International Fund for Saving Aral Sea Approves Work Plan for Next Two Years
ASTANA – The International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) approved the work plan for the period of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in 2024-2026 during the Sept. 18 meeting of the IFAS board, reported the Prime Minister’s press service. “IFAS has become a powerful collective tool of regional cooperation capable of influencing the socio-economic well-being in…
Chinese Investor to Build Center for Processing & Export of Kazakh Products in Northern Kazakhstan
ASTANA— A foreign investor plans to build a logistics center in the North Kazakhstan Region to supply Kazakh products to China. As part of a two-day working visit to the North Kazakhstan Region, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin met with Chinese investor Jia Heyi, president of the Xian Aiju Corporation. The company built a…
Kazakhstan Exports 4 Million Tons of Grain Via Railways
ASTANA – Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) national railway operator transported more than 5.2 million tons of grain in eight months of 2024, including four million tons for export, reported the company’s press service. “There has been a 17.4% increase in the volume of milled products transported by rail, reaching 2.3 million tons. Of this, 1.8…
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Strengthen Ties to Protect Migratory Wildlife
ASTANA—Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan agreed to protect migratory animals, as deputies of Mazhilis, the lower house of the Kazakh Parliament, ratified an agreement on cooperation in ecology and environmental protection. This marks a significant step toward regional environmental conservation efforts. “The document enables timely interaction on topics related to animal movement in the Kazakh-Uzbek border region,…
Togyzkumalak, Oware & Gabata: Fifth World Nomad Games Show Cultural Richness of Nomadic Peoples
ASTANA – The fifth World Nomad Games (WNG) in Astana showcased the cultural richness of nomadic peoples. This year, the event featured sports such as mas-wrestling – a national sport of Yakutia, oware – an intellectual game from African cultures, and mangala – an intellectual game from Turkiye. Kaleb Mengesha and Hanna Teshome represented Ethiopia…
Kazakhstan, IMF Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Economic Partnership
ASTANA — Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Bo Li confirmed their intention to strengthen partnership in all areas of interaction during their meeting on Sept. 16. During the talks, the sides discussed cooperation in the financial and economic spheres. The meeting participants underlined the strategic…
IAEA Chief Grossi Outlines Kazakhstan’s Key Role in Global Nuclear Safety
ASTANA – International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi outlined Kazakhstan’s key role in global nuclear security at the opening ceremony of the national pavilion as part of the 68th regular session of the IAEA General Conference, which is taking place on Sept. 16-20 in Vienna. Visiting Kazakhstan’s stand focused on the development…
Kazakh President on Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Peace Still Remains Possible
ASTANA – The possibility of achieving peace still exists, said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, commenting on the resolution of the situation around Ukraine during his Sept. 16 meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. “It is a fact that, from a military standpoint, Russia is invincible. Unfortunately, a good opportunity to reach at least a ceasefire…
Kazakh Capital to Host International Collegiate Programming Contest Finals Next Week
ASTANA — The Kazakh capital will host the 48th ICPC International Collegiate Programming Contest Finals for the first time on Sept. 15-20. Kazakhstan’s Presidential Center will host the opening ceremony of the 2024 ICPC World Finals on Sept. 16. This year, out of 59,000 participants representing 111 countries and 3,000 universities, 142 teams from universities…
Kazakh PM, Business Leaders Address Real Sector Development
ASTANA — Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting of the Council of Domestic Entrepreneurs, with the participation of the Atameken Chamber of Entrepreneurs and representatives of large businesses, to discuss urgent topics of entrepreneurship development. The Prime Minister’s press service reported on Sept. 12 that Bektenov underlined the state’s measures to improve the investment…
Kazakh President, Singaporean Business Discuss Alatau City Project Implementation
ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the implementation of the Alatau City project in the Almaty Region during a Sept. 13 meeting with Chairman of Asia Infrastructure Solutions Singapore Wong Heang Fine. According to Akorda, the sides addressed the development of Alatau City by attracting foreign investment, technology and competencies. In May, the master…
News Digest: Foreign Media on World Nomad Games, Middle Corridor and More
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes the fifth World Nomad Games, the development of the Middle Corridor, Kazakhstan’s partnership with Central Asian states and more. World Nomad Games: The spectacular ‘Olympics’ of Central Asia BBC Travel released an article on Sept.…
Fifth World Nomad Games Final Day: Ordo Finals, Dimash Kudaibergen’s Solo Concert & Closing Ceremony
ASTANA — After the fifth day of the World Nomad Games, Kazakhstan’s national team secured 86 medals, including 33 gold medals, 25 silver medals, and 28 bronze medals. According to the National and Equestrian Sports Center’s press service, on Sept. 12, the Kazakh national team triumphed in kokpar, a traditional Central Asian game known as…
AIFC Presents Islamic Finance Country Report
ASTANA — Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) presented the Islamic Finance Country Report, prepared under the technical assistance of the Islamic Development Bank by CSQ law, during Astana Finance Days 2024. Kazakhstan’s strengths include a favorable legal environment supported by AIFC initiatives, a growing economy, infrastructure development plans, and a significant Muslim population, reported AIFC…
World Federation of Consuls, Nazarbayev University Sign Memorandum to Facilitate Partnership on Educational Initiatives
ASTANA — FICAC, a global network of Consular Associations, and Nazarbayev University (NU) signed a memorandum on Sept. 12. The memorandum symbolizes new beginnings and shared visions, aiming to connect cultures and aspirations. The ceremony was attended by President of the World Federation of Consuls FICAC Nikolaos Margaropoulos, NU Acting President and Provost Ilesanmi Adesida,…
Kazakhstan Promotes Turkic Integration Ahead of OTS Summit
ASTANA – Preliminary results of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) for 2023-2024 held under the TURKTIME! (Traditions, Unification, Reforms, Knowledge, Trust, Investments, Mediation and Energy) motto, along with preparations for the OTS summit in the Kyrgyz Republic were discussed at a Sept. 10 meeting between OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliyev and…
Kazatomprom Secures License for Uranium Exploration in Turkistan Region
ASTANA – Kazatomprom National Atomic Company obtained the exclusive subsoil use license for uranium exploration at block 5 of Budenovskoye deposit, located in the Suzak district of the Turkistan Region, for six years, reported Kazatomprom press service on Sept. 10. The Budenovskoye deposit is part of the Mynkuduk ore district in the Kentse-Budenovskoye metallogenic zone…
Nomads’ Ancient Intellectual Game Togyzkumalak Travels to Space
ASTANA – The board for the Togyzkumalak (nine pellets) game was taken to space on Sept. 9 to celebrate the Togyzkumalak Day and the fifth World Nomad Games and returned to Earth the same day. The traditional Kazakh board game, also known as the “chess of the steppes” or the “algebra of the shepherds,” fosters…
World Nomad Games: Kazakh Team Secures 48 Medals, Gets Ready for Fourth Day
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national team leads the medal standings with 48 medals, including 21 gold awards, after three days of the fifth World Nomad Games (WNG) competitions, which take place from Sept. 8 to 13. According to the National and Equestrian Sports Center’s press service, the fourth day of the WNG will feature nine sports.…
Kazakh Monetary Policy Committee Projects Base Rate Reduction to 11.9% by 2025
ASTANA – Members of the National Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) estimate the base rate to be 11.9% in 2025 and 10% in 2026, according to the National Bank’s forecasts on the trajectory of the base rate for 2024-2026 released on Sept. 9. The Monetary Policy Report, which is published quarterly four times a year,…
Moody’s Upgrades Kazakhstan’s Ratings to Baa1, Outlook Stable
ASTANA — The international rating agency Moody’s upgraded the Kazakh government’s long-term local and foreign currency issuer ratings to Baa1 from Baa2 and changed the outlook to stable from positive on Sept. 9. Concurrently, Moody’s has upgraded the foreign currency senior unsecured debt and MTN program ratings to Baa1 and (P)Baa1 from Baa2 and (P)Baa2,…
Second Day: Kazakh Athletes Win 23 Medals at Nomad Games
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s national team won 23 awards, including 13 gold medals, on the second day of the World Nomad Games competitions. Batyr Beksauyt won gold in Asian-style zhamby atu, or traditional horseback archery competitions, while Aitbek Sarybai won silver and Yeralkhan Aikoz earned bronze. According to the Center for National and Equestrian Sports, Yermek…
Kazakhstan’s National Bank Releases Collectible Coins Dedicated to Jochi Khan
ASTANA—The National Bank of Kazakhstan issued collectible coins dedicated to Jochi Khan’s 800th anniversary as part of its Outstanding Events and People series. Jochi Khan is the eldest son of Genghis Khan and the founder of the Ulus of Jochi, widely known as the Golden Horde. The mausoleum of Jochi Khan is located in the…
Kazakhstan, UNWTO Agree to Promote Tourism
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Presidential Property Management Department signed a memorandum with the World Tourism Organization to develop tourism in Kazakhstan during a Sept. 7 round table. United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili took part in the meeting. Kazinform reported on Sept. 7 that Deputy Chief of Staff of the President of Kazakhstan…
Binance Kazakhstan Becomes First Digital Asset Platform to Receive AFSA Full Regulatory License
ASTANA — Binance Kazakhstan, the world’s leading cryptocurrency and blockchain infrastructure provider’s subsidiary, received formal approval from the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) for a full regulatory license on Sept. 6. With this approval, Binance Kazakhstan will become the first fully regulated Digital Asset Trading Facility (DATF). This important milestone demonstrates Binance Kazakhstan’s compliance with…
