National Bank Issues New 100 Tenge Coins for New Year

The National Bank of Kazakhstan has issued four silver and two nickel silver alloy coins, according to the National Bank of Kazakhstan. “The National Bank of Kazakhstan...


Kazakhstan Weathers Difficult 2015, President Says in Year-End Interview

ASTANA ­– Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed how Kazakhstan fared in 2015 during a recent interview with national television channels Kazakhstan and 24KZ. “During the years of...


Kazakh PM Visits China, Expands Economic Ties Further

Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov participated Dec. 12-13 in the third session of the Kazakh-Chinese Business Council (KCBC) in Beijing, China, and visited Hong Kong, reported the...


Interethnic Harmony One of Biggest Achievements of 24-Year-Young Kazakhstan

As Kazakhstan looks back on its 24 years as an independent country, there is a great deal to celebrate. Its rise from such a troubled start to...


A Dozen Ways to Diversify Kazakhstan’s Economy

Like many hydrocarbon-rich countries, Kazakhstan feels itself vulnerable to its “monoculture” economy, the lifeblood of its sustenance since independence – and a sort of dependence addiction. The...


World Winter Universiade Praises Almaty’s 2017 Universiade Preparations

ASTANA – An International University Sports Federation (FISU) delegation led by Director of the World Winter Universiade at FISU Milan Augustin recently visited the venues to be...


Charcoal Art Exhibit Reveals Mining World

Astana held a unique exhibition of charcoal drawings created by local artist and head of the Men Qazaqpyn (“I am Kazakh”) project Bakhytzhan Bukharbayev. The medium was...


Kazakhstan, China Sign $50 Billion Worth of Deals in 2015, Ambassador in Beijing Says

As Kazakhstan and China look back at the year of intensive diplomacy and economic cooperation and plan for next year, we interviewed Kazakh Ambassador to China Shakhrat...


Kazakh Weightlifter Ilya Ilyin Wins Gold, Sets Two New World Records in Grozny

ASTANA –Kazakh two-time Olympic Champion and four-time world champion Ilya Ilyin, 27, set two new world records at the Fifth Russian Federation President Weightlifting Cup in Grozny,...


Airport for Tourists Flying to Alakol Lake to Be Built in Usharal, Says Official

ASTANA – The Kazakh government plans to build an airport in the town of Usharal in the Alakol District of the Almaty Region in south-eastern Kazakhstan to...


Global Ecological Fund Expected to Allocate $9 Million for Forest Ecosystem Management

ASTANA – Kazakhstan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), submitted an application for $9 million to the Global Ecological Fund (GEF) for the purpose...


Netherlands Interested in 100 Concrete Steps, Nurly Zhol, Kazakh Ambassador Says

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited Astana Dec. 2 for a trip heavily focused on economic cooperation. We interviewed Mainyura Murzamadiyeva, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador in The Hague, to...


“Mistress” Takes Almaty by Storm

Passionate, sensual and sexy. Although it sounds like a perfect recipe for a powerful aphrodisiac, there is a way to experience these same feelings without actually getting...


KAZ Minerals Produces First Cathode Copper in East Kazakhstan

The KAZ Minerals mining group has produced the first cathode copper at the Aktogai ore deposit located in East Kazakhstan. According to the company’s forecast, the level...


FISU Evaluates Preparations for 2017 Universiade; Praises Sport Development Efforts in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – A delegation of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) led by the recently elected FISU President Oleg Matytsin paid a working visit to Kazakhstan to...


Kazakhstan Marks Human Rights Day

ASTANA – A round table discussion devoted to Human Rights Day organised by the Human Rights Commission under the President of Kazakhstan took place in Astana Dec.10....


Experts Say More Efforts Needed by Government and Individuals to Protect Kazakh Cyberspace

ASTANA – Cybercrime happens routinely. Kazakhstan passed a law on information privacy two years ago and continues to expand efforts to support cybersecurity, but it seems like...


ISTC Opens Headquarters in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan became an official host state for the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC) as of Dec. 9, when the agreement on the continuation of...


International Experts Discuss EXPO 2017 Topics at COP 21

PARIS – Scientists, business representatives and officials engaged in lively discussions in Paris Dec. 7 at the Future Energy Forum at the UN Education, Science and Culture...


Mongolia Officially Confirms Participation in Astana EXPO 2017

ASTANA – Mongolia officially confirmed its participation in EXPO 2017 in Astana with the signing of the formal agreement by Mongolian Minister of Energy and Commissioner of...


Astana Architecture and City Building Management Chief Highlights Capital’s Plan for ‘Harmonious’ Architectural Development

ASTANA – Head of the city’s Architecture and City Building Management Vitaliy Siletskiy recently discussed the capital’s development plans and new projects. Among those under consideration are...


Canada, Central Asian States Discuss Major Challenges to Security Governance in Astana

ASTANA – Discussions at the final roundtable of the inaugural Central Asia Security Innovation Conference at the Library of the First President in Astana Dec. 9 highlighted...


Quality, Reputation, Hospitality Draws Indian Students to Karaganda

ASTANA – With many Kazakh students going abroad for university or post-graduate studies, it may come as a surprise that Karaganda State Medical University (KSMU) is the...


Healthcare to be Improved by E-Government Programme

Modern information and communication technologies occupy a central position in the world in health security, medical services and the transformation of healthcare systems. Information systems of electronic...


Kazakh Skaters Take Gold, Silver at Golden Spin Tournament

ASTANA – Kazakh figure skater and Sochi Olympics bronze medallist Denis Ten won the men’s singles competition in the Golden Spin of Zagreb international tournament, held in...


UN Adopts Nuclear-Weapons-Free World Declaration initiated by Kazakhstan

ASTANA – During its Dec. 7 plenary session, the United Nations General Assembly (GA) approved the Universal Declaration for the Achievement of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World put forward...


Serbia Concludes OSCE Chairmanship; Kazakh FM Calls for More Robust Role for Group in Fighting Extremism

BELGRADE – The 22nd meeting of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council in Belgrade Dec. 3–4 saw the culmination of Serbia’s one-year...


President Signs Law on Astana International Financial Centre

ASTANA – Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed the constitutional law “On the Astana International Financial Centre” on Dec. 7, the Akorda reported. The law supports the establishment...


Style, Fabrics and Client Approach Winning Kazakh Fashion Brand Loyalty

ASTANA – The unique style and convenience of Kazakh fashion brands, particularly Salta, may be the reason local women make up the list of their loyal clients,...


Bolashak Alumni Discuss Almaty’s Development to 2020

A meeting of graduates of the Bolashak Presidential Scholarship Programme took place in Almaty on Nov. 17. About 100 or so attendees discussed the draft of the...


New Partnership Agreement Reflects More Equal, Mature Relationship Between Kazakhstan, EU, Ambassador Says

ASTANA – The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) negotiated between Kazakhstan and the European Union last year and due to be formally signed in Astana Dec....


UAE Top Officials Discuss Terrorism, Syrian Crisis and Relations with Iran

ABU DHABI – On the eve of the celebration of the 44th National Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the UAE’s National Media Council invited foreign...


Reviving the Village Project Delivers Free Fresh Local Farm Products

The free delivery of local farm products has started in Almaty in the framework of the newly launched Reviving the Village social project.  The group of eight...


Astana Hosts UAE 44th National Day Reception

ASTANA – The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Astana hosted a reception at the Rixos President Hotel to mark the UAE’s 44th National Day...


New Work Estimation Criteria to Be Introduced for Governors

President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev announced recently new criteria to be introduced to estimate the level of efficiency of akims (governors), reported the Akorda press service. “The...


Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Confirm Participation in EXPO 2017

ASTANA – Commissioner of EXPO 2017 and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Rapil Zhoshybayev paid a working visit to Turkmenistan Dec. 2, reported the...


National Bank Presents New 20,000-Tenge Note, Highlights Note’s Anti-Counterfeit Features

ASTANA – A new 20,000-tenge bank note, considered one of the most secure bank notes against counterfeiting, was launched by the Kazakh National Bank Dec. 1. “The...


Aitys/Aitysh Added to UNESCO’s World List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

ASTANA – The joint Kazakh-Kyrgyz nomination of “Aitys/Aitysh, the art of improvisation,” was inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity on Dec....


EBRD to Fund Large Aircraft Maintenance Facility in Astana

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national airline, Air Astana, will soon get an infusion of cash in the form of a European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) loan...


Astana Times Celebrates Five Years Informing Nation, Expats and Visitors

ASTANA – The Astana Times passed its five year anniversary Nov. 30, celebrating its transition from a one-time digest to a monthly printed paper and now to...


Capital Forecasts $606 Million in City Revenue for 2016

ASTANA – Deputy of the Astana Maslikhat and member of the city’s Economics and Budget Planning Management Committee Gulnar Dzhusupova announced at a recent meeting of the...


Stateless Persons in Central Asia Pose Challenge for Region

Sixty years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declared that “everyone has the right to a nationality,” however, millions of people around the world still do...


Shymkent Factory Launches Country’s First Production of Sterile Garments for Newborns

The MedTexKZ company has launched the production of sterile vests, sliders, caps and other clothing for newborns at a plant in Shymkent. The factory is the only...


Golovkin Now Ranks as Second Best Pound-for-Pound Boxer in the World

Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, Kazakhstan’s world champion under the World Boxing Association (WBA Super), International Boxing Organisation (IBO), World Boxing Council (WBC Interim) and International Boxing Federation (IBF)...


New ‘Green’ Railway Station Under Construction in Astana

ASTANA – A new railway station using green technologies is being built in Astana, reported the press service of Kazakhstan’s national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ)...


Kazakh FM Stresses Need for Coordinated Policies on Eurasia, Stronger Ties with Europe

VIENNA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov continued his country’s public campaign aimed at promoting a framework of mutually beneficial cooperation within Central Asia and with its...


Kazakhstan Showcases National Cuisine at Charity Fair in Brazil

ASTANA – More than 100 diplomatic representatives accredited in Brazil, including from the Embassy of Kazakhstan, attended a charity fair for orphans at the Mane Garrincha National...


Putin Signs Law on Use of Balkhash Unit in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Russian President Vladimir Putin recently ratified an agreement with Kazakhstan about transmission terms and procedure for the further use of the country’s Balkhash unit in...


Dutch PM Rutte Meets Kazakh President, Prime Minister in Astana

ASTANA – Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte arrived in Astana Dec. 2 for an official visit which was intended to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties...


If Life Gives You Lemons…

Albert Einstein told us that “in the middle of difficulty, there is opportunity.” It was a message echoed by President Nursultan Nazarbayev Nov. 30 in a sombre...


FM Idrissov Visits Vienna, Addresses ECFA on Eurasian Challenges

VIENNA – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov held a number of bilateral and multilateral meetings and took part in the second annual meeting of...


Kazakh Director Tackles Issue of Young, Unmarried Women in Latest Film

ASTANA – Kazakh director Askar Bisembin’s new film “Marriage at 30” will attempt to show what the average young, unmarried woman wants. The movie is being filmed...


Japan Ready to Help Kazakhstan Develop High-Quality Infrastructure

ASTANA – Japanese government officials and representatives of 25 large companies participated in the Nov. 23 Kazakh-Japanese conference on high-quality infrastructure in Astana. “The recent visit of...


Kazakh Weightlifters Win Full Set of Licenses for Rio Olympics 2016

Kazakhstan’s national weightlifting team came in third in the medal standings of the International Weightlifting Federation World Weightlifting Championship in Houston on Nov. 20–28. Also, for the...


Book on 19th Century Journey to Kazakh Steppe Published in London

“South to the Great Steppe: the travels of Thomas and Lucy Atkinson in Eastern Kazakhstan 1847–52,” a book by award-winning British author and journalist Nick Fielding about...


Roundtable on Consequences of Nuclear Weapons Highlights Looming Dangers

ASTANA – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Japanese Embassy in Astana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and the Kazakh Humanitarian Law...


President Takes Relaxed Tone in Annual State of Nation Address

ASTANA – During the annual State of the Nation address held Nov. 30 at the capital’s Palace of Independence, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev spoke and acted as...


President Delivers State of Nation Address, Discusses Global Challenges, Calls People to Live Within their Means

ASTANA – Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev delivered his annual State of the Nation address Nov. 30 in the capital’s Palace of Independence. In his speech, the head...


OSCE: In Greater Demand Than Ever

If the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) did not exist, there would be loud demands, given the challenges the continent faces and the tensions...


Kazakh President Urges Russia and Turkey to Move Toward Reconciliation

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev took a few moments in his state of the nation speech Nov. 30 to address the tensions between Russia and...


Celebrating Day of First President as Day of Common Success

It is just 24 years ago this month that Kazakhstan began its journey as an independent nation. It would be no exaggeration to say that few outside...


Kazakh FM Visits Iran, Discusses Bilateral Cooperation

ASTANA­­ – Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov was received by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and met with the country’s government officials during his visit to Tehran...


Following Visit to Kazakhstan, IMF Mission Praises Short-term Counter-Crisis Measures, Calls for Stronger Medium-Term Plan

ASTANA – The Concluding Statement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visit to Kazakhstan from Nov. 12–17 found the macroeconomic landscape of the region still “challenging” but...


EBRD Launches Women in Business Programme in Kazakhstan at Eurasian Women’s Summit in Astana

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) officially launched its Women in Business programme in Kazakhstan at the Eurasian Women’s Summit (EWS) held Nov....


Futuristic Residential Complex Designed for Astana Gains International Attention

The Slalom House project, designed by Kazakh architect Shokhan Mataibekov, representing the Union of Architects of Kazakhstan, was one of two Kazakh projects shortlisted for an award...


FC Astana Draws in All Three Home Games in Champions League Group, Eliminated from Playoffs Following Draw with Benfica

ASTANA – With practically no chance of making the Champions League playoffs, FC Astana went into their Nov. 25 battle with Benfica at full throttle anyway, charging...


Berlin Conference Seeks Ways to Move Nuclear Disarmament Forward

BERLIN – The Westerwelle Foundation and the Kazakh Embassy in Germany held a conference at the foundation in Berlin Nov. 23, where Kazakhstan’s nuclear disarmament initiatives and...


Netherlands Confirms Intentions to Participate in EXPO 2017

THE HAGUE – The Netherlands confirmed its intention to participate in EXPO 2017 in Astana during a Nov. 19–20 visit to the country by First Deputy Minister...


Kazakhstan Willing to Supply Gas via Proposed TAPI Pipeline to India, FM Says

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov took part in the third Summit of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), held Nov. 23 in Tehran, stressing that Kazakhstan is...


President Signs Social Insurance Law, Other Legislation Supporting Plan of the Nation

ASTANA – President Nursultan Nazarbayev has signed a law on social health insurance as well as bills supporting Kazakhstan’s Plan of the Nation, the series of 100...


Newly Signed Labour Code Reduces Gov’t Interference in Employer-Employee Relations

ASTANA – President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed on Nov. 23 Kazakhstan’s new Labour Code, which gives employers more autonomy in determining wages, work contracts and transfers, among other...


Population of Kazakhstan on the Rise, Says New Report

ASTANA – The population of Kazakhstan is on the rise, according to figures released by the Ministry of National Economy statistics committee. Since the beginning of 2015,...


What I Expect From the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris

For the nearly nine years that I have been secretary-general, I have travelled the world to the frontlines of climate change, and I have spoken repeatedly with...


Kazakh Sailors Complete Training in France, Work with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Kazakh sailors recently participated in a two-week military training utilising autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles in the city of Toulon, France, reported the press service of...


Scientific Conference in Moscow Focuses on Kazakh History

The international scientific-practical conference “From the Turkic El to the Kazakh Khanate” was held Nov. 16 at the Russian State Library, noted the Kazakh Foreign Ministry website....


Volunteering Culture Develops in Kazakhstan, Regulations under Consideration to Help Efforts

ASTANA – Although volunteering was not a concept familiar to Kazakh people in the past, the majority of individuals interviewed for this story agree the idea of...


Three-Year National Draft Budget Approved by Mazhilis; Social Obligations Maintained, Economy to be Dedollarised

ASTANA – The draft budget for the next three years was approved Nov. 18 by the deputies of the Mazhilis (lower chamber of Parliament). The financial document...


Nazarbayev Amends Education Law, Introduces Dual Training, Other Changes

ASTANA – President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed the law “Introducing amendments in legislative acts of Kazakhstan on education” as part of the 100 Concrete Steps Plan, to be...


WTO Accession Will Improve Kazakh Investment Climate, Officials Believe

ASTANA – On the eve of the 10th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference, to be held Dec. 15-18 in Nairobi, Kenya, a briefing on Kazakhstan’s accession...


Kazakh, Afghan Presidents Agree to Expand Trade, Economic Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev met Nov. 20 with Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani when the latter paid his first official visit to Astana. The heads...


Petrol Prices to Remain Steady Despite Rising Excise Taxes, Minister Says

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of National Economy Yerbolat Dossayev reassured residents that the increase in excise taxes for petroleum products will not cause a surge in petrol...


New Law to Give Public Greater Access to Government Information

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev signed the law “On access to information” on Nov. 16, the press service of the Akorda reported. The document is...


President Charges Government to Maintain All Social Programmes, Freeze Prices on Essential Products

ASTANA – President Nursultan Nazarbayev ordered the Kazakh government during a Nov. 18 government meeting to save social programmes and make a point of the social protection...


East Kazakhstan, Chinese Businesses Ink Agreements Worth $1.7 Billion

ASTANA – Businesses from East Kazakhstan and China signed seven business agreements worth $1.7 billion during a mid-November working trip by a delegation from the East Kazakhstan...


Kazakhstan, Afghanistan Face Modern Challenges through Integration, Economic Development

Omirtai Bitimov has served as Kazakh Ambassador in Afghanistan since June 2011. He is a career diplomat and a veteran of the national security service, having served...


Paris Forum to Discuss ‘Climate Change and Energy of the Future’

ASTANA – The Future Energy Forum will gather international experts in Paris on Dec. 9 for an event to be held on the sidelines of the 21st...


Expert Group Discusses Legal Status of Caspian Sea

ASTANA – The 42nd regular session of the working group on the Convention of the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea opened at the Kazakh Foreign Ministry in Astana...


Kazakh IT Specialists Find Success in Silicon Valley

ASTANA – Sergey Makagonov and Alibek Datbayev work for Ipsy, one of the most successful American start-ups in Silicon Valley. The company recently raised $100 million in...


President Criticises Finance Minister, Says Crisis Also Presents Opportunities

ASTANA – The President of Kazakhstan was strongly critical of Finance Minister Bakhyt Sultanov in the enlarged meeting of the government he chaired Nov. 18, telling the...


Astana Condemns Act of Terror on Downed Russian Plane, Offers Condolences to Russian People

ASTANA – “Kazakhstan strongly condemns the act of terrorism perpetrated on board the Russian A321 passenger plane of Kogalymavia Airlines flying from Sharm el-Sheikh to Saint Petersburg on...


Afghan President Speaks With Kazakh Journalists before Visit to Astana

ASTANA – Khabar Agency reporters visited Kabul Nov. 16 to interview President of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on the eve of his official visit to Kazakhstan, discussing...


Barys Makes Progress as KHL Season Enters Second Half

ASTANA – Having played 31 games by last weekend, Barys Astana has crossed the half-season mark in the eighth regular season of the Continental Hockey League (KHL)....


Legalisation Campaign Seeks to Add Revenue to National Budget, Reduce Shadow Economy

ASTANA – Kazakhstan launched property and capital legalisation campaigns in September 2014 that are scheduled to run until Dec. 31, 2015. The campaigns include the approval of...


Kazakh Muslim Leaders Denounce Paris Attacks

ASTANA – The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan condemned the terrorist acts in Paris in a statement issued Nov. 15, reported the official website of the...


Packaging Producers Discuss Market Issues

ASTANA – The conference of Kazakh packaging producers held in the capital Nov. 6 included discussions by representatives of domestic businesses who expressed dissatisfaction with the pricing...


Karaganda Attracts International Operetta Stars

The Karaganda Theatre of Musical Comedy was the host Nov. 1 for DosStar, the fifth International Operetta Festival. The event opened with a Russian burlesque performance by...


Sport in Kazakhstan: Good for the Nation’s Heart and Wallet

2015 has been one of the most successful years for sport in Kazakhstan. Thousands of loyal fans have been cheering on FC Astana as they have reached...


Kazakhstan Airlines Suspend Flights to Egypt

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has suspended tourist flights to Egypt due to safety concerns following the crash of a Russian passenger plane that killed 224 people Oct. 31....


‘Kazakh Khanate’ Series and Film to Be Released during 2016 Nauryz Celebrations

ASTANA – The 10-episode “The Kazakh Khanate” cinematic series and a motion picture based on the series will be released during the spring 2016 Nauryz celebrations, said...


Domestic Alcohol Excise Taxes to Increase by 15 Percent

ASTANA – The Kazakh Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) approved on Nov. 11 changes made by the Senate to the Law “On amendments and additions to some...