Articles by Staff Report

President Tokayev Meets Creative Leaders, Emphasizes Economic Potential

ASTANA – Following his recent emphasis on creativity and innovation for societal progress, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev convened with representatives from Kazakhstan’s creative sector on March 18, reported the Akorda press service. During this gathering, he was acquainted with diverse, thriving domestic endeavors spanning music, social media, film production, artificial intelligence, and e-sports. This meeting echoes…

Tokayev Focuses on Kazakhstan’s Commitment to Defending National Interests and Sovereignty

ASTANA – Kazakhstan as a nation and a responsible member of the international community, must consistently stand prepared to defend national interests, sovereignty, and independence, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his address on March 15 at the National Kurultai in Atyrau. Tokayev noted this holds particular relevance today, with the growing trend worldwide to prioritize…

Almaty Hosts Inaugural B5+1 Business Forum

ASTANA – Almaty hosted the inaugural B5+1 format forum with the participation of government and business community officials of the United States and Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on March 14-15, reported the forum’s press service on March 15. The two-day forum prioritized accelerated regional cooperation, improved connectivity,…

Kazakh Peacekeepers Embark on UN Mission from Almaty

ASTANA – Kazakhstan hosted the send-off ceremony of the peacekeeping contingent to the Golan Heights under the United Nations (UN) in the Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen in Almaty on March 14, reported the Kazakh Defense Ministry’s press service. “This is a huge honor for us, as not every country is able to train…

President Tokayev Congratulates Kazakhstan on Amal Holiday

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Kazakh citizens on the eve of Nauryz – the Amal holiday or the Day of Greeting, on his X account on March 14. “Congratulations to everyone on the arrival of Nauryz – Amal holiday! Its celebration is an age-old tradition that revives ancient folk customs and is an integral…

Kazakh Boxers Secure Five Tickets to 2024 Paris Olympics

ASTANA—The Kazakh national boxing team of 11 boxers, both men and women, clinched five coveted tickets to the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics at a March 11 world-licensed boxing tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy, the press service of the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported. Among the standout performers, Saken Bibosynov (51 kg), a bronze…

AIFC Participants Get Wider Access to Kazakhstan’s Financial Market

ASTANA – The list of financial services that participants of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) can provide to Kazakhstan residents has been expanded, reported the AIFC press service on Feb. 26. The National Bank, the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market and the AIFC agreed on the relevant changes and additions…

Kazakhstan Opens National Pavilion at Mining Convention in Toronto

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapaev took part in the opening of the national pavilion at the 2024 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention in Toronto on March 4, reported the ministry’s press service. The PDAC conference, a leading international event in geological exploration and mineral development, annually…

Kazakhstan’s Renewable Energy Sector Gains Momentum with 146 Facilities in Operation

ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Energy released a report on the country’s burgeoning landscape of renewable energy, boasting 146 operational renewable energy facilities exceeding 100 kilowatts (kW) on March 4, Kazinform news agency reported. The cumulative installed capacity of these renewable energy assets stands at an impressive 2.9 gigawatts (GW), highlighting Kazakhstan’s commitment to…

Kazakhstan Reiterates Commitment to Cooperation Within OIC

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to interaction within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at a March 4 meeting with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha in Jeddah, reported the Foreign Ministry’s press office. The officials discussed international issues and the Islamic world, overviewing Kazakhstan’s initiatives within…

IDB Implements Nearly 70 Projects in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The Islamic Development Bank’s (IDB) group has implemented around 70 projects worth over $1.6 billion in Kazakhstan. This was announced during a March 4 meeting of Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu with IDB President Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser in Riyadh, reported the Foreign Ministry’s press service. Nurtleu spoke about…

Earthquake Hits Almaty, Residents Evacuate Buildings

ASTANA — Residents of Almaty experienced a significant earthquake on March 4, prompting mass evacuations and emergency response measures, the Ministry of Emergency Situations announced on its Telegram channel. According to Almaty’s Emergency Situations Department, the seismic event occurred at 11.22 a.m., with the National Scientific Center for Seismological Observations and Research processing information about…

Concerts and Charity Events to Mark Gratitude Day This Week in Astana

ASTANA – Along with festive decorations on the capital’s streets, the Day of Gratitude, celebrated on March 1, will be marked with charitable events, exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances, reported the Astana akimat (city administration). Celebrated since 2016, the holiday marks the establishment of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan (APK) on March 1, 1995.…

Qazaq Air to Launch Turkistan-Samarkand Flights in March

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s airline Qazaq Air plans to launch flights on the Turkistan-Samarkand route from March 15, reported the Civil Aviation Committee’s press service. Flights will be operated twice a week on Fridays and Sundays on De-Havilland Dash 8-Q400 aircraft.

Kazakhstan’s Trade Turnover Reaches $139.8 Billion in 2023

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s trade turnover totaled $139.8 billion last year, the Trade and Integration Ministry’s press service reported on Feb. 18. China has become Kazakhstan’s main trading partner, alongside Russia and Italy. Kazakhstan increased non-oil exports by 10% to China, 34% to Hong Kong, 30% to South Korea, and 64% to Vietnam. The share of…

Four Branches of Foreign Universities to Open in Kazakhstan this Year

ASTANA – Four branches of foreign universities will open in Kazakhstan in 2024, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek reported on Feb. 14 on his Telegram channel. City University of Hong Kong, currently ranked 82nd among the top 100 universities globally, will be established at Satbayev University. Pennsylvania State University will open its…

Kazakhstan’s Digital Family Card Wins 2024 GovTech Prize in Dubai

ASTANA – At the World Government Summit in Dubai, Kazakhstan’s innovative project, the Digital Family Card, was honored as the best in the Inclusive Digital Transformation category, receiving the prestigious 2024 GovTech Prize, reported the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) press service on Feb. 13. Developed with the support of UNDP in Kazakhstan, this flagship…

U.S. Department of State Hosts Inaugural Critical Minerals Dialogue with Central Asia

ASTANA — The U.S. Department of State hosted on Feb. 8 the inaugural meeting of the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue (CMD) to increase the region’s involvement in global critical minerals supply chains, strengthen economic cooperation, and advance the clean energy transition while also protecting Central Asia’s unique ecosystems, reported the U.S. Department of State press…

World Bank Initiates Caspian Sea Research to Address Looming Crisis

ASTANA – The World Bank intends to conduct research on the study of the decline in the Caspian Sea level, one of the urgent problems for the region’s community, reported Aktau port’s press service on Feb. 7. “Our goal is to find answers to several questions: is the decline due to reduced inflows from key…

Kazakhstan Reveals Opponents for 2024/25 UEFA Nations League Group B

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to face off against Austria, Norway and Slovenia after being drawn into Group B3 for the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, according to the league phase draw conducted in Paris on Feb. 8. After participation in League C last season, the Kazakhstan national team secured promotion, clinching the top spot in…

SCAT Airlines Set to Resume Astana – Batumi Flights This Summer

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines plans to resume flights on the Astana – Batumi route from June 8, reported the Civil Aviation Committee’s press service. Flights will be operated two times a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays on Boeing 737 aircraft. From July, the frequency of flights will be increased to three times per week.

Fifth World Nomad Games to Include 20 National Sports

ASTANA – The fifth World Nomad Games will feature 20 traditional competitive sports, reported the games’ press service on Jan. 6. Those include horse races, national wrestling, traditional intellectual games, martial arts competitions, traditional archery, national bird hunting, horseback riding and folk games. The fifth World Nomad Games will be held in Astana on Sept.…

Kazakh Startup Secures $305,000 in Pre-Seed Funding

ASTANA – The Kazakh startup Beksar attracted $305,000 in investments during the Pre-Seed stage, reported the press service of MOST Ventures on Feb. 1. The startup, valued at $4.8 million, positions itself as a provider of a business automation tool to enhance operational efficiency.  The company offers an opportunity for small businesses to optimize their…

Kazakh Government Gears Up for Expanded Meeting on Feb. 7

ASTANA — The government’s expanded meeting is set for Feb. 7, announced Maulen Ashimbayev, chairman of the Senate, the upper chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, to journalists after the meeting of the Senate, reported Kazinform news agency on Feb. 1. The meeting will assess the socio-economic development of the country and chart strategies for future…

KMG Chairman Presents 2023 Performance and Strategic Plans to President Tokayev

ASTANA — KazMunayGas (KMG) Chairman Magzum Mirzagaliyev presented a comprehensive report on the company’s operational and financial performance for 2023 and strategic plans to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a Jan. 31 meeting, Akorda press service reported.  KMG is Kazakhstan’s national operator for hydrocarbon exploration, production, refining and transportation. The data revealed significant growth in crucial…