Articles by Zhanna Shayakhmetova

Officials, Experts Discuss Kazakhstan’s Draft Carbon Neutrality Strategy

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted the fourth Climate Dialogue conference highlighting the priorities and mechanisms of the draft carbon neutrality strategy  until 2060 at the Astana International Financial Center on Oct. 6. The document was developed by the Ministry of National Economy in cooperation with national experts. The event was organized by the Green…

Kazakh Prime Minister, Head of IMF Mission for Kazakhstan Discuss New Reforms, Bilateral Cooperation

ASTANA – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) welcomes the new reforms in Kazakhstan and is ready to provide advice and technical support, said Nicolas Blancher, the Division Chief in the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department and Mission Chief for Kazakhstan during the meeting with Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov on Oct. 6. …

Kazakh President Outlines Measures of New Economic Policy During Meeting with Business Executives

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recognized the role of entrepreneurship in economic growth during the meeting with the business executives at Akorda on Sept. 9. “In my address to the people, I noted the basic goal of economic policy: qualitative and inclusive growth of the well-being of people. This can be achieved through a free…

Kazakh Government Prioritizes Emergency Preparedness and Response After Wildfire Outbreaks in Regions

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has directed the Prime Minister to take all the necessary measures to prevent an emergency in connection to the recent wildfires in the regions during the meeting with Akims (Governors) of the Almaty, East Kazakhstan, Akmola and Karagandy regions on Sept. 9.  Tokayev ordered the special equipment and other necessary…

New Houses to Be Built After Wildfires in Kostanai Region

NUR-SULTAN – The construction of new houses for fire victims has started in the Auliekol village, reported Sept. 7 Kazinform. The duration of the project is expected to be 2,5 months. The Halyk Charitable Fund also announced plans to allocate 1.3 billion tenge (US$2 million) to build a new kindergarten accommodating 280 children in the…

IOFS Implements Proactive Measures to Address Food Security Challenges

NUR-SULTAN – The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) aims to take decisive actions to address food and nutrition issues in line – all in line with its strategic vision by 2031, said IOFS Director General Yerlan Baidaulet in a recent interview with The Astana Times.   The 10-year strategy was adopted  at the Fourth General…

World Marks 177th Anniversary of Kazakh Poet Abai and His Powerful Legacy

NUR-SULTAN – This week, a plethora of cultural events were held abroad to honor the 177th anniversary of great poet and philosopher Abai Kunanbayev. Kazakhstan celebrated the Day of Abai on Aug. 10, the date of his birthday. The book titled “The greatness of Abai or an attempt to create a portrait of a thinker…

Kazakhstan to Develop Law on Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking Next Year

NUR-SULTAN – The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced plans to develop the draft law on combating human trafficking in April 2023, said Kanat Nurmagambetov, the Acting Head of the Department for Combating Organized Crime at a July 26 round table at the Central Communications Centre. A dialogue platform between the state and civil sectors operated…

Base Rate Raised to Reduce Inflation in Medium Term, Says Chair of Kazakhstan’s National Bank

NUR-SULTAN – The National Bank set the base rate to 14.5 percent per annum on July 25 to reduce inflation in the medium term, Chair of the National Bank Galymzhan Pirmatov told Kazinform. Annual inflation in May accelerated above the National Bank’s forecasts. “Annual inflation accelerated to 14 percent in May and 14.5 percent in…

Kazakh Officials Discuss Nuclear Power Plant Operation During Visit to France

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh officials visited France to learn about the country’s experience in developing atomic energy, reported the press service of the Ministry of Energy on July 21.     The Kazakh delegation held meetings with representatives of France’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Ecological Transition, and the French nuclear power plant operator Eléctricité…

EdTech Forum Experts Debate Role of Innovations in Education

NUR-SULTAN – This year, the fourth International Forum of Educational Technologies in Nur-Sultan held two major sessions to address issues related to human capital development and the digital agenda in education. The EdTech Forum was held on June 27-29. The key theme of the forum was M.E.T.A. (Mobility. Edutainment. Technology. Action.).  During the session dedicated…

Gender Balance is Vital for Businesses and Society, Say Experts During EdTech Forum

NUR-SULTAN – What are the business advantages of female leadership? What is the situation with the gender balance representation in Kazakhstan and around the world? These topics were in the spotlight of the New Kazakhstan: Female Leadership and Management session held as part of the recent EdTech Forum M.E.T.A. in Nur-Sultan. The Kazakh government has…

Almaty Enters Yellow Zone As Omicron Variant of COVID-19 Causes Spike in Cases in Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN –  Almaty remains in the yellow zone since July 4 as 112 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the city over the past day, reported the nation’s interdepartmental commission on the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus infection on July 5. All other regions are in the green zone, according to the matrix…

Trade Portal Launches in Kazakhstan As Part of Ready4Trade Central Asia Project

NUR-SULTAN – The Trade Facilitation Portal in Kazakhstan has been launched as part of the Ready4Trade Central Asia project funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Trade Center (ITC), on July 4. The new online platform provides information on cross-border trading procedures and makes it more accessible for businesses.  Youri Skaskevitch,…

General Electric Seeks to Build Sustainable Future for Kazakhstan Through Energy Transition

NUR-SULTAN – The decarbonization of the global economy is becoming increasingly urgent, particularly for major energy producers such as Kazakhstan. The country announced plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.  During the plenary session of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Investors’ Council, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hosted a discussion with business leaders and members of government on approaches…

Kazakhstan Celebrates Africa Day with Reception Ceremony at Nazarbayev University

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh capital hosted a celebration event paying tribute to Africa’s history and rich culture at the Nazarbayev University (NU) on June 24. The event was initiated by the embassies of South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and the Chargé de Affairs of Libya in Kazakhstan.  Africa day is observed annually to commemorate the founding…

Kazakhstan’s National Center for Human Rights and OSCE Office For Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Agree to Strengthen Cooperation

NUR-SULTAN – The National Center for Human Rights in Kazakhstan and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions agreed to increase support to Kazakh civil society and various institutions for the implementation of human rights and democratic principles within the OCSE. This was announced during the signing of the memorandum between Commissioner (Ombudsperson) for Human Rights…

Poland’s Polpharma Celebrates 10 Years of Successful Investments in Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN – The Polpharma Group, one of the top 20 leading manufacturers of generic medications globally, has been making a significant contribution to the pharmaceutical industry’s development in Kazakhstan. The company’s input has demonstrated its vital role in the country during the pandemic.  President of the Polpharma Supervisory Board Jerzy Starak spoke about the company’s…

Prosecutor General’s Office Discloses New Facts From Investigation Into January Events, Provides Proof of Criminal Organization of Attacks

NUR-SULTAN – The Prosecutor General’s Office identified the criminal groups who organized the attack on the Almaty airport as part of the investigation into the events of January, reported the press service of the Central Communications Center.  Pogroms, arson, and property damage to state facilities and acts of terrorism were committed in Almaty, Shymkent, Aktobe,…

Astana Finance Days Conference to Focus on Sustainability, Social Responsibility, and Growth Amidst Uncertainty in 2022

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh capital will host the fifth Astana Finance Days conference dedicated to sustainability, social responsibility, and growth on June 27-29 at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), reported the organization’s press service.  More than 200 speakers including Visa’s Vice President, Regional Manager Central Asia, and Azerbaijan Cristina Doros, World Bank Group’s Vice…

Kazakhstan and Iran Agree to Boost Trade and Economic Cooperation During Tokayev’s Official Visit to Tehran

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan and Iran agreed to increase mutual trade, strengthen trade and economic cooperation in transport, logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture, and expand cultural and humanitarian ties. This was announced during the meeting between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on June 19, reported Akorda.  As part of his official visit…

Astana Process Participants Speak About Territorial Integrity, Humanitarian Assistance for Syria at 18th Round of Talks in Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN – The representatives of Iran, Russia and Turkey who serve as guarantors of the Astana Process on Syria expressed their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter at the 18th International Meeting on Syria in the Kazakh capital on July 16. …

EU Ambassador Says Bloc’s Member States Support Kazakhstan’s Political and Economic Reforms

NUR-SULTAN – The European Union welcomes the political reforms initiated by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his state-to-the-nation address in mid-March, and confirmed by the referendum in June, in addition to the socio-economic reforms started after the tragic January events. The EU stands ready to support further modernization and democratization of the country, EU Ambassador…

Kazakh Prime Minister Discusses AIFC Court’s Unique Contribution to Favorable Investment Climate with Court’s Chief Justice

NUR-SULTAN – The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court and the International Arbitration Centre (IAC) play an important role in strengthening investor confidence and ensuring impartiality in resolving disputes. This was announced by Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov during the meeting with Chief Justice of the AIFC Court, The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mance on…

AIFC Academy of Law Promotes Academic Experience and Practical Education Among Legal Professionals

NUR-SULTAN – Progressive institutional changes require highly qualified professionals who can deliver positive outcomes based on their well-informed and enlightened perspectives, and on their knowledge of international best practices, said David Russell Gallo, the Director of the AIFC Academy of Law, who spoke about the academy’s role in making international law environment more effective, in…