Articles by Assel Satubaldina

ASTANA – Economic growth in Central Asia is projected to reach 5.7% in 2025 before easing to 5.2% in 2026. The outlook comes despite a global subdued growth, driven by persistent inflation, weak reforms momentum, and weakening external demand, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)’s latest Regional Economic Prospects report. Beata…

ASTANA – It is March 22 and preparations are wrapped up for the Nauryz holiday at homes and public squares across Kazakhstan. Grand concerts, traditional feasts, music and games are all important aspects of celebrating Nauryz. But beyond the festivities also lies a holiday rooted in humanity’s pursuit of unity, renewal and peace.  “Unity and…

ASTANA – The Kazakh economy kicked off 2025 strong, said the World Bank in their March update for the country.  Key details from the update “Early economic indicators suggest a solid start to 2025, with the latest PMI data pointing to robust growth in both manufacturing and services. The composite PMI climbed to 51.3 in…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the European Union concluded key agreements on March 13 in Astana under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy as part of the visit of EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela to Kazakhstan.  Addressing the press following his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, Sikela emphasized his visit…

ASTANA – Economists have studied for decades why some countries struggle to transition from middle-income status to high-income, while some thrive. In a conversation with The Astana Times, World Bank Chief Economist for Central Asia and Europe Ivailo Izvorski explains why it has been hard for countries to escape the middle-income trap and how to…

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted the first-ever expert dialogue in Central Asia+Japan format on March 6 to explore the evolving dynamics of cooperation between the region and Japan, regional integration, and foreign policy. The event, organized by Kazakhstan’s Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS), the Embassy of Japan in Kazakhstan and Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU),…

ASTANA – In an interview with The Astana Times, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan Aghalar Atamoglanov reflects on how the two nations are forging closer ties across various areas and the profound way the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines plane near Aktau in December further cemented the deep bond between the two countries. Tragedy that brought nations…

ASTANA – In the plains of the Ulytau Region in central Kazakhstan, a solitary mausoleum stands guard over the legacy of Jochi Khan, the eldest son of Genghis Khan. Now, that legacy is being brought to life as Kazakhstan embarked on a documentary drama titled “Golden Empire” to bring Jochi Khan’s story to the screen.…

ASTANA – Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept from futuristic films. It is here – reshaping economies, industries and the way societies function. While some countries are racing ahead, others are figuring out how to navigate this uncharted territory. The Astana Times spoke to Richard Stirling, head of Oxford Insights, a global research…

ASTANA – The United Kingdom sees Kazakhstan as a partner in driving sustainable infrastructure growth, with British companies ready to bring their expertise to support the country’s ambitious development goals, said Stuart Senior, co-chair of the U.K. Government’s Department for Business and Trade Infrastructure Exports Initiative (IE:UK), in an interview with The Astana Times.  The…

ASTANA – S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Kazakhstan’s long-term sovereign credit rating at ‘BBB-’ and short-term rating at ‘A-3,’ maintaining a stable outlook despite rising fiscal pressures.  In its Feb. 21 release, S&P analysts explain the rating underscores Kazakhstan’s robust fiscal and external balance sheets, which continue to provide a solid cushion against external shocks. …

ASTANA – Towering limestone cliffs, endless horizons, and surreal landscapes – Bozzhyra is a sight to behold. Located in the Mangystau Region, this natural wonder is the one place that will take your breath away, said Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Yerkinbayev in a recent interview with The Astana Times, and he explains…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom seek closer cooperation in infrastructure development. Astana hosted the Build Together infrastructure roundtable on Feb. 18, gathering government representatives, investors, and businesses to explore the nation’s rapidly evolving infrastructure landscape.  The roundtable saw the mutual interest in fostering a stronger partnership, with both governments and businesses keen to…

ASTANA – Celebrating 15 years since its establishment, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has evolved into a fully-fledged intergovernmental entity with growing international recognition. As the OTS charts its course for 2025, OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev outlines the organization’s strategic priorities, potential expansion, and the next phase of cooperation among Turkic nations. The…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is opening its doors wider to digital nomads and remote professionals since the launch of the Neo Nomad Visa in November. In an interview with The Astana Times, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Yerkinbayev shared the inspiration behind the visa, saying Kazakhstan can become a “favorite place” for neo nomads. …

ASTANA – Renewable energy generation reached 6.43% in Kazakhstan in 2024, surpassing its 2025 target a year ahead of schedule. As Kazakhstan pushes ahead with its green transition, renewables are not only reshaping the energy system by exposing its critical weaknesses but also challenging long-standing industry mindsets, said Qazaq Green Renewable Energy Association Chairwoman Ainur…

ASTANA – European Union (EU) Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan commended the work with the Kazakh authorities on preventing circumvention of Western sanctions on Russia and expressed general optimism about the EU’s evolving partnership with Kazakhstan at a Jan. 30 press briefing in Astana. O’Sullivan stressed that his “particular responsibility” is EU sanctions against Russia.  “My…

ASTANA – Trading volume at the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) hit 389.1 trillion tenge (US$753.6 billion) in 2024, 5% less than the previous year, said KASE Deputy Chairwoman Dana Amanzholova on Jan. 29 in Astana.  Delivering her remarks at the KASE Day in the Kazakh capital, Amanzholova focused on key trends that shaped KASE’s work…

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired an expanded government meeting on Jan. 28, outlining key priorities for the government’s work in the year ahead. Tokayev highlighted the positive results achieved in 2024 despite the “challenging global situation,” reports the Akorda press service. However, he emphasized that many unresolved issues remain. He spoke of a…

ASTANA – In November, Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala conservation initiative earned one of the world’s most coveted environmental accolades, Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, for its success in recovering once-critical endangered Saiga antelopes. In a recent interview published on The Astana Times YouTube channel, Vera Voronova, executive director of the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of…

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested 913 million euros (US$942.8 million) across 25 projects in Kazakhstan in 2024, marking a more than triple increase in its annual investments, reports the bank’s press office.  Of this, 61% of the investments went to green economy projects.  “Overall, the main factor is that…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is among the most likely candidates to host the licensing qualifying tournament in weightlifting for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, said International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) President Mohammed Hasan Jalood during his meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Jan. 17 in Astana.  The meeting was also attended by Mohamed Yousef Al…

ASTANA – Bilateral ties between Kazakhstan and Thailand are growing, with both nations showing commitment to deepen relations across trade, tourism, and culture. In an interview with The Astana Times, Chargé d’affaires at the Royal Thai Embassy in Astana Orathai Phubunlap Gunaseelan reflects on the dynamics of bilateral ties and opportunities and shares what fulfills…

ASTANA – In a wide-ranging interview on Jan. 3, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, reflecting on the dynamics of relations with Russia, China, and the United States, reported the Akorda press service.  “My primary goal is to strengthen the economic potential, sovereignty, and international standing of our state. From the very beginning of…

ASTANA—As the curtains fell on 2024, another year of global turbulence and uncertainty, Kazakhstan’s diplomacy is proving that bridges, not walls, hold the key to lasting influence. The Astana Times presents a recap of Kazakhstan’s proactive diplomacy in 2024.  Middle power that goes above This year, the idea of middle power became somewhat of a…