Articles by Ayana Birbayeva

Kazakhstan Introduces Temporary Price Moratoriums, Business Relief Measures

ALMATY – The Kazakh government has announced a series of measures to stabilize the economy and mitigate the social impact of ongoing reforms on Oct. 16, following President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s instructions to ensure macroeconomic stability and protect citizens’ interests. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a government meeting with ministers and regional officials to discuss the…

Azerbaijani President to Pay State Visit to Kazakhstan

ALMATY – At the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan on October 20–21. During the visit, the two leaders are expected to hold high-level talks to discuss the strengthening of strategic partnership and the expansion of cooperation in trade, transport, logistics, and cultural-humanitarian spheres,…

Kazakhstan, US to Strengthen Ties Through Economic Cooperation and Investment Opportunities

ALMATY – Kazakhstan presented its policy of proactive economic growth to US investors during a business roundtable organized by the business council (USKZBC) at the United States Chamber of Commerce in Washington on Oct. 15. The event took place on the eve of the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund,…

Qazaq Air Launches Direct Flights from Astana to Bishkek and Samarkand

ALMATY – Qazaq Air announced the launch of two new international routes connecting Astana with Bishkek and Samarkand, expanding the airline’s presence in Central Asia. Starting Nov. 7, Qazaq Air will operate direct flights between Astana and Samarkand twice a week – on Fridays and Sundays.  Beginning Nov. 10, flights between Astana and Bishkek will…

BBC Showcases Mangystau Region’s Otherworldly Beauty

ALMATY – The stunning natural scenery of the Mangystau region has captured international attention, featuring in a new segment on the global platform.  The video was released on the BBC and explores the region’s otherworldly landscapes and geological history, the Tourism Industry Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported on Oct. 14.…

Dimash Qudaibergen Premieres Song at ATP 250 Tennis Tournament in Almaty

ALMATY – World-renowned artist Dimash Qudaibergen performed at the ATP 250 Almaty Open on Oct. 14, presenting an international setlist featuring works by composers from France, the United States, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. As a composer, Qudaibergen also unveiled his new original piece titled “Samgau” (“To Soar”), a song that embodies his artistic tribute to his…

Kazakhstan, Italy to Strengthen Industrial and Energy Cooperation

ALMATY – Kazakhstan and Italy reaffirmed their commitment to expanding joint industrial and energy projects as part of high-level discussions held in Rome on Oct. 14. The talks, led by Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, brought together senior executives of Italy’s leading companies in the energy and engineering sectors to explore new opportunities for investment…

Kazakhstan Shows Improvement in Investment Climate Amid Systemic Challenges

ALMATY – The Kazakhstan Investors Association (KIA) has released an analytical report on Oct. 6, assessing the positive dynamic of the country’s investment environment and outlining recommendations to further improve the business climate. Despite the global slowdown in foreign direct investment (FDI), Kazakhstan continues to demonstrate positive momentum.  According to the report, gross FDI inflows…

Kazakhstan Expands Renewable Energy, Increases Oil and Gas Production 

ALMATY – Kazakhstan has recorded a significant increase in oil and gas production in January-September 2025, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov reported at a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov on Oct. 14. According to Akkenzhenov, oil and gas condensate output for this period reached 75.7 million tons, up 113.2% from the same period…

Kazakhstan Sets Guinness World Record with Camel Caravan in Almaty Region

ALMATY – A caravan of 1,000 one-humped camels that marched one kilometer through the village of Akshi in the Ili District of Almaty region on Sept. 20 has officially entered the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest camel caravan. The record was confirmed by Guinness World Records representative Richard-William Stenning, who personally presented the…

Kazakhstan Backs Regional Efforts to Enhance Security in the Caspian Sea

ALMATY – Naval commanders from Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia signed a security cooperation document on Oct. 8 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, that reinforces the principle of non-interference by external powers in Caspian Sea affairs. The Caspian Sea Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement reflects the shared commitment of the littoral states to strengthen regional coordination and…

Kazakhstan Calls for Collective Action to Revive the Aral Sea and Strengthen Water Security 

ALMATY – More than 40 environmental projects are being implemented in the Aral Sea basin, as announced at the second meeting of the Board of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), held on Oct. 10 in Astana under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Kanat Bozumbayev, brought…

Semei Holds Kazakhstan’s First Direct Election for City Mayor

ALMATY – Semei, an administrative center of Abai Region held its first-ever direct election for the city’s akim (mayor) on Oct. 12, marking a historic milestone in the country’s democratic reforms.  Voting started at 7 a.m. across the city’s 128 polling stations. More than 220,000 residents of Semei were eligible to vote, the city’s administration…

Kazakhstan, EU to Boost Green Energy and Infrastructure Projects

ALMATY — Kazakhstan has signed memoranda of cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) on Oct. 10 to expand investment in renewable energy, hydropower, and power grid modernization. The agreements were concluded during the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, where the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan…

Kazakhstan Plants 2.4 Million Trees as National Environmental Campaign Continues

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the Taza Kazakhstan environmental campaign on Oct. 11, joining volunteers and eco-activists in planting trees at the capital’s Botanical Garden. During the event, Tokayev met with members of the youth organization Jasyl El and expressed gratitude for their civic engagement, reported Akorda.  “This is important work for…

Kazakhstan Wins Top Award at World Expo 2025 Osaka

ALMATY – Kazakh national pavilion won first place in the Theme Development category among small pavilions at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, one of the most prestigious global exhibitions that concluded on Oct. 13.  The award recognizes the country’s outstanding and original interpretation of the Expo’s main theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” More…

Global Citizen’s Paradox: Belonging Everywhere, Rooted Nowhere

My mom used to tell me about the feeling of internal coherence she experienced whenever she stepped onto the land of her ancestors – the vast steppes of the village where she was born. The corners of her lips would lift into a soft, almost unnoticeable smile, while her soul seemed to recover, reconnecting with…

Kazakh Artistic Swimmers Triumph at Asian Championships in India With 28 Medals

ALMATY – The Kazakh artistic swimming team from Karaganda achieved a historic triumph at the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships, held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 11 in Ahmedabad, India. The athletes secured an impressive 28 medals, including 19 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze, placing the team first in the overall standings for their discipline,…

President Tokayev Establishes Working Group on Parliamentary Reform

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree establishing a working group on parliamentary reform on Oct. 8, following the key proposal of transitioning Kazakhstan to a unicameral parliament outlined in his Sept. 8  state-of-the-nation address. The working group is tasked with developing proposals aimed at strengthening parliamentary institutions and ensuring more effective legislative…

First Kazakh Woman in Space Joins Blue Origin’s 15th Human Flight

ALMATY – The first-ever space journey by a Kazakh woman was marked by Danna Karagussova, who made history by joining the crew of Blue Origin’s New Shepard on its 15th human flight on Oct. 8.  The suborbital mission, launched from Launch Site One in West Texas, lasted 11 minutes and crossed the internationally recognized boundary…

Kazakhstan Becomes Regional Leader in Times Higher Education Rankings 2026

ALMATY – Kazakhstan has entered the world’s top 500 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. The report, released on Oct. 9, highlights Kazakhstan’s growing strength in higher education. This year’s ranking included five Kazakh universities, making Kazakhstan the most represented country in the region. Nazarbayev University (NU) secured its highest-ever…

Kazakhstan, Germany Agree on Strategic Partnership to Foster Water Management

ALMATY – Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the German Water Partnership (GWP) signed a strategic partnership agreement on Oct. 8 to strengthen cooperation in sustainable water management and innovation. The signing builds on talks held last year in Germany between Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev and GWP leadership. The agreement will enable…

Kazakhstan Increases Budget Revenues as Digital Reform Advances

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s state budget revenues grew by 23.4% in 2025, reaching 21.6 trillion tenge (approximately US$40 billion). It was revealed during the Oct. 8 meeting between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Minister of Finance Madi Takiyev. Of the total revenues, 15.2 trillion tenge (US$28.2 billion) came from tax receipts, underscoring stronger fiscal performance compared to…

President Tokayev Voices Support for Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his support for the recently reached agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages during indirect negotiations in Egypt, reported his press secretary Ruslan Zheldibay on Oct. 9. Tokayev highlighted the productive mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, as well as the significant…

Kazakhstan Accelerates Shift to Cashless Economy as Digital Payments Hit Record High

ALMATY – The Kazakh National Bank reported robust growth in the country’s digital financial infrastructure from January to June 2025, with daily transactions through its payment systems averaging 6.3 trillion tenge (approximately US$11.67 billion), according to an analytical overview published on Oct. 6. The report highlights performance across the National Bank’s payment systems, card and…