+2° / 0°C Wednesday, december 23, 2015 No 90 (24) www.astanatimes.com President Congratulates Kazakhstan, EU Nation on Independence Day Sign Landmark By Aiman Turebekova Agreement ASTANA ­– On the eve of the 24rd anniversary of Kazakhstan’s capital. “Kazakhstan and the EU By Aiman Turebekova independence, President Nursultan will enhance cooperation within Nazarbayev addressed and con- the framework of educational pro- ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign gratulated the people on the coun- grammes, research activities, and a Minister Erlan Idrissov and Euro- try’s national holiday at the State framework agreement seizes many pean Union High Representative opportunities to deepen coopera- Opera and Ballet Theatre Astana for Foreign Affairs and Security Opera. tion in this very important area,” Policy Federica Mogherini signed said Idrissov. “After witnessing the whole ep- a new Kazakhstan-EU agreement ochs our people had gone through “Kazakhstan has become the on enhanced partnership and co- first of our Central Asian part- a complex way of development. As operation (EPCA) during a Dec. renowned philosopher Al-Farabi ners to conclude a new generation 21 ceremony at the Ukimet Ui agreement with the EU,” said EU explained, the state as a human be- (Government House). Prior to the ing crosses through the two thresh- High Representative Mogherini. signing, the EU delegation was re- “The new agreement will give a olds in its evolution: the first is the ceived by Prime Minister Karim birth and the second is the entry significant boost to economic and Massimov. political ties between the EU and into adulthood. Each of these steps “The new agreement covers Kazakhstan,” she added. is unique and valuable,” said the 29 areas of cooperation, ranging The agreement places a strong Kazakh President. from political cooperation to in- emphasis on democracy and the Nazarbayev noted that Kazakh- vestment, trade, infrastructure and rule of law, human rights and stan, reaching its 24th anniver- areas such as innovation, culture, fundamental freedoms and sus- sary, seeks to achieve great goals. sports, tourism and law enforce- tainable development as well as “The history is witness to the great ment cooperation,” Idrissov said, civil society cooperation, Mogh- struggle of our people, which was speaking to a group of around 100 erini said. demonstrated during the periods government officials, ambassadors “Kazakhstan intends to continue of Sakas and Turks, the Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev delivers his congratulatory message to the people of Kazakhstan on Dec. 15 at the from European countries and local and deepen relations with the Eu- Khanate and the Great Patriotic Astana Opera. and foreign media after signing the ropean Union,” said the Kazakh War. It is our past and our destiny. agreement. eignty and statehood are valuable that love for the motherland spirit and capable mettle,” Prime Minister on Nov. 11 when he A cherished goal of our ancestors He emphasised that the trade took part in the first meeting of the concepts for everyone,” he stated. is distinct happiness. “For the shared Nazarbayev. was independence, which the pre- section of the agreement attracts Astana Club, an international plat- The head of state pointed out motherland, you can go through sent generation reached. Therefore, He also noted that nowadays it is attention with its extensive de- form to discuss Eurasian regional that in just 24 years, the coun- incredible trials on the way to this day is a joyous and important common to divide life into before tails. “In the development and issues. holiday symbolising fulfillment of try has passed the upgrade pro- limitless dreams. Independence and after the independence periods, harmonisation of these provi- The EU and Kazakhstan signed the dream of generations, because cess and is respected around is a wave of history, which is and success is in unity and harmony. sions, Kazakhstan was guided the protocol on the completion of independence and equality, sover- the world. He also emphasised held only by possessing a strong Continued on Page A2 by its earlier commitments to EPCA negotiations on Oct. 9, 2014 the countries of the Customs in Brussels in a ceremony that Union, the EAEU and our mem- included European Commission bership in the WTO,” the min- President Jose Manuel Barroso and ister said. Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- One of the priorities of the arbayev. EAEU Elects Kazakhstan 2016 Chair agreement is to develop human Continued on Page A2 During Moscow Heads of State Meeting EAEU’s functioning and organisa- our capabilities and strengthen the President Nazarbayev also met By Malika Orazgaliyeva tional issues. EAEU,” he said. with President Putin and noted the New Civil Service Nazarbayev thanked Belarus The sides discussed joint strat- difficulties the EAEU faced during President of Kazakhstan Nur- and Lukashenko for their 2015 egy under the new free trade zone its first year. sultan Nazarbayev took part in the EAEU presidency.He also said the between Ukraine and the Euro- “The crisis was expected, there- meeting of the Council of Heads EAEU’s work is valuable and can pean Unionthat will begin Jan. 1, fore, we undertook the necessary Ministry Established of Member States of the Eurasian help member states develop. 2016. They also decided to begin measures to overcome it. Now we The new Anti-Corruption Bureau Economic Union (EAEU) in Mos- “Due to the instability of the the electronic declaration of goods must move on. Obviously, the GDP By Dmitry Lee will be established under the minis- cow Dec. 21. global economic environment, transported within the EAEU in of our countries and trade turnover try to prevent, detect, suppress and Presidents Vladimir Putin of we realise that 2016 will be dif- 2016. declined. However, open borders ASTANA – President Nursultan investigate cases of corruption. Russia, Serzh Sargsyan of Arme- ficult and we will have to work The heads of state also approved and close ties play a positive role,” Nazarbayev signed a decree to es- Former deputy chief of staff to nia, Alexander Lukashenko of underspecial conditions. Kazakh- the 2016 EAEU budget, new EEC he said. tablish the Ministry of Civil Service the President Talgat Donakov has Belarus, Almazbek Atambayev stan will make all efforts for fur- board members and the members’ In turn, Putin highlighted the on- to improve the civil service and been appointed the new minister. of Kyrgyzstan, Emomali Rahmon ther dynamic development of our responsibilities. They also amended going development of the strategic counter corruption, the Akorda’s Previously, Donakov headed the of Tajikistan and Chairman of the integration association. During the programme of gradual liberalisa- partnership between Kazakhstan press service reported on Dec. 11. Department of Legislation and Board of the Eurasian Economic ourpresidency,we will work ac- tion of transportation within the un- and Russia despite theglobal econ- The decree establishes the new Legal Expertise under the Admin- Commission (EEC) Viktor Khris- tively to deepen contacts with the ion and choose Kazakhstan to chair omy crisis. ministry and replaces the previous istration of the President of Ka- tenko also attended. Shanghai Cooperation Organisa- all organs of the union in 2016, ex- Agency of Civil Affairs and Anti- zakhstan and the State-Legal De- The participants discussed the tion (SCO), which will expand cept the board of the commission. Continued on Page A3 Corruption that was in charge. partment. Kazakhstan Jumps 14 Ilya Ilyin Wins Gold, Sets Two Positions in UNDP New World Records in Grozny Human Development Index The report’s top five countries less, complex challenges – includ- By Zhazira Dyussembekova are Norway, Australia, Switzer- ing globalisation, demographic land, Denmark and The Nether- changes, large migration flows, ASTANA – Kazakhstan jumped lands. fast technological progress and 14 places compared to last year to Russia and Belarus shared the environmental degradation – may be ranked 56th out of 188 in the 50th position. Kazakhstan leads increase inequalities and reverse 2015 UNDP Human Development among Central Asian countries recent development achievements Report released Dec. 14. Kazakh- and is the only one to be in- there.” stan was also placed this year in a cluded in the group with a High Kazakhstan’s HDI has been im- group with a high Human Develop- Human Development. Turkmeni- proving each year since 1990, ac- ment Index (HDI). stan (109), Uzbekistan (114), cording to a table of trends in the According to the report, Ka- Kyrgyzstan (120) and Tajikistan report, showing steady increases in zakhstan’s life expectancy at (129) were listed in the Medium all indicators. birth is 69.4 years (66.5 in 2014), Human Development group. Af- The report also shows the results gross national income per capita ghanistan, which is now also of the Gender Development Index, is $20,867 ($19,441 last year) often discussed in the context of which shows the same indicators and expected and mean years of Central Asian affairs, was ranked as HDI, but separately for men and schooling are 15 and 11 respec- near the bottom of the list, at women. tively. Those are three basis di- 171st position. Men’s life expectancy in Ka- mensions of HDI – to lead a long According to the UNDP press re- zakhstan at birth is 64.6 years and healthy life measured by life lease, “the developing countries of and women’s is 74.1 years, gross expectancy at birth; the ability to Europe and Central Asia have been national income per capita for acquire knowledge measured by showing steady progress in human men is $26,867 and for women is mean years of schooling and ex- development levels. Together with $15,408. Expected and mean years pected years of schooling and the Latin America and the Caribbean, of schooling for men are 14.7 and ability to achieve a decent stand- the region has the highest Human 11.5 respectively. For women, they ard of living, measured by gross Development Index (HDI) among are 15.4 and 11.3. national income per capita. all developing regions. Neverthe- Continued on Page A3 Ilya Ilyin in action in Grozny, Dec. 11, 2015. See full story on Page B7.

Inside Nation Economy&Business EDITORIAL&OPINION OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Developing New Understanding Global Ecological Fund Expected to Allocate Interethnic Harmony One of Biggest Nuryshev: Kazakhstan, China Sign $50 Universiade 2017 to Help Position Kazakhstan of Research A2 $9 Million for Forest Ecosystem Achievements of Kazakhstan A6 Billion Worth of Deals in 2015, Ambassador in as Major Int’l Event Host B1 Kazakhstan Marks Human Management A4 Murzamadiyeva: Netherlands Interested Beijing Says A7 Astana Architecture and City Building Rights Day A2 Nazarbayev Launches Projects in Key in 100 Concrete Steps, Nurly Zhol, Kazakh Humphrey: A Dozen Ways to Diversify Management Chief Highlights Plan for Economic Sectors A5 Ambassador Says A6 Kazakhstan’s Economy A7 ‘Harmonious’ Development B8

US$ 1 = 349.12 KZT 1 Euro = 379.00 KZT 1 Rouble = 4.91 KZT A2 NATION

Wednesday, december 23, 2015

NATIONAL Developing New Understanding of Research news in brief skill shops were delivered last tions at the local level,” she said. Kazakhstan’s cable operator Alma By Zhanna Shayakhmetova November at East China Normal Shilibekova emphasised the im- TV has launched its FTTH GPON University in Shanghai for 38 in- portance of understanding the dif- network in Almaty, Profit.kz reports. The Stratagem project was ternational participants from 10 ference between invention and in- The pilot project was launched in the awarded a special sponsor’s countries. novation. Bella Villa residential quarter in the prize from multimedia company “The feedback I received was in- “Innovation is something rather city. The operator claims that it is AVID at the Reimagine Educa- credible and I got a strong stimulus improved and developed on the ba- the first to provide the services over tion Awards. The higher educa- to take it beyond the pilot project. sis of existing inventions. If there a GPON network for households in tion event, organised annually I developed Stratagem as a project is a new way of doing something Kazakhstan. GPON is a popular ver- by QS World University Rank- for those who want a lifelong op- quicker, better and commercially sion of passive optical networks of ings and the Wharton School of portunity to look through the win- more efficiently, there is an inno- fibre-optic cable, which is used for the University of Pennsylvania, dow of research to the world and vation. University management Internet access, voice over Internet was held Dec. 7-8 in Philadel- their own future in our context,” should not underestimate and give protocol and digital TV delivery in phia. she said. a chance to experiment with ideas metropolitan areas. The benefit is Aigerim Shilibekova, a Strata- Shilibekova noted her internship produced by faculty members, much higher data rates that are es- gem developer and the founding experience at Harvard University scholars and early career research- sential to video distribution and oth- director of the centre for inter- influenced her thinking and vision ers. That is what I have observed at er Internet services. The low cost of national and regional studies at as an educator. Harvard’s Innovation Hub, where passive components means simpler Gumilyov Eurasian National Uni- Commercial Director at Quacquarelli Symonds Jason Newman and Aigerim Shilibekova. “I spent a year doing my own any idea may be heard, valued and, systems with fewer components that versity, spoke about the outcome research project in the field of in- if proves its feasibility, supported,” fail or require maintenance. of Kazakhstan’s presence at the She noted the inventive nature of not only as a participant, but also ternational security in the first she said. conference and the goals of the the event. with a shortlisted project. place and examining the American “The overall aim of Stratagem is Amid the decrease of mortgages innovative programme in a recent “After two days of show- “For our university, it means higher education system as an ad- to become a model and provide an due to the growth of residential ar- interview with The Astana Times. cased projects and outstand- even greater benefits beyond just ditional interest. Activities in both effective educational format which eas, Kazakhstan’s banks are offering “Stratagem is designed to of- ing keynote speakers such as being recognised by almost 400 spheres had led me to a better com- can be used to build capacity in targeted loans to the population for fer a strategic view of being a re- Jeremy Rifkin, Anant Agrawal, participants from 31 countries. It prehension of current problems in research and its applications at an home repairs, Kazakh TV reports. searcher. It is an innovative way Jaime Casap and other thought- may lead to improving the academ- schooling. I explored and learned individual, institutional and nation- The average size of new apartments to increase researchers’ capacity ful leaders familiar to any in- ic reputation of Gumilyov Eurasian more about research design and al level. It is intended for recent is approximately 116 square metres. to think strategically in order to novator, I have concluded two National University in the inter- after I came back to Kazakhstan I graduates who are eager to acquire The cost of renovation work on such create, re-create and sustain their aspects of innovativeness of national rankings. On the national wrote a brief manual on research the transferable skills needed for apartments ranges from 1 to 4.5 mil- effectiveness and to enhance the event. The first one is re- level, our participation puts us on design and careers in political sci- personal and professional develop- lion tenge (US$3,000 – US$13,500). their employability in developing lated to the concrete outcomes the radar of international busi- ence that I used later as the basis for ment. The project’s objective is to General purpose loans secured by countries. Using a blend of teach- of implemented and working nesses and investors working in the my Stratagem project,” she added. develop and sustain a pipeline of real estate are issued in 26 second- ing methods, Stratagem develops projects. People were not just sphere of education. It is a signal to Shilibekova recalled the thought- graduates who are strategic think- tier banks with an average effective the skills of academic and busi- talking and discussing poli- the world that there are also some provoking meeting with American ers and progressive researchers for rate of 20.1 percent. ness analysts and broadens the ap- cies, plans and ideas, but pre- innovations happening in Kazakh- educator Derek Bok, the former the academic community, business, peal of study to a wider audience senting feasible results and the stan. Based on these outcomes and president of Harvard. industry, government and society,” Almaty held the first Mas-Wres- at different levels. Traditional impact of programmes. There the precious opinions expressed by “From what Professor Bok she noted. tling International Junior Champion- approaches to researcher training is a lot to explore and apply to all the speakers, my greatest takea- shared with me, I realised that the The word “stratagem” is de- ship Dec. 10-13, Zakon.kz reports. tend to focus on developing re- our local context among those way has been a motivation to learn higher education market in the en- fined as a scheme or clever plot to Athletes from Kazakhstan, Russia, search skills through the process projects. The second one is a more and experiment more with all tire world is changing rapidly. Uni- achieve an objective. The weekly Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Arme- of writing a thesis. In today’s practical model of profession- ideas especially related to innova- versities are being challenged more sessions provide 12 stratagems, or nia took part in the event. Russian highly-competitive environment als in education and business tive ways of capacity building and and more by shifting employment tactics, for being a successful re- sportsmen took all gold medals. Ka- this may not be enough. Strata- working together. Obviously, developing human potential for the patterns and growing pressure from searcher. Each session consists of zakh athletes got silver and bronze in gem blends formal and informal it is where new start-ups in benefit of us all. I think Stratagem external stakeholders who require knowledge building for “research- the 50 kilogrammes category, silver teaching, offline and online, prac- education can gain a real im- is one of those ideas that have been graduates to have a multitude of er-like” thinking, practice sessions in the 80 kilogrammes and bronze in tical and real-life ways of learn- petus,” she said. realised to build a new trend in skills, particularly in relation to and experience transfer during the the 80 kilogrammes and up catego- ing to reflect the complexities of Shilibekova noted the signifi- training researchers in universities research. But those changes and meetings with practitioners from ry. Mas-wrestling is a Yakut ethnic research in the 21st century,” said cance of representing Kazakhstan and beyond,” she said. shifts take place at the local scale different industries, disciplines and sport. Participants sit in front of each Shilibekova. at the conference for the first time Stratagem’s first international and can be dealt with only by solu- countries. other, prop their feet against a board that divides the competition area and tug on a wooden stick, making sure to keep it parallel to the propping board. Mas-wrestling demands great muscular strength of the hands, legs, President Kazakhstan Marks back and abdominals.

The “Miss Kazakhstan 2015” annu- Congratulates Nation Human Rights Day al national beauty pageant took place at the Palace of Peace and Harmony in Astana, as reported by Kazinform. Organisers introduced a fan vote this on Independence Day year for the first time in the history of the Miss Kazakhstan competition. Continued from Page A1 been running. In 2015, 120 pro- Thirty women from different regions jects worth 800 billion tenge start- of the country took part in the com- “The presidential election in ed to operate, 10,000 permanent petition, with 17-year-old Alia Mer- 2015 showed that we have suc- job places were created, thousands genbayeva from Aktau winning the cessfully become a united nation. of square metres of housing were title. In addition, juries chose the top Keeping and strengthening unity offered for young people and low- five beauties, including Miss Uralsk and harmony are not easy jobs. income families.” Veronica Zalata, Miss Taldykorgan It takes wisdom and tact, vision The President went on to em- Aidan Kanaybayeva, Miss Astana and mutual respect of all citizens phasise other significant events Kamila Temirova, Miss Karaganda of our country. Science says that in the life of the country over the Renata Nurgazina and Miss Aktau every ethnic group in the world past year. “Kazakhstan joined the Alia Mergenbayeva. The results of has at least one unique quality, World Trade Organisation. The the competition were announced by which means that the population Eurasian Economic Union began Olympic champion cyclist Alexander of Kazakhstan has 100 special and functioning. This year Kazakhstan Vinokourov. The winner of Miss Ka- unique features. This is an exclu- has entered the list of world’s top zakhstan 2015 in addition to a cash sive advantage of our country. 50 exporters, ranking 43rd. We prize of 5 million tenge (US$14,542) Each ethnic group in Kazakhstan have a growing generation of mo- will receive a special prize – a tradi- is our asset and a great treasure. bile, literate and creative young tional Kazakh dowry handmade by For 20 years, the Assembly of the people. This year, 500 people grad- fashion designers. People of Kazakhstan has success- uated from Nazarbayev University, fully fulfilled the mission as a chief which has become on a par with the Scientific works of Karl Baipa- curator of this wealth. Independent world’s leading universities. To- kov were presented in the National Kazakhstan is our large family and gether with the IAEA, Kazakhstan Academy of Sciences in Almaty on sion of human rights is relevant to other normative acts aimed at im- our common home,” said the Presi- established the [low enriched ura- By Malika Orazgaliyeva Dec. 9, Zakon.kz reports. Baipakov dent. nium] nuclear fuel bank, located in Kazakhstan’s Plan of the Nation proving the situation of children,” is a professor and one the most fa- and the improvement of human said Sultanov. Nazarbayev pointed out that the our country. The third Kazakh cos- ASTANA – A round table discus- mous Kazakh archaeologists. The 21st century has opened to man- monaut Aidyn Aimbetov made the rights mechanisms in Kazakhstan During the discussion, the inter- event was held as part of celebrating sion devoted to Human Rights Day kind a new dimension of the world flight into orbit. We have begun the in accordance with international national and national experts gave Almaty as the capital of Islamic cul- organised by the Human Rights economy and politics, information implementation of the Plan of the standards. a positive assessment of human ture in 2015. The presentation was Commission under the President and social space. Nation. It is symbolic that we will During the conference, the sides rights mechanisms in Kazakhstan. supported by the Islamic Education- of Kazakhstan took place in Astana “Colossal changes are taking start implementing it on the eve of exchanged views on a wide range In conclusion, Abdykalikova al, Scientific and Cultural Organisa- Dec.10. place in the entire architecture of the 25th anniversary of Independ- of issues concerning the imple- congratulated the participants with tion (ISESCO) and the Almaty ad- the world. Many problems of the ence,” said Nazarbayev. The round table was chaired by mentation of human rights and the successful defence of three na- ministration. global development have surfaced. The President noticed that dur- Secretary of State Gulshara Ab- freedoms guaranteed by the Con- tional reports to the UN Human Today, 1.2 billion people live in ing the years of independence, Ka- dykalikova, Chairman of Kazakh- stitution and current legislation of Rights Council and UN treaty bod- A new method is developed in areas of the planet plagued by con- zakhstan has made an incredible stan’s Human Rights Commission Kazakhstan. ies this year. Zhezkazgan to reduce the harmful flicts and instability,” he noted. leap in its development. Kuanysh Sultanov and Deputy For- The participants reported on im- According to the official website effects of heavy labour on the human “Daily, 42,000 people are forced “I was also informed today that eign Minister Samat Ordabayev. plementation of the norms of in- of the UN, Human Rights Day is body, according to Kazakh TV. The to leave their homes in search of Kazakhstan moved 14 positions up The event included Vice Minister ternational law, improvements to observed every year on Dec. 10. It old saying to drink milk to support security. More than 13,000 terror- in the Human Development Index. of Justice Elvira Azimova, Perma- national human rights protection commemorates the day on which, hard work was taken as the basis of ist attacks have claimed the lives It is a great achievement for us,” nent Representative of the United mechanisms and advancements in in 1948, the UN General Assembly the new method, but improved by of 33,000 people. We must remem- Nazarbayev emphasised, referring Nations Development Programme judicial and non-judicial protection adopted the Universal Declaration adding vitamins to the milk. A new ber that and value that we live in to the new UN Human Develop- (UNDP) in Kazakhstan Norimasa of human rights in Kazakhstan. of Human Rights. In 1950, the as- plant for the production of fortified a completely different set of cir- ment Report ranking Kazakhstan Shimomura, Deputy Head of the The speakers noted the impor- sembly passed resolution 423 (V), dairy products was launched within cumstances – we are building our 56th, an improvement from the International Organisation for Mi- tance of international treaties on inviting all states and interested the State programme of Accelerated own stable and dynamic country in 70th position a year ago. gration (IOM) Mission in Central human rights ratified by Kazakh- organisations to observe each Dec. Industrial and Innovative Develop- peace and security.” “There are no doubts that future Asia Tatiana Hadjiemmanuel, EU stan that are oriented at improv- 10 as Human Rights Day. ment (SPAIID), creating some 40 Mentioning the current tensions generations of Kazakhstan will ap- Delegation Ambassador to Ka- ing human rights mechanisms and The Universal Declaration of new jobs. The plant’s production ca- and the stagnation in the large preciate and be proud of our ac- zakhstan Traian Hristea, Head of strengthening the national human Human Rights, the most translated pacity is 48 tonnes annually, which quarters of the world economy, complishments. They will figure the Organisation for Security and rights protection system. document in the world, has been allows it to provide healthy milk to Nazarbayev said that “despite out the examples of wisdom, tar- Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) “In the Kazakhstan 2050 Strat- proclaimed “a common standard workers at local non-ferrous metals these challenges, we have retained geted actions and inflexible resist- Programme Office in Astana Na- egy, President Nursultan Naz- of achievements for all peoples plants. The company’s management the positive dynamics of growth of ance to any difficulties,” concluded talia Zarudna and local diplomatic arbayev stressed the protection of and all nations.” In a preamble and is going to increase production and our economy. The second five-year the head of state. corps. childhood. Kazakhstan has rati- 30 articles, it sets out fundamental intends to supply vitamin drinks to plan of industrial development and Kazakhstan marked its Inde- In her welcoming speech, Ab- fied a number of conventions and human rights to be universally pro- employees of all industrial enterpris- the Nurly Zhol programme have pendence Day on Dec. 16 and 17. dykalikova noted that the discus- adopted more than 90 laws and tected. es in Kazakhstan. A3 eurasia&world

Wednesday, december 23, 2015

EXTERNAL news in brief EAEU Elects Kazakhstan 2016 Chair During Belarus and Kazakhstan are the countries most trusted by Russians among the former Soviet republics, according to the results of a public Moscow Heads of State Meeting opinion poll by the Public Opinion Studies Foundation. Belarus and Ka- Continued from Page A1 eral educational cooperation, noting lective Security Council of the The discussion focused on ed organisational documents, zakhstan won the support of 72 and 50 that more than 500 students from Ka- Collective Security Treaty Or- strengthening regional security and including adeclaration by percent of respondents respectively, “We continue work on bringing zakhstan study at the PFUR. ganisation (CSTO). Sargsyan, Lu- stability, as well as combating in- heads of CSTO member states while Ukraine has only 1 percent and our customs and technical regu- Earlier in the day, Nazarbayev kashenko, Putin, Atambayev and ternational terrorism. on countering international is at the bottom of the list amid hos- lations to the same standards. took part in a meeting of the Col- Rahmon also attended. The participants also adopt- terrorism. tilities in its largely Russian-speaking All of these efforts give a posi- east. Surveys were conducted among tive effect. I am sure that without 1,600 people in 46 regions of Russia. existing agreements, our econo- Belarus and Kazakhstan are consid- mies would have been affected ered to be the most reliable partners much stronger,” Putin said. of Russia, winning 68 and 53 per- In addition, Nazarbayev met cent support respectively. Belarusian with Patriarch of Moscow and All President Alexander Lukashenko and Russia Kirill and was awarded the Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh arbayev are the most respected leaders of the first class. in the Commonwealth of Independent Nazarbayev thanked the Rus- States, with 63 and 45 percent of sup- sian Orthodox Church for its high port among Russians. evaluation of Kazakhstan’s policy to strengtheninterreligious accord. The demarcation of the border be- Nazarbayev and Head of the Peo- tween Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan ples’ Friendship University of Rus- was discussed by Kazakh and Uzbek sia (PFUR) Vladimir Filippov also demarcation committees in Tash- discussed cooperation between the kent on Dec. 12, Trend news agency leading universities of Kazakhstan reports. At the meeting, the parties and Russia and the potential for gen- continued preparing documents. The previous meeting on the subject took place in Shymkent in August. As of today, the process of demarcating the 2,000-kilometre border is almost fin- Canada, Central Asian States Discuss Major ished.

Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- arbayev was named 2015’s Person of Challenges to Security Governance in Astana the Year in Russia in the international relations category, Interfax reports. drug trafficking, energy and nuclear The 9/11 attacks in the U.S. had stan, he said. Central Asia has the to the whims and turmoil of its By Michelle Witte He also won this award in 2012 and security, and transboundary water driven home some key lessons, in potential, culturally and geographi- neighbours.” 2014. According to the Russian Bio- management. particular, the importance of prepa- cally, to be a “shield” against terror- However, Hoagland said, despite ASTANA – Discussions at the graphical Institute and Institute for Discussion moderator, former Am- ration in conducting communication ism, if the countries and the world occasional meetings in bilateral final roundtable of the inaugural Economic Strategies, the President bassador of Canada to Kazakhstan, after a disaster. “There were tremen- can cooperate. He also called for and multilateral formats, “there re- Central Asia Security Innovation of Kazakhstan was awarded for his the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan dous lessons to learn to be prepared more brainstorming events and con- ally has been a notable absence of Conference at the Library of the First achievements in international policy and CIGI senior fellow Margaret ahead of time politically to speak, to ferences among the Central Asian region-wide cooperation.” By setting President in Astana Dec. 9 highlight- and efforts toward strengthening the Skok, explained, “We needed yester- give messages to a public that was states and foreign partners. aside personal rivalries for the great- ed the importance of preparedness, Eurasian Economic Union. Belaru- day and today to listen to what Central wanting to hear something. To be Former Ambassador of the United er good, a Central Asian bloc could communication and cooperation in sian President Alexander Lukashenko, Asian government officials viewed supportive to neighbours and also to States to Kazakhstan (2009–2011) help fully modernise and harmonise dealing with security and other is- Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Cuban their priorities in security governance be able to speak to our own security and Tajikistan (2003–2006) Richard customs regulations and strengthen sues, with speakers placing particu- President Raul Castro, former Presi- to be. We also wanted to be able to ex- forces.” Hoagland shared a vision of the kind border security and over time, sup- lar emphasis on the need for more dent of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiyev, plain some of our security approaches Deputy Director for Analysis, of cooperation that could drive Cen- port regional trust and partnerships Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia conversation between Central Asian to see if there was a match. And once Planning and Foreign Policy Coordi- tral Asian prosperity. Central Asian with countries on the outside. Kirill, Academician Leo Bokeria, film states. we understand well what the priorities nation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs states may bemoan their “bad neigh- One major internal requirement director Nikita Mikhalkov and others “The ability that we have to link are, we would like to invite represent- of the Kyrgyz Republic Taalaibek bourhood,” but Central Asia “does for such a bloc to work, however, were also nominated for the award. arms, on technical levels, on se- atives of the five Central Asian gov- Adzhikulov outlined the priorities of not have to be the passive victim of is to end “endemic and sometimes curity levels, on health levels, on ernments to Ottawa next summer to his state in his comments, including its neighbours.” government-sanctioned” corruption. Kazakhstan and Germany are co- information-sharing, is what will get actually begin sharing our governance preventing drug trafficking, working It can become a strong, prosper- That’s a tall order, he said, but it can operating in transport, logistics and us through moments that could oth- models – so that’s policy and legisla- more cooperatively and transpar- ous region, he said, “but it would be done given political will at the top infrastructure, according to Kazakh erwise be disastrous,” said former tion. This is not a project planning ini- ently on the use of water resources, need to begin to move beyond the of each member states. TV. German businessmen at the Ber- Minister of International Trade and tiative; this is one where we actually ensuring the safe storage of nuclear isolationist, go-it-alone mindset of Central Asia – currently isolated lin Eurasian Club meeting on Dec. 15 former Minister of Public Safety of knowledge-share.” Such knowledge materials and, of course, preventing the past quarter-century. It would and disconnected – could significant- said that Kazakhstan is not only Ger- Canada Stockwell Day, stressing the sharing on these challenges is urgent- Central Asian citizens from joining need to set aside differences and ly benefit from participating more many’s major trade partner in Central way cooperation and preparation can ly needed, she said. international terrorist groups and competitions among its member fully in the global economy, but Asia, but is also an important transit mitigate the effects of disasters in his Day, in his remarks, provided a from returning home to sow discord. states and become a region to be the fundamental shifts and reforms hub. Participants of the event noted the opening remarks at the roundtable. sketch of the lessons Canada had He also lamented the Central Asian reckoned with in its own right, not needed cannot be imposed from the important role of Kazakhstan in the re- The two-day conference, organ- learned from disasters within its brain drain. in relation to another large coun- outside, he said. Central Asian states construction of the new Silk Road and ised by the Canadian Centre for In- borders and among its neighbours. From Uzbekistan, head of the Sci- try. By forming a unified bloc – themselves need to understand that it expressed their intention to participate ternational Governance Innovation “Sudden, unexpected events test the entific Educational Centre of - Cor we might call it the Association of is in their interest to do so. in the global project. The business- (CIGI) in cooperation with the gov- infrastructure and the social fabric of porate Governance of Uzbekistan Central Asian States – you would Also participating in the event men say that Europe is getting closer ernments of the five Central Asian any group of people, of any country, Oybek Makhmudov also called for find greater strength and security in were Deputy Head of the Chancel- to Asia thanks to the new Silk Road. states, was intended to provide an of any nation and of any region. And more cooperation within Central unity and would enhance the pros- lery of the President of the Kazakh- Experts reported that container trans- opportunity for exchanges on secu- the more prepared we are for those Asia and between the Central Asian perity of all of its citizens. But if stan Bakhytzhan Temirbolat and portation increased by 160 percent this rity governance challenges, focusing events, the better we will get through region as a whole and multilateral Central Asia continues on the same former Canadian Deputy Minister of year, compared with 2014, with deliv- on what had been identified as the them and the more we can learn for organisations to fight terrorism. It is path it has followed for the past Foreign Affairs and former Director ery times reduced. Freight that once five major challenges: anti-terrorism, similar events that might take place high time to pay serious attention to quarter-century since independ- of the Canadian Security Intelligence took 45 days to reach Germany from border management, human and in the future,” he said. international terrorism in Afghani- ence, it will continue to be subject Service Reid Morden. China by sea now arrives in 14 days by land through Kazakhstan. deepening co-operation between workers, businesses, and govern- The Commonwealth of Independ- ments around the world to craft a ent States (CIS) Executive Committee Kazakhstan Jumps 14 Positions Global Deal to guarantee workers’ held a summarising meeting in Minsk rights. The International Labour Dec. 17, as reported by Kazakh TV. Organisation’s recent convention Executive Secretary of the CIS Sergey for paid domestic workers points in Lebedev stated that economic coop- in UNDP Human Development Index this direction; and promoting fair eration is a priority of CIS countries Continued from Page A1 inequalities, including when it comes domestic education, 39 percent are According to Clarke, the report income, security in the workplace, in 2016. He highlighted that almost all and social protection for workers innovations in developing partnership to gender. But decent work needs to satisfied with healthcare quality and concludes with a call for global and national action to guarantee work- and their families through the Decent in the coming year will primarily be The UNDP has also included a play a central role in furthering de- 53 percent of respondents say they feel safe in Kazakhstan. According ers’ rights and promote sustainable Work Agenda of the International aimed at strengthening cooperation in Gender Inequality Index in its an- velopment efforts,” said Cihan Sul- tanoglu, assistant administrator and to the report, 60 percent trust the work in the fast changing world of Labour Organisation (ILO).” the economic field. Summing up the nual report, where Kazakhstan ranks 52nd. The index reviews several director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau national government and 43 percent work. “This new global Human Devel- results of 2015, Lebedev said that the indicators, such as Maternity Mor- for Europe and the Commonwealth trust the country’s judicial system. “Three particularly important pro- opment Report is an urgent call to difficulties associated with the fall in tality Ratio (26 deaths per 100,000 of Independent States. “Countries The lowest rate here goes to actions posals highlighted by the report are: tackle one of the world’s great de- oil prices have affected national econ- live births), Adolescent Birth Rate can now build on their success if they to preserve the environment. establishing a new social contract velopment challenges – providing omies, but at the same time prompted (29.9 births per 1,000 women ages focus more on education and skills, This year is the 25th Human De- between state, society, and private enough decent work and livelihoods states to strengthen their partnership. 15-19), Share of Seats in Parlia- participation and social protection,” velopment Report, now named the sector to improve social protection; for all,” Clarke stressed. ment (20.1 percent held by women) she added. Work for Human Development. The President of Kazakhstan Nursultan and Labour Force Participation Rate Developing skills, pursuing tech- report highlights impressive progress Nazarbayev took part in the Collective (67.7 percent of women and 77.9 of nology transfers and addressing in- on human development over the past Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) men). Leadership in these areas goes equalities among generations can quarter century. Council Session and the meeting of to Slovenia with Switzerland second help workers overcome the skills “Today people are living longer, the Supreme Eurasian Economic and Germany third. Russia and Bela- mismatch, the report says. more children are in school and Council held in Moscow Dec. 21, rus are 54th and 31st in the ranking Kazakhstan’s population trends more people have access to clean Kazinform reports. The presidents respectively. are also displayed in the report. It is water and basic sanitation. Per capita of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ar- The report urges countries to im- expected that by 2030, the country’s income in the world has gone up and menia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan prove women’s lives by ensuring population will reach 18.6 million poverty has gone down, resulting in took part in the CSTO Summit. Key equal pay, providing decent parental people. The UN currently estimates a better standard of living for many issues of strengthening regional secu- leave and tackling the harassment it at 16.6 million (although the of- people. The digital revolution has rity, stability and effective measures and the social norms that exclude so ficial statistics within Kazakhstan connected people across countries against terrorism were discussed. At many of them from paid work. It also already put the number at above 17 and societies. Work has contributed the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian calls for more equitable distribution million). The annual growth rate has to this progress by building people’s Economic of care work. Europe and Central been 1 percent since 2010. The ur- capabilities. Decent work has pro- Asia should also develop targeted ban population is 53.3 percent. The vided people with a sense of dignity Council, the presidents summed up strategies to eradicate human traf- fertility rate is 2.4 births per women. and an opportunity to engage fully the results of the first year of the Eura- ficking, the report says. Before 2010, it was 2.0. in society,” said UNDP Administra- sian Economic Union and determined “The developing countries of Eu- Perceptions of well-being were as- tor Helen Clarke as she presented the plans for future development of the rope and Central Asia have main- sessed as well. According to data, 46 report in Ethiopian capital of Addis organisation. tained comparatively low levels of percent of people are satisfied with Ababa on Dec. 14. A4 economy

Wednesday, december 23, 2015

economy Experts Say More Efforts KTZ Touts Achievements news in brief The state budget allocated 97 bil- lion tenge (US$284.9 million) for in Effort to Make the Almaty budget for 2016, accord- Needed by Government ing to Zakon.kz. The decision was made at the meeting devoted to the State of the Nation and the funds Country Regional will be used for the most impor- and Individuals to Protect tant projects. State investments will be decreased next year by 70 bil- Transportation Hub lion tenge (US$205.6 million), but Almaty Akim (Mayor) Bauyrzhan Kazakh Cyberspace Baibek said the city administration By Kamila Zhumabayeva better with legal bodies, because don’t know what a network firewall plans to raise the investment amount By Yerbolat Uatkhanov those which can afford the technol- is and what it is made for. I don’t to 75 billion tenge (US$220.3 mil- ASTANA – Kazakhstan Temir ogy work on information protection. discuss about other devices designed lion). The Almaty administration Zholy National Company (KTZ) ASTANA – Cybercrime hap- Many legal entities which faced for information protection. I would has already signed contracts worth President Askar Mamin said the pens routinely. Kazakhstan passed information theft or were attacked like to emphasise that many compa- 25 billion tenge (US$73.4 million) company will create about 16,000 a law on information privacy two make an extra effort because of the nies try to spend as little money as with private companies and plans to new jobs within the Nurly Zhol pro- years ago and continues to expand negative experience and financial possible, buying very cheap equip- use the funds to construct 14 kinder- gramme, that it will launch the pro- efforts to support cybersecurity, losses. The exception is financial ment which isn’t able to protect their gartens, three schools and a hospital. duction of Tulpar-Talgo wagons in but it seems like ordinary residents organisations, which have to pro- information in the proper way. But I Kazakhstan will not ban currency 2016 and that it plans to export 200 don’t realise the threat. tect information under legislation would like to state that our govern- export, according to TASS news Talgo passenger railcars to Iran. “As for me, our citizens don’t care and are controlled by special state ment understands that it is necessary agency. President Nursultan Naz- about information security at all. A bodies. State bodies are particularly to pay enough attention and it spends “The head of state set the task arbayev highlighted the government good example – home networks. Ap- protected, especially after the public money for information security. The to make Kazakhstan a trade, trans- is not planning to ban currency ex- proximately only 1 percent of their speech by Kazakh President Nursul- state is working in this field. Maybe port and logistics hub in the re- Photo: ortcom.kz port, because it would run counter Askar Mamin owners think about their protection. tan Nazarbayev approximately two it doesn’t work so fast, but it does gion and KTZ is the operator of to market economy principles and Most Internet users, for example years ago when he noted the society work,” said Shin. this programme in the sphere of Kazakhstan’s entire financial policy. negotiating to supply 200 Talgo pas- Megaline users (Megaline is the ma- has collected information for years Sabirov considers educating cy- transport infrastructure develop- The government adopted an anti- senger railcars to Iran. The company jor Kazakhstan Internet network) and now must protect it. bersecurity experts to be a tricky sit- ment,” Mamin said during the Dec. crisis plan for the next three years, has a contract for 40 electric locomo- uation, because they must constantly 21 press conference at the Central which specifies many measures to tives to Azerbaijan and is consider- Shin: “Kaspersky Laboratory specifies that improve their training and the best Communications Service. de-dollarise the economy and boost ing other countries as well. a mobile phone in Almaty contains some six of them use any opportunity to learn Nurly Zhol is an important pro- the attractiveness of financial instru- something new. gramme to fight the economic cri- “Today, Iran is a huge market that ments in tenge. viruses, which is a lot for one device. As of Shin does not view any specific sis and create jobs, he said, adding was opened. For trials, we sent our today, our society is not protected against the nation as a model for Kazakhstan in that it will also help spur transit Talgo train there. It was working for Kaztransgas plans to invest ap- the field of cybersecurity. development. a month and received good reviews. proximately 95 billion tenge up-to-date threats of cyberspace. I consider that “Every state is unique and it de- Approximately 1,700 kilometres Today, we are at the stage of nego- (US$279 million) in the gas in- many countries where access to the Internet velops in one’s way. Of course, it of new railway lines have been built tiations regarding the export of 200 frastructure of Kazakh cities and is necessary to analyse situations in over the last six years along with oth- passenger railcars to the market of towns, reported TASS news agency. isn’t a problem face the same challenges. It is other states and get the best prac- er logistics infrastructure facilities. Iran,” Mamin stated. The company also plans to construct necessary to explain the danger to all Internet tices of other countries. It is ex- Mamin also noted KTZ plans to He also said the company will be 5,000 kilometres of new gas pipe users in Kazakhstan now more than ever.’’ tremely important to train our own produce wider passenger railcars in more efficient and updated after un- lines during the next two years in ad- experts and analysts. As for me, the Kazakhstan in 2016. dergoing privatisation. dition to the 2,000 kilometres built basics of information protection Taking into account that the Tul- “With regard to privatisation. this year. Kaztransgas has a huge don’t care about cybersecurity in their “The Ministry of Internal Affairs and cybercrimes subjects should par-Talgo train is rather narrow and Tomorrow, Dec. 22, there will be a gas transportation system, which homes,” said RRC Director Sergey and Ministry of Defence don’t fight be implemented by all educational the fact that the company wanted to government meeting during which includes more than 30,000 kilome- Shin, who actively participates in all against cybercrimes in the state in institutions including secondary make new offers to the market, the the list [of KTZ companies that will tres of gas distribution networks, activities against cybercrimes. general, because they have other schools. If we do this, we will have new project of a passenger railcar be subject to/put for privatasation] in excess of 15,000 kilometres of Internet Association of Kazakh- aims, but a special department of a competent generation and really was developed, said Mamin. will be affirmed. Together with the main gas pipelines, 56 compressor stan President Shavkat Sabirov the National Security Committee good experts in this field in 10-15 “We will have a 30 centimetres government, we have also fulfilled stations and three underground gas agreed. does. Also, there is a special state years,” Shin added. wider new body chassis the follow- the list of companies that are subject storages. The company supplies “Kaspersky Laboratory specifies body which develops and imple- “The EAEU (Eurasian Economic ing year. That is to say, we are plan- to privatisation,” Mamin said. commercial gas to more than seven that a mobile phone in Almaty con- ments special rules and standards Union) has its own cybersecurity ning to release several compounds According to him, mainly, those million customers in the country. tains some six viruses, which is a lot for legal bodies to protect informa- system. But unfortunately, this secu- with wide railcars at our factory in [the list of companies subject to for one device. As of today, our soci- tion. Unfortunately, I can’t say its rity system is limited by its perimeter 2016 in Astana,” he stated. privatisation] are the company’s The National Bank and govern- ety is not protected against the up-to- name,” said Shin. defence. That is, only borders are By 2017, KTZ is also planning non-core assets and the company ment are developing appropriate date threats of cyberspace. I consider He added training experts in cy- protected. But as you know, infor- to launch an Astana-Urumqi daily would like to focus on its core ac- measures and new approaches for that many countries where access to bersecurity is in the initial stage. mation is often stolen internally. I high-speed train, serviced by a tivities of rendering transport and pension fund management and in- the Internet isn’t a problem face the There is currently not a system in consider that information security Tulpar-Talgo train, on the Astana- logistics services. vestment, reported Today.kz. The same challenges. It is necessary to ex- place to develop individuals and requires a package approach, taking Almaty-Urumqi route. “We see that after part of our National Bank made the decision plain the danger to all Internet users in those with expertise often migrate into account a host of factors includ- The vice-president of KTZ Berik functions are transferred and sold, Dec. 9 to invest funds only in gov- Kazakhstan now more than ever. Our from one company to another one. ing control, monitoring and adminis- Kamaliyev also announced that the company will become more ef- ernment securities, but this decision people interact with each other in so- “Many universities of Kazakhstan tration,” he said. the company is not planning to in- ficient and more updated and we is considered temporary. In his Nov. cial media and don’t care about fraud already have an Expert in Informa- Sabirov added there is no state in crease the cost of passenger tickets will be able to meet challenges 30 State of the Nation address, Presi- and blackmail threats,” he said. tional Security specialty. Unfortu- the world that can currently feel se- until the end of 2015. that confront it more adequately,” dent Nursultan Nazarbayev ordered Shin noted the situation is much nately, many people in Kazakhstan cure against cybercriminals. According to Mamin, KTZ is also Mamin concluded. the National Bank and government to use the pension fund only to cor- rect the state budget deficit and stop business credit, assuring the safe- Global Ecological Fund Expected to Allocate guarding of citizen’s assets. Net investment in the Unified Na- tional Pension Fund for 11 months of 2015 exceeded 632 billion tenge, $9 Million for Forest Ecosystem Management (US$1.8 billion) reports Bnews. for the study of saiga mortality and tical indicators, 17 percent of land clusion of policies of forests, ”Hunting and agricultural work kz. As of Dec. 1, the sum of pen- By By Kamila Zhumabayeva preservation of snow leopards in ecosystems must be covered by fish, hunting and agricultural are prohibited during spring or au- sion savings was 5.64 trillion tenge Kazakhstan. specially-protected natural territo- sectors into issues of sustain- tumn migration. There is no route (U$16.4 billion), according to the ASTANA – Kazakhstan, in col- The number of saiga is expected ries, but this index is equal to 2.3 able use of biodiversity,” Kerte- for transition of large mammals report, with average annual growth laboration with the United Na- to increase once the results of the percent in Kazakhstan.” shev emphasised. anywhere. It is a big problem, be- in savings of 20 percent. tions Development Programme project are implemented, according The speakers also specifically He added most countries enter- cause we create artificial obstacles In autumn 2016, Kazakhstan’s (UNDP), submitted an application to Ustemirov. stressed the importance for the ing the Convention on Biological that way,” he added. Ministry of Finance intends to in- for $9 million to the Global Eco- “In addition, we will strengthen Kazakh government to accept and Diversity have confirmed their Five projects for preservation troduce a bill on the bankruptcy logical Fund (GEF) for the pur- measures to protect saiga. We hope implement the concept that was strategy for 2020-2030, while of the desert and semi-desert eco- of persons, Minister of Finance of pose of forest ecosystem manage- to increase the population,” he developed for sustainable use con- in Kazakhstan the project went system, sustainable wildlife man- Kazakhstan Bakhyt Sultanov told ment, representatives announced added. servation of biodiversity until 2030 through primary agreement among agement and implementation of journalists at a recent press briefing, at the Dec. 8-9 national scientific As part of its project, until 2020 in order for the nation to fulfil its state bodies and is no longer mov- financial mechanisms of biodi- Bnews.kz reports. The new law is and practical seminar held by the the UNDP wants to determine for- obligations for the Climate Change ing. versity and ecosystem preserva- part of a general shift toward new UNDP in Kazakhstan and the na- est absorbent capacity and the pas- Conference in Paris. “We need this concept because tion are currently being realised approaches in dealing with bank- tion’s Ministry of Agriculture. ture ecosystem that belongs to eco- “If we want to systematically being a country of the convention, within UNDP projects on biodiver- ruptcy that would allow businesses UNDP’s intention to determine system management services, said ensure the preservation of bio- Kazakhstan made a commitment sity conservation, stated the UNDP to continue to function, thereby sav- forest absorbent capacity, saiga Kerteshev. diversity and the ecosystem for on biodiversity conservation via press release. ing jobs. Sultanov noted that the mortality and migration path prob- “This work was started, but in- our future generations, we must specially-protected natural territo- Preservation of Kazakhstan’s ministry has until March to develop lems were also raised. ternational methods that would accept this concept that exam- ries and to establish it, a strategy is highland diversity and steppe the new overall bankruptcy concept, At the press briefing, acting be adapted for Kazakhstan’s con- ines biodiversity conservation needed,” said Kerteshev. ecosystem are among other pro- and intends to submit a specific draft chairman of the Ministry’s Forest- ditions are needed,” he added. via specially-protected natural According to Novosti Kazakh- jects where the main emphasis law to Parliament next fall. ry and Wildlife Committee Kairat “Overall today, according to statis- territories and stipulates the in- stan news agency, project activities will focus on creating new spe- Ustemirov announced the collabo- aimed at solving the existing prob- cially-protected territories, said The Almaty rating agency Expert rative activity of UNDP and the lems with saiga migration and lack Kerteshev. RA Kazakhstan (RAEX) announced ministry in the field of biodiversity of programmes on species manage- “When, for example, a national this year’s winners for best annual preservation and combating land ment will be outlined, proceeding park is being created, a five-year reports, Tengrinews reported. The degradation. from problems and threats to the management plan is made prompt- top 10 included KAZ Minerals, “As for the UNDP project, we animals. ly. Protection, scientific and eco- Samruk-Energo, Kazakhtelecom, are planning a project; an appli- “Today, Kazakhstan lacks sepa- logical enlightenment and tourism Samruk-Kazyna, KEGOC, Nostrum cation for a new project related to rate targeted programmes on man- activities unfold to foster the rural Oil and Gas, the Central-Asian Elec- forest ecosystem management was agement of species: saigas, snow youth on biodiversity conservation. tric Power Corporation, SevKazEn- already submitted to the Global leopard, sturgeons and turanga. Additionally, local residents earn ergo, PavlodarEnergo and the Damu Ecological Fund. There is also one Those programmes are necessary. money through rendering services Fund. The Damu Fund won for best more component – saiga study,” he We must know the conditions in for ecotourism development,” he annual report in the financial sector. said. “The project is quite big and which saiga live, threats that em- added. According to RAEX, the quality worth about $9 million. GEF will anate from them and migration Reserves established by the gov- of reporting has improved in 2015, consider it now. There is prelimi- paths,” said Kerteshev. ernment, including Akzhaik, Ural, with average scores rising 6 percent nary approval; if everything goes Ensuring preservation of migra- Altyn Dala in the steppe zone, to 4.62 points. A number of com- well and GEF approves it, the pro- tion routes for animals is an impor- Dzhungar Alatau National Park in panies have improved on mistakes ject will begin next year.” tant issue. He noted a proposal was Almaty region and Buiratau in Ak- made in previous years and moved UNDP Biodiversity Projects made that the transport network molinsk region were created within forward, they noted. This is the fifth must be provided with migration UNDP projects. More than 400 ru- Manager Talgat Kerteshev an- Speakers at the Dec. 8-9 national scientific and practical seminar held by the year the contest has been held, and nounced that $4 million of the $9 UNDP in Kazakhstan and the nation’s Ministry of Agriculture as part of UNDP routes, for example, in the form of ral residents are currently working about 130 reports were reviewed, million it plans to commit will be biodiversity projects. tunnels. in the areas. according to Tengrinews. A5 Business

Wednesday, december 23, 2015

BUSINESS news in brief Kazakhstan Weathers Difficult 2015, The Coca-Cola Company will launch production of non-alcoholic beverages in Astana in 2016. Invest- President Says in Year-End Interview ment will total $70 million, with plans to create 300 jobs. Construc- sic pension and scholarships,” well as Kazakhstan’s accession to tion of the facility has been finished, By Aiman Turebekova said Nazarbayev. the World Trade Organisation. according to Kaznex Invest Chair- The President stressed that re- The President highlighted the man of the Board Borisbiy Zhangu- ASTANA –­ Kazakh President ciprocal sanctions between Russia country’s relationships with lead- razov. He said lemonade and kvass Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed and the West, the deterioration of ing nations and international finan- (a traditional fermented beverage how Kazakhstan fared in 2015 dur- Russian-Turkish relations and the cial institutions and his 2015 visits commonly made from black or reg- ing a recent interview with national decline in the economic dynamics to China, the U.K. and France as ular rye bread) will be produced at television channels Kazakhstan of China have negatively impacted well as his discussions in Astana the facility using lime and orange, and 24KZ. Kazakhstan’s economy. with leaders of foreign states and cola and citrus fruits. The output by “During the years of independ- Speaking about relations between governments. “This notion pro- 2020 will be 400 million litres, he ence, Kazakhstan has experienced Moscow and Ankara, Nazarbayev vides confidence and points out added during a Central Communica- several crises. We understood the said “the situation does not bring that the country has respect among tions Services press briefing. situation and anticipated this nega- benefit to anyone. If common sense countries, which is the result of our tive trend, although we did not ex- prevails, the parties will reach a com- actions in 24 years of independ-

Transportation of Kazakh grain pect that everything would be so zakon.kz Photo credit: promise. The best way to reduce ten- ence,” said Nazarbayev. through Iran to the Persian Gulf be- difficult. The price of oil fell dur- sions is negotiation and consensus. I He also expressed pride in the gan this year, reported zakon.kz. The ing six months from $115 to $40. tion address to the Kazakh people,” the country is stable. “We try think this is in the interests of both country’s new, modern capital as route became possible due to devel- The reduction in exports, including Nazarbayev said. to make every effort to protect countries, as well as Kazakhstan.” a symbol of the growing nation. opment of the Aktau Sea internation- metals, gas and others, has reduced Despite the difficulties of to- people from the consequences Nazarbayev also noted key “Over the years, we have created al port, especially its grain terminals. the country’s revenue. Combining day’s reality, including the fur- of the crisis; for instance, by in- events from 2015, such as the an entirely new country and a new As construction of the railroad to the all this, we have figured out further ther slump in tenge’s exchange creasing salaries for employees planned signing of an enhanced generation. They are absolutely gulf was finished, Kazakhstan has steps. I informed about these steps rate, the President maintained in budgetary institutions begin- partnership and cooperation agree- open young people, without any discovered excellent opportunities through my recent state-of-the-na- that the overall situation within ning Jan.1 as well as raising ba- ment with the European Union as complexes,” he said. and new markets for grain export. There are plans to start exporting to Azerbaijan and southward in the re- gion using the new route. With help from Canada, Ka- Samruk Kazyna Top Nazarbayev zakhstan hopes to become a major force in the beef world, according to producer.com. Kazakhstan Her- eford Association, created in 2011 Management to Be Launches after 25,000 head of Hereford, An- gus and Simmental were imported from Canada, the U.S. and Australia to improve the quality of native Reduced by Nearly Half Projects in Key livestock, not only imported cattle deal with the creation of new indus- from Canada, but also copied all its By Kamila Zhumabayeva tries and management of the current systems. The Kazakh government portfolio, according to the chair of launched a new farm programme ASTANA – The top management the fund. Economic Sectors which allowed it to import any breed of the Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Shukeyev stressed the importance construction of the complex,” to improve local herds. There are Wealth Fund will shrink from 16 to of the so-called “quick wins” factor By Yerbolat Uatkhanov Kazakh TV reported him as say- two million head of native Auliekol nine managing directors as part of to accelerate the transformation. ing. and Kazakh White-Heads, a Her- its transformation process, Chair of Thus, the fund has already been ASTANA – President Nursul- President Nazarbayev con- eford cross with local cattle. the Samruk Kazyna Board Umirzak marking several important victo- tan Nazarbayev launched 18 new gratulated and wished success Shukeyev announced Dec. 8 at the Photo: inform.kz ries at this stage, according to the industrial projects in eight prior- to Halliburton Company, saying Kazakhstan and Malaysia plan to congress dedicated to transforma- similar holdings and sovereign speaker. ity fields of the economy during “Kazakhstan, as an oil country, develop joint medical tourism, as tion of the state-owned fund, its wealth funds and with the partici- Overall, about 2,000 processes New Kazakhstan Industrialisa- considers the production of barite quoted by 24.kz. The agreement was website reported. pation of consultants from Deloitte, within the fund have been reviewed tion and the Results Achieved in concentrate a very important pro- made during the visit of the Kazakh While presenting the new func- BCG and McKinsey. At first, the as part of the transformation pro- 2015 national teleconference at ject. Moreover, it will be supplied Ministry of Healthcare delegation to tional model of the fund, Shukeyev commercial unit will be signifi- cess, first announced in 2014, and a the Independence Palace in Asta- to the Russian oil sector. It is a Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian hospitals focused his attention on the fact that cantly strengthened within the new system of key performance indica- na on Dec. 11. long-awaited facility. We have are accredited according to interna- Samruk Kazyna will have three ba- model, according to the website. tors (KPIs) was developed. “Our major goal is processing been cooperating with the Halli- tional standards and use the most up- sic directions in the future: commer- “In other words, we want to The grading system of employees and increasing the added value. burton Company for a long time. to-date technologies. The Kazakh cial unit, including portfolio man- move from the controller model to will also change to raise standards You make a great contribution. Let’s work, good luck!” agement of current assets; corporate experts became acquainted with new the model of commercial portfolio on demand and functionality of the Projects implemented under the Founder of Capital Project, unit, including finance, human re- treatment modes and presented their manager. Thus, the fund will cre- holding’s personnel to international industrialisation programme tar- Ltd. Maxim Bozhko is a strong source management and operational own achievements in medicine. The ate a new value by itself and will levels. A new system of procure- support; and monitoring, which will main aim of the visit was the devel- cease to perform the function of ment that through categorisation incorporate compliance as a new opment of medical tourism between an administrative superstructure to and centralisation is expected to “Our major goal is processing and function. the countries. Malaysia has great ex- activities of national companies,” save up to 380 billion tenge (more The model itself is developed increasing the added value. You make a perience in curing diabetes, cancer Shukeyev said. than US$1 billion) annually is also from the best world practices for and bone marrow, thyroid and liver About 60 percent of the staff will a priority of the fund. great contribution. Projects implemented diseases. Kazakhstan needs the ex- perience and has already adopted the under the industrialisation programme practices. target import substitution and increases in foreign investments. Two enterprises were Rosatom, the Russian State Atom- National Chamber of ic Energy Corporation, and Kazakh- also built with foreign capital,” President stan’s Energy Ministry may soon sign an intergovernmental agree- Nazarbayev said during the event. ment on construction of a nuclear Entrepreneurs, US Business power plant in Kazakhstan, report- ed New Europe news agency. The get import substitution and in- supporter of the industrialisation new 3+ generation Russian nuclear Council Sign Cooperation MoU creases in foreign investments. programme, saying, “Together power plant, which has successfully Two enterprises were also built with German investors, we built for International Understanding isation founded as a White House with foreign capital,” President a new meat processing plant on passed all stress tests according to Staff Report the requirements of the International (BCIU) signed a memorandum of initiative by President Dwight Ei- Nazarbayev said during the event. the basis of the poultry farm in Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has understanding on Dec. 9 in Wash- senhower in 1955. Today, it links Approximately 3.8 trillion Akmol village. At that, 400 jobs The National Chamber of En- been presented as the most secure ington, according to the 24KZ TV the government and the private tenge (US$11.3 billion) has been were created. The plant’s capac- trepreneurs (NCE) Atameken in the world, as the dome of its nu- channel. sector by bringing together about allocated for the construction of ity is 20,000 tonnes of chilled clear reactor can even withstand the and the U.S. Business Council The BCIU is nonpartisan organ- 200 large companies. industrial facilities over the past poultry meat annually and 300 fall of a Boeing 747. Kazakhstan is Deputy Chairman of Atame- six years. At that, the enterprises tonnes of deep-processing prod- ranked first in the world in uranium ken Nurzhan Altayev and BCIU have already returned almost 8.5 ucts per year. The project is part reserves. In May 2014, Russia and Senior Vice President Jeff Don- trillion tenge (US$25.5 billion) in of the food belt of Astana and it Kazakhstan signed a memorandum ald discussed investment partner- production and taxes. Four agri- will fill the needs of the city, as on cooperation to construct a nu- ships. Kazakhstan is interested in cultural projects were launched, well as decrease meat imports by clear power plant in Kurchatov in U.S. entrepreneurs investing their including enterprises for the pro- 15 percent.” East Kazakhstan. Rosatom recently capital in the processing industry duction of fast food, a meat pro- President Nazarbayev dis- opened its regional office for pre- and the agriculture of the coun- cessing plant in Aktobe and two cussed the problem of establish- liminary preparations for the first try. The U.S. has a great interest poultry farms. New companies ing new industrial companies and nuclear power plant construction in this cooperation as well. in light industry and the con- their bankruptcies because of bad project in Kazakhstan. “Earlier, U.S. companies were struction industry, petrochemical business. He highlighted that 95 mainly interested in oil and gas, industry, alternative energy and percent of all launched compa- The major cargo-carrying compa- but now they are interested in engineering started operating as nies are operating now and these nies of Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azer- investing in other sectors, es- well. Such companies as a die- companies export products to the baijan and Turkey have established pecially in agriculture and the sel engine producing plant and a amount of 1 trillion tenge (US$3 a consortium to transport goods food industry. They consider pharmaceutical company in the billion) annually. Also, President from China to Europe, according Kazakhstan a kind of window Almaty region and a sewing-ma- Nazarbayev called on the com- to Interfax. In 2016, movement of to the market of Russia and Chi- chine producing plant are really panies to work on the transition Chinese goods will be started thor- na,” said Altayev. important for Kazakhstan and to a service-industrial model of ough Georgia to Turkey and Europe. Donald said that President will substitute imported goods, the economy, attracting foreign There are plans under the project to of Kazakhstan Nursultan Naz- creating thousands of permanent investment and innovation and deliver the goods through Ukraine to arbayev’s recent state of the na- jobs for Kazakh people. knowledge-based production. He Northern and Eastern Europe in the tion speech also talked about the Operating Officer of the Hal- also noted that the fact that 30 next year. The consortium will con- attraction of investment into the liburton Company James Taylor foreign companies have decid- sist of Chinese Mishgeng Logistics, country. said: “I am a representative of the ed to re-invest in Kazakhstan’s Kazakhstan KTZ Express (a sub- “In my opinion, this is the right Halliburton Company which is economy serves as a good indica- sidiary of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy), move, and we will use that possi- operating in more than 80 coun- tor of the state’s stability. Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping, Azer- bility to enter the Kazakh market. tries worldwide. Thanks to your Besides launching different baijan Kazavan Logistics and Trans We are ready to offer all the nec- policy and favourable investment plants, President Nazarbayev Caucasus Terminals (a subsidiary of essary conditions for the close co- climate, we got the right of sub- commissioned the project of the

Georgian Railroad Company). Tur- Photo: palata.kz operation of American businesses soil use in a short period of time. Aktau Sea International Port in a key will be represented as an allied Deputy Chairman of Atameken Nurzhan Altayev and Senior Vice President of with Kazakh entrepreneurs,” said Today, together with our Kazakh northerly direction and the Aktau member of the consortium. the Business Council for International Understanding Jeff Donald. Donald. partners we have completed the Sea Northern Terminal. A6 EDITORIAL&opinion

Wednesday, december 23, 2015 Interethnic Harmony One Netherlands Interested in 100 of Biggest Achievements of Concrete Steps, Nurly Zhol, 24-Year-Young Kazakhstan Kazakh Ambassador Says s Kazakhstan looks back on its 24 years as Nursultan Nazarbayev, the country has forged a strong Kazakh socio-economic develop- an independent country, there is a great deal sense of national purpose based on a clear vision and a By Bulat Kambarov ment? to celebrate. Its rise from such a troubled belief that everyone should be treated equally. In this context, the great interest start to an upper-middle-income economy, But leadership, although important, is not enough on Dutch Prime Minister Mark of the Dutch political and business whichA has seen the standard of living of its citizens its own. It is the way that millions of citizens choose to Rutte visited Astana Dec. 2 for a circles in the 100 Concrete Steps increase twelve-fold, is an extraordinary achievement. behave in their daily lives which, in the end, decides the trip heavily focused on econom- Plan of the Nation and Nurly Zhol So, too, is how Kazakhstan has established itself direction of a society. ic cooperation. We interviewed – the Path to the Future should be within the international community. Within a genera- It is the good sense and sound character of the Mainyura Murzamadiyeva, Ka- noted. The proof of this are Rutte’s tion, it has earned a reputation as a trusted partner that Kazakh people that has built a country with an interna- zakhstan’s Ambassador in The words during a meeting with Naz- works to promote peace and dialogue within the region tional reputation for tolerance and harmony. Kazakh- Hague, to discuss the results of the arbayev that “the 100 Concrete and across the world. stan can take pride in having created a society where visit and the state of relations in Steps programme will allow your But perhaps the greatest pride should be reserved everyone, no matter what their background, is valued general. country to comply with OECD for the way a stable and harmonious society and a and can make a contribution. (Organisation for Economic Co- strong national identity have been forged from such This is the collective achievement which, above How would you characterise the operation and Development) stand- a diverse population, for this is something that can’t all else, the country celebrates on Independence Day current trade and economic rela- ards”. be imposed artificially, but has to be nurtured from on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17. It is the opportunity for all tions between Kazakhstan and the Rutte also noted that about 50 the ground up. Kazakh citizens to take pride in the type of country Netherlands? steps from the 100 Concrete Steps There are, of course, plenty of examples of countries and society they have built since our nation gained its Today Astana considers The Mainyura Murzamadiyeva refer to economic reforms and the with much longer histories that have failed this test. independence in 1991. Hague as one of its key partners in Netherlands is ready for effective They, sadly, remain fractured and weak, bitterly divided No country in an inter-connected world is, of course, Europe and intends to expand bilat- cooperation with Kazakhstan. The along ethnic, religious or cultural lines. truly independent. The globalised economy has eral political and economic ties. attracting foreign investment, the Dutch Prime Minister named ag- This could all too easily have been Kazakhstan’s fate. brought increased opportunity and prosperity but it also An important aspect of Ka- visit has practical importance and riculture, water engineering, small After all, a combination of our position on the great means that difficulties elsewhere, whether economic or zakh-Dutch relations is trade urgency. and medium enterprises, infra- trade routes and an often tragic history have resulted in political, quickly spread. Kazakhstan, like many other and economic ties. The Nether- structure and the oil and gas sector more than 100 ethnic groups living within our borders. nations, faces a challenging year ahead. lands is the number one investor How would you characterise as promising areas. Far too many were sent here originally against their As this paper has said before, we can draw comfort in Kazakhstan’s economy. Since the current state of the highest- will. both from how past challenges have been overcome our independence the amount of level contacts between Kazakh- Recently, Rapil Zhoshybayev, This geography and difficult past also explain why, and the measures already put in place to chart Kazakh- direct investments in Kazakhstan stan and the Netherlands? commissioner of EXPO 2017, within our country, can be found the followers of all the stan’s way through the storms ahead. But the country’s from companies registered in the Relations between the two paid a visit to the Netherlands. great faiths. In a region in which ethnic and religious greatest asset is the strength of its society and its sense Netherlands has reached $59 bil- countries are developing in a What were the results? tensions are rarely far from the surface, this mixture of national purpose. lion. friendly and trusting nature. The Indeed, on Nov. 19-20, the Ka- could have been a recipe for division and instability. Kazakhstan’s Independence Day holiday may not Foreign trade turnover between countries demonstrate similar po- zakh delegation headed by the We do not have to look far to see countries that are stretch back centuries as it does, for example, in the Kazakhstan and the Netherlands sitions on major international is- commissioner of EXPO 2017 struggling to keep the lid on tensions and prejudice. United States. While we have a long history as a remains at a fairly high level and sues. Rapil Zhoshybayev visited the Such divisions threaten to undermine the progress of people, our modern country is very young. But just at the end of 2014 amounted to $9 In recent years, we have seen Netherlands. The main purpose of many nations across the world. as with the Fourth of July, it has already become a billion. During the third quarter steadily-developing bilateral con- the visit was to obtain official con- Good leadership has, of course, helped prevent the moment for national unity and great pride that is of 2015, the volume of bilateral tacts at the highest level. So, on ​​ firmation of the Netherlands to take fracturing of Kazakhstan’s society. Led by President celebrated in towns and cities all across Kazakhstan. trade was at $3.9 billion. March 23-25, 2014, on the eve part in the international specialised Today, a number of major of the Nuclear Security Summit, exhibition EXPO 2017, as well as Dutch companies operate in Ka- Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- attracting foreign investment and zakhstan. One of them is Royal arbayev made an official visit to Dutch expertise and technology in Dutch Shell, which has invested the Netherlands. During the visit, the field of renewable energy. around $8 billion in the develop- the second in the history of bilat- During the business forum, rep- ment of the Kazakh oil and gas eral relations between the coun- resentatives of more than 40 Dutch industry. tries, the sides paid special atten- companies underlined that the Fu- Along with Shell, large Dutch tion to nuclear disarmament, new ture Energy theme of EXPO 2017 engineering companies such as directions of trade-economic, in- is of big interest and expressed CB&I, Witteveen + Bos and Van vestment, scientific-technical and their willingness to present their Oord, which provide comprehen- energy cooperation, including en- projects in 2017 in Astana. sive services in the field of en- vironmental issues, the develop- The main outcome of the visit ergy infrastructure in the Caspian ment of transit and transport po- was the Netherlands’ confirma- Sea, operate in Kazakhstan. The tential, cooperation in agriculture tion that it will take part in EXPO famous brand Philips provides and innovation. 2017. On Dec. 2 in the presence large facilities in Astana with On May 19-20, the visit of Ka- of the two heads of government, lighting equipment, as well as bibulla Dzhakupov, Chairman of Akhmetzhan Yessimov, chairman high-tech developments for lead- the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the board of Astana EXPO 2017 ing Kazakh medical institutions. who also acted as the Special En- and Hans Driesser, the Dutch Am- Currently, more than 1,000 voy of the Kazakh President, on bassador in Kazakhstan, signed an joint Kazakh-Dutch enterprises the issue of Kazakh candidacy agreement on the participation of which are engaged in geological for non-permanent membership the Netherlands in EXPO 2017. exploration, production and pro- on the United Nations Security cessing of agricultural products, Council for 2017-2018, was a How has the cultural and hu- consumer goods and services are continuation of contacts at the manitarian cooperation developed registered in Kazakhstan. highest level. between the two countries? From an economic point of One of the most significant In this area the Kazakh Em- view, the visit of Dutch Prime events of the year was Rutte’s bassy in the Netherlands, with Minister Mark Rutte, heading Dec. 2 visit to Kazakhstan. Dur- the active cooperation of Kazakh an impressive delegation of the ing the visit, the head of the Dutch state bodies, actively works on Dutch business community in- government met with our head of expanding cultural, scientific and cluding the heads of such world state, Massimov and the speakers educational ties between the two concerns as Unilever, ING Bank, of both chambers of the Kazakh countries. Thus, within the first Shell and others to Kazakhstan Parliament. During the meetings, world tour of the Astana Opera on Dec. 2 was important. The the sides discussed issues of fur- theatre, a concert was held in Rot- programme of the visit included a ther strengthening cooperation in terdam in November of last year, meeting with Kazakh Prime Min- trade, energy, agriculture, transport where masterpieces of Kazakh ister Karim Massimov followed and space technologies, as well as and foreign music performed by by a working lunch with business the further development of partner- the best Kazakh artists were pre- circles of the two countries in the ships in the framework of coopera- sented to the Dutch public. presence of the two prime minis- tion between Kazakhstan and the One of the last major events of ters. European Union (EU). The sides this year is the opening ceremony In order to strengthen coopera- also exchanged views on topical of Astana Square in Rotterdam, an- tion between Kazakhstan and the issues of the international agenda. nounced during the official visit of Netherlands in the strategically- The head of state noted that the the head of state in March 2014. important agricultural sector, Netherlands ranks first among EU Nazarbayev University and Sci- the Dutch side gave the Kazakh countries in terms of investment in ence Park Eindhoven, the world’s side the Dutch government’s in- our country. leading science and technology vitation for 10 professionals and In turn, Rutte noted that the 100 park, are actively developing co- leaders in the sector to visit the Concrete Steps plan implemented operation in the framework of the Netherlands. by Kazakhstan and aimed at di- cooperation agreement. The priorities for economic co- versifying the economy, as well as This year we published books in operation are oil and gas, agricul- Kazakhstan’s entry into the WTO Dutch, particularly a translation of ture, infrastructure and logistics, (World Trade Organisation) and “Book of Words” of Abai Kunan- maritime operations and consult- completing the process of prepar- bayev and books describing the tra- ing services. ing an enhanced partnership and ditions, culture and way of life of One of the successful outcomes cooperation agreement with the the Kazakh people. In this context, of the visit was the announce- EU, offer ample opportunities for it should be noted that on a regular ment made by Van Oord. Accord- deepening bilateral cooperation. basis we maintain close contacts ing to the statement, the company “I believe this agreement will with representatives of the Kazakh awarded several new contracts in set a completely new quality ba- Diaspora permanently residing in the Caspian Sea worth over $500 sis for political and economic ties the Netherlands. Diaspora repre- million. between our countries,” stressed sentatives are regularly invited to I believe that taking into ac- Rutte. cultural events, seminars, etc., in count the current economic situa- which they can get acquainted with tion in the country, as well as the What can you say about the the latest achievements in social orders of the Kazakh President on awareness of Dutch society on and political life in Kazakhstan.

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Wednesday, december 23, 2015 Kazakhstan, China Sign $50 Billion Worth of Deals in 2015, Ambassador in Beijing Says cantly increase container shipments and Traditional Religions, in which tives of Nurly Zhol, the new Kazakh plementation, the second part is in By Bulat Kambarov from China to Kazakhstan and fur- a large Chinese delegation partici- economic policy, and SREB, we are the preparatory phase and the third ther to Russia, Europe, Central Asia pates on a regular basis. considering the creation of a joint part is in the process of negotiations. As Kazakhstan and China look and the Caspian region. By the end Traditionally close cooperation working group to agree on a com- It should be emphasised that all the back at the year of intensive diplo- of the year, it is expected to transport has been established through the mon ground and specific activities. companies are brand new. We are not macy and economic cooperation and 250,000 containers and by 2020 – Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Hopefully, efforts of the two coun- talking about the transfer of outdated plan for next year, we interviewed 500,000. which contributes to regional secu- tries to further align Nurly Zhol and or used plants and production lines Kazakh Ambassador to China Currently, we are working dili- rity and the promotion of economic SREB will open new investment from China. There is an agreement Shakhrat Nuryshev to provide an gently to harmonise the draft agree- and humanitarian cooperation. opportunities for both Chinese in- on the training of Kazakh specialists in-depth insight into the fact-paced ment on water allocation on trans- vestors in Kazakhstan and Kazakh to work with advanced and high-tech relations and their impact on the two boundary rivers. The experts of the How do the two countries inter- companies in China. equipment in the new facilities. countries. two countries within the Kazakh- act to align Nurly Zhol, the new Shakhrat Nuryshev Chinese joint commission on the Kazakh economic policy, with the Throughout the year, China and How do you assess the outgoing How long have you been in Chi- use and protection of transboundary Chinese initiative Silk Road Eco- Kazakhstan have been carrying out year of Kazakh-Chinese relations? na? When was the first time you state in response to our voluntary rivers established a constructive dia- nomic Belt? extensive work on industrialisation In my opinion, 2015 has been visited China? renunciation of our nuclear arsenal, logue which should lead to the final The initiative to establish the Silk and investment or, as our Chinese a very intensive year in terms of My appointment to the high posi- and the final settlement of the- bor result that would take into account Road Economic Belt (SREB) was colleagues say, on the transfer of bilateral contacts. There were mu- tion of Ambassador of Kazakhstan der issue contributed to a significant the interests of both parties, includ- first announced by China’s President production capacity. How is this tual visits of the two Presidents and to China took place in February. This intensification of political dialogue ing various economic, social and en- Xi Jinping during his state visit to work being implemented? several meetings on the sidelines of is my fifth long-term visit to China. and mutual trust at all levels. Just vironmental aspects. Kazakhstan in September 2013 in The agreement on cooperation in multilateral events. My first acquaintance with this over the past two years, the leaders Having experience in holding a Astana. this area was reached between the country, its rich history, culture, lan- of the two countries have met more variety of global events, China has Later it was paired with another head of state and Premier of China’s One of the significant events of guage and traditions began with my than 10 times. This frequency of already confirmed its participation idea of China’s leader, the construc- State Council Li Keqiang during his the year was the Aug. 30-Sept. 3 admission to the faculty of Oriental meetings enables them to compare in the international specialised exhi- tion of the 21st century Maritime visit to Kazakhstan on Dec. 14-15, state visit of the Kazakh President Studies of Kazakh National Univer- notes on the most pressing interna- bition EXPO 2017. We are studying Silk Road, and released as a single 2014. to China and his participation in the sity in 1989. In 1991, I was fortunate tional and regional issues and de- the experience of Shanghai, where concept called One Belt, One Road This work is based on the desire parade commemorating the 70th to be among the Soviet students who termine the guidelines of mutually- EXPO 2010 was held with over- in March 2015. of both parties to render economic anniversary of the victory in World came to study at Beijing University beneficial bilateral cooperation. whelming success and was attended It should be noted that this ini- development innovation with an War II. Following the visit, the two of Languages and since then my life For several years China has re- by around 73 million people. tiative’s objective is a gradual tran- emphasis on the promotion of high- Presidents adopted a joint declara- has been closely tied to China. From mained Kazakhstan’s largest trade As you know, the head of state sition from attracting foreign exper- tech and knowledge-intensive in- tion on a new stage of comprehen- the moment the Kazakh embassy to partner, whose share in the total declared 2017 as the Year of Chi- tise, equipment and technology to dustries. We are working on creating sive strategic partnership, which, in PRC (People’s Republic of China) Kazakh trade turnover exceeded 20 nese Tourism in Kazakhstan. In the the active participation of Chinese joint production assets in Kazakh fact, launched a new era of Kazakh- was established in December 1992, percent. short term, there are plans to sign enterprises in foreign markets with territory. Amid the global economic Chinese cooperation. I worked my way up from the duty In spite of the obvious decline in an agreement on group tourist trips their own equipment, technology slowdown, this work is gaining high This December, we expect the of- officer to the head of the mission. bilateral trade this year due to the fall from PRC to Kazakhstan. I believe and financial resources. In order to social importance. ficial visit of Kazakh Prime Minister I am aware of the unprecedented in prices for major Kazakh exports, that this step will help to attract Chi- implement this initiative, the Asian In order to promote cooperation in Karim Massimov to China and its credence that the head of state gave extensive efforts are being taken nese tourists to Kazakhstan. Last Infrastructure Investment Bank with this area, the two governments set up participation in the SCO (Shanghai to me to represent my homeland in to diversify products shipped from year, more than 110 million Chinese a capitalisation of $100 billion and a mechanism of interaction between Cooperation Organisation) Council the country whose role, place and Kazakhstan. I hope that in the near people travelled abroad and spent Silk Road Fund ($40 billion) were the Kazakh Ministry for Investments of Heads of Government meeting importance in the global order both future we will be able to agree on up to $140 billion. Development created. and Development and PRC National (Dec. 14). I believe that given the politically and economically in- relevant documents that will ensure of group tourism will give a major The main objective of the SREB is Development and Reform Com- global economic instability, regular creases every year. I am committed an export system of wheat flour, oil- boost to the growth of small and me- to improve infrastructure and facili- mission, i.e. industrial and invest- contacts at the governmental level to performing my duties responsibly seeds, livestock products, soybeans dium businesses in Kazakhstan, the tate trade, financial and investment ment cooperation meetings. Since are crucial in the coordination of and to contributing to the strength- and other agricultural products to service sector in general and tour- cooperation. Kazakhstan is the first December 2014 we have held seven economic and trade cooperation and ening of the Kazakh-Chinese com- the Chinese market. Despite the fact ism, hotel and restaurant business in country situated along the SREB. meetings, resulting in the selection promotion of the stable growth of the prehensive strategic partnership. that China is the largest agricultural particular. We expect that it will also We were among the first countries of 45 promising joint projects worth two economies. This year, the devel- country today, it is equally interested have a positive impact on the EXPO to express support for this initiative more than $20 billion. opment institutions and commer- How do you assess the current in importing a variety of organic and 2017 payback. and have already started contribut- As you know, in accordance with cial structures of the two countries state of bilateral relations between eco-friendly agricultural products. Cultural and humanitarian coop- ing to it. Our major contribution is the State Programme for Acceler- signed an impressive investment Kazakhstan and China? Energy cooperation is developing eration is deepening every year. This the construction of the Kazakh sec- ated Industrial and Innovation De- agreement package worth more than Our relations with China have successfully. The two countries have year, our Embassy held Abai Read- tion of a 2,700-km Western Europe– velopment for 2015-2019 the prior- $50 billion, which is definitely posi- deep historical roots and have always already established a large network ings, made a presentation of the Western China highway, which will ity sectors are metallurgy, oil and tive for the growth of trade turnover been one of the traditional priorities of oil and gas pipelines. Just the national game togyz kumalak and be completed this year. It is expected gas processing, chemical industry, between Astana and Beijing. of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy. We other day, we held a commissioning translated and organised the screen- that after the commissioning of the machine building, construction ma- We established a regular dialogue will celebrate the 25th anniversary ceremony of the third line (Line C) ing of the epopee “The Way of the highway, freight traffic on the Ka- terials and food industry. Foreign at the deputy prime minister level as of establishing diplomatic relations of the main Kazakhstan-China gas Leader” on China Central Televi- zakh section will reach 30 million investors in these sectors are granted co-chairs of the China-Kazakhstan between our countries on January pipeline that connects Turkmeni- sion. tonnes per year. with the greatest public benefits and cooperation committee. Mutual vis- 3, 2017. During this period, succes- stan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and China actively supports Kazakh- We look forward to closer coop- preferences. its of specialised ministers and re- sive multi-level contacts between China. stan’s initiative to convene the Con- eration with China in transport and Almost all these industries are gional governors became systemic. the two countries have grown into A significant shift has been ference on Interaction and Confi- logistics, which will create a solid covered by the above mechanism of All of the above-mentioned facts strong bonds of friendship, good achieved in transport cooperation. dence-Building Measures in Asia, foundation and favourable condi- industrial and investment coopera- prove that the two countries are neighbourliness and mutual respect. Through the active use of the joint having assumed its chairmanship tions for further growth of coopera- tion between Kazakhstan and PRC. mutually interested in developing a Security assurances given to Ka- terminal in the Chinese port of Li- for 2014-2018, and the convening tion in trade and investment. Currently, one third of the projects long-term and predictable, compre- zakhstan by China, being a nuclear anyungang, we managed to signifi- of the Congress of Leaders of World Given the similarity of the objec- are already in the active phase of im- hensive strategic partnership. A Dozen Ways to Diversify Kazakhstan’s Economy By Peter Humphrey National Aeronautics and Space stylish, rail-transportable, modest- sion: adventure tourism, eco-tour- cinematographic landscapes is in- Administration in its success with sized homes to tempt consumers in ism, archaeology/geoglyph tourism comparable within the country – an Like many hydrocarbon-rich space industry “spin-offs.” Russia, Japan, Korea and Kazakh- (with hot air balloons!), anthropol- unexploited market awaiting proper countries, Kazakhstan feels itself (6) Home décor/folk art/crafts- stan itself. ogy tourism, folk art tourism, fish- incentives. vulnerable to its “monoculture” manship. Anyone who has been to (11) An explosion in tourism. ing tourism and photography tour- Little things like this can help se- economy, the lifeblood of its suste- Kazakhstan is charmed by its tradi- Kazakhstan’s potential for high ism. Tourism’s main barrier? The cure the nation, increase employ- nance since independence – and a tional “exotic” crafts. The potential margin niche tourism is almost be- high cost of transport, which can ment and aid global trade integration sort of dependence addiction. The for export to emporia of western chic yond comprehension, but it must be ameliorated through a volume at the onset of WTO accession. Here recent plummet in petroleum prices (Harrods, Bloomingdales, Le Print- avoid the temptation of prioritis- partnership with the region’s price lies one consumer awaiting the prod- has made that peril all the more clear. emps, Corte d’Anglais or Galeria ing untouchable world class 5-star point leader: Turkish Airlines. uct diversity from this grand land. Wishing to avoid the fate of “Nauru Kaufhof) is enormous. Marketing. hotels; for every touring aristocrat (12) Cinema. Cinema. Cinema. without guano,” the country is try- Marketing. Marketing. there are a dozen backpackers, sen- If little Okinawa can generate mil- The author is a Washington, ing vigorously to diversify its econ- (7) Emergency housing – could iors and young families that would lions from film-making, Kazakhstan DC-area international affairs ana- omy as insurance against other price there be a better quick assembly love nothing more than a cozy pen- can quintuple that. The variety of lyst and former U.S. diplomat. shocks, anti-carbon global warming shelter than the Central Asia yurt or campaigns and that far future when gher? Imagine a modern materials the resource does indeed diminish. edition that is low-cost, amenable to Its path appears far more sound than places of low literacy, easy to trans- that of the several similarly-depend- port, and stocked by governments ent Arab states with whom it com- and aid agencies world-wide: fields petes. Here are some ways to help of yurts appearing within 48 hours of the cause: better industry for a landlocked na- a tsunami, typhoon, hurricane, earth- (1) It is well enough to supply ex- tion? A disproportionate number of quake, landslide or flood. traordinary quantities of “raw” hy- Bolashak fellowships should go to (8) Value added food exports (e.g. drocarbons or fossil fuels, but there Kazakhstan’s computer “nerds.” oil seed extraction). Food provided a is potential for upgrading products (4) Value added on metals extrac- lovely advance for the Turkish econ- to achieve greater profit margins. tion: let Kazakhs make the pots and omy and there is no reason for the Refinement means desirable special pans and hardware and samovars and Kazakh economy not to do likewise, grades of oils and lubricants and tar. bed frames and rails and auto parts exporting prepared foods to China, Import of costly Silk Road materials and medical implements that come South Asia, Iran and Turkey. As an can be minimised. Ultimately, a mas- from those metals rather than let- American, I cannot wait for the ex- sive plastics industry seems inevita- ting them be made in Japan, Korea, oticism of our first Kazakh fast food ble and the embrace of 3D printing China, Russia or India. restaurant. could mean occupation of high mar- (5) Aggressive marketing of (9) Ponder the possibility of a gin product niches. launch services – by any standard competitive rail industry. With its (2) Export electricity instead of a huge growth industry with only new General Electric/Kazakhstan fuel for someone else to make elec- a half dozen competitors. To make Temir Zholy locomotive plant, Ka- tricity. The transport and environ- it profitable, this will mean a sort zakhstan is well positioned to ex- mental impacts can be much less. of “import substitution” wherein port engines, railcars, streetcars and (3) Some disreputable Kazakhs Kazakhstan duplicates capabilities trolleys to China, Central and South (without government involvement) now coming from Russia. Kazakh- Asia and may even undercut costly have been suspected in some dread- stan should evolve toward greater Japanese and Korean production. ful hacking interventions, but the flip capability redundancy in its launch And let no one undersell Kazakhstan side of this skill is an extraordinary industry, increasing profit mar- on Silk Road rail contracts! potential for the kind of IT expan- gins and insuring against any ser- (10) Turn timber into energy- sion we have seen in Estonia. What vice interruptions. Mimic the U.S. efficient pre-fabricated housing – A8 eurasia&world

Wednesday, december 23, 2015 Kazakh Prime Minister SCO Prime Ministers Visits China, Expands Meet in China, Focus on Economic Ties Further Boosting Cooperation governments on the procedure of issuing visas for business purposes. Massimov also met with Govern- ment of Jiangsu Province Chairman in Times of Crisis Shi Tayfen. The interlocutors dis- a number of decisions on approval iting emissions in the atmosphere, cussed prospects to continue expand- By Malika Orazgaliyeva of various financial and economic including greenhouse gases, as ing cooperation in trade, economy, documents. well as reducing the proportion of transport and logistics and in particu- The 14th meeting of the Coun- Massimov stressed the necessity energy consumption. lar increasing traffic flow through the cil of heads of government of the during times of continuing global In this connection, Massimov Kazakh-Chinese logistics park at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation economic crisis to boost multilat- invited leading companies from port of Lianyungang. (SCO) member states took place eral cooperation in order to ensure SCO member states to participate After the meeting, Massimov Dec. 14 in Zhengzhou (Henan prov- sustainable socio-economic growth in the upcoming EXPO 2017, the became acquainted with the park’s ince), China, reported the organisa- of the member states, according to international exhibition high- work and launched the first con- tion’s website. the Kazakh prime minister’s web- lighting future energy to be held tainer train shipment on the Lian- Kazakh Prime Minister Karim site. in Astana. By Malika Orazgaliyeva together. First is One Belt – One yungang-Kazakhstan-Russia-Bela- Massimov, Chinese Premier of the “It is important to implement The government heads noted the Road, a programme of President rus-Duisburg, Germany route. State Council Li Keqiang, Kyrgyz joint projects in industrial produc- joint work of the SCO member states Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Xi Jinping. Second is Nurly Zhol, During his Hong Kong visit, Prime Minister Temir Sariev, Rus- tion, provide conditions for a stable in close cooperation with the or- Massimov participated Dec. 12-13 a programme of President Nursul- Massimov met with Chief Execu- sian Prime Minister Dmitry Med- inflow of foreign investment and ganisation’s observers and dialogue in the third session of the Kazakh- tan Nazarbayev. These two pro- tive Leung Chun-ying. The parties vedev, Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir develop mutual trade,” he said. partners, based on the principles of Chinese Business Council (KCBC) grammes complement each other discussed prospects of developing Rasulzoda and Uzbek First Deputy The prime minister noted food transparency, mutual respect, equal- in Beijing, China, and visited Hong and link the work of the business trade, economic and investment Prime Minister Rustam Azimov at- security as another direction for ity and openness for all interested Kong, reported the prime minis- council,” he said. cooperation. In addition, Massi- tended the meeting. cooperation, both in SCO terri- parties, will facilitate gradual stable ter’s website. He noted significant results were mov discussed expanding bilateral economic growth in the interest of Following the conference, the achieved in trade and economic ties at a session with representa- During the session, the delegation heads keeping and supporting peace and sides signed a package of bilateral cooperation, as well as good neigh- tives of Hong Kong’s largest busi- stability in the region. Implementing commercial documents totalling bourly relations between the two ness companies. exchanged views in a constructive and the Silk Road Economic Belt initia- more than $10 billion. The agree- countries. China General Nuclear Power tive was cited as an example. ments included memorandums of During the visit, Massimov held Corp. also inked a deal with Kaz- businesslike atmosphere on a wide range of The prime ministers also discussed cooperation between Kazakhtele- a meeting with Chinese Premier of atomprom to build a nuclear fuel international and regional economic growth the development and expansion of com and China Telecom Global, the State Council Li Keqiang. assembly plant and mine uranium equal and mutually-beneficial co- KazMunayGas and Sinopec and Ka- “This year has been full of mutual deposits in Kazakhstan, reported issues and discussed prospects and measures operation in the tourism field, not- zakhstan Petrochemical Industries visits at the highest levels, thanks to ecns.cn. Cooperation between the ing existing cultural, historical and Inc. and China National Chemical which our bilateral relations entered firms on uranium development and for improving economic and humanitarian economic ties, as well as creating Engineering Co. An agreement on a new stage of strategic partnership. nuclear fuel fabrication was initi- cooperation... beneficial conditions for peoples’ construction of an integrated gas and We appreciate a high degree of trust ated in 2006 and they have a joint communication and strengthened chemical complex in Atyrau region and understanding between our venture in uranium mining. During the session, the delega- tory and the entire world. He added exchanges. They stressed the impor- and a memorandum of understand- countries,” he added. According to Reuters, China tion heads exchanged views in a the importance of collaboration in tance of the first world conference ing between Central Asia Gold Corp. In turn, Li expressed China’s Energy Company Ltd. also agreed constructive and businesslike atmos- the areas of healthcare, education, on tourism development to be held and Shenyang Lianli Copper were interest in deepening a mutually- to acquire 51 percent of a KazMu- phere on a wide range of interna- innovations, tourism, sports and in China in May 2016. also inked. beneficial partnership on the entire nayGas unit that mainly owns refin- tional and regional economic growth transportation, as well as the cul- The participants of the meeting Addressing the event, Massimov spectrum of bilateral relations. ery and fuel assets in Europe. The issues and discussed prospects and tural and humanitarian spheres. also included SCO Secretary-Gener- said KCBC, established at the ini- The negotiations resulted in the agreement was part of a package measures for improving economic The participants addressed al Dmitry Mezentsev, Regional Anti- tiative of the two heads of state, is signing of several documents, in- worth $4 billion signed in Beijing and humanitarian cooperation to stronger cooperation on environ- Terrorist Structure Executive Direc- becoming an effective dialogue cluding a joint statement of the for oil and gas, telecommunica- further strengthen the mutual under- ment protection, exchanging ex- tor Zhang Xinfeng, SCO Business platform for the Kazakh and Chi- heads of government, a programme tions and nuclear power and other standing and traditional friendship perience on building an energy- Council President Sergey Katyrin nese business communities. of cross-border Kazakh-Chinese sectors, with China looking to between the peoples of the member efficient economy, promoting and Interbank Consortium Council “There are two important pro- cooperation for 2015-2020 and a ramp up business with its resource- states. The event concluded with the transition to low carbon footprint Authorised Representative Vladimir grammes that bring our countries draft agreement between the two rich Central Asian neighbour. signing of a joint communiqué and development and reducing or lim- Dmitriev. Kazakhstan, EU Sign Landmark Agreement to the fact that we want to invest in a strategic partnership, in a strategic relationship with Central Asia,” said Mogherini. She also emphasised that Central Asia and the European Union can benefit from enhanced cooperation in education, the environment, en- ergy, trade and investment as well as security cooperation and stability and countering radicalisation. “We have discussed concrete op-

Photo by vlast.kz tions for countering terrorism and security cooperation and also some Continued from Page A1 and religious extremism, as well as ideas on how to work together on the increase of migratory flows. “We one regional issue – that is also a Shortly before the more recent managed to have a productive dis- high priority for the European Union final EPCA signing at Ukimet Ui, cussion on possible ways to cooper- – which is the situation in Afghani- the European Union – Central Asia ate in order to find solutions to these stan and how to continue to keep Af- Foreign Ministerial meeting took common challenges,” he added. ghanistan high on the international place at the Kazakh Foreign Minis- According to Idrissov’s statement agenda,” said Mogherini. try. Foreign ministers of Uzbekistan to the media, the basis of the discus- Speaking about current economic and Kyrgyzstan as well as the deputy sion was a new strategy for the EU challenges, especially with the drop foreign ministers of Tajikistan and for Central Asia, which means deeper in commodities prices, the EU High Turkmenistan attended the event cooperation in multiple areas, such as Representative explained that diver- with Mogherini and Idrissov who education, institution building, trade sification and investments, especial- co-chaired it. and investment, security of the region ly in human capital and the innova- “I hope that today’s meeting will and fighting terrorism. The budget of tion sector are necessary. Mogherina lead to closer cooperation within the new EU strategy has been more also highlighted the role of democ- Central Asia and between Central than doubled to 1 billion euros. ratisation, which is, according to her, Asia and the EU in the spheres of “The sides agreed that the new important for a strong society and its trade, education, environment as European strategy is valid, and it security. well as in other areas,” said the Ka- has an efficient document. A special During the sessions, the Kazakh zakh Foreign Minister. focus of the strategy is the field of Foreign Minister drew special at- He also reminded the guests about education. We will make all efforts tention to the reforms of Kazakhstan significant events of 2015, such as the to bring our people closer. Next year, and to the recent 100 Concrete Steps formation of the Eurasian Economic we will meet in Brussels and will domestic initiative of President Naz- Union, the Iran nuclear deal, the cli- discuss what has been done in imple- arbayev, called Plan of the Nation, to mate change deal, the adoption of the mentation of this strategy, Idrissov implement five institutional reforms. Sustainable Development Goals, the said at the press briefing following He also shared that Kazakhstan in Paris terrorist attacks, the Russian- the meeting as he gave the floor to the framework of the Nurly Zhol Turkish incident, the Syrian civil war Mogherini. economic programme is developing and the migrant crisis in Europe. “All “This is the 11th ministerial since transport infrastructure to link Cen- of these reflect the current state of the EU Central Asia Strategy was tral Asia with the rest of the world. play in global and regional politics adopted in 2007. It is also my first The previous EU-Central Asian and require our joint work, including EU-Central Asia Ministerial meet- Ministerial meeting was held in in our region,” said Idrissov. ing and it is the first meeting we have Bishkek in 2013, where participants The ministerial meeting’s agenda had since the revised strategy was discussed the implementation of the included two sessions on coopera- adopted this past summer: adopted EU-Central Asia Strategy adopted tion. During the first session, accord- not just as a document, not just as by the European Council in 2007 as ing to Idrissov, the sides discussed a paper, but as a strong sign of po- well as EU assistance for sustainable pressing international issues, includ- litical investment by all EU member economic development in Central ing the growing threat of terrorism states, by all European institutions, Asia and other regional issues. B Nation&Capital

Wednesday, december 23, 2015

people culture sport Organ Donation Faces Perception Artist Promotes Positive, Moral Universiade 2017 to Help Position Challenges Lifestyle Kazakhstan as Major Int’l Event B2 B3 Host B7 City’s Biggest Ice Town Attracts Affectionate Attention snow were used for its construc- By Zhazira Dyussembekova tion. It has several ice slides, laby- ASTANA – Ice towns and rinks rinths and a rink. Visitors see many have become traditional enter- characters from popular animated tainment places for city residents movies, such as “Shrek” and “Min- and guests. This year,the capital ions,” as well as take pictures with is presenting four areas with dif- different animals and heroes of Ka- ferent sculptures and slides, ac- zakh folk tales. cording to the city Akimat (ad- The spot is very popular among ministration). At the same time, the population and was one of the the city is actively preparing for city’s biggest venues during the the upcoming New recent Independence Day celebra- Year by decorating roads and in- tions, with Kazakh artists perform- stalling New Year trees throughout ing next to the tree. the area. Seventy designers and sculptors The biggest ice town is located from China’s Harbin Ice Festi- near Khan Shatyr Entertainment- val were invited to assist with the Centre. The main New Year tree, construction, according to the city officially lit Dec. 1 by President administration. The Chinese team, Nursultan Nazarbayev, stands joined by 140 Kazakh specialists, in the middle. Construction was brought unique technology on ice complicated by weather condi- and snow production, such as the tions, which were abnormally artificial coloured ice and transpar- warm at the end of November and ent one taken from the Yessil River. beginning of December. As a re- Three additional ice towns are sult, although the official opening located on the central square in was planned for that day, it was front of the city administration, not available for all visitors until onthe Yessil River and near Otan Dec. 13. Ana monument. “Today, we have opened the ice Photo: Dmitry Berezhnoy According to Mazhagulov, 40 town to all residents and guests, New Year trees have been installed of course, a little bit late. There first time in a very long period of Sculptures melted and we closed Mazhagulov at the opening, ac- 2,000 metres and more than five in the capital, 18 of which are fi- is no one to blame; we had un- time when the temperature was 0 access for people,” said city De- cording to Nur.kz. million cubic metres of ice and nanced by representatives of small comfortable conditions. It is the degrees at the end of November. partment of Culture head Bolat The ice town measures about 7,000 cubic metres of artificial and medium enterprises. Behind Scenes of “La Bayadère,” Astana Universiade 2017 Opera’s Last Premiere of the Year to Help Position dazzle its audience by preparing ours of India and its exotic flavour, and boards and ballerinas are perfect- By Dmitry Lee 11-metre rotating mobile columns noted its press service. ing their steps before the grand finale, among the main features, including While woodcarvers are construct- Squarciapino, as usual, is enjoying her ASTANA – On the eve of the New magnificent sets and costumes and ing furniture, prop masters creating work. It is her life’s passion. Kazakhstan Year, the main holiday season through- refined props that reflect the col- swords, sabers, cups, chess pieces Continued on Page B3 out the world, the Astana Opera is planning to close 2015 with a grand and extraordinary performance. The as Major Int’l famous ballet “La Bayadère” will be presented Dec. 25 and 26. The Astana Times took a sneak peek behind the scenes to find out what it Event Host takes to stage the season finale and By Dmitry Lee interviewed Franca Squarciapino, the plained why hosting such a large- scale event is important for Ka- Italian costume designer who won the ASTANA – Although Almaty Academy Award for Costume Design zakhstan in an exclusive interview lost the right to host the 2022 Win- with The Astana Times. in 1990 for “Cyrano de Bergerac.” She ter Olympics to Beijing, the coun- came to the capital to work on the cos- “The winter Universiade is the try hopes to be in contention in largest in the world competition with tumes and shared her thoughts about the future. And the upcoming Uni- Kazakhstan, the Astana Opera and the various events for student athletes. It versiade 2017 in Almaty will help is estimated that some 3,000 athletes, performance. keep those hopes alive. “‘La Bayadère’ is important for included in the International Univer- After losing the Winter Olym- sity Sports Federation (Fédération ballet; it’s bright and distinctive pics bid, Almaty shifted its focus and it delves into the culture of Internationale du Sport Universitaire to preparations to host the Univer- – FISU), will compete in the 11-day India,” said Squarciapino in an ex- siade in 2017, which will also lay clusive interview. event [in Almaty]. About 100 chan- the cornerstone for the city’s fu- nels worldwide will broadcast the “La Bayadère” is described in ture infrastructure. Secretary Gen- Ballet Encyclopaedia as “an im- events.” eral of the National Federation of For Kazakhstan, this event is portant connection between the ro- Ski Racing of Kazakhstan Andrey mantic and classical eras of ballet.” important because “it is an ideal Nevzorov, one of the responsible opportunity to demonstrate to the The title is French for an Indian parties for the organisation of the temple dancer – the main character. world the beauty of Kazakhstan,” Universiade, shed some light on Nevzorov explained. The Astana Opera is hoping to Astana Opera, 2015 Photographer: Karla Nur Photo: Copyright © the current preparations and ex- Continued on Page B7 Kazakh Producer Offers Top-Quality Organic Music Will Milk, Positive Conditions for Employees fordable. Sauer feels it is quite easy kilometres and the export is really and sauna and barber visits for all Keep Us Alive, By Yerbolat Uatkhanov to fill Astana’s needs with organic profitable for such companies. But village habitants. World War II milk products, which are enough I consider that discussing export participants, those who are disa- ASTANA – In spite of the fact to establish four companies like of milk products when we didn’t bled and single mothers receive a that more and more milk producing Rodina. He is sure that it is silly to solve problems with the domestic 50-percent discount for foodstuffs Otyrar Sazy companies use milk powders, some discuss what milk is better to drink. market is not right. We have to fill in the local supermarket, which is rare companies still produce organ- “Only organic milk, produced the needs of domestic products and distinguished by low prices. Ro- ic milk using up-to-date equipment without any milk powders!” he only after this we should establish dina constructed a local kindergar- while providing special social con- said. “Such slogans as ‘Buy prod- companies targeted at exporting ten, then transferred possession to Conductor Says ditions for their employees. ucts made in Kazakhstan’ are not milk products to Russia,” he said. the state, and students at the local By Zhanna Shayakhmetova original instruments to the public. “We can increase production enough. Of course, we need to en- In 2007, German equipment was school have free lunches, use free Tlendiyeva shared precious capacity, but trade off in quality. courage our people, but our prod- installed at Rodina facilities and busses and have free access to dif- Dinzukhra Tlendiyeva, artistic di- childhood memories associated How? Buying low-quality raw ma- ucts have to be competitive in qual- put into operation and 752 cows ferent hobby groups. The company rector and principal conductor of the with her father, as well as the posi- terial or using milk powder, but ity. Our citizen has right to ask for were supplied from Canada. Every finances all cultural, educational Otyrar Sazy Orchestra, gives perfor- tive impact of music on a child’s we cannot afford these. We don’t quality. Everybody has to under- cow gives 7,000 kilogrammes of and sporting events and trips for mances on the country’s main stages upbringing, in a recent interview use milk powder at all. There is no stand this.” product annually, which is three the children, and graduates win dedicated to the 90th anniversary with “The Astana Times.” seasonality definition for profes- Sauer added the company times more than the average in- national student competitions on a of her father, Nurgisa Tlendiyev, a The young conductor is the only sionals. In winter, we produce only doesn’t plan to sell its milk in Rus- dex in the state. A 750-kilowatt regular basis. Rodina even pays for prominent Kazakh composer, Peo- daughter of Tlendiyev, the gifted, 7-8 percent less than in summer, sia, as Rodina is geared to the capi- wind power station was installed university educations. ple’s Artist of the USSR, state prize professional conductor, and his because we are a major company. tal’s market. in 2012, which produces approxi- The recently constructed Ortho- laureate and Khalyk Kaharmany wife, Dariga, a well-known actress If production process is organised “The shelf life of our product is mately 50 percent of the electric dox Church, zoo and rent-free adult (People’s Hero) title holder. and honoured artist of Kazakh- well, a milk producing company only five days. If we deliver milk to energy consumed by the village, residential home aren’t considered There is a Kazakh proverb stan. Her father took her to piano won’t have great deviations in dif- Russia, we will deliver sour milk. located approximately 60 kilo- to be something special in the vil- which notes it is impossible to lessons at the Baisseitova Music ferent seasons,” he added. Of course, there are companies metres east of Astana. The cost of lage and the very low crime rate is understand the soul of the peo- School and by age ten she had al- Dairy has been a major industry in Kazakhstan which are located the 100-percent environmentally quite impressive. As the result, the ple without understanding their ready performed Mozart’s Piano in Kazakhstan since ancient times. close to the Russia-Kazakhstan friendly project was $1.8 million. population increased from 1,200 in music and Tlendiyeva has the Concert No. 8 with the orchestra. In the Soviet days, all milk prod- border. And I want to note that The company pays for hous- 1987 to 1,740 this year, of whom privilege of presenting the unique Tlendiyeva was 13 when he died. ucts were very high quality and af- the border is approximately 7,500 ing services, firewood, coal, hay 450 are under the age of 18. charm of traditional melodies and Continued on Page B3 B2 Nation&Capital people

Wednesday, december 23, 2015 Baigazin’s “Over the City” Film Organ Donation Receives Hubert Bals Fund Grant Faces Perception gel,” for example, is supported by The premiere of the most titled By Kamila Zhumabayeva film funds from five countries and film “Harmony Lessons” was held was created with the participation in the Arman cinema centre, Ten- ASTANA – The “Over the City” of film production companies in grinews.kz reported Dec. 5. Challenges film project directed by Emir Baiga- France and Germany, as well as The entire film crew led by the of the donor or his or her relatives zin received a prestigious grant the Arte French-German television director gathered to present the By Zhazira Dyussembekova if the individual is deceased. amounting to 10,000 euros from the channel, according to Kazinform. film to a Kazakh audience for the The first organ transplants were Hubert Bals Dutch fund. The grant is The world premiere of “The first time after the world premiere ASTANA – Although most performed in Kazakhstan about allocated for the support of promis- Wounded Angel” will be held in at the Berlin Film Festival in Feb- Kazakhs are still hesitant about 30 years ago during Soviet Un- ing film projects at the initial stage of 2016 in one of the world’s leading ruary 2013. Baigazin expressed organ donation, transplants are ion times. NCCT was established Photo: harpersbazaar.kz conducted to help those in need in 2012 and coordinates the field production, the Kazinform informa- Emir Baigazin film festivals. his gratitude to all who created the tion agency reported Dec. 4. Baigazin’s “Harmony Lessons” film and thanked the then-president of a match. Yet the procedure with centres operating throughout “Over the City” became one Casting for the leading roles in film debut was awarded the Silver of the Kazakhfilm studio Ermek faces problems, such as the ab- the country. All the technology of eight projects from around the “Over the City” is being conducted Bear at the 63rd Berlin Interna- Amanshayev in person. sence of an adequate legal base, was brought and adapted from the world marked by an international at the moment. tional Film Festival and “The Best According to the agency, af- the country’s own pool of donor world’s best centres and practices. commission of the fund. In total, With his new project, Baigazin Film of the Contest Programme” ter the recognition of “Harmony organs and the low level of expla- The country’s first heart transplant nation and promotion. 259 applications were submitted wants to share his love for Almaty, prize, according to readers’ opinion Lessons,” 29-year-old Baigazin from a deceased donor, performed in “This type of treatment is for consideration by the fund, ac- the Karavan Media website reported. of the Morgenpost German news- had already managed to be a jury the city in 2012, was recognised as considered to be high-tech cording to the agency. Baigazin’s projects are regularly paper, the agency reported. member at a film festival in Lo- a breakthrough in the industry. Two treatment. Western countries The new project of the young di- supported by international film Later, the film collected some carno, won a scholarship from years later, the 10th successful op- have gone far on the molecular rector is a drama about a relation- funds and are created in conjunc- 30 awards around the world and The Berlinale Residence projects eration was completed. level. They are working on or- ship between a woman and a juve- tion with European film compa- Baigazin was repeatedly invited development programme and was One of the biggest challenges to gan cloning. Organ transplanta- nile, Tengrinews reported. Filming nies. to sit on the juries of international proclaimed Kazakhstan’s “Kim development is people’s attitudes tion became a routine matter for is scheduled for 2016 in Almaty. The film “The Wounded An- film festivals. Ki-duk.” and perception. The majority of the them. We try to bring the best population remains mostly skepti- practices of other countries, to cal due to conservatism, religious analyse them and not to make views and lack of information. For their mistakes. Also, we study example, some believe Islam pro- the Asian experience of de- hibits organ donation, but there is ceased donor transplantation. no ban unless organs are sold for Quality, Reputation, Hospitality We need to make this treatment money. available to the public in the “Islam always is to help peo- short term,” said Syzganov Na- ple. There is a special fatwa (le- tional Research Centre Deputy gal opinion or learned interpreta- Draws Indian Students to Karaganda Director Yerbol Shaikhiyev, ac- tion) on that matter. World Islam al,” said Vilen Molotov-Luchanski, ter returning back home. The afford- More than that, [I like] my univer- cording to Radio Azattyq. organisations and scientists allow By Zhazira Dyussembekova sity and respective teachers and ad- vice dean for educational and me- able price is another reason students Each year in Kazakhstan, the organ transplantation only if it is ministration, which have been in- thodical work at KSMU. choose us. I would also say we have number of transplanted organs, made on the free basis, only when ASTANA – With many Kazakh culcating the best of the best habits “We started receiving foreign a good clinical base. The level of as well as the number of patients people want to help each other. It students going abroad for universi- of discipline and working skills,” students back in 1995. But the big education of our teachers and profes- who need them, grows. In 2013, also allows taking organs from de- ty or post-graduate studies, it may said Purohit. flow started in 2001. Most of the sors is good as well.” surgeons performed 21 liver, 141 ceased people, only after the soul come as a surprise that Karaganda According to him, overall, Puro- students come from India and all According to Purohit, during the kidney and two heart transplants; leaves the body and only on a free State Medical University (KSMU) hit has no problems in Karaganda. of them study in English. We have first and second year, students have in 2014, 32 livers, 185 kidneys basis,” said Yakiya-hajji Ismailov, is the alma mater of a growing In the beginning he faced a lan- around 700 foreign students now,” to take Russian and English lan- and seven hearts. Through Nov. chief imam of Sheikh Kunta Hajji number of South Asian students. guage barrier, and the different he added. guage classes, “as it makes it easier 1, 41 livers, 172 kidneys and 18 Mosque in Astana. Currently around 700 foreign stu- food habits and bitterly cold win- According to him, they pay for to live over here, to get socialised. hearts have been transplanted into At the same time, the country’s dents, mostly from India, study at ters were challenging. But now, af- their education; there are no specif- Also, in the future, it will be easier patients requiring new organs, ac- younger generation is starting to KSMU. ter three years, he and his friends ic scholarships for Indian students. to communicate with patients in cording to the National Coordi- reconsider organ donation, or at “Well, the university has a quite have become used to life in their The young doctors live in dormito- some major disciplines like thera- nating Centre for Transplantation least is not unequivocally opposed nice reputation in my country and temporary home. (NCCT). due to the huge number of gradu- ries with local students. py,” he said. to the issue. “We live in a spacious, large, lav- Even as the number of opera- “I would give all my organs if ates working in India after finish- He also said that Indian students “What I like the most about ish and well-furnished hostel given tions grows, the wait list is still it helps to save lives. I don’t need ing their education in Karaganda, choose KSMU, “because it is known Kazakhstan is the patriotism of by university. There are some stu- quite long. NCCT released in- them after death and I would defi- I decided to come here. Also, the enough and the educational level the people and the responsible. dents from other countries, too, and formation that 2,468 people are nitely give my organ if it is needed fact that guardian of all foreigners here is high. Also, it gives them op- law-abiding citizens, as well as even some of our teachers are also waiting for new kidneys, 425 portunities to practice their skills af- the Westernised culture over here. for my relative. But actually, I have here, Dr. Dinesh Kumar, is from foreigners,” added Purohit. need livers and 139 are seeking never seriously thought about it,” my city; he made me familiar with “The university offers many ac- replacement hearts. Two indi- said Lyudmila Kim, a 27-year-old this university. Fate and destiny tivities like concert performances viduals are on the list for lung philologist from Karaganda. also have a little contribution,” said and celebrations of our own festi- transplantation and one needs Dana Omirgazy, 25, a translator Shreshtha Purohit, 21, a fourth year vals here, fostering and promot- both a heart and lungs. More for a TV channel, agreed with the general medicine student at KSMU ing intellectuality and rationality than 3,000 patients are waiting sentiment. from India in a recent interview between students and university. for donors and since only few “If it helps someone, why not? with The Astana Times. We pursue our education, [and can travel abroad to receive new I think it is possible after death. I Soviet education was considered gain] experience with various organs, the rest must wait for a would also donate to my relatives. to be very strong, and after becom- matters and many things … we long time. But it is something really scary to ing independent, Kazakhstan has strive and work hard to become “Now, doctors are hesitant to re- think about; the health of the peo- tried to maintain and develop its professionals who can do justice move organs from the deceased for ple closest to me is the most impor- education system, creating educa- to our medical fraternity and take transplantation if there is no con- tant thing there is,” she said. tion cooperation agreements with this field to the next level,” he sent from his relatives,” said NCCT Many are afraid of black mar- several countries and even intro- concluded. Deputy Director Serik Zharikov, ket organ sales or that information ducing scholarships for Afghan Since students study in English, according to Titus.kz. “And, un- could leak if a special data base student. Now, Kazakh universities the teaching staff of KSMU has mas- fortunately, most often relatives do was created. According to special- have become attractive destina- tered the language. All of them are not agree. That is why Kazakhstan ists, all these conditions should tions for students from South Asia. certified and can teach in English, as has a catastrophic lack of organs be considered in the law, as organ “Education in Kazakhstan has well as in Kazakh and Russian. Ac- for transplantation. A man should donation in Kazakhstan must be built a reputation for being strong. cording to Molotov-Luchanski, the make a decision by himself. The grounded on a strong and transpar- We have international agreements process of education is being moni- law also has to provide conditions ent legislative base. on cooperation. Our university tored constantly, because the level of and an appropriate mechanism if a For now, if a person is certain he is on a special list of trusted edu- education is very important. person wants to change the earlier or she wants to donate organs af- cational institutions, diplomas of “Our graduates work all over the decision.” ter death, the individual can sign which are recognised in India. We world. We keep getting great feed- The sale of organs in Kazakhstan an official, notarised paper which are not the sole Kazakh university back from them, and we are very is strictly prohibited by law. Organs is forwarded to the local hospital, to be recognised, there are sever- Purohit Photo: Shreshtha proud of them,” he said. can be transplanted only at the will then transferred to the NCCT. B3 Nation&Capital Culture

Wednesday, december 23, 2015 Charcoal Art Exhibit Reveals Mining World Artist Promotes In his opening speech, Bukhar- “The coal we produce has no bayev explained his idea to create analogues in the world. We are using charcoal. proud of the fact that this field “I decided to use the charcoal is located in Kazakhstan. I am Positive, Moral to draw people who work with it also glad that today, thanks to the every day. Moreover, there are so exhibition, you can learn a little many colours and noise in today’s more about the unique Shubarkol world, so that it is easy to forget field,” he said. Lifestyle what the purpose of all of this is. In addition to the 12 drawings, “Roughly translated, if a child I wanted to show that beauty may the show presented archival and By Zhanna Shayakhmetova is raised in an environment with lie just beneath our feet. Coal is contemporary photos and video drug abuse, a child has the high- an object with which many fami- materials about the field. Last year, illustrator and painter est risk to become an alcohol and lies start their day, but how many “I hadn’t expected that the Ansagan Mustafa made a debut drug abuser. Growing up in such of us think how we can use it in a work of an industrial enterprise with an exhibition called “Soile families is certainly traumatic and creative way? Unlike our children, could be told in graphic and, suret” in Astana, featuring high- has serious consequences,” she ex- who can see a mysterious creature at the same time, such a vivid lights of her work between 1995 plained. in any tree, we have, unfortunately, form. The paintings, photos and and 2012. The same solo show was Mustafa’s latest exhibition is lost this gift,” said Bukharbayev. video are all very detailed and also organised in Almaty, Shym- on view at Gumilyov Eurasian The artist thanked the display or- present the information about kent, Taldykorgan and Temirtau. National University. “The Astana Photo: Tengrinews.kz Many first learned of Mustafa police held an event dedicated to Drawing by Bakhytzhan Bukharbayev. ganisers and Shubarkol Komir for Shubarkol activities, which the opportunity to hold the event in raise interest in the work of through social media and soon af- the negative impact of alcohol and By Julia Rutz three Kazakh cities. miners,” said Zhakenov, sharing ter she was named the first illustra- drug addiction among youngsters Held Nov. 23 in the Palace of While talking with guests, Shu- his impressions with visitor Er- tor in Kazakhstan who encourages this month. I was invited to present Astana held a unique exhibition Independence, the official open- barkol Vice President for Produc- dos Hamidullayev. people to think about moral and my works. To me, it is useful to of charcoal drawings created by ing ceremony was attended by the tion Bolat Zhakenov emphasised The exhibition closed in the capi- ethical values, to worship honesty, conduct such preventive work and local artist and head of the Men leadership of Shubarkol Komir the deposit marks the 30th anni- tal Dec. 3. Five days later, it opened respect elders and practice patriot- promote a healthy upbringing,” Qazaqpyn (“I am Kazakh”) pro- mining company, which is part versary of its development. The in the White Grand Piano gallery ism. Some art lovers compare her said the artist. ject Bakhytzhan Bukharbayev. The of the Eurasian Resources Group company’s main consumers live in in Almaty and will welcome guests art pieces to the old Soviet propa- According to Mustafa, most of medium was extracted from Kara- (ERG), art critics, colleagues of the the Akmola, Karaganda, Zhambyl, through Dec.16, followed by the fi- ganda posters, as this form of art is her audience is much younger than ganda mines, noted the artist as he artist, guests and residents of the Almaty and South Kazakhstan re- nal exhibit organised Dec. 20-27 in very compelling and powerful. she is. “I wanted to catch the atten- worked. capital. gions of the country. Shymkent. French writer Stendhal once tion of people sitting in front of the stated that only great minds can af- computers who cannot imagine life ford a simple style. At first glance, without gadgets. If teenagers catch Mustafa’s black-and-white pictures a glimpse of my works, it will help depicting children in an orphanage, them in communication with their the negative effects of the Internet parents. An adult will try to devote Music Will Keep Us Alive, and female alcoholics appear to be more time to family than to cell simple and plain. But images made phones. At this time fewer people with black ink on white paper can read books and they can face re- be powerful in their clarity. ality through my drawings,” she Otyrar Sazy Conductor Says The initial exhibition was suc- added. cessful. “Some visitors were as- It is noteworthy to mention that Continued from Page B1 Tlendiyeva’s eyes sparkle with de- love of country were performed in tonished to meet the creator of the her artworks have been stolen and light. the open air, transferring the folk illustrations as they have already copied many times. “I was advised “Although I was a little girl, I “Each conductor has its own vi- music lovers from the present time known my particular images on to sue but my ultimate goal is to remember everything so clearly. sion of composition, so that each to the origins of the Kazakh peo- the Internet. Some thought the get the public’s attention and to be He created his last seven works conductor works it out differently. ple,” she said. craftsperson was an old man with a heard,” she said. in 1998. He worked hard for a It is the so-called conductors’ in- The conductor said music is the beard and a cap on his head but in- “Once I got an email from a few months and we did not have terpretation. A brilliant maestro greatest passion of her life. stead they found a young woman. woman who told me a touching to make noise at home. My father inspires musicians and conveys the “Performing on the stage is an I suppose that the contemporary story. She knew she was pregnant composed these pieces as if he was vision of the composer. My ulti- exciting process that gives extraor- artists of Kazakhstan rarely spread after a divorce. She was depressed writing letters to his close friend. mate goal as a director is to attract dinary energy. But to me, my first their paintings on the Internet. At and thought about an abortion. Then All he needed was music paper Dinzukhra Tlendiyeva more and more people to Kazakh viewer is my daughter. She attends the same time, today we seldom she saw my best-known illustration and a pencil. Then he was taken to received praise for the stunning folk music. It is necessary to popu- all my concerts and sits in the front see pictures covering social prob- entitled ‘Navernoe moya mama the hospital in critical condition, performance. It typically takes a larise Kazakh folk music and the row. In my opinion, music has ben- lems,” said Mustafa in a recent in- menya ubyet (I think my mom is but he still went to the rehearsal. long time to become a chief con- works of the Otyrar Sazy orchestra. eficial effects on a child’s upbring- terview with The Astana Times. going to kill me) and threw away all I remember his joy when he com- ductor, but talent, hard work and Basically, the audience is keen on ing. Musicians should bring music Born in the Atyrau region and the negative thoughts. Later, she sent pleted all this orchestration. All luck turned out to be the perfect pop music. The situation is rather that not only entertains, but edu- raised in Almaty, Mustafa went to me a photo of this beautiful boy and the musical parts were given to the combination. good with people’s interest in clas- cates and inspires as well,” noted the local art school accidently. Her I became his godmother. I am a very musicians and, finally the orchestra “When we talk about the con- sical genres. As for the folk music, Tlendiyeva. father trimmed her hair to make it sentimental person, I still cry a little performed these compositions. He ductor, we usually imagine him it is high-quality music, the music Founded in 1982, the Otyrar Sazy grow faster and thicker. Her hair for joy whenever I see his photo,” was happy as a child. I remember being a bearded man of about 40 that has had a beneficial effect on folklore and ethnographic orches- caused other children to taunt and Mustafa said. the happiness in his eyes after the or 50. I am blessed and grateful mental development. Folk music tra is distinguished by its unique ridicule her, so she decided to Mustafa admitted that painting performance,” she said. that it happened to me at such an tells us the history of our nation, collection of ancient and modern change school and chose the Na- focused in the studio is not appro- Tlendiyev had a deep loyalty and early age. My father’s biggest teaches us to respect our homeland Kazakh musical instruments. The tional Art School. priate for her. “Inspirations come affection for orchestra performers, dream was to teach me to play and keep our traditions and cul- assortment includes dombra, ko- “My teacher Shaku Temirsho- from everywhere, from everyday calling them “geniuses.” the dombra, as he was an excel- ture,” she said. byz, mes-kobyz, saz-syrnai, shan- tovna was the perfect person for life, from communication with “The players missed him, as he lent virtuoso. Lately, I wrote a Tlendiyeva noted the social ac- kobyz, sherter, sybyzgy, syrnai and me. She gave me more than just people and from the news. In this was absent for several months. piece of music dedicated to him tivities in which her troupe is in- zhetygen and percussion instru- knowledge. She taught me to be way, it becomes a sketch. I post They performed his last works with entitled ‘Arman’ (Dream). I think volved. ments such as asatayak, dauylpaz, kind and persistent. Definitely, I my pictures on social media and love and respect. My father was so he would be incredibly happy that “Once a year, the Almaty city kairak, konyrau and tuyak-tas. cannot but mention my art edu- discuss them with my followers. excited. He always shared his im- I followed in his footsteps as an Akimat organises the Parade of Or- Nurgisa Tlendiyev, the first -ar cator Agymsaly Duzelkhanov. A Blogging and networking help to pressions with me despite my age,” orchestra conductor. Writing mu- chestras for the purpose of popu- tistic director and chief conductor, prominent and well-known artist, unite like-minded communities she added. sic requires an inspiration. I have larising classical and traditional proved ancient folk instruments Duzelkhanov gave me very valu- and get fast feedback on my pic- Tlendiyeva graduated from Kur- pieces that I composed some time music. Our ensemble was pleased can perform not only simple pieces able advice that has helped me tre- tures and activities. Art is my plat- mangazy Kazakh National Con- ago. My father created more than to participate in this event with a of music but epic dramatic compo- mendously throughout my life and form to talk about the most press- servatory as a national orchestra 500 compositions and it is an im- programme titled ‘The Legends sitions. The ensemble has toured in career,” Mustafa said. ing issues, teach good things and conductor in 2008. At 24, she be- mense contribution to the Kazakh of the Great Steppe.’ Traditional Germany, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, The author also spoke about her initiate positive changes. At pre- came the new principal conductor culture,” she said. songs glorifying the great exploits North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, first picture entitled “Uyada ne sent, the public is in need of such of the well-respected orchestra and When it comes to playing, of the brave batyrs (warriors) and Turkey and Vietnam. korsen, ushkanda sony ilersin.” perspective,” she said. Behind Scenes of “La Bayadère,” Astana Opera’s Last Premiere of the Year Continued from Page B1 stresses. By visiting the Kazakh cording to Astana Opera Artistic of the corps de ballet and requires a Shades, where 32 ballerinas simul- He added the ballet is interesting EXPO pavilion in Milan [during Director and People’s Artist of large number of well-trained danc- taneously repeat [the same] dance as it contains two dances in one. “I love all my costumes equally EXPO Milano 2015], which hap- Russia Altynai Assylmuratova. ers for success,” he said. “[The] movements for fifteen minutes, is a “The first and second acts are and approach each one from Solor pened to be one of the most visited “‘La Bayadère’ is a real triumph famous scene The Kingdom of the memorable sight!” more emotional and technically to Rajah’s carriers individually. I pavilions, I realised Kazakhs know difficult; they require good act- used the entire colour palette – cold what they live for. Working on the ing skills. But the last act is the colours, warm colours and all their opera ‘Abai,’I delved deeper into purest ‘tutu’ classic. The ballet shades and tints. In this production, the Kazakh culture and it was really is huge and it is very difficult you can really use your imagina- interesting and [in general] delving to prepare [for it] … The story tion,” she said. into different cultures stirs multiple itself is impressive in depth and Squarciapino, who previously emotions. I found some historic [dramatic]. In short, it will be staged the opera “Abai” at the photos of Abai from the period a great entertaining production Astana Opera, strives to leave a when he was alive, consulted many staged in accordance with good part of herself in every show. She people who knew about his life and old traditions. I want everything works by sharing her travelling visited museums to find the inspi- in the Astana Opera to be on notes, exploring the unknown and ration for ‘Abai,’” she said. the level that I am accustomed embracing the best the world has Squarciapino admitted that the [to],” said Assylmuratova. to offer. In similar fashion, she was reaction of the local audience sur- Leading soloist Madina Bas- charmed by the Kazakh culture, prised her. bayeva noted the significance of she said. “I expected to be criticised by the every aspect of the ballet. “What I liked about the culture people over the work on ‘Abai’ as “It is very important to work in Kazakhstan is that people are I come from a different culture, but through each move, step, position open, they strive to discover new after the premiere I was really sur- of the body, every detail down to things for themselves. The fact prised that many journalists gave facial expressions and glances,” that they opened such a big theatre positive feedback about the perfor- she said. “This is a dramatic bal- [like Astana Opera] and stage bal- mance,” she said. let; we have to feel, live through lets and operas, which historically and show betrayal, which is very come from Europe [confirms that]. difficult. The third act is the hard- In Europe we are used to learning Preparing the Talent est; you can say that you pass

various cultures and I personally Meanwhile the entire troupe is Astana Opera, 2015 Photographer: Karla Nur Photo: Copyright © your ballerina exam while danc- like the values the Kazakh culture involved in the preparations, ac- Franca Squarciapino (R) at work at the Astana Opera. ing it.” B4 Nation&Capital COUNTRY

Wednesday, december 23, 2015 Naval Forces Commander-in-Chief KAZ Minerals Awards Country’s Best Military Sailors Produces First Cathode Copper in East Kazakhstan By Julia Rutz

The KAZ Minerals mining group has produced the first cathode cop- per at the Aktogai ore deposit lo- cated in East Kazakhstan. According to the company’s forecast, the level of annual pro- and the start of cathode copper duction is going to reach 15,000 production in Aktogai. First, Ak- tonnes of cathode copper within togai copper is an important step the next six months. It is also ex- for the company, aimed at the fur- pected that the production cycle ther implementation of its poten- will operate over the next 11 years. tial. There is also another project, The Aktogai deposit is one of the Boschekul, which pursues the The Aktogai deposit is one of the largest undeveloped fields in the world. Its production cycle composes about 50 years. A processing plant for sulphide minerals will

ing and will not allow disorders of For example, the Saryarka mis- international events and competed be constructed in Aktogai in 2017. military discipline, law and order,” sile and artillery ship and its com- in the marine biathlon The Caspian By Talgat Issenov Zhanzakov said. mander Captain Lieutenant Aibek Sea 2015, which became one of the largest undeveloped fields in the production of copper concentrate In addition, the commander-in- Zhumanov won in the Best Ship most significant events in which world. Its production cycle com- in accordance with the schedule ASTANA – In Aktau, Com- chief encouraged and awarded the category, a battalion of material and Kazakhs ranked second. poses about 50 years. A process- in the first quarter of 2016,” said mander-in-Chief of Kazakhstan’s best military sailors with valu- technical support of Troop 29011 Kazakh military seamen dem- ing plant for sulphide minerals will chairman of the KAZ Minerals Naval Forces and Armed Forces, able gifts, certificates and also under the command of Major Alsai onstrated their skills in managing be constructed in Aktogai in 2017. group Oleg Novachuk. Rear Admiral Zhandarbek Zhan- a ship, receiving and transmitting The company expects the new The open type mines, such as zakov summed up the activities of In 2015, military personnel of the Naval Forces light signals according to the inter- plant will produce 90,000 tonnes Aktogai and Boschekul, are go- these troops for the current year, national system, shooting at air, sea of copper from the raw materi- ing to lead to the transformation of according to the press service of took part in 14 international events and competed and surface targets as well as res- als from the sulphide deposit and the KAZ Minerals company into a the Kazakh Ministry of Defence. in the marine biathlon The Caspian Sea 2015, cuing a distressed ship and passen- 15,000 tonnes of copper from the low-cost manufacturer. By the decision of the command- gers overboard, zakon.kz reported. oxidized ore site during the first KAZ Minerals is one of the lead- er-in-chief, 2015 was declared the which became one of the most significant events in Having successfully completed decade. ing copper producers in Kazakh- year of petty officers and 2016 which Kazakhs ranked second. their first experience of interna- According to a company report, stan, which owns five operating will be dedicated to improving the tional competition, they reaffirmed the first oxidised ore came to the mines and four processing plants. physical training of the military na- expressed official thanks. Accord- Dzhumanov became the best provid- their readiness. heap-leaching site in June 2015, The company also produces signif- val forces of Kazakhstan. ing to zakon.kz, nominations were ing subdivision and the subdivision The descent of the Alatau raid followed by the stages of irriga- icant quantities of zinc, silver and “I express confidence that in defined and carryover pennants of Lieutenant Farkhat Tagirbekov minesweeper to water was also tion, solvent extraction and elec- gold as by-products. The shares 2016, the personnel of the Naval handed out for achievements in was recognised as the best coy. noted at the ministry. The vessel is trolysis. of KAZ Minerals are listed on the Forces will achieve new indicators operational, combat, mobilisation In 2015, military personnel of made of composite materials and is “We are pleased to announce stock markets of Kazakhstan, Lon- in combat, state and legal train- training and overall performance. the Naval Forces took part in 14 part of a new generation of ships. the good results of our project don and Hong Kong. World Winter Universiade Praises Almaty’s 2017 Universiade Preparations athletes the beginning of their ca- Five thousand athletes will be able By Aiman Turebekova reers in sport, will take place in the to live here during the competi- former Kazakh capital from Jan. 28 tions. This Universiade will be ASTANA – An International to Feb. 8, 2017. different than previous Universia- University Sports Federation During the week, the delega- des,” said Augustin. FISU repre- (FISU) delegation led by Director tion visited sport venues including sentatives also noted the unique of the World Winter Universiade Shymbulak Ski Resort, the high- features of these venues. at FISU Milan Augustin recently mountain sports complex Medeu, In 2014-2015, FISU members visited the venues to be involved International Ski Jumping Com- held several meetings to learn in the Winter Universiade 2017 to plex Sunkar, Baluan Sholak Sports about preparations for the Univer- review the construction progress and Culture Palace, Alatau Cross siade. and the technical aspects of the Country Skiing centre and Biath- “In the three years that have preparations for the event, reported lon Stadium, as well as venues that passed since the announcement of the press office of the Organising are under construction, such as the the result, the organising commit- Committee for International Sports 3,000-seat Ice Arena, the 12,000- tee has done a lot, including the Events in Almaty. seat Ice Palace and an athletes’ vil- reconstruction of old objects and “Preparation goes well and in lage for 5,000 athletes. ending with the preparation of in- consonance with the plan; I think “I find these venues fantastic. frastructure and transport for ath- [the facilities] will be completed on The most modernised technologies letes and members of FISU. But, of time and according to international will be used for the preparation of course, much work remains to be standards,” said Augustin. ice. In the future, this Ice Palace done, and I think in 2017 you will On Nov. 29, 2011, the FISU an- will play an important role in the be able to fully appreciate all the nounced Almaty as the host city of development of sport. This is the changes that have taken place in the 28th Winter Universiade 2017. first time that an Athletes’ Village your city,” Augustin said last year Universiades, which are for many is being built for the Universiade. in an interview with sport.kz. Photo: almaty2017.com B5 Nation&Capital SOCIETY

Wednesday, december 23, 2015 Tennis Centre Opens in Kostanai and high-quality equipment and and three outdoor courts, the latter By Talgat Issenov holding more tournaments is equipped with seating for 200. needed as well,” said Mukhambe- The complex is also expected ASTANA – A tennis centre cre- tov, according to Zakon.kz. “I am to provide a gym, locker rooms, ated for children opened Dec. 12 confident that in a short time the showers and other amenities and in Kostanai, the Kazakhstan Ten- tennis centre in Kostanai will al- will employ more than 20 individu- nis Federation press service an- low it to prepare equally-famous als, reported Zakon.kz. nounced. tennis masters of its own region Nearly 2,500 sports facilities cur- During the opening ceremony, who will become part of Kazakh- rently operate in the region, where the region’s akim (mayor) Arkh- stan’s tennis elite.” approximately 30 percent of residents imed Mukhambetov noted the He noted President Nursultan participate in sports on a regular basis, complex provides all the necessary Nazarbayev set the task to ensure according to 24 KZ news channel. conditions for children to play the accessibility of sports facilities for Kazakhstan Tennis Federa- game. Approximately 100 young- the population. This is a long-term tion Executive Director Dias sters are expected to train on a reg- state investment in the health of the Doskarayev noted the Kostanai ular basis and the number will be nation, he said. centre is the fifteenth in the coun- increasing, noted Kapital.kz. Mukhambetov also expressed his try. Similar centres are now found “One more wonderful sports hope that in the future tennis will in almost all regions. area is opening in Kostanai for the become one of the most popular “We are making every effort so Independence Day of our coun- sports in the region. that tennis can become a favour- try. Now, our task is to ensure The 3,000-square metre com- ite sport. Our development on the order for children to have the op- and a professional point of view,” tournaments through the Asian the quality of this centre’s work. plex was under construction for strategy was that a tennis centre portunity to be engaged in tennis, he told 24 KZ. Tennis Federation is scheduled to There should be good coaches four years. It contains three indoor was being built in every region in to treat tennis both from an amateur A successful series of under-14 launch in the next year, he added. When Hollywood Iconic Characters National Bank Start Speaking Kazakh Issues New 100 movie stars, our responsibility in- the liking of the customers, inter- By Dmitry Lee creases significantly. The most im- national studios and the audience is portant thing in dubbing is to ‘get’ priceless,” Bisserov said. ASTANA – What a pleasure it is into the characters.” The Cinema Tone director ad- Tenge Coins for to have one’s favourite films pro- Bisserov, who after serving in the mits that often in his line of work fessionally dubbed instead of hav- army worked at Kazakh Film, went they have to deal with bloopers and ing to read subtitles. Dubbing par- on to say that this job requires the funny situations. ticularly enhances the experience skills of acting and explained that “Actors often have to pronounce New Year for children to have their childhood over the years the company has a big foreign text at a high speed 925 31.1 g,” which indicates the Staff Report heroes and iconic film stars speak Ilya Bisserov created its own database of voices. for instance, and the part must metal of the coin, its standard and their language. One of the latest “We have our own professional be real quick like a machine gun weight. examples is James Bond in the ians of the Galaxy,” “Cinderella,” database of voices and great ex- round. So it becomes extremely The National Bank of Kazakh- The back side shows coloured “Spectre.” “Queen,” “Avengers” and “Spec- perience with actors, so, often we difficult when the part contains stan has issued four silver and two New Year tree decoration balls The Astana Times interviewed tre.” determine the dubbing actors in several English names or regions, nickel silver alloy coins, according with circling snowflakes and a win- the director of an Almaty-based “The casting of voices is prob- advance. But there are special cas- even professional actors have to to the National Bank of Kazakh- ter landscape in the background dubbing company called Cinema ably the most important part of the es where we need children or we really break a sweat to do it and stan. and the inscription “HAPPY NEW Tone Ilya Bisserov to find out the dubbing business. Because when voice animals or cartoons, such as sometimes we all have fun laugh- “The National Bank of Kazakh- YEAR!” in Kazakh, Russian and tricks of the trade. Since 2014, Cin- watching films we can see and hear ‘Monsters, Inc.,’ and this is where ing hard during such processes.” stan on Dec. 11, 2015, put into cir- English. ema Tone has helped Hollywood and, therefore, it is very important we need to make an effort to find Cinema Tone has dubbed into culation a series of coins dedicated The coins are made of sterling characters speak Kazakh in, so far, what the characters sound like,” appropriate voices. And it is al- Kazakh about 86 mini-series, Rus- to the New Year with a nominal silver, 925 alloy, with a weight of seven features, including “Men Bisserov said. “And if we have to ways difficult, but the pleasure of sian and Kazakh made features and value of 100 tenge,” a bank press 31.1 grammes, a rectangle of 45 by in Black,” “Maleficent,” “Guard- work over the famous worldwide the accomplished work, which is to seven Hollywood films. release read. 30 millimetres and manufacturing The new rectangular coin is quality proof with a circulation of called “Happy New Year” and 4,000 pieces. is the second coin in the series Also, the National Bank issued of gift coins. The coin is made commemorative coins Ustyurt using tampography printing on mouflon from the series of coins ISTC Opens Headquarters in Capital the reverse. of the Red Book of Kazakhstan, By Malika Orazgaliyeva in more than 760 research institutes It depicts a stylised flower made made of silver, proof quality and spread across the CIS and Georgia with a wax seal with the inscrip- a face value of 500 tenge; nickel ASTANA – Kazakhstan became have been engaged in ISTC projects tion in both Kazakh and English: silver alloy face with a value of an official host state for the Inter- and activities, the website reports. Kazakhstan Ulttyk Banky and 50 tenge; commemorative coins national Science and Technology According to the Kazakh Minis- National Bank of Kazakhstan. At Bata from the series of coins Centre (ISTC) as of Dec. 9, when try of Foreign Affairs, in 2015, 70 the centre of the flower is the em- Ceremonies, national games of the agreement on the continuation projects worth $18 billion were im- blem of Kazakhstan. On the right Kazakhstan; silver proof value of ISTC activities in Kazakhstan plemented through the ISTC. Sup- side is an ornamental rosette. The of 500 tenge; a nickel silver al- was signed by Kazakh Minister plemental programmes worth $2.5 inscription 100 TENGE is lo- loy with a face value of 50 tenge of Education and Science Aslan million were also implemented, cated in two rows indicating the and commemorative coins Tazy Sarinzhipov, the Foreign Ministry including chemistry, biology, radi- face value of the coin, the num- from the series of coins Wealth of of Kazakhstan reported. The ISTC ology and nuclear research projects ber 2015 – indicating the year of the Republic with a silver proof headquarters will be located at and work on energy efficiency us- issue – and the inscription “Ag value of 500 tenge. Nazarbayev University. ing nanotechnologies, health care, The ISTC is an intergovernmental solutions for contaminated areas of organisation that includes 38 states. nuclear waste landfills and devel- It was first established in Moscow by opment of uranium mines. international agreement in Novem- opportunities for sustainable, peace- ISTC activities fall into two broad The ISTC pays special attention ber 1992 as a non-proliferation pro- ful employment. categories: research projects, which to scientific and technical support gramme. According to the organisa- The current funding parties to the employ FWS in the development of projects in of seismic monitor- tion’s website, the ISTC coordinates ISTC are the United States, the Eu- of new science and technology; and ing and predicting seismic activity the efforts of numerous governments, ropean Union, Japan, Norway and supplemental programmes, which in- in ISTC member states. In particu- international organisations and pri- South Korea. Armenia, Georgia, clude workshops and other events to lar, in the aftermath of the Fuku- vate sector industries, providing for- Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic integrate FWS in global science and shima accident in Japan, ISTC mer weapons scientists (FWS) from and Tajikistan are also parties to technology and industrial communi- environmental and public health Russia and the Commonwealth of the organisation. Kazakhstan be- ties and training. In the 20 years of projects were used in dealing with Independent States (CIS) with new came an ISTC member in 1995. its existence, more than 70,000 FWS its consequences. Thirty-Five Kilometre Ring Road Kazakh President Says Sports and to be Constructed Around Astana Horse Meat Keeps him Healthy Staff Report Projects are under development to According to the adjusted master Staff Report without eating meat (laughs). For “This simple question is not that build Ugolnaya Street from Bogen- plan of Astana, the ring road will us, horse meat is the best type of easy to answer. The working du- ASTANA – A 35-kilometre ring road bai Batyr Avenue to Beisekov Street also include construction of No. 27 During a TV interview aired meat. Together, with kumis (a ties of any president demand his or is projected to be constructed in the cap- Dec. 13, Kazakh President Nursul- mildly alcoholic drink made from ital of Kazakhstan between 2017-2019, and build Beisekov Street from Street (Khusein ben Talal Street). To- her total commitment. Therefore, tan Nazarbayev was asked which fermented mare’s milk), it im- according to astana.gov.kz. Ugolnaya Street to Constitution day, the project is underway for No. an unhealthy person is not able to diet he follows to stay in shape. proves not only health, but also the work at all. Such a person can’t be “Today, as part of the construction Street, including two junctions and 27 Street from No. 39 Street until mood. My principle is such that a of a small ring road, already 22.8 “According to internet sources, a president because it can be harm- one overpass over railroad tracks. Kaldayakov Street. person should eat everything that kilometres have been completed and many heads of state use various di- ful to the state. So you need to have his or her body requires. However, work is underway to complete the ets to be able to work with tough good health and, as we use to say, I keep saying that we should en- construction of Beisekov Street from schedules. Some of them even do to have good genes. I am grateful gage in sports; we have to look af- Syganak to Korgalzhyn Highway,” aqua-fitness or pilates. Do you ter our bodies and be a healthy na- to my parents who gave me strong a statement from the Astana Akimat practice such techniques?” asked genes. I grew up in the mountains (administration) specified. tion. I know that our youth aspires one of the journalists. to that,” the President said. where I used to hike a lot during Also, construction of Beisekov “I personally do not stick to any my childhood. Maybe that gave Street is ongoing from Korgalzhyn This is not the first time journal- diet. There is much information me strength. I also have to say Highway to 14 Tlendiev Avenue. ists have asked the Kazakh head In addition, as part of the construc- dedicated to this topic. Everybody of state about his recipe for, how that with age I became addicted to tion of the same street, some prop- wants to lose weight, even those he is able to maintain such a busy sports and now I can’t imagine my erty was allocated from Tlendiev who are pretty thin. There are diets, working schedule. Last year one life without it,” Nazarbayev added. Avenue to Constitution Street. Utili- according to which it is not healthy reporter tracked how much time He also noted the fact that young ties are also under construction along to eat meat, as it has too much fat. the President spent on the road dur- people of Kazakhstan follow this Saraishyk Street. We, Kazakhs, however, can’t live ing 2014. example and do sports a lot. B6 Nation&Capital Tourism&EXPO 2017

Wednesday, december 23, 2015 Airport for Tourists Flying President Nazarbayev Notes to Alakol Lake to Be Built Timeliness of EXPO 2017’s in Usharal, Says Official Future Energy Theme In the meantime, the akim said the number of campers vacationing on the shores of Balkhash and Alakol lakes has increased to 138,000 people this year, according to the website. The magazine said the increased number of vacationers is the result of improved logistics. “The Almaty region is a tourism area. We began to work actively on the shores of Balkhash and Alakol lakes in the field of tourism. We have helped big investors in Alakol Lake by providing land and all the neces- Photo: inform.kz sary infrastructure,” Batalov said. build an airport in the Usharal town According to the akim, two to bring our tourists and campers By Kamila Zhumabayeva five-star hotels will open soon. from there to the shore of Alakol One is nearly completed and Lake. Three hectares of land have al- ASTANA – The Kazakh govern- the other is under construction, ment plans to build an airport in ready been allocated for it,” Batalov said at a briefing in the Central Com- other news agencies reported. the town of Usharal in the Alakol come from those sources of energy try,” he said. “First, everyone will munications Service under the Presi- Ninety-four kilometres of power District of the Almaty Region in lines have also been connected By Zhazira Dyussembekova that we use for living – coal and bring their experience. We will see dent of Kazakhstan. oil. And the world has spent this what is happening in the world and south-eastern Kazakhstan to ac- He added that the launching of to the recreational areas around Balkhash and Alakol lakes, roads ASTANA – President Nursultan year alone, $270 billion for green we will try to show our experience, are being repaired and an Almaty Nazarbayev had an informal in- technologies. The goal is to pro- what we can. In our steppes and BATALOV: “According to instructions from – Dostyk rail service is being es- terview with national TV journal- duce 15 to 50 percent of the elec- fields, the wind blows and there the head of state, we are planning to build tablished, the post said. ists Yerlan Iginisov of 24KZ and tricity from renewable sources by is a lot of sun. We are just at the “Given the fact that a new road Beisen Kuranbek of Kazakhstan 2050. Therefore, green technology beginning of our work and we al- an airport in the Usharal town to bring our from Taldykorgan to Ust-Kame- that was shown on Dec. 13. As part is not just about the replacement of ready have successful results. This nogorsk will be built, we also want to of the conversation, Nazarbayev hydrocarbons; it is scientific and is one of the points of scientific and tourists and campers from there to the shore build an offshoot at 141 kilometres to shared his thoughts on the upcom- technical progress,” he said. technological progress,” he added, of Alakol Lake. Three hectares of land have the coast of the Balkhash Lake. As of ing EXPO 2017, which has a theme “Scientists say that even solar according to Tengrinews. today, design and estimate documen- of Future Energy. energy can provide mankind with Also during the conversation, already been allocated for it.” tation is being developed,” Batalov Nazarbayev noted the timeliness the necessary energy. Wind ener- he discussed issues of 2015, in- said, according to the Kazinform of hosting an EXPO in Astana on gy, waterpower, hydrogen energy. cluding relations between Turkey commodate tourists flying to the an Almaty – Usharal air service is information agency. “Railway com- alternative energies, reported the Now there are whole plants work- and Russia, de-dollarisation, his shores of Alakol Lake, Akim (Gov- being planned as well. munication has been established. We press service of Akorda. ing on vehicles that run on elec- personnel policies , privatisation, ernor) of the Almaty region Aman- The airport will be built over the started out with five carriages and to- “Recently in Paris the whole tricity, on batteries. If we want to pension funds, tribalism, the 550th dyk Batalov said recently. next few years to increase the tour- day 11 are circulating. This rail route world discussed the issue of cli- keep up with these trends, we must anniversary of the Kazakh Khan- “According to instructions from ist flow, Vlast Internet magazine was in great demand among Almaty mate change and challenges in re- move in this direction. We have ate, fighting corruption and others the head of state, we are planning to wrote. residents in summer.” ducing emissions. And emissions everything we need in our coun- important topics of this year. A Little Astana in Kuala Lumpur With its wooden dining tables 1997, manages the restaurant with communities would definitely be dients had to be the same so the taurant was to serve the student By Bilqis Bahari and chairs and dark brown walls two of his partners. The eatery, sufficient to sustain us. Sustaining foods will taste exactly as they do community. We knew that we could decorated with Kazakh trinkets, named Astana to instil a “homey” the business is basically the main in Central Asian countries. not target the upper market, so we KUALA LUMPUR – The smell Astana Restaurant exudes a tra- feel for the Kazakh/Central Asian criteria for us to look at because “Even after three years of operat- have to be reasonable in terms of of home-cooked food to a group of ditional Central Asian ambiance. community, opened June 14, 2012 if we can cover the overhead, that ing the restaurant, I would still say pricing,” said Yunusmetov. “We 20-year-old Kazakh students living The mounted flat panel TV shows and targeted the student commu- means we have the potential to adapting to local ingredients is the are following the same concept to- in tropical Malaysia will always Ru.TV, a music video channel nity. grow in the future,” he said. tough part, because the end product day. We price our food at the level trigger memories of the delicious popular in Russia and Central Asia. The confidence to open the res- The menu lists meals with cus- is not on par with the product that where it will not burden the budget meals prepared by their mothers, The music played and language taurant came when Yunusmetov tomary ingredients. Its signature people are used to in Kazakhstan of the students.” sisters and grandmothers back in (Russian) spoken definitely evoke observed the high number of Ka- dish, of course, is beshbarmak and or Uzbekistan,” said Yunusmetov. Recently, he has noticed locals Kazakhstan. memories of home not only for Ka- zakh, Uzbek and other Central it features Uighur lagman prepared “But we have gone quite a long coming to the restaurant to try the But being more than 5,000 kilo- zakh students, but also for Kazakhs Asian students in Malaysia’s capi- by Uzbek chefs. journey and I would say that our northern cuisine. Some of the cus- metres away from home means working and living in Malaysia. tal. The location, in the town which “We have to have beshbarmak, chef from Uzbekistan has mastered tomers have visited Kazakhstan or these students are not able to return “Basically, we want to create houses the country’s National because we cannot be calling our- the local ingredients.” Uzbekistan and are familiar with whenever they want to eat beshbar- a home away from home for Ka- Sports Complex, was chosen in- selves a Kazakh restaurant if we Meals range from RM10/ the dishes, while others usually fol- mak, kazy or manty. zakhs and other Central Asian stead of the heart of the city centre don’t have beshbarmak. We also KZT800 (US$2.34) to RM20/ low the waitresses’ recommenda- Although Malaysia and Kazakh- communities in Malaysia. We want due to the presence of colleges and have horse meat that is served with KZT1,600 (US$4.68) for a main tions. stan share similar cultural tradi- them to come here, be comfort- universities in the area. the dish,” he said. course, which is very afford- Astana Restaurant plans to focus tions, the countries definitely have able and enjoy the cuisines that we “We knew that the Kazakh, Uz- The protein is sourced from Ka- able in Malaysia. Beshbarmak is more on its food delivery service different national dishes. This cre- offer, which are a mixture of Ka- bek and other Central Asian stu- zakhstan and Uzbekistan, as it is a bit higher at RM25/KZT2006 to students living beyond Bukit ates a challenge for Kazakh stu- zakh, Uzbek, Russian and Ukrain- dents would support us, because not common in the Malaysian diet (US$5.87) per person. By compari- Jalil, such as Cyberjaya. The new dents in search of familiar food. ian foods,” Yunusmetov told The obviously once in a while they will and thus unavailable in the local son, some local entrees are as high town, dubbed The Silicon Valley Ainara Aidarbekova, who is Astana Times in an interview in miss home cooked food and when market. as RM28/KZT2246 (US$6.57); of Malaysia, is 22 kilometres from studying international business in mid-December. they do, they will come to us,” he The preparation of foods is easy, for a Western meal such as pasta, the eatery. The restaurant will also one of the private universities in The 37-year-old businessman, said. but the challenge lies in adapting RM35/KZT2,808 (US$8.22). have an outdoor sitting area and the Malaysian capital, described who has lived in Malaysia since “We also knew that these student to local food products. The ingre- “The initial idea of Astana Res- shisha services so customers can her experience in finding a restau- enjoy time with friends after a nice rant serving items that satisfy the hearty meal. Kazakh palate. “We noticed that most of our cus- “It was quite hard for some of my tomers would leave the restaurant friends and me to find foods that right after they finish their meals, are similar to what we usually eat so we want to make this restaurant back home. We tried to buy ingre- more friendly to people,” he said. dients to cook some Kazakh dishes, “We want to create an environment but the taste is not the same and we where students and other custom- could not get horse meat here,” she ers can spend their evenings with said. friends. They could enjoy shisha or As students studying in another some drinks and desserts.” country, they not only miss their Although Astana Restaurant is homes and families but also their seeing some competitors sprouting national foods. While they find around the city, its current plan is to Malaysian food very tasty, it is also attract more regular customers and quite spicy. offer new products and services “Sometimes we crave beshbar- instead of opening additional loca- mak, shashlyk and other meals that tions. The restaurant will continue we always eat at home. But most to serve the student community and of us only go back to Kazakhstan fully utilise its current capacity in once a year, so we have to wait Bukit Jalil. maybe nine or 10 months before “We plan to grow not in the we can eat our national food,” she quantity of the outlets, but rather recently told The Astana Times. in the quality of our service,” said Malaysia has seen a surge in the Yunusmetov. “Of course we would number of Kazakh students during want Astana Restaurant to have a the last seven years, which has led five-star rating in the future, but to an increased demand for Kazakh/ we will still stick to our main goal, Central Asian cuisines. No restau- which is to serve our own commu- rants in Malaysia, particularly in its nity here.” capital, serve the specialities. Realising this was an issue to be Astana Restaurant solved, Kazakh businessman Dani- A-01-10, Endah Promenade, Ja- yar Yunusmetov decided to open lan 3/149E, Sri Petaling, 57000, Astana Restaurant serving Kazakh Kuala Lumpur. and other Central Asian foods in Telephone Number: + 603 9054 the bustling suburb of Bukit Jalil, 3642 south of the city. Facebook: Astana Restaurant B7 Nation&Capital Sports

Wednesday, december 23, 2015 Universiade 2017 to Help Position Kazakh Junior Hockey Kazakhstan as Major Int’l Event Host Team Takes Bronze in Continued from Page B1 help invest in the development of scored skiing, biathlon, freestyle elite athletes and national sports skiing and ice hockey among the The hosting of the Universiade programmes and lay the founda- promising events for Kazakhstan, IIHF World Championship must serve as a foundation for the tions for other major sporting where the country could battle for achievement of more broad goals, events, such as various world medals. said Nevzorov, and help realise championships and, in the future, Concluding the interview, strategic plans to boost Kazakh- the Winter Olympic Games. Nevzorov added that FISU was stan’s reputation internationally “The main principle in the established within higher educa- to be able to host large-scale in- preparations is to provide safe tion institutions to promote sports ternational sports events and to and utmost technical standards,” values and sports spirit within the demonstrate winter tourism po- Nevzorov continued, adding that student lifestyle and FISU sup- Andrey Nevzorov tential and investment attractive- Kazakhstan has said its Univer- ports Kazakhstan in the idea to ness. It is also hoped the event the domestic economy, instil a siade will cost the least to put on unite the sports spirit to achieve will contribute to the preservation sense of national consciousness in the event’s history. the highest results and promote of peace and prosperity in the re- and pride, especially among the In terms of sports achievements sports among students world- gion, contribute to the growth of youth and younger generation, in the Universiade, he under- wide. Photo: hcbarys.kz By Dmitry Lee and Latvia came out on top with Kazakh Woman Ranks Second at ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s junior gold and 14 points. national ice hockey team beat hosts Thus, Latvia has been promoted Austria 5:2 to win bronze at the to the 2017 International Ice Hock- World Junior Ice Hockey Champi- ey Federation (IIHF) World Jun- World Bodybuilding Championship onship under 20, Division I Group ior Championship, while Italy has According to her, during that A, on Dec. 20. been relegated to the 2017 IIHF Ice By Kamila Zhumabayeva time they became more than Earlier, the team defeated Norway Hockey U20 World Championship coach and student, but also in a Dec. 17 comeback 4:3 and shut Division I Group B. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Ul- close friends and a united team. out Italy 7:0 on Dec. 16. But the start Kazakhstan’s Vladimir Volkov pan Nurbekova won silver at the “As I remember, a year ago I of the tournament was rougher with finished the tournament second World Bodybuilding and Phy- came home joyful and told my two losses; one to Latvia 3:5 and to among scoring leaders with seven sique Sports Federation (WBPF) husband that the coach noticed Germany 2:3. points (two goals, five assists), while World Championship, Vesti.kz me, and like that, I began my With eight points, the team took his teammate Alikhan Assetov fin- reported Dec. 10. Competitions journey into the sport,” Nurbe- bronze, while Austria with nine ished third with six points – six were held in Thailand’s capital kova said. “While still preparing points, despite the loss, took silver goals, the most among goal scorers. city, Bangkok. for my first tournament, coach It was just the fourth appear- said that I had a great future in the ance onstage for Nurbekova. sport if I do not give up and that There were 16 participants in he will make me a champion.” her category. Nurbekova beat a She expressed being very grate- Hungarian athlete but fell to a ful to her coach and their federa- Ilya Ilyin Sets Two Thai athlete, according to the tion for the opportunity to compete website. in the championships, Vesti.kz re- Nurbekova considers her per- ported. formance excellent. After a long Nurbekova says she will never New World Records maternity leave, the Kazakh ath- give up sport. According to her, lete got straight onstage without after an eventful, competitive By Dmitry Lee kilogrammes and setting a new total missing a single championship year, she wants a little rest and world record of 437 kilogrammes. and even performed on the world to devote her time to her family. ASTANA – Kazakh two-time The Kazakh beat his own record set stage without previous experi- Ulpan Nurbekova “I have a three-year-old daughter Olympic Champion and four-time on Nov. 15, 2014 in Almaty, where ence of public performances, es- who is very proud of me and always world champion Ilya Ilyin, 27, he clean and jerked 242 kilogrammes pecially in a swimsuit. She has been practising body- vice-champion of all of Asia, tells everyone that her mother is a set two new world records at the and totalled 432 kilogrammes in the “The training was difficult, but building for two years and only Tengrinews reported. champion and that when she grows Fifth Russian Federation President same weight category. my coach Kairat Syzdykov is a in the last year began to com- “Around the world, body- up and becomes a mother, she will Weightlifting Cup in Grozny, Rus- Another Kazakh Alexander real professional who helped me pete professionally. building is the most trendy sport also have medals,” she shared. sia on Dec. 12. Zaichikov took silver with 416 in everything. How my coach Nurbekova has already had at the moment. I became very “I am generally very fortunate “The people of Kazakhstan, I kilogrammes in total in the same assesses my performance is the several big victories. She won attracted to it and was lit up in life. My husband and I have dedicate my victory to the Inde- 105 kilogramme category. Lon- most important thing for me,” silver in Kazakhstan’s Body- to perform. That’s why I came wonderful parents who support pendence Day of Kazakhstan,” Il- don 2012 Olympic champion Nurbekova said. “For him, I was building and Fitness Federation to [Syzdykov], hoping that he us always and in everything. yin said as he continued in Kazakh Svetlana Podobedova, raising best in all criteria and this was Cup in November 2014, gold in would notice me and lead to I’m married to the best man and “Alga, Kazakhstan!” (meaning Go 264 kilogrammes in total, took important for me. I have received the Open Championship of Ka- heights of this sport. So it hap- we have a beauty for a daughter! Forward, Kazakhstan!). silver in the 75-kilogramme cat- great pleasure from perform- zakhstan and Central Asia, be- pened. In the first minute he no- I am grateful to God for every- Kyzyorda-born Ilyin set two new egory among women; Russian ing on such a big stage and went came an absolute winner (first ticed my potential,” Nurbekova thing I have, I am a happy per- records in the 105 kilogramme- Olga Zubova won gold with 268 home in a good mood.” place among all champions) and said, according to Vesti.kz. son!” Nurbekova added. category by clean and jerking 246 kilogrammes in total. Curling: A Sport for Everyone and for Life, Says National Association Head during the 1998 Winter Olympics sport. Teams from Scotland, Swe- found out that he was 92 years old. waiting for a new specialised sta- and air balance matter. The tem- By Zhazira Dyussembekova in Nagano, where he attended as a den, Germany and others are Curling is like a good wine: the dium and with it, the promise of perature of the ice should be about member of the Kazakh delegation. among the strongest ones. We have older you are, the better you are Olympic medals. minus five degrees Celsius, the air ASTANA – Curling is consid- The sport totally mesmerised him. been accepted and played three at playing. Athletic skill does not “We cannot wait forever; we should be at the level of 12 degrees. ered to be an unusual sport for “Curling is wonderful. In ad- times at the European champion- matter in this sport,” he added. have to prepare for the 2018 Olym- The surface should be sprayed with Kazakhstan. It first appeared in the dition, it is an Olympic and team ships. We have been gaining expe- The curling association has built a pics. For now, we are playing on special water drops for better slid- country in 2003, yet the national sport along with hockey. The team rience; we visited the training camp special stadium in Kim’s home yard. natural ice,” said Kim. “Our ice ing of the rocks. The full training team has already shown good re- is about understanding, team spirit in Europe and trained in Germany He has sold his cars and an apart- field was recognised by the In- process can be organised only at a sults. National Curling Associa- and respect for each other. Curling and Switzerland. After some time ment. In 2012, President Nursultan ternational Federation of Curling special stadium to purposefully and tion Secretary General and national has it all. I would say it combines we moved into the Pacific-Asian Nazarbayev visited the Eurasian Cup and international competitions at methodically prepare athletes for team head coach Viktor Kim makes the elements of completely differ- group, because there are only seven named in his honour and instructed the highest level can be organised competition,” he explained. every effort to develop the new ent sports, such as bowling, bil- teams playing there, including Ka- the Akim (Mayor), National Olym- here,” he said. “In the meantime, we have to sport and sees great prospects for liards and weightlifting. It is also zakhstan [and China, Taipei, Japan, pic Committee and Minister of Sport Kim stressed existing ice palaces invest our own funds. I under- the future. called chess on ice. The game con- South Korea, Australia and New to help build the stadium and special and rinks are not suitable for training. stand that I look insane, but I just Almaty hosted the Pacific-Asia sists of 10 ends (periods) in which Zealand.] There are two licens- territory was allocated. “Curling is a technically-com- like curling and in life you have to Curling Championship Nov. 7-15, the teams take turns and throw es for the World Championship, Financing, however, is still in plex sport. The size of the hall, the sacrifice something if you want to where the Kazakh men’s team took eight stones. Teams should know where points are earned for partici- missing. The curling athletes are structure of the ice, water and salt achieve something,” he said. seventh place and women took what will happen to the last stone pation in the Olympic Games. Our fourth. when they throw the first one and first victories started here,” he said. “For the first time, a curling make calculations to change their The sixth Winter Asian Games competition of this magnitude took tactics and sometimes even their held in China in 2007 were very place in Almaty, which is a source strategies. Curling is a contactless important for the team. The squad of pride for us. Curling in Kazakh- and venturesome, intelligent and took fourth place and ten athletes stan is developing substantially. strong-willed sport. It is developed became international class masters These competitions are a test prior in only fifty [countries], but the of sport. to the World Winter Universiade in most developed countries. When “Curling is a sport for everyone Almaty,” said Kim, according to you try curling and you understand and for life. In the West, people Zakon.kz. it, it will never let you go,” said start playing in the official tourna- The coach has devoted more Kim in a recent interview with The ments at the age of 10. There are than twenty years to the develop- Astana Times. special stones for children weigh- ment of the Olympic movement in Kim began developing the new ing 12 kilogrammes, not 20 as for the country. He is a member of the sport at home in 2003, with the adults. And they play all their lives, Kazakh National Olympic Com- country’s first curling tournament as long as they can walk, and some- mittee, author of the book “Almaty held in March 2013. Now, Kazakh- times even when they cannot. We – Potential Capital of the Olympic stan has both men’s and women’s were at a tournament in Switzer- Winter Games” and Winter Olym- teams, as well as a youth team. land and saw an old man approach- pics enthusiast in Almaty, as well Since the beginning, they have ing the throwing point, he was as a Master of Sport at the interna- wanted to become members of the barely walking. I thought he would tional level. European federation. not reach it. But no, he threw the

Kim saw curling for the first time “Europe is a trendsetter in this stone straight into the target! We Association of Kazakhstan Photo: Curling B8 Nation&Capital capital

Wednesday, december 23, 2015 Astana Architecture and City Building Management Chief Highlights Plan for ‘Harmonious’ Development and monumental arts linking intra- By Kamila Zhumabayeva square spaces, kindergartens and schools are to be located on the ASTANA – Head of the city’s façade part of all squares facing Architecture and City Building Orynbor Avenue,” said Siletskiy. Management Vitaliy Siletskiy re- “The approved style of the façades cently discussed the capital’s de- is neoclassic with the national dec- velopment plans and new projects. oration. Granite, marble, travertine, Among those under consideration metal, bronze and fibre concrete are public, residential, social and are the recommended materials for cultural objects on the west side construction.” of Khan Shatyr Mall and east of The construction of Turan Av- Millennium Alley, public purpose enue, one of the main highways of mini-areas facing Orynbor Avenue the city around which large facili- and the new Green Square project ties are expected to be built, will be and public centre, as well as form- implemented in the future. ing a classic model of a polycentric “Among the major construction city. projects, it is necessary to high- “Cultural singularity, ideas of light the new Green Square project East and West, harmoniously in- initiated by the head of state and tertwine in the capital city’s archi- implemented as part of the EXPO tecture. The conceptual basis of 2017 preparations in Astana. The the general plan can be described keystone to success of forming a with one word – harmony,” he polycentric metropolis is in creat- said. “The harmony is in the de- ing comfortable living conditions velopment of nature and city, in and opportunities for work, educa- the compound of innovations and tion and recreation in every area of traditions, human relationships the city,” Siletskiy noted. and the city environment, tech- He added the city has a clear de- nology and people.” velopment ideology, the essence of The concept of priority district which is to transform itself into one construction that forms the archi- of the centres of international co- tectural appearance of the capital operation and tourism. has been developed and imple- “The artistic image of Kazakh- mented, in addition to designing stan’s new capital must correspond and constructing specific objects. to new directions of the 21st cen- Public and residential complexes, tury architectural style and at the cultural, education and health fa- same time contain elements related cilities, parks and squares are to be to the cosmologies of the different built heading east from Millennium tall buildings, was also approved a unified socio-economic and cul- road will include the Abu Dhabi aspect, a broad avenue for proces- cultures and ethnicities living in Alley, complimented by unique ob- and implemented. tural centre has ceased to be the Plaza multifunctional complex, sions and celebration of various ac- the country. That is to say, the city jects such as Etnoaul, a cultural and The capital is a modern mega- only possible attraction, public Kazakh and Russian drama thea- tivities was proposed for construc- should be polyphonic in its artistic tourist complex, and a new railway lopolis with two centres, the old centres in each of the planning ar- tres, a trade and logistics centre and tion of the street, with an allocation structure and reflect the symbiosis station. town known as Old Square and the eas will be established. new railway station with a capac- of one of the main avenue nodes of cultures and nations of the Eura- “Public and residential complex- left bank along the Nurly Zhol (for- “A public centre is a place where ity of up to 35,000 passengers per – the Triumphal Arch area that is sian space,” he said. es and objects of social and cul- merly Water Green) Boulevard. people will have a workplace, cul- day. Two new bus terminals with dedicated to the 20th anniversary The management is expecting to tural infrastructure will be erected “The classic model of a polycen- tural recreation, shopping centres, Karaganda and Kostanai destina- of Kazakhstan’s independence,” achieve breakthroughs in new lev- on the west side of Khan Shatyr. tric city is gradually forming. park territories, active leisure and tions for 5,000 passengers per day said Siletskiy. els of 21st century architectural de- Engineering and transport infra- Polycentricism is not only a device transport links with the rest of are planned for 2030. Seven-storey buildings with velopment by engaging the world’s structure will be correspondingly of the city; it is how the human Astana,” said Siletskiy. The development proposal also rhythmically-highlighted tall en- outstanding architects to design the developed,” said Siletskiy. community is constructed. The The city’s general development includes reconstruction of Astana sembles for residential and public city’s unique and important ob- The concept of developing Oryn- new centres are viable only if they plan is focused on the EXPO 2017 International Airport by building a purpose are proposed along the en- jects. The Palace of Peace and Har- bor Street, one of the entrances to are functional and linked between international exhibition centre. The new terminal. tire avenue. “Public purpose mini- mony, constructed under a project the city from the airport along with each other,” he added. 33 kilometres on the southwest by- “By analysing the experience areas with landscaping, decorated by Lord Norman Foster, was cited Kabanbai Batyr Avenue, defined by As the model of a megacity with pass of the K-1 Expressway detour of the world’s best cities in this fountains, flower beds, decorative as one example of this approach. Monument Dedicated to 25th Anniversary of Independence to Be Installed in Astana p hoto: astana.gov.kz A project of a new monument by Yedil Alimbekov.

Staff Report “The universal and internation- history of modern Kazakhstan,” al form of strict geometric verti- according to the description of A Monument dedicated to the cal was used as a stylistic solu- the project. 25th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s tion of the object. A light silver The monument will be sent to the independence will be installed in colour of the suggested material, State Commission on Monuments, Astana next year. Yedil Alimbekov which is titanium, meets futuris- where the final location will be from Almaty won a national con- tic skylines and is interpreted as a determined, as the contest partici- test, reports the city akimat (ad- further movement of the country pants offered three options. ministration). along the path of creation. The Sixty-six works were submitted According to Alimbekov, the monument, moving up to the sky, for the contest. Kazakhstan will stele-shaped monument reaching marks our best aspirations and celebrate its 25th anniversary of into the sky will include 25 edges, spiritual impulses. The future of independence in December 2016. each of which represents one of the the world is the pinnacle of the President Nursultan Nazarbayev milestones reached by the nation in creative spirit. Twenty-five facets emphasised that the upcoming hol- the period of independence from represent 25 years of independ- iday should be celebrated without 1991 to the present day. ence, 25 important events in the unnecessary budget spending.