President Tokayev Launches Xi’an Logistics Terminal, Marking Milestone in Kazakh-China Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in a teleconference launching the transportation and logistics terminal in Chinese Xi’an, a joint project between Kazakhstan and China, on...


Kazakh Cultural Center to Open in China: Mutual Cooperation From Theater to Films

ASTANA – During Kazakh Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva’s working visit to China on Feb. 27, discussions centered on plans to bolster cultural collaboration between...


Kazakh Government Approves Five-Year Astana Development Plan

ASTANA – The comprehensive development plan of Astana agglomeration for 2024-2028 was adopted at a government meeting chaired by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov on Feb. 27,...


Concerts and Charity Events to Mark Gratitude Day This Week in Astana

ASTANA – Along with festive decorations on the capital’s streets, the Day of Gratitude, celebrated on March 1, will be marked with charitable events, exhibitions, concerts and...


2023 Is Most Profitable Year in Kazakhstan, Says CEO of Al Hilal Islamic Bank

ASTANA – In a recent interview, Gordon Haskins, the CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Al Hilal Islamic Bank, provided insights into the bank’s activities...


Kazakhstan Affirms Nuclear Disarmament as Key Foreign Policy Focus at Conference in Geneva

ASTANA – Nuclear disarmament remains Kazakhstan’s top priority in foreign policy, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu at the high-level...


Nomads’ Fire Concert Ignites Kazakh Traditional Music with Modern Flair

ASTANA – The State Academic Philharmonic, named after Erkegali Rakhmadiyev, delighted the Astana audience with traditional Kazakh musical pieces in modern processing at Nomads’ Fire concert on...


President Tokayev Chairs Key Meeting on Enhancing National Security Strategy

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Security Council discussed upgrading the main approaches to implementing the National Security Strategy at a Feb. 27 meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported...


Four Teams to Represent Kazakhstan at FIRST Robotics World Championship in US

ASTANA – Following the Central Asia FIRST Championship in Astana, four Kazakh teams earned the opportunity to represent their country at the FIRST Robotics World Championship in...


Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy Priorities and Democratic Processes in UN Spotlight

ASTANA – During his visit to Geneva on Feb. 26, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with heads of international organizations to discuss...


QazTrade Reveals Key Non-Oil Exports of Kazakhstan in 2023

ASTANA – QazTrade Trade Policy Development Center has disclosed the primary goods of Kazakhstan’s non-oil exports in 2023, Kazinform reported on Feb. 26. Exports of inorganic chemical...


Kazakhstan Exports One Million Tons of Cargo to China in January

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s cargo exports to China exceeded last year’s figure by 43% and reached one million tons in January, Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund’s press service...


Cargo Transportation Through Middle Corridor Soars 147% in January

ASTANA – Cargo transportation via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) reached 274,200 tons in January, a 147% increase compared to last year, as was reported during...


Close-Up Look at Kazakhstan’s Foreign Trade: China Becomes Top Trade Partner, as Non-Commodity Exports to Asia Rise

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s foreign trade turnover reached $139.8 billion in 2023, an increase of 3.2% compared to the previous year. China has become the country’s largest trade...


Kazakh FM Stresses Country’s Human Rights Progress at UN Council in Geneva 

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu highlighted Kazakhstan’s achievements in improving its national human rights system and outlined further priorities at the...


President Tokayev Commends Advances in Healthcare, Industry During Visit to East Kazakhstan Region

ASTANA — President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived on a working visit to the East Kazakhstan Region on Feb. 26, commencing his visit at the Center for...


Kazakhstan Showcases Agricultural Water-Saving Expertise at Global Exhibition 

ASTANA – Deputy Agriculture Minister Azat Sultanov discussed Kazakhstan’s advancements in water-saving technologies and sustainable water resource management at the Global Water international exhibition, reported the ministry’s...


Kazakhstan to Allocate Over $110 Million Investment in Renewable Energy in 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to invest 50 billion tenge ($110.7 million) in renewable energy sources in 2024. This allocation includes nine billion tenge ($19.9 million) for wind...


Gennadiy Golovkin’s National Olympic Committee Presidency: Landmark Moment for Kazakhstan’s Sports Evolution

ASTANA – The appointment of legendary boxer Gennadiy Golovkin as President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) marks a significant milestone in sports development in Kazakhstan. His...


Dimash Kudaibergen to Perform in Istanbul in May

ASTANA – Kazakh pop star Dimash Kudaibergen announced the upcoming solo concert on May 24 in Istanbul, Türkiye, on his Instagram page on Feb. 19.  “I hope that...


UNICEF, EU, Kazakhstan Collaborate to Aid Children Returning from Conflict Zones

ASTANA – The first meeting of the coordination working group for the joint program of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the European Union (EU), and Kazakhstan...


World Bank Approves $92.43 Million for Kazakhstan Digital Acceleration Project

ASTANA — The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a $92.4 million financing package for Kazakhstan Digital Acceleration for an Inclusive Economy (DARE) Project, according to...


Kazakhstan at Crossroads: Insights From Experts 

Kazakhstan is a land with a proud history stretching back thousands of years to nomadic herders and brave warriors on horseback. It is also, however, a very...


National Bank Chair Comments on Base Rate Reduction to 14.75% Amid Decelerating Inflation

ASTANA — National Bank Chairman Timur Suleimenov announced that the bank’s Monetary Policy Committee reduced the base rate to 14.75% on Feb. 23, the bank’s press service...


Trusted Financial Source: Kazatomprom Claims Top Spot Among Global Uranium Producers 

ASTANA – Kazatomprom National Atomic Company claims top position among the leading global uranium producers, according to Insider Monkey, a financial website specializing in insider trading and...


Global Environment Facility CEO Calls for Comprehensive Action in Central Asia

ASTANA — In an exclusive interview during his official visit to Kazakhstan, Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, the CEO and Chairman of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), shared insights...


Kazakhstan Welcomes First Wave of Starlink Equipment 

ASTANA – The first batch of 500 pieces of SpaceX Starlink equipment has arrived in Kazakhstan, wrote Bagdad Mussin, the Kazakh Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and...


Green Hydrogen Project to Transform Energy Landscape in Mangystau Region

ASTANA – The implementation of a green hydrogen production project will occur in the Mangystau Region, chosen for its exceptional wind conditions at altitudes greater than 100...


Magic Behind Curtains: Kazakhstan’s Theater Guide Offers Insightful Backstage Tours

ASTANA – A glimpse behind the scenes of a theater revealing the craft that goes into bringing any performance to the stage is what makes the Theater...


Photo Exhibition Sheds Light on Kazakh Nomadic Well Construction

ASTANA — Kazakh scientists have recently uncovered techniques used to build ancient nomadic wells. These wells, found in the Kazakh steppe, were sophisticated underground structures constructed for...


Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China to Explore New Trends in Outbound Tourism

ASTANA – More than 25 events will be held to mark the Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China. The opening ceremony is scheduled for the end of...


Kazakh Site Constructor Startup Announces Plans to Go Global

ASTANA – Last year, Kazakh entrepreneur Madat Karimov introduced the Qtap startup, a multifunctional platform that integrates social networking, website building, and online payment capabilities. Currently, the...


Conference Honors Hungarian Turkologist Mándoky and Poet Petőfi’s Legacy in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – A conference in Astana celebrated the legacy of  Hungarian Turkologist István Mándoky and poet Sándor Petőfi with the presentation of the collection of Petőfi’s poems...


President Tokayev Signs Law on Child Safety and Education

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law on introducing amendments and additions to some legislative acts on education, mentoring and child safety on Feb. 23, reported...


Kazakhstan’s Multi-Identity Foreign Policy: Path to Win-Win Relationships

ASTANA — In a world marked by turmoil and shifting geopolitical landscapes, Kazakhstan stands as a testament to the art of diplomatic maneuvering. Standing at the crossroads...


Kazakhstan to Compete at Sanremo Junior Contest in Italy

ASTANA – Nine Kazakh children will participate in the final show of the Sanremo Junior international vocal competition in Italy. The grand prix winner will represent Kazakhstan...


Astana Conference Unveils Key Insights in Mining Investing Activities

ASTANA – Astana hosted a conference on Feb. 22 focusing on enhancing investment attractiveness in Kazakhstan’s mining industry. The participants discussed a range of topics relevant to...


Kazakhstan to Produce Modern Solar Panels

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to launch a solar panel production line following the delivery of equipment within 1-1.5 months, Kazinform reported on Feb. 13, citing the...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Trade Partners, Tourism, Middle Corridor and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles on Kazakhstan that have been published in international media. This week’s foreign media digest covers the Kazakh trade mission...


President Tokayev Meets with Constitutional Court Chairwoman

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev commended the Constitutional Court’s effectiveness in ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution and protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms at a Feb. 23...


Kazakh Tourism Opens First International Office in India

ASTANA – Kazakh Tourism national company opened its first international office in India during South Asia’s largest international tourism exhibition, SATTE, on Feb. 22 in New Delhi,...


Social Entrepreneurship Conference Unites Experts in Astana

ASTANA – Nazarbayev University (NU) in Astana hosted on Feb. 22 an international conference that gathered researchers and practitioners in social entrepreneurship to discuss how social enterprises...


Kazakhstan Presents Ongoing Reforms to Protect Children’s Rights at Int’l Conference

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights Dinara Zakiyeva addressed the ongoing reforms in the country to protect children’s rights at the international conference on children’s rights...


Qazaq Air to Launch Turkistan-Samarkand Flights in March

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s airline Qazaq Air plans to launch flights on the Turkistan-Samarkand route from March 15, reported the Civil Aviation Committee’s press service. Flights will be...


Kazakhstan’s National Bank Lowers Base Rate to 14.75%

ASTANA – The National Bank announced plans to reduce the base rate by 50 basis points to 14.75% per annum, with a corridor of +/- 1 percentage...


Last Weekend of February: Unforgettable Experiences in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA — Astana and Almaty, the pulsating cultural hearts of Kazakhstan, are buzzing with a rich array of events to suit every taste. Whether you’re drawn to...


Trans-Caspian Route, Private Sector: EBRD Director for Kazakhstan Shares 2023 Highlights

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has signed 21 projects worth more than $450 million in Kazakhstan in 2023, said EBRD Director for...


Kazakhstan Plans to Restore Water Institute in Taraz 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan plans to restore the Zhambyl Irrigation Institute, which will specialize only in water resources, said Advisor to the Kazakh President Kanat Bozumbayev at the...


Kazakhstan to Launch Irbis GPT Kazakh Language Model Based on AI

ASTANA — The MOST Holding is launching Irbis GPT, a ground-breaking project to develop the Kazakh language using artificial intelligence, reported holding’s press service on Feb. 22....


Italian Company to Launch Snail Production in Zhambyl Region 

ASTANA — Lumacheria Italiana, the world leader in snail production, plans to launch snail farming on an industrial scale in the Zhambyl Region this year, reported the...


Kazakhstan Initiates Special SCO-UN Event for Environmental Sustainability

ASTANA — At the initiative of Kazakhstan, a significant high-level event titled One Planet, One Future: Joining Efforts for Environmental Sustainability is set to take place from...


Kazakhstan to Open Trade House in Dubai Next Week

ASTANA — Kazakhstan will open a trade house at the national pavilion at the Expo City Dubai next week, said Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration Arman...


Kazakh Foreign Minister Sets to Present Nuclear Disarmament Priorities at UN

ASTANA — Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu will present the country’s priorities on nuclear disarmament at the high-level segment of the United Nations (UN) Conference...


Business Forum: Women’s Leadership Drives Kazakhstan’s Economy

ASTANA – The creative principle of women’s leadership has been transforming various aspects of the economic and everyday life of Kazakhstan for many years, Ayala Charitable Foundation...


Kazakh Folk Dancer Claims Gold at International Dance Festival in Berlin

ASTANA – Akkanat Smagulova, an artist from the Kazakhconcert state musical organization named after Roza Baglanova, clinched the first prize in the Folk Dance Solo category at...


Nearly 13,000 Foreign Workers Contribute to Kazakh Economy Under New Labor Permits

ASTANA – As of Feb. 1, 12,882 foreign nationals are employed in Kazakhstan under permits issued by local executive bodies, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection...


Kazakhstan Bolsters Legal Action Against Violence Towards Women and Children

ASTANA – The Mazhilis, a lower house of the Kazakh Parliament, approved legislative amendments to promote the safety of women and children and prevent crimes against them...


Kazakhstan’s Senate Chair Calls for Population Growth to Propel National Development

ASTANA – Maulen Ashimbayev, the chairman of the Senate, an upper house of the Kazakh Parliament, emphasized the need to boost the country’s population to 30-40 million...


Pan-Turkism: Turkic Vector in Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy

ASTANA – Kazakhstan emerged as a key player in Turkic reintegration following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, when the ideology advocating for the unity...


American Top Travel Magazine Publishes Extensive Guide on Kazakhstan

ASTANA – American top travel magazine Travel+Leisure published the ultimate Kazakhstan itinerary on Feb. 18, offering readers a What To Do, Where To Stay, What To Eat...


Kazakhstan Prioritizes Peace and Development in Central Asia, as UN Partnership Thrives

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is interested in building a prosperous and peaceful region and in the sustainable development of Central Asian countries, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister...


Kazakhstan Delivers $5 Million in Humanitarian Aid in 2023

ASTANA – Kazakhstan sent humanitarian aid worth $5 million in 2023, reported Finprom financial and business analytical service on Feb. 19. According to the State Revenue Committee...


Kazakhstan’s National Bank Forecasts 9.5% Inflation, Highest Projected Rate for 2024

ASTANA – The National Bank of Kazakhstan projects annual inflation in the range of 7.5-9.5% this year in its macro and market overview released on Feb. 19. ...


Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Committed to Strengthen Relations, Boost Trade Turnover   

ASTANA – Kazakhstan attaches utmost importance to the development of cooperation with brotherly Uzbekistan, said President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a Feb. 19 meeting with the...


Kazakhstan Ready to Dispatch Peacekeeping Forces to Golan Heights in First Independent Mission

ASTANA – In a landmark move, Kazakhstan is preparing to deploy its first independent peacekeeping contingent to the Golan Heights under the United Nations (UN). The departure...


President Tokayev Focuses on Gender Balance, Competitive Salaries at Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve Forum 

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve forum on Feb. 20, focusing on the rule of law, gender balance...


Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Agree to Start Construction of Industrial Cooperation Center in Summer  

ASTANA – The Kazakh investor is set to launch the construction of the Central Asia International Center for industrial cooperation on the Kazakh-Uzbek border in August this...


Investing in Education for Societal and Economic Growth: Kazakhstan’s Path to Progress

Few investments can match the promise and capacity of education for revolutionary change in the intricate framework of nation-building. Education is a key component of development for...


Kazakhstan Creates Concept for AI Development for Next Five Years

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry has put forth a project on developing artificial intelligence (AI) for 2024-2029. According to the...


Kazakh Experts Discuss Fintech Trends 

ASTANA – What are the trends in digital and open banking? How does artificial intelligence (AI) contribute to market development? What sectors need new IT solutions the...


Kazakhstan, South Korea Set to Increase Number of Flights

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and South Korea intend to increase the number of flights between the countries, reported the Civil Aviation Committee’s press service on Feb. 20.   During...


Kazakhstan Introduces Key Reforms in Water Code, Advances Water Sustainability

ASTANA – A draft of the new Water Code aims to achieve and maintain safe levels of water use, promoting sustainable economic development, enhancing citizens’ living conditions,...


Wabtec Acquires Full Ownership of Locomotive Assembly Plant in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The American company Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (Wabtec) has acquired full ownership of the locomotive assembly plant in Kazakhstan, the Railway Supply reported on...


UK Inaugurates International Climate Change Fund for Central Asia

ASTANA – The United Kingdom’s (UK) government has established an international fund dedicated to climate change in Central Asia for the first time, UK Ambassador to Kazakhstan...


Over 1,300 Ethnic Kazakhs Return to Ancestral Land in 2024

ASTANA – Since the beginning of 2024, 1,306 ethnic Kazakhs have returned to their historic homeland, reported the press service of the Ministry of Labor and Social...


Kazakh Film Triumphs at International Festival in France

ASTANA – The Kazakh film “Aikai” (Scream) by Kenzhebek Shaikakov secured four awards at the 30th edition of the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinemas (VIFFAC)...


Kazakh President’s Visit to Qatar Reflects Multi-Vector Policy, Fosters Ties Between Central Asia and Gulf Countries

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a state visit to Qatar on Feb. 13-14, signaling a growing interest in bolstering ties between the two nations...


Kazakhstan Continues Commitment to Protecting Children’s Rights and Well-being

ASTANA – Kazakhstan signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on Feb. 16, 1994, voluntarily assuming global commitments to ensure equal rights for every...


Kazakhstan’s National Sports Association Attains Membership in the World Ethnosport Confederation

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan’s National Sports Association Islambek Salzhanov received a certificate of official membership from World Ethnosport Confederation President Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan at the sixth...


Kazakh Composer Debuts “The Bruce” Opera at Glasgow Cathedral

ASTANA – Kazakh composer, pianist and doctoral student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin premiered his opera “The Bruce” at Glasgow Cathedral on Feb. 17,...


Kazakhstan, Romania Aim to Boost Energy Investments

ASTANA – At the 17th meeting of the Kazakh-Romanian intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation on Feb. 15-16 in Bucharest, Kazakhstan and Romania agreed...


Kazakhstan’s Trade Turnover Reaches $139.8 Billion in 2023

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s trade turnover totaled $139.8 billion last year, the Trade and Integration Ministry’s press service reported on Feb. 18. China has become Kazakhstan’s main trading...


What to Expect from Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship of Aral Sea Rescue Fund

ASTANA – Kazakhstan took over the chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) this year. During its three-year presidency of the IFAS, Kazakhstan...


Kazakhstan’s 30% Surge in Foreign Arrivals Reveals Top Five Must-Visit Regions

ASTANA – By the end of the first nine months of 2023, domestic tourist numbers in the country surged by 11%, totaling around 5.4 million individuals, while...


Exploring Cosmos: Stardust, Magnetic Fields, and AI with Kazakh Female Astrophysicist

ASTANA — In the vast expanse of the universe, a realm of cosmic wonders captivates the imagination of scientists and dreamers alike. Dana Alina, an assistant professor...


Chinese Adventurer Sets Out on Solo Motorhome Journey Through Kazakhstan

ASTANA – While Kazakhstan and China offer visa-free travel, citizens are taking this opportunity to explore boundlessly. Jason Feng, a 35-year-old Chinese adventurer, has embarked on an...


Kazakh Minister of Culture Unveils Agenda for Heritage Protection and Promotion in 2024

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva announced the ministry’s plans to promote traditional heritage and national identity for 2024, during the extended meeting...


Global Tourism Resilience Day Focuses on Strengthening Sustainable Development

ASTANA – The United Nations’ Global Tourism Resilience Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly on Feb. 17 last year, aims to raise awareness of the...


New Venture Fund to Support Central Asian IT Startups

ASTANA – The Qazaqstan Investment Corporation (QIC) private equity fund and the United Kingdom’s Sturgeon Capital management company agreed to establish the Sturgeon Emerging Opportunities II LP...


Kazakh Civil Servants to Undergo Leadership Training Through UAE Intergovernmental Agreement 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched a leadership training program for Kazakh civil servants during the World Government Summit on Feb. 12-14 in Dubai,...


Kazakhstan’s Industrial Production Exceeds $8 Million in January

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s January industrial production reached 3.7 billion tenge (US$ 8.3 million), including 1.8 billion tenge ($ 4 million) in the mining industry and 1.5 billion...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan as World Middle Power, Government’s New Tasks, Middle Corridor and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles on Kazakhstan published in international media. This week’s foreign media digest covers Kazakhstan as a world middle power, new...


Key German Companies Create Consortium for Lithium Mining in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Leading German companies – Knauf Group, GP Günter Papenburg AG, Roxtec, as well as the German Institute of Lithium (ITEL) – have joined forces to...


Detection Dogs Help to Solve Almost 600 Crimes Since Start of Year

ASTANA – Sniffing dogs have helped Kazakh police detect 575 crimes since the beginning of the year, reported the Ministry of Internal Affairs press service on Feb....


Almaty Airport Gears Up to Handle 14 Million Passengers Per Year 

ASTANA – Almaty International Airport is set to increase passenger traffic to 14 million people per year after launching a new terminal in June, reported the Almaty...


Kazakh PM Urges Chevron to Prioritize Local Suppliers for Projects Development

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov called on Chevron to increase the share of procurement from local manufacturers at a Feb. 15 meeting with Managing Director...


Fun Weekend in Astana and Almaty 

ASTANA — Astana and Almaty,  the vibrant cultural hubs of Kazakhstan, are brimming with an eclectic mix of events tailored to diverse tastes. From captivating art exhibitions...


Kazakh Healthcare Ministry, WHO and World Bank Launch Pandemic Fund in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The Ministry of Healthcare of Kazakhstan, the World Health Organization (WHO), with the support of the World Bank, launched the Pandemic Fund in Kazakhstan that...


Elena Rybakina Advances to Qatar TotalEnergies Open Semifinals

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina came back from 4-1 down in the first set and beat Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-2 in the Qatar TotalEnergies Open quarterfinals...


Benelux-Kazakhstan Trade Talks: Exploring Opportunities for Mutual Growth

ASTANA — The inaugural meeting of the BeNeLux-Kazakhstan Trade Talks on Feb. 15 at Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business marked a significant step to fostering closer...