+3° / +1°C WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 No 21 (135) www.astanatimes.com King Abdullah II awarded Country drops one inaugural Nazarbayev Prize spot in Doing Business

By Aigerim Seisembayeva

ASTANA – King Abdullah report, shows progress II of Jordan was awarded the Nazarbayev Prize for a Nuclear- Weapons-Free World and Global Security during his Nov. 1 official in separate areas visit to Kazakhstan. The Jordanian sixth in enforcing contracts. By monarch was decorated for his By Aigerim Bulambayeva introducing additional time stand- contribution to “regional stability, ards for key court events respected global security and steadfast stance ASTANA – Kazakhstan was in the majority of cases, the coun- against war and the proliferation of ranked 36th on the Doing Busi- try eased enforcing contracts. weapons of mass destruction.” ness 2018 report released Oct. 31, Another significant improve- “This award is in recognition of one point lower compared with ment was observed in “Register- your contributions and manifesta- last year’s ranking. In separate in- ing Property” where Kazakhstan tion of hope that as conflicts rage stances, however, it showed defi- is now ranked 17th. Kazakhstan’s you would continue with a peace- nite progress. business reforms made it easier to making role, which brings people Although Kazakhstan’s overall transfer a property by improving closer,” said Kazakh President rating dropped from its record high transparency and the land adminis- Nursultan Nazarbayev. last year, the country was rated tration system’s dispute resolution He specifically highlighted -Jor first among the 190 countries con- mechanisms. dan’s acceptance of up to 1.3 mil- sidered in “Protecting Minority In- Several areas must be improved lion refugees since the Syrian cri- vestors.” The position is due to the for the nation to provide additional sis began more than six years ago, policy reform undertaken this year. benefits while doing business. One as well as Amman’s involvement The nation strengthened minority vulnerable area is trading across in the Astana Process peace talks investor protections by increasing borders, where Kazakhstan’s on Syria as an observer. Jordan’s rights and roles of shareholders 2018 rating is 123rd. An explana- contribution to peace process be- in major corporate decisions and tion for this is border compliance tween Israel and Palestine was also clarifying ownership and control measured in time to be exported. noted. structures, as well as requiring In Kazakhstan, the indicator is 133 King Abdullah thanked the Ka- greater corporate transparency and hours in contrast to 12.7 hours in zakh President for the invitation, providing greater access to corpo- high income Organisation for Eco- rate information during trial. the warm welcome rendered by the King Abdullah II of Jordan (L) and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev (R). nomic Co-operation and Develop- Kazakh hosts and expressed grati- In addition to protecting minor- ment (OECD) countries. tude for the award. Iraq, the diplomatic crisis around At a briefing that followed the cerns. Today, Kazakhstan is a ity investors, Kazakhstan ranked Continued on Page A6 He emphasised the trusting na- Qatar, as well as the fight against bilateral meeting, Nazarbayev champion of global co-existence ture of the relations between the terrorism and joint efforts to pro- noted February 2018 will mark the and cooperation,” he said. two countries and highlighted the mote religious tolerance and nu- 25th anniversary of Kazakh-Jorda- The meeting resulted in the important role of Nursultan Naz- clear non-proliferation. nian relations. signing of bilateral agreements, arbayev in the peaceful settlement The Jordanian leader visited Ka- He also thanked the Jordanian including those on extradition of of international conflicts. zakhstan the day after the seventh side for their active participation in persons, on the transfer of con- Kazakhstan to “We value what you do to make high-level international meeting the EXPO 2017 international spe- victed persons, on legal assistance this world a better and safer place. on Syria concluded in Astana. Jor- cialised exhibition in Astana and in criminal matters, on cooperation Your leadership is important for all dan participated in the talks as an the first Summit on Science and in combating terrorism, organised of us,” said the king. observer. Nazarbayev stated that Technologies of the Organisation crime, illicit trafficking in narcotic switch to Latin He stressed that “this award is the Astana Process helped dimin- of Islamic Cooperation. drugs, psychotropic substances, for the entire people of Jordan.” ish the level of violence in Syria King Abdullah confirmed Jor- their precursors and other types of His office is reported to have add- significantly, as the local popula- dan’s willingness to continue the crimes. ed that the prize money would go tion have a chance to return to close cooperation with Kazakh- The Nazarbayev Prize for a alphabet by 2025 to support excelling Jordanian stu- peaceful life. stan and thanked Kazakhstan and Nuclear-Weapons-Free World and dents in public schools. The Kazakh President and the its leader for its contribution to the Global Security was established The leaders of the two countries Jordanian King agreed to continue international community. in 2016. Its objective is to urge in- also tackled international issues, developing bilateral ties and coop- “My dear brother, you have ternational actors to pursue more including the war in Syria and the erating on efforts for international brought global vision to today’s vigorous efforts to rid the world of Astana Process, the situation in peace. most pressing international con- nuclear weapons. Latest Syrian peace talks in Astana focus on humanitarian issues

The version of the alphabet approved by the Decree.

By Aigerim Bulambayeva Kazakh alphabet to Latin-based script. The corresponding docu- ASTANA – Kazakh President ment was published Oct. 27 on the Nursultan Nazarbayev signed a de- Akorda website. cree Oct. 26 to change the existing Continued on Page A2 One millionth tonne of cargo shipped

Photo credit: Akorda.kz Photo credit: from Kuryk port statement by the three guarantor ian government and the Syrian of UN Special Envoy for Syria cals, as well as transit cargo com- By Assel Satubaldina states of the process – Russia, armed opposition, delegations Staffan de Mistura, who attended By Zhazira Dyussembekova ing from China, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey and Iran. from Iran, Russia and Turkey at- a couple of previous rounds. Uzbekistan, are exported via the ASTANA – The Oct. 29-30 lat- Participants discussed ad- tended closed-door negotiations. During the talks, head of the ASTANA – The one millionth Kuryk ferry complex. From the est round of Syrian peace talks herence to de-escalation zones U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary Syrian government delegation tonne of cargo left Kuryk port beginning of operation to the pre- in Astana, the seventh in what agreed-upon in previous Astana of State David Satterfield and a Bashar al-Jaafari called upon the Oct. 19 for the Azerbaijani port of sent day, the volume of cargo has is known as the Astana Process Process talks as well as humani- delegation from Jordan and the guarantor states to abide by pre- Baku. The Kuryk port, launched reached one million tonnes,” said meant to supplement UN-bro- tarian issues, primarily the issues United Nations (UN) also at- vious agreements, including de- in December, is under its second port general manager Myrzabek kered peace talks in Geneva, of exchange of detainees, prison- tended. escalation zone agreement. phase of construction. Saktaganov at the ceremony dedi- focused on humanitarian issues ers of war and missing persons. The UN delegation was led “At present, Kazakh grain, coal, cated to the milestone reached. and resulted in another joint Representatives of the Syr- by Milos Strugar, an associate Continued on Page A5 oil products, fertilisers and chemi- Continued on Page A2

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIALS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Association of businesswomen presents Industrialisation initiative results Digital Kazakhstan programme NAKAO: A New Era of Cooperation Kazakh restaurant opens gender budgeting project A2 in economic growth A6 key to country’s development A8 for Central Asia A9 in Manhattan B1 Multilateral strategy to combat corruption Cryptocurrencies are natural evolution A well deserved prize and a token of stronger BURIAN: EU-Central Asia: A new generation East Kazakhstan promotes domestic tourism, discussed at public hearings A2 of payment systems, says expert A7 cooperation to come A8 of partnership and cooperation A10 educational tours B6

US$ 1 = 334.52 KZT € 1 = 388.14 KZT 1 = 5.68 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

NATIONAL Association of businesswomen presents NEWS IN BRIEF Training seminars for high-level Corps A civil servants were held Oct. 30-Nov. 3 in Astana, accord- gender budgeting project ing to the organisation’s press ser- of both genders, is envisioned in to its crucial goal of entering the “Our experts suggested con- significant issue, as it affects all vice. The programme on leadership By Assel Satubaldina the Kazakhstan 2030 Concept on world’s 30 most developed coun- ducting gender-based analysis of segments of the population, said and transformation initiatives was Family and Gender Policy, said as- tries by 2050. the budget, state programmes and national commission for women, coordinated by the Astana Civil ASTANA – The Association of sociation chair and national com- The project revealed several legislative framework before en- family and demographic policy Service Hub, Nazarbayev Univer- Businesswomen of Kazakhstan mission member Raushan Sarsem- important factors predominant dorsing the relevant documents, deputy chair Lyazzat Suleimen. sity and the U.S. Federal Executive presented a project to introduce bayeva. in society and across all levels of ensuring broad public discussion “But we need to start from small Institute. “We are very interested gender budgeting in the nation “Gender budgeting is quite a government that could impede involving women NGOs and in- things. Gender budgeting will be in the experience of the Federal at the Oct. 25 roundtable involv- young term; however, the im- introducing gender budgeting. terested sides and studying inter- efficient when people start to un- Executive Institute on such train- ing representatives of the Kazakh plementation of the concept on The issues include weak political national practices in more than 90 derstand and see the benefits of it ings that help civil servants en- National Commission for Women, family and gender policy very will, poor knowledge of the issue countries using the gender budget- in their daily life,” she added. hance their professional skills and Family and Demographic Policy, clearly reviews those aspects that among state bodies and the popu- ing method,” said the association. Majilis (lower house of the Ka- competencies to become visionary deputies, state bodies, internation- discriminate different segments of lation, insufficient incorporation Coordinating the state bodies re- zakh parliament) deputy Serik Sei- leaders who can think broadly and manage strategically,” said Civil al organisations and NGOs. the population to a varying degree, of gender statistics and prevailing sponsible for collecting statistical dumanov agreed, adding gender- Service Hub steering committee Funded by the Civil Initiatives primarily women and children. In gender stereotypes within society. data should be improved, accord- related issues do not imply only chairperson Alikhan Baimenov. Support Centre and supported by this regard, gender budgeting con- An analysis of the nation’s leg- ing to the experts, who suggested women. the Kazakh Ministry for Religious tributes to decreasing the effect of islative framework identified the establishing a coordinating body “Of course, it includes issues Almaty has become a member and Civil Society Affairs, the pro- those factors and improving gen- presence of norms directly or indi- within the nation’s Parliament or related to women, but it also con- of the United Nations Educational, ject kicked off in April and sought der equality,” she noted. rectly affecting gender, but most do Presidential administration specif- cerns men,” he said. Scientific and Cultural Organisa- to research and analyse the topic Gender budgeting incorporates not take into account gender-related ically dealing with gender-related Yet, successfully incorporating tion (UNESCO) Creative Cities and subsequently form concrete the needs of all groups within the indicators that hamper monitoring issues. The work should go beyond gender budgeting into the national Network, according to an Oct. 31 recommendations. population, especially those in a and control, noted the association. the government and also reach the budget process requires changes press release. “These new designa- Gender budgeting, devising the socially vulnerable situation, she Specialists involved in the pro- public through an awareness rais- not only in the nation’s legislative tions showcase an enhanced diver- budget in a way that equally takes added. Fostering gender equality ject presented several recommen- ing campaign, they added. framework, but also in society it- sity in city profiles and geographi- into account the interests and needs will also bring Kazakhstan closer dations. Gender budgeting is a socially- self, he added. cal balance, with 19 cities from countries not previously represent- ed in the network,” said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. The 64 cities from 44 countries joined the network at the front line Kazakhstan One millionth tonne of cargo of UNESCO’s efforts to foster in- novation and creativity as key driv- ers for more sustainable and in- clusive urban development. Cities to switch to Latin shipped from Kuryk port commit to expand and exchange Continued from Page A1 dredged by excavating 730,000 for Strategic Studies research fel- innovative best practices to pro- cubic metres, according to the low Anna Alshanskaya told The mote creative industries, strength- He noted the event marks the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) Astana Times. en participation in cultural life and alphabet by 2025 successful execution of President national railway company press She noted implementing the integrate culture into sustainable Continued from Page A1 phabet were suggested. The first Nursultan Nazarbayev’s instruc- service. Work is underway to erect Kuryk ferry complex project with- urban development policies. incorporated digraphs – a group of tions to expand Kazakhstan’s pres- western and eastern fencing malls in the Nurly Zhol state programme “In order to ensure the transition two successive letters representing ence in the Caspian Sea and de- with reinforced concrete blocks, will help increase the export po- An electronic labour exchange of the Kazakh alphabet from Cyril- a single sound – among other pos- velop the country’s transport and slabs and tetrapods, and an auto- tential of Kazakh manufacturing employment centre has opened in lic letters to Latin ones, I decree to sibilities. The second, as the Akorda logistics potential. mobile pier which will simultane- products to European countries Pavlodar, reported Pavlodarnews. approve the attached alphabet of the reported, took into account the sug- “The existing infrastructure al- ously service two ferries is under via Caspian ports. The time and kz. “The transition to the targeted Kazakh language based on the Latin gestions “received during the public lows reducing the travel time by sea construction. cost of cargo transit from Kuryk work makes it possible for people script. The government of Kazakh- discussions.” by four hours. The time of the ferry “Port Kuryk is an important link to Baku with the existing maritime to apply to the electronic labour stan is to set up a national commis- Nazarbayev announced his in- from Baku to Kuryk is 18 hours, of the Trans-Caspian International infrastructure has also been signifi- exchange, the centres for public sion to change the Kazakh alphabet tention to switch from the Cyrillic- while the travel time to the port of Transport route, passing through cantly reduced. services (TsONs) and the regional to Latin script, organise a gradual based alphabet to Latin script in Aktau is 22 hours,” he added. China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, “Consequently, the development city administration. Great empha- switch to Latin script by 2025 and April 2012. At the same time, the Saktaganov noted the future op- Georgia and Turkey. Achieving the of the infrastructure of seaports, sis is placed on employers. You take other measures to implement head of state commissioned de- eration of two railway berths will number of one million tonnes of on the one hand, will ensure the at- can find a jobseeker either in the this decree, including those of an or- veloping the schedule of measures allow Kuryk to service five fer- cargo is a strategically important traction of foreign trade flows and employment centres or on the En- ganisational and legislative nature,” needed to implement the language ries a day and handle four million step towards the expansion of in- investments at the expense of re- bek.kz website. It’s necessary to the document reads. reform by the end of 2017. Books, tonnes of cargo each year. The ad- ternational transport cooperation ducing transport costs; on the oth- fill in information about -vacan The decree, prepared by the work- official documentation and periodi- dition of an automobile ferry berth and trade ties, as well as the emer- er, it will activate the development cies, requirements, salaries and ing group, went into effect immedi- cals related to the political and cul- will expand annual transhipment gence of Kazakhstan as a transport of strategically important areas of qualification skills,” said Labour ately. Control over its execution is tural agenda are all subject to man- volume to seven million tonnes. and logistics hub between Europe economic activity in the regions of Resources Development Centre assigned to the presidential admin- datory transformation. The process The port water area has been and Asia,” Kazakhstan Institute Kazakhstan,” she added. President Daulet Argandykov. The istration. of preparing educational materials pilot project was also launched in The new alphabet consists of 32 and specialists, according to the Astana and Almaty. letters. Letters of the old Cyrillic president, should begin next year. alphabet will be replaced by Latin Kazakhs used Arabic script from The 3.5 million tenge analogues based on their phonetic the 10th-20th centuries. The Kazakh (US$10,437) Bastau co-working similarity. Nine characters with language was based on Latin script Multilateral strategy centre was opened Oct. 27 in apostrophes will be incorporated to in 1929-1940. The transition to the Uralsk as part of the Rukhani Jan- signify hissing syllables as well as Cyrillic alphabet occurred in 1940. ghyru programme, according to distinct Kazakh vowels. The Latin alphabet is currently used Tengrinews.kz. “This centre will Earlier, other versions of the al- by most Kazakh diasporas abroad. to combat corruption become a kind of think tank where new ideas and projects will be de- veloped to achieve the basic prin- ciples of the programme including discussed at public hearings pragmatism, competitiveness and preservation of national identity. Investigators Young people will be able to real- ise their potential for the benefit of our country and the region,” said West Kazakhstan region Akim reopen case into (Governor) Altai Kulginov. Kazinform reports 44 schools are currently being constructed in banker’s death in 2004 the Almaty region. “This signifi- negligence in relation to the inci- cantly solves the student accom- Staff Report dent that occurred 13 years ago. modation problem. Nearly 46,000 “The collected evidence testify first-graders were enrolled in the ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Pros- to the fact that Tatishev’s death was schools this year,” said Almaty re- ecutor General’s Office has reo- a result of a deliberate shot in the gion Akim (Governor) Amandyk pened the investigation into the head. It was not a result of careless Batalov. Approximately 77.2 bil- death of prominent banker Yer- handling of weapons. In this regard, lion tenge (US$230.2 million) was zhan Tatishev, who was shot dur- the procedural prosecutor, in accord- allocated to implement 82 projects ing a hunt in December 2004. ance with the articles 502 and 503 of in three years, including 49 billion The case was reopened after the Code of Criminal Procedure, sent ambassadors and heads of inter- “The amount of money allocat- tenge (US$146 million) for educa- former business executive Murat- a conclusion Oct. 25 to the Zhamb- By Aigerim Seisembayeva national organisations’ missions ed for purchases in the quasi-pub- tional facilities as part of the Nurly khan Tokmadi’s recent confession yl regional court stating there are in Kazakhstan attended the public lic sector is over 3.5 trillion tenge Zhol initiative. Constructing 10 in a KTK TV channel documen- grounds to annul Tokmadi’s verdict. ASTANA – Public hearings on hearings. (US$10.5 billion), which is four- schools is also planned for 2018 tary to shooting Tatishev during The prosecutor also sent a petition “Anti-corruption strategy: com- Elaborating on the content of the five times higher than the volume and design and estimate documen- the hunt. Tokmadi claimed in the for resumption of criminal proceed- bining state and social efforts” draft plan, agency anti-corruption of actual state purchases. The tation is being developed with the documentary that Mukhtar Ablya- ings on newly discovered circum- were held Oct. 13 at the Civil Ser- policy department director Salauat draft plan provides for legislative local budget and government. zov ordered the murder. Ablyazov stances,” read the press release from vice Affairs and Anti-Corruption Muksimov noted preparing the regulation of purchases by state- is a fugitive banker who is wanted the Prosecutor General’s Office. Agency. draft document incorporated both owned and national enterprises. The volume of Astana’s indus- in Russia and Ukraine and is con- The Zhambyl regional court, in The hearings are the result of national and international expe- It is also important to strengthen trial and construction waste de- victed in absentia in London for turn, sent the case to the Prosecu- more than 70 roundtables and rience accumulated during three ethical standards of employer be- creased by 20 percent compared to the contempt of court with a sen- tor General’s Office. other large-scale events sponsored years of implementing new anti- haviour at national companies,” last year, reported the city admin- tence of 22 months and in Kazakh- According to the court’s press across the country in the last few corruption mechanisms. he said. istration press service. More than stan to 20 years in prison for alleg- service, the Oct. 31 decision of months to discuss the anti-corrup- He added the main efforts would The draft plan introduces the 330,000 tonnes of waste, includ- edly stealing 7.5 billion euros from the board of criminal cases of the tion strategy implementation plan be focused on automating and dig- amendments and additions to the ing more than 274,000 tonnes of BTA bank. A few months after the Zhambyl regional court satisfied for 2018-2020. italising processes and procedures anti-corruption legislation associ- solid domestic waste, have been death of Tatishev, who served as the appeal by Tatishev’s lawyer Citizens had an opportunity to for rendering public services and ated with improving the system accumulated since the early part of chairman of the board of Bank and the petition for resumption of contribute ideas for combatting completing monitoring activities, of anti-corruption measures and this year compared to the 545,000 Turan Alem (BTA) bank, Ablya- proceedings on newly discovered corruption by proposing an event as well as increasing the transpar- strengthening the punishment for tonnes accrued in 2016. The nearly zov returned to the same lender as circumstances. to be included in the plan and ency, openness and accountability corrupt practices, which follow 10,477 trash containers put into its chairman. The verdict of the Taraz city more than 500 suggestions were of state bodies. from the recommendations from operation at 1,842 sites as part of a Tokmadi, the owner of the Ka- court of Sept. 3, 2007, and the de- submitted. Parliament deputies, in Muksimov spoke about the the OECD (Organisation for Eco- new municipal waste management zStroisteklo glass factory, had cision of the regional collegium excess of 200 representatives of measures developed to reduce the nomic Co-operation and Develop- programme have resulted in an originally been sentenced to one for criminal cases of Nov. 1, 2007, the non-governmental sector, busi- corruption level in the quasi-pub- ment) and the national report on almost 13-percent decrease in the year in prison for manslaughter by were thus annulled. ness community, political parties, lic sector. combating corruption. volume of municipal solid waste. A3 NATION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 Kazakhstan’s way to space: Gov’t addresses realities and prospects Industrial and will be responsible for the ground By Aigerim Bulambayeva infrastructure. Russia will pro- vide the funding to develop a ASTANA – The internation- carrier rocket as well as enhance Innovative Dev’t al forum “Kazakhstan’s Way the piloting process of a transport to Space: Realities and Pros- ship. pects-2017,” held Oct. 19 in the Baiterek is not a project re- Programme, Astana capital, commemorated 60 years stricted to Kazakhstan and Rus- since the launch of the first artifi- sia, said Ministry of Defense and cial Earth satellite. Aerospace Industry aerospace Organised by the Ministry of committee chair Yerkin Shaim- development Defence and Aerospace Indus- agambetov. try, the forum’s goals included “We are considering both Rus- exchanging best practices to use sian and European proposals on space activity results in solving cooperation. Airbus and Thales economic problems, reviewing Alenia Space are among our part- those results for the past decade ner companies,” he added. lites is being undertaken. We plan liminary project will be designed and discussing the industry’s de- The existing Zenit rocket com- to create and launch the KazSat- by November and the project velopment prospects. plex, located within Baikonur 2P satellite by 2023 to guarantee itself will be completed by Sep- In his keynote address, Defence Spaceport, will be used to imple- the scheduled replacement of the and Aerospace Industry Deputy tember 2018, he said. ment the Baiterek project. Russia KazSat-2 satellite,” he said. Minister Marat Nurguzhin spoke “The cost of the project has yet will withdraw the facilities from Nurguzhin later shared some about domestic space indus- to be determined. As for today, the lease and transfer them to the try development. He noted one details of the work of the Bait- we estimate the cost to be around Kazakh side. Kazakhstan, in turn, branch of the industry’s activi- erek Rocket and Space Complex, US$280 million-US$310 million. will transfer Zenit to the Baiterek ties involves developing and ex- which will be completed at Bai- This is the cost of the ground in- enterprise, which will manage the panding Kazakhstan’s use of the konur Spaceport and which is frastructure only,” he added. operation and future modernisa- spacecraft orbital constellation. currently a joint venture between The figures represent Kazakh- tion of the complex, said Shaim- “Regular replacement of satel- Kazakhstan and Russia. The pre- stan’s investments, as the nation agambetov.

The agenda also included an By Dana Omirgazy interregional scheme for the ter- Ministry of Internal Affairs tests electronic ritorial development of the capi- ASTANA – Eighteen addition- tal metropolitan area. Astana’s al industrial projects worth 399 rapid expansion, demographic billion tenge (US$1.19 billion) capacity, growing density of the investigation, needs funds are expected to be launched in a region’s population and migra- ments to the legislation con- criminal prosecution today, we More than 400 cases go in the Dec. 6 teleconference involving tion inflows have become pre- By Zhazira Dyussembekova cerning the modernisation of the will need about 11 billion tenge electronic format. As explained President Nursultan Nazarbayev. requisites for its agglomeration procedural basis of law enforce- (US$32.9 million), with every by Zhakupov, the pilot’s task is They are the result of the State development, said Kassymbek. ASTANA – Kazakh Ministry ment activity. Innovation might five-year renewal of all the to reveal all issues that need to Industrial and Innovative Devel- The document outlined creat- of Internal Affairs needs 11 bil- be introduced, but the technical technical equipment of law en- be ironed out. opment Programme for 2015- ing counter magnet cities and lion tenge (US$32.9 million) base for it is still undeveloped, forcement agencies. Of course, “Today we are practicing this 2019, said Minister for Invest- industrial zones as possible solu- for the introduction of criminal said official. no one expects to receive this in terms of criminal misdemean- ments and Development Zhenis tions to overpopulation, transport case investigation in electronic “This process is very expen- amount at once,” he stressed. ours and crimes of small grav- Kassymbek during an Oct. 31 and environmental problems. form, which it tests in several sive in terms of allocating funds He said that the ministry un- ity. Tomorrow, if this is extended government meeting. “The territory of the Astana regions, said Oct. 16 Deputy from the budget. To implement derstands that the digitalisation to grave and especially serious “The volume of industrial pro- metropolitan area includes the Minister Rashid Zhakupov dur- the full technical support of all is future, but criminal prosecu- crimes, then the issue of informa- duction for the first nine months city of Astana as the core of ing the presentation of amend- units that would be involved in tion is a specific sphere. tion security and the inability to of this year reached 6.5 tril- the agglomeration, three dis- “The main problem is that the penetrate into the investigation it- lion tenge (US$19.48 billion), tricts (Arshalyn, Shortandy and use of this pilot in fact, and our self from the outside will appear.” increasing 5.7 percent in com- Tselinograd) and four areas of “Today we are practicing this in terms of calculations, show weak techni- Technical, procedural prob- parison with the same period of Akkol district of Akmola region. criminal misdemeanours and crimes of small cal equipment of law enforce- lems are revealed, he added. the previous year. At the same In total, 124 settlements were in- ment agencies in order to go The ministry promises to work time, growth is observed in the cluded in the metropolitan area. gravity. Tomorrow, if this is extended to grave full-scale to such a form of inves- them all up to readiness. pharmaceutical, light industry, Today, the metropolitan area pop- tigation as an electronic investi- According to him, as soon metallurgy, machine building, ulation of the agglomeration pop- and especially serious crimes, then the issue gation,” explained Zhakupov, as the programme is ready, the oil refining, food production and ulation is 1.2 million people and of information security and the inability to adding that the same issue is Ministry of Internal Affairs chemical industries,” he said. is forecast to increase to 1.6 mil- faced in developed countries. will start implementing it only In the eight months, the manu- lion by 2030,” said Kassymbek. penetrate into the investigation itself from the Right now the pilot is tested in where it will be technically pos- Taraz and Astana with the con- sible to equip law enforcement outside will appear.” junction of Ministry of Finance. agencies. “The volume of industrial production for the first nine months of this year reached 6.5 trillion tenge (US$19.48 billion), increasing 5.7 percent in comparison with the same Mother’s House gives hope period of the previous year. At the same time, growth is observed in the pharmaceutical, to single mothers light industry, metallurgy, machine building, “Over the nine months of this oil refining, food production and chemical By Dana Omirgazy year, our houses accepted 578 industries.” women with children. Of them, ASTANA – ANA UYI (Moth- 174 women restored documents er’s House), a social project with the help of our employees facturing industry, which sends The project implies removing sponsored by Kazakh busi- and 88 women applied for hous- products to 115 countries, in- large industrial facilities from the nesspersons, helps single moth- ing. In addition, 105 children re- creased its export volume to $9.9 capital to the agglomeration area ers overcome difficulties to ceived specialised medical care billion, he added. Significant by creating three industrial zones, prevent leaving children in or- and 56 children went to kinder- growth has also been observed which would also include newly- phanages. Pregnant women or garten. Nine women – graduates in agrochemistry, oil refining and created industrial enterprises. those with newborns abandoned of orphanages – received hous- ferrous metallurgy. Agricultural production is ex- by their boyfriends or lacking ing from the state. But the most Manufacturing has attracted pected to increase 170 percent due families receive support and find important thing is that more than more than $26 billion in foreign to the industry’s diversification understanding and compassion in 2,600 children did not go into or- direct investment since 2010, said and intensification. As a result, the these warm places. phanages and stayed with their Kassymbek. Compared to last agglomeration area should meet “It all started with the ques- mothers,” noted Makhmetova. year, the volume of investments Astana’s food demand in products tion of what to do to ensure that Statistics indicate 7,236 chil- grew 3.5 percent to 599 billion such as flour, buckwheat, legumes, all children in Kazakhstan live in dom-mamy.kz. Photo credit: dren reside in 140 Kazakh chil- tenge (US$1.78 billion) this year. milk, eggs and poultry. families and grow up in love, rath- Bibigul Makhmetova dren’s houses. Eighty percent are “The programme’s implemen- Minister of Culture and Sports er than in a children’s home. The social orphans – children with tation influenced the change in Arystanbek Mukhamediuly re- idea of the social project caused one or both parents still alive. As the structure of the economy and ported on the Shchuchinsk-Bura- a wide public response and many every year,” ANA UYI Public House in 2013. There are current- a result, the Adoption Support industry. Thus, the contribution bai resort zone (Akmola region) Kazakh businesspersons joined Fund Executive Director Bibigul ly 25 houses in 19 Kazakh cities Centre was launched in 2016 as of the manufacturing sector to development plan for 2017-2020 the project. Already in Decem- Makhmetova said in a recent in- funded by 21 businesspersons. part of the social project with the the development of the economy and the Astana Tourism Develop- ber 2013, well-known entrepre- terview with The Astana Times. “The project assists young mission of training and support- (GDP) increased from 10.1 per- ment Road Map until 2020. The neurs in Kazakhstan began the The first to join the project was women in late pregnancy or moth- ing foster families and promoting cent in 2015 to 11.9 percent in the latter consists of 24 events, in- ers with a child under 18 months a culture of adoption in society. first half of this year,” he added. cluding attracting domestic and “The project assists young women in late of age who are in a difficult life “For today, consulting offices New plants are being launched foreign tourists; improving infra- situation. Mother’s House offers and schools for foster parents under the programme every year. structure and the quality of tour- pregnancy or mothers with a child under women housing, food and medi- were opened in 17 cities in Ka- “Over the past seven years ist services; increasing the effi- cal care for up to one-one and a- zakhstan. Specialists of the fund and nine months, 1,080 projects cient use and self-repayment of 18 months of age who are in a difficult half years. Here they are helped provide comprehensive assis- worth 5.5 trillion tenge (US$16.4 the capital’s culture, sports and life situation.” to get a child allowance and tance to citizens (families) wish- billion) have been commissioned public health services and higher medical, legal and psychological ing to take their child (children) as part of the Industrialisation education facilities and develop- advice,” she added. from orphanages and children’s Map. Approximately 101,000 ing medical tourism, as well as joint work to open crisis centres Tsesna Corporation board chair Mother’s House employees homes. In addition, potential jobs have been created,” he said. educational tourism activities. for young mothers throughout the Dauren Zhaksybek, who took help women mend relations with adoptive parents are trained in Prime Minister Bakytzhan “I believe the adoption of these country. This was the first stage over the houses in Kostanai and relatives, learn new skills such as the schools as foster parents. All Sagintayev noted good progress resolutions will give a positive of work to prevent social orphan- Petropavlovsk. BI-Holding head caring for a child, housekeeping services are provided to citizens achieved through the state pro- impetus to the further develop- hood and reduce the number of Aidyn Rakhimbayev and his and mastering a new profession free of charge,” said Makhme- gramme during the first nine ment of tourism,” said Mukha- children who fall into orphanages spouse opened the first Mother’s and finding a job. tova. months of the year. mediuly. A4 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

EXTERNAL Rukhani Janghyru programme unveiled at UNESCO NEWS IN BRIEF By Danat Islambek and technological development. The project also envisions intro- Kazakh ambassador to China Rukhani Janghyru should be viewed ducing an online platform where the Shakhrat Nuryshev discussed PARIS – Rukhani Janghryu (Mod- as an integral part of this overarching public could access to high-resolu- cooperation between Kazakh ernisation of Kazakhstan’s Identity), strategy and its successful execution tion images of artworks housed in the and Chinese research institu- the programme unveiled by President will require active involvement of the country’s largest and most renowned tions with Chinese Academy of Nursultan Nazarbayev in April, was entire society, she added. museums. Such a platform would Social Sciences (CASS) Presi- officially presented Oct. 17 at United Balayeva further briefed the au- enable users to tour museum galler- dent Wang Weiguang Oct. 31 Nations Educational, Scientific and dience on the six national projects ies virtually and explore physical and in Beijing. They considered the Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) launched as part of the programme – contextual information. prospects of enhancing inter- headquarters in the city. transitioning the Kazakh language to In addition to the digital approach action between CASS and its In her welcoming remarks, Nada the Latin alphabet, new humanitarian to promote Kazakh artists and their member institutions and Kazakh Al-Nashif, Assistant UNESCO knowledge with100 new textbooks works, Balayeva suggested hosting think tanks such as the Library Director-General for Social and Hu- translated into Kazakh, the Tugan regular biennales in Astana could of the First President, Institute man Sciences, said the organisation Zher (Homeland) project, the coun- become important international ar- of World Economy and Politics was excited to host the introduction, try’s sacral geography, the modern tistic events. and Kazakhstan Institute for which, among other ventures, envi- Kazakh culture in the global world The roster of speakers also in- Strategic Studies. In implement- sions promoting Kazakh culture in and 100 new faces of Kazakhstan. cluded Minister of Culture and ing the Kazakh President Nur- the international arena. She noted the As the co-chair of the Modern Sports Arystanbek Mukhamedi- sultan Nazarbayev’s “Course to- programme’s importance within the Kazakh Culture in the Global World uly, Centre for Rapprochement of wards the future: modernisation context of the International Decade project, Balayeva spoke at length Cultures Director Karl Baipakov, of Kazakhstan’s identity” pro- for the Rapprochement of Cultures zakh Presidential administration After 25 years of successful inde- about its objectives and approaches. Institute for European Perspective (2013-2022), which was launched domestic policy department, ex- pendent development as a nation, The nation is seeking to promote its and Security President Emmanuel ject, the men agreed to mutually to help address pressing global chal- plained the reasoning behind the Kazakhstan today aspires to join people’s cultural achievements since Dupuy and Sorbonne University translate literature volumes and lenges through intercultural and inter- programme’s presentation at the the world’s top 30 most developed 1991 in four major areas – literature, professor Dominique Archambault. textbooks into the Chinese and religious dialogue. Paris-based UN agency. countries. She said the Kazakhstan arts, music and theatre/cinema/per- The conference was followed by an Kazakh languages, as well as or- Al-Nashif reminded the audience “The ideas put forward in the 2050 Strategy launched in 2012 is the forming dance – to be presented to exhibition featuring historical ar- ganise visits and internships of of the pivotal role Kazakhstan played Rukhani Janghyru programme by foundation for the new programme, the world in the UN’s six languages. tefacts and works of contemporary Kazakh scientists to CASS insti- both as a co-sponsor and financial the Kazakh President are based which seeks to modernise the coun- The project will begin with nation- Kazakh artists, writers and poets. tutes. supporter of the 10-year campaign on modern trends and relevant not try’s identity. wide online voting to select pieces Speaking at the opening of the ex- and praised Astana’s efforts to build only for Kazakhstan, but the entire She also spoke about the world’s of culture in each category, which hibition, UNESCO Director-General The Kazakh artists’ exhibition understanding among cultures, in- international community. The goal fast-moving changes, partly due to will then be presented to the interna- Irina Bokova said the event was yet held in Ankara Nov. 1 celebrat- cluding by convening the triennial of this presentation is to introduce the emergence of digital technologies. tional audience. To promote Kazakh another tribute to the country’s ex- ed 25 years of Kazakh-Turkish Congress of Leaders of World and the Kazakh model for open discus- These changes have led Kazakhstan literature, project organisers plan panding cooperation with UNESCO diplomatic relations. Gulmaral Traditional Religions. sion: on the one hand, we expect to take specific measures to achieve to employ a multitude of tools and which opened a window to Kazakh Tatibayeva and Natalya Bazhe- Al-Nashif also highlighted the constructive feedback and new a breakthrough to a new level of de- approaches, including creating an culture in the French capital. nova, who demonstrated their country’s multifaceted contribu- ideas, and on the other, we hope the velopment, including initiating large online library of books by Kazakh The event concluded with a gala pieces under the symbolic name tion, referring to the establishment world community will learn some scale modifications in both the politi- authors translated into various world concert featuring the Kurmangazy “Friendship,” presented more of the Central Asian Regional Gla- useful approaches laid down in the cal and economic domains. Among languages and collaborating with the Kazakh National Conservatory Sym- than 50 exhibits in different gen- ciological Centre in Almaty as a programme,” she said. them are a move to redistribute and largest publishing conglomerates and phony Orchestra, Astana Ballet art- res. The artists also conducted a Balayeva noted there is a simple, Category 2 centre. decentralise powers and concrete authoritative literary agents, said Ba- ists, Astana Opera singers and famous master class on Kazakh applied Aida Balayeva, head of the Ka- historic logic behind the initiative. steps to spur innovative ,economic layeva. pop singer Dimash Kudaibergen. art. “The exhibition is called the Friendship Mobile Project. The name reflects both our friendship with Natalya and the friendship of all nomads. The CIS council of government heads sign basis of the whole exhibition is the symbol of the ship. We have many pieces that incorporate this symbol. The ship represents array of agreements in Tashkent the determination and the power The group also reached agree- including eliminating trade bar- transit-transport, agriculture and en- and interregional cooperation, pri- of a female nomad’s spirit,” said By Aigerim Seisembayeva ments concerning oil and gas en- riers. The council also discussed ergy with Uzbek President Shavkat marily between the border regions, Tatibayeva. gineering and preparations for the implementation of the CIS Free Mirziyovev. They also discussed and increasing trade volumes. ASTANA – The Council of 2020 population census round in Trade Agreement and agreed to existing agreements and coopera- In particular, they considered A seminar devoted to pre- Heads of Government of the Com- the CIS. They also set rules to de- hold the next meeting of the Coun- tion between the regions of the two measures to boost investment co- senting the Kazakh mining and monwealth of Independent States termine the origin of goods within cil of Heads of Government of the states and their business circles. operation in engineering, the au- metallurgical complex was held (CIS) reached agreements during the CIS and train international CIS in spring 2018 in Tajikistan. The Kazakh PM and Uzbek Prime tomotive industry, civil aviation, in Tokyo. Representatives of its Nov. 3 meeting in Tashkent road carriers. On Nov. 2, before attending the Minister Abdulla Aripov also re- pharmaceuticals, transit and trans- 40 Kazakh and Japanese met- defining and sharing the customs No details on the agreements council meeting, Kazakh Prime viewed the implementation of agree- port infrastructure development, allurgical companies partici- value of goods, efforts to combat were released. Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev ments signed by each country’s pres- as well as prospects for joint work pated in the event organised by terrorism and land reclamation, They also discussed trade and discussed trade and economic co- ident. The two heads of government in the military-technical and aero- the Kazakh Embassy in Japan among other issues. economic relations within the CIS, operation as well as joint projects in also discussed strengthening bilateral space spheres. in cooperation with the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC). Berik- bol Khamzin, chief geologist at Kazgeology, spoke about the innovations adopted by the Ka- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan meeting addresses zakh legislature on subsoil use designed to simplify procedures and accelerate the issuance pro- concerns over border trade regulations cess for obtaining exploration and production rights permits. 17 by Kyrgyzstan following Kyr- the Eurasian Economic Union reduce cross-border trade of food to give priority to certain crossings By Aigerim Seisembayeva gyz complaints over recent moves (EAEU) external customs border. products with Kyrgyzstan because at the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border, the by Kazakhstan to ensure the safety “We considered issues of cus- of the failure of some Kyrgyz ex- delegations agreed to spend the Trade Mission 2017, the sec- ASTANA – Kazakhstan and and quality of imports coming toms and tax administration with porters to comply with veterinary next five days ironing out a road- ond Kazakh-Mongolian busi- Kyrgyzstan agreed during an Oct. across the Kyrgyz border. regard to relevant rules and regula- and phytosanitary norms. map for economic relations be- ness forum, was held Oct. 31- 18 meeting in Astana of each coun- Kazakhstan announced Oct. 11 tions of the EAEU and the WTO. Kyrgyzstan responded by com- tween the two countries. Nov. 1 in Ulan-Bator. The event try’s prime ministers to ensure that its border service will hold op- For instance, our customs authori- plaining that Kazakhstan’s meas- Both prime ministers also reaf- was organised by Kazakh Invest priority crossing at the Kazakh- erations along the entire perimetre ties reveal the facts of unreliable ures were not compliant with ex- firmed during the meeting their and the Mongolian National Kyrgyz border, especially in Kor- of the country’s frontier to prevent declaration by Kyrgyz importers isting regional and global trade commitment to continued positive Chamber of Commerce and In- dai, for individuals with personal illegal migration, smuggling, pen- of goods from China during transit agreements and caused cargo truck bilateral relations. dustry with the support of the luggage, regular passenger buses, etration of terrorist and criminal through the territory of Kazakh- delays at the border. “As the President of Kazakhstan Kazakh Embassy in Mongolia. cars and empty cargo vehicles be- groups and individuals. The Ka- stan. Because of this, we bear di- The meeting to iron out these Nursultan Nazarbayev repeatedly More than 100 small and medi- ginning at midnight October 19. zakh government believes loop- rect losses,” said Kazakh Prime differences was attended by noted, the relations of the two um-sized Mongolian enterprises The meeting to discuss customs, holes in Kyrgyz regulations allow Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev Sagintayev and Kyrgyz Prime brotherly states should be exem- and 14 Kazakh companies par- tax, transport, phytosanitary and commodities from third countries after the meeting. Minister Sapar Isakov as well as plary in all respects and become an ticipated in the event. Kazakh veterinary issues on the Kazakh- to be re-exported to Kazakhstan The Kazakh agriculture ministry numerous department and minis- example of effective cooperation entrepreneurs met with Mon- Kyrgyz border was requested Oct. in breach of regulations along also announced Oct. 16 it would try heads. In addition to agreeing in the region,” Sagintayev said. golian ministry and department officials, as well as with poten- tial business partners, to discuss prospects for expanding trade, economic and investment coop- Eurasian Intergovernmental Council agrees on member eration between the countries. Kazakh Ambassador to Azer- baijan Beibit Issabayev spoke state digitisation programme, transportation policy during a recent media briefing establishing an accident investi- national trade relations, a grow- about the current state of bi- Staff Report gation body, forming an informa- ing trend towards protectionism lateral political, trade and eco- tion exchange system within the and increasing competition be- nomic cooperation, specifically ASTANA –The Eurasian In- common electric power market tween the largest countries for mentioning the Baku-Tbilisi- tergovernmental Council (EIC), and a draftdraft agreement on la- building regional trade zones. Kars (BTK) highway. “BTK can bringing together the heads of belling goods by means of iden- He, therefore, urged the EAEU be named as the key link of the government of EAEU member tification. The sides also chose to adapt medium-term national Trans-Caspian International states, signed agreements Oct. the host countries for Eurasian policies to the new conditions. Transport Route intercontinental 25 in Yerevan advancing Eura- Week exhibition fora in 2018- He also said key policy docu- highway, which starts in China sian Economic Union efforts 2020and signed instructions on ments to develop participating and passes through Kazakhstan, to digitise member nations and a draft agreement on navigation. countries’ economies had been Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey formalise EAEU transportation They also discussed imple- adopted but not implemented and extends further to Europe. policy for 2018-2020. menting the EAEU integration because those policies lacked The BTK opening is a histori- The council meeting was at- framework, advancing previous supporting economic analysis. cal event. It is a large-scale pro- tended by the heads of gov- agreements and strengthening On the sidelines of the meet- ject that will give impetus to the ernment of Armenia, Belarus, primeminister.kz Photo credit: economic ties. ing, Sagintayev met with Arme- transit-transport interaction of Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Ka- Sagintayev told the gather- nian President Serzh Sargsyan Asian and European countries zakh Prime Minister Bakytzhan The attendees signed docu- and restrictions within the EAEU ing he was concerned about the and other EAEU member coun- located along the Silk Road,” he Sagintayev. ments eliminating exemptions internal market for 2018-2019, current transformation of inter- try officials. said. A5 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 OECD Eurasia Week in Almaty, first in region, focuses on openness and diversification plan in Strategy 2050. All of these By Assel Satubaldina strategies talk about diversifica- EU support tion,” he said. ASTANA – OECD Eurasia to remain steady Deputy Managing Director of Week under the theme Open- the European External Action Ser- ness for Shared Prosperity took Openness not vice Luc Devigne emphasised the place in Almaty Oct. 23-25 for importance of the region to the Eu- the first time outside the organi- a goal in itself Openness is not a goal in itself, ropean Union in his remarks. sation’s headquarters in Paris. added Gurria, and the Kazakh gov- “Countries to the East of EU are The forum gathered high-level officials from OECD, its mem- ernment’s efforts affirm that. very important for us,” said Devi- ber states and partner countries “It needs to be accompanied gne, highlighting the EU’s com- in the Eurasian region, including with the right structural and social mitment to investing in long-term OECD Secretary-General Angel flanking policies to promote better stabilising partnership with the Gurria and Kazakh Prime Minis- opportunities and enhanced well- region. ter Bakytzhan Sagintayev, to dis- being for all,” he said. He also pointed out a significant cuss ways to promote economic and its “thorough and fruitful ready to contribute to promoting their share now stands at 12.7 per- “Openness is worth preserving: potential in the development of co- openness and foster policy dia- cooperation,” he added. best practices and share its ex- cent of GDP. it can bring greater prosperity, in- operation between the Union and logue in a multilateral frame- The partnership between Ka- perience of cooperation with the This was achieved despite con- novation and diversity. The OECD Kazakhstan. “The EU is the first work. zakhstan and the organisation OECD and the Eurasian coun- current major expansion in the is committed to working with Eur- trading partner and the first inves- Eurasia Week is a key OECD embarked on a new phase in tries,” he said. raw material sector, he said, add- asia and our partners around the tor in Kazakhstan and we are very event within its Eurasia Compet- 2015 when the nation became This year’s theme is of par- ing that while in 2009 Kazakhstan globe to develop the analysis, poli- happy that two years ago we signed itiveness Programme launched one of the first three countries ticular importance for the region, produced around 60 million tonnes cies and the will to build a more the Enhanced Partnership and Co- in 2008 involving 13 countries to implement the OECD Country noted Gurria, as it contributes to of oil, in 2017 it is expected to pro- open, transparent and fair global operation Agreement (EPCA) and of Central Asia, the South Cau- Programme, which offers part- diversification, a key goal for the duce up to 86 million tonnes of oil. economy. The region is ready and I am sure it will strengthen our ties casus and Eastern Europe – Af- ners full involvement with the Eurasian countries that heavily Other factors affecting Kazakh- so are we,” noted Gurria. further,” noted Devigne. ghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, organisation’s best expertise and rely on oil and gas resources. stan’s economic development, ac- In his turn, Uzbekistan Deputy The EU is equally the largest Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, policy network in carrying out cording to Suleimenov, include Prime Minister Nodir Otajonov foreign donor and the largest con- Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Mol- structural reforms to promote rather basic, but inescapable factors stressed the importance of the fo- tributor to development assistance dova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, prosperity and inclusive and Growing oil, gas and – climate, geography and expenses. rum’s theme for all countries. in the region, especially in Kyr- Ukraine and Uzbekistan. The sustainable economic growth. Comparing Kazakhstan to the “Openness for shared prosperity, gyzstan and Tajikistan, he said, event joins representatives of 35 OECD prolonged the programme metals production Netherlands, which has a simi- the theme of the first Eurasia Week and maintains its commitment to OECD member states and Eura- this year until the end of 2018. a challenge for lar size of the population, yet 65 held in the region, is relevant to supporting political and economic sian partner countries to deter- Kazakhstan’s involvement in times smaller than Kazakhstan, all of us,” he said. “Uzbekistan is reconstruction efforts in Afghani- mine ways to strengthen ties. the programme demonstrates the diversification Suleimenov explained the need to taking radical measures to ensure stan. Bringing Eurasia Week to the organisation’s support of the na- Kazakhstan’s continuing de- invest much more in the develop- steady economic growth, reform “I believe it would be impossi- region signifies the area’s deep- tion’s crucial objective of enter- pendence on oil and gas and metals ment of infrastructure. public administration and increase ble to ensure stable development ening engagement with OECD, ing the world’s 30 most devel- is one of the main challenges for its “Infrastructure and transpor- institutional attractiveness.” of Central Asia without Afghani- while equally demonstrating oped countries by 2050, noted economy as well as an impediment tation costs are a lot more in our Economic openness is equally stan,” added Devigne. Eurasia’s significance for OECD Sagintayev, adding the standards for its diversification, said Kazakh economic structure. We have to critical for Tajikistan, said the He assured the countries in the member states, Gurria noted in and development level of OECD Minister of National Economy dig deep, heat up more, and trans- country’s Deputy Prime Minister region of the European Union’s his opening remarks. member states serve as a practi- Timur Suleimenov at a ministerial port further. And that impacts our Azim Ibrohim, adding there are continued support. “We see the growing interest cal guideline for Kazakhstan in panel on where participants from interaction with our neighbours,” still many challenges, including “I know the geopolitical envi- from the region in the OECD in- its economic development. Central Asia and Eastern Europe he said. the economy’s huge dependence ronment is challenging, but it is struments and multilateral coop- “The OECD recommendations discussed key challenges for their Suleimenov noted, however, on remittances. still possible to see stars from the eration,” he said. help us conduct a structural re- economies. that Kazakhstan has a consistent “We have developed a compre- bottom of a well when the sun is The decision to organise Eura- form agenda in a wide range of In 2009, they accounted for 19.7 vision of how to overcome those hensive set of measures to support shining,” said Devigne, referring sia Week in Almaty, made last issues, including public admin- percent of Kazakhstan’s GDP, ac- challenges reflected in the nation’s businesses,” he noted. “We are to the quote from Robert Byron’s year in Paris, reveals Kazakh- istration, small and medium- cording to the minister, and after economic programmes such as welcoming upcoming cooperation The Road to Oxiana about the po- stan’s increasingly dynamic in- sized entrepreneurship policies many years of concerted efforts Strategy 2025. with the OECD and neighbouring et’s account of his travels in Persia volvement in the organisation and green growth. Kazakhstan is under various state programmes, “We have an even longer term countries.” and Afghanistan. Latest Syrian peace talks in Astana focus on humanitarian issues Continued from Page A1 enth round in Astana, are of great ping up the talks, the Syrian oppo- tion, however, supported the ini- Iranian delegations as well as a importance for all parties,” Abdra- sition criticised Iran and the Syr- Congress of national tiative and expressed its firm com- delegation of observers from the In the joint statement, Iran, Rus- khmanov added on his behalf. ian government for hampering the Syrian reconciliation mitment to that. U.S., Jordan and the UN. sia and Turkey asserted there was process of adopting the document “As for national dialogue forum, The Astana Process enhances no military solution to the Syrian on detainees. in Sochi put forward it is the result of coordinated ac- the efficiency of the Geneva conflict, rather the commitment to Focus on humanitarian “We signed documents [on the tivities which continue between talks, said Nazarbayev, empha- the political process guided by the issues release of detainees] and there was by Russia Russia and Iran. Given the situa- sising the positive results of the UN Security Council resolution During the negotiations, the agreement approved by Russia In the talks, Russian President tion at the front and decreasing ac- previous rounds. 2254 (2015) should prevail. guarantor states stressed the need and Turkey. We had discussions Vladimir Putin’s Special Repre- tivity of terrorists, it is time to hold “You have solved the prob- Concluding the two-day talks, to take confidence-building meas- in the presence of the UN, which sentative for Syrian settlement such kind of conference and we lem of de-escalation of mili- the three guarantor states praised ures referring to such humanitarian supported it [the document]. Who Alexander Lavrentiev reaffirmed are ready to participate. The forum tary actions in several regions. the contribution of the four de-es- issues as the release of detainees, is against – Iran and regime,” said his country’s initiative to organ- will be held in Russia and we think You have determined further calation zones agreed-upon during handover of bodies and finding al-Aridi, stressing the opposition’s ise a congress for Syrian national we can trust Russia as a friendly mechanisms. The humanitarian the sixth round of Astana process missing persons. The parties in- firm commitment to push the issue dialogue and reconciliation. The state,” said al-Jaafari. situation is improved. It is im- in September. volved in the negotiations, how- forward and raise it during the up- forum is expected to be held in In their joint statement, Russia, portant to preserve the cease- “We emphasise the signifi- ever, have yet to come to an agree- coming Geneva talks. Sochi due to security reasons, he Turkey and Iran agreed “to discuss fire regime,” noted the Kazakh cant reduction of violence on the ment. “All the present parties support- added. in consistence with the UN-led President, as he addressed the ground in Syria as a result of meas- The Syrian opposition drew spe- ed it. The regime does not want “We have been discussing the Geneva process the Russian Fed- delegations. ures taken to strengthen and main- cial attention to the issue of detain- to resolve the issue and we do not place for a while. We reviewed dif- eration’s proposal to convene a “Any kind of negotiations and tain the ceasefire regime, including ees during the talks. want to put that issue aside,” he ferent options. We would certainly Congress of the national dialogue dialogue is a path to the future. launching the de-escalation areas “Another thing we are here for added. like to organise such important about which the Russian side We all want a peaceful solution and creating the security zones,” are detainees, forcibly detained Not surprisingly, the joint state- intra-Syrian forum in Syria itself, shared information with the guar- to this issue. It is impossible to said Kazakh Minister for Foreign people, and we have around quar- ment from the guarantor states but with the current situation that antors.” fight terrorism if the efforts of Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov as ter of a million people. We do not emphasised “the need for the does not allow for ensuring secu- all countries are not united and he read out the document. know how many of them are still conflicting parties to take confi- rity, so we decided to hold it in if there is no single coalition. “We hope that all the agreements alive. So this is a very important dence‑building measures, includ- Russia,” said Lavrentiev at a press Astana Process We are making every effort to reached today are fully implement- issue for every Syrian,” noted ing the release of detainees/ab- conference. supplements the Geneva create the necessary conditions ed. All the items on the agenda, advisor to the Syrian opposition ductees and the handover of the It is not yet clear whether the to continue negotiations,” Naz- including the issues related to hos- Yahya al-Aridi. Certain people im- bodies as well as identification of congress will be held, however, talks, says Nazarbayev arbayev said. tages, detainees, missing persons, pede the progress in achieving the missing persons, to create better as the Syrian opposition already Kazakh President Nursultan The next Astana Process talks humanitarian demining and other objective, he added. conditions for political process and questioned the motives behind it. Nazarbayev met Oct. 31 with are expected to take place in late issues discussed during the sev- During a press conference wrap- lasting ceasefire.” The Syrian government delega- the heads of Russian, Turkish, December. Kazakh President thanks UAE Crown Prince for support established warm relations with if you want to correspond to By Frol Leandoer you over these years, I want to the future, then start to change express my gratitude for the today. You are following this ASTANA – Kazakh Presi- fact that you pay special atten- path,” President Nazarbayev dent Nursultan Nazarbayev tion to Kazakhstan,” President said. thanked the United Arab Emir- Nazarbayev said according to The Crown Prince also praised ates for its support during an an account of the meeting pro- relations between the two coun- Oct. 24 meeting in Abu Dhabi vided by the Akorda press ser- tries. with the Crown Prince of Abu vice. “We are learning a lot from Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Nazarbayev also noted you, you are implementing re- Commander of the UAE Armed planned joint petrochemistry, forms in accordance with the de- Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin agriculture and nuclear industry mands of the times. Kazakhstan Zayed Al Nahyan. projects and praised the UAE’s is developing steadily thanks to “You always support us in the development of modern tech- your far-sighted policy,” said Photo credit: Akorda.kz. Photo credit: international arena and in the nologies. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed economic sphere, and we have “There is one wise saying: Al Nahyan. Al Nahyan (L) and President Nursultan Nazarbayev. A6 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

ECONOMIC Privatisation programme Industrialisation initiative NEWS IN BRIEF Social health insurance fund contributions by employers and individual entrepreneurs reached sells 291 entities worth results in economic growth approximately 6 billion tenge (US$17.9 million) in October, Staff Report reported newtimes.kz. Receipts for July-October were 18.6 bil- $337.5 million ASTANA – Kazakh President lion tenge (US$55.5 million). “Of Nursultan Nazarbayev said that these, the amount of payments of By Assel Satubaldina around 1,060 projects were imple- employers for compulsory so- mented and 100,000 jobs created cial health insurance was 15.02 ASTANA – The national priva- as part of the industrialisation pro- billion tenge (US$44.8 million) tisation programme for 2016-2020 gramme at an Oct.16 meeting with or nearly 81 percent of the total has seen the sale of 291 of 887 the Minister for Investments and amount of income. The amount entities earlier slated for sale for Development Zhenis Kassymbek. of contributions of individual 112.7 billion tenge (US$337.5 mil- The head of state emphasised entrepreneurs and persons work- lion) through Oct. 1, reported Ka- the importance of implementing ing under contracts of civil law zakh Minister for Finance Bakhyt state and sectoral programmes and was 3.54 billion tenge (US$10.56 Sultanov during the Oct. 17 gov- noted the interim results of its im- million) or approximately 19 per- cent,” said the report. ernment session. Bakhyt Sultanov plementation. of the national highway networks tres of housing were built as part of He noted the sales include 23 “Around 1,060 projects were in- are in good condition. The Western the Nurly Zher initiative. state-owned entities for 8.3 billion The 2014-2016 privatisation troduced worth 5.2 trillion tenge Europe-Western China roads and “We are building housing in Food products are rising in tenge (US$24.85 million), 162 in programme resulted in the sale of (US$15.5 billion) and 100,000 Astana-Temirtau, Almaty-Kapcha- nine regions. All programmes are price, reported energyprom.kz. communal ownership for 33.1 bil- more than 30 percent of 831 enti- jobs were created as part of the in- gai, Beineu-Shetpe, Kokshetau- aimed at improving the lives of our With the end of the warm season, lion tenge (US$99.1 million) and ties owned by the state and quasi- dustrialisation programme. Items Petropavlovsk roads were com- citizens,” he said. vegetables have become more ex- 106 in the quasi-public sector for public sector. The privatisation worth 8 trillion tenge (US$24 bil- missioned. Also, the largest bridge Nazarbayev said some issues pensive per kilogramme: cucum- bers rose in price to 292.6 tenge 71.3 billion tenge (US$213.5 mil- plan for 2016-2020 incorporating a lion) have been produced. This is in Central Asia across the Irtysh require increased attention of the new list of entities began in Janu- (US$0.87), potatoes to 119.5 lion). the most important achievement for River was constructed. Around ministry. ary 2016. tenge (US$0.35) and tomatoes to At present, 211 entities on the the country. We are producing 500 75,000 people were involved in “The state industrialisation “Currently, the programme is 306.2 tenge (US$0.90). Imported list will either be reorganised or types of products that haven’t been these projects. Ninety percent of programme has not yet ensured 74.3 percent complete,” noted Sul- all building materials were pro- diversification of the country’s oranges increased for a month to liquidated. The government plans produced before,” said Nazarbayev. tanov. duced in Kazakhstan,” he said. economy. The share of processing 568.1 tenge (US$1.69) and ba- to sell 473 entities with 251 al- The Nurly Zhol infrastructure Privatisation of 24 entities are of The President also noted the industry in GDP has not changed nanas to 434.5 tenge (US$1.29) ready offered, including 112 en- development programme’s results particular importance this year, he were also on the agenda. economic importance of the Kuryk significantly. All the necessary per kilogramme. To stabilise tities sold for 55.6 billion tenge added, including 20 currently un- “Five thousand kilometres of seaport on the Caspian Sea and the instruments are available to carry prices and strengthen ties be- (US$166.5 million). der the control of national holdings roads were constructed and recon- Khorgos, the International Centre out the tasks set. The ministry is tween agricultural producers and “The results of the analysis and the state-owned Astana Air- structed since 2010. Over 4,500 of Trans-Boundary Cooperation, responsible for the implementation end customers, the Atameken Na- meant to examine the efficiency of port, Astana Konak Yui, KazMed- kilometres will be put into opera- on the border with China. of economic and social priorities,” tional Chamber of Entrepreneurs the sales demonstrate that the to- Tech and the National Scientific tion until 2020. Now 85 percent More than 10 million square me- he said. is considering creating wholesale tal value of the sold entities is 17.4 Medical Centre. distribution centres. percent more than their balance Kazakh Minister for Economy value,” said Sultanov. Timur Suleimenov reported on Tourism in Almaty and Almaty In line with President Nursul- changes made in the budget code region is being enhanced through tan Nazarbayev’s instruction, the as per Nazarbayev’s instruction. the regional Tourism Cluster As- government has been carrying out “The changes are about the Economy expected to grow sociation under the auspices of the an ambitious privatisation pro- transfer of funds generated from World Bank, reported ortcom.kz. gramme since 2014 to reduce the privatisation to the National Fund. Nine million tenge (US$26,856) state share in the economy up to The draft decree is currently in allocated from the local budget 15 percent of the nation’s GDP, a state bodies awaiting their approv- at least 3.4 percent by year’s this year was used to develop figure corresponding to the level al,” he said. design estimates to construct an of Organisation for Economic The ministry also conducted an 11-kilometre regional road from Co-operation and Development inventory of subordinate organisa- the Almaty-Narynkol highway to (OECD) member states. The gov- tions that will remain under state end, says minister Charyn Canyon. Approximately ernment expects the measures will ownership, he added, including “Positive growth dynamics in one billion tenge (US$2.98 mil- bolster the private sector and at- 6,523 organisations with social By Zhanna Shayakhmetova industry, agriculture and construc- lion) is expected to be assigned tract investments, funds needed entities such as kindergartens, tion is observed in the regions,” he from the local budget to repair a for emerging economies such as schools and hospitals accounting ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s econ- said. 34-kilometre segment of the re- Kazakhstan. for 85 percent of the list. omy retained a 4.3-percent growth Transportation services in- gional road from Kopa railway rate from January-September and creased 4.7 percent, trade and station to the Karabastau settle- is expected to grow 3.4 percent communications by 3 percent and ment, said regional akim (gover- by the end of the year, said Min- real estate transactions by 2.1 per- nor) Amandyk Batalov. The seg- ister of National Economy Timur cent. ment leads to the Tanbaly State Suleimenov at an Oct. 17 govern- The volume of investments Museum Reserve, included in the Country drops one ment meeting. Macroeconomic in fixed assets increased by 4.4 United Nations Educational, Sci- stability, investment activity and percent. The greatest increase entific and Cultural Organisation favourable conditions in foreign in investments was reported in (UNESCO) list of cultural herit- age. Repair work is planned from markets influenced the trend, in trade, construction and industry 2018-2020. spot in Doing addition to initiatives taken as due to ongoing modernisation in part of the state and sectoral pro- the heat and water supply net- Twenty Aktobe region enter- grammes. work. Timur Suleimenov prises are modernising this year, “The industry, construction, The growth of investments in reported 24.kz. Innovations Business report... trade, transport and communica- fixed assets was due to internal 17.9 percent to $18.4 billion. He have already been introduced Continued from Page A1 New Zealand and Singapore tion sectors became the main driv- sources, while external financing credited the growth to favourable at 15 sites; the rest of the work once again presented the best re- ers of growth. The industry sec- sources decreased, said Sulei- conditions on global markets, in- on technological improvements While the nation’s ranking fell sults, with DTF measured at 86.55 tor shows a steady growth of 8.3 menov. cluding higher prices this year for will be completed in the next one point, its Distance to Frontier and 84.57, respectively. percent since the beginning of the Kazakhstan’s main export com- The gross inflow of foreign di- two months. Approximately 20 (DTF) improved to 75.44 versus Compiled for the 15th year, the modities. year,” said Suleimenov. rect investment increased by 8.6 billion tenge (US$59.68 mil- 74.38 in 2017. Doing Business report examines Mining volume increased 11.3 percent (US$10.5 billion) in the The socio-economic develop- ment forecast was revised accord- lion) was allocated for the work. Beginning in 2014, the World regulatory standards that either fa- percent and manufacturing by 5.7 first half of the year. The country’s Thirty large-scale productions Bank rating has been calculated cilitate or hinder the development percent. Pharmaceuticals, light international reserves were $89.4 ing to the GDP growth rate for 2016 and indicators for the current will be modernised in the region based on the DTF measure – the of business throughout the entire industry, food, and beverage and billion due to the 10.2-percent in the next five years, which will distance of each economy to the cycle of activities. It assesses as- petroleum production also demon- growth of gold and foreign cur- year. Nominal GDP in 2017 is pro- expand factory production lines “frontier,” which represents the pects of doing business as such strated significant growth. Ferrous rency reserves. and increase the number of jobs, jected to be 51,855.3 billion tenge best performance observed on each starting a business, dealing with metallurgy production rose 7.8 Suleimenov further informed said regional akim (governor) (US$155.4 billion), which would indicator across all economies since construction permits, getting elec- percent; non-ferrous, 6.6 percent. that Kazakhstan’s external trade Berdibek Saparbayev. He also be 2,114.7 billion tenge (US$6.3 the 2005 Doing Business sample. tricity, registering property, getting Agricultural growth remains at turnover reached $48.7 billion, noted significant indicators in billion) higher than the indicator An economy’s DTF ranges on a credit, protecting minority inves- 1.9 percent, while the construction showing a growth of 26.4 per- other areas, as the region is the approved in February. The per scale from 0-100 with 0 represent- tors, trading across borders, pay- industry rose from 0.1 percent to cent, with export volumes grow- leader in manufacturing growth. capita GDP is expected to increase ing the lowest performance and 100 ing taxes, enforcing contracts and 3.5 percent in the nine-month pe- ing by 32.2 percent to $30.3 During the first nine months of to $8,700. representing the frontier. resolving insolvency. riod. billion and imports increasing this year, products worth more than one billion tenge (US$2.98 million) were manufactured. The region has also increased con- struction volume more than 10 percent, with more than 140 resi- Farmers harvest 21.9 million tonnes dential buildings constructed this year under the Nurly Zher pro- gramme. of grain in 2017 The South Kazakhstan region ley were collected, which exceeds has become the leader in the num- By Aigerim Bulambayeva the planned indicator by 600,000 ber of small and medium-sized tonnes. This is the result of the entities (SMEs), as more than ASTANA – Kazakh farmers har- crops’ diversification project. Di- 15 percent of the country’s busi- vested 21.9 million tonnes of grain versification and reorientation to- ness entities are located there, this year for a yield of 14.3 quin- wards production of priority crops reported abctv.kz. The number tals per hectare. enabled farmers to double their of operating SMEs increased to The harvesting area increased gross output given the same area 177,709, a 106.2-percent increase by 1.1 billion hectares compared of 1.4 million hectares, and gener- compared to the same period last to 2016, said First Vice Minister of ated revenue of 119 billion tenge year, according to Batyrkhan Agriculture Kairat Aituganov at an (US$354.2 million) instead of last Kurmanseit, head of the region’s Oct. 23 government meeting. year’s 57 billion tenge (US$169.6 department for entrepreneurship, He also noted that the proportion million). industrial-innovative develop- of third class wheat was 63 per- “Final statistical data on plant ment and tourism. As of Aug. 1, cent, compared to 44 percent last breeding will be known by the end the country has 1,157,092 SMEs, year. The proportion of gluten con- of this year, but, according to the approximately 15.4 percent of taining wheat reached 34 percent, operational data, we can already which are in South Kazakhstan. compared to 8 percent in 2016. tell that the targeted indicators The region is followed by Almaty By the end of this harvesting have been achieved,” reported (172,880) and the Almaty region season 3.4 million tonnes of bar- Aituganov. (111,933). A7 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Cryptocurrencies are natural evolution The European Bank for Re- construction and Development (EBRD) is providing a five-year loan in tenge equivalent to $11 of payment systems, says expert million to Ramstore, Kazakh- Though this is an apparent advan- stan’s GDP, which is roughly $2 tocurrency would require some stan’s food retailer, according to By Aigerim Bulambayeva tage, it comes at a certain cost. billion,” said Duparcq. level of regulation,” said Duparcq. the bank’s press release. The loan “Cryptocurrencies are a more If the economy operated with- He made the analogy between will help Ramstore modernise ASTANA – The popularity of realistic reflection of the currency out cash, though not necessar- the Internet and Intranets. Cryp- and redevelop its flagship shop- cryptocurrencies, and the scep- value than traditional currencies, ily through cryptocurrencies, the tocurrencies, in the form currently ping mall in the Samal district of ticism around them, are, para- which are easily manipulated by money spent as the “cost of cash” known to us, are akin to the Inter- Almaty, with the multi-functional doxically, on the rise. In an in- governments. On the other hand, could have been invested in infra- net. Enhanced cryptocurrencies, trade complex to open its doors terview with The Astana Times, governments sometimes need structure, education or other fields backed by the government and yet in November. “With our loan we Nazarbayev University School monetary policy to stimulate the with a better yield. That said, for to be created, are like Intranets. are promoting foreign investment of Business Dean Dr. Patrick Du- economy or cool down the econo- cryptocurrencies to thrive and ac- “For internal security, companies in Kazakhstan, creating new jobs parcq spoke about the scrutiny my. A cryptocurrency in its purest tually have a future in Kazakhstan, use Internet technology in a closed and facilitating access to better- around cryptocurrency and its fu- form would eliminate this very im- Patrick Duparcq or any other country, a list of cer- network (Intranet). This enables quality food retail services across ture in Kazakhstan and throughout portant tool for the government,” tain preconditions must be met. them to use all the benefits of In- the country. Providing our loan the world. said Duparcq. which was quite common in the Some of the main features of ternet technology without some of in local currency makes working Duparcq is a recognised technol- While the fact that cryptocurren- 1990s. Cryptocurrencies are just a successful cryptocurrency are the security risks that come with a with the EBRD even more at- ogy strategist and visionary with cies undermine monetary policy a natural evolution of payment simplicity and universality, said totally open system,” said Duparcq. tractive to Ramstore Kazakhstan 20 years of expertise in forecast- lays the groundwork for scepti- systems. Systems have evolved Duparcq. Cryptocurrency must be The aforementioned conditions as we help the company to avoid ing, marketing and implementing. cism among experts, commoners from totally reliable on physical easy to use online, a smartphone or must apply to any cryptocurrency exchange rate fluctuations,” said His current activities include tech- are more concerned with the ano- assets to unrelated to physical other device and be accepted eve- that strives to achieve enduring EBRD Director for Kazakhstan nology forecasting and providing nymity issues. assets,” he said. rywhere. Other essential character- success. A report in August noted Agris Preimanis. According to application frameworks and strate- “A cryptocurrency holder can He added there is a natural need istics include currency conversion two Kazakh-based cryptocurren- the press release, the Kazakh re- gies for businesses, specifically in send exactly the amount to the to depart from cash towards a and trustworthiness, and the gov- cies – altyncoin and eurasiancoin tail sector was strongly impacted digital and global marketing. merchant or recipient with no fur- more efficient means of payment ernment must ensure that trustwor- – are to be released in the second by the country’s recent economic In essence, cryptocurrency is a ther information like credit card and cryptocurrency, along with e- thiness by backing it up. half of 2018. slowdown, which affected con- unit means of exchange where the information. On the other hand, pay, as one of the viable options of Despite the popular opinion “They can have a future other sumer purchasing power. The value of the exchange unit is de- governments sometimes need cashless transactions. that cryptocurrency is deliberately than short term speculative oppor- economy has recently showed termined by the global exchanges tracking to detect criminal activ- “David Chaum, one of the ear- designed in a way to avoid third tunities if the preconditions are in signs of stabilisation and recovery, in that currency. Unlike regular ity,” said Duparcq. ly pioneers in virtual currencies, parties and intermediaries, includ- place,” he said. it noted. national currencies, governments Whether cryptocurrency can recognised early on that the cost ing government interference, true “In ancient times, people had cannot manipulate cryptocurrency gain ground in Kazakhstan is an- of producing and administering believers would strongly disagree pieces of gold with them for their Borte Milka dairy farm will exchanges, for all transactions other concern, but Duparcq’s pre- money bills and metal coins is an and argue that “non-regulation” is transactions. We went past that soon launch a milk processing are in an encrypted shared ledger. dictions are rather positive. unnecessary drain on the econo- at its very core. and I strongly believe that in 20-30 plant in Ordabasy district of the Therefore, cryptocurrency is – at “Doubting the future of cryp- my. For instance, in Kazakhstan “The ability for the government years from now there will be very South Kazakhstan region, accord- least theoretically – a more truth- tocurrencies is akin to doubt- this ‘cost of cash’ is estimated to to have a monetary policy, to fight little cash, if any at all,” added Du- ing to the region administration ful representation of the real value. ing the future of the Internet, be around 1.5 percent of Kazakh- crime and to provide trust in a cryp- parcq. press service. The facility, with the capacity to process up to 50 tonnes of milk per day, intends to produce cream, sour cream, kefir (a fermented milk drink) and six types of yogurt. The complex, Venture fund for financing start-ups to be based on AIFC the only robotic dairy farm in the “There are plans to establish an ing technology commercialisation A tender was launched in Sep- grants of the consortium of the region, will soon start accepting Staff Report early-stage venture fund in 2018 offices at universities in Kazakh- tember offering grant financing production sector and applications milk from small farmers, accord- on the basis of the Astana Interna- stan and opening offices abroad for production sector consortiums. were completed on Oct. 20. A total ing to company representatives. ASTANA – A venture fund provid- tional Financial Centre. The fund and will prepare several models The goal of the programme is to of 45 applications were submitted, The plant has 2.4 billion tenge ing early financing for start-ups will will be created to provide invest- from which the most viable will be ensure cooperation and create con- including 17 applications for the (US$7.7 million) in production in- be created based on the Astana In- ments for technological start-ups selected by AIFC,” he added. vestments. sortia between scientific organisa- creation of scientific cooperation ternational Financial Centre (AIFC), and start-ups with high added val- Two grant programs were con- tions and manufacturing enterpris- centres and 28 for technology con- said Ministry of Education and Sci- Marble meat from the East Ka- ue,” said Abdrasilov. ducted in 2016-2017 in conjunc- es to introduce technologies aimed sortia. Next year, there are plans to zakhstan region will be sold to ence committee chair Bolatbek Ab- The project consists of five main tion with developing the innova- at solving the system’s tasks in the launch a grant programme for the large processing enterprises, shop- drasilov during a Central Communi- components – developing the in- tion knowledge base. As a result, industry. development of social and inclu- ping centres and restaurants in Al- cations Service press conference. novation knowledge base, forming 43 subprojects were selected for “In total, 4 billion tenge (USD sive innovations in Kazakhstan,” maty, according to the city’s enter- The pilot project, with the goal innovative consortia, consolidat- financing. $12 million) was provided for said Abdrasilov. prise and industrial and innovative of stimulating productive innova- ing the technology commercialisa- development department. “Today tions, is being implemented within tion cycle, improving the national in the East Kazakhstan region the loan agreement ratified Feb. 2, innovation system coordination there are 96 feeding grounds with 2016 between Kazakhstan and the program and implementing the more than 28,000 cattle of highly International Bank for Reconstruc- projects. productive meat breeds – Angus, tion and Development. The effort, Creating the venture fund is in- Hereford and Charolais from Can- to be executed in 2016-2020 with cluded in the third stage. ada, the United States and Aus- a $110 million budget, is aimed at “Currently, an international tralia. In this regard, we arrived in demonstrating the commercial via- consultant from Israel has been Almaty regarding the creation of a bility of both high-quality research involved in the implementation of distribution centre for the supply and technology and early funding this component, which is develop- of our elite meat,” said regional institutions. ing a programme to support exist- deputy akin (governor) Shakkar Baibekov. During the talks, the sides noted interregional coopera- tion has resulted in an increased supply of dairy products from the East Kazakhstan region to Almaty. Kazakhstan opens The 2016 volume of 416 tonnes has increased almost 2.5 times this year. office in Skolkovo A plant producing canned camel Industry 4.0, essentially the In- meat, the winner of the Ministry By Yerbolat Uatkhanov ternet of things. The project will of Education and Science con- provide a unique platform, even at test, will be launched in Almaty ASTANA – The Autonomous the world level, and Skolkovo resi- in 2018, according to inform. Cluster Fund “Park of Innova- dents will no doubt be interested in kz. The state has allocated 151.3 tive Technologies” has opened a trying their forces and solutions in million tenge (US$452,000) via representative office in Russia’s real conditions, said Kettebekov. the Science Foundation to imple- Skolkovo Technopark to support The representative office will ment the project and a private cooperation between Kazakh and work on cryptocurrencies, block- partner has invested 7.5 million Russian high tech companies and chain and smart city technologies, tenge (US$22,400), as well pro- boost the Digital Kazakhstan pro- which are in great demand in Rus- vided a building for production. gramme. sia. Kettebekov noted Kazakhstan The initial assortment will include Establishing the office, accom- has companies working on similar canned stew in its pure form, as plished under the programme, will projects, but noted a large consor- well as stew with the addition of help synchronise the digital econo- tium is needed to solve cumber- buckwheat and rice. The range mies of Eurasian Economic Union some tasks such as industrial dig- of products will be expanded as (EAEU) countries. itisation. demand grows, said project head “Kazakhstan is happy that we Skolkovo Technopark general Zhuldyz Suleimenova. will have our representative office director Renat Batyrov confirmed in Skolkovo. Its opening will cre- the demand of Russian companies Moody’s Investors Service has ate the necessary conditions and interested in cooperating with Ka- affirmed Kaspi Bank global scale will provide an opportunity for our zakh companies, adding they are ratings at B1 with a positive out- start-ups to work in the market of prepared to provide all the neces- look and upgraded the national the Eurasian Economic Union,” sary conditions and opportunities scale rating to Baa2.kz. Moody’s said Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister at the office. rating action, with the change to a Askar Zhumagaliyev at the opening “We have been cooperating with positive outlook, reflects improv- ceremony, reported Kazinform. Kazakhstan’s Park of Innovative ing asset quality indicators with Kazakhstan will be sending rep- Technologies for several years and decreased credit costs, improved resentatives of companies which we see that there is a demand for coverage of problem loans by re- aim to work in the Russian mar- cooperation with Kazakh compa- serves and strengthening profit- ket using its infrastructure, said nies, which is confirmed by Rus- ability metrics. Kaspi Bank also Autonomous Cluster Fund park sian companies. There are suc- maintains a high capital buffer director Sanzhar Kettebekov. He cessful examples of interaction and ample liquidity cushion. At added Russian start-ups will be and vice versa, there are Kazakh the same time, the bank’s rat- attracted to Kazakhstan’s market companies that are interested in ings remain constrained by high as well. entering the Russian market. In or- reliance on the risky consumer Kazakhstan will provide mining der to meet this demand and make finance segment and FX mis- and metallurgical complex labora- it more successful, we made a joint matches, which require relatively tories to create a test site at an op- decision to open the Kazakhstan costly hedging, according to the erating plant. The site will be used representative office in Skolkovo,” statement. to evaluate the latest solutions for he said. A8 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 Digital Kazakhstan Long-term stabilisation of Afghanistan programme key to country’s needs concerted efforts ganisation of the Islamic Conference By Adilkhan Gadelshiyev (OIC) for rehabilitation of Afghani- stan. In addition, Kazakhstan made development At the present time, issues of sta- a special-purpose contribution of he Astana International Financial Centre tion by focusing on four key priorities: creating a bilisation of the situation in Afghani- $300,000 to the UN Trust Fund for (AIFC) signed a memorandum of coopera- high-speed and secure digital infrastructure; digital stan draw the attention of the entire fighting terrorism to implement the tion in October with EXANTE, a Maltese transformation within all appropriate sectors of the international community. Long-term UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strat- technology investment company, signalling economy; government proactivity in digital affairs; stability of the Central Asian region egy in Central Asia. Ttheir intention to cooperate on new digital projects. and the development of competencies and skills to in whole is related to this issue. Con- In the work of regional organisa- The memorandum of cooperation confirmed the permit a creative and digital society. Implementation sequently, building a secure and pros- tions there are positive efforts of AIFC’s interest in blockchain technology, which is has begun throughout government, with institutions, perous region is impossible without countries in the region on implement- widely praised as one of the most significant eco- departments and administrative bodies all encour- resolving the Afghan crisis. In this re- Adilkhan Gadelshiyev ing infrastructure, transit transport nomic developments of the past few years, and rep- aged to evaluate areas where digital transformation gard, Kazakhstan, within the frame- and energy projects. Such steps pro- resented the first steps of progress between the AIFC could have a positive impact on public services. work of the United Nations Security to establish a Central Asian hub on mote gradual integration of Afghani- and a company renowned for its expertise in bridging This has already yielded results. For example, the Council, is making significant efforts countering transnational crimes, ter- stan to trade and economic coopera- forward-thinking government institutions with new National Bank of Kazakhstan recently announced to stabilise the situation in this coun- rorism and global threats by 2020, tion with Central Asian countries. technologies. that it is exploring the creation of a mobile applica- try. where security forces of both Central Moreover, regional formations One of the proposed projects is the AIFC’s adop- tion for the population to conduct transactions to The presidency of the UN Secu- Asia and, in prospect, Afghanistan such as the Conference on Interaction tion of a cryptocurrency platform named Stasis, buy and sell securities using blockchain technology. rity Council’s sanctions commit- and Pakistan will receive training. and Confidence-Building Measures which will serve as a foundation for “a new digital In this instance, the underlying blockchain plat- tees on Afghanistan/Taliban (the Such a project has already enlisted in Asia (CICA) and Central Asian asset secured by fiat.” What this means is that a new form would be used for the accounting of executed Committee 1988) and in particular, the support of the UN and the Organi- Regional Information and Coordina- digital cryptocurrency operating on a blockchain deals and for ensuring the safety and inalterability ISIS/IS/Al-Qaida (the Committee sation for Security and Co-operation tion Centre for combating the illicit platform will be secured, supported and regulated by of information on transactions, showing how new 1267/1989/2253), empowers Ka- in Europe (OSCE), in particular as it trafficking of narcotic drugs, psycho- government decree, which in turn will be informed technologies can add security and reliability through zakhstan with opportunities to im- is aimed at post-conflict rehabilitation tropic substances and their precursors by experts in blockchain technology. untypical means. prove the Afghan situation. of Afghanistan. (CARICC) make active efforts in Through regulation, the AIFC will be able to There are also a number of larger projects expected It should be noted that the work of At the same time, Kazakhstan is resolving the ongoing conflict. The mitigate the traditional risks associated with crypto- to be launched over the next few years. Digital this committee is conducted within also conducting independent work on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation currencies, whilst allowing investors to enjoy distinct infrastructure initiatives, such as the creation of a the sanctions policy, implemented improving the standard of living and (SCO) member states and Afghani- benefits. For example, Statis will enable virtually technology hub where start-ups and entrepreneurs by the UN in respect to persons or infrastructure of Afghanistan. Hu- stan establish cooperation in meet- instant payments with no risk of devaluation or are given the resources to innovate and prosper, will organisations supporting the Tali- manitarian aid in the form of supplies ings of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact hyperinflation for the digital asset, and as the CEO bring tangible benefits to both the Kazakh population ban. Besides, a close cooperation of food and essential goods is pro- Group. Iran and Turkmenistan also of Stasis Gregory Klumov noted, there will also be and the region more widely. All this will also directly between Kazakh diplomats and Inter- vided on an annual basis. The educa- express interest in resolving the Af- several indisputable advantages of “transparency, im- contribute to Kazakhstan’s development at a time pol has been established. It must be tion programme for Afghan students ghan issue within this platform. mutability… and reduced cost.” when it powers on in its trajectory into the world’s 30 emphasised that Kazakhstan, within in Kazakh universities is also car- Although this project has only just begun, getting most developed states. the framework of its presidency of ried out. In addition, construction of The author is a research fellow at to this stage is the culmination of much work by the Although news about cryptocurrencies and block- the UN Security Council in January schools, hospitals and roads is funded the Kazakhstan Institute for Stra- Kazakh government, which has created a working chain technology is often deemed inaccessible owing 2018, will work on the convening of by Kazakhstan. tegic Studies. group to develop rules and regulations for the digital to its specialist terminology, the news of this prospec- open debate at the ministerial level on It is remarkable that in 2009 Ka- assets market. Governor of the Astana International tive collaboration between EXANTE and the AIFC is Central Asia and Afghanistan. zakhstan donated $1 million to the The full version of this opinion is Financial Centre Kairat Kelimbetov himself praised significant in much broader sense. With appropriate In addition, Astana is planning Islamic Solidarity Fund of the Or- available online. “Astana’s leading financial regulators [who] have consultation around its implementation and special- already commenced their work and are laying the ist counsel about proper legal regulation, the AIFC foundation for Kazakhstan’s fin-tech ecosystem … stands to be one of the first prominent institutions [so that] the AIFC can become an international hub worldwide to incorporate blockchain technology in a for blockchain operations.” regulated and intelligent manner. The memorandum of cooperation between the At the same time, this is just a single example in Kazakhstan and Germany: AIFC and EXANTE also represents a big step for- a growing trend. Through these announcements and ward for the Digital Kazakhstan government pro- digital initiatives, we are seeing the Digital Kazakh- gramme. This state-led initiative was launched earlier stan programme solidify Astana’s role as regional this year and has seen departments throughout the hub for innovation, and Kazakhstan’s international 25 years of cooperation Kazakh government engage in discussions and de- standing as an adopter of the world’s newest tech- form playing a far more important bates to facilitate interdepartmental and sector-wide nologies. Only time will tell what the future holds, By Guido Herz role within the “international con- efforts to modernise Kazakhstan’s economy. but we can all be sure that the Digital Kazakhstan cert” than most of the countries with The Digital Kazakhstan programme specifically programme is going to play an important role in Before I came to Kazakhstan in population around 18 million usually aims to facilitate Kazakhstan’s digital modernisa- shaping it. 2011 as the Ambassador of Germany, do. Since the first years the independ- I had been an ambassador to a big ent, the state has confirmed itself as African country, which gained its a trustworthy counsel for the world independence in 1961. Despite good free of nuclear weapons by complete preconditions, this country, because refusal from the nuclear arsenal left of its experiments with “African so- Guido Herz from the Soviet Union. Kazakhstan A well deserved prize cialism,” was economically destruct- is an important actor of the Eurasian ed by 1980s. The good preconditions a wise and forward-looking govern- Economic Union; it plays a signifi- were mineral deposits, long coast ment. Certainly, the country’s raw cant role in Iranian negotiations, the line, world-known tourist sites, Eng- material wealth also helped, but there Syrian peace process, as well as in and a token of stronger lish as an official language, no war of are enough examples when the coun- overcoming the Ukrainian crisis. Ka- independence, good physical, admin- try’s raw material wealth becomes zakhstan in light of its foreign policy istrative and legal infrastructure first more a curse than a blessing. There- was justly invited as a non-permanent taken from German and then from fore, Kazakhstan’s achievements member of the UN Security Council. cooperation to come English colonisers. within 25 years cannot be overesti- The fact that Chinese President hen King Abdullah II of Jordan paid an proliferation. As is well known, Kazakhstan has been In 1991, it was one of the poorest mated. Xi Jinping chose Astana and Naz- official visit to Kazakhstan on Novem- a consistent supporter of all global anti-nuclear initia- countries in the world, and today it Germany has cooperated closely arbayev University for the official ber 1 and met with President Nursultan tives since its independence and has led several inter- remains as such. At the same time, with Kazakhstan since its independ- presentation of the project of the cen- Nazarbayev, both sides discussed bilat- national efforts to rid the world of weapons of mass a transition to market economy in ence. We have had an important link tury – “New Silk Road” in Septem- Weral relations, mainly focusing on trade and economic destruction. Kazakhstan has been actively promoting 1990s brought many advantages. The since the very beginning – there was ber 2013 should not be forgotten. cooperation. But in addition to this, there was another the idea of establishing a nuclear weapons-free zone commodities boom since 2000 and about a million ethnic Germans liv- The Kazakh-German relations significant moment. The President of Kazakhstan in the Middle East. The support of Jordan will be huge payments for development as- ing in the country who had been have been constantly developing presented to the King of Jordan the Nazarbayev Prize absolutely essential to prevent nuclear proliferation sistance during all these years have deported to Kazakhstan in Stalin’s since my appointment as ambassador for a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World and Global Secu- in the region. brought great revenues to the coun- times. Many of them wanted to move in 2011. The commodity agreement rity for the king’s contribution to regional stability, Fortunately, Kazakhstan can count on Jordan, try. Nevertheless, in 2011 per capita to Germany after the collapse of the signed in 2012 is a good platform for global security and steadfast stance against war and as the country has become one of Kazakhstan’s income was approximately $700, Soviet Union. Despite the fact that further long-term development of our the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. closest partners in the Middle East, not least which is not more than it was back Kazakhstan needed labour force to economic relations. Germany as one The prize itself, and its first recipient, was first because Astana and Amman share similar views in 1991. create independent state, the country of the first countries that confirmed announced in August 2016. It is easy to see why the on a variety of regional and global issues. Jordan When it gained its independence, did not prevent the Germans’ desire its participation in EXPO 2017, and I leader of Jordan deserved it. Jordan’s commitment has continuously showed its support for Kazakh- Kazakhstan was just as poor but by but actively supported them. There- hope that it thereby contributed to the to global peace and security in recent years has been stan’s initiatives on the international arena such 2011 it increased per capita income fore, many ethnic Germans man- success of this big event. The visit of noteworthy. The country took in more than 1.5 mil- as the Conference on Interaction and Confidence twentyfold to €12,000 ($14,060). aged to come back to their ancestral the newly elected Federal President lion Syrian refugees during the peak of the Syrian Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Congress In addition, the preconditions in homeland. About 800,000 of them Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a long- currently live in Germany and create crisis last year. Jordan has also played an important of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, this case were much worse. The standing friend of Kazakhstan and its a so called “living bridge” between role in promoting peace in the Middle East, including the Astana Economic Forum and EXPO 2017. state unity was not secure at all, the President in July of this year, empha- our countries. sised this. through the establishment of a nuclear-weapons-free In 2013, Kazakhstan allocated $200,000 to help country’s borders were not marked accurately and with a significant po- The current year Kazakhstan and In my opinion, Kazakhstan is zone in the region. Jordan in dealing with Syrian refugees located on tential for conflict with strong neigh- Germany mark the 25th anniversary an example of successful develop- The hope is that the Nazarbayev Prize, which will their territory. bours, transport infrastructure was of diplomatic relations; Germany at ment. However, there is no room be awarded every two years by a special committee, The President of Kazakhstan rightly noted that not developed and it was laid only the beginning of February 1992 be- for complacency, and, in accordance will urge other international actors to more vigor- over the years, Kazakhstan and Jordan have built from North to South, the legacy of came one of the first countries which with changing premises, conditions ously pursue a world free of nuclear weapons. a very trustful and friendly relationship. During the bureaucratic centralism was a established diplomatic relations with should be created for the country to The visit by the Jordanian King coincided with the the visit, the two sides were able to deepen these burden, and additionally, Kazakhstan independent Kazakhstan. continue developing. The country’s seventh high-level international meeting on Syria relations further, especially in the field of trade and is a huge country with no access to Relations between our countries leadership knows that, and therefore within the framework of the Astana Process, which economic cooperation. the sea. Despite this, the country has have always been positive. When it has announced extensive political took place Oct. 30-31. As President Nazarbayev Enhancing the ties between Kazakhstan and Jordan moved along the path of democratic I came to Kazakhstan in 2011, the and economic reforms. If the country rightly pointed out, Jordan plays a big role in the is in the interest of both countries. There is ample development and is doing well com- country had just concluded success- implements these reforms gradually, Astana Process by participating as an observer. opportunity for increased collaboration, especially pared to its Central Asian neighbours ful chairmanship of the OSCE in the country will develop consistently Jordan’s involvement will be very important to the in the field of renewable energy. Both countries can and other states of the former Soviet 2010 which was marked by personal the following 25 years. Kazakhstan success of the Astana Process and the overall resolu- further explore joint investments and projects in the Union. The country is stable both participation of the Federal Chancel- can count on Germany as a reliable tion of the Syrian crisis. field of green energy. And if both countries continue internally and in external policy, the lor Angela Merkel in the Astana sum- partner. Resolving the Syrian conflict is just one issue to work together to facilitate the achievement of their economy is efficient and is aimed at mit in December 2010. that brings Kazakhstan and Jordan together. In fact, ambitious mutual goals – world peace and a world the future, and the physical and social For five years of my work as the The author served as German both countries share a much wider commitment to free from nuclear weapons – then this relationship infrastructure develops dynamically. Ambassador, Kazakhstan continued Ambassador to Kazakhstan in global peace and stability, as well as nuclear non- will be in the interest of the entire planet. This all became possible thanks to developing on the international plat- 2011-2016.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

vital to increase private sector de- years. We have just approved a new velopment and create jobs. $800 million Multi-Tranche Financ- Greater labor mobility will allow ing Facility for CAREC road corridor A New Era of Cooperation for Central Asia people to improve their skills and ob- development in Pakistan. Next year, connecting its people, policies and regulation, CAREC 2030 can also tain new jobs. It is encouraging that we will finance the first phase of the By Takehiko Nakao projects. I see four key ways in which help improve the region’s invest- CAREC 2030 has embraced in prin- Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan it can create the conditions for future ment climate, sustain economic ciple a regional labor market informa- transmission line project for $150 Central Asia is a dynamic and growth, stability and prosperity. growth and manage the impact of tion system focusing on skills needs million. ADB has also already begun fast-changing region. Over the past First, it will deepen support for tra- cyclical economic downturns. and regional job search and place- discussions for regional projects in couple of decades, it has shown ditional areas of cooperation, such as Third, for Central Asia to truly pros- ment, as well as cross-border higher agribusiness, tourism and railways— that increased regional coopera- transport, energy and trade facilita- per it must commit to cooperating in education and technical training. areas covered in CAREC 2030. tion is indispensable to achieving tion. Regional cooperation cannot be new areas. CAREC 2030’s support CAREC’s new strategy will en- We seek the strong support of all development goals. achieved without the basic building for regional initiatives in tourism, ag- hance its convening power for member countries and development The Central Asia Regional Eco- blocks of good roads and railways, riculture, water resources, health and high-level policy dialogue among partners for the financing and suc- nomic Cooperation (CAREC) pro- reliable power supplies and the abili- education will help countries achieve ministers and senior officials on key cessful implementation of the new gramme started operations in 2001 ty of businesses to seek new markets. their sustainable development goals. development issues. This dialogue CAREC strategy. and has made significant contribu- challenges. The spillover impacts of Infrastructure investments that in- Deeper cooperation will also help needs to be backed with high-quality By harnessing the collective en- tions to the region’s growth. The global economic and financial crises tegrate new technologies, coupled countries reach their targets under the research by the CAREC Institute, ergies of CAREC member coun- programme has grown steadily to and of lower oil and gas prices have with appropriate regulatory reforms, COP21 climate agreement. which recently became an intergov- tries, the new strategy will help the 11 member countries (Afghanistan, been acute. Climate change is a ma- will help accelerate the region’s inte- Cross-border tourism, value-added ernmental organization, and from region to capitalize on its unique Azerbaijan, the People’s Republic of jor global and regional challenge. gration with global value chains and agricultural exports and educational member countries and development geographic position and proximity China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz These issues do not respect borders support the adoption of clean and re- exchanges have tremendous un- partners to build capacity in areas in- to global markets. There is vast po- Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajik- and underscore the value of working newable energy. tapped potential in Central Asia. But cluding education, health and finan- tential to improve connectivity and istan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) together to navigate the shifting de- Second, there is a pressing need these can only be unlocked through cial and economic stability. trade between the region’s coun- and has financed more than $30 bil- velopment landscape. for macroeconomic policy dia- a regional agenda where countries The broader scope of CAREC tries, to Europe and beyond. lion in investments to enhance trans- The CAREC programme needs logue among member countries to work together and share expertise. 2030 provides new space for de- CAREC 2030 is an opportunity to port and energy linkages and boost a scaled-up mandate to become promote economic and financial Finally, development in Cen- velopment partners like ADB to promote growth, stability and pros- cross-border trade. Over a third of more effective and relevant in the stability. The CAREC programme tral Asia will depend crucially on further support the region’s pros- perity in Central Asia. By working this amount, or $10.5 billion, has years ahead. has provided a practical and flex- building the capacities of its own perity. It also opens the prospect together, countries and development come from the Asian Development Its CAREC 2030 strategy, unani- ible platform for infrastructure in- people. Enhancing people-to-peo- of exciting new partnerships with partners can secure the future that the Bank (ADB), which has supported mously adopted on Oct. 27 by mem- vestment and policy planning. ple contacts will help deepen in- other regional programmes such as region and its people deserve. CAREC since its inception. ber countries in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Through initiatives such as a tra-regional understanding and in- the Belt and Road Initiative. Despite their rapid development, shows the region is ready to fully planned forum for countries to share crease personal mobility. Enhanced ADB will commit $5 billion to The author is the President of countries in the region face significant achieve its enormous potential by experiences on banking and market business-to-business contacts are support CAREC 2030 in the next five the Asian Development Bank. The OECD and Eurasia: partners for an inclusive globalisation and sharp improvements in hu- often as part of global value chains in- the most of foreign trade and capital. and peer learning. Its activities in- By Angel Gurría man welfare. volving several countries. Closed bor- And we must do far more to empow- clude trainings, exchange of infor- Yet openness has come at a price. ders can boost the cost of essential in- er all groups, and protect the vulner- mation, elaboration of best practices I have long been passionate about Many Eurasia economies have ex- puts and cut countries off from those able. The OECD is working with our and donor co-ordination. In parallel, free trade and international integra- perienced rising inequality and pe- value chains, stifling entrepreneurship partners in Eurasia to address these we have engaged in sustained and tion and the benefits that they can riodic crises, usually arising from and investment, and condemning issues, from education to infrastruc- wide-ranging work to improve the bring to people everywhere. In my external shocks. Most have highly them to low-skill, low value-added ture to active social policies. efficiency and quality of public gov- own country, Mexico, I have seen concentrated export profiles, and the jobs. Reducing barriers between Third, we need to make inter- ernance and public service delivery firsthand what a powerful impact region’s exports overall are domi- countries will help societies become national business genuinely rules- in many Eurasia countries. they can have in lifting millions out nated by hydrocarbons and minerals, wealthier, greener and more equal. based, using the full range of avail- Given the deepening co-operation of poverty. Yet I am ever more con- gyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Ta- leaving them particularly exposed to That said, we must still address able multilateral tools. The OECD’s between the OECD and Eurasia, it is vinced that we can and must do more jikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and volatile commodity prices. These the concerns that underlie the back- Guidelines for Responsible Busi- fitting that the annual OECD Eurasia to ensure that the benefits of open- Uzbekistan). They have spent a quar- vulnerabilities constitute one of the lash against globalisation and open ness Conduct (RBC), for example, Week will take place in the region ness and international integration are ter-century integrating more deeply principal reasons that policy-makers markets that we observe in many oblige investors to maintain high for the first time, in Almaty in Octo- shaped more equally. In advanced into international markets and institu- across Eurasia are so concerned with countries. The OECD is working to labour, tax, anti-corruption and en- ber. This is a reflection of the matu- and emerging countries we are wit- tions, gaining needed access not only diversifying economic activity and do just that. We have focused atten- vironmental standards as they invest rity of our relationship with the Eur- nessing challenges not only to open to new markets but also to foreign shifting towards a growth model that tion on rising inequality and its costs abroad. These Guidelines, which asia countries and, in particular, with trade and investment policies but technology and knowledge, as well as relies less on primary resources and since before the crisis, and, indeed, have been the focus of reviews in Kazakhstan, which since January also to the transparent, rules-based capital. Moreover, internationalisation more on human capital, innovation have made inclusion form an impor- two Eurasia countries, make inter- 2015 has been engaged in an OECD international economy that we had reinforced other reforms. Joining insti- and the creation of high-productiv- tant part of our agenda in working national investors lead by example Country Programme, an ambitious, grown to trust, and perhaps take for tutions like the World Trade Organisa- ity jobs. Increasingly, the OECD is with the countries of Eurasia on so- and encourage domestic investors whole-of-government process in- granted. Multilateral co-operationis tion has helped entrench many ben- working with countries in the region cial, educational and labour-market to follow suit. Through the OECD/ volving analytical work, enhanced viewed with more scepticism, and eficial reforms, while foreign direct in an effort to create the conditions policies. G20 initiative on Base Erosion and participation in OECD bodies and protectionist pressures are rising. investment and foreign trade strength- for such a shift, not least by helping The challenge is three-pronged. Profit Shifting (BEPS), we are ad- adherence to OECD instruments. I Many people feel let down by ened support for greater security of them align their policies and prac- First, we must enhance our open, dressing tax avoidance, so that inter- look forward to address the opening globalisation and no longer believe property rights and more transparent tices with international standards. transparent and rules-based interna- national trade and investment do not of Eurasia Week but also to see first- the world economy works for them. and efficient institutions. Continued commitment to open tional economic order for the wid- undermine public budgets. Three hand the impact of our work with Rising inequality and sluggish glob- In many respects, deeper inter- markets – open to cross-border trade est possible benefit. We must make Eurasia countries (Georgia, Kazakh- Kazakhstan and its regional peers. al growth add to their scepticism: national integration over the last and investment, but also open to new trade easier, especially for small stan and Ukraine) have joined the We all know from experience that real global GDP growth has fallen quarter-century has paid off for domestic entrants – will be critical and medium-sized firms (SME), by BEPS Inclusive Framework, while international openness brings great- below 3% for the last five years, Eurasia. Inflows of foreign di- to realising these ambitions. Trade addressing not just tariffs but also six participate in our Global Forum er prosperity, peace, innovation, di- making them the most lacklustre rect investment (FDI) to the re- and investment flows do more than behind-the-border barriers that drive on Transparency and Exchange of versity, and cultural exchange and five years in over half a century. No gion rose from less than US$5bn shift goods and capital from place up prices for consumers and pro- Information for Tax Purposes (Ar- security. But we will only succeed wonder populist and nationalist po- per year in the early 1990s to an to place. They spread technologies ducers alike. This is the purpose of menia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ka- in preserving it if we ensure that litical movements have resurfaced average of US$73bn over the and – even more important –ideas. our work on export promotion and zakhstan, Moldova, Ukraine). its benefits are more widely shared. in so many countries, rich and poor. decade to 2014. In constant dol- Productivity rises. That means more SME-FDI linkages in Eurasia. Of course, business integrity must The OECD is committed to working There is much at stake for Eurasia lars, the region’s total foreign and better jobs, particularly where Second, we need to make eco- be matched by public sector integ- with Eurasia countries as partners to countries (“Eurasia” here refers to the trade turnover tripled, while the countries invest in skills and educa- nomic openness work for all, with rity. For almost 20 years, our Anti- design, develop and deliver better countries participating in the OECD people of Eurasia have seen a tion, too. policies to boost skills and encour- Corruption Network for Eastern Eu- policies for better lives. Eurasia Competitiveness Programme: 2.3-fold increase in per capita This is particularly true in today’s age lifelong learning, and improve rope and Central Asia has provided a Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, GDP over the last two decades, world where almost two-thirds of infrastructure and connectivity so regional forum to prevent and com- The author is OECD Secretary- Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyr- as well as falling poverty rates trade is in goods used in production, that regions like Eurasia can make bat corruption through peer reviews General.

Ministries of Foreign Affairs and ry, inter-ministerial and interregional specialised government agencies. relations, as well as business and Inter-parliamentary and interregional cultural-humanitarian contacts. In this Kazakhstan and Croatia mark relations, business and cultural-hu- context, an important step will be the manitarian contacts are developing as opening of the Embassy of Croatia in well. Astana next year. It is encouraging that the foreign Following the consultations, the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations trade turnover between Kazakhstan deputy ministers signed the Plan on ly participated in the development of living standards of the population, and and Croatia has a stable growth trend. Cooperation between the Ministries By Tolezhan Barlybayev economic ties with the Kazakh SSR. strengthening of the role of the two According to Kazakh statistics, from of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and In the period of industrial construc- countries in international affairs. January to September of this year, the Croatia for 2018-2020, exchanged The history of relations between tion and the development of Virgin Oct. 20, 2017, marked the 25th an- volume of mutual trade has exceeded signed texts of the Convention on the the people of Kazakhstan and Croa- Lands, Yugoslav specialists took niversary of the establishment of dip- $300 million and continues to grow. Avoidance of Double Taxation and tia dates back to the times of the Silk part in building industrial facilities, lomatic relations between Kazakhstan About 30 Croatian companies are agreed to harmonise draft documents Road through which trade caravans schools, hospitals and commercial and Croatia. Today, the people of our registered in Kazakhstan in the fields on cooperation in air transport, agri- from China and Central Asia trans- centres. Consumer goods, footwear countries are bound by traditions of of construction, pharmaceuticals and culture, energy, tourism, education ported silk, wool, fabrics, jewellery and clothing produced in Yugoslavia friendship, mutual respect and trust. medicine, the food industry and trade. and culture and other goods to Europe. were popular in Kazakhstan. Imports Successful dialogue is being devel- Astana and Zagreb share similar The constituent meeting of the In the 13th century, the brothers him shelter and work and helped him from Yugoslavia were dominated by oped at the highest level. positions on key issues on the inter- Croatian-Kazakh Friendship Society Niccolo and Maffeo Polo travelled survive. raw materials, machinery and equip- President of Kazakhstan Nursultan national agenda. Our states closely held recently in Zagreb and attended as merchants through the lands of The people of our two countries ment. Nazarbayev paid official visits to Za- cooperate within the framework of by public figures and representatives southwestern Kazakhstan, visiting fought together against fascism dur- The quarter-century spanning the greb twice, in 2001 and 2006. Presi- the UN, the Organisation for Security of science, education and culture the Ustyurt plateau, the Syrdarya and ing the Second World War. In the bat- turn of the 20th and 21st centuries dents of Croatia Stjepan Mesic and and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) was an important event. During the Amudarya river valleys and the an- tles for the liberation of Yugoslavia, was a time of large-scale historical Ivo Josipovic visited Astana several and other international organisations meeting, Chairman of the Croatian- cient Kazakh cities of Otrar and Alm- the 73rd Guards Division, formed in changes. The new independent states times. In 2015, Prime Minister Zoran on issues of international security, the Kazakh Friendship Society Andrija alyk. Niccolo’s son, the great explorer Kazakhstan, was noted for its special of Kazakhstan and Croatia appeared Milanovic paid an official visit to Ka- fight against international terrorism, Karafilipovic noted that the people of Marco Polo, native of the Croatian is- courage. As part of the 18th partisan on the political map of the world. At zakhstan. organised crime, illicit trafficking of our countries are tied by traditions of land of Korcula, studied the customs brigade of the 30th Yugoslav Divi- the dawn of their independence, the Several fundamental documents narcotic drugs, illegal migration and friendship and cooperation. The spe- of the Great Steppe and the language sion, Kazakh soldiers, along with Croatian people faced difficult times were signed during those visits, in- other transnational challenges and cial role of society was also noted as and traditions of nomadic tribes, de- Russians, Ukrainians, Serbs and Cro- due to the military conflict in the Bal- cluding the Declaration on the funda- threats. an effective instrument of people’s scribing them in his famous book ats, fought valiantly. The Kazakh sol- kans. mentals of the relationship between On Oct. 11-12, on the eve of the diplomacy and an important channel “Livres des Merveilles du Monde” dier Khalil Salimzhanov, for his ser- Having overcome the crises of the the Republic of Kazakhstan and the 25th anniversary of diplomatic rela- of cultural ties. (“Book of the Marvels of the World”). vice in the battles for liberation of the 1990s and challenges in establishing Republic of Croatia, Agreement on tions between Kazakhstan and Croa- Looking into the future with op- During the First World War, the people of Yugoslavia, was awarded and developing statehood, Kazakh- cooperation between the Chambers of tia, political consultations at the level timism, Kazakhstan and Croatia in- future leader of Yugoslavia, young the Silver Star and the Order of Brav- stan and Croatia became recognised Commerce, and others. of deputy foreign ministers took place tend to continue pursuing the policy Croat Josip Broz Tito, was a prisoner- ery as well as the Partisan of Yugosla- as independent sovereign states. Our By now, interstate relations have in Zagreb. of comprehensive strengthening and of-war in the southern Siberian city via Honorary Badge by the Presidium countries have experienced profound been brought to a high level by com- Agreements were reached on ex- development of bilateral relations to of Omsk, near the border with Ka- of the Socialist Federal Republic of and progressive changes, the general mon efforts. Joint work is under way panding the legal framework and sign- benefit the people of the two states. zakhstan. In the difficult conditions Yugoslavia. features of which included large-scale to expand the contractual and legal ing bilateral agreements in various of Tito’s captivity, the family of Ka- In the post-war years, Croatia, as state reforms, modernisation of soci- frameworks linking the countries. fields. The parties agreed to promote The author is ambassador of Ka- zakh farmer Issa Zhaksenbayev gave part of the former Yugoslavia, active- ety and economy, improvement of the Dialogue is maintained through the the development of inter-parliamenta- zakhstan to Croatia. A10 OPINIONS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 EU-Central Asia: A new generation of partnership and cooperation our partners that promoting topics We also want to use our existing and high-level political and secu- the development of those coun- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova and values like rule of law, good platforms for supporting sustain- rity dialogue, where also, based on tries. There are different migration governance or human rights is not able development, but focusing the desire of our partners, we have processes happening in Europe and ASTANA – On a recent visit to a Western agenda. These principles on strengthening investment in- included Afghanistan when discuss- it’s important to manage those mi- Astana, Peter Burian, European are recognised by our partners and struments is something quite new. ing security threats. Of course, it’s gration processes for the benefit of Union Special Representative for universally recognised as key for We’ll be focusing within these ini- important to have a country like the development of the region. This Central Asia, spoke with The Astana gaining their rightful place in the tiatives and beyond on job creation Afghanistan on board. I’m pleased young population can be an impor- Times Oct. 30 about the key priori- world economy, global trade and in the region, setting up industrial to note that countries of the region tant driver of economic develop- ties of the EU’s Central Asia strat- transport as well. promotion services to help new en- now more and more are looking to ment. But if not given the right op- egy, its “balancing power” and secu- terprises, especially small and me- Afghanistan not only as a security portunities it can become a source of rity transformation processes. Peter Burian The EU-Central Asia meeting dium ones, to start their activities threat but also as an opportunity for problems in terms of radicalisation, of foreign ministers is to be held and to support business incubation. future connectivity. They see their illegal migration and so on. This year there were positive increasing regulatory compatibility, in Samarkand Nov. 10. What are Digital connectivity and econ- responsibility for contributing to the It’s worth investing in a young gen- changes in relations between Cen- standards and rules-based space for your expectations for this event? omy will play an enormously stabilisation of Afghanistan, which eration. We welcome this important tral Asian countries. What is your trade and investment is important. Are there any new initiatives that important role. Then we’ll be fo- is very much welcomed. priority of the Kazakh government opinion about the prospects of re- the EU intends to offer the Central cusing on traditional areas of co- The second very important priority through Bolashak and other pro- gional cooperation in Central Asia? This year marks the 10th anni- Asian countries there? operation. We have three platforms is education. We have allocated 117 grammes. Certainly we see a greater We welcome the new atmosphere versary of the adoption of the EU After an update of the strategy, for regional cooperation – the rule million euros (US$136 billion) for the space for making sure that young gen- in the region conducive to regional Strategy for Central Asia. How new dynamism appeared in our dia- of law, educational initiatives and Erasmus Mundus Plus programme. eration meet with each other exchange cooperation and we see it in concrete would you evaluate the results of logue and cooperation. Kazakhstan water initiatives. Kazakhstan is the most active partici- experiences and this is something we areas where even the most sensitive EU activities in the region over the played an important role bringing Cooperation between scientific pant in this programme. I see a grow- also want to focus on in the future. issues are tackled, discussed and past decade? new elements to the updated strat- and educational institutions will ing interest among our students and addressed through a very construc- The EU adopted the most compre- egy. Our partners feel that they are create good ground for universi- teachers in coming to the region. How would you describe rela- tive dialogue. Uzbekistan and Kyr- hensive and structured strategy for shapers of this process and owners ties in Central Asia to move to Climate change is also im- tions between the EU and Central gyzstan managed to sign an agree- regional and interregional coopera- of this process. It’s very important. high standards of quality and we portant priority. We believe it’s Asia 10 years from now? ment on delineation and demarcation tion in 2007. We have already reg- During the previous two meet- see that this process is bringing necessary to develop regional We have good prospects for a of 85 percent of the border. Tajikistan istered major progress in strengthen- ings our partners highlighted the a concrete approach. We’ll have cooperation and responsible man- strong relationship. I’m pleased and Kyrgyzstan are discussing with ing the relationship between the EU importance of increasing economic some discussion on how to use the agement of natural resources. that we have created a very solid downstream countries certain joint and Central Asia. cooperation and investment in the rule of law platform. foundation based on common in- projects even in those areas where The EU has played an important region coming from the EU. And We already have established an The share of young people terest and shared values. I hope previously they had certain disagree- role in the region as the biggest we prepare several initiatives in this environmental remediation account is quite high in Central Asian this foundation is further strength- ments. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan donor and allocated more than 1.5 regard based again on the interests and plan for addressing problems of countries’ populations. Are there ened. I see the potential of the re- managed to increase bilateral trade billion euros (US$1.7 billion) for of our partners. We are preparing uranium tailings. We have put 16 mil- any specific programmes through gion in its strategic location being by almost 30 percent within a cou- implementing various regional and to strengthen our regional invest- lion euros (US$18.6 billion) into this which the EU could assist with a link between Europe and Asia. I ple of months. We welcome these bilateral programmes. ment instruments. There is the In- account and will be putting additional increasing their access to quality see already a growing potential for developments and we know how The EU has also played an impor- vestment Facility for Central Asia 15 million euros (US$17.4 billion) education? Kazakh investors to be active in the important regional and neighbourly tant role as a balancing power in the (IFCA) aimed at supporting private but we are also inviting other donors People-to-people contacts are im- European market. cooperation are for stability. region, also establishing and giving sector development, especially to look to this particular problem. We portant. The young generation being Kazakhstan is moving very com- Central Asia has the potential to the opportunity to our partners to di- small and medium-sized enterpris- will discuss disaster reduction and able to travel and meet their counter- prehensively in all key areas of the be a major gateway between Europe versify the relationship. es, and focusing on new promising disaster mitigation preparedness. parts in Europe is an important ele- reform process, provided all these and Asia with a young, growing We managed to move EU-Ka- areas including renewable energy ment of this. We would like to pro- reforms are fully implemented. market and significant potential for zakhstan relations to even a higher and the agriculture sector. What are the main priorities of vide opportunities for young people The EU doesn’t have to have and investment and trade. That poten- level by concluding an Enhanced There’s also the growing activity of cooperation between the EU and to study in Europe. doesn’t want to have any exclusive tial can be fully used only when the Partnership and Cooperation Agree- the European Investment Bank (EIB). Central Asia in the short and me- We, of course, are working on cer- kind of space, but rather share the countries of the region work togeth- ment. This is a new generation of Now they are developing certain pro- dium term? Is Afghanistan and the tain improvement and facilitation of cooperation with others, avoiding er, improving connectivity between our partnership and cooperation jects of connectivity including CASA- current situation in that country in- the visa regime. It is a process which geopolitical games in the region. them, thus removing barriers and agreements. Now Kyrgyzstan and 1000, followed by digital CASA, cluded in these plans? takes some time. We also want to re- And I hope that the regional and obstacles for regional trade and ad- Uzbekistan have expressed their in- which is a project supported by the The prevention of violent extrem- ally make sure that all these young interregional cooperation helps the dressing challenges together. Estab- terest in starting the process. World Bank that will be also looking ism is an important priority. We people are interested in staying in region assume the rightful position lishing this base with common rules We see greater understanding of to increase digital connectivity. will use our BOMCA programme their countries and contributing to it deserves. Rule of Law in Kazakhstan (or thinks that he is in this position) jury system is still acceptable in all organs as those responsible for the order investigations if the police By Jan Reijntjes should be sure that this (alleged) cases. It is clear that juries gener- investigation of the offence. This omits to do so. Under certain con- crime will be investigated speed- ally are unable to understand com- needs some further elucidation. ditions it could also be empowered There is much to see and much ily, and independently from the plex cases like frauds and moreo- Of course, in the first place, there to stop further investigations. Who to learn for legal tourists nowadays status he himself and the supposed ver are liable to undue influence in should be no possibility to cover else would be competent to do so? – when travelling in what Europe- perpetrator of the crime might have cases of organised criminality and up misbehaviour during the inves- In all cases of serious offences ans use to designate as the East, within the community. The law terrorism. tigations by not prosecuting. The supervision should be proactive: but also in their own world, the should provide for effective means police should not be placed in the the prosecutor should be involved so-called West, where interesting to file complaints about non-inves- difficult position to disprove in- as soon as investigations are start- discussions are closely connected tigation and non-prosecution. There More in detail: criminal sinuations of such cover-ups. But ed by the police, he should give with the manner in which the legal should be no prerogatives for sup- there is much more to it. Investi- guidance to the investigation, and after a fair and speedy trial in which prosecutions legacy of the former Soviet Union posed perpetrators of corruption or It seems obvious that investi- gating and prosecuting offences guarantee its speediness. an independent court decides on is being dealt with. Especially in- white collar crime (so-called busi- gation of offences should be en- are very different activities, asking However, in cases of minor his guilt, according to fixed rules of crimes like shoplifting it could teresting would be what is happen- ness crimes included). Instead the trusted to a specialized organism, for very different qualifications. evidence, based on the presumption be sufficient when supervision of ing in Kazakhstan, positioned as combat against corruption should forming part of the regular police. Prosecution requires a certain dis- of innocence. Independence of the investigations by the Prosecution it is on the crossroads of East and have absolute priority. And there Exceptions could be acceptable tance from putative offences and courts, presumption of innocence, Service would be retroactive, and West! should be no pretrial detention only when others would be better from (potential) defendants. For fixed rules of evidence are guaran- the prosecutor simply waits until First thing to be noticed is that without strict necessity, to be as- equipped to do so. In many coun- the investigator this distance is teed by the current Kazakh Code cases are send to him by the po- there the ongoing debate is more on sessed by a judge. When a judge tries an example is offered by the difficult to maintain. The prosecu- of Criminal Procedure (KCCP, see lice, or complaints by citizens are the modernisation, not of the law has ordered pretrial detention the Internal Revenue Service. tor should be able to correct errors e.g. Articles 22 and 19). But what itself, but of the manner in which it detainee should leave the premises Here we find a special problem: made in the investigation; but for received by him. about, for instance, Article 35 of will be applied. It is clear that Ka- of the police forces and be brought what about prosecutions? The Eu- all human beings it is difficult to KCCP – should a court have the zakhstan resolutely decided to opt to a prison, in order to minimize the ropean Union designated ‘status correct their own mistakes. This power simply to avoid any decision Infringements upon civil for the Rule of Law. But what ex- risk of undue pressure. and role of the public prosecutor’ became especially clear in the on the guilt of a defendant, when it actly does this mean? Many law- But for many people Rule of as one of the four major compo- United Kingdom, where prosecu- yers are severely disturbed by the finds that there is not enough evi- Law means even more. The Eu- tions for a long time have been in rights and liberties nents of the Rule of Law – next to We have to face the fact that ef- current clash of opinions between dence against him? Or has every ropean Union, for instance, found the hands of the police and other an independent judiciary. Should fective investigation of offences the leading political circles in, for defendant the right to a decision on that the Rule of Law implies ‘a government organs, like Customs the public prosecutor be as inde- generally requires infringements instance, Hungary and Poland on his guilt? Does the Rule of Law not constitutional system by which and Excises. The last mentioned pendent from ‘the executive’ as the upon civil rights and liberties. the one side, and important parts imply that the courts in such cases the different organs of the state government agency had to aban- courts are? Here we meet very dif- However, this should be kept to have to decide for an acquittal, in- of the European Union on the oth- are aligned and limited in such a ferent opinions. Yes, a public pros- don this competence after some stead of simply sending them back a minimum and never be allowed er. Obviously, Rule of Law looks way that the state cannot illegally ecutor is a magistrate, like a judge, high profile blunders, leading to to the prosecutor? And what about without a formal permission by quite different in Warsaw than in infringe a citizen’s right.’ This is with a very special responsibility disastrous time- and money-con- the defence? Would not everybody a member of the prosecution ser- Brussels. What kind of changes especially meant to express that – but arguments for independency suming prosecutions that ended who is brought before a court and vice (so, for example, search and will the new policy bring for Ka- an efficient implementation of the of the judiciary are much stronger in sensational acquittals. Not only can’t pay for his defence have a seizure in office buildings). More zakhstan – in any case: what kind Rule of Law requires a division than for independency of prosecu- the public, but also the police itself right to free legal aid? At least serious infringements (like pretrial of changes could be expected? of powers between legislative, tors. Should the decision to prose- should be protected against such when he is facing imprisonment? detention, and seizure in habita- Here follow some remarks from judicial and executive organs, in cute strictly be governed by law, or situations. Nowadays it seems The Prosecution Service used tions and eavesdropping) should a criminal lawyer. (These remarks such a way that a certain equilib- also by expediency? Should there nearly generally accepted that to supervise the close observation only be allowed, upon an express are inspired by the draft law of the rium is created between the three be a duty to prosecute all offences the police should not itself have of the law by citizens and by all request from a prosecutor, by a Republic of Kazakhstan “On mak- of them. In this way Rule of Law that have been cleared up – like in the power to prosecute, except in government officials, in the most judge (examining magistrate). ing amendments and additions to also presupposes a trustworthy Italy and Germany? Which should cases of minor offences or contra- general sense; this led to an accu- Prosecutors and defence lawyers some legislative acts of the Repub- political system. The creation of be the influence of parliamentary ventions. mulation of many functions and should also have the right to file lic of Kazakhstan on further mod- checks and balances would be control? Anyway it is clear that responsibilities. By now it is clear requests with the examining mag- ernisation of the criminal process.” the guiding principle. The law on Rule of Law is no obstacle for a that in modern Kazakhstan this will Giving guidance istrate to perform certain investi- criminal procedure, for instance, system in which the prosecution come to an end. Moreover, under gative acts, like interrogations of should be based on such a system service is directed by, especially, What is Rule of Law? the Rule of Law it would not suf- to the police witnesses, reconstructions, order- of checks and balances that the the Justice Department of the na- The police itself should be held Amongst lawyers there is a gen- fice that one government authority ing an expertise etc. risk of fraudulent or corrupt acts tional government. In most (but responsible for the technical qual- eral understanding on what the supervises the other. It decidedly or influences is kept at a minimal not all) European countries it is ac- ity of all investigations – speed Rule of Law implies – but decid- requires that the process of investi- The author is an international level. But again this would not suf- cepted that the government, espe- included. But like all government edly not more than that. Clearly gation and prosecution of offences expert with the EUCJ, a project fice; Rule of Law not only requires cially the Minister of Justice, has organs it needs supervision. As the there is a lack of definition, and the is integrated within a permanent re- funded by the European Union a trustworthy judicial, but also a the power to decide on the general prosecution service will be held implementation of the Rule of Law view system by independent organ- trustworthy financial system. policy of the Prosecution Service, responsible in court for the legal (EU) and aimed at strengthening is different wherever one goes. isms or institutions. Those could In any case Rule of Law is non- but also that this Minister should quality of investigations of all of- the rule of law in Kazakhstan, General agreement, however, ex- be what the Scandinavians call an existent as long as the courts do abstain as much as possible from fences that it prosecutes, it would and is professor of criminal law ists that under the Rule of Law not ombudsman, but most countries not enjoy absolute independency intervention in individual cases. only be practical to charge it also and criminal procedure at the only everyone within a jurisdiction are preferring (a kind of) judicial and the judges may fear to be pun- Meanwhile, the relation between with general accountability for the Open University of the Neth- is bound by the rules of the national review – or combinations of both. ished or otherwise corrected for the prosecution service and the po- quality of the police investigations. erlands (retired); a member of law, but also, and even in the first In their opinion an effective system the content of their decisions. All lice should be clear and established Public prosecutors should not only the government Committee for place, all government organs them- of review would find its centre of necessary oversight of the factual by law. But what should this rela- be independent from the investiga- the Modernisation of the Dutch selves. Whoever commits a crime gravity at the independent courts. behaviour of the members of the tion be? The principle of checks tive authorities, but have the pow- Code of Criminal Procedure. within the jurisdiction should be There is more. Under the Rule of judiciary should be in the hands of and balances makes it preferable er to oversee and review investiga- sure that, when he is caught, he will Law everyone within the jurisdic- the judiciary itself. that decisions whether to pros- tions. Moreover the prosecution The full version of this opinion is be punished according to the law, tion who becomes a victim of crime A separate question is whether a ecute are not taken by the same service should be competent to available online. A11 OPINIONS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA): what’s in the name? security structure in Asia, in spite these areas. The five business fo- ber states. For example, teachers based on the fair consideration of By Gong Jianwei of the existing disagreements. It rums held in support of small and and lecturers at seminars on the the interests of all parties involved also declared the determination of medium-sized businesses facilitat- fight against the drug threat are is required to address issues of us- If the territory of all 26 member the states to form a common and ed the establishment of direct links representing CICA countries; thus, ing trans-boundary water resourc- states was painted on the world indivisible security space in Asia, and dialogue between representa- participants study material based on es and combating desertification. map in one colour, it would cover where “military-political aspects, tives of commercial organisations real situations in the region. Mongolia coordinates this activity. the space from the Pacific Ocean confidence-building measures, and executive bodies of the CICA In the Secretariat databases of Last month, member states to the Mediterranean Sea and from economic and environmental countries. Based on their results, it contact persons, national coordi- adopted the concept paper for im- the Indian Ocean to the northern problems, humanitarian and cul- was decided to establish the CICA nators, including departments, are plementation of CBMs in the area seas. This is the CICA region: one- tural cooperation” should be in- Business Council, tasked with es- being created. This is an important of sustainable development, pre- fourth of the planet’s landmass, volved. A sign of the political per- tablishing contacts, signing con- detail. After all, individuals can sented by Thailand as a coordina- whose peoples are united by a spicacity of President Nazarbayev tracts between the business circles leave departments, but depart- tor. Its essence is to study alter- desire to ensure their common se- and the pride of Kazakhstan’s di- of the countries, further imple- ments retain responsibility for im- native approaches to sustainable curity and stability and protect the plomacy was that some countries menting joint projects and expand- plementing action plans. development already underway and world for the joint development of Painstaking efforts that began with embroiled in very tense relations ing trade, financial and investment It should be noted that for a more exchange its experience and best national cultures, economies and a meetings at the level of representa- became signatories of this docu- flows. This successful experience complete study of issues of the practices for the successful imple- common bright future. This desire tives of foreign affairs offices of ment. The summit also adopted a prompted the idea of organising a greatest interest for all countries, mentation of the UN Agenda for the is based on the enormous potential Kazakhstan and the 15 countries Declaration on Eliminating Ter- Specialised Business Forum. Such CICA periodically conducts scien- period until 2030. Goals will also inherent in the diligence, enter- that supported the new idea have rorism and Promoting Dialogue a forum, dedicated to problems tific and practical conferences and be supported through the develop- prise and openness of the peoples borne fruit. The tireless work of among Civilisations. and solutions in the export of con- seminars with the participation of ment of a network of cooperation of Asia and the richness of their diplomats led to the first meeting In 2004, the CICA Catalogue sumer goods in the CICA region, member states’ analysts and ex- between CICA member states. natural resources. This potential of the ministers of foreign affairs of Confidence Building Measures was held in Moscow on Oct. 12 perts. From the outset, the confer- CICA member states support has been realised for 25 years for of CICA member states in Almaty (CBMs) was elaborated as a ba- this year. ence has used every opportunity to China’s Belt and Road initiative, the prosperity of all corners of the in September 1999 to adopt the sic document for practical activity It is no secret that the most ensure continued effective action. which fits perfectly into the ideol- Asian continent through the equi- Declaration of Principles Guiding defined in five dimensions:- mili pressing problem in the Asian re- A nongovernmental forum was es- ogy of the conference, as it repre- table cooperation of countries that Relations between CICA member tary and political issues, the fight gion continues to be the cultiva- tablished to facilitate civil commu- sents a vision for integration pro- differ in size, population, religion, states. This laid the foundation for against new challenges and threats, tion of narcotic plants. Everyone nication between CICA member jects in Eurasia. This initiative is culture, economic development the subsequent institutional devel- economy, the environment, and knows that proceeds from the states, to popularise CICA’s goals a step forward in this direction in and political order. opment of the CICA process. It is human issues. This document was drug business are used to sponsor and objectives and to increase the creating infrastructure and devel- On Oct. 5 this year we cele- important that it emphasises that one of a kind. Countries agreed terrorism, corruption, human traf- influence of the forum in the field oping trade, finance and relation- brated the 25th anniversary of the “the diversity of national charac- to choose confidence-building ficking, weapons purchases and of security. ships between people. CICA process. It all began with the teristics, traditions, cultures and measures acceptable to them and other illegal and destructive trades. Since then, several meetings have Of great interest is CICA’s activ- initiative President of Kazakhstan values of Asian states is not a divi- implement them on a gradual and World experience has shown that taken place, during which promi- ity in the human field. Measures Nursultan Nazarbayev put for- sive, but valuable mutually enrich- voluntary basis. A cooperative ap- simply burning fields of illegal nent scientists, politicians – includ- have been taken to promote inter- ward at the 47th Session of the UN ing factor of their relations.” proach for the implementation of crops is not effective. It is neces- ing former leaders of nations – ex- civilisational dialogue, cultural General Assembly in 1992, which Here I would like to note the CICA CBMs was adopted in 2007. sary to replace narcotic plants with perts, representatives of the media cooperation, the development of gave way to a new understanding following. We often hear figura- I would like to note that now 14 agricultural crops to provide the elite and public organisations were democratic processes in the region of security based on principles tive expressions like “speak the countries are coordinators/co-co- rural population of those countries given the opportunity to discuss a and more, all with the aim of pro- of mutual trust and cooperation. same language” and “family of ordinators of confidence-building with work, food and income. So wide range of issues of peace, se- moting mutual understanding and Thus, interstate relations were peoples.” Within the CICA, from measures in different areas. the branches of the fight against curity and stability in Asia. A deep interaction between the peoples of transferred to a new level of equal the very beginning, the diplomats Regarding CICA’s organisation, the drug threat and provision of exchange of views on these and CICA countries. Festivals, a cul- partnership. A model of regional sought, found and developed this an important milestone was the economic security are intertwined. other issues led to very constructive tural exhibition of the countries of cooperation was proposed, the in- new language of equality and mu- establishment in 2006 of its Sec- Now, China has proposed an action proposals that are used in the cur- the Silk Road and the New Delhi novation of which was the prior- tually beneficial cooperation with retariat, the executive body of the plan for the coming years intended rent activities of the CICA. seminar “CICA: Building Bridges ity of the indivisibility of security, partners from other countries of forum intended for administrative to transform and modernise agri- It should be noted that politi- across Asia through Tourism” were joint initiative and mutually bene- the conference. Now, meetings assistance to the chairing country cultural work. The plan guarantees cal cooperation and cooperation held, a collection of fairy tales and ficial interaction of small and large and events at all levels use this and member states in the imple- employment and profitability, and in the field of security continues legends of CICA countries was states. The interests of sustainable language of mutual understanding mentation of confidence-building should increase the competitive- successfully. Negotiations among published and a youth camp was development of all peoples were and respect. This atmosphere of measures. The staff of the Secre- ness of the agricultural sector in member states on the development organised. put at the forefront. confidence must not be overlooked tariat consists of diplomats sent by the region and the rational alloca- of the CICA Action Plan for the The CICA Youth Council, set During this period CICA gained as a factor contributing to an in- countries on secondment, as well tion of resources. Thailand has be- implementation of the UN Global up in 2014, explores and improves a foothold as a platform for trust- crease in the number of member as administrative and technical come a coordinator for sustainable Counter-Terrorism Strategy are national youth policies based on ful dialogue, mutual understand- states. The new members do not personnel. The Secretariat contrib- development and is holding cours- continuing. In recent years, Ka- real-world situations and address- ing and equal partnership between shyly listen to what is happening, uted to the launch of work on all es on this issue in October. zakhstan, as a coordinator in the es many challenges facing young member states and became an but immediately actively join the five dimensions of CICA and the Over the years, dozens of events military-political dimension, held people in the region. We see how important mechanism of the mod- work of the “family,” making their development of mechanisms for have been held in all five dimen- seminars and lectures for military vulnerable young souls are and ern system of interstate relations, suggestions and ideas, which we creating and implementing plans. sions, including business forums, experts, diplomats and military how easily they can fall under contributing to the maintenance of will talk about below. The Secretariat’s website contains military exercises, seminars and attaches of CICA countries and negative alien influences, espe- security and stability in the region. In June 2002, Almaty, warm information on daily activities and festivals. Hundreds of specialists of organised visits to a number of cially considering the potential of Here we will try to briefly outline and smothered in verdure, hospi- recent developments in CICA. various profiles were given the op- military facilities and exhibitions. modern communications. Our task the main points of what has been tably received the participants of In the economic sphere, atten- portunity to exchange experience, A very interesting seminar was today is to build in young genera- done so far. the first Summit of Heads of State tion is focused on the promotion of methods and technologies, whether held in Kazakhstan – participants tions the desire for peace, good- The leader of Kazakhstan pro- and Government of 16 CICA small and medium-sized business- it be in the fight against drug traf- visited the Baikonur space port for ness, dignity and freedom. posed starting with simple and countries, which marked the for- es, trade, infrastructure develop- ficking, developing the agro-indus- a rocket launch. This was a unique practical steps to establish a re- mal birth of the conference as a ment and transport corridors, tel- trial sector, supporting small and and informative addition to the rest The author is executive di- gional structure of security. A deli- multilateral forum for deepening ecommunications, the expansion medium-sized businesses, under- of the seminar, held in Astana. rector of the Secretariat of the cate approach and the correct iden- cooperation for peace, security of opportunities in agriculture and standing and managing migration, Climate change, including dis- Conference on Interaction and tification of the key parameters and stability in the region. The Al- other directions. The rapid pace of cooperating between law enforce- ruptions caused by human eco- Confidence Building Measures of the interaction of the countries maty Act, adopted as its outcome, introduction of innovative tech- ment agencies, and understanding nomic activity, requires new solu- in Asia. concerned contributed to the evo- clearly showed the intention of the nologies, especially those created and facing new challenges. Events tions. The need for cooperation in lution of a new and effective insti- member states to find an accept- in the countries of the region, helps have also grown more targeted, di- this area is also evident in all Asian The full version of this opinion is tution in the field of Asian security. able platform for creating a viable in implementing CICA tasks in rected at specific requests of mem- countries. A regional approach available online. Central Asia a crucial partner in promoting nuclear safety, says leading expert zakh capital in 2015 at the invi- and ISTC is currently acting in Af- located in Uzbekistan. It seeks among the major donors to the In- By Assel Satubaldina tation of the Kazakh government rica,” said Maier. to assist the Central Asian coun- ternational Atomic Energy Agen- and is now based at Nazarbayev Kazakhstan, in this context, is tries in improving their biosafety cy (IAEA) and its low-enriched ASTANA – Eddie Maier, deputy University. a “strategic place to have a good and biosecurity legal framework uranium bank that was recently head of unit at the European Com- “When we arrived from Mos- view on a large neighbourhood,” in compliance with international unveiled in Ust-Kamenogorsk in mission Directorate-General for cow [to Astana], we decided to he added. standards and regulations. eastern Kazakhstan. International Cooperation and De- modernise and adapt the ISTC to To that objective, instruments The second project on dual use The EU contribution extends velopment’s Instrument for Stabil- the 21st century, because it was are essential, as they serve as a goods strategic trade control that farther, with its strict nuclear safety ity and Nuclear Safety, discussed created in 1994 after the collapse “kind of agreement between major was unveiled as part of the Oct. 12 standards reaching out worldwide. nuclear safety and the regional of the Soviet Union,” Maier ex- countries in the security domain,” seminar in Astana follows the pre- “We try to export the EU cul- projects and activities of the Inter- plained. according to Maier, helping in- vious EU P2P project, which, un- ture in terms of nuclear safety. EU national Science and Technology Eddie Maier The board revised the centre’s crease the effectiveness of the ac- like the second one, involved only standards are more strict and de- Centre (ISTC) in Central Asia in a basic documents, he added, noting tivities and improving the ability Kazakhstan and Jordan. manding than the IAEA, for sever- recent interview with The Astana the launch of the second project the changes in the centre’s objec- to react quickly, an important fac- “Kazakhstan and Jordan are one al reasons,” said Maier. “We try to Times. on dual use goods export control tives as well. tor amidst the rising activities of of the examples of novelty in our promote our standards to improve Representing the union at the funded by the EU and implement- “We have changed the objec- non-state actors. actions,” said Maier, adding that the IAEA standards and improve ISTC Governing Board, Maier ed by the ISTC. tives. It remains security oriented, He also noted the EU’s contribu- the project plan did not envision nuclear safety around the world.” visits Astana twice a year for board Established in 1994, the ISTC but now in a broader sense. It deals tion to the ISTC and its activities changes in law enforcement and “Kazakhstan is very much in- meetings to discuss the centre’s ac- works to set up and strengthen co- not only with reoccupation and re- in the Central Asian region, activi- licensing, the areas of a great im- volved and we do not have to tivities, address problems and seek operation and partnership between direction of scientists who work in ties that saw nearly 1.5-3 million portance for export control mecha- invest much, because it is well new solutions with researchers researchers and scientists from weapons of mass destruction field, euros transferred every year to the nisms to become truly efficient. equipped,” he added, emphasising and colleagues from ISTC part- the ISTC member states working but more generally scientists and centre. “We had impression that this the contrasting poor capacity and ner countries Armenia, Georgia, to promote peaceful science and institutions working in the security “In addition, we allocated was not sufficient. You have to do equipment in other countries, in- Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, technology activities, particularly field,” he said. around 15 million euros over the more,” he said, explaining the mo- cluding African ones. Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Tajikistan, in the areas of nuclear non-prolif- The relevant changes result in last three years for specific large tives behind the launch of the sec- But there is always a room for the EU and the U.S. eration and weapons of mass de- a wider scope among ISTC pro- scale projects,” said Maier. ond project. improvement, noted Maier. “Even Maier was visiting Astana to struction. jects, according to Maier, implying Among these key projects in the Other projects are being imple- in a nuclear domain where your take part in the Oct. 12 internation- The centre and its partner coun- “more people, more expenses, but region is Project 53, a biosafety mented in water protection and country is a fantastic promoter – as al seminar organised by the ISTC tries, including the EU, has funded greater impact.” and biosecurity project in Central uranium mining that, among other is your president – in nuclear non- and bringing expertise from ISTC 2,838 projects so far worth more “The second big change is that Asia worth 6.5 million euros. The objectives, envision bringing the proliferation and a nuclear-weap- partner countries and beyond to than $888.9 million between 1994 we decided not to relate activi- project is developed under the EU expertise to conduct training and ons-free world.” He added that the share ideas and suggest solutions and 2016, with 207 projects worth ties to a region – for instance, the CBRN risk mitigation Centres of capacity building activities. message of Kazakhstan will also in the increasingly important field more than $76 million specifically former Soviet Union – but leave it Excellence initiative and involves Speaking about the EU contribu- be important when it chairs the of dual use goods strategic trade in Kazakhstan. open worldwide. ISTC can act in 59 countries in eight regions with tion to nuclear safety field world- United Nations Security Council control. The seminar also marked The centre moved to the Ka- Syria, Iran, North Korea if needed, the centre’s Central Asian office wide, Maier noted the EU was also next year. A12 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 Nigmatulin urges 826-km Baku-Tbilisi-Kars support for President’s railway launches operations By Aigerim Seisembayeva

ASTANA – The 826-km Baku- initiatives at IPU forum Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway route launched operations Oct. 30 with an Staff Report opening ceremony at the Baku In- ternational Sea Trade Port in Baku, ASTANA – Chairman of the Azerbaijan, according to a Kazakh Mazhilis (lower chamber of Ka- Prime Minister’s office press release. zakhstan’s Parliament) Nurlan The route has a current annual ca- Nigmatulin appealed to the world pacity of 1 million passengers and 5 parliamentary community to sup- million tonnes of freight with plans to port the counterterrorism initia- increase capacity to 3 million passen- tives of President of Kazakhstan gers and 17 million tonnes of freight. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Mazhi- Nurlan Nigmatulin The BTK railway route is part lis press service reported. of the Trans-Caspian International Nigmatulin reviewed Kazakh- fully developing. Among its basic Transport Corridor, which connects stan’s proposals and Nazarbayev’s principles, he noted, are the con- the railway networks of Azerbaijan, efforts in strengthening regional stitutional and legal provision of Georgia and Turkey. It starts at the and global security for the 137th equal opportunities for all citizens shore of the Caspian Sea in Azerbai- salamnews.org Photo credit: Assembly of the Inter-Parliamen- of the country in the realisation of jan, runs through Georgia’s capital of Kazakhstan’s locomotives pro- route at less than half the price of air Sagintayev, Turkish President Recep tary Union, which drew parlia- their religious and cultural interests. Tbilisi and through the eastern part duced by Lokomotiv Kurastyru transportation. Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of mentarians from more than 160 A purposeful state policy on the of Turkey before merging with the Zauyty and Electric Locomotive Cargo and passenger trains will be Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, Geor- countries to Tauride Palace in St. development of the culture and Turkish and European railway sys- Zauyty will be used in the sections of able to depart from China, enter Ka- gian Prime Minister Giorgi Kviri- Petersburg to unite their efforts to languages of the ethnic groups of tems. the new BTK railway corridor. Ten zakhstan at the Khorgos gateway, be kashvili, Minister of Transport of promote peaceful dialogue. Kazakhstan, the formation of ef- The new line will open new routes locomotives are ready for operation, taken across the Caspian Sea by ferry Tajikistan Khudoyor Khudoyorzoda “Back in 2015, President of Ka- fective institutions for interethnic to the Black and Mediterranean Seas and by 2020 Kazakhstan will sup- to the Port of Baku and then be load- and Turkmenistan’s Minister of Rail- zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, accord and a consistent practice of for Kazakhstan, according to the ply 40 cargo electric locomotives to ed directly onto the BTK and head to way Transport Deryaguly Bashimov. speaking at the 70th session of interfaith dialogue were also noted. press release. Azerbaijan. Europe. “Baku-Tbilisi-Kars is part of a big the UN General Assembly in New Discussing the Assembly of the The new railway route is expected The route is expected to reduce In addition to the host, President Silk Road and it’s important that we York, put forward a number of ini- People of Kazakhstan as a unique to help Kazakhstan transport through transit times between China and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, the have implemented this project using tiatives to counter international ter- institution for supporting harmoni- its territory up to two million contain- Europe to around 15 days, which opening ceremony was attended by our own funds,” said Erdogan, ac- rorism aimed at creating a Global ous interethnic relations, Nigmatu- ers per year by 2020. is more than twice as fast as the sea Kazakh Prime Minister Bakytzhan cording to Reuters.com. Anti-Terrorist Coalition under the lin noted the commendation of the auspices of the United Nations. assembly by the UN, UNESCO and Today, from this high rostrum, the Organisation for Security and we appeal to fellow parliamentar- Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). ians from the member states of “The experience of the Assembly the Inter-Parliamentary Union to of the People of Kazakhstan could be CIS to create common photobank support the initiative of the Presi- of interest to the world community as sues of news agencies’ cultural the photobank. State news agen- services heads from Armenia, dent of Kazakhstan to develop and an effective model for institutionalis- By Frol Leandoer interaction, in particular as its re- cies also advocated for more ac- Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, adopt ‘The Code of Conduct on the ing interethnic dialogue for multicul- lates to information support next tive coverage of issues relating to Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Achievement of a World Free of tural societies,” Nigmatulin said. ASTANA – The Commonwealth year during the CIS “Year of Cul- developing and promoting domes- Tajikistan. Its activities are aimed Terrorism’ within the framework Nigmatulin met with Speaker of Independent States (CIS) will ture.” The representatives talked tic tourism as it relates to coun- at ensuring information interaction of the United Nations. I’m sure it of the Great National Assembly of be creating a common photobank about current trends in developing cil members. As 2018 will mark and cooperation among CIS coun- will make a significant contribution Turkey Ismail Kahraman to talk available to member states. The agency journalism, the practice 100 years since the Belarusian tries, creating favourable condi- to the global parliamentary com- about issues of strengthening inter- idea was approved at the 23rd CIS of using an interagency informer Telegraph Agency (BelTA) and tions for unhindered dissemination munity in the fight against one of parliamentary cooperation. They Heads of State Information Agen- operating in test mode, organising Armenpress News Agency were of information and effective ex- the most serious threats of the 21st paid special attention to interac- cies (Information Council) meet- press tours and creative seminars founded, the state news agencies change of professional experience, century,” Nigmatulin said. tion within the framework of the ing held in Sochi, Russia, which for journalists and photo corre- agreed to hold information coun- as well as strengthening media The speaker also explained the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic- coincided with the opening of the spondents and exchanging experi- cil meetings in both countries next partnership. The meeting involved unique model of interethnic and speaking States and the relevance 19th World Festival of Youth and ence in digitising photo archives. year. agency heads from all countries inter-confessional dialogue that Ka- of parliamentary diplomacy in the Students. Based on the results, the infor- The council, established in No- involved except Kyrgyzstan and zakhstan has formed and is success- face of modern challenges. Event participants discussed is- mation council agreed to create vember 1995, includes state news Moldova. Kazakhstan hosts CSTO Unbreakable Brotherhood 2017 exercises Forces (CPF) police units. Rep- Tasks were coordinated for ne- Staff Report resentatives of the International gotiating, escorting humanitarian Committee of the Red Cross, the supplies, patrolling and carrying ASTANA – The Unbreakable Joint Staff and the CSTO Secre- out service at checkpoints and Brotherhood 2017 exercises on tariat have also been invited. observation posts and blocking post-conflict resolution with the The main goals of the Unbreak- and eliminating militant training peacekeeping forces of the Collec- able Brotherhood-2017 exercises camps. tive Security Treaty Organisation were to strengthen mutual under- The CSTO CPF involves psy- (CSTO) were launched on the Ili- standing and cooperation between chological struggle and informa- isky training ground in the Almaty the peacekeeping contingents of tion confrontation units. Accord- region, reported the Kazakh Min- the CSTO member states, increase ing to the scenario, the CPF will istry of Defence press service. The the practical skills and skills of increase actions step-by-step in manoeuvres, held Oct. 16-20, were commanders and staff of all lev- conditions involving the mass ar- another stage of the operational- els in preparing the peacekeeping rival of people displaced from strategic exercise Combat Brother- operation and CSTO CPF units armed conflict zones. hood 2017. and solving problems of ending The final stage of the Combat The exercise involves peace- and localising conflicts, as well as Brotherhood 2017 exercise will be keeping contingents from Arme- improve the peacekeeping contin- tasked for completion by CSTO nia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyr- gents personnel field training dur- Collective Rapid Reaction Forces gyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan and ing activities in the difficult condi- (CRRF) contingents, to be held CSTO Collective Peacekeeping tions of Central Asia. Nov. 10-20 in Tajikistan. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Kazakh scientist invents drug Gorky Russian Drama Theatre FC Astana secures first away win testing device in UK takes spotlight at international in European club competition B2 festival B3 group stage B7 Brave Dogs Almaty organises charity Kazakh restaurant photoshoots, seeks to expand opens in Manhattan for the American population. Here, By Zhazira Dyussembekova Staff Report we have more organic food. Our special dish is called waffle dog, ASTANA – Brave Dogs Almaty ASTANA – While studying in the with sausages made according to our sponsored its third charity pho- United States, Karaganda siblings recipe. Our direction is more like a toshoot in an Almaty mall Oct. 8 Farida Gabbasova and Zhanibek healthy kitchen. The people think to advocate for animal shelters. Gabbasov missed the tastes of that these are sandwiches; in fact, The event attracted more than home. To treat themselves and oth- they are organic burgers and meat,” 2,000 guests and the community ers to their favourite foods, they said Zhanibek Gabbasov. of Northern breed dogs and their have opened a small restaurant in “We decided to call the restaurant owners says the event is only the Manhattan featuring Kazakh cui- simply Siblings. This word trans- beginning. sine, reported 24.kz. lates as brother and sister. For Amer- “This photoshoot was very dif- “Everyone is trying to open their icans, it’s such a warm name; it is a ferent from the first two, not only own cuisine in America: Chinese, reminder of home comfort and cui- by the scale and quantity of visi- Turks, many other nations and na- sine and they like it very much. We tors, but also by its originality. In tionalities. Why doesn’t Kazakhstan would like more people in America addition to the standard seasonal make its cuisine a discovery for to find out about Kazakhstan. They photo areas in fall and Halloween many countries? There are Uzbek say that the Kazakh people are very styles, we wanted to introduce restaurants in Brooklyn, but there well-mannered. Here, they respect something interesting and relevant. are no Kazakh ones anywhere in us,” said Gabbasova. The third photo session’s main fea- America or in any state. To be hon- To promote their cuisine, the en- ture was the photo area inspired by est, we did not know that we would trepreneurs have launched catering the popular American TV series be the first Kazakh people in this services for large companies. The ‘Game of Thrones,’” said group sphere here. We did not have such a menu includes beshbarmak (boiled member, leader and event co-or- goal,” said Farida Gabbasova. meat and noodles), kuyrdak (stewed ganiser Toma Sumarokova in an The cosy atmosphere features meat) and pilaf. They also wanted to interview with The Astana Times. Kazakh melodies and Berik Kul- add kumys (fermented horse milk) The photoshoot involved ap- mamirov paintings to attract tourists to the exotic list of dishes, but were proximately 25 dogs, 50 partici- from different countries. The new unable to find it in New York state. pants, 15 technical staff, two of the restaurant, however, must make a “Representatives of an American largest elite animal nurseries, 20 for owners of breeds such as Si- helped three animal shelters – cials and even participate in the- few concessions to adapt to local company called us and asked what sponsors and 10 professional pho- berian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Novy Shans (New Chance), Ko- matic parties. preferences and trends, noted the the pilaf was. We explained every- tographers. Laika and Samoyed. As the club topes and Fond Dobrykh Del “We really want to share the founders. thing and sent the photos and they “No words can express the expanded, it changed its name to (Foundation for Good Deeds). In kindness of our dogs with the “Our chef, who made a menu with were interested in it. It was some- great gratitude to our dear spon- Brave Dogs Almaty. The group September, members visited Sol- world, to introduce people to beau- us and made recipes, is known in thing unusual for them and they sors and all the participants of the has more than 100 participants, nyshko (The Sun), a foster home. tiful Northern breeds such as Sibe- New York. He has worked with Rob- liked it. They wrote us very big event, like the sincere eyes of an- approximately 60-70 of whom are “Of course, the list [of char- rian Husky and Alaskan Malamute. ert De Niro. He developed a menu to feedback with five stars. They con- imals rescued from hunger, and active, note the founders. ity photoshoots] is not large, but We want to say that the dogs are taste good not only for us, but also tinue to order,” said Gabbasov. we are very happy that there are “We are all influenced in our nevertheless we understand that not aggressive, are intelligent and still such wonderful, kind people lives by social networks. Every the organisation of charity photo- that each of them has its own char- among us. They are not alien to day, watching the news you see shoots requires months of prepa- acter, its soul. We want to teach the problems of a defenceless, animals that are in trouble… So ration and a great investment of humankind to be a little more re- abandoned animal and that they together by our chat we were col- forces, means and ideas. The most sponsible and have compassion for find the time and means to help. lecting small contributions for important fact is that we do not in- those who are in trouble and cannot Nikita Panassenko wins Each collar, every kilogramme of shelters, but unfortunately it was tend to stop there and by the end take care of themselves. Many ani- feed, every penny collected for not enough. Therefore, the idea to of next year we hope that the list mals remain on the streets and end the shelter is already a big ac- arrange a small photo shoot made will increase at least three times,” up in shelters because of human quisition; this is a new chance to a real furore and has grown into a she added. negligence and cruelty. Making the Track Cycling World live,” she added. big event, which has now become In addition to public charity pho- world a little kinder to animals – Brave Dogs Almaty was a constant and in demand,” said to sessions, Brave Dogs Almaty that’s the main goal of Brave Dogs launched by Yevgeniya Medve- Sumarokova. organises individual photosets. Almaty,” she said. deva as the WhatsApp Happy Dog The community has already Their dogs are shot for commer- Continued on Page B5 Cup event in Poland tacks, leaving him eventually with By Anuar Abdrakhmanov no chance to win. Panassenko tri- umphed with 42 points, followed ASTANA – TrackTeamAstana’s by Volikakis with 27 and Italian World Bank organises storytelling event Nikita Panassenko, a 25-year-old Liam Bertazzo with 21. rider on the Kazakh national team, “This is a very important step beat some of the world’s best cy- both for Panassenko himself and clists to win the men’s points race Kazakhstan’s cycling. In particu- to raise awareness and address poverty in the first stage of the Interna- lar, this is an important achieve- ternational Day for the Eradica- 2030 and create opportunity for “It took me years to see the tional Cycling Union (UIC) Track ment for our young riders who By Aigerim Bulambayeva tion of Poverty is Oct. 17 and all. glass as half full rather than as Cycling World Cup. The event was want to achieve something, so 2017 is the declaration’s 25th The speakers and moderators in- half empty,” he noted. held Nov. 3-5 in Pruszkow, Poland. they have a real-life example that ASTANA – The World Bank anniversary. The World Bank and dicated there is more than one def- Brown discussed some of the The dynamic race required the everything is possible. Kazakh- marked International Day for the Kazakhstan are also celebrating inition of “poverty” and thus there recent trends identified by the athletes to cover 30 kilometres in stan’s Artyom Zakharov and Sul- Eradication of Poverty Oct. 27 25 years of partnership, when the must be more than one way of World Bank report. According to 130 laps. Points were available in tanmurat Miraliyev previously with the storytelling event “Talk- international financial institution solving the problem. Ato Brown, the data, fewer people through- 12 laps based on 5-3-2-1 system, won medals at the World Cup ing for Change.” A number of has helped the country imple- World Bank Country Manager for out the world now live in poverty in addition to 20 extra points for stages, but not gold ones. Nikita compassionate speakers shared ment numerous projects aimed at Kazakhstan, said his definition and, in Kazakhstan particularly, the round. added a gold medal to our team’s their personal experiences and development reforms. is the “inability to achieve one’s poverty has been consistently The main rivalry developed collection at the highest-level life stories and described how Eradicating poverty and shar- full potential.” As someone raised falling. The nation’s positive between Panassenko and Greek competitions. This is yet another those actions changed their way ing prosperity are the World in a middle-class family, he said economic growth peaks between cyclist Christos Volikakis. The lat- proof that we are moving in the of thinking and improved the Bank Group’s mission and main he did not realise the scale of the 2002-2007 and 2013-2014, both ter gained some advantage at the right direction,” said TrackTea- lives of others. They focused the goals. Commemorating the day problem, even during the 1982 fuelled by oil, resulted in more beginning of the race, while the mAstana Manager Vladimir audience’s attention on societal is part of its wider campaign revolution in Ghana, and stressed job openings and a consequent Kazakh got his opponent out of Bushansky. issues and possible solutions. that seeks to raise awareness, the importance of raising aware- reduction in the poverty level. balance with a good series of at- Continued on Page B7 The date was not a random build support and catalyse ac- ness of poverty-related issues The growth rate in the second pe- choice. The UN-designated In- tion to end extreme poverty by among the population. riod was significantly lower than the first, implying smaller returns on oil extraction and signalling the need for a new growth model. THINGS TO WATCH & “We saw the oil economy was not sufficient in sustaining growth PLACES TO GO over the future,” said Brown. He added poverty, defined by geography and occupation, is ASTANA OPERA distributed unevenly across the country. Poverty is more preva- November 12 at 12 a.m. The Carnival of the lent in the southern regions and Animals, concert for kids Brown argued “self-employed” – a term widely used in statistical November 14, 18 at 7 p.m. Classical music concert reports – is strongly associated November 17, 18 at 7 p.m. Carmen, opera with the poorest cluster of the population. Despite overall positive trends HAS SANAT GALLERY during the past years, the issue of November 2 - November 23 Kulbatyrov’s artwork poverty remains compelling in Kazakhstan due to dependence on the oil economy, poverty in BARYS ARENA the countryside and the under- development of a strong middle November 15 at 7.30 p.m. HC Barys - HC Avangard class. “We have a solid 15-20 percent of the population in the upper in- CAPITAL CIRCUS come bracket and similar percent November 11, 12 at 4 p.m. New show by Mstislav in the ‘poor’ category, but a very big band of the lower middle Zapashniy class – a very vulnerable group that can easily fall down into the poor category,” said Brown. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 Astana Opera star to perform Carmen that music helps the opera sing- ers. Which word should be em- phasised, how to sing this or that phrase – all this is spelled out in the score. The stage di- rectors’ interpretations are also very important; each of them is different,” she added. Khamzina strongly disagrees with directors who portray Car- men as vulgar. She is certain the character’s extraordinarily beauty and inner freedom at- tracted José. “This ‘promiscuity’ does not correspond with the music. A free woman, uninhibited, open, spirited, passionate – this is not a vulgar woman. These concepts should not be confused,” she noted. The libretto was written and is performed in French. An op- era is typically presented in its original language and the sing- ers must know at least the basics of grammar and phonetics. “The artist must first of all un- derstand what he or she is sing- ing, which is why we do a word- for-word translation. I studied French grammar, which is much nuanced. Linguists worked with be the same, because when we of Carmen, even death cannot us, made suggestions, explained By Yerbolat Uatkhanov go onstage, we, the artists, can- withstand freedom,” she said. the meaning of words. Some not be switched on and listened Khamzina described herself words, which were actively used ASTANA – Kazakh mezzo- to like a recording. Once my as “a reserved person,” so she in France in the middle of the soprano Dina Khamzina will Carmen was a naive girl, a hoo- believes she cannot “overdo” 19th century, could be moved “I received a personal en- ni Zhangyru (Modernisation perform the title role in “Car- ligan; now I see her completely Carmen. into a passive vocabulary today; gagement and, together with of Kazakhstan’s Identity) pro- men” at the Astana Opera. The differently, more wise, free,” “I can see the fine line which that is, they are no longer used, the artists from the Mariinsky gramme. The effort is seeking premier of the George Bizet she said in an exclusive inter- must not be crossed. Many peo- so the help of philologists was Theatre, performed in the op- to develop and represent mod- classic will be staged Nov. 17 view with The Astana Times. ple say that this is not my part, really needed. I do not speak the era ‘Aida’ by Guiseppe Verdi, ern Kazakh culture throughout and 18 at the opera house’s main The opera singer discussed but my personality has nothing language perfectly, but I would where I sang the part of Amn- the world. hall. her own freedom. to do with Carmen’s personal- very much like to study it, to eris. On social networks, an op- “Therefore, after the premiere Khamzina has performed the “Eating whatever you want ity. However, I should not be speak it. Among other things, era fan wrote that the interpre- of ‘Carmen’ I want to give a role many times, yet considers and sleeping as much as you like my heroines. I am not in the we took part in a master class tation I created overshadowed number of concerts in my home- each to be a different interpreta- want is not freedom, of course. theatre to play myself on stage; with a tutor from Italy, the won- all previous ones that she had town of Uralsk, as well as in tion. What is a gypsy camp? It is a on the contrary, I am constantly derful professional concertmas- seen until this day. Of course, other regions. Cultivating patri- “Our life is constantly chang- constant struggle for survival, searching, seeking unfamiliar ter Mzia Bachturidze. We hope such assessments are a source otic feelings and instilling love ing: today you meet a fascinat- but this survival is not asso- portrayals for me, discovering that everything will turn out of inspiration and joy. I under- for the motherland are some of ing person, tomorrow – read ciated with any dependence. something new in myself in or- to be at the highest level,” she stand that I am growing, that the tasks of artists. Spirituality an interesting book. All of this These people do not depend on der to convey to the audience said. I manage to convey the con- is priceless; it is the foundation makes an impression on us – the circumstances, are not attached what the composer wanted to Khamzina recently returned ceived ideas onstage,” she said. of a healthy and educated soci- mood and even the worldview to one place; they all have inner say,” she noted. from Bishkek and the Inter- She is planning a tour through ety. Therefore, we must make changes. Even if we perform the freedom, which cannot be com- “What makes us different national Festival of Opera Art Kazakh cities to make her own every effort for the prosperity same aria often, it still cannot pared to anything. In the case from dramatic artists is the fact named after Bulat Minzhilkiev. small contribution to the Rukha- of Kazakhstan,” said Khamzina. Kazakh scientist invents drug testing device in UK

By Zhazira Dyussembekova

ASTANA – Kazakh chemist Gabit Nurumbetov, the principal scientist for Medherant, the U.K.- based company that produces next- generation drug delivery patches, has invented a new device for test- ing transdermal drugs. The diffu- sion cell helps to test substances more quickly and efficiently. “The device allows us to speed up the development process of our patches by 5-10 times and this is our competitive advantage. For example, big pharmaceutical com- panies spend a year on patch devel- opment, while we need two-three Gabit Nurumbetov months,” said Nurumbetov in an sector-leading R&D capabilities and learn how to apply it to real-life interview with The Astana Times. and has enabled the company to test applications,” he added. The new device is an improved, over 50 drugs for compatibility in Nurumbetov and Haddleton miniaturised and multiplexed version their TEPI Patch adhesive polymers were both interested in using nov- of a Franz cell – an appliance com- over a 24-month period – a feat el polymers for developing adhe- monly used to test transdermal drugs. which would have been unachiev- sive technologies for application It allows Medherant to test 108 for- able with a small team without his to medical patches. In 2015, Had- mulations of a drug per day, com- innovation,” reads the press release. dleton founded Medherant with pared to about 12 in the same period Shymkent-born Nurumbetov Nurumbetov being the founding with traditional Franz cells, accord- graduated from Kazakh-British scientist and this year becoming ing to company’s press release. Technical University, then continu- the company’s principal scientist. The diffusion cell is made of chem- ing for eight years at the University “The transition from the academic ically-resistant engineering plastic of Warwick in Coventry, England, to environment to Medherant was chal- similar to that used on Formula 1 complete a Ph.D. in Polymer Chem- lenging, but it has been a very excit- cars. The team needed nearly three istry. He worked closely with Pro- ing experience. As a member of a months to create the device, making fessors Stefan Bon and David Had- spin-out company, you always need two prototypes before the third be- dleton. After completing his degree, to consider some aspects of everyday came fully operational. he was employed as a researcher routine which you have never thought Medherant is a creator of the TEPI in Haddleton’s group, working on of as a researcher in academic labo- Patch, a thin, flexible adhesive patch improving polymerisation perfor- ratories. Parameters such as costs of that can consistently deliver a steady, mance for industrial partners. chemicals, energy consumption, targeted, high dose of many differ- “Having graduated from Ka- waste disposal and laboratory supply ent types of drugs through the skin. zakh-British Technical Univer- have become an everyday part of the Depending on the requirements for a sity in 2009, I was keen to con- equation,” said Nurumbetov. particular therapy, the patch may be tinue studies in one of the leading “The interesting part is that you are designed to deliver a drug for 12, 24 global universities. My application encouraged to increase the compa- or 72 hours, or even longer. The com- seemed interesting to Professor ny’s productivity by improving con- pany also uses its innovative patches Bon at the University of Warwick. ventional processes and instruments. to develop a variety of products to Following a successful interview, That is how Medherant’s high- treat pain, including ibuprofen and he offered me the opportunity of throughput diffusion test system was lidocaine. It plans to license the prod- becoming a Ph.D. student within designed. After a couple of experi- ucts for launch onto the global mar- his group,” said Nurumbetov. ments with the traditional Franz cell, ketplace, following successful clini- “Being a member of the Bon Lab we spotted an opportunity to invent a cal trials and regulatory approval, in for three years and the Haddleton device that allowed us to increase the the next two-three years. Group as a postdoctoral researcher speed of our product testing by up to “Nurumbetov’s high-throughput for two and a-half years, I had a ten times – simultaneously reducing device is at the core of Medherant’s chance to broaden my knowledge the cost of our operations,” he added. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 Gorky Russian Drama Theatre takes spotlight at international festival

troupe under the leadership of Astana and the theatre itself. Na- the modern city. The performance Synergy Festival Director Valentin shared experiences and plans for By Dana Omirgazy its director Yerkin Kassenov, be- tional music, kuis (stories told by received good reviews from both Venencel. the upcoming season. The event came a true embodiment of syn- music) and songs about the young festival organisers and the audi- Kazakh President Nursultan ended with participants exchang- ASTANA – The Gorky State ergy demonstrating the high level capital sounded in the hall, pro- ence. Nazarbayev spoke about strength- ing gifts and expressing their de- Academic Russian Drama Thea- of Central Asian theatre. The viding a special atmosphere and “We have long waited for the ening bilateral cultural and human- sire to visit one of Kazakhstan’s tre presented “Mankurt. Eternal festival hosts assisted by partici- acquainting those in attendance theatre team in Serbia. The organ- itarian ties and opening a monu- oldest theatres. slave,” one of the best plays in its pating in the event and providing with the culture of the nation’s isers were especially interested ment in Belgrade to Kazakh poet Synergy World Theatre Festival repertoire, at the Synergy World scenery for the performance. people. Visitors learned about the in the performance announced in Zhambyl Zhabayev during his visit was created to gather profession- Theatre Festival 2017 in Serbia. The performance was accom- theatre’s history and looked at the programme. The modern thea- to Serbia last year. al artists in one place and create The play by famous Kyrgyz panied by Serbian and English the rare historical photographs of tre brings cultural heritage of not The week-long festival included works in their individual languag- writer Chinghiz Aitmatov, di- subtitles, allowing every audience the first buildings of Akmolinsk, only its people, but also the world theatrical collectives from Hun- es. If offers an opportunity to ex- rected by honoured artist of Ta- member to ponder its philosophy. as Astana used to be called in the of drama. The development and gary, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, change the most concrete artistic jikistan Barzu Abdurazakov and The production was preceded by 19th and first half of the 20th cen- cooperation of theatres is the re- Romania and Serbia. Theatre rep- and cultural experiences, accord- performed by the Astana theatre an exhibition about Kazakhstan, turies, which turned into images of sult of cooperation of states,” said resentatives held symposiums and ing to the festival’s website. Young Kazakhs perform Transforma space at UNESCO headquarters invites creative theatres Kazak honoured figure Alexander from Shymkent performed in vo- country, is always happy to pro- By Frol Leandoer Belyakov. cal art. Choreography was repre- vide comprehensive support to The jury selected the eight in- sented by Aruzhan Bakhytkyzy, such significant social projects. ASTANA – Eight young Ka- dividuals who travelled to the 15, and Gumar Sultanbek, 17, of Moreover, together with the Ka- to collaborate zakhs performed at United Na- French capital. Representing the capital. zakhstan National Federation of tions Educational, Scientific and instrumental art was Mayirbek “The Children in the Rhythm UNESCO Clubs, we fulfilled the Cultural Organisation UNESCO Azimbayev, 14 from Sarykemer of the World project is aimed at dream of the finalists and helped headquarters in Paris as winners them to take the first step towards of the nation’s second Children in great art,” said deputy execu- the Rhythm of the World Creative “The Children in the Rhythm of the World tive director and Nursultan Naz- Youth Festival. arbayev Foundation representa- More than 2,000 children from project is aimed at identifying and supporting tive office in Almaty director all regions submitted videos of Sergei Tokhtarov. their performances this summer. gifted young performers of our country, The finalists were joined on Twenty-four contestants ad- bringing their creative potential to light and stage by well-known artists such vanced to the final stage, a series as Aida Ayupova, KeshYou and of master classes with leading popularising the national culture through Alash Uly. nent acting troupe and the task of Kazakh artists. The jury chose the children’s creativity.’’ The UNESCO performance By Zhanna Shayakhmetova the artistic director is to set project best in three categories – instru- was held Oct. 17 in conjunc- direction based on certain principles. mental and vocal arts and chore- tion with the Rukhani Janghyru ASTANA – The Transforma cul- “New faces and new names are ography. village of Zhambyl region, a identifying and supporting gifted programme, unveiled by Presi- tural space opened in Almaty Oct. our first principle,” noted Douk- The finalists demonstrated the student of the Republican Spe- young performers of our country, dent Nursultan Nazarbayev in 21 with the premiere of “B.O.Q.” ravets. “Talented people are in results of their lessons at a gala cialised Music School named bringing their creative potential April 2017. The Children in the staged by Laboratory No.316, an in- need of a theatre platform, espe- concert at the Abai State Aca- after Akhmet Zhubanov; Azhar to light and popularising the na- Rhythm of the World festival was dependent theatrical company. The demic Opera and Ballet Thea- Kadylbekova, 15, and Azhar tional culture through children’s organised by the First President multidisciplinary site offers room “The Transforma tre accompanied by the Almaty Tursynalieva, 15. Ayim and creativity. The Nazarbayev Foun- of Kazakhstan Foundation and for theatre productions, dance and mayor’s pop and symphony or- Gulim Madil, 13, from Almaty dation, pursuing its mission to Kazakhstan National Federation music events, film screenings, ex- cultural space’s chestra under the leadership of and Aigerim Temirbekova, 15, support talented youth of the of UNESCO Clubs. hibitions, lectures and other creative projects philosophy is to be The venue is located at SmArt free in terms of space Point, the largest Central Asian co- working centre in Kazakhstan. The transformation. The Kazakh-language play directed by Kuba Adylov will also be presented space should and can Nov. 1, 3 and 4. be transformed into “The Reasons to Live,” a mul- timedia show by director Viktor project requests.” Nemchenko will be included Oct. 25 as part of the Dramcom virtual platform. The project will be broad- cially those who do not have their cast live on the Internet, offering the own premises. Our space is perfect audience an opportunity to interact for rehearsal and performances. with the characters in real time. The The second is experimental prin- play brings together four extraordi- ciple. We aim for our projects to nary women, revealing the details of bring something new. We want their destiny. people to unite creative groups and “The Transforma cultural space’s perform extraordinary and avant- philosophy is to be free in terms of garde performances. The third space transformation. The space principle is relevance. We support should and can be transformed into projects that reflect our reality. For project requests. We can hold perfor- example, what is happening in our mances, concerts, lectures and many society, what people think and dis- other things here. Usually the project cuss, what problems they face.” adapts to the conditions of the site; Transforma is open to cooperation now, the stage easily and harmoni- and experiment. ously adapts to the requirements of “The first month is preparatory for a particular project,” Transforma Ar- us. We are looking for interesting tistic Director Antoine Doukravets projects and teams who want to per- told The Astana Times prior to the form on our stage. We are also open opening. for musical and lecture projects. Our “The preparatory work is under- mission is to develop and open new way to create projects dedicated projects, to support young creative to independent and experimental teams and promote new approaches theatre groups with the support of to the creation of art. We believe that the Soros Foundation. The British experiment and innovation are the Council supported us at the stage of cornerstones of contemporary art developing space design,” he added. and development and progress are The space does not have a perma- impossible without them,” he said. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 Yandex.Lyceum launches in Kazakhstan The course involves rigorous se- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova lection procedures for local teach- ers, who are Olympiad prize win- ASTANA – Yandex, Russia’s ners with extensive knowledge and largest technology company, experience. They will participate launched its Yandex.Lyceum in trainings throughout the school computer programming educa- year, including educational semi- tional programme in early Octo- nars, webinars and a series of test ber in physics and mathematics works. schools in the capital and Almaty. “Children are very enthusias- Eighth and ninth grade students tic and do all the tasks properly. will study programming basics They are so motivated. We did a and write an app with graphic mailing to all schools about the user interface. audition at the beginning of the “We want to share the practi- school year. More than 200 ap- cal knowledge and skills we have plications were submitted and accumulated at Yandex. We are 30 students were enrolled. We confident that the dissemination already have those who want to of knowledge is a great way to take part in next year’s audition,” make the world better. Education she added. can become accessible and excit- The courses are free of charge. ing with the help of our technolo- Classes are held twice a week and gies,” said Yandex.Lyceum head can be combined with the school Marina Suslova prior to the open- programme. Students must pass ing. an online test designed to test the The two-year curriculum, devel- individual’s ability to think logi- oped by the Yandex School of Data cally and analytically and then be Analysis, is divided into two parts interviewed. – the basics of Python program- The pilot project was imple- ming and fundamentals of indus- mented in four cities last year. Cur- trial programming. Each course rently, there are 60 lyceums in 27 lasts a full academic year and must Russian and Armenian cities and be taken sequentially. two schools in Kazakhstan. Programming skills are neces- informburo.kz Photo credit: Yandex.Lyceum was developed sary not just for those who want to Yandex CEO Arkady Volozh (R) meets with students and teachers in Almaty. with the participation of School work in the IT sector, according to of Data Analysis, a Yandex educa- Suslova. Young qualified person- launch the projects if there’s great proposals to open schools in other should know the types of data and the operators and solve problems. tional project. The more than 600 nel with practical experience in ad- interest and support from local ed- urban areas. be able to work with them. The pro- Python is good at making mobile specialists who have studied there vanced technologies are in demand ucational partners,” she said. “Currently, the education process gramme is not focused on preparing applications and problem solving,” since 2007 are now working in IT in all fields. After testing the pilot project is in full swing. The students per- for Olympiads or competitions. It is said Astana Yandex.Lyceum coor- companies in the Commonwealth “The Yandex.Lyceum project is in several Russian cities last year, form tasks in the classroom and at aimed at creating a child’s thought dinator Gulnur Aubakirova in an of Independent States (CIS) and the company’s initiative, but we the company received a number of home. At the end of the course, they process so that he or she can use Oct. 26 interview. other countries. Electronic bracelets Government, UNDP for convicts pass tests to support 15 city energy homing devices required for con- individuals, according to peni- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov victs under house arrest or parole. tentiary committee staff. The The device sends a radio frequen- bracelets provide remote identi- ASTANA – A pilot project using saving projects cy signal containing location and fication and automated data col- convict electronic bracelets devel- other information to a monitoring lection to process the individu- and the energy saving field with With an average interest rate oped and produced in Kazakhstan centre. Police are informed if the als’ compliance with restricted Staff Report a much broader goal of fostering of 15 percent, businesses granted has been successfully completed. person moves outside an allowed movement. the nation’s transition to a green subsidies will repay loans at a As a result, the government is range. The project heads noted the ASTANA – Fifteen Kazakh economy. 5-percent interest rate, she added, cities, including the capital, Ko- The project’s overall cost is es- noting the rate corresponds to the planning wider use. The bracelets were tested on 15 domestic bracelets ensure infor- stanai, Shymkent and Taraz, will timated at $6 billion and UNDP level of the Organisation for Eco- The bracelets, a means of track- volunteers convicted for various mation security, as those manu- install energy saving technologies is set to provide financial support nomic Co-operation and Develop- ing individuals under suspended types of crimes and sentenced to factured abroad can have the pos- sentence with liberty restraints, by 2020 to reduce carbon intensity through subsidies, the mecha- ment (OECD) member states. restraint by court decision. The sibility of information leakage and enhance infrastructure energy nism similar to that used by the Altangerel said projects focused were created by aerospace com- Almaty and Taldykorgan peni- and remote system shutdown. efficiency, said United Nations Damu Fund to bolster local busi- on reducing carbon dioxide emis- mittee scientists and engineers at tentiary system departments es- The budget funds spent for their Development Programme (UNDP) nesses. sions will eventually be included the Institute of Space Techniques tablished special monitoring cen- purchase also remain in Kazakh- Deputy Resident Representative “Commercial loans taken for the on the list of the economy’s prior- and Technology. The pilot project, tres. Trained dispatchers remotely stan, create new jobs and stimu- Munkhtuya Altangerel during an implementation of the projects in- ity sectors that are entitled to state based on developments by experts monitored the convicts’ locations late the development of local Oct. 13 press briefing. volving low-carbon technologies financial assistance. in satellite navigation, was imple- on an electronic map, recording technology. The project will be implemented will have 10 percent of the loan’s The programme will continue mented through the criminal-exec- all violations of court-imposed re- Electronic monitoring was in- as part of an Aug. 28 agreement bank rate covered by the state to through the end of October, she utive system department probation strictions. vented by a small group of schol- between the Kazakh Ministry for improve the project’s financial in- added, and every Kazakh citizen services in Almaty and Almaty Based on the project results, ars at Harvard University in the Investments and Development and dicators and shorten the payback can take part in the project and region, reported the Kazkosmos the Kazakh-developed electron- 1960s. It was used for the first Damu Entrepreneurship Develop- period [for the project to recoup suggest ideas that can help im- press service. ic bracelets allow for continu- time in Albuquerque, New Mexico ment Fund to support businesses its initial investments],” said Al- prove his or her region’s environ- Electronic bracelets serve as ous monitoring of controlled (U.S.) in 1983. working in renewable energy tangerel. ment. Scientists make strides in identifying genetic predisposition to disease tor has the opportunity to make Staff Report correct and timely prescriptions and recommendations. It is nec- ASTANA – The National Cen- essary to conduct research to re- tre for Biotechnology recently duce the risk of specific diseas- discussed advances in identify- es,” she said. ing diseases at the genetic level. She noted that creating a full “We find out disorders through genetic passport is expensive. DNA and this allows us to take However, it is possible to con- timely measures. At a genetic duct an analysis of some of its level, we can determine such positions, especially to identify socially important diseases as hereditary diseases. oncology, cardiovascular dis- An individual genetic passport eases metabolic syndrome and contains information on the pre- metabolic disorders,” said head disposition to various diseases of the centre’s laboratory Elena and recommendations on the Zholdybayeva. types of physical activity based Zholdybayeva stressed that the on genetic analyses. The pres- ability to determine predisposi- ence of such a passport and the tion to diseases at an earlier age recommendations of specialists is a big advantage in dealing with will allow a patient to lead a them. healthy lifestyle that corresponds “If there are any disorders in to his individual genetic charac- the coded area of DNA, the doc- teristics. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 Twenty remedial schools receive modern equipment tau. The regional boarding school By Dana Omirgazy welcomes 137 children with visu- al and hearing impairments. ASTANA – Twenty schools “We launched this project two for children with hearing, vision years ago. Today, it implements and intellectual impairments in a number of charitable projects; the Almaty, Mangistau and Pav- the project has a plan for almost lodar regions and Astana were all regions. First, it applies the equipped with special devices assistance to remedial schools, this year, reported tengrinews. construction of sports grounds kz. or equipping existing ones. They The nation has 100 remedial take school places and gyms as a schools which train more than basis – there is no need to rebuild 15,000 children. The equipment anything and spend money, there was last updated in 2005 and all is only a need to equip the exist- schools will receive new equip- ing gyms with modern equipment. ment by the end of the year un- We want to have a healthy nation. der the Menin Yelim programme, Children should be engaged in a campaign initiated by Samruk sports from an early age,” she Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund said. and coordinated by the company’s Remedial schools in the Ak- trust social development founda- tobe, Atyrau, East Kazakhstan tion. and West Kazakhstan regions are Special printers that make any next in line. drawing convex to the touch and Menin Yelim aims to support a magnifying glass that helps regions and local communities, enlarge and decipher text are as the former are a strategic di- helpful for children with visual rection for Samruk Kazyna social impairments and youngsters de- activities. The programme’s main prived of sight. Induction loops purpose is managing social in- Photo credit: Tengrinews.kz. Photo credit: that transmit the teacher’s voice vestments and strengthening com- to the child, additional devices signed for children with hearing develop motor skills and logope- Russia, Switzerland and the Unit- arbayeva visited one of the munication among the company, for hearing aids and special audi- impairments. The schools also dic trainers. The equipment was ed States. schools to look at the new equip- local executive agencies and the ometres for hearing tests are de- received ball pools, materials to delivered from Germany, Italy, Senate member Dariga Naz- ment during a recent visit to Ak- civil sector. Minister reports on Programme for Brave Dogs Almaty Education and Science Development organises charity pre-schools have been opened and A five-day academic week was the framework of the first summit By Dana Omirgazy 155 schools built throughout the introduced this year in secondary of the Organisation of Islamic Co- country. schools. To implement the three- operation (OIC) on Science and ASTANA – Kazakh Minister Sagadiyev spoke specifically language policy, 30 percent of Technology, the OIC Programme photoshoots, seeks of Education and Science Yerlan about pre-school education and basic and profiling disciplines are on Science, Technology and Inno- Sagadiyev reported on the status training. taught in English, while 273 two- vation was developed and adopted of the State Programme of Edu- “To simplify the procedure for degree educational programmes until 2026,” said Sagadiyev. cation and Science Development opening kindergartens, new sani- have been coordinated with 49 for- Kazakhstan became a member to expand (SPESD) for 2016-2019 during tary norms and rules have been eign universities. of the Organisation for Economic Continued from Page B1 plex breed with which you have to an Oct. 17 government meet- adopted. Thus, 92.3 percent of “To eliminate three-shift edu- Cooperation and Development practice sports, develop and train. ing chaired by Prime Minister newly opened pre-school institu- cation and schools in emergen- (OECD) Committee for Scientific Other breeds are welcome in the These dogs are very self-sufficient Bakytzhan Sagintayev. tions account for private organisa- cy conditions, 72 billion tenge and Technological Policy this year. group, say members. Socialisation and freedom-loving and without Sagadiyev reviewed the pro- tions, particularly in the South Ka- (US$215.6 million) was provided. According to OECD standards, and communication with various proper treatment to them, you risk gramme results for 2016, noting zakhstan, Kyzylorda and Almaty However, despite the measures pre-school and school education dogs are the most important parts getting an untamed dog that can the positive assessment from Pres- regions and the city of Almaty. In taken and the construction of new content has been updated and of education and training, but pri- escape,” she noted. ident Nursultan Nazarbayev. addition, conditions are created for schools, the number of three-shift colleges and universities have in- marily they discuss the problems Brave Dogs members hang out “The state programme will un- children with special educational schools has not decreased due to troduced 92 new programmes de- and achievements of the winter together quite often during the dergo significant changes in light needs,” he said. urbanisation and demographic veloped with international experts breeds. winter season. of a number of new initiatives of trends,” said Sagadiyev. and employers. “In general, those dogs are “We go hiking in the mountains, this and last year. They are the Rather than rely on three-shift Sagintayev noted the importance unique in almost everything. First take part in mushing and we just Rukhani Zhangyru (Modernisa- and emergency schools, 76 new of continuing the work to enhance of all, appearance – thick fur, unu- spend time in nature. During sum- tion of Kazakhstan’s Identity) pro- facilities will be put into operation the competitiveness of domestic sually fascinating eyes and grace- mer, a couple of times we went to gramme and transition to the Latin by the end of the year, 52 of which education. ful wolf habits. Second, such dogs Kapchagai and, of course, what alphabet, as well as the Digital opened their doors in September. “The recommendation to amend are insanely hardy. There was one brings us together is a charity pho- Kazakhstan programme. Finally, it Higher education institu- the current programme remains time when a husky team ran for 18 toshoot. They especially have a is the Strategy 2025 that envisages tions have begun electing rec- relevant; moreover, it was stated in hours without stopping and cov- team spirit,” say members. the development of Kazakhstan as tors through supervisory boards the President’s state-of-the-nation ered about 250 kilometres. Third, The club has big plans for the an educational hub for the Central and creating corporate secretaries address this year, where special these dogs can withstand the cold future, including hard work on the Asian region,” he said. and internal audit services. Eight emphasis was placed on chang- weather up to minus 40-50 de- new photo shoot and developing Approximately 420 billion Kazakh universities were listed ing the education system. There- grees due to their unique under- ideas and the concept of the event, tenge (US$1.25 billion) has been among the world’s best this year fore, within the framework of the coat, which practically does not said member and leader Ainur

allocated this year to implement Primeminister.kz. Photo credit: by Quacquarelli Symonds World new model of economic growth, let the moisture in, keeps the heat Sanbayeva. 168 events under the programme. Minister of Education and Science University Rankings. the role of the education system is well and in summer even saves “We also want to launch a small Since SPESD was instituted, 1,309 Yerlan Sagadiyev. “In September this year, within very important,” he said. from overheating. And, of course, joint project with our dear pho- their amazing character,” said Su- tographer Valentina Usen for the marokova. Husky Help group in Almaty. The She added huskies are consid- project is about a series of profes- ered the kindest dogs in the world, sional photoshoots featuring our with absolutely no aggression to- dogs. Family and individual pho- Konstantin Khabensky: We need to make wards humans. tosets for those who want to get “A husky dog is not able to bite stunning processed pictures from or attack a person and it is practi- the master! The proceeds from this cally impossible to raise it even as project will go to the account of charity an integral part of everyone’s life a defender or guard. But this qual- Husky Help. We also plan to visit medicine, organises rehabilitation tions from individuals, corporate ity, unfortunately, has another side, foster homes. We are very inspired By Dana Omirgazy programmes, trains doctors and fundraising/donations from legal as huskies get often kidnapped by this idea and at the moment we works with parents to ensure early entities and major private fund- because of their appearance and are working out an action plan for ASTANA – Konstantin Khaben- diagnosis of serious brain diseases. raising and individual donations kind nature. Only then do people the upcoming New Year’s trip to sky, a popular Russian actor who During its nine years, the founda- beginning at the 100,000 rubble realise that this is a fairly com- foster homes in Almaty,” she said. is known for his kind heart and his tion has raised 471 million rubbles (US$1,738) level. unsuccessful fight to save his wife’s (US$8.18 million), including 180 The foundation is now imple- life from cancer, shared his mes- million rubbles (US$3.13 million) menting the Charity Instead of sage of giving Oct. 21 with chari- collected this year, said Khabensky. Souvenirs project, an initiative table organisations and leading “The charity is not a story that offering the opportunity to choose Kazakh figures. He joined with the was invented by someone, as some- charitable gifts rather than corpo- Samruk Kazyna Trust Social De- thing unshakable and unchanging rate ones. Within the campaign, a velopment Foundation at a meeting once and for all. To do a good deed company’s gift budget is directed in Astana to share the experiences is something that was inherent in us towards benevolent and socially of the foundation bearing his name initially. The mechanism of charity significant programmes, with which helps children with oncolog- develops every day. The main thing partners and friends receiving a ic and other serious brain diseases. is to try, to consult and not to fright- Konstantin Khabensky greeting card indicating their in- Formed in 2008, the Konstantin en people, but, on the contrary, to volvement. All funds raised will Khabensky Foundation, which now involve and show them the most “We learned to speak and talk be earmarked to treat children includes 19 people, has provided interesting and fascinating aspects about what we are doing in Rus- with severe brain tumours. targeted assistance to more than of the moment when they become sia. We have already learned to The event participants learned 1,500 children and psychological people themselves. It is very impor- listen and perceive what other about fundraising techniques and support to more than 5,000 people. tant to let people employ their be- foundations are doing, but we asked questions to improve and At least 2,000 doctors have taken nevolence through the mechanisms have not yet learned to take it for extend the activity of Kazakh part in its educational projects. The and the path of charity,” he noted. granted, as in Europe and the U.S. charitable organisations. More organisation has purchased 28 piec- The most difficult part of that We still have to do this. This is than 50 non-governmental organ- es of equipment for eight federal in- path is daily charity, he said, add- probably the most difficult,” he isations that provide sponsorship stitutions and volunteers have con- ing that foundations must not be noted. and charitable assistance through- ducted in excess of 300 workshops hesitant to voice what needs to be In working with the public, out the nation were involved, in- in hospitals. The foundation assists done and how they plan to accom- Khabensky said charitable foun- cluding Dara Charity Foundation, in coordinating children’s exami- plish their goals if they want to be dations must employ three mech- Kasiyetti Zhol Fund and Mercy nations and treatment, purchases successful. anisms – mass fundraising/dona- Volunteer Society Fund. Residents enjoy the charity photoshoot event. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 East Kazakhstan promotes domestic tourism, educational tours Photo credit Toureast.kz Photo credit Markakol Lake The Burning Adyrs natural monument in the south of the Zaisan area.

in January-June 2017 compared and external relations department collaborating with the Atameken pleted in the past two years, said sation of Kazakhstan’s Identity) By Zhanna Shayakhmetova to the same period of the previous head Zhasulan Sarsebayev. National Chamber of Entrepre- Sarsebayev. Plans are underway programme. Work has begun to year. The number of foreign tour- Four billion tenge (US$11 mil- neurs and the KazAvtoZhol on this to implement 26 projects totalling explore and develop the sites. ASTANA – In an effort to attract ists increased by 31.8 percent to lion) was allocated this year to issue,” he said. 18 billion tenge (US$53 million) “Our tour operators should offer travellers from China and Rus- 10,681. rebuild 122 kilometres of roads to The TourEast.kz web portal was through 2023. excursion tours to the sacred plac- sia, the East Kazakhstan region is In the first six months of the Alakol, Markakol and Sibinskie developed in Chinese, English, Forty-four projects worth 10 bil- es at affordable prices for educa- completing large-scale road repair year, 34,360 local and 140 for- Lakes. In addition, 500 million Kazakh and Russian to increase lion tenge (US$29 million) have tional institutions. Now, it is lim- and reconstruction this year to the eign tourists visited the resort ar- tenge (US$1.4 million) was ear- tourist flow. Eighteen tour op- been included in the Tourism Sec- ited to one-time visits. We want to most visited tourist sites. eas. The region has 463 options marked to renovate Alakol Lake’s erators offer 35 routes and infor- tor Development Road Map for exclude one-time events and offer The region ranks second after that can accommodate 26,370 embankment and a new bus station mational tours are organised for 2015-2020. The main focus is cul- tours on a regular basis,” he said. Astana in terms of domestic tour- travellers. was put into operation. media representatives and foreign tural and medical tourism. The region has 24 parks and na- ism, as approximately 400,000 va- “We expect more tourists after “We examined all roadside ser- tour operators. The region is also planning to ture reserves measuring 1.7 mil- cationers visited the region in nine the reconstruction works. Current- vice facilities along the main tour- With the participation of lo- organise regular excursion tours lion hectares and more than 600 months of 2016, reported Kapital. ly, people can get to Alakol Lake ist routes. Most of them do not cal investors, 19 tourism projects for schoolchildren, with a map of historical monuments and 100 kz. The number of visitors de- only from the Almaty region,” said correspond to any category of the at a cost of 623 million tenge sacred places created as part of tourist attractions, according to the creased by 3.6 percent to 169,274 East Kazakhstan Region tourism national standard. We are closely (US$1.8 million) have been com- the Rukhani Zhangyru (Moderni- department. Kazakh Khanate second season filming kicks off type is the preservation of its cul- states for the city of Syganak, the Preparation for the series began script was developed, minor charac- two interiors (the Rabia Room and By Frol Leandoer ture, its own national code.’ Without cultural and economic centre. this summer when the director’s ters cast, main scenery restored and the Baibishe Room) created. this, modernisation will turn into an “All the mistakes and shortcom- ASTANA – Kazakhfilm has be- empty sound. And today, after a short ings during the creation of the first gun shooting the second season of break, when you look back and look season were taken into account. We its large-scale historical series about at the work that’s been done, not as have already conducted surveys of the Kazakh Khanate. The project, a creator, but as a spectator, you re- the outgoing nature. By the end of commissioned by the Ministry of alise that all our efforts were not in the year, we want to shoot 40 percent Culture and Sports in conjunction vain. As a result, we are beginning to of the film,” said the director. with Rustem Abdrashev’s Centau- shoot the continuation of a complex The bulk of filming will be done in rus Productions, has the working historical project. I wish the whole Almaty on the main scenery built at title “Kazakh Khanate. The Golden team good luck,” he added. studio, as well as Kazakhfilm studio Throne.” The authors of part one are in- pavilions, where yurts and several “The first season of the series volved in creating the second season new backdrops will be installed, said aroused great interest in our history scenario, which will have 10 epi- producer Arman Asenov. Shooting among many people in Kazakhstan. sodes. The cast will remain the same will also take place using the Turke- We received a huge amount of feed- and new characters added. Kazakh stan scenery at Kapchagai. back through the Internet and social President Nursultan Nazarbayev “The team almost remained in the networks. There have been a lot of oversaw the project concept and the same composition. During the prep- discussions and disputes. We see that script is based on the novel “Dia- aration, each department did a great people have become uplifted and mond Sword” by Ilias Esenberlin. job. New costumes were created, as interested. They are waiting for the “Last season ended with the coro- well as old ones restored,” added Ab- continuation, which is very impor- nation of Khan Kerey; next season drashev. tant for us,” said Abdrashev, who is will show the history in the fight for The television premiere of the first directing. the steppe and the formation of Ka- season, dedicated to the 550th anni- “The idea of this project is in tune zakh statehood. The season will end versary of the Kazakh Khanate, was with the recent programme article with the coronation of Zhanibek, the held in March. “Diamond Sword,” a on the modernisation of Kazakh- next Kazakh Khan,” said Abdrashev. full-length film version of the series, stan’s identity which says ‘The first The audience will see Kazakh was released nationwide earlier this condition of modernisation of a new khans fighting with neighbouring year and became a leading rental. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 FC Astana thrashes FC Astana secures first away win in Tel Aviv 4-0 European club competition group stage second half and clearly dominated the pool’s Spanish favourite, Vil- By Anuar Abdrakhmanov the pitch. Kabananga needed only larreal CF, which defeated Slavia 10 minutes to score two more into Prague 2-0 in the group’s other ASTANA – FC Astana deliv- Maccabi’s net and the score did not match. ered an impressive display in a 4-0 change until the final whistle. “I am happy with our first away home victory over Maccabi Tel “It is great that we secured our win in group stage of a European Aviv FC, its biggest margin of vic- first win in the group of theEu- cup. We worked hard this season tory in European club competition. ropa League. Maccabi is a strong and took a step forward. To be After losing away to Villarreal team. After the first 20 minutes honest, Maccabi was better in this CF and tying with SK Slavia Praha of the match, we found the right game. I think our opponent played at home, the Kazakh champions tactics and deserved our victory. good football. We were lucky in needed three points to preserve a Now we should focus on the de- some moments. We waited for our realistic chance of progressing to cisive matches [in Kazakhstan’s chance and used it in a counterat- the playoffs. At first glance, this Premier League], as we are close tack. We dedicate our victory to seemed a considerable challenge, to winning the gold medal for the the football of Kazakhstan. Yes, as their Israeli opponents have a third time. It is clear that following we still need more points. I think solid European record and experi- this success we will be under more if we secure 10 points, we will ence and players who previously pressure in the match in Israel, but [progress to the playoffs stage]. played in top-flight clubs in Eng- will be ready for this [and seek to We need another win, either over land and Holland. win again],” said FC Astana head Villarreal or Slavia. If we make it The hosts looked confident from coach Stanimir Stoilov. out of the group, this will be obvi- the early minutes, however, con- “I congratulate all the fans of the ous progress for us,” Stoilov com- trolling the ball for lengthy periods Astana team and football fans of mented after the game. and gradually pressuring Macca- Kazakhstan on this beautiful and “I think discipline helped us win. bi’s defences from the flanks. Asta- convincing victory. We had to win service Astana press FC Photo credit: We did what the manager told us na striker Junior Kabananga soon this game to improve our tourna- to do. He said it was important to had a great chance to score, but the ment position in the group [and] the team’s defence to experiment er Patrick Twumasi sent the ball play tight, without giving the op- ball hit a bit above the target. De- the team showed a brilliant game By Anuar Abdrakhmanov with a new line-up. Another prob- into the hosts’ net, but the referee ponent a chance. That is what we fender Dmitry Shomko’s kick re- and beat a strong opponent, play- lem was the absence of Bosnian called offside and the goal was dis- did. We used the chance. We surely sulted in the ball striking one of the ing equally successfully in attacks NETANYA – In the fourth round midfielder Srdjan Grahovats, who allowed. A few minutes later, how- could increase our advantage, but Maccabi defender’s hands and the and defence. This is our first win of the UEFA Europa League’s fell ill on the day of the match and ever, Twumasi scored again, this this result is good enough,” Shom- referee awarding Astana a penalty. in this season’s group stage and group stage, FC Astana secured its was replaced by Askhat Tagyber- time assisted by defender Abzal ko added. Midfielder Patrick Twumasi only the second one in the history first away win in a group tourna- gen. Beisebekov. “The game was very difficult be- perfectly converted a shot and the of our participation in the group ment of a European cup. In Netan- The first half of the match was Maccabi rushed forward, weak- cause we realised Maccabi would hosts opened the scoring. Three stages [of European club compe- ya, the Kazakh club defeated Mac- nerve-racking. Astana couldn’t ening their defence, and narrowly use a different tactic and focus minutes before the break, Shomko titions.] I would like to thank our cabi Tel Aviv 1-0 and moved up to seem to find their game, and Mac- escaped being scored on again. on attacks at home. We prepared made a great pass from the wing to players and the coaching staff for second place in Group A. cabi had several chances to score. Kazakhstan arranged another dan- for playing defensively. After all, the penalty box allowing Twumasi the emotions the team gave to all Understanding that the Israeli However, Kazakhstan’s defenders gerous counterattack with defend- away matches are always very dif- to double his team’s lead. of us today,” said general manager club would be gunning for revenge and goalkeeper Nenad Eric man- er Sergei Maly meeting a cross ficult. The main task was to play Astana did not slow down in the Sayan Khamitzhanov. after the major defeat they suffered aged to avert all the threats. from Twumasi, but Maccabi goal- tight without leaving any zones be- Oct. 19, FC Astana head coach In the second half, Maccabi con- keeper Predrag Rajkovic turned tween the lines. The team needed Stanimir Stoilov initially decided tinued to pressure, but not as hard the ball away. The Israeli club kept to act as a single mechanism. We to keep a lower profile, choosing as in the first half. Astana, waiting attacking, but Astana was resilient had some lucky moments, be- and came away with the historic a strategy using three central de- for a moment to seize the initia- cause Maccabi had a lot of scoring Chess player wins fenders. This was a serious risk, win. As a result of the match, FC chances, and we used one of coun- tive, finally found one and opened Astana moved to the second spot terattacks and won. Everyone is as before the game the Kazakh the score: defender Dmitry Shom- capital’s club’s key defender Yuriy ko made a backdoor pass and strik- in Group A. With seven points, the very happy tonight,” Astana mid- international speed Logvinenko was injured, forcing Kazakh team is one point behind fielder Ivan Majewski concluded. tournament Nikita Panassenko wins Track Cycling World Cup event in Poland Continued from Page B1

He also noted the high level of competition at the tournament. “Our athlete had the world’s strongest racers as opponents. Now, every athlete at the World Cup stages is determined to win to Staff Report won first place based on the out- secure a berth to the World Cham- comes of all nine rounds. pionship,” he added. ASTANA – Kazakh chess player “Initially, I had not thought about The next UCI Track Cycling Zhansaya Abdumalik was the victor the results at all. I just tried to per- Oct. 16 in the Almaty Chess Players form a stable and high-quality game. World Championship will take Union President’s Cup international Right before the last two rounds, the place Feb. 28-March 4 in Apel- tournament. moment when I caught up to Sergei doorn, the Netherlands. The contest involved 54 players Yudin on points, is when I started to The Rio Olympics 2016 was from nine countries, including nine think about first place. I managed to the first competition in the last 12 male grandmasters and nine inter- finish the ending of the tournament years where Kazakhstan was rep- national masters. Belarussian grand- well, which secured me the first line. resented in track racing. Zakharov master Kirill Stupak, winner of the I am extremely glad that my game is won an Olympic license and From L to R: Christos Volikakis, Nikita Panassenko, Liam Bertazzo. Almaty Open, was among the par- becoming stronger,” she said after achieved a decent result. Accord- ticipants. winning. ing to the national team coaches, “Of course, we expect good results. cycling, madison. I think we have all The next World Cup stages will The athletes sought to identify the Abdumalik’s final score was 2,679 Kazakhstan is capable of winning As you know, this year the Olym- chances to show what we can. Secur- be held Nov. 10-12 in the U.K. , best speed chess player during the points. As a result, her international two Olympic licenses for the 2020 pics’ programme was expanded and ing two berths at the Olympics is our Dec. 2-3 in Canada, Dec. 9-10 in three-day competition. Abdumalik rating rose by 80 points. Games in Tokyo. now includes a new kind of track key task,” said Bushansky. Chile and Jan. 19-21 in Belarus. FC Astana wins fourth straight Kazakhstan Premier League title and won confidently, giving the row. This is a great achievement and once again had to content By Anuar Abdrakhmanov home fans another reason to cel- for the whole club, and I want to themselves with silver medals. ebrate. congratulate our fans with it,” he Third place went to FC Orda- ASTANA – FC Astana came “Becoming the champions said. basy Shymkent; fourth to FC Ir- out on top of Kazakhstan’s Pre- for the fourth time in a row is a “The winner was decided in the tysh Pavlodar. mier League for the fourth time great achievement. I would like last round, and that held every- The two teams that finished at in a row with a 2-0 victory over to thank those who believed in one in suspense. But we believed the bottom of the standings, FC Akzhayik of Uralsk on the last us – and those who did not as in our team and our strengths, Taraz and FC Okzhetpes Kok- day of the season. well – but I think we proved that and deservedly won the gold shetau, were relegated from the The reigning champions could we are the best in the country,” medals! Making it through to the Premier League. FC Zhetysu have secured the defence of their Astana defender Dmitry Shomko group stage of a European club Taldykorgan and SK Kyzyl-Zhar title earlier, but they lost 0-2 said after the result.FC Astana competition and winning the do- Petropavl will replace them, hav- at home to Kairat in the previ- head coach Stanimir Stoilov has mestic champions title were our ing won promotions from the first ous round, making their Nov. 5 now become the first person in main objectives for this season. league. Akzhayik, which finished match a must-win. the history of Kazakh football to I congratulate the players of the 10th, will have to defend its place That did not, however, appear lead his team to victory in the na- club, the coaching staff, the em- in the top flight in a Nov. 9 play- to be a mission impossible, as FC tional league four years in a row. ployees and specialists of our off match against FC Makhtaaral, Akzhayik Uralsk ranks only 10th “Today’s game clearly showed football centre and all our many representing Kazakhstan’s south- in the league’s standings. How- that we were the stronger side. fans in Astana, in Kazakhstan ernmost township. ever, three days before their Ka- The question was when we and all over the world!” said FC The results mean that FC Asta- zakhstan Premier League match, would score. I am happy we won Astana General Manager Sayan na will try its luck again in the Astana faced serious challenger the championship. We worked Khamitzhanov. UEFA Champions League quali- Macccabi Tel Aviv in their UEFA hard throughout the year, and I FC Kairat Almaty lost the Pre- fication round next summer, Europa League group competi- enough time to recover to face match turned out to be predict- am glad it paid off. A rare foot- mier League title by just one while Kairat, Ordabasy and Irty- tion, so there were doubts about their domestic opponents. To able. Throughout the 90 minutes ball club can win the national point, despite their 3-2 win over sh will do the same in the UEFA whether the players would have FC Astana’s good fortune, the Astana had a clear advantage championship for four years in a FC Aktobe in a parallel match, Europa League. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 Kazakhstan, Korea open Friendship Garden in Astana Photo credit: Today.kz Photo credit:

By Dana Omirgazy residents and akimat (city admin- national style. The Bell Tower kindred spirits in many ways, in- cultural events at the garden to rea in due course, I am sure that istration). of Friendship, the main build- cluding ethnically and culturally. share our friendship with the Korean cities, including Seoul or ASTANA – The Kazakh and “This project is very important ing, houses a bell which is tra- I believe Astana residents will people of Astana. Since we have Ansan where Kazakh communi- Korean Friendship Garden for us. The President’s initiative ditionally sounded to herald the enjoy and relish the taste of Ko- a Korean Cultural Centre in Asta- ties exist, may be willing to pro- opened recently in the capital sig- to develop a green belt around beginning and end of the year. It rea and the height of the friend- na, we are able to organise a va- vide a plot of land for the Kazakh nifies the harmonious coopera- the city is one of our priorities. was rung by Issekeshev, Kazakh ship that we have built since the riety of events on the premises of side as well,” he added. tion and long friendship between Therefore, we welcome the con- Deputy Minister of Agriculture establishment of diplomatic ties the Friendship Garden,” he told The Friendship Garden is the the countries. The project was struction of new parks, squares Yerlan Nyssanbayev and Korean when they visit the Korean gar- The Astana Times. first of its kind in the capital built initiated by President Nursultan and gardens. All this allows us to Ambassador Kim Dae-sik. den with their families, friends Kim reiterated the garden was by a foreign country. Nazarbayev during then-Korean improve the ecology and develop The ambassador hopes capital and loved ones hand-in-hand on built as a result of an agreement “We Koreans feel honoured President Park Geun-hye’s visit a green belt inside the city,” he residents and guests will enjoy a sunny day. Because of the pro- between Nazarbayev and Park. and closer to the Kazakh peo- to Kazakhstan in 2014. said during Sept. 27 opening cer- spending their leisure time walk- gress of the work, we were able The city provided the plot of ple. The happy feeling led me to The Korean government in- emony. ing around the park. to open the garden around the land, while the Korean govern- write a poetic expression at the vested $1.7 million to build the The park’s architecture reflects “Though our relationship as end of September, in rather cold ment ensured the financial and opening ceremony that I cited park. City Akim (Mayor) Asset Korea’s charm. The garden’s states has not lasted long, that is weather. Next year when the sun technical resources. only in Korean, regrettably due Issekeshev expressed gratitude doors, gates, arches and walls, as only 25 years, we, Kazakh and brings us spring and summer, my “When the Kazakh side is will- to my poor Kazakh or Russian for Korea’s gift on behalf of the well as a mirror pond, show its Korean people, have long been embassy is going to hold some ing to build such a park in Ko- languages,” said Kim. Astana launches design China Studies Centre contest for 36-acre island opens in Astana Contemporary China: Questions es, as well as the academic envi- By Zhazira Dyussembekova and Answers. ronment,” added Zhao’an. In addition, the new centre will He also noted that it will become in heart of city ASTANA – Shanghai Academy be responsible for visits by re- a platform to help the two countries of Social Sciences (SASS) recent- searchers and a series of lectures “understand each other better.” ly opened a China Studies Centre on the study of China. During the lecture at the semi- in the Library of the First President According to centre’s website, nar, the expert shared his assess- of Kazakhstan. the China Studies Centre is a ments of the current state and “This morning [Oct. 24] a modern think tank engaged in a forecasts of the development of memorandum of understanding comprehensive study of Chinese Chinese economy. was signed with the Library of culture and history, which also The first seminar and upcoming The First President of Kazakh- analyses the prospective devel- ones will give the Kazakh audi- stan. Under this document, a cen- opment of Chinese economy and ence the opportunity to get ac- tre for China studies was opened serves as an interactive platform quainted with foreign assessments in the library. The centre has sev- for cooperation between govern- of Chinese economic develop- eral tasks, such as joint promo- ments, business circles, expert ment. Particularly, they will focus tion of the One Belt One Road and academic communities and on what Chinese economists think initiative, joint research with the universities of Kazakhstan and about China’s economy, as well as involvement of experts from the China. the problematic aspects in its de- Chinese and Kazakh sides,” said “Today, this is the first event velopment. They will also discuss Deputy to the National People’s within the established centre. The the future of Chinese economy and Congress of China, Vice Presi- ultimate goal covers a very wide what the Central Asian countries dent of the Shanghai Academy of audience from the state and trade can expect from such an uneasy Social Sciences (SASS) Zhang and economic sectors, including but promising neighbourhood, ac- Zhao’an during the seminar, small and medium-sized business- cording to the announcement.

cinema, cafes, restaurants, ho- with a wish in the workshop, then By Frol Leandoer tels, a mosque, a square and the take it to the mound. Mound of Wishes. The Oriental According to the client, the ASTANA – The Astana city City should be decorated with mound is expected to be the most government recently announced fountains and sculptural compo- visited place of the Oriental City a custom architectural town plan- sitions. The design should also and will constantly grow. ning contest for the development include cycling bridges, bicycle The mound will be .64 hec- of a sketch idea for the Oriental paths, a pier, and car parks. tares. The project consists of City facility. The facility will be The central object will be the the mound itself and a pavilion located on a 36-hectare island in Mound of Wishes, which will in the form of a yurt, which will the central part of the capital near revive the ancient tradition of be open all year round. The di- the Sary Arka bridge, Yelorda nomads, but in a new context. In ameter of the mound will be 48 Info reported. ancient times, warriors erected metres and nine metres in height. The terms of the contest re- the Oba mounds, which served The winner of the contest for quire proposed designs of Orien- as beacons and warned of the the best sketch of the Oriental tal City to include a multifunc- approach of foreign troops. The City will receive 16.36 million tional centre, offices, a shopping modern Akniyet Oba mound will tenge (USD $49,047). Applica- mall, an exhibition pavilion, the become a place of good wishes. tions will be accepted until Oct. Koshpendiler (Nomads) muse- Tourist will be able to take any 29. The results of the competi- um, craft workshops, a theatre, stone and order an engraving tion will be announced in April.