-12°C /-17°C Wednesday, november 19, 2014 No 21 (64) www.astanatimes.com In Surprise State of the Nation Kazakh, Kyrgyz Presidents Reaffirm Countries’ Address, Kazakh President Unveils Historic Roots, Growing Massive Infrastructure Investments Economic Relationship interacting in international organi- By Malika Orazgaliyeva sations, integration associations, together countering modern chal- ASTANA – Kazakh President lenges and threats, terrorism and Nursultan Nazarbayev and Kyrgyz extremism,” Nazarbayev said dur- President Almazbek Atambayev ing the meeting which took place reaffirmed their two countries’ as part of the state visit by the lead- growing economic and coopera- er of the neighbouring country. tive relationship during the Nov. 7 Nazarbayev noted that since the fourth Supreme Interstate Council previous meeting in 2012, many meeting in Astana. events have taken place in Bishkek “The council was established and that bilateral trade relations seven years ago. Through all these have shown an upward tendency. years, it has demonstrated activ- Over the past two years, the turno- ism as the supreme body helpful in ver has stably exceeded $1 billion. making important policy decisions In the first eight months of this and addressing the emerging prob- year, it saw a 5.2 percent increase lems between the two countries. despite difficulties in the region. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are Continued on Page A3 Stalled IPO Programme Relaunches with KEGOC Stock Release By Michelle Witte at a price of 505 tenge [US$2.79] per share. Shares are being made President Nursultan Nazarbayev delivers the unexpected state-of-the-nation address introducing a new economic policy emphasising massive state investment in ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s stalled available first to securities dealers, infrastructure over the next several years. People’s IPO programme has been with 14,000 set aside for individu- revived to hold a new public stock By Danna Bupezhanova urgency of preventive measures sanctions between the West and quickly examine our positions and al investors. offering, this time in the state-op- needed to help steer the economy Russia over Ukraine. adjust plans for the coming years,” The IPO will be buttressed by erated Kazakhstan Electric Grid ASTANA – President Nursultan towards sustainable growth, Naz- “I, on the basis of my experience, the President said in the address tel- Kazakhstan’s Unified National Operating Company (KEGOC). Nazarbayev unexpectedly deliv- arbayev decided to move forward feel that the next few years will evised live on several TV channels. Pension Fund (ENPF), which will Shares have been available by ap- ered his new state-of-the-nation the date of his address so that the be a time of global challenges. ... In response to challenges fac- pick up shares of KEGOC in the address in Astana on Nov. 11 at government would have time to in- Kazakhstan as a part of the global ing the nation, the President an- plication to citizens of Kazakhstan event that more shares are issued an extended session of the Politi- troduce proposed anti-crisis steps economy and a country situated nounced a new economic policy since Nov. 5 and will be until Dec. than are bought by the public. “If cal Council of the Nur Otan party, into the budget plans for the up- close to the epicentre of geopo- called “Nurly Zhol” (Bright Path). 3; they will begin to be traded pub- the number of applications is less introducing what he termed a new coming year and proceed to work litical tensions is affected by these In some respects, the new policy licly on Dec. 19 when they will than the number of emissions, economic policy heavily empha- promptly. Kazakhstan’s economy [changes in the world economy]. resembles what Kazakhstan has also be available to foreign inves- ENPF could buy KEGOC shares sising massive state investment in has grown 4 percent in the first We see decreases in prices on in- done rather successfully to alle- tors. in accordance with its contributors’ infrastructure over the next several nine months of 2014, slower than ternational markets and a general viate the pressure from the 2007- The KEGOC’s current sole interests. It will fulfill the role ac- years. expected, and is already feeling slow-down of the economy. … The 2009 global economic slowdown, shareholder, the Samruk Kazyna cording to governmental decree,” In previous years, the President’s the heat from both the 25 percent- World Bank and IMF [International as well as the New Deal policy by Sovereign Wealth Fund, is offering Director of the People’s IPO Call address has been delivered in reduction in the oil price, its key Monetary Fund] have re-evalu- U.S. President Franklin Delano 10 percent minus one share of its Centre Vladimir Kovalev told The January and February, sometimes export commodity, over the past ated their global growth forecast Roosevelt in 1930s. stock in the KEGOC, what is be- Astana Times on Nov. 14. in December. Yet, reflecting the two months and the reciprocal for 2014. That is why we need to Continued on Page A2 ing reported as 25,999,999 shares Continued on Page A4 South African Official Ilyin Breaks Record to Become Four-Time Promotes Business, Weightlifting World Champion By Dmitry Lee People-to-People Two-time Olympic weightlift- ing gold medalist Ilya Ilyin of Kazakhstan set a new world re- cord Nov. 15 in Almaty en route Connections in Astana to winning his fourth Weightlift- By Michelle Witte Addressing the business forum ing World Championship. on Nov. 5, Mfeketo noted that Ilyin snatched first place ASTANA – Deputy Minister of South Africa hoped this first fo- from Uzbek Ruslan Nurudinov, International Relations and Co- rum would become permanent, who minutes earlier had set a operation Nomaindiya Mfeketo as South Africa has not yet fully new record. Nurudinov eventu- visited Astana from Nov. 5-6 explored the opportunities of Ka- ally settled for silver with 432 to co-chair the fourth round of zakhstan in business. Total trade kilogrammes (snatch 193 kg + South Africa-Kazakhstan Bilat- between the two countries in 2013 clean and jerk 239 kg). Russian eral Consultations with Deputy was $5.41 million, but the poten- David Bejanyan took bronze Minister of Foreign Affairs of tial is far greater, she said. The two with a total of 427 kilogrammes Kazakhstan Askar Mussinov and countries have much to learn from (127+240). Ilyin totaled 432 address the first Kazakhstan- each other on their development kilogrammes overall (190+242) South Africa Business Forum paths, Mfeketo said. to win the championship. Even held under the bilateral consulta- “South Africa and Kazakhstan though his result was similar to tions. enjoy excellent bilateral relations Nurudinov’s, Ilyin still won be- Her mission also included a lec- and the strong bond of friendship cause he weighed less than his ture at the Kazakh Humanitarian between our two countries de- opponent. Law University (KAZGUU) and serves to be translated into tangi- The 26-year-old champion promotion of people-to-people ble trade and investment benefits from the Kyzylorda region, how- contacts. Mfeketo suggested stu- on both sides,” the deputy minister ever, says he would still like to dents, artists, religious leaders and said. “South Africa attaches great break even higher records. other members of both communi- importance to its relationship with “I don’t want to stop at this ties become conduits for creating Kazakhstan and regards the coun- point and I want to beat the re- deeper connections. try as an important player in the cord set by Yury Zakharevich or During the bilateral consulta- global energy sector as well as a at least get close to it. That’s my tions, the countries agreed to coop- leader within the Central Asian re- goal,” he said after the tourna- erate and exchange experience in gion.” ment. mineral mining and geology; oil, “The challenge today is to find Ilyin admitted that clean and gas and renewable energy; agricul- and link – through our networking jerking 242 kilogrammes was a ture and agro-processing; tourism; interactions – those areas of our surprising result even for him- science and technology; higher economies which are complemen- self. education and training; trade and tary and mutually beneficial… Ilya Ilyin, two-time Olympic weightlifting gold medallist won his fourth Weightlifting World Championship in Almaty on investment and innovation. Continued on Page A5 Continued on Page B7 Nov. 14.

Inside nation Economy & Business editorial opinions NATION & CAPITAL Advisory Body Addresses Freedom International Forum Examines Almaty’s Role New Poll Shows Kazakh Citizens Have abdrakhmanov: From Almaty to Vienna, Geoparks Can Tell the History of Kazakhstan, of Movement in Kazakhstan, Accepts as Central Asian Financial Hub A4 Positive Outlook on the Country, And New Prospects For LLDCs A6 Attract Tourism Dollars, says Geologist B1 Fundamentals Explain Why A6 Recommendations from Civil Society A2 Kazakh-German Business Council Focuses on Nazarbayeva: Reforms Should Not be Second Astana Public School Joins German Infrastructure, Mining, Investment Hub A5 Campaign Fodder, Says Mazhilis Deputy University Preparation Programme B1 Chairperson A7

US$ 1 = 180.87 KZT 1 Euro = 226.18 KZT 1 Rouble = 3.82 KZT A2 NATION

Wednesday, november 19, 2014

and the rights of refugees and NATIONAL stateless persons. news in brief Materials and recommendations Advisory Body Addresses Freedom by the civil society sector voiced at Gulshara Abdykhalykova was the meeting were accepted by the appointed Kazakhstan’s Secretary state bodies for further study and of State on Nov. 11, becoming the of Movement in Kazakhstan, Accepts work aimed at the development of first woman to occupy such a high democracy and civil liberties, as position in the country’s politi- well as the rule of law in Kazakh- cal system and the highest ranked stan. woman in Kazakhstan’s modern Recommendations from Civil Society In the framework of this dia- history. According to state protocol, the Secretary of State is ranked after By Malika Orazgaliyeva lice of the Ministry of Internal Af- logue platform the Kazakh For- eign Ministry has undertaken sys- the President, the Chairman of the fairs Dulat Iskakov, Chairman of Senate, the Chairman of the Mazhi- ASTANA – The right to freedom the Board of International Bureau tematic and comprehensive work with national NGOs since 2013 in lis (lower house of Parliament) and of movement was the theme of the for Human Rights and Rule of the Prime Pinister. The Secretary of regular meeting of the Consulta- Law Yevgeniy Zhovtis and Direc- the field of human rights and de- mocracy. The trilateral platform al- State oversees numerous interagen- tive-Advisory Body Platform for tor of International Bureau for Hu- cy commissions, such as on citizen- Dialogue on Human Dimension man Rights and Rule of Law Roza lows leaders of national and inter- ship, the Bolashak scholarship, state held Nov. 10 at the Ministry of Akylbekova. Presentations of pro- national nongovernmental sectors awards, state symbols and on fight- Foreign Affairs under the chair- jects and funding programmes of to build a direct dialogue with the ing corruption, among others, and is manship of Ambassador at Large the Kazakh nongovernmental sec- representatives of the Kazakh gov- a top advisor to the President. Be- Usen Suleimen. tor from the side of international ernment and parliament with the fore her appointment, Abdykhalyk- Participants emphasised the spe- organisations were made by Di- participation of Organisation for ova served as deputy prime minister cial importance of this topic be- rector of the United States Agency Security and Cooperation in Eu- of Kazakhstan responsible for social cause the right to free movement for International Development rope (OSCE), UN and European issues, such as education, healthcare is the natural right of a citizen and (USAID) office in Astana Nils Union representatives. and social protection. one of the ideals of his or her per- Bergeson and Deputy Chairman Thus, as a result of the advisory sonal liberty. of the Association of Civil Soci- body’s work during 2013, more “Eighty-two percent of children The right to freedom of move- ety Development (ARGO) Kaisha than 150 recommendations were from three to six years old receive ment and right to choose a place lishing a greater synergy between zakhstan within the framework of Atakhanova. developed, from which govern- pre-school education in the Man- gystau region,” said Akim (Gover- of residence within a state, as well the government, parliament and [the Kazakhstan 2050] Strategy Representatives of the non- ment representatives agreed on nor) of the Mangystau region Alik as the right to leave and return to NGOs in joint efforts to solidify and prepare recommendations to governmental sector had raised 40 for implementation. Sixty are Aidarbayev at a Nov.14 Central the country without hindrance, is a range of issues relating to the under discussion and about 50 are a democratic foundation in Ka- the government and parliament Communications Service (CCS) still being debated. On the recom- recognised by the international zakhstan. We want to strengthen to be incorporated into a draft of current system of registration of briefing. “The network of pre-school community and recorded in all the the culture of open dialogue and the Human Rights Action Plan to citizens, existing regulations gov- mendation of the NGO sector, par- education institutions increased by basic international instruments on political debates,” Suleimen said. 2020,” he added. erning the actions of the bodies ticipants are developing three road 82 organisations in 2011-2013 by human rights. “As practical and deliverable, During the meeting, reports were of internal affairs in case of tem- maps relating recommendations means of construction of new and “The goals of our dialogue plat- we want to work out a joint plan presented by Deputy Chairman of porary restrictions of the rights to based on the degree of its adjust- reconstruction of existing kinder- form are clear. We work on estab- for the future development of Ka- the Department for Migration Po- freedom of movement of citizens ment. gartens, establishment of mini-cen- tres and opening private organisa- tions within the implementation of the Balapan Programme,” the head of the region said. According to the akim, as a result of the measures, In Surprise State of the Nation Address, Kazakh President the inclusion of children from three to six years old in pre-school educa- tion reach 82 percent in 2014. Unveils Massive Infrastructure Investments In Kazakhstan, about 18,000 peo- Continued from Page A1 contribute to implementing five implementing major road projects: my. The President instructed the enhanced day by day,” the head of ple with special needs are involved key goals. Western China – Western Europe; government to allocate 10 billion state concluded, stating the values in the Paralympic Games move- ment, President of the National First, 100 billion tenge (US$560 Astana – Almaty; Astana – Ust- tenge (US$55.5 million) by 2017 to that are most important to the peo- Paralympic Committee Darkhan Uncorking the ple of Kazakhstan. million) will be allocated for con- Kamenogorsk; Astana – Aktobe upgrade their equipment and other Kaletayev said at a Nov. 17 briefing. National Fund cessional lending to SMEs and – Atyrau; Almaty – Ust-Kame- relevant infrastructure. In addition, he noted that in prepara- The policy embraces all aspects ensuring implementation of im- nogorsk and Karaganda – Zhez- Highlighting the importance of tion for the 15th Summer Paralym- of economic growth, including portant projects in the food and kazgan – Kyzylorda; Atyrau – As- SMEs for the national economy, Experts, Politicians pic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the fo- finances, industry and social wel- chemical industries, mechanical trakhan. A large-scale ferry service Nazarbayev reminded that the ear- Support New Policy, cus will be on swimming and track fare, but especially emphasises engineering and service sector. from the port of Kuryk along with lier allocation of 100 billion tenge and field events (athletics). “The investments into the development Second, 250 billion tenge the Borzhakty – Ersai railway link (US$560 million) from the National Stress Accountability Paralympic Committee decided to of infrastructure and construction (US$1.4 billion) would provide ad- would contribute to increasing Fund helped create 4,500 new jobs. The President’s message was establish a national swimming team works. Given recent decreases in ditional capitalisation for the gov- export potential in the direction In line with the Kazakhstan 2050 welcomed by many politicians and in Astana, athletics in Almaty. We revenues from the export of raw ernment-run bad loans fund. This across the Caspian Sea. To that Strategy, the work on increasing experts who noted the relevance of will strengthen the two centres,” he materials, funds will be used from would help further rehabilitate the end, the government will examine SMEs’ share in the nation’s GDP strengthening investment policy stressed. According to the agency, Kazakhstan’s National Fund. country’s banking sector by buy- opportunities to build or lease ter- to 50 percent is to be continued, he at home and the importance of the today in Kazakhstan there are eight sports clubs for disabled people Created in 2000 and modelled ing out the private banks’ non-per- minal facilities and dry ports and said. In this respect, he instructed strict implementation of the pro- and two schools with sports for the on Norway’s Petroleum Fund and forming loans. sea-ports in China, Iran, Russia and that loans totaling 155 billion tenge grammes announced. Third, 81 billion (US$447.7 mil- the European Union. (US$857 million) over the next Political analyst Marat Shibutov physically challenged. At the 11th other similar “rainy day” funds, it Summer Asian Games, Kazakh- has accumulated $76 billion from lion) will be channelled into the In energy infrastructure, the gov- three years from the ADB, EBRD commented to bnews.kz that the construction of infrastructure of the ernment is to focus on developing and World Bank be used efficiently. President was right to conclude stan’s Paralympic team, which in- Kazakhstan’s oil and other raw cluded 84 athletes, took 11th place, special Khorgos economic zone, two high-voltage lines: Ekibas- President Nazarbayev underlined that the falling prices on oil and material exports revenues. winning seven gold, six silver and “In the years when the situa- which serves as Kazakhstan’s gate tuz – Semey – Ust-Kamenogorsk that structural reforms in relevant the slowdown in the key interna- into the enormous market of China, and Semey – Aktogai – Almaty areas of the economy should ac- 11 bronze medals. This is a record tion on external markets favoured tional markets of the EU, China number of medals in the history of and the national industrial petro- – Shymkent that would ensure a company investments from the us and prices for our export com- and Russian would take a toll on the Summer Asian Games since chemical technology park objects modities were relatively high, we balanced energy supply by local National Fund, and this requires Kazakhstan and the best response 2006. directed those revenues into the in Atyrau and Taraz. power plants to all regions of the drawing from international finan- would be in the development of in- National Fund. Its aim was to in- Fourth, the head of state ordered country. cial organisations to implement frastructure. Grain harvest finished on 14.5 crease the sustainability of our the allocation of an additional 40 Other significant issues on the joint projects. He stated that the “This allows livening up the million hectare fields and 18.3 mil- economy in the face of external billion tenge (US$220 million) into agenda include upgrading public World Bank, ADB, EBRD and IDB economy and creating new growth lion tonnes of grain at the average shock, including low prices on our construction of the EXPO 2017 utilities infrastructure and water were ready to allocate about $9 bil- points inside the country. ... I be- harvest of 12.6 centner/hectare was commodities,” the President re- complex in Astana. supply systems, attracting invest- lion to 90 priority projects to sup- lieve the recipe is tried and tested, obtained, Minister of Agriculture minded. Fifth, with the global exhibition ment from the European Bank for port investment activity, prevent a and it will be successful. Moreover, Assylzhan Mamytbekov said at a In 2007-2009, the government event getting closer, President Naz- Reconstruction and Development decrease in incomes and stimulate around 40 percent of money spend Nov. 17 briefing in the Mazhilis used $10 billion out of the Na- arbayev directed 29 billion tenge (EBRD), the Asian Development job creation. This would ensure the would return as taxes. So the Nurly (lower chamber of the Parliament). tional Fund to mitigate the effects (US $160.2 million) be allocated Bank (ADB and the Islamic Devel- sustainable growth of the economy Zhol [programme] would help the According to the minister, 64 percent of the global financial crunch that to expand the Astana airport, in- opment Bank (IDB), as well as pri- in the short and medium term, the country, especially if the roads are of oil and vegetable and 96.6 percent of the potato harvest was gathered. negatively impacted Kazakhstan’s cluding constructing a new termi- vate investors. This would require President said. good technically,” he said. This year, yield capacity of vegeta- economy . nal and reconstructing the air strip, an annual allocation of no less than Overall, according to the address, Azat Peruashev, leader of parlia- as the existing facility has already ble cultures is 12.1 centner/hectare “The remaining money [in the 200 billion tenge (US$1.1 billion) the Nurly Zhol new economic pol- mentary opposition party Ak Zhol, reached its maximum capacities higher than last year, potatoes are National Fund] was not spent, in- until 2020, the head of state said. icy will help create up to 200,000 known for its pro-business stand, in serving a passenger flow of 3.5 at 15.9 centner/hectare. Thus, ac- stead we saved [those funds] and As the President noted, increas- new jobs through road construction emphasised that enormous sums million annually and as this num- cording to Mamytbekov, in some more. Now is the period when we ing urbanisation is creating addi- projects alone, as well as create a are allocated to boost growth, ber is expected to grow significant- tional stress on the housing mar- multiplier effect on other sectors of areas of North Kazakhstan and the should use these reserves. They even more than during the crisis of Kostanai region, the harvest is still ly in the coming years, especially ket. In this respect, Nazarbayev the economy including the produc- can help us weather tough times 2007-2009, the Kazinform news continuing, but two areas in the Ak- in connection with EXPO 2017. tion of cement, steel, machinery, and stimulate growth in our econ- announced an upgrade to the state agency reported. mola region are nearing completion. omy,” Nazarbayev emphasised as programmes on the construction bitumen, equipment and related “To prevent ‘hand washing The other districts have completed he announced an important change Massive Infrastructure of rental houses (with apartments services. hand,’ to suppress the temptations, the harvesting campaign. “This year, of approach to the National Fund. available for long lease with a pur- At the end of his speech, Presi- there is a need for an alternative the gross grain harvest after comple- He said the new allocation Investment to Help Boost chase option). The change would dent Nazarbayev highlighted that point of view from [other politi- tion is forecast at about 17.6 million should be used for building objects exempt less affluent candidates economic growth was heavily de- cal] parties,” Peruashev stressed in tonnes, which allows increasing the of transport, energy, industrial and Economic Growth from the need to make an initial pendent on domestic peace and parliament. export potential up to seven million social infrastructure, as well as The new economic policy Nurly deposit and help get lower inter- interethnic accord in the country. Nur Otan party’s parliament tonnes,” Mamytbekov concluded. supporting small and medium en- Zhol itself will be centred around est rates from banks. To this end, Celebrations of 550 years of state- member Kamal Burkhanov com- terprises (SMEs). the infrastructure development 180 billion tenge (US$995 million) hood, 70 years since the end of the mended the Nurly Zhol programme The eco-bridge “Kazakh Elim – “I’ve made a decision that the plan, designed for five years, to would be allocated in 2015-2016. Second World War, 20 years of the and agreed on the importance of Zhasyl Zherim” (“Kazakh Land is National Fund will allocate an ad- coincide with the second five-year If implemented, the programme Constitution and the Assembly of strict control over the efficient use Green Country”) launched in edu- ditional $3 billion annually to sup- Programme of Accelerated Indus- is clearly going to make rent and the People of Kazakhstan in 2015 of the money to be allocated from cational institutions in the Aktobe port our economy in the upcoming trial and Innovative Development housing more affordable to the citi- must help promote unity and toler- the National Fund. region on Oct. 14 and the Pavlodar three-year period. To this end, the (PAIID). The plan’s overall invest- zens. ance, he said. “The President demands control region on Nov. 13. The purpose government is to prepare the cor- ment portfolio is estimated at 6 In education, 70 billion tenge The younger generation has and I believe all [of the projects] of the eco-bridge held within the responding decree in a week and trillion tenge (US$33.1 billion), of (US$387 million) would be allo- never seen interethnic conflicts, will be implemented. We have no Zhandanu projects is to form an en- allot the necessary funds in the which 85 percent would come from cated toward repairing a number of nor the depression and strife of the doubt about that. ... If more people vironmental conscience and culture draft national budget for 2015,” the private investors, including from schools on an emergency basis and 1990s, Nazarbayev said. as good citizens will contribute [to within the younger generation. The peculiarity of the event is that rural President announced. foreign countries. eliminating by 2017 three-shift ed- “Many treat stability and a control], then each tenge will end school students from Algabai vil- Nazarbayev added that “a special ucation where it remains. Regional comfortable life in Kazakhstan as The plan envisages extensive de- up where it must,” he said, accord- lage and Aksu town in the Pavlodar commission will strictly observe velopment of transport networks authorities would receive and addi- something omnipotent. But what is ing to Kazinform. region will take part in it. The cam- the use of each tenge” and report to and logistics infrastructure as part tional 20 billion (US$111 million) stability? It is the well-being of our The same day, on Nov. 11, Ka- paign will begin with an exhibition him personally. of shaping the macro-regions inside to radically reduce overcrowding in families, security and a roof over zakh Prime Minister Karim Mas- of children’s drawings called “Plan- He underlined that the sec- the country, which are to be con- the preschool system. head. Peace is the joy of parent- simov convened a cabinet meeting et of Childhood,” which is also ex- ond tranche of 500 billion tenge centrated around their hub cities. At the same time, the new indus- hood, the health of our own par- where he instructed the ministries pected to launch a similarly-named (US$2.8 billion) from 1 trillion The nationwide network would trialisation programme previously ents and the happiness of our kids. to start work on the President’s in- nationwide contest for the youngest tenge (US$5.6 billion) allocated connect macro-regions with each designated 10 key universities as Peace is a steady job, salaries paid structions and promptly introduce citizens of the country aged five to by the National Fund in Febru- other and with Astana through hubs for training specialised per- and confidence in the future. Peace the changes into the budget pro- ten years. A presentation of docu- ary to boost economic growth and roads, railway links and airlines. sonnel and enhancing links be- is stability, a public heritage that grammes needed for their timely mentaries titled “Earth Heritage” employment in 2014-2015 should Most attention would be paid to tween science and the real econo- should be protected, preserved and implementation. will complete the campaign. A3 eurasia&world

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external news in brief Kazakh, Kyrgyz Presidents Reaffirm Countries’ Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili when the latter officially visited Kazakh- Historic Roots, Growing Economic Relationship stan. At a Nov. 12 meeting, Mas- simov and Garibashvili discussed a Continued from Page A1 friendship and mutual understand- wide range of issues related to the ing between the two countries. development of bilateral trade and Nazarbayev stated that about “I signed a decree on presenting economic, investment and transit- 86 percent of the electricity, 90 you the highest award for foreign transport cooperation. Following percent of dairy products and 56 leaders, the Order of Dostyk of the talks, the heads of the govern- percent of the fruits and vegetables Kazakhstan for your great contri- ments held a joint press conference. that Kyrgyzstan exports go to Ka- bution to securing friendship and “We reached a consensus on devel- zakhstan. Kazakhstan, on the other understanding between our two opment of trade and economic co- hand, provides nearly 100 percent countries and brotherhood be- operation. We are interested in the of Kyrgyzstan’s needs for wheat, tween Kazakhs and Kyrgyz. Hope- development of promising areas 97 percent for flour, 70 percent for fully, this will serve to further the of the economy, such as transport, minerals and 53 percent of its non- trust between our two countries. I communication, the agriculture sec- organic chemicals. Since inde- congratulate you. We believe that tor, tourism, etc,” Massimov said. pendence, Kazakh businesses have Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are The head of Kazakhstan’s govern- invested $1 billion in the Kyrgyz close nations by spirit, history, re- ment underlined that a key point of economy. ligion, language, culture and men- the agenda was expanding the trans- Nazarbayev also reiterated Ka- tality,” Nazarbayev said. port corridors that connect the two zakhstan’s readiness to support countries. In this regard, Massimov In turn, the Kyrgyz president declared that Kazakhstan is inter- Kyrgyzstan, including as far as its thanked Nazarbayev for the award ested in completing the construction current efforts to join the Customs and Kazakhstan’s willingness to of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and assist Kyrgyzstan in resolving var- line that will ensure the export of Russia and the Common Econom- ious problems. Kazakh products to Europe by way ic Space of the same three coun- “I would like to wholeheartedly of the Caspian Sea, as well as Geor- tries. Both unification initiatives thank you for the award and for gian goods through Kazakh territory are precursors to the fledgling the support that you have always to the countries of Central Asia and Eurasian Economic Union, which rendered to the Kyrgyz people and China. “We are interested in the de- is set to enter into effect on Jan. to me personally. Visiting you is velopment of private sector, trade 1, 2015. President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev (right) awarded Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev the order of always a joyous event because on and economic cooperation, tourism, “Kazakhstan is the largest trade Dostyk (Friendship) of first degree for his contribution to strengthening the friendship and mutual understanding between every meeting I learn something export of agriculture products of our partner for Kyrgyzstan. Works the two countries. from you. And of course, I will not countries and deepening coopera- are ongoing on the launch of a sistance to Kyrgyzstan in supply- We are closely observing develop- Afghanistan and Syria, disputes hide that many of the problematic tion in the fields of science, educa- Kazakhstan-Kyrgyz Fund of Di- ing 1.4 billion kilowatts per hour ments in Kyrgyzstan. I believe that between Russia and the West are issues I resolve with your support. tion, information, culture and sport,” rect Investments. Kazakhstan is of electricity next year. At the your visit and documents signed affecting our countries. Jointly, we This time, there is a difficult situa- the Georgian Prime Minister stated. financing the construction of two same time, Kyrgyzstan will ensure today are evidence of the high lev- must resolve all the issues that face tion again; we have serious energy schools in the north and south of steady supplies of water for farm- el of relations between our coun- us today.” problems. All the people of Kyr- The dynamics of the emigra- Kyrgyzstan,” Nazarbayev said at a ing purposes during the growing tries,” Nazarbayev said. The head of state awarded gyzstan are grateful that you have tion processes have reduced in Ka- joint press briefing after the talks. season. Nazarbayev, pointing to the dif- Atambayev the order of Dostyk decided to assist us in this matter, zakhstan, Vice Minister of National As announced at the press brief- “Kazakhs and Kyrgyz have been ficult geopolitical situation in the (Friendship) of first degree for his as in many others,” Atambayev Economy Madina Abylkassymova ing, Kazakhstan will provide as- brotherly nations for centuries. world, also said: “The events in contribution to strengthening the said. said at a Nov. 12 meeting on migra- tion processes. “According to the statistics, in 2013 the number of em- igrated citizens reduced by almost two times than in 2008,” Abylkassy- mova noted. New Brussels-Based Think Tank to Focus Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, hosted a high-level conference Nov. 7-8 to review the progress made on EU-Central Asia Relationship within the Council of Europe policy By Altair Nurbekov important for moving relations to lations in the U.S., the U.K. Royal toward its immediate neighbour- a qualitatively new level. Kazakh- Institute of International Affairs at ing regions and exchange views on BRUSSELS – Kazakh Minister stan has made impressive progress Chatham House and the European further development of this policy. of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov since independence and is now Council on Foreign Relations. It is Addressing the conference, the head visited Brussels on Nov. 12 to ad- moving towards new levels of envisaged that over time, the new of the Kazakh delegation Deputy dress an audience of European pol- growth.” think tank working at the heart of Foreign Minister Alexei Volkov un- iticians and scholars at the launch Aleksander Kwasniewski, the the European Union will become a derlined the significant potential of of a new think tank dedicated to former President of Poland and valuable and independent source Kazakh-European dialogue in all fostering the region’s relationship also a member of ECFA advisory of high-quality research, publica- dimensions, including the rapidly- with the European Union. council, believes that Kazakhstan tions and information that will developing cooperation between The new dialogue platform is is now known to many across the keep Europe abreast of the rapidly Kazakhstan and the Council of called the Eurasian Council on world and is now an important developing political and economic Europe. He stressed that Kazakh- Foreign Affairs (ECFA) and is player not only regionally but landscape of Central Asia. stan considers the mutual desire to headquartered in Brussels, ac- also globally. “Hopefully, due to While in Brussels, Idrissov also cooperate with the Council of Eu- cording to its press release. It was Kazakhstan’s active participation, delivered a keynote address at the rope as an opportunity to exchange founded to facilitate the exchange we will be able to solve urgent se- opening of an international confer- experiences and good knowledge of knowledge and best practices, curity problems, including those ence titled “Towards Eurasian Se- in order to ensure stability, security, as well as strengthen the links be- pertaining to the ongoing tensions curity: Europe and Central Asia’s economic development and prosper- tween Central Asia and the Euro- between the West and Russia re- Post-Afghanistan Strategy,” which ity in the region. He also highlighted pean Union. garding tensions in Ukraine.” was organised in cooperation with the importance of the action plan in Prominent European statesmen, Other members of the ECFA the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Aus- the framework of the “Neighbour- academics; EU, NATO and Or- advisory council include Vaclav wärtige Politik, Germany’s nation- hood Cooperation Priorities for Ka- ganisation for Security and Coop- Claus, former president of the al foreign policy network. zakhstan 2014-2015: cooperation eration in Europe (OSCE) officials Czech Republic, Kjell Magne Addressing conference par- activities on Council of Europe’s and respected voices from around Bondevik, former prime minister ticipants, Idrissov said one of the conventions in criminal matters,” Europe attended the launch. of Norway, Georgi Parvanov, for- main challenges currently facing adopted in December 2013. Moreo- Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the for- Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov addresses an audience of mer president of Bulgaria, Peter regional development stemming ver, the head of the Kazakh delega- mer EU Commissioner for Exter- European politicians and scholars in Brussels on Nov. 12. Lilley MP, former British secre- from Afghanistan is countering tion spoke about support for Kazakh nal Affairs and Foreign Minister of tary of state for trade and industry, drug trafficking and production. In authorities in improving the quality Austria was named the chairman and Lord Lamont, former British Idrissov’s opinion, without an in- and efficiency of the Kazakh justice of the ECFA Advisory Council. everything will come together here for efficient and sustainable devel- chancellor of the exchequer. It tegrated resolution to the narcotics system, the joint programme of the Idrissov was named the first hon- in Brussels, in Europe and in the opment in Kazakhstan, he said. also includes Josef Joffe, publisher problem, it will be difficult to re- European Union and the Council of orary president of the new organi- Eurasian Council on Foreign Af- “In this period of global eco- and editor of Die Zeit, and Olzhas store the economy and ensure both Europe launched in July and aimed sation, which the country’s foreign fairs,” Kazakhstan’s foreign min- nomic instability, the strategy Suleimenov, one of Kazakhstan’s the rule of law and stable develop- at the convergence of the Kazakh ministry has supported with a ister said. will allow the country to not only most prominent poets. ment. and European systems of justice grant. Rauan Kenzhekhanuly, the Idrissov further talked about weather this difficult stage, but The ECFA’s launch coincided “Central Asia’s current secu- within the above-mentioned action head of Kazakhstan’s Wiki Bilim how for Kazakhstan, 2014 has also strengthen its already strong with the publication of its first de- rity challenges stem from the fact plan. public foundation and a graduate been a memorable year. “2014 has trajectory of sustained growth to tailed opinion research poll inside that a political settlement in Af- of the Bolashak programme, is the seen the conclusion of important achieve the objectives of [the Ka- of Kazakhstan, which was com- ghanistan may not hold. The next Rio de Janeiro hosted the tour ECFA’s first founding director. negotiations with the European zakhstan 2050 Strategy],” he said. missioned from U.K.-based poll- step is especially important for the of the State Academic Symphony Other notable guests present at Union on a new enhanced partner- Former Italian Foreign Minister ing agency Ipsos MORI. It pro- country. We welcome the results Orchestra of the Republic of Ka- the ECFA launch ceremony in- ship and cooperation agreement Franco Frattini, another member vides an insight into the attitudes of the presidential election and the zakhstan on Nov. 6, with the as- cluded Lamberto Zannier, Secre- (PCA) and on our imminent acces- of the ECFA advisory council, said of Kazakhstan citizens towards peaceful transfer of power and re- sistance of the Kazakh Embassy in tary-General of the OSCE; Patrick sion to the World Trade Organisa- Kazakhstan plays a very important their government and its key poli- sponsibility to the government of Brazil and the Ministry of Culture Child, managing director of the tion,” he stressed. role in Central Asia, as well as in cies. this country. International forces and Sport, as well as Dell’Arte, the European External Action Service, The completion of talks over promoting intercultural and inter- The results show that 90 percent have played a historical role in Brazilian production company. The and Iveta Grigule, Chair of the PCA agreement, which is ex- civilisational dialogue and nuclear of respondents feel fairly positive the restoration of Afghanistan’s tour programme included concerts Delegation to the EU-Kazakhstan, pected to be formally signed next nonproliferation and therefore, it is or very positive about their coun- statehood and the strengthening of in Brazil and Argentina aimed at EU-Kyrgyzstan and EU-Uzbek- year, was announced following essential that the European Union try – an increase of 4 percent from institutions that serve Afghan soci- further expanding and strengthening istan Parliamentary Cooperation a meeting between Kazakhstan’s cooperate with the country in the a similar survey taken in late 2013. ety,” Idrissov said. cultural ties with these countries, as Committees, and for relations President Nursultan Nazarbayev most effective manner possible. Respondents generally noted an “I am confident that all of us well as introducing Kazakh culture with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and President of the EU Com- “President Nazarbayev is mak- improvement in Kazakhstan as have a vested interest in Afghani- and art to Brazilian and Argentinean and Mongolia as well as and the mission José Manuel Barroso in ing vital contributions to ensuring a place to live over the past 10 stan’s further development and audiences. The orchestra included ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Kyr- Brussels last month. The PCA stability and sustainable develop- years, with 83 percent stating that stand ready to continue our efforts talented violinist Galiya Bissengali- gyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan agreement will enhance coop- ment not only in Kazakhstan, but it has gotten a lot better or a lit- within the international commu- yeva, graduate of London’s Royal in Brussels. eration in 29 fields, including the across the region. Therefore, the tle better. Meanwhile, the top five nity to remedy the dire situation in Academy of Music and laureate In his opening remarks, Idrissov economy, trade and investment, development of transportation in descriptive words most associated the country,” he stated. of international competitions and said the ECFA is not only historic, rule of law, democracy and nation Kazakhstan is and will be impor- with Kazakhstan were hospitable On the same day, in an inter- famous French conductor Nicole but also timely, because it is not building. tant not only from an economic (47 percent), stable (39 percent), view with Reuters News Agency, Krauss. The concerts were also held always easy to bridge the cultural In his speech, Idrissov under- perspective, but regarding the de- peaceful (37 percent), improving Idrissov discussed the prospects in the Brazilian city of Vitoria, and and psychological gaps between scored the nation’s new economic velopment of people-to-people (36 percent) and successful (32 of Kazakhstan’s development in Buenos Aires, Rosario and Córdoba, Europe and Asia. strategy, the Nurly Zhol (Bright contacts.” percent). the light of the Nurly Zhol new the major cities of Argentina. In par- “I believe the geographic, cul- Road) announced by President According to Ferrero-Waldner, According to a press release from economic strategy, the country’s ticular, in Buenos Aires the concert tural and psychological gap be- Nazarbayev during a snap state-of- the conclusion of negotiations the Eurasian Council on Foreign relations with the EU and Rus- was conducted at the world-famous tween Europe and Asia will be in- the-nation address on Nov. 11 in between Kazakhstan and the EU Affairs, the organisation is mod- sia, as well as the situation in Colon Theatre. creasingly bridged and blurred and Astana. It serves as a clear vision on a new enhanced PCA is “very eled on the Council on Foreign Re- Ukraine. A4 economy

Wednesday, november 19, 2014

banks are not keen on developing economy their networks in Kazakhstan, which news in brief creates the opportunity to increase International Forum Examines Almaty’s the volume of domestic banks and introduce new products at home. “Work on establishing high “This year, we introduced a line technology productions for ex- of credit that allows commercial port in Special Economic Zone Role as Central Asian Financial Hub banks to adjust currency positions Seaport Aktau continues,” said through funding secured in Kazakh- Akim (governor) of the Mangys- By Yelden Sarybay stan tenge. The programme will tau region Alik Aidarbayev at a help remove many historically acute Nov. 14 Central Communications A high-level forum exploring the problems for managing foreign ex- Service (CCS) briefing. “Cur- investment potential of Almaty as the change position. Thus, the result was rently, five companies are operat- newly redefined financial hub of Cen- ing in the territory of the special tral Asia titled “Financing Growth a significant stabilisation of domes- tic funding and the ability of banks economic zone and 29 billion in Kazakhstan” was held at the Ritz tenge [US$160.25 million] has Carlton hotel in Almaty on Nov. 7. to increase tenge loan portfolios. It is important to note the timeliness of been attracted. Products worth The event, which was presented 223 billion tenge [US$1.23 bil- by the Financial Times’ The Banker decision-making. The third quarter of 2014 will be a turning point in lion] have been manufactured. publication in partnership with the Taxes amounting to 9.5 billion Kazakh-British Chamber of Com- our sector in terms of the volume of mergers and acquisitions in the mar- tenge [US$52.5 million] were merce and with support from the paid to the budget. More than National Bank of Kazakhstan, in- ket. Combining Kazkom and BTA, Alliance, Temirbank and Forte, and 1,000 jobs were created,” he cluded discussions on banking news, said. In 2014, it is planned to the conditions needed for optimal the acquisition of HSBC’s subsidi- minister. “Since 2006, the govern- Chairman of the National Bank 10 banks have declared bankruptcy. launch five projects totalling 5 performance in a changing global ary bank in Kazakhstan by Halyk ment has been working intensely to of Kazakhstan Kairat Kelimbetov This shows that the state stands be- billion tenge [US$27.62 million]. economy, key trends and various Bank will lead to substantial refor- develop a regional financial centre discussed the major current issues of hind the banks – both through guar- They will also create 365 jobs. opportunities for the development of matting of the sector in the near fu- the financial sector. here, has been engaged in building the times in the banking industry and anteeing deposits and through the ture,” said Auezov. In 2015-2017, it is planned to Speaking to forum participants infrastructure, developing human their solutions. work that was done during the cri- “An important metric that is see- launch another 14 projects with via a video link, Prime Minister capital and improving the regulatory Kelimbetov stressed that the main sis,” continued Kelimbetov. ing a continuing decline is the share a total cost of about 375 billion Karim Massimov stated that Ka- environment.” challenges for Kazakhstan today are According to him, another impor- of foreign banks in Kazakhstan. To- tenge [US$2.07 billion], creating zakhstan’s financial reserves have Massimov noted that recently, Al- ongoing problems pertaining to bad tant issue is the involvement of the day, we see that almost all the major more than 7,000 jobs. Presently, exceeded $100 billion, accounting maty climbed 15 places on the glob- loans. “Much has been said about population in banking and financial banks, in the implementation of their infrastructure is being built in the for 40 percent the country’s gross al index of regional financial centres this subject and a lot is being done services.“To address these questions, programmes to overcome non-core special economic zone. domestic product. He called the fur- and has reached 43rd place, passing over multiple stages. There are the we need to keep up with the times. markets, have left Kazakhstan. Uni ther economic plans of the govern- cities like Brussels, Milan, Moscow, unprecedented tax incentives that The financial world is constantly Credit bank this year sold its subsidi- “The latest address of the Pres- ment responsibly ambitious and said Prague and Rome. the government will provide in the undergoing technological revolu- ary bank; HSBC also significantly ident is the main stimulator of that the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy Brian Caplen, editor of one of the near future to allow most banks to tion. This means we should not just reduced its operations in RBS’s Ka- the growth of our economy,” said should be completed successfully on world’s largest business information write off nonperforming loans in a follow trends, but also to try to get zakhstan operations. They had one Akim (Mayor) of Astana Adilbek time. Almaty and its potential as a resources, The Banker, noted: “[In painless manner,” Kelimbetov said ahead of them,” added Kelimbetov. objective – to provide the best pos- Dzhaksybekov at a Nov. 13 meet- regional financial hub are set to play Kazakhstan,] We see an increase of in reference to government plans to Speaking of the latest trends in sible funding to the best borrowers. ing dedicated to discussing the a large role in that effort. about 5 percent; based on the ratio aid the banking sector. Kazakhstan’s banking sector, Mag- Banks have played an important role state-of-the-nation address. “Ex- “The financial services industry of external debt to gross domes- “There is also a problem that zhan Auezov, the managing director in actively promoting a wide and panding the horizons of the Ka- will remain the engine of growth. tic product, a small budget deficit. arose in the banks that have passed of Kazkommertsbank, reminded the high quality product line. For us, zakhstan 2050 Strategy, we have We have achieved significant pro- These are figures of which the EU through the crucible of restructuring. delegates that while Kazakh banks filling the vacuum that has formed is reached a new phase of a break- gress in this field,” stated the prime only dreams about.” Since independence, none of the top are conducting mergers, foreign important,” concluded Auezov. through of the economic policy of Kazakhstan: ‘Bright Road.’ It is a crossing point of two vec- tors: one of them is a way of Ka- zakhstan’s development and the second one is the achievement of EBRD President Visits Tajikistan, Signs essential success. I think it is one of the most important events of this year, which is definitely go- Financing Agreements with Private Sector ing to go down in the history of our country,” the akim said. By Michelle Witte jikistan are supporting the pri- vestor and diplomatic communi- cluding women’s organisations. sector round-table discussion and vate and financial sectors and in- ties and international financial The EBRD delegation was also meet with local authorities. Prime Minister of Kazakhstan ASTANA – European Bank frastructure development. More institutions, EBRD clients and to visit the Nurek hydropower The EBRD has invested about 360 Karim Massimov attended the for Reconstruction and Develop- than half of Tajikistan’s gross civil society representatives, in- plant, participate in an energy million euros in Tajikistan to date. sixth Expert-200-Kazakhstan ment (EBRD) President Suma domestic product is estimated forum, held on Nov. 14. Mas- Chakrabarti visited Tajikistan on to come from remittances, the simov noted the importance of Nov. 17-18, the first official visit World Bank reported in its April implementing tasks from the by an EBRD president to that 2014 Migration and Develop- President’s address to the people, country in nine years, an EBRD ment Brief. “Nurly Zhol.” “The head of state press release announced on Nov. With President of Tajikistan adopted the decision to allocate 17. Two agreements were signed Emomali Rahmon, Chakrabarti money to stimulate Kazakhstan’s during the visit, and Chakrabati discussed the country’s growing economy and its financial sta- met with high-level officials and private sector. He then addressed bility. We are making reforms addressed Tajikistan’s invest- a special session of the Consul- together with world financial ment climate council. tative Council on the Investment institutes the World Bank, the Chakrabarti signed financing Climate under the President of European Bank of Reconstruc- agreements with two companies Tajikistan, reviewing recent tion and Development (EBRD), during the visit, one with micro- economic developments in Ta- the Asian Bank of Development finance institution IMON Inter- jikistan, including the country’s (ADB), the Islamic Bank of De- national on providing funds to improved ranking in the latest velopment (IBD), [and] in coop- increase lending to small enter- World Bank Doing Business re- eration with the Organisation of prises and another with Schiever port, investment reforms and Ta- Economic Cooperation and De- Tajikistan, which plans to open jikistan’s activities as a member velopment (OECD). I think that the country’s first modern super- of the World Trade Organisation. will allow Kazakhstan to avoid market. The past year has been a Chakrabarti also met with the average earnings and attract record year for EBRD investment ministers of finance, energy and private investment,” Massimov in Tajikistan, the bank reported, foreign affairs; the governor said. and a new EBRD strategy for the and the deputy governor of the country is being developed. country’s national bank; repre- Kazakhstan’s ambassador to The EBRD’s priorities in Ta- sentatives of the business, in- the Netherlands, Mainura Mur- zamadiyeva, and Minister of Eco- nomic Affairs of the Netherlands Henk Kamp met in The Hague on Nov. 6 to discuss important issues Stalled IPO Programme of bilateral trade and economic cooperation and intensifying business relations, particularly in Relaunches with KEGOC the framework of the forthcom- ing visit of Kamp to Astana to participate in the 25th session of Stock Release the Energy Charter Conference at Continued from Page A1 Samruk Kazyna reports that the end of November. Murzama- 30,000 people in 25 cities around diyeva briefed Kamp on existing Interested buyers can purchase the country have attended informa- opportunities for developing co- shares through brokers, Kovalev tion sessions about the IPO as of operation between Kazakhstan said. Buyers in more remote ar- Nov. 13. and the Netherlands, including eas can access brokers through The People’s IPO programme in the framework of implement- Kazpost, which will act as agents was approved in 2011, with the ing the State Programme of Ac- of brokers outside of Almaty and first IPO offered in 2012. In Febru- celerated Industrial and Innova- Astana. Buyers may sign agree- ary, President of Kazakhstan Nur- tive Development (SPAIID) and ments with as many brokers as sultan Nazarbayev criticised the international exhibition EXPO they want, he said. government for allowing the pro- 2017. She underlined the Kazakh The sale is generating slightly gramme, which was supposed to government’s initiatives to estab- more attention than the 2012 of- quickly float shares in five national lish a new stimuli package for fering of KazTransOil, Samruk companies, to falter. He com- foreign investors. Kamp stressed Kazyna’s press centre reported manded the government and the the growing interest of the Neth- on Nov. 13, noting that 1,156 ap- country’s National Bank to come erlands in enhancing multitier plications for more than 1,150,000 up with a plan for both the Unified cooperation. He also commended shares of KEGOC stock were re- National Pension Fund and the se- the social and economic transfor- ceived between Nov. 5 and 12, curities market by June 2014. mations of Kazakhstan and the slightly more than the 947 appli- Now, Kovalev said, plans are political stability and increasing cations that were received in the again on track for more public attractiveness of the state and the same period in 2012 for KazTran- stock offerings, including Sam- region. At the end of the meet- sOil stock. KazTransOil floated 38 ruk-Energo in 2015 and both Ka- ing, the parties reached agreed to million shares on Dec. 25, 2012, zakhstan Temir Zholy, the national intensify economic dialogue and and nearly 34,000 citizens of the railway company, and KazAtom- start joint preparations for the country became shareholders in Prom, the national atomic com- visit of the Dutch delegation to the company. pany, in 2016. Kazakhstan. A5 Business

Wednesday, november 19, 2014

Business News in Brief Kazakh-German Business Council Focuses “Under the law on improvement of conditions for business, the num- ber of procedures during the regis- tration of enterprises will be reduced on Infrastructure, Mining, Investment Hub by three times,” said Minister of By Michelle Witte eign investors, so they can create ties … It’s also really important to quality to construction in Kazakh- the German CLAAS and America’s National Economy Yerbolat Dos- and develop their business in Ka- know what the Kazakhstan side is stan, and to produce their projects John Deere. “We really need such sayev said at the sixth Economic ASTANA – At the Kazakh-Ger- zakhstan and go to neighbouring thinking about the development of in Kapchagai, near Almaty. Knauf factory, so I would ask the leader- Forum of National Business Experts man Business Council held on Nov. markets, such as Russia, Central 200 Kazakhstan on Nov. 14. “Under animal production here.” Group wants to provide their mate- ship to make this project a priority 10 in Astana during the visit of Ger- Asia, East China et cetera,” he said. Visiting German Foreign Min- rials for use in building EXPO 2017 for us, if the government accepts the law, it is planned to reduce the man Foreign Minister Frank-Walter terms of registration for subjects of Issekeshev also noted Kazakhstan’s ister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told infrastructure, he told The Astana it,” Rau said. Steinmeier, the focus was on pro- [small- and medium-sized enterpris- desire to partner with small compa- the assembled delegations that the Times after the council meeting. Executive Director of the Na- es (SMEs)] to one hour and reduce moting Kazakhstan’s investment nies as well as large ones. two countries had a broad base for He said he had learned about some tional Association of Mining and the number of procedures and terms opportunities, particularly in infra- Kazakhstan’s desire to position establishing deeper cooperation, interesting investment opportuni- Metallurgical Enterprises Nikolai in the sphere of export-import op- structure development, mining and itself as an investment hub seems to particularly in energy-efficient in- ties on the trip to Kazakhstan. “I Radostovets told the council about erations, construction and registra- innovative technologies, as well as be reaching investors. “Currently, frastructure development. Stein- think that [Kazakhstan] is serious the potential for cooperation in tion of enterprises by three times,” the access Kazakhstan provides to Kazakhstan is, I think, maybe the meier met with President Nursultan about their investment and really metallurgy, mountain metallurgy, Dossayev said. According to him, neighbouring markets. best, most convenient country in Nazarbayev and Foreign Minister interested in new technologies,” he geologic exploration and subsur- the law will be adopted by the end Addressing the council in Asta- Central Asia to start any kind of of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov on his said. face use in general, and mentioned of the year. na’s Hilton Garden Inn, Minister business. It’s a good place: you can Nov. 9-10 visit. Rare earth metals mining is also amendments to Kazakhstan’s law for Investments and Development move to neighbouring countries Infrastructure, particularly that an area in which the two countries on subsoil use that will facilitate Slightly more than 20,390 jobs of Kazakhstan Asset Issekeshev like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. which uses innovative technolo- intend to begin cooperation in the foreign investment and coopera- were created in the Mangystau re- listed tourism, mechanical engi- We have a joint venture in China, gies, is a sector with major potential very near future, Deputy Minister tion. gion in 2014, Akim (Governor) of neering, the chemical industry and so it’s also a possibility to connect in developing Kazakhstan, espe- of Investment and Development According to German statistics, the Mangystau region Alik Aid- construction as the most attractive those activities, and so on and so cially in light of the coming EXPO Albert Rau told the council. Ger- Kazakh-German trade has amount- arbayev said at a Nov. 14 Central sectors in the Kazakh economy for on,” managing director of German 2017 in Astana and the innovative man businesses have received in- ed to some 6.5 billion euros over Communications Service (CCS) German investors. animal breeding venture Master- infrastructure and materials that formation on 15 interesting metal the past year and the two countries media briefing. 2,973 jobs were cre- He also emphasised Kazakh- rind Rolf Strassemeyer said after will be necessary to fully develop deposits in Kazakhstan and the have implemented 12 joint invest- ated in the industrial sphere, 3,753 in stan’s role as an investment hub, of- the forum. its theme of “Future Energy.” Kazakh side was looking forward ment projects over the past 3 years. the construction sphere, 1,124 in the fering access to other markets from The visit here and the networking Manfred Grundke, general part- to continuing the dialogue, he said. This was the seventh meeting of the transport sphere, 858 in education, Kazakhstan’s business friendly ter- it offered had been enlightening, ner of Knauf Group, told Kazakh He added that the government of Kazakh-German Business Council 136 in agriculture and 5,586 in other ritory. “Our economic policy is to he said. “We tried to have closer TV at the forum that his organisa- Kazakhstan was considering two so far. More than 1,200 German spheres of economic activity. And discussions with our partners in just more than 2,310 people who ap- be an investment hub of the region. tion wants to bring German tech- proposals for the construction of companies are currently operating plied to employment centres signed We create good conditions for for- Kazakhstan to construct possibili- nologies and German standards of an agricultural machinery factory: in Kazakhstan. social contracts and became partici- pants of the Employment Road Map 2020 (79 percent of the total number of people who applied). Of those, the share of unemployed was 82.6 percent (1,913), the share of self- Modernisation South African Official employed was 15.4 percent (356), Aitdarbayev reported. Twenty-three projects were im- of Astana Airport Promotes Business, plemented in the Mangystau region within the Industrialisation Map in 2010-2013, which total 160.3 bil- lion tenge (US$887.4 million), said to Be Part People-to-People Connections Alik Aidarbayev, Akim (Governor) of the Mangystau region, at a Nov. Continued from Page A1 ness council will report to the a core part of that and you have 14 media briefing. “In 2014, it is bilateral commission that is held an invitation from me, through planned to launch 14 projects total- of President’s We do indeed have the poten- annually, Ambassador of South my counterpart here, to come to ing 104.9 billion tenge (US$580.5 tial to develop dynamic part- Africa to Kazakhstan Shirish Cape Town in South Africa as million). They will help create 902 nerships in various industries, Soni said in a Nov. 5 interview. part of the delegation for genu- new permanent jobs. Three of them as was clearly demonstrated Geology, mining technology ine people-to-people relations.” amounting to 53.3 billion tenge Infrastructure Plan already, amongst others, by the and machinery, environment (US$295.1 million) have already By Alina Usmanova lows aircraft to make safe landings ongoing contact between the management, renewable energy, The KAZGUU Diplomatic been launched. 468 jobs were al- when the horizontal visibility is PetroSA and KazMunayGas tourism and agriculture and food Club, a foreign policy lecture ready created. The following pro- ASTANA – Nurly Zhol, a new only 200 metres and vertical is 15. companies,” she said. Infra- and discussion platform, was jects have been launched this year: products were identified as the economic policy, presented by Efficient improvement of -avia launched this year with Soni Kaspi Cement LLP, a cement plant structure development, mining, most promising sectors for co- President Nursultan Nazarbayev tion business processes is becom- agro-production, energy, trade, operation. appointed its chairman. During in the Shetpe village of the Man- at the Nov. 11 meeting of the Nur gystau region, a gas-turbine power ing an increasingly urgent task. the defence industry and tour- “The business community her visit, Mfeketo called on all Otan Political Council emphasised Not long ago, the airport manage- ism were among the industries from South Africa and Kazakh- station by MangystauMunayGas the infrastructure development diplomatic missions in Astana and a clothes manufacturing and dry ment staff showed interest in in- she noted as having great busi- stan welcomed the idea and over the next five years. stalling self-registration kiosks. to participate in the Diplomatic cleaning plant in the Karakiya dis- ness partnership potential. agreed to take the process for- Club and contribute books about trict,” the Akim informed. The changes will affect large According to observations, with Mfeketo called Africa, with its ward in preparation for future public facilities, including the their countries’ history, politics, each new flight passengers are be- market of nearly 1 billion people high level visits,” he said. main transport hubs. The Presi- Kazakhstan produced goods coming more demanding on the and vast natural resources, the But people-to-people connec- economies, culture and languag- dent gave instructions to allo- worth 15.5 billion tenge (US$85.8 list and quality of services. world’s next growth area. Ka- tions are also a foreign policy es to the library. cate 29 billion tenge (US$160.2 million) during the first five years of With the approach of a new era zakhstan, which has been pursu- priority for South Africa, and South African universities million) from the budget for the industrialisation within the innova- of air transportation, the task of ing closer ties with the region, Mfeketo was keen to promote are in talks with Kazakhstan’s construction of the new terminal improving the efficiency of avia- tion grants programme, Chairman establishing embassies in Ethio- connections between the com- Bolashak Presidential Scholar- of the Board of the National Agency and reconstruction of the runway tion business processes, combined pia and South Africa, appointing munities of the two countries, for Technological Development of the capital city’s airport. Ac- with fast and pleasant service, is ship programme, Soni told The an ambassador as an observer identifying women, business, Sanzhar Izteleuov said at a Nov. 17 cording to the President, this will becoming increasingly urgent. Astana Times, noting that South briefing in the Central Communica- ensure that by 2017 the capacity At the Aviation ICT Forum to the African Union and estab- students, academics, universities Africa is a major donor of books tions Services (CCS). “In the course will accommodate up to 7.1 mil- 2014, a European conference held lishing diplomatic relations this and artist to begin with. The na- to Kazakhstan’s international li- year with Togo, is placing a high tion is also interested in having of the programme for grant funding, lion passengers. Oct. 29 in Amsterdam, the Nether- brary. The drive to build univer- about 680 million tenge (US$3.8 priority on expanding coopera- South African religious leaders The airport is one of the main lands, Vice President of SITA, an sity-to-university partnerships million) in taxes were paid and connecting points in Eurasia, as 80 tion with the region in the com- join the Congress of Leaders of air transport and communications was high on the agenda of this products worth 15.5 billion tenge flights are made on a daily basis to company, in Russia and the Com- ing years. World and Traditional Religions visit, he said, and the exchange (US$85.8 million) were produced, the regions and abroad. Today, the monwealth of Independent States The two countries share a that meets every three years in of which about 50 percent was ex- airport is able to receive all types (CIS) Dmitry Krasnov discussed common role as regional lead- Astana. of academics and students, joint ported,” Izteleuov said. According of aircraft without restrictions. The the interest of Kazakh air carriers ers, Mfeketo said in an interview At KAZGUU University, research and course develop- to him, during the first five years of development of the airport is in ac- and airports in implementing IT with The Astana Times on Nov. Mfeketo directly invited stu- ment, and harmonising stand- the programme, more than 1,400 ap- cordance with the international technologies. 5, adding that cooperation be- dents to come to South Africa. plications have been processed and ards were all topics of focus. standards of IATA (International tween them is key to extending “South Africa is also committed reviewed, 227 of which received According to Krasnov, almost South Africa is targeting Ka- cooperation in their respective to promoting the quest for a bet- financial support. “According to the Air Transport Association) and all the major airports have ex- zakhstan’s Al-Farabi National ICAO (International Civil Avia- regions. ter world through our interna- grantees, there were 83 innovative pressed interest in installing self- University, KIMEP, the Abylai patents, four registered trademarks tion Organisation). Favourable registration kiosks that will allow During this visit, it was agreed tional engagements. Just earlier conditions for cooperation with passengers of the Almaty and to foster business-to-business today, I addressed the business Khan Kazakh University of In- and 28 applications for internation- ternational Relations, Gumilyov al organisations,” the head of the new airlines, both freight and pas- Astana airports to register, select a development by forming a joint community from Kazakhstan agency said. In addition, he said that senger, are being created. seat and print boarding passes. business council to be managed and South Africa, and I empha- Eurasian National University, there are five international technolo- The airport can currently receive Astana International Airport by the business community from sised the importance of people- KazGUU and Nazarbayev Uni- gy transfer centres in countries such and dispatch aircraft with a visibil- has started using SITA solutions both countries. The joint busi- to-people relations. Students are versity for partnerships, he said. as the United States, Korea, China, ity on the runway of 200 metres for planning operational activity France and Norway with whom the or more, whereas previously the in the preparation of its seasonal Kazakh agency is looking to cooper- aerodrome meteorological mini- schedule, the first step in the use ate. mum was 350 metres. During rain of new-generation technologies at or windy weather the airport al- the airport. “Kazakh constructor bureaus have Kazakh Metallurgical Companies developed 198 kinds of new prod- ucts,” said Sanzhar Izteleuov, Chair- man of the Board of the National Agency for Technological Develop- to Exhibit in Moscow ment (NATD) on Nov. 17. Accord- play, as they were at the 2012 ing to him, the commercialisation By Dmitry Lee centres handled about 406 applica- expo. Those companies include tions, of which 122 projects were Byelkamit, Almaty Heavy En- supported. As Izteleuov noted, the Kazakh metallurgical compa- gineering Plant, ALE Associa- NATD has eight technology parks, nies on behalf of the National Ex- tion of Mining and Metallurgical four industrial design offices and port and Investments agency KA- Enterprises, Promplastik, Akto- five international technology trans- ZNEX INVEST are among 750 beRail and Structural Steel Mill fer centres. There are four foreign presenters at the Nov. 11-14 20th and FerrumVtor. and three domestic venture capital Metal-Expo 2014 in Moscow. Numerous cooperation docu- funds and 21 commercialisation of- Companies from more than ments have been signed at the fices, which operate at universities 35 countries, totaling approxi- and research institutes. “In general, expo between Kazakh, Russian over the last five years we have mately 30,000 participants, are and other international compa- launched about 4,000 ideas and de- presenting cutting-edge metal nies. velopments, 570 of which were products and technologies. Metal-Expo is one of the met- supported,” the head of the NATD The Kazakh companies are allurgical industry’s largest an- stated. being presented as one dis- nual professional gatherings. A6 EDITORIAL&opinionS

Wednesday, november 19, 2014 New Poll Shows Kazakh Citizens Have Positive Outlook From Almaty to Vienna, on the Country, And Fundamentals Explain Why New Prospects For LLDCs o much of Kazakhstan is changing of five percent in the respondents’ perception of were all used to describe the country. Accord- By Kairat Abdrakhmanov and modernising at an incredible pace: the country’s economy. Seventy-five percent of ing to the authors of the survey, there were no the country has entered into the ranks participants in the study stated they feel fairly noticeable differences in attitudes among men Kazakhstan being the world’s larg- of the 50 most-competitive states, positive or very positive about the economic and women. est landlocked country, and also the ASstana has grown from a small town to a outlook of Kazakhstan. Only five percent of the Furthermore, with the country actively prepar- ninth largest country in the world of reputable capital hosting grand events and the sample group reported feeling fairly negative ing for EXPO 2017 and successfully navigating more than 2.7 million square kilome- people in general are becoming used to living or very negative about the economy, while18 through Organisation for Security and Coop- tres, hosted in 2003 in Almaty the First in a market economy. The general attitude of percent reported they feel neither positive nor eration in Europe (OSCE) and Organisation United Nations Conference on Land- Kazakhstan citizens regarding their homeland negative. In general, respondents in Southern of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) chairmanships, locked Countries. is improving, which can be seen not only and Northern Kazakhstan were more positive 78 percent of respondents think that Kazakh- The conference’s outcome, the Al- from national television channels and news about the economy than respondents elsewhere, stan’s global standing improved in recent years. maty Programme of Action (APoA), outlets but from the recent results of a survey with 83 percent and 81 percent respectively say- Almost half (41 percent) believe the country’s practically the only one of its kind thus conducted by Ipsos MORI, a leading market ing they felt fairly positive or very positive. standing has greatly improved. far, is a road map to ensure the spe- research company in the U.K. More people noted an improvement in Ka- But even with an improvement in the cial needs of Landlocked Developing The research, commission by the recently zakhstan as a place to live, with 83 percent (up country’s international image, there are still Countries (LLDCs). It contains spe- established Eurasian Council on Foreign Affairs, from 81 percent in 2013) saying it has gotten a lot issues the government needs to address to raise cific measures and recommendations used a sample of 1,000 adults aged 18 and over better or a little better, and 13 percent saying it has Kazakhstan’s reputation even higher. Eighty- concerning the policy in the spheres of and followed quotas set on gender, age and loca- stayed the same. Only three percent (down from eight percent of respondents tend to support or transit and infrastructure development therefore, be an urgent priority to both tion to ensure a national overview. The results of five percent in 2013) said it has gotten a little strongly support actively combating corruption and for financial and technical assis- the ten-question survey compared answers from worse or a lot worse over the last ten years. The to help to raise Kazakhstan’s international pro- resource-rich and resource-scarce LL- tance to specified group of countries. a similar study conducted in 2013. According to number of respondents saying life has gotten a lot file. President Nursultan Nazarbayev, well aware DCs must feature in the Vienna Con- the report, “respondents display an increasingly better (the highest indicator) rose from 26 percent of the problem plaguing the country, unveiled The APoA, first developed in 2003, ference. positive attitude towards their country across the in 2013 to astonishing 40 percent in 2014. the new Anti-Corruption Strategy adopted by the has helped create new linkages and board, demonstrating growing support and con- Respondents were generally fairly satisfied Nur Otan party on Nov. 11. strengthen existing partnerships be- The Almaty Programme of Action sensus for the general direction of their govern- with selected important aspects of life in Kazakh- Other popular incentives disclosed by the tween landlocked developing coun- is a most significant landmark and the ment’s policies.” stan ten years ago, although only 15-32 percent survey were actively combating social inequal- tries, transit developing countries and record of accomplishments in all re- Ninety percent of respondents replied that they said they were satisfied and very satisfied, while ity (87 percent), contributing more to combat- development partners, including mul- gions has been remarkable. The world feel fairly positive or very positive about their 5-16 percent said they were unsatisfied and very ing environmental problems (85 percent) and tilateral institutions. has moved rapidly since then. And country, an increase of four percentage points unsatisfied. participation in international trade (84 percent). Though there is noteworthy pro- like then, some countries face greater from 2013. Only seven percent of those surveyed The categories selected in the research in- While 15 percent tend to oppose or strongly gress, we must also recognise that impediments even more today, aggra- said they feel neither positive nor negative, down cluded road and transport infrastructure, prices oppose contributing more to resolving interna- the majority of our economies remain vated with changed circumstances, the from 11 percent in 2013, and a mere one percent of everyday goods, education, policing, overall tional conflict, 62 percent believe Kazakhstan vulnerable to external shocks and oth- global political and the economic cri- of respondents expressed feeling fairly negative quality of life, healthcare, justice system, the should do more. er emerging challenges. ses, climate change. or very negative. It is notable that 95 percent of respondent’s own standard of living, identifying Finally, Kazakhstan’s citizens are confident We are also aware that we have not Thus, in Vienna, a new comprehen- those under 24 felt fairly positive or very posi- and eliminating corruption, opportunities for in their security. According to 67-87 percent of been able to reach most of the Mil- sive, common action-oriented frame- tive, as opposed to 88-90 percent with the same individuals to progress in society and job op- survey respondents, Kazakhstan deals very well lennium Development Goals, and our work of LLDCs for the next decade, response in other age groups, highlighting the op- portunities. The percentage of respondents being and fairy well with food, water, energy and nu- countries continue to be marginalised should be developed, taking into ac- timism felt by those born in independent Kazakh- satisfied or very satisfied went up on absolutely clear security, the key pillars of its UN Security from the international trading system. count the unfinished agenda of APoA. stan.The highest level of optimism was reported all aspects by 6-15 percent if compared to 2013 Council bid. The structural impediments asso- The new focus in Vienna must be to in the northern region of Kazakhstan, where 97 results. The results of the poll explain the popularity ciated with landlockedness remain a achieve structural transformation and percent of respondents said they felt fairly posi- Out of the 17 descriptive words the respond- of President Nazarbayev over the years. With challenge. economic re-specialisation through tive or very positive, compared to 83 percent in ents were asked to associate with Kazakhstan, the recent announcement of a new economic The government of Kazakhstan reduction of high transport and trans- Astana and 88-91 percent in other regions. the most correlated ones were all positive, with policy Nurly Zhol, which emphasises heavy had organised a retreat in July this action costs, the establishment of effi- Given the enormous amount of invest- the top five staying unchanged from 2013. investment in infrastructure and social liabilities year in Astana for New York-based cient transit transport systems through ment into infrastructure and the broad support Words like “hospitable” (47 percent), “stable” of the state, there are reasons to believe such a diplomats from LLDCs as a plat- increased investments in transport, provided for entrepreneurs through various (39 percent), “peaceful” (37 percent), “improv- generally positive sentiment about their country form to deliberate on key recom- energy and information and commu- incentives, it is not surprising to note an increase ing” (36 percent) and “successful” (32 percent) among the people of Kazakhstan will stay on. mendations for consideration at the nications technology, increasing trade Vienna Conference, and which have and productive capacity, diversifying been included in its agenda. exports, value-addition, technology transfer, developing the service sec- The LLDCs constitute a vast range tor, ICT, improved market access and of countries with different political strengthening institutions. Secret Kazakh-US Mission to Secure Nuclear Materials orientations, economic growth and As we are moving into the new development rates, national targets transformational phase of post-2015 and levels of progress achieved. agenda, attention will also be on pov- Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Exemplifies Cooperation Needed Today I would however qualify saying that erty reduction, health, education, em- n Nov. 18, exactly two decades Kazakhstan and the United States in late 1994. In for Abolish Testing. Our Mission. At its core all LLDCs are making serious efforts ployment and economic self-reliance, have passed since Kazakhstan and January 1995, the then Minister of Science and is an international petition campaign designed but accomplishments vary from coun- together with food, energy and water the United States concluded Project New Technologies Vladimir Shkolnik, summed to unify global public opinion against nuclear try to country. Global solidarity and security, and the overall peace and Sapphire, a joint secret operation up the essence of the event in a press interview. weapons testing that features the tragic and partnerships through the APoA have stability, rule of law, good governance conductedO in 1994 to remove approximately He emphasised that the operation was not a ran- hopeful stories of survivors of nuclear test- helped to transform the LLDCs from and human rights required for achiev- 600 kilogrammes of highly-enriched ura- dom, one-time occurrence. “Rather, it was part of ing from the Semey region. Under the project, being landlocked to becoming land- ing sustainable development. nium from the Ulba Metallurgical Plant in a broader Kazakhstan government policy, which anyone anywhere who stands against nuclear linked. Eastern Kazakhstan. The then highly clas- was being pursued on multiple levels,” he said. weapons can sign an online petition, urging For the 32 LLDCs, the promotion Some 16 countries of Sub-Saharan sified operation is no longer a secret, which On Dec. 23, 1994, White House Press Secretary world governments to abandon nuclear tests of efficient transport systems is still Africa are at a special disadvantage makes it even more captivating for the public, Dee Dee Meyers announced that the United forever and ensure the early entry into force of an important objective but these ef- and have the highest concentration of experts, and politicians. The declassification States and the Republic of Kazakhstan had the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. forts must not stop at their countries’ landlocked countries. unveiled the true historical significance of the successfully completed the transfer of nuclear Acknowledging the right of every country to borders and must also include coop- Despite strides in achieving MDG step Kazakhstan made, changing the nature of materials for safe storage in the United States. develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, eration with transit countries too and Goals, GDP growth rates above its nuclear policy towards a more pro-active Project Sapphire became one of Kazakh- Kazakhstan is negotiating to host the Internation- hence a blueprint for cross-border – five percent under the Almaty Pro- direction. stan’s first and most serious steps on the road al Low-Enriched Uranium Bank under Interna- and beyond, transport and trade facili- gramme, with support from the U.N. Project Sapphire started after the President to full nuclear non-proliferation and disarma- tional Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) auspices. tation infrastructure is a sine qua non. and the Economic Commission for of Kazakhstan asked the United States for ment. It is perhaps the most emblematic of the The major challenge in this area is enabling this Thus the areas of infrastructure con- Africa, they have a high incidence help in disposing of about 25 Hiroshima- nature of cooperation needed to help stave off expansion while taking precautionary measures nectivity between LLDCs, their transit of extreme poverty. Six of the low- sized bombs-worth of weapons-grade Urani- another global arms race. against proliferation. countries, and increased integration of est ranked 10 countries are African um-235 that had previously been stored at the After the Soviet Union collapsed in De- At present, Kazakhstan is a party to the Treaty economies will have to feature promi- LLDCs. Ulba Metallurgical Plant enrichment facility cember 1991, Kazakhstan inherited the fourth on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons nently in the upcoming Programme of They lack the well-developed mar- in the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, unknown largest nuclear arsenal in the world after those (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Action to be adopted in Vienna. kets around them as European land- to Kazakhstan. The highly-enriched mate- in Russia, the United States and Ukraine. This Treaty (CTBT). The country signed the Ad- New goals will obviously be set in locked countries do. Maritime trade is rial had been located at the Ulba plant since arsenal included 1,040 nuclear warheads, each ditional Protocol with the International Atomic a more ambitious manner. At the same a small part of African external trade at least 1976, where it was stored mostly in one megaton of TNT equivalent in strength, Energy Agency (IAEA) in February 2004 and is time, LLDCs should actively consider with very low value goods and enor- composite materials. Part of it was in a semi- 104 SS-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Ka- acceding to some of the existing U.N. mously long distances to the closest processed state. Following the dissolution of and 40 Tu-95 strategic bombers armed with zakhstan acceded to the International Convention conventions on international transport seaports. the Soviet Union, the fuel was poorly docu- 370 tactical nuclear warheads on air-launched for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and trade facilitation in this regard. They encounter hurdles of long mented and secured and in danger of being cruise missiles. Additionally, Kazakhstan was on Sept.16, 2005 and is an active partner in the border delays, a proliferation of road sold for use in building nuclear weapons. home to the former Soviet Union’s Semipalat- Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. LLDCs as a group have recorded checkpoints, and other practices that The amount of nuclear materials, initially insk nuclear weapons test site. On Sept. 8, 2006, the foreign ministers of the five impressive trade performance in increase monetary and time costs that aimed at producing a new type of reactor for Even before declaring independence, on Aug. Central Asian States – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the recent past, with total exports impede trade. Soviet submarines, was enough to produce 29, 1991, President Nazarbayev put an end Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – increasing almost fivefold between Thus, the policy recommendation more than two dozen powerful nuclear bombs. to 40 years of developing and testing nuclear signed the Treaty of Semipalatinsk, which es- 2000 and 2010, while the share of for the extended PoA should be on Processing the highly radioactive and, there- weapons at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. tablished a Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free the group in global trade is still mod- trade policy reforms, cost reduction, fore, extremely dangerous material within Upon independence, he voluntarily renounced Zone (CANWFZ). It entered into force in March est and amounted to only 1.04 per infrastructure development, regional Kazakhstan was technologically impossible the world’s fourth largest nuclear arsenal and 2009 and the zone was recognised by the five cent in 2010. The LLDCs have been and sub-regional coordination, institu- and in order to avoid the risk of the uranium by April 1995, Kazakhstan transferred all of nuclear weapon states in May 2014. marginalised in the global trading tional framework and capacity build- falling into the wrong hands and to comply its nuclear warheads to Russia, completely The threat of the uncontrolled expansion of system. ing, public-private cooperation, and with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the dismantling the nuclear testing infrastructure at the nuclear club remains one of the most seri- However, the implementation of partnerships. substance needed to be transported either to the Semipalatinsk test site by July 2000. ous problems of the 21st Century. Unless the the APoA has resulted in the LLDCs Since we are moving into the new Russia or the United States. For over 20 years now, Kazakhstan has international community shows political will, making some gains with regard to transformational phase of post-2015 It was during the second official visit of been committed to achieving global nuclear the number of states possessing nuclear weapons expanding transit transport infra- agenda, the focus on poverty reduc- President Nursultan Nazarbayev to the United disarmament and security. The legacy of the can increase irreversibly, leaving the entire world structure facilities, reducing delays tion, health, education, employment States in February 1994, during his meeting hundreds of tests that have taken place on liable to feel the consequences. and inefficiencies in the border for- and economic self-reliance, together with U.S. President Bill Clinton, when a joint Kazakh soil has had a terrible impact on 1.5 Project Sapphire is a real success story and a malities. with food, energy and water security Kazakh-U.S. secret programme to transport million people and led the country to initiate great example of how cooperation, strong will The reality is that our economies will also gain attention in Vienna. the uranium to the American nuclear facility the adoption of UN General Assembly Reso- and a sense of responsibility should be used show relatively high trade openness Overall peace and stability, rule of at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was masterminded. lution 64/35, which designated Aug. 29 as to put an end to nuclear weapons testing and – but their absolute level of trade has law and good governance are required The specific details of Project Sapphire were the International Day against Nuclear Tests. eliminate the world’s nuclear arsenals. That yet to get close to its full potential. all the more for the LLDCs to see pro- conceived and executed in an atmosphere of The commemoration is intended to increase is especially accurate twenty years on as we Infrastructure, trade barriers and in- gress and these new elements will be high secrecy. In spite of the fact that the opera- public awareness of the risks and impact of witness the distrust and disagreement grip- sufficient technological capacities added to the APoA to keep pace with tion was characterised by multiple negotiations, nuclear testing to make political leaders ac- ping military and diplomatic elites in nuclear continue to hamper LLDCs. changing times and challenges. expert exchanges and trips that involved many countable to their commitments. powers and in other countries contemplating At the same time, reliance on a ministries, most of the participants knew only Another of Kazakhstan’s global advocacy the possibility of acquiring nuclear weapon narrow range of exports – often a The author is the Permanent about their part of the operation. All informa- campaigns, The ATOM Project, is mobilising capabilities. Astana has proved a reliable part- limited number of commodities pre- Representative of the Republic of tion was held in secret until the plane carrying people worldwide to call on their leaders to ner that is ready to go to great lengths when sents a significant weakness, like Kazakhstan to the United Nations. the cargo landed in the United States. ban nuclear weapons testing. The name of the it comes to strengthening global and regional basic merchandise oil and natural The successful conclusion of Project Sapphire project is an acronym formed from the first four security, showing the kind of responsibility resources. This opinion was first published by was announced at a press conference both in letters of the English alphabet which stands and leadership needed in this sensitive area. Economic diversification must, the Inter Press Service news agency.

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Wednesday, november 19, 2014

and no one has been held responsi- ble for recklessly and inefficiently spent funds. Reforms Should Not be Campaign Fodder, Recommendation is a Latin word meaning “auspicious review or council.” The government un- derstands recommendations from Says Mazhilis Deputy Chairperson MPs exactly in the Latin style. But There are no calculation meth- rely to the akimats. The entire legal and many want to extend this cel- By Yerbol Tishkambayev recommendations from numer- ods for needs and school libraries framework of the education system ebration of life as long as possible. ous international organisations are are not updated consistently. There requires a review. In the shortest We are convinced that we can- far from realistic. These organisa- During the Mazhilis’ (lower is no registration, or centralised time, it is necessary to adopt uni- not trust the content of textbooks chamber of the Parliament’s) most tions are not really rushing to get statistics. The MES does not have form standards and methodologies to a competitive market environ- to know us better either and issue recent “government hour,” which general summary data. There are no for all regions and to introduce ment. We are talking about ideol- was focused on providing school- suggestions that are perceived as clear rules and no one to ask. That’s strict control over their observance ogy, about the outlook of our citi- obligations, and indications that it children with textbooks and me- why officials end up with a slight on the ground, as well as estab- zens, about that basic knowledge thodical resources, many flaws in is necessary to perform, no matter shock for their ugliness and parents lish personal liability for those in obtained by Kazakhstan’s students what. This is a big mystery to us. the system were discussed. These are forced to find textbooks in long charge. Negligent officials should for life. Such a task can be handled and other questions were actual- Today, the attitude towards the queues in shops and markets and lose their jobs, not just be forced to only by the state, represented by the requirements of the Bologna Con- ised in an interview with Dariga then paying a lot of money from listen to reprimands. There should MES. The Altynsarin Academy of Nazarbayeva, deputy chair of the vention is ambiguous. In today’s their modest budgets. be a mechanism for a ministry to in- Education is part of it. The academy world, everything is changing Mazhilis and head of the Mazhilis’s The volume of orders, which all fluence the placement of personnel should gather the greatest minds of Nur Otan party. pretty quickly, what was good yes- the participants in the process have in the regions. the scientific and pedagogical envi- terday is not working today. An ag- to manage, is very large. We have a It is also necessary to revise the ronment and set them the task. We You often raise the question of Dariga Nazarbayeva ing population and labour shortages bad practice of promoting so-called curriculum and timetable for the want a state monopoly in this area! force many countries to take a fresh reforming the national education publication and delivery of text- The publishers need to keep alternative textbooks, which are look at their situations regarding system. One of the most press- The biggest drawback of admin- books. Textbooks for the new printing and distributing. The materials not needed because there secondary education. We hear talks ing issues is providing textbooks istrative reforms is the so-called are already similar products on the school year should be delivered to Mazhilis will raise these issues as of a possible reduction in time re- and addressing shortages. What decentralisation of management, market. Efficiency in the education schools no later than June 1. needed until there is a shift for the quired to graduate high school. are the causes of these failures in in which no one is responsible for system is zero. But a huge amount We should not entrust the deliv- better. Discussion on the quality of But we still mechanically idealise the supply? How, in your opinion, anything. The situation with text- of money from the budget is spent. ery of books to local authorities. educational literature is already in what has become irrelevant. There- should the Ministry of Education books clearly demonstrates this Just think about the numbers: there Practice shows that they cannot our plans. We have to discuss the fore, from our point of view, it is and Science (MES) deal with these problem. are more than 2.6 million students cope with this task. Publishers, or quality of textbooks in the system not necessary to hurry on this issue. issues? The whole process of designing, in the country and on the list of a single operator with an extensive of vocational and higher education. The timely and complete distribu- producing and distributing is divid- mandatory literature are 1,192 text- delivery system such as “Kazpost” The existing 11 years education is tion of textbooks is raised every year, ed into the following levels of re- book titles, with costs averaging should implement delivery. Lately, because of the actions of not sufficient. We still have a short- but it does not decrease the acuteness sponsibility: the MES approves the 500-1,000 tenge (US$2.7-$5.5). If government reformers, Kazakh- age of qualified teaching staff and of the issue. When the first quarter list of textbooks, publishing houses we take into account that the av- Should we trust publishers to de- stan’s schools have turned into a lack of seats. Bad academic ma- of the school year finished, akimat develop, publish and replicate erage package in different classes velop textbooks? experimental sites. For exam- terials, technical bases at schools (governors’ office) report give the them, the monitoring and evalua- varies from 13 to 18 textbooks, nat- Teachers, parents, students and ple, the head of the MES, Aslan and quality of teaching is being impression that 97 percent of pupils tion department identifies the needs urally, their price also varies from scientists have many complaints Sarinzhipov believes that children observed. About 40 percent of chil- have textbooks. That means that of schools and then finances pro- 11 to 13 thousand tenge (US$61- about the quality of textbooks. This should go to school starting at age dren are still sitting at their desks 90,000 children were forced to buy curement and supplies the schools. $72). This is only publishing house debate has dragged on for many six. Are you for or against such in- in small schools, receiving only a textbooks through their parents. It Failure occurs at almost all lev- costs and in a market environment, years. The development of text- novations? symbolic education. Access to the is not just about this artificially cre- els. The MES orders the books in this figure doubles or triples. books was assigned to publishers In the educational process, all Internet and learning electronically ated problem, but about a violation May or June. The list is reviewed MPs say that at the state minimum who are not willing to pay for qual- reforms should be tested, scientifi- is still not possible at the major- of the constitutional right of children annually. Various bureaucratic pro- for the social standard, it is necessary ity. Then, their developments are cally proven and justified. Scien- ity of our schools. These problems to free education, including the right cedures, such as state procurement, to leave the funding from the budget examined according to the MES; tists, physiologists and hygienists should be resolved by the MES. to free textbooks. etc., require time. Competitive for one compulsory textbook for then, the state finances publication say that 6-year-olds differ signifi- Introducing a 12-year course of Parents, who until the very be- procedures are not worked out, the each subject. The other, so-called al- and pays the publisher copyright cantly from 7-year-olds. Intensive education means increasing the ginning of the school year, do not rules are blurred; those who offer ternative textbooks should be made fees annually. development makes a 6-year-old number of pupils in schools and the know the school programme, book the lowest price win. The pursuit of optional to teachers and students. There is a suspicion that the most very sensitive to various adverse number of teachers, developing ad- lists and book delivery times, turn cheapness is ultimately expensive They should be published using ex- elementary and egregious mistakes effects, often leading to changes in ditional programmes, educational to us. Each year in the news, we to the country. Dubious companies tra budgetary funds and be available in textbooks are made deliberately the body, increasing the risk of dis- materials and so on. This leads to see endless queues in libraries and receive the nation’s textbook or- in libraries or specialised shops. to create grounds for republishing, ease. Therefore, the organisation of additional costs and vague results. shops and excitement and frustra- ders; they have neither the experi- at the expense of the state treasury, the educational process in teaching There is much talk about the cri- tion. Those who cannot afford to ence nor the resources to succeed. What competencies should the of course. ... There was not even a 6-year-olds has certain peculiari- sis, economic problems, reduced oil buy a kit for 20,000-25,000 tenge The practice of akimats under- MES have regarding textbooks? single case where publishers were ties. All these factors must be taken prices and the possibility of reduc- (US$110-$138), have to buy cheap, funding textbook orders is well es- Is it necessary to toughen up on responsible for mistakes and the into account and calculated. It is not ing costs. Despite this, we believe unsanitary used copies. tablished. The volumes of orders do those responsible who fail to get damage they caused the treasury. necessary to amend the legislation; that saving at the expense of the Therefore, MPs are actually im- not meet the real needs of schools. students their materials? This whole system is inefficient there is no comprehensive health, education and health of our citizens plementing the work of the MES Besides, factors such as migration, We see systemic failures in all for the state, not transparent and cor- legal and economic expertise. is unacceptable. But this does not scrupulously and have sorted out all population growth and the physical stages of operations. rupt. That’s why MPs for the past Reform should not become a reg- mean that one should abuse these matters of production and distribu- deterioration of textbooks are not MPs demand that the MES take several years cannot achieve reform ular campaign buzzword. Educa- services and mindlessly spend the tion of textbooks. taken into account. control of the industry, rather than in this sphere. Prices are too high tion reform will never be complete people’s money.

to these challenges. Depending on country circumstances, this help can include policy advice, technical Increasing Regional Risks Call for Intensified assistance, and financial support The recent global uncertainties only highlight further the need for a new economic model, less depend- Economic Reforms in Caucasus and Central Asia ent on commodities, more inte- By Juha Kähkönen However, these immediate steps ernance, regulatory quality, and grated and diversified. This would and Hossein Samiei are unlikely to break the trend of the rule of law are needed to create help to propel the CCA countries slower economic growth over the an environment conducive to in- The policymakers who met dur- permanently into the rank of fast medium term. A recent IMF study creased productivity, investments, paced emerging economies, allow- ing the recent Annual Meetings of shows that the decline in potential jobs, and growth. Priorities should the International Monetary Fund ing them to fully take advantage of economic growth in the CCA re- be given to further diversifying (IMF) faced some somber news their key geographic position and gion has been sharper than in other commodity-based economies, im- regarding prospects for the global population dividend. regions of the world. The region’s proving access of firms and house- economy. Although global recov- ery continues, it remains uneven in productivity has declined and re- holds to finance, strengthening the Juha Kähkönen is Deputy Di- advanced economies, and emerging form has slowed down, reinforc- business climate, and pursuing rector, Middle East and Central economies are adjusting to rates of ing the longstanding problems of balanced regional and multilateral Asia Department, International economic growth lower than those unemployment, emigration, and trade integration. For its part, the Monetary Fund, and Hossein reached in the pre-crisis boom and Juha Kähkönen Hossein Samiei inequality in the region. IMF is working with the countries Samiei is IMF Mission Chief for Comprehensive reforms of gov- in the region to help them respond Kazakhstan. post-crisis recovery. For the coun- is likely to stay within the authori- that a temporary fall of 1 percentage tries in the Caucasus and Central ties’ objective range of 6-8 percent, point in Russia’s GDP growth in a Asia (CCA), increased geopolitical helped by slowing activity and ad- given year would lower that year’s tensions and the related slowdown ministrative price controls. Risks to growth in the CCA oil exporters by in Russia’s economy are of a par- the near-term growth outlook are about 0.3 percentage points and in ticular concern. With weaker eco- predominantly on the downside, the oil importers by about 0.7 per- nomic prospects and long-standing largely related to Russia and falling centage points. Moreover, a longer vulnerabilities, it is becoming more oil prices. Over the medium term, period of slower growth in other urgent to implement reforms to in- growth prospects are driven by a economic partners, particularly crease competitiveness, reduce un- projected increase in oil output. Europe or China, would also affect employment, and improve living The recent decline in oil prices growth in the CCA through weaker standards. adds uncertainty to the economic external demand and investment. GDP growth in 2014–15 for this What should governments and region is projected to decline from outlook. The region’s oil export- about 7 percent in 2013 to 5.5 per- ers are vulnerable to a prolonged central banks in the region do in cent. The decline might not seem period of low oil prices. Growth in response to the rising risks? First large while many other regions of these economies may slow further and foremost, they need to focus the world are growing at much low- as oil revenues fall, and unless their on maintaining economic and fi- er rates. However, this is a region governments cut spending, their nancial stability and, where pos- accustomed to high rates of growth, fiscal and external surpluses would sible, providing short-term support witnessing nearly 7.5 percent also deteriorate. Although CCA oil to economic growth. In this sense, growth during 2007-11, including importers would benefit from lower given heightened risks, a pause in during the global financial crisis. oil import bills at first, they are ex- fiscal consolidation is justifiable in For Kazakhstan, growth is pro- posed to negative spillovers from the countries that have buffers, such jected to reach 4.6 percent in the Russia, an economy that itself de- as Kazakhstan and Georgia. Yet fis- 2014, compared with 6 percent in pends heavily on oil. cal consolidation needs to resume 2013, largely due to weaker external The oil price shock is taking once conditions improve, to rebuild demand (from Russia and China) place against the backdrop of ris- buffers and place public debt on a and continued regional uncertainty. ing global risks. A further deepen- declining path. In most oil and gas Although the unemployment rate in ing of geopolitical tensions sur- exporters, attention should be paid Kazakhstan is low at around 5 per- rounding the situation in Ukraine to ensuring intergenerational equity cent, the projected real GDP growth could significantly impact the CCA and adequate precautionary bal- is not sufficient to absorb new en- economic outlook further, given ances to protect against commodity trants to the labor force. Despite ear- the region’s close links with Rus- price uncertainty. And, where infla- ly upward pressures stemming from sia through trade, remittances, and tion is creeping up, monetary tight- the February devaluation, inflation investment. Our estimates suggest ening may be needed. A8 eurasia&world

Wednesday, november 19, 2014 Diplomatic Almaty Conference Examines G-Global Dispatch Dear readers, During the almost four years that Role in Addressing Global Challenges The Astana Times has existed, for- and the role of the G-Global initia- tions, research institutes and uni- eign ambassadors, diplomats and of- tive in that process. versities to examine theoretical ficials at the offices of international “The theme of this conference foundations and policy framework. organisations in Kazakhstan have is very acute. Contemporary chal- Co-organisers include the Club been among our keenest readers. lenges have created a need for a of Rome and Madrid, Green Cross And we have sought to cover their new paradigm on global devel- International, as well as major in- work extensively, by launching a se- opment. That is why Kazakhstan ternational public associations, ries of interviews with ambassadors, is helping to tackle this problem. universities and foundations. The publishing their opinions and the President Nursultan Nazarbayev consortium brought together inter- opinions of visiting ministers and launched the G-Global initiative in national organisations such as the other high-level officials. hopes of uniting the international the International Labour Organi- We intend to continue doing so, as By Malika Orazgaliyeva community in establishing and se- sation (ILO), the United Nations we believe there are numerous great curing peace for the world. This Educational, Scientific and Cul- stories that remain untold. Developing a new paradigm fo- initiative offers an absolutely new tural Organisation (UNESCO), the Where we see an even greater un- cused on solving global challenges form of global discussion. There UNDP (the United Nations Devel- tapped source of information is in was recently discussed for the first is no doubt over the accomplish- opment Programme), the Organi- the area of day-to-day activities of time at the G-Global platform. ments of the elite G8 and G20 sation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the embassies and the interesting cultur- An international conference groups, yet we believe that the world should listen to the views of European Movement Internation- al, educational, economic and social titled “A New Paradigm of Sus- other countries and hear their pro- Speaker of Kazakhstan’s Senate Kassym-Jomart Tokayev al, the World Fund for Future De- events they engage in or help plan. tainable Human Development: G- posals on current developments. In or imposed, Tokayev maintained. global sustainable development. velopment and many more. To fill the information gap, so Global – A New Form of Global to speak, we are launching a new our opinion, such a redistribution Historical experience, cultural tra- President Nazarbayev’s Kazakh- This forum has been held in both Dialogue” took place at the Al-Far- of global roles is more consistent ditions and the uniqueness of the stan 2050 Strategy reflects Ka- Europe and the Americas. This mini-section called The Diplomatic abi Kazakh National University in Dispatch, which will cover exactly with the principles of democracy national mentality of each state zakhstan’s vision for long-term year, by a decision of the organ- Almaty Nov 5-7. The platform is a these sorts of stories. But we won’t and inclusive responsibility and it must be taken into account. The development and it should be care- ising committee, the high-profile unique global dialogue of intellec- be able to do it alone and we will pays due regard to the needs of a experiences of Afghanistan, Iraq, fully studied by foreign experts, he event was held in Kazakhstan. tuals, recognised public and state only be able to do it properly if the multipolar world,” Tokayev said. Libya and Egypt show that build- concluded. The conference consisted of four embassies and our readers in general figures and prominent foreign and He went on to state that sustain- ing democracy requires political The Almaty conference was or- trans-disciplinary, inter-related fill us in on what’s new and what’s domestic experts. able development requires po- tact and an extremely thoughtful, ganised by the World Academy tracks focused on issues related to happening in their lives in Kazakh- Speaker of Kazakhstan’s Senate litical stability. As history shows, responsible and patient approach, of Art & Science, the World Uni- governance, international security, stan. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered such guarantors of stability, as a stressed Tokayev. versity Consortium and Al-Farabi human rights and law; economics So we would appreciate your a keynote address at the confer- rule, are democracies. But democ- He noted that Kazakhstan is Kazakh National University in and finance; employment, educa- feedback at [email protected] ence and talked about sustainable ratisation is an evolving trend that interested in strengthening inter- partnership with a consortium of tion and human development: and With best wishes from wintry human development and security cannot be artificially accelerated national cooperation to ensure leading international organisa- energy, resources and climate. Astana, Roman Vassilenko Editor-in-Chief P. S. Below is the first Diplomatic Dispatch. Kazakh, German Foreign Ministers Discuss The Academic Diplomatic Club Economic Relations in Astana Takes Shape By Malika Orazgaliyeva tober: a document on the comple- Union parties is also develop- serve as a bridge between the two facilitation for Kazakhstan’s citi- The KAZGUU Academic Diplo- tion of negotiations on the draft ing,” Idrissov said. countries as do immigrants from zens will be reviewed by the Ger- matic Club was launched by Deputy ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign of the Enhanced Partnership and The parties expressed satisfac- Kazakhstan in Germany. man government, even though it is Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Minister Erlan Idrissov met Nov. Cooperation Agreement (PCA) tion with the institutional frame- In addition, during the meet- a long process, because Germany Askar Mussinov on May 5, 2014. 10 with visiting German Foreign between Kazakhstan and the Eu- work designed to expand trade ing, Idrissov briefed his colleague follows the rules applied by the All heads of mission and diplomats Minister Frank-Walter Steinmei- ropean Union and a document and economic cooperation at the about preparing for EXPO 2017 European Union. This summer, were invited to join the club. Shirish er at the Kazakh Ministry of For- completing bilateral negotiations state level. The activities of the and handed an official invitation Kazakhstan introduced a unilateral M. Soni, ambassador of South Africa eign Affairs in Astana. between Kazakhstan and the EU Kazakh-German Intergovernmen- letter from President Nazarbayev visa-free regime for citizens of the to Kazakhstan, was appointed chair- Idrissov and Steinmeier dis- regarding Kazakhstan’s acces- tal Working Group on Trade and to Federal Chancellor Angela Mer- top 10 investor nations, including man of the new club. cussed economic cooperation be- sion to the World Trade Organi- Economic Cooperation and the kel to participate in the exhibition. Germany. Since May 5, a series of lectures tween Kazakhstan and Germany, sation (WTO). Kazakh-German Business Coun- “The theme of EXPO 2017, Fu- Asked about the EU Strategy for and seminars have been hosted at cil for Strategic Cooperation were ture Energy, is focused on transi- Central Asia which he had led the KAZGUU, benefiting the students also underlined. tioning to a green economy. Our process of crafting in 2007 during and academics from many universi- Idrissov told his German coun- country is ready to share its experi- his first stint as German foreign ties in Astana. Many heads of mis- terpart that Kazakhstan attaches ence in this field with our Kazakh- minister, Steinmeier said the strat- sions have delivered lectures and great political and practical im- stan partners,” the German minis- egy has had its successes and up- hosted seminars at the university. portance to cooperation on issues ter announced. dating it will be a subject for fur- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ka- zakhstan Erlan Idrissov was invited concerning ethnic Germans living At the press conference, Stein- ther discussions with the countries to deliver a lecture on Kazakhstan’s in Kazakhstan. He stated that they meier said that the issue of visa in the region. foreign policy and role in multilat- eral organisations in October. The KAZGUU International Library project was also officially opened by Idrissov. Embassies based in Astana contributed books to stock the inter- national library. In discussions with heads of mis- sions and stakeholders, it was decid- ed to replicate the initiative in three universities in Almaty: Abylai Khan University of International Rela- tions and World Languages, Al-Far- abi National University and KIMEP University. Soni visited all three uni- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (left) and Kazakh Foreign versities in Almaty on Nov. 17 and Minister Erlan Idrissov in Astana on Nov. 10. concluded very successful meetings with managers and academics there. which included a 2013 bilateral “We consider the PCA an op- The initial discussions with the trade total of $3.2 billion and portunity to bring our coopera- universities will result in an official a January-through-September tion to a new level in all areas of launch of the initiative in Almaty 2014 total of $1.95 billion. Sev- cooperation. The document pro- and the preparation of a programme enty-two trade and investment vides a framework for the strate- of seminars and lectures for 2015 agreements between the coun- gic partnership and a significant – 2016. According to Soni, all the tries totaling $3.2 billion have universities expressed openness to growth of trade and investment,” also been signed over the last being fully involved in project and Idrissov said. identified many areas for joint co- three years. Also, the ministers exchanged operation with foreign missions and “Kazakhstan is the leading views on international issues. international organisations. trade partner of Germany in Cen- At the press briefing, Steinmeier 2015 marks 70 years of the United tral Asia. Today, I am accompa- noted that during his conversa- Nations and, according to Soni, cel- nied with a big delegation from tions with President Nazarbayev ebrations could be planned jointly the German business commu- earlier in the day and Foreign with stakeholders to hold events to nity. Our country is interested Minister Idrissov, conflict de-es- mark the anniversary, including lec- in investing in Kazakhstan,” calation was discussed. “We re- tures and seminars. In particular, stu- Steinmeier stated at a joint press viewed proposals that our coun- dents and academics can discuss the briefing with Idrissov after their tries, jointly as neighbours, can workings of the United Nations. He meeting. In the beginning of the take towards the de-escalation identified discussions on the Security meeting, which took place with of pressing issues in the Middle Council as a topic that will generate the media present, Steinmeier East, Iran, Iraq and Ukraine. Ka- a lot of interest in Kazakhstan during also called Kazakhstan the “an- zakhstan and Germany will con- 2015. chor of stability” in Central Asia tinue to make efforts to ensure Another topic identified during with whom Germany would like that the intensity of these con- the meetings was BRICS. The 7th BRICS Summit of heads of state will to strengthen ties. flicts are decreasing,” he said. be held in July 2015 in Ufa, Bashkor- “Germany sees great oppor- The ministers also discussed tostan, in Russia. In keeping with the tunities in taking part in high- developing interparliamentary tradition set in South Africa during way, railroad and various other and interparty relations between 2013, the BRICS heads of state will infrastructure projects [in Ka- Kazakhstan and Germany. also meet with heads of states from zakhstan],” he added at the press “Deputies of Kazakhstan’s the region. briefing. Parliament hold meetings with It is intended that detailed con- Idrissov reminded of the impor- members of the Germany - Cen- sultations will be concluded by the tance of two political documents tral Asia parliamentary group in end of December 2014 and the pro- that were signed in the wake of the Bundestag on a regular basis. gramme will be implemented dur- Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- The dialogue between the Nur ing 2015 – 16. arbayev’s visit to Brussels in Oc- Otan and Christian Democratic B Nation&Capital

Wednesday, november 19, 2014

Culture society Sports French Artist Finds His Muse Shabyt International Festival Kazakhstan Ranked Last in Kazakhstan B3 Awards Creative Youth B5 in Euro 2016 Qualifiers Group B7 Geoparks Can Tell the History Second Astana Public School Joins German of Kazakhstan, Attract Tourism University Preparation Dollars, says Geologist Programme By Michelle Witte Students who pass the exam can go on to study at German universities ASTANA – Astana’s public without further language testing. school No. 67 is the newest partner As Germany recently scrapped in the German language programme tuition fees in its public universi- DSD, a 22-year-old government- ties, higher education in the coun- funded initiative that partners with try is free for any student, German public schools around the world to or international, and the DSD pro- promote the German language. gramme represents a significant The programme, funded by opportunity. Twenty-seven stu- the German Central Agency for dents from Kazakhstan went on to Schools Abroad (ZfA), sends native study in Germany through the pro- German speakers to teach, supplies gramme last year, Frauke Woitsch, schools with teaching materials for ZfA consultant and coordinator in its German courses and provides Kazakhstan, told The Astana Times teacher training and other support. on Oct. 23. She points out that not It also puts students in countries all students in the programme reach around the world on track to earn the language level necessary to earn the German Language Diploma of the German language diploma; for the Standing Committee (DSD), many the point of the programme is an German language and univer- simply to learn and achieve a high sity preparation test that offers a level of German. gateway to German universities. Continued on Page B8 Kazakh Culture, Traditions on Display During Days of Astana in Paris The basic principle of ecotourism is that the more a monument has been preserved, the more income tourism will bring. Geological monuments can tell a lot of inter- By Julia Rutz skilled craftsmen making jewelry esting things, as each of them is a window into the history of the earth. in front of amazed viewers, exot- Kazakh culture, spiritual roots ic dishes of Kazakh cuisine, live and traditions were presented to By Aliya Sadykova music and dancing, giant batyrs mammoths, mastodons and others, monument has been preserved, the teenth century aimed at preserv- the French public during the Oct. in military armour, girls in na- situated exactly where paleontolo- more income tourism will bring. ing the geological monuments, he 31 to Nov. 3 Days of Astana in tional garments – all this created In anticipation of Kazakhstan’s gists have found and studied their Geological monuments can tell a bought the land from the landown- Paris. The event will likely further upcoming EXPO 2017, geologists an indescribable atmosphere of remains. lot of interesting things, as each of ers where they were located. develop bilateral relations between traveling to a distant and mysteri- are proposing creation of presenta- “At competent use, geoparks as them is a window into the history His asceticism had the most fa- the two countries, according to Ka- ous country of nomads. tional complexes known as geop- objects of ecological tourism can of the earth. There is a well-known vourable continuation. German zakh Ambassador to France Nur- Kazakh and Paris city officials arks. make up a very significant part stamp, “the stone pages of his- Chancellor Angela Merkel, who lan Danenov. also met during the event. A meet- The potential geoparks will be of the GDP,” said Professor Ilya tory chronicle the planet.” German Fishman referred to as the bright- The Kazakh Auyl (Kazakh vil- ing between Astana Deputy Mayor several thousand times smaller Fishman, candidate of geological- traditions of nature conservation est politician of today, was recently lage) exposition, located in front Aida Balayeva, and Diplomatic versions of the natural surface of mineralogical sciences and corre- come to mind. King Frederick Wil- one of the leaders of the environ- of the entrance to the Louvre in Counsellor for the Mayor of Paris Kazakhstan, with major mineral sponding member of the Kazakh liam IV of Prussia, in order to save mental movement in Germany and the centre of Paris, gained im- Aurélien Lechevallier gave both deposits as well as life-size sculp- Academy of Mineral Resources. beautiful monuments of prehistoric published a lot of materials on the mense popularity over the past officials the opportunity to discuss tures of the ancient inhabitants In his words, the basic principle times for descendants, not just pub- topic of ecotourism. week. White yurts, traditional cooperation between their cities. of our earth – dinosaurs, rhinos, of ecotourism is that the more a lished a special decree in the nine- Continued on Page B6 housewares, colourful carpets, Continued on Page B4

Things to Watch Confederation of Combat and Power November – Sports, Prepares Athletes for Rio december of the most recognisable sports For what purpose was the Con- tioned sports have Olympic status, astana opera By Askar Beissenbayev organisations, not only in the federation of Combat and Power they have a special capacity – they November 19, 21, 22 Aida opera country but also far beyond its Sports established? are highly rated on the world stage. The Confederation of Combat borders. I must say that this was not just They can bring a large number of at 19:00 by Giuseppe Verdi and Power Sports will celebrate Timur Kulibayev, chairman some new spirit of the times but medals. its second anniversary on Nov. of the Kazakh Confederation of above all a real need to combine This is an opportunity to declare 20. In such a short period, the Combat and Power Sports, gave an into one family such sports as box- Kazakhstan at the highest level, to kazakhstan confederation has achieved con- interview on the early stages of its ing, weightlifting, judo, wrestling make our country more recognis- central concert hall siderable success, becoming one formation and its potential. and taekwondo. The aforemen- able, including through victories. A striking example is the 17th Summer November 20 at 19:00 “Otanym desem,” a concert by Asian Games recently held in South Dossymzhan Tanatarov Korea, in which athletes of our con- November 25 at 19:00 A gala concert of Kurmangazy federation won a total of 32 medals. Our mission is to create condi- National Conservatory tions for the athletes that they regu- larly show the results in the biggest competitions and thereby contrib- Congress hall ute to the strengthening of the au- November 21 at 18:00 Rapsody #Zhivipochelovechii, thority in the world community. experiment of symphonic orchestra If success in boxing can be called quite natural – we all re- Kazakh NAtional member the triumphant perfor- mances of boxers at the Asian University of Arts Championship, the World Cup November 28 at 19:00 Chamber music evening 2013 and the recent Summer November 29 at 17:00 Symphonic music evening Games in Incheon – how are things in other sports that are now included in the confederation? KOrme exhibition centre The success of boxers, of course, November 19-20 at 11:00 KazAvtoDor 2014 auto Exhibition makes us proud. Six gold, two sil- ver and two bronze medals were November 19-20 at 11:00 KazTraffic 2014 Exhibition the best results in the history of our Asian Games. This was made possible thanks to the work of the Maxim gorky state theatre coaches and the technical and tac- November 21 at 19:00 Mixed Emotions tical skills of our young men and November 22 at 18:00 Romeo and Juliet, not a tragedy women, who defended the honour of Kazakhstan.

Continued on Page B7 B2 Nation&Capital people

Wednesday, november 19, 2014 Azhar Kenbeil: Athletes Help Craft Group Works to Preserve Polish Positive Image for Kazakhstan By Bakhytbek Aduov Heritage in Kazakhstan showed me that I have the temper By Dmitry Lee and strength. ASTANA – Nineteen-year-old Kazakh athlete Azhar Kenbeil has ASTANA – Kazakhstan is a multi- Who motivates you to win? cultural country with more than 130 demonstrated excellent results in My family. My mom is my biggest nationalities living within its borders. sambo, the Russian martial arts fan. She goes with me to all the com- The Assembly of the People of Ka- and combat sport that is very pop- petitions at her own expense to sup- zakhstan (APK) helps these ethnic ular in various parts of the world. port me. I have noticed that I struggle groups to unite, pursue their cultural Kazakhstan is trying to make it more when my mother isn’t with me values and traditions and preserve popular among the nation’s youth at the competition. their language. The Astana Times and the sport’s federation can be interviewed Yelena Rogovskaya, proud of its efforts and the teens What has the sport given you in chairwoman of Polacy, a Polish eth- who participate. addition to wins? nic group and public association in Kenbeil became the world cham- ter how old they are, no matter their It has given me a lot of good quali- Kazakhstan. pion among juniors in the weight experience, tenacity and speed play ties: independence, confidence in my “The Polish history in Kazakhstan category up to 60 kilogrammes in the main role. strength, intransigence. Sport is a life started from the 1830s,” Rogovskaya Greece in 2013 and South Korea in Most of my competitors were Eu- style that will always remain with said. “The opponents of autocracy 2014. She also won the bronze medal ropean women and it was easier for me. Furthermore, sport has given me were exiled on the territory of the “Today, there are still about ally, a specially-created commission at Universiade 2013 in Kazan, Rus- me to fight against them because I a lot of good friends and mentors. I modern republic (of Kazakhstan). 48,000-50,000 Poles living in Ka- arrives here to hold exams. The Pol- They decided to settle on these lands sia while participating as a first-year am not very tall, so I can grab an- am grateful to my coaches such as zakhstan, mostly in the northern part ish side also pays them in stipends student at Lev Gumilev Eurasian Na- other athlete without much effort. It for another reason and have left a of the country; the number decreased and adults also can visit Poland on a Saul Gabdulina, Ayman Kaliyeva considerable contribution to the his- tional University. was a problem for them to grab me. from about 55,500,” she said. monthly basis at the Polish govern- and Samat Apakov. Nowadays, I tory of Kazakhstan. During World The Polacy Centre has been oper- ment’s expense.” Kenbeil recently gave an interview have many friends in other countries War I, many Poles moved to Ka- ating since Sept. 25, 1999, with the “I myself often visit Poland with to The Astana Times. What has been the most difficult where I competed and trained. zakhstan even from tsarist Poland; main goal to preserve the native lan- my children, where we learn Polish fight in your life? as a result, in some of the regions guage, culture, traditions and history, culture, traditions and history. We Why did you choose this sport? It was the local sambo champi- Tell me something about your there were large numbers of Poles. according to the leader of the Pol- learn about Polish cuisine and we feel My father was the Sambo prize onship in St. Petersburg, where I training. By 1926, there were 1,807 citizens ish community. Two artistic troupes proud that we can visit our historical winner of the USSR, so probably fought as an adult. I was stopped by I injured my left shoulder and am of Polish background, 1,112 in cities were also created under the auspices motherland. We also feel proud to be that’s why I preferred it. All my a 40-year-old Belarussian athlete in now on a train-sparing regime, but and the rest in the regions. Here are of the association: the vocal ensem- Polish and thanks to the policy of our brothers and sisters are used to the first battle. She was much strong- before I worked very hard. Every the territories where the tsar exiled ble Stokrotka and dancing troupe President we kept our identity, faith leading healthy lifestyles and all er and more experienced than I was. day I spent two hours in the gym. I opponents of his regime and as did Kuyavyachek. and language,” she said. of us do sports. I am the second She won by the lock on the knee, did 10 pull-ups and 250 abdominal the Bolsheviks. A mass deportation “Today we have 13 Polish cen- “I am happy to live in Kazakhstan oldest of seven children in the which is still aching. She took second exercises without stopping. At the followed of different nationalities tres in Kazakhstan. We participate where people of different nationali- family and am trying to be a good place in that championship. It should training camp in Almaty I hold the during Stalin’s repression. The com- in round tables, friendship festivals, ties get along and live in harmony,” example for my younger brothers be noted there are no easy victories. record for running up the mountains, munist integration was demonstrated conferences and other venues that Rogovskaya continued. “Kazakh- and sisters. All athletes are well trained. Each 50 metres in 12 seconds. by repressing hundreds of thousands are held by the APK; I myself am a stan has become my motherland, I fight was like the latest for me. of Poles, Latvians, Lithuanians, Es- member of the APK and take part in am glad to have another historical You have a big roster of honors. Is Kazakhstan recognised by peo- tonians, Germans, Tartars, Chech- the assembly’s congresses,” Rogovs- motherland. I am often asked if I kaya said. would like to move to Poland and the Could you please share your secret Which medal is the most impor- ple abroad? ens, etc. The Polish community was perfectly fit for the role of the inside The Polish association is supported answer is – no, but to visit Poland – at such a young age? tant to you? I was in Japan, Korea, Greece and enemy, as among them were the so- by the APK, Rogovskaya explained. yes!” Endurance, physical strength, The most valuable award is the Turkey and I can say that Kazakhstan called ‘special settlers’ from Ukraine “We have a Sunday school at local “I have been living here all my life, tricks, speed, temper and a good bronze at the Universiade in Kazan is recognised. People in the sports who were deported from 1937 to school No.5 where children, no mat- I am doing for a living what I love mentor, I cannot point to exactly which I won in 2013, for at that time society abroad know boxer Gennady 1941 to the villages of the northern ter the nationality, can learn Polish, doing and I am appreciated here; I one. Here temper and tricks are im- I was a dark horse. I was the young- Golovkin, cyclist Alexander Vinok- regions like the Kokshetau, Kara- our history and culture. Poland also am socially active in different events, portant, then speed, endurance and a est among the athletes; in 2013 I was ourov and the Astana boxing team. I ganda and Akmola region.” supports this initiative; on their side no time to waste. We have all the clear head are meaningful against a barely 17 years old. No one expected realised that sportsmen help to form According to Rogovskaya, Poles they send Polish philologists to teach means of communication with the strong rival. Physical strength is im- the victory from me, even the coach. a positive image of Kazakhstan. We were mostly occupied with agricul- here and Polish national high school friends and relatives that live in Po- portant, but you have to understand I was chosen for the team solely to are always trying to be dignified and ture throughout their history in Ka- graduates have an opportunity to en- land and we do have quite a few rela- when the two athletes meet, no mat- get some experience. This award to represent our country. zakhstan. roll in universities in Poland. Annu- tives there,” Rogovskaya concluded. B3 Nation&Capital Culture

Wednesday, november 19, 2014 New TV Series to Commemorate 550th Alpiyev Becomes New Anniversary of Kazakh Statehood Director of Astana Opera

Toleubek Alpiyev (r) and Vladimir Spivakov, the famous maestro from Russia By Malika Orazgaliyeva break to pursue his own creative projects. ASTANA – President Nursultan For his part, Alpiyev noted the Nazarbayev appointed well-known President’s sentiment that Kazakh- and respected Toleubek Alpiyev as stan needs to shape a culture that new director of The Astana Opera will keep pace with global trends State Theatre of Opera and Ballet and values and invited the theatre’s on Nov. 14. artists to jointly pursue that goal. Alpiyev is a graduate of the Al- “We have enormous challenges maty and Moscow conservatories ahead of us – a highly complex op- and was a violinist in a number era of ‘Aida’ and the premier per- of orchestras in Kazakhstan and formances of ‘Karagoz’ and ‘The Kyrgyzstan. He has also worked as Nutcracker’ ballets. The next year managing director of the tour and is going to be busy,” the new direc- concert association Kazakhcon- tor said. cert, director of the Zhambyl State Astana Opera was founded in Philharmonic, deputy chairman of 2013 with the backing of President Kazakhstan’s State Committee on Nazarbayev. At the opening of Culture, and the nation’s Deputy the theatre, the President said: “A Minister of Culture. country that is building factories Since 2000, Alpiyev served as and roads creates a solid footing director of newly opened Nation- for years to come. A country that al Theatre of Opera and Ballet builds schools and hospitals takes named after Kulyash Baiseitova care of the future of the nation for in Astana, where he quickly es- decades. The country that is build- tablished the theatre’s creative ing theatres looks forward through Monument of Kerey and Janibek Khans, the founders of the Kazakh Khanate groups and conducted significant the centuries …” organisational work in the first Professor Tolegen Mukhamed- veloping two different scenarios cept for the very last public per- establish a new state in the val- season. Awarded by the Kurmet zhanov was the first director of By Julia Rutz for coming performances: ‘Kerey formance, which will be held in ley between the Chu and Talas and Parasat orders, since 2013 the Astana Opera. Long known and Janibek’ and ‘Mangilik El.’ September, in the valley between rivers. This event marks the be- Alpiyev served as deputy director throughout Kazakhstan as a re- The Kazakh Ministry of Culture Apart from that, we will organ- the Chu and Talas rivers, in the ginning of Kazakh statehood. It of Astana Opera. nowned composer, he is a winner and Sports has developed a pro- ise several international scien- place where the Kazakh Khanate is believed that during that time, Minister of Culture and Sports of the State Award of the Republic gramme, including a 20-episode tific conferences and expeditions was first established. the term “Kazakh” appeared for Arystan Mukhamediuly introduced of Kazakhstan and President of the the new director to the theatre International Association of Peace television series, to celebrate in as part of the celebration pro- “As for shooting the TV series the first time; it later acquired an company on Nov. 14. The minister through Culture. 2015 the 20th anniversary of the gramme. In general, about 100 the ‘Kazakh Khanate,’ we are ethnic sense. After the death of thanked the opera’s first director In less than two years, the Asta- formation of the Assembly of Peo- different events are scheduled in the process of developing the Abulhair Khan in late 1468, his ple of Kazakhstan, the anniversary Tolegen Mukhamedzhanov for his na Opera has earned popularity for the next year. Activities will budget. The final price will be an- other offspring began fighting for excellent work in launching what and respect among local art-lovers of the adoption of the country’s cover the whole country,” Muha- nounced after the approval of the the Kerey and Zhanibek regions. is meant to be a world-class artis- and foreign guests for its splendid constitution and the 550th an- mediuly said. final script,” said the minister. As a result of this struggle, the tic company based in the Kazakh performances, having recently re- niversary of the formation of the The new TV series is part of a The offspring of Ghenghis western part of the Seven Riv- capital. Mukhamedzhanov said turned from a global tour that fea- Kazakh Khanate, according to larger programme that includes Khan, two Kazakh sultans Janibek ers Valley, which is currently in he was proud of being part of the tured well-received performances Minister of Culture and Sports patriotic, educational and sci- and Kerey, together with much of Central Kazakhstan, fell under opera’s early history and thankful in the United States, Canada, Arystanbek Mukhamediuly. entific elements. The minister Mogulistan, left the state of no- the control of two brothers. This to President Nazarbayev for trust- France, Belgium and the Nether- “Shooting will begin in Janu- also noted that the programme’s madic Uzbeks ruled by Abulkhair territory was called the Kazakh ing him with the mission as well lands, including at the Carnegie ary of next year. We are also de- events are not very expensive, ex- Khan in the second half 1450’s to Khanate. as respecting his desire to take a Hall and L’Opera Bastille. French Artist Finds His Muse in Kazakhstan By Bakhytbek Aduov life. It has also increased the number You worked one year in the Art One day I asked them just to draw You always have what you want of orders not only from Kazakhstan, National Academy in Almaty, al- stories about themselves, how they to do and what you suggest to do. ASTANA – French artist, anima- but also from France. though you studied in the Fine saw their nature. They were sur- I am now passionate about anima- tor and designer Nicolas Journoud At the moment, I have drawn sev- Arts Academy of St. Etienne. prised. It was difficult for them. tion and try to take such orders. I was born in 1978 in Lyon, France. en cartoons this year. The last order What is the difference between also try to look for orders that can He received his first education in was from the United Nations Devel- Kazakh and French students? Does Kazakhstan have good teach me something new. Canada, choosing biological stud- opment Programme of Almaty and First, I think the biggest difference studios which make animated ies, but later understood that art the Almaty Mayor’s office about is based on the manner of education. cartoons? What is your wish for Kazakh was much closer to him. Journoud driving safely and bike riding. Now In Kazakhstan, artists pay much I can see how Kazakhstan is artists? subsequently entered the Fine Arts I am working on three new cartoons. more attention to technique. You developing. I have many artist It is very difficult … but I Academy of St. Etienne in France. have a strong technique. Students friends in your country. I know think young Kazakh artists Since 2006, Journoud has been How much more difficult is ani- can draw anything they like, but if that Kazakhfilm has a great history take pretty much from foreign working in Kazakhstan. He began mation than work as an artist? they have received the script, they in the cartoon industry. Kazakh- art. I wish for the new Kazakh as a teacher at the Zhurgenov Acad- Animation is more difficult than do not think much. In Europe, stu- stan has many other studios and art generation to create a new emy of Arts and later was the art drawing paintings, but more inter- dents have to learn more about how enough specialists. I can acknowl- Kazakh-style artist school with director of the Voxpopuli.kz project. esting, too. You don’t work by your- they feel the arts. In Europe, students edge my friends Murat Alimov, common West and East contri- He is now working as an animator self. You work with a team, special- are asked to think wider, students who ran his comics in Kazakhstan, butions but based on traditional for the production of short promo- ists in music, voices and scripts. can argue with their mentors. In Ka- and very strong artist from Kara- Kazakh life and art tradition. tional cartoons. In an interview with Usually I spend one day of work for zakhstan, students are not very used ganda Evgeniy Yakovlev. French comics style was for- this newspaper, he spoke about the Self portrait of Nicolas Journoud one second of cartoon. But it depends to draw by their initiatives. matted in 120 years, so it will way he sees the fledgling art of on the script. If it is an action moment, When I was a teacher, I checked What are your plans for the fu- take time too here, but the result comics and cartoons in Kazakhstan. Is it difficult to earn money on surely I would spend more time. the reaction from Kazakh students. ture? could be amazing. comics? How did you get to Kazakhstan The comics market in France is after studying in France and Can- already full. New comics are pub- ada? lished every day, but they don’t ap- I graduated from university in pear to new customers. I think this Canada to become a biologist, but problem is similar all over Europe. when I returned to France, I real- Kazakhstan is a new market. ised that it was not me. Then my There is a lot of space for new pro- purpose was to become a comics jects and magazines. In my opinion author. So I entered the Academy of the comics market in Kazakhstan Arts in Saint Etienne. I quickly left will grow in the next decade. Nowa- the Academy because comics were days comics can be here as a hobby. not very popular there so I began to In Kazakhstan, I published comics draw on my own and my first works as social projects. In France and received some awards. One of the Canada, I have been able to draw projects I drew in the Japanese comics for several publishers. mountains took the first place in a festival and the prize was a trip to You started working in Kazakh- Canada, where I got by chance my stan as a commercial artist, then first comics order. In 2006, I was you changed jobs several times. lucky enough to visit Almaty, plan- Why did you start working with ning to stay only for one year. Here animated cartoons? I’ve been offered by the French Em- I am always looking for new ways bassy to give a small master class for to develop. Once I wanted to draw the Almaty Fine Arts Academy. Af- just comics. I began to study anima- ter initial success, I decided to stay tion itself through the Internet. It a while and it has been prolonged turned out that there is also need for for the last eight years. In addition, I pictures and this craft gripped me worked in Almaty and Astana, but I with great opportunities. This new drew few comics. innovation gave inspiration to my B4 Nation&Capital COUNTRY

Wednesday, november 19, 2014 Expert-200-Kazakhstan Kazakhstan, China Forum Takes Economic to Jointly Operate Dostyk Issues, Public Hydraulic Power System Administration Reform By Alina Usmanova

ASTANA – The Sixth Economic Forum of National Business Ex- pert-200-Kazakhstan organised by the rating agency Expert RA Ka- zakhstan (RAEX) and the Expert Kazakhstan magazine was held on Nov. 14 in Astana. Its main topic was, “The reform of public admin- istration: Centre – Regions – Busi- ness.” Speaking at the forum, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Mas- simov emphasised the importance of implementing tasks set by Presi- dent Nursultan Nazarbayev in his state-of-the-nation address, “Nurly By Rufiya Ospanova ter,” Kazakh Minister of Agriculture trollers on Kazakhstan’s side, and Zhol.” Assylzhan Mamytbekov said. vice versa. According to the agree- “In periods of turbulence, when ASTANA – At a Nov. 6 meeting The hydraulic power system is ment, Kazakhstan will contribute 15 the global economy begins to totter of the Senate (the upper chamber considered common property of the staff members to plant operations,” and commodity prices hit historic of parliament) chaired by Kassym- two countries, in which both hold Mamytbekov added. lows, counter-cyclical fiscal policy Jomart Tokayev, the chamber rati- equal shares. The border is the line According to the minister and should be carried out. In this regard, fied an agreement between Kazakh- of joint control extending along the in accordance with the agreement the head of state decided to allo- National Economy, discussed the nies that are leaders in their indus- stan and China on the management axis of construction; it includes a on Dostyk, the system is the joint cate additional funds to stimulate implementation of administrative tries and make a significant contri- and operation of the joint combined dam with inlet and outlet channels. property of the two countries, with the economy of Kazakhstan and to reform in Kazakhstan. The purpose bution to the quality development Dostyk Water Systems on the Khor- The responsible authorities of the both hold equal share in the facility. ensure its financial stability,” Mas- of the changes is to increase the effi- of the economy and its growth,” gos River. participating states have developed The main purpose of the hydraulic simov said. ciency of public administration and Mamazhanov said. Tengizshevroil, Kazakhstan and China will cre- and approved operation and man- power system is a guaranteed wa- Creating an effective system of reduce the level of government in- Samruk Energo, Kazakhstan Temir ate a joint service responsible for agement rules for the shared Dostyk ter intake and the equal division of governance with a professional and terference in business activities, as Zholy and Sberbank were among operating the hydraulic power sys- system, which establishes proce- the water resources of the Khorgos compact staff is a goal the President well as create favourable conditions the companies that received awards. tem on the Khorgos, a provision of dures for joint management and at a ratio of 50 to 50, accurate ac- has identified as one of the strategic for business overall, he said. More than 300 representatives of the agreement ratified by the parlia- regulates the activities of personnel. counting of water withdrawal and a objectives of Kazakhstan’s develop- An awards ceremony naming the Kazakhstan’s business community ment. “Management of the water re- water supply for more than 16,000 ment to 2050, calling it necessary companies ranked most highly by participated in the event. Partici- “The main purpose of the agree- gime and intake from the river is hectares of irrigated land. for enhancing competitiveness and Expert RA Kazakhstan was also pants discussed ways to address the ment is to regulate joint manage- carried out via a single-line mode In 2014, 50 million tenge helping the country reach its goal of held within the forum, with Expert interaction of central and local gov- ment and operation of the [Dostyk] by an automated programme, i.e. (US$276,365) from the national joining the top 30 most developed RA Kazakhstan CEO Adil Mamazh- ernment agencies and businesses in hydraulic power system on the accounting of water intake and ac- budget was allocated for Kazakh- countries in the world. anov presenting the awards. the implementation of Kazakhstan’s Khorgos River and assure the equi- tivity by Chinese personnel is con- stan’s responsibilities regarding the Yerbolat Dossayev, Minister of “We have highlighted the compa- economic development policy. table distribution of the river’s wa- trolled by visual and telemetry con- water system. Effort Begins to Revive Endangered Przewalski Horse Population in Kazakhstan By Julia Rutz an unprecedented scale. Herewith disappeared from the wild more we are jointly introducing proven than 100 years ago. Przewalski horses are expected habitat management techniques, The programme for the reintro- to be delivered from Germany’s ecosystem restoration and sustain- duction of Przewalski horses was Nurnberg Zoo in an effort to re- able use of natural resources,” said launched in Mongolia and China vive the breed in Kazakhstan, ac- the Manager of the Central Asia in 1992. In the early 1990s, sev- cording to a recent announcement Programme of the Royal Society eral horses were released in the by the press service of the Kazakh for the Protection of Birds (UK) Ukrainian Chernobyl exclusion Ministry of Agriculture. Stephanie Ward. zone as part of the experiment, “Since 2005, the Kazakhstan Wild Przewalski horses are an where they were actively breed- Association for Conservation of endangered species. Formely, ing. Now, the Przewalski popula- Biological Diversity together with these animals inhabited the forest- tion there totals 100 animals. As the Forestry and Wildlife Commit- steppes, steppes and semi-deserts for Kazakhstan, special arrange- tee and the Frankfurt Zoological of Europe, as well as the steppes ments are being made for the Society have been working on the and forest-steppes of Kazakhstan delivery of the new horses. Cur- restoration of the wild steppes of and part of the south of West- rently, seven Przewalski horses, central Kazakhstan. This partner- ern Siberia. Now, there are about including two females, roam Al- ship provides a unique opportu- 2,000 of these wild horses left in tyn Emel Park in the Almaty re- nity for environmental work on the world, and in Kazakhstan they gion. National Culture, Traditions on Display During Days of Astana in Paris Continued from Page B1 Astana’s rapid development as a that all of their suggestions will be smart city and tourist centre during carefully considered. Balayeva thanked her French a meeting with the Mayor of the Legare, in his turn, respectfully colleagues for assistance in or- First District of Paris Jean-Fran- noted the rapid economic advance- ganising the event. She also men- cois Legare. She also spoke about ment of Kazakhstan and expressed tioned a joint health project aimed preparations for EXPO 2017, one admiration about Astana’s growth at a cancer treatment that is being of the most important projects of and ist modern style and particular implemented with Institut Gustav international scope to be hosted flavour. He also expressed inter- Rossy. The deputy mayor spoke by the Kazakh capital. The deputy est in cooperation, noting that he about the great opportunities and mayor expressed hope for active is ready to meet again in Paris or potential of the Kazakh capital, participation by the French during Astana. which welcomes cooperation with the event, as Paris was the place A special concert programme Paris in all spheres, including where the decision was made to presented by Astana Opera artists economy, investment issues, cul- hold the world exposition in Ka- in the legendary Opera Bastille ture and health. zakhstan. She invited the mayor of closed the cultural Days of Astana Balayeva also talked about the district to cooperate, stressing in Paris. B5 Nation&Capital SOCIETY

Wednesday, november 19, 2014 Shabyt International Festival Petropavlovsk Police, Awards Creative Youth Students Dance to Promote Law and Order By Dmitry Lee We are happy that this time the The event was called STOP- children responded to our invi- Kylmys (STOPCrime), during The local Petropavlovsk police tation and participated in the ac- which police taught the children department recently organised a tion. Through this dialogue, we the principles of “zero tolerance” flash mob of 100 schoolchildren to have been able to convey to the and quizzed them on their knowl- help promote law and order. young members of the society the edge of the law. Students answered “For half an hour, more than principle that in any situation it is questions on traffic rules, adminis- 100 students from different necessary to behave honorably, trative and criminal liability, and schools in the same rhythm were fairly and to respect the law,” said the students with the best answers dancing to popular hits of do- Deputy Chief of Internal Affairs were awarded notebooks, pens and mestic and foreign musicians. of Petropavlovsk Asan Smagulov. other school supplies.

By Rufiya Ospanova for young people to express them- named: ZEBO, a chamber ensem- selves, unleash their creativity and ble quartet from Tashkent, Uzbeki- ASTANA – At a Nov. 8 press become known to a wide audi- stan, headed by Professor Ulykbek conference and Shabyt gala con- ence are made available,” Zhaniya Imanov; the classical music nomi- cert for the 17th International Fes- Aubakirova, People’s Artist of nation in the composer’s contest tival of Creative Youth held in the Kazakhstan and rector of the Kur- was awarded to Abdisagyn from Palace of Peace and Accord, the names of the winners of the inter- mangazy Kazakh National Con- Almaty; in the Art category Lolita national festival were announced. servatory said. Hugayeva from Kokshetau won; During the competition’s five At the evening gala concert, the folk music (folk wind instru- days, 495 participants showed Mazhagulov presented the Presi- ments) award went to Raikhan their skills and competed for the ti- dent’s Cup to Rakhat-bi Abdis- Omar from Almaty; the folk music tle of winner in six categories. Ka- agyn, a third year student of the award (plucked folk instruments) zakhstan was represented by 364 Kurmangazy Kazakh National was won by Assylai Apenova from participants from all regions of Conservatory and a 15-year-old Almaty; the chamber choir nomi- the country; 131 competitors came composer from Almaty. nation was awarded to the cham- from China, Uzbekistan, Russia “For me, this is an invaluable ber choir of the State Philharmonic and Kyrgyzstan. and honourable award. We, the of the Akimat (Mayor’s office) Bolat Mazhagulov, head of the youth of Kazakhstan, are happy of Astana; “Best literary work Department of Culture of Astana to live in a country where ... the (poetry) was won by Batyrkhan and international jury members economy is developing and close Sarsenkhan, Turkestan; in the cat- noted the competition’s high level attention is paid to culture and egory Choreography, Yerkin Ra- of organisation. creativity,” Abdisagyn, the grand khmetullayev from Astana took “This festival is certainly among prize winner of the Shabyt Interna- home the prize. the best and most prestigious crea- tional Festival, said. The organisers of the main cul- tive competitions,” Mazhagulov He also thanked the members of tural event were the Akimat of said. the jury, his teachers and mentors. Astana, the Department of Culture “This competition is unique; Eight lucky holders of grand of Astana and the Kazakh National across our country, opportunities prizes in six categories were University of Arts. 100 schoolchildren at the STOPKylmys campaign. Winners Announced at Open Central Asia Literature Festival in Almaty By Michelle Witte zieh Zakirânovoj prize of $5,000 to pay attention to Central Asia for the best work by a woman. if we’re just offering something ALMATY – The third Open More than 450 authors from 20 that’s obviously meant to interest Central Asia Book Forum and countries took part in this year’s the ‘ignorant West.’” Literary Festival was held in competition. Poet David Parry of the U.K. Almaty from Nov. 14 to 17, fea- Asked about the event’s mis- and other Western writers com- turing contests, film screenings, sion at a reception in Almaty mented that Central Asia is, in book launches, panel discussions on Nov. 14, participant Alexey fact, much more central to world and presentations by authors Ulko of Uzbekistan, winner in culture than is now recognised. from the region and around the the translation category, said, “I “Central Asia is the world in world. think it’s a great effort because some ways, isn’t it? Everything A $17,000 prize goes toward I think all writers and all artists seems to either come from here the publication of the winning from Central Asia suffer from an or pass through here. … I thought work in the literature category. inferiority complex. I would put the whole notion of celebrating There are also illustration, trans- it like this – that other, non-Euro- Central Asian writing in all its lation and filmmaking contests. pean, non-American, non-white immensely sophisticated forms The event aims to popularise cultures, including China and – I don’t find it lacking in any literature within Central Asia and sub-Saharan Africa and every- respect – was a thoroughly good promote local authors abroad, a thing else, have already success- idea. And yes, maybe Britain, Nov. 12 press release by the or- fully positioned themselves to maybe Western Europe needs a ganisers noted. the outside world as ‘the other.’ bit of a memory jog about where This year’s first prize win- And we are the ‘other-other,’ most of its heritage comes from, ner for literary work was Davlat the ultimate other, which is still or at least has passed through at Tolibšohi of Tajikistan, with unknown. And we are hoping, some point.” Bubajša Arstanbekova of Kyr- we’ve been hoping for the last Paul Wilson, author of guide- gyzstan and Lilya Kalaus and 25 years, that the time will come books to Central Asia and the Zira Naurzbaeva of Kazakh- when our uniqueness will be rec- new novel, “The Alphabet stan coming in second and third ognised by the world, but so far Game,” set in Central Asia, said, place. Tolibšohi’s book will be it comes only in, like, ‘Borat,’ or “The great oral narrative tradi- published by Hertfordshire Press ‘Ambassadors,’ [a 2013 British tion – the Kazakhs, the Kyrgyz in 2016 and presented at the 2016 TV series].” – they are the classic storytellers London Book Fair. Those depictions are oversim- … I really enjoy a good story. Alexey Ulko of Uzbekistan, plifications and grotesques, Ulko And I think some of the best sto- Kateryna Myasnikova of Russia said, but they’re not worth wor- ries have either come from here and Dilya of Kazakhstan won rying about. “I think we need or come through here. And sto- in the translation category, Vi- to stop worrying about it … we rytelling, the oral tradition of the taly Bondar of Belarus, Tatyana sometimes try to sell our identity bard, very much comes from this Davydova of Germany and Lolly as the other, but we don’t know area.” of Ukraine won for illustration what kind of identity we want to The Open Central Asia festival and Jasur Turaev and Euphra- sell – do we want to be modern, is organised by the National State tes Sharipov of Uzbekistan and do we want to be traditional? Book Chamber of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan, Ashot Danielyan of Post-Soviet, post-colonial? … the Association of Publishers and Uzbekistan and Eldar Nasyrov before developing a content, we Booksellers of Kazakhstan and of Kazakhstan won in the new are ready to sell it. … I think the Elena Bezrukova Centre of experimental film category, with we should stop worrying about Training and Consulting, and in Turaev and Sharipov taking how we’re perceived by the West partnership with the Ministry of home the new $10,000 Nemat and just do something. And I’m Culture and Sport of Kazakhstan, Kelimbetov Award for film. sure if that amount of interesting the Akimat (city administration) Lenifer Mambetova from stuff grows, then recognition will of Almaty city and the Kazakh Crimea took home the new Mar- come. Because nobody’s going Academy of Sport and Tourism. B6 Nation&Capital Tourism

Wednesday, november 19, 2014 Expert Falconers to Gather in Kokshetau to Honour Legendary Falconer Masip Batyrkhanuly

By Chingiz Tashenov tion of youth in the spirit of Ka- she and her bird of prey have been zakh national traditions and pro- the best of friends. KOKSHETAU – Kansonar, the championship dedicated to the motion of healthy lifestyles. Falconers, known all over the memory of legendary falconer “My grandfather, Masip, in the country during their participa- Masip Batyrkhanuly, will soon 1930s was one of the best hunt- tion in Kansonar, include Faizulla celebrate its 12th year. The open ers of our land, supplying Russia Burkutbai from the Almaty re- championship for masters of fal- with fur and saving his country- gion, Umutkhan Tastambek and conry is regularly staged in honour men from hunger,” said Shynarbek Ablaikhan Zbasov of the Akmola of the Independence Day of Ka- Batyrkhan, head of the Akmola Re- region, Serik Abdrazakov from zakhstan on Dec. 16. gional Tourism Department. “Up to the Kazakganda region, Imanzaip Falconers come to the city from 70 years old, he went hunting with Tassybayev from the Pavlodar re- almost all parts of the republic. The eagles. When he had bad eyesight, gion and many others. All of them championship is held in three qual- he went to the mountains and let can be considered the heirs of the Makpal Abdrazakova with her eagle named Ak Zhelke (White Withers) is the only girl hunter in the country. ifying stages; the masters compete the bird free. His feathered friend glory of Batyrkhanuly. returned to him thrice, not knowing Thanks to his hunting, in the ability of their winged hunt- also the only owner in Kazakhstan ments and identify the best hunters. coners movement in Kazakhstan. and not perceiving parting with his Batyrkhanuly saved his aul (vil- ers to find prey from the bird’s-eye Shynarbek was elected president master. In honour of my grandfa- lage) from starvation in the 1930s of the high award “Excellence in Batyrkhanuly was born in 1885 view and immediately intercept Hunting of the USSR.” in Botai aul of the Aiyrtau dis- of the Falconers Federation of the it – first bait, then fast hares and ther and his love for eagles, I es- and in 1941, having sent his son Kazakhs were anciently engaged trict. His brother, Kami, died in Akmola region. cunning foxes. The competitions tablished the Masip Batyrkhanuly Berkutbai to the front during in hunting with eagles. In the fam- the fighting on the Leningrad front In honour of the 125th anniver- allow for the selection of the best prize and annually present it to the World War II and continued to birds in catching a big predator best juniors in Kansonar.” produce valuable furs despite his ine years, one eagle could feed a and his son returned from the war sary of his birth, Batyrkhanuly was like a wolf. A permanent Kansonar partici- advanced age. The pelts were sent whole village, which is why in the with combat awards – the Order of awarded a special cup from the Fal- Despite the fierce December pant, Makpal Abdrazakova with abroad from Moscow and the in- old days a few camels were given the Great Patriotic War of the first coners Federation of Kazakhstan frost, the competition gathers a lot her eagle named Ak Zhelke (White come helped with ammunition for as a price for a well-trained bird and degree and medals for courage and in 2010 for his great contribution of fans of the national sport. Ac- Withers), is from the Karaganda the front. these days such an eagle can cost as military merit. Today, the grand- to the development of the falconry cording to the organisers of these region. Today, she is the only girl For his contribution to the vic- much as a prestigious car. Today in sons Munarbek, Shynarbek and movement. Fourteen masters of fal- spectacular events, the main objec- hunter in the country. The eagle sat tory Batyrkhanuly was awarded Kazakhstan, there are quite a few Temirbek and great-grandchildren conry from different regions of the tives of Kansonar are popularising on Abdrazakova’s arm for the first the medal “For selfless work dur- such professionals with skill in fal- of the legendary hunter continue country are the holders of honorary of national sports, patriotic educa- time 13 years ago and since then ing the Great Patriotic War.” He is conry. They still organise tourna- his activity by maintaining the fal- Masip Batyrkhanuly diplomas. Geoparks Can Tell the History of Kazakhstan, Attract Tourism Dollars, says Geologist Continued from Page B1 It will promote solving several As a result, there have been mass to explore the history of the earth and May 2011 – some scholars issues at the same time – preserve extinctions of kinds and classes, and make it into the incorrect con- argue that there is some mysti- How did the concept of geop- nature, advance living standards but life never ceases completely. clusions. cal predetermination in the figure arks occur? of locals through creating new The most famous example is the Former U.S. presidential candi- 100. In the mid-1990s the leaders of jobs and advocate studying natu- extinction of dinosaurs, which oc- date and Nobel laureate Al Gore, When was the last earthquake a number of European National ral science. International experi- curred 70 million years ago. The who published a famous book before 1911? Right, in 1887. I Parks in France, Spain, Germany ence shows that with successful reason was a huge asteroid. Its on this topic, “An Inconvenient agree that the development of the and Greece, recognising the neg- advertisement, geoparks quickly blast raised a huge amount of dust Truth”, have played a large role in earth is cyclical, but it is meas- ligible attention paid to geological become profitable. However, the in the air. The sun was darkened; stocking the concerns over global ured in tens of millions of years. heritage, came up with the concept first steps should receive economic darkness embraced the planet. warming. As for the rocks near Al- Those minor earthquakes that oc- of the geopark in order to further and management support from When it dissipated, the dinosaurs maty, why shouldn’t they be whit- curred in Almaty and in the vicin- its promotion. This idea was sup- the government. Geoparks can be were gone. These cold-blooded ened if somebody is willing to pay ity of the city on May 1, 2011 are a ported by UNESCO and today the opened in all regions of Kazakh- creatures were warmed only by the for it? normal result of the Ili depression, number of geoparks is increasing stan, event in the depressed ones. heat of the sun. which is well traced deep into the throughout the world. The basis of And one more thing – referring Danger to life can come from the What do you think of the opin- geological history of about 30 a geopark is an inanimate nature; in to tourism, an issue of allocat- depths of the earth as well. Thus, ion that the uncontrolled use of million years. If to correlate this other words, geological heritage in ing funds for infrastructural de- between the Permian and Triassic the subsurface is fraught with with the age of our planet, on the the form of scenic rocks, in which velopment (building roads, etc.) periods (about 250 million years tectonic consequences? earth dial plate one million is just events of a distant geological past emerges. Interestingly, UNESCO ago), a big quantity of magma and I think that in 99.9 percent of a second. Generally, with regard are clearly presented. Many geop- Ilya Fishman polls found that 70 percent of tour- gas rose to the earth’s surface and cases, the cause of earthquakes to the prediction of earthquakes, arks can be opened in the so-called ists did not need commodity. With even caused a change in the at- is the normal development of the the science is still in the way; the SPNT (specially protected natural of the idea in Kazakhstan needs their security ensured and access mosphere. It was an environmental earth, and only 0.1 percent, just system able to accurately predict territories), wherein the first does support. In 2012 prior to the 34th to healthy food provided, they disaster, but even after that life on in case, I leave to anthropogenic the time of the seismic event has not tear away from the second, but session of the international geo- agreed to travel on bad roads and earth continued. influence. I work on the tecton- not been created yet. There was helps to reveal the essence of the logical congress in Australia, in live in tents (or yurtas). Devel- ics of the Aral-Caspian region. It some good luck, but they were im- geological history, thus attracting which Kazakhstan participated, opment of geoparks all over the Now people are talking about turns out that these two seas – the mediately replaced by failures; in additional tourists. There are coun- my daughter Julia Kazakova and world starts by attracting tourists the threat of global climate Aral and Caspian – are tectonically other words, this is more about the tries whose income from tourism I published an album, “Geoparks with low demands. They bring change. A well-known public fig- linked through great depths of the theory of probability. is equal to the income from all the in Kazakhstan – Millions of Years money for establishing luxurious ure, for example, called for the earth. But it would be primitive to Now a number of serious sci- mineral complexes of our repub- before the Silk Road,” which at- hotels and roads in the future. The whitening of the rocks near Al- say that the water is poured from entists talk about some activation lic. Moreover, the significant por- tracted great attention from the main thing is to disseminate in- maty in order to prevent it. one sea to another. In this system, of the subsurface; it is more likely tion of visited sites accounted for participants of the congress. The formation. Tourism has a law – to There is no global warming; dozens of complex geological pro- that a global catastrophe in the ecotourism. Some time ago, I drew same year, Kazakhstan held an in- earn a million, spend a million on in fact there are only short-term cesses, which still have not been next 5-10 million years will not up an object map of the ecotour- ternational meeting “Potential of information. temperature fluctuations, the con- fully explored, are involved. One happen. In any case, the answer to ism surroundings of Almaty. These the Earth and People,” which fo- tribution of man to which, fortu- thing is clear – fluctuations in the the question about the future of the were forests, cades, waterfalls, cused heavily on geoparks. In the You mentioned that every mon- nately, is negligible. But we are, levels of these seas existed in pre- planet should be found in its past, peaks, passes, climbing walls, 1990s we created the first database ument of nature is a chronicle of as always, exaggerating our own historic times, before the appear- i.e. to invest more in the science of points for hang gliding and so on. of Kazakhstan’s geological herit- the earth’s history. What do scien- role; humanity has not yet become ance of a human being. The fault geology. Each of these objects is a national age. With the assistance of the da- tists manage to read in it? a super-civilisation able to split or of the latter in these processes, as Indeed this phenomenon occurs, treasure. In order to make rules for tabase, the government approved a It says that if we want to know seriously affect the life that planet well as in climate change, is negli- but it is still poorly understood. its use, I proposed introducing the list of valuable geological objects our future, we must look at our earth has been living for 4.5 bil- gible. It’s like sitting in a tiny little The answer to it can give only sci- concept of “the object of tourism” in 2005. past. All the disasters, which oc- lion years already. It develops un- fragile boat, trying to go astray of ence. But everyone eventually asks into the law on tourism. Alas, it re- curred in the course of 4.5 billion der its own laws; a human being a powerful battleship. money for his or her own busi- mained as a proposal. How can the acknowledgment years of the earth’s existence, are appeared just a second ago, com- ness. I am no exception. However, Nowadays, information about of geological parks as an integral written down in this record. They pared with its age. A human can Many people who live in Almaty in any case, the decision must be the establishment of geoparks is part of ecotourism benefit Ka- do not happen very often, about be called the king of nature only are waiting for an earthquake. made, comparing risks with cost. available, though dissemination zakhstan? once every 100-200 million years. in one sense; only a person is able Linking the two events – in 1911 To be warned is to be saved. B7 Nation&Capital Sports

Wednesday, november 19, 2014 Kazakhstan Ranked Last in AIBA Congress Discusses Euro 2016 Qualifiers Group Important Changes for By Yelden Sarybay Upcoming Year in S. Korea Turkey defeated the Kazakhstan national football team in the last qualifying match of the calendar year for the Euro 2016 champion- ship with a score of 3:1. The next match for the national team in Euro 2016 qualifiers will be held on March 28, 2015 at home against Iceland, one a lower chance of getting head in- of the leaders of juries by 33 percent. The congress also held elections Group A. for managing staff. Kazakhstan leg- end Serik Konakbayev was appoint- The match at the “Ali Sami ed the vice president of the Kazakh Yen” stadium in Istanbul was Boxing Federation, while Timur the fourth game for the Ka- Kulibayev kept his post as president. zakhstan team, and the foot- By Anuar Abdrakhmanov and “First of all, I am honoured. I re- ballers have yet to win. Af- Dmitry Lee alise that this is a big responsibility. ter 26 minutes, Burak Yilmaz It is widely known that Kazakhstan scored a penalty goal against Kazakh and Turkish players fight for the ball during the last qualifying match of the calendar year for the Euro 2016 At the recent Association In- is a boxing powerhouse; the coun- Kazakhstan and after three championship in Istanbul on Nov. 16. ternationale de Boxe Amateur try is growing dynamically and minutes scored his second (Amateur International Boxing developing economically while ad- goal. At 83 minutes, Aziz Serd- At 85 minutes, Bauyrzhan Is- the Kazakhstan football team, took mained the same. The next match Association, AIBA) Congress in vancing unity and harmony. All of ar scored the final goal for the lamkhan executed an accurate pass the penalty. for the national team in Euro 2016 Cheju, South Korea, important these factors validate Kazakhstan’s Turkish team. The last goal, to Ulan Konysbaev in the penalty While Kazakhstan had a chance qualifiers will be held on March changes were made, questions hosting of EXPO 2017. Kazakh- however, was left for Kazakh- area, where Turkey violated the to minimise the difference during 28, 2015 at home against Iceland, were asked and members caught stan is developing in all spheres stan to score. rules. Samat Smakov, captain of the extension time, the score re- one of the leaders of Group A. up with one another. The congress and global society now knows it. was held from Nov. 13 to 14, Ka- Therefore, our achievements give zakhstan web portal www.sports. us the drive to continue forward. I kz reported. would like to repeat that it is a big The meeting saw the introduction responsibility for me. Thanks to the of new regulations to the semi-pro- achievements we have today, we Ilyin Breaks Record to Become Four- fessional team tournament World need to promote boxing at a higher Series of Boxing (WSB) and AIBA level,” Konakbayev commented. Pro Boxing (APB) for next year. Woo also thanked the Kazakh Association President Dr. Ching- Boxing Federation headed by Time Weightlifting World Champion Kuo Woo called development too Kulibayev for being the leading rapid and said the association needs national federation. Continued from Page A1 the record that I broke. His con- to keep up with the times. “AIBA in Kazakhstan will give gratulations were coming from In the upcoming season, match- impetus to the development of box- “A lot depends on your state of his heart. He also mentioned that es won’t have the home-away for- ing worldwide,” he said. “We only mind, a month and a half prior to we will meet and discuss this in mat, rather a one-team encounter need facilities and the improvement the championship, I didn’t know person. I consider him a person that will determine the winner in a of our assets and technical base. It is what weights to pull and eureka, that is close to me. It is thanks to two-day competition. important that children involved in we decided 190 and 242 would him that I live and achieve these The new APB project will gather the sport get a good education to aug- bring us victory! And today we results. I am grateful to him for the best 80 boxers in the world, ac- ment their physical development.” pulled it right on, it’s a miracle!” his support,” said Ilyin. cording to the AIBA president. The The leaders of all the national he said. Kazakhstan finished third over- APB will also decide the Olympic federations discussed the future of Later, Kazakh President Nur- all in the championship with North vacant slots by 2020. modern boxing. The heads of all sultan Nazarbayev phoned the Korea second and China taking Among other issues on the agen- national federations gathered four new champion to congratulate first. da was the question of whether years ago in Almaty where they him. to continue the use of helmets in made a number of important de- “The President congratulated China G-4, S-2, B-5 Total: 11 matches. Boxing experts and med- cisions that had a positive impact me over the phone and I was re- N. Korea 4, 1, 3 Total: 8 ical professionals have noted that on the development of Olympic ally glad. He asked me about Kazakhstan 3, 2, 0 Total: 5 boxers who don’t use helmets have boxing. Confederation of Combat and Power Sports Enjoys Early Success, Prepares Athletes for Rio Continued from Page B1 sports with akimats (government Our country will host the world courses have been held for coaches in addition to the state, are stimu- administrations) of many regions. championship in weightlifting on in five sports. lated by the confederation for their We are also happy with the suc- Nov. 8-16, where the best athletes One of the issues of interest to victories. Is this a deliberate policy cess of our athletes in other types In addition to domestic champi- of the world will meet. This world both fans and local experts is invit- or a one-time event? of sports. Our compatriots won the onships under the auspices of the championship will be licensed, that ing foreign coaches and consult- We pay special attention to the so- first gold in judo in the major conti- confederation, many high-status means they will compete for bids to ants. What is your attitude toward cial support of athletes and coaches. nental European Games. They also world events are being held. How the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de this trend. Should we hire only lo- For the first time our athletes are won two silver and three bronze did you achieve this? Janeiro. cal staff or should international ex- provided with health insurance for medals. Holding international-scale com- The competition will be shown perience not be ignored? the entire year. A special bonus sys- A Kazakhstan team in classic petitions in Kazakhstan is another on the KAZsport Channel; which As you know, famous Olympic tem was developed and not only wrestling (Greco-Roman, freestyle overriding direction for us. We other countries will broadcast the weightlifting coach Enver Turkeleri athletes are rewarded, but also their and women’s wrestling) got 10 think that the confederation’s ac- event? works as a consultant with the na- personal mentors, coaches and ex- medals, the weightlifters got four tivity is not only for the benefit of The upcoming event will be tional team of Kazakhstan. Since perts of complex scientific groups medals and the representatives of strength sports, but also contributes broadcast in such countries as Chi- his arrival, our weightlifters have of the national teams. taekwondo won four medals. to the implementation of the state na, Brazil, Iran, Latvia, Poland and shown stable results. Young Kazakh athletes follow Stable success is impossible Timur Kulibayev policy in the sphere of physical cul- [heavily broadcast] on Eurosport. Experienced professionals are their elders and also show excellent without good conditions, so we first Of course! The AIBA World ture and sports. also attracted in other sports, such results. had to make certain that our nation- Academy of Boxing, which al- The confederation operates in What are the objectives of the as judo and freestyle wrestling. Speaking about participation of al teams were provided with medi- ready operates in the Almaty re- close cooperation with the Kazakh confederation for the near future? One of the specific areas of the Kazakh youth in the sport, I want to cal support, the required licensed gion, is the first scientific train- Ministry of Culture and Sports. In Development of training, coach- confederation is to establish inter- note that we remember the strategic athletic equipment and uniform ing complex of its kind. This is a 2013, Kazakhstan had the honour ing and teaching staff, including national contacts. What is being goals set by leader of the nation, our outfits, were trained and conducted unique structure, which has ex- and great responsibility to host the the Bolashak programme, which is done in this regard? President Nursultan Nazarbayev. training camps in Kazakhstan and first world boxing championship. cellent conditions for mastering another ambitious task. Last year, a We are in close contact with rep- beyond where the best conditions A new record was set for the num- tripartite memorandum of coopera- resentatives of international sports Is special attention now being skills not only for athletes, but also were created. ber of participants – 576 athletes tion with the Kazakhstan Agency organisations and federations. In paid to the upcoming games in coaches, referees and technical Skilled management is needed from 116 countries. In addition to of Sport and Physical Culture [now the future, we expect that Kazakh- Brazil? staff. Athletes from different parts for the development of high per- a high level of organisation, the re- the Ministry of Culture and Sports] stan will be widely represented in Indeed, two years are left before formance sports. The confedera- of the world can train here. sults of local boxers were brilliant. and Centre for International Pro- international organisations. the start of the event. During this tion was created with the intention I would especially like to em- The first major start this year was grammes was signed. Recently, the first and only Olym- time, the Confederation of Combat to focus on the successful practice phasise that the pledge of future the Asian Wrestling Championship. Thus, local young profession- pic medalist in taekwondo Arman and Power Sports will make every for the development of other fed- victories lies in the mass nature of Astana gathered the strongest fight- als had the opportunity to study Chilmanov, who now holds the effort to ensure that our athletes are erations. sports; this explains our attention ers of the continent and our guys abroad. A striking example is Serik position of director of sport of the prepared for the Summer Games in to the regions. This year alone, did not disappoint. They won 14 Sapiyev, who is undergoing train- Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation Rio de Janeiro. The confederation pays great the universal sports and recreation medals. ing in sports management at Brunel (KTF) and the state coach, became We have strong and fearless ath- attention to the material and tech- complexes of the sport confedera- Next year, we are preparing to University in London under a Bo- the first Kazakh-elected member letes, ready to fight and win for na- nical base of the sport. Along with tion were built and now operate in hold a licensed world champion- lashak international scholarship. of the Executive Committee of tive Kazakhstan. It was so at the this great event was the opening of Turkestan and Semey. ship in judo. It was decided to hold 2014 was declared the “Year the World Taekwondo Federation latest Asian Games, so it is safe to the World Academy of Boxing in We also signed memoranda of the World Grand Prix this year in of the Coach” in the confedera- (WTF.) say that with such athletes we can Kazakhstan. Is it a credible exam- cooperation and development of Astana, which was a kind of test tion. Since the beginning of the achieve the highest goals at the ple of international institutions? mass sports and high performance before the world championship. year, regular seminars and training Champions and prize winners, Olympics in South America! B8 Nation&Capital capital Wednesday, november 19, 2014 Second Astana Public School Joins German University Preparation Programme Continued from Page B1 both like working, lots. Our cul- to give a class for just two teach- tures are close – there are things ers.” She is also passionate about School No. 67 joined the pro- we have in common. Our cultures finding internships and practical gramme one year ago, after receiv- can combine. We have something training for her students, hoping to ing permission from Kazakhstan’s between us. … I didn’t know that bring some of Germany’s hands- Ministry of Education and Science [before],” she said. on, real world educational style to and undergoing the application Kazakhstan. process, and since then has seen Aigerym Nauryzbekova, 16, German proficiency among its stu- As Germany recently travels across town to attend dents soar, Headmistress Gulnara scrapped tuition school No. 67. She used to live in Sadekova said in an interview at fees in its public the school’s district, and decided the school on Oct. 16. to stay on after her family moved “Our school is based on lan- universities, higher elsewhere in Astana. “The first guage, so it’s a multilingual education in the reason is that it is a multilingual school. … After the programme, school, and I always loved English, our school improved. The level of country is free for so I wanted to develop it,” she said. German language is really devel- any student, German Nauryzbekova and other stu- oping. German is now at the same dents gave a tour of their school on level as English,” she said. Chi- or international, and Oct. 16, translating between Eng- nese, French and Russian are also the DSD programme lish, German, Russian and Kazakh. taught at the school. They hope to put their language Blond, mohawked Tanja Un- represents skills to use after graduation. Aibol terberg is the coordinator of the a significant Gablakhat, 18, hopes to be an am- DSD programme at Astana’s pub- opportunity. bassador. “I like travelling – I want lic schools No. 67 and No. 46, to travel the whole world,” he said. where she stands out amid the sea Dana Baubekova, 15, wants to of mostly Kazakh students and Unterberg extends the integra- learn more languages and perhaps teachers. Unterberg, like four other Students of Astana’s public school No. 67, the newest partner in the German language programme DSD. tion within the school by opening return to school No. 67 as a teacher, teachers working at DSD schools her seminars to all teachers. “We she said. in Kazakhstan through a cultural the school’s higher-level students. thing is from Germany. But this intercultural blend, because we’re are now doing some bilingual There are currently eight DSD cooperation agreement between Despite their different styles and cooperation is between two differ- cooperating. There is a good blend method courses. … We gather two schools in Kazakhstan, Woitsch German and Kazakhstan, coordi- features, Unterberg says German ent countries, with two different between traditions.” times a month. The last course we said, and 821 across the world, in nates teacher trainings, helps set and Kazakh cultures have a natural cultures. The headmistress is Ka- Before coming to Kazakhstan, made was about communicative 65 countries. As the DSD consult- common goals between the school fit and the integrated programme is zakh – there’s no German. There she hadn’t realised the two cul- confidence, how we build it from ant, Woitsch coordinates and ad- and the programme, organises stu- very special. “Normally we have are some people from abroad, like tures would have much in com- the little ones to the 11th class. Not vises participating schools on their dents to take part in competitions German schools – German direc- my German boss in Almaty, and mon, Unterberg said. “I would say officially – I’m officially here for programmes and administers the in Germany and gives lessons to tors, German colleagues, every- this is interesting, because it’s an we have much in common. We the German, but it would be silly DSD test. New City Sections to Be 1,574 New Affordable Housing Built in Style of Different Apartments to Be Available World Capitals in Astana by 2015 By Julia Rutz ed to work on the site of our first The main objective of this pro- By Yelden Sarybay The new apartments are among housing with the long-term leases district, which is called Seoul,” he ject is to solve the housing prob- 2,671 apartments the programme and options to buy. He has also ASTANA – A landmark real es- said. lem, which is especially important ASTANA – Five new afforda- will provide. lowered administrative costs and tate project where each quarter of Guests of the event were met in the realities of the present day, ble residential housing complexes Housing the country’s popula- made low-interest loans available the city will match the style of a by women dressed in Korean na- when about 50,000 new citizens offering 1,574 apartments under tion remains a concern for the Ka- in order to lower barriers to hous- particular world capital was un- tional attire, as the first city district are coming to the capital every the Affordable Housing 2020 zakh government and was among ing. veiled Nov. 5 by BI Group Hold- would be dedicated to the South year. Programme will be available by the country’s main objectives men- In addition to the five complex- ing. Korean capital. The quarter, to be Another benefit of BI City is the the end of the year, according to tioned during President Nursultan es, the city is constructing eight Known as BI City, the new de- constructed under the motto “Soul developed sports infrastructure, a Nov. 12 press release from the Nazarbayev’s recent state-of-the- more complexes totaling 1,135 sign is expected to emerge around of Asia,” will incorporate eight which includes areas for cycling, Astana Akimat (city administra- nation address. The President has apartments which are expected to the Khan Shatyr shopping mall, lo- mid-rise residential complexes jogging and working out, as well tion). initiated the construction of rental be available in 2015-2016. cated on the left side of the Yessil with façades reflecting construc- as children’s playgrounds with River, and provide powerful future tion typical of that nation’s capi- special protective rubberised floor- development impetus to this area. tal. The district will provide eve- ing, a kindergarten and school. The project envisions administra- rything needed for a full-fledged As part of the EXPO 2017 prep- tive, business and cultural centres, urban living and dynamic work aration plan, a green quarter will as well as residential areas with activity. also be built on the territory of BI developed infrastructure, totaling According to Assel Zhunusova, City, which represents a unique more than 1.5 million square me- director of sales of BI Group Hold- project of innovative construction tres. Construction of the project is ing, high quality materials will be using the latest developments in scheduled for the next eight years used in construction. the field of energy efficiency to be and will cost up to $2.5 billion. BI “BI City is going to be built in implemented together with Sam- City was successfully presented to accordance with the latest technol- ryk Kazyna Development. Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- ogies and on a base of high-quality “I like the fact that despite the arbayev in April 2014, according materials, such as granite, lime- unusual approach used in con- to Aidyn Rakhimbayev, head of BI stone, travertine and fundermax. struction, apartment prices are Group Holding. Permanent technical supervision pretty [reasonable] and many peo- “We are developing this project will guarantee good quality con- ple can afford buying an apartment together with the True Capital struction put up in a short period here,” said one of the guests of the Company. We have already start- of time,” he explained. presentation Anvar Kentayev.

Plan of the BI City project designed by BI Group.