+4° / -1°C WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 No 6 (120) www.astanatimes.com New Uzbek President’s state visit Nazarbayev, to sees relations soar UAE PM discuss cooperation in Dubai The Kazakh President high- By Aigerim Seisembayeva lighted the importance of exchanging financial asset ASTANA – Kazakh President management experience and Nursultan Nazarbayev and Vice- establishing close ties between President and Prime Minister of the DIFC and the Astana In- the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ternational Financial and Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mo- (AIFC). hammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum The Emir of Dubai confirmed discussed bilateral cooperation, his readiness for such cooperation. particularly trade, finance and in- The Kazakh President thanked vestment, during a March 27 meet- Sheikh Al Maktoum for helping ing in Dubai. develop and implement Islamic Sheikh Al Maktoum welcomed financing. the Kazakh President and reaffirmed Nazarbayev also noted the the countries’ deep friendship. preparations for the EXPO 2017 Nazarbayev said he was pleased international specialised exhibi- to visit the UAE and also noted the tion were in their final stage and close bilateral ties. He also praised that the AIFC would use the expo the rapid growth of the Dubai facilities after the event. He also International Financial Center invited the Sheikh to participate in (DIFC), the city of Dubai and oth- the EXPO 2017 opening ceremony er UAE achievements. in Astana.

neurs and result in 75 contracts to- neighbour and fraternal nation of agreement between defence min- By Malika Orazgaliyeva taling $1 billion. . We look to istries on military cooperation ASTANA – Uzbek President Mirziyoyev stressed Kazakh- fruitful relations within the frame- were also signed. Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kazakh stan’s election to a non-permanent work of bilateral contacts,” said Following the official part at the seat on the UN Security Council Nazarbayev. Akorda, Nazarbayev and Mirzi- Nauryz celebrated President Nursultan Nazarbayev has added international signifi- The parties signed documents, yoyev visited Astana House discussed bilateral relations during cance to bilateral relations. including a joint declaration to and Nazarbayev University, where Mirziyoyev’s March 22-23 first “I would like to assure you that deepen the strategic partnership they were briefed on the universi- state visit to Kazakhstan. His visit, Uzbekistan will support all your and strengthen good-neighbour- ty’s master plan, laboratory of in- throughout accorded the highest status, cor- activities. Much attention is now liness, agreement between the dustry automation, local research responded with the Nauryz spring being paid to the regional coopera- governments on interregional projects and laboratory of physics holiday. tion. I hope that today’s meetings cooperation and joint economic and math. Mirziyoyev left a note in During their meeting at the capital, nation will serve as a basis for further ef- cooperation for 2017-2019. The the Honourary Guests Book. Akorda presidential residence on Centre. Visitors were able to wit- fective cooperation between our parties also signed protocols on Later in the day, the presidents Staff Report March 23, Nazarbayev noted a countries,” he said, also wishing making amendments to the agree- took part in the opening ceremony ness ethno aul with yurts, Ka- sharp increase in trade turnover Kazakhstan success in achiev- ment between Kazakh and Uz- of the MEGA Silk Way shopping zakh games, food and the work of ASTANA – Numerous celebra- craftsmen. between the countries and that ing its Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy bek governments on prevention centre and visited the EXPO 2017 tions have been held around Asta- Uzbekistan has expanded the type goals. of double taxation of income and construction site. There were 19 yurts, shopping na for the Nauryz holiday. tents, as well as a bazaar. During of products it exports to Kazakh- Nazarbayev expressed a simi- property and another on inter- Prior to the visit, Mirziyoyev On March 16-17, the programme stan. The Kazakh leader also noted lar sentiment, saying he hopes the national automobile travel dated also gave a wide-ranging interview the days of celebration, traditional started with the festival for people Kazakh folk rites were performed Kazakhstan plans to hold its first countries’ friendly bilateral rela- March 20, 2006. In addition, the to the Kazinform international in- with limited abilities “A creation Kazakh-Uzbek business forum on tions continue. programme of cooperation be- formation agency. by the artists of the theatres of without borders.” Astana, as well as representatives the same day, which was expected “Kazakhstan wishes prosperity tween the two countries’ foreign On the days of Nauryz, March to attract more than 500 entrepre- and wealth to our strategic partner, ministries for 2017-2018 and an Continued on Page A3 of ethno-cultural associations. At 21-22, folk festivals with fairs, an Oriental-style bazaar, an exhi- concerts, sports and entertainment bition-sale was organised, where events were held in different parts visitors saw different types of arts. of the capital, including the area Craftsmen shared their secrets of of Kazakh Eli square, the Students the manufacture of decorative art. Turkestan becomes Cultural Capital of Turkic Park and the territory near the Traditionally, there was a free dis- Zhastar theatre. tribution of baursaks and Nauryz At the Kazakh Eli Square, tra- kozhe. Everyone was also able to ditional Kazakh rites such as Bata take part in national games, such World, welcomes thousands of guests beru, Tusau keser, Aitys, Betashar as kazakhsha kures (Kazakh wres- and others were shown to the tling), arkan tartys (tug of war) and come guests. Six of them are VIP- Hotels have affordable pric- Nauryz celebrations and a grand By Kamila Zhumabayeva public. A show programme with others. Also, visitors witnessed located near the square. We have a es for everyone – 15,000 tenge concert featuring more than 230 concerts took place as well. Also, dog races. guest list. About 50 guests and as (US$47.50) per day for a senior performance groups from different ASTANA – The ancient historic, people were able to buy and taste Also, the Saryarka velodrome many artists will arrive here,” said suite and 3,000 tenge (US$9.50) countries. Performances were held architectural and religious town of traditional food and drinks. hosted perhaps the largest and deputy akim (mayor) Gani Rysbekov, for economy class, according to on the town’s numerous concert Turkestan welcomed thousands of This year, the residential areas the most elaborate special event reported otyrar.kz before the event. the website. Beds, textiles, elec- platforms. guests March 21, including an offi- of Kuygenzhar, Michurino, Indus- March 21 attended by dignitaries Turkestan residents held their tronics and essential hygiene prod- The activities included aitys (an cial delegation from 22 Turkic and trialny, Internationalny, Zhelezno- including the head of state. last preparations during these fes- ucts are all new. ancient art of improvisation), ani- other countries, as it received the dorozhny, Prigorodny, Urker, Kok- The Astana Opera also show- tive days. The staff celebrated a The “Turkestan – a Cultural mated feature film festivals, tradi- status as the 2017 Cultural Capital tal-1, Ondiris also hosted events. cased on March 22 the Kyz Zhibek housewarming party along with Capital of the Turkic World” tional arts, dance, a circus, opera, of the Turkic World. But the main and the biggest opera. Numerous art performances “We have 20 hotels ready to wel- guests. project started with nationwide Turkic nations theatre, craftsmen’s fair and the Uly Dala Sazy interna- event was located in the area near were also available at theatres in tional festival. the Khan Shatyr Entertainment the capital. A media forum, forums of women from Turkic states, jour- nalists and historians, a congress of literary magazine editors, book exhibitions, a meeting with writ- ers, poets and press tours for me- dia, bloggers and tour operators also took place. Forty events were scheduled, in- cluding 21 organised by the South Kazakhstan region akimat (admin- istration), 14 by TURKSOY, the International Organisation of Tur- kic Culture, and five by the Minis- try of Culture and Sports. Founded more than two millen- nia ago, the ancient city of Yassy (Turkestan) was one of the impor- tant commercial centres on the Silk Road and the trade route between Europe and China. From the 16th- 18th centuries, it was the capital of the Kazakh khanate. Turkestan is now the historic centre of Kazakh culture, where one can discover the ruins of Otrar and admire its architectural herit- age. The famous Khodja Ahmed

Photo credit: remotelands.com Photo credit: Yassaui Mausoleum attracts

Khodja Ahmed Yassaui Mausoleum. hordes of tourists every year. Photo: voxpopuli.kz

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIAL&OPINION OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Kazakh President says both economic Kazakhstan to develop regional doing business Renewal of Nauryz and new Uzbek President’s NAZAROV: Our relations are based on mutual Golovkin beats Jacobs in tough fight at development, political reforms progressing A2 rating A4 visit to Astana A6 respect, says Uzbek ambassador in Kazakhstan A7 Madison Square Garden B1 Kazakh experts improve safety at research Baiterek Holding finances construction Microtargeting is new information reality, MALGAZHYULY: Stability and strong New international tourism route through reactor A2 of hydroelectric power plant A5 head of Kazakh journalist body says A6 ethnic, religious relations key to unity, Kazakh Kazakhstan to launch in April B6 supreme mufti says A7

US$ 1 = 315.43 KZT € 1 = 342.75 KZT 1 = 5.55 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

Criticism of the mandatory teaching of English in school was NATIONAL NEWS IN BRIEF mentioned, in particular that it will Kazakh President says both economic undercut efforts to teach the Ka- zakh language. Nobody is against More than 10 billion tenge the Kazakh language, Nazarbayev (US$31.68 million at current ex- pointed out. But English is neces- change rate, but significantly high- development, political reforms progressing sary to achieve the goals set in his er during the actual provision of the strength and health of the per- ple ‘economy first, politics second’ tant that people themselves under- state-of-the-nation address. assistance) has been provided as By Aiman Turebekova son who works. I think that serving means making the people prosper- stand what they can do, the Presi- “Why English? A new medi- humanitarian assistance to foreign as a President you have to give 100 ous. Politics and the economy are dent said. He said he had instructed cal theory is proposed in English, nations over the past several years, ASTANA – Kazakh President percent of your strength, experi- moving ahead,” the President said. akims (governors and mayors) to and it will take at least five years said Mazhilis Deputy Chairperson Nursultan Nazarbayev addressed ence, energy and life, and if the cur- He noted that today the economy start teaching residents how to start to translate it into Russian, but Vladimir Bozhko at the March 13 the duration of his presidential rent condition does not allow this is developing due to the growth of businesses and to provide all nec- how much longer will it take to government hour with the par- term and other questions during a to work, then there is nothing to be small and medium-sized enter- essary information about loans. translate it into Kazakh? If sci- ticipation of the country’s Foreign March 16 meeting with national done. So, everything depends on prises, and it has to be flexible. In Answering a question about cor- ence, culture, information and Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov. print and television journalists. time,” the head of state concluded. his state-of-the-nation address, the ruption, the President emphasised innovation occurred in Russian, “The Mazhilis has adopted and Nazarbayev cited former Prime Questioned as to whether there President stressed the need to sup- that bribery is evil and that every- the whole world would study the ratified 1,237 international treaties Minister of the UK Margaret will be early parliamentary elec- port export-oriented enterprises, body in the country must take part . If everything and agreements since 1990. Seven Thatcher’s famous quote: “I will tions in the country, Nazarbayev and for exporters to be mindful of in combating this problem. came from the Chinese, everyone laws on accession to United Na- stay until I am tired of it. So long said that the Parliament was elect- the price and quality of their prod- Asked about the current status would learn Chinese. All children tions (UN) conventions on com- as Britain needs me, I shall never ed until 2021 and it will serve its ucts. In this regard, the country of the Kazakh Parliament, Naz- are learning English from the first bating organised crime and illegal be tired of it.” He does this work entire term. He emphasised that needs new technology and edu- arbayev stressed that the country is grade. Finally, they will know Ka- immigration and 10 laws on acces- because people need him, he said, the recent expansion of powers of cated employers. moving towards democracy. “The zakh, Russian and English,” said sion to UN conventions for work and he is always thinking about the Parliament and the government According to Nazarbayev, Ka- current reform is a natural result of Nazarbayev. in other departments; the creation what more should be done for will contribute to a more effective zakhstan has transformed into a the state’s development. The new Speaking about the external of a UN structure in the country, Kazakhstan. The President also achievement of the objectives of market economy, and privatised law significantly strengthens the policy of the country, the President including the Low Enriched Ura- pointed out that in Article 91 of the what he terms as the Third Mod- enterprises will move to private Parliament’s role in state affairs, emphasised Kazakhstan’s non-pro- nium Bank are among them. Laws revised Constitution, it is written ernisation of Kazakhstan. companies. including in the formation of the liferation efforts. “We announced on the country’s peacekeeping ac- that the strategic course laid out by “If there is no economy, there He stressed the support offered to government. The government be- our peaceful direction to the whole tivities and official development the first president is immutable and will not be a good life for people. small and medium-sized enterpris- comes more independent, receiv- world: that is why we have been assistance are also on the list [of will continue to exist. People will not have a job, will not es, including cheap loans, subsidies ing the powers to directly manage elected a non-permanent member adopted documents],” he said. “I was elected as President until have a salary and will not have a and loans up to 160 million tenge the economy and the constitutional of the UN Security Council. We These factors have become “sig- 2020. There is still time for reflec- roof over their heads. They will not (about $507,000) for rural resi- basis of law enforcement and judi- are the first in our region… to have nificant practical steps to strength- tion. Firstly, everything will depend be up to anything: neither culture, dents who want to start their own cial systems will be modernised,” been entrusted with this mission,” en Kazakhstan’s positive reputa- on the people’s trust; secondly, on nor politics. Therefore, the princi- businesses. However, it is impor- the President said. Nazarbayev concluded. tion and convincing arguments in the election campaign among the non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.”

Kazakhstan will join the ATA Kazakh experts improve safety at research reactor Carnet Trade-Facilitation Sys- tem April 1, according to Forbes. Kenzhin, according to the IAEA’s Kazakh experts converted the mendations on safety analysis, age- into operation in 1967, when HEU kz. The international customs By Yerbolat Uatkhanov press release. WWR-K reactor to LEU in 2008 ing management, safety of experi- fuel was typically used to conduct system allows the duty-free and ASTANA – International Atom- Kazakhstan’s Institute of Nuclear with the repatriation of spent HEU ments and emergency preparedness scientific experiments. tax-free temporary import and ex- ic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts Physics has implemented significant fuel to decrease proliferation risks were provided during this mission. INSARR is a review mission, port of goods for up to one year. recently announced that Kazakh upgrades and modifications to im- while doubling the reactor’s uti- The mission conducted at the which evaluates safety at research “The implementation of the ATA scientists have improved the safety prove the safety of its research reac- lisation capacity. The WWR-K WWR-K research reactor took reactors. The mission uses the IAEA system shows the commitment of Kazakhstan’s research reactor tor. Experts of the Integrated Nuclear was stopped in 2015 to implement place from Feb. 27 to March 3 safety standards. The safety stand- of Kazakhstan to promoting eco- after that agency reviewed recent Safety Assessment of Research Re- modifications at the reactor to al- and included international nuclear ards provide the fundamental prin- nomic growth and trade facilita- modifications. actors (INSARR) mission working low for the conversion, which was safety experts from three countries ciples, requirements and recom- tion,” Ruedi Bollinger, Chair of “The research reactor is now under IAEA reviewed the safety pro- completed in 2016. that operate research reactors and mendations to ensure nuclear safety. the International Chamber of starting a new life after major grammes at the Kazakh light water “The IAEA review team noted IAEA staff. They are used as global references Commerce-World Chambers Fed- modifications and refurbishment, reactor. The research reactor called the implementation of recommen- The reactor is located in Ala- for protecting people and the en- eration World ATA Carnet Coun- including conversion from the use WWR-K has new safety systems. Its dations of the previous INSARR tau, close to , the commer- vironment and contribute to a har- cil, said in an ICC press release. of highly-enriched uranium (HEU) staff has also received new training mission in 2008, including those cial capital of Kazakhstan. The monised high level of safety world- Kazakhstan’s Chamber of Interna- to low-enriched uranium (LEU) under qualification programmes. related to the management system, 6-MW research reactor is used wide. Research reactors are nuclear tional Commerce will become the to further serve science and the The IAEA review mission has training and qualification of -per for the production of medical and installations used for research, edu- 76th member of ATA Carnet. The national economy,” said General provided recommendations, which sonnel and radiation protection,” industrial radioisotopes, scientific cation and training, testing materials system allows the temporary inter- Director of the Almaty-based In- will help ensure continuous safety said Team Leader David Sears. research and testing nuclear mate- or the production of radioisotopes national transfer of goods without stitute of Nuclear Physics Yergazy improvements. He also said that additional recom- rials for industrial use. It was put for medicine and industry. the need to undergo each country’s specific import and export formali- ties, thus expediting and reducing the cost of the process. ATA Carnet is especially used by businesses temporarily importing profes- Hundreds of post offices to be modernised sional equipment for projects and with a single electronic queue sys- services have been introduced. events, providing samples to cus- By Zhazira Dyussembekova tem, a video surveillance system and Service areas for individuals and tomers or exhibiting at trade fairs. fire safety equipment. To monitor the corporate clients and postal and fi- ASTANA – A new, modernised Kazpost has launched a cash- situation in the service halls, a Situa- nancial services rooms have been post office was officially opened in out service from a cell phone tion Centre has been created, where separated and the number of oper- Almaty March 16, the fourth such up- account in cooperation with on-line video monitoring of the work ating windows has been increased. graded post office in the city. Fourteen the Beeline Kazakhstan opera- of all departments is carried out. The “The transition to a new format of more are set to be completed soon. tor. “Kazpost provides not only A total of 400 post offices in 197 opening of such a centre will help work will allow us to optimise the postal and agency services, but localities in Kazakhstan will be put Kazpost quickly address queues and procedures for receiving and send- also financial services, along through a modernisation programme, regulate the work of operators. ing parcels and improve the quality with second-tier banks. We are according to the website of Kazpost, According to Kazpost Chairman of services to the public. Already, a bridge between the city and Kazakhstan’s postal service. Saken Sarsenov, during the mod- the time for receiving and sending the village, as we have the most “We are doing a lot of work to ernisation of post offices, special parcels has been reduced by two or extensive branch network. The improve our city, we are modern- attention was paid to the optimi- three minutes,” added Sarsenov. residents from the remote areas ising all infrastructure. And new sation of working space. The area In addition, most post offices will of ​​our country are an important branches of Kazpost that will pro- of the operating rooms was in- operate around the clock through priority for us. Earlier, money vide services in modern, beauti- Photo: kazpost.kz creased from 9,000 square metres a special self-service zone called transfer was possible only with fully decorated rooms, without ceremony of the renewed facility. gion and other regions of the country. to 19,000 square metres by elimi- POST 24 that includes ATMs and a payment card or using money queues and red tape, will undoubt- Updated post offices were opened The modernisation of the branches nating non-functional offices. The payment terminals for financial transfer systems. Now, it is pos- edly please the Almaty residents,” on the same day in the East Kazakh- includes not only major repairs, but heads of the operating rooms were services and special terminals for sible to transfer money to a cell said Akim (Mayor) of Almaty stan region, the South Kazakhstan also the introduction of new technol- transferred from separate offices to postal services. The new offices phone and get cash in any of our Bauyrzhan Baibek at the opening region, Karaganda, in the Almaty re- ogy. All post offices are equipped common rooms, and barrier-free also have foreign exchange kiosks. offices,” said Kazpost Innovation and IT Managing Director Na- riman Mukushev. The minimum withdrawal amount is 1,000 tenge (US$ 3), the maximum is 100,000 tenge (US$ 316) per day, and the Baiterek Rocket and Space Complex set to launch in 2025 commission is 2.2 percent. and Aerospace Industry of Kazakh- drome. The project has been de- stan and ,” said Nurguzhin. mentation will also be developed, The Youth Co-working Cen- By Zhazira Dyussembekova stan and Russian Roscosmos State layed for several reasons, but the The document provides for the said Nurguzhin. Development tre, a new workplace for poten- Corporation for Space Activities process now seems to be reviving. Russian Federation to withdraw and manufacture of equipment, ASTANA – The future of the tial entrepreneurs, was opened have agreed and approved new con- According to Sputnik, the Pro- the Zenit facilities from the lease construction and installation will Baiterek Rocket and Space Com- in Almaty, according to Kapital. ditions for the Baiterek project and ton carrier rockets within Baiterek and transfer them to the Kazakh launch in 2021-2023. plex project at the Baikonur Cos- kz. The project, initiated by the road map for the implementation of were originally expected to be re- side in 2018. Autonomous, integrated flight modrome depends on Russia de- Almaty Youth Congress together this project for 2016-2025,” he said, placed by the more environmental- Funding for the Baiterek project tests are slated for 2024-2025, with veloping a new Phoenix carrier with the Alliance of Students, is according to Sputnik. ly-friendly Angara carrier rocket. will start in 2019-2020, when draft the first launch within the Baiterek located at Moskva Metropolitan rocket, which will begin in 2018. The project is based on the ex- Russia then indicated its intention design and working design docu- project slated for 2025, he added. The first launch of the joint pro- Mall and open to conduct train- isting infrastructure of the Zenit to use the Angara at its Vostochny ings, master classes, intellectual ject is scheduled for 2025, said space and rocket complex at the Cosmodrome. Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of games and debates. “Representa- Baikonur Cosmodrome and the In 2013, Russia proposed us- tives of youth organisations are Defence and Aerospace Industry Phoenix, the promising medium- ing the Zenit carrier rocket in the Marat Nurguzhin, reported Sput- convinced that creating condi- range carrier rocket which will Baiterek project. Two years later, it tions for youth self-fulfilment is nik Kazakhstan in early March. be created by Russia within the became known Roscosmos intend- an important component of the “In 2016, we managed to achieve Federal Space Programme start- ed to start developing the Phoe- development of the state youth significant progress in the imple- ing in 2018. The Russian side will nix carrier rocket that could be policy. This cooperation will mentation of the Baiterek project. be responsible for creating a new launched into low Earth orbit with contribute to the proper organisa- The issue of Kazakhstan’s entry carrier rocket and the Kazakh side no less than nine tonnes of pay- tion of leisure for young people into the Baikonur Cosmodrome was is responsible for modernising the load, using liquefied natural gas or aged 14-29, the development of resolved. For the first time within Zenit’s existing launch and techni- kerosene and hydrogen as fuel. mutually-beneficial relations be- the framework of Kazakh-Russian cal complexes, he added. “At present, together with our tween the parties and the positive cooperation, the space rocket com- The Baiterek project, a joint pro- Russian colleagues, we have start- results of joint activities, thereby plex Proton M is being jointly op- ject between the counties, started ed the execution of the roadmap for ensuring the intellectual, crea- erated, with 92 specialists from in 2004 with the aim of creating the implementation of Baiterek, ap- tive, moral and social develop- Baiterek Joint Venture taking part more eco-friendly carrier rocket proved at the end of 2016 at the lev- ment of society and the country directly. The Ministry of Defence launches at the Baikonur Cosmo- el of the heads of state of Kazakh- www.eurasianet.org Photo credit: as a whole,” noted a statement. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Strengthening economic diplomacy is Kazakh According to Almaty financial market analysts, Kazakhstan will maintain its investment attractive- ness this year. The country’s Ministry foreign ministry’s primary , says minister of National Economy stated recently An important practical step was Abdrakhmanov focused on the other countries. These efforts in- work, for example, of economy that foreign investment in fixed assets By Malika Orazgaliyeva the signing of a joint plan on pro- need to attract foreign invest- cluded preparing and implement- diversification and implementa- exceeded 1 trillion tenge (US$3.1 motion of Kazakhstan’s export, ments, promote domestic goods ing agreements between Kazakh tion of the industrialisation pro- billion) last year. New management ASTANA – Kazakh Minister with an already indicated list of for export, strengthen human and foreign business communi- gramme. In this regard, holding companies ready to export domestic of Foreign Affairs Kairat Abdra- commodity items, targeted coun- resources potential and protect ties, as well as cooperating with EXPO 2017 in Astana opens sig- issuers to foreign stock exchanges are khmanov told a gathering of the tries and work on the presentation Kazakhstan’s interests interna- the Organisation for Economic nificant opportunities,” Abdra- constantly refreshing the country’s country’s diplomats and high- of local products abroad, which tionally. Cooperation and Development khmanov emphasised. market, note the analysts. This year, level government officials March was signed by me and the min- The meeting was also briefed (OECD). The discussion also He also discussed improving access to financing can be opened 27 that strengthening economic ister for investment and develop- on the ministry’s 2016 econom- touched upon continued efforts human resource management to several companies in information diplomacy in implementing the ment. Now, we are preparing for ic diplomacy efforts. The group to establish the national system (HRM) based on principles of technology, telecommunications, raw nation’s five institutional reforms the signing of a similar joint plan was updated on joint efforts with of official development assis- meritocracy, scheduled external materials and metallurgy. In addition, connected to its third stage mod- to attract investment,” he told the the government’s economic min- tance (ODA). rotation and increased training ernisation is the ministry’s pri- Kazakhstan intends to establish coop- gathering, which included repre- istries to establish mechanisms Last year, the Kazakh MFA for Kazakh diplomats. The min- mary mission. eration with large investors and trans- sentatives of the Presidential Ad- for interaction with other coun- and its missions abroad helped ister also stressed the need to in- national companies. The nation took “Strengthening of economic di- ministration, the Prime Minister’s tries in investment and export, as organise more than 300 trade, crease professional requirements top positions in some prestigious plomacy is the principal task of Office, Parliament, heads of other well as about the activities of 115 economic and investment events for diplomats and applicants for world rankings as one of the coun- the whole system of the foreign government bodies and execu- intergovernmental commissions and about 600 visits of foreign the diplomatic service and to ad- tries with the most improved legisla- ministry and its missions abroad. tives from national companies. and 24 business councils with delegations to Kazakhstan and tion in the business sphere. here to human resource laws and Kazakh economic delegations Kazakhstan’s Ethical Code for to foreign countries, according civil servants. Kazakhstan will become a signifi- to information presented at the These measures would be tak- cant transit hub connecting South- meeting. en to implement the first institu- east Asia with Europe, reported These efforts helped increase Khabar news agency. “The Viet- foreign direct investment 27.3 tional reform aimed at creating a namese Saigon Newport Corpora- percent in the first nine months more professional state appara- tion’s port may become the key in of 2016 compared to the same tus. cargo transportation from Kazakh- period in 2015. “Successful implementation stan. Direct railway cargo transpor- Since 2005, the country has at- of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy tation from the Lianyungang port tracted more than $236 billion in crucially depends on the em- to Vietnam is also possible,” added foreign direct investment, most- ployees’ level of skills and their the media outlet. Vietnam’s rapidly- ly, as a result of the personal ef- professional readiness,” Abdra- developing economy is a good grain forts of President Nursultan Naz- khmanov said. and food sales market for the Cen- arbayev and agreements reached “The principle of meritocracy tral Asian country. Trade turnover at the highest levels, said Abdra- should be the main pattern of between the nations is $330 million, khmanov. HRM. It is necessary to conduct with Kazakh exports totalling $147 “Currently we have to imple- planned and systematic work million. Vietnam’s main exports are ment the existing agreements, with the diplomatic service em- oil and gas, seafood and rice going memorandums of understanding ployees.” to the U.S., Japan, and Australia. and contracts, as well as sig- Presently, about 400 employ- nificantly expand the geography ees of the foreign ministry are British tourists recently had a of export of Kazakh goods and graduates of foreign universities chance to visit Kaindy Lake, lo- ensure a steady flow of foreign and 55 are graduates of the Bo- cated just 130 kilometres from the direct investment in the frame- lashak scholarship programme. city of Almaty, and posted pictures in one of the most popular Brit- ish tabloids. The authors explained how the unique natural phenomenon was formed, as the trees in the lake are the result of its creation after an New Uzbek President’s state visit... earthquake in 1911. The lake, 400 metres long and almost 30 metres Continued from Page A1 transport communications, ecol- specifically on the need for co- lined Kazakhstan’s initiatives to ism should include not only the deep, is located 2,000 metres above ogy, rational and equitable use of operation in managing regional establish the Conference on In- intensification of security meas- sea level in the Tian Shan Moun- The Uzbek President told the water resources in the face of teraction and Confidence Build- ures, but also efforts to ensure tain range. One hundred-year-old agency that approximately 230 The Uzbek President global warming and rising con- ing Measures in Asia (CICA) and sustainable economic growth, spruces stand in the glittery blue wa- enterprises operate in Uzbekistan sumption. develop multilateral cooperation freedom of entrepreneurship ter. The trees never decay due to the with Kazakh capital and that 130 focused specifically “Central Asia has always de- in other areas. and the satisfaction of people’s lake’s cold water, which doesn’t ex- businesses operate in Kazakhstan on the need for pended heavily on water re- “I think that the upcoming needs. ceed six degrees Celsius even on the with Uzbek capital. sources. … Today, if we do not meeting of the Shanghai Coop- “When we talk about the re- hottest summer days. Kaindy Lake Mirziyoyev also said one of cooperation in save each drop of water together, eration Organisation (SCO) in gional policy of our country and has become a popular tourist des- Uzbekistan’s foreign policy pri- it will be a crime against future Astana in June and Kazakhstan’s intensification of relations with tination for both locals and foreign orities is to strengthen ties with managing regional generations,” he said in the in- chairmanship in this multilateral our neighbours,” Mirziyoyev visitors and the recent posts placed its immediate neighbours. water resources in terview, adding that Kazakhstan organisation are of great impor- continued, “we have in mind Af- an extra, much-deserved spotlight “We all understand well that and Uzbekistan support develop- tance for increasing its effective- ghanistan, which has a common on the destination. Central Asia is a single organ- the face of global ing a unified strategy and adopt- ness in combating transnational border with Uzbekistan. We all ism that for centuries had a com- ing international legal norms for threats and strengthening peace understand that the situation in The Library of Congress’s Cook- mon geographical, economic and warming and rising water use. and stability in our region,” he Afghanistan carries certain chal- ing Club presented Kazakh dishes to cultural space. No country can consumption. Mirziyoyev also noted the two noted. lenges for Central Asia. There- Americans, reported Khabar news individually solve the questions countries are concerned about Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, fore, it is natural that Uzbekistan agency. Kazakh cuisine is familiar that concern all residents of the global and regional security and said Mirziyoyev, understand se- and Kazakhstan are interested in to University of Maryland assistant region. Those, for example, are water resources,” he said in that that Uzbekistan appreciates Ka- curity is directly related to eco- the speediest settlement of the history professor Sarah Cameron the issues of delimitation and interview. zakhstan’s work to strengthen nomic development. Therefore, Afghan problem,” he told the in- and IREX Senior Programme Of- demarcation of state borders, The Uzbek President focused stability in the region. He under- combating terrorism and radical- formation agency. ficer Stanley Courier, both of whom once lived in the country. They spoke about the uniqueness of the cuisine, noting the influence of the multinational culture. Both stressed one can taste Kazakh meat, Russian Kazakhstan welcomes results of Syria meeting borsch, Korean salads and Uzbek pilaf at every family’s hospitable and generous table. The presenta- tion table had pilaf, baursaks (Ka- in Astana, as Russia, Iran and issue statement zakh puffy bread) and salads popu- ings will continue at technical and lar in the country and also treated By Malika Orazgaliyeva high levels noting that the Syrian the overseas audience to Kazakh government and Syrian opposition sweets, dried apricots and world fa- ASTANA – The Ministry of For- representatives, as well as other mous Kazakh-made chocolate. Ap- eign Affairs of Kazakhstan issued parties could be invited to these proximately 50 people attended the a statement March 16 welcom- meetings as observers. event, where Courier had the chance ing the outcomes of another in- According to the joint statement, to answer questions about Kazakh- ternational meeting on Syria held the parties decided to hold the next stan, its culture and traditions. March 14-15 as part of the Astana high-level meeting on May 3-4 in Process. Astana and agreed to hold prelimi- Dimash Kudaibergenov, a new Ka- “Kazakhstan welcomes the re- nary expert consultations on April zakh star who has seen real success sults of the third international 18-19 in Tehran. in China, has made it to the finals of meeting on Syria held on March The three countries also ex- the Chinese singing contest “Singer 14-15, 2017 in Astana, where the pressed gratitude to the President 2017.” The grand finale is scheduled guarantor states discussed the im- of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Naz- for Apr. 8 – 15 and will consist of plementation of the agreements arbayev, and the Kazakh authori- two rounds: solo and duet perfor- reached in the previous rounds of ties for hosting their meetings. mances. Kudaibergenov will vie for negotiations in Astana, as well as In its own statement, the Kazakh the main trophy against Taiwanese the ways to resolve military issues, foreign ministry reiterated that the band Lion and famous Chinese ac- improving the humanitarian situa- on Feb. 16. They welcomed Iran’s forcement of the ceasefire regime, dition, they welcomed the resump- Astana meetings are an integral tress, dancer and singer Sandy Lam, tion, and studied new opportunities statement to officially become the as well as continued their delibera- tion of the Geneva talks, which part of the Geneva process under who is considered his main rival in for expanding trilateral coopera- third guarantor state of the cease- tions towards the eventual adop- were facilitated by the progress in the UN aegis and that it considers the show. It was also reported by tion on Syria,” the statement said. fire regime, as well as reaffirmed tion of additional documents. the cessation of hostilities in Syria the results of the third international Chinese media that Kudaibergenov According to the ministry, fol- their commitment to the consoli- In this context, discussions were thanks to the ceasefire regime in meeting on Syria as a meaningful has been awarded the China Top lowing the results of the two-day dation and strengthening of the initiated on international assis- force since Dec. 30, 2016, and contribution to the process of po- Music Award as the Best Asian Pop- talks, the guarantor states­ –– Rus- ceasefire regime. tance for demining the UNESCO the results of the previous Astana litical settlement of the Syrian cri- ular Singer. Kudaibergenov has won sia, Iran and Turkey – adopted a The delegations exchanged in- cultural heritage sites in Syria, on meetings, in particular the creation sis on the Geneva platform. praise of the Chinese audience for joint statement where they high- formation on reports of ceasefire confidence-building measures and of a trilateral ceasefire mechanism. “Kazakhstan, as a non-perma- his performances of Vitas’s “Opera lighted several important issues. violations and stressed the need to other topics, which are interrelated Based on the interlinkage between nent member of the UN Security No. 2,” Celine Dion’s “All by My- Thus, the delegations of the three reduce violations through increas- with the comprehensive political the Geneva and Astana processes Council for 2017-2018, will con- self” and other songs in French and countries took stock of their coop- ing efficiency of the trilateral mon- solution in Syria. they expressed their support for tinue to put its every effort to ad- Chinese, and most recently the song eration aimed at ending the Syrian itoring mechanism. The parties underlined the essen- the continuation of the talks in Ge- dress the issues related to region- he performed in Kazakh to make it to conflict and the implementation of They emphasised the urgent tial role for the Astana meetings in neva on March 23. al and global security, as well as the final, “Umytylmas Qun” (Unfor- the ceasefire regime since the pre- need to improve the conditions on terms of complementing and facil- The guarantor states further em- the fighting against terrorism,” it gettable Day). vious high-level meeting in Astana the ground through stronger en- itating the Geneva process. In ad- phasised that their trilateral meet- said. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

ECONOMY Kazakhstan to develop regional doing business rating NEWS IN BRIEF Staff Report tasks of the chamber. They also incentives for those regions and methodology and publicly discuss The National Fund assets will in- monitor, make their conclusions cities that pay the most attention and approve it, then send it to the crease to $80 billion until 2030, re- ASTANA – The first ease of do- based on this rating and search for to business support and enterprise regions this year in cooperation ported khabar.kz. According to Min- ing business rating of Kazakh re- problems and imbalances. Now, development. with the National Chamber of En- ister of National Economy Timur gions will be compiled this year, the Ministry of National Economy The experts plan to finalise the trepreneurs. Suleimenov, certain amendments said Economic Research Institute on behalf of the government has were introduced under the approved head Serzhan Madiyev. Based on set us the task to develop the an- concept of the formation and use of international and domestic experi- nual rating in the regions on the the National Fund’s assets. For ex- ence, it aims to help the govern- principle of the ease of doing busi- ample, beginning in 2020 there are ment to more precisely and pur- Serzhan Madiyev ness index,” he said. plans to reduce the size of the guar- posefully provide regional support. The National Chamber of En- anteed transfer to the budget to 2 Kazakh President Nursultan in this rating every year. It is very trepreneurs work experience with trillion tenge (US$6.34 billion). The figure is currently 2.8 trillion tenge Nazarbayev noted the necessity important for attracting foreign the World Bank will be applied in (US$8.87 billion). Operations on of creating the city and regional investments. This year, we are developing the ranking. Madiyev the provision of bond loans from the rating in his annual address to the launching a new rating in accord- stressed such an approach will al- National Fund to the quasi-public nation. ance with the instructions of the low seeing a real picture of what is sector are also not permitted. “In Kazakhstan works each year to head of state. It will be the Ease happening in the regions and also addition to the restriction on the ir- improve its position in the World of Doing Business rating in the help develop competition among reducible balance of the National Bank Doing Business global rat- regions. This is not a new activity them. Now, akims (governors) Fund assets – it already existed be- ing, said Madiyev. for us, as we have provided such a should provide support for every ranking for the Atameken National fore – at least 30 percent of the GDP, “We provide recommendations entrepreneur. a restriction was imposed on the to the government on what needs Chamber of Entrepreneurs in the In addition, a special award will past two-three years. It meets the amount of the government debt, tak- to be done to raise the positions be granted in the form of public ing into account the guaranteed debt and the external debt of the quasi- public sector, which in total should not exceed the size of the currency assets of the National Fund. There are also amendments that will allow National Bank outlines how citizen the government to monitor and con- trol the external debt of the public sector,” said Suleimenov. pension funds are spent Kazakh citizens continue to trans- sets into financial instruments for fer more funds abroad, according to By Talgat Issenov financing various projects of the ranking.kz. In 2016, the volume of economy of Kazakhstan has been ASTANA – Political Scientist transfers from Kazakhstan reached implemented since the beginning and Single Accumulative Pen- 382.2 billion tenge (US$1.2 billion), of 2016.” sion Fund (SAPF) Public Council 14.1 percent more than the amount “In 2016, the investment of the reported in 2015. Yet the trend inten- Chairperson Dosym Satpayev re- SAPF pension assets was invested acted to the National Bank’s re- sity slowed down. With an increased in conditional deposits of second- average amount per transaction, the sponse in connection with the pub- tier banks to support small and lic council’s request to explain its number of transactions for the past medium-sized businesses, as well year decreased 3.1 percent to 2.14 reasoning for spending 50 billion as bonds of quasi-state organisa- tenge (US$158.4 million) from the million tenge (US$6,779). The aver- tions to stimulate key sectors of age amount for transfer in 2016 was pension fund to support the rail- the country’s economy,” added the way sector. 178,900 tenge (US$566) against National Bank. 151,900 tenge (US$481) in 2015, an The National Bank confirmed In 2016, the volume of pension increase of 17.8 percent. “the possibility of financing quasi- assets invested in quasi-state or- state organisations is being con- ganisation bonds was 378.4 billion Kazakh First Deputy Prime Min- sidered in 2017, which in turn will tenge (US$1.1 billion). Invest- ister Askar Mamin held talks in Abu finance a number of specific pro- ments in the quasi-public sector Dhabi with United Arab Emirates jects in Kazakhstan, including the were carried out mainly in 10-15- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister purchase of domestic freight cars.” year bonds with interest rates rang- of Presidential Affairs Sheikh Man- At the same time, the National ing from 14-18.6 percent per an- sour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, accord- Bank stated the final decisions re- num or with an average weighted ing to primeminister.kz. The parties garding investing SAPF pension Speaking of other issuers, de- sations plan to attract funds from bonds will presumably be listed on yield of 15.1 percent per annum, discussed the preliminary results assets for 2017 have not yet been partments and state programmes the SAPF to finance projects in the the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange including bonds of the Develop- of implementing the agreements adopted. that show interest in pension as- real sector of the economy of Ka- (KASE). ment Bank of Kazakhstan, Ka- reached at the highest level during “The proposals are under con- sets, the National Bank replied that zakhstan, for which they will issue “In addition, in 2017 there are zAgro, KEGOC and Kazakhstan the official visit of Kazakh Presi- sideration by the members of the “in 2017, in addition to quasi-state bonds denominated in tenge; the plans to invest pension assets of Temir Zholy. dent Nursultan Nazarbayev to the Council for the Management of organisations, [there is] the possi- rate of interest on these bonds may the SAPF in Kazakh government The profitability of the SAPF UAE in January, including elaborat- the National Fund of Kazakhstan. bility of investing the SAPF pen- be fixed (the rate is determined de- securities, as well as purchase for- pension assets distributed to de- ing and launching joint investment Some other specific quasi-state sion assets on market conditions pending on the maturity and cur- eign currency to diversify the port- positors’ accounts “in 2014 was projects in key areas of cooperation. projects and their financing are in bonds of international financial rent market conditions) or might folio of pension assets,” it said. 6.3 percent; in 2015, it was 15.6 Particular attention was paid to the yet to be approved by the govern- organisations, such as the Euro- be floating, depending on the level In response to the public coun- percent and in 2016, it was 7.9 construction of an oil and gas chemi- ment,” it noted. pean Bank for Reconstruction and of inflation in Kazakhstan. Bonds cil’s request to provide full infor- percent,” said the National Bank. cal complex in the Atyrau region The National Bank stressed Development (EBRD), the Asian of international financial organisa- mation on the effectiveness of prior Satpayev added the pension with a capacity of 800,000 tonnes of “the SAPF pension assets can be Development Bank (ADB) and the tions, given their credit ratings at investments in such projects since system needs to undergo major polypropylene per year, taking into attracted by quasi-state organisa- International Finance Corporation AAA level, refer to highly reliable establishing the SAPF in 2014, the changes so that the depositors can account the attraction of a strategic tions as one of the possible sources (IFC).” financial instruments,” it added. National Bank said “the principle decide what to do with their own foreign investor and the transfer of of funds.” “International financial organi- The National Bank noted these of investing SAPF pension as- pension savings. advanced European technologies in the petrochemical industry from the UAE.

Both public and private funds have been attracted to implement Kazakh uranium production to decrease infrastructure projects in the East Kazakhstan region, reported 24.kz. In 2016, the region attracted 50 bil- lion tenge (US$158 million) in in- eight percent this year, say experts vestments, almost 13 billion tenge um produced mainly on long-term New nuclear reactors will main- (US$41.18 million) of which was contracts, as the country does not ly be built in developing coun- disbursed under the Nurly Zhol own its own nuclear power plants. tries, such as China and India, programme. The infrastructure de- China remains the main importer where the demand for electricity velopment programme is one of the of Kazakh uranium with a share of is growing rapidly. As expected, most effective in East Kazakhstan, more than 50 percent. the launch of new nuclear reac- as 28 projects were completed with- The Central Asian nation, which tors will compensate for the re- in a year. In particular, 12 heat and mines 39 percent of the world’s duction in uranium consumption water supply facilities have already uranium, is the largest global pro- by deactivated nuclear reactors. been commissioned and 27 kilome- ducer, followed by Canada and The action will help to correct the tres of water and sewage networks Australia, with shares in 2015 of imbalance in supply and demand were built. Four heat sources were 22 and 9 percent, respectively. The and in the long term, a steady in- also restored. As a result, wear and same year, production of nitrous crease in the number of nuclear tear of engineering systems was oxide-uranium reached 71,000 power plants will positively influ- reduced in both the regional centre tonnes, containing 60,496 tonnes ence the uranium market. and Semey. Infrastructure to new of uranium. Uranium also comes Spot uranium prices fell to residential buildings is also being from secondary sources, including $17.75 per pound at the end of constructed. uranium stocks in power plants. November 2016, the lowest level Currently, 439 nuclear power since February 2005, and by the According to the Ministry of Na- plants globally consume uranium end of 2016 prices recovered to tional Economy, the short-term eco- with an installed net power of 380 $20 per pound. The uranium mar- nomic indicator in January-February gigawatts. The U.S. is one of the ket is supposed to remain volatile reached 103.7 percent compared to largest consumers with a 28-per- due to unsustainable policies and the same period last year, as citi- cent share of total consumption. the economy. The market will pre- zens’ income decreased, reported China and South Korea use about serve an excess of uranium until abctv.kz. Calculating the short-term 12 and 8 percent, respectively. 2020, resulting in spot prices be- economic indicator is carried out to ensure promptness and is based on

Photo: inform.kz Starting in 2015, world consump- low $30 per pound. tion is expected to grow 4.8 percent At such low prices, however, changes in the output indices for the Sovereign Wealth Fund, reported of uranium,” said department basic sectors: agriculture, industry, By Dana Omirgazy annually to 97,900 tonnes in 2020. few companies will develop new abctv.kz. experts. At present, 58 nuclear reactors are deposits. In this regard, long- construction, trade, transport and ASTANA – Approximately “In 2016, nearly 24,000 tonnes Production is expected to grow being built and 512 additional re- term prices for uranium will be communications, accounting for 22,000 tonnes of uranium, repre- of uranium were produced in Ka- as market conditions improve. Un- actors are in the planning phase. maintained by a growing demand more than 60 percent of the GDP. senting an 8-percent decrease, will zakhstan, 1.7 percent more com- der the plans to reduce production, Twenty-three Japanese nuclear re- coupled with a possible shortage In particular, the volume of invest- be extracted this year compared to pared to a year earlier. In 2017, uranium prices rose to more than actors are in the process of restart- of uranium supplies. In addition, ments in fixed assets in January- a 25-percent increase in gold pro- uranium production will decline $24 per pound from $17.75 at the ing; in 2016, the U.S. launched its main U.S. and European nuclear February was 699.7 billion tenge duction, according to the research 8 percent, or 2,000 tonnes, due end of November 2016 from the first new nuclear reactor in the last power plants are expected to re- (US$2.21 billion), an 11.2-percent and knowledge management to weak market conditions as- lowest level since February 2015. 20 years and four more are in the new long-term contracts for ura- increase compared to the same pe- department of Samruk Kazyna sociated with an overabundance Kazakhstan exports all the urani- production stage. nium supply in 2017-2018. riod in 2016. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Baiterek Holding finances construction In 2016, small businesses in Ka- zakhstan earned almost 2 trillion tenge of profit before tax (US$6.3 billion), which is the most since of hydroelectric power plant 2010 and a significant increase pected to reduce by 680 tonnes per from 2015, according to the Fin- By Dana Omirgazy year. prom.kz analytical service. The “In general, the implementation profit was accompanied by an 8 ASTANA – BRK Leasing, a of projects in the field of renew- percent increase in the number of subsidiary of the Development able energy sources became possi- active market participants. Small Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK), has ble with the release of the law ‘On businesses were able to achieve begun financing construction of supporting the use of renewable these results due to a more sub- the Turgusun hydroelectric power energy sources’ adopted within the stantial increase in revenues com- plant on the Turgusun River in the concept on the country’s transition pared to the rate of increase in East Kazakhstan region, reported to a green economy,” said Laura expenditures last year, says the forbes.kz. Amreyeva, head of BRK Leasing report. In 2016, the total income of The project will cost more than project management. small businesses increased by 42.6 11.6 billion tenge (US$36.49 mil- “Thanks to the state support percent compared to 2015. lion), including 3.6 billion tenge measures, private investors have (US$11.33 million) provided by an opportunity to attract debt fi- Kazakh energy producing or- BRK Leasing to purchase and nancing to the production of alter- ganisations might be allowed to supply equipment for the plant. A native energy sources. For exam- sell electricity outside Kazakhstan, second new facility, with a design ple, besides our own participation, Managing Director for Technolog- capacity of 24.9 megawatts, is to the investor attracts the leasing and ical Development of KEGOC (Ka- be constructed on the river in the borrowing financing of DBK with- zakhstan’s national transmission Zyryanovsk District. in this project. Construction of the grid operator) Askerbek Kuany- “Use of renewable resources is hydroelectric power plant is sched- shbayev said, reported Kazinform. the basis of green economy. At the uled to be completed by 2018,” she “Over the seven years of the exist- same time, the hydroelectric pow- added. ence of marginal tariffs for elec- er plants are currently able to offer As a subsidiary of DBK, BRK tricity, a lot has been done. About the greatest return and efficiency forbes.kz Photo credit: Leasing is a member of Baiterek a trillion tenge (US$3.16 billion) in this area. The construction of National Management Holding. was invested in the industry. So hydroelectric power plants is a country’s energy security, but also The construction benefits of the the East Kazakhstan region. The The company provides leasing fi- currently we have a power surplus proven, safe and profitable way to become one of the resources Turgusun hydroelectric power project is expected to create about nancing for investment projects of about 3,000 megawatts with an to generate energy. At the same for sustainable economic devel- plant are obvious, including a 300 new jobs during the construc- within implementation of the state installed capacity of 20,000 mega- time, plants do not have to be gi- opment,” said Rinat Gapparov, reduction in the cost of electric- tion period. After the plant launch, programmes on industrial, inno- watts,” he said, adding that this ants. Small hydropower stations deputy chair of the BRK Leasing ity production and 78 million carbon monoxide emissions to the vative and infrastructure develop- surplus might be observed until are able not only to maintain the management board. kilowatt-hour deficit reduction in atmosphere in the region are ex- ment. 2026 or 2027. There is a provision in the relevant legislation that says the energy producing organisation retailer’s partner company in Ka- has the right to sell electricity out- zakhstan. side of Kazakhstan in the case of a “It is also going to be a bonus surplus of electricity in the Unified Leroy Merlin to invest $31 million for the economy – the whole ‘grey’ Electricity System, confirmed by turnover will be eliminated from the system operator in the manner the market as it will be replaced established by the authorised body by cashless payments with finan- at a price not lower than the cost in first supermarket in Almaty cial statements. For the city, it is of electricity sold to consumers of By Dmitry Lee building the first of three super- “Today, the chain of super- stan also,” said Deputy Director also a big plus that such stores are Kazakhstan, he added. markets in the Almaty region and markets Leroy Merlin is actively General of Leroy Merlin Marc system-forming: they garner vari- ASTANA – French giant in gar- plans to invest $31 million in the developing in Russia, and we Luscher during a business con- ous mini-productions around them, Uber, international transporta- dening, retailer Leroy Merlin is outlet. see the high potential in Kazakh- ference Feb. 16. which, in turn, will allow small and tion network company, has started “Now we are focused on find- medium-sized businesses to devel- working in a third city in Kazakh- ing partners with whom we can op and create jobs,” he explained. stan. After Astana and Almaty the cooperate. For us, it is important Because the company is for- company has chosen Shymkent as to include products of domestic eign, however, it won’t be able its next destination. As part of their producers in the assortment of the to sell only Kazakhstan-produced promotion campaign, the company store and create favourable con- goods, the management explained. is giving five free rides to custom- ditions for the development of Some goods will be imported from ers. “Throughout the world, we are local suppliers. On average, our abroad, while others from Russia. witnessing the rapid development stores have up to 35,000 items, However, in perspective, the more of cities, which leads to the inevi- so Kazakh producers have a great the Kazakh producers offer their table growth of traffic congestion chance to show themselves.” products the more the chain will and the absorption of urban space The first supermarket is going offer them to customers. by parking lots. We want to change to be 17,500 square metres along Leroy Merlin is the largest this, to ensure the speed and com- Raiymbek Avenue near the Aport French retailer selling home and fort of transportation, while free- Mall. Upon completion in 2018, interior products, building materi- ing the city from the problems the new supermarket will create als, repair and garden products in caused by an excess of cars. … 350 new jobs. its stores in 12 countries. In the We are sure Shymkent residents Two more supermarkets are to period from 2002 to 2014, Leroy and guests will appreciate the new be opened by 2020: one along the Merlin invested over $870 million opportunities for movement and Almaty-Kapshagai highway and in Russia and has been active in the freedom that Uber gives to the the other near the Kuldjinskaya that part of the world. Today, there inhabitants of megacities,” said highway. are 39 stores in Russia, employing Alexey Stakh, general manager of “For the city and for the people, more than 16,000 people. Over- Uber in the Commonwealth of In- the opening of Leroy Merlin will all, the company employs some dependent States (CIS), according become a great event,” said Tal- 97,000 employees. In 2015, the to otyrar.kz. gat Dossanov, representative of company’s turnover was 18.7 bil- Almeo Development Group, the lion euros. Poultry farming in Kazakhstan is reviving due to state support, ac- cording to President of the Union of Poultry Breeders of Kazakhstan Ruslan Sharipov. “Looking back, we can surely say that domestic International brands succeeding, poultry farming is reviving. Over the past six years, poultry produc- tion has increased by 67 percent, egg production has grown by 78 expanding on Kazakh market percent and the number of birds Novosibirsk, Murmansk and Bar- and target people who buy new reduction and optimisation in other line of Muslim clothes will be has increased by 87 percent. In the naul. According to this analogy, things every season to stay fash- mass brands, such a policy brings presented in H&M stores in Ka- current year it is expected that the the company will act in the Ka- ionable. The brand’s values are a double result and can become an zakhstan. For Kazakhstan and the total production of poultry meat zakhstan market too.” fashion, money savings, sociality excellent bid for leadership,” Yer- Central Asian region in general will be 203,000 tonnes, including The Starbucks network has been and attention to the environment. shova said. this is a very good direction,” she 193,000 tonnes of poultry meat operating in Kazakhstan for two “Against the backdrop of cost “I would not be surprised if a said. and 6 billion eggs,” he said at a re- years. It looks with great enthu- cent meeting of the union, Kazin- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov siasm at Kazakhstan as a country form reports. He said that over the with a developing coffee industry, last few years the amount of state ASTANA – Global brands, such according to the official website support increased by 18 times. as Starbucks and H&M, have en- of the company. At the opening of tered the Central Asian market the first Starbucks coffee house in Tengri Bank signed a memoran- and are outperforming some local Almaty in 2015, people lined up at dum of intent for merger with Cap- companies. 7 a.m. to try the first cup of the fa- ital Bank Kazakhstan on March 13, “H&M will launch an aggres- mous coffee. according to the Kazakhstan Stock sive takeover of Kazakhstan mar- Kazakhstan residents are also Exchange. According to the state- ket. It means the rapid opening of interested in the opening of H&M ment, it is assumed that the merged brand sales outlets in large areas stores, one of which will be opened bank will significantly strengthen of stores,” said head of the Busi- at the Mega Silk Way Astana shop- its positions in the financial market ness Programme of Central Asia ping centre in the EXPO 2017 area. of Kazakhstan. The consolidated Fashion Milena Yershova, Forbes. H&M’s marketing strategy spec- capital of the banks will be 43.2 kz reports. ifies that the company manufac- billion tenge (US$136.8 million), She is confident in H&M’s suc- tures products for those who want which will allow the new bank to cess in the market, saying, “H&M to follow fashion trends, but not rise to 17th place in the rating of always opens large or giant stores, spend a lot of money. According second-tier banks. The standard which offers customers the widest to company statistics, the audience of capital adequacy of the merged choice of products. Thus, for ex- of H&M is predominantly female. bank will reach 19 percent, which ample, in the crisis year for Russia The company focuses on millen- is above the minimum allowable in 2015, H&M’s flagship with an nials: students, graduates of high by 2.4 times. Both banks provide area of about 5,800 square metres schools, single young people or a full range of banking services for was opened in . Another childless couples. The company’s corporate and individual clients. three large stores were opened in experts consider shopping a leisure A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 Renewal of Nauryz and new Uzbek Microtargeting is new President’s visit to Astana information reality, head hen Kazakhstan took its seat on the UN Security celebrations but, in keeping with the festival, there were clearly Council this year, it was a landmark event not just signs of a welcome warming of relations. for our country but for all Central Asia. For the first Indeed, before he arrived in Astana for his two-day visit, President time in the history of the UN, our region has a voice Mirziyoyev made clear the priority he has given to deepening coopera- of Kazakh journalist body says inW its most important body. tion right across the board. He spoke, for example, about how new From the beginning, Kazakhstan has said it intended to use its links had already been established at the parliamentary level, enabling By Vladimir Ossipov two years on the Security Council to advance the priorities of both countries to learn from each other as we each accelerate our mod- our region and strengthen links between its countries. President ernisation and reform programmes. Today, Kazakhstan stands at the thresh- Nursultan Nazarbayev has appealed to his fellow leaders to work There is also, of course, much more our two countries can do to old of a new reality. Institutional reforms with him on a common platform before Kazakhstan takes over support each other’s economic development through joint enterprises affect all aspects of life, and mass media, of the one-month presidency of the UNSC in January next year. and by working together to lift barriers to trade. The ambitious plans course, should not remain on the sidelines Good relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are crucial to increase the value of trade between our two countries three-fold of these processes. to this ambition. Uzbekistan is the region’s most populous coun- by 2020 to $5 billion shows just how much potential there is in the What are the future steps of the Chief try. Kazakhstan is both the largest and has the strongest economy. economic sphere. Editors Club of Kazakhstan? President of The closer we work together the better for the entire region. Our region again finds itself as a critical hub in the global economy. the Club, General Director of Teleradio- The links between the two countries, of course, have always Improving transport links, reducing red tape and standardising regula- complex of the President of the Republic been strong. They share a common history and culture along with tions will help us increase prosperity across Central Asia. of Kazakhstan” Erlan Bekkhozhin talked many personal connections, including kinship. The extraordinary diversity and beauty of our landscapes, the rich about it in his interview with - In regional policy, there is a track record of successful collabo- history of our cultures and the friendliness of our people also provide kaya Pravda newspaper. ration. The lead the presidents of our countries have given, for the ingredients to make Central Asia the next big global travel destina- Erlan Bekkhozhin example, in making Central Asia a nuclear weapon-free zone has tion. More frequent flights between our cities and high-speed rail links Let’s start with a recent roundtable of strengthened the global cause for non-proliferation. will be good for regional business and tourism. Opening the new high- the Chief Editors Club for discussing the task to develop the Digital Kazakhstan pro- We have seen cooperation as well on trade and in major speed Almaty- train ahead of Mirziyoyev’s visit is exemplary. initiatives of the President – constitutional gramme, and on the other hand ordering to regional infrastructure projects. The building of the gas pipeline Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also need to continue strengthening reforms programme and the state-of-the- create a Cyber Shield for our country. For to China is important for both our economies (and Turkmeni- cooperation to counter terrorism both by sharing intelligence and act- nation address. What is the purpose of internet effaced the boundaries between stan, too) but also provides a symbol of what countries working ing together to prevent the lack of opportunity and despair on which these discussions? states and this kind of freedom could also together can achieve. extremism feeds. This is important both to protect our own citizens and We have exchanged opinions on how play a negative role. But there is always room for improvement. And the reality is tackle this global threat. It is another area that Kazakhstan has already fully, objectively and expertly we can and that while Tashkent’s relations with Astana have been closer than moved up the international agenda. should convey information on the essence As it is known, meetings with ministers, with other near neighbours over the past few years, there are As in every region, perhaps there has always been a friendly rivalry of these reforms to viewers and readers. heads of agencies and national companies areas where cooperation can be stepped up for the benefit of the between near neighbours. But this does not mask the healthy respect, Today, in the boundless sea of informa- are carried out within format of the Chief citizens of our two countries and the wider region. mutual understanding and shared ambitions the Kazakh and Uzbek tion people focus on only those messages Editors Club. However, there is not much The first visit of Uzbekistan’s new President Shavkat Mirzi- peoples nurture toward each other. that touch their emotions, attract attention information about the meetings. Why? yoyev to Kazakhstan on March 22-23 has provided the opportu- President Mirziyoyev’s important visit and the new impetus it has through creative and reasonable texts or We just provide brief information for in- nity for this work to begin. It may have been a happy accident of given to relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is another stories, as well as design, infographics or formation agencies, but overall such meet- timetables that his visit coincided with the Nauryz (or ) reason for celebrating a renewal of this year’s Nauryz. other modern tools of visualisation. ings, as a rule, are conducted behind closed Thus, information products of journalists doors. Our guests are enjoying a unique should perfectly match the taste and style opportunity for unofficial dialogue with the of a targeted audience and the society’s management of mass media. This platform needs in general. is valuable due to the fact that our guests There is a modern term microtargeting or can make their meaning perfectly plain in other words the determination of goals when talking about many important issues, and influence on a certain group of people. and probably they would not talk about This is how business is promoted, and this such issues openly. This enables thorough is how Western mass media is promoted. understanding of the processes in the re- Of course, in a greater degree it is a net- spective agencies and ministries more as work phenomenon, but today, when we talk well as the effect they have on the society. about the juncture between conventional Chief editors, upon obtaining detailed in- mass media and internet, we have to take formation, can develop their editorial poli- into account modern practices. Otherwise, cies more surely and professionally. social networks will continue to squeeze traditional mass media. Speaking about international experi- ence, I can draw a parallel between your Is this not an exaggeration? Can Od- structure and the one which was created noklassniki or Facebook replace profes- in in the past . sional journalism? Yes, absolutely, their experience is very Of course, they cannot. However, we interesting. Particularly, our related struc- will definitely loose a part of the audience. ture deals with and considers complaints Indeed, it will be the case if we do nothing. against various publications in mass media. During a recent regional mass media fo- Let us begin with a fact that our colleagues rum, Minister of Information and Commu- assembled a community of professionals, nications of Kazakhstan Dauren Abayev where interests of journalists of the country noted that nowadays even the most efficient are presented. And specific work with com- websites cannot disseminate information as plaints ensure for them obtaining profes- quickly as messengers and social networks. sional competences in the field of conflict Therefore, there is no more purpose for settlement related to professional ethics conventional mass media to compete with and indirectly facilitating the formation of them in terms of the speed of delivering in- ethics itself. formation. Today, the survival capacity of The structure could be called a qualified journalism does not depend on who the first critic, subject to private law, to which any source of this or that news is. It is important citizen may publicly refer. It provides rec- to say why something has happened and ommendations and establishes a common what consequences are there. The redemp- moral framework for journalists, whose tion of journalism is in strengthening of the work cannot be fully regulated by legisla- analytical element. There is a need to in- tion. duce the audience to think. And it is crucial In a majority of cases, our colleagues not only for the industry, but for the country successfully act as a mediator between too. After all, the fall of journalism will re- parties. In other situations they make edi- duce the ability to understand the processes torial remarks, express their objection and that take place in society and world. in cases of serious violations of rules of This refers to the importance of deter- opinion-based journalism, issue public mining the needs of readers, establishing condemnation. Within voluntary obliga- direct connection with the audience and tions, condemnations must be published providing deeper analysis of issues of pub- by mass media to which the complaint was lic concern. We discussed this question addressed. If recommendations are not fol- within the Chief Editors Club in the context lowed and the case reaches a court, then of the initiatives of the head of state. The legal system, as a rule, aligns herself with a theme of our round table was “Modernisa- structure and takes into account the collec- tion: Time for Joint Efforts.” tive opinion of professionals. This is why Mass media should not only inform, but everyone realises – to resort to legal pro- also serve as feedback that serves to ad- ceedsings is to make things worse. vise when something goes wrong, to detect This experience, in our opinion, is very incompetence or, in the opposite, provide interesting and was discussed at the meet- bright examples of positive experiences. ing of Chief Editors Club. Moreover, we Mass media must use new approaches can say that the first step has already been and focus on the quality of publications and made. Recently, we have developed the TV reports rather than quantity. Code of Journalistic Ethics. Now, we have Unfortunately, the so called “press-re- to make another step. The issue is under lease journalism,” which is ultimately kill- examination. I think such principle self- ing our profession, has gone mainstream. regulation of mass media could be very It is crucial for us looking forward. The useful in terms of democratisation of Ka- world evolves. It is quite possible that in a zakhstan’s society. perspective, the mass media and social net- Overall, every journalist when prepar- works will become parts of a single envi- ing their material, irrespective of genre and ronment which includes everything – from critical direction, must keep in mind that, news to payment instruments services. first of all, he or she is a citizen of a country This is essentially what the President said and their opinion, therefore, must be struc- in his address – on the one hand setting a tured based on this fact.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 Our relations are based on mutual respect, says Uzbek ambassador in Kazakhstan facing on a step-by-step basis in the framework of the United Na- launched in September 2016 in Over the years of Uzbekistan’s By Meruert Firuzova the framework of the agreements tions, the Shanghai Cooperation Samarkand. In the course of the independent development, a com- on cooperation signed between the Organisation (SCO), the Com- meeting the two heads of state will prehensive, balanced foreign Uzbekistan President Shavkat two countries. monwealth of Independent States review and assess the current sta- policy course based on the state’s Mirziyoyev has paid a state visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are (CIS) and other international and tus of our relations. national interests has been deter- to Astana March 22-23, one of the two largest countries in Cen- regional organisations attests to I would like to emphasise that mined. According to the concept his first foreign trips as the new tral Asia. In your opinion, what this fact.We stand for further de- the visit is supposed to give a new of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy leader of his country. The Astana changes have taken place recently velopment of the contractual legal impetus to the unfulfilled potential activities, the state’s “essential in- Times asked Uzbek Ambassador in developing bilateral relations base of bilateral relations. Where- and determine priority trends for terests are associated with the Cen- in Kazakhstan Ikrom Nazarov a between the nations? as 182 treaties and agreements be- further development of the Uzbek- tral Asian region.”Under the new few questions about the visit’s Generally, current internation- tween Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Kazakh partnership.Uzbekistan’s circumstances President Shavkat goals and his assessment of the al relations are characterised by have been signed, it is essential to and Kazakhstan’s economic po- Mirziyoyev has repeatedly de- bilateral relations between the growing geopolitical tensions and draw up new ones and fulfill ob- tentials are complementary. With clared the country’s foreign policy two most populous nations in political confrontations, radicali- ligations arising from the current this in mind, great attention at the course steadfast focusing on inten- Central Asia. Photo: 1news.uz sation and activities of religious documents. talks will be given to the advance- sification of bilateral contacts of Ikrom Nazarov fanatics and escalation of conflicts ment of trade and economic co- Uzbekistan, primarily with Central Mr. Ambassador, you have been lack of any contradictions. They in our close and remote neighbour- The state visit by President of operation. The current contractual Asian countries. Thus the tasks we representing your country in Ka- can serve as a role model of coop- hood.Under these circumstances, Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev legal base and the documents to are facing in the regional context zakhstan for more than a year. eration for any other neighbour- we are required to keep our peace- to Astana is scheduled for March be signed in the course of the visit have remained unchanged. At the How would you assess the sig- ing countries.We are pleased to loving dialogue going and take 22-23. What are the objectives of will open up new opportunities for same time I would like to note that nificance and current condition witness the current achievements joint measures aimed at a timely the forthcoming visit of the two building up mutually beneficial pursuing the policy of peace and of bilateral cooperation between of Kazakhstan in all aspects of and adequate response to the aris- heads of state? cooperation in this field.These ef- stability turning the Central Asian Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan? building a strong state and society, ing challenges and threats to the The status of the state visit by forts are aimed at raising the well- region into a zone of security and Centuries-old fraternal ties be- profound reforms aimed at raising security of our two nations. the President of the Republic of being of the populations in our two sustainable development has been tween Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan living standards of the people and Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev countries facilitating the integra- a priority task not only for Uz- have strengthened considerably strengthening the state’s reputa- as Central Asia’s leading nations to Kazakhstan is high. The format tion of all Central Asian states into bekistan, but for all Central Asian since each nation gained its inde- tion on the international scene. All that possess considerable political, of the visit allows a thorough and the processes of global economic states.Equally important for all pendence and the right to deter- these accomplishments are insepa- economic and human resources, comprehensive discussion of Uz- development, providing inflow of Central Asian states is setting up mine its own foreign policy. rably associated with the name bear a special responsibility for bek-Kazakh relations in political, foreign investments and increasing partnership among regional coun- I am confident that our good of the President of Kazakhstan, maintaining and strengthening the trade, economic, transport, cul- the transiting capacity of the Cen- tries, diversifying trade, economic, neighborly relations based on the Nursultan Nazarbayev.In terms of peace and stability of the entire re- tural, and humanitarian areas. The tral Asian states. technological, transport and other principles of mutual respect will our cooperation, there are prereq- gion. two heads of states will have an links among them and intensify- continue improving to serve the uisites to increase the volume of In this context, we are pleased opportunity to share opinions on Do you know if the Uzbek ing the process of drawing foreign common interests of both nations. bilateral trade turnover, expand the to note that our stands on key mat- various regional and international President has set new tasks in im- direct investments and advanced The relations between Uzbekistan potential of common transporta- ters of regional and international issues. plementing the country’s foreign technologies in respective priority and Kazakhstan are characterised tion and communication systems policy are in accord. Intensive and We expect the state visit to fur- policy course, particularly in the branches of their national econo- by a high level of mutual trust and and jointly fulfil the tasks we are mutually beneficial cooperation in ther continue the trustful dialogue regional context? mies. Stability and strong ethnic, religious relations key to unity, Kazakh supreme mufti says ther spiritual development of our ligious and historical figures to His organisation has established the peace-loving policy of Ka- By Dana Omirgazy country.” light, Malgazhyuly said. close ties with other faiths, he zakhstan, and is a great opportuni- ASTANA – Kazakhstan is un- In addition, the Spiritual Ad- said. “The Congress of Leaders of ty, especially for Muslims, to stop dertaking major political steps to ministration published the book Cooperation among World and Traditional Religions the spread of Islamophobia. strengthen the country’s position “Treasured Values of Tradi- … is a vivid example of the in- Muslims from 27 nationalities in the world and become an ever- tional Islam.” The book covers religious associations tention of the Kazakh people to and ethnic groups make up 70 per- better model of peace and friend- religious songs and works of “Allah Almighty created man- strengthen unity and interreligious cent of the population of Kazakh- ship. The deep religious commit- Kazakh zhyrau (narrators), re- kind by dividing them into dif- harmony. We are sure that the stan, the Supreme Mufti noted, ment of tolerant, generous people ligious figures and scientists. A ferent nationalities, and this is the meeting of leaders of traditional and by contributing to unity and can help maintain harmony and contest was held among akyns grace of our Creator,” the Supreme religions has a fruitful impact on harmony in the country, they are mutual understanding between (traditional singers) who per- Mufti explained. “The Holy Quran the development of interfaith rela- a vivid example for their compa- all of Kazakhstan’s people and, formed religious songs to mark tells us: ‘…have made you nations tions,” he added. triots. indeed, all people, Chairman Yerzhan Kazhy Malgazhyuly the book’s publication, with the and tribes so that you would recog- In this respect, the religious of the Spiritual Administra- winner getting a new car. nise each other.’” servants of the mosques also bear tion of Muslims of Kazakhstan created publications and held reli- “This book can be considered a Kazakhstan is growing steadily Religious leaders’ role in a great responsibility, the Supreme (SAMK), Supreme Mufti Yer- gious and cultural events. good beginning on the path to the and members of different national- Mufti said. The year also helped highlight ities and ethnic groups live peace- building peace zhan Kazhy Malgazhyuly said in revival of historical conscious- The Supreme Mufti pointed out “In strengthening unity and har- the roots of Islam in Kazakhstan fully and harmoniously, here, he an exclusive interview with The ness,” the Supreme Mufti ex- the expression, ‘In unity, there is mony between peoples and ethnic Astana Times. and the place the religion can take plained. pointed out. This should be sup- groups, inter-confessional mutual in society through films, articles ported by religion. prosperity.’ “Islam is a religion of peace and The Spiritual Administration “To achieve such values, it is understanding has a very great in- justice in the fullest sense of the and essays on Kazakhstan’s reli- “Religion should strive to estab- gious and historical figures and published other historical and reli- necessary to strengthen internal fluence.” True Muslims must not words. It cultivates character this lish peace and justice in the state, seminars on religion today. gious books and held conferences, in society; it educates a person to- political stability and interethnic, ridicule or insult each other, but way. This means that we … should “The purpose of this initia- seminars and roundtables on the wards this. The Spiritual Adminis- inter-confessional relations,” he seek harmony, as between broth- strive towards such lofty goals. tive was to justify the worldview theme of Islam and secular soci- tration of Muslims of Kazakhstan said. “Religious discord is causing ers, he said. Only virtue and good deeds can school and the Sharia-based mad- ety in the regions, he continued. also strives for such good goals, clashes in some countries, where “Thus, Islam is a powerful bring a person closer to the Crea- hhab [school of thought], which As UNESCO had declared 2016 exalts the values of unity and har- the blood of innocent people has spiritual force that can positively tor,” he said. are intertwined with our national the year of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, mony. Because, in the Holy Quran, been shed, children left orphans, influence the formation of a- per roots,” Malgazhyuly said. “We whose mausoleum is in Turkestan, the Most High commanded: ‘Do women made widows.” son’s worldview and character,” Year of Religion were engaged in the publication of an international conference dedi- not separate.’ The Prophet Mu- He praised Kazakh President he pointed out. And a dialogue be- historical treasures, the ordering of cated to Yassawi’s work was or- hammad … urged the people to Nursultan Nazarbayev’s launch- tween Islam and other faiths helps and Historical Heritage the legacies of our ancestors, the ganised. obey their Lord and not to spread ing of the Congress of Leaders of support harmony – which is why The SAMK declared 2016 the restoration and revival of religious The Spiritual Administration discord. He ordered them to find World and Traditional Religions to Kazakhstan’s efforts to support year of Religion and Historical treasures of historical value. Thus, intends to continue to do work to mutual agreement,” the Supreme help end religious strife. The con- multi-confessional conversations Heritage, and throughout the year we wanted to contribute to the fur- bring the nation’s significant re- Mufti pointed out. gress, he said, clearly expresses are so important. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

gether’ and there will be different cultural events, dances, nature ac- tivities and arts everywhere in Fin- Finland, Kazakhstan have great potential land. Most of these events are or- ganised by people themselves, so everyone is invited to participate. We do not try to mandate from the for cooperation in clean energy, envoy says top how this is supposed to be cel- By Dana Omirgazy At the upcoming Astana EXPO given direct flights that will be of- dent Nazarbayev has taken. The ebrated, but actually, everyone in 2017, Finland will be the only fered from to Astana this President’s 100 Concrete Steps Finland decides and brings us the ASTANA – Over 25 years of participating Nordic country. The summer by Finnair, the country’s also help us to find new ways to ideas,” she said to the paper. diplomatic ties, Kazakhstan and theme of the Finnish pavilion is largest airline. cooperate,” he emphasised. According to the ambassador, Finland’s strong and peaceful Sharing Pure Energy. Finnish en- “We encourage now more com- The ambassador reiterated that Astana will also host a number of relationship has grown more in- ergy efficient solutions, energy panies that were not previously in Finland celebrates the centenary interesting events devoted the an- tense, Finnish Ambassador to Ka- production and distribution will Kazakhstan to come. I hope that of its independence this year with niversaries. zakhstan Ilkka Raisanen said in a be presented during three months likewise many Kazakh companies numerous events throughout the “In May, we are organising March 7 interview with The Asta- of the exhibition. Its pavilion will go to Finland using these di- country. jointly with the Kazakh Ministry na Times. will also demonstrate digital so- rect flights. Finland is also a hub “Last year was a great year to of Foreign Affairs some activities “We have many exchanges at lutions, education, health tech- for northern European countries,” celebrate 25 years of Independ- related to 25 years of diplomatic different levels based on good re- nologies and world famous Finn- he said. ence of Kazakhstan. Now we have relations we have had. Then, on lations that our Presidents have. ish design. “Over the years, we have been 100 years of Finnish Independ- June 5, with the Swedish embassy, President Nursultan Nazarbayev Ilkka Raisanen “We would be ready and willing very successful in student ex- ence,” he added. we are organising a concert with has been in Finland several times to cooperate in the sector of ener- change. We have established ties According to Saara Alhopuro, the music of Jean Sibelius and and our President, Sauli Niinisto, gy, renewable energy, clean tech- within the Bolashak Scholarship; deputy director of the communi- some Swedish composers. Later, visited Kazakhstan. There is a very are all very much of interest in nologies and also technologies that also, we have big cooperation in cations department on Europe and on June 20, we will mark the day good chance that he might be visit- Kazakhstan. The Finnish and Ka- are fit in very cold and extreme the field of nursing education,” the neighbouring areas of the Ministry of Finland at the expo site. We re- ing us during EXPO 2017. Finland zakh people are sharing the same climate situation that we have in ambassador continued. for Foreign Affairs of Finland, this ally hope that our leadership will has created a lot of goodwill in interests on the world stage. We Finland and in Kazakhstan,” Rai- “Kazakhstan is modernising summer especially will be a very be participating in that celebra- Kazakhstan and our main achieve- both enjoy this cordial relationship sanen said. very fast and we are trying to be interesting time to visit Finland. tion. Independence Day is coming ments are in the sectors of educa- in our bilateral relations and we The ambassador expressed helpful in the modernisation of so- “Finland will be full of different on Dec. 6. This is one of the main tion and gender equality, disarma- have many common interests,” the hopes on a big breakthrough in ciety. Of course, we are following kind of events because the theme events for the country,” said Rai- ment and peacebuilding, which ambassador pointed out. cooperation between both sides very closely initiatives that Presi- of centenary celebrations is ‘To- sanen. EBRD set to refresh Kazakhstan can be transit hub cooperation with Uzbekistan between Southeast Asia and Europe countries will be conducted through the Cat Lai port,” said Cat Lai termi- nal head Ngo Chong Fang. under its new leadership The railway procedures were sim- that they wish to pursue reform in providing advisory services and plified and tariffs reduced to speed By Dmitry Lee and we wish to support that. This financing for SMEs, in addressing up promoting goods, said China- trip is designed to cement the new the legacy of Soviet-era uranium Kazakhstan International Logistics ASTANA – The European Bank working relationship between both mining and processing in the re- in Lianyungang Director General for Reconstruction and Develop- sides and explore where we might gion, in exploring ways to support Liu Bin. ment (EBRD) and Uzbekistan are invest. We have invested in Uz- cross-border trade and other ar- “We should thoroughly work the Photo credit: inform.kz Photo credit: set to re-engage on a new level. bekistan since 1993, but in recent eas,” read the statement. supply chain of goods in both direc- During EBRD’s Mar. 15-17 visit years there was a pause. That is “We wish to develop the pri- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova countries. China sent its first freight tions: Europe-Kazakhstan-Vietnam to the Central Asian country, the now over,” he added. vate sector and encourage entre- train to London through Kazakhstan and Vietnam-Kazakhstan-Europe. sides have signed a memorandum The seriousness of EBRD’s in- preneurship. We will provide fi- ASTANA – An agreement on a in early January. It took 18 days, This may become an unprecedented of understanding. tentions was highlighted by EBRD nancing and advice for small and free trade zone between Vietnam which is two times less than by the and great event in international com- “We believe the time is right President Sir Suma Chakrabarti, medium-sized companies. We will and the Eurasian Economic Union sea route and much cheaper than air merce. For example, cargo can be to re-engage with Uzbekistan,” who headed the delegation himself. look at regional investments and (EAEU) will increase the flow of transportation,” said Zhumakhanov. delivered from Vietnam to Almaty EBRD Managing Director for He took part in high-level meetings also help to clean up the uranium goods between these countries, said The task of building effective via the port of Lianyungang in 14 with authorities in the hope of find- mining and processing sites left Kazakh Ambassador to Vietnam transport and logistics chains be- days, whereas it would take at least ing new ways of cooperation. over from the . But Beketzhan Zhumakhanov at a March tween Europe and Asia through Ka- 45 days by sea. We are ready to “Uzbekistan is important for beyond that, we will look at many 6 meeting with Vietnamese compa- zakhstan was set by Kazakh Presi- transport your goods to Kazakhstan the successful regional coopera- other possible investments,” said nies. dent Nursultan Nazarbayev as part and other countries of Central Asia, tion and economic development Charles. “Today, we have the first meet- of Nurly Zhol, the new economic Russia and Europe,” he added. of Central Asia. I look forward to The delegation and Uzbek of- ing in Vietnam and representatives policy. The transport corridor between our dialogue and discussing ways ficials touched on issues such as of Kazakhstan, Vietnam and China “An agreement on the free trade Vietnam and EAEU has great pros- of increasing the EBRD’s work in exploring opportunities to deepen gathered at a negotiating table to zone between Vietnam and EAEU pects, said Cat Lai terminal repre- Uzbekistan, where the bank cur- cooperation in order to develop discuss the prospects of transporting was signed. We suggest using the sentative Bui Van Quy. rently retains a small portfolio of entrepreneurship and the competi- goods along the Kazakhstan-Lian- ports of the Saigon Newport Corpo- “The Cat Lai terminal is the larg- projects. We already see several tiveness of the Uzbek economy, yungang Port-Vietnam corridor and ration to deliver goods from Vietnam est and most modern in Vietnam, areas of interest, such as regional for example by attracting foreign further to other countries of South- and other countries of the Associa- serving as a large transit point for the connectivity and integration, ad- direct investment, which brings in east Asia,” he said. tion of Southeast Asian Nations to transportation of goods to Indone- visory services and finance for technology and know-how. Zhumakhanov spoke about ways the port of Lianyungang and further sia, Thailand and other countries of SMEs (small and medium-sized EBRD is the largest institutional to increase the flow of goods between to Kazakhstan, Russia and European Southeast Asia,” he said. enterprises) and the financing of investor in Central Asia, with near- countries as part of the agreement countries,” he said. The first consignment of Kazakh EBRD Managing Director for Communications Jonathan Charles green energy and energy efficiency ly $12.3 billion committed to pro- and successfully testing delivery “You’ve visited our port. Let me grain, 720 tonnes in 32 containers, projects,” he said in a statement. jects in a variety of sectors, from along the Kazakhstan-Lianyungang thank you for the invitation to visit arrived March 4 from the East China Communications Jonathan Charles Although the EBRD has been infrastructure to agriculture, with Port-Port of Ho Chi Minh City route. your country in May this year to dis- port of Lianyungang to the Vietnam told The Astana Times during his present in Uzbekistan since 1993, a focus on private sector develop- “A railway route from Kazakhstan cuss the prospects for expanding the international container terminal visit to Tashkent. there have been no “fresh op- ment. The bank has invested $958 to the port of Lianyungang was con- economic corridor between Kazakh- company in Ho Chi Minh City. The “We see this as a new beginning. erations,” the financial institution million in Uzbekistan; its current structed where we established a joint stan and Vietnam through China. We pilot shipments were carried out by It was triggered ‎by the election of said in a statement released on the portfolio of $8.5 million in the venture. China is interested in the ex- think that after the first successful KTZ Express jointly with Kazakh- a new president. He and the Uzbek threshold of the visit. country is managed from Tashkent ploitation of railways for the delivery delivery of Kazakh grain, the next stan International Logistics of Lian- government have made it clear “There is also a mutual interest and London. of goods to Russia and the European export-import operation between our yungang. British expert visits KTZ to share experience within IOSH-EBRD project “I am really impressed with tive from the people. It is not about (EBRD). The organisations are By Zhazira Dyussembekova the facilities, especially the new the raw book; it is more about peo- working together “to ensure that engineering facility where new ple and working with people to safety and health is at the forefront ASTANA – Kazakhstan Temir locomotives are being built. The achieve the best.” of business operations in emerging Zholy (KTZ), the nation’s state- new coaches were very good. The The main difference between Europe and beyond,” according to owned railway and logistics op- collaboration between Kazakhstan how safety is managed in the U.K. the IOSH website. KTZ has been a erator, is exchanging experience and Spain with coaches is a very and Kazakhstan is culture and long-term partner of EBRD. with the Institution of Occupa- good example,” he said speaking openness, said Morey. “This assignment provides an tional Safety and Health (IOSH), of a Talgo plant near Astana, add- “We have much more of an opportunity for both the IOSH the British-based organisation for ing some of the engineers brought ‘open’ sort of culture in the U.K. Railway Group and KTZ to trans- health and safety professionals. work practices from Spain, where regarding safety. The actual thing fer and exchange sector-specific Railway group chair Keith Morey they were trained, and are very is whether people will speak up knowledge, learn new skills and spent a week in the capital to see helpful and willing to share infor- if something isn’t quite right; are promote alternative health and how KTZ protects its workforce mation. they willing to say something,” he safety standards from both the and ensures exchange experience Everything realting to safety has noted. U.K. and Kazakhstan which have in the field. been taken seriously and much He added Kazakhstan has moved been effective in protecting rail “Everything I have seen shows attention is being paid to it, said a long way and “safety is some- workers,” said Derran Williams,

that the company is willing to service of KTZ press Photo credit: Morley. thing that comes on a journey.” EBRD Principal Health and Safety move forward with the times and “There are always opportuni- “The meeting where the two Advisor. wants to be a leader and I think to share my own experience in countries, it is the world’s biggest ties to improve, because the IOSH organisations exchange informa- “This first project to be set up you’ve got enough scope to be a case they find something useful to professional health and safety or- certification says you should look tion and experience in the field under our partnership with the world-class leader in railways and replicate for managing risks, but at ganisation. and continue improvements. The of safety and health protection EBRD will allow for a two-way their safety,” said Morey in an in- the same time, to be able to bring “This is a fantastic opportunity fact that KTZ is willing to have me in the transport sector should exchange of information on how terview with The Astana Times. back new ideas for our work in the for all parties. KTZ is a huge op- here and share experience shows promote the establishment of risks in the industry can be suc- Morey, who is also a part of Net- U.K.,” he said. eration and, as with any rail indus- the willingness to learn and find business relations and develop cessfully managed. This is timely work Rail’s infrastructure projects The visit will contribute to shar- try organisation, there are many ways to improve,” he added. cooperation,” said Aidos Aishi- ahead of KTZ’s expansion plans team in the , met ing good practices from both the risks faced by their workers,” said Concerning particular ways for kov, General Manager of KTZ’s and will help to pave the way for with the health and safety team at U.K. and Kazakhstan rail networks Morey. improvement, Morey noted the Ecology and Industrial Safety healthier and safer working envi- KTZ to discuss the challenges it and build links between relevant KTZ is planning to expand its op- next step on KTZ’s journey will Department. ronments across their operations. faces. organisations. IOSH is the char- erations and is keen to interact with be “a behavioural, modern way or Morey’s visit is the first activity We thank Keith for volunteering “I am keen to learn how they tered body for health and safety a railway peer with years of experi- more Western way of doing things as part of a partnership between his time and valuable experience,” manage these risks. It is a two-way professionals. With more than ence in the same sector to compare rather than the Russian [Soviet] IOSH and the European Bank for said IOSH’s Policy Executive Di- communication. I hope to be able 46,000 members in more than 120 health and safety practices. way. A slightly different perspec- Reconstruction and Development rector Shelley Frost. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Being a woman and doing First film by Kazakh director Kazakhstan’s national football business in Central Asia Salamat Mukhammed-Ali to team defeated in first match B2 premiere in North America B3 under new coach B7 Golovkin beats Jacobs in tough Kazakh diaspora share fight at Madison Square Garden joy of celebrating Nauryz By Anuar Abdrakhmanov with people around them ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s famed In childhood, we went to the park boxing pro champion Gennady By Zhanna Shayakhmetova Golovkin, aka GGG, successfully with my father and my mother was preparing various kinds of treats retained his WBA (Super), WBC ASTANA – Nauryz, an ancient on this day. Now, March 22 is a and IBO middleweight belts. eastern holiday celebrated March special date for me and my hus- Golovkin defeated American Dan- 22 in many Middle and Central band, as we met this day,” she said. iel Jacobs March 18 in a tough Asia countries, is one of the fa- Matayeva has a tradition of cel- fight at ’s legendary vourite holidays for Kazakh peo- ebrating the event with her fam- Madison Square Garden. ple. The event is also widely cel- ily and the Kazakh diaspora. This Before the fight, many experts ebrated by Kazakh diaspora across year, a concert with the participa- believed it would be quite easy the world. tion of young performers and vis- for Golovkin. Contrary to expecta- The Astana Times interviewed iting musicians from Kazakhstan, tions, Jacobs proved to be a worthy Kazakhstan-born people who cur- Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Tur- opponent. rently reside in Paris, Moscow key will be held at the centre. The first round was led in an ex- and to learn how they ploratory way, with Golovkin pos- “We hold an annual concert celebrate the coming of spring and with my colleagues dedicated to sibly trying to attack first. Occupy- their feelings about the date. ing the centre of the ring, he went the spring holiday. This time we Pianist and Korkut Cultural Cen- also invited Melvin, the star of on the offensive, pushing his op- tre founder Aigerim Matayeva has ponent into the ropes and jabbing clubs in Paris, as a guest per- been living for four years in Paris former. He will perform a song him. The 34-year-old Karaganda and pursuing her career at the Sla- native continued pressing. Jacobs year. In general, the fight was very “This was probably the tough- bit better. This is the best out- in Kazakh in a jazz style. The vonic Conservatory. audience has a chance to go on a missed a blow and was floored in close, but the judges’ decision was est fight in Golovkin’s career. All come for Jacobs, who had such “As for everyone, Nauryz is a the fourth, but was able to stand up unanimous – 115-112, 115-112 his opponents, including Daniel an equal fight with Golovkin. journey through the Great Steppe, spring holiday for me. Especially listening to traditional kuis and and continue boxing. and 114-113 for Golovkin. Jacobs, train hard for the fights However, Gennady deserved the in , spring begins March 21. The American soon proved he GGG’s fans from all over the with him. The American started win,” said 2012 London Olympic jazz songs. They can also enjoy As a child, I was looking forward dancing and watching theatre per- chose the right tactics and was world came to New York to sup- aiming for the fight against GGG champion Serik Sapiyev. to this holiday, because I knew well prepared for the fight. Jacobs port him. Most, of course, were long time before the contract was Kazakh President Nursultan formances. The eats and drinks that the weather would already be that reflect both past and every- moved well, chose the right dis- from Kazakhstan, so the bleach- signed. Golovkin’s future oppo- Nazarbayev was among those warm after a long and cold win- tance and let Golovkin push him ers were filled with turquoise flags nents will do the same, because who congratulated his com- day lifestyle of nomads also will ter. We celebrated the New Year be served,” she said. into the ropes. In the second half, with a golden eagle and sun. A to- he is the leader in his weight cat- patriot on the win. In a wire holidays at home, but we always Jacobs became more active and tal of 20,789 people witnessed the egory. Golovkin did not manage sent to New York, the head of celebrated Nauryz in the street. Continued on Page B2 managed to take back several fight. to dominate throughout the bout. state noted Golovkin showed rounds, which did him justice. Af- “I always come here and fight It was caused by fatigue, which great skills, invincible will and ter all, he became the first boxer with great desire. Fighting at Mad- then affected his speed. Jacobs real sport spirit in a tense fight in years who managed to make ison Square Garden is a pleasure. I was in good shape for the fight. against a strong opponent, once Golovkin go all 12 rounds. The want to thank my fans that created At first, many thought the fight again defending his champion Kazakh, however, was more ac- this excellent atmosphere. This would be over very soon, but af- titles. Almaty region national curate and confident than his op- means that my team and I are on ter the sixth round the American “Your success gave great joy ponent. the right way! The audience can- became active. Gennady, on the to all boxing fans of Kazakhstan, Both fighters showed excellent not be fooled. They like my fights contrary, was not doing as good filled their hearts with pride for our boxing skills and provided viewers and what I do in the ring,” said as in the first rounds, so by the country and the national boxing parks undergo general with one of the best shows of the Golovkin after the match. end of the bout Jacobs looked a school,” wrote Nazarbayev. improvements, new routes Almaty photographer reveals how to be added By Dmitry Lee “This issue must be addressed very carefully,” he said. “There simple hobby turned into career ASTANA – A new road map is such a well-known expression is to be developed, while some as ‘Do no harm,’ so let’s use this years. She specifically went to Su- old ones will be revised and new point of view. We are ready for By Zhanna Shayakhmetova dan last year, going to the bottom routes will be added for tourists in cooperation, but only according to of the Red Sea with like-minded national parks’ in the Almaty re- the requirements of the environ- ASTANA – The breathtaking people. Several dives were devot- gion, said Ministry of Agriculture mental legislation,” he added. ed to the study of the Umbria, the pictures of exotic marine life tak- forestry and wildlife department The tourism sector has made nu- sunken Italian ship. en by Almaty resident Nadezhda acting chairperson Marlen Aina- merous inquiries. Almaty tour com- “I’ve always wanted to learn Kulagina took the fourth and sixth bekov during the March 2 meet- pany’s AlmatyCityTour and VDA diving, but we do not have such an places in the wrecks category of ing regarding the region’s national representative Anatoly Savichev, the 2017 Underwater Photogra- opportunity in Kazakhstan. Once parks organised at the Atameken for instance, believes guides and pher of the Year competition. I visited Hawaii, I tried diving for National Chamber of Entrepre- drivers accompanying tour groups the first time. It was incredible and An interpreter by occupation, neurs of Kazakhstan (NCE). need to be freed from paying the I decided to continue this hobby. Kulagina has been involved in un- “We are accepting applications eco-collection. According to the now. I think by the end of 2017 derwater photography for seven Continued on Page B2 Nadya Kulagina Photo credit: current tax legislation, a mandatory we will have all those routes in the ecological fee of 0.1 monthly cal- road map and will conduct ecolog- culation index (MCI) is collected ical examination,” he said, accord- at the entrances to the specially- ing to abctv.kz. protected natural territories. The NCE pledged to take an ac- “These people are at work, but Astana Ballet Theatre premieres tive role in the process. Chamber each time accompanying tour services department deputy direc- groups, they have to pay a fee. This tor Karlygash Altayeva stressed entails a small, but still increasing not only the interests of parks, but total cost of the trip. Is it possible “Walpurgis Night” also the demand of the tourist mar- to settle this issue somehow? May- ket must be considered. Ainabe- be they can make a discount or a By Zhanna Shayakhmetova The ballet was staged by Hon- performances for many theatres About 40 people from the oured Artist of Russia, People’s in Russia and Ukraine, including Astana Ballet troupe and young kov, however, argued strongly that reduced tariff for them?” Savichev ASTANA – The “Walpurgis Night” Artist of Tatarstan Georgy Kovtun the Mariinsky and Mikhailovsky performers aged 10-12 from the the main goal was not business, but asked Ministry of Agriculture rep- ballet premiered March 17-18 at the who has produced approximately Theatres and the Vaganova Rus- Kazakh National Academy of preservation of the national parks. resentatives. Astana Ballet Theatre in the capital. 300 ballets and choreographic sian Ballet Academy. Choreography performed in the production. Children performed for the first time on the stage in this premiere. The unusually bright choreo- THINGS TO WATCH & graphic performance with expres- sive musical language, colourful PLACES TO GO scenography and spectacular plas- ticity was warmly greeted by audi- ence. ASTANA OPERA The famous ballet acquired the traditions of classical Russian bal- April 1 at 6 p.m. Don Quixote, Ballet let, in which the myths and legends April 5 at 7 p.m. Chamber music, Concert of ancient Greece are revived. April 6 at 7 p.m. Tosca, Opera Three-D light and other technical elements were used in this produc- April 9 at 6 p.m. Madame Butterfly, Opera tion. April 9 at 12 a.m. , Concert “Walpurgis Night” was written for the “Faust” opera April 12 at 7 p.m. Fountain of Bakhchisarai, Ballet but recently it became an in- dependent play performed PALACE OF PEACE around the world. I worked AND RECONCILIATION with the team that has been with me in many theatres of April 2 at 10 a.m. Ballroom dance, Championship the world and the country works with me.

Photo: davidherrero.com Continued on Page B3 B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 Being a woman and doing business in Central Asia from a sudden heart attack. We mother, who helped us throughout ally hard times in life succeed. I By Dmitry Lee had to feed our family; we had to all this effort with my children. I watch American films and often survive. I had saved some money bought a small house and opened a see how women live there and how ASTANA – Being a business- and rented out a small boutique kindergarten.” they have to cope with chores and woman and a housewife at the in the city and bought some kids’ Today, her kindergarten has business. I see myself there, too, in same time is really arduous – in toys for sale. But that year after about 50 children and it keeps their shoes. I understand how hard a society in which most house- the revolution started the country growing. Park created work for it must be.” hold chores are still the province saw a major setback and I didn’t all her relatives who were unem- Park isn’t the only female entre- of women, a working mom must make much off selling toys,” Park ployed and is now the foreman and preneur with such a success story juggle cooking a meal for the kids, remembered. breadwinner not only for her im- in Bishkek, she said. planning business meetings and After an unsuccessful run with mediate family but also for all her “My closest friends are all en- keeping in mind what to put on the the children’s toys Park decided to relatives. gaged in some type of business. grocery list. quit and try a different sphere, but In 2012, after saving again, she They own fitness clubs, beauty And there may not be many peo- was completely clueless. launched a network of small gro- parlours and boutiques. We can’t ple to sympathize, because entre- “I was depressed and had no cery stores. afford to work for someone. All preneurship is still mostly domi- idea what to do. My kids were “The kindergarten business was we want is a stable political situa- nated by men. So what’s it like growing up and they saw my ef- more a help for me to watch over tion. Many people lost their busi- being a businesswoman in this part forts trying to multitask with work my children – I just combined nesses after the Tulip Revolution of the world? Park’s kindergarten in Bishkek. and home. That helped them stay what was needed and what could in 2005. Marauders took advan- Central Asia, although mostly determined in school. I saved up help us survive. It required a lot tage of the chaos in the city and Muslim, was under Soviet rule for small and medium-sized busi- quickly to different situations, so if some cash and wanted to try my of effort and responsibility though they broke into houses, stole val- more than 70 years and therefore nesses and negotiating trade deals you ask me, entrepreneurs in Kyr- own business, as I understood that and it didn’t give me much time uables, broke into supermarkets inherited a mostly secular edu- on the highest levels and are quite gyzstan are probably the best in the my salary would never be enough to think of future plans. Now my and malls and stole all they could. cational system and some Soviet active in politics. world,” she said, smiling. “As we for the four of us in the family, and children are all grown up and that For us small and medium busi- views on life. “This probably has to do with are quite adept in volatile political my children were still very young gave me a little more freedom and ness people this is heart breaking. In the early 1990s, when the the ongoing crisis our country has and economic turmoil. Sadly, we to work.” so I decided to move on. I started We earn money by honest means, newly independent country was been going through since, per- are used to that.” After saving some cash, Park de- with renting out a small kiosk-type we don’t plunder, we don’t steal just getting onto its feet, it was haps, ever,” said Marina Park, 44, Kyrgyzstan saw a Tulip Revolu- cided to open a kindergarten. grocery store and then I rented out from the national budget. We just quite unusual to see women driv- an ethnic Korean born and raised tion in 2005, when the first presi- “I love my kids and I love chil- another and then another and I want to be left alone and do what ers, for instance, or women watch- in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Park dent, Askar Akayev, was over- dren in general. I thought if I start- bought them out eventually and to- we can to thrive, to get on with ing soccer, or women negotiating is a bright example of a woman thrown. In 2010, his successor ed this type of business I would day I own six small grocery stores our lives. But even that can’t be trade deals worth millions and bil- entrepreneur, managing family Kurmanbek Bakiyev met a similar be able to watch over my own in the capital. I am also planning to achieved easily sometimes in our lions of dollars in Central Asia, let ties and two medium-sized busi- fate. kids and this is something that can build my own mini-mall in a resi- region. We have to fight for our alone internationally. nesses. “In 2005, I was a beginner busi- both feed us and provide shelter if dential area in the micro-districts,” spot under the sun. That’s why we Today, the women of Central “Our country has seen two revo- ness woman with three kids, af- worst comes to worst. So I sold my Park shared. succeed, because we don’t have Asia are successfully operating lutions and people had to adapt ter my husband had passed away apartment and moved in with my “I think only those who face re- any other choice.” Kazakh diaspora share Kazakh writer pens novel chronicling joy of celebrating Nauryz three generations of Almaty residents however, the main character going attention to modes of ’ “The author’s style of outlining By Kamila Zhumabayeva through a midlife crisis travels to lives, by revealing culturally events is unordinary; an individual with people around them worlds that surround every person. unique features of national signs style of writing, the artistic vision ASTANA – A new Kazakh novel Love and betrayal, conflicts be- and symbols. “This presents a big of the world reflecting in a combi- Continued from Page B1 renewal for me. It is associated about love and three generations of tween generations, historic events, cultural value for readers opening nation of prosaic and poetic styles with peace, harmony and friend- Almaty residents in an historic ret- globalisation and the washing out a Kazakh reality for themselves.” is interesting. The speech from the Kamshat Shakhatova, a visiting ship. It’s a time when you can start rospective of the 20th century was of his inner self are central topics Akhatova added the novel is author is marked by an aphoristic teacher at Moscow State Linguis- a brand new page of your life,” recently presented in Almaty in of the novel written in a post-mod- chockfull of symbols that pervades nature, towering imagery and la- tic University (MSLU), feels the said Shakhatova. honour of International Women’s ernism style. the characters’ perception of the conic brevity,” she wrote, news. Nauryz celebration is an excellent Kazakh people living in Los Day. Kisikov calls “Ol” a psychedel- world. meloman.kz reported. opportunity to tell students about Angeles celebrated Happy Nauryz “I was writing this book for two ic novel. “I am sure that modern years but was nurturing the idea characters and happenings can be for a long time. I wanted to tell conveyed only through a phan- about generations that were lost tasmagoria, psychedelic and frag- and found several times during the mentary post-modernism way of 20th century. This is a saga about thinking.” three generations of Almaty resi- The conflict of the main charac- dents. The elder generation born ter with his inner self is the main in 1920s-1940s that have gone conflict of the novel. The writer through war, the second genera- develops several topics at the same tion born in 1960s-1970s and the time: families (gender and interper- third generation from the end of the sonal relationships), true and im- 1980s-1990s. These three genera- aginary values, search for harmony tions form our modern reality,” said and ideal, friendship, war, continu- Beknur Kisikov, writer and author ity of generations, love and others, of “Ol,” Tengrinews.kz reported. according to one of the first read- Nauryz celebrations at Moscow State Linguistic University. The story is set in Almaty dur- ers, professor Bagilya Akhatova. Photo credit: news.meloman.kz Photo credit: ing the 20th and 21st centuries, She said the author pays much Beknur Kisikov diverse Kazakh culture and tradi- March 26 in cooperation with the tions. Kazakh Student Association, said “Nauryz is widely celebrated entrepreneur and head of Kazakh in Moscow. The city celebrations family living in LA Beibit Tabyn- with a festive programme and a bai on the group’s Facebook page. trade fair are held annually at the “We have a tradition to celebrate VDNKh trade show and amuse- Almaty photographer reveals how all holidays together. Earlier, about ment park. This year, the holiday 30 people attended our events. will be held April 1,” she said. There were no personal interac- “This year, students of the For- tions between the events. When I simple hobby turned into career eign Studies faculty began to study came to the U.S., I started to unite Continued from Page B1 image that would stand out from the Kazakh language as a second all Kazakh people and celebrate foreign language. They learn not the holidays with a big company. the others. The idea was to use off- After many years, I went to only language, but also culture. This year more than 100 people camera strobes to light up the cab- Thailand and learned diving there. We decided to organise the event will joined us on this day. Many of ins of the three cars. Unfortunately, March 22 at the Kazakh language After I learned to dive, I realised one of the strobes was too far and them come from neighbouring cit- that I needed to take pictures. By and culture centre. We want to tell ies,” he said. refused to fire. The hold with the the students about the traditions of this time, I was fond of photogra- The main goal of such events is cars is relatively small and very this holiday – how it is celebrated, phy and had my own studio, so I to meet friends and get acquainted dark, so I had to be very careful not what to do, what meals are pre- decided that my studio should be with new ones. Living in another to kick up silt and rust. I was very pared,” added Shakhatova. moved under water,” said Kula- country can often cause many limited on time, as the rest of the Graduate students from Kazakh gina in an interview for this story. problems in everyday life. People group was already breathing down Ablai Khan University of Interna- Her photograph “The Haunted tional Relations and World Lan- want to know how to get medical Room” caught the attention of the my neck. To me, these three cars guages interning at MSLU are in- care, where to go for sports, have jury with an atmosphere of com- stand tall as the famous three warri- volved in the organisation. questions about obtaining an edu- plete tranquillity in the underwater ors by Russian artist Victor Vasnet- “We will have an official cer- cation or where to find a job. A so- scene and the flooded ship imprint- sov, hence the title,” said Kulagina. emony and entertainment part, cial gathering is a perfect platform ed with rays of sunlight. “The photographs I sent random- including playing games and for such discussions. “The wreck category was strong ly received prize-winning places. I singing songs. A rich dastarkhan “People can talk and learn a this year and one image which par- Nadya Kulagina. Photo credit: thought that others pictures would (table) with traditional festive lot of interesting things, find ticularly caught my attention was The Haunted Room. catch the attention of the jury. I am friends by interests. We support dishes such as Nauryz kozhe (the this internal view. The position up nicely, creating a mysterious still be able to see the far back of still studying the art of underwater each other and help with advice. of the sunbeams pouring onto the main dish served during Nauryz look of the way the room might the room, I had to rest the housing photography. Famous underwater Last year, an ethnic Kazakh from decking is particularly eye-catch- with seven ingredients), baursaks, have appeared when the Umbria on the side of the opening through photographer Alex Master is my samsa and sweets will also be China who has lived in America ing and the author has exposed was still intact and plying the seas. which I was photographing and teacher. I attend his master classes served. The students have a task for many years came to us. She both midtones and highlights. The “I couldn’t miss an opportunity hold my breath in order not to blur and learn a lot from him. I plan to to make a presentation about how teaches at the university. We were composition leads the eye back go to Mexico soon. Several years they imagine this spring holiday,” pleased that she came and were and forth through the wreck and to take a picture. The wreck lies the image,” she said. ago I had an exhibition, so if I col- she said. proud to get acquainted with her. towards a door in the distance. The on its side with the portholes look- The critics wrote “a pleasing The Silk Road Festival dedicat- You feel incredible about holidays depth perspective of this image and ing up toward the surface, so the composition and a strong idea” lect enough works, I will organise ed to Nauryz took place March 17 and meetings with compatriots. its view is most eye-catching,” said saloon is turned sideways, which about her second picture, “Three it again,” she added. at Moscow State University. The Such events leave only positive jury member Martin Edge. is very confusing to the human Warriors.” The Underwater Photographer gala was open to all students from impressions and emotions. The Kulagina noticed the room eye. I flipped the camera verti- “Having seen hundreds of im- competition was founded by Ber- countries where the holiday is cel- celebration turns out to be some- flooded with light on her way back cally to take this shot. Since I used ages of these three beautiful Fiats nard Eaton in 1965. Photographers ebrated. thing special, personal for you,” from the dive. The rays streaming a very slow shutter speed to cor- that rest in one of the holds of the from 67 countries participated this “Nauryz is a holiday of spring, he said. through the portholes were lined rectly expose the sun beams and Umbria wreck, I decided to take an year. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

Yeung, who plays the main char- acter’s bodyguard, approached him one day on the set. First film by Kazakh director Salamat “The great Chinese film actor and martial arts master holds out a kit- ten for me and says ‘Salamat, I very much want to devote my role to my Mukhammed-Ali to premiere in North America friend Bruce Lee. Lee fights Chuck the first Kazakh movie to hit such ma of the U.S. The Sony Company Norris in his The Way of the Dragon By Kamila Zhumabayeva a large number of screens. improved the sound,” she noted. film and a cat watches their battle.’ “The occasion is remarkable Mukhammed-Ali’s creative career I shivered; everything got mixed ASTANA – The 2017 American both for Kazakhstan and the global began in 1991 when, as a lead singer, up in my head – Bruce Lee, Chuck adaptation of “Diamond Cartel,” film society. As far as I know, this he founded the rock band Epoch. He Norris, Bolo Yeung, Serik Bimur- directed by Kazakh filmmaker is the first time a film of such scale left the music industry after being of- zin, a kitten and 100 people on set. I Salamat Mukhammed-Ali, will has been made inside the Com- fered a technical director position at took this grey, fluffy lump and con- premiere in North America, the monwealth of Independent States. the National Television Network, di- firmed the kitten in the role of ob- United Kingdom and Australia for Mukhammed-Ali’s work exceeded recting music videos for the nation’s server of the fight scene between the the first time in the nation’s cinema all expectations; he has shown pro- top artists like Makpal Zhunisova, Chinese master and a Kazakh mem- history. fessionalism and his ability to work Myra Ilyasova and Dinara Kyrky- ber of the Mafia. The kitten coped “After a successful release of in a big team,” she said in her inter- baeva. He was also a producer and with his role first-class. Bolo Yeung our ‘The whole world is at our view with the paper. “Our film en- director for national commercials remained pleased, while I had warm feet’ film in Kazakhstan, Ameri- Hiroyuki Tagawa, Tommy Lister, Peter Zhmutski and Gamal Diab, tered the history of world cinema. and public service announcements, memories of this bright moment in can distributors offered to bring it Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Oliver European producer Pavel Nyziak It so happens that this is the last according to imdb.com. my life kept with me,” he said. to an American release. Our film Gruner and Bolo Yeung. and Anara Musrepova (artistic film where legendary actor, winner Mukhammed-Ali currently has Mukhammed-Ali also had a received a new international title The movie is being promoted by nickname Anarelle Mus), the well- of Golden Globe Awards and Oscar four film projects to be made in message for his fans. ‘Diamond Cartel’,” Mukhammed- global film industry personalities known French producer and head nominee Peter O’Toole played.” America with worldwide starts, “Believe sincerely in what you Ali told The Astana Times. such as Hollywood legend Gray of the International Transconti- Western distributors breathed although he cannot disclose infor- do and you are bound to succeed. The premiere was held March Frederickson, the Oscar and Em- nental Corporation of Innovation new life into the film two years af- mation on these projects until the The point is that the energy of your 24 in Los Angeles and New York. my-winning American producer Technologies office in Europe and ter it was released in Kazakh cin- production has ended. confidence is passed onto other The film features stars including responsible for the three Godfather America. emas, she added. He shared some of his ‘’unfor- people. Keep up your spirits. By Armand Assante, the late Peter films. It is also receiving support The film’s prospects are -“mar “It opens the first page of the gettable’’ impressions from work- having faith, you will reach your O’Toole, Michael Madsen, Cary- from renowned U.S. producers vellous,” said Musrepova, as it is Kazakh country in the world cine- ing with foreign actors. Bolo goal one day,” he said.

film more profound and made a de- cision to go overseas,” he continued. Kazakh director wins short feature Nurbayev chose to do a master’s degree in directing at New York Festival of Disney films Film Academy in Los Angeles. Af- ter a year of preparation and exams, award at Barcelona film festival he entered the academy via the Bo- in Kazakh underway By Kamila Zhumabayeva for eight television series and varied lashak programme. projects in four years. Four of them Prior to that, Nurbayev was host- ASTANA – Twenty-six-year-old were main parts and lead roles. ing a programme at the Perviy Kanal Kazakh actor and director Olzhas “I was lucky to have worked with Evraziya (First Channel Eurasia) lo- in Almaty Nurbayev recently won Best Direc- reputable productions, such as Sa- cal Kazakh television station. By Dmitry Lee to hold a big festival together with tor at the Barcelona Planet Film Fes- taifilm, Korkemfilm and Baspro- “I have the biggest and spicy Disney,” said Meloman Director tival for his short film “The Boon” duction. To me, a film was always plans, but now I do not see reason to ASTANA – A festival of the best General Vadim Golenko. shot in Los Angeles. alluring from within. As an actor, I share them just yet. I simply want to Disney films in the Kazakh lan- The show programme includes “‘The Boon’ is a short feature I always paid attention to the way a film, create and tell stories through guage is taking place in Almaty the films, the distributor of which made for my graduation work at Instagram Photo from light is set, how a director acquits films,” he added. until the end of March with the is Meloman in Kazakhstan. The New York Film Academy. The film Olzhas Nurbayev himself, what is happening in that At present, Nurbayev is consider- possibility of prolonging it un- audience can watch such films is about a homeless man whose life playback and so on,” Nurbayev said. ing a number of interesting offers. til the mid-April, the Almaty city as “Kulikter-2” (Cars-2), “Batyl turns around after he finds a baby from around the world by up-and- He would often sit down beside He also decided to premiere the Akimat (city administration) re- zhurek” (Brave), “Monsterlar Uni- dumped in a trashcan. The film tells coming artists. The film was shot at directors when he was free and screening of “The Boon” in Almaty. ports. versity” (Monsters University), the story of two lonely individuals an old park in downtown Los Ange- through the screen observe how a “After some achievements that According to local media, the “Galaxy Sasylaras” (Guardians of left behind by society,” Nurbayev les. The location helped to convey film is being made. this film had at four festivals in the festival was organised for the Nau- the Galaxy), “Maleficent,” “Kul- shared with The Astana Times. “that atmosphere of dampness and “I used to like doing that and U.S., Canada and Spain, people of- ryz celebrations. bike” (Cinderella), “Kek Alushy- The Barcelona Planet Film Festi- cold,” according to the director. was attracted to it for some reason. ten express a wish to watch the film. val is a monthly international event Starting his career in film as an ac- Somewhere along the line I realised It is only pleasant to me. Why not, of innovative, independent cinema tor in 2011, Olzhas Nurbayev acted that I need to make my knowledge in let us do it,” the director said. Astana Opera performs two concerts honouring love and spring formed at the theatre’s March 17 Staff Report concert “Spring Tunes”. Photo credit: rabstol.net Photo credit: For the first time, “Akku” kui ASTANA – Astana Opera held (instrumental musical composi- The festival is open to the public lar: Altron dauiri” (Avengers: Age two concerts, “Eshe raz o lyubvi” tion) made for the “Kyz Zhibek” at the StarCinema Aport cinema of Ultron), “Alice Ainanyn Argy” (“Once again about Love”) on film was performed at the theatre’s at the APORT mall along the Rai- (Alice in Wonderland), “Jungle March 14 and “Vesennie napevy” chamber hall. Balzhan Saparova, ymbek Avenue. The festival was Kіtaby” (The Jungle Book) and (“Spring Tunes”) March 17, to who plays flute, and Raushan organised by the Meloman chain “Moana.” welcome spring. Orazbayeva, who plays the kobyz of stores – the organisers hope to According to Golenko, five films “Once again about Love” fea- national musical instrument, pre- inspire more people to watch films will be shown a day. tured lyrical music by classical sented this composition. in the Kazakh language. “We expect to see those people and Kazakh composers, arias and “We made a decision to include Since 2011, the corporate Bo- on the shows who, due to various duets from performed by various masterpieces of vocal and lashak foundation with the sup- reasons, did not have the time to the theatre’s leading soloists. instrumental arts that reflect the port of the Meloman/Marwin watch these films in theatres. Spe- These included Nemorino aria theme of love and awakening of company dubbed Hollywood cifically, for this, by agreement from “L’elisir d’amore”(“The the spring into the concert’s pro- films into the Kazakh language with Disney and the StarCinema Elixir of Love”) opera by the Ital- stan Gaukhar Tasbergenova also was successful at the most prestig- gramme,” concertmaster Raushan and then released them in Kazakh Aport cinema, we made the ticket ian composer Gaetano Donizetti performed. ious opera platforms. Now having Beskembirova said. cinemas. price only 300 tenge (US$0.9) to performed by tenor, Kazakhstan’s “One can talk about love end- gathered together, they present a The audience was offered com- “We thought that a good reason make these films as easily acces- honoured worker and honoured lessly but when spring comes and true set of talents,” she noted. positions of Kazakh composers for such meetings could be going sible as possible to a wide range of artist of Tatarstan Nurlan Bek- the soul wakes bright feelings, one A spectrum of their repertoire such as Eskendir Khasangaliyev, to the cinema, and came up with moviegoers,” said Golenko. mukhambetov and many others. not only wants to talk but also sing was varied – from big operas to Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev and others. a small, family festival of wonder- For information, the Kazakh Maestros of opera music and about love. Love’s manifestation is chamber music, romances and The music of West European ful films in high-quality translation language became the 39th official Kazakhstan’s honoured worker multifaceted and we will try to show songs from different composers, and Russian classics was also into Kazakh. For our company, language of Disney Pixar. The lat- and baritone Talgat Mussabayev its entire guise including tragedies according to Tasbergenova. played; among them were ‘Vesen- the festival is an experiment in the est feature that was translated to and Concertmaster, laureate of and dramas,” Tasbergenova shared. Opera soloists, choir artists and nie vody’ (Spring waters) of Sergei field of entertainment organisa- Kazakh was “Star Wars Rogue First President Fund of Kazakh- “The concert’s every participant the orchestra of the theatre per- Rakhmaninov and others. tion. In the future, we are planning One.” Astana Ballet Theatre premieres “Walpurgis Night” Continued from Page B1 in some parts to the level of the by choreographer Ricardo Ama- Cirque du Soleil performances. We rante premiered in the second part Our artists are Irina Safronova want the viewer who sits in the hall of the programme. The show is and Irina Dolgova from St. Pe- to not be able to take his or her eyes a retrospective journey into the tersburg, Dmitry Shamov from off the stage. When an action holds world of ballet, showcasing how Kazan, Kostyleva from the a person, then probably there is an the ballet was born and what it Mikhailovsky Theatre. And all art,” he said. became today. The music and the local choreographers. In ad- Initially, “Walpurgis Night” was costumes and movements have dition, the children from the lo- a ballet scene, which Charles Gou- changed but the inspiration and cal ballet school perform in the nod completed for the second edi- beauty remained unchanged. play,” said Kovtun. tion of the “Faust” opera, based on The new theatre that opened last “This theatre has incredible op- the tragedy of Johann Wolfgang December has some of the most portunities. We used various tech- Goethe. The scene was rst staged modern and advanced equipment. nical aspects in the show brought at the Paris Opera in 1869 and be- The Astana Ballet repertoire cur- by the team who made the per- came known as a one-act ballet. rently includes 10 ballets and two formance. I think we are close The “Diversity” ballet produced concert programmes. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 Parcel delivery S. Kazakhstan region to supply 20,000 service now tonnes of meat to Iran each year organisations participated in the By Kamila Zhumabayeva seminar. “Supporting farmers who do available, through ASTANA – Iranian investors animal farming in our country is plan to do big business in South being implemented by the Kazakh Kazakhstan in meat – they’re plan- government,” Tuimebayev said. an app ning to buy 20,000 tonnes per “The general public needs to be year from the region, Kapital.kz given an explanation on establish- reports. ing agricultural cooperatives, loan The website of the regional akim services and subsidising. In many (governor), Zhanseit Tuimebayev, countries there is a big demand for explains that the plan, which is our ecologically clean product. We being implemented through bilat- need to make use of it,” he added. eral agreements between the two They are mainly engaged in countries, was presented to farm- fattening cattle in the Kaiyp-ata ers during a recent seminar at the partnership of the Kazygurt dis- Kaiyp-ata feed yard in Kazygurt trict. There are 3,000 head of cattle

district. there at present. Photo: kapital.kz Iranian investors, regional Iran consumes 2.4 million mayors and governors, agricul- tonnes of meat each year. The association of farmers engaged in to 865,000. The number of sheep ture management professionals, parties signed a contract on meat cattle breeding in the near future. increased by 155,000 to 3.9 mil- farmers and agricultural busi- supply – 3,000 head of small rumi- Over the past two years the lion, horses by 16,000 to 230,000 nessmen and representatives of nants and 100 head of cattle. number of cattle in the region in- and camels by 1,700 to 23,000, ac- research centres and financial The region plans to establish an creased by 35,000 and amounted cording to Kapital.kz. Mystery shoppers to be used against corruption monitoring the provision of pub- ciety’s right attitude towards the should show zero tolerance for By Azamat Syzdykbayev Photo credit: inform.kz Photo credit: lic services, but we believe that issue. corruption; he should not accept its efforts are not enough. In or- “Many of our citizens do not such a phenomenon at all,” said son, his or her passport details and ASTANA – The Kazakh Agen- der to bring this to the public, we know that there is an anti-corrup- Shpekbayev. By Kamila Zhumabayeva boarding pass, if allowed. cy for Civil Service Affairs and decided to involve civil society,” He also urged the entire popu- “We are now designing a safety Anti-Corruption together with he said. SHPEKBAYEV: lation to take an active part in ASTANA – Takebs, positioned system. We still have a rating sys- the Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan Shpekbayev noted it is im- anti-corruption activities, noting as the world’s fastest parcel deliv- tem operating; it is when people are looking for ways to solve possible to guarantee the in- A person should corruption risks can only be min- ery service, has launched in Ka- leave feedback on a user’s profile, the country’s corruption prob- stantaneous effect of all taken imised through comprehensive zakhstan. The app is available in so you can see whether to trust this lem. Civil Service Affairs and and planned measures, citing show zero tolerance support of the initiative. 11 languages on the IOS platform person or not,” said Karymsakov. Anti-Corruption Agency Deputy the example of European coun- for corruption; he “In his last address to the na- and by mid-March can be down- “In the near future, we are plan- Chairperson Alik Shpekbayev re- tries that “have worked for cen- tion, the head of state once again loaded on Android. ning to introduce a new option by cently talked about the methods turies to minimise the corrup- should not accept drew attention to the efforts of Bauyrzhan Karymsakov, who taking it from Airbnb service. If you being used at a public confer- tion.” such a phenomenon civil society in this direction. The devised the mobile app for the in- take someone’s package, the money ence. “For many years, they have recommendations received at the ternational service, noted it is the is kept within our company and we “One of the projects is a so- been making appropriate chang- at all.” latest anti-corruption forums are first joint consumption project in give it to you after you pass the par- called mystery buyer. It will be es and additions to the normative being put into practice. Corrup- the logistics field and a new way cel to the owner. In the future, if we aimed at improving the quality legal acts, constitutional-man- tion policy, that there is a law on tion is a topical issue that must be of parcel transfer, reported in- have a big budget we will open our of public services and eliminat- agement functions and personnel combating corruption. We want addressed by the whole society. form.kz. The project provides the chain at airports, where we will be ing corruption risks. When the policy. Changes cannot be made to bring this to the people, be- To defeat corruption only by the opportunity to pass packages at registering every package via a bar whole society is involved, when immediately,” he said. cause if they face corrupt cases efforts of the state body is impos- other’s expense. code. This is a guarantee that a par- people act together and help The main goal of the agency’s – they need to know where to sible. To minimise it, we need a “This is a mobile application cel is safe,” he added. identify unlawful actions, we actions is not only to eliminate report them. We pay great atten- strong civil society, which today that people will use on their own will make appropriate decisions. the consequences of corruption, tion to this by distributing spe- has already been formed in Ka- by creating profiles for them- There is a special department for but is also aimed at forming so- cial recommendations. A person zakhstan,” said Shpekbayev. selves. The application has two KARYMSAKOV: modes that are a dispatcher and a “Up to 130,000 tenge courier [delivery guy]. A carrier sets the price for delivery; how- (about US$408.40) ever, it may start from 2,000 tenge can be earned here (approximately US$6.30) as per S. Kazakhstan region entrepreneur launches calculations by developers,” ac- as a commission, cording to the news agency. The project’s authors plan to according to launch a buyer mode in the fu- the developers’ commercial nut garden operation ture, which may allow purchas- According to Shyntasov, little ing items abroad through other calculations.” Staff Report attention is paid to this culture in people. Kazakhstan although Central Asia “Up to 130,000 tenge (about ASTANA – South Kazakhstan Karymsakov spent his own is considered the birthplace of US$408.40) can be earned here region resident Tanabai Shyntasov money, approximately $10,000- nuts. as a commission, according to 12,000, to develop the service. plans to create a commercial nut “We found about 40 types of the developers’ calculations,” it At present there are no plans for garden. The entrepreneur has al- added. earning, but earning on commis- ready planted seedlings of fruit nut. We brought them and plan Karymsakov noted risks are sions is projected in the future trees and grapes in the Saryagash to grow as we want to see how it possible during the first stage, in- via electronic payment, such as district. shows itself. Nuts are evaluated cluding parcel theft, delays and 5-10 percent from every app pur- Today, the garden area is more for the quality of the core and if it lateness by the host party and pro- chase. than 90 hectares. Practically the contains oil and protein. We will hibited items such as illegal drugs “Payments go only via an ap- whole territory is equipped with plant them taking into account and explosive substances. plication. Right now, cash is a drip irrigation system. About 50 these indicators. Growing a large He recommends keeping a the only method available and people work there as most of the amount of nut trees for commer- check on packages prior to ship- a choice between cash and elec- work is done manually. The annual cial purposes, they need to be ping and beginning with parcels tronic payments will be available income is 90 million tenge (US$ vaccinated. I think the business of little significance, like copies in the future. This project is made 285,120). The gardener intends to that we’ve started is very useful or verified translations of docu- for people; if stockholders appear raise the country’s gardening to a for our country,” the gardener ing seedlings of apples, peaches, ries including pomegranate, kiwi, ments and winter clothes. He also in the future, we will monetise the new level and unite like-minded noted. plums and pears for more than lemon and banana have already suggests taking a photo of the per- project,” said Karymsakov. people. He has been engaged in grow- ten years. Exotic fruits and ber- begun to grow in his garden. UNICEF Innovation Laboratory Opens in Almaty According to the organisation’s through UNICEF’s Global Inno- countries since 2010, including In- By Zhazira Dyussembekova press release, the Innovation Labo- vation Fund. donesia, Kosovo and Jordan. ratory will cooperate and involve “The idea of creating the centre “UNICEF’s global network of ASTANA – The United Nations both internal and external partners. arose more than a year ago, and Innovation Labs offers a meaning- International Children’s Emergen- Also it will focus on the participa- UNICEF and the university have ful launching pad to engage with a cy Fund (UNICEF) has opened a tion of young people in solving ur- already organised two hackathons wide range of youth and partners laboratory aimed at improving the gent issues related to children and [sprint-like design events in which around innovative solution which quality of life of children through adolescents through IT. computer programmers and others have provided positive impacts the development and integration of “The laboratory will serve as a involved in software development on the lives of the most vulner- information technology solutions. platform where ideas and solutions compete] for students from differ- able children and their families. The Innovation Laboratory, from youth will be brought to the ent cities. Various ideas were pre- For example, in Uganda the In- which opened in Almaty, is the end products, such as mobile ap- sented during the hackathons to novation Lab developed a mobile first such laboratory in the Com- plications, electronic platforms solve children’s problems, such as phone-based data-collection sys- monwealth of the Independent and tools that are scalable within the problem of child abandonment, tem called EduTrac, which is now Countries (CIS) and is hosted by and beyond the country,” reads the child suicides, protecting children available worldwide. The system International IT University (IITU). statement. from information on the Internet, enables to collect real time data “The laboratory will help en- The UNICEF Innovation Lab health problems, malnutrition, including teacher and student at- sure adequate product design and is open to students from differ- school violence, et cetera. In the tendance and delivery of materials. development and UNICEF will ent universities and profession- future we plan to develop mobile EduTrac helps districts improve share its programme knowledge so will support marketing nationally provides a potentially significant als with interesting and promis- applications, robotics, simulators their education planning and pro- that those products can have maxi- through its network of partners and outlet for innovative ideas coming ing innovative ideas. Successful and other gadgets in the lab,” said vides better and timelier supervi- mum impact. Products developed internationally through its global from Kazakhstan,” said UNICEF products developed through the head of IITU Damir Shynybekov. sion to schools based on system through the Innovation Lab will network of offices and its presence Deputy Representative Fiachra lab will also be eligible for Similar UNICEF Innovation reports,” a statement by the lab be brought to market. UNICEF in 190 countries worldwide – which McAsey at the opening of the lab. start-up venture capital funding Labs have opened in 12 other explains. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 Kazakhstan is fascinating place for freelancers, experts believe Freelancers have the freedom to Being a digital nomad, however, are becoming increasingly more es and opportunities. Their work By Yerbolat Uatkhanov work anytime and anywhere. Be- is not limited to professionals common. style and preferences make free- ing able to earn and make a living with this expertise, since there are “Nowadays, it’s common to lancing a perfect option for them. ASTANA – The Heritage as they travel to different coun- over 1,000 job categories they can hear about start-ups and small All these leave much room and Foundation recently rated Ka- tries is part of the flexible lifestyle work with at Freelancer.com. As businesses with teams made up reasons for working from home to zakhstan 42nd in economic free- freelancers enjoy. Some prefer to long as they can provide services of freelancers from around the further develop,” she added. dom and Numbeo, the interna- stay in a new and different place online, whether it is in the field of world. Meanwhile, professionals Freelancers from developing tional information portal, ranked with a relatively lower cost of liv- accounting, sciences or videogra- who have transitioned to freelanc- countries have easy access to em- the nation as the 119th most ing, but freelancers travel and re- phy, they can pack up their bags ing shape their own careers and ployers around the world, most of affordable country in which to locate for many different reasons. with their laptops and work as discover their own definition for which are from developed coun- live. Freelancing experts con- Wherever they go, they can easily they travel,” she added. professional growth. Some have tries like the U.S., the U.K. and firm the facts. take work with them as long as Martinez noted more parts of made a brand out of their name, Australia, said Martinez. This al- “Kazakhstan has a unique mix those places have reliable Internet the world are either getting Inter- while others become entrepre- lows wealth to transfer from de- of European and Asian influenc- connection. net connection or a faster one at a neurs in their own right by putting veloped countries to developing es which makes it a fascinating “A few years ago, we saw the cheaper cost. Online connectivity up service businesses as soon as ones in stronger and more stable place for freelancers, not just for rise of home offices. Eventually, currencies. The euro, pound and those from developed countries ‘teleworking’ and ‘telecommut- dollar have high purchasing pow- but also from developing ones. ing’ were coined because of the MARTINEZ: “Kazakhstan has a unique er in developing countries, which The country boasts of friendly popularity of being able to work mix of European and Asian influences gives freelancers the chance to locals, several cities with charm- Monica Martinez from places outside the office. earn similar rates as those in de- ing attractions and a capital city This led to another trend where which makes it a fascinating place veloped countries while enjoying with affordable apartments. Free- 247 countries, regions and terri- freelancers don’t just work from a lower cost of living. lancers have venues for leisure tories. home, but they also work from for freelancers, not just for those from “Additionally, freelancers from with parks, plays, concerts and “Kazakhstan definitely seems any place they want to travel to, developed countries but also from developed countries have oppor- a broad selection of restaurants like a lovely and accommodat- thus the rise of ‘digital nomads.’ tunities to take on projects that in Astana,” said Marcomm team ing destination for freelancers, Digital nomads have a location- developing ones.” pay relatively higher than local lead Monica Martinez in a March especially because of the increase independent lifestyle. They bank rates. They can earn a month’s 16 interview. of available co-working spaces. on their skills and expertise, lap- wages in a couple hours of work Marcomm Team handles the These work spaces allow free- top and mobile gadgets and the paves the way for broader work clients and projects pick up,” she from the comfort of their own marketing and communications lancers to work in the company Internet to work as they travel,” and hiring options. At the same said. homes. Including their experience department of Freelancer.com, the of fellow freelancers, especially said Martinez. time, more and more companies “Additionally, millennials and in working with employers from world’s largest freelancing and when they’re starting to feel dis- “Digital nomads are usually and professionals make use of Gen Zers who are entering the around the world is also a great crowdsourcing marketplace by connected. Co-working spaces skilled and knowledgeable in IT, these options and the gig econ- workforce want to veer away from addition to their résumés. In the number of users and projects. The also help spur start-ups and entre- graphic design, copywriting and omy is on the rise in many parts the usual 9 to 5. They aspire for process, they exchange culture company connects approximately preneurship, making the commu- Internet marketing. These skills of the world. Telecommuting, re- work-life balance, doing jobs they and learn new languages which 23.2 million employers and free- nity more dynamic and supportive are also among the most in-de- mote collaboration, working from are passionate about. They are tech give them a broader perspective lancers globally from more than of freelancers,” she added. mand services at Freelancer.com. home, outsourcing and the like savvy with a desire to explore plac- of the world,” she said. Kazakh feminists have something to say women’s issues that remain in it is a normal thing to take a girl say we have created problems ent aspects and spheres. Term such we issued our first magazine ahead By Zhazira Dyussembekova Kazakhstan. Of course, they have without her consent, to kidnap her from our heads. They can say that as “discrimination,” “gender,” of March 8,” said Osinovskaya. changed. We can vote, we have and rape her. Afterwards, she has we have nothing to do or some- “sexism,” and “feminism” are not “Yudol” (“Vale” in Russian), ASTANA – On the recent March the right to work and the right to no choice and she has to marry that thing else, but they never say those unfamiliar to the country’s modern the first feminist publication in the 8 International Women’s Day, the have a higher education, but some guy,” said Osinovskaya. problems are imagined,” said Osi- generation. country, covers the problems of Kazakh media exploded with the things still need to be changed, Social issues also surround kelin novskaya. KazFem is an initiative of femi- Kazakh women. news that Kazakh feminists were both legally and in the minds of (Kazakh for daughter-in-law) and The Kazakh population is very nists based in Almaty. Their social “There were 5-6 of us [who marching in Almaty. Comment people,” she added. tokal (second and subsequent wife, calm and not used to public ac- network groups are used as a plat- worked on the issue]. A lot of sections were filled with different According to feminists, the first mistress), she added. tion. form to discuss and study feminist young women came to the pres- opinions and views. Undoubtedly, issue is domestic violence. Feminists note economic con- “It is really hard for people to go theory, as well as organise differ- entation, so we understood that KazFem, the group that organised “It is an issue in every coun- cerns such as different wages outside and talk about their rights. ent campaigns and meetings and the issue is very important for the rally, has shown that feminists try. But in our country, due to the also exist in the country. The is- the women in Kazakhstan and we have something to say. mentality most people still think sue was discussed publicly after thought we could make something “We wanted to celebrate March it is a matter of the family and it KazFem’s march, as Minister bigger and more useful together,” 8 in a historical tradition, be- is unnecessary to do something or of Labour and Social Protection she added. cause it got lost and many peo- to ‘wash dirty linen in public.’ as Tamara Duissenova reacted by The magazine is distributed on- ple forgot what it truly means. some say,” said Osinovskaya. saying it depends on the field and line and in a printed version. While Everyone thinks it is a holiday KazFem tries to tackle issues specific conditions where indi- the number of subscribers is quite of femininity and flowers. A long by organising public displays. viduals work. KazFem respond- large, those who actively partici- time ago, women went to the Its first campaign, “Behind the ed with official statistics showing pate in all the campaigns numbers streets to demand equal salaries stone wall,” was devoted to do- that on average women earn 30 around 15. There is also a faction with men, the right to vote and mestic violence. On Arbat [a percent less than men. The ques- involved in particular events, such other things we take for granted walking street in Almaty], a girl tion remains open, they say. as cinema nights and book clubs. today. Women think we always wearing makeup and lying on the Osinovskaya also talked about Osinovskaya noted the progress had that, but it was achieved only ground pretended to be a victim of roles in Kazakh society. In the and changes throughout the years a hundred years ago. Later, that domestic violence. majority of families, a girl is told are visible today. day became the day when women “We were putting stones around from an early age that she must be “I have been following the ma- can go to the streets to talk about her with phrases on them such as a good wife and her main role is to terials in the mass media and I can their problems,” said KazFem ‘Hearth-keeper,’ ‘You are a wife,’ give birth to a child. see the improvement. Three years participant Arina Osinovskaya ‘You are safe with your husband” “We are fighting for women to ago, the word feminism had a neg- in an interview with The Astana and others. All the phrases that have their own choice. Career or ative tone. I can see the situation Times. make women put up with vio- family – she should choose by her- KazFem activists are pictured marching in Almaty on March 8, 2017. changing,” she said. Young women marched while lence, not to report husbands and self,” she said. “We have different legislative holding posters with slogans. do nothing at all,” she said. Feminism is inseparable from We try to show by our example that exchange opinions. The vk.com bases and historically we have a “Then we sang a song ‘Bread Every KazFem action is devot- the political life of the state, as it is it is not necessary to go to a mili- group, which started with 150 different context [compared to and roses,’ which is a symbolical ed to a special date or occasion. impossible to talk about feminism tant rally. A rally does not have to individuals, now has more than the Western world]. In France, song created more than one hun- “Liberation of Lady Justice,” for without taking into account politi- be against power; it should be for 1,000 like-minded people. people were able to go to a rally dred years ago. It is about the fact example, rallied against accepting cal institutes. Of course, people’s good things – for rights, amend- “In our organisation, we have a 100-200 years ago and here every- that women want not only to sur- amendments on conciliation of the perceptions and attitudes play a ments into the law,” she said. horizontal system of management; thing is just beginning. I hope that vive, but live. They want not only parties in rape cases. significant role in the matter. Kazakh women’s groups began we don’t have one leading woman with time we will have a women’s bread, but conditions for living,” The second problem is bride kid- Reactions to feminists differ. forming in the 1990s and numer- to decide everything. We make march like in other countries, she explained. napping. “Usually, men say we invent our ous non-governmental organisa- decisions together. Our group was when thousands of women will go “We think there are lots of “Even today, some people think problems. But women, they never tions have been working in differ- formed almost two years ago after to the streets,” said Osinovskaya. KAZGUU provides additional scholarships to gifted students Astana and ZHERSU Investment lish scholarships and discounts for have made a significant contribu- By Dana Omirgazy and Industrial Corporation. students from socially underprivi- tion to increasing the prosperity The KAZGUU Endowment al- leged categories, gifted graduates and developing the law and state- ASTANA – KAZGUU Uni- located scholarships for the stu- of schools and lyceums, holders hood of Kazakhstan. Launching versity (Kazakh Humanities and dents of SOS Children’s Village in of the Altyn Belgi award (golden the lecture halls marked a new Law Institute) allocates 80 million Astana within the Path to the Fu- medal upon graduation of school), step in the collaboration with the tenge (US$251,440) every year ture project initiated by Korobko. winners of competitions and other university’s major partners, repre- for tuition fee concessions, educa- “In the future, this project will be students. sented by several national banking tional grants and scholarships for expanded to all the key regions of “In turn, the fund gives its part- investors.” gifted students who have demon- Kazakhstan. In addition, the fund ners an opportunity to open lecture Since the establishment of the strated good academic results. runs another charity project called halls and get the Patron’s Card, fund, the university has opened “The KAZGUU Endowment Zhas Ana-Bilimdi Ana (Young which grants access to all the edu- eight named lecture halls. To cel- Corporate Fund was created in Mother-Educated Mother) aimed cational events held at KAZGUU ebrate the fund’s first anniversary, 2016 to support talented students at providing social and educational University, use Narikbayev Li- an official ceremony will be held offering young people, including support to young single mothers. brary resources and many other to present the lecture hall of the those from socially vulnerable Thus, the fund is implementing privileges,” Korobko added. “For Atameken Council of Business families, opportunities to fulfill several social projects aimed at example, as part of Kazakhstan’s Women. Modernised lecture halls their true potential, reach life supporting gifted students from so- Independence anniversary cel- will feature modern, multimedia goals and reveal natural talents. Board Nadezhda Korobko in an The fund runs numerous charity cially vulnerable groups and large ebration, KAZGUU University and multifunctional design where The fund was initiated in 2016 by interview for this story. projects in collaboration with its families. It also contributes to de- launched two named lecture halls. the university’s partners will be able president of KAZGUU University The fund’s activity is focused partners, including the Taiburyl veloping a whole range of research At the official event, attended by to hold business events, including and a well-known public figure, on the university’s mission to non–governmental associa- projects,” she added. Timur Toktabayev, vice minister research meeting and seminars, and [the late] Professor Maksut Narik- make quality education more tion, Bolashak Corporate Fund, In Kazakhstan, KAZGUU is the for investment and development, conduct lectures by the leading ex- bayev, Doctor of Juridical Science, accessible. The fund aims to at- Atameken Council of Business first and still the only initiator of and other representatives of gov- perts for the university students. who put his own heart into this tract resources for the long-term Women of Kazakhstan, Repub- social projects among universities. ernment agencies, KAZGUU was Support of the patrons and the project and invested a lot of effort financing of the university’s lican Chamber of Notaries, Ana The university and its official part- commended for its important role fund’s official partners allowed the into its realisation,” said Deputy research, social and infrastruc- Uyi (Mothers’ Home) Public ners provide educational grants, in educating a constellation of suc- university to grant more than 20 Chairperson of the KAZGUU tural programmes and projects. Fund, SOS Children’s Village in support young people and estab- cessful and talented graduates who scholarships to young people. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM&EXPO 2017

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 New international tourism route through Kazakhstan to launch in April with a colleague from Kyrgyzstan as a new tourism destination of the “Later they will go to the ancient Staff Report part of the seventh meeting of min- Silk Road within the Turkic Coun- city of Turkestan that in 2017 was rec- isters of tourism of the Silk Road cil. The launch of the pilot project ognised as the cultural capital of the ASTANA – A new international countries in Berlin under auspices of the tourism branch via Turkey, Turkic world. Also, foreign tourists tourism route passing through Ka- of World Tourism Organisation. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Kyr- will be able to visit the Zhambyl re- zakhstan will be launched in April, As part of this event, he met gyzstan is planned for April 2017 gion, a sacred place where the Kazakh Marat Igaliyev, head of the Tourism Azamat Zhamankulov, Deputy and will take 12 days,” Igaliyev Khanate was founded,” he added. kazpravda.kz Photo credit: Industry Department of the Kazakh Minister and head of the Tourism wrote on his Facebook page. Meanwhile during the forum of Ministry of Investment and Devel- Industry Department of Culture, On Kazakhstan’s part, tourists the World Tourism Organisation, According to her, this tourism pro- Kazakhstan enterprises present- opment announced recently. Information and Tourism Ministry can visit attractions in Almaty, Alla Peresolova discussed new op- ject, according to the search data, ed their tourism deals for foreign According to the head of the de- of Kyrgyzstan. such as Shymbulak, Koktobe and portunities for sustainable tourism still remains the most demanded in citizens at Berlin’s ITB-Berlin partment, he discussed this project “We discussed the opening of the famous Kolsai Lake. development along the Silk Road. the world among tourists. 2017 exhibition. Air Astana, Lufthansa passengers can Zhambyl region officials improve use single code to fly on both airlines infrastructure to facilitate tourism By Yerbolat Uatkhanov

ASTANA – The Zhambyl region officials have begun to improve the area’s road infrastructure to better facilitate visitation of the region’s many historical and cultural land- marks. “All these facilities are worthy of attracting tourists from all over the world to our region,” said head of the Golden Caravan tourist centre Albina Veimer. Veimer is helping to initiate the road construction. She has called on local authorities to pay attention to the lack of transport infrastructure connected to the area’s attractions for

Photo credit: forbes.kz Photo credit: many years. stan and other states come to nourish the construction was postponed L–R: Lufthansa Senior Director for Sales in Russia, the CIS and Axel Hilgers, German Ambassador to Kazakhstan “For example, Akyr-Tas is protect- themselves with the energy of this for various reasons. The construc- Rolf Mafael and President of Air Astana Peter Foster. ed by the state and is included in the sacred place. Many foreign scientists tion will cost 355.6 million tenge mies in the world and we highly wel- many Germans as possible will visit UNESCO World Heritage List. It is come to explore Akyr-Tas as well. (US$1.1 million) and is expected to By Yerbolat Uatkhanov come Air Astana as our new partner Kazakhstan. one of the most visited tourist sites,” The management of the Monu- be completed in June. and as the leading airline to and from Mafael said approximately 50,000 she said. ments of Ancient Taraz reserve-mu- The tourist complex is located in ASTANA – Air Astana and Luf- the Central Asian region,” Lufthansa Germans, who are former Kazakh- Visitors come here to see the re- seum have made improvements to in- the Berikkar mountain canyon with thansa signed March 15 a code- Senior Director for Sales in Russia, stan citizens, come to Kazakhstan mains of an ancient mysterious struc- crease the popularity of this attraction. unique fauna and flora and rare spec- share agreement to increase from 7 the Commonwealth of Independent each year, their former homeland, ture of red stones, similar to those However, the road to it was in terrible imens of relic plants. The place is to 14 the number of weekly flights States and Israel Axel Hilgers said. and he is glad to know the agreement from which the Egyptian pyramids condition. The construction of road to protected by the state. between Kazakhstan and Germa- He emphasised that Lufthansa will make their travelling easier and were built. There is no other such the Zhambyl attractions is managed The Zhambyl region will become ny. The increase will take effect has never signed such agreements more comfortable. stone architectural structure in the by the regional administration. one of the regions to welcome for- March 26. with airlines from the territory of Foster highlighted that new agree- territory of the Central Asian region. The construction of the road to eign tourists during the EXPO 2017 “I’m delighted that the longstand- the Commonwealth of Independent ment is a winning step for both com- Pilgrims from the cities of Kazakh- Akyr-Tas was planned in 2012, but international exhibition. ing cooperative relationship be- States. Air Astana is the first airline panies and their passengers. tween Air Astana and Lufthansa is from the region to have signed such Clients of the companies will en- being further strengthened with the contract with Lufthansa. joy the convenience of flying with signing of the codeshare agreement. German Ambassador to Kazakh- a single ticket, using a single code Passengers flying from Almaty and stan Rolf Mafael said the agreement from their airline that can be used Astana to Frankfurt can now enjoy Almaty region national parks is a positive addition to bilateral for check in for both baggage and a greater choice of flights to best suit relations and will bring the peoples boarding pass and registration. their schedules and the convenience of Kazakhstan and Germany closer Foster also said that Air Astana of simply using the ticket of either of together. will move to Terminal 1 at Frankfurt undergo general improvements, the two airlines,” President and CEO The ambassador noted that this Airport to provide an increased con- of Air Astana Peter Foster said. year both states celebrate the 25th venience for its passengers and ease “This codeshare agreement is anniversary of diplomatic relation- connectivity with Lufthansa. new routes to be added great news for our customers as it ship and that the partnership is Hilgers called Air Astana the lead- makes Kazakhstan more accessible. strengthened further by the coopera- er in the Central Asian region and re- Continued on Page B6 Canyon and prices for snacks at the In spite of all the areas for im- Passengers of both Lufthansa and tion of the companies. ported that all Lufthansa clients us- Continued from Page B1 parks have been also addressed. provement, official statistics indi- Air Astana will have a much greater He also said Germany will have ing the Miles and More programme While management took note of cate an annual increase in the num- choice in flight options. Kazakhstan one of the three biggest pavilions will also be able to use it flying with Altayeva noted the question has all the concerns, the main issue is ber of visitors. There are currently is one of the fastest-growing econo- at the EXPO and he hopes that as Air Astana. been addressed previously and is the road to the parks. 12 national parks in the country, under consideration. Altayeva noted the government five of which are in the Almaty Savichev also spoke to the is- allots most of the funds from the region: Altyn Emel (4,330 visitors sue of tourist security in the parks national budget for road repair and in 2014, 4,098 in 2015 and 5,808 where there are no specially-desig- construction, as regional and mu- in 2016); Ile Alatau (114,665 in Qazaq Air launches new route nated trails for horses. nicipal budgets don’t cover building 2014, 117,005 in 2015 and 117,571 “Tourists on horseback use the such roads. The Ministry of Agri- in 2016); Kolsai Lakes (15,899 in same trails and their horses’ hoofs culture, jointly with Deputy Prime 2014, 18,125 in 2015, and 22,092 are destroying the roots of conifer Minister Askar Mamin, held a meet- in 2016); Charyn Canyon (4,676 between Astana and Shymkent trees and luckily these trees are not ing where the topic has been flagged in 2014, 8,000 in 2015 and 9,603 falling on people,” he said. and such budgets will be reviewed in 2016) and Zhongar Alatau (375 Staff Report Other issues such as the lack of and stipulated by regional and mu- in 2014, 470 in 2015 and 1,005 in indicators and signs at the Charyn nicipal authorities, she added. 2016). ASTANA – Qazaq Air will intro- duce March 26 a new flight route between Shymkent and Astana. “Shymkent is one of the most densely populated and, at the same EXPO 2017 road shows kick off time, economically developed cit- ies of the country. Since the es- tablishment of the company in 2015, Qazaq Air has connected the in Asia, Europe and Middle East citizens of this sunny region with By Yerbolat Uatkhanov Business people, scientists, form in Paris, Vienna, Budapest, the cities of Almaty, Aktobe and politicians, artists and sports- Frankfurt, Vilnius, Warsaw, Hel- Atyrau. Now we are pleased to in- ASTANA – Numerous road men participate. Visitors will be sinki, Prague, Milan, Madrid, Am- form about the possibility of trave- flyqazaq.com Photo credit: shows promoting EXPO 2017 able to see the best renewable sterdam and London. ling from Shymkent to the capital have launched in Astana and will energy technologies and pro- In spring, a promotion campaign of Kazakhstan. Thus, Shymkent be- lorda, Pavlodar, Semey, Taldykor- logo’s 14 colourful circles rep- be held across Asian, European jects, to learn about the cultures will be held in the territory of the comes a kind of hub for the airline,” gan and Shymkent. resent the 14 regions of Kazakh- and Middle Eastern states. and traditions of the participating Commonwealth of Independent Qazaq Air Chief Executive Officer According to the company’s stan. The road shows will provide countries that will present their States. It will operate in , Blair Treherne Pollock said. website, Qazaq Air is a new do- “During the first year of opera- detailed information about Ka- pavilions. Many parades, shows , Kiev, Minsk, Tashkent, Flights from the regional cen- mestic regional airline in Kazakh- tion, the airline carried more than zakhstan and its tourism potential, and concerts of famous stars will Bishkek, St. Petersburg, Kazan, tre of the South Kazakhstan re- stan founded by the Samruk Kazy- 160,000 passengers between 12 as well as the portfolio of EXPO be held in Astana. Novosibirsk, Omsk, Orenburg, gion will operate twice a week on na Sovereign Wealth Fund owning cities of the country using three 2017 tourist routes. Business-to- From March to June, the EXPO , Astrakhan and Ty- the modern airliner Bombardier 100 percent of shares of the airline. aircraft. During 2017 and 2018, business and business to consumer 2017 road shows will be presented umen. Q400NextGen. The company was registered in it is planned to increase the fleet events are planned. at large international tourism exhi- A programme promoting EXPO Ticket costs for a flight from April 2015. Qazaq Air meets local of the carrier by two aircraft. Ac- EXPO 2017, with its Future En- bitions in Moscow (MITT), Berlin 2017 will also be launched in the Shymkent to Astana lasting one and international safety require- cording to the business plan, in ergy motto, is not only a business, (ITB), (COTTM), Almaty spring in such cities in Asia and hour 55 minutes start from 11,557 ments and operates modern turbo- 2019 it is supposed to reach the thematic, cultural and entertain- (KITF), Seoul (KOTFA), Hong the Middle East as Xian, Shanghai, tenge (US$36.6) one way, includ- prop aircraft. target capacity of 450,000 passen- ment showcase, but also a global Kong (ITE) and Dubai (ATM). Urumqi, New Delhi, Kuala Lum- ing airport passenger charges. The airline logo was developed gers per year,” Managing Director event gathering the best experts in EXPO 2017 tourism products pur, Istanbul, Tehran and Tokyo. At present, Qazaq Air operates on the basis of the theme “Con- on Asset Optimisation of Samruk the field. Every expo generates great will be presented from March till The Kazakh government plans flights from Almaty to Aktobe, necting Kazakhstan” and the Kazyna Berik Beisengaliyev em- interest and attracts great number of April in European countries. The to hold an informational tour for Astana, Atyrau, Kostanai, Kyzy- network of regional flights. The phasised. tourists from around the world. participants of the show will per- foreign tour operators April 20-22. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

Nussurbayev were particularly ac- better this time, and the match end- tive in the attack. Both had good ed with a score of 1:3. chances to hit the Cypriot team’s “We started the match well. We Kazakhstan’s national football team net, but ultimately lacked accura- scored a good goal and had a few cy. The visitors’ efforts gave fruit more excellent chances. The guys a bit later. After receiving a cross were showing good football for from Gafurzhan Suyumbayev, about 60 minutes. What was worse defeated in first match under new coach who joined the attack on the left is that starting from the 60th min- By Anuar Abdrakhmanov wing, Nusserbayev, standing back ute [our play] went down. There to the net, made an accurate move were a number of individual mis- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s na- with his heel and scored, making it takes, which led to goals in our net. tional team lost 1-3 to Cyprus in 1:0. That was the only goal scored We need to review our mistakes a friendly match on March 22 in in the first half. and understand that they must not Larnaca, Cyprus. In the second half, Cyprus man- be made at such a level. Yes, some Though a loss, the match held aged to dominate the field and ar- mistakes can be excused in the na- interest for Kazakh fans for two ranged a few sharp attacks. The tional league but not in internation- main reasons. First, it was the Kazakh team’s goalkeeper, Stas al matches. We should do justice to inaugural match of the national Pokatilov, initially defended his the guys, as they had a long flight team’s new head coach, Alexan- goal solidly. However, the Cypri- and had undergone a challenging der Borodyuk of Russia. Second, ots were persistent and eventually acclimatisation process. However, it was the last check for the team got their way. I have gotten to know the team bet- ahead of their World Cup quali- Their first goal came from ter. One needs to learn from every fication match against , Nestor Matidis. Thanos Katelaris defeat. I would like the players to to be contested March 26 in Ye- scored another from a free kick, understand the requirements set revan. and a few minutes later, Dimitris by the coaching staff. They should From the very first minutes, Ka- Christofi put Cyprus’s third goal in recover as soon as possible to get zakhstan went on the offensive, the far corner of Pokatilov’s net. ready for the match with Armenia, apparently counting on an early Kazakhstan desperately sought a both physically and psychological- goal. Azat Nurgaliyev and Tanat sports.kz Photo credit: comeback, but the hosts defended ly,” Borodyuk said after the match. Kazakh freestyle skier Armenia beats Kazakhstan 2:0 in wins silver at World qualification match for FIFA World Cup was replaced by national team in midfield, they caught their op- tom of their qualification Group By Anuar Abdrakhmanov veteran David Loria. ponents on a counterattack, which E with only two points from five The Kazakh team played well resulted in Kazakh defender Ser- matches played so far. In other Championships ASTANA – Armenia beat Ka- in the first half, successfully de- gei Maliy being penalised in an at- matches of the group’s fifth round, zakhstan 2:0 in on March By Anuar Abdrakhmanov fending repeated attacks on goal, tempt to stop breaking Mkhitaryan Montenegro lost at home to Poland 26 in a qualification match for the including Mkhitaryan going as the latter was gaining opera- 1:2, while and Denmark 2018 FIFA World Cup. Armenia one-on-one with the goalkeeper. tional space. The referee penalised played a goalless draw. ASTANA – Yulia Galysheva was favoured to win, particularly gave Kazakh sport lovers another Mkhitaryan’s shot went past the the Kazakh defender with a second In the group’s standings, Poland since they were led by Manches- goal. The Kazakhs responded yellow card and the visitors had continues to lead with 13 points, reason for joy by winning a silver ter United’s outstanding medal in the women’s dual moguls with a good strike following to end the match in the minority. followed by Denmark and Monte- Henrikh Mkhitaryan. a corner kick by Yerkebulan This basically decided the out- negro with seven points each. Ro- competitions at the 2017 FIS Free- Going into the match, Ka- style Ski and Snowboard World Tungyshbayev. come. The Armenian team used mania and Armenia have six. Photo credit: Izturgan Aldauev Izturgan Photo credit: zakhstan had few losses but Early in the second half, Ka- the power play effectively, with A direct ticket to the final stage Championships, being held March Kazakh athlete to win a silver was hampered by an injury to 7-19 in Sierra Nevada, Spain be- zakhstan was more aggressive in Mkhitaryan and Aras Özbiliz earn- of the FIFA World Cup due next medal at a world championship in experienced defender Yuri Log- its own attacks, but was not accu- ing their points. year in Russia goes to the winner tween March 7 and 19. The gold freestyle ski and snowboard. vinenko. The Kazakh team’s medal went to Perrine Laffont of rate. The took advan- Following the defeat in Yerevan, of the group, with the runner-up “Of course, I am pleased with usual goalie was also out and tage of this. After one of the losses Kazakhstan remained at the bot- progressing to the play-offs. France and the bronze to American my performance because I im- Jaelin Kauf. proved my previous result from Galysheva, who is one of the the last championship when I came discipline’s leaders internation- in third. This time, I won silver. I ally, passed the qualifying stage. did my best in the finals and I was She had an uneasy 18-17 win over faster and made more complicated AFC Kairat readies for UEFA German Lea Bouard in 1/8 of the jumps. But the judges decided to finals. Then the 24-year old com- give the victory to my opponent peted against Australian Brittney from France with a one point ad- Cox, surpassing her with a score vantage. I think it is a good season Cup’s Final Four in Almaty of 23-12. In the semi-final she completion for me. Although it did will face each other in the second Come and help our team win. I so playing against them will not competed against Korean Seo Jee- not run quite smoothly at first, after By Anuar Abdrakhmanov match. think we can give our fans reasons be easy. Of course, we understand Won, winning 27-8. the middle of the season, I climbed “First of all, I would like to to celebrate and Kairat will get to that there are no weak teams at In the final round, Galysheva the podium several times at the ASTANA – The UEFA Futsal the final,” said AFC Kairat’s head the decisive stage, and we have to gave way to Perrine Laffont. She World Cup, the Universiade, the Cup’s Final Four will be held April thank our management for the came just one point short of win- Asian Games and now the World 28-30 in Almaty. The teams that organisation of the Final Four in coach, Brazilian specialist . get up for each game as much as ning gold. Galysheva is the first Championships,” Galysheva said. will compete for the cup include Almaty. I think the match against According to Almaty possible. The match against them Sporting Lisbon (Portugal), Mov- Movistar Inter will be a tough one, Dinmukhambet Suleimenov, it will be very interesting. Moreover, istar Inter (Spain), Gazprom-Yugra but we will be ready to fight. They will be a “great responsibility and futsal fans will enjoy watching (Russia) and AFC Kairat (Kazakh- are a famous Spanish team that has honour for the team” to play in the one of the world’s best players Ri- stan). won the UEFA Cup. So, the match Final Four in Kazakhstan. cardinho. Our objective obviously Kairat will first play Movistar promises to be really intense. But “Movistar Inter is a very seri- is to reach the final. We will do our Astana Arlans secure Inter in the semifinal while the we play at home, so we count ous opponent. The Spanish club best to please our fans and win that WSB playoff spot with Russian and Portuguese clubs on strong support from our fans. is one of the strongest in Europe, match,” he promised. win over Patriots HC Barys out of Safiullin gained the second point for the host team, defeating Ar- tur Subkhankulov. The bout was playoffs, loses in second round closely contested with both boxers exchanging blows. But Zakir was By Ilyas Omarov more accurate and landed more punches. After five rounds, the The Barys hockey club, much to judges unanimously awarded Safi- the regret of its large army of fans, Photo credit: today.kz Photo credit: ullin the win. ended its playoff runin the second By Anuar Abdrakhmanov In a bout in the 69kg category, round of the Gagarin Cup playoffs of ASTANA – The Astana Arlans Arlans fighter Aslanbek Shym- the Continental Hockey League with recently secured a World Series of bergenov defeated Shakhabas a loss to Metallurg , Boxing playoff position by beating Makhmudov and brought the Ar- the current Gagarin Cup holder. Russia’s Patriot boxing team 4-1 lans, translated as “wolves,” their Barys lost in all four games of the se- at home. It was the undefeated Ar- third victory of the night. ries – 0:4, 4:5 (OT), 3:5 and 2:3 (OT). lans fourth win of the new boxing In the category to 81 kg, Kazakh It is fair to say that the “snow leopards” season. fighter Arman Rysbek broke down played well in the series, with two of its The Patriot team entered the the resistance of Patriots fighter losses coming in . contest struggling, having lost two Pavel Silyagin in a tough bout to Despite the defeat, Barys can- out of its three matches this sea- gain the Arlans fourth point of the recognise the past season as a suc- son, and needed a win to keep their night. cess because the team again made it playoff hopes alive. WSB newcomer and current through the first round of playoffs, Rio Olympics participant and champion of Kazakhstan Olzhas repeating its best achievement in the Kazakh fighter Olzhas Sattybayev Bukayev fought Magomed KHL. and Russian boxer Vyacheslav Omarov in the final, 91kg bout. Kazakh hockey fans will now have Tashkarakov fought in the lightest Omarov’s experience proved too to switch their attention to the perfor- weight category. The Kazakh box- much for the WSB newcomer. mances of the Torpedo club from er controlled throughout the bout. The Russian fighter unanimously Ust-Kamenogorsk, which reached In the third round, Sattybayev won the bout on points after five the semi-final of the Bratina Cup in launched a series of attacks, cut- rounds, securing the Patriots only the Supreme Hockey League. ting Tashkarakov. The doctor for- win of the contest. And in the third week of April, the bade the Russian from continuing, The Arlans will fight their next Kazakh national team will go to Kiev and Sattybayev, who led the score group match in Uzbekistan on to compete for the opportunity to according to all three judges, was March 31 against the Uzbek Ti- play against some of the best hockey given the win. gers, and will complete the group teams in the world as it will seek the In the weight category up to 60 stage with a fight against China return to the top division of the world kilograms, Kazakh boxer Zakir Dragons in China on April 21. for next year. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 New concept for renting houses in Astana By Zhanna Shayakhmetova pretentious chandeliers. We want- events take place in the capital, tions according to their budgets. lot of guests from Kyrgyzstan. We ed to offer comfortable, conveni- we have a sales rise immediately. We rent apartments for long-term are working on a strategy to find ASTANA – Local entrepreneurs ent rooms which are specially de- Our booking system offers in- maintenance with weekly clean- partners in Central Asia. We have have set new trends in the hospital- signed for guests. Our apartments creased costs, as it sees a lot of ing, change of linen, bathrobes and received proposals to implement ity industry in recent years, as the have open spaces with bright walls requests,” she added. towels for 150,000 tenge (US$471) the project in Atyrau and Shym- Kazakh capital has become a top and furniture comfortable for those Apart from affordable prices, the per month,” she said. kent. But we do not go to large- tourism and business destination who come for a day or two. Our guests can also enjoy the advanta- Due to rental demand, the com- scale companies. We do want to in Central Asia. clients are people who come on a geous location of apartments situ- pany plans to promote services for preserve our locality and flexibility The Room project head Ainur business trip for a couple of days,” ated close to financial and enter- residents of Orenburg, Yekaterin- since it is part of us,” she said. Nurtai and her team decided to said Nurtai. tainment centres. burg and Kaliningrad. The rooms can be booked change the approach to small busi- The pricing policy is based on “We launched the project in “We did an advertising cam- on Airbnb.com and Booking. ness management and find a -per the competition. mid-December last year. We un- paign among our friends and col- com. The contact number is fect business idea. “Some people tell that our derstood that our clients liked our leagues in Bishkek, as we have a +77755660381. “An idea to launch a project ap- rooms should be more expensive, room design ideas and things like peared three years ago. The real Photo by Farkhat Moldashev but we know that there are ho- mirrors, perfumes and carpets. So, estate market began to fall and Ainur Nurtai tels such as Ibis with an average we are working in this direction. preservation of assets, that is the The company currently offers price of 18,000 tenge per room We are regular customers at the liquidity of these assets, was a key a range of serviced apartments (US$56). There are many other home design stores in Astana and for us. Now, it’s not real to pur- with a home concept ranging from good options. We analysed the Almaty. We are working on the chase a three-room apartment for 10,000 tenge (US$30) to 25,000 prices in the city and have set design, depending on who is our $350,000 and try to make [money] tenge (US$78) per day. Rooms ourselves at the average price. guest. We change the chandelier, on it. This seems unrealistic in the for rent is not a new business idea Our customers are people who poster and set of dishes,” she said. near 10-15 years, according to our and the team decided to offer addi- think about their budget. We have Despite a certain lack of adver- feasibility plan. At the same time, a tional services including cleaning, a flexible system that starts from tising, the occupancy rate initially lot of people invested in real estate laundry, bathrobes and change of our average cost. Sometimes, we reached 70 percent. and many of them have houses in bed linens and towels. Water, tea, lower the cost to 7,000-8,000 “We have corporate clients who Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Atyrau coffee and some additional com- tenge (US$22-25) and increase have signed long-term contracts and Aktau. Then, we had an idea to pliments are also available in the it up to 15,000-25,000 tenge with us for a fixed amount, in- start a project where we could con- apartments. (US$47-78) if they are in a high cluding two Almaty companies, trol the entire infrastructure and “We initially did not want to pro- demand according to statistics two Atyrau companies and a lo- have access to it,” she said. vide luxury accommodations with and analysis. When important cal firm. We provide accommoda- Astana to be positioned as one Astana bus fleet officials of leading platforms for Islamic take steps to improve finance, says AIFC governor services, safety management, private banking, finan- its demographics and strategic loca- ported the akimat (city administra- three years of experience in the By Zhazira Dyussembekova cial technology and green finance. tion, as well as being blessed with an Staff Report tion) press service. public passenger transport. We “I believe that the next stage, a big abundance of natural resources,” ac- ASTANA – The future and pros- breakthrough, is working within Is- cording to the press release by RED- At the end of the meeting, Igen- welcome all drivers from the re- ASTANA – Astana bus fleet pects of Islamic finance in the CIS lamic finance in the AIFC. Starting money, which organised the forum. berdinov gave specific directions gions. Our centre will hold train- (Commonwealth of Independent Jan. 1, 2018, we expect that there During his speech, Khaled Mo- administration officials discussed to improve quality. ings for them to meet certain re- States), as well as investment op- will be a lot of applications for Is- hammed Al-Aboodi, CEO and Gen- improving safety and the quality Meanwhile, the Astana Compe- quirements. Particularly, we focus portunities, Islamic capital market lamic financing licenses. We can say eral Manager of the Islamic Corpo- of services during a recent meet- tence Centre has started recruit- on the upcoming international ex- development and other issues, were that in the next two years, the Islamic ration for the Development of the ing chaired by Astana Passenger ing bus drivers in anticipation of hibition. There are drivers who are discussed March 14 at the Islam Fi- Development Bank plans to invest Private Sector (ICD), noted the CIS Transport Department Director EXPO 2017. ready to devote themselves to this nance News (IFN) CIS Forum in the $300 million in Kazakhstan through has a high potential of Islamic fi- Bekmyrza Igenberdinov. “There are certain requirements profession, and we invite them to capital. The Astana International Fi- both Islamic institutions and other nance development. He emphasised Meeting participants focused on for them, prescribed by law. Job the centre,” head of Astana Com- nancial Centre (AIFC) is expected to tools. We, as AIFC, would like to be Islamic finance makes it possible to reaching performance requirements, seekers should have at least five petence Centre Ayazhan Kassy- play a major role in Islamic finance become the so-called ‘window’ for diversify the sources for financing adhering to planned bus schedules, years of driving experience and mova said. development within the region. these investments,” he said. infrastructure projects. Islamic mi- routes and intervals, as well as com- “Today, we are holding a confer- Islamic finance requires imple- crofinance is the best tool for reduc- pliance with traffic rules by bus ence on the development of Islamic menting a special legal and regula- ing poverty, he added. drivers and improving the cultural level of drivers and bus conductors. They also proposed requiring bus drivers beginning April 1 to leave their cell phones behind be- fore beginning their driving shift. In addition, the transport control service and the control line service of the carriers were instructed to monitor the use of mobile phones, smoking in bus lounges by drivers, and compliance with traffic rules. “The contact centre is operating smoothly to improve service in public transport, as well as to es- tablish feedback. The information with the contact centre number is

Photo credit: press service of AIFC service of press Photo credit: placed in the buses of the city,” re- finance. Astana has become the first tory framework based on English place to discuss that matter within common law and in accordance the CIS market. … We would like to with Islamic finance principles. position Astana as one of the lead- AIFC has been appointed to act as ing platforms for the development the main body for developing Is- of Islamic finance. In general, Is- lamic finance in Kazakhstan and lamic financing is one of the priori- the CIS region and will serve as the ties of the AIFC,” said AIFC Gover- Islamic finance gateway and the Is- nor Kairat Kelimbetov. lamic finance hub of the region. Kazakhstan would also use the Kazakhstan has been consistently centre as an opportunity to attract in- working on creating and improv- vestments to the country, he added. ing the regulatory framework for “The market of Islamic finance Islamic finance since 2008. The lat- is quite large, almost $2 trillion, est amendment, concerning the is- and now a lot of countries are in- sue of Sukuk (financial certificates) terested in Islamic finance. During and the conversion of a traditional the previous 30 years, they were bank into an Islamic one, entered the traditional Islamic countries of into force in November 2015. That the Middle East and Malaysia, but fact puts Kazakhstan in a unique po- today many other countries resort sition within the CIS region as the to the possibilities of Islamic fi- only country with such developed nancing. Islamic finance has been Islamic finance legislation. actively developed in such coun- In addition, according to the tries as Great Britain, Luxembourg, Thomson Reuters Islamic Growth Japan and . Kazakhstan Markets Investment Outlook report, is also considering the possibility of in 2015 Kazakhstan was ranked Islamic financing,” he said. fifth as an Islamic investment desti- Islamic finance involves special legislation that implies high ethical nation country among 57 OIC (Or- principles which must be correlated ganisation of Islamic Cooperation) with norms of Sharia (a system of member countries. religious law in Islam). This has In the last five years, CIS markets prompted discussion, as some fi- have started an active integration nancial instruments are considered process due to the formation of the by many countries to be in strict Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). accordance with Islamic financing, The treaty came into effect in 2015 while some adhere to new ethical and aims to create an attractive cen- standards. In any case, Kazakhstan tre for economic development. may consider becoming the pioneer “Islamic finance may become one in Islamic finance in the CIS coun- of the strongest driving forces toward tries, added Kelimbetov. the effective development of a large Islamic finance is one of the core regional market that unites more than pillars of the AIFC development, 170 million people, as the Islamic along with capital markets, asset finance market is attractive due to