Kazakhstan, France Sign Agreements Worth $1.4 Billion Across Multiple Sectors

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and France signed thirteen agreements in transport and logistics, engineering, health care, and agroindustry worth more than $1.4 billion as part of the Kazakhstan-France...


Promoting Gender Equality Starts with Oneself, Says UNDP Global Director

ASTANA – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Director for Gender Equality Raquel Lagunas visited Kazakhstan on Oct. 16-20, meeting with senior government officials, parliamentarians, and women’s...


November Delights in Astana: Events to Attend

ASTANA — The capital of Kazakhstan buzzes with a vibrant array of events and activities this first weekend of November. Whether you’re keen on sports, arts, or...


Kazakhstan Intends to Increase Export Volumes to Hungary by $700 Million

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports to Hungary in 95 types of products worth nearly $700 million, said Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov at a...


Kazakh President, Hungarian Prime Minister Hold Press Briefing

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban held a briefing for media representatives on Nov. 2, following their meeting in...


Kazakhstan, Hungary Reaffirm Commitment to Enhance Ties

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban for his significant contribution to the rapprochement between Kazakhstan and Hungary during...


Organization of Turkic States Summit in Astana: Leading Experts Share Insights

ASTANA – Astana is set to host the tenth Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Summit on Nov. 3, where member countries will discuss pressing geopolitical and integration...


Reshaping Central Asia’s Growth Trajectory: Insights on Trade and Middle Corridor

ASTANA — Central Asia, a region with a rich history and immense potential, was the focus of an online panel organized by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF)...


Kazakh Foreign Minister Takes Part in South Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum

ASTANA –  Kazakh delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu took part in the 16th meeting of the South Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum...


French President Meets with Kazakh Students, Shares His Life Values

ASTANA – French President Emmanuel Macron, who arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit on Nov. 1, visited the Maqsut Narikbayev University to meet students.  In his...


Tokayev, Macron Outline Promising Areas for Cooperation at Business Forum in Astana 

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and French President Emmanuel Macron made statements on the prospects of bilateral economic cooperation during the Kazakhstan-France Business Forum, as part...


Kazakhstan Takes Part in First SCO Transport Forum in Tashkent

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev underlined the excellent transport and logistics potential of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in the construction...


Kazakh Government to Finalize Nationalization Deal on ArcelorMittal This Month 

ASTANA – The Kazakh government has no plans to consider foreign investors following the transfer of ownership of ArcelorMittal Temirtau to Kazakhstan, said Kazakh Minister of Industry...


Kazakhstan, France Sign Joint Declaration on Strategic Minerals

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of France Emmanuel Macron have signed a joint declaration of intent on cooperation on strategic minerals at a...


Kazakhstan Heads World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations

ASTANA – Bolat Akchulakov, the President of the Kazakhstan National Federation of Clubs for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), was elected as the...


France Invests Nearly $18.7 Billion in Kazakhstan’s Economy

ASTANA – France has invested approximately $18.7 billion in Kazakhstan’s economy, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a Nov. 1 expanded-format meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, reported...


Foreign Ministers of Central Asia Review Interaction Within OSCE

ASTANA – The forum of Central Asia’s Foreign Ministers and the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which took place for...


President Tokayev Welcomes French President in Astana

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met President of France Emmanuel Macron, who arrived in Astana on an official visit on Nov. 1, reported the Akorda...


EU Delegation in Kazakhstan Hosts European Film Festival in Astana

ASTANA – The European Union’s (EU) delegation in Kazakhstan is organizing the European Film Festival, taking place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 in the Kazakh capital,...


Most Important Medicine is Peace, Says WHO Regional Director for Europe

ASTANA – Last week, the Kazakh capital hosted a conference dedicated to the Alma-Ata and Astana declarations on primary healthcare. It also convened representatives of 53 countries...


Citizens of 80 Foreign Countries Сan Travel Visa-Free to Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Citizens of 80 foreign countries can stay in Kazakhstan without a visa, and nationals from 109 more countries have the opportunity to obtain an electronic...


Kazakhstan Surpasses Türkiye and European Nations in Digital Competitiveness Rankings

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has achieved a significant milestone in digital competitiveness, securing the 36th position among 63 countries globally, per the International Institute for Management Development (IMD)...


Kazakh Chess Prodigy Bibisara Assaubayeva Triumphs Over World Champion at Grand Swiss 2023

ASTANA — Kazakh chess prodigy Bibisara Assaubayeva emerged victorious against the esteemed Chinese player Tan Zhongyi at the Grand Swiss 2023 tournament on Oct. 31, reported Sports.kz....


Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan Affirm Commitment to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov emphasized mutual commitment to deepen strategic...


Air Astana Resumes Seasonal Routes, Increases Flights to International Destinations

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national carrier, Air Astana, has resumed seasonal routes and increased flights to popular international destinations from Almaty and Astana starting on Oct. 29, reported...


Travel Video About Kazakhstan Wins Two Awards at Portugal International Festival

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s travel video “Kazakhstan – Like Never Before” received two main prizes on Oct. 27 at the ART&TUR International Tourism Film Festival in Caldas da...


Baiterek Invests $1.1 Billion in Projects, Supports 47,000 Families

ASTANA – Chair of Baiterek National Management Holding Nurlan Baibazarov reported on the company’s activities for the nine months during an Oct. 30 meeting with Kazakh President...


Kazakhstan’s Population Surges 20% Since 2009 Census  

ASTANA – The population of Kazakhstan has grown by 20% since the 2009 census, reaching 19,186,015 people as of Sept. 1, 2021, reported the Bureau of National...


Kazakhstan Claims Its First-Ever Gold at World Karate Senior Championship

ASTANA – Kazakh professional karateka Moldir Zhangbyrbay secured the gold medal in the female kumite (freestyle fighting) under 50 kilograms category by defeating Italy’s Erminia Perfetto at...


Kazakhstan Spends $1.5 Billion on Defense This Year

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s defense expenditures rose by 6.8% to 715.7 billion tenge ($1.5 billion) in January-August this year, achieving a 57.6% execution level of the adjusted 2023...


Kazakhstan to Establish Caspian Sea Research Institute

ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has developed a draft resolution to establish the Caspian Sea Research Institute, the ministry’s press service announced...


KazAID, UNICEF Bolster Partnership in Children’s Rights

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia signed a...


Moody’s Investors Service Upgrades Kazakhstan’s Rating to Positive

ASTANA – Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) raised Kazakhstan’s outlook from stable to positive, affirming its ratings at Baa2, according to the report published on Oct. 27. As...


Death Toll in Kazakhstan’s Kostenko Mine Fire Rises to 45

ASTANA – Fourty-five mine workers have been killed in a fire at the Kostenko mine owned by the ArcelorMittal Temirtau (AMT) mining company as of Oct. 29....


WIPO’s Global Innovation Index 2023 Recognizes Kazakhstan as Regional Superpower 

ASTANA – The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) put Kazakhstan among the leading innovators across Central Asia in its Global Innovation Index published on Sept. 27. The...


Kazakhstan to Host First Regional Symposium on ICAO Traveller Identification Program

ASTANA – For the first time, Kazakhstan will host a Regional Symposium on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) on Dec. 6-8, reported...


Kazakh Team Invents Musical Tutorial Device for Visually Impaired 

ASTANA – Sezual Company has introduced an innovative musical tutorial device designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with low vision. This inventive solution aims...


Biopic “Oyan, Kazakh!” Fuels Kazakh Historical Curiosity

ASTANA – The impressive success of the film “Mirzhakyp. Oyan (Wake up), Kazakh!” in movie theaters underscores the growing interest Kazakh society holds in its nation’s history,...


Kazakh Government Reports on Mine Fire Rescue Efforts

ASTANA – The Kazakh government reported to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on its efforts to eliminate the consequences of the mine fire on Oct. 28 during the meeting...


Bridging Cultural Bonds with Music: Kazakh Musician’s Pianistic Journey in London 

LONDON – Performances throughout the United Kingdom and worldwide, organizing music festivals, and teaching piano playing are part of everyday life for London-based pianist from Kazakhstan Dina...


October 29 Declared as Mourning Day in Kazakhstan for Mine Fire Victims

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared Oct. 29 as the national mourning day for victims of the fire at Kostenko mine on Oct. 28 during his visit...


Kazakhstan Marks 130 Years of Toraigyrov, Poet of Enlightenment

ASTANA – Kazakhstan commemorates the 130th birthday of eminent poet and writer Sultanmakhmud Toraigyrov on Oct. 28. His life and works have been devoted to educating the...


Kazakhstan Suspends Investment Cooperation with ArcelorMittal Following Mine Fire

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government to cease investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau mining company following the fire at the Kostenko mine on Oct. 28...


Kazakhstan’s Ambitious Multivector Foreign Policy

If Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has one foreign policy goal, it is to continue the process of developing and transforming the country into a regional hub for...


Fifth World Nomad Games: 4,000 Participants from 100 Countries to Celebrate Nomadic Culture Next Year 

ASTANA — Some 4,000 participants from 100 countries will participate in the fifth World Nomad Games to be held in the Kazakh capital from Sept. 8 –...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Republic Day, Kazakh-EU Ties and More 

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan published in international media across the world. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles...


Kazakhstan, Thailand Increase Number of Flights

ASTANA – Aviation authorities of Kazakhstan and Thailand agreed to increase the number of flights from 402 to 544 flights per week, reported the Civil Aviation Committee’s...


Kazakh Prime Minister Outlines CIS Cooperation Priorities at Bishkek Meeting

ASTANA – Despite global challenges, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states manage to maintain positive dynamics in mutual trade owing to the free trade agreement,...


New Sarzha Multifunctional Marine Terminal Launches at Kuryk Seaport  

ASTANA – The first batch of cargo was delivered at the general cargo terminal of the Sarzha multifunctional marine terminal (MMT) at the Kuryk seaport in the...


Kazakh Prime Minister Advocates to Enhance EAEU Trade, Economic Ties in Bishkek

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov called on the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states to develop trade and economic cooperation during an Oct. 26 meeting...


EU Top Official Josep Borrell Comments on EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Priorities  

ASTANA – Stability and prosperity is the shared interest for the benefit of people in Central Asia and Europe, said European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign...


President Tokayev Visits Zhetisu Region, Assesses Progress in Development  

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited several cultural, tourist, and industrial sites during an Oct. 26 working trip to the Zhetisu Region, reported the Akorda press...


Kazakhstan Extends Invitation to Foreign Media for 10th Organization of Turkic States Summit

ASTANA — The Kazakh Foreign Ministry announced that accreditation for foreign media is now officially open for the 10th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS)....


Kazakhstan Outlines Security Priorities at Minsk International Conference

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko spoke about the country’s priorities at an Oct. 26 international high-level conference on Eurasian security in Minsk, reported the...


Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan Create Joint Venture to Develop Middle Corridor’s Multimodal Service

ASTANA – Kazakhstan Temir Zholy national railway company, Georgian Railway and Azerbaijan Railways inked an agreement to create a joint venture to develop multimodal service on the...


Blockchain Legislation in Kazakhstan Enters New Stage of Development

ASTANA – Similar to any emerging technology, blockchain and digital mining, along with the associated innovations, have rapidly become global trends. In just a decade, this field...


Astana Showcases Weekend Wonders with Diverse Events

ASTANA — With the crisp October breeze flowing through Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana springs to life, offering a wealth of thrilling events and activities for both residents and...


Hyrasia One and Semurg Invest Seal Hydrogen and Ammonia Transport Deal at Global Gateway Forum

ASTANA – Hyrasia One, a subsidiary of the Svevind Energy Group, and the Sarzha multifunctional marine terminal of Semurg Invest have entered into an agreement to transport...


Kazakhstan Urges Streamlined Customs Procedures to Boost E-Commerce Growth in SCO Region

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov called on to simplify customs procedures to support the development of e-commerce, one of the promising areas within the Shanghai...


Kazakhstan Urges Prompt Establishment of European Investment Bank Office in Astana

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu expressed the country’s interest in attracting investment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and prompt opening...


WHO to Allocate $1.8 Million for Kazakhstan’s Healthcare

ASTANA – The World Health Organization (WHO) will allocate $1.8 million for Kazakhstan’s healthcare development, as per a two-year cooperation agreement signed between the Kazakh Health Ministry...


Kazakhstan Emerges as Global Peacemaker, Says Political Analyst

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s multi-vector foreign policy is a unique phenomenon that positions Kazakhstan as a key neutral ground for global negotiations, observed Andrey Vypolzov,...


Kazakhstan is EU’s Reliable Partner in Central Asia, Says Foreign Minister

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will remain a reliable partner for the European Union (EU) in Central Asia, aiming to expand cooperation in numerous areas, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister...


French President Macron and Hungarian Prime Minister Orban to Visit Kazakhstan in November 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is set to host two significant international visits in early November. French President Emmanuel Macron will embark on an official visit to Kazakhstan at...


Astana, Almaty Celebrate Republic Day

ASTANA – The 40-meter-high national flag was raised at the Medeu high-mountainous complex in Almaty on Republic Day, accompanied by the national anthem, reported the Almaty Akimat...


Central Asia Gains Momentum as Key Global Transportation Hub, Says Trade Minister Shakkaliev 

ASTANA — The Central Asian region is swiftly emerging as a pivotal link in the global transportation network, establishing itself as a crucial continental bridge connecting North-South...


Republic Day Revelations: Educators Share Opinions

ASTANA – Flag-raising ceremonies and cultural festivities on Republic Day in Kazakhstan take a distinctive perspective through the eyes of educators. Teacher voices not only drive changes...


Republic Day Reflects Centuries-Old Dream of Independence, Says Tokayev 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates the Republic Day on Oct. 25. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the citizens on this major occasion, emphasizing it is a symbol of the...


Kazakhstan, South Korea Implement Five New Investment Projects Worth $1.5 Billion

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and South Korea are currently implementing five projects worth $1.5 billion and considering 25 more promising projects worth nearly $500 million, said Kazakh Prime...


Saken Seifullin: Resonant Advocate for Kazakhstan’s Quest for Self-Governance

ASTANA – Saken Seifullin, the founder of modern Kazakh literature, renowned poet, writer and politician, was among those who advocated for the establishment of a republic as...


Alash Orda: Reflecting Foundations of Kazakh Statehood

ASTANA – Republic Day is a time to celebrate statehood and honor the role of the Alash (Kazakh intelligentsia) movement in shaping the nation’s destiny during the...


Kazakhstan’s Republic Day: Milestone for Independence and Sovereignty

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates Republic Day on Oct. 25, a remarkable event that remembers the establishment of an independent and sovereign state. It commemorates the adoption of...


Central Asia and EU Strengthen Ties at Historic Ministerial Meeting

ASTANA – The 19th Central Asia – European Union Ministerial Meeting was held in Luxembourg on Oct. 23, reported the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service. For the...


President Tokayev Reiterates Kazakhstan’s Support for WHO

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is committed to supporting the World Health Organization (WHO) activities, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at an Oct. 23 meeting with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom...


President Tokayev’s Republic Day Speech Unveils Nation’s Vision, Says State Counselor Karin

ASTANA — State Counselor Erlan Karin shared insights into the most significant ideological highlights from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s speech on the eve of Republic Day, shedding light...


Kazakh President Congratulates Citizens on Republic Day

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated citizens on Republic Day, the country’s major holiday celebrated on Oct. 25 every year, reported the Akorda press service....


Kazakh Capital Welcomes WHO’s 73rd Session Shaping Health Priorities

ASTANA – Astana hosts the 73rd session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Europe on Oct.24-26, where the health agenda for the forthcoming years...


Kazakhstan’s Tennis Players Take Over ATP 200

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s tennis player Alexander Bublik defeated France’s Arthur Fils with a 6-4, 6-4 victory, securing his third ATP Tour title at the European Open in...


Kazakh Citizens Reflect on Country’s Development Ahead of Republic Day

ASTANA – The Declaration on the State Sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR (Soviet Socialist Republic), which was adopted on Oct. 25, 1990, marked a significant turning point...


KazISS Expert Discusses Political, Social, Cultural Significance of Republic Day in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – On the eve of Republic Day in Kazakhstan on Oct. 25, Iskander Akylbayev, the chief research officer at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS),...


Global Primary Health Care Conference 2023: High-Level Panel Session Calls for Action

ASTANA – The inaugural high-level panel session of the global conference on primary health care policy and practice convened in Astana on Oct. 23. It underscored the...


Kazakhstan is Shining Beacon in Primary Health Care, Says Top WHO Official

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital is hosting an international conference on Oct. 23, which celebrates the 45th anniversary of the Alma Ata Declaration and the fifth anniversary...


Almaty, Astana Residents to Enjoy Theater Premieres, Festive Concerts, Sports Events to Mark Republic Day

ASTANA –  This year, the Kazakh capital will hold more than 200 cultural, educational, sports, and social events to celebrate the Republic Day on Oct. 25, reported...


Kazakhstan, WHO, UNICEF Open Global Primary Health Care Conference in Astana

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge delivered remarks at...


Republic Day in Kazakhstan Reflects Nation’s Journey to Peace

ASTANA — Kazakhstan celebrates Republic Day on Oct. 25, commemorating its sovereignty and resilience. In over three decades, the country made remarkable strides in its economic development...


Kazakh Athletes Win Four Medals as Asian Para Games Kicks Off in Hangzhou

ASTANA – The fourth Asian Para Games kicked off in Hangzhou on Oct. 22 with 131 Kazakh athletes participating in 14 sports, reported the Ministry of Tourism...


Kazakhstan Plans to Launch 170 Investment Projects Worth $2 Billion Until Year End

ASTANA – This year, Kazakhstan plans to launch 170 more projects worth 1 trillion tenge (US$2 billion) in investments, reported the Prime Minister’s press office on Oct....


Kazakh Textile Artistry on Display at Asia Now Fair in Paris

ASTANA – The Fabric of Time: Three Generations of Kazakh Art exhibition, featuring contemporary works by Kazakh artists, took place at the Asia Now Fair in Paris...


Kazakhstan Reports Increase in Karatau Red Book Argali Population (Video)

ASTANA —This year’s autumn count has brought positive news for conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts. The Karatau argali, an endemic species of the reserve, has witnessed a population...


Katon-Karagai Enters Green Destinations Top 100 Stories List 2023

ASTANA – The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list included the Katon-Karagai State National Natural Park this year, the first location from Kazakhstan to enter the tally,...


Almaty Aport Apples to Gain International Recognition as Kazakh Brand

ASTANA – The Almaty Region Apple Growers Association (ARAGA) is preparing the necessary paperwork to secure international geographical indication registration for Almaty Aport apples as a unique...


Kazakhstan’s First Participation in Contemporary Istanbul Fair Reveals International Demand for Kazakh Art 

ASTANA – This year, Kazakhstan participated in Contemporary Istanbul, Türkiye’s premier annual art fair, for the first time. Its 18th edition, which was held from Sept. 26...


Kazakhstan to Become Central Asia’s Pioneer in Proton Therapy for Cancer Treatment

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital will open a new National Research Oncology Center (NROC) equipped with state-of-the-art technology next year, reported the Prime Minister’s press service on...


Youth Wing of Amanat Party Launches Nationwide Campaign to Protect Kazakhstan’s Heritage from Vandalism

ASTANA —Under the powerful slogan – No to vandalism! – the youth wing Zhastar Rukhy (Youth spirit) of the Amanat party has embarked on a significant nationwide...


Kazakhstan to Ratify Tokyo Convention to Enhance Higher Education Integration in Asia-Pacific

ASTANA – Kazakhstan aims to ratify the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education, commonly called the Tokyo Convention. The initiative aims to...


Kazakh Boxer Janibek Alimkhanuly Tops The Ring’s Middleweight Ratings, Replaces Legendary Gennadiy Golovkin

ASTANA – American boxing magazine The Ring updated its middleweight ratings, with Kazakhstan’s Janibek Alimkhanuly claiming the top spot, Sports.kz reported on Oct. 20. The ranking excluded...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakh President’s Official Visit to China

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan published in international media across the world. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles...


Kazakhstan, EU Show Robust Political Commitment to Enhance Cooperation

ASTANA – Amid unprecedented geopolitical tensions, Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) show solid political will to intensify their cooperation, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko said...


Kazakh Experts Reflect on Tokayev’s Packed Visit to China

ASTANA – This week, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid an official visit to China. Lasting three days, the visit consisted of high-level meetings, strategic discussions, and agreements...


Kazakhstan-China Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement to Come Into Forth Next Month

ASTANA – The agreement on mutual visa exemption between Kazakhstan and China, signed by both governments on May 17 in Xi’an, will come into force on Nov....