-5° / -8°C WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 No 5 (119) www.astanatimes.com Kazakh President signs amendments Astana to host to Constitution into law another international meeting on Syria efforts to find a peaceful solution to By Malika Orazgaliyeva the conflict in Syria during the UN Security Council regular meeting ASTANA – Astana will host an- devoted to a political settlement of other round of talks on settling the the conflict in Syria. conflict in Syria within the Astana “The Astana Process is becoming Process March 14-15. an integral part of the architecture High-ranking delegations from of peace, which is being built brick Russia, Turkey and Iran have con- by brick under the auspices of the firmed participation and invitations UN in Syria,” he said. have been sent to representatives of The members of the Security the United States, United Nations Council acknowledged that the and Jordan, according to a March continuation of the political negoti- 9 press release from the Kazakh ations in Geneva was made possible Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The thanks to the regime of cessation of guarantor states are expecting con- hostilities, fixed in the framework firmation of the participation of del- of the Astana Process. They called egations from the government and on the conflicting parties to fully the armed opposition of Syria. comply with this regime and ensure Preliminary consultations are the humanitarian access to human scheduled for March 14 and a settlements in accordance with the plenary meeting is scheduled for UN Security Council resolution and March 15. the agreements of Dec.29, 2016. According to the press release, Speaking in Parliament March within the framework of the Asta- 13, Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat na Process, launched with the full Abdrakhmanov said special repre- support and direct participation of uting the powers of the President, of government, emphasising their “I express my sincere gratitude sentatives of the Russian President President of Kazakhstan Nursultan and Foreign Minister on Syria, dep- By Malika Orazgaliyeva the Parliament and the govern- ability to take responsibility and to the members of the Working Nazarbayev, there were two rounds uty foreign ministers from Turkey ment. These amendments are make decisions independently. Group, the deputies of the Par- of high-level international meetings and Iran have confirmed their par- ASTANA – Kazakh President aimed at implementing the 100 “The new challenges mentioned liament and all the people in Ka- on Syria on Jan. 23-24 and Feb. 15- ticipation in the Astana talks. Nursultan Nazarbayev signed Concrete Steps Plan of the Nation. in my state-of-the-nation address zakhstan for their support and 16, as well as a meeting of experts “The format and the agenda of amendments and additions to the “First, the new law significantly lay particular responsibility on the invaluable contribution to the im- on Feb.6. These meetings produced the meeting depend on three guar- Constitution of the Republic of strengthens the Parliament’s role legislative and executive bodies. I plementation of the constitutional rules for a joint operational group to antor states,” Abdrakhmanov told Kazakhstan March 10. in state affairs, including in the for- am sure the expansion of powers reform,” Nazarbayev highlighted. The law “On introducing amend- monitor the ceasefire regime in Syr- the deputies. “The regime of cessa- mation of the government. Second, of the Parliament and the govern- According to the President, the ia paving the way for the parties to ments and additions to the Consti- tion of hostilities in Syria is taking the government becomes more in- ment will contribute to a more ef- rapid technological revolution in discuss the political agenda within tution of the Republic of Kazakh- hold.” dependent, receiving the powers fective achievement of the objec- the modern world shapes a new the framework of the Geneva Pro- stan,” which was approved by the It has also become known that an to directly manage the economy. tives of the third modernisation of reality of the global economy. cess and in accordance with UN official delegation from the Syrian Parliament and presented to the Third, the constitutional basis the economy,” the President said. He said the updated Constitution Security Council Resolution 2254 government led by the country’s President was sent to the Consti- of law enforcement and judicial During the official signing -cer is an answer to the current chal- (2015). UN ambassador is to take part in tutional Council on March 6. The systems will be modernised. The emony at the Akorda residence, lenges and called on all the citi- Kazakhstan will continue its ef- the talks, as well as a delegation Constitutional Council of Kazakh- law lays the foundations for the the President underlined vital im- zens to unite their efforts in order forts to seek a political solution to from Jordan. In Washington, the stan approved March 9 the amend- activities of the Prosecutor Gen- portance of the document for the to achieve the strategic goal for the conflict in Syria, according to U.S. Department of State also con- ments to the country’s major docu- eral’s Office, providing the highest country. Kazakhstan to enter the list of 30 the ministry statement. firmed its ambassador in Astana ment after determining it complies supervision over the observance of “The current reform is a natu- developed countries of the world. On March 8, UN Secretary- will take part as an observer. The with the Constitution, including the rule of law and representation ral result of the state development. “I am confident that together General’s Special Envoy for Syria participation of the Syrian armed its values, fundamental principles of state interests in court. Fourth, We are a young country building we will be able to ensure the suc- Staffan de Mistura noted the role of opposition remained unclear at the of work and the country’s form of constitutional control will be its statehood. We need to meet the cessful development of the state the Astana Process in international time of writing. governing. strengthened. Fifth, guarantees of requirements of a changing world, and prosperity of our people in the The bill had been passed in its immutability of our independence, both in the economy and in politics,” 21st century. The main goal of the first reading on March 3. The na- unitary status, territorial integrity Nazarbayev said being flanked by reforms is to preserve our unity, tionwide discussion of the amend- and form of government are to be the country’s top officials. friendship, mutual understand- ments to the Constitution took fixed at the constitutional level,” “The political system will ac- ing, as well as equality in terms of place Jan. 26 to Feb. 24. Nazarbayev explained during a quire a greater degree of democra- ethnic, linguistic and confessional Kazakh FM informs The new law introduced 26 joint meeting of the chambers of cy and stability. At the same time, principles. Thanks to our cohesion, amendments to 19 articles of the the Parliament March 3. the presidential form of govern- we achieved many victories. Fol- Constitution. A considerable part The head of state noted the high ment will remain in Kazakhstan,” lowing these postulates, we will of amendments concern redistrib- professionalism of all branches he noted. achieve new ones,” he said. Parliament on Astana’s work on Gov’t allocates $3.2 billion UNSC, priorities to boost banking sector Earlier, Deputy Chairman of lem Loan Fund, Qazkom Bank and “To effectively implement a po- Staff Report in Central Asia the National Bank of Kazakhstan its major shareholder Kenes Raki- tential transaction to purchase a to the demands of the 21st century By Malika Orazgaliyeva Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- Oleg Smolyakov said the govern- shev, Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan stake in Qazkom, the government and elaborating a set-up for regular arbayev recently signed a decree, ment will allocate 2 trillion tenge and BTA Bank signed a memoran- of Kazakhstan and the National meetings of UNSC member states ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign effective immediately, allocating (US$6.3 billion) to purchase prob- dum to ensure the financial stabili- Bank have an intention to pro- at the head of state and govern- 1.1 trillion tenge (US$3.2 billion) to lem loans from banks. ty and improvement of the banking vide financial support through the Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov ment level to strengthen a collec- improve the nation’s banking sector. On March 2, the government sector, according to the National purchase of troubled assets by the informed the members of the tive political will to address global The document was published on the of Kazakhstan, the country’s Na- Bank, which stipulates, among Fund for Problem Loans,” the fi- Mazhilis (lower house) of Parlia- challenges. portal of the information and legal tional Bank, the Samruk Kazyna other things, that Halyk Bank is set nancial controller said. ment about the nation’s priorities “Our country started its respon- system of normative legal acts Adilet. Sovereign Wealth Fund, the Prob- to buy out Qazkom’s shares. Continued on Page A4 as a member of the United Na- sible mission from Jan. 1. Today, tions Security Council (UNSC) in Kazakhstan’s delegation is active- 2017-2018, as well as answered ly involved in the discussion of the their questions on a wide range Security Council’s agenda,” said of issues, during the March 13 so Abdrakhmanov. “Kazakhstan will called “government hour”. chair the UNSC in Jan. 2018 with Kazakh domestic violence rate decreases  Kazakhstan is the first Central the main focus on Central Asia and Asian country elected as a non- Afghanistan.” By Zhazira Dyussembekova more than 5,000 cases of medium tion changed when the special To date, about 4,000 people are gravity harm, almost 680 cases laws were adopted. As a result, under police preventive supervi- permanent member of the Security Based on its authority, he added, Council, the minister said. It is a Kazakhstan has been entrusted ASTANA – Within the last five of threats of physical violence employees of internal affairs sion within protective regulations great responsibility and during the with chairing the Security Coun- years, the number of domestic and other crimes. Those kinds of agencies have issued more than and the court has set special re- next two years, the nation will be cil committees on Afghanistan/ violence crimes in Kazakhstan crimes against the person are com- 379,000 protection orders and quirements for the behaviour of mitted the most in the family and the courts established more than 1,200 individuals, he added. required to respond adequately to Taliban (Committee 1988), ISIL/ decreased by 35 percent, Minister the domestic sphere; they make up 32,000 special requirements for “The results of the last five years global challenges on a daily basis. DAESH/Al Qaeda (Committee of Internal Affairs Kalmukhanbet to 10 percent,” he said. offenders’ behaviour. show that the local police are tak- The country’s priorities, as out- 1267/1989/2253) and Somalia/Eri- Kassymov said during the Feb. Kassymov noted domestic “In general, the legislative meas- ing special measures. In 2012, lined in a January 2017 political trea (Committee 751/1907). 13 Mazhilis (lower house of Par- crimes are usually committed ures have contributed to an annual about 38,000 protection orders and address from President Nursul- Abdrakhmanov noted Kazakh- liament) governmental hour. Pre- as the result of conflict between reduction in the level of family and 3,500 special requirements for the tan Nazarbayev, include moving stan will continue with its drive ventive measures adopted in 2010 spouses in families with low social household crime in the country an behaviour of offenders were set. towards a world free of nuclear for a nuclear weapons-free world helped in achieving the decline. and material income or between average of 10 percent. Compared In the past year, 64,000 protec- weapons, preventing the threat of and, building on top of past years’ “Last year more than 248,000 former family members while be- with 2011, in 2016 we reached the tion orders were issued and 5,000 global war, promoting peace in Af- events, this year will host the 60th criminal offenses were registered, ing intoxicated. The victims of result of a 35-percent decline in special requirements were issued. ghanistan and creating a regional Pugwash Conference on Science 26,000 of which are grave and es- violence are usually women, the these types of crimes. The number Moreover, in the last year 3,000 peace zone in Central Asia, shap- and World Affairs in the Kazakh pecially grave crimes. This is an elderly and children. of murders committed in the fam- offenders were brought to justice ing a global antiterrorist coalition capital on August 29, the UN-des- overall statistic. There were 853 Before 2010, police had no ily relations sphere decreased by for violation of protection orders. (network) under UN auspices, pro- ignated International Day Against deliberate homicide cases, 2,160 specific measures to prevent do- nearly three times,” said Kassy- In 2012, the number was 1,000,” moting Africa’s peaceful develop- Nuclear Tests. cases of grievous bodily harm, mestic violence, but the situa- mov. said Kassymov. ment, adapting UNSC’s activities Continued on Page A3

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIALS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Kazakh President, ATOM Project Honorary Finance minister pledges to cut red tape A4 Women’s contributions give Kazakhstan New Silk Road to become aid system for all, UCMAS School in Kazakhstan extends mental Ambassador nominated for Nobel Peace reason to celebrate A6 expert believes A7 math to children with visual impairments B1 Gov’t to have resolve problem loans A4 Prize A2 Kazakhstan’s commitment to UN remains What can Kazakhstan learn from international Construction of new terminal at Astana airport Marriott’s top chef brings new flavours Kazakh Government approves construction strong after 25 years of membership A6 experience? A7 nears completion B8 to Astana A5 budget for National Pantheon, Kuryk port A2

US$ 1 = 318.07 KZT € 1 = 339.22 KZT 1 = 5.38 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017

NATIONAL Kazakh President, ATOM Project Honorary NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev visited the Astana- genplan Research and Design In- Ambassador nominated for Nobel Peace Prize stitute March 9, where its manage- The letter also notes Global “I would like to express my ment reported about the ongoing By Malika Orazgaliyeva Zero leaders include very influ- gratitude to all my friends for work regarding the architecture ential legislators and former of- kind words and congratulations,” and town planning of the capital, ASTANA – President of Ka- ficials from the nuclear armed Kuyukov wrote in his Facebook according to Akorda.kz. A number zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and allied states. They produce account having received hundreds of projects aimed at city devel- and Honorary Ambassador of The influential reports and hold effec- of congratulations from people opment, including the construc- ATOM Project Karipbek Kuyu- tive consultations and meetings around the world upon the news tion of infrastructure facilities kov along with the international in the capitals of nuclear-armed of his nomination. “I always say and objects of socio-cultural and organisation Global Zero have states. Global Zero youth have that I am proud to live in a coun- commercial purposes, were also been nominated for the 2017 No- been instrumental in raising the try that was one of the first states presented. The President gave a bel Peace Prize. Director of the issue through social media, at in- to renounce nuclear weapons. number of specific instructions as Basel Peace Offices (BPO) Alyn ternational conferences, in main- Everyone knows the role of the part of the visit. Ware from Switzerland submit- stream media and most recently Nevada-Semipalatinsk Antinu- ted the nominations, according in the U.S. presidential election clear Movement, headed by Ka- Starting March 2, Air Astana is to a February 26 posting on his campaign, where they managed zakh poet Olzhas Suleimenov. now offering registration for inter- Facebook page. “I am submitting to raise the nuclear weapons is- Our President signed a decree to national flights via mobile phone a nomination for two individu- sue in town hall meetings with close the Semipalatinsk Test Site for passengers departing from Al- als and one organisation, each most of the presidential candi- after 40 years of nuclear tests. maty. A separate fast track check- of which is making a significant dates. The Atom Project, initiated by in desk for border control is pro- and complementary contribution In addition, Member of the Scot- President Nursultan Nazarbayev, vided for passengers with a mobile to public awareness and political tish Parliament Bill Kidd also nom- continues the peaceful policy of boarding pass. Before boarding, processes for nuclear disarma- nal to become a nuclear-weapon- which he leads, informs the world inated Nazarbayev and Kuyukov Kazakhstan. This recognition individuals must register on the ment,” Ware said in his official free country [the nomination says of the catastrophic humanitarian for their dedicated and effective ac- actually goes to our people, and Air Astana app or the airline’s letter. “third largest” whereas in effect and environmental impacts of tions to highlight the catastrophic especially the decent work of website and bring the phone to According to Ware, nuclear Kazakhstan’s arsenal used to be nuclear weapons and the impera- humanitarian consequences of nu- our heroes: the President, writ- the scanner. The mobile boarding weapons are primarily a political the world’s fourth largest, small- tive for nuclear abolition. A sec- clear weapons, as well as for their ers, scholars, doctors, teachers, pass is a QR code and provides weapon, not one currently used in er than those in Russia, the U.S. ond-generation victim of nuclear leadership in promoting a nuclear- journalists and the art community brief information about the flight the battlefield. As such, there is and Ukraine]; leading the nego- of Kazakhstan. Each of them has and the passenger. Registration no single approach to eliminating tiations for the establishment of contributed to the prosperity of starts within 24 hours and ends the threat. Success in achieving a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone in our state, and we should be proud an hour before departure. “The introduction of a mobile boarding nuclear abolition will require a Central Asia; establishing the UN of this and keep striving for even pass helps to improve the quality combination of approaches, some International Day Against Nu- higher level. My mission on Earth of service and economic efficien- emphasising the inhumanity and clear Tests; hosting a number of is to do what I can do and if it cy,” said a company release. Air illegality of nuclear weapons, international conferences on nu- brings some benefit to my coun- Astana plans to launch this service others emphasising the economic clear abolition; initiating the Uni- try, my family and everyone who in other airports in the first half and political costs, and others versal Declaration for a Nuclear- knows me, it means that I do not of the year. A mobile registration emphasising the possibilities to Weapons Free World which has live in vain.” service for domestic flights was achieve security without relying now been adopted by the United The BPO is a joint initiative of introduced in July 2016. on nuclear deterrence. Nations; launching a Manifesto the Canton of Basel, University of for the 21st Century which out- “President Nazarbayev stands Basel Sociology Seminary, Par- A start-up academy at Eurasian out as a leader who has taken a lines a plan to eliminate nuclear liamentarians for Nuclear Non- weapons by 2045, the 100th an- Technological University (ETU) number of significant nuclear dis- proliferation and Disarmament, was opened March 3 in Almaty, armament initiatives during his niversary of the United Nations; Global Security Institute, Middle addressing military spending and according to Kapital.kz. The mem- 22 years as leader of Kazakhstan. Powers Initiative, World Future orandum of mutual assistance and … He not only has a commitment Sustainable Development Goals Council, IPPNW Switzerland and (SDGs), including a challenge to cooperation between the Damu to the achievement of a nuclear- the Swisspeace Foundation. Fund and ETU was also signed. all governments to contribute one weapons-free world, but contin- Karipbek Kuyukov The ATOM Project is an inter- “Such cooperation allows provid- ues to take a number of initiatives percent of their military spending tests, Karipbek was born with weapons-free world, www.nobel- national campaign designed to ing comprehensive free support that are influential in the process to meeting the SDGs; pledging create awareness surrounding the severe health complications, in- will.org reported. to beginning entrepreneurs at the to achieve such a world. A Nobel action on nuclear disarmament in human and environmental devas- cluding being born with no arms. “Nuclear weapons are recog- stage of a business idea before en- Peace Prize would enhance the the UN Security Council, where tation caused by nuclear weapons He has overcome these to become nised as the most extreme form tering the market. The academy influence and support these pro- Kazakhstan has a non-permanent testing. The ATOM Project seeks a renowned painter (using his feet will provide not only consulting cesses globally,” Ware said. seat from 2017-2018; and launch- of violence. They are the most de- to affect real and lasting change and mouth) – including paintings structive of all weapons in terms and information support, but also In his letter, available at www. ing the Nazarbayev Prize for a by engaging millions of global attract investors and assist in ap- nobelwill.org, Ware listed several Nuclear-Weapons-Free World depicting the nuclear testing in of their explosive force, the poi- citizens to permanently stop nu- his region. Karipbek speaks at sons they release (radiation) and plying for participation in the state of Nazarbayev’s contributions to and Global Security. clear weapons testing by join- grant programmes,” said Damu key events in the United Nations the long-term and severe impact the global nuclear disarmament “Kuyukov is a hero of the nu- ing together to show the world’s Fund Board Chairperson Abai process which he said merit the clear age who is highlighting the and around the world, telling sto- on human health and the environ- leaders that the world’s citizens Sarkulov. This is the fourth project recognition. These include clos- tragic experience of his region in ry after story of the families that ment, including their potential for deserve and demand a world implemented by the Damu Fund ing the Soviet nuclear test site Kazakhstan – devastated by the are still being severely impacted catastrophic climatic consequenc- without nuclear weapons testing, in conjunction with the univer- in Semipalatinsk; foregoing the long-term effects of Soviet nu- by birth defects, cancers and oth- es,” Kidd noted in his application according to www.theatompro- sity. The first three were opened in world’s third largest nuclear arse- clear tests. The ATOM Project, er health effects,” he added. to the Nobel Peace Committee. ject.org. Astana, Atyrau and Pavlodar.

A national road map has been adopted which includes a num- ber of activities aimed at im- proving the quality of medical Kazakh Government approves construction care provided for children with oncological and haematologi- cal diseases, reported Inform.kz. The programme is expected to budget for National Pantheon, Kuryk port improve the legislative and regu- bank. The list of public buildings ister said that the budget contains the timely adoption, financing and roes who made great contributions latory framework and infrastruc- By Zhaniya Urankayeva for this year has been presented transfers to local executive bodies use of budgetary funds. to the development of the state ture of medical organisations to and consists of 147 items worth and includes national investments Earlier, Kazakhstan President and will truly honour the memory increase the quality of diagnosis ASTANA – The Kazakh govern- 438.6 billion tenge (US$1.4 bil- and the construction of socially Nursultan Nazarbayev approved of such people. The government and treatment, develop haemat- ment approved Feb. 21 a resolution lion),” Finance Minister Bakhyt important buildings. amendments to the law on the na- plans to use international experi- opoietic stem cell transplantation to implement the state budget for Sultanov said at the Feb. 21 gov- Sultanov highlighted that the tional budget for 2017-2019. ence in its construction of the pan- and increase the level of human 2017-2019. The budget includes ernment session. draft resolution was made in ac- The government plans to build theon. capital. “The road map will im- the construction of the National He added that the approved list cordance with the requirements of the pantheon in Kabanbai Batyr The new Kuryk ferry port will prove the survival rate of children Pantheon and Kuryk port. contains 122 positions worth 354.3 the budget code and noted there village, which is situated not far concentrate 35 percent of all traf- with cancer in certain types of tu- “We added projects worth 63.5 billion tenge (US$1.13 billion) and is a need to speed up the execu- from Astana. The village is already fic on the Caspian Sea. The ferry mours up to 80-90 percent, the di- billion tenge (US$203 million), the construction of the pantheon tion of project documentation. He home to the mausoleum of famous complex is under construction. agnosis of oncological diseases of which include building the Na- will cost 1.7 billion tenge (US$5.4 instructed the ministry of finance Kazakh hero Kabanbai Batyr. It The government plans to provide the I-II stage up to 50-60 percent tional Pantheon and Kuryk port, as million). and corresponding programme ad- is planned that the pantheon will the port with its own vessels as and to improve medical and social well as financing for Zhilstroisber- In his report, the finance min- ministrators to take measures for represent a tomb of national he- well. adaptation, rehabilitation and life of children with malignant neo- plasms,” said Ministry of Health medical assistance organisation department representative Elmira Kazakh anticancer drugs waiting to Akhmetova. Construction of Mangistau Arena, the largest sports facil- ity in the Mangistau region, has prove treatment efficiency in humans been completed in Aktau, accord- ing of tumour cells and testing on Most drugs used to treat patients ing to register their products, while It is an international fact,” said ing to Inform.kz. The building, situated on a 2.5-hectare parcel, By Kamila Zhumabayeva animals. Testing on humans shall at Kazakh Research Institute of the governmental body denied that Adilbay. measures 10,300 square metres. be the next phase. The studies are Oncology and Radiology are for- claim, saying they never received The doctor added radiation and ASTANA – Professors from Project financing was provided still at quite an early stage. It is eign-made, according to inform.kz. the application from the develop- chemotherapy are used for late Al-Farabi Kazakh National Uni- by the Kashagan oil field operator also early to discuss the efficiency The new domestically produced ers to register their medications, stage three or four cancers. In most versity (KazNU) and experts at and the official opening ceremony of these medications for now,” Kazakh Research Institute of On- medications have had a hard time according to Tengrinews.kz. cases, surgery is the main treat- is scheduled for the near future. cology and Radiology plan to con- Dauren Adilbay, oncology doctor finding their way onto the shelves Experts promise to assist in the ment method during early stages “The palace of sports has five duct studies to prove the efficiency and deputy director at Kazakh Re- of local pharmacies despite all the mass introduction and use of the of the disease and radiotherapy is halls and the largest of them, with of domestically produced medi- search Institute of Oncology and clinical trials conducted during new drugs once their efficiency, an option in some cases as well. an area of ​​14,000 square metres, cations to treat cancer. They still Radiology, said in an interview for many years and their claimed in- safety and quality are proven. “In case chemotherapy is needed is designed for athletics. There is need to determine whether or not this story. expensive price and good quality “We are open to any medications this means the disease is in its late also a running track, a territory the medications will be efficient in The medications Alnusidin and compared to similar foreign drugs. developed by our scientists, chem- stage, when the cancer has spread to for throwing grenades and a big humans. Leikoefdin, developed in Almaty One of the reasons is the drugs ists and physicists, conducting pre- the blood. Unfortunately, surgical treat- hall for championships of various “Professors have already spo- by KazNU professors Dmitry Ko- were not officially registered by clinical tests on animals along with ment cannot yet be replaced with any- levels with a large auditorium for ken to us about conducting more rulkin and Kairolla Rakhimov, are Kazakh government authorities them and then clinical trials. Only thing nowadays. Any medication cre- 540 seats. A martial arts studio studies on their anticancer drugs. made with mountain ephedra and due to confusion between Kazakh- ten, five and sometimes even one ated is aimed for later stages of cancer. and special gym for fitness and At present, the medications have grey alder and can reportedly treat stan’s Ministry of Health and the or two of some 1,000 medications Most of our classical chemical medica- weightlifting are also available,” had preclinical studies conducted any form of cancer, even advanced drugs’ developers. The developers that have undergone preclinical tions are herbal, too, but that does not said Mangistau Arena head Zein- on them, which is culture test- stages of the disease. claimed the ministry was not will- testing get to a clinical trial stage. mean they are less harsh,” he added. ulla Onaibayev. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 , 2017

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Nazarbayev, Putin note potential for Kazakhstan was 54th in the rank- ing of the richest and poorest coun- tries in the world compiled by U.S. financial publication Global Finance, expanding ties during Almaty meeting reported Today.kz. In compiling the ganisation of meetings, as well as rating, the publication used Interna- By Malika Orazgaliyeva worked with the participants and tional Monetary Fund (IMF) data on delegates. Thanks to you, it be- the gross domestic product (GDP) ASTANA – Kazakh President came possible to achieve) results per capita adjusted for purchasing Nursultan Nazarbayev and Russian which never had been achieved power parity (PPP). Kazakhstan, President Vladimir Putin discussed earlier. The established mechanism with $25,700 GDP per capita, was bilateral cooperation and interna- of control over the ceasefire is the ranked 54th out of 189 countries. tional issues Feb. 27 in Almaty. most important thing. This is the Qatar, Luxembourg, Macao, Sin- During the meeting, Naz- foundation for further negotiations gapore, Brunei, Kuwait, Ireland, arbayev stressed the close and in Geneva,” Putin said. Norway, the United Arab Emirates trusting relationship between the He further noted the importance and San Marino topped the list. The two countries. of Kazakhstan as a key economic poorest were the Central African Re- “This year marks 25 years since partner for Russia and stressed the public, the Democratic Republic of the establishment of diplomatic need to expand trade and invest- Congo, Burundi, Liberia, Niger, Ma- relations between us. The Eura- ment cooperation, including thanks lawi, Mozambique, Guinea, Eritrea sian Economic Union (EAEU) to the conditions established as part and Madagascar. Among neighbor- was established thanks to our close of the integration process. ing countries, Kazakhstan was only partnership. In my opinion, it is The Russian leader expressed behind Russia (52nd) and ahead of an important and promising estab- hope for Kazakhstan’s support in Turkmenistan (73rd), Uzbekistan lishment for all the participants. (127th), Kyrgyzstan (148th) and Ta- dealing with global issues as of a Today, more than 7,000 Russian jikistan (153rd). non-permanent member of the UN companies are registered in our Security Council. Kazakhstan and Turkey, two long- country. They are contributing to During the meeting, the sides time strategic partners, are interested the creation of a new processing and Russia have similar positions to hold several rounds of talks in ing forward, creating joint ventures also discussed Eurasian integration in expanding mutual business coop- industry. Your visit to Kazakhstan on many international issues and Astana. The process has started. In along the way,” Nazarbayev stated. and economic cooperation. eration, reported Khabar Agency. In in autumn 2016, as well as our St. that Kazakhstan’s membership in general, a series of meetings will Putin thanked his counterpart for The day before the official meet- a recent meeting of exporters, Spe- Petersburg meeting in the frame- the UN Security Council in 2017- be organised throughout the year the organisation of the Astana Pro- ing on Monday, Nazarbayev and cial Economic Zone “South” chief work of the (Eurasian Economic 2018 will help implement common in order to address this and other cess to help resolve the conflict in Putin met informally, to ski at an Medeu Dildabayev emphasised that Council) allowed us to sign 41 objectives. issues, including in the framework Syria. Almaty resort. representatives of the two countries contract worth $3 billion,” he said, “Russia is taking measures to of the Shanghai Cooperation Or- “I know that Kazakhstan has On Feb. 27, Putin left Almaty for intend to intensify cooperation in according to an Akorda press re- address the topical international is- ganisation on June 8 in Astana. played a positive role in this pro- Tajikistan, and he is also scheduled the light industry sector. At a special lease. sues, including the settlement of the We solve all the current issues in a cess not only as an organiser. You to visit Kyrgyzstan as part of his meeting, the heads of leading in- Nazarbayev noted Kazakhstan Syrian conflict. Russia proposed friendly manner. We shall be mov- personally took part in the or- Central Asian tour. dustrial enterprises and the Turkish Light Industry Association learned about Kazakh investment opportu- nities. Foreign businesspeople were interested in special economic zones and tax incentives for investors. Kazakhstan launches first ODA project in Today, Turkey is Kazakhstan’s im- portant trade and economic partner, noted the media, as dozens of major Turkish companies are operating in Afghanistan, with support from UNDP and Japan the Central Asian nation. In general, The stabilisation and restoration the law “On official development velop human capital are the most ghan students in the universities of about 1,500 companies with Turk- By Malika Orazgaliyeva of Afghanistan is one Kazakh- assistance.” justified ones. It stipulates the Kazakhstan until 2020. ish investment are registered in the stan’s priorities as a non-perma- Director of Foreign Economic competence of decisions and re- President of Kazakhstan Nursul- country. ASTANA – A Kazakh delega- nent member of the UN Security Policy Department of the Kazakh forms.” In his words, this project tan Nazarbayev and Prime Min- tion presented the country’s first Council. In December 2014, Ka- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Olzhas is a distinct addition to Kazakh- ister of Japan Shinzo Abe agreed Kazakhstan’s display was present- official development assistance zakhstan for the first time adopted Issabekov said “the efforts to de- stan’s initiative to train 1,000 Af- in 2015 that Japan would fund the ed at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest (ODA) project to the Afghan gov- project. tourist exhibition held March 8-12 ernment Feb.12-17 in Kabul. Members of the delegation to in the German capital, Ministry for The project seeks to strength- Kabul included representatives Investment and Development de- en the economic independence of the Ministry of Foreign Af- partment of tourism industry director of Afghan women by providing fairs, the Ministry of Education Marat Igali wrote on his Facebook education from Kazakhstan’s and Science and the Agency for account. “The opening of Kazakh- top educational institutions in Civil Service Affairs and Anti- stan’s stand at the world’s largest public administration and health Corruption. The delegation also tourist exhibition in Berlin took place care, maternal and child health included a representative of the on March 8, 2017. The opening cere- and other topics. The initiative is United Nations Development mony was attended by the Executive being funded by the UNDP and Programme office (UNDP) in Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Japan. Kazakhstan. and Sports of Kazakhstan Kuatzhan Deputy Minister of Women’s While in Kabul, the delegation Ualiyev, German Bundestag mem- Affairs of Afghanistan Wardak also met with Deputy Minister of ber Jurgen Klimke and Ambassador Spoghmai, who met with members Finance of Afghanistan Moham- Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kazakh delegation, said a mad Mustafa Mastoor, Deputy of Kazakhstan in Germany Bolat lack of experienced professionals Minister of Health Jan Naim Ah- Nusupov,” he wrote. The display contributes to Afghanistan’s devel- mad, as well as with the heads of includes 20 domestic tourist compa- the UNDP country offices and the nies, as well as private hotels, noted opment challenges and said the Af- the National Chamber of Entrepre- ghan Ministry of Health supports United Nations Population Fund in neurs Atameken press service. The Kazakhstan’s project. Kazakh and Afghan officials pose for a group photo at the launch of the first Kazakh ODA project in Kabul in mid-February. Afghanistan (UNFPA). sixth forum for tour operators on the Great Silk Road, which will be held March 9 within the framework of the main criteria of assessing the ef- exhibition, may also become a target fectiveness of our embassies,” he event for the Kazakh tourist market, said. “In partnerships with other according to the World Tourism Or- Kazakh FM informs Parliament on Astana’s agencies, we are building up ganisation programme. mechanisms for attracting invest- ments and promoting exports.” Kazakhstan and China are plan- work on UNSC, priorities in Central Asia Elsewhere, he noted the issues ning to launch joint transport indus- of resolving the legal status of the try projects by the end of the year, Continued from Page A1 opportunity to attract the world’s Caspian Sea is moving forward, attention to the Central Asian re- reported Kazakh TV. The countries adding the ministerial meeting will Also on that day, the Internation- gion,” the Kazakh diplomat said. are interested in enhancing coop- need to be held before the Caspian al Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) “We intend to take practical eration and implementation of large- summit takes place in the Kazakh low-enriched uranium (LEU) bank steps with Kyrgyzstan to help scale mutually-beneficial projects. capital where the relevant conven- As experts forecast the volume of is expected to be formally launched, them adapt to Eurasian Economic tion is expected to be signed. trade in the region will increase to the minister said. Union (EAEU) membership. We During the Q&A session, he re- $1.2 trillion by 2020, it is important Kazakhstan has called for further are also talking about adopting to properly distribute the Eurasian improvements in the UN peace- comprehensive programmes to sponded to a query concerning Ka- transit-transport potential. Container keeping system and intends to make implement our strategic partner- zakhstan’s initiative to strengthen cargo transportation along the Chi- its own contribution by increasing ships with the countries of Central global development efforts by pro- na-Kazakhstan-Europe route is the its number of military observers Asia,” he added. posing that UN member nations most optimal way. Kazakh Minister and peacekeepers to UN missions. “On March 22-23, Uzbek Presi- voluntarily contribute one percent for Investments and Development Kazbat, Kazakhstan’s peacekeeping dent Shavkat Mirziyoyev is plan- of their annual military budgets to Zhenis Kassymbek discussed the battalion, established in 2000, is ful- ning to visit our country. It is an- achieving the Sustainable Devel- prospects of cooperation in the ag- Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov (L) delivers his report opment Goals (SDGs). ly equipped and staffed with highly to Parliament on March 13. other example of mutual intentions ricultural industry, engineering and qualified and professional officers to strengthen ties,” said Abdra- According to the minister, the ening cooperation among regional “Together with international or- logistics during his working trip to and soldiers, according to Deputy khmanov. Stockholm International Peace security organisations. ganisations, we can focus on, for China. The two countries are also Defence Minister Major-General In 2016, Kazakhstan provided Research Institute (SIPRI) and planning to actively cooperate in the Talgat Mukhtarov, who also partici- “Kazakhstan is a bridge between example, issues of trans-boundary 300 million tenge ($943,485) in International Peace Bureau (IPB) field of aviation and the number of pated in the event. East and West. As the OSCE (Or- rivers in Central Asia,” Abdra- humanitarian assistance (ODA) were asked to study this proposal flights between them will increase The proposed Astana Code of ganisation for Security and Co-oper- khmanov said. to Tajikistan, 100 million tenge in detail. The research by SIPRI on the eve of Astana EXPO 2017. ation in Europe) chair and a UNSC He added Central Asia holds reg- was presented to the UN last year. This year, flights between Almaty Conduct is a common mechanism ($314,495) to Kyrgyzstan and 586 of fighting terrorism which will help member, we have always promoted ular dialog platforms with Japan, million tenge ($1.8 million) to “We have to recognise that some and Beijing will be increased to greater dialogue… and we want the South Korea, the United States, the countries instead seek to expand seven a week and there will be four in the formation of the UN Global Syria, said Abdrakhmanov. UN tribune to be used by the CSTO EU and India and a similar discus- their military budgets. We will flights per week between Astana Anti-Terrorist Coalition (Network) “Our humanitarian assistance is (Collective Security Treaty Organi- sion is planned with France where continue to pursue our goal, how- and Beijing. Additional flights from to defeat terrorism and reduce the always welcome, but we need to sation), SCO (Shanghai Coopera- the minister is invited at the end of Astana-Urumqi and Almaty-Urum- global terror threat, said Abdra- expand official development assis- ever,” he said. qi will soon be launched. Kass- khmanov. tion Organisation), NATO (North the month. tance (ODA) and that sphere needs Abdrakhmanov added holding ymbek discussed these prospects The minister spent a great deal of Atlantic Treaty Organisation) and “I also sent a letter to my col- to expand, too,” he noted. EXPO 2017 in the capital and cre- during the meeting with Chinese time talking about Kazakhstan’s re- European Union (EU) to deliver leagues in Central Asia proposing Abdrakhmanov further high- ating the international centre for Minister of Transport Li Xiaopeng. lations with other nations in Central joint approaches to tackling common to establish a common forum of the lighted the importance of eco- transfer of green technologies un- Chinese businesspeople expressed Asia as one of its top priorities. He problems,” he said, listing a “whole five countries at our level. There nomic diplomacy for the country’s der UN auspices will be Kazakh- their intention to invest in develop- noted the country’s security is close- gamut” of problems facing Central are no unresolvable issues between foreign ministry. stan’s practical contribution to ing airport infrastructure in Astana ly linked that of Central Asia and Asia such as drug trafficking, terror- our countries. Kazakhstan’s mem- “Economic diplomacy is not implementing regional and global and Almaty. stressed the importance of strength- ism and religious extremism. bership on the UNSC is a unique only a top priority, but also the goals. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017

ECONOMY Kazakhstan to increase agricultural Finance minister NEWS IN BRIEF In January, the national budget received 445 billion tenge (US$1.4 billion) in tax revenues, exceeding exports 10 percent in 2017 pledges to cut red tape the plan by 17 percent and rep- and poultry by an average of 2 per- resenting a growth of 3 percent cent,” Aituganov reported. By Lyazzat Shatayeva compared to the same period last To achieve the 10 percent in- year, reported ranking.kz. Tax rev- crease in 2017, the vice minister ASTANA – The Kazakh Min- enues in the oil sector increased said, “It is planned to create new ap- istry of Finance is planning to re- 2.6 times, reaching 361 billion proaches and approve road maps for duce inspections and ease the bu- tenge (US$1.12 billion) and cover- potential export markets, first of all, reaucratic pressure related to doing ing 30 percent of the annual plan. China, Russia and the Persian Gulf business in the country. The increase in the volume of min- countries.” The information came from Fi- ing products resulted in a sharp He also said that the Food Con- nance Minister Bakhyt Sultanov. rise in revenues. In January, the tract Corporation would contribute At a government meeting in Feb- figure stood at 970.7 billion tenge to agricultural exports. ruary, he spoke about the meas- (US$3.07 billion), 51 percent more The vice minister said that in ures aimed at reducing red tape for compared to the corresponding pe- 2017, 410 cooperatives will be business owners. Minister of Finance Bakhyt Sultanov riod last year. Iron ore production reached 5.3 million tonnes, flour by created in the regions instead of “The following measures will increased 65 percent and crude oil By Talgat Issenov 33 percent, vegetable oil by 20 per- planned 326. The cooperatives will be taken to reduce pressure on The minister also reported that 61 percent, as production of coal cent, eggs by 47.6 percent,” Aitu- provide services for a half a million business. Small businesses using the year-end savings of the na- rose 38 percent. In this regard, ASTANA – The Ministry of Ag- ganov said. small holdings and small farms over cash machines with online status tional budget was 110 billion tenge mineral tax revenues increased riculture intends to increase exports He also highlighted that in 2016, the next five years. notifications will not be subject (US$345.7 million). Another 36 6.5 times compared to January last 10 percent in 2017 over last year’s the export of small cattle to Arab The Food Contract Corporation is to checks. That means 13,000 less billion tenge (US$113 million) al- year, rising to 317.7 billion tenge $2.1 billion total, First Vice Minis- states started and said there has been a state operator on the grain market, inspections. Return of VAT for ex- located for the government’s target (US$1 billion). ter Kairat Aituganov recently an- an increase in the output of agricul- managing national state reserves of porters, who use electronic invoic- activities has not been used. Sul- ing, will be done twice quicker, in nounced. tural products in Kazakhstan. grain and promoting the develop- tanov named changing of contract Kazakhstan experienced just 30 working days. To improve “The export of agricultural prod- “Livestock production output in- ment of the grain industry. The cor- terms and conditions and backlogs 1.8-percent inflation with a leap the administration of VAT, we are ucts reached $2.1 billion, which creased by 2.7 percent, meat by 3.2 poration was established to ensure as the main reasons why some of in food prices during the first two discussing with business circles is 5 percent higher in comparison percent, milk by 3.1 percent, eggs the food security of the country and the target funds remain unused. months of 2017, reported abctv. the possibility of introducing spe- with the results of 2015. The export by 0.2 percent and an increase in the development of the export of Ka- In 2016, 147 assets at 31 billion kz. According to the Ministry of cial VAT accounts. On the one of grain grew by 29 percent and number of main species of animals zakhstan grain. tenge (US$97 million) were priva- National Economy statistics com- hand, this will reduce to zero VAT mittee, food prices increased 2.6 refund fraud; on the other hand, it tised, Sultanov informed. Overall, as part of a four-year privatisation percent and non-food products will ensure an automated return, rose 1.3 percent, as prices for paid especially for small and medium- programme, the government has sold 394 assets worth 106 billion services grew 1.2 percent over the sized businesses,” Sultanov said. reporting period. In January, food To encourage good business tenge (US$332 million). Country prepares to export “The work on reduction of state prices grew 1.2 percent, non-food practices and strengthen priority ownership will be completed in goods hiked 0.7 percent and paid sectors, the principle of a “green services grew 0.4 percent. The 2018. Pre-sale of strategic assets corridor” has been introduced by inflation rate in January stood at initially planned for 2019-2020 domestic gas to China in 2017 the customs service for major tax- 0.8 percent. As of Feb. 21, prices will also be carried out in 2018. the existing gas transportation sys- by 65 percent and gas sales for payers, large producers, investors, for socially-important food prod- Staff Report authorised economic operators and The list of remaining enterprises to ucts comprising 33 items grew 2.1 tem of Kazakhstan is being consid- motorists’ needs have grown annu- be privatised includes 105 compa- ered,” said Minister of Energy Kanat ally from 100,000 tonnes to 450,000 other players who have complied percent from the beginning of the The Kazakh Ministry of Energy nies,” Sultanov said. Bozumbayev at the ministry meet- tonnes, said Bozumbayev. with the legislation. year. Inflation in Kazakhstan was plans to start exporting domestic gas In order to shift from tax in- President Nursultan Nazarbayev ing on Feb. 20 on the results of 2016. “This is one of the current meas- 8.5 percent in 2016 and experts to China this year. spections to in-house control, the instructed the government to redis- Speaking about those results, he ures to replace the existing import forecast it to stand at 6-8 percent At present, 18,000 kilometres of ministry is planning to introduce tribute the unused funds. He then noted the volume of gas production dependence on foreign fuel. Gas is this year. main and 30,000 kilometres of dis- a horizontal monitoring system, highlighted the need for a com- was 46.4 billion cubic metres, most significantly cheaper than gasoline tribution gas pipelines have been abolishing the old practice of pre- prehensive systematic approach to Second-tier banks keep ap- built, which to date have trans- of which was provided by deposits and solves many environmental planned unsolicited inspections. taking privatisation decisions. in the East Kazakhstan and Atyrau problems,” he noted. proximately 113 billion tenge ported 173 billion cubic metres of (US$355.16 million) of the Sin- transit gas, including 35 billion cu- regions. Expectations for this year He also spoke about the stage- are to produce up to 48.1 billion cu- by-stage gasification of the country gle Accumulative Pension Fund bic metres last year, and additional (SAPF) assets, reported today.kz capacities of the Kazakhstan-China bic metres of gas, including up to 18 with natural gas. Taldykorgan will billion cubic metres at Karachaga- be gasified for the first time this year referring to SAPF public council gas pipeline are being introduced. chairperson Dosym Satpayev. In nak, up to 14.5 billion cubic metres when the main gas pipeline is put The linear part of the Beineu-Bo- Government intends 2016, SAPF pension assets worth at Tengiz and up to 3.1 billion cubic into operation. zoi-Shymkent gas pipeline has been 112.8 billion tenge (US$354.5 metres at Kashagan. “Today, over eight million people built and about five billion cubic me- million) were invested in 15 sec- tres of gas have already been trans- “In general, the gas industry has have access to gas; in percentage ond-tier banks with an average ported, including two billion cubic good development momentum. In terms, it is 46.3 percent of the popula- to take action to weighted yield of 15.5 percent metres in 2016. 2016, we exceeded our planned pro- tion of our country. In 2016, 50 set- per annum. “In 2017, it is planned “The design capacity of the pipe- duction of both commercial and liq- tlements of six regions were gasified: to invest SAPF pension assets in line will be brought up to 10 billion uefied gas; in 2017, the production of West Kazakhstan, Kostanai, Zhamb- government securities of Kazakh- cubic metres, which will allow the marketable gas will be increased to yl, Mangistau, Aktobe and Kyzylor- resolve problem loans stan and purchase foreign currency country to start exporting its gas to 29 billion cubic metres and liquefied da. This year, we plan to gasify eight sets and issuing debt securities to for diversifying the portfolio of China if the relevant agreements are gas by 2.7 million tonnes,” he added. settlements in the relevant areas – this By Lyazzat Shatayeva finance its activities. Currently, the pension assets. [...] In addition to signed. In addition, the possibility of During past three years, the con- will affect about 72,000 people,” said central bank is a shareholder and quasi-governmental organisations, transit of Russian gas to China via sumption of liquefied gas has grown Bozumbayev. ASTANA – The Kazakh govern- owner of the common shares, state we consider the possibility of in- ment is trying to relieve banks of property and privatisation com- vesting the SAPF pension assets non-performing loans by transfer- mittee under the finance ministry, on market terms in bonds of in- ring bad debts from the National which is also a shareholder and ternational financial organisations Bank of Kazakhstan, the country’s owner of preferred stocks. such as the European Bank for central bank, to the government. In accordance with the legisla- Reconstruction and Development, Gov’t allocates $3.2 billion To put the necessary legal frame- tion being updated, the financial the Asian Development Bank and work in place, the Senate, the up- regulator is clearing the bank’s the International Finance Corpo- per house of Parliament, has ap- balance sheet of bad loans to en- ration,” according to the National proved the first reading of a new sure the stability of the country’s Bank. to boost banking sector draft law. financial system, said National Continued from Page A1 transaction covering the possible The joint-stock company “The The new bill is designed to im- Bank chairman Daniyar Akishev. Small business in Kazakhstan risks associated with the loan Problem Loans Fund” was regis- prove civil and banking legislation “Unfortunately, the problems generates 25.6 percent of the gross and the business environment. Ka- However, Qazkom representa- of BTA Bank to Qazkom. The tered in the justice bodies on Jan. of the banking sector, which were domestic product (GDP), while the zakh Justice Minister Marat Beket- tives specified that the signed doc- conclusion of the memorandum 11, 2012. The shareholder holding saved seven-eight years ago, have share of employees in the sector is ayev said Feb. 16 as he presented not been solved completely. In this ument is not binding. does not mean the execution of a the common shares is the National 36 percent of the national labour “The memorandum defines transaction for which further ac- the draft law in Parliament, not- regard, together with the govern- market, reported ranking.kz. In Bank of Kazakhstan, the share- the scope and conditions under tions of the parties and fulfilment ing banking legislation improve- ment, all the calculations were the scale of the national economy, which a deal can be made, as of certain suspensive conditions holder owning the preferred shares ment measures were outlined in made relating to bad loans in the the popularity of entrepreneurship well as the actions to be taken specified in the memorandum are is the Committee of State Property President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s banking system and the need to in Kazakhstan is increasing, but by each party to achieve this, in- required,” Qazkom’s press ser- and Privatisation of the Ministry of recent address to the nation. The support additional liquidity of the the pace of activity is quite small; cluding the terms of the potential vice noted. Finance of Kazakhstan. measures will focus on restoring a financial institutions. We did all the levels of entrepreneurial activ- healthy banking sector. the necessary calculations togeth- ity are half the world average (63 One of the measures ensures er with the government and the percent of GDP and 47 percent of transferring the Problem Loans Council on Economic Policy at a the number of employees). Among Fund from the National Bank to meeting of the National Commis- the regions, the greatest influence the government. sion on Economic Modernisation. of small business in forming the “Given that bankruptcy manag- The decision was made in regards gross regional product is observed ers are interested in delaying the to the amounts, which are now in Astana (46 percent of GDP), bankruptcy proceedings, the bill within the budget parametres. We West Kazakhstan region (40 per- establishes the need to determine believe that the bank’s financial cent) and Almaty (29 percent.) the maximum size of their remu- rehabilitation measures will lead neration by an authorised body. To to an improvement of the financial After a decline in 2015, the num- improve the business environment, system,” he said. ber of independent Kazakh female the law provides an opportunity In February, central bank deputy workers returned to a growth pat- for small and medium-sized busi- chairperson Oleg Smolyakov said tern in the past year, reported rank- nesses to enter into agreements the government was planning to ing.kz. At the end of the year, the with banks and insurance compa- inject 2 trillion tenge (US$6.2 bil- number of self-employed women nies simultaneously and to open lion) into the state-owned Problem exceeded 31,000, 4 percent more a VAT (value-added tax) account Loans Fund in order to buy bad as- compared to the previous year’s during an online registration,” said sets from local banks. level. In 2015, the number of wom- Beketayev. Kazakh banks’ combined assets en in business declined sharply, al- The Problem Loans Fund was are estimated at $80 billion, of most 35 percent. At the same time, founded Jan. 11, 2012 with the which a weighty share is related to the number of female entrepre- main objective to implement construction sector loans, an area neurs increased 5 percent in 2016 measures aimed at improving the that has seen several property price after a 2 percent decline in 2015. quality of the commercial banks’ crashes as a result of the energy At the end of 2016, almost 13,000 loan portfolios in accordance with price plunge. According to official female entrepreneurs worked and the requirements of normative le- data, borrowers have missed re- provided jobs to inhabitants of ru- gal acts. Its main activities include payments on 12.2 percent of loans, ral areas; in the cities, the number purchasing bad loans from com- although some analysts believe the of women in business exceeded mercial banks, managing its as- total figure could be higher. 18,000 people. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Marriott’s top chef brings new flavours to Astana Qoovee.com, a new, common recent interview with The Astana online trading platform for Ka- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova Times. zakhstan and the Commonwealth A native of Southeast Asia Su- of Independent States (CIS) coun- ASTANA – Executive Chef darmanto teaches the staff the art tries, has gathered more than Hery Sudarmanto has introduced of Asian and modern cuisines. 14,000 manufacturers and sup- a multi-cuisine concept to the “Being a head chef was my pliers, according to Kapital.kz. Astana Marriott restaurants. His dream and I am delighted to reach Qoovee is a distribution channel, extensive work experience in the it. This is a little more challenging as well as a place to expand one’s Middle Eastern countries such as as there is more responsibility. At network of dealers and distributors. the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, the same time, I can experiment Entrepreneurs can create an online Oman, the Maldives and Indonesia with different recipes. I can drive store on the website and place enabled him to bring a taste of Asia my team and create special things themselves in the directory of sup- to French-inspired menu. for our guests,” he said. pliers for their country and the CIS. Sautéed frog legs green pea cou- For wholesale customers, Qoovee A great selection lis as appetizer and black cod fish provides access to the manufactur- with sautéed romaine lettuce, con- ers’ database and convenient and of the finest fit potato and pepper coulis as the fast search for suppliers of goods main course are specifically rec- and services without a multitude of international dishes ommended for food enthusiasts at intermediaries, notes the source. makes Astana the Aroma restaurant. “We have three restaurants at the A $34 million plant producing Marriott a widely hotel. We offer modern approach Hery Sudarmanto more than 50 different types of in cooking at the Vista Restaurant medical products and medicines popular brunch and Bar, European cuisine and a to begin a professional chef career. The Astana Marriott team is destination in the capital. It is held will be built in Shymkent, accord- destination in the few Kazakh traditional dishes at Now I am pleased to share my ex- currently creating a menu for the every third Sunday of each month ing to the regional administration the Aroma restaurant and lobby perience and vision with my team warm season with a focus on local from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. It costs press service. Leaders of Huray capital. bar,” he said. and help them to grow as profes- products including beef, duck and 10,900 tenge (US$34) or unlimited Pharmaceuticals, Aquacrystal Influenced by his European sionals,” he said. seasonal vegetables. wine option 14,900 tenge (US$46) Group and European BITonFly “Apart from cooking, travelling friends and living in Arab coun- Adapting to Kazakh dining cul- “We’d like to add lemon grass and 5,450 tenge (US$17) for chil- presented to regional Akim (Gov- is one of my biggest passions. At tries, Sudarmanto considers his ture was an exciting experience and leaves from Asian cuisine in dren aged 7-12. Children under 6 ernor) Zhanseit Tuimebayev their first, I was not sure if I could han- cooking style to be multi-cuisine. too, said Sudarmanto. our meals. We are also preparing are allowed for free. joint projects. The business com- dle the cold climate here. Slowly The chef’s signature dish is a lamb “I tried many local dishes in- banquet menu with different kinds “We always bring something munity earlier asked the regional after almost three years, I’ve been rack with roasted vegetables, hon- cluding lagman (noodles with of meal plan programme for in- new for the brunch offering Asian, head to allocate seven hectares of living in Astana for three years and ey and mint sauce at the Aroma meat and vegetables), plov (rice house events or outside catering American, Italian dishes and a land in Tassay industrial zone for I feel comfortable. It is a nice and restaurant. with meat), and manti (meat with for EXPO. This is an important unique selection of wine,” said Su- plant construction. clean city and that’s why I like it. “I was interested in cooking dough). It was actually something event for us too and I would like darmanto. “Sometimes it’s a chal- Working here is also an amazing since 10. I helped my mother to new for me. We make some dishes to bring French style cooking with lenge to book a table for brunch. The start-up academy at Eurasian experience. Kazakh people are prepare daily food for our fam- from Kazakh cuisine for the events my own experience of multi-cui- You should book two weeks in Technological University (ETU) warm and friendly. We have a good ily. Then it became a passion as I in our restaurants and banqueting. sine,” he said. advance as many know that our was launched March 3 in Almaty, atmosphere in our workplace. We found it really interesting. One of I was interested how to make vari- A great selection of the finest brunch is the best in Astana. And reported Kapital.kz. A memoran- always help and support each other my friends who worked with me ous food and now I can make even international dishes makes Astana this is really inspiring for all our dum of mutual assistance and co- like family,” Sudarmanto said in a in eastern countries motivated me beshbarmak,” he said. Marriott a widely popular brunch team.” operation between the Damu En- trepreneurship Development Fund and ETU was also signed. “Such cooperation allows us to provide comprehensive free support to be- ginning entrepreneurs at the stage Samruk Kazyna calls on Fitch confirms of a business idea before entering the market. It’s not just about con- sulting and information support, but also attracting investors, assist- investors, international Samruk-Energy’s ing in applying for participation in the fund’s financial programmes or receiving state grants,” said Damu Fund Chairperson of the Board companies for cooperation BB+ rating Abai Sarkulov. The academy will brings together the largest enter- Assets Privatisation and Restruc- plement a long-term state policy on unite the efforts of specialists in By Yerbolat Uatkhanov prises of the country in various turing Department of Samruk Ka- By Dmitry Lee upgrading existing and introduc- the science and technology fields, sectors,” Samruk Kazyna Chief zyna Dauren Tasmagambetov. ing new generating facilities. The as well as university professors, ASTANA – The Samruk Kazyna Executive Officer Umirzak Shuk- He also noted that the decision ASTANA – International agency founders were Kazakhstan holding business representatives and pub- Sovereign Wealth Fund held an eyev said. on the public offering will depend Fitch Rating has evaluated Ka- for managing state assets Samruk lic organisations; provide techni- event Feb. 27 for nearly 300 repre- “The fund’s transformation pro- on many factors, such as macro- zakhstan’s Samruk-Energy long- and KazTransGaz. The company’s cal and software IT resources for sentatives of the diplomatic corps, gramme aims to make these assets economic environment, capital term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) main products are electricity and the joint work of start-up teams; major international companies, more attractive. Today, Kazakh- market conditions and the compa- in foreign currency at the BB+ heat production, transmission and improve skills for conducting and banks and investors. Top managers stan and Samruk Kazyna are and nies’ conditions. level and its prioritised unsecured distribution of electricity and pro- developing innovative business of the fund discussed their devel- even more reliable option for in- Samruk Kazyna has prepared 75 rating foreign currency as BB, re- duction of steam coal. and introduce the experience of opment strategy and invited inter- vestment than a few years ago. For percent of assets from the second ported local sources. The IDR has Samruk-Energy mainly targets European countries in supporting national companies and investors example, over the past two years, list of companies (172 small and been rated as stable, Fitch said in the northern part of the Akmola the start-up projects. to cooperate. Kazakhstan has climbed from the medium-sized enterprises) in 2016 a statement. region; Aktobe, East Kazakhstan, “One of the key fields for invest- 51st to the 35th position among the and agreed two privatisation meth- “The confirmation of rating Karaganda, Kostanai, Pavlodar, Megasport, the largest network ment attraction is implementation economies by ease of doing busi- ods with state commission. It is reflects the continued strong North Kazakhstan regions and of sports shops in Kazakhstan, of transformation and privatisa- ness rating of the World Bank,” he planned to implement most assets strategic and operational ties be- Astana; the southern part of the closed after 15 years of opera- tion programmes of public and added. by the end of 2018. tween companies and the gov- Almaty region; Zhambyl, Kyzy- tion, reported Forbes.kz. Since government assets. In December Managing Director for Strat- “We believe that Samruk Ka- ernments and our expectation is lorda, South Kazakhstan regions 2002, the maximum number of 2015, the government adopted a egy and Portfolio Investments of zyna is the partner of choice for that the company will refinance and Almaty and the western area stores in the country was 15, but complex plan of privatisation for Samruk Kazyna Baljeet Grewal any international investor that en- Eurobonds for $500 million, ma- of the Mangistau region. some began to close a few years 2016-2020, which specifies the list emphasised that the fund’s main ters this region in the absence of turing in December this year, and Fitch Rating is a global leader ago and recently only eight stores of organisations for privatisation,” objectives are the modernisation of local partner. We can play a role the government will provide a in financial information services remained. Megasport started huge First Deputy Minister of Foreign Kazakhstan’s economy, working of strategic or financial partner by timely financial support in case with operations in more than 30 sales three months ago. The rea- Affairs Mukhtar Tileuberdi said on long-term projects and sustain- providing support to development of insufficient inflow of funds,” countries, according to its web- sons for the decision are unknown opening the event. able development. She also high- of new business, while letting our it noted. site. and the company refuses to com- He added that about 600 compa- lighted that all the transformations partners run the business,” said The rating agency believes “Fitch Group is comprised ments on the matter. According to nies worth $10 billion operating in processes in the fund are strategi- Director of Privatisation and As- Samruk-Energy’s liquidity at the of Fitch Ratings, a global leader in an anonymous source, the owner mining, processing, energy, trans- cally important and will optimise set Restructuring Department of end of 2016 depends largely on credit ratings and research; Fitch decided to focus on the restaurant port, oil refining and owned by the and diversify the fund’s portfolio, Samruk Kazyna Yerzhan Tutku- credit lines to fully cover future Solutions, a leading provider of business, reported Forbes. state will be privatised. decrease risks and more impor- shev. payments on Eurobonds. If the credit market data, analytical Top managers of the fund pre- tantly rapidly adapt to economic The fund has established a spe- company is unable to obtain re- tools and risk services; BMI Re- KTZ Express, a subsidiary com- sented a strategy of shifting from changes. cial team for identification, nego- financing, it may possibly get a search, an independent provider pany of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy the asset administrator to the ac- “At the moment, the privatisa- tiation and structuring new part- negative rating. of country risk and industry anal- (KTZ), has signed an agreement tive portfolio investor role and re- tion is in its active phase. It is nerships. Top managers of the The company’s credit eligibil- ysis specialising in emerging and with the Chinese company Jumore ported about interim results of the planned to sell 217 companies, fund explained they are looking ity on a standalone basis remains frontier markets and Fitch Learn- on cooperation within the B2B transformation programme. They which are divided into two lists. for new opportunities, which can weak due to the high debt load ing, a preeminent training and electronic trading platform, accord- discussed the privatisation process The first list contains 45 largest be proposed by investors, and in- and a high currency risk, added professional development firm. ing to the company press service. and long-term projects. companies. Some of them, such as vite investors with success stories Fitch. With dual headquarters in Lon- “Major mining, agricultural and “The opportunity to invest in the Kazatomprom and Air Astana, are from any part of the world to rep- Samruk-Energy is a joint-stock don and New York, Fitch Group energy enterprises and commodity Samruk Kazyna group of compa- in the priority list for IPO (initial licate or expand their business in company established by resolution is majority owned by Hearst,” it producers of Kazakhstan will be nies is unique, because the fund public offering),” said Director of Kazakhstan. April 18, 2007 to develop and im- states. able to place their production on the Jumore platform, through which potential buyers from all over the world will be able to find them. At the same time, KTZ Express will make a quick delivery to the buyer EIB said to provide 200 million euro to KazAgro with a guarantee of safety. Also, Kazakh buyers will be able to find the loan. It is planned the funds of the subsidiaries of KazAgro. investment fund in the history of of additional markets for Kazakh- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov any products of foreign companies will be sent through subsidiaries This credit line will also be in- Kazakh agriculture. It is expected stan recyclers,” said Chairman of located on the platform,” said Ju- of the agrarian holding to pur- tended for the agricultural sector,” that it will attract investment. In KazAgro Nurlybek Malelov. more Chairperson Lu Hongxiang. ASTANA – The European In- chase harvesting and post-harvest Khamzayev said. particular, KazAgro is negotiat- Business people from the Czech Within the framework of the signed vestment Bank is going to provide equipment, modernise grain el- The ambassador highlighted ing with China and the U.K. to Republic are interested in pro- agreement, the parties plan to de- 200 million euros to KazAgro to evators, invest in seed production that the cooperation is important create similar mutual investment jects and investments in the ag- velop smart logistics to increase modernise grain storage facilities, and cattle breeding technologies, for the development of small and projects. It is planned that the Ka- ricultural and industrial complex transportation volumes and attract purchase agricultural machinery excluding GMOs and cloning, as medium-sized businesses. zakh-Hungarian fund will attract of Kazakhstan. In particular, the new customers and promote Ka- and assist with the production well as grow fruit trees, Kapital.kz Last year, Kazakhstan and Hun- up to $100 million to the Kazakh entrepreneurs are focused on the zakh products on the international of seeds and livestock breeding, reports. gary created a cooperative fund agricultural business. construction of agricultural farms market using the parties’ opportu- Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the “Currently, negotiations are of direct investments in Kazakh “Agricultural business will cer- in Kazakhstan. They intend to co- nities and infrastructure, as well as European Union, Belgium and continuing. It is expected that this agriculture. The fund was created tainly be funded in our country, operate with Kazakh agrarians in attract new cargo flows from the Luxembourg Almaz Khamzayev credit line of EIB will be opened on a parity basis: $20 million was and we expect the arrival of pro- the field of crop production, live- countries of Southeast Asia to the announced March 9. for a period of 15 years. In addi- gained from KazAgro holding and fessional industrial management stock and poultry breeding. Czech countries of Europe and the Central Khamzayev said KazAgro hold- tion, it is possible that by the end $20 million from the Eximbank in our sector. We also expect the investors are also interested in Asian region and in the opposite ing is working with the European of the year one more credit line of Hungary. The cooperative pro- introduction of elements of corpo- buying mineral fertilizers in Ka- direction through Kazakh territory. Investment Bank on terms to grant will be opened and signed by one ject became the first international rate governance and the opening zakhstan. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 Women’s contributions To ensure security, Central Asian give Kazakhstan countries need to strengthen reason to celebrate cooperation within region and oreign visitors, particularly from Europe and the lower house – a major improvement on the 10 North America, are often surprised to find percent only 10 years ago. that Women’s Day is both a public holiday Progress in the economy has been even more and national celebration in Kazakhstan. impressive. A conference in Astana last month heard beyond, scholar says FWhile they may be accustomed in their home country that 44 percent of the country’s small and medium to March 8 being a day to highlight the long battle sized businesses – the engines of growth – are now By Dana Omirgazy for women’s equality, here it is more like a cross be- run by women. With targeted support from the gov- tween Valentine’s and Mothers’ Day – the chance to ernment, which has made supporting and expanding ASTANA – Central Asia is show appreciation to mothers, wives and girlfriends. the SME sector a national priority, and international a historically important region It is a tradition, now decades-old, shared by many organisations such as the European Bank for Re- comprised of Kazakhstan, Kyr- other countries in our region. Families are brought construction and Development, we can expect this gyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajik- together on what is a joyous occasion in the national number and the jobs they support to increase. istan and Uzbekistan. Mongolia, calendar. Flower-sellers enjoy one of their busiest Women are also moving into sectors, such as the the north-western part of China days of the year. energy industry, which have been the traditional and some regions of the Russian But while the focus over the next few days will be preserve of men right across the world. With a big Federation are also designated as on family celebrations, this does not mean the roots increase in recent years in female students taking part of the Central Asian region. of the day in the struggle for women’s rights, or why degrees in engineering and other technical subjects – Geographically it is located be- it is so important, is forgotten in Kazakhstan. In fact, having long out-numbered men at the country’s uni- tween Europe and Asia, rapidly- the government has made dismantling the barriers versities – there will be many newly trained recruits developing China with a popula- which prevent women playing their full role in our in the years ahead. tion of almost 1.5 billion, Middle economy and society a major priority. But there is no room for complacency. There is Eastern countries and Russia.

There is, of course, good reason for this emphasis. plenty of scope for further improvements. For exam- Therefore, stable development of manzaratourism.com Photo credit: In the knowledge-based economy, the countries that ple, we also reported last month that there are still the region is important not only succeed will be those who harness the full potential more than 200 occupations from which women are for the Central Asian states, but solved in a constructive manner. terrorism and religious extremism of all their citizens. And failing to make the most of barred, largely because of out-dated regulations. for all Eurasian countries, said The states of the region gained became particularly dangerous; the talents and energy of an entire gender will make Ending such restrictions – while necessary – is Ph.D. political science candidate independence only 25 years ago hundreds of terrorist acts perpe- it very difficult for any nation to achieve its econom- not, however, the whole answer. It is also important Muratbek Uspanov in a March 6 after the collapse of the USSR. trated in the world have killed in- ic and social goals. to change the culture that puts in place informal bar- interview with The Astana Times. Social disintegration and politi- nocent civilians, elderly people, It is an area where our country can point to solid riers or fosters the belief that women should not be “It is important to be aware of cal instability fuelled ethnic con- women and children. The Cen- progress. It is not often, that Kazakhstan, despite recruited or promoted. It may be done from the point challenges that the Central Asian flicts, massive impoverishment tral Asian states also experienced all the achievements of the last 25 years, finds itself of view that women are to be protected but the end countries face. Thus, we can iden- of the population and even a civil these attacks while Kazakhstan, ahead of both the United States and Japan in a global result remains a damaging reduction in the pool of tify internal and external ones. war. Amid severe conditions, not Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uz- index measuring social progress. They are, after all, talent available. Speaking about internal ones, we all countries managed to pass bekistan have witnessed terrorist This is not, of course, just a challenge for Kazakh- two of the world’s most successful and prosperous should note that the core of the re- smoothly through the period of threats by extremists. nations. So, the report last year putting our country stan but for all countries across the world. No nation gion consists mainly of young in- formation, development and con- “The so-called emissaries above these international leaders on gender equality has yet managed to produce a true level playing field dependent countries formed after solidation of state institutions. propagate hateful ideas among received global coverage. which enables everyone, whatever their background the collapse of the USSR (Union “In recent years, Kyrgyzstan the young people, giving false The Girls’ Opportunity Index from Save the or gender, to contribute fully to the success of their of Soviet Socialist Republics). witnessed two revolutions that led values and eventually involving Children, the international charity, put Kazakhstan national economy and society. They differ in social, economic to a change of power. Neverthe- some of them in the ranks of ter- in 30th place – two above the United States and five The faster Kazakhstan can achieve this goal and less, President Almazbek Atam- rorists. Even the most powerful ahead of Japan. Kazakhstan scored particularly well provide genuine opportunity for all, the better for and political development and have the following main features: bayev calmed the situation, pav- states cannot cope with this evil because of the higher proportion of women in Parlia- everyone, men as well as women. And that will be ing the way for legal change of alone. Therefore, deep coopera- ment. Women now make up 27 percent of those in another reason for national celebrations. insufficient social and economic level of development of states, the country’s leadership. In Tajik- tion among the world countries, lack of water resources, lack of istan, the head of state, Emomali and particularly the Central access to the world’s oceans, im- Rahmon, managed to relieve Asian states, is necessary to fight maturity of state institutions, and, some tension; however, people this threat in effective ways,” he as a consequence, some political still remember the Tajik civil said. instability,” he said. war. Uzbekistan has recently suf- “Speaking about the influence Kazakhstan’s commitment fered the loss of its long-standing of states on the Central Asian re- Indicators of gross domestic product per capita in the Central leader Islam Karimov, who firmly gion, we shall note the political Asian countries are low, he noted. defended the country against any and diplomatic confrontation that to UN remains strong after While Kazakhstan has managed threats. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who existed in the 19th century be- to achieve worldwide average replaced Karimov, should adapt tween Britain and Russia over Af- figures, the situation is quite chal- the country to the current situa- ghanistan and neighbouring terri- lenging in Kyrgyzstan and Tajik- tion, taking all the best from the tories in Central and South Asia. 25 years of membership istan. former leader. The situation is Now, we can point to the role of “These countries have devel- similar in Turkmenistan, but its Russia, China and the U.S. pursu- wenty-five years ago was a time of major Day against Nuclear Tests. Keeping up the pres- leader, Saparmurat Niyazov, died ing a policy towards the region change in the United Nations. The break- sure for action on this threat to humanity, Presi- oped weak economies. There are earlier in 2006,” he said. in their national interests. These up of the Soviet Union saw applications dent Nazarbayev has appealed to UN members to such problems as poor quality “In Kazakhstan, President Nur- interests largely coincide with from new countries charting their own work together to rid the world of nuclear weapons of healthcare, education, public sultan Nazarbayev is not only the interests of the Central Asian courseT in the world for the first time since the by the 100th anniversary of the organisation, by services, high unemployment the leader of the nation, but he is countries and have a positive ef- global organisation was created. 2045. rate and low wages; the popula- fect (investments, loans, technol- Kazakhstan was formally welcomed into the UN Kazakhstan has similar steps in many other tion has to migrate massively to also one of the most authoritative fold on March 2 along with eight other new mem- areas central to the goals and values of the UN. more prosperous states in search world leaders. His ability to think ogy, cultural cooperation, secu- bers – its largest single expansion for thirty years. Through the Green Bridge programme and EXPO of work. The economies of Tajik- for years to come, experience, rity, etc.) Therefore, the countries But while Kazakhstan’s admission may not have 2017, Kazakhstan has taken practical action to istan and Kyrgyzstan are heavily personal qualities… have allowed shall know how to benefit from been a unique event, few countries, new or old, support sustainable development. To counter the dependent on external earnings him to carry out the necessary the presence of major players,” he can match its commitment to the UN or its values threat from extremism and terrorism, the country from labour migrants,” he noted. vital reforms, strengthening the added. in the years that have followed. has proposed both increased and coordinated ac- “The situation is somewhat bet- economy and statehood of the Regional conflicts are triggered A sign of Kazakhstan’s serious intent was the tion under the UN and acted itself to bridge rifts ter in Uzbekistan. The country country to unprecedented heights by territorial disputes, lack of appointment almost immediately of the country’s and promote common understanding through ini- in many respects has the same in history,” said Uspanov. water resources and interethnic first ambassador to the UN followed by the deci- tiatives, such as the Congress of Leaders of World problems as its neighbours while Modern challenges, however, disagreements, noted Uspanov. sion to set up a permanent mission in New York. and Traditional Religions. additional pressure is exerted by pose new tasks. Therefore, Ka- Although there are potential con- In turn, the UN opened its first office in Almaty The UN has also been involved and supportive the population statistics – there zakhstan needs to preserve the flicts, the parties have reached in 1993, the start of a long association, which has of Kazakhstan’s increasing efforts to use its good are more than 30 million peo- dynamics of development and en- constructive solutions to the prob- seen the city become an important regional hub offices to ease tensions and defuse conflicts. As in ple living there. Turkmenistan is sure smooth transfer of large pow- lems in recent years. for the organisation’s work. the case with the recent talks within what is now significantly better off than these ers and responsibility from the “To ensure national security, the From the beginning, Kazakhstan took full advan- being called the Astana Process on Syria, in which countries, but there is a strong President to the government, Par- Central Asian countries should tage of the expertise and experience within the UN the UN played its full part, Kazakhstan’s role as dependence on the oil and gas in- liament, local government agen- deepen interstate cooperation and its agencies. This openness to outside advice a trusted honest broker and a welcoming host can dustry, which provides the main cies and local self-government in key areas, not only between has been one of the defining characteristics of the provide the conditions where parties can begin to export and budget revenue. In bodies, the scholar said. each other but also with other country. The incorporation of UN treaties and uni- find the common ground essential as a first step addition, citizens rely primarily Analysing external factors af- key states; ensure sustainable de- versal standards into Kazakh legislation was also towards a lasting solution. on state support and benefits and fecting regional dynamics, Us- velopment of the economy; find seen as driving social and economic progress. As Kazakhstan’s economy has grown, the coun- as a result, the economy of Turk- panov believes threats and chal- new growth points and adapt the But this engagement has, by no means, been try has accepted that increased wealth requires it menistan is quite inert and poorly lenges are largely related to drug economy and political system to one-way. Kazakhstan has worked tirelessly to turn to take increased responsibility for helping tackle trafficking, international terror- the modern fast-changing reali- its support for the UN into concrete actions to global challenges. Kazakhstan is increasing its represented by other sectors, ex- cept oil and gas. In this regard, ism and religious extremism as ties of the day taking into account drive forward the common aims of global peace contribution to the UN’s invaluable peace-keeping well as to historical influence of the national specifics. Countries and co-operation. It was, for example, as early as efforts which currently has operations in 16 coun- Kazakhstan has the strongest economy in the region that is the world powers in the region. need to use the advantageous in October 1992 that President Nursultan Naz- tries. KazAid, to take shape with the active sup- “Drug trafficking creates risks geographical location, become arbayev proposed at the UN General Assembly port of the country’s international partners, will most diversified and integrated into the world economic system. for the Central Asian states. A a transport hub of Eurasia, at- setting up a new regional body to promote peace, provide a focus for its international development huge flow of drugs from Afghani- tract international investment, security and stability in Asia and across the wider assistance efforts. However, large territory with a low population density with un- stan to Russia and Europe puts develop science, education and world. The Conference on Interaction and Con- The relationship between Kazakhstan and the pressure on the institutions of medicine, strengthen armed and fidence Building in Asia (CICA) met for the first UN has, of course, now entered a new and his- even settlement creates high costs for economic development,” said power, on the health and welfare law enforcement forces and pur- time in 1999 and has grown steadily in the inter- toric phrase. By becoming the first country from of the population and on its secu- sue accurate cultural and religious Central Asia to serve on the Security Council as a Uspanov. vening years in both size and stature. rity. It is necessary to strengthen policies. Realising these tasks, the Drawing on its own tragic experience, too, non-permanent member for 2017-2018, Kazakh- All Central Asian countries ex- the fight against this phenom- countries will gain the necessary Kazakhstan has led the international campaign stan has the perfect platform to step up its efforts perience a shortage of water re- enon, coordinating efforts with all stability and competitiveness, against nuclear weapons. It is for example, at the to help the UN make progress on its important sources that creates tensions both interested parties at the interstate which will significantly reduce country’s initiative that Aug 29 – the day that the goals. This is a good reason for celebration for within states and in relations with level,” said Uspanov. any risks to national security,” Semipalatinsk nuclear test site was shut – is now both Kazakhstan on this anniversary and the UN neighbouring states. Uspanov be- said Uspanov. marked officially by the UN as the International itself. lieves these problems might be In recent years, international

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 New Silk Road to become aid system for all, expert believes By Lyazzat Shatayeva other things, like manufacture and and then it goes straight to the EU, of a way for these central countries part of the One Belt, One Road assemble products, take what they to Poland. of Eurasia to develop a modernised project? ASTANA – Wade Shepard, produce and get it to other places economy, create border connectiv- More emphasis is laid on Khor- the author of “Ghost Cities of and do some things they were not How will the New Silk Road ity and create more opportunities gos, which is very important for China,” is currently working on able to do before, like we see in the impact the entire region? to develop economically. It also China and Kazakhstan. It is in the his new book about the New Silk Khorgos gateway. It’s a dry port, A lot of people view the Silk lets them connect together with proverbial middle of nowhere. Road, China’s effort to strengthen it’s a place to trans-ship cargo all Road as the built road which is Chi- the countries of the region politi- Four-five years ago, China started trade ties with Europe and Central around the Eurasian area, but it na’s policy, China’s participation, cally, which is very important. Be- to develop its borders as part of Asia. He sat down with The Astana also has a massive special econom- China’s plan and access to Chinese cause to build the infrastructure that the last stage of West development Times to talk about Kazakhstan’s ic zone that has a future goal of be- manufacturing, industrial materials works, to build the economies that policy, pushing development of role in the trade development and coming a manufacturing epicentre and goods. This work does solve a work, you need to interact with the economic stimulus across the coun- geopolitical changes in the region. right on the doorstep of China. lot of problems for all the countries countries around you, you need to try to its far western regions. They Shepard is an American writer, along the route, like resource rich cooperate with the countries around invest billions of dollars into build- journalist and blogger who has Wade Shepard How will the New Silk Road Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan with you. Through this cooperation, you ing these new cities like Khorgos. In been travelling the world since project impact the Eurasian Eco- lots of natural resource depend- create these bonds that make it very the middle of it there is the Khorgos 1999. He went to China for the first the vibrant markets and manufac- nomic Union (EAEU)? ency. They need to diversify their difficult to engage in advanced Gate special economic zone, which time in 2005 and ever since has turing empire in China and the The Eurasian Economic Union economies; one of the ways to do conflict. If you are economically includes one of the most advanced been fascinated by the country’s markets and manufacturing empire was previously the Eurasian Cus- this is by developing transporta- dependent on your neighbour, the dry ports worth $200 million. The economic development achieved in Europe. It also connects togeth- toms Union. That was one of the tion hubs and in the future, they can chances of going to war with your New Silk Road is the best example through a government fiat. er east and west, south and north, main ingredients that allowed this have manufacturing hubs as well. neighbour are a lot less. of a modern dry port. Surrounding Shepard is a contributor to the because right to the north there whole Silk Road Economic Belt It also solves many problems There is no reason for Azerbai- the dry ports supplies the special “South China Morning Post” and is Russia and to the south there to really happen, because before for Europe. We have this very ad- jan to make all these nice roads if economic zone with the help of his work also appears in other ma- are the emerging Iran and also that, you had all kinds of different vanced, very modern, mature con- Georgia or Turkey doesn’t have manufacturing and enterprises. Pri- jor China-focused publications. Pakistan and India. Kazakhstan borders, borders between Russia, tinental region with lagging and nice roads, if across the Caspian, vate investors of China are already He is currently working on a docu- is physically in the middle of all Kazakhstan, and Belarus. Every stagnant economies. They need Kazakhstan doesn’t have nice invested. Full investment of $600 mentary film for the BBC about these major geo-economic players time you had a border, you had to access to new markets. European roads. One country cannot benefit million makes an epicentre of this the Khorgos–Eastern Gate special and it serves the role as a bridge trans-ship. When you ship prod- manufacturers will now have eas- from the New Silk Road; all the place. It is the best example, be- economic zone. between all of them. ucts, [and] you cross the conti- ier access to new markets. other countries have to benefit and cause it is a link from China to the nent as vast as Eurasia, it creates It also creates a mechanism for participate as well. CIS and the EAEU directly. China What role, in your opinion, What kind of transit-transport difficulties and additional delays. the countries of the central regions It creates this neutral aid system, will invest in Aktau, where there is does Kazakhstan play in the New opportunities does the project Then, all of a sudden when it is of Eurasia, Central Asia, Iran, Paki- when the countries and various also a special economic zone. There Silk Road project? open for Kazakhstan? technically the Eurasian Customs stan and India to engage in another routes need each other to develop are hopes that China will invest in Along the central route of the Once you connect the country Union, you can ship train contain- level of development, another level their own economies. all countries; not just China, but Silk Road Economic Belt is the infrastructurally to these great mar- ers of high value cargo from China of globalised system. This gives the Russia, Iran and other Central Asian country that holds East and West kets all round the world, you create to Europe. You have two borders opportunity to develop the countries What joint projects will China countries which could participate in together. It’s the bridge between the opportunity for countries to do of the Eurasian Customs Union of the West and the East. It is kind and Kazakhstan implement as this giant new economic project. What can Kazakhstan learn from international experience? ity and does not experience the ter indicated by the President, the fidence/no confidence vote can challenge the President. Grounds sibility of adopting the Presidential By Eduardo Araral, Riccardo Pelizzo, Aziz Burkhanov gridlock that presidential systems prime minister and his or her gov- dismiss a prime minister. for discretionary dismissal need to decrees that have the force of law. and Serik Orazgaliyev experience when the Presidency ernment enjoy the confidence of a While giving parliaments the be crafted carefully. First, it should President Nazarbayev in his ad- and the legislatures are controlled majority of parliamentarians and opportunity to hire and fire gov- be triggered by events, such as dress to the people of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev by different parties. Furthermore, this could help preventing crises ernments may be an effective way failure to pass a budget. Second, stated that legislative powers were recently announced Kazakhstan one of the advantages of semi- in executive-legislative relations, to solve conflicts between the ex- dismissal should be prohibited in granted to the President in difficult will pursue constitutional reforms. presidential form of government gridlocks and stalemates not only ecutive and the legislative branch, times of emergency/war so as to times of early state-building and The reforms will give more powers is that in addition to preventing when the President’s party control it may create the conditions for ex- avoid a power vacuum. Third, par- now this norm has lost its relevance. to the parliament and the govern- gridlock, it is in charge of some the executive and the legislative cessive government instability and liament should not be dismissed Likewise, who has the residual ment while the President will look important policy areas, such as branch of the government but also for a loss of government effective- during a process of impeachment; powers in government (undefined after national security, defence and foreign affairs and acts decisively when different parties control dif- ness. The solution, first introduced otherwise the president would have powers) – the President, parlia- foreign policy and will serve as an in time of national crises. In other ferent branches. by German Basic law, is repre- incentive to do so. Fourth, there ment or prime minister? Too much arbiter. This model of government words, under semi-presidentialism Austria and Ireland are formally, sented by the constructive vote of should be no dismissal shortly af- residual powers by the President is referred to as a semi-presiden- the president focuses on strategic but not substantively semi-presi- no confidence, which means that if ter an election when an opposition will weaken the law-making pow- tial government, similar to that of issues while the prime minister dential. While the President in these the parliament wishes to dismiss a partly becomes the ruling party. Fi- ers of the parliament. Should the France. and cabinet focus on domestic and countries is directly elected as in all government, it needs to ensure that nally, the frequency of dismissing President’s residual powers be We will examine the experience day to day running of government. the semi-presidential countries, the the perspective government will the parliament should be defined confined to the areas of/under its of other countries that adopted the This leads to two or three horses President simply performs a cer- enjoy the support of a majority of and limited, to no more than once competence? Similarly, can the French model. There are 34 coun- pulling the wagon together to deal emonial function as head of state legislators, so that the government during its term of office. The pur- prime minister issue executive or- tries in the world that adopted vari- with complex matters. but lacks the substantive powers formation process will not be too pose of these rules is to stabilise the ders to give it enough authority to ations of the French model, includ- How is the government formed? usually assigned to the Presidency terribly time consuming and the system. effectively govern and not be sty- ing Russia, Taiwan and Ukraine, There are three options on how in semi-presidential settings. government effectiveness will not How is the President restrained? mied by parliament? Or should the among others. the government is formed under a How is the government dis- be compromised. There are several ways to restrain President counter-sign, like they We will answer six questions. semi-presidential model. First, the missed? There are two ways in Alternatively, and a better solu- the President.. First, is through do in France? Should the president What are the advantages of a semi- President has exclusive authority which the government can be tion, there can be a constructive term limits. In Russia, there is a still preside over cabinet meet- presidential model as against pure to appoint the prime minister who dismissed. One way in a semi- vote of no confidence in which prohibition against two consecu- ings to set the directions of gov- presidential and pure parliamenta- will then appoint the Cabinet. In presidential system is through a the parliament appoints a replace- tive terms but there is no prohibi- ernment? How much veto powers ry models? How is the government France, Article 23 of the 1958 con- motion/vote of no confidence. In ment prime minister first before tion on total number of terms. In should the government have – line formed? How is the government stitution establishes that members France, for example, Article 50 of dismissing the current prime min- China, the President can have a / amendatory powers with override dismissed? How is the parliament of the parliament cannot simulta- the constitution establishes that ister. Also, there can be a provision maximum of two terms for a total by super majority or line / amen- dissolved? What are the limits neously serve on the government when the legislature approves in the constitution that allows the of 10 years. They also have age datory override by legislative ma- of the Presidency? How should or, to put it the other way around, a motion of no confidence, the government to voluntarily resign limits. Another common restrain jority or straight up and down veto power be distributed between the cabinet ministers cannot simulta- prime minister is bound to hand under certain conditions. For in- on the President is through the with override by supermajority? Presidency and the Prime Minister neously be members of parliament. in his (and his government’s) stance, these conditions include process of impeachment for high Kazakhstan is at an important / Cabinet / Parliament? If the prime minister selects a min- resignation and the President is the following: when government crimes. This usually requires a su- point of its young history. Chang- What are the advantages of a ister from among the members of bound to accept this resignation fails to perform, when the govern- per majority vote to foil frivolous ing the constitution would have semi-presidential model? The main parliament, the newly appointed (Articles 8 and 50). In this case, ment fails to act as a check on the attempts to impeach the President. long term and very important con- advantage of this model is that it minister has to give up his or her the dismissal of the government President, when government ex- Finally, there is the crucial ques- sequences for the country. Asking ensures more government stabil- parliamentary seat. An organic law is initiated by the legislature and ceeds / abuses its powers and when tion of how to divide the pow- these questions and learning from ity than parliamentary systems and regulates how such members of effectively ratified by the Presi- the president and government un- ers between the President and the the experience of others is a neces- more flexibility than presidential parliament can be replaced. dent. In other cases, however, able to work together. In Russia, prime minister and parliament? sary step to ensuring that appropri- systems. This is so because when Russia represents a second mod- the dismissal of the government two successive rounds of a vote of While President Nazarbayev has ate constitutional choices are made. the President’s party controls a el of semi-presidentialism. The can be initiated either by the res- no confidence are grounds for gov- stipulated that the President will as- majority of seats the President peculiarity of the Russian semi- ignation of the prime minister ernment dismissal. sume the roles for defence, foreign Araral is Vice Dean of Re- appoints as prime minister a fel- presidential government is that or by a vote of no confidence in How is the parliament dismissed? affairs and national security and as search at Lee Kuan Yew School low party member, while when the President nominates the prime the parliament. Regardless of There are two possible options, an arbiter while domestic policy of Public Policy and also visiting the President’s party fails to win minister while the parliament has how it is initiated, the dismissal both exercised by the President. is transferred to government and Professor at the Graduate School a majority of parliamentary seats, the right to confirm or reject the of the government is ratified by The first is discretionary dismissal parliament, there remains impor- of Public Policy Nazarbayev the President appoints as prime nomination. The main advantage the President. There is a third while the other is mandatory. Dis- tant questions in the separation of University. Pelizzo, Burkhanov minister the leader of the party that of the Russian model of semi- group of semi-presidential coun- cretionary dismissal cannot pro- powers. First, to what extent can and Orazgaliyev are all faculty controls a parliamentary majority. presidentialism is that by provid- tries, such as Gabon, in which the vide credible checks and balances the President issue Presidential de- members of the Graduate School Hence, the government has always ing parliament with an opportunity President either by his or her own because a parliament constantly crees? The proposed constitutional of Public Policy at Nazarbayev a working parliamentary major- to ratify or reject the prime minis- initiative or as a result of a con- threatened with dismissal will not amendments will eliminate the pos- University. Institute of Diplomacy helps develop foreign service The Astana Times interviewed In this respect, it is certainly very emerge in regional and global in- adequately, the diplomatic service By Zhanna Shayakhmetova Institute of Diplomacy Director heartening that our nation follows ternational affairs. should possess a multi-discipli- Anuar Ayazbekov to learn about the trend – the Committee for In- nary combination of competencies ASTANA – Innovative ap- digital diplomacy and the institu- ternational Information at the Min- What is the institute’s primary and knowledge in such spheres as proaches have transformed foreign tion’s current activities. istry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has purpose? public policy, economics, diplo- policy in recent years. Digital di- made great advances in the field of The institute’s primary task is macy, PR, policy analysis and in- plomacy is a modern and techno- What is digital diplomacy? digital policy. The ministry has in- to provide highly-qualified human ternational relations. logical dimension of foreign poli- Digital diplomacy today is the creased its presence in cyberspace resources to our foreign service. Here, the Institute of Diplomacy cy, used as a new soft power tool to most modern and technological over the last few years, where it Kazakhstan actively promotes is seen as the key element of train- advance national interests, project foreign policy dimension. It is actively uses digital platforms not its foreign policy agenda and has ing and professional development of political and economic power. widely used by governments and only to cover its day-to-day activi- achieved significant advances in the country’s civil servants, mainly In his address to the nation, “Third Anuar Ayazbekov foreign ministries of economically ties, but also to encourage foreign global affairs. At the same time, diplomats. Thus, it contributes to Modernisation of Kazakhstan: developed countries as a new soft audiences to view pressing inter- in the dynamically changing geo- the development of Kazakhstan’s Global Competitiveness,” President the challenges” of today’s changing power tool to advance national national issues from the vantage political and geo-economic condi- foreign service and, at large, the ad- Nursultan Nazarbayev attached par- world. This aim also touches upon interests, to project political and point of Kazakhstan. In addition, tions our foreign service faces a vancement of national interests. ticular importance to digitalisation the nation’s foreign policy, as in- economic power, and, overall, to the committee uses the variety of plethora of new challenges and op- as one of the means “to get ahead novative approaches in recent years increase the degree of agency of digital tools to promptly respond portunities. Therefore, in order to The full version of this inter- of the future and decisively meet have transformed its conduct. the country. to different issues that constantly be able to address them timely and view is available online. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 FM confirms Kazakhstan’s human rights and disarmament priorities At a meeting with UN Spe- ing with Abdrakhmanov that the eration with the UNECE, as well By Aigerim Seisembayeva cial Envoy for Syria Staffan de WEF attaches great importance to as in creating new directions and Mistura, the progress of the Ge- cooperation with Kazakhstan. He formats for such cooperation in the ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign neva talks on a Syrian settlement praised the growing role of Astana context of global economic and so- Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov was discussed. The sides noted the as an important platform for dis- cial crisis. outlined once again Kazakhstan’s relevance of the Astana process in cussing complex issues of inter- Bach commented on the joint priorities in human rights, de- bringing peace to Syria and the re- national relations and the global preparation of the Kazakh gov- mocratisation and disarmament gion. economy, noting in this regard the ernment and the UNECE for the processes in a high-level segment Abdrakhmanov also held a talks on Syria within the Astana Ministerial Conference and the session of the UN Human Rights meeting with Director General process. Schwab also invited the International Energy Forum that Council (UNHRC) and the Con- of the World Trade Organisation Kazakh side to participate in the will be held June 11-14 as part of ference on Disarmament (CD) as (WTO) Roberto Azevêdo and con- World Economic Forum on the EXPO 2017 in Astana. He also well as during bilateral meetings gratulated him on his re-election Middle East and North Africa that noted the importance of the exhi- over the course of his visit to Ge- to the post for a second term. will be held in Jordan May 19-21. bition and its focus on sustainable neva Feb. 27 to March 1. Azevêdo thanked the Kazakh Abdrakhmanov focused on the energy, which, in his opinion, will Addressing the participants of Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov (L) and WTO side for supporting his candidacy implementation of Kazakhstan’s contribute to reaching the UN Sus- the Feb. 28 UNHRC session, Ab- Director General Roberto Azevêdo meet in Geneva on Feb. 28. and noted the keen interest of the third modernisation programme, tainable Development Goals and drakhmanov outlined Kazakh- WTO to expand cooperation with which aims to create a new model give significant impetus to the de- stan’s priorities and objectives In this regard, he highlighted gate the negative impacts of cli- Kazakhstan. He also stressed Ka- of economic growth to increase the velopment of Kazakhstan’s energy regarding the effective implemen- that on March 2, Kazakhstan cel- mate change. zakhstan’s WTO membership will country’s global competitiveness. sector. tation of human rights. ebrates the 25th anniversary of its Speaking at the Conference on contribute to the effective imple- The minister noted the interest of Abdrakhmanov thanked UN- “The promotion and effective pro- accession to the United Nations. Disarmament the same day, Abdra- mentation of the country’s trade the Kazakh government in WEF ECE and Bach for their support in tection of human rights is impossible He emphasised that Kazakhstan is khmanov presented Kazakhstan’s potential and facilitate the integra- initiatives on energy partnership creating the International Centre without peace, security and devel- committed to progressive democ- position on important international tion of Central Asia into the global and human capital development. for Green Technologies and Invest- opment. The three pillars on which ratisation, has ratified universal issues and stressed that the Confer- trade system. Abdrakhmanov also met with ments and the International Water United Nations activities are based human rights documents and is ence has proven potential to make Abdrakhmanov also congratu- Executive Secretary of the UN Assessment Centre in Astana. are closely interlinked and mutually constantly working on implement- a major contribution to the disar- lated Azevêdo on the entry into Economic Commission for Europe The Kazakh foreign minister reinforcing,” the minister stressed. ing their provisions into national mament process. force of the WTO Agreement on (UNECE) Christian Friis Bach, also held bilateral meetings with According to Abdrakhmanov, legislation. Speaking about Kazakhstan’s Trade Facilitation. Kazakhstan, who highlighted the successful UN High Commissioner for Hu- Kazakhstan regards its election to In addition, Abdrakhmanov not- approaches to nuclear disarma- the largest landlocked country in chairmanship of Kazakhstan in man Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hus- the UN Security Council (UNSC) ed that Kazakhstan would continue ment, the minister highlighted that the world, has huge transit poten- the Commission and its Executive sein, Director General of the United as a high responsibility and a sign to contribute to the achievement of the subject is one of the key pri- tial and is interested in the imple- Committee, which contributed to Nations Office at Geneva Michael of the international community’s global sustainable development. orities for Kazakhstan’s tenure as mentation of an agreement that closer cooperation between UN- Møller, and his counterparts from trust in Kazakhstan and its peace- One of these steps will be EXPO a non-permanent member of the will help Kazakhstan reduce trade ECE member states during tense Albania, Australia, Belgium, Hun- ful policy, and in the country’s ini- 2017 in Astana this summer. The UNSC. This was presented in the costs by 15 percent. economic and political times in gary, Latvia, Mongolia, Nepal, Slo- tiatives and proposals to strength- expo, with its theme of “Future policy address by Kazakh Presi- In turn, Executive Chairman of Europe. venia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine, en the UN’s role in ensuring peace Energy,” will promote sustainable dent Nursultan Nazarbayev to the the World Economic Forum (WEF) Abdrakhmanov noted Kazakh- as well as deputy foreign ministers and security across the globe. energy and finding ways to miti- UNSC in January. Klaus Schwab said at a meet- stan’s interest in expanding coop- from Cyprus and Uruguay. Kazakh DPM notes Kazakh-French business ties increased trade in strong at 25-year mark resented in Kazakhstan, includ- together French, Kazakh and other trade ties, Kazakhstan and France By Lyazzat Shatayeva ing transport (Alstom, Airbus, companies linked with France. enjoy extended cooperation in cul- Eurocopter), construction (Saint French companies make up 73 per- ture and education. meeting with ASTANA – In the past two Gobain, Vicat, Vinci), consumer cent of our members; 21 percent “Sometimes, we forget about our and a half decades, Kazakhstan are Kazakh companies and other cooperation in education and cul- and France, though separated members make up the remaining ture, but France is also very active by a great distance, have main- six percent.” in Kazakhstan with the Sorbonne Uzbek President tained friendly, cordial and coop- The organisation has also set Institute in Almaty and a French erative relations. This has allowed its sights on strengthening Ka- school at Miras School in Astana. the two states to build strong and zakhstan’s presence in France by Alliance Française is also present solid business ties. Jean-Yves bringing Kazakh investment to the in these two cities and will soon Kozak, vice president for Astana French economy. “We have a vice open in Shymkent,” said Kozak. of the Chamber of Commerce president located in Paris closely As Astana prepares to host and Industry France Kazakhstan working with Business France and EXPO 2017, focusing on find- (CCIFK) sat down with The Asta- Economic Service,” Kozak said. ing sustainable development and na Times to talk about partnerships In less than a year, the CCIFK green energy solutions, later this the countries have built together. has organised 15 major business year, France is working on its na- “Cooperation between France events. The French Investments in tional pavilion. The country con- and Kazakhstan is very important Kazakhstan meeting held in Asta- firmed its participation in Novem- for both countries and not a new Jean-Yves Kozak na Nov. 29 in particular facilitated ber 2015 during the official visit of phenomenon. [This year] marks the exchange of views and infor- President Nursultan Nazarbayev the 25th anniversary of diplomatic goods (Danone, Lactalis, Peuge- mation between business circles to Paris. This major event was relations between France and Ka- ot, Renault, Servier, Sanofi- and local government officials on followed by the United Nations zakhstan,” Kozak said. Aventis, Schneider Electric) and administrative barriers to doing Climate Change Conference and France is Kazakhstan’s third defence industries,” the deputy business. the signing of the associated Paris largest investor, he explained. head of the commerce chamber According to Kozak, despite Agreement ratified by 194 coun- First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin (L) is greeted In the last decade, the European explained. the efforts undertaken by Kazakh- tries, including Kazakhstan. by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on Feb. 23. country has invested nearly $10 Supporting businesses is cru- stan to facilitate the distribution “Climate [and] new technologies cial, Kozak believes. Founded in tually beneficial relations between billion in the Kazakh economy. of employment visas, the matter are priorities for France. EXPO May 2016, the CCIFK seeks to By Malika Orazgaliyeva Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, his France is also Kazakhstan’s fifth still remains a challenge. “The 2017 in Astana is perfectly timed promote mutual interests, provide personal contribution to the ex- biggest export market and sixth procedure remains difficult, too to continue this project together. a platform for negotiations and ASTANA – First Deputy Prime pansion of cooperation between biggest supplier. Trade turnover bureaucratic. It takes a lot of time France is communicating a lot Minister of Kazakhstan Askar the two countries in the field of between the two countries totalled information exchange, and ensure for companies to obtain work vi- about Astana EXPO 2017, having Mamin met with Uzbek President railway transport, as well as par- $2.9 billion in 2016. the development and maintenance sas and understand how they work. its own pavilion,” Kozak shared. Shavkat Mirziyoyev and partici- ticipation in major projects of in- “Main investments were made of business ties between France Our investors are not only working “In the future, I think our coun- pated in the 16th session of the terregional transport corridors in in the energy industry with Total and Kazakhstan. At present, the in Almaty and Astana. There is a tries can extend collaboration to joint intergovernmental commis- Central Asia. and GDF Suez investing in the oil organisation brings together 40 difference in procedures for get- other key sectors such as agricul- sion on bilateral cooperation Feb. At the meeting of the joint in- and gas sector. Areva is present in members. ting work visas in the regions of ture, tourism and security, not for- 23 in Tashkent. tergovernmental commission, the local uranium production. Other “It was a priority for us to cre- the country,” getting about new and future tech- “Kazakhstan is the largest stra- participants stressed that the de- activities and sectors are also rep- ate a chamber where we can bring Along with strong business and nologies,” he concluded. tegic trade partner of Uzbekistan velopment of industrial coopera- in Central Asia,” Mirziyoyev said, tion and joint investment projects noting the two countries are enter- should be the main focus of coop- ing a new stage of economic coop- eration between the regions. eration. “We are ready for active coop- According to a press release from eration with Kazakhstan and im- Kazakhstan, Vietnam agree cargo the Kazakh government, Mamin plementation of joint projects. The said Kazakh President Nursultan expansion of interregional coopera- Nazarbayev attaches great impor- tion will certainly contribute to the tance to relations with Uzbekistan intensification of trade-economic transportation along key international route and that cooperation has allowed and investment cooperation,” First and Vietnam Minister of Trans- The group also discussed ship- The Kazakh side also reported the opening of joint trading houses Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbeki- By Aigerim Seisembayeva portation Truong Quang Nghia. ping agricultural products from on the first pilot shipment of grain in agribusiness, chemicals and the stan Ochilboi Ramatov said. Ambassador of the Republic of the Kazakh to Vietnamese market from the Kazakh-Chinese con- petrochemical industry. Mamin The Kazakh and Uzbek delega- ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Kazakhstan to Vietnam Beketzhan as well as transporting tropical tainer terminal at the port of Li- also noted the importance of coop- tions discussed bilateral coopera- Temir Zholy (KTZ) national rail- Zhumakhanov and representatives foods and seafood from Vietnam anyungang to the port of Ho Chi eration in tourism and the automo- tion in energy, customs, oil and way company and Vietnam Rail- Minh. The pilot shipment was tive and petrochemicals industries gas, transport and transit, tourism, ways agreed Feb. 20 to cooperate operated by a subsidiary of KTZ in container transport along the The agreement follows an earlier and joint agreements to open bus scientific and technical, the cul- – the multimodal company KTZ and air routes. An Almaty-Tash- Vietnam – China – Kazakhstan – tural and humanitarian spheres, as agreement between the Eurasian Express – together with the Chi- kent high-speed railway and an well as cooperation in military and Europe route. nese-Kazakhstan international lo- increase to six flights a week be- military-technical fields. The agreement follows an ear- Economic Union (EAEU) and Vietnam tween the capitals are expected to The growth in the transportation lier agreement between the Eura- to increase trade from $4 billion gistics company of Lianyungang launch soon. of goods by rail between Kazakh- sian Economic Union (EAEU) and city. The transport and logistics Trade turnover also increased 40 stan and Uzbekistan in 2016 to 19 Vietnam to increase trade from $4 to $10 billion by 2020. terminal at the port of Lianyun- percent to $1.6 billion in 2016 with million tonnes was also noted. The billion to $10 billion by 2020. gang is a joint venture of Port plans to increase that to $5 billion parties agreed to limited transpor- The decision was made during Lianyungang Ltd. and KTZ Ex- by 2020. tation tariff discounts for Kazakh a meeting in Hanoi to discuss in- of the Food Corporation and Ka- to Kazakhstan. They also spoke fa- press. Transportation of Kazakh After the talks, Mirziyoev grain through Uzbekistan, and ternational transportation, which zakh Association of Exporters of vourably of increasing agricultural goods using Lianyungang port awarded the Dustlik (Friendship) Uzbek fruits, vegetables and other included KTZ head Kanat Alpys- Agricultural Products also partici- shipments, which would help grow contributes to the development of Order to Mamin for great contri- agricultural products through the bayev, Vietnam Railways Chief pated, according to the KTZ press cargo traffic between Vietnam and the Silk Road Economic Belt ini- butions in the development of mu- territory of Kazakhstan. Executive Officer Vu Ta Tung service. Kazakhstan. tiative. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Kazakh fashion designer offers Short film by Kazakh director Kazakhstan finishes fourth custom-made tailoring to be shown at Cannes Short in Asian Winter Games in New Zealand B2 Film Corner B3 B7 UCMAS School in Kazakhstan Kokshetau: the area extends mental math to children of blue lakes with visual impairments The education centre also has a social group at each branch throughout the country, allowing talented children from underpriv- ileged families to attend classes without charge. Approximately 400 children are involved in the groups. The company website describes UCMAS as an international edu- cational organisation globally recognised as a leader in whole ehealth.kz Photo credit: brain development and mental The years of the Second World arithmetic training. Founded by By Yerbolat Uatkhanov War were a great challenge for Dr. Dino Wong in Malaysia in the small city, as natives were he- 1993, the UCMAS Education ASTANA – Kokshetau is one roically fightingat the battlefronts. Group has trained more than of the most beautiful cities in Ka- Kokshetau produced 23 Heroes of zakhstan. The administrative cen- one million children in mental the Soviet Union, with four fight- tre of the Akmola region, it has a math schools around the world. ers becoming full Cavaliers of the population almost 160,000 and Orders of Glory. The city’s indus-

Photo credit: schuchinsk.kz Photo credit: UCMAS has gained in popular- territory of 42,700 hectares. The ity and operates more than 5,500 trial enterprises were readjusted city is located among 14 beautiful brain or right-brain dominance, Every businessperson promotes centres in 57 countries, including for military purposes. By Dana Omirgazy a person or child who is ‘left- his or her own social project lakes and mountains covered with The 1990s, following the col- Australia, Canada, China, India, dense coniferous forests. brained’ is believed to be more within the association. the United Kingdom and the lapse of the Soviet Union, were ASTANA – UCMAS (Univer- Burabai National Park is one of logical and analytical, while a “The UCMAS School organis- United States. hard times not only for Kokshe- sal Concepts of Mental Arithme- Kokshetau’s major sights. Boro- ‘right-brained’ person is more es free lessons for children with Mental math is the ability to tau, but for the whole nation. The tic Systems) Mental Math School voe Lake is the most significant thoughtful, intuitive and crea- cerebral palsy and children with calculate and get a correct an- new sovereign state faced many keeps revealing stunning results tive. All UCMAS school centres impaired vision and hearing. among its lakes and distinguished challenges in the transition period, swer without using pencil and by its size. Located 70 kilometres of children’s cognitive abilities. use one technique, which is be- Over a year, we have taught our paper or any electronic device. causing a long economic crisis. Kazakh students demonstrate ing updated every four years. In young students at Ostrovsky Spe- from the city, the lake is extremely Today, the city has a delight- Mental arithmetic is a method of popular among local and foreign their brain skills to an interna- addition, we are now cooperating cial Boarding School for Blind ful appearance with clean streets, calculation performed on a vir- tourists. tional audience, multiplying any with Lomonosov Moscow State and Visually Impaired Children roads, stations, palaces, parks and tual image of an abacus. The aba- Kokshetau National Park, estab- four-digit numbers within a few University to enhance an intel- in Almaty. It is very difficult and squares promoting its modern im- cus is merely a tool, but through lished in 1996, is situated 60 kilo- seconds. The school’s teaching age. Kokshetau is an urban area of lectual development methodol- delicate work. Now, we are wit- regular practice children are able metres to the southwest of the city. strategy helps to unveil chil- ogy. In this regard, we do not nessing a positive trend in chil- to visualise and internalise its youth and students with 10 higher The Zerenda, Shalkara, Imantau educational institutions, 12 col- dren’s hidden gifts and talents, focus only on mental arithmetic dren’s development. One of the image in their minds. Moreover, and Saumalkol lakes can be found said regional director Lyazzat skills, but rather take a compre- boarding school students began when children learn mental math leges, six lyceums and 20 schools. there with a number of pedestrian The city has museums, a cinema, Shamenova in an interview with hensive approach in education,” drawing colourful pictures. It is skills, they are actually acquiring and horse routes. The Astana Times. she said. so amazing! In the near future, an astonishing calculation speed, an airport and a railroad sta- The areas have excellent ac- tion. Kokshetau is gaining its own “The UCMAS school teach- The founders of the Kazakh the association plans to purchase developing such mental abilities commodations with numerous unique image of a contemporary ing strategy aims at developing school recently joined Assyl Braille equipment to print special as concentration, observation, hotels, sanatoria and rest houses city striving to become a centre for both hemispheres of the brain. Bala, a union of businesspersons books for the children,” said Sha- visualisation, imagination and constructed on the coasts. The soft international tourism. According to the theory of left- in different charitable activities. menova. memory. mountain climate, clean air and Ananyn Ak Tilegi (Mother’s curative dirt make rest here not Blessing), a sculptural composi- only pleasant but also useful for tion created in 2001, has become one’s health. a major sightseeing attraction. Kokshetau is translated from The figure symbolises the image Kazakh as Blue Mountain and the of a woman who meets and sends phrase completely corresponds to Film chronicling Kazakh domestication off her children, giving them her the city. The Blue Mountain (Kok- blessing. The bronze sculpture she Tau) is the highest peak in the measures 14 metres. Kokshe Mountains, reaching 947 The Kazakh musical drama metres. Many songs, poems and of wild horses to be released in 2018 theatre adorns the central part of legends about the beauty of the a very important memorandum be- great interest. We plan to release represented as the cradle of horse- the city with its bright colours By Azamat Syzdykbayev tween Kazakhstan State Television it in 2018. About 50 countries are manship and horse breeding in the area have been passed from one generation to another. Locals gave and unique architecture. Kazakh and Radio Company and famous ready to show it. We believe that film. The authors plan to demon- the place a variety of names: the national design not repeated else- ASTANA – A Canadian pro- Canadian director and anthropolo- this project is able to arouse seri- strate the revolutionary role horse Area of Blue Lakes, Kazakh Pearl where in the country distinguishes ducer plans to release a film titled gist Niobe Thompson. This pro- ous interest in the world to the breeding played in the migration and the Area of Blue Mountains. the building. “Equus” about the history of horse ject is important for Kazakhstan history, culture and traditions of of peoples, trade and military af- The city was established on the Kokshetau has a beautiful old domestication in the Central Asian and it will improve the image and the nomadic civilisation. This will fairs. bank of Bukpa Lake in 1824 as mosque named after Nauan Khaz- region, announced Minister of In- tourism potential of our country. give a new impetus to the devel- Thompson noted that the culture a fortress. In 1868, it became a ret constructed in the 19th century formation and Communications A large study was supported by opment of popular science films in of domestication of horses began regional centre. During the late and a Russian Orthodox Church Dauren Abayev at a March 7 con- Canada, Germany, the U.K. and our country,” he said. on the territory of Kazakhstan. 1930s, many residents of other So- temple of Archangel Michael. In the U.S.,” said Abayev. As a large base of archaeologi- “Unique excavations in Botai ference in the capital. viet Union republics were forcibly 2004, a Roman Catholic Church “I think the project will be of cal material, Kazakhstan will be prove that the domestication of “Today, we are planning to sign settled in the region as a result of was built in Gothic style using red horses began in Kazakhstan, and the political repressions against bricks. we have a unique opportunity ethnic Polish and German commu- Guides advise staying at the to open this history to the whole nities. Kokshetau became the cen- Kokshetau, Zhekebatyr or Dostyk world and to present our film,” tre of the Polish diaspora in Ka- hotels, all of which have modern said Thompson. zakhstan and on March 16, 1944 rooms, saunas, swimming pools, Thompson has been study- was named the Kokshetau region’s bars and cafes, cosy restaurants ing the relationship between man administrative centre. and parking facilities. and horse for many years. He ex- pressed confidence that the domes- tication of the horse helped pro- gress the development of human culture. “I believe that the history of man THINGS TO WATCH & during all these 6,000 years is the history of the equestrians. Horse PLACES TO GO domestication created our com- mon civilisation. Many people know about this because we live in ASTANA OPERA a different world. It is important to inform people that everything we March 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. Walpurgis Night, Ballet see around us is the consciousness March 18 at 6 p.m. German Music, Concert of people on horses,” he said. March 19 at 6 p.m. The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, Ballet March 22 at 6 p.m Kyz Zhibek, Opera What Central Asia can offer as tourist destination March 25 at 6 p.m La Traviata, Opera Russia (10th) as the only three re- word “vacation.” It doesn’t excite as well as cultural and traditional March 29 at 7 p.m Rodin, Ballet By Dmitry Lee maining countries in the top ten. like the beaches of Thailand or similarities, yet today they are Supposedly, tourists spend a few the Maldives, but does raise a few quite different in terms of foreign KAZAKHSTAN CONCERT HALL ASTANA – Throughout the cen- summers tanning in Asia Pacific, a questions: Why go? What is there policy and internal affairs. turies, Europe has been reigning few more exploring medieval castles to do or see? and the most common Central Asia is famed for the March 25, at 6 p.m Vivaldi Vs Piazzolla, Concert supreme as the world’s most vis- and roaming narrow streets in Spain question, Where is it? Silk Way – a trade route that spun ited tourist destination. As of 2015, and Austria and are then perplexed Central Asia is often referred to for centuries connecting merchants France topped the list of the most with what to do on their next vacation. as the region of the five “stans” between East and West. People are ASTANA CONCERT HALL popular vacation spots, followed By human nature, people are – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ta- often stupefied when asked about March 24, at 7 p.m. Dance Show by Spain (third), Italy (fifth), Tur- curio us about the unknown and jikistan, Turkmenistan and Uz- this part of the world, so The Asta- key (sixth), Germany (seventh) mysterious. Central Asia is not the bekistan. All these countries have na Times wanted to shed some and the U.K. (eighth), leaving the destination that immediately pops commonalities; once left by the light on the region’s pearls. U.S. (second), Mexico (ninth) and into one’s mind after hearing the reverberation of the Soviet Union, Continued on Page B6 B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 President congratulates women on Int’l Women’s Day regard, Nazarbayev noted that which the use of women’s labour By Aigerim Seisembayeva every third marriage breaks up in is prohibited,” said Nazarbayev. Kazakhstan, in particular, due to The head of state pointed out as ASTANA – President of Ka- the unpreparedness of the spouses next priorities of gender policy the zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev for responsibility. need to create a comfortable envi- congratulated March 7 the women “There are half a million single- ronment for a mother and a child, of Kazakhstan on the upcoming parent families in our country. It is as well as promote a culture of re- International Women’s Day, not- necessary to take measures to ad- spect for motherhood. ing the invaluable role of women dress this problem,” Nazarbayev “Perhaps, it is worth holding a in the development of Kazakhstan stressed. nationwide open day for children. society. At the same time, the President I hope that with your help, dear “Today, women of Kazakhstan drew attention to the need to eradi- women, we will be able to imple- make a special contribution to the cate any manifestations of aggres- ment all our plans,” the President formation of our state. The repre- sion against children and to pro- noted. sentatives of the beautiful half of vide employment for the younger Nazarbayev expressed confi- humanity are working tirelessly generation by strengthening pa- dence that it is women who will in various spheres of our econo- triotic education in special circles play a big role in the current politi- my, including public service, sci- and institutions. cal modernisation. ence, private sector, education and “In addition, we can consider Participants of the meeting health. Fifty-five percent of civil the possibility of holding an all- shared their achievements both in servants in the country are wom- tion of motherhood and child- cent. The annual cost of financial maternal mortality by 3.7 times, Kazakhstan Children’s Olympiad professional and daily activities. en,” Nazarbayev said at a large hood. support for maternity and child- children’s deaths decreased by 1.5 every four years under the super- At the end of the event, the head meeting held in Akorda with wom- “Upon my instructions, the hood constitutes 160 billion tenge times,” the head of state said. vision of Olympic champions. of state awarded the mother of en coming from different walks of implementation of the Family (US$506 million). Another 120 In addition, the Kazakh Presi- The next issue is that the average many children Oksana Mukashe- life. and Gender Policy Concept un- billion tenge (US$380 million) is dent singled outtasks to strengthen women’s income is still one-third va with the “Altyn alka” (Golden He also touched upon the state’s til 2030 begins this year. In July, paid to parents from the State So- the country’s gender policy, no- lower than that of men. One of the Pendant) award and conducted a demographic policy, focusing on the amount of childbirth allow- cial Insurance Fund. In 10 years, tingthe first task is to strengthen reasons for this is the list of jobs tour around the Akorda residence the issues of support and protec- ances will be increased by 20 per- we have achieved a reduction in the institution of a family. In this approved by the government, on for the meeting participants. Young author from British leather goods with Kazakh soul uled around my leather art studio. By Zhazira Dyussembekova It takes practically all my life. It supports me, pays my bills and Kyzylorda creates more ASTANA – Aiman Sagatova, supports my children. I think it is also known by her artistic nick- a unique situation when a person name Vasya, created Kazakhsha does what he wants and it pays his Leather Art Studio almost three bills, because in real life some- than 40 fairy tales years ago in Aldershot, England. times people do what they don’t By Zhazira Dyussembekova “At first, Altynai began to draw After working as an interpreter, the like. They do office work and animals; then she began writing a young artisan decided to make her absolutely hate it and back home ASTANA – Altynai Berik is a story for each of them and after, hobby a full-time job. they wish they could be someone fifth-grader from Kyzylorda whose there were long stories. So, we re- “Most of my items are made of else,” she said. name became known throughout alised that she has a talent. Some- full grain vegetable tanned leather, Sagatova has been living in the the nation last year when President times I help her, give her advice. which is the best material among United Kingdom for 10 years. Nursultan Nazarbayev presented her We hope that our granddaughter other types of leathers. Working Speaking fluent English and -Ital with a book. The 10-year-old writer will be a famous writer in the fu- with this particular kind of leather, ian, she previously worked as an has been recognised as the youngest ture,” she said. I use old techniques such as hand interpreter. She always had hob- author and given a special award. Although the storylines are in- sewing and tooling. Almost every bies, but they never were on a full- “I create fairy tales by myself. spired by everyday life, Berik’s main work, product and project I do has a time or professional level. for me where I am from, where my Customers are not always fa- They are especially good when I characters are animals. Her favourite hint of nomadic touch with a blend “I enjoyed my job. It was the roots are. That’s it,” said Sagatova. miliar with Kazakhstan or Kazakh have inspiration. As soon as I write fairy tales are Tuiye (Camel), Kyzyl of Central Asia spirit and heritage right decision to go in that area, but Kazakhsha Leather Art Studio designs. something, I immediately hasten to Koraz (Red Cock) and Tauyk pen of Sarmatian and Scythian ancient at some point I felt that there was produces items such as bags, wal- “Central Asia has still not been share it with my relatives, ask them Kushik (Chicken and Puppy). Like cultures,” notes her website, www. no more progression for me. There lets, clutches, passport covers and discovered for Europe. Some peo- for advice,” said Berik, according all fairy tales, they show the struggle kazakhshaleatherartstudio.co.uk. is always room for improvement belts and Sagatova falls in love ple don’t know where it is. Some to Channel 1. of good and bad and the importance Sagatova is not only an artisan, in any profession, but I didn’t see with every item she makes. Each people find something interesting of friendship and love. she is also a businesswoman, run- myself working as an interpreter piece is different and takes a dif- and mesmerising in Kazakh pat- Every story takes about three-sev- ning her studio and coping with until the end of my life,” she said. ferent amount of time, such as a terns, but not everyone. People en days to write. The young author, everything on her own. The studio She has been doing crafts since rifle case that needed two months. have different tastes, different who is also an excellent student, has is not only about creating, as she age six, working not only with She is inspired by various styles, backgrounds – cultural, economi- composed nearly 40 stories. needs to multi-task orders to keep leather, but also with metal, wood, techniques and themes. cal. There are so many English The winner of many regional and her business going. Sagatova has wool and silver. Three years ago “I like Kazakh motifs. I am fa- girls who fall in love with the national competitions, Berik was numerous responsibilities, such she finally decided to launch her miliar with them, they are native bracelets that I do with Kazakh awarded the title “the youngest au- as customer calls, administrative own studio, Kazakhsha, which lit- for me, but I have to accommo- patterns, but they are not really Photo credit: baq.kz Photo credit: thor.” One of her recent wins was work, promotion and working on erally means Kazakh. date different tastes and different interested whether it is a Kazakh Altynai Berik at the Ush Baiterek contest and her new designs, she said in an inter- “I am from Kazakhstan. It is my clients. Some people ask for rep- pattern or not,” she added. works have appeared in several pub- view for this story. identity. I’m not promoting Ka- licas of certain images; some ask Sagatova sells items through her She started writing her own sto- lications and magazines. “For me, my art studio is both zakhstan. I don’t think the coun- for images of horses, Scandinavian website, which hosts an e-com- ries at age seven and the first audi- Berik wrote a letter to Nazarbayev my business and way to express try needs promotion. The country patterns, Celtic patterns and oth- merce platform. They are also avail- ence was her family. They sent her last year congratulating him on Con- my creativity. It is my lifestyle. is representing itself. I think that ers. It is not 100 percent Kazakh able on Etsy, a popular online mar- first fairy tale, Ak Kozhek (White stitution Day. In response, the head My work is shaped and sched- Kazakhsha is sort of a reminder motifs,” she said. ketplace featuring handmade items. Hare), to Baldyrgan, a Kazakh of state presented her with the book language magazine for children “In the Heart of Eurasia.” The event distributed throughout the country. was widely covered and the young The story was picked by editors and author’s name reached many corners published, which inspired the au- of the country. thor to continue her work, said her As for her future, Berik dreams Kazakh fashion designer offers grandmother, Sholpan Yespayeva, that her hobby will grow into be- according to kzvesti.kz. coming a writer or journalist. custom-made tailoring in New Zealand By Kamila Zhumabayeva Kazakh officer awarded UN ASTANA – A 34-year-old Ka- zakh-born tailor is bringing fashion trends to the streets of Auckland. Asya Sadyrova has made clothing medal for peacekeeping for beauty contest participants and offers custom-made tailoring. Born and raised in Ust-Kame- nogorsk (East Kazakhstan region), mission in Côte d’Ivoire Sadyrova has had a propensity for By Aigerim Seisembayeva tablish its role in the international varied handcrafts since she was arena, the country’s Ministry of De- young, even making doll furniture. ASTANA – Kazakh Armed Forc- fence believes. ”I was studying at a regular es Captain Assylkhan Amangaliuly Kazakh peacekeepers are trained school and attending a music recently received the United Nations to international standards. A special school at the same time. I was also Medal for impeccable and exem- peacekeeping operations training taking cutting and sewing classes plary fulfilment of requirements for centre has been established, where and began sewing when I was 14 military observers for a peacekeep- officers with UN missions experi- years old,” she said in an interview Photo by James Pasley ing mission in Côte d’Ivoire. ence share their knowledge and train with The Astana Times. Asya Sadyrova Amangaliuly served for one year colleagues. The United Nations has Sadyrova subsequently became a Living in New Zealand, Sadyro- some of the tailor-made services Zealand market, which embodies as a member of a mission monitor- praised the level of training of Ka- member of the fashion design fac- va embraced the country’s unique offered on the website. both class and sophistication, ac- ing the border with the Republic zakh peacekeeping units, marking ulty at an institute in her home city. fashion style and integrated it into Her work has also been seen cording to the website. of Mali. He helped monitor illegal the contributions of Kazakh officers She ended up in New Zealand by her own design aesthetic, according at the Miss World New Zealand The designer noted the differences border crossings by illegal armed to the UN’s operations. chance, moving to the country in to her website, atelier-sandringham. contest. Sadyrova sews for a local in clothing choices between women groups, identify drugs, psychotropic Four officers of Kazakhstan’s September 2013. co.nz. Her vision is to make women online brand which was asked by in Kazakhstan and New Zealand. substances, weapons and ammuni- armed forces are currently serving “I sure enough did not want to feel “feminine, beautiful and pow- event organisers in 2016 to become “Girls in Kazakhstan and the en- tion, explosives and their compo- in UN peacekeeping missions. They leave my undertaking and began erful for any occasion.” a sponsor. tire post-Soviet area are quite ob- nents and the movements of refu- are participating as military observ- working from home bit by bit. Her atelier, in the Auckland “As a side note, the same thing sessed with their looks, like to dress gees returning to their country after ers in a mission in Western Sahara After a while, I decided to move suburb of Sandringham, offers will probably take place again this up all the time and have the perfect post-conflict developments. (MINURSO). Since July 2014, 11 forward and opened my own atel- tailoring, alterations and origi- year. Some of the participants of fit for their body and shape. Mean- The peacekeeping operation is Kazakh officers have served in Unit- ier [fashion design studio], where nal dressmaking. Evening wear various contests are my steady while, locals in New Zealand seem essential to fulfil Kazakhstan’s in- ed Nations peacekeeping operations I provide a wide range of services such as cocktail dresses and ball customers,” she said. relaxed, prefer comfortable and oc- ternational obligations, promote its as military observers in Western Sa- for tailoring,” she said, adding she gowns, wedding dresses, brides- Sadyrova looks forward to bring- casionally very casual clothing,” military-political positions and es- hara and Côte d’Ivoire. also does custom-made tailoring. maid dresses and other items are ing her label “ASYA” to the New she said, according to news reports. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 Kazakh filmmaker’s latest project creates new wave of independent documentary culture children live in a world where there My task was essentially simple – By Zhanna Shayakhmetova is no evil at all. It was important for to make a good documentary film. me to create a film full of kindness,” Even though I was working alone, ASTANA – Young and ambi- he said to the audience at a March 1 the project was supported by a tre- tious filmmaker Kanat Beisekeyev showing in the capital. mendous amount of people and I released “Bala,” a film about Ka- “I filmed 11 stories, but only am thankful for all of them,” said zakh children adopted by Ameri- eight of them got in the final ver- Beisekeyev. can families, in late February. The sion. Each story, each destiny is All the individuals know they are documentary touches on a sensitive a special one. These children do from Kazakhstan. They plan to visit topic, but the author’s simple, under- not know their biological parents, their homeland and get acquainted standable language and extraordi- but in spite of everything, they with their biological mothers. narily light narration leaves no one love them and feel that they are “I’m honest with all the charac- indifferent. both Kazakh and American. Their ters. We immediately trust each “I am extremely happy to present American parents gave them a be- other and I try to ask questions at an this film. It’s not just a film for me; loved family, a job, a decent future. appropriate moment. This all comes I grew up together with this project. I had the task to show what sort of from my experience of working as It’s about love, life and us. The film people they became and what they a photo reporter at the Vox Populi reflects our society. These children achieved,” he added. portal and my experience studying are a great lesson for all of us,” he The film is not a commercial one abroad. My amazing and interesting told The Astana Times. and is already available on YouTube. friends also have a great influence “Bala” tells the story of foster “Film financing was collected on me,” he said. children adopted as infants. The via the crowdfunding platform. Beisekeyev intends to continue production process took one year, When people started to send making documentary films. with Beisekeyev working indepen- money, it really inspired me. I “Some people offered to send the dently as producer and director. made the first story in Philadel- film to the festival, but I refused. “The hardest part of filmmaking phia in 2015. Some families were How does this usually work? You was to find the leading characters. sceptical about the project. Many made a film and send it to the fes- I found all of them on Facebook. I people refused to take part in the tival, but there are a lot of festivals. wrote to them and showed my pre- project. Some of them didn’t want You can send it to the festival and vious works. They are living in dif- to communicate with the media be proud of yourself. I would like ferent parts of the country and they and some families have refused to see more independent, non-profit other films because there are a lot of A second film about adopted chil- “Bala,” released in English have different accents and appear- to participate in the film after the projects that touch people. My film experiments, a lot of new features. dren who returned to Kazakhstan with Russian subtitles, is avail- ance. I do not want to reveal the neg- shooting. I travelled from the east is not a documentary, but more like It was filmed on a simple camera,” will be released this summer. It is able at www.youtube.com/ ative moments in the film, because to the west coast while filming it. a story-telling. ‘Bala’ is not like my he said. currently in post-production. watch?v=UKYQpwq-hqM. Short film by Kazakh New comedy from Kazakh director tells director to be shown simple story of difficult relationship ally liked it and I began to ‘work on “We wanted to prove that one “Many topics are opened up in this By Kamila Zhumabayeva it’ so that we could make this project can make a good film based on film; creators tell about other family together,” she added. its screenplay, acting and fullness values amidst the relationship of a at Cannes Short ASTANA – “Kelinka Tozhe Uzabayev and Sadvakassova without spending some hundreds of daughter and a mother-in-law. The Chelovek” (“Daughter-in-law is a served as co-producers and the for- thousands or millions of dollars on it. entire time I was laughing, stand- Human, too”), a small budget com- mer, along with Sabit Rakhimbayev, And it can teach completely different ing by, criticising and was emotion- edy from Kazakh director Askar Auez Auezov and Azamat Kaunev, big-budget films a thing or two,” said ally involved with the characters. I Film Corner Uzabayev, was scheduled for a Feb. Sadvakassova. even shed a tear a little during some wrote the script. The film stars Sad- 23 release. vakassova, Danagul Temirsultanova, Despite its comedy genre and moments. I am very impressed, al- By Dana Omirgazy The film tells the story of the Daniyar Alshinov, Abunasyr Serikov many laughable moments, the movie though honestly I am quite hard to tense relationship between wicked and Amina Malgazhdar. is quite insightful and even drives please,” said Almaty resident Baglan ASTANA – The “UltiO” short mother-in-law Maira and daughter- A movie about family values al- some viewers to tears. Iteshov. film directed by promising film- in-law Aizhan living under one roof. ways was and will be of interest, said maker Dias Azimzhanov has There is very likely only one way Uzabayev. been accepted to the Cannes to solve their family issues and im- Short Film Corner, according to prove their relationship. Aizhan and “Our film happened to be about a the Bolashak Association web- Maira literally switch bodies after relationship between a mother and site. The psychological drama Aizhan drinks from an old teapot she a daughter-in-law and their adver- with elements of mysticism de- received as a gift from an enigmatic sarial position. We wanted to laugh scribes complicated relations clerk at an antique shop. at it all and make a satirically inter- between spouses, parents and “When we were in one of the ven- esting film. In theory, this topic will children. ues with Askar, I told him I liked the never be old. But we will close the “Submitting the film to the idea of kelinka and eneshka (mother- topic about ‘kelin’ with this film, be- Cannes Festival Short Film in-law). He replied that there was cause there are many other topics in Corner gives the right to the a script almost complete and that I the Kazakh film scene that were not production staff to show their could read it,” said the film’s actress opened up yet,” he noted. work to the world film industry and general producer Assel Sad- He added an idea to make a mov- community and potential inves- vakassova, according to Tengrinews. ie about feminists in Kazakhstan tors. We also have applied for Dias Azimzhanov Uzabayev, however, was working emerged during a press conference. the Cinefondation, where only on his own at a time and did not wish It was intentionally made with a scriptwriters and directors with as other talented filmmakers to talk about teamwork. small budget and, in fact, with a low academic cinematic education from Kazakhstan. Thus, famous “When I finished reading it, I re- budget. can participate. Selection re- composer Askar Shafi wrote sults in this prestigious compe- the original music for the film. tition will be announced in mid- Approximately 45 people from April,” Azimzhanov said. all over the world created this Cinefondation is a foundation film,” Azimzhanov emphasised. under the aegis of the Cannes Film producer and Bolashak Film Festival, created to inspire alumnus Dauren Toleukhanov and support the next generation supported an idea initiated by of international filmmakers. novice director, screenwriter This year, the Short Film Cor- and editor Azimzhanov. Toleu- ner will feature more than 2,000 khanov is known as a producer short films from at least 100 and one of the screenwriters countries worldwide. for “Flags over Berlin,” a new “UltiO” brought together movie to be released in 2017 some of the world’s and Ka- that is telling about the heroism zakhstan’s talents working in of Kazakh soldiers Rakhimzhan film production. Koshkarbayev and Gregory Bu- “The film production crew in- latov, who stormed Reichstag volved specialists from Kazakh- on April 30, 1945 as part of the stan, Russia and the U.S. as well Red Army’s 150th Infantry Di- vision. Bolashak scholarship holder Azimzhanov is now studying at the New York Film Academy. His debut picture “Moments of Enlightenment” won the Award of Recognition at the Holly- wood International Moving Pic- tures Film Festival last year. The 70th annual Cannes Film Festival will take place May 17 to 28. Organised by the Festival de Cannes, the Short Film Cor- ner is the essential rendezvous for filmmakers. Since 2004, short film producers and direc- tors have chosen the Short Film Corner as the place to present their films and make connec- tions within the industry. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 Industry experts optimistic about introduction of autonomous vehicles in Kazakhstan southern and central regions of the and today, in addition to assem- By Dmitry Lee country. bling, is carrying out welding and “We are seeing a rapid develop- painting of parts in some models ASTANA – Iveco representative in ment of production in Kazakhstan of commercial vehicles. Commer- Kazakhstan Lorenzo Bernardeli said and the desire of our innovative part- cial vehicles meet all European he was optimistic about the future ner AllurGroup to test and imple- standards and regulations of the of autonomous vehicles in Kazakh- ment innovations and technologies; Euro 5 type of fuel, and they also stan during an international forum we think that models of futuristic have a number of improved techni- in Astana, according to the press cars will be available to the Kazakh- cal qualities. The share of localisa- services of Agromashholding and stan market in the future,” he said. tion of technology is some 33 per- SaryarkaAvtoProm. Its partner in Ka- Kostanai’s plant was the first plant cent and in specialised assemblies zakhstan will most likely be the Al- to switch to the full-cycle produc- is up to 50 percent. With the use of lurGroup assembly plant in Kostanai. tion of cars and became a spring- new technologies, it was possible “During the forum, the repre- board for the formation in the coun- to reduce the operational cost of sentative of Iveco, Lorenzo Ber- try of adjacent production of auto equipment by 4 percent. nardeli, presented futuristic con- components and spare parts, such as To ensure the maximum produc- cepts of the cars with innovative batteries, tires, glasses, electrical en- tivity Iveco has done considerable solutions. Iveco is part of the CNH gineering, among other technologi- work to create the best braking Industrial Corporation and is dem- speaker noted that the producer ad- be able to follow suit,” the press nai was adapted for Kazakhstan to cal products while the plant is also system for all types of car parts. onstrating an active introduction heres to the policy of switching to release read. meet the needs of customers in this developing commercial transport. These innovative solutions are also of cutting-edge technologies in the the unmanned cars and expressed Bernardeli also said the range of market, including climatic condi- The production site is working applied in models that are being commercial technology sector. The hope that Kazakh colleagues will Iveco cars manufactured in Kosta- tions and road conditions of the on the localisation of processes assembled in Kostanai today. Government to Medical implants to be produced with launch additional support from East Kazakhstan region received preliminary approval. of superconductors for CT scan- metallurgy of Kazakhstan. Since Staff Report It is expected that they will al- ners,” according to a statement. 1997, the company has been part locate 2.7 billion tenge (US$8.6 “If Kazakhstan produces this of the Kazatomprom National 410 agricultural ASTANA – Businesses support- million) by the end of this year. product, we will be able to take Atomic Company, representing ed by funding from the East Ka- This amount will be spent on the the appropriate niche in the world the interests of Kazakhstan in the zakhstan region are set to launch implementation of 10 innovative in the production of CT scanners, nuclear industry. It is one of the production of medical implants de- projects. They will allow mod- because the essential part in such world leaders in terms of pro- cooperatives to veloped by local scientists, 24.kz ernising the technology at indus- equipment is the superconducting duction of beryllium, tantalum reports. trial sites and help to master the wire. We can produce this wire and niobium, as well as urani- “The region’s administration production of modern and popu- at the Ulba Metallurgical Plant,” um-based fuel bricks for nuclear has provided businesses the op- lar production. For example, it is Rector of East Kazakhstan State power stations. It is also the site assist small farms portunity to take advantage of planned to establish production Technical University Zhasulan where the international bank of the fund of financial support be- local scientists’ development and of medical implants of tantalum Shaimardanov said. low-enriched uranium fuel under By Yerbolat Uatkhanov came the top priority of the fund. offer state support. Scientists ap- and titanium fittings for the oil The Ulba Metallurgical Plant the auspices of the International He emphasised that the initial plied for funding to the Ministry and gas industry. Another impor- is located in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Atomic Energy Agency is being ASTANA – Four-hundred-and- payment is made at the expense of Education and Science and tant project is the development a major centre of non-ferrous established now. ten agricultural cooperatives will of investment subsidies. be established in 2017 to support The fund implemented new di- small and medium-sized farms. rections of subsidising farmers: The cooperatives will help farms milk production cheapening, fat- buy equipment, store and trans- tening of bulls and lambs, cheap- port products, provide veterinary ening of the cost of equipment Ammunition plant to launch services, organise the supply of and machinery up to 50 percent fodder and agrochemical prod- and subsidies to cooperatives for ucts and help with lending. reimbursement of VAT. Vice Minister of Agriculture Tripartite plans have been con- operations in Karaganda this year of Kazakhstan Kairat Aitu- cluded between the ministries tenge (US$2.2 million) in taxes ganov said the programme was of agriculture, labour and social By Yerbolat Uatkhanov per year. launched last year and 157 coop- protection of the population and Starting this production will eratives are already cooperating city and regional administra- ASTANA – Construction of the allow Kazakhstan to become a with 15,000 farms. The coopera- tions. A single call centre for ammunition factory in Karaganda small arms ammunition-producing tives created more than 100 milk consultations on cooperation and will be completed in December, country in the long term. Current- collecting centres and 7,000 for- a website have been created. A according to Kazinform. Construc- ly, there is no production of small age bases. In general, the indica- group of experts has been trained tion companies had difficulties arms ammunition in the state. Cur- tive plans are executed in all re- on the basis of Atameken scien- with ground water, which caused a rent demand for cartridges by the gions, according to Kazinform. tific and production enterprise to delay in construction. Ministry of Defence is met by re- Aituganov reported that as implement the new programme. “[Groundwater problems] re- serves created before the collapse of March 9, all tasks have been Special information materials, quired serious changes in the of the Soviet Union. achieved in all regions of the including booklets and videos design of main plant building The new Kazakh cartridge fac- country. for training in the regions are and its foundation,” said Direc- tory will be equipped with ad- The Ministry of Agriculture used as well. tor of the factory Dauren Arynov. vanced equipment for the produc- developed approaches to involve According to the vice minister, “Now, all the problems have been tion of ammunition supplied by small and medium-sized farms training seminars were organised solved and the plant is under con- Waterbury Farrel from Canada. in agricultural cooperation un- in all 165 districts and cities of struction in accordance with the Waterbury Farrel was established der the State Programme for the the state from Feb. 1 to 22 this schedule.” in 1851 and as of today is a world Development of the Agricul- year. As of March 9, 75 farms The ammunition plant is be- leader in the design and manufac- tural and Industrial Complex for have purchased equipment using ing built within the Saryarka spe- Armed Forces: 5.45 x 39 mm, 7.62 made in Kazakhstan. For example, ture of high-performance equip- 2017-2021, an initiative of Ka- the state programme. cial economic zone. The planned x 54 mm, 9 x 18 mm, and 9 x 19 it will use no less than 300 tonnes ment. It provides a broad range of zakh President Nursultan Naz- The ministry plans to allocate capacity of the plant is 30 mil- mm. of brass alloy supplied by regional innovative products with lifecycle arbayev. 50 billion tenge ($157.9 million) lion pieces or ordnance per year. The project cost more than 20 companies per year. Despite oper- support. The vice minister reported that this year to support small and The plant will produce the most billion tenge (US$63.3 million). ating in the special economic zone, The plant is expected to create financing of the cooperatives by medium-sized farms. popular cartridges for the Kazakh The plant will use raw materials it will pay more than 680 million 164 jobs. Expert consults citizens on IPO investments as privatisation advances invest 20 percent of the savings In a recent address to the nation, From this list, 12 assets will be By Dana Omirgazy in an IPO. Of course, if one sees Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- prepared for IPO in the first half of any segment in the stock market as arbayev outlined aspects of further the year. The world’s largest com- ASTANA – Forex Club informa- one of the areas for investment, it stock market development. He panies will be invited to participate tion and analysis centre head Nikolai is better to spend 10 percent of the noted the necessity of expanding in the privatisation plan. Ivchenko has advised citizens to in- savings for an IPO and divide five opportunities for people to invest “We plan to prepare Air Astana vest funds intelligently when pur- percent of the investment on each their savings primarily in various and Kazatomprom for IPO this chasing national companies’ shares company. The rest of the money types of stocks. The President in- year,” said Shukeyev. at initial public offerings (IPOs), can be invested in a long-trading structed the government together Prime Minister Bakhytzhan specifically, not to spend all their company by buying an index or a with the National Bank to take ad- Sagintayev recently instructed the money on one particular company basket consisting of 15-20 compa- equate measures aimed at enhanc- Ministry of Finance to accelerate no matter how stable they are. nies which are included in the in- ing the domestic stock market. and complete privatising enter- “It is hard to talk about issuers; dex. It is always easier to deal with The Samruk Kazyna Sovereign prises. we need to analyse each company a reliable asset that has long been Wealth Fund intends to transfer 23 “The government is supposed individually. Typically, an IPO is trading in the market,” he said, ac- assets to the competitive environ- to complete the corresponding not a simple process. Commonly, cording to inform.kz. ment through IPO this year, said work before the end of 2018. The after the start of an IPO a compa- Ivchenko reiterated any IPO car- Samruk Kazyna head Umirzak Ministry of National Economy is ny’s shares fall in price; however, ries risks of a sharp rise or decline. Shukeyev. required to submit the govern- they start recovering later. There- “In general, I can say that the “According to our plan for this ment’s draft decision on the ap- fore, individuals are recommended Kazakhstan Stock Market (KASE) year, 23 facilities out of 45 in the proval of a specific list of pro- not to invest all their money in will witness positive dynamics in first list will be sold until the end jects subject to privatisation until one or two companies. One can the next two years,” he added. of 2017,” he added. 2018,” he added. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 Kazakh student opens social café as supportive workplace for mentally challenged youth Centre of Mental Health operating The café, based on the campus, By Dana Omirgazy in the capital. Centre psychologists will employ 20 people. The staff provide counselling at such work- intends to develop the idea of so- ASTANA – A young and aspir- shops, which offer skills like sew- cial responsibility by eliminating ing Nazarbayev University student ing, knitting, carpentry, construc- food waste, cooperating with ani- is set to open a social café paving tion, dance and art. mal shelter organisations and re- the way out of isolation for people “Centre director Yerbol Nur- ducing plastic waste. Visitors will with mental health challenges. The katov promotes the idea of a new be able to become part of the team new project, created by 20-year- approach towards treatment and of young enthusiasts, and part of old Maulen Akhmetov, aims at Maulen Akhmetov rehabilitation. They encourage the proceeds is to be donated to recruiting people with mental engaged in charity, organising young people back into society, other initiatives. disorders, promoting charity and different fundraising events and to develop their communication “We like to experiment and we spreading social awareness among delivering clothes and necessary skills and live independently. I are committed to helping people youth and understanding and re- items to needy families. However, think that the problem is hidden identify their capabilities to further spect in society. In an interview we wanted to focus on the sys- not in such people, but in the fact their careers. We want to establish a with The Astana Times, he said he tematic approach to solving these that there are no possibilities. Only system that would effectively train and his team hope to break the ste- problems. We wanted to base the a few people know about the chal- and encourage people. You know, reotypes that surround people suf- charity not on human generosity, lenges that such people face. There they are brave people. People find fering mental illness. not on people’s pity or pride, but a are now approximately 102 adults strength and come to the centre to “It is very important for a per- simple desire to eat delicious food in Astana attending the workshops. study and change their life. Just son to be settled in life, to be and get good service,” he said. This project creates an integrated imagine a person stuck at home is happy and to benefit society. It is Young adults undergo training approach system of rehabilitation, beginning to make steps towards something that everyone wants. in occupational therapy work- so that we can monitor the pro- society, communicating with others In Kazakhstan, we have long been shops established by the Medical cess,” added Akhmetov. every day. When a person gets fi- nancial independence, he or she be- gins to look at life from a different perspective. They get meaning in Everyday Social Cafe team their life; they keep developing and they help their families. I think com- arbayev University, because I be- ly supported the project and agreed munication is the most healing and lieve that these students will be to allocate a place for the café in its effective method to make a person able to make a big difference in the pavilion at EXPO 2017. This will happier,” Akhmetov told the paper. country. Someone just understands be a great opportunity for people The young entrepreneur came up that every person in the world has with mental challenges to break with the idea of a socially-inclusive his or her own place in society; through barriers that have too long workplace last year and presented everyone has potential strengths. prevented them from meeting peo- it at the ABC Quick Start Accel- The only thing is just whether you ple, said Akhmetov. eration Programme for beginning focus on the strengths or the weak- “We would be glad to contact the start-up companies, inventors and nesses of the person. You just start commercial department of EXPO innovators launched by the Astana looking for his or her potential. 2017 and tell them about our social Business Campus innovation clus- That is all,” he said. project and the will to bring our ter and the university. The United Nations Develop- message to the expo community,” “I like that we start with Naz- ment Programme (UNDP) recent- he said.

“However, in reality any type of sport tempers you as an individual and helps to achieve goals,” said Healthcare minister #YesSheCan exhibition features Kan, who is now an international Taekwondo instructor, according to the news agency. These are only some examples reports positive trends women in rare occupations of women’s success stories. All of cialties, for example. For that rea- went on a two-month journey in these women are inspiring, pas- By Kamila Zhumabayeva son, we gathered all these women the Atlantic Ocean. sionate, successful and happy about heroines from different career fields, “We fell under a week-long whom they have become and none in vaccinations, infant ASTANA – The UN Women like a woman pilot, a bus driver, an storm and underwent first aid, fire- have regrets about their career and Youth Information Service of oilfield worker, a football lawyer, a fighting and survival training. I was choices. Kazakhstan public Fund raised the boxer, a policewoman and other cat- in Hawaii, San Francisco, Rich- A joint statement was released issues of women’s participation in egories of young and elder women. mond, Long Beach, Singapore, March 7 by Norimasa Shimomura, mortality the country’s economic life and the We want to show that women can Japan and the Canary Islands,” she UN Resident Coordinator in Ka- rights and opportunities of women do anything if they have a will and said, adding her parents supported zakhstan, Elaine Conkievich, UN By Botagoz Baltabayeva in the workplace by organising ex- a possibility,” she said. her choice after seeing how inter- Women Representative in Central hibitions in honour of International Thirty-year-old Zulfiya Baimukh- Asia, Natalia Alexeeva, Head of the ASTANA – For the first time Women’s Day. This year, women in anova works as an oil engineer. Her UN Environment Programme sub- in the post-Soviet space, Kazakh- rare occupations are in the focus of love for math and physics impacted regional office for Central Asia and stan has begun vaccinating chil- special attention. her choice of this profession. In Vlastimil Samek, Department of dren against pneumococcal infec- “We raise issues of the economic 2009, Baimukhanova was named a Public Information representative, tion, said Minister of Healthcare possibilities of women, that women geological engineer at one of Kyzy- on the occasion of International Yelzhan Birtanov at an expanded should get equal salaries, equal ca- lorda region’s deposits. Seven years Women’s Day. meeting of the board of the min- reer opportunities and so on. This later, she switched to another compa- “On this International Women’s istry dedicated to the results of year, we decided to pay special at- ny that operates in the gas recovery Day, we call upon the government of 2016 and the tasks for 2017. tention to women who work in non- field and became a leading geologist. the Republic of Kazakhstan, civil so- “To date, two regions of the traditional, rare occupations, to show “I can never say that discrimi- ciety and the private sector to support country are covered by this type of that they can develop a career and nation took place. When I began Minister of Healthcare Zulfiya Baimukhanova the achievements of women, recog- vaccination, it will be carried out Yelzhan Birtanov succeed at professions dominated by my career, I felt care and concern nise the challenges that exist and pay throughout the country stage by men. We want this to be an inspira- from my colleagues and superi- esting it was for their daughter to greater attention to issues of wom- stage. These measures alone will of the National Screening Pro- tion for young women, for them to ors because I am a young woman. learn and explore the world. en’s rights and gender equality in the reduce the death rate of children gramme. In 2016, more than 11 know that they don’t only have the Working at a deposit is physical- Tashkenbayeva noted the wom- workplace. Empowering women and by 20 percent,” said Birtanov. million screening surveys of tar- role of being a mother, but that they ly challenging for females, but I en held responsibilities similar to girls is the only way to protect their He also noted that 2016 was get groups of adults and children can also succeed as individuals and grew as an engineer and as an in- the men without concessions, such rights and make sure they can realise significant for the entire health- were conducted in the country. as professionals,” Aijamal Duishe- dividual thanks to my knowledge, as doing renovation works in oil their full potential. We in the United care sector. The state programme The coverage rate of screening baeva, one of the organisers, shared initiative, hard work and thirst for tanks. Young women should not Nations believe that Kazakhstan, Densaulyk was launched, which was increased by at least 90 per- with The Astana Times. knowledge. Like that, I rose to the be afraid of anything and chose a which has already made significant is a logical continuation of previ- cent as well as the detection rate The #YesSheCan exhibition was category of first level engineer and career where they want to prove progress in the field of gender equal- ous state programmes. of cases of diseases. held March 6-11 in Astana, Almaty, led the well research service,” she themselves, she added. ity, is fully able to achieve this global “Life expectancy in 2016 was “Considering the fact that more Shymkent and Semei. said, according to Tengrinews. Many people told Svetlana Kan goal, namely gender equality – Plan- 72 years, which is six years more than 40 percent of the population “We also like to reduce gender Aishabibi Tashkenbayeva chose that martial arts are not for women, et 50-50 by 2030. From our side, we than in 2006. There is a positive lives in rural areas, special at- stereotypes, like [that about] women to be a navigator because she loves that this type of sport is exceeding- are ready to render all possible assis- trend in infant mortality, in 2016 tention is paid to increasing the not being able to work in rare spe- the sea. During her first year, she ly dangerous. tance,” read the statement. that figure was 12.6 cases per availability of medical care to 1,000 births, which is two times rural populations, especially to less than in 2006. In order to re- those living in remote and hard- are designed to meet the require- duce maternal and infant mortal- to-reach regions. Transport medi- ments of their future profession. ity, the ministry successfully in- cine is developing, 49 mobile The UNT will be held several troduced an integrated model of medical complexes, 40 medical Pilot programme to teach Kazakh in times a year. rendering medical care to obstet- rescue stations and three diagnos- “We should change our view re- ric patients and childcare,” said tic trains are functioning,” stated garding the test. The UNT has be- Birtanov. Birtanov. come much easier. This is a stand- According to the minister, the Priority attention is paid to the Russian-language schools to launch in 2018 ard test that students regularly pass taken measures have resulted in a treatment of diseases most influ- schools in 2018. If it proves to ing (UNT) are the most urgent every year. It is just necessary to stable decline in infant mortality encing the demographic situation By Zhanna Shayakhmetova be effective, it will be possible to issues. Writing and essays as new study hard and it will be possible rates. According to the Statistics in the country. present it in all schools,” said Sa- exam forms will be introduced as to pass it without any pressure. We Committee, the maternal mortal- The country’s 23 medical or- ASTANA – A pilot programme gadiyev. well as changes in the tests six need to gradually change the UNT ity rate in the reporting year was ganisations in seven regions are to teach the Kazakh language in The technique aims “to elimi- months before the completion of towards international standards,” 12.7 cases per 100,000 births, implementing the Disease Man- Russian-language schools will nate the mechanical memorisation the school. The final examination the minister said. whereas in 2000 it was 48.0 cases agement Programme in pilot launched in 2018, said Minister of of rules and translation of texts.” will be held from May 25 to June “We should facilitate access per 100,000 births. In order to mode for arterial hypertension, Education and Science Yerlan Sa- “The most important thing for 9 and the UNT will be held from to higher education and this is reduce mortality, the role and re- diabetes mellitus and chronic gadiyev at a governmental meeting children is to speak the Kazakh June 20 to July 1. Children expe- our philosophy. The UNT and sponsibility of specialised medi- heart failure. This programme is in late February. language as soon as possible. The rience enormous psychological the process of admission to uni- cal organisations responsible for aimed at teaching patients healthy “Children in Russian-language Soyle.kz, mobile app for the study stress as they have exams and tests versities become easy. It will be coordination, monitoring and en- lifestyle habits that contribute schools do not speak Kazakh and of the Kazakh language, will be in a one-month period,” said mem- possible to pass the test at home. suring the effectiveness and qual- to reducing the exacerbation of this problem needs attention. A also launched,” he said. ber of the Mazhilis (lower house We are currently negotiating with ity of medical care at all levels chronic diseases, emergency hos- three-level communicative method The unified testing at schools of Parliament) Natalya Zhumadil- the banks to provide online bank- has been strengthened. pitalisations and increasing the based on a new scientific approach was also on the agenda. dayeva. ing for testing. The online testing In addition, much attention joint responsibility of citizens for was developed. A pilot project is “A new format of the final cer- The minister said the structure will be introduced in test mode,” is paid to the implementation their health. planned to be introduced in some tification and unified national test- and content of the test questions he said. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM&EXPO 2017

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 Participants upbeat about EXPO 2017 preparation progress terminant,” Loscertales told The to be seen on the global stage and for sioner Hans Driesser is positive the By Lyazzat Shatayeva Astana Times. other countries to understand what it upcoming expo will be a success. Charles Hendry, commissioner has achieved, its ambitions and how In the meantime, he is making sure ASTANA – The Kazakh capital of the UK national pavilion, saw a it is going to deliver them. preparation goes well and is inviting brought together delegations from significant difference between this “I know people often look at his friends to visit the country during more than 100 countries Feb. 22- year’s meetings and those in 2016. events like this and think ‘Oh, that’s the event. 23 to touch base on the preparation “Last year, there were a huge an awful lot of money they’re spend- “You give Kazakhstan a face, a progress for EXPO 2017, the inter- number of questions that simply ing.’ We had exactly that before the name, an image. I really encourage a national specialised exposition. The weren’t ready to be answered. This opening of the Olympics in London lot of my Dutch friends to come here final participants’ meeting helped the year, there are very clear answers to in 2012. The press was critical and for the holidays and see Kazakhstan. national expo teams to address last- the questions that have been raised, a they would try to find faults in many Technically and logistically it’s not minute enquiries, dwell on details very clear message that the authori- aspects of it. But once it started, easy to organise (an expo), but in the and agree on deadlines in the run-up ties here are in charge; they’re taking everybody joined the celebration. end, it pays off. I’m sure you will do to the three-month long exhibition the lead. So, there’s a lot of organisa- It became, I think for all of us liv- it. Kazakhstan will be fine. Astana that will take place June 10 through tional progress that has been made. ing in the UK, one of the happiest will do fine,” he said. Sept. 10. We’re seeing the work which has times we’ve ever lived through and Driesser, who served as the Dutch The Palace of Independence actually been done on the ground. it brought the whole country to- Ambassador to Kazakhstan from served as the venue where the par- We’re all recognising it’s a tight gether. I hope that people here will 2013-2016, also shared his impres- ties had candid discussions. Expo deadline, but we’re going to be there find in expo something which will sions of the host city where he once commissioners held work meetings “Explanations provided by the the 25th anniversary of the in- on time. When Mr. President comes inspire, excite and change people’s lived and which he came to love. with local authorities and organisers, expo company and by the commis- dependence of the country. It’s a around on the 9th of June, the night lives. People will come to expo and “Astana is a visible and tangible had their questions answered and de- sioner of the expo have been very vision of the future of the coun- before it all opens, he will be able think, ‘I really didn’t know that was token of the vitality of the nation mands met. On the second day of the clear and very practical. The partici- try and the region. Therefore, my to see that everything is done and possible.’ And that’s what I want to guided by Nursultan Nazarbayev. visit, the delegations went to the con- pants have asked a large number of wishes for the success of Astana ready,” he told The Astana Times. do. I want to be part of that and that Astana is a good city to live. It’s struction site to check the progress questions. Now after the meetings, expo are the wishes related to Amid ongoing public concerns would be a fantastic outcome,” he clean. It’s secure. It’s safe. Every- and finalise the terms of pavilions they are very satisfied,” he said. expo directly and what expo in- about government spending related said. thing is here – beautiful hotels, nice use. He also reminded the participants carnates. I think that the Astana to holding the exhibition, Hendry The Netherlands, a strong propo- houses – so this is really a good Vicente Loscertales, secretary gen- of the importance and significance expo is very important. For Ka- expressed hope that the Kazakh peo- nent of sustainable development, place to live. And I’m also happy to eral of the Bureau International des of the upcoming event. zakhstan, for the region, for the ple can realise the importance of the was one of the first countries to see that for families with young chil- Expositions (BIE), believes the final “Astana Expo is more than an world and for the world expos, event as one of the most significant support Kazakhstan in its initiative. dren, Astana is getting a soul. That’s meetings were fruitful. expo. It is a commemoration of this expo is crucial and very de- opportunities for the young republic Dutch pavilion national commis- important for a new city,” he said.

cheer they smilingly spread white napkins over the knees of the pas- sengers. Chilled vodka, cham- BIE officials, EXPO 2017 Flying blind with Air Astana pagne and white wine flowed in gies with the gracious charm only abundance. So did the cold food, By Jonathan Aitken a true British gentleman can carry which consisted of delectable off well. Then in addition to his fu- smoked salmon, prawn canapes, organisers, commissioners A former British Member sillades of “frightfully sorrys” he cheese and chocolate desert. Soon of Parliament describes a recent skilfully threw the ball back to the we were well over the Urals. A harrowing and positive experience passengers by offering us a choice. spirit of appreciative camaraderie aboard an Air Astana flight. “I’m going to take a poll,” de- spread through the passengers. A meet in Astana clared the CEO. “Either we can round of applause was given to the ous operational fronts were devel- It was a nightmarish moment for Photo credit: telegraph.co.uk Photo credit: turn back to Heathrow and get the can-do cabin crew. By Aigerim Seisembayeva oped. A Unified Service Centre that us passengers on Air Astana flight problem fixed. Or we can continue Just when things could hardly provides visa support, tax, banking, KC0942 on the evening of Tues- number eight in the blacked-out to go ahead without light.” He add- get better the lights came on again ASTANA – The Kazakh capital insurance and other services of state day Feb. 21 when two minutes af- depths of the Business Class seats, ed that the ovens had also been put to loud cheers. Anyone feeling un- hosted Feb. 22-23 the EXPO 2017 bodies of Kazakhstan was launched. ter take-off from Heathrow all the a saviour appeared. out of action by the failure of the derfed was promptly offered the third international participants’ The organisers also introduced the cabin lights and internal electrical “Peter Foster – CEO of this air- electrical circuits. So there would hot food from the original menu. meeting, the main and final event Accreditation information system circuits failed. line,” was the self-introduction be no hot food. Even our seats and The sun, as well as the electric on the eve of the international spe- that minimises the time necessary to For the next fifteen minutes we from the tall, athletic looking fig- seat tables could not move because light seemed to be shining. And in cialised exhibition. complete the procedure. waited, with varying degrees of ure who bounded up the aisle to- of the power cut. a crowning moment, all the busi- Three hundred and twenty-six To accommodate the commis- nervous impatience, for power to wards the flight desk. Encouraging After these inauspicious an- ness class passengers were told delegates from more than 100 sioners of national pavilions, their be restored. “Let there be light!” sounds of his leadership soon re- nouncements, opinion pollster that the next time they bought an families and staff, the hosts of the was our prayer. But darkness re- verberated back to the body of the Foster started his head count. Economy Class ticket from the exhibition built a 1,374-apartment mained over the face of the aircraft. aircraft. Brisk words of command The vote resulted in a 100 per- airline they would get a free up- campus within the expo. Kazakh- The passengers’ anxieties mul- were spoken to the stewardesses. cent majority to carry on flying. grade. stan also introduced a visa-free re- tiplied. They were expressed in Noises of repair attempts were au- “At least we can now have a Flight KC0942 landed on time gime for 45 countries. questions which ranged from “Is dible. I thought I caught a glimpse good picnic,” declared the versa- at 5:40 a.m. at Astana International According to Yessimov, the New this plane safe?” to “How on earth in the Stygian gloom of the CEO tile CEO/electrical engineer/poll- Airport. I was on parade for my York Times included Kazakhstan are we going to endure six hours of brandishing a screwdriver. Per- ster now turning genial host. breakfast meeting at the Hotel Rix- and Astana EXPO 2017 on the list of air travel without an opportunity to haps I was dreaming. But clearly To their immense credit, the os Astana with perfect punctuality. recommended places to visit in 2017. read or watch an in-flight movie?” this was a hands-on style of lead- well-trained cabin crew led by In- “Did you have a good flight?” en- He also drew attention to the fact In an increasingly tetchy mood, ing from the front. Yet still, alas, flight Supervisor Anar and assisted quired my Kazakh host. “Marvel- that the realities of the modern world explanations were demanded of there was no light. We remained in by Mereke, Aigul, Ainash, Yelena lous. Couldn’t have been better,” put forward the specific require- the visibly rattled cabin crew. The darkness. and Saltanat entered into the spirit I replied. “Air Astana is a great ments for the security of the exhibi- expression “flying blind” took on a Peter Foster came back into the of the 30,000-foot picnic. Taking airline – especially if the CEO hap- Vicente Loscertales tion’s attendees and participants. new meaning. Suddenly from row cabin proffering profuse apolo- up the baton of charm and good pens to be on board.” countries attended the two-day “We have carefully studied the ex- meeting and were informed on perience of exhibitions in Milan and preparations for the exhibition. Shanghai, the Olympic Games in The meeting included detailed Sochi and Rio de Janeiro. Based on presentations regarding the expo’s that study, we have developed an op- organisation and logistics, as well erational plan that covers all security What Central Asia can offer as tourist destination as question-and-answer sessions, issues. It will help to ensure maxi- Continued from Page B1 kent and it takes about four hours now is the time to get warmed requires a tempered and adven- providing organisers and partici- mum safety for all the participants of to travel there by car and only two up … at the “gateway to hell.” turous character. Lack of basic pants a common platform to ex- the exhibition,” Yessimov said. Samarkand, hours by a high-speed train. If one Darvaza is a small village of about conveniences and infrastructure change information. The meeting also announced the Uzbekistan – rich in wants to explore real history, this 350 in the middle of Karakum, the makes this destination great for ad- Secretary General of the Bureau establishment of “Space” award as is the place to be. hottest desert in Central Asia. It is venture enthusiasts, eco and ethno International des Expositions (BIE) part of the exhibition that will grant history and mystery located about 260 kilometres from tourism, alpinism, mountain hikes, Vicente Loscertales addressed the 20,000 euros ($21,031) for the best The enchanting Samarkand, con- Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmeni- hunting, rafting, paragliding and participants in his opening speech, innovative project in the field of sidered to be Tamerlane’s capital, Sky-blue Issyk Kul Lake, stan. Why are we mentioning the wild nature photography. praising the level of preparation for future energy. The award was es- is nearly 2,750 years old. Timur Kyrgyzstan small village in the pearls of Cen- As the pearl of this country we EXPO 2017 and expressed confi- tablished by the BIE and Japanese the Lame, also known as Tamer- One needs to be physically present tral Asia story? recommend visiting Iskanderkul dence in its success. EXPO’90 fund and is awarded in lane, was a Mongol ruler, founder at Issyk Kul Lake to understand its The natural gas crater, 70 metres Lake, which will bring about peace “I want to thank the organisers the form of a start-up to develop of the Timurid Empire in Per- beauty. No book, no film, no tale can in diameter and about the size of of mind and help gather one’s of the exhibition, who approached the winner project. Citizens and or- sia and Central Asia and the first describe the feeling of lying on one an American football field, was thoughts. It includes Fan Niagra, a all stages of preparation with great ganisations from 160 BIE partici- ruler of the Timurid dynasty. Rome of its beaches. The clean, fresh air, first spotted burning in 1971 and 38-metre waterfall, ethno-cultural responsibility, bringing us to its fi- pant countries are invited to take is the only other remaining city as blue sky, surreal waves and crystal has been ever since. The area is villages offering cultural dishes nal stage. Now I am sure that our part in the contest. The competition old as Samarkand; the other, Baby- clear water are a perfect combina- saturated with natural gas. The and wonderful scenery with snow- joint efforts will lead us to suc- results will be announced closer to lon, was destroyed in 539 BCE. tion for any vacationer. But there is story has it that while on drill- capped mountain tops piercing the cess,” Loscertales said. He also the end of the expo. Samarkand has survived con- one huge “but” – trips must be ide- ing explorations that year, Soviet blue skies. Legend has it the lake emphasised the importance of the The international participants’ querors such as Alexander the ally timed; miss the peak season geologists encountered a cavern was named after Alexander the “Future Energy” theme and its meeting is the key event in the or- Great and Genghis Khan, the Ara- and instead of the above-mentioned filled with natural gas. The ground Great, who crossed it from India relevance across the globe, which ganisation of the expo that takes bic Conquest and finally Tamer- delights, one will be freezing in the underneath the rig collapsed, leav- on his way to Central Asia. is reflected in the high number of place on an annual basis and pro- lane’s conquest. As a result, the rain and watching ripples on the lake, ing a huge hole in the ground on It is located about 130 kilome- international participants. vides a platform for exchanging city’s culture is a mix of Iranian, regretting having not read this article fire. According to Wikipedia, to tres from the capital Dushanbe First Deputy Prime Minister information on the main stages of Indian, Mongolian and even West- before going. The best time to visit is avoid the poisonous gas discharge and it takes about two hours to get of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin ad- preparation for the host country, ern and Eastern influences. from the end of July to the end of Au- they attempted to burn it all off and there. dressed delegates at the opening of the BIE and the participants, both Samarkand is Uzbekistan’s sec- gust. Expect to meet a lot of people, hoped the fire would use all the fuel the meeting, alongside Chairman confirmed and potential. ond-largest city and boasts more but at least one will get a suntan and in a few days, but the gas is still of the Board of Astana EXPO 2017 To date, 115 countries and 18 inter- than a dozen incredible historic the chance to swim in the lake. burning today. Looking at the fire Kazakhstan Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Kazakh- national organisations have officially sights. Numerous mausoleums and Lack of infrastructure can be ir- can be quite mesmerizing. Tours to this destination usually don’t take Singing Dune stan’s EXPO Commissioner Rapil confirmed their participation in the mosques dot the area, such as Bibi ritating, but not if one chooses pre- The famous Singing Dune is lo- more than one day, with an option Zhoshybayev and Akim (Mayor) exhibition. Thus, by the number of Hanim Mosque, Gur-Emir Mauso- mium class stay. The lake is located cated about 180 kilometres from to stay overnight in a tent. of Astana Asset Issekeshev. participating countries, EXPO 2017 leum, Mausoleum of Khoja Abdi about 250 kilometres from the capi- Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city Yessimov noted that the pavil- has become one of the most success- Darunee and St. Daniel, Observa- tal Bishkek and it takes about three- and its former capital. The 150-me- ions are being commissioned to in- ful in the history of exhibitions. tory of Ulugbek, Registan Square four hours to get there by car. Always Iskanderkul Lake, tre tall dune is three kilometres long ternational participants for further The exhibition expects around 5 and Rukhabad Mausoleum. make sure to bring a light jacket; and the western wind makes sounds installation works. Many countries million visits, with 85 percent of The city also counts numerous evenings are usually cold and windy. Tajikistan like an organ, hence its name. Since have already started construction. visitors coming from Kazakhstan, museums such as Afrasiab Mu- Tajikistan, the only Farsi-speak- ancient times it was thought these “Only 108 days are left before and 15 percent – from abroad. Most seum, Aysel Art Gallery, Memorial ing former Soviet state, is a fasci- sounds were the whispers of spir- the exhibition, that is why we are of the foreign guests are expected Museum of Mirzo Ulugbek, Muse- Darvaza gas crater, nating country. Influenced over the its or never-seen animals. People calling on the rest of the partici- to come from the Commonwealth um of Culture History, Museum of Turkmenistan – course of history by the Persians describe them differently; some pants to activate their work on in- of Independent States countries Peace and Solidarity and Museum and the Soviets, it boasts a mix of say they are the sounds of musical stalling the pavilions,” he said. and China. A significant number of of Winemaking. “gateway to hell” cultures and the mightiness of the instruments, while others feel they For the convenience of the exhibi- tourists are also expected from Eu- Samarkand is located about 308 If one has visited Samarkand and Pamir mountain range. As a tour- are the sounds of river boats or jet tion participants, guidelines on vari- rope, Turkey and the United States. kilometres from the capital Tash- soaked one’s feet in Kyrgyzstan, ist destination, however, Tajikistan planes. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017

Now, we revenged on their ice. [But] most importantly, the team completed the tasks [assigned by Kazakhstan finishes fourth in Asian Winter Games the manager] and won. The fact the Beijing Winter Olympics in to try to compete for medals,” said the rest was done well. I did better their strength in the fight against they did not allow a single goal in By Anuar Abdrakhmanov 2022. Vishnevskaya. in the free programme than in the the Olympic champions,” said Ka- three games adds confidence and Kazakh athletes won medals in The performance by figure short one and was more concentrat- zakh short track team head coach proves that our hockey team played SAPPORO – Kazakh athletes took eight sports. Curlers, snowboard- skater Denis Ten was disappoint- ed. In general, the competition was Madygali Karsybekov. really hard and did their best,” said fourth place in the team standings ers and the downhill skiing team ing, as the 2014 Olympic bronze held at a high level. This is a good The Kazakh ski jumpers achieved goalkeeper Vitaly Kolesnik. at the Asian Winter Games (also did not win any medals. winner could not show his best achievement, of course, and I will decent results. A silver in the team The skiers added more medals to known as Asiad), held Feb. 19-26 The biathlete team showed par- skills in Japan. A fall in the short keep on working to make progress competition and two bronze med- the country’s medal count, climb- in Japan. In total, Team Kazakhstan ticularly good results, winning programme and inaccuracies in the in the future,” said Tursynbayeva. als by Sergei Tkachenko and Marat ing the podium several times. Ri- won 32 medals – nine gold, 11 sil- six gold medals of the seven sets. free programme left him far behind Two more medals for Team Ka- Zhaparov were a pleasant surprise. nat Mukhin won the title of Asian ver and 12 bronze. First place went Yan Savitsky, who represented the the leaders. After the performance, zakhstan came in speed skating. The mogulists performed quite Games champion in the 15 km indi- to team Japan, second to South Ko- athletes in the seventh discipline, he said he was not discouraged de- The 2013 World champion Denis well, too. Julia Galysheva won vidual race, while Yelena Kolomi- rea and third to China. men’s pursuit, was unlucky with spite not winning any medals, as Kuzin won silver in 1000 m and to- gold and silver and Dmitry Reiherd na won two silvers and one bronze. Competitions were held in 11 the weather. Galina Vishnevskaya, the main competitions for him at gether with the team took bronze in captured two bronze medals. Both In the men’s 10 km mass start, sports with 64 sets of medals con- who won four golds, became the this stage are the upcoming World the team pursuit. could actually claim even better Sergey Cherepanov was a runner- tested. About 1,200 athletes from main heroine, winning three med- Championship and the 2018 Olym- The short track skaters won some results, as there were serious com- up and Nikolai Chebotko gained 32 countries, including Australia als in the individual event and one pics. medals as well. The women’s team plaints against the judges. a third place finish. Second place and New Zealand, took part in the in the team relay. By contrast, young Kazakh fig- took bronze, which, taking into ac- Kazakhstan’s ice hockey team also went to the men’s relay team games held in Sapporo and Obi- “I think Team Kazakhstan has ure skater Elizabeth Tursynbaye- count the strong competition, was took first place, winning all three (Cherepanov, Erdos Akhmadiyev, hiro, both located on the northern achieved excellent results. It would va made a splash in the women’s equal to a feat. games in the men’s tournament. Chebotko and Mukhin). Japanese island of Hokkaido. be wrong to say it was easy for us, event. The 17-year old won the “We managed to win bronze in Moreover, the team clearly domi- Kazakh fans had a number of According to media reports, but we tried hard in every race and hearts of the Japanese audience and this fierce competition. This is an- nated every game, scoring “scores” good reasons for feeling proud at Japan paid only 3.5 billion yen deserved our wins. This season I a bronze medal. She performed to other proof that we have formed of goals and keeping a clean sheet the Asian Winter Games. Since the (roughly $30 million) to hold the want, first of all, to keep my place music from a film by famous Japa- a good women’s team. As for the in each. next Olympics will be held in less games and sold 70,000 tickets for in the world’s top 30 ranking. The nese director Hayao Miyazaki. men, we brought the second team, “If you remember, our team lost than a year, the results can be con- the event. The next Asiad will be Olympics will be held next year, “I performed well. There was a but they could compete for medals to the Japanese team in the finals sidered a good claim for medals in held in 2021 in China, ahead of which we should be prepared for small mistake in the beginning, but as well. It was our purpose to test of the 2003 Asiad, held in Japan. Pyeongchang, South Korea.

snow leopards were waiting for the first home match, which was held Barys has early Gagarin Cup success, stumbles at home on March 13 in Astana. However, series, it was enough for the first match in favour of Barys and vanced them to the semi-finals In the first match in Magnito- it was not a lucky day for Barys. By Ilyas Omarov “snow leopards” to play six 5:1 in the second with the advan- of the Eastern Conference play- gorsk, Barys was crushed 0:4. In They lost 3:5, despite dominating matches, in four of which the tage to Traktor, the remaining offs. Thus, the Kazakh capital’s the second round, Barys turned the on the ice for approximately the ASTANA – HC Barys had a suc- club from Astana was stronger. four games were closer and more favourite club repeated their best tide against the champions, scor- first 30 minutes of the match. cessful first round of the Gagarin Except for the first two matches intense. Twice the matches ended achievement in KHL. ing four against the formidable op- Thus, before the second home Cup playoffs, beating Traktor from in Chelyabinsk, where the teams in overtime. In the sixth match, Barys’ next opponent was the ponent, but nevertheless lost 4:5 in game on March 15, Barys is a step Chelyabinsk. beat each other with scores fairly played in Astana, Barys won with Gagarin Cup holders from the last overtime. away from being eliminated from For the overall victory in that large for the playoffs, 5:2 in the a minimal advantage, which ad- season Metallurg Magnitogorsk. With impatience, fans of the the playoffs to the Gagarin Cup. Astana Arlans secure third straight Astana hosts Battle of win of World Series of Boxing season the Bars competition The third bout decided the cision, thus bringing the hosts the ponent twice who still managed to work and that includes keeping the By Anuar Abdrakhmanov match. In the 64 kg category, Ka- third point and an overall victory continue the bout. By Zhanna Shayakhmetova body healthy,” he said. zakh boxer Dilmurat Mizhitov de- in the match. In the fourth round, Saparbai Aidarov and Anton Gallarzo noted the tournament gen- ASTANA – The Astana Arlans feated Liu Yang by unanimous de- Mizhitov knocked down his op- Pinchuk sealed wins in the remain- ASTANA – Battle of the Bars, the erated more interest than the Street boxing club, part of the Astana ing two bouts and an overall clear prestigious calisthenics tournament, Workout Championship held in 2014. Presidential Professional Sports victory for the Astana Arlans. was held March 5 in the capital’s “I fell as though the event today Club, beat the China Dragons The WSB is a league that sees the Khan Shatyr shopping centre. has given people more the opportu- Hosted in major cities and coun- 5-0 in a March 4 World Series of world’s best amateur boxers com- nity to see what the human body is tries such as Chicago, Dubai, Ku- Boxing (WSB) contest in Atyrau. peting in teams without headgear capable of. Last time I was here, I wait, Los Angeles, Mexico and San Temirtas Zhussupov gained the felt like a lot of people who attended and using the scoring system of Jose, the competition was the first first point by beating 23-year-old the International Boxing Associa- were more athletes. This time, there organised in the Commonwealth was lot more of the general popula- Chinese boxer He Junjun. The Ka- tion (AIBA). Two times winners of Independent States (CIS) and tion, so there’s more awareness of it zakh fighter was faster and more of the league, Astana ended last brought together 16 of the strongest and that’s amazing to see,” he said. precise than his opponent, and his season in the top four. This season, athletes from Germany, Latvia, Ma- Although Kazakh athletes didn’t win was doubtless. the Astana Arlans are in the Pacific laysia, Russia and Ukraine. win, they gained the impulse to be- Then 2014 Asian Games cham- Group along with the Russia Patri- The jury included World Calis- come stronger, said Kazakhstan pion Ilyas Suleimenov increased ots, Uzbek Tigers and China Drag- thenics Organisation Vice President Street Workout Federation Vice Astana’s advantage, defeating ons. The first two teams from the Kenneth Gallarzo and famous work- President Islam Badurgov. Wang Long with some spectacular groups and two best-ranked third out athletes Chris “Tatted Strength” “We considered that our athletes boxing. Photo: astanaarlans.kz teams will reach the playoffs. Luera and Brendan Meyers from the were the best, as we won first place U.S. and 2J Pantoja from Canada. at the World Championship in 2014. Young Latvian athlete Daniels But it’s clear that the level of athletes Laizans captured first place and two around the world has increased in the athletes from Russia, Yakov Vo- past two years. The event was held ronov and Alexey Kobyakov, took at a very high level. If we compare Kazakh football season starts as Kairat second and third, respectively. this event with the world champion- “I think the Battle of the Bars ship 2014 with the participation of Kazakhstan was a great event. We athletes from 75 countries, today’s had amazing athletes from Kazakh- event just exceeded all expectations. beats Astana to claim Super Cup stan, Ukraine, Russia and Latvia. The organisation was perfect. The Murtazayev and Didar Zhalmukan, managed to make a move near the Plotnikov saved his team from what It brought a lot of strong individu- audience really cheered, so that they By Anuar Abdrakhmanov arrived as promising replacements. middle of the first half when former seemed an inevitable goal. als and it was a great opportunity did not want to leave. The support Kairat’s line-up remained almost Arsenal striker Andrey Arshavin After that, the two teams be- to show the people of Kazakhstan is the most important thing during ASTANA – The new football sea- the same as last year, but some struck from outside the penalty area came even more active, but it was what the human body is capable of. such events. The athletes get adrena- son kicked off in Kazakhstan March positions were strengthened. The and the capital club’s goalkeeper the hosts who scored again. Islam- I think that it gets a lot of people, line from the audience,” he said. 4 at Almaty’s Central Stadium. The newcomers are the Kazakh national and captain Nenad Eric deflected it bek Kuat made the score 2-0 in the especially youth, interested in pull The federation was recently rec- country’s two top teams of the last team’s defender Yeldos Akhmetov, to a corner. The hosts had more con- stoppage time, putting an end to the ups and push ups and they’ll start to ognised by the National Olympic few seasons, Astana and Kairat, who last season played for Pav- trol of the ball closer to the end of match. Kairat won the Super Cup, become more active,” said Gallarzo Committee. contested the Super Cup for the lodar’s Irtysh, midfielder Georgy the first half, aiming at the visitors’ gaining revenge from last season’s in an interview for this story. “This sport is gaining greater mo- third year in a row. Zhukov from Russia and Ivo Ilecic, goal more often. Arshavin made loss to Astana. He added the workout move- mentum worldwide. If street work- Some changes occurred in the who has experience from Hamburg- a couple of attempts and Isael cre- “Hats off to the fans of Kairat, ment’s challenges are mostly related out would have been an Olympic teams’ line-ups during the off- er SV, of German Bundesliga’s top ated a few more chances for Kairat, who came to root for us in such to a passive way of living. sport or there would be federation or season. Astana loaned Colombian rosters. Thus, the Super Cup match which made the situation in the right weather. Before the match, I told “We have become a society where international organisations in some Roger Cañas to Cypriot APOEL allowed the chance to evaluate what wing area much tenser. This did not the guys that we couldn’t let down we want things to come easy and we countries, workout would be the fast- and Djordje Despotovic, Sergey the renewed line-ups of Kazakh- help the Almaty team, however, and those who came in such cold to prefer to live in comfortable condi- est growing movement. Our federa- Maly and Askhat Tagybergen, stan’s two top teams would look at halftime the scoreboard showed cheer for us. We showed decent tions. That’s why we need to learn to tion probably will be the first in the who played last year for Astana, like in the new season. zeroes. football and the result was good. be healthy, to make efforts. There’s world to receive official status. Also, will now defend Kostanai’s Tobol Astana had a chance early in the After the break, the opponents be- As for the game, Astana took the not a magic; you should put in some we have plans to create an interna- colours. Belarusian national team match to take the lead. Junior Kaba- came more active. Kairat possessed initiative and we did not control work. It takes about 20-30 minutes a tional organisation for street workout player Ivan Mayevsky and Alba- day trying to be active and trying to nanga took advantage of the Kairat an advantage and attacked more of- the ball for the first 15 minutes, but in Kazakhstan,” said Badurgov. nian forward Azdren Llullaku, as get fit. I think we need to change this defence’s mistake and made a long- ten, but Astana defended well. The then calmed down. In the second The event was supported by the well as Kazakh midfielders Roman culture not only in Kazakhstan, but range shot, but it went wide. Kairat first strike to reach the net behind half, we recovered and created quite National Olympic Committee, the all over the world, and understand Eric came in the 65th minute, but a lot of chances that could end in Ministry of Culture and Sports and that everything is achieved by hard was disallowed. Almaty, however, goals. At the end, when Astana at- the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan. managed to score a bit later through tacked there was a key moment and Sesar Arzo appearing in the right Plotnikov saved the team. Our team place at the right time, following deserved the win, more so the out- a cross from the left. The Spanish come is a natural one,” said Kairat’s central defender scored the new sea- head coach Kakhaber Tskhadadze at son’s first goal, making it 1-0. the post-match press conference. The goal forced Astana to turn “I think the two teams were equal more active. Murtazayev came out and we allowed goals because of from the bench to help newcomer our own mistakes. The second goal Zhalmukan. Kairat became more was scored in a counterattack since careful after the goal, afraid of los- we were losing and the players had ing such a shaky advantage. Stan- no strength to go back. It is a bitter imir Stoilov’s team was closest to defeat, but I would like once again scoring its own in the 90th minute to congratulate Kairat on winning. when Mayevsky made a strong shot, We will have another chance to

Photo credit: sports.kz Photo credit: but Kairat’s goalkeeper Vladimir win,” said Eric on behalf of Astana. ppz.kz Photo credit: B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 Construction of new terminal at Authorities consider building Astana airport nears completion pipeline to supply Astana By Kamila Zhumabayeva with natural gas by 2021 ASTANA – The project to build a new 60.2 billion tenge will reach 320,000 tonnes of lique- Staff Report fied gas, which is enough to meet (US$188.7 million) terminal for the current fuel needs in Astana the capital’s airport is being im- ASTANA – KazTransGas and and parts of the northern regions plemented. However, the terminal government officials are reviewing of the country. construction requires 20 billion a feasibility study to build a pipe- “As for the private sector of tenge (US$62.7 million) more than line that would fully supply natural Astana, the supply will start at the expected. gas to Astana residents by 2021. end of 2018. We’re planning to Berik Beisengaliyev, a manag- Within a month, they will be start with the Koktal residential ing director of Asset Optimisa- able to calculate the efficiency of area. We are sure that in the 2018- tion at Samruk Kazyna Sovereign the new gas pipeline, gas tariffs for 2019 heating season, heating in Wealth Fund, spoke about the pro- Astana residents and compare the Koktal will be ensured with natu- costs with coal prices, said Energy gress of building the new terminal, ral gas. Before 2021, we believe Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, dur- we will provide full access to city Kazakhstanskaya Pravda reported. ing a recent government meeting. residents. We will prepare the city According to him, the construc- “The new gas pipeline will be for the construction of the main tion is nearing completion and will connected to the gas pipeline, pipeline,” said Panayot Saulidi, finish in May this year. An addi- which stretches from the west of head of Global Gas Regasification. tional loan of $62.7 million is now the country to the Kyzylorda re- The first regasification station being registered at Development gion, then goes towards Zhezka- for liquefied natural gas Turan has Bank of Kazakhstan to realise this zgan, passing through the Kara- already been put into operation project. kazpravda.kz Photo credit: ganda region, Astana and further in the capital. The launch of the to Kokshetau,” he said. “The project is being imple- He also mentioned that two new and according to a business plan, comfortable passenger flow for new gas supply source is the first Bozumbayev also told the meet- stage of the non-reflux gas supply mented via Kazakhstan’s Ministry airplanes are about to be purchased achieving final cause productive the next 10 years, Kazinform news ing that Global Gas Regasification, process in northeastern Kazakh- of Investment and Development. for the Qazaq Air airline. capacity of 450,000 passengers per agency reported. The project will allow increasing a part of the Global Gas Group, has stan. Natural methane will also be “Within the first year of its op- year is planned for 2019,” Beisen- The area of the new terminal entered into an agreement with supplied to Pavlodar, Ust-Kame- peak carrying capacity of passen- eration, the airline company has galiyev added. will be 47,000 square metres. Gazprom Export to import 5,000 nogorsk and Kokshetau. gers from 750 to 2,000 passengers transported more than 160,000 Head of Department of Civil Construction of the terminal began tonnes of low-tonnage liquefied “Today, we supply Russian gas, per hour or increasing an annual passengers with three aircrafts Aviation Committee of Kazakh in January 2015 and will be com- natural gas from Russia. The ship- tomorrow it can be our gas. If we carrying capacity from 3.5 million between the country’s 12 cities. Ministry of Investment and De- pleted in March. Almost all works ment will be made by road. learn how to liquefy it in order to to 7 million passengers, the project Increasing the fleet by two more velopment Amantai Kokatayev in- on building the terminal have been He also noted that there is also a have a competitive price, then we is in the active stage of implemen- aircrafts during years 2017-2018 is formed that the new Astana airport completed except for equipment as- memorandum, according to which, will have it here, in Kazakhstan,” tation,” Beisengaliyev noted. being planned in the nearest time terminal is expected to provide sembly and interior finishing. by 2021, the volume of supplies Saulidi added. Trade and exhibition Kango Jumping Park opens in centre featuring Kazakh Astana’s new Mega Silk Way мall “We want to make sure that “Kango provides a multitude By Dmitry Lee everyone has a great time at of exhilarating activities that pre- Kango in a safe environment. All sent you with both physical and goods opens in Astana ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s larg- of our equipment is tested regu- mental challenges. Leap and fly “We are opening this pavilion in the remaining 100 days before est and newest mall, Mega Silk larly to ensure that everything high with our professional tram- By Azamat Syzdykbayev not only on the eve of EXPO. the EXPO, the pavilion will pre- Way, had a technical opening meets our stringent require- polines, experience the demand- When the EXPO is over, we sent new Kazakh brands every March 6, as some stores are al- ments,” said the park’s adminis- ing task of climbing up a difficult ASTANA – EXPO pavilion, a will not stop eating, just as well day. During the exhibition, tour- ready operational and others are tration. “Kango is synonymous tower and strive to pass through special trade and exhibition cen- as other countries. At the same ists will be able to visit trade and still under construction but will tre exclusively featuring goods with being active and we pro- our ninja obstacle course. These time, we understand that the exhibition events. be ready by the March 23 offi- mote health and fitness through feats can only be accomplished made by Kazakh producers, has exhibition is a very important “This pavilion has two func- cial opening day. Kango Jumping activities, all while having loads by persistence and a strong, de- opened in the capital. image event in the country, so tions – first, we are collecting Park, however, opened its doors of fun. We do our best to provide termined mind. Age is of little The main goal of the project is certain products will be exhib- export-oriented products, and for the technical opening, offer- an environment where everyone consequence and when you man- to help Kazakh merchandise to be ited under the brand name EXPO secondly, it is on the tourist map ing a tonne of fun and joy to all can harness their energy and age to succeed in whichever ac- exported, said Eurasian Business 2017, but this is not the main of EXPO. Soon, guests of the in- who step foot inside. spend it in the best possible way, tivity you chose here, you will Union representative in Kazakh- goal of the project. This is only ternational exhibition will visit “I know about Kango Park from stan Mariya Anarbayeva. About the first stage of our develop- our unique pavilion where all Almaty, but this one has more fun enjoying the great variety of at- experience a powerful sense of 20 Kazakh brands are currently ment, so that at the upcoming the best things from our country walls to climb and explore,” said tractions we have to offer. There accomplishment,” they noted. represented, although organisers exhibition we can show how rich are presented. The third unique- guest Nurlan Kakenov. “There is is nothing better than bonding Kango also offers trampoline plan to increase the number to at Kazakhstan is to guests,” said ness is that we will also have the also a jumping and trampoline with your loved ones by means training, fitness and toddler pro- least 100. Anarbayeva. products of the Eurasian Busi- place at the Astana Mall and we of some healthy family enter- grammes. “We are planning to conduct a Halyk Markasy (Nation’s ness Union from 30 countries of used to go there, but that one has tainment.” “Keeping fit has never been so selection through this site, because Mark) Federation President Rim- the world, which is very popu- only trampolines and is more for Kakenov appreciates that atten- easy or fun. During Kango fitness bringing our manufacturers for ex- ma Tazhibayeva talked about the lar abroad and export-oriented. kids. This one, with these new tion to safety. sessions, our instructors will take port is not so simple. We need to event planned for the centre dur- Thanks to these goods, our Ka- walls, can be quite challeng- “I had to change a few harness- you through many different exer- attract large distributors and offer ing the Nauryz celebration. zakhstan commodity producers ing and exciting even for adults. es for different towers and walls cises and games and you will have our products in other countries, so “During Nauryz, we will open will be able to focus on their Just try jumping the tall tower or and I was being strapped by dif- so much fun that it won’t feel like we must be sure of the quality of a gastronomic festival of national packaging and quality. In or- climb one of the poles; it certain- ferent people all at the same time. a workout at all. The results will the products that we offer. Also, dishes of the nationalities of Ka- der for export to develop in our ly rushed my adrenaline.” It gives you confidence that peo- astonish you, as trampoline jump- there must be an acceptable export zakhstan. Within the festival, for country, we must meet all these The capital’s park offers addi- ple know what they’re doing and ing is an extremely efficient way format; that is, a good product also the first time we will present Nau- criteria. For this purpose, an ex- tional climbing walls and excit- that gives the sense of being safe, of burning fat while releasing needs attractive packaging in or- ryz-kozhe (traditional cold soup), hibition of the Eurasian Business ing three to four-metre jumping which I liked as a father of three positive endorphins to make you der to be noticed,” she said. which will be prepared from 16 Union was created, so that our towers. Though the park’s ad- sons,” he said. feel great,” said the staff. Despite its name, the pavilion ingredients from 16 regions of producers would be guided by ministration is very friendly, at The administrators described Kango also allows night parties will remain after the exhibition Kazakhstan,” she added. entrepreneurs from neighbour- the same time they’re very strict the many events available at the and corporate events and has a has closed. Tazhibayeva also promised that ing countries,” she added. when it comes to safety. park. dodgeball league. Young chef introduces molecular gastronomy to Astana something they have not tried yet,” The company’s long-term mis- because only people in love with city and I had mine, too. One day By Zhazira Dyussembekova he said. sion is to become a platform to the profession can work in such I saw a brochure with informa- For the entrepreneur, it is all create unique, fully customisable circumstances. Usually, cooks tion about Business Road Map ASTANA – Kairat Amanbayev, about the cuisine. recipes based on science and pro- come to work before anyone 2020. I did not know how business also known as Kai Aman, is the “The cuisine is about the art of mote healthy, sustainable living. else – at 7-8 a.m. in the morning worked and went through 48 hours 25-year-old chef and founder of finding new combinations, about “We believe that by opening to make preparations. Waiters of training in Damu and continued Resto Studio – Modernist Cui- the development of our tastes, up exciting new flavour combina- constantly hurry them, because participating in courses,” he said. sine, a trendy new place on the something much more adventur- tions, we can improve our enjoy- guests think that robots work in Later, Aman created his first pro- map of capital restaurants. The ous; it is about working with unex- ment of food and the quality of the kitchen, so you have to do ject – a mobile kitchen or so-called official opening is not scheduled pected combinations of ingredients. everyday life,” he said. everything in a hurry and under food truck. until July, but the city’s first mo- The kitchen is about exciting new Serving alcohol in the restaurant very big psychological pressure. “I did not want to get millions lecular gastronomy spot already challenges and a life-long world of is still under discussion. All day, sometimes it can be 16- in cash; I just wanted to show this serves customers in the evenings. creative possibilities. Science gives “I have been thinking a lot to 20 hours, you work on your feet, city my experience which I got “For some people, the main us the opportunity to analyse and make it in a modern molecular so by the end of the day your in the west in the United States. I feature of the restaurant is design Kai Aman determine the compatibility be- gastronomic style. To make alco- back and legs refuse to hold you wanted to develop affordable food or open kitchen, for example; tween the different ingredients at hol in powder, we can take whis- and beg you to sit on the floor,” in the city,” he said. for me, it’s probably cooking it- will be a Baccarat-style table. That the molecular level,” he added. key and mix it with maltodextrin he said. He worked on his idea for al- self, creation of something com- style never gets old. The table will Modernist Cuisine uses chemis- and tapioca, so we get powder, But it is all worth it when guests most six months, but due to legis- pletely new, the development of be served with china, crystal and try, physics and scientific data as a which is easily soluble in water or give compliments and appreciate lation issues had to abandon it. He a culture in the field of culinary ceramics,” he added. launching pad for future meals. any fluid,” said Aman. the work. didn’t give up, however, and start- arts,” he said in an interview for Cooking is Aman’s true passion. “It is no secret that our food There are also plans to open a “We work for those seconds. I ed studying the city’s restaurant this story. He is a graduate of the British system is out of balance. Global school for cooks, waiters and bar- become really happy when I see market from the inside “to better Prior to the official opening, the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts challenges such as climate change, tenders. I made people a little happier,” he understand the system.”After that young chef plans to add a summer and has been training and working sustainability and obesity are di- “I feel really bad that this pro- said. experience and taking into account terrace. in different cities and countries. rectly linked to food. By changing fession [cooking] is not appreci- Aman, born and raised in Al- other issues, Aman continues to “But the serving will not be as “I risked choosing such a format the way we eat, we can restore our ated by many, although it is hard maty, moved to the capital several work on Modernist Cuisine to in other places. Usually it is ash- and I hope to show the people of planet and maintain a healthy life,” work. Therefore, to be a chef you years ago. make it something truly unforget- tray, salt and pepper. Here, there this beautiful city something new, said Aman. need to be crazy in a good way, “Everyone has their goals in this table and innovative.