World Bank: Economic Growth in Europe and Central Asia Remains Stable Amidst Global Slowdown

ASTANA – In 2023, economic growth in Europe and Central Asia surged to 2.7% compared to 1.2% recorded in 2022, marking a rebound attributed to the expansion...


Kazakhstan Welcomes New Town – Alatau

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on Jan. 9 to turn the village of Jetigen in the Ili district of the Almaty Region into a...


Wizz Air to Launch Abu Dhabi-Turkistan Flights in January

ASTANA – Wizz Air, a Hungarian low-cost carrier, will launch direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Turkistan on Jan. 16, reported the press service of the Turkistan...


Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan Receives 5,300 Appeals in 2023

ASTANA – The Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan received more than 5,300 appeals in 2023. Yet, 39% of them are related to disagreement with court decisions, which is...


Digital Almaty International Forum to Shape Industry Trends

ASTANA – The Digital Almaty 2024 International forum, dubbed Industry X: the Digital Evolution of the Future, will take place on Feb. 1-3 with an extensive business...


International Tourist Arrivals Surge 37% in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan welcomed 834,900 foreign tourists from January to September 2023, a 37% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Kazakh Bureau...


Kazakhstan Sees Decline in Incidence of 39 Infections, Says Health Ministry

ASTANA – Kazakhstan witnesses a decline in the incidence of 39 infections, including Covid-19, rotavirus and acute intestinal infections, said Health Minister Azhar Giniyat at a Jan....


Terminals Holding Group to Start Astana Airport Runway Overhaul in March

ASTANA – Terminals Holding Group plans to start the reconstruction work at the Kazakh capital’s airport in March and complete it in the spring next year. This...


Kazakhstan to Plant More Saxaul Trees in Aral Basin

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to plant saxaul trees on an additional 275,000 hectares of the drained bottom of the Aral Sea this year to prevent dust...


Kazakhstan to Enhance Preparation for Fifth World Nomad Games

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports Yermek Marzhikpayev instructed to enhance preparation for the fifth World Nomad Games, which will take place in the Kazakh...


More Than 40 Athletes to Represent Kazakhstan at Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics

ASTANA – Forty-two athletes will represent Kazakhstan at the upcoming 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, which will kick off on Jan. 19 and last until Feb. 1 in...


IT Education, Women’s Empowerment: Astana Hub Wraps Up 2023 Outcomes

ASTANA – Astana Hub CEO Magzhan Madiyev wrapped up the outcomes of their work in 2023 in his Telegram post on Jan. 8. The Astana Hub organized...


American Students to Spend One Month Teaching Kids in Eastern Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Two students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will spend 26 days teaching schoolchildren at the secondary school named after Seitkamzy Lastayev in the...


World Bank Releases Monthly Economic Update for Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The World Bank has published a monthly economic update for Kazakhstan for December, reviewing trends in business activity, inflation, and trade dynamics. Purchasing Managers’ Index...


Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Sign Protocol on Mutual Cooperation Expansion

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev and Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov signed a protocol on expanding mutual cooperation...


Kazakhstan’s Aviation Administration Confirms Safety of Boeing 737 MAX 9 Fleet Following US Incident

ASTANA – Five Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft registered in Kazakhstan have valid airworthiness certificates, the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK) reported on Jan. 7. The statement...


Kazakhstan’s SDG Coordination Council Approves 2024 Action Plan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Coordination Council on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approved a plan of measures for 2024 at the council’s seventh meeting on...


Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina Wins Brisbane International, Defeats World No. 2

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s top seed Elena Rybakina defeated world’s No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus with a 6-0, 6-3 score to clinch the Brisbane International on Jan....


Global Players Seek Closer Ties with Central Asia, Says Expert

ASTANA – Global transformations are opening new horizons for Central Asia. Countries are interested in establishing relations with the region to access its vast resources. Meanwhile, Central...


Kazakhstan Recovers Priceless Persian Texts on Abulkhair Khan

ASTANA – The National Center of Manuscripts and Rare Books retrieved copies of Persian language books “Tarikh-i-Abul Khair Khan” and “History of Mongols” found in the collections...


Astana Opera Announces New Productions and Tours for 2024

ASTANA – The Astana Opera’s general director Galym Akhmedyarov revealed the details of their 2024 season with new productions and global tours, reported the opera house’s press...


News Digest: Media on Kazakh President’s Big Interview, Middle Corridor, Kazakh Tourism Industry 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 the...


Kazakh President Instructs to Adopt Laws for Country’s Socioeconomic Transformation

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the need to adopt laws aimed at implementing key measures for the country’s social and economic transformation during a Jan....


Kazakhstan’s January Events Spotlighted in New Documentary

ASTANA — A documentary titled “Qantar. A Coup Attempt. How It Was” has been released on Jan. 4, offering a fresh perspective on the harrowing events that...


Yale School of Public Health, Nazarbayev University Launch Advanced Research Training to Address HIV

ASTANA – The Yale School of Public Health is partnering with Nazarbayev University (NU) School of Medicine on an advanced research training program that will support promising...


Kazakh Kobyz Player Wins First Place at Golden Time Talent International Contest (Video)

ASTANA – Shakhnaze Ilyassova, a 22-year-old kobyz player from the Karagandy Region, took first place in the Golden Time Talent international music contest, reported the region’s administration...


British Travel Magazine Names Kazakhstan Among Top 24 Places to Visit This Year

ASTANA – Wanderlust travel magazine added Kazakhstan to its Editors’ Hot List 2024, inviting tourists to visit the singing dunes and painted rocks of the Altyn-Emel National...


Experts Weigh in on President Tokayev’s Big Interview

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave a big interview to the Egemen Qazaqstan national newspaper on Jan. 3, covering the administration’s top priorities for 2024 and discussing...


Square in Bishkek Raises New Kyrgyz Flag

ASTANA – A new flag of the Kyrgyz Republic was hoisted on Ala-Too square in Bishkek, accompanied by the renovation of the guard of honor cabin, 24.kg...


Kazakhstan Reduces Quota for Attracting Foreign Workers in 2024

ASTANA – The Kazakh Minister of Labor has issued an order dated Dec. 28, 2023, setting the quota for attracting foreign workers for labor activities in Kazakhstan...


President Tokayev’s Decree on Annual Payments to Children Launches Nationwide

ASTANA – Payments to children within the National Fund for Children project came into effect on Jan. 1 in accordance with the decree of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,...


Inflation in Kazakhstan Falls Below 10% for First Time Since February 2022

ASTANA – The annual increase in prices for goods and services in December hit 9.8%, 0.5% less than in November, DataHub reported on Jan. 3. Throughout 2023,...


Kazakhstan Exempts Foreign Tourists from Taxes

ASTANA – From Jan. 9, a zero-rate will be implemented across Kazakhstan, relieving foreigners from paying tourist taxes, according to the changes made to the regulations on...


Kazakhstan Secures Sixth Position in FDI Standouts Watchlist 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has claimed the sixth spot in the foreign direct investment (FDI) Standouts Watchlist 2024, according to a report by fDi Intelligence on Dec. 11,...


Astana’s Vibrant Start to First Weekend of 2024 

ASTANA — The vibrant capital of Kazakhstan is gearing up for an exhilarating first weekend of 2024 with a diverse range of events that promise entertainment, culture...


Kazakhstan Plans to Auction Nearly 70 Precious Metal Deposits

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction has announced its intention to facilitate electronic trading for about 70 deposits of precious metals soon, Kazinform reported...


Kazakhstan Takes Over Chairmanship at International Fund for Saving of Aral Sea

ASTANA – Kazakhstan takes over the chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving of the Aral Sea as of Jan. 1. The country is committed to deepening...


Kazakh Coach Joins International Ice Hockey Federation’s Committee

ASTANA – Victoriya Sazonova, the General Manager of the women’s national teams, has become a member of the international committee for the development of women’s hockey of...


Kazakh Experts Reflect on Tokayev’s Interview

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s big interview with the Egemen Qazaqstan newspaper is stirring considerable attention, marking it as the most talked-about event on Kazakhstan’s first working...


President Tokayev on January Events: We Collectively Navigated Through Crisis and Emerged Even Stronger

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev revealed his reflections on the tragic events that unfolded in January 2022 in Kazakhstan and shed light on what he deemed was...


President Tokayev Puts Fate of Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Plant in Hands of People Through National Referendum

ASTANA – The decision to build the nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan will be made by people, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his comprehensive interview with the...


President Tokayev Calls for Revitalization of Nauryz Celebration, Emphasizing Its Cultural Significance

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the cultural significance of celebrating Nauryz, the Kazakh New Year, in a fresh and meaningful manner during a Jan. 3 interview...


President Tokayev: Kazakhstan Continues Constructive, Balanced Foreign Policy Considering National Interests

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underlined national interests and strategic tasks in the country’s foreign policy in an interview with the Egemen Qazaqstan newspaper, released on...


President Affirms Constitutional Rule on Single Seven-Year Term, Dismissing Speculations on New Election Bid

ASTANA – Constitutional rule on a single presidential tenure remains unchanged, said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his interview with the Egemen Qazaqstan newspaper released on Jan....


President Tokayev Charts Economic Blueprint with Focus on Structural Reforms and Growth in New Interview

ASTANA — In a Jan. 3 interview with Egemen Qazaqstan newspaper, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined an ambitious economic course aimed at achieving a Just and Fair Kazakhstan...


2024 Lays Foundation for Kazakhstan’s Next Five-Year Development Cycle, Says President Tokayev

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev kicked off the new year with an extensive interview with the Egemen Qazaqstan newspaper on Jan. 3. During the interview, he discussed...


President Tokayev Reveals Priorities for 2024 in Big Interview

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave a big interview to the Egemen Qazaqstan national newspaper, shedding light on the administration’s top priorities for the year 2024 and...


No Alternative: Kazakhstan Continues Multi-Vector Foreign Policy 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will continue a constructive and balanced foreign policy, taking into account the national interests, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in an interview with the Egemen...


Mastercard Regional Hub in Almaty to Focus on Data and Services

ASTANA – Mastercard’s Regional Hub for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Central and Eastern Europe in Almaty will focus on data and services, said Mastercard General...


Oxford’s First Kazakh Medical Science Doctoral Researcher Eyes Revolutionary Changes in Obstetrics and Gynecology

ASTANA – Innovations in reproductive health may prove to be groundbreaking. In an interview with The Astana Times, Asselzhan Sarbalina, the first Kazakh doctoral researcher in medical...


Kazakhstan Sparks Innovation and Empowers Entrepreneurs for Economic Advancement

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has emerged as a regional entrepreneurial hub, credited to a dynamic startup ecosystem bolstered by government policies and an increasing number of talented and...


Exploring Enigmatic Akmeshit Cave: Haven of Strength and Spiritual Harmony

ASTANA — In the heart of the Turkistan Region, thousands of eager travelers embark on pilgrimages each year, drawn by the promise of healing and spiritual balance...


Kazakhstan Steps Up Creative Economy Development

ASTANA – Kazakhstan continues to improve the legal environment for the development of the creative economy. For Central Asia, developing favorable conditions for creative talents is an...


New Social Ethics Shall Become Basis of Renewed National Mentality, State Counselor Says

ASTANA – State Counselor Erlan Karin wrapped up the results of the country’s reforms over the past two years and reflected on the coming tasks to raise...


Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy Navigates Eurasia’s Changing Geopolitics in 2023

ASTANA – Geopolitical shifts in 2023 urged Kazakhstan to align its multivector foreign policy with Eurasia’s evolving landscape while preserving its commitment to bilateral and multilateral obligations...


Astana Hosts Conference on Chingiz Aitmatov’s 95th Anniversary  

ASTANA – The National Academic Library in Astana and Auezov Institute of Literature and Art held an international conference on the 95th anniversary of Chingiz Aitmatov, the...


Dombra Craftsman Preserves Soul of Kazakh Music in Every String (Video)

ALMATY – Zholaushy Turdugulov is one of a handful of traditional dombra craftsmen who preserve the traditional craft of instrument-making and know how to skillfully bring the...


Kazakh Prime Minister Highlights Robust Economic Growth in 2023

ASTANA – Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov shared positive developments in Kazakhstan’s economy over the year in an interview with the 24KZ TV channel, the Prime Minister’s press...


Kazakhstan’s Multivector Foreign Policy: End of Year Assessment

As we approach the end of 2023, Kazakhstan has much to show as the leading country in Central Asia’s emergence – some might even say reemergence –...


AIFC Emerges as Central Asia’s Financial Powerhouse, Leading Global Rankings in 2023

ASTANA – Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has reinforced its leading position in the Central Asia and Eastern Europe region, as per the Global Financial Centers Index...


News Digest: Media on Kazakhstan’s Efforts to Increase Trade, Bolster Energy Infrastructure 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 the...


Key Outcomes of Kazakh Ministry’s Activities: Legislative Innovations, Youth Empowerment, Upsurge in Creative Industries 

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva highlighted the key results of the ministry’s activities for this year at a Dec. 26 press briefing...


Top Sports Stories that Defined Kazakhstan in 2023

ASTANA – It has been a remarkable year for sport in Kazakhstan, which began with Elena Rybakina being the first woman to reach the Australian Open 2023...


Astana’s Joyous New Year Celebration Unwrapped

ASTANA — As we bid farewell to the year, the Kazakh capital is gearing up for an unforgettable New Year celebration filled with exciting events and activities...


Cargo Transportation Along Middle Corridor Soars 88%, Reaches 2 Million Tons in 2023

ASTANA – The volume of cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, surged by 88% in the first nine...


Saudi Arabia Becomes Observer State in CICA

ASTANA – Saudi Arabia joined the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) as its tenth observer state on Dec. 26, reported the CICA’s...


EBRD Allocates Funds to Advance Kazakhstan’s Major Logistical Hub

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) provided loan of up to $40 million to Kazakhstan to support the development of modern logistical infrastructure...


Kazakhstan Wraps Up 2023 to Foster Economic and Social Progress

ASTANA – 2023 in Kazakhstan marked significant political, economic, and social transformations.  This year witnessed a reset of political institutions, beginning with deputies at all levels and...


American Expert: US Should View Central Asian Countries as ‘Subjects of Their Own Stories’ 

ASTANA – The United States should view Central Asian countries as the subjects of their own stories rather than mere objects in the broader competition with other...


Kazakhstan’s Airlines Transport Record 13 Million Passengers in 2023

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s airlines set a new record in 2023, transporting 12 million passengers, reported the Transport Ministry’s press service on Dec. 28. The airlines increased their...


Human Rights Ombudsperson Emphasizes Increased Legal Literacy in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The latest data from the National Human Rights Center indicates that in 2023, the number of complaints regarding violations of citizens’ rights and freedoms in...


Free Trade Deal Inked Between EAEU and Iran to Unlock Prospects for Kazakhstan

ASTANA — The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), its member states, and the Islamic Republic of Iran signed a Free Trade Agreement on the sidelines of the Supreme...


Kazakh Chess Player Achieves Draw Against World Chess Champion

ASTANA – Yernur Amangeldy, a 15-year-old Kazakh chess player, secured a draw against vice world chess champion Ian Nepomniachtchi in a second-round match of the World Rapid...


Number of Domestic Tourists in Kazakhstan Surpasses 5.5 Million This Year

ASTANA – The number of domestic tourists in Kazakhstan grew 12% to over 5.5 million in the first nine months of 2023, Silk Way TV Channel reported...


Kazakhstan to Introduce Mandatory Assets and Liabilities Declarations for Executives, Business Owners in 2024

From January 2024, the third stage of universal declaration in Kazakhstan will be introduced, which will oblige executives, founders (participants) of legal entities, individual entrepreneurs and their...


Kazakhstan Enhances Peacekeeping Presence in 2023

ASTANA – Kazakhstan extended the scope of its peacekeeping missions in 2023, as was instructed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, said Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant-General Sultan Kamaletdinov...


Kazakhstan’s Diplomacy in 2023: Year of High-Profile Visits, Economic Success, and Soaring Foreign Investments 

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Aibek Smadiyarov wrapped up the results of the ministry’s work in 2023 at a Dec. 25 press briefing, the ministry’s press...


Kazakhstan’s State Commission Rehabilitates 311,000 Victims of Soviet Political Repression

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s State Commission for the Full Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repressions has rehabilitated over 311,000 victims, State Counselor Erlan Karin said at the commission’s...


Kazakhstan’s Energy Sector Surges This Year

ASTANA – Reviewing the accomplishments in Kazakhstan’s energy sector over this year, the Prime Minister’s press service issued an overview on Dec. 26, highlighting significant achievements. Oil...


Kazakh Population Assesses Work of State Agencies

ASTANA – The Strategy Social and Political Research Center conducted a survey of 2,400 respondents across the country in December, assessing the population’s approval of the activities...


Diplomacy of Spirit in Kazakhstan

This past October in Astana, Kazakhstan, I sat down with Ambassador Bulat Sarsenbayev, the chairman of the board of the Nazarbayev Center for Development of Interfaith and...


Astana Airport Welcomes 7.5 Millionth Passenger

ASTANA – Astana’s International Airport served 7.5 million passengers, setting a record on Dec. 25, reported the Kazakh Transport Ministry’s press service. “We visited relatives in Almaty...


Kazakh Passport Power Soars in 2023: 82 Visa-Free Countries, New Deals with China and EU

ASTANA — This year, the list of visa-free countries for holders of Kazakhstan’s passports has been expanded to 82 states for various categories of passports, including 29...


Samarkand Hosts World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships This Week

ASTANA – Samarkand hosts the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships on Dec. 26-30, reported the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE) press service on Dec. 25.  FIDE President...


Kazakh Foreign Ministry Recaps Progress in International Relations in 2023

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Aibek Smadiyarov summed up the results of the ministry’s work in 2023, packed with major international events, high-level meetings, and new...


Kazakh President Takes Part in Supreme Eurasian Economic Council Meeting in St. Petersburg

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed technological cooperation, integrated information systems, and food security of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) at a Dec. 25 meeting of...


IMF World Economic Outlook: Kazakhstan Leads in GDP Growth Among Central Asian, CIS States

ASTANA – Kazakhstan occupies a leading position in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) among the countries of Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS),...


Kazakhstan’s AIFC Spotlights Achievements and Growth Strategies

ASTANA – As the end of the year approaches, Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Governor Renat Bekturov discussed the accomplishments of the center and shed light on...


Kazakhstan’s Exports to EAEU Countries Increase by 90%

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s exports to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) increased by 90% from $5.1 billion in 2015 to $9.7 billion in 2022, Minister...


AI Language Models in Process of Adaptation to Kazakh Language

ASTANA – Til-Qazyna National Scientific and Practical Center named after Shaisultan Shayakhmetov announced its readiness to adapt existing international large language models (LLM) to the Kazakh language...


Dimash Kudaibergen’s Solo Concert in Hong Kong Marks Seven Years of His Debut

ASTANA – Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen mesmerized fans with a solo concert on Dec. 23 in Hong Kong, commemorating seven years since his debut in the I...


Model SCO Interactive Game Unfolds in Beijing During Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship

ASTANA – The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretariat hosted a Model SCO interactive game on Dec. 22 in Beijing as part of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the organization,...


Kazakhstan to Strengthen E-Commerce Infrastructure in Partnership with International Investors

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to develop the e-commerce infrastructure by constructing and launching logistics and warehouse centers with foreign investors, particularly from China, said Minister of Trade...


Kazakhstan’s Role in CICA Chairmanship

Kazakhstan has become an influential player in global diplomacy and the geopolitical landscape due to its prominent role as the chair of the Conference on Interaction and...


Kazakhstan Advances Agricultural Progress in 2023 in Pursuit of Eurasian Leadership

ASTANA — Summing up the country’s achievements in the agricultural sector in the outgoing year, the Prime Minister’s press service released an overview of the industry’s results...


Leonardo DiCaprio Applauds Kazakhstan’s Saiga Conservation Success

ASTANA – Leonardo DiCaprio, renowned Hollywood actor and environmentalist, congratulated the Kazakh government on the conservation success of the saiga population on his Instagram page on Dec....


China Southern Airlines Expands Connectivity with New Flights to Kazakhstan

ASTANA  — China Southern Airlines will launch regular passenger flights from the new Beijing Daxing International Airport to Almaty starting Jan. 25 next year, the Aviation Administration...


Bridging Digital Chasm: Empowering Rural Kazakhstan’s Youth for Brighter Future

With growing technology, the internet is no longer a necessity but a requirement, becoming crucial for individual achievement and overall societal development.  However, while Kazakhstan has made...


Swiss Economic Anthropologist Shares Research on Central Asian Transformation 

ASTANA – Scientific studies of Swiss economic anthropologist Peter Finke have encompassed the transformation of the socialist systems in Central Asia and the regional adaptation to a...


Astana Prepares for Winter Season with Festive Installations

ASTANA – Nearly 60 ice skating rinks and slides will be built in the five districts of the Kazakh capital, alongside the installation of street furniture and...