0 /-5°C Wednesday, march 11, 2015 No 5 (71) www.astanatimes.com FM Idrissov President Nazarbayev Congratulates Kazakhstan’s Discusses Women on International Women’s Day EU-Kazakh Cooperation in Brussels By Altair Nurbekov

BRUSSELS – Foreign Minis- ter Erlan Idrissov of Kazakhstan headed his country’s delegation to the 14th meeting of the Kazakh- stan-European Union Coopera- tion Council in Brussels on March 3. Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, which holds the EU Council presidency until July 2015, and Alain Le Roy, secretary-general of the European External Action Service, led the EU delegation. The talks focused both on the growing bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and the European Un- ion and on the new EU Strategy for Central Asia that is currently being President Nursultan Nazarbayev met with prominent women from all over Kazakhstan in the Akorda presidential residence on March 6 to personally congratulate them on the International Women’s Day. developed at the initiative of the Latvian EU presidency. By Malika Orazgaliyeva icy is improving the welfare of birth rates, noting that 400,000 from a lack of food. Four hun- of parliament) Deputy Gulzhan “The visit of the President of Ka- women. children were born last year. dred million people suffer from a Karagussova, Mazhilis Deputy zakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, to ASTANA – President Nursultan “The Kazakhstan 2050 Strat- He also reminded participants shortage of water. Thirty military Irina Aronova, tennis player Za- Brussels in October 2014 further Nazarbayev held the traditional egy and Nurly Zhol state pro- that this year marks 24 years of in- conflicts take place on the planet rina Dias, women’s boxing world underlined the importance we at- meeting dedicated to International grammes are aimed at [ensuring] dependence for Kazakhstan. every year and 40 people are be- champion Nazym Kazybai, vol- tach to our relations with Europe. Women’s Day with prominent the prosperity and wellbeing of “The time flew like a flash, be- ing killed in those every hour. leyball player Sabina Altynbekova And the November visit to Ka- women from all over Kazakhstan Kazakhstan. The wellbeing is best cause all of us were busy at work. Therefore, we must treasure the (who became famous in Asia re- zakhstan of Maroš Šefčovič, the in the Akorda presidential palace felt by women. They can see it in Today, we see the results. We have internal stability of our country,” cently due to her anime-like look) vice president of the European on March 6. their children, on their tables and built a state that is recognised and Nazarbayev explained. and other prominent women of the Commission for Energy Union, Participants of the meeting rep- through the support of the govern- respected throughout the world,” At the end of the meeting, the country. highlighted many opportunities for resented a variety of sectors, in- ment,” the President noted. Nazarbayev said. President presented the “Altyn Kazakhstan is a leader in Cen- the further development of mutually cluding the economy, the social Nazarbayev stressed the growing The head of state noted that the Alka” (Golden Pendant) and “Ku- tral Asia in terms of gender equali- beneficial economic cooperation,” sphere, culture, sport and public activities of women in the country. economy is developing dynami- mis Alka” (Silver Pendant) awards ty, said head of UN Women Elaine Idrissov said, underlining the signif- service. He noted that today the majority cally due to the stability in the to the mothers with more than sev- Conkievich at a meeting with icance of the completion of negotia- In his speech, Nazarbayev of civil servants are women, as are country. en and six children, respectively. Abdykalikova at the Akorda on tions last year on a draft Enhanced congratulated his guests on the 75 percent of people employed in “Today, according to data pro- The event was attended by Sec- March 3. The county was ranked Partnership and Cooperation Agree- International Women’s Day and healthcare, 65 percent in education vided by the United Nations, 800 retary of State Gulshara Abdyka- 32nd out of the 136 countries ment (PCA) and a document on Ka- wished them happiness, health and 40 percent in business spheres. million people are suffering from likova, Minister of Healthcare and ranked in the World Economic zakhstan’s accession to the World and prosperity. He noted that Nazarbayev drew attention to the hunger. Each year, 30 million Social Development Tamara Duis- Forum’s 2013 Global Gender Gap Trade Organisation (WTO). one of the priorities of state pol- country’s continually increasing adults and 6 million children die senova, Mazhilis (lower chamber report. Continued on Page A3 Kazakhstan to Vote in Early Senate Chairman Visits New York, Presidential Election on April 26 Invites UN Secretary-General to ing on the Central Asian nation’s of the Constitutional Council, the By Galiaskar Seitzhan economy, the people of Kazakh- Senate and Mazhilis (lower cham- Astana Int’l Religious Congress stan need “confidence in their ber of parliament), and the prime ASTANA – In a televised ad- future,” and that “means main- minister on Feb. 25, before taking By Malika Orazgaliyeva dress to the nation, President taining jobs, stability, welfare the decision to call the vote. Nursultan Nazarbayev announced benefits, salaries, scholarships.” Earlier, at the request of the ASTANA – Kazakh Senate Chair- his decision to call an early presi- Also, citing national secu- Senate, the Constitutional Coun- man Kassym-Jomart Tokayev com- dential election in Kazakhstan on rity concerns in light of grow- cil reviewed the legal aspects of pleted his official visit to New York April 26. ing geopolitical tensions, the the assembly’s initiative and on March 4, which was devoted to the “In the interests of [our] people Kazakh leader said he felt there Feb. 24 ruled that the President upcoming Fifth Congress of Leaders … and to fulfil the demands of the is a growing demand among his had a clear legal prerogative to of World and Traditional Religions. law, I took a decision and, in line compatriots for a “continuation bring the election forward. During his stay, Tokayev held with paragraph 3.1 of the national of balanced domestic and foreign Announcing the date of election talks with United Nations Secretary- Constitution’s Article 41, signed policies.” within two months of the deci- General Ban Ki-moon and presented a decree to set the early presiden- In this regard, Nazarbayev sion, as required by the country’s him with an invitation from President tial election for April 26,” Naz- quoted from a letter from Nina constitution, Nazarbayev under- Nursultan Nazarbayev to participate arbayev announced. Misochenko, a resident of the lined the need to hold the election in the congress, to be held June 10-11 The initiative to move the vote country’s central Karaganda “in strict accordance with the law, in Astana, according to the Kazakh one year ahead was put forward Oblast. She wrote to the Presi- openly and fairly,” with the active Senate’s press service. by the Assembly of the People dent that she “prays daily for our involvement of domestic and in- “I am convinced that your personal Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (l) met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in of Kazakhstan (APK), a con- children, for peace and concord ternational observers. involvement in the fifth congress will New York on March 4. stitutional body representing in our country, so that no con- “In terms of my own participa- give the international community a dialogue between civilisations. The resentatives of religious communi- the country’s numerous ethnic frontation and no war come to tion in the upcoming election I strong signal that humanity will be aim of the spiritual forum is to unite ties. groups. The assembly’s state- our home.” The woman said she will decide later, in line with the able to effectively meet the challeng- the efforts of religious leaders and During the meetings, Tokayev in- ment on Feb. 14 referred to “nu- cherished the fact that the peo- constitution and laws of our na- es of the modern world by providing promote ideas like interfaith dia- formed the interlocutors of the prepa- merous appeals of citizens,” and ple of Kazakhstan live quiet and tion,” Nazarbayev stressed, . the conditions for further develop- logue, peace-building and conflict rations for the Astana congress. The called for an election to give the confident lives, dedicating them- Nazarbayev has enjoyed over- ment on the way to progress and tak- prevention on religious grounds, as theme of the congress will be “Dia- President “a new mandate” to im- selves to hard work and raising whelming popularity throughout ing coordinated actions and mutual well as development of new forms logue of Religious Leaders and Poli- plement the economic stimulus their children in an atmosphere of his more than two decades in pow- support from religious hierarches and of international cooperation, he ticians for Peace and Development” programme to counter the global peace and stability. “Let it last,” er. During the presidential elec- politicians,” said Tokayev, as quoted said. and will include a plenary session and economic challenges affecting she appealed. tion campaign in February 2011, by the press service. Tokayev noted that the outcomes of four breakout sessions. Kazakhstan. The initiative found “Thank you [for this], Nina an opinion research poll commis- The UN secretary-general appreci- the previous four congresses demon- Tokayev mentioned that the con- support from both chambers of Alekseyevna,” President Naz- sioned by the Washington-based ated the Kazakh model of interethnic strate that it has become a permanent gress will include discussions on the parliament, which appealed to arbayev said on TV, using her International Republican Institute and inter-religious peace and harmo- forum of spiritual leaders, where they the responsibility of religious and the President to accept it. first name and patronymic. and conducted by independent ny and emphasised that the religious are able to discuss the topical issues political leaders to humanity, the in- Addressing the nation in the The Kazakh leader continued pollster Gallup put his support in forum, organised at Nazarbayev’s in- of the modern world together with fluence of religion on young people, evening hours of Feb. 25, Naz- to explain that due to the signifi- the country at 90 percent. itiative, is an important and effective well-known politicians and leaders new trends and prospects of interac- arbayev noted that he had been cant decrease in the prices of the In the years since, the country dialogue platform. According to Ban, of international organisations. Ac- tion of religion and politics and dia- receiving plenty of messages country’s major export commodi- has seen solid economic growth the UN will support the congress and cording to him, the Astana congress logue based on mutual respect and from citizens expressing their ties, the government had to revise of 4 – 6 percent annually on av- cooperate with Kazakhstan to pro- is a good example that overcoming understanding between the leaders anxiety about Kazakhstan’s future the national budget and introduce erage, albeit markedly slower mote the goals and objectives of the the differences between religions and of world and traditional religions for in light of growing instability and a number of major preventive growth rates compared to the forum in the world community. cultures is possible only through the the sake of peace, security and har- escalating conflicts in the regional measures. He emphasised that Ka- early 2000s, before the global fi- While presenting information establishment of peace, mutual un- mony. neighbourhood. “People under- zakhstan had a “clear plan of ac- nancial crisis hit Kazakhstan in about the congress at the UN, To- derstanding and partnership among Tokayev’s visit to New York was stand that [to prevent the negative tion, social cohesion and sufficient 2007 – 2009. kayev noted that New York is associ- different nations. an important part of the preparations impact] we need to strengthen resources” to tackle the effects of The Constitution of Kazakh- ated with the UN and its key global In New York, Tokayev also met for the Fifth Congress of Leaders of stability and unity in our society,” the global economic downturn. stan limits presidential service forums which give people hope to with UN Deputy Secretary-General World and Traditional Religions as Nazarbayev emphasised. Reflecting on the APK initia- to two five-year terms, with an solve modern problems. Jan Eliasson and UN Development the gathering is becoming an impor- With the adverse effects that tive, Nazarbayev said that he had exception made for the country’s Tokayev also highlighted that Programme Administrator Helen tant element of wider international global economic uncertainty and held the legally mandated consul- First President, i.e. Nursultan Kazakhstan greatly values the UN’s Clark, as well as UN senior officials, efforts aimed at ensuring global secu- falling commodity prices are hav- tations on the issue with the chairs Nazarbayev. multifaceted activities to promote heads of major foundations and rep- rity and stability.

Inside nation Economy & Business editorialS opinions eurasia&world Secretary of State, OECD Official Discuss Kazakhstan, Int’l Financial Institutions Afghanistan Should Not Be Left Alone A6 Kuyukov: Doomsday Clock Must Be Belarus, Kazakhstan Work Together in Volatile Increasing Women’s Participation in Country’s to Cooperate on Economic Reforms A4 Reversed. We Can Do It A7 Economic Times A8 Economy A2 G-Global Is an Idea which Unites the World, New Law and More Filling Stations Planned Senator Believes A7 Nielsen: Germans in Kazakhstan: Part of Kazakh, Iranian Navies to Strengthen Kazakh FM Urges More Progress in Nuclear for Liquid Petroleum Gas Cars A5 the Bright Multi-Ethnic Fabric A7 Cooperation A8 Disarmament, Stresses Commitment to Human Rights A3

US$ 1 = 185.20 KZT 1 Euro = 203.65 KZT 1 Rouble = 3.11 KZT A2 NATION

Wednesday, march 11, 2015

NATIONAL Kazakhstan Committed to Free and Fair news in brief “In 2015, there will be 157.3 bil- lion tenge (US$848.4 million) of available agricultural subsidies, Presidential Election, Says FM Idrissov which is almost 1.8 times more “The implementation of the pro- “I am confident that the Central primarily the OSCE, to establish for an election to give the President than in 2013,” a recent report of the By Danna Bupezhanova gramme proposed by the President, Election Commission of Kazakh- an open and transparent process of “a new mandate” to implement the Ministry of Agriculture stated. Ac- Nurly Zhol, as well as long-term stan will provide a high level of election monitoring by the interna- economic stimulus programme to cording to the Kazakh Ministry of ASTANA – Foreign Minister of priorities such as the Kazakhstan organisation of the election, taking tional community,” he added. counter the global economic chal- Agriculture, the country’s gross ag- Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov briefed 2050 Strategy and joining the 30 into account previous recommen- At the Feb. 27 briefing, Idrissov lenges affecting Kazakhstan. The ricultural output for 2014 amounted the heads of foreign diplomatic most developed economies in the dations of the OSCE [Organisa- announced that the Foreign Minis- initiative found support from both to 2.5 trillion tenge (US$13.48 bil- missions accredited in the country world, require hard work and a tion for Security and Cooperation try would invite international or- chambers of parliament, and on lion), which exceeded the previous on Feb. 27 on the upcoming presi- clear focus on priorities. The gov- in Europe] and other international ganisations, foreign observers and Feb. 25 a presidential decree on year by 0.8 percent. Despite difficult dential election stressing the coun- weather conditions, crop production try’s commitment to conducting a ernment should make consistent, organisations, while other inter- media representatives to observe holding an election on April 26 efficient and often strong-willed ested agencies will pay maximum the election. They will be partici- was approved. amounted to 98.4 percent compared free and fair election. to last year while livestock produc- “We are talking about the grow- decisions,” Idrissov stated. He attention to the implementation of pating in all stages of the vote, re- The nomination of candidates underlined that the new mandate measures required under the legis- ceiving information on election for president will begin on Feb. 26 tion grew 3.8 percent year-on-year. ing pressure from economic chal- There was a 2.9 percent increase would allow Kazakhstan’s leader- lation of Kazakhstan,” he said. campaign processes, informing and end on March 15, with the reg- lenges such as the decline in oil in food production. In 2014, the ship to begin early implementa- Earlier, answering reporters’ members of the election commis- istration of candidates closing on prices, the impact of sanctions on introduction of the investment sub- tion of the objectives and to work questions, the foreign minister said sion about any violations of the March 25. The pre-election cam- Russia, instability in the region sidy increased investments in fixed persistently to overcome the nega- that an early presidential election rules and making recommenda- paign of candidates for president due to the Ukrainian crisis and the capital in agriculture by 14.4 per- tive impact of external factors and would strengthen Kazakhstan’s tions and public statements. withdrawal of international forces will begin on March 26 and end at cent and reached166.4 billion tenge improve the living standards of the from Afghanistan. Our country, as relations with foreign countries The initiative to hold the presi- midnight on April 24. (US$897.16 million). Investments well as the entire region, is going population. and reaffirm Kazakhstan’s com- dential election one year early was Voting will take place on April in food production increased by through a period of trials,” Idriss- Referring to the organisational mitment to the principles of open- put forward by the Assembly of 26 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., local 16.5 percent and amounted to 40.8 ov said, highlighting the economic aspects of the presidential elec- ness, transparency, fairness and the People of Kazakhstan (APK), time. billion tenge (US$219.95 million). and political reasons of holding tion, the minister emphasised that competitiveness in the electoral a constitutional body represent- The Central Election Commis- According to the Ministry of Agri- an early presidential vote: that it Kazakhstan will take all possible process.“If [an election] takes ing the country’s numerous ethnic sion will determine the results of culture, last year was a turning point would give the President a new measures to ensure that the highest place, we as the diplomatic service groups. The assembly’s statement the presidential election and issue formeat export growth. According mandate to pursue anti-crisis poli- democratic standards are applied will immediately start working on Feb. 14, which referred to “nu- the corresponding decision no later to the ministry, Kazakhstan export- cies. in the electoral process. with international organisations, merous appeals of citizens,” called than May 3. ed 12,300 tonnes of meat and meat products in 2014. Red meat exports totalled 7,500 tonnes, including 6,300 tonnes of beef. Agricultural Kazakh CEC Announces 14 imports decreased by 4.1 percent. Secretary of State, OECD “The volume of payments after Kazakhstan’s pension system re- forms will compensate 40-43 percent Nominees for Presidential of revenue; this brings the country Official Discuss Increasing into compliance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) require- Election So Far ments,” Vice Minister of Health and the head of the administration of Women’s Participation in Social Development of Kazakhstan By Malika Orazgaliyeva the Leningrad region [and] worked Svetlana Zhakupova announced at as a civil servant in the North Ka- a March 5 media briefing. “After ASTANA – The Central Elec- zakhstan and Akmola regions. In the reforms, it is expected that the tion Commission (CEC) of Ka- recent years he was the head of a Country’s Economy income replacement rate will re- zakhstan has released an updated department of the regional mas- main at 40-43 percent. This figure is meeting by the presidential ad- international standards on gender what is recommended by the ILO,” list of candidates who plan to take likhat [local representative body]. By Kseniya Voronina ministration. issues. They also discussed coop- Zhakupova said. She recalled that part in the country’s presidential Syzdykov is a man devoted to the Kazakhstan, in cooperation with eration in general on education, the first step in reforming the pen- election next month. Communist Party,” Secretary of ASTANA – Secretary of State the European Union (EU), is the health, employment and social sion system was the introduction An early election, first initiated the CPPK Vladislav Kosarev said. of Kazakhstan Gulshara Abdyka- first country in the region to lead integration. of compulsory pension contribu- by the Council of the Assembly of Also among the recent self-nom- likova and Antonio Somme, head the Central Asian Initiative of the “The desire of Kazakhstan to ac- tions for those working in hazardous the People of Kazakhstan (APK), inees are social activist Yessenbek of the Eurasian Competitiveness OECD Eurasian Competitiveness tively cooperate with the OECD is conditions, as well as subsidising is scheduled on April 26. The list Ukteshbayev from Almaty, retired Programme of the Organisation Programme. based on the need to implement our compulsory pension contributions of nominees so far includes self- Yakobzhan Dzhunisbekov from for Economic Cooperation and strategic objectives to achieve the for mothers on maternity leave. The nominated candidates who have Almaty and head of the Astana Development (OECD), met Feb. level and standards of the member second stage of modernisation is never held key positions and Munai Gas Station Group 2007 27 to discuss increasing the in- states of the OECD. Kazakhstan a complete transformation of base whose names would not be known Kanat Zhuman from Astana, the volvement of women in the Ka- intends to leverage the experience pension payments, which is applied to the general public. CEC said. zakh economy. of member states of the OECD to without regard to work experience “A special issue of the meeting apply modern approaches to us- and available income. From July 1, was the initiative of the OECD ing innovation and know-how, as 2017, basic pension payments will aimed at improving the com- well as the strong expertise of the be determinedby insurance status. petitiveness of Kazakhstan by OECD analysis of its economic If a person has work experience of increasing assistance to the full policy,” Abdykalikova said. 10 years or less, he will be appointed participation of women in eco- The secretary of state also em- a basic pension within 50 percent nomic activities. The secretary phasised the high level of coop- of the subsistence level. The vice of state expressed deep interest eration between Kazakhstan and minister also said that the draft law in the goals of the programme the OECD, which was confirmed on reforming the pension system that meet the overall objectives by the signing of the Country Pro- has been developed and is being of promoting women’s entrepre- gramme of Cooperation with the Gulshara Abdykalikova considered by the government. It is neurship and, in particular, the OECD for 2015-2016 on Jan. 22 expected that in April, it will be sub- involvement of women in the The two officials also dis- in Davos. Kazakhstan became the mitted to the Mazhilis (lower house implementation of large-scale cussed increasing cooperation to first country to sign the Country of Parliament). infrastructure projects within investigate and eliminate barriers Programme, which marks Ka- the new economic policy of to gender equality in education, zakhstan’s growing cooperation According to a statement by the By March 9, Kairat Maishev, the head of state, Nurly Zhol,” employment and entrepreneur- with the organisation as it seeks Kazakhstan plans to open a Fam- CEC, the list of applicants who Bakhtiyar Estemesov and Kanat stated a report issued after the ship, as well as ways to reach eventual entry into the OECD. ily Support Institute, Vice Minister self-nominated on March 2–3 Turageldiev, upon whom the CEC of Health and Social Development include entrepreneur Askar Syr- has not yet provided data, had also of Kazakhstan Svetlana Zhakupova gabayev, President of the Ruhani self-nominated, bringing the total said at a March 5 Central Commu- Kogam Alemi Public Fund Limana number of self-nominated candi- nications Service (CCS) briefing. Koyshieva, civil engineer Bakhyt dates to 13. The CEC has rejected According to Zhakupova, the insti- Abdukarimov and driver Sohrab the candidacies of five applicants. Kazakhstan to Go Dark tute will be responsible for settling Myrzashov. The list also includes The nomination of candidates difficult family problems. “If a fam- Safiolla Aldazhanov, who is unem- for the election opened on Feb. 26 ily has difficult circumstances, such ployed at the moment and about and will continue until March 15. as a disabled child, sick breadwin- whom nothing else is known. All It is expected that the Congress for the Environment ner or unemployment, an individual of the candidates work and live in of the Nur Otan Party will nomi- a sign of concern for the planet, in the Khan Shatyr trade centre plan to support the family will be Astana. nate current President Nursultan By Leslie Krowchenko it remains active for little more and more than 100 iconic build- developed. There will be a multi- Myrzashov and Abdukarimov, Nazarbayev for the presidential than a month. It is during this ings in Kazakhstan and Central disciplinary team to support the who work in the same enterprise, election in April. The congress Turn out the lights for 60 min- month that everyone can support Asia will go dark, said Forbes. family and attempt to take the fam- JH Kurilis LLP, are not yet 40 years will take place on March 11. utes. Pledge to save the planet for any of the five projects, events The event will be attended ily out of the rough situation,” she old, but Kazakhstan’s Constitution Nazarbayev has been at the helm a lifetime. and information which is on the by local officials and has the said. Moreover, she noted that the mandates that all nominees for of the nation since 1989, during Kazakhstan will join 161 coun- site www.acbk.kz,” organisa- support of the Department of Mazhilis is considering a law creat- president be at least 40 years old. the Soviet times. After the disin- tries and territories around the tion’s president Alan Bessen was Green Economy of the Kazakh ing work places for disabled people. Fellow self-nominated candidate tegration of the Soviet Union in world March 28 for Earth Hour, a quoted in the Forbes article. “The Ministry of Energy, the Com- Syrgabayev failed to pass the state 1991, he was elected President of global commitment organised by projects are designed to not only mittee for Forestry and Fauna “The 6+6 model will be introduced language proficiency test, Ka- Kazakhstan. In 2007, the parlia- the World Wide Fund for Nature help preserve the biological di- of the Ministry of Agriculture for Bolashak student language train- zinform.kz reported on March 6. ment gave him the right to run for (WWF). By flicking the switch to versity of Kazakhstan, but also to and the akimats (governors’ and ing, which includes foreign language Kazakh language proficiency test president an unlimited number of the off position at 8:30 p.m. local teach people how to live in har- mayors’ offices) of 14 oblasts learning for six months in Kazakh- is another legal requirement for a times, an exception to the consti- time, the nation and its residents mony with the environment.” (regions), as well as Astana and stan and six months abroad,” Presi- potential candidate. tutional limit of no more than two will demonstrate their commit- The nation participated for the Almaty. dent of the Centre of International Myrzatai Zholdasbekov, the consecutive terms, done in recog- ment to reducing carbon emis- fifth time last year, when approx- Begun in Sydney, Australia Programmes Gani Nygymetov said chairman of the special linguis- nition of his role in the establish- sions. imately 1,000 urban sites went il- in 2007, Earth Hour has grown at a March 2 media briefing. He also tic commission that determines ment of an independent nation. In addition to the symbolic ac- lumination-less in support of the into an international campaign said that the Bolashak Programme the level of the state language According to Kazakhstan’s par- tion, Kazakh citizens will have worldwide campaign, reported on the final Saturday of March, concentrates on quality results. Re- proficiency of the candidates, an- liamentary speaker, Kabibulla an opportunity to participate in kznewsline.com. From the Akor- which last year involved in ex- quirements for foreign and Kazakh nounced that Syrgabayev made 92 Dzhakupov, the early presidential programmes supported by the da presidential residence, Bait- cess of two billion people in languages, as well as requirements mistakes during the written test. election was needed “to turn the Association for the Conservation erek monument, Central Mosque, more than 7,000 cities, according for foreign universities are becom- Another candidate, Turgun risks and challenges of the global of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan Catholic Cathedral and many to its website, www.earthhour. ing increasingly stringent. Opportu- Syzdykov, has been nominated by crisis into new opportunities and (ACBK), according to Forbes skyscrapers in Astana to the Kok- org. Individuals, organisations, nities for scientific works have also the Communist People’s Party of prospects for our homeland.” Kazakhstan. The initiative was tobe TV tower, skyscrapers and municipalities and commercial been increased. The programme will Kazakhstan (CPPK). On March 4, President Naz- announced last month by the other large buildings in Almaty, establishments throughout Ka- pay more attention to graduate and “He was born in 1947. In 1974, arbayev instructed the attorney Sustainable Development Earth numerous structures throughout zakhstan and the world that care post-graduate programmes. Moreo- he graduated from the Higher general to ensure the observance Fund. the country were darkened. about environmental issues are ver, it has been suggested that Bo- Komsomol School in Moscow; he of law in the country during the “Before Earth Hour, when Using the motto “the whole encouraged to spend the hour this lashak programme recipients apply also graduated from the Tselino- election campaign and the vote people around the world switch world for one planet,” Earth year seeing by candlelight rather for graduate programmes through grad Agricultural Institute. He was itself. off the lights in their homes as Hour will begin when the lights than electricity. the programme. A3 eurasia&world

Wednesday, march 11, 2015

external news in brief In Brussels, Idrissov Discusses Easing Visa Regimes, Russian President Vladimir Pu- tin, Belarusian President Alexan- der Lukashenko and Kazakh Presi- dent Nursultan Nazarbayev will Enhancing Cooperation, Contacts Between EU and EAEU meet on March 12 - 13 in Astana Continued from Page A1 ing our views of the EU’s current exchange and we listened very to discuss Ukraine, the Kremlin’s strategy and our vision of what an carefully [to] what our partners press service reported. The three The Cooperation Council reaf- updated document and our propos- have told us [about] how they see leaders will also discuss integra- firmed the commitment of both als could look like. We believe that some issues, be it economic coop- tion in the context of the new parties to strengthening EU-Ka- this document and our proposals eration, be it high-level dialogue Eurasian Economic Union and zakhstan relations across a number give the EU a useful perspective on security issues, be it … environ- other issues of trade and economic of areas, discussed a number of is- on the region’s expectations about ment protection, water resources cooperation. The meeting comes sues of international and regional the future of the strategy. And we issues. … But I would specifically at the invitation of President Naz- cooperation and confirmed the mu- hope it can feed into an updated put emphasis on issues that are re- arbayev, who is also expected to tual interest in signing and ratify- strategy that will guide a specific lated to security, … modernisation hold a bilateral meeting with Putin ing the new PCA between Kazakh- programme of regional coopera- efforts, including those of educa- during his visit. stan and the European Union as tion that meets the interests of all tion, those of economic coopera- soon as possible, the press service countries in the region and the tion and cooperation in the energy “We believe the Astana Sum- of the European Union reported. EU,” he said. field,” he added. “Let me conclude During a joint press conference As the key areas of future co- by really praising Kazakhstan as mit will be the last to determine with Idrissov following their talks, operation within the EU’s Strat- being a very active partner in de- the legal status of the Caspian Rinkēvičs said the EU side would egy for Central Asia, the Kazakh veloping that strategy and in im- Sea,” Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign work towards signing the agree- foreign minister primarily distin- plementing that strategy.” Minister Khalaf Khalafov said on ment, which needs to be translated guished collaboration on regional Idrissov also advocated estab- March 5, according to an Azerbai- into 22 official languages of the security issues, including efforts to lishing contact between the EU jan Press Agency (APA) report. EU, this year. strengthen cooperation on border and the Eurasian Economic Union. Khalafov said the sides are hop- “We have mutual interest in management and the fight against “One area where we believe there ing for the approval of the draft keeping and widening cooperation Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov shakes hands with Foreign drug trafficking, human traffick- is an important need and opportu- convention at the summit. “Once between EU and Kazakhstan,” Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs of Latvia, the country that chairs the EU Council ing, terrorism and extremism. nity to build relations is between the convention is approved, there Rinkēvičs said then. “We strongly presidency until July 2015, at the start of their talks in Brussels on March 3. “… [W]e believe security coop- the EU and the Eurasian Economic is going to be more work. There believe that it reflects our relation- a mutual interest in developing co- investors and lead to an increase in eration between the EU and Central Union. Establishing a platform will be new summits which focus ship that has reached a more ma- operation in this vital sphere of our mutual tourism, thus contributing Asia, which takes place primarily for dialogue and cooperation and on the discussion of economic, se- ture state,” he added speaking of bilateral relations,” Rinkēvičs said to direct dialogue between people. through our High Level Dialogue growing a relationship based on curity and communication issues. the new agreement that will cover at the press briefing. An important step toward future on Security, can be given fresh mutual economic benefit would, The sides have agreed to hold the 29 areas of cooperation. “On behalf of the European Un- negotiations on easing the visa impetus by a greater focus on pro- we believe, be in all of our inter- summit in 2016, but the exact date Idrissov commended the devel- ion, I also reiterated our support regime was the signing of agree- ducing practical outcomes,” he ests – economic and political,” he will be decided by the presidents,” opment of trade and investment for the membership of the Re- ments between Kazakhstan and the said. The second meeting of this said, noting that the initiative had Khalafov noted. cooperation with the EU, while the public of Kazakhstan in the WTO Benelux countries (Belgium, the dialogue is set to take place in Du- received a positive response from EU reiterated its support for Ka- which will help dismantle remain- Netherlands and Luxembourg) on shanbe, Tajikistan, on March 11-12. the leadership of Germany, France zakhstan’s WTO membership. ing trade barriers and further boost an exemption from visa require- Other areas included develop- and other European countries. Askar Mamin, president of Ka- “The European Union is Ka- bilateral trade,” the Latvian for- ments for holders of diplomatic ing integrated infrastructure and Idrissov also informed his Eu- zakhstan Temir Zholy, chaired the zakhstan’s largest trading partner, eign minister announced. passports and on readmission that a transcontinental transport net- ropean colleagues about Kazakh- first working meeting of the Coor- with a dynamically developing “The simplification of the visa took place at Brussels airport on work, particularly developing co- stan’s upcoming presidential elec- dination Committee of the Trans- trade and investment relationship regime between Kazakhstan and March 2. Idrissov urged Latvia, as operation with the EU INOGATE tion scheduled for April 26 and Caspian International Transport between us. Total trade turnover in the EU and the conclusion of the current chair of the EU Council, to (Interstate Oil and Gas Transport invited the European Parliament Route (TITR), held Jan. 28 in 2014 fell 2.5 percent in compari- agreement on scientific and techni- support Kazakhstan’s initiative. Corridor to Europe) and within and other international and inter- Baku, Azerbaijan. The issues of son to 2013 – a reflection of the cal cooperation and innovation are In light of the discussion of the the framework of the TRACECA parliamentary organisations to par- setting competitive rates to trans- challenging times in our respec- two areas in particular which could new EU Strategy for Central Asia, (Transport Corridor Europe-Cau- ticipate in the monitoring process. port goods and setting a rate to tive economies – but this does not make a significant contribution to the Cooperation Council wel- casus-Asia), and intensifying co- Asked about the EU’s reac- organise container transportation detract from the enormous poten- enhancing our relationship,” Id- comed Kazakhstan’s involvement operation in environmental protec- tion to this election at the press of goods across the TITR were tial for our economic relationship rissov said in his turn. in EU regional initiatives for Cen- tion and water management. conference, Rinkēvičs said, “We addressed at the meeting. In ad- and the extension of ties,” Idrissov Meanwhile, the Kazakh minister tral Asia. It highlighted the role of “We very much appreciate the would definitely hope that … the dition, the sides agreed to take stated during the meeting as re- urged European business people regional cooperation in Central role that Kazakhstan plays in the presidential elections will be held measures to organise container ported by press service of the Min- to examine business opportunities Asia as a pillar of conflict preven- implementation of the European according to the highest interna- transportation of goods along the istry of Foreign Affairs. emerging in the framework of the tion and socio-economic develop- Union’s Strategy for Central Asia,” tional standards and according to China-Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan- “Taking into account very sig- implementation of the new Nurly ment in the region. Rinkēvičs stated at the press brief- the principles of ODIHR [OSCE Georgia-Turkey route and use the nificant trade and economic coop- Zhol economic policy in transport, Idrissov confirmed Kazakh- ing. “We discussed the key aspects Office for Democratic Institutions new Zhezkazgan-Beineu railway, eration between Kazakhstan and industry, energy infrastructure and stan’s commitment to strengthen- of the implementation of that strat- and Human Rights]. Observers the capacities of the Aktau seaport the European Union and the role preparations for EXPO 2017 in ing cooperation with the EU in a egy taking stock of progress made from pan-European organisations, of the European Union as Kazakh- Astana. regional format. “We are a strong since the previous Cooperation like OSCE or many other organi- and the Akhalkalaki-Kars railway, stan’s first trading and investment Delving into the issue of easing supporter of the EU’s Strategy for Council in July 2013.” sations, would be very helpful to which is presently under construc- partner in the development and visa regimes, Idrissov said their Central Asia and have been active- “Speaking about … the current evaluate the overall procedural as tion. Mamin was reelected as diversification of Kazakhstan’s simplification would give an addi- ly involved in the policy process. discussion of the Central Asian well as content issues of the elec- chairman of the TITR Coordina- economy, we agreed that we have tional impetus to entrepreneurs and We have provided a memo outlin- strategy, … we had also very good tions.” tion Committee for 2015. Repre- sentatives of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, Turkish State Railways, Azerbaijan Railways LTD, Geor- gian Railway LLC, International Seaport of Aktau, Baku Interna- Kazakh FM Urges More Progress in Nuclear tional Sea Trade Port, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC and Batumi Sea Port LLC took part in the meeting. Disarmament, Stresses Commitment to Human Rights fied by 163 states. It has still not are not part of the Nuclear Non- Hiroshima and Nagasaki bomb- vention on the Rights of Persons By Altair Nurbekov According to Winter Olympics entered into force because of the Proliferation Treaty (NPT).” ings in 1945, an immensely sad with Disabilities. organisers, Almaty will save more lack of signature and ratification In this respect, the minister un- day in our human history. Ka- “In Kazakhstan, human rights GENEVA – Foreign Minister of than $500 million after several by eight specific countries. Since derlined the significance of The zakhstan has also suffered ter- and their protection is something Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov urged 1996, however, the Conference ATOM Project, initiated by Ka- ribly from the impact of nuclear we understand needs constant re- venue changes in its bid for the greater global efforts in nuclear 2022 Olympics. The officials said on Disarmament, which unites zakhstan, which aims to generate weapons [testing]. … Due to freshing. We do not believe we disarmament at the plenary ses- 65 states as members and has global public support for the final our shared history, Kazakhstan have yet made all the progress that they made the project “more ef- sion of the Conference on Disar- ficient” and “more affordable” in 40 states as observers has been abolition of nuclear weapons tests and Japan have a moral right to is needed to provide the right safe- mament and addressed the High unable to find common ground guards for our citizens. To further line with IOC (International Olym- through the entry into force of demand progress on a compre- Level Segment of the 28th ses- enough to move forward on any strengthen the legal framework pic Committee) reforms aimed at CTBT and for the eventual elimi- hensive nuclear test ban. We are sion of the UN Human Rights substantive issues. nation of nuclear weapons by all determined to work together dur- and take practical steps, we have giving organisers more flexibility Council (UNHRC) in Geneva Stressing the need to preserve developed and implemented the and reducing the cost of the games. on March 4. “Today, the world the principle of consensus and the Concept of Legal Policy for 2010– The changes started after the IOC is experiencing a major trans- inadmissibility of undermining the idrissov: “In Kazakhstan, human 2020,” Idrissov stated. He added Evaluation Commission visit to formation. We have witnessed general rules and procedures of the rights and their protection is something that in the near future, Kazakhstan Almaty last month and were sub- growing friction between major conference, the foreign minister plans to create a new draft Nation- mitted to the IOC by this week’s powers over perceived zones of advocated for the expansion of the we understand needs constant refreshing. al Plan of Action on Human Rights deadline. The biggest change is influence, markets, control over conference’s member states and We do not believe we have yet made all to 2020 and establish an Ombuds- eliminating the planned venue at energy resources and the move- the balanced participation in the man for Children’s Rights. Shymbulak and Tau Park and re- ment of commercial minerals. conference of civil society. the progress that is needed to provide the He stressed the active coopera- locating all Alpine skiing events This growing instability can lead Idrissov listed Kazakhstan’s tion of Kazakhstan with the Spe- to the existing Almatau mountain to conflicts and foster a danger- key issues for the conference as right safeguards for our citizens. To further cial Procedures of the UNHCR, site. Other changes include mov- ous trend where states use power nuclear disarmament through the strengthen the legal framework and take confirming Kazakhstan’s interest ing freestyle ski and snowboard rather than diplomacy in world adoption of a legally binding, in expanding the open dialogue events to the existing Ak Bulak politics. As a result, this can lead nondiscriminatory and universal practical steps, we have developed and with Special Procedures mandate resort, relocating Paralympic ice to an arms race, as well as to the instrument; the development and implemented the Concept of Legal Policy holders. sledge hockey to another arena, use of military force and other signing of the Fissile Material Cut- The foreign minister also reducing the capacity of the ath- forms of coercion when protect- off Treaty (FMCT); the prevention for 2010–2020.” touched upon the Dialogue Plat- letes village in Medeo from 1,000 ing national interests,” Idrissov of an arms race in outer space; and form on the Human Dimension, beds to 350 beds and eliminating said at the March 4 conference, negative security assurances to countries. He stressed that already ing our co-chairmanship to push established under the Foreign Min- emphasising that the forum had 100,000 people from all over the for the ratification of this treaty,” one of the media villages and sub- states that do not possess nuclear istry in January 2013. the potential to make a major world signed an online petition to he said, expressing the hope that press centres. The bid committee weapons. “This is unprecedented in estab- contribution to the disarmament On nuclear disarmament, Id- global leaders to achieve the ear- the activities of the two countries lishing an open and direct dialogue said the changes will reduce the process. rissov highlighted the initiative of ly entry into force of CTBT and affected by the application and between the executive, legislative construction budget by more than Elaborating on Kazakhstan’s po- President Nursultan Nazarbayev to move the world forward along the testing of nuclear weapons would and judicial branches of govern- $450 million and the operations sition and vision on the agenda’s adopt, at the UN, a Universal Dec- nuclear disarmament road. give a powerful impetus to the ment and civil society regarding budget by more than $100 million. urgent issues, he called on member laration of a World Free of Nuclear Idrissov also highlighted the im- CTBT’s entry into force. further steps along the road of “These revisions, based on the states to demonstrate their political Weapons, saying, “This would be portance of the co-chairmanship of Addressing the High Level Seg- the political modernisation of the Agenda 2020 reforms, allowed us will and overcome their differenc- an important step towards adopt- Japan and Kazakhstan in the Con- ment of the 28th session of the country,” he said. to save over half a billion dollars es to start the practical work of the ing the convention on a complete ference on Article 14 of the CTBT UN Human Rights Council on the During his visit to Geneva, Id- while at the same time making our conference. and comprehensive ban of nuclear this year. same day, Idrissov emphasised rissov also met with UN High concept ... even more convenient The conference’s most notable weapons – an initiative that was “A few days ago, Kazakhstan that since gaining independence, Commissioner for Human Rights and more efficient,” said Almaty achievement to date has been drafted by Costa Rica and Malay- and Japan became co-chairs of Kazakhstan has pursued a policy Zeid Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein and bid committee Vice Chairman An- the elaboration of the Compre- sia. It is time to stop talking and the Conference on Article 14 of to adhere to all major international Acting Director General of the UN drey Kryukov. With the changes, hensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty start acting by taking measures to the CTBT. It will be a symbolic instruments in the field of human Office in Geneva and Secretary- Almaty said nine of the 13 needed (CTBT) back in 1996 which has remove nuclear stockpiles from moment. This year, the world will rights protection. Thus, in Febru- General of the Conference on Dis- venues already exist. since been signed by 183 and rati- every country, including those that mark the 70th anniversary of the ary, Kazakhstan ratified the Con- armament Michael Möller. A4 economy

Wednesday, march 11, 2015

economy Kazakhstan, Int’l Financial Institutions news in brief “The National Bank of Kazakh- stan and the government of Ka- zakhstan have developed an action to Cooperate on Economic Reforms plan to reduce the dollarisation of By Lyazzat Shatayeva improving education, healthcare, loan to support small- and medi- as well as develop and imple- the economy for 2015-2016. The public utilities, energy efficiency, um-sized businesses through the ment sustainable energy financing plan includes three main strate- ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans business and the investment cli- Damu Entrepreneurship Develop- mechanisms. gic directions,” a National Bank to carry out 33 comprehensive mate, as well as stimulating the ment Fund. The EBRD is lending Some of the projects launched of Kazakhstan report reads. Ac- reform projects in certain institu- growth of small- and medium- 10 billion tenge (US$54 million) earlier and co-financed by the cording to the financial regulator, tions and sectors of the economy sized enterprises (SMEs). to Centre Credit Bank for this World Bank have been extended to under the first direction, it is nec- with the help of international fi- The agreements between Ka- purpose. increase their results. Some of the essary to ensure macroeconomic nancial institutions. These lofty zakhstan and the IFIs define the The World Bank is allocating most significant outcomes entail- stability; under the second direc- goals were set as part of the coun- fundamental principles of the part- $21.7 million to help increase ing complex institutional changes tion, attention will be paid to de- try’s efforts to improve access to nerships and joint activities of the veloping non-cash payments and infrastructure, strengthen the fi- parties in supporting Kazakhstan’s reducing the shadow economy nancial sector and support the di- development strategies. According Between 2015 and 2017, eight joint public and under the third, the national versification and competitiveness to the co-financing arrangements, utilities projects totaling 91 billion tenge currency will assume supremacy of its economy. the IFIs will lend a total of 322 bil- over foreign currencies. The plan “In order to increase the com- lion tenge (US$1.74 billion), while (US$492 million) will be implemented. To was approved at a Feb. 17 meeting petitiveness of Kazakhstan’s econ- Kazakhstan’s government will al- of the government and a Feb. 25 omy, these institutional and struc- locate 39.2 billion tenge (more help spur SME growth in Kazakhstan, meeting of the National Bank of tural reforms will be accelerated. than US$211 million) to carry out credit lines totaling 92.5 billion tenge Kazakhstan. They are focused on improving the Yerbolat Dossayev the joint projects. business climate in the country, government priority for 2015 is Between 2015 and 2017, eight (US$499.6 million) will be supported by According to the National Bank improving the investment climate the implementation of structural joint public utilities projects to- of Kazakhstan, as part of the third and promoting key economic sec- reforms ensuring sustainable eco- the participating financial institutions. taling 91 billion tenge (US$492 direction of the de-dollarisation tors and tariff policies in conjunc- nomic development and social million) will be implemented. To plan for 2015-2016, guaran- tion with the European Bank for stability. The minister also re- help spur SME growth in Kazakh- Kazakhstan’s energy efficiency. are expected in the health sector, tees on deposits in Kazakhstan Reconstruction and Development ported that the implementation of stan, credit lines totaling 92.5 Most of the funds, $17 million to technology transfers and institu- tenges will be increased from 5 (EBRD),” Minister of National the partnership agreements with billion tenge (US$499.6 million) be exact, will be spent on install- tional reform projects and an in- to 10 million tenge (US$26,492- Economy Yerbolat Dossayev said international financial institutions will be supported by the partici- ing green technology at 70 public stitutional strengthening project in US$53,885). In addition, interest during a press conference in Asta- (IFIs) on these reforms will con- pating IFIs. The Asian Develop- facilities. Steps will also be taken the justice system, tax administra- rates on deposits in foreign cur- na on Feb. 19. tinue this year with an emphasis on ment Bank is providing a 24 bil- to improve the institutional frame- tion reform and a customs devel- rencies will be reduced to 3 per- Dossayev made it clear that one promoting science and innovation, lion tenge (US$129.58 million) work regarding energy efficiency opment project. cent per annum. A ban on pricing in foreign currencies, including in conventional units will also take effect. The first direction of the plan includes measures to diver- Government Favours Bolstering Tenge over sify the economy and increase the amount of locally produced goods and services available. The sec- ond direction initiates reforms on De-Dollarisation, Says National Bank Chief non-cash payments. In particular, By Yerbolat Uatkhanov tenge liquidity and increase de- dangerous. We need strict control, cancellation of the use of the dol- wise the state will see additional due to changes in the tax code, in January of this year, VAT (value mand and supply by means of we are working on it and I think lar, which is the second most- turbulence in its financial markets. added tax) expenses will be re- ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Gov- domestic production. Supporting that within two months everything frequently used currency in the The de-dollarisation process in lo- imbursed by budget processing ernment and National Bank an- the expansion of non-cash pay- will be changed,” as reported by state. This process is possible cal financial markets has begun in enterprises. nounced plans in February to sup- ment options will also help com- Kapital.kz. along with the step-by-step de- different countries, but we have to port the increased role of the tenge bat the extensive black market in Analyst Anton Soroko of the velopment of the banking system understand that as of today, more in the economy through efforts to the country, he said.“All of us are major Russian investment holding of the state and the changeover to than two thirds of transactions “In 2014, the total consolidated decrease inflation, protect tenge witnesses of daily transactions. In Finam, told Kursiv.kz, the floating tenge rate. All these in the world are made in dollars, profit of Samruk Energo totalled investments, support the expan- fact, 93 percent of payments in “This is a long-term task and the tasks are interrelated and have to and nobody can change this para- 15.5 billion tenge (US$83.5 mil- sion of non-cash payment meth- Kazakhstan are processed in cash. question isn’t about the prompt be accomplished together, other- digm.” lion), which is 75 percent higher ods and other steps. This is a very bad situation for any than intended targets,” Chairman economy, because in point of fact of the Board of SamrukEnergo all of these payments aren’t taxed; Almasadam Satkaliyev said at a that is, they are illegal. And we Feb. 27 Central Communication consider that the payments are of- Services (CCS) briefing. Accord- ten processed in U.S. dollars and ing to the head of the company, at the end of 2014, the group of exchange office networks encour- companies had produced 28.2 bil- age this. That is why we think that lion kilowatt hours of electricity. we have to establish some more Satkaliyev stated that the Bogatyr order, including setting prices in Company had produced 38 million U.S. dollars and [so-called] con- tonnes of coal last year, which is ventional units,” he said, accord- about 35 percent of the country’s ing to Kapital.kz, referring to ma- total coal production. Kairat Kelimbetov jor purchases such as in real estate or of expensive items such as cars. The National Bank plans to de- The Kazakh Government and According to the Ministry of crease annual inflation step by the National Bank published a Finance of Kazakhstan, 232 fa- step, following a plan that hopes joint statement about economic cilities, including 18 national to achieve a 3 – 4 percent yearly policy guidelines for 2015 on properties will be privatised this year. “In 2015, it is planned to inflation rate by 2020. To achieve Dec. 24. It did not contain the term put 232 facilities into operation, this, the government is taking steps “de-dollarisation.” Instead, the en- including 18 that are national to enhance the role of the tenge in hancement of the role of the tenge property, 121 that are municipal the national economy, including in- in the economy is the top priority. creasing the limit of tenge deposits property and 43 from holdings,” Dollarisation is the result of tenge a Ministry of Finance state- guaranteed by Kazakhstan’s De- weakness, Forbes.kz reported, and posit Insurance Fund from 5 to 10 ment read. A total of 7,043 fa- the National Bank’s efforts – in- cilities worth 42.5 billion tenge million tenge, decreasing the maxi- cluding raising the deposit insur- mum recommended interest rate on (US$228.98 million) have been ance amounts, decreasing interest legalised in an ongoing cam- dollar deposits to three percent per rates for dollar deposits and stop- year, prohibiting price determina- paign to legalise property over ping price setting in dollars – are a period of 12 months. Local tion for certain goods and services intended to strengthen national and developing non-cash payment authorities received 15,465 re- currency rather than focus on quests totalling 119.3 billion options, reported Forbes.kz. tenge (US$642.76 million). Fi- nance Minister Bakhyt Sultanov Kelimbetov: ‘‘De-dollarisation noted the important role of the Ministry of Finance in improv- doesn’t mean that someone is going to ing the business climate in Ka- zakhstan. “More work is needed devalue or prohibit dollars. We just to create a favourable business environment and e-government think that the national currency has to services,” Sultanov said. To en- take its rightful place as a measure of sure business development, pri- vatisation efforts will be acceler- value and a means of payment.’’ ated.

“Again, de-dollarisation doesn’t According to NADLoC, the eliminating dollars.The National National Agency for the Devel- mean that someone is going to de- Bank also plans to target inflation value or prohibit dollars. We just opment of Local Content, Ka- in the medium term, which will zakhstan has about 100 system- think that the national currency help increase the effective yield atic measures of state support for has to take its rightful place as a of tenge deposits, according to domestic producers. In order to measure of value and a means of Forbes.kz. better coordinate activities and payment. That is why we are go- Commenting on efforts to apply state support, the govern- ing to develop measures diversely. strengthen the national currency, ment further adopted an action The first is the supporting of mac- Mazhilis Deputy Nurlan Zhazylb- plan to support industrial enter- roeconomic stability to decrease ekov said, “Why have we to value prises for 2015. The move covers annual inflation. We expect to everything in U.S. dollars if we over 70 tasks. In line with presi- achieve 3 – 4 percent annual infla- have own currency? Of course, we dential orders, a campaign titled tion in 2020,” said National Bank will have difficulties in the begin- Kazakstanda Zhasalgan, mean- Chairman Kairat Kelimbetov at a ning. It especially will impact par- ing Produced in Kazakhstan, was Central Communications Service ties that import goods. But we are launched. Earlier, the NADLoC briefing on Feb. 12. already in the Eurasian Economic held a logo design completion for Kelimbetov also noted that au- Union, so we should strengthen a logo to mark all domestically thorities must work to strengthen our tenge. Supporting dollars is produced goods A5 Business

Wednesday, march 11, 2015

Business News in Brief New Law and More Filling Stations Planned “As part of the additional budget allocation to support agriculture, it is planned to increase the amount of financing of the programme of for Liquid Petroleum Gas Cars agribusiness entities from 300 to Approximately 600 buses us- 500 billion tenge (US$1.6 billion By Yerbolat Uatkhanov ing natural gas operate in Almaty, to $2.7 billion),” Minister of Ag- which amounts to 37 percent of riculture Assylzhan Mamytbekov ASTANA – In response to gov- all buses, as reported by auto.lafa. said at a March 6 media briefing. ernment plans to enact a law abol- kz. He noted that 13 billion tenge ishing taxes and fees for liquid Gazcenter sales director Dmitri (US$69.7 million) will be allo- petroleum gas (LPG) users, Ka- Likhachev talked about convert- cated to support livestock. “This zTransGas is planning to construct ing diesel vehicles to LPG. is subsidising the cost of poultry 105 new methane filling stations “In Astana, one of the bus fleets farms, dairy products and beef in addition to the 508 LPG filling is going to convert its diesel buses farms,” he explained. stations currently available. While to a gas diesel system, too. We the law will create an option for actively develop converting die- State facilities worth 40 bil- drivers, LPG usage in vehicles will sel engines, which are used in lo- lion tenge (US$214.6 million) remain safe, economically sound gistics companies and passenger have been sold within the second and environment friendly. transportation companies. It is wave of privatisation, Minister “Installation of LPG equipment very important, because vehicles of Finance Bakhyt Sultanov said costs 100,000 – 150,000 tenge in such companies have very high at a March 5 briefing. “The total (US$538-$808) and in the context everyday kilometrages. And in amount of the sale was 29 bil- of present prices for gasoline pays spite of less economic efficiency lion tenge (US$155.6 million) back in half a year. If you use an in gas diesel systems, converting without the IPO by KEGOC. If SUV, the converting cost is up to enables companies to save mon- we include it, it will be 40 bil- 300,000 tenge (US$1,616) and it ey. As you know, saved money is lion tenge (US$214.6 million).” will pay its way in 10-12 months. earned money. According to him, entrepreneurs There are 508 gas filling stations in “Today, LPG costs are also “The minimum price at our com- ing a toroidal tank, she said. The “Also we are ready to equip ve- from the Zhambyl and Aktobe re- our country,” said Minister of En- twice as cheap as low-octane gaso- pany for LPG converting amounts tank is installed instead of a spare hicles with methane equipment, gions actively participated in the ergy Vladimir Shkolnik at the Oct. line and three times cheaper than to 165,000 tenge (US$889) for a wheel or under the body of the car, but there are no methane filling programme. About ten community 8 enlarged meeting of the Mazhilis high-octane gasoline. Besides, up- four-cylinder passenger car. We truck, pickup or SUV. stations in Astana,” he said. properties were sold in the regions. (lower house of Parliament) Com- to-date LPG equipment sufficient- don’t give preference to any brand, Gutchenko also sought to dispell Likhachev also commented on ly increases engine life, decreases because every brand has its own “Unfortunately, the business in the mittee, according to tengrinews.kz. a myth about LPG users. government actions: “We consid- engine oil pollution and the con- advantages and peculiarities with- “We have absolutely different Pavlodar region was not engaged Varvara Gutchenko, manager at er that converting all state vehi- verted car has two fuel tanks, out regard to the country of its clients; for example, we equipped in the process. Five facilities of- Gazcenter, a major service station cles to LPG usage could be a good which means that its trip distance production. But we can say that Daewoo Matiz. If you don’t know, fered for sale have not been sold in Astana, commented after Shkol- decision and save a vast amount doubles,” she added. Italian, Turkish and Polish equip- it is three-cylinder, very small car. yet,” the minister stated. nik’s speech regarding the change- of money. Gas consumption is Gutchenko also discussed the ment is the best. You know Italian We also worked on brand-new over. safety of LPG equipment. companies started to produce the models of BMW, Lexus, Range accompanied by sufficiently-less According to a recent statement “We don’t call on everybody “First of all, I would like to state equipment in the 1960s and have Rover and other luxury cars. Apart pollution than gasoline or diesel by Amaniyaz Yerzhanov, chair- to convert their cars to LPG con- that up-to-date equipment is abso- great work experience,” she said. from the fact that these cars are fuel consumption. Converting man of the Committee of Industrial sumption. It is irrational to con- lutely safe. Even more, such LPG “A car owner should write a very expensive, these cars are very 1,000 buses to gas leads to the de- Development and Industrial Safety to the amount of six vert some vehicles; for example, equipment is safer than the stand- written request for LPG equipment complicated and have very pro- crease of CO2 of the Ministry of Investment and old cars or cars with insignificant ard gasoline system of a car. installation to a corresponding of- tected electronics. Sometimes we tonnes per year and carbon soot Development (MID), in the com- everyday kilometrages. It is also “An LPG tank’s wall thickness ficial dealer. The official dealer have to dismantle half of a car to three-five times.” ing five years, 3,200 facilities listed unwise to convert a car if its owner is 3-4 mm. A gasoline tank’s wall hasn’t the right to refuse such a install LPG equipment. Electronic The government plans to enact in the State Energy Register (SER) plans to sell it in the near future, is 0.5 mm. It is much firmer than request and we have a lot of car adjustment is very hard, but we do a law concerning a national green plan to introduce energy saving because the cost of converting a standard fuel tank, which has owners who saved their warran- it. The Toyota Land Cruiser is the economy that could make gas us- plans until 2020. “One of the key won’t pay for itself in a short span been proven in ghastly accidents. ties, because our service station most popular model we are work- age more attractive, because taxes mechanisms is the creation of the of time.” Also, an LPG tank is equipped has all the necessary correspond- ing on. This model amounts to and fees will be abolished for State Energy Register, including “But we can talk about the in- with a multivalve, which disables ing certificates,” she explained. approximately 50 percent of the the owners of vehicles with gas 7,000 facilities which are respon- crease in demand for our services its explosion. All you need to do is While Gutchenko noted that cars we are working on. It should equipment. sible for the energy audit in 2015,” from one year to the next. One to choose the right place for con- conversion registration isn’t com- be noted that we don’t have many “KazTransGas embraced a Yerzhanov said. He added that Ka- of the reasons is that LPG usage verting and further maintenance of plicated, approximately only women among our clients. We course of action to construct 105 zakhstan and the World Bank are makes vehicles more environmen- your car,” she said. 12,000 such vehicles are registered haven’t had more than five female new methane filling stations. Af- implementing the grant project to tally friendly. It is especially rel- When converting a car to natu- in Kazakhstan. The real number is clients since 2009. I don’t know ter this programme is carried out, improve the energy efficiency of the evant for cities with bad ecological ral gas consumption, Gutchenko possibly much higher. the reason. Maybe they are afraid trucks will be able to run from public facilities. “Under the project, situations, for example, Almaty, noted the importance of selecting The conversion has one disad- of LPG usage. Maybe they aren’t Khorgos to the border with Rus- more than 70 schools, kindergar- which is stifled by vehicle exhaust a qualified company to complete vantage – the loss of free space in interested in automobile tuning,” sia,” said Greenauto Director tens and hospitals will be upgraded gas,” she said. the work. the trunk, which is solved by us- said Gutchenko. Rustam Issayev. for energy efficiency,” Yerzhanov noted. He also said that the country has 15 higher education centres and five higher education institutions which have trained more than1,000 specialists in this sphere. Chevron Supports Science and Estonia Considering The United Nations Develop- ment Programme in Kazakh- stan and the Kazakh government Technology to Improve Lives Shipping Goods launched a joint project this year called Sustainable Cities aimed at By Yerken Nurlybayev improving energy efficiency, Di- rector of the Department of Energy Since its establishment in 2010, Between Europe and and Environment of the United Nazarbayev University has devel- Nations Development Programme oped into one of the leading edu- in Kazakhstan Rassul Rakhimov cational and research institutions announced at a March 3 press con- in Kazakhstan. The university China via Kazakhstan ference. “In 2015, we hope to start and Chevron entered into a long- By Michelle Witte tween Chongqing in southwest a completely new project Sustain- term partnership in 2012 based on China to Duisburg was launched, able Cities for the development of the shared philosophy of striking ASTANA – Estonia is the lat- cutting transit times from months energy efficiency,” Rakhimov said. a balance between environment est country to publicly mull using to 15 days as well as cutting costs. According to him, the project will preservation and the advancement Kazakhstan’s transit infrastructure In January, Kazakhstan Temir be implemented with the financial of technology. to ship goods between China and Zholy announced the launch of a support of the Global Environment With support from Chevron, Europe. pilot “Rail-Air” programme, tak- Facility. “In this project, we plan the university is developing a “We’re considering the shipment ing cargo by rail from Chongqing to focus on creating the necessary range of technological solutions of merchandise between Europe through the Dostyk entry point conditions in Kazakhstan for the and scientific research to im- and Asia through the port of Tal- and to Almaty, then loading it formation of stable energy efficien- prove the quality of life without linn on the Baltic Sea and the port onto flights at Almaty airport, and cy in municipal infrastructure, de- compromising the biosphere. used in many semiconductor ap- ing mechanical energy to electrical of Lianyungang on the Yellow Sea,” in February a cargo train travel- veloping effective transport man- Chevron provided $2 million plications. In the centre’s solar energy. CEO of Estonia’s Port of Tallinn ling from Yiwu, China to Madrid, agement skills, waste management, for the purchase of advanced energy laboratory, scientists have Chevron’s contribution en- Ain Kaljurand said on March 2, as Spain, via the world’s longest rail- the establishment of mechanisms equipment to upgrade laboratory created the entire process chain for courages not only experienced reported by Spanish international way line, completed its maiden to attract private investment to the infrastructure, support faculty fabrication of organic photovoltaic researchers and scientists, but in- service EFE. He elaborated that the journey of 16,156 miles, crossing city and municipal infrastructure,” research programmes and fund (OPV) devices. The main advan- cludes opportunities for students idea is “feasible” given that Kazakh- Kazakhstan on its way. said the head of the department. 14projects conducted by young tage of OPV in comparison to tra- from all schools within Naz- stan’s national railway company, The organisation is also developing scientists and students. ditional technologies is that it has arbayev University. For example, a Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, is building Kazakhstan is quality standards for lighting. The university now has a mo- the potential to decrease the cost of group of students has started work- its own terminal at Lianyungang. bile environmental laboratory solar electricity significantly. ing on a concept for a futuristic, Tallinn, which Kaljurand called developing its transit “The changes that will optimise equipped for quick analysis of the In addtion to laboratory infra- human-friendly eco-settlement. one of the most important ports on tax costs of processing enterprises chemical composition of water, structure, Chevron’s support is The Eco-Village would be energy the Baltic Sea, is operating far below infrastructure as were introduced in the tax code,” soil, air and contaminants, as well helping Kazakhstan’s scientists efficient and sustainable using ex- capacity, the CEO said, noting that it aims to capture announced Asylzhan Mamytbe- as meteorological measurements. improve lives through advances in isting technologies and integrate the transport of Kazakhstan’s ex- kov, Minister of Agriculture, at Mobility is the key. Some bio- the fields of energy, environment harmoniously with the natural ports through the ports has declined a greater share of a March 6 media briefing at the logical samples must be analysed and energy efficiency. landscape. in recent years. Kazakhstan has tra- goods shipped from Central Communication Services within a few hours after collection One of the student projects un- “Collaborating on the Eco-Vil- ditionally shipped cereals, coal and (CCS). As the minister noted, because samples can change rap- derway is a study of human im- lage is a pleasure,” said Project oil products through Estonia. China to Europe. due to changes in the tax code, idly and thus skew the data. The pacts on the lakes of the Burabai Leader Daniil Tarasov. “We are “In December of last year, the from January the cost of paying problem is solved by sending the National Park. The students are creating a ‘nature oasis’ where citi- transport of coal from Kazakh- A Kazakh parliamentary delega- VAT (value added tax) will be re- laboratory to the sample and not acquiring and analysing two dec- zens may enjoy fresh air and see stan through the port of Tallinn tion visited Tallinn in November imbursed from the budget to the vice-versa. The mobile laboratory ades of geological and hydrologi- a sky full of stars. Implementation was 40,000 to 50,000 tons, while of last year, with the development processing enterprises. “Given also allows obtaining experimen- cal data to measure the impact of of the idea could contribute to Ka- seven years ago, this quantity was of trade and economic relation- that we have almost 70 percent of tal data in real time and exploringa household water use from the lake zakhstan’s reputation as a country five times greater. The handling of ships high on the agenda. An Es- cattle in personal farmsteads and largevolume of samples. and how to restore the dramatic that cares about its ecology. Apply- grain was 1.5 million tons, but to- tonian business delegation headed farms that are not subject to VAT, Through Chevron’s support, the drop in lake levels. Another group ing alternative sources of energy day it’s zero,” Kaljurand said, ac- by former Estonian President Ar- it was a big problem for those busi- physics and material sciences labo- of young scientists are researching might increase investments in Ka- cording to EFE’s report. nold Rüütel visited Astana in late nesses that buy raw materials from ratory at the Nazarbayev Universi- a hydro-energy storagesystem that zakhstan’s economy. To be a part Kazakhstan is in the midst of February, when the need to devel- these non-payers of VAT, because ty Research and Innovation Centre pumps water to an elevated reser- of this project is a great honour and major transit development, as it op cooperation in agriculture and the implementation of the entire has acquired a “magnetron” for in- voir, and when power is needed, priceless experience for me. Real- aims to capture a greater share of transit were discussed, along with turnover of processed products vestigation of advanced materials sends the water flowing down ising that my effort might be useful goods shipped from China to Eu- Estonia’s potential as a bridge be- taxed full-time,” the minister said. including, gallium nitride (GaN) through a hydro turbine, convert- for my country makes me happy.” rope. In 2012, a cargo train be- tween Kazakhstan and Europe. A6 EDITORIALS&opinionS

Wednesday, march 11, 2015 Afghanistan Should Farming to Play Key Not Be Left Alone Role in Kazakhstan’s onflict and suffering has again sadly being and rightly so, to counter the distorted message of the dominating international headlines. The Mid- extremists in our society. And it has also stepped up di- dle East is engulfed in a struggle for decency rect economic and humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Ka- Economic Anti-Crisis against the so-called Islamic State. zakhstan has allocated $2.38 million for social services CThe rise of this abhorrent extremist group that has projects in Afghanistan, sent more than $17 million caused immense suffering for thousands of people in worth of emergency food assistance, and implemented a parts of Syria and Iraq is perhaps the biggest threat to $50 million project to train Afghan students at Kazakh Programme global peace and stability. There is a real risk that these universities. omy. The country is one of the top 15 producers two countries will be permanently torn apart and the But the challenge requires a concerted and coor- By Aiman Turebekova of wheat in the world, with its harvests compet- Islamic State becomes a platform for exporting vio- dinated international effort to help re-establish and ing in quality with those of Canada. Despite the lence, extremism and instability across the entire region reintegrate Afghanistan into the region. It is an effort The economies of Europe and Eurasia are fac- ongoing cuts in government spending, it was an- ing significant challenges today, given the fallout and beyond. Already Libya and Nigeria have become that Afghanistan’s Central Asian neighbours must help nounced on Feb. 18 that the farming sector will from ongoing geopolitical tensions around the victims to this warped ideology, demonstrating that shape and lead. After all, we in the region have the receive an additional 20 billion tenge ($107.3 conflict-hit Ukraine, and as a result are- under million) in government funding in 2015. Islamic State is not just a Middle Eastern problem. most to gain from success and the most to lose from going significant macroeconomic and structural As the international community considers how to failure. Not surprisingly, regional governments are al- Moreover, Kazakhstan must use all the benefits adjustment. of its membership in the recently-launched Eura- respond to this threat, these terrible developments must ready discussing how Afghanistan’s efforts can do more Falling crude oil prices are intertwined with sian Economic Union. In light of current sanc- serve as a sobering reminder of the fate of Afghanistan together to help rebuild it as well as improve regional a structural slowdown. Consequently, low oil tions, Russia is a huge market with high demand if the world again walks away from the troubled coun- security against terrorism and the drugs trade. prices will put significant pressure on the budget, for all types of products. When prices rise due try, as it did in the 1990s. We must ensure this does not The long-term solution must be to accelerate the limiting fiscal space for further investment and to high demand, the seller will want to increase happen. growth of the entire regional economy to spread em- other stimulus. According to World Bank statis- capacity to produce greater quantity. We should Kazakhstan, together with its neighbours and the ployment and prosperity in Afghanistan and all neigh- tics, the annual GDP percentage growth rate at not neglect the fact that during the transition pe- international community all share a common objec- bouring countries. This will deny the extremists the Kazakh market prices was 4.1 percent in 2014, riod when joining the World Trade Organisation tive to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a anger and despair required for their divisive message to whereas for 2015 and 2016 the forecast is a no- (WTO), it will be crucial to intensify the invest- safe haven for international terrorism, nor a threat to take root. tably-lower increase of 1.8 percent and 3.2 per- ments in agriculture, the processing industry regional stability. This gives us a common purpose: to Consistent efforts in this area are being taken by or- cent, respectively. After a sharp deceleration in and service structures. To enhance agricultural build the capacity of the Afghan government and the ganisations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisa- 2014, however, growth in the region is projected productivity, the government needs to invest in Afghan National Security Forces, and to give Afghans tion, which brings together four Central Asian nations to recover moderately with an increase of 4.7 expanding infrastructure such as roads, irrigation the opportunities to build a stable and prosperous plus Russia and China. percent by 2017. and communication systems. In addition, in or- future. Through other initiatives like the U.S.-proposed Moreover, capital inflows into a few countries der to prevent future risks after joining the WTO Over a decade on from the September 11, 2001, ter- ‘New Silk Road’, which aims to integrate the Central of the region, namely Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, it is of paramount importance to support farming rorist attacks, al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan has Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Romania and Turkey, resulted from the success- in various creative ways. been significantly weakened, and today’s Afghanistan Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan with Afghanistan, India, fully placed modest-sized bond issues in the One of the feasible solutions might be encour- market. In Kazakhstan, authorities are taking ad- is unrecognisable from 10 years ago. However the pull- and Pakistan, there is hope to integrate Afghanistan into aging and helping farmers to enhance their quali- ditional measures to support the financial sector. out of NATO troops means that an enduring internation- the wider region. fications and skills in those countries where the Some of them include increasing the capitalisa- agrarian sector is well developed and successful, al commitment to Afghanistan is required. Unfortunate- The positive impact, of course, of the ‘New Silk tion of the Bad Loans Fund, which the govern- ly nearly 4,000 Afghan civilians died in 2014, making it Road’ will be felt far beyond Afghanistan or Central like New Zealand, which is world famous for its ment created to tackle the financial crisis of productive farms. The best way to experience the deadliest year yet in the conflict. This must act as a Asia. Our region is seriously laying claim to be the next 2007-2009, expanding eligible loans for purchase this unique way of life is to live it yourself on wakeup call to the world. economic frontier. Rich in energy and natural wealth by the entity and changing the tax rules and insol- one of over 400 farms around the country. If the international community turns its back on the and strategically positioned between Europe and the vency regime to incentivise debt write-offs. According to the Kazakh Committee on Sta- country and its long-suffering people, there is a real fast-growing economies of the east, improved con- Notwithstanding the current crisis, Kazakh tistics, the country’s exports to New Zealand in risk that it could descend again into outright chaos and nections can provide a much-needed boost to global President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who steered the 2014 totaled $11,900 and imports were$2.1 mil- that instability and violence will spill increasingly over growth. country through the previous recessions of 1998- lion. Kazakhstan imports meat, dairy products, its borders. We cannot halt the powerful forces which are chang- 1999 and 2008-2009, has adopted a new strategy fish and equipment from New Zealand. No nation is immune from this threat. Up to now, ing our world. But through increased co-operation with for the country’s development. “A number of extremists have struggled to gain a foothold in Kazakh- our partners, they can be channelled for the benefit of anti-crisis measures were taken last year. We en- stan. Despite a very diverse population, we have built all. Afghanistan’s people are counting for the world’s hanced partnership with international financial in- New Zealand’s agriculture a moderate and tolerant society where all can make a powers to stop their disputes, and instead unite to battle stitutions last year and felt full support from them contribution. The Kazakh government has been closely a common foe. We have all borne the costs of decades as we made deals for over $8 billion,” he said in New Zealand is heavily dependent on interna- monitoring the situation regarding religious extremism of conflict in Afghanistan and, if we fail to come to- announcing his anti-crisis programme Nurly Zhol tional trade, particularly in agricultural products. and drug trafficking out of Afghanistan, two issues that gether and turn good intentions into positive action, we – The Path to the Future during the annual state- Its highly-competitive and efficient primary pro- can hurt our own nation. will see the chaos engulfing the Middle East repeated in of-the-nation address in November 2014. duction systems are exported to every corner of the globe. Its major export partners are Australia, The Kazakh government has also been working hard, Afghanistan. Nazarbayev referred to the National Fund, a sovereign deposit accumulating excess revenues United States, China and Japan, as shown inthe from the export of raw materials, as a major pie chart below (data from2014). New Zealand source of reserves that would help implement the and China signed the New Zealand–China Free government’s extensive anti-crisis plan of action. Trade Agreement on April 7, 2008, the first such The President noted vthe government used it suc- agreement China has signed with a developed cessfully to tackle the economic crisis of 2007- country. Early Presidential 2009, when $10 billion sourced from the fund New Zealand’s stringent food standards have was funnelled into supporting the banking sector, led to a high-performing primary sector. The construction industry and small- and medium- country has implemented robust biosecurity sized enterprises and boosting employment. measures and has high levels of food traceabil- Election Meant to Solidify “As for the rest of the money, we have not spent ity. The World Organisation for Animal Health it. We saved and multiplied it. Now we are in the has recognised New Zealand as free of animal period when we must use these reserves. They diseases. The country’s reputation for farm- will help overcome uneasy times and stimulate ing expertise and quality food-production sys- the growth of our economy,” Nazarbayev ar- tems places it in a strong position to meet the National Stability gued. As of February 2015, the National Fund’s world's increasing food demands. Furthermore, olitical life in Kazakhstan stands on the eve so holding the regular election in the midst of a global assets exceeded $78 billion. the country is one of the most efficient agricul- of an event of paramount importance for any crisis would have been undesirable. Furthermore, in order to attract additional tural economies with a reputation for producing country: a presidential election. The previous presidential election was also held earli- funding and increase the flow of investment into internationally-significant research, agricultural Over the last three weeks, the political er than usual. It was held April 3, 2011 and Nazarbayev the country, the Kazakh Parliament adopted a practices and products. parties,P the Kazakh Parliament and expert commu- won 95.55 percent of the votes. law on June 30 regarding amnesty for Kazakh nity have become more active. The question is will However, experts predict that the current competition citizens, repatriates and persons holding a resi- As a country with considerable potential, Ka- President Nursultan Nazarbayev confirm he will in the early presidential election can be serious. Thus, dence permit due to the legalisation of their prop- zakhstan should learn more from New Zealand’s run for re-election and who will be the other candi- Bolat Baikadamov, a seasoned political analyst, in an erty. The nation’s Minister of Finance Bakhyt experience on the way to establishing and man- dates? interview with one of the local news agencies, said Sultanov anticipates the inflow of money and aging productive farms. New Zealand’s Lincoln The move for an early election began Feb. 14 when “Kazakhstan has passed the time when the president property from the campaign to reach up to $12 and Massey universities offer study areas such as the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) pro- was elected among candidates who lagged behind him billion. Naturally, the question arises how the agriculture, commerce, computing, engineering, posed holding an early election this year, rather than the on a large distance in votes.” government should manage this money in terms environment, food, forestry, horticulture, hospital- regularly scheduled election in 2016. “I think now is the time for those politicians who can of preventing crises and taking into account a ity, landscape, property, recreation, sciences, trans- The APK initiative was formally announced and compete for the post of President in our country. It all long-term perspective. port and winemaking. These universities provide supported unanimously by the group’s delegates. The depends on what [type of] person will participate in the The President’s overall goal for his govern- an opportunity to gain experience from the best assembly justified its initiative on the basis that in these election. If this person is weighty and authoritative, of ment is to develop Kazakhstan’s business envi- agribusinesses. Consequently, after finishing their times of global crisis, the Kazakh society must unite a large caliber, a political heavyweight, as the saying ronment so that it becomes one of the world’s top education Kazakhstan’s farmers would acquire and support the policies and strategies of its time-prov- goes, then, of course, this person will pose serious com- thirty largest economies. It is clear that in order a confidence and willingness to implement new en leader. petition to any other candidate, whether it is even the to implement this serious objective, the govern- ideas and experiences which would help farming The country’s political parties and public organisa- current head of state,” Baikadamov said. ment should work on it intensively. For instance, industry progress in the nation. tions then supported the initiative of the APK. Among In this case, another question arises: “What are the in 2011 the World Bank’s Doing Business report It is vital to support agriculture through imple- them are the ruling Nur Otan People’s Democratic chances of the incumbent to become a winner again?” acknowledged Kazakhstan as the number one- menting action which is needed at all levels to Party, the pro-business Ak Zhol (Bright Path) Demo- The chances are high. It is well-known that under the pro-business reformer government in the world. revitalise Kazakhstan`s agricultural sectors. Ru- cratic Party, and others. leadership of Nazarbayev, the nation was able to suc- Still, it is too early to claim Kazakhstan is the ral communities and small farmers deserve em- Most leaders of the political parties agree that the cessfully overcome the crisis in the early 1990s, the best place for small and medium-sized enter- powerment and assistance from the government early presidential election is designed to strengthen Asian crisis of 1997-1998 and the global crisis of 2008- prises and the manufacturing industry. There is through the provision of additional financing and political stability and social cohesion in Kazakhstan. 2009. a lot of work to do in this regard and the govern- access to technology and technical know-how. The initiative was also supported by the Mazhilis Second, it is indisputable that today Nazarbayev ment does not seem to be lenient on pursuing the (lower house of the Parliament) and the Senate (upper is one of the most active and respected politicians in changes needed. The author is a graduate student of the house of the Parliament). On Feb. 25, after consulting the region and leaders of many countries in the world It is widely believed that agriculture is one of Foundation of Diplomacy course at the Uni- with the chairmen of the two houses, the prime minister openly acknowledge the fact. He regularly proposes im- the priority sectors of Kazakhstan’s future econ- versity of Oxford. and the chair of the Constitutional Council, President portant policy initiatives in the country and the world. Nazarbayev announced his consent for an early elec- Events in Ukraine forced the multi-ethnic people of tion and set it up in line with the nation’s law to be held Kazakhstan to take a different look at the situation in Dear readers, April 26. their own country. Against the background of economic Due to the five day celebration of the Nauryz on March 20-25, the next issue will come out in print The worsening global economic crisis is among and political problems in the world, especially events in on March 27. We will continue updating our website daily with important news updates, stories the arguments in favour of an early election. Experts Ukraine, the majority of the Kazakh people want to see and commentary as usual. predict the global economic crisis will peak in 2016, a strong leader leading them into the future.

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Wednesday, march 11, 2015 G-Global Is an Idea which Unites the World, Senator Believes By Doszhan Nurgaliyev Do you not think that similar- the International Monetary Fund teraction and Confidence Building level of parliamentary and public ly, due to overproduction amidst (IMF) Daniel Heller expressed Measures in Asia, International diplomacy. This year marks the eighth year global poverty and unemploy- confidence that the idea of a transi- Summit of Journalism, Astana At present, one of the key areas of the initiative by Kazakh Presi- ment in the world, there exists tion from G20 to G-Global was in Economic Forum, Parliamentary of G-Global is the fight against dent Nursultan Nazarbayev to overproduction of financial in- sync with what the IMF is doing and Public Diplomacy Forum, The the global threat to humanity – unite international scientists and struments that are useless to get today as an international devel- ATOM Project, Silk Road, Green the Ebola virus. Since October practitioners in the common search the world economy out of the opment institution, which is try- Bridge and others. 2014, the international secretariat for answers to global challenges. crisis? What priorities in this ing to find a solution to the data One of the top priorities of the of G-Global has been providing In the context of the current crisis respect do you implement in the problems. Secretary General of the international project G–Global humanitarian assistance to the anomalies and geopolitical col- current work? Asian Peace and Reconciliation is to assist promoting the nation people of Guinea, within which lisions, the anti-crisis ideas have Amid the modern threats fore- Council (APRC) Kobsak Chutikul of Kazakhstan to non-permanent a group of doctors and scientists gained new scientific and political cast by the President of Kazakh- also fully welcomed the initiative, membership on the UN Security provides training and advice to significance in the global commu- stan in the articles “Keys to the saying: “G-Global is an initiative Council (UNSC) for 2017-2018. the Guinean doctors and special- nity. This is the opinion of the head including due to the low oil prices Crisis” and “The Fifth Way,” is that can help create a world.” Kazakhstan is committed to a ists. In addition, at no charge the of the international secretariat of and armed conflict in the Middle that by the beginning of the sec- comprehensive concept of securi- G-Global international secretariat G-Global, deputy of the Kazakh East, the U.S. Federal Reserve ond decade of the new century According to official documents ty, which includes the interconnec- provided medicines for the treat- Senate Serik Nugerbekov. System (FRS) continues to hold mankind in its development will available on the G-Global com- tion and interdependence of secu- ment of patients with Ebola, as interest rates unchanged. It means have generated not one, but a set munication platform, the opin- rity, human rights and sustainable well as 200 sets of reusable anti- In his famous article “Keys to that the need to increase the mon- of simultaneously-occurring crises ions of many influential politi- development. Effective solutions plague costumes for medical per- the Crisis” the head of state said, ey supply and stimulate economic that no longer requires confirma- cians and economists reflect their in the field of food, water, energy sonnel. Today the government of “The whole world has entered into growth remains an urgent task for tion because today it is a reality. At high level of interest and under- and nuclear security should be- the Republic of Guinea, with the a global crisis and only the whole the FRS amid the unfavourable the same time, it is equally obvious standing of the essence of the G- come the basis for such interac- financial support of the Islamic world can turn the ‘key to the cri- macroeconomic situation in the that no state, no matter how pow- Global project as a global format tion. With this agenda the interna- Development Bank in Conakry, is sis’” ... but will the friends’ con- world. erful it may be, as well as neither uniting the world. What are the tional project G-Global, supported building a multifunctional clinic sent be achieved when the global Due to the high interconnectiv- the largest regional associations, plans for the further advance- by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to treat patients with the Ebola policies often contradict with the ity of all participants in the glob- can overcome these destructions. ment of this project? of Kazakhstan, plans to intensify virus, which after commission- interests of the economy, includ- al market and joint efforts of all The current socio-economic situa- In December 2011, in his speech its work within the UN and other ing will be transferred under the ing renouncing the fundamental countries of the world, it is also tion in the world is eloquent proof at the ceremony dedicated to the international organisations. control of specialists and doctors principles of development? necessary to treat the monetary of that. Therefore, the incredible of the G-Global international sec- Today, there is no doubt that in economic system that focuses on efforts of Kazakhstan to maintain retariat . the turbulent flow of global pro- excess profits instead of balanced global anti-crisis discourse within International experts believe that the cesses politicians do not always development. It is significant that the Astana Economic Forum, with G-Global project attains a large mass The relevance and the need to adhere to the classic principles. this is a key condition, along with an aim to develop science-based hold the G-Global forum is ap- Such a thing as consent of the par- the systemic factors of the crisis anti-crisis recommendations for of followers not only at the level of parent, but at the same time will ties is still intermittent, while po- the President of Kazakhstan, Nur- the G20, the concept of the UN the forum not be a heavy burden litical consensus is often achieved sultan Nazarbayev, highlighted in world anti-crisis plan and the ac- world politics, but also at the level of on the budget? by pressure and suppression. Nev- his articles. tive promotion of the initiative G- parliamentary and public diplomacy. Today, the negative trends in ertheless, we cannot say that the He was the first head of state to Global today are commended by the global economy affect interna- politicians do not seek alternatives raise the urgent need for a radical the international community. tional business activities, includ- and compromises in the current transformation of the global fi- An outstanding figure of our 20th anniversary of the independ- In the case of Kazakhstan’s elec- ing the largest transnational cor- situation, when even large multi- nancial and economic system and time, Nobel Prize winner Muham- ence of Kazakhstan, the President tion as a non-permanent member porations (TNCs). In this respect, national corporations engaged in also noted that the transformation mad Yunus, gave his assessment proposed the creation of G-Global, of the UN Security Council, we TNCs are most interested in the high-tech sectors bear huge losses of the established system of eco- of the Astana Economic Forum: a democratic format of global dia- will be able to use the member- promotion of anti-crisis measures due to the heating of geopolitical nomic values was a complex issue “Bringing people together to dis- logue. Currently there are many ship in the UN Security Council in the format of G-Global and they tensions. Whatever you may say, and has more than one financial, cuss the pressing issues of the proposals from scientists and ex- to the maximum to actively pro- could act as sponsors of a special the bough on which global policy, problematic side. The roots of the time is very important and logical. perts from around the world about mote the international project G- fund for the G-Global forum. In as well as the economic system, current economic problems and However, to consolidate the lead- the urgent need for holding the Global. addition, international organisa- sits should not be sewn off or oth- contradictions often go back to ers of world science and practice G-Global forum during the inter- Hosting the G-Global forum tions and development institutions erwise everything will collapse. the previous historic upheavals, to solve global problems is an national exhibition EXPO 2017. together with the international could assist the project, creating The current crisis shows once including the times of the Cold extraordinary and historic event. The G-Global forum can gather exhibition EXPO 2017 will give policy in a particular area. That is again that the settlement of the War. That is why the world of the None of the Asian countries can global leaders, politicians, lead- a synergetic effect, expanding part of the financial cost for the G- key issues of our time using heavy twenty-first century requires not hold the event at the level at which ing experts and academics, parlia- the quality of participants and Global forum that could be dealt policy tools is ineffective. Simi- only fundamental changes in the Kazakhstan has done, which is un- mentarians and representatives of strengthening the format and with through TNCs and interna- larly, traditional methods of regu- economy and global governance, doubtedly an outstanding merit of non-governmental organisations agenda of both events. Interna- tional organisations as the suc- lation of financial markets do not but also the transformation of con- the President of Kazakhstan, Nur- in one place. Its platform can host tional experts believe that the G- cessful implementation of projects give any results. For example, to- sciousness of civilisation towards sultan Nazarbayev.” such activities as the Congress of Global project attains a large mass of G-Global will have a positive day given the weak performance the responsibility of “one for all During the Astana Economic Leaders of World and Traditional of followers not only at the level effect on the entire population of of most economies in the world, and all for one.” Forum, Executive Director of Religions, the Conference on In- of world politics, but also at the our planet. Doomsday Clock Must Be Reversed. We Can Do It Project, an international initiative to the development of ever more our country made the decision to Today each of us can play a role By Karipbek Kuyukov to raise awareness of the horrible destructive nuclear weapons, to so give up the world’s fourth largest in reversing time on the dooms- impact of nuclear tests worldwide, many tests and their terrible im- nuclear arsenal. day clock. We can participate in For nearly 70 years, the Dooms- with ATOM being an acronym for pact. The modern history of my home- creating a peaceful world, where day Clock has shown how close our motto “Abolish Testing. Our I am proud to have been part land also dispels the myth that a people no longer have to fear an- our world is to global catastrophe. Mission.” of a grassroots movement which country needs to possess nuclear other nuclear disaster. On behalf The news that on January 22 the My campaigning has taken me campaigned to stop nuclear tests at weapons to feel secure. Despite of nuclear testing survivors in clock’s timing has been pushed to other countries where people the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. being without nuclear weapons, Kazakhstan and other countries forward to three minutes before have suffered from the conse- Fortunately we found strong sup- Kazakhstan has enjoyed stability and in memory of those who are midnight – signaling the gravest quences of nuclear tests or nuclear port from our president, Nursultan and safety for more than two dec- no longer with us because of ra- threat to humanity since the Cold explosions. In Hiroshima, Naga- Nazarbayev, who made a historic ades now. We were joined by Be- diation-related diseases, I urge all War – is a serious warning. It re- saki and Chernobyl, for example, decision to shut down the site back larus, Ukraine, and South Africa heads of state to look beyond po- flects the view of the Bulletin of I have witnessed a similar pattern on August 29th, 1991. who also chose to walk the path of litical games and national pride. It Atomic Scientists of the growing of devastation. All I have seen and can be done. threat from nuclear proliferation heard has convinced me more than It wasn’t my choice to be born and climate change to humanity. ever that nuclear weapons do not The modern history of my homeland ... without arms. I had no say in For me and many of my fellow result was terrible health problems belong on our planet and must be dispels the myth that a country needs to whether the Soviets used Kazakh- Kazakhs, this threat is not abstract and huge areas of contaminated eliminated with a ban on testing as stan as a nuclear test site. But I do but something we live with every land. a critical first step to this ambition. possess nuclear weapons to feel secure. have a voice with which to share day of our lives. I was born in the I was born without arms, one of That is why I believe the adjust- my story and fight for a nuclear village of Yegyndybulak, just 100 many to suffer defects at birth. As ment of the doomsday clock is a Despite being without nuclear weapons, free world. Let us all pursue this kilometres from the Semipalatinsk an artist with so much to tell and wake-up call to us all. In recent goal. For the sake of our children. test site where the Soviet Union show, I learnt to paint with my feet months, we have seen conflicts Kazakhstan has enjoyed stability and safety For the sake of our humanity. carried out 456 nuclear tests over and mouth to depict my thoughts spring up or worsen all over the for more than two decades. 40 years. Few precautions were and feelings on a canvas. But it is world. Russia and the West are The author is the honorary taken to protect communities such also why I have pledged myself once again on a collision course. This happened when Kazakh- nuclear non-proliferation. I plead ambassador of The ATOM Pro- as those where my parents lived to campaign for a world without This all sounds too familiar to me. stan was still part of the Soviet Un- with other countries to follow this ject. This opinion first appeared from the radioactive fall-out. The nuclear testing through the ATOM It was the last Cold War which led ion. After securing independence, example. in International Policy Digest. Germans in Kazakhstan: Part of the Bright Multi-Ethnic Fabric By Ruth Nielsen mans had been exiled to Siberia and Turks and Kalmycks were also In 1957, the German Federal ciation. These are all a good foun- tolerated and not respected and in- Kazakhstan. Most of the men had labelled “voluntary re-settlers.” Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, dation in building bridges between cluded? I read with interest The Astana been sent to work in factories and Only Crimean Tatars and Volga sought a renewal of diplomatic Germany and Kazakhstan. I was in Kazakhstan in 2013 and Times interview of Mr. Alexander mines in the Urals. Those traveling Germans were not permitted in the relations with the Soviet Union, However, living in another di- visited Astana, Karaganda and Al- Dederer, chairman of the Public east via cattle cars were the elderly, 1950s to return to their regions of and through an agreement with verse country, I wonder do Ger- maty. I remember sitting in a food Association of Germans in Ka- the women and children. An esti- the Soviet Union. Nikita Khruschev, arranged for mans living in Kazakhstan think of court in Astana and being impressed zakhstan. I had written my doc- mated 50% died en route. Hundred of thousands of Rus- over 20,000 Russian-Germans themselves as German-Kazakhs? with the diversity of the families toral dissertation on the Saga of The Russian-German ranks later sian Germans were also “repatri- to emigrate to Germany be- In the U.S., people often identify around me. I think that is one of the the Volga Germans and recall Mr. included survivors of the siege of ated” after WW II. These came tween 1955-1970. By the 1990s, themselves as German-American, unique elements of Kazakhstan. Dederer’s connection to “Wied- Leningrad. Their ancestors had primarily from Volhynia and the the number had risen to 9,000 Korean-American, etc. (After With such a diverse population, ergeburt,” a German ethnic union come to Russia during the reign of Black Sea areas of Ukraine and “Spaetaussiedler’ or immigrants generations, some groups are so each group has its story, which can association. Peter the Great. Not all German had been evacuated by the retreat- a month. mixed, they run out of hyphens.) be told as Kazakhstan does in its As- Germans came en masse to Ka- settlers came to Kazakhstan after ing Wehrmacht. The Germans re- Between 1989 and 1997, close to Is there a wish among the vari- sembly of the People of Kazakhstan. zakhstan and Siberia in the fall of the 1941 exile. Some came ear- fer to this post war movement to 2.4 million “ethnic Germans” had ous peoples of Kazakhstan “to re- Each group learns of the tenacity, 1941 as a result of the 28 August lier because of diminishing land or Siberia and Kazakhstan as “die returned to Germany. Attempts to turn” to their ancestors’ lands? No faith and courage of the others. 1941 decree by Joseph Stalin, because of forced collectivization Verschleppung” – the dragging establish a Volga German area on doubt that choice depends on the which abolished the Autonomous in the late 1920s. The Kazakhs away. At first the Western Allies the Volga River (1992) ad earlier equality of opportunities in educa- The author holds a Doctorate Soviet Socialist Republic of the themselves suffered under forced aided this repatriation, as per the in Kazakhstan were opposed and tion and jobs. If one looks around of Literature from Drew Univer- Volga Germans. Because of the collectivization in the 1920s and Yalta Agreement, but then refused defeated. and sees only partially opened sity in Madison, New Jersey, and perfidious attack of the Nazis in 1930s. Between 1926 and 1933, for humanitarian reasons. Also, Mr. Dederer spoke of the 18 doors, one will not assimilate or taught as an adjunct at Drew June 1941, German speakers were it is estimated that almost two mil- among the “repatriated” were mil- German centres in Kazakhstan, “hyphenate.” University, the County College distrusted and considered a 5th col- lion Kazakhs perished. lions of Ukrainians, mostly wom- as well as the language camps, Sometimes people speak of tol- of Morris and the College of St. umn. By 25 Dec. 1941, it was es- Several other groups, such as the en, who had been slave-labourers newspapers, an inter-government erating others. That is quite lame. Elizabeth in New Jersey, all in timated that 856,000 Russian-Ger- Crimean Tatars, Chechens, Finns, in the Reich. commission and a business asso- Does anyone really want to be New Jersey. A8 eurasia&world

Wednesday, march 11, 2015 Belarus, Kazakhstan Work Together in Volatile Economic Times technologies where Belarus and million or 6.8 per cent), furniture of the union, the total abolition of 1945, as well as to others within By Dmitry Lee Kazakhstan could implement two ($51.8 million or 5.9 percent), ma- exemptions and restrictions in the the CIS member states. The award or three major projects together. chinery and equipment for harvest- movement of goods, common in- ceremonies in Belarus and Kazakh- ASTANA – In his interview Today one of the most important ing and threshing ($44.4 million or dustrial and agricultural policies stan and other CIS countries have with The Astana Times, Ambas- tools for strengthening and devel- 5.1 percent), tires ($39.7 million and improving the efficiency of the already begun. sador Extraordinary and Plenipo- oping the cultural ties, friendly or 4.5 per cent), sugar ($38.4 mil- Eurasian Economic Commission. The celebration programme of tentiary of Belarus to Kazakhstan relations and cooperation between lion or 4.4 percent), meat products Speaking about negative factors, the 70th anniversary of Victory in Anatoly Nichkassov underlined the our nations is the organisation of ($20.7 million or 2.4 percent), rail- I would single out the presence of the Great Patriotic War of the CIS importance of growing economic joint cultural events, exhibitions, way freight cars ($19.5 million or the exceptions and limitations in states has been approved. Accord- relations between Belarus and Ka- forums, festivals and creative com- 2.2 percent), fresh fruits ($18.2 mil- the union that significantly impede ing to this programme, the heads of zakhstan and stressed further de- petitions. Belarus and Kazakhstan lion or 2.1 per cent) and pharmaceu- an economic integration process. CIS states will hold speeches and velopment of current relations, in- Culture Days have become a good ticals ($16.8 million or 1.9 percent). We still have a long and difficult military parades will take place in cluding under the conditions of the tradition. The Days of Culture of Investment cooperation has been path to go in order to develop the the capitals and cities for the he- newly-created Eurasian Economic Belarus in Kazakhstan were well actively developing in 2014; Ka- union. A comprehensive moderni- roes, as well as rewarding and hon- Union, as well as establishing new Anatoly Nichkassov organised in 2014 and this year it is zakhstan has invested $101.7 mil- sation of industrial capacity should ouring ceremonies for veterans. projects and deepening cultural ex- planned to hold Days of Culture of lion in Belarus, including direct take place. Moreover, we have to During the celebrations, partici- change. and Kazakh engineering enterpris- Kazakhstan in our country. investments totalling $4.2 million increase the cooperation between pants will be able to use the interna- es. In this direction, we are focus- The organisation of such large- in 2014, and Belarus has invested our companies and the competitive- tional and long-distance telephone How would you describe the ing our efforts on the development scale events raises interest and re- $117.3 million in Kazakhstan, in- ness of national economies in the service for free. Also, they will be current bilateral relations between of existing assembly productions of spect abroad, while the creativity of cluding direct investments in the framework of the global economy. entitled to travel on all types of Belarus and Kazakhstan in poli- Belarusian machinery that are pre- Belarusian and Kazakh artists helps amount of $107.2 million. transport (except taxis) in the terri- tics, economy and culture? sent in Kazakhstan as well as the strengthen friendship and promotes In the field of industrial coopera- Are you expecting any Belaru- tory of the CIS for free. Our countries have had tradition- creation of new industries. the rich and unique cultures of our tion 13 joint assembly plants have sian high officials to come to Asta- A number of joint Belarusian- ally friendly relations. Belarus and For this year we plan to transfer countries. been established in Kazakhstan: na this year? Maybe some cultural Kazakh projects are going to be Kazakhstan maintain an active dia- the production of a BelAZ-7547 BelAZ quarry and mine equip- events are going to be organised? implemented. In particular, numer- logue on the highest levels and are dumper from the Belarusian com- Could you describe the volume ment and MAZ tractors, forage A lot of events will take place in ous archive documents about the strategic, trade-economic and for- pany BelAZ to KazBelAZ, a joint of bilateral trade-economic rela- and grain harvesters, freight lifts, the framework of the political and participation of the natives of Ka- eign partners. venture located in Karaganda. We tions during the past four or five special fire and municipal vehicles economic agenda this year. First of zakhstan in the partisan movement We hold regular meetings and de- will also transfer the production years, as well as the key spheres of and excavators. The project on the all, we expect the President of Bela- in Belarus have been revealed and velop further cooperation on the ba- of another dumper such as BelAZ- the cooperation? creation of the Belarusian-Kazakh rus and the President of the Russian now a joint scientific publication is sis of different organisations, such 7540V and BelAZ-75473 in the fu- In the context of the global crisis, Industrial and Technological Park Federation, who were invited by anticipated. as the Commonwealth of Independ- ture. It is also planned to organise the trade turnover between Belarus of agricultural and municipal vehi- Nursultan Nazarbayev to come in Within the framework of agree- ent States (CIS), Collective Secu- the production of Belarusian agri- and Kazakhstan reached a historic cles is under realisation now. This the near future [March 12-13]. ments and memorandum on co- rity Treaty Organisation (CSTO) cultural, municipal and road-build- high and amounted to $1.17 billion project will help establish a joint The most important bilateral po- operation between museums of and the Eurasian Economic Union. ing equipment at the site of the joint in 2014; the general growth com- venture for the production of MT3 litical event that is planned for 2015 Belarus and Kazakhstan, several Our countries represent construc- Belarusian-Kazakh Industrial and posed 22.9 percent in comparison Bobruiskagromash tractors, MAZ is an official visit of the President exhibitions will be organised. In tive interaction and share common Technological Park of agricultural to 2013. The Belarusian exports to municipal vehicles, Amkodor road- of the Republic of Kazakhstan to May 2015, the exhibition “The positions within the United Nations and municipal vehicles located in Kazakhstan amounted to $877.6 building equipment, Lidselmash the Republic of Belarus. Because harsh, military, simple ...” will (UN), the Organisation for Secu- Kokshetau and to organise assem- million and have increased by 0.8 agricultural machinery and Gom- of the chairmanship of the Repub- be held in Astana at the National rity and Co-operation in Europe bly production of Belarusian auto- percent, while imports from Ka- selmash combine harvesters. lic of Kazakhstan in the CIS this Museum of the Republic of Ka- (OSCE), the Shanghai Cooperation motive engineering from the Minsk zakhstan composed $293.8 million year, Kazakhstan will hold several zakhstan. These collections will be Organisation (SCO) and other in- Automobile Plant on the basis of and have increased by 3.6 times. Could you name some positive meetings of the Council of Heads presented by the National History ternational organisations. Semipalatinsk Machine Works. Compared to 2007, foreign trade and negative aspects of the Eura- of State and Government of the Museum of Belarus. Belarus is interested in a close In 2015, it is planned to organ- turnover between the two countries sian Economic Union? CIS. Kazakhstan will also organise Numerous Belarusian ethnic partnership with Kazakhstan in all ise an assembly of five models of increased by 2.3 times. With the creation of the Eurasian the Supreme Eurasian Economic organisations represented in Ka- spheres and calls for a systemic the MAZ make. Agromashholding Economic Union (EAEU), Belarus Council and the Eurasian Intergov- zakhstan by 13 ethno-cultural asso- deepening of bilateral relations. (Kazakhstan) and Gomselmash The dynamics of trade and Kazakhstan have reached a ernmental Council meetings as a ciations will all have opportunities Despite the negative factors that we (Belarus) are working on the es- between Belarus and new level of bilateral relations. member state of the Eurasian Eco- for the preservation and enhance- are facing in the global economy tablishment of a joint production of Kazakhstan The Eurasian Economic Union nomic Union. ment of the Belarusian language today, bilateral trade and economic combine harvesters. The realisation Year Goods Export Import is aimed at creating conditions for The year 2015 is the year of the and culture in Kazakhstan and are relations between Belarus and Ka- of large transnational projects in turnover sustainable economic development 70th anniversary of the Great Patri- actively involved in the conduct zakhstan are developing dynami- space and energy spheres is promis- 2007 513.0 361.3 151.7 of its member states and improv- otic War (World War II). The event and organisation of various events cally. The trade and economic rela- ing for us, including cooperation on 2008 537.0 365.2 171.8 ing living standards. I would men- is extremely important and is truly a dedicated to the 20th anniversary of tions with Kazakhstan are of high nuclear power plant construction, 2009 388.3 313.4 74.9 tion the fact that among its main milestone. First of all, it is our com- the Assembly of the People of Ka- priority for Belarus. In light of the development, production and pro- 2010 870.6 464.8 405.8 advantages, the EAEU provides a mon history; it is the memory of the zakhstan. negative processes in the Russian cessing of hydrocarbons, engineer- 2011 807.6 674.0 133.6 free movement of goods, services, combat brotherhood, unparalleled We are very pleased to realise economy and in general a rather ing, trade and logistic activities. 2012 924.8 805.9 118.9 capital and labour and helps to co- courage and heroism of soldiers that Belarus and Kazakhstan have complicated situation on the world The growth of investments and 2013 952.8 870.4 82.4 ordinate a coherent and unified eco- of all nationalities who gave their friendly strategic relations and that markets, it is beneficial for both Be- the allocation of Kazakh capital 2014 1,171.4 877.6 293.8 nomic policy. own lives fighting for the freedom both countries are firmly aimed at larus and Kazakhstan to increase in Belarus is the core of bilateral * Millions of U.S. dollars From Jan.1, Belarus took over and independence of our countries. further close cooperation across the foreign trade turnover, improve relations. Belarus is ready to cre- the presidency of the Supreme Eur- The Great Victory unites and will whole spectrum of issues included the efficiency of joint projects and ate favourable conditions for Ka- Belarusian products for export asian Economic Council, Eurasian continue uniting our countries and in the bilateral agenda. I am con- deepen and broaden cooperation in zakhstan business in our country. in 2014 were mostly oil products Intergovernmental Council and the nations. As we know, a commemo- fident that our relations will con- the industrial, scientific and techno- At the governmental level, we are ($88.5 million or 10.1 percent of to- Council of the Eurasian Economic rative medal titled 70 Years of Vic- tinue developing on the basis of the logical spheres. ready to support proposals for fu- tal exports), tractors and truck trac- Commission. Belarus has already tory in the Great Patriotic War of strong friendship, mutual respect, Currently, special attention is ture projects in various fields like tors ($76.9 million or 8.8 percent), outlined its priorities, such as as- 1941-1945 has been approved. This understanding and trust between paid to the development of industri- petrochemicals, energy, transport milk and dairy products ($68.5 mil- sistance in promotion of the four award will be given to the veterans the peoples of Belarus and Kazakh- al cooperation between Belarusian and logistics, innovation and new lion or 7.8 percent), trucks ($59.5 fundamental economic freedoms of the Great Patriotic War of 1941- stan. Kazakh, Iranian Adaptability, Heritage, Travel Guide Local Chef salads, it must be full. You cannot vice staff, however, still needs to By Michelle Witte ask people to sit down at an empty develop, in his opinion. “This is a Navies to Strengthen table.” In Europe, this is different, challenge that we are all facing,” ASTANA – Executive Chef Be- he noted – guests may sit at a table he said. “There is a mentality here noit Letellier, who comes to Asta- and wait for the food to arrive. But that [service jobs] are not profes- na’s Marriott Hotel from France in Kazakhstan, people might be of- sional jobs,” he said. Professional Cooperation via the Caribbean, Southeast Asia fended to arrive at a major event to waiters are normal in many other and Africa, has been blending his see no food out. “So yes, you have countries, he said, and waiters can French heritage and his Asian ex- to adapt your cooking to what peo- advance to become managers and periences with local ingredients ple want and need to have. … All more. “[Around the world], hospi- and Kazakh dining culture over his dining experiences are different.” tality is a real profession. And this four years in the country. Some adaptations are harder we need to emphasise – that there “I didn’t know about Kazakh- than others, however. In Kazakh- is a career in this.” stan when I arrived,” Benoit said stan, as everywhere, the chef says Changing menus for different in an interview on Feb. 18. “But his two biggest challenges are sup- seasons and different events give I adapted, I used my background plying and staffing. “Staffing is the the Marriott kitchen staff a chance of moving quite a bit in different the menu! – my childhood, if you easiest of the two, because you can to play and learn, he said. Astana countries.” want, my family dishes.” teach people if they are willing. Marriott has been creating new By Kseniya Voronina He joined the Marriott team for In the Vista Bar& Lounge, Be- It’s not so hard to teach people.” menus for different countries’ na- maritime affairs. In particular, the the challenge of opening a new ho- noit gets to highlight another side But finding supplies in Astana, tional days – including Malaysia, training and exchange of students, A delegation from the Islamic Re- tel, he said. Now, a year and a half of his personality: what he learned with its long winters and its devel- Germany, the Czech Republic cadets and teachers, the manufac- into his work here, the Marriott’s in Asia. There, he said, he offers oping transportation network, is a and Thailand so far. “For me, as public of Iran headed by General in ture and repair of military equip- menus definitely reflects him and modern, creative, lighter food and challenge for all chefs. a teaching process for my staff, Chief of the Iranian Naval Forces ment, joint workshops and a lot some of the food of his childhood. lots of shared plates with an Asian “Definitely you have to adapt it’s very important,” Benoit com- Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari more,” Sayyari said. “We are all looking for our child- influence. “I loved Asia,” he said. yourself,” he said. And while it can mented. “They get a chance to made an official visit to Astana on Iran’s navy commander stayed in hood, because it’s a sweet time of “Asia was a great period of learn- be fun up to a point, it can also be- learn something new. … It’s more March 2, reported the press service Kazakhstan until March 6. During our life, with no worries, no re- ing and discovery for me, because come frustrating, and Benoit says exciting when you’re doing a big of the Ministry of Defence of the this time, Iranian defence officials sponsibilities. And all these good the whole process of cooking is he has seen a lot of chef turnover in banquet with completely different Republic of Kazakhstan. were to visit Kazakhstan Engineer- memories are associated with the completely different from Europe.” his time in town. “But in general, things on the table.” “Today’s visit by Rear Admiral ing and give a lecture to the students food we ate in our childhood.” Moving around the world has especially now, I’m not frustrated Coming up, the chef will have an Sayyari is another step in strength- of the National Defence University. Vegetables are very important influenced him a lot, personally anymore. I know what’s available opportunity to showcase his own ening cooperation between the naval Then, the Iranian delegation trav- to Benoit, and even during Asta- and professionally, he said. “I had and I know what to do with what’s heritage. The French Ministry of forces of Kazakhstan and Iran,” said elled to Aktau, where they were na’s long winter, the Marriott’s to open my mind to different cul- available.” Benoit tries to use as Foreign Affairs is supporting and organising a global French din- the Chief of the Naval Forces of Ka- planning to visit two military units Aroma Restaurant showcases root tures, to different people, different many local products as possible, vegetables, squashes, pumpkins. ways of life.” and says he’s pleased at seeing the ing experience, Benoit said. More zakhstan Rear Admiral Zhandarbek and a training centre as well as board The French influence there is also He’s also observed different cul- variety of locally-grown produce than 1,000 French chefs around Zhanzakov. a rocket-artillery ship of the Kazakh strong. tures of eating around the globe increasing. the world, Letellier among them, Iranian Rear Admiral Sayyari Navy. thanked his hosts for their warm “I do a couple dishes with and learned to adapt to them. With the rise of the celebrity will organise a six-course plated “This is a reciprocal visit. In the foie gras. Especially now, dur- “Every culture is different and chef and cooking TV shows, Be- French menu, paired with French welcome. period from October 28 to October ing the winter, I put more than a every culture has its traditions noit says he’s encountering more wine. “We are going to cook some “Our countries are influential and 31, 2013 Chief of the Naval Forc- few dishes that are French, like about the dining experience,” Be- and more young people in Ka- frog legs, some foie gras, veal, powerful states in their regions. Ka- es of the Republic of Kazakhstan salmon with sorrel sauce, chicken noit said. “For me, not working in zakhstan who want to be profes- monkfish – and snails as well, I zakhstan and Iran are neighbours Rear Admiral Zhandarbek Zhanza- in red wine, cassoulet … all these the CIS countries before, I learned sional chefs. “It’s easier when you have snails!” across the Caspian Sea. Therefore, kov visited the Islamic Republic of earthy dishes, to keep you warm,” that the table is important.” have somebody coming and they But it’s not only about the food – our cooperation is very important. Iran, visited the Naval University the chef said. “This is like my “[Here], when you invite people, want to be a professional chef,” he it’s about the entire French dining In addition to providing security named after Khomeini and the port roots, my origins, like when my you don’t invite people to an empty said. “They want to learn, and that experience, the chef said. in the region, we are interested in of Bandar Abbas,” stated the press grandmother was cooking rabbit table,” the chef explained. “The ta- makes it easier for you to teach.” The event, for which anyone can cooperation in various fields of service release. with mustard – we have this on ble must be full – full of fruit, full of The local mentality about ser- book a table, is set for March 19. B Nation&Capital

Wednesday, march 11, 2015

Culture society Sports American Band Break of Reality Two New Almaty Metro Stations to Barys and Avangard Poised for Rock Like They Mean it B3 Open in Spring B5 Decisive Match in KHL Playoffs B7 National Nauryz Celebration to Be Held in Almaty Central Park from March 22 – 25 in front of the Alatau ​​cinema and By Julia Rutz concert hall, while people in the Almaly and Bostandyk districts To celebrate Nauryz, one of the will celebrate in the MEGA and greatest holidays in Kazakhstan, MEGA PARK shopping malls. Almaty officials have decided to The Auezov district will organ- change the usual festival loca- ise events at the Turar Ryskulov tion this year and organise the Kazakh Economic University nation’s celebration in the city stadium, whereas the Zhetisu dis- central park. Instead of reveling trict anticipates celebrations will in the central squares, locals and be held in Ainabulak Park. In the guests of Almaty will be trans- Medeu district, festivities will ported by special busses to the take place on the square in front park, where the concert and en- of the Palace of Students and in tertainment programme will be the Turksib district, holiday ac- organised, said Almaty TV. The tivities will be organised in Saken location of the bus stations and Seifullin Park. Nauryzbai, the ticket prices will be announced youngest district of the city, will this month. celebrate Nauryz on the grounds All future celebrations will be of School No. 192. organised in the central park as This year’s festivities will be well, according to the Almaty city dedicated to the 550th anniver- akimat (administration). sary of the Kazakh Khanate, so “We need to think about mak- the entrance to the park will be ing the celebration programme stylised as Khan’s possession and interesting and lively. We will various performances will take also try our best not to let the place there. limited budget affect the quality Nauryz, which marks the be- of the event. We will continue ginning of the spring New Year, attracting partners, various com- is a very important holiday for panies and organisations, which Kazakhs and was celebrated by expressed their interest in Nauryz people in Persia and nomads in celebrations in order to consider Central Asia from ancient times. creative projects and implement The holiday symbolises the festi- the most interesting of them,” val of wealth, happiness and love, said Kairat Kulbayev, head of the an opportunity for people to for- Department of Culture. The nation prepares to celebrate one of the most colourful holidays, the Nauryz, on March 20-25. give one another and make a wish Nauryz celebrations will kick to leave all animosity behind and off at 10 a.m., March 22. The city entertainment zones for tradi- competitions, platforms for con- Festive events will be held in all ital. The gala in the Alatau district start the New Year with good in- central park will offer different tional Kazakh games and sporting certs and food zones. eight districts of the southern cap- will be organised on the square tentions. Kazakhstan Beats Italy, Advances Almaty Begins to Davis Cup Quarter Finals 2015 as Capital of By Yerbolat Uatkhanov

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Da- vis Cup team beat Italy 3:2 in team Islamic Culture competition on March 6-8 at Astana’s years, Kazakhstan has been an ac- National Tennis Centre to advance to By Danna Bupezhanova tive advocate for strengthening re- the Davis Cup quarterfinals. lations with Muslim countries and Kazakhstan’s number one player Almaty’s year as the capital of building a platform of common in- Mikhail Kukushkin beat Italy’s An- Islamic culture began on Feb. 24 terests,” the telegramme read. dreas Seppi in three sets, 7:6 (8), with an international conference, “It is obvious that the active 6:0, 6:4, of the fourth match on the the Almaty mayor’s office said on revival and development of tra- hardcourts of the tennis centre to tie its official website. ditional humanitarian ties among the team score at 2:2 on March 8. Opening the conference, Akim our countries in the fields of cul- Kukushkin gave Seppi only one (Mayor) Akhmetzhan Yessimov ture, science and education pro- break opportunity in the match and stressed the significance of the vides a solid foundation for suc- converted five of the 10 chances event and read out a congratulatory cessful long-term cooperation,” offered him by Seppi. Seppi was telegramme on behalf of President Nazarbayev wrote.The Capital of let down by 55 unforced errors. Nursultan Nazarbayev. Islamic Culture initiative aim to Kukushkin had just 28 errors, ac- “It is symbolic that Almaty has maximise cultural exchange, fur- cording to ABC News. been named the capital of Islamic ther the development of humani- “I did it today. And my hits were culture for 2015, the same year Ka- tarian relations and deepen cooper- zakhstan is celebrating its 20th year very good. I didn’t make any mis- ation among OIC member-states.” of membership in the Organisation takes in the most [important points of Islamic Cooperation. All these Continued on Page B3 in the match],” Kukushkin told the Tennis Federation of Kazakhstan. Team Captain Dias Doskarayev assigned Alexander Nedovyesov to the play-off to break the 2:2 Things to Watch team tie. Nedovyesov beat Fabio Fognini, the 22nd ranked player march in the world, in an epic three hour and 41-minute, five-set match 7:6(5), 3:6, 4:6, 6:3, 7:5. Nedovy- Astana state circus esov had 18 aces in the match, March 14 - April at 4 p.m. Royal Water Circus reported the Tennis Federation of Kazakhstan. Continued on Page B7 Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan beats Italy’s Andreas Seppi on March 8 in Astana. Gorky state theatre Iranians Have Adapted Well to New Home March 14 at 6 p.m. Duck Hunting, Spectacle Palace of peace and harmony in Kazakhstan, Says Community Leader March 19 at 7:30 p.m. Romeo and Juliette, Musical By Dmitry Lee Iranian National Cultural Centre ence northern Iran,” Kapar-Pur “Without the basic knowledge of March 20 at 7:30 p.m. Three Musketeers, Musical in Shymkent Nurisbek Kapar-Pur explained. the country, without understanding The first wave of Iranian migra- told the story of the third echelon Entwined in political games be- the mentality of the local people tion to Kazakh territories began of settlers and his personal saga tween Iranian and Soviet military and without the ability to speak in the early 19th century, as many that made him a proud citizen of currents, a detachment of about Russian, Kazakh or Azerbaijani, National Painting gallery individuals travelled to a differ- Kazakhstan. 2,000 Iranian soldiers was betrayed these young Iranians had to adapt ent country in search of work. “It is well known that the north- by their commanding officers who to their new home,” he said. March 21 at 7 p.m. Chicago, Musical The second resettlement came in ern part of Iran had been [heavily sought to overthrow the govern- Like many other nationalities KOrme exhibition centre the 1930s, when the great famine populated by Azerbaijanis]. After ment. When they were exposed, which were deported and repressed forced thousands of peasants to World War II, the Soviet Union the soldiers fled to the territory of by Stalin’s authoritative rule, Irani- March 26 at 10:30 a.m. Sulu Expo bring livestock for sale and many had intentions to separate that modern Kazakhstan to avoid unfair ans have managed to thrive to this remained in the country perma- part and manipulate Azerbaijan, persecution in their home country. day, but not without the help of the nently. In an interview with The the country that belonged to the One of Kapar-Pur’s forefathers local population. Astana Times, the President of the Soviet Union at the time, to influ- was among those soldiers. Continued on Page B2 B2 Nation&Capital people

Wednesday, march 11, 2015

zakhstan. I have five children and they all have higher educations and are all married now. My father Iranians Have Adapted Well to New Home had nine children and he always was open-minded when it came to marrying other nationalities; that’s in Kazakhstan, Says Community Leader why I [am glad] to admit that our family is a little international club. According to Kapar-Pur, who lore band. The band performs for ture and dictionaries,” said the Ira- They are all successfully working has served as president of the cen- free in Astana, Almaty and Shy- nian community leader. and we are all living in harmony tre for more than 14 years, Iranians mkent and shares Iranian culture “I want to be completely frank and peace. Nationality has nothing living in Kazakhstan were not al- with Kazakhstan. They also bring with you; [living in Kazakhstan] to do with success; if one wants to lowed to keep in touch with their items like Iranian souvenirs and is perfectly suitable for me,” Ka- be successful – go out and work families until about the 1960s. In arts. We also have Sunday classes. par-Pur said. “My children grew hard. There is no easy life, even the 1980s, they were finally per- The embassy helps us with litera- up here, they are citizens of Ka- for an Iranian in Iran!” mitted to travel to Iran to visit their families. With the help of the Ira- nian Embassy in Kazakhstan, no issues currently exist for travel to and from the country. The centre was established in 1997 and the lo- cal Iranian community and the em- bassy have enjoyed close relations. “So far, groups of 32 and then 41 Nurisbek Kapar-Pur people have travelled to Iran with the support of the embassy [of Iran Continued from Page B1 being separated from their families in Kazakhstan]. [The embassy] back home in Iran. The soldiers helped with airfare, offering tickets “The Kazakhs welcomed [the married women of other nation- at half price, accommodations in soldiers]. They were very hospi- alities; they had no choice, so most Iran and some other arrangements. table; they took them into their Iranian families are mixed. Today, Together with the embassy, we also homes, two or three persons per there are about 5,000 Iranians in organise numerous art exhibitions; family, so the local population Kazakhstan according to our data as you probably know Iranians are didn’t let them die. Of course Ira- as of 2013. But of course as times craftsmen specialising in fields, nians had to work to survive and progressed, many Iranians changed such as wood and metal masonry. without the language they took all the nationality on their passports Usually they hold such exhibitions the heavy labour jobs, construc- to make their lives easier in Soviet in Astana and Almaty, but they tion, low-paying jobs. People sym- times, because back then it was contact us first for guidance and pathised with them for being be- hard for them to simply get a job assistance. Also for Nauryz, they trayed by the government and for and make a living,” said Kapar-Pur. organise a trip of an Iranian folk- We Are All the APK, Jewish Cultural Centre Founder Says all ethnic cultural centres. I remember tant that the President himself be- ate a piece of their ethnic home- every summer we organise trips particularly, we trace the history of By Yelena Brusilovskaya those meetings very well; we gathered a came the head of the organisation, land in the country? to Kapshagai. There, young fami- the emergence of the Jewish ethnic few times and the President was with us. thus marking its high level and sig- No way! We have always under- lies can get acquainted with each groups in Kazakhstan. Alexander Baron was behind the At that time, Nazarbayev put forward nificance in the life of the country. stood that we all live in one state. other, play games, et cetera. The creation of the ethnic cultural centres the idea of creating a special organisa- By the way, it helped us greatly in We have the same interests, even effect of these trips is amazing! All You worked as deputy chairman in Kazakhstan, so he can rightfully tion, which would unite all the national our work. Today we hold meetings though we pray in different places. the families begin to make friends of the APK. What were your main say that the Assembly of the People and cultural centres in the country. with the President once a year. Im- State-building and Kazakhstan’s – not only adults, but children as responsibilities? of Kazakhstan (APK) is a significant It was a very emotional discus- portant issues are discussed there. well-being are extremely important well. By the way, 21 babies were All the work of the APK aims part of his life. Baron continues to sion. There were various sugges- For the past 20 years, we have to us. In this regard, we have a lot of born to couples from our centre in to unite the people of Kazakh- work actively in the APK through tions of what the organisation done a lot. The President said to projects. For example, we launched Almaty in 2013 and 19 were born stan, make them monolithic, so his chairmanship of the Mitzvah As- a project called the Garland of the year before. Four couples met should be like. With one voice, it us, please, build our new country. there are no gaps of ignorance left. sociation of Jewish national organi- was decided that it should be a rep- We accepted his words with enthu- Dance in Almaty. We invited all the in our centre. Think, what scares you in a stran- sations of Kazakhstan. resentative of the people, but at the siasm and joy, believe me. ethnic cultural centres to take part in it. Each community represented What do you consider your ger? Ignorance of what you can Could you tell what brought not only their own culture, but other main achievement over the years? expect from him or her. Whereas you to the national cultural cen- nationalities as well. It turned into a Our main achievement is our ac- when you know that you are sur- tres? As I understand it, your first big celebration, which showed the tivities. For example, we have an rounded by friendly-minded peo- career was medicine. youth that the only way to exist to- enormous library in our centre. I ple, it destroys the wall of distrust. It all started in the 1990s, when gether is to love each other, under- suppose it is the best ethnic library It is very important that such work four ethnic cultural centres were stand and persevere. not only in Kazakhstan, but in all is held among the people in the cit- registered in Almaty, including the Also, we are planning to open of Central Asia. We have 15,000 ies and small towns. Jewish centre, Shalom. I came into a camp of interfaith tolerance for books and other printed materials, Last summer, I had a chance to this movement in late 1991 and for children who are brought up in a lot of digital information, music, be a part of the delegation of the the first 10 years worked as a vol- families of different faiths. Basi- films, a social library for the visu- APK that paid an official visit to the unteer, combining this work with cally, we are engaged in youth ally impaired, audio books. United States. Besides me, there my duties at the hospital, where I issues very seriously, paying par- were also members of the Mazhi- worked as a medical rescuer. ticular attention to promoting pat- Who can use it? lis of Parliament, such as Yegor On May 30, 1992, we registered riotism. It is open to all visitors like any Kappel, who represented the Ger- the national Jewish organisa- Yes, it is especially important other library. In addition, we study man Centre, and Yuri Timoshenko, tion that took over the mission of now, when we see tragedies occur- the history of the Jewish communi- head of the Ukrainian Centre. In building Jewish cultural centres in ring through young people being ty in Kazakhstan. We have already Washington we held meetings at every major city of Kazakhstan. In manipulated. held six international conferences the White House and the State De- 1993 – 1994 we achieved our goal You are right, these are impor- and published 13 books. partment, where we explained that and such centres were opened. Alexander Baron tant ideological tasks, such as an I always emphasise the fact that same time, the assembly should not It is not a secret that there is education of love for the mother- Are those studies more about 2015 would be the Year of the As- our activities never met any op- be a legislative body like a parlia- some primitive view that ethnic land. We are trying to withdraw the fate of the Jewish people in sembly of People of Kazakhstan. position; no one came and asked, ment; rather, it should be the peo- centres are about songs and danc- from the shadow of formalism, so Kazakhstan? I told them that Kazakhstan is “What are you doing here?” It ple’s voice. Not accidentally, Naz- es, although their purposes are the kids understand why it is im- Not only the Jewish people – we a country that allows each ethnic means that the state has given the arbayev said, “The Assembly is all much deeper and far more serious. portant. Especially we, Jews, like are studying the history of Ka- group to live its national life, and greatest gift to these national cen- of us, citizens of Kazakhstan.” Tru- no one else, know how important zakhstan during the periods of the at the same time it is a single state, tres: it gave them independence. ly, through interacting with each Do the centres mean that differ- it is to live in a state that does not deportation of peoples and evacu- a leader in Central Asia and be- However, the most important for us other, learning from each other, we ent ethnic groups within Kazakh- offend you. ation of refugees, without em- yond. Therefore, we try to do eve- was 1995, when President Nursultan are living the full life of our state. stan don’t want to be part of the A few years ago, we created spe- phasising nationality. This is our rything to make our Kazakhstan Nazarbayev gathered the leaders of In addition, it is extremely impor- larger state, but are trying to cre- cial Young Family Clubs, where common history. And, of course, stronger from year to year. B3 Nation&Capital Culture

Wednesday, march 11, 2015 American Band Break of Reality Rock Like They Mean It Patrick and I are always playing millions of plays on internet radio, U.S. and do a record together, By Lyazzat Shatayeva with the band. Sometimes the mu- and Youtube helps us out. maybe cover one of his songs or sicians around us change, depend- arrange one of his songs and have ASTANA – The spring has ing on what their schedule is. We What has been the band’s big- him sing it with us. That would be started with a fresh look at classi- play with really great cellists. This gest challenge? the follow-through for this visit so cal music and rock for many mu- allows us to play more concerts. Playing classical instruments that we can keep the momentum sic lovers, as the American cello We always get to work with differ- and having no singer can be a going. rock band Break of Reality gave ent people and it stays really fresh. tricky thing to market. I’m not sure I’m also really glad to be here, concerts in four major cities of So it has evolved in that way. And if our music is radio-friendly. Next the native country of Gennady Kazakhstan as part of their Central also, we’ve taken our classical to Taylor Swift’s music, it might Golovkin, my favourite boxer. I’ve Asian tour. roots and we’ve really morphed not fit too well. At the same time, seen all of his recent fights ever The band’s performances, or- it with our rock sound. When we that’s the thing that helped us reach since he started fighting on HBO. ganised by the U.S. Embassy and first started, it was super rock – re- new people. It’s like a Catch-22. American Music Abroad, have ally loud most of the time. Now we We’ve had member changes in What was the local audience’s created a real buzz, stirring interest really value our classical training the past that have also been diffi- reaction to your playing? among audiences of different ages and we try to portray that just as cult. But those kind of trials have Response here has been great. with various musical tastes, rang- much the rock stuff that we do. inspired albums and songs. Now The audiences have been even ing from younger rock listeners that we have played for 10 years, more excited than what we are to older classical music fans. The From left to right, Meta Weiss, Patrick Laird, Andrew Janss and Ivan Trevino Tell us about your latest album, the trajectory is going up and there used to. Since we don’t play much exuberant sound of three cellos of Break of Reality. “TEN.” are a lot more good moments like here, people are more appreciative. and drums has been equally well in Astana, which ended with stand- Trevino was able to sit down with The album is really diverse, it’s being here and travelling. So we I feel like people here appreciate received in Almaty, Shymkent, ing ovations. The Astana Times for a short inter- definitely the album that we are are very fortunate to be able to do the arts a lot; that may be a part of Astana and Atyrau, with tickets Break of Reality consists of a view. most proud of. Patrick wrote a lot what we do as musicians. culture and history. sold out for all venues days before percussionist, Ivan Trevino, and of the tracks and I helped with a the shows. three cellists: co-founder and Tell us the brief history of the few as well. Two of my favourite What are the highlights of this What are your plans for the The concerts featured a Bach permanent member Patrick Laird band. pieces from the album are “Helix” tour? near future? cello arrangement, some of the and guest artists Andrew Janss It was almost eleven years ago and “Star,” which we will play to- It’s been a great experience since We toured Turkmenistan before original tracks from the band’s and Meta Weiss. The group is as- at a music conservatory at univer- night. “Helix” is a loud rock song it’s not only us teaching people this, and next is Azerbaijan. We latest and most acclaimed album, sociated with such music genres as sity [the Eastman School of Music, with a lot of mixed metres, heavy about American music but also also have shows scheduled for “TEN,” and collaborations with alt-classical, cello rock and indie- Rochester, New York]. We started drums and cellos. Most of our us learning about other kinds of this spring in Chicago and New local Kazakh musicians. One of classical; however, the band mem- the band: me and Patrick [Laird]. songs are dark, but there is one that music. For example, the dombra York City. We have a tour in Brazil the highlights of the shows was a bers say that even they are not sure We loved rock music. At a con- stands separately and that is “Star,” is an amazing instrument I had this summer. We are collaborating rendition of the theme song to the what genre they fall into. “We’re servatory nobody really studies that Patrick wrote for his wife. never heard before and I actually with professional orchestras there. HBO television series Game of classically trained musicians, but rock music, so we started our band This song is like a ray of sunshine. was able to collaborate with some Patrick composed a concerto for Thrones, which appeared in Huff- also understand and love the raw for fun, and it just started growing What’s nice about our band is that dombra players in Shymkent. We Break of Reality in full orchestra. ington Post and earned wider fame qualities of rock; this dichotomy is and growing and now it’s become we self-release all of our music, want to further collaborate with a So we will be performing that, and for the group with over six million very clear in our sound,” says the our career. so we don’t have a record label. musician whom we met in Almaty it will be way different than what views on Youtube. An electrifying group founder, Ivan Trevino, in How has your music evolved That allows us to release, mix and named Galymzhan Moldanazar. we are doing here. And we would cover of the Tool’s “Lateralus” was this regard. since you first started playing to- record it the way we want. The al- He is an awesome musician. We like to come back here and maybe the dramatic climax of the concerts Before the concert in Astana, gether? bum has done really great. We get would like to have him fly to the play an even bigger concert. Almaty Begins 2015 as Capital of Islamic Culture Trumpeter’s Journey Continued from Page B1 Kazakhstan, as chairman, helped the centre of Islamic culture for public figure Olzhas Suleimenov solve pressing international is- 2015. This opinion is also shared stated: “Many politicians have “The honorary title of Capital of sues. Astana made every effort to by Vice-Minister of Culture and started talking about the fact that Islamic Culture emphasises histor- contribute to Palestine’s efforts to Sport Galym Akhmediarov, who this will be a time of clashes be- Takes him From Wales ical continuity and gives new mo- acquire UN membership and also underlined that the event also co- tween Eastern and Western civi- mentum and life to Islamic spiritu- organised the effort to gather $500 incided with the celebration of the lisations, namely between the Is- al life in Almaty,” the telegramme million in humanitarian donations 550th anniversary of the Kazakh lamic and Christian worlds. When stated. for Somalia through an OIC cam- Khanate. Kazakhstan made a proposal to to Astana Opera During the conference, partici- paign. Kazakhstan offered some “Kazakhstan is respected abroad; declare the year of rapprochement orchestra with a huge set of dom- pants discussed international inte- new ideas for OIC efforts, includ- our country is a known platform of cultures and peoples, UNESCO By Yelden Sarybay bras! In our concert on Feb. 27, in gration efforts and their challeng- gave its support and such a year the world premiere by Simon Wills es, historical and cultural analysis took place in 2010. When 2010 ASTANA – Astana has been [of a piece] written specifically for of the Islamic World today and passed, we made a proposal to ex- home to a globetrotting musician this concert on two themes, one opportunities for multilateral cul- tend it. Then the question to extend for the past two years, and Astana Welsh, one Kazakh, the Kazakh tural cooperation. it for a decade was raised. The new Opera for one. Originally from theme was instantly recognised by The ministers of culture from generation should know why these northwest Wales, Ross Clarke some Kazakh audience members. Organisation of Islamic Coop- cultures sometimes suffer from a came to the capital of Kazakh- eration (OIC) member states, lack of harmony with each other. stan on the recommendation of a Could you tell us about the representatives of the Directorate When we learn why exactly, we good friend to work at Haileybury Welsh weekend festival that you General of ISESCO (Islamic Edu- will be able to fix the problem.” Astana, where he conducted the in- recently organised? cational, Scientific and Cultural Abdulaziz Othman Attvaydzhri, ternational choir. Two years later, It all started with the arrival of Organisation), international organ- Director General of ISESCO also he is a full-time member of the four Welsh brass players [Rupert isations and members of the clergy emphasised that “in honouring Astana Opera. Whitehead, Edward Hallinan, Ja- attended the event. Almaty as the capital of Islamic Prior to moving here, Clarke son Lewis and Oli Hickie] on Feb. ”We expect that by the end of the culture, ISESCO is very proud to studied at the Guildhall School of 26 to play with me in a brass quin- conference, a dialogue between present this beautiful historic city, Representatives of different religious groups at the Almaty Capital of Islamic Music and Drama in London and tet called Pres Y Ddraig. They ab- different nationalities will have located in the high mountains of Culture Event. also spent six months in Berlin solutely loved it here and they said taken place. We want people to the Trans-Ili Alatau. All year, the studying under Konradin Groth at know more about Islamic culture. ing the creation of an OIC Islamic of interfaith unity and harmony. city will host many activities that it was absolutely nothing like what the University of Arts. He was a Our organisation demonstrates a Organisation of Food Security. Islam and culture are inseparable are designed to increase cultural they expected. They felt so wel- semi-finalist in the Texaco Young true image of Islam and Islamic During Kazakhstan’s chairman- and religion is an integral part of tourism. I appreciate the organis- come by their fellow brass players Musician of Wales competition in culture to all ISESCO member ship, the organisation was renamed any secular society. The state pays ers’ efforts, I want to thank eve- at [Astana Opera] and by every- states,”ISESCO Director General from the Organisation of the Is- attention to relations between dif- ryone for their participation in the 2005 and a quarterfinalist in the one. They also said the food was Alibaba Babayev said. lamic Conference to the Organi- ferent religions. It is no accident conference and wish you success BBC Young Musician of the Year great, and they couldn’t believe Kazakhstan successfully chaired sation for Islamic Cooperation, that Almaty was chosen as this and fruitful work.” competition in 2006. how many different types of vodka in the OIC council of foreign min- reflecting its intentions to push its year’s Islamic culture capital. The The actual ceremonial presenta- Clarke is also a keen composer there were in the supermarket! … isters in 2011-2012. Despite facing positions on various global policy city has more than 300 cultural in- tion of the keys to the new capital and won a class in the National The concert was a sellout, and I complicated geopolitical condi- efforts. stitutions and 115 cultural monu- of Islamic culture took place in the Eisteddfod of Wales in Newport have heard only great things about tions and political transformations, It was no accident then that ments,” he added. capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, in 2004 for a brass fanfare piece. He it! particularly in the Middle East, Almaty was chosen to serve as Famous Kazakhstan poet and January. continues to write music today. Then on Feb. 28 came rugby on Clarke was also a founding mem- the river. We accidentally bumped ber of Eschoir and has sung for his into the Astana Rugby team (who native country with Edward Halli- we weren’t aware existed) and in- nan at the Millennium Stadium in vited them to join. It was a great Cardiff. game, and one of the Welsh brass Classic Rock Rocks Kazakh Fans In 2013, Clarke formed the Asta- players even had the pleasure of the population. They listen to trendy ten to well-known hits. As for me, I Listening of this music at my friend’s na Music Society, comprising of a attending a Kazakh hospital as he By Yerbolat Uatkhanov hits, but as for me, pop music has only don’t know a really good rock group home affected me. Maybe it was un- choir and many other ensembles fell on a cone and cut his eyebrow. short-lived songs. Such songs live one in the state. There are no really popu- witting when I was a boy, but it is abso- who play across Astana at various But with a 90-minute turn around ASTANA – Although Kazakh month and everybody forgets about lar Kazakhstan rock groups which lutely conscious now, because this mu- events. The Astana Music Society in the hospital, we were back with rock groups aren’t very successful in them very soon,” he said. have climbed to success and are re- sic makes sense. I really like the texts is designed to join local and expat everyone else enjoying cawl [a tra- the country and virtually unknown Kontorbayev’s bar caters to a dif- ally popular in the former Soviet Un- of rock songs.” He even plays rock musicians and fans of music. ditional Welsh stew], Welsh cakes, abroad, American and Russian rock ferent crowd, one the appreciates ion. I really don’t know why our rock guitar in his free time, he said. Two and a half years after mov- Norwegian salmon and mulled music is popular with true fans in global rock. groups aren’t developed.” Rock has a particular resonance in ing to Astana, Clarke says he is some regions of the nation. “Every month, we invite rock Most rock fans are men from 27 to the post-Soviet world, Kontorbayev wine by the river. …It was a great Rock fan Aidar Kontorbayev, gen- groups from all regions of Kazakhstan 55, Kontorbayev reckons. “I consider thinks. “very happy here,” adding “the weekend and exhausting, but one eral director of a transport company, and Russia. On March 27, the official that as of today, rock is music for mid- “Rock music has been popular food, the people, the weather here to remember, and one to welcome lived 16 years in Russia and has tribute to AC/DC will come to our dle-aged people. Young people listen since the 1960s with the Beatles. are great!” in spring in Astana as the snow is travelled in Europe. A year ago, he bar.” The band comes from Ukraine to the music, but it is uncommon,” ex- After that we had Soviet rock and gradually melting. Everyone had opened a rock bar in Astana which is and has the right, Kontorbayev said, cept among subcultures, he said. Russian rock. We lived in that time How does music you were used such a great time and everyone specialised for its fans. to dress as AC/DC and play all their Twenty-five-year-old Kristina and this music indicates all the trends to compare with local traditions? now knows a little bit more about “Rock music is popular in Kazakh- songs. “They performed in Europe Stepanova, a professional translator and our life. For example, there were Any similarities or anything unu- our small, fabulous nation and stan, but only in some regions; to be and most importantly, the Nashestvie who lives in Ust-Kamenogorsk, is an periods of change in the 1980s and sual? how rich it is in culture. more precise, in some cities. I would Russian rock event. AC/DC gave this exception. anxious times in the 1990s. This mu- Folk music is like folk music an- Let’s see what next year brings distinguish Karaganda and Almaty, right to their tributes bands because it “I am fond of Russian and Ameri- sic saves part of our memories. That ywhere. Every place in the world … where a lot of rock fans live. Astana doesn’t do shows anymore,” he said. can rock,” she said. “Of course, I try is why it is so important and immor- has a unique tradition and sound, is absolutely not a rock city, because Russian rock is popular too, Kon- to listen to Kazakhstan groups, too. tal. This music is 100 percent true. and Kazakhstan is no different. What do you plan to do in the it is a city of officials. I can also say torbayev said, with Smyslovye As of today I know two really good Maybe it is sadder than pop music, future? that Astana is really a very young city, Galutsinatsii, Kino, Zemfira, Mumiy Kazakhstan rock groups – Subkultu- but it is honest. In general, I am sure The sound of the dombra, and the which doesn’t have its own face and Trol, DDT and Zhuki among the ra and Tishina,” she said. that rock music will get its fans for specific Kazakh rhythm (which is The future. Well, for now I am own rock culture yet. In general, rock current favourites. But Kazakh rock Rock fan Nikita Alexeyev, a a long time, because young people instantly recognisable) are a great here for a while, but who knows? I music isn’t as popular as pop music, hasn’t come into its own yet, he said. 28-year-old dentist, started early. who don’t listen to it now will do it complement to the fantastic people follow whatever adventure, which- because pop music is destined for “Kazakhstan’s rock isn’t well de- “I began to listen to rock music as a later. Because when you are getting and landscape of Kazakhstan. The ever way it takes me. If a door 15-23 year-old young people ... This veloped. Art songs aren’t popular in boy. My parents say that I had a friend older, you begin to value real music,” Kazakh songs are also very beau- opens, I will more often than not is the most active and largest part of Kazakhstan. Our fans want to lis- and his father was a fan of rock music. he said. tiful, but nothing beats a Kazakh walk through it … B4 Nation&Capital COUNTRY

Wednesday, march 11, 2015 National Scientific Cardiac Centre Helps Train International Doctors in Heart Implant Procedure vious, less developed analogues. be mentioned that three hearts By Marina Parkhomenko Kazakhstan, being a participant were transplanted last week. For in the research, received implant the first time, a heart transplant ASTANA – Thirteen experts rights from the manufacturer. was carried out on a minor, a from Germany, Italy, Serbia, “Since we gathered here, I 17-year-old boy. Since August Poland and Turkey are for the have had the extraordinary op- 2012, 13 operations have been first time in Astana to learn how portunity to witness implants of successfully carried out at the to implant the Heart Mate III, this third generation life saving centre. which is produced by the Ameri- device. I admire the profession- Both artificial and donated can company Toratec. alism of our Kazakhstan col- heart implants are expensive; The training programme is leagues,” a University Hospital this is why these procedures are being held at Astana’s National of Tübingen (Germany) Profes- usually carried out in countries Scientific Cardiac Centre, which sor Christian Schlensak said. with established economies. The was conceived by President Nur- Cardiac surgeons have had cost of the first operation is 40 sultan Nazarbayev. Since 2011, the opportunity to witness an million tenge (US$215,767), Chairman of the Board of the implant procedure and ask Pro- the second is 25 million tenge National Scientific Cardiac Sur- fessor Pya questions via the in- (US$134,879). Despite today’s gery Centre Professor Yuri Pya ternet. It should be noted that challenging economic realities, has been implementing an arti- presentations of the third genera- the transplant programmes won’t ficial heart implant programme tion artificial heart are expected be cancelled as they are part of to help Kazakhstan become a to attract about 300 foreign ex- the social obligations of the world leader in the field of car- perts to Astana. Apart from the state that President Nazarbayev diac surgery. Heart Mate III, the centre has ordered not to be curtailed in a More than 150 Kazakhstan more than 30 innovative tech- recent round of budget optimi- citizens have already been giv- nologies that will be presented sations. Hence, Kazakhstan’s en a second chance at life with through various workshops in citizens will continue to enjoy a new heart at the centre. The the future. the opportunity to improve their Heart Mate is a third generation Talking about other achieve- health through the country’s high device that has replaced its pre- ments at the centre, it should quality cardiac surgery options. Secretary of State Anti-Corruption Programme Seeks to Opens Hospital, Visits Make Kazakhstan Among World’s Least Key Constituencies in Corrupt Countries Within 10 Years He emphasised that Kazakhstan, those making the decisions. They “Every year, the global economy By Batyrbek Agimbetov which is seeking to enter the top must be able to communicate with suffers losses of $2.6 trillion, or 5 30 most-developed countries by the public and speak Kazakh and percent of its GDP due to corrup- South Kazakhstan ASTANA – “The government 2050, is implementing anti-corrup- Russian perfectly, so that they can tion. The 2014 European Anti- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov must be accountable to the public an to show the country’s unity to tion reforms. According to Baibek, properly and fully handle citizen Corruption Commission report and operate both transparently and the world, according to Otyrar. civil society and nongovernmental requests,” Baibek said. stated that corruption affects all 28 ASTANA – Kazakh Secretary effectively,” Bauyrzhan Baibek, kz. EU nations. This comes with an of State Gulshara Abdykalikova the first deputy chairman of the organisations (NGOs) should be He also said that by 2020, 13 During her visit to Culinary actively involved in this process. bills pertaining to the implementa- annual price tag estimated at about visited South Kazakhstan Feb. College No. 6, Abdykalikova Nur Otan party said during a re- “The state is implementing ma- tion of Nur Otan’s 2015-2025 anti- 120 billion euros,” he said. 20, where she opened a new was presented with the details cent international round table titled jor public service reforms. The corruption programme should be “The [Nur Otan] party has set hospital, visited several cultural of the dual education system, “Prospects for the Expansion of itself the ambitious goal of en- and educational sites and met which has been implemented at the Right to Access Information, number of political officials, or adopted. with representatives of ethnic the college. Under the system, Forms of Social Control and Anti- political appointees who have not Baibek noted that today, corrup- suring that Kazakhstan enters the and cultural associations and the 96 percent of the graduates of the Corruption in Kazakhstan.” passed state merit based exams tion can be found in many leading 30 least-corrupt countries on the women’s community, reported college achieved employment in He also stated that the country’s due to lack of testing criteria has European countries. Global Competitiveness Index of the Akorda presidential residence 2014, an increase of 2.2 per cent citizenry must be given the ap- decreased by eight times. There is “We see that no country has the World Economic Forum within press service. from 2012. According to zakon. propriate legislative infrastructure now the professional “A” corps [of completely overcome corruption, 10 years of implementing the pro- “I wish the personnel of the kz, 136 contracts with regional needed to monitor local executive civil servants]. These officials are as corruption is changing its face, gramme. We have published the new hospital good luck in treat- companies were executed under bodies. In order to make this possi- those who passed the test on the it is like rust. Even the United Na- party’s financial statements. We ing children,” said Abdykaliko- the dual education system. ble, the ruling party had developed [Kazakh Constitution] and seven tions (UN) sees corruption as a key have shown everyone that there va, as she participated in opening “This means that the college an anti-corruption programme for or eight laws; i.e. we are looking obstacle to achieving its Millenni- must be openness,” Baibek con- a multi-field children’s hospital graduates are in demand,” said 2015-2025, Baibek said. to increase the legal culture of um Development Goals,” he said. cluded. designed for 270 beds in Shym- Abdykalikova, according to za- kent. The new building is four kon.kz. times larger than the old one and One of the culinary college’s equipped with up-to-date medi- employees also noted that “the cal facilities. The hospital was [college’s] three-floor educa- built under the 100 schools, 100 tional building with gymnasium Demand for Public Housing hospitals state programme and is designed for 900 students, was prepared to treat 10,000 children built at the expense of the region- per year, according to Otyrar.kz, al budget. Formerly, we taught a local media outlet. only cooks, candy makers and Increasing in Kazakhstan “The new hospital is distin- bakers, but now we teach wait- citizens whose homes are in a state bedroom apartments will be at least stated that priority in the allocation guished by the location of a sur- ers, barmen and salesmen.” The By Ainur Kuramyssova of emergency. 45 square metres; three-bedroom of the apartments will be given to gical block, which is separate. college also plans to begin offer- Sagintayev stated that the chang- flats will be at least 62 square me- large families and single-parent The hospital also has a trauma- ing hotel management classes in Deputy Prime Minister of Ka- es to the country’s public housing tres. The average monthly payment families, families with disabled tology centre for emergency care 2015-2016 to train administra- zakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev and development programme came for a lease-purchase apartment of children, repatriates, civil servants and a small operating room,” tors, assistants, maids, porters reported recently that the number at the urging of Kazakh President 50 square metres will not exceed 56 and employees of state-financed said, Gaukhar Ukbayeva, the and receptionists. of Kazakhs seeking public housing Nursultan Nazarbayev. thousand tenge (US$302), and rent organisations. At the same time, hospital’s head doctor, according Abdykalikova also visited the has increased. “Under the programme, priority is without purchase will be no more 50 percent of the housing will be to Otyrar.kz. regional Russian Drama Thea- “In Kazakhstan, more than given to flats with small areas. The than 28 thousand tenge ($US151),” distributed to young families up to Abdykalikova also met with tre and the rebuilt School No. 300,000 people are standing in representatives of the region’s 1, which is named after Russian line for housing, over 100,000 area of one-room apartments will he explained. 35 years of age and married for at ethnic and cultural associations poet Alexander Pushkin. of those [are part of a vulnerable be about 33 square metres. Two- The deputy prime minister also least three years. at the Centre of Customs, Tradi- The secretary of state con- population], 124,000 people are tions and Rituals. The centre is cluded her visit by meeting with state employees and civil servants unique in the state, as 20 ethnic representatives of the region’s and 43,000 are orphans. And this and cultural associations operate women’s community to discuss queue continues to grow. Twen- within it and more than 100 eth- development of demographic ty-nine thousand apartments are nic groups live in the region. The policies and women’s activities planned to be built and purchased secretary of state emphasised in the implementation of the Ka- from developers in the framework the high social-political value zakhstan 2050 Strategy and the of the Nurly Zhol programme. of “Year of the Assembly of the new Nurly Zhol economic policy. Of these, about 60 percent of the People of Kazakhstan,” noting Abdykalikova also charged the rental units will be commissioned the nation’s task is to reach every heads of regional state bodies to in metropolitan cities: Astana, Al- village and every man and wom- complete specific tasks. maty, Shymkent, Aktobe and 40 percent in the regional centres, single-industry towns, as well as in supportive rural areas,” said Sagintaev at a recent public meet- ing on the topic. In the autumn of last year, 286,507 people were reported to be on the waiting list for housing from the municipal housing fund. Of these, 465 are disabled and veterans of World War II, 41,682 are children without parental care, 125,070 are from socially vulner- able segments of the population, 117,456 are state employees, civil servants, soldiers, persons holding public office and 1,834 people are Tenants receive keys to their new apartments. B5 Nation&Capital SOCIETY

Wednesday, march 11, 2015 Two New Almaty Metro Stations to Open in Spring By Julia Rutz or April, after the completed con- open has not yet been determined, struction work is accepted,” said as bargaining with tenants may In light of the December an- Aidyn Orazkhanov, head of the take additional time. nouncement by Kazakh officials metro administration said. “Inhabitants and tenants do to extend the metro in Almaty, He also described the appear- not always accept the proposed two new stations may be opened ance of the newly-constructed amount of financial compensation to commuters this spring. The city stations. The Moscow station will to leave the house needed to be is anticipating the Moscow and feature a Russian motif and have demolished. Sometimes we have Sairan stations, both of which are a Kremlin Wall. Sairan, which in to cope with lawsuits,” explained under construction, although the Kazakh means “joy,” will feature Orazkhanov. official opening has been post- designs that highlight the spirit of According to tengrinews.kz, poned due to weather conditions, teenagers. Orazkhanov said the installationof according to tengrinews.kz. “We have also scheduled the metal detectorswas not incorporated “The question of beautification construction of two other stations, into theoriginal draft. Taking into is our main concern now. Basic Dostyk and Saryarka. The Dostyk account the underground terrorist construction of the Moscow and station will be located at the Abai attacks that occurred in Moscow Sairan stations has been complet- Avenue and Momishuly Street and Minsk, however, the decision ed. We cannot start planting trees crossing,” said Orazkhanov. was made to incorporate preventive and continue asphalting till the end The process of land acquisition measures and put metal detectors of the winter season, so we will and house demolition in the con- into operation at the stations. start the next construction phase struction areas has also affected “This is a safety measure, I think in spring 2015. We expect two sta- the deadlines, he added. The exact it won’t hurt,” concluded the offi- tions to be opened in late March date when Dostyk and Saryarka cial. Alatau Industrial Zone Key Nazarbayev University to Almaty Anti-Crisis Plan, Academics Win Grant to Says Akim Lead Public Policy By Yelden Sarybay

The Almaty anti-crisis pro- gramme was presented by Akim Workshops in Kazakhstan (Mayor) Ahmetzhan Yessimov and policymaking as a challenge stan. I would like to offer my Feb. 19 during a meeting with the By Saltanat Janenova of learning. Focusing on how, congratulations to the winners of public. and Aiman Temirova when and from whom policy- the grant and I wish them all the Yessimov noted that the optimi- makers learn is crucial for the best for a successful workshop. sation of Almaty’s budget to 35 ASTANA – Academics from effectiveness and legitimacy of I hope that this workshop is the billion tenge (US$189 million), the Nazarbayev University Grad- all systems of governance. These start of a long and productive while increasing revenues, would uate School of Public Policy were questions help to highlight the collaboration between the two not affect the volume of the city’s involved in leading a three-day shortfalls of organisations that partner institutions.” social obligations. workshop in Astana in February are often subject to regulatory Yerkin Tazabekova, acting The first point in a list of key in partnership with the Universi- reforms. chair of the Science Fund, added, priorities of the anti-crisis plan is ties of Exeter and Edinburgh from The second stream analysed “Participation in large-scale re- the United Kingdom. Funding for the industrial zone of the Alatau “To date, the number of legalised portant of these is the work with the application of technologies search projects on strategically- district, according to the akim. The Learning in Governance and and innovations in various public important themes which encour- assets is 1,945 in the amount of 24 Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Innovations in Public Services Twenty-eight projects worth 230 billion tenge (US$130 million). Fund, which in late 2014 concluded service areas, with a particular age Kazakhstan researchers to billion tenge (US$1.2 billion) in workshop was secured through focus on social and health care, integrate with the international The volume of money legalisa- a state order memorandum with Al- a grant from the Newton–Al- the engineering, construction, tion in the city was 10 billion tenge maty for 800 billion tenge (US$4.3 education and integrated ser- scientific community was one light food and pharmaceutical in- Farabi Partnership Programme, vices. Good practices from the of the main priorities set out by (US$54 million). In 2015, the pri- billion). a new bilateral U.K.-Kazakhstan dustries are to be realised in its vatisation and the legalisation pro- The city will also work with international experience such as President Nursultan Nazarbayev territory within a few years. programme coordinated by Ka- smart housing, e-government and in his annual address to the peo- gram of the city should contribute Baiterek Holding, having signed zakhstan’s Science Fund and the “This year, the construction of 6 billion tenge (US$32.4 million),” agreements worth 10 billion tenge e-learning technologies were ex- ple of Kazakhstan.” these projects will create 1,500 British Council. said Yessimov. (US$54 million) for the demoli- plored through the participants’ The Nazarbayev University jobs. Next year that will be 6,000 The forum was aimed at early- A fourth measure would be the tion of shabby housing and con- debates and reflections on how to Graduate School of Public Pol- jobs. Projects that start running career researchers in political sci- issuance of municipal bonds. The struction. In addition, a 4.5 billion improve services for vulnerable icy, jointly with the U.K. part- [in the industrial zone] will create ence, public policy, management groups of the population. ners, has produced a key findings volume of these bonds was made tenge (US$24.3 million) agree- 20,000 jobs and provide tax rev- and international relations both The Newton–Al-Farabi Part- document for their institutions’ public in November 2014 and will ment was reached with Damu En- enue of 7 billion tenge (US$37.8 from the U.K. and Kazakhstan. nership Programme, jointly fi- websites and professional blog be worth about 20 billion tenge trepreneurship Development Fund million). The first projects will be It was led by a team of interna- nanced by the governments of the sites as an example of interna- (US$108 million). Money raised for lending to small- and medium- launched later this year,” said the tional public policy scholars: Dr. U.K. and Kazakhstan, aims to de- tional collaboration through part- mayor. through these bonds will be spent sized enterprises (SMEs) that do Claire Dunlop and Prof. Claudio velop existing contacts and build nership. The longer-term benefit The second item is the devel- on housing construction, improving not fall under the criteria of other Radaelli from the University of strong, sustainable, systemic re- of the workshop will be the in- opment of Alatau IT Park. Since traffic, trade and food security and government loan programmes. Exeter, Dr. Tony Kinder from lationships in research and inno- stitutional links that Nazarbayev 2011, the number of companies developing ecological transport. Two billion tenge (US$10.8 mil- the University of Edinburgh and vation. It works with government University is developing with the operating in the park has doubled. In 2010, Almaty issued securities lion) will come from the city ad- Prof. Neil Collins and Dr. Sal- bodies, research organisations, Universities of Exeter and Edin- According to the akim, 160 inno- worth 13 billion tenge (US$70.2 ministration. tanat Janenova from Nazarbayev universities and businesses to burgh and the workshop partici- vative companies worth 10.5 bil- million) which were aimed at de- In conclusion, Yessimov noted University. More than 56 re- support Kazakhstan in achieving pants. lion tenge (US$56.7 million) will veloping urban projects. Accord- that significant emphasis would searchers and practitioners, in- its development goals. be established in the near future, ing to the mayor, the measure was be placed on the development of cluding 15 from the U.K. and 46 Simon Williams, Director of Saltanat Janenova is the co- creating 2,000 jobs and providing effective. In particular, he noted SMEs, as the sector today pro- from Kazakhstan, participated in the British Council Kazakhstan, ordinator of the workshop and tax revenue of 2.4 billion tenge the creation of a system of video vides 66 percent of the revenue the symposium. said, “The Newton–Al-Farabi an instructor at the Nazarbayev (US$13 million). surveillance on urban roads, which to the city budget. To further im- The workshop focused on Partnership Programme allows University Graduate School of The third area of ​​anti-crisis cost 3.4 billion tenge (US$18.4 mil- prove the business climate in the two major streams: learning in us to use the U.K.’s strength in Public Policy. Aiman Temirova measures is legalisation and pri- lion) and brought12.7 billion tenge city, the administration recently governance and innovations in research and innovation to pro- is a teaching assistant at the vatisation. The akim noted that (US$68.6 million) in fines to the held a meeting with business peo- public services. The first stream mote the economic development Nazarbayev University Gradu- Almaty’s special programme will city budget. ple in Almaty and developed a explored regulatory governance and social welfare of Kazakh- ate School of Public Policy. bring to light material resources The fifth point of the anti-crisis series of legislative amendments and facilities and thereby will help programme is strengthening work that will simplify many tax, infra- to increase tax revenues to the city with government institutions and structure and customs procedures budget in the future. development funds. The most im- for entrepreneurs. TURKSOY Department Opens at Al-Farabi University Turkic people; deepen cultural, TURKSOY Dyusen Kasseinov; By Malika Orazgaliyeva humanitarian and technical in- representatives of the embassies tegration; and develop scientific and consulates of Turkey, Azer- ASTANA – As part of activities and educational ties. In addition, baijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan celebrating Almaty as the Capital the department will act as a re- and Kyrgyzstan; representatives of Islamic Culture for 2015, the search centre of Turkic languages from ethnic and cultural associa- faculty of Oriental Studies of the and the socio-economic and po- tions within the APK; and schol- Al-Farabi Kazakh National Uni- litical processes of Turkic-speak- ars, teachers and university stu- versity in Almaty has opened a ing countries. dents. Department of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture One of the important goals of Kasseinov stressed that TURK- (TURKSOY). The opening cer- the TURKSOY Department is SOY cooperates closely with emony on March 4 was dedicated training competitive specialists UNESCO. This interaction is di- to the 20th anniversary of the As- in Turkic studies. Teaching will rected not only at the preservation sembly of People of Kazakhstan be carried out by highly qualified of the cultural heritage of Turkic (APK). Kazakh and foreign teachers and nations, but also plays an impor- The new department is intend- scientists engaged in research in tant role in fostering dialogue be- ed to become another bridge of various spheres of linguistics, lit- tween cultures. According to him, cooperation between Kazakh- erature, history, political science, the new TURKSOY Department stan and the Turkic world, and philosophy and cultural studies. will contribute to this cooperation its activities will be designed to The opening ceremony was at- and will take part in TURKSOY promote closer relations among tended by Secretary-General of activities. B6 Nation&Capital Tourism

Wednesday, march 11, 2015 Multiple Organisations Work to Revive Saiga Population By Leslie Krowchenko species of the steppe ecosystem it serve to initiate discussion, giving inhabits. Although protected under villagers ownership of the venture On the International Union for national and worldwide laws and and promoting long-term success. Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conventions, the main threat is il- Project leaders like Elena Byk- Red List, which has been guiding legal hunting for horn and meat, ova demonstrate how effective conservation efforts for more than the former used in traditional Chi- the endeavour can be. A graduate five decades, the saiga antelope has nese medicine. As only males bear of the biology department of Tyu- moved in just six years from vul- horns, poaching has resulted in men State University, she heads a nerable to critically endangered. heavily-skewed sex ratios causing network of saiga friend groups, a The population pendulum, how- a significantly-reduced reproduc- community of 10 clusters with ap- ever, is starting to swing the other tion rate. proximately 50 members including way. Through the support of interna- police and teachers. The volunteers Through the efforts of organisa- tional organisations, the Kazakh work as monitors and animal ad- tions such as IUCN, the Worldwide saiga antelope project has devel- vocates, collecting crucial infor- Fund for Nature (WWF), Wild- oped a multifaceted approach to mation and targeting hunters and Invest and Saiga Conservation monitoring the animal’s population poachers to join them. Alliance (SCA), the figures have and movement. Field observations “The saiga plays a distinctive increased from a low of 30,000 in during migration in the winter and role in maintaining the steppe habi- 2003 to more than 150,000, ac- data collected throughout the year tat conditions for a range of other cording to an article published on are helping to inform future con- threatened species and is an impor- the National Geographic Society servation planning, according to tant part of the cultural heritage of website. Many of the animals roam the WildInvest website, www.wild- nomadic people who historically the Ustyurt Plateau in the steppe invest.com. shared the same lands for thou- region of Kazakhstan and Uzbeki- The saiga is representative of the sands of years,”said Bykova in a stan. nomadic traditions of the Ustyurt statement on www.wildinvest.com. “While the recent increase in sai- Plateau and engaging local com- “The saiga’s fate could not keep ga numbers is encouraging, it has at Fauna & Flora International, in A small antelope with a dis- plains of Central Asia and Russia. munities has been a critical com- me indifferent. I really believe that also resulted in increased poach- an article. “With saigas becoming tinctive bulbous nose, the saiga The animal is highly adapted to ponent. Community awareness and we can save the saiga and would be ing pressure,” said Maria Karl- more abundant again, hunting has once roamed in herds approach- the harsh climate conditions of the regional workshops held in villages happy if new people join us for this stetter, saiga programme manager become easier and thus lucrative.” ing 2,000,000 strong across the semi-deserts, making it a mainstay known to be local poaching hubs noble aim.” Aisha Bibi Mausoleum EXPO 2017 Promoted in Germany, Construction Techniques Norway and Netherlands By Malika Rustem The head of Kazakhstan’s dele- for Norway to participate in EXPO gation, together with UNWTO Sec- 2017, as the country is a world Remain Mystery to Researchers ASTANA – From March 4 to retary General Taleb Rifai helped leader in alternative and renewable proportions are unique and even this sary of Taraz. For the anniversary 9, a Kazakh delegation headed by open the Kazakhstan pavilion. Ri- energy sources. In turn, Høglund By Vyacheslav Lebedev part of the preserved masterpiece of the oldest city in the country we EXPO 2017 Commissioner and fai emphasised how much holding noted that the event’s theme, En- demonstrates the highest skill and managed to remove the glass cover, First Deputy Minister of Foreign EXPO 2017 in Astana will increase ergy of the Future, is of particular Affairs Rapil Zhoshybayev visited “Autumn ... Clouds ... The Earth rich artistic imagination. restore the beautiful exterior and the number of tourists and develop interest to Norway in its efforts to Germany to participate in the 49th is beautiful.” For almost 1,000 years The secret of the monument’s interior of the dome, strengthen the city infrastructure. Rifai also noted promote dialogue on energy and International Tourism Exhibition, the importance of the UNWTO Silk environmental security issues and this line in Arabic alphabet Kufic longevity is still unknown, although foundation and remake three walls script has decorated the patterned better known as ITB-2015. He also Road programme, in which special sustainable international develop- some researchers have guessed which were restored in 1983,” said visited Norway and the Netherlands importance is given to Kazakhstan. ment. column of the famous Aisha Bibi about it. There are many ancient, Rametov. mausoleum. where he had a number of bilateral While in Berlin, Zhoshybayev During his time in Oslo, the com- majestic buildings in the world Numerous commissions in Mos- meetings. To date, 28 versions of the legend held a number of bilateral meetings missioner also held talks with the which time could not destroy. The cow and Tashkent considered the As one of the largest exhibitions of Aisha Bibi have been told from with senior German officials. He Norwegian State Secretary of the Aisha Bibi mausoleum was made restoration project, developed by ar- in the world, ITB, with more than Ministry of Trade, Industry and generation to generation. A most met with State Secretary of the Ger- from burnt clay bricks, which sci- chitects over 30 years ago. They of- 100,000 visitors each year, covers man Federal Foreign Office Ste- Fisheries Dilek Ayhan. The sides popular tragic legend tells the story entists have tested to determine their fered to preserve the remaining part all aspects of travel and tourism: phan Steinlein, the Deputy Minister expressed interest in intensifying of young Karakhan Muhammad, ba- composition. There is nothing spe- of the mausoleum and build exactly tyr (warrior) and ruler of Taraz who cial – just clay and sand, but the par- the same mausoleum next to it, as it loved beautiful Aisha, the daughter ticles are bonded to each other with a is practiced in Japan. They finally of Muslim saint Zengi Baba and An- tremendous force and so far have not approved the project presented by var Begim. She responded with the weakened. Medieval craftsmen used renowned Kazakh architect Aben same passionate feelings. Muham- an unknown composition of natural Itenov. The most eminent Turkestani mad soon returned to Taraz and the origin as cement, which eventually masters cast bricks and carved pat- beauty, deciding to see her beloved, disappeared. terns for Aisha Bibi, creating new asked her parents for a blessing. Ai- The Aisha Bibi mausoleum is tiles that were almost indistinguish- sha’s actions were contrary to the the only architectural monument in able from the old ones. Clay was laws of Islam and angry Zengi Baba Kazakhstan and Central Asia fully taken from a pit near the ancient city gave her a terіs-bata (reverse bless- ing), prohibiting her to go to Mu- lined with carved terracotta tiles. Its of Sauran, which has no harmful hammad. uniqueness is the fact that the tiles impurities and a composition simi- Nothing could stop the brave girl. were not glued to the bricks, the lar to the one used by the ancestors. At night Aisha Bibi and her babysit- method used by the craftsmen who The technology is also as close as ter Babaji Khatun quietly left the built the world-famous Sanjar Sultan possible to the medieval, although house to make their way to Taraz. mausoleum in Turkmenistan, for ex- the secret of the recipe could not be They stopped to rest on the shore of ample. The tiles were the front parts solved. the Asa River, where a venomous of the elongated elements and the The new dome was doubled. The reptile killed Aisha Bibi. Mourn- rumps, or 20-40 centimetre “tails,” inside dome, seen upon entering the ing over his beloved, Muhammad were pinched to the masonry. That’s mausoleum, is false. There is empti- buried her on the hill and the most why the patterns have not fallen from ness behind it and the vacuum pro- talented craftsmen were invited to the walls and columns, as happened tects the inner surface of the main build a beautiful mausoleum over to many ancient structures. dome from destruction. Humidity the grave. Restorers first tried to save the and temperature changes can dam- EXPO 2017 Commissioner and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Rapil Zhoshybayev (l) with his Norwegian After her burial, Babaji Khatun dying mausoleum about 30 years age only the false dome, which is counterpart, State Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries Dilek Ayhan in Oslo. remained as the grave guardian until ago by hiding it under a glass sar- low and easy to restore. That is why her own death. In recognition of this cophagus, but the new terracotta the ancient masters, erecting similar destinations, tour operators, book- of Economy and Energy of Germa- trade and economic cooperation, extraordinary love and fidelity, Ba- tiles, made in haste, were barely a structures, used this technique. ing system developers, airlines, ho- ny and leaders from major German including undertaking joint efforts baji Khatun was ranked at her death pale copy of the real ones. In sum- Today, the Aisha Bibi mausoleum, tels and other businesses engaged companies. He also participated in in water management, energy effi- as a saint and buried 20 steps from mer 2002, the Kazakh government like other ancient monuments, is in tourism. In the 26 rooms of the a conference titled EXPO 2017 in ciency, the green economy and new Aisha Bibi’s grave. The mausoleum decided the fate of the mauso- protected by the state. According to Messe Berlin fairgrounds, about Astana: Opportunities for German technologies. was also erected over the tomb. leum. The sum of 76 million tenge legend, on windy days the mauso- 10,000 representatives of 190 coun- Companies. Zhoshybayev told his counter- By the mid-twentieth century, (US$407,712) was allocated for its leum sometimes sounds like an or- tries demonstrated tourist services At a meeting with economy part about ongoing preparations for only a wall with a lancet arch en- recovery, with the work entrusted to gan. They say this is the sound of the and products from their respective and energy ministry officials, the EXPO 2017 and on behalf of Prime trance and two columns decorated Nishan Rametov, the best restorer in souls of craftsmen who created the regions. Kazakhstan was among German officials responsible for Minister of Kazakhstan Karim with nearly 70 patterns showing the country. pottery patterns. There are 70 pat- them. Germany’s participation in EXPO Massimov, handed an invitation to plant-geometric motifs remained “I was warned not to rush, al- terns, as there were 70 craftsmen of Every year, Kazakhstan partici- 2017 discussed specific opportuni- Prime Minister of the Kingdom of from the mausoleum. The decora- though it was tempting to revive the different nationalities, which is why pates in the ITB, which is a good ties available to German companies Norway Erna Solberg. opportunity to present the country’s tion of the tomb and its architectural mausoleum by the 2,000th anniver- their works are not alike. at the event. Other issues discussed In the Netherlands on March 9, history, culture and natural beauty. included the further deepening and on the last leg of his European visit, The exhibition is an effective plat- widening of raw material, indus- Zhoshybayev spoke at a round ta- form for building partnerships and trial, technological and investment ble conference on EXPO 2017, ar- exchanging experience with leaders cooperation between the two coun- ranged by the Embassy of Kazakh- in the tourism industry. tries and attracting German inves- stan in the Hague. Representatives Kazakhstan’s pavilion attracted tors to priority sectors of Kazakh- of major Dutch companies such as many visitors. They had the op- stan’s domestic economy. Co-Chair Shell, Philips and DSM, amongst portunity to taste Kazakh cuisine, of the Intergovernmental Working others, took part. Dutch business see national dances, hear Kazakh Group for Trade and Economic Co- people learned about ongoing music on Kazakh folk instruments, operation Eckhard Franz assured EXPO 2017 preparation measures and watch clothes being made from that Germany will be represented and discussed ways in which they felt and the assembly of silver jew- by one of the best pavilions at the can participate in it. ellery. exhibition. In his remarks at the conference, During the exhibition, the com- In Oslo, Zhoshybayev met with Zhoshybayev noted the importance missioner took part in the 5th World State Secretary at the Foreign Min- of the Netherlands to EXPO 2017, Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) istry Morten Høglund. The sides as the country is a major investor Silk Road Ministers’ Meeting and discussed issues pertaining to in- in Kazakhstan’s economy and one presented a plan to bolster Kazakh- ternational policy, as well as the of the world leaders in the design stan’s tourist industry. He also in- current state and future of the two and development of cutting edge formed participants about prepara- countries’ bilateral relations. They renewable energy technology. tions for EXPO 2017, highlighting stressed the need to further develop Dutch business representatives that the upcoming event will be the political, economic, cultural and expressed their willingness to take main driver of the development of humanitarian cooperation. an active part in organising EXPO tourism in both Kazakhstan and the In this regard, Zhoshybayev 2017 and presenting their best tech- region. made note of how important it is nologies. B7 Nation&Capital Sports

Wednesday, march 11, 2015 Kazakhstan Beats Italy, Advances Barys and Avangard to Davis Cup Quarter Finals Poised for Decisive Match in KHL Playoffs

points, but for a total victory in By Yerlan Zhanayev four games,” the coach said. Continued from Page B1 off. I am very glad. The match was “Kazakhstan underlined its Kazakhstan will face the Aus- The first two games the team very stressful,” Nedovyesov said burgeoning reputation in Davis tralian team in the Davis Cup ASTANA – In the first round played in Omsk. Avangard won “This match was fantastic for at a press conference after the Cup by booking a quarterfinal quarterfinals in July. The Austral- of Gagarin Cup playoffs, Barys the first match with a score of 5-2, me. I thank the captain for his trust match. berth for the fourth time in five ian team reached the quarters after Astana held seven matches with but in the second match, Barys was and opportunity to play in the play- According to daviscup.com, years.” beating the Czech Republic 3:1. Omsk Avangard, a series that stronger. The clubs went to Astana might be the most outstanding tied 1-1, where they once again ex- first round of all the Continen- changed victories. The third match tal Hockey League (KHL). The was 3-0 in favour of Barys, and in confrontation was tied at 3-3 on the fourth they succumbed, 3-4. March 10, while the winners have Then in Omsk, Avangard again Alau Ice Palace Hosts World Sprint Skating Championship, already been determined for the came forward with a score of other first-round matchups. Out of all the clubs in the play- 2-0. However, in the sixth match offs, only Barys and Avangard will in Astana, Barys earned their re- Kazakh Skaters Fail to Reach Podium play a crucial seventh match. The venge, 4-1, and the series was tied By Dmitry Lee she was not completely satisfied competed for the medals. It’s a pity Final results: decisive game in Omsk finished at three games each. The teams’ with her results. Fellow country- that [I was unable to do better] but 1,000 metre distance, men as this edition went to print in the fates will now be decided in Omsk. ASTANA – The Alau Ice Pal- men Denis Kuzin and Roman I accomplished my goal to be in 1. Pavel Kulizhnikov, Russia – late hours of March 10. Ahead of Unfortunately, the sixth game in ace hosted the 46th Internation- Krech also participated in the the top 10. Let’s see what today’s 1:09.06 the series, pundits predicted a con- Astana was marred by an unfortu- al Skating Union (ISU) World events. results will bring. The best skaters 2. Alexei Yesin, Russia – +0.35 fident victory for the Omsk club, nate injury when Barys defender Sprint Speed Skating Champi- “I didn’t finish the first 500-me- are competing here so it’s not easy 3. Havard Lorentzen, Norway – because at the end of the regular Roman Savchenko performed a onship for the first time Feb. tre race as well as I could have,” [to beat them].” +0.37 KHL session, as well as in its run- body check on Avangard’s captain, 28-March 1 in the hope that the she admitted in a March 1 inter- Kazakhstan’s Sochi 2014 6. Denis Kuzin – +0.69 up, Avangard won seven games Sergei Kalinin, after which Kalinin hometown venue would give an view during the competition, as hopeful Kuzin finished the 19.Roman Krech – +2.16 straight. landed badly and hit his head. The advantage to the Kazakh skat- cited by vesti.kz. “Perhaps I got 1,000-metre race in sixth place, 1,000 metre distance, women However, Barys’ players and medical team at the match reacted ers. The home athletes, however, too nervous and eventually burnt while Krech ended in 19th.Ironi- 1. Brittany Bowe, USA – 1:14.50 their head coach Andrei Nazarov quickly. In five minutes, the player were unsuccessful in reaching out. In the second 1,000-metre cally the skaters took the same 2. Heather Richardson, USA – emphasised that playoff matches was taken to the hospital with a the podium. race I was determined and did bet- positions, but reversed, in the +0.56 cannot be compared to regular- diagnosis of a cerebral injury. For Yekaterina Aidova was the clos- ter. Had I been as determined in 500-metre race: Krech was sixth 3. Li Shishi, China – +1.35 season games. “In the playoffs, at least 10 days, the hockey player est Kazakh skater to a medal, yet the 500-metre race, I would have and Kuzin 19th. 4. Yekaterina Aidova – +1.51 the competition is not for three will stay in Astana. Astana Arlans Defeat Italia Thunder, Caciques Venezuela to Extend Winning Streak to Eight (91+ kilogrammes) Filip Hrgo- By Dmitry Lee vic had the final say, stopping Edgar Ramon Munoz Mata in the ASTANA – The Astana Ar- second round to keep his team’s lans continues its so-far perfect streak alive. season in group B of the World The match against Italia Thun- Series of Boxing (WSB), besting der also opened with a flyweight one opponent after another. This (49 kilogrammes) bout between time around, they defeated the Patrick Barnes and Temirtas Italia Thunder on March 1 and Zhussupov. The Italian boxer went on to dominate Caciques remained undefeated for the sea- Venezuela on March 7 in Almaty. son, winning the bout and scor- As the WSB website reports, ing the first points for the guest both 3:2 victories came after team. long battles, securing wins from However, 2013 International the jaws of defeat. Boxing Association (AIBA) Against the Venezuelans, World Championships bronze the match started in the usual medallist Kairat Yeraliyev flyweight category (52 kilo- evened the score in the second grammes), where Kazakh Olzhas fight against Michael Conlon in Sattibayev beat Carlos José As- the bantam weight category (56 canio Perez. kilogrammes) with a split deci- Among lightweights (60 kilo- sion, making it a 1:1 match. grammes), Fradimil Macayo In the light welterweight (64 came back with a split decision kilogrammes) division, Vincenzo to equalise the scoreboard by de- Mangiacapre won every round feating Zakir Saifullin. against Askhat Ualikhanov to re- In the welterweight category take the lead and make it 2:1 for (69 kilogrammes), Gabriel Maes- Italy. The lead did not last long, tre Perez outboxed Aslanbek Sh- however, as middleweight (75 ymbergenov in all categories to kilogrammes) Meiirim Nursul- get his team ahead, 2:1. tanov dominated Raffaele Mun- But the roller coaster of a box- no to tie the team score at 2:2. ing match yet again turned Ka- In the final showdown, Ka- zakhstan’s way after light heavy- zakh heavyweight Vasiliy Levit weight (81 kilogrammes) Hrvoje (91 kilogrammes) defeated En- Sep managed to defeat Albert Ra- dri Spahiu to snatch victory for mon Ramirez Duran. his team and keep the undefeated Arlans’ super heavyweight streak alive. B8 Nation&Capital capital Wednesday, march 11, 2015 Astana Mayor Outlines City’s Plans for 2015 By Julia Rutz and improve the quality of public paired 83 apartments and this year we transport by instituting an elec- will grant apartments to seven veter- Astana Akim (Mayor) Adilbek tronic ticket system and changing ans who came to the capital in the last Dzhaksybekov discussed 2015 the routes. As a result, 108 kilome- quarter of 2014,” said Dzhaksybekov. development plans for the city on tres of roads will be reconstructed, The support of people with dis- Feb. 18 in Congress Hall during including 30 streets in 11 districts. abilities was also included in the the first public meeting of his ad- Moreover, the city streets will be agenda. According to the mayor, ministration, according to the press equipped with video cameras, in 19,000 individuals with disabili- service of the city akimat (admin- addition to the 700 cameras cur- ties, including 3,000 children, cur- istration). renlty located on Astana roadways. rently live in Astana. As part of the development Advancing conditions for small- “We have to give these people plan discussed by the mayor, and medium-sized businesses was the opportunity to actively par- about 100 new building projects another pillar of the Astana devel- ticipate in the social and cultural will be realised in Astana in 2015. opment programme for 2015, as life of the city by organising spe- Construction is scheduled to be- their share accounts for more than cial classes at schools, ” explained gin in the area next to the Arch 65 percent of all taxes paid to the Dzhaksybekov. of Triumph, along Mynzhyldyk local budget. The first service cen- The elimination of unemploy- Alley and Turan Avenue, as well tre for enterpreneurs is now operat- ment and easy access to medical as in the green district near Khan ing in Astana, with more than 4,500 and education services, as well as Shatyr shopping mall. In accord- businessmen and businesswomen development of Astana’s cultural, ance with the Affordable Hous- already assisted by the centre. sport and tourist potential, were ing 2020 state programme, 2,507 Old shopping facilities will also also highlighted by the mayor. He apartments totaling 1,588,000 be replaced by new ones. A system mentioned the importance of the square metres will be put into op- of a fast food chains has also been current year for both the city and eration during the first quarter of Mayor of Astana Adilbek Dzhaksybekov meets with local residents to unveil plans for the city’s development on Feb. 18. developed for this year and cater- the country, as it marks the 20th the current year. ing facilities will be available to anniversary of the establishment of According to the mayor, all pany from the city akimat to be this context, the energy complex ergy. The energy consumed should enterpreneurs. the Assembly of the People of Ka- buildings to be constructed in the sure,” said Dzhaksybekov. investment programme provides be preserved by citizens while us- Dzhaksybekov focused his final zakhstan, the 70th anniversary of capital will have parking lots. The mayor also mentioned ef- a comprehensive modernisation ing innovative technologies and attention on social issues, noting victory in the Great Patriotic War “There are several unreliable forts to save energy. The annual of two central heating and power eco-materials. That would also help the importance of supporting vet- and the 550th anniversary of the construction companies that oper- growth of the power supply system plants, as well as the construction reduce negative effects on the envi- erans. There are 216 veterans of establishment of Kazakh Khanate. ate in the city now, so I insist peo- load is 8-10 percent and by 2017 of another one in Astana, according ronment,” explained the mayor. the Great Patriotic War living in “Our main goal is to let all the ple double-check all the documen- the growth of the electricity load to the akimat press service. The third point of his speech was Astana, he added. citizens feel the spirit of these great tation before investing money into is expected to reach 30-35 percent “World experience shows that the dedicated to the development of “Our veterans are able to use public events and awake the sense of pat- real estate. You can also ask for while the growth in heating load is growth of the city directly influenc- infrastructure. A decision has been transport for free and they do not have riotism towards the country and the some information about the com- expected to reach 25-30 percent. In es the growth of the demand for en- made to reconstruct the city roads to pay for utilities. Last year, we re- city,” concluded Dzhaksybekov.

They are also used in the produc- tion of railroad crossing plates, Air Astana Introduces Self Check-In Tire Recycling Plant Reopens in Capital manhole covers, pavement and Staff Report commission for two years, the more. The company currently company could not pay its debts. In employs 25 people. The plant is Terminals in Kazakh Airports Production at Kazakhstan’s only order to actualise the project, a loan looking to expand its staff to 90 tire recycling plant has begun roll- of more than $6.5 million from the employees. Shymkent City in Southern Ka- To self-register for a flight, a pas- ing again after being shut down for Development Bank of Kazakhstan According to recent statistics, By Malika Orazgaliyeva zakhstan in mid-January. Two senger must scan his identification two years. was taken. The Baiterek Hold- around 300,000 tires are disposed more kiosks appeared in February or insert a Nomad Club Frequent The German equipment and ing and the National Chamber of of in Kazakhstan every year. Ex- ASTANA – Check-In for Air at the Almaty airport. In the future, Flyer programme card and enter technologies used at the plant al- Entrepreneurs decided to write off perts say that the launch of such Astana passengers just got a little the Astana and Atyrau airports will the booking, ticket or Nomad Club low up to 32,000 tons of raw mate- 330 million tenge (US$1.78 mil- plants has positive environmental easier. Kazakhstan’s flagship air be equipped with similar kiosks. number. After completing self rial to be processed annually. While lion) of the plant’s debt as part of impact. A single tire needs 150 carrier Air Astana recently intro- Negotiations are also underway to check-in, passengers who need to the plant was offline, Kazakhstan’s the restructuring programme. years to decompose; the recycling duced Kazakhstan’s first passenger install the terminals at the Aktau check luggage will be directed to a environmental regulations under- In processing used tires, the process reduces man’s effect on self check-in kiosks for its flights. Airport in Western Kazakhstan. special counter. went considerable changes. This plant produces three products: rub- nature. Also, with the number of The kiosks will be initially lim- The kiosks are meant to com- The kiosks software was de- simplified the plant’s operations ber crumbs, high-alloy steel and cars in the country increasing eve- ited to domestic flights, but the air pensate for the limited number veloped in cooperation with because before that it was easier to rayon. The rubber crumbs are used ry day, the plant’s reopening means carrier plans to expand the pro- of registration desks at airports, Amadeus Company. Hardware burn used tires than recycle them. to cover playgrounds and sports that the country will be unlikely to Because the plant was out of see a raw material shortage. gramme to include self check-in which must currently handle large implementation and customi- fields, stadiums and artificial turf. for international flights, according number of passengers. Officials sation was performed by Air to the airline’s press service. hope the kiosks will shorten lines Astana Information Technology The first kiosk was installed in and check-in times. Department. Ambassadors Club in Astana Opens New Season By Yelden Sarybay on a diplomatic mission. This has Foreign Affairs and Creative Work caused a disruption in the regular- at the university. The wide spec- ASTANA – After a long hiatus, ity of the club’s monthly meetings, trum of disciplines offered at the a club meant to bring together on but did not cease its existence. university offers the opportunity a regular basis international chiefs A new team, under the guid- for members of the club to have of missions is reviving its activi- ance of Mahat, plans to resume an enlightening and cultural taste ties in the newly opened Marriott the club’s initiative and expand of Kazakhstan. Everything from Hotel. The first revived Ambas- the club’s scope of activities. The visual arts to instrumental and vo- sadors Club event is planned for club’s main mission remains the cal music is available to be experi- March 25, celebrating the tradi- same: to show the rich cultural enced by the diplomats. tional Nauryz Festival. heritage of Kazakhstan to the am- The club will be inviting deputy The Ambassadors Club is an bassadors and chiefs-of-missions ministers of the Kazakh Ministry initiative by Art Club Kulanshi, based in Astana, thereby enrich- of Foreign Affairs and other gov- which saw a need to form a cul- ing their experience in the Kazakh ernment organisations to be special tural platform for international capital. guests during regular meetings. chiefs-of-missions in 2009 and has The cultural dimension of the The Marriot Hotel Astana has organised events ever since. The club will be provided by the fac- agreed to be the new partner of club’s host Leyla Mahat, an artist ulty and students of Kazakh Na- the Ambassador’s Club, provid- and gallery owner who promotes tional University of the Arts, coor- ing a comfortable venue and other Kazakh culture, is currently away dinated by Alibek Batyrov, head of amenities. Astana-Seoul Flights to Be Available by Summer 2015 Seoul – Almaty – Seoul air route travel between the two countries By Malika Orazgaliyeva twice a week. following the agreement to intro- However, Air Astana cooperates duce visa free regime for up to one ASTANA – Flights from Astana closely with the Asiana Airlines month that went into effect last No- to Seoul will be available this sum- within the code-share agreement vember. mer, according to a March 4 report on joint selling seats on flights of Air Astana was named Airline from the press service of the Minis- both carriers in order to increase Market Leader of 2015 at the 41st try of Investment and Development the transit of passengers from Ja- annual Air Transport World Awards of Kazakhstan (MID). pan, Taiwan and other countries in in Washington, D.C. The announcement followed a Southeast Asia. Accepting the accolade on behalf meeting in Seoul between repre- At the end of the talks the two of the airline’s 4,300 employees, sentatives of Air Astana, Asiana sides signed a Memorandum of Air Astana President Peter Foster Airlines, Korean Air, Jin Air and Understanding that provides an in- noted the airline’s achievements the Incheon International Airport creased number of flights between these past 12 years have taken it on Corporation. Kazakhstan and South Korea. The “a remarkable journey.” Currently, Kazakhstan’s flag MID reported that the Kazakh side “We are proud to be the youngest air carrier, Air Astana, operates proposed to increase existing air airline to win such prestigious rec- flights on the Almaty – Seoul – carriage capacity between Kazakh- ognition,” he said, addressing the Almaty air route three times per stan and South Korea by 35 percent. 200-strong audience and thanking week, and South Korea’s Asiana The move will likely contribute the people of Kazakhstan for their Airlines operates its flights on the further to the expansion of mutual support.