President Tokayev Signs Law on Cargo Transportation Between Turkic Countries
ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law ratifying the agreement on international combined freight transport between the governments of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) member states on June 27. According to Kaazfinorm, the agreement aims to enhance the transit and transport potential and trade and economic relations among OTS member states. “The…
Zhas Qazaq Summer Camp Welcomes Over 250 Ethnic Kazakh Children
ASTANA — The Zhas (young) Qazaq summer ethno-camp for ethnic Kazakh children living abroad commenced at the IQanat High School of Burabay and will run until July 7. According to Kazinform, children will study the Kazakh language, history, traditions and national games. They will also attend musical instrument lessons, learn horseback riding, experience yurt installations…
Over 68% of Kazakh Citizens Reflect Optimism About Future
ASTANA — The Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) released results from a sociological survey conducted from May 11 to June 22, indicating 68.3% of citizens are optimistic about the future. According to KazISS, a public opinion poll showed that 37.6% anticipate significant improvements, and 30.7% expect slight enhancements in living conditions. Sociological analyses attribute…
Kazakhstan to Launch Industrial Development of Tungsten Ore Deposits
ASTANA—Kazakh First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar discussed a $350 million project to launch the industrial development of a tungsten ore deposit with executives of Jiaxin International Resources Investment on June 26. According to the Prime Minister’s press service, the meeting was conducted to oversee joint investment projects under Kazakh-Chinese industrial cooperation. The project aims…
Kazakh PM Assesses Small Aral Sea Conservation Efforts
ASTANA — Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov assessed advancements in water-saving technologies and infrastructure development efforts to preserve and expand the Small Aral Sea during his visit to the Kyzylorda region on June 27. According to the Prime Minister’s press service, Bektenоv also inspected the progress of the Karazek reservoir construction and reviewed the pace…
ITC Ready4Trade, OECD Central Asia Invest Projects Showcase Cooperation Achievements
ASTANA—Two regional Central Asian projects funded by the European Union (EU) showcased their achievements in Almaty on June 26. These initiatives have supported Central Asian countries’ efforts to advance trade reforms, enhance competitiveness, foster connectivity and strengthen regional cooperation. According to the EU delegation in Kazakhstan’s press team, the event united policymakers and key stakeholders…
Kazakhstan, IDB Sign Infrastructure Agreement to Construct Reservoirs, Highways
ASTANA—Minister of National Economy Nurlan Baibazarov signed a $ 2 billion Framework Program Agreement between the Kazakh government and the Islamic Development Bank to construct reservoirs and highways. According to the Prime Minister’s press service, the agreement was signed on June 27 during the forum organized by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)…
AFSA Registers First Unified Investment Vehicle Offering Multiple Sub-Funds
ASTANA—The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) registered Fonte Emerging Markets Umbrella Fund OEIC Limited as the first umbrella fund in Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) on June 25. This fund serves as an investment vehicle comprising several sub-funds, each with unique investment objectives and strategies while remaining a single legal entity. According to AIFC, the…
Kazakh Rating Agency to Enhance Financial Market Infrastructure
ASTANA—The Kazakh Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (KARDFM) has developed a draft law to establish a national rating agency, aiming to enhance the financial market infrastructure. The proposed legislation sets the foundation for creating the Kazakh credit rating agency. According to Kazinform, the project incorporates recommendations from the International Organization of…
Kazakhstan to Increase Checkpoint Capacity, Reduce Wait Times
ASTANA—The capacity of the checkpoints will be increased eightfold, reducing wait times from two hours to 25 minutes and minimizing corruption risks. The reconstruction of all checkpoints is planned to be completed by the end of the year, said Eldos Saudabayev, the acting Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of the Kazakh Ministry…
Two Kazakh Aviation Companies Enter World’s Top 100 Airlines
ASTANA — The World Airline Awards ceremony announced the 100 best airlines in the world in 2024, with AirAstana and FlyArystan making it to the list, on June 24. According to Skytrax, AirAstana secured 38th place and FlyArystan 100th place among the world’s best air carriers. Air Astana was named the Best Airline in Central…
New Almaty International Airport Showcases Its Facilities
ASTANA— The President of Almaty International Airport, Goker Kose, hosted a press tour of the new terminal for journalists and discussed upcoming plans to advance the building and passenger service quality on June 25. According to Kazinform, the new international terminal spans 53,500 square meters and is valued at over $220 million. Kose mentioned plans…
Hannibal Star Mads Mikkelsen Set to Headline Comic Con Astana
ASTANA— Comic Con Astana festival announced its first star headliners, Mads Mikkelsen, renowned for his roles in Hannibal, Doctor Strange, Casino Royale, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. According to Comic Con’s press service, one of Hollywood’s most in-demand European actors, A-list first-magnitude star Mikkelsen, is known…
Kazakhstan Advances Economic Growth Despite Sectoral Challenges
ASTANA—Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Nurlan Baibazarov, highlighted Kazakhstan’s steady economic growth despite challenges in some industries. In an interview with Primeminister.kz, Baibazarov outlined initiatives such as investment attraction, sectoral development programs, and modernization efforts across sectors. “The growth rates in individual industries exceed the figures for the same periods last…
Kazakh Film Earns Accolades at Shanghai International Film Festival
ASTANA—The Kazakh film Talaq (The Divorce) won the Best Film award, and the lead actress, Amira Omarova, was named Best Actress at the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) Golden Cup Award ceremony in Shanghai on June 22. According to Kazinform, SIFF’s main competition program included two Kazakh films. Talaq, directed by Daniyar Salamat, was…
Water Volume Rises in Northern Aral Sea, Hits 21.4 Billion Cubic Meters
ASTANA—The Northern Aral Sea has seen an increase in its water volume, with 1.1 billion cubic meters entering its basin, bringing the total volume to 21.4 billion cubic meters, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation on June 24. During the 86th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination, which includes Kazakhstan,…
Kazakh Chess Champ Assaubayeva Triumphs Anew at Swiss Queens Tournament
ASTANA — Kazakh chess champion Bibisara Assaubayeva once again secured first place at the 21st international Swiss Queens Wednesday online chess tournament on June 23. According to the FIDE International Chess Federation, Assaubayeva scored 9.5 out of 11 possible at FIDE Online Arena. She defeated her closest rivals, Anastasia Bodnaruk and Valentina Gunina, by one…
Kazakh Female Tennis Player Wins WTA 250 Tournament
ASTANA — Kazakh professional tennis player Yulia Putintseva won the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 250 tournament in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on June 23. According to the Kazakh Tennis Federation (KTF), in the final, Putintseva defeated Ajla Tomljanović of Australia in two sets, 6-1, 7-6. Putintseva railed from a 3-5 in the second set and played…
Astana to Host Google’s Hackathon Finals in September
ASTANA—Astana will host Google’s hackathon series finals on September 15, uniting the best development teams from Central Asia and the Caucasus. The Build With AI for Sustainable Growth initiative aims to address sustainable development challenges. The initiative, implemented by StrategEast, Google and USAID’s Future Growth in March, has concluded 27 workshops engaging 900 developers. The…
Newly Designed Buses to Brighten Astana for World Nomad Games
ASTANA—Some 100 newly designed buses will start operating in Astana on June 25, showcasing a special brand for the fifth World Nomad Games. According to the Astana Akimat (city administration), the design reflects the modernity and culture of Kazakhstan. These buses boast enhanced lighting and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone. They also…
Silk Road in Sky: Forum Highlights Kazakhstan as Air Cargo Hub
ASTANA—Astana hosted the first regional aviation cargo and logistics forum in Central Asia, Silk Road in the Sky—Kazakhstan Air Cargo Hub, from June 20 to 21. It united over 350 aviation industry experts from over 30 countries to explore and discuss Kazakhstan’s challenges and opportunities in becoming an aviation hub and regional potential as a…
Explore Day-Trip Adventures Beyond Astana’s Urban Core
ASTANA — While Astana exudes a modern, futuristic charm with its ever-evolving skyline, a short trip outside or around the city reveals untouched, picturesque landscapes and the delightful essence of old-world Kazakh culture. The Astana Times has compiled a range of adventurous yet relaxing day-trip activities near Astana, offering readers a chance to experience the…
Leonardo da Vinci’s “La Bella Principessa” Brings Invaluable Historical Moment for Kazakh Capital
ASTANA — Leonardo da Vinci’s “La Bella Principessa” made its historic debut in Astana, marking an invaluable cultural moment for Central Asia on June 7. General Director and Founder of Scripta Maneant publishing house, Giorgio Armaroli and Scripta Maneant Foreign Rights Sales Officer, Francesco Iori discussed why this Renaissance masterpiece was chosen for display, its…
Central Asian Expert Forum Sets Regional Cooperation Priorities
ASTANA — Astana hosted the seventh Central Asian Expert Forum, titled the Gravity of Trust, on June 14. The event brought together experts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The forum aimed to set mutual development priorities, enhance regional cooperation channels, and strengthen Central Asia’s transit and transport potential. Organized by the…
Kazakhstan’s Goodwill Ambassador Adam Breaks Boundaries with Music
ASTANA—Kazakh singer Mirkhiday Mirfarukh, known as Adam, became a sensation on social networks with his song “Zhurek” (Heart), gaining over 74 million views on YouTube and inspiring over four million TikTok clips worldwide. In an interview with The Astana Times, Adam spoke about his early life, international recognition, diverse audience, upcoming concerts, and newly acquired…
