+16° / +8°C WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 No 20 (134) www.astanatimes.com Nazarbayev proposes CIS Inflation to remain modernisation, notes need for EAEU in 6.9-7.5% targeted digitisation at Sochi summits corridor in 2017,

By Aigerim Seisembayeva

ASTANA – Kazakh President says NB governor proposed market amidst rising devaluation ex- measures to modernise the Com- By Assel Satubaldina pectations. monwealth of Independent States Akishev also outlined certain (CIS) organisation during the Oct. ASTANA – Kazakh National risks that drive inflation rate growth, 11 CIS Council of Heads of State Bank Governor Daniyar Akishev where the government’s increasing- meeting in Sochi, . said during an Oct. 3 government ly strong fiscal policy is one of them. Nazarbayev also proposed dur- meeting that inflation is projected to “First, despite common consen- ing the Supreme Eurasian Eco- remain in the targeted corridor of 6.9 sus about the lack of money supply, nomic Council (SEEC) meeting a percent to 7.5 percent until the end fundamental inflation tension stems gathering in 2018 to discuss digiti- of the year. from the stimulating fiscal policy. In sation of member states and noted Akishev noted inflation reached 2016, pensions and social benefits the importance of the Eurasian 4.2 percent in the first nine months saw a 16 percent increase, salaries Economic Union’s (EAEU) digital of 2017 and that seeks from the national budget grew 18 agenda. to slow down the growth of inflation percent, with inflation rate at 8.5 During the CIS summit, the at 4 percent by 2020. percent,” he explained, referring to heads of state and government dis- “All these monetary policy meas- the example of Russia that did not cussed strengthening cooperation ures, which are part of inflation adjust social benefits to inflation as well as deepening trade and eco- akorda.kz Photo credit: targeting, are undertaken to accom- rate changes allowing for a faster nomic ties among member states. draft Agreement on Free Trade in of the Eurasian Economic Com- Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov plish these goals. National Bank achievement of mid-term inflation Tajikistan presented its agenda Services and to adopt it in the near mission (EEC) Tigran Sargsyan. and other CIS foreign ministers. base rate is held at 10.25 percent, rate objectives. for its chairpersonship of the organ- future,” Nazarbayev said. Meeting participants discussed Ministers at the CIS Summit also which stimulates the flow of bank’s Increasing number of loans also isation and shared The CIS heads of state signed cooperation within the EAEU agreed to develop proposals pre- available resources to the real sector contributes to the rising inflation rate. ideas to develop the organisation. documents on combating corrup- and heard a report by the EEC. sented by Nazarbayev at the 2015 of the economy and at the same time “Since the beginning of this year, the The results of the work within the tion and legalisation of proceeds They also noted the EAEU’s posi- Summit in Burabai to improve the ensures the stability at financial, but volume of loans grew 11 percent or CIS Interparliamentary Assembly from crime. They also considered tive impact on the member states’ organisation’s efficiency. At the most importantly, currency market,” 270 billion tenge (US$788.4 mil- were also presented. humanitarian measures to expand economies and the importance of 2016 meeting in Bishkek, the lead- he noted. lion),” added Akishev. President Nazarbayev stressed ties in culture, education, science enhancing integration processes. ers also adopted measures to mod- Though the National Bank contin- Yet, he noted the influence of the CIS’ role in developing trade and tourism. They also adopted a The sides expressed confidence ernise the organisation that were ues its policy of a floating exchange structural features of the economy and economic relations among the statement supporting family and that the implementation of the based on Kazakh proposals. rate, which means the market is reg- on the nation’s progress in achieving member states. traditional family values. agreements reached at SEEC meet- The foreign ministers discussed ulated by demand and supply forces, its objective of a lower inflation rate. “Free trade in services in the Nazarbayev attended the SEEC ings would enhance cooperation international issues and approved it still reserves the right to some “This includes insufficient depth of CIS will open new opportunities along with Armenian President among EAEU countries to a higher an action plan for 2018-2020 to market interventions to maintain durable goods market, weak compe- for our businesses and bring our Serzh Sargsyan, Belarusian leader level. implement the Programme of Sup- stability at foreign exchange market. tition, presence of trade margins and countries’ trade and economic co- Alexander Lukashenko, Moldo- The specifics of the documents port and Development of National In August and September, the intermediaries,” he said, emphasis- operation to a new level. I propose va’s President Igor Dodon, Rus- signed at the CIS Summit were de- Sports and International Youth Co- bank had to undertake such measure ing the need for a stronger coordi- to instruct the Council of Heads sian President Vladimir Putin, cided upon during the Oct. 10 CIS operation Strategies and Develop- and sell foreign currency, according nation and interaction between all of Government and the Executive ’s Prime Minister Sapar Council of Foreign Ministers meet- ment of Cooperation in the Field of to Akishev, seeking to stabilise the competent bodies. Committee to intensify work on the Isakov and Chairman of the Board ing attended by Kazakh Foreign Tourism. President Nazarbayev congratulates Digital trends in Kyrgyz president-elect education transform Jeenbekov’s presidency will be success in a responsible post, and of three million eligible voters. By Aigerim Seisembayeva good for the Kyrgyz Republic I wish peace and prosperity to the The official outcome will be an- approaches to teaching and that Kazakh-Kyrgyz Republic entire brotherly Kyrgyz people,” nounced Nov. 7. ASTANA – Kazakh President cooperation will continue under the telegram reads. Jeenbekov served as Kyrgyz duced electronic journals. Our Nursultan Nazarbayev congratu- Jeenbekov’s leadership. Jeenbekov won 54 percent of the Prime Minister from April 13, By Zhanna Shayakhmetova is to prevent duplication and lated via telegram Sooronbay “I believe that Kazakhstan and votes in an Oct. 15 election, ac- 2016 until Aug. 21, when he re- significantly reduce paperwork,” Jeenbekov on his election as Presi- Kyrgyzstan’s relations based on cording to the preliminary results. signed after having been named a ASTANA – The electronic he said. dent of the Kyrgyz Republic, the cooperation will continue to de- His main rival, Omurbek Baba- candidate for presidency from the journal system is being widely The education system concept Akorda press service reported. velop for the benefit of both of our nov was second with 34 percent Social Democratic Party of Kyr- used in more than 4,000 schools includes three main directions – Nazarbayev said he believes countries. I wish you health and of votes. Turnout was 56 percent gyzstan. nationwide, said Minister of Ed- educational process digitalisation, ucation and Science Yerlan Sa- digital educational content and gadiyev at an Oct. 3 government education management digitalisa- meeting. “There are plans to ban tion. the printable teacher grade books Russian FM visits Kazakhstan, in those institutions that intro- Continued on Page A2 participates in MGIMO alumni forum President Vladimir Putin and the President briefed on Baiterek By Aigerim Seisembayeva , Nursultan ASTANA – Russian Foreign Min- Nazarbayev,” Lavrov noted at the ister Sergey Lavrov and his Kazakh end of the meeting. Earlier on the same day, the two project at Baikonur counterpart Kairat Abdrakhmanov “The city has a great prospect. discussed preparations for the Nov. foreign ministers spoke at the open- Staff Report The necessary infrastructure is be- 9 14th Interregional Cooperation ing ceremony of the MGIMO Alum- ing developed, gasification of the Forum in Chelyabinsk and attended ni Forum. Lavrov is an alumni of the the 4th International Forum of Mos- class of 1972. ASTANA – Kazakhstan Presi- city will be ensured, construction cow State Institute of International Speaker of the Senate (upper dent Nursultan Nazarbayev was of housing complexes and social Relations (MGIMO) alumni during chamber) of the Kazakh Parliament briefed on the latest in Kazakh- facilities will be carried out, and Lavrov’s Oct. 6 visit to Kazakhstan. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, himself an Russian cooperation on the Bait- joint enterprises should be created Abdrakhmanov said the interre- alumni, read an opening statement erek joint project at the Baikonur to provide employment for the lo- gional forum and the cross-border from President Nazarbayev in which complex during a recent trip to the cal population,” President Naz- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (L) and Kazakh Foreign Minister the Kazakh leader stressed the im- region, according to the arbayev added. cooperation between Russia and Kairat Abdrakhmanov (R). Kazakhstan is a good platform to portance of such gatherings. Akorda press service. The Baiterek project, a joint pro- most pressing issues, including coun- Lavrov also noted a 40 percent test ’s Lavrov also delivered a welcom- “As part of our agreements with ject between the counties, started tering terrorism, strengthening the increase in bilateral trade from economic freedoms related to the ing speech and read out President Russia, the strategic directions for in 2004 with the aim of creating non-proliferation regime, achieving January to July and attributed the movement of goods, services, capi- Putin’s address, which said Astana the development of the complex more eco-friendly carrier rocket sustainable development goals and increase to the Eurasian Economic tal and labour. He also said Lavrov’s is considered a centre of multilateral are determined. The work is coor- launches at the Baikonur Cosmo- many other i ssues,” Abdrakhmanov Union integration process. He cred- visit is an opportunity for Russia to diplomacy, international economic dinated by a specially established drome. Funding for the Baiterek stressed. ited Kazakh President Nursultan get acquainted with Kazakhstan’s cooperation and the Eurasian inte- intergovernmental commission project will start in 2019-2020, The ministers also discussed Nazarbayev with the idea of cre- large-scale modernisation process. gration processes. and the governments of the parties, when draft design and working Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- The Kazakh foreign minister also ating the Union and praised both Abdrakhmanov in his remarks concrete steps are being taken,” design documentation will also be arbayev’s 2015 proposal to op- praised the countries’ cooperation presidents for maintaining close said he hoped that MGIMO alumni President Nazarbayev said. developed. Development and man- timise non-core functions of the within international organisations bilateral relations, which began 25 would make an intellectual contribu- He also stressed the need to im- ufacture of equipment, construc- such as the United Nations Security Commonwealth of Independent years ago. tion to the global dialogue. prove environmental safety in the tion and installation will launch Council, the General Assembly, the States to make the organisation “We can see the traditionally inten- The forum included discussions region. in 2021-2023. Autonomous, in- United Nations Economic and So- “less cumbersome and more ef- sive development of our interaction, on world trade, EXPO 2017 lessons, The President was also briefed tegrated flight tests are slated for cial Council (ECOSOC), among ficient.” They also addressed the strategic partnership and alliance. the Eurasian integration processes on prospects to develop the city of 2024-2025, with the first launch others. Astana Process on Syria and the First of all, this is due to the good and cooperation in the field of educa- Baikonur and improve his quality within the Baiterek project slated “We have similar positions on the situation on the Korean peninsula. personal relations between Russian tion and culture. of life. for 2025.

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIAL&OPINION OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL President visits manufacturing plants Kazakhstan to export 5 billion cubic metres Nature of power has never been more AL JABER: Visa exemption for Kazakh Private investors to build glass in A2 of gas to A4 complex A6 citizens will save millions of dollars A6 suspension bridge in Burabai mountains B1 Healthcare minister reviews ongoing advances Kazakh IT start-ups to be prepared SULEIMENOV: OECD Eurasia Week to SONNENHOL: ‘A magic dwells in each Taldykorgan – city with rich history in his sphere A2 in Silicon Valley A5 discuss benefits of globalisationA6 beginning’ A7 and bright future B6

US$ 1 = 333.03 KZT € 1 = 392.61 KZT 1 = 5.82 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017

NATIONAL President visits manufacturing plants in Aktobe NEWS IN BRIEF A new oil pumping station with the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy a maximum capacity of 67 million Staff Report national company. tonnes per year began operation The President also visited a Oct. 12 in the region. The ASTANA – Kazakh Presi- greenhouse, which uses the Ul- expansion was completed by Cas- dent Nursultan Nazarbayev was tra-Clima system and produces pian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). briefed on the operations of a 6,000 tonnes of vegetables per “This is an important event for the rail beam plant operating under year. The facility was built as large companies, too. The shortest, the State Programme for Accel- part of SPAIID with the support economically-profitable and reli- erated Industrial and Innovative of KazAgroFinance. able route for Caspian oil transpor- Development (SPAIID) during a The President also visited tation to world markets has been recent visit to the , the transnational company Ka- developing. The CPC will reach its according to the Akorda press zchrome’s ferroalloy plant. The designed capacity very soon,” said service. facility produces 440,000 tonnes CPC General Director Nikolai Gor- President Nazarbayev of ferroalloys per year and ex- ban. learned about the plant’s ex- ports to China, and the ports to , Turk- U.S. It is one of the leading fer- A new transport hub will open in menistan and Azerbaijan and rous metallurgy enterprises in the western region of Kazakhstan wished the plant’s employees Kazakhstan and includes four in 2020, reported khabar.kz. Two success. The plant has an an- smelting shops, a converter highways connecting Atyrau with nual production capacity of department, a slag processing Aktobe and Atyrau with Russia will 430,000 tonnes and supplies shop, and auxiliary shops. be reconstructed as part of the Nurly Zhol programme. “This will open the road from Atyrau to the Western China – Western Europe highway. As a result, the city will become a major transport hub,” according to Healthcare minister reviews the akimat (regional administration) press service. The 80 billion tenge (US$238 million) investment will have economic effects next year, in- ongoing advances in his sphere volving approximately 1,500 work- pliers, measures are being taken to The second stage involves imple- ers in construction and attracting lo- By Frol Leandoer procure medical services for 2018. menting the strategic partnership cal transport companies. Transport A healthcare database was estab- between domestic medical schools and logistics centres, vehicle service ASTANA – Healthcare Minis- lished identifying 1,519 providers, and leading foreign universities. stations, hotels, shops and petrol ter Yelzhan Birtanov recently re- 686 of which are private. Seven foreign specialists from stations will also be created. ported on the results of the Den- In conjunctions with the regions, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden and saulyk state health development the ministry is also developing a Turkey were invited to manage po- The Kazakh documentary film programme for 2016-2019. single perspective plan to develop sitions and serve as professors and festival featuring 10 entries cre- The first nine months of the the health infrastructure, which plans are underway to attract three ated by acclaimed young filmmak- year showed a 2-percent decrease calls for transforming the network, additional specialists by the end of ers opened Oct. 12 as part of the in overall mortality compared to updating the infrastructure and the year. New standards for training Rukhani Zhangyru programme, re- 2016, specifically in infant - mor training medical personnel regard- medical personnel in all fields have ported Kazinform. “Due to the fact tality (10.2 percent), maternal ing the rational use of resources. also been approved. that the documentary cinema is not mortality (4.9 percent), malignant primeminister.kz Photo credit: To date, long-term plans to de- Birtanov reported medical in- Healthcare Minister Yelzhan Birtanov. at the box office, this is a unique neoplasms (4.9 percent), accidents velop the infrastructure in Astana formation systems are being intro- opportunity to watch films on topi- and injuries (9.1 percent) and tu- and the Aktobe, Atyrau, Karagan- duced aimed at digitally modernis- cal issues of modern society made berculosis (17.1 percent). tive management of patients with As part of the national drug pol- da, Mangistau, West Kazakhstan ing healthcare and transitioning to by local directors in the past two Paediatric service has been re- chronic diseases. The effort was icy, 53 long-term contracts have and Zhambyl regions have been a paperless work format. A pilot years,” said Kazakhfilm Documen- stored to improve the quality of implemented this year in all 16 been concluded to date, including considered. Work on the unified project is being planned for next tary Films Production Association medical care for children under six regions, doubling the number of 24 this year. The share of domestic prospective plan together with in- year in the Akmola, head Asset Yernazarov. and reduce the burden on general patients participating in the pro- producers by a single distributor vestment plans should be complet- and Kostanai regions to switch to practitioners. Twenty-three such gramme. was 75 percent in physical terms, ed in the first ten days of Novem- paperless management. Accord- South Kazakhstan region indus- services have been opened in the A differentiated approach is an- 30 percent in monetary terms. ber. Adopting and implementing ing to the results of the first half trial enterprises produced 510.1 bil- country this year and another 84 ticipated to provide emergency and Prices have been reduced by 23 a single long-term infrastructure of 2017, 74.4 percent of healthcare lion tenge (US$1.5 billion) in goods are scheduled to open by Dec. 31. urgent care to improve emergency percent for 175 drugs items. At the development plan will provide an organisations are computerised in the first eight months of the year, With next year’s class of interns services and solve problems in outpatient level, about 2.5 million 11.2 billion tenge (US$33.2 mil- compared to 34.3 percent in the according to Kazinform. Manufac- and paediatricians, 230 paediatric NSR service work. Calls are opti- patients are provided with medica- lion) savings for 2017-2025. beginning of the year. turing concerns generated items services should start, compliment- mised by urgency and grouped by tions, with plans to increase the fig- To increase the level of the medical Fifty-three percent of the coun- worth 353 billion tenge (US$1 bil- ed by more than 500 annually from symptom. Plans are also underway ure to 3.8 million patients in 2018. teaching staff, the Centre for Trans- try’s medical organisations have lion). “There are plans to implement 2019-2024. The services should to introduce emergency department The compulsory medical insur- fer of Innovative Technologies was Internet access, an increase of 6 135 projects in the amount of 1.2 satisfy 100 percent demand in pae- doctors, a new specialty to provide ance programme began July 1 with established at Karaganda State Med- percent since the start of 2017. By trillion tenge (US$3.5 billion) and diatric areas by 2024. timely emergency care, such as contributions from employers and ical University to further enhance 2020, all medical organisations at create more than 17,500 jobs in A disease management project is initial resuscitation and other meas- entrepreneurs. Considering the teachers’ capacity and revise training the NEA (rural medical outpatient 2015-2019. Currently, 49 projects also being executed based on ac- ures to stabilise patients. barrier reduction for private sup- and development programmes. clinic) level will be connected. worth 47.7 billion tenge (US$143 million) have been launched and more than 1,900 jobs created. There are plans to launch 17 projects for a total of 37 billion tenge (US$110.7 million) this year,” said entrepre- New prisons will burden Digital trends in education neurship, industrial-innovative de- velopment and tourism department head Batyrkhan Kurmanseit. The goods are exported to more than 15 budget, official says transform approaches to countries including Britain, Germa- Kassymov noted in conjunc- ny, , Russia and Turkey. tion with the Ministry of National Economy, the PPP centre devel- Aktobe, , Astana and Shy- oped a government-approved teaching and management mkent will become smart cities by proposal that envisions repairing Continued from Page A1 2025, with smart status to be intro- or replacing existing residential duced in regional cities and towns buildings at correctional facilities The unified system of higher by 2050. In preparation, 150 na- with a proportional content from education management integrates tional standards have already been alternative PPP mechanisms. institution’s information systems developed and up to 80 percent of “The implementation of this and allows observing up-to-date public services will be provided on- proposal will require 50-percent data on the status of each student. line, increasing labour productivity less cost compared to the construc- Applications for all types of sci- by 15 percent. “New jobs will be Minister of Internal Affairs tion of new correctional facilities ence fellowships, receiving re- created with the digitalisation of the Kalmukhanbet Kassymov. from scratch and we already have ports, registering articles and the economy. More equipment and peo- such an experience. For the past electronic address database are ple will have to serve the IT depart- Staff Report four years, the Ministry of Inter- also digitised. ment. For example, up to 120,000 nal Affairs has managed to almost Approximately 80,000 films and new jobs will be created by 2030 ASTANA – Kazakhstan has completely rebuild one prison in interactive lessons in three lan- with gross domestic product growth abandoned plans to build new pris- Kyzylorda, an investigatory iso- guages improving teaching and of 5 percent,” said Zerde project ons as part of the public-private lation ward in Almaty and also to Primeminister.kz. Photo credit: manager Alzhan Abdrakhmanov. learning have been introduced in Minister of Education and Science Minister of Information and partnership (PPP) due to the high reconstruct two prisons in Uralsk schools as part of the digital edu- Yerlan Sagadiyev. Communications Dauren Abayev. cost of the project, said Minister and Almaty region, which today cational content. This year, 7,082 Twenty projects presented at of Internal Affairs Kalmukhanbet allows keeping more than 2,600 schools received access to these “The ministry plans to integrate nologies for the economy,” he EXPO 2017 will be introduced in Kassymov during a recent Mazhi- convicts,” he said. resources, which are available in intradepartmental educational da- noted. the region, said region lis government hour. In 2002, Kazakhstan ranked tabases by the end of 2017 and The Ministry of Education and head Bulat Bakauov at an Oct. 2 He addressed “measures taken by third in the world behind the Unit- There are plans to integration of our data with data- Science implements eight econom- Central Communications Service the Ministry of Internal Affairs and ed States and Russia in the number bases of government agencies is ic sector programmes for specialists briefing. “We plan to introduce blue local executive bodies to implement of prisoners, but now is 68th. The ban the printable planned in 2018,” said Sagadiyev. in information and communication coal technology developed by Pol- the comprehensive strategy for the country’s prisons currently house Minister of Information and technology. The direction will pro- ish scientists to help cut emissions. social rehabilitation of citizens who 35,500 inmates, a significant re- teacher grade books Communications Dauren Abayev vide opportunities to establish con- A German wind power plant with a have been freed from prisons and duction from the 57,000 detained spoke about the ministry’s tasks to tacts between the education system capacity of one megawatt has been are on the probation service record six years ago, but Kassymov in those institutions introduce digital education in info- and employers and strengthen the launched as a pilot project in the in the Republic of Kazakhstan for stressed holding that many indi- that introduced communication. role of educational institutions to district. We will purchase biomass- 2017-2019,” noting they will cut viduals seriously burdens the state “The Digital Kazakhstan state boost economic growth. based boilers for the needs of the previously-planned costs in half. budget. electronic journals. programme developed by the The two governmental bodies municipal economy developed by “We worked out the option of “Based on the experience of ministry also includes human are collaborating to transfer the Natural Systems, a Polish compa- building a new prison using the many European states, by adopt- online and offline mode. Teachers capital development. The pro- Ministry of Education and Sci- ny,” he said. Pedestrian crossings public-private partnership mecha- ing the new criminal procedural are able to use video materials to gramme intends to build a crea- ence’s information systems to vir- with piezoelectric materials will nism in cooperation with the Min- and penal correction codes, the explain new courses, eliminating tive society by developing the tual servers, said Abayev. also be introduced as one of the es- istry of National Economy, but law ‘On Probation’ and some other the need to look for additional les- skills and competencies of the Prime Minister Bakytzhan sential elements of the smart cities. even on private capital terms, the legal acts, Kazakhstan is moving son resources. individuals necessary to expand Sagintayev set the task of develop- The Invest in Pavlodar exhibition is project was not examined by the towards humanising criminal leg- Big data centred on all educa- opportunities to take advantage ing a plan in cooperation with the still operating in the capital, where concession scheme. It turned out to islation and expanding the scope tional databases will be created in of digitalisation to train spe- akims (local governors) to connect the akimat (administration) has met be very expensive and burdensome of criminal sanctions not related to terms of the unified management cialists in the field of informa- regional schools to high-speed In- with representatives of 112 compa- for the country’s budget,” he said. isolation from society,” he said. system. tion and communication tech- ternet. nies from 22 countries. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF Cultural similarities, Kazakhstan, Oct. 10 marked the start of film- ing of the “Composer” music dra- ma, the first film to be shot in the framework of a new co-production internationl cooperation unite Poland discuss treaty between China and Kazakh- stan. Filming started in Yenan, a city in Shaanxi province in north- west China. “As a part of realising Kazakhstan, Serbia, envoy says UNSC cooperation the project ‘Modern Kazakh cul- Romania, passing through Serbia ture in the global world,’ our coun- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov and onwards to Trieste. The ideal tries were able to enter a new level moment was at the time when of cultural and humanitarian coop- ASTANA – Serbian Ambassa- Rompetrol was owned by Kazmu- eration. It is necessary to establish dor to Kazakhstan Vladan Matic naygas, and oil was more in focus mutual translation and publica- in an exclusive interview with The than today, when gas is on the po- tion of books and works by well- Astana Times highlighted that Ka- litical agenda everywhere. We are known Kazakh and Chinese writ- zakhstan and Serbia are both hub- now planning on expanding our ers and poets; ensure dubbing and counties where various cultures presence in construction,” Matic screening of feature, documentary overlap. This enables citizens of said. and animated films on central tel- both states to be sensitive to and The ambassador said that rela- evision in both countries; organise have understanding of various Serbian Ambassador to Kazakhstan tions are being further developed regular tours and concerts of Ka- Vladan Matic. other cultures, more so than those by the involvement of Kazakh zakh and Chinese artists, as well who live in defined mono-cultural partners in the privatisation of as of the so-called ‘Cinema days,’” societies, he said. organisations for many years. For Serbian spas. This is supporting said counsellor of the Embassy of He noted that there have been example, during Serbia’s chair- growth in tourism in both direc- Kazakhstan in China Manarbek many high-level meetings in re- manship of the Organisation for tions. Kazakhstan and Serbia Kabaziyev. cent years between the leaderships Security and Cooperation in Eu- have also established cooperation of the two nations, including the rope (OSCE) in 2015, Kazakhstan between their universities, acad- On Oct. 9, analytical agency visit of President of Kazakhstan supported Serbia on the issue of emies of science and cultural pro- TourStat identified Shymbulak as Nursultan Nazarbayev to Serbia Kosovo and Metohija, and Serbia grammes. the most popular ski resort in the in 2016 and the visit of President in turn supported Kazakhstan’s bid Matic is discussing various cul- Commonwealth of Independent to become a non-permanent mem- tural events for the next year with States. The rating was based on ber of the UN Security Council some Kazakh museums right now, the analysis of the data of online ‘‘Bilateral trade last year, he said. as well as planning the celebra- booking systems for accommoda- “Bilateral trade figures depend tion of the Serbian National Day. tion facilities for tourists during figures depend very very much on whether you in- Culturally, the countries overlap, the winter season of 2017 to 2018, clude the purchase of oil from the ambassador was surprised to the agency said. The Altai Alps in much on whether Kazakhstan or not, but they are discover. Serbia has a tradition of the also you include the nevertheless much more active oral poetry performance, with long made it to the top 10 of the rat- Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev (L) and Head of Poland’s on Kazakhstan’s side. With oil, epics recited by bards, just as it National Security Bureau Pawel Soloch. ing. According to the results of purchase of oil from the highest recorded figure was used to be and it is in Kazakhstan the TourStat study, the cheapest Kazakhstan or not, but $1 billion; without, $200 mil- with famous bards of the past such the UN Security Council and its ski resort in the region is Chim- lion,” Matic said. as Dzhambul Dzhabayev. Serbian By Aigerim Seisembayeva plans for chairing the council in gan and the most expensive one they are nevertheless “Serbian exports are a modest poems are accompanied by instru- 2018. is Shymbulak. The cost of rec- much more active on $25 million. However, in spite of ments that even look similar to Ka- ASTANA – Delegations led by Wronecka said Poland is inter- reation, including accommodation the Serbian sale of goods being zakh national instruments, he said. Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister ested in using Kazakhstan’s expe- and meals, reaches $65 per day in Kazakhstan’s side. modest, our presence in Kazakh- “I was the head of the Russia Yerzhan Ashikbayev and Polish rience in the main UN body and Chimgan and more than $100 per stan has been persistent for many and Eurasia Department in the Deputy Foreign Minister Joanna spoke on Poland’s priorities as a day in Shymbulak. With oil, the highest years in areas such as construction Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Wronecka recently discussed co- non-permanent UNSC member in recorded figure was and agriculture. Serbian agricul- three years, so I had to follow the operation within the United Na- 2018-2019. In an Oct. 12 meeting in Bei- tural institutes have been establish- agenda of all of the countries in tions Security Council at a meeting The sides also discussed Kazakh- jing, Kazakh Ambassador to China $1 billion; without, ing grain seeding stations in Ka- this area very closely. Apart from in Warsaw. Polish interaction on international Shakhrat Nuryshev and Deputy zakhstan for more than 40 years, this, I travelled extensively in the According to the Kazakh Min- issues, such as the Middle East, Secretary of the CPC Xi’an Inter- $200 million.” and companies such as Energopro- wider area of Caucasus, Southern istry of Foreign Affairs, the sides Africa, Afghanistan, Ukraine, nu- national Trade & Logistics Park Li jekt have been involved in various Siberia, and Kazakhstan in 1993 discussed agreements reached clear non-proliferation, UN reform Pingwei discussed the implemen- of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic to Ka- construction projects for more than and 1994. In this period, I visited during a Sept. 6 meeting in Asta- and conflict prevention. tation of agreements reached dur- zakhstan during the opening of three decades now,” he added. Pavlodar and several na between the countries’ heads The Kazakh delegation also dis- ing the visit of Prime Minister of EXPO 2017 in June. “One of the big projects, for times. Astana in this period did not of state. Ashikbayev also briefed cussed cooperation on the UN Se- Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev The ambassador said that the which the ideal moment has, alas, exist, and it is like a sci-fi dream his Polish colleagues on Kazakh- curity Council agenda with Head to Shaanxi province in July 2016, two countries have been cooper- passed, was the much-discussed at compared to what I saw in the stan’s priorities for its 2017-2019 of the National Security Bureau including prospects for coop- ating very well in international the time pipeline from Constanza, 1990s,” he said. non-permanent membership on Pawel Soloch. eration between the Xian interna- tional inland port and the Kazakh business community. During the meeting, parties reached an agree- ment on organising e-commerce courses for representatives of Kazakhstan-EU Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Kazakhstan’s small and medium- sized businesses in the framework of Kazakhstan’s Nurly Zhol eco- nomic stimulus programme and Agreement expands interaction spectrum China’s One Belt, One Road ini- tion, where German and European tiative. By George D. Gleboff companies were widely represented, calling the exhibition “the successful Askhat Orazbai, Kazakhstan’s BRUSSELS – The 21st meeting brand of Kazakhstan.” He pointed ambassador to Indonesia, inau- of the Berlin Eurasian Club, held in to the nation’s growing role and its gurated the launch of the Indone- Brussels Oct. 4 under the title “The leadership as an effective peace- sia-Kazakhstan Friendship Club, Enhanced Partnership and Coopera- maker, drawing attention to Astana’s which seeks to strengthen peo- tion Agreement (EPCA) between the active mediation efforts in resolving ple-to-people relations and build Republic of Kazakhstan and the Eu- the situation in southeastern Ukraine stronger cooperation, including in ropean Union (EU): Achievements and the Syrian conflict. trade, culture and tourism, on Oct. and Goals,” gathered diplomats, “The accords could rightly 11. “Our people don’t have much experts, business and media repre- be called the Astana accords, taking information about Indonesia; simi- sentatives from the nation and the into account the contribution of the larly Indonesians don’t have much continent. The event focused on the country and its President to their ac- information about Kazakhstan political and economic partnership complishments,” said Pfluger, add- due to the lack of interaction in perspectives between Kazakhstan ing the Syrian talks have not only the past. We want to fill this gap and the EU, especially in light of the given impetus to the difficult process and try to build relations in differ- agreement. of settling the multi-year conflict, but ent segments of society,” Orazbai Choosing the EPCA as the main some hope for its cessation. said during the club’s first meeting theme was not coincidental. The He stressed Kazakhstan’s historic in Jakarta. The club aims to facili- agreement, applied temporarily and role in voluntarily renouncing nucle- tate and expand the interaction be- in part since May 2016, has brought ar weapons and the global processes tween people and businesses from relations to a new level. of disarmament and non-prolifera- the two countries and will be coor- The economic impact is one of tion. He also underscored the coun- dinated by the Kazakh embassy in the document’s most important and underscored the country’s favour- mutual interest of the parties in con- comprehensive cooperation with Ka- try’s course of a “multi-vector for- Indonesia. extensive components, as the EU able investment climate, which has tinuing the dialogue on human rights zakhstan. eign policy” and reforms that yielded is Kazakhstan’s largest trade, eco- allowed European investors to work and civil society. Vassilenko pointed to the positive positive results in terms of economic Within the framework of the nomic and investment partner. Af- in the Kazakh market and increase Highlighting the upcoming 25th dynamics of bilateral trade and the growth and regional stability and conference of the national del- ter two years of decline, the trade their investments. Devigne added anniversary of diplomatic relations importance of intensifying coopera- peace. egates of the Muslim Student Or- turnover between the nation and the EU welcomes the wide-scale between Kazakhstan and the EU, tion to reduce trade barriers, such as The event included detailed dis- ganisation of India, the Embassy EU countries showed a 27-percent support to develop the green econ- Kazakh Deputy Minister of Foreign in metrology and standardisation, as cussions among politicians, experts of Kazakhstan in India organised increase in the first seven months of omy in Kazakhstan stimulated by Affairs Roman Vassilenko gave well as the importance of enhanced and business circles on the mean- a special session dedicated to 2017 compared to the same period EXPO 2017. high marks to the constructive dia- cooperation between customs au- ingful aspects of implementing the Kazakhstan. Representatives of last year. The EPCA’s ratification Devigne also praised Kazakhstan’s logue between them in trade, energy, thorities. He spoke extensively about EPCA. The prospects for strength- the Embassy of Kazakhstan in by the remaining 12 EU member international activity in maintaining transport, environmental protection, cooperation in visa facilitation, ening cooperation are timely and India, as well as over a hundred states and full entry into force will peace and security and declared EU’s customs cooperation, justice, human which would give powerful impetus relevant, especially against the back- members of the Muslim Student further expand and strengthen that readiness to cooperate more actively rights and international and regional to expanding economic and invest- drop of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy Organisation of India, includ- interaction. in the sphere of non-proliferation of security. ment cooperation between Kazakh- initiatives, non-permanent member- ing teachers, experts, academics Speaking at the meeting, Luc weapons of mass destruction. He argued the EPCA, which be- stan and the EU. ship on the UN Security Council and and students took part in the ses- Devigne, European External Action Commending Kazakhstan’s com- came the first such agreement be- The event was also attended, hosting the Syrian peace talks and sion called “Kazakhstan: Home Service (EEAS) Managing Director mitment to developing a conflict- tween the EU and the countries in among others, by German Economy EXPO2017. of Peace.” During the event, re- for Russia, Eastern Partnership, Cen- free and prosperous Central Asia, the region, serves as an additional Eastern Committee Managing Direc- Established in 2012, the Ber- search papers on topics like “Ka- tral Asia and OSCE (Organization Devigne argued the example that the impetus to further expand and de- tor Michael Harms, staff members lin Eurasian Club was initiated by zakhstan and its role in ensuring for Security and Co-operation in Eu- nation has successfully built equally velop all aspects of multilateral co- of the European External Relations Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- global peace,” “Kazakhstan’s rope), noted important achievements strong and mutually-beneficial re- operation. He also addressed the rati- Service, King’s College () arbayev as a unique dialogue plat- initiative on nuclear disarmament in Kazakhstan-EU cooperation, lations with the EU and its largest fication process, which is proceeding European Centre for Energy and Re- form between Kazakhstan and Eu- and its proposal to Central Asian stressing relations have never been at neighbours– Russia and China – can at an exceedingly rapid pace. Only a source Security (EUCERS) Director rope. The meeting was organised as countries to declare the region as such a high level. serve as a model for others of an ef- year and a-half since the signing, the Friedbert Pfluger and German politi- part of economic diplomacy promo- free of nuclear weapons,” “Rela- He indicated Kazakhstan’s im- fective foreign policy. He also noted document has already been ratified cal scientist Matthias Dornfeldt. tion by the Kazakh Embassy in Ger- tions between Kazakhstan and In- portance as the EU’s political and the importance of continuing demo- by 16 EU member states, indicating Pfluger praised EXPO 2017’s many in cooperation with the Ger- dia” were presented. economic partner in Central Asia cratic reforms in Kazakhstan and the the EU’s great interest in developing qualitative preparation and execu- man Economy Eastern Committee. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017

ECONOMY Kazakhstan to export 5 billion cubic metres of gas to China NEWS IN BRIEF an intergovernmental agreement corridors,’” Vice President for Gas Moody’s Investors Service has By Aigerim Seisembayeva between Kazakhstan and Uz- Transportation and Marketing at assigned Baa3 long-term and P-3 bekistan allowing gas to be sup- KazMunayGas Kairat Sharip- short-term local and foreign cur- ASTANA ­– China recently plied from western Kazakhstan bayev said. rency issuer ratings to Baiterek agreed to a deal with KazTransGas deposits to the southern regions The gas export agreement is in National Management Holding, to import 5 billion cubic metres through Uzbekistan. The govern- line with Kazakhstan’s efforts to moodys.com reports. The outlook of Kazakh natural gas during one ment agreement is meant to en- develop a new Eurasian logistics on the ratings is stable. Moody’s calendar year, according to Ka- sure a steady supply to southern infrastructure. has also given Baiterek an Aaa.kz zTransGas press service. Kazakhstan as well as allow ex- KazTransGas is Kazakhstan’s National Scale Issuer Rating. The The deal was signed between ports to China. main gas-energy and gas trans- holding’s ratings reflect the sov- KazTransGas, which stands to “Kazakh gas transit and export portation company, representing ereign ratings of Kazakhstan. Ac- earn $1 billion from the deal, and routes’ diversification and an in- the state domestically and abroad. cording to Moody’s, Baiterek is PetroChina International Compa- crease in the volume of its export The company manages a central- a financial lever of Kazakhstan’s ny Limited with shipments to the are important strategic tasks set ised infrastructure to transport gas government and plays an important Khorgos border beginning by the President of Kazakhstan. through pipelines and distribution role in promoting Kazakhstan’s Oct. 15. The gas will come from The head of state noted that ‘in networks, provides international economic development. deposits in western Kazakhstan order to fully reveal the country’s transit, sells gas on domestic and and KazTransGas’ underground transport and transit potential we foreign markets, develops, financ- Transport, housing construc- storage reserves. need to ensure freedom of transit es, builds and operates pipelines tion, food, tourism and other in- dustries in Almaty are becoming The contract was preceded by Kapital.kz Photo credit: of goods and create new transport and gas storage facilities. more attractive for foreign inves- tors, 24.kz reports. The prospects of the metropolis were discussed at the annual Almaty Invest interna- tional forum, which this year was Kazakhstan exports Energy Minister explains attended by more than 500 partici- pants from 28 countries. Almaty is now cooperating with Sweden and Turkey in the field of medicine and products to 110 recent petrol price hike, plans to start a partnership with Ja- pan. Next year, a plant to produce third-generation German electric buses as well as a sorting complex countries gets reprimanded with Italian technology will open in the city. These two projects will – 50,000 tonnes. The price of im- be implemented using the legacy of By Assel Satubaldina ported petrol [from Russia] rose By Aigerim Bulambayeva EXPO 2017 in the development of from 160,000 tenge (US$474.24) green technologies. ASTANA – Kazakh goods are be- ASTANA – Over the recent to 196,000 (US$580.94) per a weeks, people in Kazakhstan tonne, which shows a 22 percent ing exported to 110 countries, said The second quarter turned out to have been witnessing an increase increase,” said Bozumbayev, add- Minister for Investment and Develop- be less profitable than the first one in prices for petrol that resulted ing that this contributed to the ris- ment during Nur for trade enterprises – profit in the in heated public discussions. Ka- ing petrol prices across the nation. Otan party hearings on realising the industry decreased 0.8 percent to zakh Minister for Energy Kanat In January, the price for A-92 government programme for industrial 174.5 billion tenge (US$520.7 mil- Bozumbayev explained the petrol petrol, on average, was 135 development. lion), finprom.kz reports. In this shortage and the subsequent hike tenge (US$0.4), according to the “As of today, Kazakh products of case, the situation with profit tak- in prices during an Oct. 10 gov- minister, and reached 155 tenge the manufacturing industry are being ing for large and small market par- ernment meeting, citing declining (US$0.459) in October for an 11 exported to 110 countries and new Minister for Investment ticipants was different. For large and Development Zhenis Kassymbek. import volumes of Russian petrol percent increase. commodity markets have opened for and medium-sized enterprises, the and launch of maintenance works The launch of maintenance some of the items. Cars manufactured quarter was as usual more profit- segment was more than 32.7 percent. at Kazakhstan’s major oil refiner- works at the nation’s key oil re- by Asia Auto have been exported to Minister for Energy able than the beginning of the year “The manufacturing sector became ies as key reasons behind it. finery in Pavlodar and Atyrau China and the UAE (United Arab Kanat Bozumbayev. – 12.8 percent more profit was more competitive; thus, the produc- In the first nine months of 2017, with the subsequent decrease in Emirates) – 672 units over the first six earned in April-June compared to petrol prices grew 8.7 percent production contributed to the gyzstan. If we want to develop an months. In cooperation with China, tivity of labour in manufacturing dou- January-March. However, despite across the nation with the highest worsening situation in the market, adequate policy regarding prices we started exporting cars that were bled from 2010 to 2016, reaching the quarterly growth, the second quar- 10.6 percent increase recorded in noted Bozumbayev. [for petrol], then it should be manufactured in Kostanai to Tajik- equivalent of $38,900 [per person],” ter for such market participants the West Kazakhstan region. Initially, the maintenance works similar to prices in neighbouring istan. For the first time, agricultural said Kassymbek. ended less successfully compared “I am drawing attention to the were scheduled to start in June, countries. The issue of 100 per- machinery was exported to Russia. He emphasised the important role to the second quarter last year: situation with petroleum. There but were postponed until Septem- cent petrol supply in our domestic There is an increase in the range of of the industrial development pro- down by 17.1 percent. gramme, noting the country’s eco- is a shortage in regions, where ber following the request from market is not an issue of prices, exported processed goods from 777 it is sold at limited amounts and Kazakhstan’s KazMunayGas na- rather an issue of economic se- nomic and industrial structure has Six foreign investors expressed to 876. We have set up production and somewhere it is sold based on tional oil and gas company. curity. There should be one price changed as a result. their desire to set up production in export of locomotives to Tajikistan coupons. As a result, prices went “We asked to postpone the corridor with neighbouring coun- “The contribution of the manufac- the Aktau Sea Port special econom- and Azerbaijan and we have already up,” noted Kazakh Prime Minister maintenance works from spring tries,” added the Kazmunaygas turing sector to economic develop- ic zone (SEZ), khabar.kz reports. exported 40 locomotives. This list can Bakytzhan Sagintayev. to fall only in Pavlodar, because chair. ment increased from 11.3 percent in At present, the SEZ includes 34 further be expanded,” he said. Yet, there is no petrol shortage, we did not want to suspend the Sagintayev was not impressed 2010 to 12 percent in the first seven registered companies, 17 of which Manufacturing industry exports said Bozumbayev, emphasising production two times, first for with the explanations, however. months of 2017. This implies that, in- are already operating. Three more amounted to $8.7 billion and in- that the total volume of A-92 pet- planned repair works and second He instructed the government to deed, the industrialisation programme plants will open later this year: a creased by 27 percent compared to rol, most popular type of petrol in for the completion of modernisa- issue a resolution firing Vice Min- steel centre, a vegetable storehouse last year, he noted, in addition to an affects the economic structure of Kazakhstan, as of Oct. 9 equalled tion,” noted Chair of the Board ister of Energy Asset Magauov, and a transformer manufacturing increase in the share of manufac- Kazakhstan. The share of the manu- 138,000 tonnes. of Kazmunaygas Sauat Myn- which was done promptly, and plant. They will create more than tured products among exports. As facturing sector increased from 30.5 The increase in the prices for bayev, explaining the company’s proposed to President Nursultan 200 jobs. “To date, more than 88 the results for the past seven months percent in 2010 to 41.1 percent in the the Russian petrol that Kazakh- request. Nazarbayev to issue a reprimand billion tenge [US$262.59 mil- indicated, the manufacturing sector’s first seven months of 2017,” he said. stan imports, adding the declining Yet, petrol prices in Kazakh- to Bozumbayev, which, too, was lion] was invested in the territory value of tenge against dollar, re- stan are contingent not only upon announced Oct. 11. In addition, of the SEZ. Production worth 241 sulted in the decrease in imports the import volumes, but also Vice President of KazMunayGas billion tenge [US$719.14 million] of the Russian petrol, added the upon petrol prices in neighbour- Daniyar Berlibayev was relieved has been manufactured. More than minister. ing countries, according to Myn- of his position. 1,000 permanent jobs have been “If in first five months of this bayev. The government was instructed provided,” Director of the Investor S&P expects year we imported 90,000 tonnes “New export markets will open to work harder to find solutions to Relations Department of Aktau Sea every month, in summer, the vol- next year, which implies potential the shortages with petrol sooner Port Aigerim Moldabekova said. ume of imports totalled 35,000 export to Uzbekistan and Kyr- rather than later. Kazakhstan’s GDP Large-scale construction in Kazakhstan requires more con- struction materials. Growth in the industry is noted in almost all to grow 3 percent Investments in livestock commodity items, except mortar and mineral wool, according to energyprom.kz. The production of refractory products and bricks in 2017-2020 sector grow grew 13 percent, concrete products by almost 17 percent and finish- ried out in Kazakhstan underpinned the area, however, is slowing. The fell 2.4 billion tenge (US$7.1 mil- ing stone manufacturing increased By Assel Satubaldina by a declining dollarisation of the By Dana Omirgazy figure increased 1.3 billion tenge lion) to 5 billion tenge (US$14.8 by 40 percent. Almost 7 million economy. (US$3.85 million) this year com- million). square metres of housing were put ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s real Yet, dollar denominated deposits ASTANA – The focus of in- pared to January-August 2016, Enterprises and farms engaged into operation over eight months GDP growth is projected to reach accounted for 50.3 percent of the vestment interest in agriculture is when the increase was 41.2 bil- in cultivating seasonal crops, how- of 2017 in the country. This is 8.5 3 percent in 2017-2020, according total volume of deposits in the econ- increasingly shifting towards live- lion tenge (US$122.19 million). ever, have relied this year on bor- percent more compared to the same to the recent S&P Global Ratings omy in August, according to a Sept. stock, as the investment growth The investment flow in cultivating rowed funds and bank loans. From period last year. report. The implementation of gov- 27 report published by the Kazakh rate in cultivating seasonal crops perennial crops dropped 8.4 billion January-August, 18.8 billion tenge ernment infrastructure development National Bank, a 3.7 percent increase has slowed compared to the pre- tenge (US$24.9 million) to 3.5 bil- (US$56 million) in loan funds was Kazakhstan’s machine builders programmes and expanding oil pro- since July, in total making 8,886.2 vious year, reported finprom.kz. lion tenge (US$10.38 million). attracted to the sector, a 3.2 billion are working to consistently increase duction at the Kashagan oilfield, one billion tenge (US$25.75 billion). Investment in livestock has hiked Investors are increasing financ- tenge (US$9.5 million) increase the level of local content in their of the world’s largest fields discov- The agency also assessed the Ka- almost 15 billion tenge (US$44.49 ing in livestock, although the vol- since last year. products, khabar.kz reports. The ered in the past 40 years, are cited zakh government’s debt servicing million), or 51 percent, since Janu- umes are noticeably less than in To improve the effectiveness plant plans to produce 6,000 cars, as main drivers of the nation’s eco- costs as worsening, though remain- ary. crop production. During the first of state support to industry enter- having already increased the share nomic growth. “Over eight months of this year, eight months, 43.7 billion tenge ing at a modest level. “It remains prises, the Ministry of Agriculture of machine building in the region’s The real GDP per capita growth 162.4 billion tenge (US$481.67 (US$129.6 million) was directed presented road maps recently to modest, slightly over five percent of budget by 2.5 times over the past is estimated at 1.4 percent on aver- million) was supplied in the de- to livestock enterprises and farms. develop priority agricultural ar- the budget revenues on average in seven years. Robotic workshops age in the period of 2011 and 2020, velopment of enterprises and other The amount is the sharpest in- eas and improve state support for 2017-2020. The government, how- and automated lines allow the pro- which, according to experts, stands participants in the agricultural crease in the last five years. As a the agro-industrial complex. Road duction of export-oriented prod- ever, still holds a strong position as near a lower end of the range (1-4 market, or 7.2 percent more than result, 26.9 percent of all agricul- maps have been developed in the ucts, and the first exports have al- percent) pertaining to countries with a net creditor,” the agency stated in the same period last year,” noted tural investments were directed to main areas of seed growing, agro- ready left the country. The plant has a similar level of development. emphasising the potential of a new the report. developing the livestock sector. chemistry, producing plant protec- already concluded one long-term “The ratings of Kazakhstan remain tax code to allow increasing budget The largest share of investments Investments in livestock mainly tion products, intensive technical contract with Tajikistan, and more constrained due to highly centralised revenues by approximately three in the industry has traditionally come from private funds, which re-equipment of the agro-indus- than 20 vehicles have already been decision making process which de- percent of the nation’s GDP, which supported crop production, namely this year have hiked from 17.1 bil- trial complex, fodder production shipped there for export. Until the creases predictability [of future pol- demonstrates a significant fiscal flex- the cultivation of seasonal crops. lion tenge (US$50.7 million) to (forage balance), transhumance end of the year, the volume of ini- icy responses],” the report reads. ibility of Kazakhstan unlike other The inflow amount was 99.3 bil- 38.7 billion tenge (US$114.78 mil- sheep breeding and developing a tial supplies is planned to increase The report also noted an increas- economies with a similar level of lion tenge (US$294.5 million). lion). At the same time, the volume network of wholesale distribution five times. Another memorandum ingly effective monetary policy car- development. The investment growth rate in of funds borrowed from creditors centres. was signed with Uzbekistan. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakh IT start-ups to be Green Climate Fund Bank RBK and Qazaq Banki have chosen not to merge, ac- cording to the Bank RBK press service. “Bank RBK hereby in- prepared in Silicon Valley to allocate up to $110 forms that after consulting and stan participants will partially be innovative environment and attract- analysing the proposed model By Frol Leandoer carried out in Silicon Valley. Also ing foreign and training Kazakh of merger with Qazaq Banki, on Sept. 25, the preparation of the start-ups integrated into a global net- the banks decided to refuse the ASTANA – Almaty Tech Garden first 10 resident companies of the work of demand for the latest tech- million for green merger transaction,” reads the is launching the international Startup Free Economic Zone ‘Park of In- nologies,” said Global Venture Alli- statement. It is currently more Kazakhstan programme, with partic- formation Technologies (FEZ PIT) ance managing partner Laird Kagan. expedient and promising to de- ipants to be housed in the IT Quarter, will begin there,” he added. Significant support in executing velop each bank as an independ- reported Kazinform. The venture is The fund plans to help start-ups these measures will be achieved energy investments ent financial institution, it added. the country’s first large-scale effort with alternative sources of financ- through the interaction of Almaty The renewables framework is The possible merger, announced aimed at developing domestic and ing, including releasing digital to- Tech Garden and the Astana Interna- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova an innovative plan to finance con- in May, was dictated by the desire attracting foreign startups, said CEO kens. Sometimes called ICO (Ini- tional Financial Centre (AIFC). The struction and operation of renew- of shareholders to use new busi- Sanzhar Kettebekov. tial Coin Offering), using digital two entities and GVA signed a mem- ASTANA – The Green Climate able energy projects in the Cen- ness opportunities in the face of “The financing will be imple- tokens is a new method of attract- orandum on cooperation Sept. 20 to Fund (GCF) board approved tral Asian country. The EBRD changing economic conditions. mented through the joint venture ing investments based on block- create an ecosystem in Almaty using funding of up to $110 million for Board of Directors approved the fund Almaty Tech Garden and GVA chain technology which is rapidly blockchain technology. The Cen- the GCF-European Bank for Re- €200 million (US$234 million) The Kazakh-Hungarian private Capital – GVA Alatau Fund. The gaining popularity throughout the tre for Technological Development construction and Development programme in 2016. equity fund, created with the par- amount of investment in start-ups world. To prepare Startup Kazakh- of Intelligent Technologies will be (EBRD) Kazakhstan Renewables “The framework builds on ticipation of KazAgro and the will be up to $100,000. By 2020, stan participants, the programme is also launched, including intellectual Framework progamme to pro- eight years of policy and invest- Eximbank of Hungary managed about 500 innovative start-ups planning to launch an ICO incuba- systems in cooperation with IBM, a mote renewable energy sources. ment work in Kazakhstan. It by CCL Capital, has invested $12 will be financed and 50 high-tech, tor. BIM+ laboratory together with Eco- “The GCF’s contribution in- makes a profound contribution million with partners to build a export-oriented companies will “Cooperation with leading in- Domus and Autodesk and digital in- cludes concessional financing in to the scaling up of renewable high-tech greenhouse complex in be incubated. Last month, Almaty novation centres is the basis for the dustry with IntelliSense.io. the amount of $106 million and energy in the country, combined the Aktobe region, reported in- Tech Garden together with GVA development of start-up ecosystems. An IT Quarter previously opened $4 million in technical assistance with a strong focus on gender form.kz. Construction will take launched the first official technol- The opening of a representative of- in downtown Almaty to place start- subsidies. The projects are aimed and inclusion and a drive to lay place within three years, accord- ogy office in Silicon Valley. Thus, fice in Silicon Valley is a necessary ups in the information technology at supporting the Kazakh gov- the regulatory foundations for ing to CCL Capital. The project, the acceleration of Startup Kazakh- window for the development of an field. ernment in transition to a green a sustainable renewable energy to be completed in four blocks economy, including investments market in the country,” said on 20 hectares, involves erect- in solar, wind, small hydropower EBRD Energy and Natural Re- ing semi-closed greenhouses us- and biogas sources and moderni- sources for Russia, Central Asia ing KUBO Group (Netherlands) sation and strengthening of elec- and Caucasus Director Aida Sit- technology. According to experts, trical grids to broaden the renew- dikova. greenhouse complexes based on Kazakhstan’s halal labeled products able energy sources integration,” The GCF was formed in 2010 Ultra Clima technology are on reported the Ministry of Energy by the 194 countries which average 20 percent more efficient in an Oct. 5 press release. are parties to the United Na- compared to traditional green- “Kazakhstan has recognised tions Framework Convention houses. enter UAE and Middle East market the need for transition to a green on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ny UAE meat products representa- a very high price for them. Today at economy. We are contributing as part of the convention’s fi- Foreign companies are cur- By Frol Leandoer tive Oleg Shapovalov. the exhibition, the companies held to global efforts under the Paris nancial mechanism. The fund rently participating in 12 projects “This year, we have gained some meetings with potential buyers not Agreement to address climate supports the efforts of devel- in Kazakhstan worth more than ASTANA – KAZAKH INVEST experience in working in the local only from the UAE, but also from change. The country has set an oping countries to respond to $4.2 billion, according to Kazakh presented Kazakh-produced items market; our meat can already be countries of the Middle East,” said ambitious nationally-determined the challenge of climate change investment committee deputy at the Halal Expo 2017 international found in local supermarkets. Now, KAZAKH INVEST representative contribution under the agreement and helps them limit or reduce chairperson Larissa Dzhumagali- food exhibit in , reported the the company is gaining a client base Gaziz Abdinabieva. with an emissions reduction tar- their greenhouse gas (GHG) yeva, reported inform.kz. Dutch get of 15 percent below 1990 lev- emissions and adapt to climate company’s press service. – participation in the exhibition is Kazakhstan’s trade with the UAE company Farm Frites is involved els by 2030. With the support of change. Abai, Disada, Eurasia Invest, an excellent opportunity for this,” totaled $317.3 million for the first in a potato processing plant in the the GCF and the EBRD, we look EBRD has invested €7.3 billion Golden Food Company, Leninsk he added. half of 2017, a 3.1-time increase Almaty region. The 24 hectares forward to scaling up invest- (US$8.5 billion) in various areas Onimi and Rakhat products were In addition, with the support of have been set aside for the $116 compared to the same period last ments in renewable energy and of the Kazakh economy focusing displayed in the national pavilion. the consulate general, meetings will million project. British company year. Due to increased supplies of delivering on the country’s green on non-oil and gas areas and ap- Representatives of the Dubai gov- be organised for Kazakh companies United Green will be establishing copper, exports grew 4.2 times to economy transition strategy,” proximately €1.7 billion (US$1.9 ernment and Kazakh Consul Gen- with representatives of the Emir- a $132 million baby food plant in $273.8 million. Imports increased to said Minister of Energy Kanat billion) in sustainable energy and eral in Dubai Madiyar Menilbekov ates Authority for Standardisation the same region. Work has begun $43.5 million, a 17.6 percent hike. Bozumbayev. resource projects. attended the opening ceremony. to produce high-quality lime in and Metrology (ESMA) and RACS the Karaganda region, hydrogen “We are proud of the fact that quality and certificate to clarify is- peroxide in the Zhambyl region, there are more and more manufac- sues related to halal certification, as tomato paste in the Kyzylorda turers in Kazakhstan ready to offer well as changes in the certification region, anode copper in the East high-quality products. The compa- procedure itself. Foods are stamped Kazakhstan region and large di- nies represented today have signifi- with the halal label if the contents ameter steel welded pipes in Al- cant potential in the market of the conform with Muslim dietary laws. maty. Projects are also underway Middle East,” he said. “The UAE market is very attrac- to construct chemical and metal- Abai products have been avail- tive for Kazakh producers. Since lurgical plants in the Pavlodar able in the United Arab Emirates high-quality products are highly and Zhambyl regions, facilities to (UAE) since last year, said compa- valued here, they are ready to pay produce extruded mixed fodders and meat products in the Almaty region and a meat processing plant in the East Kazakhstan re- gion. DBK updates strategy, seeks Twenty agricultural coopera- tives have been established this year in the Tolebi region of the expansion of private investment South Kazakhstan region includ- ing Lenger Kus, a poultry pro- Directors and government officials, duction cooperative, according By Assel Satubaldina representatives of the National Bank to the South Kazakhstan region and the National Chamber of Entre- akimat press service. “The con- ASTANA – The Development preneurs, noted DBK Chair of the struction of a poultry farm of an Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK) an- Board Bolat Zhamishev. agricultural cooperative, which nounced Sept. 29 immediate changes “Participants of the meeting ap- has united 20 members, is being to its development strategy for 2014- proved all proposals, including in- completed. The enterprise, which 2023 which establish expanding pri- creasing the share of private business will be launched by the end of the vate business projects and private funding. The implementation of the year, will annually be able to pro- funding sources among its key priori- initiatives required amendments to duce up to 200 tonnes of poultry ties along with expansion of its lend- the key documents regulating the meat. Today, new and fully au- ing activities and development of new DBK activities, including the bank’s tomated equipment is being in- financial instruments, according to the ten-year development strategy,” add- stalled. Currently, the infrastruc- bank’s press service. ed Zhamishev. ture of a poultry farm is located Established in 2000 by the decree Apart from stepping up lending ac- on 2.5 hectares of land. Thanks of Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- tivities and developing new financial to the association of peasants in arbayev, the DBK seeks to enhance instruments, including a syndicated the cooperative, 50 percent of the state investment activities, support de- loan and project financing using pub- costs are subsidised by the state,” velopment of industrial infrastructure lic private partnerships, the updated reads the statement. and manufacturing and attract foreign document envisions no less than a 70 and domestic investments in the na- percent increase in the share of private Plans have begun to build a tion’s economy. At present, the bank’s business projects in the bank’s loan chemical production plant in loan portfolio includes 44 investment portfolio until 2023 that currently ac- Atyrau, according to inform. and 12 export operation projects. counts for 57.4 percent. kz. “Construction of the pro- The bank plays an important role Seeking to decrease the govern- jected plant for the production in the nation’s economy with a total ment share in the bank’s structure, the of chemical reagents is expected amount of investments reaching $6.9 bank’s management agreed to expand in the southern industrial zone of billion as of 2016 and its strong em- the share of private funding sources Atyrau. The plant will produce phasis on the regional development, from 58.9 percent in 2016 to at least 1,636 tonnes of demulsifiers per where 99 percent of loan portfolio 80 percent until 2023. year, 240 tonnes of depressant ad- account for regional projects in the The annual volume of project and ditives, 3,011 tonnes of corrosion economy’s key sectors. programme funding is set to increase inhibitors and 1,567 tonnes of The changes in the bank’s develop- from 426 billion tenge (US$1.23 bil- scaling inhibitors. There are also ment strategy are in line with Naz- lion) in 2016 up to 544 billion tenge plans to produce anti-turbulent arbayev’s state-of-the-nation address (US$1.57 billion) in 2023. additives and absorbers of hydro- this year that embarked the nation Serving as the nation’s develop- gen sulphide,” said Zhayik-Cas- on the so-called third modernisation ment institute, the DBK does not pian Orhus Centre head Shynar meant to enhance its global competi- pursue profit maximisation as its Izteleuova. Prior to construction, tiveness, where the decrease of gov- main goal, but rather seeks to ensure a number of public hearings will ernment share in the economy is one a break-even of its activities. The be held in the region to discuss is- of the priorities. change in the bank’s target profitabil- sues of the plant’s location and its The relevant changes were pre- ity indicators from previous three per- possible impact on the environ- sented in June last year during an ex- cent to at least one percent is expected ment. tended meeting of the bank’s Board of to allow accomplishing the objective. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 Nature of power has never Kazakhstan: on the way to been more complex unprecedented changes in justice art. The U.S. has for decades asserted global influ- providing intensive support for ot long ago, it was traditional hard power ence through Hollywood. K-culture diplomacy By Mira Beisenova the establishment of the change based on military and economic might that helped transform South Korea from an aid recipient strategy, the change board, an op- ruled the day. But a global rebalancing – to a major aid donor. Now, having made significant Kazakhstan has become the first erational team of change agents one which has seen power become more strides in political reform, economic stability and a country among the post-Soviet through the national and regional diffuse,N moving from West to East and from state to multi-vector foreign policy, Kazakhstan can focus on countries to open a Justice Ser- GPO structure and a support net- non-state actors – means we are living in an increas- highlighting its own cultural assets. vices Centre free to the public one work to ensure the involvement of ingly multi-dimensional and interdependent world. Earlier this year, President Nursultan Naz- stop. The Centre in Astana repre- staff and communities across all Such rebalancing requires leaders, diplomats, and arbayev proposed “Modern Kazakh Culture in the sents a real breakthrough in the oblasts in the change programme. foreign policy makers to reassess how they achieve Global World” – a project that is part of the Mod- relationship between prosecutors The project team has provided their foreign policy objectives. This is especially ernisation of Kazakhstan’s Identity programme and and the public moving the General coaching and mentoring support to critical given current uncertainty and geopolitical that is aimed at promoting Kazakhstan’s cultural Prosecutor’s Office (GPO) from the Change Programme Board and instability. Many have found that it is now the ability achievements on the world stage. It acknowledges being primarily a post-Soviet law its members. to attract and persuade – rather than coerce – that is the potential of Kazakhstan’s vast cultural re- supervisory state body to a modern available for the citizens. They can The launch of the Justice Service most effective. serves, from popular Kazakh artists like conductor public service-oriented organisa- send appeals to the judicial com- Centre in Astana is a remarkable In other words, soft power. Alan Buribayev and Dimash Kudaibergen, tion. The prosecutors can be proud mittee or record a video message example of the short-term out- The term soft power was coined by political scien- to the “Kyz Zhibek” and “Birzhan Sara” national of this quick victory since it took to the General Prosecutor’s Office comes of the Change Programme tist Joseph S. Nye Jr. in the late 1980s. Nye describes operas. just seven months between con- in a separate booth. To do this, a with its truly template breaking power as the ability to influence the behaviour of “Modern Kazakh Culture in the Global World” is sidering the innovative idea at one person needs to bring an identity inter-agency accessibility in a cus- others to achieve desired outcomes. He outlines three another string to Kazakhstan’s bow. The nation seeks of the GPO Change Programme card to the barcode reader and then tom built environment. Through- ways power can be wielded: coercing with threats, to be recognised not only for its oil reserves and con- Board brainstorming sessions to its record an appeal. The answer to out 2017, such centres will be inducing with payments, or attracting and persuad- flict mediation skills, but for its cultural successes as opening to the public in July 2017. their inquiries will come to their established in other major cities ing. Soft power rejects the first two approaches. well. This will be achieved through a more targeted The main task of the centre is the e-mails or one might just enter the throughout the country. Instead, influence is achieved by building networks, approach in promoting culture abroad; increased state prompt resolution of complaints, number of the inquiry and find out Funded by the European Union communicating compelling narratives, and establish- investment in encouraging the creation of cultural as- raising the level of citizens’ trust the answer. The necessary digital (EU), the EUCJ project is aimed ing international rules. sets; and greater use of innovative and technological in law enforcement and govern- signature for this can be obtained at strengthening the rule of law in Nye originally identified three core pillars of soft platforms and channels. ment bodies, whilst eliminating there, on the spot. Kazakhstan. Launched in October power: political values, foreign policy and culture. Kazakhstan has set itself an ambitious goal of be- the administrative burdens and bu- The Justice Services Centre is 2015, this three-year project has The first two pillars are arguably more difficult to coming a top 30 global economy by 2050. The value reaucracy. a part of the Change Programme a total budget of EUR 5.5 million get right, but most nations have a wealth of cultural of “Modern Kazakh Culture in the Global World” in This centre operates on the prin- announced by the General Pros- and forms a part of the larger pro- resources already at their disposal. The challenge is meeting this goal shouldn’t be underestimated. It is ciple of a “single window” that ecutor’s Office in January 2017. gramme “Support to Judicial Re- deploying these resources effectively. with an understanding of soft power – and how to breaks with all traditions with The NICO EUCJ project team pro- form in Kazakhstan,” administered France has shown us how to translate culture into deploy it effectively – that Kazakhstan will continue use of glass walls and bright col- vided project management training by the EU Delegation in Kazakh- impact through its cuisine, cinema, museums and to achieve its objectives, both at home and abroad. ours to provide a comfortable and to senior staff in the General Pros- stan. The project is implemented warm reception to users, located ecutor’s Office, which has evolved by Northern Ireland Co-operation within the prestigious and modern to an organisation-wide transfor- Overseas (NI-CO) in partnership building of the General Prosecu- mational change programme be- with Ministry of Justice of the tor’s Office national headquarters ing facilitated by the project. The United Kingdom, Dutch Probation building. Here visitors can access Change Programme’s goal is to Service and National School of Ju- OECD Eurasia Week to serve prosecutors, lawyers, mediators, or provide substantial modernisation diciary and Public Prosecution, other specialists, depending on the and revision of the Prosecution Poland. nature of the issue. Service and, in due course, other The use of latest technologies parts of the criminal justice sys- The author is EUCJ national as platform for discussing widens the horizon of services tem. This has involved the EUCJ expert for stakeholder relations. benefits of globalisation vestment and Multinational Enter- By Timur Suleimenov prises, signalling our commitment to provide a fair and transparent Global interconnection between environment for international in- people and nations has become a vestment. The OECD Investment fact of life. Each country on our Policy Review of Kazakhstan planet shares a collective destiny. has noted that we have managed Economic interdependence is ever to reduce bureaucratic barriers, more prevalent – prosperity in one streamlined licensing procedures, part of the world makes a positive established agencies to facilitate contribution to economic growth new business formation and an in another part of the world thanks investment ombudsman to tackle to increased trade and enhanced 2015-2016, which aims to estab- concrete problems faced by inves- investment cooperation. lish possible ways of cooperation, tors. Tax reform is also under way, This reality means that coop- within which Kazakhstan can join which will result in better tax ef- eration between nations, whether a number of the OECD initiatives ficiency and transparency. through bilateral or multilateral and participate in the activities Of course we understand that platforms, is ever more impor- of its agencies. Now the second we still have a lot to do if we are tant. Kazakhstan, as an active round of the Country Programme to achieve our ambitious goal of member of the international com- on Cooperation with the OECD for joining the top 30 most devel- munity, has been actively striving 2017-2018 is being implemented. oped countries. We need to build to learn from developed nations In addition, the Coordination stronger institutions and ensure by partnering with countries and Council on Interaction of Kazakh- better policy coherence and trans- international organisations. Our stan with the OECD approved the parency. We will need to prove to cooperation with the Organisation ‘Road Map on Implementation of the investors that these institutions are for Economic Cooperation and OECD Recommendations’ received accountable. We must also contin- Development (OECD) has been within the first stage of the Country ue to strengthen judicial independ- especially noteworthy. Programme, in order to implement ence and fight corruption, as we The OECD has played an indis- best practices and recommendations understand that these are among pensable role in helping nations, of the OECD. More than half of the the main concerns for businesses including Kazakhstan, to reap the 535 recommendations from the road operating in Kazakhstan. benefits of globalisation by pro- map have already been implemented Our cooperation with OECD has moting economic growth, prosper- by Kazakhstan. helped us substantially to make ity, and sustainable development. Already Kazakhstan partici- progress in these areas. Going for- Underlining OECD’s importance, pates in 34 working agencies of ward we want to continue to de- today OECD member countries the OECD. These include various velop this partnership further. account for 63 percent of world spheres, such as public govern- Next week, the financial hub of GDP, three-quarters of world trade, ance, environment, health and Kazakhstan, Almaty, will welcome 95 percent of world official devel- education. We hope that our par- political leaders from Central Asia opment assistance and over half of ticipation in these committees will and OECD member-states, as well the world’s energy consumption. contribute to the eventual member- as experts and representatives of Kazakhstan has made sustained ship of Kazakhstan in the OECD. international and regional organi- efforts to work with the OECD Domestically, as well, Kazakh- zations, civil society and business since 2000 and has been particu- stan has been implementing a circles, for the OECD Eurasia larly active since 2008. number of reforms to help us reach Week. Our hope is that this event In 2011 as part of the official visit OECD standards. From 2015 on- will further strengthen the rela- to France, the then Prime Minister ward Kazakhstan has redoubled tions between the Eurasian and the of Kazakhstan, , its reform agenda, beginning with OECD countries. visited the OECD Headquarters a 100-step program focused on Kazakhstan has seen its ups and for the first time, where it was of- transparency and efficiency of downs since our independence 25 ficially announced that Kazakh- government. By 2017, we adopted years ago. But we have managed stan intends to become a member a package of fundamental constitu- to build a foundation to continue of this organization, an aspiration tional reforms that, among others, our development. With the help that we continue to strive towards. devolve powers from the Presi- of the OECD, I have no doubt that A number of concrete steps have dent’s office to the parliament. Kazakhstan will achieve its objec- been taken in this direction. In Economically we have been tives and, one day, join the ranks of 2015, Karim Massimov and the making progress too. In June this OECD member-states. OECD Secretary General José year, Kazakhstan became the 48th Ángel Gurría signed the Country country to adhere to the OECD The author is Kazakhstan’s Programme on Cooperation for Declaration on International In- Minister of National Economy.

THE ASTANA TIMES Publisher: Svezhaya Pressa LLP Advertiser bears responsibility for the content of advertisements. The news- The Astana Times is published since November 2010. The Astana Times is paper does not answer the readers’ letters, does not mail them, does not re-registered by the Ministry of Communications and Information of the Republic News and Editorial: [email protected] consider copies the size of over 5 printed pages, does not review and does of Kazakhstan under the registration No. 14037-G of 20 December 2013. Editor-in-Chief: Roman Vassilenko Advertising: +7 727 252 08 82 not return the materials not ordered by the newspaper. Guest opinions do not The newspaper is typed and made into pages at the computer centre of “Ka- Managing Editor: Tatiana Kostina Inquiries: [email protected] necessarily reflect the newspaper’s opinion. For reprinting, permissions must zakhstanskaya Pravda”. Published biweekly, the size of 8 pages. 18a Pobeda Avenue Astana, 010000 KazPost Subscription index: 64572 be sought and obtained first from The Astana Times, and reference must be made to “The Astana Times”. Telephone/Facsimile: +7 7172 78 00 08 The Astana Times is printed at “Media Holding “ERNUR” LLP, 30 Sileti ORDER: 1725 PRINT RUN: 6,000 Distribution in Astana: +7 7172 44 51 58, (224) Street, Astana. A7 OPINIONS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 Visa exemption for Kazakh citizens will save millions of dollars, says UAE Ambassador cus to our international efforts and of Economy is already working on countries the most? What kind of even buy real estate in the Emir- By Zhaniya Urankayeva achievements in the renewable en- a number of laws to improve the joint projects are planned in the ates. How does the legislation ergy technologies, and to the pro- efficiency of the country’s econ- coming years? work regarding housing acquisi- This year on May 23 Kazakh jects and initiatives, which form omy, moreover, to diversify it in Indeed, there are many joint tion by foreigners? Foreign Minister Kairat Abdra- part of the integrated concept of favour of the non-oil sector from projects. In the short term, we The citizens of Kazakhstan note khmanov and the United Arab the development of our country. 70 percent now to 80 percent by plan to build the gas and chemi- the attractiveness of the UAE for Emirates’ Minister of Foreign 2021. It is worth noting above all, cal complex with the capacity of study, work, leisure and comforta- Affairs and International Coop- We know the UAE is actively that the UAE spends about 300 800,000 tonnes of polypropylene ble living. They prefer purchasing eration Abdullah bin Zayed bin developing renewable energy billion Dirhams for more than 100 per year in Atyrau region. Also, I’d property in the emirates of Dubai, Sultan Al Nahyan signed an agree- sources, in particular solar and initiatives in such fields as health, like to highlight another joint in- Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and ment on establishing a one-month nuclear power. What are the pros- education, energy, transport, water, frastructure project in the UAE in Ras al-Khaimah. For example, visa exemption for Kazakh citi- pects for cooperation between the and technology in order to prepare the field of transportation, with the Dubai has developed the transpar- zens travelling to the UAE. In this the calculation of the total number UAE and Kazakhstan in the field the country for the post-oil phase participation of the national com- ent legislative framework in the connection, the UAE Ambassador of visits from Kazakhstan’s part of renewable energy sources? of the economy. pany Kazakhstan TemirZholy and real estate sector. Foreign citizens to Kazakhstan Dr. Mohammed and the fees for visa processing. Strengthening the international The second is an innovative vi- the national railway company Eti- are able to acquire real estate di- Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber gave an cooperation in the context of new sion for the future. By 2050, our had Rail. In particular, it has to do rectly in full ownership in the en- interview to the Kazakhstanskaya EXPO 2017 ended a few weeks technology transfer and original goal is to use 44 percent of renew- with the railway construction, with tire emirate. An excellent incentive Pravda national newspaper ahead ago. What will you remember expertise is a great importance for able sources, 38 percent of gas, 12 a length of 406 kilometres, which for investors who decide to rent an of visa exemption for Kazakhstan from the exhibition? What would us. The cooperation established percent of minerals and 6 percent will connect emerging towns and apartment is the absence of taxes citizens, which is presented below you recommend for EXPO 2020 between the UAE Nuclear Energy of nuclear energy. industrial zones in Abu Dhabi and on real estate and income. in full. in Dubai from Kazakhstan’s ex- Corporation and National Atomic The third is to implement the Dubai in the border with Saudi This autumn, Kazakhstan and perience? Company Kazatomprom exem- most advanced techniques in Arabia. It is also planned to de- Modern people have become the United Arab Emirates will The most significant feature of plifies the synergies between the education. Today, the UAE gov- velop airport infrastructure in very mobile and there are many start a mutual visa exemption. In EXPO 2017 is that the organizers two countries. In addition to that, ernment is placing particular em- Kazakhstan through the agency labour migrants in most megaci- this interview, Ambassador Al have been successful in attracting recently the two companies signed ties. Astana, being a young capi- Jaber answered question such as, a considerable quantity of interest- a memorandum on cooperation tal, is just gaining momentum in How much can Kazakh citizens ed visitors, which helped them to in the field of peaceful use of nu- Intergovernmental procedures on introducing this direction. What can attract save by travelling to the Emirates, promote the ideas aimed at shifting clear energy, which is planned labour migrants in the Kazakh what did the UAE representatives from traditional energy resources to meet our reactor construction visa-exemption shall be completed in the capital? How difficult is it for learn from EXPO 2017 and what to renewable energy. The experi- needs through raw materials from nearest time. Doubtless, it will make a foreigners to earn a living in Ka- type of joint projects will the two ence that we have gained in the Kazakhstan in the form of natural zakhstan? countries implement in the coming exhibition is the valuable knowl- uranium, and enriched uranium breakthrough in the development of bilateral The EXPO 2017, certainly, in- years? edge of how to manage such a production. relations. Let us refer to the statistics of tensified the flow of labour mi- large-scale event. We hope to learn grants to Astana. The UAE and This autumn, the UAE will start from Kazakhstan’s experience and A similar feature of Kazakhstan tourist visits; more than 100,000 citizens of Kazakhstan are very similar in visa exemption with Kazakhstan. have already begun making con- and the United Arab Emirates is this. There are many business op- Will it bring any changes and tacts with our Kazakh colleagues; that both countries are rich in Kazakhstan visit the UAE annually. portunities in the UAE, as well as what benefits will citizens of the in January 2017 the organizers oil and it is its stocks and prices in Kazakhstan. Today Kazakhstan two countries receive? of EXPO 2020 Dubai and EXPO that measure the citizens’ wel- phasis on the development of en- of Abu Dhabi Airports Corpora- promotes international coopera- Intergovernmental procedures 2017 Astana signed a memoran- fare. How long do you think the vironmental thinking among the tion. Another striking example is tion, stressing the significance of on introducing visa-exemption dum of understanding and coop- transformation will take? How younger generation. This will be the cooperation between the Cor- the global business environment. shall be completed in the nearest eration during the Future Energy long will oil-producing countries useful for future citizens to imple- poration, the UAE nuclear energy There are various business projects time. Doubtless, it will make a World Summit in Abu Dhabi, as be dependent on this source of in- ment energy-efficient technolo- (ENEC) and JSC national com- now being established in Kazakh- breakthrough in the development well as for the development of a come? gies, green energy and will help to pany Kazatomprom in the field stan, which require not as much of bilateral relations. Let us refer variety of mutually beneficial pro- In order to promote a quicker attain sustainable development. of peaceful use of nuclear energy, financial but human resources. Ka- to the statistics of tourist visits; jects, such as Astana International process of moving from the oil- which I mentioned earlier. zakhstan has achieved success in more than 100,000 citizens of Ka- Financial Centre and the develop- related economy, there is a number Bilateral economic relations the economic welfare and proved zakhstan visit the UAE annually. ment of Islamic banking and green of noble goals set by our govern- between the UAE and Kazakhstan The UAE deservedly became a the viability of renewable energy, Therefore, the visa-exemption can financing. Moreover, I would ment: have been developing for quite a favourite tourist destination for which has become a significant save approximately $10 million a like to note that the exhibition in The first is to improve the legis- long time. Considering the last the people of Kazakhstan and driver for the economic prosperity year. The assessment stems from Astana has also brought new fo- lation. To date, the UAE Ministry five years, what has united our many of our citizens managed to of the country. ‘A magic dwells in each beginning’ lish. That was when fate took its ing the official reception with the Almaty and get your personal Asia). At that time, there were “The Scythians’ Gold” organised By Peter Sonnenhol toll. Three years later, at the end Kazakh national dish Beshbar- belongings there? We had not rumors that Türk Hava Yolları by Professor Parzinger in Berlin. of our stay in Kazakhstan, we got mak (five fingers) decorated with yet had such experience in 1992, airlines started flying to Almaty. I remember the tombstone for “A magic dwells in each be- married at the Wedding Palace of a sheep’s head. At the same time, and my employer, the Ministry of The Turkish representation in German soldiers who apparently ginning,” – says Hermann Hesse Almaty. he definitely remembered about Foreign Affairs, out of long habit Bonn had no information on that died as war prisoners in mines of in his poem. Teachers said these As my parents had lived in Tur- approximately one million Ger- relied on its employees’ spirit of matter and offered me to buy a nearby Alatau Mountains at the parting words to my son and his key for several years, I spoke a mans living in Kazakhstan. After enterprise. Together with Bonn ticket only to Baku. Luckily, the Alma-Ata cemetery created in co- classmates at a graduation cere- little Turkish. When I studied In- the Soviet flag was removed in freight forwarding companies, then Minister for Economics of operation with the Secretariat of mony in Berlin in 2017. The same ternational Relations in the USA Kremlin on Dec. 31, 1991, and which shipped things around the Lower Saxony Peter Fischer of- the defence attaché and a Kazakh may be said about the creation of shortly before the fall of the Ber- the flag of a new Republic of world but never to Central Asia, fered a convenient line to Hanno- non-governmental organisation. the Republic of Kazakhstan and lin Wall, I heard there were many Kazakhstan was hoisted in Alma- we considered and compared ver to a new Kazakh airline that Then there was a trip with my wife the beginning of Kazakh-German living in the So- Ata, it was decided to open the several options: it was possible used Aeroflot’s flying equipment. to Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, relations I witnessed 25 years viet Union who also served in the embassy of Germany. In Febru- to rent a Soviet Antonov aircraft That is how I became one of the Khiva, Bishkek in 1993. There ago. Soviet Army. There were ques- ary 1992, the head of the delega- (there was an airport in Almaty) first passengers who flew directly were helicopter flights, mountain I clearly remember the early tions about the consequences of tion went to Alma-Ata via Mos- but this option was rejected be- from Hannover to Almaty. As the walks through Issyk-Kul and two morning of July 14 (national islamisation and the aspirations cow and started dealing with the cause of its high cost. That left us flying range of Tu-154 was insuf- long trips to China – the first one holiday of France) in 1992, when of many peoples towards inde- first administrative issues, - par with rail or truck transport. ficient, the aircraft reached the to Urumqi by airlines and the Tu-154 aircraft was landing pendence. Peter Scholl-Latour ticularly, preparing workplaces Already then, Almaty had con- east coast of the Caspian Sea (if back to the West to the old Silk over the snowy “celestial moun- published perhaps somewhat and housing for future diplomats. nection to the Trans-Siberian rail- I am not mistaken, it was either Road, the city of Kashgar at the tains” (Tien Shan), and the view gruff but interesting books “Al- We all hardly spoke Russian, not way through Turksib. We were Shevchenko/Aktau or Guriev/ foot of Palmira and slightly higher of Siberian houses of Alma-Ata, lah is with the Steadfast” and to mention Kazakh, which is a thinking of putting two containers Atyrau), where it refueled, and in Karakorum to “Mukhtazh Ata” which then was the capital of “The Sword of Islam,” where Turkic language. Yet, I was flat- in a way that nobody could open then we reached Almaty. At the (Father of the Ice Mountain). Kazakhstan. I had just graduated Middle Asian and Caucasian Tur- tered by the opportunity to com- them without permission. But Hannover airport, I bought a box The second trip was to the from the diplomatic academy two kic peoples of Soviet period were pare my little knowledge of Ot- what were we to do when the ship- of chocolates, which let me make East to the end of the Taklama- months before, and it was my first described vividly. I was very in- toman Turkish with Kazakh, and ping containers would arrive to Al- the first move to my future wife. kan Desert (if you go there you mission abroad. terested in this, and in autumn of later with the Uighur language maty? There were no contacts of The work as a referent on the is- never come back) through the In a small but decent airport 1991, when it became clear that of a neighboring Chinese region logistics companies, which would sues of culture and minorities first Dunkhuan oasis with its impres- built in Soviet baroque style, I the collapse of the called Xinjiang (with the capital forward our things from the station in the Hotel Kazakhstan and later sive cave drawings to old Chinese was greeted by the head of the to the apartments. We contacted in the embassy’s building was dy- capital Sian, then to Shanghai, administration of the German by satellite phone with the head of namic and interesting. I was able where a friend of mine met us. embassy, which was under con- After creating the Eurasian Economic Union the administrative department who to accomplish my task on “creat- I am grateful to my stay in Al- struction at that moment. In his and China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, looked out of the window and con- ing cultural security for German maty where I experienced the Rus- apartment, I had some strong firmed the availability of trucks on minority” only partly, and this sian cultural world for the first time. coffee and amazing blinis. Those old caravan routes of Central Asia became the streets of the city. But were the had been clear to me from the I was able to improve my experi- Russian crepes were baked by packers there? very beginning, because the ma- ence later in (2003-2006), Nelly, a Kazakh woman of Ger- economically relevant again. Everybody Finally, the problem was solved jority of them were packed and where I visited the source of the man origin who spoke fluent Ger- is excited about how this will affect its by a German-Polish company, ready to leave. At the same time, Volga River and Baikal. Now I am man. Later we went to the Hotel which earlier had been engaged surprisingly, the German theatre convinced that we can learn a lot Kazakhstan, which had been built transformation! I remember with pleasure in delivering assistance to Rus- could have been preserved for a from intercultural and interreligious for a UNESCO conference in sian Germans in the Soviet Un- long time, not without effort, of experience of peoples who live 1970s and stood out against the my first trip to Almaty 25 years ago when ion by instruction of the fed- course. We also managed to con- along the Silk Road, and therefore background of Almaty (Kazakh my professional career began at the German eral government. It provided us clude the first German-Kazakh we have to strengthen this dialogue. name of the city). with knowledgeable drivers and cultural agreement (I think, it is After creating the Eurasian For the first few months, our Federal Foreign Office, which also influenced trucks, and the Rhine transport still in force), which led to open- Economic Union and China’s advance team occupied several my private life. company helped us with packing ing and increasing the number “Belt and Road” initiative, old rooms of the hotel. There were and unpacking. of lecturers of the German Aca- caravan routes of Central Asia tables instead of beds in five or The last remaining question was demic Exchange Service (DAAD) became economically relevant six rooms. The first embassy of was inevitable and everything of Urumqi). On the plane, I read how to get there myself. Taking and German language teachers in again. Everybody is excited about Germany was ready! was leading to the creation of familiar words “Fasten seat belts” into account my basic knowledge Kazakh schools. I was especially how this will affect its transfor- The reception was also situ- new states, I made a quick deci- in Russian, which gave me hope of Russian, a trip across Moscow pleased to cooperate with Ka- mation! I remember with pleas- ated in one of these rooms. In the sion: I applied for a job in one of of improving my Russian skills. (arrival at the Sheremetyevo in- zakh archeologists. For example, ure my first trip to Almaty 25 afternoon, after a short rest in a the newly created German em- But at first, we were dependent on ternational airport, further flight in 1994, together with Professor years ago when my professional small corner suite (two rooms bassies in this region. Our then our interpreters, and I could not from the Domodedovo regional Etmar we managed to hold a mo- career began at the German Fed- with a big fridge), I was sitting at Minister of Foreign Affairs Hans resist the charms of one of them. airport) to the other end of the bile exhibition about cave draw- eral Foreign Office, which also the reception with our reception- Dietrich-Genscher, as is always However, the trip was not easy, big city did not sound so appeal- ings found along the Karakorum influenced my private life. ist. That is when I met my future the case, beat us, and in autumn and this question is still relevant ing to me (I estimated realisti- road in Central Asia. Visiting the wife who had just graduated from of 1991 visited Alma-Ata. Ap- in the context of the new Silk cally the support of the Embassy Golden man (full golden garb of a The author is a diplomat at the Institute of Foreign Languag- parently, the decision to open the Road (“Belt and Road” initia- in Moscow provided to young Scythian prince) served as the first the Federal Foreign Office of es majoring in German and Eng- German consulate was taken dur- tive): how to get from Bonn to colleagues travelling to Central step to the full-scale exhibition Germany. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 ATOM Project Honorary Athens forum emphasises Ambassador congratulates Kazakhstan’s role in Silk ICAN for Nobel Prize win Road of the 21st century remind the world about the tragic vironmental devastation caused By Dana Omirgazy consequences of nuclear weapons by nuclear weapons testing. The tests and to encourage the broad ATOM Project hopes to affect ASTANA – The International international community to take real and lasting change by engag- Campaign to Abolish Nuclear decisive action to finally ban it. ing millions of global citizens to Weapons (ICAN), having played This is exactly what our President permanently stop nuclear weap- a key role in bringing to approval Nazarbayev and Kazakh people ons testing and achieve a nuclear- by 122 countries of the Treaty on have been seeking to achieve since weapons-free world. the Prohibition of Nuclear Weap- 1991,” Kuyukov said. The ATOM Project was started ons, was awarded the 2017 Nobel Formed in 2007, ICAN is a Ge- by Nazarbayev, who shut down in Peace Prize on Oct. 6. neva-based global civil society co- 1991 the Semipalatinsk Nuclear As part of the coalition of organ- alition made up of 468 partner or- Test Site in the eastern Kazakh- isations forming the ICAN, ATOM ganisations, including The ATOM stan after the Soviet Union had Project Honorary Ambassador Project, in 101 countries. conducted more than 450 nuclear Karipbek Kuyukov congratulated In addition to The ATOM Project, weapons tests there over 40 years. ICAN and all the nuclear disarma- other partner organisations include The tests affected more than 1.5 ment partners it represents for the the Institute for Disarmament Pol- million Kazakh citizens, including recent announcement of the award. icy, Article 36, International Physi- many who, to this day, in the first “Having recently collaborated cians for the Prevention of Nuclear and the second generations, suffer with ICAN, I want to congratulate War, Norwegian Peoples Aid, PAX, early death, lifelong debilitating ICAN on its Nobel Prize and thank Peace Boat, the Latin America Hu- illness and birth defects. the organisation for its work with man Security Network (SEHLAC), Kazakhstan knows the horrors The ATOM Project and other non- Swedish Physicians for the Preven- of nuclear testing and, through proliferation partners to achieve a tion of Nuclear War and the Wom- The ATOM Project, has become a and, more importantly, strengthen- cussed expanding trade and eco- nuclear-weapons-free world. This en’s International League for Peace world leader in the non-prolifera- By Almasbek Zhumadilov ing security in the centre of Eurasia nomic cooperation. In particular, award truly brings to the fore the is- and Freedom. tion effort. and engaging Afghanistan in these Vassilenko invited Katrougalos and sue of nuclear non-proliferation and The Nobel committee awarded “Human suffering of victims ASTANA – The Economist and processes. Quick to lead business and political the hard work of ICAN members ICAN the peace prize for ICAN’s exposed to radiation, the environ- the Greek-Eurasian Business Coun- The Kazakh diplomat called upon delegations to Astana in the near around the world and others who “work to draw attention to the cata- mental degradation, and economic cil brought together over 500 rep- international transport and logistic future. are striving to remove the threat of strophic humanitarian consequenc- loss should never be forgotten. The resentatives of governments, uni- companies to consider cooperation The Kazakh diplomat high- nuclear weapons,” Kuyukov said. es of any use of nuclear weapons ATOM Project is an expression of versities, transnational and logistics with Kazakhstan and its national lighted cooperation opportunities The ATOM Project has received and for its ground-breaking efforts the strength of the people of Ka- companies in Athens Oct. 9-10 for companies, including the joint con- connected to Kazakhstan’s mem- the support of many anti-nuclear to achieve a treaty-based prohibi- zakhstan: in suffering, they found discussions on the development of struction of logistics terminals. bership in the Eurasian Economic activists in various countries of the tion of such weapons.” determination; in despair, they transport and the commercial flows The forum was an important event Union, and that of Greece in the world thanks to the cooperation “It is a great honour to have been found awareness; in tragedy, they of goods and services between Eu- for Greece and European countries, European Union. He called on his with the anti-nuclear campaign awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for found firm conviction of a better rope and Asia during the first of its as evidenced by the participation of Greek counterparts to complete the group, which started immediately 2017 in recognition of our role in world. While telling the stories of kind EU-Eurasia-China Business Greek President Prokopios Pavlo- ratification of the Kazakhstan-EU after Kazakh President Nursultan achieving the Treaty on the Pro- the survivors of nuclear tests, the Summit titled “Building Bridges poulos. In his speech, Pavlopoulos Enhanced Partnership and Cooper- Nazarbayev initiated the project hibition of Nuclear Weapons,” ATOM Project creates awareness from East to West”. noted the enormous potential for ation Agreement in the near future, on Aug. 29, 2012. said an ICAN statement released of the human and environmental Speaking at the opening panel developing Europe’s relations with which will open a new page in bi- “Since then, I have had the privi- Oct. 6. “This historic agreement, cost of nuclear testing, and acts as session of the event, Kazakh Dep- Eurasia and China, as well as the lateral relations. lege of regularly participating in adopted on July 7 with the back- a strong voice for millions of citi- uty Minister of Foreign Affairs Ro- need to support “regional integra- In the Greek Parliament, the sides ICAN events – in Oslo, New York, ing of 122 nations, offers a pow- zens all over the world united in man Vassilenko noted that due to its tion schemes in the wider Eurasian discussed the importance of build- Geneva and other cities around the erful, much-needed alternative to their desire to stop nuclear testing geographical position, Kazakhstan region, which should contribute to ing up a political, inter-parliamen- world. ICAN are real our com- a world in which threats of mass forever and to choose a different is crucial for the success of the Silk peace, growth and prosperity of the tary and cultural dialogue. During rades-in-arms, or rather comrades destruction are allowed to prevail future,” said Lassina Zerbo, ex- Road of the 21st century and was peoples.” the meeting, Grigorakos stressed against arms. I am pleased to real- and, indeed, are escalating.” ecutive secretary of the Compre- appropriately called by foreign ex- He stressed that “Greece as a Eu- that he was closely following posi- ise that our common efforts have The ATOM Project is an interna- hensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty perts a “buckle” in China’s famous ropean country at the crossroads tive changes in Kazakhstan and its finally received a worthy recog- tional campaign launched in 2012 Organisation at one of the events Belt and Road Initiative. of three continents, throughout multinational and multi-confes- nition on a global scale. I believe to do more than create awareness organised together with the ATOM Underscoring the interconnection its history has been open to com- sional society. that this award is an opportunity to surrounding the human and en- Project. of Nurly Zhol infrastructure devel- munication and interconnection of In his opinion, “over the past opment programme in Kazakhstan different countries and cultures by years Kazakhstan has travelled a and the Belt and Road projects, the land or by sea.” According to Pav- significant path to modern thinking, Kazakh diplomat informed that over lopoulos, Greece plays a key role sciences and innovations.” Speak- 2,500 kilometres of railways and in the efforts to establish economic ing about the Greek diaspora living about 4,000 kilometres of highways cooperation between the EU and in Kazakhstan, Grigorakos noted were built in Kazakhstan over the the wider Eurasian region. the importance of strengthening years since independence. Among According to Kazakh Ministry of friendship and the “living bridge” other important developments, ac- Foreign Affairs, as part of his trip that unites our countries. In this cording to Vassilenko, are the con- to Athens, Vassilenko also met with context, the Greek parliamentarian struction of the modern dry port his Greek counterparts, including expressed deep interest in studying Khorgos on the border with China Minister of Tourism Elena Koun- the experience of the work of the and modernisation and expansion toura; Alternate Foreign Minister Assembly of People of Kazakhstan of the Aktau port on the Caspian for European Affairs and co-chair and ethno-cultural centres. Sea. Vassilenko emphasised that of the Kazakh-Greek intergovern- Vassilenko noted the EU visa re- these efforts have created opportu- mental commission for economic gime simplification for the citizens nities for new “logistic gates” for and technological cooperation of Kazakhstan would facilitate a the transportation of goods through Georgios Katrougalos, Deputy closer dialogue between the coun- Kazakhstan to Europe and back and Minister of Foreign Affairs Terens- tries. He stressed that Kazakhstan have led to an increase in transit Nikolaos Quick; co-chairman of unilaterally introduced visa-free container traffic through the coun- the Inter-parliamentary Friend- regime for citizens of Greece and try 100 times in five years by 2016. ship Group Leonidas Grigorakos, all other EU countries from Jan. 1, He added the development of trans- as well as President of the Greek- 2017. According to the diplomat, continental transport routes carries Eurasian Business Council Spiros such a step would allow to increase an important added value in the Kouvelis. cooperation in the field of tourism form of strengthening the economic During the meetings at the Greek and bring significant economic ATOM Project Honorary Ambassador Karipbek Kuyukov. potential of the countries involved Foreign Ministry, the sides dis- benefits. EU, Kazakhstan launch second dual use goods export control project cation centre within Kazakhstan’s will help improve the safety ca- ticipating in the project, including Export control constitutes a “po- “Export control in each country By Assel Satubaldina National Nuclear Centre, ISTC Ex- pacity of countries involved in the government officials, together to litical, multilateral and event-driv- is ever changing along with the ecutive Director David Cleave told project, he added. engage in a thorough discussion en” sphere, said former Deputy changes in the security situation ASTANA – The European Un- The Astana Times, and among other An Oct. 12 international semi- of the current legal framework on Administrator for Defence Nu- of the country, the region and the ion, the International Science and objectives, the new project is meant nar marked the launch of the export control, institutional mech- clear Nonproliferation at the U.S. world. This is what makes export Technology Centre (ISTC) to- to raise awareness in the Central programme, bringing the best ex- anisms as well as new trends and National Nuclear Security Admin- control so challenging,” noted gether with the Kazakh Ministry Asian region on export control. pertise from EU and countries par- challenges in the field. istration Anne Harrington. Harrington, emphasising the dif- of Investments and Development “We want to use Kazakhstan’s ficulty of following a rapid evolu- launched Oct. 12 the second pro- leading role in Central Asia and tion in the field and the subsequent ject on export control of dual use utilise this identification centre as need for combining efforts of all goods and technologies, marking a training ground to learn and see parties involved. another step in strengthening the how to identify dual use goods and Though the exchange and im- long-term partnership and coop- export control techniques,” said plementation of practices is an Cleave. eration between the two sides. essential component of multilat- The EU-funded project seeks Setting up an academic course eral cooperation in the field, it is to enhance export control mecha- at universities that can foster the equally important to localise the nisms in Kazakhstan and beyond project’s capacity building aspect by building on the positive results is among the ISTC long-term ob- mechanisms, she added. of the pilot project EU P2P: Dual jectives as well. Accomplishing this task within Use Items for Jordan and Kazakh- “That will be available for peo- the context of dual use goods and stan, that started in 2014, and ex- ple like lawyers, government of- technologies is of particular im- panding the geographical scope ficials, certainly for those people portance, as these goods have both involving now eleven countries who can be involved in export civil and military application with – Afghanistan, Armenia, , control to understand what the the latter’s potential to be used for Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, risks are, what the areas, products, destructive purposes, said Har- , Pakistan, Tajikistan, techniques and technologies are rington, stressing the difficulty in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. that they need to look out for in identifying potentially dangerous Among other positive outcomes, order to mitigate problems of dual goods and technologies that “may the export control initiative resulted use,” noted Cleave. not look as dangerous on the sur- in the establishment of the identifi- In a long-term perspective, this Participants of the seminar. face.” B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Dimash Kudaibergen becomes face Almaty hosts I’m a Singer FC Kairat Almaty captures of national postal company B2 international music contest B3 for seventh time B7 Private investors to build glass Central Asia’s suspension bridge in Burabai mountains largest solar power

By Frol Leandoer

ASTANA – A glass suspension plant to launch in bridge is planned to be built in the mountains of the Shchuchinsk- Borovoye resort zone, Kazinform reported. Karaganda region “This project was initiated on by specialists of Karaganda State the Akmola region level, which By Zhanna Shayakhmetova Technical University. Several will be implemented with the experimental installations were involvement of private invest- ASTANA – A solar power plant developed and produced. They ments, not from the state budget. with a 100-megawatt capacity showed that significant energy The design and estimate docu- will open next year in Saran in the savings can be achieved during the mentation has not yet been de- Karaganda region. The facility, pilot tests,” said industrial and in- veloped, so I cannot say anything with 370,000 next-generation so- novative development department about the cost. … We will begin lar panels situated on 160 hectares, head Galymzhan Zhumasultanov to discuss the details when a po- will be the largest station in Cen- The projects using second gen- tential investor appears. We will tral Asia. eration biofuels and aluminium- also discuss the burden on the en- “Seven projects in the green en- fumed heaters are operating in test vironment, and the environmen- ergy sector have been introduced mode. The advanced biofuels were tal friendliness of the project. in the region. All the innovative developed by specialists at Buke- Everything will be taken into projects were presented at the tov Karaganda State University us- account,” Head of the Tourist In- Nur Alem national pavilion dur- ing perennial grasses as a raw ma- formation Centre Zhanat Nugu- ing EXPO 2017. Three of them terial. Developers are now seeking manov said. have already been implemented investors ready to support the pro- The suspension bridge will be to solve a number of issues,” said ject and bring it to production. De- stretched from Mount Bolektau to Karaganda region akimat (admin- signed for industrial and domestic the Rock of Tufelka. The length istration) press service head Aliya buildings, the aluminium-fumed will be about 230 metres, the tour- Syzdykova. heaters have a high coefficient of ism department reported. The projects involve a biogas efficiency. “According to the experience plant launched in Dubovka village Zhumasultanov noted universi- of building such bridges in other which uses organic waste technol- ties and development institutes se- countries, where they reach a ogy to produce electricity, heat lected the most promising foreign length of 500-600 meters, this is and organic fertilizers. Electricity developments among 35 presented quite feasible. There are similar generated from a small, 570-kilo- at the expo. The projects involve bridges in China and Japan over a lake of the same name, is Asta- otherwise actively engaged in their of the lake are extremely popular watt hydropower plant operating recycling and processing solid do- cliffs, which attract many tourists na’s closest getaway destination surroundings. among locals and tourists. at Intumak Reservoir is supplied mestic waste, energy saving and from different countries,” Nugu- and probably its most visited. The Lake Borovoye is only one of Burabai National Park, the zone to the Amangeldy village public energy efficiency and alternative manov added. area is a getaway both for those several lakes close to the village, of mountains that surrounds Lake networks through the Karaganda energy sources. The project is planned for 2018. who like to relax and look at great but it is considered the most beau- Borovoye, is perhaps Borovoye’s Zharyk power system. ABsalut “Six companies, including the Applications are being received views on their vacations and for tiful and distinguished by its size. major destination. The mountains Ecology, an innovative gas clean- Kazakhmys Corporation, Ka- from potential investors. people who need to burn off en- Located 70 kilometres from the that ring the lakes offer fun for hik- ing system, was also launched to zakhmys Smelting, Eurasian Borovoye, a village built around ergy swimming, hiking or being city of Kokshetau, the blue waters ers and climbers. address energy issues and purify Foods, Dala Mining, Kazgeology industrial emissions. and GorKomTrans, expressed in- “Two more projects are current- terest in launching technologies ly under implementation, includ- developed by foreign experts,” he ing the solar power plant in Saran added. and the hydrodynamic fluid media The projects are intended as part UNICEF highlights Kazakh government heater. The heater was developed of the Business Road Map. commitment to children’s well-being to accessing the services in select involving the needy groups of cess to social benefits and special Astana Toastmasters Club By Dana Omirgazy regions. The research, initiated the population in the coverage of social services. The factors imped- jointly with the Kazakh Ministry services and benefits, which, as a ing access include low awareness ASTANA – The United Nations of Labour and Social Protection, result, will solve the problems of of government support measures Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Oct. examined the obstacles faced by social ill-being,” he said. and the role of the social worker, helps improve public 5 roundtable focused on the chal- low-income and socially-vulnera- He noted the organisation ap- restrictive administrative rules and lenges of providing access to so- ble families. preciates the commitment of the negative attitudes towards children cial assistance and special social Kazakhstan recently completed government and its agencies to with limited abilities. Based on services for Kazakh families with a number of initiatives that have improve the well-being of children the study’s results, further recom- speaking, communication children. strengthened the ability to target in the country and implement so- mendations will be developed to Representatives of a number of and reach the services provided, cial programmes and initiatives ensure broad coverage. ministries, as well as non-govern- said UNICEF Representative in that take children’s and adoles- The participants also discussed mental and research organisations, Kazakhstan Yuri Oksamitny. cents’ interests into consideration introducing new standards for so- and leadership skills raised important questions about “At the same time, it is important depending on their age, needs and cial worker and visiting nurse ser- er self-confidence and personal providing such access to families to emphasise that targeting should aspirations. vices using the example of pilot By Zhazira Dyussembekova growth, and the Astana Toastmas- and children who face various so- be carried out not only by strength- The UNICEF study in Kazakh- projects at polyclinics in the Kyzy- ters Club (ATC) has generated cial and economic risks. ening the administrative rules for stan shows there are still categories lorda and Mangistau regions. The ASTANA – The first registered many fellow clubs in the country UNICEF officials presented the assignment of social services of children from socially-vulnera- projects have been accomplished Toastmasters Club in Central Asia and beyond its borders. the results of a study on barriers and benefits, but also by actively ble families who do not have ac- with UNICEF support since 2015. was founded in the capital in 2010 ATC currently has approximate- by Samat Panov and Asem Pan- ly 40 active members, with at least ova. The organisation is devoted 15-20 attending meetings joined to improving public speaking and by ex-members and about 10-20 leadership skills, as well as provid- guests. Entrepreneurship helps socially rehabilitated ing learning experiences for great- Continued on Page B8 THINGS TO WATCH & former prisoners and probationers PLACES TO GO is just enough to meet the needs of of Internal Affairs developed a plan Staff Report Sixty eight percent the correctional system. to introduce electronic bracelets for “Small and medium-sized enter- probation control which is com- NATIONAL MUSEUM ASTANA – Some of the actions of the convicts who prises (SMEs) are involved in op- pletely reoriented towards Kazakh September 8 November 20 Contemporary Arts and Crafts planned to help socially reha- erations of the enterprises within business. The programme is ex- of Kazakhstan, Exhibition bilitate former prisoners and citi- are able to work the correctional institutions. Since pected to be realised in 2018 as part zens in probation were reviewed are provided with last year, 274 SMEs have been of a larger project of partnership PALACE OF PEACE AND HARMONY by Minister of Internal Affairs paid positions. This transferred to the management between the state and private sector. Kalmukhanbet Kassymov during of former unoccupied productive “We are planning the introduction October 21 at 6 p.m. Yuri Bashmet and Moscow the Sept. 25 (lower house enables them to pay enterprise areas, where currently and use of electronic monitoring of of Parliament) government hour. more than 3,000 convicts are em- people who are on probation con- Soloists, concert The government is not only in- for various claims ployed. Thirty-four convicts have trol. This is about the introduction terested in providing vocational exercised their rights for running of so-called ‘electronic bracelets.’ ASTANA OPERA training, but also in employing such as damages, a business and became entrepre- Annually, approximately 6,000 convicts while they serve their alimony and fines, neurs. Some convicts are engaged people will be under control via October 22 at 6 p.m. Sleeping Beauty, ballet sentences, he said. Enbek, the state in household work and serve at those bracelets,” said Kasssymov. October 28, 29 at 6 p.m. La Bayadère, ballet enterprise under the jurisdiction of and send material the correctional institution they He added the ministry refused to the penitentiary system committee, are in. Currently, 68 percent of the purchase the bracelets due to the is currently handling the issue. help to their families. convicts who are able to work are expense for the budget. BARYS ARENA “The production and potential provided with paid positions. This “We were offered Russian and October 30 at 7.30 p.m. HC Barys - HC of our enterprises are not great; within the correctional enter- enables them to pay for various Israeli bracelets. However, who November 1 at 7.30 p.m. HC Barys - HC Slovan the existing conditions are tough. prises have mastered producing claims such as damages, alimony will deal with post-purchase ser- Today, with a competitive market metalworking and woodworking and fines, as well as send material vice and maintenance? Who will economy, it is hard to achieve full products, construction materials, help to their families,” he said. do this? We followed a differ- ASTANA BALLET employment of the convicts. How- garments and other goods. Manu- Developing entrepreneurship in ent path. A factory with Japanese November 4, 5 at 6 p.m. In the Middle, Somewhat ever, this problem is being pur- facturing agricultural items has correctional institutions is not the equipment was built in Talgar and posefully solved,” he added. been established in a number of only way business and the institu- this programme is going through Elevated, ballet Kassymov reported entities institutions. The production scale tions are connected. The Ministry expertise now,” he said. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 Dimash Kudaibergen Bal Tekstil brings country’s carpet becomes face industry to international level Pile thread is made from polypro- By Zhazira Dyussembekova pylene, but polypropylene has to be purchased in Russia. We tested of national postal ASTANA – Bal Tekstil has been trial batches of raw materials in professionally manufacturing Pavlodar, but their samples did carpets and rugs in Ontustik, the not fit; the fluidity is low and you South Kazakhstan region’s special cannot make a thread for carpets company economic zone, since 2011. Dur- from such polypropylene. Now, is a new Kazakh singing star en- ing that time, the company has they want to build a gas processing joying a tremendous popularity not only developed its production plant in Atyrau. If its polypropyl- abroad. He is enjoying particular and implemented yarn-making ene is suitable for us, we will pur- popularity in China, after debuting technology, but has signed a sup- chase raw materials there which, in January and placing second on ply contract with IKEA, Sweden’s of course, will reduce the cost of a popular Chinese singing contest international home furnishings re- production,” he added. television programme. tailer. Iskhakov has been involved with Chair of the Board of Kazpost “In the world, 95 percent of car- carpet wholesaling since 1994. Saken Sarsenov spoke about Ku- pets are synthetic, because they Although he devised the idea of daibergen as the company’s new look better; they are more practi- manufacturing in the early 2000s, face Oct. 9, calling him a “young, cal and cheaper than natural ones. the concept did not become a re- talented and very promising” singer. This is important, as people began ality for nearly a decade. In 2011, “We are pleased to inform about to change the interior more of- together with Turkish company forbes.kz Photo credit: our cooperation with Dimash Ku- ten,” said Bal Tekstil director and Kartal Hali Tekstil, he registered Bal Tekstil director and founder Talgat Iskhakov. daibergen, a world star, who made founder Talgat Iskhakov, noting the new company in Ontustik and corporate, land and property taxes Bal Tekstil started exporting car- incredible progress in his profes- the factory uses polypropylene to began making carpets in October and imported raw materials are not pets in 2015 when the rate was 12 produce its carpets, according to 2013. subject to customs duties. The six- sion in a short period of time and percent. In the first three months of forbes.kz. “The state has created a special hectare land was given to us for 10 once and for all left his mark in 2016, the indicator reached 20 per- “Carpets are woven from three economic zone in South Kazakh- years rent free; then, we will need music history. His creativity unites cent. At the same time, the compa- kinds of threads. The transverse stan to develop carpet production to buy it at the cadastral value. In people across the globe and this ny started suppling IKEA. The fac- warp thread is jute, which is pro- as well as other things. The enter- addition, in Shymkent the labour is reflects the main idea of our com- tory was required to complete six pany – connecting people from duced in Bangladesh, where we prises on the territory of the spe- cheaper and the climate is mild,” buy it. A longitudinal thread is a cial economic zone were provided said Iskhakov. checks during an 18-month period different cities and countries and to become the first local company striving for innovation, techno- mixture of cotton and polyester. with the road, gas, sewerage and Bal Tekstil not only manufac- We import it from India or China. water supply. …. We do not pay tures carpets and rugs, but also the to cooperate with the Swedish logical efficiency and high quality brand. The first batch of 100,000 service,” said Sarsenov. necessary yarn, making it the only such facility in the country. Imple- square metres was manufactured The cooperation with Kudaiber- menting German technology has in April 2016 and the carpets are gen is expected to be “fruitful and allowed the company to cut prices sent to China, Russia and the Unit- interesting,” noted Sarsenov as he by 20 percent. The 20-person de- ed States. Photo credit: Kazpost press service Kazpost press Photo credit: announced the news on his Face- sign department creates hundreds “When choosing suppliers, we book page. Staff Report of classic, national, modern and are guided by the IWAY code, Kudaibergen, in turn, said he is other patterns and the factory pro- whose requirements include the an active user of the company’s ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s na- duces more than a dozen different conduct of transparent business, services, as he continues receiving tional postal company Kazpost types of carpets. compliance with legislation, en- presents and letters from fans all “We define types of carpets not suring proper working conditions has signed Kazakh popular singer around the world. by pattern, but by density; more for own employees and taking care Dimash Kudaibergen as the face “I am pleasantly surprised by the precisely, by the number of knots of the environment,” according of its brand, according to the com- level of service and the pace of de- in one square metre, the thickness to IKEA’s Russia and Common- pany’s press service. velopment of our post,” Kudaiber- of the thread and the height of the wealth of Independent States (CIS)

Born in Aktobe, Kudaibergen gen wrote on his Instagram profile. baq.kz Photo credit: pile,” he said. press service. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 Almaty hosts I’m a Singer international music contest Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, this project, each of us contrib- By Dana Omirgazy reaching an audience of more utes to the development of the than 250 million. music industry of our countries. ASTANA – I’m a Singer, an Eighteen-year-old Assylzat When singing songs, we share international vocal competition, Ayap is representing Kazakh- cultural values and abilities,” he is being hosted this fall by the stan on the popular show. said. Almaty Akimat (city adminis- “I am happy that I will be Kyrgyzstan’s charismatic con- tration) and Channel 31. The able to convey through the mu- testant Nursultan Raimbekov is project, aimed at promoting sic the rich musical heritage of making his first foray into the modern Kazakh culture abroad Kazakhstan and introduce other international arena. and increasing the city’s tour- countries and other nations to “It is an honour for me to par- ist draw, is part of the Ruhani our culture. It’s not for noth- ticipate in this contest. For the Zhangyru (Modernisation of ing that they say that music is a first time in my life, I am rep- Kazakhstan’s Identity) pro- song of the soul and the history resenting my country in such a gramme, and, in particular, its of the whole people,” she said. large project. The contest gave Contemporary Kazakhstan Cul- Aitugan Gaizullin, of me the opportunity to acquire ture in the Global World project. Bashkortostan, expressed “great not only spiritual, but also cul- The contest features profes- gratitude” to the host nation for tural affinity. I learned about sional vocalists throughout Ka- the chance to be part of the in- the most important things in the zakhstan and other countries, ternational show. culture, customs and traditions according to organisers. The “Thanks to this project, I of Kazakhstan,” he said. competition is being broad- gained a lot of experience and The show, involving 18 con- cast on the main TV channels became popular in my country. testants performing world hits, in Russia’s Bashkortostan and I met friends and supporters. I airs every Sunday at 9 p.m. (lo-

Tatarstan, as well as in China, Tengrinews.kz Photo credit: believe that by participating in cal time). Qazaqstan TV New television channel kicks off starts broadcast in Kazakhstan The ON! Pyatnitsa TV channel Staff Report airs in major cities of Kazakhstan and is also available through cable of Silk Way Star ASTANA – The ON! TV Chan- and the AlmaTel Kazakhstan satel- nel has launched a joint project lite network with the ALMA TV with Russian channel Pyatnitsa! to trademark. air some of Pyatnitsa!’s most pop- “The presence of cognitive contest ular programmes in Kazakhstan. and entertaining programmes media persons of the participating “The strategic partnership is of the TV channel Pyatnitsa! in By Zhazira Dyussembekova countries. starting the renewed brand ON! the country’s television will be a Kazakhstan is represented by Pyatnitsa. The audience of the challenge for local producers, the ASTANA – The national TV Aikyn Tolepbergen, who is widely channel will be able to access Py- answer to which will be the im- channel Qazaqstan has launched known in the country. atnitca! TV channel’s most popu- provement of the quality of their Sept. 30 broadcasting of the in- According to Karin, the project lar programmes, such as Revi- own production and, as a result, ternational music television is an original work, not a franchise zorro, With Knives, Food, I Love the increase of the professional show Silk Way Star. Artists from of foreign shows. It is wholly fi- You, Secret Millionaire, Battle of level of specialists. It is extremely between one of the first private ists and contemplators will be nine countries will compete dur- nanced by Qazaqstan. the Restaurants and many others. important that not only public but TV channels in Kazakhstan and launched.” ing the 12 weeks until the end of The winner’s title will go not The channel will please fans of also private TV channels evolve the Russian Pyatnitsa!. “Cooperation with the most dy- December. only to the most talented perform- favourite projects with premierEs, in their desire to give the viewer According to the ON! Pyat- namically developing channel of “Here we are making emphasis er, but also to the country he rep- as well as numerous shows for any a more modern and high-quality nitsa channel’s general director Russia will help us improve, make on the promotion of modern Ka- resents. Broadcast of the TV show taste that have not aired this TV television product,” said Gleb Aida Tatayeva, “shows for trav- new demanded local content in the zakh art; they [participants] are is being held in all participating season yet,” the project initiators Shagun, Russian media manager, ellers, those who advocate for future, and progress for the benefit given the task to perform the best countries. said. the initiator of the collaboration the quality of service, for activ- of the viewer,” Tatayeva added. Kazakh hits. Also, they will be It is expected the final show will performing songs in their own lan- be a gala concert with the best per- guages and in English,” said Chair- formances of participants and in- man of the Board of Qazaqstan vited stars. First Astana Media Week takes place mendous development of social By Assel Satubaldina networks and the internet and the subsequent emergence of new eth- ASTANA – The first Astana Me- ical dilemmas.” dia Week kicked off in the capital The event will build ideas and city Oct. 4, bringing major media intellectual and creative activities, corporations and production com- the minister said, which carry with panies together to set up partner- them the power to drive rapid de- ships and draw attention to salient velopment in the industry. issues in the nation’s media indus- The platform is also unique, ac- try. cording to Askar Ashimov, general Organised by the Ministry of director of Kazakhstan’s major Information and Communication, media outlet Qazaqstan TV, as it the three-day event incorporating allows for direct contact between talks, meetings and seminars is clients and production companies, part of the government’s efforts to which previously was not the case. Radio and Television Corporation According to the channel’s web- support the modernisation of Ka- “Here you can see the products Yerlan Karin, according to today. site, the goal of Silk Way Star is zakhstan’s identity as instructed by and get to know which product to kz. to promote the development of the President Nursultan Nazarbayev. buy or whether it interests us. I Professional singers from Ka- culture and traditions of the Tur- Unmatched in Central Asia, believe we need to continue [the zakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, kic-speaking countries through the Astana Media Week seeks to boost event] further,” Ashimov told The Dauren Abayev Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, music of the peoples united by the media industry development and Astana Times. Tajikistan and Russia’s Bashkor- Great Silk Road. promote business interaction with- The channel has embarked on so many production companies are entire region,” Abayev continued. tostan and came to Al- “The audience will have a in the industry at the regional level. a new season, but has set more working in Kazakhstan,” he noted. “Holding such a large-scale event maty to take part in the produc- unique opportunity to support Minister for Information and ambitious goals than in previous tion. According to news reports, their favourites, as well as to feel Communication Dauren Abayev “We believe that the week will is a natural consequence of the years, especially after Qazaqstan four episodes have been already the culture of other countries. We opened the event calling it a become a revolutionary event increasing attention of the state TV’s recent comprehensive and shot. One of the conditions of par- understand that, at the end of the “unique experience” for all par- every year playing an important and society to problems in the large-scale rebranding. ticipation is that the singer should project, these nine artists will be ticipants, including 93 production role in building close partnerships field of mass communications. It “None of the channels did such be already known in his country. real stars,” commented Adam Me- companies, 15 national and seven between journalists, media hold- is not only about media, but also major rebranding and we were also The jury also consists of well- dia Plus General Producer Dinara foreign TV channels. ings, media and various ministries informational interaction between one of the first to switch to Latin- known musicians, composers and Adam. “It was a big surprise for us that not only in Kazakhstan, but in our authorities and society, the tre- based spelling,” he added.

by Pyotr Bulakhov. Ramzat Bal- the Chamber Hall is conducive to akishiyev will perform famous creativity, any meeting with the romances, Madina Islamova will audience is a gift for us soloists, Astana Opera presents classic romances present works by European com- and we all look forward to this mu- works of Russian composers, the offered to the public,” said Asta- Laureate Raushan Beskembirova posers,” Beskembirova said. sical evening,” she said. By Yerbolat Uatkhanov works of Frederic Chopin, Franz na Opera’s Musical Consultant prior to the concert. Also, the young creative gen- Yelena Ganzha added that the Schubert, Manuel Ponce will be and International Competitions Astana Opera presented the bril- eration of Astana Opera, Nazym heartfelt and at the same time pas- ASTANA – Astana Opera fans liant romances by Mikhail Glinka, Sagintai, Madina Islamova, Ma- sionate gypsy romances affected had an excellent opportunity to who was a major influence on such lika Minisini, Ramzat Balakishi- the finest strings of the soul. Vocal time-travel to the 19th and 20th greatest composers as Alexander yev, Shyngys Rasylkhan, Narul numbers alternated with instrumen- centuries, when great romances Dargomyzhsky, Nikolai Rimsky- Toikenov and wonderful inter- tal music. A promising violinist were created. Talented artists per- Korsakov, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, preters of the romance genre Ye- formed the best samples of this whose works were included in lena Ganzha and Aizada Kapono- Meirzhan Kenesbayev presented P. soulful genre in the Chamber Hall Astana Opera’s programme. va, also presented their art to the Tchaikovsky’s Waltz-Scherzo. of the capital’s opera house on “The old romances will be pre- audience. A harmonious combination of Oct. 11. sented and the premiere perfor- Mezzo- Malika Minisini beautiful melodies with the in- “We are happy to turn to ro- mance of the magnificent compo- highlighted that she is very happy to spired poems of the Silver Age of mance once again. This concert sition by Vladimir Bakaleinikov be a part of Astana Opera’s team. She Russian Poetry created the poetic will be held within the framework will take place. Astana Opera added every artist of the team does atmosphere of the evening. The of the ‘Bel Canto Musical Salon’ could not ignore such popular his or her best in the opera house. host of the concert was musicolo- series, where, along with the work as ‘Burn, My Star, Burn’ “The wonderful atmosphere of gist Saule Mauletova. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 NSC to establish antiterrorist headquarters monitoring Caspian Sea terrorism, regulating issues to en- ground linked to committing terror- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov sure timely responses and suppress- ist attacks in the region. To ensure ing terrorist acts committed against safety, however, the committee must ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Na- marine economic activities on the take all necessary measures, includ- tional Security Committee (NSC) continental shelf or naval vessels. ing protecting land and non-terrestri- plans to expand the network of anti- “As of today, such work is com- al objects. terrorist headquarters in the country pletely done by the National Secu- “As you know, we have many by establishing an operational naval rity Committee’s Border Service. offshore deposits such as Kashagan headquarters controlling the Caspian If necessary, we interact with other and artificial islands. Gas and oil Sea. The draft law has been pre- law enforcement agencies, as well are produced under the conditions sented and is expected to come into as with the armed forces. But con- of high temperatures and great pres- force in early 2018. sidering that the threat of a terrorist sure. These are so-called ‘terrorist “To date, all headquarters that attack in the world, as you can see, vulnerable objects’ and we must operate in the state cover only the is growing, we need to create the ap- protect them. We must foresee in ad- terrestrial territory. We do not have propriate headquarters to strengthen vance and not decide something in a staffs on the sea side. Therefore, coordination. There will be a leader hurry,” he said. legislatively, we want to consolidate and this leader will be empowered to He added the number of people at the possibility of carrying out anti- Zhanara Karimova Photo credit: make decisions on the ground; that the headquarters will be determined terrorist measures at sea,” said Na- services or representatives of cor- effective for consolidating groups to draft during the Sept. 29 Ministry of is, to declare an anti-terrorist opera- separately for each individual op- tional Security Committee Deputy responding departments in the field, counter terrorist acts on offshore fa- Justice interdepartmental commis- tion. Such a leader will be able to use eration, although financial allocation Chairperson Daulet Yergozhin at a allowing them to create appropriate cilities or sea-going ships or simply sion meeting. The document con- forces and means to eliminate prob- for staffs is not provided. The bill, briefing. headquarters and give matching in- to suppress terrorist activities in the siders the legislative norm aimed at lems that may arise,” he said. according to the NSC plans, is ex- He noted the need to give appro- structions to state bodies to support region. creating a permanent maritime oper- At the same time, Yergozhin in- pected to be adopted by the end of priate powers to domestic border the project. The headquarters will be Yergozhin presented the concept ational headquarters for combating dicated there is currently no back- the year. KASE to bring Iranian investors to open sausage together startups production plant in nor) of the East Kazakhstan region feel uncomfortable, we must cre- the enterprise with raw materials Staff Report with the lead- ate all the necessary conditions are being considered. In addition, ership of the Agro Portal Kazakh- to conduct the preparatory work the Iranians expressed their readi- and investors ASTANA – Iranian producers Iranian company. in the shortest possible time,” ness to equip their own feeding compliance with the single-win- are set to open a plant for non- The modern plant will be built Akhmetov said. grounds. By Aigerim Bulambayeva dow system, which will provide waste meat processing in Semei, within the Ondiris industrial zone The head of the region said third A contract agreement and is- investors with the information according to the press service of in Semei and process the meat of parties working in the industrial sues related to land allocation are ASTANA – The Kazakh stock concerning startups – the sector the East Kazakhstan region’s aki- small and large cattle, produce zone may use a railway branch expected to be worked out by the exchange KASE will present start- of their work and the amount of mat (administration). canned meat and sausage prod- that will be laid under the Business end of October. State agencies are ups to potential investors in early investments to be attracted. Only The project was discussed at a ucts. Roadmap 2020 programme. He expected to approve the project in 2018, said Yevgenyi Mukhamed- registered entrepreneurs will be meeting attended by Akim (Gover- “The Iranian partner should not added that questions of supplying early 2018. zhanov, managing director of the allowed to enter the platform. This stock exchange. excludes a large stratum of those, Mukhamedzhanov added that who have brilliant ideas, but have KASE will adopt the practice of nothing solid to offer to the inves- other exchanges to create an infor- tors,” Mukhamedzhanov said. mation system to bring together KASE will cooperate with busi- University to produce solar generators in Shymkent entrepreneurs, business incubators ness incubators that have already the demand for such installations, Education and Science and inter- concentrated methane from renew- and investors. undertaken project expertise, the Staff Report and memorandums have already national funds. able energy sources, as well as the “There are investors who are Atameken National Chamber of been signed that will help to put He has also said that during production of environmentally ready to be officially introduced to Entrepreneurs and akimats (region- ASTANA – South Kazakhstan the development into production,” the expo a number of scientific friendly thermal insulation materi- the market and show their readi- al and city administrations). Inves- State University plans to begin said Myrkhalykov. projects were presented by the al. In general, for all the submitted ness to invest. However, they are tors, in turn, will be obligated to re- manufacturing mobile solar power According to him, now there university, including the develop- projects and developments of the not that many. KASE has experi- ceive accreditation from the stock generators in Shymkent, Universi- are also procedures for the design ment of technology and model- university, decisions were taken ence and expertise, which ena- exchange, but it will be given on ty Head Zhumakhan Myrkhalykov of the university’s project for the ling of the micro-bubbling biogas on commercialisation and further bles the search of investors and liberal terms at the initial stage of announced at a recent government contest of the Kazakh Ministry of treatment process to obtain highly promotion, he added. interesting projects to be effec- the platform development. KASE press conference. tive. We do not want to substi- has a commercial interest in the de- “Our mobile solar power instal- tute other agents, we want to help velopment of startup platform. lations are designed to provide development of startups,” said “We have a model for the mon- electricity to remote villages and Mukhamedzhanov. etisation of this project, but it is farms; they differ from common Exchanges worldwide are be- deferred for now. The main source models by the features of a con- ing more proactive in connecting of income for such platforms is structive solution,” he explained. businesses and investors, such as the accreditation of investors and The mobile solar power instal- creating startup and crowdfunding the percentage from the value of lations were presented at EXPO platforms. For example, the Thai- transactions that took place there,” 2017, where they caught the atten- land stock exchange is expected to explained the KASE managing di- tion of researchers from the Fraun- launch a startup platform this year. rector. hofer Institute for Solar Energy Larger stock exchanges, such as He added that foreign investors Systems (ISE) and other special- NASDAQ and LSE, have had are interested in Kazakh startups ised research centres in Germany. startup platforms a long time ago. due to the proximity to the Rus- “Soon we will put [in operation] Mukhamedzhanov noted that, as sian and Chinese markets, but the production of these mobile so- a rule, those platforms attract not they are not willing to invest un- lar units in Shymkent. Our German only local but foreign investors. til they see there is a pool of local colleagues were in the region, at

“Our platform will work in investors. the university, they were studying primeminister.kz Photo credit: KazAeroNavigatsia Shoemaker highlights concerns to open training hindering domestic producers poor marketing practices as a po- “Retailers ‘taught’ Kazakh cus- on domestic industry growth,” By Aigerim Bulambayeva tential reason for the unsatisfac- tomers to buy foreign products. It she noted. tory space allocated for domestic is as if we were invisible to them. Khassanova also spoke about centre for aviation ASTANA – Kazakh manufac- manufacturers. The share of the local shoe indus- the company’s future, including turer Zhamal-ai has been making “We manage to carry out the try in the market is small. It has not questions of expanding and ex- footwear for more than 20 years. orders. We are engaged in sales increased for the past years,” she porting goods. specialists Company director Zibira Khas- through our dealers here in Ak- said. “Planning to expand within Ka- sanova recently spoke about the tau as well as in Astana, Aktobe, Despite the hardships experi- zakhstan’s market is already an come a regional institute, where obstacles faced by the country’s Atyrau and Ozen. However, peo- enced by local producers, Khas- ambitious plan, let alone exporting By Inga Selezneva aviation specialists from all coun- producers, limitations on the do- ple in Kazakhstan are used to buy- sanova indicated there are cer- overseas,” she said. tries of Central Asia will improve mestic shoemaking industry and ing cheap shoes. When they look tain advantages to being a shoe She added Kazakh footwear ex- ASTANA – KazAeroNavigat- their knowledge and effectiveness the firm’s plans for the future. at our prices, they become unwill- producer in Kazakhstan. During ists mainly due to governmental sia plans to open a training centre of their work. The centre will in- Zhamal-ai strives to create high- ing to buy our shoes. They think the 2008-2009 and 2015 crises, orders. Demand for private orders for aviation industry workers in troduce aviation training tech- Astana, said KazAeroNavigatsia nologies based on ICAO courses. quality leather products at reasona- that if something is domestically the government undertook a is low and it is hard for domestic General Director Azat Bekturov Close cooperation with world civil ble prices, she said, noting domes- produced, it must be sold at a very plan to help domestic manufac- producers to compete with foreign at a recent regional symposium on aviation organisations, as well as tically produced shoes are superior low price, almost for free. Actu- turers. companies. She suggested increas- the training of aviation specialists establishing a partnership with ex- to those imported from Turkey be- ally, the prices for our products are “Describing the company’s ing their competitiveness level by the International Civil Aviation isting recognised institutions in the cause of the lower price. The com- not high, taking into account their condition during the 2008 crisis may involve enhancing the coun- Organisation (ICAO) organised field of professional training will pany cooperates with Intertop, one quality,” she said. as ‘hard’ is not enough. However, try’s raw materials market for light here. be one of the factors of the suc- of the nation’s biggest retailers in Khassanova based her forecast even the crises had their positive industry. “Taking into account the mod- cessful operation of our training the shoe market. for this year’s market on Zhamal- sides. It was during the 2008 cri- “The raw materials market of ern challenges of civil aviation, centre,” he concluded. “We have been actively working ai’s sales. sis that the government obliged light industry are not developed we want to expand our capabilities Deputy Chairperson of the Civil with Intertop for two years now. It “Overall, we are at the same governmental companies to buy in Kazakhstan and it is one of the to provide the industry with high- Aviation Committee of Kazakh orders our shoes on a regular basis. level as we were last year. I cannot domestic products. Before that most compelling issues. We have quality specialists, starting work Ministry for Investments and De- We like cooperating with it, yet the say that this year’s results would policy, we had to compete with to import all the raw materials on the creation of an advanced re- velopment Toty Amirova noted scale of the order is not big,” said significantly differ from the results international companies that had from abroad,” she said. gional training aviation centre in that financing for the centre has Khassanova. for last year,” she said. certain advantages due to the She also noted disadvantageous Astana. Its construction is planned not been determined but KazAero- She added the Kazakh shoe in- She described the Kazakh foot- economies of scale. Of course, credit terms offered by the banking to begin next year,” Bekturov said. Navigatsia will fund part of the dustry is undermined by custom- wear industry as “steady,” but not this policy will not last forever, sector as a hindrance to growth for “We plan that the centre will be- project. er’s expectations and suggested necessarily in a positive way. but it had a strong positive impact domestic producers. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 Work continues on bill to cut Kazakh investor business regulations, costs developing blockchain

By Zhazira Dyussembekova

ASTANA – Relaxing controls smartphone on businesses and other changes sacrifice data privacy for a better to a draft law on business activi- By Assel Satubaldina user experience, yet the Sirin Labs ties, “On amendments and addi- team intends to develop a smart- tions to certain legislative acts of ASTANA – Sirin Labs company phone that will ensure both at the the Republic of Kazakhstan on chaired by prominent Kazakh in- highest level. improving regulation of entrepre- vestor and businessman Kenges The Finney smartphone will neurial activity,” were discussed Rakishev is developing a smart- operate in an independent block- at an Oct. 3 government meet- phone and PC running on block- chain network running on Android ing, during which the Ministry of chain technology. and the company’s open source National Economy and the Prime Founded in 2014 by Rakishev Shield operating system required Minister’s Office were instructed together with Israeli entrepreneur for a phone to be able to perform to submit the bill to the Mazhilis and investor Moshe Hogeg and Tal blockchain operations and support (lower chamber of Parliament) by Cohen, the company seeks to be- blockchain applications, including the end of the month. come the world’s leader in “secure cryptocurrency wallet, secure pay- The new system of inspections and required supervision identified One of the most significant loads Regarding cutting costs, leg- open source consumer electronics ments and transactions, decentral- will differ from the current system as redundant or inefficient are to on business is a large number of in- islators are looking at costs con- for the blockchain era.” ised application store and P2P re- in focusing on preventing legal vi- be abolished, and verification re- formation tools. According to the nected with obtaining technical In 2016, Sirin Labs presented source sharing module with other olations without initiating admin- quirements are to be reduced. results of an inventory, more than conditions for connecting natural its flagship product – an ultra- Finney smartphones. istrative punishments, explained As Kazakhstan works to deregu- 1,600 information requirements monopoly entities to engineering secure Solarin smartphone worth With the initial price standing at Kazakh Minister of National late and reduce barriers to business for business have been identified, networks, reducing the rates of $14,000 and among other features, $999, the smartphone will come Economy Timur Suleimenov at the operation, reduce business costs many of which are duplicated by certain taxes and fees and meet- equipped with advanced hardware with a 5.2-inch display, 256 GB meeting. “One of the main inno- and stimulate entrepreneurship, control functions or with forms ing environmental regulations. and software technology as well as memory storage, 8 GB RAM and vations of the bill is the introduc- the bill will impact a number of the of state statistical reporting. It is Reducing costs will affect such encrypted messaging and calling 16 MP camera. tion of preventive control. Such state’s larger goals, including re- planned to reform the information areas as technical regulation, mechanism. The funding is carried out through reform should radically change the forming state control and supervi- tools required of businesses and construction and public procure- The second line that is currently a crowdsale event launched in Oc- mentality and behaviour of inspec- sion activities, developing self-reg- reduce their number by 30 percent, ment. In general, it was noted that in development is named Finney tober with an aim to raise $75 mil- tors to the policy of preventing ulation, identifying and eliminating according to a statement on the work aimed at reducing business in honour of software engineer and lion to develop a smartphone and offenses from the current policy norms that hinder competition, de- government’s website. costs will continue on a system- a bitcoin pioneer Hal Finney who a PC and additional $25 million of detection and punishment. The veloping business support meas- Work to optimise and simplify atic basis. passed away in 2014. to develop Shield operating sys- principles of interaction between ures and improving Kazakhstan’s the licensing system for businesses Also, in order to create a com- The company noted that at pre- tem for other consumer electronics business entities and the state position in the World Bank’s Doing continues. In 2016, required per- petitive environment, the draft law sent, many smartphone developers manufacturers. should be effective state regulation Business rating and others. mits were slashed by 50 percent, proposes a number of amendments of entrepreneurship with a priority In total, the bill introduces about from 708 needed permits to 316. aimed at eliminating norms that of preventing violations.” 1,000 amendments to 13 codes and Further changes have been pro- impede competition identified dur- A number of control mechanisms 103 laws. posed. ing an audit of relevant legislation. Kazakh TV presents We celebrate life, learning and success unique show about ethnic every day, says QSI Astana director musical compositions An average QSI school oper- work offered in U.S. high schools. pate twice annually in MAP testing their words and now only music By Zhanna Shayakhmetova ates with only 170 students, as the “Our students actually earn U.S. with 1,400 international schools, By Yerbolat Uatkhanov tells about those amazing events of administration maintains a small college and university credit here. with our students scoring above the past. ASTANA – With the new classroom size of 15 or less. We are 77 percent expatriate with the U.S. average at every grade ASTANA – Kazakh TV starts a school year in full swing, The “QSI Astana is almost full serv- a wonderful Kazakh community level. We are also the SAT testing unique project “Legends in Music” Astana Times interviewed Qual- ing just under 300. We serve all of 23 percent. One out of four site,” he noted. about ancient art of kui (traditional ity Schools International (QSI) ages and have not only a full sec- students are native English speak- The school building, situated on musical composition) and kuishis, Astana director Jay Loftin about ondary programme, but are now ers from the U.S. with a total of five hectares, includes classrooms, the best musicians of the nation’s mastery learning, teaching in mul- an AP Capstone School offering 30 percent from English speak- computer labs, two science labs, folk music. Kazakh songs and ticultural classrooms and why ac- the highest American high school ing countries. Whilst most of our two libraries with 14,000 volumes, music have always reflected the creditation matters. diploma possible,” he said. teachers come from public school a cafeteria, an auditorium and a ancient history of the people, its Founded in 2005, QSI Interna- The school has 54 full-time fac- experience, they would tell you large gym with two basketball feelings, hopes and dreams, grief tional School of Astana offers a ulty, including 24 teachers and that the small classrooms, well- courts, indoor climbing wall and and joy. This vast sea of expressive mastery-learning programme with paraprofessionals. defined curriculum and attention numerous playgrounds. melodies amazes with the beauty, a curriculum similar to that of U.S. “Our teachers come mainly from to the individual makes us success- “I have had the privilege to work diversity of subjects and genres. pre-kindergarten-grade 12 pub- North America, but we have many ful,” said Loftin. in Russia, Finland and Central Eu- Aikumis Seksenbayeva, the General Producer of Kazakh lic and private schools. The QSI people who have more than one The school hosts family events rope as well as my home state of TV highlighted the uniqueness schools in Kazakhstan – Almaty, home. From Maryland, a profes- throughout the year including fall Mississippi. Coming from a hot of Kazakh traditional kuis, say- Atyrau and the capital – provide an sor of physics who is also Filipino; festivals, back to school nights, climate, I have lived now for over ing, “Music is an important part English language education for lo- from Virginia, a teacher who was author’s nights and competitions 15 years in cooler and very cold of Kazakh culture. Kui is a song cal citizens and expatriates living born in Belarus; a former rodeo in mathematics, debate, Model climates. Astana is by far the cold- without words and this fact espe- in the international community. star and middle school teacher United Nations and a wide variety est but also the brightest, bluest cially makes the perception of the “Like my travels, I have worked who is from Oregon; a world-class of sports. The school also sponsors sky of any place I have lived. It is music deeper. So the composition in diverse schools as well. I served ski instructor who teaches art; one organisations that support orphan- a fantastic and very large country. can have a great story behind and private, public, boarding and na- family with fourteen grandchil- ages and recently worked with I have only begun to explore and tional schools in Russia and Fin- dren, two families with seven youth with Down syndrome. The you have to use your feelings or there is so much to see,” said Lof- imagination to understand the nar- land and now I am in my 10th children; a kindergarten teacher school is the only one in the capi- tin. year as a QSI school director. This from New England who is a pro- tal with an Interact Club, a high rative.” “Families find QSI the best She said that 12 series can show Traditional music is the richest school by far is the most interest- fessional bluegrass musician and school version of Rotary Club, the choice because of our mastery ing and rewarding I have ever QSI teachers who have come from largest worldwide service organi- only a tiny part of this cultural phe- treasure of cultural heritage, serv- learning approach and small class- nomenon, as there are hundreds of ing as a monument to the epochs served. With 37 nationalities and a QSI schools in as many as three sation. rooms,” he added. “We have very group of Kazakh students who are other countries we serve. We have “International schools hold not kuis and all of them belong to dif- and centuries of the Kazakh peo- strict criteria for new students and ferent periods of time. ple’s history. Kuis reveal the sub- above the U.S. average in reading, Kazakh professionals who also only national accreditation, but though we are the hardest school writing and mathematics, it is a teach and serve our school as well should also be internationally ac- The TV show crew made a great tle feelings of the human soul and many students have ever attended, research work. The best musicians nature, reflecting, as well as pos- phenomenal experience every year as British, Indian and other nation- credited. We are Middle States we are usually considered the most to see students graduate and go alities in our family,” he added. Association (MSA) accredited, of the country participated in the sible, the complex spiritual world caring. Beyond the classroom, creation of every episode. Talented of . to some of the finest universities One of the school’s main advan- which is an accreditation body rec- every teacher contributes an hour in Kazakhstan, Europe, Asia and tages is the Advanced Placement ognised in Kazakhstan and many artists worked on unique illustra- The project will bring together weekly for an afterschool club, tions. So every episode is finished the sound of the most popular kuis North America,” said Loftin. programme, the highest course- international schools. We partici- sports, music, arts and chess. We by an original kui to provide an and composers, including Zhap- have a bright and beautiful campus opportunity to enjoy the composi- pas Kalambayev, Kurmangazy, and we start the morning with mu- tion. Dina Nurpeissova, Tattimbet and sic in the great hall. We celebrate The main task of the show is Kali Zhantleuova. life, learning and success every to acquaint TV viewers with the A kui is not only a melody with a day.” national music in all its diversity, complex rhythm and peculiar mu- Loftin noted failure is something volume and significance as well as sical sound, but also a play – deep they do not accept, because if a stu- enrich knowledge about the unique in content and form told by the dent is unable to do the work, her creativity of kuishi artists. language of music. It reveals the or she will be placed at the level In ancient times, music was state of the person’s soul and his or where the individual can succeed. heard everywhere: in the bound- her experiences and reflections on “Failure is not an option. That’s less Kazakh steppe, at noisy fairs the meaning of life. The tradition why our motto is ‘Success for and bazaars, in poor and rich yurts of the art included an oral narra- All’ and its model is based on a (Kazakh mobile houses). Ringing, tive. Kuishi described the content methodological and practical ap- triumphant music opened celebra- of a kui and the occasion for which proach. We have U.S. students tions and met the birth of a child, it was written. Therefore, before who find our school very challeng- while sorrowful, mournful sounds playing the performer offered an ing and we have Kazakh students followed a person to his or her explanation about the history and who are superior to students who grave. theme. Time, however, has sepa- come from the U.S. We are a better Before playing kui on the dom- rated oral creativity from instru- school than American schools and bra, kuishis talked about its con- mental performance and only a that’s something that sometimes tent, ending the narrative with the few performers accompany their surprises our students from the traditional phrase: “Now, listen to play with a preliminary story. U.S. We celebrate Kazakh culture how tells this.” The TV channel aims to pro- through language. While many do Fine legends connected with mote national culture and show go abroad and study, we are pre- music have survived, retaining re- its unique character for viewers paring Kazakhs to lead Kazakh- markable images of antiquity and around the globe. All episodes of stan and bring the world home,” the names of the authors who cre- “Legends in Music” are available Jay Loftin (R) and QSI students. he said. ated them. Over time, the kuis lost to watch on www.kazakh-tv.kz. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 Taldykorgan – city with rich history and bright future named for Iliyas Zhansugurov, a By Aigerim Bulambayeva famous Kazakh poet born in the re- gion’s Aksu volost (district). Built ASTANA – Taldykorgan, the in 1907, the wooden structure with administrative capital of Almaty a remarkable green colour is now Region, is a city on the rise. Indi- an architectural monument and viduals representing nearly 70 dif- protected by the state as a histori- ferent nationalities and ethnicities cal heritage. live in peace and harmony and its The city also has a drama thea- rich history and bright future make tre, regional library, the Almaty it an interesting location for resi- regional museum of local history, dents and visitors. several parks and two cinemas. Originally a hamlet inhabited by Russian and Ukrainian immi- grants, Taldykorgan was officially Sports established in 1868 as Gavrilovka. There is a cult of healthy life- Its history, however, dates to the style among the locals with ninth century as evidenced by Zhastar Sports Complex, Zhetysu the remnants of settlements and Stadium, five swimming pools and City administration building. The Kapchagai reservoir as seen from the Almaty-Taldykorgan road. burial grounds. Taldykorgan is Ka- more than 30 gyms offering vari- ous choices for physical activities. zakh for “a willow hill” and their One can take a taxi from the lat- between the city and Almaty. The leaving locals with few options. same name. Taldykorgan’s rise as The sports complex, known for its presence blocks extreme winds, ter for approximately 2,000 tenge station was built in the mid-19th Some immigrated abroad, while an emerging regional centre is due distinct architecture and function- alleviating its sharply continen- (US$5.80) and enjoy a two-hour century and is soon slated for reno- others moved to bigger cities to its convenient geographic loca- ality, holds national and interna- tal climate and making the city a ride observing the region’s pictur- vation. like Almaty. The population of tion and transportation links and tional competitions. A comfortable Several bus routes connecting pleasant place to live. In addition esque nature. 124,500 dropped to 97,996 by the housing and market basket prices to their practical function, the trees hotel, numerous sports facilities, Taldykorgan with other cities and The airport in Taldykorgan, end of the decade. are low in contrast to those in Al- also have an aesthetic role, as the 14 gyms, martial arts practice halls smaller towns are also available. built in 1946, was reconstructed The situation has changed dra- maty. The recent trend has result- first thing tourists notice is the and rooms for dancing and aero- in 2004. Though this is the fast- matically as Taldykorgan is con- prevalence of green. bics are at the athletes’ service. ed in an increase in the number of est route, the options are limited to Future tinuing to grow and develop. In families moving to Taldykorgan Scat, the only carrier in the territo- Taldykorgan experienced a rapid just a few years, new micro-dis- not only from the regions, but also Culture Getting there ry, which operates flights to Astana and continuing decrease in popu- tricts and residential complexes from larger cities like the south- Some buildings in Taldykorgan The most convenient and, con- and Almaty. lation during the difficult years of have been established, such as ern capital, expanding its popu- are dating to early 20th century, in- sequently, the most popular road Taldykorgan also has a railway the 1990s. Factories were closing Zhastar district and Karatal mi- lation this year to approximately cluding a regional literary museum to Taldykorgan is through Almaty. station, but train travel only runs and unemployment was rampant, cro-district along the river of the 172,000. Expedition to Zhetysu’s sacred places documents history, promotes tourism the significant sites in the region Sept. 18 to Sept. 23, the Assem- of the event and head of the Al- of unity and social harmony; and As the first phase of the expe- By Aigerim Bulambayeva between Sept. 18 and Sept. 23. bly of the People of Kazakhstan maty Secretariat of the Assembly education of youth in the spirit of dition came to its end, it brought “The rector of Zhetysu State in cooperation with Zhetysu State of the People of Kazakhstan, ex- patriotism,” explained Tursynbai. some tangible results. ASTANA – To raise awareness University Kuat Baimyrzayev University, conducted a scientific plained. The route map of the expedition “The first phase of the expedi- of the sacred and cultural sites of proposed to organise a joint pro- and educational expedition under The decision was made at a was drawn around sacred sites of tion ended with satisfying results the Zhetysu region – and the tour- ject aimed at introducing and ex- the theme ‘Zhetysu – a sacred regular meeting of the scientific- the region identified by historians as the participants visited all sa- ism potential they represent – an ploring sacred places in Almaty place with a strong spirit,” Gabit expert group of the region, he and geographers at Zhetysu State cred places, historians and sci- expedition travelled one by one to region. Thus, in the period from Tursynbai, one of the organisers said. University. It started in Taldykor- entists kept diaries and records The House of Friendship, a mu- gan, followed by Kerbulak, Pan- on the roads of their ancestors. nicipal government agency that is filov, Sarkand, Alakol and Aksu Based on the results of the scien- part of the assembly, funded the regions. tific and educational expedition, a expedition. The expedition group Similar expeditions have taken book, which will consist of two consisted of 40 participants, place in the area, but Tursynbai volumes, and a map of sacred among them the management explained that this event was both places are being prepared for and staff of the aforementioned inclusive and deeply local. publication. They are expected university, as well as members “Every nation and civilisation to attract both local and foreign of the assembly and the House has its own sacral sites that are tourists to the Almaty region in of Friendship, university scholars common for each individual within the future,” Tursynbai shared. and students, chairs of ethnocul- the community. Those sites are the Although the first phase of the tural unions, media reporters and sources of spiritual traditions. The expedition was quite successful, directors. uniqueness of this particular ex- the expedition group experienced The ultimate goal of bringing pedition is that in a course of one some difficulties during their together this group of experts and week, participants were able to see exploration, including technical enthusiasts is to promote Zhetysu first-hand beautiful sacral places breakdowns. region. with rich history located in Kerbu- “The participants had a 1,200 “The main objectives of this lak, Panfilov, Aksu, Sarkand and kilometres-long ride through the expedition are the identification, Alakol regions, such as Genghis Altyn Emel and Koilik passes study and account of the sacred Khan’s Hill, Akbastau Springs and and Kapal Mountains. Howev- places of the Zhetysu region; the healing mineral spring Naiza- er, despite those conditions and collection of oral stories and leg- tapkan, as well as to meet and talk physical fatigue, the participants ends; implementation and clarifi- to local people,” he explained. enjoyed the trip. Having vis- cation of the main provisions of The expedition is long-term ited revered religious objects as the presidential programme [to and consists of two phases. The well as sacred places, associated modernise Kazakhstan’s identity] first was held in September; the with historical personalities and to the population of Almaty re- second one is planned for 2018. events, each participant discov- gion; preservation of cultural and The second stage will also be ered something new and amaz-

Photo credit: advantour.com Photo credit: historical objects; strengthening week-long. ing,” said Tursynbai. Improving guest services should entice more travellers from China simplify and facilitate delivering cord $261 billion in global tour- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova group tourism visas to the country. ism spending. The document provides countries “There’s been a positive trend ASTANA – The Eurasian Tour- with the status of recommended of a gradual increase in the flow of ism Association recently an- destinations for Chinese tourists. tourists from China to our country nounced plans to launch Salem “This makes it possible to signif- for several years. It’s much better China, a unique international pro- icantly increase the flow of tourists than the sharp rapid growth of the ject to entice tourists from the na- from China, but, of course, not im- tourist flow, as we are now able to tion and promote the friendliness mediately,” she added. monitor the situation and offer the and hospitality of locals, reported Kazakhstan sponsored a number necessary comfort. A 72-hour vi- Kapital.kz. Kazakhstan has de- of events in China highlighting sa-free regime during EXPO 2017 fined that country, India, Iran, and its tourism potential. Karabayeva positively increased tourism activ- Russia as focal markets to attract noted the Journey through Ka- ity,” said Karabayeva. visitors. zakhstan’s Great Silk Road fes- Several forums dedicated to “The project aims not only to tival to be held in November in tourism development involving adapt the tourist market to the Almaty and Almaty region as well government agencies and tour- needs of tourists, but also to in- as Zhambyl and South Kazakh- ist industry representatives were struct local tourism industry em- stan regions. The fair is aimed at sponsored in both countries. ployees on how to behave with attracting representatives from “The Kazakhstan-China Tourism Chinese tourists, how to promote the Kazakh and Chinese tourist Forum was held with the participa- Kazakhstan’s tourist potential in industries and reporters and busi- tion of more than 300 people in China and attract tourists to the ness delegations from Azerbaijan, Astana in 2016. The annual tourist country,” said Eurasian Tourism Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan forum was also held in Beijing this Association President Rysty Kara- and other Commonwealth of Inde- May. Chinese provinces presented bayeva. pendent States (CIS) countries. the tourist potential of the regions The plans include introducing According to China’s Nation- at the expo. This year, Kazakhstan Chinese menus in restaurants, Chi- al Tourism Administration, the held several road shows in China. nese cable TV channels and news- number of citizens visiting other Such events are already becoming papers in hotels and informational countries exceeded 135 million a good tradition and contribute to signs in the language. in 2016. The nation occupies first the development of relations be- Kazakhstan and China signed place in the number of outbound tween our countries in the field of an ADS memorandum in 2015 to tourists and its travellers set a re- tourism,” she added. expo2017astana.com Photo credit: B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 Barys fifth in Eastern Conference Team Kazakhstan finishes following one third of KHL season last in FIFA World Cup Barys then went to the season’s longest away run of six games, from which the Astana club brought 10 points. In , Bar- qualification group ys defeated the East’s leader HC Avangard 4:3 even playing with- out its leaders, the team’s and forward Nigel Daws and the most experienced defender Kevin Dallman as both had minor inju- ries before the match. Back home to Astana, Barys in its shortest home series defeated Kunlun Red Star in – 4:3 and lost to Amur – 1:3. As of today, Barys is placed fifth in its conference. With 67 goals, Barys is the highest scoring team Kazinform Photo credit: in the East, and the roster’s captain ball following a volley from the Nigel Dawes has scored 18 goals By Anuar Abdrakhmanov right flank for the Kazakhs’ only in 18 games. score. This autumn, Barys is led by a ASTANA – Team Kazakhstan “I have no complaints as to [my new manager Yevgeny Koreshkov will not be advancing in the 2018 players’] determination and fight- who is not afraid of experiments, in FIFA World Cup qualifying cam- ing spirit. There were individual particular, trying new squad com- paign. The team, which ended mistakes, of which we are aware, binations and entrusting younger their quest with a 3-1 away loss to and the mistakes led to missed players with more play time. All Romania and a 1-1 home tie with goals. Of course, we will need to this is encouraging for the Astana Armenia, finished at the bottom of work hard on them. We had a few matches or more than one third of first position in the KHL’s Eastern club’s fans. its group with only three points. good moments, but we did not play By Ilyas Omarov the scheduled matches of the regu- Conference for some time. Then Barys plays its next game Poland earned a direct ticket to the well for 90 minutes,” said Boro- lar Continental Hockey League’s the team slowed down slightly, los- onOct.O 18, against Admiral final tournament in Russia next dyuk. ASTANA – Following two (KHL) Championship. ing points in home games against , which will round up year and Denmark will head to the Facing Armenia Oct. 8 at Asta- games played last weekend, HC Barys had an impressive start Dynamo Moscow and SKA Saint- the Kazakh club’s shortest home European zone’s play-off. na Arena, the hosts started well Barys Astana has completed 22 this season and even occupied the Petersburg. series of this season. The first match, contested Oct. and had a number of good chanc- 5 in the central Romanian town of es. Murtazayev and midfielder Ploesti, turned out to be especially Azat Nurgaliyev shot from advan- challenging for Kazakhstan. Due tageous positions but lacked ac- to a number of injuries and sus- curacy. The Armenians responded pensions for yellow and red cards with several dangerous strikes of FC Kairat Almaty captures Kazakhstan from previous matches, manager their own from outside the pen- Aleksandr Borodyuk had to make alty area. Loria made some good a few forced changes in the na- saves, but he was helpless when tional team’s line-up. Arguably Manchester United midfielder Cup for seventh time the most notable was the absence Henrikh Mkhitaryan had a one- mistake and went one on one with fore the end of the game. Gou took come a long way to the finals. We of goalkeeper and captain David on-one with the goalkeeper to By Anuar Abdrakhmanov goalkeeper Zhasur Narzikulov, advantage of the Atyrau defenders’ expected that we would control Loria, who was replaced by Stas make the score 1-0. who, however, showed his saving howler and scored – 1:0. Kairat the ball and lead but also expected Pokatilov. Kazakhstan attacked more in the ASTANA – Football club Kairat skills. continued to pressure and had a counterattacks from Atyrau. After The Kazakhs started actively, second half. Some tactical changes Almaty claimed the Kazakhstan In the second half, Kairat con- few more chances to consolidate we scored, they got more active. delivered a few attacks, won more introduced by the team’s coaching Cup for the seventh time in front tinued to have the upper hand. their advantage, but the score nev- We also had some more chances, challenges and tried to control the staff seemed to have worked, as of 10,400 spectators on Oct. 14 Midfielder Magomed Paragulgov er changed. but could not turn them into goals,” ball. The hosts, however, proved Turysbek soon equalised the score at Aktobe city’s Central Stadium made a long ranger that tested the “I want to congratulate my play- said Head Coach of FC Kairat Car- superior. Midfielder Constantin after a pass from Murtazayev. All with a 1:0 win over FC Atyrau. goalkeeper’s vigilance. Almaty ers. I also want to congratulate the los Ferrer. Budescu struck first, capitalizing the other efforts by both teams, Kairat were recognised as firm players eventually scored once be- Atyrau team, because they have “First of all, I would like to on mistakes by his opponent’s however, were futile. favourites ahead of the match. thank my players for their dedica- goalkeeper and defenders. Kazakh “I think the match was good They began justifying those ex- tion. I think they played very well. team forward Roman Murtazayev and featured quite a few scoring pectations by dominating the pitch We made an individual mistake, then tripped an opponent in his chances for both teams. I would from the earliest minutes. Kairat’s but I would not dwell on that. We own box and Budescu like to thank our fans, because we main star player, attacking mid- failed to use our chances. Kairat doubled the lead. were criticised a lot recently. So, it fielder made a took advantage of theirs. I want The visitors tried to cut the was important to please those who dangerous long ranger, but the ball to thank our fans who came here deficit in the second half, but to came to the stadium to cheer for us passed above the net. Atyrau’s for- and cheered for the team. We felt no avail. It was the Romanians, and make them proud. Judging by ward Sikimic Predrag responded their support. We wanted to give however, namely striker Claudio the way they saw us off, we could with a threatening strike, handled the cup to Atyrau as a present on Keseru, who celebrated the next say they were glad and this is the well by the opponents’ goalkeep- the City Day, but, unfortunately, it goal following his team’s string- most important thing for us. Al- er. Before the half-time whistle, did not happen,” said Acting Head ing counterattack. Eight minutes though we did not win, we brought Kairat’s forward Gerard Gou took Coach of FC Atyrau Kuanysh Ka- before the final whistle, midfielder some joy to our fans and this is

advantage of the Atyrau players’ fckairat.com Photo credit: bdulov. Baurzhan Turysbek headed the what we play for,” said Loria. Kazakhstan hosts second round of Confederation Cup By Anuar Abdrakhmanov tors from other regions no chances of winning when competing at home ASTANA – The qualifying stage and, thus, won the tickets to the semi- for the second Confederation Cup final stage of the Confederation Cup tournament draw was held Oct. 13 2017. It is worth noting, though, that in Kazakhstan. The uniqueness of Almaty regional team in Greco-Ro- the tournament is due to the fact that man wrestling included members of it concurrently hosts competitions in the National Team of Kazakhstan in four kinds of sports: Greco-Roman the classical struggle – a silver med- as well as freestyle wrestling, taek- allist of the 2017 World Cup Demeu wondo and judo. Zhadyrayev and a two-time winner Qualifying stage of group A, which of the Asian Heavyweight Games included teams from the Almaty, Nurmakhan Tynaliyev. Pavlodar, Akmola and West Kazakh- Within the framework of the 2017 stan regions, took place last week Confederation Cup, entrepreneurs in Taldykorgan. Those regions seek and sports enthusiasts presented a to identify the best ones in Greco- new car to a new world champion Roman and freestyle wrestling, taek- Demeu Zhadyrayev. wondo and judo. Competitions in Judo competition was accompa- these sports were held concurrently. nied by an acute struggle as well. Representatives of the Confederation Pavlodar and Atyrau regional teams of Combat Sports and Power Sports fought to make it to the finals. In the and the Almaty region management end, Atyrau region representatives participated in the opening ceremony celebrated victory. The score of the of the tournament. meeting was 3:2. “I consider this as a celebration Earlier on Oct. 7, the qualifying of sports. Representatives of various stage of Group D, which included sports gathered together to demon- teams from Zhambyl, Akmola, strate their skills to the fans. The for- Kyzylorda regions and Almaty city, mat of the tournament is interesting took place in . and, I think, Confederation Cup has a The Confederation Cup estab- bright future,” noted bronze medallist lished last year. The total prize in taekwondo at the 2008 Olympics money amounts to 125 billion tenge Arman Chilmanov. (US$374.75 million). The final stage Almaty regional teams in the of the Confederation Cup is planned Greco-Roman and freestyle wres- to be held on Dec. 2-3 at Baluan tling and taekwondo left competi- Sholak sports palace in Almaty. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 First pictures of light rail train system revealed sation of the capital city’s public transport system along with the introduction of new buses and new ticket payment system. With the LRT in place, the Astana city administration seeks to bring the city’s transportation system to a new level modernising the infrastructure and introducing advanced international technolo- gies against the background of the city’s growing population that this year grew 13 percent and totalled 1.1 million. The first stage features the con- struction of 22.6-kilometre light rail line that will connect the air- port and new train station with 19 trains passing through the city’s 18 main sites, including Nazarbayev University, Abu Dhabi Plaza cur- rently being built near the Baiterek Tower. Yet, at this stage, the LRT will service only the left bank of Astana. With the maximum speed reach- service Construction press LRT Photo credit: ing 80 kilometres per hour, the LRT near the city’s new train station. LRT train. LRT capacity stands at 146,000 people per day. The trains will be The project’s cost is estimated at at 2.5 percent per annum. All con- By Assel Satubaldina system in Astana is underway and presented Oct 3. the first pictures adapted to harsh weather condi- $1.9 billion that Kazakhstan bor- tractors are from China as well. LRT Construction company, a of the LRT design. tions in Astana, especially in win- rowed from the Chinese Develop- The first stage of the LRT is ASTANA – The construction of subsidiary of the Astana city ad- The construction of the LRT is ter, according to the company’s ment Bank for the construction of scheduled to be commissioned in a new light rail transport (LRT) ministration running the project, part of a comprehensive moderni- press service. the LRT for a period of 20 years December 2018. Five new public gardens, one Astana tests park to open by end of year Finnish environmental Nuraly Yelibayev, the press ser- of the public garden on Seifullin and boulevards will be built in the By Dana Omirgazy vice of the city akimat (adminis- Street has started. places of the dilapidated housing, tration) reports. The budget for city improve- two boulevards will be in the Al- ASTANA – Five new public “This year we are completing ment for the next year has not yet maty district, another one will be monitoring system gardens and one park will be cre- the construction of one park along been approved, but the park plans in the Saryarka district,” Yelibayev bayeva. Due to the solar panels, ated in Astana by the end of the Zhalayiri Street in the territory of are expected to be included. In concluded. By Zhazira Dyussembekova the sensor also has low power con- year. At least 962.5 million tenge the Almaty district. It is planned 2018, a park in the Koktal residen- Last month, city residents sumption. (US$2.82 million) was allocated to build public gardens on Birzhan tial complex with an area of 15.4 cleaned up parks, squares and ASTANA – Kazhydromet has She noted the importance of hav- this year for the construction of Sal Street, along Zheltoksan Street hectares and 11 facilities, namely public gardens on 3.7 million been testing an innovative envi- ing an extra set of meteorological parks, boulevards and public and Suvorov Street, a public gar- three boulevards and eight squares, square metres and planted 9,571 ronmental monitoring technology parameters for this type of equip- gardens in Astana, according to den along Tayelsizdik Avenue and will be built to replace dilapidated seedlings of trees, such as red which Finland presented at EXPO ment in addition to air quality sen- representative of the city De- along Koshkarbayev Street,” Yeli- housing. willow, Tatar maple, pine, birch, 2017. If successful, the system sors. When determining pollution, partment of Natural Resources bayev said. “In accordance with the akim’s oak, Lombardy poplar and moun- might be introduced on all city the direction and speed of the wind and Environmental Management He added that the reconstruction (mayor’s) order, public gardens tain ash. posts, said weather service labora- and other environmental param- tory head Dana Amanbayeva dur- eters must be known. ing a government press conference. Some shortcomings were also re- “The Vaisala sensor was installed vealed during the test period. The July 11 on the automatic air quality monitoring system does not have control sensor to adapt and com- sensors to determine hydrogen sul- Capital Park named CIS’ best amusement park pare data with Russian-made in- phide and nitrogen oxide, important Winter Olympic Games,” accord- struments currently used to monitor components for air control in large Staff Report ing to the department press release. air quality in Astana,” she noted. cities. Vaisala plans to finish develop- Stolichniy Park was recognised Kazhydromet has been cooperat- ing the sensors by the end of the year. ASTANA – Stolichniy (Capital) for its multifunctional appeal, with ing with Vaisala Group since 2005. The enterprise will continue the Park, which attracts 500,000-one a beach, outdoor pool area, and ski- The Finnish partner presented the tests until the spring-summer of million visitors annually, won the roller track in addition to other at- automatic AQT-420 atmospheric 2018. During this period, adapting Best Outdoor Amusement Park tractions in the area. The park is di- air quality sensor, which automati- the sensor to Kazakh weather con- award at the 15th Khrustalnoye vided into a waterside, central alley, cally measures the concentrations ditions will be checked, as well as Koleso (The Crystal Wheel) con- four rock shelters with a mosaic in- of pollutants such as nitrogen di- comparing the data received with test in Sochi. terior, fountain and an Olympic area. oxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur the data from the current automatic “It’s a result of many years of Entertainment events including dioxide, ozone and PM-2.5 and gas analysers. PM-10 suspended particles, at the hard work aimed at developing sports activities, and non-sporting international exposition. leisure and cultural attractions in healthy alternatives were held dai- The main advantages of the sen- the capital. This is the first award ly during the summer for children and adults. sor are its size and the fact it can in the large-scale category and we be installed anywhere in the city. The contest was held in a forum decided to dedicate this prize to There is no need to use a separate format, with entertainment indus- the 20th anniversary of our capi- L–R: Housing and communal services state fund director Yerken Kassenbekov, plot of land, the common practice Astana akimat culture, archives and documentation department head Bolat try representatives from various tal,” said city akimat (administra- for the Russian sensors currently Mazhagulov and housing and communal services state fund deputy director countries sharing their experiences tion) culture, archives and docu- Gani Khasenov. in use. The Finnish models can be mentation department head Bolat and attending educational semi- installed on a pole or wall or roof Mazhagulov. tertainment and leisure industry located in Moscow, Minsk, St. Pe- nars. The event was held at Sochi of a building. In addition, they have The contest, the only one of its leaders in the Commonwealth of tersburg, Tbilisi and other major Park, the largest park in Russia and high accuracy with an error rate of kind in the region, attracted 162 Independent States (CIS). cities except for Sochi Park, which the CIS with more than one mil- 1-3 percent, which is the best indi- participants to recognise the en- “This category included all parks was built in 2014 on the eve of the lion visitors yearly. cator for such devices, said Aman- Astana Toastmasters Club helps improve public speaking... Continued from Page B1 focusing on what was done right Clubs have formed in Almaty, sk and Ust-Kamenogorsk, all by He shared his personal experi- I did not understand what was go- and what could be improved. Atyrau and Kashagan. Some request of local American Cor- ence in ATC. ing on: who are the speakers, why “Club meetings are held eve- ATC’s target audience is re- ATC members have been in- ners. “My first time in the club left are they speaking, who are all of ry Saturday at 12 o’clock in the cent graduates, young profession- volved in opening new clubs in “We or Toastmasters Interna- a controversial impression: from this people around me and what is American Corner and every other als and older people who want Kazakh cities such as Aktobe, tional don’t open new clubs, we one point, I understood that this is the point?? I do remember some- Thursday in the PwC office at 7:30 to improve their public speaking Karagandy, Kostanai, Pavlodar, can only help people open their about something related to public one tried to explain to me how it p.m. The precise schedule is usual- and leadership skills with a good Petropavlovsk, Shymkent, Ural- own,” said Bazaraly. speaking, yet from the other side was all working, but for me it was ly provided via social media, such level of English proficiency, said like the first meeting of Robinson as Facebook and Instagram,” said Bazaraly. Toastmasters Interna- and Friday and I was Friday. Yet, I ATC President Kanat Bazaraly in tional suggests members be at least wanted to speak as some speakers a recent interview with The Astana 18 years old. and share my ideas with someone. Times. The local club does not have That is why I stick around and con- Regular ATC meetings usually branches, he noted, but helped tinue my journey. Time has passed begin with a prepared speech ses- open and establish a few other and ATC has become a consistent sion, where all orators practice groups such as those at Naz- part of my life which allows me their performances in advance arbayev University and Samruk to meet interesting people who al- on a topic of their choosing. It is Kazyna. ways want to achieve more – more followed by a table topic session, “Every Toastmasters club is a from themselves (but not always where anyone can answer master part of Toastmasters International, for themselves),” he said. questions. The meetings end with which has around 16,000 clubs in As for the future, the club plans an evaluation, where each speaker the world. Even today, anyone and to grow or establish a district club, receives suggestions from other anywhere can open a Toastmasters which, according to Bazaraly, will members. club: Toastmasters International provide a better understanding of According to the club’s website, requires only few things, such as Toastmasters mission, effectively there is no instructor; instead, each having at least 20 members in or- manage the clubs’ organisations speech and meeting are critiqued der to be officially registered,” he and allow participation in world- by a member in a positive manner, added. wide Toastmasters competitions.