-13° / -16°C Wednesday, january 27, 2016 No 2 (92) www.astanatimes.com Kazakh President Sets March 20 as Public Service Date of Parliamentary Election Centres Reduce Bureaucracy, Help Investors We plan to increase this number By Malika Orazgaliyeva up to 700 in the next two-three years. Thus, people will be able to ASTANA – In the next few receive all public services, such as years, Kazakh citizens will re- operations with real estate, land and ceive all needed public servic- assets and pledges, including com- es, which total more than 700, mercial assessment and develop- through public service centres. ment of the projects, in one place.” The newly established one-stop “The investors will also be able shops at the public service cen- to receive all relevant public ser- tres will also simplify conditions vices for doing business in Ka- for investors. Kazakh Minister zakhstan through a one-stop shop President (C) gathers top officials in Akorda on Jan. 20 to announce his decision to set the date for the early parliamentary election. for Investment and Development that will operate in public service announced the centres in Astana, and the innovation during his tour of regions. This mechanism will sig- Nazarbayev noted that in to- ter of a century. We have become the Parliament of the fifth convo- Astana’s public service centre. By Aiman Turebekova nificantly reduce the bureaucratic day’s reality, it is necessary to one people, hardened through cation. The early election for the “This year, we are combining and administrative burden on in- learn to live with the low prices creative work, and we have cre- are scheduled for March several structures where our citi- vestors,” he said. ASTANA – President Nursul- of raw materials and to continue ated a successful state, respected 20, 2016,” the Kazakh President zens will receive more than 500 tan Nazarbayev set March 20 as industrialisation development as around the world. I take the ini- said. services in public service centres. Continued on Page A5 the date for an early parliamen- well as expansion of small and tiative of the members as a mani- Nazarbayev appealed to all citi- tary election after meeting with medium-sized businesses. festation of patriotic concern zens of , to all social top officials and appealing to the “In this difficult situation, the about the fate of Kazakhstan. strata of society to support the de- people of Kazakhstan concern- most important thing for all of us The setting of the early election cision dictated by the times. ing the initiative of the members is to understand that we must live for the Mazhilis at the same time “I urge all to participate actively of the Mazhilis (lower house of within our means, save resources as the elections for maslikhats in the elections and again to show Kazakh Reforms Well Parliament) to dissolve the cham- and jobs. The government and the (local assemblies) will save time our solidarity and unity for the fu- ber and set an early parliamentary Parliament have to work together and financial resources. I thank ture of our country. As guarantor election. and take prompt action. Our peo- all the members for their atten- of the Constitution, I instruct the Prime Minister Karim Massi- ple, as always, need to unite and tion to the interests of the coun- Central Election Commission and Received at World mov, head of the Presidential Ad- to fight back, if necessary by law, try and for the manifestation of all public authorities to ensure the ministration , any possible provocations during high historical responsibility,” legality, transparency and fairness Chairman of the Constitutional this difficult time. This is a global said the head of state. of the upcoming elections. I am Council of Kazakhstan Igor Ro- process that any country, includ- The President stressed that in confident that the electoral cam- Economic Forum gov and others attended the Jan. ing Kazakhstan, could not influ- accordance with the requirements paign and the elections will help economic and institutional sys- By Aiman Turebekova 20 meeting where the President ence. Therefore, we all need to of the Constitution, he consulted consolidate the nation during the tems enabled us to become 41st made his announcement. pull together and help each other,” with thechairmen of the chambers current period of time and bring most competitive nation according A Kazakh delegation headed by The President emphasised he said. of Parliament, prime minister and Kazakhstan to a new level of de- to the World Bank’s Doing Busi- Prime Minister that he had fully considered the The head of state also reminded chairman of the Constitutional velopment,” concluded the Presi- ness report and 42nd most com- has traveled to Davos, Switzer- proposal of the members of the that the country needs to continue Council, on the basis of which it dent. petitive nation according to the land, to participate in the World Mazhilis to terminate their powers its direction, namely, by realising was decided to support the initia- Prime Minister Massimov add- Global Competitiveness Index of Economic Forum and attend the and to set an early election. the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy, im- tive of the Mazhilis members. ed that a plan for the transition to a the World Economic Forum,” stat- 46th annual session. This four-day “Today, our country is involved plementing the Plan of the Nation “I am convinced that the renew- new track will be performed. ed Yerbolat Dossayev, Minister of event took place on Jan. 20-23. in a complex global and economic “100 Concrete Steps on the imple- al of representative branches of Rogov as a chairman of the National . On the sidelines of the World Eco- situation. For instance, the raw mentation of the five institutional government is meeting the inter- Constitutional Council of Kazakh- Continuous improvement of the nomic Forum, the government of materials price decline has caused reforms” as well as the Nurly Zhol ests of the country and its people. stan confirmed the legitimacy of regulatory environment in order an economic crisis; devaluation economic policy. Political parties should nominate the upcoming elections. Kazakhstan, jointly with the World to improve the investment climate has affected all the currencies of The President noted that Kazakh competent, business-oriented and The previous parliamentary Bank, held a roundtable to discuss is an important component of the the world; rising terrorist threats; society is ready to meet various dedicated candidates who are able election in January 2012 led to ongoing reforms to improve the busi- public policy aimed at developing falling volumes of global trade, challenges during this period. to understand the interests of the the three-party Mazhilis with the ness climate in Kazakhstan, reported the private sector, diversification etc.,” said the President in a state- “We have covered a worthy country as well as problems of the ruling party holding the the prime minister’s press office. and enhancement of the econo- ment shown on major TV channels path since we gained independ- agenda. Today, I signed a decree overwhelming majority out of 107 “Our adherence to building bet- my’s global competitiveness. Ka- across the country in prime time. ence, the length of almost quar- on dissolution of the Mazhilis of seats. ter political, economic and social zakhstan’s experience shows how systems enabled us to build a constructive interaction between strong institutional environment the government and the private and become the regional leader in sector can help lead to implemen- terms of economics and politics. tation of effective reforms, a press Despite the difficulties and vola- release from the government said. Central Election Over $600 Million tility in the international markets Commission Allocated for Crisis today, our work on reforming our Continued on Page A4 Approves Schedule Management Conquer zakhstan, begins on Feb. 20 and ends By Aiman Turebekova on Feb. 29. Registration of candidates ASTANA – The Central Election from the assembly ends March 5. The Measures in 2016 another Dakar Commission (CEC) of Kazakhstan election campaign begins March 6 only in South East Asia and , has approved a schedule of major and ends at midnight March 19. By Kamila Zhumabayeva but basic rates are also declining activities for preparing and holding The results of the election of by setting falling records in the early parliamentary elections. deputies of the Mazhilis, elected by ASTANA – As a backup for United States.” According to the schedule, the the assembly, should be announced implementing crisis management According to Sagintayev, the nomination of candidates for depu- no later than March 27 and be pub- measures for 2016, 225.5 billion government adopted a plan of ac- ties conforming to party lists begins lished no later than March 30. tenge (US$624 million) has been tion in December to ensure eco- Jan.20 and ends Feb. 8. Registration Earlier, Kazakh President Nur- allocated by the government, First nomic and social stability. The of the party lists begins Jan.20 and sultan Nazarbayev signed a decree Deputy Prime Minister Bakytzhan plan included systematic meas- ends Feb.19 and is to be published on dissolution of the Mazhilis of Sagintayev announced during a ures on basic units of financial the Parliament of the fifth convo- in the media not later than Feb. 28. press conference at the Central sector stabilisation, the increased cation. Snap election of deputies Conducting of pre-election cam- Communications Service, Ka- crediting of the economy, priva- paigns by candidates from the of the Mazhilis to be elected based zpravda.kz reported Jan. 15. tisation, competition develop- party lists starts from the end of on the party lists was scheduled for “I would like to note that a 225.5 ment, the increased efficiency of the registration period and ends at March 20; Mazhilis deputies elect- billion tenge (US$585.3 million) existing measures, governmental midnight one day before the elec- ed by the Assembly of the People special reserve intended to finance tion, on March 18. of Kazakhstan on March 21. support as well as the formation operative crisis management of governmental policy with em- Accreditation of observers from The deputy corps of the Mazhilis measures and realise additional is composed of 107 people. Nine- phasis on resolving employment foreign states and international or- tasks is allocated in the national ganisations ends on March 14. ty-eight deputies are elected from problems, Kazpravda.kz reported. budget for 2016. The funds will By Arsen Dilim Precinct election commissions the party lists, nine deputies of the “Considering an impetuous drop 11th place and Kazakhstan, 25th. be aimed at employment support, in oil prices and volatility in global The colours of the flag were pre- should be open on polling day at Mazhilis are delegated by the As- The 38th Dakar Rally, the most 6 a.m. local time. Voting is held sembly of the People of Kazakhstan. additional funding for the Nurly markets, the head of state instruct- sented by the Astana Motorsports extreme marathon on the planet, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The previous election for the Zhol programme and other activi- ed to develop possible scenarios crew, including Dakar 2012 bronze Results of the election should be Mazhilis took place in January 2012. ties,” Sagintayev stated, accord- for Kazakhstan’s development at ended recently with Kazakhstan’s metalist Arthur Ardavichus as pilot provided no later than March 26 Seven parties took part in that elec- ing to the newspaper. “Year 2016, various international oil prices, honour defended by the Presiden- and leader, Cross-Country Rallies and should be published in the me- tion, however, only three of them which from the first days gave us down to $20 per barrel. These will tial professional sports clubs Astana 2015 World Cup winner Ignat Falk- dia no later than March 29. were able to overcome the seven unpleasant surprises, has begun. be discussed Jan. 19 at the meet- Motorsports cargo crew and Ka- ov as navigator and Filip Skrobanek Nomination of candidates for nine percent barrier: the ruling party Nur Oil prices continue to fall break- ing on economic policy under the zakhstan passenger crew. Accord- as mechanic operating a Tatra car deputies of the Kazakh Mazhilis Otan (83 seats), Ak Zhol party (eight ing through the psychological government,” he said. ing to the results of this prestigious with starting number 515. (lower house of Parliament), elected seats) and the Communist People’s mark of $30 per barrel recently,” competition held in Argentina and by the Assembly of the People of Ka- Party of Kazakhstan (seven seats). he noted. “Markets are falling not Continued on Page A4 Bolivia, Astana Motorsports took Continued on Page B7

Inside Nation Economy&Business EDITORIALs OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Mazhilis Asks President to Dismiss Chamber, 2015 EBRD Investment in Central Asia Early Elections to Advance Reforms, Ferrero-Waldner: Kazakhstan and the Leader of Kazakhstan’s Turkish Community: Set New Election A2 Breaks Record A4 Safeguard Nation’s Progress A6 EU – Towards an Even Stronger Partnership A6 Day of Gratitude Will Reinforce Unity among Ethnic Groups B1 Kazakh NGOs Support Initiative to Dissolve Development Bank of Kazakhstan Winter – a Time Zhamishev: Development Bank of Mazhilis A2 Gives 11 Billion Tenge to Support Nation’s of Opportunity A6 Kazakhstan Finishes Year in Black, Plans Almaty, East Kazakhstan Ski Resorts among Car Industry A5 Changes for 2016, Says Chairman A7 Best in Region B6

US$ 1 = 372.89 KZT 1 Euro = 403.28 KZT 1 Rouble = 4.73 KZT A2 NATION

Wednesday, january 27, 2016

NATIONAL Mazhilis Asks President to Dismiss Chamber, Set New Election news in brief A modern camping facility will Plan of the Nation. Parliament there are 107 members in the be constructed on the Western Eu- By Malika Orazgaliyeva passed about 80 laws on each of lower chamber, of whom 98 are rope – Western China route near Ak- the five institutional reforms of the elected by popular vote. Nine ASTANA – The members of the tobe with assistance from National President, as well as elaborated members are delegated to the Chamber of Entrepreneurs (NCE), Mazhilis (lower chamber) of Ka- roadmaps on its implementation,” Mazhilis from the Assembly of zakhstan’s Parliament voted unan- BNews reported. A corresponding Kosarev added as he explained People of Kazakhstan, a body contract on development of road- imously Jan. 13 to ask President the reasons for the appeal. “At the bringing together representatives side service was signed between the Nursultan Nazarbayev to dissolve moment, we are entering a new of all ethnic groups in the country mayor’s office of the Aktobe region, the chamber and set early parlia- historical period, when moderni- since 1995. KazAvtoZhol national company mentary election. sation of the country begins and The previous parliamentary elec- and NCE. The extent of the Western “We initiate the termination political realisation of the reforms tion took place in January 2012 – Western China highway of powers of the members of is crucial in all areas. That is why, with seven parties competing for across the territory of the region the Mazhilis of the fifth con- receiving a new mandate of trust the seats for the five year term. amounts to 1,894 kilometres. There vocation and the setting of new from the voters is important.” Only three parties cleared the le- are more than one hundred roadside parliamentary election,” Deputy At the plenary session on the gally defined threshold of seven service facilities in the region, but Vladislav Kosarev of the Com- same day, the members of the percent of the popular vote. Under they don’t conform to international munist People’s Party said at a bers of all three party groups Nazarbayev to issue a decree on Mazhilis approved the appeal to law, the next election was supposed requirements. The akim’s office of special briefing held for report- in the Mazhilis, including the holding elections. the President and unanimously to take place no later than Novem- the Aktobe region considers that the ers in the Mazhilis in the early ruling Nur Otan patry and the “Firstly, the current Mazhilis voted for the initiative. A total of ber 2016 so that by January 2017 region has to receive the maximum hours of Jan. 13. This appeal pro-business Ak Zhol party. In fulfilled its historic mission to cre- 103 members present during the a new convocation of the Mazhilis benefit from the transit of transport received the support from mem- addition, the members called on ate the legal framework for the vote voted. could assume its mandate. going to and Asia. In 2016, the Damu Business De- velopment Fund received about 28 billion tenge (US$72 million) for the development of small and medium Kazakh NGOs Support Initiative to Dissolve Mazhilis business, Chairman of the fund Lyaz- zat Ibragimova said at a press confer- likhats (local assemblies) of all as well as elections for maslikhats the fifth convocation of the Mazhi- The Civil Alliance of Kazakh- By Malika Orazgaliyeva ence on Jan. 18. She informed that levels. of all levels. lis played its historical role in stan, bringing together the larg- the Damu fund expects that the num- “We state that holding early “Today, in circumstances of the making changes in the country’s est network of non-governmental ber of business people in the state will ASTANA – The Jan. 13 ini- parliament elections is a correct global economic crisis affecting national legislation. However, the organisations in the country, be noticeably increased this year. tiative of the members of the and timely decision at the start the economies of many countries, lawmaking body needs to update also expressed support for the Mazhilis (lower chamber of of a new anti-crisis programme. there is a need to immediately start its mandate for further effective initiative of the members of the Ross Limited from Almaty re- Parliament) to ask President The current composition of the implementing the reforms of the implementation of fundamental Mazhilis of Parliament to hold cently revealed its box of luxury Nursultan Nazarbayev to dis- Mazhilis of Parliament did a lot President concretised in the Nation reforms, ensuring the rule of law, early parliament elections for chocolates that costs $14,000, solve the chamber and set early for the development of the coun- Plan ‘100 concrete steps’ devoted formation of an open government, maslikhats of all levels. In their presstv.ir reports. Each piece of parliamentary election was sup- try and society. However, early to overcoming the crisis,” the as- as well as ensuring the country’s opinion, it will provide new op- chocolate inside the box is packed ported by the National Consum- election will mobilise our society sociation said in its statement. constant economic growth in dif- portunities for political parties to in a carefully faceted hexagonal ers League (NCL), the Assembly and will allow the beginning of The NCL of Kazakhstan in an ficult conditions. increase their participation in the box of pure volcanic glass. Six of People of Kazakhstan (APK), crisis management and protec- address noted that holding early “This step is a logical decision implementation of reforms and chocolate pieces are designed with the Youth Congress, Association tion measures for our economy parliament election is an extremely on the threshold of big reforms overcome the consequences of a different geometric shape to rep- of the Members of Maslikhats, and the country as a whole,” the timely decision, which meets the on the implementation of anti- the global crisis. resent natural elements and are representatives of the national national movement Kazakhstan spirit of the time. The league also crisis measures. It will update the The previous parliamentary encrusted with gold. The box in- movement Kazakhstan 2050 and 2050 stated. expressed confidence that the elec- mandate of the members, as well election in January 2012 led to cludes a tetra-hedron representing the Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan, The Association of the Members tion will demonstrate the unity of as attract new force into the main the three-party Mazhilis with the fire, an octa-hedron for air, a cube vlast.kz reported on the same of Maslikhats also supports and the people and their support for the legislative body,” the Youth Con- ruling Nur Otan party holding the for earth, an icosa-hedron for water and a scope to represent a vacuum. day. Also, they supported an idea shares the initiative to hold early anti-crisis policy of the country. gress of Kazakhstan noted in a overwhelming majority out of 107 to hold early election for mas- Mazhilis election in Kazakhstan, In turn, the APK believes that statement. seats. About 286 road accidents in- volving public transport were registered in Almaty in 2015, the press service of the city’s Internal Affairs Department reported. The statement specified that seven peo- President Consults with Mazhilis, Senate Speakers, ple died, 36 were injured as a result of road accidents involving public transport. At that, 220 traffic ac- cidents occurred due to the fault and Prime Minister regarding Proposed Election of bus drivers. The Department widely discussed among experts Dzhakupov said the main reason the need to unite the actions of the of the Constitutional Council of of Internal Affairs informed that By Malika Orazgaliyeva and the media. He noted the pro- for this decision was the need of the Mazhilis and maslikhats in imple- Kazakhstan Igor Rogov. 1,825 traffic violations by drivers posal to dissolve the chamber and parties to update their mandate of mentation of reforms at all levels. Rogov stressed, that in accord- of buses were cited in 2015. ASTANA – President of Kazakh- set early election has received trust from the people, obtain broad Additional consultations by the ance with paragraph 1 of Article stan Nursultan Nazarbayev con- Starting Feb. 1, maximum interest broad public support. public consolidation, as well as President were attended by Massi- 63 of the Constitution, the parlia- sulted on Jan. 18 with the chairmen mov, Nigmatulin and Chairman of ment or the Mazhilis can be dis- rates were raised on bank deposits in of both chambers of Parliament, as the Senate Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. solved by the President of Kazakh- tenge from 10 percent to 14 percent, well as the prime minister and other Nazarbayev noted that the stan after holding consultations and lowered on deposits in foreign top officials concerning the initia- Mazhilis’ proposal is relevant in with the chairs of the chambers of currencies from 3 to 2 percent, Ten- tive of the members of the Mazhi- the framework of far-reaching re- parliament and the prime minister. grinews reported. The decision was made by the Board of Directors of lis (lower house of Parliament) to forms implemented by the state In addition, Rogov pointed out the Kazakhstan Deposit Insurance dissolve the chamber and set early and the situation in world markets. that under the Kazakh Consti- parliamentary elections, the Presi- Fund to increase the attractiveness of He also pointed out that com- tution, if the Parliament or the deposits in the national currency, as dent’s press service reported. bined elections to the Mazhilis and Mazhilis of the Parliament are dis- well as compensate for the increased Nazarbayev’s first round of con- maslikhats will optimise financial solved by the President, an early levels of inflation. The Chairman sultations was attended by Chair- and organisational costs. election needs to be held within (Governor) of the National Bank man of the Mazhilis Kabibulla Tokayev said it is a timely deci- two months from the date of early Daniyar Akishev emphasised that Dzhakupov, Prime Minister Karim sion because the Mazhilis needs to termination of the powers of the the National Bank does not plan to Massimov and head of the Presi- get a new mandate of the people’s Mazhilis or parliament. introduce any restrictions on opera- dential Administration Nurlan trust to begin implementing the He noted that holding early elec- tions with foreign currency in cash Nigmatulin. tasks facing the country. tions for the Mazhilis at the same or deposits. He stated that it is not Nazarbayev stressed that the President Nursultan Nazarbayev consults with top officials on whether to During a third meeting, Naz- time as elections for maslikhats is possible according to the country’s initiative of the Mazhilis is being dissolve the Mazhilis and set early parliamentary elections on Jan. 18. arbayev consulted with chairman constitutional. legislation and international obliga- tions that Kazakhstan undertook to liberalise the foreign exchange re- gime and support the attractiveness of the investment climate. Parties Weighing Participation in Election In 2016, Kazakhstan seeks to By Malika Orazgaliyeva in spending resources, considering The Nationwide Social Demo- In 2012, 5.2 billion tenge Turgankulov announced Jan. 25 provide the state with gas and sets the task of exporting domes- the election is “another appoint- cratic Party (NSDP) will hold a (US$13.6 million) was spent on the dates to begin the candidates’ tic gas abroad, Minister of Energy ASTANA­ – In light of an initia- ment” of members, she claimed. party congress in the near future the early election of the Mazhilis campaigns. tive by the Mazhilis (lower house said at a brief- “Our participation does not to determine if it will take part in and maslikhats members, Tur- “Pre-election campaigning in ing on Jan. 15, BNews.kz reported. of Parliament) members to dis- make a sense. Of course, we have the election, said NSDP Press Sec- gankulov added. the mass media for political par- As of today, nine regions of Ka- solve the chamber and set early a lot of people in the regions who retary Maksim Andryushin in a According to Senate (upper ties will start on Feb. 20, whereas zakhstan are provided with natu- parliamentary elections and a are quite active, but as a party we Jan. 21 statement. There are both chamber of Parliament) Chair- the campaign for the candidates ral gas. The level of gasification meeting with top officials and the man Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the probably will not take part,” added supporters and opponents of the for the Mazhilis members elected of the state reaches 42 percent on public, Kazakh President Nursul- Aspandiarova. party’s participation in the elec- chamber will direct all its efforts by the Assembly of the People of the average. The budget for 2016- tan Nazarbayev set March 20 as The Communist People’s Party tion, he added. towards holding united legislative 2018 allocated 10 billion tenge Kazakhstan will start on March 6. the date for early Parliamentary of Kazakhstan (CPPK) announced The Birlik (Unity) Party is activities during the early election (US$25.6 million) for the continu- elections. its intention Jan. 21 to participate planning to hold a Feb. 2 party process. He added the decision is The campaign for the candidates ation of gasification. Shkolnik said In accordance with a Jan. 21 Nur in the upcoming election, reported congress, said Deputy Chairman a timely one, because the Mazhilis for maslikhat members will start it is planned to provide gas in about Otan statement, the party chaired interfax.kz. Tulegen Kuanyshev in a Jan. 22 needs to forge a new mandate of the on Feb. 24,” he said. 14 new settlements before 2019. by Nazarbayev will hold a 17th “The CPPK has never missed announcement. He noted the con- people’s trust to begin implement- Turgankulov also noted all pre- party congress Jan. 29 in the city. any elections. Since 2004, we have gress will discuss six questions, ing the tasks facing the country. election campaign materials must Almaty city administration will The head office in the capital and participated in all parliamentary including its list of candidates for By law, there are 107 members be paid from the parties’ election reduce the amount of monthly its branches were instructed to and presidential elections,” said election, reported interfax.kz. in the lower chamber, 98 of whom funds and the financing sources payments in public kindergar- start all necessary arrangements CPPK leader Vladislav Kosarev. Combining the Mazhilis and are elected by popular vote. The must be indicated. tens from 38,000 tenge to 15,000 in preparation for the congress, “We hope that over the years maslikhats elections will allow remainder are delegated to the tenge, Interfax.kz reported. “Cur- There is a mandatory election rently, the monthly calculation in- which is expected to adopt the [our party] group [in the Mazhilis] the state to save 4.8 billion tenge Mazhilis from the Assembly of fee for the candidates, according to party’s new electoral programme, showed the political course of our (US$12.6 million), said Cen- the People of Kazakhstan, a con- dex rose, thus, a place in a public CEC Deputy Chairman Vladimir kindergarten costs 38,000 tenge,” as well as approve its slate for the party. The experience of work in tral Election Commission (CEC) stitutional body formed in 1995 to Foos. The political parties must Akim of Almaty Bauyrzhan Bai- Mazhilis election. Chairman Kuandyk Turgankulov, bring together representatives of the Parliament also demonstrates contribute 15 minimum wages bek said. “As the result, we can Ak Zhol Party will hold a con- that our group knows how and reported interfax.kz. all the nation’s ethnic groups. (342,885 tenge [US$898.66]) observe an outflow. Parents begin gress Feb. 3, according to its web- wants to defend the interests of or- “About 8 billion tenge (US$21 CEC adopted a resolution Jan. to withdraw their children from site. The party had eight members dinary people. We hope the party million) is planned to be spent on 22 on the activities of foreign ob- for Mazhilis members and 5 minimum wages (114,295 tenge kindergartens. After the discus- in the last Mazhilis convocation. will again send people to Parlia- combined elections to the Mazhilis servers during the early election. sion, we decided to allocate three [US$299.55]) for maslikhat mem- The Azat Party will probably ment who will continue doing and maslikhats. Thus, we will save The observers from other countries billion tenge [from the budget as not participate in the election, things that we began,” he added. 4.8 billion tenge (US$12.6 mil- and international organisations bers. subsidies]. Thus, parents on aver- said Deputy Chairman Marzhan Kosarev noted the CPPK is plan- lion). If we held the election sepa- will need to pass accreditation un- All party candidates are required age will pay only 15,000 tenge,” Aspandiarova, reported Vlast.kz. ning to hold a party congress be- rately, we would spend 12.8 billion der Kazakhstan’s Foreign Affairs to submit an income declaration as he said, adding this measure will Its members do not see the point fore the end of January. tenge (US$33.6 million),” he said. Ministry before March 14. of Jan.1, he added. cover 17,000 children. A3 eurasia&world

Wednesday, january 27, 2016

EXTERNAL news in brief Emergency Meeting of OIC Council Kazakhstan and have agreed to organise direct air communica- tions between Almaty and Tehran. The corresponding protocol was of Foreign Ministers Held in Jeddah signed during the official visit to veloping and adopting a compre- the eighth OIC summit, which is Iran by the Kazakh Ministry for By Malika Orazgaliyeva hensive UN document on the fight planned to take place in April in Is- Investments and Development against terrorism. tanbul, as well as the OIC Extraor- Civil Aviation Committee. The The Organisation of Islamic Co- Following the meeting, Muss- dinary Summit on the Palestinian flights, to be conducted three times operation (OIC) held an emergency inov held a number of bilateral problem planned for March in In- a week, will be carried out by Air meeting of its Council of Foreign meetings, including with OIC Sec- donesia. Astana. The opening of Astana- Ministers (CFM) to discuss the ef- retary General Iyad Ameen Mada- Kazakhstan has been a full mem- Tehran flights is also planned, re- fects of protestors breaking into the ni and the delegation heads of ber of the OIC since 1995. In 2011- ported Trend. Saudi Embassy in Tehran and Sau- Bahrain, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, 2012, Kazakhstan chaired the 38th di Consulate General in Mashhad. Iran, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Ara- session of the OIC CFM, held in Lithuanian Embassy’s Attaché The meeting, called by Saudi Ara- bia, Turkey, the United Arab Emir- June 2011 in Astana. Adomas Davalga and representa- bia, took place Jan. 21 at the OIC ates (UAE) and others. The sides Formerly known as the Organi- tives of the European Institute for headquarters in Jeddah, reported discussed ways to develop bilat- sation of the Islamic Conference, Integral Society (INSOCIUM) the organisation website. visited North Kazakhstan region, Deputy Foreign Minister Askar eral relations in various spheres the OIC is the second largest inter- reported the region’s press service. Mussinov represented Kazakhstan and exchanged views on interna- governmental organisation after Region Mayor Erik Sultanov noted at the meeting, according to the tional issues and cooperation in the the UN, with a membership of 57 Petropavlovsk is a great railway Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Askar Mussinov (L) with OIC Secretary Gen- framework of international organi- states spanning four continents. Ministry. In his speech, he noted eral Iyad Ameen Madani (R). hub connecting the Kazakh and increasing tensions between Saudi sations, including the candidacy of The organisation is the collective Russian railroads, highlighting Arabia and Iran, the two leading sure agreement and the resumption fight against terrorism and ex- Kazakhstan for the position of a voice of the work- the prospects of air connections states of the region, will have a of diplomatic relations. tremism, as well as urged the non-permanent member of the UN ing to safeguard and protect its between the two countries, pace negative effect on security and sta- Mussinov stressed attacks on participants to support President Security Council for 2017-18. interests in the spirit of promoting of mineral extraction and develop- bility in the , Africa and foreign diplomatic missions are un- Nursultan Nazarbayev’s initia- Mussinov invited the OIC member international peace and harmony ment of the agriculture and pro- Central Asia, as well as other parts acceptable and it is the duty of the tive announced in September at states to participate in the inaugural among various people throughout cessing industries. Sultanov pro- of the world. He called on the con- host countries to ensure security the United Nations (UN) General session of the Islamic Organisation the globe. The OIC was established posed organising a forum of North flicting sides and other countries to in accordance with the provisions Assembly. That initiative centred for Food Safety (IOFS) general as- at a historical summit in Rabat, Kazakhstan region and Lithuanian take the necessary measures to pre- of the 1961 Vienna Convention on on establishing a unified global sembly and the seventh OIC Agri- Morocco on Sept. 25, 1969 follow- businessmen. vent further escalation of interfaith Diplomatic Relations. network to counter international culture Ministers conference sched- ing the arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque The pamphlet “Welcome to the tensions, build a political dialogue The Foreign Minister also spoke terrorism and extremism under the uled for April 28 in Astana. in occupied , according Future” was presented in the In- between the two countries and en- about the need to strengthen the auspices of the UN, as well as de- The CFM met on the eve of to its website. ternational Renewable Energy Agency headquarters in Abu Dha- bi, according to inform.kz. The brochure, created by the Kazakh Embassy in the United Arab Emir- ates (UAE), was published in Eng- Top Kazakh Think Tank Anticipates 10 Most lish and . It is a good visual about , the internation- al specialised exhibition to be held Important Events in Central Asia in 2016 in Astana. Kazakh Ambassador to tinued pressure on the economies of trading partner of the region. There of people from Central Asian coun- menistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan– the UAE Kairat Lama Sharif pre- By Aiman Turebekova sented the first issue to IRENA Di- the European Union (EU) and Rus- is also a growing trend of the ex- tries with ISIL and other extremist India) natural gas pipeline and the rector Adnan Amin. sia because of the mutual sanctions, pansion of investment presence groups will increase security risks. start of construction of the CASA- ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Insti- decline in the commodity markets of China’s transport and logistics In a nutshell, the formation of mech- 1000 transmission lines from Cen- tute for Strategic Studies under the causing problems in the commod- projects and processing industry anisms to counter the terrorist threat tral to South Asia. The Angren-Pap Kazakh First Deputy Minister of (KazISS) Foreign Affairs and EXPO 2017 ity economy, and the non-economic aimed at modernising Central Asian is one of the main challenges of the railway in Uzbekistan, which will presented Jan. 14 an overview of the factors (military conflicts, migration economies. Expectations are that region. Tensions between global be an important link in the Chi- Commissioner Rapil Zhoshybayev ten most important events in 2016 met Jan. 22 with Latvian Ambas- problems and environmental and cli- the search for specific mechanisms and regional players involved in the na–Central Asia–Europe interna- which are crucial for political and mate change). Commodity markets for interfacing the initiatives of the resolution of the Syrian conflict will tional transit corridor, is expected sador Jurijs Pogrebnaks, according economic development, stability to mfa.kz. The parties exchanged will remain under pressure in the first Silk Road Economic Belt and the complicate the international political to launch. There are also plans to and security in Central Asia. opinions on prospects of further half of the year. The tightening of the EAEU will be activated in 2016. In situation that could become a new expand the Aktau port to the north Experts noted countries of the re- cooperation in the green energy monetary policy of the Fed, excess March during the annual session of challenge for Central Asian coun- and complete a ferry complex at gion will celebrate their 25th anni- field and discussed ’s- par of supply over demand, OPEC’s the National People’s Congress, the tries. the Kuryk port, which will become versary of independence this year ticipation in the Astana exhibition. price pressure on unconventional oil 13th five-year plan will be released, an important component of the na- and will be summing up the results Zhoshybayev told the Ambassador production, prospects of the output in which the Silk Road Economic 6. Increased efforts of Central tional and international transport of its development. In 1991, with about Kazakhstan’s large-scale of American oil to the world market Belt project and the concept of “go- Asian countries in the field of re- and logistics system. Completion activities within the preparation the sudden collapse of the Soviet and possibility of increasing Iranian ing beyond” will take centre stage. gional security of the Kazakh part of the Western process for the exhibition and op- Union, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, exports will negatively impact the oil Plans to transfer businesses outside This year has become crucial for Europe–Western China transconti- portunities for Latvian businesses Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uz- market. Low prices in world com- of China, including the countries of the work of regional institutions in nental highway and implementa- and stressed the nation’s involve- bekistan became independent, de- modity markets continue to have un- Central Asia, will be implemented. the security and cooperation fields. tion of the project to construct the ment in the international exhibi- Important summits and meetings Iran–Afghanistan railway, part of tion would give new impetus to which will focus on topical issues of the Iran–Afghanistan–Tajikistan– strengthening the partnership be- regional security, such as the sum- Kyrgyzstan transport route, are ex- tween the two countries. Pogreb- mits of the Shanghai Cooperation pected this year. naks said his government has de- Organisation (SCO) and Organisa- cided to participate and presented tion of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 9. Iran returns to regional pro- a confirmation note. Latvia be- Council of Foreign Ministers in cesses came the 70th country to officially Tashkent, the Caspian Summit in After the revocation of interna- confirm its participation in EXPO Astana and the Cooperation Council tional sanctions, Iran will activate 2017. of Turkic Speaking States summit its economic and foreign policy. in Kyrgyzstan, will be held in 2016. At the same time, Tehran plans to Ikrom Nazarov was appointed The regional dialogue platforms in increase oil production in order to to the post of Uzbek Ambassador the format of C5+1 with the United reach the level before the sanctions, to Kazakhstan, reported the Uz- States, EU-Central Asia and Central which will increase competition bek Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asia + are also expected to among suppliers of energy resourc- press service. Nazarov previously intensify. es and put additional pressure on worked as the Uzbek counsellor oil quotations. Iran’s foreign policy and chargé d’affaires to . 7. Next election cycle in Central and economic revitalisation in Cen- The post has been held by Alish- Asian countries tral Asia and the Caspian region is er Salohiddinov since November In 2016, major election cam- anticipated, in particular, on issues

2012. Bilateral Uzbek-Kazakh Photo: kisi.kz paigns are expected in certain Cen- of interaction with the EAEU and cooperation is based on more than Ten most important events in 2016 were presented at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President tral Asian countries. In particular, a participation in the Silk Road Eco- 100 intergovernmental and inter- of Kazakhstan (KazISS) on Jan. 14. serious test for the government of nomic Belt project, which will open departmental documents, includ- Afghanistan will be the elections new opportunities in the trade and ing the treaty of eternal friendship veloping at contrasting rates and favourable consequences on Central The planned G20 Summit, which to Parliament and local councils economy and transport and com- between the states concluded in in different directions with diverse Asian economies, whose growth will will take place in September 2016 shifted to 2016. The deterioration munication sectors. In addition, 1998 and strategic partnership political and economic regimes. be limited and will remain at rela- in Hangzhou, will testify to China’s of the situation in Afghanistan does Tehran will seek to raise its status agreement signed in June 2013. According to the World Bank’s tively low levels. new role. open the question of whether or not in the SCO. In turn, Iran’s activation Kazakh and Uzbek positions co- 2015 report, “almost all economies the election will be held this year. will increase competition among re- incide in strengthening the nuclear in the region have been negatively 2. Finding new ways of econom- 4. Actualisation of the Afghan Equally important will be the elec- gional powers, which will have an non-proliferation regime, assisting affected by the spillovers from the ic cooperation in Eurasia factor in the regional security tion to the local Kenesh (councils) impact on Central Asia. in the economic reconstruction of recession in Russia and , In 2016, the Eurasian Economic agenda in Kyrgyzstan, especially in view Afghanistan, revival of the Aral weakening confidence related to the Union (EAEU) will go through the In 2016, the situation in Afghani- of the alignment of political forces 10. A decision on Kazakhstan’s Sea, development of transit trans- on-going geopolitical tensions and first phase of its activities. By mid- stan will continue to be the focus of before the upcoming 2017 presi- bid for non-permanent member- port corridors and alternative en- growth slowdown in oil-exporting year, it will be possible to draw attention of the international com- dential election. Parliamentary elec- ship of the UN Security Council ergy sources and rational use of re- Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan to vari- some preliminary conclusions on its munity. The negative trend of recent tions in Kazakhstan should become for 2017-2018 gional water and energy resources ous degrees.” functioning on the basis of data from years, accompanied by outbreaks of a new stage in the political and so- An important event will be the in accordance with international Based on the experience of vari- national statistical services. In this violence and an increase in terrorist cial modernisation of the country. vote on Kazakhstan’s bid for a law. ous analytical think tanks, KazISS regard, the priorities of a further in- attacks, is likely to persist. Against Elections with some importance for non-permanent seat on the United offered its overview of the most tegration structure and overall pros- the background of a difficult politi- the formation of regional issues in Nations (UN) Security Council The Eurasian mining and geo- important developments in Central pects for economic cooperation will cal and military situation, consolida- Central Asia are elections for the for 2017-2018. Against the back- logical forum will take place Feb. Asia in 2016. Here’s that list as pre- be defined.This year will also be a tion of power and stable operation of national Parliament and Council ground of the transformation of the 2-4 in Minsk, reported Bnews. sented on KazISS website. period of active expansion of inter- the government are very important. of Experts of Iran in February, the international relations system and To be held for the first time, the national partnership for the EAEU. Increased terrorist and military ac- State Duma of Russia in September growing global challenges, becom- forum is expected to become a 1. The deterioration of condi- In particular, the possibility of estab- tivities in the country will encourage and the US presidential election in ing a non-permanent member of the constant platform for effective tions in world markets and the lishing free trade areas with a num- key external players for more effec- November. UN Security Council would mean discussion of branch problems slowdown in economic growth in ber of countries will be explored, as tive actions aimed at resolving the the strengthening not only of Ka- of interstate cooperation and su- Central Asian countries will be various forms of cooperation situation in the country. 8. A new stage in the develop- zakhstan’s international standing, pranational integration in the In 2016, the global economic with international organisations and ment of regional transport and but of the Central Asian region as Eurasian region. Participants are backdrop will likely be negative. The other integration associations. Ka- 5. The increase in the terrorist energy projects a whole. This step would give Ka- scheduled to discuss the problems growth of most economic centres will zakhstan has taken over the chair- threat in the context of the Syrian The practical implementation of zakhstan an opportunity to partici- of the state examination and edu- weaken and slow down. The effects manship of the EAEU in 2016. conflict energy and transport projects en- pate directly in shaping the global cational policy, mountain branch of adverse factors will be manifested, Because of the intensification of hancing inter-regional economic agenda in the security field and help opportunities and risks, actual and will include, among others, the 3. Expanding Chinese invest- the conflict in Syria and its neigh- cooperation is planned to begin in move to prominence the most im- problems of geology and up-to- monetary policy of the U.S. Federal ment presence in Central Asia bours, terrorist risks and threats are 2016. One of the highlights will be portant issues of the Central Asian date technologies. Reserve, slowdown in China, con- China continues to be the main rising. The continued involvement construction of the TAPI (Turk- region at the international level. A4 economy

Wednesday, january 27, 2016

economy Development Bank of Kazakhstan Gives Eleven news in brief Bloomberg reported that leads the list of countries with the highest index of inno- Billion Tenge to Support Nation’s Car Industry vative economies, followed by , , Japan and implemented with the support of tenge [US$9 million]), Sberbank . Singapore, , By Staff Report the government. Baiterek Holding of Russia (2.91 billion tenge the United States, Denmark and really gave a powerful impulse to [US$8 million]), ForteBank (1.65 are included in the top 10 Within the framework of Nurly the development of the automobile billion tenge [US$4.5 million]), most innovative countries. The re- Zhol, the nation’s new economic market of the country and the lo- Bank CenterCredit (1.63 billion policy, the Development Bank of port indicates that the Top 50 list cal auto industry, in particular by tenge [US$4.5 million]) and ATF Kazakhstan (DBK) will be allocat- of countries with innovative econ- increasing the share of Kazakh- Bank (1.6 billion tenge [US$4.4 ing 11 billion tenge (US$30.1 mil- omies also includes Thailand, Mo- produced cars to 17.6 percent million]). The programme is de- lion) given to it from the National rocco, Argentina and Kazakhstan. of the sales of official cars. The signed for 20 years and based on Fund to support the country’s car car industry gives a great multi- revolving loans; when the funds assembly plants. The funds will be The implementation of the State plier effect to related industries, loaned to individuals are repaid, directed to four commercial banks Programme of Industrial and In- introduces innovative technolo- the banks will issue new loans. to lend to individuals purchasing novative Development (SPAIID) gies, attracts foreign investment The terms of financing were ap- domestically-produced vehicles, was discussed at a Jan. 20 staff and creates thousands of jobs,” proved by government resolution according to the bank. meeting in Zhambyl region’s ad-

Photo: auto.caravan.kz said Association of Kazakhstan’s No. 271 of April 23, 2015. The terms of the loans approved ministration office, reported Ka- Auto Business President Andrey As of Dec. 31, DBK confirmed by the government are as follows: zinform. The Zhambyl region ap- lyk Bank of Kazakhstan, Eurasian “The effectiveness of the pro- Lavrentiev. 4,588 applications totalling 14 bil- a nominal interest rate not more proved 547 projects worth more Bank and Sberbank of Russia (3 gramme became apparent the As of Jan. 8, the National Fund lion tenge (US$38.3 million) had than 4 percent per annum, with than 55 billion tenge (US$143 billion tenge each [US$8.2 mil- month after the launch, increasing of Kazakhstan supported domestic been received by six commercial an annual effective rate (including million). The industrialisation lion]) and Bank CenterCredit (2 sales of locally-produced cars by automakers through DBK by allo- agent banks from individuals seek- the cost of insurance and vehicle map of the second five-year plan billion tenge [US$5.5 million]). half. This interest is due to the high cating 26 billion tenge (US$71.1 ing loans under the preferential registration as a pledge) not ex- under SPAIID includes 27 invest- Borrowers will be offered 37 popularity of the acquisition of car million). The first tranche of 15 car loan programme. Of these, six ceeding 7.5 percent APR. The loan ment projects totalling 551 billion models from manufacturers such loans in Kazakhstan and launched billion tenge (US$41 million) was second-tier banks issued 4,096 term will be up to five years, the tenge (US$1.4 billion) which will as Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, a government programme of con- sent in April 2015. loans totalling 12.9 billion tenge loan currency in tenge, the cost of create more than 5,000 new jobs. Skoda and Toyota. Assembly is cessional lending to the minimum Car loans to individuals under (US$35.5 million) to purchase one unit of passenger car no more There are plans in 2016 to start a completed by SaryarkaAvtoProm rates. It was self-timed and ef- the first tranche of funds were vehicles from domestic automak- than 9 million tenge (US$24,617) meat processing plant, liquorice and the initial fee (if any) no more and AsiaAuto. Approved funding fective by providing the opportu- granted through the following ers. Thus, of the 15 billion tenge production plant, poultry farm, than 20 percent of the cost of pur- limits are up by 5.5 billion tenge nity to transfer to a new car with banks: Eurasian Bank (3.91 billion (US$41 million) allocated from gypsum production plant, feedlot, chased cars. (US$15 million) for each au- maximum ‘financial comfort.’ tenge [US$10.7 million]), Halyk the first tranche, 86.14 percent of 53.75-megawatt wind power sta- Auto loans will be issued by Ha- tomaker. The programme was successfully Bank of Kazakhstan (3.3 billion the funds were utilised. tion and extraction acid produc- tion plant. Zhambyl region head Karim Kokrekbayev highlighted that, despite challenging times for Kazakhstan’s economy, it is neces- 2015 EBRD Investment in Kazakh Reforms Well Received sary to ensure sustained economic development and open new pro- duction facilities in the region. Central Asia Breaks Record at World Economic Forum The United States Energy In- formation Administration (EIA) speed in Kyrgyzstan and Turkmeni- Continued from Page A1 tion, health, innovations, revenue During this period of discus- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov report has increased the forecast stan. Kazakhstan got the largest to- administration as well as transport sions in Davos, Prime Minister of oil production in Kazakhstan tal volumes of investments. “Kazakhstan’s performance infrastructure and environment. Massimov also met with Dutch ASTANA – The European Bank for 2016, according to the ad- EBRD responded to another in doing business in the last year On the margins of the World Prime Minister Mark Rutte. They for Reconstruction and Develop- challenging year for financing in ministration’s short-term January was truly impressive. It is impor- Economic Forum, the Kazakh discussed a wide range of issues ment (EBRD) invested a record 2015 by delivering a huge impact forecast. Kazakh oil production tant to build on this and promote delegation also met with EBRD of bilateral cooperation and ex- amount in the Central Asian region on the ground in over 30 countries this year is forecast at 1.72 mil- inclusive growth. Kazakhstan has President Sir Suma Chakrabarti changed views on the prospects of in 2015. Total investment in 2015 where it operates through record lion barrels per day, compared to been strengthening in ICT-based and heads of multinational cor- infrastructure, trade, economic and increased 75 percent reaching $1.5 investments of $10.2 billion. The the previous EIA prediction of governance. The country can use porations to discuss the successes investment cooperation between billion, according to ebrd.com. rise in investment from $9.6 bil- 1.71 million barrels per day. The these advantages to diversify its of Kazakhstan with respect to in- Kazakhstan and the . “The EBRD is ever more dedi- lion in 2014 came as emerging new forecast shows oil production production and capitalise on its creasing the country’s attractive- Massimov expressed confidence cated to the market transition of the markets worldwide witnessed the in Kazakhstan amounting to 1.71 advantage as a natural trade cor- ness for investment. that the agreement on expanded economies of Central Asia, and last worst year for capital inflows since million barrels per day in the first ridor. These are difficult times for During the meeting, they dis- partnership and cooperation be- year’s record investment is only the start of the global financial cri- and second quarters, 1.72 million all economies, but Kazakhstan has cussed reforms carried out by Ka- tween Kazakhstan and the Euro- one of the areas where the bank has sis in 2008 and as banks continued barrels per day in the third quarter shown a determination that augurs zakhstan to improve the country’s pean Union, signed last December boosted activity. We are also ac- to reduce their exposure to a num- and 1.75 million barrels per day in well,” said Kaushik Basu, the chief investment climate, which over the contributes to the strengthening of tively engaged in supporting policy ber of EBRD economies. the fourth quarter. Kazakhstan’s reform on green energy, diversifi- Economic conditions are expected economist of the World Bank. last 15 years has contributed to at- bilateral cooperation between the Furthermore, the Kazakh del- tracting more than $215 billion of two entities and an increase in trade. largest oil fields are Tengiz, Ka- cation, the investment climate and to remain challenging in 2016 with rachaganak and Kashagan. the role of the private sector. An global forecasts revised down at the egation met with the World Bank foreign direct investment into the During Massimov’s meeting Group’s President, Jim Yong Kim, economy. The EBRD has invested with Turkish Prime Minister Ah- upcoming EBRD-FT Central Asia start of the year and the continuing By the end of the year, Almaty Investment Forum on Feb.18 in Is- weakness in commodity and energy to discuss the ongoing cooperation more than $7 billion in the Ka- met Davutoğlu, the current eco- and to sign a new establishment zakh economy and in 2016 looks nomic situation at the global and plans to launch 10 projects under tanbul will discuss ways of boost- prices likely to carry on putting pres- the Industrialisation Map worth 38 ing investment in the region even sure on some of the larger resource- agreement between the govern- forward to continuing to provide regional levels was discussed and ment of Kazakhstan and the World both debt and equity to domestic views were exchanged on topical billion tenge (US$98.8 million), further,” EBRD Managing Direc- dependent EBRD countries. according to the Almaty Mayor’s tor for Turkey and Central Asia However, the EBRD has begun Bank’s International Bank for Re- and foreign companies investing in issues of the international agenda. construction and Development. Kazakhstan, another press release The sides also noted significant office press service. Implement- Natalia Khanjenkova said. its 25th anniversary year with a ing the projects will create new The bank invested record amounts very strong pipeline of projects The signing of the new establish- from the government noted. potential for the expansion of mu- ment agreement will greatly facili- Meeting attendees also explored tually beneficial cooperation and industrial points of growth and in Kazakhstan, reaching $765.7 mil- and the bank will complement 4,500 new jobs. There are plans lion in 2015, which surpassed the a continued high level of finan- tate the work of the World Bank in the possibility of increasing inves- expressed their interest in strength- Kazakhstan as well as the admin- tor participation in the economy and ening business ties. to modernise Almaty Car Repair $613.4 million invested in 2014. cial engagement with an increase Plant, which will be able to assem- Mongolia and Tajikistan tripled and in support for policy reform that istration of its Astana and Almaty the prospect of mutually beneficial With Chairman of Cambridge offices to fully implement the Part- cooperation within the framework Energy Research Associates Dan- ble trams and commuter trains. quadrupled investment compared helps to improve the overall in- Manufacturing comfortable cars with the previous year, keeping up vestment climate. nership Framework Arrangement of the upcoming EXPO 2017 and iel Yergin Massimov discussed the signed between the World Bank the envisaged creation of the Asta- current situation on the global oil for high-speed trains will reduce Group and the government of Ka- na International Financial Centre. market and prospects for develop- imports from Russia, Uzbekistan zakhstan in May 2014 to support Massimov urged the participants to ment of the energy sector in Ka- or China. joint efforts in sustainable devel- take an active part in these projects. zakhstan. Speaking about the need opment and inclusive growth. Representatives of well-known to adapt to new conditions, imply- During a Jan. 15 press con- Over $600 Million Allocated Kazakhstan joined the World international corporations from ing low commodity prices, Yergin ference in Astana, Minister of Bank Group in 1992. Since then, the United States, Britain, Turkey, commended ongoing economic Energy Vladimir Shkolnik said the World Bank has become a and India attended the discussions. reforms in Kazakhstan, noting the 10 of 14 regions in the country major development partner with They praised the initiatives of Ka- great potential in the use of alter- have already been provided with for Crisis Management natural gas to date and 42 per- total commitments of $7.9 billion zakhstan to improve investment native energy sources. The sides for 45 projects. Today, the World attractiveness and strengthen the spoke in favour of strengthening cent of the population currently Bank programme in Kazakhstan institutional framework and have further cooperation in conducting uses it, Kazinform reported. Ten Measures in 2016 is concentrated on institutional expressed interest in contributing strategic research in the field of billion tenge (US$25.6 million) was allocated for gasification of Continued from Page A1 is growing, we plan to extract 77 development in the areas of educa- to further cooperation. energy. the regions. KazTransGas de- million tonnes this year,” Shkolnik Sagintayev stressed that the gov- said at the press conference. cided to invest an additional 93 ernment may have to make tough According to him, measures are billion tenge (US$239 million) decisions on budget and other issues. being taken to accomplish this fig- to supply gas and modernise gas “There will be an audit of expen- ure to the maximum and increase it. networks in South Kazakhstan, ditures; inefficient directions of fi- “We will launch the Kashagan Almaty, Zhambyl, Mangystau nance will be identified. Moreover, project this year and it will begin and Kyzylorda regions. Sixty- all expenditures on social sectors to contribute to an overall produc- six settlements in Aktobe, West and the Nurly Zhol development tion plan starting next year,” the Kazakhstan, South Kazakhstan programme will be preserved,” the minister continued with his state- and Kostanai regions will be fi- speaker assured. ment. nanced from the budget in 2016- The country’s Minister of Ener- According to his estimates, the 2018 and approximately 160,000 gy Vladimir Shkolnik announced Kashagan project will initially residents will get access to natu- Jan. 15 that oil extraction in Ka- come to an extraction volume of ral gas. Due to the national com- zakhstan will amount to 77 mil- seven million tonnes, up to 11 mil- pany’s financing, 270,000 people lion tonnes in 2016, the Novosti lion in a year and to 13 million will receive natural gas by 2018. Kazakhstan information agency tonnes thereafter, Novosti Kazakh- reported. stan reported. Kazakh President Nursultan The decline of oil extracting to “Therefore, we are expecting, Nazarbayev signed the law “On 77 million tonnes will occur con- planning and preparing for a slight precious metals and stones,” re- sidering the depletion of oil depos- dip on oil production this year, we ported the Akorda press service. its. are starting to eliminate this dip The law is aimed at regulating so- “According to the plan of oil starting next year; extraction will cietal relations in the precious met- extraction in 2015, we extracted grow thereafter,” Shkolnik con- als production field and processing 79,460,000 tonnes; our oil work- cluded. precious metals and stones, pri- ers exceeded the plan a little. Con- The resumption of oil extraction mary products containing precious sidering the fact that the water cut at Kashagan is planned for the end metals, precious stones and other of deposits that are being depleted of 2016. precious metal and stone wares. A5 Business

Wednesday, january 27, 2016

BUSINESS news in brief Silk Road Renewed With Public Service Inalca Eurasia, a transnational agricultural and industrial company and member of ’s Cremonini group, is entering the Kazakh mar- Launch of New Commercial Centres Reduce ket, reported Kazinform. A corre- sponding memorandum was signed with Aktep, a Kazakh company, under the 100 Concrete Steps pro- Transit Route Bureaucracy, gramme. The Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture reported Inalca Eurasia By Zhazira Dyussembekova plans to invest more than 100 mil- lion еuro (US$108.1 million) in the ASTANA – The first trial run Help Investors Kazakh meat processing industry. of a container train following the Continued from Page A1 The funds will be spent to estab- Ukraine – Georgia – Azerbaijan – lish a vertically-integrated company Kazakhstan – China route left the Nineteen investor service sec- which will build feedlots in three Odessa region in Ukraine on Jan. tors will be operational, including regions, each estimated to hold up 15, reported Tengrinews, citing the two in Astana, three in Almaty and to 44,000 head of livestock. The Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure. one in each regional centre, ac- foreign company will also mod- According to the source, “that cording to the Ministry’s Jan. 14 ernise a meat processing enterprise route is a new direction of the Silk press release. in the Aktobe region, raising its ca- Road and at the same time it is an pacity up to 20,000 tonnes of meat alternative, which will help to redi- In 2015, a one-stop shop for and meat products. Inalca Eurasia rect traffic flows in an easterly direc- public services was only avail- intends to create a brand of Kazakh tion bypassing Russian territory. It able to investors involved in major meat and ensure its export to Euro- includes ferry crossings of the Black projects. Beginning this year, all pean countries and Russia. and Caspian seas (Illichivsk – Ba- investors will have the opportunity tumi and Alyat – Aktau port) and is to consult and obtain needed per- Asset Issekeshev Zhelayev bakery plant in Uralsk set to become competitive in com- mits, such as permission for land your home and can do everything has expanded the geographic de- parison to the traditional overland use and necessary documentation over the Internet or mobile phone? livery of its production by send- route.” for construction and architectural Year by year we will improve this ing flour and pasta to and The trial run will test technologies, Facebook page of Elbrus Imambayev Photo credit: planning, as well as conclude in- side as well. This is a serious sim- Georgia, reported BNews. The accelerated delivery times, tariff Caspian Sea from to Aktau. nine days. The train will run three vestment contracts. Once the in- plification of procedures for small plant produces 20 types of pasta vestor has prepared the required conditions and train operators. The The goods then travel from Aktau times a week starting in March. businesses, investors and the popu- and production capacity is two package of documents concerning demonstration run opened an alter- all over Kazakhstan. The transit of With the capability, goods from lation as a whole. There is no need tonnes per hour. The staff works his request, the rest of the process to go somewhere or visit the state native way of delivering goods from goods to China will be made via the Central Asia and Kazakhstan will in four shifts and the process never Ukraine to the countries of Central will be executed and controlled by bodies anymore. The one-stop shop Aktau – Astana – Dostyk route, to be delivered to Ukraine, Azerbaijan, stops. Zhelayev uses only premi- Asia. The trail container train has the investor service sector at pub- will reduce corruption and bureau- um-quality flour in production and around 20 carriages. Kyrgyzstan via the Aktau port – Shu Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Esto- lic service centres. cracy and enable quick decisions does not use any additives. The route of the container train – Bishkek route and to Uzbekistan, nia, Poland and the countries of the The Minister noted his office is on business,” said Issekeshev. includes rail and ferry legs. The Tajikistan and Turkmenistan via the European Union by container train considering a mobile component He added that in the framework Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign railway follows Kiev – Zhmerynka Aktau – Beineu – Kungrad – Al- named Friendship. The port of Ak- too. of the 100 Concrete Steps pro- Wealth Fund Chairman Umirzak – Odessa and Poti – Tbilisi – Baku tynkul port. tau, which will now become busier, “Did you know that for the mo- gramme, serious work is being Shukeyev appointed Baljeet Kaur as routes. Ferries on the Black Sea The journey of a container train will play a great role as a transit ment, in order to receive 80 public carried out on access to informa- a managing director of the company, go from Odessa to Poti and on the from Kiev to Aktau will take about point. services you may not have to leave tion. reported its press service. At the fund, he will be responsible for strat- egy and investment portfolios. The staff changes were made under the largest carrier in Kazakhstan and Sovereign Wealth Fund with 51 fund’s transition to the new organi- is based in Almaty. It operates percent of shares and British mul- sational structure, reported the press domestic and international ser- tinational company BAE Systems Increases 2015 vices on more than 60 routes and with 49 percent. service. Yelena Bakhmutova was appointed managing director of fi- has two main hubs – Almaty and It was incorporated in 2001 and nance and operations, Berik Beisen- Astana. The airline is a joint ven- started commercial flights in May galiyev was transferred to managing Net Profit by 144 Percent ture between the Samruk Kazyna 2002. director for asset optimisation and “A sharp fall in revenue was weakness are ongoing challenges. Adamas Ilkyavichyus became the By Zhazira Dyussembekova managing director of transformation more than compensated for by We don’t expect great things from and special projects. In other moves, significant cost savings, includ- 2016, but with our cost base now ASTANA – Air Astana increased ing, though not limited to, jet fuel amongst the lowest of any full ser- Darkhan Kaletayev was appointed net, unaudited profits by 144 percent managing director on cooperation savings. In spite of extremely vice airline in the world, we expect in 2015 over 2014 and posted its 13th with the government and commu- challenging local and regional to be well placed to take advantage profitable year in a row. Total net, un- nications and Ulan Tazhibayev be- market conditions, we were able when markets improve. We expect came the managing director of hu- audited profits were $47.4 million. to grow capacity and add new to add new routes to Tehran and man resources management. The company’s passenger traf- routes to Paris, Seoul and Tbi- Ulaanbaatar this year and will take fic increased by 2 percent and lisi,” said Air Astana President delivery of the first Airbus 320 ArcelorMittal Temirtau increased amounted to 3.8 million passen- and Chief Executive Officer Pe- NEO mid-year. 2016 will be about staff salaries by 6.8 percent begin- gers and the capacity increased ter Foster. keeping our nerve, biding our time ning Jan. 1, reported Kazinform. by 6 percent. The airline’s reve- He expects that this year’s mar- and preparing for the recovery The management made a decision nue fell by 31 percent from $933 ket will continue to be weak. which we expect in 2017,” he said. on indexation of tariff rates and million to $738.1 million. “Currency and commodity price Air Astana is the national and employee salaries under the collec- tive agreement. Thus, the company has increased current salaries by 6.8 Evraziya, but the whole business percent in the coal and steel depart- has evolved. Kochi is now added ments of ArcelorMittal Temirtau, mostly by customer request, and Orken and Kurlysmet. ArcelorMit- Home-Cooked Korean Salads Still the demand has dropped flat. tal Temirtau is a major enterprise in “In our age young girls, no mat- Kazakhstan’s steel and mining sec- ter their nationality or cooking tor, operating also in the automotive, background, can make homemade construction, household appliance in Vogue on Kazakh Dinner Tables salads of whatever they like, as the and packaging fields. ArcelorMittal the salads for the morning. It was is currently represented in more than By Dmitry Lee a model for a perfect family-run Internet exposed all the secrets. 60 nations and has an industrial foot- business. I had hundreds of regu- We didn’t give out our secrets in print in more than 20 countries. ASTANA – Would it be com- lars and we were given special ba- our time,” said Lee. pletely out of line to include fresh, zaar rows for our salads. It was im- Asked what could be done in Kazakhaltyn, a gold producing homemade salads as a grocery portant to sell everything, because stiff economic times, Lee admitted item on your shopping list? No, company in the Akmola region, pro- the worst thing about this business small business always suffers dur- not in a 130-nation country like duced more than 800 kilogrammes is the salads are only tasty when ing financial crises. Kazakhstan, where the tradition of gold in 2015, according to in- fresh,” said Lee. “Although people always want to spice up a casual once-a-month form.kz. The output rose by 1.6 bil- Today, such a business scheme to eat, we still lose our customers dinner with Korean salads is a “no lion tenge (US$4.1 million) in com- has lost its once-lucrative income, little by little. People always find surprise idea.” parison with 2014. The average staff she added. alternatives. These days, they also “People in Kazakhstan like salary was increased from 95,000 “It is because we were ousted prefer convenience to their appe- tenge (US$240) to 110,000 tenge Korean salads, but not only in Kazakhstan. I used to sell in Kyr- from the market by mass produc- tites. Hamburgers, fast food, pizza (US$280), while the number of tion and supermarkets and big – that’s what trending today and personnel reached more than 1,000 gyzstan and some Koreans made stores started to sell similar salads. not some salads. So the best for employees. Kazakhaltyn works on fortunes back in the 1990s in Rus- Of course, our regulars preferred such businessmen and women is modernisation, spending 421 mil- sia [just by selling salads],” said see, Koreans who were deported made food. The paradox is that our salads – there is no compari- to change their line of work. The lion tenge (US$1.1 million) for this 74-year-old Galina Lee, a salad to the Kazakh steppes like my Koreans don’t usually eat the car- son between homemade salads increasing prices for vegetables purpose in 2014 and 650 million maker with 30-plus years’ experi- parents had to survive in the dug- rot salad as often at home. We usu- and mass production – but it was are also hitting their pockets hard. tenge (US$1.7 million) in 2015. ence, as evidence of the popularity outs fighting off wolves and desert ally make other types like chive of Korean salads in Central Asia convenient to have at least some- Increasing volumes won’t help, as spiders. They longed for food they salad, for instance, or often eat thing at the supermarkets for din- A meat processing plant will be and Russia. were used to, which was mostly kuksu and kimchi.” there is not enough demand and a “It was a very lucrative, small ner rather than going to specially- built in South Kazakhstan region sea weed, sea food and fish – the lot of competition,” she said. business, perfect for Korean designated places. They beat us by by investors from Dubai, who plan food their ancestors had been eat- “Small business needs to be housewives who just cooked sal- convenience over quality,” said to implement the largest project in ing for centuries. But because they Business Scheme constantly growing into some- ads for sale,” she added. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Lee. the agricultural and industrial field didn’t have anything like that in thing larger, otherwise it will be Korean salads are available Korean salads gained wide popu- Another factor was the constant- in the Baidibek district. AMK Metal Kazakhstan they used similar- doomed… but as for the salads, FZCO will be responsible for ad- in nine to ten varieties, the most larity – the business was up and ly-growing price for supplies. looking plants, grass like cilant- my neighbours and friends of dif- ministering the project, which will popular being carrot and Brussels running at its fullest. Thousands of “While the price for the salads ro, chives and even dandelion,” remained at the lowest, the price ferent nationalities still ask me to have a total cost of $30 million. sprout and glass noodle. To make Koreans from Central Asia, who show them how to cook the salads the culinary delights, one must said Lee with a slight smile. “My could travel across the USSR at for vegetables kept growing lit- Dubai investors plan to build a feed properly. They say what they buy yard for 20,000 head of cattle and possess utmost knowledge regard- grandmother used to make salads liberty after Stalin’s death, fled to tle by little. It was still profitable at supermarkets and bazaars is not a meat processing plant with a ca- ing the use of a dozen spices like out of green grass by marinating it Russia to sell the tastes of their tra- to make and sell salads, but the the same as what I cook for them. pacity of 5,000 tonnes of meat per soy sauce, garlic, roasted oil and with various spices to rid it of its ditional cuisine. profit margin was going down. year. Nearly 20,000 hectares will be kochi, otherwise known as red hot original smell.” “The business system was quite As a small business operator, I It will always be like that, because used to implement the project. The pepper powder, she explained. But why have the salads become easy – my husband would prepare understood that such business what I make for them I make with peculiarity of the production will be “But foreign people who arrive so popular? all the props like pill carrots, boil slows down fast. And, imagine the love and it is not for sale. In our in its method of meat procession. at bazaars sometimes expect to see “I don’t know why, but I think eggs, dice beet roots [which were competition! Any Korean woman time, we were lucky that people The meat will be exported mostly to South Korean food. I have to say because people are open in their used for other salads like vin- could make salads,” she said. liked what we cooked. I think our Muslim countries and is expected to our salads are very different, as minds in general and they tasted aigrette] and after I came back Today Koreans still sell sal- cuisine will always be a trend in meet Halal standards. is our cuisine on the whole. You something new. Also, it was home- from the bazaar I would make all ads at markets like Artyom or this country,” said Lee. A6 EDITORIALs&opinion

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 Early Elections to Advance Kazakhstan and the EU – Reforms, Safeguard Towards an Even Stronger Nation’s Progress Partnership e have not reached the end of Janu- parliament to give its full attention to not only the In the fall of 2015, Japanese ary, but it is already clear that 2016 is challenges also the opportunities facing the country. By Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and going to be another challenging year The country needs to have an open debate about US Secretary of State John Kerry for the global economy. World stock the direction Kazakhstan is taking. It, therefore, My country of has al- completed unprecedented bilat- marketsW made their worst start in two decades, re- should be welcomed that numerous political parties ways sought to cultivate strong eral tours of Central Asia – mark- flecting concerns about global growth and political are likely to take part in the election, including Nur links with Central Asia, and I have ing the first visit by a Japanese uncertainty. Otan People’s Democratic Party, Ak Zhol Demo- taken a great personal interest in prime minister to Turkmenistan, Currencies have also been very volatile while the cratic Party, Communist People’s Party, People’s the region since my first visit in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan among price of oil has witnessed further falls over worries Patriotic Party Auyl (Agrarians), Nationwide Social 1999 ahead of Austria’s chair- others – and President Nazarbayev about both future demand and supply. Hopes for a Democratic Party, and Birlik (Unity) Party. Each has manship of the OSCE. Since then, met with British Prime Minister happier and more stable New Year have not started their own vision for the country. Some are critical of Austria has considered Central David Cameron and French Presi- well. Instead President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s pre- the government and may put forward their own ideas Asia to be a region of the utmost dent François Hollande to discuss diction a year ago that the world economy was again about how our nation should be run. It will be up to importance. I was struck, then and trade agreements, accentuating the heading back into dangerous waters seems, by the the people of Kazakhstan to decide who they want to now, by its industry and ambi- region’s growing importance to week, more prescient. lead the country forward. tion – qualities that have seen Ka- the traditional world powers. The political background is hardly more re-assuring. For 2016 is also a year which could be memorable zakhstan in particular overcome a In the past months, Astana January has seen new terrorist outrages and innocent for Kazakhstan as well.We will, for example, learn very challenging start to become has played host to a major anti- lives lost in support of extremists’ perverted ideology. whether we have been successful in our bid to be- the confident player on the world extremism conference as well as As we have said before, at a time when there is a des- come the first country from Central Asia to sit on the stage that we see today. talks of Syrian opposition repre- perate need for cooperation on the international stage, UN Security Council. months, joined the World Trade I remarked back in 2006 that sentatives in an attempt to help re- it is a deep concern that relations between global and Given its increasingly important role in the world, Central Asia was “young, full of Organisation and signed an En- solving the conflict currently tak- regional powers remain fractured and, in some cases, it is strange that there has yet been no representative promise and already attracting at- hanced Partnership and Coopera- ing place in the Middle East. This have taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks. from the region to help shape the global response to tention on the world stage.” The tion Agreement with the EU – the follows from the important role In such periods of uncertainty, it is important to international challenges. By taking one of the non- five Central Asian countries of latter a landmark agreement which that Kazakhstan played as media- think clearly and act decisively. Before the global permanent seats on the UN Security Council, Ka- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajik- underlines the importance of Cen- tor in bringing Iran to the negotiat- economic crisis worsened, Kazakhstan was already zakhstan can provide the experience and perspective istan, Uzbekistan and Turkmeni- tral Asia to its European partners, ing table with the West concerning taking the necessary steps to safeguard progress. that has so far been missing from its deliberations. stan are each year making greater now more than ever. The EU is the its own nuclear ambitions. They will provide a critical framework in the months Success would also be a fitting recognition of the contributions to global dialogue largest foreign trade partner for Finally, Kazakhstan has built a ahead to help protect the economy and citizens from strong moral and increasingly practical support that on energy security, the environ- Kazakhstan, representing 50 per- the worst impact of these global forces. Kazakhstan has given to the UN and its missions ment, people and drug trafficking, cent of its total external trade, and harmonious society, where citi- It is also, of course, important when there are and our determination, through both foreign policy and counterterrorism. All these is- the largest investor in the country, zens of many different faiths and storms to have an experienced hand at the helm. By and example, to promote peace, dialogue and co- sues are of critical importance to with 60 percent of total foreign in- backgrounds live in peace and bringing forward the presidential elections to last operation. From the very first days as an independent the West, and I believe that the vestment. I can only commend the tolerance, while recognising the April, the country was given the chance to choose the country, Kazakhstan has worked hard to be a positive already vital relationship between recent improvements made to the dangers of extremism. The inter- leadership they wanted. The resounding vote of con- force within the international community. Indeed, Kazakhstan and the European Un- business and investment climate national community is grateful fidence given to President Nazarbayev was not just a the historic closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test ion could, and should, grow even in Kazakhstan, which benefit Eu- to Kazakhstan for stepping up its recognition of his role in driving Kazakhstan forward site took place in August 1991 before the country had stronger, to the benefit of both par- ropean companies tremendously. efforts, both internally and in col- since independence but gave him the mandate for the gained full independence. ties. Equally important developments laboration with its international difficult choices and months ahead. It is, of course, all that has been achieved over the Kazakhstan’s admirable com- include Kazakhstan’s increase in partners, to root out and counter For the same reasons, there is sense in speeding last 25 years that will be celebrated in December. Our mitment to a multidimensional support to Afghanistan, improv- terrorism. After the atrocious re- up the timetable for Kazakh parliamentary elec- 25th anniversary will be a major highpoint in 2016. foreign policy is worth examining ing security through training; the cent attacks in Paris, Tunis, Mali tions, which, by law, are due to be held no later than It will provide the chance for our citizens, and our in detail. It became the first Cen- promotion of economic activity; and other parts of the world it is November 2016. President Nazarbayev has already international partners who have been with us every tral Asian country to join ASEM and the funding of education for absolutely indispensable that we heard high-level calls to bring forward the election step of the way, to celebrate how the prosperity and (the Asia–Europe Meeting) in its brightest young people in na- all gather to combat extremism by to this earliest possible date, including by the Mazhi- well-being of our people has been transformed, how 2014. And now, Kazakhstan is tional universities. President Naz- all forms. lis deputies themselves who voted unanimously a stable and harmonious society has been built and bidding for a non-permanent arbayev’s initiative to host the In this age of mutual exchange Jan. 13 for an early election. On Jan. 18, President how Kazakhstan has become a respected partner on seat on the United Nations Secu- triennial Congress of Leaders of and interconnection, no man is an Nazarbayev held consultations with speakers of both the international stage. rity Council between 2017–18. If World and Traditional Religions in island: it is essential that informa- houses of Parliament and the prime minister, as well Few outside commentators would have believed elected in June, it would become Astana is a significant contribution tion should be shared by everyone as the chair of the Constitutional Court. On Jan. 20 in 1991 that such progress would be possible. These the first Central Asian country to of Kazakhstan’s to promoting re- for the benefit of all. In the words President Nazarbayev announced his decision to set may be challenging days for the world but, with hard hold a chair on the UN Security spect and understanding between of the distinguished Kazakh poet the early Parliamentary elections on March 20. work and good leadership, Kazakhstan has shown Council. I wish Kazakhstan the religions around the world, while Olzhas Suleimenov, “we always Parliamentary leaders have said that, by putting it has overcome much bigger difficulties in its short best of luck in its bid. the upcoming EXPO 2017 in Asta- roam towards ourselves by recog- in place the legislation, some 80 laws and regula- but remarkable history as a modern nation. The early In 2015, Kazakhstan agreed to na, on the theme of “Future Ener- nising ourselves in the other.” tions, that the reform programme needed, they have parliamentary elections, if confirmed, will be another host the first-ever Low Enriched gy”, is sure to stimulate significant From the fight against nuclear fulfilled their role. Early elections would remove un- step towards the development of our young, but Uranium bank, affording safe support for the UN’s “Sustainable proliferation to the development certainty and would allow the government and new thriving nation. access to nuclear materials for Energy for All” Initiative. of a stable Afghanistan in the countries and helping to curb the In the first semester of 2015, a post-war period, Kazakhstan is an worrying trend of nuclear prolif- new EU Strategy for Kazakhstan increasingly vital ally to the EU, eration. This is just the latest of and Central Asia was drafted, with and I sincerely hope that this al- a number of concrete measures increased emphasis on economic liance continues to develop and Winter Universiade – taken by Kazakhstan against the and social development. Chair of strengthen in 2016. spread of nuclear weapons, start- the European Parliament Delega- ing with its voluntary disarma- tion to Central Asia Iveta Grigule The author is former Foreign ment of its Soviet-era nuclear ar- noted that Kazakhstan’s foreign Minister of Austria, former EU a Time of Opportunity senal in 1991. policy is “very balanced”, and that Commissioner for External Re- Under the leadership of Presi- it is “realising the policy of multi- lations and Chair of the Advi- n almost exactly one year’s time, Kazakhstan ability to shirk our responsibilities to host events of dent Nursultan Nazarbayev, Ka- vector diplomacy very correctly, sory Council of the Eurasian will be welcoming some of the finest young ath- global significance. zakhstan has, in the last twelve constructively and pragmatically”. letes from around the world. This will, of course, It is with a sense of duty to the international com- Council on Foreign Affairs. be for the , which munity that we plan and prepare for the Universiade. AIlmaty has the honour and responsibility for hosting. As with any well-run event, there is no blank cheque Student athletes from all over the world between for developing our facilities. In fact, much of the the ages of 17 and 28 will be competing for some of investment that was made for the 2011 Asian Games the most prestigious prizes in world sport. For those are being repurposed for 2017’s events, thus further unfamiliar with the Universiade movement, it is one demonstrating how previous planning and expendi- of the world’s largest and longest running sporting tures still benefit us all today. movements. The idea is simple – to bring together The Universiade will be an excellent opportunity the world’s finest student athletes for competitive to demonstrate to the world that we can success- sports events to be held within the context of fair fully host a global sporting event. Almaty narrowly play and friendly rivalry. missed out on the opportunity to be the host city for The Universiade can trace its roots back to the the , which of course was a 1891 Universal Peace Congress in Rome where disappointment to Kazakhstan. A successful Univer- it was agreed that a series of student conferences siade would be an excellent launch pad for a future should be held globally, to include sport. Through Olympic bid. several iterations and despite the problems brought This forward thinking draws parallels with the by two world wars, the first Winter Universiade took Nurly Zhol investment programme, which has meant place in 1960 in Chamonix, France. that careful financial management during more Only held every two years, the Winter Universiade stable years of commodity prices has allowed us to has been the leading event in alpine sports ever commit around $40 billion in infrastructure projects since. It is with this sense of history that Kazakhstan up to 2020. These projects will allow Kazakhs to will host the 2017 games with pride. benefit for generations to come and the same will be The Universiade will be a remarkable opportunity the case for the Universiade. for students to demonstrate their sporting prowess It’s not just the financial investment that will be of but also a wonderful opportunity for Kazakhstan to benefit to our nation. Thousands of participants and welcome the world and demonstrate our excellent fans will be able to take in the rich culture, hospital- facilities, hospitality and give an incredibly warm ity and cuisine that are on offer in Almaty and across Almaty welcome. the country. Today’s student athletes will become It is also with an enormous sense of opportunity tomorrow’s academic, business and political leaders. that Kazakhstan is planning and preparing for the This mutual understanding can only become of ben- event. Economic times are of course hard all around efit as it becomes ever more vital to look globally. the world, with few immune from the downward We are proud of reaching out to partners near and pressures on commodities and stock markets. far. As far as we are concerned, there is no “Great However, this is not the time to be turning down the Game,” only the “Great Gain.”

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Wednesday, january 27, 2016

same time, it is necessary to men- tion the fact that essential devalua- tion of the national currency certain- Development Bank of Kazakhstan Finishes Year ly affects financial performance of the DBK, as 70 percent of borrowed assets and approximately the same rate of bank liabilities are in foreign in Black, Plans Changes for 2016, Says Chairman currency, while the shareholder’s states. The start-up of production of by two tranches of 35 billion tenge How important is the transfor- interest amount is in tenge. With By Azamat Turganbayev motor fuel at Condensate LLP’s fa- (US$93.4 million) and 15 billion mation for the DBK? the growth of the exchange rate, we cilities of up to 200,000 tonnes will tenge (US$40 million). The first In our case, we need to talk about are getting closer to the limits set by The Development Bank of Ka- reduce the import of Russian high- tranche is fully utilised. In this re- dramatic changes in the working zakhstan (DBK), a subsidiary of the standards. That’s why the actual octane petrol in the western region gard, 13 requests with general fund- process of the bank from the be- topic for the DBK is gradual capital- JSC “Baiterek National Holding, of the country. ing allocation of 48 billion tenge ginning of 2016. We have already closed the year in the black and with isation, which will allow us to reach (US$128.1 million) were approved. formed the basis for such transfor- the aims of increasing projects and an increased rate in the industrial The government allocated sig- Five billion tenge (US$13.4 mil- mation. What is meant here is the projects portfolio. In 2016, the DBK funding allocations within the na- nificant funds aimed at supporting lion) for the Tulpar-Talgo railroad optimisation of key business pro- tional programmes. And we are also is expecting fundamental changes in the economy through the develop- passenger cars manufacturing in or- cesses with the reconstruction of the credit process. Why should the understood by the government of ment institutions, including the der to expand high-speed train op- the corporate structure of the DBK, the Republic of Kazakhstan, as 40 leading bank of the county’s new in- DBK. What will happen to these erations on the key rail links is fully which will allow us to significantly dustrialisation change? Kazakhstan- billion tenge (US$106.7 million) preferential resources? utilised. raise the efficiency and quality of skaya Pravda spoke about this with will have been dispensed to funds of We are maintaining high rates of Concessional automotive lend- the decisions concerning invest- the bank before the end of the year. DBK Chairman of the Board Bolat there was a dynamic, significant application of funds allocated from ing is provided with 26 billion ments, as well as to save time and Zhamishev. expense for borrowers during bank growth of the approval of credit re- the National Fund within the frame- (US$69.4 million); the first tranche It is planned to separate the Uni- amounted to 15 billion (US$40 procedures. With the international quests. Since the beginning of 2015, work of the Nurly Zhol programme fied Accumulated Pension Fund I’d like to start the conversation million), the second amounted to consultants we have revealed the the decision of funding 17 invest- and the second five-year industri- (UAPF) from the structure of the with a somewhat traditional ques- 11 billion (US$29.4 million). We weak points of the lending pro- ment projects and export operations alisation programme (SPAIID 2). National Bank and to invite pri- tion at the change of the year. What will undertake the utilisation of cess, namely the need of the more (eight in 2014) of loans amount- The DBK is the operator of the re- vate companies to administer its were the results of the bank’s work ing more than 250 billion tenge the second tranche next year. On effective initial selection of re- sources of the National Fund gener- assets. How may this influence the in the year which was difficult for (US$667 million), as well as 10 ally amounting to 260 billion tenge Dec.17 from the amounts of the first quests. As a result, it was decided financial system of the country, in the country’s financial system? leasing deals (six in 2014) amount- (US$693.7 million) aimed at the tranche by coordination with com- to organise questionnaire surveys particular the DBK? Are there any The most important result is that ing to 9 billion tenge (US$24 mil- following: mercial banks, 4,347 loans amount- during the initial request selection risks for the soundness of the pen- we managed to maintain a break- lion), had been made. The sectoral – 100 billion tenge (US$266.8 ing to 13.7 billion tenge (US$36.6 stage, which will substantially be sion contributions? even condition despite the exchange structure of approved projects in- million) to the manufacturing in- million) had been provided. That is, considered as the self-evaluation The soundness of pension contri- rate, shocks and reduction of eco- cluded the metal industry, petro- dustry projects lending through the today more than 90 percent of the by the client if he or she is actu- butions is guaranteed by the state nomic activity in all economy sec- leum refining and petrochemical commercial banks; amounts of the first tranche are ac- ally in need of applying for credit. in accordance with the legislation tors. I would like to note that in industry, mechanical engineering, – 85 billion tenge (US$226.8 mil- commodated by the Development We integrate the credit analysis so accordance with the strategy of the food industry, building industry and lion) to support the existing auto- Bank. In fact, 3,971 loans amount- as the prospective borrower shall of the country. The UAPF is the DBK we do not aim to maximize transport was expanded. The fol- mobile and railroad passenger cars ing to 12.5 billion tenge (US$33.3 have been in need of incurring ex- main source of long-term money profit, as we capitalise projects with lowing capital intense projects im- manufacturing industry and export million) were provided by six part- penditures on bankability studies, in Kazakhstan, which is necessary low cost-efficiency and we also portant for the development of the development of high value-added ner banks. only subsequent to the final stages for funding long-term projects. need to prevent losses. branches of the economy will be or products; When it comes to lending for of project lending when favourable That’s why it is important to de- In order to reach a positive finan- have already been funded: – 75 billion tenge (US$200 mil- major projects in the manufactur- conclusion from the organisation velop a full-fledged financial mar- cial outcome, a major effort on co- – production of motor fuels with lion) to projects of the second five- ing industry through commercial departments involved in lending ket for the country. Among others, operation was done with borrowers; Euro-5 standards in Western Ka- year industrialisation plan. banks, its utilisation deadline within process will be received. it means that the decision of pen- namely, on projects which are sen- zakhstan region (JSC Condensate); A total of 75 billion tenge the first tranche ends in June; the sion contribution investments was sitive to exchange rate fluctuations, – capacity addition of the produc- (US$200 million) provided for the second one expires in September of How financially stable is the not made administratively from debt restructuring was carried out. tion of nitrogen fertilisers in Man- projects of SPIID 2 thus far had the next year. As there is an aim to bank? Are the stress tests carried the offices; it was made according We substituted other projects fund- gistau region (KazAzot LLP); been approved for financing and de- accomplish funding of the projects out? to the market principles. If pen- ed in foreign currency by cheaper – construction of a sodium cya- cisions had been made on the loan within the programme of inter-bank Given the current situation, the sion contribution investments are funding sources. Such measures nide production plant in Zhambyl proceeds from five projects which lending ahead of schedule, today DBK regularly carries out stress on the conditions of the open mar- allowed us to restrain the quality region (Talas Investment Company amounted to 111 billion (US$296.1 nearly 60 percent of the amounts of tests modelling different unfavour- ket, then obviously the DBK will of our loan portfolio, as the ratio of LLP); million), including the own funds both tranches has been utilised, as able situations. At the present time, become one of the most attractive non-profitable loans following the – complete railroad wheel pro- of the DBK. Under the terms of the well as the funding of 63 projects the bank meets the requirements allocating funds objects (issuers), results of the year will not exceed 4 duction cycle design in Pavlodar SPAIID 2 programme, we shall add with loans amounting to 58 billion concerning capital adequacy and considering that the credit rating of percent. region (Prommashkomplekt LLP). our own participation amounting tenge (US$154.7 million) started by debt load. It means that the DBK is the bank is on the same level with In general the bank meets the key As to the social and economic to not less than 150 billion tenge the partner banks. definitely financially stable. At the the sovereign rating of the country. strategic targets of its activity, whilst effect from the realisation of these (US$400.2 million) over 75 billion is even ahead of schedule by some projects, this entails not only em- tenge (US$200 million) from the others. Particularly, by the end of ployment creation but also import National Fund. As of Dec. 17, 47 the period from January-November substitution and export develop- billion tenge (US$125.4 million) of loan portfolio rates had exceeded ment of high value-added products, the National Fund budget has been 1.3 trillion tenge (US$3.5 billion), which is particularly significant in utilised. Two of the approved pro- while the amount of 963 billion terms of the present weak raw ma- jects (the construction of the Aktobe tenge (US$2.6 billion) was planned terial prices condition. For instance, rail and structural steel plant and the to reach for the whole year. the capacity expansion of KazAzot complete railroad wheel production LLP’s fertiliser production by one cycle design in Pavlodar) are green- Let’s talk in more detail about third (up to 400,000 tonnes) will not field projects. the projects funded by the bank only allow reducing import of this Of 85 billion tenge (US$226.8 since the beginning of 2015. How production to Kazakhstan (up to million) dispensed to support the do they affect the society and econ- half of the needs of the country in existing industries, 50 billion tenge omy of the country as a whole? nitrogen fertilisers is satisfied by the (US$133.4 million) is provided for I would like to underline the fact import), but also expand exports to export promotion of Kazakhstan’s that, compared to the previous year, Russia, the Baltic and Central Asian manufacturing industry products Some Thoughts from China’s EXPO Experience expected number of three million By Adil Kaukenov people in Astana looks very mod- est. It was interesting to listen to Unlike many horror stories the political nuances of the expo in “expo-sceptics” in Kazakhstan Shanghai; for example, when the post online, the EXPO 2010 in Taiwanese delegation asked for al- Shanghai was extremely success- location of its pavilion in the Chi- ful, making $12 billion in direct nese part but with a special status, profit. It had powerful multiple it was accepted but across a chan- effects on the overall economy, nel. Thus, the wolves were fed and especially for small and medium the sheep kept safe. businesses. In this regard, I was interested in In general, the Chinese were ex- the Chinese experts’ general feel- cited about their expo; now under ings after the expo and asked citi- this brand they are trying to hold zens of the country which hosted all kinds of events, such as China- this international exhibition what Eurasia Expo, Sino-Russian Expo, they think about the fact that the etc. Whatever events, particularly entangled the whole country even international, there are, the EXPO EXPO 2017 will take place in Ka- goes to unpopular destinations. zakhstan. I spoke about concerns brand will be in large letters for Moreover, the Chinese think sure. It is like they conjure it to buzzing on social networks. that the expo brought unprec- It needs to be mentioned that the come back. edented experience in hosting a Chinese are very positive about I hope Kazakhstan’s expo will grand event that the country had the expo. Moreover, I have repeat- be held with no less success and never held. In addition, there are edly stressed that we should not we, like the Chinese, will be able be afraid of big projects; on the renewed infrastructure and new to advise the next host country, contrary, the successful implemen- quality standards. Therefore, they “Do not worry; eyes are afraid, but tation of international events im- were surprised about my questions hands are doing the job.” pacts benevolently on many areas regarding the expo. Especially now, during the pe- and sometimes even on those that According to a non-official state- riod of a drop in oil prices, the did not expect any officials or ex- ment of senior researcher Wang Future Energy theme is becoming perts. from the Chinese Academy of Sci- extremely urgent for the whole For example, everyone thought ences, “I think hosting the expo country. It is necessary to begin that based on the crazy money, the would be a very useful experience. to understand and adapt today to a Chinese high-speed railway was You will feel the effect from the world without oil, when Tesla and just a project that would never pay economic to the psychological that hydrogen cars are still rare. off. However, in reality according can find its implementation in seri- to the international best practices’ ous projects. It will help the country The author is a political ana- standard, due to the indirect rev- to continue reaching new levels.” lyst and journalist, currently on enues the project paid off in five The Chinese exhibition was vis- a LLM programme in , years. Today, the branch which ited by 76 million people, so the China. A8 eurasia&world

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 Kazakhstan Welcomes China Invites Kazakhstan to Lifting of Sanctions on Iran G20 Summit in September atomic company Kazatomprom provided Iran with 60,000 kilo- By Malika Orazgaliyeva grammes of natural uranium in exchange for its shipping out of ASTANA – During a recent 300 kilogrammes of uranium en- China-Kazakhstan conference in riched up to 20 percent. In this Astana, Ambassador of China to regard, the statement confirmed Kazakhstan Zhang Hanhuey reit- that “as before”, Astana “stands erated his nation’s invitation for ready to contribute to strengthen- Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- ing the nuclear nonproliferation arbayev to participate in the Sept. regime”. 4-5 G20 Summit in Hangzhou. The international media re- China is this year’s G20 Summit ported on Jan. 16 that sanctions president. on Iran were being lifted after The reiterated invitation came during the One Belt – One Road

Photo: bbc.co.uk the IAEA Director General Yukia conference organised by the Library EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Amano confirmed the body’s in- of the First President with the sup- Mogherini (L) and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. spectors had verified that Iran had altaynews.kz Photo credit: port of the presidential administra- taken the required steps to imple- By Meruert Firuzova US, and the EU as “the start of a tion and the Chinese Embassy in cording to a Kazakh expert who and agreements on intent of coop- ment all key provisions of the JP- new era” for the world and the re- Kazakhstan. The main topic of dis- spoke at the event which was held eration make up $50 billion. In the ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s gion. COA, a deal designed to prevent cussion was economic cooperation under the so called Chatham House history of our relations, we have Ministry of Foreign Affairs is- “It is a critically important step it developing nuclear weapons. between the two countries in the rules which allow for the anonym- never experienced such an eco- sued a statement on January 17, in creating a safer world and a Tehran was obliged to cut drasti- framework of the new Silk Road ity of the speakers. China provides nomic cooperation boom. The main welcoming the EU and US an- clear evidence of the fact that, cally the number of centrifuges initiative announced during Chinese opportunities to all the players along purpose of the work in 2016 is the nouncements on lifting economic with political will in place, in- it uses in nuclear research pro- President Xi Jinping’s official visit the Silk Road. Rather than merely a implementation of the planned pro- sanctions imposed on Tehran in tense negotiations and diplomatic grammes, as well as dismantle to Kazakhstan in 2013. transport and transit project, it is a jects which were developed to serve 2005. consultations are the only right a heavy-water reactor in Arak, “Both China and Central Asian comprehensive economic plan for for the good of our nations,” he said, The decisions followed the and efficient way of resolving which could potentially help Iran countries are at a crucial stage of a number of countries, including as reported by inform.kz. confirmation by the world’s nu- even the most complicated global to build a military nuclear device development, with unprecedented Kazakhstan. The scheme integrates The Chinese Ambassador stressed clear energy watchdog, the Inter- and regional problems,” the Ka- “within weeks”. The IAEA an- opportunities and challenges… a number of other projects in the that due to the global economic cri- national Atomic Energy Agency zakh Foreign Ministry said. nounced it has now enough access Our strategic goals are the same, infrastructure, manufacturing, trade sis, last year was not an easy one (IAEA) that Iran has fulfilled The statement reminded of the to the Iranian nuclear facilities to which are to ensure sustained and and services fields, all of which help for either country. Zhang noted, its obligations under the Joint Central Asian nation’s practical monitor all the previously suspi- stable economic development, build to provide a steady and safe envi- however, that the Kazakh govern- Comprehensive Plan of Action input into the progress of almost- cious activities. prosperous and strong nations and ronment for the whole of Eurasia. ment is taking effective anti-crisis (JCPOA) agreed last July in Vi- a-decade-long talks between the The UN, the U.S. and the EU achieve national revitalisation,” During the conference, Zhang measures. enna, which are designed to dis- P5+1 international group of ne- lifting of the sanctions will see said Xi, speaking to students and noted Kazakhstan and China are “They are very effective. I am pel the international community’s gotiators and Iran, as well as in unfreeze of Iranian assets worth faculty at Nazarbayev University on experiencing an economic boom in confident that the people of Ka- earlier suspicions over the peace- the recent effort to remove low billions of dollars and allow Teh- Sept. 7, 2013. their cooperation. zakhstan will be able to overcome ful character of the Iranian nucle- enriched uranium from Iran to be ran to return to the international By offering One Belt – One Road, “Last year, we concluded a num- the crisis and difficulties and begin a ar programme. replaced by the natural uranium oil market, the change many ex- China demonstrated to the world a ber of agreements totalling $24 bil- new stage of development. I already Astana’s statement described from Kazakhstan. As reported pect will move the price of petro- new model with a completely new lion. We also have many other dif- see that Kazakhstan has enough the latest moves by the IAEA, the earlier, the country’s national leum further downward. format of regional cooperation, ac- ferent projects. In total, contracts power for a breakthrough,” he said. Deputy FM Promotes UNDP Helps Find Solutions Presidential in Afghanistan, the Region former combatants into society with the government in heavily in- By Aiman Turebekova and implementation of the na- vesting in climate change mitiga- tional counter-narcotics strategy, tion and biodiversity conservation, Initiatives, UNSC Bid ASTANA – Afghanistan has as well as rural development and with a large portion of funding as investment projects based on long suffered from chronic insta- private sector development. In coming from the Global Environ- the infrastructure of the exhibition, bility and conflict during its mod- which particular field do you feel ment Facility. The returns on that under UN auspices. ern history, depriving its economy you have succeeded? investment become more evident Ashikbayev also met with per- and infrastructure of opportunities For the past 13 years, UNDP has each year as the effects of climate manent representatives of the to grow and causing many of its provided the international commu- change begin to intensify. member countries of the South- people to become refugees. nity with a mechanism to support The country copes with a low ern African Development Com- the national police of Afghanistan. What prospects do you see for growth of food production and munity (SADC), where the sides The Law and Order Trust Fund the KazAID programme? employment, fails in attracting discussed increasing cooperation for Afghanistan (LOTFA), a giant Kazakhstan has been highly new investments and suffers from between Kazakhstan and African multi-donor fund, has supported successful in improving the lives a drop in construction. The crime countries within the framework the government in paying the sala- of its people, so the lessons it has level is high and money is leaving of the UN agenda on sustainable ries of more than 150,000 police learned and its experiences on this due to capital flight. Economic development for the period up to personnel since 2002, channeling development pathway will be of growth is not based on a market 2030. billions of dollars from donor gov- great value to its neighbors as well economy and investments, but on The deputy minister also par- ernments and ensuring training for as to other countries. In this light, donors and International Security ticipated in a side event on “Ethics Douglas Keh police personnel. LOTFA has also I have no doubt that other coun- Assistance Force (ISAF) spend- and the implementation of Sustain- introduced reforms at the Ministry tries will be interested in benefit- ing. of the UNDP in Kazakhstan and able Development Goals.” of Interior that ensured transpar- ting from KazAID’s programmes. The international donor com- Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry. Photo credit: UN Radio Photo credit: During the meeting with UN ency in transferring salaries to in- munity has established a series of It is also very encouraging that Yerzhan Ashikbayev Assistant Secretary General for dividual police accounts. institutional mechanisms for de- How many years has UNDP KazAID has worked so closely Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča, UNDP has also supported the gov- with UNDP Kazakhstan in devel- the parties discussed the initia- veloping and coordinating recon- operated in Afghanistan? What is ernment in holding provincial coun- By Malika Orazgaliyeva struction for countries emerging your mission? oping its approach to becoming a tives of President Nazarbayev and cil, parliamentary and presidential net contributor to the development prospects for their implementation from conflict. The network,- or UNDP started its programme elections. We helped Afghanistan Deputy Minister of Foreign Af- of other countries. Genuine inter- within the UN. ganised by the United Nations De- in Afghanistan back in 1966. In to conduct its first-ever presiden- fairs of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashi- est from the developing world, As part of the campaign to pro- velopment Programme, links and 1992, when the civil war erupted tial and provincial council elections kbayev promoted the international as well as the technical insights mote Kazakhstan’s candidacy coordinates global and national in Afghanistan followed by the in 2004. Since that time, we have initiatives of President Nursultan provided by UNDP Kazakhstan, for a non-permanent seat on the efforts in Afghanistan to build and Taliban regime, UNDP Afghani- been technically engaged with five Nazarbayev and Kazakhstan’s together form a powerful combi- UNSC for 2017–2018, Ashik- share solutions to the challenges of stan operated temporarily from Is- more elections through which peo- candidacy for a non-permanent nation for transformative change. bayev held bilateral meetings with democratic governance, poverty lamabad, Pakistan. In 2002, UNDP ple chose their president and rep- seat on the UN Security Council reduction, crisis prevention and reopened its office in Kabul and resentatives for provincial councils Have you launched any joint for 2017–2018 during a Jan. 11-13 recovery, energy and environment embarked on ambitious projects and parliament. As the government visit to New York, reported the Ka- Ashikbayev and women’s empowerment. like the Law and Order Trust Fund capacity has grown, UNDP has projects yet with Kazakh ODA? zakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs With its economic development for Afghanistan (LOTFA) and Dis- handed over various responsibilities Not yet, but I understand that (MFA). emphasised and growing international profile, armament, Demobilisation and to the independent election commis- KazAID is planning to launch During his visit, Ashikbayev Kazakhstan’s responsibility for Reintegration (DDR) to respond sion. In fact, the independent elec- various programmes very soon briefed ambassadors from the Af- the President’s ensuring international and regional to Afghanistan’s immediate needs. tion commission was in the lead in and it is for this reason that I vis- rican Group, and the Caribbean initiatives security and stability is increasing. UNDP Afghanistan works with organising the 2014 presidential and ited Astana in October to discuss and Latin America on Kazakh- The country is capable of provid- the Afghan government in areas provincial council elections. Third- potential cooperation between stan’s latest foreign policy initia- on fighting terrorism ing consistent assistance to other such as governance, livelihoods, ly, we’ve been able to support local KazAID and Afghanistan. I be- tives. nations, thus strengthening its po- rule of law, environment, gender economic development through the lieve that Kazakhstan’s experi- Ashikbayev emphasised the and extremism, sition as a strategically-important and health in line with the goals National Area-Based Development ence in the extractive industries President’s initiatives on fighting country in Central Asia. laid down with the Afghanistan Programme (NABDP), which we in particular may be of interest terrorism and extremism, includ- including Kazakhstan has been a signifi- National Development Strategy have implemented together with the to Afghanistan, which is intent ing organising a high-level event organising cant donor, especially in the past (ANDS). Afghan Ministry of Rural Rehabili- on developing its mining sector. “Religions against Terrorism.” six-eight years, with much of the tation and Development since 2003. Also, I understand there is consid- He also briefed the group on the a high-level assistance earmarked for Afghani- UNDP supports the government The programme contributed to bol- erable support in Afghanistan in President’s ideas for an allocation stan, including the education of in achieving a number of Af- stering agricultural productivity and developing its transportation hubs by each country of one percent of event “Religions more than 1,000 Afghan students ghanistan National Development providing safe drinking water in – railways, for example – that link military expenditures to finance against Terrorism.” in Kazakhstan. The country is also Strategy (ANDS) benchmarks in rural Afghanistan. It also repaired up Central Asian countries into a Sustainable Development Goals, preparing to launch KazAID, a na- the field of security and the rule over 2,000 kilometres of irriga- regional economic network. There the transformation of the Econom- the permanent representatives of tional official development assis- of law, civil service reform, trans- tion canals, restored nearly 10,000 has also been some discussion in ic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Guatemala, Nauru, Samoa, Mo- tance (ODA) operator which will parency and accountability, local hectares of farmland and provided helping countries in the region into the Council for Global Devel- zambique, Bahrain, Brunei and work in close cooperation with governance, political processes drinking water to around 350,000 learn from Kazakhstan’s experi- opment and the establishment of a other countries. UNDP. (support for the elections com- households throughout the coun- ences in empowering its women. supranational currency. Ashikbayev also gave an inter- The Astana Times had the op- mission and the newly-elected try. Moreover, it installed nearly With interest from Kazakhstan to Ashikbayev informed the partic- view to UN Radio, where he gave portunity to interview UNDP Af- Parliament), civil society empow- 200 micro-hydropower plants and help, and Afghanistan’s readiness ipants on preparations for EXPO detailed information on Kazakh- ghanistan Country Director Doug- erment, youth, gender equality, solar panels lighting nearly 40,000 to benefit from Kazakhstan’s ex- 2017 and plans to establish a Cen- stan’s initiatives and UNSC cam- las Keh, who was invited to Astana human rights, environment and households in rural communities. periences, the possibilities are un- tre for Renewable Energy, as well paign. under the joint training programme rural energy, the reintegration of Lastly, we’ve worked closely limited. B Nation&Capital

Wednesday, january 27, 2016

People Culture tourism Kazakh Student with Disability Five Kazakh Must-See Films Kazakhstan’s Gambling Regions Brings Her Inspiring Story to Add a Touch of Vegas to the Steppe B2 B3 B6 Digital Artists Believe President in World without Walls Establishes Two By Zhanna Shayakhmetova ALMATY – Invisible Wall, an New Professional installation created by the Kazakh duo The 2vvo, was presented at Kuona Trust Gallery in Nairobi last year as part of the Kenyan Art Holidays Fair exhibition dedicated to digital love for all citizens of Kazakhstan art. The interactive light-sound- By Malika Orazgaliyeva to each other,” Nazarbayev said physical display, coupled with the last year as he first proposed that a ASTANA – President Nursul- cultural and social project of the new holiday is established. At the young artists, attracted consider- tan Nazarbayev recently signed beginning and middle of the last able attention from the local audi- amendments to the country’s century, Kazakhstan became home ence. laws on national holidays to make to many people from other coun- Its creators, musician Eldar Tagi March 1 Day of Gratitude and the tries, he noted. People from across and architect Lena Pozdnyakova, first Sunday of April Day of Ge- have always been fascinated by ologist. the Russian empire and later the visual and digital art. After study- March 1 was chosen as Day of came to Kazakhstan ing and working abroad, the two Gratitude because it marks the day either at the own will or against it, Almaty-born artists created The of the creation of the Assembly as Kazakhstan was famously used 2vvo project, an experiment and of People of Kazakhstan back in by the Soviet authorities as a place personal challenge. 1995. This body has played an im- of internal exile for ethnic groups “We try to find our place in this portant role over the 20 years of its such as Chechens, Koreans or Vol- hectic world, a place that would existence in fostering the intereth- ga Germans. be far from the business, non- nic harmony in a society of more Under the law, the national holi- personal, product-driven society. than 130 ethnic groups. days are days off, while profes- A place where we can say what “This day may become a bright sional holidays, such as the two we want, make art that our souls holiday of charity, friendship and new days, are not. strive to make and to do things the way we wish to do them,” said the project developers in an participating in the art residency By the end of the programme they flashing at different parts of the exclusive interview with“The programme at Kuona Art Centre, created the interactive installation. sculpture. Based on the amount of Astana Times.” they were supported by the cen- “It was a piece for a pitch black light on the sculpture, the sound in The duo derives inspiration tre and the German embassy and gallery room with truss rod sculp- the room would change. It was an Kazakh from their travels and their im- did a series of lectures and work- ture, photocells, flashlights and amazing experience. People were pression of the world is based on shops on art and technology with speakers. The public would inter- very supportive and interested. personal experience rather than local artists, college students and act with the installation by walk- the experiences of others. While children from a German school. ing in the room, taking a torch and Continued on Page B3 Alpinist to Climb South America’s Violin Sound Comes from the Highest Peak the money, everything could be Heart, Says Ordabek Duissen By Georg R. Vassilenko done within one year,” he said. Climbing Aconcagua will be in dombra player, kuishi (performer of fascinated by a white shirt, a bow tie and Raissa Musakhodzhayevs. I am ASTANA – Maksut Zhumayev, By Zhanna Shayakhmetova kuis, traditional Kazakh composi- and Vladimir Spivakov performing honoured and blessed to know such honour of all people with disabili- Kazakhstan’s most prominent ties who became handicapped tions) and honored art worker of Ka- with a violin. Since then, I remem- highly-regarded pedagogues. I am alpinist who has conquered the Well-known Kazakh musicians zakhstan, and Saule Sagimbayeva, ber that I wanted to play the violin. also very thankful to Professor Ed- from unfortunate events such as Ordabek and Dina Duissen have world’s 14 eight-thousanders a pianist, Duissen went to Kulyash I was drawn to the sound of this uard Schmieder for the knowledge car crashes, Zhumayev said. The announced plans to present a con- without oxygen equipment, wants Baisseitova Music School at seven. instrument. Lately, I was fortunate and advice he gave to me. He is conquest will be dedicated in cert as the Duissen Duo during the to continue his streak of victories “When your parents are accom- to meet with the Moscow Virtuosi particular to Eugene Lyovkin, a 2016-2017 season in London. one of the outstanding educators of this year. plished performers, you are sur- soloists when they toured the U.S. his generation. I studied hard at art young man whom doctors diag- An honoured worker of Ka- “Climbing the highest point in nosed would never walk again. zakhstan and laureate of the State rounded by music from your very It was absolutely exciting to talk school as our educational systems South America, Aconcagua, is the to them. I said that their excellent After years of practice and hard Youth Award Daryn, Duissen and first breath. Music still reigns in our and approaches differ, but persis- plan. This peak is within my goal house as my brother Ilyas, a prize- performance filled me with a great work, however, he has able to his sister, a pianist and laureate of tence and love for music overcame of the Seven Summits. It should winner of international contests, desire to play. The next decisive stand. international competitions, have any difficulties. It is noteworthy to be done in the winter, in January performs in the first violin section at moment happened when I studied The climb will be innovative. found success on the country’s and say that music has a beneficial ef- or February. There are still two Astana Opera House Symphony Or- at school and attended a concert Unlike past events, the alpinists world’s largest stages, such as Lin- fect on the overall development of mountains left in and In- chestra. Last year, my sister Dina re- of the Otyrar Sazy Orchestra with plan to stay in contact through coln Center, the Vienna Conserva- the person. Even if a child does not donesia, but they are not the tough- leased a solo album that has already their legendary conductor Nurgisa social media such as Whatsapp, tory and Mozarteum in Salzburg, become a professional musician, a est ones. Antarctica is also in the received positive reviews,” he said. Tlendiyev. His dedication to work Periscope, Facebook and Insta- performing a varied repertoire of child can get some skills and under- plans, but it is very expensive,” he Duissen debuted with the orches- and genuine talent were spectacular gram to keep followers up to date. Kazakh folk melodies and classical standing of classical music,” he said. said in an exclusive interview with and contemporary music. tra when he was 10. The same year, for a little boy like me,” he said. Duissen was the first Kazakh vi- Zhumayev’s additional plans for he won first prize in an international The violinist has both a classical “The Astana Times.” 2016 are scaling Mont Blanc and The Astana Times interviewed olinist to perform Niccolo Pagani- Climbing with a colleague, Zhu- the violinist, who performs with the contest among Central Asia and music education and academic de- Mount Elbrus, as well as some ni’s 24 Caprices for Violin Solo mayev indicated it will take two Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Commonwealth of Independent gree. After graduating from Kazakh in the course of one concert and peaks in Antarctica. A very active weeks to scale the peak. It will runner, he also expects to partici- and is a guest concertmaster with States (CIS) countries in Almaty. National Academy in 2001, Duissen toured the country with the pro- also take about 2-3 million tenge pate in both major marathons in the Graz Opera Festival, about his “I saw a concert of the Moscow received a full scholarship to study gramme. In 2011, he participated (US$5,541-8,312). Astana and Almaty and all possi- decision to go into music and daily Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra with its at Southern Methodist University’s in the Pacific Music Festival as a “If I have time, I will climb ble triathlon starts organised by the inspiration. maestro Vladimir Spivakov on TV Meadows Art School in Dallas. concertmaster and soloist in Japan. Born in Almaty in 1981 to the when I was six. It incredibly im- “My first teachers were Professor before the Universiade in 2017. Kazakhstan Federation of Amateur family of Orynbai Duissen, a gifted pressed me. I remember how I was Svetlana Abdusadykova and Aiman Continued on Page B3 If not, then by the international Triathlon. exhibition EXPO2017. It always comes back to finances; if I had Continued on Page B2

Leader of Kazakhstan’s Turkish Things to Watch & Community: Day of Gratitude Will Places to go Astana opera Reinforce Unity among Ethnic Groups January 30-31 at 6 p.m. The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, Piriyev in an exclusive interview ure at the time,” said Piriyev. “It vember – winter season, as one can ballet By Dmitry Lee with The Astana Times. is a well-known fact that mil- imagine, was freezing. The cat- February 2 at 7 p.m. Symphony Orchestra “Considering the global geopo- lions of people of different eth- tle cars where people were trans- ASTANA – Kazakhstan recent- litical situation and inter-ethnic nic backgrounds were deported ported were locked and were only February 6-7 at 6 p.m. Swan Lake, ballet ly added another important cel- racial problems in numerous coun- to the [Central Asian] territories, opened on very special occasions February 9 at 7 p.m. Oboe tunes, concert ebration to its calendar. The Day tries, it is important to have [this not only Turks, starting from the to give some water, for instance. of Gratitude will mark the unity holiday]. I am certain that thanks 1930s,” he said. Turks ended up in the territories of Gorky drama theatre of the people of different ethnic to this day, all ethnic groups in Ka- The chairman recounted the ap- Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Ka- groups living in the nation and zakhstan will be even closer to one palling stories of history’s unfortu- zakhstan,” he said. January 29 at 7 p.m. Mixed Feelings, Drama Spectacle highlight their appreciation to the another and for us not to just be nate events when tens of thousands Piriyev highlighted the impor- hospitable Kazakhs who sheltered grateful, but also to live together of Azerbaijanis, for instance, were tance of matching religion for the congress hall millions of victims of Stalinist de- and prosper together.” exiled to Siberia. None survived Turks who were exiled. portations in the USSR during the November 1944 marked the ill- the tragic relocation. Such ac- “The religion and basic com- January 27 at 7 p.m. Concert dedicated to Mozart’s mid-20th century. fated deportations of Turkish peo- counts of doom were shared by monalities and of course hospital- 260th anniversary “I was really excited and happy ple to the territories of Kazakhstan hundreds of thousands of Turks, as ity were among the positive things to find out that Kazakhstan, final- from the current bordering territo- well as among millions of people for the Turks. Obviously there were January 29 at 7 p.m. Concert dedicated to ly, will have the Day of Gratitude ries of Georgia and Turkey, where of other ethnicities. also cultural differences, but despite Shostakovich’s 110th anniversary – gratitude of [different] ethnic they lived since the dissolution of “The deportees were not aware all the differences Kazakhs accept- groups to the ethnic Kazakhs,” the Ottoman Empire. of where they were headed then, ed the repressed nations,” he said. said Turkish Ethno-Cultural Asso- “Some call it destiny, some say no one told them anything. Con- ciation (Ahiska) Chairman Asker it wasn’t a correct political meas- sidering it was the month of No- Continued on Page B2 B2 Nation&Capital people

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 Leader of Kazakhstan’s Turkish Community: Day of Gratitude Will Reinforce Unity among Ethnic Groups Continued from Page B1 think a decade ahead – plant a tree sociation in Kazakhstan, which tant items for Karaganda residents was done on our end from Astana and if you think a century ahead – has completed quite a few social in the city and shipping them from would have been a waste of time The Turks are mostly settled bring up a generation,” said Piriyev, projects, is one of the most pro-ac- the capital. if it didn’t really help people who now in the Almaty, Zhambyl and the father of five boys, adding that tive and passionate groups. In ad- “We sent out whole trucks to were affected by the floods in South Kazakhstan regions and in addition to a good education it is dition to the annual Assembly of Karaganda full of first-aid items, Karaganda,” said Piriyev. some in the Kyzylorda region. important to grow a well-mannered the People of Kazakhstan (APK) medicine, canned food, etc. Fifteen Among the prominent and well- Today, there are slightly more and well-raised generation. events, the organisation partici- trucks eventually weren’t even recognised persons of the asso- than 100,000 ethnic Turks still “As a father, I can say that pates in helping the local com- loaded, as so many other truck ciation he mentioned Ziyatdin living in Kazakhstan in harmony had I not been so certain about munity during natural disasters, drivers were offering to transport Kassanov, president of the World with other 130-plus ethnic groups. the stability of this country I such as last year’s spring floods in goods for free. Natige, the local Meskhetian Turks Union from Al- Ahiska, established in 1991, plays wouldn’t have made such a large Karaganda. dairy company that knows the re- maty, who was awarded the Order a vital role in country’s society. family. I am sure for their future, The association has coordinated gion very well due to its line of of Kurmet (Honour) by President

The association includes crafts, inform.kz Photo credit: free education and stability, with with local authorities and other or- work and daily deliveries, has con- Nursultan Nazarbayev. Kassanov language and dancing classes and Asker Piriyev its own traditions and respect,” ganisations to provide volunteer tributed greatly, also by offering is also known for his generous pa- stresses the importance of high- “Kazakh proverb says if you think he added. assistance for thousands of victims its storage facilities. But I would tronage and activities as part of the quality education. one year ahead – plant wheat; if you The Turkish Ethno-Cultural As- by collecting first-aid and impor- like to underline all this work that APK. Kazakh Kazakh Student with Disability Alpinist to Climb Brings Her Inspiring Story to Norway was all due to the love and belief By Saule Kudaybergenova from her family. South America’s Karsakpayeva took primary OSLO – The Norsk Kazakh Kul- school lessons at home, later tur Centre in Norway started 2016 graduated from the Kazakh State with a very interesting acquaint- University of Foreign Languages ance. We met Madina Karsakpayeva Highest Peak with excellent grades. Being able in her student dormitory room over to converse in English helped her Continued from Page B1 who want to live a healthy life- steaming hot tea with shelpek and immensely, as she could step out style. khvorost in the beginning of Janu- of her room and explore the huge In previous years, Zhumayev ary. She came to Oslo to study under climbed the majority of peaks on Zhumayev’s the Erasmus Mundus programme. world out there on the Internet. his first try, although reaching the Her mother has accompanied She found about different inter- summit of K-2, the “killer moun- additional her since Karsakpayeva has a dis- national scholarship programmes. tain,” required six attempts. Al- plans for 2016 are ability. She was born with cerebral She applied to many, but was cho- though K-2 is 239 metres lower palsy and hydrocephalus, a medi- sen only for one, the Fullbright than Mount Everest, scaling it is scaling Mont Blanc cal condition in which there is an programme in the U.S. She felt as much more difficult and danger- abnormal accumulation of fluid in if she had wings to fly, she said, ous. By 2010, Everest was con- and Mount the brain… The doctors gave her since she could not walk or run quered 5,014 times; K-2, 302 Elbrus, as well two months to live at that time. when she knew that she won it. times. Unfortunately, statistics “Coming to the U.S. exposed me show for every four climbers Now she is 28 and has been living as some peaks in a happy life. to a completely new culture of ac- who survived the battle with the ceptance, respect and equality that latter, one died. Antarctica. As she talked about herself dur- I never anticipated. I have enjoyed After climbing his most diffi- ing that evening, we could not be- wide acceptance as an academic cult peakpike, Zhumayev needed “The higher the goal we set lieve that despite all of the harsh- a new goal. As a result, he be- for ourselves, the more real it ness, obstacles and lack of suitable where people overlook my wheel- chair and focus on including me came associated with the Kazakh is to achieve something. The infrastructure around her back then concept of inclusion) that can in- We asked her what moti- in Almaty, she found the will and whenever possible. I have learned Alpine Club, created three years impossible is possible; I proved vates her every day. She an- energy to fight back to have equal about policies that I can take back fluence policy and remove barriers ago in the image of the European this to myself more than once,” swered that what she dared to rights and to be accepted and inte- to my country (such as the Ameri- that others like I still face in Ka- groups. The club gathers people he said. do, makes all the difference grated in the society. As she said, it cans with Disabilities Act and the zakhstan,” she said. in what she could count as her life’s achievements. “I now set goals for every day and with confidence that I have much to contribute to my country and its citizens. I wish that my exam- ple will inspire others toward bigger dreams and greater per- sistence,” she concluded. Karsakpayeva’s mother recent- ly went back to Almaty, where she teaches Kazakh at a Russian- language school, but she plans to come back to Europe in March. This time, she will go to Prague where Karsakpayeva will con- tinue her Erasmus Mundus pro- gramme.

The author is a member of the Norsk Kazakh Kultur Centre in Maksut Zhumayev, Kazakhstan’s most prominent alpinist. Madina Karsakpayeva among her friends and colleagues. Norway. B3 Nation&Capital Culture

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 Five Kazakh Must-See Films ferent nationalities displaced by By Julia Rutz Stalin’s orders from all over the Soviet Union and, at the same There are different types of time, a testing site for a great num- films: the ones that you watch one ber of nuclear explosions conduct- time and then forget about. Then ed near Semipalatinsk. Despite all there are films that give you hope hardships and political outrage, or teach you how to cope with the ordinary people are looking for ups and downs of your life. How- simple ways of being happy and ever, there is another category of thankful every day. films, which is so great and im- The tragic pages in Kazakh his- pressive that you keep them in tory have been presented to the your memory for a long time and foreign audience at film festivals come back whenever you need, as in Berlin and Cannes. It also won if it was your old friend who can the Grand Prix at The East and the give you good advice or simply be West. The Classic and Avantgarde there for you. These are greatest films of world Festival in Russia. Shot from the film Myn Bala. cinematography, highly estimated No. 3 – “Myn Bala,” 2012. A by leading critics and usually pro- historical saga about bloody Ka- duced in Hollywood. Neverthe- zakh-Dzhungharian wars, direct- less, the Kazakh film industry also ed by Akan Satayev. The action has striking works to offer, which takes place in the first half of the can, if not to compete with cin- eighteenth century, a pivotal era ematic giants, definitely make a for Kazakh people struggling for good impression on you. their independence. Young boys, No. 1 – “Shal,” 2012. The movie headed by Sartay, are sent to the Still from the film Kelin. directed by Yermek Tursunov was war together with mature war- riors to protect their native land. inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s The film was selected as the “The Old Man and the Sea.” The This army was called Myn Bala (Thousand Boys) and after enter- Kazakh entry for the Best Foreign intimate story is re-told and inter- Language Film at the 83rd Acad- preted in Kazakh traditions of ten- ing combat, it changed the course of the entire war. The historically emy Awards. grianism, a Central Asian religion No. 5 – “Kelin,” 2008. An- characterised by features of sha- significant battle is now known as the Anyrakai Battle. other beautiful story by Yer- manism, animism and totemism. mek Tursunov leads spectators Just like the original story, “Shal” The film was presented at the 65th to the mysterious world of the is about the power of human spirit. Cannes Film Festival and gained pre-Islamic Kazakh steppe in Shot from the filmt he gift to Stalin. Moreover, the survival story re- good reviews from foreign critics the second and third centuries. minds that despite the fact humans for epic sceneries, actors’ profes- are superior, we shouldn’t forget sionalism and impressive stunts. The story is shown, but not re- that we are still children of nature. No. 4 – “Strayed,” 2009. The ally told, as there are only few The film was named Kazakh- Kazakh thriller made by Akan monologues in the movie. How- stan’s best movie of 2012. “Shal” Satayev is about a man travelling ever, its wondrous scenes of has been presented at different in- with his wife and a son across the shamanic rituals and live and ternational film festivals all over steppes. The car breaks down in vivid emotions as wild as the na- the world, including the 3rd Bei- the middle of nowhere and after it ture around main character, who jing International Film Festival, idles, he tries to fix it. The family was forced to marry a man she the Moscow International Film decides to spend the night in the didn’t love make the film worth Festival and the 25th International car. The next morning the wife watching. Film Festival in Palm Springs in and son are gone. While looking The film was recognised as the U.S. for them, he discovers a strange among best at the festival in Yalta No. 2 – “The Gift to Stalin,” shack with an old man and his and won Grand Prix in Monaco. In 2008. Director Rustem Abdrashov daughter inside, who are getting was also presented at a film festi- told a story about how Kazakh him closer to solving the mystery val in Toronto and even listed for Cover of Shal film. land turned into a shelter for dif- of his life. the Oscar in 2010. Still from the film Strayed. Kazakh Filmmakers Violin Sound Comes to Showcase Works at 2016 from the Heart, International Film Festivals Says Ordabek Duissen from Feb. 20 to 28, reported ten- which gathers more than 10,000 Continued from Page B1 the audience at home or in other By Julia Rutz grinews.kz. film lovers in Sedona. The festival countries shares and feels the melo- According to Shayakhmetov, the programme embraces a wide range He collaborated with the musi- dies you play the same way. No Young Kazakh director Me- documentary was filmed entirely in of categories from world cinema to matter what language we speak, det Shayakhmetov will take part cians of the Vienna Philharmonic America while the future director documentaries. music brings people together. The in the Sedona International Film Orchestra, Chicago Orchestra and was studying at the New York Film Another Kazakh film made by a language of music is universal. As Festival, presenting “Escape,” Metropolitan Opera and has also Academy. group of filmmakers headed by Ka- Ludwig van Beethoven once stated his first short documentary. The toured in Austria, France, Great “Unfortunately, the film is not zakh director Adilkhan Yerzhanov that music should strike fire from festival will be held in the U.S. Britain, Italy, Russia, South Korea, available to watch online yet, as this will be presented during the Inter- Ukraine and the United States. the heart of a man and bring tears is one of the requirements for partic- national Film Festival in Rotterdam, “To me, becoming a concertmas- from the eyes of woman, I think the ipation in the festival. I really want the Netherlands. ter of the Dallas Opera was an im- artists are blessed to have such mo- to show the film to the Kazakh audi- “The plague at the Karatas vil- ments,” he said. portant personal achievement. Only ence. I think I will come to Kazakh- lage,” sponsored by the Soros Foun- Duissen shared his future activi- five among 30 candidates got into stan soon. I hope the audience will dation Kazakhstan, tells a surrealis- ties. the final and I was fortunate enough ages at the pictures of prominent enjoy my work; it reflects current tic horror-like story about an isolated artists of the 17th and 18th centu- “Usually my concert schedule is issues and what is going on around village where the inhabitants are to sign a contract. It has been a ries like Raphael and Michelange- planned for a year. For example, us,” explained Shayakhmetov. dying of the plague while those in great privilege to become a part of our orchestra is going on tour Spain lo. Art and literature influence me Highlighting this year’s festival power pocket the money for flu vac- this ensemble,” he added. in May along with the concert sea- will be a screening of American cines. It will be screened on Feb.3. The soloist noted artists are very greatly,” he said. son. In summer, I plan to play with Graffiti and James Franco’s new The Rotterdam Film Festival is impressionable. Duissen plays a Tyrolean violin friends in Europe and participate film. Franco is well known for his one of the largest public film events “I am constantly striving to learn presumably made in Salzburg. A in the Viennese festival. And if I roles in “Spider-Man,” “Rise of the in the world, along with festivals something new. I notice the beauty violin master once said it is similar am invited to perform in my na- Planet of Apes” and “Flyboys.” in Cannes, Venice, Berlin and Lo- and inspiration in daily sunsets or to the 19th century Viennese instru- tive land I will be pleased to meet The Sedona International Film carno. This year festival will be held stunning landscapes. It affects my ment. my devotees there, too. Concerts at Festival is an independent festival, from Jan. 27 to Feb. 7. feelings and views. I can stare for “What strikes me the most is that home are special for me,” he said. Digital Artists Believe in World without Walls Continued from Page B1 and Almaty, that I Haven’t Noticed each other remotely for several world with feelings, thoughts and When we stayed in Almaty we ject in Africa is finished and cur- in Kazakhstan. years, exchanging ideas and cre- ideas that may be similar to or dif- really wanted to do more exhibi- rently we are working on creating “Both the Kuona Trust and Ger- “A concept for the project was to ating a number of joint works for ferent from yours, but it does not tions and shows and it is not al- a record label and artist hub titled man embassy gave us all we need- travel to various places and docu- exhibitions. matter. It is our experience that ways easy, because projects like Aetherial Records in the U.S. We ed to make this experience great ment our experiences through art “The Melting Glacier installa- may be interesting or inspiring this are not of priority and thus are will not say more about this pro- for all the parties. In Africa, we works. The project started entirely tion at Goethe Institute of Central to you and that is enough for us,” not well supported financially. We ject, but it will be launched very were amazed how art is developed on our shared enthusiasm to col- Asia in 2013 was the first project they said. personally think that it is really soon. Also, this year we will be and supported. It seemed to us that laborate, travel and make things. that we did together. It was our The 2vvo creators admitted important to develop an art scene releasing a lot of music, sound art is everywhere. Of course, art is We wanted to feel the freedom introduction to each other and while 2015 has been a very pro- in the city and, more than this, to works and printed media. Our goal so unique there. It is raw and bru- to make and share whatever we our work practices. The Kosmos ductive year, the displays in their facilitate experimentation and new with this project is to find new tal, yet very visionary and highly wanted, without thinking much installation at Germany’s Bau- hometown were special ones. ideas. Events like this open up the ways to sustainably release music developed. We visited local gal- whether it is good or bad. We feel haus Fest in 2014 was really an “Last year we participated with society and are great indicators of leries and even bought one small that the thing that makes art spe- upgrade from it. Many more peo- installation pieces at Eight River progress,” they said. and art to the public and make it piece by Adam Masava,” they said. cial is the ability to transform any ple were involved and there was a exhibition funded by Soros Foun- Tagi and Pozdnyakova always more available. We wouldn’t say Each artist has participated in kind of personal experience into bigger budget and better thought- dation and UNESCO. Also, we keep in touch with their followers. that there is some sort of ultimate separate cultural events, including an abstract, metaphysical form. If through art pieces. Both of those performed a couple of live audio They recently shared blogs, videos goal, as it will mean a particular the Secret Solstice Festival in Ice- somebody other than us can con- projects happened before we and visual improvisation sets at and photo collages on their website limit to our endeavours. We wish, land, Life and Death of Urbanity, nect with it too, it means that we decided to unite under the name SubStation radio show and In a about their travels to India and Africa. however, to find a way to sustain Schizo Hybrid and the Look ex- were able to do something suc- The 2vvo and they pretty much Museum exhibition. We did the “We are quite open to what we our practice, grow and develop hibitions in Germany and We Are cessfully,” they added. facilitated the creation of our duo. Art, Sound, Electronics workshop will create. There is no set plan, personally and as collaboration What We Eat, Dedicated to Clerks The artists have worked with We are always somewhere in the as part of the Open Mind project. we go project by project. The pro- with it,” they said. B4 Nation&Capital COUNTRY

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 Graffiti Makes People Smile, Street Artist Says a brilliant example to me. I wit- Astana Art Fest, Arbat Fest, Al- decided to use plastic in creating a By Zhanna Shayakhmetova nessed his outstanding, profession- maty Urban Dawn Street Art Exhi- Plastic World series,” she said. al achievements and eagerness to bition, Zasstar for the First Presi- Shabbash also spoke about her “Personage,” Almaty artist Dari- self-improvement. It strengthened dent’s Fund and Forever Live in best-known graffiti work, “Golden on Shabbash’s newest works, will my desire to set goals and achieve Almaty. She also collaborated with Square.” be on display March 18-20 at the my dreams,” she said in a recent Brazilian street artist Marina Zumi “Golden Square graffiti is op- Art Who Art exhibition in Mos- interview for this story. in painting a school wall. posed to the urban elite areas. I cow. The plastic portrait series and Her graffiti debut came in 2003 “I was invited by my Instagram drew a picture on the wall of the antique figure paintings embody at the Snickers Urbania Festival in subscriber Alex Party, who is also house situated far away from the the author’s idea of the modern Almaty. the exhibition organizer, to partici- city centre, but still not yet in the image of the person. “I worked as a graphic designer pate in London’s show. It was held outskirts. In this district, people The talented street artist and and came back to art only in 2012. in Stoke Newington, one of the hip- seem to be more obsessed with graffiti painter’s popularity is To tell the truth, I fall in love with ster districts, in December 2015. daily routine. They constantly growing and her drawings are graffiti. To me, graffiti means an The exhibition featured local art- work and get tired. They do not conquering building walls. She unlimited freedom in everything. ists together with well-known graf- have this feeling of dolce vita. I was the only representative of the My ultimate goal as an artist is, of fiti artists from all over the world. tried to bring more brightness to Commonwealth of Independent course, self-realisation. I am not ob- The show titled Supermarket was their life and prestige to this dis- States (CIS) at London’s Super- sessed with the idea to create things held in a closed store and the art trict. I was lucky with the location market exhibition in December that are clear only to the author. To works were placed on the shelves of the building, as it is visible from and her first international debut the contrary, I would like my pieces along with the usual food. The con- all sides and overlooks the nearby was a huge success. to be understandable, comprehensi- cept was to conduct a fine line of avenue,” she explained. Her parents’ cherished dream ble and original. My personal meth- modern art and its consumption. An “It is a big responsibility to was for their daughter to be an ath- od of working is setting goals and idea to create a plastic mosaic came paint on such buildings. First of lete, but Shabbash’s grandfather finding solutions. At the moment, to me just in time when I was do- all, I would like people who walk first realised she had artistic talent. I am observing today’s society and ing shopping in one of the luxury down the street to see my work and “I was always inclined to art. In writing a chronicle of the era in grocery stores. The goods on the change their mind. Art penetrating childhood, I was a dreamy and im- which I live. 2015 was a year of full shelves looked exaggerated and un- into the public’s everyday life im- Frost Photo: Teo pressionable girl. My grandfather awareness of what I want to do and natural to me. I literally got irritated proves their mood, too. I used a Golden Square in Almaty. Kazbek Karamullin, a two-time where I should go,” she added. by poisonous bright colours on complex colour combination in a world champion in Greco-Roman Shabbash participated in 12 ex- the shelves. I decided to use these special sequence and it is a kind of to smile more often in this area. It tising. I am inspired by other art- wrestling and honoured coach, hibitions last year held mainly in mechanisms to attract and focus code. After many months, I have is better when streets have colours ists’ skill and unusual solutions in was always an inspiration and Almaty and Astana, including consumers’ attention. Due to this, I noticed that people really began rather than grey walls and adver- painting walls,” she said. North Kazakhstan Region’s Economic Cadet Corps Future Growth Reached 102.8 Percent in 2015 Graduates Start lion tenge (US$9.2 million) of the lowing President Nursultan Naz- current year and people will be By Kamila Zhumabayeva budget was allocated to complete arbayev’s message on recessing the able to come back to their work- construction of social housing fa- programme of agricultural process- places,” said Sultanov, reported Military Internships ASTANA – The economic cilities and the engineering and ing, according to Kazpravda.kz. Kazpravda.kz. “The complex it- growth of the North Kazakhstan communication infrastructure, re- “We outlined more than 60 self is linked to our oil refineries. region reached 102.8 percent in ported Kapital.kz. projects worth 140 billion tenge Therefore, we will be producing 2015 compared to 2014. The oblast In addition, Sultanov said the (US$367 million) as part of its bioethanol for Pavlodar and subse- in Armed Forces budget was 100 percent fulfilled, realisation. It is milk and meat quently for Shymkent oil refiner- cording to the defence ministry. local budgets at all levels collected transport and logistics centre in processing and flour and pasta ies. Because today those factories By Staff report The period of military internship 31.9 billion tenge (US$83.6 mil- Petropavlovsk and two large fac- production for the most part,” said will undergo modernisation, the is two months. During this time, lion) and the budget growth rate tories for processing grain and ASTANA – About 200 cadets Sultanov. Pavlodar oil refinery will upgrade the future sergeants will consoli- was 118 percent compared to the oilseeds are being built by private who will graduate this year started investment, Kursiv.kz reported. date their theoretical and practical previous year, North Kazakhstan their internships in military units skills obtained in the Cadet Corps, region Akim (Governor) Erik Sul- Sultanov: “In 2015, 154.5 billion tenge and formations of Kazakh Armed prepare for real service in the tanov announced Jan. 19. (about US$405 million) in investments Forces on Jan. 11, according to the Armed Forces and improve their “In 2015, 154.5 billion tenge Ministry of Defence. leadership skills. (about US$405 million) in invest- was drawn and the growth amounted “For the students of the Cadet The Cadet Corps of the Ministry ments was drawn and the growth to 128.3 percent.” Corps of the Ministry of Defence, of Defence named after Shokan amounted to 128.3 percent,” he it is a new experience and the first Valikhanov is the only one of its said. “Herein, 30 percent of all in- opportunity to see the real service kind in the country and this year vestments were aimed for an agri- The akim also mentioned the to Euro 5 and Euro 6 petrol produc- in the military units and subdivi- celebrates its 20th anniversary. The cultural complex.” sions of the Armed Forces of Ka- cadets’ training and all the upcom- The North Kazakhstan region strategically important Biohim tion in January–February of next initiative. The manufacturing en- year and our bioethanol will be zakhstan, where each of them will ing activities planned for this year ranks first in the country on attract- start their service in six months. In will be held under the auspices of ing investment, he claimed. More terprise has not been functioning used to full capacity. Biohim will

Photo: kazpravda.kz total, practice sessions involve 185 the anniversary of the institution. than 20 international delegations for several years and hundreds of become a highly-profitable enter- Erik Sultanov people remain jobless as a result, prise of our country due to this.” cadets of the second year, 53 of According to the defence minis- visited the region last year, accord- them will be trained in the Region- try, more than 2,400 junior offic- ing to Kursiv.kz. reported Kazpravda.kz. In summing up the results, the Creating 2,000 new jobs is the “The Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign akim emphasised the region’s in- al Command West; 45 cadets will ers have graduated from the Cadet “We ensured the growth of for- be interns in Airmobile Troops and most anticipated and main result of Wealth Fund will take the enter- dicators were achieved largely due Corps and many of them perform eign investment to 60 percent and 35 will go to Regional Command their military duties in positions realising those projects, according prise to an investment committee to government support, adding the outlined a number of very impor- South; another 52 will be directed ranging from squad leader to chief tant projects for their further in- to the akim. for further decision… According region received 17.2 billion tenge to the regional command East, ac- sergeant. crease,” said Sultanov. A separate plan for 2016–2020 to our estimates, the complex will (US$45.1 million) in 2015 in the He noted approximately 3.5 bil- is being realised in the region fol- be reestablished in October of the form of government subsidies. Pet Food Company to Better Utilise Almaty Approves Materials in Pet Food Production 51-Point Action Plan tral Communications Service, Ka- Sagnalin noted, according to the moment. The founder of the com- By Kamila Zhumabayeva zinform international information agency. pany expressed confidence that the to Reduce Pollution agency reported Jan. 19. He explained these foods will domestic food for cats and dogs including the “greening” of trans- By Zhazira Dyussembekova ASTANA – AkTep company “Our enterprise will establish be produced from what used to will hit the stores in the coming port, reduction of air pollution by will be producing food made of food production for domestic ani- be thrown away before, including days. stationary sources, including the ASTANA – The Almaty akimat horns, hoofs and other waste for mals. … You know trademarks, horns, hoofs, bones and meaty off- With that, Sagnalin also noted gasification of the private sector, that domestic analogues of ‘Pedi- (city administration) approved cats and dogs, Founder of AkTep such as ‘Pedigree,’ ‘Whiskas.’ cuts of domestic animals. as well as preservation and devel- gree’ and ‘Whiskas’ will be much comprehensive action plan to LLP Nurlan Sagnalin announced That is to say we will be produc- The company is undergoing the opment of the green fund, in other cheaper than the now present im- improve the state of the air basin at a press conference at the Cen- ing food for cats, dogs and fish,” stage of product certification at the words, trees. ported product. on Jan. 18, reported city’s official At the same time, control over According to Kazinform, last website. The plan shows actions the implementation of environ- year Aktep went out to a stable that will be taken in the next two mental protection measures will export of beef in a volume of 200 years to solve a series of multi- be strengthened, as well as over tonnes each month. Increasing the purpose environmental problems the measures aimed at reducing export volume by up to 12,000 and improve the situation. emissions of pollutants. The con- tonnes of meat product per year in The action plan consists of 51 trol of compliance with toxicity 2016 is being planned. measures and is part of the Almaty and smoke level will be tightened A modern meat processing fac- 2020 development plan. Adminis- too. New parking spaces will be tory with annual capacity of 7,200 trators of budget programmes and created and they will be managed tonnes of meat was built, the agen- private investors are being sought according to modern standards. cy reported. for the project. An agreement about establish- The city also plans to launch a According to the data of Kazakh ing joint production in the field of system of city entry limitations Centre of Hydro-Meteorological meat cattle breeding was signed by vehicles from other cities. Jan. 17 between AkTep and INAL- Monitoring, despite the fact that It is also expected that a number CO Eurasia European company. the Air Pollution Index in 2015 fell of industrial facilities and private Establishing a network of feed- to 9.7 from 10 points in 2014, the houses will be transferred to gas as ing platforms for 44,000 heads is indicator still shows a high level of fuel for heating or other purposes. being envisaged and modernising air pollution in Almaty. State government bodies intend the meat processing plant with The main source of the pollution to solve environmental problems adjusting the capacity for up to is motor vehicles. in Almaty with the support of the 20,000 tonnes of meat and meat In order to change the situa- public and under the control of the products released per year is being tion, the administration intends to special Coordinating Council for

Photo: petrecognition.com scheduled as part of this document. take actions in four main areas, Ecology. B5 Nation&Capital SOCIETY

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 Almaty Gallery Displays Artist-Organised Exhibition of Works from Kazakhstan, Russia and Kyrgyzstan By Zhanna Shayakhmetova of ​​something more than just eating positions of Kazakh and Russian and drinking. artists. But she admitted that she An exhibition featuring paint- “When we say ‘feast,’ our cul- has special feeling towards the or- ings, installations, sculptures, tural memory suggests ‘a feast for ganisation of Pirtoy. graphics and other art objects re- the whole world.’ This word gives “To me, curatorial studies of art- lated to food was held from Dec. us an image of a large-scale ritual works, the development of project 29 to Jan. 9 at the Tengri Umai act, which brings together people concepts and project discussions Contemporary Art Gallery in Al- at the table. A shared meal is im- with the artists are essential activi- maty. It was arranged as part of portant for keeping our traditions ties. But the exhibition organisa- the international art project Pirtoy. as an act of culture. The rules dur- tion fully depends on funding as The event displaying art works of ing the feast have a social and edu- it is a self-organised project. We 30 artists from Kazakhstan, Russia cational function,” she added. certainly would like to present the and Kyrgyzstan attracted much at- “Typically, an art curator has exhibition in Bishkek and Mos- tention. an idea of the​​ artistic practice of cow. Unfortunately, our budget The Pirtoy art project is a self- different creators. Therefore, a was only enough for an exhibition organised initiative of the artists project supervisor knows what in Almaty. Although this is a major and art curator with the support of authors to invite and what kind achievement too,” she explained. partners. Exhibition organisers in- of works to present in a particular The art curator noted that self- tended to create an unusual show show. In regard to this project, I organised art initiatives are a rath- presenting not only the art works, knew some artists were working er unusual practice in Central Asia. but also giving visitors the oppor- in the same direction as our pro- “There are few contemporary tunity to meet and talk with the ject and they were ready to par- art institutions and there are no artists. ticipate. I especially invited the modern art schools at all. Young “People can come to the gal- young artists with whom I previ- authors do not feel any confidence lery, bring their meals and enjoy ously cooperated during the ‘We and independence. There are also the sumptuous banquet in a crea- Are the River’ exhibition,” the some local causes of this situation. tive atmosphere. The main idea organiser said. Due to this, Pirtoy is a really in- of Pirtoy is to provide a space Earlier, Malinovskaya organised teresting project as it was success- for communication and dialogue An exhibit of Tengri Umai Contemporary Art Gallery in Almaty. two international art residencies fully launched. It is a good, new in a situation where the dialogue and exhibitions at the Divnogorie experience of communication. seems impossible. We believe in artists. The works presented are autonomy of art as the visitors According to Malinovskaya, Museum-Reserve, the Contempo- Today, it is important to be ready dialogue as a way to solve the made of food and related to food are free to communicate with the nowadays a Russian feast as a rary Japanese Cultural Festival in for conversation. I am grateful to problem and create new ideas to but the audience talks and thinks artists and discuss the pressing form of collective relations has Moscow and the Eight River pro- all the spectators, participants and overcome divisions and expand not about the food. The mission issues,” said Yana Malinovskaya, degenerated into different forms of ject at the Ile-Alatau National Park partners for this wonderful joint borders between the public and of the project is to destroy the an art curator. festive pastimes, but kept the idea in Kazakhstan, as well as solo ex- artistic dialogue,” she said. 70,000 Brave Souls Nationwide Dive into Danish Architect Freezing Water to Celebrate Epiphany Day Seeks to Make Almaty traditional Epiphany Day swim whopping 13,000 freezing water faiths and nationalities as a test By Dmitry Lee across Kazakhstan on Jan. 18-19, enthusiast divers, while the Kosta- of endurance. Tengrinews reported. nai and Pavlodar regions both had “The real test is to wait in line to More Bicycle, ASTANA – In total, more than The residents of the capital about 8,000 each. have a dive,” Aizhanat Zholmyrza, 70,000 people took part in the beat out all other regions with a “This is not about religion, this is another attendee said. “It takes up not about nationalities; here there to one hour to get to the hole and are , Christians, foreign during this time we are freezing Pedestrian Friendly guests, kids, Russians, Kazakhs, in the cold. At first, you’re scared we are all here. This is a good of the idea. But after you summon tradition and most importantly it up the courage and dive, you feel is good for health,” said Sholpan warm and then cold again. This Karazhanova, 20, a student of Gu- was my first time but I am not sure milyov Eurasian University. if I want to do it next year.” Epiphany Day celebrates the The holes were located on the christening of Jesus Christ in Yessil River, one by the Kenessary the Jordan River by John the Monument, by the Grand Alatau Baptist and the manifestation high-rise building and near the Nur of the Christian god in the fig- Astana restaurant, across from the ure of Jesus Christ; the dip is to Central Park. wash away old transgressions The Ministry of Emergency and strengthen the spirit and Situations, the city administration body. Although the holiday is a and an ambulance were on site for Christian religious celebration, emergencies, however, no inci-

Photo credit: tengrinews.kz Photo credit: it attracts people of different dents were reported.

By Kamila Zhumabayeva tunity to dramatically change the appearance of Almaty. Gehl then Almaty Designer Reveals Women’s ASTANA – Copenhagen-based passed along and across the centre architect and urban design con- of Almaty, examined the most typi- sultant Jan Gehl examined pe- cal streets, squares, parks and later culiarities of Almaty and has de- developed key recommendations Clothing Line Made of Paper on how to make the metropolis veloped key recommendations menting with different materials comfortable for all Almaty resi- By Julia Rutz on how to make the metropolis like fir cones, beads, shells and comfortable for Almaty’s resi- dents and tourists. stones to devise different tech- “Our city has made a very good An Almaty resident is reviving a dents and tourists, InformBuro, niques. Her creative spirit can an informational and analytical impression on Mr. Gehl. We agreed short-lived 1960s fashion item. even be found in the back yard website, reported Jan. 8. that there are many aspects that can Stylist, makeup designer and of her salon, which she uses as a A pilot project to create pedes- be developed, while preserving and artist Larisa Starodubtseva re- stage to recreate fairy gardens or highlighting the uniqueness of Al- trian areas, places of leisure, sports cently presented Four Seasons, a snowmen fortresses. maty. They all lie in his ‘the city and children’s playgrounds within women’s clothing collection made Paper fashion is another innova- for people, not for cars’ concept,” the concept of Gehl was launched entirely from paper. She used ori- tive idea the artist decided to re- Yessimov said then, according to in eight districts of the city in 2015, gami, the traditional Japanese pa- alise. Her first collection was cre- the website. “In the nearest time, per technique, to create fancy and ated in 2014 when Starodubtseva according to InformBuro. The city we will present the results of our sculptural frocks for those who showed the grace and beauty of network of bike paths has also been work together to all Almaty resi- like one-day wear. the kimono, a traditional Japanese greatly expanded. dents, not only for information but The Kazakh artist is known garment with accessories. While The Danish urbanist was expect- also for a constructive debate and abroad as a participant in inter- many artists don’t like paper as a ed to meet students, nongovern- making suggestions.” national makeup design shows in material due to its laborious char- mental organisation representatives Gehl is known as a major re- Athens, Berlin and Milan. She also acter, she found it to be an interest- and art patrons in Almaty. His visit searcher of municipal public areas works with the United Nations ing medium. was held on the invitation of city and the psychological aspects of Educational, Scientific and Cul- Origami helped her transform authorities from Jan. 11-13. their use and one who formulates tural Organisation (UNESCO) and ordinary-coloured paper into soft During an extensive programme optimal solutions by means of ar- Kryolan, a German professional silk, flowing satin and aristocratic on his three-day visit, Gehl was chitecture and urban planning for makeup brand, as well as with var- velvet. The new collection of sun- expected to personally present his the typical problems of this sphere. ious magazines, and participates in dresses, blouses and skirts per- concept on changing the appear- The Danish architect has served design projects, creates new im- fectly conveys the characteristics ance of the southern capital, hold as a consultant for municipal ad- ages for Kazakh public figures and of the four seasons – the heat of several meetings with Almaty’s ministrations around the world. His organises master classes. summer, autumn splendour, the management, Urban Planning ideas were first used in his native Starodubtseva studied architec- freshness of springtime and charm Council and private companies Copenhagen and later in the cities ture at the Kazakh Leading Acade- of a rigorous winter. Starodubtseva that are engaged in the field of city of Europe, North America, Asia and my of Architecture and Civil Engi- didn’t comment on her handmade improvement and landscaping, ac- Australia, InformBuro reported. neering, where she later worked as outfits, letting Almaty fashionistas cording to a statement from Almaty Gehl is also the founder of the a lecturer. In 2000, she decided to estimate the true worth of the pa- Natural Resources Management. Gehl Architects firm. Improving attain new skills in makeup design per designs. After all, a woman in According to InformBuro, in the quality of life in cities by reori- and subsequently has been running a cartoon dress will definitely at- March last year, former Akim enting urban design for pedestrians

her own beauty business. tract attention any time of the year, ekspress-k.kz Photo credit: (Mayor) of Almaty Akhmetzhan and cyclists is Gehl’s main area of The stylist continues experi- except when it is raining. Larisa Starodubtseva (C). Yessimov offered Gehl the oppor- activity, according to the website. B6 Nation&Capital Tourism&EXPO 2017

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 Almaty, East Kazakhstan Ski Resorts among Best in Region By Zhazira Dyussembekova

ASTANA – Even though it is already January, the snow in Ka- zakhstan does not usually disap- pear until late March. During the long winter, many people think about spending time at the coun- try’s beautiful ski resorts, which offer a great opportunity to breathe fresh air, master sporting skills and have joyful vacations away from the cities. Kazakhstan’s ski resorts are lo- cated in Almaty and East Kazakh- stan regions. Both have fascinating mountains that attract visitors not only from Central Asia, but also from abroad. Photo credit: shimbulak.kz Photo credit: Yelik Sai, Almatau, Ak-Bulak, treme one measuring 800 metres. famous lodge among those listed. Each resort offers all the neces- one of which is flat for novice ski- Oryol resort is 12 kilometres Lesnaya Skazka and Tabagan, Yelik Sai and Almatau both offer The most convenient way to reach sary equipment, as well as places ers and snowboarders. The length from Ziryanovsk in East Kazakh- Almaty region’s most famous re- skis for rent and the latter also has the destination is to take a cable to eat and relax. of the slopes ranges from 600 to stan. The length of its slopes is up sorts, are situated not far from one snowboards. car at the equally well-known Me- East Kazakhstan has additional 1,200 metres. to 2,500 metres, one of the longest another, reported Voxpopuli.kz. Ak-Bulak, 10 kilometres from deu ice rink. skiing opportunities, such as Nur- Edelveis resort is in Ridder, a in Eastern Kazakhstan. Talgar highway, the road to Yelik Talgar in a beautiful Trans-Ili Ala- Lesnaya Skazka welcomes tau resort. Located 35 kilometres small town about 130 kilome- When visiting a ski resort, Sai, goes through Beskainar. The tau gorge, offers skiing and snow- visitors to the Oi-Kargai gorge in from Ust-Kamenogorsk, it pro- tres from Ust-Kamenogorsk. The every person must follow several lodge has four cable cars with two- boarding. Trans-Ili Alatau. The angle of the vides a complete range of equip- length of the slopes is about 1,300 rules valid throughout the world kilometre lengths and the angle of Shymbulak resort was also built slope is only 35 degrees, which is ment for visitors for rent. metres and the angle approximate- and based, first and foremost, on the slope is about 40-45 degrees. in a Trans-Ili Alatau gorge at a perfect for beginners. Tabagan is Altai Alpes resort, 24 kilometres ly 35 degrees. common sense, responsibility and Almatau, on the road which also height of 2,260 metres above sea also in Talgar region, only 17 kilo- from Ust-Kamenogorsk, features The region also has Stardust safety. Each visitor should know travels through Beskainar, has a level. Only 25 kilometres from Al- metres from Almaty. It is 1,650 Gornaya Ulbinka. The complex camp, six kilometres from Ridder his capabilities and help others in flat slope for beginners and an ex- maty centre, it is probably the most metres above sea level. has 10 runs of varying difficulty, near Verkhnyaya Khariuzovka. case of emergency. Kazakhstan’s Gambling Latvia Becomes 70th Country Regions Add a Touch of to Confirm Participation in Vegas to the Steppe EXPO 2017, Switzerland Signs nos in Central Asia, according to with excellent background music, By Zhazira Dyussembekova boora.info, promising to provide bar and restaurant. Refreshing or European-level service. It has 50 hot drinks, light cocktails or heavy Participation Agreement ASTANA – Kazakhstan has its gaming tables, where visitors can alcohol will help you relax and own Las Vegas and Atlantic City welcomed the importance of the since it was also one of the first play American roulette, black jack, relieve the tension of the game. It By Murager Sauranbayev exhibition theme and its relevance countries that supported Presi- for people who want to try their baccarat and the most popular provides an opportunity to rest and for all countries. dent Nazarbayev’s Green Bridge luck, spend an unusual weekend forms of poker. The hotel provides the restaurant offers Japanese and ASTANA – On Jan. 22, Kazakh- Latvia is reportedly interested initiative, signing the relevant or just observe the dynamic world discounts for casino visitors. Kazakh cuisine.” stan received a note from Latvia in expanding cooperation with charter. During its presidency in of casinos. The country’s two main Imperial-M, which opened in There are several other casinos formally confirming its participa- Kazakhstan in developing green the Council of the European Un- gaming areas, Borovoe (in the Ak- Borovoe in 2009, provides more on the resort territory. Eurasia and tion in EXPO 2017. energy projects, including in man- ion, Latvia paid special attention mola region) and Kapchagai (in than 20 gambling tables including Diamond may not be as large, but This happened during EXPO the Almaty region), may be far American roulette, black jack and promise to provide good service 2017 Commissioner and Kazakh- from their American counterparts five types of poker. It also has in and a good time. stan’s First Deputy Foreign Minis- geographically, but they promise excess of 50 slot machines includ- Kapchagai resort has its own ter Rapil Zhoshybayev’s meeting to provide visitors with a high lev- ing electronic roulette and the lat- gaming activities, such as Bom- el of service. with the Baltic nation’s Ambassa- “I really like spending one or dor in Astana Jurijs Pogrebnaks. two weekends a year in Borovoe At the meeting, Zhoshybayev playing in casinos. Of course, you updated the ambassador on pro- have to think sensibly and ration- gress with practical preparations ally. For me, it is just a possibil- for the exhibition and highlighted ity to have a good time with my a wide range of opportunities for friends and sometimes a way to Latvian business in this regard. test my luck. I never spend more In turn, Pogrebnaks noted that money than I can afford. And I feel Latvia was not a member of the In- like I am somewhere abroad, not in ternational Exhibition Bureau and Kazakhstan. I have been in casinos has only participated in an expo a in a few countries. I think the level few times. Thus, he said, confir- here is quite good. Maybe it is not mation of participation in Astana EXPO 2017 Commissioner and Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Rapil Las Vegas, but it is still okay,” said EXPO 2017 proves great interest Zhoshybayev (L) with Latvia’s Ambassador in Astana Jurijs Pogrebnaks (R) businessman Aslan Rakhimbayev and the special friendly relations agement of water recourses. The in a recent interview for this story. of Latvia and Kazakhstan. to promoting green economy and Baltic nation is considered one of Gambling has been a topic of Earlier, in April 2015, Commis- eco-friendly technologies. To this the most eco-friendly countries discussion for a long time. Casinos sioner Zhoshybayev visited Riga end, it hosted the Green Bridge in Europe. The renewables’ share were formerly in cities, but have and was received by the then Pres- Forum 2015: Building the Bridge in energy consumption of Latvia since been banned by law and est games. The casino has the first bay Casino. “This modern enter- ident of Latvia Andris Berzins. to Clean Technologies between reaches 37.1 percent and that is moved to two specially-designated and only license in Central and tainment complex in the southern The sides acknowledged a good European and Central Asia Coun- the second best result in the Eu- resort areas. Northern Kazakhstan to operate a playing area of Kazakhstan meets tries that brought together about Cash Ville Casino is located in slot machine hall. all modern trends of comfort and 300 delegates from 21 countries Borovoe’s Rixos Hotel. It is oper- Lafayette, with its different quality. Impeccable service, reli- Latvia has become the 70th country that and served as a vehicle for pro- ated by East Casino Management types of gambling tables, is an- ability, comfort and individual ap- officially confirmed its participation in the moting sustainable energy devel- Company, which also owns As- other destination for people who proach to each guest is guaranteed opment. toria and Bombay casinos in Ka- sometimes like to try their luck. in Bombay Casino. The Victorian- International Exhibition EXPO 2017, and The relevance of the Astana pchagai. Cash Ville is one of the According to boora.info, “Casino style unique interior creates an at- EXPO was also noted last week in biggest and most luxurious casi- Lafayette is an atmospheric place mosphere of comfort and luxury,” Switzerland – the 26th country that signed Davos, Switzerland. On the mar- its website says. the Participation Agreement. gins of the World Economic Fo- The Bellagio invites visitors “to rum, Manuel Salchli, commission- plunge into the world of excite- ropean Union after Sweden (52.1 er for the Swiss pavilion at EXPO dynamic of bilateral cooperation ment, fun and passions in one of the percent). 2017, and , most respected casinos in Kazakh- and discussed a number of com- For Kazakhstan, it is of spe- chairman of the EXPO 2017 na- stan.” According to its website, the mon tasks that could help develop cial importance that Latvia is tional company, signed the formal casino “guarantees each visitor im- them further. President Berzins going to be involved in EXPO agreement on Switzerland’s par- peccable service and reliability, as ticipation. well as an unforgettable stay in an As Salchi noted, the event in atmosphere of luxury and comfort. Astana would be a great opportu- Each room in the hotel is designed nity for Switzerland to show devel- in classic style and has everything you need for a comfortable stay.” opment of energy efficiency and The resort has many other casi- green technologies in the country. nos, such as Astoria, Macao, Mo- The EXPO 2017 theme – Future naco and Ritz Palace. Energy – is very timely and impor- Kazakhstan has a special law tant, according to him, as issues of “On gambling business” signed energy efficiency and alternative in April 2007. Online casinos are energy development are constantly prohibited and the law restricts the growing in relevance for the whole amount of gaming equipment in world. casinos, which must have at least Thus, Latvia has become the 20 tables and not less than 50 ma- 70th country that officially con- chines. Citizens under the age of firmed its participation in EXPO 21 are not permitted in the casinos 2017, and Switzerland – the 26th and the taxes for gambling places Chairman of the EXPO 2017 National Company Akhmetzhan Yessimov (L) with country that signed the Participa- are high. Commissioner for the Swiss pavilion at EXPO 2017 Manuel Salchli (R) tion Agreement. B7 Nation&Capital Sports

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 Barys Risks Missing on WBC Names Gennady Golovkin, Saul Playoffs ‘Canelo’ Alvarez Best Boxers of 2015 the still nameless stadium), with points after 54 games. With this lute WBC champion Mexican Saul and Alvarez. Early speculation By Dmitry Lee By Ilyas Omarov mixed fortune. First, the Astana uneven performance recently, they ‘Canelo’ Alvarez as winners of the said the fight was going to occur team overcame resistance from made their task of make it into the WBC’s Best of 2015 competition. in September but some believe ASTANA – HC Barys Astana ASTANA – World Boxing Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod 5-2 Gagarin Cup playoffs more diffi- “Only the passage of time can Golovkin’s camp is not happy with will host Council (WBC) President Mau- cult (since only the top eight teams tell what was an individual career Jan. 27 in what will be the Ka- and Dinamo Minsk 4-2 but then ricio Sulaiman announced Jan. the financial terms presented by from the conference make it there) peak, but both Canelo and Gen- zakh team’s last home match in the was beaten by , the 12 Kazakh middleweight WBC Alvarez and his promoter, Oscar as they will have to play the last nady seem to be in absolutely regular season of the Continental current leaders in the KHL Eastern interim champion, unified World De La Hoya. five matches away from home. great moments in their respective Hockey League (KHL). Conference, 2-7, and Neftekhimik Boxing Association (WBA), Inter- careers,” Sulaiman said in a WBC “Well the champion is the cham- During the past two weeks, Neftekamsk, 1-2. When asked about Barys’ pion, but Gennady certainly has all chances, a famous Russian coach national Boxing Federation (IBF) release. Barys played four games at the Barys remains seventh in the the merits to be a fifty-fifty favour- and currently Vice-President of and International Boxing Organi- According to Sulaiman, the most Barys Arena (an informal name for Eastern Conference table with 76 ite in this fight,” Sulaiman said of Neftekhimik (one of the Astana sation (IBO) middleweight cham- anticipated fight of 2016 might team’s rivals for the playoffs spot) pion Gennady Golovkin and abso- be a matchup between Golovkin the possible bout. Vladimir Krikunov replied that he viewed them as very high and believed Barys would be in the Gagarin Cup, along with his own team. Astana Arlans Start Season The last weekend, KHL’s All- Stars Game took place in Moscow, in which two players represented Barys – defender Kevin Dallman with Win over Baku Fires and forward Nigel Dawes. Follow- categories 91 kilogrammes and 64 WSB champion Meirbolat Toitov ing the game, Dallman voiced his By Dmitry Lee kilogrammes would be tough. You (56 kilogrammes) then doubled hope that next year Astana and its saw both fights. We won one and the effort by taking out his aggres- new arena, recognised by many as ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s two- lost the other.” sive opponent Iarash Magomedov. the KHL’s best one, could host the time World Series of Boxing Head Coach Nurlan Akurpekov Later, the team’s rookie Yerkin All-Stars Game. The show game (WSB) champions Astana Arlans was also satisfied with the results Mukhametzhan (91 kigrammes), re- itself ended with a 28:23 victory beat the Baku Fires in its opening although admitting that winning placing injured Arlans’ star Vassiliy HC Barys Astana forward Nigel Dawes. for the Western Conference. match of their defending cham- 5:0 would have been perfect. “Our Levit, beat Baku’s southpaw Haji pionship 4:1, on Jan. 23 in Kara- opponents were strong; the result Murtazaliyev. Next up, Askhat Ua- ganda. was good I think. We thought we likhanov (64 kilogrammes) lost to “In general, I am satisfied,” would lose the bout in the 91-kil- Baku Fires’ London 2012 Olympi- General Manager of the team, ogramme category but [Yerkin an Gaybatulla Gadzhialiyev to give Olympic champion Serik Sapiyev Mukhametzhan] won. On the con- the Azeri team one point. Finally, Construction of Universiade said as quoted by the Astana Ar- trary, we thought we would win National Champion Meirim Nur- lans’ official website. “Good start the 64-kilogramme matchup, but sultanov (75 kilogrammes) defeat- to the season. I am glad that our our man was short of the victory.” ed Baku Fires’ Badri Khardzhiani Sports Facilities Ahead team performed well. Our box- In the 49-kilogramme category, to make it 4:1. ers showed [strong] character, Temirtas Zhussupov beat WSB Next, the Arlans will face Puerto executed their tasks. I knew prior debutant Javid Dadashov to take Rico Hurricanes in Puerto Rico on of Schedule to the match that the bouts in the the lead for his team. Two-time Feb. 6. be handed over on Aug 30. A skat- construction will be under the By Aiman Turebekova ing rink of the Ice Arena with 3,000 personal control of the Almaty seats will be ready on March 22; mayor. ALMATY – Akim (Mayor) of the construction of the main arena “These projects will raise the Almaty Baurzhan Baibek recently as well as office building and land- status of our city as a metropolis of Kazakhs Conquer another Dakar inspected the process of construc- scaping will be completed on July winter sports to a new level. Uni- Continued from Page A1 ago in the T4 (trucks) category. gerous, but long-awaited rally. We tion of sports facilities that will 6. versiade 2017 will be the largest be used during the international The Astana crew finished the 13th are full of enthusiasm and ready In addition, an administrative sporting event for the independ- The Kazakhstan team compet- stage in 11th place and took a sim- to meet the next Dakar. Go ahead, student competition Universiade building, a swimming pool and a ent Kazakhstan. The construction 2017, reported the Almaty mayor’s ed in the passenger’s standings ilar line in the final standings. Its Kazakhstan!” said Cherednikov. skating rink of the Ice Arena are facilities are ahead of schedule, with participation of pilot Andrey progress was obvious, as the team Representatives of the Kazakh- press service. already completed; the main unit we thank all the builders for the Cherednikov and navigator Dmit- of riders confidently strengthened stan Culture Centre in Argentina These facilities will be the her- of the object will be commissioned highest level of construction,” ry Tsyro in a Ford F-150 EBO with its position along with the top came to the podium ceremony to itage for future generations, and by May 9. said Baibek after the presentation starting number 345. teams. support and share the joy of the the opening ceremony will be Four residential blocks for of the small arena (skating rink) of “There ended another Dakar. We Athletes from Team Kazakh- Kazakh riders and awarded the held this year when the city cele- 5,000 people in Athletic village the Ice Arena with 2,000 seats, the are very thankful for the support of stan came to the 13th stage in 25th Certificate of Merit to the riders. brates its 1,000th anniversary, he will be completed by March swimming pool as well as busi- our partners, sponsors, friends and place in the general classification The team expressed its gratitude to said. The thousandth birthday of 22, four more blocks by May 9, ness areas being built for the Uni- fans, for you have been with us. standings. centre representative Irene Wag- the metropolis is included on the and the last two blocks will be versiade sports facilities and the This race was not easy. This is the “We did this race with the 25th ner and Kazakh consul in Brazil list of UNESCO anniversaries. finished by July 6. Landscap- Athletic village. seventh Dakar on my account and result of 118 cars launched in early Rauan Akim. Baibek stressed that, despite the ing will take place by Aug. 1, The objects are being built from I say that everything just begins. January. It was a hot and difficult From Jan. 2-16, participants global economic situation, the con- the completion of all construc- the perspective of being used af- We begin to prepare for the next Dakar, but it was taken and beaten. overcame 13 high-speed special struction is not going to be post- tion works and commissioning ter the games. For large-scale Dakar and now we go to Kazakh- We are confident and we are set to stages stretching 4,700 kilometres poned and will be completed on of the object as well as at other concerts, cutting-edge sound and stan and carry with us sacramental continue winning, to achieve goals from Buenos-Aires to Rosario. time. According to the management facilities will be ready by Aug. lighting technology is also includ- medals,” said Ardavichus. and highly raise the flag of Ka- More than a billion people world- of the Universiade, all objects will 30 this year. Each phase of the ed in the facility. Fifty-five cars started two weeks zakhstan in this international, dan- wide watched the action. Young Supporters Show Solid Devotion towards Foreign Football be pleased to become the next Although Kurmanaliev rarely he added. Therefore, the team is By Kamila Zhumabayeva head coach of Arsenal,” said Kur- manages to play football these often called ‘creamy’ when wear- manaliev. “Football is certainly an days, he enjoys both playing and ing their guest uniforms, while ASTANA – Football is an inte- integral part of my life. Those who viewing matches. their reserve uniforms frequently gral part of modern life for most don’t watch football unknowingly “Watching a match helps you change in colour. young Kazakh fans and support- lose much. First and foremost foot- out to play football better, because “Football is beyond doubt an ers. The local football fan culture ball is emotions, their intensity and you can see a game from the side essential part of my life. After all, is not as consuming as in the UK, support of your favourite team.” and observe how certain players nothing can cause such a raging yet some Kazakh fans even talk He noted it is difficult to express act, so that while playing you can torrent of emotions like football,” on behalf of their favourite club emotions with words while watch- make the best decisions proceed- said Maht. as part of their loyalty and dem- ing football. ing from a situation, such as to For many years, football has onstrate sophisticated knowledge “When you support a team for a give a through pass, break through been the main priority in his life about the industry where foreign long time, you know that winning on goal or dribble,” he added. and despite the different alignment clubs dominate their choices. is not the main point, but feeling Madrid Real is a favourite foot- of events, he still manages to de- Abai Kurmanaliev is a big fan the pride for the team even when ball club for another Kazakh fan, vote an adequate amount of time of Arsenal football club. He first it loses,” he said. “In recent years, Bauyrzhan Maht, who has been reading daily news about the sport, learnt about the team was when he fanatik.kz Photo credit: a lot of money was invested in Ka- supporting the club since 2004. A discussing it and watching match- was 12 years old. zakhstan’s football and now it is brilliant performance at the time es each day with friends. “Together with my mother, we attacks were infatuating in a lit- played pragmatic football under bearing fruit.” by Brazilian player Ronaldo was “It is a pure pleasure. Morning went to pick a football uniform for eral sense and forcing opponents the direction of Scottish football Speaking of the current football the reason for his choice. begins not with coffee, but with me. A lot of t-shirts with logos of to stumble. The art of handling the manager George Graham. phenomenon in Kazakhstan, Kur- “Despite Ronaldo’s leaving, his football news,” he said. football clubs were there. The first ball, the way they do it, is a stroke “It was enough to score one goal manaliev noted the grand perfor- interest in the team was not gone. I Maht thinks the football culture thing that struck me was the daz- of a genius,” he said. and change strategy to defence. mance of FC Astana. joined the army of fans of the Roy- in Kazakhstan is quite active among zling red colour and emblem of the “Arsène Wenger, the head coach Even though it brought many vic- “A club from Kazakhstan com- al Club from that moment and for- the masses. The system of football club. I almost instantly fell in love of Arsenal since 1996, is the single tories and trophies to the team, their ing out to the international arena ever. I think the phrase of a well- itself is not developed, however, with this uniform and did not even person behind it all. He is the man game catastrophically lacked enter- for the first time cannot go unno- known player that says ‘You can which affects many people who are bother to look at others,” Kur- who built the team and introduced tainment,” the supporter claimed. ticed. The Champions League is change your religion, car, wife and interested in the sport but are prone manaliev told The Astana Times. his philosophy into its roots,” Kur- Wenger joined the club after the the most important club tourna- all the rest, but not your favourite to observe and support foreign rath- “At the time, I knew little about manaliev added. scandalous resignation of its previ- ment in the world of football. It football club’ is pertinent here,” er than domestic teams. football and was playing it outdoors A native of France, Wenger had ous manager, said the interviewee. will positively affect the financial said Maht. “Nevertheless, football is gradu- more than I was watching it… But earlier experience in his home He initiated building a new stadi- position of the team, which is cer- “It will sound paradoxical, but ally growing. The success of the then I began to wonder what this country and Japan and knows five um to replace Highbury Stadium, tainly an advantage for Kazakh- my favourite player is Lionel Mes- Astana team last year was an un- club was all about,” he added. languages, English, German, Ital- Arsenal’s home field which no stan’s football,” he explained. “It si. This player attracted me by ex- precedented case and should be At first, Kurmanaliev viewed ian, Japanese and Spanish. longer met the requirements of the is also worth noting the fans who traordinariness and not an ordinary noted,” he said. “At the moment, videos about Arsenal and read “He is unreservedly the most top club. The coach also trained showed incredible support for our game,” he added. football is more a passive activity about the team on the Internet. He successful coach in the entire his- players such as Dennis Bergkamp, players all along the way. I hope Adidas has been the team’s for me than it used to be before, then started watching matches and tory of the Arsenal club,” said Kur- Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and we will continue to make progress main uniform sponsor and de- because I manage to play it very that was when it struck him. manaliev. Patrick Vieira. in this direction and football in signer since 1998. Madrid’s basic rarely now, but nonetheless it al- “The glory I saw could not be He added Wenger revived Ar- “I fully support Wenger’s gam- Kazakhstan reaches a new level uniform is a white or cream color ways remains a passion and it is expressed in words. Arsenal’s rapid senal’s performance, as the team ing philosophy, therefore I would for itself.” which gives it certain aesthetics, permanent.” B8 Nation&Capital capital

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 Arslanbek Sultanbekov: Unique Musician with a Unique History

By Zhazira Dyussembekova musician of the time, however, pre- time it was forbidden in the region. how, I was accepted and I was so The song is a unique, because of the tells people who we are. Also we dicted the 6-year-old’s career after “I was inspired so much with that honoured,” said Sultanbekov. style of its performance. are members of the Assembly of the ASTANA – Arslanbek Sultanbe- seeing him during his own perfor- idea. But when I told my parents, He went to the folk department “I play dombra the way guitar is People of Kazakhstan. I am very kov is a renowned dombra player, mance. He ultimately became an they became upset and I decided and it gave him so much. Sultan- played,” said the songwriter. grateful that there is such a thing as performer and composer in the Tur- inspiration. not to take the opportunity. I man- bekov has always been interested He created a Nogai music group the Assembly.” kic world. His song “Dombra” be- “He called me out and made me aged to finish 10th grade, then tech- in history of his own nation, which the same year and released their Sultanbekov believes he does not came so popular it was even used as repeat the rhythm he did. And I did nical school and right after I went to inspired him to write songs from a first album, “Nogai Nights.” In create music, but that it already ex- the main music of Turkish President and he told my mom that I would serve in the army,” he said. young age. 1994, he received the title of Kara- ists in nature. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s election definitely be a singer,” said Sultan- Ironically, it was during his stint Sultanbekov’s melodies tell the chai-Cherkess People’s Artist and “I find it and I show it. It is some- campaign. The amazingly talented bekov. in the army that he finally realised history of the Nogais, a Turkic eth- “The Most Beautiful Sound of the thing like when an astrologist says artist, who now lives in Kazakh- nic group living in southern Euro- Republic” award. he created stars. I do not have cop- stan, enthusiastically promotes his By the age of 14, Sultanbekov his commitment to music. While Nogai culture to the world. still had not discovered his talent performing his duty, Sultanbekov pean Russia, mainly in the North Sultanbekov’s study of Nogai yrights for my songs and I don’t Born in 1965 in Karachai– and his parents hoped he would met a friend from Ukraine who Caucasus region. They speak the culture, history and music brought think I ever will. They belong to Cherkess Autonomous Region of study in Moscow and follow a “se- had a classical guitar education Nogai language, which is similar him to Almaty in 2003 to visit mu- everyone,” he said. the Soviet Union, Sultanbekov was rious” profession. His interest was and taught him musical notes. Af- to Kazakh, and are descendants of seums and see instruments. He was Depending on his inspiration, the youngest child in the family. piqued when he heard a local group ter returning home he spoke to his various Mongolic and Turkic tribes, asked to write an article as part of some songs are written in 20 min- His mother instilled a sense of pat- and one of the members taught him parents, who finally agreed with his who formed the Nogai Horde con- his trip, which was later read by utes; others take far longer to com- riotism in him from an early age. to play the guitar. The young musi- decision. quered by Russia in 1634. Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed, Ka- pose. “Everything she said was con- cian subsequently created his own “I decided to go to musical col- “In my repertoire only few songs zakh Minister of Culture at the “For example I had a song named nected to Nogai. She did everything group, Saule, which performed at lege to continue playing the guitar. I are about love, the rest are about my time. He invited Sultanbekov to ‘The Way Home,’ which I was able to never let down the name of the discos, weddings and parties. prepared three or four classical mel- people – the Nogais,” he added. Kazakhstan and introduced him to to finish 20 years after I started it. Nogai people and she taught me, “We had the whole band with odies for the auditions. I was good In 1989, Sultanbekov met famous the famous artist Bekbolat Tleukh- For me music comes with emo- too,” he said. “I was always think- drums and everything,” he said. at improvisation, but I did not have dombra player Alibiy Romanov. He anov. In 2004, he and his family de- tions, with pain, with joy, with feel- ing about how to raise the patriot- Following eighth grade, Sultan- previous education. So I almost left was so inspired he thought, “I need cided to move to Kazakhstan. ings,” he said. ism of people. To raise a patriot we bekov was slated to enrol in the the auditions without even trying to play dombra.” He bought a new “I started playing in the Presi- Sultanbekov is well known in have to raise their mothers, who local vocational school, which in- after I saw how other musicians instrument and created his first and dential orchestra of Kazakhstan, most Turkic countries. He travels will explain what it is to their chil- cluded dombra class, and had the performed. They were amazing! most famous song named for the where I worked for seven years. around the world, communicating dren.” department led by a Nogai profes- One of the professors said he really long-necked lute. It became widely There I met great musicians, who with Nogai people, talking about As a child, Sultanbekov never sor. Ironically, he had only seen liked when people studied playing known in the Turkic world; type in showed me a lot,” he said. “In 2008 the culture and trying to preserve thought he would connect his life the instrument a few times and had an instrument by themselves. He Arslanbek Sultanbekov and every we opened Nogai Cultural Centre, it, driven by his patriotism and pas- with music. Murat Seitov, a famous never played it, because for a long gave such hope to me. Well, some- search engine will show “Dombra.” which promotes Nogai culture and sion. Astana-Schuchinsk Toll Road Collects $3 Million in 2015 By Georg R. Vassilenko vehicles increased by an average tor the work of the operators and of 4.9 percent thereby increasing cashiers. Managers also conduct ASTANA – In 2015, fees paid to charges by 7.2 percent,” informed daily reporting on transactions that the Astana-Schuchinsk motorway KazAvtoZhol. eliminate corruption. exceeded the plan and amounted to Ovedrall, more than 2.5 million As part of the maintenance of 1.142 billion tenge (US$2.98 mil- vehicles crossed the toll sections branches in 2015, new technolo- lion), reported Kazpravda.kz with in 2015. gies were applied for coating com- reference to the press service of With the use of non-cash forms position PS-1 and PavixCCC-100 National Company KazAvtoZhol. of payment, such as the subscrip- on the concrete coating and coat- The forecast amounts were ex- tion fees, prepayment via self- ing composition Riclamite, Reju- ceeded by up to 13 million tenge service terminals QIWI and Cash vaseal and Armas on the asphalt (US$32,008). It was assumed 24 transponders significantly re- concrete pavement. Application that the amount of taxes would be duced the load on the bill valida- materials can protect the pavement 1.129 billion tenge (US$2.95 mil- tors, which led to a decrease in the from adverse factors and reduce lion). formation of congestion at toll sta- maintenance costs. All collected funds were used for tions. The Astana-Schuchinsk toll road the maintenance and modernisa- Since the launch of the non-cash opened in the spring of 2013. It is tion of the area charging systems. payment, on average about 700 ve- the first road to not have a speed “The average fee for 2015 hicles with such passes pass them limit up until 160 kilometres per amounted to 3.1 million tenge per day. hour. Initially, it was a shock for (US$8,100), the average volume In addition, the building of the Kazakhstan’s people to pay to of cars was 7,000 with weekend branch management of toll roads ride. But over the last few years, peak intensity reaching 10,000- KazAvtoZhol created a data centre the public has learned that paying 12,000 vehicles. Compared to in which managers work around money for the road allows the road 2014, the intensity of the flow of the clock to control and moni- to be maintained. Photo: time.kz