+14° / +9°C WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 No 10 (148) www.astanatimes.com Almost 150,000 graduate Kazakh PM presents from secondary schools International Centre of Green Technologies The central function of the new en- By Raushan Shamsharkhan deavour is to build a culture of green societies and address environmental ASTANA – ’s new issues through the development of International Centre for Green green technologies in Kazakhstan, Technologies and Investment with the idea that they will then be Projects was presented during the promoted and replicated in other Astana Economic Forum called Central Asian states. The centre is Global Challenges Summit during called upon to solve the tasks of a panel discussion by high officials transforming the energy sector, sup- and experts on the project. porting the transition to green busi- Included on the “Green economy: ness, and applying green technology New model of sustainable develop- best practices. President of Kazakh- ment” panel were Kazakh Prime stan initiated Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev, the project, and it is hoped that it will Kazakh Energy Minister Kanat serve as an ideological continuation Bozumbayev, Environmental Or- of the legacy of EXPO 2017. ganisation Association Presidium One pioneer, the Solar Resourc- Chair Aliya Nazarbayeva, Global es Atlas of Kazakhstan, has begun Green Growth Institute Chair Ban work and had positive results. Ki-moon and other experts. The transition to a green econ- “Kazakhstan, as a country with omy in Kazakhstan has enabled huge natural resources, understands more sustainable water policies and its responsibility for ensuring the helped bring access to the central sustainable development of world water supply up to 94 percent in energy security. The [UN sustaina- urban areas and 57 percent in rural ble development] agenda until 2030 areas, respectively. Labour produc- and the Climate Agreement tivity in agriculture has doubled due By Meruyert Abugaliyeva Students went out and celebrated college or university will also sit and 65 points are required to enter demonstrate that the world com- to resource-saving clean technolo- the last bell, filling the city streets for the Unified National Testing national universities. munity as a whole is ready for the gies, the use of recycling and waste ASTANA – The last bell sound- and parks, singing songs and tak- (UNT). Approximately 7,000 students united effort to curb climate change. management has reached 31 per- ed May 25 in Kazakhstan second- ing photographs. However, gradu- This year, 102,442 students or are expected to win the Altyn Bel- Today, we are honoured to present cent, and through the launch of an ary schools, marking the end of ating students must still take final 70 percent of all school graduates gi (Golden Badge) award for out- the International Centre for Green advanced energy-saving system, by required education and the start of exams. will answer 120 UNT questions standing academic performance. Technologies and Investment Pro- the end of this year, the volume of adult life for more than 147,000 Final exams on five subjects, in 167 locations June 20 – July 1. In Astana, 5,870 students will jects as our contribution to the in- renewable energy sources will ap- students across the country. including the Kazakh and Rus- Three quarters of all exam takers graduate from school this year, ternational community,” Sagintayev proach 460 megawatts. The ceremonies, which have sian languages, algebra, history will take the exam in the Kazakh 90 percent of them plan to take said to begin the discussion. Continued on Page A4 become a tradition in post-Soviet of Kazakhstan and an addition- language, the other quarter in Rus- UNT. countries, included words of grati- al fifth subject, will take place sian. The ceremonies awarding school tude to teachers, good luck wishes May 29 – June 9. Students hop- The maximum UNT score is diplomas will take place June 15 in and farewell speeches. ing to continue their studies in 140, while the passing score is 50 all schools across the country. FIC to discuss accelerated Political turbulence, role of journalism modernisation Ministry for Investments and De- By Meruyert Abugaliyeva velopment, in an exclusive inter- view for this story. reviewed at Eurasian Media Forum ASTANA – Accelerated mod- The investment committee is today’s rapidly changing political – all issues tackled in panel ses- for responsibility in reporting in- ernisation will be the topic of the primarily responsible for support- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov climate. sions by prominent international ternational affairs and the impor- 31st plenary session of the Foreign ing the council’s activities. Political positions seem to be politicians, economists, journalists tant role of the media in providing Investors Council (FIC) under Established in 1998, FIC brings ASTANA – Some 800 partici- shifting with the weather with the and public and political figures, as correct, reliable and objective in- Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- together top executives from 35 pants from 70 countries gathered return of cold war rhetoric between well as representatives of political formation, as well as in identifying arbayev in June 2018. The council, transnational companies, finan- at the 15th Eurasian Media Forum world leaders, economic and po- and expert associations. “fake news.” which marks its 20th anniversary cial institutions and major con- in on May 23-25 to dis- litical sanctions, obstruction of di- Kazakh President Nursultan this year, serves as a platform for sulting companies including Ar- cuss their work in the context of plomacy and restrictions on media Nazarbayev emphasised the need Continued on Page A3 dialogue between the Kazakh gov- celorMittal, Asian Development ernment and foreign investors, Bank (ADB), Chevron, Citibank, aiming to address challenges faced Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, Ernst & by investors and further improve Young (EY), Eurasian Resource the investment climate. Group (ERG), European Bank for “The Foreign Investors Coun- Reconstruction and Development Kazakhstan’s Samal Yeslyamova cil is a unique platform which al- (EBRD), ExxonMobil, Lukoil, lows foreign investors to directly Total, Polpharma among others. refer to President Nursultan Naz- To join the council, companies arbayev and put forward their working in the mining industry wins Cannes Best Actress award suggestions. Investors appreciate must invest at least $500 mil- and only then I developed the film such an opportunity to interact lion and entities belonging to By Assel Satubaldina and did not know how it will end. with the main decision makers,” processing industry at least $125 The film grows like tree and the said Yerlan Khairov, Chairman of million. ASTANA – Kazakh actress Sa- end was still unclear. My actors the Investment Committee of the Continued on Page A4 mal Yeslyamova won the prestig- and I had the same feeling, we did ious Best Female Actress award at not know what we would face,” the 71st for said Dvortsevoy. her role in “Ayka” directed by Ser- “Ayka” becomes the second pro- gey Dvortsevoy. ject for Dvortsevoy and Yeslyam- The 34-year-old actress walked ova, as a Kazakh actress starred in Astana Economic Forum on the stage as Cate Blanchett, Dvortsevoy’s film “Tulip” in 2008 heading the jury of this year’s that received the Un Certain Re- Cannes, announced the winner. gard Award at the Cannes festival. Born in 1984 in Petropavlovsk in Dvortsevoy noted Yeslyamova focuses on global challenges northern Kazakhstan, Yeslyamova is a “brilliant that he discovered in my, investment and innovation.” Photo credit: informburo.kz Photo credit: Petropavlovsk.” graduated from the Russian Insti- Samal Yeslyamova By Assel Satubaldina He indicated five global trends and tute of Theatre Arts (GITIS), a lead- “The only thing I had to do is to reiterated the need to establish G- ing theatre arts university in Europe shape this brilliant, because she is ASTANA – The eleventh Astana Global platform under the aegis of and the largest in Russia, in 2011. lenge. “I do not have children years, I know very really a great actress. Sometimes I Economic Forum kicked off in the UN. yet, but I had to know the feeling well. And I know how warmly wonder where such people come “It is a big history in my career. the Kazakh capital May 17, wel- The five global trends include of what it is like to be a woman children are treated there. I was from in provincial areas. She is Ulken rakhmet (Thank you in Ka- coming 5,000 participants from digitisation of all aspects of human that had just given birth to a child, surprised at how people can aban- from a rural area. She has a strong 111 countries and more than 500 activity, energy revolution, rapid zakh)! Thank you! Merci beau- but is forced to go to work,” said don their children like that,” said personality and talent,” said the di- speakers, including former United global population growth, change coup,” said Yeslyamova with tears Yeslyamova, as quoted by Sput- Dvortsevoy who was born in Shy- rector during his visit to Kazakh- Nations Secretary-General Ban in the pace and nature of urbani- on her face. niknews. mkent and moved to in stan after the festival. Ki-moon, former French President sation, and transformation of the “Ayka” is a drama story of a The migrant life has become the 1990s. “I am happy to be here, because Francois Hollande and Apple co- global labour market. young Kyrgyz woman, living a centre of the plot, after Dvort- “I realised how little we know firstly my mom lives here and founder Steve Wozniak. Organised “Since last year’s forum, we and working illegally in Moscow, sevoy came across statistics in the about this kind of life living in secondly I am entirely from Shy- in Astana since 2008, this year’s witnessed huge transformations forced to abandon her new-born media stating that Kyrgyz women Moscow, basic human norms and mkent. I love Shymkent. Now it event focuses on global trends and worldwide. New confrontations child and suffering moral travails abandoned 248 new-borns in 2010 values,” he added. is called Shymkent, before it was challenges. have emerged, and it has become thereafter. The mother’s feelings alone. The work on the film lasted for called Chimkent (different spell- Opening the event, Kazakh Pres- more difficult for states to find eventually take over and she starts “It was surprising to me, be- six years and writing of the plot ing in Soviet times). It does not ident Nursultan Nazarbayev said agreement. Distrust and unwilling- desperately searching for her child. cause I am Russian grown up in continued as the shooting went on. matter how it is named, most im- the annual forum has evolved into ness to understand the principles Yeslyamova said playing a Kazakhstan. Though I have been “A starting point in the beginning portant is that it is our city,” said a “good tradition” and a platform of an opponent are growing. young mother had been a - living in Moscow over the last 20 was of primary importance to me Dvortsevoy. to “discuss acute issues in econo- Continued on Page A3

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIAL OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL KADEX 2018 results in numerous defence GDP grew 3.8 percent in Day of Remembrance heals and India and Kazakhstan have excellent relations, Astana holds festival showcasing talents of contracts A2 January-April 2018 A4 strengthens A6 says Indian ambassador A6 special needs children B1 Kazakhstan launches Latin script translation New facility to cut maintenance NURBEKOV: Scholars argue for long-term SCAT launches Astana- mobile app A2 costs A5 U.S. and European approaches to Central route B6 Asia A7

US$ 1 = 329.81 KZT € 1 = 384.76 KZT 1 = 5.29 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018

NATIONAL KADEX 2018 results in numerous defence contracts NEWS IN BRIEF opments, such as Kazakh helicop- A Community Council responsi- By Raushan Shamsharkhan ters and planes, helicopters mod- ble for overseeing the implementa- ernised by Ukrainian companies, tion of Kazak President Nursultan ASTANA – KADEX 2018, the a Turkish Air Force Airbus A400 Nazarbayev’s Five Social Initia- fifth international weapons sys- and Kazakh Army CASA C-295 tives was recently established the tems and military equipment exhi- aircraft and Su-30 fighter. Visi- Karaganda region. Its members bition, was held May 23-26 at the tors could not only see and touch represent political parties, the As- military sector of Astana Interna- the exhibits, but also had a chance sembly of the People of Kazakh- tional Airport. to sit at the controls of Arlan and stan, non-governmental organisa- “Our country, as you know, is Barys armoured cars and certain tions and other civic institutions. It pursuing a peace-loving policy aircraft. is first regional community council aimed at strengthening good- “Those wishing to see the sub- created in Kazakhstan, Kazinform neighbourliness with all its neigh- machine guns, tanks and planes reports. In the region, prepara- bours and distant neighbours, but gathered at the exhibition in the tions for implementing each social today’s world situation forces eve- morning. None of the visitors re- initiative are underway. Approxi- ryone to strengthen their defences, mained disappointed. They were mately 5.7 billion tenge (US$17.5 and we are doing the same within happy to share their emotions on million) will be allocated for mi- the Collective Security Treaty Or- social media after the spectacular crocredits in the region this year. ganisation (CSTO). At the same Photo credit: Akorda.kz Photo credit: performance,” said Astana Mili- In 2019, it is planned to begin con- time, the defence sector and armed tary Unit No. 68665 serviceperson struction of four student hostels. forces development are one of the first time by the Kazakh Ministry , Russia and Turkey and ex- quasi-governmental organisations Daniyar Aitkozhin. The Community Council is also state priorities and an effective of Defence and Aerospace Indus- hibits by Kazakhstan Engineering, and foreign and domestic compa- A memorial issue of the Ka- focused on a gasification project. instrument of their implementa- try and the conference session was Kazakhstan Paramount Engineer- nies participated in the internation- zcosmos 25th anniversary stamp al cybersecurity conference. tion is an international exhibition, opened by Deputy Prime Minister ing and Kaztechnology. Means of was presented on opening day at a More than 4,800 citizens have and Defence monitoring, tracking and protect- The Ministry of Defence and the only one of its kind in Central ceremony attended by the heads of suffered tick bites since the be- and Aerospace Industry Minister ing information took the leading Aerospace Industry signed memo- Asia,” said Kazakh President Nur- the Ministries of Defence and Aer- ginning of spring, according to sultan Nazarbayev at the May 23 . place in the pavilions. randa of understanding and coop- ospace Industry and Information a sanitary and epidemiological opening ceremony. The event attracted official dele- For the first time, one pavilion eration with King Abdullah’s Of- and Communication, KazPost and monitoring centre. Tick attacks The head of state stressed KA- gations from 40 countries and 108 was dedicated solely to space tech- fice (Jordan) and leading Belgian, guests of honour. Commemorative were registered in four regions of DEX 2018 has become an event heads of foreign companies, with nology and organisers prepared a Russian and Turkish companies. stamps and first-day covers were Kazakhstan with 1,230 cases in of global importance in armament approximately 3,000 military-dip- separate pavilion devoted to do- Memoranda on collaboration were available for purchase. Almaty, 2,121 in the Almaty re- and information security. He noted lomatic corps representatives in at- mestic and international cosmo- also inked between Kazakh com- KADEX 2018 resulted in con- gion, 1,389 in the East Kazakhstan the large-scale exhibit is one of the tendance. Local and international naut achievements. Another inno- panies, Belarusian and Kazakh sci- and 91 cases in the Akmola region. most effective sites for strengthen- defence-industrial complex and vation was the Days of Space in entific institutes and TransTelecom tracts, agreements and memo- randa which have the potential to Six Lyme borreliosis disease cases ing defence potential and develop- space industry companies, leading Kazakhstan international forum. (Kazakhstan) and CyberX (Israel), were recorded in the East Kazakh- promote partnerships in military- ing military-industrial cooperation design bureaus and information The extensive scientific and noted the Ministry of Foreign Af- stan region and Almaty. Tick- technical cooperation, cybersecu- between countries. security research institutes partici- business programme included fairs press office. borne encephalitis was detected rity and outer space exploration. “The exhibition demonstrates pated in the exhibit, presenting the whole and sectional meetings, “Modernisation will increase the only in the Almaty region. advanced products, the best latest examples of space technolo- conferences and roundtables on localisation of production from 30 Kazakh and leading foreign com- panies signed a significant package achievements of Kazakh and for- gy and information security devel- defence and security, world cos- percent to 70 percent and increases Head of the Kostanai region of documents, which Nazarbayev eign enterprises. The latest devel- opment. Weapons, defence equip- monautics development and en- the country’s defence capacity Arkhimed Mukhambetov recently noted would contribute to devel- opments of leading design bureaus ment, military and dual-purpose suring cybersecurity. The busi- through its own production and ex- gave an update on the Ruhani Jan- oping international defence indus- in the field of information security products by leading global manu- ness schedule included cyber and pands the export of military equip- ghyru programme in the region. are presented here,” he added. facturers were presented. Particu- digital security and advanced de- ment,” said Kazakh Defence and try cooperation and domestic and Approximately 178 million tenge KADEX, held biennially since lar emphasis was placed on elec- fence tech conferences dedicated Aerospace Industry Vice Minister foreign partnerships. Kazakhstan (US$546,000) has been spent build- 2010, has evolved into a useful plat- tronic systems, communication to information security, commu- Asset Kurmangaliyev. Engineering agreed to develop ing a specialised school. The school form to create mutually beneficial systems and weapons control and nication technologies and critical The first two days of KADEX military-technical cooperation specialises in information technolo- contacts between defence industry the search for modern information information and communication 2018 were open only to special- with Thales, a French company, gies and will attract gifted children manufacturers and consumers, as security solutions. infrastructure protection. Individu- ists, with visitors welcomed on and signed a memorandum with from the region. Also, 21 digital well as an opportunity to exchange Companies presented 124 land als from 28 organisations from 14 the remaining two days. Guests Turkish company Otokar to pro- technologies classes worth 172 experience in technological armed equipment items and 18 types of countries and more than 500 rep- became acquainted with the latest duce vehicles, including armoured million tenge (US$527,000) were forces development. This year, the aircraft and drones. The ten pavil- resentatives of central state bodies, military-industrial and aerospace cars, according to the Ministry of opened in the region. More than 100 exhibition was organised for the ions included national displays by higher educational institutions, achievements and advanced devel- Defence and Aerospace Industry. schools with local history museums have been opened to feature famous people from the Kostanai region. ceipt of personal data and certify their actions with a personal elec- Costume designer and art direc- tronic digital signature. In addi- tor Ezio Frigerio was honoured Kazakhstan Citizens can protect tion, law enforcement bodies will recently with the prestigious state conduct various inspections of em- award in Kazakhstan. Minister ployee activities. of Culture and Sport Arystanbek “There is a human factor after Mukhamediuly awarded Frigerio launches Latin data through egov.kz the Dostyk Order of the II Degree all when an employee can neglect The second stage involves cre- in Astana for his contribution to de- all the rules and agreements that Staff Report ating an SMS service to disable veloping Kazakhstan and strength- he signs with the employer about blocking access to personal data. ening cooperation between Kazakh script translation ASTANA – Blocking personal When implementing this func- the protection of personal data and Italian people. Frigerio has data on egov.kz, the e-government tion, Population Service Centre and for such cases we will create a collaborated with director Giorgio website, will soon be available to (so called TsON) operators will be technical opportunity for a citizen Strehler on multiple occasions, in- Kazakh citizens, reported Govern- able to access citizens’ data only to close access to his data,” said cluding “I gigantic della montag- mobile app ment for Citizens State Corpora- by their permission through SMS Ospanov. na” (1966), “Santa Giovanna dei Aitzhanov noted the keyboard tion head Abylaikhan Ospanov at confirmation. He also urged citizens to issue a macelli” (1970), “Re Lear” (1972), By Yerbolat Uatkhanov is easily installed and provides a a Central Communications Service Ospanov noted in order to use mobile number link to the personal “Il temporale” (1980), “L’Illusion choice of interface language and press conference. the data blocking, residents must egov office in the TsON. This will Comique” (1984), Mozart’s “Le ASTANA – The State Lan- theme, feedback with its devel- “In order to exclude the risk of un- register in the appropriate section enable them to open and close ac- Nozze di Figaro,” “Don Giovan- guage Development Foundation opers, user ratings and links to authorised personal data transfer, we of the e-government website or at cess via SMS passwords and fully ni” and “Cosi fan tutte.” Frigerio has created the Qazaq Latin Key- the foundation’s projects and so- have developed a project according any service centre. manage and protect their personal helped develop many outstanding board, a Kazakh keyboard with cial media pages. to which citizens will have full con- He added personal data obtained data. opera and ballet plays at the Astana Latin letters for smartphones and The app is available for down- trol over access to their data,” he said. through the latter will be prop- Opera. Together with his spouse tablets. The app can translate load in the App Store and An- The project will be executed in erly protected. A service centre “From June-August, half a mil- lion people will be trained in digi- Italian costume designer Franca Kazakh text written in Cyrillic droid’s Play Market. Developers two stages. In the first phase, the employee can access information Squarciapino, they helped develop tal literacy. To date, 880 certified script to Latin script. plan future upgrades based on data lock function will appear in only after a citizen appears be- musical theatre in Kazakhstan. “Kazakh President Nursultan user feedback and suggestions. users’ personal offices. fore him personally, which must trainers have been trained through- They worked on Zhubanov’s Abai, Nazarbayev is paying great at- Nazarbayev signed a decree in “Each website user will be able be confirmed by the applicant’s out the country. Residents of cities, Prokofyev’s Romeo and Juliet and tention to the development of the October on the phased transition to activate it and block any access photo. TsON staff will be obliged districts and villages are also eligi- Sleeping beauty, Tchaikovsky’s . He defined a of the Kazakh alphabet from Cy- to their data,” he added. to provide a receipt confirming re- ble,” said Ospanov. Swan Lake and many more operas phased transition of Kazakh to rillic into Latin script by 2025. staged in Astana. the Latin alphabet in the Ruhani At that point, the Latin alpha- Janghyru (Modernisation of Ka- bet will be used in all official The KazSat satellite system has zakhstan’s Identity) programme. documents, books, newspapers earned 20 billion tenge (US$61.3 Today, 70 percent of the world’s and media. Experts believe the million) since the start of its opera- information is in Latin. We must transformation is a crucial pillar More than 200,000 e-declarations issued tion. Now it is operating normally enter this modern information of Kazakhstan’s modernisation automatically through Green Corri- along the entire border of Kazakh- and supports the needs of 15 com- space, be competitive. Our ap- process and greater openness to By Amir Khaidar dor,” said Kazakh Finance Minister stan is planned. munication and broadcasting op- plication Qazaq Latin Keyboard the world. . “The construction of new check- erators across Kazakhstan. As of will help young people study The first phase of the transition ASTANA – Together with the Sultanov noted that money saved points along the Kazakh-Chinese today, the archive of satellite im- the new alphabet. The language covers 2018-2020, when prepar- United Nations Conference on with the launch of the system can be border will be completed in June ages around the world is more than in the Latin alphabet will be atory work and corresponding Trade and Development (UNC- re-invested into trade with foreign 2018. Reconstruction of eight re- 685 million square kilometres, 35 available for everybody,” said measures will be completed and TAD), the Kazakh Ministry of Fi- partners and result in additional rev- maining vehicle checkpoints will million square kilometres of which Executive Deputy Director Sul- legislation changed. During the nance has been successful in imple- enue for the state budget totalling be realised with the involvement cover the territory of Kazakhstan. tan Aitzhanov at a Central Com- second phase, from 2021-2023, menting the ASTANA-1 electronic 12 billion tenge (US$37 million) in of concessional loans from Chinese This year, it is planned to launch munication Centre press confer- passports, citizens’ identity customs system. It systematises cus- 2018 or 20.3 billion tenge (US$62 government,” added Sultanov. two more satellites created by a ence. cards and other documents will toms procedures by issuing digital million) by 2025. Minister of Information and Com- joint team of engineers from Ka- The project was developed begin to be issued in Latin script. declarations for transited, exported Another project realised with munication Dauren Abayev added zakhstan and a British company. with the support of the Fouda- The final segment in 2024-2025 and imported goods. the support of UNCTAD is the that the amount of paper documents Well-known Hollywood will be tion of the First President of Ka- will involve a phased-in transfer ASTANA-1 was launched in Single Window procedure. It will be decreased and the waiting dubbed in Kazakh, Kazinform re- zakhstan and the Samruk Kazyna for office work in local and cen- stages, starting from transit subsys- seeks to streamline customs pro- period shortened from 26 to eight ports. Bolashak Association Cor- Trust Fund for developing social tral state bodies and state media tem that came into effect October cedures by processing incoming days under ASTANA-1 programme. porate Fund, Disney Company projects, reported Kazinform. and printed publications will be 2017. To date 200,000 transit decla- documentation in one place. Pre- He added that at present, 63 customs and Meloman are going to launch The Qazaq Latin Keyboard can produced with Latin graphics. rations have been issued, 92 percent paratory work in terms of business checkpoints are connected to the a unique project on dubbing Hol- be used as the standard in all ap- Switching alphabets is not new of them were processed in less than processes and regulatory docu- system through the landline trans- lywood classics and blockbusters plications. to Kazakhstan. The Kazakh lan- one minute. On Jan. 1, the launch of ments was completed. The data mission links and eight are connect- in Kazakh. The project is part of “For the convenience of us- guage used Arabic script from export subsystem followed, result- was sent to technical developers ed through satellite. the Ruhani Janghyru programme. ers, a transliteration of the key- the 11th century up to 1929. It ing in 23,000 declarations issued. and the pilot launch of the system ASTANA-1 electronic customs Twenty-three Hollywood films board has been created. With this used the Latin alphabet from “Starting on April 1, ASTANA-1 is expected in May. system seeks to eliminate direct have already been dubbed. Chil- function, you can enter Kazakh 1929-1940, then changed to a is functioning on import and the An important step towards ad- contact between customs officers dren cartoons and animated mov- words in Cyrillic, after which Cyrillic-based alphabet with 42 remaining customs procedures. To vancing customs procedures is the and customs clearance experts as ies dubbed in Kazakh are popular the programme will automati- letters. The population may need date more than 16,000 declarations modernisation of existing infra- well as simplify and speed up the in the country. This year, cinemas cally translate them into text in decades to adapt to the transi- on imported goods were issued, structure on the ground. Improve- customs clearance process along the will show four animated movies Latin,” he said. tion. 90 percent of them were processed ment of all vehicle checkpoints Kazakh border. dubbed in Kazakh. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018

with the Astana Process on Syria, Founder of the Eurasian Media EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF which resulted in an agreement be- Forum and chair of the forum’s tween the Syrian government and organising committee Dariga Naz- Eurasian Media Forum... some of the 65 opposition groups to arbayeva noted the ways in which The National Museum of Ka- Continued from Page A1 as proxy wars and a general con- allow withdrawal from the besieged technological change had affected zakhstan and Azerbaijan National fidence crisis in international rela- enclave of Eastern Ghouta near Da- younger generations, especially History Museum launched the “Against the changes taking place tions. “But it is not as gloomy as I mascus (an agreement underwritten through their access to new methods Legacy of the Great Steppe: Jew- in the world, the escalation of geo- have described,” he assured. “It is by Russia, Iran and Turkey). of communication, including social ellery Art Masterpieces exhibi- political tensions and new techno- not as bad as the dark times of the Former Italian Prime Minister media, smartphones and free inter- tion in Baku as part of the Golden logical capabilities, the media can Cold War, when Kazakhstan was Matteo Renzi said that Kazakhstan net access, as well as their impact on Man world tour run by the Kazakh become both a trigger for the esca- the border between the Soviet Un- had provided a bridge of dialogue the media. museum. The exhibition, which lation of conflicts and a factor for ion and China. Now it is a border of in the last few years between Asia “We, the journalists, are becom- will last until July 1, features the global containment and prevention friendship, trade and investment.” and Europe, saying that, indeed, Eu- ing hostages of circumstance, and Golden Man statue of a noble of international tensions. Hence the He said that the world had also rope could only be an efficient and more often mass media are turn- (ancient tribe inhabiting the terri- high responsibility of journalism,” gotten rid of much poverty since reliable partner because of the emer- Photo credit: EAMF website Photo credit: ing from a source of necessary, tory of today’s Kazakhstan) war- Nazarbayev said in a message de- EAMF Organising Committee Chair then, mostly because of the success- gence of the European Union as a truthful, neutral information into rior. The statue, with more than livered at the forum by Minister for . es of Brazil and China, and high- place of dialogue after centuries of propaganda tools with a full set of 4,000 gold items, and dating to Information and Communications lighted that Kazakhstan had done war, and that that was surely a major topics in their industry. sometimes dishonest instruments,” the fourth-third centuries BC, was Dauren Abayev. The field “should its best to contribute to world peace achievements for history books. “The responsibilities of journal- she said. discovered in 1969 by eminent Ka- remain the embodiment of service ists are even greater than they’ve zakh archaeologist Kemal Akishev to society, based on high ethical and always been. They are greater be- in the Issyk burial mound approxi- moral qualities.” cause there is more opportunity for mately 54 kilometres from Almaty. “Only correct and reliable infor- getting news wrong either delib- The exhibition also includes a col- mation and verification of fake news erately or by accident and then it’s lection of women’s silver jewellery can attract an audience, strengthen- disseminated around the world very of the 19th-20th centuries. Kazakh ing the authority of the media as a fast – instantaneously – before it can Ambassador in Baku Beibit Issa- source of objective information,” be checked and possibly changed. bayev noted visitors have a chance the Kazakh President added in his That’s why there’s a huge respon- to enjoy a “unique historic legacy message. sibility on journalists of all ages of the great steppes of Eurasia.” The list of forum participants in- but, particularly, the young ones,” The Golden Man world tour will cluded well-known politicians and said Reuters Society Chair Steven continue to China, Poland and Ko- representatives of international or- Somerville. rea and is set to visit more than 12 ganisations, research centres and Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat countries worldwide until 2021. mass media. The event focused on Abdrakhmanov said global citizens master classes for journalists and are witnessing turbulence and in- For the first time, Brazil im- students, while local and foreign stability in the world order, includ- ported uranium from Kazakhstan, media experts discussed current the world’s top uranium produc- ing rising fear and rivalry as well er possessing 12 percent of the world’s resources. Kazatomprom, the country’s major uranium pro- ducer, announced expansion of its export destinations. The Kazakh company won the tender to supply Astana Economic Forum focuses on global challenges natural uranium concentrates to Continued from Page A1 percent by 2030,” said Nazarbayev. as the establishment of universities able development and expressed ment allowing Kazakhstan to lead Brazilian company Indústrias nu- Increasing global population and such as Nazarbayev University, Ka- concern over the recent withdrawal these obligations around the world.” cleares do Brasil (INB), regulating This is a very difficult time for longer life expectancy achieved zakh British Technical University, of the U.S. from the Paris climate Francois Hollande also asserted production of uranium and reactor the world,” said Nazarbayev, ad- with science and technology pro- international IT University, foster agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump’s de- fuel in the country with its activi- dressing the forum’s opening ple- gress bring other challenges, in- the nation’s efforts producing high- Though the climate convention cision to withdraw from the climate ties licensed and controlled by the nary session. cluding increasing demand for quality labour. is not fully ready and needs to be agreement is a matter of concern. National Nuclear Energy Commis- Speaking about digitisation, the . The current global population With these global trends becom- strengthened, according to the Ko- Noting positive decisions made sion (CNEN) and Brazil Environ- Kazakh leader noted a new eco- is estimated at 7.6 billion people ing increasingly evident, additional rean diplomat, achieving agreement worldwide, Hollande also empha- ment and Renewable Natural Re- nomic model entails the digitisation and forecast to grow to 10 billion vehicles to address global chal- among 197 members of the organi- sised some decisions “raise con- sources Institute (IBAMA) as well not only of business, but people’s by 2050, according to the UN. lenges beyond current international sation allowed “at least forming cerns that can pose a threat to our as the International Atomic Energy lives. Another global trend encompass- platforms, such as G20 and G7, minimal boundaries to fight rising process of transformation.” Agency (IAEA). The agreement “Self-taught intellectual sys- es the transformation of the labour have become necessary. temperatures.” “On the other side, there are other is important for the “development tems managing and improving market, where experts expect ro- “We therefore put forward G- “I sincerely hope that the U.S. trends, limited exchange, increas- of Kazakh-Brazil cooperation in production became common. The bots to replace 80 percent of labour. Global that will take into account will as soon as possible join this ing protectionism, questioning of peaceful use of nuclear energy artificial intellect will spur a $16 “Highly qualified workers be- interests of all countries, including global agreement again and at the international agreements and multi- and search of new markets for the billion growth of world economy came more important for compa- sustainable development, fighting same time I am thrilled by the great lateralism. All these processes can negatively affect economic process company,” noted a Kazatomprom by 2030,” noted Nazarbayev, high- nies than cheap labour. This is a poverty, famine, reducing econom- support of other people, civil socie- lighting the country’s Digital Ka- ty. They are doing great job. We co- and now the situation is sad in terms press statement. challenge for national economies ic inequality, ensuring fair access to zakhstan programme leading its operate closely with governments, of conflicts in the Middle East and and social systems,” he said. social goods,” he noted. A Kazakh delegation led by efforts in this area. civil society and NGOs. And only Africa that spur migration, terror- Education is a key to this end and Former UN Secretary General the country’s Healthcare Minis- Digitisation, however, can also by this means could we ensure the ism, which urges us to take security Kazakhstan’s Bolashak programme and current chair of the Boao Fo- ter Yelzhan Birtanov participated facilitate cyber crime, he said, change in the situation,” he said. measures,” said Hollande. rum for Asia (BFA) Ban Ki-moon in the 71st World Health Assem- which last year became the “most launched in 1993 and meant to edu- In an effort to preserve peace for The financial crisis in 2008 and bly May 21-26 in the United Na- serious threat to businesses.” cate young talents abroad as well stressed the need to address sustain- future generations, more countries its consequences should be kept in tions Office in Geneva, joining New mechanisms, including worldwide seek to switch to a green mind, he added. more than 2,000 representatives crypto currencies and blockchain economy, he noted, and the cost of “Perhaps, the situation was not of the World Health Organisation technologies, will bring fundamen- energy solutions is becoming com- solved properly, including the fall of (WHO) member states and in- tal changes to financial markets. petitive to traditional, yet non-eco- prices for natural resources like oil. ternational agencies. This year’s The transition to clean energy is logical energy sources. Economic crisis affected all regions agenda focused on acute issues in another global trend, according to “Kazakhstan is one of the lead- around the world leading to the cre- the global health system, includ- Nazarbayev, with energy generated ing countries in this area,” said ation of more rigid rules in trade and ing the WHO’s legally-binding by renewable energy sources grow- Ban Ki-Moon. “I would like to finance and consequences are sad,” International Health Regulations, ing 13 times in 30 years. note Kazakhstan’s achievements he noted, highlighting objectives, non-communicable diseases such “Despite continuing demand for that 50 percent of all energy will be including a focus on stability, secu- as cholera and tuberculosis, digi- natural resources, their presence generated by alternative sources by rity and a strategy for the future. tal health and assistive technol- ceased to be an advantage. All big 2050.” Concluding his remarks, Hol- ogy. The delegates also endorsed players in traditional energy mar- He expressed confidence the In- lande supported the idea of G- the 13th General Programme of kets turned to investments in green ternational Green Technologies Global at the level of the UN, Work, the organisation’s five-year energy. Kazakhstan is not standing Centre presented by Kazakh Prime which “needs to create own mecha- strategic plan designed to facilitate still. The share of alternative energy Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak delivers remarks at the forum in Astana on Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev later nisms and instruments allowing to achieving the Sustainable Devel- in our energy balance will reach 30 May 17. the same day will be “good instru- achieve these objectives.” opment Goals (SDGs). In his re- marks, Birtanov noted the WHO Global Conference on Primary Health Care scheduled for Octo- ber 25-26 in Astana, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Ninth round of Astana Process Syrian Alma-Ata Declaration, is designed to bring attention to strengthen- ing primary health care to ensure universal access to healthcare and peace talks reaffirm previous agreements achieving the SDGs. internally displaced persons to and Damascus that create a “safe place ed, should be held in parallel with Head of the Russian delega- By Assel Satubaldina their original places of residence for the southern part of Syria and also other processes and favourable tion Alexander Lavrentiev said he Kazakh Ambassador to Japan as well as free movement of local southern part of Aleppo.” conditions should be created for hopes the opposition groups will Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev ASTANA – The ninth Astana population.” “It is the result of the work of the constitutional committee. be present at the Sochi meeting met in Tokyo with Japanese as- Process talks on Syria ended May The ongoing conflict that entered our armed forces done in coopera- The issue was also present on that will focus on humanitarian tronaut and Japanese Aerospace 15 in the Kazakh capital with three its eighth year in March has killed tion with our friends and brothers. the agenda of the April tripartite and political aspects. Exploration Agency (JAXA) as- guarantor states – Iran, Turkey and an estimated 465,000 Syrians with The Syrian Arab Republic will meeting of presidents Vladimir “The Astana Process and previ- tronauts group head Kimiya Yui. Russia – reaffirming their commit- more than one million injured and continue its fight to liberate the Putin, Recep Erdogan and Has- ous meetings are helpful in facili- Yui visited Kazakhstan as part of ment to maintaining a ceasefire re- more than 12 million Syrians, half whole country and against those san Rouhani in Ankara, with the tating the Syrian dialogue in Sochi. the Japanese delegation led by gime and four de-escalation zones of its initial population, displaced. countries aggressors against the three guarantor states reiterating It is time to open a new chapter of JAXA chair Hiroshi Yamakawa to established in the war-torn country Though the latest round showed sovereignty of Syria,” said the the need for constitutional reforms the Astana Process making focus participate in KADEX 2018, the based on the agreement the three little progress in seeking a political Syrian diplomat. and a new constitution. on humanitarian and political as- fifth international biennial exhibi- states signed in May 2017. solution to the conflict, the Syrian Head of the Syrian opposition “The regime does not want to pects,” he said. tion of weapons systems and mili- A joint resolution issued by the government delegation headed by group Ahmed Toma raised the promote this issue and does not “We assess the outcomes (on tary equipment held May 23-26 in three states said the next meeting Syrian Ambassador to the United issue of detainees that remains want to make big step towards that the ninth round) as positive which Astana. During the meeting, Yui will be in Sochi in July. The state- Nations Bashar al-Jaafari ex- of paramount importance to the goal,” added Toma. allows us to move the Astana Pro- recalled his expedition to the Inter- ment stressed the effectiveness of pressed satisfaction with the two- armed groups. Syrian opposition representative cess forward and all the talks about national Space Station aboard Soy- de-escalation zones in “maintain- day, closed-door negotiations and “There is another positive step Yasser Abdul Raheem criticised the end of the Astana Process are uz TMA-17M in 2015 with eight ing the ceasefire regime, reducing said they would “continue the fight in terms of detainees and abduct- Russia’s actions in Syria and said overestimated,” he asserted. other astronauts, including Aidyn the level of violence and stabilis- against terrorism and colonial re- ees. We would like to ensure the the delegation would not be pre- The agreement on de-escalation Aimbetov of the Kazakh Space ing the overall situation in Syria.” gimes that wanted to divide Syria.” ongoing mechanism which would sent in Sochi. zones adopted in May 2017 was Agency. Kazakhstan is a big and In their resolution, Iran, Rus- “We would like to highlight that regulate the issue of detainees on “We will not go to Sochi, be- “historical,” according to him, beautiful country, he said, which is sia and Turkey emphasised the we confirm commitment to the in- the basis of previous round held in cause we should respect our peo- though hostilities did not cease very visible from outer space. need to create conditions for the tegrity and sovereignty of the Syr- September. We agreed on the crea- ple. The ongoing killing of Syr- there, including the recent events Croatia is set to open its em- Syrian people to “restore normal ian Arab republic,” he told a press tion of mechanism responsible for ian people by the Russian forces in the Eastern Ghouta. bassy in Astana this autumn, as and peaceful life and to this end briefing wrapping up the outcomes regulating the process of detainees. should be put to an end,” he said. The Sochi meeting will have the confirmed May 18 by Croatian ensure rapid, safe and unhindered of the talks. We want to develop this issue more “Russia must reconsider its po- Astana Process format, he noted. Ambassador to Russia Tonci humanitarian access and safe and He noted the Syrian army’s achieve- clearly,” said Toma at a briefing. sition and what they want,” he “The Astana Process is alive and it Stanicic. voluntary return of refugees and ments in liberating the eastern Ghouta Constitutional reforms, he not- added. will be continued,” he added. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018

ECONOMY GDP grew 3.8 percent in January-April 2018 NEWS IN BRIEF market remains stable. Since the The foreign trade turnover for customs duty on crude oil gener- refining was 5.1 million tonnes,” Trade turnover of agricultural products and processed goods By Dana Omirgazy beginning of this year, 134,800 January-March reached $21 bil- ated 32.1 billion tenge (US$97.4 he said. between Kazakhstan and China people have been employed. The lion, with $13.8 billion in exports million). The demand for diesel fuel was totalled $345 million in 2017, ASTANA – Kazakh economic real wage rate grew 1.2 percent. and $7.2 billion in imports. Reporting on the January-April fully covered in accordance with reported kazakh-tv.kz, a 32-per- activity continues to maintain pos- In January-April, the average Minister of Finance Bakhyt Sul- preliminary results of the energy the Agriculture Ministry request. cent increase compared to 2016. itive dynamics, though with some monthly salary was 152,300 tenge tanov noted the national budget re- sector’s main economic indica- The recommended price of die- Kazakh exports to China include slowdown. GDP growth from Jan- (US$462.20),” he said. ceived 1.78 trillion tenge (US$5.4 tors, Energy Minister Kanat Bo- sel fuel in March to complete frozen fish, sunflower seeds and uary-April fell slightly to 3.8 per- National Bank gold and foreign billion), 16 billion tenge (US$48.5 zumbaev noted the volume of oil spring field work was 130 tenge oilseeds, rapeseed oil, cottonseed cent, compared to the growth of 4 currency reserves grew 3 percent to million) more than scheduled. and condensate production stood (US$0.40) per litre. oil, soybean oil, oil and percent year on year last year, not- $30.6 billion against the correspond- The 110.7-percent growth rate at 105.9 percent compared to the Following the meeting, Prime honey. In the next few years, Ka- ed Minister of National Economy ing period last year, according first was achieved mainly through tax same period last year. Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev zakh wheat and will also be during the May deputy chair Oleg Smolyakov. At contributions. The excess profit “Approximately 24.1 million instructed the relevant ministers to shipped to the Chinese market. 15 government meeting. the same time, the bank’s assets de- tax provided 8.5 billion tenge tonnes of oil were exported over take adequate measures to ensure “Last year, we shipped 40,000 “In the meantime, the labour creased 5.6 percent to $59.3 billion. (US$25.8 million), as the export four months. The volume of oil further economic growth. tonnes of vegetable oil and over 30,000 tonnes of grain and flour to Xi’an. We sell them with the Made in Kazakhstan label. Local con- sumers are pleased with the qual- ity of the products,” said Chinese Kazakh PM presents International FIC to discuss company staff member Jia Junqi. Foreign investments in the Ka- zakh manufacturing industry have Centre of Green Technologies accelerated increased, reported 24.kz, reaching Continued from Page A1 reports that on May 23, the first 25 percent of foreign investment auctions on the selection of best re- last year. In comparison with 2009, Also, modern gold-mining de- newable energy construction pro- the figure has tripled, according to vices are being commissioned at jects will take place. The winners modernisation the Ministry for Investments and coal-fired power plants. of these auctions will get a 15-year Continued from Page A1 Development committee for in- The World Bank, the European guaranteed off-take contract for the vestment. The agency presented a Bank for Reconstruction and De- purchase of electricity with a single Kazakhstan is represented by the new strategy for attracting foreign velopment (EBRD), the Asian De- buyer, renewable energy finance President, the Prime Minister and capital. “Last year, we established velopment Bank (ADB) and the centre. During the two auction ses- his deputies, Ministers of National Kazakh Invest, which became a are co- sions scheduled in spring and au- Economy, Finance, Investments single operator to attract foreign operating to increase the use of re- tumn, one-gigawatt renewable en- and Development and Foreign Af- investors. Now, they have approxi- newable energy sources in the coun- ergy projects will be demonstrated. fairs and chairpersons of the Na- mately 200 projects in their plans, Prime Minister try. The EBRD and Baikonur Solar Bakytzhan Sagintayev “Today, the world is rapidly tional Bank and Baiterek National including ones with transnational agreed to cooperate with the sup- changing under the impact of the Holding. companies. This year, Kazakh port of ’s 50 MW struments imposes certain obliga- technological revolution, and this “Each year, the council’s plena- Invest is supposed to implement Baikonur Solar Power Station con- tions. To this end, environmental global transition requires a new ry sessions are dedicated to a spe- major projects involving transna- struction. The Ministry of Energy, legislation on the OECD principles type of action from all govern- cific theme which reflects relevant tional companies. These projects the Astana city administration, Shell is being improved. This will ena- ments and countries – namely, out- global challenges. Participants will really make a significant con- ble Kazakhstan to create an effec- Investment Committee Chairman Kazakhstan and Nazarbayev Intel- stripping international cooperation share their opinions, discuss issues Yerlan Khairov tribution to the development of the lectual Schools have signed a mem- tive system of environmental im- on the most complex and sensi- and propose recommendations, country’s economy,” said commit- orandum to develop green economy. pact assessment. Mechanisms will tive issues of world development. which later tend to become tasks The working groups exchange tee chairperson Yerlan Khairov. According to officials, coopera- be introduced to encourage users Of , one such complex set for the government to execute,” thoughts and prepare recommen- tion with the Organisation for Eco- to reduce emissions with the sup- challenge is to ensure economic noted Khairov. dations on issues of particular in- Kazakhstan and Turkey are nomic Cooperation and Develop- port of new technologies and will growth, social stability and ecolog- In 2017, investors discussed fu- terest to foreign companies. The strengthening economic coopera- ment (OECD) is a strategic priority update the principles based on the ical balance in the long run. This ture energy, which coincided with recommendations are stated during tion, reported kazakh-tv.kz. As part for Kazakhstan, and adherence to use of standardisation emissions. is one of the cornerstone issues in the focus of EXPO 2017, whereas the plenary session and presented of a so-called investment week, a international treaties and legal in- Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy global security,” Sagintayev noted. the 2016 plenary session was de- to the government for action. Kazakh delegation met in Istan- voted to developing the Astana In addition, the association of bul and Ankara with the 35 largest International Financial Centre foreign investors acts as a whole Turkish companies. The parties (AIFC). Previous sessions centred to formulate a single stance on any discussed cooperation prospects on agribusiness development, in- issue. in mining, metallurgy, construc- dustrialisation, qualified labour “Traditionally, the council’s ple- tion, energy, telecommunication, EAEU, China sign trade, force and economic diversifica- nary sessions were not only held agriculture and textile and phar- tion. in Astana and Almaty; the venues maceutical industries. Factors “This year, the topic will be ac- also included Borovoe, Kostanai, such as the favourable invest- celerated modernisation. We will Karaganda and the Mangystau re- ment environment and conditions economic co-op agreement discuss what modernisation is and gion. Such geographical diversity for doing business in Kazakhstan committee and information centres He also said trade between the which tasks need to be executed enables demonstrating to the in- have sparked interest among Turk- By Aigerim Seisembayeva for businesses. It also facilitates co- EAEU and China has reached $100 vestors that dynamic changes also ish entrepreneurs as they plan operation between customs authori- billion, with exports from the EAEU take place in the regions,” he said. to implement several projects in ASTANA – Eurasian Economic ties and requires customs officials increasing 40 percent compared to “This year, the topic “The council is an instrument Kazakhstan, including construct- Union (EAEU) member states and to provide explanations for delays of the previous year. will be accelerated which allows showing that Ka- ing a solar electric station with a China signed May 17 a trade and goods at the border. Negotiations on the agreement zakhstan clearly aims to attract for- 50-megawatt capacity as well as a economic cooperation agreement, The agreement also expands the were held based on the decision of modernisation. We eign investments. However, inves- joint enterprise on geological ex- the first major arrangement between use of electronic documents and the the Supreme Eurasian Economic tors do not make decisions based ploration. them. mutual recognition of electronic au- Council of May 8, 2015. Representa- will discuss what on preferentials or tax breaks; they “The general provisions of the thentication methods as well as intro- tives of the Eurasian Economic Com- modernisation is need to feel comfortable working The volume of loans to indi- agreement are consistent with the duces measures to combat counterfeit mission, national governments of the in Kazakhstan. Therefore, our tar- viduals increased 13.3 percent World Trade Organisation princi- products. EAEU member states, experts and and which tasks get is to create the best investment through March, reaching 4.6 tril- ples,” said Eurasian Economic Com- The parties outlined areas of coop- official representatives of Chinese need to be executed climate and for that purpose we lion tenge (US$14 billion), ac- mission (EEC) Board Chair Tigran eration such as agriculture, energy, departments took part in the negotia- have a three-tier system to monitor cording to ranking.kz. The volume Sargsyan, one of the signatories of transportation, industrial cooperation, tions. for Kazakhstan the current situation,” he added. of consumer loans to individuals the agreement. Sargsyan added that technology and innovation, informa- In addition to Sargsyan, the The first level is FIC focusing on increased 18 percent over the past the document’s main feature is trans- tion and communications, finance agreement was signed by Kazakh to modernise and strategic issues. The Council for year to three trillion tenge (US$9.2 parency. and environmental issues. First Deputy Prime Minister Askar keep the same pace Improving the Investment Climate billion), which is 65 percent of re- The document was signed on the “For instance, in the transportation Mamin, Chinese Vice-Minister of under the government enables sys- tail loans. In March, the volume of sidelines of the Astana Economic Fo- sphere, we have already offered our Commerce Fu Ziying and EAEU as world leading tematic changes to national legis- consumer loans grew 16.9 percent rum – the Global Challenges Summit Chinese colleagues to consider about representatives, Kazinform re- lation to bring improvements on to 331,000 tenge (US$1,014) per and creates a ministerial level joint 40 projects,” Sargsyan added. ports. countries.” specific issues. economically active resident, or “The third tier is the Investment 2.2 average monthly wages. The for Kazakhstan to modernise and Ombudsman institution, currently number of economically active keep the same pace as world lead- Minister for Investments and De- individuals grew only 0.9 percent ing countries,” said Khairov. velopment , during the year to nearly nine mil- “We expect experts and major who regularly oversees individual lion people, of which 5.2 million EAEU, Iran sign interim business leaders to share their vi- cases, problems facing investors. reside in cities and 3.8 million in sion of modernisation and propose This practice serves as an instru- villages. recommendations regarding Ka- ment of pre-trial settlement for zakhstan. Modernisation also in- issues such as incorrect tax calcu- Kazakhstan’s economy will ac- agreement on free trade zone volves digitisation in all spheres, be lations or refusal to provide land. celerate based on diversification, Iran will provide tariff concessions and Iran will reduce import customs it mining, education, healthcare or If such cases occur systematically, modernisation and integration, By Raushan Shamsharkhan on 246 goods and the EAEU on 175 duties on the main items. First Dep- government service. Most proba- we bring them to the second level said International Monetary Fund products. uty Prime Minister , bly, the issue of a competent labour as we try to solve that issue for all (IMF) Deputy Managing Director ASTANA – The Eurasian Eco- Kazakhstan and Iran have fa- who represented Kazakhstan at the force will also be raised, since mod- companies by making changes to Tao Zhang in an interview with nomic Union (EAEU) and Iran vourable mutual trade. Statistics signing, noted Iran is a promising ernisation not only requires people the legislation,” said Khairov. kazakh-tv.kz. Today, the country signed an interim agreement on a show trade between the two states market for increasing Kazakh ex- being able to click the buttons, but “Foreign investors do not only is already following this path. He free trade zone May 17 during the increased $170 million in the first ports. also specialists capable of creating bring finance; they bring new tech- noted Kazakhstan and other Cen- Astana Economic Forum. Two years three months of this year, a 70-per- Customs duties will be reduced such technologies,” he added. nologies, knowledge and skills tral Asian nations should become of negotiations resulted in a three- cent hike compared to the same pe- on Iranian goods including pista- Preparation for the event is done allowing us to explore new indus- part of the global logistics chain to year arrangement to reduce import riod in 2017. chios, dates, figs, raisins, shrimp, throughout the year. Representa- tries,” he added. achieve sustainable economic de- customs duties on approved goods. Eurasian Economic Commission melons, oranges, lemons, limes, tives of foreign companies and The investment situation in Ka- velopment. The countries need to “Signing the agreement between Board Chairperson Tigran Sargsyan , some types of juices, international organisations, as well zakhstan is showing dynamic de- increase their transit capacity and EAEU and Iran will create new noted on average custom duties on paints and varnishes, dishes, deter- as government institutions, meet velopment with geographically- export volumes in world markets. ways for development and the first industrial goods for Iran are ex- gents, carpets and plastic products. regularly to discuss issues related diverse sources. Global and regional integration step to ensuring further integration pected to decrease 7 percent, while The EAEU provides only seasonal to investment climate and policies. “As a part of the industrialisa- programmes help Central Asian of the country,” said Armenian Dep- a 3.3-percent decrease is anticipated concessions on Iran’s leading export “There are four working groups, tion programme, the President countries significantly increase uty Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan. for EAEU countries. For agricultur- interest products, including apples, each chaired by an appropriate Ka- instructed to increase investment trade turnover and attract invest- The agreement is based on World al commodities, the average level of tomatoes and cucumbers, due to the zakh minister, on investment policy, volume into the processing indus- ments. “In the past, Kazakhstan Trade Organisation (WTO) and in- import duty rates for Iran will drop absence of production from Novem- social protection and labour force, try. Foreign investors expressed pretty much relied on the com- ternational law rules that outline and 19 percent; for EAEU states, 5 per- ber-March. as well as energy and ecology. The trust in the programme and started modity economies. Now it is time facilitate trade procedures. It will cent. Single custom tariff rates are low fourth group changes its scope of investing more in processing. As a to move forward with the reforms primarily regulate applying sanitary Kazakhstan exports , lamb, or close to zero within the EAEU. work each year, focusing on the spe- result, last year 25 percent of for- and promote private sector devel- and phyto-sanitary measures and , chickpeas, lentils, peas, bar- Iran’s exported goods, in addition to cific topic of the plenary session. For eign investment was in processing opment, which will be the support technical barriers to trade, customs ley, corn, vegetable oils, , con- those of other developing countries, example, this year there is a group compared with 8 percent in 2009 of stronger growth in other sectors procedures and regulations for de- fectionery, steel rolled products, will receive preferential treatment, working on the modernisation topic prior to industrialisation, given the such as services, agriculture, etc. termining a product’s country of ori- rails, batteries, fittings, pipes and translating to a 25-percent import led by Minister of National Economy total volume of investment staying It is time to move and we have to gin. As a result of the negotiations, other goods to the Iranian market, tax reduction. Timur Suleimenov,” noted Khairov. constant,” he noted. move quickly,” he said. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF New Air Astana facility to cut maintenance costs Kazakhstan’s first liquid -fer houses the airlines’ offices, ware- tiliser plant, worth 50 mil- By Amir Khaidar houses for spare parts and repair lion tenge (US$153,150), was and the garage building. An aux- launched in the North Kazakh- ASTANA – A new $19 million iliary building provides space for stan region, reports inform.kz. hangar will allow Air Astana to the existing Air Astana engineer- The plant, capable of producing perform routine line maintenance ing centre to train engineering and 140 tonnes of liquid fertiliser per and subsequent heavy checks at its maintenance staff to international day, uses granular carbamide and hub in the capital. standards. ammonium nitrate as input mate- “This year the capital of Ka- “This is something new for Air rials. The materials are quickly zakhstan, in honour of which the Astana and for Astana itself. We absorbed by crops and the liquid company was named Air Astana, built this facility to enable us to form allows the fertiliser to be marks its 20th anniversary. The expand on our capability for air- dispersed evenly. Fertiliser use marks its 16th year of craft maintenance, to enable us in can help increase the yield of any operations. In honour of these two the future to do heavy maintenance crops by three to five centners per events we are glad to present a checks on our own airplanes and hectare, said North Kazakhstan new aviation and technical centre if we have capability to do foreign First Deputy Akim (Governor) in Astana, which will contribute operators’ airplanes as well, all un- Aidarbek Saparov. Similar facili- to the development of the capital der the scope of our EASA-145 ap- ties will be launched in several as the largest aviation and transit proval,” said John Wainwright, sen- districts in the region next year. hub in the region. The centre will ior vice-president for maintenance provide technical maintenance to and operations at the Astana hub. Italy’s Cremonini Group has the fleet of our company and to Currently, Kazakh airlines per- begun construction of its Kazak- airlines flying to Kazakhstan,” Air form their heavy checks abroad. Beef plant, according to Astana President and CEO Peter informburo.kz Photo credit: The opening of new aviation tech- kapital.kz. The plant will have a Foster said recently. construction and Development to be performed when outside planes, such as the Boeing 787, as nical centre in Astana will allow daily production capacity of 700 The hangar was designed and (EBRD). The facility will include temperatures drop below freezing. well as single aisle aircraft, such as them to perform heavy checks heads of and 25,000 tonnes built in Canada and was financed state-of-the-art energy efficient The hangar is 5,556 square metres the latest Airbus A320neo. domestically, significantly cutting of beef per year and will include by the European Bank for Re- technology allowing maintenance and can accommodate wide-body In addition to hangar, the centre maintenance costs. a full cycle of butchering, meat processing and manufacturing of prepared meat products as well as processing horns, hooves and hides. The Almaty regional administration has provided 60 Second Competitiveness Forum focuses hectares for the construction of the plant worth more than 15 bil- lion tenge (US$46 million). The location was chosen based on Al- on Kazakh-US cooperation maty’s favourable climate condi- tral Asia’s most market-oriented the event will help develop busi- structure, information technology AIFC Governor Kairat Kelimbe- tions as well as the concentration By Aigerim Seisembayeva economy. ness links to expand Kazakhstan’s and agriculture,” said Krol. tov, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Cul- of meat cattle. About 70 percent The deputy prime minister noted capacity across sectors. The forum included bilateral dis- ture and Sports Arystanbek Mukha- of the plant’s production will be ASTANA – Kazakh and U.S. the success of last year’s EXPO “This forum truly became an in- cussions between companies and mediuly, Minister of Healthcare exported to China and Russia. government officials and business 2017 exhibition and spoke about tegral part of successful and endur- governmental agencies. Valmont Yelzhan Birtanov, the leadership executives discussed May 16 the the new Astana International Fi- ing trade and investment coopera- Industries, AGCO-GSI, Global of ministries of agriculture, justice, CITIC Kazyna Investment implementation of commercial nancial Centre (AIFC), which will tion story between Kazakhstan and Beef and Animart met with the rep- information and communications, Fund, an investment fund owned agreements reached during Presi- officially launch in July on the the United States,” he said. resentatives of Kazakhstan’s Min- representatives of more than 50 by Kazakhstan’s Kazyna Capital dent Nursultan Nazarbayev’s Janu- premises of the expo. U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan istry of Agriculture and agrarian Kazakh and American companies, Management and China’s CITIC ary 2018 official visit to the United “It’s one of the most advanced George Krol said since President businesses. American pharmaceu- including the U.S. Overseas Private Capital with market capitalisa- States and increasing trade and tools of protecting investors we Nazarbayev’s visit to Washington, tical leaders – Pfizer, Medtronic, Investment Corporation (OPIC), tion of $200 million, sold its investment cooperation during the have at our disposal. It embod- DC, he “witnessed a steady stream Ecolab – showed interest in devel- as well as the World Bank and the share in the Arctic Green Energy Second Kazakhstan Competitive- ies best practices of financial of American companies interested oping business and training Ka- European Bank for Reconstruction in doing business and in investing zakh specialists. High-tech com- and Development (EBRD). (AGE) project for $30 million. ness Forum. centres in New York, Singapore, in Kazakhstan.” panies MasterCard, Autodesk and The next Kazakhstan Competi- This deal allowed the fund to al- Kazakh First Deputy Prime and ,” he said, not- “It’s a very impressive and di- Microsoft expressed readiness to tiveness Forum will be in 2019 in most double its initial investment Minister Askar Mamin briefed ing it operates on the principles verse group of American compa- participate in digitisation projects. Astana. and keep an 11 percent share of the gathering on the implementa- of English common law, has its tion of agreements reached during own independent financial court, nies who are present today. And it’s Comcast NBC Universal visited The forum participants are also the company. Given that AGE is a strong indication of the opportu- Kazakhstan for the first time to to attend the 11th Astana Economic planning an initial public offer- President Nazarbayev’s U.S. visit arbitration mechanism and an in- and Kazakh government measures dependent regulator. He invited nities that American companies see discuss film industry and entertain- Forum, which this year has trans- ing, there are prospects for the in Kazakhstan in such key sectors ment cooperation. formed into the Global Challenges to improve the country’s business American counterparts to partici- fund’s share to increase in value. as energy, finance, health, infra- The event was also attended by Summit. AGE is a global project estab- environment. He also spoke about pate in the project. lished to implement Iceland’s Kazakhstan’s modernisation, di- Mamin also focused on efforts experience of using geothermal versification and digitisation pro- to facilitate public-private partner- and other renewable energy in grammes. ships (PPPs), improve transport in- foreign countries, including in “This year has been very pro- frastructure and promote openness, Asia. Kazyna Capital Manage- ductive for both Kazakhstan and transparency and business focus. ment pays special attention to the United States. The successful President and Chief Executive initiatives related to renewable visit of President Nazarbayev to Officer of the Business Council for energy sources and plans to par- the U.S. earlier this year marked International Understanding Peter ticipate in a variety of projects a new stage in the relationship Tichansky said the forum is meant based on green technologies, said between our countries. It re- to facilitate dialogue. the company chairman, Askar sulted in trade and investment “Our goal today is to try to Dostiyarov. agreements worth $7 billion… strengthen existing relationships This success would not be pos- with investors, as well as to fa- A plant producing mineral sible without continuous efforts cilitate new dialogue resulting in water in the region has by the Government of Kazakh- tangible projects and additional restarted after sitting idle since stan to improve our business cli- contribution to the wonderful story the 1990s. Mineral Water Ka- mate,” he said. of Kazakhstan’s diversification and zakhstan invested more than 780 He said Kazakhstan accounts for growth,” he said. million tenge (US$2.4 million) to 80 percent of all foreign direct in- Kazakh Ambassador to the U.S. launch the plant again. The wa- vestment in the region and is Cen- Erzhan Kazykhanov said he hopes ter, taken from underground re- serves in the Shalkar district, was popular during Soviet times and was sold in pharmacies. Now, its mineral water will be sold again, under the Shalqar brand. Mod- EBRD to finance ern Italian equipment will allow the production of 45,000 litres of mineral water and 75,000 li- tres of still water in plastic and reconstruction of glass bottles per day, as well as help maintain the water’s struc- ture and special qualities. The re- launch has also provided jobs for water supply system 40 people. water supply network and 13.7 kil- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov ometres of wastewater sewers; the The management of China’s expansion of water intake facilities Qifeng New Material company ASTANA – The European Bank up to 5.5 million cubic metres; the met with the chair of Kazakh for Reconstruction and Devel- construction of 5.5 kilometres of Invest in Astana to discuss a opment (EBRD) is contributing new wastewater networks and ad- project to produce pulp and pa- $13.5 million for water supply im- ditional facilities, including sludge per from reeds, reports inform. provements in Shymkent. The loan tanks; and the reduction of water kz. The Qifeng plans to spend will help the city upgrade its water loss by 450,000 cubic metres per $320 million to produce more supply network, which is used by year. The EBRD’s programme also than 200,000 tonnes of prod- more than 800,000 residents. includes the increase of treated ucts and employ 2,000 workers. The privately owned Kazakh wastewater by 380,000 cubic me- The production process will use Vodnye Resursy Marketing is re- tres per year and the procurement eco-friendly technology without sponsible for the water supply of of specialised equipment and ve- chlorine to bleach the paper. The more than 800,000 inhabitants of hicles. Chinese company was briefed on Shymkent and will use the loan to Shymkent is the country’s fourth deals for foreign investors dur- upgrade wastewater networks and largest municipality and the centre ing their visit and agreed to tour facilities. The EBRD is provid- of the South Kazakhstan region. several regions with Kazakh In- ing a 13-year loan of up to $13.5 The investment will improve the vest to find a venue for the pro- million to the utility in the bank’s quality of the city’s water service, ject. Qifeng New Material is the eighth project under its Water and which is especially important be- world’s leading manufacturer of Wastewater Modernisation Frame- cause of the area’s rapid growth. decorative paper and wallpaper, work for Kazakhstan. Its population is expected to in- exporting products to more than The bank will be supporting the crease to 1.4 million people from 30 countries. rehabilitation of 46.0 kilometres of the current 0.8 million by 2030. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 Day of Remembrance India and Kazakhstan have heals and strengthens excellent relations, n appreciation of a nation’s history by selves rounded up, up-rooted from their homes and its citizens is critical to its strength and sent to Kazakhstan. Prisoners were forced to work in success. It builds and maintains the shared terrible conditions in factories, mines and farms. sense of identity and common purpose, But it was by no means only those from outside says Indian ambassador whichA helps a country and its people respond to both Kazakhstan who suffered. Millions of also flights to Delhi from both Astana challenges and opportunities. fell victim. Many of the country’s brightest and best By Dana Omirgazy and Almaty. However, land con- It is a history which in Kazakhstan’s case was, were arrested. These numbers were dwarfed by those nectivity is challenging. Kazakh- of course, deliberately ignored for many decades. who died through hunger as a result of what Presi- ASTANA – Relations between stan is connected to Indeed, given how little attention was given to this dent Nursultan Nazarbayev called last year the “cruel Kazakhstan and India have a long and from Turkmenistan to Bandar unique story, what is remarkable was how such a experiment” of collectivisation of the country’s history. At the beginning of the first Abbas in Iran. This port and the strong sense of national pride survived. agriculture. millennium, the went from port in Chabahar, Iran can be used In recent years, these failures have been put right. Historians believe that the great famine between Central Asia to India and Bud- to bring goods from India to Ka- There has been a concerted effort since we became 1931 and 1933 alone may have led to the death of dhism from India was introduced zakhstan and from Kazakhstan a modern independent country on telling the story around one and half million people in Kazakhstan – in Kazakhstan. The Great Silk to India. This is the area which I of the Kazakh people and the roots of the nation. approximately one in four of the entire local popula- and Routes united India and would like to work on,” he added. Whether through an improved curriculum in schools, tion. Hundreds of thousands more were forced to flee Kazakhstan in the Middle Ages. Direct flights have had a positive There was a constant exchange effect on tourism. Approximately a new effort to protect national monuments, or the country or face starvation. It was a brutal policy, Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan powerful TV dramas, there is now a much better un- which was, in some ways, as much about eliminating of goods, ideas and thoughts be- Prabhat Kumar 20,000 people came from India to derstanding, for example, of the remarkable achieve- Kazakh identity as the economic development and tween the countries. The year 2017 Kazakhstan last year and approxi- ments of the Kazakh Khanates and their impact on industrialisation of the country. marked the 25th anniversary of mately 15,000 Kazakhs visited In- the wider region. It was, as we can see in modern Kazakhstan, an diplomatic relations between India India is also well positioned in dia. The figure is increasing every But a nation is not, of course, just shaped by its ambition which failed. In fact, while the suffer- and Kazakhstan. Since 1991, when renewable energy, especially in year and the embassy has simpli- past glories nor by events centuries-old. Kazakh- ing was immense, the legacy has helped make our Kazakhstan gained independence, wind and solar, and Modi initiated fied the procedure for issuing vi- stan’s history – particularly over the last 100 years country stronger. There is, for example, a resilience both countries have strengthened establishing the International Solar sas. – has also contained a great deal of pain and tragedy. about the Kazakh people, which outside commenta- their relations, Ambassador of In- Alliance (ISA) composed of more “We have introduced an elec- These terrible times during the Soviet era also had a tors have noted along with a genuine national pride. dia to Kazakhstan Prabhat Kumar than 121 countries. The primary tronic visa. This means that a per- profound impact on our country, which must not be There is, too, a strong commitment to the rule of told The Astana Times. objective of the alliance is to work son applies for a visa online and in forgotten. This is why the annual Day of Remem- law, enshrined in the constitution, to prevent the “India and Kazakhstan have ex- towards efficiently exploiting solar two days, it will come back. It is brance of Victims of Political Repression on May 31 terrible abuses, which cost millions their freedom cellent relations. In 2009, India and energy to reduce dependence on cheaper. It costs $50 and it is valid is so important. and lives. Kazakhstan became strategic part- fossil fuels, which will also help for two months,” he said. The numbers of those who suffered were immense. Many of the descendants of those deported here, ners following President of Ka- countries meet the climate change Medical tourism is one of the The gulag network extended over a large area of our who themselves were welcomed by the local people, zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev’s goals. fastest growing segments of Indian huge country. It has been estimated that over one mil- have also played a significant role in our country’s visit to India. Prime Minister of “We would like to invite Kazakh- tourism, as the country annually lion people passed through the Karlag labour camp, progress. They have been helped by a determination India Narendra Modi visited Ka- stan to become member of that al- attracts a number of individuals for outside Karaganda, in the thirty years it was open. It that everyone, no matter what their background, has zakhstan in 2015 and 2017. Politi- liance. India also can help in pro- medical treatment. India’s Ayurve- is now the site of a sombre and moving memorial and the opportunity to contribute. The diversity of our cally, we have excellent relations moting renewable energy here by da therapy is known worldwide for museum of this brutal period in our country’s history. population has proved a strength not a weakness. and economic and commercial ties bringing our expertise in solar and is holistic healing methods to pro- Those who lost their freedom were overwhelming- Kazakhstan’s eyes remain firmly focused on the are improving every day,” he said. wind. Therefore, energy is a good mote good health. Approximately ly innocent of any crime. They included many hun- future. But a full understanding of history, of how Both countries are partners in ar- field to work on,” said Kumar. 200 Kazaks went to India for med- dreds of thousands of political prisoners who were a nation and its culture have developed, provides eas such as healthcare, education, Kazakhstan is India’s largest ical treatment last year. the victims of nothing more than paranoia. In many the essential platform for future success. It is why space, IT technology and energy. trade partner in Central Asia, with Culture is another area of co- cases, their families suffered the same fate. Entire the Day of Remembrance, no matter how painful In the course of his tenure, Kumar last year’s trade turnover between operation for both countries. The ethnic groups, including well over half a million of the memories it marks, remains so important to our intends to strengthen the existing the countries reaching $1 billion. Indian Cultural Centre in the capi- Polish, German and Korean origin, also found them- country. relationship, including through India is interested in Kazakhstan’s tal has been engaged in various better economic partnership. oil, uranium and ferroalloys; Ka- activities for many years, offer- “We feel that there are a lot of zakhstan imports mainly Indian ing yoga and musical instrument opportunities, especially in the medicines and . The sides can and Kathak Indian classical dance area of energy, where Kazakhstan increase this figure by improving lessons. Every year, the centre cel- is strong. We would like to in- transport connection between the ebrates the June 21 International crease our cooperation in this area countries. Day of Yoga, which is attended by and invest more in the oil and gas “Now, there is a good flight a large number of local yoga lov- sector,” he noted. connection. Air Astana has direct ers. AIFC governor says global finance is shifting to Asia

By Amir Khaidar

ASTANA – Leading global eco- nomic experts and Astana Inter- national Financial Centre (AIFC) executives outlined important changes in the global financial system and the role of financial centres in the rapidly changing financial environment of the 21st century at a May 18 panel session of the Astana Economic Forum dedicated to the new geography of finance. “Nowadays, we see two main trends in the global economy. Ac- cording to the McKinsey report, economic gravity is shifting from well-established regions to Asia, and if you look at it on the map you can see the new gravity of economic development is shifting

towards Central Asia in particular. tim e.kz. Photo credit: In this regard, it is important that global financial instruments pene- trate Central Asia,” said Kairat Ke- weighed in on the investment po- a country that is stable and safe, limbetov, governor of the AIFC. tential of the Central Asian region. which means that it ensures the The foundation of the AIFC is “Investors are looking at a num- rule of law. itself a step in this direction, he ber of factors when thinking about “Unfortunately, Central Asia is noted. prospective investment opportuni- not covered by global or regional “On the other hand, I am con- ties. More countries are engaged business hubs. Therefore, we are fident that the existing system of in reforms in their economies and trying to create a business hub and financial centres does not change legislation to make favourable in- financial centre here. In the previ- significantly. I think that leaders, vestment climates – and there are ous 20 years, we were covered by for example, like the big four, also some governments working London, , Dubai or Mos- work with each other and com- in the opposite direction, which cow. But now it’s time that we start municate with different coun- worsens the investment climate competing and begin to embrace tries. We have discussed many in their countries. It’s interesting Central Asia from this part of the times whether there will be any to see all of that in the single re- world. Astana has great potential changes after Brexit or whether gion of Central Asia,” said Francis for this,” affirmed Kelimbetov. there will be any movement to- Maude, former British minister of To date, 13 companies have ward new European cities. You state for trade and investment. registered with the AIFC and 150 know, I do not see any changes in He added that investors are look- have made inquiries. The official this regard.” ing for profitable companies. They presentation of Astana’s new fi- International experts also want to invest efficiently, and in nancial hub is scheduled for July 5.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018

fields of security, trade, or democ- How much does Afghanistan racy promotion, but failed to coor- feature in your book and what are dinate among their own government your recommendations to U.S./ Scholars argue for long-term U.S. and bureaucracies. As a result, they have EU about engaging with Central not been in a position to conduct ne- Asians regarding Afghanistan? gotiations across the range of rela- The book is mostly about the tions with the region’s states. post-Soviet states of the region. European approaches to Central Asia In the 1990s, there was some bal- However, we have long advocated ance between the various areas of that, in the present day, Afghanistan By Altair Nurbekov Western interests. But increasingly, is returning to what it once was: part in the past decade, the advocates and parcel of Central Asia. As such, ASTANA – The Central Asia- of democracy promotion captured it should henceforth be included Caucasus Institute (CACI) at agenda-setting power at the expense in all Western consultative mecha- American Foreign Policy Council of those focusing on security and nisms with Central Asia. (AFPC) in Washington, DC, held trade. As a result, Western policy We note that the five former So- a book launch May 1 for the most lost balance. viet states of Central Asia all sup- recent work by S. Frederick Starr It has often focused excessively port the re-inclusion of Afghanistan and Svante E. Cornell, “The Long on an antagonist approach to gov- as a core component of their region Game on the .” ernments in the region, working on In the book, the authors, who or against them, very often through serve as CACI chairman and direc- NGOs, and not with governments. With patience tor respectively, take stock of both We argue this approach has failed. American and European policies Instead, we support the notion of and constructive toward Central Asia and the Cau- working with governments to pro- engagement, the West casus. Drawing on CACI’s twenty mote state efficiency and account- years of interaction with the region, ability – in other words, to build can help Central Asia the book acknowledges the many good governance as a prerequisite become a model for achievements, but argues that West- are now seeking to define the forms of all of the regional states, includ- Americans saw Central Asia and for long-term building of represent- ern policies suffer from serious and of cooperation that will turn their ing Afghanistan, and also the outer the Caucasus in regional terms. In- ative and democratic government. the Muslim world unacknowledged conceptual and countries into a true region. powers, is a key challenge. creasingly, however, they defaulted This will require persistence and structural flaws. The authors pro- Persisting tasks include over- to the bilateral level, and do not patience. as a whole. pose concrete ways to address these Defining a model coming landlockedness, which has think regionally. For bureaucratic issues and render U.S. and Europe- profound impact on the economic reasons both America and Europe Does the title of your book “The and are taking important measures an policies more effective. of cooperation that competitiveness of the region, and have failed to keep in mind the vi- Long Game on the Silk Road” sug- to achieve this. We believe strongly In an exclusive interview with maintaining and refining the models tal link across the Caspian connect- gest there is an ongoing New Great that the West should welcome and The Astana Times, the two authors will accommodate of secular statehood in the face of ing the Caucasus and Central Asia. Game? support this, not as a step against explain their reasoning in detail and the interests of challenges both from extremist ide- Also, Western powers have too of- Certainly not. We chose Long anyone, but as a natural and inevita- argue for “a long-term and steady ologies and Western criticism. ten taken sovereignty for granted, Game, in fact, as an antithesis to ble historical development. approach, not subject to constant all of the regional A third task is to balance relations and failed to take seriously the ex- Great Game – Long Game being a maneuvering,” in formulating and with great powers near and far while istential security threats facing re- term that implies a long-term and If you were to give only one piece pursuing Western policy towards states, including securing their own independence. gional states. They have also taken steady approach, not subject to of advice to European and Ameri- the region that “is not against any- Afghanistan, and What do you see as the main for granted the secular nature of the constant maneuvering. We argue can policy makers regarding Cen- one, but for the region.” flaws or shortcomings of previous region’s states, one of their most im- the West should take a long-term tral Asia, what would that be? also the outer powers, European and American policies portant assets. approach to the region, seeing its That change does not come over- What are the main challenges is a key challenge. towards Central Asia? As for structural elements, the interests in the long term and tak- night, and that with patience and awaiting Central Asian states? There have been shortcomings main failure has been in the realm ing a patient approach to its rela- constructive engagement, the West After a quarter century of suc- of both a conceptual and structural of coordination. Western powers – tions there and the goals it seeks to can help Central Asia become a cessfully focusing on building their Defining a model of cooperation nature. the U.S. in particular – have often achieve. This policy is not against model for the Muslim world as a sovereignty, Central Asian states that will accommodate the interests At the outset, Europeans and advanced different interests in the anyone, but for the region. whole. Kazakhstan’s nuclear legacy and importance of CTBTO order to prevent further damage Following independence in Disarmament (PNND). Our visit experience, knowledge and skills By Marzhan Nurzhan to human health and the environ- December 1991, the new gov- International to ground zero was particularly that can be transferred. There cur- ment. ernment of Kazakhstan, led by poignant for me and for other con- rently appears to be an intergen- I am coming from Kazakh- the President, made the historic Day against ference participants. erational gap, a lack of communi- stan, the country which inherited decision to relinquish nearly Nuclear Tests cation between youth and seniors, around 1,500 nuclear weapons 1,500 nuclear weapons they had Given its experience as the which must be filled and bridged from the making it inherited when the Soviet Union most affected country in the world Second CYG Astana with a common ground, interest the 4th biggest nuclear arsenal in dissolved, and join the Non-Pro- by nuclear test explosions, Ka- Conference. and interaction. Therefore, we as the world at the time. For almost liferation Treaty as a non-nucle- zakhstan successfully moved the youth must use the platform pro- half a century, from 1949 un- ar-weapon state. United Nations General Assembly Trip to ground zero vided by the upcoming conference til 1989, the Soviet Union con- Since then, Kazakhstan has to establish the International Day in Astana on August 28-30. ducted 456 nuclear tests above continued to play a key role for This year CTBTO Youth Group This international meeting be- against Nuclear Tests on August (CYG) will hold its second inter- and underground at the Semipa- global nuclear non-proliferation 29, which has a special signifi- tween the CTBTO Group of Emi- latinsk Nuclear Test Site, known national conference in Kazakh- nent Persons (GEM) and CYG and disarmament. In addition cance due to the symbolic date that also as Semey polygon, in the to supporting and promoting stan. This will provide a great members will be a place to col- coincides with the first nuclear test eastern part of Kazakhstan. The the CTBT, Kazakhstan played a opportunity for CTBTO youth to laborate and learn from each oth- conducted in Kazakhstan and also energy of the tests released in leading role in establishing the build a deeper understanding of er, especially drawing from the the date of the closure of the Se- turn was roughly equal to the ca- Central Asian Nuclear Weapon the impact of nuclear tests and the experience, expertise and knowl- pacity of 2,500 Hiroshima atom- Free Zone. The CANWFZ treaty mey polygon in 1991. imperative for nuclear disarma- edge of seniors with regards to ic bombs. includes an obligation of all five The experience of Kazakhstan ment. nuclear-related issues. The con- The radioactive fallout from member states to adhere to the and other countries that have suf- The role of young people in ference will include a unique op- the nuclear explosions has re- CTBT. fered from nuclear tests can be used peace and security is important, portunity for participants to visit sulted in widespread contamina- Kazakhstan: Other key initiatives of Ka- to encourage CTBT Annex 2 states particularly participation and in- the former Semipalatinsk test site tion of the Semey area causing From nuclear victim to zakhstan include proposing of the humanitarian and security volvement in the area of nuclear in order to witness first-hand the catastrophic humanitarian and a Universal Declaration for a benefits of joining the CTBT. The issues. Youth and future genera- risks of nuclear testing and reflect environmental consequences. disarmament champion Nuclear-Weapons-Free World International Day against Nuclear tions are impacted by the legacy upon it. Almost 2 million people have The horrific experience of be- which was adopted by the UN Tests on August 29 is a good op- of nuclear tests and the threat from These efforts of Kazakhstan will been already affected suffering ing victim of the Soviet nuclear General Assembly, launching portunity to publicise this. nuclear weapons policies, and so have a positive impact on present from severe health problems, tests stimulated strong public op- the ATOM Project which high- Kazakhstan commemorates the their voice must be included. This generation to work on building a cancer, birth deformities and position to nuclear weapons in lights the humanitarian impact day annually, often through in- is rightly highlighted by the CT- world free of nuclear weapons and death which will continue for Kazakhstan, supported by Kazakh of nuclear tests through the ternational conferences hosted in BTO Youth Group. Thus, I was contribute to the entry into force of many generations to come. leaders. A civil society movement voices of victims and survivors Astana and field trips to ground honoured to participate in the First the CTBT in the nearest future. Therefore, I believe that role “Nevada-Semipalatinsk” (Nevada- such as Karipbek Kuyukov, and zero in Semey. In 2016, I had the CYG Moscow conference in 2017, of the Comprehensive Nuclear Semey) guided by Olzhas Sulei- organizing a special session in opportunity to help organize the where I had an opportunity to con- The author is a CYG member Test Ban Treaty Organization menov led to the closure of nuclear January 2018 of the UN Security conference “Building a nuclear- tribute to the initiative of youth di- from Kazakhstan, a convener of (CTBTO) is vital and instrumen- test site on August 29, 1991 – pre- Council focused on confidence weapon-free world” in Astana, plomacy pledge. Abolition 2000 Youth Network tal in banning nuclear tests eve- venting any further nuclear tests in building and nuclear disarma- co-hosted by Parliamentarians for However, youth also need to and a PNND Coordinator for rywhere in this world forever, in Kazakhstan. ment. Nuclear Non-Proliferation and learn from our elders who have CIS countries. Anticorruption measures keep pace with international standards economic inequalities, and creat- analysing the extent to which the anti-corruption policy, this work was also created with the aim of By Zhandos Sarsenov ing more effective state policies, policy pursued by our state in has been carried out in our country forming an effective and transpar- thus increasing the level of glo- combating corruption meets inter- for several years already. It is nota- ent education system. Over the past several years, the balisation. national standards. ble that the same analytical instru- Based on the reports of the Organisation for Economic Coop- Discussions also focused on the During the forum, speeches ments make it possible to identify speakers, we can say that the poli- eration and Development (OECD) need to manage globalisation and were given by leading interna- and timely eliminate zones most cy pursued by our state in combat- has been holding conferences on its role in combating corruption tional experts and public figures, prone to corruption offenses. ing corruption fully meets inter- ethics and corruption within the and unethical practices in areas who spoke about the destructive In addition, the issues of instill- national standards. Moreover, the framework of the Global Anti- such as trade, competition, infra- consequences of corruption. Some ing a sense of non-acceptance of preventive tools used by OECD Corruption and Integrity Forum. structure, development coopera- of them gave illustrative examples corruption to the younger gen- countries are known and actively This year, I had the opportunity to tion and revenue collection. of various corruption schemes and eration were also discussed. The used in our country. attend this event and get acquaint- The forum was attended by in- described ways and mechanisms speakers came to a conclusion that The forum was quite interesting ed in detail with the global experi- ternational anti-corruption experts, to combat them. There was an this measure is urgent not only and informative. In the end, we can ence of countering corruption. was globalisation, which repre- government officials, including example of a corruption scandal for developing countries, but for confidently say that in the area of This year, the topic was how cor- sents a growing integration of Iceland’s Prime Minister, Norwe- around a world-famous company the whole world. They gave an combating corruption, our country ruption undermined confidence in the economy in terms of flows of gian Prime Minister, Argentina’s in Germany. It was particularly example of anti-corruption educa- is keeping pace with most of the the government and helped advance goods, services, capital, people Vice-President, Munich City Pros- noted that analytical instruments tion for children and adolescents, developed countries and is imple- what the OECD Secretary-General and ideas. Although this brought ecutor, First Vice-President of the played the main role in identifying which, incidentally, is already be- menting effective mechanisms to Jose Angel Gurria described in huge benefits in financial terms, European Commission and OECD this crime. Namely, tax auditors ing implemented by our agency. prevent corruption in all spheres. his opening remarks as the three unfortunately, it did not bring suf- Secretary General Jose Angel Gur- noticed unusual money transfers Creating “Adal Urpak” voluntary destructive “-isms” that haunt the ficient benefits to people. As part ria. to the accounts of third parties, clubs in schools is a timely and ef- The author is Head of the De- whole of today’s world: populism, of this topic, the forum discussed It was interesting to learn about which turned out to be intended fective tool for anti-corruption ed- partment for Civil Service Af- nationalism and protectionism. issues of creating equal conditions the international practices of com- for payment to top officials and ucation of the younger generation. fairs and Anticorruption of the The main focus of the forum for doing business, eliminating bating corruption, comparing and state figures. According to the new The “Sanaly Urpak” project office Karaganda region. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 Georgian FM visits Kazakhstan, meets top government officials struction and agriculture, among “We have excellent relations at for the creation of working groups By Aigerim Seisembayeva other topics. all levels, and we appreciate those to address specific issues of bilat- The Kazakh and Georgian offi- relations. And today’s meeting is eral interaction. ASTANA – Georgian Deputy cials also discussed bilateral inter- another example of our intention As part of his visit, Janelidze Prime Minister and Foreign Min- action between governmental bod- to develop them further,” Janelidze will also participate in the 11th ister Mikheil Janelidze discussed ies, regions and businesses, as well said. Astana Economic Forum on May bilateral cooperation May 16 in as Georgian companies’ participa- Abdrakhmanov also said Ka- 17-18 which this year has been Astana with top Kazakh govern- tion in the Astana International Fi- zakhstan attaches “great impor- transformed into the Global Chal- ment officials. nancial Centre (AIFC). According tance to improving the existing lenges Summit. Janelidze met with Kazakh to the report from the Prime Min- and creating new trade and trans- In 2017, Kazakh-Georgian trade (lower house of Parlia- ister’s press service, Kazakh com- port routes and economic corridors grew 56.4 percent compared to ment) Speaker Nurlan Nigmatulin panies are ready to supply electric that connect the countries of Cen- 2016 and amounted to $64.3 mil- to discuss bilateral cooperation, locomotives for Georgian Rail- tral Asia, South Caucasus, Europe lion. Kazakh exports to Georgia parlam.kz reports. Nigmatulin said ways and Kazakh buses to renew and the Persian Gulf, as well as in 2017 doubled and amounted to recent bilateral contacts demon- ’s bus fleet. The Kazakh maximising the use of the Trans- $38.4 million. Imports from Geor- strate mutual interest in trade, eco- Georgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze (L) Export national company offers Caspian International Transport gia in the past year totaled $25.9 nomic, cultural and international and Kazakh Foreigh Minister in Astana on May 16. the Georgian side long-term trade Route.” million, which is 19 percent higher cooperation. financing, according to its export- The two countries also reaf- than in 2016. January-February The Mazhilis speaker also high- insurance programme and joint firmed their intention to cooperate 2018 trade reached $8.7 million, lighted President Nursultan Naz- bility of the region and the world. traffic police system and in provid- implementation of projects. on the implementation of China’s which is 80.2 percent higher than arbayev’s initiative to establish a Your successful work in the UN ing incentives for businesses. Janelidze also discussed bilat- Belt and Road Initiative. in the same period last year. single global network under the Security Council is another ex- Janelidze also met with Ka- eral and multilateral cooperation Following the talks, the min- Kazakhstan has invested more United Nations to counter interna- ample of your approach and the zakh Prime Minister Bakytzhan with Kazakh Foreign Minister isters signed a cooperation pro- than $406 million over the last 12 tional terrorism and extremism. foreign policy direction we highly Sagintayev, primeminister.kz re- Kairat Abdrakhmanov. The sides gramme between the foreign min- years in the Georgian economy. Janelidze praised Kazakhstan’s respect,” he said. ports. The sides discussed deep- praised Kazakh-Georgian cooper- istries of Kazakhstan and Georgia Direct investments from Georgia regional and global role. Nigmatulin said inter-parliamen- ening trade and economic coop- ation in organisations, such as the for 2018-2019. The document into Kazakhstan over that same “Kazakhstan’s dynamic devel- tary cooperation is important to eration in energy, transportation, United Nations and the Organisa- plans a series of bilateral consul- period have totaled $45.9 million. opment, the stability that you dem- bilateral relations, adding the Ka- logistics, tourism, culture, health, tion for Cooperation and Security tations on Kazakh-Georgian rela- Today, there are approximately onstrate thanks to the policy of zakh Parliament members would education, expansion of mutual in Europe (OSCE). tions and international issues. The 120 joint Kazakh-Georgian com- your President, is an example for like to exchange experience with trade in new directions, exports of Abdrakhmanov and Janelidze sides also agreed to improve the panies operating in Kazakhstan in other countries. We commend the their Georgian counterparts on in- processed and raw materials in the said their countries will make ef- legal framework of bilateral rela- energy, transport, innovation and role your country plays in the sta- troducing legislative reforms in the chemical industry, machinery, con- forts to deepen relations. tions. The programme also calls healthcare, among other sectors. LLDC ministers call for Expanding women’s enhanced transportation, leadership in business, economic opportunities government discussed at AEF More than 80 participants from 1 percent of global merchandise Women make essential contribu- In Kazakhstan, there is good fe- By Amir Khaidar 32 LLDCs, international and re- exports. By Meruyert Abugaliyeva tions to achieving and maintaining male representation in SMEs, as gional organisations, business Goods from landlocked devel- peaceful and secure communities, women lead 43 percent of such ASTANA – Ministers and senior sector representatives shared oping countries often travel long ASTANA – Challenges and for realising human rights, eradi- entities. However, leadership posi- government officials from land- knowledge and experience of im- distances before reaching mari- prospects for women’s leadership cating hunger and poverty and pro- tions in business and government locked developing countries (LL- provement of transport infrastruc- time shipping routes. Transport were discussed by female leaders moting sustainable development,” need to have more women, since DCs) and development partners ture and the creation of new eco- systems of LLDCs rely on neigh- at a May 18 round table during the Conkievich noted. only around 15 percent of large recently gathered in Astana for nomic opportunities. bouring countries for transit access 11th Astana Economic Forum in She also said women are sig- companies are run by women and a two-day meeting to determine “We understand that sustainable resulting in high trade costs. the Kazakh capital. nificantly underrepresented in 47 percent of the boards of direc- ways in which trade, economic transport is a key factor for the To address these challenges, “To date, most developed coun- politics and governance, missing tors include women. transformation and the develop- progress and future of the devel- the Government of Kazakhstan in tries have recognised the impor- in particular from senior decision- “The third challenge involves ment of transport infrastructure oping countries. The recommen- August 2003 hosted the first in- tance of an inclusive economy making positions, and proposed cultural norms limiting the role of can benefit LLDCs. dation of this meeting will allow ternational ministerial conference in terms of female capital devel- four strategies for more gender- women to family and child care. “I am delighted that ministers us to broaden the forms of the co- of landlocked and transit devel- opment. However, according to inclusive governments. We are actively trying to overcome from landlocked developing coun- operation in the field of transport, oping countries and development a UN report, legal obstacles for “We need to support the devel- all three challenges to reach 50/50 tries have come together in Astana infrastructure and overcome the partners during which the Almaty female empowerment have been opment of legal frameworks to gender parity across the public and to address vital issues affecting barriers of remoteness and costs,” Programme of Action was adopt- eradicated only in 18 countries. facilitate women’s representation; government sector,” added Ab- their countries. I wish to thank our said Kazakh Minister for Invest- ed. Programme addressed special Barriers, gradually taking root in expand the pool of qualified and ylkassymova. generous hosts, the Government of ment and Development Zhenis needs and challenges faced by the socio-economic and political rela- capable women to run for elec- Kseniya Sobchak, journalist and Kazakhstan, and I hope that over Kassymbek. LLDCs in achieving their develop- tions, hamper democratic process- tions; we need to transform gender Russian 2018 presidential can- these next two days recommen- He also added that more than 80 ment goals. es worldwide,” noted Secretary of roles so that women are accepted didate, stressed the importance dations and opportunities can be percent of international trade fall In November 2014, a new pro- State of Kazakhstan Gulshara Ab- as legitimate and effective lead- of combating traditional gender identified to improved trade, trans- on maritime shipping routes and gramme was adopted, the dykalikova. ers, and lastly, we need to support stereotypes and changing the psy- port and economic opportunities despite lacking direct access to the Programme of Action for LLDCs One of the public policy pri- women and gender sensitive politi- chology of women. She believes which can help to transform the sea, Kazakhstan’s trade turnover is until 2024. This programme of ac- orities in Kazakhstan is women’s cal institutions,” she advised. women are ready to play the roles lives of communities living in LL- increasing, which corresponds to tion identifies fundamental transit rights and the expansion of eco- Conkievich also suggested the set by their societies and gender DCs,” said Fekita ‘Utoikamanu, the improvement of transport in- policy issues, infrastructure de- nomic opportunities for women. next Astana Economic Forum fol- equality will not be ensured unless UN high-representative and under- frastructure. velopment, international trade and To date, Kazakhstan has passed low the example of the Davos Eco- women take action to change the secretary-general Least Developed According to the office of trade facilitation, regional integra- the 30 percent threshold of women nomic Forum, which this year was status quo. She also stressed the Countries, Landlocked Develop- ‘Utoikamanu, LLDCs continue tion, structural economic transfor- represented in leading positions chaired entirely by women importance of education and self- ing Countries and Small Island to be marginalised in internation- mation and means of implementa- in the financial sector. Moreover, Kazakh Minister of Labour and development for Kazakh women. Developing Countries. al trade, accounting for less than tion as its key priorities. Kazakh women run more than Social Protection Madina Ab- The discussion was continued 500,000 or 43 percent of small and ylkassymova briefed the round by Mars One programme finalist medium-sized entities (SMEs). table on economic opportunities Adriana Marais, Director for Gen- Female entrepreneurs have also available for Kazakh women and der and Economic Inclusion at the contributed to nearly a third of all where their representation stands. European Bank for Reconstruction workplaces provided by SMEs. “In Kazakhstan, female par- and Development (EBRD) Bar- KTZ Express to operate Chinese In 2018, Kazakhstan ranks 52nd ticipation in the labour market is bara Rambousek, Canadian Am- in terms of gender equality and rather high, as 70 percent are in the bassador to Kazakhstan Nicholas 30th in terms of female economic labour market; however, there are Brousseau, Deputy Foreign Minis- participation, according to a World still several problems. First of all, ter of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashik- container fleet in Central Asia Economic Forum report. there is a wage gap between men bayev, Consul of the United Arab were reached,” said the compa- more than $10 billion are cur- Elaine Conkievich, head of UN and women. The reason is that Emirates in Kazakhstan Najla Al By Meruyert Abugaliyeva ny’s press release. rently being implemented. These , believes women are mostly employed in Kaabi and Senior Vice President of During the past 10 years, Ka- are focused on developing infra- that female representation is cru- sectors of low pay; for example, 70 the Centre for Creative Leadership ASTANA – KTZ Express, a zakhstan has invested approxi- structure towards the Caspian cial for the realisation of sustain- percent of employers in medicine Jennifer Martineau. subsidiary of Kazakhstan Temir mately $30 billion in transporta- Sea and the ports of Kazakhstan able development goals (SDGs) and education are women. A lot The Astana Economic Forum Zholy (KTZ), Kazakhstan’s tion infrastructure. and Azerbaijan, as well as the set by the United Nations in 2015. of women also work in informal this year was transformed into the state-owned railway operator and “We have plans to invest an Georgian and Turkish ports on “Women’s political participa- sectors not well covered by social Global Challenges Summit, dedi- logistics company, will manage additional $8.4 billion by 2020. the Black Sea. Once complete, tion, particularly in decision mak- programmes. Another challenge is cated to 11 global trends, including the container fleet of Chinese This will complement the al- they will contribute to deliver- ing, is extremely critical for ful- gender inequality in the corporate urbanisation, digitisation, financial COSCO Shipping in Kazakhstan, ready dynamic development ing the speed and technological filling the potential of democracy. sector,” she noted. revolution and global security. Central Asia and along the Trans- of our trade routes in concert interlinkages that are required Caspian International Transport with China’s Belt and Road to meet the growing demand for Route. Initiative, in which our country goods and products,” he added. The agreement between KTZ plays a vital role. It will also In 2010, such transcontinental and COSCO, a leading interna- breathe new life into transcon- container shipments via Kazakh- tional container fleet operator, tinental shipping routes be- stan did not exist and in 2011 was signed during KTZ president tween Asia, Europe and among there were only 1,200 twenty- Kanat Alpysbayev’s recent meet- Organisation for Security and foot equivalent units (TEUs) ings in Shanghai with COSCO Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) transported. However, in 2017, and other logistic companies of countries,” said Kazakh Deputy Kazakh railways transported Chinese provinces. Foreign Minister Roman Vassi- more than 200,000 containers to “We are open for cooperation lenko at a recent OSCE confer- Europe and back in cooperation and ready to increase transpor- ence in Vienna. with 17 Chinese provinces, Viet- tation volume through Kazakh- According to the official, trans- nam, and South Korea. stan,” noted Alpysbayev. porting goods by land has distinct “Rail transportation across “As a result of the meetings, advantages over other transport Kazakhstan in all directions will further opportunities for cooper- means. For instance, transporta- reach 550,000 TEUs this year, ation were discussed, as well as tion by rail from China to Europe and we expect these volumes to agreements to increase the vol- across Kazakhstan is three times grow rapidly over the next few ume of container shipment from faster than by sea and almost ten years reaching two million con- China to Europe, Central Asia, times cheaper than by air. tainers by 2020,” noted Vassi-

Turkey and Persian Gulf states “Joint plans and projects worth lenko. Facebook page. Saltanat Rakhimbekova’s Photo credit: B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Non-native Kazakh language Deutsches Theatre: Astana Arlans beat British teacher serves as inspiration in sync with times Lionhearts, advance B2 B3 to fifth WSB final B7 Astana holds festival showcasing First comic artist talents of special needs children breaks into country’s

By Yerbolat Uatkhanov

ASTANA – Astana recently online society hosted its first festival showcasing climate, cultural differences and the creative talents of children with By Raushan Shamsharkhan public policies. special needs. The Meirim festival “In all issues and spheres, we attracted more than 400 children ASTANA – Le Shapalaque, web try to be as objective as pos- with special educational needs. comics that offer fresh perspec- sible. We carefully study the “This year, we have participated tives on daily Kazakh matters, has problem; only then do we pub- in such a festival for the first time. received a lot of love on social lish them. I think that topics that My daughter Aziza dances. I wish media from local readers. The first affect everyday life situations that there were more such festivals non-commercial, humorous online will always be relevant in Ka- because we were preparing with comics about the Kazakh mental- zakhstan. Politics, show busi- enthusiasm for the performance for ity mostly depict scenes of every- ness are a temporary phenom- several months,” said the mother day live. enon, but food, friendship, love of one of the participants Gulbanu In an interview with The Asta- and family worry us every day. Ibragimova, according to the Asta- na Times, founder Adil Zakenov These topics will always come na city government website. talked about how the art resonates up,” he said. Ibragimova is a strong supporter astana.gov.kz Photo credit: with Kazakh realities, the work Zakenov graduated from Naz- of such events, saying, “thanks to with disabilities was shown. Also, Astana branch, Assyl Social Services Centre of Astana culture, how the ideas are gener- arbayev University in 2015, ma- such events our children with a di- an exhibition of the best children’s Bala Public Foundation, sponsors administration and Spinabifida ated and the future of the Kazakh joring in computer science. He has agnosis of cerebral palsy are look- works of fine art was opened. In and organizers, KazCargoCus- Public Association were co-organ- comics industry. been involved with cartoons and ing at their lives positively. Such addition, the children sang, read toms, Astana School No. 83, Ve- isers of the festival. “Le Shapalaque was created for animation since his student years. events give them confidence, they poetry and danced. lada international model agency, By 2020, 70 percent of schools a reason. The goal of the project He managed a student club and, af- find themselves, they adapt them- Special master classes for chil- SaBelle fashion House and Gul- in Kazakhstan will provide in- is to encourage a person to realise ter graduation, restored its activi- selves.” dren on felting, jewellery, drawing mira Barlubaeva beauty studio clusive education. Such educa- that he/she is not alone, that their ties as an official organisation. The main goal of the festival and wood carving were organised sponsored and organised the fes- tion will accommodate the needs situation is not unique. We invite “I told my friend Daniyar is to create an inclusive creative as well. The event was held at the tival. of all children regardless of their the reader to look at circumstances Akhmetzhanov about this. He not space that helps to reveal the tal- National Museum under “Astana – The Society of Parents of Chil- disability, health, socio-economic at hand through the prism of hu- only supported and co-initiated ents of children. During the event, the City of People Strong in Spirit” dren with Disabilities, the World status, gender or race. In general, mour, because it is sometimes the drawing comic books, but even a fashionable and stylish collec- programme. The festival was dedi- of Equal Opportunities, Solne- it responds to whatever potential only thing that helps to live in this dropped out of his master’s degree tion of clothes adapted for the cated to the 20th anniversary of the chniy Mir (Sunny World) Public barrier to learning exists in the harsh reality,” he said. to fully merge into the sphere,” he said. physical characteristics of children Kazakh capital. Fund, Heritage Public Association, classroom. The quirky yet straightforward They founded Black Rainbow project launched on Instagram on Studio, making promotional image March 1, 2017. Since then, the ads for small and medium-sized Le Shapalaque team has shared businesses and national compa- sketches of various current events nies. and issues related to the coun- Le Shapalaque is translated from Capital celebrates Africa Day try with a slice-of-life appeal. To the Kazakh language as “a slap in countries, embassies and cultures Ababa to create an organisation economic ties and issues of peace date, topics have included a light- the face” and the creators wanted By Raushan Shamsharkhan attended the event. The day be- that would later become home to and reconciliation. hearted look at the recent decision the name to have a national slant gan with an international flag pa- all Africans and on May 25, their “I think the beauty of the rela- to effect the transition of the Ka- while focusing on the local infor- ASTANA – The capital marked rade, continuing with culture table discussions led to the birth of the tionship between Kazakhstan and zakh language into the Latin-based mation market. Africa Day at QSI International demonstrations, tours and a con- African Unity Organisation, now South Africa is the many things alphabet, stereotypes, traditions, Continued on Page B3 School of Astana May 25 as part cert. Each state had its own corner called the African Union. The or- they have in common. We have of the eighth annual International where art and crafts, national cui- ganisation was initially created to very, very similar traditions. We Day. sine, books, posters, slideshows, promote and support African lib- have a very similar outlook on life, “This is an amazing event where music, traditional clothes and oth- eration struggles against colonial- very hospitable, open and kind each community that is involved er aspects of culture, including Af- ism, said Matthews, as very few people. For us, respecting the el- in the school, whether a parent, rican nations, were presented. The countries were independent. The ders is very important like for the Israeli artist opens charity teacher or students, have an op- main speakers were the African name change came after the libera- Kazakhs. I think these grounded portunity of displaying the pride ambassadors in Kazakhstan. tion of the last state, South Africa, similarities ease the relationship of their country through quizzes, “I think it is very important as the task had been completed. between the countries,” she said. through food, through games. It is and a great education for Kazakh The purpose of the union is to “This is a very big platform that exhibition in Astana one of the most amazing events in children who are at the school promote African development, President Nazarbayev has been By Assel Satubaldina “I wanted to convey that good the school year. I think this kind to learn about all the differ- ensure economic and infrastruc- promoting. Prevention of conflict, mood and state of mind that I had of affair will continue evolving. ent cultures and different tradi- ture development and improve the how to mediate dispute, how to ASTANA – Israeli artist Regina in Astana thanks to people who Many years ago there were ap- tions of other people, not only quality of people’s lives. Matthews put people who have previously Shafir unveiled a charity exhibi- live here – hospitable, warm, open proximately 20 nationalities in the about themselves. We live in a believes this is its mandate for the fought on the path of develop- tion called Sweets May 23 at the minded and attentive, wonderful, school; now we have just below globalised world; no nation on continent’s 54 member countries ment, growth and infrastructure. I Has Sanat Art Gallery in the Ka- sweet and cheerful children, hospi- 40. We see more and more ambas- Earth can survive without mixing and all the heads of state meet think the future in terms of South zakh capital. table homes,” said Shafir. sadors involved, which is a case with other people because there regularly. Africa and Kazakhstan is to help Organised with the help of the The paintings presented at the to promote a country. I am happy are things that you have that you Africans celebrate this day every to build and maintain peace so that Dara Charity Foundation, all pro- exhibition reflect the artist’s vision to promote my country, France. It can offer the world and there are year with hope and faith that the the world can be more stable and ceeds will go to orphanages and of local culture and traditions, na- is an opportunity to meet friends, things that the world can offer to continent will continue to build its have more sustainable economic children with physical challenges. ture landscapes and city, include meet a family and also meet cli- you. So, it is a multi-polar world destiny, rid itself of poverty, dis- development,” she added. Established in 2005, the founda- portraits of her close friends as Notably, Kazakhstan seeks to ents. I hope this event will contin- where everybody is relevant be- eases and military conflicts, escape tion has been implementing pro- well as depict Israeli culture. It build friendly and mutually ben- ue growing,” said Astana Mariott cause everyone has been gifted the severe economic situation it is jects to assist children’s medi- took almost a year to complete now experiencing and oppose all eficial relations with African Hotel General Manager Philippe with something special that they cal institutions, orphanages and them. difficulties more strongly than in countries. In the Foreign Policy Mahuas. can offer elsewhere. I think that boarding schools for children with The paintings were meant to it is a very important message to the past. Commentators agree the Concept until 2020, the African QSI Dutch teacher Patrick Pe- disabilities. pass on an “impression of warm convey, especially to children,” next substantial economic revival direction is defined as one of the ters said the school has many na- The exhibit, to remain open un- Kazakhstan and the brightest side tionalities and the event is a way said Keitumetsi Seipelo Thande- and boom will occur in Africa priorities. til June 13, includes 32 paintings. of Astana,” she said. for every country to excel and ka Matthews, South African Am- and citizens are preparing for the “I think Kazakhstan is very Thirty of them were sold on the “The theme is Astana and the promote its good happenings in a bassador to Kazakhstan, as well awakening of the sleeping giant. fortunate to have had a President opening day, Shafir told The Asta- way I see it,” she added. happy and safe environment. as to , Tajikistan and Kazakhstan and South Africa like Nursultan Nazarbayev with a na Times. Continued on Page B3 “You see that if all nations can Turkmenistan. have excellent relations, noted great vision for how he wants this join together, we can have a fan- This year, International Day co- Matthews. She added both coun- country to be. And equally, we tastic thing like this,” he said. incided with Africa Day. In 1963, tries are focused on expanding were very fortunate to have Mr. Representatives of different African leaders gathered in Addis cultural exchange among youth, (Nelson) Mandela, who changed the world with his vision of how THINGS TO WATCH & he wants the world to be, not just South Africa,” she said. PLACES TO GO This year marks the 100th anni- ASTANA OPERA versary of Mandela’s birth, one of the most respected world leaders. June 1 at 4 p.m. Children’s theatre studio “He has been a very seminal presents…, concert person and a significant icon in the development of thinking in the June 2 at 6 p.m. The charm of opera and art world, especially around forgive- song, concert ness, reconciliation and respect for June 7 at 7 p.m. Musical dialogues, concert humankind. The person we honour today came from virtually nothing. June 10 at 6 p.m. When your heart sings with I think it a fundamental lesson to love, concert inspire children and to give chil- dren hope and determination to June 13 at 7 p.m. Exquisite classics, concert succeed. That is the message, that is the legacy Mandela left for all of ASTANA ARENA us,” she said. The entire world is celebrating the June 5 at 8 p.m. Kazakhstan – Azerbaijan, event, such as the United Nations friendly football match General Assembly special debate about Mandela and his legacy in September. In her speech to school WYNDHAM GARDEN ASTANA children, Matthews talked about his June 7 at 7 p.m. Spina Bifida charity event deeds, principles and passion. “If you want to be something, you want to make an impression to BARYS ARENA the world; it is up to you. You can June 9 at 6 p.m. and friends, ice show Keitumetsi Seipelo Thandeka Matthews. do it,” she said. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 Non-native Kazakh language Knitting school stitches together teacher serves as inspiration learning, entrepreneurship, language courses from 2009- By Dana Omirgazy 2016 and her lessons encouraged many people to learn and speak ASTANA – Natalya Demen- Kazakh. She developed her own social connection tyeva, of Kokshetau, who teaches projects to promote the popular- Kazakh language and literature, ity of the language among non- By Aigerim Bulambayeva motivates and interests students native speakers and improve lit- to learn the national language. eracy. During her years in mass ASTANA – Aspiring young social The ethnic Russian and director media, she worked with the entrepreneur Rakhima Mukusheva of the Kokshetau Humanitarian Assembly of the People of Ka- holds knitting classes in Astana, with Technical Lyceum is among the zakhstan to initiate a programme the goal of helping her students mas- country’s 100 New Faces. about the country’s famous fig- ter new skills, socialise and take baby “I always remember the words ures. Thanks to her pedagogical steps into entrepreneurship upon the of the great historical figure skills and progressive vision, the completion of the classes. Genghis Khan. He said: ‘If you’re lyceum where she works was in- Although Mukusheva has estab- afraid – don’t do it; if you’re do- cluded in the list of the best edu- lished knitting classes and launched ing it – don’t be afraid!’ I am sure cational institutions among cities a promising social project, she sees that the participants of the project and regions. herself above all as a mother of three have the same life principles. We She is a member of the Assem- sons and a wife. Family is not only do not seem to know them, but bly of the People of Kazakhstan a key element of Mukusheva’s self- they are doing their own great and regional Association of Busi- identity, but also what brought her to work in their own way; they are ness Women. the path she is on. Born in Shalkar village of Tselino- contributing to the development Natalya Dementyeva “The 100 New Faces project of our country and I am happy gave a chance for ordinary Ka- grad region, she grew up seeing and to know such wonderful people,” zakhstan citizens to show them- learning knitting skills from her she said. language proficiency competi- selves. Now each of us faces a grandparents, who were involved in Thanks to her mother’s insist- tions. Her students follow her goal, a great responsibility and an sheep breeding. She also grew up ence, Dementyeva focused on example, demonstrating excellent opportunity to reveal our capa- witnessing people using such house- learning the Kazakh language results in similar contests among bilities in a new way. The society hold skills to improve their lives, not during her studies at school. In non-native speakers. voted for us and welcomed us to just for fun. her inaugural year of mastering “My vocation is to teach chil- the project. Now, we cannot and “Knitting was my hobby for years, the language, she earned first dren and I am happy to have such should not stop. We need to work starting as early as my childhood. I Rakhima Mukusheva place in the national contest and a profession,” she said. even harder for the prosperity of assume that this path was laid out has subsequently won numerous Dementyeva hosted television Kazakhstan,” she added. due to the 1990s, when our moms ple just started approaching me and Her journey to becoming a social and grandparents used to knit to meet asking to teach them knitting. What entrepreneur, as Mukusheva notes, their own needs,” said Mukusheva. I can say for sure is that I have been was a rather long one. When she first “My first teacher was my mother. in this sphere for at least three years,” started as a traditional entrepreneur, She taught me not only knitting, but said Mukusheva. she was not aware of such a concept also the craft of making yarn,” she Once a month, Mukusheva re- as ‘social entrepreneurship.’ A turn- Math teacher and noted. cruits people who are willing to learn ing point on her path towards so- Despite having all the premises in beginner groups. A group consists cial entrepreneurship, according to and skills to become a professional of five to six people. Mukusheva, was a year ago, when knitter right away, she took a longer “We start from the very basics – her father had a stroke. She had to methodologist among path. students are taught the proper ways drop her regular schedule and take “Upon completing high school, of reading a knitting chart and knit- care of him. This resulted in her busi- I, as most people do, continued my ting specific patterns. Apart from ness going downhill, and her knitting studies at the university. I received those study groups, we often conduct school ended up on the edge of clo- 100 New Faces my bachelor’s degree in economics specialised master classes,” she said. sure. But then she met Emin Askerov, tricts. She subsequently taught at a of pedagogy. She has worked on and finance from Akmola Agrarian “The main goal of our knitting founder and executive of the Green By Meruyert Abugaliyeva school in Petropavlovsk. developing math textbooks, as she University. However, I was not able school is bringing people together, Tal social workshop, and got ac- “In 1981, I moved from school was invited to join authors design- to find a vacancy directly related to enabling them to socialise. Another quainted with social entrepreneur- ASTANA – Tatyana Kucher, to university when a department ing revised versions for the 12- my educational background. I used goal is cutting corners in a family ship. one of Kazakhstan’s 100 New of pedagogy and methodology of year education system. to work as a salesperson, a com- budget at almost no cost,” Muku- pany director’s assistant, et cetera. sheva said, She also hopes that the “I thought that, apparently, what Faces, has devoted more than 45 primary and pre-school education “We update not only the con- All those positions were not even knitting school will contribute to happened to my father was fate,” years to teaching mathematics, was established here. A year later, tents of the books, but teaching remotely related to knitting. Once I increasing the share of domestically Mukusheva recalled. nurturing future teachers and de- I was sent to Moscow to upgrade methods and learning objectives lost my job, knitting helped me not manufactured products in Kazakh- What distinguishes social entre- veloping methodology. She be- my qualification,” she added. as well. We want to show teachers only in making ends meet, but also stan. preneurship from the traditional lieves a good teacher should be a how to organise the teaching pro- in coping with the depression that Today, five individuals who went type, according to Mukusheva, is friend, helping students discover cess so that a teacher does not give followed my job loss,” Mukusheva through her knitting programme are that the former incorporates the ideas knowledge on their own in order students the ready answer straight recalled. currently employed by Mukusheva of personality and humanity in its to succeed. away, allowing students to discov- What started as a last-resort solu- in the framework of her social en- definition. “I believe a teacher must be er new material by themselves and tion turned into a quite successful trepreneurship programme. The total Mukusheva shared her concerns a second mother for children, a remember it better,” she said. business. number of her former and current as well as obstacles she faces as a friend and an advisor to parents. A “Currently I work on three di- “I started knitting at home just for students exceeds 100. knitting school director. One of the teacher should also take responsi- rections, namely on improving my children. Then our guests, hav- At Mukusheva’s knitting school, issues is that even though students bility for the knowledge he or she teaching methodology, preparing ing noticed the items I knitted for classes for beginners cost 20,000 are taught all aspects of knitting, gives students, which will be later primary school math teachers and the children, became interested in tenge (about US$60) per month, they still find it hard to compete with used throughout one’s whole life,” developing textbooks for second- my products and made orders. At though individuals from socially vul- large-scale producers. she said. ary school mathematics,” she first, there was no profit in terms of nerable groups can take the classes As for her plans for the coming Kucher developed a passion for added. money whatsoever. The transactions for free. The only requirement is years, Mukusheva wants to further mathematics early in school when Kucher has published a series were based on barter: I would knit having a will to learn and to apply the develop as a social entrepreneur, set she gathered her little sibling’s of lectures on the basics of math- Photo credit: 100esim.el.kz. Photo credit: for them and they would supply me acquired skills at work. Some gradu- up a production line and broaden her friends for a teacher-students role- ematics and methodology, which Tatyana Kucher other goods in exchange,” she ex- ates of the course may end up em- existing network. play. Later, she chose a career in she plans to revise in several years plained. ployed at the knitting school itself. She genuinely believes that the education without hesitation, ac- in accordance with changes in As her transition from hobby “I do follow my former students social entrepreneurship has great In 1987, after finishing her stud- cording to inform.kz. school curriculum. knitting to professional work was after they graduate from the knitting potential in Kazakhstan. “Do not ies at Moscow Institute of Teach- Upon graduation from Petropav- In 2016, Kucher was named gradual and ambiguous, so was the school. We have a chat that we use be afraid of trying, do not be shy to ing Methodology (now Russian lovsk Pedagogical Institute, she an honorary education worker of establishment of her school. for networking, where we exchange ask for help, be ambitious, believe in Academy of Education) and de- started her career as a math teacher Kazakhstan. She believes the best “To be honest, I cannot tell when information on available vacancies people, and love people!” she said. in Timiryazevo, a town in one of fending her dissertation, Kucher award for a teacher, however, is exactly and how our knitting school and other interesting opportunities,” “Genuinely loving people is the key, the North Kazakhstan regional dis- returned to head the department the success of her students. was established. At some point, peo- said Mukusheva. all the other things will follow.” B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 Israeli artist opens charity First comic artist breaks exhibition in Astana into country’s online society Continued from Page A1 Continued from Page B1 reading each comic book, a pleas- ant aftertaste always remains,” Shafir has been living in Astana “We invented almost ten names said Zakenov. with her family for the last two and left the most suitable one. Le Even though there have been years. The exhibit wraps up her Shapalaque reflects the idea of our plenty of proposals to monetise the stay in the Kazakh capital and in comics. The audience accepts and project, the creators do not want to Kazakhstan, as the artist and her reacts positively. Almost half of clog up the profile with advertis- family will soon leave the coun- our audience are students of my ing. try. alma mater; the rest are people “We make commercial orders in “I wanted to show that Astana who have critical thinking and a the form of video clips and anima- is a modern city, yet the spirit of sense of humour,” said Zakenov. tions, and we put free resources national traditions prevails, (this The team is composed of seven into Le Shapalaque. Perhaps in six is the case) in any city and coun- people – the founder, four con- months we will begin to introduce try, regardless of how modern it tent managers and two artists. advertising, but we are thinking is. Astana is such a young city, Each content manager monitors about other sources of income, for only 20 years,” said Shafir. a particular category – politics, example, measuring or coopera- “I had wonderful time here in traditions, show business or tion with print media,” he added. Astana and worked very produc- everyday life. The members are In addition to comics, the team tively,” said Shafir, who lived Nazarbayev University graduates creates commercials for compa- in Moscow and London before and students who have experi- nies and plans to shoot a short car- moving to Astana. Regina Shafir ence in blogging and long, inter- toon. The attitude towards family, esting posts. The admins work on “The Le Shapalaque project is strong ties between generations, was doing urban sketching at first enthusiasm; the artists, on salary. slowly beginning to bring results. love to children and respect to el- and then it embraced more deco- Some members are in Almaty, Different conference organisers derly people, she noted, are com- rative forms. I decided to try still while others are continuing their reach out to us and want to dis- mon for Kazakhstan and Israel. life, portraits and genre scenes,” education abroad, and they com- seminate more information about “Portraying Astana is happi- said Shafir. municate by Skype. Once a week the project. Recently, the Astana ness. I put everything what hap- “We organised two workshops: the team meets, brainstorms, gen- akimat (city administration) pro- pened to me within these two one at the expo and second on erates and discusses ideas. From posed jointly conducting an anti- years in my paintings. Gigantic the Valentine’s Day at Mega Silk abstract concepts they form final corruption campaign to come skyscrapers rising from the steppe Way. I founded the (urban sketch- production posts, then send the up with ideas for billboards,” he lands right into the sky, the way ers) community. I hope that it will file with painted views of static noted. these skyscrapers are reflected in stay active,” she noted. drawings to the artists. If the plan Even though Kazakh comic art- each other and in the river. Hospi- She expressed gratitude to the is better conveyed through ani- ists have always been under-the- table warm people that serve the Has Sanat art gallery for helping mation, the process is completed radar, they have a niche and loyal richest and sweetest dastarkhan in organise the exhibit. “Most im- with Adobe Photoshop and Ado- social following. The country has Astana. Bright colours of Kazakh portantly, I would never be able be After Effects. no shortage of talent like Zakenov, ornaments in carpets, costumes to do it myself all alone. Zhanna “We have examples to follow. such as the founders of Hancomix. and tablecloth. Sparkling winter Yesenbayeva, owner of the gal- The number one animated comic “Kazakhstan comics are now at example, the Hancomix team that as an example of how quality con- with sun and snow, unforgettable lery, provided such a beautiful for me is Shen Comix; he de- the stage of the very beginning, produce printed comics about Ye- tent, no matter what, can also en- expo, heavenly summer apples space. She helped to sell paint- scribes life situations with bits of but I am very pleased with the rmek Batyr consequently entered ter the international market,” said with distinct flavour. I am happy ings and searched a buyer for humour in a funny manner. After successes of our compatriots. For the Amazon market. This can serve Zakenov. that Astana gets to see my paint- each and every painting,” said ings on the eve of its 20th birth- Shafir. day. I sincerely congratulate it “Dara Foundation Chair Gul- and wish happiness,” said Shafir. nara Dossayeva also helped or- While in Kazakhstan, Shafir ganise the event and provided founded an urban sketchers com- significant assistance. All money Kazakh artists participate munity, part of a global commu- will not only be allocated (to chil- nity practicing and promoting on- dren), but also used to stage thea- location drawing. tre plays with real decorations “When we lived in London, I and costumes for children with in Cannes Film Festival joined the Urban Sketchers move- hearing and speech challenges,” (Modernisation of Kazakhstan’s viewed as an excellent venue for Darezhan Omirbayev’s “The Kill- ment. When I came to Astana, I noted Shafir. By Raushan Shamsharkhan Identity) programme and with Kazakh filmmakers to increase au- er,” filmed in 1998, and Sergey the collaborative assistance of the diences, funding, co-production, Dvortsevoi’s “The Tulip” shot in ASTANA –The Kazakh national Ministry of Culture and Sports and distribution and talent pool de- 2008 were showcased. pavilion presented the country’s the Kazakh Embassy in France. velopment. Adilkhan Yerzhanov, The Kazakhstan pavilion at the films May 8-19 at the 71st annual “I wish the worldwide glory to with the 100-minute feature “The prestigious film forum opened for Cannes Film Festival, reported the our Kazakh film industry! Any of Gentle Indifference of the World,” the second year in a row, the press Culture and Sports Ministry press our successes, whether small or represented the nation in the Un release said. service. big ones, make me happy. When Certain Regard programme. The delegation included state The national pavilion was the I receive such good news, I sleep In addition, director Zhannat body representatives, intelligentsia location of the Eurasian Interna- well on this night knowing that Alshanova’s “The End of the Sea- and prominent cinema and TV in- tional Film Festival presentation, it our country has talents, that our son” was entered in the Cinefonda- dustry figures, as well as Kazakh noted. Besides, the Eurasian Film film industry has a future. The tion programme, while “Bad, Bad National University of Arts stu- Festival Directorate appeared with brilliant example of recognising Winter,” a film by Olga Korotko, dents. The official reception “The the Eurasian projects. our film industry’s achievements was featured in the Association for Kazakh Evening in Cannes” was Such events as the jury an- and its prospects is the interest of the Distribution of Independent held May 9 in the Hôtel Barrière nouncement, the unveiling of the producers from all over the world. Cinema (ACID). A range of short Le Majestic Cannes. People’s Art- programmes, a series of press They visit our pavilion and make films such as “Hide and Seek” by ist of Kazakhstan and Kazakh Na- briefings with the Kazakh film- contacts with Kazakhstan coun- Venera Kairzhanova and “Asam” tional University of Arts Rector makers’ delegation and a meeting terparts for further cooperation,” by Berik Zhakhanov were shown Aiman Mussakhadzhayeva, Ka- with distributors was held in the Kazakh theatre and cinema direc- in the short film corner within the zakh Dimash Kudaibergen, pavilion. tor Assanali Ashimov told bnews. Marche du Film. the state orchestra’s soloists acad- The national pavilion was creat- kz. Kazakh films have previously emy and many others participated “Dastarkhan” ed as part of the Ruhani Janghyru The Cannes Film Festival is won the award. in the event. Deutsches Theatre: in sync with times Theatre), the first German dias- it remains the only German theatre network of international contacts, focuses primarily on classical Ger- as the best playwright of Kazakh- By Dana Omirgazy pora theatre in the Soviet Union, in the post-Soviet space. The ini- inviting directors from Germany, man authors. stan,” she said. opened in December 1980 in the tial and continuing feature of the the U.K. and other countries. “This is important for actors, as In early December, the Kazakh ASTANA – Deutsches Thea- city of Temirtau. As the troupe cel- troupe is youth and audacity, and In an interview for this story, it is the formation of intelligence, Ministry of Culture and Sport en- tre (Republican German Drama ebrates its 38th birthday this year, the theatre constantly expands its Deutsches Theatre Stage Director the development and hone of good trusted the theatre with presenting and Acting Manager Natasha Dubs taste. This is a kind of challenge Auezov’s “Qaragoz” in the Ger- talked about its repertoire and the that the actor overcomes, because man language in major cultural factors that determine the choice serious material always implies se- cities such as , , of plays. rious work. In addition, the beauty Moscow, Paris and Vienna as part “It is probably a habit to listen of the language can be manifested of the Ruhani Janghyru (Moderni- to your inner impulse. Perhaps it is as much as possible in classical sation of Kazakhstan’s Identity) the long-standing actor’s habit of works,” she added. programme. The actors were excit- always listening to yourself, react- Although the theatre appears as ed to meet the European audience ing instantly and then proceeding a custodian of German national and the performances yielded full according to the circumstances. and folk culture, the troupe con- houses and long applause. Any performance is tested by a sists of people of different nation- “At present, the world, par- spectator, and to some extent the alities. They are united by art and ticularly Kazakhstan, witnesses spectator himself creates the play. the spiritual values of the people the disappearing of language Of course, while choosing the rep- living in Kazakhstan, an example boundaries. The German theatre ertoire for the German theatre, I of consent, fraternity and toler- has always been characterised by place great emphasis on authors ance. The theatre performs works multilingualism, starting from the whose works have never been featuring the German, Kazakh and 1990s. Modern theatre is about a performed in Kazakhstan or have Russian languages. dialogue with the audience and never been translated into Russian. “We perform some works of a special language needs to be I would very much like to acquaint modern German authors in Rus- formed so that you can be heard the Kazakh spectator with what he sian and, of course, we are in- in this dialogue, I think. The world has not seen or read before,” she terested in Kazakh drama. Our and Kazakhstan are full of young said. repertoire has works of two great directors who are actively look- As a German theatre, one of its authors. They are the classics of ing for their own special language missions is preserving the lan- by Mukhtar Au- forms. Verbalism goes to the back- guage as the cultural heritage of ezov and modern novice writer ground and some other ways of

photo credit: dtk.kz. photo credit: the German ethnos in Kazakhstan, Annas Bagdat, who was noted by mutual understanding are left,” A scene from “Qaragoz” play. said Dubs. Therefore, the director President Nursultan Nazarbayev said Dubs. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 Shymkent hosts Pavlodar to spend $3 million to expand first Kazakh-Uzbek Irtysh River embankment

Staff Report

business forum ASTANA – The expansion of This forum would ensure a solid the Irtysh River embankment By Dana Omirgazy foundation for further economic in Pavlodar will cost more than and business cooperation be- a billion tenge (US$3 million), ASTANA – Approximately 400 tween our countries,” Tuime- Pavlodar city Akim (Mayor) Nur- business persons participated bayev said. zhan Ashimbetov said at a recent May 22 in the first Kazakh-Uz- During the forum organised by maslikhat (city council) session. bek business forum in Shymkent, the regional Chamber of Entre- “The project of the embank- the press service of the South Ka- preneurs, the parties discussed ment from KazTransOil [build- zakhstan region’s akimat (admin- creating joint projects and invest- ing] to the railway bridge is ready. istration) reports. ment opportunities and deepen- It turned out to be expensive, Forum participants discussed ing trade cooperation. while at the first stage it is almost trade and economic cooperation. Bilateral trade between the $3 million,” the official said. Uzbekistan is Kazakhstan’s larg- countries increased 31.2 percent According to him, the con- est trade partner in Central Asia. in 2017 year-on-year, and trade struction of a new section of the Bilateral trade increased almost between the South Kazakhstan embankment began in the mid- 50 percent in the first quarter this region and Uzbekistan already dle of May and will be done in year and is expected to reach $3 reached $125.7 million in the two stages. The first involves the billion by the end of the year, first quarter of this year. The vol- construction of sewage and storm from around $2 billion last year. ume of exports of goods from the drainage, as well as strengthen- Akim (Governor) of the South region increased 143.6 percent ing the embankment. The second Kazakhstan region Zhanseit Tu- to $73.1 million, as the volume stage will be landscaping. imebayev said the forum would of imports grew 108 percent to Ashimbetov said three di- expand trade between the two $52.5 million. lapidated houses will need to be countries. “Over the past five years, small moved. of the owners has given consent through the Goose Passage World Heritage Site is prohibited. “Uzbekistan is one of Kazakh- and medium-sized businesses “We have been carrying out the to buy the house at that time,” natural memorial, that will not Therefore, it is supposed to create stan’s key strategic partners in ensured the growth of the gross procedure for the seizure of these said Ashimbetov. be affected, the official said. an open-air museum at this loca- Central Asia and relations be- regional product (GRP) by two plots since last year, and only one The embankment will pass Construction on this UNESCO tion. tween our countries are very times, as the share of industry in friendly and reliable. As you the economy increased to 27 per- know, this year was declared cent. More than 1,000 enterprises Karmakshy district attract tourists the Year of Uzbekistan in Ka- cooperate with entrepreneurs of to the region. zakhstan. This once again con- Uzbekistan in trade, industry, ag- “The Korkyt Ata complex is locat- firms the fraternal character of riculture and construction,” Tu- Ruhani Janghyru programme ed along Western Europe-Western relations between our peoples. imebayev noted. China international highway, which contributes to the increased flow of drives new projects in Kyzylorda tourists,” noted Kusherbayev. A “Sacred Kazakhstan and ar- were earmarked for the projects from “Sacred Kazakhstan Geography” chaeology” hall was opened in the Staff Report the national budget. includes 12 national objects and 35 regional history museum and expo- Officials consider Constructions such as the Centre historical and cultural monuments of sitions in 12 museums were com- ASTANA – Kyzylorda regional for Spiritual Revival, a museum the region. Nine monuments were in- pletely renewed. For the first time in Akim (Governor) Krymbek Kush- and youth resource centre, have cluded in the preliminary UNESCO erbayev announced projects related been erected on the left bank of Heritage List, namely the Korkyt Ata the region, a forum of local histori- tax breaks to grow to the Ruhani Janghyru (Modernisa- the River in Kyzylorda. memorial; the medieval towns of ans was held. tion of Kazakhstan’s Identity) pro- There is also a plan to establish a Zhent, Syganak, Zhankent and Kes- In 2017, within the Tughan Zher gramme during a recent press con- school with a special emphasis on kenkuik; the ancient settlements of (“Small Homeland”) project, memo- ference. physics and mathematics. Chirik-Rabat and Babish Molla; the randa of cooperation between lo- film industry cal business entities and akimats This year, 81 projects were planned An academy of traditional arts Zhetiasar cultural monument; and able to come and shoot projects under the Tarbie Zhane Bilim (“Up- will be opened to popularise zhyrau the petroglyphs of Sauskandyk. (regional administrations) were By Dana Omirgazy like ‘Marco Polo’, which was bringing and Knowledge”), Atame- (folk singing) and an international A 3D interactive map of 150 mon- reached. This helped draw more than filmed in Kazakhstan four years ken (“Fatherland”), Akparat Tolkyny festival of kui (traditional musical uments of national and local signifi- 6 billion tenge (US$18.2 million) for ASTANA – The Kazakh Min- ago. This measure will work in (“Information Flow”) and Ruhani composition) and the Korkyt and cance is being developed. the reconstruction of educational and istry of Culture and Sports is the case that at least 50 percent Janghyru programmes and around Music of the Great Steppe folk art The Korkyt Ata memorial com- cultural objects and the construction proposing to reduce the tax of the film crew consists of Ka- 600 million tenge (US$1.9 million) festival will also take place. plex and ethnic auyl (village) in the of playgrounds, squares and avenues. burden on the domestic film zakh citizens,” Akhat Ibrayev, industry, including exempting Kazakh producer and director cinemas from the corporate in- said. come tax (CIT) while releasing According to him, there are locally shot films, according to about 10 private studios in Ka- inform.kz. zakhstan, which attract invest- Kazakh businesses, Eastern European “Thus, local films will get pri- ments. In total, approximately ority over foreign movies,” Di- 450 films are released annu- rector of Legal Services Depart- ally in Kazakhstan, of those 10 ment of the Ministry of Culture percent are made domestically. technology company to cooperate and Sports Seitova said More than 290 cinemas offer at during a May 10 press confer- least 500 screenings a day. starting point for the country’s Innovations seeks to adapt and ex- ing in Kazakhstan since 1995 and ence. “A movie needs to have 500 By Amir Khaidar intensive digitisation. ecute the company’s most advanced plans to establish a new office in The production of films in screenings per day to cover all The agreement with Transtelecom solutions into capital infrastructure the city in addition to the main one Kazakhstan by foreign compa- expenditures. Domestic movie ASTANA – Kazakh businesses provides both companies with long- projects. in Almaty. In the past 20 years, the nies will be simplified as the is screened 200-300 times a day and regional executive bodies term and mutually beneficial coop- The West Kazakhstan region aki- corporation has worked with lead- country’s officials consider ex- amid 2,000 screenings. The re- signed agreements with Belarus- eration. The main task is to increase mat will develop, introduce and pro- ing Kazakh mining, oil and gas and cluding them from paying val- maining 1,700 shows are left for Russian Galaktika, a leading locally developed IT solutions with- mote Galaktika-based IT solutions energy production companies. ue-added tax (VAT). foreign films,” Ibrayev added. Eastern European technologi- in Transtelecom’s informational re- to digitise industrial enterprises, ser- Under the fourth industrial revo- “At the moment, we witness According to film distribu- cal company, on the fringes of sources, with Galaktika’s systems vice companies, universities and re- lution, Kazakhstan seeks to develop a huge industry of shooting tors, the Kazakh audience wants the Astana Economic Forum. serving as the developmental base gional and municipal infrastructure. and test new instruments aimed at foreign movies in the territo- more domestic movies. In 2016, The memoranda, inked by Tran- for new products. Galaktika’s principal products modernising and digitising local ries of different countries. Ka- films produced in Kazakhstan stelecom, Zerde, the national Zerde will partner with Galaktika correspond to Industry 4.0 require- industrial enterprises. The plan also zakhstan enjoys the interest of made up 6 percent of box of- info-communications company, to actively work within the Astana ments and introducing them can includes adapting innovation cen- many foreign studios. We need fice sales. Last year, the figure Astana Innovations and the West Hub of IT startups to create and im- help solve complex goals for local tres and improving legislation, edu- to provide tax incentives, ben- increased to 13 percent with the Kazakhstan region akimat (ad- plement joint projects to develop enterprises. cation, communication and stand- efits for them so that they are annual receipt of $44.5 million. ministration), will serve as a municipal infrastructure. Astana Galaktika has been actively work- ardisation systems to their needs. IT park in Kyzylorda aims to be centre for creativity, collaboration plans to expand its technology sec- According to Indira Akzhigitova, announced at the HackDay 2017 By Raushan Shamsharkhan tor. According to the Kyzylorda deputy head of the technology de- regional festival on 18 December region budget, 121.8 million tenge partment of the regional akimat, 2017, where 500 participants pre- ASTANA – The Kyzylorda re- (US$371,375) has been pledged the creation of an IT park will pro- sented their ideas, projects and de- gion’s first IT park was presented for information technologies de- mote the development of talented velopments on digitisation of the April 20 in Abdilda Tazhibaev velopment in the region. youth and innovative projects. Dif- region’s various spheres of life. regional universal scientific li- The IT park serves to support ferent laboratory simulators will Kusherbayev said that another IT brary. There, it is hoped talented the region’s young digital talents be tested and their development, park would soon be created. youth will be able to develop as they grow their businesses, test along with new software products “On the left bank of the Syr start-up projects and attract in- new ideas and create new solu- and graphics projects in 2D and Darya, in the new quarter of Kyzy- vestors, the official Kyzylorda tions. It will bring together young 3D, will help automate the work lorda, another youth IT park will region Akimat (administration) digital entrepreneurs from the area of the region’s various social and be created. It will be a place for website reports. to an environment of work, life, economic development areas. people obsessed with technology, “The purpose of this park is the rest and creativity. To date, the IT “This is a new form of integrat- where they can realise their bold- consolidation of IT specialists in park consists of an information ing science and production and a est ideas. It is also a unique ex- Kyzylorda and their connection to registration department; zones for place where people turn their ideas perience of communicating with real-life projects on digitisation. work, study, rest, presentation and into real things,” added Akzhigi- like-minded people and special- Demand for the IT specialty is business negotiations; a tech labo- tova. ists who create and develop their growing, so they must be collected ratory workshop; a 3D studio; and In January, a delegation from own products. Thus, everyone can in one place,” Anton Bayev, the IT for the IT park opening, noting , Nursul- a server room. Kyzylorda region visited an IT release their creative potential and park developer, told kyzylordatv. the importance of the IT park’s tan Nazarbayev, in his January 10 Conceptually, programmers, park in Russia’s Republic of Ta- start moving in the right direction kz. work to the national programme message on Kazakhstan’s fourth managers, designers, marketers, tarstan, active since 2009, and with an idea already worked out, Kyzylorda region Akim (Gov- for digitisation (at the day of pres- industrial revolution. It will also public relations specialists and decided to implement such a pro- with secure research and develop- ernor) got entation). The park will support complement Kazakhstan’s na- other digital visionaries were in- ject in Kyzylorda. The decision ment facilities,” said Kusherbayev acquainted with the preparations the overall plan announced by tional digitisation programme and vited to co-create new solutions. to create a Kyzylorda IT park was at Hackday 2017. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 Hazret Sultan Mosque presents updated website inal sections, such as prayer times, the right bank of the Yessil River, Staff Report the Islamic calendar, question and the mosque was built in classic Is- answer portions, news about the lamic style with traditional Kazakh ASTANA – The capital’s Hazret mosque and educational articles ornaments. Sultan Mosque presented a new and stories on religious and social The mosque occupies more than version of muslim.kz, the spiritual issues. 11 hectares, with a total building and educational portal, May 16, Muslim.kz contains a virtual area of 17,700 square metres. It the eve of the Muslim holy month tour of the mosque, books, educa- can provide space for more than of Ramadan. tional videos and audio files and 5,000 visitors, increasing to 10,000 “Several sections, such as illus- recordings of its Friday sermons. during religious holidays. There trated namaz (prayer) and Qur’an, The new website, developed by are special rooms for marriage cer- were added to the new muslim.kz. Astana Creative, presents infor- emonies, a place for ritual washing Website visitors can also use a re- mation in Kazakh and Russian. It before prayers, halls for reciting cently added section providing a test offers an option allowing users to the Qur’an and lecture rooms. on iman (faith) to assess their level access information in Kazakh lan- Special nightly prayers are of Islamic knowledge. In a section guage in Latin script. conducted at Hazret Sultan dedicated to the Qur’an, users can Hazret Sultan, the largest throughout Ramadan. For the read and listen to the holy script on mosque in Central Asia, opened convenience of visitors, the city computer or using a mobile phone,” July 6, 2012. It was named after administration has launched free

Photo credit: mapio.net. Photo credit: said website editor Aidos Imantay. Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, the 12th- bus shuttles carrying mosque Hazret Sultan mosque. The new version preserved orig- century poet and sufi. Located on guests along three routes. Qazaqstan TV channel to launch MMA reality and competition show success in sports. Thanks to the vic- The jury will include well-known Staff Report tories of Kazakh athletes, people all Olympic champions and athletes over the world get to know about our such as Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov, ASTANA – The new sports country. We are always ready to sup- Yermakhan Ibraimov, Ardak Naz- and entertainment reality show port our fighters and this project will arov, Yury Melnichenko, Beibit Qazaqstan FIGHTER on the open new names. Well known boxer Shumenov, Daniyar Kaskarauov Qazaqstan television channel will Beibut Shumenov will be involved and Sagyndyk Mekeev. give Kazakh mixed martial arts in this project,” said QAZSPORT The show’s producers say they (MMA) fighters a chance to show TV channel Director Pavel Tsybulin hope the show will help develop a their skills to a national audience. at a press conference devoted to the competitive spirit and sporting life-

“FIGHTER is a new unique sports premiere of the show. style among Kazakhs, popularise zakon.kz Photo credit: and entertainment reality show that The TV channel plans to launch MMA as a trendy professional sport, aims to ensure that every young the show in the fall on the QAZS- identify new sports talents and devel- world. It allows fighters to strike ers from different fighting styles organisers adopted additional rules athlete has a chance to show their PORT and Qazaqstan TV channels. op patriotism based on the sporting and grapple while standing and on against each other with relatively to increase competitors’ safety, to skills on the air of our TV channels. Young fighters will compete for achievements of fellow Kazakhs. the ground, using techniques from few rules. But later, individual comply with sports regulations and We have a lot of talented guys in the title of the best MMA fighter in MMA is a full-contact combat combat sports and martial arts. fighters incorporated multiple to broaden mainstream acceptance the regions who want to reach great Kazakhstan in the project. sport gaining popularity over the Originally, MMA pitted fight- martial arts into their style. MMA of the sport. Bolashak programme expands list Pet owners of international university options to be required did not start their education can Staff Report re-apply for the scholarship once again. The requirement for an av- ASTANA – Kazakh Ministry of erage grade of a bachelor’s degree to microchip pets Education and Science recently diploma for individuals who are once a pet is included in the system, expanded its list of leading foreign applying to universities and then By Meruyert Abugaliyeva it cannot get lost since the owner is educational institutions, foreign submitting their applications for held responsible for it. The technol- organisations for training and lan- scholarship was reduced to 3.0 de- ASTANA – Microchipping do- ogy will make pet monitoring trans- guage schools recommended to the gree. Changes were also made to mestic pets will soon be mandatory parent and thus create new oppor- recipients of the Bolashak interna- the contractual obligations of the in the capital. Medical records as tunities for legislative regulation of tional scholarship for 2018. graduates of the programme. well as information about the own- domestic animals,” he added. Prospective students can ap- Bolashak international scholar- ers will be combined into a database A special government entity will ply to leading North American, ship was established by the decree linked to similar catalogues globally. purchase the microchips to become European and Asian research by Kazakh President Nursultan “As instructed by city Akim the sole supplier and the price will institutions and receive funding Nazarbayev Nov. 5, 1993 and to this (Mayor) , digitisa- be determined. In some places, a from the government. Harvard, date more than 12,000 scholarships tion should embrace all the aspects microchip is priced at 1,500 tenge Princeton, Stanford, Yale, Cam- ters the Bolashak scholarship on language training in the language were awarded. The purpose of the of life in the capital. The akimat (US$4.50) and the installation bridge and Oxford universities behalf of the ministry. schools of Great Britain. programme is to train specialists for (city administration) also pays spe- procedure is 2,000 tenge (US$6), are among the most prestigious Recipients who choose Japan, Earlier this year, the ministry the priority sectors of the country’s cial attention to domestic pet care whereas the cost of producing a mi- in the list. A full list of univer- the Republic of Korea, the Peo- made changes in the awarding pro- economy. The programme includes and Astana’s Chief Digital Officer, crochip is approximately 300 tenge sities is available on the official ple’s Republic of China and the cedure of the scholarship. Accord- both the academic studies and sci- deputy akim Malika Bekturova, an- (US$0.90), according to Sartayev. website of the Centre for Interna- Republic of Singapore as a coun- ing to new rules, applicants who entific internships in leading -inter nounced this initiative. To date, we All veterinary clinics will also be tional Programmes that adminis- try of education are to receive were awarded scholarships but national companies and universities. have carried out work to develop equipped with the medical informa- requirements for veterinary clinics tion system. to use,” said Astana Innovations “Taking into account the social Chairperson Olzhas Sartayev. aspects of such an initiative and im- Microchipping will allow system- portance of taking care of pets, we atising and monitoring all pets and encourage local specialists and pro- Government extends microfinancing ease the search process in case an fessionals to join and contribute to animal is lost. The medical records the project. We need a wide range of database will also increase the effi- experts, including lawyers, IT spe- ciency of medical activities. cialists and experts on infrastructure opportunities for rural residents “It can be said with certainty that projects,” he noted. knowledge about running the busi- under the Bastau business project. commercial banks will not accept as Staff Report ness. This is particularly notice- Training is carried out by staff from collateral can be pledged for micro- able in rural areas. The vice min- the National Chamber of Entrepre- loans, and a good business plan will ASTANA – Kazakh Vice Min- ister discussed the basic allocation neurs face-to-face or online. receive a guaranteed microloan. In ister of Labour and Social Protec- mechanisms of preferential micro- Last year, 15,000 people studied addition to ideas, however, a clear tion Nurzhan Altayev held an open loans to beginning entrepreneurs. the basics of entrepreneurship and financial plan is required, said Al- lecture at Nur Otan Party head- The unemployed, self-employed, 7,000 of them received loans and tayev, as he urged young people to quarters dedicated to the country’s small business entities and mem- opened businesses. According to risk and try their hand at business. nationwide mass entrepreneurship bers of agricultural cooperatives the vice minister, successful busi- To microfinance business, the programme. are eligible to apply for the pro- ness projects have been launched national government has adopted Altayev reviewed the develop- gramme. To receive a loan, individ- in the field of honey production, a programme for the development ment of the programme, how to uals can contact local employment crop management and livestock of productive employment and participate in it, how to get a mi- centres, branches of the Atameken production. This year, training will mass entrepreneurship for 2017 to croloan and how to open a new National Chamber of Entrepre- be offered to 30,000 people. 2021. Last year, 42 billion tenge business. More than 60 people at- neurs or the akimats (administra- After the training, participants of (US$129 million) was allocated tended the lecture, including aspir- tions) of their rural districts. the programme receive certificates for microloans to beginning en- ing entrepreneurs, former students Before a loan is distributed, a that allow them to apply for a loan trepreneurs. In the current year, an and working youth. potential businessman is tested for at a 6 percent annual percentage additional 20 billion tenge (US$61 As noted by Altayev, when entrepreneurial skills and must take rate with real estate or land plots million) was allocated. Most will opening a business, young people part in a month-long training course pledged as security. be directed toward entrepreneurs often lack financial resources and on the basics of entrepreneurship Adobe houses and land plots that in rural areas. inform.kz. Photo credit: B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 SCAT Airlines launches Astana-Vilnius route route will facilitate inbound and outbound tourism, provide more opportunities for tour agencies, guides and the entire tourism in- frastructure. Lithuanian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Vytautas Nauduzas, also present at the press briefing, said the launch of the new route, a result of three years of nego- tiations, will bring the countries closer to increasing their trade from the current $1.7 billion to $2 billion. “We have good news today. The new route makes a journey from Vilnius to Astana and other cities in the Central Asian region and China more comfortable and less tiring. The Lithuanian businesses are interested in entering the Ka- zakh market, yet the potential re- mains unfulfilled,” said the Lithu- anian ambassador. Nauduzas noted Vilnius also of- fers a convenient link to other Eu- ropean cities. “For instance, you can get to Paris, , and many other capitals and cities in Eu- rope,” said the ambassador. Head of SCAT Public Relations Department Viktoria Starozhilova network expansion plan. Last it joined the International Air A SCAT Boeing-737 is seen on the tarmac of the Vilnius airport shortly after landing on May 27. said the ticket prices start from year, the company announced it Transport Association (IATA) and $233. ordered six MAX 8 passed the IATA Operational Safe- By Assel Satubaldina return fares starting from $233. our map. Besides, exotic Central “There is a flexible system of tar- aircrafts at the Dubai Air Show ty Audit programme (IOSA). “A new route is first and fore- Asia is not just a business, but a iffs. There are minimal tariffs and and in March Boeing delivered Two years ago, the company ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s most good news for our business very attractive destination entail- higher. The minimal fare for an the first of six such aircraft to passed an audit that examined SCAT airlines based in Shymkent community. Economic ties be- ing the search for undiscovered economy return ticket will be ap- SCAT. more than 1,000 elements of its launched May 27 a new Astana- tween and Kazakhstan places for vacation,” said Lithu- proximately 200 euros (US$233). The plans to launch 14 operational activity. Vilnius, Lithuania service. are getting stronger year by year anian Airports Director Marius Special offers are also frequent,” more new routes, including to Mi- As of today, only two Kazakh The four-hour-and-40-minute and we have been working hard Gelžinis at a May 27 press brief- said Starozhilova. lan, Vienna and Prague. airlines – SCAT and Air Astana – Boeing-737 flights depart Thurs- over the past years to put this im- ing in Vilnius. The new routes are part of Another milestone for SCAT hold the IOSA certificate enabling days and Sundays with economy portant and necessary route on Airline representatives said the the company’s fleet and route came in March as well, when them to fly to Europe. Visit Burabay Kazakhstan examines community unites Singapore’s tourism success sons, InterContinental Hotels tions between Kazakhstan and Kuan Yew asked me to look at Staff Report Group and Six Senses Hotels. Singapore generally. two-three designer projects of ho- The Kazakh President and his “Our relations with Singapore tels in Almaty, we considered the Astana’s adventurers ASTANA – In developing tour- guest discussed tourism cooperation are time-tested and good. I have opportunities to turn hotels into each of them is different from the ism in Astana, Kazakhstan is and investment in joint projects. been a good friend to Lee Kuan modern hotels. Of course, there By Meruyert Abugaliyeva previous ones. Moreover, com- studying the experience of Singa- Nazarbayev said Kazakhstan seeks Yew, and we maintain close co- were certain difficulties, because pany is the most important aspect; pore, said Kazakhstan President to develop its tourism sector and operation with the current prime we did not know the country as we ASTANA – The Visit Burabay you can make new friends while Nursultan Nazarbayev during a briefed the Singaporean businessman minister. We always meet at all know it now. Mr Lee Kuan Yew community group offers Astana travelling. For example, I met the recent meeting with the founder on efforts to boost tourism in Astana. international meetings and discuss asked me to open something here, residents the opportunity to visit love of my life during one such and Managing Director of Ho- “You are a well-known person in how we can further strengthen our but then we were making hardly Kazakhstan’s tourism attractions trip, we are now married and rais- tel Properties Ong Beng Sen in hospitality sector, working in many relations,” said Nazarbayev. any profit. You understand the dif- and natural beauty. ing a daughter,” said community Astana. countries around the world. Astana Ong said Lee Kuan Yew insisted ference between my experience “Our project was initiated by member Assan Toleu. Hotel Properties is a Singapore- is a new capital and we intend to the company “to open something then and now. During these 25 my friend, Ulan Alimbek. For the Since the establishment, al- based corporation that owns ho- make it a tourist destination. We here,” but then the company was years, he has been constantly tell- first time, we set out on a journey most 500 people have gone on the tels, resorts and shopping centres are studying the experience of suffering losses. ing me about Kazakhstan and its October 31, 2015 and at that time, community’s trips and the group in 13 countries, including shares Singapore in this area,” said Naz- “You know, I think we are 25 bigger potential compared to other there were 15 people not acquaint- now has approximately 121 ac- in Hilton International, Four Sea- arbayev, noting the friendly rela- years late, because when Mr Leek countries,” said Ong. ed with each other. Our main idea tive members. The average age of was to explore the nature as we members is 25. were looking for adventure,” said “People learn about Visit Bura- Visit Burabay leader Abdusamat bay mostly from their friends and Mukhammed. relatives. Our Instagram account The community hopes to nurture also attracts new members. We Germany holds kumys festival a love of Kazakh nature and help have certain team members, who develop tourism. are active all the times; still, new By Amir Khaidar “Usually we go on one-day trips, members join us almost every setting out on a journey early in the week,” added Mukhammed. ASTANA – Germany’s annual morning. We take food with our- The community does not only go mare’s week was held on the selves so that we can have a snack on trips, Visit Burabay members largest mare milk farm in the town later while walking around and also meet in Astana and attend so- of Waldbrunn-Mülben. The fes- climbing mountains. Sometimes cial, cultural and sporting events. tivities culminated in the Kumys we travel for a couple of days “Boys usually gather to play (fermented mare’s milk) Spring sleeping in tents. We also pre- bowling or football, and girls read Festival with traditional Kazakh fer discovering the world around and discuss books together,” added food and music. us by ourselves so we do not use Toleu. The event has attracted residents guides. We organise trips all year “This year we plan to expand, at- from local villages and Kazakhs tract more members and discover round and manage to enjoy nature residing in Germany. This year’s new places to visit,” said Muk- in its full beauty,” he added. festival included bird song walks, hammed. The community goes on regular guided tours of the stud farm, trips to Burabay, however, it does The community plans to go to health and nutrition lectures and not limit itself to one destination Burabay June 2 and travel to Bay- film screenings. and has also visited Zerendy, Im- anaul July 6-8. A schedule of the Kumys lovers gathered at the antau, Bayanaul, Karkaraly and community’s trips and announce- oldest running mare’s milk farm places around Almaty. ments are posted on its @visit- in Germany, founded in 1959 by “Our trips are always fun since burabay Instagram account. Rudolf Storch. A prisoner of war after World War II, he was sent to Kazakhstan where he contracted tuberculosis and was thought to be terminally ill. Local shepherds treated Storch with mare’s milk and he fully recovered. After re- turning to Germany and complet- ing his research, he established a

dairy plant and introduced mare’s stutenmilch.de Photo credit: milk to Europeans. “It was hard for my grandfather our presence in the European mar- Storch’s son-in-law. Through the milk. The company employs Ger- to start a business. Before him, ket,” said Storch’s granddaughter, years, it has created a unique pro- man expertise and produces 20 no one in Germany knew about Jett Zollmann. duction technology and in addition tonnes of product per year. mare’s milk. He himself at first had Mare’s milk prevents digestive to dairy products manufactures The kumys festival in the small no idea of where to start; there was system diseases, relieves pain, in- mare’s milk-based organic cos- European town has turned into a the need to master the technology creases the number of beneficial metics. tradition for Kazakh diaspora in of production. Now, Germans are bacteria, normalises microflora In partnership with a German Germany to come together and gradually learning about kumys; and significantly reduces symp- company, a plant opened in the celebrate the national food and our production is not so big, but in toms of skin diseases. Karaganda region in 2015 focus- cultural heritage of their ances- the long term we want to expand The farm is currently run by ing on producing powdered mare’s tors. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 Astana Arlans beat British Lionhearts, advance to fifth WSB final bout in the 52 kg category, where The outcome of the match was By Meruyert Abugaliyeva Kazakh Saken Baibossynov lost to determined in the 81 kg bout, when Lionhearts’ Will Cawley. Despite Bek Nurmaganbet overwhelmed ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Asta- the win, the British boxers had dif- Liridon Nuha, giving the Arlans an na Arlans defeated the British Li- ficulty fighting the Astana Arlans ahead-of-time win. onhearts May 26 in the World Se- and lost the next four bouts. The last score was earned by ries of Boxing (WSB) semi-final. Lightweight Serik Temirzhanov, Kamshybek Kunkabayev defeat- It will be the Arlans’ fifth appear- replacing Zakir Safiullin, defeated ing Solomon Dacres in the 91 kg ance in the final. Calum French. category. The match in Atyrau was the sec- In the next bout, Kazakh cham- As a result of the two matches, ond meeting of the Kazakh team pion Aslanbek Shymbergenov did the Arlans beat the Lionhearts 7:3. Photo credit: worldseriesboxing.com Photo credit: and British Lionhearts after the first not give his opponent Carl Fail any In the final, the Astana Arlans leg of the semi-final in Sheffield, chance in the category up to 69 kg, will fight the Cuba Domadores. The The final will be the fifth in and the most titled in the histo- champions in 2013, 2015 and when the Arlans secured a 3:2 vic- earning another score for the Ar- teams have already met twice during the history of the Kazakh team. ry of the WSB with three titles. 2017. tory over the British boxers. lans who were already leading by WSB finals, with the Arlans beating The Astana Arlans are the cur- The team was the runner-up in The Domadores won the title in The team contest began with a a total score of 5:3. the Cuban boxers in 2015 and 2017. rent tournament champions 2011, and then became WSB 2014 and 2016. Promising boxer to fight in Golovkin’s division Beibut Shumenov Lithuanian-American manager By Amir Khaidar already works with four Kazakh boxers Madiyar Ashkeev, Meirim ASTANA – Kazakh boxer and Nursultanov, Askhat Ualikhanov to fight for WBA belt 2013 world amateur boxing cham- and Sagadat Rakhmankulov. “I’m happy to fight for my pion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly has Klimas welcomed Alimkhanuly By Anuar Abdrakhmanov belt,” he said. “My eye is 100 per- signed up with well-known man- by posting a picture of the boxer cent and I’m excited about fight- ager Egis Klimas and will fight on his Instagram account with a ASTANA – Beibut Shumenov ing again. I’m honored to fight on professionally in the same division caption that reads “Another great- (17-2, 11KOs), Kazakhstan’s first the 20th anniversary celebration as world champion Kazakh mid- est one. Welcome to family.” and only light heavyweight and of Astana as my country’s capi- dleweight Gennady Golovkin. He The middleweight category that cruiserweight world champion, tal. After this fight, I want interim hopes to fight a championship bout Alimkhanuly chose is full of ag- will face Turkish boxer Hizni cruiserweight champion Arsen in approximately two years. gressive and strong athletes. The Altunkaya (30-1, 17KOs) for the Goulamirian.” Alimkhanuly has earned a well- division’s top boxers Golovkin WBA (Regular) cruiserweight The 30-year-old Altunkaya, deserved reputation in amateur and Saul Alvarez have proposed a world champion belt. The bout who fights from Germany, suf- boxing, quickly rising to the top of kfb.kz Photo credit: rematch for fall 2018. British Billy will be held in the capital. fered his only defeat to former the middleweight division in 2013. Zhanibek Alimkhanuly Joe Saunders, Americans Dan- Shumenov, 34, a 2004 Olym- cruiserweight world titlist Kr- The fast puncher with power shots, iel Jacobs and Jermall Charlo are pian who now lives in Las Vegas, zysztof Glowacki when he was Alimkhanuly turned pro after the boxing. After signing with Klimas, According to Ring Magazine, among the top contenders for the has not fought since a 10th-round stopped in the fifth round in Olympics in Rio-de-Janeiro. In his Alimkhanuly will concentrate on Klimas was named the best box- championship belts. knockout of Junior Wright to win June. He won his next fight, a first professional fight he knocked- his professional career and his next ing manager of 2017. His clientele Currently, more than 50 Kazakh the same vacant secondary cruis- six-round decision over Niko out Columbian Milton Nunez in fight will be in the middleweight includes Ukrainian boxers WBA boxers are active on the profes- erweight title in May 2016 in his Lohmann. the first round. In his second bout, division where Golovkin (GGG) lightweight champion Vasyl Lom- sional boxing scene. Alimkhanuly, adopted city. “I’m thankful for the chance to he beat Brazilian Gilberto Pereira is the champion in the WBC, achenko and Oleksandr Usyk and together with the Olympic champi- He vacated the title because of fight Beibut Shumenov,” he said. dos Santos by decision. WBA, IBO and IBF divisions. In Russian Sergey Kovalev. on Daniyar Yeleussinov, now joins a severe right eye injury sustained “He’s a great fighter, but I will Before the official end of his am- the meantime, Alimkhanuly will Earlier this year, another promi- well-established boxers Kanat Is- in training for a mandatory de- give him my best. We have opti- ateur career in April, Alimkhanuly travel to the United States and sign nent Kazakh pro boxer, Kanat lam, Ali Akhmedov, Ruslan Madi- fence against Yunier Dorticos that mum time to be fully prepared for fought amateur and professional with a new promoter. Islam, signed with Klimas. The yev and world famous GGG. caused blurred vision and required the fight. It’s going to be a good surgery. At the time of his retire- fight. I’m coming to Kazakhstan ment in June 2017, Shumenov to win.” said he needed another operation Kazakhstan’s Sadriddin and his doctor said he would risk Akhmetov, Ualikhan Bisenkulov, blindness if he fought again. Bobirzhan Mominov, Mirzhan Astana to host 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey Shumenov announced plans in Rakhimzhanov, Nurzat Sabirov, January to resume his profession- Aidyn Yelzhanov and Aidos Yer- al career. The fight, which will be bosynuly will fight on the under- promoted by his KZ Event Pro- card. A bout with Sheikh Fahad World Championship group competition ductions, will be part of the 20th Bin Khalid Al Thani, a member and became Kazakhstan’s capi- Ukraine and Romania will battle The 2019 Men’s World Ice anniversary celebration of the city of the Qatar royal family, is also By Raushan Shamsharkhan tal in 1997,” stated the IIHF an- from April 28 to May 4, 2019. Hockey Championships will be being named the Kazakh capital. planned. nouncement of the venue. Barys Arena, a multi-purpose in- the 83rd such event hosted by the ASTANA – For the first time in The competition in Kazakhstan door stadium in Astana with a seating IIHF. The 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey its history, next year Kazakhstan will also serve as qualification for capacity of 12,000, will be the venue World Championship will be held will host the first division Group A the 2020 championship. Two na- for the annual hockey tournament as planned in Bratislava and Ko- Men’s World Hockey Champion- tional teams, Kyrgyzstan and Thai- played amongst second-tier teams sice, Slovakia, from May 10 to ship, the Kazakhstan Ice Hockey land, will play in the World Cham- and a six-day hockey game. The 26, 2019. The competition will Federation announced on its web- pionships for the first time in 2019. arena is home to the Kazakh hockey be held in Zurich and Lausanne, site. The tournament in Kazakhstan will team which bears the same name. Switzerland, in 2020; , Be- Kazakhstan won the chance to last from April 29 to May 5, 2019. This year’s IIHF Ice Hockey larus, and , , in 2021; hold the championship in a deci- Six teams representing Belarus, World Championship Division I and Tampere and , Fin- sive vote by the International Ice Hungary, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Group A ended on April 28. The land, in 2022. Hockey Federation (IIHF) Con- South Korea and Slovenia will face Kazakh team was not able to re- In 2011, Astana and Almaty wel- gress May 18 in over off to determine the top two teams turn to the elite division, being comed the Asian Winter Games, in the other contender for host, Slove- that will play in the 2020 IIHF passed by the UK and Italy, which which athletes from 27 countries nia. Ice Hockey World Championship ended up ranked first and second. took part. In 2017, Central Asia’s “It will be the strongest interna- games in Switzerland. Kazakhstan’s squad failed to qual- largest country welcomed the Win- tional ice hockey tournament to be Estonia’s capital, , was ify for the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey ter Universiade, a multi-sport win- held in Kazakhstan for many years. chosen last week as the venue for World Championship for the sec- ter event that saw student athletes

Astana is known as the youngest Division I Group B, where Estonia, ond consecutive year. The team last from 55 nations compete in 12 dis- www.boxing247.com. Photo credit: modern capital city in the world Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, played in the elite division in 2015. ciplines. Beibut Shumenov

Capoeira Federation Rustam cussion instrument), combined teachings of these old masters Balabayev said capoeira began with agogo bells, atabaque (hand and a few surviving documents to spread in Kazakhstan after the drum) and pandeiro (hand frame that tell the story of this unique Kazakhstan embraces capoeira popular 1995 movie “Only the drum). Being fun and eye-catch- art. dominantly using power, speed, kicks, spins and other techniques. Strong.” After being inspired by ing, capoeira is considered an Capoeira’s origin dates back By Dana Omirgazy and agility across a wide variety of President of the Kazakhstan that movie, he began mastering efficient tool in children’s physi- approximately 500 years to the this martial art and promoting ca- cal, social and emotional devel- beginnings of Brazil’s slave trade ASTANA – The combination poeira around Kazakhstan. Now, opment. period. Throughout the 488 years of Brazilian dance, music and Balabayev is considered an exam- “In my opinion, the advantage of slave trade in Brazil, various fighting known as capoeira has ple to follow for all capoeira fight- of this martial art is that there tribes from West and Central Af- found a foothold in Kazakhstan. ers in the country. He travels and are no uncomfortable positions rica met and intermingled in the “I train children and teenagers, trains in different countries invit- for the attack. You can kick even senzalas (slave quarters) and in promote capoeira and cultural ex- ing foreign capoeira fighters for sitting on the ground,” Kuzmin the quilombos (escape slave na- change. I think that children and competitions in Kazakhstan. said. tions). From this mix of African their parents are attracted by the The Kazakhstan Capoeira Kuzmin started training in cultures came a melding of tra- acrobatic elements and communi- Federation is located in Almaty 2006. Like many other capoeira ditions, rituals, rites of passage, cation in the capoeira group. In no with branches in Astana and Ak- fighters, he was inspired by the food, dance, language and reli- other martial art, I have not seen tobe. It is the only organisation “Only the Strong” film, which gion. Slowly, a new Afro-Brazil- such a relationship between chil- in the country qualified to teach is considered an iconic capoeira ian identity with a distinct set of dren,” Capoeira Instructor Anton capoeira and develop Afro-Bra- film. cultural practices was born. With Kuzmin told The Astana Times. zilian culture in Kazakhstan and Rooted in the rich cultures this new identity came the devel- Kuzmin represents the Kazakhstan Central Asia. brought to Brazil by enslaved opment of capoeira, a practice Capoeira Federation in Astana. The fight in capoeira is usu- Africans, capoeira’s history is a that would years later be referred Capoeira was developed in Bra- ally accompanied by songs and subject of much debate. Capoei- to as the art of liberation, accord- zil at the beginning of the 16th music. The most characteristic ra’s history and its legends were ing to capoeirabrasil.com. century. It is known for its quick instrument in capoeira music is passed down from former slaves Today, capoeira is practiced and complex manoeuvres, pre- the berimbau (single-string per- who preserved the art. It is the around the world. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 Astana is a financially self-sustaining city, says mayor tal in the past 20 years. Accord- and medium-sized businesses billion tenge (US$1.6 billion), Staff Report ing to his report, Astana is one amounted to 4.3 trillion tenge and Astana comes second after of the fastest growing capitals (US$13.1 billion). Approximately Atyrau in this regard. ASTANA – Speaking at the in the world. The population of 1,170 industrial, social, cultural “Small and medium enterprises 11th Astana Economic Forum the city has tripled in 20 years and public facilities were built. (SMEs) are vital for us because May 17, Astana Akim (Mayor) in comparison with 1997 when These have included factories, they employ more than 316,000 Asset Issekeshev said the capital only 300,000 people were regis- administrative buildings, business people or 62 percent of the work- city produces more revenue than tered. Today, more than 1 million centres, shopping centres, muse- force. The share of SMEs is 57.4 it takes from the national budget. people live in the capital, which ums, theatres, gyms and hotels, percent [in gross regional prod- “One of the myths to dispel comprises 5.5 percent of the en- “This year alone, 2,360 million uct], representing the first place about Astana is that it lives at tire population of the country. square metres of housing have in the country. More than 19,000 the expense of the state budget. The city’s area has also grown been put into operation. This is new jobs have been created in the Considering the total amount three-fold, and the number of also a record figure. Each year, labour market, of which 15,000 of investments, I would like to cars has increased tenfold. Ap- there is significant growth,” the are in the SME sector,” stated Is- say that over the past 20 years, proximately 1.6 trillion tenge akim said. sekeshev. the state has invested consider- (US$4.9 billion) has been invest- In the sphere of investment, The Astana akim mentioned able money in Astana, namely ed in the housing construction in new economic strategies envis- the launch of an intelligent video 2.3 trillion tenge (US$7 billion). the capital, with the introduction age a transition from budgetary monitoring, analysis and fore- The capital has returned 6 trillion of 1,265 multi-apartment houses expenditures to private ones, casting system called Sergek and (US$18.3billion) to the budget in for 180,000 apartments and over- including foreign investment. outlined Astana’s strategy to be- the form of taxes. That is, it re- all 19-fold increase in available There are approximately 60 pro- come a smart city. turned 2.5 times more than had housing. jects with private investments “Astana is thriving. There are been invested. Revenues to the “Builders would understand exceeding $3 billion, among specific tasks set by the Presi- state budget through Astana in- this titanic work behind these which more than 30 transna- dent, and his most recent state- creased almost 80 times from 13 numbers. Of course, this is a big tional companies are present. of-the-nation address entrusts us billion tenge (US$39.7 million) in achievement and a specific chal- Investments have grown more with a big responsibility because 1998 to one trillion tenge (US$3 lenge,” said Issekeshev. than 50 times, totaling $47 bil- Astana was defined as the stand- billion) in 2017,” said Issekeshev. For the last 20 years, the gross lion. EXPO 2017 became a ard for a Smart City. I am con- Asset Issekeshev He also added that Astana an- regional product of the city has trendsetting factor that gener- fident that all our projects and nually transfers about 750 billion grown almost 190 times, reaching ated wealth and investments. all tasks with the support of our tenge (US$2.3 billion) to the na- donor city. As businessmen say, Addressing the forum, Isseke- 5 trillion (US$15.3 billion) tenge. The volume of industrial pro- government and Nur Otan party tional budget. Astana is an economically effi- shev underlined, among other The industry has increased 30 duction grew by more than 7 will be realised,” concluded Is- “In other words, Astana is a cient project,” he added. things, the progress of the capi- times. The output volume of small percent and amounted to 550 sekeshev. High-tech yurt-style streetfood restaurant with beshburger, kazy-pizza to open in Astana coldest days of Astana,” recalled assemble their favourite burger or Abdushahmanov. pizza and have it delivered. Indeed, it used to happen that The company uses big data to in October, a line would develop know the preferences of the cli- along the street outside waiting for ent and recommend goods based their burgers. That response gave on the preferences and history them the impetus to expand the pro- of search as Amazon operates. ject. They make their own home- And Abdushahmanov is already made buns and are starting a per- dreaming of bigger things. In just manent workshop in the Chubary one year since the first restaurant area. Their cooks will learn and opened, he’s launched a second experiment with baking new buns, restaurant and plans to franchise preparing new types of . his chain in Atyrau. He wholeheartedly believes that “We will launch a yurt and final- Kazakh is rich primarily in ise the current York Food estab- meat delicacies, sweets and snacks lishments in the neighbourhoods. and that should be further promot- Now we are actively working with ed, developed and rebranded. Respublika Plaza and we plan to “We want to introduce kumys open by the end of the year. Four (fermented mare’s milk) and shu- to five projects will also launch bat (fermented milk) as in Almaty. In Atyrau, there is an well,” adds Abdushahmanov. increasing interest in opening our Determined to maintain their franchise,” said the entrepreneur. eco-friendly attitude, his company Even though the street food in selects locally-sourced items and Kazakhstan is a very recent thing, only uses seasonal market sourced with these types of projects and ingredients for their burgers with a recent upsurge in youth popu- an emphasis on meat quality. “Our lation, the Kazakh street food is main feature is that we use whole leapfrogging and gaining a foot- meat while most establishments hold in Astana. change and determined to revolu- ings and borrowed from family October 2017. It worked so well use diluted meat to make the prod- With a growing business, Abdu- By Raushan Shamsharkhan tionise the way Kazakh restaurants and friends to set up my own busi- that we have warmed the tummies uct cheaper,” he said. shahmanov is one of Astana’s in- are perceived. With his infectious ness. I then opened my first store in of many satisfied consumers in the At York Food, every guest can novative young food entrepreneurs. ASTANA – A new high-tech passion for food, he started work- yurt-style restaurant with Kazakh- ing in catering at the age of 12. Italian- will open “First, I washed the dishes in the June 1 near the Baiterek Tower. hotel with my aunt in Karaganda. “It will be a project with a na- And then, when I moved to Astana tional flavour. We want to show with the whole family, I worked how unusual and unique the Ka- in different cafes and restaurants. zakh culture as a whole is. A unit- Subsequently, working in different ed version of three main , environments, I realised what the Italian, American and Kazakh, will drawbacks and advantages were,” be demonstrated in our menu. We said Abdushahmanov. decided to make He started to delve into the more universal; we integrated it by attending work- into both Italian and American shops, tutorials and exploring dif- cuisine, supported by big data and ferent cities in Kazakhstan. Born high-tech innovations,” Restaurant in Karaganda, he heard positive Owner and York Food CEO Miras stories about the best service in Abdushahmanov told The Astana the south of Kazakhstan. He trav- Times. elled to Shymkent and Kyzylorda, It is a restaurant designed in the where he learned to treat every style of Kazakh nomadic houses guest as his best friend. He up- with a high-tech interior and in- graded his knowledge in Moscow tegrated cuisine. Abdushahmanov with the help of Rosproject, a fac- was inspired by the EXPO 2017 tory for training food specialists theme, a love of Kazakh food and in post-Soviet states. When he re- a desire to experiment. turned to his homeland, he looked The outward appearance hon- for a professional coach and found ors the traditional yurt style but one in Astana. He worked and inside customers will find a high- learned from the choicest restau- tech theme in addition to more rants and chefs, namely El Gaucho traditional Kazakh elements. For sous , Gulnara Temirzhanova example, wireless chargers will be who agreed to mentor him, which incorporated into the dining tables. helped ease his way forward as a “You can just pop your smart- first-time entrepreneur. Along the phone in the desk while eating, way he learned to create his own it will be charging, no need to go recipes and developed a line of somewhere and plug anything,” made-to-order burgers. At some said Abdushahmanov. point, he realised that burgers with That is not the sole project of kazy (horsemeat) were a food sen- the entrepreneur, however. At age sation Astana residents and tour- 22, the young Kazakh man has al- ists would embrace. ready established two pioneering “At the very beginning, we street food corners in Astana. He opened a small project with an became an entrepreneur at such an area of 12 square meters. With early age because he’s hungry for cash raised through my own sav-