Kazakhstan, Expertise France Boost Cooperation in Tech, Transport, and Health
ASTANA — Kazakh-French relations continue to strengthen with the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation between the government of Kazakhstan and the French Development Agency (AFD). Jérémie Pellet, Director General of Expertise France — the French international technical cooperation agency within the AFD Group, providing expertise for AFD projects worldwide and other international initiatives—commented on the…
EDB Forecast: Kazakhstan on Track to Join High-Income Countries by 2028
ASTANA — Kazakhstan is projected to join the ranks of high-income countries by 2028-2029, according to macroeconomic forecast from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) released on March 13. According to the EDB forecast, Kazakhstan has made significant economic progress over the past three decades. The country’s real GDP per capita has more than tripled, outpacing…
Central Eurasia’s Tech Future Takes Shape in Silicon Valley
ASTANA — Silk Road Innovation Hub ended last year on a high note by hosting a Silicon Valley conference in October at San Francisco’s renowned Yerba Buena Arts Center — where Apple’s founder Steve Jobs famously debuted the iPhone and iPad. This event marked the first-ever conference in Silicon Valley dedicated to exploring Central Eurasia’s…
UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Conference Chaired by Kazakhstan Concludes with Key Agreements
ASTANA—The Third Conference of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), chaired by Kazakhstan, concluded on March 7 at UN headquarters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs press service reported that discussions under Kazakhstan’s presidency fostered constructive dialogue and led to consensus on key documents to strengthen the treaty’s implementation. The…
Atyrau Plant Earns Certification, Unlocking Access to 100+ Global Markets
ASTANA — AtyrauNefteMash, a leading Kazakhstan oil and gas equipment manufacturer, received a certification from the American Petroleum Institute (API) with the support of the North Caspian Project (NCOC) operator on Feb. 26. According to Khabar TV channel’s report, the certification confirms that its products meet international industry standards and opens access to global markets…
EDB to Expand Investment in Kazakhstan’s Energy, Transport, and Industry in 2025
ASTANA — In 2025, the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) plans to ramp up financing for key strategic projects in Kazakhstan, with a strong focus on energy, transport, and industry, said Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board, during a meeting with Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov on Feb. 26. Among the major projects…
Asif Khan’s Vision: Transforming Almaty’s Tselinny Cinema into Cultural Landmark
ASTANA — In the heart of Almaty, British architect Asif Khan has reimagined a Soviet-era cinema into a multifunctional venue for contemporary art and cultural exchange. Set to open in April, the Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture will serve as Kazakhstan’s first independent cultural institution, providing a platform for art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, and…
IMF Projects Kazakhstan’s Economic Growth to Stabilize at 3.5% in 2025
ASTANA— The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Kazakhstan’s economic growth to stabilize at approximately 3.5% in the medium term, with inflation expected to ease further and reach its 5% target by 2028, according to a Jan. 31 IMF press release. This assessment follows the IMF Executive Board’s conclusion of the 2024 Article IV consultation with…
Central Asia’s Investment Boom: 40% Surge in Mutual Investments
ASTANA — Investment ties among Central Asian countries continue to strengthen. By the end of the first half of 2024, intraregional accumulated investments in the region Asia grew by 40% over a year and a half, reaching $834 million, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s (EDB) report Monitoring of Mutual Investments of the EDB –…
Building Green Energy Bridge to Europe: Insights from EBRD’s Sitdikova
ASTANA — Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a future leader in renewable energy exports, aiming to establish 12 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. With an ambitious vision to align with global decarbonization goals, the country collaborates with neighbors Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to create a green energy corridor connecting Central Asia to Europe.…
Nurturing Futures Together: UNICEF and Kazakhstan’s Collaboration on Climate Change and Cyber Safety
ASTANA —Kazakhstan and UNICEF have achieved significant milestones in their 30-year partnership. However, new challenges, including climate change and cyberbullying, pose emerging threats to children’s safety and mental health. Together, both parties are working to address these pressing issues. In an interview with The Astana Times YouTube channel, Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, UNICEF Representative in…
Masdar Expands Renewable Energy Footprint in Central Asia with Wind Power Plant in Kazakhstan
ABU DHABI — Last November, during the COP29 conference in Baku, Masdar, a leading renewable energy company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signed an agreement with Kazakhstan to develop a wind power plant in the Zhambyl Region. In an interview with The Astana Times, Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer of Masdar, shared insights…
President Tokayev to Attend Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit Next Week
ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Summit on Jan. 14-15, following an invitation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Akorda press service reported on Jan. 9. Under Sheikh Mohamed’s patronage, ADSW 2025 will take place from Jan.…
President Aliyev Praises Kazakh Heroism After AZAL Plane Crash in Azerbaijan TV Interview
ASTANA — President Ilham Aliyev reviewed the joint actions of the Azerbaijani and Kazakh governments following the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane near Aktau in an interview with Az.TV on Dec. 29. Reflecting on the joint efforts, President Aliyev, in an interview, shared his perspective on the collaboration between Azerbaijani and Kazakh officials.…
EDB to Invest in Construction of Modern Logistics Complex in Kazakhstan
ALMATY — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and Eurasian Logistics Park LLP have signed a loan agreement for the construction of a Class A industrial and logistics complex in the Almaty region on Dec. 5. The loan stands at 16.6 billion tenge (US$ 31 million). The agreement was signed in Almaty on the sidelines of…
EDB Reports $16 Billion Portfolio Growth, Highlights Regional Impact at Annual Press Conference
ALMATY — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) summarized its annual results at its year-end press conference on Dec. 5, where Nikolai Podguzov, chairman of the Management Board of the EDB, highlighted key achievements. According to Podguzov, EDB’s investment portfolio is approaching $16 billion, reflecting a 6% growth in 2024. Additionally, the bank has demonstrated strong…
Kazakh Food: More Than a Meal, It’s a Taste of Home
Almaty’s Auyl restaurant, recently named one of the 16 Most Beautiful Restaurants in the World by Prix Versailles, captures the neo-nomadic spirit of Kazakh cuisine. Inspired by this recognition, Aida Haidar, News Editor at The Astana Times, explores what defines Kazakh cuisine and the deep-rooted connection between food and the essence of home for Kazakhs.…
US Expert on Kazakhstan’s Potential as Supply Chain Anchor and Path to Neutrality
ASTANA — The Astana Times YouTube channel interviewed Darren Spinck, a research fellow at the United Kingdom (UK) – based Henry Jackson Society, a think tank named after the late United States (US) Senator Henry M. Jackson, who served from 1953 to 1983, known for his strong national security policies. The interview took place on…
Positive Futurologist on Kazakhstan’s Future and New Economic Model for World
ASTANA — Ron Immink, a positive futurologist and author, highlighted Kazakhstan’s strategic location as one of its most compelling features. In an interview with The Astana Times’ YouTube channel, he observed that Europeans often carry an inherent arrogance, perceiving themselves as central to the world. However, he noted that this balance of global influence is…
President Tokayev Highlights Importance of Nuclear Energy Development
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the critical need for nuclear energy development in Kazakhstan during his annual state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 2, reported the Akorda press service. He identified nuclear energy as a reliable and environmentally friendly solution to the country’s growing energy needs. “In my opinion, it is necessary to pay the closest…
National Center for Artificial Intelligence to Open in Astana, Announces President Tokayev
ASTANA – Kazakhstan will establish a National Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Kazakh capital by next year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during his annual state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 2, as reported by the Akorda press service. The center will be accessible to schoolchildren, students, researchers and entrepreneurs. “Kazakhstan must consolidate its achievements in…
President Tokayev Calls for Improved Investment Climate and Business Conditions in Address
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need to enhance Kazakhstan’s investment climate and business conditions during his annual state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 2. The President’s words underscored the importance of decisive action to attract capital amidst intense global competition. “In the current context of fierce international competition for investment, it is crucial to make…
From Village Roots to Global Ambassador: Sergey Tsyrulnikov’s Journey of Strength and Patriotism
ASTANA — Strongman Sergey Tsyrulnikov, from the village of Novorybinka in the Akmola Region, has forged himself into a figure of immense physical and spiritual strength. His journey, though unconventional, reflects a deep-seated ambition that evolved from childhood aspirations of truck driving to a fleeting interest in priesthood during his high school years. Fate, however,…
Netherlands and Kazakhstan Forge Strong Ties in Water and Agriculture, Says Ambassador Schermers
ASTANA — The Netherlands and Kazakhstan are deepening their partnership by harnessing Dutch water management and agriculture expertise to tackle Central Asia’s critical challenges. In a recent interview with The Astana Times, Ambassador Nicolaas Schermers of the Netherlands emphasized the strategic cooperation between the two countries, highlighting their shared commitment to addressing pressing issues and…
Honorary Consul Hallman: Kazakhstan’s Human Capital, Agriculture, and Engineering Set for Thriving Growth (Part 1)
ASTANA – While oil and gas have been the backbone of Kazakhstan’s economic growth, they are now moving to a secondary position. Instead, Hugh Hallman, an Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan, said in an interview with The Astana Times that industries such as education, agriculture, and human capital should become primary goals to unlock the country’s…
