President Appoints New Finance Minister

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

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All conditions created for increasing oil and gas

Kazakh President meets with Turkish President, business leaders in Ankara

extraction in Kazakhstan, says industry ofﬁcial

represented by the KAZENERGY

By Elya Altynsarina

Association, which over the years has implemented several projects to strengthen ties between the organisation members.
ASTANA–As the Kazakh capital is preparing to host the World Petroleum Council Oct. 1-3, The Astana Times talked to Asset Magauov, Director General of KAZENERGY, the Association of Oil and Gas and Energy Sector Organisations of Kazakhstan, about the event as well as the trends in the industry, the association’s work to create a better legislative framework and the longer term outlook for oil and gas production in the country.
The KNC has initiated a cycle of expert seminars of the World Petroleum Council aimed at studying advanced expertise and international practices of developing local content. We received strong support among the members of the organisation and presented our results at the special sections of the World Petroleum Congresses in Moscow and Istanbul. The upcoming meeting in Ka-

zakhstan on Oct. 1-3 is not the ﬁrst

of its kind. In 2012, we already hosted a WPC meeting in Astana, where more than 50 national committees’ representatives took part. But for us, it is an honour to bring back the WPC to the capital of Ka-

What are the goals, objectives and expected outcome of the upcoming World Petroleum Council Meeting in Astana?

Kazakhstan joined the World Petroleum Council (WPC) in 1997. Then we established the Kazakhstan National Committee (KNC) – zakhstan after six years.

Continued on Page A6

Supreme Mufti: care for peace is moral, civic duty

Following a visit to the Kul- to inform me Turkey recognises Joint Programme, which supports 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

By Elya Altynsarina

ASTANA – Kazakh President ish counterpart, the two leaders, tionship is only growing.”

$800 million and created 3,000 jobs.

Nazarbayev also invited Turkish companies to invest in transporta-

Nursultan Nazarbayev held bilat- Kazakh and Turkish delegations

Nazarbayev also praised the dis-

eral talks with Turkish President sat for the Strategic Cooperation cussions with Erdogan.

of every Muslim

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, partici- Council meeting. 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

“Astana and Ankara are open tion and logistics businesses at Karecent interview with The Astana Times.

By Meruyert Abugaliyeva

tion Council and met with Turkish reviewed cooperation in oil and ics, our positions are similar,” he visit, a Kazakh delegation led by 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

ASTANA

–

Kazakhstan is

kindness and peace. There is one

saying by Prophet Muhammad, ‘The Muslim ummah (community) is like one body: if one organ complains, the rest of the body develops a fever.’Therefore, special attention is paid to helping the people around,

ofﬁcial visit to Turkey.

“Relations between Kazakhstan velop closer agricultural, tour- and friendship between the frater- Turkish Investment Forum and

and Turkey are developing in the ism, science and technology co- nal peoples.

signed 24 commercial agreements

spirit of strategic partnership, an operation. Nazarbayev also met during his totaling $1.7 billion. The agreeimportant component of which is At a joint press brieﬁng, both trip with Turkish business leaders ments are in the non-resource sectrade and economic interaction,” leaders praised Kazakh-Turkish and noted that 1,800 businesses tor of Kazakhstan’s economy and Nazarbayev said during the visit. relations rooted in common history operating in Kazakhstan with are expected to create 3,000 jobs.

Turkey is among Kazakhstan’s and shared values. Turkish capital, and annual trade

The agreements involve chemi-

top 10 trading partners and trade “Kazakhstan is one of Turkey’s volume has reached $2 billion. He cal industries in Zhambyl region, between the two countries grew 27 most important strategic partners,” said the sides agreed on a new goal real estate projects to develop and education and agreed to de- to strengthen the political dialogue Mamin participated in the Kazakhhome to more than 130 ethnic groups and the nation’s prosperity is only possible when there is peace and harmony, said Serikbay kazhy Oraz, Chairperson of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (SAMK) and the Kazakh Supreme Mufti, in a especially those in need,” he said.

Continued on Page B2

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 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 Kazakhstan a leading logistic hub Ozal was the ﬁrst to call me, just ish industry leaders reviewed the the opportunities of the Astana Inin Central Asia. two hours after the announcement, interim results of New Synergy ternational Financial Centre.

President appoints new

ﬁnance ministe r , s ecurity council secretary, economic aide

Kazakhstan hopes to reach 4 percent GDP growth despite sluggish start in some sectors, says minister

state policy in ensuring national

By Assel Satubaldina

security and defence capabilities to maintain domestic political sta-
ASTANA – Kazakh President bility, protect the constitutional orNursultan 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

President – Secretary of the Secu- Sept. 21, Nazarbayev appointed
Timur Zhaksylykov, until recent-
Smailov had served as the Aide ly the Member of the Collegium have experienced a 3.7 percent ment in ﬁxed capital increased rity Council. growth as opposed to the 4.1 per- 21.4 percent.

By Aidana Yergaliyeva

cent predicted.

Foreign trade turnover has also to the President for economic af- (Minister) for Economy and Fi-

ASTANA – Kazakh government

ofﬁcials hope to reach 4 percent

gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2018, despite only 3.8 percent growth between January and August, Minister of National Economy Timur Suleimenov told at Sept. 11 government meeting.
“Given the GDP growth rate from the beginning of the year, the 4 percent target remains achievable. However, it is possible the target growth rates will not be

fulﬁlled in sectors such as phar-

maceuticals, food and beverage

production, oil reﬁning and agri-

culture,” said Suleimenov.
Growth from agricultural prod- grown steadily. In the last seven fairs since December 2015. He nancial Policy of the Eurasian ucts decreased 1.5 percent due to months, it increased by 20.1 per- replaced Bakhyt Sultanov in the Economic Commission, the inter-

governmental body coordinating

a poor harvest in the four major cent or $51.9 billion. Exports in- position.

crop producing regions of Ak- creased by 26 percent or $34 bilmola, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan lion.
Baizhanov became the Security policies within the Eurasian EcoCouncil secretary. Previously, he nomic Union (EAEU), as his Aide and East Kazakhstan, the minister reported.
The labour market also remains served as head of the country’s for economic affairs.

Nazarbayev had earlier signed

stable with 297,100 people be- Syrbar Foreign Intelligence Ser-

a decree Sept. 10 dismissing Adil-
The Security Council is a con- bek Dzhaksybekov, 64, from his
Kazakhstan, West Kazakhstan, age monthly salaries increased 2.3 sultative deliberative body formed position as the head of the presiThe production of industrial ing employed. Wages have been vice since May 2015. products declined in the North growing at a moderate pace. Aver-

Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions. In general, eight regions and cities of national importance per- GDP growth target remains achievpercent between January and July. and chaired by the Kazakh Presi- dential administration, where he

worked since June 2016, stating he

Suleimenov said the 4 percent dent.

In June, the new law granted had reached the retirement age.

Minister of National Economy Timur Suleimenov.

The same day, Nazarbayev rehead the body. The recent law also lieved then Astana Akim Asset
“To achieve annual targets, expanded the role of the security Issekeshev of his position and apformed below the national average able but faces challenges from in- Nazarbayev a life long right to

of 4.7 percent.

ternational economic factors.

Suleimenov also pointed to posgrown by 2.4 percent rather than the targeted 3.5 percent. The construction sector grew by only 0.8 percent rather than the targeted 3.6 percent. And production services 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-

dential administration. Bakhyt

4.8 percent increase in transport is not an easy task given the grow- status of a constitutional body.

and 5.8 percent growth in trade ing international trade conﬂicts

The document said the council is Sultanov, a long-time ﬁnance min-

that exceeded the expected growth and volatility in the ﬁnancial mar- now responsible for coordinating ister, was appointed the new may-
Suleimenov noted several sectors where growth has been sluggish since the beginning of the

year. Agricultural production has

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 regional centre to Turkestan A2
Major international oil, gas industry players to gather in Almaty for KIOGE 2018 A4
Kazakhstan’s ever-growing global and regional role as country near 27th

anniversary A6

NAKAMITSU: Advancing disarmament within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development A7
Three-part exhibit displays works of young Kazakh, international artists B1

Regional, city administrations gain increased control over buildings and elevators A2
Tsin-Kaz witnesses tremendous breakthrough over 20 years, and offers reasonably priced, high quality products A5
VASSILENKO: Kazakhstan’s assistance to Afghanistan helps strengthen regional and

global security A7

Outdoor adventure, cycling tours in Kazakhstan have great potential, says bicycle adventure club founder B6

US$ 1 = 354.12 KZT € 1 = 416.73 KZT

1 = 5.37 KZT

A2

NATION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

NATIONAL
NEWS IN BRIEF

President notes challenges of relocating regional centre to Turkestan

The Nur Otan Party has organised free English language elective courses for 9th-11th grade students in 84 rural districts and centres as part of the English for Jastar (Youth) project. The project was developed to support the programme introducing trilingualism across the country. Students can improve their English as well as enhance their communication skills. The pilot project, to be conducted September-November, 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 university students.

Kazakh Tourism plans to implement quest games on sacred places around Kazakhstan as a way to develop domestic tourism. The expedition will be based on Pokemon Go, Deputy Chairperson of the company Kairat Saduakasov told inform.kz. “First, we will create an electronic version of all sacred places. Players can gain points on a quest. For example, one can get points for a trip to Ulytau or other sacred place. As the quest travel expands, the number of points will increase. The conventional name for the points is Altyn (gold). Altyns can be exchanged for various discounts, such as exchanged 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 beginning, players will be ‘ulan,’ then

advance to ‘sultan’ and ﬁnally

to ‘khan.’ Such players will be given special discounts,” he said.
Nazarbayev declared the establishment of the Turkestan region region, Turkestan region, was es- tire Turkic world. Turkestan, re- said. June 19, when he changed the sta- tablished in our country. I believe vered among Muslim pilgrims,
“Everyone knows that a new city for Kazakhstan and the en- mous people are buried here,” he

By Staff Report

Also at the Akorda meeting,
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 al centre from Shymkent to Turkestan centre of the South Kazakhstan regional centre is being relocated to rich history with numerous cul- Mamin and Turkestan regionAkim 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 said Kazakh President Nursultan cance” joining Astana and Almaty. process in all aspects,” said the to this day.

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

Akorda presidential residence focus- relocated to Turkestan, a city 150 ing on Turkestan’s development. kilometres north of Shymkent. reported on the territorial develop-
He noted a special historical Turkic people, that is why many of the relocation of administrative and spiritual signiﬁcance of the people come to visit it. Many fa- bodies to Turkestan.

M inisters report Inﬂuenza vaccination

progress in digital begins in October

Almaty youngsters can learn robotics for free at the children’s technopark recently opened in the city’s Palace of Schoolchildren, reported inform.kz. “We installed microblocks, unique equipment with which we will prepare children for international competitions. The technopark will work for free with 20 children in each group. If there is greater interest, we will invite more teachers,” said Aigul Bolatbekova, deputy director of the Centre for New Technologies in Education in Almaty. The programme will involve three groups – initial training in Legos, 3D modelling and an English section for children in advanced robotics. tion. The most effective measure we must take this into account,” he is the vaccination itself, which said.

Staff Report

should be received in the pre-ep-

The public health protection

literacy training

ASTANA – Inﬂuenza vaccina- idemic season, usually October- committee monitors viruses and tion will be conducted in Kazakh- November. threats across all regions annually stan starting Oct. 1. Nearly 1.5 Other measures include re- through 57 sentinel surveillance million doses were purchased for stricting time spent and wearing centres. The gathered data is then approximately one billion tenge disposable masks in congested sent to the World Health Organisa(US$2.76 million), according to areas, washing hands thoroughly tion (WHO) national centre, where the Healthcare Ministry’s public with soap, regularly cleaning and it is analysed and used for forehealth protection committee chair- ventilating rooms, consuming casts.

among population

year, we organised a national gathering of parents where more than 1.6 million parents were taught the use of educational information systems. This is also done through creation of parents’ chat, mobile apps and automatisation of public services,” he said.

By Assel Satubaldina

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Education and Science Yerlan Sagadiyev, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Madina Abylkassymova, Ministry of Healthcare Yelzhan Birtanov and First Vice Minister of Agriculture Arman Yevniyev reported on progress in digital literacy training among the country’s population during a Sept. 11 government meeting. The ministries are responsible for training professionals and the country’s population in using information technologies in daily life and work, which is the central aspect of the Digital Kazakhstan programme that seeks to reach 83 percent digital literacy level by 2022. Digital literacy encompasses a wide range of skills and Kazakh ministries specify several levels of digital literacy, where the basic level refers to one’s skill in using computer and mobile gadgets and getting information from the internet. The second level denotes the ability to use e-government services and make payments, while the third level allows a person to engage in e-commerce – buy, sell and promote goods online. The fourth level entails use of digital solutions, mobile applications and synchronising several gadgets and the advanced level means a person is capable of programming on his or her own.

person Zhandarbek Bekshin.

foods containing vitamin C, us-

“According to the WHO fore-

The cost of a flu shot will vary ing drugs only at the recommen- cast, three strains will be circulatfrom 1,600 tenge (US$4.42) to dation of a doctor and exercising ing this season – type A (H1N1) 3,500 tenge (US$9.67).
“Anyone may receive a paid regularly. Michigan, type A (H3N2) SinTen percent of the Kazakh popu- gapore and type B Colorado. In
Digital literacy is also reinforced among healthcare workers, said Birtanov, with more than 182,000 people currently employed at 740 medical organisations. influenza vaccination provided in lation is vaccinated annually, ac- previous seasons, the viruses’ anprivate vaccination centres and cording to the committee. Bek- tigenic structure did not change clinics’ vaccination rooms at plac- shin noted the optimal time to be because the same sorts of viruses es of residence, given that they vaccinated is October, rather than circulated. This year, there will are authorised by the appropriate November or the first half of De- likely be circulation of these two
“Within eight months, the number of doctors that were trained in the use of information systems of the ministry reached 44,869 and also 118,035 nurses. A total of 46,282 doctors and 125,729 nurses attended digital literacy courses,” said the minister, emphasising the ministry’s goal to train all healthcare workers until the end of 2018. The ministry also conducts work to reach out to the other side of health sector, patients. Birtanov said to date 5,093,257 people, accounting for 28.2 percent of the total contractual population, received training. Digital literacy training facilities, 471 to date, are also installed in healthcare organisations, where specialists demonstrate patients how to install mobile apps and use health services with the apps. Abylkassymova believes electronic labour exchange, the country’s recent initiative launched in January, is one of the important channels to enhance digital literacy of the population. She said training at employment centres and electronic labour exchanges have reached out to 535,695 people. Agriculture sector workers, noted Yevniyev, had four tracks in their digital literacy training that included electronic public ser-