World Bank, AFSA Lead Talks on Disaster Risk Financing in Central Asia
ASTANA — A two-day regional conference on Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI) in Central Asia, organized by the World Bank and the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), began in the capital on Nov. 12. Focused on strengthening the region’s disaster resilience, the event brought together government officials, financial regulators and insurance experts to discuss…
Kazakhstan’s ITS Launches First ETF in Central Asia
ASTANA — The International Trading System (ITS) launched Central Asia’s first exchange-traded fund (ETF) on Nov. 7, broadening investors’ access to global securities. The fund, ITS World, is traded within the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) platform, marking a significant milestone in the development of Kazakhstan’s and Central Asia’s financial sector. The…
Kazakhstan, France Joint Declaration: Bolstering Strategic Partnership
ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint declaration on Nov. 5, reinforcing Kazakhstan-France relations with commitments to peace, mitigation of climate change, energy cooperation and a range of economic and cultural initiatives, reported Akorda. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2008,…
Follow-Up on Scholz’s Visit: Senator Bolgert Highlights Kazakh-German Ties, Strong German Community
ASTANA — Evgeny Bolgert, a member of the Kazakh Senate and chairman of the Wiedergeburt (Revival) Association of Germans in Kazakhstan, discussed the role of the German community in preserving and strengthening Kazakh-German relations in an interview with The Astana Times following the recent visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Astana and memorandums signed.…
Astana Media Week Explores Digital Responsibility, Mass Media Transformation
ASTANA—Astana Media Week, an annual event in the field of media and journalism, brought together industry experts and international organizations for in-depth discussions on media transformation in the digital era. The three-day event, which kicked off on Sept. 25, provided participants a platform to engage in conversations about the changing dynamics of the media landscape…
Almaty to Host Large Mining and Metallurgical Exhibition
ASTANA—Kazakhstan’s mining and metallurgical sector, a key driver of economic growth contributing over 12% to the GDP, will take center stage at the Mining & Metals Central Asia 2024 exhibition in Almaty on Sept. 17-19. The exhibition, organized by ITECA Kazakhstan exhibition company, will serve as a dialogue platform, featuring a comprehensive business program, including…
Tokayev, Scholz Delegations Sign Agreements to Strengthen Kazakh-German Ties
ASTANA — During the official visit of German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Kazakhstan and his meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the delegations engaged in substantive discussions and signed three memorandums aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. Tokayev emphasized the historical significance of Scholz’s visit, describing it as a significant opportunity to elevate Kazakh-German relations. “We…
Chancellor Scholz and President Tokayev Discuss Bilateral Cooperation During Historic Visit
ASTANA—President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hosted German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz at Akorda during an official visit to Kazakhstan on Sept 16, marking Scholz’s first visit in 14 years. In his welcoming remarks, President Tokayev expressed gratitude to Scholz for his visit, describing it as a historic moment. “I am sure that we will give a very…
Kazakhstan, China Deepen Green Agenda at Beijing Trade Forum
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China discussed ways to deepen green cooperation at the Kazakh-Chinese Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, titled Golden Bridge to Green Cooperation, in Beijing on Sept. 12-16 as part of the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). According to the Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev, Kazakhstan and…
UN Resident Coordinator Michaela Friberg-Storey Ends Four-Year Mission in Kazakhstan
ASTANA — Michaela Friberg-Storey, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Kazakhstan, completed her mission in the country. First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Akan Rakhmetullin met with Friberg-Storey on Sept. 13 to mark the occasion. Rakhmetullin expressed gratitude for productive collaboration and significant contribution to strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and the UN. Reflecting on Friberg-Storey’s…
Kazakhstan Advances in Global Cybersecurity Index 2024
ASTANA — Kazakhstan improved its global cybersecurity ranking by securing a place in the second “advancing” group in the latest UN Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on Sept.12. This ranking evaluates the readiness of 194 countries to counter cyberattacks, using 83 parameters that cover cybersecurity areas, including legal, technical,…
Kazakhstan’s Rising Tech Stars Present Innovative Solutions at UNESCAP Conference
ASTANA — The Kazakhstan Tech Solution Day, held as part of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation, showcased the nation’s top startups and tech companies, highlighting Kazakhstan’s growing role in digital transformation on Sept.5. Organized by the international technology park Astana Hub, the event featured a range of panel sessions and more…
Experts, Officials Reflect on President Tokayev’s State-of-the-Nation Priorities
ASTANA—Sectoral experts and state officials shared their insights on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s annual state-of-the-nation address on key priorities, such as economic reforms, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agricultural financing, strategic investments and infrastructure modernization. Kazakhstan’s State Counsellor, Erlan Karin, noted on his Telegram channel that the President’s initiatives focus on systemic economic changes…
Kazakhstan’s Kumiyan: Ancient Ruins Hold Untapped Mysteries
ASTANA — The rich, undiscovered sites of Kazakhstan continue to reveal their secrets, with excavations shedding light on the ancient city of Kumiyan, also known as Meiramtobe. Located in the Zhanakorgan district of the Kyzylorda Region, this mysterious site remains only partially explored, offering just glimpses into its storied past. Situated approximately 30 kilometers southwest…
KazISS Hosts Kazakh-Uzbek Expert Council to Bolster Regional Cooperation
ASTANA—Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) hosted the Kazakh-Uzbek Expert Council in Astana on Aug. 2, focusing on mechanisms for strengthening interconnectedness, regional transport policy, industrial cooperation, logistics, climate change and environmental safety. The event preceded the visit of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kazakhstan and the sixth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of…
Al-Ain ACMG UAE Triumphs in Rapid World Team Championship in Astana
ASTANA — After three days and 12 rounds, featuring the world’s top players at FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships 2024 in Astana, Al-Ain ACMG UAE claimed victory with 21 match points out of a possible 23, drawing three and winning nine rapid games. A Russian chess grandmaster, Daniil Dubov’s redemption in the final…
Baige Horse Racing: Cultural, Sporting Spectacle at World Nomad Games
ASTANA—Traditional horse racing, which unites the history of the Turkic world, Baige is both a sports competition and a unique cultural spectacle that requires exceptional tactical skills from the rider. With less than 50 days remaining until the grand start of the Fifth World Nomad Games (WNG) in Astana from Sept. 8-13, The Astana Times…
Preserving Heritage, Promoting Unity: Turkish Ethnocultural Center’s Role in Kazakhstan’s Diversity
ASTANA— Ethnic groups united by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) represent not only that ethnicity but 20 million citizens, contributing to maintaining peace and harmony in Kazakhstan’s multinational society. Kazakhstan is one nation, one country, with one destiny and one story, said Asker Piriyev, the head of the Ahiska Turkish Ethnocultural Association…
Nurlan Yermekbayev Appointed SCO Secretary General for 2025-2027
ASTANA — Nurlan Yermekbayev has been appointed Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for the period of 2025-2027. His appointment was announced at the SCO Summit in Astana, July 4. He previously served as SCO Deputy Secretary General, a position he was appointed to in 2023. Born on Jan 1, 1963, in the…
Kazakhstan Holds 3.8 Trillion Cubic Meters of Recoverable Gas Reserves
ASTANA—Kazakhstan’s proven recoverable gas reserves stand at 3.8 trillion cubic meters, comprising 2.2 trillion cubic meters of associated gas and 1.6 trillion cubic meters of natural gas, reads the statement of the Committee of Geology of the Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction on July 2. Kazinform reports that British Petroleum estimates Kazakhstan’s proven natural…
Floods in Kazakhstan: State, Businesses Continue Assistance for Affected Families
ASTANA — Kazakhstan continues addressing the flood aftermath and supporting affected citizens, said Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev at a Government meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on June 25. Over 67,000 people have returned to their homes, and 3,664 people in evacuation centers have received necessary assistance. Since the beginning of the massive floods,…
European Parliament Elections to Open New Opportunities for Kazakhstan
ASTANA — The European Parliament elections could be pivotal for the future of the European Union (EU) and its relations with Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan. As the EU aims to develop trade and energy corridors bypassing Russia, a strong emphasis will be placed on regional cooperation, prioritizing connectivity in trade, energy, transport, sustainable development,…
Shymkent to Host First Go Viral Central Asia Festival
ASTANA—Shymkent will host its first Go Viral Central Asia festival from May 17-18, reported Go Viral Central Asia on its Instagram. The festival will unite experts from the realms of media, business, culture, and technology. Under the topic – Past. Present. Future – the festival will feature more than 30 speakers and experts discussing topics…
AmCorners Debate Championship Engages Young People Across 10 Regions in Kazakhstan
ASTANA — The AmCorners Debate Championship engaged more than 400 people in the American Corners of 10 cities in Kazakhstan from April 27 to May 5, reported the American Corner’s press service. The championships in Aktobe, Karagandy, Kostanai, Oskemen, Pavlodar, Petropavlovsk and Shymkent were held from April 27-28, while in Almaty, Astana and Uralsk from…
Kazakhstan Plans to Sink 80 Exploration Wells Amidst Investment Surge
ASTANA — Kazakhstan is set to sink 80 exploration wells across various sites this year, said Vice Minister of Energy Askhat Khasenov on April 25 to Kazinform news agency. This initiative aims to counteract the annual decline in oil production, particularly in the Kyzylorda Region. According to Khasenov, the drilling operations will commence this year…
