Stalled IPO Programme Relaunches with KEGOC Stock Release

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s stalled People’s IPO programme has been revived to hold a new public stock offering, this time in the state-operated Kazakhstan Electric Grid Operating Company (KEGOC). Shares...


Expert Falconers to Gather in Kokshetau to Honour Legendary Falconer Masip Batyrkhanuly

KOKSHETAU – Kansonar, the championship dedicated to the memory of legendary falconer Masip Batyrkhanuly, will soon celebrate its 12th year. The open championship for masters of falconry is regularly...


Geoparks Can Tell the History of Kazakhstan, Attract Tourism Dollars, says Geologist

In anticipation of Kazakhstan’s upcoming EXPO 2017, geologists are proposing creation of presentational complexes known as geoparks. The potential geoparks will be several thousand times smaller versions of the...


Reforms Should Not be Campaign Fodder, Says Mazhilis Deputy Chairperson

During the Mazhilis’ (lower chamber of the Parliament’s) most recent “government hour,” which was focused on providing schoolchildren with textbooks and methodical resources, many flaws in the system were...


New TV Series to Commemorate 550th Anniversary of Kazakh Statehood

The Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Sports has developed a programme, including a 20-episode television series, to celebrate in 2015 the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Assembly...


New City Sections to Be Built in Style of Different World Capitals

ASTANA – A landmark real estate project where each quarter of the city will match the style of a particular world capital was unveiled Nov. 5 by BI Group...


Petropavlovsk Police, Students Dance to Promote Law and Order

The local Petropavlovsk police department recently organised a flash mob of 100 schoolchildren to help promote law and order. “For half an hour, more than 100 students from different...


International Forum Examines Almaty’s Role as Central Asian Financial Hub

A high-level forum exploring the investment potential of Almaty as the newly redefined financial hub of Central Asia titled Financing Growth in Kazakhstan was held at the Ritz Carlton...


Kazakh Metallurgical Companies to Exhibit in Moscow

Kazakh metallurgical companies on behalf of the National Export and Investments agency KAZNEX INVEST are among 750 presenters at the Nov. 11-14 20th Metal-Expo 2014 in Moscow. Companies from...


1,574 New Affordable Housing Apartments to Be Available in Astana by 2015

ASTANA – Five new affordable residential housing complexes offering 1,574 apartments under the Affordable Housing 2020 Programme will be available by the end of the year, according to a...


New Brussels-Based Think Tank to Focus on EU-Central Asia Relationship

BRUSSELS – Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov visited Brussels on Nov. 12 to address a distinguished audience of European politicians and scholars at the launch of a...


Kazakhstan, China to Jointly Operate Dostyk Hydraulic Power System

ASTANA – At a Nov. 6 meeting of the Senate (the upper chamber of parliament) chaired by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the chamber ratified an agreement between Kazakhstan and China on...


Modernisation of Astana Airport to Be Part of President’s Infrastructure Plan

ASTANA – Nurly Zhol, a new economic policy, presented by President Nursultan Nazarbayev at the Nov. 11 meeting of the Nur Otan Political Council emphasised the infrastructure development over...


Advisory Body Addresses Freedom of Movement in Kazakhstan, Accepts Recommendations from Civil Society

ASTANA – The right to freedom of movement was the theme of the regular meeting of the Consultative-Advisory Body Platform for Dialogue on Human Dimension held Nov. 10 at...


Kazakh-German Business Council Focuses on Infrastructure, Mining, Investment Hub

ASTANA – At the Kazakh-German Business Council held on Nov. 10 in Astana during the visit of German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the focus was on promoting Kazakhstan’s investment...


Second Astana Public School Joins German University Preparation Programme

ASTANA – Astana’s public school No. 67 is the newest partner in the German language programme DSD, a 22-year-old government-funded initiative that partners with public schools around the world...


Shabyt International Festival Awards Creative Youth

ASTANA – At a Nov. 8 press conference and Shabyt gala concert for the 17th International Festival of Creative Youth held in the Palace of Peace and Accord, the...


Combat and Strength Sports Confederation Enjoys Early Success, Prepares Athletes for Rio

The Combat and Strength Sports Confederation will celebrate its second anniversary on Nov. 20. In such a short period, the confederation has achieved considerable success, becoming one of the most...


In Surprise State of the Nation Address, Kazakh President Unveils Massive Infrastructure Investments

ASTANA – President Nursultan Nazarbayev unexpectedly delivered his new state-of-the-nation address in Astana on Nov.11 at an extended session of the Political Council of the Nur Otan party, introducing...


Kazakh Culture, Traditions on Display During Days of Astana in Paris

Kazakh culture, spiritual roots and traditions were presented to the French public during the Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 Days of Astana in Paris. The event will likely further...


Kazakh, German Foreign Ministers Discuss Economic Relations in Astana

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov met Nov. 10 with visiting German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Astana. Idrissov and Steinmeier...


Effort Begins to Revive Endangered Przewalski Horse Population in Kazakhstan

Przewalski horses are expected to be delivered from Germany’s Nurnberg Zoo in an effort to revive the breed in Kazakhstan, according to a recent announcement by the press service...


French Artist Finds His Muse in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – French artist, animator and designer Nicolas Journoud was born in 1978 in Lyon, France. He received his first education in Canada, choosing biological studies, but later understood...


Kazakh, Kyrgyz Presidents Reaffirm Countries’ Historic Roots, Growing Economic Relationship

ASTANA – Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev reaffirmed their two countries’ growing economic and cooperative relationship during the Nov. 7 fourth Supreme Interstate Council meeting...


Sambo Star Azhar Kenbeil Says Athletes Help Craft Positive Image for Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Nineteen-year-old Kazakh athlete Azhar Kenbeil has demonstrated excellent results in sambo, the Russian martial arts and combat sport that is very popular in various parts of the...


Almaty Conference Examines G-Global Role in Addressing Global Challenges

Developing a new paradigm focused on solving global challenges was recently discussed for the first time at the G-Global platform. An international conference titled “A New Paradigm of Sustainable...


Increasing Regional Risks Call for Intensified Economic Reforms in Caucasus and Central Asia

The policymakers who met during the recent Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) faced some somber news regarding prospects for the global economy. Although global recovery continues,...


Foreign Experts See Great Value in KazAID

Kazakhstan’s recently announced official development assistance (ODA) programme and the agency that is being set up to oversee it, KazAID, signals an evolutionary step in the country’s role in...


External News in Brief

An agreement on cooperation between the Foundation of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) was signed...


National News in Brief

Astana will host the second international seminar “Space Days in Kazakhstan” Nov. 13-14, dedicated to the first results of Kazakhstan’s Earth Remote Sensing System (RSSE). “This year, Kazakhstan became...


Economic News in Brief

Kazakhstan employs 32,000 foreign nationals who are divided into four categories by their professional skills, said Vice Minister of Health and Social Development Daulet Argandykov. According to him, category one...


Business News in Brief

The five winning start-ups of Kazakhstan’s Go Global Programme will be on display in Singapore from Nov. 15-Dec. 15. The winners will complete a start-up acceleration programme there, which...


Energy Ministry to Launch Energy Efficiency, Environmental Improvement Programme in 2015

ASTANA – Kazakh First Deputy Minister of Energy Uzakbai Karabalin announced at an Oct. 21 briefing that the ministry will develop a programme in 2015 to increase the energy...


Air Astana Signs Code-Share Agreement with Air India

Kazakhstan’s largest airline Air Astana signed a free flow code-share agreement with state-run airline and Star Alliance member Air India on Oct. 28 in New Delhi. “As a state-run...


EEU Brings New Challenges and Opportunities for Kazakh Mining and Metallurgical Sector

The Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) will undoubtedly enhance Kazakhstan’s economy. However, it will not happen overnight and experience so far demonstrates that competition is increasing in the common market....


A Look at Astana from Bishkek

There is a saying “Kyrgyz and Kazakhs are brothers,” yet we still live with myths and stereotypes. Generally, we know a little about one another. Especially now, just like...


Training Kazakh Youth in High-Demand Fields at World’s Top Universities Is a National Educational Priority

Utilising world-leading universities to prepare Kazakh youth for leading positions in the Kazakh economic, education, science, welfare, national culture and artist spheres remains one of Kazakhstan’s top priorities in...


OIC Secretary General’s Kazakh Visit Focuses on Plans to Set Up Food Security Organisation

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov received Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad bin Amin Madani on Oct. 30 to discuss bilateral cooperation and...


FM Idrissov Lays out Kazakhstan’s Top UN Collaboration Priorities

ASTANA – Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov discussed the role of the United Nations in the modern world and Kazakhstan in an interview with local information agency KazTAG...


A Good Chance to Become Better Known as a ‘Good Country’

The results of a recent European opinion poll commissioned by the Eurasian Council on Foreign Affairs show some positive trends in the perception of Kazakhstan in five key European...


Foreign Universities Welcome Opportunity to Participate in Upcoming Bolashak Conference and Fair

ASTANA – The upcoming Bolashak Alumni Reunion Conference and Education Fair 2014 is drawing the support from some of the very universities whose support is critical for the continued...


Astana Club Wins First Kazakh National Football Title

ASTANA – The capital’s football club Astana defeated Kaisar from Kyzylorda 3-0 on Nov. 1 to capture their first Kazakhstan national title early with one game left in the...


An Illustrated History of Kazakhstan: Asia’s Heartland in Context

The genesis of the book An Illustrated History of Kazakhstan: Asia’s Heartland in Context was an exhibition titled “Nomads and Networks: The Ancient Art and Culture of Kazakhstan”, organized...


Kazakhstan’s GDP Expected to Grow 5% in 2014

ASTANA – Chairman of the National Bank of Kazakhstan Kairat Kelimbetov predicted an increase in the country’s gross domestic product of up to 5 percent at the end of...


Barys North-Western KHL Swing Yields Three Points, Mixed Results

The Astana Barys hockey team recently wrapped up a tour of the North-Western countries of the Continental Hockey League (KHL), which included matches against Finland’s Jokerit, Latvia’s Dinamo Riga...


Greek Association President Calls Kazakhstan ‘Unique Place’ for Its Hospitality

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy has long roots in history, as Kazakhs throughout time have been hospitable and giving. Even today, the country maintains a balanced stance among...


The Astana Times at Global Tourism Economy Forum


Kazakhstan’s Official Development Assistance to Focus on Central Asia, Afghanistan, Says FM

ASTANA – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov reported on the draft law “On Official Development Assistance” at the plenary session of the Mazhilis (lower chamber of...


American Documentary Producers Tour Kazakhstan with Film Showcase

ASTANA – American filmmakers Andrea Meditch and Lisa Olken are travelling through Kazakhstan as part of the American Film Showcase programme, participating in the red carpet premiere of five...


Astana Ballet Wraps Up Well-Received World Tour

The Astana Ballet wrapped up its 2014 world tour recently with a performance of “Alem” in Seoul, South Korea. The tour included performances at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint...