+24° / +6°C WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 No 19 (181) www.astanatimes.com Tokayev outlines Asia strategy, promotes Situation of children: a lot of multilateral approach to global issues progress but more to be done, “In this difficult situation, Ka- By Elya Altynsarina zakhstan relies on consistent joint work with the regional states, with NUR-SULTAN – Positioned as international organisations in or- says UNICEF representative a transit and trade bridge between der to prevent conflicts. In doing century problems.” She shared her Europe and Asia, located at the so, we proceed from a clear assess- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova thoughts on the new set of chal- crossroads of Islamic, Confucian ment of our capabilities and inter- lenges that children face globally and East Christian civilizations, national resources,” he noted. NUR-SULTAN – In her recent and reflected on what gives her Kazakhstan plans to optimise the Kazakhstan is to continue pro- open letter to the world’s chil- hope as she seeks to address them. opportunities coming up with the moting a pragmatic agenda in dren, United Nations Children’s This year marks the 30th anni- age of Asia, said Kazakh President Central Asia, which is becoming Fund (UNICEF) Executive Di- versary of the United Nations Con- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, outlin- an important factor in pan-Asian rector Henrietta Fore stressed the vention on the Rights of the Child ing core economic and foreign cooperation and security. In this, need to work with today’s children and the 25th anniversary of its rati- policy trajectories of his country at due to historic and economic and young people “on twenty-first fication by Kazakhstan. the Valdai Talks, Sept. 3 in Sochi, closeness, Russia “should play a century solutions to twenty-first Continued on Page B5 Russia. leading role,” Tokayev said. He The Valdai Club is an annual said there are clear signs of ex- event where experts, international pansion of the network of EAEU officials and public figures discuss trade partnerships from Singapore global political and economic pro- to Serbia. cesses. The topic for this year’s Following the 13 rounds of gathering was “The Dawn of the Syrian talks in Kazakhstan that Jewellery designers make East and the World Political Or- brought certain positive results, der,” dedicating the agenda to the Kazakhstan will continue support- East in a broad sense. ing peace efforts, and will further “The Great Silk Road, the akorda.kz. Photo credit: advocate for assistance to Afghan- women feel unique with Golden Horde, Eurasianism are building more than 2,000 kilome- from a lack of trust and dialogue istan. important threads in the cultural tres of railways, reconstructing between powers that revive the As a follower of preventive di- code of the Kazakhs,” said To- 7,000 kilometres of highways and memories of the Cold War. He plomacy and disarmament meas- said Europe created the Organisa- “affordable luxury” products kayev, noting he has observed increasing port capacities at the ures in foreign policy, Tokayev the growth of the mega-continent nation’s Caspian shores to 27 mil- tion for Security and Cooperation suggested to transform CICA into lowed by years of science. I’ve during his 11 years of diplomatic lion tonnes annually. Today five in Europe (OSCE) to ensure the an organisation. By Diana Vassilenko received my PhD in Teaching service in Asia. railway and six international high- inviolability of borders while Asia “Without a comprehensive so- Architecture from Nazarbayev According to the Kazakh Presi- ways pass through Kazakhstan. has never had strong border agree- lution to the multifaceted security NUR-SULTAN – AZEL Ur- University and I finally went dent, the population growth rate, The country plans to invest an ments. There are multiple bilateral challenges, (…) without collective ban & Unique Jewelry is the on maternity leave last year and gross domestic product, trade, in- additional $20 billion in transport and regional alliances in Asia, but efforts, instead of the Asian age fashion project of two creative started AZEL,” she added. dustrial and high-tech production and logistics projects by 2025. without outlining the universal of prosperity, we risk to get Asian friends, stylist Asel Junus and The brand was created sponta- rates in Asia confirm the forecasts. “We stand for the openness of goals, it may lead to fragmenta- troubled times with gloomy conse- architect Zauresh Kazybayeva. neously. With 60 percent of the world’s our space for new viable transport tion of security on the continent. quences for the entire world,” said The duo created the line “for ac- “Asel did not have matching population, 21 out 30 of the and logistics solutions,” said To- He promised that as the chairman Tokayev. tive and bright women who want earrings to wear to a wedding world’s largest cities on the conti- kayev. of the Conference on Interaction In this, working with the West- to emphasise their individuality in October (2018), so I offered nent, 210 of the world’s 500 larg- Along with revenue from natural and Confidence-Building Meas- ern world is indispensible. and lifestyle,” according to the to make them for her, since I al- est companies by income and 36 resources, Kazakhstan sees trans- ures in Asia (CICA) beginning in The common actions could be brand’s motto. ready knew how to make jewel- percent of world production, Asia port and logistics services as a pri- 2020, Kazakhstan over the next organised around fight against “AZEL is not for income – it is lery and where to buy the fittings. is ahead in digital technologies ority area and is planning to gain two years will intensify contacts terrorism, extremism, organised for pleasure. We like doing give- It was sensational! Many people and in the number of patent appli- over $5 billion in next two years. with other multilateral institutions. crime and illegal migration and aways and charity; we like seeing at the wedding asked Asel where cations. More than 50 percent of Tokayev said he also recog- Trade interests and the strug- drug trafficking, while jointly fos- how we can make people happy,” she got the earrings. We created GDP growth is accounted for by nises the challenges and number gle for leverage over the future tering the development of human said Kazybayeva in an exclusive an Instagram account with Asel’s Asian countries, which stimulates of alarming trends presented by economic order represent another capital, the introduction of best interview for this story. name and instantly received 11 international trade and investment. intensifying competition in the challenge. That is a challenge practices in public administration, Junus and Kazybayeva started orders to make the same earrings Kazakhstan has formulated its global arena. where breakthrough technology, the building of innovative poten- the brand in October 2018 when she wore to the wedding,” said infrastructure strategy to embrace The first challenge is the globe’s such as 5G, artificial intelligence, tial and the efficient use of water both were on maternity leave. Kazybayeva. these opportunities. numerous conflicts, including big data and the internet are the resources. The main philosophy is “afford- From the start, the pair has val- Kazakhstan’s Nurly Zhol in- those on the Korean Peninsula, in main leverages and tools; sanc- During the gathering, presidents able luxury,” with prices for in- ued communication with their frastructure programme, closely the South China Sea, Afghanistan, tions, trade, currency wars, invest- of Russia, Azerbaijan, Philippines dividual pieces starting at 6,000 customers. They held a competi- linked to China’s Belt and Road Yemen, Syria, the Palestinian-Is- ment restrictions and technologi- and the King of Jordan have also tenge (US$15.49). The brand’s tion among their Instagram fol- Initiative and considered part of raeli conflict zone and the situation cal espionage are also used. presented their views of the na- key feature is baroque pearls lowers to come up with a name the Eurasian Economic Union around Iran. The fourth and major issue is cli- tional development in the context and high-quality fittings made for the brand, with the winner (EAEU) transit space, positions “The intensity of confrontational mate change, which may put enor- of the topic. in South Korea. In addition to a getting a set of their pearl ear- the country as a transit and trade rhetoric, the intensity of proxy hy- mous pressure of competition over At a bilateral meeting, the lead- wide variety of jewellery sets and rings. bridge between Europe and Asia. brid wars, the arms race, including fresh waters in Asia. The issue has ers of Kazakhstan and Russia dis- accessories, they make custom “We combined the two best Over the past decades, Kazakh- nuclear, have reached a critical long been among the potential fac- cussed preparations for the 75th items and recently began produc- ideas out of the more than 150 stan has invested more than $30 point,” he said. tors of destabilisation in the Cen- anniversary of Victory in World ing scarves using Italian silk. offers we received. The first is billion in transport infrastructure, The second problem arises tral Asian region. War II planned for May. “Asel is a professional per- AZEL, which is a combination of sonal and jewellery stylist; she our names, Asel and Zauresh, and studied styling in Istanbul, Tur- means ‘Eternity’ in Arab. Urban key. I have always loved art; I & Unique is a pun. It’s a double have always done bead weav- U; two ‘you’s, or in other words, ing, creating brooches and jew- ‘to you.’ So, you can think of the Golovkin defeats Derevyanchenko, ellery. I also liked drawing, oil name of our brand as actually paintings, crafting and floral meaning ‘Eternity to you,’” said design. Then, I started making Kazybayeva. blueprints when I started study- wins IBF and IBO championship titles ing architecture. This was fol- Continued on Page B3 for DAZN and the fans, then I’m are many great champions,” said “I congratulate Gennady By Nazira Kozhanova ready,” said Golovkin. Derevy- Golovkin. Golovkin on his brilliant victory anchenko expressed his willing- This win is Golovkin’s 40th in in the boxing match for the IBF NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh boxer ness for a rematch as well. his career. This is his second world and IBO world champion titles. Gennady Golovkin won Oct. 6 a Golovkin also said that he is champion title, as he won his first (Golovkin) once again demon- fight for the IBF and IBO middle- ready to fight the Mexican boxer one in 2010. strated his high sportsmanship and US-based Valley Irrigation weight champion titles against the Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. “Every- Golovkin received congratu- unbending will to win. Kazakhstan Ukrainian boxer Sergei Derevy- one is ready. If he says yes, then lations from Kazakh President is proud of you!” wrote Tokayev in anchenko. The fight took place let’s do it. I am open to all. There Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. his Twitter account. in the Madison Square Garden in expands to Kazakhstan New York City. of farms that will showcase ad- “Thanks to my opponent, re- By Assel Satubaldina vanced irrigation technologies spect for his team. Sergey is a very and train local farmers in rational strong opponent. After the first NUR-SULTAN – Valley Ir- water management. round, I realised that it would be a rigation, the U.S.-based world The agreement is also part of hard fight. Physically, I feel good. leader in irrigation technologies, the effort to help the country tap I feel that today was not the best is seeking to help Kazakhstan into its huge agricultural poten- day for me. But I got a lot of expe- ensure the efficient use of water tial. Agriculture is among the pri- rience from it. Now I know what resources, share advanced tech- ority sectors for Kazakhstan, the I need,” said Golovkin, reported nologies with local farmers and world’s ninth largest country by Vesti.kz. maximise yields for the country’s landmass, where 75 percent of its Golovkin won all twelve agricultural sector, said Valmont territory is suitable for the indus- rounds with 115-112, 115-112 Industries Regional Head for Eu- try and 15 percent of the popula- and 114-113 scores from each of rope and Eurasia Ruediger Claas. tion is employed in the field. the three referees. He knocked Valmont Industries, which The first move in the partner- down Derevyanchenko in the first owns Valley Irrigation, has been ship was the August opening the round. in the field since 1954 and holds Valley training facility and demo “Knockdown? Yes, I slightly nearly 50 percent of the world’s farm in the Barayev Scientific lost focus because of him. It was market share. and Industrial Centre for Grain not an easy battle. Respect to Ser- The agreement between the Farming. The country’s major gey. He showed real courage. The Kazakh government and the Ne- and one of the oldest agricultural best fight, clean and without dirt. braska-based Valmont Industries centres is located approximately Am I ready to give him a rematch? was signed in July. The document 60 kilometres from the capital.

Of course, if this is a big fight official vk.com page. Gennady Golovkin’s Photo credit: is designed to create a network Continued on Page A5

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY EDITORIAL BUSINESS NATION&CAPITAL Airlines carry 5.6 million passengers in first ADB celebrates 25 years of partnership with Kazakh President affirms support for KazEnergy Eurasian Forum discusses energy Capital Rotarians open eight months of 2019 A2 Kazakhstan, invests over $5 billion A4 multilateralism in ‘a world of disquiet’ A6 market in face of global financial challenges A5 second inclusive playground B1 AIFC report indicates key achievements, Government alters procurement processes to AIX lists Russia’s most traded Kazakhstan is best for pilgrimage, projects A2 focus on domestic suppliers A4 exchange-traded fund A8 cultural-historical and gastronomic tourism in autumn, says travel blogger B6

US$ 1 = 389.0 KZT € 1 = 426.85 KZT 1 = 5.99 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

NATIONAL NEWS IN BRIEF Airlines carry 5.6 million passengers Up to one million trees will be planted in Kazakhstan as part of the national tree planting campaign, reported the Ministry of Ecology, in first eight months of 2019 Geology and Natural Resources routes. This is 430 flights per Close to 60 percent of the tickets The new airline, said Foster, launch routes to Shanghai and Sin- press service. The campaign was By Assel Satubaldina week operated by 26 foreign and were sold at the airline’s lowest tar- generated the surge in air travels. gapore in 2020 and complete the launched in all schools Oct. 3 three Kazakh air carriers. Several iffs below 10,000 tenge (US$25.7). In eight months, the growth was accreditation procedures that will and will be launched throughout NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh air- years ago, three foreign airlines FlyArystan will open new routes more than 142 percent in Taraz, 44 allow Kazakh airlines fly to New the country Oct. 12. Prime Min- lines carried 5.6 million passengers (Austrian Airlines, Czech Airlines, to Pavlodar, Semey and Shymkent percent in Karaganda, 41 percent York. He also instructed to finish ister Askar Mamin and Minister in the first eight months of 2019, KLM) suspended their flights to with the fares starting at 5,999 tenge in Pavlodar, 27 percent in Shym- the reconstruction of a runway at of Ecology, Geology and Natural showing a 1.8 percent increase our country due to commercial (US$15.4). It also plans to launch kent and 22 percent in Uralsk. the Kostanai and Balkhash airports Resources Magzum Mirzagaliyev over 2018, said Kazakh Minister reasons,” said Atamkulov. routes to all regions in Kazakhstan Atamkulov said the fuel produc- and the construction of an airport planted trees in an alley in Turke- of Industry and Infrastructure De- Atamkulov noted Qatar Air- and its first international route to tion increased to 694,000 tonnes, a in Turkestan and a new terminal in stan during their working visit to velopment Beibit Atamkulov at an ways, Emirates, China Eastern and Moscow before the end of 2020. 1.8-time growth over 2018, and, if Shymkent. the Turkestan Region. An environ- Oct. 7 government session, report- Ural Airlines plan to launch routes The launch of FlyArystan, a sub- needed, the production volume can To bolster regional and domestic mental hour was also held in all ed primeminister.kz. to Kazakhstan next year. The min- sidiary of Air Astana, was meant to be increased to 850,000 tonnes. connectivity, Mamin set the task to schools with the participation of The growth is attributed to the istry continues working to make “respond to the societal needs.” The modernisation at the coun- ramp up procedures to launch the local authorities. launch of new routes and of the the country more attractive to for- “Every citizen can afford using try’s two major oil processing open skies regime for foreign air FlyArystan low-cost airline. eign air carriers, he added. the services of the new airline. If plants in Atyrau and Pavlodar al- carriers. A roadmap for supporting entre- Kazakh airlines have also ex- The number of transit passen- currently there are two aircrafts in lows to meet the domestic demand Atamkulov said the ministry is preneurial activity was adopted in panded the geography of their in- gers also reached 642,000 in eight the fleet, the fleet will include 10 for jet fuel. also considering introducing the the Aktobe Region, reported the ternational routes. Among the lat- months and is expected to reach modern aircrafts in 2020,” said Air The share of imported air kero- regime, which was first launched regional press service. All system- ic problems are listed in a single est additions were flights to Tokyo, 1.6 million by the end of the year. Astana President Peter Foster. sene in the country will decrease at the capital airport during register, which includes 619 ques- Prague and Ulaanbaatar from Nur- For short-haul domestic flights, He said the airlines are expected from 60 percent in 2018 to 4 per- EXPO 2017, at the airports in tions. Currently, 489 issues have Sultan operated by Shymkent- Kazakhstan launched the FlyArys- to sell 520,000 tickets at prices cent in 2019. Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Shymkent, been resolved, 28 are at the solu- based SCAT airlines. tan low-cost airline in May. lower than 15,000 tenge (US$) in Prime Minister Askar Mamin Ust-Kamenogorsk, Pavlodar, tion stage and 102 are at the discus- “Kazakhstan has direct flights to The airline sold more than 2019. The number, he noted, will urged during the government meet- Kokshetau, Taraz, Petropavlovsk sion stage with state bodies. More 26 countries and 99 international 450,000 tickets since its launch. grow five-fold in 2020. ing officials to accelerate work to and Semei. than 58,000 small and medium- sized businesses operate in the re- gion, a 10.6-percent increase com- pared to last year. One third of the population is employed in small AIFC report indicates Rakhat expands its presence in businesses. A rice processing plant with ap- proximately 80 employees was key achievements, international confectionery market launched Oct. 2 in the Kyzylorda sion into foreign markets, as export power stations. In seven months this Region. The facility, with a capac- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov growth in value terms was 9.9 per- year, the factory purchased more than ity of more than seven tonnes per cent. Russia is the leader in export six million kilowatts of electricity hour, is adapted to waste-free pro- projects NUR-SULTAN – Rakhat Com- volume and the Chinese market is worth 95.6 million tenge ($246,000). duction. The company invested its ment, AIFC has managed to build pany has continued to maintain its actively developing. Iraq is on the At present, the Almaty-based com- own funds to purchase and install modern equipment. “Due to state By Nazira Kozhanova a strong relationship with leading leadership in the Kazakh confection- list of partner countries; the first pany has transferred 30 percent of its support, farmers have received a Chinese institutions, international ery market in the first half of the year, shipments have already been made. usage to a renewable energy source. high rice crop in recent years and NUR-SULTAN – The Astana development banks and major finan- modernising internal policy and en- Ukrainian representatives are also in- With more than 4,200 workers, the are making a significant contribu- International Financial Centre ciers of Belt and Road investments, tering new markets. Export growth terested in selling Kazakh sweets in factory remains one of Kazakhstan’s tion to increasing the country’s (AIFC) yearly report presented such as the partnership with Shang- in 2019 has reached 9.9 percent. their market. Products are also sold largest employers. New jobs are be- grain reserves. This year, farmers Aug. 29 reviewed the centre’s hai Stock Exchange, Silk Road Fund, “The first half of the year was in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, coming available and 90 first-time key projects and achievements for China Development Bank and China cultivated 88,000 hectares of agri- an active period of growth and Mongolia, and Uzbekistan. employees were involved in produc- cultural land. Harvesting activities 2018-2019. Construction Bank, to name a few,” transformation for Rakhat. Thanks Fedorets highlighted growing con- ing 1.6 million pieces for New Year’s are in full swing,” said regional Among the key projects, the it added. to the launch of a new production sumer interest in tiled chocolate as gifts. akim (governor) Kuanyshbek Iska- report listed the privatisation pro- The AIX was launched in No- line in Shymkent, we have already one of the confectionary market’s Rakhat, formerly Alma-Ata Con- kov. gramme used by the government vember 2018. Global financial in- increased our product output ca- trends. In the past five years, the fectionery, was established in 1942. to reduce its share in the country’s dustry leaders such as the Nasdaq pacity by 2,400 tonnes this year. company experienced significant The company was renamed 50 years Kazinform reports 7,277 individ- economy to 15 percent. The first Exchange (U.S.), Shanghai Stock Rakhat remains the industry leader growth in market share that segment later and in 2013, South Korean uals took part in the Development example was the Kazatomprom Exchange, Silk Road Fund and by strengthening the position of and has continued long-term growth. LOTTE Confectionery acquired the of Productive Employment and IPO. Goldman Sachs, the largest U.S. existing product lines and entering In the last six months, the category main stake. LOTTE Confectionery Mass Entrepreneurship state pro- new sectors. We continue to moni- grew by 7 percent compared to the is a subsidiary of South Korea’s fifth gramme for 2017-2021 in Nur-Sul- tor trends and respond as quickly as same period in 2018. largest conglomerate, the LOTTE tan. Approximately 5,000 people possible to consumer mood,” said Rakhat launched a new product, Group, and is headquartered in were subsequently employed and company chairperson Konstantin tiled chocolate with crispy filling, Seoul. LOTTE Confectionery owns 550 participated in short-term voca- Fedorets. this summer. It then resumed produc- 95.57 percent of Rakhat. tional training. State support of 100 The company maintained its lead- tion of porous chocolate and in Sep- The factory, the market leader or 200 monthly calculation indices ing position in the main confection- tember, presented an updated line. with a well-established distribution (MCI) will be provided for start-up ery product categories with 24 per- Packaging design was developed by network, produces more than 400 businesses for those who have not cent of the total market share in the well-known cartoonist Murat Dil- high-quality confectionery items. previously received financial sup- country and continues to grow (0.25 manov. The company’s assortment includes port. Microloans will also be issued percent compared to the previous In January, Rakhat signed an agree- chocolates and jellies, caramel, tof- in rural and urban areas to start-up year in monetary terms). Its eight- ment to purchase electricity from fee, chocolate bars, cookies, waffles, entrepreneurs with agricultural co- month revenue increased by 7.5 per- Talgar Hydroelectric Power Station marshmallows and candy dots, some operatives whose members have cent compared to 2018. and is currently the largest consumer of which have no counterparts in the not reached retirement age, as well Rakhat is also continuing expan- of green energy from hydroelectric Kazakh market. as to peasant and farm enterprises. Photo credit: government.kz. Photo credit: Kairat Kelimbetov Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s na- tional carrier, has completed the “In November 2018, the suc- investment bank, have become International Air Transport Asso- cessful placement of 15 percent of strategic partners and shareholders, 97 percent of rural settlements to have ciation’s Operational Safety Audit Kazatomprom shares owned by the providing access to investment li- (IOSA) for the seventh time, report- Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth quidity in these regions, said AIFC ed the company’s press service. The Fund worth $451 million took place Governor Kairat Kelimbetov at the next audit is scheduled in 2021. The on the London Stock Exchange and Aug. 28 government hour. broadband internet access by end of 2022 airline was first audited in 2007 and the Astana International Exchange Other key achievements include a The government plans to build Zhumagaliyev noted that switch- reaffirmed its commitment to safety (AIX). Demand exceeded supply project to further develop Kazakh- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova fiber-optic lines and LTE networks ing to 5G networks will not lead to standards every two years. The au- by 1.7 times. The number of shares/ stan’s market and e-residency and (4G) to further provide rural areas tariff increase. dit programme is an internationally global depository receipts (GDRs) e-justice projects that allow AIFC NUR-SULTAN – Ninety-seven with internet in 2018-2021. The 5G technologies will pro- recognised and accepted evalua- placed was 38.9 million, of which services to be used remotely. percent of rural settlements or According to the plan, fibre-optic vide higher bandwidth compared to tion system designed to assess an about 7.8 million were offered on The number of enterprises work- more than 5,000 villages will gain lines will be built in 1,250 rural set- 4G technologies. It ensures greater airline’s operational management the AIX. Kazakh investors acquired ing with the AIFC increased to 235 broadband internet access by the tlements. As of the first half of 2019, availability of mobile communi- and control systems. “The IOSA companies from 26 countries, in- end of 2022 and satellite technol- fibre-optic lines were connected to 83 cations, the use device-to-device programme adopts all applicable Among the key cluding financial institutions such ogy will be technically feasible for settlements, including 85 healthcare modes, ultra-reliable large-scale International Civil Aviation Organi- as the China Construction Bank, the remaining 3 percent, reported and 76 educational facilities. Some communication systems between sation (ICAO) safety requirements projects, the report China Development Bank and Minister of Digital Development, 685 villages will be connected to in- devices, a shorter delay time, inter- from the annexes to the Conven- listed the privatisation CICC (Hong Kong) and Wood & Innovation and Aerospace Industry ternet by the end of 2019 and 509 vil- net speeds from 1-2 gigabit per sec- tion on International Civil Avia- Co (Czech Republic), the largest in- Askar Zhumagaliyev at an Oct. 1 lages will be connected in 2020. ond and lower battery consumption tion. During an audit in May 2019, programme used by vestment banks. By the end of 2020, government meeting. The ministry will work to identify compared with 4G equipment. documentation and implementation of nearly 1,000 IOSA standards the number is projected to increase “Internet access in rural areas is a unstable communication in the re- This October, the International were verified on all aspects of the the government to to 500, said Kelimbetov. basic element in the implementation gions. Additional base stations will Telecommunication Union will dis- airline’s activities. These included The report noted the AIFC includes of projects as part of the Digital Ka- be installed in cooperation with local cuss the impact of 5G networks on reduce its share in the organisation and management, 156 registered companies, 24 recog- zakhstan state programme. This will authorities and telecom operators. For human health at a meeting in Egypt. flight operations, operational con- country’s economy nised non-AIFC members and other “The specific standards will be provide access to obtaining electronic example, entrepreneurs built special trol and flight dispatch, engineering companies. Thirty-five companies public services, healthcare services, facilities and mobile operators will developed at the meeting. The final to 15 percent. The are included on the official AIX list. and maintenance, cabin operations, education and e-commerce. This will install its stations in the Shchuchinsk- approval of the standard is expected ground handling, cargo operation In less than a year of operation, first example was the reduce the digital divide between the Burabai resort area. The same facili- in 2021… All health issues will be and security,” reads the release. Kazatomprom IPO. the AIX has raised more than $70 city and the village and provide resi- ties will be installed in Almaty and analysed based on tests. The adop- million in capital equity. For the dents with the opportunity to use dig- the Pavlodar Region. tion of a standard will be based on The Ruhani Zhangyru (Moderni- first half of 2019, its total capitali- ital technologies and give an impetus “The ministry is also working to the impact on health. No one is sation of Kazakhstan’s Identity) 47.5 percent of the total number of sation was $1.9 billion, he added. to the development of the economy,” introduce a 5G network in Kazakh- interested in introducing technolo- project office is offering free tours outstanding securities. A total of Nur-Sultan, where the AIFC is Zhumagaliyev said. stan. The road map has been ap- gies that will then negatively affect every Wednesday to seven histori- 49 foreign and 16 domestic legal based, ranks 51st of 102 in the 2019 The country has access to broad- proved. The 5G network tests were health,” he said. cal sites in Nur-Sultan, according entities, including the Unified Ac- Global Financial Centres Index band internet services in 117 cities conducted in Almaty and Nur-Sul- Kazakh Prime Minister Askar to the city administration press cumulation Pension Fund, as well (GFCI 25), climbing 37 positions and 3,324 rural settlements. They tan. A test is planned in Shymkent Mamin instructed at the govern- service. All the sites are on the Sa- as 2,700 citizens of the Republic of in the past year since its launch. are provided with various technolo- this October,” said Zhumagaliyev. ment meeting to ensure the devel- cred Geography of Kazakhstan list, Kazakhstan, took part in the IPO,” The ranking explores financial cen- gies, including networks of fibre op- A 5G network will be launched opment of 5G projects and a more which includes the ALZHIR Muse- said the report. tres around the world by making an tic lines, 3G and 4G. at Nazarbayev University and the rapid completion of connections to um and Memorial Complex, mer- Another important project was analysis of areas such as business en- Kazakhstan ranked 21st in the EXPO 2017 area until the end of high-speed internet in rural areas. chant Vasily Kubrin’s house, Mat- Kazakhstan’s strategic partnership vironment competitiveness, human world by the number of mobile 2021. In 2022, a network will be in- The modernisation of social and thew Kubrin and Sons trade house, with China within the Belt and capital, infrastructure, financial sector subscribers in 2018. The number of troduced at the capital airport, train engineering infrastructure in rural merchant Silin’s house, former Is- Road Initiative, where the AIFC development and reputation, as well internet users was 81.3 percent in station, shopping centres and ven- areas is being implemented as part lamic school building, city govern- plays a crucial role. as the level of diversity, specialty and 2018 and Kazakhstan ranked 45th ues. Then, it will be introduced in of the initiatives outlined by the ment buildings and a gymnasium “In the short time since establish- accessibility, according to the report. in the world ranking. regional centres since 2023. Nur Otan ruling party. built in the late 19th century. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF The Deputy Prime Ministers of President Tokayev calls for removal of trade barriers Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Singapore signed the Free Trade Agreement and Framework Agreement on Com- within EAEU, as union signs FTA with Singapore prehensive Economic Cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Un- ion (EAEU) member states and Sin- gapore Oct. 1 in Yerevan, Armenia. The agreement aims to strengthen existing trade relations and expand cooperation opportunities. It pro- vides duty-free trade of all goods excluding the list of sensitive goods. Singapore will abolish all customs duties as the agreement enters into force and the EAEU countries will provide full liberalisation in stages. Singapore is a key partner for Ka- zakhstan in Southeast Asia, said Kazakh Minister of Trade and Inte- gration Bakhyt Sultanov. The agree- ment will diversify exports and serve as an additional incentive to increase production volumes of export-orient- ed products.

Kazakh Invest and Apex-Brasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, signed a memo- randum of cooperation at the Sept. 30 Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP) Brazilian akorda.kz. Photo credit: Chamber of Commerce and Industry the gathering, which included tools to better explain the laws Europe through EAEU member Vietnam, is the second country international summit in São Paulo. The document will become a road- By Elya Altynsarina the leaders of Armenia, Belarus, governing the EAEU. states in the shortest time. with which the EAEU will have a map for mutually beneficial part- Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Presi- The Kazakh delegation also Also, during the Supreme Eura- respective [free trade] agreement. nership, information exchange and NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Presi- dent Igor Dodon of Moldova, the urged the EAEC to accelerate ef- sian Economic Council meeting, An important issue is the devel- experience. Kazakh Invest strategic dent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev EAEU observer country, Presi- forts to create a common transpor- EAEU members signed a free- opment of trade, economic and analysis department director Zhan- called for a removal of trade barri- dent of Iran Hassan Rouhani and tation system and establish condi- trade agreement with Singapore. logistics cooperation with the Is- dos Temirgali discussed investment ers within the Eurasian Economic Prime Minister of Singapore Lee tions conducive to innovation. The agreement opens EAEU coun- lamic Republic of Iran,” Tokayev cooperation in agriculture and ma- Union (EAEU) during the Oct. Hsien Loong also attended as The Kazakh delegation also tries access to a large ASEAN re- said. chine building with Brazilian multi- 2 Supreme Eurasian Economic guests. noted that transit volume has been gion with a population of 600 mil- In total, 20 documents were national corporations including Em- Council in Yerevan, Armenia. Tokayev told the group that in increasing on the China-Europe- lion people. signed during the meeting, includ- braer, JBS and Minerva Foods. “JBS “In difficult global conditions the midst of growing global com- China route and that the transcon- In this regard, Tokayev said it ing a document on the formation is the second largest food producer in it is extremely important for us petition, trade wars and protec- tinental Vietnam-China-Kazakh- is important to develop trade and of a common EAEU financial mar- the world with 235,000 employees in to support sustainable economic tionism, “the Eurasian Economic stan-Europe railway route has economic relations with growing ket and the organisation’s 2020 22 countries and 350,000 customers growth of our nations. This is Union has become one of the im- been launched and offers exporters markets. budget. in 150 countries. JBS processes beef, possible only through real and portant links in the development access to Association of Southeast “A promising trend is seen in Tokayev also met on the side- pork, lamb and chicken and produc- mutually beneficial cooperation, of world trade.” The Kazakh Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets. building ties between the EAEU lines of the council session with es value-added and processed foods. integration and cooperation so President also said the Eurasian This transport corridor could be and major international organi- Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol We have about 400 production facili- our countries should continue to Economic Commission (EAEC) an alternative to sea transporta- sations, such as ASEAN and the Pashinyan, President of Belarus ties worldwide and we are planning remove barriers in the common should work closely to monitor tion and would allow goods from Shanghai Cooperation Organi- Alexander Lukashenko and leader further expansion. Kazakhstan has great potential in the agricultural sec- domestic market,” Tokayev told national legislation and develop Southeast Asia to be delivered to sation… Singapore, along with of Iran Hassan Rouhani. tor. Following the presentation on Kazakhstan’s investment potential, we are interested in cooperation in the field of meat processing,” said JBS Executive Director Pedro Bor- don. Kazakhstan, Rwanda need direct flights that can strengthen Kazakh publishing companies participated in the Tashkent Book Fest international book exhibition bilateral relations through trade, industry, says envoy and fair, which attracted 16 pub- ted an air services agreement that think we can do much more and businesspeople,” said Nkurunziza. lishing houses from different coun- By Aidana Yergaliyeva we want to negotiate with Kazakh- that is why I am here – to explore Kazakh-Rwandan relations tries, reported Kazinform. Kazakh stan so that we can sign it and cre- how we can strengthen the rela- seem unusual at first glance, but Ministry of Culture and Sports NUR-SULTAN – The relatively ate a framework for collaboration tionship between us,” he added. might grow into a mutually ben- Language Policy Committee chair- young diplomatic relations be- between your air services and our Rwanda, for example, is inter- eficial situation as both countries man Galymzhan Meldeshev noted tween Kazakhstan and Rwanda air services industry,” he said. ested in Kazakhstan’s experience show interest in cooperation. Uzbekistan pays special attention have a great potential to flourish The agreement is the latest big and “strength in the energy sector, “As Rwanda, we are very com- to developing a reading culture and and materialise in mutually benefi- step to create a stronger bilateral mining sector and in the agriculture mitted to this relationship; we distributing books. There is a need to develop similar events in the future cial agreements in trade, industry relationship. The document should sector” and wants to find “possibil- want to see it strengthened. Par- to exchange experiences and ideas and tourism once a direct air route establish a direct flight between ities of exploring synergies, shar- ticularly, we would like to see between book industries from differ- is established, said Williams Nku- the countries, which “is going to ing experience, sharing technolo- greater engagement within the ent countries. The event also includ- runziza, the Rwandan Ambassador promote greater people-to-people gy, opening up markets,” he noted. economic space in terms of trade ed book presentations, intellectual to Kazakhstan with concurrent ac- Williams Nkurunziza engagement, tourism and different At the same time, Rwanda can and business between Kazakhstan games, literary quizzes, meetings creditation in Azerbaijan, Jordan, activities,” he noted. offer Kazakhstan “tropical fruits and Rwanda. We are extending an and roundtables with writers. Lebanon and Turkey. “Once we have air transportation and vegetables you can’t grow in invitation to the great people of Diplomatic relations between “We are a relatively young connection and that becomes the Kazakhstan that you might be in- Kazakhstan to come and explore Astana Opera House will pre- Kazakhstan and Rwanda were es- country, which is just beginning bridge between economies, you terested in. We grow coffee; we the wonders of Africa,” he added. sent Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene tablished May 10, 2012. to establish relations with African can move people, you can move grow tea. We know that people in Rwanda, with a population of Onegin” as part of the first Dmitri “That is a very young relation- states,” said Kazakhstan’s then goods and services,” he added. Kazakhstan, at least the little ex- 12.5 million, is located on 26,338 Hvorostovsky International Festival ship, but I think it’s a relation- President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, During his September visit to perience that I’ve seen, you enjoy square kilometres in the eastern Oct. 23 and Oct. 25 in Krasnoyarsk, ship that started on a very high during the visit, reported the Akor- Kazakhstan, Nkurunziza was ex- your coffee. Why can’t we sell you portion of Africa. Its gross domes- Russia, according to the theatre’s note,” Nkurunziza told The Astana da press service. pected to meet with the govern- Rwandan coffee? There is a lot tic product (GDP) is estimated at press service. The company will Times. Nkurunziza presented his cre- ment in Nur-Sultan and private that can be done,” he added. $9.5 billion and it is the second also perform a symphonic concert Rwandan President Paul Kag- dentials in 2016. During the three sector in Almaty – all to strengthen At present, two Rwandan stu- fastest growing economy in Africa with the works of 20th century Ka- ame’s visit to Kazakhstan in Sep- years of his diplomatic service, he the bond. This will be his first trip dents are studying in Almaty and (7.5 percent growth per annum zakh composers Oct. 24 at the Kras- tember 2015 “made the game fast” has observed “an increase in the to Almaty, the nation’s cultural and the country “expects there will be since 2007) and the most improved noyarsk Regional Philharmonic big for the two countries, he noted. He level of conversation, the discus- business centre, “to find out how more” such cultural exchange op- nation in human development in concert hall. Astana Opera Principal was the first African leader to visit sions.” our two economies can collaborate portunities. the world. Similar to Kazakhstan, Conductor Alan Buribayev said the Eurasian country and both del- “Now, we are beginning to look in the private sector,” he said. “We expect Kazakh people it has a young and growing popu- they will present a new interesting egations expressed their interest in at the areas of collaboration. For “We are happy with the state come to Rwanda as tourists, stu- lation, as approximately 70 per- and symbolic production of the op- developing bilateral relations. example, we have already submit- of affairs in our relationship. We dents, researchers, investors and cent is under 30. era. Hvorostovsky previously per- formed the title role at the world’s best venues and it will be a great honour for Kazakh baritones to of- fer their vision of the part. The tour will contribute to expanding cul- tural ties between Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan grants visa-free status for 12 more Russia.

Kazakh artists took part in the eighth Beijing International Art Bi- countries to attract investment, tourists, businesses ennale at the National Art Museum with visa-free entry to Kazakh- Liechtenstein ($170.0 million) tribute to the creation of a zens can visit without obtaining of China, reported Kazinform. The list of works included Asemkul By Aidana Yergaliyeva stan has been expanded. An ad- and Saudi Arabia ($106.1 mil- favourable investment climate in visas. Beibit’s painting “Graphic Brothers,” ditional 12 countries are includ- lion). Kazakhstan,” he added. The Henley Passport Index Gulmaral Tatibayeva’s “Aigolek,” NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan ed in the list of 45 states,” said In addition, Kazakhstan and According to Henley Passport ranks all the world’s passports Aransha Sharzhanov’s “Spring” and has granted visa-free entrance to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press these countries “effectively co- Index (updated Oct. 1), Kazakh- according to the number of des- Zhanibek Sulet’s “Traffic Regula- 12 additional countries – Bah- Secretary Aibek Smadiyarov at operate in multilateral and bi- stan rose one position to 68th tinations their holders can access tions.” Sharzhanov’s work was on rain, Colombia, Indonesia, Ku- the Sept. 30 briefing. lateral formats and closely co- place in the fourth quarter of this without a prior visa. The ranking display at a separate exhibition of wait, Liechtenstein, Oman, the According to ministry data, ordinate their actions to resolve year. The number of visa-free is calculated with exclusive data the works of artists from Shanghai Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan attracted $876.3 pressing international problems,” countries for a Kazakh passport from the International Air Trans- Cooperation Organisation member Thailand, the Vatican and Viet- million of foreign direct invest- he noted. remained at 75 during the last port Association (IATA), which states. This year, the biennale dem- nam – for up to 30 days. ment (FDI) from the countries “The abolition of visa formali- three months. maintains the world’s largest and onstrated 640 works by 595 artists “Based on the political, eco- between 2005-2018. Eighty-five ties aims to increase the number President Kassym-Jomart To- most accurate database of travel from 113 countries. The main topics nomic and investment feasibil- percent of the funds came from of foreign investors, business- kayev earlier tasked the ministry information, and enhanced by were nature, life and the common ity, as well as other interests of four nations – Oman ($253.2 mil- people and tourists. Simplifica- to intensify work in expanding ongoing research by the Henley fate of mankind. Kazakhstan, the list of countries lion), Indonesia ($216.5 million), tion of the visa regime will con- the list of countries Kazakh citi- & Partners research department. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

ECONOMIC ADB celebrates 25 years of partnership NEWS IN BRIEF The gross output of agricul- ture, forestry and fisheries for the first eight months of 2019 in- with Kazakhstan, invests over $5 billion creased 3.6 percent to two trillion tenge (US$5.15 billion) year-on- do they really have access to loans tial the agricultural sector presents closely link to achieving the SDGs. year (yoy). Production growth from banks, I always got very ap- for the Kazakh economy. Eighteen “If you look at the spectrum By Assel Satubaldina is mainly due to a 4.7-percent proximate answers, but never very percent of the country’s working of SDGs, you also find that eco- increase in livestock and poultry specific ones,” he said. population is involved in the sector. nomic diversification, production NUR-SULTAN – As the Asian slaughter, 3.9-percent increase The ADB has been gearing up In September, the bank approved and consumption is very much Development Bank (ADB) cel- in crop production and 3.2-per- its support for the country’s re- a $249.8 million equivalent loan in covered by SDGs. Inclusivity also ebrates 25 years of its partner- cent increase in raw cow milk newable energy sector to help Ka- local currency to Kazvodkhoz, a translates to reducing inequalities, ship with Kazakhstan, the bank yield. Agriculture represented zakhstan achieve its key national state-owned enterprise overseeing including special inequalities that has invested more than $5 billion 2.4 percent of the gross domestic targets to increase renewable ener- water facilities, to help rehabilitate exist in Kazakhstan between large in sovereign loans, non-sovereign product (GDP) at the six-month gy’s share in the country’s energy and improve irrigation networks cities and the rest of the country, loans and guarantees to support the mark compared to 4.4 percent mix to 30 percent by 2030 and 50 across 171,000 hectares in the East which are huge. As we continue country’s development since its in- at the end of 2018. The industry percent by 2050. Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kyzylor- implementing our strategy in Ka- dependence. These include nearly share has declined for the third “We see the potential and neces- da and Zhambyl regions. zakhstan, we help Kazakhstan 30 projects in sovereign loans, ten year in a row, yet investments sity for Kazakhstan to move very “One of the landmark projects achieve its SDGs targets, but focus projects in the private sector and in agriculture are growing year seriously into renewables,” he that we are doing now is in the has to really be on environment re- nearly 100 technical assistance to year. From January-August, Giovanni Capannelli added. Akmola Region, being identified lated aspects,” he said. grants worth close to $50 million. investments in fixed assets were In March, it signed a $11.5 mil- as a pilot project to help conduct The bank is also committed to ADB activities have been chang- 263.7 billion tenge (US$679.53 The bank partnered in May with lion loan agreement with Baikonur a natural resource assessment of growing knowledge partnership ing and expanding with the coun- million), a 50.1-percent increase the Atameken National Chamber Solar to build a 50 MW solar pow- soil, water and climate change to with the government, local experts try’s needs, said ADB Country yoy. Director for Kazakhstan Giovanni of Entrepreneurs to train female er plant in the Kyzylorda Region help have very high quality data and think tanks through its Knowl- entrepreneurs in financial, legal today for agriculture development edge and Experience Exchange Capannelli in an interview with in the south of the country, the first Small Kazakh enterprises and business literacy in five Ka- both in livestock industry and crop Programme across many sectors, The Astana Times. solar project for the ADB not only provided 8.5 trillion tenge zakh regions, and similar work- development. This kind of knowl- including private sector develop- Kazakhstan became a member in Kazakhstan, but in Central Asia. (US$21.90 billion) in manufac- shops will reach nine other regions edge support is very important for ment, agriculture, transport and of the ADB in 1994, and the first The latest project was with the tured products and services in by the end of the year. attracting foreign direct investors. healthcare. ADB office opened in Almaty in European Bank for Reconstruction the first half of the year, a 16-per- Capannelli noted the importance Without providing specific names, Kazakhstan, noted Capannelli, 1998. The bank was the first mul- and Development (EBRD) to loan cent increase year-on-year (yoy). of addressing major barriers that there are now a lot of large private needs to push for structural re- tilateral development institution $30.5 million to M-KAT Green to The most profitable areas are car businesses face, including access companies in the agriculture sector forms. that moved to the new capital, then build and operate a 100 MW solar and motorcycle trade and repair to finance and ensuring collateral. which are now seriously consider- “It is in the system, in the insti- Astana, following the Kazakh gov- plant in the country’s southeast (943.2 billion tenge (US$2.43 “We provided more than $500 ing entering Kazakhstan’s agricul- tutions, in the incentives structure, ernment. near Shu in the Zhambyl Region. billion)), financial and insurance equivalent million in local cur- ture,” he said. that’s where structural reforms are The current work is directed The plant will be located on 500 activities (397.7 billion tenge rency to help SMEs have access to The ADB urged the government really needed. The society is still by the ADB Country Partnership hectares and is scheduled to launch (US$1.02 billion)) and the min- concessional loans, to cheap loans to incorporate the Sustainable De- very vertical, when one just waits Strategy for 2017-2021 that cov- by the end of this year. ing industry (236.3 billion tenge and recently we also extended that velopment Goals in the country’s for an order that comes from the ers three strategic pillars – eco- Capannelli said the country (US$608.93 million)). Real es- to micro enterprises,” he said. medium- and long-term goals. top and executes it, while the hori- nomic diversification, promoting should unlock its geothermal po- tate operations had the largest To address the lack of the data For Kazakhstan, he added, envi- zontal approach is needed. This is sustainable and inclusive growth, tential, primarily in the southern annual growth at 52.9 percent, and foster business creation, the ronment-related goals present the how society pushes us but does not and achieving sustainable devel- regions. up to 405 billion tenge (US$1.04 bank launched a pilot project in biggest challenge. push us to coordinate. Frequency opment. “Geothermal has tremendous billion). Small enterprises in- the Kostanai Region to compile a “We strongly believe this is a of rotation of people in charge of Supporting small- and medium- potential in Kazakhstan. If you volved in electricity, gas, steam database on the SMEs in the re- way to go for the country. Kazakh- programmes is also quite high. Ka- sized businesses that have been go to the south, you see that lo- and air conditioning grew 52.8 gion as well as provide technical stan is such an ambitious coun- zakhstan has the financial means, steadily growing in Kazakhstan in cals have already started capturing percent, up to 209 billion tenge assistance and analytical support try that wants to become one of but institutions still remain weak,” numbers is a significant part of the some of its potential. In the Almaty (US$538.58 million). Admin- to local officials. The project is be- 30 most developed countries by he said. ADB’s activities in Kazakhstan. Region, after Talgar towards Kol- istrative and auxiliary services ing done with Nazarbayev Univer- 2050 and now it is facing a num- In terms of economic growth, The bank has been partnering sai Lakes, geothermal comes natu- businesses experienced 51.4 per- sity and is expected to cover 3,000 ber of challenges to embrace green the country requires “serious eco- with Kazakhstan’s Damu Business rally as a spring into agriculture. cent annual growth, up to 298.7 firms. growth. We embrace this sustain- nomic diversification and bold Development Fund for eight years Most evident is in the south to- billion tenge (US$769.73 mil- “If I ask anybody else in Ka- able development agenda very se- policies.” to provide financial and technical wards Taraz and Shymkent, where lion). The total profit of small zakhstan, do you really have a riously and we work in partnership “There need to be very bold assistance to businesses, both in there are a lot of greenhouses and enterprises is estimated at 2.6 close understanding and strong with the United Nations agencies. policy for developing agriculture, big cities and regions that received spas that are warmed up with these trillion tenge (US$6.7 billion), a command on what is going in the We suggested to the prime minis- including the financial aspects. more than 70 percent of the ADB geothermal sources,” he said. 77.1-percent increase yoy. loans. region with SMEs, having the da- With the World Bank, the ADB ter to adopt a new SDG architec- The system for sustainable finance tabase, do you understand how ture, and we are happy to know is needed. Kazakhstan has always It also seeks to support female is considering launching a geo- From January-August, air many are active and in what sec- that our suggestion was put into been a forerunner, but it also has to entrepreneurship with free semi- thermal project in the Turkestan fares increased 8.4 percent year- tors, do they use government pro- action,” he said. be at the forefront of innovation,” nars and trainings, primarily in re- Region. on-year (yoy). Ticket prices rose grammes and are they effective, The bank’s strategic pillars he said. gions and rural areas. Capannelli noted the big poten- 24.4 percent in the Mangystau Region, 19 percent in Zhambyl Region and 16.9 percent in the Atyrau Region. Prices also in- creased in Almaty (9 percent), Accounts Committee proposes reducing Government alters procurement Shymkent (7.7 percent) and Nur- Sultan (6.7 percent). According to the Ministry of Industry and processes to focus on domestic Infrastructural Development, the air, railway transportation subsidies main reasons for the high cost are were 103 flights with less than 10 lem is the same. We estimated it the shortage of carrying capaci- Staff Report passengers in 2018. These include (the national budget) at 100 billion ties (lack of the required number flights from Almaty and Nur-Sultan tenge (US$257.74 million). We suppliers of aircraft to meet the existing NUR-SULTAN – The Accounts to Balkhash, Urjar, Usharal. Two suggest optimising 12 billion tenge demand) and the high cost of jet Committee for Monitoring the flights were carried out without (US$30.93 million) for areas of low Staff Report fuel. Air carriers transported 5.6 Implementation of the National passengers, Almaty-Urjar and Nur- demand,” the accounts committee million passengers in the eight- Budget recommends reducing the Sultan-Usharal. head said. NUR-SULTAN – Construction, month period, a 1.9-percent in- subsidisation of air and railway “Here we see the main problem According to the accounts com- IT and electronic materials for gov- crease yoy. transportation in the draft national in the absence of flexibility in sub- mittee, Kazakhstan subsidises 80 ernment use will only be available budget for 2020-2022, said Ac- sidising scheduled flights, which percent of its rail transportation. after a pre-selection stage, said First Kazakhstan’s trade turnover counts Committee Chair Natalia leads to budget expenditures with Ineffective subsidies include routes Deputy Prime Minister and Minis- was $53.8 billion January-July, Godunova during the Sept. 12 pres- low and zero workload of the air- with a low wagon population of ter of Finance Alikhan Smailov on a 3.6-percent increase year-on- entation of the budget in the Mazhi- craft, especially on tourist routes, less than 20 people per wagon. Sept. 23. The changes are designed year (yoy). Trade growth ac- lis (lower house of Parliament). which are subsidised. We have the counted for an 11.7-percent The national minimum average is to ensure procurement sustainabil- The draft budget allocates 19 bil- top ten tourist routes, for some rea- increase in imports to $20.9 bil- 32 people. Such routes include Al- ity and give an edge to Kazakh do- Alikhan Smailov lion tenge (US$48.97 million) for son they are subsidised starting in mestic businesses. lion, a 38.8-percent share in trade 2020-2022 to subsidise air trans- May, which is logical, but until De- maty-Altynkol and Astana-Ridder. turnover. Exports of goods and Godunova suggests hiring more The amendment regarding con- “The main criterion for entering portation. cember. You can look at the loading struction materials became active the preliminary qualification selec- services, however, decreased 3.7 “We evaluated transportation of aircraft in September, November competent management to evaluate percent per year to $32.9 billion. the need for transportation subsi- Sept. 1. The main condition for pre- tion is the presence in the register of subsidies. We have never done it and December. What do we subsi- selection is the financial stability of trusted products, which includes only In 2018, exports of goods and dies. before… (From the 2020-2022 dise?” she said. procurement candidates. domestic developers,” said Smailov. services were $61 billion, with “It is recommended to put into budget,) we suggest optimising The accounting committee, Similar measures will be applied 26.1-percent in annual growth. eight billion tenge (US$20.62 mil- therefore, proposes to distribute practice operational management, The amendment to quasigovernmental procurement Natural resources products, at lion). In 2020, we suggest reducing subsidies depending on demand responsive to demand management, procedures. $23.8 billion, comprise 72.3 per- it by 2.3 billion tenge (US$5.93 with the ability to revise the number with the ability to review the num- regarding construction “Since we are coordinating Sam- cent of all exports; $21.9 billion million),” said Godunova. of flights during the year. ber of flights during the year, direct ruk Kazyna’s procurement rules, is fuel and energy products, or The aircraft workloads are lower Optimisation may also affect rail- them to the actual need by changing materials became we will initiate the establishment 66.5 percent of the total. Metals than the money directed to subsi- way subsidies. the frequency of flights and fares. active Sept. 1. The of the same measures there,” he and their products accounted for dise air travel, she said. Accord- “I won’t stop on subsidising the That is, we need flexibility to save added. 14.6 percent, or $4.8 billion. Ani- ing to the committee’s data, there railway transportation, the prob- budget funds,” said Godunova. main condition for As a part of executing the head mal and vegetable products and of state’s order next year, central- processed food products made up pre-selection is the ising public procurement has been 5.7 percent, or $1.9 billion. financial stability introduced in pilot mode, which provides for transferring all public During the first eight months, of procurement procurement to single organisers at gold ore extraction increased candidates. appropriate levels. 19.3 percent per year to 16.4 “After testing and editing inac- million tonnes, an 11.8-percent curacies, this model will be distrib- increase year-on-year (yoy). “In this case, the criterion is uted throughout the republic. The In addition, the country mined an indicator of financial stability. number of (procurement) organis- 218,000 tonnes of gold-bearing Given that this indicator is formed ers will significantly decrease. Ad- concentrates, which also repre- according to the information of ministrative work will be simplified sented an increase in production. state revenue bodies and only for and this will effectively regulate The output of unprocessed and Kazakhstan taxpayers, this norm domestic products in public pro- semi-processed gold was 65.6 will also support domestic busi- curement,” said Smailov. tonnes, a 5.4-percent increase ness,” he said. He noted the new bill includes a yoy. Refined gold production The IT and electronics amend- proposal to raise the threshold for increased 8.9 percent per year to ments will become effective Jan. public procurement to 5 million 35.9 tonnes. Kazakhstan ranks 1. The changes relate to the way tenge (US$12,889) where trade- 14th in gold reserves in the coun- products will be registered and will marks are permitted. This norm will try’s foreign exchange reserves only be available to domestic de- allow customers to indicate Made and its share of gold exchange velopers. in Kazakhstan brands and products. reserves reached 63 percent. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF KazEnergy Eurasian Forum discusses energy Kazakhstan has terminated the contract with Spanish investor Talgo at the Kazakh plant that produces train wagons, Vice market in face of global financial challenges Minister of Industry and Infra- structure Development Berik Panel discussions that started growth of 0.8 percent in thermal Kamaliev announced Oct. 3, By Nazira Kozhanova after the official opening -cer electrostation energy consump- reports inbusiness.kz. The Ka- emony asked questions about the tion, while the renewable energy zakh government is considering NUR-SULTAN – The 12th Ka- future of conventional and sus- sources remained about the same. three potential companies to run zEnergy Eurasian Forum opened tainable energy sources. Kire Ili- This trend, said Korotetskiy, lags the plant. Relying on some ini- Sept. 26 in Nur-Sultan with dis- oski, director of the Office of the behind global numbers. tial price-quality assessments, cussions on the future of energy Executive Secretary for the UN What gives an additional impe- Kazakhstan plans to purchase and the role Kazakhstan will play Economic Commission for Eu- tus to Kazakhstan in switching to and test wagons from the Rus- in that future. rope (UNECE), said Kazakhstan sustainable energy sources is in sian Transmashhoding plant in “In fact, energy is undergoing a is one of the five countries ben- carbon taxes and carbon tariffs Tver in 2020. This is done to certain transformation at the plan- efitting from the UNDP project and quotas for non-carbon neutral replace worn-out wagons and ning level. Today, the structure of that are drafting sustainable de- companies and countries entering move away from coal to electric global consumption is changing, velopment roadmaps to ease the the international discussion, said trains. Kazakhstan has already which requires changes in the in- transition into sustainable energy. Korotetskiy, adding that access to received 63 Russian wagons dustry,” said Kazakh Prime Min- primeminister.kz. Photo credit: This shift, said Ilioski, “re- western markets for developing through BRK-Leasing, which ister Askar Mamin at the official L-R: OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo and Kazakh quires integrated cross-sectoral countries that are not able to de- were put on the Aktobe-Mangy- opening ceremony. Prime Minister Askar Mamin. policy formulation.” carbonise could be restricted. shlak route. The government has “Something new is required of Senior Programme Coordi- To avoid that, financial instru- an excellent platform and an op- um Exporting Countries (OPEC) requested an additional 18.7 bil- us. This is a clear message within nator for the Istanbul Regional ments are needed to be used along portunity to discuss new sources Secretary General Mohammad lion tenge (US$46.26 million) the framework of how the world Hub for Europe and the Com- with governmental policies in Ka- of energy. Since then, we have Barkindo agreed that global un- through BRK-Leasing. These is developing today in order to monwealth of Independent States zakhstan. Koroterskiy listed green carried out certain activities in certainty is one of the key factors trains will circulate on routes ensure sustainable development. (CIS) Ekaterina Paniklova said bonds, household and business en- terms of implementation and shaping the global economy, and Almaty-Mangyshlak, Aktobe- Today, the pace of the global the United Nations Develop- ergy efficiency incentives, digitisa- preparation for a green econo- that OPEC tries to deal with it. Mangyshlak and Nur-Sultan- economy is developing in the ment Programme’s (UNDP) part tion and energy accumulation tools my,” said Mamin. “The uncertainty of the past few Saryagash. face of fierce competition. The in battling climate change is in as ways to address sustainability in biggest falls are in the financial Kazakh Minister of Energy months has hit the global oil mar- unlocking finances for devel- Kazakhstan’s energy sources. ket. Saudi Arabia has almost com- The Kazakh Ministry of Indus- sector, and in the industry. Re- Kanat Bozumbayev said financial oping countries, helping them Giovanni Capannelli, coun- try and Infrastructural Develop- gional instability is increasingly market uncertainty has reached a pletely restored the volume of oil overcome investment attraction try director in Kazakhstan for ment plans to increase the attrac- becoming a recurring phenom- new high. supplies. OPEC still aims to sta- barriers, which the UNDP does the Asian Development Bank tiveness of flights to Kazakhstan enon,” he said. “From five to seven million bar- bilise the market,” said Barkindo. in Kazakhstan. Paniklova added (ADB), emphasised the work the and a number of foreign carriers The stability of the energy mar- rels of oil were withdrawn from Bozumbayev said Kazakhstan Kazakhstan is working to reduce bank does regarding geothermal plan to enter the Kazakhstan’s ket is the key focus for Kazakh- the market. Oil prices soared would continue to work within its carbon emissions. energy in Kazakhstan, as well market, said Minister Beibut stan, said Mamin. more than 7 percent. This is the the OPEC agreement. Igor Korotetskiy, partner and as work for decarbonising Ka- Atamkulov at the Oct. 7 govern- “At the same time, we must largest volatility we have seen in “We will stay in the corridor head of Operational Risk and zakhstan. Also, the bank works ment meeting, reported inform. maintain stability and predict- the last 30 years. And also five to that was guaranteed to our col- Sustainability at KPMG said that closely with the Astana Interna- kz. There are plans to open for ability in the energy market. In seven million barrels were lost leagues. We hope that the trans- even though “carbon emissions tional Financial Centre (AIFC) in the airlines such as Qatar Air- this regard, the role of Kazakh- literally in one minute, this is the action will continue in the future, reduction is a global trend,” how introducing green taxonomy that ways (Doha, 2020), Emirates stan amid changes is becoming biggest loss in several decades,” because this is a very correct ini- fast Kazakhstan will reach it is will help attract investment in the (Dubai, 2021), China Eastern increasingly recognised. We are said Bozumbayev referring to the tiative,” said Bozumbayev refer- the question. green sector. Kazakhstan has al- (Shanghai, 2021), Ural Airlines becoming a regional leader due recent incident at Saudi Aramco ring to OPEC+ arrangement be- Korotetsky highlighted the ready set high targets in Central and Pobeda Airlines. At the same to the stability of energy supplies. facilities. tween OPEC and non-OPEC oil 4.3 percent energy consumption Asia in sustainable development time, Kazakh carriers plan to Astana EXPO 2017 has become The Organisation of the Petrole- producers including Kazakhstan. growth this year, as well as the promotion, said Capannelli. open flights to large cities such as Shanghai (2020), Singapore (2020) and New York (2021).

In the North Kazakhstan Re- gion, the Bio Operations plant US-based Valley Irrigation expands to Kazakhstan (formerly known as Biohim) in- Continued from Page A1 us to sell our irrigation equipment. “That’s where irrigation corn, potatoes, I would even say stalls the second line for gluten We do expect Kazakhstan will comes in the perspective, due in the droughty areas of Kazakh- production, North Kazakhstan “We need to help and try to increase the amount of systems to the fact that you can raise the stan, without irrigation you can- Region Akim (Governor) Kumar develop the country completely. in the country due to the need of number of animals in Kazakh- not grow them. It is very diffi- Aksakalov told inform.kz. This We have several field days, teach- food,” he noted. stan. Irrigation gives you an op- cult to quantify how much more should double gluten produc- ing days at different universities tion and processing to 250,000 The irrigation systems in place portunity to grow your food a lot you can grow with the irrigation to make sure people understand will also boost farming growth. more efficiently. If you look at systems,” he added. tonnes per year. In addition to what irrigation is and that this is this, in December, the enterprise not only a company focus, but will start production of bioetha- that it is important for a farmer to nol, which is an alternative liquid understand the education behind biofuel.The plant is expected to irrigation, how to make sure that create up to 500 jobs. Aksakalov you have the benefit in the future,” Ruediger Claas proposed to export bioethanol to said Claas. ods, you have the flat irrigation Afghanistan. Bio Operations also The government should ensure method, which is the worst. There produces starch, Distiller’s dried farmers have a stable water sup- are a lot of disadvantages; one is grains with solubles (DDGS) ply. you are just flooding the area and feed and bioethanol products and “It is very essential that the gov- you have a lot of evaporation. You delivers them to Almaty, Kosta- ernment helps to ensure that sur- are closing the soil due to the fact nai and Uzbekistan. face and underground waters are that the soil can come up and you available for farmers at the place are just destroying the soil,” he Mambetov and K company where they need it and only due to said. launched a modern dairy farm the help the government can give, Drip irrigation is also unsuita- in Minkeser village in the North the farmer will be capable of irri- ble, as it can only be used on small Kazakhstan Region, the regional gating,” he added. fields and specific crops. akimat (administration) press The goal, he noted, is to assist “You place pipes in the roots. service reported. The farm is Kazakhstan in ensuring the correct It is a lot of plastic on the ground equipped with modern European use of water. and at the end of the day it is a lot equipment. The farm created 35 “We have put the government more expensive, so the feasibility permanent jobs. Additional four in touch with the Daugherty Wa- modern dairy complexes will be is not even close to what centre ter for Food Global Institute at the pivot irrigation can do,” he added. launched in the region by the University of Nebraska and the end of the year. This will in- The system will also enable lo- University of Mississippi which cal farmers to reduce the number crease milk production to 11,000 are all doing the research to ensure of chemicals used to grow plants. tonnes. Four farms were built in that the water, underground water “You can inject directly into a 2018 and ten more will be built and surface water, are used in the plant which is capable of direct in- in 2020. right way to ensure the most and take and you are not draining any best usage for the country not only of these inches on the ground. So, The Kazakh government has for the short term, but for the fu- prepared a set of reforms to im- ture to make sure the resources are the plant is getting a small amount, prove the business climate and not taken away, but continuously but exactly what it needs and you attract investors. As explained used,” said Claas in an exclusive can grow the plant more efficient- by Vice Minister of National interview for this story. ly with less fertilisers used over Economy Zhaslan Madiyev at a “They are looking for pilot pro- the year,” said Claas. meeting of the interdepartmental jects for canals, refurbished canals, Kazakh agriculture will also commission, the draft law con- specifically in the south. We are benefit from satellite imaging that sists of five main blocks: facili- trying to help to bring our expertise will provide a more detailed digi- tation of work with tax authori- and also to bring in other people tal mapping of the land. The soft- ties, opening of public access to from outside to ensure you have ware and satellite data involved information, corporate govern- the experts who are capable of re- in space monitoring are provided ance and work with sharehold- storing these canals to make sure by Kazakhstan Garysh Sapary and ers, simplification of procedures, the water is not drifting away. At the United States National Aero- elimination of anti-competitive this point, these long canals which nautics and Space Administration. norms and development of com- are coming from Uzbekistan use “They can give you the status petition. In facilitating the work a lot of water on their way, so the of the field, what crop is at what with tax authorities, for example, majority of the (money for the) stage, so that you know exactly the registration as a value added water that Kazakhstan is paying to where you need to apply more fer- tax (VAT) payer will be done Uzbekistan is not used for growing tilisers and in combination with only online and will take one day crops, but is just lost on the way the irrigation system, you can to process. In total, the document through evaporation,” he added. bring the new technology that has should change and introduce ad- The company will introduce a taken 50 years in America and in ditions to 11 codes and 43 laws. centre pivot and linear irrigation a very short step to the country of The draft law was developed system, which ensures an 85-95 Kazakhstan,” said Claas. in line with Kazakh President percent efficiency level. Kazakhstan presents huge op- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Sept. “We have a lot of different tech- portunity for the company. 2 state-of-the-nation address on nologies on how to use water the “You have a lot of surface water intensifying the work to attract most efficient way. When you available. We have seen over the foreign direct investment. look at different irrigation meth- last year a good stable business for A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 Kazakh President affirms Modernising sanitary, phytosanitary support for multilateralism standards offers opportunity in ‘a world of disquiet’ to expand food trade he opportunity for global ly from one country to another, leaders to meet as they By Lilia Burunciuc creating food safety and health did in New York at the emergencies, and causing stag- United Nations (UN) Agriculture and livestock ex- gering economic losses. Tlast month is always significant. ports present huge opportunities For example, the current Af- But what made the formal and for countries in Central Asia. rican Swine Fever outbreak in informal discussions at the Gen- Kazakhstan, already one of the China is expected to reduce the eral Assembly even more vital world’s largest wheat exporters, country’s pig population by a this year was the backdrop which selling over nine million tonnes third in 2019. The fever has also UN Secretary-General Antonio annually, has the potential to be- spread rapidly to Mongolia, Cam- Guterres characterised as ‘a world come a global beef and mutton ex- bodia, Vietnam and Hong Kong, of disquiet.’ porting powerhouse. Uzbekistan devastating their pork industries It is a world more riven with also has a large crop production and destroying the livelihoods of tensions and suspicions and, as base and has steadily grown its ag- many of these countries’ poorest we have said before, when the ricultural exports since 2017. The more than tripling of its share of people. will to work together to overcome Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan China’s beef import, from 5 per- Better national veterinary ser- challenges seems weaker. There boast rapidly growing dairy and cent to 50 percent in just eight vices and regional cooperation is a desperate need to find ways beef sectors, which increasingly years. might have reduced the fallout to stop this slide to division and target export markets within and Many other countries report from this outbreak. instability. outside Central Asia. similarly positive results after im- The best way to keep local out- In his first address to the UN proving the sanitary and phytosan- breaks of African Swine Fever, General Assembly (UNGA), Pres- itary standards of their exports. Avian Influenza, Foot and Mouth ident Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Kazakhstan, already In Central Asia, improving the Disease and other diseases from did not pull his punches over why one of the world’s implementation of sanitary and mushrooming into devastating there was so much anxiety or akorda.kz. Photo credit: phytosanitary standards can also cross-border problems is coor- what needed to be done. He talked through commitments to reduce dialogue as the only way forward largest wheat hugely benefit food trade and sup- dinated regional investment in about the “alarming new global their number. We are seeing signs for the world. port the region’s export market disease detection and eradication reality” and challenged his fellow of these disturbing trends today. It was why President Tokayev exporters, selling over expansion. Regional cooperation efforts. leaders to think afresh about why President Tokayev appealed committed his country to do nine million tonnes in this area can help unlock the Countries could also work to- people were so worried about the to countries not to give in to everything possible to help build countries’ potential even more, gether to strengthen their food future. these fears but to work instead confidence, resolve conflicts and annually, has the enhancing efficiency and lowering safety laboratories. The goal is In a world of anxiety, of course, to eliminate nuclear weapons. reduce tensions. Again, he gave costs. consistent testing and analysis the threat from nuclear weap- This goal, he said, remained his the practical example of the Asta- potential to become based on best global practices in ons inevitably looms larger. At country’s main foreign policy na Process on the Syrian conflict a global beef and animal health and disease preven- worst, there is a fear that disputes priority. He called on the UN’s to show what could be achieved Coordinating consumer tion. might lead, perhaps by mistake other 192 members to commit in even the bitterest of disputes. mutton exporting These discussions, which many protection standards or through misunderstanding, to themselves to achieving it. He feared were doomed to failure, powerhouse. Sharing commercial singled out the creation of the To grow their agricultural and nuclear weapons-free zone in have helped pave the way for a meat exports, Central Asian coun- corridors and export In his first address Central Asia as the type of prac- cessation of hostilities and the However, countries in the re- tries need to establish world-class to the UNGA, tical initiative which can provide safe return of refugees. gion face significant problems plant- and animal-product safety logistics key building blocks towards the His words about mediation in related to sanitary (animals) and standards. By working together, President Kassym- overall ambition. conflicts were coupled in New phytosanitary (plants) standards, countries could achieve significant Modern crop- and meat-prod- It was a speech, too, which York with a strong plea for the which currently do not meet the results. At the World Bank, we see uct logistical facilities, rail hubs, Jomart Tokayev did confirmed Kazakhstan’s strong world not to forget about the quality-control requirements of several areas for potential regional and dedicated infrastructure at not pull his punches support for the UN and its values. plight of Afghanistan. He called many countries. cooperation in agriculture and border crossings between Central While other countries and their for global support for the coun- Outdated legislation, poor labo- livestock. Asian nations could also help in- over why there was leaders can at times seem to doubt try’s people and democratic pro- ratory capacity and lack of coordi- Such cooperation could start crease their exports to China. Co- the role that the UN and multi- cess so Afghanistan could take its nation between border controls are with countries exchanging infor- investing in this infrastructure among the reasons that create vul- so much anxiety or lateralism can play in the world place within a prosperous, secure mation about their plans for mod- would save time and money. As and stable Central Asian region. nerability to transboundary pests today, they are not shared here. It ernising national plant- and ani- would synchronising procedures what needed to be is clear that Kazakhstan believes The conflicts in Afghanistan and diseases and constrain the po- mal-product safety standards and for moving commodities and a strong, modernised UN remains and Syria, along with others, have tential of Central Asian nations to done. He talked about protocols, so that reforms could products across Central Asian indispensable for peace, security inevitably helped fuel an increase expand agricultural food trade. be synchronised. Making national countries’ regional borders and the “alarming new and development. in the threat from violent extrem- Rising incomes and more de- standards more compatible with into China. This belief was confirmed by ism. President Tokayev called for manding consumer preferences global practices —World Trade Central Asia’s future as a sup- global reality” and the offer to host a new regional greater cooperation to tackle this in target export markets are mak- Organisation standards, for exam- plier of agri-products and livestock challenged his fellow UN Centre for the sustainable globally, under the umbrella of the ing product quality and safety a will depend on how food produc- development goals in Almaty, UN. But there was an important key determinant of export suc- ple — would also help. At the same time, we recog- ers and processors in the region re- leaders to think afresh which is becoming an increasing- human side to this determined cess. This is not just the case for spond to the increased quality and nise that introducing new stand- ly important hub for international campaign against terrorism. He OECD markets, but also for the safety demands of consumers, and about why people ards for products and processes organisations. His appeal for the offered, too, to share Kazakhstan’s markets in emerging Asian econo- on how well countries coordinate and increasing the focus of food were so worried about Conference on Interaction and experiences at re-integrating its mies such as China, Vietnam, and with each other. oversight programs on quality and Confidence Building Measures citizens who had moved abroad Thailand. In these countries, the At the World Bank, we will safety will be costly and time-con- the future. in Asia (CICA), an initiative first after being seduced by the false number of quality-conscious and continue to support the efforts of suming. Cross-country coordina- proposed by First President of Ka- appeals of foreign extremism. increasingly wealthy middle-class Central Asian countries to improve tion could help reduce this cost. these terrifying weapons being zakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, It is a programme that has won consumers is growing every day. standards and expand agricultural used. At best, this uncertainty at the UNGA 27 years ago, to international attention and ap- In light of this, countries around food trade, with the overall goal encourages countries to try to add now be turned into a fully-fledged proval – and another example of the world are investing in in- Preventing animal of boosting economic growth and these weapons to their arsenals regional security and development an approach which, as well as frastructure that assures better citizens’ standards of living. and can dissuade states which body, also demonstrated the deep identifying challenges, also of- quality and safety of their agri- diseases already have them from carrying commitment to cooperation and fered solutions. cultural products. For example, The author is the World Bank investments made by Uruguay to Animal diseases do not respect Country Director for Central improve its animal health led to borders. They can spread quick- Asia. Photo credit: blogs.worldbank.org Photo credit: Food processing plant in Samarkand Region, Uzbekistan.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 Hong Kong business delegation visits Shymkent, expresses interest in partnerships eration and sought ways to enter Shymkent, he noted, is a trade Head Nurlan Kabishtayev said any terial. Our cooperation will give us and rubber products. They all have By Assel Satubaldina the leading market in Asia. hub presenting significant oppor- economic relations start with trade a clear understanding of what the serious intentions in Kazakhstan The delegation also visited in- tunities. operations. Chinese market is about, because and are interested in cooperation. NUR-SULTAN – A business dustrial facilities and special eco- “It is a competitive border region “Therefore, at the first stage what we might consider of high Today, they are exploring a new delegation of the Hong Kong nomic and industrial zones where that stands at the crossroads of the we are talking only about trade. quality could be perceived differ- potential, expanding their business Trade Development Council vis- they witnessed industrial process- Silk Road that is on the Western We need this cooperation more ently there and vice versa. There- ties and building partnerships,” ited Shymkent, Kazakhstan’s third es and technologies. Some tech- Europe – Western China transcon- because we are interested in sup- fore, it is important for us to start said Lam. largest city, Sept. 18-19 to set up nologies, they noted, can compete tinental road route. There are many plying our products to the world’s trade cooperation now,” he said. Almaty Business Chamber Head partnerships and expand bilateral with those in China. resources and areas where to make largest market with very high pur- The same day, the business dele- Nariman Abilshaikov said there ties. The environmentally friendly investments,” he said. chasing capacity. We have strong gation attended a roundtable in Al- are more than 185,000 small- and The companies are leading pro- nature of agriculture and food The main goal is to deepen bilat- businesses who might be interest- maty that gathered representatives medium-sized enterprises regis- ducers of electronic goods, house- products produced in Shymkent eral ties between Kazakhstan and ing for Hong Kong businesses,” of the Almaty Business Chamber tered in Almaty that make up 40 hold appliances, interior design, is a competitive advantage. The China. said Kabishtayev, referring to the and the business community. percent of the gross regional prod- cosmetics, health products, food businesspeople expressed their “We would like to take part in larger China’s market which can Lam noted such events link uct. and chemical goods. Hong Kong is willingness to buy the products. the development of the Kazakh in- be accessed from Hong Kong. Hong Kong companies with the “The trade and service sector ranked among the top three global “Cooperation with your region dustry and invest in it,” said Lam. The city could offer light indus- world. are leading economy sectors in financial hubs behind New York is very important for us and we During the visit, the Hong Kong try, agriculture and food industry “We are very pleased that 13 Almaty. The chamber works to im- and London. hope for long-term relations,” said Association and Shymkent Busi- products, he added. delegates from 10 Hong Kong prove the business climate, attract The visit included business-to- Hong Kong Chamber of Economic ness Chamber signed a memoran- “We are ready to learn from their companies are present here. They new investors and develop the ex- business meetings where the sides and Trade Promotional Associa- dum. experience, advanced technologies represent a wide range of sectors port potential of local producers,” discussed opportunities for coop- tion Head Wilson Lam. Shymkent Business Chamber in the production of packaging ma- from electronics to metal, silicone he said.

Genesis Engine Oil, will be pro- duced here,” reported the Almaty Region akimat (administration) Karaganda Region launches Lukoil opens lubricant press service. The new facility will employ more than 250 people, half of third solar power plant production plant whom are expected to be local res- we not only overcome the shortage He said that already the capacity plementing a series of large joint idents and narrow-profile young By Yerbolat Uatkhanov of capacities, but also solve envi- of the solar plant is 25 megawatts By Yerbolat Uatkhanov projects. All this is the result of a specialists. ronmental issues,” said Regional per hour. And a corresponding bilateral fruitful partnership,” said The plant’s advantageous geo- NUR-SULTAN – The Kara- Deputy Akim (Deputy Governor) agreement was reached to expand NUR-SULTAN – Lukoil, the Prime Minister Askar Mamin dur- graphic location along the Western ganda Region recently launched Almas Aidarov. the solar plant’s capacity up to 76 Russian multinational energy cor- ing the opening ceremony. Europe – Western China Highway a 50-megawatt solar power plant The solar plant occupies 125 megawatts. poration, has invested more than The new plant is located in the will provide access to export mar- in the village of Agadyr, Shetsky hectares. Powerful substations At the beginning of this year, the $9 million to construct a lubricant Ili district. Production capacity kets. The company and regional District. and 150,000 solar panels were Karaganda Region signed a mem- production plant in the Almaty Re- will reach up to 100,000 tonnes of akimat highlighted the importance The Karaganda Region has be- installed here. The construction orandum with European investors gion. The company plans to sell finished products per year, report- of the project. come a leader in introducing re- of the Akadyr solar plant was fi- on the development of alterna- products not only in the Central ed BNews.kz. Lukoil is one of the world’s newable energy sources and the nanced by private German inves- tive energy. In the future, this will Asian region, but also export to “All production processes are largest publicly traded, vertically 50-megawatt plant is the region’s tor Solarnet Investment GmbH provide another 500 megawatts of Afghanistan, China and Mongolia. automated and meet the necessary integrated oil and gas compa- “The largest Russian company international standards. In total, third solar power plant. and supported by the regional aki- solar energy and $548 million of nies, accounting for more than 2 “We have one goal. This is the mat (administration) and Kazakh foreign direct investment. Lukoil is not only an investor in about $9.4 million was invested in percent of the world’s oil produc- instruction of Kazakhstan’s First Invest. The project’s cost is $60.2 In the Karaganda Region two Kazakhstan, but it is also a stra- the construction and commission- President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, million, Kazinform news agency solar power stations are already tegic partner. This is clearly evi- ing of the plant. The conveyors tion and approximately 1 percent to increase the share of alterna- reports. operating in Saran and the village denced by the fact that since 1995, of the enterprise will produce up of the proved hydrocarbon re- tive energy in Kazakhstan up to “This is the second solar power of Gulshat. Now all three sources the company has invested 9.5 bil- to 800 names of finished products serves. Consumers in more than 30 percent. And we are confidently station that we are launching in the can deliver almost 200 megawatts lion tenge (US$24.4 million) in that meet all international quality 100 countries use its products, moving towards this. Today, we Karaganda region. These projects of green energy. the domestic economy. With the standards. For example, the world- power and heat. Lukoil employs are launching the third large solar were made possible thanks to the Solarnet Investment GmbH is an participation of Lukoil, we are im- wide, well-known brand of Lukoil, more than 100,000 people. power station in the region. This joint efforts of German investors, international company specialising project is very significant for the the regional akimat and Kazakh in the turnkey construction of pho- development of industry in our re- Invest,” said the main investor, tovoltaic plants at the commercial, gion. By developing solar energy, Joachim Goldbeck. industrial and large-scale level.

IT community to discuss ecosystem at Digital Bridge 2019 forum session. Session participants will for contributions to the develop- By Aidana Yergaliyeva discuss subjects, such as educa- ment of the IT industry in Kazakh- tion of the future, venture capital stan and Astana Hub Battle, which NUR-SULTAN – Leading IT financing, cybersports, business is a competition between technolo- specialists and technology entre- incubation and digital media. gy start-ups. The competition will preneurs will take a comprehen- “We will make a big emphasis accept applications until Oct. 15. sive look at Kazakhstan’s digi- for the business environment: in a The Digital Bridge will also host tal ecosystem at the Oct. 24-25 separate location we will organise the ceremonial opening of Astana Digital Bridge 2019 international a platform where start-ups, inves- IT University and Alem program- technology forum in the Kazakh tors, entrepreneurs, IT companies, ming school as well as a demon- capital. specialists and the media will be stration of Digital Public Service “This year we planned the con- able to find each other in one place Centre. cept of the forum this way: Digital and discuss specific issues in an in- The forum is being held at the Bridge will be a great umbrella formal setting without ties,” added initiative of President Kassym- event for all discussions that relate Koktyshev. Jomart Tokayev to support young to the digital ecosystem in Ka- Representatives from the Shang- IT-specialists in Kazakhstan. zakhstan. We want Digital Bridge hai Cooperation Organisation The event organisers are the Ka- to truly become a bridge that (SCO) will also offer a roundtable zakh Ministry of Digital Develop- brings together different audienc- on digitisation. ment, Innovation and Aerospace es – businesses, start-ups, the (Ka- The forum will also arrange Industry with the participation of zakh) government, corporations business-to-business meetings for Zerde National Infocommunica- and others who are involved in the participants. tion Holding and Astana Hub in- promoting digital ideas and intend Five digitisation vice ministers ternational techno park of IT start- to solve problems in this area or and chief digital officers will an- ups. Kazakhtelecom, Eurasian implement projects that will bring swer questions about Kazakhstan’s Resources Group (ERG) and BTS real result,” said Zerde National planned projects on digitisation of Digital support the forum. Infocommunication Holding Dep- healthcare, education, labour and Digital Bridge is the largest uty Chair Pavel Koktyshev. Zerde finance at five CDO Open Talks event for the IT community in Ka- is helping organise the event. Oct. 25. zakhstan. It held its first forum in The key event at the forum will The Astana Hub will coordinate 2018. For more information, one be Next Tech Entrepreneur Forum its traditional Astana Hub Awards can visit digitalbridge.kz. A8 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 First President’s Foundation, government outline renewable energy project plans at Renewable Energy Summit respect for nature and saving re- Karaganda Region, the Germans By Diana Vassilenko sources. built a solar station,” he said. “Cur- “For the successful implementa- rently, the largest wind station with NUR-SULTAN – The First Presi- tion of the principles of green econo- a capacity of 44 megawatts is lo- dent’s Foundation will support my, there is a need to institutionalise cated in Ereymentau, a town in the green economy development in our legislation and train specialists. Akmola Region.” Kazakhstan by implementing new It is very important to create groups He noted solar stations need to be renewable energy projects such as of highly effective specialists who installed throughout the country. wind and solar-powered stations, are able to develop new standards “Large projects will be launched training specialists to develop new and ensure the transformation of in- very soon in the Aktobe Region, standards for energy preservation dustries in terms of introducing new where an international oil company and establishing a green thinking technologies,” he said. invested in a 48-megawatt wind mentality, said First President’s To date, Kazakhstan has 81 re- project which will be launched in Foundation Executive Director As- newable energy sources with a ca- just a couple of months. Also, wind set Issekeshev at the third Interna- pacity of more than 900 megawatts, projects are being implemented in tional Renewable Energy Summit representing 1.3 percent of the na- the Zhambyl and Almaty regions,” Sept. 25 in the capital. tion’s energy balance. he added. The purpose of the summit was Vice Minister of Energy Murat More than 300 delegates from to discuss the pros and cons of us- Zhurebekov noted the country has 20 countries – Bulgaria, France, ing renewable energy sources, as developed an objective for the tran- Georgia, Germany, Greece, India, well as implementing the best ideas sition to green economy, where the Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, and most effective solutions de- main plan is to increase the share of Kyrgyzstan, Russia, South Korea, signed to contribute to building a renewable energy in total electricity Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the U.K., green future for Kazakhstan and the production to 3 percent by 2021, 10 the U.S., Ukraine and Uzbekistan – entire world. percent by 2030 and at least half of participated in the event. “We see that solar and wind en- total energy consumption by 2050. The summit was organised by ergy as an alternative is developing Kazakh Association of Renewa- the Kazakh Association of Renew- primarily in developed countries. ble Energy General Director Arman able Energy, a non-profit organisa- For example, in Germany, renew- “Most people think that ‘green tion of new construction approach- the physical and financial resources Kashkinbekov talked about which tion uniting companies interested able energy sources make up 32 economy’ is solar and wind power, es; the correct attitude to the collec- not only of the country and city, but steps have been and will be taken to in green economy development, percent of the total. Kazakhstan has but it’s more than that. Green econ- tion and disposal of garbage; new also of every person,” he added. move closer to that goal. and the Foundation of the First enormous potential in this area,” omy is a different stage of develop- approaches to the formation of a Issekeshev emphasised the im- “Very large solar stations of 100 President of Kazakhstan. The event said Issekeshev. ment and a different way of life. It green atmosphere in cities, such as portance of developing energy- megawatts are operating in Zhua- was held as part of the Kazakhstan He noted green economy is one includes ecological transport; cor- parks and squares, and green agri- saving standards and creating a lynsky District of the Zhambyl Energy Week 2019 project imple- of the country’s key economic rect and economical usage of water, culture. All of this has a huge effect “green culture and green think- Region and in Kapchagai, Almaty mented by the KazEnergy Associa- growth directions. heat and electricity; the introduc- on nature and on preserving both ing mentality,” which includes Region. Even in the city of Saran, tion with government support.

introducing five key norms – tax in- centives for print media, developing a unified system of state information Kazakhstan plans to apply tax policy, lifting the ban on advertising AIX lists Russia’s a trademark on beer and wine in do- mestic media, establishing an author- ised body competence to determine incentives to develop print media the language of television and radio most traded development of print media and public at the national and regional channels broadcasting with state par- By Yekiterina Yeliseyeva promote content on the Internet, a levels. ticipation and improving the legisla- zero rate will be provided with an “The status and powers of the tion on access to information. NUR-SULTAN – State Politics online version being compulsory. national and regional commission “The bill is currently open to dis- exchange-traded fund in Mass Media Department Direc- In addition, this norm provides an on the formation of state informa- cussion. We have already introduced with immediate liquidity, portfolio tor Bahniyaz Karashina announced additional source for developing tion policy will be legally enforced. it to state bodies; there are certain By Yerbolat Uatkhanov transparency and low cost,” said the state plan to apply tax incentives the content of domestic print media There is also a proposal to introduce nuances. Since we are amending the ITI Funds CEO Gleb Yakovlev. to develop Kazakh print media at and will give a massive start to the a number of new concepts, such as tax code, this requires a confirma- NUR-SULTAN – The Astana The offering is the second ETF the Sept. 27 Ministry of Informa- transition of the media to the digital the Internet portal of open dialogue, tion from the National Budget Com- International Exchange (AIX) list- of ITI Funds listed on the AIX. tion and Social Development public format,” she said. the listening state and public interest mission. Therefore, the introduction ed Russia’s oldest and most traded Earlier this year, AIX listed and council session. The amendments to the mass me- as part of the amendments to the law of the bill into the Mazhilis (lower exchange-traded fund (ETF) Sept. admitted ITI Funds Russia-fo- “The amendments to the tax code dia law provide for removing the re- on access to information. The bill chamber of Parliament) is sched- 24 and two days later, Samruk cused USD Eurobond Undertaking provide for zero-rate Value Added gional state information order from provides for amendments related to uled for the end of this year to the Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund for Collective Investment Scheme Tax (VAT) for print media sched- the public procurement system and providing access to information for beginning of the next, after all the sold 9.86 million global deposi- (UCITS) ETF. uled for a 10-year period starting forming uniform rules and methods people with disabilities,” she said. procedures are gone through,” she tary receipts (GDRs) through the Local investors bought $43.7 in 2021. In order to stimulate the for making state information orders Karashina noted the bill involves added. London Stock Exchange (LSE) million in the secondary offering and the AIX.The fund, ITI Funds compared to $63.8 million in Ka- Russian Equity (RUSE), repli- zatomprom’s IPO in November “At the moment, design estimates cates the return of the Russian 2018. have been developed and are under Trading System (RTS) Index, the “This is a significant achieve- examination. It is expected that be- country’s largest index. It invests ment and it reflects the good pro- Japanese company to help protect fore the end of this year, an agree- in 40 major shares traded on the gress being made in developing ment on the implementation of the Moscow Exchange (MOEX), pro- the local investor base,” added project as part of a public-private viding diversified exposure to 12 Bennett. partnership will be signed. In 2020, industries. ITI Funds ETF is domiciled in Ural River bank in Atyrau Region land works will start immediately AIX experts highlighted the Luxembourg and UCITS V quali- tial of the Atyrau region. This is a de- Japanese business to come to our on the shore protection of the Ural strong demand through the ex- fied. Only physical replication is By Yerbolat Uatkhanov veloping region. We are interested in country. The company successfully in the Makhambet district. We hope change from both local and inter- used and dividends are paid annu- attracting our high technologies and implemented its project in Almaty; that these initiatives will become an national investors. Samruk Kazyna ally. Units of ITI Funds ETFs will NUR-SULTAN – Japan-based implementing several projects. The today, a representative office is impetus for the implementation of has sold an aggregate of 9,863,021 be traded under the RUSE ticker Tokyo Rope International Inc. re- first of them is shore protection. The opening in Atyrau. In the near fu- other projects,” he added. GDRs (each representing interests with quotation and settlement in cently opened a representative office second project is a medical centre ture, we jointly plan to implement Approximately 4.5 kilometres of in one ordinary share of Kazatom- U.S. dollars and will be fully fun- in Atyrau. The company will begin for cancer patients. Everyone knows projects that are significant for the the shoreline will be protected. To- prom) at $13 per GDR. gible between LSE, MOEX and protecting the Ural River shore next that high-tech medicine is well de- region. This is shore protection work kyo Rope has experience with simi- “We continue to look to expand AIX. AIX trading in these units year and also plans to construct a veloped in our country,” he said. and the opening of a medical centre lar jobs. Earlier this year, the com- the range of products for our re- began Sept. 26. medical centre. Atyrau Region Akim (Governor) while there is also interest in the en- pany reconstructed a two-kilometre tail investors and today they have J.P. Morgan Securities acted as a At the opening ceremony, Tokyo Nurlan Nogayev thanked Kazunori gineering sector,” he said. stretch of the Esentai River embank- received yet another investment sole global placement coordinator Rope President Sato Kazunori em- and expressed hope for long-term Nogayev highlighted the impor- ment in Almaty using heavy gabions option. Exchange-traded funds and joint bookrunner in connec- phasised the importance of coopera- cooperation. tance of strengthening work to at- for channel protection. (ETFs) offer many benefits and, tion with the LSE placing; Halyk tion between the Japanese investor “A company with a century of tract investments, noting funding in- Founded in 1887, Tokyo Rope is if used wisely, are an excellent Finance assumed the same re- and Kazakhstan. The company im- history is known worldwide for its creases the economic potential of the a global manufacturer of high-tech vehicle to achieve an investor’s sponsibilities for the AIX placing. plemented its first project in Almaty, advanced technologies. I would like region and the country as a whole. steel ropes, cable-stayed cables for objectives,” said AIX CEO Tim Renaissance Capital acted as joint then became interested in projects in to recall that the First President of The announced projects will be- bridges, steel cord for tires and vari- Bennett. bookrunner for the LSE and AIX Atyrau, reported the region commu- Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev gin next year, said Kazakh Invest ous types of wire. The company has “We are very pleased to launch placings, all of which were respon- nications service. met with the heads of Tokyo Rope Regional Representative Yerzhan factories in China, Japan, Russia, the the second ETF on AIX. One click sible for arranging the offering for “We analysed the economic poten- during his visit to Japan and invited Kolbayev. United States and Vietnam. allows any investor to have expo- both international and domestic sure to 40 Russian equities with investors. expenses as low as 0.65 percent ITI Funds is a fund platform financing competitively tendered re- annually with an entry ticket as combining the interests of inves- newables projects.” The renewables low as $28. We believe that both tors and portfolio managers. It pro- framework in Kazakhstan will help our funds – equity ETF RUSE vides portfolio managers with the EBRD expands funding for renewable achieve its 3 percent renewable en- and Eurobond ETF RUSB – are infrastructure to establish funds ergy targets by 2020 and 50 percent robust investment products and quickly and reduce operating costs by 2050 and fulfil its obligations as they should find their place in and offers a range of products to part of the Paris Climate Agreement. the long-term portfolios of every private and institutional investors. energy programme Overall, the EBRD has invested investor. Our funds make invest- More than 10 funds currently run biogas energy as well as electricity Also, the framework programme more than $9.1 billion through 262 ment available to anyone coupled on the ITI Funds platform. Staff Report distribution and transmission pro- will be supported by concessional projects in the Kazakh economy. jects. The projects are expected to financing from the Green Climate More than $2.2 billion were allo- NUR-SULTAN – The European reduce carbon dioxide emissions by Fund (GCF). It will be supported by cated for Green Economy Transition Bank for Reconstruction and De- at least 500,000 tonnes per year. comprehensive technical assistance (GET) projects. The GET approach velopment (EBRD) will provide ad- “The EBRD Board of Directors to support competitive tendering for was launched to assist countries ditional funds of up to $328 million approved the extension to the ex- wind energy projects, the develop- where the bank operates to build low to support Kazakhstan as a regional isting framework, which has been ment of carbon markets and promo- carbon and resilient economies. leader in the development of re- almost fully utilised. The first phase tion of gender equality in the renew- The EBRD is the largest interna- newable energy through the second supported the creation of 262 mega- able energy sector. tional investor in the country’s econ- phase of its renewable framework, watt of renewable power-generation The Kazakh Ministry of Energy omy outside the oil and gas sectors reported the bank’s press service. capacity across the country, attracted and the EBRD confirmed in Sep- with a wide presence in Kazakhstan The framework programme sup- four private international investors tember the bank’s commitment to with two offices in Nur-Sultan and ports the implementation of projects and supported a grid-strengthening supporting renewable energy pro- Almaty and five local offices in re- in the field of solar, wind, hydro and project,” reads the bank’s release. jects in Kazakhstan “focusing on mote regions. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Chechen-Ingush ethno cultural Astana Opera presents “Don Athletes win four Asia Championship centre assists all minorities in Carlos” opera for first time medals in trap shooting preserving their identity B2 B3 B7 Capital Rotarians open Kulanshi gallery second inclusive playground hosts exhibition of Soviet-era art “So many people came to see By Nazira Kozhanova the exhibition today. It is espe- cially pleasing that there are many NUR-SULTAN – Kulanshi young people among the visitors. Forte Bank Nur-Sultan art gallery This suggests that we value art and launched Sept. 26 an exhibition of culture,” said Nur-Sultan Akim restored Soviet-era paintings dat- (Mayor) Altai Kulginov, adding ing to the 1950s and Soviet posters he would like to see more exhibi- from the 1970s and 1980s. tions at the Palace of Peace and The exhibition presented the Harmony. works of many artists, including The exhibition also featured Salikhiddin Aitbayev and Abdul- Soviet posters with caution warn- hak Abdullayev. ings that could be found in Soviet “The core of the exhibition is enterprises in the late 1970s and the works of Salikhitdin Aitbayev. early 1980s. This is Sovietism, a sort of fauvism “Posters are from the private of the Soviet period, with large collection of Dostan Bissenov, my forms, monumental, tough. There graduate student. He bought them are paintings of other genres: re- from a friend who used them as alism, classicism, abstractionism a fuel for the stove. The first time – all at one time. We presented 20 we did an exhibition of posters was paintings and about 50 production about ten years ago. Nowadays, posters. Art never dies, it will still there are wall posters as well. But break through time,” said Kulanshi these are just beautiful pictures. Art Gallery Curator Leila Makhat. And the (Soviet) posters had to car- The paintings shown at the exhi- ry some kind of industry message bition were found recently in a half- and please the eye. Therefore, they Diana Vassilenko. Photo credit: abandoned Hall of Culture buildings. have an abyss of humour. When club has been actively trying to today was possible,” said Lyazzat “All of us (sponsors, contribu- The works went through a lengthy you carefully examine them, you By Diana Vassilenko make our city a better place. This Alshinova, Rotary Club in Nur- tors) are a great united family. restoration process, with Abdul- open a lot of allegories, associa- playground is an indicator of us Sultan former president, current Everything that we do, including layev’s paintings alone requiring one tions that passed through the artist’s NUR-SULTAN – U.S. Ambas- doing our best. Thanks to our member and project initiator, at the opening this playground, is for the year to restore, said the exhibition brain, you notice a lot of details and sador to Kazakhstan William H. sponsors and contributors such as opening ceremony. happiness of our children today. organisers at the opening ceremony. meanings,” said Makhat. Moser cut the red ribbon Oct. 3 to the U.S. Embassy, which donated The project cost was 15.5 mil- Our motto is ‘Children are both officially open Kunshyaq, the cap- money; the organisation Total lion tenge (US$39,900), of which our present and our future,’ which ital’s second inclusive playground S.A.; the city akimat (administra- the U.S. Embassy donated 9.5 mil- is why we need to create such an accessible to children with special tion), which provided us with this lion tenge (US$24,455). Rotary environment and conditions so that needs. large area; Yessil District Akim Club Astana, the Yessil District every child has full and equal op- “Since 2015, the start of Rotary (Mayor) Berik Zhakenov and oth- akimat and Total S.A. contributed portunities,” she added. Infrastructure work Club activities in Nur-Sultan, our ers, the opening of the playground the balance of the needed funds. Continued on Page B8 complete at Zhambyl Courses on learning process from renowned Region ski resort ing 9,150 metres will be installed. By Nazira Kozhanova Mountain peaks range from 1,400- US author, professor are available in Kazakh 3,200 metres above sea level; the NUR-SULTAN – Water, gas and highest point is Mount Kamalgan at They told him never take your electrical access work, as well as 3,200 metres. By Zhanna Shayakhmetova class online, because you are too construction of the entrance highway, Myrzakhmetov praised the geo- good in person. But he decided to have been completed at Karalmy Re- graphically favourable location of NUR-SULTAN – More than experiment and put this class on- sort in the Zhambyl Region. The pro- the future resort, the possibility of 1,000 people in Almaty and the line and within two years, no one ject was presented Sept. 29 to Akim long slopes and development pros- capital attended public lectures was taking his face-to-face class (Governor) Askar Myrzakhmetov, pects. He not only supported the idea and participated in training on the any more. Why? Because it’s so reported Kazinform. of a ski resort in the Zhualy District, way neurobiology is changing the convenient to learn it online,” she Additional facility work and ca- but, as an amateur skier, suggested learning process conducted last said. bleway installation are underway. which slopes are best suited for de- month by Oakland University Oakley noted her course on After examining the progress, Myr- scents. Professor of Engineering and New memory techniques dealing with zakhmetov noted most of the con- The Zhambyl Region has a wide York Times bestselling author procrastination and effective prac- struction has been completed and the range of health, ethnic, sightseeing Barbara Oakley. tices to master difficult subjects remainder will be done on time. and ecological tour opportunities, In a recent interview with The through useful storytelling has re- Finishing the infrastructure has reported Kazinform. The region has Astana Times, she spoke about ceived many positive reviews. provided the future resort with ac- 44 travel agencies, 150 hotels, a her collaboration with Kazakh “People were surprised to know cess to drinking water, gas and elec- yurt town, eight recreation areas, 10 developers, why her course is in these insights, which they had tricity. The broadband highway from children’s health camps and five spa demand and how to deal with pro- never heard before. They are pre- the entrance to Tattibai village to the resorts with unique healing mud and crastination. sented in a video that attracts at- foothills has also been completed. mineral waters. “Learning How to Learn,” cre- tention. We start with the founda- Work on the service facilities and a Karalmy’s landscape is appropri- ated by Oakley and Salk Institute tion of known science and then cottage town are being finalised. The ate both for winter skiing and sum- for Biological Studies Professor use metaphors and analogies to cableway equipment has been deliv- mer horseback riding. The summer Terrence Sejnowski, is Coursera’s build on that and to help people ered from Austria, and installation climate is moderately hot and dry most popular offering. Approxi- understand these new ideas that will be carried out by Russian spe- with temperatures of approximately mately 1.8 million students from Philip and Barbara Oakley at the Astana Hub in Nur-Sultan on Sept. 29. they often have never heard be- cialists, he said. 30 degrees Celsius. The thermom- 200 countries have taken it. fore,” she said. A 30-kilometre scheme of cable eter dips to minus 15-20 degrees in Oakley became widely known ing with them because there’s also The question and answer ses- She admitted procrastination is a cars and ski slopes was developed the winter, with 1.2 metres of snow in the country in May after her a deep sense of integrity and vi- sions were the most exciting parts real challenge for nearly everyone earlier and four cableways measur- from December-March. course was available for free in the sion for the future. There’s excite- of the lectures. Participants asked and advised using the Pomodoro Kazakh language on the udemy. ment and enthusiasm here about questions related to the diet for technique to train the brain. The com and academia.kz websites. the future,” she said. cognitive health, how to relax strategy, developed by Francesco Its translation was made possible She and her husband Philip en- while learning and how music af- Cirillo, helps one work and break THINGS TO WATCH & through the cooperative efforts of joyed staying in both cities. fects the brain. at set intervals. It recommends PLACES TO GO the e-learning company Edgravity “The capital city also surprised “People here are so creative that concentrating on work for 25 min- and the academia.kz pedagogical us. The city is amazing, especially their questions are like paintballs,” utes by removing all distracting skills’ virtual laboratory. its architecture. I love the natural noted Oakley. “The questions objects and thoughts, then taking ASTANA ARENA The project began after Tog- beauty of the country, but the peo- come from different directions a five-minute break to listen to Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. Kazakhstan – Cyprus, UEFA zhan Kassenova, one of Edgravity ple are just absolutely extraordi- and you can never predict where one’s favourite song or drink a cup EURO Qualifiers founder Aigerim Khafizova’s for- nary,” she said. they’re going to come from. This of tea. The technique “trains your Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Kazakhstan – Belgium, UEFA mer professors, introduced her to Oakley immediately attracted means that people are not thinking ability to focus and reinforces that Oakley. They decided to adapt the the audience’s attention by not- in the same lines. Society here is relaxing at the end is critical to the EURO Qualifiers course for the Kazakh audience. ing she and her husband met more creative.” process of learning.” Oakley noted working with the while both were working at the She believes online education “The Pomodoro technique is ASTANA OPERA creative group in Kazakhstan was South Pole Station in Antarctica. cannot replace classroom educa- the most effective. We have near- Oct. 11, 13 at 7 p.m., 6 p.m. Don Carlos, opera a rewarding experience. She joined in the U.S. Army after tion, because universities will ly three million students in the Oct. 18, 19 at 7 p.m., 6 p.m. Swan Lake, ballet “Their sets of videos are more high school and received her first fight to prevent that from happen- course and we get thousands and creative – better acting, better in degree in Slavic Languages and ing. thousands of replies that they love Oct. 26, 27 at 6 p.m. Le Corsaire, ballet every way than the English ver- Literature. “Indeed, there is a place for uni- the Pomodoro technique. There’s sion. I think it’s a tribute to how After the army, she received a versities. I think that face-to-face little direct research on the Pomo- ASTANA BALLET creative people are here. It’s been second degree in Electrical Engi- presence can help in some cases, doro technique, but there’s a lot Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. In the Middle, Somewhat a pleasure and a treasure for me neering, then worked as a Russian but I do believe that learning is of research that shows if you fo- Elevated to work with the Kazakh team. translator and an instrumentation migrating towards online. For cus without being distracted that They’re really educated. They and controls engineer. Later, she example, I know a professor who that is extremely helpful. Other BARYS ARENA have good hearts and they’re try- began consulting and attending was such a great teacher that eve- research shows that if after a lit- Oct. 24 at 7 pm. Charity match with Rafael ing to help others. There’s just a Oakland University, receiving a ryone loved his classes and they tle bit you take a break and relax, societal love of people that [they] Master’s degree in Electrical and became so large that he was teach- that’s really effective,” said Oak- Nadal and Novak Djokovic grow up with. It’s wonderful work- Computer Engineering. ing 3,000 students in one class. ley. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 Chechen-Ingush ethno cultural centre in Semei assists all minorities in preserving their identity language, customs and holidays. By Aidana Yergaliyeva “I show the Ingush national tra- dition through my own behaviour NUR-SULTAN – Vainakh (Our and the behaviour of my children, people) Chechen-Ingush ethno my wife. The respect to people, cultural centre in Semei helps all hospitality, support and assistance ethnic minorities to preserve their to people, aspiration to knowl- traditions and identity, said leader edge, patience. I teach this in my Sultan Kartoyev. centre. In Semei, regardless of Under the Assembly of People ethnic association, the tradition of Kazakhstan (APK) initiative, is the most important to me,” he Vainakh centres throughout the said. country have been registered since Kartoyev, who has engaged his 1995. The centre in Semei was cre- life in social works and politics ated in 2013. since 1989, was part of the Ne- As a representative of an ethnic vada-Semipalatinsk international group, Kartoyev has always been a Sultan Kartoyev anti-nuclear movement, which he member of APK. noted was the first non-govern- “Somebody needed to oper- open a centre for their own com- mental organisation to be regis- ate the ethno cultural centre; munities,” he noted. tered in independent Kazakhstan. somebody needed to represent Kartoyev was not permitted to Ever since, he has vowed to be the Chechen-Ingush people,” he register such a community for “loyal to the country and serve said. Caucasus people and was advised till the very end” and his service The centre in Semei, however, is to start with the smaller Chechen- to society continues through the different to other Vainakh commu- Ingush community. Although the centre. nities, as it practices multicultural centre bears the name Chechen- He has asked for financial as- spirit in everything it does and rep- Ingush, it maintains Kartoyev’s sistance for ethnic cultural centres resents. original concept. such as Vainakh. “Initially, I had an idea to cre- “I want to say that in the board “If there is no financing, then ate a single national centre for the of my centre there are Azerbai- assembly.kz. Photo credit: any work will fail, because we will people of Caucasus that we have jani, Kabardian, Chechen and In- The first concert of the creative team of Vainakh Chechen-Ingush ethnocultural centre in Nur-Sultan. need stationery, to pay bills and in town. There are, for instance, gush people. I preserved my initial welcome guests,” he said. 200 Georgians, 200-300 Azerbai- idea of making a single centre for “I thought that someone must ethnic Ingush, it is even more com- “More than ten nationalities The lack of funding also reduces jani, 250 Chechen-Ingush people. all these ethnic groups in another represent their interests. The plex. Born and raised in a family mixed in our family,” he said. “I the appeal for people to join, in I thought of uniting all of them form,” he said. Chechen-Ingush centre never re- with many intermarriages in its also identify myself more as a particular youth who should con- and creating a single centre… The centre participates in cel- jects the representatives of other history, he favours a “tradition of Kazakh or Russian, as I was born tinue the centre’s work. Then, when the representatives of ebrations of all national holidays. ethnic groups, especially the peo- multinationalism, friendship be- to an environment as this, but I “Sometimes, I think about the these ethnic communities – Geor- Its members dance lezginka (North ple from Caucasus, who should be tween nations and not the division want people to remember Ingush future and see that the younger gians, Armenians, Azerbaijani Caucasian dances), gather around represented in the regional assem- to ethnicity, but division to single traditions.” generation has no interest in con- and others –gained the necessary the dastarkhan (dining table) and bly,” he said. Kazakh people I had from my Kartoyev’s definition of those tinuing and developing such eth- experience, each of them could support each other. While Kartoyev identifies as childhood.” traditions stretches far beyond no-cultural centres,” he noted. Person with visual impairment Google employee named one of 100 New Faces The 100 New Faces programme six gold, one silver and one bronze in the United States and works for By Yerbolat Uatkhanov is a government project highlight- medals at international mathemat- Google but represents the Pavlodar ing the personal stories of inspira- ics competitions, reported BNews. Region as one of Kazakhstan’s 100 dedicates life to helping others NUR-SULTAN – Kuat Yesse- tional Kazakhs from all walks of His victories placed him in the New Faces. nov, a Kazakh now living in the life. Guinness Book of World Records “I really love my country. I come By Diana Vassilenko United States and working for Yessenov was an extremely as the child with the most math- from Kazakhstan. I never forget Google, was recently named one gifted child. He learned to read at ematics Olympiad medals. about it. If I answer the question of NUR-SULTAN – The founder of Kazakhstan’s 100 New Faces age three and all school subjects “The boy was gifted by nature,” what I miss in America, I’ll hon- of an organisation that assists peo- for his extraordinary intellectual came to him quite easily. From said David Ganelin, one of Yesse- estly say that I don’t have Kazakh ple with visual impairment, such achievements as a child. ninth-11th grade, Yessenov won nov’s teachers. hospitality and horse meat,” he as himself, meet the challenges of A graduate of Pavlodar’s school- said. everyday life has been named one of Kazakhstan’s 100 New Faces. lyceum No. 8 for gifted children, Yessenov advises young people Yessenov gained fame for his nu- who dream of working in foreign The 100 New Faces programme Vladislav Trifonov is a government project highlighting merous victories in the Interna- companies to start by learning the personal stories of inspirational tional Mathematical Olympiad. He English. He also believes the inter- Kazakhs from all walks of life. a focus on representing the interests earned his first medal in Scotland net has the ability to provide eve- 100 New Faces laureate Vladislav of people with disabilities. in 2002 as silver medalist. He won ryone with an education. Trifonov is the founder of Commu- After graduating in 2008, Tri- the gold among young intellectu- “If your task is to get a job in nity Fund for People with Disabili- fonov also began working as a als from around the world a year a foreign company, then first of ties and an advisor to the Mangys- lawyer in five state healthcare in- later in Japan and again in 2004 all you need to know English and tau Region Akim (Governor). stitutions, where his medical ex- in Greece. Journalists nicknamed have modern technology. The Trifonov was born in 1972 and perience was useful. He has also him the Golden Boy. world has become open. In princi- had a childhood dream of becom- worked as a lawyer in the Ministry After he graduated from high ple, all information is available; it ing a military pilot. At the age of of Healthcare’s Mangystau Region school, Yessenov entered Massa- can be found via the internet, it can Departments of the Committee for 15, however, Trifonov began to bnews.kz. Photo credit: chusetts Institute of Technology be done both here and abroad. It’s rapidly lose his sight. He gradu- the Payment of Medical Services Kuat Yessenov in the United States. Now he lives all about motivation,” he said. ated from the Shevchenko Sec- and of the Committee for the Con- ondary Vocational School No. 6, trol of Medical and Pharmaceutical with a qualification of controls and Activities. instrumentation and automation Trifonov was named in 2014 the mechanic but was unable to work Mangystau Region Akim (Gover- due to his blindness. So, he began nor) advisor in charge of ensuring Tajik Language and Culture Centre opens taking courses in massage and then the rights of persons with disabili- enrolled in Aktau Medical College ties. Trifonov is also the head of the Meridian in 1998. representative office of the National “For the first several weeks, I Chamber of Mediators in the Man- at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University kept receiving bad grades at col- gystau Region, as well as of the Na- lege. It was only because I couldn’t tional League of Consumers. By Nazira Kozhanova receive information through my He continues to educate himself eyes. Then, something happened – I in order to continue contributing to NUR-SULTAN – Tajik Lan- reconsidered and revaluated things. society. In 2016, he graduated from guage and Culture centre opened I realised that if I don’t have eyes, the Metropolitan business school Oct. 1 in the Al-Farabi Kazakh I still have my ears, my hands and with a degree in Public Sector National University. Tajik Consul memory. A person can compensate Management. In 2017, he received General Bakhodur Nazir and the for his disabilities with other things. a Master’s of Business Administra- Kazakh National University Prov- And so, I graduated from college tion from Synergy University in ost Tlekkabul Ramazanov spoke with high distinction,” said Tri- Moscow. at the centre opening ceremony, fonov in an interview with 24.kz. In 2018, Trifonov began to de- reports mir24.tv. He graduated with a paramedic velop projects for the prevention of The Tajik language and cul- degree and has worked as a manual disabilities in the Mangystau Re- ture centre includes a library and therapist for many years. He contin- gion and to open rehabilitation cen- a reading room. Its main goal is ues to receive feedback to this day tres for children with disabilities in the further development of co- from the people he had helped dur- the region. ing his career. operation between Tajikistan and “If talking about long-term goals, kaznu.kz. Photo credit: Kazakhstan, whose peoples are Trifonov said that although his then, of course, I want and intend to L-R: Tlekkabul Ramazanov and Bakhodur Nazir. medical practice had been success- act as an expert (in the support of united by “common customs, reli- ful, it did not bring him complete people with disabilities) and reach a gion and lifestyle,” the organisers satisfaction. noted. This is the first such project meant to contribute to the devel- sic poets that were subsequently Kazakh enterprises and companies higher, international level. There are opment of Kazakh-Tajik studies hanged on the Tajik cultural centre carry out activities in Tajikistan. He started studying law at Aktau international organisations where in the history of independent Ta- as an integral part of Iranian stud- walls. Interactions between the two coun- State University, and in 2006, Tri- there are commissions in which I jikistan. fonov opened his own law firm, as would like to participate and where Students of the Faculty of Ori- ies. The centre founders hope the The event was attended by the tries are carried out on the basis of well as the Community Fund for I would consider many issues on a ental Studies of the Al-Farabi Ka- study of the history and culture of head of the United Nations re- more than 70 signed documents People with Disabilities, a public global scale,” said Trifonov. zakh National University quoted Tajikistan will significantly enrich gional office in Almaty, Vlastimil aimed at developing cooperation foundation specialising in staff re- Since the launch of the 100 New excerpts from the works of the Kazakh oriental studies, reports Samek, Consul General of the in trade, economic, investment, cruitment, which worked for sev- Faces project in 2017, the project founder of Persian-Tajik literature kaznu.kz. Russian Federation Valentin Kol- banking, military, military-techni- eral years in the region before be- has featured inspirational stories of Abuabdullo Rudaki. Also, they The organisers of the opening yasev and Consul General of the cal and other fields. Currently, the ing transformed into the Alas Legal more than 5,000 Kazakhs who have performed a concert celebrating ceremony presented the best works Republic of Uzbekistan Abror countries are strengthening coop- Support Centre, the aim of which is been nominated for the national se- Tajik culture. of Tajik literature and the portraits Fathullaev. eration between the parliaments of the protection of human rights with lection. The opening of the centre is of medieval Persian-Tajik clas- Currently, more than 80 Tajik- the two countries, reports avesta.tj. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 Astana Opera presents “Don Carlos” Madrid hosts Spanish- opera for first time in Nur-Sultan language presentation of Kazakh literature anthologies Photo credit: Kazinform. Photo credit:

of our friendship. We hope such co- By Diana Vassilenko operation serves to further bring the Kazakh and Spanish cultures closer, NUR-SULTAN – The Cervantes strengthen relations between our Photo credit: Astana Opera press service. Astana Opera press Photo credit: Institute recently hosted a presenta- countries,” said Balayeva. era’s repertoire. Our repertoire the life of Carlos, Prince of Asturi- soloist and tenor of Astana Opera, tion of anthologies of modern Ka- The Ministry of Culture of Spain By Diana Vassilenko already features the wonderful as, the eldest son and heir-apparent will play the role of Don Carlos. zakh prose and poetry published in was a partner on the Kazakh pro- operas ‘La Traviata’ and ‘Aida’ of King Philip II of Spain. Despite He holds the prestigious Order of Spanish at its headquarters in Ma- ject, which is being implemented NUR-SULTAN – The Astana by this great Italian composer. being betrothed to the French Prin- the Star of Italy, the highest Italian drid, Kazinform reports. Opera will present for the first time ‘Don Carlos’ is a monumental cess Elisabeth of Valois as part of award for foreigners for his contri- The anthologies were translated There are 10,000 Oct. 11 and Oct. 13 “Don Carlos,” opera that is difficult to perform the peace treaty ending the Ital- bution to cultural cooperation be- into Spanish as part of the Contem- a five-act grand opera composed but easy to perceive. There is no ian War of 1551-59 between the tween the two countries. porary Kazakh Culture in The Glob- copies of the Spanish by Giuseppe Verdi based on the doubt that the production will be Houses of Habsburg and Valois, On different days, Yevgeniy al World project, under which mod- eponymous drama by Johann spectacular, because the music it- he demanded that she be married Chainikov, Astana Opera solo- ern Kazakh literature anthologies, translations of the Christoph Friedrich von Schil- self is vibrant and full of historic instead to his father Philip II of ist, and Barseg Tumanyan, Ar- which feature works of 60 Kazakh anthologies, which ler, according to an Astana Opera imagery. Opera houses do not Spain. menian opera singer (bass), will poets and writers, are being trans- press release. stage ‘Don Carlos’ often because “The opera ‘Don Carlos’ stands perform the part of Philippe II, lated into the six official languages will be distributed The opera will be staged at the this opera requires a large cast of out from the whole context of Maira Mukhamedkyzy, the lead- of the United Nations: Arabic, Chi- among libraries, Astana Opera Grand Hall and the highly professional singers. The Verdi’s body of work yet remains ing female soloist of the opera, nese, English, French, Russian and creative team includes conductor Astana Opera has strong princi- one of his greatest creations. It and Zhannat Baktay, soprano and Spanish. educational Alan Buribayev as the music di- pal soloists including prominent marks a turn in the composer’s honoured artist of Kazakhstan, “My colleagues and I understand rector of the production and Ital- sopranos, tenors, baritones and creative work. The music of this will be Elisabeth of Valois. The and support the desire of Kazakhstan institutions and ian director Davide Livermore as basses. All of them have already opera is characterised by brilliant performances will also feature the to introduce its culture and literature academic centres of the stage director. Designers Sofia begun rehearsals,” said Astana simplicity and resonance with Astana Opera Symphony Orches- to the world… I am sure Kazakh Tasmagambetova and Pavel Dra- Opera Director Galym Akhmed- rich melodic overturns. Current- tra and Choir. readers are familiar with our great Spain and 18 Latin gunov created the costumes, and yarov. ly, French and Italian versions of The production, slated for 7 writers, poets and artists, we work Cristiana Picco prepared the stage Verdi composed the opera to a the opera are featured in world’s p.m., Oct. 11, and 6 p.m., Oct. 13, hard so that the whole world knows American countries. decorations. French-language libretto by Jo- leading opera houses,” reads the will premiere under the auspices about them. However, in order to es- “This is the third opera by Gi- seph Méry and Camille du Locle. press release. of the Kazakh Ministry of Culture tablish a true friendship and under- as part of the Ruhani Zhangyru useppe Verdi in the Astana Op- The libretto is based on conflicts in Medet Chotabayev, the leading and Sports. standing, the cultural exchange must programme, whereas the Cervantes be reciprocal. Therefore, the pub- Institute functioned as the creative lication of such serious collections consultant. The Visor Libros pub- is of great importance to us. This is lishing house has been selected to the true interpenetration of cultures,” carry out the literary translations, said Head of the Cervantes Institute printing and distribution of the two National Museum presents masterpieces of Rosa Leon at the presentation. modern Kazakh literature antholo- Assistant to Kazakh President and gies in Spanish. Secretary of the National Commis- María Sánchez Puig, the Span- sion for the Implementation of the ish royal family translator, doctor ancient and medieval art in Kuala Lumpur Ruhani Zhangyru (Modernisation of of philology and professor at The with an inscription made in runic and significant archaeological dis- after studying the objects found in Kazakhstan’s Identity) programme, Complutense University of Madrid By Zhanna Shayakhmetova writing, which was found in the covery in Kazakhstan to date. In the burial. which seeks to preserve and popu- presented the anthology of Kazakh Issyk mound. It is one of the old- the late 1960s and early 1970s, ar- Previously, the exhibition was larise the country’s historical and prose to the Spanish reader by trans- NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh est written monuments found in chaeologist Kemal Akishev found presented in Azerbaijan, Belarus, cultural heritage, Aida Balayeva, lating it and being the author of the National Museum opened Oct. 1 this area. The jewellery items dat- the remains of the Saka king – the China, North Macedonia, Poland, Kazakh Ambassador to Spain Kon- introduction. Modern Kazakh po- “The Great Steppe: History and ing from the 15th century from the Golden Man, which later became Russia, South Korea, Turkey and stantin Zhigalov, Executive Director etry was introduced to the Hispanic Culture” exhibition at the Depart- Sairam treasure demonstrate deco- the symbol of Kazakhstan, in the Uzbekistan. of the National Translation Bureau world by the Spanish poet, writer, ment of Museums of Malaysia in rative animal images. Issyk mound near Almaty. The The exhibition will run until Rauan Kenzhekhanuly and Deputy philologist and professor at the Roy- Kuala Lumpur. The presentation “The reconstruction of the Gold- priceless artefact was named Ka- Oct. 31. Chairman of the Writers Union of al Spanish Academy, Luis Alberto is part of the Altyn Adam (Gold- en Man in clothes embroidered zakh “Tutankhamun” and recog- The Golden Man Procession Kazakhstan Akberen Yelgezek at- de Cuenca. en Man) Procession through the with gold plaques, in a special coni- nised as the discovery of the centu- through the World’s Museums pro- tended the presentation. There are 10,000 copies of the World’s Museums project. cal headdress decorated with gold ry. The gold jewellery in the form ject is implemented as part of the “The task of the Contemporary Spanish translations of the an- The mission of the exhibition is plates in the form of gold arrows, of winged horses from the crown Rukhani Zhangyru (Modernisa- Kazakh Culture in The Global thologies, which will be distributed to present the rich historical and snow leopards, argali, horses and of the ancient ruler of the steppes tion of Kazakhstan’s Identity) pro- World project is to present mod- among libraries, educational institu- cultural heritage of Kazakhstan to birds are available at the exhibition. became part of the national coat gramme initiated by First President ern Kazakhstan to the whole world tions and academic centres of Spain foreign audiences. The visitors can also see the collec- of arms and the sculpture of the Nursultan Nazarbayev. The exhibi- through its culture. Therefore, the and 18 Latin American countries. The exhibition features 346 tion of archaeological finds from Golden Man was installed on In- tion is also scheduled in museums most important thing for us was to The publications will reach more items, including the Golden Man the early Iron Age century (5th-4th dependence Square in Almaty. in the United States, Italy, Austria, achieve a high artistic quality of the than 600 million people. armour, unique archaeological centuries BC) that accompanied the More than 4,000 gold items France and Germany in 2020. The translation, which would enable us The British Library in London and finds from the Saka mounds of burial of this noble Saki young war- were found in the mound as well as project will also be presented in the to reach the hearts of Spanish read- the City Hall of the first arrondisse- Taksai in the West Kazakhstan rior. According to archaeologists, the details that decorated clothes, exhibition halls of the Association ers. For this, the Spanish transla- ment of Paris also recently presented Region, Taldy-2 in the Karaganda he was 17-18,” reads the release. jewellery and household utensils. of National Museums of Grand tors visited Kazakhstan, met with the anthologies of modern Kazakh Region and Berel in the East Ka- The Golden Man, or Altyn The researchers recreated the ap- Palais in France and in the Art Mu- the authors, with our country and prose and poetry in English and zakhstan Region, a silver bowl Adam, is perhaps the most famous pearance of an ancient warrior seum of Austria in 2021. culture. They have become carriers French respectively. Jewellery designers make women feel unique... Continued from Page A1 as popular designers and stylists. the founder of the Dani Kazakhstan Junus assembled all the jewellery “We collaborated with LAIMA brand, an innovative ethno-style pieces themselves, but have now “Our customers like us for being Co.’s designer Alfiya Ispergenova designer whose specialty is using hired an assistant. The duo also so open. We carry out charitable in May. Ispergenova had her mod- felt pom-poms for her creations. holds master classes for 15,000 activities. We donate a good share els wear our accessories on the run- She suggested developing acces- tenge (US$38.70) to teach their of what we earn at our jewellery way during VISA Fashion Week in sories for Suleimenova’s show at jewellery assembly skills. Partici- exhibitions. For instance, after our Almaty,” said Kazybayeva. Eurasian Fashion Week. The ac- pants receive information on how first exhibition, we bought sports The same month, AZEL’s found- cessories created for the show re- and where to purchase fittings and equipment for a school for chil- ers wanted to create a jewellery ceived high reviews and interest how to start a business. Even if dren with disabilities. After the collection with Kazakhstan’s top among customers,” she added. students are not interested in pur- second one, we helped prepare stylist, Zhanna Akhmetova. They started selling their prod- suing a jewellery career, they can children from low-income families “We were very glad that she ac- ucts at TWELVE showroom in create their own pieces to take for school,” she noted. “With the cepted our offer and in July, we the capital, which features fash- home “or simply unwind.” Four money we earn at the next exhibi- presented our co-collection at the ion products made in Kazakhstan, students have already become suc- tion, we want to help women with First Garage Sale, where we were in December. Their jewellery is cessful designers. financial difficulties realise their very successful. According to now available in nine showrooms “In the near future, we plan to creative start-up ideas.” Akhmetova’s idea, the jewellery throughout the country such as expand the range of our jewellery They exhibit their products at from the collection was to symbol- Fashion Park, the largest Kazakh and accessories, introduce vintage the capital’s fashion events – Asta- ise tenderness and brutality at the designer showroom, and Lenazh. jewellery from Europe, hold more na Fashion Festival at MEGA Silk same time. We developed unique AZEL jewellery can also be master classes and continue to ac- Way, POP UP SHOP in Keruen transformer chains as an exam- viewed and purchased online on tively engage in charity. We also shopping mall and the showroom ple of mindful consumption,” she the store’s official Instagram ac- plan to attract interesting media at Eurasian Fashion Week. The noted. count @azel_jewelry or at any of personalities from the fashion in- brand also coordinates with many “In August, Akhmetova intro- the locations indicated on the page. dustry to create new collections,” Maxim Zhussupov. Photo credit: other Kazakh showrooms, as well duced us to Kamilya Suleimenova, Until recently, Kazybayeva and said Kazybayeva. L-R: Assel Junus and Zauresh Kazybayeva. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 Government allocates Kazakhstan receives ICAO award for record amount for progress in resolving aviation security countries’ results of the recent and 2019, the Kazakh govern- international organisations are in- By Aidana Yergaliyeva years in aviation security devel- ment revised and amended three vited to the assembly, which es- opment and how well they meet resolutions and eight orders of tablishes the worldwide policy of social assistance NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan ICAO standards and recommend- the minister in charge of aviation the organisation for the upcoming received Sept. 25 Internation- ed practices (SARPs), policies, security. triennium. al Civil Aviation Organisation plans and programmes. The Civil Aviation Commit- The Kazakh delegation and (ICAO) Council President Cer- The Kazakh Ministry of Indus- tee collaborates with the aviation Canadian aviation authority also tificate for progress in resolving try and Infrastructural Develop- authorities of neighbouring coun- discussed Sept. 27 bilateral coop- aviation security and oversight ment’s Civil Aviation Committee tries. From 2017 to 2019, Ka- eration in international air trans- deficiencies at the 40th ICAO as- has done comprehensive work in zakhstan has been organising ex- portation, the agreement on air sembly in Montreal, Canada. aviation security development. perience exchange programmes traffic between the two parties The ICAO council recognised According to an ICAO No- with Georgia and Uzbekistan and and the matters of an agreement Kazakhstan among 17 countries vember 2017 audit, Kazakhstan providing consulting assistance between their air carriers on air with the biggest aviation safety shows high results at 83 percent, to Tajikistan. The committee reg- transport cooperation during a progress in 2019. which is 11 percent higher than ularly organises trainings for spe- “These awards, established by the global average for aviation cialists from countries of Central meeting in Montreal. the ICAO Council in support of security. Kazakhstan improved Asia and Caucasus in Almaty. The Canadian delegation in- our ongoing No Country Left Be- 21 percent compared to the 2009 The committee participated cluded representatives from the hind initiative, have been devel- audit. in international conferences and Department of Foreign Affairs, oped in order to more publicly ac- The Kazakh government im- seminars held under the auspices the Department of Transportation knowledge and encourage States’ proved legislation and ensured of ICAO Regional Aviation Secu- and the Canadian Transportation commitment and progress in timely implementation of ICAO rity Bureau. Agency. making our global network even SARPs in aviation security. The The ICAO assembly is the or- The Canadian aviation author- safer and more secure than it is government decree developed ganisation’s sovereign body that ity plans to visit Kazakhstan to percent over the last year to 8.4 today,” said ICAO Council Presi- and approved the National Avia- meets at least once every three improve the process of sharing Staff Report trillion tenge (US$21 billion). dent Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu. tion Security Programme with years. ICAO’s 193 member experience and working methods Last year, state budget expen- ICAO Commission evaluates all the latest SARPs. In 2018 countries and a large number of in October. NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan ditures were 7.1 trillion tenge increased social spending 28 per- (US$18 billion) with a decrease cent in the first eight months of of 16 percent. 2019 over the same period 2018, “Most of the funds, or 27.3 reported Ranking.kz. percent of the total costs, were The country spent 2.3 trillion allocated for social assistance Online document processing, soft loans, tenge (US$5.9 billion) on social and social security. This indica- programmes from January to Au- tor was 25.1 percent a year ear- gust and spent 1.8 trillion tenge lier. A considerable allocation is (US$4.6 billion) during the same also provided for education at preferential lending expected to boost months of 2018. 1.5 trillion tenge (US$3.8 bil- As of August 15, 1.8 million lion), or 17.6 percent, and for the Kazakh people received social healthcare sector at 787.4 billion assistance. The largest number tenge (US$2 billion), or 9.4 per- domestic businesses of beneficiaries live in the Turke- cent),” reads the ministry press In addition, using the Business import substitution of basic con- per cups per month, items which stan Region at 498,700 people. release. Staff Report Road Map initiative alone, entre- sumer goods by encouraging previously could only be import- Approximately 225,400 people The five priority areas for state preneurs in the West Kazakhstan local entrepreneurs to produce ed from Russia, is an example of received assistance in the Almaty budget expenditures also includ- NUR-SULTAN – Online docu- region received more than 1.5 these goods. Stimulation is car- one new project. Region and 216,300 people re- ed debt servicing at 538.3 billion ment processing, soft loans and billion tenge (US$3.6 million) ried out through preferential “There is no such production ceived assistance in Shymkent. tenge (US$1.4 billion), or 6.4 preferential lending are some of in assistance this year. Soft loans lending. At this moment, this in Kazakhstan at all; we will be Approximately 42 percent of percent, and transport and com- the measures introduced by the were also issued under new pro- programme provides for subsi- beneficiaries are urban residents munications at 521 billion tenge the only ones in Kazakhstan and government to stimulate the coun- grammes such as the Econom- dies of up to 9 percent, so the I hope we will take a leading po- and 58 percent live in rural ar- (US$1.3 billion), or 6.2 percent. try’s businesses. ics of Simple Things and Nurly loan rate for the final borrower sition. In Russia, where these pa- eas. As of August 1, 103 billion As of the end of the second Signing documents to subsi- Zher. goes down to 6 percent,” said per cups are mainly bought, on tenge (US$246 million) had been quarter, the share of the popula- dise and guarantee loans online One example of such support is Small and Medium Business allocated for social benefits. tion with income below the sub- started Sept. 22. Rather than the the 65 jobs created at a recently- Support branch director Asset average, the price of one cup is The average payment per family sistence level was 4.3 percent, previous 40 days, processing time opened cable and wire production Tlemissov. seven rubles (US$0.11); ours will was 86,000 tenge (US$222) per according to the Statistics Com- has been reduced to three. Since plant. The factory expansion sup- Eight business projects have al- be 15-20 percent cheaper. This month, according to the Ministry mittee of the Ministry of National its introduction, the business pro- ports high quality and low prices, ready been approved, and subsidy will allow us to enter the market of Labour and Social Protection Economy. cess automation project has al- two pillars of the import substitu- agreements signed in three, under not only in the West Kazakhstan of the Population. The share exceeds the national lowed concluding approximately tion campaign announced in Ka- the Economics of Simple Things Region, but throughout Kazakh- Meanwhile, authorities con- average value in six regions. For three dozen online contracts just zakhstan. programme. Production of up to stan,” said factory deputy director tinue to identify those who ille- example, the share of the popu- in Uralsk. “The state has set the task of 500,000 environment-friendly pa- Alexandra Usova. gally receive social assistance. lation with incomes below the The concealment of income and subsistence level is 11.2 percent re-receipt of social assistance by in the Turkestan Region and 5.8 registering at a temporary place percent and 5.1 percent in the of residence were named among Zhambyl Region and the North the most common violations. Kazakhstan Region respectively. More than 20,000 people sign petition Overall Kazakh government Five years earlier, the share of spending has also increased in the population with incomes be- 2019. The expenditures of the low the subsistence level was 2.9 National Fund increased 17.6 percent. demanding closure of Almaty Zoo

Staff Report

NUR-SULTAN – More than 20,000 people have signed an Turkestan to add online petition at change.org de- manding the Almaty Zoo be shut down. The petition is titled “We de- smart bus stops, open mand to close the zoo in Almaty. Animals are neither a thing nor a source of profit” and was launched by Batyrkhan Togaibayev. air movie theatre Togaibayev addressed Almaty and for this, all conditions have Zoological Park officials in a mes- By Nazira Kozhanova been created,” he added. sage posted with the petition in Ayupov also shared the city’s July saying too many animals die NUR-SULTAN – Smart bus plans for using a large LED screen in the zoo’s care. stops, an open-air movie theatre in the open-air movie theatre. “At least five animals have died and glass police booths will be “On the future square of Turke- in the Almaty Zoo over the past installed in Turkestan by 2020- stan, we will install a large LED month: a giraffe, two young lion- 2021, Akim (Mayor) Rashid screen where you can watch mov- esses, an elk; they’ve also euthan- Ayupov told tengrinews.kz Sept. ies in the open air. We hope it will ised a tiger. Many animals have 23. The new flower-shaped sing- create favourable conditions for also died in the zoo before that. ing fountain, Arbat Street (walk- tourists and residents of our city,” Before Vyacheslav Banshchikov ing alley) and Nazarbayev Street he said. became the director, a zebra died, construction projects were com- The clear glass booths sym- and an Amur tiger, as the former pleted this summer. bolise the transparency of police Director Yerzhan Yerkinbaev said, Almaty zoo Instagram page. Photo credit: “At each (smart bus) stop, WI- work, a priority for the Turkestan was sent to the ‘most terrible zoo FI will be connected; the structure akimat (local administration). of Karaganda’,” said Togaibayev. closing the zoo will no longer ne- animals currently kept in the Al- to put it mildly, this is nonsense. itself will be made of anti-vandal Construction will hopefully be Togaibayev asserted in the peti- gotiate with zoo executives. The maty Zoo could be relocated. From year to year, the number of material. Inside, there will be completed by 2020, with a late tion that the goal of Kazakh zoos activists are requiring a complete “Animals can be sent to more zoos in the world is only increas- CCTV cameras and public wash- deadline in 2021. contradicts with world standards. closure of the Almaty zoo. modern zoos, such as those of New ing. It seems to me that closing the rooms. It is very hot in Turkestan “We have already begun to in- “The aim of zoos in developed “We do not demand the zoo York and London. We could give zoo would be wrong. Our zoo is the in the summer and sometimes it troduce them, similar to Georgia. countries is to save species from executives negotiate with the them either free of charge or on a best in the country. There are only is difficult for people to wait for We are putting in glass police extinction. A zoo can contain and eco-activists. We do not call for paid basis, and send the proceeds three state zoos in Kazakhstan. transport. By the way, funds for stations so that everyone can see study rare and endangered species modernisation, or to improve the to Kazakh national reserves,” And regarding those shortcomings this project come from investors,” what is happening inside the sta- of animals to create artificial popu- conditions of the detention. We reads the petition. made by the previous executives… he said. tion. I really hope that we will lations in captivity. A zoo should have already witnessed how these Almaty zoo executives oppose work is currently underway in To date, 35 bus stops are be able to complete all the work be a genetic bank for the conser- requests are answered simply with closing the zoo, reports Tengrinew. that direction. Now, an aviary for planned for installation, with the before the end of 2020,” said vation of rare and endangered spe- unfulfilled promises both verbally kz. Almaty Zoo Head Zootechni- wolves is being built, an aviary for majority to be situated in the city Ayupov. cies of animals by keeping specific and on paper. We call for the com- cian Agybay Azhibayev has called bears has been reconstructed. All centre. The Turkestan akimat is also individuals for posterity and fur- plete closure of the zoo,” wrote the petition “nonsense” and as- are following European standards. “These are all investors, not a organising a major national food ther developing their populations,” Togaibayev in a message on the sured that improvements are being A saiga aviary is under construc- penny from the state budget. We festival hosting Kazakh as well as reads the petition. change.org website. made. tion,” said Azhibayev, as reported plan to install more than 30 stops international chefs. Togaibayev says proponents of The petition suggests where the “Maybe it will sound rude, but by Tengrinews.kz. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 Kazakhstan to increase support for volunteers in 2020 Year of Volunteer centres in each region by adding By Yekiterina Yeliseyeva volunteer support centres. People will be trained in each region to NUR-SULTAN – Aliya Gali- continue coordinating volunteer mova, Chair of the Committee on activities beyond 2020. Civil Society Affairs of the Min- “The third area is the expansion istry of Information and Social of citizen participation in volun- Development introduced the draft teer activities. We will continue action plan for the Year of the Vol- our joint project with the Minis- unteer at the ministry’s Sept. 27 try of Education and Science to public council session. The draft provide social loans for universi- outlines seven directions to de- ty students involved in volunteer velop favourable conditions for activities. It already started Sept. volunteer activities and she em- 1 based on the website that our phasised the experiences will be ministry created,” she said. taken into consideration when cal- Kazakh students can register on culating seniority increments. the website volunteer.kz, where The ministry began working they will be compensated for on the action plan after President their volunteer hours either with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed money or study credits. the decree Aug. 27 declaring 2020 Kazakhstan is planning to as the Year of the Volunteer. launch a joint project with the “The first area is the develop- United Nations to increase its ment of an enabling environment citizens’ representation as volun- for volunteer activities. In regards teers in foreign countries. to this area, there are plans to de- “This is a new project; never velop an appropriate draft law. We has one like it been implemented created standards for accounting in Kazakhstan. Approximately for volunteer activity when enter- eight volunteers will be sent. We ing colleges and universities and are currently solving all proce- we will work out the norm for in- dural issues with the Ministry of cluding volunteering experience as Foreign Affairs and other agen- part of seniority. A methodology cies,” said Galimova. will be developed for assessing the She noted more than 170 vol- contribution of volunteering to the unteer projects, part of the new country’s socio-economic devel- Zhana Bastama programme, will opment for its subsequent inclu- be offered in the country by next sion in statistical reporting,” said year. The government will cover Galimova. “There are plans to create a supported, was proposed by the tive implementation of the vol- the Year of the Volunteer,” she all expenses required, such as The second direction is creating volunteer council with the par- volunteer organisations them- unteer project programme. The added. transportation for search teams a volunteer activities infrastructure ticipation of Kazakh and Russian selves. We are planning to cre- office will deal with the coordi- Galimova noted the govern- and payments for any necessary and increasing the potential of its volunteer organisation leaders. ate a single project office for the nation and monitoring of volun- ment will expand the work of materials, although volunteers participants. This idea, which the President overall coordination and effec- teer projects planned as part of existing youth resource and civic will not be reimbursed. NU hosts Situation of children: a lot of progress but ClimateLaunchpad more to be done, says UNICEF representative Continued from Page A1 put a stop to bullying and to make “The question is – are we doing schools safer and kinder,” he said. enough currently to equip young 2019 national finals “There’s a lot that has been people with these life skills? The achieved over the past few decades education system we have is still in Kazakhstan. It’s remarkable Mental health focused on filling young people how the government has managed Kazakhstan is also facing with knowledge and giving them to improve the living environment somewhat of a crisis regarding technical skills and we see it in for children,” UNICEF Represent- children’s and adolescents’ men- Kazakhstan as well, when young ative Arthur van Diesen said in an tal health, noted van Diesen, as people come to the labour market. exclusive interview for this story. the country is among the top in Many of them actually struggle Infant and under-five mortality the suicide rate among the latter. to find that first job. There’s a lot rates have reduced fivefold. Near- UNICEF and the government suc- of training we need to do because ly every child is in school or has cessfully piloted a suicide preven- they know certain things, but do access to education, starting from tion project in Kyzylorda. not how to work together, how to early ages; the pre-school attend- “We’ve been working with build a team, how to really analyse ance level has doubled and is now teachers and psychologists in a problem and address it,” he said. among the highest in the region. school [not only] to build their Plans are underway to collabo- The average number of years chil- awareness of mental health issues, rate with education authorities and but also to equip them to then talk

Photo credit: climatelaunchpad.org. Photo credit: dren are in school has increased the private sector to prepare young Arthur van Diesen to young people about this, to work One of the winners, HydroPlat team and their project. and is now among the highest in people with the skills needed for the former Soviet Union. bilities. I am hopeful that together we with young people to raise aware- the future and the role they will “We are using this opportunity of can really make progress,” he noted. ness. This approach was piloted in play in the economy. By Nazira Kozhanova finals in Amsterdam. First place was a number of schools. It showed re- awarded to the HydroPlat project, the anniversary of the convention both to celebrate progress, but also ally good results and government NUR-SULTAN – Nazarbayev which works to obtain nanomate- Violence against is now in the process of scaling up University recently hosted the na- rials needed to produce hydrogen to call attention to the challenges Climate change that are still ahead of us,” he added. this kind of programme,” he said. Climate change is causing a tional finals of the ClimateLaunch- cars. The dECO project, which de- children Unfortunately, Kazakh children significant ecological crisis in the pad 2019 green technologies en- velops a platform for the creation world which will increasingly af- are still subjected to many forms trepreneurship ideas international and subsequent sale of unique items Skills for the future fect Kazakh children. competition, reported science- made from used ones, took second Children with disabilities of violence. UNICEF statistics Artificial intelligence and robot- “This is one area where chil- fund.kz. place. ics are changing the way people deserve more attention show approximately 40 per cent dren are paying for the sins of our “ClimateLaunchpad provides a The TopyraQ project team pro- learn and work. Although progress is good for of parents at times use some form generation and the generations be- posed an idea for processing food great opportunity to get the knowl- the majority of children, some are of physical violence towards their fore us. We overexploited natural waste and turning it into compost. edge needed for the development of at risk of being left behind. children. Nearly three-quarters of resources. We need to work with The project was involved in an on- “There’s a lot that has new cleantech ideas into successful “We see real efforts made by adults think it’s normal to use cor- young people and the government line poll with other selected partici- business projects. Participation in the Kazakh government to make poral punishment if a child misbe- been achieved over to get serious about the impact of pants from 55 countries. ClimateLaunchpad will help entre- schools more accessible. It has haves or doesn’t obey. the past few decades climate change to see how we can preneurs to check the feasibility of also ratified the Convention on the “Violence has a very profound reduce the use of fossil fuels and their ideas and to develop an ability in Kazakhstan. It’s “ClimateLaunchpad Rights of Persons with Disabili- effect on children. It’s an effect how we can address air pollution, to communicate it to potential in- ties. But there are still too many that can really last a lifetime. It can remarkable how which has such a huge impact on vestors and prospective customers,” provides a great children with disabilities who are lead to mental difficulties and de- child development as well,” he Yelena Shevchenko, Kazakhstan’s the government has opportunity to get the not learning at all or they may be pression. The presidential address said. ClimateLaunchpad national lead, learning at home or in a special in- with an intention to strengthen managed to improve Van Diesen is optimistic about told climatelaunchpad.org. knowledge needed for stitution not really mainstreamed the laws around violence against the future, as he believes there The competition’s goal is finding the living environment the development of in the education system. The so- children is important. That is a are many young Kazakhs who the best green technologies ideas and ciety is not yet fully embracing welcome initiative on behalf of the for children.” have good ideas and the energy helping to develop them into sustain- new cleantech ideas children with disabilities. We need President. Stronger laws, stronger to change life for the better. Most able start-ups. to start building a truly inclusive punishment. But in addition, we importantly, he urges parents to be The committee considered 80 ap- into successful business society that focuses not so much need to make sure that it becomes “What’s becoming more and there for their children and spend plications and selected 11 teams. The projects.” on the disability, but actually on less acceptable for violence to be more important is not so much more time with them. groups enrolled in boot camp classes the ability of children,” said van used,” he said. knowledge and technical skills, but “I’m talking here specifically to July 15-16 to prepare them for the fi- it’s more life skills; it’s more inno- The international competition Diesen. Children are also subjected to vi- fathers. We are so busy with our nals. Taking part in the event helped Every child has certain abilities olence outside the home, including vative problem-solving, knowing careers, with our jobs, with our winners will receive cash prizes to how to communicate, knowing participants become acquainted with develop their projects, as well as op- and it’s the duty of service provid- in schools, where bullying is fre- mobile phones and our gadgets and how to work with a broad variety projects aimed at reducing negative portunities to accelerate their busi- ers and adults to make sure there quent. Van Diesen recently shared whatever is in our heads that wor- impact on the environment and cli- ness ideas. is an environment in which every his personal story of bullying and of people,” he said. ries us that it’s often very easy to be mate by introducing developments The competition’s main organiser youngster can thrive. the reaction was surprising. UNICEF has initiated Genera- in the same space with your chil- in renewable energy, sustainable is Climate-KIC, a European Union “The government has that com- “I found that many colleagues tion Unlimited, joining with other dren but not to be present with your food production and technology, as initiative regarding climate and inno- mitment to truly build an inclusive started opening up around us, say- UN agencies, the World Bank and children. Let’s simply spend more well as waste processing and envi- vations. The Kazakh National Final society. Aruzhan Sain was recently ing that something similar hap- private sector entities to ensure time together and it will [not only] ronmental protection. organisers are Astana Business Cam- appointed as the Children’s Rights pened to them and how this im- young people’s voices are heard give great benefits to the children, The two teams selected will be pus, NU Green Campus and Science Ombudsperson. She is focused on pacted them. Children, parents and that they are properly trained but also to us as fathers. It’s an en- entered in November’s international Fund. the wellbeing of children with disa- and teachers have the power to for future employment. riching experience,” he said. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 Kazakhstan is best for pilgrimage, cultural-historical and gastronomic tourism in autumn, says travel blogger sional. Inexperienced individuals and do other activities. A few hours’ By Aidana Yergaliyeva can hire a qualified instructor and ride will take you to Charyn Can- scale category 1A and 1B peaks, yon, Kolsai Lakes and other tourist NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan is Russian grades for easy roped attractions,” he said. a country where one can experience climbing. Mangystau Region is another all four seasons, yet many tourist “For beginners, it can be Maloal- area with booming tourism oppor- resorts and activities are only avail- matinsky gorge and Bolshoe Al- tunities. able in summer or winter. What if matinskoe gorge. There is Kok “It is the only place where we one’s only option is to visit during Zhailau, famous Kim-Asar gorge have our own ‘sea.’ The Caspian autumn? Go to the southern regions or trekking to Bukreyev Peak,” said Sea might be a lake, but it is a big for a pilgrimage and cultural-histor- Algashev. water reservoir. (There are also) ical and gastronomic tourism, said Tourists can trek in the east in the Bozzhyra, Sherkala, Tuzbayir and travel blogger Nurzhan Algashev Altai mountains or the west to see Chinki canyons and Ustyurt Pla- in an exclusive interview with The the “unbelievable Marcian scenery teau – fantastic places,” he added. Astana Times. on Ustyurt Plateau.” Climbing in In promoting tourism and de- Many tourist sites such as Ala- the west is a tough trip, however, veloping its potential, the Kazakh kol, Balkhash and Burabai rely on due to the lack of water. For a more government and experts frequently revenue from May-September. In enjoyable experience, he recom- discuss the idea that Central Asia autumn, hotels, guest houses, small mends several-day expeditions by should position itself as one des- cafés and entertainment spots start four wheel drives . tination and introduce a new Silk to close and freeze their business “Cycling tours are getting more Road visa. till the following summer. If one popular, also in rough terrain such “I am very happy that there is plans a vacation in autumn, he or as in Assy Plateau, mountains and an understanding of this question she should explore the southern foothills of the Almaty Region. The in our government and, maybe, in part of the country to have a won- same can be done near the capital in other neighbouring countries… It derful time. Burabai,” he said. is very right to introduce one Silk “Of course, it is also possible to Some enthusiasts enjoy horse- Road visa. It will be a very good travel in autumn,” he said. “This is back riding or rafting. The latter is step. Why? Because of foreign Travel blogger Nurzhan Algashev near Toraigyr Lake in Bayanauyl National Park. especially true about the south of available in the mountains of the tourists. If we look at ourselves as Kazakhstan, where warm days last Almaty and East Kazakhstan re- tourists, we travel to remote places longer. I would recommend visit- pilgrimage tourism. These are holy stan… You can both get treatment Kazakhstan has a “very beauti- gions. such as European countries, South ing more southern regions exactly places,” he said. “You can easily and enjoy nature,” he said. ful nature that varies from forest “I think these are the most popu- Eastern Asia and North and South in the period when it gets colder in visit them in the fall, because in the The flora covering the East Ka- to mountains, glaciers, deserts, lar activities to do in Kazakhstan… America. Accordingly, if we visit the north.” south it is a bit warmer. The weath- zakhstan and Pavlodar regions be- canyons and other landscapes” and I think adventure tourism has a big those continents, we try to visit as In the Turkestan Region, Al- er allows it.” comes especially bright and colour- many areas offer camping, hiking, potential in our country. The main many countries as possible. This is gashev suggests travelling to Khoja Autumn is also a good time for ful in the beginning of the season. If trekking and climbing. The Alatau thing is to want it,” he noted. the nature of a person, that a tour- Akhmet Yassawi mausoleum, Ak people who prefer a detox pro- not viewing the display from a san- Mountains in the Almaty Region, Algashev specifically highlighted ist wants to see the maximum, have Meshit cave, Arystanbab and the gramme, rehabilitation sessions atorium, tourists can visit national for example, have very popular the tourism potential of the Almaty more experiences, visit more coun- ancient cities such as Otyrar and from stress and exhaustion and parks for similar scenes, he said. routes for one-day trips or trips that Region. tries and places. A visa always stays Sauran. medical procedures in one of the Adventure seekers are also treat- last several days. “First of all, it is a modern mega- as a barrier. When a tourist visits In the Zhambyl Region, it is Ai- country’s many sanatoriums that ed to many options. Climbing is very popular near Al- polis that can offer anything. The our region, for example, Uzbeki- sha Bibi mausoleum, Karakhan operate year round. “Adventure tourism, by the way, maty. Locals usually “go to moun- second, it is near mountains. In stan, and if he has an opportunity to mausoleum and Akyrtas city, des- “The sanatoriums function not is claimed to be one of the poten- tains and climb them with equip- other words, the nature compo- visit Kazakhstan, why wouldn’t he tinations for pilgrimages and cul- only near big cities. For instance, tially interesting ones for Kazakh- ment and, in the evening, go back nent cheers you both in summer or she use it? If not all, but half of tural-historical and gastronomical Rakhmanovskie Kliuchi (Ra- stan in terms of the positioning of to the city,” he noted. and in winter. In winter, Shymbu- tourists take the opportunity, then it tourism. khmanov’s Springs) is located in our country. (This is) eco-tourism, The country has options for lak mountain resort works, while is already a very big plus, a very big “It (autumn) is very suitable for the most eastern part of Kazakh- adventure tourism,” said Algashev. climbers, both amateur and profes- in summer tourists can go trekking flow,” he said. Taraz administration to build Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan to cooperate tourism and history centre in developing pilgrimage tourism Uzbekistan has more than 7,000 By Nazira Kozhanova cultural and historical sites, ap- proximately 200 of which are in NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan four ancient cities included on the and Uzbekistan will cooperate in United Nations Educational, Sci- developing pilgrimage tourism, entific and Cultural Organisation Uzbekistan Tourism Development (UNESCO) World Heritage sites Committee head specialist Said- list and protected by UNESCO. komil Khalkhidjayev told 24.kz. Kazakhstan has three cultural Specifically, new roads and airway sites on the list and the countries routes will be created as a part of share the Silk Road site. the Silk Road tourism project. Developing airway and road “The history of the ancient links between the nations is Turks is interesting not only to aimed at increasing tourist flow. their descendants, but also to One such connector route, the tourists from all over the world, 84-kilometre Beineu-Akzhigit- using Samarkand technology. The By Yerbolat Uatkhanov particularly the mausoleum of Uzbekistan highway, part of the centre includes a local history mu- Khoja Ahmet Yassawi. This is a Tashkent-Samarkand-Bukhara- seum, the Rukhaniyat centre, a craft NUR-SULTAN – The Taraz aki- building with a religious mean- gallery, a local history museum, an Nukus-Beineu-Atyrau-Astra- mat (city administration) is building ing and is the site of religious art gallery, an exhibition pavilion khan international transit corri- what will be the largest tourist centre people’s annual pilgrimage. We and an amphitheatre where retro dor, opened July 17. It provides in Kazakhstan. hope that the relations between easy access to the Caspian region Asia transport infrastructure, in- and economic relations between The city administration is building festivals will be held. A stela with a Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will and European Union countries, creasing trade volumes and real- Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.” the Shakhristan historical and tourist clock tower will be installed on the expand,” said Khalkhidjayev. according to media reports. ising the transit potential.” According to January-July centre, which together with the ex- nearby Zhambyl Square,” he said. The common plan includes im- Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Uzbek Prime Minister Abdul- data, Kazakhstan ranks third (8.1 isting Ancient Taraz archaeological Shakhristan will host exhibitions plementing the Silk Road tour- Mamin stressed the importance la Aripov noted “the new high- percent) in Uzbekistan’s foreign complex, will be the country’s larg- of works by contemporary artists ism project, with guided tours est tourist centre. and sculptors and will be used to of opening a new highway “for way is of a great importance for trade after China (18.5 percent) and visits to ancient holy places. In 2011, Taraz central market implement the long-awaited Taraz the development of the Central the further intensification of trade and Russia (14.6 percent). was moved to another location and project – City of Artisans. City of archaeological excavations of the Masters is an event where local arti- ancient settlement were started on sans will be able to manufacture and the market grounds. Archaeologists sell their products. have discovered about 50,000 arte- “Today, 200-250 people work at facts of the sixth-seventh centuries, the Shakhristan site. But as the front Government to improve, expand a medieval citadel, a mosque of the of work opens, we will additionally eighth and ninth centuries, an altar of attract people. According to the plan, Zoroastrians, a prison called zindan, 450-500 people can work here during the embankment of the ancient riv- rush hour. The peak of work is ahead, Karaganda Region tourism facilities erbed of the Talas river and the foun- we work according to the schedule of District. The Balkhash resort area proving infrastructure will help velopment priorities is improving dations of residential buildings. work. The dates are indicated, and we By Nazira Kozhanova was included in the top 10 objects meet those growth goals. the capacity of the local airport, The cost to build the Ancient must meet them,” Baiteliev said. of the national tourist map, and a “The plan for the development of said Abayeva. Taraz historical and archaeological “All construction work will be NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh master plan for its development the tourism state programme imple- “At the Balkhash airport, that is centre is 2.5 billion tenge (US$6.5 completed before the start of events Government plans to build new was already developed. It includes mentation includes the construction privately owned by the Kazakhmys million). The centre is located on dedicated to the 80th anniversary of resorts in the Karaganda Region the cities of Balkhash, Priozersk, of power lines, a landfill for solid Corporation, it is necessary to 20 hectares with an entrance arch, the Zhambyl region, which will be as well as improve the Balkhash the villages of Torangalyk and waste, utilities for water supply, as carry out repairs in the amount of an observation tower, an ethnic and held in November. There is a short- Resort and other priority tourism Chubar-Tyubek, Aktogai District. well as the arrangement of beaches, 1 billion tenge (US$2.5 million) cultural centre with the House of age of workers and experts. The areas in the region by 2020, Head Today, it has 53 accommodations, the construction of an embankment, so that it can accommodate com- Friendship and a congress hall. It problem is that the prices for con- of the Entrepreneurship Depart- which serve about 80,000 tourists and new facilities. A roadmap for fortable aircraft. So far, only the also includes Taraz Sazdary stela, struction work nearby in Turkestan ment of the Karaganda Region per year,” said Ablayeva. their implementation has been de- AN-24 with 48 seats flies there, Mynbulak square and a museum. and Tulkibas are higher, and work- According to Rakhmankul ers prefer to work there. But we Akimat (regional administration) Tourism in the region is increas- veloped, and a regional project of- and we sent this issue to the cen- Baiteliev, the adviser to head of con- will get out of the situation, we will Tatiana Ablayeva said at a Sept. 27 ing with the latest numbers be- fice has been formed. According tral project office. Airplanes with struction department of the Zhambyl invite workers from other regions. region maslikhat (local assembly) ing 280,000 visitors per year. The to the plan, by 2020 it is expected a small capacity of 40-45 seats fly Region’s akimat (administration), Builders will work in two shifts, a meeting. Balkhash resort area is one of the to launch 13 recreation areas. All to Balkhash, their number must be there is a working group on the con- special schedule has been drawn up, “Three main locations for the most promising areas, says Ab- projects are being implemented increased to two times a day from struction and design of the Shakhristan which will allow to accelerate the tourism development have been layeva, as it has the potential to in- according to the schedule, two of Nur-Sultan and Almaty, as well as ethnic and cultural centre. pace of construction. The tasks have identified in the region – the resort crease the tourist flow 400 percent them have been launched ahead of from Karaganda to Balkhash – for “The Shakhristan project consists been set – it is necessary to fulfil area of the Balkhash coast, the his- by 2030 and increase the volume schedule, the Cote d’Azur and Ber- seven months in the summer, plus of seven buildings made in the ori- them,” Taraz Deputy Mayor Beisen- torical and cultural centre of Ulytau of tourism services approximately nadsky resorts,” said Ablayeva. once a day for five months in the ental style, constructed of bricks bek Zhanbosynov said. and the resort area of the Karkaraly 600 percent. Officials believe im- One of the key infrastructure de- winter,” said Ablayeva. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 Young runners debut at start of Athletes win four Asia annual Almaty Women’s Race Championship medals (27:58) and Yekaterina Shatnaya (30:24). The organisers also identified the fastest woman in each age catego- in trap shooting ry. Polina Repina was first among those age 15-29, Svetlana Alekhi- na (30-39), Almira Kusainova (40- 49) and Zanfira Chernukhina (50 and over). All results are available at almaty-marathon.kz Approximately 450 runners were involved in the race and all who completed their distances received participation medals at the finish line. Participants competed for crea- tive costumes, as the women’s race is distinguished by its bright outfits. The main colour at the chil- dren’s distance was yellow; seven kilometres, white. The race was also open to Nor- dic walkers. Nearly 30 women in a competition of the scale of the bright pink lined up at the start. By Nazira Kozhanova Asian Championship would pro- The next big race will be the Oct. vide a major impetus to the devel- 13 Almaty Half Marathon, which NUR-SULTAN – Four Kazakh opment of target shooting in Ka- will gather approximately 5,000 athletes won medals in trap shoot- zakhstan, reports Olympic.kz. ing Sept. 24-25 at the 9th Asia The Asian Championship is at- Photo credit: express-k.kz. Photo credit: runners. Organisers of the com- petition are Smelost byt pervym Championship in Baiserke village tended by shooters from 14 Asian Women’s Race in Atakent Park. enko (11:46) and Nina Gladkaya (Courage to Be the First) corporate near Almaty. Two medals were countries, including 250 athletes, Staff Report Rima Grankina took the top spot (11:51). fund, the World Class Almaty Fit- won by Kazakh athletes in indi- among the 32 children in the age The older participants ran sev- ness Club and Yessenov Founda- vidual competition and two med- Orynbai, as well as NUR-SULTAN – Girls 10- group, running the three-kilome- en kilometres. Tatyana Neroznak tion, with support from the city als were won in team competition 14 debuted at the start line tre distance in 11:24. Seconds crossed the finish line first in akimat (city administration) and by both senior and junior athletes, Olga Panarina and Sept. 28 of the annual Almaty behind her were Dariya Medush- 26:31, followed by Dana Gusarova #Drugoity (Other You) project. reports Olympic.kz. Assem Orynbai won a bronze Angelina Mischuk medal. Meng Wei from China and came in third in the Isapara Imprasercuk from Thai- land won gold and silver medals, team competition. respectively. More than 500 cross-country runners Orynbai, as well as Kazakh ath- including 32 athletes of the nation- letes Olga Panarina and Angelina al team of Kazakhstan and 150 of- Mischuk came in third in the team ficials. As part of the Asian Cham- competition. Similarly, in the indi- pionship, 132 sets of medals will compete in Race Nation Burabay vidual competition, athletes from be awarded in the skit, gangway, China took home gold and athletes double-gangway, and gangway Race Nation Burabay or the tourists to the Burabay resort all “Nevertheless, all the elements from Thailand silver. mix exercises. By Zhanna Shayakhmetova so-called Race of the Nation is a year round. We also want to attract are tested and suitable for any The Kazakh junior female trap The Asian Championship in Al- cross-country race with man-made an additional flow of sports -tour level of physical training. Some shooting team also won Sept. 25 maty is not yet a qualifying cham- NUR-SULTAN – More than 500 obstacles. This year, the event was ists. Our main task is to make the participants were able to overcome a bronze in the team competition. pionship for the Summer Olympic cross-country runners from Ka- part of the Four Seasons project resort area not only a tourist cen- the obstacles quickly and someone Athletes from China and India Games in Tokyo in 2020. This com- zakhstan, Russia, Turkey and Ta- and was dedicated to the Interna- tre, but also a symbol of a healthy had to work hard,” said Director won gold and silver, respectively. petition provides a chance for athletes jikistan participated Sept. 29 in the tional Tourism Day, reported the lifestyle,” said Deputy Akim of the Extreme Athletics company Another junior athlete Eduard from Asian countries to test them- Race Nation Burabay at the ski- Akmola regional press service. (Governor) of the Akmola region Timur Artyukhin. Yeschenko won silver in the disci- selves in the competitive environ- jumping complex in Shchuchinsk, “The four seasons concept is be- Marat Igali. The start of the race included pline. Singh Sikon from India won ment, reports Olympic.kz. The final in the Akmola Region. ing implemented to attract more Nail Bashmakov, Yevgeny Veli- open, team and elite catego- gold and Xiajun Yuan from China selection of shooters who will go to chko and Dmitry Kolomeets won ries. Professional athletes took took home the bronze medal. the summer Olympics in Tokyo in the men’s race and Daria Ryazko, part in the elite category and According to trap shooting fed- 2020 will be held at the World Cham- Irina Bykova and Anna Melnik amateur participants were in the eration representatives, hosting pionship in Doha this November. won the women’s race. open category. Team participa- In the team standings, the Ski tion in the competitions was Schuchinsk team won first prize, also popular. the Pro Team was the second and Winners of the Race Nation Shrek Run was the third. They also Kazakhstan 2019 Kolomeets and received cash prizes and free par- Melnik will take part in the Obsta- ticipation in the Race Nation Ka- cle Course Racing World Cham- zakhstan 2020. pionships, the only independent A five-kilometre track contained global championships for the ob- 27 obstacles including monkey stacle course racing sport, October bars, traverse, climbing over walls, 11-13 in London. carrying heavy objects and crawl- The event was organised by the ing under barbed wire. The race Extreme Athletics team and sup- has become a real challenge even ported by the akimat (regional for participants with marathon, tri- administration) of the Akmola re- athlon and CrossFit experience. gion. According to the organisers, The Extreme Athletics team that this year the set of obstacles was organises and conducts amateur updated by 85 percent so that peo- races for more than 12 years, also ple, who previously participated in initiates the Tengri Ultra Great the race, were interested to return Steppe Marathon, one of the most to the competition. The obstacles popular sporting events in the vary by complexity. country. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 Ambassadors Spouses Association vice president to host charity auction children up to age 11. The fee will how to play Japanese games at By Diana Vassilenko include complimentary refresh- the event, such as daruma oto- ments. shi, a game where you have to hit NUR-SULTAN – Ambassadors Raffle tickets will be available out dolls consecutively from the Spouses Association (ASA) Vice for “a charming and attractive bottom of a stack of them with- President and wife of United Na- price of 3,000 tenge (US$7.74),” out letting the top ones fall,” said tions Resident Coordinator Hitomi she said. Among the numerous Reika. Shimomura will host the JP to prizes will be a kimono, Japanese The family is also organising a KZ (Japan to Kazakhstan) charity sake, jewellery and possibly a di- food and drink table. event Oct. 13, 2 p.m., at the Rixos rect flight ticket to Japan. “I am very pleased to be work- President Astana Hotel. As part of introducing Japa- ing with Hitomi Shimomura, who “There are two things I want to nese culture, the family will have decided to support Asyl Bala’s accomplish with this event. The special tables to try Japanese cal- activites. Asyl Bala is a voluntary first is to support children inKa- ligraphy, taste matcha (Japanese association created in 2015, the zakhstan who need medical treat- green tea) and wagashi (Japanese aim of which is to coordinate the ment by conducting a silent auc- sweets), read manga (Japanese activities of charitable organisa- tion of kimonos and the other is to comic books), attempt ikebana tions working in the field of child introduce Japanese culture to peo- (Japanese art of flower arrange- welfare,” said Gulnara Shakirova, ple in Nur-Sultan,” she said in an ment), fold origami and play kend- one of the Asyl Bala association interview for this story. ama (cup-and-ball) and with other founders who is helping organise Shimomura, along with other traditional Japanese toys. the event. ASA members, has been involved Shimomura’s 11-year-old son, “I want to say a special thanks in organising the capital’s Christ- Kensei, will help with the enter- to Rixos Hotel for providing us mas Charity Bazaar for the past tainment by assisting with the tea with the great opportunity to make three years. The work has allowed ceremony and hosting the manga this charity event possible, to Asyl her to recognise both the impor- table. Bala and to my daughter and all tance of such activities and inter- Her 14-year-old daughter, Rei- the children who are involved in est in Japanese culture. As a result, ka Shimomura, along with her making this charity event a great she has been eager to hold a chari- friends, is heavily involved in the success and who want to support table event on her own. event’s planning and management. children in need in Kazakhstan!” “The idea to conduct a silent Korkem-Ai Mukhamejanova, said Shimomura. auction came up when I was talk- Shimomura siblings with Korkem-Ai Mukhamejanova (R). her classmate, is helping to trans- “It will be both a very fun, edu- ing with my children. My daughter late documents and emails from cational and tasty event. You will, Reika was inspired when she read English to Russian. Naira Yessen- of course, be helping children in the biography of Princess Diana, Shimomura will sell more than lection. The starting bid for the (US$11.60) and the fabric, 35,000 galiyeva created the event’s logo. need by simply attending it. Come who sold her dresses at an auction 20 kimonos, as well as three ki- kimono will range from 10,000 tenge (US$90). Mikoto and Makoto Nakamura and join us to feel good and do to raise money for charity, and we mono coats, six kimono obi tenge (US$25.80) to 30,000 tenge As an additional way to raise created the event’s Instagram ac- great! We are looking forward to thought it was a great idea to do (sash belts) and four pieces of (US$77.39); the coat, 5,000 tenge money, entrance tickets will be count @jptokz. seeing you at Rixos Hotel, Oct. something similar,” she said. kimono fabric, from her own col- (US$12.90); the obi, 4,500 tenge 1,000 tenge (US$2.58) and free for “I am planning to also show 13!” she added.

stanai-Nur-Sultan route. According to the results, the buses showed positive results. All necessary con- Akimat adds lighting, Capital to buy 100 electric buses ditions for operation on the city The buses will be purchased Yutong is equipping the elec- routes of the capital were taken into By Yerbolat Uatkhanov through DBK Leasing as part of tric buses with high-capacity lith- account as part of the test. the state programme to upgrade the ium batteries, which increase their A cost analysis was completed other infrastructure NUR-SULTAN – The capital fleet with domestically produced range without recharging. The de- while the akimat chose a supplier. the Vostochnaya Ilyinka housing akimat (administration) will be equipment. The seven-year lease sign requires charging only once a The minimum price for a Heuliez By Aidana Yergaliyeva area on unlit streets. purchasing 100 new electric buses has an interest rate of 7 percent per day – at night – and the approach Bus GX 337 Electric, a French The Almaty District also saw from the joint venture between Chi- year, reported Kazinform. will significantly reduce investment 12-metre electric bus, is $503,000. NUR-SULTAN – The Nur-Sul- upgrades. The Akimat had to nese Yutong and Kostanai-based “This is the lowest rate for leas- in infrastructure. German MAN Lion’s City E bus tan Akimat (city administration) take care of only 10 percent of SaryarkaAvtoProm. The buses will ing transactions in Kazakhstan. In February, the city fleet com- prices start at $635,000. German over the past few months have the yard areas, which meant 42 save money due to low electricity Leasing financing will be made in pleted its first test of a domestically Mercedes eCitaro buses begin at added new streetlights, court- repair and restoration works. consumption costs and reduced air tenge, which guarantees stability in made electric bus. The trial was $558,000. yards, playgrounds and other The elements of improve- pollution. modern realities,” he added. conducted at the lowest possible Another important factor for se- public facilities to many parts of ment can be seen on the banks “One hundred new electric buses Implementing the project will in- winter temperatures (up to -38 de- lecting a supplier was considering the capital city. of the Akbulak River, in Stu- will appear in our capital. This means crease cash revenues to the local grees Celsius) and electricity con- a domestic producer. SaryarkaAv- “All that we do, we do for dencheskii, Zheruiyk and Presi- that we will reduce the bus deficit and budget through tax payments and sumption was 0.91 kilowatts per toProm met all the necessary re- people, for a comfortable and dential parks, in Momyshuly renew the bus fleet with new comfort- create additional jobs both in bus pro- kilometre. quirements with its Yutong ZK- safe living. We periodically go and Pushkin squares and on the able silent buses. The interval of bus duction and operation. The vehicles’ SaryarkaAvtoProm together with 6128BEVG electric bus costing around all areas of the capital, boulevard along Abylai Khan arrival will be significantly reduced, environmental friendliness, as well as the Atyrau bus fleet conducted tests 146.7 million tenge (US$378,000). meet with residents and elimi- Avenue. Ten fountain complexes which means that the waiting time at their economic operation, are particu- in the climatic conditions of the The localisation level to produce nate problems raised. It is nec- were also installed. All the yards stopping points will also be reduced,” larly important, as this will allow the West Kazakhstan Region, as well the vehicles is approximately 27- essary to remove barriers around of the district now have lights. said Astana LRT Chairperson Bek- fleets to save about 80 percent on fuel as trying the batteries over long 32 percent and the plant will man- social facilities, equip house ter- In the Saryarka District, the myrza Igenberdinov. compared to diesel buses. distances along the Nur-Sultan-Ko- ufacture motor and interior parts. ritories, install street lighting in akimat have done works in 40 the first place near all educa- courtyards, brought lights to the tional institutions,” Nur-Sultan yards of 370 houses and paved we can, so that they can be as com- Akim (Mayor) Altay Kulginov entrance areas to social facili- fortable and happy as possible,” said during a Sept. 24 meeting ties. said capital Deputy Akim Baktiyar of the city akimat. “Before the cold starts (it Capital Rotarians open Maken. The Baikonur District’s 30 is necessary to) set warm bus “We will strive to create more courtyards have new play- stops. By spring, you need to inclusive parks and public places, grounds, street sports equipment prepare trees to plant. On Nur- enabling our city to flourish and and football fields. zhol Boulevard, Nur Astana second inclusive playground become the best capital in the Sponsors will also fund next Mosque, trees took root well, on Continued from Page B1 bilities. We are proud to support playground will have on society,” world,” he added. year a hockey-football court and hot days people sit in the shade. such projects as part of our yearly he added. Arsenal Cinema and Mar- a playground in the courtyard of In winter, they will protect from The playground is designed to grant programmes. Each of the The Rotary opened the first play- win store representative Venera Ondiris housing area along Ak- the winds. It is necessary to con- help children with their physical, projects has a long-term positive ground in 2018 near the Kazakh- Bayziyeva presented children bidai Street. tinue this practice,” Kulginov mental and social development. effect on the community and is a stan Sports Palace on the Akbu- at the ceremony with illustrated More than 4,000 lights were said. The capital akimat allocated an step towards a society that sup- lak River embankment. The club books and invited them to visit installed on city streets over the In the summer of 2020, the 800-square metre area in Central ports equality and justice,” said worked on construction with the the cinema. The event was fol- summer and 400 older lamps capital akimat plans to equip Park near the Atyrau Kopiri pe- Moser. “In the modern society, Almaty district akimat. lowed by an entertainment pro- were replaced with energy-sav- more than 200 courtyards, build destrian bridge and St. Regis Ho- everyone has to ensure that no one “I am very grateful to the Rotary gramme featuring children from ing lights. sports facilities and 130 kilo- tel. The site includes 15 pieces of is left behind. This is particularly Club for its activities and support. Zamandas 21, a family outdoor The Yessil District already metres of bicycle paths, replace equipment, including wheelchair- relevant when speaking about chil- I think it’s very important to take club in the city which played had 85 percent of its yards in LED lamps with energy-saving friendly game sets, safe swings dren, who are responsible for the part in these kinds of smooth and compositions on the dombyra satisfactory condition. The main lights, modernise housing and for children with special needs, future of our country.” systematic activities that are part (Kazakh traditional string music work was done on sidewalks, communal services of at least adapted sandboxes and special tac- “We are happy to be a part of of the governmental programmes instrument), showed a dance and squares and in repairing sculp- 20 residential complexes, open tile panels. this project, which provides chil- in order to support our children, had the audience participate in a tures. The akimat also fixed yard parks and squares and pave ac- “One of the main priorities of dren with disabilities more oppor- children who particularly need at- flash mob. City bakeries provid- lighting in 38 houses. Disman- cess roads to social facilities and the U.S. Embassy is supporting tunities. We are looking forward tention and support. We will be at- ed visitors with complimentary tled luminaires were installed in sidewalks. anyone regardless of their capa- to seeing the positive impact this tentive to their needs as much as snacks and beverages.