+13° / +4°C WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 No 19 (157) www.astanatimes.com President focuses on improving daily Astana to host Sixth Congress life in state-of-nation address of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions of World and Traditional religions Staff Report took place Sept. 23-24, 2003 at the initiative of Kazakh President Nur- ASTANA – Eighty-two del- sultan Nazarbayev. egations from 46 countries repre- Its objectives are to seek uni- senting the world’s religions are versal guidelines among world expected to gather in Astana Oct. and traditional religions and to be 10-11 for the Sixth Congress of a permanent platform for interna- Leaders of World and Traditional tional interfaith dialogue. Religions. The main priorities of the congress The Congress is to be held under are to promote peace, harmony and the subject of “Religious Leaders tolerance as the unshakable princi- for a Secure World” and will in- ples of human existence, to achieve clude the third session of its Coun- mutual respect and tolerance among cil of Religious Leaders. religions and ethnic groups, as well Religious leaders, religious or- as to prevent religious beliefs from ganisations and political repre- being used to fuel the escalation of sentatives are expected to discuss conflicts and military action. four topics: A specially designed C Section – The manifesto “The World. of this issue will offer our read- The 21st Century’ as a “concept of ers more in-depth information global security.” about the Congress of Leaders of – Religions in changing geopoli- World and Traditional Religions, tics: new opportunities for the con- its history and activities, as well solidation of humankind. as the opinion of Kassym-Jomart ing the quality of life, creating a create stable sources for business be a central element of economic – Religion and Globalisation: Tokayev, Chairman of the Senate By Malika Orazgaliyeva comfortable living environment, growth and foster private invest- policy, Nazarbayev said. Challenges and Answers. of Parliament of the Republic of creating a citizen-focused gov- ment and facilitate freedom of the “I instruct the government to al- – Religious leaders and politi- Kazakhstan and Head of the Sec- ASTANA – Kazakh President ernment, maintaining effective market. It is business that creates locate additional 500 billion tenge cians in overcoming extremism retariat of the Congress, and inter- Nursultan Nazarbayev directed the foreign policy and engaging all new jobs and provides higher in- (US$1.3 billion) to support the and terrorism. views with leaders from religious government to work to improve citizens in the transformation of come to the majority of Kazakh manufacturing industry and non- The first Congress of Leaders communities in the country. the lives of Kazakh citizens dur- the country. citizens,” he said. commodity export in the next three ing his annual Oct. 5 state-of-the- The President underlined the im- Nazarbayev pointed out that years. To address the issue of af- nation address. portance of growing the incomes business should be protected from fordable loans for priority projects, “Over the past 20 years, the of hard-working professionals. He unlawful administrative pressure I task the National Bank to allocate country has raised $300 billion instructed the government to raise and criminal prosecution threats. long-term tenge liquidity of no less of direct foreign investment. We the minimal salary by 1.5 times He instructed to raise from Jan.1 than 600 billion tenge (US$1.6 bil- Kazakhstan completes three-year, see the development of small and from 28,000 to 42,000 (US$75- the threshold of criminal liabil- lion). The government together medium-sized enterprises serving $113) tenge from Jan. 1, 2019. ity regarding tax violations up to with the National Bank needs to as the foundation for our economic “From now on, the minimal sal- 50,000 monthly calculated indi- ensure strict control over the tar- geted use of these funds. To imple- EU-backed project to reform prosperity. Kazakhstan now ranks ary will not depend on the subsist- ces (MCI) and increase fines. He 36th among 190 countries in the ence level. In general, the amount also asked the government to take ment big breakthrough projects, we need to consider the establish- World Bank Doing Business in- of the new minimal salary will measures to reduce the shadow ment of a direct investment fund in dex. We have always responded boost the labour remuneration economy by at least40 percent the non-commodity sector that will criminal justice system to external challenges in a timely covering the whole economy. I within three years. function based on the principle of Staff Report cluding the Supreme Court, MIA, manner and have been prepared hope this initiative will be sup- The government must focus on co-investing with foreign inves- Office of the Prosecutor General, for them,” said Nazarbayev. ported by large companies in terms supporting exporters in the manu- tors,” he said. ASTANA – Kazakhstan marked Academy of Law Enforcement The main ideas of the address of increasing the salaries of low- facturing sector because export- Oct. 4 the completion of a three- Agencies and Kostanai Academy are raising incomes, increas- paid workers. Second, we need to oriented industrialisation should Continued on Page A2 year project to improve its crimi- of the MIA, were fulfilled ahead nal justice system. of time,” EUCJ Strategic Director The project, titled Enhancing Bill Mazer told a conference held Criminal Justice in Kazakhstan to mark the end of the project and (EUCJ), is the first project to seek discuss its results. institutional change to Kazakh- The $6.3 million project was Key Belt and Road node bears potential for stan’s Supreme Court, Office of funded by the European Union the Prosecutor General, Minis- under an agreement between try of Internal Affairs (MIA) and Kazakhstan and the EU and im- academies. plemented by Northern Ireland much gain for Kazakhstan, China and beyond The project sought to strengthen Co-operation Overseas (NI-CO) the rule of law and the reform of in partnership with the Ministry Kazakhstan’s judiciary through of Justice of the United King- supporting national policies to hu- dom, the Dutch Probation Ser- manise the justice system. vice and National School of Ju- It sought specifically to increase diciary and Public Prosecution, individual protections, move Ka- Poland. zakhstan’s criminal justice system The effort involved working toward international standards and with international experts who reform the penal process and judi- helped facilitate Kazakhstan’s cial act enforcement, according to reforms. More than 60 people the EUCJ website. were involved in developing pro- “All of the project’s objectives, grammes to reform state bodies. agreed with Kazakh partners, in- Continued on Page A2 Kazakhstan, China sign $1.9 billion investment agreements in Beijing states, President Nursultan Naz- By Elya Altynsarina arbayev and Chairman of the Peo- ple’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, ASTANA – First Deputy Prime Kazakhstan and China have achieved mats and just as many local and The Khorgos SEZ was estab- ture and by 2020 will spend an ad- Minister of Kazakhstan Askar a high level of cooperation across the By Elya Altynsarina foreign journalists to showcase the lished in 2011 and is part of Ka- ditional $8.4 billion to revive the Mamin and First Vice Premier of the spectrum of bilateral relations. The facilities’ development and infra- zakhstan’s Nurly Zhol (Bright ancient Silk Road on its territory, State Council of China and co-Chair- conjugation of the Nurly Zhol Infra- KHORGOS – A large group of structure and to present opportuni- Path) infrastructure development KTZ President Kanat Alpysbayev man of the Kazakhstan-China Coop- structure Programme of Kazakhstan foreign ambassadors, local and in- ties for cooperation with foreign programme to reconnect once told the visitors gathered against eration Committee Han Zheng over- and the Belt and Road Initiative of ternational journalists toured Oct. 6 companies. disparate regions of the country. the background of containers be- saw the signing of agreements and China has led to a high level of invest- the area of the Kazakh-Chinese bor- Khorgos, a dusty point on the bor- It was launched to transform the ing reloaded from narrow-gauge contracts for 11 new joint projects ment cooperation between our coun- der that includes the Khorgos East- der surrounded by brown-coloured country into a key transit conduit platforms to wide-gauge ones. worth $1.9 billion during Mamin’s tries,” Mamin said during the talks. ern Gate Special Economic Zone mountains, is considered by some between China and Europe and be- One specific result of this massive Sept. 26 visit to Beijing. China is one of Kazakhstan’s pri- (SEZ), the Khorgos Dry Port and to be a key node along the new Silk tween Russia and countries to the spending already is the construc- Mamin also met during the visit mary trade partners with bilateral the Khorgos International Centre of Road of the 21 Century being rec- south. tion of 2,500 kilometres of modern with leaders of major investment, trade growing 30 percent in 2017. Boundary Cooperation (ICBC). reated as part of China’s Belt and Kazakhstan has invested $30 railways across Kazakhstan, he financial, industrial, construction, Both heads of state have set a goal of Kazakh officials organised the Road Initiative, with a great poten- billion over the last 10 years in its noted. transport and logistics corporations. achieving a $20 billion trade volume. tour for around 45 foreign diplo- tial in the not too distant future. transport and logistics infrastruc- Continued on Page A2 “Thanks to the leaders of the two Continued on Page A5

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIALS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Interior Minister reports declining Nearly $548 million provided for development Congress in Astana focuses on religion as Romanian energy official ‘very optimistic’ Podcaster fosters personal development crime rate A2 programme A4 means to address global challenges A6 about progress, prospects for energy industry through honest conversations B1 cooperation with Kazakhstan A6 Parliament adopts amendments into Kazakh company invests more than $350 President’s state-of-nation address reflects New expedition to revive ancient standardisation law A2 million in Kyrgyz mine A5 emphasis on public welfare A6 ONG KENG YONG: Kazakhstan should use Khan Zholy B6 Nazarbayev’s influence internationallyA7

US$ 1 = 372.17 KZT € 1 = 426.21 KZT 1 = 5.59 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

Aktau Summit opens new oppor- tunities for cooperation with other NATIONAL NEWS IN BRIEF Caspian states. Kazakhstan is suc- President focuses on improving daily cessfully completing its mission within the UN Security Council,” Kazakhstan plans to ratify the continued the President noting the convention for the suppression need to adapt the foreign policy to of unlawful acts relating to in- life in state-of-nation address modern challenges making it more ternational civil aviation. The Continued from P age A1 We have launched a new large- modernisation of the judicial sys- The state-of-the-nation address pragmatic along the way. document provides for criminal scale programme ‘7-20-25’ that tem, requesting the Government also noted the importance of for- Nazarbayev said every citizen liability for the destruction of an He also underlined the need to enhances the affordability of hous- and Supreme Court take moderni- eign policy to Kazakhstan’s mod- should understand the reforms and aircraft in flight, damage to air develop the country’s agricultural ing mortgages. I instruct akims sation measures by the end of the ernisation. their significance to Kazakhstan’s navigation facilities and the use of and industrial potential, as well as (governors) to work on a partial year. “Interaction between Kazakh- prosperity. aircraft as weapons. The transpor- pay special attention on the devel- subsidising of down payments ac- “First, we need to reduce the stan and the Russian Federation is “The Rukhani Zhangyru pro- tation and disposal of biochemi- opment of the innovation and ser- cording to mortgage benefits from number of excessive judicial pro- exemplary for interstate relations. gramme was widely supported and cal, toxic or radioactive weapons vice sectors. The need to strength- the local budget. The allocation cedures, which require an unrea- The Eurasian Economic Union is gave a powerful impetus to mod- and other hazardous materials are en the role of the financial sector in of such housing certificates will sonable spending of time and re- successfully functioning as a fully ernisation processes in society. also punishable. These rules are developing the real economy and enhance the affordability of mort- sources. Processes which used to integrated association and an ac- This initiative should not only be already included in the criminal ensure long-term macroeconomic gages for highly-skilled teachers, require personal presence can now tive participant of global economic continued, but also filled with new code of Kazakhstan. “We support stability was mentioned. medical workers, police officers be implemented remotely. Second, relations. A new chapter of coop- content and directions,” he said. the convention adopted by the In- The second component of well- and other experts the regions need. we need to ensure a qualitative de- eration in the Central Asian region “Comprehensive support to ternational Civil Aviation Organi- being is the growth of quality of In addition, we need to enhance velopment and an upgrade of the has been opened. A comprehensive youth and the institution of the sation (ICAO). We will ratify the life, including quality and access the construction of rental housing judicial personnel management strategic partnership with the Peo- family should become a priority document to meet the standards of to education, healthcare, housing for socially vulnerable population system, providing incentives so ple’s Republic of China has been for state policy. We need to cre- international aviation legal acts. and a comfortable and safe life in big cities,” he said. that the best lawyers would strive gradually developing. The One ate a wide platform of social mo- Civil aviation, airlines and airports for every Kazakh family. In this Security is an integral part of to become judges. Third, we need Belt, One Road programme gave a bility, which will cover a full set have observed all these rules for a regard, the government should re- quality of life, Nazarbayev said. a clear and predictable legal prac- new impetus to our relations with of support measures for all youth long time,” said Deputy Minister view priorities of budget expendi- “Internal affairs officers are at tice, especially for legal disputes China,” Nazarbayev said. categories. I suggest declaring the for Investment and Development tures focusing on the social sector, the forefront of the fight against between business and state agen- “During my January official vis- next year as the Year of Youth,” the Kairbek Uskenbayev at a Sept. 25 security and infrastructure, Naz- crime and (and the effort to) pro- cies, as well as excluding the pos- it to Washington and negotiations head of state added. meeting. arbayev said. tect citizens from it, quite often sibilities of having an unlawful with President Donald Trump, we “In all my addresses I pay spe- He also addressed creating a risking their lives. At the same influence on judges,” the Kazakh reached an agreement on an en- cial attention to improving social Population growth has doubled comfortable environment, which time, society expects a drastic leader said. hanced strategic partnership be- conditions and people’s quality of in Astana and the Mangystau re- means, first and foremost, afford- improvement in the work of law- Another issue the President out- tween Kazakhstan and the U.S. in life. The main purpose of today’s gion over 15 years, according ability of housing, beautiful and enforcement agencies, mainly, lined is developing citizen-oriented the 21st century. We will continue 7-20-25, Nurly Zhol, Nurly Zher to Forbes Kazakhstan. On aver- safe outdoor areas, and residential of the police. I task the Govern- state services, including increasing our dynamic collaboration with the and other state programmes is the age, the population grew 1.2 per- areas that are convenient to live ment together with the Executive the effectiveness of state agencies, EU as our biggest trade and invest- improvement of the population’s cent annually. Natural population and work in, as well as having Office of the President to adopt a ensuring the maximum return for ment partner. Mutually beneficial quality of life. Kazakhstan still has growth has also increased three- quality infrastructure. roadmap to modernise internal af- each tenge allocated, fighting cor- bilateral ties with CIS countries, a lot of heights to climb. People’s fold over the past three years. “The “Today, we are successfully im- fairs agencies. These reforms must ruption, giving decision-making Turkey, Iran, Arab and Asian coun- trust raises our spirits and gives balance of external migration is plementing the Nurly Zher pro- be launched on Jan. 1, 2019,” the freedom to ministers and akims tries have also been advanced. The us strength on this path. There is higher than internal and, as a re- gramme that gives a powerful im- President instructed. and strengthening the mechanism Convention on the Legal Status of nothing greater than this noble sult, the population reduces by 12 petus to the housing construction. Nazarbayev also addressed of control over reforms. the Caspian Sea adopted on the goal,” concluded Nazarbayev. percent annually. Decreases are expected in northern and eastern regions. Growth is expected in Astana, Atyrau, Mangystau and Shymkent. Now the urban popula- tion stands at 57 percent and this Kazakhstan completes three-year, EU-backed indicator will reach 60 percent by 2030. The proportion of 1,000 women per 900 men will remain in 2030. The number of employed project to reform criminal justice system will increase by 6 percent and amount to 9.2 million people. In Continued from Page A1 tice were conducted. The country nal executive system of the MIA, vices began to change: the state encouraging self-regulation, initia- case of positive economic devel- also purchased the latest equipment the Academy of Law Enforcement began to move from the princi- tive, avoidance of the phenomenon opment, the population will reach Large sociological and empirical and technology to assist the working Agencies and Kostanai Academy. ple of universal regulation to the of dependency,” the project leader 21 million citizens by 2030,” said studies in the field of criminal jus- training of the committee of crimi- “The entire sphere of public ser- concept of selective interference, Saule Mektepbayeva noted. employment expert Zhaksybek Kulekeyev.

Atyrau’s oil refinery plant launched production of RT jet fuel after completing the production of TS-1 aviation fuel, reports Ka- zinform. The jet fuel was certified and the appropriate PIN code for it has been obtained. “Producing a new type of jet fuel for both civil and military aircraft began as part of the light crude oil line expan- sion after the modernisation pro- ject was completed. Jet fuel output will increase from 21,000 tonnes before modernisation to 230,000 tonnes per year in 2019, which is more than 10 times,” the plant said in a release.

The National Academy of Cho- reography now has a three-cycle system offering a doctoral degree in artistic research. “Our students performed in the best venues of Key Belt and Road node bears potential for the capital after just two years of work. They took part in 27 per- formances and 30 concerts, won four international competitions much gain for Kazakhstan, China and beyond including Arabesque, Children to the Rhythm of the World and the Continued from P age A1 Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov told nually by 2030 with the creation of In 2017, the Khorgos dry port and While the dry port focuses on Gamar Almaszade dance com- the gathering. 212,000 permanent jobs at the Zhar- the nearby Altynkol train station warehouses and cargo transit, petition in the 2017-2018 aca- Khorgos has significantly im- Abdrakhmanov, who said he is kent-Khorgos agglomeration, so it processed more than 200,000 twen- neighbouring Khorgos ICBC offers demic year,” said Rector Altynai pacted the Almaty region, which a native of the region, noted how is also planning to build the town of ty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) con- trade, economic and tourist services Asylmuratova. The academy also shares a 700-kilometre border with the infrastructure development pro- Nurkent with an estimated 100,000 tainers from 17 Chinese provinces, to both companies and individuals. staged a gala concert at the Azer- China and is one of the largest agro- gramme has transformed the lives residents by 2030. Vietnam and South Korea travelling The 760-hectare centre was estab- baijan State Academic Opera and industrial and fastest growing parts and fortunes of the area allowing “Annually 24,500 new permanent to Central Asia, Europe and back. lished in 2002 on the Kazakh-Chi- Ballet Theatre and the Temps Lie of Kazakhstan, Almaty Akim (Gov- local residents to reduce travel time jobs are created, and 10,000 new “Now investors at Khorgos are nese border. It has Kazakh and Chi- international ballet festival as ernor) Amandyk Batalov told tour and explore opportunities. jobs will be created just at Khorgos. implementing projects worth $1.7 nese “sides” linked via a “special part of the 20th anniversary of participants. Khorgos, located 350 km north- Given the family factor, it means billion, but the competition and passage zone” with visa-free access Astana. The Almaty region is one of five east from Almaty, is now connected there will be a population growth of interest in the area spiked after for up to 30 days and special tax and Kazakh regions through which to Kazakhstan’s most populous city 50,000 people here alone,” he said. COSCO Shipping, a major shipping customs preferences. Kunshyaq, the first inclusive transcontinental transit projects by a modern high-speed highway, Batalov added that for a region and logistics services supplier com- Minister Abdrakhmanov added children’s playground initiated by pass, including the Western China allowing for a one-way car trip in with favourable geographic and pany joined the dry port,” Alpys- that the facilities transform the the Rotary Club of Astana public – Western Europe transcontinental approximately two and a half hours. climate conditions, rich in natural bayev noted, referring to last year’s Kazakh-China border from some- association in collaboration with and other national highways. The Most transit transportation is done resources and playing host to doz- deal by which COSCO and the Port thing that divides to something that the city administration, opened region trades with 90 countries by railways, including thanks to a ens of transnational businesses, the of Lianyungang have jointly ac- unites. near the Kazakhstan Palace of and its international trade totalled stretch of newly built railways con- population growth and development quired 49 percent of the Khorgos “In the past, one could not have Sports Sept. 29 in Astana. Lo- $654.7 million between January- necting Khorgos with a station of of human capital are certain. dry port. imagined that today honourable cated on an area of 1,382 square May 2018. Zhetygen near Almaty. “Investors come after the benefits “Our estimate of Kazakhstan’s ambassadors and envoys from metres, the site includes 42 units, Infrastructure that has already “Its (programme’s) outcome ex- offered by Kazakhstan for joining transit potential is at 2 million TEU across the countries of Northern among them equipment adapted been implemented as part of the actly coincides with the state-of- the Khorgos hub,” said Alpysbayev. by 2020 annually,” he also said, Europe to Brazil in Americas, Af- for wheelchairs, safe swings for Nurly Zhol programme has pro- the-nation address of Kazakh Presi- Kazakh government officials noting that this year Kazakhstan is rica and Eastern Asia could visit disabled children, adapted sand- vided a logistics chain from the Port dent Nursultan Nazarbayev, which have said they believe the tax to transit more than 300,000 TEUs this remote part of Kazakhstan to box tables and special tactile pan- of Lianyungang in eastern China to he presented yesterday, which puts breaks, free land concessions and in east-west and north-south direc- discuss potential of joining this els. “There are more than 150,000 Europe via Khorgos dry port, fur- wellbeing of our fellow citizens on access to regional networks at the tions. great initiative of reconnecting the children with disabilities in Ka- ther reaching the Caspian Sea, and the top of everything,” he stressed. distribution centre functioning un- Alpysbayev added that the suc- nations and surpassing our chal- zakhstan and 19,000 of them have crossing the Caspian waters to Cau- Batalov noted newly built hous- der “single window system” are cess of China-Europe-China trans- lenges by cooperating,” Abdra- cerebral palsy. Some 1,169 chil- casus. es for employees of the SEZ and critical to Khorgos’ success. continental container shipments de- khmanov said. dren with cerebral palsy live in “Not only China and Europe, but ICBC, and also showed an area near Tax breaks and incentives are be- pends on cooperation with Russian The tour was organised Ministry Astana. Many children lag behind countries of Central Asia, Cauca- the dry port where a new town is ing offered up to 2035 to companies and Belarusian railway companies of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, their peers not for medical reasons, sus, Turkey benefit from this as it planned to be built. registering as participants of the with whom KTZ has established Akimat (administration) of the Al- but for social ones, due to lack of connects the container multimodal The region’s administration is Khorgos Eastern Gate SEZ, said the United Transportation Logistics maty region and Kazakhstan Temir communication, motor games and routes of the Trans-Caspian interna- anticipating an increase of transit its Chief Operating Officer Hicham Company (UTLC) to coordinate all Zholy (KTZ) national railways activities,” said a Rotary Club rep- tional corridor,” Minister of Foreign cargo up to five million tonnes an- Belmaachi. related work. company. resentative. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Nazarbayev calls for CIS trade liberalisation Astana joined the celebrations of the 148th anniversary of Mahatma By Elya Altynsarina Gandhi. A series of events organised by the Indian Embassy in Kazakh- ASTANA – Kazakh President stan will run through Oct. 2, 2020. Nursultan Nazarbayev urged the Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan Commonwealth of Independent Prabhat Kumar kicked off the of- States (CIS) to liberalise trade be- ficial celebration Oct. 2 in Almaty, tween members during the Sept. where the embassy organised a visit 28 CIS Council of Heads of State to a nine-foot statue of Gandhi, a gift in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. from India to Kazakhstan. A video Nazarbayev proposed remov- about the life and mission of Mahat- ing trade barriers between member ma Gandhi will be screened daily un- states, expanding trade deals and op- til Oct. 16 on a large LED screen at timising transit routes. He also sug- the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy build- gested more joint projects in science ing close to Baiterek in Astana. The and space, digitisation and tourism. programme will also feature an ex- The Kazakh President also noted hibition displaying traditional Indian the services offered by the Astana textiles, which will open Oct. 16 at International Financial Centre and the National Museum of Kazakhstan encouraged countries to join. in Astana. The leaders of the CIS countries akorda.kz. Photo credit: including Russia, Belarus, Uz- The Kazakh documentary “13 bekistan, among others, signed or mation security, culture, research of the council meeting with Tajik The Kazakh and Tajik presidents ed a 60 percent increase in trade Kilometres,” directed by Vladimir adopted 15 agreements and state- and peaceful use of outer space, President Emomali Rahmon and discussed aid provided by Kazakh- in 2017 and Armenia’s interest in Tyulkin and produced by the Ka- ments at the meeting on security, among other issues. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol stan and trade. Discussions with increasing investments in Kazakh- zakhfilm studio, was awarded a the legacy of World War II, infor- Nazarbayev met on the sidelines Pashinyan. the Armenian Prime Minister not- stan. special prize at The Strong in Spirit international Orthodox cinema festi- val held Sept. 25 to 28 in Kruševac, Serbia. The film tells the story of a blind farmer who on his way to his village recalls most important frag- Kazakh FM briefs UN General Assembly ments of his life, steadily revealing the true values of his soul. It was the third award for the film. “I am very pleased that our film continues to be on country’s efforts, worldviews recognised. Thanks to the festival On economic issues, the foreign pian Sea Summit in Aktau and Ka- organisers and the Serbian people By George Baumgarten, minister briefed the assembly on zakhstan’s support for the found- that were deeply touched by the his- United Nations Correspondent Kazakhstan’s efforts to join the ing and functioning of the U.N. tory of our main character,” Tyulkin world’s 30 most-advanced econo- Regional Centre for Preventive said while presenting his work at the NEW YORK – Kazakh Foreign mies by 2050 and the country’s Diplomacy in Central Asia. festival. The feature has also won Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov plans for its participation in the On the United Nations Sustain- awards at international film festivals briefed the United Nations Gen- “Fourth Industrial Revolution.” able Development Goals, Abdra- in Brazil and Russia. eral Assembly Sept. 28 on a host He also said Kazakhstan’s G- khmanov noted that Kazakhstan of Kazakhstan-related issues, in- Global Initiative is a vehicle to has offered to create a special UN Business representatives from cluding the country’s efforts for deal with economic and financial regional hub in Almaty. He also Kazakhstan and Georgia gathered international peace and its desire problems. noted Kazakhstan’s hosting of recently in Tbilisi for a Kazakh- to join the 30 most-developed na- He also noted that Kazakhstan, EXPO 2017 with a focus on future Georgian business forum organised tions. as the world’s largest landlocked energy and Kazakhstan’s newly by Kazakhstan’s Foreign Trade His remarks were part of the as- country, has made efforts to move established International Centre Chamber and the Georgian trade and sembly’s annual General Debate, in Syria, Yemen and many other cluding reform of the Security from a state of “landlockedness” for Green Technologies on the industry chamber. Representatives in which representatives of nearly corners of the globe.” Council. to one of “landlinkedness.” premises of EXPO in Astana. of the mining, construction and en- all nations present their world- Abdrakhmanov also discussed Abdrakhmanov also noted less- Abdrakhmanov also noted Ka- He said the Sustainable De- gineering industries had a chance to views. Kazakh efforts to stabilise Af- ening of tensions on the Korean zakhstan is cooperating with other velopment Goals are essential to set up contacts and discuss the devel- On international security, Abdra- ghanistan, including efforts to em- Peninsula and the need for the Central Asian countries to utilise achieving “hard security.” opment of trade at the forum. Trade khmanov noted Kazakh President power Afghan women and girls. preservation of the Joint Compre- the region’s political, economic Among other topics, the foreign turnover between the two countries Nursultan Nazarbayev’s manifes- He said Afghanistan has been a hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and cultural potential as a “com- minister also mentioned that Ka- reached $77 million between Janu- to, “The World. The 21st Century,” priority during Kazakhstan’s term with Iran, commonly referred to mon resource.” zakhstan will soon host in Astana ary and July, demonstrating a 67 per- which calls for “peaceful dialogue of the U.N. Security Council. as the “Iran Deal.” He cited the Council of Turkic- the triennial Congress of Leaders cent increase over the same period and constructive negotiations on He also praised the U.N. He also reminded the assembly of Speaking States, the International of World and Traditional Reli- in 2017. At present, Georgia is ne- the basis of equal responsibility for Global Counter-Terrorism Strat- Kazakhstan’s closure of the Soviet- Aral Sea Fund and efforts to create gions. gotiating the supply of foam rubber peace and security.” egy (GCTS) and U.N. Secretary- era Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and a Central Asia nuclear-weapons- “Only through our collective with IT&M, Kazakh foam rubber Abdrakhmanov added that mil- General Antonio Guterres’ ef- the country’s initiative adopted by the free zone as important areas of will and solidarity can we turn producers. Georgian company DIO lions of people “live under the forts to reform the U.N.’s “peace UN to designate Aug. 29 as the Inter- cooperation. this world in crisis into a world of has also expressed interest in buying shadow of dreadful wars, such as and security architecture,” in- national Day against Nuclear Tests. He also mentioned a recent Cas- hope and promise,” he said. aluminium and copper from Kazakh- stan’s KAZ Minerals mining group.

A Kazakh delegation took part in an international exhibition in Tash- kent entitled “Tourism on the Silk In New York, FM presents Kazakh initiatives, Road.” The event gathered repre- sentatives of Thailand, Egypt, Singa- pore, Malaysia, India, South Korea, Turkey and China to showcase their meets foreign officials, US business representatives national cultures, sights and cuisines. tavo Meza-Cuadra, Chair of the the Cooperation Council of Tur- Peace Summit, a high level event According to Abdrakhmanov, The organisers sought to facilitate Staff Report UN Security Council Counter- kic Speaking States. According held Sept. 24 to mark the centen- Kazakhstan, as a member of the exchanges between tourism com- Terrorism Committee; as well as to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, nial anniversary of the South Af- WTO since 2015, is striving to panies and expand opportunities for ASTANA – Kazakh Minister Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, Chair of Abdrakhmanov noted Kazakh- rican anti-apartheid fighter. Ka- join the ranks of the Organisation cooperation. Kazakhstan and Uzbek- of Foreign Affairs Kairat Ab- the UN Counter-Terrorism Cen- stan intends to continue support- zakhstan welcomed the adoption for Economic Cooperation and istan also reiterated their support for drakhmanov participated in the tre Advisory Board and the OIC ing the Secretary-General in re- of the Political Declaration of the Development (OECD). the Silk Road visa initiative proposed signing of the Code of Conduct Group on Counter-Terrorism. forming the UN, promoting the Summit, which reaffirms Man- “Kazakhstan and the United by Kazakhstan in March that would Towards Achieving a World Free Voronkov praised Astana for Sustainable Development Goals, dela’s values. Abdrakhmanov un- States are strengthening trade and introduce a single Central Asian visa of Terrorism while in New York preparing the Code of Conduct coping with contemporary chal- derlined that the commitment of economic relations in the spirit of regime. “If such a visa programme Sept. 24 to 28 for the UN General and stressed the successful ac- lenges and threats, as well as fa- Kazakhstan’s diplomacy to peace an expanded strategic partnership, is launched, could you imagine how Assembly, where he presented tivities of Kazakhstan in the UN cilitating the organisation’ pres- is embodied in Nazarbayev’s due to the agreements reached by easy it would be for tourists to travel Kazakhstan’s position on inter- Security Council, including its ence in Central Asia. anti-war manifesto, “The World. President Nazarbayev and U.S. from one country to another? Tour- national challenges at the Gen- chairmanship of three sanctions Guterres highlighted the his- The 21st Century,” and his po- President Donald Trump in Janu- ists coming to Central Asia want to eral Debate and met with foreign committees related to the fight toric significance of the recent litical address to the UN Security ary. The heads of state agreed to see not only Kazakhstan, but also politicians and US business rep- against terrorist groups. Counter- Aktau Caspian Summit, and also Council in January 2017, “Ka- promote a fair and mutually ben- Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajik- resentatives. terrorism is one of the highest pri- confirmed the readiness of the zakhstan’s conceptual vision of eficial economic partnership that istan,” said Mainura Murzamadi- The Code of Conduct, an idea orities of the reform programme UN to further boost the coopera- strengthening the global partner- will increase trade and invest- yeva, tourism industry committee launched by President Nursultan of UN Secretary-General António tion of Central Asian states. He ship for building a safe, just and ment, create jobs and opportuni- chairwoman at Kazakhstan’s Minis- Nazarbayev in 2015, was signed Guterres. The implementation of expressed support for the Code prosperous world.” ties in both countries,” he noted. try of Culture and Sports. by foreign ministers and high the Global Counter-Terrorism of Conduct, initiated by Kazakh- In addition, Abdrakhmanov Kazakhstan and the U.S. are plan- representatives of more than 70 Strategy (GCTS) will ensure stan, to achieve a world free from attended the 13th Ministerial ning to sign an agreement in the The Kazakhstan Global Invest- nations at a signing ceremony better coherence, capacity build- terrorism. Meeting on the Middle East and field of civil aviation to establish ment Forum took place Oct. 2 in held in the format of a high-level ing and robust partnerships, Vo- “We highly appreciate the ini- participated in the opening of an direct flights, he revealed. London, gathering more than 150 special event. ronkov noted. He also welcomed tiatives of President Nazarbayev, exhibition dedicated to the 90th In 2017, trade turnover be- representatives of businesses, in- Presenting the Code of Con- the further implementation of the which are a solid pillar of peace. anniversary of Kyrgyz writer Ch- tween Kazakhstan and the U.S. cluding from Mitsubishi UFJ Fi- duct, Abdrakhmanov stressed its Joint Plan of Action to implement The constructive role of Kazakh- ingiz Aitmatov in the UN Library. reached $1.88 billion. The U.S. nancial Group, JP Morgan Bank, main objectives: giving impetus the GCTS in Central Asia, and the stan in the UN Security Council, On the margins of the Gen- is traditionally the largest inves- Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley, to the practical implementation contribution of Kazakhstan as its where your country represents eral Assembly session, Abdra- tor in Kazakhstan, with a total Ernst&Young, Pricewaterhouse of a wide range of international donor. At the same time, the fo- the voice of wisdom and acts as khmanov held bilateral meet- investment of more than $42 bil- Coopers and the London Stock Ex- commitments to counter terrorism cus was on the need to regularly a bridge-builder, is highly impor- ings with the foreign ministers lion. Last year, U.S. companies change. A Kazakh delegation headed and establishing a broad global update comprehensive measures tant,” the Secretary-General said, of Cuba, Norway, Azerbaijan, invested more than $3.7 billion by Deputy Prime Minister Askar coalition towards achieving a in the fight against terrorism, in- according to a press release from the Dominican Republic, Arme- in the economy of Kazakhstan. Zhumagaliyev told the gathering world free of terrorism by 2045. cluding through the use of effec- the Foreign Ministry in Astana. nia, Angola and Greece, and ex- Currently more than 500 U.S. about business and investment op- The Code formally recognises for tive preventive tools. Guterres underlined the contri- changed views with the foreign companies operate in Kazakh- portunities in the country and pros- the first time the interdependence Other speakers also praised the bution of Astana in helping settle ministers of Germany, Saudi stan, six of which are members pects for Kazakh-British coopera- of security, development and the adoption of the Code as an impor- the Syrian crisis, which prevent- Arabia, Somalia and Eritrea. of the Foreign Investors’ Council tion. The participants also discussed fight against terrorism, and thus tant step in strengthening interna- ed the worst case scenario from Abdrakhmanov also met with under the President (CITI Group, ways to improve Kazakhstan’s in- supports the Sustainable Devel- tional cooperation and the UN’s developing in the region. As he representatives of the U.S. busi- JP Morgan and Co., Chevron, vestment climate, including tax and opment Goals. counter-terrorism architecture. stressed, Kazakhstan’s diplomacy ness community Sept. 27 at an Exxon Mobil, GE Oil & Gas, and customs preferences, Kazakhstan’s Speakers at the ceremony were Meeting with Guterres Sept. is extremely positive in fostering event organised by the Business Baker McKenzie Int.). Accord- privatisation programme, its strate- Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secre- 28, Abdrakhmanov briefed him mutual understanding between Council for International Under- ing to the foreign minister, there gic geographic location and the op- tary-General of the UN Counter- about the outcomes of the recent countries and religions. standing (BCIU) and American is particularly strong demand for portunities presented by China’s Belt Terrorism Office; Smail Chergui, summits of the Caspian littoral As part of his visit to New companies interested in imple- U.S. companies’ involvement and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Commissioner for Peace and Se- states in Aktau, the International York, Abdrakhmanov also par- menting joint trade and invest- in healthcare, engineering, con- Economic Union. curity of the African Union; Gus- Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and ticipated in the Nelson Mandela ment projects. struction, agriculture and food. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

of 6.2 million people. We observe figure was 57.4 percent, which is ECONOMY a rapid population growth in the 3.5 percent more over 2015,” he NEWS IN BRIEF agglomeration this year as well,” noted. Nearly $548 million provided said Suleimenov. In line with the task set by Presi- The second indicator, volume dent Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Incomes in Kazakhstan in the of investments per capita in the programme stipulates measures to second quarter of 2018 increased capital with slightly more than ensure water supply in rural areas by 9.3 percent compared to last for development programme 18 million people, also lives up and allocates no less than 100 bil- year and amounted to 153,700 “[The amount of] 194.3 billion modernising engineering infra- to the plans that were adjusted to lion tenge (US$279.97 million) for tenge (US$418.8). Inflation for the By Assel Satubaldina tenge (US$547.96 million) was structure, housing and communal the budget amount allocated each that purpose. same period was only 6.2 percent allocated for 2018, with 132.7 bil- services and effective and rational year. The figure was estimated at “Based on the decree signed by compared to 2017, meaning that ASTANA – Kazakhstan allocat- lion (US$371.54 million) coming water supply and central water 8,500 tenge (US$23.8) per capita. the head of the state on the strate- purchasing power has increased ed 194.3 billion tenge (US$547.96 from the national budget. In eight systems. “The share of upgraded heating, gic development plan until 2025, in the country. The highest aver- million) to its regions develop- months of this year, 75.6 billion It also defines four key indica- electro and gas supply infrastruc- the goal is to increase the com- age incomes are in Astana and ment programme in 2018, reported tenge (US$211.67 million) was tors and Suleimenov noted the ture in 2015 was estimated at 4 petitiveness of the regions through Almaty, at 213,500 (US$581.7) Minister of National Economy spent,” he said. progress corresponds to the plan percent, in 2016 – 2.1 percent, and managed urbanisation and im- and 218,800 tenge (US$596.2) Timur Suleimenov at a Sept. 25 The main goal of the programme, envisioned in the document. in 2017 – 2.8 percent. In 2017, a prove quality of life for the popu- respectively, while the lowest in- government meeting. The pro- Suleimenov added, is to create con- The first indicator focuses on 11,581-kilometre-long network of lation,” said Suleimenov. comes are recorded in densely gramme, which received national ditions for developing the regions’ developing agglomerations. Ka- heating, electro, gas and water sup- Kazakhstan has implemented populated southern regions such as level status at the meeting, was social and economic potential by zakhstan has made a significant ply utilities was built,” he added. two policy concept programmes the Turkestan region, where it is on first adopted in 2014 to centralise forming the country’s rational terri- effort in turning Aktobe, Almaty, He also emphasised the need to meant to adjust the socio and eco- average 97,300 tenge (US$265.1). different programmes meant to de- torial organisation and stimulating Shymkent and the capital into the enhance water supply systems and nomic development level among In general, the average income of velop each region’s potential. population flow into the country’s country’s growth centres. access to them. the regions. The country also had the population has grown since The budget provided 1.2 trillion economic growth centres. “In 2017, the population in “Access to central water systems a separate rural area development 2015 at rates from 5.5 percent to tenge (US$3.38 billion) for the The document seeks to address four agglomerations increased by across the cities reached 93.8 per- programme for 2004-2010, small 9.3 percent. programme from 2015-2017, of four key areas – investment pri- 460,100 people compared to 2015 cent as opposed to the planned 90 city development programme for which 1.17 trillion (US$3.299 bil- orities for each macro region, im- and reached 6.6 million people in percent. This is 6.8 percent higher 2004-2006 and territorial develop- Investments in fixed assets of the lion), or 99.1 percent, was spent. proving territorial development, contrast to the programme forecast than in 2015. In rural areas, the ment strategy until 2015. financial and insurance sectors for the past eight months of this year fell by 11.5 percent compared to 2017 and amounted to 37.1 bil- lion tenge (US$101.08 million). At the same time, the total volume AIFC supports World Government allocates $300 of capital investments in Kazakh- stan for the same period increased by 33 percent, and amounted to 6.4 trillion tenge (US$17.44 bil- Investor Week million to machinery manufacturing lion). The main source of capital financial and investment literacy. The government funds projects Machine Manufacturers of Kazakh- investment funding in the sector By Yerbolat Uatkhanov AIFC led into WIW Sept. 29- By Aidana Yergaliyeva through Baiterek National Holding stan, machine manufacturing indus- are businesses’ own funds, which 30 with an investment cup debate to create or modernise production try production volumes increased by account for almost all investment ASTANA – World Investor tournament among the city’s Eng- ASTANA – Kazakhstan has allo- facilities. The country provides con- 17.2 percent in the first quarter of in the sector; borrowed funds Week (WIW) is a global cam- lish debate clubs. The event, at cated 110 billion tenge (US$303.54 cessional lending to both the enter- 2018. The union expects to produce comprised only 0.04 percent. The paign promoted by the Interna- Nazarbayev University, gathered million) over the past three years to prises and their consumers. one trillion tenge (US$2.76 billion) leader in financial and insurance tional Organisation of Securities young people with high intellec- develop machinery manufacturing, National support is not only lim- in products this year. investments is Almaty, contribut- Commissions (IOSCO) to raise tual potential. The tournament said First Vice Minister for Invest- ited to funds, but also comes in the Kazakhstan exported locomotives ing 69.9 percent (25.9 billion tenge awareness of the importance of aimed at fostering civic conscious- ment and Development Roman Skl- form of amendments and additions for the first time last year to Azerbai- or US$70.57 million) of all invest- investor education and various ness, developing critical thinking yar at a press conference dedicated to the entrepreneurial, tax and cus- jan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turk- ments in this field, while Astana initiatives of securities regulators. and involving the younger genera- to the opening of the Machine Build- toms codes. “As we know, mechani- menistan and Ukraine. The country comprises 13.5 percent or 5 billion The Astana International Financial tion in the nation’s economic pro- ers of Kazakhstan’s sixth forum. cal engineering is one of the most also produced batteries, pipeline tenge (US$13.62 million). Centre (AIFC) supports the event cesses. The resolutions covered a “These funds are not irrevocable; complex and differentiated indus- shut-off valves and electrical equip- and held Oct. 1-7 debates and lec- wide range of investment issues, the budget spends them on a return tries. Perhaps, therefore, mechanical ment and exported 1,500 vehicles. Kazakhstan’s banking sector recorded a profit of 418.6 billion tures in different cities across the stimulating them to participate in basis,” he said. engineering is most sensitive to state The overall increase in the manu- tenge (US$1.14 billion) during the country. investment activities. One of the most prominent exam- regulation measures,” said Sklyar. facturing industry, however, is offset period from January to August of The campaign followed the suc- The Financial Literacy Road ples of returnable money is the pro- In addition, state officials and by a decline in agricultural machin- 2018, against a loss of 160.3 bil- cess of last year’s event, which Show, a national campaign on fi- gramme of preferential car loans and representatives of development and ery production. Local manufacturers gathered 80 jurisdictions from six lion tenge (US$436.02 million) in nancial literacy, took place Oct. lease financing, he added. The pro- business institutions will discuss are dependent on foreign supplies of continents. More than 80 financial the same period in 2017. In gen- 1-5 in Almaty, Atyrau, Kostanai, gramme, which received 40 billion a new draft of the Comprehensive certain spare parts and Kazakhstan regulators and financial market eral, over the past five years, the Shymkent and Ust-Kamenogorsk. tenge (US$110.38 million) and cred- Machinery Development Plan for spends $1 million annually to buy participants conducted various ac- ited 61 billion tenge (US$168.33 2019-2030. technical steel from Russia where- profit of banks has increased by The first part of the initiative tivities aimed at the fundamentals million) to its consumers, increased According to Meiram Pshem- as the country needs to produce 2.5 times, amounting to 249.4 bil- involved lectures for students at of investing and protecting finan- demand for Kazakh products. bayev, chairman of the Union of 100,000 tonnes of it domestically. lion tenge (US$678.37 million). cial services customers. regional universities to form a fi- The share of the top five most prof- AIFC undertook a range of ac- nancial and investment culture for itable banks is 77.1 percent of the tivities, such as offering investor- millennials. AIFC experts spoke at total profit of the sector, or 322.6 focused information, promoting the event, teaching about financial billion tenge (US$877.47 million). a contest to increase awareness services and technologies and is- Halyk Bank leads by the share of of investor education initiatives, suing green and Islamic bonds, as External debt shrank by $2.2 billion profits with 43.9 percent, which organising workshops and con- well as investing in the securities er market value of debt securities As of July 1, the debt for these is 183.7 billion tenge (US$499.66 ferences and conducting national market. By Amir Khaidar by Kazakh issuers and a negative entities is $26.5 billion. The sec- million). Kaspi Bank’s share was financial literacy campaigns. The second part of the campaign exchange rate. ond-quarter decrease of $0.6 bil- 16.1 percent of profit, while Sber- The centre was active in a num- will involve presentations for re- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s ex- In structuring external debt, lion was due to early repayment bank contributed 7.4 percent. ber of Kazakhstan’s largest cit- gional businesspeople, with the ternal debt decreased by $2.2 bil- 63 percent is attributed to inter- of the Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign ies, such as the capital, Almaty, experts talking about AIFC’s busi- lion in the second quarter of 2018. company debt, 26.1 percent to un- Wealth Fund loan taken in 2015 The total market value of the Atyrau, Karaganda, Kostanai, ness opportunities, the specifics of As of July 1, the external debt is related creditors in other sectors, to acquire a 50-percent stake in investment portfolio assets of the Shymkent and Ust-Kamenogorsk, issuing green and Islamic bonds $164.4 billion, or 96 percent of 7.2 percent to public external debt KMG Kashagan BV. In addition, Unified Accumulative Pension holding various events aimed at and the centre’s advantages and GDP, reported the National Bank (government and National Bank) debt reduction is also the result Fund (UAPF) was 8.8 trillion tenge raising the population’s level of registration procedure. of Kazakhstan. and 3.7 percent to external liabili- of a decrease in the market value (US$23.94 billion) by the end of The reduction was due to the ties of second-tier banks and the of Eurobonds of quasi-state issu- August 2018, which is 12.7 percent balance of payments, in particular, Development Bank of Kazakhstan. ers. higher than in 2017. The highest through the repayment of foreign For analytical purposes, the ex- The National Bank clarified the percentage growth in market value loans collected from affiliated ternal debt of organisations con- country has a net external debt of among financial instruments was in Chinese and financial syndicate trolled by the state is allocated $46.6 billion and debt increased by the Central Bank of non-residents Agricultural industry organisations. In addition, the debt separately in the external debt $0.5 billion in the second quarter. issuers of Kazakhstan, which saw decreased due to a reduction in the structure. These include banks and At the same time, the public sector growth of about 128.6 percent. The demand for National Bank short- organisations where the public sec- and second-tier banks are net lend- Central Bank of foreign countries term notes from foreign investors. tor directly or indirectly owns more ers to the rest of the world, while grew 20.7 percent and government to be fully digital The figure also shrank due to low- than a 50-percent equity interest. other sectors are net borrowers. securities of Kazakhstan grew 19.9 To date, the ministry has percent. In monetary terms, the in- By Aidana Yergaliyeva achieved digitisation of 23.7 mil- crease in these assets amounted to lion hectares of land or 98.8 per- $1 trillion. ASTANA – A number of projects cent of the total sown area to create introducing digital technologies accurate electronic field maps. The preparation of the power into Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial In addition, 537 electronic appli- Kazakhstan to increase agro-industry complex of Astana for the upcom- complex (AIC) are underway. Full cations for the shipment of 16,594 ing heating season is proceeding as digitisation will increase labour tonnes of diesel fuel have been planned, according to the Astana productivity and the export of pro- formed. Digitising fuel shipments Akimat (city administration), as re- cessed agricultural products by at is intended to curtail corruption. effectiveness with new investment subsidies ported by inform.kz. As of October least 2.5 times over the next five “Digitisation will be farmer-ori- considered market needs, [supply “By the end of the year, full au- 2, the readiness of energy sources is years, First Vice Minister of Agri- ented and simplify all tasks from Staff Report goods] that can be sold and [focus- tomation will be implemented in 96 percent, heating networks 90 per- culture Arman Yevniyev told a Sept. the beginning to the sale,” said the ing on goods] that need to be pro- the remaining subsidy areas. This cent, electricity networks 99 percent, 25 meeting of the government. official. New farmers should es- ASTANA – The Kazakh Min- duced,” said Yevniyev. will reduce the time for considera- and water supply 94 percent. Fuel re- To date, 61 out of 101 state ser- pecially benefit from the project, istry of Agriculture has shifted He added subsidies should be di- tion of applications by an average sources available amount to 332,606 vices are partially automated and as it will provide assistance at the subsidies from being product spe- rected towards using modern tech- of 2.5 times (from 18 days to seven tonnes of coal and 5,770 tonnes of one is fully automated. There are initial stages of establishing an en- cific to new investments that meet nologies in order to increase their days) and reduce corruption risks. fuel. In addition, over the past two 98 optimised state services, which terprise, such as gathering infor- market demands for products, said productivity. One important point in automating days, 28 wagons with 1,942 tonnes are approved by the Interdepart- mation and advice and organising First Vice Minister Arman Yevni- In addition, the Mazhilis (lower the public service delivery process of coal, have arrived in the capital. mental Commission for the Selec- training. yev at an Oct. 2 Central Commu- house of Parliament) is considering is the process of the commission tion of Public Services, reported Farmers will be able to receive nications Service briefing. Further the ministry’s suggestion regard- for the distribution of subsidies,” The total amount of assets in Ka- Yevniyev. online consultations on farm man- automation of public service pro- ing extra measures and financial said Yevniyev. zakhstan’s insurance sector reached The ministry plans to automate agement, agronomy, seed produc- cesses, including the subsidies, instruments that can be employed This measure, he noted, prevents 995.2 billion tenge (US$2.71 bil- 16 state services by the end of this tion and livestock production in should facilitate the work and de- to automate the processes. officials from intervening in the lion) at the end of August 2018. year, while all public services will 2020, while online lending for crease corruption rates. “If this is supported by the Par- subsidising process and can signif- Although the average growth has be digitised by 2022. spring fieldwork will launch in The ministry refuses all prod- liament, then there will be several icantly reduce its corruption. The slowed down, the sector still dem- The ministry has set digitisation 2019. uct specific subsidies in favour of more types of subsidies that should terms for rendering public services onstrates a positive trend over the categories for farms ranging from Digitisation is intended to im- investment subsidies, interest rate introduce new technologies for the are also reduced by eliminating the past five years. The largest insur- basic to advanced and eventually, prove the production process by subsidies and insurance. participation of agricultural pro- time spent on creating and approv- ance companies are Eurasia, the to digital. Currently, the level of easing procedures for obtaining “The updated state programme ducers in determining the various ing the commission’s composition; assets of which reached 249.5 bil- development is basic. The ministry subsidies and accessing data on clearly states that we are moving research topics and technology preparing, organising and holding lion tenge (US$678.64 million). reports that its e-AIC programme agro-chemical analysis, space from product-specific subsidies to transfer,” he added. its meetings and developing and The fastest growing company is has digitised all areas under crops monitoring and weather. subsidies that do not distort the Automating the subsidising pro- signing its decisions. Asia-Life, whose assets doubled and generated updated maps of the The ministry plans to start digit- production process and market in- cesses will allow parties to person- The project is part of the state over the year from 9.3 billion chemical state of soils, reported ising some selected regions before dicators. Above all, [subsidies] di- alise their responsibilities and con- programme to develop the agro- (US$25.29 million) to 19.1 billion Yevniyev. July 1, 2019. rected to agricultural producers are trol the process in real time. industrial complex for 2017-2021. tenge (US$51.95 million). A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakh company invests more than Kazakhstan adopted a decree ac- cording to which freelance workers are to pay into the Unified Accu- mulation Pension Fund (UAPF), $350 million in Kyrgyz mine said Kazakh Minister of Labour ments to the state budget worth Kazakh Ambassador to Kyr- KAZ Minerals’ first project out- mine in the Pavlodar region and and Social Protection Madina Ab- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov 2.8 billion Kyrgyz som (US$41.2 gyzstan Karim Kokrekbayev vis- side Kazakhstan. It also is one of Aktogai open pit mine and three ylkassymova. The system for the million),” said company general ited the mine and inspected the the largest investment projects be- underground mines in the East Ka- payment of contributions is ready ASTANA – KAZ Minerals director Ilyas Tulekeev. tailing dump to learn about the ing implemented in the country. zakhstan region. for use, according to the state com- Bozymchak has invested more He noted the mine contributes process of precious metals pro- The mining and processing plant The company exported 112,000 pany Government for Citizens. than $350 million in the last 10 to the social development of re- duction, procedure for processing has a productivity of one million tonnes of copper cathode from Ka- Payments may be made through years to develop Kyrgyzstan’s mote Kyrgyz villages and gives gold-bearing ore and progress of tonnes of ore per year, with the zakhstan last year to customers in banks to the company’s account, Bozymchak copper-gold deposit, back to the community. The com- construction and commissioning final product a copper concentrate both Asia and Europe and 144,000 after which they are transferred to reported inform.kz. pany became one of the first out- works. He also met with KAZ with an associated content of gold tonnes of copper in concentrate the UAPF. All major banks have “The necessary infrastructure side Kazakhstan to successfully Minerals staff to discuss problem and silver. mainly to China-based customers. been informed and have confirmed and about 1,200 jobs for citizens implement President Nursultan aspects and ways to solve them. KAZ Minerals is one of the larg- As a result, KAZ Minerals gener- their preparedness. The call centres of Kyrgyzstan have been created. Nazarbayev’s initiatives under the Bozymchak, located in south- est Kazakh copper producers, em- ated $1.663 billion in revenue and of the Government for Citizens and Since 2007, the company trans- Digital Kazakhstan project and in- west Kyrgyzstan in Ala-Bukinsky ploying approximately 11,800. It made a $365 million tax contribu- the UAPF may be contacted in case ferred taxes and mandatory pay- troduce innovative technologies. district of Jalal-Abad region, is operates the Bozshakol open pit tion to the Kazakh budget. of any issues.

Kazakh Senate deputy Bakytzhan Zhumagulov proposed the creation of a new structure for the selection of research projects for commer- Kazakhstan, China Astana to receive $1.1 cialisation at the Oct. 4 internation- al forum “Commercialisation of Technology: a Tool for Integrating Science and Business.” Currently, sign $1.9 billion billion compensation from the National Scientific Council’s (NSC) decision is binding at the final selection stage. The proposed structure would involve the active investment deals Karachaganak shareholders participation of business repre- gotiations, shareholders Chev- will receive additional revenues sentatives, with the decisive word Continued from Page A1 By Yerbolat Uatkhanov ron, Eni, KazMunayGas, Lukoil from the project worth approxi- resting with businesses and not the Agreements and and Shell reached fundamental mately $415 million by 2037, if The sides also discussed bilat- council. According to Zhumagulov, contracts signed ASTANA – The Kazakh gov- agreements on friendly dispute oil prices are $80 per barrel. granting greater freedom to busi- eral cooperation in energy, trans- ernment recently settled a dis- resolution on the objectivity in- port and logistics, agriculture, in- The consortium will also pro- nesses would result in more effec- following the trip pute with Karachaganak share- dex, reported the Ministry of En- vide Kazakhstan with the loan tive and efficient outcomes of com- dustry, as well as the development holders. The consortium will pay ergy press service. of cross-border and inter-regional include a roadmap for the infrastructure project or mercialised research projects. the country $1.1 billion and pro- Disagreements arose between ties. pay the equivalent value in the vide a 10-year, $1 billion loan for the state and the consortium on Mamin said the Kazakhstan- to construct “a TV case of a loan refusal. In the lat- The Business Road Map 2020 a proposed infrastructure project. the method of calculating the par- China Cooperation Committee is ter case, the country will receive programme will be extended until production plant in the “These were very difficult ne- ties’ shares in profitable produc- an important component of bilat- an additional $200 million. 2025, said Kazakh President Nur- gotiations with the consortium tion. Consequently, in accord- eral relations. territory of Kostanai Kazakhstan will gain more sultan Nazarbayev in his Oct. 5 that lasted about three years. ance with the terms of the final Kazakhstan and China are im- than $1.7 billion from the set- state of the nation address. The pro- Industrial Zone in Such a long period testifies not production sharing agreement for plementing 51 joint projects in tlement, with the state receiving gramme was launched in 2010, and only about their complexity and the Karachaganak project, Ka- industry, transport and logistics nearly $1.3 billion in the coming its extension will aid in establishing 2018-2019. character, but also about the fact zakhstan filed a lawsuit in inter- worth approximately $28 billion. years. The government commit- stable sources of business growth that we put first and foremost the national arbitration to protect its The projects are expected to create the Astana International Financial ted to implementing important and stimulating private investment. economic interests of the state rights. Given the many years of large-scale production of products Centre (AIFC) and considered co- Two hundred and twenty four bil- and, accordingly, insisted on future Karachaganak projects on for international export. operation in financial sector during experience and cooperation, the lion tenge (US$610.2 million) of maximising the benefits for the parties found mutually beneficial a timely basis. The preliminary taxes will be alloted to its budget, Mamin also met with the indus- the meeting with the Head of China investment is estimated at up to try leaders and companies of Chi- Construction Bank Wang Zuji. The country through negotiations. grounds during the negotiation and approximately 30 billion tenge Today, we have agreed on the ba- process, according to the Minis- $5 billion, with a possible ad- (US$81.7 million) will be addition- na, such as CITIC Group, China delegation of Kazakhstan later met ditional increase in Kazakh rev- with the leaders of the provinces of sic principles of settlement and try of Energy press service. ally allocated on an annual basis Xin Xing Group Co., YTO Group enue of approximately $23.5 bil- Henan, Sichuan and Chongqing. by the end of this year we plan to The parties signed an agree- for its implementation. Twenty-two Corp., Jiangxi Copper Company, lion by 2037, if oil prices are $80 Agreements and contracts complete the deal by signing the ment on the principles enshrining thousand new jobs are to be created Jiaxin Investment Resources, per barrel. signed following the trip include final agreement on the settlement the basic terms of the settlement in the next three years. China Energy Engineering, CSI The parties also agreed on pos- Solar Power Group, China CAMC a roadmap to construct “a TV pro- of the dispute,” said Energy Min- to consolidate the agreement. The ister Kanat Bozumbayev. consortium will pay Kazakhstan sible deliveries of hydrocarbons Kazakh professional boxer Gen- Engineering Co., Lovol Heavy duction plant in the territory of Kazakhstan was represented by the stated monetary compensa- (oil and gas) to local refineries nady Golovkin was named brand Industry, China Energy Engineer- Kostanai Industrial Zone in 2018- the Ministry of Energy, Ministry tion and corresponding changes on commercial terms and devel- ambassador of the world’s first ing Corporation and China Gen- 2019.” The project’s initial stage of Finance and authorised body will be made to the production oping a gas chemical complex in blockchain smartphone, FINNEY, eral Nuclear Power Group, among investment will be $50 million and PSA LLP. As a result of the ne- sharing mechanism. The country the West Kazakhstan region. reports the company’s press ser- others. the plant will produce three mil- vice. Joining the FC Barcelona According to the press service of lion units per year. football player and FINNEY brand the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, The other contracts are between ambassador Lionel Messi, the mid- Mamin discussed development Kazakhstan Temir Zholy national dleweight boxing champion will of transcontinental transportation railways company, Huawei Inter- promote the product by Sirin Labs. and further development of the national Co. Ltd and Ili Baitexing The smartphone’s 2017 Initial Coin joint terminal and FEZ Khorgos – Commercial Trading Co. Ltd. on Offering (ICO) attracted $157.9 East Gate with Head of COSCO the development of e-commerce, million, and its planned release is Shipping Corporation Huang Xi- and the Roadmap for the imple- December 2018. Sirin Labs was aowen and Chairman of the Port mentation of “Production of ag- co-founded by Kazakh business- of Lianyungang. He stressed the ricultural and road construction man Kenges Rakishev and Israeli importance of the participation of equipment” between JSC Agro- entrepreneurs Moshe Hogeg and the “Big Six,” the major banks of mash Holding of Kazakhstan, Ka- Tal Cohen. China involved in investing in Belt zakh Invest, Lovol Heavy Industry and Road projects, in the work of and YTO Group Corp. The Astana International Finan- cial Centre (AIFC) received three awards at the 2018 Global Islam- ic Finance Awards (GIFA). The awarding ceremony for the prestig- ious competition in Islamic bank- Foreign banks ing was held this year on Sept. 29 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. AIFC Governor Kairat Kelimbetov received “Institutional Support of may open Kazakh Islamic Finance” award, AIFC Is- lamic Finance Department Director Alibek Nurbekov was awarded for “Policy Development in the Field branches in 2020 of Islamic Finance” and the AIFC The measure will lead to more Bureau was awarded for “Initia- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov competition in the financial sector tives for the Development of Hu- and affect the quality and terms of man Capital in the Field of Islamic ASTANA – Starting in 2020, service provided to businesses and Finance.” foreign banks will be allowed to the public, she added. open direct branches in Kazakh- Kazakhstan became an official More than 150 businesspeople stan. Under the country’s commit- WTO member in November 2015. gathered at the Oct. 2 Kazakhstan ments upon accession to the World Membership provides an opportu- Global Investment Forum in Lon- Trade Organisation (WTO), they nity to stimulate export develop- don to explore new business and will no longer be required to reg- ment, as it removes discriminatory investment opportunities for bilat- ister their branches as subsidiaries treatment of Kazakh goods and eral projects in Kazakhstan’s high- under the nation’s jurisdiction. opens free access to foreign mar- growth economic sectors, reports “We have made specific com- kets. Primeminister.kz. Kazakh Deputy mitments in the field of financial The country has more than 30 Prime Minister Askar Zhumagali- services and we have to follow banks and the market is chang- yev noted that Kazakhstan seeks to them in the five years after acces- ing after a decade of crisis. The attract British investors who may sion. These five years have not modifications are due to the Na- bring assets, technologies and best yet ended. We are now embark- tional Bank tightening regula- business practices crucial to the ing on the fourth year of fulfill- tions, new rules of international country’s economic diversification. ing our commitments to join the financial reporting standards, Issues discussed at the forum in- WTO. These five years will expire intensified competition in the cluded tax and customs privileges, in 2020 and we will allow direct market and the lack of qualified the state assets privatisation pro- branches of foreign banks to open personnel. gramme, the Astana International their offices and provide services The banks face numerous chal- Financial Centre (AIFC) and par- in Kazakhstan,” said Kazakh Per- lenges, as access to quasi-public ticipation in China’s Belt and Road manent Representative to WTO sector deposits is no longer simple Initiative (BRI) and the Eurasian Zhanar Aitzhanova at the seventh and they have not yet adjusted to Economic Union (EAEU). roundtable meeting on accession. market conditions. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 Congress in Astana focuses Romanian energy official ‘very on religion as means to optimistic’ about progress, address global challenges prospects for energy industry he world is experiencing major challenges. three years, has grown in influence and authority. The From the long-running conflicts in the number of participating delegations in congress’s Middle East, and instability and mistrust sessions has increased from 17 in 2003, when the between many nations, it’s hard to deny that congress was established, to 82 this year. cooperation with Kazakhstan Tthe world is going through a turbulent period. Religious leaders undoubtedly have a role to play Both sides, the Ministry of En- Multiple reasons have been put forward for the in contributing to the resolution of some existing Staff Report ergy of Romania and KMGI, have difficulties we are facing, ranging from economic issues and crises. For instance, civilians have suf- recently cooperated closely on this hardships of some countries and regions, geopolitical fered greatly in the conflicts in Myanmar and Yemen. In an interview with this news- issue and made significant pro- rivalries and mistrust among the public in the current Furthermore, we have recently witnessed how the paper during his recent visit to gress in the implementation of the political system. Yet few thorough and credible sug- conflict in Ukraine’s Donbass region has further Kazakhstan, Robert Tudorache, first stage of the memorandum, gestions have been put forward about how to resolve divided the two populations on religious grounds. secretary of state of the Ministry of namely the creation of the Kazakh- the issues that trouble humankind today. Perhaps Religious leaders have the authority and influence to Energy of Romania, spoke about Romanian Investment Fund. one answer is to look to spiritual values and promote contribute to the prevention of violence and con- the state and the future of energy Hopefully, soon we will an- aspects of religion that have been a positive force in flict in these countries. Undoubtedly, this cannot be cooperation between his country nounce the creation of the joint the world for millennia. achieved without the participation of political lead- and Kazakhstan. investment fund. Some may consider this suggestion outdated. ers. It is for this reason that 82 delegations from 46 “The Joint Investment Fund of This fund will certainly strength- Others may even argue that religion has a negative countries are all participating in the sixth congress in the Government of Romania and en economic relations between impact on our world. This is understandable given Astana this week. KMGI will strengthen the compa- Robert Tudorache Kazakhstan and Romania, since it that some evil extremist groups have been attempting Religion can also play a role in healing the divi- ny’s position in local and regional will be fundamental for the crea- to hijack religion in order to spread hatred and divi- sions that currently exist in some countries and markets,” said Tudorache. tion of an energy hub and a ‘gate’ sion. However, it should be remembered that more regions along political, national and ethnic lines. He also noted “a significant eration, as well as the events in on the border with the European than 60 percent of the world’s population follows a After all, faiths of all denominations have taught us improvement in the financial and which you participated in Ka- Union. The fund will also support particular religion and the vast majority do so with the values that promote unity across humankind – in- operational results of KMG Inter- zakhstan, you had an opportunity KMGI’s plans to strengthen its po- purely peaceful intent. Precisely for this reason is it cluding kindness, respect and compassion. This may national in recent years, achieved to meet with a number of officials sition both in the local Romanian crucial that religious leaders ensure that faith is not sound like wishful thinking in the current climate of with the advent of Kazakh man- of our country – Minister of En- and regional markets. used as a vehicle for hate and disorder, but, in fact, distrust and disagreements, but only such values can agement.” ergy, Vice Minister of Foreign Af- Thus, the creation of the joint contributes to kindness and the peaceful coexistence cure the troubles that our world is experiencing. fairs, Minister for Investment and Kazakh-Romanian Investment of humanity. The objective of religious and political leaders What are your first impressions Development. You also met with Fund is a mutually beneficial de- This has been one of the main aims of the Con- should be to spread this message globally. This is of Kazakhstan? What business representatives of KazMunayGas, cision for both Romania and the gress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. why it is so important for the Congress of Leaders of events did you attend and how an important investor in Roma- entire region. This week, leaders of different faiths, as well as World and Traditional Religions to continue its work can they help strengthen relations nia. What were the main topics of government officials and heads of international or- and to welcome delegations from all over the world between our countries? discussion? According to the Memorandum ganisations, will once again gather in Astana for the to Astana to discuss how this can be achieved. This is my first visit to Kazakh- A number of highly efficient of Understanding signed between sixth time to discuss how religion can contribute to Of course, nobody is under the impression that the stan; I was pleased to discover that meetings took place, where we Romania and KMGI, the joint the resolution of the many challenges the world faces congress can solve existing crises overnight. But it the Romanian and Kazakh people were able to express the interest of fund involves investing up to $1 and ensure that faith is a force for good. can play a vital role in contributing to the solutions. are in many ways similar to each Romanian oil and gas companies billion over seven years. What are Founded on the initiative of President Nursultan This should be the aim of the congress this week and other. I would like to emphasise in the export of special equipment the benefits of the fund and what Nazarbayev, the congress, which takes place every the purpose of its work for years to come. that both of our countries have an for this sector, as well as in the projects will be implemented un- important resource – highly skilled development of long-term partner- der its auspices? experts in their areas. They are ship with Kazakhstan companies. The fund will deal with invest- trained and competent personnel In addition, the officials of Ka- ments in the field of energy, its who make a significant contribu- zakhstan initiated discussions on priorities are development of the tion to the area they work in. It the development of cooperation in energy sector of Romania, and the President’s state-of-nation should also be noted that both the field of nuclear industry, main- main goal is to strengthen and con- states – Romania and Kazakh- ly in the supply of uranium and nu- solidate the position of our country stan – have exceptional develop- clear fuel components. as an important regional player in ment potential and are on the path I also had the opportunity to this field. address reflects emphasis on of sustained growth. Therefore, I meet with representatives of the The projects to be implemented think it is significant that we have KMG national company, which is under the auspices of the fund will an opportunity to meet and discuss the sole shareholder of KMG In- be carefully considered in accord- ways to address joint economic ternational that owns the majority ance with the principles of invest- public welfare challenges, while coordinating stake of Rompetrol Rafinare S.A. ment transparency, based on clear he welfare of Kazakhstan’s citizens was first within 5 years, with a particular emphasis on pre- them so that they ultimately lead to in Romania. and simple criteria and evaluation and foremost in Kazakh President Nursultan school education. substantial benefits for both sides. Nazarbayev priorities in his state-of-the-na- Hand in hand with this announcement, he also Another significant area that As for specific examples, in the course of tion address on Oct. 5. Perhaps most notable pointed out how it is our businesses which are the unites Kazakhstan and Romania is Twas his call to raise minimal salary 1.5 times from main driver for new jobs, growing our economy to a wide range of common interests the negotiations held with representatives of 28,000 to 42,000 tenge (US$75-$112). This will take provide higher income to most of Kazakhstan’s citi- in the field of energy. This was one KMGI, we talked about two projects that can effect in just a few months’ time – from Jan. 1, 2019. zens. This in turn will make these policies affordable. of the main reasons for the visit of The President said that this would benefit 1.3 The President elaborated about how Kazakhstan the Romanian delegation to Ka- be implemented within the framework of the million people, who work in a variety of different can move ahead in growing the business sector zakhstan – defining opportunities industries across a range of sectors. When it comes across the country. Remarking on its success so far, for economic cooperation, in par- Kazakh-Romanian Fund. It is assumed that to those working in state-funded organisations, he the Business Road Map – 2020 Programme is to be ticular, in the energy sector. these projects will have a significant positive mentioned that around 275,000 workers will see their prolonged to 2025, creating thousands more jobs and These days, together with col- salaries grow by an average of 35 percent. improved economic output. He called for decisive leagues from the Government of effect on the Romanian economy and will By any standard, this can be seen as a major measures to develop economic competition and get Romania and representatives of contribute to the creation of about 2,000 jobs. change that will bring direct benefits for a significant utilities tariffs and natural monopolies under control. Romanian energy companies, I sector of our society – that is many of our compatri- While the President has unveiled policies to boost took part in the Joint Romanian- the incomes of some of the lowest paid, the address Kazakh Commission on Eco- ots with the greatest need. Of course, any rise in pay It should be noted that, as a mi- mechanisms. Both Romania and was also unambiguous in its support for promoting a nomic, Scientific and Technical comes with a price attached and it was right that the nority shareholder of Rompetrol KMGI have equal opportunities to strong and competitive business environment, which Cooperation within the Kazakh- President mentioned it had already been calculated Rafinare, we are directly interested submit project proposals for fund- will help ensure the ongoing economic development Romania Business Forum, the KI- and earmarked, coming out at around 96 billion tenge in the activities of this company. ing. (US$2.6 billion) annually from the republic’s budget of the country. This also included proposals to sup- OGE 2018 International Oil and We welcome significant improve- As for specific examples, in the for 2019-2021. port our industrial exporters, who are so vital to our Gas Exhibition and Conference, as economy. well as a business forum for the oil ment in the financial and operating course of the negotiations held This builds on the achievements of the country so and gas industry. results of the company in recent with representatives of KMGI, While the President has far since independence, which includes $300 billion After the working and busi- years, achieved with the advent of we talked about two projects that of investment over the past 26 years. It now sees our ness meetings held in Astana and Kazakhstan management. can be implemented within the unveiled policies to boost country in 36th place among 190 countries in the Almaty, I am pleased to note that High development rates of the framework of the Kazakh-Roma- the incomes of some of the World Bank Doing Business index. The President’s extensive and promising opportu- company were confirmed this year nian Fund. It is assumed that these address seemed very much in step with nation’s nities are provided here in business too. In the first six months of 2018, projects will have a significant lowest paid, the address was strategic goal – to join the ranks of the 30 most- development, particularly in the KMGI showed good growth dy- positive effect on the Romanian developed countries of the world by 2050. field of energy. I leave the coun- namics in terms of key financial economy and will contribute to the also unambiguous in its support The launch earlier this year of the Astana Interna- try with a very optimistic attitude and operating indicators. creation of about 2,000 jobs. tional Financial Centre is perhaps one of the greatest and confidence that we managed For several years, Rompetrol In particular, these projects con- for promoting a strong and projections of the country’s ambition as an economic to take another important step to- Rafinare has been showing posi- cern the construction of a Com- competitive business environment, powerhouse for the future. The President implied wards strengthening bilateral rela- tive performance indicators, the bined Heating Power (CHP) plant how its benefits should be felt far beyond our capital tions. company became profitable in in the cogeneration mode at the which will help ensure city as it provides vital foreign investment as well I strongly believe that Romania 2017 and reached absolute his- Petromidia refinery, which will, in as a separate court, financial regulator and stock can become a reliable partner for torical records at both refineries, combination, produce electricity the ongoing economic exchange. Kazakhstan in Eastern Europe. Petromidia and Vega. and heat, as well as the expansion development of the country. The address made clear that every state entity Our country, through its strategic If we talk about the main agenda of the Rompetrol filling stations needed to be held to the highest possible standards geographical location in Europe of the meeting with KMG officials, in the Romanian market through This also included proposals for those it is there to serve – the people of Kazakh- and the Black Sea region, can be- we used this opportunity to once greenfield investments. Invest- stan. This includes ensuring the highest standards of come a gateway to ensure access again discuss the 2013 Memoran- ments in both projects reach about to support our industrial propriety within the police force and an improved and supply of energy resources dum of Understanding between $220 million. The implementa- level of trust in our court systems. from Kazakhstan, the largest oil KMGI and the Romanian govern- tion of these projects will give exporters, who are so vital to our The President covered many different aspects of producer in Central Asia, to East- ment. This document provides a new impetus to the development economy. life in Kazakhstan. Whether it was strengthening the ern Europe as well as to the EU mechanism for the privatisation of the Romanian economy, the lo- economy, providing access to better education and markets. of shares owned by the Romanian cal energy sector, the investment healthcare or improving living conditions, there was state in Rompetrol Rafinare, as environment and, of course, will There was further help for citizen welfare in the a clear message for everyone to hear. The welfare As part of the activities of the well as the procedure for creating increase the profitability of KMG form of an increase on expenditure on education, of all of our citizens, whatever their circumstances, Joint Commission on Economic, a joint investment fund in the field International and the Rompetrol science and healthcare by up to 10 percent of GDP must be the focus for our society. Scientific and Technical Coop- of energy. brand.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 Kazakhstan should use Nazarbayev’s influence internationally, says Singaporean diplomat China is still our major trading to other powers. When we are in next person will not be heard like interested in destabilising it, since By Karlygash Ezhenova partner. ASEAN, China cannot openly [President] Nursultan Nazarbayev. in this case it will pose a threat to The situation is exacerbated by pressure us. China has no choice You should take this opportunity to Russia. One just needs to explain SINGAPORE – Singaporeans the fact that many of the ASEAN but to negotiate with us as with an unite the countries of Central Asia. to the Kremlin that this alliance is love to complain that their country countries have territorial contro- international organisation. When not against Russia, but is neces- is small. It is much smaller than versies in the South China Sea. the situation with the South China Recently, Singapore very ac- sary to protect regional interests. Kazakhstan. They believe that Singapore is attempting to design Sea became aggravated, the Phil- tively negotiated creating a free The most important thing is to the secret of their influence is the a code of conduct for the South ippines and Vietnam brought this trade zone with the Eurasian take your time. Just meet, talk, neutrality of their positions. They China Sea. This is a single docu- issue to the level of ASEAN and Economic Union (EAEU). What play – playing is the most impor- recommend the same to Kazakh- ment that reflects the interests of after that, China was forced to sit stands behind this step? Obvious- tant thing in international politics. stan. An interview with Ong Keng all 10 countries, including China. at the negotiating table. ly, when it comes to the EAEU, Political ties between Russia and Yong, Ambassador at Large of The adoption of the document The Central Asian republics also one primarily has Russia in mind. ASEAN are very weak. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of will be very difficult; it will take need to unite. You do not have to Singapore has always supported we understand that Russia is a Singapore and Executive Deputy a long time, perhaps several years. have a common opinion on all is- as many free trade zones as pos- super power; we must be friends Chairperson of the S. Rajaratnam Ong Keng Yong Kazakhstan plays a crucial role in sues. Most importantly, you should sible. The more you participate in with it. We will probably not get School of International Studies, this context, since Beijing makes confront major powers together. foreign trade, the more benefits any benefits, but conflicting with reviewed these concepts. but the Chinese cannot do it. Chi- it clear that it has an alternative You all need to stick together. You you get at the end of the day. Sin- it can definitely cause harm. The nese exports have reached certain route to Europe through your will have internal problems and gapore participates in 33 free trade leaders of the United States and Please describe what is cur- limits and there is no more room country. contradictions, but these are your zones. We often do not see direct China will not attend the ASEAN rently happening in this part of for manoeuvre. In this context, internal problems. This should not benefits, but we very often see in- summit because Putin will come. I the world, in Southeast Asia and China hopes that Trump will be Certain things depend on your concern major powers; then, the direct and political benefits. When am sure that Russia will brilliantly Singapore. What are the reper- stopped by internal protests in the position, even if is neutral. You attitude to your region will change. we participate in the maximum take advantage of this – Putin will cussions of U.S. President Don- states, or at least these processes are a subject of international Such international organisations as number of multilateral free trade be the only head of a major power ald Trump’s trade war and the will be decelerated given the dis- relations and Kazakhstan is an the International Monetary Fund zone agreements, we create an and will be received properly. Re- U.S. withdrawal from the Trans- content of American society. You object. Nobody asks anything (IMF) or the UN will listen to Cen- impression for the outside world member, international politics are Pacific Partnership? Is every- can see, as we do, that Trump is from Kazakhstan, as well as from tral Asia as a single region and they that we have a certain potential. I no longer cost-intensive. Now, thing as dramatic as some people constantly under attack from lib- Central Asia. The country is rap- will be more willing to finance re- would say more; for us, free trade you do not need to spend money are saying? erals. In addition, liberals are very idly becoming debt dependent on gional projects. You can never zones are a strategic and not an to subsidise other states. It is Currently, it is too early to eval- actively using media resources. China and is in an even more stand alone. There is the concept economic matter as it was before. enough to have a close dialogue at uate the situation. We want to un- Apparently, this tough form of at- uncertain situation; its neigh- of perception. You just need to Russia is interested in arms sup- the diplomatic level. Turkey may derstand what is actually behind tack will continue until Novem- bours, Russia and China, have build an internal dialogue and you plies, defence and security issues. become one of these new players. Trump’s actions. We are keeping a ber, when the elections to the U.S. very uneasy relations. Relations do not have to always achieve spe- I think we could attract Russia by The United States is making a big wary eye on the attitude of China, Congress will be carried out. We are even more complex between cific results. The most important the fact that Singapore participates mistake by pushing it aside. Tur- which is now coming up with a will see later. China and the United States and thing is that the world sees that you in all free trade zones in Southeast key is very important in the situa- tit-for-tat response to the actions The expert community expects between Russia and the United are going to do this. This will im- Asia. Russia is most likely to think tion in the Middle East, as well as of the White House. The major Trump will soon introduce a new States. In other words, it is the press Russia, China and the USA. that this small state is party to 33 for the development of the situa- question is: how long will it last? weapon against China, but no one first time in the last few decades You will make an impression, just agreements, which means that we tion in Central Asia. If you begin It appears to us that China is not knows what kind of weapon it that all our partners have hope- like a circus artist does a trick: can also benefit from multilateral to actively engage in dialogue interested in continuing this trade will be. Meanwhile, he is trying to lessly damaged relations. What people do not understand how it cooperation with it in the future. with Turkey, this may play right war, because if we compare the prove to China that it has a choice; do you think the region should is done, but they are impressed. In fact, the EAEU is as good as into your hands. This can impress export volumes of the two coun- to be precise, he left China room do? This is diplomacy. Kazakhstan is any multilateral relationship. both China and Russia. tries – the Chinese exports are to manoeuvre. It is now important First of all, it should maintain now the most influential leader in The most important thing in in- much less than American; there- for Association of Southeast Asian neutrality. ASEAN is an organisa- the region, since in other countries ternational relations is to catch the This interview first appeared fore, the room to manoeuvre will Nations (ASEAN) countries to tion uniting small countries. We new leaders have come to power, wave, work in due time. Central in Exclusive magazine. Kar- be closed at a certain point. Amer- maintain a neutral position, not to are united due to the fact that we and it is also important to take ad- Asia is a very important strategic lygash Ezhenova is editor-in- icans can continue this trade war, get involved in this confrontation. are very small in scale compared vantage of this. I am afraid that the region for Russia; Russia is not chief of this magazine. Kazakhstan’s contributions to global stability diplomacy, as well as a peaceful states in interregional interaction creation of nuclear weapon-free and the spiritual world and devel- the Organisation of the Islamic By Andrei Korolev and, preferably, preventive settle- and continuing active dialogue in zones (by that time such a zone opment of trade and good-neigh- Conference, which, on the ini- ment of conflicts. the proposed format, as well as in had been created in Central Asia) bourliness lasts more than any tiative of Kazakhstan, was trans- Kazakhstan intends to increase In this regard, he noted that since greater cooperation with Kazakh- in various regions of the world, inter-ethnic and inter-religious formed into the Organisation of its contribution to UN peace- its independence Kazakhstan had stan. in particular in the Middle East. conflicts generated by a wrong Islamic Cooperation (OIC). keeping operations, said Kairat made a significant contribution to Speaking at the panel session, In addition, he raised the issue of policy. The model of inter-ethnic The Shanghai Cooperation Or- Umarov, Kazakhstan’s Permanent strengthening international secu- Helga Schmid, secretary general strengthening confidence between and inter-religious harmony, built ganisation (SCO)expands its bor- Representative to the UN stated. rity, as well as resolving crises by of the European External Action states in security matters. in Kazakhstan owing to the bal- ders and has high standing in the This will be done by co-deploy- engaging in peaceful negotiations Service (EEAS), who was di- anced policy of the head of state, world. Kazakhstan has made very ing the country’s unit with India through political and diplomatic rectly involved in long-term ne- proves the effectiveness of the important steps and efforts in or- in Lebanon and through the UN means. gotiations on the Iranian nuclear Activities for the benefit principles laid down in the activi- der for the international commu- certification of the KAZCENT The Kazakh diplomat under- programme, commended Kazakh- of civilisation ties of the Congress of Leaders of nity to take real action to address Kazakh peacekeeping training lined that Astana stands for a stan’s constructive role both in The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. and eradicate the causes of con- centre. peaceful settlement in conflict the international six-plus-one par- World and Traditional Religions flicts and acute problems in the At a meeting of the UN Secu- zones in accordance with inter- ty talks and in the implementation is an important initiative of Presi- Valuable contribution to world. The main method – pre- rity Council on Peacekeeping national law by adopting existing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan dent Nazarbayev. The first con- ventive diplomacy and promotion Reform and Performance earlier international mechanisms. Our of Action (JCPOA), which had gress was held in 2003, and since development of of the principles of humanity and this year, the Kazakh diplomat country’s chairmanship of the Or- become their outcome document. then, this forum has become a cooperation – was proposed. called for transformative changes, ganisation for Security and Coop- unique platform for dialogue and Central Asia Pointing to the inefficiency innovative approaches and new eration in Europe (OSCE) and the Recognition of interaction between the East and In 2008, the Astana Economic of the G20 and G8 formats, in yardsticks of measurement in Organisation of Islamic Coopera- the West. Thus, Kazakhstan is Forum was founded. Thousands December 2011 President Naz- the organisation’s peacekeeping tion (OIC), as well as the support anti-nuclear efforts recognised by the global commu- of its delegates from different arbayev proposed creating a new system. He called strengthening of the international community The closure of the Semipalat- nity as an important international countries regularly discuss topical communicative platform - G- of coordination and accountabil- for the initiative of Nazarbayev to insk nuclear test site on Aug. 29, centre for inter-civilisational issues of the world and regional Global. He announced this initia- ity of all UN agencies one of the convene the Conference on Inter- 1991 by the historic decree of and inter-religious dialogue. At agendas. tive at a meeting devoted to the main prerequisites of effective action and Confidence Building Nazarbayev and the subsequent the Fifth Congress of Leaders of For the first time in history, a 20th anniversary of the independ- peacekeeping. Measures in Asia (CICA), were courageous decision of the head World and Traditional Religions post-Soviet state has headed the ence of Kazakhstan. “We are confident that active illustrative of the recognition of of state to voluntarily renounce held in June 2015, the dialogue OSCE. The OSCE summit was According to Nazarbayev, the involvement and engagement of Kazakhstan’s role as a regional the world’s fourth largest nu- on the interaction of religions held in Astana in December 2010 G-Global platform should ensure new countries in UN peacekeep- mediator in today’s world. clear arsenal have become Ka- and their role in global develop- and became the finale of Ka- the fairness of global decision- ing, including through co-de- “The peacemaking efforts of zakhstan’s unique contribution to ment was continued, showing a zakhstan’s chairmanship mission making. In addition, the President ployments, would bring in fresh our President are based on his global disarmament. Kazakhstan general deep interest in coopera- in this organisation. The Astana expressed an opinion that world vigour and greater efficiency for personal convictions and posi- was the initiator and co-author tion for the sake of stability and meeting was an attempt to bring politics today should develop new peace operations,” said Umarov. tion. Thanks to his efforts, rela- of the Universal Declaration on global principles. tions between different countries a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World In 2011, Kazakhstan headed the are less tense,” said Vassilenko. “We are confident that active involvement Key to successful adopted by the UN General As- most important association in the sembly in December 2015. At and engagement of new countries Islamic world –a Organisation of positioning President’s Kazakhstan’s initiative, the UN the Islamic Conference, which in- Thus, Kazakhstan’s peacekeep- General Assembly unanimously in UN peacekeeping, including through cludes 57 Muslim-majority states. ing initiatives are increasingly international adopted a resolution to declare Kazakhstan has become a real, resonating at the global level. Aug. 29 as the International Day co-deployments, would bring in fresh active participant in strengthen- The authority of President standing against Nuclear Tests. ing stability and security in the Nursultan Nazarbayev and the Thanks in no small part to the The agreement between Ka- vigour and greater efficiency for peace world in addressing the Turkish- country as a whole are the key to personal mediation efforts of the zakhstan and the International Russian contradictions, as well as the successful international me- Kazakh President, relations be- Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) operations,” said Umarov. a platform for resolving the Syr- diation of the country, while the tween the leaders of Russia and on establishing the Low Enriched ian crisis, which gained the name role of medium-sized states in Turkey were normalised in 2016 Uranium Bank in the republic Astana Process. such efforts will be objectively and the Astana Process on Syria signed on Aug. 27, 2015 in Astana security in the world community. back the interrupted tradition of On a competitive basis, Ka- more prominent in the future. was launched in early 2017. was another important initiative In addition, the declaration of holding summits – the summit zakhstan was elected as a member This was stated by Roman Vas- In this respect, the participants stressing Kazakhstan’s contribu- the congress was also agreed and was organised for the first time of the UN Security Council for silenko, Deputy Foreign Minister were interested in learning about tion to the safe and peaceful use adopted, reflecting the common after the last similar forum held 2017-2018. President Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, in his remarks at the Astana Process. The Kazakh of nuclear energy. or similar approaches of all its 11 years ago. proposed convening a high-level the 13th annual Bled Strategic diplomat noted that the main This decision, aimed at creating participants to the vital issues of The meeting was attended by international conference to dis- Forum held in Slovenia on Sept. achievement of the ten rounds of the necessary fuel reserves for the our life. 30 heads of state and government cuss all these vital issues. Ka- 10-11 under the title Bridging the negotiations that had taken place nuclear power industry, greatly Over the years of holding this as well as high representatives of zakhstan proposed developing Divide. so far was creating a trilateral reduces the risks of uncontrolled important forum, Astana was vis- all 56 OSCE participating states. the Global Strategic Initiative Speaking at the panel session mechanism for monitoring cease- proliferation of dual-use technol- ited by a great number of well- As a result, the Astana Declara- Plan 2045 to address the causes Mediation in a New Multipolar fire and de-escalation zones in ogies and, therefore, the contribu- known politicians and religious tion was adopted, reaffirming the of wars and conflicts in the world, World – Between Expectations Syria, as well as a working group tion of Kazakhstan to the solution figures and they all praised the in- norms, principles and obligations devoted to and reachable by the and Reality, Vassilenko informed for the exchange of detainees, of this problem is valued by the itiative of Nursultan Nazarbayev which lie at the heart of this or- 100th anniversary of the United the forum participants about the transfer of bodies of the deceased international community. to organise this dialogue platform. ganisation. In general, a great Nations. priorities of Kazakhstan’s for- and search for missing persons. For example, at the 70th session According to the President, mu- role was played by Kazakhstan’s eign policy aimed at cooperation The meeting demonstrated the of the General Assembly, Naz- tual attraction of peoples, mutual chairmanship in the OSCE and The author is an observer and development of multilateral strong interest of all participating arbayev spoke in favour of the studying of languages, cultures the foreign ministers meeting of with Liter newspaper. A8 CENTRAL ASIA

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 Kazakh, Uzbek close ties stand test of time, says ambassador frequently and discuss issues of a Though the potential for coopera- Agriculture is another important to Afghanistan is becoming increas- By Assel Satubaldina regional nature and galvanise efforts tion is high across many areas, Ni- area for the two countries. ingly common,” he noted. to boost development within our re- yazkhojaev noted car engineering, “Within eight months, Uzbekistan Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Uz- gion and reach progress in all areas,” energy, the technical field, pharma- imported food products worth more united efforts in bringing stability bekistan, sharing not only the border, said Niyazkhojaev. ceutics and agriculture are among than $400 million, which is 1.6 to Afghanistan, actions Niyazkho- but culture, history and spiritual val- The two countries are working most promising. In areas such as car times more compared to the same jaev believes should be completed ues, have enjoyed a dynamic partner- now to improve trade turnover. Dur- engineering, partnership has already period in 2017. Kazakh products ac- through political means. ship over the years, with the bilateral ing their meeting, Nazarbayev and shown positive results. count for 36 percent of this amount. “All have to sit at the table for ne- ties withstanding the test of time, Mirziyoyev noted the need to in- “We have a joint plant manufac- Nearly 50 percent of food products gotiations,” he added. said Uzbek ambassador to Kazakh- crease the figures and reach $5 bil- turing cars under the Ravon brand exported by Uzbekistan were meant He emphasised the recent confer- stan Saidikram Niyazkhojaev in an lion by 2020. and we will continue the work to in- for Kazakhstan,” he said. ence in the capital focusing on Af- interview with The Astana Times. The figure was estimated at $1.9 crease its capacity and produce new Kazakhstan’s involvement in dig- ghan women and seeking ways to The nations established diplomat- Uzbek ambassador to Kazakhstan billion from January-August and types that are in demand in Kazakh- itisation is of interest to Uzbekistan. provide more opportunities to em- ic relations in 1992. A year later, Uz- Saidikram Niyazkhojaev. this year the sides seek to bring it to stan,” he said. “Kazakhstan has vast experience power them as contributing to stabil- bekistan opened its embassy in Al- $3 billion. He also indicated a “comprehen- in economic digitisation and im- ity and peace. The goal, he said, is to maty, relocating to the capital earlier year of 2018 as the year of Uzbekistan “Yet, amidst the conditions of am- sive transport infrastructure” both plementing the Digital Kazakhstan turn the region into a “zone of peace, this year, and the Kazakh embassy in Kazakhstan and 2019 the year of biguous processes of global economy, in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan can programme. We are ready to coop- cooperation and security.” opened in Tashkent in 1996. Kazakhstan in Uzbekistan,” he added. escalation of trade wars and increas- help turn Central Asia into a trans- erate in introducing advanced digital Niyazkhojaev also noted a grow- Niyazkhojaev believes the two Mirziyoyev’s visit to the capital ing protectionism, for the key issues port and logistics hub. technologies in industry, agriculture, ing mutual interest among citizens countries managed to maintain and Kazakh President Nursultan of maintaining such a high dynamic, “We need to note that under the finance and public private partner- of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. “very old historic relations” and cul- Nazarbayev’s subsequent trip to we work to simplify customs proce- leadership of the Kazakh President, ship,” he added. “In [the first] half of this year, tivate stronger partnerships. Tashkent provided a “new impulse dures as much as possible and elimi- there is a unique transport network Ensuring peace and stability, how- 1.9 million Uzbek citizens visited “If we look at history, we all to bilateral ties” and their close bond nate any barriers and limits in trade, that allows transporting goods in a ever, is a priority. Kazakhstan and nearly one million lived in this region in what is now advanced cooperation to a “new lev- including technical obstacles. In this very short period of time. This dense “We highly appreciate and sup- from Kazakhstan visited Uzbeki- known as Central Asia and drank el of strategic partnership.” context, we try to use a full function- network of railroads and highways port Kazakhstan’s efforts in ensuring stan,” he said. water from one river. Spiritual val- “Such new dynamics in the con- ing free trade zone of CIS (Common- and their coordination will enable security and strengthening regional Tashkent also supported the recent ues, cultural closeness and customs text of bilateral ties created a new wealth of Independent States) nations developing our ties and attract other cooperation and in this context, we Kazakh initiative to introduce a sin- are intertwined in such a way that architectural landscape in the entire and form mutual markets,” he said. partners in the region,” he said. should note the big work of Ka- gle Central Asian visa in an effort to it becomes difficult to differentiate. Central Asia,” said the envoy. He believes the $5 billion objec- Kuryk port launched in 2017 and zakhstan as a non-permanent mem- bring more tourists to the region. The language culture and language Intensified cooperation between tive is not the ceiling, as the countries part of the Trans-Caspian Interna- ber of the United Nations Security “We are considering this issue. itself are very similar. We lived close Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also “have all resources to aim higher,” tional Transport route opens bigger Council. The Kazakh side has made We are currently promoting a Silk to each other, worked and raised our serves to rekindle regional bonds and feels developing joint projects prospects in the field. strides in ensuring stability in the Road brand together and devel- children and we have never had any that have been strained in the past by are central to reaching that goal. “We are also interested in it. An Central Asian region and beyond, oping joint tour packages in Ka- disagreements and this has been so an array of issues, including border “We are now considering open- Uzbek delegation led by the first including on the Syrian issue,” said zakhstan and Uzbekistan, so that until the present. We supported each matters, water management and se- ing enterprises on the territories deputy minister took part in the Niyazkhojaev. tourists coming to us can get fully other through difficult times in all curity. of the two countries, because our opening ceremony. We are inter- He noted the growing threat of in- acquainted with the history of our aspects,” he said. In March, heads of five Central economies are complementary. ested in accessing markets in Eu- ternational terrorism and youth radi- region, where the Silk Road once The ties grew stronger with Uzbek Asian countries gathered in the capi- We work to create such industries rope and Russia through the Kazakh calisation are of great concern. passed through Taraz, Turkestan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s first tal for a consultative meeting initi- that will produce products with transport network. All conditions “Terrorist structures possess signif- Shymkent, Tashkent, Bukhara and visit to Kazakhstan in March 2017 ated by Mirziyoyev and chaired by high added value that we can then are set for this. Similarly, Kazakh icant financial resources, advanced Samarkand,” he said. that coincided with the celebration of Nazarbayev, the first such regional supply to other countries. This can producers can supply their products information and technical tools and “One thing is to introduce it, but Nauryz, a common holiday marked meeting in almost a decade. meet demands of consumers both in to Afghanistan, Tajikistan and other have high mobility. They are also another is how it will be working. throughout the Turkic world. “He (Nazarbayev) supported the terms of prime cost and quality,” he countries close to Uzbekistan,” said conducting informational work and We need an infrastructure for that,” “Then, the leaders announced the suggestion of Uzbekistan to meet added. the diplomat. their relocation from the Middle East he added. Central Asian leaders emphasise Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan environmental protection at UN to create international trade population’s health, it was stated. The environmental conference, By Dilshat Zhussupova The case for international support supported by Kazakhstan, was part for remediating uranium mining of the annual general session, which ASTANA – Environmental con- legacy sites in Central Asia, which began Sept. 25 and will continue zone and checkpoint cerns were the topic of a conference lie along the Syr Darya River tribu- until Oct. 1. Uzbekistan include wheat prod- region. The zone will foster fa- Sept. 28 in New York on the side- taries, was highlighted at the confer- Environmental concerns were By Dilshat Zhussupova ucts, semi-finished products from vourable conditions for develop- lines of the 73rd UN General As- ence. also raised by other Central Asian unalloyed steel and iron, zinc ing tourism, production and con- sembly session. “The international community countries at an earlier general as- ASTANA – Kazakh President concentrates and unprocessed alu- struction. The session was part of the an- must support Central Asia in the sembly session. At the Sept. 25 UN Nursultan Nazarbayev called for minum. Exports were $1.3 billion “There is a need to strengthen nual gathering of world leaders and task to protect its people and the General Assembly session, Kyrgyz cooperation with Uzbekistan to in 2017, a 35-percent increase the financial stability of the re- decision-makers each September at environment from the threat posed President Sooronbay Jeenbekov create a Central Asian interna- gion. The region’s economic base the United Nations New York head- by abandoned uranium mines. We noted the importance of water man- tional trade zone and a Turke- has decreased due to the removal quarters to set the agenda for the up- are looking forward to welcoming agement to his country. stan checkpoint during a Sept. Bilateral trade of Shymkent from its compo- coming year. many countries and organisations to “For the Kyrgyz Republic, the 29 meeting on the region’s socio- sition. Today, the region itself Among the topics at the confer- London Nov. 8, helping to close the issue of water use is extremely im- economic development, reported turnover was $2 provides only 20 percent of the ence, People and Planet: Central funding gap to achieve remediation portant… The practice of the last the Akorda press service. billion in 2017, 31.2 budget needs. Our main task is Asia Calls for International Solidar- to good international standards,” decades of using water and energy “This will give the impetus for to find new reserves for growth ity, was mitigating the damage from said the EBRD External Relations resources in Central Asia shows the the development of the Turkestan percent higher than and sources of revenue for the re- Soviet-era uranium mining and han- and Partnerships Managing Direc- need to develop new approaches. region’s economy and the entire gion’s treasury,” he said. dling. tor Alan Rousso. We are convinced that the integrated country. We now have the op- in 2016, and turnover The President called on busi- Central Asia was an important The conference also noted the En- use of water and energy resources in portunity to increase trade with further increased nesspeople and heads of national source of uranium in the Soviet vironmental Remediation Account the region should be determined by Uzbekistan by 2020 to $5 billion and quasi-public sector compa- Union, and the accumulated ra- for Central Asia (ERA), which has a system of measures aimed at the per annum,” he said, after which by 52 percent from nies to take a proactive role in dioactively contaminated material collected $19.7 million in contribu- sustainable development of all the he signed decrees approving the the region’s development. His threatens the environment and the tions. Central Asian states,” he said. initiatives on the region’s devel- January-June. directions included building new opment plan and the establish- tourism infrastructure and social ment of a special economic zone compared to the previous year. facilities and reconstructing trans- “Each Central Asian state will (SEZ). Bilateral trade turnover was portation links. operate one satellite and have the Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are $2 billion in 2017, 31.2 percent One such initiative is the Trans- ability to receive data from all five among Central Asia’s major trad- higher than in 2016, and turnover Caspian International Transport Astana, Tashkent strengthen satellites,” said Syrlanov. “This will ing partners. Throughout their further increased by 52 percent Route Association, reported the allow each of us to receive pictures 25 years of cooperation, the two from January-June. Further con- Kazakhstan Temir Zholy press and up-to-date information at a high countries have established a solid certed efforts to ensure continued service. The organisation will co- speed every day.” legal basis for trade, consisting growth from the current $3 billion ordinate the activities of the rail- satellite, strategy cooperation Additional ideas and propos- of more than 60 documents and to $5 billion by 2020 will be un- way and port administrators and close neighbours and time-tested als were voiced during the plenary covering almost all areas of eco- dertaken in the near future. operators along the route through By Dilshat Zhussupova partners. Our countries have always sessions and council meeting in an nomic cooperation. Their 2016 Following reports by First Dep- Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, had friendly and constructive rela- effort to deepen the partnership be- agreement laid out trade plans for uty Prime Minister Askar Mamin Romania and Ukraine. Kazakh- ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Uz- tions. The history of our peoples is tween the two leading think tanks oil, electrical, engineering, phar- and Turkestan region Akim (Gov- stan is inviting Uzbekistan to take bekistan announced plans to create one, cultural and religious values and strengthen Kazakh, Uzbek and maceutical and agro-industrial ernor) Zhanseit Tuymebayev, part in the association and more a joint communications satellite are common, and traditions and Central Asian cooperation. products. Nazarbayev emphasised the ur- broadly develop the Trans-Caspi- serving the Central Asian states at a customs are similar,” added institute At the first plenary session, experts Kazakhstan’s main exports to gency of creating a SEZ in the an corridor. Sept. 21 international conference in director Vladimir Norov of Uzbeki- discussed economic measures of bi- the capital. The Kazakhstan Institute stan. lateral cooperation. They touched on for Strategic Studies (KazISS) and In particular, Kazakh-Uzbek co- prospects of trade, economic, hori- Uzbek Institute for Strategic and operation strengthened following zontal and cross-border cooperation, Interregional Studies also signed President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s institutionalising regional coopera- an updated memorandum of under- visit to Uzbekistan in 2017, which tion projects, the role and position- standing at the inaugural meeting of included signing an intergovern- ing of the two countries in the new Caspian states to host biennial the Kazakh-Uzbek expert council. mental agreement on military-tech- international division of labour and The conference “Partnership nical cooperation. various international transport and prospects between Kazakhstan and The joint communications satel- communication projects. Uzbekistan in the new geopolitical lite will serve both countries, as well At the second plenary session on sea-related investment forum and geo-economic conditions” was as others in the region. Uzbekistan the historical and cultural basis for By Malika Orazgaliyeva zakh Ministry of Investment and zakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. organised by KazISS, the Uzbek in- currently relies on satellite com- cooperation, the experts discussed Development, the Atyrau region “The common goals of the Cas- stitute and the Friedrich Ebert Stif- munication services from foreign the cultural code of neighbouring ASTANA — Representatives of administration and the Astana In- pian states should be the balanced tung office in the capital. nations, said Kazakh Ministry of nations, migration, religion, the two Caspian region governments, in- ternational Science Complex. use of the Caspian Sea, including In her opening speech, KazISS Defence and Aerospace Industry countries’ modernisation processes ternational organisations and inde- Conference participants also its mineral and living resources, director Zarema Shaukenova noted department for international mili- and the policy of openness. pendent experts agreed Sept. 28 in discussed regional development, the development of transport and Kazakh-Uzbek cooperation is based tary-technical cooperation director The council meeting involved a Astana to organise a Caspian Sea interstate and interregional coop- transit potential, the maintenance on a common historical past, lin- Aslanbek Syrlanov. dialogue on the role of expertise and investment forum every two years eration, security, environmental of security and stability in the re- guistic and territorial proximity, Regarding broader Central Asian analysis in development strategies, in a Caspian city. protection and sea management. gion, as well as the solution of all strategic partnership and trust, all cooperation, Kazakhstan proposed education and science infrastruc- The announcement followed The conference was a continua- emerging issues in the traditions of of which contribute to the parties’ creating five satellites for Earth re- ture, the knowledge economy and a one-day conference titled, The tion of the issues discussed during peace, good-neighbourliness and confidence and optimism in their mote sensing, which would be able the role of Kazakhstan and Uzbeki- Caspian Sea in the 21st Century: an August summit in Aktau attended friendly relations,” Kazakh Dep- relations. to photograph objects up to five me- stan in sustainable development in Cooperation and Security. The by the leaders of the five Caspian uty Foreign Minister Roman Vas- “Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are tres. Central Asia. conference was hosted by the Ka- littoral states – Azerbaijan, Iran, Ka- silenko told the gathering. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Police officer puts his life at stake Astana Art show calls for a return Astana Pro Team sweeps through to rescue others B2 to creativity and expression B3 Tour of Almaty 2018 B7 Podcaster fosters personal development Kazakh, European artists through honest conversations transcribe energy of sacred sites in contemporary art which displayed the works of six By Assel Satubaldina artists from Poland, Kazakhstan and Switzerland who spent several ASTANA – The Ghost Expedi- weeks travelling the sacred places tion, organised by the European of the Mangistau region, among the Union Delegation to Kazakhstan, most picturesque and breathtaking Swiss Embassy and TSE Gallery, parts of the country. Gregor Vogel is the final exhibit in a series of (Switzerland), Grzegorz Demczuk similar events as part of the Astana and Marek Mardosewicz (Poland) Art Show. The display will run and Nazira Karimova, Anvar Mus- through Oct. 26. repov and Arman Sein (Kazakh- It follows the recently-ended stan) were featured. European Residence Project, Continued on Page B3

cast that would have helped him ern times has no gender – it is a ing business failure, exercising Minister reports By Dilshat Zhussupova during hard times at school and in guy or a girl who knows what he or civil disobedience and facing the his career and personal relation- she wants and does not betray his consequences. These kinds of sto- ASTANA – “Find Your B – Find ships. He established a platform or her principles and dreams. This ries, in which we observe people’s your inner Batyr” podcast founder for what he hoped would be sin- batyr is a role model for a new strength and ability to face adver- on new tourism and presenter Kairzhan Albazarov cere communication among the generation and a future national sity, are fascinating to me. In this found himself deeply dissatis- generation growing up in a post- idea,” he writes on his website way, I am interested in a person’s fied, anxious and lost in his youth. Soviet time of uncertainty and www.findyourb.com. fate regardless of their name and Thinking something was wrong changing values, for whom decid- Among his interviewees are status.” development strategy with him, he distanced himself ing what truly mattered to them ordinary people who carried out A defining feature of Al- The map will feature the nation’s from understanding who he truly was particularly tricky. extraordinary transformations of bazarov’s presentation is his abil- By Assel Satubaldina major tourist sites. In choosing the was, but still did not receive the “Find Your B” could not be themselves and their lives. Guests ity to get guests to open up in a destinations, officials examined approval he desired from others. more aptly named. For Albazarov, such as Madi Mambetov, Moldir personal way, despite not being ac- ASTANA – Kazakh Minister the uniqueness of an object as a Relying on self-help books, men- rather than simply a courageous Mekenbayeva and Sayasat Nurbek quainted with them or having met of Culture and Sports Arystanbek “tourist magnet,” potential growth tors and professionals for his inner national hero of enormous physi- have defined success for -them in real life. Mukhamediuly reported the details in tourist flow and historic and cul- transformation, he was able to face cal strength, a 21st century batyr selves, often defying societal ex- “Perhaps committing to a struc- of a new inbound and outbound tural significance. adversity head on. (Kazakh warrior) is also an indi- pectations. Hailing from diverse ture and thoroughly preparing for tourism development strategy at a Tourist sites of national priority A petroleum engineer, Al- vidual of unwavering values and backgrounds, the common thread the interview helps. I also conduct Sept. 24 Majilis (lower house of the include Alakol Lake; Almaty re- bazarov completed his education principles. among them is that they are ready a background check, find whatever Parliament) meeting. They include gion mountain cluster; Balkhash at Kazakh-British Technical Uni- “Batyrs know their strengths and to speak openly on their joys and information is available online and developing a tourism map, estab- Lake; the Bayanauyl, Imantau versity and the French Institute of weaknesses; they are ready to say vulnerabilities. ask people around me so that I may lishing a tourism and hospitality and Shalkar areas; Burabai and Petroleum on a scholarship basis no and are not afraid to upset their “Initially, I wanted to interview establish an idea of the person, as university and enhancing access to Schuchinsk resort areas; Charyn and worked on oil and gas projects surroundings. They are ready to people with great achievements, well as the ‘gaps’ or what remains tourist sites, among other measures. Canyon; Mangistau beach; Turke- in Denmark, Kazakhstan and the laugh at themselves and share their but I have since lost interest in to be explored. My guess is that The government set the goal of stan and MICE (meetings, incen- United States. Despite flourishing pains and joys; they are sincere that approach because it has been people are more trusting when increasing the tourism share of the tives, conferences and exhibitions) by conventional measures of suc- and sensitive to others. Batyrs are done to the point of oversatura- they sense that I am prepared and country’s GDP from the current in the capital. cess, he felt his potential was not the masters of their lives and claim tion,” he said. “Recently, I spoke will not ask them the same old 1.3 percent to 8 percent by 2023. Continued on Page B2 fully realised. responsibility for their decisions. with a Kazakh from Mongolia questions,” he said. Albazarov chose to create a pod- Most importantly, a batyr of mod- who had a difficult fate, withstand- Continued on Page B2 Movie about kokpar premieres Astana basketball in Kazakhstan club presents new the USC School of Cinematic owner of the team expels Maksat kokpar games are represented in By Amir Khaidar Arts. And the film really turned for refusing to enter the field on an the movie. coach, players out to be very deep and strong, injured horse. “The idea of the film was born not only from abroad, but there ASTANA – The sports drama combining the actual problems Upon return to his home village, spontaneously. Many people have By Amir Khaidar are also local players. We hope “Time of the Stalwarts” about kok- of the society not only in Ka- Maksat learns that part of the land, long offered to produce a movie that they will perfectly fit into our par, the game practiced by several zakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, but against the wish of villagers, is about kokpar. We agreed that we ASTANA – The Astana basket- team,” said Askar Batalov, Astana Turkic peoples, premiered Sept. 20 also in the (Commonwealth of transferred to foreign investors for will perform all the stunts, with- ball team presented its new head sports franchise president. in theatres across Kazakhstan and Independent States) countries construction purposes. The only out computer animation, and we coach and players ahead of the Before the start of the sea- Kyrgyzstan. as a whole, and most impor- way to save his land is to raise will attract the best stuntmen. VTB United League season opener son Astana signed three Kazakh The screenwriter and director tantly, sincere transformation money by assembling a team and Our goal was to create the mod- on Oct. 7 against CSKA Moscow. players. Nikolai Bazhin, Askar of the film is Ruslan Akun from of the main character and the performing at the championship ern movie about the life of real “We are starting the new season Maidekin and Ruslan Aitkali Kyrgyzstan, known for the films people around him,” said the cup in kokpar. men. So the idea was born, and with a new coach, Emil Rajkovic will join the ranks of experi- “Salam,” “New York” and “Find- film producer Nurbek Ayba- The main cast consists of well- we started our work,” said Akun. from Macedonia. We invited new enced Rustam Yargali and Alek- ing Mother.” shev. known Kazakh actors Assylkhan The story of the film is univer- players; some of them are quite sander Zhigulin. “This is Ruslan Akun’s first In the film, Maksat, is a talent- Tolepov and Gulnaz Zholanova sal. As the director says, it is about famous and talented. They are Continued on Page B7 work of this magnitude af- ed kokpar player, the captain of and a Kyrgyz actor Emil Ese- emotions, loyalty to family, friend- ter finishing his Masters in the very strong Zhalyn team. Af- naliyev. The best horses of Kyr- ship, extolling unity, determina- Screenwriting and Directing at ter losing an important game, the gyzstan that participate in real tion and courage of the people. THINGS TO WATCH & PLACES TO GO ASTANA OPERA Oct. 12, 13, 14 at 7 p.m., The Barber of Seville, opera 6 p.m., 5 p.m. Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. Classical music concert Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. German musical romanticism, concert Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. TURKSOY youth chamber choir, concert Oct. 20, 21 at 6 p.m. Swan Lake, ballet Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. An evening of piano music, concert ASTANA BALLET Oct. 13, 14 at 6 p.m. Giselle, ballet ASTANA ARENA Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. Kazakhstan – Andorra, UEFA Nations League B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 Police officer Opera singer embraces creative puts his life at stake opportunities at home and abroad

By Dilshat Zhussupova

to rescue others ASTANA – Medet Chotabayev, one of Kazakhstan’s 100 New Faces, is an opera artist currently preparing for an Australian tour, where he will perform his most dif- ficult role on the Melbourne Opera House’s stage. Chotabayev studied at the Ac- cademia Internazionale di Canto in Pesaro, receiving the Beniamino Gigli International Singing Compe- tition diploma in 2008. He made his professional debut at Almaty’s Abay Opera House, becoming a leading soloist during the Astana Opera’s 2013-2014 season. He has fre- quently graced the stage in the roles of legendary characters Tolegen in “Kyz Zhibek,” Duca in “Rigoletto,” Nemorino in “L’elisir d’amore,” Rodolfo in “La Bohème,” Pinkerton

in “Madame Butterfly,” Cavarados- astanaopera.kz. Photo credit: si in “Tosca,” Lensky in “Eugene Medet Chotabayev (C). Onegin,” Rodolfo in “Luisa Miller” and Alfredo in “La Traviata.” strengthening cultural ties between on an entirely original story, a com- niques required by the demanding Yuri Khon His many awards include the Italy and Kazakhstan and promot- edy with no supernatural powers or role. He has previously performed 2009 Art of the 21st Century Inter- ing the Italian language. events. in English, French, Italian, Kazakh, I was] approaching, I shouted to national Competition’s grand prix in In Melbourne, Chotabayev will “I am flying to Australia in Oc- Russian and Spanish. By Aidana Yergaliyeva him not to panic, keep afloat and Finland, 2009 Glinka International perform Richard Wagner’s “Die tober,” said the singer. “I will stay Chotabayev expressed gratitude look at me. Suddenly, he became Singing Competition’s first prize Meistersinger von Nürnberg,” ap- there for about two months. I will for the creative opportunities he has ASTANA – Yuri Khon, the Ak- calm and began to draw down fast. and Best Tenor award in Moscow, pearing Nov. 13, 17, 19 and 22. The be rehearsing for the first month been offered since becoming part of tobe region’s senior inspector for I crawled closer, broke the ice and 2010 International Opera Competi- opera is one of the longest com- and performances will begin in the the 100 New Faces project. the local environmental police ser- grabbed him by the jacket and then tion’s third prize in Paris and 2013 monly presented, usually running second month. Rehearsals will be “I am very glad that people be- vice, was short-listed among the slowly crawling back, pulled him Arena di Verona Concorso Interna- approximately four and a half hours. held at the Sydney Opera House, lieve in me and that my work is nation’s 100 new faces for saving out… The next day, Askhat (the zionale di Canto’s first prize in Ve- The story, set in mid-16th cen- whereas the performance will take appreciated,” he said. “I think that human lives while risking his own. saved man) called me and said rona. tury Nuremberg, centres on the place in Melbourne.” such projects are necessary. They “I consider my biggest achieve- briefly ‘Thank you, brother! You The artist received the prestigious city’s association of amateur poets As the character of David, he will open the door for our youth, open- ments in life to be saving people. I saved my life!’ After these words, award and title Knight of the Or- and musicians. It is unique as the sing in German and intends to pay ing the door to the future and our saved people from fire, water and I had a sense of fulfilled duty,” said der of the Star of Italy in March for only mature Wagner opera based special attention to the specific tech- country.” sands. The gratitude of the saved Khon. gives you a special spirit and fur- Upon being named as one of the ther motivation to work,” he said. 100 New Faces, Khon noted he had Khon’s moral duty is also his no idea his candidacy was being professional one and his heroic, considered and never wished for decisive actions at critical mo- acknowledgement. Yet he found Doctors develop tool to alleviate ments is worthy of respect and the recognition of his deeds very praise. His story of rescuing three motivating for being a role model men in one day brought him to the for his colleagues and youth. attention of the 100 New Faces “I received a lot of inspiration brittle bone disease pain programme. from personal acquaintance with According to him, surgeries are On a seemingly usual winter day, people of different professions, Staff Report often painful procedures for chil- Khon and his colleague Alexander destinies and worldviews,” said dren and may lead to new injuries. Bakshanov were on duty along the Khon, upon becoming acquainted ASTANA – Kazakh doctors Ilek River when they noticed two with the other winners. “Once Furthermore, as a child grows, a men swimming in an ice hole and again, I was convinced that the have developed a tool to signifi- usual metal rod requires replace- a third crossing the river on a patch well-being and mood of other peo- cantly relieve the discomfort of ment at least once a year for each of thin ice. ple, whom we don’t even know, children with osteogenesis imper- tubular bone. If the new instru- “We went to the swimmers to depend on our everyday and in- fecta (OI), also known as brittle ment is used instead, the number warn them that in this place, swim- visible work, even if it sometimes bone disease. of necessary operations may be ming is prohibited according to the takes place in fairly extreme con- The condition is such that there significantly reduced to once every rules. Once we were going back ditions. Can this not please and is no cure and affected individuals two to three years. to the shore, one of them slipped, stimulate the development of the experience only temporary relief. Satzhanov, along with the Asta- hitting his head against the edge person himself?” “This condition is an extremely na Medical University professors of the ice hole and falling into the Khon was born in 1972 in rare genetic disease, which is in- Vasily Lozovoy and Roza Kara- water. Quickly reacting, we pulled Karazhal, a small town in the herited and characterised by bone bekova and the National Scien- him out of the water and led him Karagandy region, where he was fragility,” said the Zhambyl re- tific Center for Maternal and Child towards our car,” said Khon. raised to be a patriot of his coun- gion’s children’s hospital physi- The third man, spotted approxi- try and a hardworking and hon- cian Azat Satzhanov. Health physician Bolat Nagyman- mately 200 metres away, also fell est man. Initially, he wanted to In Kazakhstan, there are rela- ov began developing the instru- through the ice. As he tried to es- become a doctor, entering Tomsk tively few bearers of OI, with ap- ment in 2016. Three out of four cape, the ice cracked. Medical School. Due to certain proximately 50 children affected. children with OI in the Zhambyl “I quickly ran in that direction, life circumstances, however, he Those affected nevertheless expe- carry out simple movements, such growth necessitates the frequent region have since received the but beneath my feet the ice began redirected his career path to guard as walking or sitting. replacement of rods. treatment. to crack, too. The closer I got, the the public order. He changed his rience tremendous pain. In addition to pain medication, “To address this problem, we The Polish company ChM, more I realised that I was about to occupation, but his motives to be “This is due to a violation of physical therapy and braces or developed and patented a modi- which manufactures implants and fall under the water. As a child, my helpful in society by saving lives the metabolism of collagen. It is father taught me that in such cases remained the same. caused by the process of gene mu- wheelchairs, surgery may be un- fied telescopic fixer for the femur, instruments for traumatology and you need to lie down on the ice and For 20 years, Khon has worked tation,” explained Satzhanov. dertaken as treatment, in which which consists of a rod, hub and orthopaedics, has expressed inter- stretch your arms and legs to re- on cases ranging from petty theft to A child with OI may suffer an metal rods are inserted into bones locking screws. Its shape resem- est in the innovation, and mass duce pressure. I did so and crawled special operations in drug traffick- average of 50-100 fractures per to strengthen them. Still, surgery is bles a retractable antenna,” said production is currently under con- closer to the drowning man. [As ing, risking his life to save others. year. Hence, many are afraid to only a temporary fix because bone the physician. sideration. Podcaster fosters personal development through honest conversations Continued from Page B1 channel, but since I reside in Den- included creating the name, con- rise in civil activism and a more mark, I don’t have the opportunity cept, music, design and website, knowledgeable and perceptive so- The presenter acknowledges that to meet my guests in person to do in addition to having to assume ciety, given that people would be finding his podcasting voice and so,” said Albazarov. “Podcasts al- the role of developer, which I was exposed to differing opinions from style is a work in progress. low me to create the illusion that ill-equipped to do as someone who their own.” “My struggle in deciding to my interviewee and I are having a was just a social media user. To Albazarov hopes listeners may start the podcast was that I was conversation in the same room. I this day, the biggest issue remains find themselves in the interview- not satisfied with my diction and also feel that, via podcasts, I can the lack of time. It is tricky to bal- ees’ stories. Fostering personal de- I remain unsatisfied. Due to hav- access a deeper sense of engage- ance family, work and podcasting, velopment, an inner freedom and ing a speech defect, particularly ment with my audience, which is but it is nevertheless manageable,” critical thinking through sincere that I rhotacise, I did not think often a more loyal and intimate he said. and honest conversations is his ul- that podcasting was a possibility. one.” Despite the demanding time timate objective, since these quali- Still, receiving positive feedback “When I met with podcast lis- commitments, he has produced 30 ties are often the foundations of has encouraged me despite this teners in Almaty, many mentioned episodes. a developed and democratic civil setback,” he said. that they used to think they were “The biggest obstacle for pod- society. His audience consists of 16-40 the only ones who felt they were casts is that people are not aware “If I had to decide on one mes- year-olds from Kazakhstan’s ma- out of their minds. Rather, there of what it is,” he said. “There are sage I would like to convey to lis- jor cities, many of whom studied are many of us and it’s comfort- over 100,000 plays of our epi- teners, it would be that only we, abroad and regularly consume ing that we are not alone in facing sodes, which was certainly unim- ourselves, get to define what suc- foreign media. What connects the these problems,” he added. aginable for me at the start. I re- cess means for us, what we want wide group of listeners is a rec- He professes that podcasting is main hopeful that ‘Find Your B’ for ourselves and how we want to ognition of a lack of sincerity and time-consuming. may expose people to podcasts, live,” he said. meaningful engagement in con- “From the moment I bought whether Kazakh or foreign. I be- One can listen to “Find Your temporary society. a microphone to the moment of lieve that if podcasts were to be- B” at www.findyourb.com or on “Perhaps if I lived in Kazakhstan releasing the first episode, six come mainstream in Kazakhstan, Apple Podcasts, Android, Google I would have created a YouTube Kairzhan Albazarov months had passed! This process we would observe a significant Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 Kazakh, European artists Astana Art show calls for a return transcribe energy of sacred to creativity and expression sites in contemporary art

after the Soviet Union and start century. [They already do auto- By Aidana Yergaliyeva of collectivisation, here came the mated tasks themselves,] instead collective thinking. [The ideology of developing themselves and go- ASTANA – An exhibition sup- was such that wanted] everyone ing to the theatres and growing in- ported by Kazakhstan’s national to think and act identically. This tellectually. This is a childish air- modernisation programme, Ru- way, we started to live with a syn- plane, a toy, but at the same time hani Zhangyru, featuring Kazakh drome. It can be observed in many it is the water flask that they hate and Central Asian contemporary places today. If you go to the con- from childhood,” he said. artists opened Sept. 22 at in Mosk- certs, everyone claps. Some of Sonata Raiymkulova, a young va Business Centre. them might understand why and artist from Kyrgyzstan, created The exhibition, named Reload, some of them don’t, but at the a black and white graphic work is the second part of a three-part time we all will clap as a mass,” on the wall next to the exhibi- series. The first part of the show, he said. tion entrance. The visual, also Metamorphosis, opened Septem- “Breakthrough,” an installa- named “Reload,” suggests we all ber 15. tion by Mansur Smagambetov, need to be released from the big looks like big toy airplanes, but information flow caused by social

Photo credit: kipyat.com. Photo credit: “I like this project very much, because it smells with the spirit of uses metal water bottles as the networks and news clogging our Continued from Page B1 “In Almaty, I saw several con- sand brought from a sacred place freedom and youth,” said art critic bodies. The artist speaks of time brains with unnecessary informa- temporary art exhibitions which I in the Mangistau region. In my Valeriya Ibrayeva. being stolen from 21st-century tion each day, said the author. The Mangistau region, in the rated at a very high level. I was installation, the water was taken The three-part exhibition se- children. Ghost Expedition, the last ex- western part of Kazakhstan on also at the opening of an exhibi- from a holy spring in the Beket ries includes discussions, public “Now, we don’t pay attention hibit opening Sept. 26 at TSE Art the shores of the Caspian Sea, is tion here at the TSE Gallery. Dur- Ata underground mosque. We lectures by historians and phi- that today there are a big number Destination, presented works by home to numerous historic tour- ing the expedition, Kazakh artists wanted our audience not only losophers and artist-guided ex- of people who live in the private European and Kazakh artists in- ist and pilgrimage sites, including showed me plenty of video per- to perceive the works visually, cursions, workshops and master sector and lack the benefits of spired by sacred sites in the Man- Beket Ata mosque. Its namesake, formances and video art which I but also to feel the energy,” he classes. civilisation in Kazakh villages, gistau region. who lived in the second half of the highly valued. It is very similar added. The Reload exhibit also intro- towns and even in Astana. They The exhibit, with artwork that 18th century, is revered by Mus- and at the same time very different The project joins the celebra- duced new exhibit formats. A [children] carry water and spend makes bold statements and calls lims as one of the greatest reli- from the ones I know in Europe or tions of 25 years of diplomatic woman tied to and circling a col- a lot of time for something that for social change, will continue gious educators and spiritual Sufi the United States,” he said. relations between Kazakhstan and umn and a crowd wearing white humankind overstepped in the last through Oct. 20. teachers famous throughout the Musrepov, who is also the pro- the European Union and is yet cloaks and clapping without a Turkic world. ject curator, said the group had another area of dynamic bilateral word or smile distinguish Reload The artists also travelled to the come a long way. ties, said EU Delegation to Ka- from the exhibitions people typi- famous singing sand dunes on the “Our goal was to identify a cer- zakhstan head Sven-Olov Carls- cally see. While both looked dif- right bank of the Ili River in Altyn tain frequency that resonates with son. ferent than pieces at other art ex- Emel National Park, not far from sacred places and thanks to tech- “We have been working to- hibitions, they delivered important Almaty. nology and new media in art, try gether with our colleagues in the messages, save those involved. The trip lasted nearly two to connect to some kind of spirit relevant regions and the Swiss The latter, Karynbai State Farm weeks, said Mardosewicz, who and guardian of those places. We Embassy for some time and it is Syndrome, is the idea of Syrlybek presented three videos. are not looking at magic as some a kind of innovative approach to Bekbotayev, who performed with “We had two weeks to work on kind of medieval century concept; combine resources and to work the throng. According to the artist, our works, our videos and art af- rather, we look at it as a contem- together to promote art and new it is a call for everyone to have his terwards. All of my works which porary knowledge not yet acces- trends and obviously also as a or her opinion and individuality. I present here are shaped by the sible to us, beyond the horizons of kind of a wider inspiration that “(Before the Soviet Union), experience which I got during the our understanding,” he said. we think is also a good and inno- Kazakhs were more individual- expedition and all of them are my In their works, the artists sought vative example of the possibilities ist and could say more things, not freshest works,” he told The Asta- to replicate the atmosphere of the of cooperation between Europe with direct text but through music, na Times. places they visited. and Kazakhstan which we did not aitys (a contest centred on impro- The trip is his first to Kazakh- “What you see here is not sim- discover until now,” he told The vised oral poetry) and zhyr (folk stan and Central Asia. ply a decoration; for instance, Astana Times. musical story-telling). But right Artwork by Sonata Raiymkulova. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 President visits Shymkent, Atameken launches urges increased development contract designer as city of national significance service for SMEs es provided 2,700 online services By Zhanna Shayakhmetova for entrepreneurs in 68 support ar- eas. ASTANA – The Atameken Na- NCE also developed a personal tional Chamber of Entrepreneurs account for entrepreneurs offer- (NCE), in cooperation with Best- ing 46 online public services. The Profi, launched a contract designer Atameken Services, Damu Nation- online service on Oct. 1, reported al Companies and KazAgro plat- the organisation’s press service. forms will be integrated by the end The business protection initiative, of the year. which provides well-written busi- The support service for farmers ness contracts for small and medi- was launched as a pilot project in um-sized enterprises (SMEs), con- Aktobe region, which allows them tains 100 legal contract templates to consult with local and foreign to create documents according to veterinarians. entrepreneurs’ needs. NCE intends to implement auto- “The online service contains 500 mated scoring systems for prompt ready-made consultations from loan provision through a special practicing experts in the field of website or app. An entrepreneur civil, labour, criminal law and ac- will receive a preliminary decision counting. In addition, 10,000 re- on loans within 10 minutes after sponses from government agencies submitting the necessary docu- on business issues are also available ments. on the website,” noted the release. The Atameken Academy online According to the developers, en- educational programmes will offer trepreneurs can combine variable the basics of entrepreneurship at blocks and design documents to fit their needs. They will be required to all levels. Nearly 44,000 individu- register on the website and connect als are expected to participate. The to business free tariff protection. Business School, School of Young Entrepreneurs, Business Connec- Photo credit: kazpravda.kz. Photo credit: “It offers an employment con- tract template with a foreign em- tions, Bastau and other projects will “Becoming the third metropolis officials to boost tourism and in- “We are producing buses that ployee, acts of work performed, a be available to users in an open for- By Assel Satubaldina in the country with a population ternational outreach by hosting use gas as fuel. We need to in- rental agreement for a kiosk or a mat. exceeding one million, Shymkent international events. crease the volume of production. canteen, a contract for the provi- The Aman small business infor- ASTANA – Kazakh President should change its development Nazarbayev also visited the This will stimulate national econ- sion of one-time services and other mation system allows automating Nursultan Nazarbayev visited model, similar to what Astana and Shymkent oil processing plant. omy and diminish the harm to documents,” said an NCE repre- all small enterprise accounting pro- businesses, public service facili- Almaty have done before. Sev- The plant was built in 1985 and is the environment. Gasification of sentative. cesses, as well as providing reliable ties and met with local admin- eral projects with big prospects one of the country’s three leading transport is beneficial for owners The agreements consider pos- and operational business analytics. istration officials during a Sept. are ongoing in the city and many and newest oil processing plants. as well,” he said. sible risks and provide legal pro- A geo-information interactive 28-29 visit to Shymkent city in more are planned. Therefore, we It produces nearly 30 percent of Nazarbayev was also briefed tection mechanisms to minimise portal based on screening and re- southern Kazakhstan. need to address ways to develop the country’s petroleum products during his visit on efforts by Shy- potential losses. Each document gional maps is also among NCE’s In June, Nazarbayev declared Shymkent and determine the and complies with K-4 and K-5 mkent city public service facili- contains a clause that entrepreneurs important directions. The map pro- Shymkent the country’s third city strategy,” said Nazarbayev. “The environmental standards. ties to digitise their services. will be able to use in resolving dis- vides the number of enterprises and of national significance alongside new strategy will be designed to He was also briefed on the “Shymkent is turning into a putes through the Atameken Arbi- information on industrial enterprise Almaty and Astana. The declara- develop a large industrial, inno- country’s two other major oil huge metropolis. New projects tration Centre, which significantly certification, ensures a trade bal- tion is part of an effort to make vation, tourism, trade and logistic processing plants, in Atyrau and are being implemented here. saves financial and time costs. ance between regions and solves Astana, Almaty, Shymkent as centre.” Pavlodar. The hard work of the people in As of Sept. 11, Atameken Servic- infrastructure and logistics issues. well as Aktobe in the west eco- He added that the city should Following the visits, Naz- Shymkent is key to successful nomic growth centres. become a “powerful economic arbayev said Kazakhstan must development of the city. The The President said during his centre of Central Asia, large and focus on the production of envi- most important area of work is visit the declaration requires Shy- attractive metropolis with com- ronmentally friendly fuel, includ- small and medium businesses. mkent to rethink its economic and fortable living conditions.” ing in its public transportation We need to support them,” said development strategy. The President also urged local systems. Nazarbayev. Almaty police call centre doubles personnel control,” said Centre Operator Ye- Staff Report lena Moiseeva, as quoted by KTK Turkestan region introduces new salary TV channel. ASTANA – Almaty recently Changes at the service centre doubled the number of personnel also include salary increases and at its police service call centre to new equipment. system for civil service workers make it easier for residents to con- “The call centre is working in mining the value of the job are private sectors. The new payment “At the same time, as a result tact the police. the following way. If operators are Staff Report responsibility, autonomy, expe- system eliminates these prob- of 2.5-fold increase in salaries The operations centre of the not able to answer, then the call rience, specific knowledge and lems. This system is made up of for the Turkestan region agency Almaty Interior Department that is placed in a queue as an unan- ASTANA – The salaries of civ- work load. fixed pay and bonuses based on a department workers, the sal- employs 50 people has a goal to swered one. They will answer you il service workers in the Turke- Tursynbayev said such a sys- point factor scale. We studied the ary of a chief specialist grew process calls within two min- for sure, you just need to hang on stan region will be based on a tem produces quality civil ser- experience of the United States, from 90,000 tenge (US$246.94) utes. a call. If you drop the call and try new point-factor pay system that vices. Singapore and New Zealand. In to 210,000 tenge (US$576.19). “The most important thing is to dial again, then you could end calculates the value of job by a The workers will be eligible Kazakhstan, such method was Thirty-nine people submitted to understand that a person needs up last in the queue,” said Centre number of points assigned to it, for bonuses based on their over- introduced in several private and documents for the lowest vacan- help. Perhaps stop him or her at Director Andrei Kvashnin. said regional Department Head at all efficiency. quasi-public sectors,” he said. cy of department’s chief special- some point, ask questions so that The centre received more than the Agency for Civil Service and “Before, there was an inequal- The difference in central and ist. In general, the new system it takes less time to respond to the 373,000 calls within the last six Anti-Corruption Galym Tursyn- ity in terms of salaries for civil regional level salaries decreased primarily seeks to add to the in- call and so that the police would months, including 28,000 report- bayev. workers at the central and district from 70 percent to 10 percent, he ternal resources of state bodies,” arrive as soon as possible. So you ing crimes and 150,000 reporting Factors incorporated in deter- level as well as in national and added. added Tursynbayev. try to take the situation under your administrative violations. Kazakh confectionery boosts production funds, creating 45 new jobs. Pro- Fedorets. Cocoa beans and most duction of chocolate with various products suitable for its market. sanitary requirements of South By Yerbolat Uatkhanov ductivity is high enough to meet nuts are not produced in Eurasian fillings,” she added. “Now, we are undergoing cer- Korea and they are extremely the needs of the market at the Economic Union countries and Rakhat is meeting its plans this tification for compliance with the high,” said Fedorets. ASTANA – Rakhat Confec- moment. Then, we will move to the falling tenge rate is reflected year with 7-percent growth and a tionery, one of the leaders in the a new stage of our own strategy in the cost of production. At the good operating profit. The com- Kazakh market, is making its and next year we will please the same time, certain raw materials, pany has benefitted from South sweets even sweeter. The compa- consumer with new products re- particularly flour, are purchased Korea’s Lotte Group, a strategic ny has modernised its equipment leased according to international domestically. As flour is one of investor with vast experience in to increase production value and standards,” he noted. the country’s export products, the food sector. Its standards and product range without govern- On average, the plant currently however, the cost is still high. policies include preserving con- ment support. The enterprise has produces 250 tonnes per day and “But we have no great reasons fectionery production traditions developed and entered new for- the demand for chocolate prod- for pessimism. Of course, state in all markets. eign markets despite the national ucts is growing every year. While support would help us, because Rakhat exports its products to currency’s devaluation and raw the former facilities could not competition with Russian and nine countries, with Germany materials’ price increase. completely meet the needs, the Ukrainian manufacturers is very and Asian nations serving as im- The equipment, purchased new production line allows the tough. We do not need financial portant markets. The volume sent from Germany, allows Rakhat to factory to not only fill its orders, investments, but we need the cre- to Mongolia and Afghanistan is produce approximately 50 differ- but expand its range. The confec- ation of equal conditions for all increasing and the markets in the ent types of chocolate products, tioner plans to resume producing players. We will do everything to Caucasus are actively develop- said chairperson Konstantin Fe- porous chocolate and increase avoid raising prices for our prod- ing. In Azerbaijan, the company dorets. manufacturing chocolate with ucts,” he noted. manufactures products under the “About two billion tenge cherries, cranberries, almonds Adding items to the line will be brands of local partners. (US$5.5 million) was invested and peanuts. beneficial, said production man- South Korea has also expressed in the modernisation. I want to The present market situation is ager Marina Krestyanskaya. interest in Rakhat products. The emphasise that Rakhat does not not very favourable for the indus- “The launch of the new choco- partners conducted tastings and attract external financing and try in general due to import de- late and casting line will increase market research and selected works exclusively on its own pendence on currency rates, said the production and enable pro- nearly 20 caramel and chocolate kapital.kz. Photo credit: B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

sue,” he added. “Still, negotiating Food truck owners also face with the paid parking company Al- questions about taxes. maty Parking is an option and an “Every district has its own tax Street food industry has ample room existing practice, for example.” authorities,” said Vkusnyabus Additional obstacles, common owner Artyom Orlyansky. “How to many businesses, include fund- do we pay taxes if we move across ing and lack of experience among locations? Will documentation be for growth, says entrepreneur entrepreneurs. Having a good multiplied? I don’t know how this their mobility. In this way, they are product is only half the battle in is done on a legal basis for mobile By Dilshat Zhussupova useful for an entrepreneur when the street food industry. commerce. The tax authorities working in seasonal places such themselves do not know. There ASTANA – Hungry and obser- as ski resorts, near bodies of wa- is a need to solve this issue at the vant city residents may notice an ter or wherever else the gathering Enthusiasm for on- state level and to distinguish mo- increase in the number of ready-to- of people is seasonal. There is no the-go morning bile commerce as a separate type eat food and drink locales popping need to maintain the premises and of commercial activity.” up on Kazakh streets, reported crew all year round. The same ap- coffee, quick and easy At the Atameken National forbes.kz. plies to days of the week. On week- Chamber of Entrepreneurs, a York Food, Butcher’s Street, ends, food trucks work in places of lunchtime sandwiches group now oversees mobile com- Borough Cookhouse, Street Gour- rest and, on weekdays, near office and flavourful burgers merce development, instituting the met, The Bus Street, Vkusnya- buildings,” said Andrey Shentsov, Society for Standard Professionals’ bus, Buter Bro, Hochu Ponchiki, director of food truck production for dinner on a noisy requirements and a tax collection Zhadina Govyadina, OM NOM at Sputnik. process. According to the Almaty NOM, ELIKS, THE BURGER The company usually receives street continues to Akimat Entrepreneurship Admin- and MANAKISH are just a few of orders for ice cream trucks from grow, along with the istration, businesspersons are also the hot spots. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan and, obliged to wield a trade permit and

The global street food industry forbes.kz. Photo credit: to a lesser extent, Kazakhstan. industry’s potential in comply with the sanitary rules es- has boomed, with more than 2.5 “We either have a weak market tablished by the Kazakh Ministry billion people consuming ready- for convenience, to try ethnic chasing a vehicle is more afford- or there is little interest among or Kazakhstan. of Healthcare. to-eat food and drink sold by street cuisines or enjoy their food in a able for the average entrepreneur major obstacles for entrepreneurs As entrepreneurs and state au- vendors every day, according to more social setting. In looking at than investing in a café or res- to develop this kind of business,” “Designated food truck locations thorities overcome these hurdles a 2007 Food and Agriculture Or- those on the preparation side of the taurant, with a truck costing ap- he noted. are required,” said Shentsov. “In together, enthusiasm for on-the-go ganisation study. Such sellers have truck, street food industry insiders proximately seven million tenge He singled out several barriers deferring to experience overseas, morning coffee, quick and easy even received the highly-coveted explain why Kazakh entrepreneurs (US$19,273). With 60 mobile to the industry’s development in food trucks are located exclusively lunchtime sandwiches and flavour- Michelin star, a feat attributable to have pursued these businesses and commerce businesses in Almaty, Kazakhstan. on specified sites in Prague, Los ful burgers for dinner on a noisy their food innovation and ability to what challenges they face. there are also relatively few com- “There are no legal restrictions Angeles and Miami, for example. street continues to grow, along keep up with consumer demand. Upon first glance, a food truck petitors. [on where you may park and trade] In Abu Dhabi, an entire ‘bazaar of with the industry’s potential in Ka- Diners often opt for street food business appears quite viable. Pur- “The advantage of food trucks is and this remains an unresolved is- trucks’ has been established.” zakhstan. Kazakhstan to ban plastic, paper and Gov’t to allocate glass burying by 2019, construction nearly $763 million and food waste by 2021 to build 52 schools increase compared to 2016. To plastic, paper, cardboard and cling plastic, polyethylene, card- another will be in emergency situa- By Amir Khaidar improve the share of municipal glass burying. On Jan. 1, 2021, board, paper, glass and metal. By Assel Satubaldina tion,” she noted. solid waste recycling, the min- the ban on burying construction “In 2018, the ministry allo- “The funds in the national budget ASTANA – Kazakhstan will istry has introduced separate and food waste will come into cated 3.2 billion tenge (US$8.7 ASTANA – Kazakhstan will al- are meant to tackle problems in 11 be employing sustainable waste waste collection and stimulated force. million) to the EPR implemen- locate 280 billion tenge (US$762.8 schools. The question is still there for management to reduce environ- recycling through public-private According to the ministry, tation office, 30-40 percent to million) to build 52 schools across 53 schools. We have been raising that mental pollution and increase partnerships. The regulatory more than 130 enterprises in the the purchase and installation of the country, said Deputy Minister question, but given the budget, it can- the volume of recycling to 40 framework was adopted to en- country sort and process waste, containers, recycling points and of Education Bibigul Asylova dur- not solve the problems of all schools percent by 2030 and 50 percent hance the country’s waste man- producing more than 20 types of garbage trucks and the remain- ing the meeting of the commission today. I think the Parliament is con- by 2050, said Kazakh Minister agement. recycled products. ing 60-70 percent for collection, reviewing National Fund budget sidering the budget issue now and I of Energy Kanat Bozumbayev at The ministry introduced The Astana akimat (adminis- transportation and recycling. Not spending on the Nurly Zhol infra- believe some amount will eventually an Oct. 2 cabinet meeting. amendments to the waste man- tration) together with the EPR all regions use this financial op- structure development programme be allocated in the upcoming three- Every year, more than five mil- agement environmental code and implementation office launched portunity and akimats need to for 2015-2019. year budget plan,” she added. lion tonnes of solid waste go to extended producer responsibil- a pilot project this year to sepa- strengthen cooperation with the President Nursultan Nazarbayev The annual population growth, landfills throughout the country. ity (EPR) approach. Since 2016, rate solid waste and food waste EPR implementation office,” announced the programme in which exceeds 230,000, is putting Since the beginning of the year, the law has prohibited disposing collecting, processing and recy- said Bozumbayev. 2014 as a way to boost the coun- pressure on social facilities, including Kazakhs have generated 3.2 mil- mercury-containing lamps, scrap cling. The accumulated experi- He urged regional administra- try’s development and augment its schools. The growth is specifically lion tonnes of municipal solid metal, waste oils and liquids, ence will then be transferred to tions to assist businesses in re- economic growth. Improving the seen in Almaty, Shymkent and the waste. Approximately 330,000 batteries and electronic waste other regions of the country. solving issues regarding land lot education infrastructure across the Almaty and Turkestan regions. tonnes, or 10.5 percent, was re- into landfills. A similar law will Since 2017, the EPR approach registration for waste containers country’s nearly 7,500 schools is “For example, more than 80,000 cycled and disposed, a twofold come into effect in 2019 banning has financed collecting and recy- and recycling points. among the areas stipulated. people moved to Astana alone and Construction has started on the 17,000 of them are children. We need schools that will welcome students at least 15 schools to open in Astana from 64 three-shift schools and 16 every year to meet this [population those that require immediate repair growth],” said Asylova. works. The budget planning process Turkestan region governor reviews “If we look at the national educa- should allocate sufficient funds, she tion data base for 2015-2017, there noted. “Every year, there is a school were 204 schools working on three that needs to be improved. In big cit- shifts and 105 requiring repairs. ies, particularly, there is a shortage public services and greenhouse farms Over three years, we built 109 of schools. The question will always one of 203 kindergartens in the for patients with acutely impaired bles in its greenhouse complex. schools [to decrease the load from be there. This means that at least 100 By Aidana Yergaliyeva district, is outfitted with modern cerebral circulation. Now, we can Zhabaiy Ata, which employs 75 three-shift schools] and 78 schools schools should be built nationwide equipment and provides permanent prevent brain haemorrhages in pa- people, planted 1.8 billion tenge replacing those in need of repair. every year,” she added. ASTANA – Opening a kin- employment for 60 staff members. tients, perform operations, check (US$4.84 million) in tomatoes Currently, the work is underway The National Fund approved 145 dergarten for 450 students and a “Since the beginning of 2007, insulin and determine everything and cucumbers on 15 hectares. to build 41 schools for three-shift billion tenge (US$395 million) from computerised tomographic cen- we have been working in this here,” said Saryagash district hos- “Before, greenhouses with schools and 11 for emergency ones. 2015-2019 to build 156 schools and tre, as well as a notable increase direction under the special presi- pital head physician Bakyt Myr- high technology were only used Nearly 280 billion tenge [US$762.8 19 kindergartens as part of the Nurly in farms with greenhouses, have dential programme [called] Bal- zaliyev. abroad; now, there is one in Sar- million] was allocated for that pur- Zhol programme. Within three years, helped to develop the Turkestan apan. We plan to provide places The increasing numbers of yagash. About 50 percent of all pose from the National Fund and 108 schools and all the kindergartens region’s Saryagash district. Re- in kindergartens for 100 percent farms with greenhouses marks greenhouses in the region are national and local budgets,” she opened their doors, while construc- gional akim (governor) Zhanseit [of children] by 2020,” said Tu- another important development. concentrated in the area. In this said. tion of the remaining 48 schools Tuimebayev examined the new imebayev. The region currently has 5,114 regard, Saryagash can be an ex- Despite the efforts, overloaded was postponed to 2018. Twenty-five institutions and farms during an The state-of-the-art equipment agricultural units, 4,994 of which ample for others… Today, on schools and those in deteriorating opened earlier this year and the bal- Oct. 2 visit. in the tomographic centre allows are peasant farms and the balance, instructions of the President of condition remain a problem. ance are scheduled to welcome stu- Bes Zhuldyz kindergarten in the medical staff to detect brain- production cooperatives. Kazakhstan, various benefits are “There are many schools in Ka- dents by year’s end. Zhibek Zholy village was opened related circulatory diseases, inter- Tuimebayev visited Zhabaiy granted to peasant farms. As a re- zakhstan that were built in 1950s Five schools in Akmola, Aktobe, with a 1.1 billion tenge (US$2.99 nal organ tumours and disorders Ata farm in the Kaplanbek ru- sult, vegetables and fruits, which and 1960s. Most of them are in rural Astana and East Kazakhstan re- million) investment from an indi- and injured bones. ral area, which uses advanced used to be imported, are grown areas. There are schools in pre-emer- gions will be postponed until next vidual entrepreneur. The school, “We needed a diagnostic centre technology to cultivate vegeta- here,” said Tuimebayev. gency condition that in one year or year, said Asylova. New household appliance recycling, discount programme launched to promote energy-efficiency nounced at an Oct. 2 press confer- raise awareness about energy-effi- tended producer commitments) pick them up for free. The service can bought in partner shopping centres By Aidana Yergaliyeva ence in Astana. cient home appliances and encourage Assel Dangilova. be ordered through a call centre and Technodom and Mechta. The discount programme started an eco-friendly lifestyle in general. Last year, Operator ROP recycled by filling out a form on their website. The energy efficiency of an appli- ASTANA – The government Oct. 1 and will run until Dec. 1 of “As experience shows, not 2,000 tonnes of electric home appli- Operator ROP has also granted the ance is indicated by a ranking from G of Kazakhstan and the UNDP, in this year. many people are interested in re- ances. Yet, according to statistics, the part of the certificates to Technodom to A+++, with G being the least energy partnership with a few other local Those who join the programme cycling electric home equipment volume of electrical machinery be- and Mechta, so that people can get the efficient and A+++ the most efficient. companies, are offering residents can receive an additional discount correctly… They dispose of them ing disposed of improperly is close to same discount when buying a more According to Ramazan Zhampi- of Astana and Almaty the oppor- of 40,000 tenge (US$110.10) to in trash bins, absolutely not think- 135,000 tonnes, and its real volume eco-friendly refrigerator. isov, director of the UNDP’s Sustain- tunity to recycle their old house- 60,000 tenge (US$165.20) if they ing about their fate, though all of might be even greater. Operator ROP Partner companies have allocated able Development and Urbanisation hold appliances free of charge and buy an energy-efficient fridge from this waste with all its components understands that consumers find it around 33 million tenge (US$90,859) Department, the project will also get a 10 percent discount on a new Bosch Company, one of the pro- can be used as secondary mate- troublesome to transfer bulky machin- to the programme. The discounts are check that the actual energy-efficien- energy-efficient refrigerator, repre- gramme’s partners. rial,” said Executive Director of ery. Therefore, they will not only recy- given for energy efficient refrig- cy of the appliances matches that in- sentatives of the organisations an- The programme was launched to Operator ROP (principle of ex- cle old household appliances – they’ll erators of category A++ and A+++ dicated on their labels. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 Minister reports on new tourism development strategy Continued from Page B1 Majilis social and culture develop- tourism industry and work on param- ment committee chair Gulnar Iksano- eters of a new financial and economic “The work will be done to develop investment model. Investments are the infrastructure of these tourist plac- expected to be colossal; therefore, we es. This will require approximately “Tourism needs need to synchronise the flow of budg- 1.5 trillion tenge (US$4.1 billion), of et and investor finance,” she said. which 30 percent is from the national systematic measures Investors, whose investment budget and 70 percent is private in- for a pivotal change portfolio exceeds 4.9 billion tenge vestments,” said Mukhamediuly. (US$13.4 million), will be entitled to The plan is set at a high level, as the in its development tax preferences, including a ten-year ministry seeks to increase the num- exemption from corporate income ber of inbound and outbound tourists in Kazakhstan. We and land tax and eight-year exemp- from the current three million to 13 need a large scale tion from property tax. million visitors per year, create more Iksanova also stressed the need than 60,000 jobs and attract nearly $6 change in the way to reintroduce the open skies re- billion in investments with an added people think. Tourism gime first launched in the capital value of $6.5 billion per year. for EXPO 2017. In April, the gov- The government is also planning to should become a big ernment introduced a 72-hour-long establish the university in the capital visa-free transit regime for Chinese as a means of boosting the existing business idea and and Indian citizens that will last un- human resources and training high Kazakh hospitality a til the end of 2018. quality professionals in the field. “This regime is active in 119 “Tourism needs systematic meas- new global brand of states and 18 of them introduced ures for a pivotal change in its de- this regime unilaterally. We also velopment in Kazakhstan. We need Kazakhstan.” need to tackle visa support issues a large scale change in the way peo- and at the same time understand ple think. Tourism should become a va said 2018 has witnessed intensive that liberalisation of a visa regime big business idea and Kazakh hos- tourism development. will not immediately result in pitality a new global brand of Ka- “We need to adapt the existing crowds of foreign tourists coming zakhstan,” he added. mechanisms of state support in the to us,” she added. New expedition to revive ancient Khan Zholy Kazakhstan reveals Kara Zholy’ and ‘Abaidyn Kara The project was part of the Ru- ing landscape toponyms of the By Aidana Yergaliyeva Sozderi’ (Wisdom Words of Abai) hani Zhangyru (Modernisation Khan Zholy route. have survived to the present day of Kazakhstan’s Identity) pro- The scientists involved in the pro- ASTANA – Akmola region in people’s memory. If we take gramme, which has mentioned ject are from Kazakh history and major Turkestan cultural authorities, public activists and into account that the word ‘kara’ the need to connect all Kazakh research institutions such as History scholars recently revived the 18th in the Kazakh language can have sacral objects and monuments. of the State Institute, Sacred Ka- century Burabai-Ulytau-Turke- the meaning ‘sacred, ancient, big One of the main outcomes will zakhstan and the Military Histori- stan caravan route, often called and others’, the meaning of the be a scientific systematisation cal Museum of the Kazakh Armed sites renovation plan Khan Zholy with direct reference phrase ‘Abylaidy Kara Zholy’ is ‘a and mapping of sacred sites and Forces. even being present in Turkestan,” to Abylai Khan (Kazakh Khan well-known direct caravan path,’” monuments of historical herit- Local authorities believe the By Assel Satubaldina he added. of Middle Horde). The Abylai said International Kazakh-Turkish age. Akmola region, which possesses a The ministry plans to recreate Khannyn Kara Zholy expedi- University instructor Gaukhar Pi- Local authorities plan to organ- rich historical past, should become ASTANA – Azret Sultan, the Kultobe, one of the earliest set- tion, which passed through the rimbetova. ise scientific and practical confer- the foundational site for the resto- state historical and cultural reserve tlements in Turkestan located 700 Akmola, Karaganda, Kyzylorda The 13-person group included ences summing the results of the ration and propagation of cultural museum, and Khoja Ahmed Yas- metres from the Yassawi mauso- and Turkestan regions, was con- individuals from various back- expedition and publish articles heritage. They launched the pro- sawi mausoleum, both located in leum. ducted Sept. 14-24. grounds such as scholars, public and compilations. They also ex- ject on Abylai Khan Square near Turkestan, will undergo major ren- “We also intend to renovate and “Khan used this way in political figures, journalists and bloggers. pect to produce a documentary the Kokshe Mountain in the Bura- ovations, said Minister of Culture create a beautiful panoramic view and economic interests. In gen- The group drove approximately “Abylai Khannyn Kara Zholy” bai region Sept. 14 at the ceremo- and Sports Arystanbek Mukhame- of the Zhety Ata Kakpa territory eral, the concepts of ‘Abylaidyn 3,500 kilometres by car. and unique topographic map us- nial start of the expedition. diuly. He presented the plan Sept. with all adjoining historic build- 26 to President Nursultan Naz- ings dating to the 16th and 17th arbayev. centuries and central medieval The efforts are meant to boost line leading to the mausoleum,” he Turkestan’s tourism potential, said. which acquired new status of a re- The surrounding areas, includ- Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve plans to gional capital in June after Shym- ing the lake between the mauso- kent joined Almaty and the capital leum and the Zhety Ata Kakpa as a city of national significance. area, central street and Khilvet, In his Facebook statement, an underground mosque, will also attract more tourists, launches biodiversity Mukhamediuly said the govern- be renovated. Yassawi voluntarily ment invited leading international placed himself in Khilvet at 63, the experts and thoroughly studied age when the Prophet Muhammad world famous historic complexes died, where he spent the rest of his conservation school programme and museums in India, Israel, life praying and preaching. 2.5 million tenge (US$6,864) for ture Reserve. Located 160 kilome- reserve, Korgalzhyn was added to Spain, Turkey and the United Building greenery and improv- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova six months of this year. Some tres west of the capital, the reserve United Nations Educational, Sci- Kingdom similar to Azret Sultan. ing the landscape are also in the 142,000 people used the services. has 32 species of birds listed on the entific and Cultural Organisation’s The historic sites included Top- plan following the example of the ASTANA – More than 453 ex- The first ornithological centre in Red List of Threatened Species. (UNESCO) World Biosphere Re- kapi Palace. Once the political Suleimaniye complex in Istanbul. cursions and 2,500 tourists have our country began operating this According to the Ramsar Conven- serve Network in 2012. centre of the Ottoman Empire, it is “To recreate the energy and at- visited the Korgalzhyn Nature Re- year. At the same time, we or- tion, the Tengiz-Korgalzhyn lake The reserve is part of the global now one of the most popular land- mosphere of medieval life of that serve in the first nine months of the ganised cultural festivals, rafting system in the Akmola region was bird migration route. The wetland marks in Istanbul and among the period, a fortification wall located close to the main gates will be re- year, said Akmola Region tourism and sport fishing events at Lake added to the List of Wetlands of is a unique habitat for migratory world’s oldest museums that every constructed. An ancient eastern department head Daniyar Idiyatov Nura to attract tourists. The rich International Importance in 1976. birds in Kazakhstan and through- year attracts up to ten million visi- tors. medieval bath house dating to at the Oct. 3 regional communica- avifauna of the Korgalzhyn region Lake Tengiz is the only lake in the out the Eurasian continent. Turkestan is home to many his- the 16th century and working up tions service briefing. has all the possibilities to develop country on the Living Lakes inter- The ornithological centre toric and sacred sites that draw a until 1987 will return to its origi- The six hotels in Korgalzhyn vil- tourism. We are preparing the road national network, which unites the launched an environmental edu- significant number of visitors from nal form and appearance,” said lage can accommodate up to 100 map for 2019-2021 in this direc- world’s unique lakes. cation programme in September neighbouring countries and be- Mukhamediuly. people and a visitor centre has tion,” he said. The continental lakes were in- for students at the Korgalzhyn yond. With the measures in place, The project goals also include been operating in the region since This year marks the Korgalzhyn cluded in the list of the main or- Environmental Observatory. The officials expect to increase the fig- extending visitors’ stays in Turke- 2009. district’s 90th anniversary and 50th nithological territories in 2007. project was implemented as part “The services rendered totalled anniversary of the Korgalzhyn Na- As Kazakhstan’s first biosphere ure from the current one million to stan, he noted. At present, tourists of the U.S. Embassy Small Grants two million per year. usually remain for three hours and Programme as a mission to create Khoja Ahmed Yassawi mauso- the measures are meant to prolong conditions for bird watching in or- leum, which Mukhamediuly de- their trips to two days. nithological areas. scribed as “an undoubted source “We plan to build a multifunc- “Ornithological observations for spiritual revival,” is perhaps tional visitors’ centre. Based on will be conducted to develop an the most famous destination international practice, this is one author’s bird-watching methodol- among tourists. Built in the 14th of the most important pull factors ogy and to prepare three training century and part of the United Na- that provides tourists with all the programmes with different levels. tions Educational, Scientific and information about the place they The centre will be provided with Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) visit and provides the opportunity materials and equipment. The pro- World Heritage List since 2003, to study materials and special lit- gramme will be tested with a small the mausoleum attracts pilgrims erature, including audio and video group of schoolchildren. Based from Central Asia and beyond who guides,” he added. on the results of the project, we come to honour the outstanding As part of the effort, an interna- will develop proposals to include Sufi teacher for whom it is named. tional science and research library ornithological observations into “After studying international will also be built in the region. an environmental education pro- practices, we plan to expand the “Khoja Ahmed Yassawi was the gramme for the Kazakh Ministry potential of Azret Sultan complex first Turkic poet who wrote his of Education and Science. We will and rebuild the authentic image of works in the Oguz and Kipchak di- also promote project ideas through ancient greatness of the Silk Road alects, including the world famous the support of partners,” said Ko- era,” said Mukhamediuly. ‘Diwani Hikmet’ or what is known rgalzhyn environmental observa- The presentation featured a 3D as ‘Korani Turki.’ The museum tory director Kuralai Tuspekova. tour around Yassawi mausoleum has copies of valuable manuscripts The region annually hosts the and 12 sacred places throughout of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, as well flamingo national festival for bio- Kazakhstan, including Arystan as more than 3,000 unique historic diversity conservation with the Bab mausoleum, Beket Ata un- papers that are of tremendous sci- support of the Eurasian Group derground mosque, Korkyt Ata entific and research interest,” said Companies (ERG). Rest stops for memorial complex and Mashkhur Mukhamediuly. migratory birds providing food Zhusup Kopeev mausoleum. The plans also include con- and water have been restored and “Such a tour gives a unique op- structing a Turkic world museum animals and birds surveyed. The portunity to a tourist from any part and international Silk Road revival company also assisted in develop- of the world to immerse in authen- centre in a broader effort to boost ing a website and provided a mate- tic Kazakh culture and get to know the tourism potential of the city

Photo credit: Kor.bk.kz. Photo credit: rial and technical base. our unique holy places without and region. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 Astana Pro Team Astana basketball club sweeps through Tour presents new coach, players of Almaty 2018 trained for it and we will see what will happen tomorrow. I was very glad to find out that cycling is so popular in Almaty,” said Villella. The second stage win came as a team effort from Villella and Luis Leon Sanchez. The peloton caught the breakaway seven kilometres before the finish line and guarded by his teammate, Sanchez sprinted to victory.

Photo credit: tourofalmaty.kz. Photo credit: “I want to note the excellent teamwork. Davide and I worked By Amir Khaidar in tandem and we showed an ex- cellent result. I went on to attack ASTANA – Italian Davide Vil- right at the very end, because the lella won the fifth consecutive goal was to win. The climb to Tour of Almaty for Astana Pro Medeo was hard, but I live in An- Team. The two-day race, part of dorra, where there are also many the International Cycling Union high mountains. I’m off to race in Asia Tour, is the highest-ranking Italy soon, so Tour of Almaty was international cycling competition a good endurance test for me,” said in Central Asia. Sanchez. Introduced last year, the race Delio Fernandez Cruz came features two stages. The first is a in second and Villella in third to 182-kilometre race through the claim the overall victory. streets of Kazakhstan’s most-pop- Organisers are negotiating with ulous city; the second, a 160-kil- the Chinese Cycling Federation ometre mountainous race to the regarding the possibility of com- high-altitude Medeo ice rink. bining the Tour of Almaty with The first phase was dedicated the Tour of China, noted Kazakh to the memory of Kazakh cy- Cycling Federation President clist Andrei Kivilev, who died 15 Darkhan Kaletayev. years ago in an accident during the “We want to make a Tour of the Paris–Nice race. Shortly after the Silk Road. The start could be in Continued from Page B1 forward to working with Emil Ra- in the first match, we play against nounced that two more players will 150-kilometre mark, Villella at- Almaty and the finish in China. jkovic. He comes from a strong the strongest team in Europe, CSKA sign for Astana to complete the roster. tacked from the breakaway group It would be a big international In hopes of qualifying for the Yugoslav basketball background,” Moscow. I am sure that the players “Despite all the difficulties and and crossed the finish line 35 sec- cycling event. You know that all playoffs, Astana also signed said Valery Tikhonenko, Astana will do their best and show the char- budget cuts, we still want to go to onds ahead of Simon Pellaud and three of the most famous Grand Pierpaolo Ficara, who placed sec- Tours are held in Europe: the Tour Americans Geoffrey Groselle, J.J. basketball club general manager. acter and fighting spirit throughout the playoffs of the VTB United ond and third, respectively. de France, the Vuelta, and the O’Brien and Kenneth Horton. Before joining Astana, Rajkovic the season,” said Rajkovic. League. This is our main goal. In “Of course, I am very pleased to Giro d’Italia. We think that Asia “Grosselle, O’Brien and Horton had success coaching in Macedo- The head coach added that Astana addition to that, Astana is the base be here in Almaty and participate deserves to host the fourth Grand are the players we really count nia and Poland. had a productive training camp in club for the national team of Ka- in this race. In the second stage, Tour. Our goal is to make a big on. They must bring new blood to “We have a difficult calendar in Lithuania and the players are ready zakhstan, which is now fighting there will be a difficult climb clos- Asian tour and Tour of Almaty as our team. We have major changes the VTB United League, we start to put up a fight against tough op- for a chance to play in the World er to the finish line. I specifically its starting point,” he said. in the coaching staff and we look the season against strong teams, and ponents. The coaching staff also an- Cup in China,” added Tikhonenko. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 Social Good Summit explores technology’s role in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals world should change,” he told The Astana Times. Incorporating innovations in programmes and strategies is central to the UNDP work in Ka- zakhstan, he said. One example of innovation is a website it created to help farmers automate and inte- grate their activities. “Since last year’s Social Good Summit, we have been presenting an innovation that helps farmers find the best ways to solve their problems, how they use a web- site that connects actors who are involved in rural development, for example. This brings the so- lutions faster. Why? The farmer who wants to do a certain thing or certain activity through the use of technologies can learn faster what he or she needs, can learn faster about the technologies that are adaptable. Using technologies, they could predict the weather forecast which is very important for farming and this portal is going to integrate all of these parameters in one place,” he said. The SDGs, he noted, are divided Photo credit: UNDP Kazakhstan. UNDP Photo credit: into five P’s of Sustainable Devel- Partnership for Development,” fort to transform the country’s gramme (UNDP) space monitor- opmental issues and technological opment – people, partnership, pros- By Assel Satubaldina followed the SDG commitment to medicine and health sector. ing of drought mechanisms and progress. perity, peace and planet – and each “leave no one behind.” The agen- iKomek, the capital’s monitor- volunteer opportunities online. “The Social Good Summit is country needs to prioritise them. ASTANA – Astana hosted the da emphasised the importance of ing and operational response cen- The summit was held in Ka- a worldwide event organised by “Kazakhstan has prioritised Social Good Summit Sept. 21, partnerships in addressing devel- tre, was introduced by Talgat Bal- zakhstan for the sixth time. First the United Nations Development among all of these four main areas joining countries around the world opmental challenges. tabekov. He noted residents can organised in 2010 by Mashable, Programme in all its countries and in a number of these areas we to explore the role of technology Speakers shared their stories of report any problems in the city, the 92nd Street Y and the United and takes place around the Gen- already have been working with in achieving the United Nations how they try to make the world a housing or communal services by Nations Foundation in New York, eral Assembly, where the UN the UNDP. The UNDP primarily Sustainable Development Goals better place to live. dialling a single contact centre at it has grown into a global phe- member states are coming to dis- focuses here on the planet part – (SDGs). The summit is a world- Dmitry Tyo, a radiology and 109 or contacting via Facebook, nomenon with the UNDP and cuss the most important global environment, energy efficiency, wide event organised during the endovascular surgery department Telegram or the Smart Astana mo- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation issues. The Social Good Summit introducing renewables in the Ka- United Nations General Assembly doctor at a cardiology centre in bile app. In eight months, the cen- as partners. is a complement to that during zakh energy sector and also diver- Week in New York and uniting a Petropavlovsk, Russia, told the tre has received more than 461,000 UNDP Deputy Resident Rep- which not only heads of states sification of the Kazakh economy, global and diverse community of gathering about a cancer screening calls and requests. resentative in Kazakhstan Vitalie and ministers are discussing, but as well as promoting social devel- people in their effort to unlock the app that allows diagnosing cancer The examples also included ad- Vremis noted the world is witness- members of civil society, aca- opment. This all is under one im- power of technology in bringing at early stage. He is a co-founder vanced laboratories at Nazarbayev ing new technologies which are demia and the private sector are portant tagline – leaving no one the SDGs into reality. of the IT company NEP and also University with open access, not only changing the planet, but also gathering to say what both- behind and taking care of every- This year’s theme, “2030 Now: studies digital medicine in its ef- United Nations Development Pro- also exerting influence on devel- ers them and how they think the one,” he added. City administration to Astana to open world-class modernise transport system tourism and hospitality university ing world languages, said Vice The university should fill the Staff Report Minister of Culture and Sports Ye- gap in human resources, as it rlan Kozhagapanov. will target students from the ASTANA – The Kazakh gov- The university, as a part of the Central Asian region. The new- ernment is planning to open an tourism development programme ly-certified specialists will in- international tourism and hospi- through 2023, should supply high crease the number of those em- tality university in the capital, the level professionals that in the short ployed in the field from 400,000 first institution of its kind in Cen- term will significantly develop the to 650,000. tral Asia. The university should travel industry, noted Mukhamediuly. The ministry also expects to in- become one of the main driving It will provide world-class di- crease external tourist flow by 2.5 forces for Kazakh tourism growth, plomas using the best teaching million to approximately nine mil- said Minister of Culture and Sports practices of leading hospitality lion visitors and domestic tourists Arystanbek Mukhamediuly at a schools such as George Washing- from the current 4.6 million to 8 Sept. 24 Mazhilis (lower house of ton University, the Hong Kong million. Parliament) meeting. School of Hotel and Tourism Man- The state project should improve The ministry noted tourism in agement, Salzburg Institute of Ho- the tourism contribution to the ever-growing traffic congestion. repair 102 kilometres of old ones. the country is lagging due to a tel and Tourism Management and GDP from 1 to 8 percent by 2023. By Aidana Yergaliyeva To date, only 324,000 vehicles are By the end of 2018, it also plans to lack of a proper corporate culture certain educational institutions in Mukhamediuly also envisions Ka- registered of the 500,000 circulat- install 28 kilometres of roads and among the staff and, in particular, Switzerland and the United Arab zakhstan entering the list of the 30 ASTANA – Additional one-way ing in the capital. 86 warm bus stops. the shortage of tour guides speak- Emirates, he added. leading tourism countries. roads and congestion pricing will The number includes 82,000 decrease traffic jams in the capital, vehicles entering from cities and said a city akimat (administration) nearby villages each day. The representative at a Sept. 27 press capital has six entry roads from conference. Karaganda, Kokshetau, Kor- Traffic flow should accelerate galzhyn, Kosshy, Kostanai and by increasing the number of one- Pavlodar, with 17 percent of all way streets, which, according to vehicles (approximately 13,500) experts, is expected to improve the entering and leaving between 7 transport stream’s average speed a.m.–10 a.m. by 33 percent. “This is done in order to limit The city administration plans to those [drivers] who do not need to add one-way lanes with bus lanes go to work [early] or do not have to Akmeshit, Dostyk, Kunayev to go at peak times. They will plan and Turkestan streets, as well as their time correctly. [They will] ei- maintaining the current one-way ther drive later at 9 a.m., when they status on Abai Avenue and Kenes- will not incur financial expenses, sary Street. or they will use public transport Astana Light Rail Transit and will be able to reach their (LRT) will also introduce conges- destination without hindrance, be- tion pricing (congestion charges) cause no matter how many broad next year, special fees for cars roads we build, there will still be entering the city during the morn- congestion,” said Yeszhanov. ing and evening rush hours. Inter- Authorities identified the main peak periods will be free for all solution for decreasing traffic jams vehicles. Many big cities such as is encouraging people to use pub- London and Stockholm have used lic transport, yet they recognise this two-tiered system for more its poor service. They stressed the than 15 years to regulate traffic at situation should be tolerated un- the busiest times. til traditional bus conductors are “Research and deep analysis have replaced with ticket controllers, shown that the introduction of fee- which will not only catch freeload- paying entry allows increasing the ing passengers, but also check the average speed of transport by 15-20 time interval between buses and percent,” said Astana LRT Deputy their sanitary conditions. Chairperson Beibut Yeszhanov. In the last three years, the aki- The new charges are a neces- mat has overseen projects to build sary measure to address the city’s 110 kilometres of new roads and C CONGRESS OF RELIGIONS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 Congress of the Leaders of World Kazakh Supreme and Traditional Religions: Mufti: care for peace from idea to inclusive dialogue is moral, civic duty of every Muslim Each mosque also organises char- By Meruyert Abugaliyeva ity dinners during the holy month of Ramadan. Other initiatives ASTANA – Kazakhstan is home include contributing to building to more than 130 ethnic groups houses, purchasing apartments for and the nation’s prosperity is only the needy and preparing children possible when there is peace and for school. harmony, said Serikbay kazhy The Supreme Mufti, however, Oraz, Chairperson of the Spiritual also stressed the importance of Administration of Muslims of Ka- unity and friendly relations be- zakhstan (SAMK) and the Kazakh tween different nationalities and Supreme Mufti, in a recent inter- religions. view with The Astana Times. “Approximately 70 percent of “Surely, Islam is a religion of the population in Kazakhstan, a kindness and peace. There is one home for more than 120 nation- saying by Prophet Muhammad, alities of different religious views, ‘The Muslim ummah (communi- are Muslims. The religion, one of ty) is like one body: if one organ the main components of the na- complains, the rest of the body tion’s spiritual culture, which tra- develops a fever.’ Therefore, spe- ditionally highly valued nobility, cial attention is paid to helping the tolerance and hospitality, in my people around, especially those in opinion contributes to the stability need,” he said. and peace. Moreover, the prosper- SAMK, mosques and zeket ity of the country and its nation is (charity) funds actively partici- only possible when there is unity, pate in the country’s social life peace and harmony. At the same by providing families with many time, care for peace and contribut- children, the elderly, widows and ing to its preservation is a moral people with disabilities with ne- and civic duty of every Muslim,” Participants of the Fifth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. cessities such as food, clothes and he added. coal for heating in winter months. Continued on Page C3 The idea of convening the Con- tinues to face a protracted crisis about the place of religion and By Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gress was put forward in 2003 of moral values. Apparently in religious leaders in achieving the against the backdrop of emerging the 21st Century the concept of primary goals of the organisation: The Congress of the Leaders of crisis of the world order after the modernisation, which previously strengthening peace and security, World and Traditional Religions Cold War, unprecedented 9/11 ter- entailed total westernisation and promoting international coopera- is a unique interfaith forum, con- rorist attacks in the United States secularisation of societies, requires tion, ensuring sustainable develop- vened every three years in Astana and military operations in Afghan- deep reconsideration, with an em- ment of states, protecting human Orthodox Church at the initiative of President Nur- istan and Iraq. These events have phasis on respect for traditions of rights. sultan Nazarbayev. For 15 years, become consonant with a well- societies in different parts of the Thus, at the turn of the century this forum has played an important known hypothesis of Samuel Hun- world. It turns out that religion has there was a dangerous global situ- role in the rapprochement of cul- tington about the inevitable clash not lost its value in public and po- ation, directly affecting inter-reli- of Kazakhstan calls tures and civilisations, in searching of civilisations. There was a real litical life. Moreover, globalisation gious relations in the world. Ka- for answers to the key challenges threat that the theory of inter-civ- facilitates its revival. zakhstan with its multinational and of our time. “Religious Leaders for ilisational conflict would become But at the political level, the role multi-confessional society, com- a Safe World” is the main topic of a rapidly growing trend in modern of religion is often underestimated. plex geopolitical environment, had for interethnic, the Sixth Congress, which will be international relations. We needed Nowadays, even the UN Charter, not only to be involved, but also to held Oct. 10-11 in the capital of a decisive counter action. which is the legal basis of interna- take active steps. Kazakhstan. The human civilisation con- tional relations, is quite uncertain Continued on Page C2 interfaith harmony, moral education Evangelical Lutheran Archbishop: nine dioceses, 295 parishes, 295 By Zhanna Shayakhmetova places of worship, 91 Orthodox missionaries and the Almaty Or- ASTANA – To preserve Ka- thodox Spiritual Seminary. Religious harmony in Kazakhstan means zakhstan’s way, the unique model “Religious affiliation does not of interethnic and interdenomina- play a decisive role in the soci- tional harmony the country enjoys, ety. It is a positive factor in the it is crucial to strengthen traditions development of the religious situ- respecting our faith, respecting others’ of friendship and brotherly love ation. There’s no interest in re- to support single-parent fami- through social media; however, preached by traditional religions, ligious beliefs when it comes to By Meruyert Abugaliyeva lies and people with disabilities. it is more useful to see each oth- Gennadius, bishop of Kaskelen getting an education, providing When one young girl needed er in person. It is also great that and manager of affairs of the Rus- medical assistance, hiring and ASTANA – Yuri Novgorodov, medical treatment, two charity Kazakhstan once again acts as an sian Orthodox Church in Kazakh- other services. Religion should Archbishop of the Evangelical fairs and a concert were organ- initiator of a dialogue promoting stan told The Astana Times. not become an obstacle to pro- Lutheran Church in Kazakhstan ised by the church to raise mon- peace, mutual respect and secu- As of the first quarter of 2018, fessional and creative abilities or and representative of the World ey for her. rity,” he added. there were 327 religious asso- social activities. This is an essen- Lutheran Association, discussed “We do not provide assistance The Congress allows the lead- ciations of the Russian Orthodox tial achievement of our society, church activities, the role of the as a method to attract new mem- ers of religious communities to Church in the country. They in- which must be preserved in every Congress of Leaders of World bers to our community, we help convey thoughts and put forward clude the Metropolitan District possible way,” he said. and Traditional Religions and according to the needs and our suggestions to the world com- of the Russian Orthodox Church, Continued on Page C3 relations with the other confes- capabilities regardless of nation- munity and national leadership, sions in Kazakhstan with The ality or religious views,” he said. he believes. Astana Times. The church also pays special “On behalf of the World Lu- “The mission of the church is attention to the upbringing of the Archbishop of the Evangelical theran Association, I would like the proclamation of the Gospel; country’s youth. Lutheran Church Yuri Novgorodov to once more express gratitude in other words, spreading the “We have a lot of young peo- to Kazakh President Nursultan news about reconciliation with ple among our community mem- written record of our members, Nazarbayev, government institu- Archbishop of Astana: God, forgiveness and salvation. bers and our main aim is to help I believe there are approximately tions and religious communities People gather in temples to lis- the young become true citizens 70,000 people belonging to the for such an opportunity to regu- ten and pray together,” he said. of the country, people with Evangelical Lutheran Church in larly meet with the leaders of re- Among the other activities run good virtues, with clear moral Kazakhstan,” he added. ligious communities with a view Kazakhstan supports by the church is diaconal ser- guidelines and understanding of Novgorodov also praised the of making our lives better and vice; in other words, social ser- what is good and what is bad,” work of the Congress of Lead- more secure,” said Novgorodov. vice and charity work. Novgorodov explained. ers of World and Traditional Re- The bishop also noted that re- “For many years with the Ro- September 2017 marked one ligions and believes this year it ligious communities and confes- peace and harmony man Catholic Church, we were of most important milestones in will run as smoothly as ever. sions in Kazakhstan have formed running a project under the slogan the history of the Lutheran com- “I participated in the prepa- positive relations with each oth- ‘Every child should have a fam- munity in Kazakhstan. The first rations for and activities of the er. “We have formed good rela- ily,’ meant to help mothers who’d Evangelical Lutheran Church in first Congress in 2003 and have tions, based on mutual respect, at home and abroad recently delivered to keep their Kazakhstan for over than a two- been a member of the Congress with the other confessions. The The congress of religious leaders children. This entails not mere century presence of the commu- Secretariat since 2004. It is a most important is that we all un- By Dana Omirgazy is a platform for acquaintance and persuasion, but also provision nity was opened in Astana. The great honour for me to represent derstand that God has placed us rapprochement of traditional reli- of accommodation, food, goods church is part of the World Lu- the World Lutheran Federation, in one boat regardless of our dif- ASTANA – The Congress of gions,” Tomasz Peta said. The next necessary for both the mother theran Association. uniting more than 70 million Lu- ferences and we cannot survive Leaders of World and Traditional such congress is scheduled for Oc- and child. The most important, “The dream of many Kazakh therans in the world,” he said. separately. We need to take care Religions points the whole world tober 10-11. however, is helping the mother Lutherans came true in 2017. “Without a doubt, the Con- of our country. We can live hap- toward Kazakhstan’s path of Traditionally, the Vatican car- rebuild her relationship with her Prior to that, we were using ex- gress is a good platform for dia- pily and preserve our identity but peace-building, archbishop of the dinal heads the delegation of the family,” Novgorodov added. isting facilities as a church,” said logue. It is important that parties we need to respect to the identity Metropolitan Archdiocese of Saint Catholic Church at the congress, For more than 15 years, the Lu- Novgorod. that might have confrontations of the other and acknowledge Mary in Astana and president of addressing the event participants theran Church has provided food To date, there are 10 legal enti- with each other take part in its their rights,” he noted. Bishops’ Conference of Kazakh- on behalf of the Pope. But of for the homeless in Kokshetau ties uniting around 50 communi- work; they sit at the same table, “Kazakhstan is my home and stan told the Astana Times. course, local Catholic clergy also with the help of rural societies ties registered with the Lutheran express their views and hope- Kazakh people are my family. I “First of all, we should con- try to participate in this important that provide agricultural products. Church. fully listen to each other. They wish them to stay kind, hospita- gratulate our President, Nursultan event, noted Peta. There is also a project meant “Although we do not keep a could exchange their views ble and bright people.” Nazarbayev, on this noble idea. Continued on Page C4 C2 CONGRESS OF RELIGIONS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions: from idea to inclusive dialogue Continued from P age C1 development, morality, upbringing Over 15 years, besides the devel- the idea of the Congress, the UN Documents and education. Religious figures opment and adoption of final docu- General Assembly proclaimed the At the beginning of the 2000s, the of the Congress “are united in their recognition of ments of the Congress itself, the period 2013-2022 as the Interna- rapprochement between cultures, In fifteen years, the Congress has the divine design for human beings Congress Secretariat dealt with a tional Decade for the Rapproche- religions and peoples was facili- gained considerable documentary and their dignity and inalienable considerable amount of documen- ment of Cultures. The presentation tated by the historic visit of Pope framework concerning coopera- rights.” And, “religion is one of tation. It was mainly of procedural of the forthcoming Sixth Congress John Paul II to Astana in September tion between different religions. the most important and influential and organisational nature, and also was held in the UN Headquarters 2001, by a major part of the first In this regard, the Declaration means of addressing contemporary reflected discussions of delegations in May. Conference on Interaction and Con- of the First Congress played a social issues as well as of achiev- between congresses. The State- Parliamentary diplomacy plays fidence-Building Measures in Asia key role, since it highlighted main ing comprehensive peace and pros- ment of the Participants of the In- an active role in the framework (CICA) summit in Almaty in June common grounds and identified perity.” The participants expressed ternational Conference Religions of the Congress, primarily in the 2002 and the International Confer- shared values of leading world and “readiness, along with political and Against Terrorism held on May work of the forum Secretariat. The ence of Peace and Reconciliation traditional religions. For Kazakh public figures to appropriately ad- 31, 2016 in Astana has become a importance of the parliamentary in February 2003. These develop- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev diplomacy, harmonisation of the dress current spiritual, ethical and significant contribution of the Con- dimension in “spiritual diploma- ments led to a new initiative on con- first confessional document was a moral challenges including extrem- gress. This comprehensive docu- cy” was underlined at the confer- vening the Congress of the Leaders inter-religious meetings, but also a good test for professionalism, be- ism and terrorism that use religion ment reflects a joint vision of reli- ence Religions against Terrorism of World and Traditional Religions. dialogue between religious and po- cause it was necessary to identify as a cover-up.” gious figures, parliamentarians and that welcomed parliamentarians It would be a great fallacy to litical leaders. This transformation common problems for the entire consider the Congress a priori is of great importance for the real human civilization from the per- celebratory event as it may seem positive impact of religious leaders spective of the religious leaders. from the TV screens and the pages on the situation around the world. It was necessary to carefully take of magazines. First of all, it was In different years, UN Secre- into account the specific features hard to convince the participants tary-General Ban Ki-moon, King of each denomination, to avoid to come and sit at the same table. Abdullah II of Jordan, President of debate about interfaith differences, In September 2003, on the side- Finland Sauli Niinistö, President and most importantly – to formu- lines of the First Congress taking of Israel and Nobel Peace Prize late a joint vision of cooperation of place in Astana, some delegates at Laureate Shimon Peres, Prime different religions. private audience with the head of Minister of Malaysia Mahathir bin This very delicate work was Kazakhstan made no secret of their Mohamad, former Prime Minister launched in advance by the Presi- complaints to other participants of Canada Jean Chrétien, Patriarch dential Administration and the and openly expressed the bounda- of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For the ries of their tolerance. It should Grand Imam of al-Azhar Muham- elaboration of the document, we be noted that in fact the disagree- mad Sayyid Tantawi, General Sec- created a working group of repre- ments were of a purely political, retary of the Muslim World League sentatives of major world and tradi- inter-state nature and did not raise Abdallah At-Turki addressed the tional religions participating in the any interfaith issues. In this situ- Congress. Fifth Congress. After the text was ation, the credibility of President Among the prominent partici- submitted for the approval of the fo- Nazarbayev played a key role in pants of the forum are Secretary rum, its participants and personally the success of both plenary ses- General of the World Forum for President Nursultan Nazarbayev sions and the adoption of the Joint Proximity of Islamic Schools of made a number of meaningful Declaration. Thought Ayatollah Sheikh Mohsen amendments. Thus, the Declaration Eventually, the participants Araki, Cardinals of the Catholic has become a key starting point for came to a common understanding Church Jozef Tomko and Jean- interfaith dialogue in Astana. that it is vital to identify the place Louis Tauran, Patriarch Bartho- “Variety of religious beliefs and of religion outside the current and lomew I of Constantinople in the confessions should bring not to mu- even long-term political conflicts. Orthodox Church, Chief Rabbis tual suspicion, discrimination and The culture of dialogue, as reflect- of Israel Yona Metzger, Shlomo humiliation, but to mutual percep- It is emphasised that strengthen- experts on countering international from different countries, members ed in the documents of the Con- Amar and Yitzhak Yosef, Presi- tion and harmony, demonstrating ing of the moral and spiritual frame- terrorism. of the Congress Secretariat and ex- gress and the remarks of the par- dent of Jinja Honcho (the Japanese the originality of each religion and work of society and the revival of Congress documents are unique perts. ticipants, implies mutual respect of Association of Shinto Shrines) culture. Religions should work for traditional family values are indis- due to the fact that religious figures Since its inception, the Con- heads of denominations. Tsunekiyo Tanaka, Chairman of the better cooperation, accepting pensable conditions for the sustain- themselves were directly involved gress Secretariat has been the The essence of inter-religious di- the Institute for the Research of the tolerance and mutual acceptance able development of the world. The in their development. When adopt- forum’s main working body. It alogue was expressed by President Indology and Inter-religious Dia- as essential instruments of peaceful general belief is expressed that “the ing documents of the Congress, re- meets annually and considers the Nazarbayev at the First Congress, logue, Member of the Council of co-existence of all peoples,” states constructive role of women in fam- ligious leaders morally commit to implementation of decisions of the “We do not need, and it is impos- Religious Leaders (India) Samir the first document of the Congress. ily and society must enjoy deep re- make efforts for their implementa- Congress, coordinates the agenda, sible to set any final goal. You can- Shantilal Somaiya, Secretary In other words, the religious leaders spect.” It is also noted that “young tion. All the main documents were and draft final documents of the not create a single religious space. General of the World Fellowship stated that there are no contradic- people from childhood should have duly circulated to the UN, OSCE forum. It also coordinates inter- the right to acquire fundamental It is impossible to fully overcome of Buddhists Phallop Thaiarry, tions between religions, but there is and other international forums. action between the Congress and the existing differences, especially knowledge of their own religion the other international dialogue bod- Managing Director of Jinja Hon- a need for dialogue and cooperation because sometimes they affect the same way as they study their native ies, such as the UN Alliance of cho (the Japanese Association of for the benefit of the modern world. foundations of the great religions. tongue, history and culture.” The Civilizations, the King Abdullah Shinto Shrines) Tanenori Terai, At the Second Congress, the par- Institutionalising However, the constant dialogue is document also notes that “a person bin Abdulaziz International Centre President of the Lutheran World ticipants adopted the Principles of needed because, despite the exist- Inter-Religious Dialogue – a code who knows his or her own religion Dialogue for Interreligious and Intercultural Federation Munib Younan and Another significant outcome ing differences, we still preserve of the participants of the Congress. never treats any other religion with Dialogue, and others. The Presi- many others. of the 15 years of the Congress’s the idea and process of finding a “Dialogue shall be based upon hon- disrespect.” dent of Kazakhstan instructed to Traditionally, the Congresses of existence was its consistent insti- sort of ‘golden mean.’ And most esty, tolerance, humility and mutual The Declaration of the Fifth establish the International Centre Leaders of World and Tradition- tutional development. The Con- importantly, dialogue creates a ter- respect. … Dialogue shall assume Congress brought the forum to of Cultures and Religions. al Religions were also attended gress has become a sort of “inter- ritory of peace and reconciliation, equality of all partners and cre- a qualitatively new level, as it fo- Congresses and sessions of the by UNESCO Directors General confessional Davos,” as today it is time of harmony and clarity.” ate the room for free expression of cused on the most pertinent politi- Secretariat are held in a building Koïchiro Matsuura and Irina Bok- the most representative dialogue opinions, perspectives and beliefs, cal issues of the modern world. The unique in its architecture, the Pal- ova, OSCE Secretaries General platform for all religions, interna- including the integrity of each cul- document consists of a preamble ace of Peace and Reconciliation Marc Perrin de Brichambaut and Dialogue participants ture, language and traditions. Dia- and 16 paragraphs, including “five tional organizations, politicians in Astana. Currently, the Secretar- Lamberto Zannier, High Repre- An important feature of the logue shall not be aimed at the con- appeals” of President Nazarbayev and experts. It is distinguished by a iat is considering the initiative of sentative of the UN Alliance of Astana inter-religious forum is a version to another faith, as well as presented at the opening of the fo- diverse agenda, an unusual format President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Civilizations Nassir Abdulaziz Al- broad and representative composi- to abuse or demonstrate the superi- rum. In particular, the participants of participants, as well as political establish the Astana International Nasser, Secretary General of the tion of its participants. The Con- ority of one religion over another,” undertook to facilitate dialogue of flexibility. Award for interreligious dialogue, Organization of Islamic Coopera- gress is attended by high-level fol- state the Principles. Religious lead- religious leaders and politicians, As the number of participants the Medal of Honour of the Con- tion Iyad Amin Madani. lowers of Buddhism, Christianity, ers emphasised the fundamental international organisations and increases and the agenda of is- gress of the Leaders of World and Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shinto, The First Congress was attended need for interfaith dialogue for fu- civil society “to ensure stability and sues discussed is developed, the Traditional Religions, and open Taoism, and Zoroastrianism, rep- by religious leaders and honorary ture generations. security, prevent and resolve con- programme of forums has also sig- the Museum of Peace and Recon- resentatives of religious and pub- guests from 13 countries; the Fifth In another document, the Dec- flicts.” nificantly expanded. Today, Astana ciliation. lic organisations, and influential Congress in Astana was attended laration of the Second Congress, The Congress called on the congresses not only include plena- Over the past three years, world world politicians. The Congress by over 80 delegations from 42 the participants expressed their parties involved in conflicts “to ry sessions, but also several paral- religions have fulfilled consider- has become not only a platform for countries of the world. shared opinion that “the difficulties cease violence, declare a truce lel sectional meetings. able preparatory work for the Sixth in inter-religious and intercultural and through negotiations reach an Following the Third Congress, Congress. The Secretariat pro- relations are related both to a funda- agreement to end hostility, pro- the forum participants established posed Religious Leaders for a Safe mental imbalance in international tect civilians, and find a peaceful the Council of Religious Leaders, World as a theme of the upcoming politics, economics, social, human- resolution to all contradiction.” which became one of the main forum. Sessions of the Sixth Con- itarian and information resources, Religious leaders oppose strongly institutions of the Astana inter- gress will be held in the following and to the manipulation of religion the use of force to resolve any po- religious summit, its governing areas: Manifesto “The World. The for political ends.” litical and religious disagreements. body. The Council consists of 21st Century” as a concept of glob- The document of the Third They called on political leaders of representatives of 14 religions. al security; Religions in a chang- Congress also contains a number world powers “to stop the grow- The Council is designed to deepen ing geopolitical landscape: new of fundamental provisions concern- ing abyss of distrust in the world mutual understanding and coop- opportunities to unite humanity; ing the role of all religions in the today, to end mutual sanctions eration between different faiths Religion and globalisation: chal- development of modern societies and to use the mechanisms of the and strengthen the conceptual lenges and responses; Religious and countering threats to security. United Nations and other interna- framework of the dialogue plat- and political leaders overcoming The Appeal of the Participants em- tional organisations, to overcome form of the Congress. Moreover, extremism and terrorism. Thus, the phasised that “peaceful coexistence the divisions and restore peace and the Council is authorized to take forum agenda will be built around of people of different ethnic origins security in accordance with inter- decisions on pivotal issues relating most pressing issues. and religious affiliations is an im- national law.” to the Congress, as well as on co- The global leader, President Nur- portant basis for human security.” “The fight against extremism and operation with other international sultan Nazarbayev, offers the inter- And, “inter-religious dialogue helps terrorism has not turned into a war organisations and forums. national community new untapped to prevent stereotyping, prejudices against religions and their follow- Thanks to its unique format, the opportunities for improving the and religious conflicts.” Spiritual ers,” the forum participants warned. Congress drew considerable inter- world order. Only goodwill, joint leaders underlined the need “to pro- According to the participants, the national attention. The Third Con- hard work of the participants can en- tect the dignity of human beings and Congress intends to develop further gress was held in 2009 with the sure the success of the overall pro- their fundamental rights, in particu- interaction with the United Nations technical assistance of the United cess. Astana is committed to serve as lar those of freedom of conscience and other international organisa- Nations, as well as the broad in- a platform to this noble cause. and of religion.” They condemned tions to foster global dialogue for volvement of the OSCE secretariat “all forms of extremism and terror- peace and development. It encour- and institutions. Prior to Kazakh- The author is Chairman of the ism, especially those perpetrated in aged media owners and publishers stan’s chairmanship in the OSCE, Senate of the Parliament of Ka- the name of religion.” to cease using their media outlets, the annual Mediterranean Seminar zakhstan and Head of the Sec- The Appeal of the Fourth including web-based ones, as a tool of this pan-European organiza- retariat of the Congress of the Congress contains a number of to incite religious and sectarian di- tion was held in the framework of Leaders of World and Traditional consolidated approaches to social visions. the Congress. As a follow-up to Religions C3 CONGRESS OF RELIGIONS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 Kazakh Supreme Mufti: care for peace is moral, civic duty of every Muslim Continued from P age C1 proper conditions for preaching such as spiritual harmony, toler- “First of all, Islam is a sci- “As President Nursultan Naz- and disseminating Islamic teach- ance and real Islamic values. ence; therefore, I pay significant arbayev points out, the spiritual The mufti highly values the ings. Its other goals include main- During the first forum of attention to the qualification of component of the personality is Congress of Leaders of World taining the unity of Kazakh Mus- imams, SAMK adopted four imams. A highly educated popu- of high significance since it gives and Traditional Religions’ con- lims, promoting family values, documents including two stipu- lation demands educated imams strength and power to world civ- tribution to peace. organising trainings for Islamic lating its activities, such as Plat- capable of answering their ilisations. Therefore, the Kazakh “Surely, this year the congress clerks and controlling rituals, cer- form of Kazakh Muslims and questions. For that purpose, we nation faces an important task of will also be remembered for its emonies and mosque activities, as Norms and Ethics of the SAMK regularly check the knowledge modernising its consciousness. richness and content, making a well as promoting religious edu- Worker. The other documents, of imams in local mosques and As regards the personality of the real contribution to ensuring mu- cation using mass media. Personality of a Muslim and Por- send some of them for short- modern Muslim in Kazakhstan, tual respect, understanding and The organisation also focuses trait of the Imam, illustrate the term trainings to Muslim coun- I perceive him/her to be an edu- harmony on the planet,” he said on religious literature, textbooks personality of modern Muslims tries,” he said. cated, kind family person, adher- of the event slated to take place and websites. Daily activities and determine the requirements The Supreme Mufti believes ing to religious standards and in Astana Oct. 10-11. Serikbay kazhy Oraz Kazakh include meetings, speeches and for education and qualification the spirituality of the Kazakh being a patriot of the nation,” he SAMK works to create the Supreme Mufti. discussions on relevant topics, level of religious clerks. people should not be neglected. added. Won Buddhist Temple leader: mutual respect and tolerance characterise relations between religions in country kind and liberation from wars, “The religious mission is con- various regions where Buddhism guided, however, by the legal By Meruyert Abugaliyeva evil and violence, there is a need ducted mainly in temples and is followed. Kazakh Buddhists framework. Mutual respect and to disclose its spiritual and moral churches. Its goal is to find a true adhere to the norms of religious religious tolerance are the main ASTANA – Kazakhstan creates potential,” said Palagina. path and help people find inner practice and ceremonies and use concepts, characterising the rela- conditions for representatives of Won Buddhist dogma embraces strength equal to the power of Bud- similar attributes; however, it is tions between representatives of various religious communities, traditional concepts of Buddhist dha through regular sermon attend- allowed to make changes related various confessions and the core including adherents of Buddhism, dharma, since it is simple and con- ance, observance of rules and rituals to the peculiarities of the local values of true Buddhism. The lo- to coexist peacefully and prosper. vincing in terms of understanding and spiritual trainings,” she noted. life,” she said cal Buddhist community is open Larisa Palagina, leader of Almaty the essence of Buddhism and nir- The goal of the educational An indispensable part of the to dialogue and cooperation with Temple of Won Buddhism, spoke vana. Guided by the realities of mission is to eradicate ignorance world Buddhist community, the other religious communities; our about the practice in Kazakhstan, the modern time, however, Won and provide assistance in acquir- local temple celebrates a majority leaders and members are always its values, activities and interfaith Buddhists hold the One Circle (Il ing the necessary knowledge for of Buddhist holidays according willing to take part in events or- relations, in an interview with The Won Sang), a symbol of the ori- the creative transformation of the to the lunar calendar. The Eastern ganised with government, public Astana Times. gin, essence and enlightened con- world and spiritual development New Year, in February-March, is and religious bodies,” said Pala- Won Buddhism is a modernised sciousness of the Buddha, infinity of the human community. Chari- accompanied by festive praying gina. form of the religion developed and perfection, as the object of table work, in turn, is carried out ceremonies. In April, events are Almaty Temple leaders have at- by Pak Chong Bi, also known as Leader of Almaty Temple of Won their faith. Thus, by modernising to provide spiritual, physical and dedicated to the day of Won Bud- tended the Congress of Leaders of Sothesan Tedzhonsa (1891-1943), Buddhism Larisa Palagina. Buddha’s teachings, Won Bud- economic support to people in dhism Opening and in April-May World and Traditional Religions venerated by his followers as a dhists made his knowledge and need. to the Buddha’s birthday. Memo- since the first one in 2003. Buddha of the new era. In 1924, ing a world community of Won practice accessible and applicable Almaty Temple has more than rial services are organised in early “We consider this event as the he founded a new religious order Buddhism, was established Sept. to daily life not only to dedicated 100 members, the majority of June and December and Buddha’s most valuable contribution of Ka- with Buddhist teachings as its 16, 1992. servants, but also to all people. whom are Korean, and also wel- enlightenment day is observed in zakhstan to the development of central doctrine and established a “Won Buddhist doctrine main- The missionary activities of the comes Kazakhs, Russians and late December-January. world interfaith dialogue and we world community headquartered tains that material values prevail Kazakh Buddhist community are representatives of other nationali- “Kazakhstan is a country pro- are proud of its significant role in in Iksan, South Korea. in the human community at the divided into three main directions ties. viding opportunities for differ- uniting the efforts of world reli- Almaty Temple of Won Bud- expense of spiritual values. How- – the religion itself, enlighten- “The customs and traditions of ent religious communities to ex- gions to preserve peace and har- dhism, the only temple represent- ever, for the prosperity of a man- ment (education) and charity. Buddhist traditions are similar in ist and perform their activities, mony,” she added. Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan calls for interethnic, interfaith harmony, moral education Continued from P age C1 interpenetration of religious and ent worlds. They do not even talk en the unity of the people of Ka- suffered together, shed blood and cultural traditions is taking place. to each other,” he said. zakhstan. The Orthodox Church defended the ideals of freedom and Kazakhstan’s state policy also If earlier, living together, as a The bishop quoted poet John testifies its values based on the the truth of God in the difficult years supports interethnic and intercon- rule, assumed the same world- Donne: “Tis all in pieces, all co- teachings of Christ the Saviour of the last century, Gennadius noted. fessional dialogue. view and interests, today it does herence gone/All just supply, and and calls for interethnic, interre- “We believe that the numerous “Kazakhstan under the leadership not happen that way. Teenagers all relation/Prince, subject, father, ligious harmony and peace. This host of martyrs and confessors of of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, and even children are immersed son, are things forgot/For every conviction follows from the deep the land of Kazakhstan are now following the tradition of the Slav- in the virtual reality world and man alone thinks he hath got/To be nature of Christianity – an uncon- facing the throne of God and pray- ic-Turkic civilisation, has become find friends and like-minded a phoenix…” ditional love for one’s neighbour. ing for the preservation of our a bridge linking Asia and the West. people there, and not in real life. These words are “truly relevant It is deeply rooted in the Russian peace and harmony. I wish well- The principles of interfaith and in- Family members live together but now,” he said. “We need common civilisation and culture,” he said. being, peace and unity to the entire ternational consent are pursued not due to new information technolo- projects, businesses and common Christians and Muslims together multi-ethnic people of Kazakh- only in domestic but also in foreign Gennadius, Bishop of Kaskelen, gies they are essentially in differ- holidays to preserve and strength- have confronted godless ideologies, stan,” he said. Manager of Affairs of Russian policy. The Congress of Leaders of Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan. World and Traditional Religions held in Astana is a good example of this must learn to be attentive to others, policy,” he said. The sixth iteration especially teenagers and women,” of the triennial congress is to be con- he noted. vened in October 2018 in Astana. Gennadius says corruption and The Russian Orthodox Church social injustice must be eradicat- opposes destructive phenomena in ed as part of efforts to inoculate religion, he added. young people from hateful but “The church invariably defends insidious messages. Young peo- evangelical love and peace in any ple are sensitive to social prob- historical or socio-political setting. lems, always thirsting for truth and It denies any form of violence and ready to resist lies. Unfortunately, destruction under any conditions. experienced and malicious propa- The Bible says ‘If anyone says, I gandists can turn this energy and love God, and hates his brother, he passion toward destruction. is a liar,’” said the bishop. “Under such circumstances, the The socio-political position of initiatives put forward by Presi- the church remains unchanged. dent Nazarbayev are of immense “We support all state and public importance. Their implementation institutions in striving for harmony ought to destroy radical forces and prosperity. This goes in ac- aimed at destabilising society. The cordance with deep inner motives words of the national leader that stemming from the very nature of ‘mutual respect and trust create the Orthodox Christianity,” he said. unity of our people’ should be in The church is especially con- the heart of every man and woman cerned about young people who of Kazakhstan,” he said. are vulnerable to anti-human ide- The country’s path toward eco- ology often sugar-coated with reli- nomic and social development is gious slogans. being guided by a large-scale in- “Today, humankind faces global dustrialisation programme and the challenges from destructive reli- Digital Kazakhstan and third wave gious teachings propagating ha- of modernisation initiatives. Under tred, sowing suffering, destruc- such conditions, spiritual and mor- tion and fear. The whole society, al education must not be forgotten, including representatives of tra- the bishop believes. ditional religions, must make ef- “We are in a completely new forts to prevent the radicalisation cultural situation due to new of young people. Youngsters need technologies. The boundaries be- support and understanding. One tween civilisations are blurred; St. Ascension Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Almaty. C4 CONGRESS OF RELIGIONS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018 New Muslim identity must be shaped based on modernised Kazakh national culture, says Naib Mufti tions about life, death and justice. arbayev addressed in his Rukhani have certificates of secondary edu- SAMK also sends imams abroad By Meruyert Abugaliyeva A lot of people attend courses on Zhangyru (Modernisation of Ka- cation. The other 61 percent have for trainings and courses; 50 have the Holy Quran, Arabic language zakhstan’s Identity) programme, only passed religious courses. Our visited Al-Azhar University in Egypt ASTANA – Kazakhstan, which and religious knowledge held in it is important to revive all the main strategic task is to increase and 30 are annually sent to Turkey. has always promoted peace and mosques. Moreover, our mosques good virtues Kazakh people have the number of imams with higher May 16 begins the holy month dialogue between different nations are often full with visitors during had historically in national culture education,” he added. of Ramadan, when Muslims fast and religions, is preparing for the Friday prayers and people even and adapt them to modern condi- Some imams, however, are unwill- during the daytime and indulge in Congress of Leaders of World and have to pray outside the mosque tions. We believe national culture ing to work in distant rural regions prayers and good deeds. Traditional Religions in October. sometimes. Religious literacy is is based on religious values and due to specific social conditions and “Ramadan, the month when the The Spiritual Administration of also on the rise nowadays, par- therefore, our main objective is to lack of funding and SAMK is work- Holy Quran was revealed, is also Muslims of Kazakhstan (SAMK) tially due to the active work of identify those values, apply them ing on a special programme to attract a month of mercy and generosity plays an important role in inter- imams (Islamic mosque leaders), in accordance with time require- qualified leaders to remote areas. and is the perfect time for reflec- faith dialogue, promotes unity and widespread access to Internet re- ments and shape new Muslim Thus, 305 imams in rural mosques tion. During Friday prayers, the SAMK Deputy Chair and Naib (first addresses the challenge of extrem- deputy) Mufti Alau Adilbayev. sources and the work of the Asyl identity,” he added. are now provided with a constant plans are to give sermons on im- ism, says SAMK Deputy Chair Arna religious TV channel,” said Considerable emphasis is also salary from the Uakyp Foundation, portant social topics such as how and Naib (first deputy) Mufti Alau Adilbayev. put on developing the professional established with the support of Presi- to improve one’s personality, get Adilbayev in an interview with promote peace and stability na- With the increasing interest to- competency of imams in an at- dent Nursultan Nazarbayev to pre- rid of bad habits and traits and the The Astana Times. tionwide. It is important to note wards Islam, there is also the threat tempt to increase religious literacy vent radicalism and extremism. importance of helping people in “Kazakhstan has presented itself that the word ‘Islam’ itself means of Kazakh people being involved and combat radicalism. Mosque leaders also constantly need,” he noted. as a peace-loving country creating peace and the first meeting of in destructive currents. “The overall level of religious take exams to demonstrate their Banners congratulating people favourable conditions for around Abrahamic religions took place “We need to revive the tradition- literacy is rising among the popula- knowledge. on Ramadan will be placed in pub- 140 ethnic groups and many con- during the times of Prophet Mu- al religious attitude of the Kazakh tion. Therefore, it is important for “We have also specified a pro- lic places and transported with the fessions to co-exist and live peace- hammed in 622 in Medina,” he people which was shaped through- imams to be able to answer ques- cess for imams to prove their approval of authorities. Booklets fully. One of the most success- added. out centuries in order to preserve tions, correctly explain the reli- competence. During the last three and leaflets will be distributed to ful examples is the Congress of Islamic customs and traditions unity and prevent the spread of gion and take preventive measures years, 3,800 imams took exams and provide more information and en- Leaders of World and Traditional have historically played a key role destructive currents. Special at- against radicalisation and potential 124 imams resigned in 2015 due courage fasting. Throughout the Religions taking place every three in the lives of Kazakh citizens, who tention is paid to Islam in Ka- religious misunderstandings,” said to poor performance. The Islamic month, the whole Quran will be re- years in Astana since 2003 and refer to Islam from early childhood zakhstan: history, traditions and Adilbayev. institute for imam qualification cited during tarawih (night prayers supported by religious leaders and and during major events such as ways to develop projects meant to “To date, there are 2,563 upgrading in Almaty, established during Ramadan). eminent politicians,” he said. marriage, the birth of a child or increase religious literacy and pro- mosques nationwide with 4,415 in 2001, has provided training for “All the initiatives are meant to “We also always interact with death of a relative or friend. mote unity among believers,” the employees. A fifth of them, or 21 more than 2,000 imams from Ka- promote inner stability and unity representatives of different reli- “Some people also find answers mufti said. percent, have completed higher zakhstan, Russia and Mongolia,” within the nation,” added Adil- gions and confessions in order to in Islam to fundamental ques- “As President Nursultan Naz- education, whereas 18 percent said Adilbayev. bayev.

Counting the number of Jews is is a reason to be twice as happy, for difficult, as in Soviet times many we still remember the Soviet times people were forced to conceal when everybody had to be the same, Kazakhstan’s Jewish community their ethnicity or use documents as people were afraid to express to switch to another. Cohen, how- themselves in their clothes, thoughts ever, believes there are several and beliefs,” said Cohen. tens of thousands of Jews in Ka- Jews also take an active part in the is prospering, says Chief Rabbi zakhstan. Congress of Leaders of Traditional The first synagogue opened in opposite of what I had experienced important figure for Jewish commu- “Many people, therefore, do not and World Religions held annually By Assel Satubaldina May 1884 in a small wooden build- during my stopover. It is very im- nity in Kazakhstan and abroad. know their past. Sometimes, you in Kazakhstan. This year’s event is ing and 24 years later the local ad- portant to continue teaching your In 1939, Rabbi Schneerson was hear people say they are Russians, scheduled for Oct. 10-11. ASTANA – Kazakhstan is home ministration registered the Jewish children to be hospitable and help- charged with anti-Soviet propagan- but once you ask who their mother The security component on the to people of different religions and prayer society. ful, similar as they did for genera- da and exiled to Chiili in the Kyzy- and grandmother were and in Jew- congress agenda gives extra mean- confessions, including the Jewish Another inflow came during the tions in Kazakhstan. This is key for lorda region in southern Kazakh- ish tradition the ethnicity is matri- ing and significance to the event, he community. In a recent interview Great Patriotic War, when the Jew- the nation’s wellbeing,” he said. stan, where he continued teaching lineal, they say they were Jewish. said. with The Astana Times, Chief Rab- ish population was evacuated from The dissolution of the Soviet Un- Torah. We still have no clear idea about “Today, we see more and more bi Yeshaya E. Cohen discussed the the European parts of the Soviet ion and the independence of Ka- He died in 1944 in Almaty and how many Jews there are in Ka- people distorting the words of God history of Jews in Kazakhstan, the Union to Central Asia, primarily zakhstan entailed a “dynamic revival was cleared of the propaganda zakhstan, because your documents in pursuit of material benefits, be it country’s religious tolerance model Almaty. Many Jewish families also of Jewish traditions among the local charges in 1989. may say one thing while the reality money or power, and skilfully using and Jewish values. suffered from Stalin’s repression Jewish population,” he noted. “Rabbi Schneerson supported the can be quite different,” he said. their distorted rhetoric to capitalise The Jewish community, with its and were deported to Kazakhstan “When the USSR broke up, peo- spiritual life of Jews while in exile Celebrating Hanukkah, he noted, on deaths. All religions hold human long history in Kazakhstan, is pros- from Belarus, Georgia, Russia, ple could return to their ancestors’ and died performing his sacred duty. is a “reflection of the tolerance mod- life as the highest of values, but ex- pering, he said. Ukraine and the Baltic countries. traditions: Jews, Kazakhs, Russians Rabbi Schneerson’s mausoleum is el in Kazakhstan,” as the holiday tremists substitute these values, jus- One of the first indications of Jews and other ethnic groups could ob- in Almaty and every year people gathers representatives of the na- tifying deaths in the name of their in the nation dates to the 19th cen- serve their holidays and customs from around the world come here ideas,” he added. tury, as in 1825, 12 people of Jewish openly without fear of being arrest- to commemorate him,” said Cohen. Cohen believes the goal is to make faith lived in the then-Semipalatinsk ed and charged with anti-Soviet ac- Several thousands will gather in Celebrating Hanukkah religious leaders heard by people district in eastern Kazakhstan. tivity as had been the case for seven Almaty this summer to visit Sch- from different countries, those living “They were merchants who decades. Jews in Kazakhstan, like in neerson’s tomb on his death anni- is a “reflection of in peace and those suffering from travelled with their caravans to other former Soviet republics, felt versary, said Cohen. the tolerance model terrorism. In his experience, he not- and from trading centres. We also they could now live their spiritual Kazakhstan has six synagogues ed the congress has never witnessed know of Jews in the medieval city life,” he added. in Almaty, the capital, Karaganda, in Kazakhstan,” as an argument between participants or of Turkestan, where ruins of a 15th- Jews had a strong desire and com- Kostanai, Pavlodar and Ust-Kame- attempted to “identify the best reli- century synagogue and an ancient mitment to revive customs, includ- nogorsk, all built after Kazakhstan the holiday gathers gion or create a new one.” Torah Scroll have been discovered,” ing celebrating Shabbat and ancient gained its independence. The first representatives “All of the issues discussed are said Cohen. holidays. opened its doors in Almaty in 1997. about love, friendship, kindness, life In 1827, Russian Emperor Nikolai “The Jewish community of Ka- “The spacious and beautiful Asta- of the nation’s and peace, things that unite the dif- I introduced mandatory military zakhstan requested the CIS (Com- na synagogue opened in 2004 and ferent religions in today’s world of service among Jewish men and ob- monwealth of Independent States) President Nursultan Nazarbayev different religions atheism,” he said. ligated minors to military education Chabad Association to send a rabbi. attended the opening ceremony. and communities. “Our holy books say that once the in canton schools in remote parts of Chief Rabbi Yeshaya E. Cohen. At the time, I had already completed The last synagogue was unveiled in Lord was looking for a vessel to hold the Russian Empire. my studies and served as assistant to Karaganda in 2015,” he said. The winter holiday His blessing and the only one He The decree led to the increase “Later on, many specialists came the Chief Rabbi of the Grand Choral Jewish values do not separate often coincides could find was peace. This means of Jewish community. By 1870s, to Kazakhstan to work on large- Synagogue of St. Petersburg. I of- spiritual and material life. that God will give us His blessing Verniy, as Almaty was known in the scale Soviet projects such as the Vir- fered to serve in Kazakhstan – and “The wellbeing of a person, in with Kazakhstan’s as long as we try to keep peace. I late 19th century, became home to gin Lands Campaign and construc- here I am, for almost 25 years now,” other words the material aspect, wish for everybody in Kazakhstan the first Jewish community, mostly tion of the Baikonur Cosmodrome said Cohen. depends on how well they fulfil the Independence Day. to distance themselves from evil consisting of soldiers and canton- and stayed here for a long time with He believes the arrival of Rabbi will of God, the laws governing the and injustice and sow only good and ists, who, by the decree, were sepa- their families,” he said. Levi Yitzchak Schneerson marks the world that He created. And this is tion’s different religions and com- peace. This will bring wellbeing and rated from their families and roots Cohen came to Kazakhstan in “start of the modern stage in the his- not just about prayers – the spiritual munities. The winter holiday often accord both to this and future gen- for 25 years. 1994. tory of Kazakhstan Jews.” Born in aspect – but the everyday conduct coincides with Kazakhstan’s Inde- erations,” the rabbi said. “The community was not big, “When I arrived in Almaty, it was Ukraine in 1871, for many years he of a person. No killing, no stealing pendence Day. “May God bless Kazakhstan and counting hardly more than one hun- an entirely different atmosphere: served as chief rabbi of Dnepropetro- is the moral aspect that impacts the “I like when Hanukkah, which grant peace and prosperity!” he dred,” he noted. kind and friendly people. Quite the vsk, Ukraine, and is considered an material,” he added. lasts eight days, falls on Dec. 16. It added. Archbishop of Astana: Kazakhstan supports peace and harmony at home and abroad Continued from P age C1 most important social and educa- ed in the sacral map of Kazakh- Ozernoe, August 13 to 17,” added “Almost every day brings us tional tasks. stan. Ozernoe is a place of pil- Peta. alarming messages from different At present, there are 80 Roman “In 2017, the entire Catholic grimage. People from both near At present, there are approxi- parts of the planet. Believers know Catholic religious associations Church celebrated the 100th an- and far abroad visit it. There, the mately 130,000 Catholics, includ- that everything is in the hands of in Kazakhstan. All of them have niversary of the apparitions of famous ‘Star Kazakhstan’ altar ing several thousand Eastern Rite God’s providence. The task of passed the procedure of re-regis- the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Por- of worship is located,” the arch- Catholics in the country. During all of us is the building of peace tration and are among the 18 de- tugal. In Kazakhstan, the central bishop said. Kazakhstan’s years of independ- and harmony in everyday life, nominations officially registered celebrations took place in Kara- In every Catholic parish, there ence and religious freedom, sa- in our families, collectives and in Kazakhstan. ganda, where the Cathedral of are groups of young people who cred facilities began to appear, in the whole society. An impor- The Catholic Church, having the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fa- unite around Jesus, trying to build and today, Catholic parishes are tant matter in building peace and historical roots in Kazakhstan, has tima, Mother of all Nations is lo- their lives on the values of the located in all regions of the vast harmony is prayer. For example, become an important institution Archbishop of the Metropolitan cated. Also in 2017, the Catholic Gospel. nation. Catholic communities since 2002, a 24-hour prayer for Archdiocese of Saint Mary for preserving spirituality, moral Tomasz Peta. Church of the Mother of God, “A very important event is the have become more multinational. Kazakhstan and the whole world values and cultural identity in so- Queen of the World in the vil- annual meeting of the Catholic Catholics love their homeland and has taken place in the Cathedral ciety. Church is viewed as a reliable lage of Ozernoe [in the North youth of Kazakhstan, which takes try to serve its prosperity with in Astana (after the visit of Pope Today, the Roman Catholic partner of the state in solving the Kazakhstan region] was includ- place in the National Sanctuary in prayer and work, Peta said. John Paul II),” he added.