Articles by Alina Usmanova

ASTANA – At a regular government meeting on Dec. 4 led by Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov, improving Kazakhstan’s standing in the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) was discussed. The discussion focused specifically on improvements needed to be done by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. “The ministry has identified a set…

ASTANA – Verdi’s masterpiece “Aida” premiered Nov. 19 on the stage of the Astana Opera. Preparation took just over a month, as the staging involved all the technical possibilities of the scenes. Important visual effects that created a colourful show were a big surprise for the audience at the end of the performance. Between the…

ASTANA – The Sixth Economic Forum of National Business Expert-200-Kazakhstan organised by the rating agency Expert RA Kazakhstan (RAEX) and the Expert Kazakhstan magazine was held on Nov. 14 in Astana. Its main topic was, “The reform of public administration: Centre – Regions – Business.” Speaking at the forum, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov…

ASTANA – Nurly Zhol, a new economic policy, presented by President Nursultan Nazarbayev at the Nov. 11 meeting of the Nur Otan Political Council emphasised the infrastructure development over the next five years. The changes will affect large public facilities, including the main transport hubs. The President gave instructions to allocate 29 billion tenge (US$160.2…

During his working visit to the Mangistau Region on Oct. 1, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev had a meeting with entrepreneurs and members of the public sector where he noted the positive dynamics of the development of the region, drawing attention to the implemented infrastructure projects aimed at using the benefits of the local area. “On…

Leading Astana Opera soloists Zhupar Gabdullina and Dina Khamzina recently traveled to the legendary Theatre La Scala in Milan to train with renowned La Scala instructors and to learn more about opera. From Sept. 22 to Sept. 26, the singers were rehearsing their roles as Aida and Amneris from John Verdi’s opera “Aida,” which will…

A delegation from Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region headed by akim (governor) Kanat Bozumbayev recently paid a two-day visit to the Omsk region of Russia, resulting in the signing of a protocol on mutually-beneficial cooperation between the Omsk government and the Pavlodar akimat (administration). Business people of the two regions signed a number of contracts. Over the…

ALMATY – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister for human development Gulshara Abdykalikova and head of the Ministry of Health and Social Development Tamara Duyssenova made a working trip to the city Sept. 20 and toured the Kazakh Research Institute of Oncology and Radiology (KRIOR). Abdykalikova and Duyssenova met with the medical staff, discussed the problems of…

ASTANA – Artists from China will give a concert on the Astana Opera stage Sept. 25 within the Days of Chinese Culture in Kazakhstan. The programme will feature dances with elements of circus arts and songs performed by universal performers working in different genres, from original instrumental compositions to modern electronic music in conjunction with…

ASTANA – “Birzhan-Sara” by Mukan Tolebayev, will be performed as part of the Astana Opera’s new theatre season. The opera, which according to the company’s marketing research has become popular among young people, will be part of the Silk Road International Festival. Birzhan’s part will be presented by Akhmed Agadi, an outstanding tenor of our…

On Sept. 17, the Astana Opera will open the International Silk Road Festival with the timeless opera Tosca, by Giacomo Puccini. This is a big event for the Astana Opera and will be highlighted by renowned “Tosca” singer Anna Pirozzi (Italy,) famous tenor Massimo Giordano as Cavaradossi (Italy) and brilliant Italian opera singer Alberto Gazale…

PETROPAVLOVSK – Tamara and Anatoly Korolkovs are the founders of the Krokha children’s home that has existed for 25 years. The couple has three children of their own and 46 whom they have adopted. “It all started 25 years ago. After seeing the TV marathon from St. Petersburg dedicated to orphanages, my husband and I…

ASTANA – For the new school year, four new schools will open in Astana,” Kassymkhan Sengaziyev, deputy head of the Department of Education told Kazinform news agency. “All four schools are located on the left bank: two are in the Yessil district, two in the Almaty district. This will remove the overcrowding of schools and…

The Astana Opera recently announced it will accept applications from Aug. 1 to Aug. 30 for enrollment in its children’s studio. Some applicants will then perform for judges on Sept. 6-7. Children ages 7 to 16 years old are eligible for inclusion in the choir and orchestra and children from 8 to 10 years old…

Akim (Governor) of Karaganda region Nurmukhambet Abdibekov recently held a meeting on progress in the coal industry. He talked about the industry’s future as well as goals officials are looking to achieve. “Currently, 11 mines, six coal mines and five small coal-mining enterprises are functioning in the region. Coal extraction has increased from 25.9 million…

Gennady Golovkin gained another victory in the big arena of Madison Square Garden, July 27, knocking out opponent Daniel Geale from Australia. The Kazakh boxer sent Geale to the showers with a technical knockout in the third round. Golovkinstarted the fight vehemently. In the first round Geale was on the ring floor sliding into the…

ASTANA – After 80 years, the manuscripts of poet and thinker Shakarim Kudaiberdiyev were returned to Kazakhstan, according to channel 24.kz. Despite the fact that his name was only allowed to be heard again in the late 1980s, after years of neglect there were still many gaps in his biography. The miraculously-survived writings found in…

ASTANA – Journalists were shown a day in the life of oncology and tuberculosis specialists in Kazakhstan on a press tour organised by the Kazakhstan Scientific Research Institute (KazSRI) of Oncology and Radiology and the National Centre for Tuberculosis Problems (NCTP) on June 13, just before the National Day of Medical Workers. Advanced innovative technologies…

ASTANA – Prime Minister Karim Massimov of Kazakhstan held a government meeting on social and economic development in Kazakhstan on June 2. According to the report from the Prime Minister’s office, government officials discussed the establishment and operation of an Almaty regional financial centre. Chairman of the National Bank Kairat Kelimbetov also discussed the main…

ASTANA – Astana’s new National Academy of Choreography will open in April 2016, announced Minister of Culture of Kazakhstan Arystanbek Mukhamediuly at a Central Communications Service (CCS) media briefing on May 27. “Construction of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography has already begun. It is being built on 10 hectares of land and is located…

ASTANA – Minister of Culture of Kazakhstan Arystanbek Mukhamediuly reported that the new National Museum in Astana will open on July 6, Astana Day, at a May 27 Central Communications Service (CCS) briefing. “I am very pleased to announce that on July 6, we will mark a very important event, the opening of one of…

ASTANA – The hypothesis that the developed world may have to get used to perpetually low nominal interest rates and financial bubbles in order to reach full employment was among the maintopics discussed at the second World Anti-Crisis Conference “Regaining Confidence in Global Finance System. Breaking the Cycle of Financial Crisis.” The conference was part…

ASTANA – The official International Specialised Exhibition (BIE) flag will be transferred to Kazakhstan, which has been chosen to host EXPO 2017, during the BIE’s general assembly meeting in June. Chairman of the Board of EXPO 2017 Company Talgat Yermegiyayev made that announcement on May 21 during a special session of the 7th Astana Economic…

Kazakh judo wrestler Zarina Raifova won the Open European Cup in the 78-kilogramme category, which was held May 17-18 in Orenburg, Russia. Raifova defeated Natalya Tuktagulova, Mariam Tovmasyan and Anna Pridannikova on her way to the title. Alexandra Podryadova won the competition’s bronze medal in the 48-kilogramme category by defeating Alana Lazarova in her final…

Remains of the Golden Woman in the West Kazakhstan region were recently recognised by scientists as the most ancient burial found in Kazakhstan. “Based on the results of laboratory studies, it was found that the burial relates to the 6th-5th century BC and is the oldest of the ‘golden’ burials found in Kazakhstan,” Aidar Batyrkhanov,…

Ten-year-old Mukhammedali Zhugunussov won the professional vocalist award at the 2014 Paradise Holiday international competition held in late April. The best vocalists from 10 countries participated. Zhugunussov grew up in a creative environment. His mother is an actress who works for the Kalibek Kuanyshbayev Kazakh Drama Theatre, and his father is a producer. Zhugunussov started…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will chair the Council of Tourism in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in 2015, according to the press service of the Committee for Tourism Industry of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Kazakhstan. On March 14, an international economic forum, CIS and New Formats of Cooperation, was held in…

Six free children’s taekwondo sports clubs are expected to open in Kazakhstan’s largest regions. The Taekwondo Federation of Kazakhstan management will provide children at the sports centres with equipment, trained instructors, medical professionals and sports infrastructure. The first of the six clubs has already opened in Astana. The club is called Mustafa – Astana in…

The blockbuster film “Spiderman: High Voltage” in 3D will be released in Russian and Kazakh in Kazakhstan on April 24, tengrinews.kz recently reported. Dubbing of the film into Kazakh began in November 2013. Over the subsequent months, voice castings were conducted and material from the production studio was received and approved. Once approved, the dubbing…

ASTANA – On May 2-5, Astana will host the 47th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Tair Kuanyshev, senior expert of the Astana-based Economic Research Institute, spoke with The Astana Times about the importance of this event for Kazakhstan. Why does this meeting attract so much attention? The…

ASTANA – The G-Global info-communication platform sponsored an online conference March 19 to allow Kazakh and international experts to discuss a draft plan to overcome the long-term impacts the global financial and economic crisis have had on UN Member States. The plan is based on democratic principles and seeks to develop measures to prevent financial…

The Kazakh movie “Nagima” directed by Zhanna Issabayeva won the Grand Prix at the Deauville Asian Film Festival held March 5-9 in France. Chairperson of the jury was French film director Claire Denis. Actor and writer Rene Bonnel, actress and producer Roxane Mesquida and actor Samir Guesmi were also part of the jury. “Nagima” premiered…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national boxing team won the Four Countries-2014 boxing tournament, which ended here Feb. 20. In the tournament’s final round, Kazakh boxers defeated the Russian team with a landslide score of 7:3. The victories were won by Birzhan Zhakipov (49 kg), Kairat Yeraliyev (56 kg), Zakir Safiullin (60 kg), Sagadat Rakhmankulov (69 kg),…

ASTANA – The work of painter Zhanetta Nauruzova, an artist from Aksu, in the Pavlodar region, is being showcased in the Has Sanat Gallery in an exhibition that will run from Feb. 18 to March 10. Nauruzova’s main themes are nature, usually spring and summer scenes, and representations of light play a large part in…

The closer the date of signing of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) treaty determined by the three presidents of EEU member countries, the higher the degree of discussions in society, both about the need to create such a union and the principles of its creation, as well as what the union treaty should represent. Deputy…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will need to spend more than $100 million to build a terminal in the Chinese port of Lianyungang, said a Jan. 16 report by the country’s national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy. According to the project’s feasibility study, its estimated cost is $112 million. The Kazakhstan Temir Zholy report stated that on…

ASTANA – A number of new laws came into effect on Jan. 1, including laws raising taxes and increasing social benefits. Owners of expensive, high-engine-capacity vehicles will pay more in taxes in 2014. Cars with engine capacities of more than 3,000 cubic centimetres produced or imported into Kazakhstan after Dec. 31, 2013, will pay a…

Thirteen-year-old Zhansaya Abdumalik of Kazakhstan won the international CZECH TOUR series Brno Open 2013 chess tournament, which was held in the Czech Republic from Nov. 16 to Nov. 23 Abdumalik, currently the world’s vice-champion among girls up to the age of 20, racked up six victories and no defeats in the tournament to gain 7.5…

ASTANA – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov made a European tour visiting Hungary, attending EU-Central Asia meetings in Brussels and the United Kingdom, on Nov. 18-21. On Nov. 18 and 19, while visiting Hungary, Idrissov discussed bilateral cooperation in politics, trade, economics and culture, as well as preparations for the 2014 visit…

ASTANA – Singers from Astana Opera won in a number of categories at the international Arena di Verona competition in Verona, Italy, on Nov. 4-10. About 50 singers took part in the competition to win roles in the theatre’s upcoming productions. Tenor Medet Chotabayev and baritone Sundet Baigozhin took first place in their nominations and…

The Alash Pride fighting club will hold a mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament on Dec. 19 to commemorate Kazakhstan’s 22 years of independence. Renowned fighters from around the world will take part in the competition. According to Daniyar Kaskarulov, president of Alash Pride club, tournament audiences will see famous fighters from around the world fight…

The Kazakh film “Myn Bala,” or “Warriors of the Steppe,” in its English translation, has been released in the U.S. to generally favourable reviews. Myn Bala’s $12 million budget was some of the most money ever spent on a film in Kazakhstan. The epic film by Akan Satayev is now available in North America via…

ASTANA – Astana Opera, Kazakhstan’s national opera and ballet theatre, signed a memorandum of cooperation on Oct. 22 with the U.K.-based international opera association Opera Europa and representatives of eight theatres around the world. The eight theatres included in the memorandum are the South African Opera, the Shanghai Grand Theatre, Singapore’s Lyric Opera, Italy’s Public…

ASTANA – Gumilev Eurasian National University on Oct. 10 hosted an evening of Jose Manuel Cano, renowned Spanish guitar player and master of playing flamenco on guitar. The concert programme included “Early morning in Granada,” “Streams of Alhambra,” “Hostel in San Francisco” and “Sounds of Flamenco for the Concert.” “It was fantastic, so great to…

ASTANA – Pierre Gevart, senior expert of the European Union sponsored project, “The Civil Service Reform and Modernisation of the Government of Kazakhstan,” trained civil servants and the teaching staff of the Public Administration Academy under the President of Kazakhstan, and the Regional Retraining and Skills Upgrading Centres for Civil Servants on Oct. 2-11. The…

ASTANA – The eighth Kazenergy forum opened in Astana on Oct. 8 and will contain panels discussing issues of future energy, Eurasian perspectives, developing youth capabilities, the role of women in energy and more. Opening the forum, Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov of Kazakhstan read welcoming remarks by President Nursultan Nazarbayev to the participants of the…

Kazakhstan athletes won 16 medals at the Sept. 28 women’s youth and juniors world boxing championship held in Albena, Bulgaria. Youth boxer Gauhar Yermekbay became world champion in the weight category up to 69 kilogrammes. “Masterfully handling all her fights, she did not give her opponents a chance to win,” the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation announced.…

ASTANA – Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy along with Kazakhstan Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov Sept. 30 opened the International Conference on the Green Bridge and EXPO 2017. After opening the conference, Rajoy was welcomed in an official ceremony at the Akorda where he and Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed issues related to developing the Kazakhstan-Spanish…

Kazakhstan Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov met with International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) Secretary General Vicente Lossertales in Paris on Sept. 19. Akhmetov also met with French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Secretary General Angel Gurria. The meetings included discussions of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the OECD, as well as…

Kazakhstan Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov met with International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) Secretary General Vicente Lossertales in Paris on Sept. 19. Akhmetov also metwith French Prime MinisterJean-Marc AyraultandOrganization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Secretary General Angel Gurria. The meetings included discussions of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the OECD, as well as Astana’s preparations for EXPO…

The thirty-third session of the ad hoc working group between the deputy foreign ministers of the Caspian states, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia and Turkmenistan held its two-day session in Baku on Sept. 12-13. The meeting was attended by delegations from the five Caspian countries and washeaded by Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Kairat Sarybay, Deputy…

Renat Salavatov, Honored Artist of Russia, People’s Artist of Tatarstan and chevalier of the Kurmet Order was appointed art director and chief director of the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Zhambyl Kazakh State Philharmonic in Almaty. The opening of the 79th concert season of the philharmonic will take place on Sept. 6. The soloist…

After finishing his mission promoting Kazakhstan and EXPO 2017 in Brazil, the president of the Geographical Society of Kazakhstan and the famous biker Dmitry Petrukhin arrived at the border of Brazil and Paraguay with his expedition team. After completion of all formalities at the border, the Round the World Expedition “Expo-Astana” entered Paraguay. Residents of…

Lassina Zerbo, the new executive secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), travelled to China Aug. 4 for his first trip abroad as the head of the organization seeking to promote the ratification of the key treaty by the countries on whose ratification its entry into force depends. During his…

ASTANA – The upcoming theatrical season at the recently opened Astana Opera and Ballet Theatre will showcase young talents in a number of leading roles. Young tenor Medet Chotabayev, who will be performing at Astana Opera, has already won the Art of the 20th Century international competition in Finland, first prize and a special prize…

Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev visited the Special Economic Zone Park, known as the Park of Innovation Technologies, near Almaty and got acquainted and with the production processes of the zone’s enterprises. President Nazarbayev saw the presentations of projects of the second stage of development of the park implemented by such companies and organizations as SAT&Co,…