Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Visit Kazakhstan for Strategic Talks
ASTANA – Relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the largest economies of Central Asia, are expected to receive another boost. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will travel to Kazakhstan on Aug. 7 for an official visit. According to Mirziyoyev’s press office, the visit will include negotiations with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the first meeting of the…
Kazakhstan to Adopt New Water Code in 2024
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is expected to adopt the Water Code by the end of 2024. The document is now being considered by Mazhilis, a lower chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, said Serikzhan Beketaev, director of the Water Policy Department at the Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, in a recent interview with The Astana…
Experts Discuss Opportunities and Challenges in EU-Central Asia Relations
ASTANA – The European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell concluded an official visit to Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic on Aug. 1-3. Borrell had high-level talks in Kazakhstan, including with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and senior officials in the Kyrgyz Republic, in…
We Want to Maintain Positive Momentum in Partnership, Says Top EU Diplomat in Kazakhstan
ASTANA—The European Union (EU) is committed to maintaining the positive momentum in its relationship with Kazakhstan, said Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, at an Aug. 1 media briefing in Astana. Borrell is on an official visit to Kazakhstan on Aug. 1. This…
Roundtable in Washington D.C. Explores US Relations with Central Asia
ASTANA—Washington, D.C., hosted a roundtable discussion on July 24 to explore American trade and investments in Central Asia. The International Tax and Investment Center and the Center for International Private Enterprise organized the event, which gathered representatives of American businesses, the United States Congress, the expert community, and diplomats. Congressman Jimmy Panetta, who is also…
Young Changemakers Advocate for Nuclear-Free Future through Educational Journey in Kazakhstan
ASTANA—A group of 20 young changemakers from Kazakhstan and Germany recently embarked on a week-long educational journey through Kazakhstan to explore the country’s nuclear past, meet policymakers, and talk to affected communities. The tour took the group to the ministerial halls in Astana, activists in Almaty, researchers, and the nuclear-affected communities in Semei, which was…
Kazakhstan to Launch Flights from Shymkent to Jeddah
ASTANA—Kazakhstan’s Air Astana plans to launch direct flights between Shymkent and Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah on Sept. 10. The flights will be operated twice a week on Airbus A320 aircraft. The starting fare for a return ticket is nearly 384,600 tenge (US$813). The flight duration is five hours and 35 minutes. Flights to Jeddah are also…
Number of Fintech Startups Quadruple in Kazakhstan, as Market Booming
ASTANA—Kazakhstan’s fintech sector is thriving, with the number of fintech startups growing from around 50 in 2018 to 200 in 2024, according to the July report on the fintech market. The report, prepared by RISE Research, the National Payment Corporation of Kazakhstan, Mastercard, and Tarlan Payments, highlights the rapid growth and development of the fintech…
Kazakhstan-based Professor Talks Why Migration Matters, Ideal Policy, and Trends
ASTANA—The latest data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicate nearly 281 million international migrants worldwide or 3.6% of the global population. In an interview with The Astana Times, Caress Schenk, an associate professor of political science at Astana-based Nazarbayev University, discusses why migration matters, what is an ideal migration policy, and what are…
UN, OIC Convene Biennial Cooperation Meeting in Astana
ASTANA—Representatives of the United Nations (UN) agencies and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathered on July 22-24 in Astana for the 16th Biennial General Cooperation Meeting. The meeting, hosted by the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), aims to enhance cooperation between two international organizations in the face of rising global challenges. The coordination…
Kazakhstan’s Akmola Region Hosts Major Int’l Agricultural Exhibition
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Akmola Region hosts a large-scale international exhibition called Jana Dala/Green Day 2024 on July 18-19. Over 200 companies from Kazakhstan and 20 countries from near and far abroad participated in the exhibition, showcasing their work in the agricultural sector. Since its inception in 2013, this annual field day agroforum has become the…
Latest Report Highlights Structural Barriers in Developing Competition, Promising Changes with New Law
ASTANA—A high level of market concentration remains in Kazakhstan, and the substantial role of the state in the economy is a key barrier to the development of competition, according to the findings of the annual report from the Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition. Private business development as a key driver of growth…
Generative AI, Future of Work, Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: Insights on Kazakhstan from Coursera’s Top Executive
ASTANA—Nikolaz Foucaud, managing director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Coursera, commended the partnership with Kazakhstan in an interview with The Astana Times. Foucaud discussed how generative artificial intelligence (AI) transforms learning experiences and jobs, revealed trends in Central Asia and discussed what Coursera courses are most in demand among Kazakhstan’s learners. Promising partnership …
Hungarian Ambassador Touts Strategic Partnership, Centuries-Old Bond with Kazakhstan
ASTANA – Hungarian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Otto Ivan Rona touted the strong bilateral ties and the 10th anniversary of a strategic partnership agreement with Kazakhstan in an interview with The Astana Times. In June, Kazakhstan and Hungary marked ten years since they signed an agreement on strategic partnership. The past few years saw a series…
Experts Reflect on Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship as SCO Summit Concludes in Astana
ASTANA – As the 24th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) continues in Astana, experts reflect on the significance of the event in current geopolitical dynamics and Kazakhstan’s role as it concludes its chairmanship of the organization. Kazakhstan took over the chairmanship from India in July 2023. Since then, the nation has organized over…
Here’s What You Need to Know about SCO Summit in Astana
ASTANA—Astana is preparing to host the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on July 3-4. The summit promises to be a pivotal event, addressing key regional issues and providing a platform for Astana to advocate for dialogue and diplomacy once again. What is SCO? The Shanghai…
Prominent Diplomat Madina Jarbussynova Reflects on Diplomatic Career, Kazakhstan’s Multi-Vector Policy
ASTANA—Kazakhstan marks the Day of Diplomatic Service on July 2, giving credit to thousands of unsung heroes who stand behind the scenes working towards the nation’s active presence and influential role on the global stage. One such hero is Madina Jarbussynova, a prominent Kazakh diplomat. In an interview with The Astana Times, she spoke about…
Kazakhstan Poised to Contribute to Europe’s Green Deal
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is a reliable and secure raw material partner for Germany and Europe and can significantly contribute to achieving the goals of Europe’s Green Deal, said Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapaev in an interview with German magazine Markt und Mittelstand. “Kazakhstan has become one of the most important oil suppliers for…
Experts Highlight All-Society Effort as Kazakhstan Pushes for Gender Equality
ASTANA – Prominent experts from various fields emphasized the multifaceted and collective efforts needed to tackle gender inequality in Kazakhstan at a June 20 webinar. Hosted by the Washington-based Jamestown Foundation and the Energy, Growth, and Security program of the International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC), the discussions centered around the recently adopted law criminalizing…
Kazakhstan Registers Criminal Case in Attempted Murder of Kazakh Journalist in Kyiv
ASTANA — Following a directive from the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakh General Prosecutor’s Office has registered a criminal case regarding the attempted murder of Kazakh journalist Aidos Sadykov, which took place on June 18 in Kyiv. “Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, demonstrating swift and professional action, quickly identified the individuals responsible for the crime.…
From World Stages to Goodwill Ambassador: Kazakh Violinist Marat Bisengaliev Shares Inspiring Journey
ASTANA – In a career that has spanned decades and crossed numerous international boundaries, Marat Bisengaliev, a prominent Kazakh violinist, has reached a new pinnacle of success by being named Kazakhstan’s Goodwill Ambassador. Bisengaliev spoke to The Astana Times, sharing his ideas of how to make a positive impact in a new role and inspiring…
EU Sanctions Envoy Hails Kazakhstan’s Efforts in Reducing Re-exports to Russia
ASTANA – European Union (EU) Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan commended the progressive decline in the import and re-export of dual-use sanctioned items to Russia via Kazakhstan during a June 18 press briefing in Astana as he wrapped up his third visit to the country. He had earlier visited Kazakhstan in April and November last year.…
Strategic Partnership Upgraded as South Korean President Wraps Up Visit to Kazakhstan
ASTANA – This week, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited Kazakhstan as part of his week-long Central Asia tour. In Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized mutual interests in economic cooperation, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. This is Yoon Suk Yeol’s first trip to the region since he assumed office in…
Malaysian Senator Visits Kazakhstan to Reenergize Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue
ASTANA – Nur Jazlan Mohamed, deputy president of the Senate of the Malaysian Parliament, visited Kazakhstan this week to foster inter-parliamentary dialogue with Kazakhstan, a month since Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made his inaugural visit to the Central Asian nation. “I have heard many good things about Kazakhstan. I have always planned to visit…
Kazakhstan and Switzerland are Bridge Builders, Says Swiss Ambassador
ASTANA – Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan Salman Bal sheds light on the long-standing partnership and promising opportunities that lie ahead in an insightful conversation with The Astana Times. The two countries mark 32 years of diplomatic relations in June. “We have actually very good relations with Kazakhstan. I am sure…
