North-South Corridor to Boost Cargo Capacity to 20 Million Tons Annually

ASTANA — The ninth meeting of the operational working group on the development of cross-border hubs, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, on Dec. 5, shed light on...


Kazakhstan Signs Agreements Worth $4.85 Billion in Green Energy, Infrastructure, and Digitization at COP28

ASTANA – Kazakhstan signed 20 agreements with foreign companies in green energy, infrastructure, and digitization on Dec. 2 during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s participation in the Conference of the...


Kazakhstan and Iran Pledge to Boost Trade Turnover to $ 3 Billion

ASTANA — Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, reiterated an ambitious target set by the leaders of Kazakhstan and Iran of achieving a $3 billion bilateral trade turnover...


President Tokayev Congratulates Citizens on International Volunteer Day

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Kazakh citizens on the International Volunteer Day on Dec. 5, reported the Akorda press service.   “Today, on the International Volunteer Day, we honor...


Navigating Green Path: Financing Green Transition in Central Asia

Editor’s note: The Astana Times has introduced a new section on the website that features articles by our readers. As a platform that values diverse perspectives and meaningful conversations,...


Kazakhstan Ranks 34th Among 64 Countries in World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2023

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranked 34th out of 64 nations in the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2023 released on Nov. 30. The IMD World...


Dimash Kudaibergen Receives Karic Brothers Award in Serbia

ASTANA – Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen received the prestigious Karic Brothers Foundation Award at the National Theater of Belgrade on Dec. 3, reported dimashnews.com. According to the foundation’s board...


Kazakhstan to Chair Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program in 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will take over as chair of Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program from Jan. 1, 2024 after Georgia, reported the National Economy Ministry’s press service...


Kazakh, US Business Leaders Agree to Launch Climate Smart Beef Pilot Program at COP28

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Kazbeef producer of marbled beef, rTek provider of sustainable technology solutions, and EcoBalance Global, a United States (US) based leader in carbon storage projects, agreed to...


Kazakh President Enhances Global Business Relations with Landmark Agreements at COP28

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made a significant impact at the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) on Dec. 2...


Kazakhstan to Introduce CRIRSCO Standards for New Deposits in 2024

ASTANA – Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov held a meeting on the implementation of the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO) in the field of subsoil use, reported...


Kazakhstan, France to Co-Chair One Water Summit at United Nations General Assembly in 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and France intend to host the One Water Summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2024. This was announced by President...


Kazakhstan Sees Nuclear Power as Promising Area for Technological Breakthrough

ASTANA – The nuclear power development is a promising direction for a technological breakthrough in the Kazakh economy, said  Minister of Energy Almasadam Satkaliyev at a Dec. 1 International...


Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar Sparks Joy and Generosity in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The 14th annual Christmas Charity Bazaar, organized by the Ambassadors Spouses Association (ASA) on Dec. 3, proved to be a memorable and meaningful event for all attendees....


Youth Empowerment in Action: Kazakhstan’s Modernization, Central Asian Integration, Interregional Cooperation

ASTANA – The transformative power of youth-led initiatives continues to reshape state governance in Kazakhstan, breaking policy-related barriers and driving changes. In an interview with The Astana Times, political...


Kazakhstan, US Forge Alliance, Pledge Swift Action to Cut Methane Emissions at COP28

ASTANA — Kazakhstan joined the Global Methane Pledge on Dec. 2 on the sidelines of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate...


Kazakh Tourism Advances Creative Projects to Unlock Potential of Regions

TURKISTAN – The Creative Tourism Forum 2023 was held on Dec. 1 in Turkistan to address the challenges and opportunities in tourism experiences and to activate the potential of...


United Through Game: Fostering National Unity in Kazakhstan Through Football

Editor’s note: The Astana Times has introduced a new section on the website that features articles by our readers. As a platform that values diverse perspectives and meaningful conversations,...


Earth-Responsible Agriculture: Uzbek Farmers Lead in Land Restoration Practices

SAMARKAND REGION – Uzbek farmers’ approach to farming shows that degraded lands can be made more productive through achievable changes in practices and technology that “do not cost the...


Taraz Through Time: A Visual Chronicle of Ages Past and Present

ASTANA — Zhambyl Region stands as one of Kazakhstan’s most sacred areas, preserving a wealth of captivating artifacts from ancient times. The architecture of Taraz beautifully intertwines historical roots...


Kazakh Stunt Performers Shine in Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon,” Showcasing Versatility and Realism on Screen (Video)

ASTANA – Kazakh stunt performers featured in the “Napoleon” movie directed by British filmmaker Ridley Scott, announced Nomad Stunts, an International Action Company, on its Facebook page on Nov....


President Tokayev Champions Global Climate Solutions and Urges Collaborative Action at COP28 in Dubai

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev conveyed Kazakhstan’s strong commitment to addressing global climate challenges and outlined key initiatives during the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations (UN)...


Fair in Almaty Emerges as Central Asia’s Hub for Contemporary Art Development

ASTANA – ALA ART FAIR, a contemporary art fair, will take place on Dec. 3-10 in Almaty, bringing together 11 galleries from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan on...


Kazakhstan Participates in 30th Meeting of OSCE Council of Foreign Ministers

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu took part in the 30th meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Council of...


Kazakhstan Unveils $245 Million Ferroalloy Plant in Pavlodar Region

ASTANA — Plans to construct a state-of-the-art plant to produce ferroalloys in Ekibastuz, Pavlodar Region, with a production capacity of 80,000 tons of ferrosilicon annually, were announced during a...


Caspian Pipeline Consortium Resumes Oil Shipment After Temporary Weather-Related Suspension

ASTANA – The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) resumed oil shipments to tankers at the marine terminal on Nov. 30, after a temporary suspension a few days before due to...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Growing Significance Worldwide, Experience in Nuclear Testing and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan published in international media worldwide. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles on Kazakhstan’s experience in...


SCO Member States Promote Regional Cooperation Priorities Under Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship

ASTANA – Kazakhstan chaired a meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states on Nov. 28 – Dec. 1 in Beijing, focusing...


Kazakhstan to Voluntary Cut Oil Output in First Quarter of 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan accepted an additional voluntary reduction of 82,000 barrels per day from Jan. 1 to the end of March 2024 at the 51st meeting of the Joint...


Bridging Generation Gap in Kazakhstan: Path Forward

Editor’s note: The Astana Times has introduced a new section on the website that features articles by our readers. As a platform that values diverse perspectives and meaningful conversations,...


Kazakhstan, Central Asia Supports UNGA Resolution on Israel’s Withdrawal from Syrian Golan Heights

ASTANA – The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution A/78/L.10 calling on Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights in Syria. According to the organization’s broadcasting,...


Astana’s Early Winter Events: What’s On This Weekend

ASTANA — As the first days of December unfold, the vibrant Kazakh capital is all set for a weekend brimming with cultural and artistic activities. From thematic art excursions...


Kazakhstan to Send 38 Tons of Additional Humanitarian Assistance to Palestinian People

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will provide additional humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. This was announced at a Nov. 29 government commission meeting, reported the Kazakh Prime Minister’s press service.  ...


Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan Agree to Develop China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran Transport Corridor  

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan reached an agreement in developing the China–Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran corridor during the Kazakh-Turkmen working group’s first meeting on developing transport, transit, and logistics on Nov. 26-27...


Kazakhstan and Serbia Sign Intergovernmental Agreements in Military, Culture, and Sports Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu paid an official visit to Belgrade, where he met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and held intergovernmental negotiations...


KazTransOil Increases Oil Supplies to Germany by 54%

ASTANA – KazTransOil national oil transporter is increasing oil transportation volume to Germany up to 154,000 tons. The head of its transportation department Abai Beisembayev announced the company’s plans...


Central Asian Diplomats Convene in Bishkek for UNRCCA Meeting Amid Global Uncertainty and Challenges

ASTANA — First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kairat Umarov took part in the 13th annual meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries on Nov. 28, organized...


Kazakhstan’s Lessons for Climate Transition: Once a Fossil Fuel-Dependent Country Offers a Blueprint for World

Editor’s Note: As the global community converges for COP28 in Dubai this week, we are honored to present an insightful article featured in The National Interest that sheds light...


Middle Corridor Can Fulfill Different but Equally Valuable Roles

“Here is an idea. Why not make the Middle Corridor a humanitarian corridor to transport essential goods such as food, energy, health (medical, pharmaceuticals etc)? These goods are always...


Defense Ministry Reports on Kazakhstan’s Preparedness for Hybrid Threats

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Defense discussed the nation’s readiness for hybrid wars, following President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directive, Kazinform reported on Nov. 28. The ministry noted ongoing efforts...


Kazakhstan Participates in Regional Dialogue on Transboundary Conservation in Central Asia

ASTANA – Kazakhstan took part in the Regional Dialogue on Transboundary Conservation in Central Asia, held on Nov. 28-30 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, reported the press service of the International...


Oil Production at Kazakhstan’s Major Fields Decreases by 56%

ASTANA – Tengizchevroil cut oil production by over half due to a storm in the Black Sea from 84,000 to 39,000 tons, Finance.kz reported on Nov. 29. With similar...


IMF Mission Chief Discusses Kazakhstan’s Economic Growth Prospects, Risks and Policies in Exclusive Interview

ASTANA — The Astana Times had the privilege of sitting down with the IMF Mission Chief for Kazakhstan, Nicolas Blancher, to discuss the outcome of the 2023 Article IV...


UN, Businesses Take Action to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kazakhstan hosted the meeting to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Kazakhstan’s activities in reaching them with the business community...


EU Special Envoy for Sanctions Visits Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The European Union (EU) commends Kazakhstan’s efforts in decreasing the re-export of dual-use sanctioned items to Russia. This was announced by International Special Envoy for the Implementation...


Kazakhstan to Build and Repair Over 10,000 Kilometers of Roads by Year-End

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will build and repair 10,700 kilometers of roads by the end of this year, including 6,500 kilometers of highways of national importance and 4,200 kilometers of...


Golden Eagles, Falcons, and Tazy Dogs Shine at Traditional Hunting Festival

ASTANA – The eagle hunting festival gathered the finest among 40 golden eagles, 10 falcons, and 40 dogs of the Kazakh Tazy breed to promote traditional hunting practices that...


Western Kazakhstan Enhances Energy Reliability to Minimize Consumer Disconnection Risks

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC) built five 220-kilovolt power transmission lines with a total length of approximately 780 kilometers along the West Kazakhstan Power Hub...


AWE Program Unleashes Economic Potential for Kazakh Women

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s 130 women entrepreneurs participated in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, initiated by the United States Department of State in 2021. This program provides women...


Kazakhstan’s Evolving Role in BIE: From Astana’s EXPO 2017 to Riyadh’s 2030 Win

Since its establishment in 1928, international exhibitions organized by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) have been a symbol of industrialization and an open arena for showcasing technical and...