Articles by Aida Haidar

ASTANA — To foster economic cooperation, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States (US) inaugurated the B5+1 business platform on Nov. 16, announced the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) on its X official account. The B5+1 initiative, operating within the framework of the existing C5+1 cooperation, will…

ASTANA — In an interview with The Astana Times, Marco Arcelli, the Chief Executive Officer of ACWA Power addressed Kazakhstan’s potential in renewable energy and water shortages on the sidelines of the Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR) on Nov. 17. In March, an agreement was signed between the Kazakh Ministry of Energy, Samruk Kazyna Sovereign…

ASTANA — On the eve of the Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR) scheduled for tomorrow, Deputy Foreign Ministers Nazira Nurbayeva and Roman Vassilenko provided insights into Kazakhstan’s foreign direct investment (FDI) profile, discussed government initiatives aimed at enhancing the investment climate, and highlighted key collaborative projects with foreign participation during a Nov. 16 press briefing…

ASTANA —  Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov launched the construction of a vital railway line in the Almaty region during a Nov. 14 ceremony marking the commencement of the first link of the railway track, reported the Prime Minister’s press service.  The impetus behind the project arises from the unprecedented surge in rail freight transportation…

In late October, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered an insightful speech on the eve of the country’s Republic Day holiday. Not only did the address reflect on the Declaration of Independence in 1990, but it also provided a comprehensive assessment of current events in the country. This dual perspective allowed Tokayev to seamlessly embody both…

ASTANA — Designating Astana as the financial center of the Turkic world will enhance the city’s standing as a vital economic and financial hub in the region, providing a platform to highlight the country’s immense potential and attractive investment opportunities, commented the Astana International Financial Centre press service on Nov. 9, following the announcement made…

ASTANA — The Kazakh Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov convened with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Nicolas Blanchet, on Nov. 10. According to the ministry’s press service, the IMF supported raising the value-added tax rate (VAT) from the existing 12% to 16% arguing that such a decision will bolster the competitiveness…

ASTANA — The Alternativa Film Awards, a highlight of the renowned Alternativa Film Project initiated by the global tech company inDrive in 2023, have unveiled their list of nominees. This prestigious shortlist comprises 14 full-length films and seven shorts, representing the cinematic prowess of Central Asia and other Asian nations, as reported by the Alternativa…

ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the agreement on mutual exemption from visa requirements between Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China officially took effect on Nov. 10, the ministry’s press service reported. According to the ministry’s statement, under Article 1 of the agreement, citizens of both countries are now exempt…

ASTANA — The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) finalized a significant $ 36 million loan agreement on Nov. 7 for developing, constructing, and operating the Shokpar 100 MW Wind Power Plant in the Zhambyl Region, the bank’s press service reported.  This partnership signifies a collaborative effort between China Power International Holding and Visor International DMCC,…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Türkiye have solidified their military collaboration by signing a cooperation plan for 2024 during the official visit of the Kazakh Minister of Defense, Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov, to Ankara on Nov. 7, the ministry’s press service reported. Zhaksylykov’s visit involved a series of significant meetings, inspections of military facilities, and visits…

ASTANA — The recent elections of local akims (mayors) in Kazakhstan have made history as the inaugural experience of such democratic processes in Central Asia, wrote the State Counselor Erlan Karin on his Telegram channel on Nov. 6. He emphasized the significance of these elections, citing them as a pivotal moment in President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s…

ASTANA — The voter turnout for the first-ever direct elections of akims (mayors) in districts and cities of regional significance on Nov. 5 reached 62.79%, a figure that underscores a robust level of civil engagement, the Central Election Commission reported on Nov. 6.  President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spearheaded the initiative as part of a broader effort…

ASTANA — In a move set to bolster global financial collaboration, the Asia-Pacific Association of Central Securities Depositories (ACG) will hold its 26th Annual General Meeting in Almaty next year, Kazakhstan Central Securities Depository announced in a press release on Nov. 1.  The event will bring together 38 depository, stock exchange, and clearing organizations hailing…

ASTANA — As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women observed on Nov. 25 is approaching, the United Nations (UN) announced a 16-day global campaign aiming to combat and eradicate violence against women and girls.  This year’s initiative, led by UN Women and the Secretary-General, extends the activism until Dec. 10, International…

ASTANA — In a groundbreaking move, Kazakhstan is set to hold its first-ever elections for akims (mayors) in various districts and cities of regional significance on Nov. 5, the Central Election Commission (CEC) Deputy Chair Konstantin Petrov announced during an Oct. 6 online meeting, according to the CEC press service. A total of 249 candidates…

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared an allocation of $1 million in humanitarian aid to Palestine, underscoring the pressing need for peace and diplomacy in conflict-ridden regions during the 10th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on Nov. 3, Akorda press service reported.  The announcement made by President Tokayev comes amidst ongoing global…

ASTANA — Central Asia, a region with a rich history and immense potential, was the focus of an online panel organized by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Middle East and Central Asia Department on Nov. 1, where experts discussed the growth prospects and challenges facing the region.  Jihad Azour, director of the Middle East and…

ASTANA — Some 4,000 participants from 100 countries will participate in the fifth World Nomad Games to be held in the Kazakh capital from Sept. 8 – 14 next year, said Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports Ermek Marzhikpayev at an Oct. 26 briefing at the Central Communications Service. According to Marzhikpayev, 73 countries have…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is set to host two significant international visits in early November. French President Emmanuel Macron will embark on an official visit to Kazakhstan at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Nov. 1, 2023. Following that, on Nov. 2, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will also make an official visit to Kazakhstan,…

ASTANA — The Central Asian region is swiftly emerging as a pivotal link in the global transportation network, establishing itself as a crucial continental bridge connecting North-South and East-West, said the Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev during the C5+1 ministerial conference held in Samarkand on Oct. 24, the ministry’s press service reported. …

ASTANA — State Counselor Erlan Karin shared insights into the most significant ideological highlights from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s speech on the eve of Republic Day, shedding light on the core values and principles guiding the country on his Telegram channel on Oct. 24. According to Karin, Tokayev’s speech underlined critical national ideals and the government’s…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan celebrates Republic Day on Oct. 25, commemorating its sovereignty and resilience. In over three decades, the country made remarkable strides in its economic development and political reforms. Importantly, the nation has also championed an anti-nuclear movement for the benefit of future generations. In a world where the pursuit of peace often seems…

ASTANA —Under the powerful slogan – No to vandalism! – the youth wing Zhastar Rukhy (Youth spirit) of the Amanat party has embarked on a significant nationwide initiative to safeguard Kazakhstan’s historical, cultural, and natural treasures from acts of vandalism, according to their Instagram post on Oct. 20.  President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the importance of…

ASTANA — The online trade information hub, Central Asia Gateway, has been named the Best Trade Information Portal at the World Investment Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Oct. 20, reported International Trade Centre’s press service. Since its launch in May 2023, the Central Asia Gateway has emerged as a vital resource, with…