-12° / -16°C WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 No 1 (115) www.astanatimes.com President Nazarbayev’s Political Kazakhstan Provides Additional Address to UN Security Council Presented Humanitarian Aid to Syria in the 21st century safer, just and more prosperous.” Abdrakhmanov also drew atten- tion to the importance of joint ef- forts to strengthen preventive diplo- macy, promote confidence-building measures, work towards non-prolif- eration of weapons of mass destruc- tion and seek conflict resolutions. According to the Kazakh del- egation, President Nazarbayev’s address was received well by the debate participants. It was also reportedly registered as an offi- cial document of the UN Security Council. Earlier in the morning, during his by the international community meeting with Guterres, the Kazakh By Aigerim Seisembayeva and the actions of the Syrian au- Foreign Minister discussed Asta- thorities and the opposition aimed na’s agenda in the Security Council ASTANA – Kazakhstan sent at speedy ceasefire and determin- and the multifaceted cooperation about 500 tonnes of humanitarian ing the political future of Syria by between Kazakhstan and the Unit- aid on Jan. 6 to the people of Syria means of dialogue and reconcilia- ed Nations, the Kazakh Foreign in the form of food, including flour, tion,” Berdybai said at a meeting ministry’s press service said. canned meat, rice, pasta and tea. with the Syrian delegation. A day earlier, new Permanent Rep- Russian Ministry of Defense “We want to thank the people resentative of the Republic of Ka- rendered its assistance in deliver- of Kazakhstan, Kazakh President zakhstan to the UN Kairat Umarov ing the aid, which was brought by Nazarbayev and the government of presented credentials to Guterres. Kuznetsov dry-cargo ship to Tar- Kazakhstan for not being indiffer- According to a press release from tus Port Jan. 5. The unloading and ent and neutral towards our situa- Astana, following the formal cer- handover of the cargo to Syrian au- tion and for expressing compassion emony, Umarov and Guterres con- thorities began Jan. 6, Kazinform and sending humanitarian aid,” the news agency reports. Ambassador Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov presents President Nazarbayev’s Political Address to UNSC members gratulated each other on the start officials of Tartus Province said, during the UNSC open debate in New York on Jan. 10. of their duties and expressed confi- of Kazakhstan to Jordan Azamat according to the Kazakh media. dence in strengthening the partner- Berdybai handed the humanitarian This is not the first aid Kazakh- 2017-2018, Abdrakhmanov high- and unbiased manner on the coun- ship between Kazakhstan and the aid to the Syrian side in the per- stan provided for the Syrian peo- lighted that the appeal was based cil’s entire agenda keeping in son of President of the Provincial By Galiaskar Seitzhan UN. On behalf of the Kazakh lead- ple. In 2012, Kazakhstan allocated on the principles of the Kazakh mind the paramount importance ership, Umarov expressed support Council of Tartus Yasser Dibba. $400,000 through the Organisation President’s earlier Manifesto “The of maintaining and strengthening The Higher Relief Commission NEW YORK – Kazakhstan’s for the plans of the UN’s new head of Islamic Cooperation to the gov- World. The 21st Century.” peace and security.” to promote multilateral efforts in of the Syrian Arab Republic will ernments of Jordan and Lebanon to newly-minted Foreign Minister The new document, “Kazakh- In this regard, the address identi- oversee the distribution of the Ka- Kairat Abdrakhmanov spoke at conflict prevention, peace-making, provide humanitarian assistance to stan’s Concept Vision on Sustain- fies some of Astana’s priorities in peace-building and long-term sus- zakh aid. Syrians residing in refugee camps. the ministerial-level open debate ing Global Partnership for Secure, its work as a non-permanent mem- “Although the international of the United Nations Security tainable development. Also, in October 2015, at the Just and Prosperous World,” heav- ber of the UNSC. Among them Having conveyed President Naz- community takes all required ef- end of negotiations between Council (UNSC) on “Maintenance ily stresses the need for joint efforts are: moving towards a world free forts, the humanitarian situation in of International Peace and Secu- arbayev’s best wishes, Umarov ad- representatives of the Syrian op- and cooperation in strengthening in- of nuclear weapons, preventing dressed the projected participation of the country remains catastrophic. position in Astana, Kazakhstan rity,” Jan. 10, where he presented ternational peace and security. the threat of global war, promoting In this regard, President Nursul- President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s the UN in the EXPO 2017 exhibition agreed to provide $316,600 in Among other things, it declares peace in Afghanistan and creating a in Astana and the intensification of tan Nazarbayev made a decision medicines, food and equipment policy address to UNSC members. Astana’s renewed commitment to regional peace zone in Central Asia, The debate was chaired by Swe- international efforts in resolving the to send humanitarian aid, namely for Syrian refugees based on the help bring closer the goal of building shaping a global antiterrorist coali- den’s Foreign Minister Margot situation in Afghanistan under the food, to Syria. The 500 tonnes of Turkish-Syrian border. a world free of nuclear weapons by tion (network) under the auspices Wallström and was attended by UN guidance. cargo delivered in 33 containers Kazakhstan has also offered to the UN’s 100th anniversary and to rid of the UN, promoting the peaceful UN Secretary-General António The Kazakh Foreign Ministry include primarily food and medica- host additional Syrian peace talks humanity of wars and conflicts, while development of Africa, adapting the Guterres, foreign ministers and reported that Guterres referred to tions and are meant for the Syrian in its capital city of Astana at the deputy foreign ministers of Ethio- promoting the strong connection be- UNSC’s activities to the demands his meeting with Nazarbayev on people suffering the consequences end of January. Two rounds of pia, France, Great Britain, Italy, tween peace, security and develop- of the 21st century and elaborat- Nov. 23 last year in Astana and of the six-year-long war. Kazakh- peace talks were held in Astana Japan, Latvia, the Netherlands, Po- ment, as well as highlighting the so ing a set-up for regular meetings of commended Kazakhstan’s record stan backs the measures launched in 2015. land, and Ukraine, as well as per- called “Security-Development Nex- UNSC member states at the level of of engaging in partnerships on the manent representatives of China, us” and the Sustainable Development heads of state and governments to international arena. In this regard, Russia, the United States and other Goals adopted by the UN in 2015. strengthen a collective political will he stressed the UN’s interest in ex- UN member states. Astana intends to “work on an to address global challenges. panding political dialogue and inter- During the debate, members of equal basis with all Security Council As Nazarbayev stresses in his ad- action with Kazakhstan and using President Appoints New the Security Council and represent- members to promote compromise dress, “Kazakhstan is determined the Central Asian nation’s poten- atives of a wide range of UN mem- and consensus” to help strengthen to work with all member states tial as an international mediator in ber states declared their national international peace and security, the of the council on these priorities resolving regional conflicts, given priorities in conflict prevention address reads in its direct appeal to without political expediency in an Kazakhstan’s new role as a non-per- Foreign Minister, Minister and sustaining peace and expressed UNSC members. Foremost are the so open, objective, balanced responsi- manent member of the UNSC for support for the new Secretary-Gen- called P5, which are the five perma- ble and constructive way.” 2017-2018, which opens up wider eral’s work in these priority areas. nent members holding the veto right In this regard, the document con- prospects for such engagement. of National Economy Presenting Nazarbayev’s address – China, France, Russia, the United cludes by saying that “Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Abdra- on the occasion of the beginning of Kingdom and the United States. counts on the support from partners khmanov’s visit to New York, his established the People’s Commis- Kazakhstan’s duties as a non-per- According to Nazarbayev, “Ka- for its initiatives, which have the first as the most senior Kazakh dip- By Aigerim Seisembayeva sariat of Foreign Affairs. This is manent member of the UNSC for zakhstan will work in a balanced important goal of making the world lomat, will conclude Jan.11. the official start of the history of ASTANA – Kazakh President Kazakh diplomacy. On March 15, Nursultan Nazarbayev appointed 1946 the People’s Commissariat of on Dec. 28 Kairat Abdrakhmanov Foreign Affairs of the Kazakh SSR the country’s new Minister of For- was transformed into the Ministry eign Affairs and Timur Suleimenov of Foreign Affairs. After its estab- Kazakhstan Participates in First the new Minister of National Econ- lishment, the ministry engaged omy, according to a release from mainly in protocol and consular the President’s press service. issues. The republic had no direct Abdrakhmanov, who had been foreign policy and economic access UN Security Council Meeting serving as Permanent Representa- to the world community until its in- including preventive diplomacy, will announce their priorities and DAESH and Al Qaeda will also tive to the United Nations, replaced dependence and the breakup of the By Malika Orazgaliyeva confidence-building measures, non- support for the new UN leader- be arranged under Kazakhstan’s Erlan Idrissov. Soviet Union in December 1991. proliferation, conflict prevention and ship. The debate will be attended chairmanship. Abdrakhmanov was born April Next year, Kazakhstan marks 25 ASTANA – Kazakhstan attended resolution, mediation and countering by UN Secretary-General Antonio In addition, this month the coun- 21, 1964. He graduated from the years of sovereign diplomacy. its first meeting Jan. 3 as a non-per- international terrorism. Guterres, Kazakh Foreign Minis- cil is expected to adopt resolutions Kazakh State University majoring New Minister of National Econ- manent member of the United Na- In particular, Sadykov mentioned ter Kairat Abdrahmanov and other on Cyprus and the Central African in history. He served as director omy Suleimenov was born April 5, tions Security Council and on Jan. Nazarbayev’s initiative to convene UNSC foreign ministers. Republic, as well as on the issues of of various departments of the for- 1978. He graduated from Pavlodar 4 appointed former Kazakh Am- the Conference on Interaction and On Jan.17, the UN will hold a tra- chemical weapons in Syria in case of eign ministry, ambassador to Israel, State University (2000, 2006) and bassador to the United States Kairat Confidence Building Measures in ditional quarterly open debate on the consensus among UNSC members. Austria and permanent representa- from the Robert H. Smith School of Umarov as Permanent Representa- Asia (CICA) that was put forward situation in the Middle East, includ- New UN representative Umarov tive of Kazakhstan to international Business, University of Maryland tive of Kazakhstan to the United from the UN rostrum 25 years ago. ing the Palestinian question at the was appointed by Kazakh President organisations in Vienna as well as (USA) as a Bolashak scholarship Nations. Today, CICA makes practical con- level of Permanent Representatives. Nursultan Nazarbayev and had been twice as deputy foreign minister. recipient. Suleimenov has an MBA According to the country’s Min- tributions to strengthening security In accordance with the council’s serving as ambassador to the United He occupied the post of Kazakh- istry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting in finance and is certified by the As- in the wider Asia-Pacific region, he decision, a number of briefings and States since 2013. He brings with stan’s permanent representative to included five new non-permanent sociation of Chartered Certified Ac- noted. Also, Sadykov mentioned the closed consultations will also take him a wealth of experience having the Organisation for Security and members of the UNSC and was fol- significance of Nazarbayev’s Mani- place in January. In particular, the countants (ACCA). served as the country’s ambassador Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) lowed by a traditional working lunch festo “The World. The 21st Century,” UNSC will discuss the following to India and the U.S. as well as the Suleimenov started his career as during Kazakhstan’s one-year for the council’s heads of delega- and expressed hope the UNSC will countries and regions: Syria (po- deputy foreign minister. chief advisor at Ernst and Young tions, namely Bolivia, China, Egypt, ensure a war-free and conflict-free litical, humanitarian and chemical Kazakhstan’s flag was raised in OSCE chairmanship. Kazakhstan. In recent years, he France, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, world by the UN Centenary in 2045. weapon tracks), Iraq (humanitarian a special ceremony in front of the Since 2013, Abdrakhmanov has worked as director of the Depart- the Russian Federation, Senegal, Later, the council held a closed track), Yemen, Congo, the Central hall of the UN Security Council served as permanent representa- ment of Tax Accounting and Tax Sweden, the United Kingdom, the consultation, where the UNSC Work African Republic, Sudan (including in New York on Dec. 31, 2016, tive of Kazakhstan to the United Planning of Exploration Production United States, Ukraine and Uruguay. Programme for January was ap- Darfur and Abyei) and South Sudan, signifying the assumption by the Nations. During this period Ka- for KazMunayGas. He also worked The Mission of the Kingdom of proved. The council also held Dec. West Africa and the Sahel, Mali, So- country of its duties as a non-per- zakhstan campaigned for and was as Vice-Minister of Economy and Sweden hosted the event, which 4 closed consultations on the situa- malia, Cyprus, Colombia, as well as manent member of the body for elected as a non-permanent mem- Budget Planning of Kazakhstan in was chaired by Sweden’s Perma- tions in Syria (concerning the issue implementation of Resolution 2231 2017-2018. The plates with the ber of the United Nations Security 2009-2010, Vice-Minister of Eco- nent Representative to the UN Am- with chemical weapons) and Iraq on the Iranian nuclear programme. name of Kazakhstan were also set Council (UNSC). He has the rank nomic Development and Trade of bassador Olof Skoog. (humanitarian aspect). Two meetings of the subsidi- at the negotiating table in the Se- of Ambassador Extraordinary and Kazakhstan in 2010-2012), and The delegation of Kazakhstan was The High-Level Open Debate on ary bodies: Committee 751/1907 curity Council room and the room Plenipotentiary. member of the Board of the Eura- represented by Chargé d’Affaires “Conflict Prevention and Sustain- concerning Somalia and Eritrea, for private consultations, the coun- On April 13, 1944 the Supreme sian Economic Commission for Barlybay Sadykov. Sadykov an- ing Peace” will be Jan. 10. Dur- and Committee 1267/1989/2253 try’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Council of the Kazakh Soviet So- Economy and Financial Policy nounced Kazakhstan’s priorities, ing the meeting, council members concerning terrorist groups ISIL/ announced in a Jan. 1 press release. cialistic Republic (Kazakh SSR) since February 2012.

INSIDE NATION EURASIA&WORLD EDITORIALS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Appreciation for Every Crumb: A Famine EAEU Adapts Regulations toward a Single After Ups and Downs of 2016, Kazakhstan ODILOV: Kazakhstan Reforms Minerals Dombra Cover of Metallica Song Strikes Legacy A2 Customs Code A3 Ready and Optimistic for 2017 A6 Legislation amid Efforts to Attract Chord B1 Military Medicine Centre Implements Iran, Kazakhstan to Enhance Cooperation; Kazakhstan to Seek Unity during Tenure Investment A7 IRENA to Participate in EXPO 2017 B6 Global Best Practices Into Training A2 Ink Agreements on Health, Shipping, Travel, on UNSC A6 ILESANMI: ‘We are Pursuing Ambitious Labour and Trade A3 Goals’, says Nazarbayev University Provost A7

US$ 1 = 330.54 KZT € 1 = 347.86 KZT 1 = 5.51 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

NATIONAL Appreciation for Every Crumb: A Famine Legacy NEWS IN BRIEF low the poverty line. Our relatives dren were found in the streets be- Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- By Dmitry Lee claim that passing through a con- cause their parents couldn’t feed arbayev signed the law Dec. 30 “On struction site from work in school them.” introducing amendments and ad- ASTANA – Kazakh culture has (where she had worked as a clean- Having overcome challenges denda to some legislative acts of Ka- been shaped by events cruel and ing staff) she brought home one that now seem unimaginable, the zakhstan on fingerprint and genomic kind over the centuries. One of the brick a day. They say that’s how Serikovs today honour their fam- registration.” It is aimed at bringing saddest and most influential in re- she had enough supplies to build a ily’s legacy by doing well for their legislation into conformity with the cent history was the great famine small house. This is just what peo- own families. law “On fingerprint and genomic of 1931–1933 caused by Stalin’s ple back then had to go and live “Eventually, my grandfather be- registration,” reported Akorda.kz. policies of collectivisation. Ac- through.” came a director at a power supply Fingerprint registration will be taken cording to some estimates, about Serikova’s older son only stud- company and was managing over when residents apply for passports, 40 percent of the ethnic Kazakh ied through four grades. Her 2,000 people,” Serikov said proud- identity cards or identity documents. population of that time lost their younger son did finish school but ly. “His older brother, who didn’t Foreign residents are fingerprinted lives during those years: more or couldn’t even go to school until finish school, worked as a boiler when they apply for visas. less 1 million people. he was eight or nine years old be- fireman all his life.” “My great grandmother, cause he didn’t have shoes. The years of the famine have Almaty will join the European Kamilya Serikova, had 13 chil- “At some point they had one pair imprinted survival traditions on Healthy Cities network of the World dren during the years of famine of shoes for both,” Serikov recol- Serikov’s family, he said. Health Organisation (WHO) this and only two survived,” Almarat Monument in Astana honouring victims of the great famine. lects from his childhood memo- “After going through such an year, reported Zakon.kz. The project Serikov, 33, told the Astana Times. ries. “One of them – the younger ordeal, people of those years and coordinator issued positive remarks Serikov is an engineer from Ust- is my grandfather – he used to tell many generations following were in response to the initiative of the Al- Kamenogorsk whose great-grand- mother – a woman with feelings, a during the Second World War, me that he went to school until brought up to not waste food, of maty Akim (Mayor) and City Health parents felt the pangs of famine mother, who lost 11 children – they leaving his children with only their the winter came, then he just ran course,” Serikov said. “They still Department. WHO Healthy City first-hand. were not sick with incurable dis- mother. across the steppe with bare feet. see food differently: even being status will improve the well-being Serikov’s great-grandparents eases, her children were just dying “Her husband, my great-grand- He saw cows sitting on the ground. a director and having it in abun- of the population and make Almaty lived in the village of Algabas, in of hunger during the years of fam- father, later went to war when he He would run up to a cow, kick it, dance, my grandfather never more attractive for medical tour- the Almaty region, and they often ine in 1930–32. Every time I think was over 50 years old. He was and when the animal moved he sat threw out food. Food, saving and ism. The key tasks of the Densau- told their children about the hard about it, it breaks my heart. Some forced to or framed to – we don’t in the warm place, warmed his feet managing resources to the fullest lyk and Almaty 2020 development times of that period. of them did die from diseases but know now for sure – but he had up and continued to the next cow. capacity were paramount priori- programmes will also be effectively “When children fall ill these that’s because at that time the level to leave the two children with his During really cold weather he had ties in his life. I believe our gen- solved in terms of implementing the days, sometimes with the efforts of medicine was low. Perhaps if wife in wartime. Some relatives to skip school. For two years he eration should also remember this best international practices in health of the whole world, people man- we think about those days with claimed that one of the neigh- couldn’t attend school at all.” legacy because this world has a preservation and promotion. age to cure them – by fundraising, our modern views, some children bours, who didn’t want to go to Serikov refused to sift through lot of surprises in store, especially saving money and other means,” probably just died from unsanitary war, paid off the officials and per- history’s darkest pages in search of natural disasters and things like A new poultry farm with a pro- Serikov said. “To me it’s a great living conditions.” haps their child was passed over blame or justice, focusing instead that. We must be prepared for any- duction capacity up to 4,000 tonnes misfortune, it’s the scariest thing As if that wasn’t bad enough, and my great-grandfather was sent on his great-grandparents’ legacy. thing, and appreciate every crumb. of halal chicken meat per year was ever, when children get sick. Every with the famine still in recent instead.” “Back then people were so des- If your loaf of bread is going bad, opened in the Zhambyl region in late parent wants to save their child. I memory, Serikov’s great-grandfa- “My great-grandmother was not perate and there were so many why not make croutons or dry December, reported the KazAgro always think of my great grand- ther was forced to the front lines educated and was living way be- heart-breaking stories. Many chil- toast?” press service. “The project allows us to provide the nearby districts with quality eco-friendly food production and increase tax revenues to the re- gional budget. This also has a posi- tive effect on improving the well- Military Medicine Centre Implements being of the region and about 150 people got new jobs… Our products will be available beginning February Global Best Practices Into Training of next year,” said Zhambyl Region Akim (Governor) Karim Kokrek- mats, from round tables to work- “It is remarkable that principles introducing new academic pro- This land scout robot, devel- bayev. The project worth of 2 billion By Kamila Zhumabayeva shops and longer curricula, the of triaging [sorting the wounded] grammes while a Kazakh armed oped by the Military Science and tenge (US$5 million) was launched ministry said in a statement. was a separate topic explored dur- forces delegation was visiting edu- Research Centre of Kazakhstan’s with the participation of KazAgroFi- ASTANA – The Armed Services Specialists in armed services ing these curricula. This is an es- cation facilities and military-med- National Defence University, is nance. A network of communication Medicine Centre of the Kazakh medicine from Kazakhstan and sentially important topic for mili- ical facilities in Tokyo. Kazakh still in the testing phase. How- systems including water supply, Defence Ministry is bringing the foreign states are invited to ex- tary health professionals because in experts explored training methods ever if the nation’s military-in- sewerage, gas supply and electrifica- country’s military and medical spe- change experience and create new the context of violent conflict, pri- for military-medical specialists dustrial complex becomes inter- tion was installed and water intake cialists’ training in line with best projects through the centre. oritising healthcare delivery with and the use of mobile hospitals ested in the new technology, in facilities were constructed as part of international practices and introduc- This year, courses were arranged many injured people at hand is the there. two years a small batch sample the Business Road Map 2020 pro- ing new academic programmes and for surgical medical experts of the most difficult decision that has to The Astana Times previously re- might be evacuating wounded, gramme. regional advances into their work, military units and departments of be made,” the press service said. ported about an experimental mod- laying mines, helping put out the ministry’s press service reported. Almaty’s regional garrison. Lead- The Armed Services Medical el of a terrestrial military robot that fires and assisting in many other Twenty-one street workout play- Training and development is ing surgeons from Sweden con- Centre also raised the question of can operate as a scout during mili- important functions during mili- grounds were installed in Astana, conducted across a variety of for- ducted the training. training health care personnel and tary actions in urban centres. tary actions. Almaty, Aktau, Aktobe, Shymkent and Zhanaozen in 2016, according to Zakon.kz. The project is initiated by the National Olympic Commit- tee with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Sport, Street Work- Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan to Reopen out Federation and local govern- ment bodies. The federation plans to hold free training in the summer season. All sports areas are located Section of M-39 Highway in February in accessible spots that allow resi- relations between the two coun- The meeting was also attended manage duty-free goods turno- At the end of the meeting, dents to engage in sports at con- By Aigerim Seisembayeva tries and the development of by Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister ver. Nematov thanked the Kazakh side venient times. More than 50 people trade and tourism. I also hope it for Investment and Development After the completion of the re- for supporting the issue and noted can train in the workout zones at the ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Uz- will strengthen ties between the Roman Sklyar and Akim (Gov- construction, residents of Tashkent the meeting was an example of de- same time. The project aims to pro- bekistan have reached an agree- Uzbek capital of Tashkent and ernor) of the South Kazakhstan will be able to get to Samarkand veloping bilateral cooperation. mote mass sports in the regions and ment to reopen Highway M-39 in the South Kazakhstan region,” region Zhanseit Tuymebayev. while avoiding a bypass road “We came here with a noble mis- attract children and youth to physi- February. The highway has been said Ambassador of Kazakhstan They agreed to rebuild a 65-kil- through Jizzakh, reducing the dis- sion of discussing the possible re- cal training. closed for 10 years. to the Republic of Uzbekistan ometre section of Highway M-39 tance needed to be travelled from newal of motor traffic on the M-39 “After commissioning, the Erik Utembayev following a (from the 887.8 km to the 911.9 89 km to 24.5 km. highway. Back in 1998, we signed The Tau-Ken Temir plant plans to new road will reduce the dis- Jan. 6 meeting with Ambassa- km), which passes through the Sklyar and Nematov expressed a bilateral agreement on the use of reach its full production capacity of tance [needed to be travelled dor at Large of the Ministry of territory of the Maktaaral area confidence that the agreement will M-39 24.3 km. In the near future, 21,000-23,000 tonnes of technical from Tashkent to Samarkand] by Foreign Affairs of the Republic and build a checkpoint along the strengthen international economic we will open the road, and I hope refined silicon this year, according 65 kilometres. This will contrib- of Uzbekistan Ilhom Nematov in highway. The highway’s border relations and improve trade turno- traffic will be resumed,” Nematov to Zakon.kz. The plant produced ute to further strengthening of southern Kazakhstan. area will also have a facility to ver. said. more than 19,500 tonnes in 2016. “We export mainly to the western countries. About 50 percent goes to North America, 40 percent to Euro- pean countries and only 10 percent to Belarus and Russia. We will start Authorities Detain 16 Suspected to produce microsilica from waste products soon. This will allow us to further reduce the cost and reduce the burden on the environment,” Members of Banned Islamist Group said Tau-Ken Temir Chairman Mu- people since Dec. 21 on suspicion tee stated in its press release that it a number of other countries, ac- Egypt in the 1960s as an offshoot rat Zhukenov. The German-made By Kamila Zhumabayeva of inciting religious hatred and began special-forces raid on Dec. cording to the press release. of the Muslim Brotherhood. ore-smelting furnace allowed the their involvement with Takfir wal- 21 to neutralise the cells of the “Members of this organisation The National Security Commit- plant to compete with industry lead- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s state Hijra Islamist group. Takfir wal-Hijra religious extrem- are known to propagandise the tee plans further updates to brief ers both in quality and cost. security service has detained 16 The National Security Commit- ists organisation in Kazakhstan. principle of the so-called ‘accusa- the public on its recent operations. Raids were simultaneously car- tion of disbelief’ or ‘takfir’. The News outlets report that among Approximately 11,000 farmers ried out in the Almaty, Aktyubinsk, ideology of Al-Qaeda, Daesh [also other provinces, the security op- took part in trainings in 25 agricul- Atyrau regions and in the city of known as Islamic State of Iraq and eration also covered the Aktobe tural priority areas at the Agrocom- Almaty. the Levant, Islamic State of Iraq region where a deadly Islamist at- petencies centre in 2016. About 700 “Search operations where they and Syria] and a number other ter- tack killed 25 people, including 18 seminars conducted by foreign and [the suspects] live as well as other rorist groups was built on this prin- attackers, last June. local experts were also organised as operational and investigative ac- ciple,” the security body stated. Most of the surviving attackers part of the project. “The priority di- tions are being held,” the commit- The security committee said were recently sentenced to life in rections of agriculture were in focus tee said in the statement. Takfir wal-Hijra followers approve prison. Takfir wal-Hijra has not including dairy breeding, beef farm- Established in Egypt in the 1960s, of the actions of terrorists in Iraq been linked to that attack. ing, sheep breeding, crop farming, the Islamist group was recognised and Syria and in general, reject the “Thousands of nationals from oil and feed crop and greenhouse as extremist in August 2014 by a country’s secular government and Central Asian nations are known vegetables. We invited 25 foreign court decision in the Kazakh capital constitutional laws. to be fighting alongside Islamic and about 30 local experts and 120 and banned from the country. Takfir wal-Hijra was previously State militants in Syria and Iraq, lecturers. More than 50,000 users Takfir wal-Hijra is listed as a named “Jama’at al-Muslimin,” and authorities have long warned have visited our online resource fer- terrorist organisation in the U.S., a radical Islamist group led by they could return and carry out at- mers.kz since its launch,” said Agro- Russia, China, Egypt, Morocco, Egyptian agricultural engineer tacks on home soil,” Reuters news competencies centre head Toleutai Libya, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Shukri Mustafa that emerged in agency reported. Rakhimbekov. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

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formation and the status of its ex- EXTERNAL ecutive bodies as of 23 December NEWS IN BRIEF 1995, concerning the list of state EAEU Adapts Regulations toward bodies of the Republic of Kazakh- The New York Times has includ- stan. ed Kazakhstan as 26th on the list of The Kazakh and Russia lead- 52 places to visit this year. “From ers also issued a statement on the a Single Customs Code crash of the Russian Defence Min- oil state to luxury eco-destination,” “The special role of tackling istry’s plane near Sochi on Dec. 25 noted the editorial. “Ten years after By Aigerim Seisembayeva Borat put it on tourist maps, Ka- problems should be given to the in which 92 people died and Naz- Eurasian Economic Commission. arbayev again expressed condolenc- zakhstan aims to be a refuge of Silk ASTANA – Eurasian Economic Road luxury. A boom of hotels in the Today it is important to look be- es to the people of Russia. Union (EAEU) member states yond crisis and develop systemic Nazarbayev also participated capital, Astana, includes this year’s signed a new Customs Code Dec. openings of a St. Regis and Ritz- and long-term solutions to build the in the Collective Security Treaty 26, laying the groundwork for a sin- strategy of the EAEU development. Organisation (CSTO) Collective Carlton. But an earnest transition gle EAEU customs code. from oil state to eco-destination In this connection it is necessary to Security board meeting with the The new code will replace regu- create an anti-crisis council. If the presidents of Russia, Armenia, Kyr- is also underway. Astana hosts lations adopted in 2009 and was the 2017 World Expo, which high- heads of state support this, I propose gyzstan and Tajikistan. signed following a Supreme Eura- to entrust the Commission, together “We know how complicated the lights future energy solutions and sian Economic Council (SEEC) is home to a pavilion powered by with our governments, to consider relations in many regions of the meeting in St. Petersburg attended this issue and make an appropriate world are. The number of troubled clean energy, while the bio-diverse by the presidents of Russia, Arme- Tian Shan Mountains were included decision,” Nazarbayev stated. regions is not decreasing,” Russian nia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and In conclusion, the head of state President Vladimir Putin said at the on UNESCO’s 2016 World Herit- Russia. Alexander Lukashenko, the age list. The tour outfitters Remote wished Kyrgyzstan’s leadership opening of the event. President of Belarus which is the Lands and Intrepid Travel have also a successful EAEU chairmanship The group discussed international fifth member of the EAEU, did not sultan Nazarbayev, speaking at the with China and Israel and that there started new tours,” it added. next year. issues, including terrorism. participate in the meeting. meeting, also noted the completion is interest in the EAEU from South Nazarbayev also held a bilateral Nazarbayev expressed Kazakh- The new unified code, which is of an electricity market develop- American states. meeting with Russian President China has announced a railway stan’s intention to further develop expected to come into force July ment programme, preparations for Nazarbayev also said the logical Vladimir Putin and noted the effec- itinerary to London through Kazakh- military cooperation with the Rus- 1, 2017, took three years to write a liberalisation plan for the services step in the development of EAEU tive cooperation between Kazakh- stan, Xinhua News Agency reported sian Federation and Kazakhstan’s and seeks to make customs opera- sector and the launch of the com- international economic relations is a stan and Russia in the framework of Jan. 4. The service will start from readiness to provide a platform in tions more transparent. It will also mon EAEU financial market. He statement on trade policy develop- the EAEU. the Chinese city of Yiwu, “a famed Astana for talks on the Syrian con- better facilitate interaction between also said international cooperation ment, which outlines the principles “Our relations are advancing. wholesale market town in the eastern flict. businesses and government agen- has improved under Kazakhstan’s of cooperation with foreign part- Questions arise, but we solve them province of Zhejiang,” according to Putin congratulated Nazarbayev cies while reducing paperwork and EAEU chairmanship in 2016. ners. at governmental level. We have dis- the media. “The train will travel for on the 25th anniversary of Kazakh- physical contact with officials. “We made good progress in this “At the same time, we must not cussed the issues of further develop- 18 days over more than 12,000 kilo- stan’s independence, noting the When the new document enters direction. In October, an agreement forget that the work on trade agree- ment of Baikonur and worked out metres to reach Britain from China.” achievements of the country during into force, the Eurasian Economic on a free trade zone with Vietnam ments has to be systematic, most a respective eight-year-long road The route winds through Kazakh- this period. Commission will determine upper entered into force. We are consid- pragmatic and take into account map,” Nazarbayev highlighted. stan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Ger- While in St. Petersburg, Naz- cost and weight thresholds for free ering starting negotiations on the the interests of all members of our In turn, Putin praised Kazakhstan many, Belgium and France before arbayev, along with Putin, also visit- trade which will be common for all establishment of similar zones with Union. It is important to carefully for its dedication to the integration arriving in London. Last summer, ed Diakont and Biokad companies. countries. Parties, in their turn, can Iran, India, Singapore and Egypt. analyse the structure of tariff com- process. “The fact that a success- Chinese authorities announced plans Diakont is one of the only two com- establish lower rates of duty-free Over 25 memoranda of coopera- mitments, the list of possible ex- ful country is actively promoting to expand the country’s rail network panies in the world producing radia- importation on a national level in re- tion and interaction with various emptions with regard to our capa- an integration project has a positive to 150,000 kilometres by 2020, in- tion-resistant lens zooms and one of spect of goods transported by inter- countries have been signed. We are bilities and limitations, assessing all impact on all parties to the EAEU,” cluding 30,000 kilometres of high- the global leaders in developing and national mail and express carriers. aiming at combining the Silk Road risks and new opportunities,” Naz- Putin said. speed roads, a 24-percent increase producing specialised equipment to EAEU members have agreed that Economic Belt with our Union, and arbayev said. The bilateral meeting included from 2015 and 58-percent increase ensure security in science intensive one year after the entry into force of searching for common ground with The President of Kazakhstan the signing of agreements increas- for the high-speed network. industries. The two presidents were the new Customs Code, in 2018, the the European Union and the Shang- pointed out a number of factors af- ing cooperation on the Baikonur shown a compact synchronous mo- threshold for the duty-free import of hai Cooperation Organisation,” fecting the work of the EAEU, in- Cosmodrome complex, the Protocol Kazakhstan ranked fourth on the tor and other equipment. Biokad is goods from foreign online stores into Nazarbayev stated. cluding the deterioration of global on Amendments to the Intergovern- list of the largest importers of Geor- Russia’s leading innovative com- EAEU countries will be lowered. He also noted that negotiations economic conditions and unre- mental Agreement on the status of gian wine, reported regnum.ru. The pany with full cycle of drug devel- President of Kazakhstan Nur- are being held on trade agreements solved internal issues of the Union. the city of Baikonur, the order of nation imported 3.4 million bottles opment. last year, according to the Georgian Ministry of Agriculture wine agen- cy. The leading importer was Rus- sia (more than 27.2 million bottles), followed by Ukraine (more than 5.8 Iran, Kazakhstan to Enhance Cooperation; Ink Agreements million bottles) and China (up to 5.3 million bottles). In 2016, more than 50 million bottles were exported to 53 countries, 38 percent higher than on Health, Shipping, Travel, Labour and Trade in 2015, and totalled $113.8 million, the talks in Akorda, Nazarbayev re- drew attention to new agreements 16 percent higher than the previous By Aigerim Seisembayeva ported that the two leaders discussed aimed at increasing air traffic, op- year. The most popular Georgian a host of cooperation possibilities as timising the visa regime and pro- wine was Kindzmarauli (more than ASTANA – President of Iran Has- well as the implementation of pre- moting tourism. Nazarbayev also 7.4 million bottles), followed by san Rouhani paid an official visit to vious agreements. He focused on emphasised that he supports Iran’s Mukuzani (more than 2.5 million Kazakhstan on Dec. 22 which saw projects being implemented in the intention to establish a free trade bottles), Tsinandali (more than 2 mil- the signing of several bilateral agree- framework of commercial agree- zone with the Eurasian Economic lion bottles), Akhasheni (more than ments after his talks with President ments worth over $1 billion signed Union. 923,000 bottles) and Hvanchkara Nursultan Nazarbayev focusing on between the two countries. “The Nazarbayev stated that during the (more than 413,000 bottles). investment, trade, economic, transit, work is in process; however, we talks the sides also exchanged views transport and agricultural sectors. must make extra effort. We still have on international and regional issues. Eighteen Kazakh doctors have During the visit, the two sides a lot of joint projects to come,” Naz- “We expressed solidarity in the fight completed training in Seoul, South signed government to government arbayev said. against the spread of Islamopho- Korea, as part of the Bolashak in- agreements on cooperation in vet- He also stressed the “close and bia and the erroneous identification ternational programme, reported erinary medicine and animal health trusting relationship” the countries of Islam with terrorism and jihad- Khabar Agency. “In two months, the and maritime merchant shipping. had established. Nazarbayev pointed ism. An agreement was reached to Kazakh medical workers learned to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Invest- out Iran’s support for Kazakhstan’s strengthen the political influence of conduct laparoscopy procedures us- ment and Development and Iran’s foreign policy initiatives, as well as the two countries within the frame- ing a robot. The minimally-invasive Organisation of Applied Arts and Iran. “I believe that the lifting of neighbourly relations with all neigh- Kazakhstan’s consistent support for work of international organisations procedure involves surgery through Tourism agreed to work on mu- economic sanctions against Iran is a bouring countries. Your visit to Iran Tehran during the long international such as the UN, the Organisation of a small incision that allows avoid- tual simplification of group -tour result of your efforts,” Nazarbayev in April this year was of great impor- negotiations over its nuclear pro- Islamic Cooperation, and the SCO ing blood loss. After such surgery, ist trips and Kazakhstan’s Ministry said. tance for the further development of gramme. He also emphasised Ka- [Shanghai Cooperation Organisa- patients recover faster,” noted the of Health and Social Development “Since gaining independence, Ka- bilateral relations,” the Iranian presi- zakhstan’s role in finding a solution tion],” he said. media. “We have been cooperating and Iran’s Ministry of Cooperation, zakhstan’s friendly policy toward dent said. by hosting two rounds of talks on The visit from Rouhani came just with Kazakhstan for four years,” Labour and Social Security signed Iran has remained unchanged. Now Nazarbayev stressed that Iran is Iran’s nuclear programme. Among days after the foreign ministers of said KD Medical Research Cen- a memorandum of understanding is the time for bringing our coopera- an important partner and a friendly the promising areas for current bilat- Iran, Russia and Turkey met in Mos- tre head Kim Gon Su. “During this on cooperation in labour and social tion to a strategic level and Kazakh- country for Kazakhstan in the Is- eral cooperation Nazarbayev point- cow to discuss the efforts to stop time, we have trained 150 Kazakh security issues. Finally, the National stan is ready to work closely togeth- lamic world. He also noted Iran’s ed out are the mutual unlocking of the war in Syria welcoming the of- surgeons, general practitioners and Bank of Kazakhstan and the Central er,” he said. large contribution to the process potential in the transit-transport fer by the Kazakh President to hold urologists. Doctors from India, the Bank of Iran signed a memorandum Rouhani congratulated the Presi- of nuclear disarmament, noting sector, including cooperation in the fresh talks between the Syrian gov- Philippines, Russia and other coun- of understanding on assistance in the dent on Kazakhstan’s 25th anniver- the rapid growth of its economy railway sector; the establishment of ernment and opposition in Astana. tries pass trainings in the Korean organisation of bilateral trade. sary of independence, noting that after the lifting of sanctions, and long-term joint ventures in the ag- Rouhani’s visit to the capital also hospitals. Doctors from Kazakhstan, During the talks, Nazarbayev Iran attaches great importance to expressed hope that Iran’s current ricultural sector; and cooperation in came just a week after Prime Min- who come within the Bolashak pro- pointed out that numerous high- developing partnership with Ka- policy will have a positive effect on the mining and metallurgical indus- ister Benjamin Netanyahu paid the gramme, are very responsible and level meetings testify to the friendly zakhstan. “Our policy has always all Caspian states. try. first ever visit of the Israeli head of demonstrate excellent skills.” Some relations between Kazakhstan and been aimed at strengthening good At a joint press conference after In addition, the Kazakh President government to Kazakhstan. 700 applicants, including 24 doc- tors, won the Bolashak scholarship last year. The government-funded Idrissov and Kamilov noted that scholarship allows the recipients to study abroad. successful bilateral cooperation also Kazakh FM, Uzbek Leaders Discuss lays a foundation for regional coop- Kazakh violinist Zagisha Kamil eration in Central Asia. gave a solo concert in New York Idrissov thanked Kamilov for sup- to the leaders of women’s organi- porting Kazakhstan’s campaign for sations, reported Kazakh TV. “She Bilateral Cooperation, UNSC Priorities election to the UNSC and briefed performed the works of famous Ka- stan’s election to the UNSC a suc- portance of reforms initiated by and Uzbek entrepreneurs and imple- him on Kazakhstan’s main priorities. zakh, U.S. and European compos- By Malika Orazgaliyeva cess for the entire region and that Mirziyoyev for Uzbekistan’s socio- ment joint projects in trade, industry, The parties discussed their interest ers. Yoo Soon-taek, wife of UN Sec- And Galiskar Seitzhan Uzbekistan is ready to help promote economic and political development agriculture and logistics. in long-term stabilisation of Afghan- retary General Ban Ki-moon, was Central Asian’s interests within the with particular focus on citizens’ In addition, Idrissov confirmed istan and their intention to continue among the honoured guests. Wel- TASHKENT – Minister of For- UNSC, including tackling security needs. Next year in Uzbekistan will the invitation of Nazarbayev to Mir- helping that country with infrastruc- coming the Kazakh violinist, she eign Affairs Erlan Idrissov met challenges coming from Afghani- be the “Year of dialogue with the ziyoyev for a state visit to Astana. ture rebuilding, social and economic mentioned the Kazakh musician’s with Uzbek President Shavkat stan. people and interests of the people.” Mirziyoyev thanked Nazarbayev development and strengthening its great skill and talent,” noted the Mirziyoyev and Foreign Minister Mirziyoyev highlighted Kazakh “We are impressed by your radical for the invitation and said he would national education system. media. A graduate of the Kulyash Abdulaziz Kamilov in Tashkent on President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s steps to improve the business envi- visit as soon as possible. Mirziyoyev Idrissov’s visit to Tashkent came Baiseitova music school, Kamil Dec. 23 to discuss bilateral ties and contributions to global nuclear dis- ronment in the country and make it also underlined the commitment to as part of his trips in recent weeks took classes from famous teacher cooperation within the framework of armament and non-proliferation attractive for foreign direct invest- strengthen fraternal relations with to countries in the region, includ- Nina Patrusheva and is presently Kazakhstan’s election to the 2017- and the strengthening of the Central ment,” Idrissov stressed. Kazakhstan. ing to Afghanistan and Tajikistan, studying in the United States. She 2018 UN Security Council. Asian Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zone Idrissov noted the importance of The sides also noted areas of co- as Kazakhstan develops its priorities has won many international contests According to a Kazakh Foreign that was created with the participa- steps taken by Astana and Tashkent operation progress and discussed im- for the two-year UNSC membership and played in the Youth Orchestra at Ministry’s press release, Mirziyoyev tion of five countries in the region. to enhance economic cooperation, plementing projects to further cross- and prepares to assume its seat there the famous Carnegie Hall. said Tashkent considers Kazakh- In turn, Idrissov noted the im- establish closer ties between Kazakh border and interregional cooperation. on Jan. 1, 2017. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

ECONOMY More Than 10,000 Cars New Recycling Plant NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakhstan has increased the share of non-primary goods in to- tal exports to 35 percent, khabar. Produced in 2016 to Be Launched in 2017 kz reports. Small business was the main driver of the national econo- Starting in 2019, Kazakhstan By Kseniya Voronina By Zhazira Dyussembekova my last year with revenues increas- will prohibit ejecting waste into ing almost 50 percent. By year’s landfills without prior processing ASTANA – More than 10,000 ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s first end, more than 125,000 small busi- of food waste, tires, oil, batteries, nesses were operating in Kazakh- vehicles valued at 61.5 billion recycling plant running on green electrical equipment and plastic, stan. The number of new facilities tenge (US$185 million) were energy will be launched in 2017, according to Atameken Business rose 21 percent over the past year. produced in Kazakhstan dur- according to Kapital.kz. The plant Channel. As a result, plans to in- Revenues in the sector increased ing the first 11 months of 2016. will be located in the Akmola re- troduce separate waste collection 50 percent. The business sector is The government aims to achieve gion, not far from the capital. in cities will begin in 2017. greatly supported by the govern- 50-percent localisation in vehicle The investor and project con- The new recycling complex will ment through the Damu Entrepre- production and increase the ex- tractor is the German company consist of a biogas unit, a site for neurship Development Fund that port of Kazakh cars to 40 percent Eggersmann Anlagenbau GmbH, composting and processing bio- is subsidising loans rates. Over the of total production volume by which has built around 800 re- logical waste, and a sorting line. past six years, more than 8,000 pro- 2018. cycling plants throughout the The company will operate in semi- jects received loans worth almost 2 “Technically, Kazakhstan’s car world. automatic mode, with two shifts trillion tenge (US$5.99 billion). industry is completing the year The complex will occupy about each with 20 employees. with negative results, but in the 11 hectares and be capable of re- The recycling plant will be fin- Astana’s economy is growing at segment of trucks recession has cycling up to 60,000 tonnes of ished around the middle of next fast pace, khabar.kz reports. Over been replaced by growth. The waste per year, according to strat- year and be part of Arnasai village, 11 months in 2016, industrial enter- share of cars which were made in egy2050.kz. The project is being which was built based on green prises produced goods worth 368.2 the state amounted to one-third of implemented at the expense of for- technologies, according to Coali- billion tenge (US$1.1 billion) with million). Changes in the tariff SaryarkaAvtoProm launched the market. Demand for products eign investors, with the assistance tion for a Green Economy and De- a gain of 2.1 percent. The city’s regime in the beginning of the production of JAC cars from made by domestic enterprises is of ECONEP, a Kazakh-German velopment of G-Global chairper- economy received 712.9 billion year contributed to a significant China. Approximately 28 mil- recovering much more actively enterprise. The investment amount son Saltanat Rakhimbekova. tenge (US$2.14 billion) in invest- increase of car models produced lion euro (US$29.2 million) was than the sales of imported cars,” is approximately 10 million euros The village has wind power, ments, 1.5 percent more compared in the country. Such new model invested for further develop- said KazAvtoProm Chairperson (US$10.4 million). while separate collection of waste to 2015, according to Aizhan Tugel- Oleg Alferov. range will become an important ment, of which 18 million euro In previous decades, Kazakh- was introduced and the local bayeva, deputy head of Economy Specifically, 10,125 vehicles factor in the further revitalisation (US$18.8 million) was provided stan accumulated significant school switched to energy-saving and Budget Planning Department. were produced in the country of the industry,” said Alferov. by the Chinese investor. The stra- amounts of industrial waste, as technologies, leading to annual In terms of gross regional product, during the time period, 22 per- A sharp decline in market activ- tegic goal of the Kazakh-Chinese well as waste from agro-indus- savings of up to 3 million tenge Astana takes second place follow- cent less than 2015. Of the total, ity was observed in 2016, as au- partnership is to gain access to trial complexes and housing and (US$9,000) for heating and elec- ing the Atyrau region. According 8,157 units were passenger cars, thorised dealers sold only 38,800 the EAEU market. The planned communal services, according to tricity. to Tugelbayeva, 17,300 new jobs 24.5 percent less than the last units compared to 88,400 in production capacity of the JAC the source. The total amount of “Today, Kazakhstan has devel- were created between January and year. Truck production grew by 2015, a 56-percent reduction. The plant is 10,000 units per year. The municipal solid waste is about oped 35 live green technologies. November last year, decreasing the 8 percent, reaching 1,431 units. preliminary results of the second company plans to export its own 100 million tonnes, with an ad- Those technologies are to save wa- overall unemployment rate to 4.6 Bus production decreased by 10.8 half of this year, however, show products to Russia and expects to ditional five-six million tonnes of ter, to improve energy efficiency, percent at the end of third quarter percent to 174 units, according to a rapid recovery in the industry. deliver the first batch in 2017. solid waste forming every year. sustainable agriculture, especially 2016. the KazAvtoProm report and Ka- The decline in production slowed The ASIA AVTO plant Only up to 1.8 percent is being for growing organic crops, for zakhstan Automakers’ Union. from 56 percent in January-June launched production of new recycled, with the rest placed in waste management and ecosystem Renewable electric energy and “Such results were achieved to 22 percent for the 11-month LADA models, including the special landfills. The project will management and pollution reduc- energy efficiency is a priority mar- due to the state programme of soft period. The ASIA AVTO plant in Vesta sedan, XRay, Largus and demonstrate an effective waste tion. The country already has pro- ket for the innovation system of loans in the amount of 31 billion Ust-Kamenogorsk achieved good Granta liftback. Assembly of all management model that can be jects such as a 300-square-metre Kazakhstan, according to ranking. tenge (US$93.2 million). Tax rev- results in July-November, pro- models corresponds to the qual- replicated in other regions of the solar bio-greenhouse while under- kz. Each year, the volume of com- enues from the auto industry ex- ducing 2,369 cars, or 44 percent ity standards of the Renault-Nis- country and help to improve the ground solar panels also work,” missioned facilities for renewable ceeded 17 billion tenge (US$51.1 more than last year. san-AvtoVAZ alliance. nation’s ecological state. said Rakhimbekova. energy is growing at 25 percent. This market involves more than 50 companies. In late October, the In- ternational Energy Agency was op- timistic about the renewable energy market. The agency improved its Kazakhstan’s Economy Bad Weather, Highway Closures growth forecast in the sector com- pared to the previous expectations. By 2021, solar and wind energies are expected to witness cost reduc- Adapts to New Exchange Cause Rail Travel Spike During tions of 21 and 15 percent, respec- tively. The input of electrical power at renewable energy sources keeps growing every year in Kazakhstan. Rates, National Bank Says New Year’s Holiday In 2015, the volume of investments her husband and two-year-old son lintertrans-Germany GmbH and aimed at the development of a green Staff Report By Aigerim Seisembayeva who were traveling from Kostanai Euro-BRICS. economy amounted to 9.3 billion to Taraz to visit relatives. Howev- The train consists of 40 refrig- tenge (US$27.87 million), which is Kazakhstan’s economy has ASTANA – Bad weather and er, Askarbekova went into labour erator containers with perishable five times more than in 2014. adapted to new exchange rate the closure of major highways as the train pulled into the Astana products. Elite wine producers conditions, said National Bank during the peak New Year’s holi- station. The train’s conductor and from France were the first cus- According to the European Bank Chairperson Daniyar Akishev day caused a surge in rail travel. staff immediately called for assis- tomers. The train left the city of for Reconstruction and Develop- Dec. 20 at a governmental meet- More than a million passen- tance. Medical personnel arrived Herne Dec. 27 and arrived at the ment (EBRD), Kazakhstan’s GDP ing. gers were carried on the nation’s and Askarbekova successfully Iletsk station in Uralsk, Kazakh- growth will reach 2.4 percent in The annual inflation rate fell railway systems during the New gave birth en route to a local peri- stan, Jan. 5. 2017, 365info.kz reports. Doctor to a single-digit value. Akishev Year holidays, including 100,000 of Economic Sciences Tursunbek cited data on inflation, according natal centre. This cargo route normally re- passengers traveling from Astana. In 2016, more than 20 million quires 45 days by sea. The use of Omurzakov commented that ac- to which by the end of November, Six additional passenger trains cording to the Statistics Committee inflation was at 1.2 percent and, passengers travelled by train in rail is expected to cut that travel were put into service and more of the Ministry of National Econo- since the beginning of the year, Kazakhstan. National rail carrier time and boost the volume of Daniyar Akishev than 500 additional cars were Kazakhstan Temir Zholy trains transportation of goods requiring my, the volume of GDP amounted 7.5 percent. to 31.3 trillion tenge (US$93.8 bil- “At a time when changes in the added to passenger trains. In the its staff in communication eth- special temperature conditions. northern region, 70-80 cars were ics, speech culture, standards of This is expected to increase tran- lion) over the first nine months of exchange rate in August last year According to him, in the next 2016, increasing 0.4 percent. Thus, added. service and the ability to manage sit traffic from China to Europe were 78 percent as of Dec. 15 this two months, inflation will reach the government’s forecast seems to The increased rail travel fol- emergency situations, including through Kazakhstan. year and annual inflation declined the established range of 6-8 per- be more close to reality. On the oth- lowed bad weather conditions first aid. KTZ Express operates its own to 8.7 percent; we may assume cent and will be within that range er hand, according to the ministry’s which caused squally wind, icy In other Kazakh railway news, fleet of specialised containers that the process of transfer of the throughout 2017. forecast for 2017-2019, the world roads and almost zero visibility effect of corrections on the do- During the meeting, which a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Temir with a climate regime ranging oil price stands at $35 per barrel, mestic prices is almost complete. summed up the past 11 months, due to snowstorms. The Astana- Zholy, KTZ Express, recently from –25°C to +25°C. The fleet with a further increase to $40 per An adaptation of the domestic Prime Minister Bakytzhan Kokshetau, Astana-Karagandy launched the first refrigerator comprises 430 units and offers barrel in 2020 and $45 per barrel economy was performed accord- Sagintayev noted the need to highways were closed. container train on the Herne (Ger- all-season services of delivery of in 2021. However, the current price ingly with the exchange rate con- keep inflation within a range of Among the holiday rail travel- many) – Lanzhou (China) route cargos requiring special tempera- of Brent crude oil is $57. Appar- ditions,” said Akishev. 6-8 percent. ers were Arailym Askarbekova, jointly with RTSB GmbH, Be- ture conditions around the world. ently, the EBRD experts believe that Kazakhstan has passed the eco- nomic downturn and inflation peak. Therefore, its outlook is more opti- mistic, said Omurzakov.

Vice Minister of Agriculture: Farmers Collect The National Bank of Kazakh- stan reported on the extension of the period of dual circulation of banknotes in denominations of Nearly 24 Million Tonnes of Grain 1,000 tenge (US$3) of 2006 and harvest fully covers domestic de- For the first time in the past The programme also ensures that 2014 samples until March 1, kazin- Staff Report mand and meets the export tar- 20 years, farmers sowed sugar farmers receive enough financial form.kz reports. According to the gets at the level of 8.5–9 million beet in northern Kazakhstan. To- incentive to improve efficiency. bank, prior to this date banknotes ASTANA – The gross grain har- tonnes. At present, grain exports tal production was 14,000 tonnes Under the programme, the num- will be eligible for payments and vest in Kazakhstan this year was amount to 7.9 million tonnes, with an average yield of 350 ber of farmers receiving state fi- banking transactions in Kazakhstan 23.7 million tonnes, almost 4 mil- which exceeds the previous year’s kilogrammes per hectare. This is nancial support will grow seven- without any restrictions. Banknotes lion tonnes more than last year’s figure by 12 percent,” he said. higher than the average national fold, from 67,000 to 500,000. can be exchanged in all branches of yield. Kazakh farmers have also “In 11 months, the agricultural indicator by 15 percent. By 2021, gross output of agri- the National Bank. From March 1 harvested 3.6 million tonnes of gross output grew to reach 3.4 “Overall, this year we had a cultural products is expected to to Feb. 28, 2018, these banknotes vegetables and 2.2 million tonnes trillion tenge; the index of physi- good harvest,” Aituganov con- grow by 30 percent or 1 trillion can be exchanged at any second of melons, exceeding last year’s cal volume grew by 4.5 percent cluded. tenge (US$3 billion) to reach tier bank. As reported, all branches produce yield by 511,000 tonnes. compared to the same period last The country is set to boost its 4.3 trillion tenge ($12.9 billion). of the National Bank will exchange First Vice Minister of Agricul- year,” the vice minister said. agricultural output and food pro- More than 1,200 farming co-oper- these banknotes until Feb. 28, 2021 ture Kairat Aituganov reported Kairat Aituganov The livestock industry has seen duction. The State Programme of atives will be involved in the food and without a commission. At the on the results and progress of the an increase of herd size by on av- Agrarian and Industrial Complex products distribution system. same time, the National Bank in- country’s agro-industrial complex “The average yield totalled 1.54 erage 1.3 percent, meat produc- Development for 2015–2017 sets The increase in new indicators forms that there are also legal ten- development at a Dec. 20 govern- tonnes per hectare, which is 15 tion growth of 3.5 percent and a a goal of increasing livestock will be achieved under the previ- der commemorative banknotes in ment session on social and eco- percent more than last year [1.34 milk production increase of 3.1 production by 40 percent and ously approved budget, without denomination of 1,000 tenge in cir- nomic growth in Astana. tonnes per hectare]. The collected percent. crop production by 30 percent. additional funding. culation. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Construction, Education, Experts Say Qazkom Saudi Arabia’s Metals Corners Holding Co. will invest $50 million in projects for the search, explora- tion and development of deposits Energy Are Areas Attracting too Big to Fail of nonferrous and precious metals (gold, copper, lead, zinc and silver) By Yerbolat Uatkhanov in Kazakhstan, according to Interfax Kazakhstan citing Kazgeologiya, the Foreigners to Kazakhstan ASTANA – Experts consider the national geological exploration com- of people in the construction indus- tion like civil engineer, mechanical situation with Qazkom shows the By Dmitry Lee pany. “At this time, the areas of the try. engineer and so on,” she said. complex situation in the Kazakh fi- East Kazakhstan and the Karaganda “In Astana alone, projects such “I encountered a lot of engineers nancial field, but predict the bank is ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s con- regions were presented to Metals as EXPO, Abu Dhabi Plaza, the working in the oil and gas field,” stable and too important a financial tinued efforts to attract foreign in- Corners Holding Co. The company Talan Towers and recently the St. said Kazakh TV presenter and Ka- institution for the state and won’t vestment have spurred an influx plans to send its geologists at the end Regis Hotel – all rely heavily on a zakhMys assistant to the smelting have really serious problems. of foreign talent and professionals of January 2017 to explore the area foreign workforce. In other parts of general director Chris Stanton. “But “Qazkom has already been from various fields. Certain factors and calculate the search operations the country such as Shymkent, the I also came across many geologists promised that it will get support at did influence the outflow in recent budget,” said the representative. The number of expats has risen in con- and construction workers conduct- the highest level. This is a signal years, such as the devaluation of the corresponding agreement was signed struction, too,” he added. ing large scale projects across the to creditors that they don’t need to national currency, but upcoming in October. The other area of growth in num- country.” worry. The bank has a significant events like EXPO 2017, construc- bers has been in education, said Stanton believes the most prom- loan portfolio in foreign currency tion of the Abu Dhabi Plaza in the Zhaltyrbylak has launched a new Stamp. ising sectors in Kazakhstan are and in tenge,” said economist Say- enterprise for heap leaching and pro- capital and holding the Universiade “Nazarbayev University and the natural minerals and transportation. an Kombarov, according to forbes. cessing gold ore from the deposit in Almaty still attract the foreign two Haileybury Schools [in Astana “Kazakhstan is one of world’s kz. Timur Turlov with the same name in the Karaganda workforce. and Almaty] are almost all expat largest landlocked countries, which The state does not give a negative region, reported Interfax-Kazakhstan The Astana Times tried to deter- specialist lecturers and teachers – makes it hard to transport goods scenario and doesn’t even want to ders of the productive and respon- on Dec. 23. “As a result of the gold mine what jobs are in the most de- indeed this is the selling point for at a cost-effective rate,” said Stan- think about Qazkom’s falling, add- sible savers who are forced to ore processing there are plans to get mand in the foreign community and these establishments. Other uni- ton. “But we can see, on the other ed economist Zharas Akhmetov. bear the burden of the worsening a special alloy, which is an ingot ob- why these positions look attractive. versities and schools have also re- hand, India has access to the In- “And what if there is no other economic and social situation. tained from the ore that went through Nina Bychenko, director general alised the value in having native dian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the way out? It is too big to allow it to Savings are used for the support a hydrometallurgical process and 75 of Head Hunters (hh.kz), the coun- speakers working with them. The Aden Sea as well as a handful of fail,” he said. of unproductive and parasitic percent of it is gold. The exclusive try’s top head hunting and recruiting Nazarbayev intellectual group of vital ports all the way to Australia “I think that bank lending and structures,” he said. purchaser of the final product is the agency, noted the largest number of schools across the country still and Singapore. Now Kazakhstan, the financial system led by the Na- He does not see an optimal solu- National Bank of Kazakhstan,” noted candidates is present in profession- employs large numbers of foreign through the Asian Development tional Bank, as well as the mon- tion in the situation with Qazkom. the statement. The total cost of the al fields such as top management. teachers and trainers,” he said. Fund, attracted $140 billion worth etary and economic policy led by “Management of the bank and project is 3.4 billion tenge (US$10.1 The majority of applicants are age He also highlighted the two fields of agreements and loans as well as the government, slow down long- financial regulators are responsible million), more than half of which is 30-40, with men completely domi- that will see more growth in the the Ministry of Investment and De- term sustainable development of for the fact that problems weren’t company’s own funds. The design nating at 82 percent. future. velopment [overseeing transport] the country,” said Kombarov. solved in time. A default of unprof- capacity of the enterprise is more “Speaking of their specialisa- “One area that I see future in- of Kazakhstan has promised to in- “Banking and foreign loans, itable enterprises would be the best than 500,000 tonnes of processed tions, usually they’re in such fields crease in the use of expats will be in vest over $20 billion in the trans- which are attracted to private and solution that enables to clean rot- ore per year. The planned annual as professional management and vocational education, helping to de- port industry by 2020. That initia- quasi-public sectors, do not lead sales turnover is about 2 billion tenge administration, production and velop the manufacturing base of the tive is called the ‘New Silk Road’ tenness from the financial system, to an increase in productivity and as long as it does not spread. It is (US$5.9 million). technology and crisis management. country and improve the economic and its main aim is to use energy, responsible and profitable invest- As for their [ex-patriot labourers] viability in this area. The other area transport, trade, communications necessary to organise the market ment,” he added. correction, sale of illiquid assets Alatau Capital Invest (ACI) has ac- demand and their competitive- is tourism and recreation. Small and and infrastructure investment to Kombarov noted in the case of at market price and debt restruc- quired a 3.4-percent stake in national ness with the locals, here, perhaps medium-sized companies are be- economically integrate the regions’ Qazkom’s collapse, the Kazakh turing. After the market correction telecom operator Kazakhtelecom, the key is the effectiveness of key ing established to develop regional full potential. And finally to create market would have had serious and the definition of actual prices according to the company’s press ser- performance indicators (KPI) of tourism. This may not bring in vast a stronger bond and more economi- problems and fall in depositors’ for assets, the growth is possible,” vice. As part of the strategy of diver- employees, regardless of location,” numbers of expats, but those that do cally-efficient link between Central confidence. said Kombarov. sifying its investment portfolio, ACI she said. come will be more valuable, giving Asia, Russia, China and the Euro- “Banks with partial redundancy purchased 413,316 shares of Ka- Bychenko provided the statistics more back to the areas that they live pean countries, to name a few, via can never return all deposits at Freedom Finance Director Timur zakhtelecom in a transaction totalling her agency compiled in the past six in,” he said. the Western Europe-Western China the same time. In this case, other Turlov noted the process of restruc- 5.8 billion tenge (US$17.4 million). months. According to the data, 24 Another ex-patriot from Portu- expressway.” banks may fall. In this case, de- turing bank debts will be continued ACI was founded in 2016 by Kazakh percent of the employed staff are gal, country manager architect Su- “Also if we take into account positors can lose their money or this year, reported kursiv.kz. He businessperson Kairat Satybaldyuly, in top management positions, 15 sana Ramalho, confirmed Stamp’s that this project will help reduce National Bank will have to assist added an alliance of Qazkom and who also owns a 30-percent stake of percent in IT and telecommunica- estimates that the construction sec- costs of transportation services and other banks at the expense of emis- Halyk Bank, rumoured late last Kaspi Holding. In April, ACI signed tions, 13 percent in both the sales tor attracts foreign workers. cut down the time it takes for the sions that can lead to depreciation year, is still possible. a memorandum with AllurGroup on and manufacturing sectors, 11 per- “Astana is in great development. overall transportation of Kazakh of the tenge, reducing the borrow- National Bank provided a 400.8 attracting investment and strategic cent in construction and 24 percent The people with whom I usually natural minerals, we can clearly ing ratings of second tier banks,” billion tenge ($US1.22 billion) partnership to develop the Kazakh in other fields. meet, not only professionally but see where the industry will be piv- he added. loan for Qazkom on Dec. 14. A national automobile cluster in Kosta- In addition to figures and digits, also among friends, are mainly oting towards and what is on the Kombarov is a strong supporter partial repayment of 200 billion nai. however, The Astana Times wanted from the construction sphere: horizon. Now that this initiative is of the idea that private or public tenge ($US600 million) was made to hear the opinions of local expats mainly architects, engineers and already in motion, I feel that Ka- banks or businesses generating Dec. 26. Baiterek National Holding opened about the promising fields with a designers. There are also a con- zakhstan will start to invest more losses should not be maintained at Bloomberg reported earlier that a credit line for KazAzot for a period positive outlook in the future. siderable amount of people related into geological exploration of un- the expense of the state and taxpay- the salvation of Qazkom may cost up to 36 months for export through “If you had asked me five years to education: English teachers and known and uncharted territories ers. 1.5 trillion tenge ($4.5 billion). The the Kazakhstan Development Bank. ago what was the most common oc- university professors in a variety where they know there is a promise “Loss-making and unprofitable bank rescue is one of the alterna- The deal is worth 6 billion tenge cupation of expats in Kazakhstan, I of disciplines. And of course, it is of efficient transport. Natural min- enterprises and their manage- tives being discussed by repre- (US$17.9 million), according to would have said oil and natural re- very frequent to find people from erals are, of course, the backbone ments do not bear any responsi- sentatives of Qazkom and National forbes.kz. The given resources are sources and to a certain extent that embassies –diplomats and/or col- of any country and Kazakhstan, bility for society. Instead of this, Bank. The problem could become expected to be spent to purchase is true, but more recently other sec- laborators, among my entourage of through this project, will increase they get more help at the expense the largest since the global finan- energy resources and raw materials tors have risen up the scale,” said foreign friends. I believe that one their overall GDP and shipping of budget funds and taxpayers. cial crisis, which occurred seven (ammonia, concentrated nitric acid trainer and event manager Gareth of the most popular professions for their minerals faster to markets Foreign creditors are willing to years ago when the state provided and sulphur) and the subsequent Stamp. expats in Kazakhstan is engineer – that are in demand of local prod- lend under the state guarantees, $20 billion to restructure the debt production and export of granulated He noted he has encountered a lot certainly in the sector of construc- ucts,” he said. which brings losses on the shoul- of Kazakhstan domestic banks. ammonium nitrate and liquid am- monia used in agriculture and min- ing, said the source. The contracts for export were concluded with major traders and agricultural com- panies in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyr- With Any Oil Price Scenario, Kashagan gyzstan and Ukraine. “Concessional financing will allow us to ensure product sales on external markets as well, despite the impact of external Benefits Country’s Economy, Says Expert factors, and to increase the volume thousands of citizens of Kazakhstan within Phase 1 to 370,000 barrels 2021, FGP-WPMP will provide of domestic oil service industry. of exports of ammonium nitrate and By Zhazira Dyussembekova and hundreds of Kazakh oil service per day,” stated Zhumagulov. around 20,000 new jobs.” KazService mediates contractors liquid ammonia,” said KazAzot Di- companies that are involved in the Two other Kazakh major fields, Meanwhile, the Karachaganak and oil companies, as well as helps rector General Kinis Urakov. The ASTANA – The launch of pro- Kashagan project. Tengiz and Karachaganak, are also project also expects expansion in create joint ventures/consortiums company plans to produce up to duction in 2016 of the Kashagan oil “In addition, the operator of the progressing. the production in 2018. Now there between foreign and Kazakh com- 313,000 tonnes in 2017, 40 percent field will be of great benefit to the Kashagan field invests annually (1 According to Zhumagulov, “cur- is a tender for pre-draft design, says panies to carry out oil and gas capi- of which will be exported, the bal- Kazakh economy despite current percent of the investment) into so- rently the attention of many local Zhumagulov. The investment will tal-intensive projects. ance for the domestic market. oil prices, General Director of the cial and infrastructure projects in and foreign companies is focused amount to at least $7 billion. “New companies come to the Ka- Association of oil service compa- the Atyrau and Mangystau regions. on the Future Growth Project and “Tengiz, Karachaganak and zakh market who are in dire need Forbes Kazakhstan and KPMG nies of Kazakhstan (KazService) At the moment, more than 100 facil- Wellhead Pressure Management Kashagan are the projects that will of local partners. And they often have ranked Kazakh insurance com- Nurlan Zhumagulov told The Asta- ities were built and repaired, which Project (FGP-WPMP) of Tengiz ensure not only stable production of address us because we provide con- panies according to the amount of na Times. cost around $501 million. With because in July 2016 it was de- hydrocarbons, but also the activa- solidated information on procure- premiums they collected in 2015. “Kashagan is not only the larg- any oil price scenario, Kashagan cided to implement those projects tion of the oilfield services business ment of subsoil users,” he added. The ranking excludes life insurance est oil and gas field discovered in benefits country’s economy,” said amounting to $36.8 billion. It is ex- over the next decade,” said expert. A special role in the activities of companies. The 26 participants in the the last 50 years, but also one of the Zhumagulov. pected that the production at Tengiz Zhumagulov heads the Associa- the association is the interaction ranking accumulated 208.5 billion most difficult to develop, due to the In December, it was announced will increase by 50 percent from 26 tion of Oil service Companies of with government agencies on pol- tenge (US$627.4 million), which is high concentration of hydrogen sul- that in accordance with the agree- to 38 million tonnes of oil per year. Kazakhstan, which is a public as- icy development of local content in 9 percent more than in the previous phide, a huge reservoir pressure and At the peak of construction in 2018- sociation assisting the development the oil and gas market. year. Most of the money came from a closed body of water of the Cas- ment on the reduction of oil produc- property insurance (26 percent), driv- pian Sea. According to the Ministry tion among the countries outside of er responsibility insurance (17 per- of Energy with the commencement OPEC, Kazakhstan has agreed to cent) and employee accident insur- of the North Caspian Sea Produc- reduce oil production by 20,000 ance (13 percent). Evraziya (Eurasia) tion Sharing Agreement, the state barrels per day for six months. Insurance Company occupies 17.6 budget has received bonuses in the “Thus, oil production in the percent of the market and accumulat- amount of $1.9 billion. And un- whole country will be reduced to ed 36.7 billion tenge (US$110.4 mil- til the expiry of that agreement in a level of 1.68 million barrels per lion). It was followed by Halyk-Ka- 2041, it is forecasted that Kashagan day during the first half of 2017. zakhinstrakh, which collected nearly will bring $25-$77 billion a year The reduction will take place at the 28.9 billion tenge (US$86.9 million). in tax revenues and royalties to expense of mature fields mainly in Third place belongs to Kazakhmys the state budget, depending on the Kyzylorda and Aktobe regions, Insurance Company with 17.2 billion world oil prices. Clearly, the higher and will not affect major projects tenge (US$51.7 million). The top five the price of oil, the more quickly such as Kashagan, Tengiz and also include Nomad Insurance and the cost of development of the Karachaganak. In the second half Kaspi Strakhovanie. All the data used Kashagan field will pay off and the of 2017 it is expected to increase for the ranking was assessed accord- state will increase its share of the production at the expense of the ing to National Bank financial state- profits,” Zhumagulov said. Kashagan field, which by the end ments or statistical data. He also mentioned dozens of of 2017 should reach full capacity A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 After Ups and Downs of Connecting Minds, 2016, Kazakhstan Ready Creating the Future and prices of products and discuss- By Zhaina Yerbolat ing details of export contracts. Furthermore, against the back- and Optimistic for 2017 The World Exhibition EXPO ground of the active development he year 2016 will go down as one of the most Kazakhstan also faced social challenges in 2016, 2020 will be held in Dubai under of space activities in the Emirates unpredictable and volatile years in recent his- primarily public protests regarding proposed land the theme “Connecting Minds, Cre- in recent years, there are good pros- tory. The election of Donald Trump – which reforms. It was a divisive issue, but the government’s ating the Future.” Kazakh Ambas- pects for expanding mutually ben- few anticipated – as well as the unexpected swift decision to listen and engage with the people sador to the United Arab Emirates eficial cooperation in peaceful outer outcomeT of the UK’s referendum on its EU member- turned out to be the right path to take and demon- (UAE) Kairat Lama Sharif shared space exploration. ship, have surprised everyone. On a global scale, strated the willingness of the government to take his opinion on creating the future of The UAE has adopted a pro- the world has faced many challenges. There was the into account the people’s and civil society’s con- Kazakh-Emirati cooperation. gramme for the development of its outbreak of the Zika virus in South America before the cerns. The peaceful manner in which the issue was space industry and created the Fed- 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Terrorism resolved demonstrated the maturity of our nation. It How do you assess the current strategic partnership between Asta- eral Space Agency and the Moham- has continued to plague the whole world, while con- now makes sense to wait for better conditions before state of bilateral relations between na and Abu Dhabi? med bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dubai flicts in the Middle East continue to cause suffering and restarting the process of discussions of these market Kazakhstan and the Emirates? It is worth noting that the “stra- Space Centre. In celebration of the destruction. The global economy has remained volatile. economy-driven land reforms. This year, we are celebrating the tegic partnership,” as the term of 50th anniversary of the foundation Kazakhstan has not been immune from some of While noting the challenges faced by Kazakhstan 25th anniversary of the establish- interstate relations, suggests the of the UAE, the Emirates plans to these global challenges. Economic growth slowed in 2016, we must also remember the achievements of ment of diplomatic relations be- presence of a number of conditions. launch an artificial satellite to Mars due to the recent falls in oil prices. Some budget cuts the past 12 months. Kazakhstan, of course, celebrated tween Kazakhstan and the UAE. First of all, partner countries should in 2021. had to be made to take into account the new eco- its 25th year as an independent nation. During this Over the years, the Emirates has be- have fundamentally important stra- Taking into account that Kazakh- nomic reality. Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Kanat momentous year, Kazakhstan was elected to the UN come a reliable and effective part- tegic objectives, the achievement stan is among the 30 countries pos- Bozumbayev recently announced that the country Security Council as a non-permanent member for ner for Kazakhstan in the Arab and of which is impossible in the ordi- sessing space technology and in the will be looking to reduce oil production by 20,000 2017-2018, the first country from Central Asia to be Muslim world. nary type of cooperation and can top 10 in terms of high definition barrels, following the recent meeting of OPEC and given this honour and responsibility. Indeed, Kazakh- Currently, the two countries be achieved only by moving their technology, we could jointly and non-OPEC oil producers in Vienna. The drop in oil stan has demonstrated why it deserves a seat on the maintain a quite active and produc- bilateral relations to a higher qual- successfully implement the ambi- prices have in part been mitigated by steps taken by UNSC. President Nazarbayev’s leadership has been tive political dialogue; they have ity level of partnership. Here, it con- tious plans of the Emirates. the government to diversify the nation’s economy credited with mending the relations between Russia developed similar approaches to the cerns very important indicators in To assess the state and prospects by putting forward measures and initiatives that help and Turkey. Kazakhstan’s role as a mediator may be resolution of global problems and the priority areas such as trade and of further bilateral cooperation, in attract foreign investment and encourage growth in utilised again after Russia, Turkey and Iran agreed successfully implement big invest- economy, investments, science and May 2016 a delegation of the UAE the numbers of small and medium sized businesses. that negotiations between the Syrian government and ment economic projects. technology, as well as the cultural Federal Space Agency headed by The diversification of the Kazakh economy will not the Syrian opposition should take place and after the The jubilee year begins with the and humanitarian field. Chairman Khalifa Al Rumaithi vis- happen overnight, but tangible progress is being Kazakh President confirmed readiness to host them official visit of President of Kazakh- If we talk about specific prom- ited Kazakhstan. They discussed made. It is also worth noting that despite the obvious in Astana. So, the Syrian crisis is likely to be one of stan Nursultan Nazarbayev to the ising areas of trade and economic cooperation between the space economic challenges, Kazakhstan is still an area of a number of challenges that will need to be resolved UAE. At the invitation of the Emir- cooperation, it, first of all, comes agencies of the two countries in stability in Central Asia and remains the most attrac- in 2017. ates government, Nazarbayev will to Kazakhstan’s export of agricul- such areas as space research, remote tive destination in the region for investment. However, there is also plenty to look forward to take part in the 10th World Future tural products to the UAE. Emirati sensing of the Earth, global satellite However, this year, Kazakhstan has unfortunately next year. Astana will welcome visitors to EXPO Energy Summit on Jan. 16 in Abu investors and partners have been navigation, the use of space infra- been the target of terrorists and extremists too. In 2017 between June and September. Following this Dhabi. paying special attention lately to structure, the creation of space ve- June, an attack took place in Aktobe, killing seven global event, the EXPO site will be used for the The sixth joint session of the the agricultural industry of Ka- hicles and their parts and the provi- people, while in July five people lost their lives in Al- Astana International Finance Centre. Meanwhile, Kazakh-UAE intergovernmental zakhstan, which, in their opinion, sion and use of launch services. maty. The recent atrocity at the Christmas market in Almaty will host the 28th Winter Universiade Games commission on trade and economic could be the anchor for other areas During the visit, the Aerospace Berlin reminds us how terrorism continues to affect from Jan. 29 to Feb. 8. cooperation will take place in the of bilateral, mutually-beneficial co- Committee of the Ministry for all corners of the world. This is why it is absolutely There is no denying that 2016 has seen its ups and framework of the visit. The sides operation. Investment and Development of imperative that the international community follows downs, but Kazakhstan as a nation must continue to will sign key documents, including The Emirates strongly supported Kazakhstan and the UAE Space the proposal voiced by Kazakh President Nursultan look forward. Despite all the challenges, Kazakhstan the memorandum of understanding the initiative of President Naz- Agency signed a memorandum of Nazarbayev at the UN General Assembly’s 70th ses- has enough reasons to be optimistic about 2017 and between the Kazakh Ministry of arbayev to establish the Islamic Or- understanding in the field of ex- sion in 2015 to establish a global coalition network to be prepared to embrace all the opportunities it may Foreign Affairs and the UAE Min- ganisation for Food Security (IOFS) ploration and use of outer space fight terrorism and violent extremism. bring. istry of Foreign Affairs and Inter- with headquarters in Astana. for peaceful purposes. Thus, they national Cooperation on the estab- In April 2016, a delegation of the established a legal framework for lishment of a joint commission on UAE Ministry of Climate Change expanding bilateral cooperation in consular issues. The memorandum and Environment participated in the astronautics. of understanding on cooperation in inaugural session of the IOFS Gen- The next important step in the tourism between the Kazakh Min- eral Assembly. Kazakh-Emirati partnership could Kazakhstan to Seek Unity istry for Investment and Develop- The new agency of the Organisa- be the establishment of cooperation ment (MID) and the UAE Minis- tion of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in nuclear energy. In recent years, try of Economy, memorandum of will coordinate the efforts of the the UAE has paid special attention understanding between the MID member states of the organisation to the development of green energy, during Tenure on UNSC and the UAE Federal Authority in the field of agriculture and food or alternative and renewable energy he last 12 months will rank among the most At a bilateral level, Kazakhstan already gives on- for Land and Maritime Transport security, develop strategies and pro- sources, including nuclear. turbulent of recent times. We have seen major the-ground help as well as training to hundreds of its on international road transport of grammes on agriculture develop- Given the high rate of socio-eco- political shocks driven by widespread public brightest students. But the best long-term way to defeat passengers and cargo, and memo- ment and provide technical assis- nomic development of the Emirates, anger and frustration at the political and busi- terrorism in Afghanistan is to integrate the country into randum of understanding between tance to the states in need, as well as every year electricity consumption nessT elite in the U.S. and Europe. Mainstream parties a strong regional economy. It is why Kazakhstan is the Kazakh Ministry of Religious take practical measures to combat in the country grows. Since 2008, and ideas are under challenge everywhere. investing, along with its partners, in improving transport Affairs and Civil Society and the hunger. the UAE government has conduct- The tragedy of Syria and Iraq has deepened, fuelled links across Central Asia to boost trade, employment UAE General Authority of Islamic Establishment of the IOFS is a ed a number of studies on energy by violent extremism, which continues to cause death and prosperity. Affairs and Endowments will be qualitatively new step in the eco- demand and electricity generation. and destruction across the world. These conflicts are Terrorism, however, is a truly global threat. We need, signed, too. nomic cooperation between the OIC The results show that by 2020 the also a prime cause of the refugee crisis. Millions have as President Nursultan Nazarbayev has urged, a genuine In addition, the parties are plan- member states. Previously, they in- demand for electricity will amount fled the fighting to seek a safer, better life for their Global Coalition under the auspices of the UN to ensure ning to sign the memorandum of teracted in this area without a single to almost 40,000 MW (40 GW); i.e. families. But the mass movement of people has added we have the resources and information to win this fight. cooperation between the national coordinating body and development demand will increase annually by to tensions in many countries and put a heavy burden on This will be impossible, however, unless we act to company Astana EXPO 2017 and strategy and with low efficiency and an average of 9 percent. their neighbours. end the tragedy in Syria. It has become clear that there Dubai Bureau of EXPO 2020, as fragmentation of joint actions. In this regard, the Emirates Nu- At the same time, the global economy remains in a can be no solution without the sitting government’s well as a memorandum of under- In general, I want to emphasise clear Energy Corporation (ENEC) fragile state. Living standards are under pressure across involvement. What’s needed now is the courage and standing between Astana Interna- that the activities of the IOFS in was created in 2009 with initial large parts of the world. Trade growth – the motor of vision to find a settlement that allows the moder- tional Financial Centre and Dubai Astana will support Kazakhstan’s charter capital of $100 million. prosperity – has stalled and is now expected to be at the ate opposition to have a strong voice in the country’s International Financial Centre. standing in the Muslim world, as In 2011, the South Korean corpo- lowest level since the financial crisis. future so that the violent extremists can be driven out of These concrete steps will give well as strengthen the position of ration KEPCO won a tender for the The response to these challenges over the last year Syria. That is why Kazakhstan welcomed the Dec. 29 powerful impetus to further fruitful the Republic of Kazakhstan as a construction of four power units of should have been increased cooperation to find effec- announcement of a ceasefire brokered by Moscow and cooperation between Kazakhstan leading exporter of food to the OIC the Barakah nuclear power plant in tive and sustainable solutions. But instead of unity, the Ankara and accepted their proposal to host, if needed, and the UAE. markets. the UAE as a general contractor and international community has rarely seemed as fractured intra-Syrian talks on the potential political settlement Among the Middle East countries, In this regard, it should be noted main project operator for 60 years. or incapable of action. for the cruellest of the ongoing conflicts. the UAE continues to be a major in- that the rapid economic develop- The construction of the four power It is against this worrying background that Astana Reaching it won’t be easy. But only through dialogue vestor in Kazakhstan. According to ment of the UAE over the past 20 units, according to various sources, takes on a major responsibility on Jan. 1 as Kazakhstan rather than suspicion and sanctions can trust be rebuilt the National Bank of Kazakhstan, in years has led to a sharp increase of costs from $30 billion to $40 billion. is the first country from Central Asia to sit on the United and lasting and fair solutions found. the period from 2005-2016 the gross its population: from 2.3 million peo- In accordance with the construc- Nations Security Council. The country is determined, These solutions must include a concerted effort to lift inflow of direct investments from ple in 1995 to 8.6 million in 2015. tion plan, the first unit of the nuclear as one might expect from a nation which has made the shadow of nuclear weapons from our world – the the UAE to Kazakhstan’s economy The Emirates imports about 85 power plant is to be commissioned promoting cooperation, dialogue and peace the guiding cause of our time as President Nazarbayev made clear amounted to nearly $2 billion. percent of the food present in the lo- this year, and it is planned to put principles of its foreign relations, to do all it can to help in his Manifesto. That is why, among other issues, it In addition, the UAE allocated cal market. In general, in the region into operation one reactor annu- heal divisions and tackle global threats. would be important to continue to support the Joint more than $100 million on a pro this figure reaches 90 percent. ally; thus by 2020, the project will This must include concerted action against terrorism. Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran and work on bono basis to Kazakhstan for the According to the Customs Ser- be completed. After the launch of Kazakhstan has already committed to work towards that country’s re-integration into the international com- construction of social facilities. A vices of the United Arab Emirates, the four reactors of the Barakah step up efforts to cut off the funds that finance their munity. clear example of friendly relations last year the country imported food nuclear power plant, its energy gen- conflict in Iraq and Syria as well as their terrorist attacks The nuclear agreement with Iran – reached with is the Kazakh-Emirati Secondary products worth more than $11.7 bil- eration will amount to 5,600 MW, around the world. Kazakhstan’s help – was a major step in limiting nu- School, built in Astana this year lion. However, foreign companies which will cover 25 percent of the The situation in Afghanistan is of particular concern clear proliferation while allowing countries the right to with the grant from the Charitable producing or selling food frequently electricity needs in the country and to us and to all countries in the region. It would be atomic power for peaceful purposes. Our country will Foundation of the UAE President. choose the Emirates as the start- will help to prevent the emission of the height of folly, not just for neighbouring nations be making its own major contribution to this critical Thus, today we can confidently ing point, where their cargoes are harmful gases in amount of about like Kazakhstan but also the wider world, to allow the goal next year when we host the International Atomic say that relations between the two distributed to other regions of the 12 million tonnes per year. country, which has suffered too much for almost four Energy Agency’s Low-Enriched Uranium Bank. It is countries have successfully passed world. The fact that Kazakhstan ranks decades now, to slip back into the hands of the Taliban one symbol of global cooperation we must hope will the stage of formation and now have Currently, with the assistance of first in the world in uranium pro- and other extremist groups. make 2017 a more optimistic year in the global calendar reached a completely new, effec- the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Abu duction provides the Kazatomprom Kazakhstan rightfully intends to use its work at the than the last 12 months. tive level of development in many Dhabi, Kazakh agro-industrial com- national company competitive op- UNSC to press for increased financial and practical Kazakhstan enters its two-year membership on the spheres of their multi-faceted coop- panies are considering supplying portunities to conclude a long-term support for the elected government of Afghanistan. One UN Security Council not only with a newcomer’s eration. different types of food to the UAE, contract to supply uranium to the must admit that despite the challenges it faces, Afghani- enthusiasm but also a sober awareness of the mountain establishing direct contacts with Barakah nuclear power plant. stan has made real progress in recent years, which must to climb on the way toward making our common world What specific steps are being potential buyers from the Emirates, The full version of the interview not be wasted. better, even with one small step at a time. taken for the development of a exchanging information on quality is available online.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

Standards (CRIRSCO) and assess the mineral resources in accord- ance with Kazakhstan’s Code on Kazakhstan Reforms Minerals Legislation Reporting Mineral Resources and Reserves, which was based on the CRIRSCO templates. The current reporting standards applied in Ka- amid Efforts to Attract Investment zakhstan are not recognised to such protection. The government’s role There will also be a need to in- extent. We have to have resource By Lyazzat Shatayeva is of a regulator, not a warden. This troduce a new mechanism to en- International Best reporting standards the rest of the regulatory model is used in coun- sure the subsoil user’s responsibil- world is familiar with,” he said. ASTANA – Kazakhstan is devel- ity for mine closure. Practices tries with developed mining in- The reform will be based on inter- Kazakhstan has already estab- oping new approaches to assessing “Currently, subsoil users make dustries. In attracting investment, national best practices and incorpo- lished a self-regulated body (Ka- and reporting mineral resources annual payments to the liquida- our legislation does not allow us rate the principles of transparency zakhstan Association of Public and reserves to ensure transparen- tion fund in the amount of one to compete against countries with and publicity. Reporting of Exploration Results, cy, efficiency and new investments percent of the annual expendi- better legal frameworks. Aware- “Any interested party will have Mineral Resources and Mineral in the commodities sector. tures on exploration or mining ness of all this has been achieved access to information on the licen- Reserves) and passed the KAZRC The large-scale reform was ini- operations. The size of this fund Code. fairly recently,” he said. see and the final beneficiaries. The tiated in 2013, involving a variety is often far below the actual costs He noted the first come, first geological information for mineral of stakeholders and government Timur Odilov necessary to close a mine and served principle is applied in Aus- exploration is planned to be made agencies in the discussion. The new rehabilitate the land. At present, tralia, Canada, Chile, Peru, South available either online or elsewhere. legislation will create a framework plored during the Soviet times and Substantial Changes there is a high risk that the gov- Africa and the United States. Intro- Odilov noted the proposed For historical reasons, geological aimed at boosting mineral explora- the early 1990s. So, the main mis- ernment may carry the burden ducing the concept in Kazakhstan data has always been classified in- tion, establishing effective control sion of the law was to ensure pro- changes are “significant” and the of covering the remainder of the will allow the country to be efficient over environmental protection and cedures for granting mineral titles reform are rather “large-scale” as costs. There was a case when the formation,” said Odilov. and competitive in attracting foreign providing incentives for investors. in regards to the known deposits. they would entail changing the old costs related to mine closure and “The new approaches to assess- and local investment in the mining A team of lawyers from Olympex However, all of the explored depos- approaches to regulating the com- rehabilitation significantly ex- ing and reporting mineral resourc- sector. Advisers and White & Case is its have been developed. There is a modities sector. ceeded the accumulated amount es and reserves imply remarkable “New investments mean new jobs helping the Ministry of Investment need to strengthen exploration. The “First, mineral titles are envi- of the liquidation fund. Instead, changes to the extent of the govern- and increased tax revenues,” he said. and Development with the advance general tendency globally is that ex- sioned to be granted through li- we intend to introduce a more ef- ment’s role in the process. Once the Odilov also noted the need for a work for the reform. The draft code ploration is done by private compa- censing. A license is a short docu- ficient financial surety system for subsoil users assess the resources comprehensive approach concern- will be submitted to the govern- nies, not the governments. There is ment containing information on mine closure and rehabilitation. by themselves, their assessments ing taxation. ment for review in July 2017 and a need to build a framework within the licensee, issuing authority, its Surety instruments will be accept- will be reviewed by a state com- “To make sure the new legislation Parliament in September 2017. which private companies can easily duration, the land area, minimum able in the form of unconditional mission. The state commission will is effective and the reform under- Timur Odilov, an associate at invest in exploration works. This costs and rental fees. The subsoil guarantees provided by a publicly make a judgement on how accurate taken by the Ministry of Investment White & Case, is one of the lawyers entails conceptual reforms,” he said. use rules will be predetermined listed company with a high credit the assessment is. However, the and Development serves its purpose, involved in developing the code. He noted the current law is and license obligations will be rating, financial institution or a private company is the player most the reform has to be aligned with the As the draft approaches comple- “overly prescriptive.” foreordained. Licensing cancels bank, insurance, letter of credit interested in being accurate in its reform of the tax laws. If we adopt tion, Odilov spoke with The Astana “It implies the government’s the need for tenders, auctions, and deposit. This way, the govern- assessment, as it concerns its own the Australian model of minerals Times about the main changes pro- direct involvement in the process, negotiations and contracting. Ac- ment mitigates the risk of the sub- profits,” he added. regulation, then it would make sense posed in the minerals sector. especially in aspects related to cording to the new model, if an ap- soil user going bankrupt, running Odilov noted a self-regulated looking into the mining taxation assessment of the profitability of plication meets the requirements, out of funds for mine closure and organisation will be an improved practices of Western Australia aimed the mineral deposits. The govern- then a company is licensed with others. This will entail change in method for controlling the assess- at incentivising deeper processing of The Rationale ments of the majority of countries all the preconditions known in ad- the procedures for evaluation of ment of mineral resources and extracted mineral resources. Unfor- Drafting the new code has been with proven records of effective vance. If a company fails to fulfil mine closure costs. Resources ex- reserves. The draft law suggests tunately, the tax initiatives proposed a matter of re-evaluating the cur- mining practices, like Canada its license obligations, then they traction will be made impossible involving competent bodies by fol- by the Ministry of Investment and rent state the industry, said Odilov. and Australia, are not engaged in lose the license,” he said. unless a mine or field is secured lowing the examples of Australia Development have not yet found “First, the current Law on Subsoil these processes. The economic as- Applications will be reviewed for closure,” he said. and Canada, rather than the govern- positive response in the Ministries Use of 2010 is outdated. It does not sessment of the mineral deposits on a first come, first served basis, Odilov added provisions will ment’s hands-on direct involvement. of National Economy and Finance. address the current challenges. It is should fall under the sole decision eliminating the need for biddings also be introduced related to ar- “They have to be members of the If the tax reform does not include the heavily based on the law of 1996, of a subsoil user. The government and auctions. If a company’s ap- tisanal mining. Prospectors have self-regulated organisation serv- tax practice of Western Australia, the focusing around development of will retain control in securing in- plication is the first one to meet the never fallen under any regulations ing on the Committee for Mineral mining sector reform may prove in- the mineral deposits that were ex- dustrial safety and environmental requirements, it will be approved. prior to the proposed reform. Reserves International Reporting effective,” he said.

In your opinion, what are the his projects will be presented at most relevant spheres for research EXPO 2017. The key element of his at Nazarbayev University? research is developing equipment ‘We are Pursuing Ambitious Goals’, There are many of them. Ka- for energy conversion and storage, zakhstan is rich in natural resourc- such as advanced rechargeable bat- es, and the goal of some research teries and fuel cells, which play a could be to use them for bringing significant role in all spheres of life Says Nazarbayev University Provost more profit and benefit to the na- in our society. It is important for us the educational process. How will nel them in the right direction. This tion. Moreover, Kazakhstan is lo- that we are not only carrying out By Rysty Alibekova the university evolve in this con- is a so-called mentorship, the aim cated along the Silk Road, which scientific research but also plan- text? of which is that young scientists, is seeing some kind of revival. ning its further commercialisation. Nazarbayev University is ready Gaining the status of a research for example Bolashak presidential The university can pursue research At the same time, about 500 stu- for a new stage in its development, university is a notable recognition, scholarship’s graduates and oth- aimed at studying changes in Ka- dent members of the Nazarbayev emphasising not only education but but the most important thing is what ers having returned to Kazakhstan, zakhstan related to its status as part University Volunteer Club will par- scientific research as well. Scien- we build on the existing basis. Over could continue their research, be- of the Silk Road Economic Belt ticipate in the exhibition and help tific research should be carried out a short period of university’s activ- come professors and obtain relevant projects. guests feel comfortable at the expo. in line with the relevant objectives ity – only six years by now – teach- patents. We have opportunities to prove of society’s on-going development ers and research associates of Naz- That is why we are planning to ourselves in other fields as well. What is your top priority in your and help in addressing global chal- arbayev University have already invite Bolashak PhD students and Adesida Ilesanmi For example, Nazarbayev Univer- new position? lenges. published more than a thousand graduates to integrate their research sity’s schools train experts in busi- Before coming here, of course, I This is the opinion of Nazarbayev that caught my eye was the fact that articles in international peer-re- into our processes and interconnect ness, public policy, science and analysed my life. I asked myself a University’s Provost Dr. Adesida Nazarbayev University educates viewed journals. About 70 percent this process with the goals that are technology, engineering, interna- question: Why should I go to Ka- Ilesanmi, who took office in Sep- open-minded, smart and talented of the articles were published in acute for the economic develop- tional relations, education and oth- zakhstan and be involved in such a tember. In international academic students. partnership between Nazarbayev ment of Kazakhstan. To make it a er fields. In short, each element of project? Personally, I am interested circles, he is known as a successful I came to this conclusion as well University’s teachers and research- single chain that unites all the parts Nazarbayev University’s structure in the development of international scholar and administrator. Prior to at the first meeting with Nazarbayev ers and international scholars. This to meet the goals in the interest of is ready to make its contribution to education, and the second impor- his appointment, Ilesanmi served as University alumni. By the way, the shows a high level of involvement Kazakhstan. Of course, our goal is the progress of this nation. tant aspect for me is the develop- Provost and Vice Chancellor for Ac- university has educated two flows of the university with the world’s ambitious. We are aware of that. But For us, it is relevant to improve ment of human potential. I see very ademic Affairs at the University of of graduates, which is over a thou- academic community. About 11 we will try our best! the legislative framework of scien- skillful and ambitious students Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (USA). sand people (447 in 2015, 621 in percent of Nazarbayev University’s The third task is obtaining, as tific research activities because now striving to do better: this is the key Ilesanmi, who received his PhD 2016). I saw bright and open-mind- scientific articles are among the top a result, patents for research and there are numerous barriers related element of development. I want in Electrical Engineering at the ed people who are ready and eager 10 percent of publications refer- commercialisation of projects for to human and material resources. to try to integrate the education University of California, Berkeley, to work. Most of them have already enced in relevant scientific fields in the benefit of the country. This will Another urgent issue in terms of process, science and production served as a research associate and demonstrated some achievements. the world. Currently, the university prove that the university is choosing developing science is the need to through increasing the human capi- visiting assistant professor at Cor- Among 514 employed graduates, implements 213 scientific projects the right direction in research. fine-tune the process of commer- tal level – which should for sure nell University. He joined the ranks 25 became entrepreneurs in such that is also quite a high indicator for cialising some research activity. lead to the growth of Nazarbayev of the University of Illinois in 1987, spheres as management, healthcare, such a young university. Being a man of science, you Nazarbayev University pays spe- University. where he was a Professor of Engi- telecommunications, etc. Each of How will we proceed? One of the know what material framework cial attention to these issues. The university trains specialists neering Sciences and Electrical and them presented their business pro- main vectors of the university’s ac- and infrastructure is needed to I thoroughly studied the policy not only for Kazakhstan, but ex- Computer Engineering, as well as jects providing details on how they tivity is search for and attraction of conduct research. How do you as- paper [on the “100 Concrete Steps” perts of the international level as special advisor on international pro- were developed. Why am I focusing high-ranked professors who are able sess the current state of the univer- plan of massive institutional re- well. For example, 11 of our first grammes and director of the micro- on graduates? Because they are our to teach and share experience with sity? forms] where Nazarbayev Uni- graduates work at such large in- and nanotechnology laboratory and “product” that shows our perfor- the young generation in conducting Those who are at our campus versity is given a significant role, ternational companies as Schlum- Centre for Nanoscale Sciences and mance. research. By that I mean profes- for the first time may think that the particularly in the development of berger (in Russia and Ghana), Cis- Technologies. He also worked on a Of course, the main goal of the sional, efficient research that will be university is already 20 years old the Astana Business Campus inno- co Systems International B.V. (in number of national academy com- university is to give good knowl- beneficial for the country and nation because part of its infrastructure is vative cluster. This cluster will host the Czech Republic and the Neth- mittees and was a member of the edge and educate the youth. How- in terms of economic and human already built and being used to the scientific centres and laboratories erlands), Step to Web LLC (Rus- prestigious U.S. National Academy ever, another aspect is of great im- development as well as improving full. However, our university is like for scientific and research projects sia), Procter & Gamble (Poland), of Engineering. portance as well – educating leaders environment and other climate-re- a child in its actual age. We are just as well as research and development Continental AG (Russia), Booking. The Astana Times posed a few in different spheres, no matter lated factors influencing human life. making our first steps. projects and their further commer- com (the Netherlands), Interna- questions to exchange views on the whether it is engineering, science, This should be research that is able Several buildings used primar- cialisation. In 2016, Nazarbayev tional Civil Aviation Organisation links between research and educa- technologies or humanities. to change to a certain degree the ily for research purposes will be University opened a cleanroom that (in the UN and Canada) and one tion at Nazarbayev University. Being a newcomer to Nazarbayev paradigm of scientific and research put into operation… in 2017. This meets international standards for graduate works at an embassy of University and looking at these activity in the state as a whole. It is means that in terms of infrastruc- producing medical products. Kazakhstan. More than 500 gradu- Dr. Ilesanmi, what are your first guys, I can assure that the university important to realise that any univer- ture, Nazarbayev University is ates of Nazarbayev University are impressions of Kazakhstan? has done a lot; the education process sity, not only in Kazakhstan, that mostly prepared for pursuing more The EXPO 2017 site sits just employed inside Kazakhstan. I have the most positive feeling proved to be a good one. I think that is directly involved in research ac- advanced scientific research. We in front of your campus. How do Nazarbayev University is not a about what I’ve seen. The Kazakhs Nazarbayev University has reached tivities should first address relevant are planning to invite top scientists scientists and students at the uni- separate closed establishment ex- proved to be genial and open-heart- its first stages of development. Now, challenges of citizens of the country to the university so that they assess versity participate in this national isting by itself. The university has ed people; it is always a pleasure to we can talk about raising the bar and it is based in and maybe regional our infrastructure and, maybe, put project, in the development of new already built various partnerships communicate with them. I should entering a new stage by more ac- problems. forward proposals to equip labo- energy technologies? in scientific and education spheres admit I already feel like a Kazakh to tively involving science into the de- The second goal we are to fulfil is ratories and rooms aimed at ad- Of course, we won’t remain in Kazakhstan and internationally. a certain degree! velopment of academic education. building a proper model of interac- vancing qualitative scientific and apart from this large-scale project, This is a process of continuous de- tion between a younger generation research activity. It is important and Nazarbayev University con- velopment. That is why this new What was the first thing that Last year, Nazarbayev University of scholars and that of more mature that these scientists, having visited ducts research related to energy. position for me is an opportunity to drew your attention at Nazarbayev was recognised by the Kazakh gov- highly-qualified professors who the country, get interested in the One of the Engineering School’s be actively involved in implement- University? ernment as a research university, will use their wealth of experience university’s activities and want to professors, Zhumabay Bakenov, ing the ambitious goals set before Over the last month, I managed to confirming that the university suc- to help their younger peers to pur- stay here in order to conduct the is carrying out extensive research Nazarbayev University and con- meet a lot of people. The first thing cessfully integrates research into sue qualitative research and chan- research this country needs. into energy issues, and some of tribute to its development. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 Kazakh President Introduces ATOM Project Ambassador: New Foreign Minister, Sets Kazakhstan Can Call for Nuclear Priorities for 2017 Weapon-Free Future for Mankind the people of North Korea whose By Dmitry Lee leadership has been engaged in efforts to develop nuclear weap- ASTANA – Thinking of New ons. Year’s resolutions, everyone sets “I feel terrible for North Ko- goals to become better, faster, reans as they live in a kind of larger and one-year wiser. The vacuum that surrounds them and ATOM Project’s Honorary Am- won’t let them speak. They are bassador Karipbek Kuyukov is as human as people everywhere, no exception. In a recent inter- but they are intimidated and view with The Astana Times, the are afraid of the outside world. renowned painter, activist and Sooner or later, their leadership strong-willed man, whose char- must come to its senses. Putting acter has been moulded by ter- on blacked-out sunglasses won’t rible life consequences, shared the people to get to the bottom resolve certain issues and this his thoughts about the upcoming of this – a world free of nuclear road won’t take you too far,” he year. weapons,” he said. said. Kuyukov’s drive to paint, de- Kuyukov confirmed he has Acting together and staying spite being born without arms travel plans for next year but united, Kuyukov said, would as a consequence of exposure to preferred to refrain from an- help reach the final goal of a nuclear radiation, was followed nouncing anything yet. safer world for all. by success and acceptance by His plea for a world free from “I think the more non-govern- the world community. He creates nuclear weapons has been heard mental organisations and parlia- ternational issues,” Nazarbayev “In the context of the global his paintings by drawing with at countless events by many ex- mentarians who want to join us, By Aigerim Seisembayeva said. economic crisis, an economic his feet and mouth. Today the perts and parliamentarians and the better for us. Our voice will The President noted that in dimension must remain the sys- ATOM Project online petition, this gives him the strength to be stronger; in fact, only acting ASTANA – President of Ka- January Kazakhstan will host the temic element of paramount launched by President Nursul- keep addressing world leaders together can we reach our com- zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev 28th World Winter Universiade, importance in the activity of tan Nazarbayev in 2012 as part who continue the nuclear arms mon goal,” he added. introduced Dec. 30 newly ap- which will be attended by repre- the diplomatic service of the of the nuclear disarmament cam- race, noting “they need to start He concluded by addressing pointed Minister of Foreign Af- sentatives of many countries. country. It’s necessary to deal paign, has amassed more than talking.” every citizen of the Earth no fairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov to the Nazarbayev also drew atten- with issues of attracting invest- 310,000 signatures worldwide. “I have a request for all those matter his or her skin or eye col- senior staff of the ministry. tion to the upcoming Astana ments and export of domestic Since its introduction, the ATOM country leaders with nuclear our. The head of state also an- EXPO2017 international exhi- goods. In this regard, the work Project has travelled through nu- weapons: they need to urgently “The pain from the conse- nounced the upcoming appoint- bition in June-September 2017. of the Foreign Ministry and merous countries to raise aware- sit down and negotiate. First of quences of nuclear weapons is ment of Erlan Idrissov as Kazakh “Representatives of 112 states embassies should be strength- ness of the consequences of the all, having an arsenal of nuclear equal to all: be it mourning of ambassador to the United King- and 18 international organisations ened. Thorough work should be nuclear past and Kuyukov had weapons is undoubtedly tempt- American people, suffering of dom and thanked him for his work confirmed their participation in done on preparation of major the chance to exhibit his works. ing, but there are other means the Japanese people or fear of as foreign minister over the past the exhibition. The success of the international events scheduled “I am an optimist by nature,” of getting things done. We are North Koreans. We must be fo- four years. event depends on the purposeful next year in Astana – the SCO he admitted. “I have to be, be- all quite tired of the questions cused on total elimination of Nazarbayev emphasised that in work of the Ministry of Foreign [Shanghai Cooperation Organi- cause I don’t think I have a about who has nuclear weapons nuclear weapons! Kazakhstan the face of challenging global cir- Affairs,” the President stated. sation] and the OIC [Organisa- choice. Therefore everything I and who doesn’t, who has more is among the leaders in non- cumstances the foreign ministry Nazarbayev emphasised the tion for Islamic Cooperation] do, all the goals I set for myself, or less and threatening with nu- proliferation of nuclear weap- faces new challenges that require need for careful preparation for summits,” the President said. in the end, I achieve them. So clear weapons, in a way, doesn’t ons and, in fact, Kazakhstan new approaches. the upcoming talks on Syria in Nazarbayev also pointed out the next year The ATOM Project will make sense anymore. Now is the was one of the first countries to “Starting Jan. 1, Kazakhstan Astana. [Later in the day, he spoke need for embassies to monitor the get more votes and we will speak time to think what legacy we can completely renounce the nuclear will begin its work in the UN Se- with President Vladimir Putin of implementation of Kazakhstan’s louder about the consequences leave behind for the next gen- weapons. It was one of the few curity Council. The fact that we Russia on the phone to discuss the trade and economic agreements of nuclear tests. Especially at erations: no matter Russian or countries that was not afraid to were elected as its non-perma- upcoming talks, reconfirming Ka- with other states and the impor- this time, when the threat is as American or Chinese. Someone speak out against the powerful nent member is a testament of re- zakhstan’s readiness to host them.] tance of choosing the best minis- real as never before, from terror- has to make the first move to- nuclear states; the country that spect from the global community According to the President, an try staff to represent the country ists and people who are inclined wards disarmament and then we shut down its nuclear test site 25 towards our country. This is an important task for the foreign abroad. to use nuclear weapons, they can observe the domino effect years ago. I believe Kazakhstan important task that requires the ministry is to maintain its work In conclusion, the Kazakh Presi- keep the people around the globe – watching every other nuclear has the right to call for the nu- global leadership of Kazakhstan on the Eurasian Economic Union, dent praised the ministry for its ef- in fear. That’s why I believe The state follow the example. This is clear weapons-free future, not in the movement for a nuclear taking into account the country’s forts and congratulated everyone ATOM Project must reinforce its how I envision it,” he added. only for its citizens but for the weapons free world and other in- national interests. on the coming New Year. efforts and continue calling on Kuyukov has also addressed mankind!” he said. Idrissov Reports on 2016 Results: UN Security Council Membership, Attracting Investment Major Achievements He emphasised that Kazakh- ment Bank (AIIB) also received ticipation of foreign countries in ministry and the Kazakh citizens By Malika Orazgaliyeva stan’s membership in the UNSC focus. More than 30 international EXPO 2017. who have increasingly demanded will involve chairmanships in three agreements on large-scale fund- “As of today, we received con- less burdensome process of getting ASTANA – The then Minister of committees: on Afghanistan, ISIS/ ing of key sectors of Kazakhstan’s firmation of participation from their Schengen visas. Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Er- DAESH/Al-Qaeda and Eritrea/So- socio-economic projects were con- 112 countries and 18 international Regarding plans to enter the Or- lan Idrissov reported on the main malia. He also stressed that during ducted. In general, Kazakhstan organisations. There are 91 agree- ganisation for Economic Co-oper- results of the ministry’s activities Kazakhstan’s rotating chairman- attracted $20 billion of foreign di- ments of participation signed and ation and Development, Idrissov in 2016 and highlighted the com- ship of the UN Security Council in rect investment in 2016. “We work 103 national section commission- said, “We work hard to move ing tasks of Kazakh diplomacy for January 2018 it will seek to get a closely with our largest neighbours ers appointed,” Idrissov said, and closer to OECD standards and will 2017 during his traditional annual relevant resolution on Afghanistan and strategic partners Russia and the campaign continues. continue to advance.” briefing on Dec.27. and Central Asia adopted. China. The strategic partnership “We continue working on leav- Next year the ministry plans to Idrissov emphasised that the “In accordance with the Presi- with the United States is dynami- ing a good legacy from EXPO strengthen coordinated work on at- country’s international achieve- dent’s instructions, economising cally developing. We are optimis- 2017. One such legacy is the Asta- tracting foreign investments and de- ments and successes became pos- stan as an effective mediator in the foreign policy of Kazakhstan tic about prospects of future co- na International Financial Centre veloping and promoting the AIFC. sible through President Nursultan the peaceful settlement of acute is our top priority. More than 300 operation with the administration (AIFC), which aims to turn Astana “Implementing the Foreign Nazarbayev’s peaceful and dy- regional conflicts. relevant events were organised of Donald Trump. The European into a regional financial hub by Policy Concept of Kazakhstan namic foreign policy course. “President Nazarbayev has abroad in 2016,” Idrissov said. Union is our largest trading and creating favourable and attractive for 2014–2020 will continue. We “The year 2016 has been marked played a key part in healing the Thus, the Foreign Ministry’s ac- investment partner. We do active conditions for investment and fi- intend to give full support to the by Kazakhstan’s 25 years of inde- Russo-Turkish rift; in bringing tivities were geared toward attract- work on developing mutually ben- nance. Another legacy of EXPO efforts to resolve the situation in pendence. Today our country has about the Minsk-1 and Minsk-2 ing foreign investment, improving eficial cooperation with the broth- 2017 will be the International Ukraine on the basis of the Minsk become a responsible and respect- agreements regarding Ukraine,” the investment climate, promoting erly states of Central Asia. We are Centre for Transfer of Green Tech- agreements. Through careful mon- ed citizen of the world. The coun- Idrissov said. export products in overseas mar- looking forward to cooperation nologies under UN auspices,” he itoring and analysis of [interna- try … has become a recognised “In recent days, Kazakhstan has kets and implementing the transit with Uzbekistan and newly elected explained. tional developments] we will de- leader in the field of nuclear disar- been asked to contribute to resolv- and transport potential of Kazakh- President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Re- On the eve of EXPO 2017 in velop proposals for their solution,” mament and an active moderator in ing the conflict in Syria by hosting stan. lations with the key countries of the Astana and Winter Universiade Idrissov added. the dialogue of cultures, religions fresh talks,” he added. “We have carried out significant Arab world, Asia, Africa and Latin 2017 in Almaty, the ministry con- In addition, Idrissov noted that and civilisation,” Idrissov said. The main achievement of Ka- liberalisation of the visa regime. America are also in progress,” Id- tinues the work on visa facilitation EXPO 2017 will be a platform for The official noted that the Presi- zakh diplomacy in 2016 was the The investment headquarters un- rissov said. He further dwelled on and increasing the efficiency of discussing global and regional prob- dent’s initiatives, such as conven- election of the state as a non-per- der the Prime Minister, which relations with Uzbekistan when migration control and security in lems and finding the right solutions, ing the Conference on Interaction manent member of the UN Secu- works with investment policy, responding to questions stressing order to create relaxed conditions making it a place where important and Confidence-Building Meas- rity Council for 2017–2018. began its operations. Investment that Astana welcomes new begin- for foreign guests. preparation for other major interna- ures in Asia (CICA) and Con- “Central Asia will be represented advisors were sent to our missions. nings in Uzbekistan’s relations Idrissov announced that as of tional events can take place. gress of Leaders of World and in the UNSC for the first time in its The front offices of the National with regional neighbours and, to- Jan. 1, 2017, citizens of 45 nations “EXPO 2017 will also see the first Traditional Religions, as well as history. Our membership is a chance Agency for Export and Investment gether with Tashkent, is working will have an opportunity for 30- ever Science and Technology Sum- the country’s chairmanship in the to attract the attention of the Council KAZNEX INVEST and trade mis- on a 10-year trade and economic day visa-free travel to Kazakhstan mit of the Organisation of Islamic Organisation for Security and Co- to regional security issues. We recog- sions were established abroad,” cooperation programme. including nationals of member Cooperation (OIC) in September, as operation in Europe (OSCE), the nise the tight connection between se- Idrissov noted. According to Idrissov, the past states of the Organisation for Eco- well as the 16th annual summit of Commonwealth of Independent curity and sustainable development. According to the diplomat, the year was productive for President nomic Co-operation and Develop- the Shanghai Cooperation Organisa- States (CIS), the Collective Secu- Our goal at the UNSC is to represent expansion of cooperation on ma- Nazarbayev’s international activi- ment (OECD) and the European tion (SCO) in June,” he explained. rity Treaty Organisation (CSTO), Central Asia so that two years of our jor infrastructure projects with ties, who conducted official visits Union (EU), as well as Malaysia, An important event in the com- the Organisation of Islamic Coop- membership benefit Kazakhstan and international financial institutions, to 21 states and met 15 foreign Monaco, Singapore and the United ing year is the 25th anniversary eration (OIC), the Shanghai Co- the region,” Idrissov said. including the World Bank, Inter- heads of state, government and in- Arab Emirates (UAE). The Ka- of CICA. Today, CICA is a cred- operation Organisation (SCO) and He reported that Nazarbayev national Monetary Fund (IMF), ternational organisation in Astana. zakh foreign minister went on to ible, effective global cooperation the Turkic Council played a role has appealed to the leaders of all European Bank for Reconstruc- In total, 49 international events say that Astana will be seeking to platform of 26 Asian countries, in boosting Kazakhstan to among the Central Asian countries to tion and Development (EBRD), and 81 bilateral visits were carried begin negotiations with the Eu- stretching from Egypt and Israel to the most dynamically developing develop a region-wide platform Asian Development Bank (ADB), out. ropean Union on visa facilitation China and Vietnam in the field of countries. Consequently, a grow- for Kazakhstan to promote at the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) The Foreign Ministry has also next year, which is a subject very security, new challenges and risks, ing number of states see Kazakh- UNSC. and Asian Infrastructure Invest- ensured broad and meaningful par- high on the agenda for both the Idrissov noted. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Denis Ten Featured as Anime Kazakh Painter in Romania Kazakh Short Track Speed Skaters Character in Famous Japanese Teaches Culture, Traditions and Ready for Winter Universiade TV Series B2 Customs B3 B7 Nutcracker – Astana Opera’s Dombra Cover Must-See during Holiday Season of Metallica Song Strikes Chord By Dana Omirgazy

ASTANA – Twenty-nine-year- old Almaty resident Gleb Pon- omaryov recently released a dom- bra cover and video of Metallica’s “Battery,” which has sparked a great interest among internet users gaining almost 40,000 views in a few days. ‘‘As an old fan of the Metallica band, I always wanted to do a cov- er of one of their songs. I have no- ticed that some riffs of heavy metal Paintings of Kazakh Artists,’ mo- bands vaguely remind the sound of tivating the audience to get closer some Kazakh kuis. The common thing is that the sound is very de- pendent on rhythm. In addition, PONOMARYOV: guitar riffs are usually played on ‘‘I have noticed that two strings, which is also simi- lar to the principle of playing the some riffs of heavy dombra. I have chosen the song metal bands vaguely ‘Battery’ not by chance – it fea- tures very melodious entry and remind the sound the main part consists of a fast and rhythmic patterns. I wanted to fo- of some Kazakh cus on this contrast,” Ponomaryov kuis. In addition, told The Astana Times. Commenting on the video, some guitar riffs are people even wrote that they were convinced of listening to the Ka- usually played on zakh kui until they read the name two strings, which cracker” is the maestro’s third bal- tion of the timeless classic, run- Dumas’ adaptation of Ernst Theo- of the video. Ponomaryov also By Lyazzat Shatayeva let staged at the theatre, along with ning Dec. 25-Jan. 8 in the capital. dor Amadeus Hoffman’s tale “The noted that he never learned to play is also similar to the immensely popular “The Sleeping In 1891, world-renowned cho- Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” dombra. However, he plays other principle of playing ASTANA – Legendary chore- Beauty” and “Spartacus.” He will reographer Marius Petipa com- The ballet, which premiered the string instruments. ographer Yuri Grigorovich is back turn 90 on Jan. 2 and to mark the missioned Peter Tchaikovsky to following year, was not popular. “When my friend presented me a the dombra.” at the Astana Opera. “The Nut- occasion presented a new produc- compose music for Alexandre Continued on Page B3 dombra, I picked it up and immedi- ately began to play it like a guitar. to the art. I am sure that social ad- I think that experienced dombra vertising starts working thanks to players noticed that my technique innovative approaches. Therefore, is not perfect and differs from rules. I am constantly experimenting,” However, I tried and did my best. I he said. Aitys: Gem of Kazakh Spoken Literary will keep learning,” he hopes. Ponomaryov has also applied his Ponomaryov has been playing skills to environmental issues. the guitar since he was 15 years “I try to show what I care old. Being a teenager, Ponomar- about: environmental problems, Tradition, Platform for Human Rights yov created a garage team with city development and corruption. friends and even held several per- About five years ago, I painted a By Lyazzat Shatayeva formances. social cartoon demonstrating the “Now, music is only my hobby. problem of spitting on the streets. ASTANA – Kazakh literary tra- I create melodies only during my The idea was to show the isola- dition has historically been rich leisure time, though I wish I had tion of this problem. Most of the more time for it. My latest ex- in spoken literature expressed children copy what the adults do periment caught the interest of through a variety of genres, among and adults need to show an ap- Kazakhstan citizens. I had more them songs, proverbs, tales and propriate example. As a result, than 40,000 views to my video in epics. Aitys, one of spoken liter- the video was appreciated by the a couple of days. Now I have some audience, gaining thousands of ary genres, stands out among the interesting ideas and I hope the au- views in the internet and receiv- others as a combination of poetry, dience would like it too. I think ing a nomination in the Social public speaking, performance art it will be better to keep the secret Advertising Competition,” Pon- and music. and make a surprise,” Ponomaryov omaryov remembers. The art form is deeply social. A shared with the paper. The talented creative is also fond parallel can be drawn between ai- Besides making music, Pon- of studying languages. He speaks tys and modern rap, because both, omaryov often creates social vid- Serbo-Croatian language and is stylistically, occupy a grey area be- eos through which he tells people currently studying the Kazakh lan- tween speech, poetry and singing. about old things but from a new guage. In addition, Ponomaryov is Aitys has risen and fallen with the angle. fond of writing and travelling. evolution of Kazakh culture. Even “This is my personal civic ini- “I often go to our magnifi- in times of repression, the art form tiative. I produce them on my own cent mountains with my friends, was maintained; now it is seeing a and present them to the public. For where we will also shoot some resurgence, and international rec- example, I went to the Kasteev Art short videos. Thus, we are trying ognition. Museum [in Almaty] and I was in- to draw public attention to do- Aitys, a synthesis of poetry, mu- spired by paintings. As a result, I mestic tourism and to instil a love sic, drama and performing arts, made a short movie named ‘Alive of hiking.” is a public show of talent where two akyns (musicians, vocalists and songwriters all in one) com- tion and take turns improvising a mour, ingenuity and originality. two-string instrument), a kobyz pete in a poetic singing dispute. rhymed impromptu answer to keep The improvised verses are most (an ancient Kazakh bowed instru- Akyns enter the contest without the chanted conversation flowing, commonly sung to the accompani- ment) or an accordion. THINGS TO WATCH & competing in wit, intellect, hu- ment of a dombra (a long-necked Continued on Page B2 pre-written lyrics or prior prepara- PLACES TO GO

ASTANA OPERA Astana Pro Team Presents Roster for 2017 January 11 at 7 p.m. La Traviata, Opera young talented riders, such as Fa- to try oneself at least once and not will be half-Kazakh. Sponsors January 15 at 6 p.m. Notre-Dame de Paris, Ballet By Anuar Abdrakhmanov bio Aru, Alexey Lutsenko and every rider has such a chance. As come to us because of our team’s January 19 at 7 p.m. By the Fireside, Concert others. Our main task is to suc- for Vuelta, it will be clearer [who name – not because of the stars, ASTANA – The Astana Pro ceed at Giro d’Italia. The lineup will lead the team at the race] after but because Astana has created its January 22 at 6 p.m. Birzhan Sara, Opera Team’s new roster was presented heading there will fight for the the first two Grand Tours,” he said. own brand and working with the January 25 at 7 p.m. Gala Ballet, Ballet last month in the capital. overall victory at the race. As for The team’s budget in 2017 will Kazakh team became prestigious,” This time, the format changed Tour de France, [we count on] Ja- remain at last year’s level, accord- he said. slightly and along with a tradition- cob Fuglsang, who has progressed ing to Amanbek Kulchikov, Exec- The riders will use new bikes this BARYS ARENA al press conference and presenta- immensely in recent years, and utive Director of the Astana Presi- year from Argo 18, a Canadian man- January 16 at 7.30 p.m. Barys vs. Salavat-Yulayev, Hockey tion ceremony featured the riders’ following his success at the [Rio dential Professional Sports Club, ufacturer, as well as new uniforms visit to an orphanage and a meet- 2016] Olympics is mentally pre- which brings together a number of and equipment from Italian manu- ing with cadets at a specialised pared to fight the favourites. An major sporting projects supported facturer Giordana. The items were KAZAKHSTAN sports school. overall win will be [hard to claim], by the Samruk Kazyna National also presented at the ceremony. Astana Pro Team’s General Man- but making it into the top five is Welfare Fund. Riding for Astana Pro Team NATIONAL MUSEUM ager, London Olympics 2012 cham- realistic. At the same time, I want “We have a decade of work be- in 2017 are 28 riders from nine December 15 - January 30 Steppe Legend, Exhibition pion Alexander Vinokourov, named to see how our Kazakh riders will hind us and now can openly say countries, including Kazakhstan, the team’s main tasks for 2017. perform. They already know that that we will put an emphasis on Italy, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, “Astana has earned victories in we will test them at Tour de France. [helping the development of] our Ukraine, Estonia, Colombia and big races. Nibali’s departure will This is a race in which for every own Kazakh riders. Next year, Russia. not change our strategy. We have professional cyclist it is important Astana’s Tour de France lineup Continued on Page B7 B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 Denis Ten Featured as Anime Character Karaganda in Famous Japanese TV Series Motorcyclist to Start triumphs in international compe- By Dmitry Lee titions since, including a bronze medal at the Sochi 2014 Olympics ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s top in Russia skating for Kazakhstan, her First Long- figure skater and Sochi 2014 Win- which was the only medal for the ter Olympics bronze medallist country in Sochi. Denis Ten spotted himself Dec. In 2004, Ten and his mother 16 in the famous Japanese anime moved to Moscow to pursue his Distance Journey series “Yuri on Ice” while visiting talent and in 2010 they moved to the country of the rising sun. California. At different times in “I congratulate all the Kazakhs his career, he has been coached on the Day of Independence,” he by such renowned names as Ra- said on his Instagram account ad- fael Arutyunyan, Elena Buianova dressing his fans from Japan. and Tatiana Tarasova. Now, he “Meanwhile, the anime-series frequently visits his home country ‘Yuri on Ice,’ about figure skat- where he has many fans. ers has become really popular in lege and coming back to his native his own country but is reticent and Being an ethnic Korean born in Japan. On this holiday, there was country he rediscovers the sport shy despite eloquent skating. The Kazakhstan, Ten also has a huge an episode released with my proto- once again and this time his new story is not too different from Ten’s following in East Asia and numer- type-character,” he added. drive and motivation drag him and their fathers in the story and in ous fan clubs across South Korea “Yuri on Ice” has been airing back to figure skating and make real life share the same name, Yuri. and Japan. since October. Its protagonist Yuri him a top contender among his The character Altin launched his Among his major triumphs are: Katsuki, after an unsuccessful competitors leaving only one rival senior debut by winning third place gold at the 2011 Asian Winter streak in figure skating, decides Yuri Plisetsky from Russia. in the World Championships. Ten Games, gold at the 2015 Four Con- to take a break from the sport and Ten’s character is Otabek Al- debuted in The Hague, the Nether- tinents Championships, bronze at leaves Japan for the U.S. for col- tin, an 18-year-old figure skater lands at the age of 13 and finished the 2015 World Championships in lege. After graduating from col- from Kazakhstan, who is popular in 10th overall. He has had numerous Shanghai and in London in 2013.

“I do not think it will be a diffi- By Dana Omirgazy cult journey. Perhaps there might be a breakdown of motorcycles Aitys: Gem of Kazakh Spoken Literary ASTANA – Karaganda resident on the road due to bad weather Yuliya Ivanova is soon planning to or road, especially in Mongo- embark on her first long-distance lia, but I think the failure can be motorcycle ride. A group of ex- fixed quickly. In general, nothing Tradition, Platform for Human Rights perienced motorcyclists from the frightens me at all. Even if we Russian city of Tyumen will ac- Continued from Page B1 was a singing improvisational better performance overall, leav- proponents of women empower- face difficulties during our trip, company her. they will not spoil the vivid emo- competition between young nov- ing the opponent incapable of an ment, challenging the common “This upcoming motorcycle ride The earliest mention of aitys as ice akyns. It was a communica- equally eloquent reply and flow. perceptions of women’s role in the tions that I’m going to get,” she will be a new experience for me. I added. a folklore genre can be found in tion form with an aesthetic touch The rules of conduct required the society. They advocated for girls’ am planning to cover 5,500 kilome- the chronicles of the 11–12th cen- that took place at friendly gather- losing contestant to admit defeat education, using their leadership, Ivanova works as a design engi- tres by motorcycle with my Russian neer for a local organisation. Re- turies. Makhmud al-Kashgari’s ings and evening tables. Such ai- during the race and retreat peace- fame and influence to argue for friends. Previously, I used to travel first comprehensive dictionary of tys were also often held between fully and gracefully. After the cul- more individual liberties for wom- cently, she decided to make a lit- in comfortable circumstances. This tle extra money working as a taxi Turkic languages, “Diwan Lughat groups of young men and women mination, the winning akyn ended en and for increasing their societal time, we are going to sleep outside in al-Turk” (“Compendium of the as a form of playful courtship and the debate with a summary of his involvement and participation. driver in the evenings, as she must a tent. I believe we will have a great accumulate the required amount of Languages of the Turks”) written singing conversation, in which the glory. In the beginning of the 20th cen- time. Riding a motorbike will make in 1072–74 was intended for use young people could express their The winners were awarded val- tury, famous performances such money to cover the trip’s expenses. the journey doubly interesting,” “To make my dream come true, by the Baghdad Caliphs who were sympathies and affection in a sub- uable prizes. The main prize, how- as the aitys between Birzhan and Ivanova told The Astana Times. controlled by the Seljuk Turks. Al- tle and respectful manner. ever, was the public’s recognition Sara, Zhambyl and Sarybas were I need to buy another motorbike The young enthusiasts intend that is more adapted to ride on Kashgari’s dictionary contains the Sure-aitys was a serious com- of the winning akyn’s talent, wit recorded and the lyrics were writ- to start the extreme journey in features of old Turkic poetry tradi- petition featuring a more dramatic and eloquence. Talented akyns, ten down. bad roads, off-road and highways. June. The two-week route will run Now, I am looking for sponsors tions. In a chapter titled “Aitys of delivery, complex content and often viewed as sages, had colos- During the Soviet era, for po- through the beautiful landmarks Summer and Winter,” the scholar lengthier structure. Only experi- sal influence on public opinion litical reasons, aitys were scaled who will be willing to possibly of Russia and Mongolia. Ivanova help me in purchasing a new vehi- wrote a rhymed dispute between enced masters of improvisation and enjoyed immense, nationwide down to a rare local occasion. The and her friends are anticipating an the two seasons. and oration with knowledge of fame and dedication from fans. art form, however, was passed cle,” she said. exciting trip to see the snow peaks Ivanova bought her first motor- Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, a Tur- history, culture, politics, inter- Akyn’s performances often re- down from one generation to of the Altai Mountains, boundless kic poet, scholar and early mystic tribal relations and everyday life flected the overall sentiments pre- another and was preserved by a cycle two years ago when she re- steppes of Mongolia and crystal alised she was living a boring life who had a tremendous impact on were allowed to enter these com- vailing among the people. They handful of akyn-dynasties. blue waters of Baikal Lake. the development of Sufi orders petitions. inspired the public and channelled The tradition was revived in the and needed to diversify her daily The motorcyclists will ride the life experience. She is looking for- throughout the Turkic-speaking These competitions were major concerns of the common people 1990s after Kazakhstan became an Chuysky Trakt, the auto road that world in the 12th century, dedi- events, with the place and par- to those in power. Depending on independent state and Kazakh was ward to the summer trip. goes from Russia through Altai The motorcyclists will gather cated a chapter to the “Aitys of ticipants announced in advance so the competing artists’ talent and restored as a state language. Ever to Mongolia. They are excited to Hell and Heaven,” a rhymed de- more viewers could attend. Akyns status, the akyns covered a wide since, Sure-aitys has been held in in Omsk (Russia) and head to Al- visit known locations and the dis- tai. They then expect to cross the bate of oppositions in his famous represented different regions and range of topics. Many of them large concert halls to mark holi- tant, exotic, unexplored and attrac- “Diwan-i Hikmet.” tribes. When they publicly de- were social philosophers attracted days and important dates, gather- Russian-Mongolian border and tive country of Mongolia with its reach Ulan Bator, the country’s Aitys developed not only as a bated, the spectators were natu- to Enlightenment thinking who ing thousands of spectators. The unique culture and pure nature. literary and musical genre, but as rally divided into opposing teams expounded rhythmically on social competitions are often aired on capital. The travellers will move “I am eager to experience new to the northern part of the coun- an old folk tradition, the major and cheering for their representative. injustice, women’s inequality, cor- national television, drawing the at- emotions and I am ready to face most anticipated entertainment at It was the public that judged the ruption, malpractice in govern- tention of millions. As in classical try to cross the border and ride in some challenges. I need to get out the direction of the lake. The jour- every Kazakh festivity and cel- akyns and defined the winner. ance, archaic traditions and igno- aitys, contemporary akyns raise of my comfort zone. It is quite in- ebration. The rise of the tradition Structurally, sure-aitys consist- rance. important social issues, examine ney will end in the city of Irkutsk, teresting to live in a field condition. where the Russians will put the was seen in the 19th century, at a ed of three parts. First, the akyns The most gifted akyns, including government officials’ work, join When you leave home and have time when Kazakh music began presented themselves and their Orynbai, Shozhe, Suyumbai, Bir- in the rhetoric and conversation on motorbikes on trucks and return by hundreds of kilometres to ride, the train. Ivanova has not yet decided to develop as an independent folk backgrounds and praised their fa- zhan, Zhambyl and Aset, received sensitive matters and chronicle the inner world seems to be filled with art, free from religion and ritual. mous ancestors and war heroes. national recognition for striving to on-going changes in the country. how she is going to end the jour- incredible feelings,” said Ivanova. ney. This period was truly a spiritual Next, the akyns would debate im- break the centuries-old patterns of The United Nations Education- This idea belongs to her Russian renaissance of the nation, in which portant social issues. They had to class division and strengthen so- al, Scientific and Cultural Organi- The young and energetic resi- motor friends. Last summer she dent of Kazakhstan’s mining city musical traditions flourished. spar to the point where it became cial mobility, literacy and the pur- sation (UNESCO) added aitys to rode to Balkhash Lake where she There were several types of obvious that one of them had pre- suit of cultural exchanges. its Representative List of Intangi- wants to take a camera and small met likeminded people and recent- laptop with her. She is planning to aitys. Kaim-aitys and sure-aitys sented weightier arguments, fun- Women akyns like Sara, Aksulu, ble Cultural Heritage of Humanity ly joined the ranks of motor fans. were most common. Kaim-aitys nier jokes, smoother rhymes and Manat, Bolyk and Ryszhan were on Dec. 2, 2015. share short videos and post photos She noted one feels indescribable of breath-taking places on social emotions riding a motorbike. networks. Young Kazakh Author Presents Book in London In addition to writing books, By Zhazira Dyussembekova Akan is engaged in eco-design and she showcased AYBAG, her ASTANA – Eleven-year-old au- own collection of eco-bags. The thor and illustrator Maide Akan, brand’s motto is “Protection of the who lives in the capital, presented environment is not only for adults, her book “Aysu and a Magic Bag” but also for children.” The young- at the Open Eurasian Literature est participants received bags as Festival & Book Forum in London gifts. in late November. The book, which The talented young writer was addresses environmental issues, is marked at the festival poetry the first in the series and was pub- evening “Voices of Eurasia” and lished by Hertfordshire Press. awarded with the international as- “The children’s fairy-tale is sociation’s “Generals of the World filled with non-childlike argu- for Peace” medal. Akan is cur- ments about environmental protec- rently working on the next story in tion which could not fail to arouse the series and new designs for her the interest of the public, including bags. the youngest participants of the of Aysu begins and her efforts to the future,” said the festival organ- Hertfordshire Press, which pub- festival. It is surprising and quite preserve the environment. Writ- isers. lished the book and supports the remarkable that this serious global ten with a charm and elegance that The story is a wonderful tale festival, is part of the Silk Road problem is not indifferent for the belie her young age, the story by about magic and adventure which Media Group. Founded in 2002, young generation. In her book, Maide Akan is a skilful blend of will be interesting for both chil- it specialises in publishing sci- Maide tells the amazing story of fantasy and more contemporary dren and adults, noted Eurasian entific and popular literature by a girl whose life is no different human problems. Beautifully il- Creative Guild Chairman David Eurasian authors, as well as the from ordinary children, until one lustrated by the author, the book Parry. Even the history written re-releasing of important works day she meets a magic bird. This about Aysu is sad and a little bitter, about Central Asia will be charm- of the past which are unavailable is how the extraordinary adventure but it is full of youthful hope for ing for English-speaking readers. in English. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 Young Filmmakers Demonstrate Works at Saryarka Short Film Festival acted as the main organiser of the of whom were university students, Roman Gusak as Best Cameraman By Lyazzat Shatayeva event. Centre head Anuar Nurpei- had to be younger than 29. and Kazbek Rustembekov as Best sov, the well-known Kazakh actor Saryarka short film festival Director. Olzhas Taigelov earned ASTANA – The Saryarka Short who starred in popular films like awards. Best Screenwriter for the script of Film Festival introduced the works “On Alty Kyz” (“Sixteen Brides”) During the breaks between “Aizhan.” Tolganai Talgat won of young Kazakh filmmakers to a and “Skaz o Rozovom Zayce” screenings, the competitors and Best Actress for her role in “Obyk- wider audience. Festival screen- (“The Tale of a Pink Hare”) and spectators were able to take a vari- novennye Lyudi” (“Ordinary Peo- ings were held Dec. 18 at the capi- the TV series “Againdy” (“Broth- ety of workshops and meet young, ple”) and Dulyga Akmolda was tal’s KazMedia Centre. ers”), was the mastermind behind promising film directors such as named Best Actor for his role in The mission of the Saryarka the festival. Olzhas Beilov, Kanat Beisekeyev “Marshrut” (“Route”). Darkhan Short Film Festival is to support “We were happy with the qual- and Medet Shayakhmetov. Tulegenov, a director from Uralsk, young filmmakers, boost the ity of the submitted pieces. I dare A panel of judges, consisting of won the grand prize for his picture country’s film industry develop- to believe that Kazakhstan is ready film critics, directors, actors, pro- “Marshrut.” ment and become a networking for large-scale festivals. We have ducers and other representatives Tulegenov has been seen at platform for creative young peo- great content and directors who of the country’s film industry, de- many film festivals in the past few ple and professionals of Kazakh can surprise with their creativity,” termined the winners in seven cat- years. In 2015, the director won cinema. he said. egories. Baurzhan Nogerbek, film consecutive grand prizes at events “More than 200 movies were Twenty-three domestic short critic, professor of art history, his- in Almaty and Bishkek for his filmed in Kazakhstan in the past Samgar (L) and Talgat (R). films of 63 submissions and five torian and cinema theorist, was the short film “Lucsh Utrennei Zari” two years. We needed a festival additional films were showcased as jury chief. (“Ray of Dawn”). showcasing the achievements of We needed to somehow empha- ganiser Anuar Kenzhibayev told part of the screenings. Each film’s “Malybaydagy Okiga” (“A Story The youth short film festival was the young Kazakh cinema. Our sise this and show our young the media. duration was shorter than 15 min- in Maldybai”), directed by Rakhym held in the city for the first time, filmmakers often win in different filmmakers that our cinema is Astana Zhastary (Astana Youth), utes. According to the rules of the Samgar, won the Audience Award. but organisers intend to make it an nominations at festivals abroad. moving forward,” festival co-or- the capital’s youth resource centre, competition, the directors, many Film Actor won two nominations – annual event. Kazakh Painter in Romania Kazakh Writer’s “Kirpichi 2.0” Teaches Culture, to Be Adapted by Kazakhfilm studio explained, according to the desire to spread the wings and By Kamila Zhumabayeva Tengrinews.kz. do something to make their lives “He falls into a severe depres- better, more smooth and beauti- Traditions and Customs ASTANA – The Kazakhfilm stu- sion where his only salvation lies ful. As for the book’s film version, cational role for students, lectur- single look at a painting and catch dio will make a full-length feature in excessive drinking. Hitting rock about a year ago Farkhat Sharipov By Kamila Zhumabayeva ers and others because they get to the subtlety of an author’s idea and based on “Kirpichi 2.0” (Building bottom, he almost completely self- came up to me. He liked the work know about Kazakh culture, tra- conception,” she added. Blocks 2.0”), a book by Kazakh destructs. But people show compas- and the main idea. We have been ASTANA – Not many people ditions and customs through her Romanian and European stu- writer Daniyar Sugralinov. The sion for him and selflessly help him collaborating for a year now and are lucky enough to find their call- drawings. dents find her paintings unusual story revolves around a man who to get out of the deep hole of hope- filming has finally begun,” the ing on time and love and succeed “I deepened into an ethnic theme and offbeat. has been wishing to change his life lessness. Seeing this, the hero finds book author said. in what they do best while also be- just a little while ago when I was “They are not used to seeing for a long time but does not know faith in people and love again. He A number of changes will take ing far from their home country. doing my thesis work at Kara- such art and the reaction is ambig- how to make it happen. gets back on his feet step by step, place in the film version but they Painter and a master student Alua ganda State University. I embod- uous, but this doesn’t stop me. I re- Daniyar Sugralinov. Photo cred- coming to life again as a completely will not distort the gist of the book. Tebenova is one such creative in- ied my idea of integrating music, spect everyone’s opinion, because it: Sugralinov’s Facebook profile. new person,” the statement said. The heroes may be older and prob- dividual, building her artistic ca- colours and reflections together,” every person has their own vision “Having set his ‘alter ago’ free Farkhat Sharipov wrote the lems may be more topical, accord- reer in Romania. she said. of what a work should look like,” on his way to success, from a script and will direct the movie ing to Sugralinov. “My connection with fine arts She noted the goal was to make she said. good-natured and humble kindly based on the book. He is known for “Kirpichi 2.0” contains 27 chap- her works in sync with one another began when I was starting school. Tebenova finds inspiration in soul our hero turns into a cruel, films like the 2010 drama “Skaz o ters and was put up for sale in au- and create a musical melody on Once my father picked me up paintings of artists from different selfish person who stands for Rozovom Zaitse“ (“Tale of a Pink tumn 2014. The first “Kirpichi” canvas. from school, while handing me a centuries and genres like classic nothing. He betrays his prior Hare”), the 2013 comedy ”Ino- book “blew up” the internet, earn- “Having learned in detail about big A3 folder full of painting ma- Rembrandt, Austrian contempo- principles and his faith in human planetyane ni pri Chem’’ (“Not the ing more than 2 million reviews. Kazakh [musical] instruments terials he said, ‘My daughter, your rary artist Voka and Scotsman unselfishness. Having lost all his Fault of Aliens”) and “Akzhol.” Kazakhfilm is also beginning to both in theory and practice and mother and I made a decision to Scott Nainsmith. Bakhytnur Burd- friends he eventually remains Sugralinov has said that his book film “Shala Kazakh” (a deroga- get you into a school of painting discovering how rich, valuable and isbekov, Madikhan Kalmakhanov historically unique our culture is, I with no one but himself. The targets young people unsatisfied tory term meaning “Half Kazakh”) and we are heading to your first and Nurlan Kilibayev are among character then realises that he with their lives as its main audi- and “Samaya Krasivaya. 14 Kyz” lesson right now!’ I was pleasant- carry on and I think I will continue many Kazakh artists whose works compromised his integrity while ence. (“The Most Beautiful. Fourteen ly surprised and excited about it!” ‘searching for treasure’ in Kazakh she respects. trying to change his life,” the film “The book [aims to] give them Girls”). she said. and nomad culture through paint- Music is an essential part of her Tebenova graduated with hon- ings, telling to ours and a future work process and an additional ours after five years of study at a generation about things they source of inspiration. The tunes regional painting school. did not come to know yet,” said can be traditional Kazakh com- “I began worrying about what Tebenova. positions or instrumental music profession to choose, who to be- She also paints portraits of peo- depending on her mood and the ple who inspire her as creative Nutcracker – Astana Opera’s come and what to do in the future theme of a painting. as the moment to select a spe- individuals in film, music, arts, She added she likes to travel and cialty approached during senior theatre and other fields, which discover new places which impact school,” she recalled. has become a way to earn mon- her artistic views. Must-See During Holiday Season Tebenova comes from a family ey. Many people show interest in During her study years, she man- of health professionals and lectur- Tebenova’s techniques and are aged to participate in exhibitions Continued from Page B1 ers and no one was an arts uni- glad to have a portrait in a certain of young painters from Karaganda versity graduate. She thought of style and genre. The young artist and show herself in competitions Distinguished choreographer choosing to become a doctor like added she feels happy to realise of different kinds of art. George Balanchine presented her parents, but with a bachelor’s her customer’s ideas. “I plan to implement something a revised production in 1954, degree from the professional arts Tebenova finds oil and acrylic as from myself in exhibitions and breathing new life into the ballet faculty of Karaganda State Uni- congenial work materials, as they vernissages in Romania and Eu- and sparking the attention of crit- versity in her hand, she realised can convey the richness of colours rope. I have many ideas and plans; ics and spectators. For more than she wanted to continue her crea- and shades and realise ideas and I will be moving towards my goal seventy years, almost every ballet tive path. conceptions. bit by bit and perfect my art. I company in the world has per- “Without ruminating for long, The painter does not support will be creating, developing and formed “The Nutcracker” during I decided to go on with what my contemporary arts and believes a presenting a good quality prod- the holiday season, bringing joy heart desired, producing pictures, painting should speak for itself. uct while my hand is able to pass to children and adults and making being a creator and getting to “Understand everything an art- across the canvas and sort paints,” its splendid music one of the most know the art world,” she said. ist thought and experienced in a said Tebenova. recognisable classical arrange- She is now a master student ments. of pictură (painting) at Univer- The ballet tells a story of a sitatea de Artă și Design din young girl, Marie, who is shrunk Cluj-Napoca (Art and Design to the size of a mouse, and her impressions that Marie develops comedic act of the Chinese dolls’ University of Cluj-Napoca) in beloved Nutcracker, who goes to through her scenes are masterfully dance. In contrast, absolute silence Romania, one of Eastern Eu- war with other toys against the conveyed by Gaukhar Usina’s mu- reined during the snowflakes’ rope’s leading universities in evil Mouse King. The Nutcracker sicality, alluring grace and instinc- dance which created a fantastic the fine arts. is later transformed into a beauti- tive expressiveness. atmosphere of dormant nature in “My schedule allows me to do ful prince and he and Marie travel Tair Gatauov, who recalled winter. what I wish to, producing paint- to the kingdom of the Sugar Plum wanting to play the leading part in Prop masters, costume design- ings and compositions which I Fairy to rule and live happily ever the ballet as a youngster, noted his ers and tailors had a feast prepar- consider ‘must be here and now,’” after. As everyone prepares for wish has finally come true. ing for the shows, noted the opera she noted. the royal wedding, Marie wakes “Despite its seeming ease and house’s press officers. Fifty pairs She recently produced four up with her favourite nutcracker dreamlike quality, the part is very of snowflakes made of nylon paintings with an ethnical theme. toy by her side to find it was all a difficult; it requires the dancer’s mesh on a thin metal base have In these works, the painter stress- magical dream. maximum effort. I perform the been used to create an illusion es her attempt to impersonate her Grigorovich has brought bold Nutcracker-Prince’s part, which of snow falling on the stage. The affection for Kazakh culture, de- novelties to the classical ballet. has a large number of supports; feeling of wonder and enchanting scendants of nomads and tradi- By fully trusting the grandeur of I’m like an elevating crane for two atmosphere have been achieved tions. Tchaikovsky’s music, the ingen- hours on stage,” he joked. with the help of a giant Christ- The titles of her paintings cen- ious choreographer and his assis- Every female dancer naturally mas tree, massive decorations tre around the content of the tants Ruslan Pronin and Oksana dreams of playing Marie’s part, yet and colourfully dressed toys that works such as “The Keeper of the Tsvetnitskaya have turned the in addition the ballet has a range come alive. Steppe,” “Golden Soul” and “The sweet fairytale into a deep reflec- of interesting and memorable char- The Christmas novella was a Bride.” tion on the unattainability of ideal acters like Harlequin, Columbine, smash hit and the top grossing “I place great value on special happiness and a poetic story about He-Devil and She-Devil and Span- production in the Astana Opera’s aspects of a composition, details maturing and anticipating love. ish, Indian, Chinese, Russian and repertoire in previous years. This of traditional Kazakh clothing and The capital’s ballet artists have French dolls. year, the opera house has increased colouring,” said Tebenova. carefully prepared for their parts. At the premiere, the spectators the number of performances to 14 Her paintings also play an edu- The vast array of emotions and erupted into applause during the during the holiday season. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 Central Asian Break-Dancers Defy Gravity at 2016 ‘Dance to Be Free’ Festival up within the street dance com- in five nominations – kids’ crew, By Lyazzat Shatayeva munity. Such championships push kids’ solo, professional crew, b- the young dancers to set goals, boy solo and power move. ASTANA – Second annual train harder, and to be excited “All the battles were dynamic street dance competition brought about their craft. Giving new in- and emotional. Performances together nearly 300 participants centives to the local dancers was were often personal. That was fas- from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the main idea behind the festival. cinating. Judgement was unbiased Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Rus- Such championships are also a since the judge was very experi- sia in the Kazakh capital in De- great opportunity for networking, enced. He saw the dancers for the cember. exchanging knowledge and expe- first time and had no predisposi- The dance festival “Dance to Be riences, and building new friend- tion towards any of them,” one of Free” was true to its title and ap- ships,” Adlet Anarbekov, popular the participants, Dias Altynbekov, pealed to contestants as young as Kazakh break-dancer and founder commented. five and adult dancers with long- of 23 Hip-Hop Federation, told “We’ve also had newcomers standing careers. The eldest of The Astana Times. and great surprises. For instance, the participants was a 63-year-old The biggest guest of the festival Kazakhstan’s former break-dance dancer by the stage name Sansyz- was the legendary B-boy Poe One, champion, Simple Systems crew bai aga. a member of the Style Elements was defeated by the newcomers The international street dance crew, arguably one of the most from Uralsk,” he added. championship was held with influential break-dance groups The Dinamic Crew from Taraz the joint efforts of Kazakhstan’s of all time. He is considered one won the junior crew title, Ato- 23 Hip-Hop Federation and the of the five dancers who have had mik from Almaty won the kids’ United States Embassy in Astana the most significant impact on the solo nomination, Hot the Sonic to mark the 25th anniversary of break-dance culture on the U.S. from Atyrau became the winners Kazakhstan-U.S. diplomatic rela- west coast. in the professional crew category tions. B-boy Poe One met with young and Fast Man from Uralsk was The three-day long festival pre- hip-hop artists, dance competitions of the world’s biggest hip-hop but started slowing down in the dancers, gave master classes and titled the best solo performer. B- sented a rigorous programme, in- in a variety of categories and for dance stars. past two years. So we wanted to acted as the main judge of all the boy Neutron from Almaty won a cluding a number of master classes different age groups and demon- “Kazakhstan’s hip-hop culture bring the motivation back to many dance battles during the champion- Golden Shoe for the best power from famous break-dancers and stration performances from some saw a boom six-seven years ago, of the dancers and spice things ship. The battles were conducted move. Children’s Special EBRD to Provide $4.53 Million for Education Centre Opens Ust-Kamenogorsk Airport Modernisation runway will be extended to 2,800 Construction will begin in 2018 budget of region’s development Staff Report metres and widened to 45 metres. and will last approximately 22 should be about 124 billion tenge It is also planned to build a cargo months. (US$374.48 million), timeskz.kz in Kostanai Region ASTANA – The Eurasian Bank terminal, temporary storage ware- At present, the total investment reports. prepare them for inclusive educa- for Reconstruction and Develop- house and rescue station and to portfolio of the regional akimat These funds will be used to By Azamat Syzdykbayev tion. ment (EBRD) is set to allocate 1.5 install lighting equipment. Now, a with the EBRD amounts to 245 solve socially significant tasks Kostanai region Akim (Gov- billion tenge (US$4.53 million) for new arrival terminal with a capac- billion tenge (US$739.9 million), set by President Nursultan Naz- ASTANA – A new centre for ernor) Arkhimed Mukhambetov the modernisation of Ust-Kame- ity of up to 200 people per hour is including preliminary treaties and arbayev. Of these, 11 billion tenge children with special educational granted a certificate for 1 million nogorsk airport, according to iap.ru. being constructed in the interna- loan agreements totalling 43 bil- (US$33.22 million) was allocated needs has opened in the Kostanai tenge (US$2,999) for the purchase To complete the project, it is tional airport of the regional cen- lion tenge (US$129.86 million). from the National Fund to imple- region. of special equipment for an audiol- necessary to attract 5.2 billion tre. The facility will be commis- Meanwhile, the regional budget ment the Nurly Zhol state pro- Comprehensive professional as- ogy room and a certificate for the tenge (US$15.7 million). In ad- sioned by mid-2017. for 2017-2019 years was approved gramme of infrastructure develop- sistance by specialists, including purchase of computer equipment. dition, the Kazakh government is “Airport reconstruction will recently at the regular session ment. a therapist, psychologist, speech “There was only one regional going to allocate one billion tenge ensure a smooth operation and of the East Kazakhstan regional In 2017, it is planned to con- therapist, visual impairment spe- psycho-pedagogical centre 25 (US$3.02 million) and 2.5 billion will allow taking all international Maslikhat (assembly). Its total struct a bridge across the Bukhtar- cialist, deaf and hard of hearing years ago. Now there are more tenge (US$7.55 million) will be flights without any restrictions,” size is expected to reach 304 bil- ma Reservoir in Kurchum district teacher and massage therapist is than 15 organisations in the region. provided from the regional budget. said Nikolai Korolenko, president lion tenge (US$918.08 million). worth almost 24 billion tenge offered for children and their fami- Today, we are opening a new psy- After the modernisation, the of Ust-Kamenogorsk Airport. According to this document, the (US$72.48 million). lies. cho-pedagogical correction centre The project was launched as part for children. I wish success to the of the Different-Equal: We Are for fund specialists and benefactors in Kazakh Programmers Develop Game to Test Users’ Knowledge of Countries portunity to learn interesting facts were from Kazakhstan and it was winner earns points to raise the rat- Staff Report about other countries and to tell clear they opponent had no idea ing of their country on the world the world about Kazakhstan. where the country was located. intellectual scene. Quizzes are Kazakh programmers recently “We were motivated to make That’s when they decided to cre- held in three rounds. created an intellectual quiz mobile Kazakhstan recognisable in the ate a game that would introduce “The questions will be very dif- application “Smart Country.” world when creating this applica- Kazakh culture and history to the ferent but every one without ex- The application is for all ages tion and to show people from other world. ception will be able to play it. We and offers the opportunity to play countries our history, rich multi- “At first, we are planning to are writing some parts of the con- against people from all over the ethnic culture and achievements launch the game in more than 20 tent and some parts are being writ- world: the opponent is determined over the years of independence countries. Then we will expand the ten by others. At the moment, the randomly. and the most beautiful places and number to 260. We are still picking game is undergoing the test mode. The idea is to demonstrate your sights,” explained Taiymov. the first 20 countries. These will Ukrainian specialists are helping knowledge of an opponent’s coun- He first had the idea about a year include the countries of the Com- us in the creation of the game.” try better than he knows yours. ago when he and his friend were monwealth of Independent States It is expected that in the new year According to Talgat Taiymov, playing Play Station against an (CIS), European and North Ameri- everyone will be able to download one of the developers, the mobile American. In the chat, Taiymov can countries,” he added. the game on iOS and Android op- application provides a unique op- and his friend mentioned they The game is built so that each erating systems.

No more than 200 pureblood tazy live in Kazakhstan today. Kazakh tazy is an ancient dog breed well Inclusive Education project initiat- their work. There are 13 centres in Hunters Show off Speed of suited to the nomadic way of life of ed by the Dara Fund with the sup- the country thanks to the fund’s ac- the Asian peoples. Their numerous port of the Kostanai region akimat tivities,” Mukhambetov said at the depictions on petroglyphs in south (governor’s office). centre’s opening ceremony. Their Dogs in Karaganda Kazakhstan are dated to different According to Dara Fund founder ment. Dog handlers also needed to be Russian borzaya on the outside. historic eras. The Persian saluki DOSSAYEVA: “Our Gulnar Dossayeva, children with By Azamat Syzdykbayev field tests of dogs. We keep them out. It is the breed- greyhound is believed to be the challenges are in need of such “We are now selecting the best ing work on tazy being conducted,” most likely ancestor of the tazy. task is to promote places. ASTANA – Hunters recently breeder. We watch their offspring Chief Cynologyst, or dog handler, of The tazy, however, is not yet “Our task is to promote the prin- showed off the speed of their [to make sure they are Kazakh tazy]. the Kansonar National Hunters Asso- recognised by the World Canine the principles of an ciples of an inclusive society. The Kazakh borzoi (dog breeds) at a When puppies are born they appeared ciation Inna Nazarenko said. Organisation (the Fédération Cy- inclusive society. children with special educational competition during a traditional nologique Internationale). Do- needs have access to the special- hunters’ kurultai (meeting) in mestic experts are trying to boost The children with ists free of charge at the correction Karaganda. the image of the breed, which special educational centres. We also provide training “Today’s race must confirm the many consider a national attrib- for the specialists and support in- tazy’s (type of Kazakh borzoi dog) ute. needs have access clusive education implementation endurance. Kazakh borzoi should “We continue the tradition of in our country,” Dossayeva said. overcome 300 metres in a certain our ancestors to revive the pure- to the specialists The centre is designed to be a time. The fact that the lure is a blood tazy breed. As a matter of free of charge at the barrier-free environment, includ- mechanical hare, a never yet seen principle, these dogs are not picky ing wide doorways, no thresholds, animal for the tazy complicates the and they are smart. This breed is correction centres.” colour signals and handrails. The competition. Yes, the distance is considered number one in Kazakh- offices are equipped with modern short for a Kazakh tazy. The dog can stan because they are our favour- The correction centre plans to equipment and teaching materials. run for days,” said one participant. ite,” dog breeder Asset Shaltayev provide support for more than 150 There is also a Montessori room A male dog named Basar shared. children from birth to seven with equipped with special books and showed the best result by running In addition to dog racing, the developmental disabilities who games and a room for physiothera- 300 metres in 30 seconds. Compe- event also included a traditional are unable to visit other places and py exercises. titions were not just for entertain- hunt with an eagle, said Shaltayev. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 ‘Worthy Citizen of Kazakhstan’ Head of Astana’s Orthodox Winners Receive Apartments Church Wishes All from BI Group a Merry Christmas daughter plays the piano and he was a great motivation for her. By Yerbolat Uatkhanov These stories are worth talking about,” she added. ASTANA – Senior churchman Kabylbayev is a former mullah. of the Russian Orthodox Church One day he decided to help people Father Dmitry from Astana dis- in another way. Everything began cussed the difference between the with a family problem: he and his Orthodox and Catholic Christmas wife could not have children for and the meaning and importance a long time, and when after nine of the holiday as he congratulated years they finally had a son, they the people of Kazakhstan on the came to the joint decision to adopt season. 10 children of different nationali- “The attitude of the Orthodox ties. and Catholic Churches to Christ- A member of the social move- mas is similar. The difference is in ment Rebyonok Dolzhen Zhit’ v calendars,” he explained in a Dec. Cheishvili became a social Sem’e (A Child Must Have a Fam- 26 interview. “Everything is quite By Dana Omirgazy worker in a cancer ward after the ily), Kabylbayev outlined that all simple. Historically, the Eastern loss of her son, Amiram, to cancer. candidates were worthy of victory. Orthodox Church lives according that sin, change human nature and tion. I would like a baker to bake ASTANA – Citizens of Kazakh- She decided to remain in Astana He thanked the BI Group Holding, to the Julian calendar, while the make possible the purification of really good bread that can be eaten stan chose not one, but two of their to help people facing this terrible organising committee members Western Christian church lives ac- human nature,” he said. the next day. I would like to wish countrymen to win the “Worthy diagnosis. and the people of Kazakhstan and cording to the Gregorian calendar. “In these rather difficult eco- our military men to honourably de- Citizen of Kazakhstan” award “By helping these people, we be- offered New Year congratulations The difference between them is 13 nomic times, I would like to wish fend our homeland, our diplomats in transparent online voting held come better, kinder and more com- to all. days. We celebrate the same event all the Christmas miracle, which to do their work properly, raising from Nov. 15 to Dec. 25. passionate. Many people wrote me Ten citizens of Kazakhstan were – the Christmas of our Lord, Jesus will touch all our hearts, and I the image of our country to a new Two candidates, Murat Kab- and I heard words of love. In this nominated for the national vote. Christ.” would like to wish everyone to level. I would like to wish our of- ylbayev and Marina Cheishvili, routine work, you do not expect They were defender of the rights “Christmas is a holiday that is become like little children for a ficials to care about the welfare of received the most votes in the pro- people to thank you. Those letters of persons with limited abilities supposed to start the saving of while. I mean children in the sense our people. And I would like peo- ject organised by BI Group, the full of kind words were a great Almaz Yerzhan; “To Be, or Not to mankind. After all, why did Christ that children more genuinely per- ple to not blame each other, but to largest investment and construc- support for me. When my son was Be” filmmaker Aziz Zairov; found- the Saviour come into the world? ceive our world… without guile do the best they can for building tion holding of Kazakhstan. BI sick, I spent a year asking for a er of the social project Club 28 Pe- He came to take on our human na- and without self-interest. I would our future and making our lives Group’s management decided that help. I received such strong sup- tel (28 Loops) Karla Nur; founder ture wounded by sin. God became like us to treat each other with better. This is very important; this both candidates deserved the main port from the people. I flew on this of the Zdorovaya Aziya (Healthy a man to heal mankind; he created kindness and never stop believing is all we need,” said Father Dmitry. prize of the competition, so each energy. Then, after a time, remem- Asia) Fund Nagima Plokhikh; himself, mankind, which has fallen in miracles. I would like everyone “I congratulate everybody and was given a one-bedroom apart- bering those feelings and emo- musician Azamat Temirbayev; in- away from the Lord into sin,” he to work together for the good of wish Merry Christmas to all peo- ment in a popular residential area tions, I thought I would not be able ternational grandmaster Zhansaya said. our country, which is also very im- ple of any faith! By the decree of of Astana. to experience such feelings again, Abdumalik; pilot Dmitry Rodin; “God gave man freedom and see portant,” Father Dmitry said. President [of Kazakhstan Nursul- “The hearts of our citizens were feelings of boundless gratitude for film director Yermek Tursunov; how we use our freedom. We don’t “I often read comments in social tan] Nazarbayev, this day gained touched by the story of incredible the powerful stream of love that Cheishvili and Kabylbayev. use it kindly at all,” he added. media written for various events the status of an official holiday, dedication and fortitude of Marina was poured out on me. I was again The Organising Committee Father Dmitry likened sin to a and news and I see that someone which can’t be found in any other Cheishvili. She recently experi- plunged into this love thanks to has opened bank accounts with virus spreading through humanity. is always accusing our govern- country of the former Soviet Un- enced a personal loss and today this competition,” Cheishvili said. 500,000 tenge (US$1,503) for the “A man himself could not man- ment, someone blaming our lead- ion. Even in Russia, this holiday helps people struggling with can- “When my children found out other eight nominees. age it at all, because it is above our ers. But in fact, many of these is not specially marked and is cel- cer. Marina Cheishvili and Murat about this competition, of course, All of the nominees were deter- nature. We need something spe- people do not want to do anything. ebrated in the series of holidays. It Kabylbayev are engaged in solv- they wanted to vote for me, but mined to be examples worth fol- cial, supernatural. Therefore, God We always want to have someone shows the good, fraternal relations ing problems of our society: adopt- I asked them to read the story of lowing. Organisers filmed video becomes a man, with our infirmity, do something for us. Therefore, I of our country. We need to contin- ing children from orphanages and each candidate. Thus, my daugh- clips about each nominee and illnesses and weaknesses. But he wish that each of us take part in ue developing that,” he said. dealing with saddening diagno- ter was delighted with Azamat [a wrote articles about their activities does not have personal sin, and the development of our state for The Russian Orthodox Church ses,” said the project’s organisers. musician with limited sight]. My and heroism for voters to read. this is why he was able to defeat ourselves, giving our fair contribu- celebrates Christmas on Jan. 7.

South Kazakhstan region. Again, we met a wonderful girl Aikerim Zhumagaliyeva who encouraged Kasietty Zhol Public Foundation: Inspiring volunteers to paint the walls in the regional children’s hospital of Shymkent, where we are planning to open the second centre,” said Mission to Help Kids with Special Needs Abeldinova. ally we will open centres in each specialists from Russia’s Dmitry This project implies a variety of By Dana Omirgazy region,” she said. Rogachev Centre for Paediatric interesting activities, but its main The organisation is implement- Haematology to teach paediatric purpose is to draw attention to the ASTANA – The Kasietty Zhol ing three major projects. Under oncologists-resuscitators to set problems of children with cerebral (Sacred Path) Public Foundation Healthy Kids, specialists provide infusion ports for chemotherapy. palsy and launch 14 rehabilitation was established in 2009 to provide rehabilitation assistance to chil- Previously, children went to Eu- centres throughout Kazakhstan. charitable assistance to children dren from poor families and chil- rope to install and remove the port. Regardless of profession, gender, from underprivileged families, dren’s homes. Now, there is no need to leave the age or religion, people show their orphanages and children’s homes. “Unfortunately, the number country. Of course, the training of kindness and compassion and Director Gulmira Abeldinova of children with cerebral palsy the Kasietty Zhol Rehabilitation achieve common goals. believes children have great ca- in our country is large and it is Centre staff is our priority. By in- “I chose a career when I studied pabilities; they only need a little growing every year. Today, there vesting in their education, we get at school. I am a speech patholo- help. In an interview with The are more than 19,000! The coun- high quality rehabilitation,” she gist. Thanks to the profession, I Astana Times, she talked about the try lacks places of free rehabili- said. have always been close to these foundation’s activities, goals and tation and children are forced to Through #KazakhstanTvorit- children and their families. Now, hopes. wait for years. Project Healthy Dobro (Kazakhstan does good it is a great happiness for me to “The history of the foundation Kids was created three years ago deeds), designer Gaukhar Zhuma- be able to help them, although it started when I saw kids from the to address this situation,” said bekova decorated walls of Astana is unbearable to see the tears of Astana children’s home who were Abeldinova. Children’s Hospital No. 2. She cre- mothers, desperate fathers and unable to sit, hold a toy in their During the past three years, 763 ated amazing drawings, looking at sadness in the eyes of the children. hands and chew food without kids have undergone comprehen- which cure and treatment are be- Happy people do not come to our help. A doctor at that institution coming merrier. foundation. People come with pain asked me to give those children sive rehabilitation. The centre is equipped with excellent facilities. “The Academy of Arts’ students and problems and ask for help. a chance for recovery. Then, we took up this initiative and painted Nevertheless, the success of these brought them to foreign countries Competent physical rehabilita- tion featuring the best techniques the walls of the neurology unit in children and relighted hope in the for treatment and surgery. The the same hospital. We also had vol- eyes of parents inspires us to go most surprising thing was that af- of neuro-rehabilitation and equip- ment has resulted in significant unteers at district hospitals in the further,” she said. ter treatment, the vision of those One of the ailing children during the Tusau Kesu ceremony. kids improved; some kids started improvements in the children’s conditions. to take steps, walk independently “In general, the foundation’s From morning until evening, they “We have a wonderful tradition and hold a spoon. They got great history tells a history of happy are involved in activities with chil- to hold a ‘Tusau Kesu’ (literally happiness to be close to their coincidences. In 2013, we met dren and study during the intervals “cutting the rope”) ceremony for a mothers. Of four children, two a wonderful person, Dr. Ainura between courses of intensive reha- child that learns to do the first steps kids returned to their biological Nurkhodzhayeva, who dreamed of bilitation. despite the age. It is very touching; families; one was adopted by a opening a rehabilitation centre for “We invest a lot in our staff a life-affirming ritual symbolising couple,” Abeldinova shared with children with cerebral palsy. The training, because we want to the victory of a child over the ill- the paper. foundation had a desire to help and show that it is not necessary to ness and over the circumstances. This story gave Abeldinova an the concept of this assistance, as go abroad for quality rehabilita- understanding that there were no In addition, this ritual gives hope Ainura possessed professionalism. tion. We have created a model of “hopeless” children or “irretriev- to other mothers of special chil- Then, we got assistance from the rehabilitation that became suc- able” cases. It was too challeng- dren. For such moments, we need Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth ing, however, to take all kids with cessful. The parents of special to work hard and never give up,” cerebral palsy abroad. It was ex- Fund in the face of Darkhan Kale- children and our partner recog- said Abeldinova. pensive, there were many needy tayev. He is an amazing man who nised its effectiveness. Now we School of the Mentors focuses children and the majority of spe- understood the problem and found are introducing this experience on developing human capital, cial children needed constant and a constructive approach. Thus, we throughout the country, open- expanding knowledge and ex- long-term rehabilitation. It was opened the first Kasietty Zhol re- ing small rehabilitation centres. changing experience with leading also difficult for children to stay habilitation centre in 2014 in Asta- The second centre will open in experts in the field of medicine. outside the home for a long period. na,” said Abeldinova. Shymkent. In this centre, we will Under the project, scientists and Therefore, it became necessary to The centre covers an area of 350 take infants with a cerebral palsy practitioners from the UK, the develop rehabilitation in Kazakh- square metres and employs 20 spe- risk. We believe that after the re- UAE, Russia, Germany and Tur- stan and the foundation gradually cialists. The staff involves people habilitation, at least half of these key arrive in Kazakhstan and hold moved away from targeted assis- with kind hearts, cheerful char- babies will not be diagnosed with training for local specialists. tance to comprehensive assistance. acter and great professionalism. cerebral palsy later. Thus, gradu- “Earlier this year, we invited B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM&EXPO 2017

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 IRENA to Participate in EXPO 2017 Air Astana est developer of exhibition and mu- By Aiman Turebekova seum designs, to help develop the concept and design for its pavilion. ASTANA – The International The UAE pavilion will demon- Named Best Renewable Energy Agency (IRE- strate advanced technologies and NA) officially confirmed its- par scientific developments in the field ticipation in EXPO 2017 during the of renewable energy. recent meeting of IRENA Director Zhoshybayev also met with Anca Foreign Airline General Adnan Amin and EXPO Westley, who directs Abu Dhabi 2017 Commissioner Rapil Zhoshy- Sustainability Week & Special bayev in Abu Dhabi. Projects for the Masdar Company; The sides reviewed Kazakhstan’s Frederic Theux, president of Reed current and potential cooperation Exhibitions Middle East; and Naji with IRENA, including the agen- El Haddad, executive director of cy’s participation in the expo and the World Future Energy Summit the joint promotion of the EXPO that will be held on Jan.16, 2017 2017 theme, future energy, at ma- in Abu Dhabi. In 2017, the sum- jor international platforms. Zho- Commission in June next year in tion’s pillars and the future energy mit will focus on trends in financ- shybayev also discussed Kazakh Astana, which will take place with- theme. Salem Al Ameri, deputy ing renewable energy projects, the President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s in the framework of EXPO 2017, general director of the UAE’s Na- importance of energy efficiency in global initiatives in the field of sus- as well as organising training for tional Media Council, pointed out existing and future buildings, smart tainable development, which have Kazakh specialists at the IRENA that the UAE was the first Arab infrastructure and innovation. In received international support. Secretariat. country in the Middle East to of- 2016, the exhibition at the World They discussed the possibility of According to Amin, IRENA is ficially confirm its participation in Future Energy Summit brought holding an IRENA panel session very interested in participating in EXPO 2017. It was also noted that together 600 companies from 32 during the Ministerial Conference the expo because of the logical the country invited Ralph Appel- countries and more than 30,000 at- of the UN European Economic connection between the organisa- baum Associates, the world’s larg- tendees from 150 countries. Regulations Reducing Visa Categories,

“Choice of passengers of busi- Paperwork Come into Force in 2017 By Kseniya Voronina ness class” went to Air France. In the category “The leaders of The new rules are meant to in different spheres,” said Ka- “This will result a significant lib- ASTANA – Air Astana recently growth,” awards went to AirBaltic By Malika Orazgaliyeva streamline the visa process and zakh Minister of Foreign Affairs eration of the process of preparing won the Sheremetyevo Airport and Ellinair. Both have increased bring them in line with national Erlan Idrissov Dec. 20 while invitations, as it will be carried out Award for the first time in the their number of passengers by ASTANA – New rules reduc- legislation and international stand- holding a joint briefing with not only in Astana and Almaty, but category “Best Foreign Airlines more than 80 percent in a year. ing the number of visa categories ards. They are also meant to attract First Deputy Minister of Internal also in all regional centres of the – Passenger Choice.” The award Sheremetyevo International from 14 to three and reducing the more foreign investment and ease Affairs Marat Demeuov for rep- migration police units,” Idrissov was based on votes cast via the air- Airport was recognised as the paperwork necessary for a visitor the burden on businesses traveling resentatives of diplomatic corps, said. port’s social media, according to best airport in Europe for qual- to obtain a visa to Kazakhstan will to Kazakhstan. business community and local In turn, Demeuov noted that the press service of the airline. ity of service in 2012 and 2013 come into effect Jan. 1. “We wanted to create simple, and foreign media. Ministry of Internal Affairs em- Sheremetyevo Airport’s SVO and second on the continent in Under the new rules, visas will clear, modern and comfortable Idrissov added that the changes ployees have been trained on the Awards was established two years 2014 in the ASQ (Airport Service be divided into type A for diplo- rules based on the interests of are a key component of a package new regulations. The foreign min- ago to encourage the airport’s part- Quality) rating by ACI (Airports mats, officials and investors, type our citizens, who actively co- of measures to create a convenient istry will continue to work with in- ners to improve punctuality, quali- Council International). It is also B for short-term visitors and type operate with foreign partners, and transparent visa regime. An- vitations from foreign ministries, ty of passenger service and success Russia’s largest airport servicing C for long-term visitors. as well as for foreign nationals other significant change coming diplomatic and consular institu- in production activity. regular international flights. The The changes also affect visas for interested in Kazakhstan. I am into effect is the transfer of author- tions of foreign states, internation- KLM was named “the most route network of Sheremetyevo the families of foreign diplomats convinced that it will open up ity for the registration of entry in- al organisations and their missions. punctual foreign airline, carry- Airport has more than 200 desti- accredited in Kazakhstan, study additional opportunities to the vitations from foreign businesses The foreign ministry plans to ing more than 100,000 passengers nations. visas and visas for persons work- business community for cooper- and individuals from the Ministry post the full text of the regulations annually at the airport Sherem- According to the results of 2015, ing in the Astana International Fi- ation with the outside world and of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry on its website and get it published etyevo.” In the same category, but passenger traffic at Sheremetyevo nancial Centre and others. facilitate international contacts of Internal Affairs. in the media. less than 100,000 passengers, the amounted to 31.6 million people, award went to Finnair. Korean Air while for the first 11 months of this received an award for the best lev- year Sheremetyevo served 31.27 Pavlodar – Cultural and Arts Centre el of passenger service. million people. of Northern Kazakhstan Passenger Trains From perfect email support before of the most beautiful and largest our arrival to a friendly welcome mosques in the country. upon our arrival… They made our “From an architectural point of Launched from stay in Pavlodar extremely enjoy- view, the mosque is meant to re- able and I will definitely stay at semble a heart, open to peace, this hotel again when I am next kindness and good will,” a com- in Pavlodar,” wrote a commenter menter mentioned. Astana to Regions from Newcastle and Gateshead Merchants’ houses, museums of (England). interest, the old Chekhov Drama  Theatre and concert halls are the city’s historic and cultural attrac- What to See tions. A large Kazakh mosque, Rus- Pavlodar has many parks, al- sian Orthodox church and statue of leys and boulevards; however, the Kazakh poet Sultanmakhmut To- central embankment of the Irtysh Photo credit: aboutkazakhstan.com Photo credit: raigyrov are the main attractions in River with its fountains and beach Frosty Pavlodar City Pavlodar. is deemed the main and one of the If you want to see a Russian Or- most romantic locations for walk- By Kamila Zhumabayeva Where to Stay thodox church, visit the Cathedral of the Annunciation on the banks ing. Most hotels in the city are “old Pavlodar has quite an active ASTANA – See a Russian Or- of the Irtish River. It provides a and tired” Soviet-style hotels, but nightlife with several nightclubs thodox church, visit the old Chek- great view of the city and has a there are a few which have re- that play electronic and house hov theatre, take a walk along the ceived some of the best reviews on public park next to its square. bank of the Irtysh River or enjoy the “The Church of the Annun- music; some also feature 1980s tripadvisor.com. or 1990s music. Bowling alleys, nightlife in Pavlodar, one of the big-  One commenter noted that Al- ciation is an extraordinary feat movie theatres and game clubs are gest and oldest cities in the country. tyn Adam Hotel is good for short of engineering and is one of the fun for evening leisure and nights Located on the river’s edge, Pav- visits to the city. The river is near- most beautiful recently con- structed religious buildings in out. Astana at 3 p.m., stopping in Ak- lodar is a fairly quiet former Soviet by and the personnel are polite and city in northeastern Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan. It is both an im- If you have free time, go skat- By Kseniya Voronina kol, Makinka and the Borovoye friendly. Its population was 335,185 as of portant cultural and spiritual ing on weekends at the Ice Arena. resort. Сost of travel ranges from “Altyn Adam Hotel is basically January 2016. centre for the city of Pavlodar,” The local hockey club plays there ASTANA – Two new electric 1,300 tenge (US$4) to 1,500 tenge a bed and breakfast place in a large Pavlodar is also a large industrial noted a tripadvisor.com com- as well. passenger trains servicing Kara- (US$5). city that for years has housed sev- suburban house. You decide on the menter from Italy. Bazaars, shopping centres and ganda, Kokshetau and the Kazakh The trains are equipped with eral of Kazakhstan’s big enterpris- time and content of breakfast at Mashkhur Zhusup Mosque has grocery store chains are available capital were recently launched lifts to board passengers with dis- es such as Aluminiy Kazakhstana, check-in. Nevertheless, the rooms exceptional architecture and is one if you need to make any purchases. into service in dedication of the abilities as well as designated toi- Kazakhstanskiy elektrolizniy za- are large and comfortable,” anoth- 25th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s lets, doors and chairs for them. vod and KSP Steel. er reviewer noted on the website. independence. A representative of Kazakh- In summer, the city with broad Dvin Hotel has received posi- The trains meet international stan Temir Zholy reported that streets and avenues is surrounded tive feedback from guests. It is and Customs Union standards the company plans to launch two and include the latest technology, more electrical trains in the near by green parks, fountains and recommended as a comfortable flowerbeds. such as a passive safety system, future. and modern hotel with excellent video surveillance systems and Railway transport is a crucial service, spacious and comfortable an information and entertainment part of the production infrastruc- How to Get There rooms, an English speaking staff, website using Wi-Fi technology. ture of the state. Kazakhstan’s ge- Trains run from Almaty, Asta- good price and location. Trams are Passengers can also watch mov- ographic conditions include a lack na, Kyzylorda, Zhezkazgan, Mos- nearby; cabs can be also arranged ies and play video games as well of direct sea access and vastness cow and Chelyabinsk. at reasonable prices. as access information about their of territory, which makes the role Flights on Air Astana are avail- The hotel has a bar, breakfast trips in Kazakh, Russian and of railway transport important. As able both from Astana and Almaty, spot, restaurant and café with Ar- English. of today, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy on Bek Air from Almaty and SCAT menian and European cuisine. The train to Karaganda departs is a backbone infrastructure com- Airlines from Astana (as of Jan. 6). Saunas and swimming pools are from Astana at 2:55 p.m. and pany, providing cargo transport Long-distance and regional available for an additional fee. stops in Vishnevka, Osakarovka necessary to grow the Kazakh “I am happy to report that the ser- economy. The company employs buses are available from most sur- islamcartdb.com Photo credit: and Karaganda sorting depot. The rounding cities. vice at the Dvin Hotel is fantastic. Mashkhur Zhusup Mosque train to Kokshetau departs from more than 140,000 people. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 Sokol Race Track Astana Pro Team Presents Roster for 2017 Continued from Page B1

In addition to Lutsenko, the win- Offers Professional ner of last year’s Tour of Hainan, Kazakhstan will be represented by Zhandos Bizhigitov, Dmitriy Gru- zdev, Artyom Zakharov, Andrey Driving Conditions Zeits, Arman Kamyshev, Bakhti- ganisers couldn’t invite as many yar Kozhatayev, Ruslan Tleubayev, By Yerbolat Uatkhanov participants and visitors as they Daniil Fominykh, and Nikita Stal- wanted because of the lack of nov. Among the 10 newcomers ASTANA – Car and bike enthu- space,” Rakhimberdy explained. are two interesting riders, Moreno siasts near Almaty will soon have “Our people really were striv- Moser and Michael Valgren, from a safe track for practicing their ing to take part in motorsport whom the team’s managers antici- high-speed driving skills (and en- events in various disciplines and pate serious help for the leaders. joying the thrills that go with the they were ready to go anywhere, Astana Pro Team is a top-level pastime). Other drivers on the re- even to remote countries. But team in the world of professional gion’s icy roads can breath a sigh now, Kazakhstan residents do cycling, representing Kazakh- cluding in Europe, Asia, North phies include prizes from vic- including the three grand tours, of relief – the daredevils now not need to leave the country, be- stan and regularly winning races America and Australia for more tories in some of the world’s Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and have a place to play. cause they have everything here and stages across the world, in- than a decade. The team’s tro- most prestigious cycling races, Vuelta a España. “In addition to the fact that the at home,” she added. track is the only one of its kind “The creation of the track will and has no equal in the Central allow our state to test cars and of the most promising ones. Years Asian region, it provides eco- hold international motorsport later, there remains four or five boys nomic benefits, creates a positive competitions and major events. image of the country and con- from them who have developed into Sokol Racing Track has well- Kazakh Short Track Speed Skaters world-class athletes,” Karsybekov tributes to the development of developed infrastructure that will motorsports, infrastructure and recalls. accommodate a great number of tourism,” said Public Relations A strong impetus to the sport’s spectators and participants. The Manager of Sokol Race Track increasing popularity in Kazakhstan track provides a high level of Ready for Winter Universiade was given by Kazakh skaters’ sur- Lola Rakhimberdy in an inter- safety and comfort for any motor- view Dec. 19. prising performance at the Winter sport event,” Rakhimberdy said. By Anuar Abdrakhmanov Sokol Race Track was designed Olympics 2014 in Sochi where the “Our track is extremely popular and constructed by foreign ar- national team made it into the final among motorsport lovers,” she ASTANA – Short track speed chitects and engineers and cor- of the 5,000-metre relay and ranked noted. The company is always skating is gaining momentum in fifth there, an unprecedented success. responds to all international re- Kazakhstan. The beginning of a quirements and standards. The pleased to see drivers and fans “Following Sochi, across the na- at events, she said, and even or- new winter season 2016-2017 was tion, interest in our sport increased large ring, which will be finished marked for the sports world by by the end of 2017, will be able to ganises shuttle transfers for event greatly. Now it is developing in ten participants and guests. Kazakh short track racers winning regions. If one recalls its history, host auto and motorcycle cham- medals of various colours in World pionships including the World Sokol has a large racing ring short track speed skating in Kazakh- Cup stages. Championship Moto Grand (the one that is yet to be complet- stan in Soviet times was first culti- Team Kazakhstan became one of Prix, the FIA World Touring Car ed), a drag strip, a kart track and vated in the western city of Aktobe the few rivalling the sport’s trendset- Championship, Deutsche Touren- a drift ring. The track’s large ring and then in other regions. Following ters, including South Korea, the U.S., wagen Masters (DTM) and the will be 4,495 metres long and 15 the USSR collapse, development Superbike World Championship. metres wide. Maximum speeds Canada, the Netherlands and Russia. of short track practically stopped. It Governments around the world on its straightaway can exceed At one of the recent Interna- only survived in the Kostanai region. support private motorsport tracks, 300 kilometres per hour. It will tional Speed Skating Union (ISU) Since 2002, a new stage for short as they give national motorsport have five right turns on the track World Cup stages, which took track in Kazakhstan began. Although teams a place to practice and pro- and eight left turns. place in Salt Lake City Nov. 11- now it is practiced in many parts Sokol’s drag racing strip is 13, the Kazakh skaters won two behind him more than a decade of “Kazakh short track speed skat- of the country, the leaders are West vide opportunities for ordinary participating in World Cup stages ing’s history spans more than three people to improve their driving complete with up-to-date telem- places on the podium: gold for Kazakhstan and Atyrau regions, as with finishes mainly beyond the top decades. As for me, in 2002, I went skills in safe conditions. By the etering equipment and displays to Abzal Azhgaliyev in the 500 me- well as Astana. Gradually, other re- 30, finally won his first gold, which to Oral [a regional centre in north- end of next year, Almaty’s motor- show results. The total length of tres and bronze for the national gions close in. Admittedly, domestic came in the 1,000 metres. western Kazakhstan] where there heads and sportsmen will enjoy the drag strip is 866 metres, with team in 5,000-metre relay. competition is growing every year,” In the World Cup classification, was a new speed skating arena. Dau- the same privileges. an additional 348 metres of road A month later at another World Karsybekov says. with four stages out of six com- let Turlykhanov, who then headed “We decided to construct the dedicated to slowing down. Cup stage, Dec. 9-11 in Shanghai, Now the national team readies track due to the lack of conditions The kart track is 1,650 metres Azhgaliyev was fifth in the 500-me- pleted, Abzaliyev ranks second and the governmental agency on sports for new international starts, with for professional and amateur long and encompasses a variety tre heat, Aidar Bekzhanov’s was Nikisha seventh in the 500 metres, and tourism, backed my plans and Winter Universiade 2017 in Al- sportsmen. The sportsmen didn’t of turns, straightaways and pit sixth, and Nurbergen Zhumagaziyev Zhumagaziyev fifth in 1,000 metres connected me to the region’s gov- maty among them. have a place where they could lanes. It is 10 metres wide and has also finished sixth in 1000 metres. and the national team sixth in the ernor Krymbek Kusherbayev. Good “We aim to win there at least hone their skills at all – they had 12 boxes in the technical area. In Gangheung, South Korea, on 5,000-metre relay. conditions were created for us and gold, silver, and bronze medals. to do this in city streets, which is The drift ring occupies 16,000 Dec. 16-18, Team Kazakhstan again Team Kazakhstan’s head coach I started developing short track in Naturally, most of our hopes are on illegal and is not safe for city resi- square metres and was specially updated its medal tally. Denish Ni- Madygali Karsybekov says recent the city. In three years, I tested more our men’s team who are already in dents. All sports events were also designed for holding internation- kisha won silver in 500 metre while successes in short track are no acci- than 5,000 children and selected leading positions internationally,” held in very small places and or- al drift events. 26-year-old Zhumagaziyev, who has dent but the outcome of hard work. among them less than one percent the coach concluded.

two stages: the first will take place in Temirtau and the second stage will be held in Karaganda. The Temirtau city World Universiade 2017 Unveils Torch Relay Route bowl will contain the fire from blast cession with the participation of top students are talented, creative and kilometres in the hands of torchbear- regional centre varies from 10 to 12 furnace of smelter and coal from the By Zhanna Shayakhmetova sports people of Kazakhstan was held strong,” said Winter Universiade ers. Air Astana, official airline of the kilometres so that each torchbearer region’s mines. in Almaty in early January. The cere- Organising Directorate Head Nail student games will transmit the flame will run about 200 metres. One hun- Thus, the relay will demonstrate ASTANA – The World Univer- mony unites the country that conducts Nurov. from the regions to Almaty where dred people will carry the torch in the best features of the regions. Stu- siade 2017 torch relay will begin the games, and outstanding sportsmen The 28th World Winter Universi- on Jan. 29 the official opening of the Almaty on a route length of 20 kilo- dents, athletes and young scientists its journey in Kazakhstan by light- will take part in the torch relay. ade committee determined the torch Universiade will be held. metres. The flame will begin its jour- will unite to carry the Universiade ing the flame Jan. 25 in Astana. The According to plans, all the ath- relay route in regional centres. “The concept of Universiade 2017 ney at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National torch. The relay is set to draw peo- flame will then continue to Ust-Ka- letes will gather in Almaty, in the “The regional headquarters com- is unique. The organisers divided the University and visit major sports fa- ple’s attention to the upcoming major menogorsk, Pavlodar, Kokshetau, heart of the Universiade and partic- pleted work on the torch relay route project into 16 separate parts and cilities, including Shymbulak, Medeo sporting event and encourage more Petropavlovsk, Kostanai and Kara- ipate in the opening ceremony. As a in regional centres Dec. 22. Now all enabled each region to adapt it for Ice Rink and Baluan Sholak Palace, people to visit Almaty during the ganda Jan. 26 and Aktobe, Uralsk, sporting event, Universiade attracts 16 cities taking part in the relay are themselves. We now have 16 routes educational centres, major attractions Universiade. Atyrau and Aktau Jan. 27. The route more and more young people, said decided as well attractions, which which differ from each other, but they and finish at the Almaty Arena sta- One-hundred-forty torches were then continues to Kyzylorda, Shym- the organisers. will be involved at every stage,” ac- are part of a whole. The Universiade dium during the opening ceremony. produced for the games in a mini- kent, Taraz and Taldykorgan Jan. 28 “It is important that young people cording to the organisation’s press torch relay will expand the geogra- Regions throughout Kazakhstan malist style. They were made by an before the final lighting of the flame will be able to communicate and get release. phy from one city to the whole coun- are preparing for the festive events. Australian company that has been in the host city of Almaty Jan. 29. to know each other as part of this The flame will cover a distance of try,” Nurov said. For example, the torch relay in the working with the Olympic move- The rehearsals of the torch light pro- project. We want to show that our more than 22,500 kilometres and 200 The distance of the route in each Karaganda region will be divided into ment since 2000. Cheerleading Gains Pace as Official Kazakh Sports Activity the team. Some squads also partic- Some data suggests that the num- otic War. Groups of athletes used less in Aktobe and Pavlodar,” said in cheerleading. Athletes up to 45 By Kamila Zhumabayeva ipate in cheerleading competitions. ber of individuals involved in the to present “acrobatic etudes” and Zverkova. years old may participate in world With time, cheerleading began sport worldwide exceeds six mil- march with slogans at sports pa- “We hold championships, festi- championships. ASTANA – When someone being cultivated as a way of sup- lion, according to the country’s Na- rades, theatrical performances and vals and many other events every In Kazakhstan, children can be- mentions cheerleading, girls from porting teams and an independent tional Federation of Cheerleading. other public events. year. The 10th championship will gin cheerleading from ages three- squads in American pop culture are sports activity in other countries Compared to the U.S., where The Kazakh Cheerleading Fed- take place soon,” she added. six. Teams have members up to first thing to come into one’s head. including Russia and Kazakhstan. cheerleading is popular and main- eration entered the IFC (Interna- Sports categories are assigned age 20. Kids are basically partici- Kazakhstan has its very own cheer- The latter sanctioned cheerleading stream, physical activity at schools tional Federation of Cheerleading) for achievements during the com- pants because they start training in leading federation, with teams rep- as official sports activity in 2012. and colleges in Kazakhstan is still and AFC (Asian Federation of petitions. Teams participate in schools. resenting the country and leading The cheerleading federation, continuing to gain pace as an of- Cheerleading) in August 2007. world, Asian and European cham- Cheerleading is still a new de- to its complete development. officially registered in 2007, was ficial sports activity. Almaty, Karaganda, Ust-Kame- pionships. velopment in the country and the Having originated in the U.S., founded by Alfiya Sainova, the “We don’t have such a tendency nogorsk, Pavlodar, Taldykorgan, Cheerleading requires good federation has been holding many cheerleading is a multifaceted first coach and now federation vice yet. We tried to introduce cheerlead- Aktobe, Uralsk, Almaty and Asta- physical training, artistic traits, events such as seminars, training sport that incorporates claps, president. Athletes were being ing into regular school programmes, na regions belong to the national willpower and leadership. Train- camps and practical trainings at jumps, dancing, stunting, acrobat- trained as early as 2002. but new developments seemed dif- cheerleading federation squad, ing programmes, publications schools and universities. Some- ics, gymnastics and other elements Under her leadership, the coun- ficult for their teaching staff in terms which has more than 200 coaches and seminars are available to edu- times, coaches from other coun- of physical activity. try’s cheerleaders participated for of teaching new skills to children and 5,000 participants. cate and train all juniors. Train- tries are invited to conduct work- Squads are commonly seen at the first time at the world- cham and many other matters,” National “Our cheerleading teams are in ing cheerleaders sometimes takes shops for such events. American football, basketball and pionship in Bremen, Germany, in Federation of Cheerleading jury higher education facilities across more time than coaching the ath- “We have a prospect for growth. other games to motivate the team 2009. Teams continue to perform board member and chairperson Kazakhstan’s five regions and letes they cheer for, according to We don’t leave children after they and entertain the fans. Cheerlead- at international championships. Galina Zverkova said in her inter- currently about two or three col- cheerleading.kz. In professional perform one dance or participate ers perform during competitions Various levels of competition view with The Astana Times. leges in Almaty. We have a large sports, the squads are often repre- in one competition. We assign skill and time-outs, with the one to based on age categories and status An activity similar in technique coaching staff and participants in sented by sports teams. categories according to competi- three-minute routines meant to en- as amateur or professional are usu- to cheerleading existed in the Karaganda and Taldykorgan, late- Individuals from kindergarten- tion results and so on,” said Zverk- courage the audience to cheer for ally held according to certain rules. country before the Great Patri- ly in Ust-Kamenogorsk and a little ers through adults can be involved ova. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 Winter Charity Ball Raises More Than $60,640 for Children with Special Needs in Astana ahead of the New Year but also new contacts and a large to teach children with autism in By Dana Omirgazy holidays. This magic evening in- friendly team and, most important- educational institutions. Bolashak volves major sponsors that are ly, a systematic charity. I am glad Fund also supports talented youth ASTANA – The Winter Char- contributing to fundraising efforts that I was able to contribute to the by providing travel grants to par- ity Ball, held traditionally in the of the organisers. Recently, we development of philanthropy and ticipate in international contests, Radisson Hotel Astana, is an also held the ninth annual Christ- to be here,” said debutante Makpal Olympiads and sports competi- enchanting event that brings to- mas Charity Bazaar. These two Kusayin. tions. gether capital residents empathetic events are held in sequence every The auction featured a great “At the moment, we have toward social problems affect- year with a common charitable selection of sports equipment, in- opened six offices to support in- ing children. Bolashak Corporate purpose,” Radisson Hotel Astana cluding Vincenzo Nibali’s bike clusive education and cabinets of Fund, with the support of the ho- sales department director Zhuldyz which he rode to win cycling’s psychological-pedagogical cor- tel and major companies, hosted Akhmetova told the paper. most prestigious award, an auto- rection in Almaty and Astana. In the ninth annual ball Dec. 22 and Tatarstan Honoured Artist Gu- graphed hockey jersey from Barys 2016, the fund has received more raised more than 20 million tenge zel Haybulina directed this year’s Club and the authentic gloves of than 200 complaints on discrimi- (US$60,640). ball. The guests enjoyed the per- the world’s unbeaten boxer Gen- nation against differently-abled “Every year we welcome more formances of Astana Opera solo- nady Golovkin that were sold for children. This means that we need than 250 guests who make dona- ists and the Kazakh Armed Forc- two million tenge (US$6,064). to solve this social problem by tions and receive charity ball tick- es Symphonic Orchestra led by Guests were able to buy porce- opening more offices. We also ets. In turn, we try to surprise and Kassym Aitpayev. lain made specifically for the 1980 have made some proposals to leg- please them by offering a raffle Thirty-four debutants tradition- Olympic Games, an interesting islative projects of the country in game and an auction of sport items ally open the ball demonstrating picture presented by the Kulanshi terms of inclusive education de- belonging to famous Kazakh ath- the classic waltz and feisty samba. Art Centre and paintings by artists velopment. The fate of children letes and pieces of art,” Bolashak Beautiful girls in white dresses and Leyla Mahat and Naira Tumanyan. with special needs enrolled in Corporate Fund project manager tiaras danced with eligible bache- All monies raised will be di- schools has changed. When we Assem Issabekova told The Astana lors, creating a fascinating atmos- rected to support two major fund see a child attending classes at Times. phere. projects: Proezdnye granty (Travel schools and communicating with The Radisson initiated the tradi- “I have always dreamed of being Grants) and Kazhdyi Rebenok their peers, it becomes clear that tion of holding the Winter Charity Fund joined the hotel and started co-organiser of the Winter Char- a part of this magical evening and Dostoin Shkoly (Every child de- the efforts of the fund are not in Ball in 2008 by organising char- coordinating the process. ity Ball. This festive charity even- becoming a princess. After the au- serves a school). The latter aims vain. They bring great results,” ity dinners. In 2012, the Bolashak “We are the main partner and ing is one of the major events held dition, I realised it is not just a ball, to develop an inclusive model said Issabekova. Kazakhstan’s Largest Tuberculosis Treatment Centre Opens in Astana in nine sections and had been un- The centre’s rooms can ac- nouncement and noted the scale By Dmitry Lee der construction since 2008. The commodate two patients and the of the facility. He also recently centre has clinical, diagnostic and complex is designed to separate held an informal meeting with ASTANA – A new, state-of-the- bacteriological laboratories as well hospitalisation, both bacillary and key staff, who have designated art tuberculosis treatment centre as computer tomography, X-ray non-bacillary, which helps contain priority issues, such as person- opened Dec. 29 in Astana. equipment and video capabilities the tuberculosis. nel, housing and transport from The centre is the largest in the for online meetings with domestic According to astana.gov.kz, the other cities. country and is designed for up to and foreign physicians. number of tuberculosis cases has According to World Health Or- 500 patients, including a 12-bed “It has been our dream to build decreased four times in the capital ganisation (WHO) reports con- mortality decreased five times. Ka- Some 1.9 million tenge intensive care unit. It will be ser- the most modern complex in the since 2008 when there were 218 ducted in Kazakhstan last year, zakhstan has been introducing var- (US$3,000) per year on average is viced by more than 1,000 person- country,” said the centre’s lead patients. Today, there are 58 cases. in general over the past 10 years, ious innovative methods of diag- allocated for the treatment of one nel. The treatment complex con- physician Rauza Zhussupova in an Astana Akim (Mayor) As- cases of tuberculosis in the coun- nosis and treatment of tuberculosis patient with a severe form of tu- sists of four-to-six-story buildings interview with local media. set Issekeshev attended the an- try decreased 2.2 times, while the based on international standards. berculosis. ‘City Within a City’– New MEGA Silk Way to Open in 2017 hibition EXPO 2017,” noted the Mega Ice, an 800-square-metre ice By Zhazira Dyussembekova press release. rink. Guests will be able to enjoy The mall is based on the con- the largest screen in Astana in the ASTANA – MEGA Silk Way, cept of “a city within a city” with 11-hall Chaplin cinema. the capital’s new shopping and its own streets and art objects. The International retailers have entertainment centre located at the estimated attendance at the shop- been paying attention to the pro- EXPO 2017 site, was launched in ping centre is one million visitors a ject, noted the management. In December. The official opening month, and this figure is expected 2017, Swedish clothier H&M will is planned for the first quarter of to rise to two million during the launch its store with a trading area 2017. exhibition. of 2,545 square metres. Inditex, The complex is completely The complex has rented 205 one of the world’s biggest retail- ready and tenants are preparing for premises, according to company ers with its brands Zara, Massimo the opening, Mega Centre Man- management. To date, 88 tenants Dutti, Bershka, Pull&Bear and agement Communication Depart- have signed agreements, 10 per- Oysho, will occupy 8,000 square ment representative Takhmina Ki- cent are negotiating and 2 percent metres. birova told The Astana Times. remain available. MEGA Silk Way will also have “The total area of the new mall The new mall will represent a unique platform, an innovative is about 140,000 square metres. more than 20 Kazakh companies, laboratory where young profes- The length is about 500 metres including large and well-known sionals in the information system and width is about 160 metres, ones in Astana and Almaty such as and technology fields will be able while the height of the atriums is Happylon (amusement and enter- to develop and test their projects. 25 metres, which makes it almost tainment parks for children), Mar- The new complex is expected to the same level as an eight-story win (kid’s stores), Evrikum (inter- create more than 2,000 jobs, and building,” according to the man- active informative and amusement including service companies, an agement. park of wonders), Chaplin (cin- excess of 5,000 people will be em- British company Chapman Tay- ema), Technodom (household ployed. The annual tax payments lor, which has completed more appliances) and Mimioriki (chil- to the budget are projected to be than 2,000 large-scale retail pro- dren’s clothes). Local brands in- about 5 billion tenge (US$15 mil- jects in 90 countries, is the archi- clude QLP, Cosmo Style, Altyn lion). tect. Alan, Kazyna-Gold, Empire, Mini Approximately 67 billion tenge “The building of MEGA Silk City and KazTour. (US$201.7 million) was invested Way harmoniously fits into the In addition to Happylon and into MEGA Silk Way, 70 percent existing style of the architectural Evrikum, the mall will also have of which are loans and 30 percent ensemble of the international ex- a Kango trampoline centre and from the company’s own funds.