+28° / +16°C WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017 No 16 (130) www.astanatimes.com A milestone Swiss President meets with Economy grows 4.2 percent, in non- Kazakh counterpart, attends other indicators positive Nurly Zhol programme, noting that proliferation By Aigerim Seisembayeva this year 356 billion tenge ($1.1 billion) has been allocated for road Editorial national day at ASTANA – The Kazakh economy construction and 600 km of roads grew 4.2 percent, the unemployment have been built. By the end of this he long-awaited launch rate was 4.9 percent and investment year, 469 km of roads will become of the Low Enriched in fixed assets increased 3.7 percent toll roads, including the Astana- Uranium Bank on Aug. over the first seven months of this route. The first operating 29 is a bright spot in year, according to a report presented toll road in , he said, Twhat has been a gloomy period of August 7 by Kazakh Prime Minister generates up to 1.5 billion tenge increasing international tension. Bakytzhan Sagintayev to President (US$4.5 million) per year, covering It is a practical solution to help . the cost of construction. tackle two of the most serious Inflation increased 0.1 percent The Nurly Zher programme also global challenges. It is also a compared to June last year, food built in the first six months of this model of what can be achieved prices declined 0.5 percent and the year 5.5 million of 10.2 million through vision, persistence and level of oil production exceeded 100 square metres it hopes to complete cooperation. percent in all regions except, Kyzy- by year’s end. The two challenges for which lorda and Mangistau, where the level “My opinion,” said President Naz- the bank can help provide answers of oil production decreased. Authori- arbayev in response to the report, “is are, of course, climate change and ties are working with those regions that the government is working hard. nuclear proliferation. Both seem to use new reserves. I call on everyone: we have to work more pressing by the day. The country’s industrial pro- hard until the end of the year in or- As extreme weather events gramme launched 31 projects in der to end up with good performance continue to grow in frequency the first quarter and plans to launch indicators. There are risks, price fluc- and severity, scientists warn that 69 projects in the second quar- tuations for our energy resources, this is just a foretaste of what ter, creating 10,000 jobs, reported raw materials, perhaps the influence uncontrollable climate change Sagintayev. of Western sanctions against Russia. will mean. Heatwaves, storms Sagintayev also reported on the This must be taken into account.” and flooding, which just a few decades ago were rare in their ferocity, are now becoming both commonplace and affecting far swissinfo.ch. Photo credit: larger areas. By Aigerim Seisembayeva Nazarbayev during the meeting at Centre, which will be located here, But tackling climate change has the Akorda. has very good development pros- Kazakhstan and to be done in a way which allows ASTANA – Swiss President He also noted the high level of pects. I also confirm that Swiss economies to continue to grow. Doris Leuthard paid her inaugu- cooperation between the nations businesses have a great interest in Without offering countries the ral visit to Kazakhstan Aug. 11 and expressed hope for its contin- deepening relations with Kazakh- chance of improving living stand- to unveil Swiss National Day at ued progress. stan,” she said. Afghanistan improve ties ards, we are not going to bring EXPO 2017 and meet with Kazakh “For Kazakhstan, Switzerland Speaking at the opening of the measures directed at improving the about the fundamental switch we President Nursultan Nazarbayev. is a very important European part- Swiss National Day at expo, Leu- By Malika Orazgaliyeva region’s transit potential and pros- need from fossil fuels. Kazakh-Swiss cooperation docu- ner. We cherish our relations and thard stressed the exhibition could pects for bilateral cooperation for Wind, solar and other green ments were also signed as part of seek to develop them further. Our become the basis for building a ASTANA ­­– Afghan Chief Ex- railway construction. Educational energy resources are going to the trip. trade turnover is growing and we sustainable future. ecutive Abdullah Abdullah trav- collaboration was also mentioned. have an increasingly larger role The discussion between the two are interested in expanding Swiss “The world is changing. The elled to Kazakhstan Aug. 19 to leaders acknowledged the 25th an- businesses’ participation in our environment, human values and Sagintayev congratulated Ab- in driving sustainable economic unveil Afghan National Day at niversary of diplomatic relations economy. To date, there are 300 stability are a big challenge in dullah on his nation’s 98th Inde- growth. So, too, will nuclear EXPO 2017 and meet with the between the countries and covered Swiss enterprises operating in Ka- the 21st century. EXPO 2017 un- pendence Day celebrated that day. power. As countries are already country’s high officials and busi- developing bilateral political and zakhstan and the number can grow. der the Future Energy theme can The latter then met with Kazakh showing, nuclear power plants ness circles. economic cooperation. I hope your visit further deepens become a fundamental pillar in officials and investors, where the can be a major part of the energy Abdullah met with Kazakh Prime “I welcome your first visit to our economic and political rela- building a sustainable future on sides agreed to expand trade and mix, helping economies grow Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev to our new capital. On Aug. 1, Swit- tions,” he added. the planet. More important is the transit relations between the coun- without burning fossil fuels. discuss further developing trade zerland celebrated Swiss National Leuthard thanked the Kazakh interconnection and interdepend- tries, according to tolonews.com. It is why nations in many parts and economic cooperation, as well Day and I congratulate you on this leader for the meeting and congrat- ence among energy supply, healthy Addressing the audience, Abdul- of the world are either actively as implementing the agreements occasion. You also opened the na- ulated him on the expo’s success. ecology, humanitarian efforts and lah said his team will further dis- developing or considering starting concluded by presidents Nursultan tional day at the expo today. I hope “The Nur Alem pavilion is in- our duty to create social, political cuss ways to improve facilities for their own civilian nuclear pro- Nazarbayev and Ashraf Ghani in you enjoyed it. Your visit to the deed very impressive. I think that and economic stability. Afghan investors in Kazakhstan. He grammes. the Kazakh capital in Nov. 2015, Continued on Page A6 expo is very important to us,” said the Astana International Financial Continued on Page A8 also highlighted the need for wider reported primeminister.kz. financing by Kazakh investors. The parties also reviewed the Continued on Page A8 ATOM Project ambassador pleads to recognise National investment strategy nuclear threat, stand up against it all, the day of remembrance of the ficials launched the Semipalatinsk seeks 26% foreign investment By Dmitry Lee fallen as a consequence of the nu- nuclear polygon,” he said calling clear tests. the test site by its Russian moniker. ASTANA – The people of Ka- “As long as I have the strength “I think that back in those Cold zakhstan have multiple stories to and the opportunity to speak about War times every country wanted to increase in five years share on the eve of the Aug. 29 it, I will speak about it out loud,” show its militaristic superiority. I which are considered the most im- International Day against Nuclear he insisted. can’t comprehend to this day why By Yerbolat Uatkhanov portant to attract new investments. Tests, because this day is part of “I was really pleased that on fate chose Kazakhstan to be used The first group includes industries, their fate, part of their national Aug. 6 a Japanese delegation for the nuclear polygon. They said ASTANA – The Kazakh govern- such as food production industry, identity. came to my house and spoke to because it was a country with a ment approved Aug. 15 a national deep processing of oil, gas and oth- Along the thorny path the coun- me about the consequences of the small population with vast steppes, investment strategy for 2018-2022 er natural resources, and mechani- try had taken there lie countless nuclear explosions,” the artist said. the damage inflicted by explosions which seeks to increase foreign in- cal engineering. The second group stories of 1.5 million lives which “As you well know, Aug. 6 and 9, shouldn’t have a big impact. We vestments 26 percent in five years includes sectors such as IT, tourism have been affected by nuclear 1945 are the two black dates in the now, after 40 years, understand and create a more favourable invest- and finances. tests conducted by the USSR from history of Japan and entire human- the true damage to those who lived ment climate. Twenty-seven coun- The minister said the strategy 1949-1991 on the territory of the Karipbek Kuyukov kind. Those are the days when the close by the polygon,” he added. tries were identified as the most im- seeks to attract foreign investments infamous Semipalatinsk nuclear U.S. dropped two atomic bombs “I have been to Japan numerous portant for attracting investments. in non-resource industries to in- test site. on the cities of Hiroshima and Na- times and to the U.S. I have been Minister for Investment and De- crease the country’s export potential. Karipbek Kuyukov, honorary amid the heightening North Korea- gasaki and while the exact number to the nuclear polygon in Nevada. velopment high- It was proposed to legislatively fix ambassador of The ATOM Pro- U.S. controversy. is still unknown, the number of Obviously, those living around lighted that the investment strategy the status of a single operator to pro- ject, was born without arms as a “First of all, I feel sad for the or- dead and injured with permanent the polygon don’t want the nu- was developed with the participa- mote exports for Kazakh Export na- result of his parents’ exposure to dinary folk who live in North Ko- health problems is estimated over clear weapons; they are against the tion of Kazakh President Nursultan tional company, which will function nuclear weapons testing at Semi- rea. We [in the USSR] have been 300,000 people.” government policies that endorse Nazarbayev and the World Bank on a single window principle and palatinsk. To this day, he contin- through that, too, we know. We “It was also really nice to see keeping the nuclear weapons. experts. The government hopes the will have offices across Kazakhstan ues his life-long journey of fight- thought having weapons of mass Ambassador of Japan Ichiro “I am a son of Earth and I am increased investment will facilitate and abroad. ing the madness of the nuclear destruction means being stronger Kawabata at the opening of my really worried for our planet. I see increased exports. Twenty-seven countries are identi- arms race. and more powerful, but it is like an exhibition called ‘Fallout’ in the tendency of people just grow- Today, products made in Kazakh- fied as promising markets, which are In his numerous paintings he de- illusion. For me, it’s like carrying a Astana on Aug. 9. My exhibition ing complacent with the terrorist stan are exported to 117 countries. conditionally divided by the degree picts the pain of his people, call- huge rock up a steep mountain on is dedicated, most importantly, to acts, ongoing North Korean threats Last year, Kazakhstan ranked 52nd of export interest for Kazakhstan into ing for dialogue to rid the world my shoulders,” he said in an exclu- all those who had suffered from and use of chemical weapons and among 204 countries with a share priority, high and moderate interest of nuclear weapons forever. He sive interview. radiation and the explosions in Hi- this worries me most of all. We of 0.23 percent of global exports. countries and countries of interest in launched another of his many ex- “The ongoing polemic between roshima and Nagasaki,” he said. should stand up against that; we Mainly, the state exports raw mate- the long term. Eleven countries are hibitions Aug. 9, displaying 20 North Korea and the U.S. needs Speaking of the first reaction to should recognise such threats! rials. But, in the past 10 years, ex- considered to be the most important: paintings at the National Museum to be settled by a third party, an the bombings, Kuyukov stressed the That’s why such projects as The ports of services have almost dou- Russia, the U.S., the U.K., , in the Kazakh capital. independent mediator, I believe. whole country [USSR] was terrified ATOM Project, launched by our bled, reaching $6.3 billion in 2016. China, France, Italy, Turkey, Japan, On the eve of the day observed Astana has the experience of host- and felt threatened and unsafe. President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Also, Kassymbek said the vol- the UAE and South Korea. to increase awareness and educa- ing peace talks and I think this is “We thought we could be next. 2012, are relevant today more than ume of investments in fixed assets Kassymbek said the Ministry for tion about the effects of nuclear a really hard job, but perhaps Ka- Unfortunately, our fears brought ever,” said Kuyukov. of non-primary sectors will increase Investment and Development will weapons, Kuyukov spoke to The zakhstan could offer its hand to the curse to our region, our land. 46 percent. work with Ministry of Foreign Af- Astana Times in an attempt to help resolve the issue,” he added. From 1949 commences the trag- See story on the exhibition by The ministry and the World Bank fairs to develop individual plans of appeal to the people of the world For Kuyukov, Aug. 29, is first of edy of my homeland, when the of- Karipbek Kuyukov on Page A2. have identified priority sectors, actions for each state.

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIAL&OPINIONS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Nazarbayev calls for agricultural science attracts investments to A milestone in non-proliferation A6 LI YONG: UNIDO will support EXPO 2017 National Geographic features new centre A2 processing industry, promotes export legacy projects A7 documentary about Astana’s COTTA-RAMUSINO: Confronting nuclear commodity production A4 city structures B1 ATOM Project Honorary Ambassador’s dangers A6 SULLIVAN: U.S. options in Afghanistan and exhibit opens ahead of Int’l Day against Turkish AIGP invests $30 million in why Kazakhstan should care A7 ZHAKUPOV: Kazakhstan’s Constitution: Bayanaul – land of legend and nature B6 Nuclear Tests A2 pharmaceutical plant in Kazakhstan A5 from Soviets to democratic values A6

US$ 1 = 332.58 KZT € 1 = 390.38 KZT 1 = 5.63 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

NATIONAL ATOM Project Honorary Ambassador’s exhibit NEWS IN BRIEF The government has approved the national export strategy on lo- cal agricultural and food product opens ahead of Int’l Day against Nuclear Tests export promotion. The programme is aimed at achieving the goals set By Dana Omirgazy in the Strategy 2050 of increasing the export of non-primary goods ASTANA – The Fallout, The by 50 percent by 2025 compared to Artwork of Karipbek Kuyukov, 2015. “Taking into account that the a personal exhibit featuring 20 programme is developed for a five- paintings by the famous Kazakh year period, the proposal is to set artist and ATOM Project Honor- the increase in the volume of non- ary Ambassador, opened Aug. 9 at primary exports 50 percent higher the Kazakh National Museum. The by 2022 as compared to the 2015 event, organised by the museum indicator and to increase the export and supported by the Kazakh Min- of non-resource items to priority istry of Foreign Affairs, highlights countries,” said Minister of Nation- the heavy consequences of nuclear al Economy Suleimenov. weapons use for the world and serves as a call to action against Khabar TV reported that more such weapons. than 4,000 kilometres of road will Born in the village of Yegindy- be reconstructed as part of the Nur- bulak, 100 kilometres from the Japanese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Ichiro Kawabata (L) and Karipbek Kuyu- “The Corner,” one of Karipbek Kuyukov’s many paintings dedicated to nuclear kov (C) tour the exhibition. disarmament. ly Zhol programme. About 5,000 former Semipalatinsk nuclear test kilometres of national significance site, Kuyukov remembers the hor- and tremendous faith in the suc- ing at his art, they discover the histo- against Nuclear Tests and on the tion and every day the number of have been reconstructed in 2017 ror of nuclear explosions and saw cess of our common deal – the ry of nuclear tests in Kazakhstan and anniversary of the Semipalatinsk project supporters is growing,” he and more than half of the regional many children who were born with building up of a world without understand why the country is con- test site closure,” he said. added. and district roads and 85 percent disabilities. A number of them nuclear weapons. As it is known, vinced that nuclear disarmament and “If we are really committed to Every year, Japanese people of national highways were brought could not be shown to others be- more than 450 nuclear tests were elimination of nuclear weapons are the idea of nuclear disarmament, honour the victims of the atom- to satisfactory condition. More yond their family and lived their conducted at the Semipalatinsk essential. Kazakh President Nursul- then we must not remain silent; we ic bombing of Hiroshima and Na- than 356 billion tenge (US$1.06 whole lives in seclusion. test site in the second half of the tan Nazarbayev, Nevada-Semipalat- must act. On Aug. 29, 2012, Presi- gasaki on Aug. 6 and 9. People rec- billion) was allocated this year. “I am very proud to live in a last century; as a result, more than insk anti-nuclear movement founder dent Nazarbayev came up with a ognise the similarity of the historic “We will start the reconstruction country that was one of the first 1.5 million Kazakh citizens were Olzhas Suleimenov and Kuyukov new initiative called the ATOM destinies of the Kazakh and Japa- of the -Burylbaital road to ban nuclear tests. I believe that affected by those tests. Many of have been fighting for nuclear disar- Project (Abolish Testing. Our Mis- nese peoples affected by nuclear in 2018. The distance of 297 kilo- my most important in life is them, like Kuyukov, suffer birth mament around the world for more sion). Over the past five years, a weapons; therefore, both countries metres and 67 kilometres of Kur- to tell the whole world about what defects, lifelong debilitating ill- than 25 years and have been recog- large number of people around focus special attention on coopera- ty-Kapshagai road will be repaired these nuclear tests lead to. You are nesses and early death,” said Ka- nised as true leaders in this realm, the world have learned about the tion in this area. with the participation of the World all healthy people, you have arms zakh Deputy Foreign Minister Ro- said Vassilenko. history of nuclear testing and Ka- “Aug. 6, 9 and 29 remind hu- Bank. The -Balkhash and legs and the future is in your man Vassilenko. “This exhibition is organised zakhstan’s activity against nuclear manity of how peace in the world road repair is planned in 2019,” hands. We shall strive for the com- Kuyukov’s paintings were previ- in response to numerous requests weapons and supported the online is important for the development said Vice Minister for Investment plete elimination of nuclear weap- ously presented at the UN offices in from people partly familiar with petition of The ATOM Project to of civilisation and the culture of and Development Roman Sklyar at ons from the face of the earth. I both New York and Geneva, as well the works of Kuyukov, not indiffer- help bring into force the Compre- mankind. The works of Kuyukov an Aug. 10 press conference. hope you remember my words for as at the International Atomic En- ent to his creativity or to his high hensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. will give new impetus to our desire the rest of your life,” Kuyukov told ergy Agency (IAEA) and the Com- mission. Some of them plan to visit Despite the fact that this document to build a world without nuclear The postfactum customs clear- the journalists, visitors and mostly prehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Astana this month to visit EXPO has existed for more than 20 years, weapons,” said Japanese Ambas- ance regime will be introduced as school children who attended the Organisation (CTBTO) in Vienna. 2017. Among them are delegates it has not yet entered into force sador to Kazakhstan Ichiro Kawa- part of the 100 Concrete Steps Ini- exhibit’s opening ceremony. Throughout the world, the pictures from the Pugwash Conferences on and requires the support of certain bata who was a guest of honour at tiative implemented with the entry “Today’s exhibition is devoted arouse understanding and interest Science and World Affairs, who states. However, at least 300,000 the exhibition launch. into force next year of the Eurasian both to the sufferings of Kazakh among nuclear non-proliferation spe- will meet in Astana on Aug. 25-29 people from more than 100 coun- The exhibition is open for capital Economic Union (EAEU) customs people and the relentless struggle cialists and ordinary people. Look- on the eve of the International Day tries have signed an online peti- residents and guests until Aug. 29. code agreement, according to the Ministry of Finance press service. “Some categories of participants of the foreign economic activity will be able to get their items re- leased before filing a declaration,” Nazarbayev calls for agricultural science centre noted the Aug. 7 release. The list of duction of research results and zones are ideal for growing wheat, as well as for the industrial energy sortiums and cooperates with the goods and participant categories of Staff Report training of specialists. In addi- barley, rice, corn, millet and buck- sector. The government has also world’s best universities. the foreign economic activity in the tion, the production of competi- wheat, which the country has been lifted some import duties on farm He also briefed the President status of authorised economic op- Kazakh President Nursultan tive, export-oriented agricultural heavily exporting. equipment, raw material and spare on the university’s Agro-techno- erators with an opportunity to re- Nazarbayev stressed to Rector products should be increased,” The Kazakh government has parts and has introduced exemp- logical Hub, saying the “hub is lease items before filing a customs of the Kazakh National Agrar- Nazarbayev said during an Aug. been attempting to stimulate the tions from corporate income and designed to search for, attract and declaration is expected to expand. ian University (KazNAU) Tlektes 15 meeting with Yesspolov after growth of the sector by providing property taxes. transfer new technologies, knowl- Yesspolov the need to create a na- receiving a report on the univer- loans to agricultural enterprises. Yesspolov reported to the Presi- edge, start-up projects, as well as The Botanical Garden tional science centre in the field of sity’s activities. The state subsidies have been used dent that the university is currently implement mechanisms of public- has become a participant in the agriculture. Agriculture remains a key sector for equipment upgrades, construc- conducting 50 scientific projects. private partnership, self-financing Pannon Breeding Innovation Pro- “It is necessary to increase of the Kazakh economy. Kazakh- tion, the development of the vet- He also reported that the univer- and the autonomy of the univer- gramme. The announcement came the effectiveness of the intro- stan’s steppes and multi-climate erinary and phyto-sanitary sectors sity is part of 11 international con- sity.” at the Study and Use of the Flora of Eurasia scientific conference held Aug.16 in Almaty, reported munity, employers, together with Kazinform. “We want to work to- the Atameken National Chamber gether with Kazakh scientists as of Entrepreneurs (NCE), to form part of pannon breeding. We want Education ministry is prepared for a real register of educational pro- to find plants suitable for both re- grammes of Kazakh universities in gions,” said Hungarian Minister of terms of their quality, modernity Agriculture Sándor Fazekas. The and relevance in the market. agreement between the Institute coming academic year, reports minister “Work in this regard has already of Botany and Phyto-Intrusion and kindergartens and schools in Sep- in English. More than 1,500 teach- begun: the register of IT special- Eötvös Loránd University to plant By Dmitry Lee tember 2019. This is the success- ers, who have completed language ties, together with the NCE will be more than 1,000 new species was ful approbation of the programme courses, are involved in this pro- presented in the near future. This also signed at the event. ASTANA – Minister of Educa- named Alippe and the improve- ject. will remove poor-quality and ob- tion and Science of Kazakhstan ment of the qualifications of teach- “Another important direction is solete educational programmes Five production facilities with Yerlan Sagadiyev presented a re- ers and bringing the regulatory further formation and strengthen- from the market,” the report noted. an investment of more than six port Aug. 15 on preparations for framework in line with the 12-year ing of the school boards of trustees, The academic independence of billion tenge (US$18 million) are the new 2017-2018 academic year training cycle of 0+11,” Sagadiyev the transfer of ever more extensive higher education institutions and expected to launch by the end of and assured his ministry is pre- said as reported by primeminister. powers to them and the systematic the strengthening of supervisory the year in Taldykorgan, according pared for the coming year. kz. expansion of the academic, mana- boards as a form of strengthening to the regional akimat (adminis- tration) press service. The Dostyk During the meeting of the gov- Minister of Education and Science Schools still focus on the transi- gerial and financial freedom of public control were also part of the ernment chaired by Prime Min- Yerlan Sagadiyev. tion to the new updated content, schools under the supervision of agenda. bread-baking complex, Taldykor- ister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan a transition that commenced last the boards of trustees,” the state- At the end of the report, the min- gan oilseeds processing plant Sagintayev, Sagadiyev explained yield results from those previous year. This year the second, fifth ment said. ister stressed that the educational and Almaty Energo Project solar that the main conceptual deci- decisions. and seventh grades will also trans- One of the top priorities relat- system is “ready for the start of the power plant and padding polyester sions were adopted last year. “One of the tasks in this direc- fer to the new content system. ing to higher educational institu- academic year” and extensive ex- production workshop will soon be Therefore, the tasks of the cur- tion is to prepare for the imple- The ministry is also launching tions is a goal to pass a law that planatory work will be carried out put into operation. The Adal Damu rent and next years will be to mentation of the zero class in all a pilot project conducting classes will allow the professional com- on all issues. Capital biogas production work- shop will also be expanded. The oil extraction plant, with a total value of four billion tenge (US$12 million), will employ 130 people. Almaty to preserve city centre and build new airport The volume of industrial waste has increased in the country, said tion, which has already been started, The city will become more Satybaldin emphasised the new included construction of the Almaty Vice Minister of Energy Gani Sad- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov reflects the spirit of future changes. comfortable and environmentally general plan calls for the need to ring road as part of the design. ibekov Aug. 18. “The total amount “The city has developed accord- friendly and use up-to-date public increase the share of green planta- “The plan aims to manage the of accumulated waste is 100 mil- ASTANA – The new Almaty gen- ing to the socialist paradigm for a transport. tions. city’s territories in an efficient way. lion tonnes of solid waste. The eral plan includes constructing a sec- long time. We expanded the streets “Expansion of the city bounda- “As of today, the city has only Other documents regulating the industrial waste has a tendency to ond airport while preserving the city and did everything for the conveni- ries is not planned. We aim to de- four square metres of green plant- number of storeys and so on will be increase and we believe there is a centre. The design was developed ence of cars. I believe that the large- velop the city in its current terri- ings per one inhabitant. This is a developed on its basis. I can say that need to change the storage peri- to make the urban area comfortable scale work that is being carried out tory, which will be linked with the very low number. According to the the project envisages the preserva- ods for processing enterprises to for people, not cars, using the best now has a systematic character. It is suburbs. A kind of agglomeration new general plan, the plan is to in- tion of the appearance of the build- stimulate the processing of indus- practices of the most up-to-date and better to go through such systemic is planned. At that, the level of crease this figure up to 13 square ings of the historical part of Almaty, trial waste. Incorporating waste environmentally friendly cities. changes once and to use the re- comfort will be same in the urban metres per person,” he said. the expansion of the list of monu- management should be included in The general plan was approved sults. We, according to the adopted area and in Almaty settlements. The new general plan envisions ments of historical and cultural her- the list of parity activities for state 15 years ago and the new one is ex- documents, in particular the Almaty So, we will be able to reduce the building the second airport in an itage,” said Satybaldin. support measures. There is also a pected to be ratified before the end 2020 Development Programme, number of private transports in the empty area 30 kilometres to the Almaty’s current population is need to improve the classification of the year. Altai Satybaldin, who are moving to a new model, a city city. People will not need to go to north of the city along the Kapcha- 1.6 million and the plan is designed of waste in terms of distinguishing developed the latter, noted the work convenient for people, not cars,” he the centre of the city,” said the ar- gai Highway. To free the city of to accommodate a population of 2.4 between hazardous and non-haz- to reconstruct Almaty’s central por- said, according to Kazinform. chitect. transit passengers, developers have million. ardous waste,” he said. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakh, Bolivian FMs sign political declaration The Astana city administration of the political declaration reflect- Peru). GECF members together with the support of Kazakhstan’s By Malika Orazgaliyeva ing the interests of our countries in control more than 70 percent of the Embassy in Baku presented the further deepening political, trade, world’s natural gas reserves, 38 tourism potential of Astana to ASTANA – During his first of- economic and energy coopera- percent of the pipeline trade and Azerbaijani tourism operators and ficial visit to Kazakhstan, Bolivian tion,” he added. 85 percent of the liquefied natural media Aug. 15, Kazinform reports. Minister of Foreign Affairs Fernan- In his remarks, Abdrakhmanov gas (LNG) production, according The Astana Convention Bureau, a do Huanacuni Mamani met Aug. noted the sides are satisfied with to www.gecf.org. subsidiary of the Astana city ad- 17 with Kazakh Prime Minister the results of the negotiations, Bolivia is interested in creating ministration responsible for devel- Bakytzhan Sagintayev and Foreign which helped to outline mutual a partnership with Kazakhstan in oping tourism and promoting its Minister . perspectives on the wide range of the gas industry. The country cur- positive image, is organising pres- Sagintayev and Huanacuni dis- issues. The two foreign ministries rently occupies 29th place in the entations about Astana in 10 cities, cussed bilateral trade and economic expressed the intention of holding world and third place in South including the Azerbaijani capital. cooperation in the energy, culture, regular political consultations in America in the amount of natural The goal is to exchange experi- science and education spheres. order to maintain the dialog. gas extraction, mining more than ence and set up business contacts The sides expressed interest in cre- Kazakhstan and Bolivia are also 21 billion cubic meters per year. At and cooperation in the field of ating and implementing joint invest- linked through their activities in the same time, the nation intends tourism, according to bureau rep- ment projects in the petrochemical, the Gas Exporting Countries Fo- to increase gas production by 33 resentative Assel Karbayeva. With agricultural and transport sectors, as rum (GECF), an intergovernmen- percent by 2020 and is looking for Kazakhstan and having well as developing clean technolo- tal organisation of 16 member Kazakh companies which could similar cultures and societies, the gies and renewable energy. Bolivia zakh Foreign Ministry, Abdra- bers of the UN Security Council in states (Algeria, Bahrain, Bela- work in the field. sides hope to develop fruitful and is ready to develop mutual partner- khmanov and Huanacuni focused 2017-2018,” said Abdrakhmanov rus, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Huanacuni invited Kazakhstan long-term cooperation. Following ships not only in the gas sector, but on bilateral and multilateral coop- at the joint press briefing. Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, to take part in the fourth GECF the presentation, representatives also in the rare earth metals field and eration. The sides discussed developing Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, summit, which will take place of Azerbaijani tourist agencies will nuclear industry, said Huanacuni. “We need to expand our joint ef- bilateral relations and the practical Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmeni- Nov. 24 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. be invited for a tour in and around Sagintayev thanked the Bolivian forts within international organisa- aspects of Bolivia’s participation stan, the United Arab Emirates and In turn, Abdrakhmanov invited Astana in September and October. diplomat for supporting Kazakh- tions, especially in the context of in the expo, as well as exchanged Venezuela) and seven observers him to attend the sixth Congress of stan in holding EXPO 2017. the mutual work of Kazakhstan and views on international situation. (Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, the Leaders of World and Traditional The International Organisation During the meeting at the Ka- Bolivia as non-permanent mem- “The talks resulted in the signing , Norway, Oman and Religions in the capital in 2018. of Turkic Culture TURKSOY hosted a concert in Ankara Aug. 13 dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Kazakh com- poser and founder of choir music in Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Baik- MFA, Chief Editors’ Club award adamov, as reported by 24.kz. The TURKSOY Youth Chamber Choir, bringing musicians from Azerbai- jan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and foreign media contest winners Turkey together, performed the winner from the Commonwealth ternational media to Kazakhstan, trip. It is the first trip to Kazakh- diplomatic missions of Azerbaijan, Kazakh composer’s prominent By Aigerim Seisembayeva of Independent States and Baltics. including through such competi- stan for Capitanio and Sultanova, Canada, Italy and the Republic of works. Chief Adviser to the Turk- The best entry from Europe was tions, contributes to the country’s and they were excited to see the Korea also congratulated the win- ish President Yalçın Topçu, Ka- ASTANA – The Kazakh Foreign submitted by Vocal Europe’s re- popularity as an attractive tourist Kazakhstan that they had been ners. Ambassador of Azerbaijan zakhstan’s Ambassador to Turkey Ministry and Chief Editors’ Club porter Ilaria Capitanio, who hails destination. writing about with their own eyes. to Kazakhstan Rashad Mamma- Abzal Saparbekuly and Ambas- awarded Aug. 21 the winners of from Italy. Among the American Director of Sales at Rixos Boro- Capitanio stressed that Italy co- dov highlighted the importance sador of Turkmenistan to Turkey the Fourth International Kazakh- authors, Thomas Taylor from Can- voe Hotel Azatbek Usuvayev said operates closely with Kazakhstan, of such events in strengthening Ishanguly Amanlyev attended the stan through the Eyes of Foreign ada was announced as the winner the guests were welcome to Bura- but there is still great potential to ties between countries and help- concert. Bakytzhan Baikadamov’s Media Contest. Authors from for his article on Wildlives.co. Joel bai and to the hotel and expressed develop cooperation. ing promote friendly and produc- daughters Alua Baikadamova and Azerbaijan, Israel, Italy, Canada, Lee, a reporter at The Korea Her- hope that they would enjoy their Lee noted that it was his second tive relations. Korean Ambassa- Aigul Baikadamova also arrived and the Republic of Korea were ald daily newspaper, was chosen trip. He also noted that the contest time in Kazakhstan and he was de- dor Kim Dae-sik noted that the in Ankara to mark the birthday of presented with diplomas, souve- as the winner from Asia, Australia helps promote Burabai abroad and lighted to familiarise himself with Korean journalist’s previous visit their father. They were very moved nirs and a trip to Kazakhstan. and Oceania. The winner from the attracts more tourists to the resort. the country. What he highlighted was fruitful in covering the EXPO by the concert when they first In his welcoming speech, Middle East and Africa was Udi The contest winners thanked the was that the country’s “most im- 2017 opening ceremony and that heard of it, the sisters said. Foreign Minister Kairat Abdra- Shaham from Israel, who pub- organisers of the competition and portant beauty was its people.” the contest helps explain Kazakh- khmanov stressed the high role of lished an article in The Jerusalem shared their expectations from the Heads and representatives of stan in his country and beyond. A sensitive dance group from professional journalism in modern Post newspaper. Petropavlovsk brought home a society. The winners arrived in Ka- grand prix and two gold medals “It is a force that can change zakhstan and started their trip in from Bulgaria, where the danc- people’s mindset and encourage Astana. They will also visit Al- ers were taking part in the Roses them to take action. The media is maty, Kazakhstan’s biggest city of Obzor international dance con- deservedly considered the fourth and former capital, and Burabai, test from July 31 to Aug. 14. The branch of power for its role as an one of the most beautiful destina- Kazakh dancers, who are students overseer for the rest of the branch- tions in Kazakhstan and a popu- from a North Kazakhstan special es,” he said. lar tourist attraction. During their boarding school for children with According to Abdrakhmanov, visit, the winners will visit EXPO hearing difficulties, beat 280 danc- the one considers it a duty to en- 2017, cultural and historical sights, ers from 10 countries in Contem- courage high quality, creativ- architectural pieces of modern Ka- porary Choreography and Dance ity, objectivity and impartiality of zakhstan, the country’s beautiful Show nominations. The sensitive journalism. The foreign media’s nature and meet with officials, dance group members are winners publications, in his opinion, help businesspersons and representa- of multiple international dance the people of Kazakhstan receive tives of culture. The ceremony was also attended competitions. Most importantly, a fresher look on their own coun- try. Abdrakhmanov also briefed by the President of Chief Editors’ the dancers were competing on the foreign journalists on the third Club, Yerlan Bekkhozhin, who equal terms with other partici- modernisation – the current politi- noted the importance of such con- pants, according to the group’s art cal and economic reforms, as well tests in strengthening ties between director, Olga Rostovschikova. as the priorities of the modernisa- countries tion of national identity, which he The representatives of the con- American linguist Jonathan called the modernisation of the test partners, including the Ka- Washington is studying the pecu- mindset. All the three aspects, zakhstan Temir Zholy national liarities of the linked and intertwined, are intend- railway company, the Astana with medical ultrasound equip- ed to accelerate Kazakhstan’s ad- EXPO 2017 national company, ment. The technology helps him vancement to the top 30 developed Kazakhstan’s National Olympic monitor the tongue moves need- countries of the world. Committee, LOT Polish Airlines, ed to pronounce Kazakh words, Abdrakhmanov noted a significant Rixos Borovoe and Ramada Plaza which subsequently demonstrates increase in the number of applica- hotels and the Argymak transpor- how these moves generate sounds. tions: the contest organisers received tation company, also participated His experiment is the foundation 83 submissions from 29 countries. in the ceremony. of his Ph.D. thesis. Washington, Many of them were devoted to the LOT Polish Airlines’ spokes- who is working as an assistant theme of EXPO 2017 in Astana. person Adrian Kubicki noted the professor at Swarthmore College, The five winners were an- growing popularity of the newly has been studying the Kazakh lan- nounced in July, one from each of launched direct Warsaw to Astana guage since 2004, when as a senior the five geographies. Parvana Sul- flight among Polish and European student he visited Kazakhstan for tanova, a reporter at the 1news.az passengers. He highlighted that the first time. He then devoted his Azerbaijani news agency, was the the growing attention of the in- thesis to the Kazakh language.

Kazakh Invest company, respon- sible for attracting investment and setting up cooperation between local producers and foreign in- vestors, presented Kazakhstan’s agricultural products Aug. 17 at the Hong Kong Food Expo. Par- ticipating in the national pavilion at the exhibition were five leading national producers of honey, ice cream, dried horse milk, oil and chilled lamb meat. China is among the key export destinations for Ka- zakhstan and Hong Kong, with its healthy food oriented lifestyle, will appreciate the Kazakh products that are known for their organic and environmentally friendly pro- duction, said the representatives of the Kazakh delegation. Kazakh Invest plans to organise presenta- tions of Kazakhstan’s agricultural potential in , Shanghai, Urumqi and Beijing soon. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

ECONOMY Akmola region attracts investments to processing NEWS IN BRIEF The revision of rules and criteria for subsidising agricultural pro- ducers has saved the country 25 industry, promotes export commodity production billion tenge (US$75.37 million), na, a mill complex with a capac- sales markets, transport infrastruc- alisation is investment attraction to 24.kz reports. According to First By Zhanna Shayakhmetova ity of 36,000 tonnes per year, was ture and other useful information the priority sectors of the process- Vice Minister of Agriculture Kairat launched in the district for potential investors,” he said. ing industry corresponding with Aituganov, these changes will also ASTANA – The Akmola region in June,” he added. A list of projects requiring fund- the region’s sectoral specialisation. have a positive impact on produc- administration set an ambitious The volume of investments in ing with specific information and Traditional processing industries, tion. “According to the previous task to implement numerous pro- fixed assets in 2016 was 223.1 bil- initiator’s contact details was also including food production, metal- system of investment subsidies, the jects with foreign investment par- lion tenge (US$674.2 million), or created. lurgy, mechanical, chemical and criteria were artificially inflated, ticipation to bring innovation and 106.6 percent of 2015. “We organise exhibitions and construction, are characteristic for not allowing small and medium- boost industry profits. “This year, we plan to attract in- presentations promoting the re- the region. sized agricultural producers to The Astana Times interviewed vestments in the amount of 238.7 gion’s investment attractiveness “We also aim to get more coop- apply for subsidies. So in 2016, the region’s entrepreneurship and billion tenge (US$715.7 million), at various regional and national eration of commodity producers in a negative fact was 50 percent or industry department head Yerbol or 101 percent of real growth. In- events on an ongoing basis and promoting processed exports in the 12.3 billion tenge (US$37.08 mil- Ospanov to learn about invest- vestments in the manufacturing hold meetings with foreign delega- near future. This is also directly lion). Subsidies went to only 49 ments attracted to the region and Yerbol Ospanov industry totalled 24.9 billion tenge tions,” he said. related to attracting investments large farms or 2 percent of the to- important projects launched this (US$75.2 million) and the task is This year, there are plans to im- in export-oriented production, in- tal number of participants. Mean- year. of 144.5 billion tenge (US$436.6 set to attract at least 28.5 billion plement seven projects worth 95.4 creasing the competitiveness of while, the number of such farms Local authorities closely col- million) and to create 2,600 jobs tenge (US$86.1 million),” said billion tenge (US$288.2 million) domestic products,” said Ospanov. was 2,400,” Aituganov said. laborate with the Kazakh Invest in the Akmola region. Thirty-four Ospanov. and create 1,100 jobs as part of The specialisation map, present- regional office, which supports of these projects have already been From January-June, the volume the State Industrial and Innovative ing opportunities and state support Prices in the secondary hous- investment projects from idea to put into operation for 14.2 billion of investments in fixed assets in Development programme. Two mechanisms for project implemen- ing market are falling, according implementation. The investor’s tenge (US$42.8 million) and more the region was 88 billion tenge projects, production expansion tation stages to reach the designed to ranking.kz. Over first seven service centre based on the Yessil than 500 jobs were created,” said (US$265.9 million), or 110.8 at the Samhat shoe factory in the capacity, helps to demonstrate the months of the year, resale prices for Socio-Entrepreneurial Corpora- Ospanov. percent compared to the corre- and launching region’s potential advantages and well-maintained housing decreased tion was also opened in July in The largest executed projects in- sponding period of the previous the Invest-RT gold recovery plant attract private investments in pri- 0.3 percent. At the same time, the . clude the data processing centre in year. Manufacturing industry in- for mineral processing in Step- ority sectors. price index for the purchase of new The entrepreneurship and indus- the Tselinograd district, modernis- vestments were 9.8 billion tenge nogorsk with a capacity of 108,000 “A relatively low capacity of the apartments from December 2016 try department manages and moni- ing the Tonkeris grain-collecting (US$29.6 million) and foreign tonnes per year, have already been domestic market, a high cost of to July this year grew 1.3 percent. tors industrial-innovative small station in the Shortandy district, investment in fixed assets was 5.2 initiated. energy resources and a shortage of This contrasts with price dynamics and medium-sized business devel- expanding the grain re- billion tenge (US$15.7 million). The Kokshe-Cement plant with highly qualified personnel are the in the residential property market opment, trade, common mineral ception site and producing flour The Akmola region presentation a capacity of two million tonnes main factors affecting attraction last year: a year ago, prices for new resources subsoil use and other at Nanar Company in the Bulandy was developed including general per year and three Kazakhaltyn of investments to the region, espe- housing fell 1.5 percent over the regulated types of investment ac- district. information about the region, main Technology Company gold re- cially foreign ones. We believe our same period. However, the cost of tivities in all sectors of the region’s “The work is underway to attract niches for attracting investments covery plants are currently under joint efforts with Kazakh Invest well-maintained apartments on the economy. foreign investment to the region. and solid and common mineral re- construction in the Yenbekshilder will improve the situation signifi- secondary market rose 0.7 percent “The expectation is to imple- A project with foreign participa- sources. district. cantly and help attract foreign in- from December 2015 to July 2016. ment 100 projects worth a total tion to construct AgroMax Asta- “We also identified possible The main instrument of industri- vestment,” he said. Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Committee intends to increase the collection of taxes to 17 trillion tenge (US$51.25 billion) by 2025, 24.kz reports. The agency plans Iluka Resources, Kazgeology South Kazakhstan attracts to achieve such results by intro- ducing new initiatives. Five main tasks have been identified for the implementation of the plan. They launch exploration of $543 million in investments are the establishment of feedback from businesses, the availabil- ity and simplicity of services, the elimination of barriers, the delega- titanium-zirconium deposits in first half of 2017 tion of control and the reduction of business costs. “The transfer of “One of the implemented projects production of textiles, light industry, control functions to business and By Dana Omirgazy is a waffle production plant in Shy- agriculture and processing industry. society was the first step. Already ASTANA – Over first six months mkent, which is capable of produc- Local specialists plan to visit today, the audit report has become of 2017, the volume of attracted in- ing 1,700 tonnes of products per Germany, Great Britain, Georgia, a legitimate basis for the liquida- vestments in the South Kazakhstan year. The second project is the Asia Spain, Italy, Turkey, Russia and tion of taxpayers, the reduction region reached 180.6 billion tenge Agro plant in the Otyrar region for other countries with business trips of inspections and the creation of (US$543.78 million), having in- corn processing. The third project is to boost machine-building, tourism favourable conditions for busi- creased 33 percent compared to the a polyethylene plant, designed for and agriculture, and share experi- ness,” State Revenue Committee same period last year, according to servicing the production of uranium ence on building smart cities. Such Chairman of Kazakh Ministry of the regional akimat (administration) in the Sozak district,” head of Re- measures will familiarise foreign Finance Ardak Tengebayev said. press service. gional Department of Entrepreneur- business community with the in- Under the State Programme for ship, Industrial and Innovative De- vestment opportunities of the re- Kazakhstan’s largest poultry Accelerated Industrial and Innova- velopment and Tourism Batyrkhan gion, and contribute to the develop- farm will be built in the Akmola re- tive Development, 162 projects to- Kurmanseit said. ment of cooperation. gion to decrease the import depend- talling 208 billion tenge (US$626.2 The South Kazakhstan region is Five years ago, the region had ence on poultry meat of Astana and million) were implemented in the considered an attractive destination 120,000 small- and medium-sized Central and Northern Kazakhstan, region, creating 13,500 jobs. To for investors. , as well business entities, while today this khabar.kz reports. The future fac- tory is supposed to produce up to Photo credit: mid.gov.kz. Photo credit: date, three new plants worth 37 bil- as Otyrar, Tolebi and figure soared to 176,684 enterprises. 60,000 tonnes of broilers per year. By Zhanna Shayakhmetova dry drilling technology developed lion tenge (US$111.4 million) have districts lead in investment attrac- Moreover, the region has emerged The capacity of the poultry farm in Australia in 1974. The method, been put into operation. tion. Along with this, the South Ka- as a leader in attracting invest- will fully cover Astana’s need for ASTANA – Iluka Resources, widely used in Australia and Af- In addition, the region plans to zakhstan region is among the first ments in this sector. In general, the chicken meat. This, of course, will an Australian mining company, is rica, accelerates the pace of the introduce 17 projects totaling 37.1 to implement investment projects. region’s economy attracted 380.6 be a huge contribution to the for- investing approximately 4 million work ten times and reduces the im- billion tenge (US$111.7 million) Investors have expressed interest billion tenge (US$1.14 billion) of mation of a food belt in the capital. Australian dollars (US$3.1 mil- pact on the environment. this year. in the pharmaceutical industry, the investments last year. The cost of the first stage is 33.5 lion) in geological exploration of The specialists tried to use auger billion tenge (US$101 million), of titanium-zirconium deposits in the drilling last year, but the quality of which 16.1 billion tenge (US$48.5 Kostanai and North Kazakhstan the samples was poor. Zirconium million) will be financed by a 10- regions. and titanium were explored in ore, year Development Bank of Ka- A drilling campaign on 60,000 but not in mineral sands. zakhstan loan. square kilometres started in the “The opportunity to find a titani- Development Bank of Kazakhstan offers second half of June in conjunc- um-zirconium deposit is very high The transport arteries of the Eur- tion with Kazgeology National according to the works carried out asian Economic Union (EAEU) Exploration Co., noted Kazgeol- in the Soviet period. If the prospects are becoming increasingly satu- ogy’s press service. According to of the sites are confirmed by the end affordable financing for non-oil export trade rated with the movement of goods the latest data, about 2,500 run- of this year, then we will start to lead, copper, zinc, silver, yellow of export loans in the processing in- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova between the member states, 24.kz ning metres, or 100 wells, nearly work on the subsoil use contract for phosphorus, diesel locomotives, dustry “has significantly intensified” reports, referring to representa- a third of the planned volumes for direct negotiations,” said Kazge- ASTANA – The Development electrical transformers and substa- during the past three years. The bank tives of the transport ministries the current year, have already been ology Board Deputy Chairperson Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK), a sub- tions, vegetable oil, soft drinks, provided 14.2 billion tenge (US$42.6 of the EAEU countries. The rep- million) in pre-export financing to drilled. Iluka is expected to invest Kadyrzhan Kauldashev. sidiary of Baiterek National Hold- nitrogen fertilizers and motor and resentatives met in Kyrgyzstan to transmission oils. The list of export- two companies in 2013-2014. It has approximately 2 million Austral- The preliminary results of the ing, is seeking to provide financing indicate the next steps to creating ers-borrowers includes Aluminium, supported 13 borrowers with 223 bil- ian dollars (US$1.5 million) in the geological subsoil survey will be for 13 non-oil exporters as part of a single transport space on land, project this year. announced at the end of October. Arcelor Mittal Temirtau, Kazzinc, lion tenge (US$670.5 million) from the Nurly Zhol initiative 2015-2019 water and in the air. Transparent “It is the first geological explora- The first results of the chemical Kazakhstan KazAzot and Kazphos- 2015 to the first half of 2017. aimed at increasing production and borders and the absence of cus- tion project in Kazakhstan for our studies of the samples will be re- phate companies,” he added. Such dynamics are primarily at- exports. At an Aug. 4 press briefing toms barriers allowed Kyrgyzstan company. Drilling works will be vealed when the drilling process in the capital, the bank presented a to dramatically increase the vol- conducted until September 2017 is completed, at which time the During 2015-2016, the bank allocated 65 ume of sales of its products on the and will move towards the North- company plans to determine the special programme to support ex- porters providing revolving loans EAEU market. Over the two years Kazakhstan region. The drilling next phase of the programme. billion tenge (US$195.4 million) from the of Kyrgyzstan’s participation in for a period of up to 36 months with rig that we use is used in Australia Iluka intends to construct a rare the EAEU, its freight exchange a reward rate of no more than 9 per- to search mineral sands, bauxite, earth metal processing plant upon National Fund in three tranches. The bank with Russia grew 2.5 times, and copper, nickel, gold and uranium. successful completion of work and cent per annum. attracted an additional US$90 million by with Belarus grew five times. The Today, drilling at the site already further exploration. During 2015-2016, the bank allo- record holder for this indicator was shows very promising results. We Kazakhstan is tenth in the world cated 65 billion tenge (US$195.4 mil- issuing bonds in the domestic market last year. Kazakhstan: Kyrgyzstan’s freight are thankful for Kazgeology and in titanium reserves. The Ust- lion) from the National Fund in three shipments to that country increased the Kazakh government,” said Kamenogorsk titanium and mag- tranches, said DBK Managing Direc- 13 times, reaching 241,000 tonnes. Iluka Exploration Kazakhstan Di- nesium plant, a fully integrated tor Adil Ismagambetov. The bank also The bank has 8 billion tenge tributed to the fact that Kazakhstan rector General Anthony Thornton. enterprise that extracts ore and attracted an additional 30 billion tenge (US$24 million) from issuing bonds has established a system of state The Kazakh-Hungarian direct in- The investment also includes produces finished goods with high (US$90 million) by issuing bonds in which it plans to invest before the support for non-oil exports. vestment fund will start financing transferring technology to Ka- added value, is the major producer the domestic market last year. end of the year. In October, the financial institu- the first project in Kazakhstan – a zakhstan, analysing exploration in the titanium and magnesium in- “All three tranches of the National The export proceeds of DBK’s tion revised the lower threshold greenhouse complex in the data, importing drilling machin- dustry. Fund have been fully disbursed. The borrowers increased 269 billion level of export loans taking into ac- region, reported Kazinform. The ery and training meetings for local Iluka Resources is the world’s funds were allocated for 13 non-oil tenge (US$808.8 million) for the count the needs of borrowers. Cur- initial capital is $40 million and the specialists both in the country and largest producer of zircon and a exporters for the supply of titanium period from 2015 to the first quarter rently, the threshold stands at 1 bil- fund will enable private agricultural Australia. global manufacturer of high-qual- ingots and alloys, steel pipes and of this year. lion tenge (~US$3 million) instead companies to attract investments to The work is carried out using ity titanium products. steel reinforcing, confectionery, Ismagambetov said the number of $5 million. develop and expand their activities. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

ceutical industry and advanced tech- BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF nologies in this field to AIGP, which produced a significant boost in the Turkish AIGP invests $30 million entire pharmaceutical market in Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Vice Kazakhstan. At this moment, AIGP President for Development Arman have several goals – further devel- Sultanov and Nippon Express Ex- opment of the industry, import sub- ecutive Officer Tatsuo Sugiyama in pharmaceutical plant in Kazakhstan stitution programme and increasing discussed the issues of organis- in 2013 at the Turkish-Kazakh busi- export volumes,” said AIGP General ing transit container transporta- By Assel Satubaldina ness forum in Istanbul. Kazakhstan Manager Ziyatkhan Gassanov. tion between the countries through President Nursultan Nazarbayev AIGP is among 300 pharma- Kazakh territory, reported the ASTANA – This year marks the and then Turkish Prime Minister ceutical companies in Kazakhstan national railway company press fifth anniversary of the presence of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took part in that together generated 457 billion service. Both sides highlighted Turkish pharmaceutical industry the ceremony. tenge (US$1.37 billion) in revenues the need to improve cooperation leader Abdi İbrahim on the Kazakh The facility with an annual pro- in 2016, a two-fold increase from to attract more cargo from China, pharmaceutical market. Over these duction capacity of 24 million box- 274 billion (US$823.92 million) in Japan and South Korea to Europe years, the company has been ex- es and extensive portfolio of more 2013. through Kazakhstan, as well as to panding its operations in Kazakh- than 100 varieties of pharmaceutical The Turkish producer launched a attract more investment to develop stan as well as constructing a mod- products now employs 200 people. supply of pharmaceutical products the Khorgos – Eastern Gate spe- ern pharmaceutical plant worth $30 Increasing its presence in Ka- from the Kazakh plant to Afghani- cial economic zone. The meeting million in . zakhstan allows the company to stan, Azerbaijan and Georgia in resulted in signing a memorandum In 2012, Abdi Ibrahim bought a access the markets of the Common- April. of cooperation between the com- 60 percent share of Global Pharm, wealth of Independent States coun- Apart from Kazakhstan and Tur- panies. a leading Kazakh pharmaceutical tries and the Eurasian Economic key, the company also operates in producer. Union members. seven countries – Albania, Algeria, Kazakh retail trade turnover The agreement envisaging the “Abdi Ibrahim managed to trans- Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, reached 4,674.2 billion tenge construction of the plant was signed abdiibrahim.com Photo credit: fer its huge experience in pharma- Georgia, Iraq, and Portugal. (US$14.1 million) in January- June, 6.4 percent higher than the same period last year, reported the Ministry of National Economy press service. Retail trade business in Almaty leads the ranking at 29.2 Zhambyl region promotes Chinese entrepreneurs to percent, followed by Astana (12.4 percent) and the East Kazakhstan and Karaganda regions (9.3 per- cent and 8.9 percent, respectively). renewable energy projects, build solar power plant Kazakh insurance companies were unable to maintain last year’s high profitability in the first half expands production at in South Kazakhstan of this year, reported Ranking.kz. costs, we will return the station to ed a land plot and provided all The companies had a net profit of Staff Report your order,” said Ie. necessary infrastructure. In the only 29.9 billion tenge (US$90 Akim (Governor) of the region South Kazakhstan region, about million), almost 50 percent less 50MW solar park ASTANA – Chinese entrepre- Zhanseit Tuimebayev has ex- 300 days a year are cloudless, than January-June 2016 when development of renewable energy neurs plan to build a 200 MW solar they earned 54.5 billion tenge By Zhanna Shayakhmetova sources is becoming increasingly power plant in the Otyrar district Local authorities plan to allocate 300 hectares (US$164.1 million), the high- urgent due to hydrocarbons’ fall- of the South Kazakhstan region, est profit since 2006. As a result, ASTANA – Burnoye Solar – 2, ing prices. This will be our contri- according to Chinese company and provide infrastructure. Also, in accordance insurance market participants re- the first large-scale solar plant in bution to the development of the Qingdao Beihai representative turned to the indicators of 2015. the country with a capacity of 50 green economy,” said Zhambyl Ming Ie. with a bilateral agreement, the station will be The profit reduction is attributed to megawatts, will be constructed Region Akim (Governor) Karim Local authorities plan to allocate called Kunnery. the slowdown in the growth of col- in the Zhualynsky district of the Kokrekbayev. 300 hectares and provide infra- lected insurance premiums. From Zhambyl region. The Zhambyl region is one of structure. Also, in accordance with January-June, the total volume of The project, implemented by the leaders among the regions a bilateral agreement, the station pressed support for the’ proposal this is very profitable for the insurance premiums was 219 bil- Samruk Kazyna United Green in developing renewable energy will be called Kunnery. and stressed that the demand for implementation of this project,” lion tenge (US$659 million) or Energy, is a joint venture of the sources. The list of projects in- “In recent years, the problem of electricity in the region is increas- he added. 8.4 percent more than the same UK-registered private invest- cludes the first 1.5-megawatt in- energy security has come to the ing every year. Following the meeting, Deputy number in 2016. Last year, pre- ment company UG Energy and dustrial wind power plant at Kor- forefront in the world. Therefore, “The main theme at the EXPO Head of the South Kazakhstan re- miums totalling 202 billion tenge Samruk Kazyna Invest, reported dai pass, the small 9.2-megawatt we see the need in the building of 2017 exhibition is green econo- gion Baurzhan Zhamalov and the (US$608 million) were collected the regional administration press hydropower station at Tasotkel a solar power plant in the south- my. We are in search for alter- special representative of Qingdao for the six months, 33.4 percent service in early August. The Euro- reservoir, the 1.5-megawatt Merk- ern region. In your region there native energy sources. In regard Beihai signed a memorandum to higher than the same amount col- pean Bank for Reconstruction and en hydroelectric power station are mainly sunny, hot days and to this, I fully support your implement the investment project lected a year earlier. Development (EBRD), in partner- and the 2.3-megawatt Karakystak few cloudy days. After recovering proposals. You will be allocat- in the energy sector. ship with the Clean Technologies hydropower plant in the Rysku- U.A.E.-based Schneider & Fund, will finance plant construc- lovsky district. Danzey has expressed the inten- tion. The share of green energy in the tion of building a solid waste re- As an environmentally-friendly region’s total electricity produc- cycling plant in the South Kazakh- project that meets world stand- tion will increase to 40 percent. stan region, reported the regional ards, the solar plant is expected The Otar, the first solar power administration press service. Sch- to lead to a significant reduction plant in Kazakhstan and Central neider & Danzey has more than in carbon dioxide emissions in the Asia with a capacity of seven 25 years of industry experience. region. It may also cover energy megawatts, was put into operation The company plans to work in two shortages in the southern regions. in the Kordai district in 2012 us- directions – solid waste recycling “Twelve investment projects for ing $1.3 million in private invest- and green economy development. the construction of hydro, wind ments. The project developed for the and solar power plants with a ca- The 50-megawatt Burnoye South Kazakhstan region is envi- pacity of seven-300 megawatts Solar – 1 solar power station, ronment friendly and will benefit have been implemented and are situated on 150 hectares with ap- both sides. The facility is expected planned for launch with the adop- proximately 192,000 energy-pro- to be constructed near Turkestan tion in 2009 of the law on Renew- ducing solar panels, was built in and cities. able Energy Sources Support in the Zhualynsky district in 2015. Kazakhstan. There are plans to The plant, which is able to pro- implement seven renewable en- duce 73 million kilowatt-hours The retail loan portfolio volume ergy projects with a total capacity of electricity per year, has created is growing for the fourth month of more than 230 megawatts. The nearly 250 jobs. in a row, because banks find re- tail loans more attractive and less risky than financing corporate cli- ents, according to ranking.kz. In June, the amount of loans provided by banks to individuals increased Three new brands to 2 percent, reaching 4.2 trillion tenge (US$12.6 billion). Retail loan portfolio growth has reached 4.2 percent or 169.5 billion tenge export Kazakh meat (US$510.4 million) since the be- ginning of the year. Lending to The project is implemented the country’s corporate sector is By Assel Satubaldina within the 100 Concrete Steps declining, as the volume decreased programme initiated by Kazakh 3.7 percent, or 327 billion tenge ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Min- President Nursultan Nazarbayev (US$985 million), for the last six istry of Investments and Devel- in 2015. months. The fall in banking activ- opment along with the Ministry The Kazakh Invest national ity in the corporate sector is the of Agriculture are setting up three company is running the project. consequence of the increased risks meat brands to export to interna- Established this year, the com- of financing such customers. tional markets, according to First pany, with several offices world- Vice Minister of Investments and wide, serves as a bridge between The trade turnover between Ka- Development Alik Aidarbayev. local producers and foreign in- zakhstan and Germany increased KazakhMeat, Qazaq Organic vestors and promotes Kazakh Food and Halal Kazakhstan are 36 percent exceeding 2 billion products abroad. three umbrella brands controlled euros (US$2.3 billion) over five The concept and the roadmap by the National Chamber of En- months, 24.kz reports. Kazakhstan stipulating further develop- trepreneurs incorporating mul- is Germany’s key trading partner ment and advertisement of these in the Central Asian region. Over tiple local producers under one brands on international markets 91 percent of exports are mineral brand. This gives them an op- are ready, the minister noted. resources. The rest is made up of portunity to push their products ferrous and non-ferrous metals, to foreign markets, otherwise The brands were also present- chemicals and fish. In terms of oil hardly accessible if acting alone. ed at international exhibitions exports, Kazakhstan is in the top “In general, the agricultural in Russia and China, by far the five countries of Germany’s main products have a huge poten- largest importers of the Kazakh partners. The record indicator of tial that we are not using fully. meat. foreign trade turnover between Thanks to such umbrella brands, The agriculture ministry and the countries was fixed in 2013. local producers can use it and the national chamber are in the Then it exceeded 6.5 billion euros promote their products abroad,” process of certifying the brands, (US$7.6 billion). Aidarbayev said. according to the ministry. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINIONS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017 A milestone Pugwash movement: Confronting nuclear dangers Furthermore, where insecu- By Paolo Cotta-Ramusino rity prevails there continues to against nuclear war be the danger of states seeking in non-proliferation The goal of eliminating nu- to rely upon nuclear weapons, Continued from Page A1 clear weapons from this planet either through developing their By Alimzhan Akhmetov received a timely boost this year own programme or by the de But the danger is that these plans risk making worse the with the successful negotiation facto reliance on other states In July 1955, eleven internationally renowned scientists signed of a Treaty on the Prohibition of to provide a nuclear umbrella. challenge that Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has the Russell-Einstein Manifesto, which laid the foundations of the rightly called the cause of our time – reducing the threat of Nuclear Weapons in July 2017. These examples of possible Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs. This Treaty is a remedy for proliferation should be of nuclear war. The movement’s first conference took place in July 1957 in Nuclear reactors need enriched uranium to produce elec- some of the shortcomings in grave concern to all states – the village of Pugwash in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. the existing legal and moral they provide yet another reason tricity. In 1995, the Pugwash Movement was awarded the Nobel Countries making the huge investment in civilian nuclear framework on nuclear weap- ing opportunities for scientists to strengthen the existing nor- Peace Prize “for their efforts to diminish the part played by ons, but it is by no means the and policymakers to meet and mative framework governing programmes need to make sure they have supplies of this nuclear arms in international politics and, in the longer run, to end of the road. confront the conflicts and is- nuclear weapons. fuel. But the problem is that any facility which produces it eliminate such arms.” Prohibition sends a clear sues of the world. Promoting dialogue across could technically be altered to produce the more highly en- The authors of the historic manifesto in 1955 noted with con- message that the majority of At this time, perhaps more the divides in these areas is with riched uranium needed for nuclear weapons. cern that “the general public, and even many men in positions people in this world do not than ever, such dialogue is the hope of helping to lower The LEU bank is the answer to the challenge of how coun- of authority, have not realised what would be involved in a war believe that nuclear weapons needed. It is not simply that conflict and hence the risk of tries can be guaranteed supplies of the uranium they need for with nuclear bombs” and “what perhaps impedes understanding increase their security; but get- progress toward nuclear dis- possible nuclear use. This is the reactors without making the proliferation of nuclear weapons of the situation more than anything else is that the term ‘man- ting to elimination is a long- armament is slow, nor that message of the founding docu- more likely. It will hold, under the auspices of the Interna- kind’ feels vague and abstract.” term activity. too many weapons – 15,000- ment of the Pugwash move- tional Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), around 90 tonnes of The authors of the manifesto warned that “in any future world While disarmament can take 16,000 – continue to pose a ment, the Russell-Einstein low enriched uranium which can be accessed by countries if war nuclear weapons will certainly be employed.” place, there remain areas of the threat to humanity. Rather, the Manifesto of 1955: “We have their usual market supply is disrupted, provided they do meet Unfortunately, after more than 60 years, the text of the mani- world that can be described world is in a dangerous mo- to learn to think in a new way. the IAEA clear-cut criteria of adherence to non-proliferation. festo remains topical. as being of “nuclear danger” ment with respect to forms of We have to learn to ask our- This guarantee from the independent IAEA takes away the In his Nobel lecture in 1995, the President of the Pugwash – relatively new areas where extremism and non-state ac- selves, not what steps can be need for countries to develop their own uranium enrichment movement Joseph Rotblat said, “I have to bring to your notice a nuclear weapons are present or tors, protracted and unresolved taken to give military victory to facilities. By doing so, it both reduces costs for them and terrifying reality: with the development of nuclear weapons Man where there is a serious risk of conflicts and the rise of various whatever group we prefer, for also suspicions that the civilian plants are just a cloak to has acquired, for the first time in history, the technical means to further nuclear proliferation. nationalisms. It is precisely at there no longer are such steps; hide a nuclear weapons programme. It should help cut both destroy the whole of civilisation in a single act.” Of course, “new” here is this time that more must be the question we have to ask carbon emissions and international tensions. In fact, any war, any murder, any use of weapons and violence meant in relation to the time of done to ensure people talk, lis- ourselves is: what steps can be Before the bank could move from drawing board to real- are contrary to a brighter destiny of man. the Cold War, the height of nu- ten and understand one another taken to prevent a military con- ity, it needed both funding and a secure site. Initial funding Nuclear weapons, the use of which will lead to “universal clear weapons folly. The legacy in efforts to build peace. test of which the issue must be came from the Nuclear Threat Initiative – thanks to the death, sudden only for a minority, but for the majority a slow of the arms race means that the The founding goal of Pug- disastrous to all parties?” generosity of philanthropist Warren Buffet – with the non- torture of disease and disintegration,” is an extreme expression majority of nuclear weapons wash is to decrease the salience In a country that is geo- governmental organisation’s $50 million donation being of evil created by humanity. are still possessed by the U.S. of nuclear weapons that contin- graphically very close to Ka- topped by government contributions from countries such as In this sense, the words of the Chairman of the Norwegian and Russia, and nuclear disar- ue to threaten people’s security. zakhstan, namely Afghanistan, the United States, Kuwait, Norway, the United Arab Emir- Nobel Committee Francis Sejersted on the occasion of the award mament must take place in the Kazakhstan set an example there is war that has been going ates as well as the . of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Pugwash Movement in 1995 context of ever-more strained to the world by categorically on for 37 years, with the direct Kazakhstan, right from the start, made clear it was ready are more relevant than ever: “Since we have no way of banning relations between these two. rejecting the possession of nu- involvement of Russia first and to host the bank. As a country with extensive nuclear exper- knowledge concerning nuclear weapons, the only guarantee that Creative measures and re- clear weapons and the continu- the U.S. later. The instability tise, a track record of campaigning for nuclear non-prolifer- they will never be used is, in the last analysis, probably a world invigorated political will are ation of their testing at Semi- that comes from Afghanistan ation and a trusted member of the international community, without war.” necessary to overcome the an- palatinsk. Kazakhstan was also can further cause the spread of the offer ticked all the boxes and was accepted with enthusi- This year, the Pugwash Movement marks the 60th anniversa- tagonism, not just between the a leader in the establishment chaos in the entire region, and asm by the IAEA. The site chosen is the Ulba Metallurgical ry of its activity, and its 62nd conference will be held on August U.S. and Russia, but equally of Central Asia as a zone free creates possible risks of spill- Plant, which has been a nuclear facility for over 60 years 25-29 in Astana. amongst the other states pos- of nuclear weapons. These are over into nuclear-armed Paki- and meets all health, environmental and security standards, It is symbolic that the conference will come to its end on the sessing nuclear weapons. The concrete actions that must be stan. For this reason, Pugwash and Kazakhstan has made its own in-lind contributions to day of the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site, which saw 456 fact that none of these states supported and other countries has been very much committed the construction of the unique storage facility. nuclear explosions. Our country, our people know about the saw fit to participate in the UN- should follow their lead. to helping Afghanistan to find It is fitting that the opening ceremony in Astana takes horrors of nuclear weapons firsthand. More than one and a half backed process on the prohibi- For the past 15 years, Pug- a peaceful way out of a conflict place on Aug. 29, 26 years after Kazakhstan announced it million people were affected by nuclear tests, and the echo of tion of nuclear weapons shows wash has addressed the chang- where no side is reasonably was closing the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. That surprise nuclear explosions still resonates to our days. the stark divide between haves ing international environment. allowed to have a military vic- announcement had a much wider impact as it gave fresh The mere fact of the existence of nuclear weapons poses to and have-nots. The Middle East, South Asia tory. Afghanistan will be just momentum to efforts for a global agreement to end testing – each of us, as Erich Fromm wrote, a question -black: is a Since the early days of the and North-East Asia are all ar- one subject of a wide debate in momentum which the world urgently needs to rediscover. man inclined to destruction or creation? Cold War, and continuing to eas where there is a propensity Astana during the forthcoming That is why the true prize from the launch of the IAEA The root of the problem of the existence of nuclear weapons this day, the Pugwash Confer- for conflict that is unfortunate- 62nd Pugwash International LEU Bank would be if its impact went beyond enabling lies not in strategic stability or nuclear deterrence, nor in multi- ences on Science and World ly matched with the existence Conference this week that aims countries to develop their civilian nuclear programmes lateral arms reduction and control treaties. Affairs has been a relentless of nuclear weapons or nuclear to confront nuclear dangers. without increasing fears of nuclear proliferation. We must The problem is in a man himself. In good and evil. In culture. champion of disarmament. capabilities. The combination hope that, by demonstrating what can be achieved through In education. In the aesthetics and ethics of human existence. Since the very first conference can create very dangerous situ- The author is Secretary international cooperation, ambition and determination, it 60 years ago, Pugwash has ations of global significance, as General of Pugwash Con- will give fresh impetus to finding agreed global solutions to The author is Director of the Astana-based International been synonymous with “dia- we are seeing on the Korean ferences on Science and common problems. Security and Policy Centre. logue across divides”, provid- Peninsula most recently. World Affairs. Kazakhstan’s Constitution: from Soviets to democratic values late the existence of a quota for the benefit of the whole nation, and political pluralism is recog- account the political, economic By Ruslan Zhakupov representation of national, cultur- patriotism and the solution of the nised. Unified state power is ex- and social needs and demands of al and other significant interests most important issues of state life ercised on the basis of the con- society. On August 30, 1995, the Consti- of society, and the Assembly of by democratic methods, includ- stitution and laws in accordance The stability of constitutional tution of the Republic of Kazakh- the People of Kazakhstan is given ing voting in a national referen- with the principle of its division norms is guaranteed by the fact stan was adopted. The current a constitutional status. dum or in Parliament. He made into the legislative, executive and that the constitution contains constitution is the supreme act in The preparation of the draft a direct contribution to fixing judicial branches and interaction provisions on subjects entitled Kazakhstan’s system of law. It has constitution was initiated by the, those principles, whose immuta- among themselves using a system to make a proposal to amend the the highest legal force and has a First President of Kazakhstan, bility in 2017 was designated by of checks and balances. Moreo- constitution and make a final de- direct effect on the entire territory and he played a key role in its de- parliamentary deputies as part of ver, the coordinated functioning cision. The procedure and limits of Kazakhstan. velopment with the assistance of a constitutional reform. With the of all branches of state power and of such reforms are stipulated. The legal formalisation of real group of leading local and foreign huge support from broad sec- the responsibility of the authori- Proceeding from the fact that relations in society, i.e. the actual lawyers. As is known, it is based tions of society, we can call our ties to the people is provided by the President is a symbol and constitution, is ensured by a writ- on the model of the French Con- constitution both charismatic and the President. guarantor of the unity of the peo- ten legal constitution. In the histo- stitution from 1958. The system national. Since the adoption of the cur- ple and state power and the invio- ry of Kazakhstan there have been ment of the time), it had a compro- of supreme bodies of state power Kazakhstan claims to be a dem- rent constitution, amendments lability of the constitution, draft five such constitutions. Three of mise character. The question of with the “arbitration” position of ocratic, secular, legal and social and additions have been made to amendments and additions to the them were adopted during the So- whether Kazakhstan was a presi- the President practically reflects state. In other words, the country it four times: in 1998, 2007, 2011 constitution are submitted to a na- viet period, the other two adopted dential or parliamentary country the Constitution of the French intends to progressively develop and this year. The need for re- tional referendum or to the Parlia- during the years of Kazakhstan’s at that time remained open. Republic. The President is elected as a modern, strong state, whose forms every time was initiated by ment only by the President. The independence. Undoubtedly, all At the first session of the As- by citizens and without the par- power is based on the law that re- the President. Neither the govern- unity and territorial integrity of of them in one degree or another sembly of the People of Kazakh- ticipation of the Parliament. At stricts it and reflects progressive ment nor the Parliament have tak- the state established by the consti- affected Kazakh statehood and its stan in March 1995, Nursultan the same time his authority, on the universal ideals. The individual; en advantage of this opportunity. tution, the form of government, as development. Nazarbayev initiated the adoption one hand, is limited by the consti- his life, rights and freedoms; are We see that the reforms that have well as the independence and fun- The foundation of the first Con- of a new constitution. The Consti- tution and laws, on the other hand, proclaimed as the highest values been undertaken have been con- damental principles of the activi- stitution of an independent Ka- tution of 1995 embodied the will it is balanced by the functioning of the state. sistent, reconciled and carried out ties of the republic, are not subject zakhstan was the Declaration of of the people – it passed through of the bicameral Parliament and It is very significant that one while preserving the entire frame- to any change. State Sovereignty of the Kazakh a broad public discussion and was the Constitutional Council. third of the articles of the consti- work of the political system in or- From the point of view of cur- SSR of October 25, 1990, and the then adopted through a national The ideas expressed by the tution is devoted to the legal sta- der to achieve the goals of phased rent conditions and foreseeable Constitutional Law of December referendum. President laid the foundation for tus of a person and a citizen. implementation of democratic re- prospects, Kazakhstan’s consti- 16, 1991, “On State Independence The main feature of our consti- the construction of the Basic Law. The people are defined as the forms, without excessive politicisa- tution is quite conducive to the of the Republic of Kazakhstan.” tution is that it takes into account In his book “The Kazakhstan only source of state power, ex- tion, shocks and tensions in society. consistent formation and promo- This demonstrates that the sover- the fact of the multi-ethnicity of Way”, President Nazarbayev de- ercising power directly through They are relevant to the historical tion of the state policy, its sustain- eign people and sovereign coun- the people and does not infringe tailed the history of drafting the the national referendum and free situation and the objective level of ability and continuity, as well as try have a sovereign constitution. on the interests of the state-form- constitution and elaborating the elections, as well as delegating the country’s development. comprehensive modernisation of It organically proceeds from the ing Kazakh nation. It is enough main approaches of the constitu- the exercise of their authority to Approaches that are aimed at all spheres of life. inalienable sovereign right of the only to pay attention to its pream- tional reform. state bodies. reviewing certain articles of the people to have statehood and to be ble: “We, the people of Kazakh- For example, among Kazakh- The presidential form of gov- constitution are possible and are The author is head of the Le- a full-fledged subject of the world stan, united by a common histori- stan’s fundamental principles, ernment, as history demonstrates, not excluded, because the intro- gal Analytics Department of the community. cal destiny, creating statehood on the current constitution includes is the most acceptable for mul- duction of new articles and the Centre for Political Analysis At the same time, being adopted the ancient Kazakh land…” Both public consent and political sta- tiethnic Kazakhstan and helps modification or abolition of al- and Strategic Studies of the Nur by the Supreme Soviet (the parlia- chambers of the Parliament stipu- bility, economic development for avoid political crises. Ideological ready obsolete ones takes into Otan Party.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017 UNIDO will support EXPO 2017 legacy projects, its chief says for a decade, I was involved in set- in manufacturing creates 2.2 addi- trial development to mitigate the the chance to demonstrate in the By Aiman Turebekova ting and harmonizing fiscal, mon- tional jobs in other sectors. potential negative impacts of in- International Organisations Pavil- etary and industrial policies, and Nevertheless, industry is also dustrialisation. When we manufac- ion, how our work will help secure ASTANA – It may be argued in supporting long-term economic one of the largest contributors to ture products to use and to trade, sustainable energy, for example, that industrialisation is one of the growth in China. I accorded great climate change and environmen- we need to consume raw materials. by promoting green finance and most important events in the his- importance to fiscal and financial tal degradation and, therefore, has We need to use energy, water, elec- green technologies, and by facili- tory of humanity. Due to this pro- measures in favour of small and a particular responsibility in en- tricity, oil, etc. This creates pollu- tating the flow of expertise and cess, relatively more goods were medium-sized enterprises, the cor- suring the highest environmental tion. UNIDO and the international best practices across countries. produced in relatively less time. nerstones for creating economic standards and safeguards. community are working very hard To move the sustainable energy Average real incomes rose dra- opportunities, reducing poverty to avoid, or at least reduce, such agenda forward, we need to accel- matically. Thus, more time was and promoting gender equality. UNIDO strongly believes that negative effects. This is, and will erate clean energy innovation. We left for education, innovation and As Director General of UNIDO, sustainability must be the fore- remain, a learning process. also need holistic technology solu- recreation. I am heading an organisation that most consideration of any indus- tions, entrepreneurship and policy The United Nations Industrial forges partnerships, in which gov- trial development process. Our This summer’s EXPO 2017 in innovation. For these reasons, in Development Organisation (UNI- ernments, the private sector and mandate makes explicit reference Astana on Future Energy will my recent meeting with Zhenis DO) meets the industrial develop- other stakeholders work together to this aspect. We work to harness give a powerful boost to Kazakh- Kassymbek, Minister for Invest- ment needs of its member states Li Yong to create an enabling environment industry’s full potential to cre- stan’s scientific and technologi- ment and Development of Kazakh- through a variety of highly spe- for inclusive and sustainable in- ate economic growth and shared cal fields. A plentiful and sustain- stan, I commended the initiative of cialized and differentiated servic- countries? Industrial develop- dustrial development. prosperity, while safeguarding able energy supply to all parts of the Government of Kazakhstan to es that promote social inclusion, ment. Thanks to industrialisation, UNIDO pursues noble goals the environment. the world will help create condi- establish the International Centre economic competitiveness and these so-called ‘tigers’ and ‘drag- such as promotion of industrial In order to achieve sustainable tions for peaceful co-existence. for Green Technology and Invest- environmental sustainability, as ons’ quickly reached the status of development for poverty reduc- industrialisation, we work closely Despite the fact that Kazakhstan ment Projects, the Astana Inter- well as the promotion of knowl- middle- and high-income level tion, inclusive globalisation with our member states, the pri- has an abundance of oil and national Financial Centre, and edge networks and institutional countries. gas reserves, the country hosts the techno-park for IT start-ups partnership. China learnt from them in the this exhibition in order to create in the EXPO City, as legacies of In an exclusive interview, UNI- 1980s. We opened up a very poor UNIDO will continue to work closely with a clean and sustainable future the Astana EXPO 2017. We are DO Director General Li Yong country with a big population for us all. Are there any com- looking into ways to support these speaks of his priorities at the helm to the world. You can’t imagine the Government of Kazakhstan to support mon points that Kazakhstan and initiatives. I can also add that the of the organization, efforts to en- that in 1978 GDP per capita at the adoption of clean and sustainable energy UNIDO have? Could you please minister expressed an interest in sure sustainable industrialisation current prices was US$228, and share with us if there are any establishing a UNIDO Investment globally and cooperation with now, more than 30 years after the standards and best practices in order to achieve joint programmes? and Technology Promotion Office Kazakhstan as part of EXPO 2017 reforms to open up the economy, The theme of the Astana EXPO in Astana, and this is something we and beyond. GDP per capita is over US$6,000. the 2030 Agenda and thereby a sustainable 2017, ‘Future Energy’, could not will discuss further. What was the driving force? Ag- future for all. be timelier. Nearly two years have We are already working with Mr. Li, you give great impor- riculture? No. Over the past 30 passed since the adoption of the the Government of Kazakhstan tance to fiscal and financial years China transformed from an 2030 Agenda for Sustainable De- and signed a joint declaration of measures. As Vice-Minister of agricultural-based to a more in- and environmental sustainabil- vate sector and various develop- velopment and the Paris Agree- cooperation in May 2014. UNIDO Finance of the People’s Repub- dustrialised country. ity. However, one may argue that ment partners to scale up green in- ment on climate change. The re- is delivering on its commitments lic of China you prompted major I have a finance background. there are not only benefits but also dustry solutions and technologies. alization that we need sustainable to develop three projects that are financial institutions to estab- I think everyone agrees that the negative effects of industrialisa- We advise on resource-efficient energy solutions to guarantee our financially supported by the Gov- lish corporate governance, deal global financial crisis beginning in tion such as deforestation, extinc- cleaner production techniques. We planet’s integrity and achieve sus- ernment of Kazakhstan. One is with toxic assets and strengthen 2008 taught us many lessons. One tion of species, widespread pollu- provide expertise on the imple- tainable development has reached for industrial modernisation and risk management. So, what has of them is that we should re-focus tion and excessive waste. So, how mentation of multilateral environ- all corners of the world. enterprise competitiveness in Ka- changed in your personal agenda on the development of the “real does your organisation work with mental agreements. And we bol- We at UNIDO recognize the zakhstan. A second is for trade ca- since you started to serve as the sector”. This does not just apply these problems? Is it possible to ster energy efficiency standards. importance of sustainable energy pacity building through strength- Director General at the UN spe- to developing countries or middle- advance the country’s economy For example, UNIDO has when we support our member ening standards, metrology, cialized agency, UNIDO? income countries, but is agreed on without causing harm to the envi- helped to phase out 340 million states in achieving industrial de- testing and quality infrastructure. My experience of growing up, by countries at all income levels. ronment? tonnes of CO2 per year, which velopment, in a way that is both And a third is the development of and of living and working in Chi- I am very happy to see that many As we all know, no developing corresponds to the exhaust emitted socially inclusive and environ- Kazakhstan’s industrial statistics. na taught me a lot. In Asia we saw advanced countries are re-focus- country has ever become a devel- by more than 71 million passenger mentally sustainable. We are con- Furthermore, UNIDO will con- countries like Japan and the Re- ing on industrialisation. oped country without a concerted vehicles in one year. vinced that sustainable energy tinue to work closely with the public of Korea develop very fast In many ways my personal policy focus on industrial devel- Furthermore, UNIDO has con- provides the foundation for shared Government of Kazakhstan to after World War II, and become agenda has not changed. As opment. UNIDO estimates that tributed to the phase-out of over prosperity around the world. support the adoption of clean and members of the Organisation Vice-Minister of Finance of the manufacturing alone provides one third of ozone-depleting sub- That is why UNIDO was very sustainable energy standards and for Economic Cooperation and People’s Republic of China and more than half a billion jobs glob- stances in the developing world pleased to accept the invitation to best practices in order to achieve Development. What created the member of the Monetary Policy ally per year. Thanks to the multi- since 1992. UNIDO is promoting participate in the Astana EXPO the 2030 Agenda and thereby a ‘miracle’ of the South-East Asian Committee of the Central Bank plier effect of industry, every job inclusive and sustainable indus- 2017. Over three months, we have sustainable future for all. U.S. options in Afghanistan and why Kazakhstan should care Washington and Kabul are in of territory in Afghanistan) to seek itself, with America getting pulled upset the relative sense of political By Charles J. Sullivan need of a grand strategy that will more political concessions, strain back into Afghanistan if the politi- tranquillity within bordering coun- ensure the military degradation relations with India, weaken U.S. cal situation spirals out of control. tries. Moreover, Afghanistan’s il- This autumn, the War in Afghan- of the enemy, followed by politi- credibility and global prestige, un- In summary, Washington is left licit narcotics trade is not about to istan will slip into its sixteenth cal reconciliation and economic dermine Afghanistan’s territorial with only a handful of bad choices disappear and its regional implica- year. America’s Afghan War, recovery. So far, however, no integrity, and risk the occurrence at this juncture and Afghanistan’s tions could prove to be very far- which currently serves as one of such strategy has come to fruition. of a humanitarian catastrophe future lies very much up in the air. reaching. Hence, it is important for several theatres in the global war America briefly surged troop lev- if cities and towns are suddenly There are three reasons why the “stans” to address these threats on terrorism, has been labelled as els in Afghanistan several years overrun. For all of these reasons, it Kazakhstan should pay attention as they become more integrated. the longest armed conflict in the ago but this did not exert much of is thus highly doubtful that Wash- to Afghanistan. First, Afghani- A third concern relates to Ka- history of the United States. Now- Charles J. Sullivan an effect. U.S. airpower and drone ington would adhere to this course stan will likely come to serve as a zakhstan’s image vis-à-vis Amer- adays the U.S.-led military opera- strikes have been effective, but of action. source of great power rivalry in the ica. Kazakhstan aspires to portray tion shows few signs of letting up iban and other insurgent groups, these tools cannot win the war out- Washington is now allegedly future. In anticipation of a security itself as a modernising country and as American, NATO and Afghan namely because enemy forces hide right. War fatigue in the U.S. and considering the option of replac- vacuum, neighbouring states and play a constructive role in foster- soldiers continue to battle against out in the rugged border region NATO countries will also even- ing U.S. troops with contractors ambitious hegemons will presum- ing international peace and coop- the Taliban and other violent ex- and tribal areas in neighbouring tually set in if soldiers continue eration. That said, if the situation tremists. Yet, as Washington plots Pakistan. In addition, the Afghan dying. Taken together, if America Kazakhstan should strive to continue balancing in Afghanistan does not improve in America’s next move it is impor- government cannot exert much seeks to pummel the Taliban into the near future then U.S. politicians tant for Astana to pay attention, for authority in the countryside, leav- submission, it remains to be seen great power interests while maintaining may start questioning America’s whatever happens in Afghanistan ing portions of territory heavily as to how the U.S.-led coalition friendly relations with other states, but in order interests altogether in such a fara- will likely influence future devel- contested. All of these factors are can force the enemy to the nego- way region. Kazakhstan thus needs opments across Central Asia. causing the U.S.-led campaign to tiating table. The Taliban, on the to do so Astana will need to keep the United to keep America engaged in Cen- The United States militarily in- flounder. other hand, have a strategy: under- tral Asian affairs in the interest of tervened in Afghanistan in late At present, there ostensibly are mine popular confidence in Kabul States focused on regional affairs as well as sustaining its own multi-vectorism. 2001 in response to the Sept. 11th four courses that the United States by staging attacks against civil- work to prevent Afghanistan’s troubles from Kazakhstan should strive to con- terrorist attacks. CIA and U.S. can follow: keep fighting in the ians and wait for the Americans to tinue balancing great power in- Special Forces ousted the Taliban hopes that the enemy will be pum- leave the battlefield. spreading across the region. terests while maintaining friendly regime from power with the help melled into submission and forced Peace is seemingly unobtainable relations with other states, but in of an assortment of Afghan mili- to partake in negotiations with the in Afghanistan and will remain so to continue the war effort, thereby ably build up local clients. This order to do so Astana will need tias, and, thereafter, began hunt- Afghan government; start experi- absent strong pressure on the Tali- essentially privatising the Af- should worry Astana, for Kazakh- to keep the United States focused ing Al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders. menting with controversial ways ban to enter into good-faith nego- ghan War. While such a strategy stan’s lauded multi-vector foreign on regional affairs as well as work Washington has since experienced to possibly bring the level of vio- tiations with Kabul. Pakistan in sounds appealing at first glance, policy (which emphasises good to prevent Afghanistan’s troubles some successes, with drone strikes lence in Afghanistan down by pla- particular needs to apply much of the overall war effort will nonethe- relations with other states while from spreading across the region. decimating enemy leadership cating the interests of other foreign this pressure but it remains to be less endure. Afghanistan’s harsh balancing great power interests) Kazakhstan can make use of the ranks and the killing of Osama bin powers with a stake in the war’s seen as to whether Washington can terrain and weak economy favour requires a spirited yet tolerable new C5+1 (which includes the convince Islamabad to do so. Paki- the Taliban, and it is unclear as to degree of competition between Central Asian republics plus the If America seeks to pummel the Taliban into stan has played a key role in assist- how such a strategy would assist the great powers to be effective. United States) as a forum to realise ing the United States in Afghani- the Afghan government in terms of Kazakhstan has sought to resolve these aims. Central Asia’s leaders submission, it remains to be seen as to how stan and the Global War on Terror. enhancing its political legitimacy conflicts within other war-torn need to prepare for the coming ge- the U.S.-led coalition can force the enemy But Islamabad has also historically and improving its war-fighting ca- countries principally because ad- opolitical shift in Afghanistan. Ka- sought to establish a sphere of pability. versarial great power relations are zakhstan should seize the initiative to the negotiating table. The Taliban, on the influence in Afghanistan by sup- Consequently, Washington may detrimental to Astana’s geopoliti- by tweaking its foreign policy, not porting proxies to serve as a check simply run out of patience and cal flexibility. As such, a worsen- to try to bring the War in Afghani- other hand, have a strategy: undermine popular against India. Moreover, apply- choose to pull the plug on the ing of relations between the great stan to an end but to contain its confidence in Kabul by staging attacks against ing too much pressure may serve Afghan war. Fully withdrawing powers could potentially restrict fallout and keep the great powers to destabilise Pakistan’s political though may not work out so well Kazakhstan’s maneuverability interested in furthering regional civilians and wait for the Americans to leave system. So, might Kabul and the in the long-term. In Iraq, Washing- within the international realm. development. the battlefield. Taliban be able to broker a peace ton has been forced to reengage Second, it is worth noting that an if the former cedes some territory militarily since 2014 (albeit with a unstable Afghanistan poses a chal- The author is Assistant Pro- to the latter, which arguably may smaller footprint) due to the rise of lenge to the region’s newfound as- fessor of Political Science and Laden. But the war has not gone outcome; replace the bulk of U.S. also further Pakistan’s aforemen- the so called Islamic State of Iraq pirations to revitalise the ancient International Relations at the so well over the past decade and military forces with contractors to tioned geostrategic aim? While and the Levant (ISIL). In Afghani- . So far, the violence in School of Humanities and Social a half. Years of state-building has assist the Afghan government; or this idea may sound alluring it is stan, if the U.S. exits then America Afghanistan has not spilled into Sciences at Nazarbayev Uni- only led to the creation of a wob- fully withdraw the U.S. military a perilous option with little chance would bequeath the war effort to a the Central Asian republics but versity in Astana. The opinions bly central government in Kabul. from Afghanistan and leave Kabul of success. Such a policy would fragile host government fighting the tribulations vexing Kabul are expressed are the author’s and The United States and its coalition to fend for itself. None of these op- likely embolden the enemy (which against a bolstered adversary. In not that distant and a change in are not representative of Naz- partners have not defeated the Tal- tions look promising. already controls sizable portions other words, history could repeat the security situation there could arbayev University. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

ity in the world focusing on pho- tonuclear physics and its appli- cations. This unique project will Kazakhstan, Romania are stepping up bilateral enable the tackling of a wide range of research topics in nuclear phys- ics, astrophysics and the manage- ment of nuclear materials and life relations, Bucharest envoy says sciences,” Armeanu explained. Romania was also among the With the Romanian Rompetrol education, science and culture,” The ELI-NP laser model along By Assel Satubaldina first to recognise the independence oil and gas venture becoming an the ambassador pointed out. with other Romanian initiatives in of Kazakhstan on Dec. 17, 1991, oversees asset of Kazakhstan’s The major universities of Roma- the energy field are presented to ASTANA – Kazakhstan and just one day after Nazarbayev Kazmunaygas national oil and gas nia and Kazakhstan, including the the public in the Romanian pavil- Romania are taking bilateral co- signed the Constitutional Law company in 2009 and the acces- Romanian Polytechnic University ion at the expo, which embodies operation to a new level, tapping declaring the country’s independ- sion of Constanta port located in of Bucharest, Babes-Bolyai Uni- the “spur of science, research and into the huge potential for exten- ence. the Black Sea to the Trans-Caspi- versity, the Oil & Gas University culture of Romania,” according to sive partnerships between the two “The history of the bilateral re- an International Transport Route of Ploieşti, the University of Bu- Armeanu. nations, Ambassador of Roma- lations between Romania and the this year, Kazakhstan and Roma- charest and Kazakhstan’s Gumi- With the central theme of “En- nia to Kazakhstan Cezar Manole Republic of Kazakhstan is not nia have unveiled new opportuni- lyov Eurasian National University ergy of Light – Journey into the Armeanu told The Astana Times Cezar Manole Armeanu only relevant from a political, dip- ties for their businesses. in Astana, Technical State Univer- Future,” the pavilion welcomes during a discussion of prospects lomatic or economic point of view, The two countries have also sity and Buketov State University nearly 2,300 people daily. It has for Kazakh-Romanian coopera- Karaganda July 27-28 to celebrate but also from the perspective of similar international development in Karaganda, are collaborating to reached a daily high of 5,900 visi- tion and priorities for his term. the National Day of Romania at human interaction, links between initiatives and in this regard, Ro- exchange ideas and new technolo- tors. Armeanu embarked on his du- EXPO 2017 and mark the 25 years our people and of our interest in manian RoAid and Kazakhstan’s gies. At this moment, Kazakhstan and ties as Romania’s Ambassador to of diplomatic relations between better knowing each other’s cul- Romania do not have direct flights Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Ta- Romania and Kazakhstan, home ture and traditions to understand between their cities, making travel jikistan May 16. He presented his to nearly 20,060 ethnic Romani- our contemporary societies. We Kazakhstan is a strategic partner for business people and tourists credentials to Kazakh President ans. consider that education and peo- to and from the two countries Nursultan Nazarbayev May 30, “On July 15, we celebrated 25 ple-to-people contacts are key of Romania. The total trade volume expensive and time consuming. addressing the leader in the Ka- years of diplomatic relations in elements that can ensure mutual between the two countries was $957.7 million Armeanu believes that launching zakh language. this very special context offered understanding and bring support a direct flight between the two “I am very excited to be here in by EXPO 2017,” added Armeanu, for values that our countries share, last year, with Romanian exports nations will step up not only busi- Kazakhstan. I have seen very wel- “I take this opportunity to con- building bridges in areas that are ness links, but also people-to-peo- coming and friendly people. I also gratulate Kazakhstan for hosting sometimes affected by geographi- amounting to $64.5 million and imports ple interaction, an important com- found that Romania has a very such a prestigious event as well as cal distance,” noted Armeanu. reaching $911.2 million. ponent of ties between the nations. good image and perception in Ka- for the status of a non-permanent Kazakhstan is a strategic part- “Bilateral relations between Ro- zakhstan and there is a real inter- member of the Security Council of ner of Romania, according to mania and Kazakhstan have seen est in developing mutual partner- the United Nations.” Armeanu. The total trade volume KazAID could establish a triangu- Experts from Satpayev Kazakh an ascendant course over the last ship. At the same time, the city of “I believe that the visit of Min- between the two countries was lar cooperation platform and act as National Technical University in years. Taking into account the geo- Astana, a capital city built in just ister Melescanu to Kazakhstan, $957.7 million last year, with donors to support other countries, Almaty are also cooperating with graphical position of Romania and few years, has greatly impressed with the consistent programme he Romanian exports amounting to the Romanian envoy asserted. their Romanian colleagues from Kazakhstan and the recent increase me. A lot of work has been done, had, sent a clear message that we $64.5 million and imports reach- Kazakhstan and Romania also Horia Hulubei National Institute in the number of passengers travel- but the results are in line with the want to strive for more,” noted the ing $911.2 million. share a significant interest in co- for Physics and Nuclear Engineer- ling from Bucharest to Astana and wishes of the ambitious Kazakh envoy. According to Romanian figures, operation in other fields apart from ing in the development of a mod- back, I am looking to finding so- people,” said the ambassador. Kazakhstan and Romania have the first four months of this year politics and economy, according ern laser model that will be capa- lutions for opening a direct flight Armeanu is determined to pro- been steadily expanding their bi- have brought a 99 percent increase to Armeanu. “We reaffirm Roma- ble of producing power equivalent from Bucharest to Astana, because mote and boost bilateral coopera- lateral ties, exchanging high-level in total trade volume compared to nia’s interest in developing overall to 10 percent of the sun’s power. I believe it is needed,” Armeanu tion at all levels. This has acquired visits with the first official visit of the same period in 2016, rising bilateral relations with Kazakh- “The world’s most powerful la- asserted. Romania’s national car- a particular importance following Nazarbayev to Romania in 1998 to $510.5 million. Armeanu said stan. In this respect, we noticed ser is now being developed and in- rier TAROM has already agreed to the recent visit of Romanian Min- and the subsequent visit of the Ro- there is a huge potential to bring the increasing interest shown by stalled on the Magurele platform negotiate the possibility of open- ister of Foreign Affairs Teodor manian President to Astana a year these numbers higher and find our institutions and experts to co- in Romania. ELI-NP is going to be ing a direct flight between Astana Viorel Melescanu to Astana and later. more beneficial partnerships. operate in various fields, including the most advanced research facil- and Bucharest, he reported. Kazakhstan and Afghanistan improve ties Continued from Page A1 ume with Afghanistan in transit, eign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani. a reception attended by high offi- the Afghan people on their inde- business, transit and economy and liquid gas, mines, industries, lo- The sides, who met Aug. 17, reaf- cials from both nations. pendence, noting the importance stressing his country’s readiness to “The Afghan government is gistics, exports and imports sec- firmed their commitment to achieve Abdrakhmanov congratulated of partner relations in terms of increase cooperation in each sector. ready to ensure the safety of in- tors,” he said, according to tolo- stability and security in Afghanistan vestors from Kazakhstan and will news.com. through the nation’s active involve- consider special privileges for Afghanistan is planning to ap- ment in economic integration with the countries in the region. Abdrakhmanov also spoke about Kazakhstan’s plans within the frame- work of the country’s two-year mem- bership on the UN Security Council, including during the chairmanship of the body in January 2018, to focus on the regional problems. Rabbani expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s continued support of the Afghan government on a number of important issues. He emphasised the worth of the Kazakh initiative to provide grants to Afghan students for training in peaceful professions and noted the interest in continuing Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah (L) and Kazakh Prime Minister educational programmes. Bakytzhan Sagintayev (R) on Aug. 19. Noting the significance and them to prevent any challenges on point a trade representative to the timeliness of Nazarbayev’s initia- their way,” he said. Kazakh capital, said Minister of tive to promote the Organisation The trade value between Af- Commerce and Industries Hum- of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) First ghanistan and Kazakhstan has ayun Rasa, in the hope the envoy Summit on Science and Technol- reached $50 million, according would facilitate the sale of Afghan ogy in the Kazakh capital in Sep- to Kazakhstan Chamber of Inter- products in Kazakh markets. tember, Rabbani confirmed Gha- national Commerce Chairperson The official delegation also in- ni’s participation in the event. Yerlan Arinov, adding the amount cluded discussions on the bilateral As the official delegation’s visit needs to be increased. and international agenda between coincided with Afghan Independ- “Kazakh investors are commit- Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat ence Day, the Afghan Embassy in ted to increasing the trade vol- Abdrakhmanov and Afghan For- Astana marked the holiday with Swiss President meets with Kazakh counterpart, attends national day at EXPO 2017 Continued from Page A1 a platform in the shape of the so He noted the memo will facili- called Swissnex lab. tate cooperation in agriculture and In this regard, the expo is impor- Kazakhstan’s Almaty region and tourism. Kazakhstan, in his words, tant for the global community. It is Switzerland’s Ticino canton also can learn a lot from Switzerland in the place where we can continue to inked a memorandum of coopera- these spheres. disseminate our latest technologies tion signed by Almaty region Akim “We also talked about their so- and build on the stable cooperation (Governor) Amandyk Batalov and lar energy and wind power. We that exists between Kazakhstan Ticino Council of State representa- learned that they have a good and Switzerland,” she said. tive Christian Vitta. level of processing solid domes- On her expo tour, Leuthard vis- “The two territories are very sim- tic waste, which is very important ited the Kazakh pavilion followed ilar. The Almaty region is the coun- for our region, because today our by the Swiss Flower Power pavil- try’s agrarian region; more than 16 region has no complete cycle for ion. The latter is composed of four percent of the country’s total gross processing solid domestic waste. I sections with interactive displays output is produced here. In terms of think they also have something to dedicated to the themes of energy natural and climatic conditions, we learn from us. It was they who sug- efficiency, renewable energy and are also similar; we have mountains gested that it should be the Almaty global water management. Swit- and mountain lakes just like the region to sign an agreement with zerland’s research sector also has canton of Ticino,” said Batalov. them,” he said. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Exhibition dedicated to Bauyrzhan Young int’l musicians take part Kazakh boxer claims WBC Youth Momyshuly opens in Almaty B2 in Eurasian Music Games B3 World Light Heavyweight Title B7 National Geographic features new Kazakh TV takes documentary about Astana’s city structures viewers on a tour of modern Kazakhstan with ‘Invite Me’ are going in the future.” By Yerbolat Uatkhanov The show is already catching the attention of locals and foreigners, ASTANA – Kazakh TV’s new the traveller said. “I have so many show, “Invite Me,” unveils Ka- friends back in Australia who are zakhstan through the eyes of for- really interested to see this show, eigners as Robert Boyd of Australia to know more about Kazakhstan, visits the country’s most interest- and my friends in Kazakhstan are ing destinations at the invitation of burning up with curiosity, because families around the country. they find it so interesting to see “When people live in another their own country through foreign- country they often tell how much ers’ eyes.” more interesting it is than just be- Boyd has some experience in ing a tourist, because it’s all about exploring and interpreting differ- the people,” Boyd said in an inter- ent cultures, he noted. “In 2005, I view with The Astana Times. “I started to travel and found out that have been very lucky to be invited the world was so interesting. Peo- into people’s lives around Kazakh- ple thought different but still the stan. I have seen some many beau- same … different foods and tastes tiful sites and learned so many in- and different clothing and building teresting stories.” styles.” Boyd is learning Kazakhstan’s He started in Europe, as many culture and history through the Australians do, Boyd said, but lives of its people, he explained. quickly strayed to Africa and North “Kazakhstan has had such an in- America, and then to Asia. teresting past. People here are very “I explored eastern Asia ex- lucky to have so many different tensively and during this time I cultures because they can enjoy watched a movie called ‘Mon- years; the economy rose 22 times sight, construction and operation “The capital of Kazakh- many points of view and foods,” gol’ and it sparked my interest in By Dmitry Lee over. The energy of the future and of the largest edifices such as Burj stan struck us with its interest- he said. “So I am exploring the ori- the Central Asian region. I had a renewable resources of energy are Khalifa in Dubai, Petronas Twin ing buildings and the scale of the gin of modern Kazakhstan by un- romantic idea – to travel to Mon- ASTANA – “Megastructures: today’s drivers of technical pro- Towers in Kuala Lumpur and Eu- project,” Ivan Bouso, Executive derstanding its peoples, where they golia one day. I was working in Astana, City of the Future,” Na- gress in the world,” he added. rotunnel. Producer, National Geographic have come from and where they Brisbane, Australia, and received a tional Geographic’s new docu- The head of state described the The episodes unveil the complex Partners, Europe & Africa, told the are now; how history and origin phone call to work in Kazakhstan.” mentary about the capital’s archi- city planning. tasks, extraordinary engineering media. has shaped them and where they Continued on Page B6 tectural structures, premiered as “We have built a new district in solutions and building technologi- “National Geographic is known part of EXPO 2017. The film in- our capital – a beautiful, modern cal innovations used to erect these for being a leader in visual sto- cludes interviews with expo head and high-tech area,” he said refer- new world wonders. In the capital, rytelling and through our popu- Akhmetzhan Yessimov as well as ring to the EXPO 2017 district. in addition to the unique archi- lar Megastructures television se- architects Gordon Gill and Nor- You can see the sphere – it will be tecture of EXPO 2017, the film ries franchise, Astana is a perfect man Foster, who were involved in the biggest sphere-shaped building focuses on Khan Shatyr shopping subject to create a premium docu- Kazakh oil export the city’s design. in the world. The sphere has eight and entertainment mall, Baiterek mentary about this astounding “We are a young country; our floors – each floor will showcase Tower, Nursultan Nazarbayev In- city,” said Deborah Armstrong, independence is only 25 years,” a different kind of alternative en- ternational Airport and the recent- Executive Vice President, Na- said Kazakh President Nursultan ergy. The initial vision is complete ly-built railway station. tional Geographic Partners, Eu- revenues have increased Nazarbayev in the opening inter- – the symbiosis of person, nature “Through the support of Ka- rope & Africa. view for the documentary. “During and stone. The city has its own way zakhstan, we made a documen- The world premiere screening those years, the city where only of living now; it develops by itself tary that is compelling, entertain- took place Aug. 10 on the Nation- 150,000 people used to live – it and this is impossible to stop.” ing and a true reflection of one al Geographic Channel in more 53 percent in 2017 was a provincial town – became a The documentary is part of the of the youngest capital cities in than 40 countries in 22 languages. of Ministry of Energy. Oil produc- city with a population of one mil- National Geographic TV Megas- the world,” said the film’s execu- The documentary will be broad- Staff Report tion increased 10 percent, reaching lion. By 2030, it will probably rise tructures series about the world’s tive producer and CEO of Off the cast on National Geographic’s in- 42.6 million tonnes. to two million.” symbolic architecture. Each epi- Fence production company Ellen ternational channels till the end of ASTANA – Almost 80 percent About 78 percent of all extracted “We were rising up all of these sode dives into the historical in- Windemuth. August. of all oil produced in the country oil was exported this year and ap- is exported. The revenues of the proximately 83 percent of oil was Kazakh budget from the export of exported last year. The volume of crude oil increased 53 percent this crude oil used in the domestic mar- year. Oil export increased 46 per- ket increased 38 percent, reaching cent, according to Energyprom. 9.4 million tonnes. Price for oil in Hungary celebrates National Day at EXPO In the last six months, the prices the domestic market is 2.5 times for crude oil increased 27.2 per- lower than its export price. Sale of cent in comparison with the same this volume will make 466 billion 2017, highlights shared cultural traditions period last year. At that, physical tenge (US$1.5 billion). volume of exports increased 3 per- Over the year, the share of oil cent. In total, the value of exports exports in total exports increased By Dana Omirgazy of crude oil and gas condensate from 59 percent to 62 percent. Ac- increased 46 percent. The positive cording to the Kazakhstan 2050 ASTANA – The Hungarian pa- balance of the country’s trade bal- strategy, the country should move vilion celebrated National Day ance increased 79 percent. from simple supplies of raw mate- Aug. 18 with a varied cultural Approximately 33.2 million rials to cooperation processing en- programme. To commemorate the tonnes of crude oil worth $12.8 ergy resources and the exchange of ethnic and economic ties between billion was exported in the last the latest technologies. The govern- Kazakhstan and Hungary that have six months, which is 51 percent of ment plans to decrease the share of been traditionally strong and are annual oil production in the state, oil exports to 30 percent by 2050. still improving, the pavilion of- according of the annual forecast Continued on Page B4 fered conventional folk music performed by the Kun-Captains Ensemble (representatives of the Union of Kuns, the Turkic people THINGS TO WATCH & of Hungary). Twelve members of the Szolnok PLACES TO GO Air Force Band performed tra- ditional Royal Hungarian Army ASTANA OPERA folk music and dancers, musicians September 3 at 7 p.m. Forever Pavarotti, and singers presented a grandi- Concert by La Scala ose folklore show. The main idea September 4 at 8 p.m. Falstaff, Opera of the celebration was to demon- strate the relationship between the nations. Hungary. The relations between statistics of Kazakhstan, the com- achievements. We appreciate the KAZAKHSTAN CONCERT HALL The official ceremony was at- our countries are also strengthened modity turnover has increased 1.6 trust between Kazakhstan and September 1-3 at 7 p.m. Pierre Cardin’s Fashion Show tended by Kazakh Vice Minister by common historic roots,” she times reaching almost $80 mil- Hungary based on our traditions, of National Economy Madina Ab- said. lion,” she added. which has been strengthened ylkassymova. In her welcoming Hungary is one of the key states Mihaly Varga, Hungarian Min- again in recent years. The close- EXPO 2017 speech, she focused on the inter- in Central and Eastern Europe, she ister of National Economy, ar- ness of our peoples can multiply June 17 - September 9 Cirque du Soleil. Reflekt Show national cooperation shared by the noted. Kazakhstan considers Hun- rived in the capital to join the cel- the opportunities we have today,” at 8 p.m. two nations. gary to be an important strategic ebration. He stressed the fact the he said. “This year, we celebrate the 25th trade and economic partner in the country’s pavilion has welcomed The ancestors of the Kazakh and BARYS ARENA anniversary of diplomatic relations European Union (EU) space and 200,000 visitors during the past Hungarian people are connected August 24 at 7:30 p.m. Barys - Spartak between Kazakhstan and Hun- leading Hungarian companies are two months. through the nomadic peoples and gary. During this period, we have successfully operating in the na- “Hungary is proud of the fact tribes who still have descendants August 26 at 5 p.m. Barys - Dinamo Riga reached the expected development tion. that the friendly relations be- residing in Hungary, such as the August 28 at 7:30 p.m. Barys - Severstal of bilateral cooperation in various “As a result of the first half of tween our countries have reached Pecheneg or Kipchak, according to August 30 at 5 p.m. Barys - Torpedo sectors, creating the conditions to this year, we are witnessing a sig- a stage where we have a strate- Hungarian Minister of Agriculture further unlock the potential of in- nificant increase in trade between gic partnership. We appreciate Sandor Fazekas. teraction between Kazakhstan and our countries. Thus, according to our joint accomplishments and Continued on Page B5 B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017 Exhibition dedicated to Bauyrzhan “My father’s friend” – Momyshuly opens in Almaty a lesson in parenthood zakhstan’s patriotism, our legend- ary hero Bauyrzhan Momyshuly is By Talgat Zhumagulov first to come to my mind. It seems to me that now young people do On Aug. 22, my dear father not have enough patriotic upbring- Marat Zhumagulov would have ing. So I wanted, together with turned 60. The following story is Almaty museum, school No.131 from the series of my interesting named after Bauyrzhan Momy- memories of him. I hope you’ll en- shuly and Zhas Otan to hold the joy reading it. exhibition, which will run for two When I was a little kid, my dad weeks until August 29,” Akhme- used to raise me in quite a strict tov said. manner. The exhibition presents unique Not that he did not indulge me. photographs and other personal On the contrary, I had all imaginable items provided by his daughter- and unimaginable toys, like a model in-law for the first time. Some of railway, the pedal car, bicycles, all the photos are signed by the com- the novelties of automobile and mili- tary industry for kids. All these were mander. enough to entertain children of our Akhmetov said that as the 21st entire street. Every weekend there “Now it’s the turn of another guy good half of the trolleybus passen- century is considered to be the age were mandatory trips to the Gorky to stand in the corner,” I concluded. gers burst into laughter. of visualisation, it is very impor- Park, the circus and many other at- Moreover, while my mom was “I’ll think about it, sonny,” tant to present such information in tractions in Almaty and around. lying in the maternity hospital, my Marat answered quietly. such a way, especially for young At the same time, any viola- dad and I did a good job at home *** people. He plans to organise more tion of manners or discipline was and generally got along quite nice- Many years later I tried to ap- exhibitions. uncompromisingly punished by a ly. ply Marat’s “corner method” while There is still no museum dedi- “corner”. And so, one day we prepared a educating my own children. cated to Bauyrzhan Momyshuly in Snorted? Disobeyed? Got dirty? parcel for my mom and went to the Once, my three-year-old daugh- Almaty nor does the national mu- hospital. In the trolley bus, I found ter had scattered toys all over the photographs about Momyshuly’s Go stand in the corner for a while By Yerbolat Uatkhanov seum have an exhibition. the right moment and raised the is- room and categorically refused to life. and rethink your behaviour! “In the future, we plan to organ- sue straight to the point: clean up the place. I decided to de- Zhas Otan Chairman Madi This “education through corner” ASTANA – An exhibition dedi- ise a number of patriotic exhibi- stressed me out greatly. “Every- “Dad, you have a newborn son liver her a tough ultimatum (What Akhmetov organised the exhi- cated to the Hero of the Soviet tions dedicated to Aliya Molda- thing is ok in my life. But when whom you can now scold, pamper a naïve dad!): Union, Kazakh national hero and bition. He graduated from the gulova, Manshuk Mametova, will the time come when I will and all that. I suggest that from “You collect toys now, or go great military leader Bauyrzhan Almaty school named after Mo- Khiuaz Dospanova, Talgat Bigel- not need to stand in the corner?” I now on I will be your FRIEND...”, stand in the corner!” Momyshuly recently opened in mushuly and has been interested dinov and other heroes,” Akhme- asked myself. assuming, of course, the equal- The daughter had realistically Almaty. His personal belongings in Momyshuly’s biography since tov said, adding that he hopes to I decided that such a moment ity and privileges associated with compared the burdens and made are presented for the first time. The he was a little boy. open a military-patriotic museum came when my younger brother such status. a confident conclusion: “I choose exhibition also presents dozens of “When people speak about Ka- in Almaty. was born. I was four years old. The boy talked so loudly that a the corner!” Ayala fund promotes charitable culture, focuses on effective giving the participation of leading spe- has aimed at making a feasible tions,” said Suleimenova. “We try popular radio and TV hosts, jour- binding cabinet are among the By Zhanna Shayakhmetova cialists from Italy, Lithuania, South contribution to developing society to introduce innovations into the nalists, bloggers and sportspeople foundation’s unusual programmes. Korea and Russia. Local therapists and becoming an effective tool for practice of charity. We launched speak about the methods of work, “We launched the controlled hy- ASTANA – The Ayala Chari- and nurses take part in internships helping children. a Shkola Blagotvoritelya (Charity ways to participate in charity and pothermia project in cooperation table Foundation has attracted 3 in Italy, India, South Korea, Rus- “Many of our initiatives have Worker School) project dedicated what challenges face charities.” with the Ministry of Healthcare in billion tenge (US$9 million) in sia, Turkey and Ukraine. been supported by the govern- to the 10th anniversary of the Donations are mostly collected 2016. The leading local and foreign donations, assisting 216 children’s Since its beginning, the fund ment and other charitable founda- foundation. In their video clips, with the help of sponsors – large neonatologists made methodical healthcare and education state in- companies and banks. Students, recommendations on the application stitutions in 58 areas throughout state employees, individuals, pen- of this new treatment method in the Kazakhstan since it was founded sioners and other residents help country. We also organised the sci- in 2007. the charity through Internet bank- entific and practical conference and Projects in paediatric cardiac ing, collection boxes, SMS, pay- a master class delivered by Lithu- surgery (“I also want to live”), ment terminals and other available anian professor Arūnas Liubšys in neonatology (“Let’s Bring to means. Astana,” said Suleimenova. Life”) and resuscitation (“Breathe, “Tens of thousands of children’s She feels a sense of pride that the Baby”) are brilliant examples of lives saved in the neonatal inten- projects and initiatives are widely the participation of non-govern- sive care units, maternity hospitals supported by Chevron, Samsung, mental organisations in healthcare. and regional and district children’s Exxon Mobil, Halyk Bank, Kaspi “I see the world” is a unique pro- hospitals are the most important Bank, ATF, Sberbank, Eurasian ject to diagnose retinopathy in pre- result of our activities. We also Bank and many other companies mature newborns. managed to significantly improve and media. “Our foundation adheres to the the conditions of life, leisure and “This year, we summed up the principle of effective charity in its education of children in foster results of the national contest activities. We believe that it is not houses,” she added. among reporters which is titled the enough to install new equipment in Ayala also provides social and ‘Press Service of Good Things.’ the hospital or educational institu- domestic orientation room equip- Participants from different regions tion. The training of specialists is ment for foster homes so that chil- received an opportunity to visit also included in an integrated ap- dren have an opportunity to learn Paris, Hong Kong, Tbilisi and St. proach to solving problems in the the skills of adult life. They work Petersburg as a gift from Air Asta- field of children’s healthcare and in metalwork shops, sewing work- na, our long-time partner. This education,” said foundation presi- shops and hairdressing training of- competition became one of the dent Aidan Suleimenova in a re- fices, attend computer classes and facets of the main mission of the cent interview for this article. receive primary skills in demanded foundation – to promote culture The organisation also conducts professions. The floriculture room, and tradition of charity in Kazakh- trainings and master classes with workshops and cardboard- stan,” she added. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017 Young int’l musicians take part Foreign mural artists make in Eurasian Music Games Almaty buildings bright and Shahgaldyan, Honoured Artist of Kazakhstan Shahimardan Abilov, pianists Yuri Didenko and Albert Mamriev, Talent Music Master colourful Courses of Brescia (Italy) Presi- dent and Artistic Director Paolo Baglieri, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Timur Urmancheyev, Italian violinist and conductor Pierclaudio Fei, State Symphony Orchestra in Bursa (Turkey) Di- rector and Concertmaster Gokce Ozler, Ankara State Theatre of Opera and Ballet Director and so- loist Metin Turan and international contest laureate Gennady Kabka (Ukraine). Eleven classical music concerts will be held during the By Dana Omirgazy versity of Arts Rector, Professor competition involving musicians and People’s Artist of Kazakhstan from Armenia, Germany, Hungary, ASTANA – Talented interna- Aiman Mussakhajayeva. South Korea, Norway, Russia and tional youth will gather in the According to the organising the host country. Kazakh capital Aug. 15-25, as committee, the event intends to “I wish all participants steady pro- the city is hosting the Eurasian reveal and support gifted creative fessional growth and creative victo- Music Games for the first time as youth, educate and form moral val- ries! I am sure that the festival will part of the EXPO 2017 cultural ues among young people, strength- be held at a high level and each one programme. The main organisers en countries’ common cultural of you will gain an unforgettable of the event are Kazakh National space, preserve and develop the experience. Get an invaluable pro- University of Arts and European participants’ cultural potential and fessional experience, new friends, Foundation for Support of Culture create conditions for creative self- and the tradition of this festival will (Malta). realisation. Musical competitions grow and develop for the benefit of “I am sure that the Eurasian Mu- include three disciplines – vocal, our art!” said Mussakhajayeva. sic Games will be an outstanding violin and piano within the 12-35 The Astana State Academic event in the calendar of cultural age range. Young musicians have Philharmonic Symphony Orches- events in Kazakhstan, one of its arrived from at least 18 countries. tra headed by Armenia State Youth main attractions. For many of The jury consists of prominent Orchestra chief conductor Ser- you, this week will become the performers: Mussakhajayeva, So- gey Smbatyan will perform at the time of your professional debut. I viet and Russian opera singer Ly- opening and closing ceremonies. am pleased to welcome the future ubov Kazarnovskaya, USSR Peo- The audience will enjoy works stars in Astana who wil l determine ple’s Artist Konstantin Orbelian, of Alexey Shor, Pyotr Tchaiko- the face of the art for the next dec- Pablo Sarasate International Vio- vsky, Sergei Rachmaninoff and ade,” said Kazakh National Uni- lin Competition winner Karen Aram Khachaturian.

By Dmitry Lee nov, also known as GOOZE, was residential building in the Auez- Pierre Cardin to present his assigned to Almaty’s Alatau dis- ov district near Sputnik shopping ASTANA – Five artists from trict. He said he enjoys when his mall and entertainment centre. the United Kingdom, Kyr- works are thoroughly scrutinised “The idea came to me when gyzstan, Russia and Ukraine are and suggest new ideas, making I was working on the theme of new collection in Astana creating monumental and decora- the onlookers reflect. Each indi- the Aral Sea and I drew boats tive art in Almaty as part of Inter- vidual can visualise something and ships. This work is not only Staff Report national Mural Fest, giving them for him or herself. about the ecological problem of the chance to splash their inner Kurinov, who defends pro- the Aral Sea, but also about the ASTANA – World-famous de- colours out. tecting nature and wildlife, por- transience of time; these ships signer Pierre Cardin will arrive in Britain’s Fanakapan, known trayed a sea turtle, which he said sail not just in water, but in air, Astana Sept. 1 to present his new for his works in large cities such is an ancient symbol of the uni- our thoughts and fantasies,” the collection designed specifically as New York, Los Angeles, Mi- verse. He enciphered the phrase artist said. for Kazakhstan. The show will last ami, Berlin, London and Paris, “Energy of the Earth” in Russian In the Almalinsky district at three days and feature 120 outfits was the first to display his tal- on the reptile’s shell and fin and the intersection of Zheltoksan with more than 300 accessories. ents, reported tengrinews.kz. He portrayed an eco-house of the fu- Street and Zhibek Zholy Avenue, Kazakh fashion lovers have a decorated a house in the Medeu ture with solar batteries and wind one can see the work of another chance to enjoy a fashion show, district with the gigantic letters generators on the tree above it. A Kazakh artist, Mukhit Dulu. He but there is more to it than that. Q and Z shaped like helium balls small hydroelectric power station showcased the image of a Ka- Another creation of Cardin, a mu- after learning Kazakhstan could is pictured in the middle. zakh girl in a saukele, the na- sical adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s Pierre Cardin’s full collection top ten at the Miss Universe. A big soon switch to the Latin alpha- Sergey Keller and Dmitry tional wedding headgear, and the famous “The Portrait of Dorian was presented in Astana in No- casting will take place in the end bet. Petrovsky, the DOXA team from work is rich in details and nation- Gray” called “Dorian Gray: The vember, but this time the French of August, where the team will Andrei Palval, a Ukrainian Kyrgyzstan, are participating in al ornaments. Beauty Has No Mercy,” will pre- designer of Italian origin is go- select 25-28 models, including street artist, painted one of the their second festival. They were The last piece will be com- miere during the evening show. ing to personally visit the Kazakh male models,” added the Kazakh apartment complexes in the Bo- assigned to the Turksib district. pleted on a 500-square metre “Pierre Cardin is coming to Asta- capital. designer. standyk district. He devoted his The Kyrgyz duo depicted a wall in the Nauryzbai district, na for the first time. The collection Cardin’s team will bring five Tickets are available and cost work to the berkutchi, the Ka- swallow on one of the houses which will be painted by 100 is new; therefore, the details are not models, three Italians and two 5,000 tenge (US$15.02) to 20,000 zakh national falcon hunters, near the airport and their work children and teachers of the disclosed. This is a professional se- Russians, while other models will tenge (US$60.08). noting the art demonstrates his has become the locals’ special Kasteyev School of Fine Arts. cret. We know only the number of be selected in Kazakhstan, accord- The show is organised as part passion for painting people and favourite. The apricot growing The project will be carried out as outfits and accessories and that the ing to Zhunussova. of the EXPO 2017 cultural pro- birds. in front of the building is a re- part of the “Favourite children to collection was prepared specifically The 95-year-old designer would gramme along with fashion festi- “In his work, Palval managed minder of spring, new life and the beloved city” campaign held for Kazakhstan,” Gulnar Zhunusso- like to see tall models with Asian vals and contests that are sched- to combine these two images dreams. annually in Almaty. In the future, va, a Kazakh designer and head of features in his show. “One of them uled to take place within three while retaining the Asian fla- The work of young Kazakh art- Mural Fest is planned for other the show’s partner Inkar Sezim stu- is Zhanna Zhumaliyeva, Miss Ka- days, in which Pierre Cardin will vour,” wrote the media. ist Ali Zakir, a member of the Ti- cities throughout Kazakhstan, dio, said during a press conference. zakhstan 2011 who made it to the sit in the jury panel. Russian artist Georgiy Kuri- grohaud Crew team, appears on a according to the organisers. Chinese Kung Fu masters dazzle EXPO crowds mance comprises elements of mar- fighter of all of them, no offense By Dmitry Lee tial arts, philosophy and religion, to anyone, was the little boy,” said manager Yang Hui told the press in Avdeyev. “He is very skilful and ASTANA – EXPO 2017 man- the capital. was just loving every second and agement has spoiled Kazakh “It’s not just a sporting disci- every move and the stage. He was crowds with multiple concerts with pline, but an imitation. This is phi- the centrepiece of the show. I also the likes of Limp Bizkit and David losophy, religion. Don’t think that liked the ending when the numer- Guetta, shows such as Cirque du this is just a fight or amusement – ous masters, in sync, were dancing Soleil and numerous other perfor- this is pure philosophy. Kung Fu together. This was more than Kung mances during the international is a traditional Chinese sport; we Fu; this was more like ballet.” exhibition. wanted to show the revelations of The youngest performer was 8 Hence, the capital audience, Kung Fu, we wanted to express years old; the eldest, 30, according which has the choice to attend Chinese philosophy and traditional to sputnik.kz any or every show, is particularly thought,” he said. The nine scrolls stand for the difficult to please. The Aug. 11- “For me personally, Kung Fu nine parts of the performance, 13 Kung Fu Revelations show “9 is not just a sport that is good for each with its own name: purifica- Scrolls,” however, absolutely as- health, but a practice for the soul tion – motivation for meditation; tonished and inspired them. that helps people find a way in life sutra – mercy; industriousness – “There were real masters in the from which people can improve understanding that everything is show and all their moves had such themselves. Simply put – to find achieved through daily and con- well-worked-out touches,” city res- the meaning of life,” he added. tinuous work on oneself; spirit – ident and show guest Ilyas Avdeyev Thirty-five Chinese warriors tempering of the spirit; obedience told The Astana Times.“[The show] showcased their prowess and agil- – expression of gratitude; form has submerged me back to my ity with bright props such as trees – understanding the essence of childhood – to those kind times and a large screen and projector meditation; penetration – medita- when we were dreaming to grow with various multihued back- tion without barriers; balance – the up and become as quick and fierce grounds to give the show a more ability to remain unshakable in the as Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan.” realistic feel and thematic. heart, and bliss – withdrawal from The colourful 50-minute perfor- “It is no doubt that the best bitterness and gaining joy. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017 Experts gather at Nazarbayev University, discuss economic diversification and good governance natural resources through taxation By Assel Satubaldina and royalties. Lisk noted the system through ASTANA – Nazarbayev Univer- which the government reinvests its sity hosted the Good Governance vast revenues should also be trans- and Economic Diversification in parent to foster economic diversi- Resource-Rich Economies con- fication and human and physical ference Aug. 17-19, bringing ap- development. proximately 40 participants and “On the basis of each of these eminent academics and speakers three conditions, available evi- to the Kazakh capital. dence of performance and out- The Graduate School of Public come suggests that Kazakhstan’s Policy (GSPP), one of the eight achievements as a resource-rich schools of the nation’s young, but economy are notable,” he said. progressive Western-style univer- The country’s leadership wisely sity, organised the conference for uses the resources and reinvests the first time to bring the focus to them, with Nazarbayev Univer- the most salient issues for Central sity serving as a successful exam- Asia and beyond. ple, he added. Apart from its rich The speakers represented vari- resources, Kazakhstan occupies ous universities and institutions, a special position in the Central such as the University of Toronto, Asian region and a unique geo- Tashkent Financial Institution, graphical location between Asia Asia Research Centre, Univer- and Europe. sity of Groningen, University of While the conference was taking

Central Asia, Free University of Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy Photo credit: place, GSPP was already planning Brussels, Norwegian Institute of to organise it again next year. International Affairs, Lee Kuan ily dependent on oil and gas, the Good governance in natural re- economy from falling victim to far not tumbled into the resource “This is our modest inaugural Yew School of Public Policy and ideas and issues discussed in this sources management is a key fac- the “resource curse,” a phrase curse trap,” said Lisk. conference. Nevertheless, we have Nazarbayev University. conference on Good Governance tor to economic diversification, he used to describe the inability of He went on to point out three been able to attract good quality The conference speakers and and Economic Diversification are added. recourse-rich economies to use components of national regulatory research papers on work done in participants discussed economic therefore very pertinent and vital University of Warwick Profes- their ample resources in a proper framework necessary for effective Kazakhstan and the region,” said diversification, public manage- for its future economic develop- sor Franklyn Lisk, who is cur- way to ensure sustained econom- good governance. The environ- Hui. ment, the political economy of ment and progress amidst the in- rently involved with the Centre ic growth. ment should be such that it attracts “We are encouraged by the re- natural resources, civil society and creasingly complex, volatile and for the Study of Globalisation “On the basis of my examination private sector investors and inter- sponse and it is our goal to con- public sphere, security and inter- uncertain global economic and po- and Regionalisation, delivered of the situation in Kazakhstan, I am national development partners to tinue hosting this conference on an national relations and public poli- litical environment,” GSPP Dean the keynote speech. In his open- content to note that this country in invest in the country, and the gov- annual or biennial basis and grow cy education in Central Asia. Dr. Weng Tat Hui told The Astana ing remarks, he noted Kazakh- the course of its development path ernment and people should be able the research network that we have “For Kazakhstan, which is heav- Times. stan’s progress in preventing its since independence in 1991 has so to witness the benefits of the use of established,” he added. Family support UNICEF hosts hackathon, talks at EXPO Hackathon, which serves to multiple, evolving challenges of some great prototype solutions By Zhazira Dyussembekova promote children’s rights through urban children – ranging from tack- benefiting children. We now also innovation, was dedicated to the ling air pollution and improving have a pool of young programmers institute, scientific ASTANA – Team Insaai from theme of urban solutions. The safety to ensuring accessible trans- willing to make a difference,” said Kokshetau, which developed an event, the third organised by portation. The main ideas proposed UNICEF Deputy Representative ethno-style mobile gaming app in UNICEF and International IT were apps and games that aim to in Kazakhstan Fiachra McAsey. three languages, took first place help children in disaster situations UNICEF earlier announced it social work training at the United Nations Children’s and tips on living in big cities. would consider investing and de- Fund (UNICEF) “Innovating for “We plan to continue to work veloping in the best and most in- Children in the Urban World” with all the teams, not only with the ventive prototypes either through centre to open in 2018 hackathon. The Aug. 18 announce- finalists and winners. We welcome UNICEF Innovation Lab in Al- ment was followed the next day everyone in the UNICEF Innova- maty or the UNICEF Global Inno- with the organisation hosting tion Laboratory, which is located vation Fund. UNICEF in Kazakh- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova UNICEF Talks, a platform bring- in IT University. The laboratory is stan established the lab, hosted by ing together tech experts, civil open to all; we provide opportuni- International IT University in Al- ASTANA – The Kazakh Minis- society leaders, policymakers and ties that enable us to translate ideas maty, in 2016. try of Labour and Social Protec- academics to discuss the topic into finished products,” said jury Innovation has always been at the tion plans to establish the Family “Advancing the Rights of Children member and IT University Profes- heart of UNICEF’s work both glob- Support Institute in 2018, said Vice through Innovation.” sor Beibut Amirgaliyev. ally and in Kazakhstan, according Minister Svetlana Zhakupova at an “We are overwhelmed with “Around the world, innovations to UNICEF Representative in Ka- Aug. 7 Central Communications emotions. When we heard ‘Insaai,’ are making a difference in the lives zakhstan Yuri Oksamitnyi. Service briefing in the capital. we could not believe it. We looked University, joined experts from of many, yet their potential to help “Being innovative is not simply Local executive bodies will at each other and then realised the world of technological innova- the most vulnerable children and about using new technologies, but identify families living below the that it was us,” said team member tion and the science, private, non- their families has yet to be realised. about working with new partners poverty line and help them find Aigerim Sagyndykova. governmental and public sectors in This hackathon encourages young and trying new approaches to solv- jobs and increase their income. The top three apps also include Kazakhstan and other countries. people to use their skills for good, ing everyday problems. This is “We are currently working to Vice Minister of Labour and Social Flash team with the QamCare app The participants had to offer in- beyond just designing and creating what we look forward to hearing create an institution for family Protection Svetlana Zhakupova. and the 3D Alippe app. novative prototype solutions to the innovations. As a result, we have at this unique meeting,” he added. support. For example, people inde- pendently apply for social benefits demanding areas promoted by the and prove the level of income of volunteer institute. their family now. Next year, local “The idea of volunteering is im- executive bodies have to identify portant for job seekers in the social families in a risk zone whose in- sphere. Graduates should have New rules seek to improve emergency come is below the poverty line,” volunteer experience if they ap- she said. ply for a social work programme. A set of measures will be pro- They must necessarily work in vided to support the families and medical and social institutions medical response find solutions to cut poverty. Spe- and have experience working with for such calls. The fourth category noted that the rules prescribed enable monitoring and quick deliv- cial assistants and consultants at people who have disabilities,” said Staff Report is calls of chronic patients, which compulsory training for ambu- ery of ambulances to patients. the institute will work with the Zhakupova. will be redirected to emergency lance attendants. “The Ministry of Healthcare is families, focusing on low-income Human resource management ASTANA – New rules for emer- medical care centres in polyclin- “Further, the rules stipulate train- introducing a new specialty – a ones and those with members with providing training and retraining gency medical care will provide ics that will take on calls 24 hours ing of emergency doctors in accord- doctor of emergency medical care. disabilities. Assistants will inter- of personnel is an important issue high-quality emergency medi- a day without days off. This will ance with the international standards Previously, it was enough to un- view each person and develop a of the social security modernisa- set of measures to ensure the fami- tion concept. cal assistance, according to Vice allow the ambulance to focus on of emergency medical care. In addi- dergo training for such specialists, Minister of Healthcare Lyazzat first three categories of calls,” Ak- tion, the regulation describes that the but from now on it is necessary to Aktayeva. tayeva informed. ambulance services of district hospi- study. They will work at the hospi- ZHAKUPOVA: ‘‘The idea of volunteering “Now there are four catego- The analysis showed that when tals are integrated with the regional tal admissions and carry out the so- is important for job seekers in the social ries for emergency calls, three of ambulances leave for patients ambulance. Accordingly, there will called sorting of calls. We believe them have potential and immedi- with chronic diseases, they may be a single service, equipped with new rules will ensure the provision sphere. Graduates should have volunteer ate threats to life and health, am- be late for patients with a life- GPS navigators,” she informed. of high-quality emergency medical experience if they apply for a social work bulances will immediately go out threatening case. Also, Aktayeva According to Aktayeva, this will assistance,” Aktayeva concluded. programme.’’ lies are able to reverse a difficult Measures are provided to ensure life situation. early retirement for citizens in- More than 628 physically chal- Kazakh oil export revenues have volved in harmful and dangerous lenged children attended the day working conditions. The amount rehabilitation centre and their of compulsory pension contribu- mothers found jobs as part of the tions deducted by the employee increased 53 percent in 2017 pilot project. since 1998, employer contribu- With the participation of inter- tions since 2014 and voluntary Continued from Page B1 percent), Switzerland $1.2 billion 457.5 billion tenge (US$1.4 bil- (379.2 billion tenge or US$1.1 bil- national organisations, the Scien- pension contributions should be (growth of 31 percent ) and Spain lion) in the same period last year. lion). Rent tax on exports, going tific Social Work Training Centre enough to buy an annuity, allow- About 73 percent of all exported $0.6 billion (growth of 10 percent). The budget revenue from oil to the National Fund, increased al- is also expected to open next year. ing the individual to retire at age oil is delivered to five European The growth of oil exports posi- exports increased 53 percent in most 3.5 times (98.1 billion tenge The approach to social work’s 50. The amount is approximately countries: Italy $4.3 billion (growth tively affected the budget bal- the first half of 2016, reaching or US$295 million). The share of professional and educational 7 million tenge (US$21,035) for of 45 percent), the Netherlands ance. The budget deficit for the six 477.2 billion tenge (US$1.4 bil- the country’s revenues from oil ex- standards will be changed. Uni- men and 10 million tenge (US$ $1.9 billion (growth of 58 percent months decreased to 98.1 billion lion). Fees for export customs duty ports increased from 11 percent to versities will offer programmes in 30,050) for women. ), France $1.5 billion (growth of 83 tenge (US$295 million). It was on crude oil increased 33 percent 15 percent this year. B5 NATION&CAPITAL EXPO 2017

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

percent in 2017 and 4.4 percent in 2018. “Africa is ready and willing to do African countries celebrate National Day with business with the world as a reli- able, equal partner in a dynamic and globalised world,” he said. Thirteen African countries al- energetic dances, coffee and tea tastings ready celebrated their national days Kazakh Minister of Foreign Af- and more are yet to come. The By Assel Satubaldina fairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov joined events turn into a vibrant celebra- the celebration later in the day, as- tion for the entire plaza, according ASTANA – The African coun- serting the new prospects which the to South African pavilion Deputy tries participating in EXPO 2017 expo unveiled for Kazakh-African Commissioner Mirranda Mohapi, celebrated the continent’s National cooperation. who believes the expo will eventu- Day Aug. 15 by featuring dance and “This opens new opportunities ally result in fruitful cooperation. musical performances as well as ex- to expand cooperation between “African and Kazakhstan people tensive discussions between young Kazakhstan and Africa in various as well as people from other pavil- people from Kazakhstan and Africa. fields. African countries can access ions gathered today to talk about The African Plaza stretches across advanced technologies in green Africa as a continent to invest in. 2,700 square metres representing 25 economy development,” he said. There were very good discussions countries and their approaches to Joining Zhoshybayev in deliv- and it seems that very good coop- green energy development. ering the opening remarks, Sierra eration might come out of it in areas National Day was marked by Leone General Commissioner Phil- of technical exchange, scholarships individuals talking about tourism, lip Conteh thanked Kazakhstan for and student-to-student exchange, renewable energy and the role of providing a platform and bringing so something big will come out of youth in global processes. It also countries together to seek sustain- this expo for Africa and for Kazakh- included energetic African danc- able energy solutions. stan,” she noted. ers performing Kara Zhorga, the “On behalf of all the African Mohapi’s time in the Kazakh Kazakh national dance, and sing- states participating in this truly capital is coming to an end and she ers presenting their original songs global event, let me congratulate recalled the time spent there with in Kazakh. Famous for its coffee Kazakhstan and Astana in particular warmth. beans and tea, the African Plaza also “Kazakhstan pays special atten- active support of the African states, gramme, rich cuisine and interest- for hosting such a memorable event, “It was fabulous. I had a good offered tastings. tion to African countries. We have Kazakhstan has become a non-per- ing exhibits” attract visitors. EXPO 2017, with its theme Future time. Warm people, very beauti- In his welcoming speech, Ka- established diplomatic relations with manent member of the United Na- “I believe the participation of Af- Energy that means so much for us in ful culture. I think the warmth of zakhstan’s expo national com- 45 countries. In 2016, the trade vol- tions Security Council and won the rican countries will give an impe- the African continent,” he said. the people is not very far from our missioner Rapil Zhoshybayev ume between Kazakhstan and Afri- right to host the expo,” he said. tus to the development of relations Africa is the next investment people. For me it was a very eye highlighted Africa’s increasingly can countries reached $250 million Zhoshybayev noted the African and scientific and technological frontier growth, he added, with opening experience, because I did important role for the country and and $145 million between January Plaza is one of the most visited exchange between Kazakhstan and last year’s average 2.5-percent not know much about Kazakhstan,” in the international arena. and May of this year. Thanks to the pavilions, as its “rich cultural pro- Africa,” he noted. GDP growth expected to reach 3.4 she said. EXPO 2017 receives 2.5 million visitors, EXPO 2017 numbers boosts national economy, executive says show economic, the indicator has already reached simov’s report He also noted that which is approximately 200,000 By Aigerim Seisembayeva 20 million. Kazakhstan’s pavilion, countries spent about $100 million people. Now there are about 21,000 the Nur Alem Sphere, is the most preparing their national pavilions. people contributing to the expo’s ASTANA – EXPO 2017 recent- popular pavilion among visitors. The number of hotels and hos- operation,” said Nazarbayev. promotional impact ly reached 2.5 million visitors one As of today, it has been visited tels in Astana has grown 27 per- Yessimov also said that expo’s mately 4,860 visitors have applied month ahead of its closing, accord- by 831,000 tourists. The figure cent due to the expo and their oc- 452 billion tenge ($1.4 billion) By Yerbolat Uatkhanov for medical assistance, 49 of them ing to a report presented by Astana is expected to reach the one mil- cupancy has increased 60 percent, construction costs were well below were hospitalised. The main causes EXPO 2017 national company lion mark by the end of the expo,” he reported. the 816 billion tenge ($2.5 billion) ASTANA – EXPO 2017 has had were allergy, high temperature and Chairman Akhmetzhan Yessimov Yessimov said during an Aug. 15 “The expo has positively af- projected earlier. a significant economic and promo- diseases of the circulatory system. to Kazakh President Nursultan meeting with Nazarbayev. fected almost all the sectors of the He also voiced proposals for the tional impact, including increased Within two months, 867 lost Nazarbayev. The expo has also hosted 68 na- economy. There are more tour- post-exhibition use of the expo’s product sales, restaurant visits items were found, 273 of which “The number of exhibition visi- tional days and 106 high-ranking ists in hotels and public catering facilities, including the location of and thousands of social media and were returned. Approximately tors was expected to reach two guests, including 19 heads of state, places. This resulted in additional the Astana International Financial news organisation mentions. 1,789 incidents have been regis- million in three months. To date, 16 prime ministers and their depu- funds flowing into Astana’s budget. Centre (AIFC) and an IT startup So far, EXPO 2017 cafés and tered at the expo’s security centre, this number hit 2.5 million. We ties, 11 heads of parliaments and New jobs have been created. The park as well as the preservation restaurants have served approxi- 26 of which were crimes, relating also anticipated five million vis- their deputies and 60 ministers and exhibition complex’s construction of some exhibition pavilions as a mately 558,700 people and 84,495 primarily to petty thefts. The event its to international pavilions; now their deputies, according to Yes- involved 196 Kazakh companies, legacy to the event. licensed products have been sold worth 131.8 million tenge The expo has hosted (US$396,300). The total amount of trade has reached 905.7 million handle made from bone and skin. more than 160 tenge (US$2.7 million). The weapon measures 70 centime- The expo’s logistics centre has thematic events tres, the handle is 15 centimetres also delivered 5,298 tonnes of car- Sword of Kenessary Khan and the blade is about 3-4 centime- including congresses, go to international pavilions and tres wide. Together with the scab- more than 537 tonnes of products bard, it was donated to the museum conferences, forums have been delivered. by Kenessary – Azimkhan’s grand- The expo has also hosted more and master classes, to be delivered to EXPO 2017 son in 1931. than 160 thematic events including um of Local History. Among the ex- Expo visitors will also witness including 66 national congresses, conferences, forums hibits are weapons and carpets, nat- photos and short films detailing the and master classes, including 66 days and four ural minerals and rare photographs, patriotism of famous Kazakh wres- national days and four specialised ancient books and even a besik, a tler Kazhymukan Munaitpasov. The days. specialised days. national cradle dating to the 18th display will include his personal More than 5,000 people are stay- century. The cradle, in which young belongings, including 48 gold and ing on the expo site and more than is being monitored through securi- women lulled their babies more than silver medals won at world cham- 15,000 have stayed on the site in ty cameras and 250 suspects have 200 years ago, was made without pionships, sports equipment and total. been identified. a single nail. The display will also heavy stones used in training. He All of this activity has resulted In total, more than 70 million include jewellery, household items was 74 when he participated in an in the exposition being mentioned people have visited the exposi- and samples of clothing worn by event in 1945 dedicated to the 100th 687,209 times in social media and tion, including 22 heads of states men and women during the period. anniversary of great poet Abai Ku- 15,410 times in the mass media and governments and 78 foreign “Kazakh national dress differs in nanbayev and the clothing he wore from June 9 to Aug. 10. ministers. The Plaza Africa, rep- cut, shape and design in each region will also be presented. This volume of activity has also resenting 22 countries, is the of Kazakhstan. We show the clothes “The museum of Kazhymukan required significant logistical man- most visited pavilion at the exhi- of young men and women at the end Munaitpasov is our pride. We want bition. It was visited by 659,452 of the 19th century. In addition, we agement. Photo credit: inform.kz. Photo credit: expo guests to see what the legend- From June 10 till Aug. 14, the people. The Egyptian pavilion is will present the complete decoration ary Kazakh wrestler was famous expo centre received 26,261 calls in second place with 608,733 vis- By Dana Omirgazy cert and programme, demonstrate of the yurt exactly in the way it was for,” said regional culture depart- and the information centres ac- itors. Turkey is third at 596,462 historical and cultural heritage and in our southern region,” said mu- ment head Nurbolat Akhmetzhanov. cepted 17,016 calls. Approxi- visitors. ASTANA – The Days of the present rare exhibits such as the seum excursions and information Munaitpasov’s personal belong- South Kazakhstan region are com- sword of Kenessary Khan. department head Bibi Koshanova. ings will be delivered to the capital ing Aug. 29-Sept. 3 to EXPO 2017. Hundreds of unique exhibits will One of the museum’s most valu- from the regional museum of sports Artists from the southern part of the be delivered to the capital from the able exhibits is the sable of Kenes- named for him in the village of country will offer a colourful con- South Kazakhstan Regional Muse- sary Khan, an iron sword with a Temirlan, . Hungary celebrates National Day at EXPO 2017, highlights shared cultural traditions Continued from Page B1 of particular importance, as it can energy sources. The exhibit dem- “Our relationship goes further be found in both Kazakh and Hun- onstrates the latest paradigms in than our shared cultural traditions “I believe it is important to get garian cultural heritage,” he said. electricity and city planning un- and friendship. This is also reflect- to know our joint and intertwined The Tree of Life reflects the derlying Hungarian principles, a ed in the acceleration of Kazakh- history, but I shall leave the more country’s main concept. The de- country of water, sun and wind. Hungarian external trade relations, profound historical analysis to his- sign with electronic devices and The nation’s scientists are work- as bilateral agricultural trade ac- torians. The Tree of Life erected in solar panels tells what steps Hun- ing to create enterprises that would tivities doubled between 2014 and the Hungarian pavilion represents gary is taking to move to green work on the principle of photosyn- 2015. Kazakhstan is a strategically the past with its roots, the future energy. thesis. The plants would collect important country for Hungary’s with its crown and the trunk is the The pavilion’s theme is based solar energy and through chemical export and we continue to have a present, the bridge holding it all to- on the geographically cost-effec- reactions convert it into oxygen, vested interest in further increas- gether. This symbolic triad is also tive particularities of its available electricity and heat. ing food trade,” added Fazekas. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017 Bayanaul – land of legend and nature which are among Kazakhstan’s Echo Valley for a glimpse of the By Dmitry Lee protected tree species, are visible. tops of the black alder forests. The Legends about Bayanaul Trekking upward, climbers follow 3.5-kilometre hike takes about an Legend has it that the word Bay- ASTANA – With its numerous clear streams with sparkling yel- hour and a-half. anaul is of Mongol-Turkic origin; lakes and mountains, Bayanaul has low creek beds which make people While in Bayanaul National in Mongolian, Bayan-ola means a reputation of mesmerizing and think they have discovered gold. It Park, visitors may also want to “prosperous hill,” a place of rich absolutely stunning scenery. The is actually copper pyrites common explore Aulietas Cave, which is and blessed grazing mountains. area is also famous, however, for to the area. The streams’ waters are believed to hold sacred rocks. Other legends indicate the indig- many the legends surrounding it. considered healthy and many bring Autlietas means “Sacred Rock” enous population that once lived empty bottles to fill and take home. in Kazakh and legend has it that there, the name of the mountain if one makes a wish, touches the and the idea the village are con- What to do in Bayanaul cave’s rocks and walks away with- nected with the name of Bay- Bayanaul National Park is locat- The Witches Gorge out looking back, the wish will an-Sulu (sulu in Kazakh means Kempirtas ed in the small village of the same The Witches Gorge is a series come true. “beauty”), the heroine of the popu- name about 450 kilometres from of twisted trees, whose waters are Those in great shape can chal- lar epic poem Kozy-Korpesh and dious sound. Bayan-Sulu ordered turning the water very soft and ul- Astana. It is a picture-perfect col- thought to have a curative effect. lenge the three and a-half hour Bayan-Sulu. a dombra (a traditional Kazakh timately changing its name to Sa- lection of shimmering lakes, natu- It is the pass where Kazakh batyrs climb to the top of Akbet Moun- According to the legend, Bayan- lute-like stringed musical instru- byndykol (soapy lake). ral springs, forest-filled mountains (warriors) led by Zhasybai fought tain, where hikers can see the re- Sulu’s father, Karabai, wandered ment) made from it; thus, one of According to various versions and unique caves. the Dzhungars. Struck down in gion’s three main lakes – Zhasyb- each year from Aiaguz to Tyumen, the mountains was named Dom- of different legends, the mountains Local guides recommend start- battle, the brave, dying warrior ai, Sabyndykol, and Toraigyr, the making long stops in Karkaraly, braly. The area had many precious were once called Bayantau (moun- ing tours at Zhayau Musa Monu- asked to be buried at the pass so latter where its namesake, the fa- Bayanaul, Dombraly and the Mon- stones which she used to make tains of Bayan). People also named ment near Zhasybai Lake. The visitors could simultaneously mous Kazakh poet, is buried. The shakty Mountains. gorgeous beads (monshak) and the one peak Tarak (comb), where she statue hails the Kazakh poet and see Lake Zhasybai and Lake Sa- view overlooks three unique rock Bayan was especially fond of mountains were named Monshak- allegedly dropped a comb. composer who lived at the turn of byndykol and enjoy the beautiful outcroppings – Saimantas, Naiza- the Kazylyk Mountains, where ty (beaded). Eloquent storytellers named the the 20th century. The trails can be scenery. tas and Kempirtas. there were many karkars, birds The rich Karabai family re- highest mountain Akbet (white steep and even dangerous. Hik- The hike along the gorge takes Bayanaul is also the place for with beautiful plumage. She made peatedly stopped in the Bayanaul faced), while others were called ers must be cautious to check the walkers to the black alder woods those who enjoy swimming and a lovely headdress with its feath- Mountain valleys, a fact noted in Naizatas (stone spear) and Atbasy rocks before stepping on them and a meadow from which they hiking. About 450 kilometres ers decorated by a sultan (karka- variations of numerous legends. (horsehead) and a rock was named and make sure to hold branches can scramble up a final climb for south-east of Astana, Bayanaul ra); therefore, the mountains were After Bayan-Sulu’s tragic death, Kempirtas (the old woman stone), that will not hit anyone walking a view of Akbet Mountain. At boasts a number of scenic lakes, named Karkaraly (black heron people from nearby places grieved as it is remarkably similar to an old behind them. The walk contin- 1,026 metres, it is the tallest peak breathtaking natural springs and mountains). for a long time and told stories woman’s head. Some other rock ues along fire roads cut into the in Bayanaul National Park. The forest-filled mountains for trek- In the Kokshetau Mountains, she about her life. They recalled the names include such words as hat, forest where black alder woods, hike then descends along a trail via king and exploring nature. found a tree that emitted a melo- day she dropped soap into the lake, loaf of bread, fish and dove. Kazakh TV takes viewers on Kazakh tourism industry a tour of modern Kazakhstan poised for major expansion the development of the tourism In this regard, Kazakhstan will Continued from Page B1 has some swings, they’re nothing terest in tourism between Kazakh- By Mainura Murzamadiyeva industry. The concept identifies six have a new tourism product –Ka- compared to Kazakhstan’s -40 C stan and Australia. clusters reflecting the geographical zakhstan’s Sacred Belt – a map Like many Australians, most of to 40 C range. “For me Kazakh- “I am from Cairns, Australia. It is Over several decades, tourism diversity and ethno-cultural iden- of macro- and micro-sacral ob- Boyd’s awareness of Kazakhstan stan people are like the flowers in very popular for tourism and here in has been developing continuously tity of Kazakhstan’s tourism offer: jects comprised of 600 sacred came from the infamous movie Almaty: when it’s winter people Kazakhstan I see a lot of potential. I and has become one of the fast- * “Astana – the heart of Eurasia” monuments, some of which we “Borat,” he said. But he set out to are grey and serious, but in spring think the people who can take that est growing sectors of the world is a cluster, geographically located plan to include in the list of the find out more and was immediate- and summer they come to life potential and make it all work will economy. The sphere of tourism in the city of Astana, is a symbiosis United Nations Educational, Sci- ly intrigued. with so many festivals,” he com- be well rewarded. In the meantime, equalised and even surpassed oil of architectural thought. With the entific and Cultural Organisation “The blend of nationalities and mented. I hope that people from many places exports, food trade and the auto- existing high-tech infrastructure, (UNESCO) World Cultural Her- cultures makes [Kazakhstan] very Boyd thinks the new programme can share my journey and experienc- mobile industry in terms of busi- it is ready for the development itage. interesting. One moment I see has the potential to spark new in- es by watching this show,” he said. ness operations. of cultural, medical and business One of the elements of ethno- Asia, one moment I see Europe According to the United Na- tourism. graphic tourism is ethno-auls (eth- and in a blink I see something new tions World Tourism Organisation nic villages) created throughout I haven’t seen before. Each region (UNWTO), the tourism share con- Kazakhstan. They are seasonal in has had a different feeling and dif- stituted 10 percent of the global nature and work annually from ferent climate,” Boyd said. GDP and 7 percent ($1.5 billion) May-September, which will en- “In some ways Kazakhstan and of global exports. The number of able Kazakhstan’s guests to touch Australia have a lot in common. international tourists grew by 4.6 the ancient traditions of Both countries are multicultural, percent and reached 1.2 billion visi- – our music, craft, cuisine, sports both are very big with a small pop- tors. The average annual increase in games and rituals. ulation density, both have the chal- tourists in the world is 3-4 percent. World practice has confirmed lenge of providing services across The demand of China and India for that trophy hunting tourism is an large distances. Both have min- tourism products is growing. effective mechanism for attracting ing, oil, and agriculture, although Such trends reveal new oppor- funds for wildlife conservation. It Kazakhstan is lucky to have a lot tunities for the development of the radically changes the attitude of more oil riches,” he mused. world tourism industry, including the local population and local gov- He ticked off other similari- in Kazakhstan (ranked 81st in the ernmental bodies to the issues of ties: both cultures eat a lot of Travel and Tourism Competitive- * “Almaty – Kazakhstan’s free preserving wild animals and their meat, including some dishes other ness Index of the 2017 World Eco- cultural zone”– includes Almaty habitats. countries find strange (horse for nomic Forum). and part of the Almaty region with Kazakhstan is exceptionally rich Kazakhs, kangaroo for Austral- The world entered the era of an infrastructure of alpine, scien- in wildlife for hunting. All of our ians). Both societies love sports. new discoveries and innovative, tific and educational tourism that efforts in trophy hunting tourism And while Australia’s climate Robert Boyd scientific and technical solutions is in accordance with international will be directed to its growth, pres- that change the nature of economic standards. ervation and development, from growth and the habitual way of * “Pearl of Altai”– includes the which the country will receive life. In this regard, Kazakh Presi- territories of the East Kazakhstan investments for the conservation region and is the centre of ecologi- dent Nursultan Nazarbayev an- of nature and development of the cal tourism in Kazakhstan. nounced two modernisations: regions. * “Revival of the Great Silk Kazakh Tourism set to be single – Modernisation 3.0 aimed at We assume that potential mar- Road”– is located at the cross- diversifying the national economy, kets of foreign tourists to Ka- roads of the Great Silk Road in one of the main drivers of which zakhstan will be Russia, China, , South Kazakhstan and is tourism; Turkey, Iran, India and the de- Zhambyl region. It has a well- operator to develop - – Modernisation of national veloped world. In this regard, we known world history of architec- identity aimed at strengthening are consistently moving towards ture, such as the monuments of Kazakhstan’s identity and adapt- the liberalisation of the visa and Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the towns ing it to the modern world. migration regime, a visa-free re- of , Turkestan and . Burabai resort zone Both modernisations directly gime for foreign citizens applies * “The Caspian Gates”– are lo- provides for the development of which includes the Akmola, Kara- affected the tourism development to more than 60 countries and cated in Mangistau, West Kazakh- By Dana Omirgazy five major zones favourable for ganda and regions. It is sector in Kazakhstan. On the in- ADS memorandums were signed stan and regions and have investment, including a promising a centre of nomadic culture and structions of the Prime Minis- with China and Iran. In June, we the potential to develop the infra- ASTANA – Prime Minister zone for mass recreation on Che- diversity of the steppe, while the ter, tourism entered the so-called launched a pilot regime until the structure of coastal and resort-san- Bakytzhan Sagintayev visited the bachye Lake, a zone for premium- Shchuchinsk-Burabai resort zone Olympic track of six industries end of the expo (Sept. 12), ac- atorium tourism. Akmola region Aug. 10 to assess class tourism on Shchuchye Lake is the core of this cluster,” accord- that are the drivers of diversifica- cording to which 72 hours of visa- * “Unity of nature and nomadic the pace of tourism development, and a centre for equestrian sports ing to his report. tion of the national economy. The free transit is provided to Chinese culture” is a cluster that includes reported the prime minister’s press and children’s health tourism on Authorities forecast tourist flow industry faces the task of increas- citizens who transit via Kazakh Akmola, Karaganda and Pavlodar service. Katarkol Lake. The list also in- from Russia, China, Turkey, Iran, ing its share in the GDP structure airlines through international air- regions and is the centre of no- While touring the skiing base in cludes an eco-village in the Sary- India and other developed coun- to eight percent by 2025 and en- ports of Astana and Almaty to madic culture and diversity of the the Burabai resort area, Sagintayev bulak area, as well as camping on tries. Work is underway to liberal- suring a percentage growth in in- third countries. steppe. examined construction progress Zhukey Lake,” according to the ise the visa and migration regime, bound tourism to the country. Kazakhstan is thoroughly pre- and learned about the current situ- press service. as the visa-free regime currently Such indicators require bold Considering Kazakhstan’s rich paring to host foreign and domes- ation at the site. The facility, locat- At a meeting devoted to the re- applies to citizens of more than 60 political decisions to remove ad- tourism and recreational potential, tic guests, strengthening existing ed on 140.5 hectares, is expected sort area’s expansion, Minister of countries, said Mukhamediuly. ministrative barriers to the devel- the concept envisages the diver- institutions, developing tourism to host international competitions Culture and Sports Arystanbek “Kazakh Tourism National opment of the tourist business and sification of promising types of infrastructure and raising the qual- and training for cross-country ski- Mukhamediuly noted successfully Company was established to pro- facilitate the visa and immigration tourism – cultural-cognitive, eco- ity standards of tourism services. ing, biathlon and roller skiing. developing and promoting tour- mote domestic tourism to inter- regime for foreign tourists, as well logical and ethnographic, event, One of the important steps is the Sagintayev was also acquainted ism as a key branch of the national national markets and form the as develop the tourism infrastruc- children’s, youth, medical, camp- creation of the Kazakh Tourism with the sanatorium resort facili- economy depends on active busi- tourist image of the country and ture, diversify tourism offer and ing, caravanning, trophy hunting , national tourist office to promote ties and sights of Burabai National ness involvement. the national brand. This company develop Kazakhstan’s tourism cul- sacral and sport (trekking). the country’s tourism industry in Park. “The government adopted a new will also attract direct investors ture. Those were the tasks set by the Within the modernisation of na- the national and international mar- “The main document of the concept for tourism industry de- for the implementation of tour- President for tourism in his decree tional identity, the President paid kets. Shchuchinsk-Burabai resort zone velopment in Kazakhstan through ism projects. Given the functions of Nov. 24, 2016 on elaborating a special attention to the issues of Welcome to Kazakhstan! development is the plan for the 2023. The concept provides for a assigned to it, Kazakh Tourism new concept for the development preserving Kazakhstan’s cultural Burabai resort area development cluster approach to tourism devel- will be a single operator for the of the tourism industry until 2023. identity and its own national code, The author is the chairperson designed through 2020 and de- opment through six major clusters, development and promotion of The concept was adopted by which should make the country of the Tourism Industry Com- veloped with the participation of one of which is the Unity of Na- the Shchuchinsk-Burabai resort the Kazakh Government June 27, recognisable on the global tourism mittee at Kazakh Ministry of international experts. The plan ture and Nomadic Culture cluster, zone,” he added. 2017 and opened a new stage in market. Culture and Sports. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017 Charity Tour de Burabay Kazakh boxer claims WBC Youth marks fifth anniversary, World Light Heavyweight Title

By Anuar Abdrakhmanov

raises $481,000 ASTANA – Kazakh boxer Ali Akhmedov recently became the WBC Youth World Light Heavy- weight champion by beating pre- viously undefeated 23-year-old American Curtis Hill Jr. in Aus- tin, Texas. Hill had won his pre- vious 10 bouts, including five by knockouts. Akhmedov is unde- feated with seven wins. The Kazakh boxer knocked out his opponent in the fourth round. “It all paid off. Everything that we prepared worked out well. I am incredibly happy that another champion belt comes to Kazakh- stan. Most importantly, I am hap- py because I managed to make all those people worrying about me Mario Rojas Photo credit: happy and to bring this champi- Sept. 9 as part Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, Meiyrim be a fight between two undefeated on belt home. I am flying home of an EXPO 2017 cultural pro- Nursultanov, Ruslan Myrsatayev, boxers – Kanat Islam of Kazakh- By Assel Satubaldina cal Hospital in Aktobe, and West- soon. I will be preparing for our gramme. Aidos Yerbosynuly, Dimash Niya- stan and Brandon Cook of Cana- Kazakhstan Baiterek regional Sept. 9 show in Astana to make During the evening, Akhmedov zov and Nursultan Zhanabayev, will da. Islam 24-0-0 (19 KOs) is the ASTANA – Charity Tour de NGO for children with disabilities our fans feel good and happy,” will face Justin Thomas from Loui- also participate in the event at the holder of WBA Inter-Continental Burabay, an annual cycling ride in Uralsk. said Akhmedov. siana. Other prominent Kazakh box- Saryarka cycling track stadium. and WBO-NABO titles in the light for charity, gathered 1,500 people Within five years, total proceeds Astana will host an evening of ers, including Zhankosh Turarov, The main event of the night will category. Aug. 19, including 718 participants have grown 14 times and made along with professional cyclists, 463.5 million tenge (US$1.4 mil- sports and government representa- lion) with a seven-fold increase in tives, to experience a 30-kilometre the number of participants. nomadic spell in the AHL – punctu- journey through Burabay scenery, Kazakhstan’s prominent cyclist ated by 13 NHL games for Montreal one of the most popular resort ar- and Astana ProTeam general man- Canadiens – came to an end when Barys begins 10th KHL he signed up for a move to Astana eas in Kazakhstan. ager Alexander Vinokurov led the Celebrating its fifth anniversary, event. and a new challenge. Astana is also the event raised 160 million tenge Participants enjoyed a picnic due to host the KHL’s All-Star Week (US$481,000), including 102.9 soon after the finish at the Rixos of Hockey next January. In previous with roster of fresh faces seasons, Barys’ attacking line played million tenge (US$309,000) gen- Borovoe resort. erated from auction sales, 684,000 The common goal encouraged from Kazakhstan’s own hockey below the KHL in the post-Soviet a big part in that event, but now it By Ilyas Omarov tenge (US$2,056) from the sales the participants, said Akbota, 24, school. He has overseen a busy area, or learning their trade in the may be time for new candidates to of children paintings, and 56.4 an amateur cyclist taking part in summer of trading. Ten new faces Kazakh Championship. play on home ice. Marty St. Pierre, ASTANA – Barys Astana will give Barys’ roster a youthful look However, there are two new a 33-year-old forward, could be the million tenge (US$170,000) from the event for the first time who begin the regular season of the corporate and individual contribu- preferred to be referred by her first compared with past seasons, al- imports, both from the American man to step up and assume some of Continental Hockey League though there are experienced play- Hockey League (AHL). Linden the scoring responsibilities left by tions. name only. (KHL) on Aug. 24 without some of Opening the event was Kazakh- “The idea behind the event is ers among them, including Dawes Vey, 26, is a creative forward who Bochenski and Boyd. its key players: the snow leopards and veteran Kevin Dallman, the arrives from Stockton Heat, the Cal- “In the pre-season tour, we looked stan’s Minister of Culture and good and I was happy to see so will play without longtime leader Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly. many people gathering together KHL’s longest-serving defender gary Flames’ farm-club. He has 138 at the young players who came to the , who has end- from overseas. Those two, now NHL appearances under his belt, team. In principle, we are pleased He said the event has helped in- and willing to contribute for a ed his storied KHL career; as well crease the popularity of cycling in good cause,” Akbota told The naturalised Kazakh citizens and having made his big-league debut with all the newcomers,” said Kore- as leading centre , shkov before the start of the season. Kazakhstan and noted the event’s Astana Times. members of the national team, en- in Los Angeles before two seasons who moved to Dynamo Moscow. It is precisely such young tal- contribution to providing medical “It was a challenge for me to joy legendary status in Astana and with Vancouver. He is joined by de- Only remains of the ents that Kazakh hockey needs to care to children. drive 30 kilometres, because I will shoulder more responsibility fenceman Darren Dietz. Now 24, former menacing attack line of Bo- develop, both for Barys and for Among the 12 items sold at have never covered such a big dis- than ever in the coming campaign. Dietz showed potential as a power- chensky, Boyd and Dawes. Dawes, the national team, as the country the auction were boxing gloves tance within a day. I liked the spirit Most of the new arrivals have ful two-way defensive force in his however, remains a very productive hopes for a memorable season, not of Gennadiy Golovkin, Kazakh- of people and not only sports peo- been playing in the Supreme youth, but has struggled to settle presence for Astana, scoring more Hockey League (VHL), the league into a team since then. A somewhat just a week of glory in January. stan’s boxing superstar and uni- ple, but representatives of various than 30 goals in each of the past few fied middleweight World Cham- companies and just bike lovers as seasons. He has quite rightly be- pion, which sold for nine million me,” she added. come the of the team. tenge (US$27,054) and the bicy- Their enthusiasm and support Last season, Barys finished fifth cle that once belonged to veteran during the event made her feel a in the Eastern Conference and de- Italian cyclist and Astana Pro- part of something bigger, she not- feated HC Traktor Chelyabinsk in Team member Michelle Scarponi ed. the playoffs before losing to HC who died in a road accident in Madina, 24, also participating in Metallurg Magnitogorsk. April sold for 20.5 million tenge the event for the first time, agreed The coaching staff of Barys head- (US$61,623). that the atmosphere urged partici- ed by Belarusian specialist Eduard The annual charity cycling ride pants to ride for the common goal. Zankovets goes hand-in-hand with allocates all proceeds to purchase “It would be great if the event taking charge of Kazakhstan’s na- medical equipment for regional participants continue helping peo- tional team. There, however, he fell children and rehabilitation centres ple in need, children and other short of his targets, missing out on and this year the funds will go to vulnerable segments of population promotion to the Elite Pool for 2018 Children’s regional Hospital in rather than confining these activi- when his team was overtaken by Petropavlovsk, regional Perinatal ties to one day. I believe this will Korea, so his deal was not extended Center in Taldykorgan, regional help us achieve more united soci- beyond the end of the season. Children’s General Hospital in ety and higher level of develop- The team has a new coach: Yevg- Uralsk, regional Children’s Clini- ment,” she said. eny Koreshkov, 47, once a student

cross and ricochet – this time from the visiting team’s Igor Shitov. With the final 5-0 score for Celtic FC crushes Astana 5-0, nearly eliminates Celtic, the chances of FC Astana advancing to the next stage are vir- tually non-existent. “I think we made a lot of individ- its chances to advance in champions league ual mistakes tonight, and the qual- their own scoring chances but Jun- ity [of Celtic’s performance] played By Anuar Abdrakhmanov ior Kabananga, Patrick Twumasi a decisive role. Almost every shot and Postnikov squandered them. into our goal changed the score. I ASTANA – FC Astana suffered In the first two cases, the Celtic’s said many times there is a big differ- a major 0-5 defeat from Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon caught ence between the championship of FC in the first match of the UEFA the ball, and the third shot, from Kazakhstan and the European Cup Champions League playoffs on Postnikov, following a corner pass, tournaments. To be honest, I think Aug. 16. went above the gate. Celtic, on the my players did a [big] job before It was the second time the teams contrary, used their scoring chanc- this match. Yes, the outcome of this met in the Champions League. In es very well. At the end of the first match is very hard to accept. How- 2016, FC Astana suffered a 1-2 half, Scott Sinclair outplayed Asta- ever, we need to improve the level defeat in Glasgow, following a 1-1 na goalkeeper Alexander Mokin of the national championship in or- draw in Kazakhstan, and the Celts and scored the second goal. der to play better in Europe. We will went through to the group stage of In the second half, Astana FC try not to lose in the home match. If Europe’s main club tournament. again tried to counter-attack. Twu- possible, a win would also be a good Astana faced some difficulties masi made another shot towards result. We have excellent support with its lineup before the most re- the target but missed. Kabananga from the fans. The team plays much cent match. Defender Marin An- passed by the opponent and went better at home,” commented FC icic and forward Djordje Despot- inside the area but the Astana manager Stanimir Stoilov. ovic had to miss the match because ball ricocheted off the second de- The teams met for the second of injuries. fender’s foot and fell on the hosts’ match of the playoffs in Astana Many in the world know that the goal from above. While the Ka- on Aug. 22 (just after this issue Celtic Park is one of the noisiest zakhs’ attacking attempts brought went to print). The winning team stadiums in Europe, and the home no fruit, Celtic scored three more will advance into the group stage team usually play very well at service Astana press FC Photo credit: goals – the second one for Scott of UEFA Champions League. home. Celtic demonstrated it very Sinclair and another goal came The losing team will move into well in the first match. Astana played head-to-head with ing a cross by Celtic’s Tom Rogic, fender Yevgeny Postnikov and from James Forrest, while the fi- the group stage of UEFA Europa During the starting 30 minutes, the hosts. Then, however, follow- the ball ricocheted off Astana de- got into the goal. Astana soon had nal one went in following another League. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017 Kazakh craft fair offers handmade souvenirs makes this place truly beloved and By Dana Omirgazy popular.” Fans of handmade items can pur- ASTANA – This summer, the chase bead and stone jewellery, knit- capital is welcoming more tourists ted and ceramic products and inte- than ever. As EXPO 2017 nears its rior and play dolls, as well as soap. end, guests are seeking mementoes Masters engaged in pottery, leather- to take a piece of Kazakhstan home work and embroidery demonstrate with them. The Sheberler Ayuly their best products to fair visitors. (Village of Crafts People) offers “I have been engaged in art for a variety of handmade products in seven years. At this exhibition, we national style. The exhibit, located offer albums, postcards, decou- near Baiterek monument, will be page boxes, paintings, handmade open until the end of the expo. soaps and so on. Both foreign “Foreign tourists and guests of tourists and local residents visit our capital necessarily want to get the site, looking for some unusual some souvenir or gift that is con- souvenirs associated with Astana,” nected not only with the city of fair participant Evelina Andrakh- Astana and the expo, but in gen- anova told the paper. eral with the symbols of our coun- Astana’s promenade was cre- try. Here, everyone is able to find ated on the initiative of city Akim such original products made by (Mayor) . The fa- local crafts people,” said Sheberler cility is designed to awaken an in- Ayuly organiser Aigul Zhanserik- terest in the history and traditions ova, according to the city akimat of the Kazakh people among the (local administration) press ser- younger generation. vice. “This is my second visit to Ka- The exhibition features products zakhstan. I am from the Czech Re- of crafters from different regions public. I live with my friends near of Kazakhstan – Almaty, Astana, the embankment and almost every South Kazakhstan, Petropavlovsk, bags, children’s slippers and other style. Prices here are acceptable “Every city in the world has a unique subculture that is always week I come here to pick up some Atyrau, Kostanai and Semei. Any- handmade souvenirs are especially and affordable for many,” said its own Arbat,” said Astana’s open for each person and pleasing gifts for my family members. I like one can buy souvenirs with Ka- popular among tourists. Zhanserikova. Saryarka district Akim (Mayor) with their works and talents. Their the atmosphere here, I really enjoy zakh symbols at affordable prices. “The whole world is now mov- Similar products can be found Arman Turlubek referring to a style forms a special look of dis- it. People come here not only to Exclusive products made of ing in the direction of eco and near the Yessil River embank- famous walk-only street in Mos- tricts and cities. As you can see, the buy something, but look at these leather, ceramics, wood and clay, ethno. This is becoming a big ment, where craft shops and art- cow. “This is the place where folk most skillful masters of applied art amasing handmade items, play various jewellery, traditional Ka- trend; therefore, all the products ist’s workshops are located in 14 craft people, musicians and artists are gathered here. The atmosphere chess, sing karaoke or just relax,” zakh embroidery, wallets and produced by artisans reflect this half-yurts. gather. They are representatives of of the Yessil River embankment said tourist James Kral. Astana Zhastary youth centre takes active part in city life the development of professional existence, some of which are held The centre provides free legal con- is always seeking help from volun- ball Club, Astana Marathon, Del- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov and personal skills and entrepre- to this day,” she said. sultations for young people,” she teers. phic Games, BI Group Triathlon, neurship with the participation of The centre offers projects for a added. “Everybody can become a vol- Inter-Syrian negotiations and Asta- ASTANA – Astana Zhastary such professional trainers as Emin variety of interests, such as book Beisembayeva noted the club unteer at our centre. It is enough na Economic Forum,” she said. Youth Centre takes an active role Askerov, Danil Faizullayev and dating to popularise reading, Asta- was founded and operates to give to come to our office and fill out a Volunteers are also visible at and provides real assistance to Chingiz Lepsibayev. Trainings are na Ideas, a platform to present any young person the opportunity volunteer questionnaire and after EXPO 2017, as they continue to capital youth ages 14-29. Estab- constantly held for young people concepts for urban studies, and the to come to the centre, use it as a re- that we will train such persons in participate in the three months of lished Feb. 3, 2014, the centre is and absolutely free of charge,” said Saryarka Short Film Festival. source and receive assistance. our volunteer school. The activities the international specialised exhi- completely supported by the city Head of the centre’s department “The third is the department for “We are striving to become a of our volunteers are very exten- bition. administration. Aigerim Beisembayeva in an ex- the development of domestic clubs. second home for all teenagers, chil- sive and different. They take part Information about the centre can “The centre has four major de- clusive interview with The Astana At the moment, there are 18 com- dren and young people,” she said. in the most interesting events of the be found on its Instagram pages: @ partments. The first one is the Times. munity clubs in our centre where Although local authorities fi- city such as Yarkokross, Astana Art astana_zhastary and @job_astana_ employment and career guidance “The second organisational de- children can participate in box- nance all the centre’s activities, it Fest, matches of the Astana Foot- zhastary. department. It aims at the employ- partment is responsible for the ing, karate, choreography, model- ment of young people. Its em- creation and organisation of pro- ling, fine arts and CrossFit,” said ployees receive résumés and find jects and activities. Dozens of suc- Beisembayeva. the right jobs for young people, cessful projects have been created “And the last one, the fourth, is conducting different trainings on for the three years of the centre’s the legal assistance department. Italian stunt person creates breathtaking bicycle videos tainment centre last week, gather- was very dangerous, because it By Frol Leandoer ing many enthusiastic spectators. was so steep to climb there. He “I wanted to make a video in was literally crawling to get up ASTANA – Italian stunt person this beautiful city, in this beautiful there. He took off his shirt, tied it Vittorio Brumotti, known for his country. I was here at the presen- on to his waist and tied the bicy- road bike cycling tricks, was in the tation of the Astana cycling team cle on the other end of the shirt. capital this month to shoot several last winter. I noted some beauti- You cannot see on the video, but exciting new videos. A computer ful places and wanted to start with there was a cameraman with him science teacher by profession, he Khan Shatyr,” he added. up there. We were all worried that became famous by making videos He also posted an exciting video nothing bad would happen. Thank- and posting them on YouTube. on his Instagram account taken on fully, everything turned out with- While in the city for a few days, one of the capital’s bridges. The out any accident,” she said. Brumotti’s plans included not only well-known cycler, the brand-am- The Italian also did tricks on the shooting the videos, but also ar- bassador of Astana Pro Team, is square near the Pyramid, in front ranging a race show held Aug. 12 shown wearing its uniform. of Baiterek Tower, on Nurzhol as part of EXPO 2017. Astana Pro Team press service Boulevard, in MEGA Silk Way “I plan to arrange a small show at head Dina Ibrayeva spoke about and on the expo grounds. the expo, but the main goal of my the planning for the Aug. 10 event. The 2006 world cycling champi- visit is to shoot some videos for so- “Initially, we prepared for Vit- on, Brumotti has set several world cial media, for my YouTube chan- torio to do the tricks on the M-1 records and is in the Guinness nel, and to popularise the colours of Bridge on Saraishyk, but our guest Book of Records. He has become Astana,” he said prior to the event. liked the one that was on the vid- known for his dizzying stunts and Brumotti rode the walls of the eo, so we got permission from the was invited to participate in the Khan Shatyr shopping and enter- Astana administration. The trick EXPO 2017 international race. Photo credit: Turar Kazangapov Turar Photo credit: