+26 / +13°C WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019 No 15 (177) www.astanatimes.com First Caspian Economic Forum discusses GDP grows 4.2% Jan-July Investment grew 11.3 percent, By Dilshat Zhussupova with investment increasing 61.4 percent for agriculture, 46.3 per- regional economic cooperation, NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s cent for construction, 23 percent for gross domestic product (GDP) trade and 18.9 percent for industry. grew 4.2 percent in January-July, “Given the current trends, cen- said Minister of National Econo- tral and local executive bodies infrastructure development my Ruslan Dalenov at an Aug. 13 need to concentrate on ensuring government meeting. the growth of key economic indi- “(This year’s) GDP growth is cators and control over investment driven by accelerated growth in in- projects, maximising efficiency dustry, construction and services, throughout the construction and as well as steady growth in agri- agricultural season and strength- culture and investment in fixed as- ening inflation control in the third sets,” explained Dalenov. quarter (of 2019),” said Dalenov. Communication services grew 2.6 “Economic growth was achieved percent, industrial production grew in the Atyrau, Karaganda, Kostan- 2.7 percent, agricultural production ai, Kyzylorda, Turkestan and East grew 3.5 percent, oil refinery pro- Kazakhstan Regions (in January- duction grew 5.1 percent, transport July),” said Prime Minister Askar grew 5.4 percent, trade grew 7.5 per- Mamin, who chaired the meeting. cent, construction grew 11.5 percent, “Akims (governors and mayors) light industry production grew 14.3 and heads of state bodies and re- percent, non-ferrous ore production gions will be personally responsi- grew 17.2 percent and pharmaceu- ble for the final outcomes and use tical industry production grew 18 of budget funds.” percent in January-July, all of which contributed to greater GDP growth. Continued on Page A4 EBRD focuses on small

L-R: Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Novruz Mammadov, First Vice President of Iran Eshaq Jahangiri, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin. and women’s businesses, the development of the Caspian the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign of deepening cooperation between By Saltanat Boteu region, determining the prospects Affairs. border regions and noted the po- for international cooperation in The meeting of the Caspian litto- tential to expand bilateral coop- investment environment NUR-SULTAN – Participants of the Caspian… Today, the objec- ral countries’ ministers of economy eration in engineering, chemical “We agreed on the five-year the Aug. 12 first Caspian Econom- tive interests of not only coastal, took place at the Berkarar Hotel, industry, metallurgy, agriculture, By Zhanna Shayakhmetova strategy with the government, ic Forum discussed economic ties but also other states are concen- where representatives of Azerbai- tourism, transport and gas, report- and we are going to work on it. among Caspian littoral countries in trated here, due to the fact that the jan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmeni- ed primeminister.kz. NUR-SULTAN – The European We see there’s a need to develop trade and tourism as well as infra- Caspian region is a large natural stan and Russia discussed coopera- Mamin stressed the need to cre- Bank for Reconstruction and De- the private sector and balance structure development around the source of hydrocarbon resources, tion in trade, free trade zones and ate conditions to attract investment velopment (EBRD) has invested state-owned enterprises versus inland sea. a continental-scale transport and the regulatory framework. into the region, including using more than $9.1 billion through the private sector. It is important The forum took place at the transit hub, a promising territory At a similar meeting of the the Astana International Financial 261 projects in the economy of to ensure the business environ- Avaza resort in Turkmenistan and for expanding international trade,” transport ministers, they discussed Centre and existing agreements on Kazakhstan as of July. In 2015, ment for attracting foreign inves- gathered more than 3,000 politi- said President of Turkmenistan developing international freight free trade zones. He made sugges- the bank also launched the Women tors. We focus on manufacturing, cians, diplomats, business people, Gurbanguly Berdimukhamedov in traffic, increasing exports and di- tions to improve transport systems in Business programme, which services, businesses agriculture, environmentalists, scholars and his welcoming speech, as reported versifying transit freight flows to and the efficiency of multimodal empowered women entrepreneurs tourism and energy efficiency in journalists from around the world. by sng.fm. the markets of other regions. transportation and to develop tour- nationwide. many countries, and Kazakhstan It was the first time representatives At the beginning of the forum, The countries’ business com- ism in the Caspian Sea. The EBRD will continue its coop- is no exception. Another key area of Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, participants visited the Interna- munity representatives discussed Mamin also said more work is eration with the Kazakh government for us is the competitiveness of the Iran and Turkmenistan had met in tional Caspian exhibition of inno- import and export possibilities and needed to preserve the Caspian and the private sector on investment small-business sector as well as the the five-sided format after signing vative technologies and the Turk- exchanged experience in oil and Sea’s ecosystem, including intro- projects, reforms and improvement private sector. We help small busi- a convention on the legal status of men Sahra 2019 exhibition, where gas resources processing. ducing clean technologies through of the investment environment, ness get the support it needs. It’s a the Caspian Sea Aug. 12, 2018, in they were able to familiarise them- As a part of the forum, Kazakh the International Centre for Green EBRD Vice President for Risk and key thing for the bank as a whole, Aktau, Kazakhstan. selves with the achievements of Prime Minister Askar Mamin met Technologies and Investment Pro- Compliance and Chief Risk Officer and it’s a key theme in many of our “We are all like-minded people, modern technologies and the au- with Berdimukhamedov to discuss jects, established in Kazakhstan Betsy Nelson said in an exclusive countries,” Nelson said. united by the importance of a mul- tomotive industry at the Turkmen- trade and economic cooperation. on the premises of former EXPO interview for this story. Continued on Page A5 tifaceted and systemic dialogue on bashi international seaport, noted They emphasised the importance 2017. ATOM Project’s Honorary Ambassador National Council of Public Trust to hold first meeting to make an impression of imposing remembers Hiroshima and Nagasaki victims By Saltanat Boteu anything on our part. It is neces- viet Union. Kazakhstan signed and sary to listen to the proposals of all By Dilshat Zhussupova ratified the Treaty on the Prohibi- NUR-SULTAN – The first participants,” he said. tion of Nuclear Weapons March meeting of the Kazakh National The council’s structure includes NUR-SULTAN – The ATOM 2, 2018 and July 3, 2019, respec- Council of Public Trust has been the council’s chair, President Project and its Honorary Ambas- tively, and assumed the 2019-2020 tentatively scheduled for Aug. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, deputy sador Karipbek Kuyukov called chairmanship of the 48-member 28. Participants will establish the chair and Presidential Administra- for renewed efforts to bring about multilateral export control regime council’s activities and form work- tion Head Krymbek Kusherbayev, a nuclear weapon-free world on Nuclear Suppliers Group. ing groups, National Council sec- the council’s secretary Karin and the 74th anniversary of the atomic Leading by example, The ATOM retary and advisor to the Kazakh more than 40 activists and experts bombings of the Japanese cities of Project Honorary Ambassador and President Yerlan Karin announced from across various sectors. Among Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Kazakhstan show that building recently. them are human rights activist The Atomic Age arrived upon a nuclear weapon-free world is The council is an advisory body Aigul Orynbek, information tech- the United States’ bombing of Hi- within our power, “with political called for and approved by Kazakh roshima and Nagasaki Aug. 6 and will and the united voice of citi- President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev nologies specialist Baghdat Musin, 9, 1945, respectively, that killed zens around the world,” despite in July. The council will make journalist Mikhail Dorofeyev and between 129,000 and 226,000 setbacks such as the Aug. 2 with- policy recommendations based economist Oraz Zhandosov. people. The bombings have been drawal of the United States from on input from the public, political “The President’s decree in June the only use of nuclear weapons the Treaty on the Elimination of parties and civil society. said that within a month the rep- in armed conflict, and The ATOM Intermediate-Range and Shorter- “At present, there are a number resentatives of the Presidential Ad- Project aims to keep it that way. Karipbek Kuyukov Range Missiles. of questions regarding the oper- ministration should consult with “We must never forget that day “The city of Hiroshima opened ating principles of the National representatives of political parties or the lives lost in Hiroshima,” world still lives with the threat of activist and painter, whose works one of humanity’s most deadly and Council. It is necessary to decide and civil society. We did this… We said Kuyukov. “Many lives have nuclear weapons use. Many in the capture the suffering of the victims dangerous chapters. One way we which working groups will be asked them what they see in the fu- been lost to or destroyed by nucle- international community, however, of nuclear weapon testing. can honour the lives lost is to make created, who will be part of the ture as suggestions for the work of ar weapons, including days later including Kuyukov, have pledged He delivered a powerful plea to sure Nagasaki closed that chapter, group. It is assumed that the cre- the council. We also analysed pub- in the city of Nagasaki, as well as to change that. ban nuclear testing at the Sept. 6, that the lives lost in that city will ated groups will hold their meet- lications, expert opinions in the over decades of nuclear weapons Kuyukov is among the 1.5 mil- 2018 session of the United Nations be the last destroyed by the use of ings and identify priority areas. media and social networks. At the testing. But Hiroshima was the lion people who have suffered as General Assembly and received the a nuclear weapon,” said Kuyukov. The exact date of the meeting is same time, we analysed the activ- first use of a nuclear device meant a result of the 456 nuclear tests Nuclear-Free Future Award Oct. 24 The United Nations’ Aug. 29 being agreed upon, for now, it’s ity of various public activists, be- to kill. It is a moment of shame for conducted over 40 years at the So- from the Franz Moll Foundation International Day against Nuclear planned for Aug. 28,” Karin told cause it happens that social groups the international community and viet Union’s Semipalatinsk Test for the Coming Generations. Tests, also the 28th anniversary of sputniknews.kz. or individuals manifest themselves of horror for the people of Japan. It Site. He was born without arms Kuyukov’s home country has the closure of the Semipalatinsk The first meeting’s participants during some events, and then go is a moment upon which we should as a result of his parents’ exposure also become a leader in nuclear nuclear test site, will serve as an- will also discuss proposed council into the shadows and stop showing forever shine a light to ensure that to those tests before Kazakhstan disarmament and non-prolifera- other important reminder to the rules. initiative. (In contrast) there are nuclear weapons are never used to shut down the site in 1991. He has tion, having renounced what was international community about “The members of the National activists who constantly raise im- kill again.” gone on to become an internation- then the world’s fourth largest nu- the need to renew the efforts for a Council will determine the most portant issues and become active,” Seventy-four years later, the ally recognised non-proliferation clear arsenal inherited from the So- safer world. important topics. We do not want Karin told tengrinews.kz.

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY EDITORIAL&OPINION BUSINESS NATION&CAPITAL Housing sector investment through Nurly Zher Gross output in farming grows 10.5 Celebrating Kazakhstan’s rich history Tiny house rental business emphasises Hilton sees expansion opportunities in Central programme increases 15 percent A2 percent in six months A4 helps move nation toward a successful design over size A7 Asia, plans eco-friendly future B1 Selection for presidential personnel Machine building sector sees future A6 FinReview report confirms country Improved infrastructure has increased tourism reserve begins A2 consistent growth A4 Inclusive innovation consortia programme attracted $250 billion in 10 years A8 at Kolsai Lakes, say officialsB6 promotes social innovations A6

US$ 1 = 387.49 KZT € 1 = 434.11 KZT 1 = 5.91 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019

NATIONAL New Kazakh presidential assistants, NEWS IN BRIEF President Kassym-Jomart To- kayev will deliver his first state- domestic policy head appointed of-the-nation address as the head of state Sept. 2, he announced the Ministry of Information and via Twitter. Tokayev intends to By Nazira Kozhanova Press. He has Bachelor of Arts direct the Parliament and the degrees in Economy and Phi- Government to toughen punish- NUR-SULTAN – Aida Bal- losophy and a PhD in Political ments for drug dealing, paedo- ayeva and Maulen Ashimbayev Science. philia, sexual assault and other were appointed July 22 and July Nygymetov was promoted from serious violations of the laws, 30, respectively, as assistants to deputy head of the Department of among other initiatives. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Domestic Policy to the head of the Tokayev. Gani Nygymetov was department position, replacing Ba- Approximately 5,000 educa- appointed July 30 as head of the layeva. He started his state servic- tional grants were allocated to Domestic Policy Department of es career as project manager of the children from large families and the Administration of the Presi- Department of Public Administra- recipients of targeted social as- dent, Zakon.kz reports. tion of National Analytical Centre. Balayeva was appointed as an Aida Balayeva Maulen Ashymbayev Gani Nygymetov He also has experience working sistance for the 2019-2020 aca- Assistant and Head of Department for the Institute of Eurasian Inte- demic year following the task for Monitoring the Consideration Sociology. She started her state Ashimbayev, previous to his served as the Director of the Ka- gration and NURIS (Nazarbayev set by President Tokayev. Local of Appeals of the Administration services career in 1999 working as appointment, had worked as first zakhstan Institute for Strategic University Research and Innova- executive bodies will provide of the President. She left her post a leading specialist of the Almaty deputy chairman of Kazakhstan’s Studies under the President, the tion System). Nygymbetov has a grants on a competitive basis. as head of the Department of Do- Regional Department of Informa- ruling Nur Otan party from Feb- Deputy Secretary of the Security BA in International Relations, an Applicants are required to have mestic Policy of the Presidential tion and Public Accord. Balayeva ruary 2018 to June 2019. Earlier, Council of the Republic of Ka- MBA from Monterey International Unified National Testing (UNT) Administration which she held has a strong media presence, fre- he was chairman of the Commit- zakhstan and the Deputy Head of Studies Institute and an MPA from results of at least 65 points for for several years. Balayeva has quently giving interviews to Ka- tee on Foreign Affairs, Defence the Presidential Administration. Nazarbayev University. He speaks admission to national universi- Bachelor of Arts degrees in Teach- zakh media and has 13,000 Face- and Security of the Mazhilis Ashimbayev started his career at English, Hindi and German flu- ties, at least 50 points for other ing and Law, as well as a PhD in book followers. (lower house of Parliament). He the Press Development Fund of ently. universities and at least 60 points for pedagogical sciences. Appli- cations were accepted until Aug. 10 and university admission is Housing sector investment Selection for presidential open until Aug. 25. Nur-Sultan will host the first Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Caspian Safety Sympo- through Nurly Zher programme personnel reserve begins sium on safety issues and la- the selection process will be fair and bour protection Sept. 24-25, Staff Report transparent. People eligible to take reported the KazMunayGas na- part will have to be under 35, hold tional company press service. increases 15 percent NUR-SULTAN – Selection for an academic degree and have at least “We need to anticipate future maty and Kostanai Regions are the socially vulnerable segments on the Presidential Personnel Reserve, five years of working experience. events and create sustainable By Assel Satubaldina country’s leaders in housing con- the lists in the akimats in order of which President Kassym-Jomart Those wishing to be in the reserve solutions for the future. There is struction. priority. Tokayev talked about in his election will have to pass several stages. Af- a need to take measures to de- NUR-SULTAN – Investment “A total of 32.8 billion tenge Low-income families can ap- programme, “Well-being for all! ter passing a theoretical knowledge velop environmental protection in Kazakhstan’s housing sector (US$85.3 million) have been al- ply for preferential lending at a Continuity. Justice. Progress” will assessment, the candidates will be policies together with the oil through the Nurly Zher housing located for the construction and two percent annual rate given by begin Sept. 1. evaluated on their leadership skills, and gas industry regarding the programme increased 15.5 per- purchase of rental housing with- Kazakhstan’s Housing Construc- For the first time, young Kazakh critical thinking level, strategic rea- conservation of water resources cent in the first six months of 2019 out redemption for people on the tion Saving Bank. The bank has people, who have achieved significant soning, motivation, and values. The and protection of our natural re- compared to the same period in waiting list in the city akimats (lo- received 50 billion tenge (US$130 success in areas such as innovative candidates will be required to write sources, forests and wildlife. I 2018, Kazakh Minister of Industry cal administrations). Of that, 14.9 million) for this purpose. technologies, engineering, business, an essay, present their projects, pass look forward to discussing all and Infrastructure Development billion tenge (US$38.7 million) Sklyar said the plan is also to medicine, economics and culture have an interview and other evaluative these issues at the symposium Roman Sklyar announced recently. have been received by the regions commission 6,000 apartments for the opportunity to be selected and ap- assessments. If successful, the can- on Occupational Safety, Health Total investment through the pro- and 14.8 billion (US$38.4 million) citizens on the waiting list and, as pointed to high government and man- didates will further have to pass an and Safety in the Caspian Re- gramme through the end of June have been used,” he said. of July, 924 apartments were com- agement positions in the country. Expert Committee interview with gion,” said Minister of Ecology, was 605.7 billion tenge (US$1.57 missioned. “If you are an author of successful the deputy head of the Presidential Geology and Natural Resources billion). Fifty billion tenge (US$130 mil- initiatives, are able to offer new pro- Administration. The final stage will Magzum Mirzagaliev. The programme enables Kazakh The programme lion) will go to the construction jects and come up with realistic and be an interview with the National citizens to purchase housing at fa- enables Kazakh and purchase of the leased housing practical ideas that would allow to Commission of Personnel Policy KazAgro plans to alter its vourable loan rates and offers op- for large families nationwide. improve the welfare of Kazakh peo- under the supervision of the head of profit targets due to efficiency portunities for socially vulnerable citizens to purchase Sklyar said 1,000 leased apart- ple, and if you are capable to make the Presidential Administration. reform and increase by the end groups to improve their housing ments will be built annually in decisions promptly and adapt quick- Three hundred young profession- of 2020, reported the company’s conditions. housing at favourable Nur-Sultan, Almaty and Shym- ly to innovations, fill out an applica- als will be selected on a competitive press service. A draft strategy “We plan to build 118,000 hous- loan rates and offers kent, the country’s three largest tion form online to take part in the basis. Before being appointed to for a 10-year period is also be- es in 2019 and, of those, 48,925 cities, to ensure mobility for the Presidential Personnel Reserve pro- their positions for three years, the ing developed. It will increase have been already built. To ensure opportunities for country’s young working popula- ject! Challenge yourself and be at the individuals will take part in train- labour productivity and agricul- timely commissioning of the hous- tion. top of the young and successful fu- ing. As part of the training, reserv- tural product export, attract new ing, 81.7 billion tenge (US$212.5 socially vulnerable The government is working to ture leaders, who will play a crucial ists will undergo internships in gov- private investments and innova- million) are available to build the present the new Nurly Zher pro- groups to improve role in the development of Kazakh- ernment bodies and organisations to tive technologies and develop engineering utilities at the sites,” gramme that will be in effect un- stan and will be the driving force of acquire the competencies necessary new business initiatives in the said the minister. til 2025. The revised programme, their housing progress,” reads an Agency for Civil to work with the public, to work in regions. Measures were adopted The country’s regions received which is expected to be adopted Service Affairs press release. conditions of uncertainty and to de- to improve the quality of the 36.8 billion tenge (US$95.7 mil- conditions. by the end of 2019, will take into The Agency has assured the public velop public speaking skills. lion) to build housing areas and account heating, water supply and loan portfolio and improve idle 35.8 billion tenge (US$93.1 mil- The constructed rental housing wastewater disposal, communal projects. The holding will invite lion) have been used, he added. is provided for long-term rental sector modernisation and housing foreign experts to the manage- The Turkestan, Kyzylorda, Al- without the right of redemption to renovation. ment bodies. Kazakhstan to digitise mining, The Kazakh National Olympic Committee received an invitation to participate from July 24-Aug. 9 in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Head of state appoints metallurgy industries Games, according to olympic.kz. to reduce production and trans- The country’s team, which cur- By Nazira Kozhanova portation costs, optimise business rently has ten licenses, includes processes, introduce new business swimmer Dmitry Balandin (100, new akim of Shymkent NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh models and significantly increase 200 metre breaststroke), track government plans to digitise its the competitiveness of industrial and field athletes Olga Rypa- did not fulfill the essential tasks mining and metallurgy industries, enterprises,” Baitov said. By Nazira Kozhanova of the position. kova and Georgy Sheiko, cyclist Chairman of the Committee for In- From 2015 to 2019, new mining Yevgeny Gidich, open water “As the head of state, Kassym- dustrial Development and Industri- and metallurgical enterprises with NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev em- swimmer Vitaliy Khudyakov al Safety of the Kazakh Ministry of the latest equipment, meeting the and men’s classic archery team. President Kassym-Jomart To- phasised, now the most important Industry and Infrastructural Devel- standards of the Fourth Industrial kayev appointed July 30 Yerlan thing is the dialogue between the More than 11,000 athletes from opment Kanat Baitov announced at Revolution, were launched. 206 countries are expected to Aitakhanov the new akim (may- people and the authorities. You a July 29 press conference on dig- “These are enterprises such as Ka- take part in the completion. or) of Shymkent city. Previous know that Gabidulla Abdrakhimov itisation of the mining and metal- zminerals Aktogai and Bozshakol, akim Gabidolla Abdrakhimov had enjoyed the support and trust lurgical industries. Bakyrchik GOK, Sary-Arka copper An agricultural cooperation pi- was dismissed from his position. of the leadership of our country. As a part of the 2018 to 2025 processing and others. A new, mod- lot model will be implemented in Before the appointment, He was appointed to the highest plan on the digitisation of mining ern automated YDD ferroalloy plant the Azat District in the Akmola Aitakhanov served as akim and most responsible posts in our and metallurgy enterprises, 192 with a capacity of 180,000 tonnes (mayor) of the Otyrar District country. Unfortunately, he did not projects are be digitised at a cost per year was launched at the first Region, reported Kazinform. in the Turkestan Region and the realise it (the responsibility) soon of $4.4 billion. Profits resulting stage. Three ore-thermal furnaces The project, developed by Saken deputy akim of the South Ka- enough... This contradicts the in- from the digitisation are expected with a rotary bath comply with the Seifullin Kazakh Agro-technical zakhstan Region. Aitakhanov structions of the head of state and, to reach $5.7 billion by 2025. best international standards, where University scholars, is aimed at was born in 1971 and holds BA as a whole, undermines the author- Seventy-nine digitisation pro- the latest achievements of world organising a programme to fat- degrees in Law and Economics, ity of the state. Today, the political jects have been completed with 53 production of ferrosilicon, equipped ten cattle at local farms. “Its trust credit granted to Abdrakhi- mission is to create a rural non- with a PhD in Economics. He Yerlan Aitakhanov more projected to be completed by with elements of Industry 4.0, are started his career in the banking mov has been exhausted,” Kush- the end of the year. applied,” said Baitov. profit consumer cooperative. sector. erbayev said while presenting the The ministry, in accordance with The country’s mining and metal- Seventy percent of the livestock Aitakhanov held Aug. 1 his President) Kassym-Jomart To- new akim. international experience, has de- lurgical industry makes up 6.7 per- in the country is kept in farms first meeting as Shymkent akim. kayev gave specific instructions Abdrakhimov had served as veloped measures to create an eco- cent of the GDP, 25 percent of indus- of rural residents who think it is At the meeting, he encouraged to improve the quality of life of the akim of Shymkent first from system that supports the digitisa- trial manufacturing and 24 percent of not profitable to join coopera- akimat (administration) employ- citizens. My task is to improve August 2015 to October 2017, tion efforts of domestic companies, total export products. The industry is tives. The large basic farms will ees to address issues related to the welfare of residents of re- leaving for a position of the Nur Baitov said. These measures were represented by more than 800 enter- become partners of the locals the distant districts of Shymkent, mote areas and provide them Otan ruling party secretary. He included in the Digital Kazakhstan prises and provides 185,000 jobs. and provide them with land and such as electricity, gas, light and with decent infrastructure,” then served again as the mayor state programme. The Fourth Industrial Revolu- other infrastructure. The Samruk road access. He also urged a pru- Aitakhanov said. of one of the three cities of na- “The fourth industrial revolu- tion or the Industry 4.0 term means Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund dent use of state budget funds. The Head of the President’s tional importance in the coun- tion is one of the most important a significant introduction of cyber will provide 112 million tenge “The President of the country Administration Krymbek Kush- try, along with Nur-Sultan and trends in the world. Through the systems into everyday life and (US$289,000) for the project,” pays great attention to the devel- erbayev said July 30 that Abdra- Almaty, from June 2018 to July introduction of Industry 4.0 tech- work, as well as the automation of said university chief expert To- opment of Shymkent. (Kazakh khimov was removed because he 2019. nologies, it has become possible production processes. leukhan Nurkiyanov. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Eurasian Intergovernmental Council discusses A Kazakh delegation recently visited Tokyo to explore coop- eration prospects and review joint projects in engineering, integration, status of current agreements energy, agriculture, logistics, petrochemicals, light indus- By Elya Altynsarina try, robotics and information and communication technolo- Nur-Sultan – Eurasian Eco- nomic Union (EAEU) member gies. The delegation, headed by states prime ministers discussed Deputy Foreign Minister Ye- ways to increase integration, the rmek Kosherbayev, met with status of agreements and future Japanese companies including cooperation at the Aug. 9 Eura- Chiyoda Technol, Hitachi Con- sian Intergovernmental Council struction Machinery, JOGMEC, (EIC) meeting in Cholpon Ata, Marubeni, Nikke Group, Nip- Kyrgyzstan, according to the Ka- pon Express, Sojitz, Sumitomo, zakh Prime Minister’s office. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Cor- The prime ministers of Ka- poration and Terra Drone. The zakhstan Askar Mamin, Belarus delegation briefed the Japanese Syarhey Rumas, Armenia Nikol businesses on Kazakh measures Pashinyan, Kyrgyzstan Muk- to improve the investment cli- hammedkalyi Abylgaziev, Russia mate and expand opportunities Dmitry Medvedev and Chairman for investors. During the meet- of the Board of the Eurasian Eco- ing, Nippon Express, the world’s nomic Commission Tigran Sarg- fourth largest logistics company, syan attended the meeting held on announced the August opening the shore of the famous Issyk Kul of Central Asia’s representative lake. office in Kazakhstan. Hitachi Participants discussed trade Construction Machinery, which and economic cooperation, the has been present in Kazakhstan removal of obstacles in the EAEU domestic market, the since 2004, has also been work- regulation of the alcohol and fi- ing to open a regional mining nancial markets, the cooperation equipment maintenance centre. of member state custom services and other issues. Al-Farabi Kazakh National Mamin said EAEU members University (KazNU) has opened are working to implement EAEU L-R: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Belarusian Prime Minister Syarhey Rumas, Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Tigran Sargsyan. the Abu Nasr Al-Farabi cen- treaty provisions on cooperation tre in the Topkapı Culture Park and to draft strategic directions Museum in Istanbul. The open- to develop EAEU economic in- crease the gross product of up to will help that integration. Mamin build that cooperation. Kazakh- this area, a plan of joint activi- ing of the ethnographic museum tegration until 2025. The prime 1.5 percent of GDP, he said. said the union must develop co- stan has created a technology hub ties between the Eurasian Eco- in the Turkish capital marks the minister also urged the union to Mamin also said the EAEU has operation in financial markets, in within the AIFC. The hub has the nomic Commission and the AIFC 1,150th anniversary of Al-Fara- prioritise industrial cooperation, the potential to integrate into the protecting the rights and interests capacity to build infrastructure to for 2019-2021 was signed in the bi, a world-renowned philoso- create a digital map of industrial international transport network of consumers of financial services unite all regional participants in framework of the memorandum pher and Oriental thinker. The enterprises across member states and said simplifying transit proce- and investors, in trade and in in- the financial technology market. of cooperation between the EAEU important date will be commem- and develop a joint programme dures through union territory and vestment cooperation. He suggest- The hub is also an incubator for and the AIFC. orated by the United Nations to develop the economy of sim- the EAEU Unified Transit Sys- ed using the Astana International new financial technology products. In total, 12 documents were Educational, Scientific and Cul- ple things. This sector can in- tem, currently being developed, Financial Centre (AIFC) to help To enhance cooperation in signed during the meeting. tural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2020. The centre will play a key role in preserving Al-Fara- bi’s legacy, whose works served as the foundation for scientific development worldwide. “The Guarantor states of Syrian talks in Kazakh capital reaffirm opening of the Al-Farabi House Museum in Turkey is another important milestone in the popu- larisation of the legacy of the commitment to eliminating terrorist groups in Syria Great Son of the Great Steppe, the working group is an effective who played a significant role in tool to build confidence between the history of human civilisation the Syrian parties and agreed to and the treasury of Turkic and increase its activities. Kazakh culture,” said KazNU The joint statement stresses the Rector Galym Mutanov. need to increase humanitarian as- sistance to all Syrians throughout Nur-Sultan will host the 2020 the country without precondi- International Economics Olym- tions. The guarantor states called piad (IEO) among schoolchil- on the international community, dren on the Astana International the United Nations and its hu- Campus at the Astana Interna- manitarian agencies, to enhance tional Financial Centre (AIFC). assistance to Syria by developing The IEO council, which consists early recovery projects, includ- of 24 countries, unanimously ap- ing the restoration of basic infra- proved Kazakhstan’s application structure assets – water and pow- during its July 25 open voting as er supply facilities, schools and part of the IEO event held July hospitals as well as the humani- 24-31 in St. Petersburg. More tarian mine action. They also dis- than 100 high school seniors cussed holding the International from more than 20 countries par- Conference on the Humanitarian ticipate in the Olympiad every Assistance to Syria. year. The event will contribute to The joint statement followed one of the AIFC Bureau’s main the 13th round of Astana Pro- missions – to develop human cess talks hosted by the Kazakh capital and improve financial Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rus- literacy in the region through mfa.gov.kz. Photo credit: sia was represented in the talks thematic events and support ini- by Special Representative of the tiatives in finance, economics, operate to eliminate in Syria all civilians according to internation- UN-facilitated political process President of the Russian Federa- education and new technologies. By Elya Altynsarina groups designated by the United al law and to protect the military in line with the UN Security tion for Syria Alexander Lavren- Nations as terrorist organisations. personnel of the three guarantor Council resolution 2254 and the tiev; Turkey was represented by Jakarta, Indonesia recently NUR-SULTAN – Russia, Iran These groups include DAESH/ states within and outside the Idlib decisions of the Syrian National Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat hosted the presentation of the and Turkey, the guarantor states ISIL, Al-Nusra Front and all oth- de-escalation area. Dialogue Congress in Sochi. Önal and Senior Advisor to the Organisation for Islamic Coop- of the Astana Process Syrian er individuals, groups and enti- The statement also says that The parties praised a July 31 Iran’s Foreign Ministry Ali As- eration (OIC) Islamic Organisa- peace talks in Nur-Sultan, issued ties associated with Al-Qaeda or there can be no military solution mutual release of detainees with- ghar Haji headed the Iranian del- tion for Food Security (IOFS). a joint statement following Aug. DAESH/ISIL and other UN des- to the Syrian conflict and reaf- in the framework of the work- egation. The next round of Astana The IOFS was launched in 2016 2 talks in the Kazakh capital reaf- ignated terrorist groups. firms the commitment to advance ing group of the Astana format. Process talks in Nur-Sultan will at Kazakhstan’s initiative. IOFS firming their commitment to co- The sides also agreed to protect the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, The guarantor states also said be in October. Director General Yerlan Baid- aulet invited the Indonesian side to join the organisation and take istry of Foreign Affairs empha- part in the IOFS General Assem- sised the treaty’s termination could bly’s second session Aug. 27-29 “trigger a new arms race in many in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During Kazakhstan urges United States, regions of the world and poses a his visit, Baidaulet met at the In- serious threat to global peace and donesian Ministry of Agriculture security,” calling for the United with Food Safety Agency Direc- States and Russia to resolve their tor General Agung Hendriadi, Russia to resolve INF Treaty issues disagreements over the treaty in Special Envoy of the Indonesian “The Kazakh Ministry of For- The United States suspended its Russia denies violating the a Feb. 5 statement following the President for the Middle East By Dilshat Zhussupova eign Affairs expresses its regret obligations under the treaty Feb. treaty. The country suspended its and OIC Alvi Shihab and Halal countries’ treaty suspensions. over the decision of the United 1, providing “Russia a final op- treaty obligations Feb. 2 in re- “Kazakhstan has always stood Product Assurance Agency head NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan States to withdraw its participa- portunity to correct its noncom- sponse to the United States’ treaty professor Ir. Sukoso. Hendriadi for the preservation and strict ob- remains hopeful the United States tion from the Treaty on the Elimi- pliance,” said U.S. Secretary of suspension, and Russian President noted the importance of ensur- servance of the treaty by all parties and Russia will negotiate and re- nation of Intermediate-Range and State Michael Pompeo in an Aug. Vladimir Putin stated Aug. 5 that ing food security for Indonesia, and supported its value as a unique the world’s fourth most popu- solve their problems concerning Shorter-Range Missiles – one 2 statement. “(The country with- “as of Aug. 2, the INF Treaty no historic agreement that allowed to lous country. He commended the the Intermediate-Range Nuclear of the most important factors in drew from the treaty Aug. 2) be- longer exists.” eliminate a whole class of nuclear Kazakh efforts to promote the Forces (INF) Treaty through exist- maintaining international securi- cause Russia failed to return to full Kazakhstan inherited the treaty’s delivery vehicles and achieve sig- organisation and said the Indo- ing bilateral and multilateral plat- ty,” reads the ministry’s statement and verified compliance through obligations and became a partici- nificant progress in nuclear disar- nesian side will consider joining forms, said the Kazakh Ministry of on the arms control treaty signed the destruction of its noncompli- pant in the treaty process with sig- mament in accordance with Article the organisation and participat- Foreign Affairs in an Aug. 4 state- in 1987 by the United States and ant missile system – the SSC-8 or nificant INF sites on its territory VI of the Treaty on the Non-Pro- ing in the upcoming assembly ment on the Aug. 2 withdrawal of Soviet Union, banning their use of 9M729 ground-launched, interme- following the dissolution of the liferation of Nuclear Weapons,” its session. the United States from the treaty. short and medium-range missiles. diate-range cruise missile.” Soviet Union. The Kazakh Min- Aug. 4 statement reads. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019

ECONOMY Gross output in farming grows 10.5 percent in six months NEWS IN BRIEF beef cattle and sheep farming that The ministry, he noted, is also Organisation for Islamic Coopera- Pharm, German Baumann, Italian The Atameken National Cham- By Assel Satubaldina will work with meat processing working to remove restrictions tion],” he said. Inalca and Cremonini in the meat ber of Entrepreneurs (NCE) has and feedlots. The programme is and disagreements in veterinary The sector is also looking for processing sector. proposed introducing three indus- NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh designed to boost the export poten- and sanitary requirements for pro- strategic investors and seeks greater Omarov said the U.S. transnation- tries to the list of goods exempt farming sector grew 10.5 percent tial of the Kazakh beef and lamb. cessed products in the export pri- involvement of transnational com- al companies will also invest in a from government procurement, in its gross output in the first six In 2018, Kazakhstan export- ority countries for Kazakhstan. panies. modern meat processing complex to reported atameken.kz. The cham- months of 2019 and produced ed 19,900 tonnes of beef, 3,000 “The measures will help in- Among the recent projects in- produce beef. The group of Ameri- ber, along with the business com- 1.063 trillion tenge (US$2.76 bil- tonnes of lamb and 400 tonnes of crease the volume of beef exports volving foreign investors is a camel can experts has audited the current munity, has created a list of light lion) worth of products, Kazakh pork. This year, the government to 37 percent, lamb to 32 percent production plant in the Turkestan market and prepared an analytical and furniture industry items and Minister of Agriculture Saparkhan plans to double the pork produc- and pork to 43 percent. Competi- Region with Chinese Golden Camel report for the American companies. building materials and is prepar- Omarov announced recently. tion, particularly targeting the Chi- tive advantages of the Kazakh Group company and a dairy plant The World Bank and the Asian ing corresponding justifications Beef production totalled 477,000 nese market. products, environmental friendli- in the Pavlodar Region run by the Development Bank will assist the for their request. Last year, Ka- tonnes meeting 98 percent of the The target also is to facilitate im- ness can help boost agriculture French Lactalis company, the sec- Kazakh government in preparing the zakhstan introduced an exemption country’s demand. Lamb produc- port substitution of dairy products. growth,” said Omarov. ond largest dairy producer in Eu- programme to support the develop- tool in government procurement tion reached 150,000 tonnes and The ministry seeks to bring milk The minister emphasised the rope. ment of the field. procedures for foreign cars, trans- pork reached 86,000 tonnes. production to 1 million tonnes. need to establish the system to pro- Iranian Empire Food launched the In 2018, Kazakhstan’s KazAgro formers and cables. In March, the There are 7.2 million heads of Omarov said the construction of cess and certify organic and Halal construction of a meat processing Holding, the country’s key lending government supported the Atame- cattle, 18.7 million heads of sheep, industrial dairy farms will facili- products. complex in the Almaty Region this institution in agriculture, increased ken NCE initiative to introduce 2.6 million heads of horses and tate progress. “The law on the production of year with a capacity of 100 heads of the volume of finance up to 400 bil- exemptions in all roadmaps to de- 44.3 million birds, he added. “As part of the agriculture devel- organic products was adopted in cattle and 1,500 heads of small cat- lion tenge (US$1 billion). Of this, velop sectors of the simple things The country’s national agri- opment programme, the ministry 2015, but there is no plan of the tle. 114 billion tenge (US$296.5 mil- economy. Since 2015, businesses culture development programme is implementing long-term sector measures to implement the law. It Another meat processing plant lion), 30 percent of the total loan have repeatedly called on gov- envisions measures to create programmes to develop farming. is also problematic that there is no with a capacity of 5,000 tonnes per volumes, went to lending in farming. ernment agencies to increase the long-term sector development pro- Each programme is decomposed legislation for Halal production in year will be launched this year in In 2019, the holding plans to al- share of Kazakh products in the grammes in farming. into indicators across the regions Kazakhstan, though Kazakhstan Nur-Sultan. locate nearly 134 billion tenge public procurement system, ac- In the next ten years, the plan is to create production capacity,” initiated the creation of the Islamic The work is ongoing to attract (US$348.5 million) to the develop- cording to Atameken Manufactur- to create 80,000 family farms in said the minister. Food Security Organisation [of the such investors as Chinese Grand ment of farming. ing Department Director Arman Mambetayev.

In August, Kazakhstan is intro- ducing a ban on exporting cattle hides by road from the country Machine building Government approves new for a period of up to five years, re- ported the Kazakh Ministry of In- dustry and Infrastructure Devel- opment press service. At present, sector sees legislative, executive roadmap the ban applies only to exporting hides by road introduced in the first paragraph of the light indus- try roadmap for 2019-2021. The consistent growth to attract investment ban aims to prevent budget loss- neering production is related to roadmap includes a section on the Center using the single window es, regulate export and develop By Zhanna Shayakhmetova manufacturing spare parts for drill- By Nazira Kozhanova possibility of launching an ini- services method. production with high added value ing and sinking machines, which tial public offering regarding the “Economic development is di- and, as a result, increase tax pay- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh occupy 73 percent of mining engi- NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh AIFC “Leaders of Competitive- rectly related to attracting invest- ments and create new jobs, espe- car manufacturing increased by neering. government approved July 30 a ness – National Champions 2.0” ment. It is necessary to look for cially as the hides are transported 13.4 percent to 553 billion tenge The ministry and Kazakhstan new roadmap outlining legislative programme participants exchange. new niches, create mechanisms for without customs duties. (US$1.4 billion) in the first half Machine-Building Union devel- and executive measures to attract It also includes measures related to attracting investments and provide of 2019. During that period, 128 oped the machinery industry de- foreign investment, Zakon.kz re- the inclusion in certain contracts all support measures. The main As part of the lending mecha- projects worth 367 billion tenge velopment roadmap for 2019-2024 ports. of recommendations regarding the task is to double the volume of in- nism for prioritised projects (US$948 million) were launched to increase productivity, domestic The roadmap also outlines meas- applicable contract law of AIFC vestment in the economy,” Kazakh (the economy of simple things), and an additional 10 projects worth consumption and export-oriented ures to be taken within the Astana law and the judicial (arbitration) Prime Minister Askar Mamin said second-tier Kazakh banks ap- 54 billion tenge (US$140 million) products and reduce import de- International Financial Centre clause of the AIFC or IAC Court. July 10. proved 14 light industry projects are slated to start by the end of the pendence. (AIFC) to attract investment. It also includes measures related to With the roadmap being ap- through July for 2.8 billion tenge year. “The development of the ma- The roadmap’s legislative sec- work regarding the unification of proved, the Ministry of National (US$7.21 million), reported the Machinery production, which chine-building industry is an tion includes measures to alter tax benefits for the AIFC as well Economy was instructed to sum- Ministry of Industry and Infra- was approximately one trillion indicator of the economy. The taxation and liberalise the visa and as measures related to the Astana marise the information provided structure Development. In con- tenge (US$2.5 billion) in 2018, machinery industry makes up migration regimes. It also includes Hub, Astana EXPO 2017 and Naz- and inform the Government about junction with the Ministry of Ag- has also increased three-fold dur- 40 percent of sector turnover in legislation measures related to arbayev University. Also, it pre- the measures taken regarding the riculture, it is working to restore ing the years of industrialisation. Germany and 27 percent in Rus- contracts concluded with foreign views the operating of the Investor roadmap implementation at least the procurement network and, Machine building is a priority for sia. Unfortunately, our country partners. Services Center at the AIFC Expat once every six months. as part of existing programmes, the country’s industrial and inno- has not reached this level. How- The executive work outlined in solve the financial support issue vative progress, said Vice Minister ever, the machinery industry has the roadmap includes the forma- for raw material procurers and of Industry and Infrastructure De- been developing in recent years. tion and maintenance by Kazakh leather enterprises. As of May, velopment Amaniyaz Yerzhanov The imports are declining and the Invest of a single pool of invest- 1,025 enterprises were operating at an Aug. 1 government meeting. number of enterprises is growing. ment projects; active involvement in light industry, 96 percent of “Machinery import is worth ap- We observe a demand for products of state institutions in attracting which are small businesses. Light proximately $13 billion. Domestic both domestically and abroad. We direct and portfolio foreign invest- industry manufactured products production is worth more than $3 should pay more attention to this ments; the adoption of measures are divided among textile pro- billion. We need to work more in sector,” said Union Chairperson addressing the development of duction (51 percent), clothing this direction,” he said. Meiram Pshembayev. international flights in Kazakh cit- (38 percent) and leather and re- Electrical, oil and gas engineer- Production and labour produc- ies; the creation of a media hub for lated goods (11 percent). In the ing and car manufacturing equip- tivity are expected to increase two- business media; the development first half of 2019, product volume ment are the top three imported fold and exports, 1.2 times. of the annual communication plan grew by 16.7 percent. The growth products. “The road map envisages the for targeted work with key audi- in textile products and clothing is “The ministry will continue its adoption of a law on industrial pol- ences of investors and the building due to an increase in the produc- work on the development and pro- icy. It is also intended to create the of direct contacts with potential tion of cotton fibre, finished tex- motion of machinery products and Industrial Development Fund of partners. tile products and outerwear. the creation of favourable condi- Kazakhstan at the ministry. There In relation to the AIFC, the tions for investors,” he added. Lo- is a proposal to introduce tax pref- The Atameken National Cham- cal companies are continuing to erences for enterprises to modern- ber of Entrepreneurs has organised create high-tech products using ise existing capacities and further a pilot project from July 30-March modern technology and equip- increase the export potential of do- 31 to mark shoe products in Ka- ment. Electrical engineering has mestic enterprises,” he added. zakhstan, according to an order by shown stable production growth More than 2,600 machine- GDP grows 4.2 percent the Ministry of Industry and Infra- and in-depth localisation. building enterprises with 64,000 structure Development. The pur- The agricultural engineering employees operate in the country. pose is to understand and analyse sector has increased production Average labour productivity per the appropriateness of introducing since 2018 facilitated by govern- employee is $12,400. According January to July marking and its effect on shadow ment support measures, including to the ministry, one job in engi- economy imports and counterfeit a value-added tax exemption on neering stimulates the creation of Continued from Page A1 opment Roman Sklyar at the meet- (US$272.6 million) of state sup- goods. The project will be carried product sales. approximately seven-eight jobs in ing. port. out on a voluntary basis by issu- The increase in mining engi- related industries. Kazakhstan’s monthly inflation “There is an increase in the com- Mamin concluded the meeting ing free marking codes. Atameken rate was 0.2 percent in July, said missioning of houses, compared by noting the government’s pri- NCE compiled and provided the National Bank Chairman Yerbolat to last year, in seven regions,” he orities are to improve living stand- ministry with the list of companies Dossayev at the same meeting. said. “The regional akimats (ad- ards, raise incomes, create jobs participating in the project, which The annual inflation rate is 5.4 ministrations) will need to inten- and attract greater investment. included both importers and man- percent as of July, which is “with- sify their efforts.” “The plan for specific measures ufacturers. in the inflation corridor of 4-6 per- Just more than 16,600 applica- (on socioeconomic development) cent.” tions to the 7-20-25 affordable approved at the (July 15) expand- The National Bank of Kazakh- “Despite the seasonal decline housing programme for 188.3 bil- ed government meeting will have stan initiated an independent asset in prices for fruits and vegetables, lion tenge (US$486.55 million) a positive impact on the further quality review (AQR) Aug. 1 of the deflationary processes typical were accepted, of which 9,813 development of our economy,” he the 14 largest banks in the coun- of the summer period were not ob- applications for 112.7 billion said. try, which have approximately 87 served,” he said. tenge (US$291.21 million) were Later in the day, Tokayev chaired percent of banking sector assets, State budget revenue growth approved by banks. an economic policy meeting at the reported the bank’s press service. was 114.5 percent in January-Ju- Banks and microfinance or- Akorda presidential residence, According to the bank, the assess- ly, First Vice Minister of Finance ganisations wrote off fines and also attended by Mamin, Dossayev ment is being completed consist- Berik Sholpankulov told the gov- penalties from unsecured con- and Minister of Labour and Social ent with the European Central ernment. sumer loans of 33.6 billion tenge Protection Berdibek Saparbayev. Bank methodology in compli- Deposits in national currency (US$86.82 million) for 1.2 mil- At the meeting, the head of state ance with common international increased 5.5 percent, and deposits lion people as of July 30 as part stressed the need to determine the quality standards. AQR will help in foreign currency decreased 19.8 of President Kassym-Jomart prospects for mid-term econom- to determine the bank’s need for percent in January-July. Deposit Tokayev’s recent debt relief ic development given negative capital, assess the quality of loan dollarisation thus fell to 41.6 per- initiative. Debt repayments of trends on the international markets portfolios and analyse lending cent in this time period. unsecured consumer loans for as well as to ensure the improve- practices. The plan is to complete Approximately 55,000 houses socially vulnerable groups will ment of the living standards of the the assessment by December. Ac- were commissioned in Kazakhstan be completed by the end of Au- Kazakh citizens whose interests cording to the results, the Nation- in January-July, said Minister of gust, so that 508,000 people should be considered as the top al Bank will devise an action plan Industry and Infrastructure Devel- will receive 105.5 billion tenge priority. to adopt corrective measures. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF AIFC FinTech Hub participates in Implementing 13 projects in the capital will attract more than 27.6 billion tenge (US$71.33 million) of investment into Kazakhstan’s Startup Nation festival in Thailand economy, reported the city aki- Initiative finalist) is a market- mat (administration). In education, By Yerbolat Uatkhanov place that helps book tours, ex- 11 projects will create more than cursions and events around the 10,000 school spots, 1,000 places NUR-SULTAN – Fintech Hub, world using cashless payment. in kindergartens and 1,500 jobs. which is part of the Astana In- TripViator facilitates booking Singapore International School will ternational Financial Centre tours from qualified and licensed construct a campus, including dor- (AIFC), participated in the re- tour operators supported by gen- mitories, and TAMOS Education cent Startup Nation festival in uine customer reviews and offers will attract more than four billion Bangkok, Thailand. Fintech Hub a best-price guarantee and pro- tenge (US$10.34 million) in invest- presented three startups, which vides a safe way to pay for tours ment to construct a private school became finalists in a global Visa around the world. with a physics and mathematics programme representing finan- Bankmarket (VISA Every- emphasis. SABIS will build an in- cial technology (fintech) start- where Initiative finalist) is a fi- ternational school by 2023, creating ups. nancial marketplace for the new 1,000 school and 250 kindergarten “The values of such an event generation, which allows banks places and 200 jobs. Its construction are the exchange of experience, and non-banking financial in- will cost $15.5 million. EURO AST expansion of horizons, the op- stitutions to meet the many and KZ2019’s projects will also cre- portunity to tell the world about complex needs of customers. ate 500 school and 120 kindergar- themselves and meetings with Bankmarket.uz is offering a one- ten places. In the previous school experts who can give good ad- stop shop for financial services year, Nur-Sultan had 108 schools vice,” said Rahmet App CEO and and products, news and financial with a shortage of places for chil- partner of ChocoFamily holding education, robo-advisors and dren. Akim (Mayor) Altai Kulginov Nurken Rzaliyev. chatbots, Remote Client Identifi- noted that, when choosing a school “We are delighted to partici- cation and Mobile payment. construction site, it is important to pate in the biggest startup festi- Rakhmet App (VISA Every- account for population density and val in the ASEAN (Association where Initiative finalist) rep- potential connections to engineer- of Southeast Asian Nations) re- resents ChocoFamily, the big- ing networks and infrastructure. gion. The AIFC will strive to fur- gest e-commerce holding in the ther strengthen relationship with Central Asia region with $150 The Kazakh Anti-Corruption the National Innovation Agency million in gross billings in the Agency will create a service allow- of Thailand for the benefit of our last year and impressive 12.4 ing businesses to review their part- fintech startups and collaborate percent share of all e-commerce ners on integrity, said the agency’s toward strengthening fintech market in Kazakhstan. They are Integrity Department Director Dani- ecosystem between South-East the leading Fintech, health-tech yar Sabirbayev at a recent briefing. Asia and Kazakhstan,” said company with 1,800 merchants AIFC Chief Development Of- and 35,000 active customers.

As part of its anti-corruption pro- AIFC. Photo credit: ficer Kairat Kaliyev. In May, representatives of the ject for supporting businesses, the Members of one of the start-up companies. agency learned complaints about The event was organised by the National Innovation Agency of dishonest business partners began National Innov§ation Agency of Thailand visited the AIFC Fin- to outnumber those about dishonest Thailand and included confer- largest event of its kind in ASE- Fintech Hub presented three Everywhere Initiative, a global tech Hub to discuss potential co- government officials. The service ences and exhibitions featuring AN. Overall, more than 60,000 startups at the International Visa programme supporting fi- operation to develop the Fintech will be an objective tool for assess- startup development in a wide visitors and more than 400 par- startup pavilion. All three start- nancial technology startups. ecosystem between Kazakhstan ing whether business partners pay range of areas. The festival is the ticipating startups attended. ups were the finalists of the Visa TripViator (VISA Everywhere and Thailand. their taxes or have the appropriate licences, for example, and to incen- tivise better business behaviour. The action is needed “to make it easier for entrepreneurs to navigate the business environment,” he said. EBRD projects in Kazakhstan focus on small business, Kazakhstan will develop a mo- bile application to independently assess its road quality, said Anti- women’s entrepreneurship and investment environment Corruption Agency Integrity De- Continued from Page A1 time or ability to connect to other in setting this thing up at a super lenge now is to get businesses and but they need a lot more. And they partment Director Daniyar Sa- businesswomen because there high standard is absolutely amaz- people to come in and use it. They need to start having people use birbayev at a briefing. The Kazakh Overall, the EBRD and six part- aren’t a lot of women’s networks. ing in less than a year. The chal- have 200 companies registered the exchange,” she said. agency recently opened the Sapaly ner financial institutions – Arnur So, the mentoring is starting to Zholy (Quality Road) project of- Credit, Bank Kassa Nova, Bank create this. And we’re seeing real fice, which is developing an app Centre Credit, ForteBank, micro- enthusiasm with the mentors to to evaluate road quality through finance organisation MFO KMF try and take it to a larger scale. phone vibrations and aiming to and Shinhan Bank – provided We know that we’ve given wom- engage residents in road qual- 21,281 sub-loans worth 28.9 bil- en the opportunity to train and to ity control. The app, which will lion tenge (US$76 million) to develop. I think we’ve got 500 launch in September, will become women-led enterprises in Ka- women in the last couple of years “the first project allowing for civil- zakhstan. that have been through some sort ian control and monitoring of road “The Women in Business pro- of training or enhancing skill,” quality in Kazakhstan,” he noted. gramme is oriented at support- she said. Kazakhstan’s roads were recently ing women-owned or women-led Gender equality and equal- renovated under the first phase of businesses. It is a financing line ity of opportunities are one of the the 2015-2019 Nurly Zhol pro- that we give to the banks and then EBRD’s strategic priorities. The gramme using 337.5 billion tenge the banks under our guidance equal opportunities initiative pro- (US$872.24 million) from the na- lend on to women businesses. It motes equal opportunities in the tional budget. More than 6,800 kil- workforce related to recruitment, ometres of national roads will have retention, promotion, wages and been reconstructed by year’s end. work-life balance and the presence of women on corporate boards. Samruk Kazyna Sovereign “I think there are a lot of wom- Wealth Fund is constructing five en out there that don’t want to be buildings in the Turkestan Region, entrepreneurs. They don’t have reported the region’s akimat (ad- a business idea on how to make ministration). They include the their own business. One of the Palace of Schoolchildren, Congress women I met in Nur-Sultan ac- Hall, 7,000-seat central stadium and tually started a nursery because Khoja Akhmed Yassawi Museum, she needed a safe place to take which will open next year. The her children when she went to Turkestan Region, established in work, and she now has a nursery June 2018, is the youngest among Betsy Nelson business. By necessity she had the nation’s 14 regions. It measures an opportunity to create a busi- 11.6 million hectares and is home to ness. Many women want to have nearly three million people. comes connected with a number a job or even a career and be able of aspects, which gives them ac- to move up in a more structured British-based Genus Breeding cess to finance, which is one of environment. We talk a lot about Ltd. will help to increase the meat the challenges of women’s busi- women entrepreneurs. But I think productivity of Aberdeen Angus nesses. We often have connec- we have to recognise women as a and Hereford breeds by improv- tions to trainers or advisers or whole getting into the workforce. ing the genetic quality of livestock consultants who can work with And I think the government does at AkTep’s feedlots in more than them to help them develop break- 500 farms in the Aktobe Region, throughs for their business if they have a role to play. I think some of reported the Ministry of Foreign want to grow them. For example, it is they have a lot of state-owned Affairs press service. According if somebody wants to export or companies, so they have a perfect to preliminary calculations, the add more value to the process that opportunity to create a level play- annual increase in profits from they have, we’ll get them a con- ing field for women to enter the each newborn calf will be 50,000- sultant who can work with them workforce and to be promoted,” 100,000 tenge (US$129-$258) in to achieve that. We help women she said. the first years of the project. “The network and have access to ser- Nelson also emphasised the project will reduce the actual vol- vices,” she said. Kazakh government’s efforts to ume of feed used and the growth The bank also started a men- create a better environment for time of cattle and decrease carbon toring programme with the As- businesses. The establishment of dioxide emissions. AkTep compa- sociation of Businesswomen of the Astana International Financial ny has the right to use the British Kazakhstan. Centre (AIFC) serves as a good company’s logo in advertisement “Women have a lot more to example. products to increase the Kazakh do. They’ve got their families; “Kazakhstan has built a world- company’s international com- they’ve got their homes and class platform which hopefully petitiveness and to attract foreign they’ve got their jobs. And they will turn into a world-class busi- investors to expand production,” don’t really have time to network ness. The AIFC is a fascinating reads the release. as much. They also don’t have place. What they have achieved A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

Celebrating Kazakhstan’s rich Inclusive innovation history helps move nation consortia programme toward a successful future promotes social innovations

By Zhanna Shayakhmetova

NUR-SULTAN – Entrepreneurs and start-ups seeking to improve the quality of people’s lives, es- pecially for groups with limited access to resources, have an op- portunity to participate in the in- clusive innovation consortia grant programme. Launched by the Ka- zakh Ministry of Education and Science and the World Bank, the programme promotes and devel- ops commercial innovations in Kazakhstan by providing grants as part of the Fostering Productive Innovation Project (FPIP). The objective is to support estab- lishing and developing enterprises Mehdi Majidi with a strong positive social and possibly environmental impact. “We encourage recipients in this Majidi, who has been working “With independence and objec- and we show them the way. Even on the FPIP project for the last tivity, ISCB experts give scientific a few success stories can have a three years, appreciates the Ka- and commercial recommendations, big impact. Imagine that instead of zakh government and ministers’ based on their background and ex- bringing know-how, technique and support for the initiatives aimed at The entrance to the Boraldai Saka burial mounds in the Almaty Region. perience, on how to help projects applications from outside, small improving standards of living. succeed,” international consultant companies work together to make “Key to the success of this pro- hen the Ruhani led to increased efforts to preserve a modern, dynamic and evolving Professor Mehdi Majidi, a mem- Kazakh society better at realising ject is that ISCB is an independent Zhangyru initia- and restore religious and historical country and people. ber of the International Science and the economic as well as social im- group with world-class expertise. tive to modernise sites, such as the capital’s Green The 100 New Faces initiative Commercialisation Board (ISCB), pacts of these actions. The trend For applicants, what started as an Kazakhstan’s Mosque. Destroyed during the tells this story through the lives which evaluates grant applications is to measure success not only in idea is now an actual commercial Wnational identity was launched by Soviet era, the restoration of this and aspirations of our present and selects candidates, explained in financial results, but on the better- venture competing in the interna- Kazakhstan’s First President, Nur- 19th century mosque is part of the citizens, young and old. New an exclusive interview for this story. ment of society,” he said. tional market. Anyone can have sultan Nazarbayev, in 2017, it was programme’s Sacred Geography global audiences, too, are being “The candidates thus receive ideas. This project has created the recognised as a courageous step. initiative. introduced to talented contempo- world-class expertise that is avail- possibility of turning them into It came, after all, at a time when In Almaty, too, there are plans rary Kazakh musicians, writers able only to multinational compa- The list of projects concrete solutions,” he said. many other countries seemed, as for new museums, including and artists. Collections of modern nies, a key factor for Kazakh start- There is a need to raise public now, to be looking inwards and around the fascinating Boral- Kazakh writing, for example, are ups to compete in international receiving inclusive awareness of what the projects often backwards. dai Saka burial mounds. At the being prepared for publication in markets. The Kazakh project man- innovation consortia have created, in turn encouraging Given this background, it takes same time, the old city’s his- the main world languages. agement unit (PMU) has been very others to apply and submit new boldness and confidence to buck toric buildings and architecture Importantly, too, under its good at keeping track and focusing grants includes ideas. such a widespread trend. But are getting the investment they umbrella, there is an emphasis on how to disburse funds to select- a complex for The success of similar projects that is exactly what the Ruhani deserve. on maximising the adaptability, ed applicants while applying rules is generally measured by financial Zhangyru (Modernisation of Ka- We are seeing the same ef- openness and drive of our citizens and regulations of procurement rehabilitating children and economic impact, but the so- zakhstan’s Identity) programme forts across the country. Cultural, to equip them for the challenges and investments,” he said. cial benefits are also important. did with its public statement that religious and historical sites are of the future. There is a strong He noted the projects make so- with autism, medical “Awareness of social impact is Kazakhstan intended to modernise being restored and their relevance focus on education, whether it is cial impact a priority far beyond software platform very important, as it encourages not just its economy but also its and importance to Kazakhstan and foreign language proficiency or economic impact. more participation and general identity – and would do it by con- global history celebrated. After computer literacy. “Inclusiveness is a more practi- for screening appreciation, all factors that can tinuing to engage with the world. all, Kazakhstan’s position linking It is about ensuring minds and cal part of sustainable develop- be used as a role model for other The importance attached to this Asia, Europe and the Middle East borders are open, not closed. The ment and not everyone knows four different eye countries. As an example, the con- initiative was reinforced when means what happened here often gradual move to the Latin alphabet, how to deal with it. We have initi- conditions and cept of inclusiveness is often mis- President Kassym-Jomart To- had a profound impact far from which will bring the Kazakh lan- ated it and been successful at get- understood, but we have been able kayev, in his inaugural address, our lands. guage into the group of languages ting good and innovative ideas in affordable, mobile to initiate it in Kazakhstan and be made it one of the cornerstones This impact – and the rich and accounting for about 70 percent of terms of social benefits. Making successful with the support of Ka- of his government’s programmes. fascinating history in itself – is business communications in the inclusiveness initiatives part of separator for cleaning zakh ministers and other govern- It showed he was determined to one of the reasons why Kazakh- world, is a symbol of this readiness FPIP leads to a fair distribution crops that greatly ment stakeholders. The success of build on his predecessor’s legacy stan is finding itself increasingly to change if it is in the long-term of wealth, job creation and coop- inclusiveness projects here could and to harness Kazakhstan’s past a tourist destination. As part of interest of the country. eration. Universities, faculties and increases farmers’ potentially become a best practice to forge a better future. Ruhani Zhangyru, new visitor Kazakhstan, ever since inde- scientists are now interacting with income. and replicated elsewhere,” he said. For while the programme is centres to capitalise on cultural pendence, has been open to ideas commercial players. The interrela- The World Bank, which spon- about creating a modern identity tourism are being opened in the and investment, ready to learn, tion that FPIP creates with differ- sors the project, considers it one of fit for the challenges of the new Turkestan region and the Ulytau prepared to join together with ent parts of society enhances social The list of projects receiving in- its most successful, he added. The century, it is not about turning its District of the Karaganda region those who share our values and structures and wider distribution of clusive innovation consortia grants main reason is, first and foremost, back on what has gone before. On as well as Almaty. ambitions to find common solu- wealth,” he added. includes a complex for rehabilitat- the Kazakh government buy-in the contrary, central to the initia- But while the Ruhani Zhangyru tions. We are showing, too, that Socioeconomic development ing children with autism, medical and its support, supervision and tive is a commitment to celebrate has rightly given new priority to a country which understands its today involves people’s participa- software platform for screening flexibility in adapting to new ideas, the country’s history, culture and the country’s history, it is not, as history and values well does not tion in improving their own lives. four different eye conditions and followed by a professional project tradition – and to share it with the we have said before, backward- need to be fearful about change or Multidisciplinary interaction and affordable, mobile separator for management unit team and finally wider world. looking or narrow in its approach. learning from societies beyond its collaboration are needed to bring cleaning crops that greatly increas- an independent international advi- This commitment has already It places it within the context of borders. about this improvement. es farmers’ income. sory board.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019 Tiny house rental business emphasises design over size need to, you can close it down to metres, or even less, is more than By Dilshat Zhussupova leave and travel.” enough. You do not need much Mirroring Zhashibekova’s jour- space to make you happy. You can NUR-SULTAN – The tiny house ney, the movement for tiny houses be surrounded with your favourite movement has reached the world’s gained popularity in the United things or maybe you can come to largest landlocked country, ena- States following the 2008 finan- understand that you do not need bling inhabitants of homes under cial crisis. Built to last as long as to clutter your space with things 100 square metres to lead simpler traditional houses and with similar you do not need, only keeping the lives. building techniques and materi- essentials. You get to look inside Although home sizes tend to als, smaller homes are distinct in yourself and spend time with peo- grow with higher incomes, iHouse emphasising design, such as multi- ple that you love,” she noted. Almaty Founder Dinara Zhashi- functionality, over size. Working in the construction bekova finds that true luxury is Dinara Zhashibekova “The whole idea behind tiny business, Zhashibekova observed finding “a quiet spot where you homes comes from the States,” the that large homes are rarely built can rest your mind, body and soul es in Almaty’s Nauryzbay District entrepreneur explained. “I guess with function, energy efficiency or without the necessity of mainte- and the nearby town of Kaskelen people want to take out mortgages financial prudence in mind. More nance, paying off your mortgage before Kazakhstan’s 2014 curren- less and less. I really respect this importantly, some people find that for many years and stressing out cy devaluation hit Happy Home turn of events, and I think it applies they lead happier lives in smaller about it.” Construction hard and left it bank- to people in Kazakhstan as well. spaces. Zhashibekova was initiated into rupt. Passionate about stylish, sim- It is much easier to make a house “Having lived in a house for 20 the construction of smaller homes ple and functional homes and even that is more than 200 square me- years now, I realised that it is be- in 2013 when she came across pre- more determined to realise her ide- tres, but try living with 40 square coming more and more difficult to fabricated homes, manufactured as, she found the resources to build metres and having everything you visit people living in apartments,” off-site in advance for easy ship- her first container house in 2017. need while, at the same time, mak- she said on her personal housing ping and assembling. “I was not planning iHouse Al- ing it beautiful and having every- preferences, noting that tiny hous- a quick getaway destination from look, and their movement becomes “That clicked with me. It is maty as a rental business, that hap- thing inside be functional in a way es are not suited for everyone. “To the restlessness of city life, where much softer.” something that I had always been pened on its own,” she said on how that you do not clutter your home share my space with neighbours guests “can definitely expect to “I hear from my guests that interested in, since the time when her degree in hotel and restaurant and have a sleeping space, kitchen above, to the side and below me is be surrounded by love and care, (while living in iHouse Almaty) my husband and I built our first management was unexpectedly space and dining area.” unacceptable anymore. I think that felt in every item and detail in the they decided to fix their relation- home in the early 2000s. Within put to use. “I just had it as a demo Netflix television series “Tiny the more hectic life becomes, the house.” ship or realised this and that, that the next six months, things hap- house to show people that you can House Nation” and “Tidying Up more space you need and the more “I talk to almost each and every there is something that they do pened pretty quickly. I opened a live with 25-40 square metres but with Marie Kondo” have gained time you want to spend in nature one of my guests,” said Zhashibe- not need in life or that there is an company, went to Moscow and in a beautiful place and that you worldwide popularity by recog- and close to the earth.” kova. “Sometimes, I observe the important decision to take. I think bought the franchise for the con- could actually have something for nising the power of homes over Located 10 minutes away way they arrive and leave. I see that is amazing!” she added. struction idea, which is a structural less money but with better build people’s emotional state, shaping from the city in the microdistrict that their pace is slower, their look Zhashibekova is seeking out insulated panelling business,” she quality and materials. My idea for their social interactions and power Zhailau, the tiny house rental busi- is more relaxed and their faces partners, investors and land own- said. a tiny home was that you could dynamics. ness iHouse Almaty (@ihouseal- are lighter and brighter. There is ers to realise more tiny house pro- Her company built several hous- have your space and, when you “What I learned is that 40 square maty on Instagram) has become no more tension in the way they jects in Kazakhstan. Machine-building Kazakhstan, France expand partnership enterprises produce in railways development ed locomotive number Z8A0008, “We would like Alstom to equip As you know, several projects By Yerbolat Uatkhanov which was manufactured under Kazakhstan’s railway stations of our company were included an agreement with the Azerbai- with alarm systems.” in Digital Kazakhstan national equipment worth NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan jan Railways. According to the The memorandum signed dur- programme,” Kazakhstan Temir Temir Zholy (KTZ) national rail- agreement, 50 locomotives will ing La Maire’s visit between Zholy’s Managing Director Batyr way company and French mul- be manufactured in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and Al- Kotyrev said. tinational railway supplies com- for the Azerbaijani company. stom concerns the development “Today, our devices have been $1.4 billion pany Alstom agreed July 30 to “This plant is the most vis- of digital technologies in the in operation more than 35-40 cooperate on the development of ible evidence of economic coop- field of railway signalling sys- years. They comply with the re- digital technologies for railway, eration between Kazakhstan and tems, centralisation and blocking quirements of traffic safety. But including signalling, centralisa- France. The partnership in the as well as the future implemen- everything in the world is devel- tion and blocking. development of railways is an tation of technical solutions for oping, and they are morally obso- The agreement came during important strategic direction for upgrading the signalling systems lete. Therefore, there are already a visit to Nur-Sultan by French our country. It is a great honour at priority railway stations. modern systems in the world. We Minister of Economy and Fi- for me to attend the solemn cer- “The memorandum… pursues have built 2,500 kilometres of nance Bruno Le Maire. emony of sending a locomotive the main goal – cooperation in new railways over the past few The French minister was for export to Azerbaijan. We in- digitisation and automation of years, and we have already used briefed by the production depart- tend to continue our partnership processes in railway transport. similar modern solutions that ments of Elektrovoz Kurastyru in the railway field,” said the The first step is to automate or meet all the requirements of the Zauyty, an electric locomotive minister. signal large stations with a hun- digital railway system. Now we production plant in the capital He also highlighted the impor- dred or more arrows. In the fu- are considering the possibility of which a joint vernture between tance of cooperation in railway ture, we will cooperate on the using alarm systems in collabo- KTZ and Alstom. He was present- signalling equipment, saying, digitisation of railway transport. ration with Alstom,” he said. Photo credit: inform.kz. Photo credit: ter it. We will monitor everything By Yerbolat Uatkhanov and only work with those who are involved in real production, such $139 million in metallurgy, renewable energy NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh ma- as AgromashHolding,” he said chine-building enterprises pro- then. duced 553 billion tenge (US$1.4 SemAZ produces MTZ trac- billion) in goods in the first half tors, Kokshetau manufactures projects launched in Karaganda Region of 2019. The products are nearly KAIK sowing complexes, trail- providing structure and modernis- traction to Kazakhstan’s agricul- Kazakh Invest national com- 100-percent localised and offer ers, balers, attachments and other By Dilshat Zhussupova ing production under the Business ture, in particular, over the next pany promotes the sustainable a wide range of equipment, up to implements, and AVAGRO makes Roadmap 2020 programme dur- three years. Accordingly, Kazakh socioeconomic development of three and half times cheaper than sprayers. NUR-SULTAN – Two projects ing his visits to production plants Invest will support projects on the Kazakhstan by attracting invest- imported items. More than 2,500 permanent jobs on metallurgy and renewable en- of industrial explosives and ball production of starch, confection- ment to priority sectors of the The country’s machine-build- have been created in the agricul- ergy worth $139 million were valves in the region’s Saryarka ery, meat and dairy. economy and supporting invest- ing enterprises produce an entire tural machine-building field in ad- launched in the first half of the special economic zone. “An entire cluster (of produc- ment projects. It is implementing range of agricultural machinery, dition to those the industry creates year in the Karaganda Region with Fixed capital investment in- tion) can be developed within these 82 projects worth $15.2 billion, according to the Kazakh Union of in related areas through the multi- Kazakh Invest support, reports In- creased 25 percent in the Kara- areas,” said Sartbayev during his developing 99 projects worth $34 Mechanical Engineers. Don Mar plier effect. vest.gov.kz. ganda Region last year, and the visit to the region. “For instance, billion and recently implemented Lisakovsky manufactures grain Kazakh tractor and harvester Four more Kazakh Invest-sup- aim is to attract 550 billion tenge by-products of potato starch pro- four projects worth $217 million, reapers which are nearly 100-per- manufacturers have signed an ported projects worth $438 mil- (US$1.43 billion) of investment duction can become excellent feed all of which created more than cent localised. industrial assembly agreement, lion are under construction and by the year’s end. Kazakh Presi- for livestock. It is thus intuitive to 45,000 jobs. Fifteen of these 185 AgromashHolding Kostanai which imposes mutual obligations installation, two of which will be dent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has establish a feedlot or dairy farm projects, worth $2.5 billion, are in manufactures products with vary- on them to localise production in completed this year. Among the called for greater investment at- near such a plant.” the Karaganda Region. ing degrees of localisation. Its return for preferences. projects are Linde Group’s indus- seeders are 90-percent localised; Should companies fail to com- trial gas production plant and So- harvesters, over 40 percent, and ply with localisation requirements, larnet’s renewable energy project, manufactured components and they are obliged to return all state which are expected to create 1,800 assemblies, including trolleys for incentives. Kazakhstan’s machine jobs in the region. reapers, pick-ups, tractor counter- builders are constantly working to “Since the beginning of the weights, quickly wearing parts, increase localising spare parts and year, nine new investment pro- tilting cameras and pulleys, up to components to enhance competi- jects worth 280 billion tenge 100 percent. tiveness and create additional jobs (US$728.28 million) on renew- The then Minister of Agricul- at their plants. able energy, chemistry, manufac- ture Umirzak Shukeyev visited Subsidies are given to farmers turing, metallurgy and agricul- the enterprise in 2018 to become who purchase domestically-pro- ture are under implementation. acquainted with its production. duced equipment, who then have Manufacturing and mining are He noted the ministry will support the opportunity to buy items which our priority sectors. We will also only those manufacturers that are are two-three and a-half times focus on the logistics and food in- actually engaged in production, cheaper than imported ones. dustries,” said Karaganda Region rather than bolting. The union has brought together Deputy Akim (Governor) Almas “We reduce the cost of agricul- more than 490 engineering enter- Aidarov. tural machinery by 52 percent for prises working in the oil and gas, Kazakh Invest Chief Executive our farmers. Therefore, we must mining and metallurgical, agri- Officer Baurzhan Sartbayev dis- demand localisation from produc- cultural, electrical, railway and cussed these upcoming projects ers. What do you think? There will automotive industries. Many sub- and investment attraction more be a contract and those people who sectors appeared as the result of broadly during his July visit to just bring and collect it will not en- industry support programmes. the Karaganda Region, discussing A8 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019 FinReview report confirms country Local manufacturer attracted $250 billion in 10 years makes premium halal Last year witnessed an increase said the report. Kazakhstan spent With the expansion of priority By Assel Satubaldina in the share of investments in fi- 314.3 billion tenge (US$819.2 areas, two big projects are ex- nance and insurance from 1.9 million) to build the special eco- pected to launch at the SEZ. One NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan percent to 5.4 percent, in profes- nomic zones. Astana Technopolis, of them is an ethyl tert-butyl and leather shoes affordable has attracted $250 billion in for- sional, scientific and technical Turkestan and Khorgos Interna- methyl tert-butyl ether and pow- eign direct investments (FDI) in areas from 0.9 percent to 2.8 per- tional Centre of Trans-boundary dered polypropylene production the last ten years, according to cent and in construction from 1.6 Cooperation located at the Ka- plant. The project cost exceeds 28 FinReview’s recent analytical re- percent to 2.4 percent. zakh-Chinese border are among billion tenge (US$73 million) and view of the country’s investment The report said the country’s le- the most recent. will launch in 2021. policy. gal framework, creation of special The most effective SEZ is the The report noted the support economic and industrial zones as Ontustik SEZ, said the report. It for small- and medium-sized well as the assistance of interna- is also among the biggest in the businesses that generated more Twenty-seven projects tional financial and development country located in Shymkent, Ka- than 28 trillion tenge (US$73.8 worth $3.1 billion organisations gave a new start to zakhstan’s third largest city and billion) in 2018. The number of the development of the Kazakh thriving economic centre. SMEs also grew 8.3 percent to were launched in 2018 economy. Established in 2005, its prior- 1,241,328. Simplified business procedures ity area was the textile industry Kazakhstan spent 210.5 billion creating 6,000 jobs. enabled Kazakhstan to jump eight and in 2017, chemical and petro- tenge (US$555.2 million) to sup- The majority of them spots in the 2019 World Bank Do- chemical industries were added to port businesses within four years

ing Business report that analysed the list. of the national business support Z SHOES Instagram page. Photo credit: are in the Almaty 190 countries, to the 28th posi- programme. Z SHOES Founder Dastan Makhambetov (L). Region, followed by tion. In 2018, the Development Bank Among the new measures to The most effective of Kazakhstan funded 63 projects the Karaganda Region support investors are a single win- worth 5.3 trillion tenge (US$13.8 By Aidana Yergaliyeva other level, as it is the first Cen- dow system allowing documents SEZ is the Ontustik billion). tral Asian brand to meet halal and Nur-Sultan. to be submitted at a single entity SEZ, said the report. The Kazakh Export, the coun- NUR-SULTAN – Z SHOES is standards. Footwear produced in and the ASTANA-1 customs de- try’s export insurance company a year-old Kazakh company that its factory fully complies with Overall, nearly $320 billion claring electronic system. It is also among the and key development institution domestically produces premium Shariah principles and norms, as in FDI has been injected in the FinReview also noted the im- in supporting the growth of non- quality, affordably priced halal the production, storage, trans- Kazakh economy over the years portance of the development of biggest in the country commodity exports in priority natural leather shoes and accesso- portation of materials and the of its independence. The largest special economic and industrial located in Shymkent, sectors of the economy, provided ries for men, women and children. manufacturing process align with volume of foreign investments zones. insurance support worth 90.2 bil- The company envisions the Made the requirements of its technical came in 2012 with $28.9 billion, Kazakhstan plans to launch Kazakhstan’s third lion tenge (US$235.1 million). in Kazakhstan label becoming syn- regulations. followed by $26.5 billion in 2011 320 projects at special economic largest city and Damu Business Development onymous with quality and is doing The spring – summer collection and $24.3 billion in 2018. zones (SEZ) and industrial zones Fund allocated 495 billion tenge its best to contribute to the effort. is designed with special attention The gross FDI in the first six by 2021, Kazakh Minister of In- thriving economic (US$1.29 billion) to support Mining engineer and PhD Dastan to detail ensuring maximum com- months of 2019 is estimated at $6 dustry and Infrastructure Devel- 22,400 SMEs. Makhambetov founded the brand fort. The insole is equipped with billion, compared to $6.7 billion opment Roman Sklyar announced centre. The report also noted the coun- last year and opened the first store Memory Foam material that takes last year. recently. There are 12 SEZ and 23 Established in 2005, try’s efforts to promote domestic in the capital. He noted “sooner or the shape of the foot. The soft or- The share of the FDI in the industrial zones in the country. products in foreign markets and later, the country will give prefer- thopaedic soles use natural hypoal- country’s gross domestic product One hundred and forty-seven its priority area was increase their competitiveness in- ence to domestic producers.” lergenic materials and EVA copol- was 14 percent last year, an in- projects will be launched at SEZ side the country. Z SHOES quickly became ymer, making them very flexible. crease from 12.9 percent in 2017. worth $5.2 billion and 173 pro- the textile industry In June, Kazakh President known among city residents for The young company even start- The Kazakh government plans to jects at industrial zones worth and in 2017, chemical Kassym-Jomart Tokayev created its quality and attractive prices. ed with offers extending the usual bring the figure to 19 percent by $1.3 billion by 2021. the Ministry of Trade and Integra- The company opened two stores in 14-day warranty to 90 days. 2022. Approximately 180 projects and petrochemical tion that took over the functions the capital and four more in bigger Are the quality and price too Twenty-seven projects worth have been launched at the SEZ industries were added of the Ministry of National Econ- cities and towns like Kyzylorda, good to be true? The manufactur- $3.1 billion were launched in since 2002, including 46 with for- omy in the formation and imple- Shymkent, Ust-Kamenogorsk and ers indicate they try to keep prices 2018 creating 6,000 jobs. The ma- eign capital creating 15,500 jobs. to the list. mentation of domestic and for- Zhezkazgan. Stores in Kokshetau, the lowest possible, adding cus- jority of them are in the Almaty The tax returns were $396 million eign trade policies, international Pavlodar and Taraz are next in line. tomers should never expect 50-70 Region, followed by the Karagan- and investments reached 910 bil- economic integration and con- “We are constantly working to percent discounts at the stores. da Region and Nur-Sultan. lion tenge (US$2.4 billion). The zone is home to some of sumer protection, of the Ministry best match the market trends, giving Z SHOES gives their styles Ka- Economic diversification is “The special economic zones the country’s biggest companies, of Industry and Infrastructure De- customers the opportunity not only zakh names, as if giving each pair a among the priorities for Kazakh- are meant to implement open including Bal Textile, the largest velopment in technical regulation, to buy quality shoes, but to create soul. The shelves carry designs like stan, the world’s ninth largest economy principles due to the manufacturer of carpets, Azala standardisation and ensuring the trendy looks. (We offer) a profes- Nurbek sneakers or Diana brogues. country by landmass possessing liberalisation and boost in exter- Cotton, the only cotton yarn fac- uniformity of measurements and sional, individual approach and the The company also takes individ- abundant mineral resources that nal economic activity. Their ad- tory in the country, and Khlopko- of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs willingness to always listen to the ual orders. Updates are available on have supported the country’s eco- vantages are the special customs, promcellulose, a cellulose manu- in coordination of export promo- customer,” according to its website. their Instagram account @zshoeskz nomic growth. tax and exchange rate regimes,” facturer. tion activities. Z SHOES takes quality to an- and online store zshoes.kz.

Resources. In October 2005, the Zhalgasbai Agimanov, an advisor at Chinese National Petroleum Com- the company’s Exploration and De- pany (CNPC) and KazMunayGas velopment Department, Scientific PetroKazakhstan shares long history, early purchased 67 and 33 percent of the Research Project Institution, who company’s share respectively. has 40 years of work experience. According to the oil industry vet- “During the first oil production erans, in the last 20 years the sphere years at South Turgai, all associated days of modern oil production in Kazakhstan changed significantly covering gas was flared, which generated a as the Road Management Adminis- technologies, infrastructure and the negative reaction from the state au- By Saltanat Boteu tration Director during those times. quality of cadres. thorities and public… Due to the In 1994, Salamatov was ap- “The quality of sector manage- criticism, every member of the oil NUR-SULTAN – This year pointed First Vice Minister of Oil ment has improved; and we are team felt like an outcast, responsible marks the 120th anniversary of the and Gas of Kazakhstan, and Rob- seeing new, more promising oil for harming environment and putting start of oil production in what is ert Berdyguzhin was appointed and gas transportation routes. New the public at risk. This is when the now Kazakhstan. Over more than Yuzhneftegas (PetroKazakhstan) fields similar to Kashagan were question of accelerating gas utilisa- one century, Kazakh oil production president. The focus shifted to ex- discovered and developed, about tion became an issue. We developed technology and infrastructure have panding geological exploration, re- which we could only have dreamt and approved a programme to gen- experienced great change. PetroKa- ducing construction in progress and as before we didn’t have the peo- erate electricity using gas turbines zakhstan’s veterans recently shared increasing oil worker salaries. ple and finance for that. Innovation powered by associated gas and rein- with The Astana Times their expe- In 1995, Kazakhstan’s First Presi- has reached some amazing levels, jecting associated gas back into the riences witnessing the growth and dent, Nursultan Nazarbayev, visited for example, the KazTransOil IPO strata, which created opportunities the field and stressed that hydrocar- development of Kazakhstan’s oil has raised the oil industry’s image for additional oil production through bons would bring the region pros- sector. to the highest global level,” said the maintenance of seam pres- perity and security, recommend- A representative office of the Abdullah Abenov, who worked for sure. The project was implemented Soviet Union geology department ing reaching commercial levels of years in the company and retired in a very short period of time, 18 opened in Kyzylorda in 1927, lay- production of at least three million as the company’s deputy chair of months to three years, which helped ing the foundation for oil produc- tion does not cease to amaze every- other conditions for workers that tonnes of oil a year as soon as pos- PetroKazakhstan save significant tion in Kazakhstan. In 1982, Yu- one who somehow connected their are still used. sible. In 1996, the field reached that the Board for Capital Construc- zhkazgeologiya, Kazgeophysica fate with it. What happened at the “First, the village for 40 places goal and in 2000 increased it to five tion. He has 34 years of work ex- funds and resolve its main ecological and the Institute of Geology and stage of its development can now was built, then for 120. Finally, for million. The company employed perience in the industry. issues in the region,” said Abenov. Oil of the Kazakh Soviet Social- be illustrated only with great im- 600 and a canteen, a gym and other more than 4,500 people in a region “There was a time when we “PetroKazakhstan’s achieve- ist Republic’s Academy of Sci- agination. Ascetic life in trailers and facilities. In the city, the Munaishy with the population of 610,000. didn’t even have enough computers. ments as one of the leading oil ences developed a programme for yurts, work in a piercing frosty wind microdistrict was erected. All this In 1996, the Kazakh Cabinet of Thanks to the implementation of companies in the region are the re- comprehensive exploration in the and under a blazing sun, with sand worthily serves today,” recalled Ministers issued a resolution to sell new programmes, approaches and sult of many years of hard work by South Turgai Basin. and salt on the lips, but with a sin- PMK-4 Head Marat Kozhabekov. the company to Hurricane Hydro- techniques, we have been able to all generations of our employees. I One of the first oil fields of the gle and ardent desire to open inac- “We drafted a plan for the 190-kil- carbons Limited. In 1997, it was raise production to the highest level. am proud of my contribution to the company was Kumkol. Its first cessible subsoil. All this united our ometre Kyzylorda-Kumkol high- renamed Hurricane Kumkol Mu- Today, specialists need to be very company’s development in discov- deep well was drilled in 1983, and team of pioneers, and sometimes it way, which cost $90 million,” said nai and in 2001 its name changed highly qualified, which can open ering and developing the first oil a year later, the explorers opened seemed that the hearts of these self- Murat Uderbayev who had served again to PetroKazakhstan Kumkol many doors for youngsters,” said fields,” said Agimanov. the first oil fountain. In June 1987, less people could themselves melt the first oilrig was built in Kumkol. the subsoil,” said Salamatov. In winter, the company founded the In the second half of 1980, the Kumkolneft Oil and Gas Production company started exploration of the Department headed by Murat Sala- Aryskum oil and gas condensate matov with the support of chief en- field, Kyzylkiya, Akshabulak, Nu- gineer Zhenis Zhalgasov and chief raly, the Aksai and Konys oil and geologist Kenkhan Aidarbekov. gas fields and Dosjan, Karavanchi, Although the newly found oil field Maibulak, Bektas, Kenlik and lacked infrastructure and cadres Aschisai oil fields. and had harsh climate conditions, “In parallel with the development Salamatov managed to develop it of Kumkol, large-scale exploration earning the name of “oil general.” work was launched at dozens of Kumkol was put into operation in fields,” remembered Technical Di- two years instead of the standard 10 rector Galym Baimanov. years usually required for the devel- The company created infrastruc- opment of the field. ture, including roads and oil pipe- “The history of Kumkol’s forma- lines in the field, and housing and B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Kazhgaliyev National Conductors Astana Ballet theatre to host Rakhmonov becomes first Kazakh Contest laureate is among 100 presentation of modern Russian MMA fighter to sign UFC contract New Faces B2 literature B3 B7 Barys HC wins fifth Kazakh Golovkin to fight President’s Ice Hockey Cup Derevyanchenko for his old world title fill this vacancy,” IBF Champion- Staff Report ships Chairman Carlos Ortiz Jr. wrote in a letter to the attorneys of NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh pro- Golovkin’s and Derevyanchenko’s fessional boxer Gennady Golovkin promoters, calling for the nego- will now have the chance to win tiations for a Golovkin-Derevy- back his old title with a fight anchenko fight to begin immedi- against Ukrainian professional ately. boxer Serhiy Derevyanchenko as a The boxers have until Sept. 4 to result of an Aug. 5 decision by the make a deal and another 15 days International Boxing Federation to submit signed contracts to the (IBF), reports ESPN. IBF for their Oct. 5 fight, which Mexican professional boxer will be Golovkin’s second bout Canelo Álvarez was stripped of his of his $100-million, six-fight deal IBF middleweight title Aug. 1 for with broadcaster DAZN. If nego- not reaching a deal with mandatory tiations go as planned, the fight challenger Derevyanchenko. The will be available to DAZN sub- International Boxing Federation scribers in all its markets, includ- (IBF) ordered Aug. 5 Golovkin ing Kazakhstan. The winner of and Derevyanchenko to face off the vacant title will have to make for the vacant title. his mandatory defence against the “The IBF is, therefore, ordering leading available contender with- that a bout take place between the in six months. two highest ranked contenders to Continued on Page B7 Nur-Sultan to host bilist, Ak Bars, Salavat Yulaev and to improve our game and form. which the 2019-2020 Kontinen- By Dilshat Zhussupova Neftekhimik secured second, third, The score was not as important tal Hockey League season play- fourth and fifth place, respective- as the course of the game itself,” offs will determine the winner of NUR-SULTAN – Nur-Sultan ly, and were presented with their Barys Captain Darren Dietz, the the 2020 Gagarin Cup March 1 to 2019 UNWTO Urban Hockey Club Barys won Aug. 11 awards by Kazakh Prime Minister tournament’s best defender, told April 30. the 2019 Kazakh President’s Ice and Kazakhstan Hockey Federa- Sports.kz. “You must understand that this Hockey Cup, reports Olympic.kz. tion President Askar Mamin. “The score was opened by Barys is a pre-season tournament. We “Congratulations to the players “It was a difficult schedule with player Nikita Mikhailis in the first need to work more before the start Tourism Global Summit and coaches of the team with your four games in five days, but the period and equalised by Salavat of the regular season in the KHL, develops itself and provides more great victory!” said Kazakh Presi- whole team worked very hard,” Yulaev player Maxim Mayorov which is our top priority,” Boyd By Saltanat Boteu and better living conditions to its dent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Barys hockey player Dustin Boyd, in the second period. Everything told Vesti.kz. residents and visitors,” reported his Twitter account. the tournament’s best scorer, told was to be decided in the final 20 Barys will play in the Cherny- NUR-SULTAN – The United the summit’s website emphasis- Barys defeated Kazan’s Ak Bars Vesti.kz. minutes, but there were no goals. shev Division as part of the East- Nations World Tourism Organisa- ing the importance of the chosen 6:1 on Aug. 7, Nizhnekamsk’s Neft- By the time of the Aug. 11 match Overtime did not change the score, ern Conference in the 12th KHL tion (UNWTO) and the Nur-Sul- topic. ekhimik 5:3 on Aug. 8, Yekater- between Barys and Salavat Yulaev, but Barys later came out stronger season, facing each of the other tan Akimat (city administration) The summit will focus on how inburg’s Avtomobilist 3:2 on Aug. the former was guaranteed to in the series of shootouts,” Sports. 24 teams twice, in a home game will organise the eighth UNWTO developing smart cities can ad- 10 and Ufa’s Salavat Yulaev 2:1 on win the Kazakh President’s Cup, kz described the Aug. 11 match. and an away game. It will also Global Summit on Urban Tour- dress urban challenges. The partic- Aug. 11 to secure first place for the having gained the most points The Kazakh President’s Cup is play two games against each of its ism under the Smart Cities, Smart ipants will discuss sustainability, fifth time at the 10th annual tourna- throughout the tournament. a warm-up for the regular hockey divisional rivals and four games Destinations theme in the Kazakh accessibility, urban management, ment. The hockey clubs Avtomo- “In each match, our task was season Sept. 1 to Feb. 27, after against non-divisional teams. capital Oct. 9-12. The summit will innovation and technology, stress- contribute to the UN New Urban ing the importance of including Agenda and Sustainable Develop- tourism in the wider city agenda ment Goals (SDGs). as a contributor to inclusive, resil- The summit will bring together ient and sustainable urban devel- representatives from national tour- opment. Hilton sees expansion opportunities in ism administrations, city authori- During the summit’s first day, ties and related stakeholders to ex- the International Congress and change expertise and set a shared Convention Association (ICCA) vision to advance urban tourism. will give a masterclass on trends Central Asia, plans eco-friendly future Participants will discuss sustain- in the convention industry, focus- achieved over the last five years standard Wi-Fi, when they book ability, accessibility, innovations ing on topics such as how to be a By Zhanna Shayakhmetova since we’ve been opening the first directly through preferred Hilton and inclusion of tourism in the successful destination for meet- hotel,” he said. channels. Hilton has 17 brands urban agenda contributing to the ings and organise sustainable NUR-SULTAN – This year, Hil- A friendly welcome and con- ranging from budget to luxury. progress of the 17 UN Sustainable meetings. ton celebrates its 100th anniversa- sistent service can be recognised Central Asia has always been “a Development Goals. The gather- The second day will start with ry of hospitality with nearly 5,900 as the main benefits of staying at pivotal region in the trade between ing will focus specifically on Goal an opening ceremony including hotels in 114 countries. In Kazakh- Hilton hotels. the east and the west,” he said. Hil- 11, which is to make cities and hu- Nur-Sultan Akim (Mayor) Altai stan, the brand is represented by “Most importantly, our brands ton has plans to enter the markets man settlements inclusive, safe, Kulginov, Kazakh Prime Minister three hotels in Nur-Sultan – Hilton do represent quality,” explained of Tajikistan and Pakistan. resilient and sustainable. Askar Mamin, UNWTO Secre- Astana, Hampton by Hilton and Vincent. “Our brands command a “There’s a lot of emerging “According to the UN, in 2015, tary-General Zurab Pololikash- Hilton Garden Inn – and one ho- premium in the marketplace. Cus- economies, there’s a lot of wealth 54 percent of the world’s popula- vili and other higher officials. The tel in Almaty, the Double Tree by tomers will pay more to stay at a in natural resources in this region. tion lived in urban areas and, by participants will adopt the Smart Hilton. Hilton hotel than a competing ho- Therefore, there are a lot of op- 2030, this share is expected to Cities, Smart Destinations Decla- The Astana Times spoke with tel. And that’s principally because portunities for hotel companies reach 60 percent. Along with oth- ration. This will be followed by er key pillars, tourism constitutes Simon Vincent, Hilton’s Execu- Simon Vincent they recognise the value that they to develop their products in these the mayors’ meeting, where “may- tive Vice President and President get in terms of the welcome, the countries. Our business is all a central component in the econo- ors from around the world will for Europe, the Middle East and service, the quality of the product about supply and demand. We see my, social life and the geography share insights on how to translate Africa to learn more about its ex- countries, Vincent is focused on and the overall quality of the ex- a rising demand for good quality, of many cities in the world and is, a smart city into a smart destina- pansion in the Central Asia market the economy and the culture in the perience.” internationally branded hotel beds thus, a key element in urban de- tion,” and other panel sessions and and energy-saving measures of the countries where they operate. The company has a loyalty pro- in Central Asia… We see an op- velopment policies… Tourism is on the topic. company during his first visit to “The objective of my visit is gramme for 94 million members portunity to develop our brands intrinsically linked to how a city Continued on Page B6 Kazakhstan in mid-July. also to celebrate some of the suc- globally who receive benefits in- and our portfolios,” he said. Responsible for 526 hotels in 66 cesses that our team members have cluding a member discount, free Continued on Page B2

THINGS TO WATCH & PLACES TO GO

ASTANA OPERA Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. Scarlet Sails, musical Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. Evening of piano music Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. Die Bajadere, operetta Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. Song is a Woman’s World, concert Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. A Gallant Double Bass Was Singing..., concert

Hilton Astana. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019 Kazhgaliyev National Kazakhstan’s national unity model can Conductors Contest laureate be an example to other countries, says is among 100 New Faces Turkish community leader

By Aidana Yergaliyeva By Saltanat Boteu

NUR-SULTAN – Yerlan Bakty- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s gerey, laureate of first Kazhgali- public consensus and nation- yev National Conductors Contest, wide unity model is unique and is among Kazakhstan’s 100 New valuable and sets an example for Faces. Among his accomplish- many countries, Kyzylorda Re- ments, he led the Astana Academic gion Turkish community leader Philharmonic symphony orchestra. Gulchin Geidarova told the Astana Born in the Zhambyl Region in Times in an exclusive interview. 1978 to the family of an Afghan The region’s Turkish ethno-cul- war participant and an account- tural centre opened in December ant, no one could have anticipated 100esim.ruh.kz. Photo credit: 2004. According to the centre’s Baktygerey’s musical inclinations Yerlan Baktygerey head, ethno-cultural centres are and talents. created as part of the model to “There were no musicians in our ingly, there was no age limit at strengthen interethnic harmony in family. Only in childhood, when I the competition. That is, I had to the country, to preserve and de- went to visit my uncle, he noticed compete with my teachers, who velop the traditions and customs my ear for music and interest in are much stronger and better than of ethnicities living in Kazakh- music. It was at that moment that me,” he said. stan and to educate young people [my] life turned its face to art,” he Baktygerey’s participation in about them. told 100esim.rukh.kz. the competition opened many The centre promotes the devel- doors. He subsequently received opment of multilateral cultural Baktygerey’s a mentorship invitation from Fuat ties between Kazakhstan and Mansurov, chief conductor and Turkey, including participation participation in artistic director of the Tatarstan in cultural and educational activi- Symphony Orchestra; conductor ties, the study of the Turkish his- “Young people are studying the the Caucasus in November people in educating them about the competition of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia; tory, language, culture, traditions Kazakh language. Representa- 1944.“When our ancestors were their ancestors and culture. opened many doors. people’s artist of Kazakhstan, Rus- and customs as well as the study tives of the Turkish ethnicity are deported to the Kazakh land dur- “Getting acquainted with the sia and Tatarstan; academician and of the state language. studying in the Kazakh language ing the difficult times, they were history of your native land is He subsequently professor. The centre’s members take in higher education institutions. taken to the Kazakh people and spiritual enrichment. We visited “Being his student was not easy. part in regional and city events. (They) have won the state lan- shared bread and water. They Turkestan and Arystanbab towns. received a Fuat Mansurov was a truly unique The centre also includes the Ba- guage competitions at the nation- saw them (the Turkish people) I got a lot of interesting informa- person. In one person, there were har dance group whose members al, regional and city levels,” said as brothers, built a house next tion about our common history, mentorship invitation many things combined. He was a contribute to social and economic Geidarova. to themselves, and gave them an the history of the Turkic-speaking from Fuat Mansurov, master of sports in mountaineering, development of the region in sci- Geidarova was born and raised honoured place in their house. countries. This information is par- a mathematician, he knew eight ence, education, healthcare and in the region’s Internatsyonal vil- Open hearted, generous Kazakhs ticularly useful for young people chief conductor languages perfectly and so on. It agriculture, said Geidarova. lage in a large family with six chil- helped our ancestors to live in Ka- who are required to know their was a big school for me. I also owe Approximately 1,500 people dren. After graduating from high zakhstan and continue their life,” story. Through the monuments of and artistic director my achievements to the Bolashak of Turkish descent live in the re- school, she entered the school of she said. history and ancient culture, people Scholarship Programme,” he said. gion, all of which are the centre’s Asian studies and became a uni- Geidarova has participated in return to past. There is an invisible of the Tatarstan Baktygerey worked at the Kara- members. The majority live in the versity professor. several trips of the Uly Dala Yeli thread that links monuments with a Symphony Orchestra; ganda Symphony Orchestra in Karmakshi district, Baikonur and Her parents were deported (A Country of Great Steppe) expe- century of history to the present,” 2008. From 2013-2015, he served Kyzylorda. to Kazakhstan’s territory from dition, which are useful for young she said. conductor of the as the chief conductor and artistic director of the Astana Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Philharmonic symphony. “I toured a lot, performed in Russia; people’s large venues with world stars and artist of Kazakhstan, also put on a concert performance Hilton sees expansion opportunities in of two operas, ‘Golden Mountains’ Russia and Tatarstan; by Nurgisa Tlendiyev and ‘Alpa- mys’ by Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev. academician and In addition, I organised a concert Central Asia, plans eco-friendly future professor. with the TURKSOY international Continued from Page B1 the heart of everything we do,” he ronmentally friendly state,” he in the way that they perform. And organisation dedicated to compos- said. said. the economics of running hotels ers of the Turkic world,” he said. The company also helps develop Hilton also plans to halve its en- Vincent said that the company are still very attractive to inves- Baktygerey attended Zhubano- In 2015, he returned to Karagan- human capital and support youth vironmental footprint by 2030 and observes the golden age of travel tors,” he said. va National Music School, later da for health and family matters. by work with universities and fed- focus on energy efficiency, includ- now despite some global chal- Vincent also noted the company graduating from Kurmangazy Al- “Since I am a father of many eral education institutions to bring ing water, heating, the emission of lenges that all industries and busi- is working to continue the vision maty State Conservatory. He then children – I have seven children – young people into the hotel busi- carbon and the elimination things nesses face. of founder Conrad Hilton to spread received an offer to be a part of I decided to take up their upbring- ness to help them develop and pro- like plastics. “We see tremendous opportu- the light and warmth of hospitality. an orchestra in Astana (now Nur- ing and started my own business. gress. “Hilton Astana as our new nities in the global footprint and “We are doing that in a meaning- Sultan). Now, I have my own small bakery; “People are at the heart of our hotel got a very sophisticated our expansion plans. People want ful way on a global basis. Hiltons “I wrote a lot and orchestrated it employs four people. In addi- business. And, therefore, we spend building management system to be connected… people want have an amazing impact on the kuis (instrumental compositions) tion, I am engaged in needlework a lot of time making sure that we that is very energy efficient. But to travel. They want experiences. world and we like to talk about the for the orchestra of Kazakh folk with a team of 15 craftspeople. We recruit the best talent that we de- equally, this hotel is committed We’ve seen that over the course Hilton effect. Over the last centu- instruments, folk songs and classi- sew bags of leather and suede with velop that talent and those people to reducing plastics and elimi- of the last five or six years with ry, we have employed 10 million cal works,” he said. Kazakh ornaments. In this way, I have career opportunities. We are nating plastic straws. It’s all our growth and notwithstanding team members, served more than 3 In 2001, he was named laureate have smoothly moved from art to a significant global employer. We part of our overall purpose. We the fact that the world is going billion guests and had a $1 trillion of the first Kazhgaliyev National business,” said Baktygerey. are officially as of this year the encourage people to be environ- through some challenging times economic impact. It is an amaz- Conductors Contest. “I hope in the future I will return number two among one of the best mentally aware and conscious both geopolitically and economi- ing fact. We want to leave a strong “This was truly a huge impetus to the stage to please my listen- places to work in the world. We’re of the impacts of their travels on cally. We’re still seeing sustained legacy in the next hundred years as for my career to become a profes- ers with new achievements!” he only as good as the talent that we the environment. We’re looking growth in our pipeline of new ho- our founder Conrad Hilton first in- sional conductor. Most interest- added. recruit. People are absolutely at to help them achieve an envi- tels. Our brands are very strong troduced,” he said. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019 Astana Ballet theatre to host presentation Astana Opera of modern Russian literature announces new aims to promote contemporary By Diana Vassilenko Russian literature in Russia as well as abroad. NUR-SULTAN – The Astana Tsypkin’s stories have been read series of concerts Ballet theatre will present Sept. 19 by some of Russia’s leading actors, of Musical Comedy will stage Russian actor Konstantin Khaben- such as Ingeborga Dapkunaite, By Zhanna Shayakhmetova performances at the main hall skiy and writer Alexander Tsypkin Konstantin Khabenskiy, Danila Aug. 17 and 24 as part of its tour. who will read sad and funny sto- Kozlovsky and Anna Mikhalkova. NUR-SULTAN – Local musi- ries about daily life. Khabenskiy is known as a versa- cians will present famous and The evening’s programme is tile actor both on stage and on the rarely performed works by Ka- The Astana Opera called Best & Seller and is part screen. He started his career as a zakh, foreign and contemporary House premiered of the Bezprintsipnye Chteniya stage actor and became popular all classical composers this August (No Principles Readings) Project, over Russia after starring in TV se- at the chamber hall of the Astana seven plays which involves prominent actors ries and more than 50 films. That Opera House in the capital. and writers reading modern Rus- success led to Khabenskiy being Pianist Assel Abilseitova will including Gioachino sian literature on stage. one of the best-known Russian ac- present a “Sounding Images” Rossini’s opera “Il Photo credit: koukouva.com. Photo credit: “Alexander Tsypkin’s story orenweek.ru Photo credit: tors abroad. concert Aug. 21, reported the collection presents a wonderful Alexander Tsypkin Konstantin Khabenskiy Best & Seller is the third read- theatre’s press service. Barbiere di Siviglia,” chance to understand today’s Rus- ing performance programme by Abilseitova is a graduate of sia from within. It comprises a mul- Khabenskiy and Tsypkin. The London’s Royal Academy of Michel Fokine’s titude of diverse stories, which are French Embassy in Russia Héléna ings project developed by Tsyp- first two were “Long Live Die- Music who performs in Kazakh- amazing, juicy and always kind. Perroud in her review on Tsypkin’s kin in 2015 with Russian producer hard Women,” and “The House of stan and Europe as a soloist and one-act ballets One can trace this young author’s first and immediately bestselling Anastasia Prits. Maxim magazine Goodbyes.” a chamber ensemble musician. “Chopiniana” and lineage to de la Fontaine’s fables, short story collection “Long Live editor-in-chief Alexander Malen- Tsypkin and Khabenskiy have The concert programme in- Balzac’s ‘Human Comedy’ and Die-hard Women.” kov and Russian Booker laureate travelled to more than 10 countries cludes classical music works “Scheherazade,” the wit of Sacha Guitry who, too, Many short stories from Tsyp- Alexander Snegirev also partici- with their first programme named by Tles Kazhgaliyev, Claude was born in St. Petersburg. This kin’s third short story collection pated in the development of the after Tsypkin’s first book “Long Debussy, Isaac Albéniz, Alberto Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s one is a very contemporary and among others will be read during project. Live Die-hard Women.” All three Ginastera, and young Kazakh opera “Eugene very Russian book that reminds us the Best & Seller performance in The works of the three founding performances took place more composers Aizhana Nurkenova that Russians can and love laugh- Nur-Sultan. His previous short writers of the project, as well as of than a hundred times in Russia, and Aigerim Seilova, who have Onegin,” Gioachino ing, first of all, at themselves,” said story collections instantly be- Narine Abgaryan, Marina Stepno- Germany, Switzerland, Israel, the received international recogni- former adviser to the President of came best sellers, with more than va, Andrei Astvatsaturov, Masha United States and Canada, with all tion. Rossini’s opera France Jacques Chirac, Director of 200,000 copies sold. Traub, Sasha Filipenko and several shows being sold out. Soprano Galiya Baigazinova the French Institute in St. Peters- The Best & Seller programme other authors, have been read since Tickets for the show can be pur- will stage a musical evening ti- “La Scala di Seta,” burg and Cultural Attaché of the is part of the No Principles Read- the start of the project. The project chased at astanaballet.com. tled “Song Is a Woman’s World” Giacomo Puccini’s Aug. 25. International competi- tion winners, including tenor opera “La Bohème” first place in Batumi Dolphin Fest Almat Izbambetov, sopranos 2016, second place in Slavianski Assem Kiykpayeva and Nazym and Adolphe Adam’s Bazaar 2017 and second place in Nurgaziyeva from the Saryarka ballet “Giselle.” Kazakhstan to participate for second Kazakhstan’s national final for the folk music ensemble will take Junior Eurovision Song Contest part in the concert. The seventh theatrical sea- last year. The song he will perform “A woman is one of the main son will start with Mukan Tule- at this year’s contest will be an- characters in global arts. Great bayev’s opera “Birzhan – Sara” time in Junior Eurovision Song Contest nounced later. painters, poets and composers of Sept. 5. The premieres of Gi- November, Yerzhan will give us a first time the country participated “A very important day is ahead all times dedicated their works to useppe Verdi’s opera “Don Car- Staff Report wonderful occasion for pride and in any Eurovision event. Daneliya of me,” wrote Maksim on repre- women. The folk ensemble and los” is scheduled Oct. 11 and 13 universal joy.” Tuleshova’s “Seize the Time,” senting Kazakhstan this year in a soloists perform popular Kazakh and Léo Delibes’ ballet “Cop- NUR-SULTAN – The finalist of Kazakhstan made its debut in performed in English and Kazakh, July 29 Instagram post. “I will try folk songs and vocal masterpiec- pélia” Nov. 22 and 23. “The Voice Kids” in Russia Yer- last year’s Junior Eurovision Song came in sixth place with 171 points. to justify your expectations, thank es written by Shamshi Kaldaya- The company will present zhan Maksim will represent Ka- Contest, which also marked the Twelve-year-old Maksim won you very much for your wishes. Go kov, Mynzhassar Mangitayev, zakhstan at the Junior Eurovision Kazakhstan!” Ilya Zhakanov, Nurgisa Tlendi- Gioachino Rossini’s opera “La Song Contest 2019, said Kazakh The seventeenth edition of the yev, Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev, Scala di Seta” in Saint Peters- Minister of Information and Social annual Junior Eurovision Song Yeskendir Khassangaliyev, To- burg Oct. 20. Development Dauren Abayev in a Contest in Poland’s Gliwice Are- legen Mukhamejanov and many This year, the Astana Opera July 29 Facebook post. na is organised by Telewizja Pol- others,” reads the release. House premiered seven plays “I am pleased to announce that ska and the EBU. Poland won the Astana Opera orchestra musi- including Gioachino Rossini’s Kazakhstan will take part in the 2018 contest in Minsk, Belarus cians and international compe- opera “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” Junior Eurovision Song Contest with Roksana Węgiel’s “Anyone tition winner Almas Baigozhin, Michel Fokine’s one-act bal- for the second time in the city I Want to Be” and will be hosting will present “A Gallant Double lets “Chopiniana” and “Scheh- of Gliwice, Poland Nov. 24,” he the contest for the first time Nov. Bass Was Singing” concert Aug. erazade,” Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s wrote. “This was made possi- 24. Nineteen countries will par- 28. As a low instrument, double opera “Eugene Onegin,” Gio- ble thanks to Khabar Agency’s ticipate, with Spain participating pass has a solo part. achino Rossini’s opera “La Scala membership in the European for the first time since 2006. The programme features di Seta,” Giacomo Puccini’s op- Broadcasting Union (EBU). Our Kazakhstan also bid to host this “String Quartet in D Minor,” a era “La Bohème” and ‎Adolphe country will be represented by the year’s event at Nur-Sultan, but the composition created by Kazakh Adam’s ballet “Giselle.” promising young vocalist Yerzhan rules would have had to have been composer Gaziza Zhubanova The theatre’s company staged Maksim, whose performance changed for the country, an EBU and works by Giovanni Bottes- performances in Italy, Spain, skills have resonated with mil- associate member and thus non- ini, Frank Proto, Ruggero Leon- Russia, Uzbekistan and the cit- lions of listeners in Kazakhstan full member state, to host the con- cavallo and Manuel Ponce. ies of Kazakhstan as part of the and abroad. I am sure that, come Yerzhan Maksim test if selected. Karaganda Academic Theatre Rukhani Zhangyru programme. Bronze Age grave and gold items found in Karaganda Region studying Kyzyltau Cemetery in the five mounds. We are now studying The female has two arm bracelets By Zhanna Shayakhmetova Shetsky District of the Karaganda the fourth one. We found a burial twisted into a spiral and ornament- Region. The grave is from the first with male and female skeletons ed pendants in the shape of the NUR-SULTAN – Archaeolo- third or quarter of the second mil- buried face-to-face. The young sun. She wore gold temple rings,” gists found the remains of a young lennium BC, reported the regional couple probably belonged to a no- said archaeologist Igor Kukushkin. man and woman and gold jewel- press service June 29. ble family or they were from the Bone samples were sent for ra- lery from the Bronze Age while “The burial ground consists of royal family. The grave is rich. diocarbon analysis. “The Begazy-Dandybaev cul- ture is considered to be the most powerful in central Kazakhstan. The large clans and tribes lived here. The chariots appeared during this era. The chariot warriors were leaders in this turbulent time,” he noted. The finds include bronze brace- lets, hair accessorises with leaf- shaped pendants, beads, knives and a bone psalium used to control horses. Archaeologists also found ce- a trihedral bronze arrow were We developed a three-year pro- ramic dishes this year in one of found. The ceramics date back gramme. This year, five expedi- the burial sites, said Deputy Di- to the early Iron Age. No human tions work here,” said Yerkebulan rector of the Karaganda Regional remains were found here. The Agimbayev, head of the regional Museum of Local History Dauren burial was without inventory and department for culture, archives Zhussupov. bodies,” he added. and documentation. “This is the first unusual mound  Reconstruction of the mound A group of archaeologists from at the Karazhartas-2 burial will be completed this autumn, Buketov Karaganda State Univer- ground. We studied it this year. showing how it looked before and sity has been excavating the monu- First, the mound is completely after it was rebuilt. ments in Taldinsky archaeological built of stone. Its diameter is 21 A stone pyramid was discovered park since 2016. This year, the metres and its height is two me- at the Karazhartas burial ground in work started in June. tres. Second, the mound is char- 2017. It is one of the largest and Approximately 200 archaeo- acterised by its design and is most complex structures of the logical sites are located within 100 made of several fences. The finds Late Bronze Age in Kazakhstan. kilometres of the park. All the sites were not found in the grave pit. “We did restoration work on will have plates with descriptions As a result of the study, approxi- the pyramid in 2018. The head of and QR codes for more informa- mately 40 fragments of ceramic the region set the task to create tion offered in three languages,

Photo credit: Press service of Karaganda city administration. Press Photo credit: dishes, a grindstone and a tip of an open-air archaeological park. Kazakh, Russian and English. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019 90 percent of repairs in Arys are completed Situations Committee. Eighty- construction and repair of the Kazakhstan’s city and regional By Dilshat Zhussupova five percent of houses in the town town’s key infrastructure have al- administrations are responsible were damaged to one degree or lowed 6,500 families to return to for the repair of a given area in NUR-SULTAN – Ninety per- another after the warehouse ex- their repaired homes as of Aug. 2. the town and were tasked with cent of reconstruction and repair plosion, said First Vice Minister “On behalf of First President completing repairs by Aug. 20. in Arys was complete as of Aug. of Industry and Infrastructure De- – Elbasy (Leader of the Nation, Approximately 400 of 472 regis- 2, after the town was heavily velopment Kairbek Uskenbayev. a constitutional title) Nursultan tered businesses in the town sus- damaged June 24 by a large ex- Just more than 6,610 of the Nazarbayev and Head of State tained damage to their infrastruc- plosion at a munitions warehouse 7,516 damaged single-story build- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, all the ture, and the Ministry of Industry nearby, reports Primeminister.kz. ings in Arys have been repaired, regions of the country, national and Infrastructure Development The explosion, which authori- with the remaining 905 buildings companies and representatives of and the Atameken National ties have determined was caused to be ready by Aug. 10. The re- large businesses took part in the Chamber of Entrepreneurs were by a violation of fire safety rules pair of 67 multi-story buildings restoration of Arys,” said Kazakh tasked with completing the repair bour and Social Protection of the Mamin in a June 29 visit to the during the warehouse’s construc- will be completed by Aug. 20. The Prime Minister Askar Mamin, ex- of commercial infrastructure this Population and Turkestan Re- region, will be distributed this tion and repair, and resulting fires repair of engineering infrastruc- pressing his gratitude to the peo- month. The Ministry of Defence gion Akim (Governor) Umirzak month. killed two soldiers and a civil- ture is complete, and social infra- ple involved in the town’s restora- and the Turkestan Region Akimat Shukeyev were tasked with en- An eight year old boy who ian and caused widespread dam- structure, including 66 hospitals, tion during his Aug. 2 visit to the (administration) were also tasked suring that the distribution of a had been injured during evacu- age before it was contained by schools, kindergartens and sports Turkestan Region. “Tremendous with ensuring the removal of one-time compensatory payment ation from Arys died at a Nur- firefighters, reported the Kazakh facilities, will be ready by Aug. 20. (construction and repair) work weapons from warehouses in the of 100,000 tenge (US$259.22) to Sultan hospital Aug. 2 bringing Ministry of Defence and Ministry The explosion forced the evac- has been carried out in a month region. each of Arys’ 63,464 residents, the overall tally of the accident of Internal Affairs’ Emergency uation of Arys’ residents. The by more than 10,000 builders.” Lastly, the Ministry of La- a social support measure set by to four.

Varian Medical Systems Interna- tional AG signed a memorandum of cooperation Dec. 17 to equip the Anticorruption Agency calls for National Oncology Research Centre country’s medical centres with mod- ern tools. The agreement involved outfitting the national cancer centre and 10 regional centres with radia- improved automated vehicle construction to be completed by 2021 tion and proton therapy devices. zakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. completed and work has begun on Last year, the Kazakh govern- By Nazira Kozhanova Mamin reviewed the report regard- laying the foundation. ment adopted the 2018-2022 Com- ing the construction roadmap and Mamin’s visit also included a prehensive Plan for Combating weight measuring systems NUR-SULTAN – Construc- layout design. discussion on transferring the tract Oncological Diseases, which aims mobile control points that continue tion of the National Oncology The 16,000-square foot facility, from Nazarbayev University to to improve the quality of medical Staff Report to be in the zone of corruption risks. Research Centre in the capital with six floors including the base- state ownership. services and purchase new equip- Our criminal investigative practice is scheduled for completion by ment, is being built on a more than The new centre will use advanced ment for oncology clinics. NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh directly confirms this. In this regard, March 2021, reported primemin- 49,000-square metre parcel. To technologies to diagnose and treat More than 35,000 new malignant Anticorruption Agency is seeking to we recommend that the authorised ister.kz following Prime Minister date, installing temporary build- cancer, including laser, radiation tumour cases are reported in Ka- improve automated vehicle weight body in the field of transport control Askar Mamin’s July 27 visit to the ings and structures, demolishing and cell immune therapies, using zakhstan each year. Approximately measuring systems that were in- continue to work to eliminate the site. existing administrative and resi- the experience of established cardi- 170,000 individuals have registered stalled since 2010, but are out of use causes and conditions of corruption The centre is being built at the dential buildings, digging pits, de- ological and neurosurgical clinics. malignant tumour-related diseases, due to technical issues. The agency with the maximum automation of direction of First President of Ka- watering and pile driving has been The Ministry of Healthcare and reported elorda.info. noted the importance of preventing all processes and the exclusion of road damage from overweight ve- direct contacts,” she added. hicles and collecting funds for road In conjunction with public and lo- ronmental protection, solid waste repair. cal executive body representatives, management, protection, control The government planned to use the the agency is completing on-site and supervision of the rational use system to eliminate the human factor examinations of roads that have un- New ministry will focus on environment, preventing of natural resources. The Ministry and corruption risks, as it measures dergone repairs. of Agriculture transferred to the new a moving vehicle’s weight and other “As a part of the measures being department powers regarding the us- parametres without involving trans- implemented, a timely solution is to age and protection of the water fund, port control inspectors. see the further digitalisation of the poaching and managing water resources water supply, sanitation and forestry. “To eliminate corruption risks, road industry. In this aspect, the pro- mit a proposed environmental code strengthen the criminal liability for The Ministry of Industry and Infra- the introduction of special auto- posal is from the Sapaly Zhol (Qual- Staff Report to Parliament by the end of the year. poaching and deforestation offenses. structure Development transferred mated measuring systems began in ity Way) project office. Adaldyk It has also started to develop a long- The geological industry is another the powers for geological explora- 2010. It was assumed that it would Alany opened with the support of NUR-SULTAN – The newly estab- term strategy for water security of priority area of the newly formed tion, study and reproduction of the automatically detect violations of the agency based on the National lished Kazakh Ministry of Ecology, Kazakhstan. The strategy includes ministry. Within a month, measures mineral resource base. the weight and dimensional para- Centre for Quality of Road Assets. Geology and Natural Resources will the development of water manage- will be developed to stimulate inves- Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart metres of moving vehicles without The project team initiated the crea- focus primarily on developing the ment infrastructure to ensure a safe tors in geological exploration, and Tokayev formed July 17 the Minis- the participation of transport control tion of an information system that county’s Environmental Code, estab- drinking water supply and the intro- geological scientists will be involved try of Trade and Integration, as well inspectors. However, due to techni- will automate the process of roads’ lishing mechanisms to fight poaching duction of digital technologies in wa- in the development of the Geological as the Ministry of Ecology, Geology cal flaws, the installed systems are quality examination conducted by and deforestation and managing water ter accounting. Exploration Programme. and Natural Resources, the Akorda still not used,” said the agency’s mobile laboratories. The data col- resources and geological problems, The work of the department will The new ministry received the du- press service reported. The latter prevention department head Anar lected in the information system according to an Aug. 3 announcement also focus on combating poaching ties of other ministries. In particular, ministry head is Magzum Mirza- Zharova at a recent agency meet- will be available to the public,” said during the ministry’s first meeting. and deforestation. In the near fu- the Ministry of Energy transferred its galiyev, the former vice minister of ing. Zharova. The ministry is expected to sub- ture, measures will be developed to authority to the state policy of envi- energy. As the systems are not used, The programme allows each citi- transport control authorities rely on zen access to complete information mobile control points, which can be about road conditions in a particular corrupted. She emphasised the im- region. vehicles or agricultural machinery portance of the automated systems “Along with reducing corruption purchased from domestic manufac- and digitalisation to reduce human risks, this will significantly improve turers without VAT, as well as pro- interaction, when bribery or other the quality of roads. An important Improving business taxation, cancelling apartment ducing vehicle components. It also corruption actions can occur. component in this issue is the ef- provides preferential taxation for “Instead of developing automated fectiveness of the transport control manufacturing cotton fibre, process- systems, the main emphasis is on system,” she added. ing sugar beets and producing con- owners’ land tax among proposed reforms fectioneries and yeast and extends “Taxes on property and land from also proposes introducing a ban to the current procedure for calculating Staff Report individuals will be combined with- deducting the corporate income tax the single land tax for the agricul- out changing the elements of taxa- expense in cash in more than 1,000 tural sector through 2023. NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh tion – object of taxation, tax base, monthly calculation indices (MCI) The fifth block of amendments Interdepartmental Commission on rates, calculation and payment pro- (2.5 million tenge or US$ 6,517). includes measures to clear bad loans Legislative Activities discussed the cedure. Two taxes will be paid in a The third block focuses on at- from mortgage companies, exempt concept of a draft law July 30 intro- single payment,” he said. tracting investments. It introduces shares sold from individual income ducing amendments and addenda to To ensure the timely receipt of an investment tax credit, reimburses tax gains and increase the invest- certain legislative taxation acts to at- taxes to the fourth level budget, the investor-participant costs to build ment attractiveness of mutual in- tract investments, develop the busi- draft proposes postponing the pay- infrastructure in special economic vestment funds. ness environment and improve tax ment deadline, including transport zones, the possibility of filing in- The sixth block includes a capital administration. tax, until April 1. vestment disputes with the Astana expense deduction for subsoil users The changes are grouped in seven The second block focuses on ex- International Financial Centre and to purchase sulfuric acid and exemp- blocks. The first involves simplify- panding the tax base. It suggests raising the status of the investment tion from the mineral extraction tax ing tax payments to individuals and strengthening the fiscal function of ombudsperson’s decisions with its to utilise groundwater extracted with abolishing the land tax for apartment excise taxes and collecting value mandatory consideration. hydrocarbons. building owners, according to Vice added tax (VAT) from foreign com- The fourth block focuses on The final block includes norms to Minister of National Economy Madi panies that provide electronic servic- stimulating production and transit improve tax and customs adminis- Takiyev. es to Kazakh individuals. The draft by exempting dealers from VAT on tration. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019

the website. That way we can find contrary, there are some profes- out which openings we have in sions with an excess of qualified abundance,” the centre’s Director workers and not enough openings. Teachers, waiters among most popular of Human Resources Forecasting In terms of qualified workers with Department Dmitry Shumeyko ex- a higher education degree, lawyers plained how the 2019 analysis was and economists top the list,” said conducted. Shumeyko. and in demand jobs in Kazakhstan According to Shumeyko, when Data processing also allowed filling out a resume and posting identifying the scarcest profes- By Diana Vassilenko opening announcements on the sions by region and city. In some ELE website, there is a single uni- areas, the results were unusual. NUR-SULTAN – The most nu- fication system of the jobs in strict For example, in the Akmola Re- merous professions in Kazakhstan accordance with the national clas- gion, the highest demand is for are secondary school teachers, sifier of occupations, which was bus drivers, and in the Almaty Re- accountants and store clerks, ac- also developed by the Human Re- gion, it is for hand-mould mould- cording to a labour market statis- sources Development Centre. Ac- ers. The Atyrau Region is in need tical analysis of the first-semester cording to this classifier, there are of scaffolders, whereas the West of 2019 data conducted by the approximately 11,000 occupations Kazakhstan Region is in need Human Resources Development in Kazakhstan. This systematisa- of firefighters. The Mangystau Centre of the country. The most in- tion greatly simplifies the collec- Region needs painters. Nurses, demand jobs are security guards, tion and analysis of data on the loaders, unskilled workers and waiters and orderlies. supply and demand in the labour security guards are in-demand in The estimated amount of hired market. all regions. Nur-Sultan primar- workers in 2018 was 6.6 million, Based on the data collected ily needs security guards, Almaty 3.38 million of whom were men from the website, security guards needs taxi drivers, and Shymkent and 3.32 million were women. Ac- ended up being the scarcest job in needs cleaners. cording to this year’s data, every terms of the ratio of the number of People can go to local employ- 20th hired worker is a teacher. CVs submitted and openings on ment centres and find information There are 352,300 secondary ed- the ELE website, with more than about which professions are in- ucation teachers in the country. 4,000 openings left open. The top demand and which are not. Based Every 25th hired worker is an ac- five professions with a similar on the demands, people seeking countant for 268,000 accountants situation were orderlies, cleaners, jobs will be directed to necessary in total. Supervisors, sales clerks waiters and movers. professional training courses. The and shop assistants come third, at “The job of a security guard is labour market data is constantly

256,000. Kazakh TV. Photo credit: unfortunately not a highly-skilled updated and publicly accessible. It “One of the tools for analysing job. This causes a big staff turno- serves as a useful guide for future the supply and demand of the la- change (ELE). This website con- labour website of the country. Un- work with ELE. All curricula vitae ver – the more skilled the employ- school graduates in making deci- bour market is the state Internet tains all the job openings posted like other well-known job search (CV) that are submitted through ee, the rarer he will change his job. sions concerning their further edu- website – the electronic labour ex- by employers; this is the leading resources, job centres themselves employment centres appear on That is the main reason. On the cation pathways. Programme allows Capital considers building rehabilitation students to earn tuition centre for children with disabilities (administration) is discussing here. We can feel the responsive The centre is visited by 480 el- Staff Report the possibility of opening a new attitude of the doctors. They even derly people and 560 children with centre. take children to the racetrack. disabilities. According to the local funds for volunteering NUR-SULTAN – Capital Akim The existing facility is staffed However, there is one major is- Department of Labour, Social Pro- cially beneficial activities. In (Mayor) Altai Kulginov recently with qualified doctors, and it has sue. Not many people know about tection and Migration, as of March By Yekaterina Yeliseyeva addition, the student receives raised the question of opening a classrooms and exercise areas. such centres where they can take the capital has 25,719 residents academic credit,” said President new centre for individuals with “We are happy to visit this their children to classes and re- with disabilities, including 5,316 NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh of the Ministry of Education and disabilities after visiting the city’s centre. Specialists, such as de- ceive professional services. We children with special needs. Set- Ministry of Information and So- Science joint-stock company Fi- social services centre. Its special- fectologists, speech therapists, need to solve this problem so that tings and equipment for those in cial Development will launch in nancial Centre Askar Ibramov. ists provide services for children occupational therapists, massage everyone is aware of such places need are limited. September a programme allow- For example, if a student teach- with psychoneurological patholo- nurses and healing fitness therapy and has the opportunity to visit “We are waiting for our turn. We ing Kazakh students to receive es the Kazakh language for 20 gies and musculoskeletal system instructors, work with children them,” said a parent. would like our children to exer- course credit and funds to pay hours, they would be allowed dysfunctions and individuals with cise using the special equipment, tuition in exchange for volunteer- to skip certain Kazakh language disabilities as well as those who which is unfortunately lacking,” ing. lessons. The list of subjects from are physically or mentally unable said a visitor. which a student can be exempted to care for themselves. Kulginov noted the current cen- is still developing. His visit coincided with Presi- tre does not have enough spots and For example, if a Ibramov said the programme dent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s a new one is needed. contains two types of vouchers. call for a more attentive ap- “We are discussing with the student teaches the With the first type, a student re- proach to families of children Ministry of Labour and Social Pro- Kazakh language ceives 20,000 tenge (US$51.7) with disabilities by decreasing tection opening one more rehabili- and two academic credits. With their financial burden and sup- tation centre. We will provide land for 20 hours, they the second, a student receives porting activities to assist them. with a 150-place capacity. We are 50,000 tenge (US$129.2) and five He signed a decree June 26 to looking at submittals and are plan- would be allowed to academic credits. Students can exempt the families from paying ning to commence the construc- skip certain Kazakh use the money to cover part of loan debts and listened to the de- tion next year. We will find out their tuition. mand for special organisations. which equipment is required and language lessons. The The platform is meant to en- As a result, the capital akimat find ways to obtain it,” he said. courage student volunteering in list of subjects from inclusive education promotion, which a student can elder care, tutoring (Kazakh lan- guage, English, and computer be exempted is still science), organisation of com- developing. munity and sports clubs for chil- Enbek state programme adds new dren and working with children with deviant behaviour. Students The Social Student Loan Pro- will be able to volunteer at or- ject will be administered by the phanages, retirement homes, ed- mechanisms for gaining employment information and social develop- ucation centres and other social ment ministry and Kazakh Minis- institutions. the first half of this year, 12,000 come to the centres, and promoting could drop to 4.5 percent, noted try of Education and Science. All students can register for the Staff Report jobs were created precisely thanks their services. The latter is neces- Minister of Labour and Social Pro- “The student picks an activity platform, said Vice Minister of to the Enbek programme. Now sary, as many citizens are unaware tection Berdibek Saparbayev ear- and the location of the organisa- Information and Social Develop- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s we have created the Job Crea- of the benefits available through lier this year. tion, where he wants to volunteer. ment Daniyar Yesin. Enbek state programme has add- tion Map database, where we will the programme, he noted. A series “In order to correct the balance, He registers and has an interview, So far, 1,400 people have reg- ed new mechanisms for gaining clearly keep track of what jobs are of “The portrait of a grant holder” we developed this programme that after which he begins the activity. istered with more than 60 volun- employment, reported First Vice created in the regions, and we will promo videos will be posted on so- covers the period up to 2025, par- Upon completion, the organisa- teer organisations involved. Ac- Minister of Labour and Social adjust our plans accordingly,” said cial media to address the issue. ticularly how many workers will tion evaluates the job done and cording to local executive bodies, Protection of Population Yerzhan Zhilkibayev. Enbek means labour The programme particularly leave and how many will enter the gives the student a grade. Then, there are more than 200 volunteer Zhilkibayev on July 29. New jobs in Kazakh. targets socially vulnerable groups job market. We need to open ap- an e-voucher for volunteering organisations with more than are available through 14 state pro- Additional Enbek programme such as parents of multiple chil- proximately 350,000 jobs. As a is issued, and the financial cen- 50,000 active volunteers. One grammes addressing the country’s priorities are creating proactive em- dren and youth. result, we will reduce unemploy- tre pays the student 1,000 tenge can visit qazvolunteer.kz to reg- labour market. ployment centres, rather than the Through the Enbek state pro- ment from 4.8 to 4.5 percent by the (US$2.6) per each hour of so- ister. “Today, about 8.7 million people need for individuals to physically gramme, Kazakh unemployment end of this programme,” he said. participate in the labour market. In order to maintain the unem- ployment rate at 4.9 percent, and furthermore every year to reduce it by 0.1 percent, we must create 370,000 new jobs each year. Re- garding job creation, 14 state pro- grammes are being implemented here in Kazakhstan. These are Nurly Zhol, Nurly Zher and oth- ers,” he said. In addition to the contributions of other programmes, the Enbek programme most directly targets the unemployment problem by of- fering training, retraining, grants and loans. The Job Creation Map database is expected to help track its progress. “The Enbek programme is mainly aimed at active measures to promote employment: training,

retraining, grants and loans. For bnews.kz. Photo credit: B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019 Air Astana launches baggage allowance FlyArystan transports by number of pieces on international flights 200,000 passengers national carriers including Aeroflot, market is a liberal market. There are By Zhanna Shayakhmetova Asiana Airlines, Lufthansa, S7 and five airlines operating on domestic Southern China Airways. routes and there is a very liberal NUR-SULTAN – Air Astana Air Astana has always operated traffic rights regime for foreign air- in three months changed its free checked baggage by meeting international safety lines to come here. We continue, as with roundtrip flights from Almaty allowance on international routes standards. The airline has been on we are doing today, to introduce as By Diana Vassilenko to Nur-Sultan, which operate twice Aug. 7 from weight to number of the auto operational safety register many pricing options as we can for a day, currently offers roundtrips pieces. Beginning Aug. 21, passen- since 2007. customers,” he said. NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s from Almaty to Karaganda, Pav- gers can check a certain number of “We just successfully completed Foster also spoke about Air first and only low-cost airline lodar, Shymkent, Taraz and Ural- bags with a free per-bag weight of the audit a couple of months ago. Astana’s low-cost airline FlyArys- FlyArystan, which launched its sk. The FlyArystan fleet consists up to 23 kilogrammes in economy Our engineering and maintenance tan, which has carried more than first flight May 1 from Almaty to of two Airbus 320-232 aircraft in a Nur-Sultan, recently carried its configuration of 180 seats, with an class and up to 32 kilogrammes in Air Astana CEO Peter Foster are certified by the European Safety 200,000 passengers in slightly more business class. Passengers may pur- Agency (EASA). Our cadet pilots than three months of operation. 200,000th passenger. average age of six years. The air- chase an additional baggage allow- are all trained in Europe; they return “FlyArystan has been a great The airline also reported the pas- line plans to carry at least a million ance with a 30-percent discount no Choice. My Choice is a pricing from their training with licences and success so far. Half of those pas- senger load factor has been 94 per- passengers by the end of 2019. By later than 24 hours before the flight. option whereby a passenger may internally, the company has a very sengers have travelled for tariffs of cent, and 93 percent of the airline’s 2022, the airline plans to increase Cabin baggage should weigh no select his or her type of fare on in- robust process of safety review. We 10,000 tenge or less, which is $26 flights have been on time. More the fleet to at least 15 aircraft, more than eight kilogrammes for ternational routes depending on his do everything possible to ensure the at today’s exchange rate. It is a gen- than half of the tickets sold were which will be based in multiple economy class, and business class or her personal travel needs,” said safety of our aircraft,” he said. uine low-cost option. You know the sold for less than 10,000 tenge Kazakh cities. passengers may carry two pieces Air Astana CEO Peter Foster in an Recently, the company received fares; the average fares are half of (US$26.03). Tickets can be purchased in ad- of luggage on board. interview for this story. Skytrax World Airline Awards Best those that Air Astana charges and “One of the main features of vance for the winter until March Cheap fares without baggage My Choice offers basic, classic Airline in Central Asia and India for lower, of course, than the other do- low-cost operations is higher air- 28, 2020, with more than 130,000 are available only on interna- and plus fares with a certain num- the eighth consecutive year. mestic competitors. The launch has craft utilisation with multiple seats available for a price less than tional routes. ber of benefits in economy class and “Central Asia and India, of course, been extremely successful and the take-offs and landings each day, 10,000 tenge (US$26.03) through “It is important that we offer as business saver and business flex in is a huge area on the planet with a response from the travelling public which means less time on land in flyarystan.com. much consumer choice as possible. business class. Regarding domestic large number of excellent airlines. has been very good,” he said. airports. Owing to this, we manage The prices depend on the seat, This principle has now become a routes, Air Astana has made “a firm This is a testament to the fact that FlyArystan will introduce two to operate up to 14 flights per day the type and weight of luggage, standard practice in larger markets and unbreakable commitment to al- we continue to be very highly com- aircraft in September and Oc- on two Airbus A320 aircraft. After the ability to change or cancel such as Europe and the U.S. The ways sell domestic fares including mitted to high levels of customer tober to double the number of increasing the FlyArystan fleet to booking for free and whether one piece concept of full baggage is checked baggage,” he added. service. At the same time, our prices flights and three aircraft in the four aircraft in the fourth quarter selects priority seating. The pric- in fact just one component of My The piece concept is used by inter- are very reasonable. Kazakhstan’s first half of next year. of 2019, we plan to significantly es also depend on the proximity expand the company’s route net- of the destination, with tickets to work. That will mean even more and from Taraz starting at 3,999 low fares to more cities on more tenge (US$10.41), and tickets to routes across the country,” said and from Uralsk starting at 12,999 FlyArystan Sales and Marketing tenge (US$33.83) one-way, in- Improved infrastructure has increased Director Janar Jailauova in a com- cluding fees. Meals and drinks can pany press release. be purchased on-board and will be tourism at Kolsai Lakes, say officials The airline, which has started discounted if pre-ordered online. visiting Kolsai Lakes National Park Mambekov attribute the increase by planning to conclude an agree- By Nazira Kozhanova was 41,000 in 2018, as opposed to to recent infrastructure develop- ment with the national company 10,000 in 2009. The numbers are ment, particularly the construction Kazakh Tourism and to revise the NUR-SULTAN – The number of expected to further increase by one of a highway leading to the region. park’s master plan. Nur-Sultan to host 2019 tourists visiting Kolsai Lakes Na- and a half times this year. The highway from Almaty to the If the planned revision is ap- tional Park in the Almaty Region Head of the Department of the park was built this year as part of proved, the number of tourist des- has increased 400 percent since Regional Centre for Tourism and the Nurly Zhol programme. The tinations available at the park will 2009 following infrastructure im- Information Meirambek Kuany- region administration is also tak- be increased. The park currently UNWTO Urban Tourism provements, reports 24.kz. shuly and Director of the Kolsai ing further measures on Kolsai has four tourist destinations. The annual number of tourists Lakes National Park Amirzhan Lakes’ infrastructure advancement The regional administration is also providing press tours to the lakes. Global Summit “Every year we host five press Continued from Page B1 tion about Nur-Sultan’s infrastruc- tours. This spring, the journalists ture. were taken to the Charyn Canyon The summit’s last day will be The UNWTO is responsible and to the Relic grove. Now, here dedicated to innovative and tech- for the promotion of responsible, are the Kolsai Lakes. In the near fu- nological solutions in tourism, the sustainable and universally acces- ture, we plan to organise press tours role of public and private partner- sible tourism around the world. to five national natural parks, among ships in technologies to develop It promotes tourism as a driver of them Zhongar-Alatau and Ile-Ala- the sphere and urban destinations’ economic growth, inclusive devel- tau, where the ancestor of all modern accessibility through “increased opment and environmental sustain- apples of the world, the apple tree awareness of the opportunities it ability and offers leadership and Sivers, grows,” Kuanyshuly said. brings and the emergence of new support to advance knowledge and Kolsai Lakes National Park was innovative solutions.” tourism policies worldwide. The created 12 years ago. It is more The decision to have the event organisation has 158 member coun- than 160,000 hectares wide and in Nur-Sultan was made at the tries, six associate members and employs 130 people. seventh UNWTO Global Sum- more than 500 affiliate members. “I really liked the nature of Kol- mit in Seoul last year. UNWTO The UNWTO Global Summit sai Lakes. I never thought that Secretary-General Zurab Polo- is designed to encourage new ap- there could be such reservoirs on likashvili and the then Nur-Sultan proaches to tourism and its impact the tops of mountains. I consider Akim (Mayor) Bakhyt Sultanov on urban destinations. Previously, this region one of the most beau- signed April 5 an agreement at the the event took place in Seoul (2018), tiful places in the world,” said UNWTO Mayors Forum for Sus- Kuala Lumpur (2017), Luxor (2016), Philipp Miranda, a traveller from tainable Urban Tourism in Lisbon, Marrakesh (2015), Barcelona (2014), Portugal. where the akim presented informa- Moscow (2013) and Istanbul (2012). Businesspeople, officials advance plans to continue Alakol Resort’s development bars, two restaurants, eight can- proximately two kilometres of the fields. A 110-kW electricity trans- tres and widened up to 45 metres, Authorities will also be building By Yerbolat Uatkhanov teens, two pharmacies and a water coast. mission line will be added to en- providing aircraft the ability to en- a new terminal with a capacity of park. Authorities plan to build water sure stable electrical transmission ter the lane from two directions. 70 passengers per hour and refur- NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh A recent audit found 38 en- supply networks and intake fa- from Makanchi village to Koktal. Up-to-date light-signalling equip- bishing the administrative prem- government is investing in the trepreneurs who have not paid cilities, as well as sewer networks, The Urdzhar Airport runway ment with high-intensity bulbs ises of the existing building. The Alakol Lake coastal zone and its taxes, said East Kazakhstan State treatment facilities and filtration will be lengthened up to 2,100 me- will be installed. airport will subsequently be able to infrastructure. Entrepreneurs and Revenue Department Deputy accept narrow-body aircraft with state body representatives recently Head Yerzhan Ktanov. In 2018, up to 70-80 seats. discussed the prospects and chal- businesspeople paid 67.5 million “For two years, we have invest- lenges of developing the resort. tenge (US$174,400) in taxes to ed a lot of money in the develop- East Kazakhstan Region Akim the district budget and this year, ment of the coast. In the next four (Governor) Danial Akhmetov par- the figure is expected to increase years, we will invest even more ticipated in the talks during his 48 percent to 100 million tenge so that not only domestic but also working trip to the Urdzhar dis- (US$258,400). Instances still re- foreign tourists can come here and trict. He noted the regional aki- main, however, where recreation relax in comfort,” said Akhmetov. mat (administration) will begin facility owners provide inaccurate He noted the resort has a road- implementing several large infra- information about their income way problem which will also be structure projects in the next year. and accordingly, evade taxes. corrected. Akhmetov emphasised representa- Plans are underway to execute “Today, there is one problem – tives of small and medium-sized projects worth 30 billion tenge the road from Ust-Kamenogorsk businesses must fulfil their obliga- (US$77.5 million), said Urdzhar through Kalbatau through Semey tions and pay taxes. District Akim Serik Zainuldin. to Ayagoz – but within two years, Improving the Alakol Lake coast Authorities will begin with shore the repair will be completed. A has been ongoing since 2016, sig- protection by placing wave break- 2.6-kilometre cycle track will be nificantly expanding the recreation ers parallel to the shore 100-150 built from the village of Kabanbai area. At present, 333 tourist fa- metres from the coastline. The to the Alakol Lake. All necessary cilities provide services to guests, project, based on the experience state support is provided to entre- including 175 holiday homes and Kazakh contractors gained while preneurs; therefore, businesspeo- two hotels. The area also has 29 building the Aktau seaport, will ple must pay taxes with full re- shops, 56 booths, ten cafés, four also involve strengthening ap- bnews.kz. Photo credit: sponsibility,” he added. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019 Rakhmonov becomes first Kazakh First Central Asian Triathlon MMA fighter to sign UFC contract Association race to be Oct. 5 “Shavkat became the first, but strong. It is clear that he is a ma- I’m sure he will not be the last rep- jor fighter,” said Rakhmonov in his resentative of our country in the June 28 interview with Vesti.kz. UFC,” wrote Abdrakhmanov in an in Shymkent and Tashkent Instagram post. Rakhmonov’s Minister Naser Ahmadi also at- Rakhmonov’s first UFC fight By Saltanat Boteu tended the congress. is scheduled for November. His first UFC fight The association plans to make record is 12 early wins in 12 NUR-SULTAN – The Cen- the Central Asian region one of MMA fights overall, of which is scheduled for tral Asian Triathlon Association the leaders in the development and seven were knockouts. Earlier November. His record (CATA) will host its first race un- popularisation of the triathlon on this year, he won the M-1 Global der CATA auspices Oct. 5 in Shy- the Asian continent. To do this, it Welterweight Champion Belt and is 12 early wins in 12 mkent, Kazakhstan and Tashkent, plans to cover all CATA activities completed his first title defence MMA fights overall, Uzbekistan, according to an an- in the media, create a regulatory in June. Rakhmonov’s first pro- nouncement following the Aug. 2 framework, increase involvement fessional MMA fight took place second CATA Congress in Almaty. in triathlon up to one percent of the

Photo credit: CA-News. Photo credit: of which seven were November 2014. The event is considered part of population of each CATA member Shavkat Rakhmonov Rakhmonov’s latest fight, which knockouts. the celebration of the Year of Ka- country and prepare professional became the main battle of the M-1 zakhstan in Uzbekistan. triathletes and paratriathletes to be battles with dignity. The Kazakh Challenge 102 tournament, took Rakhmonov also said he would The race will begin with a included in the world’s top 30 and By Nazira Kozhanova people would like to see their fight- place in Nur-Sultan. His oppo- proudly represent Kazakhstan in 1.1-kilometre swim stage in Shy- Asian top five rankings. ers there. And I, myself, would like nent was Brazilian fighter Thiago the UFC fights. mkent. Participants will then bike The association members unani- NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh MMA to get there. If we get to the UFC, Varejao Lacerda. Rakhmonov fin- First Kazakh female MMA 121 kilometres from Shymkent to mously voted for the entry of the fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov be- then we will show good fights, the ished the fight early, knocking out champion Maria Agapova also the Uzbek capital where the race National Triathlon Federation came July 31 the first Kazakh main thing is that the UFC allows his opponent in the first round. had a chance to win a UFC con- will end with an 11-kilometre run of Afghanistan and Iran into the MMA fighter to sign a contract with its fighters to maintain good health Before the fight, Rakhmonov tract July 31, but she lost the fight along Tashkent streets, reported CATA. Nasyrov and Alkanov were the Ultimate Fighting Champion- and provides opportunities. We will spoke highly of his opponent. to U.S. fighter Tracy Cortez, after olympic.kz. also elected as a vice president and ship (UFC), Khabar 24 reports. try,” said Rakhmonov about his “He is one of the strongest in the three rounds with 26-30, 26-30, The participants also set Sept. 22 a senior vice president of CATA “The UFC is currently the number plans for the UFC fights. M1. He is also one of the most dan- 27-29 points gained by Agapova as the start date of the CATA para- accordingly. The participants also one (championship) in the world. Rakhmonov’s manager Sayat gerous fighters, at least in my ca- and Cortez, respectively, each triathlon as a part of the first Asian decided to establish the Legal Everyone who watches MMA Abdrakhmanov also noted other reer. I watched his fights, and they round. For Agapova, it was the Cup in Aktau. Committee, the Media Committee, wants someone from Kazakhstan Kazakh fighters are likely to fol- look good enough. He has a decent first fight she lost, as previously During the Aug. 2 congress, the Competition Committee and to go there, to raise our flag, to win low. shock technique, he is physically she won six fights out of six. CATA members, Uzbek Nation- the Paratriathlon Committee. The al Triathlon Federation’s First association approved a domain Vice President Farrukh Nasyrov, name of the official CATA website Kyrgyz Triathlon Federation’s www.catatriathlon.org. President Chyngyz Alkanov also The CATA was founded in 2018 discussed the organisation’s short- at the initiative of Kazakh Triath- Kaipanov wins silver medal at term goals. lon Federation President Karim Honorary guests, Iranian Triath- Massimov. Until the second con- lon Federation’s President Mahdi gress, the association members Goudzari and Afghan National Tri- included Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan international tournament in Poland athlon Federation Deputy Sports and Kazakhstan. This year, he won the champion- Cup and, in the future, become 97 kg weight category, Alisher By Nazira Kozhanova ship of Kazakhstan and became the leader determining the design Ergali won the gold medal of the youngest winner of the Asian of the Kazakh wrestling school,” the competition. Nurislam San- NUR-SULTAN – Nurkhozha championship in the history of said Bazrov. aev (57 kg), Nurgali Nurgaipuly Kaipanov won Aug. 4 the silver the country. He already had his Two more Kazakh athletes, (92 kg) and Galymzhan Userbaev medal in freestyle wrestling at the own style, such a Kazakh school Sayatbek Okasov and Daulet (79 kg) won silver medals. Eraly Golovkin to fight Derevyanchenko Vaclav Tsiolkovsky International of freestyle wrestling … And it Niyazbekov, competing in the Abdrashev (92 kg) and Rasul Ka- Tournament in Warsaw, Poland, seems to me that Kaipanov can weight category up to 65 kg, won liev (61 kg) won bronze medals. reports Olympic.kz. It was the surprise and shine at the World bronze medals. Earlier, in the Thus, the Kazakh freestyle ninth medal Kazakh wrestlers wrestling team won nine medals for his old world title won at the tournament. at the international tournament in Continued from Page B1 ance. Derevyanchenko (13-1, The Kazakh wrestler lost to Poland. 10 KOs), 33, is ranked as the Turkish wrestler Haydar Yavuz Freestyle wrestling at the Pol- Golovkin (39-1-1, 35 KOs), number one and number five in the weight category up to 70 ish tournament traditionally tests 37, is a former unified middle- contender by the IBF and WBC, kg in the final bout. Kaipanov applicants for the World Cup. weight world champion with respectively. was called the dark horse of the Teams from Russia, Ukraine, Po- IBF, World Boxing Association Formed in 1983, the IBF sanc- tournament by Eduard Bazrov, land and Kazakhstan, among oth- (WBA), World Boxing Council tions world championship boxing former champion of Russia in ers, will participate in the tour- (WBC) and International Box- bouts, alongside the WBA, WBC freestyle wrestling who trains the nament. Aryan Tyutrin, Ramiz ing Organisation titles. He de- and World Boxing Organisation. Kazakh junior freestyle wrestling Gamzatov, Taras Markovich, feated Canadian professional Golovkin previously won the team. Andrey Yatsenko, Magomedrasul boxer Steve Rolls (19-1-0, 10 IBF title by beating Canadian “We have already noted expe- Idrisov, Gadzhi Nabiev, Valery KOs) in his June 9 DAZN de- professional boxer David Le- rienced fighters and team lead- Andreitsey, Pavel Oleinik, Mura- but and had hoped for a third mieux in 2015 and lost the title ers. But, as for the surprises, zi Mchedlidze and other freestyle rematch with Álvarez (52-1-2, Aug. 3, 2018 for not reaching a Nurkozha Kaipanov who is bare- wrestlers fought for medals at the 35 KOs), who declined to fight, deal with mandatory challenger ly 20 years old is one of them. olympic.kz. Photo credit: Polish tournament. for his second DAZN appear- Derevyanchenko. Seventh Tour of Almaty professional bike race will take place Aug. 30-31 and Al-Farabi Avenue, after which al road cycling race. Four Kazakh team. In total, 21 international cy- vision Corporation, and the second tion of the tour until Aug. 10 on By Diana Vassilenko they will head towards the Medeo teams will participate in the Tour cling teams of various categories stage will be broadcast live on the the official website of the Tour of high-mountain rink where the race of Almaty, including Astana Pro will participate in the 2019 race. Eurosport channel. Almaty, tourofalmaty.kz. Informa- NUR-SULTAN – Central Asia’s will end. The second stage totals Team, Apple Team, Vino-Astana This year, the tour will be broad- Anyone can apply to be a volun- tion on how to view the race is also largest professional cycling race, 160 kilometres. Motors and the Kazakh national cast by Qazaqstan Radio and Tele- teer and take part in the organisa- available on the website. Tour of Almaty, will take place “When the Tour was in its devel- Aug. 30 and 31. The race will be opment stage, The Union Cycliste the seventh time Kazakhstan’s Internationale (UCI) schedule was largest city has hosted the event. very tight, and we could only fit “Though we kept the two tradi- our tour in the middle of autumn. tional stages, we slightly modified This led to many difficulties, such the route this year. As before, we as the unstable Almaty weather attempted to cover different terrains and the ‘time clash’ with the World – part of the race will take place on Cup, the time period when all the paved roads, and the final part will major cyclists are either busy with be in a mountainous area, with the preparations for the race or are par- finish line being at the Medeo (the ticipating in it,” Kulchikov said. highest mountain sports complex at “Tour of Almaty’s reputation an altitude of 1,691 metres above has grown considerably due to the sea level),” said Vice President of rising interest of Almaty residents the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation and the eager participation of the Amanbek Kulchikov. city akimat (administration) in the The first stage of the tour will be organisation of the tour, and now 118.6 kilometres and go through the the UCI is willing to meet our time Industrial Park with the start and demands, and we are able to invite finish being near the Almaty Arena. even more prominent cyclists from The relative shortness of the stage all over the world,” he said. will be counterbalanced with the The dates of the tour were changed uneven and unpredictable terrain. from the end of September, when At the request of Almaty residents, most prominent cyclists are occu- the central streets of the city, which pied with the World Cup, to the end are often busy, will not be part of the of August, and this enabled more cycling route on the first day. participants to take part in the race. On the second day, the race will According to UCI regulations, follow the traditional route, which only professional teams, pro-con- covers the most scenic parts of the tinental teams, continental teams, area. The cyclists will make 4.5 as well as national teams can take laps on the Eastern Bypass Road part in an international profession- tourofalmaty.kz. Photo credit: B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019 Nur-Sultan cuts budget on LRT construction by $350 million ue the construction project,” said first tranche funds loaned for the By Assel Satubaldina Kulginov. construction have remained in the The news comes a few months liquidated Bank Astana. The city NUR-SULTAN – The Nur- after the city akimat announced a akimat, National Bank and the Sultan Akimat (city administra- temporary suspension to the pro- Ministry of Finance are working to tion) recently cut $350 million ject. get those funds back,” said Kazakh from the budget to build a new Kazakhstan and the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Zhenis light rail train system, Nur-Sultan State Development Bank agreed in Kassymbek in his July statement. Mayor Altai Kulginov announced 2015 the bank would provide a $1.5 Kulginov said the international recently. billion loan to build the system. The obligations, the capital demand The city reduced the allocation signing of the agreement was then in an alternative transport and the for the project from $1.8 billion to witnessed by Chinese President Xi volume of the work done to pre- $1.45 billion. Jinping and the First Kazakh Presi- pare the infrastructure were among Kulginov also said the reduction dent Nursultan Nazarbayev. the key factors behind the decision cut the number of stations from All contractors were from China to resume the project involving the 18 to 11 and increased the train as well. The funds were taken by investments from inside the coun- interval from three minutes to ten Kazakhstan for 20 years at 2.5 per- try. minutes. cent per annum. Nearly $344 mil- The city officials expect the LRT Officials will also consider re- lion of those were used and $257.6 will address the city’s growing ducing the rolling stock from 19 to million were frozen at the Bank traffic problems, environment and 12 units, which can save approxi- Astana that was liquidated in 2018. passenger safety issues. mately $40 million. Officials then said the postpone- The network will connect the “As a result, the measures can ment is due to the delay in a supply city’s international airport, the save $1.2 billion, over $800 mil- of the loan from the Chinese De- EXPO 2017 area, Nazarbayev lion was saved for servicing the velopment Bank. University, Abu Dhabi Plaza and project loan and $350 million “The LRT construction in Nur- the House of Ministries. It will ter- in construction and installation Sultan city has really dragged on minate at the new railway station. works. Given these changes, we and it is being built not for the Nearly 500,000 people are expect- consider it appropriate to contin- first year. The problem is that the ed to live in this area by 2030. 1,634 apartments to be Capital to name roadway Writers Alley provided for families in honour of First Asian Writers Forum other creatives,” said Language of Nur-Sultan’s busiest and most be viewed at the Kazakh State By Diana Vassilenko Development and Archival Af- populous sections, Kishkashbayev Theatre, among others. The fairs Department Head Tleugali said. The Abai Monument, Saken Writers Alley will start from with many children NUR-SULTAN – City officials Kishkashbayev at a public hear- Seifullin Museum, Zhastar Palace Beibіtshіlіk street and end at have been submitted since a new di- are considering renaming an alley ing in the capital’s maslikhat (local and the Kalibek Kuanyshbayev Republic Avenue. By Zhanat Tukpiev rection was implemented July 17 as near Zhastar Palace “Qalamger- representative body). “If we have Kazakh State Academic Music and The proposed name change has part of the Nurly Zher programme. ler Alleyasy,” which translates as Nobel laureates, their names will Drama Theatre are all within walk- the support of the Union of Writ- NUR-SULTAN – The capital “The programme has certain “Writers Alley.” The renaming is remain forever on this alley. This ing distance. ers and prominent Kazakh creative will provide 1,634 apartments for requirements such as Kazakh citi- in honour of the First Asian Writ- is a kind of heritage for future gen- Abai Kunanbayev was a Ka- intellectuals as well as the Nur- families with three or more chil- zenship, the divorce must have ers Forum to take place Sept. 4-6 erations, for all the children. The zakh poet, composer and phi- Sultan’s Onomastic Board, said dren by the end of the year using been registered at least three years in Nur-Sultan. names of writers should be immor- losopher. Saken Seifullin was Kishkashbayev. Maslikhat depu- the capital communal housing ago in the case of an incomplete “Two hundred and two creative talised.” a pioneer of modern Kazakh ties have also expressed support fund. It includes 731 rental prop- family, the absence of housing at people from all over the world will The alley, which did not al- literature, poet and writer, and for the proposal but it will need erties for 233 families with many the time of application, registra- come to the event, among them ready have a name, is off Zhakyp politician. Zhastar Palace hosts to be officially adopted at the next children, 105 orphans as well as tion in Nur-Sultan for two years Nobel laureates, writers, who have Omarov street, which is in the numerous cultural events. Plays maslikhat session before being en- housing for World War II veterans, and the family income should not contributed to world literature and city’s cultural centre and in one written by Kazakh writers can acted. individuals from socially vulnera- exceed 42,500 tenge (US$110) per ble groups, civil servants and those family member,” she said. on the waiting list for housing. To date, 399 applications have Highways. It is working to establish “There are plans to provide 1,640 been submitted in the capital and a new transport system in the capi- apartments including 718 rental 80 approved. Nationwide, 1,129 ap- tal involving Light Rail Transport houses in 2020. The Housing Con- plications have been submitted and Astana LRT opens school (LRT) and Intellectual Transport struction Savings Bank launched a approximately 190 approved. System (ITS). The organisation’s loan programme for single-parent Izimbetova also spoke about the main goals include modernising families, large families and families programme for relocating large fam- transport and implementing innova- with children with disabilities. We ilies from the capital to neighbour- for bus drivers tive projects in the industry using have issued more than 2,000 orders ing regions with guaranteed apart- senger buses and is issued to people Before being hired, each potential new technologies, transport and in- for participation in this programme,” ments and employment. By Yerbolat Uatkhanov who do not have medical contrain- candidate must undergo training at frastructure management. said Anuar Saipov, deputy head of “Those who wish can move to dications who have reached the age the centre. Drivers are checked for Astana LRT consists of three the city’s department for employ- the Pavlodar and the North Kazakh- NUR-SULTAN – Astana LRT has of 25. Teachers and instructors of traffic rule knowledge and safe driv- branches – Centre for Astana Trans- ment and social protection. stan regions. We helped to relocate opened a driving school at the capi- the centre have many years of expe- ing techniques, and psychological port Operators, Competency Centre More than 47,099 capital resi- 102 families, or 610 people to the tal’s Transport Specialist Qualifica- rience and will teach candidates all testing is completed, including de- for Transport Experts and Service dents, including 22,538 from so- Pavlodar region. They have a three- tion Centre to reduce the shortage the intricacies of driving D category termining the individual’s attention, for Transport Control. It also con- cially vulnerable groups, civil serv- room apartment according to their of bus drivers, improve the profes- vehicles,” reported the Astana LRT reaction speed and stress resistance. ducts transport research, analysing ants, and orphans, are on the housing family composition. We helped to sional level and decrease the average press service. Based on the recommendations of the city’s road network and passen- waiting list. Zhilstroysberbank cen- relocate mainly large families. They age of the current drivers, and popu- In addition to reducing driver the centre’s experts, a decision is ger flow. The organisation interacts tral office Deputy Director Zhanar have a rental property with the right larise the specialty. Students will be shortage, the organisation noted the made to allow a driver to transport with international consultants from Izimbetova noted 1,129 applications of subsequent buy-out,” she said. able to earn driving licenses in all school seeks to improve access to the passengers. leading companies such as Bureau categories. speciality and increase its prestige. It Astana LRT was established in Veritas, European Bank for Recon-  “A driver’s license of this (D) will educate at the highest level to April 2011 under the Astana Depart- struction and Development (EBRD), Archaeological park to category allows one to drive pas- ensure service and road safety. ment of Passenger Transport and PwC, Swarco, Systra and Typsa. 100 new electric buses to hit the roads be created in the city job,” Kulginov said addressing increase of 60 percent). We need Kulginov also congratulated Kemal Akishev, who previously re- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov the transport workers of the capi- to correct this number. We are the workers of the capital bus By Yerbolat Uatkhanov vealed the Golden Man to the world, tal. “Pensioners, students, chil- working to create comfortable fleet on their professional holi- set about studying the history of the NUR-SULTAN – One hun- dren, habitants and guests of the conditions for all users of public day – Transport Workers Day. He NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh author- central regions of Kazakhstan. The dred additional electronic public capital use public transport every transport, and the most important also handed out letters of thanks ities recently announced plans to ancient settlement of Bozok was an- buses will begin operating in the day. You need to think about the thing is to ensure the safety of and best wishes to transport reconstruct the ancient settlement of other of Akishev’s discoveries. capital by the end of the year. safety and comfort of passengers. passengers,” said Kulginov. workers. Bozok and create an archaeological “In 1998, in the autumn, we started “The working group formed Stable operation of passenger park in the capital. searching for this archaeological site. under the city accelerator is en- transport is an indicator of the “I was glad to meet with Minister But we discovered it only in 1999. gaged in improving public trans- quality of life of the population. of Culture and Sports Aktota Raim- And starting from that year, we be- port. We are moving to a green In order to make passengers and kulova. We signed a joint develop- gan excavations at this site. Each economy. The number of people drivers feel comfortable, the fleet ment plan for the Bozok state his- year, our archaeological team was in the city is growing annually is updated annually. For example, torical and cultural museum-reserve. engaged in the study of this monu- and so is the number of cars. It the rolling stock of the city is up- We plan to develop design estimates ment,” said Director of the Institute is necessary to reduce emissions dated by 70 percent. Specialists for the objects of the museum-re- of Archeology Maral Khabdulina. into the environment. By the end repair buses in a timely manner.” serve (visit centre, archaeological The ruins are typical of other set- of the year we will acquire 100 The akim of the capital high- park) in 2020, after proceeding to tlements found in the steppe. They electric buses. And this is only lighted the importance of in- the development of road infrastruc- include up to one metre earthen ram- the beginning,” Nur-Sultan Akim creasing the priority of public ture,” Nur-Sultan Akim (Mayor) parts which surround the flat surfac- (Mayor) Altai Kulginov said. transport and said the introduc- Altai Kulginov said, Tengrinews es of square-shaped platforms and More than 3,000 people work tion of separate bus lanes has de- reports. are located on an area of 30​​ hectares. in passenger transportation in creased transportation times. The medieval settlement of Bo- The etymology of the Turkic word Nur-Sultan. Every day, 900 buses “If people are willing to use zok, located five kilometres from the “boz” has several figurative mean- operate and 1,700 people work as public transport, this will be an city, is the thousand-year-old prede- ings, including untouched land, vir- drivers. Over the past five years, indicator of the development of cessor of the Kazakh capital. gin lands or feather grass. more than 700 buses have been the city. Thanks to bus lanes, you The settlement of Bozok has a Currently, Bozok is in the city. purchased. The new buses have can now reach your destination unique historical significance. His- The territory of the ancient city is on ramps for transporting people faster than by car. In addition, the torians have proved that originally the main axis of Astana and fits into with special needs, equipped introduction of an electronic tick- it was a fortified city and a military the architectural interpretation of the with up-to-date video surveil- et system has increased the prof- headquarters along the route of the capital: the past with Bozok and the lance systems. For comfortable itability of fleets by 40 percent. Steppe Silk Road. present city’s central square with the movement, the akimat (city ad- But along with this, if last year In 1997, when it was decided to Ak Orda and buildings, which will ministration) is also carrying out 13,000 complaints were received transfer the capital from Almaty to be constructed in the future accord- street repair work. about the quality of service, this then Akmola, Kazakh archaeologist ing to the city plan. “You have a very responsible year it is already over 21,000 (an inform.kz. Photo credit: