Kazakhstan to Introduce Four Gas Processing Plants by 2030

ASTANA—Kazakhstan plans to commission four gas processing plants gradually from 2026 to 2030. These plants will process raw materials from the Kashagan field, which has capacities of...


Burabay Summer Camp Welcomes Ethnic Kazakh Children From Abroad 

ASTANA – The Otandastar (compatriots) Foundation and the IQanat Foundation welcomed ethnic Kazakh children living abroad for the Jas Qazaq summer camp, which operated from June 24...


Kazakh Researcher Discusses Water Scarcity, Regional Cooperation Mechanisms

ASTANA—The future of water in Central Asia may look grim – rapidly growing population, climate change, and add inefficient water use to that. But regional cooperation, though...


“The Legend”: Dimash Kudaibergen Performs Soundtrack for Jackie Chan’s New Film

ASTANA – The highly anticipated new film by Jackie Chan, “The Legend,” was released in cinemas on July 12. The film’s end features the soundtrack “This Love,”...


Top 10 Youngest Kazakh Athletes at Summer Olympics

ASTANA – A 17-year-old taekwondo fighter Batyrkhan Toleugali will be the youngest participant from Kazakhstan at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to Aug....


Kazakhstan’s First-Half Year Economic Review Highlights $318.3 Million in New Investments

ASTANA — In January-June, 18 projects worth 151 billion tenge (US$318.3 million) were introduced in Kazakhstan. Of these, foreign investments reached 122.7 billion tenge (US$258.7 million). The...


Kazakh School Students Win Four Bronze Medals at International Biology Olympiad

ASTANA — Kazakh school students won four bronze medals at the 35th International Biology Olympiad (IBO), which took place in the capital from July 7 to 14....


Kazakh Government to Intensify Support for Agriculture Investment Projects

ASTANA – Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture and Kazakh Invest national company assist 55 projects with the participation of foreign investors worth $3.8 billion. At a meeting chaired...


Turkish School Children Visit Kazakhstan as Part of Initiative Devoted to Abai’s Legacy

ASTANA – Fourteen Turkish school children visited Kazakhstan last week as part of the initiative to promote the legacy of Kazakh great poet and philosopher Abai Kunanbaiuly....


Kazakh Confectionery Factory Produces Limited Batch of Chocolate Bars to Celebrate Paris Olympics

ASTANA — The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Kazakhstan and the Bayan Sulu confectionery factory produced a limited batch of chocolate bars to support the national team...


Generative AI, Future of Work, Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: Insights on Kazakhstan from Coursera’s Top Executive

ASTANA—Nikolaz Foucaud, managing director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Coursera, commended the partnership with Kazakhstan in an interview with The Astana Times. Foucaud discussed how...


Tenge Ilu: Traditional Kazakh Equestrian Sport

ASTANA — Born from the battlefield and steeped in tradition, tenge ilu, or ‘picking up coins,’ is a captivating Kazakh equestrian sport. What began as a training...


Recent Discoveries in Kazakh Archaeology: Ancient Cities, Artifacts and Burials

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has emerged as a significant site for remarkable archaeological discoveries, revealing the area’s rich history and culture of ancient civilizations. Several important findings have...


Kazakh, Italian Companies Launch Educational Project for Furniture Design 

ASTANA — As European companies seek more trade and economic cooperation in Central Asia, Kazakh and Italian business people are launching educational projects for furniture design, with Astana...


Italy’s Neos Airlines Launches Milan – Astana Route

ASTANA – The first direct flight from Milan landed in Astana on July 13 morning operated by Italy’s Neos, marking a significant boost to Kazakh-Italian relations. The...


Kazakh Athletes Saw Triumphs and Trials Through Olympic History

ASTANA – The qualification tournaments for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris have recently concluded. Eighty athletes will represent Kazakhstan in 25 sports, including boxing, judo, artistic...


New Law Amendments Give Kazakhstan’s Kostanai Horse Breed Chance to Survive

ASTANA – Horse breeders in Kazakhstan are celebrating new amendments to the law on the preservation and reproduction of domestic horse breeds, signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev...


Kazakhstan’s Aluminum Exports Grow 4.7 Times in Four Months

ASTANA – The volume of aluminum exports in Kazakhstan increased 4.7 times from 16,000 tons to 75,400 tons from January to April, the Industry and Construction Ministry’s...


Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan to Double Mutual Trade to $10 Billion

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan aim to double their mutual trade to $10 billion, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said during the 21st meeting of the Joint...


Kazakhstan Wins 21 Licenses for 2024 Paralympic Games

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has secured 21 licenses to participate in the 2024 Summer Paralympics, the Tourism and Sports Ministry’s press service reported on July 11. Kazakh para...


Kazakhstan’s Dining Scene Booms with 4.5% Surge in Eateries

ASTANA – Kazakhstan registered 15,826 public catering venues in 2023, a 4.5% increase from 15,146 recorded in 2022, the Bureau of National Statistics reported on July 11....


News Digest: Foreign Media on SCO Summit, Green Economy and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)...


Kazakhstan’s National Bank Reduces Base Rate to 14.25%

ASTANA – The Monetary Policy Committee of the National Bank of Kazakhstan has reduced the base rate by 25 basis points, setting it at 14.25% with a...


Dimash Kudaibergen Headlines Festival in Serbia Celebrating Nikola Tesla’s Anniversary 

ASTANA – Kazakh pop star Dimash Kudaibergen headlined the EXIT Festival, the largest festival in Southeastern Europe, celebrating the birthday of the famous inventor Nikola Tesla in...


Alageum Electric Becomes General Sponsor of Fifth World Nomad Games

ASTANA – Alageum Electric became the general sponsor of the fifth World Nomad Games, according to a bilateral memorandum signed on July 11 with the Directorate for...


Upcoming Events for Mid-July Cultural Weekend

ASTANA – Unwind this weekend after a busy workweek by visiting engaging exhibitions and sporting events. The Astana Times editorial team has curated a special list of...


Kazakh Film Included in Swiss Locarno Film Festival Competition Program

ASTANA – The film “Joqtau”(Mourning) directed by Kazakh filmmaker Aruan Anartai, has been included in the competition program of Switzerland’s Locarno Film Festival on July 10. The...


Kazakhstan Poised to Become Educational Hub: Monetizing Export Beyond Central Asia (Part 2)

ASTANA – This is the second part of The Astana Times exclusive interview with Hugh Hallman, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan. In the first part, he elaborated on the...


Aqmola Invest Opens in Kazakh Capital to Streamline Investor Support

ASTANA – Aqmola Invest, the regional investment attraction center for the Akmola Region, launched in Astana on July 9. Operating under a single window principle, the center...


Kazakh Capital to Host President’s Cup Tennis Tournament This Month

ASTANA – International tournaments of the ATP Challenger Tour and International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour series, united under the general name President’s Cup, will be...


2024 Paris Games: Kazakhstan’s Team Uniform Reflects Cultural Heritage

ASTANA – Several types of uniforms were prepared for Kazakhstan’s national team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. These are a ceremonial suit, a ceremonial sports uniform, a...


SCO Summit Highlights Kazakhstan’s Growing Influence, Says State Councilor

ASTANA – The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, held on July 3-4 in the Kazakh capital, marked the rise of Kazakhstan’s international authority to a new, significant...


Fifth World Nomad Games: Caravan of Unity Kicks Off in Zhambyl Region

ASTANA — The Caravan of Unity, a kind of torch relay, has started in the Zhambyl Region two months ahead of the fifth World Nomad Games, scheduled...


Antalya Unveils Monument to Kazakh National Instrument Dombra

ASTANA – A monument dedicated to the Kazakh  national musical instrument, the dombra, was erected in Antalya’s Zhambyl Zhabayev Park on July 9 to mark National Dombra...


Kazakh Surgeons Perform Live-Stream Surgery at Indian International Conference

ASTANA—Kazakhstan’s University Medical Center (UMC) specialists performed the operation in live-case online mode as part of the National Interventional Conference (NIC), one of the largest in interventional...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Position in Global Mineral Markets

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is well-positioned to ensure a steady supply of critical minerals, meeting the rising global demand driven by the energy transition and the electric vehicle...


Kazakhstan, EU Discuss Plans to Develop Middle Corridor

ASTANA – Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Kazakhstan Kęstutis Jankauskas and heads of EU diplomatic missions expressed interest in unlocking the potential of the Middle...


Honorary Consul Hallman: Kazakhstan’s Human Capital, Agriculture, and Engineering Set for Thriving Growth (Part 1) 

ASTANA – While oil and gas have been the backbone of Kazakhstan’s economic growth, they are now moving to a secondary position. Instead, Hugh Hallman, an Honorary...


UN Secretary-General’s Visit Highlights Strong UN-Kazakhstan Partnership

ASTANA – UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ recent visit to Kazakhstan highlighted the strong partnership between the country and the UN, focusing on sustainable development, climate action, and...


Vietnamese Investor to Acquire Qazaq Air This Autumn

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev announced at a press conference following a July 9 government meeting that Qazaq Air’s sale to Vietnamese SOVICO Group...


Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship in SCO: Achievements and Future Directions

As the chair of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Kazakhstan  hosted the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State, an important organization representing more than 40%...


Which Sports Will Kazakh Athletes Compete in at 2024 Paris Olympics

ASTANA – Eighty athletes will represent Kazakhstan at the 2024 Summer Olympics in 25 sports, including boxing, judo, artistic gymnastics, athletics, kayaking and canoeing, shooting, fencing, Greco-Roman...


President Tokayev Presents State Flag to Kazakhstan National Team for 2024 Summer Olympics

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented Kazakhstan’s national flag to Aslanbek Shymbergenov, the captain of the national team, in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from...


Joint UNESCO-EU Effort Brings Central Asian Heritage Sites Closer to Tourists

ASTANA – Four historical and cultural sites in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan went through restoration and rehabilitation efforts in a large-scale regional project implemented...


Life Expectancy in Kazakhstan Exceeds 75 Years

ASTANA – Life expectancy in Kazakhstan has surpassed 75 years, Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova said at a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on July 9. In a...


Kazakhstan Puts 1,600 Kilometers of Main Roads into Operation with World Bank’s Support

ASTANA – As part of the ongoing South-West and East-West projects financed by the World Bank, over 1,600 kilometers of main roads have been put into operation...


Kazakh Comics Writers to Make Splash at Comic Con Astana 2024

ASTANA – Over 100 Kazakh authors of graphic novels will showcase their works at the Authors’ Alley during Comic Con Astana 2024 from July 25 to 28,...


Hungarian Ambassador Touts Strategic Partnership, Centuries-Old Bond with Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Hungarian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Otto Ivan Rona touted the strong bilateral ties and the 10th anniversary of a strategic partnership agreement with Kazakhstan in an...


Kazakhstan Pioneers Economic Liberalization with Structural Renewal Initiatives

Last year, Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, outlined a new economic strategy for the country, targeting a 6–7% annual growth rate to double gross domestic product (GDP) by...


Which Countries Do Kazakh IT Specialists Provide Services To

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s IT services volume reached 1.4 trillion tenge (US$2.9 billion) in 2023, 46.4% higher in value than the previous year. According to the Energyprom analytical...


Kazakhstan Selects Permanent Representative to TRACECA Intergovernmental Commission

 ASTANA – The Kazakh Transport Ministry appointed Almaz Aisin on July 9 as the head of its permanent representation in the TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) Intergovernmental Commission’s...


2024 Paris Games: Kazakh Athletes Secure 92 Licenses

ASTANA – Kazakh athletes have received 92 licenses in 25 sports for the upcoming Paris Olympics, said the Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports Yermek Marzhikpayev during...


Kazakh Capital Hosts International Street Theater Festival

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted the international street theater festival for the first time as part of the Eurasia International Film Festival during the Astana Day...


Almaty State Puppet Theater Wins Grand Prix at Ottawa International Festival

ASTANA — The Almaty State Puppet Theater won the Grand Prix at the first International Puppet Festival in Ottawa, Canada, which took place July 3-6. The Kazakh...


EBRD Sets to Double Investments in Kazakhstan This Year

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) plans to double the volume of investments in the Kazakh economy this year, said Hüseyin Özhan, acting...


Kazakhstan Tightens Gambling Business Restrictions With Amended Law

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed legislative amendments on July 8 to tighten the country’s gambling and lottery regulations. The law introduces restrictive and stimulating norms...


Kazakh Folk Dance Ensemble: Beacon of Cultural Diplomacy

ASTANA—The Kazakh folk dance ensemble Birlik (Unity), representing a unique combination of international folk dances and live music, aims to become a benchmark of excellence and professionalism...


Expert Explains Features of Central Asian Academic Curriculum

ASTANA – Educational opportunities in Central Asian states have been improving, but there is still room for significant enhancement in terms of creative and critical thinking skills...


Kazakh President Tightens Law Preventing Vandalism, Property Damage

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law on July 5, increasing penalties for human trafficking, vandalism, and property damage.  State Counselor Erlan Karin commented that...


Astana Welcomes 305 Young Biologists for International Olympiad

ASTANA – The 35th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) for schoolchildren kicked off in Astana on July 7, with 305 young biologists from around the world participating. IBO...


Kazakhstan’s Social Campaign Earns Golden Lion for Shifting Attitudes on Domestic Violence

ASTANA—The Kazakh advertising agency GForce Grey achieved a significant milestone by winning a Golden Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival held from June 17-21. This festival...


Nation Branding in Kazakhstan and Central Asia: From Post-Soviet Periphery to New Silk Road

For much of the past thirty years, the five post-Soviet countries of Central Asia have been regarded, if at all, by much of the rest of the...


Ancient Sakas: All You Need to Know 

Editor’s note: Discover Kazakhstan is a new column dedicated to exploring the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of the country. Each article explores various aspects of...


Global Enthusiasm for Zhamby Atu, Kazakh Horseback Archery, is on Rise

ASTANA – A sport that combines marksmanship with exceptional equestrian skills, zhamby atu or Kazakh traditional horseback archery, captivates more and more fans in Kazakhstan and around...


National Dombra Day Embraces Rhythm of Kazakh Culture 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has celebrated National Dombra Day on the first Sunday of July since 2018, fostering a deep appreciation of Kazakh traditions and native culture. The...


Tokayev Highlights TURKTIME Initiatives During Kazakhstan’s OTS Chairmanship

ASTANA – Regional stability, connectivity, and climate action are among the top priorities for Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), said President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev...


Kazakhstan Showcases Tourism Opportunities and Nomad Games to International Audience

ASTANA — The Directorate for the Preparation and Holding of the Fifth World Nomad Games hosted a special presentation for foreign diplomats and journalists on July 5...


Kazakhstan, Paradise on Earth

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...


Kazakhstan Committed to Improve Seismic Safety

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov signed a comprehensive development plan for the seismological industry for 2024-2028 on July 5. According to the Prime Minister’s press...


Astana Marks 26 Years of Transformation and Growth

ASTANA – This year, the Kazakh capital celebrates its 26th anniversary on July 6. This day holds deep historical and cultural significance, symbolizing the country’s achievements. On...


SCO summit in Astana Seeks to Understand Global Redistribution of Power

On July 4, Astana hosted the SCO summit, shaping the future development of Eurasian processes. These processes range from changes in energy supply routes to resolving issues...


Kazakhstan Sets to Implement Ambitious Projects With China, Iran

ASTANA—The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on July 4 proved highly productive. It facilitated bilateral meetings that led to significant projects for Kazakhstan. Alongside adopting pivotal documents,...


Kazakhstan Highlights Afforestation Efforts at Global Conference

ASTANA — Advisor to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Special Representative on International Environmental Cooperation Zulfiya Suleimenova emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to biodiversity and ecosystem preservation, essential for sustainable...


SCO Summit: Kazakh, Foreign Experts Share Insights Following Major Event 

ASTANA – Kazakh and foreign experts shared their views after the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which...


News Digest: Foreign Media on SCO Summit, Kazakh-Chinese Ties and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)...


Vibrant Array of Events to Celebrate Astana Day

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s vibrant young capital is gearing up to celebrate its 26th anniversary with a grand array of festivities. In honor of this milestone, the city...


Kazakhstan Explores Cooperation Prospects With Mongolia, Turkmenistan & India

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held bilateral talks with foreign high officials following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, which took place on July 4 in the...


Azerbaijan – Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership: A New Geopolitical Axis?

Among the many significant geopolitical consequences of the conflict in Ukraine has been the boost in regional integration between post-Soviet states, which has long been limited to...


World Nomad Games Participants Showcase Equestrian Skills at International Festival 

ASTANA — The participants of the fifth World Nomad Games performed at the international festival in the Almaty Region on July 4.  According to Inbusiness.kz, equestrian competitions...


Outgoing SCO Secretary-General Commends Kazakh Leadership, Summit Success at Media Briefing

ASTANA — Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Zhang Ming congratulated President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the successful summit and Kazakhstan’s presidency during a media briefing on...


SCO Leaders Emphasize Strategic Dialogue and Economic Cooperation at Summit

ASTANA — Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country assumed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) chairmanship, emphasized the organization’s role as a guarantor of common and sustainable security...


Kazakh President Outlines Strategies to Boost Multilateral Cooperation at SCO+ Forum

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed several key strategies to foster multilateral cooperation among the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states at the inaugural SCO+ format during...


Experts Reflect on Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship as SCO Summit Concludes in Astana

ASTANA – As the 24th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) continues in Astana, experts reflect on the significance of the event in current geopolitical dynamics...


Nurlan Yermekbayev Appointed SCO Secretary General for 2025-2027

ASTANA — Nurlan Yermekbayev has been appointed Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for the period of 2025-2027. His appointment was announced at the SCO...


World Nomad Games Exhibition Introduces Event to SCO Summit Guests 

ASTANA —  The Directorate for the Preparation and Holding of the fifth World Nomad Games launched the Meeting in the Great Steppe exhibition at the Palace of...


UN Secretary-General Urges SCO to Leverage Influence for Peace, Warns of Global Existential Threats

ASTANA — The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) — the largest regional organization in the world — has the power and the responsibility to push for peace, said...


President Tokayev Unveils Strategic Vision for SCO Members as Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship Concludes

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined critical strategic directions for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states during his address at the 24th summit of the SCO...


SCO Summit Adopts Astana Declaration, Reaches Strategic Agreements

ASTANA — The 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on July 4 adopted the Astana Declaration and approved...


Kazakhstan Holds 3.8 Trillion Cubic Meters of Recoverable Gas Reserves

ASTANA—Kazakhstan’s proven recoverable gas reserves stand at 3.8 trillion cubic meters, comprising 2.2 trillion cubic meters of associated gas and 1.6 trillion cubic meters of natural gas,...


Kazakhstan’s Population Exceeded 20 Million 

ASTANA — The Kazakh Bureau of National Statistics released demographic data on July 3, stating Kazakhstan’s population has hit 20.1 million as of June 1.  The population...


Prominent Kazakh Soloists Perform at Concert for Kazakh, Chinese Presidents

ASTANA — Kazakh opera star Maira Mukhamedkyzy and world-famous Kazakh pop singer Dimash Kudaibergen made a short performance for Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese President Xi...


SCO Welcomes Belarus As Its 10th Member State

ASTANA – The 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) began with a signing ceremony to admit Belarus as...


UN Secretary-General Meets with IOM Goodwill Ambassador Dimash Kudaibergen

ASTANA— UN Secretary-General António Guterres met with Dimash Kudaibergen, the Goodwill Ambassador for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – UN Migration Agency in Astana on July...


Saz&Soul Captivates Houston with Unforgettable Performance

ASTANA — The Kazakh musical ensemble Saz&Soul has charmed American audiences with a spectacular performance at Warehouse Live in Houston, Texas, on June 25, reported the Qazaq...


Kazakh Foreign Ministry Briefs International Journalists Ahead of SCO Summit

ASTANA—The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a briefing for international journalists to discuss Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)...


SCO Summit Kicks Off in Astana

ASTANA — The 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), chaired by Kazakhstan, commences today at the Palace of...


Kazakh President Welcomes Emir of Qatar, Acknowledges Ongoing Support

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his personal participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)...


UN Secretary-General Outlines Kazakhstan’s Important Role in Ensuring Global Security & Peace

ASTANA – UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized Kazakhstan’s important role in ensuring global security and peace during a July 3 meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in...


Tokayev Meets with Azerbaijani President, Guest of Honor of SCO Summit

ASTANA — President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who arrived on July 3 to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit...


Tokayev Underlines Significance of Tajik President’s Attendance at SCO Summit

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underlined the significance of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit during a July...