutor General’s Of- for the protection of human rights. about modernising Kazakhstan’s Kazakhstan and human rights de- defenders in monitoring peniten- composers, including “Daisi,” writ- fice. Adilbayev also stressed the role electoral legislation in accordance fenders and representatives of civil tiary institutions, as well as plans ten by Georgian Zacharia Paliashvili, The Warsaw meeting is the larg- of non-governmental human rights with international standards, which society, including Arsen Aubaki- to extend the seats that are being and “Song about Tbilisi.” est and most representative event organisations that play a key role is primarily aimed at “further im- rov, Ruslan Issenov and Natalya considered in the Kazakh Parlia- within the organisation’s humani- in the national system for the pro- proving certain legal norms and in- Kovlyagina. ment. Tashkent recently hosted a busi- ness forum focusing on the role of women in economic development and gathering Kazakh and Uzbek businesswomen in a joint effort by both countries to support female en- Kazakh diplomats participate in Astana Marathon 2018 trepreneurship. Opening the forum, Secretary of State Gulshara Ab- lan Utegenov, who ran distances of in our capital,” said Smadiyarov, ryone involved in mass sports,” “Running for me is not just a dykalikova briefed the participants Staff Report 10 kilometers and 42.2 kilometres. head of the press service. said Rustemov, division head, for- sport, but a key to self-develop- about Kazakhstan’s initiatives in Each participant noted his rea- “Every start is a challenge, first eign economic policy department. ment and family happiness. Par- the area and called for strengthen- The capital hosted the annual in- sons for running. of all, to myself. The Astana Mara- “This marathon was a good ticipation in long distance races ing partnerships. “Regular business ternational Astana Marathon 2018 “Running gives me a great op- thon is a great opportunity to feel occasion to test your physical strengthens the will to win over forums might serve as a powerful Sept. 16 with approximately 5,000 portunity to be alone, to think it to the full extent. This is a major and psychological preparedness. yourself,” said Utegenov, second platform for expanding business runners from nearly 20 countries, about some questions, to prepare a chance to enjoy the unique views Knowing my result of the race secretary, department of Ameri- contacts between businesswomen. including Australia, France, Geor- solution. In addition, running helps of our capital in the early morning will work on its improvement ca. Second, development of inclusive gia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Ka- a person to observe a strong disci- hours,” noted Sarmantay, division in the next start. I hope that this “I participated in the marathon trade with a focus on digital tech- zakhstan, Kenya, Russia, Turkey, pline and maintain good physical head, multilateral co-operation de- event will attract the attention of for the first time. This is an un- nologies can advance our efforts in the U.K. and Uzbekistan. condition. Participation in mara- partment. city residents to a healthy lifestyle forgettable impression. I think the reaching a $5 billion trade turnover The host country’s Ministry of thons trains people’s endurance “If you want to change the and take part in the next race. The number of runners will increase by 2020,” she said. Foreign Affairs team was repre- and strength of mind. We formed world, first change yourself. The Astana Marathon should become a and more and more people will sented by Aibek Amrin, Tursyngali a team of the Foreign Ministry and greatest victory is a victory over sports attraction of Astana,” noted be involved in the development of The “Post Nomadic Horizons” ex- Espanov, Murat Rustemov, Anuar thereby reaffirmed our diplomats’ yourself. This is a unique chance Yensegenov, second secretary of mass sport in Kazakhstan,” noted hibition opened Sept. 18 in London Sarmantai, Aibek Smadiyarov, commitment to active participa- to check your strength and endur- the international information com- Espanov, second secretary, control displaying the works of 32 Kazakh Makhambet Yensegenov and Yer- tion in the mass sports that are held ance and a good reason to get eve- mittee. and administration department. artists who present postmodernism art through different methods, includ- ing fine art, photography, sculpture, Kazakh-German trade reached installations and video. British artists $4.9 billion in 2017. In 2017, and culturists and representatives of the gross inflow of German di- the political and academic communi- Kazakh FM, German Minister of State rect investment in Kazakhstan’s ties attended the opening ceremony. economy was more than $345 The exhibit, which will continue million. From January 2005 to through Oct. 16, demonstrates the January 2018, the gross inflow “roots and course to the future,” said discuss partnership in Astana of direct investment from Ger- Kazakh Ambassador to the United of Kazakhstan Nursultan Naz- many to Kazakhstan exceeded Kingdom Erlan Idrissov. “I am par- Staff Report arbayev, Federal President Frank- $4.2 billion. ticularly proud that more than 30 Walter Steinmeier and Federal It was emphasised that more Kazakh contemporary artists came to ASTANA – Minister of Foreign Chancellor Angela Merkel are of than 90 percent of German invest- London and brought these wonderful Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov and paramount importance,” Minister ment in Kazakhstan’s economy pieces of art. They are here to show German Minister of State of the Abdrakhmanov noted. is outside the energy sector, par- how our ancestors lived and per- Federal Foreign Office Niels An- The Kazakh foreign minister ticularly, in the manufacturing ceived the world,” he added. nen discussed bilateral coopera- said the countries have the poten- and chemicals, building mate- tion during their Sept. 17 meeting tial to increase trade, economic rial production, transport and Kazakhstan presented the nation’s in Astana. and investment cooperation. agribusiness. The sides noted tourism potential at the Pacific Asia According to the Kazakh foreign The German side noted Kazakh- the importance of cooperating in Travel Association (PATA) Travel ministry, the officials discussed the stan is a priority for Germany’s these areas, especially given the Mart Sept. 12-14 on the Malaysian Kazakh – German strategic part- foreign policy and economic agen- achievements of Germany in im- island of Langkawi. The event gath- nership in trade, economics and da in Central Asia and thanked plementing Industry 4.0 technolo- ered more than 1,400 delegates from politics with a particular focus on Kazakhstan for supporting Ger- gies. 70 countries. Kazakh tourism compa- the high-tech industry and educa- many’s candidacy for a non-per- The sides also discussed interna- nies displayed the country’s culture, tion. stan and Germany has become lations. And regular contacts at the manent seat on the UN Security tional issues, including Syria and nature, historic sites, national cuisine “Cooperation between Kazakh- sustained on the whole range of re- highest level between President Council for 2019-2020. the DPRK. and popular destinations. The del- egation, headed by Kazakh Tourism Deputy Chair Kairat Sadvakassov, met with PATA’s top management and signed an agreement making the company an association member. Kazakhstan supports settlement of intra-Syrian Astana will host the 2019 Senior Wrestling World Championship, the first qualification event for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, reported conflict by peaceful means United World Wrestling press ser- added that the UN must contribute During the session, the head of vice. The international governing Staff Report to rebuilding the country and ad- the Kazakh delegation emphasised body for amateur wrestling said in dressing its complex humanitarian that a political solution will con- a Sept. 24 statement the Kazakh ASTANA – Permanent Rep- situation. tribute to the final formation of a capital was chosen to host the event resentative of Kazakhstan to the “We also need to support the cre- constitutional committee and have Sept. 14-22 at the Daulet Arena. United Nations Kairat Umarov ation of conditions for the return of a positive impact in helping Syria It also noted Astana’s experience reiterated at the Sept. 11 United numerous Syrian refugees. In this to hold free elections. in hosting international wrestling Nations Security Council meet- regard, the idea of convening an Country representatives of the events, including the 2014 Senior ing on Syrian conflict Kazakh- international conference on Syr- Netherlands, France, China, Swe- Asian Wrestling Championships, stan’s endorsement of a peaceful ian refugees can be the first step den, Côte d’Ivoire, Kuwait, Peru, 2016 Asian Olympic Qualifier and settlement of intra-Syrian con- towards solving the problem,” he Bolivia, Equatorial Guinea and the 2018 Grappling World Champi- flict. said. Ethiopia also presented statements. onships. “With our recent success at Umarov welcomed the joint dec- Umarov also noted the impor- Iranian President Hassan Rouha- the championships last year in Paris, laration emanating from the Sept. tance of international cooperation ni hosted President Recep Tayyip and the upcoming championships in 7 trilateral summit (Iran, Russia, against terrorist groups, such as Erdoğan and Russian President Budapest, I have every confidence Turkey), noting that it includes a ISIS, Nusrah Front and Al–Qaida, Vladimir Putin Sept. 7 in their that Astana will deliver an excellent common understanding that prov- ereignty and territorial integrity, rect its joint efforts at creating the as well as the importance of dis- third summit as part of the Astana event for our athletes, coaches, and ocations are unacceptable and a reported un.org. conditions needed for the settle- tinguishing between terrorists and Process in Tehran, which sought to fans,” said United World Wrestling reconfirmed commitment to pre- At the same time, Umarov said ment of the intra–Syrian conflict armed opposition groups partici- bring an end to the violence in the president Nenad Lalovic. serving Syria’s independence, sov- the world community should di- exclusively by peaceful means. He pating in the ceasefire. seven-year civil war. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

ECONOMY Major international oil, gas New ADB Kazakhstan NEWS IN BRIEF The US dollar exchange rate fell by 7.6 tenge Sept. 21 relative to similar trades the previous day. industry players to gather in report identifies economic The weighted average US dollar rate was 352.09 tenge per dollar with T+1 in tenge (USDKZT_ TOM, next day’s settlements Almaty for KIOGE 2018 growth opportunities after the deal) after the morning and Engineers, KIMEP University, will include representatives of the investment through flexible land trading session at the Kazakhstan By Dilshat Zhussupova North Caspian Operating Company, Caspian Pipeline Consortium, Dow By Aidana Yergaliyeva markets, stable and transparent Stock Exchange (KASE), report- Prosoft-Systems, Tengizchevroil, Chemical Company, ExpoEffect, policies and streamlined manage- ed inform.kz. with reference to ASTANA – KIOGE (Kazakhstan Tien-Shan Engineering and Won- ILF Consulting Engineers, Kazakh- ASTANA – A new Asian De- ment. KASE. The minimum dollar rate International Oil and Gas Exhibi- derware. Participants will also have stan Industry Development Insti- velopment Bank (ADB) country In manufacturing, the report was at 350.1 tenge per dollar dur- tion) 2018, an oil and gas industry the opportunity to meet business-to- tute, ROSEN Group and Samruk analysis identifies diversification, recommends collaboration be- ing the session; the maximum, exhibition and conference, will as- business (B2B) with representatives Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund. manufacturing and agriculture tween the private sector and the 357 tenge. The total volume of semble major industry players from of the Karachaganak and Tengiz The organisers of this year’s KI- among Kazakhstan’s opportuni- government to identify economic trading was $147.4 million. Kazakhstan and abroad Sept. 26- Field expansion projects, made pos- OGE are ITECA and its internation- ties for economic growth. opportunities and eliminate ob- 28 at Almaty’s Atakent Exhibition sible by ITECA and KazService. al partner ITE Group, with official Diversification of the economy stacles. It also recommends a Kazakh household income in- Centre. This year’s panelists and partici- supporters the Almaty akimat (city and introducing reforms favour- focus on vocational and work- creased by 7.9 percent in the  The event will review topical pants are key players in large state administration), Kazakh Minis- able to its development will help place training. The report also second quarter, with the aver- issues in Kazakhstan’s oil and gas companies, heads of industry as- try of Energy, Kazakhstan Society Kazakhstan realise its growth recommends the encouragement age income approximated at industry, such as introducing smart sociations and specialists in the na- of Petroleum Geologists (KSPG), potential, according to the ADB of small and medium-sized en- 520,000 tenge (US$1,466.20), technologies and digitising oil pro- tional and international oil and gas KAZENERGY Association, Ka- report. terprise (SME) networks and reported finprom.kz. Average duction processes. The latest tech- industry. zMunayGas, KazService and the The study estimated that a good improvements in transport infra- household income was 480,000 nological, engineering and software On the first day, invited speakers diplomatic missions of participating business climate and recommend- structure, logistics and energy tenge (US$1,353.40) during the developments will be presented by and participants will discuss a sus- countries. ed reforms in key sectors should systems. Such transport and lo- same period last year. The main the leading oil, gas and oilfield ser- tainable future through innovation This year’s gold partners are result in 1.2 percentage growth gistics improvements, according source of income for the major- vice companies. and cooperation, the implications the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, per year, increasing Kazakhstan’s to the report, would help diver- ity of households is hired la- More than 500 firms from 20 of the new subsoil use and tax code Dow Chemical Company, North GDP growth to 3.5 percent. Ka- sify exports. bour, representing approximately countries will attend this year’s for upstream industry and investors Caspian Operating Company and zakhstan has set a goal of annual Given global oil prices and the 335,000 tenge (US$944.50). event. Companies present will and the main digital trends in the oil Tengizchevroil. Silver partners are growth of 5 percent by 2025. World Bank’s expected 1.6 per- Pensions comprise 91,000 tenge include the Caspian Pipeline and gas industry. Panels will include Control Seal, EmbaMunayGas, The ADB analysis also deter- cent oil price growth in Kazakh- (US$256.60), or 19.7 percent of Consortium, EmbaMunayGas, representatives of Atyrau Universi- Komplekt Armatura and the Rus- mined that agriculture, manufac- stan, the ADB analysis points to all household income. Income KazMunayGas, North Caspian ty of Oil and Gas, EmbaMunayGas, sian Export Centre. Bronze partners turing and trade have high growth diversification as necessary to from self-employment and en- Operating Company, the Russian the Institute for Energy and Fi- are Fluor Kazakhstan, HMS Group potential. achieve Kazakhstan’s GDP goals. trepreneurial activity averaged Export Centre, State Oil Company nance, Kazakh Ministry of Energy, and WABAG. The vast Kazakh land offers The ADB’s recommendations 57,000 tenge (US$160.70). Ma- of the Azerbaijan Republic, Tatneft, Kazakhstan Petroleum Lawyers KAZENERGY Association and good agricultural potential. Ac- are similar to Kazakhstan’s exist- terial aid from relatives and Tengizchevroil, Transneft and Uz- Association, KAZENERGY Asso- ITECA signed a memorandum of cording to ADB’s analysis, there ing goals to diversify its economy acquaintances, alimony, allow- bekneftgaz. ciation, KazMunayGas, North Cas- cooperation in early March. As per is enough financial and political beyond oil and gas and create a ances and other social transfers The programme will feature dem- pian Operating Company, Rystad the agreement, KIOGE and the KA- interest to achieve its sustain- favourable business climate to make up only 7.7 percent (40,000 onstrations and seminars with the Energy, Shell, Tengizchevroi and ZENERGY Eurasian Forum will be able development. To optimise grow other sectors of its economy. tenge or US$112.80). support of EmbaMunayGas, which Uzbekneftgaz. organised on even and odd-num- that potential, ADB recommends The bank’s mission is to reduce is working to digitise Kazakhstan’s On day two, they will discuss hu- bered years, respectively. The next state support for water resource poverty in the Asia-Pacific re- Kazakh budget revenues de- oil and gas industry. Presenters man resources in the digital trans- KIOGE is slated for October 2020. management, rural road im- gion through inclusive economic creased 1 percent so far this year. will include Dow Chemical Com- formation era and development Further information on the exhi- provement and agricultural sci- and environmentally sustainable Budget transfers provided more pany, EmbaMunayGas, the Euro- prospects for oil and gas transpor- bition and conference may be found entific research. The government growth, as well as regional inte- than half (1.4 trillion tenge or pean Association of Geoscientists tation and oilfield services. Panels at www.kioge.kz. should also encourage private gration. US$3.95 billion) of all income, while the remainder came mainly from taxes (1.2 trillion tenge or US$3.38 billion). Income to lo- cal budgets was 2.66 trillion tenge (US$7.49 billion) from Kazakh e-commerce market reaches $422.9 million January-July. In the last five billion tenge (US$189.38 million), small and medium-sized businesses ister of local commodity producers electronic trading platforms, 57.2 years, local budget revenue in the By Abira Kuandyk while the commodity market figure that sell only goods. E-commerce that will unite all business entities. billion tenge (US$152.14 million) corresponding period increased is 88.4 billion tenge (US$ 235.13), does not include services; thus, it Registering will involve the specifi- and information and advertising by 779.7 billion tenge, or 41.6 ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s e-com- reported Infromburo.kz. fell out of the e-commerce volume cation of activities, sold goods, works electronic platforms, 3.9 billion percent. The highest local budget merce market volume has reached The number of newly-registered records,” states the draft law. and services. This will increase pub- tenge (US$10.37 million). revenue among the regions was 159 billion tenge (US$422.9 mil- e-commerce entities has reached The draft law also highlights the lic and business trust in electronic Every Kazakh user spent approxi- in the South Kazakhstan region, lion) since the beginning of the year. 226, with approximately 1,700 on- need to change the method of col- commerce,” according to the bill. mately 54,000 tenge (US$143) in which recorded approximately The figure refers to the concept of line stores. The number of custom- lecting statistical information in or- “There is a need to divide subjects 2017, making an average of four 342 billion tenge (US$964.28 the draft law on amendments and ers has climbed to 1.5 million. der to accurately reflect the state of and purposes of creating electronic purchases, according to the Feb. 8 million). additions to certain legislative acts According to the concept of the Kazakh e-commerce. trading platforms by law, with a clear survey. on developing the business environ- draft act, implementing services “A survey of businesses engaged division of their functions,” it added. E-commerce worldwide is grow- Kazakhs purchased 36,191 ment and regulating trade activities. on the Internet does not apply to in the e-commerce sector reflects The draft act is available for pub- ing at a fast pace. The ten countries new cars for 304.6 billion tenge E-commerce, the activity of buy- e-commerce and falls out of its ac- that the turnover in e-commerce ex- lic discussion through Sept. 24. with the highest volume are China, (US$858.83 million) in January- ing or selling products online, is counting volume. ceeds the available statistical data,” Electronic commerce turnover the U.S., the U.K., Japan, Germany, August, with the average cost per highly competitive in the country. “The current legislation in the field it notes. through online stores totals 98.5 France, South Korea, Canada, Rus- vehicle growing by 7 percent to Services market represents 71.2 of electronic commerce extends to “There is a need to establish a reg- billion tenge (US$261.98 million); sia and Brazil. 8,429,926 tenge (US$23,768.36). More than one-third of custom- ers (37.1 percent) preferred cars have preliminary contact in his or priced at less than five million her own language. An investor can tenge (US$14,097.60). Business also contact the Kazakh diplomatic and premium-class cars repre- Kazakh Invest increases foreign investment mission in the investor’s country, sented 16.1 percent (5,822 units) who will forward the information and 10.7 percent (3,881 units), to Kazakh Invest. respectively. Sales growth is con- Projects are then forwarded to nected to the renewal of an avail- inflow, creates jobs, says board member the central office in Astana and as- able line of business-class sedans. ternational interest to Kazakhstan. back to provide suggestions and sisted in implementation. By Abira Kuandyk The chemical and machinery sec- recommendations to Kazakhstan’s “Based on my previous experi- Investment in housing con- tors are also potential sectors to public decision makers in order to ence, the most important criteria struction increased significant- ASTANA – François Bernard, be developed. New sectors, such improve the attractiveness and busi- for potential investors is the trust ly from January-August. Ap- an independent member of the as tourism have a great potential ness environment. It is tough and in- one has in his or her counterpart proximately 702 billion tenge Board of Directors of the Kazakh for growth because Kazakhstan tense work; however, the company from the agency,” he added. (US$1.98 billion) was raised, a Invest national company and the has such a wild and beautiful land- team is doing a great job,” he said. The staff of an IPSA, such as 31-percent hike compared to last chairman of its Investment At- scape. Thus, it is possible to make Kazakh Invest also organises Kazakh Invest, are also key to suc- year due to the launch of conces- traction and Support Committee, fantastic things here,” he said. large-scale investment events, cess for the agency and investor. sional lending for citizens and the recently discussed investing in Ka- Bernard noted Kazakh Invest is such as the Kazakhstan Global “Kazakh Invest has young, well- Nurly Zher housing programme. zakhstan and the country’s foreign both an investment promotion and Investment Roundtable 2018 held educated, professional and moti- The Ministry for Investment and investment climate in an interview support agency. July 3 in Astana. During this event, vated collaborators. These people Development reported 7.7 mil- with The Astana Times. “The role and mission of Kazakh initiated by the Kazakh Prime are like ‘sponges’. They absorb lion square metres of housing Bernard has experience promot- François Bernard Invest is to support potential inves- Minister, 600 high-level repre- new know-how, new technologies have been put into operation, ing investment opportunities to tors from A to Z, until the point sentatives from around the world and new support strategies and are 112 percent compared to 2017. the global business community tween Kazakh Invest and foreign when they decide and implement attended and more than 30 invest- able to implement this new knowl- The annual plan of 12.1 million in countries such as Turkey and partners. their projects in a country,” he said. ment commitments were signed edge efficiently. Collaborators are square metres has been 64 per- Belgium and was invited, as an “The establishment of Kazakh Kazakh Invest supports existing with foreign investors worth ap- one of the main assets of Kazakh cent fulfilled and 67,055 housing expert, by Kazakh Prime Minister Invest as an Investment Promotion investors who have already imple- proximately $4.5 billion. Invest and of Kazakhstan. Our units, including 26,665 individu- Bakytzhan Sagintayev in 2016 to and Support Agency (IPSA) will mented projects as well as new in- Bernard underlined that there mission is to provide continuous al houses, were commissioned. contribute to the establishment of contribute to reaching the strategic vestors. are several ways to invest in a for- education for them to effectively an investment promotion and sup- goal of the country to develop the “For example, when the French eign company. attract investments,” Bernard said. More than 253 unemployed port agency (IPSA) to help diversi- non-oil and gas investment flow. company Leroy Merlin opened its “First of all, one can invest alone Kazakh Invest international net- and self-employed individuals fy Kazakhstan’s economy and de- This goal is able to be reached be- flagship retail shop in Almaty, they without any support from Kazakh work, a team working in synergy, opened businesses this year in crease dependence on oil and gas. cause the new non-oil and gas pro- knew that they can count on us if Invest or other local body, as is includes Kazakh Invest represent- the North Kazakhstan region, re- Kazakh Invest has increased the jects, which facilitate the diversi- they face any challenges. The ob- done in other countries. However, atives in foreign countries, Kazakh ported inform.kz. The launches number of projects implemented fication of Kazakhstan’s economy, jective of Kazakh Invest, after first it is absolutely clear it is easier to ambassadors in those countries were made possible by the Bas- by foreign direct investments are growing significantly in com- investments, is not to let investors invest and to implement projects and the ambassadors of investors’ tau project, the training course (FDI) flow, and new jobs have parison to previous years,” said stay alone but to support them in with Kazakh Invest’s support, be- countries in Astana as well as Ka- on disciplines such as marketing, been created. The resulting finan- Bernard. order to facilitate re-investments,” cause it works as a one-stop-shop; zakh Invest country managers. tax and judicial legislation, ac- cial inflow and increased local ac- Bernard added that international added Bernard. all foreign investors can reach out “The final objective is to have cording to the regional chamber tivity has had a significant social investors are looking at Kazakh- Bernard noted the international to it for any sort of preliminary Kazakh Invest’s official presence of entrepreneurs. The programme impact, said Bernard. stan’s attractive investment en- community is beginning to under- guidance as well as to deal with in approximately 16 key coun- trained 937 people in 2017, 160 Kazakh Invest monitors 188 vironment for matching oppor- stand Kazakh Invest’s central role the authorities and administrative tries among the most important of whom received funding and projects with foreign investments tunities through their business and mission. issues” he noted. for Kazakhstan. Also, we want to opened businesses. This year’s totalling $49.8 billion. These pro- development strategies. “Kazakh Invest and its interna- When an investor considers in- develop our presence indirectly in plan is to train at least 2,000 peo- jects will create 56,000 new jobs “Among these priority sectors tional network inform, analyse, vesting in Kazakhstan, he or she other countries through advisory ple. The bulk of the projects are in Kazakhstan, including from 33 are the agro-food, infrastructure convince and attract new foreign can contact Kazakh Invest through partners, which can be of interest in agriculture, such as livestock, new production facilities worth and logistics sectors, which is investors (from some targeted key its website or Kazakh Invest’s rep- for Kazakhstan later. We have to meat and dairy products and $4.23 billion that are expected to mainly due to the Belt and Road countries) to Kazakhstan, as well as resentative in the investor’s coun- work step by step with motivation greenhouse fruit and vegetable open in 2018 with cooperation be- Initiative (BRI), a booster for in- gathers useful information and feed- try, which allows the investor to and perseverance,” he said. production. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Tsin-Kaz witnesses tremendous breakthrough over 20 years, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) and the Turkish government-owned railway company TCDD Taşımacılık A.Ş signed an agreement on strate- and offers reasonably priced, high quality products gic cooperation at Ankara’s Kazakh- brands, the common thread is qual- Turkish investment forum Sept. 12, By Abira Kuandyk ity that has stood the test of time. reported the national railway compa- The firm values its reputation, ny’s press service. KTZ CEO Kanat ASTANA – Tsin-Kaz LLP, a ma- which extends to its new products. Alpysbayev and TCDD Taşımacılık jor Kazakh company with an estab- Advanced high-efficiency equip- A.Ş Director General Veysi Kurt lished name, has been specialising ment, as well as the accepted small- were signatories of the document in processing and canning fruits volume and easy-to-use assortment, which details strengthening bilateral and vegetables for two decades. meet current market demands. relations in railway services and en- The company’s main mission is to All products are manufactured gineering. Joint work in developing produce high quality products at a in accordance with regulatory both countries’ transit capacity and reasonable price and contribute to document requirements – the com- transport logistic systems within the people’s health and well-being. pany’s enterprise standards, inter- Trans-Caspian International Trans-  During the past 20 years, state standards and product safety port Route is planned. The parties avito.ru. Photo credit: Tsin-Kaz has evolved from small Qigang Chen meet the strictest requirements. also agreed to grant competitive pay workshops to a developing, self- A production laboratory with the salads and pickled cucumbers have scale provisions and build a consoli- sustaining and competitive en- and many would like to cooperate necessary equipment controls the the potential to expand their pres- dation and distribution centre for car- terprise. More than 50 percent of with us,” said Qigang Chen. quality of the raw materials and ence on the menus in Kazakhstan go bound for Kazakhstan and China the Kazakh market is associated “Businesspeople from neigh- manufactured products. and neighbouring countries. from Turkey, and vice versa. with tomato and canned vegetable bouring countries find us through Tsin-Kaz produces eight kinds of The company began manufac- products under its trademark and our website tomato.kz and articu- vegetable salads – autumn, cucum- turing three kinds of soy sauce The Centras Group presented its the company is known throughout late their interests in our products ber, lecho in tomato sauce, pepper in 2016 and is still the only local Best CEO award to Halyk Bank’s Central Asia. at international exhibitions, fo- in oil with garlic and greens, bean, producer. Tsin-Kaz uses its own Umut Shayakhmetova at its 2018 The company believes that the rums and fairs where we partici- beans in tomato sauce, cabbage polymeric container to reduce the award ceremony in Almaty, reported pate,” added Qigang Chen. and courgetti – and two types of cost, attracting consumers by qual- Kapital.kz. The evaluation criteria in- great credit for its successes over 20 Modernisation is one of the ma- ity and price. The soy sauce, which cluded the extent to which the execu- years and for being recognised as a pickled cucumbers. The distinctive jor items of the enterprise’s long- has proven its worth in both the tives shaped better leaders, attracted leader in the production of tomato homemade recipes stem from a va- Kazakh and Russian markets, took talented employees, developed their products and canned vegetables in term development, as it initiated riety of fresh vegetables that con- companies at a sustainable pace and Kazakhstan lies with the company a 618 million tenge (US$1.6 mil- tain vitamins and micro elements first place at that year’s WorldFood observed long-term trends. Air Asta- head and founder Qigang Chen. lion) project in 2011 involving such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, exhibition. na’s Peter Foster, ChocoFamily’s  Qigang Chen is a native of automation, upgrades and expand- sodium, potassium and natural an- Tsin-Kaz has now also entered Ramil Mukhoryapov, Kaspi Bank’s Chongqing. He studied interna- ing existing production. Part of the tioxidants. the meat market. Its marinade was Mikhail Lomtadze and Magnum tional trade at the Xinjiang Uni- investment has resulted in opening Demand for the company’s carefully devised through numer- Cash&Carry’s Alexander Garber versity of Finance and Economics, two workshops producing vegeta- products, namely salads and pick- ous experiments and tastings and Tsin-Kaz is studying the possi- were also recognised. Verny Capital gained his master’s diploma in ble salads and soy sauce. led cucumbers, has been growing chilli sauce, another market-driven bility of entering other markets by was given the Impact 2018 award management at the Capital Uni- Approximately 136 million in the last two years, as Tsin-Kaz product, was introduced this year. investigating demand and focusing for constructing the Talan Towers versity of Economics and Busi- tenge (US$358,328) was invest- offers higher quality and lower The enterprise is the first in the on marketing and effective adver- complex and its upcoming project, ness. Qigang Chen also has a PhD ed in 2017 in equipment, with prices in both categories than its country to produce the latter. tising. The first steps in this direc- Almaty Botanical Garden. in Economics and is a professor at an additional 346 million tenge competition. Its products also con- As a leading industry proving tion are exports to Russia (Bar- the Xinjiang Agricultural Univer- (US$911,629) to be purchased by tain only natural preservatives, its effectiveness in practice, Tsin- naul, Chelyabinsk, Krasnoyarsk, The current 12.5-percent share sity. the end of the year. in comparison to imported ones Kaz receives state assistance. The Moscow, Novosibirsk and Ufa) of national cinema at Kazakhstan’s “The company’s products are In addition to traditional tomato which have flavourings, stabilisers company participates in various and Kyrgyzstan. box office has almost doubled since distributed throughout Kazakhstan paste, Tsin-Kaz makes a variety and other additives that double the government programmes intended The company sees expanding 2014, said Minister of Culture and in 42 regions. We have also built of products ranging from vegeta- storage life. to support small and medium en- the production, ensuring quality, Sport Arystanbek Mukhamediuly at good working relations with part- ble salads and sauces to six kinds Environmentally friendly prod- terprises driven by mutual inter- advancing exports and increasing a Mazhilis (lower house of Parlia- ners in other countries. They ex- of ketchup. Although the items ucts are becoming more in demand ests, while the state strengthens the competitiveness as core directions ment) plenary session. During the press huge interest in our products are manufactured under several in the world market. Tsin-Kaz’s economy by promoting businesses. for its further development. past three years, 67 documentaries, 20 art and four animation films have been produced, centring on the coun- try’s history, culture, traditions and modern achievements. Kazakh cine- ma recently entered the international Kazakh National Bank’s Baspana Mortgage rental market and is no longer limited to single screenings at international festivals and competitions. Invest Online goes mainstream secondary housing Halyk Bank will allocate another no need for special knowledge. lion tenge (US$5,340) every day, one billion tenge (US$2.72 mil- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov Personal visits to financial -or buying more than 20,000 short- lion), doubling its commitment to ganisations are not required, as term notes, according to the press two billion tenge (US$5.45 million), ASTANA – Kazakh National documents are signed through the service. Positive growth has been loan programme to continue supporting women’s Bank’s Invest Online system is mobile application or website. recorded in the volume of opera- business projects. The programme becoming popular among citizens. The simplest way to begin Invest tions ($129,000 in April, $200,000 was launched in June, as women’s The advantages of the system in- Online is with an electronic digital in July). demands for preferential loans has clude online service, guaranteed signature, which can be obtained One advantage of the pro- significantly exceeded expectations. investments in government securi- in any population service centre. gramme is the ability to invest Since its inception, bank experts ties with no risk of lost funds and Users can purchase short-term small amounts – individuals can have advised 750 women entre- preneurs, 249 of whom applied for an opportunity to return invest- notes remotely in one action. Sell- start with as little as $0.30. In ad- loans and 81 received the funds to ments with accumulated income at ing them and receiving guaranteed dition, the number of investments implement their projects. Another 45 any time. income is also easy, as all opera- and their terms are not limited. applications have been approved for Invest Online is a simple and tions are available online 24/7. The “All operations in the system financing, while 85 are under con- free tool for individuals to invest programme has confirmed its de- are free of charge, including input sideration. The bank noted women’s in state securities, said National mand in the five months since its and withdrawal of money and op- entrepreneurship spans a number Bank’s payment systems depart- launch, as citizens have purchased erations for buying. Selling short- of industries, including food, retail, ment director Yerlan Ashybekov, 304 million tenge (US$812,000) in term notes are not charged as well. education and medicine. according to its press service. notes. The income received from the sale He noted the product can be On average, citizens are expect- of short-term notes is not taxed,” Chair of Baspana Mortgage Kairat Altynbekov. Kazakhstan has produced 43.4 used by any Kazakh citizen, with ed to invest approximately 2 mil- said Ashybekov. billion tenge (US$118.17 mil- By Inga Selezneva The company feels that this ini- lion) in pharmaceutical products, tiative will give an additional im- a 3.8-percent increase compared ASTANA – Baspana Mortgage petus to the development of the to 2017. One-third of all drugs are recently launched a secondary hous- mortgage market and encourage produced in the Almaty region, ing lending programme providing people to buy a new home. while 41.9 percent of production Turkish company to buy favourable terms, reported Chair of Apartment costs will be the same is in Shymkent and 15.4 percent in the company Kairat Altynbekov at for the both programmes. It costs Almaty. The three southern regions a Sept. 11 Central Communications 25 million tenge (US$67,200) in constitute 89 percent of the output Service briefing in Astana. Almaty, Astana, Aktau, Atyrau and and house large companies such as Karaganda region gold deposit “The 7-20-25 mortgage pro- Shymkent and 15 million tenge AbdiIbakhim GlobalFarm, Avrora, its in its own country, presented the exploration, although geological gramme provides favourable loans (US$40,300) in other regions. Cheminnova Alimor Kazpharm, By Yerbolat Uatkhanov only offer, the press service added. exploration and field work at the in the primary market. Taking into The company will consider allo- Dolce, Dosfarm, Kelun-KazPharm, Negotiations began in September deposit have not been conducted account this fact, our company cating 150 billion tenge (US$402 Chimpharm, Nobel Almaty Phar- ASTANA – Turkish company 2017 and finished in August when since 2017. developed Baspana Hit, a special million) for construction to local maceutical Factory, Rapid-Alimor Lidya Madencilik plans to pur- the managements agreed on coop- Founded in 2006, Lidya Maden- Pharm Industries and Zerde-Fito. programme aimed at secondary executive bodies to increase the chase 100 percent of the shares in eration terms. cilik is the mining division of the housing lending. According to the number of borrowers. the Karaganda region’s Yuzhno- Calik Holding group of compa- The Kazakh Ministry for Invest- terms of the programme, the initial Applications for the amount of Moyintinskoye gold deposit. Es- Kazakhstan’s overall nies, which also operates in energy, contribution should be 20 percent 27 billion tenge (US$75 million) ment and Development expects a timates indicate the deposit can construction, real estate, textiles, of the cost of housing and the in- have been received as part of the decrease in air ticket prices in 2019. produce 8.4 tonnes of gold. production of finance and telecommunications. terest rate is the National Bank’s home loan programme. The banks High prices for air and railway The company was enticed by It has representative offices in 22 base rate of 1.75 percent. Current- have already approved the issu- travel remain a barrier for tourism Tau-Ken Samruk, a Kazakh com- unwrought and semi- countries, including the Balkans, development, emphasised Mazhilis ly, the base rate is 9 percent. This ance of about 18 billion tenge pany subsidiary of the Samruk Central Asia, the Middle East and (lower house of Parliament) deputy processed gold or in Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund, North Africa. means that the interest rate will be (US$48 million). Astana, Almaty Shavkat Utemisov. Domestic travel which has attracted strategic inves- powder form reached Kazakhstan’s overall production 10.75 percent and loan term is up and Mangistau show positive dy- is relatively expensive for the av- to 15 years,” he said. namics in the growth of lending. erage consumer, with an Almaty tors to existing projects to extract 53,432 kilogrammes of unwrought and semi-processed and process polymetallic ores at gold or in powder form reached Citizens can now contact part- Baspana Mortgage developed – Astana one way ticket costing ap- ner banks of the Baspana Hit pro- new options to reduce the finan- proximately 20,000-80,000 tenge the Aligyr deposit and explore for in January-July, a 53,432 kilogrammes in January- gold at Yuzhno-Moyintinskoye. July, a 9.7-percent increase com- gramme, which includes the same cial burden for young families and (US$56.41-225.62). The ministry 9.7-percent increase second-tier banks of the 7-20-25 public sector workers. The local provides travel benefits for children, A memorandum of understanding pared to the same period in 2017, programme. executive bodies will subsidise youth, pensioners and people with was signed by Tau-Ken Samruk compared to the same reported the Kazakh Ministry of disabilities and now intends to ad- Chairperson Kanat Kudaiber- Economy statistics committee. “Home depreciation and its im- half the down payment for those dress the issue of cost. Vice Minis- gen and Lidya Madencilik CEO period in 2017. The gross output of unwrought pact on the cost will be determined categories of the population to re- ter for Investment and Development Mustafa Aksoi, according to the and semi-processed silver or in by the market. The company and duce the initial contribution. Timur Toktabayev stated that, given former’s press service. Field geological exploration powder form is much higher, partner banks are not responsible The list of partner banks in- the predicted economic situation After advertising the Yuzhno- work on the deposit was com- reaching 575,426 kilogrammes for this issue. Each buyer can re- cludes Halyk Bank, Forte Bank, and aviation fuel prices in the fol- Moyintinskoye gold deposit sale, pleted in 2015-2016. In June 2017, during the same period. The figure solve the degree of deterioration Bank Tsentrkredit, ATF Bank, lowing year, air ticket prices should Lidya Madencilik, which has ex- Tau-Ken Samruk announced the is 9.6 percent less than the previ- and the period of construction indi- Tsesnabank, Bank RBK and Eura- become more affordable. perience in developing gold depos- allocation of subsoil use rights for ous year. vidually,” he said. sian Bank. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 Kazakhstan’s ever-growing All conditions created for global and regional role as increasing oil and gas country near 27th anniversary extraction in Kazakhstan, his year Kazakhstan will celebrate the 27th nected world. Some states surrounded by the sea anniversary of its independence. No one are often criticised as having an “island mentality” can deny that the transformation which the – meaning they are isolated and narrow minded. As a country has undergone during that time landlocked nation, Kazakhstan is perhaps as far away says industry official Thas been nothing short of remarkable. In achieving from that mindset as can be possible. The country independence in 1991, Kazakhstan, along with many understands that to succeed it is vital to engage, listen Continued from Page A1 recent initiatives of KAZEN- gas sectors. We are determined to of its neighbours, saw an end to the many decades of and learn from other nations. ERGY, whether it is the environ- thoroughly work on the environ- Soviet rule. All countries were rightly excited about Earlier in September, President Nazarbayev at- At WPC in Astana, we are mental code, the new tax code mental code, and currently are in what the future would hold. tended the Summit of the Cooperation Council of planning to have meetings of the or the new code on subsoil and process of an in-depth review of In the following years, Kazakhstan made a point of the Turkic-Speaking States (CCTS), also known as Executive and Programme Com- subsoil use? the best practices of Organisation developing peaceful relations with all its surrounding the Turkic Council. As was reported in The Astana mittees of the council, the ses- The most important task of for Economic Cooperation and countries. This included agreeing on land borders, Times, the President called for young people across sion of young professionals of KAZENERGY is industry pro- Development (OECD) member working to resolve the distribution of shared resourc- all member nations to “expand their knowledge about the WPC Committee, as well as tection and representation in the states on regulation of certain is- es, such as the Caspian Sea, and, most famously, by the cultural peculiarities of our countries.” the meeting of the council itself. legislative processes, the identi- sues on environmental responsi- becoming the first nation to voluntarily shut down a He also suggested the use of the new Astana In Astana, we are going to also fication of systemic problems of bility, emission standards, moni- major nuclear test site and decommission its nuclear International Financial Centre (AIFC) as a way of have the preparatory works for Asset Magauov toring, licensing system, etc. arsenal. It is in this spirit of working together with its creating partnerships between CCTS countries. This the upcoming 23rd World Pe- Our proposals are reflected in neighbours and working for shared opportunities that is just one example of the way Kazakhstan uses its troleum Congress scheduled for enterprises and sustaining con- the latest version of the concept structive discussion about these Kazakhstan is proud of the role it plays as a member membership of international organisations to bring 2020 in Houston, United States of the new environmental code, issues both within the association of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). people together, which can only be a way of bringing . The congress’s agenda will fo- which, we believe, is balanced and with relevant government Kazakhstan has been a member of the Eurasian about a better future for all. cus on “Innovative Energy Solu- from the point of view of pro- authorities. Economic Union since 2015, the economic organi- Of course, being active through international tions.” tecting the environment, as well In 2017, Kazakhstan adopted a sation that was first proposed by Kazakh President organisations is not a matter of simply taking the The WPC Youth Committee is as industry interests on develop- new code on subsoil and subsoil Nursultan Nazarbayev. It is through this cooperation easy path. There are times when difficult mat- also planning to discuss the sixth ing production activities, and this use and the tax code. This year, that our businesses enjoy a free trade area, which ters, such as global security are confronted. In this Youth Forum in St. Petersburg in fact makes us look forward with we began drafting the new envi- stretches for thousands of kilometres across Eurasia. regard, the world has seen Kazakhstan step up on June 2019. optimism on updating the nation- ronmental code. Together, these It is now possible for companies in Almaty to do the world stage. From its current membership of I would like to underline that al environmental legislation. three documents – without exag- business everywhere from Minsk to Vladivostok. It the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to the Kazakhstan National Com- geration – are the most crucial is clear that it is in Kazakhstan’s interest to see all Astana’s hosting of several rounds of Syrian peace mittee perceives with great inter- What challenges and oppor- legislative pieces for oil and gas member states working together for the collective talks – the country continues to strive to resolve est these events and is consider- tunities in its development does companies. benefit of all our citizens. some of the most pressing and difficult challenges ing the possibility of delegating Kazakhstan’s energy sector face The common goal of the new Being a country of considerable size, yet sharing for peace in war-torn parts of the world. It is evi- its representatives for the discus- today? sion of issues of the energy sec- codes is to increase the invest- In the sphere of oil and gas pro- land borders with five other countries, the importance dence that Kazakhstan doesn’t simply turn its hand ment attractiveness of Kazakh- of Kazakhstan’s multi-vectored foreign policy cannot to problems which are easily fixed but is committed tor. duction, the most urgent are the As for the key topics of the stan’s oil and gas sectors, and our issues of replenishment of hy- be understated. Not only is it a member of the Com- to lasting solutions for some of the world’s most initiatives in this regard are re- monwealth of Independent States, but it also plays a difficult matters. Astana meeting, the problems drocarbon resources, as well as of effective investment develop- flected in the editions of two new the introduction of more efficient crucial role in several other international organisa- At a time where many countries are in the news for codes adopted by the Parliament. tions including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisa- leaving international organisations, leading to criti- ment are on the agenda. In re- technologies for increasing the cent years, we have been able to For instance, starting from level of extraction of minerals. tion, the Turkic Council, the Organisation of Islamic cisms that they are avoiding their obligations to oth- 2019, the new tax legislation Cooperation and the Organisation for Security and ers, Kazakhstan is certainly steering a different path. significantly increase the hydro- The developing of the indus- carbon potential of our country, provides for the exclusion of bo- try assumes a wider use of gas Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The country understands that it is only by engaging nuses of commercial detection, Lying at the crossroads of the world, between with others through vital international partnerships attract significant investments in as the cleanest type of fuel, as the oil and gas industry and we introduces new conditions for well as the raw material for in- North and South, East and West means that Kazakh- such as the CIS, that we can work together to make a income taxation (it introduces a stan has always seen itself as part of an intercon- better future for future generations. continue working on the crea- dustry, which requires additional tion of favourable conditions so-called alternative subsoil use investments from the oil and gas for attracting investments to Ka- tax for offshore and super-deep industry into the exploration, zakhstan. In my view, however, deposits), puts in place a good production and processing of hy- the most significant event of the mechanism to allow for taxation drocarbons, the introduction of not only for successful, but also WPC in Astana would be the technologies aimed at reducing on unsuccessful exploration ac- conference on “Investment Op- greenhouse gas emissions. tivities, etc. portunities: New Solutions for Soon, Kazakhstan will have a The new subsoil code signifi- Sustainable Growth.” The con- huge demand for hydrocarbon cantly simplifies access to sub- ference will allow us to introduce raw materials to provide all types soil use contracts, offers special the WPC member states and their of petroleum products for the de- tools that stimulate investment national committees to the latest velopment of the petrochemical in geological exploration (com- trends in the development of the industry. This depends directly oil and gas and energy industries on the actions of the state on the of Kazakhstan. It is also important to introduction of incentives for at- Its agenda will cover issues tracting investments in such a such as the expansion of invest- diversify the economy promising and resource-intensive ment instruments, effective pro- industry. tection of investors’ rights and of Kazakhstan Considering the existing initia- interests, industry legal regula- towards processing tives, I could state that we have tion, green investments, among created quite favourable incen- others. Participants will hear primary raw materials tives, including economic ones, about success cases of companies for companies and investors to working in the industry. to receive goods and overcome these challenges. I am confident that these events products with higher will enhance the exchange of ex- Overall, what is your assess- perience and best practices, as added value through ment of the long-term develop- well as the expansion of coopera- using petrochemicals, ment of Kazakhstan’s energy tion among all the member coun- sector? tries of the council. gas chemistry and the Considering globally increas- ing energy consumption, includ- What would you say about re- development of the ing resources such as natural gas cent initiatives and incentives accompanying sectors and oil, and price stabilisation in the energy sector of Kazakh- (without excluding further rise), stan aimed at boosting economic of the economy. we have created sufficient pre- growth and competitiveness? requisites for increasing the ex- In order to create more favour- bined contracts, the abolition of traction of hydrocarbon raw ma- able conditions for investment, all non-productive deductions, terials in Kazakhstan. the government, the public in- etc.), provides, starting from Surely, we also take into ac- stitutions and other stakeholders 2024, for the transition to inter- count the fact that in the future have done a great deal of work national standards for calculating hydrocarbons will stop playing reforming the legislation in the recoverable reserves, eliminates a leading role of the main fuel. sphere of subsoil use, taxation, as much as possible all admin- Nonetheless, they will remain environment, etc. istrative barriers (excessive rec- important for many other indus- These initiatives primarily aim onciliations, lengthy decision- tries. at the exploration and replen- making), etc. Today, the oil and gas indus- ishment of the resource base of Overall, investors welcomed try faces several priority tasks, minerals, the introduction of in- these changes. Already now, sev- namely, replenishing the re- ternational standards for inven- eral major international compa- source base, introducing more tory accounting, the reduction nies are openly negotiating new efficient technologies, and ensur- of administrative barriers, the exploration projects in Kazakh- ing the stability of legislation in rational use of mineral resources stan. the long run. and provision of state support Regarding the new environ- It is also important to diver- through establishing a balanced mental code, we have tabled a sify the economy of Kazakhstan tax burden that would stimulate large amount of legislative pro- towards processing primary raw the development of all branches posals to the ministry of energy, materials to receive goods and of the fuel and energy sector of essentially addressing the imper- products with higher added value Kazakhstan. fections of current environmental through using petrochemicals, legislation, which, in our opinion, gas chemistry and the develop- In your opinion, what is the in some cases contains discrimi- ment of the accompanying sec- importance and value of the natory approaches to the oil and tors of the economy.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

ment and dissemination of stand- ards, guidelines and good prac- tices, the United Nations supports Advancing disarmament within the 2030 States in improving the physical security and stockpile manage- ment of their weapons and am- munition. The International Small Agenda for Sustainable Development Arms Control Standards and the injury, forced displacement, and ing concern regarding the risk of work and economic growth. Unit- International Ammunition Techni- By Izumi Nakamitsu destruction of livelihoods and in- acquisition and use of biological ed Nations studies have shown cal Guidelines are prime examples frastructure. In response to the weapons. To address it, the United that excessive military spend- of these efforts. escalation of armed violence, the Nations strengthens the capacity ing negatively impacts economic Finally, the disarmament com- The nexus between United Nations supports efforts of member states to implement the growth, capital investment and munity can contribute to more in- by member states to develop ap- Biological Weapons Convention, employment. Reducing military clusive global governance, an ob- disarmament, arms propriate limitations, common and will establish a standing ca- budgets can lessen these negative jective expressed in SDG targets control and development standards and policies in conform- pacity to conduct investigations of effects and allow public spending 5.5 and 16.8. To achieve greater The idea that disarmament and ity with international humanitarian alleged use of biological weapons. to be redirected towards people- inclusivity, we need to further pro- arms control are connected to de- law on the use of explosive weap- SDG 4 on quality education ben- centred programmes for social mote the equal and full participation velopment is not new. Article 26 ons in populated areas. efits from disarmament education, and economic development. These of women in all disarmament deci- of the Charter of the United Na- asia.nikkei.com. Photo credit: Through SDG target 16.4 on which promotes a culture of peace measures will also contribute to sion-making processes and support tions recognises disarmament as a able development, conflict preven- significantly reducing illicit arms and non-violence. Raising aware- the achievement of SDG 10 on the active participation of all States, precondition for durable peace, se- tion and peace-building. flows, the 2030 Agenda explicitly ness about disarmament issues em- reduced inequalities. To promote especially developing countries, in curity and development by calling reflects upon the importance of phasizes approaches to reducing mutual restraint in military ex- disarmament forums. A more inclu- for the maintenance of internation- arms control in promoting peace, and eliminating violent conflicts. It penditure, the United Nations sive disarmament machinery will al peace and security with the least Disarmament and arms security and sustainable develop- also encourages efforts to enhance seeks opportunities for regional lead to more effective and sustain- diversion of the world’s economic control: a contribution to ment, while placing disarmament national and international security dialogue and further development able policy outcomes in all areas of and human resources for arms. and arms control within the scope at lower levels of armaments. Such of confidence-building initiatives. peace and security, and it should be For a long time, however, dis- peace and security of development policies. To pro- education imparts knowledge and Transparency and confidence- a major focus of our efforts. armament has largely slipped off The 2030 Agenda and its Sus- vide sustainable and coherent so- skills that empower individuals to building instruments such as the the development agenda. This is tainable Development Goals lutions with a strong development participate in the achievement of United Nations Report on Military despite overwhelming evidence (SDGs) provide a unique oppor- focus to the problem of small arms concrete disarmament objectives. Expenditures can increase trust be- Looking ahead: that excessive arms accumulation tunity to revisit the historical re- control, the United Nations will With respect to SDG 5 on gen- tween countries, leading to greater diverts needed resources from lationship between disarmament establish a multi-partner trust fa- der equality, gender-responsive stability. This and other transparen- strengthening development and fuels armed and development. While SDG 16 cility through the Peacebuilding disarmament and arms control cy instruments, such as the United partnerships for conflict and violence, leading to on peaceful and inclusive socie- Fund, contributing to SDG targets have a recognised role in eliminat- Nations Register of Conventional unnecessary death and suffering, ties, justice and strong institutions 16.4 and 16.a on strengthening the ing violence against women and Arms, whereby States report on disarmament social inequality and environmen- recognizes that durable peace and institutional capacities of states to girls in both public and private arms imports and exports, promote I believe that investment in dis- tal degradation. Hence, the failure lasting conditions for security are prevent violence, terrorism and spheres. Weapons have differenti- effective, accountable and trans- armament and arms control is a to establish effective disarmament necessary for long-term develop- crime. ated impacts on women, men, girls parent institutions, a key commit- direct investment in long-term and arms control systems is devas- ment, we need to better understand and boys. While men and boys ac- ment under SDG target 16.6. peace and security, and, therefore, tating to socioeconomic develop- the diverse areas in which achiev- count for most violent deaths and Disarmament and arms control in sustainable development. The ment, peace and security, and hu- ing disarmament objectives can Disarmament and arms constitute the majority of weapon further contribute to SDG 11 on SDGs provide a comprehensive, man well-being. contribute to the implementation control: a contribution to owners and users, women and girls the safety, resilience and sustain- universal framework for action, The UN Secretary-General rec- of the SDGs. All Member States are more frequently the victims of ability of cities and human settle- and I am committed to establish- ognised this in his new Agenda for have committed themselves to tak- the broader 2030 Agenda gender-based violence facilitated ments. In many countries, arms ing and strengthening partnerships Disarmament, where he described ing such an integrated approach. The advancement of disarma- by small arms, including domestic and ammunition depots are lo- and collaborations in order to at- “a vast potential” for disarmament A central concern for disarma- ment and arms control objectives and sexual violence. To address cated in populated areas where un- tain the Goals. Advancing disar- activities to further advance our ment and arms control is the pro- also supports the achievement of violence against women, it is es- planned explosions can cause high mament and arms control makes pursuit of development objectives. tection of civilians from the impact other SDGs, from good health and sential that gender considerations levels of casualties, injuries and a real difference for development. The Agenda, launched on May of weapons. Measures to ban or re- quality education to gender equal- inform the development of legisla- displacement, as well as economic Acknowledging this fact on a 24 2018, offers new perspectives strict certain weapons on humani- ity, economic growth, reduced in- tion and policies on disarmament loss and destruction of livelihoods broader scale will make the world on better integrating disarmament tarian grounds have a clear role to equalities and safe cities. and arms control. We also need and infrastructure. Over the last safer, more prosperous and better and arms control into our work on play in reducing armed violence Disarmament and arms control to challenge predominant gender decades, more than half of States prepared to tackle twenty-first cen- other key international priorities, and related death rates, an objec- can advance progress in achiev- stereotypes of masculinity associ- have experienced accidental ex- tury challenges. moving beyond our tendency to tive under SDG target 16.1. The ing SDG 3 on good health and ated with the ownership and use of plosions at munition sites. The safe view this pressing matter through increasing urbanisation of armed well-being, since armed violence small arms, which increase the risk and secure management of stock- The author is UN Under-Sec- a narrow, isolated security lens. In- conflict and the use of explosive is the leading cause of premature of gender-based violence. piles, including the identification retary-General and High Rep- stead, it encourages us to place dis- weapons in towns and cities have death and a key source of injuries, There is also a close connec- of surpluses and their destruction, resentative for Disarmament Af- armament and arms control within particularly devastating impacts disability, psychological distress tion between disarmament and the helps prevent such incidents from fairs. The article first appeared the scope of our work on sustain- on civilians, causing death and and disease. There is also increas- achievement of SDG 8 on decent occurring. Through the develop- in UN Chronicle in August 2018.

tonnes of white flour, 847,139 cans of canned meat and 40 tonnes of dried vegetables total- Kazakhstan’s assistance to Afghanistan helps ling 819,209,000 tenge (US$2.3 million).

In your opinion, which un- strengthen regional and global security, diplomat says dertakings of Kazakhstan are of economy through the implemen- In the field of cultural and hu- of economic assistance to the IRA. global significance in the coun- By Zhanna Akhmetova tation of long-term projects and manitarian cooperation in re- In July 2008, we transferred $2.38 try’s peacekeeping initiatives as the involvement of the region’s cent years, we have successfully million to the Ministry of Finance a non-permanent member of the Kazakhstan has long been countries in this network would launched the Kazakh-Afghan of Afghanistan; $160,000 be- UN Security Council for the res- providing active support for the be the most efficient way to ad- state educational programme of ing spent to build a school in the toration of peace and security in reconstruction of Afghanistan, dress the complex problems of the the Republic of Kazakhstan for province of Samangan, $570,000 Afghanistan? helping both financially and by IRA and I mean here primarily so- the training of 1,000 Afghan stu- to build a hospital in the province As a non-permanent member promoting the stabilisation of the cial challenges related to employ- dents. Until now, about 500 people of Bamyan and $1.65 million for of the council, for the first time situation at the political level. ment and boosting incomes. have completed the programme. I repairing the Talukan-Kunduz- in the history of this major inter- Kazakh-Afghan cooperation and Kazakh-Afghan trade turno- can confirm that the Government Shirkhan-Bandar road. national organisation Kazakhstan the importance of Kazakhstan’s ver is steadily growing. In 2014, of National Unity of Afghanistan The repair was completed in represents not only Central Asia, assistance for enhancing security it amounted to $336.7 million and the Afghan people are highly October 2011 and the school in but also Afghanistan, promot- in Afghanistan were the topics of ($333.53 million is Kazakhstan’s Stanislav Vassilenko interested in the continuation of 2012. The hospital construction, ing the interests of this country an interview with Ambassador-at- export); then in 2016, it reached the programme. suspended previously by the Af- among our priorities. Large at the Ministry of Foreign We support the peaceful initia- $489.4 million ($486.8 million Sports representatives and the ghan side, was resumed in Octo- During our presidency in Janu- Affairs and its Special Represent- tives of the international commu- being export, $2.5 million import National Olympic Committee of ber 2016. ary 2018, we convened a Security ative for Afghanistan Stanislav nity aimed at resolving the Afghan in Kazakhstan). Afghanistan are also willing to In 2014, we provided sched- Council ministerial debate on the Vassilenko. crisis; we are actively participat- Between January-August 2017, develop cooperation with their uled financial assistance to the topic “Building Regional Partner- ing in the Heart of Asia – Istanbul trade reached $328.5 million, in- Kazakh counterparts. The Af- Afghan province of Samangan for ship in Afghanistan and Central What is the history of bilateral process. Kazakhstan has extended cluding $327.3 million in exports ghans participated in the 2017 the construction of specific infra- Asia as a Model to Link Security relations between Kazakhstan its support to the Kabul Process, a and $1.2 million in imports – 11 Winter Universiade in Almaty; an structure facilities. At the end of and Development,” where the UN and the Islamic Republic of Af- new peace initiative by Afghani- percent more than the same pe- analogue of Kazakh kokpar – the December 2014, the government member states reaffirmed their ghanistan (IRA) since 1991? stan. riod of 2016. equestrian sport game bozkashi of Kazakhstan transferred $1.5 commitment to a political settle- Kazakhstan and Afghanistan We welcome the active engage- Kazakhstan’s exports to Af- is very popular among Afghan million to the special account of ment of the situation in Afghani- established diplomatic relations ment of our Central Asian part- ghanistan are traditionally domi- youth. the Ministry of Finance of Af- stan based on the concept of the on Feb. 12, 1992. In September ners on platforms including those nated by grain and flour (67 per- In addition, public and private ghanistan for the construction of security and development nexus. 2002, Kazakhstan opened a diplo- such as the Tashkent Conference cent), followed by food products higher education institutions of four standard bridges in the Af- At the same time, we organised matic mission in Kabul, which be- on Afghanistan in March 2018. (27 percent), liquefied gas (7.2 the IRA would like to establish an ghan city of Aibak. The bridges a full-scale visit of the council came the embassy in June 2003. Let me note that we are also sup- percent) and rolled metal (5.6 per- exchange with their Kazakh col- were necessary to strengthen the members to Afghanistan preceded Since April 2018, Alimkhan Yes- portive of Afghanistan’s receiving cent). Smaller volumes of fertilis- leagues to conduct training of Af- banks of the Aibak River in the by a Kabul trip of the Permanent sengeldiev has been the Ambassa- an observer status in the Shanghai ers, medicines, metal rods, auto ghan students in Kazakhstan on a province of Samangan. Currently, Representative of Kazakhstan dor of Kazakhstan in Kabul. Cooperation Organisation (SCO). parts and other goods have also fee-paying basis. The National Ar- the Afghan side is implementing to the United Nations in his role We now have a good bilateral An inter-parliamentary relation- been in consistent demand. chives, the National Museum and the project. as the chairman of the council’s relationship, strengthened by con- ship is being endorsed at the level I would like to note that the In- the National Library of Afghani- In October 2016, the govern- sanctions committees. sistent and dynamic development of the leadership of both cham- tergovernmental Commission for stan have also expressed willing- ment of Kazakhstan provided $2 over many areas. bers of the Parliament of Kazakh- Trade and Economic Cooperation ness to cooperate with similar million in economic aid in support What is Kazakhstan’s contri- From a political point, Kazakh- stan, its deputy committees and plays an important role in the de- Kazakh institutions. I would like of the Afghan National Defence bution to ensuring stability in stan stands for the early establish- commissions. As part of this co- velopment of trade and economic to underscore that these organisa- and Security Forces (ANDSF) to Afghanistan, as well as in the de- ment of peace and stability in Af- operation, the two countries regu- cooperation between the two tions may have authentic sources a relevant NATO trust fund. In velopment of the entire region? ghanistan, including through the larly exchange delegations. countries. To strengthen its work, and historic scripts related to the October 2017, Astana received a Can we say that Kazakhstan is further development of bilateral, there is a need to make maximum Kazakh Khanate. letter from the government of Af- becoming not only a regional, regional and multilateral coopera- You said at the UN Security use of the existing railway routes In the field of medicine, the Af- ghanistan with a request for hu- but a global player? tion. The two governments have Council meeting in New York in along the line of Kazakhstan – ghan Ministry of Health is inter- manitarian food aid in connection Central Asia is reasonably a mutual understanding on many March 2018 that Afghanistan Turkmenistan – Iran to the border ested in establishing cooperation with drought and natural disasters viewed by the international com- political issues of the internation- continues to face political and with Afghanistan. with Kazakhstan for training Af- in the country. munity as a model for successful al agenda. Astana cooperates with economic problems, as well as For the regular supply of Ka- ghan women in medical univer- On Oct. 27, 2017, First Deputy regional cooperation. It is sig- Kabul within the framework of security threats. How does Ka- zakh grain and flour to Afghani- sities of Kazakhstan, purchasing Prime Minister of Kazakhstan nificant that Kazakhstan has put the Conference on Interaction and zakhstan help the IRA overcome stan, there is a need to reduce medical products and developing Askar Mamin chaired the in- forward the initiative to integrate Confidence-Building Measures these challenges? barriers in the documentation and medical tourism. So far, a draft ternational humanitarian assis- Afghanistan into the region to in Asia (CICA), Organisation of Clearly, Kazakhstan supports transportation of flour products. memorandum on such coopera- tance commission meeting, after advance the peace process in this Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Eco- Afghanistan’s integration into the In this regard, we pin high hopes tion has been sent to the Ministry which there was a decision to country. In my view, Kazakhstan’s nomic Cooperation Organisation expanding regional network of on a new railway line from Turk- of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan. provide humanitarian assistance contribution is undeniable and of (ECO) and IOFS (Islamic Organi- trade, energy and transport links. menistan to the border with Af- Kazakhstan fulfilled and contin- to Afghanistan that included 260 great importance for strengthen- sation for Food Security). We believe the restoration of its ghanistan. ues to fulfill its international pledge tonnes of whole meal flour, 2,590 ing regional and global stability. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 New chapter in Uzbekistan opens opportunities for region agenda includes Central Asia as what compromise the two sides because the market is growing big- By Assel Satubaldina well as introducing new invest- are ready to reach an agreement in ger than before and it is also very ment partners and projects in the a political perspective.” important,” he added. ASTANA – Since Shavkat Mir- country. Interestingly, President Dzhuraev believes regional co- Dzhuraev also spoke about the ziyoyev came to power in 2016 Mirziyoyev’s agenda reminds one operation and integration are now challenges facing the region, in- after the death of Islam Karimov, of President Nazarbayev’s motto far more present on the agenda. cluding border disagreement, se- Uzbekistan, the most populous ‘Economy first, politics second,’ “The new government in Uzbek- curity with a common concern country in Central Asia, has been with a multi-vector foreign policy istan and the subsequently increas- about Afghanistan and its dete- witnessing significant changes which should boost political dia- ing openness of the country to its riorating situation, and managing both in domestic and foreign poli- logue with key non-regional actors neighbours and the region very se- water and other natural resources. cy. The former Soviet republic has and international organisations to riously changed the situation in the “Also, [there are] very difficult progressed significantly in the last strengthen the Uzbek economic region and as all can see, people relations with our giant neighbour two years following the 27 years capacity and development goals,” start to bring up regional coopera- – China. On one side, all countries of Karimov’s rule, affecting al- she noted. tion and even regional integration have quite serious and fast-grow- most every sphere in the country Relations between Uzbekistan more frequently and more seri- ing economic relations and on the of 34 million people. and Kyrgyzstan have also moved ously,” he said. other, quite difficult political ties.

Mirziyoyev, who served as otyrar.kz. Photo credit: in a positive direction, said Emil “The fact that leaders of all Cen- I mean geopolitical disagreements prime minister for 13 years and Dzhuraev, an associate professor tral Asian countries gathered not in regard to Xinjiang and quite re- won the election in 2016 with 89 security services blacklist, banned areas of Central Asia,” she said. at the American University of Cen- for the first time in the last two cently in the form of disagreements percent of the vote, has set in mo- doctors’, teachers’ and students’ Gussarova believes it is too early tral Asia (AUCA) in Bishkek. years in a narrow format gives in that can occur between China and tion a reform-minded agenda with forced labour in cotton fields and, to draw conclusions, however, be- “In the last years of Islam Ka- itself serious ground to think that Kazakhstan and all other countries far-reaching impact. Addressing to a limited extent, loosened state cause “peace requires long-term rimov, relations between Uzbeki- the ice has broken and the door in terms of how the process of po- the United Nations General As- control over the media. He also commitment.” stan and Kyrgyzstan were very is open to a serious discussion of litical re-education of the Muslim sembly in September 2017, he said signed a decree abolishing the exit In March, Mirziyoyev made a bad; perhaps, they were even common regional interests. If we communities is going on, primarily Uzbekistan is “consciously going visa system which would have historic visit to Dushanbe, the first worse than Uzbek-Tajik relations. assess to what extent the open- for Muslim Uighurs, but also oth- towards resolute reforms and is come into effect next year. for an Uzbek President since 2002, If we compare before and after, it ness of Uzbekistan is important ers. I believe it will be a common committed to forming a new image Separated from the rest of the meeting his counterpart President is clear how relations between the for the region, it cannot be stressed difficulty that is better to discuss of the country.” world for generations, Uzbekistan Emomali Rahmon and oversee- countries changed tremendously in enough,” he added. together,” the Kyrgyz scholar said. The changes include liberalising has embarked on rekindling its ing the signing of 27 agreements a positive way. Since the first days Dzhuraev noted deepening and Gussarova noted Uzbekistan can foreign economic activity; remov- ties with neighbouring countries worth approximately $140 million, of Mirziyoyev coming to power, strengthening relations between play the role of a mediator in the ing the peg from the U.S. dollar, a and other key partners, including as the two countries also resumed he showed positive signals right the Central Asian countries sepa- region. move that devalued the Uzbek som China, Russia and the U.S., fa- direct flights linking the city and away and was open to dialogue rately boosts the dialogue capacity “Uzbekistan could boost region- by 48 percent; abolishing the pre- cilitating regional cooperation and Tashkent in April 2017. and promised to solve disagree- of each nation given their “limited al cooperation and finally bring viously compulsory sale of foreign boosting its economic potential. He also travelled to Kazakh- ments between the countries in a resources and limited decision- Afghanistan to Central Asia as a currency revenue and allowing Opening the country was the stan in March 2017 to meet with constructive way,” he said. making power.” mediator in peace talks with the full convertibility of the currency, “only path to consolidate the pow- President Nursultan Nazarbayev, The border issues, he noted, “When we talk about very im- Taliban, the Afghan government, among other initiatives. er and at the same time create an expressing firm commitment to have been “most important and portant geopolitical phenomena, the United States and the Russian Increasing its international cred- image of an open country with boosting bilateral cooperation. very difficult to solve.” such as the Chinese Belt and Road Federation,” she said. ibility, Uzbekistan signed agree- ambitious goals and plans,” noted Nazarbayev noted completely dif- “Disagreement over disputed Initiative, Eurasian integration led Optimism and hope are in the ments with foreign financial insti- Central Asia Institute for Strategic ferent ties were developing saying areas fed political manipulation by Russia and other developments, air, yet questions remain. tutions, including the World Bank Studies head Anna Gussarova. “only within last five months, trade of bilateral relations. What has for each and every country in Cen- “How long would it take him and the European Bank for Recon- “President Mirziyoyev has vis- turnover grew by 30 percent.” been happening during the last tral Asia it is very important to [Mirziyoyev] to change the coun- struction and Development, that ited many countries in the neigh- The two countries set an ambi- two years is very intensive and fre- have, if not a support, at least com- try? As we all acknowledge, lent funds for the country’s devel- bourhood and far abroad, meet- tious goal to bring trade turnover quent discussions and meetings of mon interests with neighbouring changes are always painful. The opment across many areas. ing different political leaders. He to $5 billion by 2020. the intergovernmental commission countries,” he said. issue is whether those changes will For the first time, the Uzbek started with an attempt to revise Gussarova believes Uzbekistan’s in an effort to settle the border is- The potential for regional coop- be cosmetic or rather deep and fea- leader addressed the problem of Uzbek-Tajik relations, the most agenda is similar to Kazakhstan’s, sues,” he added. eration is high. sible. Finally, it is not clear what torture, released political pris- challenging for the past years, and its neighbor and largest economy Disagreements are natural along “Inside the region itself, there Uzbekistan wants to achieve and oners, removed approximately introduce peace and friendship in Central Asia. the process, but what matters, he could be more opportunities for what Central Asian countries want 18,000 people from the country’s narratives in conflict-prone border “The Uzbek foreign policy said, is “at what level and with trade and economic development Uzbekistan to be,” she added. Tajikistan begins Foreign Ministry works to return two-year CICA citizens from refugee camp in Syria in Lebanon are concerned with the they will be submitted to the Ka- the refugee camp in Syria. Seven Staff Report search of our citizens. In addition, zakh side,” explained Tleuberdy. Kazakh women and 16 children we received requests from parents He also noted the possibility of have been staying there for eight leadership term ASTANA – The Kazakh Foreign of our citizens who are currently returning children to Kazakhstan is months. One of these women, Ministry is working to return 23 in Syria. Necessary work is under being considered while their moth- who introduced herself as Sabira Kazakh citizens, seven women and way, special services, Ministry of ers are being inspected. “Mother’s Moldabekova, said she had left 16 children, from a refugee camp Defence, Ministry of Internal Af- consent is required in order to re- for Syria four years ago in order in Syria. The individuals must be fairs, Committee for Emergency turn them home,” he said. to return her daughter and grand- determined by Syrian and Iraqi Situations are being engaged. The “We possess some facts that children whose father was killed authorities as to not be involved in aircraft will be allocated in case grandparents admit their children’s in that country. Currently, they are terrorist activities before they can of their return,” said First Deputy involvement in terrorist activities located in the refugee camp in the be returned. Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleu- and thus they can initiate question territory controlled by the Kurd- “I want to assure that the work is berdy. regarding their grandchildren and ish armed formations on the bor- carried out to identify the location “Syrian and Iraqi authorities deprive parents of their parental der with Turkey along with other of our citizens in Syria and Iraq. conduct special check of many Ka- rights,” he said. Kazakh citizens. Kazakh citizens The question of returning them has zakh citizens on their involvement Khabar 24 journalists recently came from Uralsk, Aktobe, Al- been raised. The Kazakh embassy in terrorist activities. After deter- received a video with footage maty and Zhezkazgan. They live in in Jordan as well as the Consulate mining their non-involvement, taken by Kazakh citizens from tents in unfavourable conditions.

Tajik Foreign Minister Habibollo Mirzoev (L) and Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov.

Staff Report thanked China and outgoing CICA Executive Director Gong Jianwei NEW YORK – Tajikistan as- for contributing to CICA’s devel- sumed the chair of the Conference opment. He said China helped on Interaction and Confidence steer a new stage of the confer- Building Measures in Asia (CICA) ence’s development aimed at en- during a Sept. 24 meeting of the suring sustainable security and organisation’s member states’ for- cooperation in Asia. eign ministers. The meeting was He also noted that the CICA part of the 73rd session of the youth and business councils have United Nation General Assembly. been established and the non- Tajikistan will chair CICA until governmental forum has launched, 2020 and assumed the role from having become a new channel for China, which held the position discussion and dissemination of from 2014 to 2018. the CICA security concept. The foreign minister also emphasised Kazakh Minister CICA’s expansion during China’s leadership, when its 27th member, of Foreign Affairs the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka joined the organisa- Kairat Abdrakhmanov tion on July 20, 2018. thanked China and The minister also emphasised Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- outgoing CICA arbayev’s initiative to establish an Organisation for Security and De- Executive Director velopment in Asia on the basis of Gong Jianwei for the conference and called for fur- ther discussion. contributing to CICA was established Oct. 5, 1992 on Nazarbayev’s initiative. CICA’s development. CICA is an intergovernmental fo- rum for dialogue, consultation, Habibollo Mirzoev was also decision-making and implemen- unanimously appointed during the tation of measures based on con- meeting the new Executive Direc- sensus on security issues in Asia. tor of the Secretariat. CICA members include 27 Asian Kazakh Minister of Foreign countries, eight observer countries Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov and five organisations. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Kazakhstan’s human capital gives First Almaty Film Festival seeks Golovkin suffers first loss in career, country business advantage, says rapprochement of cultures, relinquishes titles international entrepreneur B2 international cooperation B3 B7 Three-part exhibit displays works of Astana to host young Kazakh, international artists 2019 Global Urban Tourism Summit level is the first in the history of in- By Dilshat Zhussupova dependent Kazakhstan in the field of tourism,” stated the Astana Aki- ASTANA – Astana will host the mat (city administration). eighth World Tourism Organisa- The event is an opportunity to tion (UNWTO) Global Summit on make Astana widely known as a Urban Tourism in 2019 following new centre of tourism in Central a decision taken at the recently Asia, to demonstrate new direc- concluded similar summit in the tions for city development, show- capital of South Korea. case its meetings, incentives, con- Seoul’s seventh Global Summit ferences and exhibitions (MICE) on Urban Tourism: A 2030 Vision potential and strengthen coop- for Urban Tourism gathered more eration with major international than 1,000 participants from 57 organisations. Hotel occupancy, countries Sept. 16-19. souvenir demand and the number Astana’s summit will attract of cafe and restaurant visitors are leading tourism experts, gather thus expected to increase. government and private partners Tourism industry development from all sectors to discuss a new is a key priority of the Kazakhstan form of urban tourism develop- 2050 Strategy, which involves po- ment, in which tourism will func- sitioning the country among the tion as a tool for social cohesion, top 30 global economies by 2050. preservation of culture and eco- Moreover, Kazakhstan’s Tourism nomic development. Industry Development Plan 2020 The global summit is hosted an- aims to establish five tourism clus- nually in a city selected according ters, invest $4 billion and create to UNWTO requirements. In de- 300,000 new jobs in the industry ciding upon Astana as the summit by 2020. destination, the city’s development The UNWTO is a United Na- prospects for urban tourism, pre- tions (UN) agency which pro- vious projects and event experi- motes responsible, sustainable and Artist Ada Yu with her series of exhibits “Cristallisation de l’etre – decrispation de l’âme” (The crystallization of self-perception is the deliverance of the soul). ence, sustainable development, universally accessible tourism. It economy, social sphere, ecology generates market knowledge, pro- Astana Art Show offers public poured to all the visitors. Many phosis exhibition that drew inter- and administrative systems were motes competitive and sustainable By Aidana Yergaliyeva lectures by historians and philos- children and visitors take the to-go est was a large installation with considered. tourism policies and instruments, ophes, masterclasses by famous cups,” said author of the exhibit digital collages. They were cre- “Earlier, the summit was held advances tourism education and ASTANA – Young Kazakh and artists and artists-guided excur- Mansur Smagambetov. ated by the London art duo Mika in large cities in which the level training and fosters tourism as an foreign artists presented works of sions and workshops during the Ada Yu, an artist from London, Orynbassarova and Bakhtiyar of tourism development exceeded effective tool for development. A contemporary art Sept. 15 at the event. in her series of exhibits under the Berkin (better known as Mika & global indicators, such as Istanbul, leading international organisation first event of Astana Art Show The first event, Metamorphosis, name “Cristallisation de l’etre – Berkin). This March they came Moscow, Barcelona, Marrakech, in tourism, its membership includes 2018. The exhibition will continue is a creative space that incorpo- decrispation de l’âme” (The crys- to Kazakhstan to work with lo- Luxor, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul. 158 countries, six territories and until Oct. 28 in Astana. rates exhibits of all forms made by tallization of self-perception is the cal galleries. They presented their Holding an event of this scale and more than 500 affiliate members. The exhibition consists of three various media starting from paint- deliverance of the soul) illustrates personal exhibition recently that parts. The first part is named Met- ings and sculptures to mind-blow- the change of the epochs. Taking will also be available for view- amorphosis and includes works ing, more modern and abstract a closer look at the exhibits, older ing for one month at the Yessentai from more than 20 Kazakh and installations. Some artworks were visitors could recognise bank bills Gallery. foreign artists. made exclusively for the event, from the Soviet times and the ear- “The collage is made from pho- The second part named Restart while others have also been shown ly years of Kazakhstan as an inde- tograph illustrations from 1950- Tselinny: from old Soviet will present the works of 16 young internationally. pendent state. 60s from journals and ads and pic- artists from Central Asia and Ka- Numerous Metamorphosis ex- Yu said the changing bills rep- tures. … [The artwork reflects] the zakhstan. It will open Sept. 22 at hibit visitors crowded around an resent not only a change in geo- theme of metamorphosis: a rebirth the Moskva Business Centre. installation called “Kazakh tradi- graphic and political time but also from a caterpillar to a butterfly,” cinema to modern arts The last one, Ghost Expedition, tional tea,” which is a large bowl in the updating of the values from said Orynbassarova. Asia, and in the future will enter will present works of artists from decorated with ceramic cups and each previous period. The opening of the exhibition at- By Aidana Yergaliyeva the list of leading world arts in- Europe and Kazakhstan inspired ornaments offering free tea. Many artists through their works tracted a steady stream of visitors stitutions,” said founder Kairat by sacred sites in the Mangistau “You can see ornaments from in the exhibition wanted to show and seemed to be well received. ASTANA – Tselinny, once a Boranbayev. region at TSE Art Destination various cultures on the cups that the problems of identity in an ever “I think that everything is very fashionable Soviet cinema in Al- Opening day started with the Sept. 26. together form one Kazakh piala globalising world. well organised and beautiful,” maty, has been reconstructed into three-part project Beginning, with Apart from the exhibitions, (tea cup) from which tea is being Another part of the Metamor- said visitor Gulden Timur. the country’s first centre for con- visitors treated to various instal- temporary culture and arts. The lations and photos with views of re-opening began Sept. 15 with an old Almaty. The first section traces exhibition of contemporary archi- the story of the building to Soviet tecture and arts. times. Tselinny was one of the city’s Garage, the Russian museum of largest cinemas when it opened in modern art, assisted the organisa- Hilton brings new affordable hotel brand, 1964 but lost its glory in the 1990s. tion, as architects from the Grace The movie house closed and was bureau designed the exhibition’s sold in the 2000s. scenography. The building con- The initial display, available un- tains large-format photographs, plans to expand business in Kazakhstan til Nov. 4, will allow the cinema research materials and archival ty, safety and anticorruption,” she the best service and convenient lo- to resume its past glory for a few documents of Almaty’s architec- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova explained. cation, which is great to go to/from months. The building will then be ture from 1960-1980s. The staff have the opportunity the airport and city centre, and we partially closed for reconstruction. “The centres of art, galleries ASTANA – Hilton, one of to choose among training pro- have everything that a guest might Another part of the centre will and museums today are the main the world’s largest hotel chains, grammes at Hilton University. need for a two-three day accommo- serve as an exhibition and research adornment of modern megacities. opened the first Hampton by Hil- “For example, a front office dation during their business trip.” site until its full opening, antici- So, it is not surprising that we want ton Aug. 15 in the Kazakh capi- agent can receive education in Hilton is a leader in the global pated in 2020. to give a city like Almaty, which tal. The Astana Times spoke with sales, housekeeping and HR and hospitality market with a portfolio “Tselinny will not only be an- is dynamically developing, its own Astana Triumphal Arch General then can use this knowledge in of 14 international brands, includ- other attraction for citizens, but cultural centre created by the lat- Manager Maria Temerova to learn practice and may change his or her ing approximately 5,400 facilities it will give a powerful impetus to est world standards,” said Boran- about the hotel’s amenities and position in time,” she said. with more than 880,000 rooms in the development of modern cul- bayev. why the company is attracted to Temerova noted Hilton is in- 106 countries. The company does ture and art throughout Central Continued on Page B4 the Kazakh market. volved in the improvements in not have a target audience and wel- “We are proud to announce that Kazakh business and tourism. The comes all visitors. we provide the best service by five-star Hilton Astana and Hilton “Astana is a business city and Hilton with an affordable cost. An Garden Inn Astana already operate travellers mostly visit Astana for THINGS TO WATCH & interesting fact about our hotel is in the city. business. But our rate segmenta- General Manager of Hampton by “Kazakhstan is a very young tion and location also give us a very Hamptonality, which is the mix Hilton Astana Triumphal Arch PLACES TO GO of the Hampton brand and hospi- Maria Temerova. and interesting country. Main in- good chance to work with tourists, tality. Hamptonality means that ternational companies have rep- especially with tourists who come NATIONAL MUSEUM our team members are friendly, tel operations is a priority for the resentative offices in Astana or to visit sports events or events in authentic, careful and thoughtful company. Almaty; almost every week, gov- the expo centre,” she said. July 6 – October 3 Artists of 19th and 20th with every guest and it is fact. It “There are many hotels in ernmental delegations visit the From the customers’ perspec- centuries from private means we create Hamptonality on Astana, so we have a very expe- capital and national tourism is tive, variety is now a major trend our own. We bring our own indi- rienced team and I am sure they developing very fast. Now, Hilton in the hotel industry. collections, exhibition vidual strengths and irresistible are the best professionals in the is represented by three different “It is very good that in the city June 28 – Sept. 30 Paul Serusier’s art exhibition skills to work. We find our own market. In addition, we decided brands in Astana for each segment there are many hotels with differ- Aug. 8 – Nov. 3 Pablo Picasso’s art exhibition ways to deliver on our brand val- to trust in youth and hired people of business and some are in the ent prices, services, location and ues,” she said. just after graduation who really pipeline,” she added. philosophy. It has been proven that The 114-room hotel is located in want to work in the hospitality “The potential of tourism is still the most important values of the ASTANA OPERA the heart of the new business dis- industry, develop themselves in developing,” said Temerova. “At hotel are a clean room, comforta- September 26 at 7 p.m. Abai, opera trict near Nazarbayev University, this business and with passion in this moment, we do not have a big ble bed and tasty, hot breakfast and the expo grounds and the airport. their eyes. Everyone who works amount of people travelling for lei- these are the things we are ready to September 29 at 1 p.m. World Heart Day, concert A standard room starts at 24,000 at Hilton takes part in trainings sure; still, there are more individual provide our guests with. In the near September 30 at 6 p.m. Don Quixote, ballet tenge (US$66) average per night depending on his or her position. business travellers from outbound future, we hope to see more guests and there is a number of packages We have general trainings, but still and from Kazakhstan. The Hamp- coming for leisure and conventions September 29 at 6 p.m. Salome, ballet and discounts. there are very important trainings ton by Hilton brand is a good choice and we will do our best to be the Bringing best practices to ho- about our brand standards, securi- for them, because we are providing lead hotel in Astana,” she said. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 Kazakhstan’s human capital gives country business advantage, says international entrepreneur At this point, the companies dictions where I have worked. If are there. It is now down to exe- but they have been extraordinary By Yerbolat Uatkhanov have enough clients. I compare with, for example, the cuting with transparency and vis- helpful in making sure that it’s “We have work underway for Is- United Arab Emirates, then I can ibility and, if that’s done, I think been as easy as possible for me ASTANA – Will Aston has lamic fintech. It received financial say that the quality of the individu- the promise will be fulfilled,” he to be able to get everything sort- formed two companies within the services permission to be able to als is very high. They are well-ed- added. ed out,” he said. Astana International Financial Cen- operate in the regulatory sandbox ucated and very capable. They are Aston’s staff works in Kazakh- Aston feels AIFC’s Bureau tre (AIFC), becoming one of the and now we are engaging with the also very young and that’s a huge stan and the U.K., and he has al- for Professional Development is first businesspeople to cooperate agricultural sector to be able to benefit in terms of longer term po- ready evaluated the expat centre very important as well, due to the with it. He spoke about the advan- build up and prove that platform. tential,” he said. operation. need to ensure things are operat- tages of working at the centre and We will work on that for two years. “But it also means that there is “The expat centre was very ing to the highest international the services it provides and evalu- We are going to work with peo- a challenge in terms of getting the useful for me. Obviously, as a standards. ated Kazakhstan’s potential in an ple in the sector and international right mix of international experi- foreigner coming to Kazakhstan “That means the opportunity is interview with The Astana Times. agencies. We want to be able to ence to work with the very capa- who doesn’t speak much Rus- particularly for local people to be Ozara Services, a consulting help the growth of the sector, to be ble, young talented people in Ka- sian and doesn’t speak Kazakh, able to get the right qualifications, company built on experience Will Aston able to prove the platform, make zakhstan. I think the real question the expat centre has been very as well as gaining experience. I from similar jurisdictions, is As- sure that products work and make is actually how you execute – what helpful in actually enabling me think the educational work of the ton’s first venture in the centre. “The second service we have is sure they work within the context capabilities you need to be able to to get all the things done with ongoing professional education of He has also formed Ozara Fi- the programme of implementation of Kazakhstan. After the two-year actually deliver on the promise. my visa application and making the bureau is absolutely founda- nance, an Islamic fintech organi- and major projects. We have ex- period within the sandbox, we will I think it requires the ability to sure it was all correct. I didn’t tional. That will certainly be the sation developing and proving a tensive experience in leading and be seeking to roll out and operate bring the best international expe- know what I needed to do in case as we roll out the platform platform for Islamic investment delivering major programmes. The a platform on an ongoing basis,” rience and practically make that terms of my visa, exactly what for Islamic investment and fi- and finance cooperatives. third area is digital transformation. said Aston. work. Another challenge is mak- needed to be done for company nance cooperatives, because those “We provide business advisory I think there are a lot of opportuni- He finds Kazakhstan’s potential ing sure there is actually visibility bank payment. The expat centre are member institutions and the services to help companies that ties in Kazakhstan and within the to be very high. and transparency of how things helped me and actually did the customers running it, so making may be applying to the AIFC. financial services sector for digital “The fundamentals are good are done. I think the centre is go- form-filling work with me, to sure that we have the appropri- Also, we are providing business transformation. These are the three from the perspective of develop- ing to be pivotal in enabling more make sure that all sorted out and ate professional training founda- advisory in terms of ongoing op- services that our consulting busi- ment; the human capital and tal- international investment to come was right the first time. It was tion is really important for us,” he erational activity,” he said. ness offers,” he added. ent are better than in other juris- in. The foundations for the centre not necessarily part of their job, added. Kazakh Supreme Mufti: 100 New Face’s pediatrician conducts care for peace is moral, complex surgeries, changes children’s lives Medical University Aksai Univer- youngsters age eight-nine, most repeatedly noted with various By Abira Kuandyk sity Clinic. frequently occurs in girls. awards. He received the diploma He performs unique surgeries “These are truly unique operations of honour from the Ministry of civic duty of every Muslim ASTANA — Paediatric ortho- for children with severe forms of that merit keen attention, resources, Healthcare in 2005 and was be- paedist and traumatologist Isam- scoliosis. This type of surgery is professionalism and experience. stowed with the Excellence in the Continued from Page A1 ing the unity of Kazakh Muslims, dum Haramov is a real saviour and not new for Kazakhstan, though They are not only complex, but also Healthcare of Kazakhstan badge in promoting family values, organis- hero who gives children a chance before last year, it was only con- costly operations. In addition to pur- 2012. Haramov also had been pre- SAMK, mosques and zeket ing trainings for Islamic clerks and to live full and happy lives. His ducted in the capital. chasing metal structures, a special sented with the Asfendiyarov Ka- (charity) funds actively participate controlling rituals, ceremonies and diligent hands correct physiologi- “These are very complex surger- tool is also needed,” he said. zakh National Medical University in the country’s social life by pro- mosque activities, as well as pro- cal deformities in dozens of Ka- ies lasting around three-four hours The doctor’s merits have been silver medal. viding families with many children, moting religious education using zakh youngsters every year. to seven-eight hours. In the course the elderly, widows and people with mass media. “Why did I become a doctor? of this operation, a metal struc- disabilities with necessities such as The organisation also focuses on Looking back, I think the main ture is installed which remains food, clothes and coal for heating in religious literature, textbooks and reason was my father’s illness. for a lifetime, unless rejection and winter months. Each mosque also websites. Daily activities include I learned about giving an injec- pain emerge. Children are given a organises charity dinners during meetings, speeches and discus- tion when I studied in the fifth lengthy rehabilitation course after the holy month of Ramadan. Other sions on relevant topics, such as grade. My father’s sufferings have the operation; they cannot sit and prompted me to pursue studies receive home study,” said Hara- in medicine. I think every person mov. who has put on a white coat works Introducing the operational aid for the well-being and health of at a university clinic in the south- every Kazakh citizen,” he said. ern part of the country was a real Haramov began his studies at event. Parents and their children Karaganda State Medical Institute previously needed to travel for the in 1989. Six years later, he gradu- surgery and its aftermath, an op- ated from Almaty State Medical tion not open to all. Institute with a paediatrics spe- Children with third-fourth de- cialty and completed a clinical gree scoliosis are surgery candi- residency at the same institution dates, as it is the stage when the from 1995-1997. Since 1997, deformity begins to impact inter-

Haramov has practiced at the nal organs. The condition, which 100esim.el.kz. Photo credit: Asfendiyarov Kazakh National may be congenital or detected in Isamdun Haramov

Kazakh Supreme Mufti Serikbay kazhy Oraz initiatives include contributing to spiritual harmony, tolerance and building houses, purchasing apart- real Islamic values. Official among 100 New Faces, ments for the needy and preparing During the first forum of imams, children for school. SAMK adopted four documents The Supreme Mufti, however, including two stipulating its activi- also stressed the importance of ties, such as Platform of Kazakh promotes reading in rural areas unity and friendly relations be- Muslims and Norms and Ethics of formation vacuum. Hardly anyone ing ourselves, but wanted young tween different nationalities and the SAMK Worker. The other doc- By Assel Satubaldina visits those villages,” said Altayev. people to be at the centre,” he said. religions. uments, Personality of a Muslim The example of prominent fig- He noted those selected feel a “Approximately 70 percent of and Portrait of the Imam, illustrate ASTANA – Nurzhan Altayev, ures, he said, was meant to show certain responsibility. the population in Kazakhstan, a the personality of modern Muslims Kazakh deputy minister of labour young people that everyone has a “It was quite unexpected for me, home for more than 120 nation- and determine the requirements for and social protection and previous chance to succeed. considering I was in civil service alities of different religious views, education and qualification level deputy minister of agriculture and “One does not need to be some- at that time. I then contacted the are Muslims. The religion, one of of religious clerks. deputy chair of the Atameken Na- one’s relative or have connections organisers to learn whether it was the main components of the na- “First of all, Islam is a science; tional Chamber of Entrepreneurs, to achieve something. First, [there appropriate for me to be on the list tion’s spiritual culture, which tra- therefore, I pay significant atten- is among the nation’s 100 New is] knowledge and it is also impor- and they said that I was not a civil ditionally highly valued nobility, tion to the qualification of imams. Faces. In addition to his profes- tant to read more. There is noth- service worker when the applica- tolerance and hospitality, in my A highly educated population de- sional success, Altayev is known ing difficult in their way. Ordinary tions were submitted and that they for his nationwide campaign that 100esim.el.kz. Photo credit: people can achieve success with- were not able to exclude me from opinion contributes to the stability mands educated imams capable Nurzhan Altayev and peace. Moreover, the prosper- of answering their questions. For seeks to promote a culture of read- out anyone’s help. These are self- the list anyway,” he said. ity of the country and its nation is that purpose, we regularly check ing, primarily in rural areas. made people,” he noted. “At the meeting with the Presi- only possible when there is unity, the knowledge of imams in local He launched his Reading Nation Leo Tolstoy, to Kazakh literature. Altayev believes reading is the dent, there were very interesting peace and harmony. At the same mosques and send some of them project in October 2016, starting “Contemporary books about key to success. people that I have never heard of. time, care for peace and contribut- for short-term trainings to Muslim from a rural library in the Tolebi business, for example such as “I believe books developed me Such interesting fates and lives. I ing to its preservation is a moral countries,” he said. district in the South Kazakhstan ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’ [by W. as a person. There is a significant was astonished,” he added. and civic duty of every Muslim,” The Supreme Mufti believes the region that was upgraded with new Chan Kim], are in Russian and amount of research that was con- The national project that select- he added. spirituality of the Kazakh people equipment, technology and books also translated in Kazakh. We also ducted recently around the world ed 102 finalists last year, including The mufti highly values the should not be neglected. in three languages. included English language learn- that focused on successful people, athletes, scientists, individuals in Congress of Leaders of World and “As President Nursultan Naz- “We saw old libraries in villages ing books, because there was a big politicians and millionaires and the arts, medical workers, business Traditional Religions’ contribution arbayev points out, the spiritual left from the Soviet times. The demand for that. We bought very that sought to understand what was people and social workers, entered to peace. component of the personality is buildings were in very bad condi- diverse literature,” he added. common among them. It turned out its second stage in September. “Surely, this year the congress of high significance since it gives tion. The books there were very The libraries were also equipped there was nothing common in gen- Altayev believes initiative is will also be remembered for its rich- strength and power to world civi- old, approximately from 1970s. with co-working centres. der, race and skin, but their love of important to demonstrate the exist- ness and content, making a real con- lisations. Therefore, the Kazakh Several other business people and “This is where they can gather. books. They were always reading, ence of the “Kazakh dream.” tribution to ensuring mutual respect, nation faces an important task of I decided to select libraries and We connected centres to the Inter- from early childhood,” he said. “You know, there is such a term understanding and harmony on the modernising its consciousness. As upgrade them at our own expense, net. People can use electronic re- Being included in the New Faces as ‘American dream’ meaning that planet,” he said of the event slated regards the personality of the mod- buying new literature in three lan- sources and interact with each other. list was a surprise for Altayev, who regardless of gender, race or so- to take place in Astana Oct. 10-11. ern Muslim in Kazakhstan, I per- guages,” he told The Astana Times. We also invited business coaches was appointed minister of agricul- cial position, a person can achieve SAMK works to create the prop- ceive him/her to be an educated, The books range in theme from there and well-known people so that ture in November. everything and even become presi- er conditions for preaching and kind family person, adhering to world classics, including Charles they would come and meet young “It seemed to me that I did not do dent. I believe the situation is even disseminating Islamic teachings. religious standards and being a pa- Dickens, Johann Wolfgang von people in rural areas, because they something significant. It was a small better in Kazakhstan. We have a Its other goals include maintain- triot of the nation,” he added. Goethe, William Shakespeare and [young people] live in such a big in- project. We did not do it for promot- ‘Kazakh dream,’” he said. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 First Almaty Film Festival seeks rapprochement of cultures, international cooperation The films competed in five cate- In addition to the competitive By Abira Kuandyk gories. Best Actress was presented programmes, City in Motion, Fam- to Maisa Abd Elhadi and Sivane ily Films, Special Screening and ASTANA – The first Almaty Kretchner who starred in “The Re- the United Nations Educational, International Film Festival, held ports on Sarah and Salem.” Best Scientific and Cultural Organiza- Sept. 15-19, achieved its goals of Actor went to Giorgi Bochorishvili tion (UNESCO) presented 21 fea- developing Kazakh cinema, in- for his work in “Horizon.” Roman ture films and documentaries from creasing the public’s interest in Bondarchuk won Best Director around the world. film art and strengthening interna- for “Volcano.” The Grand Prix for The festival, organised by the tional cooperation. best picture was awarded to “Crys- Astana Film Fund, was initiated The festival, which will become tal Swan” directed by Darya Zhuk by the Almaty Akimat (adminis- an annual event, presented the and the Special Jury Prize was giv- tration). The event also included a opening ceremony at the Palace of en to “The Gentle Indifference of business forum where participants the Republic with the film “Ayka” the World” directed by Adilkhan discussed prospects for developing directed by Sergei Dvortsevoy. Yerzhanov for the operator’s and domestic cinema, exporting Ka- “The festival was a success. I art director’s artwork. zakh films to other countries, co- think many will agree – the festi- The international jury was com- production issues and the influence val was conducted at a very high posed of influential individuals in of cinema on developing Almaty’s level. We watched ten films; they cinematography such as Bodrov, tourism potential. were different and we unani- German actress Nastassja Kinski “Currently, 20-25 films are shot mously chose the most iconic. and producers Gulnara Sarsenova per year in Kazakhstan. The an- It is very bold,” jury member (Kazakhstan) and Pierre Spengler nual market of private Kazakh film and Russian director and screen- (France). production is about $8-10 million. writer Sergey Bodrov told sput- “The film festival is always an An average of $200,000-$250,000 niknews.kz. image event for the city. We want is spent on the production of one The festival’s theme, Rapproche- to attract international projects to Kazakh film and box offices com- ment of Cultures, included films the film industry of Kazakhstan prise around $400,000-500,000. of 2018 made as co-productions Almaty Film Festival Facebook page. Photo credit: and increase the recognition of Al- Within the film festival we organ- of two or more countries – “And (France, Kazakhstan), “Horizon” “Sofia” (France, Qatar) and “Vol- the film audience in new markets, maty in the world. Now, I am sure ised project pitching, which will Breathe Normally” (Belgium, Ice- (Georgia, Sweden), “Omotenashi” cano” (Germany, Ukraine). to attract creative specialists and that the Almaty Film Festival will help the winner to get investments land, Sweden), “Averno” (Bolivia, (Japan, Taiwan), “Painting Life” “The international co-production investors in the country and to be an annual event and will help from the Almaty Film Festival to Uruguay), “Crystal Swan” (Bela- (India, U.S.), “The Reports on Sa- in cinema gives a number of advan- learn the culture and traditions of private Kazakh cinema produce implement the project,” said fes- rus, Germany, Russia, U.S.), “The rah and Salem” (Germany, Mex- tages and opens numerous doors, other nations,” noted the festival world-class films,” said festival tival general producer Ernar Kur- Gentle Indifference of the World” ico, the Netherlands, Palestine) namely the opportunity to expand website, almatyfilmfestival.com. president Akan Satayev. mashev. Disney to develop World-class musicians perform more projects with on Astana Opera stage cluded with Felix Mendelssohn’s monic, New York Philharmonic, Belarus, Estonia, Spain, Italy and By Dilshat Zhussupova Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. Israel Philharmonic, Royal Con- the Czech Republic. 90. certgebouw Orchestra, London Ekaterina Lekhina is a Russian Kazakhstan ASTANA – World-renowned David Geringas performed Symphony, Orchestre de Paris, Ba- soprano and winner of Plácido “This would be a good help for the musicians performed the Sept. 16 Bruch’s work on the cello, accom- varian Radio Symphony, Leipzig Domingo’s World Opera compe- By Aidana Yergaliyeva Kazakh-speaking audience. This concert “Stars of the Performing panied by Astana Opera’s sympho- Gewandhaus Orchestra, Chicago tition Operalia. The soprano per- project contributes to the forma- Arts” at the Astana Opera. ny orchestra. He is a Lithuanian Symphony and NHK Symphony. formed alongside Gutseriyeva and ASTANA – Walt Disney’s Com- tion of a foreign cinema bank in The opera house’s sixth theatri- cellist, conductor and Gold Medal Dali Gutseriyeva is a Russian Boyarsky’s orchestra. A Grammy monwealth of Independent States’ the Kazakh language.” cal season recently kicked off with laureate of the International Tchai- cellist, violinist and winner of the Award winner, she is a regular at (CIS) office is enthusiastic about Bolashak also discussed their the Sept. 8 concert “Astana Is My kovsky competition. Geringas International Knushevitsky cello Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre and has Kazakhstan’s draft law “On cin- ideas with Disney on ways it can Beautiful Dream,” and audiences studied at the Moscow Conserva- competition. The cellist lent her ema” and plans to cooperate with help protect the rights of children were further treated to Franz von tory and is known as an extremely talents to the concert suite com- entertained audiences at the Royal the country by assisting filmmak- with autism in receiving quality Suppé’s overture “Poet and Peas- versatile musician, exhibiting a posed especially for her by Boyar- Opera House, Munich Staatsoper, ers and the local dubbing industry, education. ant,” a concert suite performed by vast repertoire from early baroque sky. The musician studied at the Berlin Staatsoper, Deutsche Oper said the company’s Director Gen- With Bolashak’s direct engage- a cellist, soprano and Konstantin to contemporary music. He per- Moscow State Tchaikovsky Con- Berlin, Teatro Real de Madrid, eral Marina Zhigalova-Ozkan dur- ment and support, 25 foreign films Boyarsky’s symphony orchestra. formed as a soloist with the Berlin servatory and, at 19 years old, has Aix-en-Provence Festival, New ing the Sept. 15 roundtable at the have been dubbed in Kazakh to Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei was per- Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmon- already performed on the stages Israeli Opera, Teatro Municipal Almaty Film Festival’s business date, most released by Disney. formed by a cellist and symphony ic, Royal Philharmonic, London of major theaters in Finland, Den- de Santiago and Opéra de Monte- site. Dubbing a foreign film into Ka- orchestra, and the evening con- Philharmonic, Czech Philhar- mark, Belgium, Iceland, Latvia, Carlo. The Disney delegation held a zakh costs $150,000. series of negotiations with Kazakh The nation’s dubbing indus- Minister of Culture and Sports Ar- try has incorporated many im- ystanbek Mukhamediuly and the provements since Zhigalova-Oz- Bolashak Corporate Fund during kan’s last visit in 2011. its visit to the capital on the eve of “The first film we dubbed [in UNESCO to conduct Spirit of Dance festival unites the festival’s Sept. 15 opening. Kazakh] was ‘Cars.’ Back then “This support is very important [in 2011], it was not easy to find for us,” said Zhigalova-Ozkan, voices to train. There was no dub- cultures through music, movement referring to the governmental bod- bing industry, no ready actors,” events supporting Silk ies. “There are ideas for coopera- she said. ence. We decided that if we could tion. Perhaps, it’s too early to say Director General of the Walt By Assel Satubaldina present ethnic music in an interest- something… We are discussing Disney Company CIS Marina ing way, then we could do the same Road Heritage sites ASTANA – Astana hosted The with dance. Our idea was to invite different plans, and we are opti- Zhigalova-Ozkan. Photo credit: mistic about the opportunities that inform.kz. Roads’ common corridors on Spirit of Dance festival, part of the small dance groups and ask them exist in Kazakhstan.” Kazakhstan now has two certi- By Dilshat Zhussupova Oct. 3-4. Spirit of Tengri project, Sept. 14 to present a contemporary version The company, along with other fied dubbing studios in Almaty and Representatives of the minis- at the Kazakhstan concert hall, the of their national dance,” said Spirit world-famous film studios such the capital and certain trained ac- ASTANA – The United Na- tries of culture of Central Asian city’s largest. The event gathered of Tengri general producer Zhan as Paramount Pictures, 20th Cen- tors who can sing at a level equal tions Educational, Scientific and countries, UNESCO National dance groups from 14 countries, Kasteyev, as quoted by Tengrinews. tury Fox and Warner Bros, will be to the text dubbing, she added. Cultural Organisation (UNE- Commissions and experts on the including Azerbaijan, Canada, “For instance, Georgian danc- ready to cooperate closer with Ka- The Kazakh-speaking audience SCO) will conduct events in Sep- Fergana – Syr Darya Corridor Georgia, Latvia, India, Ireland, ers adapt their national dance to zakhstan once the Mazhilis (lower will soon be able to enjoy the new- tember and October to support its from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Canadian music or Canadian danc- Established in 2012 by Kazakh- ers adapt their dance to Kazakh house of Parliament) passes the est Disney films in their native lan- Silk Roads Heritage Properties Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will stan’s Tengri FM radio station, the national music. This is a show law, said Mukhamediuly. The draft guage. The cartoon “Ralph vs. the in Central Asia project, reports participate in the meetings. In- Spirit of Tengri is a national and where dance takes us on a journey will be introduced Sept. 19. Internet” will be released Nov. 22 unesco.kz. vited international experts in- cultural project that has welcomed throughout the universe. We tried The draft law suggests providing and “The Nutcracker and the Four The project involves training clude the International Council more than 120,000 visitors from to encompass as many countries as full financial support, covering the Realms” on Dec. 8. national experts from Kazakh- on Monuments and Sites (ICO- entire estimated cost, for socially Kazakhstan and abroad to celebrate possible,” said Kasteyev. Operating in Moscow for the last stan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and MOS), International Conserva- important films including chil- 12 years, Disney’s CIS office has nomadic culture. The Spirit of Ten- The dance festival promotes di- Uzbekistan in the documenta- tion Center-Xi’an, the Interna- dren’s movies and social, animated become one of the leading devel- gri provides those from formerly versity of art, said Kazakh Minister tion, conservation and sustain- and debut films, he added. opers of the Russian entertainment tional Institute for Central Asian nomadic societies and those simply of Culture and Sports Arystanbek able management of World Her- Bolashak proposed amendments and media market, as well as run- Studies (IICAS) and UNESCO interested to use music to access Mukhamediuly. to the draft law to create better tax ning Disney’s innovation centre to itage properties and the Silk representatives. and explore their cultural roots. “I personally thank the project preference conditions for distribut- produce its own films such as “The Roads’ cultural heritage corri- Central Asia’s segments were Bands from more than 70 countries organisers, because we need such ing organisations. Last Warrior.” The CIS is also in- dors. The organisation is seek- key to the Silk Roads network around the globe participated in the diversity in art. As a ministry, we “That would increase the inter- terested in reviewing films made ing to strengthen sub-regional from the second century B.C. to festival throughout the years. are involved in the classical, ballet est of cinemas to show films in in Kazakhstan with the possibility level coordination and reinforce the late 16th century. The routes Now, the brand-new Spirit of and pop genres, but when some- Kazakh during prime time,” said of distribution in Russian territory, knowledge and data-sharing facilitated cultural, religious and Dance project aims to do something thing extraordinary like this is Director Dinara Chaizhunusova. said Zhigalova-Ozkan. among Central Asian experts. economic exchanges and ulti- similar, but through dance. shown, and for the first time such Within the framework of the mately lead to the advancement Spirit of Dance participants diverse ethnic dances take place project, a series of events are slat- of urban planning, architecture, performed national dances in a with live vocals, this gives rise to ed for September-October. These art, science, technology and contemporary manner in 20- to great admiration and deep respect,” 30-minute blocks, using another said the minister. include national coordination craftsmanship. Their conserva- country’s traditional sounds to “You know, those who visit our meetings in the cluster countries, tion, protection, documentation guide their movements. country are surprised at how spiritu- a working group’s sub-regional and management are important “We came up with this idea ally wealthy our country is. This is meeting on the preparation of to Central Asian states. long ago. Organising the Spirit of a big positive sign that we strive to the nomination dossier on the UNESCO is a UN agency that Tengri festivals, we saw that we greatness and diversity. The festival Serial Transnational World Her- promotes cross-border collabora- could add more and improve them gathered full house and this shows itage Nomination of Silk Roads: tion through education, science with a real ethnic dance. Differ- that people are willing to spend Fergana – Syr Darya Corridor on and culture. UNESCO’s project, ent dance groups from around the money on self development and Oct. 2 and a sub-regional work- sponsored by Japan, has helped globe contacted us, but there was cultural enlightenment. This is a shop in Almaty on management support World Heritage proper- no conceptual idea that would have sign that Kazakhstan is on the right strategy development for the Silk ties since 2011. been interesting to us and our audi- track,” said Mukhamediuly. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

As they developed the basic con- cept the last two years through trial and error, the PaperLab team has Research sharing platform seeks come to better understand how dia- Young Kazakh logue may be best facilitated. Beis- sembayev and Tukmadiyeva aim to accomplish even greater inclusivity to nurture Kazakh expertise by fostering representation from a entrepreneur produces They took it upon themselves produce high-quality research. For broader range of experts from the By Dilshat Zhussupova to create and foster a research-ori- the sake of the quality of the discus- country’s regions and, for the first ented environment in Kazakhstan, sions, our job is often to pivot the time, hosting discussions in Ka- ASTANA – PaperLab is a discus- registering the discussion platform attention of researchers from theo- zakh. halal cosmetics sion platform offering scholars and as the PaperLab public fund. The ry, methodology and international “We are interested in observing lipsticks, BB creams, cushions, eye- state bodies the opportunity to be name is equal parts creative and best practices toward the formula- the difference between discussions By Abira Kuandyk liners and eyebrow pencils. exposed to and critically reflect on informative, referencing the collo- tion of recommendations, since we in Russian and Kazakh, if there are “We create cosmetics taking into each other’s expertise, views and quial term for an article in academia want discussions to be more ap- any differences at all,” said Tuk- ASTANA – Husna Cosmetics, account skin of women specifically decision-making. Launched in 2016 – “paper” – and the idea of a public plied than abstract.” madiyeva. which sells natural halal items in Al- of our region and our race. Ameri- by Soros Foundation-Kazakhstan’s policy research lab. In this way, PaperLab has estab- The desired outcome is to pro- maty, Astana, Shymkent and Ural- can brands are more focused on its Public Policy initiative graduates PaperLab is an independent plat- lished a network of early-career re- vide an opportunity for the mean- sk, has been operating in the Ka- local area and local residents. It is Serik Beissembayev and Malika form providing an open exchange searchers from different countries. ingful discussion and analysis of zakh market for the last two years. not suitable for Asians,” she said. Tukmadiyeva, the platform supports among engaged citizens, research- “There are researchers from Kyr- important decisions, given that Founder Zhaina Kuanysh, who as- She creates her own formulas, for young researchers and contributes ers and government officials. Eve- gyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakh- many reforms are currently occur- pires to promote national production understanding skin structure is as to developing Kazakh expertise. ry six weeks, it holds expert dis- stan. The latter constitute the pro- ring in Kazakhstan. and eventually export her products, important as understanding chemis-  The project idea was devised cussions on issues which concern ject’s backbone, many of whom are “Even if we do not directly in- spoke about her plans in an inter- try. Friends from different countries during their five-month fellowships everyday citizens, with the objec- graduates of the Soros Foundation- fluence decisions, we still shape a view with kapital.kz. assist in the production process by at George Washington University’s tive of developing recommenda- Kazakhstan’s Public Policy initia- culture in which officials may come “When I choose cosmetics, it was correcting mistakes and supporting Elliott School of International Af- tions for effective policy decision- tive,” added Beissembayev. and talk with experts and citizens on essential for me to ensure that there project development. fairs’ Central Asia Programme. making. The project founders value a plu- contentious issues,” said Beissem- are no harmful chemicals and animal The cosmetics contain high-quali- There, the young professionals Topics include sports, religion, rality of perspectives, as indicated bayev. “Following certain discus- fats. This applies both to decorative ty ingredients purchased from Japan, built on their research and analyti- gender, media, non-governmental by the inclusivity of their discus- sions, civil servants have reached and care cosmetics. I had to order South Korea, Spain and the U.S. cal skills through seminars, work- organisations and criminal jus- sion panelists. out to us for consultations. For in- from abroad, because I did not find a “Raw materials are of high qual- shops, training sessions and men- tice reform. Selecting the themes “Initially, we were concerned that stance, after holding a discussion suitable option for myself in Kazakh- ity in these countries. The quality torships. involves noting what has caused it would be difficult to work with on mass sports events, an organi- stan’s market. First, many compo- of the ingredients in China is quite “Given that experience, we real- public resonance and considering government agencies because there sation of Astana’s Department of nents in the cosmetic’s composition different. Ceramides, for example, ised that we lack a medium through whether experts may make a valua- is a commonly held belief that our Culture and Sports approached us. are harmful for the skin, but people are the important element of the which researchers may share their ble contribution to the given policy state bodies are closed off to com- I realised that the problem partially do not know that. Second, it is impor- stratum corneum of our epidermis. work and discuss their findings un- area. munication and engagement,” said stems from the fact that state bodies tant for me to have a product from a The composition may have the same der a common theme,” said Beis- “Rarely do we have issues with Tukmadiyeva. “We did not encoun- often do not have access to expert national manufacturer,” she said. name, but the percentage is differ- sembayev. “The absence of such finding experts and researchers,” ter this problem. With some excep- knowledge in the first place.” “I wish our country to develop. ent. Chinese manufacturers will add a platform is a key problem in our said Tukmadiyeva. “We try to focus tions, almost all government agen- PaperLab discussions are an- By producing our own cosmetics, I one gram of raw material and 99 community because it hinders the on young researchers because they cies have been receptive, especially nounced and livestreamed on Fa- intend to export it abroad in the fu- percent will be composed of other development of research.” are interesting, charismatic and at the top levels.” cebook at @paperlabkz. ture,” she added. substances. Japanese manufacturers, Kuanysh cited an example of lip- on the contrary, will add 99 percent stick from a well-known firm which of ceramides and one percent will be contains lead. Following an exami- composed of other substances. From nation, she learned it has 3.7 percent China we can adopt technology, but of the additive, which is considered the most important thing is practice. Tselinny: from old Soviet cinema a large amount. I received substantive knowledge in “Many people use Korean cosmet- Taiwan,” she added. ics now and there are manufacturers Three point six-gram lipstick costs to modern contemporary arts centre who use hazardous ingredients, but 5,000 tenge (US$13.36), 1.8-gram we do not know about it. Lead is a lipstick is 3,000 tenge (US$8.10), Continued from Page B1 It reveals the uniqueness of archi- tecture exhibitions, educational Festival. The programme will also harmful substance that settles per- face washing foam is 2,500 tenge tectural decisions and unity of the programmes and film screenings, include feature films devoted to manently in the body. Products in (US$6.68) and gotu kola cream is According to the organisers, the urban environment. but most importantly, [we] open various types of artistic creativity Kazakhstan are allowed to have up 3,500 tenge (US$9.35). new centre shows post-war archi- “The project reflects the multi- and expose the building itself that and the best examples of modern to 5 percent lead, but according to The young brand currently has tecture from a new angle incorpo- faceted nature of the new institu- allows you to read on the surfaces experimental cinema. European standards it is very high. 6,000 lipsticks and 600 other prod- rating the natural, social, political tion… In a single space of the first and layers of plastering the change “The exhibition at Tselinny will Many purchasers are not aware of it ucts. Production volume is demand- and cultural context of the times. project we combine art and archi- of different epochs, their thinking become a kind of prologue to the and pay little attention to the impact driven. and ideology,” said Beginning cu- future activity of the centre. It will of lead on an organism. Expensive “We sold, for example, 500 jars of rator Yekaterina Golovatyuk. support young artists through exhi- cosmetics do not guarantee good sunscreen in a period of a month and The second part of the project bitions, residences and educational quality,” she said. a half. Sixty people bought our prod- will be staged in the former night- programmes,” said the exhibition’s “Husna cosmetics are not expen- ucts in half a month. It is about 30 club built into Tselinny in the early curator Meruyert Kaliyeva. sive, but I can say that it is of high purchases in a week. This is only in 2000s, where Central Asian con- The restoration has uncovered quality. It is important to read the Almaty. We are waiting for the certi- temporary artists of different gen- items once considered lost, such cosmetic’s composition when buy- fication declaration of our new prod- erations will show their works. as the sgraffito (a form of decora- ing it,” she added. ucts. We intend to talk with pharma- The third part is a public film tion made by scratching a wall) by Kuanysh began with $2 million cies and shops in order to put our screenings programme in the cin- Eugeniy Sidorkin found in July. as her own investment. She started product on shelves,” said Kuanysh. ema halls, including lectures, dis- Sidorkin was a Soviet graphic art- small, just making lipstick, and over “The production process is auto- cussions, workshops and excur- ist and honoured art worker of the time the assortment has expanded. mated by half. We need to purchase sions. Visitors can watch archival Kazakh SSR. It was assumed the Now, one can find whitening creams, more equipment to fully automate it. newsreel, cult films by Kazakhstan sgraffito had been destroyed- dur pigmentation serum, gotu kola We are sure our company will come directors and Soviet documenta- ing the repair works in 2000 and a cream, centella asiatica, universal re- to this. We are in the process of de- ries, as well as a demonstration of copy was reproduced on the south- storing complex serum and washing velopment with lots of goals for the

Photo credit: Almaz Toleke/informburo.kz. Photo credit: films from the Garage Screen Film ern facade of the building. foam. Decorative cosmetics include future,” she added.

The data collected came from operating in 2020, the project team interviewing locals, shrine keepers, will invite people not only to view akimat officials and museum cura- it but also contribute their knowl- Interdisciplinary research team builds tors, examining rare manuscripts edge of Kazakhstan’s religiously detailing the sites’ history and archi- significant sites to make the re- val work. source as complete as possible. “We also found old maps, which While they are pioneers in the electronic atlas of sacred geography we compared with new maps in or- technological aspect of their pro- the country. Opening their map, you der to understand how the sites’ pre- ject, Tsyrempilov emphasised the By Dilshat Zhussupova may find out the population inflow vious geography corresponds to re- research team is following the trail rate of major Swiss cities. The inter- cent ones,” said the professor. “For already well established by Ka- ASTANA – An electronic atlas active map shows you the figures in example, the Konyr Auliye cave in zakh historians, theologians and of Kazakhstan’s sacred places and visual form. In this way, electronic eastern Kazakhstan had religious archaeologists. monuments will be created as part atlases may show you data not only significance for Buddhist Dzhung- “We seek to incorporate NU into of the three-year project “Investment on contemporary issues, but also on ars and Kazakhs, prior to the rise of the already-existing and excellent Potential of the Sacred Geography of historical ones.” Islam. Now undergoing the process academic community in Kazakh- Kazakhstan: Geospatial Monitoring, Kazakhstan currently lacks such a of Islamisation, the site is an inter- stan,” he said. “One of the prob- IT technology and Historical & Cul- tool, but not for long. The research esting example of how a place can lems of our university is that many tural Analysis in the Production of team applied for and received the hold religious significance for dif- professors’ research interests and an Electronic Atlas of the Republic” Kazakh Ministry of Education and ferent groups. That is why digitising work remain outside of Kazakh- led by Nazarbayev University (NU) Science grant under the Mangilik Yel old maps was an important part of stan. This project is an opportunity associate professor Nikolay Tsyrem- (Eternal Nation) programme. Hav- our project.” to bind their research interests to pilov. ing identified 12 geographic sites of historyatnu.wordpress.com Photo credit: Information technology (IT) spe- the country. I, myself, primar-  NU professors from the his- sacred significance for Muslims, Researchers with the guardian of a mosque. cialists are presently building a plat- ily dealt with Tibet and Mongo- tory, philosophy, religious studies, Buddhists and Orthodox Chris- form for the electronic atlas, which lia. Now, undertaking research anthropology and sociology depart- tians, the team of historians, theolo- investors to develop the tourist infra- is to assess the historic and cultural will progressively integrate the col- on Kazakhstan, I am even more ments make up the core of the team, gians and archaeologists set out on structure around such objects. Our potential of each site. lected data. enthusiastic. The same concerns in addition to involvement by the an expedition in May-July. purpose was to analyse aspects criti- “I specialise in the history of Bud- “Regarding the data collected my colleagues who mostly dealt Kazakhstan National Geographic Every electronic atlas needs a cal to investors. Are the sacred sites dhism and originate from a Bud- from the Muslim sites, we are going with Tatars of Russia or Ortho- Society, Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary starting point and the focus on sacred reachable by bus and train? Is there dhist region in Russia. With this to visualise the distribution of the dox Christians elsewhere and now and Kazakh National Museum. The geography is particularly relevant for sufficient accommodation infrastruc- project, I took the opportunity to most important Sufi shrines and re- study Tatar diasporas or Christian stars aligned for the project’s reali- Kazakhstan. ture?” said Tsyrempilov. extrapolate my research agenda ally see how the Isabek-ishan mazar churches in Kazakhstan.” sation, since it is unprecedented for “We need a spatial analysis of how Beyond contributing to domestic to eastern Kazakhstan, which is complex, which is the focus of our NU will host a research confer- a university in Central Asia to host religiously significant sites are dis- tourism, the collected data will serve the site of many Buddhist temples project, is situated in the context of ence on religious tolerance in Ka- specialists in all three major world tributed throughout the territory of to emphasise Kazakhstan’s religious and monasteries. For instance, the the wider Muslim Sufi geography of zakhstan and the erstwhile Russian religions under one roof. Kazakhstan. The country is currently diversity. Ablai-kit monastery is one of the Kazakhstan,” said Tsyrempilov. Empire on Oct. 5-7. The announce- An electronic atlas is an instrument developing its domestic tourism, giv- “We hope that our research will largest in Eurasia. Upon my visit, I “There are many other aspects ment will be posted on www.his- which allows users to geographically en that many prefer to go abroad and provide a foreground of the cultural was truly overwhelmed by the site, that may be revealed uniquely toryatnu.wordpress.com. Another visualise historic and cultural phe- there is a consequent capital outflow richness and high degree of tolerance the landscape and the way it was through visualisation. These aspects conference, centred on research nomena. to the United Arab Emirates, Turkey historically maintained in Kazakh- installed within this incredible land- will remain hidden if we do not also based on geographic information “This kind of technology is wide- and Thailand and other nations. Our stan,” he noted. “It is important to scape. I firmly believe that the Ab- observe a given site’s geography, systems (GIS), which is expected spread primarily in Western coun- long-term priority, as researchers, is convey the uniqueness of Kazakh- lai-kit monastery has great potential landscape and connections with to attract national and international tries,” said Tsyrempilov in an inter- to render areas with religious and his- stan as a region in which major re- in attracting tourists as a historical similar objects and the general digital humanities specialists, such view with The Astana Times. “In torical significance more tourist- and ligions encountered one another and object, a view which is shared by infrastructure of trade routes and as the team behind the Oriental In- Switzerland, there exists an entire pilgrim-friendly. As suggested by the peacefully coexisted.” the Ust-Kamenogorsk Akimat (city pastures,” he added. stitute at the University of Chicago’s institute dedicated to a digital atlas of project name, we are trying to attract Above all, the researchers’ priority administration)” he added. Once the electronic atlas begins CAMEL Lab, is slated for 2020. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 Number of young people outside Kazakhstan combats of education, employment decreases high suicide rates 2,276 people study at 37 profes- ow sector, prefer casual earn- times more likely than men to be- 12 years of age, had to live in the By Assel Satubaldina sional and technical institutes ings,” he said. come NEET, said Kaletayev. By Aidana Yergaliyeva streets and face additional chal- in seven regions. In general, The document also identifies A Global Employment Trends lenges. His only sibling, a younger ASTANA – The number of this project draws a big interest young people in rural areas, peo- for Youth report released by the ASTANA – As the international sister, committed a suicide when young people in Kazakhstan among young people, especially ple with disabilities, young peo- International Labour Organisation community marked the Sept. 10 he was a young adult. He has also who are neither employed nor in from families with low social ple from families of a low social in 2017 said, globally, 34 percent World Day against Suicide, Ka- had several friends take their own the education system, known as and economic status and can and economic status as vulner- of young women are NEET in zakhstan ranks fourth in the world lives. NEETs, has decreased to 7.7 per- serve as a real social elevator for able. contrast to ten percent of young in the number of suicide deaths As UNICEF consultant, Robin cent of Kazakh youth, reported their professional self-develop- Kaletayev discussed several men who are NEET. per capita, according to the World N. Harr explained in her special social development and educa- ment,” said Sagadiyev. measures to involve young peo- The figure is similar in Central Health Organisation. report “Child Suicide in Kazakh- The Kazakh government has stan,” Kazakh society still main- tion officials at a Sept. 18 govern- The roadmap adopted at the ple. Among those are profession- and Western Asia with 32 percent ment meeting. The meeting also recognised suicide, including teen tains taboos around the topic of meeting outlines seven youth al orientation by creating consul- of young women and 15 percent of adopted a roadmap to help young categories and divides youth into young men who are NEET. suicide, as a public health threat suicide and neglects health issues, tative centres for young people, people find jobs. three age groups – from 18 to 21, Kaletayev said it is important and the World Health Organisation which can be treated, such as de- advancing technical and profes-  “Comparing to 2015, the from 22 to 24 and from 25 to 29. to give youth direction to avoid (WHO) says Kazakhstan has 40.1 pression. youth unemployment rate de- “The first group is dependants. sional education, improving dual larger problems later. suicide deaths per 100,000 people Some Kazakh psychologists clined from 4.2 percent to 3.8 Those that are educated, with education, raising awareness “Youth seeks to find their own per year. have pointed to poor communi- percent in 2017 thanks to such certain practical skills, but not about state support and develop- identity and does not always find “I took the cheapest wine and a cation in families, the stress of projects as Employment Road willing to continue studying or ment initiatives and development a place in an existing social struc- blade, and then went to the bath- educational exams and exposure to Map 2020, Zhasyl Yel and oth- working,” said Kazakh Minister of youth entrepreneurship. ture. This gives rise to problems room. When I started to cut my- violence on television as contribut- ers,” said Kazakh Minister of of Social Development Darkhan The geographic areas of the such as suicide, deviation, deep self, I had a quick thought that it ing to the number of suicides. Education and Science Yerlan Sa- Kaletayev. country needing the most im- social alienation. Family values is so pointless and foolish. If I cut Kazakhstan, however, has had gadiyev. The second group includes provement, said Kaletayev, in- are getting lost,” he said. myself and die like this, then what? some success in combating the “The Serpin programme has young women with little children clude the Mangistau and Kara- The term NEET is a “a relatively For what then I had all of my past problem. A programme in 2015 been active since 2014. At pre- and single mothers. ganda regions where NEETs are new indicator” and is believed to life, all of the sufferings, why my in the Kyzylorda region decreased sent, as part of the project, “The third group includes free- from 10 percent to 13 percent. address an array of vulnerabilities mother suffered giving me birth. suicide rates 23 percent, while sui- 12,344 people study in 26 uni- lancers who prefer flexibility, Kazakhstan also follows global among youth, according to the In- Then, inner self-love and self-re- cide attempts among children were versities in nine regions and non-institutionalised jobs, shad- trends in women being nearly two ternational Labour Organisation. spect worked, I told myself ‘No I estimated to have been reduced by won’t leave this world like this. I 50 percent. The size of the group will live and will bring something considered at risk has also been good to this world. I will live each decreasing annually, according moment with joy. I will die, beau- to Zagipa Baliyeva, deputy of the tifully, when it will be necessary Mazhilis (lower house of Parlia- Novel by Saken Zhunusov for naturally’,” said Aziz Zairov, a fa- ment) and, until June 12 this year, mous Kazakh film director and one Commissioner for Children’s of those named as one of Kazakh- Rights in Kazakhstan as reported stan’s 100 New Faces. by aqparat.info. English readers presented While Zairov chose life, his life According to WHO, suicides are publication in London”, said mon Hollingsworth and Simon His colleague said that for 20 has never been easy. He was or- preventable with timely, evidence- Staff Report Akim (Governor) of the region Geoghegan. years they had been working to- phaned at two years old, developed based and often low-cost interven- Malik Murzalin. Simon Geoghegan said that they gether on translations of books. a disability of the second stage at tions. A novel by Kazakh prose writer The project is implemented on had been working on several trans- From Hollingsworth’s point of Saken Zhunusov called “Amanai the initiative of the Kazakh PEN lations of the Kazakh classics for view, it is important to have sev- and Zamanai” has been translat- Club. In recent years, it has trans- more than two years. According eral competent opinions in transla- ed into English and was recently lated and published in London to Geoghegan, the book “Amanai tion: one translates, another edits, presented in the framework of the and New York approximately 10 and Zamanai” should be present- the third one checks the quality Rukhani Zhangyru programme. works by Kazakh classic writers. ed to the world. It tells about the of translation, so that it would be All citizens to declare That significant event associ- “They published works by Mu- turning point in the history of Ka- worthy of the author’s text. Their ated with the name of the famous kaghali Makatayev, Berdibek zakhstan. And it is very important task is to convey the voice of the countryman, was attended by the Sokpakbayev, Abish Kekilbayev, to enrich the world community by author, most importantly, this members of the Akmola regional Olzhas Suleimenov, Smagul such reports about these events, book should be correctly under- income, property and debts branch of the Union of Writers of Yelubai, Herold Belger, and stood by the English-speaking land, those with residence permits, Kazakhstan, scientific and crea- Mukhtar Auezov. As part of the audience. They are honoured to By Inga Seleznyova working pensioners and students. tive intellectuals and relatives of project called ‘We – the Ka- “The work by Saken work on such masterpieces of the Citizens will have to declare the writer. zakhs...’ it is planned to translate Kazakh classics. ASTANA – Beginning Jan. 1, real estate or shares in real estate, “The work by Saken Zhunu- the 25 best books of the Kazakh Zhunusov holds its The writer’s sister Roza Zhunu- 2020, every Kazakh adult citizen money in bank accounts and cash sov holds its rightful place in the authors,” said President of the Ka- rightful place in the sova addressed the presentation will be required to declare his or if the amounts exceed 500 mini- golden fund of the Kazakh litera- zakh PEN Club Bigeldy Gabdul- ceremony with a thank you speech her income, property and even mum wages (14,142,000 tenge or ture. And the book was published lin. golden fund of the while members of the public also debts. The tax declarations will US$38,500). Individuals will not thanks to Akmola businessmen The novel was translated by spoke. According to researcher counteract the shadow economy, be required to declare garden plots, who financed the translation and British writers and translators Si- Kazakh literature. Nurbolat Almenov, the collections reduce the level of corruption in livestock, art objects and jewellery. And the book was of the regional museum of litera- state bodies, expand the tax base Citizens will also need to de- ture and art include more than 200 and increase revenues to budget clare debts beginning at 500 mini- published thanks to exhibits from the personal belong- from individual income tax. mum wages (14,142,000 tenge Akmola businessmen ings of the writer. Experts also believe the declara- US$38,500) and confirm them In September, the book by Sak- tions will increase the effective- with a loan agreement, receipt or who financed the en Zhunusov “Amanai and Zama- ness of criminal investigations and other document. nai” will be presented in English improve the taxpayers’ culture. Checking declarations will be translation and to the English audience in the Approximately 12.9 million citi- automated, with corresponding publication in presence of the literary press and zens will start submitting declara- software to compare income and the UK’s leading universities. tions, according to the forecast by expenses. If a citizen fails to de- London.” The book will be sent to the li- the Ministry of Finance state reve- clare, he or she will receive a first braries of Oxford, Cambridge, nue committee. Nearly 7.4 million warning, then be fined $20. London University and others. In live in cities and towns and 5.5 Declarations can be submitted at thoroughly studied and compre- addition, “Amanai and Zamanai” million in rural areas, including any Kazpost or state income man- hensively described by such prom- is already available through Ama- adult citizens, ethnic Kazakhs who agement office, peoples service inent writers as Zhunusov. zon.com. returned to their historical mother- centre or through e-gov.kz.

“I like his music very much and the way he treats the sounds. I shared an idea about the project Independent creative company stages play with him and he agreed to col- laborate. We have many common interests, similar views on art. He helped to create the musical part of to raise awareness about mental health the show. His music was created in means “the end of the world” or They never experienced such kind The centre, in collaboration with novelty of the form and lack of a our dialogues about the meaning of By Zhanna Shayakhmetova literally “the end of light” and also of show. They were glad to learn the Vlast news website, also organ- narrative and a message, Goeb- the text, the actions of the actress refers to a chaotic mess on stage. about the amazing artist and last ised the public discussion, Mad- bels’s performances are under- and the visual images of the play ASTANA – ORTA Centre for The flamboyant production com- avant-gardist Sergey Kalmykov,” ness and Art, in May. Critics, phi- standable and emotional,” he said. and then this music again influ- Universal Arts will present the bines modern electronic music, said Begenov. losophers, psychiatrists and artists The company’s main mission is enced the scenes, visual solutions techno-performance “Svetopre- naive theatre, large-scale robots, He noted mental health is the spoke about creativity and mental to bring together artists and pro- and actress’ existence on stage. It stavleniye Sergey Kalmykov” on inventive light technologies and main theme of the project. Kalmyk- health, the nature of genius and fessionals from different fields was a fascinating process full of Oct. 6, 7, 9 and 10 in Almaty. The tonnes of cardboard boxes, alu- ov led an eccentric life, constantly why mental illnesses are consid- and countries to search for new art pure creativity, which led to a re- play was the headliner this year at minium cans, bags, branches and talking about the future, art, other ered shameful in society. forms. markable and unexpected result,” the New Drama Festival in Mos- bones. worlds and trips with Leonardo da The centre works in two main di- “I noticed that our audience is he added. cow’s Meyerhold Centre. The production tells the tragic Vinci. Only shortly before his death rections, creating its own interdis- also ready to avoid formats. ORTA Simpson posted about the project The Astana Times spoke with and crazy life of avant-garde artist from exhaustion did his doctor re- ciplinary productions and launch- centre is not an ordinary theatre. on Facebook. centre founder Rustem Begenov to Sergey Kalmykov, who moved to cord the paranoid nonsense and ing projects related to the local We do not have a permanent ac- “It has been a freeing experi- learn about the production and its Almaty in the 1930s and died alone today many researchers believe he cultural environment. tors’ company and a venue to stage ence for myself through the mu- main theme. in poverty in a psychiatric clinic in suffered from schizophrenia. “We believe that networking performances. ORTA is rather an in- sic, but also reflects the process After years of working in Mos- 1967. “People know so little about with the most outstanding artists of dependent creative company. If we of creating this piece for all in- cow theatres, the stage director “When we staged this play in mental illness, including clinical our time is one of the most effec- like the project, we are looking for volved. It’s been a journey into and producer released the pop- Moscow, our artist and my great depression and bipolar disorder. A tive ways of transforming the cul- the possibilities of its implementa- the creative unknown and I’ve mechanical play “Medea. Mate- friend Alexander Bakanov turned year ago, my wife, actress Alex- tural environment,” said Begenov. tion. We are motivated by creative had the opportunity to experiment rial” in 2016. As Kazakhstan’s first the Meyerhold Centre into a total andra Morozova, was diagnosed In collaboration with Goethe- impulse and a desire to make a pro- and discover new ways of har- multidimensional theatre project, it installation. The atmosphere was with bipolar affective disorder. Up Institute Kazakhstan and its direc- ject. An idea is of paramount impor- monising sound which resonates received numerous reviews in the really special. Spectators were to that moment she was suffering tor Eva Schmidt, the centre invited tance and its implementation is the in me. Even though we are all media, was part of the New Euro- welcomed with kurt (salty balls almost all her life, not knowing German director and composer next thing. It is difficult to create art individuals, we’re also all on the pean Festival in Moscow and nom- made from dried cow’s milk) and about this disease and how it can be Heiner Goebbels to Almaty. His performances by order,” he said. same journey through life; things inated for the Sergey Kuryokhin followed all the instructions of our treated. Treating depression should best performances were presented Begenov spoke about cooperat- resonant in one can resonate in all Prize grand prix in St. Petersburg. actress Alexandra Morozova. They start with seeing the doctor. Posi- prior to his arrival. ing with American Tommy Simp- and my hope is to bring people “Svetoprestavleniye Sergey also participated in a show and tive thoughts and a vacation by the “People watched the perfor- son, who served as the composer along on this strange dream that Kalmykov” debuted May 26. walked through all the boxes and sea are not enough sometimes,” he mances with great interest and at- and sound designer for the recent I’ve been living since joining this “Svetoprestavleniye” in Russian items. The audience thanked us. said. tended the lectures. Despite the project. project,” he wrote. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 Outdoor adventure, cycling tours in Kazakhstan have great potential, says bicycle adventure club founder bike, camp, sleep in tents and do purpose; this year, money was bicycle as a mean of transport – I By Abira Kuandyk other adventure travelling essen- transferred for medical equipment mean, to travel from work to home tials. “Currently, our activity is more into a village clinic in the Kara- and back, as well as for travelling – ASTANA – Alexander Gabchen- advanced and we offer long bicycle ganda region,” he said. is growing.” ko has visited 34 countries, at least tours to experience unique cycling Gabchenko says interest in cy- Gabchenko noted that Kazakh- 200 cities and more than 150 unique trips that people cannot have in oth- cling is growing among both youth stan offers its residents huge po- destinations – many on two wheels. er conditions,” he shared. and adults in Kazakhstan. tential to immerse themselves in The founder of Almaty’s Bicycle Club adventures often involve “I cannot evaluate the children’s outdoor culture, with activities Adventure Club sat down with The travelling by bike with the help of and young people’s interest in cy- from fishing trips to trail running Astana Times to talk about cycling, car. This format is convenient for cling, because their interest de- close to hand. cycling tours, the club he founded beginners because it saves them pends on adults. There are very Unique landscapes, mountains, and outdoor culture in Kazakhstan. from carrying lots of clothes and few organisations that would be en- lakes, rivers and seas are winning “Kazakhstan is a very big coun- other things, which can instead by gaged in developing cycling among travelling options. Deserts are try with vast expanses. There are transported by the car. children and youth. One reason can definitely spectacular, though they a lot of scenic spots, sites, nature “Burabike is the only charity bi- be that bicycles aren’t cheap. As a require endurance. attractions which are convenient to cycle race in Kazakhstan that aims little child it is easier to get a bi- “Personally, I like mountains, I visit by bicycle. Thus, there are a not only to offer a bike ride, but cycle, while as one gets older, the often go to the mountains in Ka- lot of routes that people love and also to raise funds in order to help price for a bicycle is significant. I zakhstan and abroad,” Gabchenko a lot of people who cycle indepen- various organisations and people would say there are few people who revealed. dently. Every region in the country with different life situations,” he use a bicycle as a mean of transport Though there is plenty on offer, possesses some natural attraction, said of the Aug. 30 race. “It is a among younger people,” he said. a lack of information and financial nature reserves and parks where very good idea and I really like it. “However, I think, this situation constraints can keep Kazakh citi- one can ride a bicycle and witness I took part in Burabike for the first is changing. With infrastructure zens from the outdoors. spectacular views,” he said. time this year, despite the fact that development and changing cul- “Some people do not have “Almaty’s Bicycle Adventure it is already six years old. The level tures in cities such as Astana and enough information sources,” Club organises expeditions that of organisation is very good. The Almaty, I see a growing interest in Gabchenko said. “Some people lasts from one day to two weeks. event gathered many participants, cycling,” he added. are more concerned about their Cycling expeditions mainly run Alexandr Gabchenko approximately 800 cyclists and “Adults, those who earn money economic-financial base. Outdoor within Kazakhstan, but we also around 1,500 to 2,000 guests. The and are older than 21, have more activities are for people who have travel beyond. For example, this Mongolian Altai. We also often Gabchenko founded the club four funds raised from the auction and opportunities to purchase a bicycle. a desire not only to grow financial- year we went to Mongolia and the travel to Kyrgyzstan.” years ago to teach people how to sales exhibition goes for a stated The number of people who use a ly but also spiritually.”

Getting there There are many options of get- Balkhash, unique lake offering ting to the lake. The lake is an ap- Qazaq Geography expedition proximately nine-hour, 600-kilo- metre drive from Astana and an approximately ten-hour drive from nice summer vacation Almaty. highlights Kazakh “We got there by car, around 600 blue waters and waves throughout kilometres along Astana-Almaty By Assel Satubaldina summer and into September. What to do The area’s climate is great for a highway. We did not stay in the town itself, but in Taraganlyk vil- ASTANA – Balkhash, Kazakh- summer vacation, as the tempera- attractions, raises awareness lage located 15 kilometers from stan’s largest lake, is among many Legends ture does not exceed 30 Celsius Similar to other pristine natural degrees, while water stays warm Balkhash,” said Karibayev. popular destinations for vacation Trains also go to Balkhash from within the country. With its blue sites in Kazakhstan, legend nar- and pleasant. rates the history of the lake’s cre- “The lake is amazing, reminds of Astana and Almaty. The train from of environmental concerns and crystal-clear waters, the lake is ation. The legend says an old and a sea. There are big waves, water is Astana takes 14 hours and a one- located amidst diverse landscapes Beineu village in the Mangistau rich man by the name Balkhash very warm and very pleasant. The way ticket costs approximately By Zhanna Shayakhmetova region, home to burial monuments bordering the Almaty, Zhambyl and decided to marry off his daughter water is crystal clear. The beach is 4,000 tenge (US$10.6). dating to the 16th century. The Karaganda regions. The Chu-Ili Ili and sought to find a man any sandy. Everything is comfortable,” There is, however, no direct ASTANA – Travelling from sea monuments are made in various ar- Mountains stretch to the south and girl would want to marry. The said capital resident Alken Karib- train route from Almaty, yet one to sea, the Kazakh National Geo- chitectural forms including domes Betpak Dala Desert stretches across best and richest men gathered ayev in an interview for the story. could travel to the Sary-Shagan graphic Society’s (Qazaq Geogra- and single-celled mausoleums, 75,000 square kilometres to the west. to try their luck in a competition Balkhash is also a great place for or Mointy station, which will take phy) fifth expedition started Sept. with more than 800 objects kept in Balkhash is also famous for the for the young lady; the winner, birdwatchers, as the area is home nine to 12 hours at a cost of around 10 from Almaty. The participants the necropolis. The Beket-Ata un- unique chemical composition of its however, turned out to be the to approximately 120 species of 4,000 tenge (US$10.6) and from will travel more than 3,000 kilo- derground mosque is located 132 waters. A narrow strait, 3.5 kilo- poor shepherd Karatal who was birds, including 12 species that are there one can get a taxi or a bus. metres in 12 days, finishing Sept. kilometres from Zhanaozen. metres wide and six meters deep, in love with Ili. part of the Red Book of the pro- 21 in Aktau. The itinerary includes pictur- divides the lake into fresh and When Karatal and Ili escaped at tected wildlife. The team, composed of 25 indi- esque Tamshala Canyon, one of salty sections. night, Balkhash cursed the two and There is a chance to come across Accommodation Balkhash offers a wide range viduals including local and foreign the region’s sacred places. The The eastern salty part of the lake turned them into two rivers and Persian gazelles, wild boars, of accommodation options de- travel bloggers, reporters, photog- small Tamshala Lake is situated is popular among locals and tour- turned himself into a lake depriv- wolves and other animals included pending on one’s preferences and raphers and a Kazakh TV camera eight kilometres from the begin- ists, who come to enjoy beaches, ing the two of a chance to reunite. in the Red Book. financial means. For example, crew, will discover new routes, ning of the canyon, famous for its Balkhash sanatorium sells a two- check accommodation facilities waterfall. bed standard room at 23,000 tenge and propose better conditions to Mangistau is often referred as (US$61.2), including medical increase the region’s attractiveness an “open-air museum,” as there and therapy procedures and buf- for travellers. are more than 100 natural and ar- fet, while Millenium hotel offers Leaving from Turkestan, the chaeological monuments. a deluxe two-bed room at 10,000 fascinating and extreme trip will Travellers will drive to the huge tenge (US$26.6), with breakfast visit Lake Kambash, famous for its geological landslide on Cape included. healing properties, then move to Zhygylgan (Fallen Ground) lo- Infrastructure is yet to be devel- the Kyzylorda region. The partici- cated near the Caspian Sea. They oped, added Karibayev. pants will also travel to the shores will also visit Sultan Epe Canyon “The vacation near beach is of the Aral Sea, where the shrink- and Shakpak Ata underground great, but infrastructure is not de- ing condition is one of the biggest mosque, the latter with drawings veloped, especially for those com- environmental problems for the from the 10-13th centuries, Tuz- ing with families,” he said. “If one entire region. Once the centre of bair saline land on the Ustyurt wants a budget vacation and if we a blooming oasis, tourists are now plateau, the Sherkala and Ayrakti compare to Burabai, then prices attracted to the remains of fishing Mountains and Boszhira natural are relatively equal. There are vessels scattered over the white boundary. hardly any offers for people who salt desert. The expedition is a part of the “One of the objectives of this Uly Dala Eline Sayahat (Tour Photo credit: Nikolai Yushnikov. Photo credit: seek a luxury vacation.” expedition is to draw public atten- across the Country of the Great tion to environmental problems, Steppe) project launched by Ka- in particular, to the problem of the zakh Tourism. The New Silk Road, Aral Sea. We are also promoting the sixth and final expedition, will the tourist potential of the western travel to the Almaty, Turkestan and Company offers turnkey tours around part of Kazakhstan,” said leader Zhambyl regions. A team from Na- Dauren Raptayev. tional Geographic Russia will take Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan The expedition will travel to part in the project. “There are also local tourists tours to East Kazakhstan region In addition, Explore Kazakhstan By Abira Kuandyk who want to relax and enjoy nature and West Kazakhstan region, as organises nature tours, offering a in full; thus, they hire a guide and well as Kyrgyzstan. East Kazakh- field kitchen, tents and cooks. ASTANA – Explore Kazakhstan, a driver to make their trip informa- stan offers spectacular sites such as “We can also arrange a heli- an Almaty-based tourism agency, tive and organised,” he added. Yazevoe Lake, Kok-Kol Lake, Be- copter tour. Recently, we greeted offers fully organised tours of Ka- The agency arranges excursions lukha Mountain, Bukhtarma res- guests from the U.K. and we flew zakhstan and Kyrgyzstan ranging and tours aboard 4WD sport-utility ervoir and Kara-Koba River. West over Charyn Canyon and Kolsai from helicopter tours to nature trips vehicles and comfortable minibus- Kazakhstan region has well-known Lake in Almaty region,” he said. with tents. Founder Chingiz Shu- es, with certified guides and all nec- destinations like the Caspian Sea, The company’s goal is to suc- lanbayev, who aspires to promote essary camping equipment. Tourists Shopan Ata and Beket Ata necrop- cessfully operate in the tourism domestic tourism, spoke about the can also choose accommodations in olises. industry. company and its current activities in hotels, guest houses and yurts. Shulanbayev recommends May, “At the current stage, we are an interview with The Astana Times. The company organises day-long June, the second half of August establishing cooperation with for- “EXPO 2017 had a favourable ef- excursions involving a trip around and September as the best times eign partners,” he added. fect on the amount of tourists coming the city and its environs. For exam- to visit Kazakhstan. Spots are not In the future, it plans to create to Kazakhstan from abroad. For in- ple, tourists can arrange jaunts around overcrowded and the weather is its own advertising department, stance, this year we welcomed tour- Almaty and nearby destinations such pleasant in September, he noted. which will lead to expanding its ists from Germany, Belgium, France, as Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake, Kazakhstan is considered an at- structure and attracting new staff Italy and South Korea,” he said. Medeu, Chimbulak, Kolsai Lake and tractive place for active rest, trek- for a team of approximately 50. Explore Kazakhstan welcomes Tamgaly open air museum. king and hiking. Foreign tourists For more information, one can local tourists, but 90 percent of the Trips usually continue for six-ten usually want to combine active lei- visit explorekazakhstan.net and @ company’s clients are non-natives. days. The company offers turnkey sure with a hot springs rest. explore_kazakhstan27 on Instagram. Facebook Page. Qazaq Tourism Photo credit: B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 Golovkin suffers first loss in Astana Marathon career, relinquishes titles promotes able to defend and counter punch By Anuar Abdrakhmanov than in the previous fight a year ago which ended in a draw. Golovkin’s ASTANA – Kazakh boxer Gen- trainers urged the Kazakh to try to charity and healthy nady Golovkin suffered his first knock out Alverez, but ultimately professional loss and relinquished Golovkin was never able to land a his multiple middleweight titles af- deciding blow. ter losing a Sept. 15 rematch with “Golovkin is a strong boxer and lifestyle Mexican boxer Saul Canelo Alva- showed a good bout,” the Mexican rez. boxer said. “But I was stronger. Alvarez won by decision and Thanks to everyone for believing now holds the WBC, WBA (Su- in me. Thanks to my team for a per) and IBO world middleweight good job. Now I am to enjoy the titles moment, the victory is for my sup- “I’m not going to say who won porters and Mexico,” he added. tonight, because the victory be- The rematch had been planned longs to Canelo according to the for May 5 but was delayed after judges. I thought that the sup- Alvarez tested positive for the porters witnessed a good bout. banned substance clenbuterol. I thought I fought better than he news.com.au. Photo credit: While Golovkin mentioned did. It was a bout between the two Canelo Alvarez (L) vs Gennady GGG Golovkin (R). the possibility of a rematch to re- champions. I feel good. I have a porters after the bout, Golovkin’s small cut. I am a boxer and do my ryone does,” Golovkin told report- Most of the rounds were close, coach Abel Sanchez said the boxer job. As for a third fight, of course, I ers after the bout at the T-Mobile but Alvarez appeared to land more has had an intense schedule and would like to have it and think eve- Arena in Las Vegas. upper body blows and was better will not fight again in 2018. Kazakh blind and visually impaired

complete the 42.2-kilometre dis- cyclists complete bike ride in Paris By Dilshat Zhussupova tance in approximately 2 hours, 17 in six countries – Kazakhstan, Rus- started at the bust of Kazakh politi- tribution to the development of minutes. Robert Gaitho and Amir Staff Report sia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, and cian and publicist Mustafa Shokay Kazakh-French sports and human- ASTANA – Astana Marathon Baytukanov followed closely be- France. Riding under the slogan in Nogent-sur-Marne. The route itarian cooperation,” noted Galiev. 2018 gathered 4,661 runners from hind in second and third place, ASTANA – Sport Without Lim- “The World of Unlimited Possibili- passed through many landmarks In Paris, the athletes went on a 37 cities in Kazakhstan and abroad respectively. Shadrack Koech its, the intercontinental Astana- ties,” their objective was to show in the Paris region and the capi- motor ship tour to view the capi- on a rather cold Sept. 16 morning. finished first in the 10-kilometre Paris bike marathon for visually- that Kazakhs with disabilities are tal itself, including the Champs- tal’s main attractions. Organised annually since 2009, distance in approximately 30 min- impaired and blind cyclists, came able to achieve the most daunting Élysées and other tracks along the While passing through cities and the run promotes a healthy life- utes, with Kenneth Rotich taking to a memorable end Sept. 10 in goals, motivating all to engage in last leg of the Tour de France. The countries, the cyclists met with as- style while raising money for second and Alexey Gusarov, third. the French capital near the Kazakh regular sports activities and lead a athletes were joined in support sociations supporting those with charity. This year, the marathon The finish line was ultimately Embassy, reported the Kazakh healthy life. Throughout their jour- by Kazakh Ambassador to France disabilities, sports organisation entered the Association of Inter- crossed by 3,567 participants, Foreign Ministry. ney, the athletes felt tremendous Jean Galiev and members of the representatives and local authori- national Marathons and Distance 2,895 running the shorter distance Launched more than a month ago support from all who met them Diploma Cycles Association of ties, as well as hundreds and thou- Races (AIMS) and is seeking to and the balance completing the full at the Kazakh Eli monument, the along the way and even welcomed Cyclists of the French Ministry of sands of ordinary people, showing obtain the International Asso- marathon. There, they received ju- unique project helped 17 individu- three additional cyclists in Germa- Europe and Foreign Affairs. that even if you do not see a clear ciation of Athletics Federations bilee medals for the capital’s 20th als, including cyclists and volun- ny, who joined the contingent on Near the Arc de Triomphe, the picture of the world, you can still (IAAF) road race bronze label to anniversary. Participants may ac- teers, cross more than 5,000 kilo- the way to the finish line. cyclists were welcomed by Jeanne pursue your goal. The participants confirm its high organisational cess their results at www.athlinks. metres and visit more than 30 cities The final part of the marathon d’Hauteserre, Mayor of Paris’ urge all those who learn of their standards. com. eighth arrondissement; Alain Néri, initiative, both healthy and those With its flat terrain, the city is a This year, the European Union honorary Senator and former pro- with special needs, to follow one’s favourable marathon destination. (EU) delegation to Kazakhstan fessional cyclist Alain Siclis and the dreams, be a proactive member of Participants gathered at the EXPO partnered with Astana Marathon, head of a Paralympic foundation, as society, dispel existing stereotypes 2017 campus at 6 a.m. to warm launching the #EU4Running cam- well as representatives of the Ka- related to individuals with disabili- up and stretch. The route, certi- paign to celebrate 25 years of dip- zakh student youth population, dias- ties and promote modern Kazakh fied by IAAF, took runners past lomatic relations. The delegation pora, French friends of Kazakhstan, culture and achievements. the Palace of Peace and Harmony, provided participants with 100 diplomats and their families. The Kazakh diplomatic missions Khazret Sultan Mosque, Baiterek free places and runner’s kits with “We are sincerely happy to see arranged athlete meetings in each Monument, Nazarbayev Univer- EU-branded items, many of whom you at the finish of your long and country along the route. sity and Astana Arena. were delegation members, project difficult path, on which you over- Sport without Limits was intro- Runners hailed from Australia, and partner staff, representatives came many difficulties, but also duced in 2016 with the support France, Georgia, Italy, Japan, of international organisations and met a lot of kind and sympathetic of the Anashim charity fund for Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, EU member states’ embassies and people. Initiatives such as yours children and youth. Established in Luxembourg, Russia, Spain, capital residents and guests. really work to bring peoples and 2001, the fund mainly deals with Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab In addition to raising funds for cultures together and contribute socialising persons with sight diffi- Emirates, the United Kingdom various charities, Astana Mara- to strengthening Kazakhstan’s culties and has implemented many and Uzbekistan. People of all abil- thon is determined to foster a love positive image abroad. It is sym- successful projects which have ities participated individually and for running among the people in bolic that the bike marathon united helped people with special needs in pairs, families and companies, rural areas. The funds raised for Astana and Paris in the year of cel- achieve their goals. Two previous with the opportunity to compete the One Steppe Beyond project ebration of the tenth anniversary of marathons for visually-impaired in the 10-kilometre and 42.2-kilo- will help to organise short dis- the strategic partnership between and blind cyclists, Almaty-Astana metre distances if they were above tance races across the country. Kazakhstan and France. After all, and Almaty-Issyk-Kul, were com- ages 16 and 18, respectively. Donations may be made at www. your achievement is another con- pleted with the fund’s support. Eric Kering was the first to astana42k.com/charity. FC Astana, Dinamo Kyiv tie in first UEFA Europe League group stage UEFA Europe League group stage By Anuar Abdrakhmanov of this season. “We warned the players of ASTANA — FC Astana and much pressure from first min- Ukraine’s Dinamo Kyiv ended utes. And it is a pity we con- their first match of the UEFA Eu- ceded a goal in the 11th minute. ropa League group stage with a 2:2 We managed to take the lead as draw. we levelled the score in addition The match was challenging to many chances to score goals. for Astana as Dinamo Kyiv is The second half we needed to be the group’s favourite team and more active, move forward, as we Ukraine’s most titled team. were not content with the score. Dinamo’s forward Viktor We performed several counterat- Tsygankov scored first on a pass tacks, and fortunately, the team from Vitaliy Buyalskyi. Ten min- could gain its first point in Kyiv,” utes later, Astana’s defender Marin said Astana Head Coach Grigori Anichic sent the ball into the goal Babayan. by the head thus equalising the “We should be content with a score. draw in an away match. The match The Ukrainian team was turned out to be interesting with ahead after the first half as Di- many goals. We conceded a goal namo’s player Denis Germash because of the mistake; however, scored the second goal 1:2. The it is football, and we should move goal was assisted by a mistake forward. Good thing that we lev- by Astana goalkeeper Nenad elled the score. I think a draw is a Eric. good result,” said Astana’s captain In the 4th minute of extra time, and goalkeeper Nenad Eric. Astana player Roman Murtazayev Astana will face France’s Rennes tied the score at 2:2. Thus, FC in the next UEFA Europe League

Astana earns the first point in the match Oct. 4 at Astana Arena. vesti.kz. Photo credit: B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 Le Sallay International Academy offers distance learning for middle schoolers attending boarding school or be- could serve as a constant in their By Dilshat Zhussupova ing homeschooled, both of which children’s lives. Children with have drawbacks. The academy, special needs may also benefit ASTANA – Le Sallay Interna- however, allows students to take more from its teaching style be- tional Academy in France offers advantage of learning from the cause classes are often conducted children aged 10 to 14 the option best teachers, as with top boarding in small groups, and teachers and of distance learning. The pioneer- schools, while also maintaining a psychologists are trained in ad- ing distance learning programme normal family life, as with home- dressing the needs of children of combines home study with a learn- schooling. all abilities. ing camp. “You get to have your children The primary benefit of distance Each term, students spend three around!” said Humanities Depart- learning is that it affords children to four weeks of their studies at ment Head Matthew McConnell. a uniquely tailored education. Ac- the 16th century castle Château “They will be at home more but cording to the Mathematics and Le Sallay in a four-hectare private will also get that independence by Science Department Head Yan park in Burgundy. For the remain- going to the learning camps and Rauch, the combined online and ing 6-8 weeks, they take classes being on their own while getting offline method of learning best from home aided by online educa- the socialisation that is part of the suits his teaching method. relationships among themselves,” Science and mathematics are ing experience. Guest lecturers at tion technologies. school experience.” “I need the camps to create the he said. “Once this basis is estab- taught based on approaches exten- the learning camps will include The usual options for children For expats who often change human relationship, a natural con- lished, it doesn’t really matter if sively used in Russia, China, South Princeton University professor residing in places with little ac- their country of residence every tact with the children – and it’s we proceed to solve puzzles online Korea and, recently, the United Michael Barany, award-winning cess to a quality education include one or two years, the academy also important that they develop or offline.” States under the Russian School of writer and journalist Andrew Lam Mathematics brand. The academy and digital media guru Elizabeth also prepares many of its students Osder, among others. The primary benefit of distance learning is that it affords children a uniquely tailored education. According to the Mathematics and Science Department Head Yan Rauch, the combined online and offline method of learning best suits his teaching method.

for their compulsory national ex- An academic year costs aminations and, upon request, for $41,238.75, with fee discounts admission to American or British available for gifted children. Par- high schools. ents and children may become Given that the school is not tied acquainted with the academy’s ap- down to any given location, gath- proach to education in early 2019 ering the best teachers was made at a seven-week pilot period for possible. Teachers of literature, $5,840. Classes will start Septem- history and art are graduates of ber 2019. prestigious American and British Further information may be

Photo credit: lesallay.academy Photo credit: universities, with years of teach- found on www.lesallay.academy. First Montessori school in Mayor reports on capital’s Kazakhstan opens doors in Astana transport, engineering, social The school and the centre follows English languages, art and music in By Assel Satubaldina core concepts of the Montessori sys- the second half of the day. tem, including multi-age groups, The goal, she noted, is to let chil- ASTANA – Parents in Astana where younger children learn from dren to “live through the process.” facilities development plan now have more educational options older children and older reinforce their The emphasis is not on textbooks complexes is being considered for their kids, as the first Montessori skills, uninterrupted work time and or grades, rather meeting children’s By Abira Kuandyk with the involvement of independ- school in Kazakhstan opened in the special Montessori learning materials. curiosity and interest to learning and ent consultants with experience in capital welcoming first ten students Mukasheva noted the demand is allowing children to learn at their ASTANA – Astana Akim (May- this field. All privatisation proce- aged 6-9. growing. own pace, as traditional curriculum or) Bakhyt Sultanov reviewed the dures are planned to be completed The child-centred educational ap- “There are more mothers now who that sets a certain pace constraints comprehensive plan for the capi- by the end of 2020, said the akim. lived abroad and saw what Montes- children’s development resulting in proach developed by Maria Mon- tal’s development of engineering It is also planned to build three sori system means. For instance, it is many disappointments for them. tessori in 1897 is one of the world’s and transport infrastructure for 110 kV substations and reconstruct most popular educational methods common in the West when there is “Such children who lack concen- 2019 to 2023 at a Sep. 18 govern- 110 kV overhead lines. This will and it has gained increasing popular- a choice in children’s development tration and attentive observation, ity in Kazakhstan over the years. methods and options. They come when they reach sixth grade, they ment meeting. provide Mynzhyldyk Alley and The method nurtures child’s natu- here and they are surprised at Mon- lose their interest to learning. Their Sultanov identified five prom- Zheleznodorozhny Village with ral interest to knowledge and allows tessori centres working in Kazakh- performance is worsening. The cur- ising development zones in the LRT electricity, reducing the load stan,” said Mukasheva. riculum becomes more complicated capital: Mynzhyldyk Alley and the in the southwestern part of the city, them to learn at their own pace and Bakhyt Sultanov discover their potential within a sup- Choosing Montessori system, and he or she is not able to grasp Nurly Zhol railway station, Man- he added. portive and prepared learning envi- however, is not driven by a trend, it, not because he or she is not that gilik El Avenue, Turan Avenue’s Sultanov also reported on the ronment. rather by a “conscious decision” of smart, but because the pace is not West, Telman Suburb’s South and state investments will be invested development of the education sys- Head of the school Leila Muka- parents. theirs,” she said. the Asan Kaigy Street renovation, to four to five tenge (US$0.011 tem. sheva, who is also a paediatrician, “The deciding factor for us is the Though the popularity of the edu- primeminister.kz reports. to US$0.013) of private invest- “It is planned to build 37 schools opened a Montessori centre, though understanding on behalf of parents. cational approach is growing, it is not With a growing birth rate and ment. This will contribute to the and 10 outbuildings for approxi- not a school, in Astana in 2006. We are always open and transparent supposed to draw big numbers, said steady migration toward the capi- expansion of social and engineer- mately 63,000 places for 2019 to “I learned about this method in about what we are doing. If we see Mukasheva. tal, Astana’s population is ex- ing infrastructure, as well as to the 2023. This will eliminate the defi- 2006. It will be almost 13 years this that parents care more about grades “Montessori system is not for eve- pected to increase by around 2.5 growth of housing construction,” cit in schools by 2021,” he said. year. At that time there was shortage and such external success and they ryone. It is a decision of parents who percent annually and reach ap- said Sultanov. It is also planned to build six kin- want to make their children wonder of kindergartens in Astana as you recognise that the world is different proximately 2 million by 2030. In It is planned to build 121 km dergartens through public-private may know. My child was two years kids, then it is not for us. We are not and want their children understand addition, the number of small and of roads, two traffic interchanges, partnerships (PPPs) in the amount old at that time and I realised that I able to know what these children rep- where they are living, be committed three bridges, an overpass, a tunnel resent and perhaps they do not need to his or her principles and do not sur- medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of 6 billion tenge (US$16.34 mil- was not satisfied with kindergartens and a complete ring road by 2023 and I decided to take responsibility. it,” she said. render to life and system,” she said. will increase by more than 37 lion). with the annual 8 to 9 percent in- I became interested [in the topic]. “We plan to accompany children “There is some statistics. Global percent, exceeding 216,000. The The PPP mechanism is also going When I heard about Montessori and until 12 years old. We do not seek to population can be divided into three share of small and medium-sized crease of motorisation level. Form- to be used for healthcare facilities. her also being a paediatrician, I start- prepare them to a traditional class- groups. One percent that change the businesses in the gross regional ing a transport frame will decrease It is planned to build 13 facilities ed studying this topic,” Mukasheva room, but to a real life. It is a big dif- world, three percent that change their product will grow to 57 percent the probability of a traffic collapse for 44.1 billion tenge (US$120.16 told The Astana Times. ference,” she said. life and the remaining population are by 2023 (and reach 50.5 percent in on the roads and unload the city’s million) and two more facilities for “At that time, there was a centre The day at the Montessori school simply following others. Our goal is 2018). main thoroughfares by 50 percent. 30.4 billion tenge (US$82.83 mil- (though not a complete school) in starts at 8:30 a.m. with children pre- to ensure our children in either one The expected economy growth The storm water drainage sys- lion). Included in these will be the Almaty. I travelled there, met people paring breakfast on their own and or three percent of the population rates and the tax base will ensure tem is one of Astana’s biggest Central Road Hospital with 500 and started studying in Russia. One lasts until 5 p.m. changing the world or at least con- an increase in local budget rev- challenges. beds and a perinatal centre with of my coaches was from the Nether- Unlike traditional schools, biology, trolling their life,” she said. enues by 43.7 percent to 355 bil- “It is planned to work on the 250 beds, he added. lands,” she said. geography and history is taught from She compared children to a blank lion tenge (US$956.82 million). coverage of 17,300 hectares and Sultanov noted that the imple- Mukasheva noted few people were the first grade to meet children’s in- list that entails a “significant respon- Annual revenues to the national ensure unimpeded drainage of mentation of the comprehensive aware of the method back then. creasing hunger for knowledge, par- sibility” and noted children’s inde- budget from Astana will grow by surface runoff by the end of 2019. plan will have a positive effect “Some even called us a sect, be- ticularly high at this age, according to pendence is what amazes her most. 14 percent, from 823 billion tenge The total water catchment area on economic development in the cause something strange, they said, Mukasheva. “This probably is the most attrac- (US$2.21 billion) in 2018 to 940 will grow from 13,000 hectares to capital and in the country. In five was happening there. Mothers with The classes last three hours, where tive part for me. I understand that no their children were coming and going children enjoy freedom within the matter how I educate my children, we billion tenge (US$2.53 billion) in 23,000 hectares. To ensure quality years the budget will receive 7 always happy,” she added. limits, among core Montessori con- still live in one society. If you want 2023. services for the population, 150 trillion tenge (US$19.07 billion). Over the years, the centre wel- cepts. Teachers, who are trained and to change something, we need to start “In the next five years, around 6 kilometres of water supply net- It is also planned to attract 6 tril- comed more than 1,000 children. have experience in Montessori style from children. If they are surrounded trillion tenge (US$16.17 billion) of works and 81 kilometres of water lion (US$16.17 billion) of pri- “We had eight cohorts and we system, guide children throughout by love, attention and understanding, private investments will be invest- disposal networks will be built,” vate investments. This will cre- understood we needed to open a the process. they will grow as confident people ed in the capital’s development. added Sultanov. ate 300,000 new jobs and attract school,” she added. Children also learn Kazakh and capable to change,” she said. Thus, one tenge (US$0.003) of Privatising Astana’s energy around 3 million tourists.