Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg Commerce Chamber Strengthens Ties with Kazakh Companies Through Tennis Event

ASTANA – BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce, uniting the trade circles of the Kingdoms of Belgium and the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, celebrated two years...


Kazakh Students Triumph in US Competitions with Cutting-Edge Projects

ASTANA –The robotics Arturli (diversified) team from the High Tech Academy in Almaty and a student of Nazarbayev Intellectual School (NIS), Sagyn Zhumadildayev, achieved excellent results in...


Trade Between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Reaches $438 Million in 2022 Amid Dynamic Growth

ASTANA – Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan is showing dynamic growth, with a 72% increase to $438 million recorded in 2022, Kazakh First Deputy Prime Minister...


Kazakhstan’s Export Deals Surpass $300 Million

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s trade and economic missions signed export contracts worth more than $ 300 million this year, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Kairat Torebayev said...


Joint EU, EBRD Study Identifies Best Transit Network with Significant Cargo Increase Potential in Central Asia

ASTANA – The Central Trans-Caspian Network, traversing through southern Kazakhstan, is the most sustainable option for forging the links between Central Asia and Europe, increasing container volume...


Kazakhstan, Singapore Pledge to Strengthen Partnership As Singapore’s President Makes Historic Visit to Central Asia

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Singapore Halimah Yacob affirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral relations and expand exports during a May 22 meeting,...


Culture and History Bring Japan and Kazakhstan Closer, Says Japanese Ambassador

ASTANA – There are many pillars in the blossoming partnership between Japan and Kazakhstan, but the common historical background and cultural exchange is what drives both countries...


Dimash Kudaibergen to Release New Music Video “Omir” (Life)

ASTANA – Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen has announced the release of a new music video, “Omir” (life), dedicated to his fans. The release is expected on May...


Kazakhstan’s Unemployment Rate at 1.4% in 2022

ASTANA – Approximately 132,200 people, 1.4% of the workforce, were registered as unemployed by the end of 2022, informed Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and...


Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina Wins Italian Open, Rises to Fourth in WTA Tour’s Singles Rankin

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s tennis player Elena Rybakina claimed her second Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 1000 trophy of the season and rose from sixth to fourth place in...


Kazakhstan Resumes Flights Between Astana and Tashkent

ASTANA – Fly Arystan, the Kazakh low-cost airline, plans to launch flights on the Astana-Tashkent route from July 3, the Kazakh Civil Aviation Committee announced on May...


Kazakhstan Celebrates 310 Years of Abylai Khan, Visionary Leader Uniting and Liberating 18th Century Kazakh Khanate

ASTANA – Kazakhstan gears up to commemorate the 310th anniversary of a towering figure in Kazakh history Abylai khan, best known as the ruler who united the...


Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources Considers Ways to Manage Growing Saiga Population in West Kazakhstan

ASTANA – While the growing population of the saiga antelopes in Kazakhstan can be considered an ecological success, their increasing number is also having a negative impact...


Kazakh Startup Transforms Programming Languages for Children

ASTANA – Ed-Tech startup Codiplay from Kazakhstan has incorporated gamification features to help children between 8 and 17 learn programming and create gadgets (IoT projects) based on...


Singapore and Kazakhstan are Forward-Looking Nations Committed to Human Capital Development, Sustainable Growth, Says Singapore’s President

ASTANA – President of Singapore Halimah Yacob gave an exclusive interview to The Astana Times on the eve of the state visit to Kazakhstan.  Halimah Yacob spoke...


World Epics Festival Starts in Kyrgyz Republic

ASTANA – The seventh World Epics Festival dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov and the 125th anniversary of Kazakh writer Mukhtar Auezov has...


Kazakhstan’s Top Five Most Popular National Sports

ASTANA – National games are deeply ingrained in the culture and history of Kazakhstan and are an essential part of the country’s national identity. They are still...


Weekend Getaways Near Astana

ASTANA – Looking for weekend trip ideas near Astana? Summer is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty and cultural wonders. The Astana Times highlights the...


European Diplomats Commend Tourism Potential of Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve

ASTANA – The Kazakh Tourism National Company organized a trip to the Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve in the Akmola Region for European ambassadors on May 13, reported the...


Kazakhstan Can Become Strategic Partner for EU, Says Kazakh Prime Minister

ALMATY — The partnership between Astana and Brussels is built on years of pragmatic and progressive cooperation, said Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov during the high-level session of...


Kazakhstan and China Reach New Level of Partnership, Launch New Investment Projects

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held several meetings May 18 with the senior management of large Chinese companies engaged in the production, processing, and transportation of oil...


Kazakhstan and EU to Implement Projects Worth $9.7 Million

ALMATY – Kazakhstan and the European Union signed the EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Facility Financing Agreement on implementing economic projects worth 9 million euros ($9.7 million) at the second...


President Tokayev Outlines Priorities for Cooperation at China-Central Asia Summit, Signs Xian Declaration

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined the main areas for cooperation at the China-Central Asia Summit that resulted in the signing of the Xian declaration on May...


President Tokayev Opens Kazakhstan’s Consulate General in Xian 

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the opening ceremony of Kazakhstan’s Consulate General in Xian on May 19, concluding his three-day state visit to China,...


Fly Arystan Resumes Flights to Ankara

ASTANA – Fly Arystan, the Kazakh low-cost airline, plans to launch flights on the Astana-Ankara route from May 23, the Kazakh Civil Aviation Committee reported on its...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan-EU Relations, Upcoming Astana International Forum, Tokayev’s Visit to China and More

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


Kazakh Capital to Host International Volunteer Forum in June

ASTANA – The government presented a plan for the upcoming International Volunteer Forum on June 20-21 in Astana during a May 18 meeting, reported the Prime Minister’s...


Kazakhstan to Become New Regional Academic Hub, Says Minister of Science and Higher Education

ASTANA – Kazakhstan can seize an opportunity to emerge as a thriving academic hub. However, building a brand requires substantial investment and resources, said Minister of Science...


Tang Lotus Garden Hosts Official Greeting Ceremony for China’s and Central Asian Presidents

ASTANA – An official ceremony greeting the heads of state participating in the China-Central Asia summit took place in Xian’s Tang Lotus Garden, China, on May 18,...


New ADB Strategy for Kazakhstan to Address Climate Change, Promote Inclusive Economic Growth and Strengthen Governance

ASTANA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released a five-year country partnership strategy (CPS) for Kazakhstan aimed at addressing climate change and decarbonization, promoting inclusive economic...


Astana’s Upcoming Weekend Unveils Cultural Bliss 

ASTANA — As another working week comes to an end, a treasure trove of cultural events awaits visitors, promising a superb weekend filled with inspiring spectacles, enriching...


Kazakhstan to Launch National Digital Investment Platform

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will launch the National Digital Investment Platform to attract investors and monitor the implementation of investment projects, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs....


Kazakh Congress to Unite Ethnic Kazakhs Worldwide

ASTANA – Several countries with a significant Kazakh diaspora will host qurultai (сongress) this year, said the President of Otandastar (compatriots) Foundation Abzal Saparbekuly during the foundation’s...


ITC Presents Ready4Trade Central Asia Results, Facilitates Region’s SMEs Connection to European Markets

ASTANA — The International Trade Center (ITC), a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN), showcased the results of the European...


Kazakhstan and China Sign 47 Agreements Worth $ 22 Billion, as Tokayev Outlines Key Areas for Partnership

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China signed 47 agreements worth $ 22 billion following the Kazakhstan-China investment roundtable with Chinese officials and business leaders on May 18 in...


Tokayev Launches Construction of Kazakhstan’s Logistics Center in Xian During State Visit

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the ceremony of launching the construction of Kazakhstan’s logistics center at Xian’s dry port during his state visit to China, reported...


Kazakhstan, China Reaffirm Intention to Strengthen Relations, Fulfill Aspirations for Common Future in Joint Statement

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of China Xi Jinping signed a joint statement on May 17 in Xian, reaffirming their commitment to continuously...


President Tokayev’s Visit to China Expands Economic and Trade Ties Ahead of China-Central Asia Summit

ASTANA – The state visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to China ahead of the China-Central Asia Summit this week is the catalyst for expanding the economic impact...


Central Asia and EU Prioritize Sustainability, Connectivity, Economic Development Amid Complex Geopolitical Landscape 

ASTANA – Cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union (EU) is taking a new turn amid the ongoing geopolitical shifts and will continue to grow with...


Kazakhstan and Germany Discuss Cooperation at Business Council Meeting

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Germany are key partners with tremendous potential for economic development, Kazakh Vice Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development Ilyas Ospanov said at the...


Astana to Host IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships Next Year

ASTANA – Astana will host the International Boxing Association Women’s World Boxing Championships in 2024, announced the IBA Board of Directors during an official meeting in Tashkent,...


Kazakh Initiative to Establish UN Digital Solution Center Receives Unanimous Support at UN Regional Commission

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish the United Nations Digital Solutions Center for the Sustainable Development of Central Asian countries was supported unanimously at the annual 79th...


Astana International Forum: Renewed Hope for Multilateralism

A quick glance at the current state of the world and the global political and economic landscape may offer no immediate reasons for optimism. Great power relations...


Kazakh, Chinese Companies Sign Nearly $100 Million in Export Contracts

ASTANA – Kazakh companies signed export agreements worth nearly $100 million with China following Kazakhstan’s trade and economic mission on May 15-17 in Xi’an, the Kazakh Ministry...


Kazakhstan and Germany Focus on Technical and Vocational Education

ASTANA – Kazakh-German cooperation in education can reach a new level considering the development of human capital with German know-how and advanced technologies, Deputy Foreign Minister Roman...


Kazakhstan’s Oil Exports to Germany Increase by 150% in April

ASTANA – The volume of Kazakh oil exports to Germany in April surged 150% or by 30,000 tons, totaling 50,000 compared to March, KazTransOil national oil transporter...


National Bank Presents 2022 Economic Results to President Tokayev

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev approved the National Bank’s annual report on the results of the implementation of the monetary policy for 2022, measures to ensure...


President Tokayev Praises Kazakh Boxers’ Triumph at World Championships

ASTANA – Last weekend was undoubtedly a triumph for Kazakh boxers who sealed five medals at the International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships in Uzbekistan,...


China and Kazakhstan Can Reach Breakthrough Economic Agreements, Says Expert

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev starts his state visit to China on May 17. He is expected to take part in the China – Central Asia summit...


Kazakh Officials Address Environmental Safety, Security of Country’s First Nuclear Power Plant Project

ASTANA – The Kazakh officials shared their views on the environmental benefits and security of the nuclear power plant (NPP) at a roundtable on the environmental impact...


ADB Seeks to Address Intertwined Challenges in Central Asia and Caucasus Through Regional Cooperation

ASTANA – In recent years, the Central Asia and Caucasus regions have been facing a myriad of complex challenges that require concerted efforts and regional cooperation. Ranging...


Kazakhstan’s Economy Grows by 5% in January-April Amid Positive Dynamics in Key Sectors

ASTANA – The economy of Kazakhstan grew by 5% in January-April this year due to positive dynamics in the main sectors, the Minister of National Economy Alibek...


Kazakhstan and EU Start ‘Formal Consultations’ on Visa Facilitation for Kazakh Citizens

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the European Union agreed to start what they termed “formal consultations” to facilitate the visa application process for Kazakh citizens, following a meeting...


Kazakhstan and EU Take Steps to Reinforce Partnership

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with European Union senior officials on May 15 in Brussels to discuss priority areas of...


China-Central Asia Relations: In Region, For Region

The two-day inaugural summit between China and Central Asia will be presided over by President Xi Jinping, the Chinese foreign ministry announced. Xi’s counterparts from the five...


Kazakhstan and Singapore Discuss Launching Direct Flights

ASTANA – The prospect for launching direct flights between Kazakhstan and Singapore was discussed on May 16 during a video conference meeting between the Committee of Civil...


Kazakhstan’s Resort Tourism Soars with 30% Increase in Visitors, Generating Over $226 Million in Revenue

ASTANA – The number of tourists staying at Kazakhstan’s resort locations increased by 30% in 2022 compared to 2021, earning the resorts over 102 billion tenge ($226...


Population in Kazakhstan Surpasses 19.8 Million, With Prevalence of Urban Population

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s population has surpassed 19.8 million people as of April 1, of which 62% are urban residents, while 38% are rural, according to the Bureau...


Kazakhstan Launches New Gas Pipeline in Mangystau Region

ASTANA – The KazTransGas (KTG) Aimak national company, part of the Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund, launched a new underground high-pressure gas pipeline with a length of...


Kazakhstan to Toughen Punishment for Domestic Abuse

ASTANA – The police will no longer require a statement from a victim of domestic abuse to initiate cases of administrative offenses starting from July 1, as...


EBRD: Kazakh Economy to Grow 4.2% Next Year Amid Inflationary Pressures and Commodity Prices Uncertainty

ASTANA — The Kazakh economy is projected to expand by 3.9% in 2023 and 4.2% in 2024, with persisting inflationary pressures and uncertainties surrounding oil and commodity...


Kazakh Peacekeepers Complete Mission in Lebanon

ASTANA –  The Kazakh peacekeepers have completed their mission as part of the peacekeeping contingent of the Indian Armed Forces participating in the United Nations Interim Force...


Tokayev Calls for Decisive Measures to Improve Environment, Achieve Carbon Neutrality at Security Council Meeting

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev focused on the environment and water security at a May 15 meeting of the country’s Security Council, calling for decisive measures...


Water Level at Aral Sea Rises For First Time in Years

ASTANA – Since the start of this year, the water level in the Aral Sea has increased by nearly 1.5 billion cubic meters, rising to 95 centimeters...


Kazakhstan Returns $1.7 Billion of Illegally Withdrawn Assets

ASTANA – Kazakhstan returned over 760 billion tenge ($1.7 billion) in illegally withdrawn assets, including $575 million from foreign jurisdictions, according to the May 12 statement of...


Challenges Facing Central Asian Region in Spotlight of Major Investors’ Forum in Almaty

ASTANA – Lack of access to the sea is a major disadvantage for Central Asian countries, as they miss out on 20% of their development potential, Chairman...


Kazakh Team Receives Hero’s Welcome After Outstanding Result at IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships

ASTANA – Kazakhstan national team, which finished second at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships in Uzbekistan, received an overwhelming reception from their home country. President of...


National Museum of Kazakhstan to Host Museum Night This Week

ASTANA – The National Museum of Kazakhstan will host the Night of Museums on May 18, dedicated to International Museum Day, presenting a large-scale historical and educational...


Kazakh Chess Player Assaubayeva Reaches Grand Finale of World Chess Armageddon Series

ASTANA – Kazakh chess player Bibisara Assaubayeva won Women’s Week at the Armageddon Championship Series in Berlin, Germany, reported World Chess, a commercial partner of the International...


Almaty to Host Central Eurasian Venture Forum in June

ASTANA – The Central Eurasian Venture Forum (CEVF) will be held in Almaty by MOST Holding and Investbanq (Paladigm Capital), a Singapore investment platform, on June 2,...


Two Kazakh Teams Advance to Finals of World Google Hackathon

ASTANA – Two teams from Kazakhstan entered the top 100 in the global Google Solution Challenge hackathon competing with 5,000 participants. Askar Aituov, a coordinator for Google...


IMF Regional Outlook Reveals Promising Growth Prospects for Kazakhstan 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s economy is forecast to grow 4.3% in 2023, up from 3.2% in 2022, driven by the normalization of oil production and expansion of the...


Kazakhstan’s Sanzhar Tashkenbay Wins Gold at IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships

ASTANA – Kazakh boxer Sanzhar Tashkenbay won gold in the 48-kilogram weight category at the International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships on May 13 in...


Birthing Season of Saiga Antelopes Begins in West Kazakhstan Region (Video)

ASTANA – The birthing season of saiga antelopes has kicked off in the West Kazakhstan Region with the first calves born, reports Khabar news agency.  This period...


Kazakh Folk Instruments Combine Centuries-Long History, Modern Popularity

ASTANA – The Saryarka Ensemble has been sharing a cultural treasure with audiences locally and internationally for 25 years. The band plays unique national instruments that have...


Discover Kazakhstan’s Hidden Gem: Aktau – Ultimate Beach Getaway

ASTANA – Aktau is located in western Kazakhstan on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea. It has gorgeous beaches and is a popular vacation destination in...


Tokayev Talks Kazakhstan-China Strategic Partnership, Upcoming Summit in Exclusive Interview

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China have excellent economic cooperation, but the two countries need new agreements and deals to move forward, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in a...


Kazakh Delegation to Attend 800th Anniversary Celebrations of Sultan Baybars in Egypt

ASTANA – A Kazakh delegation from the Atyrau Region will visit Egypt as part of the Culture Days of Kazakhstan dedicated to the 800th anniversary of Sultan...


Honorary Consul: Belgium and Kazakhstan Well Positioned to Explore Business and Tourism Opportunities

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is well positioned to expand its business and travel opportunities to serve the markets of Belgium, said Anna Sussarova, a lawyer and an Honorary...


Number of Employed in Kazakhstan Approaches Nine Million in 2022

ASTANA – The number of employed people in Kazakhstan approached nine million in the fourth quarter of 2022, a 1.7% increase from the previous year, finprom.kz reported...


Kazakhstan Plans to Increase Grain Export to China to One Million Tons

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to bring grain exports to China to one million tons per year and increase the number of companies supplying meat, Kazakh Agriculture...


Three Kazakh Boxers Reach Finals of IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships

ASTANA – Dulat Bekbauov became the third Kazakh boxer to reach the finals of the International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships in Tashkent, Sports.kz reported...


Nomad Games in Kazakhstan to Promote Cultural Heritage

SEOUL – Kazakhstan will host the fifth World Nomad Games in 2024, seeking to promote the global ethnosports movement. This was announced by Ilyas Omarov, President of...


Kazakh Prime Minister Reaffirms Support for Midsize Businesses

ASTANA – Medium-sized businesses should become the engine of progress that drives Kazakhstan’s manufacturing growth with the launch of competitive products and a wide range of services,...


From Dance Festival to Wildlife Tour: Ultimate List of Events for Fascinating Weekend in Astana

ASTANA — Are you tired of spending mundane weekends with just Netflix and a takeout? With a shorter work week due to holidays and pleasant weather, The...


Lynx Recorded by Camera Trap in Almaty Region

ASTANA – A lynx was recorded by a camera trap for the first time in two years at Mount Bugyty in the Charyn National Park in the...


Eurasian Development Bank to Host Major Investors Forum in Almaty Next Week

ASTANA – The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) will host a conference for major investors in infrastructure and environmental, social and governance (ESG) projects along with the meetings...


We Are Heading Towards Just and Fair Kazakhstan, Says Respublica Party Chair

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s recent parliamentary election saw the emergence of new political forces that aim to create positive changes in the country. A young Respublica party, focused...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s International Diplomacy, Kazakh Ports, Kazakh-Bulgarian Cooperation, Increase in Kazakh Oil Exports 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...


KMG to Increase Domestic Gas Supply to Nearly 6 Billion Cubic Meters by 2030

ASTANA – KazMunayGas (KMG) national oil and gas company is to launch several initiatives allowing it to supply nearly 6 billion cubic meters of gas for the...


Middle East Travelers Recognize Kazakhstan As Best Trending Destination

ASTANA – Kazakhstan received the award as the best trending destination for travelers from the Middle East at the Arabian Travel Market exhibition held on May 1-4...


Kazakhstan and China Intend to Develop Khorgos Hub for Mutual Trade Growth

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China announced plans to create a Khorgos Hub to increase trade between the countries, reported Kazinform on May 10. A new cluster will...


Race to Zero in Asia and Pacific: Our Hopes in Climate Fight

The latest synthesis report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change makes for grim reading: Every fraction of a degree of warming comes with escalated threats, from...


Kazakh Prime Minister Outlines Priorities to Improve Machine Industry Development

ASTANA – Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov highlighted key priorities for machine industry development including increasing local production, the use of new technologies and export promotion at the...


Almaty to Host European Union – Central Asia Economic Forum Next Week

ASTANA – Almaty will host the second European Union – Central Asia Economic Forum on May 18-19 to discuss ways forward on policy, programs and investment needed...


Kazakhstan Promotes Idea of Tolerance at Abu Dhabi Forum

ASTANA – Peaceful coexistence is the only option in an era of globalization and intermingling religions and cultures, said Kazakh Minister of Information and Social Development, Darkhan...


Goal of Rahmon’s Visit to Kazakhstan Is Purely Economic, Says Expert

ASTANA – The May 3 state visit of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to Kazakhstan showed that the strategic cooperation will grow in the coming years, Yersultan...


Kazakhstan, Japan Strengthen Economic Ties

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov met with Jun Yamada, Ambassador of Japan to Kazakhstan, to discuss economic cooperation including strengthening trade and economic...


Kazakhstan, China’s Xinjiang Intend to Increase Trade Turnover to $1 Billion

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) agreed to increase trade turnover of agricultural products to $1 billion a year, as Kazakh Minister of...


Uzbekistan Announces Early Presidential Election on July 9

ASTANA – Uzbekistan is set to hold an early presidential election on July 9, reported the press service of the Uzbek President on May 8. Uzbek President...