Articles by Zhanna Shayakhmetova

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is the United Kingdom’s primary trading partner in Central Asia, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the UK James Cleverly said during his meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana as part of his first visit to the nation on March 18.  According to the President’s press office,…

ASTANA – The Kazakh National Bank (NB) reserves the right to conduct currency interventions to maintain liquidity in the foreign exchange market and smooth out sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate, the bank’s press service reported on March 16.  This will support market exchange rate mechanisms without limiting the likely volatility of the tenge. The…

ASTANA – The UK-Kazakhstan workshop on water resources for green hydrogen production was held at the Astana International Financial Center on March 9, where UK, Kazakh and international experts were brought together to discuss possible ways for Kazakhstan to meet this challenge.  The event’s agenda included discussions about managing water resources for hydrogen production, water…

ASTANA – Italian architect Mario Cucinella presented his design philosophy at the Imagine a Sustainable World exhibition, which opened at the Nur Alem Museum of Future Energy in Astana on Feb. 24. The exhibition was initiated by the Italian Embassy in Kazakhstan with the support of the Italian Trade Agency and QazExpoCongress company.  Cucinella is…

ASTANA – The global challenges facing the innovative technology industry are one of the main topics brought up at the Digital Almaty International forum, which kicked off in Almaty on Feb. 2.  The program includes 29 panel sessions featuring more than 150 speakers. Some 17,000 visitors have already registered for the forum.  Bagdat Mussin, Minister…

ASTANA – Zhandos Temirgali, the Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakh Invest National Company, discussed the country’s investment projects and partnerships in a recent interview with The Astana Times.  How would you describe the outgoing year? 2022 has been marked by several major geopolitical and economic events that have affected the economy of…

ASTANA – Almost three years after the lockdown, passenger traffic by air shows stable growth compared to 2021 and the pre-pandemic year of 2019. According to the results of the first 11 months of 2022, Kazakh airlines carried 9.9 million people, which is an increase of 15 percent compared to 2021. “We expect passenger traffic…

ASTANA – 2022 has been an intense year packed with unprecedented and significant events. The news agenda included tragic riots, high-profile visits and celebrations in Kazakhstan. The Astana Times presents a roundup of top-viewed stories on our website that brings optimism during challenging times.  Kazakh capital, Astana, represented by the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC),…

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev appointed Elvira Azimova as the Chair of the Constitutional Court from Jan. 1, 2023. Azimova previously served as the Commissioner for Human Rights. On this day, Artur Lastayev was appointed as the new Commissioner for Human Rights.  The Kazakh Senate unanimously approved the President’s nomination of Azimova at a Dec.…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s investment attractiveness is increasing due to the shift in the geopolitical landscape, says Ichiro Takahara, the Vice Chairman of Marubeni Corporation, in a recent interview for The Astana Times. The stable and safe operation of the uranium project remains a priority for the company.  Japan’s largest trading company Marubeni Corporation has implemented…

ASTANA – The participants of the Central Asia Media Forum discussed the role of communications in the creative industry at one of the panel sessions in Astana on Dec. 21.  Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Altai Kulginov said Central Asia has great potential for developing the creative industry as the countries pay special attention to this…

ASTANA – World-famous Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen called on all people to make peace during the Ethics of Peace panel session as part of the first Central Asian Forum in Astana on Dec. 20. “We see an economic recession. People suffer from disease and war. We must try to prevent war. For centuries we cannot…

ASTANA – The Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) hosted an event devoted to reforms and geopolitical shifts in Central Asia via video conference on Dec. 15.  In his welcoming remarks, CIRSD President Vuk Jeremić noted increased friction amongst global players and transformative developments in worldwide security and the economy. In this regard,…

ASTANA – FoodVentures has been sharing the highest Dutch operating practices in producing greenhouse vegetables with Kazakhstan since 2017. The company is engaged in the construction and operations of high-tech greenhouses. The Astana Times spoke with the CEO of FoodVentures, Dirk Aleven, to learn about the company’s projects in great demand worldwide.  The FoodVentures company…

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated people on Independence Day, saying that December 16, 1991, is an important date in the country’s history. “We must honor the national heroes who dedicated their lives to protecting freedom. Their love for the homeland is an example for today and future generations… Our main task is further strengthening…

ASTANA – The Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU) hosted a cultural event to mark the World Arabic Language Day on Dec. 7. The event was organized by the ENU Department of Oriental Studies and the Embassy of Egypt in Kazakhstan. “Today, in Kazakhstan, we had an opportunity to celebrate the richness and global importance of…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is an important partner for North Macedonia, said Ambassador of North Macedonia to Kazakhstan Sali Limani in a recent interview with The Astana Times.  North Macedonia and Kazakhstan have been partners since 1995. The diplomatic relations  between the two countries are based on mutual trust and understanding.  “What contributes to friendly bilateral…

ASTANA – As the countries bidding for hosting the Specialized Exhibition 2027/28 anticipate the decision, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), sat down with The Astana Times to talk about Expo 2017 Astana’s legacy and the organization’s activities as a whole.  The international exposition that took place in…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has the opportunity to become one of the top green hydrogen exporting countries, said Kazakh Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Almas Aidarov in a recent interview with The Astana Times.  “Green hydrogen is a quite new concept,” explained Aidarov. “Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable…

ASTANA – The Central Election Commission (CEC) announced Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as elected President of Kazakhstan after the final results of the presidential election were released on Nov. 22. According to the CEC, Tokayev won 81.31 percent of the election’s votes. The results show that Zhiguli Dairabayev won 3.42 percent of the votes, Karakat Abden –…

ASTANA – As the campaigning continues nationwide, prominent academics discuss voter awareness and engagement necessary for driving social change ahead of the Presidential election on Nov. 20.  “Election is the most efficient tool of democracy,” Ainur Karbozova, Deputy Chair of the Board of Narikbayev KAZGUU University, said in an interview for this story. “It provides…

ASTANA – A team of 13 education professionals from Central Asia took part for the first time in EdTech Asia’s sixth annual summit in Singapore in late October. The delegation included the founders of education companies in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, heads of preschool education centers, representatives of Nazarbayev University, and academics and leaders of social…

ASTANA – The ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan give the partnership between the European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan room to grow in all areas of cooperation, Klemen Groselj, a Member of the European Parliament and its standing rapporteur on Kazakhstan, said in a recent interview with The Astana Times. “I am confident that the EU can…

Editor’s note: As Kazakhstan approaches the presidential elections on Nov. 20, The Astana Times will contribute a series of articles in the format of reviews and interviews providing an outlook into the electoral programs of each of the candidates.  ASTANA – The campaign platform of incumbent President and people’s coalition candidate Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is based…

ASTANA – The European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan seek to strengthen their strategic partnership by signing an agreement on raw materials, batteries and renewable hydrogen on Nov. 7 at the sidelines of the 27th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27), which kicked off in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The agreement focuses on the development…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan marked the United Nations (UN) Day with the premiere of the Qanattylar inclusive theatre performance at the Kuanyshbayev Kazakh Music Drama Theatre in Astana on Nov. 7. The troupe staged “Leila’s Prayer” a play about the life of a girl with disabilities in the image of an eternal child, a victim of…

ASTANA – Italian pianist and composer Alessandro Martire will stage a concert featuring compositions from his new album “Wind of Gea” as part of the Alem Saz International Music Festival at the Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall in Astana on Nov. 8.  The Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra will perform at the concert.  Martire will also present…

ASTANA – The Kazakh students had a chance on Oct. 28 to debate on climate solutions at the Voice of Youth from Glasgow to Sharm El-Sheikh event at the Narikbayev KazGUU University ahead of the 27th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27).  The UK will hand over its presidency to Egypt, which will…

ASTANA – October 25 is one of the most important dates in the history of Kazakhstan. On this day the Declaration on the State Sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR (Soviet Socialist Republic) was adopted, representing the country’s first step toward its independence.    Republic Day, celebrated in Kazakhstan until 2009, marks the declaration adoption.  The proposal…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has been an important actor in the European Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) since becoming its member in 1991, said Secretary-General of the Energy Charter Secretariat Guy Lentz in a recent interview with The Astana Times.  Lentz recognized Kazakhstan’s unique role in the negotiation process and its participation in initiatives, meetings, and working…

ASTANA – The Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) reaffirmed the importance of the CIS and expressed readiness to strengthen multilateral cooperation at the meeting in Astana on Oct.14. The council meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev became one of the high-profile events held this week along with the…

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted the fourth Climate Dialogue conference highlighting the priorities and mechanisms of the draft carbon neutrality strategy  until 2060 at the Astana International Financial Center on Oct. 6. The document was developed by the Ministry of National Economy in cooperation with national experts. The event was organized by the Green…

ASTANA – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) welcomes the new reforms in Kazakhstan and is ready to provide advice and technical support, said Nicolas Blancher, the Division Chief in the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department and Mission Chief for Kazakhstan during the meeting with Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov on Oct. 6. …

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recognized the role of entrepreneurship in economic growth during the meeting with the business executives at Akorda on Sept. 9. “In my address to the people, I noted the basic goal of economic policy: qualitative and inclusive growth of the well-being of people. This can be achieved through a free…

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has directed the Prime Minister to take all the necessary measures to prevent an emergency in connection to the recent wildfires in the regions during the meeting with Akims (Governors) of the Almaty, East Kazakhstan, Akmola and Karagandy regions on Sept. 9.  Tokayev ordered the special equipment and other necessary…

NUR-SULTAN – The construction of new houses for fire victims has started in the Auliekol village, reported Sept. 7 Kazinform. The duration of the project is expected to be 2,5 months. The Halyk Charitable Fund also announced plans to allocate 1.3 billion tenge (US$2 million) to build a new kindergarten accommodating 280 children in the…

NUR-SULTAN – The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) aims to take decisive actions to address food and nutrition issues in line – all in line with its strategic vision by 2031, said IOFS Director General Yerlan Baidaulet in a recent interview with The Astana Times.   The 10-year strategy was adopted  at the Fourth General…

NUR-SULTAN – This week, a plethora of cultural events were held abroad to honor the 177th anniversary of great poet and philosopher Abai Kunanbayev. Kazakhstan celebrated the Day of Abai on Aug. 10, the date of his birthday. The book titled “The greatness of Abai or an attempt to create a portrait of a thinker…

NUR-SULTAN – The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced plans to develop the draft law on combating human trafficking in April 2023, said Kanat Nurmagambetov, the Acting Head of the Department for Combating Organized Crime at a July 26 round table at the Central Communications Centre. A dialogue platform between the state and civil sectors operated…

NUR-SULTAN – The National Bank set the base rate to 14.5 percent per annum on July 25 to reduce inflation in the medium term, Chair of the National Bank Galymzhan Pirmatov told Kazinform. Annual inflation in May accelerated above the National Bank’s forecasts. “Annual inflation accelerated to 14 percent in May and 14.5 percent in…

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh officials visited France to learn about the country’s experience in developing atomic energy, reported the press service of the Ministry of Energy on July 21.     The Kazakh delegation held meetings with representatives of France’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Ecological Transition, and the French nuclear power plant operator Eléctricité…

NUR-SULTAN – This year, the fourth International Forum of Educational Technologies in Nur-Sultan held two major sessions to address issues related to human capital development and the digital agenda in education. The EdTech Forum was held on June 27-29. The key theme of the forum was M.E.T.A. (Mobility. Edutainment. Technology. Action.).  During the session dedicated…

NUR-SULTAN – What are the business advantages of female leadership? What is the situation with the gender balance representation in Kazakhstan and around the world? These topics were in the spotlight of the New Kazakhstan: Female Leadership and Management session held as part of the recent EdTech Forum M.E.T.A. in Nur-Sultan. The Kazakh government has…

NUR-SULTAN –  Almaty remains in the yellow zone since July 4 as 112 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the city over the past day, reported the nation’s interdepartmental commission on the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus infection on July 5. All other regions are in the green zone, according to the matrix…

NUR-SULTAN – The Trade Facilitation Portal in Kazakhstan has been launched as part of the Ready4Trade Central Asia project funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Trade Center (ITC), on July 4. The new online platform provides information on cross-border trading procedures and makes it more accessible for businesses.  Youri Skaskevitch,…

NUR-SULTAN – The decarbonization of the global economy is becoming increasingly urgent, particularly for major energy producers such as Kazakhstan. The country announced plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.  During the plenary session of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Investors’ Council, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hosted a discussion with business leaders and members of government on approaches…

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh capital hosted a celebration event paying tribute to Africa’s history and rich culture at the Nazarbayev University (NU) on June 24. The event was initiated by the embassies of South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and the Chargé de Affairs of Libya in Kazakhstan.  Africa day is observed annually to commemorate the founding…

NUR-SULTAN – The National Center for Human Rights in Kazakhstan and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions agreed to increase support to Kazakh civil society and various institutions for the implementation of human rights and democratic principles within the OCSE. This was announced during the signing of the memorandum between Commissioner (Ombudsperson) for Human Rights…

NUR-SULTAN – The Polpharma Group, one of the top 20 leading manufacturers of generic medications globally, has been making a significant contribution to the pharmaceutical industry’s development in Kazakhstan. The company’s input has demonstrated its vital role in the country during the pandemic.  President of the Polpharma Supervisory Board Jerzy Starak spoke about the company’s…

NUR-SULTAN – The Prosecutor General’s Office identified the criminal groups who organized the attack on the Almaty airport as part of the investigation into the events of January, reported the press service of the Central Communications Center.  Pogroms, arson, and property damage to state facilities and acts of terrorism were committed in Almaty, Shymkent, Aktobe,…

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh capital will host the fifth Astana Finance Days conference dedicated to sustainability, social responsibility, and growth on June 27-29 at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), reported the organization’s press service.  More than 200 speakers including Visa’s Vice President, Regional Manager Central Asia, and Azerbaijan Cristina Doros, World Bank Group’s Vice…

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan and Iran agreed to increase mutual trade, strengthen trade and economic cooperation in transport, logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture, and expand cultural and humanitarian ties. This was announced during the meeting between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on June 19, reported Akorda.  As part of his official visit…

NUR-SULTAN – The representatives of Iran, Russia and Turkey who serve as guarantors of the Astana Process on Syria expressed their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter at the 18th International Meeting on Syria in the Kazakh capital on July 16. …

NUR-SULTAN – The European Union welcomes the political reforms initiated by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his state-to-the-nation address in mid-March, and confirmed by the referendum in June, in addition to the socio-economic reforms started after the tragic January events. The EU stands ready to support further modernization and democratization of the country, EU Ambassador…

NUR-SULTAN – The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court and the International Arbitration Centre (IAC) play an important role in strengthening investor confidence and ensuring impartiality in resolving disputes. This was announced by Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov during the meeting with Chief Justice of the AIFC Court, The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mance on…

NUR-SULTAN – Progressive institutional changes require highly qualified professionals who can deliver positive outcomes based on their well-informed and enlightened perspectives, and on their knowledge of international best practices, said David Russell Gallo, the Director of the AIFC Academy of Law, who spoke about the academy’s role in making international law environment more effective, in…

NUR-SULTAN – Sixteen Kazakh universities have entered the QS World University Rankings 2023 featuring more than 1,400 universities from around the world, reported the press service of the Ministry of Education and Science.  The number of Kazakh universities has doubled in the rankings in three years as eight were listed in the ranking in 2018…

NUR-SULTAN – The Astana Times spoke with David Livingstone, Citi’s Chief Executive Officer in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), about the company’s activities and priority areas for investing on the eve of the 34th Foreign Investors’ Council, which is held today in Nur-Sultan. As one of Kazakhstan’s largest multinational investors, Citi is committed to…

NUR-SULTAN – Some 77.18 percent of people (6.1 million of people) voted in favor of the constitutional Amendments during the referendum on June 5, reported Central Referendum Commission (CRC) Chairman Nurlan Abdirov at the June 7 meeting on the final electoral tally.  This makes up an absolute majority of votes in each of the 17…

NUR-SULTAN – Some 76.7 percent of people voted in favor of the amendments to Kazakhstan’s Constitution, according to the exit poll results announced at midnight on June 6 by Head of the Sotsis-A Institute for Social Research Alibek Tazhibayev. Some 23.3 percent of people voted against the amendments. The voter turnout was declared at 67.5…

NUR-SULTAN – Fifty recipients of scholarships funded by the European Union (EU) from Afghanistan have started their English courses at the Almaty Management University (AlmaU) in April, reported the press service of the UNDP.  The course started online in December of 2021. By the beginning of the academic year, all students will graduate from the…

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Roman Vassilenko held a number of meetings with European Union officials in Budapest, Vilnius, Warsaw and Vienna to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the countries and outline the major directions of the political reforms in Kazakhstan, reported the ministry’s press service. Kazakh-Austrian dialogue in Vienna  Kazakhstan and…

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s largest sovereign wealth fund Samruk Kazyna has been undergoing a major transformation this year amid the recently announced reforms on building a new state policy.  The Samruk Kazyna is one of the biggest stakeholders of oil and gas, energy, national railroad, and postal office companies.  Implementation of reforms   President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced…

NUR-SULTAN – It is necessary to protect individuals under investigation and establish legitimacy and justice in the proceedings related to the January events, reported Kazakhstan’s Commissioner for Human Rights Elvira Azimova at the press briefing on April 28.  Azimova noted that Kazakhstan has been introducing innovative changes in the field of human rights agenda and…

NUR-SULTAN – This year saw the publication of Kazakh author Togzhan Kassenova’s “Atomic Steppe: How Kazakhstan Gave Up the Bomb,” the story of how Kazakhstan voluntarily gave up its nuclear arsenal after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Recently, a presentation of the book was also held at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under…

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has resigned as the chairman of Kazakhstan’s ruling party Amanat. This was announced during the party’s extraordinary meeting on Tuesday.  Mazhilis Speaker Yerlan Koshanov will now serve as the chairman of the party. His nomination was supported by the other party members.  “I have said before that I would resign…

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Minister of Justice Kanat Mussin spoke about the amendments to be introduced to the Constitution as part of the New Kazakhstan: The Path of Renewal and Modernization program following the President’s address during an April 18 press conference at the Central Communications Center.  In his state of the nation address, President Kassym-Jomart…

NUR-SULTAN – European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) President Odile Renaud-Basso spoke about priority investment projects in Kazakhstan and how reforms influence the bank’s activities in an exclusive interview with the Astana Times.  The EBRD has been actively engaged in promoting green investments in Kazakhstan that align with Kazakhstan’s plans for carbon neutrality by…

NUR-SULTAN – The transformation of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia (CICA) into a full-fledged international organization is a priority goal of Kazakhstan’s presidency in the organization. This was announced during the meeting of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with Executive Director of the CICA Secretariat Kairat Sarybay on April 14, reported the Akorda…

NUR-SULTAN – The Embassy of Italy in Kazakhstan presented a special program titled Together Towards 2050 to mark the 30th anniversary of relations between Italy and Kazakhstan.  “The 30th anniversary of relations between Italy and Kazakhstan coincides with the historical period when it is important to strengthen the friendship between the two countries and resume…

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh government has been considering proposals for the demonopolization of some sectors of the economy, the Prime Minister’s Office reported on April 6. Demonopolization is expected to take place in the construction, housing and communal services, transport, the functioning of roads and the manufacturing industry. According to the Minister of Industry and…

NUR-SULTAN – Judy Kuo, Chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy Nur-Sultan, spoke about the U.S.-Kazakhstan strategic partnership, trade relations and environmental cooperation in a recent interview with The Astana Times.  On behalf of the U.S. Mission, Kuo congratulated all Muslims in Kazakhstan and wished them a safe and healthy Ramadan.  “During this holy month of…

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in a festive event dedicated to the spring equinox holiday of Nauryz at the Astana Square in Almaty on March 21, reported Akorda’s Press.  “The sacred Nauryz is a holiday of prosperity, unity, charity and mutual respect. I came here to celebrate this great holiday together with you.…

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s address to the nation, which was delivered on March 15, outlines a program for the large-scale transformation of the country and shows the way forward towards building a New Kazakhstan. “The significance of today’s address is special. Its scope of work is not limited to one year. It is broad…

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh government plans to revise the concept of a subject of the quasi-public sector and to reform the quasi-public sector, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov said in his response to a deputy’s request.  Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev decided to reform the quasi-public sector during his address to the nation in 2020. The companies…

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) under the President of Kazakhstan released the results of a sociological survey viewing the social well-being of the population and trust in political institutions.  The survey was conducted in February in all regions. Overall, 6,800 respondents over 18 years-of-age living in 14 regions and 3 cities…

NUR-SULTAN – Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to support efforts aimed at promoting unity, brotherhood and prosperity in Muslim countries in connection to the upcoming 48th meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers, said Ambassador of Pakistan to Kazakhstan Sajjad Ahmed Seehar at the recent press meeting in the Kazakh capital.  This…

NUR-SULTAN – The operational group has been investigating 3,502 criminal cases linked to the acts of terrorism, murders, theft of firearms and mass riots committed during the January events in Kazakhstan. This was announced by Head of the Criminal Prosecution Service of the General Prosecutor’s Office Serik Shalabayev at a February 28 expanded meeting. Acting…

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Yerlan Turgumbaev, the Minister of Internal Affairs and appointed Marat Akhmetzhanov as the new minister, the Akorda reported on Feb. 25.   Turgumbaev will now serve as an Advisor to the President.  Akhmetzhanov previously served as the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Agency. He began his career in 1990 at the…

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh capital hosted a concert of world-famous Italian violinist Maestro Domenico Nordio with the Eurasian Student Symphony Orchestra of Kazakh National University of Arts at the Zhambyl Zhabayev Concert Hall on Feb. 17. As one of the most celebrated violinists of his generation Nordio performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York,…

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan and China have built a foundation for a true strategic partnership in all areas of cooperation over the 30 years of diplomatic relations, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Feb. 5, reported Akorda. Tokayev also expressed…

NUR-SULTAN – Approximately 113 billion tenge (US$261 million) have been allocated to the Qazaqstan Halqyna (to the people of Kazakhstan) foundation, which is designed to boost social support, from Jan. 16 to Feb. 2, reported the press service of the foundation.  The funds allocated to the foundation come from private and public sources.   President Kassym-Jomart…

NUR-SULTAN – The COVID-19 situation remains tense in Kazakhstan, reported Minister of Healthcare Azhar Giniyat at a February 1 government meeting.  The COVID-19 cases in school-aged children have increased since mid-January. The bed occupancy has also increased 1.2 times from 31 to 38 percent.  “The local authorities should ensure the compliance with the sanitary and…

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan is loosening restrictions on businesses, reported Minister of Healthcare Azhar Giniyat at the Jan. 25 meeting of the government. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government to review the strict quarantine measures taking into account the concerns of the small and medium-sized businesses at the recent meeting with business executives in the capital. …

NUR-SULTAN – Transparency and rule of law are vital in the investigation of the January events, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a January 22 meeting with the heads of Security Council, Prosecutor General’s Office, National Security Committee, Ministers of Defense and Interior Affairs.   “It is impossible to allow society to form its opinion about…

NUR-SULTAN – The National Olympic Committee (NOC) presented the team’s uniform at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, which will be held Feb. 4-20, reported the NOC’s press service.  The uniforms were made by the Kazakh company ZIBROO and created by Russian designer Dmitry Shishkin.  The athletes also took part in the creation of the uniforms…

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged business leaders to work with the government on building a new economic policy during a January 21 meeting, reported Akorda.kz.  New reforms aim to become the basis of a new Kazakhstan. Fair competition, transparency and predictability of state policy, taxing honesty and social responsibility are set to become the…

NUR-SULTAN – The Almaty International airport has resumed its domestic and international flights on Jan. 13, reported the airport’s press service.  The first international flight from Antalya operated by Kazakhstan’s national carrier Air Astana arrived at the airport on Jan. 13. On Jan. 5, a group of terrorists attacked the airport in Almaty during the…

NUR-SULTAN – COVID-19 cases have increased by 41 percent in two weeks due to the circulation of omicron, said newly appointed Kazakh Minister of Healthcare Azhar Giniyat at the Jan. 12 government meeting. The reproductive number has increased by 2.4 times since Jan. 1 and totals 2.2 nationwide.  As of Jan. 14, Nur-Sultan, Almaty, and…

NUR-SULTAN – The main phase of the anti-terrorist operation has been completed, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the plenary session of the Majilis, the lower house of Parliament, on Jan. 11.  The situation has been stabilized in all regions.   The law enforcement agencies, the national guard, and the army are carrying out large-scale and…

NUR-SULTAN – The population of Kazakhstan reached 19.17 million people, according to the first results of the National Population Census, which took place from Sept. 1 to Oct. 30. Prime Minister Askar Mamin presented the report during the meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Wednesday. It is reported that men constitute 48.71 percent of the…

NUR-SULTAN – The IPO of Kaspi.kz, one of the region’s leading banking and fintech companies has contributed to the capital market development, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the recent meeting with representatives of foreign investment companies.  Kaspi.kz became the most expensive publicly traded Kazakh company after it listed its shares on the London Stock Exchange…

NUR-SULTAN – The filming of the “Zhambyl. A New Era” historical film to mark the 175th anniversary of Kazakh poet Zhambyl Zhabayev has started in the country, reported the film’s production company.   The first stage of filming started in mid-October and took place in Almaty and the Almaty region. The filming process will be…

NUR-SULTAN – The sixth edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World was held Nov. 22-28 in the Kazakh capital and Almaty, reported the press service of the Italian Embassy in Kazakhstan.  Overall, 15 events were organized highlighting the superb ingredients, creative recipes, and sustainable concepts of the Mediterranean Diet and their hospitality…

NUR-SULTAN – The sixth meeting of the Astana Club that took place Nov.15-17 addressed the major issues of the global economy, geopolitics and international relations, climate change and nuclear security in the post-pandemic world. First President Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that it is necessary to develop direct contacts between the Eurasian Economic Union, the European Union,…

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined more than 30 initiatives to address current social and economic issues at the sixth meeting of the National Council of Public Trust, which was held on Nov.16.  All initiatives are aimed at further political and socio-economic transformations in the country, reported Erlan Karin, an advisor to the President,…

NUR-SULTAN – The COVID-19 incidence rate has decreased by 23 percent over the past two weeks, reported Kazakh Minister of Healthcare Alexei Tsoy at the government meeting on Nov. 16. According to global statistics, Kazakhstan ranks 105th in the morbidity rate of COVID-19, and 101st in the mortality rate out of 222 countries. As of…

GLASGOW – What are the possible outcomes of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26)? What are the key findings of the newly released reports on climate change? Why is environmental awareness important in education? The Astana Times spoke with UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Inger Andersen…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects real GDP growth at 4.3 percent in 2021 and 4.1 percent in 2022 in its latest economic outlook report for the region. Jihad Azour, director of the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, discusses some of the key issues facing the region. What is the status of the…

GLASGOW – The Central Asian pavilion hosted the events devoted to green investments and energy conservation that contribute to carbon neutrality on Nov. 3-4 as part of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26).  The experts shared their opinion that now more than ever…