Articles by Nagima Abuova

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s film industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with domestic productions driving a 30% surge in box office revenue in 2024. Once overshadowed by foreign films, local cinema now attracts private investors, state initiatives and international collaborations, bringing a new era to the nation’s entertainment landscape. According to Alexander Aksyutits, Top Pro Cinema CEO,…

NEW YORK — The Third Meeting of States Parties (3MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in New York on March 3-7, underscored both progress and challenges in global disarmament. In an interview with The Astana Times, expert Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova spoke about the treaty’s implementation, the evolving geopolitical landscape, and Kazakhstan’s…

ASTANA — Gratitude Day, celebrated on March 1, is more than just a celebration in Kazakhstan – it is a tribute to resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of hospitality. For generations, people from different corners of the world – some forced by history, others searching for new beginnings—have made Kazakhstan their home. Though their…

ASTANA — A high-level panel discussion marking the United Nations’ 80th anniversary and Kazakhstan’s accession to the organization convened over 70 representatives from government institutions, the diplomatic corps, the UN, and academia on Feb. 26. The event explored Kazakhstan’s contributions to global peace, security, and sustainable development while examining the evolving role of the UN…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is intensifying efforts to restore and protect its forests, which cover only 5% of the country’s territory but play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. In a written comment for The Astana Times, the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources outlined the…

ASTANA — Kazakh entrepreneur and environmental advocate Assel Seifullina will represent Kazakhstan and Central Asia at the Women in Tech Global Summit in Osaka from April 23 to 25. In an interview with The Astana Times, Seifullina shared her journey, aspirations, and her project’s role in ecological transformation, as well as her vision for the…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s national team earned 20 medals, including four gold, nine silver and seven bronze, to finish fourth in the overall team competition at the 2025 Asian Winter Games concluded on Feb. 14 in Harbin, China.  According to the National Olympic Committee (NOC), Kazakhstan’s gold medals were secured by biathlete Vladislav Kireyev in the…

ASTANA — Kazakh artists from Astana Opera, Kazakh National University of Arts (Shabyt), and the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography will represent Kazakhstan at the Chingay Parade in Singapore on Feb. 7-8.  The annual parade celebrating the Lunar New Year holds special significance this year as Singapore marks the 60th anniversary of its independence.  The…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s strategic position at the crossroads of East and West, balancing state control with a growing market economy, gives it a unique role in global affairs, said Glenn Agung Hole, an associate professor at the University of South-Eastern Norway, in an interview with The Astana Times.  “Kazakhstan fascinates me for many reasons. Over…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan, a frontrunner in digital transformation, is no longer just adopting the world’s best practices—it is emerging as an enabler, said Vincenzo Aquaro, chief of the Digital Government Branch at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), in an interview with The Astana Times. Pioneer in digital governance “Rather than…

ASTANA — The 7th International Digital Almaty Forum gathered global tech leaders, officials, and investors for an extensive program exploring artificial intelligence’s (AI) transformative impact on governance and cybersecurity industries from Jan.31 to Feb.1. The event culminated in the highly anticipated Industry AI Battle, where startups competed for a $60,000 prize. The forum became a…

ASTANA — The Digital Almaty 2025 forum kicked off with a plenary session with officials from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries discussing the future of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in economic growth on Jan.31. “Over the past eight years Digital Almaty has established itself as an effective platform for…

ASTANA — The fifth European Union-Central Asia Civil Society Forum convened in Almaty on Jan. 28, drawing 150 representatives from EU institutions, UN agencies, regional governments and civil society organizations. The three-day forum aims to foster regional cooperation through discussions on gender equality, youth participation, digital transformation, and climate change. “Civil society lies at the…

ASTANA —  Kazakh traditional jewelry, celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and cultural depth, is experiencing a revival. In Kazakhstan, these ornaments are far more than mere accessories; they embody a rich history, spirituality, and protective symbolism. Spanning centuries, they reveal the social customs and spiritual beliefs of the people who created and wore them. Modern…

ASTANA — “Janym Qazaqstan,” the first Kazakh feature film about tourism, invites viewers to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness. Created in collaboration with Qazaq Geography, the film premiered nationwide on Jan. 23, captivating audiences with its vivid portrayal of Kazakhstan’s natural treasures through the eyes of a foreign visitor. In an interview…

ASTANA — Efforts to improve health, preserve cultural heritage, and promote community well-being are gaining momentum in Kazakhstan. Supporting this trend, companies like Nestlé in Kazakhstan lead social programs as part of their commitment to advance fundamental values. In an interview, Maksim Shchetin, the CEO of Nestlé Eurasia, spoke about how the company integrates business…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan marked a significant milestone in Islamic finance with the Jan. 14 launch of Central Asia and Caucasus’ first Shariah-compliant exchange-traded fund (ETF) under the International Trading System’s Shariah index, the ITSS ticker.  A roundtable in Astana on Jan. 16 explored the ETF’s impact, Islamic finance growth, global implications and prospects. The ITSS…

ASTANA—Hero’s Journey, a Kazakhstan-based gamified fitness studio, secured $6 million in funding at a $30 million valuation. In an interview with Digital Business on Jan 13, the founder, Ilyas Isatayev, discussed his journey from securing investment to breaking into the American market and preparing for future growth. Founded in 2023 and operating in Almaty and…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan faces a pivotal year as it navigates a mix of economic challenges and opportunities that could significantly shape its trajectory. Risks such as resource depletion, decaying infrastructure and inflation threaten to hinder growth, while manufacturing, agriculture and sustainable energy sectors offer avenues for progress. Erlan Karimov, writing for Economy.kz, an independent business…

ASTANA—While Kazakhstan’s economy experienced moderate growth in 2024, it also faced lingering challenges. As the country strives to build on these gains and address key issues in 2025, it is critical to acknowledge and understand the challenges the economy faces. Key drivers of growth According to an analytical article by Economy.kz, an independent business media…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan achieved solid trade growth and stabilized prices for essential goods in 2024 despite global challenges and geopolitical instability. Strategic measures, infrastructure improvements and economic diversification fueled these advancements, solidifying the country’s role as a reliable international trading partner. According to the Kazakh Ministry of Trade and Integration, the country’s index of physical…

ASTANA—The National Bank of Kazakhstan has undertaken a multi-year initiative to redesign the tenge. In 2024, the tenge secured top honors at prestigious global currency competitions for its innovative Saka Style tenge series, which features groundbreaking protective elements and designs celebrating the nation’s heritage. According to the National Bank, for the first time globally, the…

ASTANA — As winter temperatures in the capital drop to as low as -40 degrees Celsius, more people find a unique and compelling way to enjoy the cold. Winter swimming, where people briefly dip into icy water, has become a widespread practice for those seeking to challenge their physical and mental limits. Winter swimmers, often…

ASTANA—Kazakh steppe laws, rooted in justice and equality, governed social and legal relations in the Altai region, including Kazakh communities in China and Mongolia, until the mid-20th century. These laws preserved a legacy of fairness and self-governance across centuries. Origins of Kazakh legal traditions The Kazakh legal system dates back to ancient times, shaped by…

ASTANA — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev shared insights on the nation’s economic trajectory, government performance and policy priorities in an interview with Ana Tili newspaper on Jan. 3.  “The government’s task is to ensure economic growth and improve the well-being of citizens. Overall, the Cabinet of Ministers is fulfilling this task. Over the past year, there have…