China to Host SCO Year of Tourism 2023 Forum Next Week

ASTANA – The Year of Tourism 2023 forum will take place from Nov. 23 to 26 in Ürümqi, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China, announced Secretary-General of the...


KIA Starts Building New Full-Cycle Plant in Kazakhstan, Marks First Direct Investment Beyond South Korea

ASTANA – KIA initiated the construction of a new full-cycle plant in Kostanai, marking a historic move with its first direct investment in a joint venture outside South Korea,...


Astana as Financial Center of Turkic World: Elevating Economic and Investment Potential in Central Asia

ASTANA — Designating Astana as the financial center of the Turkic world will enhance the city’s standing as a vital economic and financial hub in the region, providing a...


IMF Backs VAT Rise for Enhanced Competitiveness During Meeting with National Economy Minister

ASTANA — The Kazakh Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov convened with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Nicolas Blanchet, on Nov. 10. According to the ministry’s...


Tenge Turns 30: Astana Exhibition Marks Viability of Kazakhstan’s National Currency

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Presidential Center unveiled an exhibition on Nov. 10 dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country’s national currency tenge. It showcased the history of its formation,...


Kazakh Artisans Showcase Cultural Heritage at Berlin Bazaar

ASTANA – Kazakh craftspeople took part at Berlin Bazaar, the world’s largest international fair, on Nov. 8-12 to promote Kazakh tourism through arts and crafts, reported Kazakh Tourism national...


Security Council Focuses on Kazakhstan’s Transport and Logistics Capacity

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Security Council addressed the strategic risks of unlocking the transport and logistics potential at a Nov. 10 meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported the Akorda...


UN’s Review Session to Combat Desertification Kicks Off in Uzbekistan

SAMARKAND – The 21st session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Committee on the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC21) kicks off in Samarkand,...


Almaty Aport: Kazakh Signature Apple Achieves Global Recognition with Geographic Indication Status

ASTANA – The Kazakh unique brand Almaty Aport (a type of apple) was officially registered in the State Register of Geographic Indications on Oct. 13, said the Ministry of...


Kazakh Scientists Discover Earliest Human Burial in East Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The excavations in the Koken settlement of the East Kazakhstan Region unveiled the earliest known human remains, according to the Archeology of Kazakhstan international peer-reviewed scientific journal. ...


Kazakhstan’s Adai Horses Gallop Towards International Recognition

ASTANA — In a remarkable stride towards recognizing and preserving Kazakhstan’s equestrian heritage, the Adai horse has officially been acknowledged as a distinct breed by the international equestrian community...


Aigerim Abilkadirova Demonstrates Grace and Power as Kazakhstan’s First Grappling Champion

ASTANA – Women’s judo in Kazakhstan is progressing steadily, with accomplished athletes representing the country at international competitions. The sport continues to gain popularity, and more opportunities are emerging...


Outlook for Green Energy Growth in Central Asia

ASTANA – Renewable energy development in Central Asian countries is progressing unevenly. Some states have long been exploring the opportunities presented by alternative energy sources, while others are just...


Kazakh YouTube Thrives Locally, Eyes Global Expansion, Says Entrepreneur

ASTANA – Kazakh-language content on YouTube is picking up steam in the domestic media space. At the same time, it should venture into overseas markets, said the CEO of...


Central Asia-Based Film Awards Announces Short List of Nominees for 2023 

ASTANA — The Alternativa Film Awards, a highlight of the renowned Alternativa Film Project initiated by the global tech company inDrive in 2023, have unveiled their list of nominees....


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Policy, Visit of Russian President, 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 President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s...


Kazakhstan to Increase Number of Flights to China

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Transport collaborates with airlines to boost the number of flights to China, anticipating increased demand for air travel following the mutual visa exemption...


Kazakhstan – China Visa-Free Travel Comes into Effect, Intends to Boost Tourism Ties

ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the agreement on mutual exemption from visa requirements between Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China officially took effect...


Kazakh Football Museum Unveils its Legacy: Triumph in Preserving 110 Years of Sports History

ASTANA — The Kazakh Football Museum opened its doors on Nov. 4 at the House of Football in Astana, marking the 110th anniversary of Kazakh football and aiming to...


Kazakhstan and San Marino to Establish Visa-Free Regime

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and San Marino signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption to boost tourism, enhance business relations, and foster international cooperation, opening new prospects for the citizens...


Kazakhstan’s Employment Soars to Nine Million People

ASTANA – The 2021 census reveals that the overall employed population surpassed 9,188,000 people, showing a growth of 39.2% compared to the 2009 census, according to a Nov. 9...


Kazakh PM Urges Enhanced Regional Integration and Transport Systems at ECO Summit in Tashkent 

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov called for removing administrative barriers and deepening the integration of transport and logistics systems at the 16th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit...


Journey from West to East and Appreciating Interfaith Harmony

A road trip of 98 days from London to Singapore by a group of Singaporeans in a convoy of 12 cars organized by the Automobile Association of  Singapore was...


Five Unique Experiences to Try in Astana This Weekend

ASTANA —  This weekend, the Kazakh capital promises an exciting array of events that cater to diverse interests, making it an ideal time for residents and visitors to immerse...


Kazakh-Russian Partnership Prioritizes Development of New Logistics Directions Through Central Asia

ASTANA – Kazakh-Russian partnership prioritizes the development of new logistics directions through Central Asia and the capacity enhancement of existing routes to China, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a...


Kazakh Companies Sign Contracts Worth $74 Million at China International Import Expo

ASTANA – Kazakh companies signed three memorandums of cooperation and 15 export contracts worth $74 million in the first two days of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which...


Kazakh Officers Teach Foreign Students Civilian Protection Principles

ASTANA – Kazakh military instructors teach foreign students the principles of civilian protection through a training course certified by the United Nations (UN), Kazakhstan Peace Operations Center’s (KAZCENT) press...


Kazakhstan Reaffirms Readiness to Enhance Cooperation With UNESCO

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is committed to strengthening cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), State Counselor Erlan Karin said at the General Policy Debate of...


Kazakhstan Participates in First Ministerial Meeting Between Central Asia and G7 Countries

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko took part in the first ministerial meeting of Central Asia – Group of Seven (G7) countries online on Nov. 8, reported...


Kazakhstan’s Senate Chairman Highlights Global Role of Spiritual Diplomacy at Abu Dhabi Summit 

ASTANA – Maulen Ashimbayev, the chairperson of the Senate, an upper chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, spoke about the role of spiritual leaders in promoting the culture of dialogue...


Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Tashkent Conference Reviews Anti-Terrorist Efforts

ASTANA – Uzbekistan hosted on Nov. 7-8 the ninth international scientific-practical conference of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to review the regulatory environment...


Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Invests $36 Million to Power Kazakhstan’s Green Economy

ASTANA — The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) finalized a significant $ 36 million loan agreement on Nov. 7 for developing, constructing, and operating the Shokpar 100 MW Wind...


Kazakhstan, Türkiye Solidify Military Collaboration in 2024

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Türkiye have solidified their military collaboration by signing a cooperation plan for 2024 during the official visit of the Kazakh Minister of Defense, Colonel General...


Dimash Kudaibergen Meets UNOG Director-General in Geneva 

ASTANA – World-famous Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen met with the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) Tatiana Valovaya on Nov. 6 to address the role of...


Kazakhstan Introduces SpaceX Starlink Internet, Accelerates 5G Regionally  

ASTANA – The Kazakh government approved the Accessible Internet national project on Nov. 7, which aims to provide the population with broadband access to the worldwide network at a...


Kazakh State Counselor Reiterates Commitment to UNESCO in Paris 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan remains steadfast in its commitment to expand cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to safeguard cultural and natural heritage, said State...


President Tokayev Meets Svevind Energy CEO to Address Green Hydrogen Production Project

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Svevind Energy Group CEO Wolfgang Kropp on Nov. 7 to discuss the implementation of the project on green hydrogen production in...


Regional Forum in Astana Focuses on Joint Central Asian Strategy in Run-Up to COP28 in Dubai

ASTANA – Representatives of Central Asian countries and international organizations convened in the Kazakh capital on Nov. 7 to explore where the countries stand in their efforts to address...


Kazakh Films Take Over Asia Pacific Screen Awards

ASTANA – Three Kazakh films received awards in different nominations at the 16th annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) 2023 on the Gold Coast, Australia, the APSA press service...


Kazakhstan Outlines Its Vision on Regional and Global Issues at World Policy Conference

ASTANA – At the 16th World Policy Conference held from Nov. 3-5 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko outlined Kazakhstan’s approach to addressing...


Kazakhstan Yields Sufficient Grain to Satisfy Bread and Flour Needs

ASTANA – Despite poor weather conditions, Kazakhstan expects 16 million tons of gross grain harvest this year, which, along with three million tons of transitional reserves, is enough to...


Kazakhstan Allocates $1 Million Humanitarian Aid to Palestinian People

ASTANA – In response to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Kazakhstan provided $1 million in humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Aibek Smadiyarov...


Kazakhstan Puts Efforts to Return Citizens from Gaza Strip As Evacuation Temporarily Suspended

ASTANA – Kazakhstan faced the challenge of returning its citizens from the Gaza Strip, as the evacuation of foreigners and wounded persons through the Rafah checkpoint has been temporarily...


Astana Hosts Fifth Meeting of Kazakhstan-US Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue

ASTANA – The fifth anniversary meeting of Kazakhstan – United States (US) Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue (ESPD) took place in the Kazakh capital on Nov. 6, reported the Kazakh...


Navigating Work Revolution in Growing Asia: WEF Insights

In an era marked by rapid technological transformation and global change, the job market is witnessing unprecedented disruptions. The World Economic Forum’s report The Future of Jobs, which came...


Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Efforts: Nearly $1.8 Billion Recovered Since 2022

ASTANA – Since 2022, approximately 857 billion tenge ($1.8 billion) worth of property assets and funds have been returned to the budget and entities of the quasi-public sector, said...


From Extreme Heat to Wars, 2023 is Year of Many Health Challenges, Says WHO Chief

ASTANA – 2023 has witnessed a multitude of health crises from extreme climate conditions to wars, which have rendered healthcare inaccessible for a significant portion of the population, said...


Kazakh Agricultural Export to China Doubles, Surpassing $650 Million 

ASTANA – The growth of agricultural exports from Kazakhstan to China has doubled and reached $653.3 million, said Kazakh Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov during an Oct.31 meeting with a...


Kazakh Elections Signal Groundbreaking Political Reforms in Central Asia, Says State Counselor Karin 

ASTANA — The recent elections of local akims (mayors) in Kazakhstan have made history as the inaugural experience of such democratic processes in Central Asia, wrote the State Counselor...


Dimash Kudaibergen Welcomes Furry Gift from President Tokayev

ASTANA – Kazakh pop star Dimash Kudaibergen shared an Instagram post on Nov. 5 showcasing his new pet, a Kazakh Tazy, a special gift from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Kudaibergen...