+29° / +16°C WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 No 15 (153) www.astanatimes.com Caspian Sea nations sign Astana to host historic convention WTO Ministerial Conference in 2020 Afghanistan and Liberia, the new- By Aidana Yergaliyeva est members, acceded the follow- ing year. ASTANA – World Trade Organi- “Coming from one of the newest sation (WTO) members confirmed WTO members, this is powerful,” the capital as the venue for the 12th said Azevêdo. Ministerial Conference (MC12) in The ministerial conference is 2020. The general council meeting WTO’s highest decision-making reached a consensus July 26. body that can make rulings on all Kazakhstan will be the first Cen- matters under any of the multilater- tral Asian country to organise a al trade agreements. The meeting, ministerial conference. The event held every two years as instruct- is anticipated in June, with the ed by the Marrakesh Agreement exact dates to be announced later, that established the organisation, reported wto.org. brings together all WTO members The mere fact that Kazakhstan representing countries and cus- offered its candidature to host the tom unions. Buenos Aires hosted next conference “demonstrates its MC11 in December 2017. strong belief in the multilateral The full list of items for general trading system,” said WTO Direc- council discussion can be found at tor General Roberto Azevêdo. wto.org. Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to WTO was created as a result of WTO Zhanar Aitzhanova thanked negotiations, and works through the members for their trust on be- opening dialogue amid the cha- half of her country. otic interdependence of the inter- “It is a great honour for a young national community. The signifi- independent state and recently-ac- cant work was done in 1986-1994 Photo credit: Akorda.kz Photo credit: ceded member to be hosting such an under negotiations known as the mile fishing zones adjoin the- ter Some of the fundamental principles Heads of state of Azerbaijan, the important meeting. We stand ready Uruguay Round and earlier nego- By Elya Altynsarina ritorial waters and are under the agreed upon include transforming Islamic Republic of Iran, Turkmen- to contribute to addressing all out- tiations under the General Agree- exclusive fishing rights of each the region into a peaceful zone of istan and Russia have also made standing issues to secure substan- ment on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). AKTAU – After two decades of state. Outside the fishing zones, good-neighbourliness and friend- statements on the convention. Naz- tive outcomes at MC12,” she said. WTO is currently hosting new ne- diplomatic efforts, the five Caspian the common water area remains ship; using the waters for peaceful arbayev later held bilateral meet- Kazakhstan, the organisation’s gotiations under the Doha Round Sea nations signed the convention unchanged; beyond the state lines, purposes; respecting sovereignty ings with each leader of the Cas- 162nd member, joined in 2015. launched in 2001. on the water reservoir legal status the freedom of maritime navigation and territorial integrity of each oth- pian countries. that had been in the works since applies to ships of coastal countries. er; not allowing the military pres- President of Azerbaijan Ilham 1996. In addition, six more docu- The countries agreed on freedom ence of third parties. Aliyev noted that the Alyak Port his ments were signed on various as- of transit to other seas and oceans Among challenges addressed was country launched in May will en- pects of cooperation. and foresee the possibility for lay- the sea’s proximity to the areas of sure full integration of traffic flows The convention and the agree- ing pipelines under the waters if political instability. In this regard, in connection to the newly opened Kazakh doctors ments were signed on the Inter- environmental requirements are Nazarbayev proposed a multilateral Kuryk multimodal hub. national Day of the Caspian Sea observed. agreement on confidence-building “Trade (between our countries) is during a summit in Aktau by Ka- Previous Caspian summits took measures in the field of military ac- growing and the cargo transporta- zakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia, place in Ashgabat (2002), Tehran tivities. tion is increasing, agricultural prod- transplant artificial Iran and Azerbaijan. (2007), Baku (2010) and Astra- The Kazakh President invited the ucts supply is especially active,” The convention establishes the khan (2014), giving the political leaders of littoral states to explore President Hassan Rouhani of Iran rights and obligations of the parties impetus to the negotiation process the potential of the convention re- said during the meeting on the side- with respect to the sea, including its and stimulating the achievement of garding energy, transport and tran- lines of the summit. heart with donor waters, the bottom, subsoil, natural consensus. sit sectors, as well as proposed to He underlined that Kazakhstan Centre implanted a fully artificial resources and airspace. The Aktau summit was preceded optimise the tariff policies between has always been supportive of Iran By Aidana Yergaliyeva heart into 60-year-old Kunanbay The convention also settles a by the final 52nd meeting of Ad members of the convention. on international stage while com- Abrayev, who was suffering ter- long dispute over whether to con- Hoc Working Group and a Ministe- “We have discussed measures plying with international agree- ASTANA – Kazakh doctors minal stage heart failure. A group sider the water body a sea, which rial of the Caspian States where for- for multilateral cooperation and ments on nuclear issues. marked a historic moment in car- of specialists from CARMAT, a would make it subject to interna- eign ministers signed a protocol on signed trade, economic, transport “Although actively growing, diac history Aug. 1 by successfully French medtech company, and Air- tional maritime law and accessible actions to be taken upon the signing and security agreements,” Naz- our trade relations have large po- performing the world’s first ortho- bus created the one million euro by outside countries, or to consider of the convention. arbayev said at a press briefing tential to be explored,” said Presi- topic heart transplant on a patient (US$ 1.16 million) artificial heart. it a lake, which would require di- “The region has a unique culture, after the summit. He noted that all dent of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly with an artificial heart implant. “After the implantation of an viding it equally among its five significant human resources [of 240 parties considered the deal – al- Berdymukhamedov. The two lead- “This is a new milestone in the artificial heart, the patient once coastal nations. million people] and is rich in natu- ready dubbed the “Constitution of ers are to meet later this month in development of cardiac surgery,” again underwent a transplantation The dispute was settled by grant- ral resources; due to its location, the Caspian Sea” – from the point Turkmenistan to discuss the Aral said Vice Minister of Healthcare of a donor heart. Now, the surgery ing the water body a “special legal the sea also has geopolitical impor- of ensuring political stability, de- Sea. Alexei Tsoi at a press conference. is successfully done,” said Tsoi at status.” tance,” said Kazakh President Nur- veloping the region while preserv- President Vladimir Putin and In December, doctors at the Na- a press conference. The status establishes territo- sultan Nazarbayev at the summit. ing and enhancing its natural and Nazarbayev praised the state of tional Scientific Cardiosurgical Continued on Page A2 rial waters within fifteen maritime The summit participants covered bio resources. “The Aktau summit Kazakh-Russian relationship, miles, external borders become issues of ensuring security, prevent- demonstrated once again the abil- flourishing on “all directions, with state borders where each country ing emergencies and regulating mil- ity of Caspian Five to jointly solve especially close ties in economy, exercises subsurface rights; ten- itary activities of the Caspian states. large-scale tasks,” he said. military-technical and space areas.” Enhanced bilateral Kazakhstan launches a multimodal cooperation promotes transport hub on Caspian shores security, says Afghan ambassador prospects of trade and economic By Abira Kuandyk cooperation. It symbolises exist- ing valuable relations between the ASTANA – The main priority of countries,” he said. the Afghan diplomatic mission in Trade, security, and education Kazakhstan is to strengthen eco- are among the priority areas of nomic, political and cultural ties cooperation between Afghanistan between the people and govern- and Kazakhstan. ments of the countries, said Af- Trade turnover in 2017 was ghan Ambassador to Kazakhstan $564.8 million, with Kazakh ex- Kadam Shah Shahim in an inter- ports amounting to $562.8 million, view with The Astana Times. and imports amounting to $2 mil- Relations and cooperation have lion. expanded and will continue to im- Kazakhstan is important for Ka- prove, he noted. bul as its largest trade partner in “Last year, the President of the Central Asia. The nation exports Islamic Republic of Afghanistan grain crops and flour (67 percent), Mohammad Ashraf Ghani trav- food products (27 percent), lique- elled to Astana to attend the first fied gas (7.2 percent) and metal OIC (Organisation of Islamic Co- rolls (5.6 percent). Afghanistan, operation) Summit on Science and in turn, supplies various types of Technology. Afghan Chief Execu- fruits, nuts and other prod ucts to Photo credit: Akorda.kz Photo credit: tive Abdullah Abdullah also vis- the Kazakh market. See the story on Page A2. ited the capital to discuss further Continued on Page A8

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIALS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Ex-Secretary of Security Council appointed IT business leader emphasises fundamental Historic Caspian Sea convention caps decades AMANZHOLOVA: Caspian Sea legal status: Compassion and good neighbourliness define Kazakh Minister of Defence A2 role of talent in digitisation efforts A4 of negotiation A6 from disassociation to collaboration A7 Ukrainian community’s relations within Kazakhstan, says community leader B1 Schoolchildren to learn physics with comic Government officials, World Bank, Agro Regional, international cooperation key to SARSENOV: Protecting businesses and books B4 companies discuss increasing Kazakh preserving trans-boundary rivers, lakes A6 investment important to Kazakhstan A7 American businessman boosts tourist agricultural exports A5 flow to Kazakhstan B6

US$ 1 = 363.22 KZT € 1 = 413.42 KZT 1 = 5.35 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

NATIONAL Kazakhstan launches a multimodal NEWS IN BRIEF The Denis Ten Public Foundation will be created in Almaty, according to Kazinform. The city administration transport hub on Caspian shores also plans to open a figure skating academy and hold an annual interna- By Elya Altynsarina via the Kuryk port facilitates cargo tional tournament in memory of the delivery from China, Uzbekistan, Olympic bronze medallist. A monu- AKTAU – President Nursultan Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and the ment will be set at the site where Ten Nazarbayev officially inaugurated Ural-Siberian Region of Russia was stubbed to death July 19. “We the ferry complex of the Kuryk to Turkey and Europe, and vice thank all Kazakh people for their sup- Port – a multimodal hub on the versa. port in these difficult days. Many ideas shore of Caspian Sea on Aug. 11. Over the last decade, Kazakh- and proposals were voiced honouring The port will link several Eura- stan invested nearly $30 billion the memory of Denis. We are already sian highway and railway transit into its transport and logistics sys- working with the state authorities to corridors to the sea and is part of tems. implement some of them. All our pro- the country’s Nurly Zhol (Bright “Kuryk is important in a way posals are supported by the Ministry Path) infrastructure development that its capacity for transit will of Culture and Sports. The authori- programme. help boost country’s transit rev- ties will install a plaque on our house, Transport and logistics compa- enue up to $5 billion per year by where Denis was born and lived, and nies from Azerbaijan, Georgia, 2020,” Nazarbayev assured. will help publish a book about him,” Turkey, Turkmenistan, Iran, Chi- He drew attention to the impor- said his mother, Oksana Ten. na, Russia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, tance of developing the country’s  Kyrgyzstan attended the opening transit and transportation potential A 21-billion tenge (US$58 million) ceremony, along with Kazakh offi- and indicated that the connection integrated gas processing facility cre- cials and industry representatives. to the intercontinental Eurasian ating 258 jobs will be built this year According to a press-release by transport system is a strategic task. in Aktobe region. “The new facility Kazakhstan Temir Zholy national Improving Kazakhstan’s transit will increase the processing of asso- railways company, which manages and logistics potential has been ciated gas and develop new types of the facility, the total capacity of this determined to be a national strat- products. The annual capacity is ex- railway-ferry-automobile hub ex- egy and the government has been pected to be 300 million cubic metres ceeds seven million tonnes per year. tasked with connecting to intercon- of dry stripped gas, 37,000 tonnes of The customs service and facili- tinental transit routes in Eurasia. propane-butane technical mixture, ties at the port will handle vehi- It also hopes that the multiplier 5,400 tonnes of gas condensate and cles in less than 30-40 minutes effect of transport infrastructure 10,500 tonnes of sulphur. It will im- and include updated terminals and will enhance economic competi- prove the environment situation, too,” warehouses. Thanking those who tiveness and will increase trade PortKuryk.kz Photo credit: Barys is one of the first Kazakh cargo ships built for the Kuryk Port - Prorva Port transportation route. said Baiganin District Deputy Akim contributed to the project, Presi- flows on the revived Silk Road, (Mayor) Zhandarbek Zhanabai. dent Nazarbayev noted that over expanding regional cooperation Pointing to these tasks, Naz- During the opening ceremo- en months of 2018, the terminal the past several years, Kazakhstan and economic advancement. arbayev ordered national and ny, the Kazakh leader officially handled over one million tonnes of Samruk-Kazyna Trust will build in has built more than 2,500 kilome- Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region local governments to draw a launched road and railway servic- cargo. excess of 40 sports playgrounds on tres of railways and reconstructed is home to both of the country’s Comprehensive Plan for the de- es along the Kuryk – Tazhen Cus- He also confirmed that the lo- more than 53,000 square metres in ten 12,000 kilometres of highways. Caspian Sea ports and is moving velopment of additional produc- toms Point and Kuryk – Khorgos gistics chain offered at Kuryk has regions, reported the company’s press He said additional infrastructures towards becoming a major logis- tion facilities and a service sec- Gateway dry port. already attracted customers from service Aug. 9. The project, which being built and the rolling stock in tics centre where aviation, rail- tor on the premises of Aktau and “This container train will arrive China, the Caucasus and Southern aims to promote a healthy lifestyle the country is being updated. ways, road and water transport Kuryk hubs, to diversify the lo- at Port Kuryk within three days,” Europe. among the population, will include “We launched the Western Eu- networks are concentrated. cal economy. reads Facebook post of Zhenis “Consistent work on the project football and hockey fields with artifi- rope-Western China highway and The region also wants to ad- The measures may include Kassymbek, Minister of Invest- will ensure that we will be trans- cial turf, workout areas and inclusive the Khorgos Gateway dry port, vance its service sector, attract adapting existing industries to a ments and Development of Ka- porting two million containers to playgrounds. The project is one of the modernised the Port of Aktau,” he investments, including the use of new economic reality, opening zakhstan. He reminded that the the markets of Eurasia by 2020,” main directions of the Menin Elim said. technologies to develop process- jobs, training personnel and de- railway terminal at Kuryk was the minister wrote referring to the (My Homeland) initiative launched in Port Kuryk enhances automobile ing industries, as well as look at veloping small and medium-sized launched in December 2016. Ac- transportation from China and 2016. “We encourage more and more transit as the trans-Caspian route developing the tourism. businesses in the region. cording to Kassymbek, within sev- back. people to participate in sports and this is also a safe zone for children. Last year, new playgrounds were opened in Akmola, Aktobe, Mangistau, Pav- lodar and the West Kazakhstan re- gions,” said Samruk-Kazyna Trust Ex-Secretary of Security Council social project development fund Gen- eral Director Diyas Azbergenov.

A 5.4-billion tenge (US$15 million) appointed Minister of Defence waste sorting plant creating 530 new in Shymkent. In 1986, he graduat- an advisor to the President lead- cil for the second time in April jobs was launched in technical mode By Meruyert Abugaliyeva ed from the USSR Ministry of De- ing the Centre for Foreign Policy 2018. Aug. 9 in Almaty, reported Kazin- fence Military Institute in Moscow in Presidential Administration. In In addition to Kazakh and Rus- form. Sites for secondary raw mate- ASTANA – Nurlan Yermek- as an officer with the command of 2007-2010, Yermekbayev served as sian, he speaks English, Chinese rial processing will be also opened. bayev, until recently the Assistant the Chinese and English languag- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. and Portuguese. Solid household waste represents up to the President – Secretary of the es. In 1996, he received a degree in In 2010, he was appointed As- He replaced Saken Zhasuzakov, to 95 percent of all municipal waste. Security Council, was appointed engineering and economics from sistant to the President. After two who was appointed head of the “Its design capacity of 550,000 tonnes Kazakhstan’s Minister of Defence Kazakh National Academy of Ar- years, he started working as Am- National Defence University. per year is the entire volume of solid Aug. 7. chitecture and Construction. bassador of Kazakhstan to China, “There are important tasks as- household waste taking into account “In the light of changing geo- In 1984-1985, he served as a Vietnam and the Democratic Peo- signed to the university, such as the next five years. Now, the city pro- political situations and formation military interpreter in Angola; in ple’s Republic of Korea. military forces staff qualification duces approximately 600,000 tonnes of new challenges, one of the 1986 through 1991 served in the In 2014-2016, the official served upgrading and development of the of waste. We plan to cover the whole main tasks placed ahead of the Soviet Armed Forces. as the Assistant to the President – military science. The university city. There are plans to extract about Ministry of Defence is techno- In 1991-2006, he held various Secretary of the Security Council. should become the main scientific 50,000 tonnes of secondary raw ma- logical improvement and weap- positions in private companies and In September 2016, he went and educational centre, where not terials from waste,” said investing ons modernisation. Therefore, I of military service, especially in banks and Kazakhstan Embassies on to work as the Minister of only local students will be trained, company head Dmitry Danilchenko. have made a decision to appoint conflict zones,” said President in China and Singapore and the Religious Affairs and Civil So- but also those coming from the Nurlan Yermekbayev the minis- Nursultan Nazarbayev. Presidential Administration. ciety prior to being appointed neighbouring countries,” said Naz- An Almaty plant with a capacity ter, an officer with the experience Yermekbayev was born in 1963 In 2006-2007, he worked as the Secretary of Security Coun- arbayev explaining the decision. of 100 buses a year will produce the first German Eurabus electric buses this autumn. “The investment project costs $44 million. Colossal work is be- ing done to develop electric transport and to improve the ecological situa- Kazakh doctors transplant artificial heart with donor tion. This project will upgrade electric buses and create more than 400 jobs,” Continued from Page A1 a significant degree of risk for the said Kazakh Invest regional office surgeons. head Zhandos Orazaliyev. Seven in- He noted the surgery is the first “The risk was very high, as this vestment projects worth $252 million of its kind not only in Kazakhstan, was the first replacement of an will also be launched, including a steel but in the world. artificial heart. In purely surgi- pipe production plant, cable and wire Abrayev had issues with other cal terms, one had to think about production plant and two building organs before receiving the artifi- how to do it correctly. There is material hypermarkets. Almaty is the cial heart transplant and based on only one way and there is no turn- most attractive city in the country for his health, doctors initially said ing back. A mistake could cost the doing business, with approximately transplanting the donor heart was patient’s life, but we took this risk. 7,500 foreign companies participating. impossible. The artificial heart The quality of life with the donor normalised the functions of his is better than with the artificial one Almaty-based Chilik Farmers won liver, lungs and other organs and and if there is an opportunity to London’s CSR Excellence Award in made it safe for him to receive the improve the quality of a person’s the Best Social and Economic Pro- donor heart. life, then this opportunity should ject of the Year category. The project “We noticed this improvement be used,” said Piya. was initiated in 2013 by a community immediately after implantation. CARMAT provided a more so- fund in Enbekshikazakh district. “Our Three months later, the pressure phisticated type of artificial heart objective is to develop the agriculture in the pulmonary artery was re- with a pulsating blood flow that is sector, improve the quality and com- duced to the norm when a donor close to the body’s natural physi- petitiveness of agricultural products heart can be transplanted and inform.kz. Photo credit: ological conditions, he added. and improve the quality of life in vil- we were observing him three L-R: Vice Minister of Healthcare Alexei Tsoi, Chair of the Board of the National Scientific Cardiosurgical Centre Bench tests have shown this lages. We organise trainings, seminars months after the operation. The Yuri Piya and Deputy Chair Makhabbat Bekbosynova. model can serve for more than and consultations at the agribusiness donor heart that was found was At this point, he still needs to be in the future,” said Tsoi on his Fa- “With the consent of the family, seven years. Abrayev spent eight centre and meet with local farmers perfectly suitable for him,” said under observation in the intensive cebook page. one patient gave the opportunity months with the device, which has to exchange experiences and adopt National Scientific Cardiosur- care unit. The young man who provided the for at least four patients to live,” been returned to the company for best practices,” said the company’s gical Centre board chairperson “The development and use of a donor heart also saved the lives of she said. further research on its longevity. press release. Earlier, the project won Yuri Piya. fully artificial heart can rightfully three other individuals. At the press Sixty individuals, including sev- CARMAT covered all surgical the Best Partner Project of the Year Abrayev’s condition is now sta- be considered a breakthrough in conference, Bekbosynova expressed eral children under 12, are current- expenses, as the operation had the nomination by the European Busi- ble and he “eats, watches TV and modern world medicine, which her sincere gratitude to his parents ly registered on the waiting list for status of international research. ness Association of Kazakhstan (EU- leads a normal lifestyle inside a will allow us to revise the ap- who gave consent for harvesting his a heart donor. Finding a suitable The cost for a similar operation ROBAK) and received a major award hospital room,” said deputy chair- proaches to surgical treatment of vital organs, while keeping his name donor is both luck and challenge is still difficult to estimate, as re- from the American Chamber of Com- person Mahabbat Bekbosynova. the terminal stage of heart failure secret as required by law. and the recent operation involved search has just begun. merce in Kazakhstan. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Indian FM meets with Kazakh counterpart, Prime Minister Euronews NBC will air a seg- city of Srinagar,” noted Abdra- ment of “Adventures” in Sep- By Malika Orazgaliyeva khmanov, adding Kazakhstan will tember featuring Kazakhstan, continue to seek deeper relations reported inform.kz. “Adven- ASTANA – Kazakh Minister with India. tures,” one of the channel’s most of Foreign Affairs Kairat Ab- “Kazakhstan firmly intends to popular programmes with an au- drakhmanov and Foreign Minis- continue its course towards the dience of more than 250 million, ter of India Sushma Swaraj dis- development of friendly relations explores the wonders of coun- cussed cooperation between the and partnership with India, and to tries across the world, offering two countries as well as regional make efforts for joint and harmo- viewers the chance to enjoy a and international issues Aug. 3 in nious development for the benefit journey “out of the ordinary.” Astana. of the peoples of both countries,” The production team plans to “During today’s fruitful nego- he said. make four episodes about Ka- tiations we agreed on a number Swaraj also met with Prime zakhstan – Burabai, one of the of matters concerning the main Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan country’s most popular resort international and regional issues. Sagintayev to discuss expanding areas, the Alatau mountains, I am sure that our meeting gave cooperation in trade, economy, Mangystau region and mountain a good impetus to the strategic defense industry, space, transport tourism. “I am very impressed partnership between Astana and and logistics, primeminister.kz re- with Kazakhstan. Beautiful na- Delhi. The peoples of Kazakhstan ported. ture, kind and caring people. A and India are united by the lasting The meeting raised the issues wide choice of different activi- bonds of friendship, cooperation, of participation of leading Indian ties for every tourist,” said Eu- mutual respect,” Abdrakhmanov financial and investment com- ronews reporter Marta Pisoni. said at a joint press conference. panies in the work of the Astana  “India’s relations with Kazakh- International Financial Centre Kazakh and Thai aviation stan are built on a strong founda- lateral trade and economic coop- emerged as the fastest-growing the last two years,” Swaraj noted. (AIFC). authorities recently agreed to tion of centuries old historical and eration, which reached almost $1 large economy in the world. It is a The ministers also identified Trade turnover between Ka- increase the number of flights cultural ties. Both India and Ka- billion in 2017. As a result, Ka- global hub for manufacturing and steps to increase interaction with- zakhstan and India between Janu- between the countries, reported zakhstan have developed multi- zakhstan became one of India’s innovation. in international organisations, ary and April totalled $250.3 mil- the Kazakh Ministry of Invest- faceted cooperation in all areas of main trading partners in Central “To enhance people-to-people such as the Shanghai Cooperation lion, which is 31.2 percent higher ments and Development civil bilateral and multilateral relations Asia. contact and to promote tourism. Organisation (SCO), the Confer- than for the same period in 2017. aviation committee. Kazakh- and are strategic partners since “Following the recent meet- India has extended the electronic ence on Interaction and Confi- Exports from Kazakhstan to stan’s SCAT Airlines and Air 2009,” Swaraj told the media. ing of our presidents in Qing- visa system to the nationals of dence Building Measures in Asia India between January and April Astana and Thai Airways partic- Abdrakhmanov and Swaraj dis- dao, President Nazarbayev gave Kazakhstan since February 2018. (CICA) and the United Nations. increased by 37 percent and ipated in the negotiations, with cussed implementation of agree- a number of specific instructions Thanks to the pro-active leader- The parties agreed that India’s amounted to $174.2 million. The Air Astana granted the right for ments reached in 2017 during to the Kazakh government on ship of President Nazarbayev. We accession to the SCO would boost main export commodities from a code-sharing agreement with the visit of Indian Prime Minis- strengthening bilateral coopera- already notice positive changes the political and economic poten- Kazakhstan to India are crude oil, airlines of other countries. “This ter Narendra Modi to Astana, as tion in the fields of investment, facilitating travel by Indians to tial of the organisation, including silver, asbestos, hydrogen, inert will open opportunities for Ka- well as his meeting with Kazakh energy, logistics, information Kazakhstan,” said Swaraj. its ability to stabilise the situation gases and other non-metals, fer- zakh passengers and will facili- President Nursultan Nazarbayev technology, space, pharmaceu- The foreign ministers agreed to in Central and South Asia, as well roalloys, tantalum and its prod- tate development of the coun- in June 2018 on the SCO Summit ticals, tourism and film produc- deepen bilateral military-techni- as assist in the resolution of the ucts. try’s transit potential,” said the sidelines in Qingdao. tion. These are the key areas we cal cooperation. This concerns the crisis in Afghanistan. Imports to Kazakhstan from Kazakh committee statement. “We do not have any political will focus while preparing official assistance in the deployment of The ministers also focused on India between January and April Direct flights are currently of- disagreements, and our positions high-level events in 2019,” Ab- the Kazakh peacekeeping contin- cultural and humanitarian ties. increased by 19.8 percent and fered from Astana to Bangkok are close on many important in- drakhmanov noted. gent as part of the Indian battalion “We thank Indian friends for amounted to $76.1 million. These three times a week and Almaty ternational issues. Our coop- “We are going to expand the for the UNIFIL mission in Leba- their support in the restoration are mainly industrial furnaces, to Bangkok five times a week. eration is carried out within the potential of the Kazakhstan-Turk- non, and the joint Kazakh-Indian and holding a solemn opening of equipment for sorting and grind- framework of international organ- menistan-Iran railway with access military KAZHIND exercises the grave of the famous son of ing soil, refractory ceramic prod- European Bank for Recon- isations and multilateral forums,” to the Indian Ocean through the planned for autumn 2018. the Kazakhstan steppes, the out- ucts, machines and mechanisms struction and Development Abdrakhmanov said. Iranian seaports,” he added. “Our defence and security sec- standing historian and statesman for soil works, sulfur-organic (EBRD) provided a local cur- The two ministers discussed bi- According to Swaraj, India has tor cooperation has intensified in Muhammad Haydar Dulati, in the compounds and other goods. rency loan up to $5 million to Uzbekistan’s Davr Bank to develop small and medium en- terprises (SMEs) in its broader effort to support the country’s private sector. The agreement Palestinian FM makes first visit to Kazakhstan, was signed in Tashkent during EBRD President Suma Chakra- barti’s visit to the Uzbek capital. He said funding the development discusses relations with counterpart of SMEs is among the bank’s Republic of Kazakhstan Nur- Kazakh initiatives, including priority areas and “demonstrates By Elya Altynsarina sultan Nazarbayev to Palestine those at the UN and the First strong commitment to support- in 1995,” Abdrakhmanov said. OIC Summit on Science and ing this significant area of the ASTANA – Kazakhstan and This year is the 26th anni- Technology in Kazakhstan. country’s economy.” EBRD in- Palestine signed a memoran- versary of the establishment of Abdrakhmanov reiterated vested $1.045 million in 54 Uz- dum on consultations between bilateral diplomatic relations. Kazakhstan’s support for the bek projects between 1992-2010 their foreign ministries as well Kazakhstan and Palestine have two-state solution, saying it is and by the end of 2017 signed as a memorandum on trade and since cooperated on bilateral necessary for long-term peace its first six new operations in the economic ties in Astana during and multilateral levels within in the Middle East. country since 2010 worth more the first official visit of Pales- the United Nations, Organisa- “The settlement of the Pales- than $179 million. tinian Minister of Foreign Af- tion for Islamic Cooperation, tinian-Israeli conflict shall be fairs and Expatriates Dr. Riyad the Conference on Interaction based on the principle of Two Kazakhstan and Iran agreed Malki on July 30-31. and Confidence Building Meas- States for Two Peoples, which to simplify visa procedures for The trade and economic ures in Asia and the Islamic Or- provides for the establishment businesspeople, said Iranian memorandum has been en- ganisation for Food Security, of the Palestinian State within Ambassador to Kazakhstan Mo- dorsed by Federation of Pales- among others. the borders of 1967 with the jtaba Damirchilu, stressing the tinian Chambers of Commerce, Palestinians have studied in capital in East Jerusalem; de- willingness of the two countries Industry and Agriculture. The Kazakh universities and Ka- spite the existing difficulties, to ease the movement for their Chamber of International Com- zakhstan remains committed to and the peace negotiation pro- citizens. “Certain measures are merce of Kazakhstan hopes the fulfilling its annual pledge to the cess must continue,” he said. taken in this area. I would like document will expand trade, United Nations Relief and Works He also reaffirmed that Ka- to highlight that Iran’s position economic and technical coop- Agency for Palestine Refugees zakhstan, both currently as a in regard to neighbouring coun- eration. in the Near East (UNRWA). non-permanent member of the tries is to simplify or introduce Malki and Kazakh Minister Malki thanked his counter- UN Security Council and in the an entirely visa-free regime with of Foreign Affairs Kairat Ab- importance to the development President of the Palestinian Na- part for supporting Palestine at future, will continue to support them,” he noted. Among the re- drakhmanov also outlined ad- of bilateral relations with Pal- tional Authority Yasser Arafat the regional and international the Middle East peace process cent steps to facilitate coopera- ditional areas to increase coop- estine. The basis of this coop- to our country in 1991 – the levels and for Kazakhstan’s ef- as a precondition for peace in tion with neighbouring countries eration and discussed regional eration was laid with the visit year Kazakhstan proclaimed its forts toward peace in the Mid- the region and that Kazakhstan was the country signing an eco- and international issues. of the leader of the Palestine independence, as well as the re- dle East. supports Palestine’s peaceful nomic cooperation agreement “Kazakhstan attaches great Liberation Organisation and turn visit of the President of the Palestine has also supported aspirations. with the Eurasian Economic Un- ion that, among other objectives, will create stable conditions and rules for Kazakh and Iranian bi- lateral trade. Kazakh Foreign Ministry presents journalism awards Kazakhstan invited Azerbai- their countries, Foreign Minister Region in Uzbekistan, were spe- The winner from the Middle East One Steppe Beyond” published in jan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey to By Elya Altynsarina Kairat Abdrakhmanov noted the cifically noted. and Africa was Jordanian Ayman Aberdeen Press&Journal and The join the Silk Road Visa initiative ministry will continue to support “Recently, the interest of the El-Zaben for a series of materials People’s Friend, was the European to introduce a single visa for ASTANA – The Ministry of in every way the work of foreign global community in Central Asia on Kazakhstan’s non-permanent winner. the region. The plan, negotiated Foreign Affairs awarded the win- journalists covering events in Ka- has increased significantly. Presi- membership on the UN Security President of the Club of Chief by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, ners of the fifth annual Kazakhstan zakhstan. dent Nursultan Nazarbayev and Council, the President’s Five Social Editors of Kazakhstan Yerlan Bek- was proposed by Kazakhstan in through the Eyes of Foreign Media “The openness of Kazakhstan’s the heads of all the states of the re- Initiatives, launch of the Astana In- khozhin, ambassadors Saidikram March and is designed to simpli- contest at an Aug. 6 ceremony. society, the open-mindedness, in- gion are making a lot of efforts to ternational Financial Centre and the Niyazhodzhaev (Uzbekistan) and fy the often tedious visa proce- The contest seeks to promote troducing Kazakh culture to the enhance regional cooperation. It is capital’s 20th anniversary. Prabhat Kumar (India) and dip- dures for tourists wishing to ex- professional reporting on Kazakh- world – these are the essence of not surprising that this year saw a Approximately 300 publications lomats from the American and plore and travel through Central stan in the foreign media by recog- the Modernisation of Kazakhstan’s great number of publications dedi- in foreign media were devoted to Jordanian embassies spoke at the Asia. Turkic Council member nising the authors of the most ob- Identity Programme of President cated to the rapprochement and the anniversary, most written by ceremony. countries are currently working jective journalistic reports, stories Nursultan Nazarbayev,” he said. cooperation of the states of Central journalists who visited the city to In addition to the winners, the to develop proposals for the pro- and analytical pieces. The win- The National Information Agen- Asia. Last year, the trade turnover learn about its development. One ministry awarded special diplomas ject. Kazakh Minister of Culture ners, representing the Americas, cy of Uzbekistan (UzA) editorial between Kazakhstan and all Cen- such publication called “Astana: to dozens of journalists and media and Sports Arystanbek Mukha- Europe, Commonwealth of Inde- team, which in 2017-2018 covered tral Asian countries increased by the capital has its own charms who will receive them at the re- mediuly said the suggestions pendent States (CIS) and the Bal- Kazakh-Uzbek relations, was the 18.4 per cent, with Uzbekistan by and pleasures,” written by Indian spective Kazakh embassies. should be ready before the Tur- tic States, Middle East and Africa winner from the CIS and Baltic 32 percent,” noted Abdrakhmanov. Inderveer Singh and published in This year’s contest partners kic Council summit scheduled and Asia, Australia and Oceania, countries. Its article “Uzbekistan- U.S. journalists Stephan Rabimov Business Central Asia, was select- were three hotels, Rixos President for Sept. 3 in Kyrgyzstan. “The received a trip to Kazakhstan to Kazakhstan: dedication to the 25th and Alexander Lipovtsev, authors of ed as the winner from Asia, Aus- Astana, Rixos Borovoe and Rixos introduction of such mecha- visit the capital, Almaty and Bura- anniversary of establishment of the Forbes article “Seven Wonders tralia and Oceania. Almaty, as well as Argymak trans- nism will be an analogue of the bai resort area. diplomatic relations,” as well as of Kazakhstan: Why Fashion Tour- British journalist Gilly Pickup, portation company, WizzAir, Turk- Schengen Visa, but with a tour- Welcoming the winners, part- publications on the bike tour of ism Is Booming in Central Asia,” with her articles “Destination– ish Airlines and Kazakhstan Temir ist purpose,” he added. ners and diplomats representing friendship and Days of the Almaty took the prize for the Americas. Kazakhstan” and “Kazakhstan: Zholy national railways company. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

ECONOMY Kazakh tenge hits record low, as NB says slide due NEWS IN BRIEF The demand for Kazakh cement is growing in Uzbekistan, 24.kz re- ports, with consumers especially to geopolitical tensions, emerging markets volatility interested in goods produced in Shy- mkent, Karaganda and Taraz. Ac- Weakening of Kazakh tenge is happening amidst the general by “fundamental factors,” said the currency situation in countries cording to construction market seller By Assel Satubaldina comes amidst a broader weakness weakening of currencies in devel- bank, which include oil prices, that are Kazakhstan’s main trade Kakharman Nasirov, they sell up to in other emerging markets, includ- oping countries. Main reasons are partners, payment balance and in- 300 tonnes of Kazakh construction ASTANA – The Kazakh tenge ing South Africa, Turkey, Brazil, geopolitical tensions as well as the flation rate. The emerging markets materials per month. Considering continued to lose its value and Mexico. U.S. protectionism and sanction Price for oil also went down re- the pace of development of construc- against U.S. dollar as it hit its The week between Aug. 3 and policies in regard to several de- witness a foreign cently to $72 per barrel after China tion in Uzbekistan, this figure could all-time low Aug. 13, valuing Aug. 10 delivered a two percent veloping countries [Russia, China, capital outflow and announced it would introduce a 25 grow, the entrepreneur believes. Ac- 363.15 per $1. That number rep- drop in the value of the Kazakh Turkey], which escalates diplo- percent retaliatory tariff on Ameri- cording to the Ministry for Foreign resented a 1.8 percent decrease tenge, said a National Bank press matic relations,” said the national expectations for U.S. can crude oil exports. Trade of Uzbekistan, trade turnover overnight. Kazakh National statement on Aug. 13, while Turk- bank statement. base rate rise also The National Bank that main- between the two countries from Jan- Bank cited geopolitical tensions ish lira lost 26.6 percent of its The emerging markets witness a tains a floating exchange rate re- uary to March exceeded $543 mil- and U.S. protectionist policies value, Russian ruble dropped 6.9 foreign capital outflow and expec- strengthen the dollar, gime said in a statement it is ready lion. In the first quarter, Uzbekistan and sanctions levied on neigh- percent and South African rand tations for U.S. base rate rise also to make interventions to “miti- imported 265,000 tonnes of Kazakh bouring Russia as well as China went down by 5.8 percent against strengthen the dollar, the Kazakh the Kazakh regulator gate significant and destabilising cement, three times more than in pre- and Turkey behind the weaken- dollar within the same period. regulator said. said. short-term volatility in the value of vious years. ing of the currency. “This weakening of the tenge Exchange rate is also influenced tenge.”  Results of Kazakhstan’s Compre- hensive Privatisation Plan for the first half of the year were announced during an Aug. 2 meeting at the Cen- tral Communications Service, 24.kz EBRD President signs Privatisation on schedule, reports. Part of the state block of shares of the Khorgos International Centre of Boundary Cooperation will be put up for sale before the loan agreements, MoUs says committee chairperson end of the year. Their value will be the sale of Samruk Kazyna assets,” determined through an expert evalu- By Dilshat Zhussupova said Ministry of Finance State ation. However, Kazakhfilm can be Property and Privatisation Com- excluded from the list of privatisa- in Uzbekistan ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s second mittee Chairperson Kalymzhan tion facilities. Out of 502 facilities, $27 billion in net international re- privatisation wave is 77.4 percent Ibraimov at a recent Central Com- 421 were sold for 200 billion tenge By Yerbolat Uatkhanov serves (according to March data) and complete. As of July 1, results show munications Service briefing. (US$573 million). external debt of only approximately 502 of 887 state-owned enterprises Another 266 facilities are at ASTANA – European Bank for $16 billion, which is 33 percent of were put up for sale and 421 sold the reorganisation and liquidation Kazakhstan’s transport and logis- Reconstruction and Development its GDP. The exchange rate has re- for 216 billion tenge (US$620.24 stage due to the economic inexpe- tics industries are growing steadily, (EBRD) President Sir Suma Chakra- mained stable at 8,000-8,100 sum per million). diency of their sale and insolvency. kazakh-tv.kz says. Last year, the in- barti travelled to Uzbekistan July US dollar after the September 2017 One hundred and four objects were frastructure sector contributed 4.3 31-Aug. 1 to meet with President devaluation. Average inflation accel- “The bulk of the planned for privatisation in the trillion tenge (US$12.3 billion) to Shavkat Mirziyoyev and sign several erated from 8 percent year-on-year in first half of the year. Instead, 15 the country’s gross domestic prod- loan agreements with private compa- 2016 to 12.5 percent in 2017, reach- funds, approximately objects were reorganised and liq- uct (GDP). The value makes up 8.2 nies and memoranda of understand- ing 14.4 percent by end-2017. Minister of Finance Bakhyt Sultanov. uidated and 89 put up for sale, 39 percent of the economy. Within one ing with the government aimed at EBRD is the largest institutional 65 percent, from the of which were sold for 36 billion year, investments in the sector in- supporting energy and energy effi- investor in the Central Asian region, (US$317.3 million), including two tenge (US$103.36 million). creased by 37 percent. In total, 578.5 ciency-related investments, privatisa- with close to $12.3 billion commit- sale of objects is made national company objects worth Twelve object-related violations billion tenge (US$1.66 billion) was tion and capital market development. ted to projects in a variety of sectors, up by the selling price 11.5 billion tenge (US$33.02 invested in the transport and logis- “We welcome the efforts of the from infrastructure to agriculture, have been recorded: four for delay- million) and 13 national hold- ing pre-sale preparation and evalu- tics industry in the first half of the Uzbek authorities to liberalise the with a focus on private sector devel- of national companies year. According to energyprom.kz, ing objects worth 99 billion tenge ation, six for delaying liquidation economy and advance political re- opment. the Astana, Atyrau and Mangistau and holdings. These (US$284.25 million). measures and two for not yet in- forms, which are opening the country The bank’s operation in the country regions make the largest investments The selling prices exceeded esti- cluding objects in the roadmap. to its neighbours and the international is focused in the short term on advice are mostly proceeds, volume. Today, a number of projects mated value by 1.4 percent. Twenty- Despite these setbacks, the pri- community. We also hope that the and financing for small and medium- in the transport sector are being im- nine national property objects were role of civil society in the country will sized enterprises, a trade finance approximately vatisation process is in accordance plemented in the country. They in- sold for 26 billion tenge (US$74.65 grow,” said Chakrabarti. programme to support cross-border with the sales schedule. By year’s clude modernising and expanding oil 132 billion tenge million), 229 communal property ob- Experts expect the visit will help trade and cooperation and measures end, 87 more objects will be put and gas pipelines, upgrading airport prepare the bank’s new medium- to improve the economic investment (US$378.99 million), jects for 49 billion tenge (US$140.69 up for sale, including 20 nation- infrastructure, developing the Aktau term strategy, its investments in the climate and competitiveness, includ- from the sale of million) and 163 national holding ally-owned objects, 31 communal seaport and Khorgos dry port and country and key Uzbek reform ef- ing through attracting foreign direct and company objects for 141 billion property objects and 36 quasi-pub- building highways and transport cor- forts. After launching a broad reform investment that will result in transfer- Samruk Kazyna tenge (US$404.84 million). lic sector assets. ridors, including the New Silk Road programme in the country, EBRD ring technology and know-how. “The bulk of the funds, approxi- Minister of Finance Bakhyt Sul- Pan-Eurasian project. enhanced its connection with the EBRD invested $1.045 million in assets.” mately 65 percent, from the sale of tanov noted there is growing inter- Central Asian nation and reopened its 54 Uzbek projects from 1992-2010. objects is made up by the selling est from private firms and the popu- The volume of oil production in resident office in Tashkent in Novem- By the end of 2017, the bank had Fifteen of 63 top-ranking re- price of national companies and lation in the available state assets. Kazakhstan will total 104 million ber 2017. signed its first six new operations sources of the 2016-2020 Com- holdings. These are mostly pro- Privatisation decisions will be made tonnes a year by 2025, kazakh-tv. EBRD experts find Uzbekistan has in the country since 2010, totalling prehensive Privatisation Plan ceeds, approximately 132 billion on Air Astana, Kazakhtelecom and kz says. Most of this oil will be ex- a strong external position, as it has more than $179 million. were sold for 110.5 billion tenge tenge (US$378.99 million), from Kazatomprom in the coming year. tracted at the three main Kazakh oil fields: Tengiz, Karachaganak and Kashagan. There are plans to con- struct a fourth compressor and a fifth infield pipeline. According to Direc- tor General of the Kazenergy Asso- IT business leader emphasises fundamental ciation Asset Magauov, the oil and gas industry remains an attractive sector for direct investments. Moreo- ver, Kazakhstan’s new tax code and role of talent in digitisation efforts subsoil code will accelerate the at- Verniaut singles out the bank- ogy departments closer together software for business operations traction of foreign businesses to the By Dilshat Zhussupova ing and insurance sectors as the for innovation. and customer relations manage- oil sector, including to activities like key development areas for Ka- Such a vast transformation ment. offshore oil exploration and extrac- ASTANA — Digitisation is zakhstan’s first step in introduc- should be guided by the CEO, led “I know that one of the direc- tion. Astana also plans environmen- occurring at an increasing pace ing digital technology, as they by management in all departments tions of Digital Kazakhstan is con- tal legislation reform this year. across the world to improve labour are central for the country’s eco- and executed by HR. nected to the development of hu- productivity. These gains may re- nomic future. “Imagine a hospital. Sure, you man capital, which surely includes The share of non-cash in total card sult not only from rendering old “We should also not forget the have a technical team that can per- increasing digital literacy and an turnover grew from 16 to 26 percent, processes more efficient, but also importance of education, health form sound data analysis. Manage- overall transformation in educa- according to finprom.kz. A massive from inventing new business pro- and government, because these ment can produce reports suggest- tion. In my view, this would be the shift is underway in Kazakhstan to cesses and even entirely new busi- are important for the medium and ing ways to improve operations. right thing to do,” he said. payments through cards. For the first nesses. long term,” said Verniaut. “I am But how do you actually transform “It is imperative that your gov- half of the year, 193 million non-cash Digital transformation allows familiar with Kazakhstan’s major the hospital’s operations for the ernment continues to work and payments were made. For compari- creating new ways of working and e-government efforts, which will better? Nurses and physicians will fulfil its ambitious goals within son, only 105 million transactions for reimagining our established busi- hopefully be expanded across oth- require training and closer col- the framework of the Kazakhstan payments through cards were record-

ness models, a priority for Eric Flickr.com Photo credit: er government activities.” laboration between doctors and the 2050 strategy. Digital transforma- ed in 2016. In the first half of the year, Verniaut, SAP Executive Vice Eric Verniaut He advocates promoting dig- data analytics team will be needed, tion is a big step on the way to be- the average amount per transaction President of Industries and Chief itisation in all major, often inter- too. It is HR that should lead these coming a top 30 global economy,” was 11,200 tenge (US$31.90). For Business Officer for Europe, the ernment and human capital devel- related economic areas, including activities,” said Verniaut. he added. “I hope that on your path the same period of 2017, the average Middle East and Africa. opment and implement a Digital oil and gas, agriculture, consumer- He identified several potential you will feel supported by your in- amount of one purchase through a A graduate of INSEEC Busi- Silk Road and innovative ecosys- goods manufacturing and trans- obstacles for Kazakhstan’s digiti- ternational partners, along with the payment card exceeded 12,000 tenge ness School and Anglia Polytech- tem. portation. sation ambitions, beginning with immense support from SAP.” (US$34.43). During the year, the nic University, Verniaut has more “Today, there are a good array of “Of course, it will not happen in- building upon and improving the Since 2011, Verniaut has served number of active payment cards in- than 20 years’ experience in inter- available options in the market for stantly. It will take time, resources, existing skills and talents of not as SAP General Manager, Ex- creased by 22 percent to 10.5 million. national executive leadership in entrepreneurs to increase competi- incentives, clear plans and compe- just individuals, but entire compa- ecutive Vice President and Senior The demand for credit cards is grow- the information technology (IT) tiveness and, more importantly, to tent staff. Nevertheless, in my con- nies and the government. Vice President. He challenges eve- ing. Compared to the first half of last industry. In an exclusive interview accelerate growth,” said Verniaut. versations I have observed a keen “Competent personnel in digi- ry Kazakh company to seriously year, the number of active credit cards with The Astana Times, he spoke “One of the distinctive features willingness to succeed in digitisa- tal technology and knowledgeable consider how it may effectively increased by more than 60 percent. about digitisation efforts undertak- of digitisation is that it can enable tion as a country – that is the most management which understands advance and benefit from digitali- The number of active credit cards in en worldwide and, closer to home, fast growth and improvement of important thing,” he said. how to use digital technology in sation. Kazakhstan reached 1.5 million. at the Astana International Finan- profit margins in most industries.” People would be sorely mistak- business and government are need- “The question ‘Do we need dig- cial Centre (AIFC). For instance, businesses may en in thinking digitisation is only ed everywhere, not just in Kazakh- itisation?’ is no longer relevant. This year, the generation of elec- AIFC, tasked by President Nur- connect their different operations about technology. Rather, human stan,” he added. Rather, ‘How can it be properly tricity by thermal power plants using sultan Nazarbayev with leading in in real time via mobile technology resources (HR) is key. Here, education becomes impor- implemented to effect positive environmentally dirty fossil fuels has new financial technology develop- and with partners and end-custom- For businesses seeking to tant. One way to bring teams and economic and social change?’ is grown from 79 percent to 82 percent, ment and expertise, is one of the ers in new ways. wholeheartedly embrace digitisa- companies’ competency to greater the question,” said Verniaut. “At 24.kz said. Despite the development many platforms in Kazakhstan “Paper, disconnected processes, tion, HR’s responsibilities should heights is to adopt leading digital SAP, we have been helping our of green energy, energy generation undergoing digital transformation. lack of information, slow deci- include recruiting and nurturing solutions such as those produced customers to lead at the forefront by solar stations is only 0.1 percent Within five years, the Digital Ka- sions, lack of visibility of the busi- technical talent, changing the com- by SAP. The European multina- of technology for over 40 years of the country’s total. Wind power zakhstan state programme aims to ness may be eradicated. Isn’t it pany culture, generating incentives tional software corporation, based and will be most glad to help plants account for 0.4 percent of Ka- digitise parts of the economy, gov- beautiful?” he added. and bringing business and technol- in Germany, provides enterprise where needed.” zakhstan’s generated energy. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Government officials, World Bank, Agro companies Leroy Merlin, the largest French retailer selling home and interior products, building materials, and repair and garden products, opened discuss increasing Kazakh agricultural exports its first supermarket in Kazakhstan exports, especially in agriculture, UAE have removed their restric- companies are permitted to export dustrial state regulation, with em- in Almaty Aug. 1, according to in- By Aidana Yergaliyeva and is making efforts to provide a tions on large and small cattle. The to China, while 17 enterprises spe- phasis on protecting the domestic formburo.kz. The company has favourable growth environment. latter also eliminated barriers on cialising in fish processing may market, expanding external sales invested approximately 8 billion ASTANA – The Kazakh Minis- The latest achievements include meat, meat products and eggs. send their goods to the EU. markets, developing trade and lo- tenge (US$22.3 million) and plans try of Agriculture and representa- successful deals between Kazakh-  The Chinese market is now Investors are also encouraged to gistics infrastructure and increas- to open 20 more shops across the tives from the World Bank and stan and countries including Chi- open to Kazakh products such as consider Kazakhstan’s location as ing available financing for agro- country over the next 15 years. Its several transnational agro compa- na, Saudi Arabia and the United frozen beef and lamb, fish, honey a perfect transit country. Khorgos industrial complex entities. first shop in Kazakhstan, which pro- nies discussed the nation’s exports Arab Emirates (UAE). The nation and live horses, as well as wheat, dry port on the border with China, The agrarian sector has received vides jobs for 370 workers, offers and new Silk Road food security has also removed restrictions on bran, soybeans, alfalfa, rapeseed Aktau sea port on the Caspian Sea $4.4 billion in investments in the more than 30,000 goods, which are July 3 during a conference at the live sheep and frozen and chilled meal, flour and vegetable oil. Agri- and the Western Europe–Western last five years. Agro businesses 30 percent made in Kazakhstan. Pri- Kazakhstan Global Investment lamb supplies to Iran, exporting cultural exports to China increased China international transit corridor attracted $136 million in the first or to opening a store in Almaty, the Roundtable (KGIR). 4,763 live sheep (129.5 tonnes) 34.3 percent last year, from $134.5 have been developing infrastruc- quarter of this year, a 25-percent company had more than 464 shops Deputy Prime Minister and Min- and 509.8 tonnes of lamb last year million to $180.6 million. ture specifically for this reason. increase compared to the same pe- in 12 countries. Established in 1923, ister of Agriculture Umirzak Shuk- to the western Asian nation. Iran At present, 167 Kazakh enter- Kazakhstan believes it has high riod in 2017. Leroy Merlin ranks first in Europe eyev presented macroeconomic has also approved importing Ka- prises are included on the Chinese export potential. In order to main- Agricultural product exports in terms of goods turnover. figures showing the potential of zakh eggs. and European Union (EU) regis- tain the agreements with the afore- have increased 47 percent in the Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial com- Other countries have estab- tries and can legally export agri- mentioned countries and ensure first three months of the year, with An Almaty waste sorting plant plex. He noted the government is lished clear requirements on beef cultural products to the participat- further progress, the government processed product exports grow- currently in the final stage of con- seeking to increase the country’s imports, as Saudi Arabia and the ing countries. Approximately 150 revised its approach to agro-in- ing 26 percent. struction has started working in a technical mode. The facility, with a production capacity of 550,000 tonnes of waste a year, is worth 5.4 billion tenge (US$15 million) of private investments. “Taking into account the fact that the city produc- Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan Merger of Kazkommertsbank, es around 600,000 tonnes of waste annually, we plan to provide solid waste sorting for all of Almaty,” strengthen economic ties Halyk Bank complete said Investment Company Director Dmitrii Danilchenko. The company ing for goods made by Turkmen we will do our best to meet their bank, excluding Halyk Bank in intends to produce 50,000 tonnes of Staff Report companies for their Kazakh coun- Staff Report expectations,” said Halyk Bank exchange for common shares in cardboard, cellophane, glass, plastic terparts due to limited opportuni- CEO Umut Shayakhmetova. Kazkommertsbank. and metal to be sold as raw materi- ASTANA – An agreement be- ties to convert the manat, the cur- ASTANA – Kazkommerts- Kazkommertsbank has now als to other companies. tween the Kazakh Chamber of rency of Turkmenistan. With the bank’s merger into Halyk Bank completed the process of trans- Commerce and Union of Industri- view of increasing cooperation, was completed July 27. The Kazkommertsbank has ferring all its property, rights and A camel and mare milk process- alists and Entrepreneurs to open a Kazakh Export negotiated with merger transfers all property, all now completed the obligations to Halyk Bank. Ka- ing plant in the Turkestan region Kazakh trade house in Turkmeni- representatives of local banks, rights and obligations of Kaz- process of transferring zakh National Bank approved the will be launched by the end of Au- stan was reached during a trade and such as Halkbank and Turkmeni- kommertsbank to Halyk Bank. execution of the transfer act. gust, according to 24.kz. The facil- economic mission to Ashgabat. stan Bank, as well as Ryzgal Com- “We have completed a large all its property, rights The required technical prepara- ity, worth 7.5 billion tenge (US$21 The mission, set up with the as- mercial Bank. process that lasted for more than tions were also completed. The million), will employ 80 people, sistance of the Kazakh Embassy As result of the visit, Dolce, a a year and a half, starting with and obligations to bank customers can receive ser- including 10 Chinese experts, and in Turkmenistan, was attended by pharmaceuticals company,signed the entering into discussions, due Halyk Bank. Kazakh vices at all branches and offices process up to 100 tonnes of milk 16 machinery, construction, phar- two memorandums of coopera- diligence procedures prior to the of Halyk Bank. Kazkommerts- each day. The plant will make milk maceutical and food companies, tion and Beles Agro concluded acquisition of Kazkommertsbank National Bank bank’s subsidiaries are now sub- powder, one tonne of which requires including Azia Auto, Bayan Sulu an agreement to supply three-four shares, completion of a transac- approved the execution sidiaries of Halyk Bank. 15 tonnes of milk. The powder is (confectioner), IT&M, KazAzot tonnes of flour and vegetable oil to tion, and finally, the integration The banks started the process ready for consumption after adding (research and investment), Ka- Turkmenistan every month for one and merger of two banks. All the of the transfer act. of combining the ATM network water. “Initially, we plan to export zakhstan Garysh Sapary (space year. transition procedures of Halyk July 10. They cancelled addition- our product to China; then, we want agency), Kazphosphate, Kentau Both parties also agreed to as- Bank and Kazkommertsbank to Halyk Bank and Kazkommerts- al commissions for cashing out to expand to Europe, the U.S. and Transformer Plant, Kuryk port and sist in obtaining visas for entrepre- a single technological platform bank shareholders agreed to ap- money for cardholders of both Australia,” says Zhazira Ozatkyzy, Rakhat (confectioner). neurs travelling on business. were completed in accordance prove the transfer act July 26. banks. Now Kazkommertsbank the plant’s deputy director. Representatives of several min- Kazakh President Nursultan with the schedule. Now comes a In accordance with the customers can replenish their istries, including the National Nazarbayev is set to meet with new stage in the history of Ha- resolutions of shareholders, payment cards in tenge and US The Kazakh-British Techni- Aerospace Agency, Turkmenneft, Turkmen President Gurbanguly lyk Bank and the entire financial 758,687,723 common shares dollars in Halyk Bank’s cash-in Turkmenyuldary and other local Berdymuhamedov Aug. 12 during cal University, located in Almaty, sector of Kazakhstan. Millions of in Halyk Bank were issued to ATMs with no additional com- businesses met with their Kazakh the Caspian Summit in Aktau to is slated for privatisation Nov. 6, customers trust Halyk Bank and shareholders of Kazkommerts- mission. reports kapital.kz. Currently, the counterparts. discuss trade and economic coop- school is 100 percent owned by Ka- Certain difficulties arise in pay- eration, visa regime and security. zmunaygas, Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas company. The reserve price is set at 11,364 million tenge (US$32 million); the minimum payment required to participate in the auction is 72.1 million tenge Chinese manufacturer (US$201,500). Buyers are allowed to make payments in installments, however, they are obliged to main- tain the profile of the institution and to build display, TV ensure at least a 50 percent share of Kazakh personnel in the university for 10 years. Established in 2001, the university occupies a 7,000 set production plant square metre building constructed in “We offer an industrial zone area 1957. The total area of the land lot, By Zhanna Shayakhmetova for investors. We are already imple- however, is 33,700 square metres. menting 11 projects here. We have ASTANA – China’s HKC Cor- the same rates for corporate tax of A copper cathode plant started poration Limited will be construct- 20 percent with Russia, but the VAT functioning in testing mode in the ing a display and television assem- (value added tax) rate is lower by 6 Karaganda region and produced bly plant in the Kostanai region, percent. We are ready to collaborate the first samples of its goods. The the Kazakh Invest press service with HKC Corporation Limited as 14 billion tenge (US$39.2 million) reported Aug. 2. we mainly import electronic equip- project is capable of producing The company will announce the ment. We will provide equipment 9,000 tonnes of copper cathode, plant location within two months, not only for the domestic market, all of which will be later exported. said Vice President Li Jin at a but also for Russia. We are open The plant, with equipment from meeting with the regional admin- to mutually beneficial cooperation France, Finland, Israel and Italy, istration. and guarantee support,” he said. employs 550 workers. The technol- One of the top TV manufactures Engineering networks have been ogy used at the facility allows ore in China, the company will invest built and roads are under construc- with low copper concentrations to $20 million in the initial stage. The tion in the Kostanai industrial be processed and is one of the most facility, with a planned capacity of zone. environmentally friendly processes three million units per year, will “The plants for tractor manu- in metallurgy, noted for its minimal create 500 new jobs. It is expected facturing and building materials emission of harmful substances into to open in 2019. production are under construction. the environment. “One of the advantages of Ko- The Chinese company invested in stanai is its close location to Russia the plant on deep processing of Composite Group, a Russian and other Commonwealth of Inde- grain for export to China,” said holding producing cooling radiators pendent States (CIS). We have big Kostanai Region Deputy Akim for automobiles and agricultural plans for this project and we want (Deputy Governor) Meirzhan machinery and other agricultural to study the issue before launch- Myrzaliyev. equipment, has finished building its ing it. Our main objective now is The parties will create a working tractor manufacturing plant in Ko- to enter the international market. group to develop a road map to im- stanai, reports abctv.kz. The facility, We have an assembly plant in the plement the project. capable of producing 3,000 tractors Netherlands, which produces two Founded in 1997, HKC Cor- under the brand name Belarus, as million TV sets per year,” said Li. poration Limited produces a full well as 100,000 heat exchangers, Employees will be recruited range of liquid crystal displays will be located in Kostanai’s in- from the local population. The from one to 60 inches, including dustrial zone and employ 150 local company also intends to partici- LCD monitors and LCD TVs, and workers. The investment volume pate in a dual training programme expanded the range of tools, plas- will total 2 billion tenge (US$5.6 for college students in the region. tic injection and LCD backlight- million). Another Russian company, Kostanai Region Akim (Gover- ing. The company’s total sales Sibeko, intends to build a plant pro- nor) Arkhimed Mukhambetov said have grown to $500 million and ducing seats for different means of the region has previously launched exports amounted to approximate- transport in the industrial zone. The joint projects with Chinese com- ly 40 percent in 2006. HKC built 1.6 billion tenge (US$4.5 million) panies, including a car assembly a new industrial park in Shenzhen project will be capable of manufac- plant and an integrated agricultural and opened branches in Russia and turing 170,000 seats annually. products processing project. India in 2007. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Historic Caspian Sea convention Cooperation with EU is source caps decades of negotiation of development for Kazakhstan ollowers of international politics will know miles of fishing water where each state has exclu- Development plans to finance 17 the complex challenges of negotiating to sive fishing rights.” By Sain Borbasov projects in the country worth $500 resolve issues affecting several countries, Of course, the negotiations do not stop here. The million. Last year, Germany and Ka- where each side is understandably looking seabed boundaries are yet to be negotiated. Further- A partnership and cooperation zakhstan signed 20 documents worth Fto protect its national interest. Yet on Aug. 12, the more, President of Iran Hassan Rouhani stressed that agreement between Kazakhstan and 1 billion tenge (US$2.7 million) to world witnessed a major diplomatic breakthrough, further talks are needed to clarify obligations to the the European Union was signed in introduce advanced the German ex- when the leaders of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Iran, responsibilities of the littoral states for guaranteeing Brussels in mid-1990s. More than perience in the industry digitalisation Russia, and Turkmenistan signed the Convention on the environmental safety of the Caspian Sea. 3,000 joint ventures were estab- under the Industry 4.0 programme. the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea in the Kazakh The success of the summit should not be underes- lished in the country in the process It is important for the EU to use city of Aktau. timated. The agreement reached will also contribute of expanding relations with Euro- Kazakhstan’s transit opportunities. The significance of this agreement should not be substantially to the development of regional coop- pean states. Trade with EU countries The transcontinental transport route underestimated. It follows more than two decades of eration in the areas of ecology, energy, transport reached 24.4 billion tenge (US$67 ing, open and politically stable Ka- Urumqi (China) – Altynkol (Ka- discussions, with negotiations on the international and trade, as well as strengthen the security of the million) in 2017 and accounted for 40 zakhstan, the EU plans to expand its zakhstan) – Riga (Latvia) – Rotter- legal status of the Caspian Sea taking place regularly Caspian region. President Nazarbayev summarised percent of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade influence in Central Asia. dam (the Netherlands) facilitated Eu- since 1996. More than 50 working group meetings the situation, by proclaiming: “Today, after 25 years, turnover. This is 23 percent higher EU countries have assisted Ka- rope’s relation with China’s powerful took place to prepare for the convention. After nu- we can say we have made the Caspian Sea a place than in 2016. zakhstan in carrying out market re- economy. This route provides our of cooperation in regards to its waters, soil, and The strengthening of relations forms, deregulating the economy, country with great opportunities to The agreement was also most aerospace.” was facilitated by the signing in improving healthcare, social pro- increase trade turnover with Europe- This is undoubtedly positive news for the peo- December 2015 of a new enhanced tection and research. From 1992 to an states. The container railway route needed from an ecological ple and economy of Kazakhstan. As the country’s partnership and cooperation agree- 2000, within the Technical Assis- Kouvola (Finland) – Buslovskaya perspective, where we have a duty Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov noted, “The ment between Kazakhstan and the tance to the Commonwealth of Inde- (Russia) – Altynkol (Kazakhstan) adoption of the convention grants transnational com- EU. Kazakhstan is the only Com- pendent States (TACIS) programme – Xian (China) started operating in to work together to protect the panies the right to conduct activities in the Caspian monwealth of Independent States alone, technical assistance worth the autumn of 2017. It is planned to Sea which will boost transit projects and attract logis- (CIS) country to have come to such $136.7 million was provided for transport more than 1 million tonnes natural environment. Hundreds of tics companies and new investments in the region.” an agreement with the EU. This in- environmental impact assessment. of cargo annually along this route. animal and plant species live in the It is well known that Kazakhstan is already playing strument has been ratified by parlia- Kazakhstan was also interested in All this significantly helps to im- a key role in promoting trade and transit, especially ments of 23 of the 28 EU countries. research related to the study and plement the fourth task of the Presi- Caspian Sea, including many that as part of the New Silk Road project. The agreement As part of the Path to Europe elimination of the consequences of dent’s state-of-the-nation address on the Caspian Sea will provide further opportunities programme, Kazakhstan became testing at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear – the development of transport and are unique to the region. for Kazakhstan to contribute to the development of a member of the World Trade Or- Test Site, studying environmental logistics infrastructure. Our country trade in the region and beyond, which will bring with ganisation, combining the require- problems in the Aral Sea basin and will receive profit of several billion merous discussions and four previous summits at the it economic benefits. ments of the WTO, the Customs reducing air pollution in Almaty. dollars from the transit of goods to heads of state level, the convention has been finally The agreement was also most needed from an Union and the Eurasian Economic The relationships have become sta- Europe. agreed upon. ecological perspective, where we have a duty to work Union (EAEU). These measures ble. For example, a Kazakh-French Improving relations with the EU This is most welcome news. It should be remem- together to protect the natural environment. Hun- required coordination and constant radar engineering plant was opened will help to achieve the goals of the bered that prior to this landmark agreement, the trea- dreds of animal and plant species live in the Caspian interaction with Brussels. Cer- in Almaty region in April 2016. In Fourth Industrial Revolution in Ka- ties on the Caspian’s legal status dated back to 1921 Sea, including many that are unique to the region. tainly, EU countries protect their 2017, the Hungarian Eximbank allo- zakhstan. Strengthening ties with the and 1940. The lack of a new agreement on how to Unfortunately, pollution has had a negative effect on interests. In the context of tense re- cated $290.5 million to finance joint EU in science, education, culture, divide up the world’s largest enclosed body of water the ecology of the Caspian, especially on the famous lations between Russia and Ukraine, projects of small and medium busi- medicine will also increase Kazakh- caused occasional disputes in the region and prevent- sturgeon. The deal between the littoral states now strengthening of energy security, nesses. The European Investment stan’s competitiveness. We will be ed an enhancement of trade and economic coopera- means that the Caspian will be better protected from transportation of raw materials, and Bank has provided $227.8 million able to reach the level of developed tion between the five states bordering the sea. ecological disasters and potential incidents such as enhancement of continental security for the development of the national countries only if we can correlate This highlights just how important it was to reach oil spills. have become particularly relevant. agribusiness to the National Manag- the benefits of European democracy, a new agreement. The five sides have now agreed Kazakhstan should be proud to have hosted and By building a constructive relation- ing Holding KazAgro JSC. The Eu- which is the achievement of world to establish a special legal status for the Caspian, participated in this historic event. The five-sided ship with the dynamically develop- ropean Bank for Reconstruction and civilisation, to our national values. which means the surface water will be in com- agreement has demonstrated that diplomacy remains mon usage, while the seabed will be divided up. the main vehicle to resolving disputes, irrespective of As Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev stated their complexities. Hopefully this meeting will act as after the summit, “We have established 15-mile- motivation and give impetus to other world leaders to wide territorial waters whose borders become state use diplomacy as the most effective means of resolv- borders. Adjacent to the territorial waters are 10 ing other outstanding global issues. Regional, international cooperation key to preserving trans-boundary rivers, lakes hatever the extraordinary progress the ground. The decision to build the Kokaral dam, of the last century, it was also an era completed in 2005 with the support of the World in which the reckless exploitation of Bank, and to improve irrigation systems to stop natural resources and casual damage water wastage means the northern section of the sea toW the environment took place at an unprecedented is no longer shrinking but expanding. Faster than speed and scale. Man’s deliberate and accidental expected, the ecological damage in this section of actions have altered our planet in ways which we are the lake has been reversed. It shows that nature can only now beginning to fully comprehend. recover if it is given a helping hand. Given this background, it is an indication of While this is hugely encouraging, it would be a co- the scale of the catastrophe that the destruction of lossal – perhaps impossible – task to restore the Aral the Aral Sea is widely viewed as one of the worst Sea as a whole to its former size and glory. What is ecological disasters in history. What was one of the needed is collective action to prevent any more of biggest lakes in the world shrank inside two genera- the lake from drying out, to help it recover wherever tions to a tenth of its former size as the river water possible and to support the communities affected to that replenished it was diverted for Soviet irrigation find new livelihoods and futures. It is these goals projects. which must be at the heart of an improved regional As the water disappeared so did the livelihood of and global effort. countless communities around its shores. What little But the tragedy of the Aral Sea is also a stark water was left became increasingly more saline and reminder that we need to be far more careful in how polluted, killing off its unique wildlife and the fish- we use natural resources, particularly those already ing industry which relied on it. under severe pressure like water. This is difficult The damage goes far wider than once thriving enough to achieve within countries, but when riv- ports now many kilometres from the shore. Con- ers cross national borders, as is often the case, it taminated dust from the dry lake bed is blown over becomes even more complex. hundreds of miles causing major health problems There is an urgent need for agreed rules and better where it lands. Even the climate, denied the mod- international cooperation on how water resources erating effect of such a large body of water, has are shared in a sustainable and fair way. It is why become harsher. the meeting of parties to the Helsinki Convention on Stopping and, if possible, reversing this environ- the protection and use of trans-boundary rivers and mental disaster was always going to be difficult. But lakes, which takes place in Astana in October, is im- it was made far more challenging as the break-up of portant. It is the first time it has taken place outside the Soviet Union left five newly independent coun- Europe and is a measure of the Kazakhstan’s high tries – each with their own interests and priorities – profile on the subject. directly involved in tackling this disaster. What has happened in the Aral Basin – and the Despite the obstacles still to be overcome, there difficulty of reversing the damage caused – should has been significant progress. The Aral Sea Basin also reflect more broadly on the choices we are mak- Programme has brought Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, ing and the need to act before we reach the point of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan together to no return. As much of the world endures extreme find answers to this disaster. There is now high-level weather – with record temperatures and water commitment and co-operation. The UN and other shortages – this summer, it is a timely reminder of global institutions are backing these efforts, in which how man’s activity can alter our environment, how Kazakhstan, from the start, has taken the lead. quickly change can come and the terrible damage it We have seen, too, remarkable improvements on causes.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Caspian Sea legal status: from disassociation to collaboration security. There were also some area should have been subjected equipment and qualified person- between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan By Zulfiya Amanzholova difficulties concerning interna- to delimitation to maritime belts nel for combatting environmen- and Turkmenistan, our country tional law enforcement. Thus, and national fishing zones of tal emergencies.It is projected to will finish all legal arrangements The presidents of five littoral the representatives of some par- agreed widths. The remaining sign several more documents. in terms of its sovereign rights for states met Aug. 12 at the Fifth ties thought that the Caspian Sea area of the sea would have been One more document that deals the Caspian seabed subsoil use. Caspian Summit in Aktau. could not be under the norms of accessible for free navigation of with the security in the Caspian Russia and Azerbaijan have al- The agenda of the meeting was the International Maritime Law the ships flying the flags of the Sea was signed in 2007 in Baku. ready signed such an agreement. to take stock of the negotiations due to the lack of natural con- littoral states. Exploitation of bi- The aim of the agreement on co- There are still ongoing negotia- on determining the legal status nection with the World Ocean. oresources was assumed within operation in the field of security tions on the delimitation process of the Caspian Sea lasting many Otherwise stated, some parties the respective fishing zones and years. offered to divide the sea between in the common water area upon After the collapse of the Sovi- the states into the sovereign ter- the agreed quotas and through With hope and optimism, we are expecting et Union in 1992, there emerged ritories, while the other parties licensing the activity. The aerial that the Fifth Caspian Summit on Aug. 12 four new states on the coast of offered to use the full shared domain over the sea was also ac- the Caspian Sea, which are Ka- five-nation “condominium” ap- cessible for flights on the agreed will become a landmark. We are sure that zakhstan, Azerbaijan, the Rus- proach. This meant the Caspian routes. sian Federation, and Turkmeni- Sea had to become the sea of the Hinterland states could have the agreements between the presidents will stan. Since that time, the issue of standing mechanism of nego- common use of all its natural re- had the right to freedom of tran- increase the opportunities for the realisation the territorial allegiance of the tiations on determining the legal sources. Every state could have sit to the other seas and the World sea became the point of dispute status of the Caspian Sea among had one ten-mile coastal zone Ocean. of the strong potential of the littoral states between five independent states, the heads of the legal depart- for using the sea floor and its re- Later in October 1997, this po- including Iran. ments of the ministries of for- sources. In the opinions of other sition of the Republic of Kazakh- that will give a momentum to their further The Russian Federation was eign affairs. parties, there was no chance of stan was distributed as the official collaboration. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the only country that continued After several rounds of the ne- defining the boundaries, and the document of the UN. During the to be the party of the treaties as gotiations among the heads of sovereignty of the states would whole process of the negotiations Iran, Russia,and Turkmenistan have enough they didn’t meet the interests of legal departments, deputy min- have been limited to their land despite their levels and format, the rest of the newly emerged isters of foreign affairs, min- territories. Kazakhstan has been maintaining potential to ensure the sustainable development countries. Thus, the negotiation isters of foreign affairs, all the The thing that could have as- its attitude concerning the issue of the Caspian region and peaceful life for their process was commenced with parties had realised the viability sured some agreement among the of the legal status of the Caspian the aim to develop the new legal of changing the level of the rep- states was the comparative simi- Sea, which aligns with the princi- citizens. status of the Caspian Sea collab- resentatives of the states in the larity of the states’ attitudes to- ples, normsand experiences. oratively. The determination of negotiating process by the end wards fishing industry, shipping It should be noted that despite at the Caspian Sea is to assure the of the seabed of the southern part the legal status of the sea could of 1996. Thus, the ministers of industry and preservation of the the complexity of the issue and collaboration between the littoral of the Caspian Sea between the be a benefit to better agreement foreign affairs formed the stand- marine environment. some disparities in the interests states in combatting the illegal parties concerned. between these littoral states in ing ad hoc working group for As for us, achieving the con- of the littoral states, they have actions in the Caspian Sea. Without going into details of all the domains under mutually developing and further signing sensus between all the parties on gradually realised the neces- As a result of the Fourth Cas- all the difficulties of negotiations, beneficial conditions. the convention on the legal sta- the development of the text of sity of the package settlement of pian Summit in Astrakhan in and some diplomatic efforts, we In 1994, the meetings of the tus of the Caspian Sea and other the joint draft of the convention all the issues of the activities in 2010, we have signed three more may conclude that we could ob- experts and the Deputy Ministers related documents. on the legal status of the Caspian the sea. Upon achieving consen- essential agreements. They are serve how the littoral states were of Foreign Affairs of the Caspian By that time, the states had al- Sea in Almaty in 1997 was a big sus about a certain provision of the agreements on preservation, striving to reach a compromise bordering countries took place. ready agreed on some principles progress. The draft was based on the convention, the parties were restoration and sustainable and and searching for mutually ac- They were discussing the drafts of the activities of the parties in the four drafts presented earlier launching a certain international rational use of the biological ceptable solutions in order to of the collaboration agreements the sea and determined the main by the parties, such as Azerbai- treaty aimed at assuring coopera- resources of the Caspian Sea, obtain consensus in all the issues in the sphere of studying the elements of the future legal sta- jan in 1993, Kazakhstan in 1994, tion in a specific area. The work agreement on taking preventive occurred. water relationship and the pro- tus of the sea, such as maritime Russia in 1995 and Iran in 1996. has always been in progress. and response measures to protect We have had the consolidated tection of the littoral area of the boundary delimitation, naviga- Such a solution was conditioned The common understanding the environment and human be- approaches in terms of the bound- Caspian Sea and also the Treaty tion areas, use of bioresources, by the wish to find the areas of of creating the sound legal basis ings from consequences of natu- aries of sovereignty, sovereign on the Regional Cooperation in use of mineral resources and common interests which could for ensuring mutually beneficial ral and man-made environmental and exclusive rights of the littoral the Caspian Sea. At that time, ecology. They agreed that the have facilitated the common un- cooperation has produced some emergencies in the sea and the states, the regime of navigation, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan ex- legal status of the Caspian Sea derstanding of the solution to the tangible results. Today, Kazakh- agreement on cooperation in the the freedom of access of all the pressed their opinions about the should have been captured in issue of the legal status of the stan is the party of 18 treaties field of hydrometeorology. vessels from the Caspian Sea to necessity to determine the new the single document, which will Caspian Sea. and agreements concerning the Concerning the delimitation the world’s oceans and back and legal status of the Caspian Sea; serve as the basis for further It is important to point out that, Caspian Sea, nine of them are process of the Caspian seabed in terms of offshore pipeline in- moreover, they stated the neces- agreements and treaties regulat- initially, Kazakhstan offered to pentalateral agreements. The five and its subsoil, we can see that by stallation. Moreover, the prin- sity to work on the project in ing the various activities in the use the separate provisions of the littoral states are projecting to today the seabed and the seabed ciples were agreed onthe stable conjunction with the considera- Caspian Sea in the future. 1982 UN Convention on the Law sign eight more agreements soon. subsoil of the Caspian Sea have balance of armaments in the Cas- of the Sea while developing the The parties are still in the process been delimited in its northern and pian Sea, on following the agreed Initially, Kazakhstan offered to use the separate draft of the convention on the le- of agreeing on other important central zones. Kazakhstan and measures of ensuring mutual trust gal status of the Caspian Sea and documents. Thus, after signing Russia signed the agreement on as well as on non-presence in the provisions of the 1982 UN Convention on to adapt these provisions to the the convention on the legal status delimitation in 1998. Additional- Caspian Sea of the armed forces peculiarities of the Caspian Sea. of the Caspian Sea and its com- ly to this agreement, the protocol of countries other than the five the Law of the Sea while developing the draft The seabed and the resources ing into operation, we will have was signed in 2002. littoral states. of the convention on the legal status of the were offered to be delimited be- a comprehensive legal basis that The delimitation of the seabed With hope and optimism, we tween the Caspian states, which will enable us to operate mutually and its subsoil is reflected in the are expecting that the Fifth Cas- Caspian Sea and to adapt these provisions could be granted the rights to de- in various domains. agreement between Kazakh- pian Summit on Aug. 12 will velop mineral resources, laying The Framework Convention stan and Azerbaijan of 2001 and become a landmark. We are sure to the peculiarities of the Caspian Sea. The the pipes and cables within their for the Protection of the Marine the protocol to the agreement in that the agreements between the seabed and the resources were offered to be areas. The external boundaries of Environment of the Caspian Sea 2003. There is also an agreement presidents will increase the op- such exclusive economic zones should be noted as one of the most between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, portunities for the realisation of delimited between the Caspian states, which could have been drawn along the significant current documents and Russia on the point of junc- the strong potential of the littoral median line, which is equidistant which was signed in Teheran in tion of the demarcation line of states that will give a momentum could be granted the rights to develop mineral from the coasts of the opposite 2003 by five littoral countries. their adjacent areas of the sea- to their further collaboration. resources, laying the pipes and cables within states as it is done internation- Additionally, the parties signed bed in the Caspian Sea signed in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Iran, ally and in accordance with the the protocol of preserving the bi- 2003. Russia,and Turkmenistan have their areas. international technology. Devel- odiversity of the sea. Under this The agreement between Ka- enough potential to ensure the opment of fields within the eco- Framework convention, the par- zakhstan and Turkmenistan on sustainable development of the tion of the Convention on the le- Initially, the states had dif- nomic zones of two or more Cas- ties are obliged to protect the sea the delimitation of the seabed of Caspian region and peaceful life gal status of the Caspian Sea. ferent views of the legal status pian States had to be the subject from the consequences of natural the Caspian Sea was signed in for their citizens. Next, in 1995 in Almaty, the of the Caspian Sea, namely the of production sharing agreements and man-made environmental 2014. deputy ministers of foreign af- issues of maritime boundary between the parties concerned. emergencies, cooperate in setting After reaching the agreement The author is Ambassador- fairs of the Caspian border- delimitation, using mineral re- According to the solution of- up early warning systems and en- on the junction point of the de- at-large of the Ministry of For- ing countries launched the first sources, demilitarisation, and fered by Kazakhstan, the water sure the availability of adequate marcation lines of the seabed eign Affairs of Kazakhstan. Protecting businesses and investment important to Kazakhstan dex, Kazakhstan was removed and to create an atmosphere of tion facts, lack of transparency in through anti-corruption support By Zhandos Sarsenov from the list of most corrupt absolute rejection of corruption. the activities of courts and regu- of businesses and investors. countries, earning 31 points for Unfortunately, there are still latory state bodies, unpredictabil- As previously noted, the pro- Creating a favourable invest- the first time. These figures are high risks remaining for busi- ity of judicial acts are perhaps the ject’s main goal is to create a fa- ment climate and increasing the the highest in the entire period nesses and investors related to greatest risks and a big uncertain- vourable investment climate and confidence of businesses and in- of Kazakhstan’s presence in this their activities in Kazakhstan. The ty for businesses. increase confidence of businesses vestors in the institutions of state ranking (for instance, in 1999, “Special Review on Corruption” and investors in the institutions of power is the most important fac- Kazakhstan earned 23 points). sociological survey showed that state power. tor in ensuring the competitive- The Anti-Corruption Strategy from 2016 to 2017 the frequency The project’s main The task is to approbate and ness of the public administra- and the “100 Concrete Steps” of corruption schemes increased, goal is to create a implement advanced preventive tion system and Kazakhstan as a Plan of the Nation approved by while entrepreneurs noticed cor- mechanisms of combating cor- whole. the President lay the foundation ruption growth in Zhambyl, Man- favourable investment ruption in order to strengthen a Over the years of independ- Declaration on International In- of a fundamentally new model of gystau, Atyrau, Turkestan and Al- favourable investment climate ence, Kazakhstan has made pro- vestment. a corruption-free state. It is based maty regions. climate and increase and stimulate entrepreneurial ac- gress in creating a favourable The effectiveness of invest- on early prevention and effec- Figures show that officials ini- confidence of tivity, as well as the further de- investment climate. Evidence ment decisions to a certain extent tive diagnosis. The struggle is not tiate every second corrupt trans- velopment of the institution of of which is the evaluation of a is based on the effectiveness of with the consequences, but with action (54.5 percent); in five per- businesses and the investment ombudsman in number of international organisa- the anti-corruption policy, which the elimination of the prerequi- cent of cases, both parties are the investors in the Kazakhstan. tions. For example, according to due to the political will of the sites for corruption. The main initiators, while the entrepreneur We want to protect businesses Doing Business 2018 report, Ka- Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- idea was the spread of the “Do is the initiator in the remaining institutions of state and investors from the state bod- zakhstan ranks 36th in the overall arbayev, has gained a new vector not give or take bribes” principle 40.5 percent. ies’ illegal actions by encourag- rating of 190 countries, and first of development. – making corruption impossible Entrepreneurs noted a large power. ing them to join the Anti-Corrup- in the “Protection of minority Systemic and comprehensive and unprofitable for both officials number of requirements and their tion Agreement, where the only investors” category (third a year measures to prevent corruption and entrepreneurs. unavailability, the complexity of Therefore, our agency has start- condition will be their consent to earlier). have improved Kazakhstan’s po- At the same time, we have in- procedures, long terms and the ed implementing a special pro- the good conduct of business and Kazakhstan takes an active part sition in the international rating troduced prevention institutes, desire to escape responsibility as ject, the main purpose of which “zero tolerance” for any manifes- in integration associations such agencies’ evaluations, which af- such as anti-corruption monitor- the main reasons behind corrup- is to protect and support investors tation of corruption. as the World Trade Organisa- fect share prices, credit availabil- ing, identification, analysis and tion. in order to prevent illegal actions tion and the Eurasian Economic ity, investment attractiveness and elimination of corruption risks. When doing business in Ka- against them. The “Protecting The author is the Head of the Union and became an associated trust to states, firms and banks. In A number of measures are being zakhstan, foreign investors face Business and Investments” pro- Department for Civil Service member of the OECD Investment the Transparency International’s taken to ensure anti-corruption various legal risks where imper- ject is aimed at creating an alter- Affairs and Anticorruption of Committee, as well as joined the 2017 Corruption Perceptions In- education among the population fection of the legislation, corrup- native scenario to this situation the Karaganda region. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Belgian envoy predicts ‘interesting results’ from combining Brussels’ experience with Astana’s potential given by Kazakhstan, with whom Agriculture and related products Kazakhstan’s geography is particu- “Some of our best Belgian aca- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova we hope to cooperate in this context. could be another promising area of larly benefiting from the develop- demics are teaching and research- Given the growing wealth and im- development, said the envoy. ment of transport connections be- ing at Nazarbayev University. We ASTANA – Small Belgium and portance of Kazakhstan and of Cen- “Probably our food products and tween our continents,” he said. will explore avenues to encourage large Kazakhstan have more to learn tral Asia in the world, our relations beverages – Belgian beers are world “Since Belgium is mainly made students from both our countries to from each other than one might are set to develop in the future,” said famous and already present on the out of small and medium enter- study in universities and educational think – Belgium’s long history of de Crombrugghe. Kazakh market – deserve to be bet- prises, the attraction of investors is institutes of the other country. Our industrial development can help Ka- The European Union (EU) is Ka- ter promoted, as the agro-industry in conditioned by the rule of law. What embassy will look upon all oppor- zakhstan on its development path, zakhstan’s main trade and invest- Belgium is very developed indeed. made the European Union such a tunities to develop further academic and Astana’s recent stint on the UN ment partner. Belgium’s direct trade From the Kazakh side, I notice an prosperous bloc was the existence links between both countries,” he Security Council can serve as an ex- with Kazakhstan has increased, increase of the revenue in the oil and of a common market whose rules said. ample for Brussels, Ambassador of amounting to 300 million euros gas industry, and other minerals to were implemented by an independ- Cultural cooperation is also of Belgium to Kazakhstan Alexis de (US$350 million) in 2017. 50 percent. Kazakh agricultural and ent Court of Justice. Belgian busi- great importance for the Belgian Crombrugghe de Picquendaele told Alexis de Crombrugghe “Since the main thrust of our trade food products being exported to Bel- ness is mostly made out of small Embassy. This year the embassy or- The Astana Times. de Picquendaele. is within the EU, Belgium also indi- gium are on the increase with 40 per- and medium enterprises. For them ganised an exhibition dedicated to The Belgian economic mission rectly benefits from the development cent, as are metals and textiles with legal security, meaning independent the Smurfs’ 60th anniversary April scheduled for June 2019 will help Belgium and Kazakhstan, as well as of trade and investment ties between each nearing 5 percent,” he said. courts and tribunals ensuring the re- 26-28 as part of the Francophonie Belgian and Kazakh businesses with the other countries of my juris- the EU and Kazakhstan. As most of Belgian companies specialising spect of their contractual rights and Spring Festival. reach their full trade potential, ben- diction. There certainly is a tremen- our companies are small and me- in software were present at the re- duties, is an essential element before “It was such a nice experience to efiting both economies, he noted. dous potential. The best is to seize dium enterprises, they often act as cent KADEX 2018 International starting a trade or investment deal in see so many young Kazakh school- “Our regional trade and invest- all opportunities arising out of the subcontractors for big European and Exhibition of Weapons Systems and another country. This is why the Eu- children making themselves such ment promotion agencies from markets in both our countries, and international companies, and there- Military Equipment and Aerospace ropean integration was so beneficial beautiful drawings on the site of Flanders, Wallonia and the Brussels building upon increasing ties be- fore benefit from the development of Equipment in Astana. to our country, as it is to other old the exhibition. Comic strips are in- capital region will together organise tween the peoples of both our coun- trade relations as a whole. European “Smart cities are another field and new member states of the Euro- deed a truly Belgian phenomenon a trade and investment mission to tries… Tourism is also developing integration is from that point of view where Belgium has added value to pean Union. Ensuring legal security in which we have a rich tradition Kazakhstan and to other countries of in both directions. The development a real fact in the organisation of our offer. Our companies are active on of investment and trade deals is of to share. Kazakh performances of the region. This follows up on ear- of people-to-people contacts in the economy. It is the European Com- every aspect of life and therefore all paramount importance. It doesn’t Astana ballet, opera and musical lier economic missions, which oc- global age certainly is a trigger for mission which negotiates trade deals sectors offer a potential for develop- make sense to have trade and invest- theatre have proven to be very suc- curred on a yearly basis till 2017… developing our relations in the fu- worldwide. By the way, and in spite of ment. From that point of view, Ka- ment conditions being changed after cessful with the Belgian public. I Kazakhstan is a huge country with a ture. It is one of the priorities that its complicated constitutional set up, zakhstan rightly aims at diversifying a deal had been made,” he added. am proud that one of my compatri- large potential for further develop- I agreed to focus on with the new Belgium was one of the first countries its economy,” he said. Approximately fifteen Belgian ots is a star dancer at Astana ballet. ment. Belgium is a small country Kazakh ambassador in Brussels,” he to ratify the Enhanced Partnership and The Port of Antwerp recently in- companies are represented in Ka- At the diplomatic spouses’ asso- with a huge experience in industrial said. Cooperation Agreement between the augurated a monthly railway link zakhstan, according to the envoy, and ciation 2017 charity bazaar, all our and high-tech development. Com- Belgium was elected as a non- EU and Kazakhstan,” he said. between it and China – travelling, of the Federation of Belgian Compa- waffles, chocolates and beers were bining both assets should produce permanent member of the United Chemicals and pharmaceuticals course, through Kazakhstan – as part nies (FEB/VBO) and regional Fed- sold out,” he said. interesting results,” he said. Nations Security Council for 2019- cover nearly half of Belgian exports, of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative erations of Chambers of Commerce “It is one of my priorities to make This year, Kazakhstan and Bel- 2020, a two-year role Kazakhstan is followed by machinery at 20 per- (BRI). and Industry closely cooperate with a balance of what already exists and gium are celebrating the 26th anni- about to complete at the end of 2018. cent and optical instruments at 10 “Having recently visited the old the Kazakh Embassy in Belgium. what could be further developed, de- versary of their diplomatic relations. “We hope to deserve the confi- percent. Plastics, transport materials Silk Road cities I cannot but be en- To strengthen bilateral coopera- pending of course on the goodwill “My aim is to seize all opportu- dence accorded to us by other na- and minerals each share 5 percent of thusiastic about this revival of an- tion, the ambassador intends to en- and availability of the people and in- nities to develop relations between tions and take heed of the example exports. cient ties between Asia and Europe. courage university cooperation. stitutions concerned,” he said. Enhanced bilateral Eurasian Intergovernmental Council cooperation promotes security, discusses trade, digitisation the items discussed at the meeting continue to work on identifying the China-Kazakhstan-Russia- By Almasbek Zhumadilov would promote economic, political partners in the conduct of foreign Belarus-Europe route, a naviga- and social stability in the Eurasian trade policy,” said Sagintayev, ble canal through the Caspian and says Afghan ambassador ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Min- region. The Kazakh head of gov- stressing that important documents Black Seas, as well as a proposal Continued from Page A1 ister Bakytzhan Sagyntayev par- ernment noted a correlation be- are also due to be adopted soon. to eliminate obstacles to inter-un- ticipated in the July 27 meeting tween inter-union cooperation and To date, negotiations on the ion trade. “Trade relations between the of the Eurasian Intergovernmental trade growth. conclusion of trade and economic Optimising infrastructure, said two countries are very promi Council in St. Petersburg, Russia, Trade within the Eurasian Eco- agreements between the EAEU the Kazakh prime minister, will sing. However, we seek to set reported primeminister.kz. nomic Union in the first quarter and other states have been intensi- build a bridge between Asia and the balance between import and The meeting brought together of 2018 compared to 2017 grew fied. At various levels of prepared- Europe, the East and West as well export turnover. Afghanistan ex- the prime ministers of Armenia by $13.9 billion or 16.4 percent. ness, there are arrangements of co- as the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. ports much less than it imports,” Nikol Pashinyan, Belarus Andrei Trade by union member states out- operation between the EAEU and Additional Supreme Council meet- said Shahim. Kobyakov, Kyrgyzstan Mukham- side the union grew 23.8 percent or Israel, India, Egypt, Singapore, ings will also help reduce econom- Kazakhstan’s educational as- metkaly Abulgaziev, the Russian by $172.3 billion. The union GDP Serbia and other countries. ic barriers in the short term. sistance has been significant. Federation Dmitry Medvedev is expected to grow 2.1 percent in “Kazakhstan has always been a “For us, this is a priority foreign and Chairman of the Board of the 2019, according to Eurasian De- supporter of attracting new play- economic project. We created the “Fifty million dollars was al- Kadam Shah Shahim located for 1,000 Afghan stu- Eurasian Economic Commission velopment Bank forecasts. ers into the orbit of our integra- EAEU as an open, equitable inte- dents to study in Kazakhstan. Tigran Sargsyan. Sagintayev addressed legislative tion. Here, I note that the President gration association. Building our Kazakhstan and Central Asia The participants reviewed the regulation of inter-union coopera- of Kazakhstan (Nursultan Naz- relationships on the principles of The country also provided 30 through Afghanistan and imperil scholarships for Afghan students implementation of the digital tion. Member states have devel- arbayev) put emphasis on the need seeking compromises and work- security in the country. Afghani- agenda of the Eurasian Economic oped contractual and legal bases for cooperation of the EAEU with ing out effective solutions will be last year – 16 for bachelor, 12 stan resists against these move- Union and interaction in agricul- and adopted more than 600 acts in technologically successful and in- a powerful incentive for strength- for masters and two for doctoral ments and it improves Kazakh- ture, energy and transport. They 2017. vestment-attractive countries and ening the Union, increasing its at- degree programmes,” he added. Afghan relations,” he said. also discussed forming a common “We are striving to improve the integration blocs,” said the Kazakh tractiveness in the world commu- Since January 2017, Kazakh- Afghanistan seeks to ensure gas market, creating a unified sys- quality of products, while not cre- prime minister. nity,” Sagintayev said. stan has joined Japan and the cooperation in tourism, espe- tem for the transit of goods across ating unnecessary management Sagintayev reminded the partici- At the July 27 Eurasian Inter- United Nations Development cially medical tourism. Union territory using technical tools and costs for business. Work pants of the meeting about the stra- governmental Council meeting, Programme (UNDP) to offer “There is an Afghan-Kazakh means and interfacing state infor- is underway to introduce about 70 tegic tasks adopted May 14 by the participants signed agreements to seminars and training for vari- company that is working to bring mation systems. amendments to the treaty on the heads of member states at their Su- form a common EAEU gas market ous staff workers in education, Afghan tourists to Kazakhstan. The prime ministers also ad- EAEU to improve the rule of law preme Council meeting that need and a working group on integration health and women’s affairs. However, the main problem is dressed customs cooperation, in the Union. Trade and economic to be developed. At that Supreme cooperation and import substitu- “This year, for instance, Ka- connected to visa issues. We regulating integration cooperation agreements concluded with China, Council meeting, Nazarbayev tion as well as other documents. zakhstan with the UNDP con- approached the Kazakh govern- and import substitutions in priority as well as agreements on a free presented initiatives to create in- The Eurasian Intergovernmental ducted a two-week workshop in ment and the Kazakh embassy in industries. trade zone with Vietnam and Iran frastructure mega-projects: high- Council will meet next in Belarus maternal and child healthcare Kabul to work out this issue,” he Sagintayev told his counterparts have been concluded. We need to speed railways and highways on in October. for public health professionals noted. from Afghanistan held at Naz- Afghans see Kazakhstan as arbayev University,” he said. a more preferable healthcare “Afghan women working in partner due to the relatively af- the health sectors, nurses and fordable services and geographi- doctors, went to their villages to cal proximity. Two-hour flights Central Asian countries discuss help Afghan people after attend- connect Almaty and Kabul and ing the seminar. It was virtuous, a once-a-week, Kabul-Almaty- as most of participants were Kabul charter flight resumed in women; they were not from cit- January 2017. transboundary water management issues ies, but from Afghan villages,” Shahim added Central Asian operation in achieving the UN The collective efforts of coun- IWAC and the Kazakh Minis- he added. and Afghanistan relations are By Aidana Yergaliyeva Sustainable Development Goals. tries in the region in water-related try of Agriculture with the sup- Shahim noted his country has friendly and close. Afghanistan They suggested integrating their sectors such as agriculture, energy, port of the EU-funded project benefitted from Kazakhstan’s also serves as a bridge connect- ASTANA – Central Asian and proposals with the International environment and health are impor- EU-Central Asia Enhanced Re- UN Security Council presiden- ing Central and South Asia. neighbouring countries discussed Water Assessment Centre (IWAC) tant, as they can mitigate the dam- gional Cooperation on Environ- cy. “We have three trade ports be- transboundary water management, 2019-2021 programme as part of age and prevent adverse effects on ment, Climate Change and Water “[It] assisted in promoting sta- tween Afghanistan and Central maintenance and the possibilities the Convention on the Protection the economy and environment. (WECOOP) and the Organisation bility in the region. This year in Asia. One is Aqina port in Turk- for strengthening sustainable de- and Use of Transboundary Water- Promoting regional dialogue for Security and Cooperation in January, 15 members of the UN menistan, the second is Haira- velopment during a July 12-13 re- courses and International Lakes with increased adhesion to interna- Europe (OSCE). Security Council went to Kabul tan in Uzbekistan and the last is gional meeting in Almaty. (the Water Convention) global tional conventions, legal principles IWAC is an international centre to overview the security situa- Shirkhan Bandar in Tajikistan,” Experts on energy, water, envi- strategy. governing the environment, trans- for cooperation in integrated water tion in Afghanistan, including he said. ronment and health issues and of- The unsustainable use of water boundary resource management resources management established a delegation from Kazakhstan,” “Last year, we decreased im- ficial representatives of Afghani- resources in the region has over and the consequences of the disap- in accordance with the decision of he noted. ports from Pakistan into the stan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, the years resulted in environmental pearing Aral Sea are essential in the parties to the Water Conven- Augmenting bilateral coop- south of Afghanistan. Now, we Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia, disaster. The most notable example dealing with the issue, according tion based on the memorandum eration between Kazakhstan and seek to import more from Cen- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uz- is the shrinking Aral Sea. Millions to the European Union (EU). At of understanding between the Afghanistan is an impetus to tral Asia into the north of Af- bekistan attended the meeting. of people and livelihoods in the the same time, its representatives Kazakh Government and the UN maintaining peace and security. ghanistan. With the new lead- The participants discussed the area have witnessed the grave con- stressed the strategic interests of Economic Commission for Europe “The fundamentalists’ move- ership of Shavkat Mirziyoyev current state of transboundary wa- sequences of overuse of the water all Central Asian and neighbour- (UNECE). IWAC pays special at- ments within neighbouring in Uzbekistan, we have gotten ter, especially the existing gaps in from the two main rivers of the re- ing countries will be considered tention to Central Asian countries, countries, within Central Asia closer to Central Asia,” he add- water resource management and gion, Amu Dariya and Syr Dariya, and respected. as well as to those within and be- and Chechnya, seek to reach ed. ways to develop interregional co- which used to feed the Aral Sea. The meeting was organised by yond the UNECE region. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Singer Daneliya Tuleshova Sociologist studies contemporary Astana-Paris bike ride involves participates in Junior Eurovision art across Central Asia cyclists with visual impairments auditions B2 B3 B7 Compassion and good neighbourliness define Contemporary dance Ukrainian community’s relations within company director on Kazakhstan, says community leader ‘Falling Man’, Central Asian Dance Festival sical and modern choreography By Abira Kuandyk throughout Central Asia. “It is very pleasant to work with ASTANA – Executive Direc- Kazakhstan. We usually say, we tor of Company E, contempo- learn to dance before we learn to rary repertory dance company, speak. The language of communi- Paul Gordon Emerson, recently cation does not always help us un- premiered the company’s ballet derstand each other like our move- performance of “Falling Man” as ments. Cooperation with dancers part of the International Central and choreographers from Kazakh- Asian Dance Festival (CADF) stan was one of the brightest mo- in Astana. Emerson shared his ments in my professional career. impressions about the capital, It is not so much professionalism Astana Opera Ballet Theatre and as the passion and desire of people CADF with bnews.kz. to develop in this direction,” said The Central Asian Dance Fes- Emerson. tival (CADF) took place in two Emerson said the idea to real- stages: the training of dancers ise CADF initiated in Karaganda July 2-Aug. 4 and the production while he conducted seminars with of “Falling Man” that premiered his colleagues and Astana Ballet Aug. 5. The training sessions gath- Theatre. ered more than 100 young artists “We expected to see 30 partici- from Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, pants at a seminar and it eventually Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Ka- gathered 212 participants. It lasted zakhstan. It is designed to become for three days and gathered people an advanced educational centre from all over the country,” he said. focused on developing neoclas- Continued on Page B3 Fighting brain drain:

Photo credit: e-history.kz. Photo credit: Ukrainian investors Taras Chernega (seated left) and members of the Ukrainian cultural centre Vatra.

country, composing 2 percent of since 1997. A candidate of philo- ministration) member Zinovii envision innovation By Dilshat Zhussupova the total population. The current logical sciences, he is also the edi- Gritsulyak hoped to convey how it figure is estimated at just under tor-in-chief of “Ukrainian Noviny” could come to gather and connect ASTANA – Vatra, the capital- 300,000. (“Ukrainian News”), the national like-minded people and warm their park in Astana based Ukrainian cultural centre Despite the gradual decrease in Ukrainian-language newspaper, hands and hearts over a symbolic founded in 1993, has contributed numbers throughout the years, the and deputy chairperson of the As- campfire. particular, he said, he appreciates toward the educational and cul- Ukrainian community has been sociation of Ukrainians of Kazakh- Vatra’s main activities focus By Aidana Yergaliyeva that the Kazakh government not tural development of Kazakhstan’s proactively reviving its cultural stan. on education and culture. The only expressed interest in the de- ethnic Ukrainian community. It is heritage, made possible by the “The centre’s name aptly reflects centre has operated a Ukrain- ASTANA – Ukrainian invest- velopment of this project, but is among 26 such Ukrainian centres Kazakh Constitution provision re- its community and activities,” said ian Sunday school since 1992, ment group Ufuture plans to build ready to assist by allocating nec- in the country. garding the free development of Chernega. “In Ukrainian, ‘vatra’ which school students attend an “Innovation Park” in Astana essary resources, rooms and other According to Kazakhstan’s 2009 ethnic groups’ cultures. refers to hearth, fire and bonfire.” regularly to study language, cul- with the help of the Kazakh gov- incentives. population census, approximately Taras Chernega has been the In naming the centre, surgeon, ture and history. ernment and local businesses. The “What I think is good is that 333,000 Ukrainians resided in the Vatra head and council chairperson scientist and maslikhat (city ad- Continued on Page B2 park is intended to be a small “city Kazakhstan is introducing a pro- within city” that creates an envi- gramme that the part of IT projects ronment for innovation and de- can be made with local companies. velopment that will propel the re- This should certainly give a push gion’s economy forward, Ufuture to the development of IT in Ka- founder Vasyl Khmelnitsky said as zakhstan,” Khmelnitsky said in an From small school class to public he shared details about the project. interview for this story. During his visit to Astana, According to him, this project Khmelnitsky discussed with Ka- without any support has already zakh Prime Minister Bakhytzhan built 3 percent of the city. They association, Society for Disabled Sagintayev his plans for devel- include IT and Big Data schools oping the new space, which he with about 1,000 students, a 3D- envisions as similar to Ukraine’s laboratory and about 50 innovation UNIT.city, a recently launched in- companies, which create products Children offers extensive help novation park. themselves and keep develop- Children Public Association, has Zhasanova initiated the first re- association has expanded its sup- Although the businessman spent ing them. The average growth of By Abira Kuandyk been promoting inclusive educa- medial classes for seven hearing- port services and now reaches chil- only one day in Kazakhstan’s those companies in Ukraine is 30 tion in Kazakhstan since early impaired and deaf children in a dren with disabilities of various capital, he was satisfied with the percent, while in UNIT.city it is 50 ASTANA – Kamka Zhasanova, 2000, before many had even heard public school in Astana in 2000. kinds and their family members general picture of the business percent. chair of the Society for Disabled of the concept. Nearly 20 years later, her public with the tools and assistance they environment in the young city. In Continued on Page B8 need to integrate into Kazakhstan’s society. Zhasanova shared the history of her public association, from a sin- THINGS TO WATCH & gle class to a national organisation, as well as her vision of inclusive PLACES TO GO education that enables every child, regardless of their needs and other NATIONAL MUSEUM circumstances, to realise their po- June 28 – Sept.30 Paul Sérusier and Brittany: The tential and the right to receive edu- cation, with The Astana Times. Magic of Legends, exhibition Valuing diverse communities is July 6 – Oct. 3 Artists of 19th and 20th essential, she says. This value be- centuries from private gins at school, where all students learn to live alongside their peers. collections, exhibition “Once, school kids surrounded our deaf children, and we got ETHNOAUL NATIONAL scared and thought they were fighting. Then, we saw our kids got CULTURAL COMPLEX into the middle of the circle and it Aug.16-19, 23-26 Alpamys, theatrical and appeared those school students started to learn sign language,” at 7.30 p.m. circus show Zhasanova commented. There were no educational insti- ASTANA OPERA tutions for deaf children in Astana Aug.19 at 6 p.m. Concert of Aktobe Region in 1998, so Zhasanova brought her children to Taldykorgan to attend Chamber Choir the school there for hearing-im- Aug.25 at 6 p.m. Vocal music of romantic period, paired children. She quit her job and turned instead to public activity. concert

Photo credit: Aidana Mukhametgali. Photo credit: Continued on Page B5 B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Evangelical Lutheran Archbishop: Religious harmony in Kazakhstan means respecting our faith, respecting others’ tant, however, is helping the moth- Evangelical Lutheran Church in suggestions to the world commu- By Meruyert Abugaliyeva er rebuild her relationship with her Kazakhstan,” he added. nity and national leadership, he family,” Novgorodov added. Novgorodov also praised the believes. ASTANA – Yuri Novgorodov, For more than 15 years, the Lu- work of the Congress of Leaders “On behalf of the World Lu- Archbishop of the Evangelical theran Church has provided food of World and Traditional Religions theran Association, I would like Lutheran Church in Kazakhstan for the homeless in Kokshetau and believes this year it will run as to once more express gratitude to and representative of the World with the help of rural societies that smoothly as ever. Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- Lutheran Association, discussed provide agricultural products. “I participated in the prepara- arbayev, government institutions church activities, the role of the There is also a project meant to tions for and activities of the first and religious communities for Congress of Leaders of World and support single-parent families and Congress in 2003 and have been such an opportunity to regularly Traditional Religions and relations people with disabilities. When one a member of the Congress Secre- meet with the leaders of religious with the other confessions in Ka- young girl needed medical treat- tariat since 2004. It is a great hon- communities with a view of mak- zakhstan with The Astana Times. ment, two charity fairs and a con- our for me to represent the World ing our lives better and more se- “The mission of the church is cert were organised by the church Lutheran Federation, uniting more cure,” said Novgorodov. the proclamation of the Gospel; in to raise money for her. than 70 million Lutherans in the The bishop also noted that re- other words, spreading the news “We do not provide assistance as world,” he said. ligious communities and confes- about reconciliation with God, a method to attract new members “Without a doubt, the Congress sions in Kazakhstan have formed forgiveness and salvation. People to our community, we help accord- is a good platform for dialogue. It positive relations with each other. gather in temples to listen and pray ing to the needs and our capabili- is important that parties that might “We have formed good relations, together,” he said. ties regardless of nationality or re- have confrontations with each based on mutual respect, with the

Among the other activities run ligious views,” he said. Account. Facebook Evangelical Lutheran Church Photo credit: other take part in its work; they other confessions. The most im- by the church is diaconal service; The church also pays special Yuri Novgorodov. sit at the same table, express their portant is that we all understand in other words, social service and attention to the upbringing of the views and hopefully listen to each that God has placed us in one boat charity work. country’s youth. most important milestones in the Prior to that, we were using ex- other. They could exchange their regardless of our differences and “For many years with the Roman “We have a lot of young peo- history of the Lutheran community isting facilities as a church,” said views through social media; how- we cannot survive separately. We Catholic Church, we were running ple among our community mem- in Kazakhstan. The first Evangeli- Novgorod. ever, it is more useful to see each need to take care of our country. a project under the slogan ‘Every bers and our main aim is to help cal Lutheran Church in Kazakh- To date, there are 10 legal enti- other in person. It is also great that We can live happily and preserve child should have a family,’ meant the young become true citizens of stan for over than a two-century ties uniting around 50 communi- Kazakhstan once again acts as an our identity but we need to respect to help mothers who’d recently de- the country, people with good vir- presence of the community was ties registered with the Lutheran initiator of a dialogue promoting to the identity of the other and ac- livered to keep their children. This tues, with clear moral guidelines opened in Astana. The church is Church. peace, mutual respect and secu- knowledge their rights,” he noted. entails not mere persuasion, but and understanding of what is good part of the World Lutheran Asso- “Although we do not keep a rity,” he added. “Kazakhstan is my home and also provision of accommodation, and what is bad,” Novgorodov ex- ciation. written record of our members, I The Congress allows the lead- Kazakh people are my family. I food, goods necessary for both the plained. “The dream of many Kazakh believe there are approximately ers of religious communities to wish them to stay kind, hospitable mother and child. The most impor- September 2017 marked one of Lutherans came true in 2017. 70,000 people belonging to the convey thoughts and put forward and bright people.” 100 New Face’s Singer Daneliya Tuleshova participates Suleimenov supports and in Junior Eurovision auditions Favourite national award in Ka- Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azer- Although Kazakhstan will par- By Meruert Abugaliyeva zakhstan and Bravo music award baijan, Belarus, France, Georgia, ticipate in Junior Eurovision for in Russia. Ireland, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, the first time, Tuleshova was trains programmers ASTANA – Kazakh singer The video of Daneliya perform- Malta, Poland, Portugal, Russia, among Kazakh children perform- well founded, given the projects’ Daneliya Tuleshova, winner of The ing “Stone Cold” during the Voice Serbia and the Netherlands, will ing last year at Euroclub, the By Dilshat Zhussupova outcomes to date. Zero To One Voice Kids 2017 in Ukraine, will Kids has reached 24 million views compete for the prize. Kazakhstan contest’s out-of-competition pro- Labs’ portfolio contains more than take part in national auditions for on Youtube. and Wales will debut this year. gramme. ASTANA – Arman Suleimenov, 40 mobile apps, and in excess of the Junior Eurovision Song contest. “Fortunately, we have decided on one of Kazakhstan’s 100 New Fac- 200 mobile apps were developed “I understand how serious the the songs, which will suit the con- es, is a leading information tech- and 300 participants trained at competition is and I am extremely test and Daneliya’s vocal capabili- nology (IT) specialist. He is the nFactorial Incubator. concerned. There are a lot of talent- ties. Currently we are preparing an founder and CEO of mobile app Kelin, the most popular app ed young singers in our country, I application and getting ready for studio Zero To One Labs and edu- developed by NU student Didara know many of them and, therefore, the auditions despite the tight per- cational programme nFactorial In- Pernebayeva, may be one you al- I will support whoever makes it to formance schedule,” said Daneli- cubator, where numerous products ready have on your phone. The the final stage of the auditions and ya’s trainer Nataliya Churakova. have been launched and mobile anonymous women’s social net- will have the honour of represent- National auditions are held by app developers trained. work is available on iOS and An- ing Kazakhstan,” said Tuleshova. the Khabar Agency. The applica- Suleimenov’s background re- droid devices and has approxi- A 12-year-old singer was born tion process will run through Aug. flects his commitment to theory mately 30,000 users per month. in Almaty, she lives and attends 31 and the finalists will be an- and real-world application. A com- In order to support the app’s ex- school there. Before the age of nounced Sept. 7. The selected per- puter science graduate of Purdue plosive growth, Zero To One Labs eight, she only attended collec- formers will then perform during and Princeton universities, he was extended its technical support to tive vocal lessons, however, after a Sept. 23 concert broadcasted on a finalist in the ACM International Pernebayeva free of charge. winning Ayalagan Astana national Khabar TV Channel, and the win- Collegiate Programming Contest “The idea that mobile products contest, she started training indi- ner will be determined by way of World Championship in 2009 and should not remain at the idea stage vidually. an audience vote. 2011. He worked in Silicon Valley is very important,” said Sulei- Tuleshova gained popularity The Youth Eurovision contest upon graduation and prior to his menov. “Everyone has ideas, but it after winning The Voice Kids tal- will be Nov. 25 in Minsk, Belarus. return to Kazakhstan, gave an IT is incremental to realise them into ent show in Ukraine in 2017, the This year junior vocalists aged 9 to project pitch to President Nursul- functioning, usable products.” year after she received People’s 14 years from 18 countries, such as Daneliya Tuleshova tan Nazarbayev. He also takes pride in the fact Zero To One Labs’ and nFacto- that many participants continue rial Incubator’s staff consists of their app development skills be- individuals and teams of program- yond his educational platforms. mers, designers and marketers. Former participant Anuar Serikov Many are students at International interned at Google and now works Compassion and good neighbourliness Information Technology Universi- as a software developer in its Lon- ty, Kazakh-British Technical Uni- don office. versity and Nazarbayev University “Our school is becoming a (NU). launching pad for the further de- define Ukrainian community’s relations... Programming since the age of velopment of Kazakh program- 15, Suleimenov doesn’t shy away mers, after which they carry on to Continued from Page B1 explorers gained a better grasp of economic characteristics. The re- tion,” he added. “No matter how from expressing his objectives in make a meaningful impact in the the Trans-Urals, Siberia, northern settlement occurred concurrently paradoxical it may seem, it is in quantitative terms. Zero To One world,” he added. The centre hosts celebrations and eastern Kazakhstan and the with movement from Ukraine to the years of grave misfortunes Labs and nFactorial Incubator Suleimenov advises Kazakh- of Ukrainian and Kazakh public Far East. Siberia and only then eastward to and mass repression when a solid plan to train 100,000 world-class stan’s aspiring mobile app de- holidays and customs. Chervona Another migration flow occurred Kazakhstan. foundation of tolerance and mu- programmers and garner one bil- velopers to simply consider an Kalina, a Ukrainian vocal en- during the more violent context “If we talk about ‘waves’ of tual compassion for each other as lion dollars per annum for Ka- interesting problem and start pro- semble, is a regular performing of the early 18th century, when Ukrainian migration to Kazakh- representatives of various ethnic zakhstan’s economy through IT gramming. True to his own words, act and its rich repertoire in- participants in the 1768 Koliivs- stan, the first of them should be groups, bound by a common mis- outsourcing services. In this way, he is currently applying his com- cludes more than 100 songs in hchyna uprising and Zaporozhye attributed to the end of the 19th fortune and fate on shared ground, Suleimenov seeks to address Naz- puter science and entrepreneurial Ukrainian, Russian and Kazakh. Cossacks of the 1775 Zaporozhian century,” said Chernega. “The sec- was laid.” arbayev’s call to meet the coun- skills to make credit cards accessi- Vatryanochka, a Ukrainian dance Sich destruction were sent to the ond resettlement wave is associ- The difficult common times try’s massive demand for software ble to the masses as the co-founder ensemble led by choreographer Kazakh steppes along the valleys ated with the Stolypin land reform firmly united Kazakhstan’s indig- development specialists. and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Yuliya Amirova, has been per- of the Ilek, Irtysh, Ural Tobol and in 1906-1917. The next, most sig- enous and non-indigenous inhabit- Such an ambitious approach is of India’s credit engine HORA. forming since 2008. Yessil rivers. nificant wave of migrations was ants towards shared aspirations to Vatra has published “Ukrainian In the second half of the 19th repressive in nature, during the pe- survive and thrive, no matter the Noviny” for more than 24 years. century, the resettlement flow to riod of the forced collectivisation circumstances. When the first issue was circu- Kazakhstan increased significantly of peasant farms.” “The best human qualities which lated in 1994, President Nursul- following the Russian Empire’s Subsequent mass migration were crystallised then, such as tan Nazarbayev congratulated the 1861 abolition of serfdom and flows include the Great Patriotic compassion, good neighbourliness Ukrainian community on its timely the 1894 Siberian railway open- War military evacuation reloca- and a lack of selfishness, came to release, as strengthening peace and ing. Immigrants from Chernigov, tions, post-war relocations of define the character of Kazakh- harmony in a diverse society has Ekaterinoslav, Kharkov, Kherson, Soviet repression victims and po- stan’s nationalities for decades to always been a key priority. The Kiev, Poltava and Tauride settled litical prisoners and resettlements come,” said Chernega. newspaper remains the only week- primarily in present-day Akmola, associated with work on the Virgin Ukrainian ethno-cultural asso- ly Ukrainian-language publication Kostanai and East, West and North Lands Campaign. ciations also operate in Aktau, Ak- in Asia. Kazakhstan regions. “The help of Kazakhs to Soviet tobe, Almaty, Karaganda, Kosta- The importance and presence of The greatest immigrant flow repression victims and political nai, Pavlodar, Semipalatinsk and the centre’s current work is tied to came at the turn of the 19th cen- prisoners, who were branded as Ust-Kamenogorsk. the history of Ukrainians in Ka- tury, when the foundation of Ka- the ‘enemies of the state’ and with “As you can see, the descendants zakhstan. Individual Ukrainian zakhstan’s Ukrainian community whom they shared their last pieces of Ukrainian immigrants continue settlements on present-day Ka- was established. Still, the term of bread, was immense. This page to cherish the culture and tradi-

Photo credit: 100esim.el.kz. Photo credit: zakh territory appeared as early as ‘flow’ conceals the rather complex in our common history deserves tions of their people on the Kazakh Arman Suleimenov the 15th Century, when individual settlement timeline and its socio- separate discussion and apprecia- steppes,” he added. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Sociologist studies contemporary art across Central Asia are often able to find an audience, not free, admission to Astana gal- finding a common language of art By Dilshat Zhussupova resonance and support much more leries costs less than $2. Exhibitions while at a party in the mountains, in easily than slogans or programmes. now share space with lectures, film someone’s studio, in an exhibit hall, ASTANA – Diana Kudaibergen- She singles out the Kazakh con- screenings and kids’ activities to in an independent gallery or on the ova, a Cambridge University PhD temporary artist Saule Suleimen- promote greater inclusivity and par- road.” graduate and Lund University post- ova, who referenced 19th-century ticipation. As a sociologist, she seeks to un- doctoral fellow, is a political and archival photos of Central Asian “The artists I interview agree derstand why certain art practices cultural sociologist studying the natives in her art to explore identity. that if someone enters the field of emerge and how. She observes a ways in which contemporary art In juxtaposing traditional faces, fig- contemporary art, rather than any variety of movements and schools serves as an alternative platform ures and attire against a contempo- other field or genre (e.g. applied art, of thought in Central Asian art and for discussion in Central Asia, re- rary urban backdrop, Suleimenova decorative, ‘beautiful’ art or official, identifies time, identity, state and ports voicesoncentralasia.org. She evokes the complex and layered na- state-sponsored art), then it means self as major themes. authored “Rewriting the Nation in ture of the past, present and future that the artist has also chosen a very “One of my favourite themes is Modern Kazakh literature” and her Kazakhstan. specific role for themselves and that how new state-sponsored, ‘official’ upcoming book centres on the rise “To me, Suleimenova’s works are role is a socially responsible one,” artists try to conceptualise the past of nationalising regimes in the post- very philosophical because they re- said Kudaibergenova. by making it very contemporary. Soviet space. flect the ongoing obsession with and Social media often serves as What I mean by this is that they “I was fascinated by an old Cen- search for the ‘authentic’ national platform for artists themselves to focus on depicting the 19th century tral Asian carpet that depicted Alex- idea in Kazakhstan,” said Kudai- engage with their audiences and in the brightest shades of colours, ander Pushkin. The carpet was done Saulesuleimenova.com. Photo credit: bergenova. each other. A positive trend is that which only became available ten in an old technique and was exhib- ing? Is the transition over? How Central Asia, they inevitably also Suleimenova makes use of non- contemporary art also develops years ago, or they imagine our great ited in a 19th-century madrasah- shall we protect the rights of our revolted against the political order decomposable material, such as across the Central Asian region, as ancestors in textiles and fabrics so turned-museum to help demonstrate people? All of these questions find of how things ought to be done, and plastic bags, to capture often recog- opposed to exclusively in major cit- modern that the line between past the continuity of local traditions answers in the works of local con- consequently, they revolted against nisable depictions of humanity and ies or circles. and present is completely blurred,” through time. To me, this is a per- temporary artists,” she said. their own position and identity as culture as factory subjects. “Interestingly, these groups she added. fect example of contemporary art,” Kudaibergenova points toward Soviet citizens. This was both a col- “Multiple layers of meanings, [of contemporary artists] are not In referring to contemporary she said. the period of perestroika and struc- lective experience of being part of cultures, visual images, plastic bags formed based on citizenship or Central Asian art as a movement, Kudaibergenova sees contempo- tural changes in Central Asia in the that movement but also a very in- help me to find the way to my ‘Ka- country of residence but rather are Kudaibergenova suggests that it is rary Central Asian art as a reflection mid-1980s as a time of “cultural dividual and private transformation zakhness’ and, finally, to myself,” oriented around common interests, united only by some ideas. Artists of society’s issues and its effort to awakening” among artists. Here, into a new type of artist,” she said. writes Suleimenova. sympathies and shared values, gen- often hold very different ideas on engage in dialogue. For contempo- contemporary art as a new concep- Kudaibergenova characterises Conventionally, art is an elite res or forms,” said Kudaibergenova. Kazakhstan’s development. rary artists themselves, it has meant tual tool emerged. Central Asian artists as those with domain. In Central Asia, with no “I have often witnessed artists from “Central Asian artists have a lot freedom from top-down control, “When these groups of artists powerful voices in social and cultur- strong local markets for or state in- Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, to say and I really hope there will censorship and funding. started revolting against the social- al discussions on gender roles, na- stitutionalisation of contemporary Uzbekistan, Russia, Turkmenistan, be more opportunities to hear them “Who are we? Where are we go- ist realist canon in different parts of tional identity and traditions. They art, it is public and accessible. If France, Italy and elsewhere quickly out,” she added. Film ‘Road to Mother’ to be Contemporary dance company... Continued from Page B1 ‘dancing countries’ because they “Falling Man” is the story are of such high level of ability about New York and how it released in American theatres “After the seminar, young that it’s very motivating for us can always play tricks on peo- ple. The world premiere took warming story was truly universal “Road to Mother” premiered to coaches and choreographers to come and work and share. Be- cause the talent is extraordinary place in Astana Ballet Theatre. By Abira Kuandyk and could be enjoyed by audiences critical acclaim at the 38th Mos- started to approach us and asked anywhere in the world,” he said. cow International Film Festival for help with developing the di- and dancers from Central Asian CADF participants performed ASTANA – “Road to Mother,” WWMPC CEO Paul Hancock and has been screened at numer- rection of American dance, par- countries have amazing dancing on stage. by Kazakh director Akan Satayev, noted the company’s highly regard ous other festivals. It won the Best ticularly, the technical details skills,” said Emerson. “New York is my hometown. will be released in U.S. theatres this for the historical drama. Foreign Film, Best Film and Best of contemporary dance, hip-hop “I have been to many coun- I wanted to show how diverse it fall. World Wide Motion Pictures “World Wide is very proud to be Feature Film awards at the New and jazz styles. They can acquire tries, but I have never seen such can be. Despite setbacks that can Corporation (WWMP) announced releasing a meaningful multigen- York Eurasian Film Festival in the necessary skills to accomplish impressing buildings as Astana happen there, New York has the July 10 it had acquired the North erational drama that also carries U.S., Marco Polo Film Festival in their ideas and at the same time, Opera and Astana Ballet Thea- ability to recover. ‘Falling Man’ American distribution rights. with it the high prestige of being Croatia and WeLink International support themselves and their tre,” he added. is about how a city can overcome The movie will be released in se- Kazakhstan’s official foreign lan- Film Festival in the U.S. families through their favourite Emerson also noted Astana difficulties,” said Emerson. lect theatres, including major met- guage entry for the Oscars. Fami- The film, set during one of the hobby,” added Emerson. Opera is the dream of many cho- Lance Erickson, Assistant ropolitan areas, with many Kazakh lies throughout the United States, most tragic periods in the history During CADF, the leading reographers and dancers. Cultural Affairs Officer of the and Asian American organisations especially mothers, will surely of the former USSR, is the story of dance professional held master “The premiere of the ‘Falling U.S. Embassy, thanked the fes- offering their support, reported the embrace this heartwarming story,” the power of a mother’s love en- classes in the neoclassical bal- Man’ performance can only take tival partners, Kazakh Ministry WWMPC press service. he said. during the challenges of turbulent let, contemporary dance, modern place in Astana Ballet Theatre, of Culture and Sports, National Satayev and the film’s producers The Kazakh Embassy in Washing- times. The storyline covers the pe- dance, Broadway, improvisation, as it is technically the only thea- Academy of Choreography and are proud of the movie’s American ton D.C. recently screened the film. riod from the 1930s to the present jazz and hip hop styles. tre that is suitable for it. For us, all participants. theatrical release. The main characters, Kazakh ac- day and the effects of enforced col- “We have been very lucky to it is the greatest opportunity – to The U.S. Embassy in Astana “I am very happy that WWMPC’s tor Adil Akhmetov (son Iliyas) and lectivisation (1928-1940), the Sec- teach all around the world, and use all the technical equipment and the Kazakh National Acad- marketing and distribution team actress Altynai Nogherbek (mother ond World War and the postwar there are only a few countries and make this performance the emy of Choreography organised could see that the film’s heart- Miriam), visited the mission. years on the Kazakh people. that we single out. We call them way it was intended,” he added. CADF.

for art are the main goals of the The- atrical Lesson project,” said litera- ture and music department director Astana Opera’s fifth season ends with fanfares Marzhan Zhakenova. “Today’s chil- remains one of the highest grossing Jenkins’ music directed by famed performance of a composition at “Performing at Abai Opera dren are our future viewers. Art and By Dilshat Zhussupova productions in Astana Opera’s reper- Kazakh conductor Alan Buribayev a morning rehearsal, in the even- House was a big responsibility, as culture shape the nation in a sense, toire to date. delighted audiences, who gazed ing the sound of the orchestra was there were friendly but demanding so this project may also be seen as ASTANA – Astana Opera’s fifth “‘Carmen’ is one of the most at an orchestra of more than 1,000 completely different. This concert viewers and our teachers were pre- a practical implementation of the season coincided this summer with popular operas in the world, so it is musicians from Austria, Belarus, allowed us to reach a different level sent in the auditorium,” said prin- Ruhani Zhangyru (Modernisation of the capital’s 20th anniversary, and no surprise that Astana residents and Croatia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ka- of professionalism.” cipal dancer Madina Basbayeva. Kazakhstan’s Identity) programme.” world opera and ballet masterpieces guests have shown such genuine in- zakhstan, the Netherlands, Russia, Astana Opera expands its tour “The choreography of the ballet The opera’s continued efforts in filled the halls of Kazakhstan’s larg- terest in this bright, exciting produc- Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Listeners every year. Its opera and ballet ‘Manon’ is rather difficult to -per popularising national cultural her- est opera house. The theatrical sea- tion. It is customary to include two were also treated to performances performances were sold out hits form. It is a well-known fact that itage as part of the programme is son saw 126,217 visitors. premiere days in the repertoire, but by Kazakh tenor Medet Chotabayev, in Budapest and Pécs. The ballet when MacMillan staged this bal- most evident in its contribution to Grand premieres included operas we made an exception to the rule American soprano Angel Blue and company also performed at Italy’s let, he went to the Winter Olympic the Modern Kazakh Culture in the (Georges Bizet’s “Carmen,” Gi- and added another day,” said the op- Kazakh soloists Meir Bainesh, Mai- Teatro Carlo Felice, where the Ge- Games, where figure skating made Global World project, which was acomo Puccini’s “Turandot” and era’s administration. ra Mukhamedkyzy and Talgat Mus- noese audience gave a long, stand- a very strong impression on him. presented at the United Nations Mukan Tulebayev’s “Birzhan – The Paris Opera Ballet’s dancers sabayev. ing ovation to the dancers of Roland This ballet was an endurance test, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Sara”), Adolphe Adam’s ballet “Le blew audiences away at the Gala de “The Astana Opera has a won- Petit’s “Notre Dame de Paris” ac- which we passed, because the cho- Organisation (UNESCO) headquar- Corsaire,” British composer Karl Paris concert where the Astana Op- derful symphony orchestra,” said companied by Jean-Michel Jarre’s reography was very complex yet ters in Paris. Jenkins’ ode “Shine Astana” and the era’s symphony orchestra was guid- Buribayev. “As you may know, the music. Likewise, Almaty audiences incredibly beautiful.” Astana Opera also honoured its Evening of Contemporary Choreog- ed by Russian-American conductor opera house’s artists underwent a at Abai Opera House were treated to “My wife and I often attended the charity concert tradition this sea- raphy featuring Raimondo Rebeck’s Vladimir Lande. rigorous audition process. Despite Akhmet Zhubanov and Latif Kha- Abai Opera House’s performance son, hosting New Year’s children’s “How Long is Now?” and Ksenia The “Shine Astana” premiere the fact that the group encountered midi’s opera “Abai,” Kenneth Mac- of the opera ‘Abai,’ but we will re- matinees and the Diversity of Mu- Zvereva’s “Sounds of Time.” proved memorable not only for its this music for the first time, they Millan’s ballet “Manon” and “Notre member this particular performance sical Voices concert for more than The opera house is no rookie to performances, but for its sheer scale. were very skilled at it. After one Dame de Paris.” for a long time,” noted theatre visi- 400 youngsters. Raising awareness the city’s entertainment scene, but tor Azamat Salikov. “This produc- about youth with disabilities was still had many firsts. While its rep- tion may be seen as the pinnacle of also part of a unique concert ini- ertoires usually consist of classical national classics interpretations. It is tiative, Music in the Dark, with the works, The Evening of Contempo- truly amazing that the opera retained proceeds donated to the Light in the rary Choreography surprised audi- key elements of the author’s tale. In Darkness fund. ences with its exclusive and atypical the scene where the stunningly gor- Open-air performances were also performances. geous library is revealed, there was held for the first time this summer “I studied a lot of national culture an awestruck silence among the au- beyond the capital. Under the starry and was inspired by the nomadic dience and we were thoroughly sur- skies, “Birzhan – Sara” was played people’s traditions. This helped me prised!” out on the shores of Lake Burabai. stage the ballet ‘Sounds of Time,’ Astana Opera’s new project The- With the conclusion of an event- which has an unconventional plas- atrical Lesson, targeting the younger ful season, Astana Opera visitors tique and style. We took the action generation, included a lecture on have much to anticipate in the sixth to modern times, which allowed the evening’s performance, behind- season, which will begin in late Sep- everyone to recognise themselves in the-scenes tour and the presenta- tember. The premiere of Gioacchino the performance. There were many tion of a ballet or opera. Additional Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” magical details, but the production youth-oriented initiatives included will introduce audiences to its lively also reflected modern life, its current premieres of the children’s musical and musical humour. Additional problems, relationships, different “Samuryk Kelgen Tan,” The Jour- premieres include Tles Kazhaliyev’s segments of society and their values. ney of Peer Gynt concert and Astana ballet “Kozy-Korepesh – Bayan- The audiences saw an intertwining Opera Children’s Studio choir and sulu,” the story of tragic young love of myth and reality,” said Zvereva. ballet performances. accompanied by the composer’s Tickets to “Carmen” sold out at re- “Awakening the interest of chil- music conducted by Russian Valery Gergiev, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s

cord speed and a day of performance astanaopera.kz. Photo credit: dren and teenagers in the theatre and was added due to popular demand. It Astana Opera’s Gala de Paris concert. classical music and instilling a love opera “Eugene Onegin.” B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Schoolchildren to learn Veterinary vaccine plant to physics with comic books be built in Zhambyl region showing them that they come across company plans to expand vaccine tive development state programme. In 2017, the region’s gross agri- By Dilshat Zhussupova these concepts in their daily lives, By Zhanna Shayakhmetova production to 11 species. They will create 947 jobs. cultural output exceeded 30.6 bil- which they may not have noticed,” “The region annually allocates Forty-two investment projects lion tenge (US$87 million) due to ASTANA – Kazakh comic books said project manager and Yessenov ASTANA – BioVetKZ will be funds for purchasing vaccines for providing more than 6,000 jobs are 4.8-percent growth in meat produc- will be produced and published to in- Foundation coordinator Nursultan constructing a veterinary vaccine farm animals. Imported vaccines, being executed as part of the second tion, 3.9 percent in milk and 1.4 per- troduce school students to the basics Nurmukhanov. “We want more Ka- plant in the Zhambyl region, the mostly from Russia, are used to main- five-year period of regional indus- cent in eggs. All livestock catego- of physics as part of a collaboration zakh children to develop their intel- regional press service reported July tain the normal immune function of trialisation. In the first two years, 23 ries have increased, exporting more between Shakhmardan Yessenov Sci- lectual abilities, including through the 30. The two billion tenge (US$5 animals,” said the press service. projects and 1,500 employment op- than 783 tonnes of beef and mutton. entific and Educational Foundation familiar medium of a comic book.” million), Kordai district-based bio- Vaccines protect against common portunities have been implemented. Crops increased by 20,000 hec- and Khan Comics. The series was created by a team of factory has a design capacity of 25 diseases including brucellosis, an- The remaining 19 projects will be tares to 650,000 hectares. three Kazakh artists and a Khan Com- Until recently, Kazakh comics were million doses per year, with future thrax as well as foot and mouth dis- launched through 2025. Zhambyl region is focusing on predominantly produced and con- ics screenwriter and published at a lo- capacity expected to increase al- ease. BioVetKZ is planning to ex- The press service reported ag- water conservation and expand- sumed for entertainment purposes. cal printing house. Yessenov Foundation, established in Khan Comics, an Almaty-based most three-fold. pand its sales markets by exporting ricultural investments doubled in ing drip irrigation areas, and an 2013, seeks to change that. A series art studio founded in 2010, caters to The enterprise will produce and to Central Asian countries, China 12 months. This year, 15.7 billion agricultural land use map will be of science-oriented comic books will Kazakh-speaking readers in addition sell vaccines according to good and Turkey. tenge (US$44 million) was allocat- adopted to introduce innovative now be used to teach introductory to its Russian-speaking customers. laboratory practice (GLP) and good Eight projects worth more than 16 ed to develop the region’s agro-in- technologies. The website moni- physics, familiarise students with the Kazakh-language comic book circu- manufacturing practice (GMP) reg- billion tenge (US$45 million) will dustrial sector. Investments in fixed tors vacant areas, and the pilot concepts they will study in upper lation ranges from 500-1,000 copies ulations for preventing, diagnosing be implemented this year as part of capital were approximately 3.7 bil- project will be introduced in other classes and foster their interest in the and Russian-language circulation av- and treating animal diseases. The Zhambyl’s industrial and innova- lion tenge (US$10 million). regions in the future. natural sciences. erages 2,000 copies. Its comic books, The story revolves around the ad- typically depicting Kazakh nomadic ventures of four friends stumbling tribes, monsters and witches from across unusual situations and, togeth- ancient legends as well as batyrs, are er, solving their way through various available at major bookstores Melo- tests. The first issue features exploring man and Knizhnyi Gorod (Book Citizens’ foreign bank account, property Kazakhstan’s Charyn Canyon, where City). they become acquainted with physics. “Our studio has published more They will continue visiting the na- than 50 comic books, which are dis- tion’s noteworthy places in upcoming tributed in Kazakhstan and abroad. information to be made available starting in 2020 issues, exposing young readers to in- Still, this project has become an in- formation about their homeland. teresting challenge for us. Convey- “We will receive information from in foreign bank accounts of 108 concerns over the $76.5 million The factual content and style are ing applied physics through action in Staff Report all of the OECD countries, including countries, worth 820.9 billion tenge apartment purchase in Paris by an based on “Physics for Entertainment” comics is an unusual and tricky task,” the European Union countries, the (US$2.34 million). The main coun- undisclosed Kazakh government by Yakov Perelman, a Russian and said Khan Comics co-founder Oraz- ASTANA – A multilateral agree- United Kingdom, Israel, Iceland, tries of the bank account origin official earlier this year. Soviet science writer and author of khan Zhakup. “We are sure that the ment was signed 26 June by the Ka- Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, include Singapore, Switzerland, In turn, Kazakh banks will be re- popular science books. He popular- final product will be a dynamic one, zakh Ministry of Finance’s State Rev- Japan, Argentina and other states Lebanon, South Korea and Russia. quested to provide information on ised physics, astronomy and math- which children will read with interest enue Committee Chairman Ardak cooperating in the implementation Kazakh citizens also report hold- non-residents’ bank accounts to the ematics among young readers in the and look forward to with every new Tengebayev, granting Kazakhstan the of international tax standards,” said ing more than 12,000 real estate tax authorities of their state of resi- 20th century, with many of his works release.” opportunity to exchange financial ac- Kazakh Ministry of Finance’s Taxa- objects in 69 countries. At 9,567 dency. The information exchange translated into English. The comics will be distributed count information and jurisdictions in tion Methodology of the State Rev- units or 77 percent of the total, will now occur on an automatic and “Comics in the Kazakh and Russian throughout the regions in early 2019 102 countries starting in 2020. enue Committee Department Di- the highest number of registered regular basis. languages, written in an accessible and a portion of the circulated issues The agreement was made pos- rector Kairat Zholmukhambetov at property among Kazakh citizens is “The laws on personal data pro- form, will explain the laws of phys- will also reach school libraries free of sible by the adoption of a single Astana’s Central Communications in Russia. The rest is in Bulgaria, tection will be observed by Kazakh ics to children aged 10 or above, also charge. standard for the provision of infor- Service press conference. Turkey, Spain, the United King- banks,” added Zholmukhambetov, mation among participating coun- The information received would dom, the United States and France. addressing privacy concerns. tries. The standard was developed allow the government to administer “According to the French au- The information transferred to by the Organisation for Economic Kazakh citizens’ incomes and prevent thorities, 60 property objects are other states will include the account Cooperation and Development capital outflow from the country in a owned by Kazakh residents, all of holder’s name and tax number and Childhood cancer rate rising, (OECD) and G20 countries to ad- more informed and effective manner. which have been declared by 54 information on income from depos- dress issues concerning tax eva- In 2018, more than 27,000 Ka- residents in their tax forms,” said its, dividends, sales of assets and a result of better diagnostics sion, reduction and compliance. zakh residents declared money Zholmukhambetov, addressing certain types of insurance. stan and West Kazakhstan regions, as wheelchairs or luggage are exempt By Meruyert Abugaliyeva well as in Almaty and the capital. and may enter via the middle doors The primary diagnosis is complet- using the lowered platform. Passen- ASTANA – The nation’s child- ed in the regions and intensive chem- Astana bus passengers adjust gers may exit through any door. hood cancer rate increased 9.3 per- otherapy provided in two state onco- “Before introducing the new rules, cent in 2016-2017, as the number of logical hospitals, the Scientific Centre international best practices were tak- detected cases rose from 558 to 610 of Paediatrics and Paediatric Surgery en into consideration. In many large per year. in Almaty and National Research to new fares and rules metropolitan areas, the front door “Every year, on average 600 new Centre for Maternal and Child Health The fare changes will not affect the Cards may be purchased for 400 functions as the entrance in city shut- cases of malignant tumours are de- in the capital, where diagnostics and By Dilshat Zhussupova category of citizens including Great tenge (US$1.15) at 30 terminals tle busses,” said Igenberdinov. tected and approximately 40 percent treatment are provided free of charge. Patriotic War veterans, pensioners, throughout the city and refilled at Passengers, conductors and driv- of them are cases of leukaemia. We “More than 5,000 children undergo ASTANA – Capital bus passengers mothers and families with many designated offices and terminals, ers alike are becoming accustomed believe that the increase in childhood treatment in these two centres each are now wielding transport cards. Dif- children and individuals with dis- QIWI terminals and on the Transcard to the new system. To help passen- cancer is associated with improve- year. On average, the state allocates ferentiated fares and new enter-and- abilities and one of their parents or website. In September, the options of gers adjust to the procedures, bus ments in quality of diagnostics in the 10-12 million tenge (US$28,900– exit rules began operating July 21. guardians. bank card and SMS message pay- conductors now consult on the pay- regions,” said Riza Boranbayeva, $34,700) for a course of cancer treat- For urban routes, the non-cash fare Passengers receive a free trans- ments will be introduced. ment system. ment,” Boranbayeva added. Director of the Scientific Centre for is 90 tenge (US$0.26); cash fare, fer within an hour of validating At the beginning of the year, five Introducing differentiated fares Approximately 4,000 children with Paediatrics and Paediatric Surgery 180 tenge (US$0.52). The non-cash their transport card. Those evading percent of passengers were transport resulted in some drivers resisting cancer are under supervision in the re- of the Ministry of Healthcare. fare for express routes is 180 tenge payment are charged 4,810 tenge card holders. Now, they constitute the newly prescribed programme. A According to ministry data, malig- gions, 300 of whom receive support- (US$0.52); the cash fare, 250 tenge (US$13.80). more than 87 percent. In excess of driver shortage has ensued, with only nant tumours were identified in 12.5 ive therapy. (US$0.72). For suburban routes, the “Having introduced differentiated 200,000 cards were purchased in percent of children last year, com- The most widespread type of can- 80 percent of busses currently oper- pared to 11.5 percent in 2016. Slightly cer is acute leukaemia (34 percent), non-cash fare is 8 tenge (US$0.02) fares, we will now conduct an analy- July alone. ating and causing increased intervals more than one-third of the patients followed by brain tumours (16 per- per kilometre; the cash fare, approxi- sis and come to a better understand- “The city is ready for differenti- between runs. were under age three, 55 percent ages cent) and neuroblastoma (nervous mately 12 tenge (US$0.03). ing of the suitability of the current ated fares, as may be judged by the As part of an accompanying incen- 3-15 and 9 percent older than 15. system tumours, 12 percent). Almost Children’s fares on urban routes fares,” said Astana Light Rail Trans- increased sales of transport cards,” tive scheme, bus driver bonuses will The majority of such children live half of childhood cancer incidents are 40 tenge (US$0.11) when pay- port (LRT) Chairperson Bekmyrza he added. be conditional on the number of card in the South Kazakhstan region, the are congenital, resulting from cell ing by card, 90 tenge (US$0.26) with Igenberdinov. “We will also deter- To accommodate the system, pas- validations on a given route. Finan- most populous in the country. High mutations before birth. The effec- cash. For express routes, the fee is 90 mine to what extent the Akimat (city sengers must enter through the front cial rewards may also be provided in cancer rates were also registered in the tiveness of local cancer treatment tenge (US$0.26) by card, 125 tenge administration) may garner subsidies, door to validate their cards. Senior the absence of complaints and sched- Aktobe, Mangystau, North Kazakh- among children is 70-90 percent. (US$0.36) with cash. so as to not increase the fares further.” citizens and those with disabilities, ule violations. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Kazakh headwear manufacturer to export innovative products “We do our best to make our imbekova’s lifework. A graduate continued to experience long- By Dilshat Zhussupova products accessible,” said Alimbe- of Zhambyl Technological Insti- term growth. Opening Astana and kova. “That is why retail sales are tute of Light and Food Industry, Almaty retail outlets in 2012 and ASTANA – Kazakh head- doing well – an average of 170 hat she started her career as an inspec- 2015, respectively, was made pos- wear company Elegant creates models are realised per year. We tor and later became chief engineer sible by its continued participation tailor-made hats from velvet, felt, receive individual orders from Ka- at Almaty’s headwear factory. In in contracts with law enforcement leather, furs and straw, employing zakhstan, Japan, Russia and Ger- 1997, she opened a national head- bodies. high-quality raw materials and in- many.” wear business with fashion de- “Defence procurement facili- novative technology. In addition to The Kazakh headwear market is signers Natalia Bogdanova, Lyud- tated the development of our busi- producing uniforms for the mili- currently dominated by imported mila Roo, Nina Shilo and Lyubov ness. Still, I seek to gradually step tary, industrial enterprises, medical goods of varying quality, includ- Vedmedieva. away from tenders and begin pro- institutions and commercial firms, ing inexpensive Chinese-made Their $3,000 startup capital cov- ducing more hats for retail,” she their unique and fashion-forward and high-end Western-produced ered raw materials, sewing equip- said. “This transition is feasible designs satisfy the most demand- brands. Certain local hat manu- ment and rent. within a five-year period, when fre- ing customers. facturers focus on state tenders, “At first, we had to reach out to er working capital will allow us to Director and founder Bakyt Al- but experimental, design-oriented potential clients ourselves. Over increase production capacity with imbekova is seeking to prepare the workshops are nonexistent. time, we began participating in the purchase of more equipment,

brand for export by participating in expertonline.kz Photo credit: Such business orientations re- tenders for producing hats for technology and raw materials.” Kazakh fashion designer Ayazhan quire substantial investment and law enforcement bodies and, with The business currently directs Zhaksybai’s business incubator for “This is an excellent opportu- nual capacity of 300 million tenge experienced sewing and manufac- growing confidence in our abili- all resources towards develop- national brands. nity to improve our marketing, (US$866,651). turing technology professionals, ties, we pursued larger-scale ten- ment as part of its long-term The first in the country and fi- branding, technology, finances Raw materials, with the excep- which are also lacking in the do- ders,” she said. modernisation strategy. Twenty nanced by the European Bank for and strategy for entering inter- tion of sheepskin, are purchased mestic market. In 2002, the entrepreneurs’ ef- million tenge (US$57,777) from Reconstruction and Development, national markets,” said Alimbe- overseas biannually as they cannot “There are no specialisations in forts were rewarded when hat de- Damu Entrepreneurship Fund’s the incubator aims to equip and kova. “We plan to present our be obtained in the Kazakh market. Kazakh educational institutions mand grew and they were able to Business Roadmap 2020 pro- propel rising fashion businesses headwear collection internation- Velvet hats are usually bought in for sewing headwear,” said Alim- purchase their own premises and gramme was allocated towards to compete locally and globally. ally at next year’s White Milano the Czech Republic, felt caps in bekova. “Given that we want to more sewing equipment. equipment in 2016 and another Zhaksybai, a certified international exhibition.” Russia and karakul hats in Uzbeki- focus on headwear production for “We sewed exclusive, tailor- 20 million tenge (US$57,777) marketing consultant and direc- The company’s production pro- stan. retail, knowledge on international made hat collections for clients was invested in additional equip- tor of fashion brand Aika Alemi, cess starts with design develop- Pricing starts at 12,000 tenge best practices can render our pro- who sought us by recommenda- ment two years later. The invest- works closely with participants in ment and construction and ends (US$34.67) for boaters, 15,000 duction process less time consum- tion,” she added. ments will be used to drive the applying to and presenting at for- with tailoring and sales. The pro- tenge (US$43.33) for exclusive de- ing and our products lighter and Despite significant setbacks in company’s competitiveness and eign showrooms and major fashion gression occurs in facilities with signs and 25,000 tenge (US$72.22) more modern.” 2006-2008 due to building demo- future production of a women’s week presentations. 30 manufacturing staff and an an- for wide-brimmed hats. Creating headwear has been Al- lition, Alimbekova’s business clothing line. From small school Asaý Júrek resale shop offers luxury, class to public vintage and mass-market clothing everyone can find something here Asaý Júrek appeared,” she will be sold in the store, where By Dana Omirgazy to his or her liking,” she said, ac- said. shoppers can find items by Acne, cording to the-village.kz. Asaý Júrek is designed for Balenciaga, COS, Dior, Dolce & association... ASTANA – Asaý Júrek, a resale The idea of a progressive re- all ages. Anichkina followed Gabbana, Kenzo and even Ka- Continued from Page B1 resources to the organisation. I shop opened in April in Almaty, sale shop came to Anichkina two the example of Wasteland, an zakhstan designers. thought I’d graduated with another offers high quality and select years ago, but the business was American network of second “It’s impossible to leave the Her initial goal was to enroll her degree – I completed training pro- clothes and accessories. Founder suspended due to new job and hand and vintage stores that shop empty-handed. Asaý Júrek children with hearing impairment grammes and attended as part of a and city resident Marina Anichki- later, a long trip to Sri Lanka, ac- offer quality clothes from Top- is not only a store, but a venue for in school, to give them the oppor- leading group for a year. The only na sells mass-market, luxury, vin- cording to buro247.kz. shop and Tom Ford to vintage. those who sell vintage clothes. tunity to study along with other thing I needed to do was to open tage and other styles. “I have been interested in She initially collected items We are open to various kinds of children. Now, the organisation public organisation,” she added. “We do not order containers second hand and vintage shops from friends and acquaintanc- collaborations,” she said. “We has expanded and services are of- In 2000, remedial classes for with clothes from the prosper- for a long time, since my stu- es, then expanded to city resi- make a contract with everyone fered for more families. seven children were launched. ous countries of Europe… We dent years. I was always em- dents who sell their clothes to who brings us clothes. A person “Currently, there are three or- Zhasanova had volunteers, team accept clothes from people with barrassed and frustrated with the store. Garments should be can take the agreed amount of ganisations located within our healing groups and foreign assis- a similar vision of the world and our market; there was no big, without significant defects and money or donate money to char- building: the Society for Disa- tants – but she lacked teachers and fashion. We want our city to start well-thought second hand store Asaý Júrek also accepts a lim- ity; we will work with specific bled Children Public Association, tutors. dressing a bit better and people with good clothes in the city. ited number of shoes. [charities] and transparent funds the Balamai Public Fund and the “Then, we ran our first city fes- to consume more responsibly So, after returning to Almaty, The team relies on its own taste that we want to support, for ex- ZhasNur Public Association,” she tival. Deaf children have a special and to treat things easier. I think I decided to do it myself, and to determine whether the clothes ample, a children’s hospice.” said. feature, they spread information The Society for Disabled Chil- about the festival in a very quick dren Public Association, launched manner without telephones in in 1999, supports children with 2000. It turned out that our festival disabilities and their family mem- was conducted on a national level. bers, assists with their social reha- We covered the whole of Kazakh- Open-air art exhibit practices urbanism bilitation and helps them integrate stan, with people from Taldykor- into daily life in the communities gan, Karaganda, Atbasar, Ust- around them. It seeks to help chil- Kamenogorsk attending. Here, we dren build self-help and commu- found teachers for our school,” while promoting Kazakh culture nication skills and expand their shared Zhasanova. Riccardo Marini points out, the Kasteyev, Tursun Abuov, Gul- The presented reproduction of opportunities for personal and pro- The Singing Hands Festival for By Abira Kuandyk human brain needs stimulation fairus Ismailova, Shaimardan artists’ works is made of the ma- fessional development. More than Disabled Children is intended to with a frequency of a few sec- Sariyev, Gani Bayanov, Maria terials for facade works that are 300 families are supported by the showcase talented children with ASTANA – The façade of a onds to keep it entertained. This Lizogub and Aisha Galimbayeva, designed for such various tem- association, added Zhasanova. hearing disorders who can draw, three-story residential building has to be taken into account while said Turlubek. perature changes and weather The Balamai Public Fund pro- dance, put on theatrical perfor- in the capital’s Saryarka district designing the streets. The open-  “I think, soon, it will become conditions as rain, snow, sun and vides a daycare centre where par- mances, and sing songs. Deaf and turned into an art object with the air gallery project is initiated in the famous house with paintings. wind, added Veselova. ents can leave their children for hearing-impaired children from all conclusion of Urban Street Art order to increase the concern for It is located in a quieter part of the “The project promotes the four to ten hours to spend time job regions of the country usually take Fest July 16 to 30. The open-air the urban environment,” added street, containing mostly office popularisation of Kazakh culture, hunting, handling the administra- part in the festival. They perform gallery includes the works of Veselova. blocks. With no doubts, it will be which is one of the main priori- tive business of life or just taking through gestures, mimicry and fa- classics of Kazakh art from the People can enjoy the works of a must visit place for residents ties of the Rukhani Zhangyru pro- some time for themselves. There cial expressions. This year, the fes- collection of Kasteyev State Mu- famous artists such as Abilkhan and tourists,” added Turlubek. gramme,” she added. are three such centres operating in tival took place July 20 at Astana’s seum of Arts. Astana in different locations, said Zhastar Palace. “Urban Street Art Fest present- Zhasanova. Zhasanova also noted that they ed eight outstanding murals of The ZhasNur Public Associa- have received a lot of help from Kazakh and foreign artists. Asta- tion of the Deaf, launched in 2008, international organisations and na residents have already seen provides services for people with companies such as UNICEF Ka- many of them, but today we are hearing impairments. Last year, zakhstan and BG Kazakhstan, as pleased to present the big piece youth from ZhasNur made felt well as the Astana akimat (city ad- of art,” announced Akim (Mayor) items to sell as souvenirs during ministration) and government in- of the Saryarka District Arman EXPO 2017. Now, there is a deal stitutions. Foreign philanthropists Turlubek in an Aug. 6 Facebook with the AkZhainak organisation donated equipment and machin- post. to prepare 3,000 handicrafts to ery, for which she says she is very The house represents an entire sell, she added. thankful. gallery in the open-air. “In addition, there is a dispatch “In 2007, we received a call The house with paintings is service working through the Zhas- from one organisation that asked located at 5 Mambetova Street, Nur Public Association to offer whether we need any kind of on the continuing part of the so remote assistance. If, for example, help,” Zhasanova explained. called Arbat, on the stretch from a hearing-impaired or deaf person “Our staff worker expressed ap- the Kenessary Avenue to Abai arrives at the hospital or a service preciation and said we’d be glad Street, said Turlubek. centre that lacks sign language in- even to simply welcome and meet  “Reproduction of classics of terpreters, they can immediately them at our organisation. A group Kazakh art decorate the building’s connect online to our sign language of three to five people paid a visit first floor facade. The works of interpreters and communicate with then. They witnessed our activi- young Kazakh artist, Alexandra managers,” said Zhasanova. ties and decided to give us a bus. Kalacheva, are presented in the She said over the years, she’s It turned out they had contacted building’s second and third floors, met many people who supported various nonprofit organisations imitating the gallery space,” Olga and helped the development of her and some of them were willing to Veselova, Urban Street Art Fest association. receive help in money but doubt- organiser and deputy director of “In 1998, I made a request to ed about whether they would be the Eurasian Cultural Alliance, the Centre for Civil Society op- able to look after the car. The told The Astana Times. erating within USAID and shared organisation was pleased by our “One of the main tasks of a my thoughts on opening a school response and it influenced their modern city is to return residents for deaf children. They taught me decision. Thus, we are always into their streets, activate public how to interact with the govern- thankful for any kind of attention space and provide quality cultur- ment, how to attract sponsors and and assistance.” al recreation. As famous urbanist Arman Turlubek. Facebook page Photo credit: B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 American businessman boosts tourist flow to Kazakhstan to do eagle hunting, and we slept in traditional Kazakh yurts. A lot of these traditions and habits are very well preserved both in mod- ern cities like Astana and Almaty and also they are very richly felt in small villages,” he added. Valera has found considerable interest. By summer’s end, he ex- pects to accommodate 24 guests, including visitors from many parts of the world. “I am acting both as an Ameri- can in the U.S. as well as an un- official Kazakh citizen, because I am talking to them about tradi- tions and experiences in Kazakh- stan that I personally had and that I think will be beneficial to them and they are responding very posi- tively,” he said. In starting the campaign, Valera wanted to do it in a way that makes Kazakhstan unique and special from typical Ameri- can vacations. “Having been to over 60 coun- tries in my lifetime for various reasons, Kazakhstan is unlike any other part of the world. People’s welcoming nature, people’s cul- To my surprise, Americans have Becoming culturally acquainted ture and your country have really By Dana Omirgazy responded very well to that project. with Kazakhstan involves local rich and beautiful traditions. This So now, I am busier with the tour- families hosting American visi- is something that attracted me six ASTANA – American busi- ism project than all my other pro- tors in their homes, where guests years ago when I first came here nessperson David Valera seeks to jects,” he told The Astana Times. are exposed to some of the rich- and continues to attract me to this develop tourism in Kazakhstan by The 8-10 day tour includes in- est and most traditional habits and day,” he added. opening the country as a cultural and teresting ways to experience Ka- practices. During a recent trip, Valera of- are not afraid of speaking on be- me working in Kazakhstan, is tourist destination for foreign visitors. zakhstan. Guests visit modern cit- “We went to a small village out- fered his support to Assemgul half of other women, single moth- how wrong people view this “I am proud to say that I am the ies like Almaty and the capital, as side of Merke at the Kazakhstan- Urazayeva, one of Kazakhstan’s ers. I think any woman that is try- country [outside of it]. People only New Yorker, the only Ameri- well as appreciate authentic life in Kyrgyzstan border. In that village, 100 New Faces. As head of the In- ing to ensure that they are treated of this country are something to can, who has his company 100 villages. we met a 12th-generation farmer ternational Association of Women equally should be supported,” he really be admired and respected percent dedicated to promoting “Astana is the representation of who lives with his wife and six in Central Asia, Urazayeva is a said. and the culture, the tradition tourism in Kazakhstan. That was a Kazakhstan’s modernisation. The children, and we experienced well-known women’s rights advo- “When you love a country, and the beauty of the Kazakh project which I started sort of as a city is just 20 years old; the archi- what it is like to cook beshbar- cate in the region. you are never going to be 100 people is really unlike anything side project, because I have other tecture here is modern, beautiful mak and we tried horse milk and “She represents some part of percent satisfied. The biggest you can find in the world,” he things I am doing in this country. and up-to-date,” said Valera. camel milk. We also learned how strong, independent women who thing, the disappointment for added. Archaeologists find Saka burial Lack of healthy mound, later graves near Astana competition inhibits

By Dana Omirgazy

ASTANA – Archaeologists have mountain tourism begun excavating a Saka burial accessible routes, it will attract for- mound found 10 kilometres from By Aidana Yergaliyeva eign tourists,” he said. Astana, in the course of their work Lucas Marchand, general direc- discovering seven other graves ASTANA – The Shymbulak Ski tor of French ski resort Les Portes dating to the much more recent Resort hosted the third interna- du Mont-Blanc, recalled his first past (to the 15th and 16th centu- tional Almaty Mount Forum July experience in ski resort manage- ries), two of which held women’s 20, where experts discussed the ment when he was afraid of com- jewellery. challenges of developing mountain petitors. “A female copper ring was tourism. “One wise Arab told me: one found in one of the graves. More One-fifth of tourists in Kazakh- park is a monopoly, two are com- like a wedding ring. Another stan visit Almaty. In the past three petition and three create a destina- burial featured a bronze earring. years, the number has grown 14 tion. Therefore, in order to make a Also, there was a silver buckle,” percent, according to city Deputy mountain business a destination, a archaeologist Diana Duisekeyeva Akim (Mayor) Assel Zhunussova. good operator is needed,” he said. told Almaty.tv. A survey among visitors showed Yerkinbayev noted the lack of The funerary practices and po- the majority of foreign tourists visit mountain tourism competition can sitions of the graves indicate that Almaty for ecotourism, travelling be explained by people discouraged they belonged to Muslim people. to its pristine natural areas, while to enter the business due to environ- Muslim rites hold that a grave the more than half of Kazakh guests mental damage or lack of economic should be at a right angle to the and Sports department . Astana Culture Service of Press Photo credit: come for entertainment and activi- effect. Yet, he thinks these should Qibla (the direction to the holy ties, she noted. not be problems and the issue is Kaaba in Mecca) so that the body, The burial mound, however, vation will continue to search for The Astana akimat (mayor’s Although Zhunussova presented only “due to lack of information.” which is placed into its grave lying belongs to an earlier period. It is evidence. office) has been coordinating the many positive signs of the area’s Swedish traveller Johan Nilson, on its right side, without a coffin, 4 metres in height and 60 metres “Peoples who lived here, in Sar- excavation, which is being carried growing tourism, forum speakers who has visited 169 countries, faces the Qibla. in diameter. The mound is covered yarka, were riders and mounted out through the Sacred Kazakhstan identified tourism as underdevel- spoke about his plans to travel “Islam became the state religion with a stone shell. Archaeologists soldiers. They guarded the territory project. oped. The experts, including Yer- around Kazakhstan on electric on the territory of the central re- think the mound belonged to Saka and this was their main wealth and “This year we plan to hold four zhan Yerkinbayev, who as Shym- bikes next year with the involve- gions of Kazakhstan in the 14th tribes. Granite slabs for burial are dignity. It is also known that local more excavations. This is the first bulak director heads the only ski ment of Kazakh stars. They expect century; naturally, before that peri- known to have been taken from people took part even in the battle one. We will hand over all the jew- resort in the area, agreed the main the expedition should attract more od, these Muslim burials could not the banks of Nura River. Accord- against Cyrus II. This is written in ellery found to the National Mu- problem is simply the lack of prop- foreign attention to the resort and arise, so they belong to the 15th to ing to another hypothesis, Saka all textbooks,” Maral Khabdulina, seum,” Askar Kalabayev, head of er competitors. They noted the ex- the country as a whole. 16th centuries,” the head of the re- tribes could live on the territory of Akishev Research Institute of Ar- Astana’s Culture and Sports De- isting monopoly decreases the need search institute explained. the modern day capital. The exca- chaeology Director, said. partment, said. to improve the quality of service and infrastructure, because tourists “One wise Arab told have no other choice. “We can do nothing; the number me: one park is a of visitors grows and will grow. We monopoly, two are Burabai CityPASS boxes save up are spoiled by the lack of competi- tors – we will always have custom- competition and three ers,” he said. Approximately 15,000 guests create a destination. to 50 percent on travel expenses visit Shymbulak Peak on weekends Therefore, in order sim card with welcome tariff. The good and convenient! My museum, Abylai Khan Historical and the figure is constant regardless By Aidana Yergaliyeva CityPASS e-version, which can be friends also took advantage and and Local History Museums and of the season. Last year, the total to make a mountain ordered online, provides discounts are just as happy,” said another Kazakh Lapland Museum), Bura- number of visitors was estimated at business a destination, ASTANA – Beginning Aug. 1, up to 30 percent. user. bai Zoo, Extreme Rope Park, ho- 600,000. Burabai National Park will of- The card system is not new for Tourists may select any sights tels and bicycle, catamaran and Shymbulak became a place of a good operator is fer Burabai CityPASS boxes that Kazakhstan, as it has been used they wish to visit. The discount scooter rentals. perpetual pandemonium, with tour- can save tourists up to 50 percent by tourists in the capital since last is activated only once for each “In the future, we plan to in- ists mainly coming from Kazakh needed.” at local restaurants, hotels and year and introduced in Almaty in location and within 30 days of crease the number of services that towns and regions. Yerkinbayev museums and on entrance fees April. Igaliyev noted 50,000 Asta- purchase. The available spots in- can be obtained through Burabai noted this creates constant traffic He makes such expeditions to for cultural sites and excursions, na CityPASS packages have been clude the Burabai visitors centre CityPASS,” said Igaliyev. jams and congestion, making the promote travelling with little dam- said Marat Igaliyev, tourism ad- sold. and excursion programmes with Introducing a single tourist card area less attractive to foreign tour- age to the environment and even visor to the Akmola region Akim “I found the card very useful and intriguing names such as Burabai is the result of a memorandum of ists and resulting in a lack of pos- the possibility of mitigating certain (Mayor). it saved me some money. I have no – The Pearl of Kazakhstan, Into cooperation signed in February sible development. disasters. After his trip to Everest, CityPASS boxes include a tour- complaints,” said a capital card- the Depth of History – Kenes- by CROCUS, the Akmola region “We are sure that if we have for instance, he organised a project ist card, plastic smart card, guide- holder. sary’s Cave, Baikal Road, Ukili Tourist Information Centre and neighbours, then we will become to clear the mountain of debris. In book in Kazakh, Russian, and Eng- “Yes, the card works; it saved Ybyrai Trail and On a Visit to Na- central tourist operator Kazakh- attractive to foreign tourists. If three years, the team removed 15 lish, CityPASS maps and Beeline time and money, which is very ture, as well as museums (nature stanskaya Laplandiya. there are several resorts and easy tonnes of waste. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Kazakhstan to host Short Astana-Paris bike ride involves cyclists Track World Cup Stage with visual impairments

By Dana Omirgazy

for first time ASTANA – The Blind Race 2018 Astana-Paris bike marathon for cyclists who are blind or visu- ally impaired kicked off Aug. 4 from Mangilik El monument. Ka- zakh and foreign athletes will pass through six countries and pedal 5,000 kilometres. “This year, we have organised our third marathon. The first was Almaty-Astana and then Almaty – Issyk-Kul in 2017. Our mission is to integrate people with lim- ited abilities into society through sports. They should understand that their possibilities are unlimit- ed. Thus, the line between society and people with limited abilities Photo credit: sxodim.ru. Photo credit: is blurred and society understands galiyev and Nurbergen Zhumaga- their needs better,” said Sports By Anuar Abdrakhmanov ziyev are expected to be among the without Borders head Bakhtiyar “Such initiatives need state sup- clusive interaction and motivation. ecotourism, as well as popularise top Kazakh participants. Over the Bazarbekov in an interview for port. They should not stand aside. The bike ride promotes a healthy bicycles as a pollution-free mode ASTANA – Almaty will host for past two seasons, Azhgaliyev fin- this story. We want more attention from the and active lifestyle, encouraging of transport. Also, our project pro- the first time in Kazakhstan a stage ished second in the World Cup in Eleven bike riders accompanied state. We have organised a mara- passive citizens to action instead motes sport among people with of the Short Track Speed Skating the 500 metres and Zhumagaziyev by five volunteers will cross 30 thon almost without state support. of complaining and remaining de- limited abilities in general and the World Cup Dec. 7-9, according to took third in the 1,000 metres. cities in Kazakhstan, Russia, Bela- Officials only had to deal with an pendent. tandem as a Paralympic sport in a recent announcement by the In- Almaty’s sports facilities and rus, Poland, Germany and France. administrative resource under the The unique campaign keeps ex- particular,” he said. ternational Skating Union (ISU). the public turnout during the city’s Organisers are planning to finish Ruhani Zhanghyru (Modernisa- tending its length. In August 2016, Tandem is a para-cycling clas- The Almaty event will be the hosting of the 2017 Universiade Sept. 8 in Paris. tion of Kazakhstan’s Identity) pro- a team of nine bike riders travelled sification requiring a sighted pi- third of six stages in the 2018/19 are believed to have contributed to Bazarbekov noted the impor- gramme. We attracted private re- the 1,200 kilometres from Almaty lot for a non-sighted rider. Track World Cup and include partici- the ISU’s decision to grant Almaty tance of the project, which is sup- sources and sponsorship,” he said. to the capital. Last year, 15 cyclists tandem races debuted at the At- pants from the Winter Universi- the event. ported mainly through private re- Bazarbekov initiated the pro- were accompanied by volunteers lanta 1996 Paralympic Games and ade 2017 and 2011 Asian Winter The Short Track International sources and sponsors. Organisers ject to change public stereotypes and traffic police to cover the Al- tandem road races were officially Games. season begins Nov. 2 in Calgary, will rely on state support in the toward people with limited visual maty – Issyk-Kul route. introduced two years later at the Kazakh team skaters Abzal Azh- Canada. future. abilities, creating a platform for in- “We want to develop social and Seoul Games.

my gratitude to the partners and sponsors of the cross-country ski- ing federation,” said Alexander Roller skiers pay tribute to Denis Ten Batyaykin, the national team man- Youth judo team wins bronze, in a completely different mood, competition. Professional athletes ager. Staff Report the races that we conducted paid with active International Ski Fed- Vitaly Puhkalo showed the best tribute to an amazing athlete and eration (FIS) licenses competed in result among the 44 elite male ski- More than 150 athletes compet- a wonderful person,” said Nikita male and female categories. ers. Konstantin Bortsov crossed individuals win gold at ed July 29 in the Roller Ski Cup Devyatkin, the vice-president of “We are very pleased that there the finish line with the second best in Astana dedicated to the memory Kazakh cross-country skiing fed- is an opportunity to hold such result and Olzhas Klimin finished of Kazakh figure skater Denis Ten. eration. high-level competition in Kazakh- in third. In the elite female cat- Amateur and professional ath- This year the Astana cup was stan. Organisers of the Astana Cup egory, the strongest was Valeriya European Championships letes took to the start across eight held for the sixth time and was completed a big work this year, Tyuleneva, Ksenia Shalygina fin- the final was the hardest one. The categories. A minute of silence given the status of an international and I would also like to express ished in second place and Elmira By Anuar Abdrakhmanov opponent was very strong. She has preceded the start of the race in Mutagarova came in third. won several competitions in a row. the capital’s central park, mourn- “For us, athletes and coaches ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s youth I faced her for the first time. In the ing the recent tragic death of the of the national team, the Astana judo team placed third at the recent future, I plan to beat her and take the Olympic figure skater. Cup is an opportunity to conduct European Judo Championships in first place,” said Tynbayeva. “We all knew Denis as a talented an analysis of the summer train- Berlin. Individual team members “In my opinion, the results are athlete who loved the sport and ing and adjust the training pro- also two gold medals and five med- decent. We arrived at the tourna- our country. His death is a national cess. Of course, today was not the als total. ment to win. We have won two gold tragedy, he was not only a gifted usual holiday mood, we are all still Damir Bolatbekov and Zhanbolat medals among all Europeans. In my figure skater, he was the ambassa- shocked by the death of Denis Ten. Bakytbergenov won gold in the opinion, it is really good. All of them dor of winter sports in Kazakhstan. I think that such a real and bright 55kg and 73kg categories. are physically and morally trained. We could not start the competition person, like no other, deserves to Arslan Yesengel and Galiya Tyn- They have fought well. They have without paying tribute to Denis. be honoured by dedicating to him bayeva won silver medals and a lived up to our expectations, proved We usually position these events the most prestigious international bronze was won by Ansarbek Gai- that they have a huge potential for as a ski holiday, and try to make competitions,” said Kazakh Na- nullin. growth,” said Kazakhstan’s team the entertainment programme, but tional Team Member Nikolai Che- “I am satisfied with my result, coach Batyr Mashikov. today our athletes went to the start botko. because it is a new level of judo in More than 500 judo competitors Kazakhstan. Of course, I hoped for took part in the tournament, includ- the first place. The opponents were ing 29 athletes from the Kazakh and professional boxing. So, your the hard ones from the first bout, but team. team is a very strong team and I be- lieve in your victory,” said Jones. Boxer Roy Jones meets with The Summer Asian Games start Aug.18 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Some events will also take place in Palem- bang. Kazakhstan will send 440 ath- Kazakh national team boxers letes, of which 404 will compete for had been attending an event in a several weight classes were re- medals in 25 Olympic sports. By Anuar Abdrakhmanov region and knew the national team moved, in which you could win Asian Games athletes will stay was training and wanted to visit. medals, but, I believe that your in athletes’ villages in Jakarta and ASTANA – Legendary boxer He toured the team’s training team will win several gold med- Palembang. A total of 462 of med- Roy Jones, 1988 Olympic Games facility, spoke with Head Trainer als. I am well acquainted with his- als will awarded, of which 363 will silver medalist and many times Myrzagali Aitzhanov, chatted with tory of Kazakhstan’s boxing and be in in Olympic sports. Competi- world champion, recently met with boxers and wished them luck at the believe that it is one of the leading tions in shooting and trapshooting, boxers from the national boxing Asian Games. ones in the world. Kazakh boxers and heavyweights in boxing (81kg, team of Kazakhstan in Astana. “I am aware that the programme have proven many times their dom- 91kg, +91kg) have been excluded Jones’s visit was a surprise. He of competitions has been changed, inance both in non-professional from these Asian Games. World-class ski jumping complex opens in Shchuchinsk in the future, there will be no need set the trampoline’s first record on Race Director Walter Hofer provid- First Deputy Prime Minister Askar significantly enhance the resort By Dilshat Zhussupova for our athletes to leave to travel opening day, reaching the 151-me- ed positive feedback, said complex Mamin, Akmola region Akim area’s sports and entertainment abroad for training, since the com- tre mark. Slovenian skiers, who construction director Mirko Gornik. (Governor) Malik Murzalin and infrastructure, similar to Jurmala ASTANA – A ski jumping com- plex is entirely focused on their also tested the unit, and World Cup President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Minister of Culture and Sport Ar- (Latvia) and Sochi (Russia). plex recently opened at Burabai Ski needs and all of it is in one place,” ystanbek Mukhamediuly visited The primary goal of the project Resort in Shchuchinsk, the country’s said Kazakh national biathlon team the complex the same day, July 11. is to increase tourism’s contribution traditional location for ski training. coach Nikolai Vydrin. Construction was completed in to the Kazakh economy from the The 125-hectare facility, at an al- The most recent addition is a two phases of 18.6 billion tenge current 1.9 percent to 8 percent by titude of 400 metres above sea level, ski trampoline. It includes K-90 (US$53.72 million) and 19.9 bil- 2023. The latter figure is compara- is one of the few of its kind in the and K-125 launch platforms, an lion tenge (US$57.48 million). The ble to the tourism share of the gross world. It features biathlon tracks, a 82-metre tower, judging tower with safety of the trampoline construc- domestic product (GDP) in most stadium, shooting range and indoor panoramic view, 10,000-spectator tion was one of Mukhamediuly’s developed countries, noted Mamin. sports complex with swimming pool arena, cable car rail, doping control key concerns throughout the project. Kazakhstan’s tourist inflow is and training halls. The ski-biathlon centre and medical centre. “The object was built with expected to increase from 750,000 track measures 4,584 metres; the bi- The trampoline is available for the involvement of major inter- to two million people per year by athlon roller track, 7,071 metres. use in all weather conditions and national experts. Without their 2023. The centre is equipped with the right for competitions. The complex is evaluation and recommendations, “Our aim is to show Kazakh- conditions for year-round training. planning to host a continental cup construction would not have con- stan’s possibilities, how beautiful “The complex may compete with in mid-2019. tinued,” he said. our country is and to develop tour-

its European equivalents. Perhaps, Kazakh skier Sergei Tkachenko informburo.kz. Photocredit: He added the ski complex will ism,” said Nazarbayev. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Moskva Business Centre – unique multifunctional complex in heart of Astana City Day, with a symbolic key pre- observation desk. Lights illuminat- resenting strategically and social- By Meruyert Abugaliyeva sented to Kazakh President Nur- ing the business centre at night add ly-significant sectors of Kazakh- sultan Nazarbayev. to the view of the city’s left bank. stan’s economy, including oil and ASTANA – Moskva Business “While constructing this build- The elevator carries guests gas companies, national postal Centre, a multifunctional complex ing we felt colossal responsibil- and visitors to restaurants on the operators and state institutions containing offices, conference ity, as we were not just erecting 24th and 25th floors. The eater- in manufacturing, education, halls, a shopping area, restaurants a contemporary and comfortable ies provide a 360-degree angle healthcare, transport and logistics and sports clubs, is a landmark business centre in the capital of of the city and bird’s eye view research. project symbolising friendship Kazakhstan but creating a sym- of its main sites – Akorda Presi- Several significant events within between Moscow and the Kazakh bol of friendship between the two dential Palace, Baiterek Monu- the last year have highlighted the - The head office of Kazpost, the capital and one of the most rec- capital. cities, Moscow and Astana. And ment, Hazret Sultan Mosque, Nur centre’s role in developing the Kazakhstan’s national postal op- ognisable business centres in Ka- Its construction, combining the today, looking at what we have Zhol Boulevard and the Palace of city’s entrepreneurship, econom- erator, has leased the last vacant zakhstan. We have set up a com- innovations and traditions of Euro- achieved, I am sincerely glad that Peace and Harmony. ics, public life and international offices. mercial centre of a next generation pean and Asian capitals, was com- we have successfully fulfilled this Moskva’s mission is to promote tourism: - A fifth sports facility, the city’s here in Astana – a cutting-edge, pleted by the company owned by honorable mission,” said Baturina a comfortable business environ- - The Moskva business centre first children’s gymnastics centre, multifunctional space that com- international entrepreneur and phi- at the time. ment for the Kazakh national mar- image was placed on new 500 will open in August. plies with the highest world stand- lanthropist Elena Baturina as part The 25-floor facility resembling ket in a contemporary, safe busi- tenge banknotes issued into circu- “We are grateful to our tenants ards,” said project manager Sergey of the international agreement be- a huge ocean liner complements ness space. The centre became one lation in 2017. and partners for their trust and Kozin. tween Kazakhstan and Russia “On the capital’s architectural style. Its of the first in the city to implement - The centre is now included in cooperation and to the citizens Moskva Business Centre, the Cooperation in Trade, Economics, futuristic silhouette creates the im- the business park concept with a the sightseeing tour of hop-on/ and guests for their favouring our largest commercial complex in the Science and Culture.” pression of a ship with a sail, with well-designed infrastructure. hop-off double-decker buses rout- business centre as a venue for their city, has been recognised by CRE The opening ceremony was held the panoramic elevator serving as Tenants include major national ed through the city’s most promi- recreation. Within a short time, the Awards, the professional competi- July 4, 2010 on the eve of Astana the mast and the restaurants as an and international companies rep- nent locations. centre has become a landmark of tion for commercial real estate. Astana Around Us: city New gastronomic market through eyes of photo artists to open in 2019 wrote on his Instagram account. in both summer and winter and it by bistro concepts, seasonal fairs has attracted private investments. By Dana Omirgazy The festival participants typical- is always interesting and beautiful. Staff Report and gourmet festivals. Capital Keruen Global is main investor, al- ly show their works at the largest It’s a pity that during severe cold in residents will find products from though the value of investment has ASTANA – Astana Around Us international exhibitions. winter, the desire to get to a warm ASTANA – Capital residents: regions in Kazakhstan and Com- not yet been disclosed. The market depicts the capital and its resi- “Every photographer has his place overcomes the desire to en- get your appetites ready. Construc- monwealth of Independent States is expected to open in 2019. dents from an unusual perspective. own direction, his genre. In gener- joy the beauty around,” he said in tion has begun on Keruen Global (CIS) countries. The capital development plan The photo exhibit, composed of al, the photos are great. Some pho- an interview for this story. gastronomic market in the city’s “The project implies the con- also shows construction this year approximately 120 works of the tos feature computer graphics,” Born and raised in Minsk where Saryarka district, reported abctv. struction of a gastronomic market, of a Magnum Cash & Carry gro- best photographers from Belarus, said Kazakh photographer Turar he graduated from high school, kz. combining a variety of cuisines cery shopping centre on the left France, Germany, Indonesia, Ka- Kazangapov. Pugach worked in the area for a The 7,900-square metre mall, to and a farmer’s market. There are bank of Yessil River. The new zakhstan, Malaysia, Slovakia, Tur- Andrei Pugach, a photographer while, then moved to Moscow 10 be built on 3.14 hectares, will de- also plans for a children’s enter- facility will be a time saver for key and Uzbekistan, is on display from Belarus, exhibited works years ago. Photography has been vote approximately 6,400 square tainment centre. The new facility residents in nearby districts, who through July 31 along Nurzhol shot from a bird’s eyes view. his passion for a very long time. metres to commerce and food will become a modern shopping currently are forced to drive to the Boulevard (also known as Green “Astana left positive impres- “My first camera was a Smena courts and the remaining space centre and provide wholesale and other end of the city for grocer- Water Boulevard) near the Bait- sions. In this city, one can find 8M [an all-manual, scale-focus to warehouses, refrigerators and retail sellers with comfortable job ies. The centre will increase the erek. everything that a soul needs. For camera made in the Soviet Union], a terrace, according to the district places,” noted the release. demand for goods produced in the “Astana is a new capital city, a example, if you want to feel small which my parents presented me akimat (administration) press ser- A construction agreement was city and other regions. fast-growing city in Kazakhstan and lonely, but part of something for my birthday. There was every- vice. signed April 27 among the Sar- The akimat is also modernising – like a diamond in Eurasia that big and beautiful, you go and walk thing: films, powder, fixers, rooms Keruen Global operates in Mos- yarka district akimat, Astana So- the capital’s existing markets, with always shines with lots of new, on the left bank [of the Yessil Riv- with a red lantern and, undoubted- cow as Danilovsky Market, focus- cial Entrepreneurial Corporation reconstruction and expansion to be modern buildings. However, like er]. If the soul wants some kind of ly, magic, which is now much less. ing on fresh food complemented and Keruen Global. The project completed by 2021. other big cities in the world, they cosiness and home atmosphere, There was a break in my work for try very hard to preserve its cul- you stroll through the lovely several years, but then I resumed tural heritage as well as the family streets of the right bank. Astana it. Two years ago, I began practic- value. That’s the key I wanted to not only has beautiful, unusual ing photographing from the quad- visualise for this assignment from and modern architecture, which copter after my friend offered me Fighting brain drain... Astana Art Company last May as I like very much, but also sincere a flight. The first flight impressed part of the photo exhibition Astana people who make a good impres- me very much and I could not Continued from Page B1 two years ago, but the company Around Us, which is taking place sion, whether it is the owner of a stop. The world from the height, of has been working on it for 10 in the heart of the city,” Indonesian big company or just a pretty sales- course, is very different and this is “We estimate that in two and years. They were studying the photographer Rarindra Prakarsa person in a store. I visited this city what charms me,” he said. three years these companies will experiences of countries such as be big and powerful. Some [busi- China, India, Belarus, Kazakh- nesses] will fail. But this is life, stan, and the U.S. in order to cre- and we [only] create an environ- ate a favourable ecosystem for ment.” said Khmelnitsky. Ka- economic growth, minimising zakhstan, he says, seems to offer chances of errors. the possibility of even faster de- On the other hand, while the velopment for the same project. idea of such a city carries the “I met young people with spar- intention of pushing economic kles in their eyes who want to do growth, it could also increase

something. Therefore, I think that Korovayny. Sergey Photo credit: the socio-economic gap between it can succeed. They have already Vasyl Khmelnitsky in UNIT.city a city’s intellectual elite and its started it. They have Astana Hub, working class, creating conflicts. a beautiful place downtown with of local ones. Khmelnitsky wants A huge income inequality prob- enough people,” the businessman to see economic growth every- lem came with boom in techno- said. where; in Kazakhstan, Ukraine logical industry of Silicon Valley, There may be the possibility of and their neighbours. He believes where the sky-high salaries of cooperation with Astana Hub af- that this development will be tech experts working for giants ter some research, he noted. possible only when these coun- such as Google, Apple and Fa- Only some six months of deep tries work together. cebook resulted in unaffordable qualitative and quantitative re- UNIT.city is a unique project housing, subsequently increas- search into education, human and not a prototype of Silicon ing the number of homeless peo- resources, companies and start- Valley, the investor explained. ple. The founders are working to ups should inform any new pro- It aims to bring all the bright- keep UNIT.city from falling into ject decisions, Khmelnitsky said. est minds in one place, fostering that trap with plans to include all After six months, the idea for the faster, more connected develop- sectors of the economy, such as project in Astana could change ment of technology, research and agriculture, medicine and more. slightly, to not exactly match the every single sphere of economy. Yet Khmelnitsky thinks it’s im- Ukrainian model underway. “Let them bump into each oth- possible to avoid an intellectual But at any rate, such cities er, greet and discuss new ideas. gap between people. He believes within cities are intended to solve Our aim is that they would work there is a big difference between a problem common in develop- close to each other. This is not my a person who invests his time in ing countries: brain drain. There idea. I saw it from how the world educating himself and a person will be little economic growth is working. The more revolution- who wastes it on leisure alone. for a country with talented youth ary teams and ideas are concen- He thinks the least a country can constantly leaving for better op- trated in one place, the more they do for its own growth is try to re- portunities and education abroad. will generate new, innovative tain its own intellectuals. “This is our task – to build a products,” said Khmelnitsky. Khmelnitsky also thinks that good ecosystem in Ukraine so UNIT.city in Kyiv will have Kazakhstan should not only fo- that those talented people would everything that a regular city has. cus on keeping its own talented want to stay in our country; so There will be everything starting youth in the country, but develop that they would get new knowl- with kindergartens, universities, programmes that will attract tal- edge, attract investment and get shops and hospitals. Also, he ents from neighbouring coun- mentorship. Most importantly, notes, security is a major factor. A tries. by communicating with each company from Israel is working One such space for catalysing other they can get new ideas and on UNIT.city’s security, because economic development is forums ways of doing things, open new as Khmelnitsky noted, “Israel is with experts. Thus, the business- companies and start-ups,” said not a country of innovation only, man invited Kazakh business Khmelnitsky. but their security systems are in people to Kyiv Oct. 18 to par- Kazakhstan and Ukraine are a very high level as they are con- ticipate in the fifth Kyiv Inter- countries that provide free educa- stantly at war.” At the same time, national Economic forum, where tion, but that investment doesn’t heightened security does not im- business people and analysts, in- matter if the educated sector of ply isolation. The city will be vestors can share experience and society keeps leaving and devel- open, without a fence. find new ways of creating valu-

Photo credit: Andrei Pugach Andrei Photo credit: oping foreign companies instead In Ukraine, UNIT.city opened able products and technology.