-12° / -19°C WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 No 3 (117) www.astanatimes.com Kazakh Leader Outlines Five President Unveils Priorities of Country’s Third Plans of Constitutional Stage of Modernisation Reforms Kazakhstan is fully capable, in will be conducted in two key ar- By Aigerim Seisembayeva Nazarbayev’s words, of produc- By Aigerim Seisembayeva eas. First, a significant part of the ing organic foods. The “Made in president’s functions on regulat- ASTANA – Kazakh President Kazakhstan” brand must become ASTANA – Kazakh President ing social and economic processes Nursultan Nazarbayev’s 2017 ad- a high standard in this sphere. Nursultan Nazarbayev gave a spe- will be transferred to the govern- dress to the nation, published Jan. At the same time, he set the goal cial televised address Jan. 25 to ment and other executive bodies. 31, focuses on what he termed a for Kazakhstan of becoming the the nation on the redistribution of Secondly, the relations between new, third stage of the country’s “bread basket” of Eurasia in terms powers among governmental bod- different branches will need to be modernisation. It consists of five of grain production. ies which would involve, among balanced at a constitutional level. top priorities that are to ensure The President also outlined lo- other steps, amending the coun- Nazarbayev proposed to strengthen economic growth above the world gistics and construction as parts try’s Constitution. the role of the parliament in terms average and bring the nation clos- of the first priority, highlighting A special working group had of its influence on the government. er to its goal of joining the top 30 the need to ensure free transit of been created by the President’s “It is important to strengthen the most-developed countries. goods, establish and modernise decree in December 2016, which role of Parliament in the formation Kazakhstan passed its 25-year transport corridors and transfer carried out a thorough work on the of Government, to enhance the re- development phase with honour, innovation technologies into con- issue of redistributing powers. sponsibility of the Cabinet before said the head of state. He evoked struction and producing building “The upcoming reform is based the deputies. The winning party the beginning of the country’s ten- materials. The Nurly Zher pro- on the principles of our develop- in the parliamentary election will ure on the United Nations Secu- gramme will provide housing for ment and the principles of modern have a decisive influence on the rity Council, the upcoming EXPO 1.5 million families in the coming development in general. The quin- formation of the Government. On 2017 international specialised second was implementing Strategy scientific and innovative potential 15 years. tessence is that the President del- this basis, it will be logical, if the exhibition and Universiade 2017 2030 and creating a new capital – on the basis of Nazarbayev Uni- Modernising the economy will egates some powers to the Parlia- government will abdicate author- in Almaty among the nation’s Astana. versity and Alatau IT City near lead to releasing the labour force ment and the Government. Vertical ity to the newly elected Mazhilis, achievements and successes. “This modernisation is not a Almaty. from traditional industries. In this separation of power was necessary not the President, as it was before,” “In 2014-2016 alone, 1.7 trillion plan to combat current global chal- In addition to creating new in- regard, the President instructed the to us in the course of overcoming Nazarbayev highlighted. tenge (US$5.2 billion) was addi- lenges, but a reliable bridge to the dustries, impetus is to be given to government to create conditions the enormous difficulties of state The reforms also include sim- tionally allocated to support the future, to meet the objectives of developing traditional ones. This for a controlled flow of workers formation,” Nazarbayev stated in plifying the procedure of passing economy. This provided opportu- Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy. It will implies increasing productivity in into other sectors. his address. a vote of no- confidence in minis- nities for economic growth, busi- be carried out on the basis of the areas like automation, robotics, According to him, the reform is ters from the parliament chambers. ness support and creation of over 100 Concrete Steps Plan of the Na- artificial intelligence and big data aimed at improving the efficiency This will strengthen the control of of the public administration sys- 200,000 new jobs. This resulted in tion,” said the President. exchange. The government was Improving and the legislature over the executive a 1-percent GDP growth in 2016. tem. The essence of the proposed The address further outlines the instructed to develop a package of power. This is particularly important in expanding the business reform is a serious redistribution five priorities for Kazakhstan’s measures for the technological re- Nazarbayev proposed to transfer the current difficult conditions,” of power and democratisation of modernisation. equipment of basic industries until sphere the approval of state programmes the address reads. One of Kazakhstan’s strategic the political system as a whole, he to the government, so that it will The world today is witnessing 2025. said. Attention was also attached to goals is to ensure small- and me- bear full responsibility for those. the fourth industrial revolution. “Under the new conditions the The government might as well ac- The economy’s export promotion. The address in- dium-sized businesses account The digitalisation of the economy, President’s priority areas will be quire the right to form and to abol- dicates exporters are to be provid- for at least 50 percent of the GDP Nazarbayev noted, will make en- accelerated technological strategic functions, and the role of ish central executive bodies that ed with support based on the ‘one by 2050. In order to achieve this tire industries disappear and create a supreme arbiter in the relations are not included in it. The project stop shop’ principle. The President goal, the government must sup- fundamentally new ones. modernisation port mass entrepreneurship by between governmental branches. on constitutional reform will be “Great changes are taking place Within this priority, Nazarbayev instructed forming a governmental The head of state will also focus presented for public discussion is aiming to create new indus- council with business representa- providing micro-loans of up to before our very eyes – it is both a 16 million tenge (US$48,800), on foreign policy, national security during Jan. 26 – Feb. 26, 2017. challenge and a historic opportuni- tries based on digital technolo- tives to discuss export policy and and defence,” Nazarbayev said. The following is an informal gies, such as 3D printing, mobile also ordered the government and reducing all types of business ty for the nation. Today, I put forth costs, optimising public services The role of the government and translation of the full text of the the task of ensuring the implemen- banking, e-commerce and digital akims (governors and mayors) to the parliament will be significantly televised address of President Naz- services. The President instruct- develop a unified export strategy and deregulating the business tation of the third modernisation sphere. The President also initi- expanded. The transformation, ac- arbayev of Jan. 25, 2017. ed the government to develop a in cooperation with businesspeo- of Kazakhstan. It is necessary to ated introducing a doing busi- cording to the Kazakh President, Continued on Page A2 “Digital Kazakhstan” programme ple by Sept. 1. create a new model of economic ness rating across Kazakhstan, and establish an international IT Nazarbayev emphasised metal- growth that will provide the coun- an analogue of the World Bank’s startup technological park, based lurgical and petroleum industries try’s global competitiveness,” he Doing Business report, with a on some of the premises to be left are to remain strategic areas while said. special prize awarded to pioneer The first stage of modernisa- vacant after EXPO 2017 which seeking new markets and activat- regions annually on Industriali- tion was forming an entirely new will attract entrepreneurs and in- ing geological exploration works. sation Day. Trilateral Working Group state based on the principles of a vestors from around the world. The agrarian sector is to become market economy in the 1990s. The This also includes developing the new driver of the economy. Continued on Page A4 on Syrian Ceasefire Kazakhstan Ranks 48 in Bloomberg Innovation Index Holds First Technical sation for Economic Cooperation ents in force. The country ranked sufficient data available on the By Lyazzat Shatayeva and Development and the United 42nd in MVA, measuring the man- number of high-tech public com- Nations Educational, Scientific ufacturing output as a share of the panies, which falls under the ASTANA – Kazakhstan rose two Meeting in Astana and Cultural Organisation. country’s economy. high-tech density category, even positions to 48th in Bloomberg’s The study assesses the countries’ Productivity expressed in gross though the country is seeing a 2017 Innovation Index, marking performance in seven categories: national income (GNI) and gross rise in its engineering, aerospace, the second year in a row the country Research and Development, Manu- domestic product (GDP) per per- defence and renewable energy in- has been among the world’s top 50 facturing Value-added, Productiv- son aged 15 and older earned the dustries. innovative economies. ity, High-tech Density, Tertiary Ef- country 34th place in the ranking. South Korea leads the rating for To compile the ranking, ficiency, Researcher Concentration Kazakhstan’s spending, as a per- the third consecutive year. The Bloomberg evaluated more than and Patent Activity. centage of GDP, on research and world’s most innovative country is 200 countries, of which 78 had Kazakhstan owed most of its rise development placed the country followed by Sweden and Germany. data available for at least six of in the ranking to patent activity. 50th in the category. The top ten also includes Switzer- seven factors. The agency uses Manufacturing value-added (MVA) The country earned 23rd position land, Finland, Singapore, Japan, data from the International Mon- metrics also improved slightly in total enrolments in tertiary edu- Denmark, the Unites States and etary Fund, the World Intellectual compared to last year’s indicators. cation and 49th place in the num- Israel. China remains 21st in the Property Organisation, the World The country ranked as high as 28th, ber of professionals involved in ranking two years in a row. Russia Bank, the United States Patent according to the number of patent research per population. ranked 26th, down by fourteen po- and Trademark Office, the Organi- filings, total patent grants and pat- The country did not provide sitions from last year. By Aigerim Seisembayeva “Today, the delegations of Russia, Turkey and Iran, as well as the Unit- ed Nations representatives, held the ASTANA – The joint working first session of the working group group for monitoring the cease- which was formed following the ar- fire regime in Syria held its first rangements made here in Astana on Almaty Hosts Winter Universiade technical meeting behind closed Jan. 23-24. The participants of the doors Feb. 6 in the Kazakh capital. meeting discussed the progress of Representatives of Russia, Turkey, the ceasefire regime observance in Iran, as well as the United Nations Syria, the special measures of cre- discussed the details of imple- ating the effective monitoring and menting the ceasefire agreement control mechanism to ensure full from December 2016. observance of the ceasefire regime, Jordan also participated as an prevention of any provocative acts observer, marking the first time an and definition of all modalities of Arab nation, other than Syria itself, the regime,” he said. took part in this process launched The participants also discussed last month. measures of mutual trust and free The head of the Russian del- access of humanitarian aid, he noted. egation, Armed Forces’ General The delegations confirmed their Headquarters Central Operating readiness to continue interaction Department Deputy Chief Major for the benefit of full observance General Stanislav Gadzhimago- of the ceasefire regime, Gadzhima- medov, made a statement for the gomedov added. See coverage on Page B7 media following the meeting. Continued on Page A3

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIALS OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Nazarbayev Sets Goals Toward Kazakh Economy Saw Sharp Increase Long-Term Planning Has Been, Will Continue IGALI: Why Tourism Industry Issues Are Almaty Man Travels World with Little Money, Third-Stage Modernisation A2 in Chinese Investment in 2016 A4 to Be Key to Success A6 Reassigned A7 Lots of Enthusiasm B1 Ministries Reorganised, New Ministers Kazpost Continues Devolution of Presidential Powers Signals KHAIROV: Improving Climate for Investors Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Army Appointed A2 E-Services Drive A5 Next Step in Kazakhstan’s Development A6 Top Priority, Official Says A7 to Be Exhibited at EXPO 2017 B6

US$ 1 = 321.80 KZT € 1 = 345.39 KZT 1 = 5.47 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

NATIONAL Nazarbayev Sets Goals Toward NEWS IN BRIEF The Judicial Situation Centre, which will aim to enable perma- nent centralised control of the Third-Stage Modernisation proceedings in any case, will be launched in 2017, reported Za- large-scale audit of the control and be created a unified IT-platform for supervisory functions until the end purchases and producers, he said. kon.kz. “We will be able to fully of March,” Nazarbayev said. According to him, it will provide control the legal proceedings “It is necessary to revise and import substitution and develop- starting from the registration of cancel all inefficient tax breaks and ment of domestic production. applications to executive actions. preferences. Tax legislation should Nazarbayev underlined poor The introduction of e-justice and stimulate business activity, invest- conditions of agricultural hold- other reforms have been positive- ments and reduce the share of the ings and instructed the General ly received by the population and shadow economy,” he added. Prosecutor’s Office in cooperation international experts,” said Su- Thereafter, Nazarbayev touched with the Audit Committee to carry preme Court Chairperson Kairat the topic of expanding the bound- out the relevant checks. Mami. Development of an elec- aries for business. He noted the Nazarbayev stressed the impor- tronic courtroom model with au- need to reduce the proportion of tance of ongoing healthcare re- tomation-equipped working plac- es for the judge, prosecutor and Photo credit: akorda.kz Photo credit: the state-owned enterprises, as forms noting that its results must well as establish a list of organisa- improve the quality of services. lawyer is currently underway. The He stressed the need for sus- sized enterprises (SMEs) and the tions in accordance with the prin- In addition, Nazarbayev stressed courts will be also soon equipped By Malika Orazgaliyeva tainable GDP growth at 5 percent involvement of citizens. ciples of Yellow Pages that will the importance of the transition to with computers and technical pointing to the existing potential “According to government re- reasonably remain in state owner- a 12-year education system, a new tools to demonstrate evidence. ASTANA – President Nursultan for further development of the na- ports, the scheduled inspections ship on the results of privatisation. trilingual system and the updating Nazarbayev led a Feb. 3 expanded tional economy. were cancelled, the new risk man- The President also pointed out of the rules of the United National Five memorandums on bilat- government meeting discussing Nazarbayev instructed the re- agement systems were implement- the lack of work on the develop- Testing (UNT). He instructed the eral cooperation were signed the key objectives of the third stage gional akims (governors and may- ed, whereas the state services were ment of public-private partnerships responsible state body to inform between Turkey and the South of Kazakhstan’s modernisation, ors) and development institutions converted into electronic format. emphasising that akims should be the country’s population about the Kazakhstan region as part of the which were laid out in his Jan. 31 to reinforce projects in the frame- However, the number of employ- more responsible in this area. positive effects of these changes. first Kazakh-Turkish Investment annual address to the nation. work of the state programme of in- ees in the inspection bodies was not Nazarbayev noted the impor- All reforms are provided with Forum held Feb.1-3 in Shymkent, Nazarbayev instructed the govern- dustrial-innovative development reduced. For this reason, I instruct tance of measures of state support the necessary funding sources, in- reported Inform.kz. About 200 ment to take into account the target that are now idling. the government, the General Pros- for domestic producers. It is neces- formed Nazarbayev. At the same Turkish and 300 Kazakh business indicators of the Kazakhstan 2050 Nazarbayev drew attention to ecutor’s Office and the National sary to ensure long-term contracts time, he noted the responsibility people attended the event. South Strategy while developing a Strate- the decline of goods and services Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Ka- and introduce modern technolo- of the state bodies for effective al- Kazakhstan region Akim (Gover- gic Development Plan until 2025. produced by small- and medium- zakhstan Atameken to conduct a gies and innovations. There should location of the state budget. nor) Zhanseit Tuimebayev noted the forum is one of the main pre- requisites to implement the tasks Secondly, increasing the role of stated by President Nursultan the Government and the Parlia- Nazarbayev in his “Third Mod- ment will provide a more effective ernisation of Kazakhstan: Global Kazakh President Unveils Plans mechanism of response to modern Competitiveness” Jan. 31 address challenges. to the nation. A conference on Yes, it is a more complex control the investment potential of the system, but also the society has be- region, exhibitions of investment of Constitutional Reforms come more complex. projects, manufacturers, tourism Continued from Page A1 cial processes are growing in Ka- to balance the relationship between The President may waive the I am deliberately going to dele- projects, development institutions zakhstan. the branches of government on the right to cancel or suspend the acts gate a large part of the powers held and information tours to local at- “Dear people of Kazakhstan! Already today we have to think constitutional level. of the Government and the Prime by the president. tractions are also scheduled. Thir- I address you on a fundamental how to respond to global and re- It is important to strengthen the Minister. And I will do it with a single pur- ty Turkish firms and companies issue for our country. gional challenges that will inevita- role of Parliament in the formation All of this will increase the re- pose, which is to build a more ef- currently operate in the region The issue is redistribution of bly take place in the coming future. of Government, to enhance the re- sponsibility of the executive agen- ficient, sustainable, modern system and four projects worth $33.7 powers between branches of gov- The essence of the proposed re- sponsibility of the Cabinet before cies and their officials and will give of governance. million have been implemented in ernment. form is a serious redistribution of the deputies. them the necessary authorities. Third, there is no universal mod- the past three years. A special working group was cre- power, democratization of the po- The winning party in the parlia- The current rules on the possi- el of government in the world. We ated in accordance with my decree. litical system as a whole. mentary election will have a deci- bility of adopting the presidential are all in search of it. The group has done a great job. Under the new conditions, the sive influence on the formation of decrees that have the force of law We have never engaged in copy- Sixteen high-tech chemical I was briefed on the work accom- President’s priorities will include the Government. have lost their relevance. ing foreign models of government. plants will be constructed at Taraz plished by the group. strategic functions, the role of su- On this basis, it will be logical, if It is proposed to strengthen the We have been trying to find our Chemistry Park, reported Inform. The upcoming reform is based preme arbiter in the relations be- own, often unique solutions, al- kz. The facilities are expected to on the principles of our develop- tween the branches of government. though there are questions where produce caustic soda, chlorine, ment and the principles of modern The head of state will also focus Delegation of powers can be achieved we follow international experience. glyphosate, phosphorus trichlo- development in general. on the foreign policy, national se- Our proposed reform is based ride, methanol and dry sodium The quintessence is that the Pres- curity and the country’s defence. through changes in the relevant laws. About primarily on our own experience butyl xanthate and a natural gas ident delegates some powers to the The role of the Government and 40 functions can be transferred either to the and needs of Kazakhstan. deep processing plant is slated to Parliament and the Government. the Parliament will increase signifi- The reform programme is our be built. The project investment Vertical separation of power was cantly. Government or the Parliament. answer to the question in what di- exceeds more than 27 billion tenge necessary to us in the course of This work will be conducted in rection Kazakhstan will move. (US$82.8 million). Taraz Chemis- overcoming the enormous difficul- two key areas. The answer is clear and consist- try Park will be launched in stages, ties of state formation. First of all, it is necessary to the government will abdicate author- role of Parliament in relation to the ent: we will move in the direction with the first plant scheduled to This principle justified itself. All transfer a significant part of powers ity to the newly elected Mazhilis, not local executive authorities. of democratic development. open in 2018. Total investment for our achievements were accom- in regulation of social and econom- the President, as it was before. In addition, we need to study the Given the importance of the pro- the project is 128.3 billion tenge plished precisely under this system. ic processes from the President to It is necessary to simplify the issue of improving the functioning posed measures, I decided to sub- (US$393.4 million) and 25.9 bil- This reform is aimed at improv- the Government and other execu- procedure for expression of no- of the Constitutional Council, the mit for public discussion a draft of lion tenge (US$80.1 million) was ing the efficiency of the executive tive bodies. confidence to the members of Gov- judiciary and the prosecutor’s office. the constitutional reforms, which allocated for infrastructure in system. The government, ministries and ernment from the Houses of Parlia- At the same time, we need un- will be published. 2014. We have built a new state, a new akimats (regional executive offices) ment. conditional assurances for immuta- A relevant decree was issued. economy, and a new society. will be fully responsible for this. This will strengthen the control bility of our constitutional system. All of this is in line with the fu- An open digital platform for The efficiency of our devel- Delegation of powers can be of the legislature over the execu- The working group will continue ture development of the country business will be launched in the opment path proved right in the achieved through changes in the tive branch of power. to operate; they need to thoroughly and meets the five institutional re- country, according to Tengrinews. course of history. Marking the 25th relevant laws. About 40 functions We should also transfer the right examine all of these issues and to forms. The project is initiated by Ka- anniversary of our independence, can be transferred either to the of approval of state programs to the prepare a package of proposals for The fifth reform “Open Govern- zakhtelecom in cooperation with we talked about our achievements, Government or the Parliament. Government, for which it will bear further public review. ment” provides for a serious redis- Atameken National Chamber of including the work of the authori- Government will introduce these full responsibility. The proposed programme will tribution of powers. To ensure that Entrepreneurs (NCE) and IT com- ties, the presidential system. amendments as a matter of priority Government should have the help to solve three problems. all branches of government work panies. The platform, an aggrega- But the world is changing before to the Parliament for adoption be- right to form and abolish the cen- Firstly, it will help to ensure sta- effectively and responsibly, it is tor of services necessary to operate our very eyes. fore the end of the current session. tral executive bodies that are not bility of the political system for important to create an appropriate the businesses, will be continuous- The speed and complexity of so- Second, a more difficult task is included in it. years to come. system checks and balances.” ly updated with new digital servic- es. “Digital platform is the world’s latest trend. The company adopted a strategy of gradual transition from traditional telecom services Ministries Reorganised, New Ministers Appointed to services with high added value which can be developed by all industry, previously with MID, is The President also appointed Minister of Healthcare and Social tistics and Special Records of the By Aigerim Seisembayeva now within the scope of the Minis- former Vice Minister of Health- Development, was appointed Min- Office of the Prosecutor General is market participants and provide a try of Culture and Sport. care and Social Development ister of Labour and Social Protec- Bagdat Mussin, until recently the telecom operator through an ex- ASTANA – The responsibilities The export promotion pro- Yelzhan Birtanov the new Minister tion of the Population. head of KazPost. Saule Aitpayeva tensive infrastructure,” said Ka- of numerous government minis- gramme allows small- and me- of Healthcare. Elsewhere, the new Chairperson was relieved of this post by Presi- zakhtelecom Board Chairperson tries were reorganised Jan. 25 by dium-sized enterprises that are Tamara Duissenova, previous of the Committee on Legal Sta- dent Nazarbayev’s order. Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev. decree of Kazakh President Nur- current or potential exporters of sultan Nazarbayev. non-raw material processed prod- A new seismic monitoring sys- The Ministry of Healthcare and ucts to receive comprehensive fi- tem was developed as part of Social Development was split into nancial, service and information the ecological and seismological the Ministry of Healthcare and the support, as well as expand the monitoring system development Ministry of Labour and Social Pro- scope and geography of their ex- project initiated by the National tection of the Population. ports. Agency for Technological De- The responsibility to establish The Ministry of National Econ- velopment, reported the agency’s and implement state healthcare omy is to delegate the sanitary and press service. The automatic sys- policy was transferred to the epidemiological welfare functions tem is aimed at short-term earth- Ministry of Healthcare while to the Ministry of Healthcare. The quake prediction and measuring forming and implementing state Ministry of National Economy also harmful gas mixtures in the air. social and labour policies was passes electricity issues and some “This is a very urgent project transferred to the Ministry of La- functions in overseeing heating due to the air pollution and seis- bour and Social Protection of the and gas supplies to the Ministry of mic danger in Almaty. We are Population. Energy while the responsibility for pleased to have an opportunity to The President also assigned new architecture, urban planning, con- develop this system,” said techni- functions to other ministries. The struction, housing relations, water cal director Vladimir Abelentsev. Ministry for Investments and De- supply, drainage, utilities and man- The system works in real time to velopment (MID) will perform agement of municipal waste to the study the dynamics of faults, with export promotion, and the respon- Ministry for Investments and De- continuous system monitoring ob- sibility for developing tourism velopment. akorda.kz Photo credit: served on www.samos-seismo.kz. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

fruitful cooperation between the EXTERNAL two countries. The Kazakh-Czech NEWS IN BRIEF intergovernmental commission Kazakhstan, Czech Republic Work plays a key role in such economic Kazakhstan had a 40,000 square-metre pavilion at the BETT cooperation, in particular in the Show international exhibition of economic, industrial and scien- education technologies in Lon- tific-technical spheres. The ninth to Reach Cooperation Potential session of the commission is to don this year, Kazakh TV reports. During Hamáček’s participation The BETT Show is a global plat- be held in Prague on Feb. 28. A By Aigerim Seisembayeva in the Kazakh-Czech business fo- form where professionals share total of 16 agreements have been rum, he again confirmed the -par new teaching methods with their signed between Kazakhstan and ASTANA – Chairperson of ticipation of Czech President Ze- colleagues. “The annual event the Czech Republic,” Dzhaksali- the Chamber of Deputies of the man at the opening ceremony of brought together more than 500 yev said. Parliament of the Czech Repub- the EXPO 2017 exhibition. exhibitors and 30,000 visitors He also informed Czech busi- lic Jan Hamáček met with Kazakh According to Kazakh Vice Min- from 138 countries,” Kazakh TV nesspersons about Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, ister of Energy Bakytzhan Dzhak- explained, adding that representa- investment climate and conditions Speaker of the Mazhilis (lower saliyev, 185 joint ventures involv- tives from Kazakhstan also paid for business development that have house of Parliament) Nurlan Nig- ing Czech capital are registered in a visit to the event. Kazakhstan’s attracted more than $200 billion of matulin and visited a Kazakh- Kazakhstan. Dzhaksaliyev said the pavilion featured the latest tech- foreign direct investment over the Czech business forum during his Czech Republic exports cars, spare past ten years. nological advances in education. Feb. 6 official visit to Astana. parts, electrical equipment, furni- “We will welcome the partici- Organisers of the event say their During the meeting with the Ka- ture, glass products and pharma- pation of Czech businesses in the mission is to bring people and zakh President, the sides discussed ceutical products to Kazakhstan. projects of the development of do- ideas, practices and technologies bilateral cooperation, including “An important area of bilateral together so future teachers and stu- mestic high-tech export-oriented economic and political cooperation. akorda.kz Photo credit: relations for Kazakhstan is me- dents can utilise their potential in “Your visit is very important. particularly inter-parliamentary other European structures, as well chanical engineering, in particu- production in accordance with the real developments. We have initially established good relations. The sides discussed the as cultural and humanitarian, trade lar, the expansion of the Czech priorities of our industrial and in- relations with the Czech Republic. key directions of the address of and economic cooperation. machine-building technologies. novation policy,” he concluded. Kazakhstan’s manufacturers are President of the Czech Repub- President Nazarbayev to the peo- Talking about Kazakhstan’s de- Assembly lines for Skoda Octavia Hamáček emphasised the del- actively promoting their products lic Miloš Zeman has previously ple of Kazakhstan as well as the velopment over the years of inde- and President Edition cars have egation came to Kazakhstan to in foreign markets, according visited our country. Now we are proposed constitutional reforms. pendence, Hamáček noted, “The been launched in Kazakhstan. “give proof of the political dia- to the Khabar Agency. Farmers expecting him at the opening of The parties also noted Astana success is unique and is directly Since 2005, Skoda production logue between our two countries.” from the East Kazakhstan region the EXPO 2017 exhibition,” Naz- and Prague have friendly rela- related to the personality of Presi- has amounted to 19,888 vehicles “For us, Kazakhstan is the larg- are willing to increase their ex- arbayev said. tions made possible through high- dent Nazarbayev.” worth almost 70 billion tenge,” est trading partner in Central Asia, port volumes. Today, the coun- Hamáček noted Kazakhstan’s level contacts. The meetings of the Hamáček said the President of Dzhaksaliyev said. and the real possibilities of our co- try’s food products are exported successes over the last quarter- heads of state confirmed a desire to Kazakhstan’s contribution is sig- However, the vice minister not- operation are much higher. Over to Russia, China, Uzbekistan and century, congratulated the country deepen bilateral cooperation. nificant in regional and global ed Kazakh–Czech partnership has the past two years, there has been a Kyrgyzstan. “Export is oriented on its 25th anniversary of inde- The sides particularly noted Ka- politics. Noting the initiative of not reached its potential. Indica- decrease in our trade. It is not that at more accessible territories; pendence and wished the country zakhstan’s tenure as a non-perma- the Kazakh head of state on the tors of turnover between the two the Czech and Kazakh goods have that is, those that entail fewer ex- continued success. nent member of the UN Security proposed constitutional reforms, countries remain low, including lost their quality and appeal. Glob- penses for logistics. State support Nigmatulin emphasised the Council for the coming two years. the Czech MP stressed this step is due to lower commodity and en- al external factors have played in this matter is essential,” Ph.D. Czech Republic is an important Special attention was given to the worthy of an experienced politi- ergy prices. their role in this. Those include the candidate of agricultural sciences political and economic partner of Astana talks on a Syrian settle- cian with a keen sense of respon- “Gross inflow of direct invest- continued drop in oil prices and Mukan Agzamov told Khabar. Kazakhstan in Central and East- ment, which were held with the sibility for his country. The sides ment from the Czech Republic to other raw materials, trade and eco- According to the expert, subsidies ern Europe. The current visit, support of the Kazakh President. noted the importance of the par- Kazakhstan starting from 2005 to nomic sanctions against Russia. I create incentives for small farms the chairperson of the Mazhilis The parliamentarians discussed liamentary component and called the nine months of 2016 amounted am sure that our countries have the to cooperate and expand produc- emphasised, would give a new Kazakhstan’s expanded coopera- for expanding inter-parliamentary to only $186 million. Favourable opportunities that we need to find tion and finally lead to agro-in- impetus to bilateral cooperation, tion with the European Union and cooperation. conditions have been created for and develop,” Hamáček stated. dustrial development. Last year local farmers exported 277,000 tonnes of wheat worth $37 mil- lion and 403 tonnes of buckwheat worth $152,000. In total, 200,000 tonnes of food products were ex- Trilateral Working Group... OSCE to Help ported to Turkey, Russia, Uzbeki- Continued from Page A1 two weeks after the sides reached place Feb. 8, have now been re- stan and Iran. In comparison to an agreement to create a trilateral scheduled for Feb. 20. 2015, the volume of gross agricul- “All the members of the delega- mechanism aimed at monitoring the According to experts, a step for- tural output grew by 111 percent. tions express sincere gratitude to the ceasefire regime established in late ward in the Syrian settlement pro- Train Kazakh Law By 2026, it is planned to increase Kazakh side for providing the plat- December. The parties to the nego- cess was made in the capital. For the agricultural export performance form here in Astana to continue the tiations included the Syrian govern- first time since the beginning of the threefold. Astana process and for creating fa- vourable conditions to hold the first ment, 13 Syrian opposition groups conflict, representatives of the Syr- Enforcement Staff and guarantor states – Russia, Iran ian government and the armed, rath- Kazakhstan’s investment op- meeting of the working group,” he and Turkey – as well as UN Special er than political, opposition met in portunities have been presented declared. the same room. The talks were not at the South Korean Chamber of “During the talks, the Jordanian Envoy on Syria Staffan de Mistura. Commerce, the Khabar-24 news side presented very interesting in- U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan held directly, but with the help of in- Fight Crime agency reports. About 150 busi- formation. They described the situ- George Krol also participated in the termediaries, which is considered a ness representatives learned about ation in the south of Syria and the meeting as an observer. big step towards the settlement. Kazakhstan’s investment initia- readiness of the opposition groups The talks resulted in the adoption Kazakhstan was able to bring to- tives for foreign companies. At- in the southern provinces to join the of a three-party declaration estab- gether representatives of the Syrian tendees showed interest in gov- ceasefire regime and fight against lishing, among other decisions, a government and the armed opposi- ernment support for investors, international terrorist organisations, mechanism of controlling the cease- tion. Kazakhstan once again had a tax incentives, tariffs and import such as the Islamic State of Iraq and fire regime observance. The meet- chance to act as a host country that duties. “Some South Korean com- Syria (ISIS) and Jabhat al-Nusra, ing was presented as another step creates favourable conditions for panies expressed the intention which operate in southern Syria,” towards the resumption of peace constructive work and dialogue on to manufacture their products in said Gadzhimagomedov. talks in Geneva under UN auspices. pressing issues. The nation hosted Kazakhstan and then send them “In general, Turkey, Iran and UN Earlier, Staffan de Mistura an- a similar series of meetings in Al- to the Chinese market. In addi- officials have expressed their inter- nounced the postponement of the maty on Iran’s nuclear programme tion, businessmen were interested est in the report and willingness to next round of the Geneva talks to in February and April 2013, which in the development of alternative continue to work with the Jordanian “give a chance for this Astana ini- contributed to unblocking the nego- energy sources in Kazakhstan,” side,” he added. tiative to actually implement itself.” tiations and promptly led to a settle- Khabar-24 said. More than 300 The technical meeting came only The negotiations, expected to take ment of the issue in 2015. joint enterprises with the partici- pation of South Korean invest- ment operate in Kazakhstan today; these include confectionery and electronic devices manufacturing, a manufacturing plant in Almaty, Kazakh, Uzbek Delegations an iron alloy plant in Ust-Kame- towards its completion, suggesting By Dmitry Lee nogorsk and an oil company in qualitatively new approaches to Atyrau. strengthening the ties between the Discuss Agro, Industrial Ties ASTANA – Head of the Depart- hub and the academy. ment of the Organisation for Se- A Kazakh delegation took part “These preferences include cus- “In the near future, the academy in the internationally acclaimed toms duty exemption, provision of curity and Cooperation in Europe plans to sign a memorandum with International Green Week festival state land grants and preferences (OSCE) Economic and Environ- the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in Berlin – one of the oldest and for taxes and investment subsidies. mental Activities Andrei Muntean to establish a hub and proceed di- largest public exhibitions for the The local administration ensures the recently pledged during his meet- rectly to the training of specialists food, agriculture and gardening provision of land for the organisa- ing with Rector of the Academy for the Central Asian states in the industries. The German capital has tion of production and supplies nec- of Law Enforcement under the region,” said the rector of the acad- General Prosecutor’s Office Ulan been hosting the exhibition since essary infrastructure. We would like emy. Baizhanov to help the academy 1926, Kazakh TV reports. This to adopt the best practices from Uz- The OSCE’s support for the create a regional law enforcement year, more than 1,500 agricultural bekistan in the agricultural sector, academy is affirmation of the hub. manufacturers showcased their food industry, electrical engineer- academy’s commitment to funda- products at the fair and some 26 pa- The Kazakh head of state set the mental OSCE security principles. ing, construction and automotive task to create a law enforcement vilions welcomed festival visitors. industries,” said Kusherbayev. Baizhanov thanked Muntean for hub that would meet society’s ex- supporting the academy, General There were innovative harvesters, The Kazakh delegation visited dures for entry, stay and departure pectations and would have person- Prosecutor’s press service reported elite horses and a rainbow of ex- a number of enterprises, and held By Botagoz Baltabayeva as well as work permission for nel trained according to the highest in a press release. otic fruits. Pavilions demonstrated talks with entrepreneurs and man- non-residents of Uzbekistan were international standards, Baizhanov Muntean praised the level of co- their national cuisines: Hungarian agers of local companies. The joint goulash, Ukrainian borscht, Turk- ASTANA – A business forum introduced. All the companies in the said. To do this, the country needs operation received from Kazakh- interregional working groups were ish baklava and Moroccan tea all with the participation of Kyzylorda zone are provided with a high level leaders of the new formation: edu- stan and highlighted the academy’s created to ensure the implementa- could be found at one fair. A wide and Navoi region business people of infrastructure. cated, trustworthy and with high contribution to the effective use of tion of the agreements reached as range of cheeses was brought from was held recently as part of the Kazakh authorities also held morals. scientific and educational spheres The Netherlands, France and Ar- working visit of a Kyzylorda region meetings with Deputy Chairman part of the visit. The academy is implementing as a tool to solve national and re- gentina. delegation to Uzbekistan. of the Senate of Oliy Mazhilis of The partnership in the industrial a system of special trainings. Last gional issues. The authorities discussed plans Uzbekistan Sodik Safoev, Tashkent and trade-economic spheres was year, it trained 45 people for the The parties also discussed im- Kazakhstan will be represented for cooperation, particularly in the Mayor Rakhmonbek Usmanov and discussed at the meeting with the prosecutor’s office, internal affairs, plementing existing agreements, by 23-year-old Alua Azilkhanova industrial sector and agro-process- heads of a number of industrial en- Samarkand region administration. economic and anti-corruption in- priorities for bilateral cooperation of Semey at the international con- ing. terprises. The delegation laid flowers at the vestigation services, while nine of and future projects. test Miss Eco International 2017, The perspectives of the Navoi Kyzylorda region Akim (Gov- tomb of the first Uzbek President the graduates have been appointed Baizhanov noted the OSCE has Tengrinews.kz reports. She was free industrial and economic zone ernor) Krymbek Kusherbayev Islam Karimov at the Shahi Zinda to senior positions. helped strengthen international selected by the Academy of In- established in 2008 were presented stressed that foreign investors get Mausoleum in Samarkand, visited Baizhanov briefed Muntean security over the last four decades ternational Beauty Contests from at the event. A special legal regime, favourable preferences due to Ka- the Zhalantos Bahadur Mausoleum about the completion of several and contributed to Kazakhstan’s more than 100 contestants from all including tax, currency and customs zakh President Nursultan Naz- and met with Kazakh cultural centre intermediate stages of work on the development by helping the coun- over the country. preferences and simplified proce- arbayev’s initiatives. activists in the Navoi region. creation of the hub and next steps try respond to modern challenges. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

ECONOMY Kazakh Economy Zinc Production Reached NEWS IN BRIEF A two-year property and assets legalisation campaign has come to an end in Kazakhstan, Khabar Saw Sharp Increase 325,500 Tonnes in 2016 reports. The amount of raised Kazakhstan region and KAZ Min- zinc are China at 33.3 percent of funds totalled 962.1 billion tenge By Botagoz Baltabayeva erals are major manufacturers in the produced volume, Turkey (US$2.95 billion). According to the field. Nova-Zinc, which is a at30.8 percent of the produced vol- the Astana State Revenue Depart- in Chinese ASTANA – Production of un- subsidiary of the Chelyabinsk Zinc ume and The Netherlands at 15.3 ment, 41 declarations worth 3.2 processed zinc in Kazakhstan Plant produces another 66 tonnes percent of the produced volume. billion tenge (US$9.8 million) reached 325,500 tonnes in 2016, in the Karaganda region. Russia and Ukraine purchase 11.3 were submitted to legitimise 44 which is 0.5 percent more than in Experts at the Kazakhstan In- percent of zinc produced in Ka- facilities located outside the coun- Investment in 2016 2015. Kazakhstan exports almost stitute of Industry Development zakhstan. try. Shares in the authorised capital terminals in the international 90 percent of its produced zinc. predict zinc consumption will be Zinc has good cast-ability, room of legal entities at 15 billion tenge By Dana Omirgazy logistics zones at Lianyungang Domestic demand has grown by 1.4 times more in 2030 than in temperature mechanical proper- (US$45.9 million) were legalised. port, Inche-Burun station and 38,700 tonnes, almost a third, in 2015. The steel industry, zinc plat- ties and abrasive and corrosion In addition, State Revenue authori- ASTANA – The inflow of di- Bandar Abbas port. the last 11 months. Exports, on the ing, brass and bronze manufactur- resistance. It is widely used in the ties legalised more than 10,000 res- rect Chinese investment in the Kazakhstan’s exports of food other hand, fell by 3.2 percent to ing will remain the drivers of zinc production of different alloys with idential and commercial buildings economy of Kazakhstan amount- products to China totalled $115.5 259,400 tonnes. consumption. Vehicle production other metals and has applications for 54.7 billion tenge (US$167.7 ed to $623.9 million between million in 2016, down 28 percent The East Kazakhstan region is growth will create additional de- in the automobile, construction million) and shares in the author- January and September last year, from the previous year. Kazakh- the leader of zinc production with mand for zinc to the amount of 2.4 and shipbuilding industries, light ised capital of legal entities worth seven times higher than in 2015, stan mainly exports wheat and annual production of 325,400 million tonnes per year by 2030 industry, machinery, household 40.9 billion tenge (US$125.39 mil- finprom.kz reports. meslin, sunflower seeds, oils and tonnes. Kazzinc, which is located and 3.6 million tonnes by 2050. electrical appliances and the man- lion). The property and assets le- However, the reverse trade fats, as well as bakery products in Ust-Kamenogorsk in the East The main consumers of Kazakh ufacturing of batteries. galisation campaign lasted in Ka- activity continues to fall. Gross to China. zakhstan from September 2014 to outflows from Kazakhstan to Over the past year, imports into December 2016. China decreased 3 percent to the Kazakh economy decreased $41.1 million in the reporting 42 percent as well. Kazakhstan According to Ranking.kz, the re- period. imports citrus fruits, tomatoes, gions of Kazakhstan showed an in- “Kazakhstan’s external debt apples, pears and apricots from Kazakh Company Develops crease in tax revenue over the past to China fell to $12.3 billion at the neighbouring country. The year. In 2016, the actual amount the end of September 2016 being country’s obligations to China of tax revenues to the local budget constituted of debts by non-bank in the field of food products exceeded the projected target by 5 financial institutions and non- decreased to zero by the end of Cheese Production Without percent, while in 2015 the excess financial organisations, house- September 2016. was 3 percent. Almaty, Astana and holds and non-profit institutions To speed up the passage of ag- the Atyrau region brought in the serving households,” said the ricultural products, Kazakhstan major share of tax revenue. The report. and China intend to modernise Additives, GMOs amount of tax revenue in the lo- China is one of Kazakhstan’s the infrastructure at the Bakhty- “A lot depends on the quality of we have sent samples. Suppliers cal budget for the year increased 13 percent to 1.7 trillion tenge four major countries-trade part- Pokitu border checkpoint. In ad- By Zhazira Dyussembekova the milk, on its fat content, acidity liked the colour and taste. We have (US$5.26 billion). However, the ners. Over the past year, two dition, the partner countries are and density. We have chosen the a contract for the supply of three share of tax revenues in the budget countries signed five agreements planning to cooperate on the ASTANA – Saba Food has been farm milk in Almaty region where tonnes per month. Due to the lack fell slightly over the year. on the creation of cluster areas in production of halal products and making Italian cheeses in Kazakh- veterinary services check the cows of Philadelphia cheese (mainly the field of transport infrastruc- everyday items, and jointly de- stan for the last two years. The regularly. From our side, we check used in the production of sushi), The Eurasian Development ture, trade, manufacturing, con- velop markets outside the region. products, without additives and everything in the laboratories and it was also decided to start its pro- Bank (EDB) released its outlook struction, agriculture and others. Kazakhstan’s exports of min- GMOs, promise to be as tasty as submit the samples to the Sani- duction in the spring, which also for 2017, predicting relative sta- However, the sides intend to eral and energy products to Chi- their European counterparts. tary Epidemiological Service. We passed the certification and appro- bility for the Kazakh economy, focus on construction and com- na dropped 33 percent to $133 Working mainly with restau- also have high-tech equipment bation,” he said. Abctv.kz reports. The Group of missioning of the Khorgos cen- million between January and rants, the company is expanding produced in Italy. Employees are The company is aiming to grow Chief Economists of the Eurasian tre of cross-border trade to boost November 2016. production and making its way into regularly checked by doctors and the number of cheeses from seven Development Bank published a investment. The average contract price the mass market. The original moz- we also train employees according to 12, while at the same time in- quarterly outlook with the results “In 2016, trade turnover be- zarella, ricotta and burrata have to the Hazard Analysis and Critical creasing the production volumes and volume declined 12 and 24 of 2016 and forecasts for 2017. tween the two countries consti- grown into other types, said Saba Control Points (HACCP) system,” of its existing line. Negotiations percent respectively. The reduc- Experts pointed out that the EDB tuted 16 percent of Kazakhstan’s Food Director Yerzhan Dzhumabe- he said. are underway to acquire land, tion followed a decrease in oil member countries experienced total foreign trade volume. Ser- kov in a Jan. 30 interview with The Saba Food’s main customers are construct a private dairy farm and and sulphur transportation over some challenges last year. Amid a vices turnover ensured 33 per- Astana Times. restaurants, hotels and cafes, but purchase 300 head of black-motley the past year. Lead ore exports sharp decline in oil prices, finan- cent of the volume,” according “At the moment, we produce the company has started working breed cows. increased 4.3 times, while crude cial markets and exchange rates mozzarella, mozzarella for pizza, to expand its base. Dzhumabekov noted in-house to the report. oil, gas, sulphur and ore remain experienced increased volatility. ricotta (cottage cheese), burrata, “Demand is growing slowly; production was the result of Saba However, the countries mark Kazakhstan’s key export prod- At the same time, inflation in EDB scamorza (slightly smoked mozza- people try it and they like the taste Food’s inability to secure their cus- a slow pace of trade. During the ucts. countries reached a historic low rella), bryndza, suluguni and Ady- of our mozzarella. … Before the tomer’s favourite products. first 11 months of 2016, trade “Imports of non-food prod- of 5.8 percent at the end of 2016, gea cheese,” he said. “Before starting the produc- turnover between Kazakhstan ucts from China over the re- New Year, we had a joint offer with compared to 12.8 percent in the The cheeses are in no way infe- and China amounted to $7.1 bil- porting period amounted to Kazakh service Chocolife. A lot of tion, we were importing European previous year. lion. This is 27 percent less com- $12.7 million decreasing 59 rior to their Italian counterparts, he customers came to try MIA Mozza- cheeses to Kazakhstan. After the added, as one of the co-founders pared to a year earlier. percent. Imports of oil prod- rella [the company’s brand] prod- introduction of retaliatory sanc- Kazakh coal exports amounted In the meantime, services turn- ucts obtained from bituminous was Italian and taught the person- ucts and are coming back again. A tions by Russia against Europe, to 26.2 million tonnes by the end over increased 21 percent to $1.1 minerals declined 90 percent. nel the whole technology. delivery service is also available it became harder to deliver cargo of 2016, Kazakh Energy Minister billion with a freight transporta- Kazakhstan’s obligations to “The main feature of our moz- online on the company’s website as Russian customs held our load Kanat Bozumbayev said, dknews. tion covering 84 percent of all China decreased $54 million zarella is its naturalness. There sabafood.kz. Ordered items are for a long time and constantly we kz reports. According to him, services. or 2 percent at the end of Sep- is no milk powder or additives to delivered the next day to the cus- had trouble with delivery. After a coal production was 98 million The governments of Kazakh- tember 2016. The obligation of prolong its shelf life, no GMOs,” tomers’ homes or offices,” said meeting with the founder, it was tonnes last year. Of them, 71.8 stan and China are planning to direct investment in this sector he said. Dzhumabekov. decided to open our own Kazakh million tonnes were supplied to increase the capacity of interna- decreased $72.3 million,” the The shelf life is about seven-10 The company produces about production of mozzarella,” he the domestic market. In 2017, it tional border crossings Dostyk- report added. days, similar to the company’s oth- 100 kilogrammes of mozzarella said. is planned to produce 100 million Alashankou and Altynkol-Khor- The programme of cross-bor- er products. for cheese every day. Technically, The Kazakh cheese market is tonnes of coal. Bozumbayev noted gos and have agreed to construct der Kazakh-Chinese cooperation Cheese manufacturing is a very it can produce up to 10 times more, still small and relatively simple in that a programme to replace Ka- a railway connecting the Altai focuses on the joint exploration complex process, said Dzhumabe- he added. terms of available varieties, as well zakh coal with Russian Kuznetsk and Tacheng counties. Under the and development of copper, zinc, kov. The raw materials for the prod- “For the upcoming spring, we as characterised by the popularity Basin coal caused a decline in coal One Belt, One Road initiative, titanium, gold and other miner- ucts are taken from two farms located plan to launch chechil production. of Russian, Belarusian and Kyrgyz exports. Another reason was the the sides intend to create more als. in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau. We had a trial run in October and brands. reduction of energy consumption of coal enterprises and high water content of rivers, which increased the production of electricity in hydro-power plants by 25 percent.

Kazakh Leader Outlines Five Priorities Kazakhstan’s insurance market increased premium amounts in 2016 by one quarter compared to the previous year, reaching 357 of Country’s Third Stage of Modernisation billion tenge (US$1.09 billion), Khabar.kz reports. Compulsory Continued from Page A1 healthcare system, introducing “Cyber Shield of Kazakhstan” vehicle and property insurance as Macroeconomic Improving the quality compulsory social health insur- system. well as mandatory employee acci- ance, legislative regulation of The state’s share in the econ- stability of human capital Turning to the fight against cor- dent insurance made up the largest omy is to be reduced to 15 per- In this section, the President Education is the core of the new drug prices, increases in pen- ruption, the President noted the share of the total amount. Experts cent of the GDP. This should indicated the task of restoring the model of economic growth and sions, lump sum allowances and necessity of identifying and elimi- said insurance premiums are ex- be achieved through transpar- stimulating role of the monetary should be focused on developing living wage are all named among nating the causes and prerequisites pected to grow by 15 to 20 per- ent and effective privatisation policy and involving private capi- critical thinking abilities, skills priority tasks. of corruption, rather than elimi- cent this year. According to them, and reorganisation of Samruk- tal into financing the economy. of unaided information search, IT nating its consequences. Creating regional quotas for repatriates and Kazyna, Baiterek and KazAgro Inflation is to be reduced to 3-4 knowledge and financial literacy. a single procurement system is displaced persons will provide holdings, delegating to business percent in the medium term and the Nazarbayev noted the importance Institutional reforms, one of the proposed steps in this for a one-time grant worth nearly everything that can be done by financial sector should be “reset.” of transitioning to trilingual edu- security and fight against direction. 80,000 tenge (US$246.4) for each the private sector. Only natural The latter includes rehabilitating cation. While Kazakh remains the These are the key areas of de- family member. monopolies and implementing the banking sector, increasing the core language, several subjects at corruption velopment within the third stage of Kazakhstan’s modernisation, strategic projects should re- responsibility of audit companies, schools will be instructed in Eng- Implementing the best prac- The inflation rate in Kazakhstan according to the President’s ad- main in the state’s function. ensuring shareholder transparency lish starting in 2019. tices and recommendations of averaged 0.8 percent in January and improving corporate govern- “This year, the Free Vocational the Organisation for Economic dress. Kazakhstan has no other Public-private partnerships 2017 compared to the previous ance. Education for All project starts on Co-operation and Development choice but to accept the challenge (PPPs) are to become primary month and 7.9 percent in com- Further developing the stock my initiative. First, free educa- (OECD) and protecting private of the times with dignity and solve mechanisms of infrastructure parison with a reporting period in market, increasing budget spend- tion should be provided to unem- property, the rule of law and the issues to further modernise the 2016, according to the Statistics development, including social, ing efficiency, fiscal decentralisa- ployed and self-employed young equality before the law will re- country, he said. Committee of the National Econ- housing and utility sectors. All tion and improving tax admin- people and people of working main pivotal in the new economy “Having gained a unique wealth omy Ministry, dknews.kz reports. possible types and forms of istration mechanisms are also age who do not have professional model. of experience of creating a state, According to their data, foodstuffs PPPs must be used in order to mentioned as main directions of education. It is necessary to give Nazarbayev addressed the issue we have entered a new stage. I am prices increased 1.2 percent in attract private equity. macroeconomic development. impetus to the development of of the fight against terrorism, not- sure that no matter what difficul- January, non-food products pric- The President also noted the “The National Fund should be the vocational education system ing it should become more proac- ties are ahead of us, we will over- es rose 0.7 percent, as prices for importance of preventing price used more efficiently. Guaranteed for training specialists in the new tive. come them. Our main strength is in paid services grew 0.4 percentage and tariff collusions by revis- transfer from the National Fund industries,” said the President. He also tackled the problem our unity. We will turn Kazakhstan points. Over the past month, prices ing the legislation to identify must be gradually reduced to 2 The fourth priority also in- of cybercrime, instructing the into a more prosperous country for of potatoes and fresh vegetables regulations that hinder compe- trillion tenge (US$6.1 billion) by cludes healthcare issues. Rais- government and the National our descendants!” the President rose 6.9 and 6.7 percent respec- tition. 2020,” the address reads. ing the scope of IT use in the Security Committee to create a said. tively. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF TCO Projects to Employ 18,000 Kazakhs, The first H&M store in Kazakh- stan will open in Almaty in March at the Mega Alma-Ata Shopping Centre, according to Kapital.kz. Calculations for Expat Workforce Revised The store will be located on two long-term investment policy. For- the quota for foreign labour, which floors and its area is planned to be By Botagoz Baltabayeva eign investments, which are gen- was previously set as a percentage 3,345 square metres. “We are very erated in this project, have a mul- of the economically active popula- pleased to announce the opening of ASTANA – Tengizchevroil tiplier effect promoting business tion of the country, is now deter- the first H&M store in Kazakhstan. (TCO) plans to hire up to 18,000 development and improving the mined separately for each sector It is an honour for us to give all res- Kazakh citizens and is committed social wellbeing of the population. or economic activity. Calculations idents of Almaty real fashion, and to continuing personnel education Also related to employment in of the quota are carried out by re- the possibility to purchase a unique and training as part of the Tengiz Kazakhstan, Nurymbetov told the gional commissions on the basis fashionable wardrobe for the best Future Growth Project and the gathering the country has improved of employers’ applications, taking price and with care for the environ- Wellhead Pressure Management procedures to attract an expatriate into account the comprehensive ment and man,” said H&M Manag- Project, Vice Minister of Labour workforce. analysis of the projected demand er in Russia and Kazakhstan Saed and Social Protection of Popula- “We have revised the procedure for labour, forecasts for the unem- El-Achkar. The store will stock tion Birzhan Nurymbetov told a for determining the quota for expat ployment rate, strategic projects’ clothing for women, men, children Jan. 30 forum on the projects. workforce. Particularly, we changed requirements and assessments of and teenagers, as well as under- Nurymbetov said the govern- the rules concerning the recruitment the likely effectiveness that hiring wear, accessories and footwear. ment expects the projects to cre- of an expatriate workforce by em- of a foreign workforce might bring. ate more than 20,000 jobs, with So far, 10,500 specialists are gistau, Aktobe, Kyzylorda and ployers and issue of permits. Also, Representatives of central and Last year, the volume of net 18,000 going to Kazakhs. Ten- working on the projects, including West Kazakhstan regions. we have proposed new approaches local executive agencies, Kazakh purchases of U.S. dollars in Ka- gizchevroil, which operates the 9,400 local citizens, said Nurym- Nurymbetov noted that the Ten- for foreigners arriving in Kazakhstan and international contracting or- zakhstan’s exchange offices was projects, will educate and train the betov, with plans to attract addi- gizchevroil project is a prime ex- for self-employment,” he explained. ganisations of Tengizchevroil at- $1.4 billion, according to the press Kazakh personnel. tional staff from the Atyrau, Man- ample of a successful, national, The vice-minister explained that tended the event. service of Kazakhstan’s National Bank. In December 2016, net purchases of U.S. dollars in cash amounted to $358.5 million. The amount of Russian roubles pur- chased in 2016 was 88.1 billion Toyota Remains Most Popular Kazpost Continues roubles (US$1.46 billion). It is re- ported that the net cash purchases of U.S. dollars and Russian roubles in tenge equivalent last year were Car Brand in Kazakhstan E-Services drive almost equal. In 2015, the U.S. cur- Abduov shared with the Astana dislike the brand because they see Kazpost realised the need to open a rency was 2.7 times more popular By Kamila Zhumabayeva Times. it as plain, primitive and a main- By Zhazira Dyussembekova separate centre for servicing entre- than the Russian. The volume of In most regions, Kazakh road stream workhorse. Even the most preneurs in the field of e-commerce, net purchases of euros in cash in ASTANA – Toyota has re- conditions are difficult to navi- expensive models such as Toyota ASTANA – The last week of Jan- to provide quality service to existing 2016 amounted to 373 million eu- mained the sales leader in Ka- gate. Complicated climate con- Land Cruiser can be rephrased as uary was full of events for Kazpost, online shops, as well as tools to cre- ros (US$402 million). The demand zakhstan based on 2016 results. ditions such as cold and windy a Japanese UAZ model, said Ab- Kazakhstan’s postal service. ate a successful online business for for the euro remains limited. The Astana Times interviewed winters, strong temperature fluc- duov. On Jan. 24, they launched the our offline entrepreneurs,” Kazpost a car enthusiast to discover why tuations and hot summers impact He had a Toyota, but as a motor country’s first e-commerce centre. said in comments given by its press The Development Bank of Ka- this particular Japanese car brand a car’s use and resources, he not- sport lover did not like the car and The next day, Kazpost Chairman service to The Astana Times. zakhstan (a subsidiary of the Bait- has become so popular across the ed. its steering. He feels it is great for Bagdat Mussin was transferred to The e-commerce centre is not only erek National Holding) opened nation and the world. “Toyota always offered high people who use a car to get from a position at the General Prosecu- about storing, sorting and delivering financing for the construction of Toyota led the rating of the quality and simple cars for export. point A to point B. tor’s Office, but before leaving he goods. Kazpost also offers advertis- an A-class transport and logistics most demanded brands among The company produced an inter- In his student days, Abduov presented 15 projects for 2017 in- ing services that send mailings to centre in Shymkent (Continental Kazakh residents with 8,809 cars esting right-hand drive car in the drove foreign brands. When he tended to continue Kazpost’s inno- target audiences. Entrepreneurs can Logistics Shymkent), according sold within the last 12 months, re- domestic market. No one doubts faced financial challenges, how- vative development. determine the audiences themselves. to Kazinform. The project, worth ported informburo.kz. that engineers and designers of ever, he needed a simple, new car Over the last several years, Ka- “Currently, the company is work- $48.8 million, is focused on the Lada followed with 8,146 units, this great company make excel- that would consume little petrol zpost has undergone rapid change, ing on products to add a payment growing infrastructure needs of the while third place belonged to Re- lent cars and know their job, but and have low maintenance costs helping to realign its reputation. and delivery function to an existing border of the South Kazakhstan nault (3,742). Hyundai (3,535) they always offered pretty simple for several years. He bought a The launch of the e-commerce cen- site or to create a new online store region for handling goods flows. and KIA (3,229) closed the top models such as Corolla, Camry Lada and kept it for three years tre in Astana was one of the many with the customer’s design and Funding is provided within the sec- five. GAZ (2,247), Volkswagen and Prado for export to other with no regrets. results of its new, forward-thinking name,” stated the press service. ond five-year plan of the State Pro- (1,981), UAZ (1,853), Nissan countries, including Kazakhstan,” “Yes, it is noisy and has plenty identity. Such centres are planned Postmarket.kz, another Kazpost gramme of Accelerated Industrial (1,423) and Chevrolet (1,122) said Abduov. of flaws. Lada is a cart, in fact, but to be opened in all major cities of project, is an online store designed and Innovative Development. The rounded out the top ten successful Due to good quality, Toyotas it gave joy with its easy mainte- Kazakhstan. to reduce the distance between ur- loan amount is 11.8 billion tenge brands. last longer that some complex nance,” he added. “The e-commerce market is ban and rural areas. It is in demand (US$36.4 million); the term is up “Last year, auto retail did not European brands, because, for While driving his Lada, Ab- growing year on year, and the in the countryside, since there is no to 15 years. The project is to be cope with the downturn caused by instance, those cars don’t have duov had a minor repair that was volume of parcels ordered online access to big brand goods there. finished in 2017. The total amount currency shocks between 2014- a multilink suspension and have resolved in two minutes and cost grows by about 20 percent annu- “It works same way other online of storage space, constructed on 2015. However, following the electronics that can falter, he not- him 400 tenge, a little more than ally. It affects the level of conveni- platforms work. Customers can pay 35 hectares, will be about 24,784 results of the fourth quarter, the ed. US$1. ence and speed of service. Previ- for goods online or offline in cash in square metres. In addition to stor- market regained financial growth: The way most people in Ka- “It is no secret that statistically, ously, our corporate clients had to the office of Kazpost. Goods are de- age space, the centre will have an in December, residents spent zakhstan handle their cars plays the average Kazakh resident is not run from floor to floor searching for livered throughout Kazakhstan and administrative building, a contain- $293 million to buy cars (12 per- its role, too. very rich and can’t be compared documents, accountants. Now there abroad,” Kazpost explained. er terminal, a customs control zone cent more than the previous year). “It is inherent in our mental- to the average Japanese, German is a separate office, where they will Postmarket.kz is also a solution and related infrastructure. This provided the best sales from ity that we do not look after our or U.S. resident. The income level receive high quality service in a for entrepreneurs who want to the beginning of 2016,” said Ka- cars well enough. Many cars are is not very high. When a family short time and will get all the nec- bring their sales online, while not In 2016, the volume of loans by zAutoProm Chairperson of the second hand, with high mileage or a person in our country tries to essary range of services in one cen- spending time and money on site banks increased by 1.5 percent to Board Oleg Alferov, according to and damaged. When sophisticated decide what car to purchase with a tre,” said Mussin at the event. development, online payments and 12.8 trillion tenge (US$39.5 billion), the news agency. equipment is involved, it cannot specific amount of money at hand, For the convenience of custom- courier delivery. according to the National Bank of Toyota has become so main- stand such conditions,” he said. they come to realise it is better to ers, there is a special area for con- In other plans, “package super- Kazakhstan. National Bank Chair- stream some once joked about it Kazakhstan does not have buy a plain new car under war- sultations for corporate clients, a markets” will be launched across man Daniyar Akishev said that small being a “Kazakh” car. enough good electricians and en- ranty and with cheap spare parts. meeting room and an area for re- the country for easy sending and business loans, which increased by “Apart from Kazakhstan, Toy- gine mechanics who could take Even if this car breaks down, it ception, packing and processing receiving of parcels, as well as more than 50.7 percent to 3.1 tril- ota is quite popular across the care of sophisticated and interest- can be fixed in the back yard rath- orders. The new centre will simpli- special self-service drop-off points lion tenge (US$3.6 billion), led to entire CIS (Commonwealth of In- ing foreign car brands, he added. er than buying an interesting car fy the difficult process of register- for sending large numbers of let- the growth of its share in the loan dependent States), Near East, the As a result, Toyota became the that has to be looked after. That is ing parcels ordered online. ters. The company is also creating portfolio by 24.1 percent in 2016. U.S., Canada and other countries. people’s popular car. why Lada became another popu- “Entrepreneurs are using all pos- a network of self-service payment Every fourth tenge was given by But this brand is not as popular in Many who consider themselves lar car brand in Kazakhstan and sible tools to bring their businesses terminals where customers will be banks to small businesses. He also Europe,” motor sport lover Serik car experts and car connoisseurs other states of CIS,” he said. online. After analysing the situation, able to pay their bills. said that lending intensified in the manufacturing industry, agriculture and commerce. The share of loans to individuals decreased from 32.9 percent to 31.4 percent, comparing December 2016 to December 2015. Primus Power Presents Innovative Energy Storage Three of the most popular roads in Kazakhstan will become toll highways this year, according to System, Sets Goal to Conquer Asian Market Kazinform. “In the current year it November 2015, unlike lithium-ion “We have to take account that open production here as well and to nium electrodes is what enables such is planned to begin construction of By Zhazira Dyussembekova batteries, flow batteries could last for while using renewable power sourc- cover the whole region – the Com- a life span to be achieved. “Titanium payment system in parts of Astana- decades and the rechargeable elec- es, the energy flow depends on the monwealth of Independent States, is a durable material that even after Temirtau, Almaty-Kapshagai and ASTANA – Primus Power, a pro- trolyte liquid could last indefinitely,” wind or sun activity. For example, Asia and Southeast Asia,” he stated. a long time does not change its fea- Almaty-Khorgos [highways],” said vider of long-life and long-duration says the company’s website. there can be energy surges due to But that’s not the only reason. tures. Thus, the electrodes can with- deputy chairman of the national energy storage systems, is working “Simply put, Energy Pod is a giant cloud movement, so generation “Also Kazakhstan was chosen stand more than 15,000 charge and company KazAvtoZhol Temirkhan on its second project in Kazakhstan rechargeable battery – giant not in jumps and the grid infrastructure because there are Kazakh investors discharge cycles,” he said. Mendygaliyev at a meeting in the with Samruk Energy, a subsidiary terms of the sizes, but in terms of its – stations, substations, transform- in the project. They are represented One of the pavilions at EXPO Mazhilis (lower chamber of Parlia- of the Samruk Kazyna Sovereign capacity and power. It is very flexi- ers and the whole interconnections by the Kazakhstan-Russian Fund of 2017 will be named the Energy Best ment). In 2016, Astana-Schuchinsk Wealth Fund. Primus Power’s in- ble in its usage,” said General Direc- – suffers from those energy leaps,” Nanotechnologies, which was creat- Practices Area. Primus Power was toll stations collected 1.251 billion novative EnergyPod has been used tor of Primus Power in Kazakhstan he added. EnergyPod smoothes out ed by Rusnano and Kazyna Capital chosen as one of the 100 companies tenge (US$3.86 million), which is to deal with specific energy issues Ruslan Rakymbay in an interview those jolts by giving its own energy Management [a subsidiary of Bait- to be presented there, from a global 108 million tenge (US$333,000) internationally, and now will be with The Astana Times. during such leaps, so the flow is con- erek National Management Hold- pool of 600. more than in 2015. The tolls cov- showcased as one of the best energy Also, it takes five to six hours for stant. ing]. One of the conditions of the “They chose from international ered the maintenance cost of the storage solutions at the upcoming a flow battery to discharge, while Primus Power has worked with investments was its implementation companies in the spheres of clean highway, he said. EXPO 2017. widely used lithium-ion batteries are Samruk Green Energy on the instal- in Kazakhstan,” said Rakymbay. tech, renewables and others and Based in Silicon Valley, Primus unable to show such characteristics. lation of the EnergyPod at the Ka- The technology was developed have selected to show our technol- Saudi Arabian Al Ramez Inter- Power was established back in 2009. The low-maintenance EnergyPod pchagai solar power station, and in- and used by NASA, which then re- ogy in the pavilion,” he stated. national Group will finance a poul- It offers innovative flow batteries for can solve issues such as high de- stallation at the Yereymentau Wind leased its patents into the public do- The Kazakh Ministry of Energy try farm in the South Kazakhstan international microgrid, utility, mili- mand charges or grid outage and is- Power Station is underway. The main. also organised a start-up contest, region with a production capacity tary, commercial and industrial cus- landed operation, the likes of which agreement was signed during last “They were not interested in it due New Energy Global Start-up Fest, in of 30,000 tonnes of meat per year, tomers. The company has received it has managed to resolve at the ICL year’s Astana Economic Forum. to the high cost. Our company has December. The jury chose 30 start- company president Abdullah Zaid 32 patents in seven countries. Phos-Chek Facility or U.S. Marine The first generation of the battery reduced the cost to the minimum, ups out of 780 to be presented at the Al-Meleihi said during a Jan. 30 “Flow batteries offer a unique Corps Air Station Miramar. The sys- was made in 2015. At the moment simplified it and reached the result expo. meeting with region akim (gover- advantage for grid storage. As Bill tem can also help manage unstable batteries are manufactured only in of 20 years duration time,” said Rak- “We were recognised as the best nor) Zhanseit Tuimebayev, report- Gates remarked in launching the electricity generation from renew- the United States. ymbay. energy storage solution,” said Rak- ed the governor’s press service. Breakthrough Energy Coalition in able sources, said Rakymbay. “We have entered Kazakhstan to According to him, the use of tita- ymbay. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 Long-Term Planning Kazakhstan May Become Has Been, Will Continue Education Hub in Central to Be Key to Success Asia, Official Says ood leadership requires a relentless focus banking sector and moves to enhance property rights tion of the trilingual education By Irina Ignatova on the long-term rather than just respond- and the rule of law. in the schools’ strategy. The ques- ing to immediate events or pressures. It is At the heart of the package were measures to tion is very relevant. Our centre In the near future, Kazakhstan an approach that has served Kazakhstan accelerate the modernisation of the economy. This will make every effort to re-train may become a regional education wellG in its first 25 years as a modern country and has went beyond the urgent need to develop new digital our teachers in the framework of hub, said Zhanbolat Meldeshov, been reinforced in recent days. industries, such as 3D printing or e-commerce to the Bolashak programme. President of the Centre for Inter- First over the last week, the President has proposed ensure the technological revolution transformed the national Programmes (CIP), which political reforms to share power, strengthen parlia- productivity and quality of traditional sectors. There Applicants for the Bolashak manages the Bolashak scholarship ment and boost accountability. It was a signal of was special mention, for example, of the importance scholarship pass pre-language programme in his recent interview. Kazakhstan’s determination to ensure the modern of strengthening the energy and mineral industries. training in Kazakhstan. How ef- institutions and democratic processes needed to move Agriculture, too, was hailed as an important driver fective is this model? The Bolashak international the country forward are in place. of economic growth. With improved productivity, Last year, we launched a new presidential scholarship was es- This week also saw an equally comprehensive plan Kazakhstan can become Eurasia’s bread-basket with model of language training, six tablished 23 years ago. How does Zhanbolat Meldeshov to deliver the third stage of the country’s economic equally rich potential for the processing of a wide months of intensive language train- it help implement state tasks? modernisation. Its aim is to set Kazakhstan firmly variety of crops for export. Improved transport links France is far from first place in the ing in Kazakhstan and six months The Bolashak international on track to join the most developed countries within to maximise the country’s position as a global bridge international ranking, but among abroad. The language schools scholarship was established by the 2050 timetable, with all the improvements in will make speedy access to export markets easier. its graduates there were 18 Nobel were launched in Astana and Al- President Nursultan Nazarbayev prosperity and quality of life this will bring to our Successful modernisation across the economy is Prize winners. So, this university maty. The students are engaged in 1993. Young people received citizens. seen not just as a way to increase economic growth is included into our list. We also in classes seven academic hours, an opportunity to study at leading President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s state-of-the- but to provide high-skilled jobs. There is recognition pay attention to the place of for- five days a week. The results are world universities. In 1997, the nation address touched almost every aspect of the in the plan that many unskilled jobs around the world eign universities in the national very good. Apart from the fact programme significantly changed country’s economy and the lives of its people. It will inevitably disappear in the decades to come. rankings, its achievements in sci- that it significantly improves the when President Nazarbayev intro- looked beyond the current difficult global economic This reinforced the importance of education so that ence, and take into account the quality of education, we have also duced the national development conditions to what is needed to prepare the country Kazakhstan produces the labour force equipped for recommendations of our foreign achieved a significant reduction in Strategy 2030. After that, the op- for the challenges and opportunities in the decades the opportunities of the future. partners. Thus, we update our list language training costs. Thus, the portunities to receive scholarships ahead. There was a promise to close the gap of educa- annually by conducting complex expenses of the national budget for to study technical and medical pro- There was a commitment to continue reduc- tional attainment between rural and urban areas. The analyses. language training were reduced by fessions abroad increased and the ing state ownership and control of the economy to focus on the English language in schools is another two billion tenge (US$6.07 mil- number of graduates has doubled. around 15 percent of GDP. There was new encour- example of the way the government is preparing its President Nazarbayev outlined lion). In the future, it is planned Since 2012, training and retrain- agement for private-public partnerships as a way of citizens and companies to compete internationally a new course of reforms in all key to extend the positive experience ing of professionals abroad began introducing new funding and ideas. Red tape is to be and investing in the country’s human capital. Older areas of state development in the in the regions with transition to a to be conducted on the basis of a reduced and access to start-up finance improved to citizens are also to benefit with a significant increase Plan of the Nation 100 Concrete full course of language training in targeted approach. The dynamic provide the right conditions for start-ups and small in pensions while health reforms should ensure the Steps. What kind of work is being Kazakhstan. development of the country, open- businesses – the engines of growth and employment population received the affordable, high-quality care done by the centre to implement ing of new industrial facilities across the world. expected in a highly-developed nation. those tasks? How much are our Bolashak and the close integration into the What was clear, too, was a determination to It is, by any standards, an ambitious plan to secure Last year, the CIP introduced students desired on their return to global community dictated the strengthen the attractiveness of the economy to the future prosperity of the country and its citizens. a new development plan for Kazakhstan? need to update the competences foreign investment, a major reason for the country’s It will be a remarkable achievement if Kazakhstan the Bolashak programme until Employment of the Bolashak of employees of almost all sectors impressive economic performance over the last 25 can join the ranks of the world’s 30 most developed 2020. Since 2016, all internships students is not a problem. Nearly of the economy. Bolashak is now years. The new Astana International Finance Centre countries. But then few people would ever have pre- are targeted and focused on train- in 100 percent of the cases, they available for older people with ex- is seen as key to this ambition. Domestic companies, dicted a nation which inherited a ruined economy 25 ing of specialists who will work can apply their knowledge. perience. In addition to academic years ago would already be ranked within the top 50. on the projects of the Plan of the Our graduates work in key ar- big and small, and overseas partners would also all training, there were introduced It is a performance which proves how important it is Nation 100 Concrete Steps. The eas, such as economics, IT, oil be helped by the commitment to a stable macro-eco- scientific and professional intern- nomic climate with low inflation and a rejuvenated to keep your eyes always on the long-term. national commission determines and gas sectors, education and sci- ships abroad. Today, we face an the categories of passing profes- ence, the public sector, medicine, ambitious task to train specialists sional training. For, example, we law, chemical and petrochemical for the implementation of the pro- already formed a group of fellows industry, construction and art. To jects of the Plan of the Nation 100 for training in the U.K. and the a greater extent, the programme Concrete Steps.. U.S., who in the future will work graduates are in demand in the at the Astana International Finan- public sector (56 percent). Howev- Devolution of Presidential The professional community cial Centre (AIFC). er, in recent years more and more has repeatedly raised the issue of Bolashak students find themselves the acute shortage of high-class It is no secret that the majority in the private sector (29 percent). experts in the technical sphere. of skilled professionals trained A good knowledge of languages Powers Signals Next Step in Also, the question of professional under the programme remain to helps our graduates to be em- development of teachers and doc- work in Astana and Almaty. How ployed in international companies tors remains urgent. Will the situ- do you solve the issue of strength- and organisations. ation get better? ening personnel potential in the In general, there are many free Kazakhstan’s Development Referring to the statistics, more regions? scholarship programmes aimed than 9,000 specialists studied rom the very beginning of Kazakhstan’s needed, to intervene in a case of deadlock be- Indeed, from 9,000 fellows who both at the undergraduates and pro- abroad with the help of the Bolas- journey as an independent nation, Presi- studied abroad, more than 2,000 fessionals, who want to improve tween the various branches of government. Such hak programme. There are about dent Nursultan Nazarbayev has said that engage in labour activity in the their skills. Some universities of- paralysis, as we have seen in other countries, can 2,500 graduates working in the prosperity and social stability had to be be very damaging to the national interest. sphere of innovative projects and theF initial priorities but that no one should doubt, The reforms will, as the President said, strength- Referring to the statistics, more than 9,000 technologies, the oil and gas sector, as these goals were achieved, the country’s com- en both parliament and the government and pro- metallurgy, energy and the agricul- specialists studied abroad with the help of mitment to democratic reform. By this measure, vide a new measure of accountability. They are, tural complex. For example, Bolas- the proposals announced this week to hand over by any reckoning, significant reforms which will hak graduates work as construction the Bolashak programme. There are about a whole raft of presidential powers to the Kazakh require changes to the Constitution. It is right that engineers in large-scale industriali- 2,500 graduates working in the sphere of Parliament and the Government was a clear sign they are put out forthe widest possible consulta- sation projects, such as modernisa- of Kazakhstan’s growing maturity. tion. tion of the Pavlodar petrochemical innovative projects and technologies, the oil It is a notable move and one which, of course, The aim of those proposed reforms is a more plant, reconstruction of the Atyrau shifts Kazakhstan in the direction of more bal- effective, stable and sustainable government oil refinery and other businesses. and gas sector, metallurgy, energy and the anced balance of power, if you will, between the system equipped for an increasingly complex and More than 2,000 professionals were agricultural complex. branches. It is clear President Nazarbayev be- challenging world. It is significant, too, that the trained in the educational sphere. lieves this is the right approach for our country as President, gives away powers and responsibility Ninety-eight PhD graduates are regions. Some imbalance exists fer not only free training but also it embarks on the next stage of its development. voluntarily. engaged in scientific and research due to the fact that the fellows are provide scholarships to foreign So his nationally televised address Jan. 25 an- More importantly, it is a vote of confidence in projects on the basis of universities trained by the tripartite agreement students, in some cases, even pay nounced a package of proposals for consultation Kazakhstan as it enters its second generation as an and major research institutes. More concluded between the student, for the flight. In many cases, Great which would see a decisive redistribution of pow- independent country. President Nazarbayev made than 500 highly skilled doctors are the programme administrator and Britain provides grants and scholar- ers from the head of state to parliament and the it clear in his address that a more centralised, working in the regions and leading the organisation where he works. ships for international students. This executive. Parliament, for example, would have vertical structure of government had been right for medical centres of Astana. We can The prerequisite of the contract is is not charity, but a natural process greater responsibility for appointing or dismissing Kazakhstan in its early years. We were, after all, a say that there are Bolashak gradu- the preservation of the scholarship of globalisation of education. the Prime Minister and Government and have the country without much by way of democratic tradi- ates in every regional hospital. Our workplace. Today, the CIP is work- There are a lot of opportunities, right to pass a vote of no confidence. It will also tions or institutions in recent history and which, aim is to provide the villages with ing to improve its range of admin- but sometimes there is not enough be the new Mazhilis (the lower house of Parlia- we have to keep remembering, few thought would doctors and teachers with interna- istrative mechanisms based on the information. The CIP has great ment), not the newly elected President, in front make its own way successfully in the world. tional experience. analysis of the implementation of experience in international edu- of whom the Government will have to resign to There is no room for complacency. Even the the programme. In particular, for cational cooperation and we are allow for the new composition of lawmakers to briefest look at global news underlines how uncer- This year, the rules of selection the development of humanitarian, ready to act as an information plat- approve the new Prime Minister and his or her tain the future is. But our economic record, social for higher educational institu- technical and managerial capacity form on the issues of study abroad. ministers. stability and international standing – confirmed tions have been tightened. What of the regions, we provide the pos- Since the end of last year, we have In turn, government ministers are to be handed again in our role in the recent talks over Syria – is the process of selecting partner sibility of an alternative three-year intensified the work in this direc- control of large areas of economic and social pol- show how effectively these initial challenges have universities now? working requirement for those tion. icy where decisions up to now have been taken by been overcome. The main thing for us is the who express the wish to be trans- We plan to become a bridge the President. If the plans are approved, around 40 These reforms, however, underline how ambi- level of training of the applicants. ferred to local executive bodies between foreign and Kazakh uni- functions will be transferred out of the President’s tious Kazakhstan remains for the future. There Therefore, since last year, a list of and organisations from Astana and versities on the establishment of office through regular laws, while several more is a determination to build on all that has been universities recommended by the Almaty. We believe that obliga- joint programmes and attracting important changes will require amendments to the achieved and ensure opportunity and prosperity CIP focused on the universities tion to work for three years in the professors to our universities. In Constitution. The manner in which the latter may continue to spread across the country. By decen- positioned at the first 100 of the region, instead of five years in the addition, for us it is an effective be introduced is to be determined at a later stage, tralising power, sharing responsibility and mak- international ranking and included major cities, will ensure personnel mechanism for the promotion of after the month-long public discussion is over. ing accountability more transparent, the aim is to into the top 10 ranking by subjects. rotation. Kazakhstan’s educational products This switch will allow the President in the fu- deliver better, more responsive decision-making, However, some European univer- We know that many of our fel- at the international level. We be- ture to focus on the critical challenges of foreign stronger institutions and accelerate democratic re- sities do not have a target to be in- low citizens have doubts about the lieve that in the future Kazakhstan affairs, security and defence. The blueprint also form, just as was promised. Kazakhstan is poised cluded into the ratings. For exam- language training of subject teach- can become an educational hub for suggests that it would be the President’s role, if to take another decisive step in its development. ple, the University of Strasbourg in ers in the framework of the adop- the Central Asian states.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 Why Tourism Industry Issues Are Reassigned promotion of our country’s culture dent’s instruction, we continue Bayanaul, Katon-Karagai, as well cialised committees and structural By Marat Igali abroad, as well as improve the im- carrying on the work on updat- as Kenderli in the Mangistau re- divisions of the Ministry for Invest- age of Kazakhstan generally. ing the concept of Kazakhstan’s gion. An interdepartmental work- ment and Development (Civil Avia- A recent decision to transfer Taking into account internation- tourism industry development up ing commission for consideration tion Committee, Investment Com- functions and responsibilities in al practices in order to enhance to 2020 with the major emphasis and selection of proposals on de- mittee, Transportation Committee, the field of tourism from the Min- the efficiency of the sector’s on the development of domestic velopment of these resorts was Committee on Highways, etc.) will istry for Investment and Develop- management while the process of tourism. Those who are inter- created. Currently, it considers be maintained and continued. ment to the Ministry of Culture reorganisation is underway, the ested can email suggestions to proposals from the regions. We have many plans and work and Sports was made after consid- issue of raising the status of the [email protected]. As part of the transfer of govern- to be done. We will try to be as eration of international experience authorised department is under The work on reducing administra- ment functions into the competi- open as possible to the public of those countries where the same consideration. And the Minister tive barriers and improving the mi- tive environment, we are working and media. We look forward for state body works with the tourism of Culture and Sports has in fact gration regime for foreign tourists on establishing an organisation for the support of the country’s tour- and culture issues. For example, instructed to prepare for the de- is ongoing in the framework of the the management of tourist destina- ist community and all the citizens the United Kingdom, Italy, Cana- partment to be reorganised into a operational working group created tions at the national and regional concerned about tourism. da, Korea, Malaysia, Turkey and focusing on promoting its unique committee. to address the problematic issues of levels. The main task of such an Let’s develop tourism in Ka- Switzerland. cultural tourism. I want to emphasise that all em- tourism industry development un- organisation will be to ensure zakhstan! Countries such as Singapore, Kazakhstan’s rich historical and ployees of the Tourism Industry der the Kazakh government. awareness about Kazakhstan’s Indonesia and China promote cultural heritage can become an Department continue to work at In addition, the work is held tourist potential through active The author is Director of the national tourism through promo- effective tool for the development their posts. All plans and activities on separate road maps of the fol- marketing, advertising and promo- Department of Tourism Indus- tion of cultural brands, whereas of the country as a strong tourist on Kazakhstan’s tourism industry lowing resort areas: Shchuchinsk- tion of the product. try of the Ministry for Invest- Japan almost does not advertise destination. The increase of tour- development will be continued. Burabai, Imantau-Shalkar, Alakol, The effective cooperation on tour- ment and Development of Ka- its investment potential, primarily ist flows will positively affect the In the framework of the Presi- Balkhash, Kapshagai, Saryagash, ism industry development with spe- zakhstan. Improving Climate for Investors Top Priority, Official Says Development (OECD), based on Much attention was paid to the of 55 countries as of 2017. Citi- as the definition of an investment By Gleb Malykh the preliminary review of Ka- launch and effective operation zens of these countries and inves- platform, selection of partners, ob- zakhstan’s investment policy, de- of the National Contact Points tors (if they have an investor visa) taining licenses and permits when Global experience has shown cided to recommend to the OECD (NCP), which aims to promote the are able to stay in Kazakhstan for necessary and many more. We fo- that foreign investments have a Council to invite our country as a OECD Guidelines for Multina- 30 days without registration. cus on the external level in order to number of significant advantages member of this Committee. How tional Enterprises and responsible Today, we can say that we have assist investors, even in their home over other forms of financing the will this affect the improvement business-doing in accordance with reached a new level of invest- countries. economy. of the investment climate and at- the best practices of OECD mem- ment attractiveness. Kazakhstan The Governmental Council In an interview, Vice Minister tracting investment? ber states. The NCP aims to ensure is already competing for non-oil (called investment headquarters) for Investments and Development Let’s start with the fact that the a dialogue among all stakehold- sector investments on the global was established at the central level Yerlan Khairov dwelled upon the investment climate is a combina- ers: government agencies, multi- market. About 30 major investors under the Prime Minister to ad- work of attracting investments into tion of all the factors that every national corporations and the civil came into this sector of our econ- dress the systemic issues of the Kazakhstan’s economy and im- business person analyses when de- society. omy. Those include Toyota Tsu- investors. Yerlan Khairov proving the investment climate. ciding whether to enter a country or It is this consistent large-scale sho, Danone, Vicat, Coca-Cola, We are carrying out a better co- not. Every detail is important here. work that allowed Kazakhstan to Knauf, Total, Posco, Heidelberg ordination of the work at the level Mr. Khairov, what is being done the active ones worth over $30 bil- A favourable investment climate join the OECD Investment Com- and many others. But we must not of regions and cities: special coun- today to attract investment and lion. It is also necessary to ensure begins with a smile of a border mittee. The committee members forget that the world is not stand- cils on attracting investments un- how are the agreements with the the most favourable conditions for guard, a taxi driver who can keep noted the effectiveness of the re- ing still. We have to take proactive der the leadership of akims of the investors reached? investment activity in Kazakhstan, a dialogue in English, a safe stay forms in Kazakhstan over the five measures; we shouldn’t forget that oblasts have been established with It should be noted that Kazakh- which is why the improvement of inside the country. It’s important years. Previously, we used to be the race for attracting investment responsible people appointed in stan is a leader in Central Asia in the country’s investment climate is to provide transparent legislation, the “importers” of international involves all countries that are also them. terms of attracting direct invest- another important direction. clear and effective taxation and developments, but soon we might actively improving their business The important thing is that there ment. Moreover, today many in- It is no secret that there is an in- customs systems, to develop the in- start “exporting” our own experi- environments and enhancing their are dialogue platforms for inves- vestors perceive Kazakhstan as an tense competition for foreign direct frastructure and improve the qual- ence of attracting investment and investment attractiveness every tors at all levels: the Foreign In- investment hub in the region, the investment. It involves both devel- ity of human resources. The work improving the business climate. year. vestors Council under the Presi- so-called investment destination. oping and developed economies. on Kazakhstan’s accession to the Many countries today are already dent of Kazakhstan and Council Products manufactured in Kazakh- Kazakhstan looks quite decent OECD (Organisation for Economic interested in Kazakhstan’s experi- How is the work on attracting on improvement of investment stan are exported to Russia, China, against the general background. Co-operation and Development) ence. An indicator of increased in- foreign investment being carried climate under the Prime Minister. Central Asia and many other re- It is worth noting that for the first Investment Committee began a terest was the intense and fruitful out? How does the three-tier sys- There is the investment ombuds- gions. This is definitely a result nine months of 2016 compared to long time ago. In 2011, the commit- discussion in the OECD; the com- tem of attracting investment (ex- man to resolve current issues and of the head of state’s personal in- the same period of 2015, the gross tee held its first review of Kazakh- mittee members were so interested ternal/ /centre/region) work? assist in the protection of rights volvement. He always pays special inflow of FDI increased by 27.3 stan’s investment policy, studied in our presentation that the session The economisation of diplo- and legal interests of investors. attention not only to the improve- percent and amounted to $14.5 bil- the conditions for investment and scheduled for two hours lasted a matic missions of the Republic of These functions are now carried ment of the investment and busi- lion. Over the same period, the net analysed our investment climate lot longer. Kazakhstan was carried out on the out by Minister of Investment and ness climate in general, but also to inflow of FDI grew 2.6 times and for compliance with the standards Development Zhenis Kassymbek. the direct work with investors. amounted to $6.5 billion. Thanks of OECD member states. At that That is, in our work we always During his visits abroad, the to the policies conducted by the time, Kazakhstan did not become Kazakhstan’s accession to the OECD listen to the investors when mak- head of state personally meets with President, over the last 11 years a member of the OECD Investment Investment Committee is a signal to all ing decisions both in specific cases the leaders of major companies. the economy of Kazakhstan at- Committee, but recommendations and in systemic issues. For example, in Tokyo in Novem- tracted more than $231.6 billion in to improve the investment climate investors that our investment climate meets In the past year, the “single win- ber 2016, meetings were held with FDI. Seventy-seven percent of all have been developed in accordance dow” principle was introduced the management of companies foreign investment into the manu- with OECD standards. the high standards of this organisation. for the convenience of investors. such as Marubeni, Toshiba, JGC, facturing sector since 2005 was In the course of these five years, Today, an investor can receive Tokyo Rope and Sumitomo. In attracted in the years of the indus- our country has carried out a ma- consultations and all the public Seoul, President Nazarbayev met trialisation programme that was jor work. The 100 Concrete Steps In short, Kazakhstan’s accession instructions of the President. There services required for investing ac- with business “captains” – repre- announced in 2008. to implement the five institutional to the OECD Investment Commit- are now ten special investment tivities (over 300 public services). sentatives of Tong Yang Mool San During the first half of 2016 the reforms under the Plan of the Na- tee is a signal to all investors that advisers in ten priority countries Nineteen investor service sectors Co., LTD, Hyundai Heavy Indus- gross inflow of FDI amounted to tion has become the main driver of our investment climate meets the (China, France, Germany, Great have been established across Ka- tries Co., Ltd., Sojitsu and Lotte $9.3 billion and grew by 25.8 per- improving the investment climate high standards of this organisa- Britain, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, zakhstan under the Government Group. Experience shows this is cent compared to the same period in Kazakhstan. The Plan of the tion. One of the practical steps to South Korea and the USA). for Citizens state corporation. We one of the most successful tools to last year. Net inflow of FDI con- Nation is, of course, a large-scale improve the investment climate Moreover, the Kaznex Invest can see that the single window is in effectively promote the economic stituted $3.8 billion, an increase programme of reforming public was the unilateral introduction of national agency for export and high demand. Over 3,800 investors success and favourable investment of 4.3 times. The biggest share of institutions. It includes reforms a visa-free regime for 19 prior- investment has opened five over- have already been provided with climate of Kazakhstan abroad. Af- gross FDI inflow was attached to in the judicial system, strength- ity countries (Australia, Belgium, seas offices in major cities such as consultations and public services. ter such meetings, the investors are professional, scientific and techni- ening the antimonopoly service Finland, France, Germany, Hunga- Beijing, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul In 2017, the single window will enthusiastic and determined to in- cal activities – 32.5 percent; the and the protection of competition, ry, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Monaco, and New York. These offices will become electronic. vest in our country. mining industry – 28 percent; pro- the improvement of state regula- Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Swit- provide the necessary range of ser- All of these instruments are During the President’s visits cessing industry – 14.7 percent; tion, fighting corruption and much zerland, the UAE, the UK and the vices for the entire region, includ- aimed at providing investment op- business forums are held, coopera- trade – 8.7 percent, and construc- more. USA) in 2014-2015. A visa-free ing assistance in preparation of portunities and supporting innova- tion documents are signed, agree- tion – 5 percent. In addition, in his address to the regime was introduced for citizens documents, advice on issues such tion and development. ments, which are then translated people of Kazakhstan the Presi- into joint investment projects, are Could you please comment on dent gave concrete instructions to reached. For example, in Tokyo, Kazakhstan’s position in various improve the investment climate. in the framework of the official world rankings that assess the The government, in its turn, has visit of the President, a Kazakh- investment climate? After all, developed and approved a detailed Japanese business forum was held our country has improved its po- plan for improving the invest- with the participation of 350 com- sition in the 2017 Doing Business ment climate aimed at improving panies from both sides. Following ranking. the visa and migration regime, the the business forum, 15 commer- Indeed, in the World Bank’s 2017 importation of foreign labour, en- cial agreements worth $1.2 billion Doing Business report Kazakhstan suring efficient tax and customs were signed in areas such as chem- has significantly improved its posi- administration and simplifying istry and petro-chemistry, innova- tion, moving up from 51st place to procedures for obtaining building tive technologies, energy, finance, 35th. Kazakhstan has entered the permits. Very positive impact was construction materials, tourism, top ten reformers that have greatly given by Kazakhstan’s accession trade and many others. improved their business climate. to the World Trade Organisation In Seoul, during the President’s Improving positions in the rank- and its commitments to liberalise visit, a Kazakh-Korean business ings is not a goal in itself, but trade policy and remove the barri- forum took place. It was attended such reports serve as a benchmark. ers to investment in various sectors by more than 300 representatives These ratings help us study the of the economy. of companies from both sides. A best world practices, learn what The policy of reducing the state total of 23 agreements were signed we need to strive for, what should involvement in the economy in the to implement projects worth be eliminated or improved. The second wave of privatisation was $640.2 million in healthcare, in- government is permanently work- highly assessed. We are taking formation technology, construc- ing to improve the business and measures to promote responsible tion, finance, trade and tourism. investment climate in the country, business practices, reduce admin- Our task is to ensure a follow up, removing the barriers for investors istrative barriers and optimise busi- i.e. to control the implementation and simplifying business proce- ness processes of public services. of all agreements reached between dures. In order to attract investment, we the head of state and the investors. have built a three-tier system that Today, our database comprises Last October, the Investment provides a synergy among all the more than 300 projects with for- Committee of the Organisation state bodies on the external, cen- eign investors, 220 of which are for Economic Cooperation and tral and regional levels. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

Day event in Almaty to witness the beauty of ikebana, judo and kendo. “Japanese manga, anime and na- Japanese Envoy: Japanese Technology, tional dishes, as well as traditional martial arts, are gaining more and more popularity in Kazakhstan. The first performance of the Astana Kazakh Natural Resources Ideal Match Ballet troupe in Japan, the staging By Dmitry Lee Kazakhs were empathetic and in the Japanese Parliament. He end- vilion is entitled ‘Smart Mix with of the play about the Japanese in- Kazakhstan sent financial and hu- ed the trip with a visit to Hiroshima. Technology – Experience and ternee Ahiko Tetsuro at KarLag, in- ASTANA – Kazakhstan cel- manitarian aid. “The mutual visits of heads of Challenge of Japan.’ Our country dicates that the Kazakh art connec- ebrated its 25th anniversary of “Japanese people thank Kazakh- state in just one year were impor- will present the latest environmen- tion with Japan is even stronger. independence last December and stan for the firm support and will tant events in diplomatic relations tally friendly technologies and Scientific cooperation also extends Jan. 26 the nation marked 25 years never forget this gesture,” he said. and the Kazakh President’s visit to opinions on the use of different into different areas: history, archae- of diplomatic relations with Japan. “Our peoples become closer and Japan gave a powerful impetus to types of energy. I hope that this in- ology, medicine, nuclear energy, In an exclusive interview with The closer with each day despite the the development of bilateral rela- ternational exhibition will spawn space technology. Our embassy Astana Times, Japanese Ambas- big distance that separates us.” tions,” said Kawabata. He added new business opportunities and will continue to acquaint you with sador to Kazakhstan Ichiro Kawa- Recent high-level official visits the two leaders inked a joint state- human exchange will reach a new the charm of our country and its bata marked the date and congrat- have only boosted the already- ment “On the expansion of the stra- level due to the large number of achievements,” he said. ulated Kazakhs on behalf of the prospering relations. In October tegic partnership between Japan visitors from Japan,” he said. Abe addressed the mass media Japanese mission. 2015, Japanese Prime Minister and Kazakhstan in the age of pros- Kazakh-Japanese cooperation during Nazarbayev’s visit: “Be- “Since the beginning of our Shinzo Abe included Kazakhstan perity of Asia” and oversaw other is mutually beneficial, he added. sides the resemblance in appear- friendly ties, the cooperation has as part of his Central Asian tour. agreements between the countries’ Kazakhstan is rich in natural and ance we have a lot in common, as, Ichiro Kawabata been developing thanks to the ef- Addressing an audience at Naz- ministries and enterprises. excellent human resources, while for example, views on historical forts of many people,” he said. arbayev University, he said Japan “Both for Kazakhstan and Japan, Japan has cutting-edge technology events and traditions of the coun- “In 1991, on Aug. 29, Kazakh- frastructure in Semey to accel- would continue the supportive 2017 will be of utmost importance and know-how for manufacturers try, respect for elders, open heart, stan shut down the Semipalatinsk erate nuclear disarmament. Se- policy towards the open, stable considering the deeper coopera- that can meet Kazakh demands in the spirit that appreciates peace nuclear test site according to the mey residents love the big bridge and independent region of Central tion with the UN, as Kazakhstan ways to diversify industry and es- and harmony and a lot more.” decree of President Nursultan over the Irtysh River [a project Asia. has been elected to be the first tablish infrastructure. “And I often noticed many Nazarbayev and after gaining in- financed mostly by Japan and “Abe also announced a policy country from Central Asia as a “We could expand economic co- things in common between our dependence denounced nuclear designed by Japanese company aimed at active participation in the non-permanent member of the UN operation in such areas as ecology, peoples,” Kawabata said. “I am weapons,” he said. The ambassa- Katahira&Engineers Internation- region’s issues according to the Security Council and Japan has energy, transport and logistics, convinced if we deepen mutual dor noted Japan had high regard al]; they consider it a ‘bridge of Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue, been a non-permanent member geology and many others. During understanding, overcoming dif- for the move and provided medical friendship between our countries.’ in which there are plans to train of the UN Security Council since the visit of President Nazarbayev ferences and taking as a basis the assistance to the victims of nuclear Today, Japan-Kazakhstan coop- highly qualified industrial person- last year. Japan’s and Kazakhstan’s to Japan a variety of economic common features, we would de- tests. His country also helped im- eration is developing steadily in all nel for the diversification of indus- positions are aligned in numerous issues were discussed; it is now velop relations between the two plement “measures for socio-eco- directions, but it was the nuclear try and the promotion of regional foreign policy directions and the necessary to make efforts to im- countries in the right direction. I nomic development and reduced disarmament initiative, proposed cooperation, as well as the deep- countries will further cooperate in plement the agreements concluded like the Kazakh phrase that says the effects of radioactive contami- by President Nazarbayev, that ening of cooperation on the world resolutions of global issues and in and, thereby, to build economic ‘when people in Kazakhstan meet nation of the Semipalatinsk region bridged our countries for initial arena,” said Kawabata. preserving world peace and secu- relations corresponding to the po- for the first time they become ac- by preparing specialists and radi- cooperation, further strengthening Nazarbayev paid his fourth of- rity for the international commu- tentials of the two countries,” said quaintances; twice – friends; three ologists and providing medical our relations,” he added. ficial visit to Japan in November nity,” said Kawabata. Kawabata. times and they become relatives.’ equipment and supplies.” Kawabata recalled the devastat- 2016, where he met Emperor Aki- He spoke optimistically about the Cultural exchanges continue to Let us, in the new quarter of a “In addition, we collaborated ing earthquake that hit Japan on hito, Abe and top managers in eco- upcoming EXPO 2017 in Astana. expand. A large number of guests century, deepen our friendly rela- in the establishment of new in- March 11, 2011. He said many nomic circles and delivered a speech “The theme of the Japanese pa- visited last year’s Japanese Culture tions to become one family!”

the expo would provide further publicity of the exhibition in In- dia. If it is marketed well by the Indian Ambassador Praises Kazakh tourist operators and a simplified Deputy FM Discusses Peace, visa and registration procedure is introduced for visitors to the expo, it may attract a large number of In- President’s Modernisation Plans dian tourists,” he said. Security and Sustainable dian Classical Dances on March 11 “Prime Minister Narendra Modi The Indian Trade Promotion By Dmitry Lee in Almaty, on March 25 in Chen- and President Nazarbayev met Organisation (ITPO) is the main nai and on March 28, 29 and 31 in briefly in April in Washington D.C. agency responsible for India’s ASTANA – Plans for the third New Delhi.” and again in June 2016 in Tash- participation. It is in regular con- Development at UN stage of modernisation announced kent. The Chief Minister of one of tact with expo organisers and has by Kazakh President Nursultan our most dynamic states, Andhra discussed various aspects related By Malika Orazgaliyeva Nazarbayev Jan. 31 were praised Pradesh, visited Kazakhstan in July to the concept and design of the by Indian Ambassador Harsh Ku- and Deputy Foreign Minister of country’s pavilion. Kazakh Deputy Minister of For- mar Jain in a recent interview with Kazakhstan Akylbek Kamaldinov “The construction of the pavil- eign Affairs Yerzhan Ashikbayev The Astana Times. attended the Heart of Asia-Istanbul ion, as well as the commercial area participated in Jan. 23-24 United “I am impressed by the way Process Ministerial Conference allocated for other activities such Nations discussions in New York President Nazarbayev has devel- held in the month of December in as catering, handicraft showrooms on the synergy of peace, security oped a vision for the country and Amritsar in India,” he said. et cetera, is expected to commence and sustainable development. that vision is being implemented Jain noted India supported Ka- by the end of this month. The em- The Permanent Mission of Ka- though well-conceived practical zakhstan’s candidacy in the run for bassy is also planning India’s na- zakhstan to the United Nations in strategies,” he said, speaking of non-permanent membership on the tional day celebration (the 70th collaboration with the delegations the country’s progress in a span UN Security Council. He added anniversary of India’s independ- of Belarus and Suriname, as well Yerzhan Ashikbayev of 25 years. “The Nurly Zhol eco- the countries have participated in ence on Aug. 15), holding the third as the United Nations Develop- nomic policy, The Plan of the Na- Harsh Kumar Jain several cultural exchanges. International Day of Yoga and sev- ment Programme (UNDP) con- locating 1 percent of the annual tion and the recent announcement “The Centre of Indian Classi- eral other cultural activities at the vened a joint event, “Responsible defence budget of UN member to redistribute powers among vari- The embassy hosted a flag hoist- cal Dances in Almaty celebrated expo,” said Jain. Governance, Disarmament and states to the UN Fund for Sustain- ous branches of the government ing ceremony in the early morning its tenth anniversary in March, the Entering the third year of his as- Non-proliferation for Progress and able Development Goals. This would put Kazakhstan on a new of Jan. 26 on its grounds in the city two countries held the first joint signment, the ambassador noted Sustainable Development.” initiative will allow the redirect of stage of economic development and hosted an evening reception at military exercise, Prabal Dostyk, his impressions of Kazakhstan. UN Assistant Secretary-General financial flows from the defence and progress, modernisation, po- the Radisson Hotel the next night. in September, India organised the “I have travelled to several and Director of UNDP Regional sector to the UN agenda for sus- litical democracy and prosperity. Around 300 guests, including festival of India in four cities in parts of the country including Al- Bureau for Europe and Common- tainable development. Kazakhstan is making wise invest- heads of diplomatic missions and Kazakhstan in the month of Oc- maty, Aktobe, Semey, Ust-Kame- wealth of Independent States (CIS) On Jan. 24, Ashikbayev partici- ments in human capital, too, that international organisations, Ka- tober and the fourth India-Central nogorsk, Atyrau and Temirtau and countries Ayse Cihan Sultanoglu pated in the high-level dialogue would pay it rich dividends in the zakh senior government officials, Asia dialogue was held in New plan to visit a few more cities in moderated the event. UN General “Building Sustainable Peace for future.” journalists, representatives of aca- Delhi in December.” the next few months. I have also Assembly President Peter Thom- All: Synergies between the 2030 The Indian diplomatic mission demic and cultural institutions, visited places of tourist interest son, United Nations Economic Agenda for Sustainable Develop- celebrated the 68th Republic Day members of the Indian community EXPO and Tourism like Borovoye, Charyn Canyon and Social Council (ECOSOC) ment and Sustaining Peace.” Ashi- Jan. 26 and the ambassador noted and Indian Technical and Econom- and Tamgaly Tas. All the places Chair Frederick Shava, Assistant kbayev voiced the measures taken the mission is readying to mark 25 ic Cooperation (ITEC) and Indian Potential have their own charm and beauty. Secretary-General for Economic by Kazakhstan toward implemen- years of diplomatic relations be- Council for Cultural Relations The announcement of India’s Kazakhstan is a beautiful country. and Social Affairs Lenni Montiel, tation at the national level of the tween the countries later in the year. (ICCR) alumni attended the recep- participation in EXPO 2017 has It has a small population, but rich Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs UN Global Agenda for sustainable “We will organise a series of ac- tion, according to the ambassador. attracted quite a bit of media atten- culture. Given our historical link- of Belarus Valentin Rybakov, rep- development until 2030, including tivities dedicated to the celebration tion in his nation, noted the ambas- ages, it has a lot of cultural simi- resentatives of the UN accredited the statement of the Senate of the of the 25th anniversary of the es- sador. larities with India. The country has diplomatic missions, as well as aca- Kazakh Parliament on reaffirming tablishment of diplomatic relations Bilateral Relations “People in India are quite cu- made impressive socio-economic demic circles delivered statements. country’s commitment to interna- between the two countries in Ka- Bilateral relations last year fo- rious about the expo in Astana. progress in the last 25 years and Ashikbaev underlined the in- tionally agreed commitments. zakhstan as well as India. The first cused primarily on building the India’s participation in the SCO has taken several regional and in- ternational initiatives of President On the sidelines of the events, such series of events would be a momentum generated by the visit (Shanghai Cooperation Organisa- ternational initiatives that have Nursultan Nazarbayev, including Ashikbayev also met with Ryba- mixed Indian and Kazakh cultural of India’s Prime Minister to Ka- tion) Summit that is going to be enhanced its international standing the Manifesto “The World. The kov of Belarus to discuss coopera- performance by the Centre of In- zakhstan in July 2015. held on the eve of the opening of and prestige,” he said. 21st Century” and the idea of al- tion at the UN. Global Index Ranks KazISS Among Top Think Tanks in the World release continues. “According to According to TTCSP, The Glob- think tanks’ think tank, TTCSP communities that improve policy grams in 81 countries. We are now By Dmitry Lee the 2016 Think Tanks and Civil al Go To Think Tank Index is the examines the evolving role and making while strengthening dem- working to create regional and Societies Program (TTCSP) of the result of an international survey of character of public policy re- ocratic institutions and civil soci- global networks of think tanks in ASTANA – The country’s top Lauder Institute at the University more than 1,950 scholars, public search organisations. Over the eties around the world.” an effort to facilitate collaboration think tank, the Kazakhstan Insti- of Pennsylvania, KazISS was listed and private donors, policy makers, last 26 years, the TTCSP has de- “Since its inception in 1989, the and the production of a modest tute for Strategic Studies under the among 150 best think tanks of the and journalists who helped rank veloped and led a series of global TTCSP has focused on collect- yet achievable set of global public President (KazISS), was recently other 6,000 analytical institutes and more than 6,500 think tanks us- initiatives that have helped bridge ing data and conducting research goods. Our goal is to create lasting ranked among the world’s top centres in the world. Earlier KazISS ing a set of 18 criteria developed the gap between knowledge and on think tank trends and the role institutional and state-level part- think tanks, the institution’s press had been included into the rating by the TTCSP. The purpose of the policy in critical policy areas think tanks play as civil society ac- nerships by engaging and mobilis- service reported Jan. 31. under certain individual categories.” index is to help improve the pro- such as international peace and tors in the policymaking process. ing think tanks that have demon- “KazISS’s first-ever rating in the KazISS had been ranked 148th file and performance of think tanks security, globalisation and gov- In 2007, the TTCSP developed strated their ability to produce high Global Go To Think Tank Index, in the category Top Think Tanks while highlighting the important ernance, international economics, and launched the global index of quality policy research and shape Defence and National Security Worldwide (non-U.S.); second in work they do for governments and environmental issues, information think tanks, which is designed to popular and elite opinion and ac- Rating is higher than ever,” the the Top Think Tanks in Central civil societies around the world. and society, poverty alleviation, identify and recognise centres of tions for public good,” the report headline of the release reads. Asia; 95th in the Top Defence and “TTCSP conducts research on and healthcare and global health. excellence in all the major areas stated. “A think tank from Kazakhstan National Security; 27th in the Top the role policy institutes play in These international collabora- of public policy research and in KazISS was established in 1993 takes a leading position among Energy and Resource Policy Think governments and civil societies tive efforts are designed to es- every region of the world. To date in the then capital city of Almaty similar institutions from all over the Tanks and 56th in the Best Gov- around the world,” the report ex- tablish regional and international TTCSP has provided technical as- and in 2014, the think tank relo- world for the first time,” the press ernment Affiliated Think Tanks. plains. “Often referred to as the networks of policy institutes and sistance and capacity building pro- cated to Astana. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Kazakh Expedition in Antarctica Kazakh Singer Rises to Stardom 2017 Winter Universiade Takes Inspires Adventurers B2 in China in One Day B3 Place in Almaty B7 Newborn Photography Astana Opera to Gains Momentum Premiere Kazakh in Astana Masterpiece home moms who have the expe- By Lyazzat Shatayeva rience of caring for newborns,” Assem Smagul, a well-known ASTANA – New parents present newborn photographer, told The ‘Kyz Zhibek’ vast marketing opportunities for Astana Times. the same. We have recovered sev- businesses worldwide, and baby- “Babies do not pose for a pic- By Dana Omirgazy eral musical performances that crazy Kazakhstan is no exception. ture; they are natural. There is a were not used in previous famous One of the trends in the huge and profound depth and magnitude in ASTANA – Astana Opera will productions. In the new version, growing baby products industry, children’s photographs. Newborn premiere their production of “Kyz the opera will be more dynamic. newborn photography, is catching photography isn’t just craft, it’s Zhibek” by Yevgeny Brusilovsky Soloists feel more comfortable on on in Astana. artistry,” Smagul commented. Feb. 10-11, the theatre has an- the stage with the musical recita- The trend appeared roughly The mother of two young sons nounced. tives because there is no need for two years ago and has caught fire says she would never have at- After “Kyz Zhibek” was re- them to transform into dramatic among parents since. This has tempted to get into the photog- leased as a film in 1970, the leg- actors, who have completely dif- given rise to a new, largely female- raphy industry had she not had end of love between two young ferent means of expression not dominated group of entrepreneurs: her own children. “Newborn hearts became widely known. But typical for vocalists. The orches- newborn photographers. photography is a unique genre. the tale, preserved in a folk poem tra has quietly become richer as “There are roughly 13 actively On one hand, you have a perfect about a Kazakh girl, was first per- well,” Music Director and Con- working and somewhat acclaimed model, who effortlessly gives formed in the theatre in 1934. ductor, Honoured Worker of newborn photographers in Astana you a perfect picture with every Great national writer Gabit Mus- Kazakhstan Abzal Mukhitdinov and many more learners. Most shot. repov based the libretto for the said. of the photographers are stay-at- Continued on Page B8 Assem Smagul “Kyz Zhibek” opera on that epic The folk poem “Kyz Zhibek” lyric poem. Now, 83 years later, expresses a dream of happiness, Astana Opera will present the great talks about loyalty to loved ones project of Brusilovsky and Musre- and friends and celebrates brav- pov in a modern version. ery and honour. Shymkent Named Safest “Brusilovsky’s music remains Continued on Page B3 City in Kazakhstan the second most populous city in mately half of all reported thefts ogy, transport, quality of housing Staff Report New Shoe Kazakhstan had the lowest rate of in the southern city. and communal services, infra- Shymkent was recently named violent crimes, such as homicide In 2016, 20,892 criminal of- structure for children and enter- the country’s safest city with the and rape last year. The majority fences were registered in the city tainment, trade and goodwill of lowest crime rate, according to of criminal offences, about 60 with a population of almost mil- the neighbours. The respondents Manufacturer the official statistics. percent, were theft. The theft of lion people, compared to 39,727 graded each criterion from one Compared to other major cities, mobile phones made up approxi- offences in Astana and 66,913 to seven with the maximum pos- crimes in Almaty. sible score on aggregate perfor- The city saw a general decline in mance being 70. Achieves Success with the level of crime. The number of Shymkent ranked first, earning criminal offences decreased by 7.4 43.3 points. The city scored high- percent compared to 2015. In par- est on the availability of shops, ticular, violent crimes went down sports and leisure facilities, the First Men’s Collection 6.1 percent, indictable felonies de- friendliness of its residents and creased 21.4 percent and minor as- the quality of public services. saults reduced 26.9 percent. Some of the positive comments In a recent survey by OLX from the respondents were “a advertising, Shymkent was also warm city with warm people,” named the best city for living in “the people are responsive,” Kazakhstan. “high work ethic and human- The online survey assessed the ness.” quality of life in the country’s Taldykorgan and Uralsk shared major cities, based on ten criteria, second place in the ranking, fol- such as safety, cleanliness, ecol- lowed by Kostanai. with the idea of launching a By Lyazzat Shatayeva shoe-making business in the spring of 2016. We did all the ASTANA – New shoe manu- preparatory work in summer and facturer Shoes Republic has had a launched our first collection over big impact on Kazakhstan’s shoe four months ago,” Chief Oper- Almaty Man Travels World with industry just a few months after ating Officer Dauren Ramankul unveiling its first collection by tar- told The Astana Times. geting middle class customers and The manufacturing plant and offering the best value. adjunct brand store are in Almaty Little Money, Lots of Enthusiasm The industry newcomer present- and the company makes deliveries de Janeiro and then went to the and New York, he flew to Califor- every country. One can visit so ed its men’s winter collection in virtually anywhere in Kazakhstan By Dana Omirgazy southernmost city in the world nia and travelled in the western many countries having only three late September, featuring quality via Kazpost. The manufacturer – Ushuaia – to start a cruise to part of the U.S. Further, the travel- visas and a great enthusiasm. Peo- leather shoes for nearly the lowest employs eight people and has a ASTANA – Forty-five-year old Antarctica. People prepare for ler went to Alaska and arrived in ple are kind and open everywhere, market prices under 20,000 tenge production capacity of 300 pairs Umarzhan Urakhunov returned to such tours in advance, buying South Korea. After riding through I saw no problem with that. I lived (US$60). per month. Kazakhstan Jan. 24 after an epic tickets six months before depar- countries of Southeast Asia, he fin- in both expensive and nice budget “My partner and I came up Continued on Page B2 round-the-world tour lasting five ture. However, Urakhunov was ished the trip in Malaysia. hotels. Maybe one day I will even months. The Almaty resident set a lucky to buy the cheapest ticket “I mostly visited non-touristy write a book about my adventure,” goal to set foot on all seven con- and spent unforgettable days in places, but they were all amazing. he told the paper. tinents and visit African tribes, the Antarctica. He says the se- I started travelling with a small According to him, he visited all having only three visas and know- vere climate of the continent amount of money. I got unforget- the visa-free countries for citizens ing nothing of foreign languages. requires physical training and table memories and incredible and of Kazakhstan. He also walked THINGS TO WATCH & The Astana Times interviewed endurance. life-changing travel experience. across deserts in Uzbekistan, ex- the enthusiastic traveller about his Returning to Ushuaia, Urakhu- Now, I am convinced that major- plored the Amazon’s wildlife, had PLACES TO GO impressions of visiting beautiful nov continued his journey in the ity of citizens can afford to travel exotic and adventurous travels in places in the world. northern part of South America and the world too. There are the same Africa, and visited the largest mir- “This trip was a great lifetime departed to the U.S. After Florida roads, food, people and hotels in ror in the world – the Bolivia Salt ASTANA OPERA experience for me that changed Flats – and Iguazu Falls in Argen- February 8 at 7 p.m. Between two ages, concert my thinking. I did not tell anyone tina, spent a night in the famous about my intention, no one knew Grand Canyon in the U.S., and February 18 at 6 p.m. In dialogue with classical about my travel plans. Initially, tried delicious fruits in Southeast Composers I wanted to visit only the Central Asia. Asian countries. A few weeks be- “It is always easy to say and February 21 at 7 p.m. Evening of classical music fore departure, I decided to apply hard to do. Of course, many things for Schengen and U.S. visas. I did can happen while travelling in for- not expect to get them, to be hon- eign countries. You can get sick or STATE CIRCUS est, I was very unsure about it, but something may happen at home February 11, 12 at 4 p.m. African Giants, animal show I decided to try it. Finally, having and you would be forced to return obtained both visas, I packed up home. However, I was lucky, eve- and headed south to neighbouring rything went smoothly and I man- KUANYSHBAYEV DRAMA THEATRE countries,” Urakhunov said. aged to complete a tour around the February 12 at 6:30 p.m. Abai The Kazakh tourist started his world,” he added. trip in Kyrgyzstan and continued According to Urakhunov, he de- the international journey in Uzbek- cided to travel because he was out BARYS ARENA istan – a land of sun and warmth. of work. The Kazakh man could Further, he enjoyed a marvel- not find a suitable job. He had February 14 at 7:30 p.m. HC Barys vs. HC Sibir lous trip to Azerbaijan, Georgia, some savings and decided to do February 16 at 7:30 p.m. HC Barys vs. HC Metallurg Ukraine and Belarus. Then, the Al- something he always wanted to do. maty resident went to Europe. “It was not a dream of mine; I After enjoying time with just always knew that I would do it friends in Turkey, he flew to Rio Umarzhan Urakhunov one day,” he concluded. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 Kazakh Expedition in Antarctica Inspires Adventurers

son Peak, went for a ski expedition wind and cold weather. We lived versity Ecology Research Institute. Kazakh flag was raised for the first After the expedition, Kazakh- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova of more than 200 kilometres to the in tents and slept in sleeping bags “I have never participated in time on Antarctica’s highest peak stan also plans to offer to establish South Pole and conducted research and it was an interesting experi- such kind of expeditions, but as a on Independence Day. Members of an automated research station on ASTANA – Bravery, persistence in Antarctica within 42 days. ence. Exploring harsh and extreme student, I went to field expeditions. the expedition congratulated peo- the ice continent. and thirst for discoveries. The In- The scientific part of the expedi- conditions was possible thanks to We had our own programme at the ple from the Vinson Peak Dec. 16 Fifteen KazGeo team members dependence Pole expedition mem- tion included research in the field the people around me. They are so Union Fletcher station. We skied and from the South Pole Dec. 31. visited the Arctic and Antarctica amazing, open and friendly. They and climbed the peak with special The expedition took place thanks as part of three polar expeditions greatly inspired me and I immedi- equipment. Also, we established to the efforts and participation of from 2011 to 2017. KazGeo Board SAGIMBAYEV: “Every team member of ately joined this group. The atmos- contacts with foreign experts and many people who are not indiffer- Chairman Nurlan Abduov is the our expedition did their best. We supported phere was good, in spite of all the this is the most important part of ent,” Tastanbekov said. head of the Arctic and Antarctic obstacles and extreme conditions,” the voyage. There were scientists According to team leader Mag- programmes and catalyst of the each other in difficult moments. Knowledge Yernazarova told The Astana from all over the world. It was a Times. useful exchange of information and the professional skills that we have A number of candidates from and contacts. Our negotiations are Fifteen KazGeo team members visited the accumulated were very useful.” the Al-Farabi Kazakh National the foundation for future expedi- Arctic and Antarctica as part of three polar University applied to take part in tions and research. In the future, the expedition. Representatives of we plan to have joint research with expeditions from 2011 to 2017. bers found a great way to challenge of ecology, biology and impact of the Kazakh Geographic Society these scientists,” she said. themselves personally and profes- extreme conditions of Antarctica (KazGeo) conducted interviews The organisation is currently de- sionally and demonstrate their best on the human physiology. A round with each candidate. Yernazarova veloping a membership scheme, zhan Sagimbayev, the members expedition. An earlier automobile qualities in hard times during a re- table and master classes will be passed a rigorous selection process announced KazGeo Presidium were ready for a variety of chal- expedition also earned a spot in the cent expedition in Antarctica. held on the results of research. to be among the participants. Chairman Tolegen Tastanbekov at lenges and unfavourable weather. Guinness Book of World Records Team leader Magzhan Sagim- “I was prepared for the worst She became the first Kazakh fe- a Jan. 18 press conference in the “Every team member of our ex- for the fastest ascent-descent. bayev, climbers Ilyas Galimbe- but I hoped for the best. You can male member of the expedition. capital. pedition did their best. We support- The Independence Pole cam- kov and Yuri Yushin and scientists endure all the things physically, A microbiologist by profession, “All three stages of the project, ed each other in difficult moments. paign was conducted under the Arman Baimukhamedov, Daulet but moral and psychological pres- she is pursuing her career as an including climbing the Vinson Knowledge and the professional auspices of the Assembly of the Sharipov and Aliya Yernazarova sure is stronger. The sun does not Associate Director of Science at Peak, ski expedition and research skills that we have accumulated People of Kazakhstan and sup- performed a speed climb on Vin- go down and you can’t hide from Al-Farabi Kazakh National Uni- were successfully completed. The were very useful,” he said. ported by KazGeo. New Shoe Manufacturer Achieves Success with First Collection Continued from Page B1 average and below average in- of starting the business was the “We started with the men’s available to retail customers comes. scarcity of experienced profes- collection because for us it was in these cities. “We are planning to recruit “We want office workers, sional shoemakers. the segment we understood the The company’s website is un- five more people soon and in- builders, common people who “We had to hire a technolo- most. We didn’t know much der development, yet the brand crease production to 800 pairs make around 100,000 tenge gist from Afghanistan who has about women’s fashion. We will has already caused some buzz per month. Most of the produc- (US$300) a month to be able helped us to put production in soon launch women’s ballet on social media sites such as tion is manual at the moment. to afford good shoes at least place and train the local staff. flats. In the fall, we want to start Facebook and Instagram. We are actively looking for twice a year, during summer In the 1990s, under the mar- introducing kids’ shoes. The net “We thought about a great va- funding to be able to buy equip- and winter seasons. The prices ket pressure and abundance of cost of the children’s shoes is riety of brand names. We initial- ment, automate and expand for the lowest quality leather cheap consumer goods from lower than of the adults, but the ly were inclined to choose a Ka- monthly production to 5,000 shoes coming from abroad start China, entire industries went market prices are still very high. zakh title, indicating that we are pairs of shoes,” said Ramankul. at 30,000 tenge (US$90). How into decline and local business- We want to offer our customer a a domestic shoe manufacturer. Shoes Republic has pledged is an average family to afford es were forced to shut down. fair price,” he said. Then, we realised that eventual- to provide the best quality to its good shoes at such prices? We This has led to the current short- Shoes Republic has al- ly we want to export our goods customers at the lowest profit decided that we want to make age of industry experts,” said ready built partnerships with and expand as an international margin. The company makes quality shoes for half the price Ramankul. wholesalers and retailers in brand well represented beyond daily casual shoes for men compared to imported shoes,” The company’s management Aktau, Atyrau, Uralsk, Ak- Central Asia. That’s why we wearable for a variety of occa- he said. is looking into expanding the tobe, Taraz and Astana. In picked Shoes Republic as a sions and targets customers with Dauren Ramankul One of the main challenges production line. spring, shoes will be made brand name,” said Ramankul. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 US Audience Explores Kazakh Music, Traditional Instruments style looks beyond the Russian classes at California Institute of By Zhanna Shayakhmetova school of composition and ex- the Arts on classical vocal tech- plores other styles of music, like nique for popular musical styles ASTANA – KUSC, the Los American minimalism and post- such as rock, pop and punk. He Angeles-based classical music modern, with jazz, folk and rock recently gave a master class and radio station, has released “A influences. performed a recital at Kunitachi Breathtaking Musical Journey Timur is currently perform- College of Music in Tokyo. through Kazakhstan,” a four- ing with different opera compa- Timur aims to premiere “The part series produced by Adriana nies, symphonies and art centres Silent Steppe Cantata” in the Cargill for Arts Alive. The pro- around the U.S. He made solo ap- U.S. in 2019 in collaboration gramme focuses on “The Silent pearances with the Los Angeles with the Almaty-based Sazgen Steppe Cantata” created by Ka- Philharmonic, Sarasota Opera, Sazy ensemble. zakh contemporary opera singer Los Angeles Opera, Utah Opera, “There are several stakeholders Timur (formerly known as Timur Bang on a Can All-Stars and Beth of the project in Los Angeles and Bekbosunov) and acclaimed Ca- Morrison Projects. He has collab- we are engaged in several discus- lArts composer Anne LeBaron. orated with composers including sions as well as fundraising. I am Inspired by Kazakh folk in- LeBaron, David Lang, Thomas developing the Open Road Pro- struments, Timur and LeBaron Ades, Evan Ziporyn, Louis An- ject, which will increase aware- produced the large-scale project driessen and Péter Eötvös. ness of Kazakh cultural heritage, and music composed by the latter “My glam-rock band Timur create new and contemporary successfully premiered in Astana and the Dime Museum presented repertoire for performers and in 2011. Timur and the Dime Museum. a show at Redcat Theatre in Los promote Kazakhstan through the “I have always been genuinely Angeles, Miami Art Centre, Op- grassroots process. The project interested in the traditional folk ter classes and workshops about instruments to the American au- ment of any government agency. eradagen Rotterdam and the Next will explore 1,000 folk themes culture of Kazakhstan as well as public radio in the U.S.,” Timur dience,” he added. “It also talks I am very proud that Kazakh Wave Festival 2015 at Brooklyn collected by famed Kazakh mu- the classical music that co-exists told The Astana Times. about my upcoming projects, instruments are getting impor- Academy of Music in Brooklyn. sicologist Alexander Zataevich. with it and I recommended Radio American producers also de- classical music folk musicians tant recognition. There is also a I also develop, conceptualise and The songs will serve as a base for Classic create a sister-radio part- cided to create a programme and the partnership exchange be- glowing response to Kazakhstan direct different theatrical projects American composers to create nership exchange with KUSC. I about the country’s traditional tween KUSC and Radio Classic. on air in an interview with Los with my company The Opera of innovative arrangements or new made an introduction to KUSC folk music and instruments. I think the series is the first major Angeles Philharmonic Chief Op- Timur Productions. Our current compositions for voice, piano and eventually KUSC’s director “The four-part series is step in surveying the Kazakh mu- erating Officer Chad Smith.” project is Love, Honour, Obey and other instruments,” he said. Brenda Barnes with her social delving deep into ‘The Silent sical culture fully developed by Authentic Kazakh folk music in collaboration with comedian The series is available as a media director visited Kazakh- Steppe Cantata’ and showcas- an independent public media or- continues to be a source of inspi- Margaret Cho,” he said. podcast on http://kusc.org/series/ stan to present a series of mas- ing the sounds of Kazakh folk ganisation and without involve- ration for many composers. The The opera singer also conducts arts-alive/. Astana Opera to Premiere Kazakh Kazakh Actress Torry Masterpiece ‘Kyz Zhibek’ Talgat to Take Part in Continued from Page B1 the Astana Opera Symphony Or- son, and at the same time it talks people, the Russian director chestra. Thus, along with classical about what all people are always brought great enthusiasm to his The opera is based on a story of instruments, the audience will en- interested in, what stirs their work for “Kyz Zhibek.” Pan- Berlinale Talents two lovers, Zhibek and Tulegen. joy folk instruments including the minds – love, the struggle be- dzhavidze will show the change of ries at Zhurgenov in pursuit of her Beautiful Zhibek rejects the suit dombra, kyl-kobyz, shan-kobyz, tween good and evil, loyalty and all four seasons in his modern pro- By Zhazira Dyussembekova Master’s degree. of the overbearing Bekezhan. She zhetіgen and kerney. betrayal,” Mukhitdinov noted. duction. Although this is his first Talgat is currently involved in will only marry her one true love. “Vintage national instruments Principal Stage Director of the work at the Astana Opera House, ASTANA – Kazakh actress Tor- several projects. She chooses Tulegen, who has add special colour to the sound Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus and the Pandzhavidze met Astana audienc- ry Talgat will be participating Feb. “I have completed the shooting come from far away, intrigued by of the opera. However, now I am Samara Opera and Ballet Theatre es and opera singers in 2010 when 11-16 in Berlinale Talents, the an- of a feature film by Olga Korotko tales of the beautiful girl. How- working on another version of in- Mikhail Pandzhavidze, famous he staged Jacques Offenbach’s op- nual summit and networking plat- “Tak Sebe Zima” (“So-So Win- form of the Berlin International ever, Bekezhan kills him, cutting strumentation, so that it could be for his unique style and unusual era “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” at ter”). On Feb. 1-13, there be will the Baiseitova Opera House. Film Festival (Berlinale). Her ap- off a beautiful love story. performed by the standard sym- approach to opera, is supposed to the Revelation Theatre Festival in Designers Sofya Tasmagambe- plication was one of 250 selected Mukhitdinov has also introduced phony orchestra composition. I surprise Kazakh audiences with which I will participate with two tova and Pavel Dragunov, who among 2,700 applications from a children’s choir for the first time hope that this opera will become his choices as stage director of plays. One of them is ‘Psychosis have been working in tandem for 127 countries, and she is among 4.48’ by playwright Sarah Kane, and uses the sounds of traditional very popular and in-demand af- “Kyz Zhibek.” almost 10 years, are responsible 15 individuals selected in the ac- directed by Darya Spivakova. The instruments both as solo perfor- ter our performance. It is close Having studied the traditions, for the costumes and sets for the tors category. second one is a play by the German mances and in collaboration with to the heart of every Kazakh per- culture and lifestyle of Kazakh new production. Astana Opera’s “I found out about the Berlinale Theatre. It is ‘The Government In- Costume Shop will use a record Talents from [director] Olga Ko- number of costumes for this fairy rotko, who also participated in the tale: 350 sets. festival in 2016. She advised me to Set designers have created an apply to the acting studio, which I immense steppe with an unusually did. While filling out the applica- blue sky, high hills, a large caravan tion, I was absolutely unsure that and a mysterious city of artisans I would pass such a big competi- on the stage. tion. But in the end of December, I “We will not only show the eve- received an official invitation from ryday life of people that existed the Berlinale,” Talgat told The 500 years ago, but create a specific Astana Times. atmosphere, convey the spirit of The mandatory requirements that era,” the designers noted. were knowledge of the English “Kyz Zhibek” depicts a woman language and performance in at wanting to freely choose her life least two films that have partici- partner, and stage directors have pated in international festivals. often deliberately emphasised the “I think it was important that tale’s protest against marital tradi- the participant should be really tions and customs of courtship in interested in his profession and Kazakh society. The main charac- was looking for new ways of self- Torry Talgat ters, Tulegen and Zhibek, embody development,” she added. spector’ by Nikolai Gogol, directed the ideals of freedom-loving youth. The theme of this year’s Berli- by Natasha Dubs,” she said. Directors have portrayed them as nale Talents is Courage: Against Talgat noted it is complicated to representatives of the traits people All Odds. be an actress or actor in Kazakh- want to see in the younger gen- “Every time a filmmaker acts stan “especially in the film indus- eration – however, Pandzhavidze with courage, their step takes the try,” as film language and intel- says the new production will differ true measure of a challenge. For lectual movies are not extremely Photo credit: astanaopera.kz. Photo credit: from previous examples of his col- the anniversary edition, Berlinale popular nor in demand. Abzal Mukhitdinov leagues. Talents will focus on these crucial “The theatre actor, I mean a points while celebrating a new good actor, will find his place and generation busy making films with role. It is not the same with mov- unshakeable optimism and against ies. First, we do not have such a all odds,” said programme manager big film market and therefore the Florian Weghorn, according to the number of films is small. The large Kazakh Singer Rises to Stardom website. projects involve the same actors, The event will include master which is very frustrating. Sec- classes, seminars and meetings ondly, good directors and a literate with prominent representatives of script are lacking. I am not inter- in China in One Day the film industry. ested in same-script soap operas been discussed all over social me- bergenov’s sweeping victory, his “For me, an important event at and melodrama, but I have realised By Dmitry Lee dia in China. father Kanat Aitbayev asked Ka- the seminar will be the meeting Kudaibergenov’s manager Al- zakhs to support his son in the with director Paul Verhoeven. And that it was still quite popular and ASTANA – Kazakh singer Di- pamys Sharimov told the media contest and thanked his son’s fans. of course, I’m sure that I will meet profitable in our country,” she said. mash Kudaibergenov beat his op- that the singer’s image has been “Thanks to the Ministry of Cul- many professionals in their field At the same time, she added ponents Jan. 21 in the first stage of changed to suit the show. ture and Sports for the support who also will share their knowl- there is a new wave of Kazakh the popular Chinese show “Singer “We have changed Dimash’s im- in participation of my son in this edge,” said Talgat. filmmakers. 2017” and instantly rose to fame in age so he would have a new look. large-scale project,” his press ser- The actress began her stud- “I see that young talents take China. This is not ‘The Voice,’ this is a vice reported. “I wanted to thank ies in 2009 at Zhurgenov Kazakh cinema seriously and with great Kudaibergenov, 22, was in- contest of established and famous personally Minister Arystanbek National Academy of Arts, where love. There are young filmmakers vited by the organisers and is the singers,” Sharimov noted. Mukhamediuly for the opportunity from her first year she acted in who are looking for a cinematic youngest participant, tengrinews. “Singer 2017” is a Chinese tel- to take part in the show in China.” student films as well as stage and language, write a good script, car- kz reports. He performed the song evision series in its fifth season. Kudaibergenov is the winner of street performances. After gradua- ry out castings honestly and work “SOS d’un terrien en détresse” in The season launched Jan. 21 and the Grand Prix Slavic Bazaar 2015 tion in 2013, Talgat started work- with actors. It pleases me person- French after which he rose to star- will air on China’s Hunan Televi- in Vitebsk, Russia. In early Janu- ing in Datheatre, a private inde- ally, as an actress and as a person, dom in China in just one day. sion until April 22. Eight singers ary, he was awarded a state grant pendent theatre, later moving to because we can shoot good mov- Chinese mass media writes: remain in the competition, all fa- of the President of Kazakhstan in the German Drama Theatre, where ies. It is necessary to work hard “China is shocked by Kazakhs,” mous and established stars. the field of culture for 2016, ac- she has worked for three years. and not be lazy. All routes are while Kudaibergenov’s name has A few days after Kudai- cording to Sharimov. She has studied auteur documenta- open,” she said. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 Car Sharing New App Helps Almaty Residents Gains Popularity Monitor Air Quality in Almaty when their own cars are being re- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov paired,” he said. Car sharing is not suitable for those ASTANA – Car sharing has who drive more than 15,000 kilome- sprung up in many countries, in- tres annually, he added. Studies show cluding Kazakhstan. With access those who use the service share cars to a fleet of vehicles on an as-need- more responsibly, carefully plan their ed basis, Almaty residents gain the trips and begin travelling less than if benefits of private cars without the using their own cars. costs and responsibilities of own- “We decided to establish a car ership. sharing company in Almaty in “[Having one’s] own car has October 2014. But unfortunately, one real advantage: it is parked preparation took some time and very close to where its owner lives we only started to work in Febru- or works. The owner can use it any ary 2016. We are going to expand time. Basically, car sharing pro- our business and Astana will be the vides the same flexibility and ad- first city where the company will vantages as car ownership. Also, open the next office,” he said. a car sharing user doesn’t need to Traditional car rental differs purchase a car and pay the corre- from car sharing because the lat- sponding expenses,” said Doscar ter offers greater ease of use, he car sharing company director As- added. The terms of lease are 30 sylbek Yessenov in a Jan. 20 inter- minutes or more compared to car view. rental calculated in days. Car sharing is positioned as a Car sharing offers fast booking. auagroup.kz Photo credit: replacement for personal or cor- Doscar can reserve a vehicle in a urban area is often trapped under cles are a health hazard and the the developers warn. Moreover, porate vehicles. Its main benefit is few seconds through the mobile By Lyazzat Shatayeva a layer of toxic smog. maximum permissible average atmospheric pollution due to the dividing the fixed costs of mainte- app and clients need not go to the Air in the city is heavily pol- concentration is 35 micrograms physical properties of air is dif- nance among the many members office each time to get a car. ALMATY – Almaty Urban Air luted by suspended particles, per cubic metre. ficult to locate and keep under of a car sharing club, while an in- Vehicles are also conveniently (AUA or “air” in Kazakh) is a commonly known as dust, car- Users can follow the posted control. The particles travel, de- dividual owner is responsible for located, as they are parked in dif- mobile app that helps to monitor bon monoxide and nitrogen di- recommendations. Depending posit and transform under the in- all costs. Car sharing also contrib- ferent parts of the city and can air quality and increase public oxide, the levels of which, in on the collected data, the app fluence of solar radiation. Thus, utes to environment protection, as be chosen and used immediately. awareness on air pollution to im- some months, exceed allowable warns city residents to spend as following an app recommenda- people use one vehicle instead of A virtual key on a mobile phone prove city planning and decision- levels by 936 times, according to little time outside as possible tion is a user’s personal choice. their own cars. works for all cars. There is no making practices. The new app is AUA’s developers. until the toxic smog lifts or on The project has been under- The programme benefits those need to return the vehicle with a available on IOS and Android. The information presented the contrary, to use the “good” taken by Common Sense Civic who drive fewer than 13,000- full tank of gas – leaving at least a Air pollution is becoming an ur- in the app is based on data ob- days for prolonged outdoor Foundation with the support of 15,000 kilometres per year, noted quarter tank is sufficient. gent matter for the city. Industrial tained from one unit of BAM- activities. It also features sec- the U.S. Consulate General, Cen- Yessenov. Yessenov noted the company production, transport and poor 1020 ambient particulate mass tions that allow users to learn tral Asia Regional Office of the “Some of our clients often use faces two main challenges: Almaty urban planning have made a last- monitoring equipment installed more about air pollution and its U.S. Centres for Disease Con- our services when there are two residents don’t know about its ser- ing negative impact on the qual- at Kazakh National Medical Uni- effects on health and environ- trol and Prevention, Asfendi- drivers in a family using one car. vices and the city administration ity of the environment, and, as a versity. The equipment measures ment. yarov Kazakh National Medical Therefore, in some cases when doesn’t support car sharing com- consequence, the quality of local the levels of PM2.5 (particulate The information collected University and the young team they need to use two cars, one panies. He feels the city should residents’ lives. The surrounding matter), fine dust particles up to from just one data collection cen- of developers, including Anel spouse gets one of our cars. Also, help them because they contribute Tien Shan Mountains allow little 2.5 micrometres in size. High tre does not provide a complete Moldakhmetova, Timur Nusim- some of our clients use our cars to its environment protection. chance for wind and as a result the concentrations of PM2.5 parti- picture of Almaty’s air quality, bekov and Dauren Shubayev. Saudi Company Allocates More Than $90 Million to South Kazakhstan Poultry Farm construction of a poultry yard for work is carried out according to a Tuimebayev emphasised provid- By Dmitry Lee growing chickens, incubator and simplified tax system.” ing new opportunities for mutually broiler body shop slaughter and The men discussed distributing beneficial partnerships and expressed ASTANA – Saudi Arabian Al fodder plant. powers and duties to implement dif- confidence in their prospects. Ramez International Group will Representatives of the Arab ferent joint investment projects. They The trade turnover between Ka- finance a poultry farm in the South company are willing to invest in also noted the need to launch a new zakhstan and Saudi Arabia reached Kazakhstan region with a produc- other agricultural areas, such as level of relations between the region US$50 million in 2015 and op- tion capacity of 30,000 tonnes of cultivating sheep and cattle, and and the Middle Eastern nation. portunities exist to significantly meat per year, company president have offered to help in exporting The governor also focused on increase the figure. With the -par Abdullah Zaid Al-Meleihi said meat. During the meeting, Ka- the systematic efforts in the region ticipation of the Saudi companies, during a Jan. 30 meeting with re- zakh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia to improve the business and in- 17 companies are working in Ka- gion akim (governor) Zhanseit Tu- Bakhyt Batyrshayev spoke about vestment environment. zakhstan. imebayev, reported the governor’s important steps in the relations be- Al-Meleihi noted Kazakh busi- Al Ramez International Group press service. tween the countries and develop- ness ties with Saudi Arabia have a was established in 1991 and has The project will be implemented ing partnerships in various sectors. good prospect in the future and the invested in a number of businesses in two stages, it noted. The first “We are implementing reforms South Kazakhstan region has all including advertising, brand man- phase will include the allocation aimed at diversifying the econ- the conditions for doing business. agement, security equipment, con- of 61 million euros (US$65.8 mil- omy,” said Tuimebayev. “The developed. We are introducing the We have also reduced administra- In particular, he outlined the po- struction equipment, consumer lion), followed by an investment South Kazakhstan region is a re- best terms to attract investment and tive barriers for doing business. litical stability and harmony in the products, retailing and trading. Its of 24 million euros (US$25.9 gion where all sectors of industry creating the most favourable con- Currently, we have created three country which will allow investors annual turnover exceeds US$800 million). The project includes and agriculture of the country are ditions to support local business. special economic zones where the to work at liberty. million.

operation, however, is significant- ly cheaper. The average daily mile- age for a city bus is 300 km. At Electric Bus Plant Launches Production current fuel prices, running a die- sel bus costs 22,000tenge (US$66) per day. Its rival will require only in Almaty, Showcases Two Models 3,200 tenge (US$9.60) of electric- ity. Constructing the necessary gas mentally-friendly vehicles, designed Technical University, has built exceed 50 km; in Almaty, the av- signed for operating at an input station costs nearly one billion By Lyazzat Shatayeva to carry 53-110 passengers, can hit an electric bus assembly plant in erage route is 34 km. Moreover, voltage of 387 V. Rather than a tenge (US$3.02 million), whereas city streets as soon as next year. Almaty region. The new project the Higer battery operates safely lithium-ion battery, a lithium- a charge station for ten electric ALMATY – Parasat Holding “Parasat Holding, part of a was implemented in record time at temperatures as low as -30 de- titanate battery (Li4Ti5O12) was showcased two models of electric group including the Satpayev Na- – just a year ago, it was still an grees and the charging time to installed in the models. Front in- buses will cost 16 million tenge buses Jan. 19 to local government of- tional Technical Research Uni- idea. Then, the company’s man- start the bus takes no longer than dependent air suspension comes (US$48,000), they added. ficials. The safe, silent and environ- versity and the Kazakh-British agement decided that an innova- eight minutes. with hydraulic telescopic shock The company has indicated tive production site would be a Parasat and Higer have signed absorbers and a stabiliser bar, charging the buses will not be great research platform for stu- two agreements, one on the joint while the rear dependent air sus- problematic for the city, as the dents and faculty. The idea was construction of the plant in Al- pension is equipped with hydrau- electric substations currently used to set a factory of electric buses maty with a 51-percent stake lic telescopic shock absorbers and for trolleybuses and trams can be and later create a design bureau owned by the Chinese side and anti-roll. used. Their capacity will be ad- on its basis,” Forbes Kazakhstan the other on the transfer of tech- The buses are furnished with equate to simultaneously charge reported. nology and joint research activi- an emergency call device, rear- 500 buses. The company partnered last ties. In addition, Higer has given view video system, digital clock The plant plans to initially pro- year with Higer, China’s leading Parasat the patent on all its models and wheelchair ramp. Audio and duce nearly 300 vehicles a year. electric bus manufacturer. Higer throughout the Commonwealth of video systems, air conditioning, If the volume of orders increases, makes one of the best batteries Independent States (CIS), report- route display, tachograph, cruise the company is prepared to intro- for electric buses, which was one ed Forbes Kazakhstan. control and satellite navigation duce a second shift and release of the main reasons for choos- The vehicles differ from the system are available on request. up to 1,000 buses per year. In the ing the company as partner. A Chinese analogues in design and Electric buses are considerably meantime, Parasat is in talks with titanium-ion battery provides a equipment set. The 160-kilowatt more expensive, approximately local officials and trucking com- city bus with a power reserve of (kW) electric engine was replaced $40,000 higher than the diesel panies to introduce Quasar elec- 70 kilometres (km). An average by a 15-kW Jing Jin TM5027H models manufactured in Europe, tric buses in the public transporta-

Photo credit: zakon.kz Photo credit: bus route in large cities does not with liquid cooling and is de- according to the developers. Their tion system. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 Pavlodar Police Officer Saves Green TAL Help Life of 8-Year-Old Boy the Vulnerable could have frozen or drowned By Botagoz Baltabayeva to death. The officer saw a truck passing by, Mukhamedsalykov Pavlodar Police Department of stopped the truck and asked for Help Themselves Internal Affairs Sergeant Dau- a ladder, luckily the driver had let Mukhamedsalykov recently one. Mukhamedsalykov was saved the life of an 8-year-old able to get to the bottom of the boy, by getting him out of a well and rescue the boy. Before manhole in which the boy acci- the ambulance got to the boy dentally fell. Mukhamedsalykov helped him Mukhamedsalykov was driv- warm up and gave him his jack- ing his own vehicle on his day et, also protecting the boy from off when he saw the boy run across the road and suddenly dis- the cold. appear from his view along the The boy’s father Daniyar Tsaryov Street in Pavlodar. The Zhandilov sent a letter of thanks off-duty policeman immediately to head of the Police Depart- drove up to the scene and began ment of Internal Affairs of the looking for the boy and saw the Pavlodar region, Major-General open manhole, from which he Marat Kozhayev. In the letter, he heard the boy scream. and his family expressed grati- He looked inside and saw a tude to the police and gratitude boy at the bottom of a water for saving the life of their son well. The well was about five Bakhtiyar. metres deep, and it was impossi- By order of Chief of Police ble for anyone to get out of there Department of Internal Affairs without a ladder. Sergeant Mukhamedsalykov was Decisiveness was a priority in awarded with a letter of gratitude the situation, otherwise the boy for vigilance and swift action.

allow them to provide for them- By Kamila Zhumabayeva selves and their family,” accord- ing to a statement on their website ASTANA – Started initially as a greental.kz. Light Oil and Gas KazMunayGas willow-weaving workshop, Green About 80 people have undergone TAL has turned into a bigger pro- training at the workshop. As of pre- ject that provides vulnerable social sent, 15 people work at Green TAL. groups training with employment by Some of them left the workshop after Deposits Found in Introduces QR-Code producing quality products demand- a while to focus on different things, ed on market. Askerov notes. Green TAL literally means green And employment centre helps Atyrau Region osier – a small Eurasian willow Green TAL by providing salaries Payments for which grows mostly in wet natural for its workers, 49,000 tenge (about field. Getting high debits on light surroundings. US$150) per month. They also re- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov oil at Ansagan confirms the large “Initially we started as a willow ceive bonuses from Green TAL if resource potential of the subsalt weaving workshop, therefore, we new orders come in. ASTANA – Rich deposits of sediments at greater depths of the Fuel Cards joined those two words together so “We have already entered the com- light oil and gas were recently territory. a matrix code (two-dimensional the name had something Western and mercial market. We have our carpen- found in the Devonian deposits at By Zhaniya Urankayeva In the future, the ministry plans bar code) that is used for visual Kazakh in it,” Emin Askerov, project try shop. We are starting to produce Ansagan in the Zhylyoi district of to conduct appraisal work on the coding of information and is in- founder, told The Astana Times. and sell now. I see no point yet to the Atyrau region. ASTANA – The KazMu- entire contract area with explora- creasingly being used in various The project was launched in June enter the foreign market because we “The possible reserves are tion drilling on such prospective nayGas National Company has fields, including the marking of 2015 under the Best for Kids pub- need to tap our market. That is my highly valued and a large amount areas as Maksat, Prorva Glubokaya introduced a QR-code payment buildings and a way to get bo- lic fund. Teaching willow weaving philosophical approach. As soon as of exploration work is planned to and others. The areas were studied option for fuel cards at one of its nuses from shops and producers. to vulnerable social groups was its we accomplish it, we can go on fur- confirm the predicted hydrocarbon using detailed seismic methods. gas stations with plans to extend Fuel card holders of KazMu- pioneer activity. As the first lessons ther,” the founder said. resources,” according to a Minis- According to the ministry, on the service system wide. The nayGas are able to create their began, learners were learning the ba- “We have big plans and see big try of Energy report. Feb. 24, 2014, a contract with service is in test mode and is the QR codes through a personal sics of weaving and creating pieces prospects. The pressing problem The oil and gas horizons are Almex Plus was signed on the sub- first time such technology has account in a mobile application during the year. However, this did is many people are unemployed located deeper than the Tengiz soil use and exploration of hydro- been introduced at a gas station or at www.azskmg.kz, using the not lead to much of a success among among vulnerable social groups, carbons in the pre-salt deposits in in Kazakhstan. fuel card number,” according to customers and Green TAL decided to many of them call asking for a job. the Atyrau and Mangistau regions. The innovation is now availa- the press service of the company. develop new activities. It is quite difficult that we have very The contract excepts the using of ble only in Astana at the gas sta- The generated QR-code can be In September 2016, Green TAL big problems with this. For some rea- post-salt structures and fields on tion named after Olympic cham- shown at the gas station instead began producing handmade decora- son, employers are reluctant to hire the site. Almex Plus was estab- pion Serik Sapiyev located on of the card in a printed form and tions for home and souvenirs made such people. That is why we take this lished in 2001 and started explora- Hussein Bin Talal Avenue, near on the screen of the mobile de- of wood, running a sewing work- mission upon ourselves to spread in- tion works in 2014. the building of City Court of the vice, smartphone or tablet. Then shop, a carpentry shop and offering formation about social entrepreneur- The site is 1,460.01 square kilo- Yessil district. In the future, QR- the cash system will ask the IT services such as website develop- ship. I give speeches and lectures on metres. The depth of discharge is code payment service will be ex- customer to enter the confirm- ment and support. this topic from time to time. It is our from the ground-bed of post-salt tended to the entire network of ing PIN-code. All the data of the “Green TAL’s vision statement is wish that more people join this so we sediments to the surface of the KazMunayGas stations. club card is read from the QR- every member of a vulnerable so- could solve our problems with our crystal base. “QR-code (quick response) is code.2 cial group had worthy earnings that own hands,” Askerov said. Kazakh Fashion Designers Launch Country’s First Clothing Line for People with Special Needs ing leather shoes and fur cloth- live in Kazakhstan. While creat- can satisfy the needs of people abilities throughout Kazakhstan. 200 producers of such clothes in By Dana Omirgazy ing. Companies and designers are ing new clothing line, design- suffering cerebral palsy, visual We want to attract public atten- the world. Most of these compa- willing to manufacture special ers took into account features of impairment and elderly people. tion to our new clothing store. We nies operate in Germany, Russia ASTANA – The Light Industry clothes under the special project,” wheelchair users making clothes “We are going to open stores in did not receive any state order yet, and the U.S. In Kazakhstan, the Enterprises Association has re- Khudova added. comfortable, easy to put on and Astana and Almaty. Now we are however, we hope for fruitful co- Light Industry Enterprises As- leased its first collection of cloth- Approximately 770,000 adults fashionable. The new clothing developing an online shop to offer operation with large companies,” sociation became the first to start ing for people with special needs and children with limited abilities line offers functional dresses and clothing for persons with limited Khudova admitted. creating a fashion line for people in partnership with the Ministry Designers offer high-quality with limited abilities. of Healthcare as part of the Adap- clothes made of soft, elastic knit- “Now, people with limited abil- tive Clothing and Shoes project. ted fabrics using special function- ities are socially active people en- “Prior to the designing and pro- al details at affordable prices. gaged almost in all spheres. They duction of clothes, we conducted “People need simple and com- are involved in sports and par- a survey among people with lim- fortable clothing. Of course, we ticipate in competitions. I think ited abilities to determine their considered the pricing policy in this project is relevant and people preferences and wishes. Special the internet market for the same are certainly interested in wear- focus was made on simplicity, products from Germany, the ing comfortable clothes,” Dina functionality and comfort. Our U.S. and Russia. We will have Yerdildinova, chair of Public As- first collection named ‘Colours of a different price range. For ex- sociation of People with Limited Autumn’ features five models of ample, the average price of an Abilities DOS Independent Life casual wear, business and sports imported jumper is 20,000 tenge Centre, told The Astana Times. styles,” Lyubov Khudova, presi- (US$60.46). In Kazakhstan, In addition, Yerdildinova dent of the Light Industry Enter- the price will be 6,000 tenge spoke about the DOS Art project prises Association said at a Jan. (US$18.13). We believe that it is launched last year by the centre. 11 press conference. quite an acceptable price,” Khu- Musical and choreographic group According to her, this is the first dova pointed out. DOS Art intends to bring chal- mass production of comfortable According to the World Health lenged people to cultural and so- clothing and shoes for the physi- Organisation (WHO), about 15 cial life. Here one can learn sing- cally challenged in Kazakhstan. percent of the world’s popula- ing, dancing in wheelchairs and Comfortable adaptive clothing for tion has some form of disability. playing musical instruments. wheelchair users and people with Designers believe that clothing “Our organisation agreed with limited abilities will be manufac- should fit their needs and meet the Kazakh Light Industry Enter- tured at local ateliers. requirements. In general, clothing prises Association on designing “The association consists of for people with special needs only and manufacturing dresses for the 114 enterprises manufacturing became available in the world DOS Art team’s performances,” all types of knitwear and produc- bnews.kz Photo credit: market recently. There are about she said. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM&EXPO 2017

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Qatar to Participate Army to Be Exhibited at EXPO 2017 in EXPO 2017 medals for our expositions in 2012 Staff Report By Zhanar Seitnazarova in South Korea’s Yeosu. I think we can surprise our guests and visi- ASTANA – The exhibition ASTANA – Qatar has signed tors at the upcoming exhibition, as “Cultural monuments of terracotta an agreement to participate in the Qatar’s pavilion will be one of the army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang” upcoming EXPO 2017, the exhibi- best at EXPO 2017. During the na- will be held at the National Mu- tion’s organising committee press tional day celebration, high level seum of Kazakhstan July 5-8, ac- service said. officials might arrive at the exhibi- cording to the press service of The agreement was inked dur- tion,” said Al-Tamimi. EXPO 2017. ing a meeting at the organiser’s Attendance at Qatar’s pavilion The terracotta army exhibition office between expo chairperson during EXPO 2015 in Milan was will be held within EXPO 2017 In- Akhmetzhan Yessimov and Qa- one of the highest, with more than ternational specialised exhibition. tar national section commissioner two million visitors. The coun- The terracotta statues were bur- Ahmed Ali Al-Tamimi. try’s 457-square metre pavilion at ied with the first emperor of the The Astana EXPO 2017 national EXPO 2017 will be located near Qin dynasty – Qin Shi Huang, who company is currently working to the UAE, France, Romania and unified China and connected all transfer the pavilions to the inter- Slovakia. parts of the Great Wall in 210-209 national participants, said Yessi- Qatar’s participation agreement BC. The year he took the throne in mov. At present, 13 pavilions have was signed and documents passing 246 BC, a 13-year-old Ying Zheng been accepted, including by Arab the pavilion to the country were (later Qin Shi Huang) began to countries such as Jordan and the held at the end of the meeting. Pa- build his tomb. United Arab Emirates. vilions were transferred to delega- According to his plan, the stat- by hand with the use of a variety differ in height according to horses, the majority of which re- Yessimov and Qatar’s Ambassa- tions from Azerbaijan and Austria ues had to accompany him in the of techniques. Each statue has its their roles, with the tallest being mained buried in the pits nearby dor in Kazakhstan announced the the same day. afterlife and gave him the opportu- own unique features and even fa- the generals. There are warriors, Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, ac- delegation had the opportunity to To date, 112 countries and 18 nity to realise his power ambitions cial expressions. chariots and horses. Estimates cording to online sources. Also, see its pavilion and was satisfied international organisations have in the afterlife, as it was during his They were discovered in 1974 were that the three pits contain- other terracotta non-military with the quality of the work. confirmed their participation in the lifetime. by local farmers in the Lintong ing the terracotta army held more figures were found in other pits, “Lately, we have been trying to international specialised exhibi- The figures of warriors are real District, Xi’an in the Shaanxi than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots including officials, acrobats, participate in all EXPO-level ex- tion that will last from June 10 to works of art crafted individually province of China. The figures with 520 horses and 150 cavalry strongmen and musicians. hibitions and even received bronze Sept. 10, 2017. EXPO Guests to Be Met In the Best Air Astana Wins Pulkovo Traditions of Hospitability, Official Says Airport Award We tried to attract young peo- their hotel accommodations and How many events are planned The Pulkovo Airport opened June By Gulyaim Tulesheva ple, students for whom it’s a good arrange the whole day in 15-min- as part of the expo? Is there an By Kseniya Voronina 24, 1932 as a state-owned domestic language practice and experience ute intervals. event calendar? airport. In 2013, some 12.8 million Approximately 35,000 tour- as guides. I would like to say that If a traffic jam, a big crowd or The calendar, indeed, has al- ASTANA – Kazakh airline Air passengers, a 15.6 percent increase ists are expected to visit Astana these guys are doing a wonderful other difficulties arise, the sys- ready been formed; it is now Astana was named the most dy- from 2012, travelled through the every day during EXPO 2017. job; they are united by team spirit tem immediately notifies us of at the stage of approval. Three namically developing carrier of the Pulkovo airport, making it the third In an interview, Astana Conven- and are making progress largely problem areas, labelling them thousand events are scheduled Commonwealth of Independent busiest airport in Russia and the tion Bureau Director Saniyar due to their enthusiasm and re- in red. It doesn’t only “see” the over the entire period of the States (CIS) at the Pulkovo Saint post-Soviet states. Pulkovo had a Aitekenov spoke about the city’s sponsibility. They can tell a lot problem, it also suggests ways expo. About 50 of them are ma- Petersburg Airport in its LED To- passenger traffic rate of 9.8 mil- readiness to cater to them. about the city. to solve it. For example, some- jor forums and summits. All the gether competition. lion as of Sept. 1, 2014. The airport  You said that guests will be where mobile canteens or pub- events are scheduled for each The sixth annual ceremony LED holds the title of being one of the Tell us about your company: provided with accommodation lic toilets need to be added, in day. In June alone, there will be Together brought together repre- largest airports in Russia and East- when and why was it created, some places the road needs to be 488 events. For example, the of- sentatives of airlines, tourism and ern Europe. what has already been achieved? blocked or public transport has to ficial opening ceremony of the cultural industries of Saint Peters- Construction of the airport’s latest It’s a unit of the city Akim’s be re-routed. international specialised exhibi- burg and North-West Russia. Terminal 1, which began in 2010, (Mayor’s) office that was en- Let’s imagine the following: tion is scheduled for June 9. The Pulkovo is the fourth largest air- had been delayed several times. In trusted with functions of tour- one day in the early morning peo- same day, we will host a sum- port in Russia by the number of November 2013, the airport was ism management. It has operated ple start gathering at the expo site. mit of the heads of the Shang- passengers served. It is located 23 tested for errors by more than 5,200 since November 2015. At the By 10 a.m., a person spends over hai Cooperation Organisation kilometres from the Palace Square residents of Saint Petersburg who headquarters we are responsi- three minutes in a queue and this (SCO) member states. The first in the centre of St. Petersburg. LED partook in the process. Several days ble for preparing the city for the can cause crowdedness. The sys- China industrial exhibition will is the code that was assigned to the after the testing, the new Termi- expo led by the akim of Astana; tem offers to open two additional open June 10 and July 1, Astana airport when the city was called nal 1 opened on Dec. 3, 2013. On we play the role of an executive entrances. By 11 a.m. the tour- is to host 29 sports and cultur- Leningrad. This code was used Feb. 14, 2014, all operations were agency for implementing the ac- ist flow becomes more intense; al events. I think that soon the throughout the Soviet era and is consolidated into the new terminal tion plan. Saniyar Aitekenov a person stands in line for more whole calendar will be available still used today. as the old Pulkovo 1 and Pulkovo Out of 245 scheduled meas- than seven minutes and there is in the mobile application and in In December last year, Air Astana 2 terminals were shut down. The ures, we have just over 140 left assistance, but we are talking already a need to involve volun- the handouts. for the first time won Moscow’s new terminal contains several busi- to implement. All of them are about thousands of visitors. teers. This is how the situation is Sheremetyevo Airport award for ness lounges, restaurants, including functionally connected into a Indeed, according to the reg- simulated for every minute. This What are your bureau’s pri- Best Foreign Airline by passenger chains such as Starbucks, Burger single system; there are people in istration dossier of the Astana system has already proved itself orities for today? choice as voted by followers of the King and McDonalds, pharmacies charge of each area of action. The EXPO 2017 National Company, in the biggest events around the The main task for us all is to airport’s social media networks. and an Irish pub. staff meets once a week in full 2.3 million tourists, of which world. I think that in our case make sure that all the partici- force and each of the five deputy 15-20 percent are foreigners, are everything will be fine as well. pants and guests of the exhibi- akims reports on the work carried expected to visit Astana. This is tion, both residents and foreign- out in their field. People are put a very large number. It makes an It is clear that the success of ers, are satisfied. A lot is being in charge of transport, volunteer average of 32,000-35,000 tour- an international event depends done for this. There’s an orienta- ists in the city on a daily basis. Ninety Hotels and Food network, medicine, construction on the efforts and coordinated tion system for pedestrians which and safety. A “road map of ex- The issue of accommodations actions of partners and asso- will help you not to get lost even ecution” has been designed for has largely been resolved. Cur- ciates. Tell us about Astana’s if it’s your first time in the city. each area – from laying asphalt rently there are 184 hotels in Recommended by EXPO 2017 There are about 100 information Facilities Are and installation of curbs to ac- Astana, which makes 12,500 partnership programme: what stands and 140 signposts that in- commodation of tourists. beds. By the time of EXPO 2017, is it aimed at and who are you dicate the final destination; they 23 more accommodations facili- cooperating with? are all written in English, Kazakh In just a few months, a huge ties with 2,829 places are to be We developed and launched and Russian languages. Recommended by EXPO number of visitors are expected commissioned. Recommended by EXPO 2017 in The Friendly Taxi project has services for tourists coming to the in Astana. What are you ready Moreover, the city has 25 hos- partnership with a national com- been launched for the conveni- By Kamila Zhumabayeva international exhibition. to offer the tourists visiting the tels providing 664 places. By pany. We made a list of restau- ence of tourists and reduction of Hotels, hostels, food and beverage country for the first time? May, 15,975 places are to be pre- rants and hotels and developed the language barrier. The system ASTANA – Thirty-five hotels facilities, transport companies, apart- As a rule, people need informa- pared in them. In case of a lack requirements for them. Many ho- is a communications centre be- and 55 food and beverage facili- ments for rent, apartments with hotel tion upon arrival. To help them of space, we are planning to use tels call themselves five-star, but tween foreign guests of Astana ties have been accepted into the service, companies operating in a find their way in the city, we cre- university and college dormi- in reality they do not meet the re- city and taxi drivers. Since the Recommended by EXPO 2017 co-working format, service firms, ated round-the-clock information tories. Plus, 18,000 apartments quirements for this level. launch of the project, about 300 programme, the capital’s official guides-translators and city guides are desks – at the airport, at the rail- are available for rent, including The programme involves a spe- vehicles have been connected to website reports. participants of the programme. way station, in the Khan Shatyr about 3,000 apartments for daily cial commission which includes the system. In addition, Friendly About 23 hotels and 39 food and “Receiving the status of Astana shopping mall. We are planning rent. That makes three-four beds the employees of the Astana Police, a state car fleet and, of beverage facilities have undergone city’s partner means the highest lev- to increase their number to six. per 10,000 people on average. To EXPO National Company, Aki- course, the Astana International accreditation. el of trust and a guarantee of a city Information desks have already date, 10 college dormitories for mat (mayor’s office) officials and Financial Centre (AIFC) will be “Requirements for participants for the quality of services rendered. proved to be of demand. For exam- 1,710 people and university dor- representatives for emergencies launched in the capital by 2020. are available in open sources. … In addition, non-financial support ple, at the train station tourists are mitories for 8,500 people have and sanitary inspections. The Moreover, we plan to train 100 English language proficiency of the mechanisms held by governmental often interested in transport routes, been prepared. commission examines the sites tour guides and about 1,500 vol- personnel, accessible menu for tour- organisations are rendered in the means of getting to their destina- from the list, gives its assessment unteers. In short, we are living ists and a number of other indicators capital to improve the quality of ser- tion, transport transfer schemes. At Still, how is the plan going to and defines which one of them through a historic moment and are some of the main requirements,” vice industry,” the website reported. the airport, accommodation issues be implemented? belongs to which category. If a three months of hard work are according to astana.gov.kz. Approximately 250 entrepreneurs are added to this. Sometimes, the Here, I would like to talk about hotel or a restaurant has a Rec- awaiting us. Let people visit us Evaluations are done by a team and others operating in the hotel and hosts forget to meet their guests the single simulation system ommended by EXPO 2017 qual- and learn about our country. To- consisting of representatives from restaurant businesses have under- at the airport or the tourist doesn’t that will allow us to observe the ity mark, it means that a tourist day, by the way, 260,000 tourists the akimat (city administration), gone training since last November manage to book a hotel in time. In overall picture and maintain the will be provided with high level visit Kazakhstan and by 2020 the Astana EXPO 2017 national com- in cooperation with the Damu Entre- such cases, our managers are at normal functioning of the city. service there. number is sure to rise to one mil- pany, Astana’s chamber of entrepre- preneurship Development Fund. their service. They will not only The capital is divided into three About 100 hotels have already lion. neurs and other institutions. As part of preparations for EXPO help with accommodations, call a districts and all the sites that will become partners of our pro- We have everything necessary The Recommended by EXPO 2017, the Astana Convention Bu- taxi and, if necessary, deliver them be used for accommodations are gramme. They are all included for tourism development – unique 2017 programme was launched in reau in cooperation with the Di Beis- to their destination, but can also combined into a single system. in the materials provided by our nature, favourable geographical 2015 by the Astana akimat in co- sen language training centre held a take them sightseeing. Through computer modelling information desks. We want this position and, most importantly, operation with the Astana EXPO training course of English language we can simulate any situation, city-business partnership pro- friendly, hospitable people open 2017 national company. The pro- lessons free of charge for its staff of Did you provide special train- to say, “try” it to the city, to the gramme to work on a permanent to the world and new knowledge. gramme’s purpose is a consolidated 56 people working in 40 food ser- ing for these people? number of tourists, according to basis. Welcome to Kazakhstan! approach to improving the quality of vice outlets. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 2017 Winter Universiade Takes Place in Almaty than 12,000 spectators, looked like “Legendary and beloved Medeo By Yerbolat Uatkhanov a giant and gorgeous petal, the ice rink will find its former glory, symbol of life, wisdom and love. getting the atmosphere of a grand ASTANA – Delegations from 57 The opening ceremony lasted two fight. Shymbulak will shine in the countries participated in the Jan. 29 hours and 40 minutes and includ- crown of the Zailiyskiy Alatau and opening ceremony of the World Win- ed a traditional parade with the the Universiade will become the ter Universiade 2017 at the Almaty participation of national teams, symbol of a healthy lifestyle. Its Arena ice palace. Kazakh President consisting of delegations from 57 effect can be compared with the Nursultan Nazarbayev addressed the countries, from China and Japan state programmes to strengthen the opening, saying Kazakhstan would to Austria and Latvia, the United health of our nation,” the Kazakh hold the most cost efficient games States and Canada. President added. and discussed the benefits of the President Nazarbayev said Al- He highlighted that the Almaty event for the Kazakh people. maty was chosen to host the games Arena will become a centre of at- “Almaty has already created re- partly because the city has a mil- traction for sports and the athletic cords. For the first time in the his- lennial history, calling it the cradle village will become a new micro tory of the Winter Universiade, an of Kazakhstan’s independence. district, where 1,700 families will athletic village was built. At the “Almaty is a vibrant and modern live under social programmes once same time, we will hold the most city, the business centre and the the games are over. cost efficient and compact games. driver of Kazakhstan’s economy. On Jan. 25, the torchlight pro- The investments in the project will It is a city of young people, city of cession passed Astana. The fire benefit the people of Kazakhstan. students, where one-third of [the travelled across the regions of the The Universiade will be shown on country’s] universities and colleg- country and arrived in Almaty on 43 channels in 80 countries, its au- viewers. We see that the Univer- ready for an historic start,” Presi- The central scene of the ice pal- es are situated and where 137,000 Jan. 29. The Universiade will last dience will be more than 1 billion siade has spread its wings and is dent Nazarbayev said. ace, which can accommodate more students study,” he said. until Feb. 8. Kazakhstan Wins Record Number of Medals at Universiade dent team’s tally as well. Nurber- gen Zhumagaziyev came in third in the 1.500-metre race. The young athlete from Uralsk won the World Cup stage this season before this achievement at the student games. His teammates Abzal Azhgaliyev and Denis Nikisha won silver and bronze in the 500-metre race. Ni- kisha also won bronze on Feb. 7 in the 1,000-metre. Relay teams placed third in 3,000-metre race for women and 5,000-metre race for men. By Anuar Abdrakhmanov On the last day of the world stu- tions to achieve a good result,” said the home crowd. They secured al- in front of so many of her compa- Alexander Mayorov from Sweden dent games, the 30-kilometre mass Raikova. most half, namely five, of the total of triots. (246.56). start for men in cross-country ski- ASTANA – The Almaty 2017 Two days later, it was Vishnevs- 11 gold medals claimed by Kazakh “I feel great! Winning at home “Now, when the figure skating ing promises a medal to Kazakh- Winter Universiade, running be- kaya’s turn to climb the top as she students at the games so far. means a lot to me. I am happy the competition of 2017 Universiade stan as well. Also, the third-place tween Jan. 29 and Feb. 8, has triumphed in the 7.5-kilometre Dmitry Reiherd and Yulia Galy- Universiade is being held in Ka- is over, once again, I want to thank match and the final of the ice hock- been the most successful for Team sprint race. sheva brought Team Kazakhstan zakhstan so I was aiming for noth- those who made this competition so ey tournament among men will be Kazakhstan in the history of its “I am very glad with my result. It two gold medals each. The two won ing less than the top position. Of spectacular, so high-level. It was a contested. Team Kazakhstan was participation in the world student was hard in the beginning though. in the men’s and women’s individ- course, I wanted very much to de- great honour to take part in it. I de- playing Czech Republic in a semi- games. The race was not going well, and I ual and dual moguls respectively fend my title and I am glad it hap- buted on the ice in Almaty. I have final at press time. One day short of the finish, Ka- made quite a lot of mistakes. I erred while duo Zhanbota Aldabergenova pened,” Galysheva said at a press achieved my goal and am now at a The closing ceremony is sched- zakh students have won 34 medals, at the first shooting but tried to im- and Baglan Inkarbek claimed gold conference. new stage in my development (as uled for 7 p.m. including 11 gold, 7 silver and 16 prove and not to think about it. So, in mixed team aerials. In individual Kazakhstan’s cross-country ski- bronze and have guaranteed them- it worked out in the end. I would ski aerials Zhibek Arapbayeva won ers also performed well. Ivan Luft One day short of the finish, Kazakh students selves second place in the unofficial like to thank the fans for their sup- silver and Aldabergenova grabbed won in the men’s ski sprint while team standings. Russia has domi- port. I can feel it [during a race], bronze. Pavel Kolmakov climbed Anna Stoyan came third in wom- won 11 gold, 7 silver and 16 bronze medals nated the games, with 67 medals, and it helps to achieve good results. the podium along with Reiherd en’s race. Three days later, Anna of which 27 are gold. South Korean There are many important compe- in the men’s individual moguls, Shevchenko and and have guaranteed themselves second students have also claimed 11 gold titions ahead – the World Cup, the claiming bronze. Olzhas Klimin claimed gold in place in the team standings. medals with five silver and five Asian Winter Games, so I will con- “The Shymbulak track meets all Mixed Team Sprint. Both women’s bronze medals. tinue training to further enhance my international standards and is very and men’s team won silver in relays, a sportsman). I cannot stop now. I Overall, with the record indi- The Universiade’s inaugural gold performance,” the champion said. challenging. There was a strong 3.5-kilometre and 4.7.5 respective- need to grow from start to start to vidual medal count, the historically for the hosts came from biathlete On Feb. 7, Vishnevskaya added competition today but (I am glad ly. Shevchenko also won two indi- be ready for the 2018 Olympics. I highest place in team rankings and Alina Raikova who finished first one more gold medal to her col- that) we managed to show a good vidual bronzes in two 5-kilometre am 23, but I still learn something some spectacular performances in in the individual 15-kilometre race. lection as she finished first in the result. Ahead of the Universiade, races, individual and pursuit. new each time. Figure skating is front of the home crowd, the Winter Another representative of Kazakh- 12.5-kilometre mass start. Also, we trained really hard, participated On Feb. 4, the first place in developing and so am I. I had to Universiade 2017 in Almaty can be stan, Galina Vishnevskaya, won sil- the Kazakh team earned silver in in (a number of) World Cup events, men’s figure skating went to the take certain measures to cope with marked a big success for Kazakh- ver in the same race. 4*6-kilometre + 4*7.5-kilometre and came to Almaty at the peak of home crowd’s favourite Denis Ten. some challenges. What I showed on stan’s student athletes. “I have been struggling through- mixed relay, while in the men’s our form. Today, we proved to eve- In short programme, he presented a the ice today is a bit different from Kazakh fans hope to see similarly out this season because of a number 10-kilometre sprint Roman Yer- ryone we can win (such contests),” completely new programme to the what I have showed before,” said successful results from the national of failures and injuries. So, my goal emin won silver and bronze in the Reiherd said following the first of theme of William Shakespeare’s Denis Ten at a press conference. team at the Asian Winter Games be- in this race was to win over myself 10-kilometre and 15-kilometre, his victories. “Romeo and Juliet.” The 2014 In speed skating, Yekaterina ginning Feb. 19 in Sapporo, Japan. rather than winning the race. I man- with Anton Pantov adding one According to Galysheva, who Sochi Olympics bronze medallist Aidova twice won bronze med- It is hoped the Winter Univer- aged to concentrate, to cover the more bronze in the latter race. two years earlier also won moguls eventually claimed gold in Almaty als in women’s 1,000-metre and siade has served as an inspiration track, shoot well and avoid mis- However, it was the Kazakh free- at the Universiade in Spain, as the with 266.97 points. Silver went 1,500-metre races. to aspiring young Kazakh athletes takes. It was hard and I was nerv- stylers’ team who delivered the most defending champion, she felt a spe- to a strong Japanese skater Keiji Short track skaters brought quite who have had the opportunity to ous but I tried to cope with emo- impressive performance in front of cial responsibility to perform well Tanaka (252.09), and bronze to a few medals to the national stu- witness historic feats of athleticism. Universiade Athletes Impressed with Almaty, Opening Ceremony Other athletes from colder cli- “I loved Kazakhstan much more make it to mountains around Al- held during the entire history of By Kamila Zhumabayeva mates, however, feel quite com- after the first days of staying here. maty and have a ride along the university sports. We told about ASTANA – More than 2,000 fortable with Almaty’s climate, We can feel that we are taken care cable railway. Tribuncovs said he each one of them in details, such as athletes from 57 countries have said a coordinator at the athlete’s of while what was seen at the hoped to establish stronger ties be- in which city they were held, what converged on Almaty for Univer- village. opening ceremony impressed. … tween the two countries by person- type of sports and the names of siade 2017, with many visiting Ka- “I saw that Norwegians, Canadi- My debut as a coach coincided ally communicating with Kazakh winners,” one of the authors of the zakhstan and the country’s capital ans and Americans wear shorts and with my arrival to Kazakhstan. residents. book, President of Student Sports for the first time. A few of those sneakers. It seems like such weath- As a player for the Latvian team, I A book that was recently pre- Federation Kairat Zakiryanov told athletes have shared their impres- er is warm enough for them,” he had a chance to see the opening of sented and released in honour of 24.kz news channel. sions of the host country, Almaty noted, according to caravan.kz. the Olympic Games in Salt Lake Universiade introduces readers At press time, Kazakhstan had and the opening ceremony. Eun Soo Oh also said the gala City and Turin. Your opening to the history of university sports 11 gold, six silver and 11 bronze “Almaty is a very nice city. I have opening of the ceremony im- ceremony surpasses the opening and worldwide Universiades medals in the 12 sports offered at only positive emotions. You have pressed him the most. The player of the Olympics in some aspects. from the past century to present the Universiade, and was firmly very interesting buildings and mag- prosports.kz Photo credit: described it as fantastic, interest- Everything was beautiful, creative day. The authors collected in- in the second team place trailing nificent sports facilities. It is a little Sun Soo Oh ing and breathtaking. A representa- and positive,” Atvars Tribuncovs formation about sports achieve- only Russia. The performance is cold in the city right now but it is try. Everything is great,” Korea’s tive of Latvia’s team also said he stressed, according to almaty2017. ments of youth from all conti- already a record for Kazakh ath- normal for winter. It is my first time curling national team player Eun loved Kazakhstan more after the com. nents. letes. The games will continue un- in Kazakhstan and I like your coun- Soo Oh shared with Prosports.kz. opening ceremony. He added the team will try to “Fifty-six Universiades were til Feb. 8. Barys Nears Securing Place in Gagarin Cup Playoffs By Ilyas Omarov regular season of the Continental lun Red Star, with its 83 points, HC Sibir Novosibirsk, and then on gard, on the contrary, has long ago of the regular season in tough away Hockey League (KHL). HC Admiral Vladivostok and HC Feb. 16 and 18 – Metallurg Novo- secured the second place in the East. matches with strong teams from the ASTANA – With a narrow 1:0 Now, the “snow leopards” oc- Salavat Yulaev Ufa, with 82 points kuznetsk and Avangard Omsk. Per- In the three matches, Barys needs Western Conference, and, there- victory on home ice over Dina- cupy the fifth spot in the Eastern each (in addition, the Ufa club haps the most challenging will be a to score only two points to secure fore, risk missing on the desired mo Riga last weekend, the Barys Conference table with 87 points, played one more game). rivalry with Sibir, which has a real a place in the playoffs, or seven to points. All this can significantly hockey club virtually secured its having a comfortable advan- Barys will play the remaining chance of getting into the playoffs. keep fifth place in the East. Kunlun simplify the Astana club’s task of place in the Gagarin Cup playoffs tage over their main rivals – the three games at home. On St. Valen- At the same time, Metallurg has Red Star and Admiral, in contrast reaching the coveted eight of the three rounds before the end of the League’s first Chinese club – Kun- tine’s Day, Feb. 14, they will host long lost its chances while Avan- to Barys, will play their last games Gagarin Cup playoffs. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 School of Medicine Building Opens LOT Polish Airlines at Nazarbayev University to Launch Direct Flights to Astana

and Kazakhstan coincides with the By Zhazira Dyussembekova 25th anniversary of cooperation between the two countries not by ASTANA – LOT Polish Airlines chance. We hope that passenger will launch direct Poland to Ka- flows from Kazakhstan will grow. zakhstan flights for the first time in And we also hope that many peo- May. Tickets are already on sale. ple from Poland will decide to visit “I want to stress that besides the the unique country of Kazakhstan,” commercial aspect, the launch of said LOT Polish Airlines CEO Ra- the direct flights proves the high fal Milczarski at the briefing. dynamic of our bilateral relations Photo credit: akorda.kz Photo credit: The transfer time for many Eu- and Polish-Kazakh cooperation and ropean locations will be less than By Zhanna Shayakhmetova as the main basic school which six-month course titled profession- to contribute to the development it is part of the agreements from last an hour, he added. Through War- will lead the way for other univer- al development programme for of medicine and medical science year’s visit of Kazakh President saw, people will be able to reach ASTANA – A new building the nurses to work at the Univer- sities,” he said. in Kazakhstan. Nursultan Nazarbayev to Warsaw. Zagreb, Budapest, Vienna, Lon- opened Jan. 25 at Nazarbayev Uni- The head of state noted the world sal Medical Centre clinics, which The school has a current enrol- Intensification of economic coop- don, Paris, Barcelona and many versity School of Medicine. is currently experiencing scientific became part of our university in ment of 75 students for the Doctor eration was one of the main themes other destinations, said Milczar- Designed by leading American progress in the fields of medicine 2016. We plan to launch a two- of Medicine (MD) and Master of of negotiations,” said Polish Charge ski, adding that LOT’s network is architectural firm Perkins + Will, and biology, subjects which play year undergraduate programme Public Health (MPH) programmes. d’affairs a.i. Andrzej Skrzydlo at a large, including the United States. the 39,825-square metre institute major roles in conjunction with in- for practicing nurses this year,” A Master’s course in molecular Jan. 27 briefing in the Central Com- According to First Secretary in includes research and teaching formation technology. School of Medicine Executive Di- medicine is scheduled to launch in munications Service. the Department of Commerce and laboratories, a simulation cen- “All subjects are interrelated and rector Nurlan Algashov told The August. Warsaw airport is the first in Cen- Investment Policy (WPHI) in the tre, anatomical laboratory, lecture a lot of discoveries occur at their Astana Times. The simulation centre enables tral Europe to open direct flights to Polish Embassy Tomasz Zapalski, halls, group study rooms, library confluence. We should develop The school has a diverse faculty, students to learn and practice Kazakhstan, while Astana is the Kazakhstan is Poland’s sixth larg- and dining room. science and we need versatile sci- with local teachers and professors with mannequins and other medi- first city in the Central Asia where est economic partner in Asia. In Kazakh President Nursultan entists,” he said. from the U.S., U.K., Italy, Singa- cal simulators. The practice al- airplanes of Polish LOT will fly, he 2015, trade turnover between the Nazarbayev met with faculty and The University of Pittsburgh pore and Malaysia. lows students the chance to mas- added. two countries totalled more than students as part of the official will serve as the school’s strategic “Our local teachers are mainly The first flight from Warsaw to ter specific skills, then work with $1 billion. And in January-Novem- opening. academic partner. practitioners with knowledge of Astana is scheduled for May 8. ber of 2016, Kazakhstan-Poland patients. The school is also teach- “The level of teaching and medi- “We will cooperate as part of the English. We pay special atten- The first return flight will be the trade amounted to $708.9 million ing students using standardised pa- cal school equipment can be com- Doctor of Medicine programme tion to teaching experience and next day. despite the unstable geopolitical pared with the world’s top univer- development. It is a four-year pro- research activities when we select tients, specially-trained individu- Flights from Astana to Warsaw situation, he said. Poland’s direct sities. I am expecting life-changing gramme designed according to an teachers,” he said. als who pretend to be patients. will be available on Tuesday, Thurs- investments to Kazakhstan totalled scientific discoveries from you. American model. Students enter- Opened in 2015, the School of Students also have opportunity to day, Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm. more than $20 million for the first The research, laboratory capacity ing the programme must have a Medicine has a mission to train participate in small research summer And flights from Warsaw to Astana three quarters of the last year. and scientific potential of teachers Bachelor’s degree. We will also physicians to become highly quali- projects in collaboration with sec- will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday “It shows the big potential of allow you to find new methods to cooperate with the School of Nurs- fied doctors with research skills ond year teachers and are required to and Saturday at 10:50 pm. Polish and Kazakh economic co- treat the most difficult diseases and ing to develop a programme for and a fundamental understanding participate in research projects with “The launch of the direct air operation,” said Zapalski at the prolong life. This school is created training nurses. We conducted a of medical science who are ready faculty members the next year. communication between Poland briefing. Newborn Photography Gains Momentum in Astana having enough material and vast options. I can take up to 600 shots during a session to be able to pick the best 20,” the photographer ex- plained. A photo shoot for a newborn in a studio with all the necessary cloth- ing and props may range between 40,000 to 100,000 tenge (US$120 to $300), resulting in 20 to 30 pro- cessed baby pictures and two or three family photographs. Newborn photography has its own changing fashion trends. Ac- cording to Smagul, famous, award- winning photographers from Aus- tralia and the United States are the biggest trendsetters in the industry. “Blankets and clothing made from fluffy maher are the latest fashion trend,” the photographer said. Smagul also had some advice for aspiring photographers. “If you want to be a good photogra- pher, you need to pick what kind of photography you want to go into. You cannot be universally good at every genre and type of the fine Continued from Page B1 that a child’s picture is priceless art. Master your craft; once you and beautiful for a mother no mat- feel you’ve done it, you can set But on the other hand, parents ter how professional or unprofes- the price you believe your work entrust you with a few-days-old sional the photograph is. This is worth. There is nothing better precious child, so you need to benefits the photographer’s craft than knowing that the work you do have the right skills to be able to commercially. “Despite that, I love is fairly valued,” she said. dress them, put them in the de- sired poses. On top of that, a pho- to shoot may take multiple hours with breaks for sleep or breast- feeding. Photographer moms know all these nuances.” Smagul said. Newborn photo shoots are typi- cally done within the first two weeks of birth. The sessions in- volve props like dream catchers, cribs, baskets, blankets, wraps, hats and headbands. Sessions can last up to five hours. Selected im- ages are then edited for a polished end result. Beauty is in the eye of the be- holder, they say. Smagul confessed Assem Smagul Photo by