Articles by Assel Satubaldina

ASTANA—Kazakhstan’s fintech sector is thriving, with the number of fintech startups growing from around 50 in 2018 to 200 in 2024, according to the July report on the fintech market. The report, prepared by RISE Research, the National Payment Corporation of Kazakhstan, Mastercard, and Tarlan Payments, highlights the rapid growth and development of the fintech…

ASTANA—The latest data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicate nearly 281 million international migrants worldwide or 3.6% of the global population. In an interview with The Astana Times, Caress Schenk, an associate professor of political science at Astana-based Nazarbayev University, discusses why migration matters, what is an ideal migration policy, and what are…

ASTANA—Representatives of the United Nations (UN) agencies and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathered on July 22-24 in Astana for the 16th Biennial General Cooperation Meeting. The meeting, hosted by the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), aims to enhance cooperation between two international organizations in the face of rising global challenges.  The coordination…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Akmola Region hosts a large-scale international exhibition called Jana Dala/Green Day 2024 on July 18-19. Over 200 companies from Kazakhstan and 20 countries from near and far abroad participated in the exhibition, showcasing their work in the agricultural sector. Since its inception in 2013, this annual field day agroforum has become the…

ASTANA—A high level of market concentration remains in Kazakhstan, and the substantial role of the state in the economy is a key barrier to the development of competition, according to the findings of the annual report from the Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition. Private business development as a key driver of growth…

ASTANA—Nikolaz Foucaud, managing director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Coursera, commended the partnership with Kazakhstan in an interview with The Astana Times. Foucaud discussed how generative artificial intelligence (AI) transforms learning experiences and jobs, revealed trends in Central Asia and discussed what Coursera courses are most in demand among Kazakhstan’s learners.  Promising partnership …

ASTANA – Hungarian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Otto Ivan Rona touted the strong bilateral ties and the 10th anniversary of a strategic partnership agreement with Kazakhstan in an interview with The Astana Times. In June, Kazakhstan and Hungary marked ten years since they signed an agreement on strategic partnership. The past few years saw a series…

ASTANA – As the 24th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) continues in Astana, experts reflect on the significance of the event in current geopolitical dynamics and Kazakhstan’s role as it concludes its chairmanship of the organization. Kazakhstan took over the chairmanship from India in July 2023. Since then, the nation has organized over…

ASTANA—Astana is preparing to host the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on July 3-4. The summit promises to be a pivotal event, addressing key regional issues and providing a platform for Astana to advocate for dialogue and diplomacy once again.  What is SCO? The Shanghai…

ASTANA—Kazakhstan marks the Day of Diplomatic Service on July 2, giving credit to thousands of unsung heroes who stand behind the scenes working towards the nation’s active presence and influential role on the global stage. One such hero is Madina Jarbussynova, a prominent Kazakh diplomat. In an interview with The Astana Times, she spoke about…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is a reliable and secure raw material partner for Germany and Europe and can significantly contribute to achieving the goals of Europe’s Green Deal, said Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapaev in an interview with German magazine Markt und Mittelstand.  “Kazakhstan has become one of the most important oil suppliers for…

ASTANA – Prominent experts from various fields emphasized the multifaceted and collective efforts needed to tackle gender inequality in Kazakhstan at a June 20 webinar.  Hosted by the Washington-based Jamestown Foundation and the Energy, Growth, and Security program of the International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC), the discussions centered around the recently adopted law criminalizing…

ASTANA — Following a directive from the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakh General Prosecutor’s Office has registered a criminal case regarding the attempted murder of Kazakh journalist Aidos Sadykov, which took place on June 18 in Kyiv. “Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, demonstrating swift and professional action, quickly identified the individuals responsible for the crime.…

ASTANA – In a career that has spanned decades and crossed numerous international boundaries, Marat Bisengaliev, a prominent Kazakh violinist, has reached a new pinnacle of success by being named Kazakhstan’s Goodwill Ambassador. Bisengaliev spoke to The Astana Times, sharing his ideas of how to make a positive impact in a new role and inspiring…

ASTANA – European Union (EU) Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan commended the progressive decline in the import and re-export of dual-use sanctioned items to Russia via Kazakhstan during a June 18 press briefing in Astana as he wrapped up his third visit to the country.   He had earlier visited Kazakhstan in April and November last year.…

ASTANA – This week, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited Kazakhstan as part of his week-long Central Asia tour. In Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized mutual interests in economic cooperation, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. This is Yoon Suk Yeol’s first trip to the region since he assumed office in…

ASTANA – Nur Jazlan Mohamed, deputy president of the Senate of the Malaysian Parliament, visited Kazakhstan this week to foster inter-parliamentary dialogue with Kazakhstan, a month since Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made his inaugural visit to the Central Asian nation.  “I have heard many good things about Kazakhstan. I have always planned to visit…

ASTANA – Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan Salman Bal sheds light on the long-standing partnership and promising opportunities that lie ahead in an insightful conversation with The Astana Times. The two countries mark 32 years of diplomatic relations in June.  “We have actually very good relations with Kazakhstan. I am sure…

ASTANA – Astana hosted the launch of a coordination platform for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) on June 12. The platform is designed to facilitate projects along TITR and connect all stakeholders in a broader effort to turn the corridor into a sustainable, competitive, and efficient route.  The platform brings together donors, investors, stakeholders,…

ASTANA – On June 5, Brussels became the stage for an insightful panel session on the evolving and dynamic relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU). Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Roman Vassilenko, highlighted the positive momentum and future potential of this crucial partnership. Significant results “The European Union is one of Kazakhstan’s key…

ASTANA—The Kazakh Foreign Ministry hosted a ceremony on June 6 to award Kazakhstan’s Goodwill Ambassadors, the ministry’s pioneering project to recognize and honor citizens who have made remarkable contributions to enhancing Kazakhstan’s image abroad. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister – Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu personally handed the awards. 

ARKALYK – In a landmark event for biodiversity conservation, the Czech Air Force aircraft delivered three Przewalski’s horses to Arkalyk city in northern Kazakhstan in the early morning on June 4. The Astana Times had a chance to witness the historic moment.  Three-year-old Zeta II, four-year-old Ypsilon, and Zorro – these are the names of…

ASTANA – Although the majority of trade between Asia and Europe relies on maritime routes, several inland routes could help diversify risks associated with geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and the South China Sea, and address technical limitations related to expanding port infrastructure, says the latest report published by the Astana International Financial Centre…

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times continues its series of articles, Exploring Kazakhstan, City by City, in the beautiful town of Kostanai. We are setting out to unveil the rich diversity of cities to bring you closer to the heart and soul of Kazakhstan. ASTANA—Kostanai is a small, green city in northern Kazakhstan. Its rich history…

ASTANA – The Qazaq Forum, a forum of online content creators in the Kazakh language, returned to Astana with its seventh edition on May 30.  Organized by the United States Embassy in Kazakhstan, the forum brought over 300 media experts, journalists, and bloggers to discuss topics such as future technologies, the culture of content creation…