Kazakhstan’s Expenditure on IT Services Reaches $2.4 Billion in 2023
ASTANA – The volume of IT services provided in computer programming, consulting, and related services reached 1.1 trillion tenge ($2.4 billion) in 2023, marking a 41.1% increase compared to the previous year, Finprom.kz reported on March 20. In the same period last year, services in the sector increased by 54.8% to 777.2 billion tenge ($1.7…
Kazakh Peacekeepers Complete First Exercise in Golan Heights
ASTANA — The rapid reaction forces of the Kazakh peacekeeping company operating in the Golan Heights conducted their first joint medical evacuation training with the Irish counterparts on March 20, the Kazakh Defense Ministry’s press service reported. Upon receiving the signal, the unit swiftly mobilized to a lookout post located several kilometers away from the…
Radio Stations Worldwide Congratulate Kazakhs on Nauryz Holiday
ASTANA — For the first time, radio stations across five continents congratulated people in Kazakhstan on the Nauryz holiday by playing joyful Kazakh kuis (traditional music), the Foreign Ministry’s press service reported on March 20. Stations broadcast the majestic sounds of the dombyra, performed by the Kurmangazy orchestra, immersing listeners in the atmosphere of Nauryz’s…
Assembly of People of Kazakhstan to Convene in April
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree convening the next 33d session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan on April 24-25, reported the Akorda press service. The session under the agenda Unity. Creation. Progress will take place at the Presidential Center in Astana. The last 32nd session focused on principles of coexistence…
EBRD Finances Kazakh Municipal Project, Salt Production Facility
ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is helping to address pressing water treatment and environmental issues in Kazakhstan’s fourth-largest municipality, Aktobe, by financing the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and associated infrastructure, reported the bank’s press service on March 18. The bank is extending a sovereign loan of up…
President Tokayev Meets Creative Leaders, Emphasizes Economic Potential
ASTANA – Following his recent emphasis on creativity and innovation for societal progress, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev convened with representatives from Kazakhstan’s creative sector on March 18, reported the Akorda press service. During this gathering, he was acquainted with diverse, thriving domestic endeavors spanning music, social media, film production, artificial intelligence, and e-sports. This meeting echoes…
Tokayev Focuses on Kazakhstan’s Commitment to Defending National Interests and Sovereignty
ASTANA – Kazakhstan as a nation and a responsible member of the international community, must consistently stand prepared to defend national interests, sovereignty, and independence, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his address on March 15 at the National Kurultai in Atyrau. Tokayev noted this holds particular relevance today, with the growing trend worldwide to prioritize…
Almaty Hosts Inaugural B5+1 Business Forum
ASTANA – Almaty hosted the inaugural B5+1 format forum with the participation of government and business community officials of the United States and Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on March 14-15, reported the forum’s press service on March 15. The two-day forum prioritized accelerated regional cooperation, improved connectivity,…
Kazakh Peacekeepers Embark on UN Mission from Almaty
ASTANA – Kazakhstan hosted the send-off ceremony of the peacekeeping contingent to the Golan Heights under the United Nations (UN) in the Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen in Almaty on March 14, reported the Kazakh Defense Ministry’s press service. “This is a huge honor for us, as not every country is able to train…
President Tokayev Congratulates Kazakhstan on Amal Holiday
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Kazakh citizens on the eve of Nauryz – the Amal holiday or the Day of Greeting, on his X account on March 14. “Congratulations to everyone on the arrival of Nauryz – Amal holiday! Its celebration is an age-old tradition that revives ancient folk customs and is an integral…
Kazakh Boxers Secure Five Tickets to 2024 Paris Olympics
ASTANA—The Kazakh national boxing team of 11 boxers, both men and women, clinched five coveted tickets to the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics at a March 11 world-licensed boxing tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy, the press service of the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported. Among the standout performers, Saken Bibosynov (51 kg), a bronze…
AIFC Participants Get Wider Access to Kazakhstan’s Financial Market
ASTANA – The list of financial services that participants of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) can provide to Kazakhstan residents has been expanded, reported the AIFC press service on Feb. 26. The National Bank, the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market and the AIFC agreed on the relevant changes and additions…
Kazakhstan Opens National Pavilion at Mining Convention in Toronto
ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapaev took part in the opening of the national pavilion at the 2024 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention in Toronto on March 4, reported the ministry’s press service. The PDAC conference, a leading international event in geological exploration and mineral development, annually…
Kazakhstan’s Renewable Energy Sector Gains Momentum with 146 Facilities in Operation
ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Energy released a report on the country’s burgeoning landscape of renewable energy, boasting 146 operational renewable energy facilities exceeding 100 kilowatts (kW) on March 4, Kazinform news agency reported. The cumulative installed capacity of these renewable energy assets stands at an impressive 2.9 gigawatts (GW), highlighting Kazakhstan’s commitment to…
Kazakhstan Reiterates Commitment to Cooperation Within OIC
ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to interaction within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at a March 4 meeting with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha in Jeddah, reported the Foreign Ministry’s press office. The officials discussed international issues and the Islamic world, overviewing Kazakhstan’s initiatives within…
IDB Implements Nearly 70 Projects in Kazakhstan
ASTANA – The Islamic Development Bank’s (IDB) group has implemented around 70 projects worth over $1.6 billion in Kazakhstan. This was announced during a March 4 meeting of Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu with IDB President Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser in Riyadh, reported the Foreign Ministry’s press service. Nurtleu spoke about…
Earthquake Hits Almaty, Residents Evacuate Buildings
ASTANA — Residents of Almaty experienced a significant earthquake on March 4, prompting mass evacuations and emergency response measures, the Ministry of Emergency Situations announced on its Telegram channel. According to Almaty’s Emergency Situations Department, the seismic event occurred at 11.22 a.m., with the National Scientific Center for Seismological Observations and Research processing information about…
Concerts and Charity Events to Mark Gratitude Day This Week in Astana
ASTANA – Along with festive decorations on the capital’s streets, the Day of Gratitude, celebrated on March 1, will be marked with charitable events, exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances, reported the Astana akimat (city administration). Celebrated since 2016, the holiday marks the establishment of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan (APK) on March 1, 1995.…
Qazaq Air to Launch Turkistan-Samarkand Flights in March
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s airline Qazaq Air plans to launch flights on the Turkistan-Samarkand route from March 15, reported the Civil Aviation Committee’s press service. Flights will be operated twice a week on Fridays and Sundays on De-Havilland Dash 8-Q400 aircraft.
Kazakhstan’s Trade Turnover Reaches $139.8 Billion in 2023
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s trade turnover totaled $139.8 billion last year, the Trade and Integration Ministry’s press service reported on Feb. 18. China has become Kazakhstan’s main trading partner, alongside Russia and Italy. Kazakhstan increased non-oil exports by 10% to China, 34% to Hong Kong, 30% to South Korea, and 64% to Vietnam. The share of…
Four Branches of Foreign Universities to Open in Kazakhstan this Year
ASTANA – Four branches of foreign universities will open in Kazakhstan in 2024, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek reported on Feb. 14 on his Telegram channel. City University of Hong Kong, currently ranked 82nd among the top 100 universities globally, will be established at Satbayev University. Pennsylvania State University will open its…
Kazakhstan’s Digital Family Card Wins 2024 GovTech Prize in Dubai
ASTANA – At the World Government Summit in Dubai, Kazakhstan’s innovative project, the Digital Family Card, was honored as the best in the Inclusive Digital Transformation category, receiving the prestigious 2024 GovTech Prize, reported the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) press service on Feb. 13. Developed with the support of UNDP in Kazakhstan, this flagship…
U.S. Department of State Hosts Inaugural Critical Minerals Dialogue with Central Asia
ASTANA — The U.S. Department of State hosted on Feb. 8 the inaugural meeting of the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue (CMD) to increase the region’s involvement in global critical minerals supply chains, strengthen economic cooperation, and advance the clean energy transition while also protecting Central Asia’s unique ecosystems, reported the U.S. Department of State press…
World Bank Initiates Caspian Sea Research to Address Looming Crisis
ASTANA – The World Bank intends to conduct research on the study of the decline in the Caspian Sea level, one of the urgent problems for the region’s community, reported Aktau port’s press service on Feb. 7. “Our goal is to find answers to several questions: is the decline due to reduced inflows from key…
Kazakhstan Reveals Opponents for 2024/25 UEFA Nations League Group B
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to face off against Austria, Norway and Slovenia after being drawn into Group B3 for the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, according to the league phase draw conducted in Paris on Feb. 8. After participation in League C last season, the Kazakhstan national team secured promotion, clinching the top spot in…
