Articles by Aiman Nakispekova

ASTANA – The representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro is on a visit to Kazakhstan on Nov. 13-15, announced Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Aibek Smadiyarov at a Nov. 13 press briefing, reported the ministry’s press service.  On Nov. 13, Ribeiro met with Minister…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is expected to achieve a 5% growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) by the year-end, said Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov at a Nov. 13 meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported the Akorda press service. Kuantyrov noted that small and medium-sized businesses (SME) contribution to the GDP has reached an…

ASTANA – Kazakh craftspeople took part at Berlin Bazaar, the world’s largest international fair, on Nov. 8-12 to promote Kazakh tourism through arts and crafts, reported Kazakh Tourism national company’s press service. The Kazakh pavilion exhibits a diverse array of handmade crafts, natural products, and items such as woodcraft, textiles, leather goods, and jewelry. “Inside…

ASTANA – The Kazakh unique brand Almaty Aport (a type of apple) was officially registered in the State Register of Geographic Indications on Oct. 13, said the Ministry of Justice spokesperson Talgat Uali during a press briefing on Nov 8. Uali highlighted that the Almaty Region Apple Growers Association (ARAGA) had previously submitted the necessary…

ASTANA – Women’s judo in Kazakhstan is progressing steadily, with accomplished athletes representing the country at international competitions. The sport continues to gain popularity, and more opportunities are emerging for female athletes to showcase their skills and talents. A 12-time champion of Kazakhstan and an Asian champion in judo, who was also the first world…

ASTANA – Renewable energy development in Central Asian countries is progressing unevenly. Some states have long been exploring the opportunities presented by alternative energy sources, while others are just beginning their journey toward sustainability.  Rapid progress of renewable energy in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan’s renewable energy sector has been evolving for over a decade, gradually becoming more…

ASTANA – The 2021 census reveals that the overall employed population surpassed 9,188,000 people, showing a growth of 39.2% compared to the 2009 census, according to a Nov. 9 report by the Kazakh Bureau of National Statistics. The bureau has released a new compilation on population employment based on the results of the 2021 population…

ASTANA – The growth of agricultural exports from Kazakhstan to China has doubled and reached $653.3 million, said Kazakh Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov during an Oct.31 meeting with a Chinese delegation.  Saparov emphasized that Kazakhstan exports to China through 1,718 domestic enterprises, with 1,629 focusing on plant-based products and 86 dealing with livestock items. “The…

ASTANA – Kazakh pop star Dimash Kudaibergen shared an Instagram post on Nov. 5 showcasing his new pet, a Kazakh Tazy, a special gift from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Kudaibergen highlighted the cultural significance of the Tazy breed in Kazakh heritage. Tazy, also known as a Kazakh Greyhound, is considered one of the Seven Treasures inherited…

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov discussed bilateral economic and trade cooperation with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Nov. 4 during his working visit to Shanghai, reported the Prime Minister’s press service. Smailov stressed Kazakhstan’s commitment to reinforcing the bonds of friendship, good neighborly relations, and a strategic partnership with China.  He also emphasized…

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov outlined key aspects of Kazakh-Chinese cooperation during the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on Nov.5, reported the Prime Minister’s press service. Economic Growth Prospects and Opportunities in Sino-Kazakh Collaboration “Kazakhstan’s participation in CIIE coincides with a new phase in the development of Kazakhstan-China cooperation. In…

ASTANA – Tary Ethno cafe, a beloved cafe in Kazakhstan, expanded its presence by opening a branch in Chicago, the United States, on Oct. 24. “We are committed to introducing the healthy and culturally rich cuisine of Kazakhstan to foreigners. Our goal is to bring back overlooked recipes while integrating modern technologies into preparing traditional…

ASTANA – The Kazakh female chess team demonstrated outstanding results at the World Chess Championship in the under-20 age category in Italy, securing victory in the blitz tournament, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ press service on Oct. 16. Earlier, these young female athletes earned silver medals at the World Team Chess Championship…

ASTANA – Astana is set to host the tenth Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Summit on Nov. 3, where member countries will discuss pressing geopolitical and integration issues. Just last month, the organization celebrated the 14th anniversary of its establishment. The Nakhchivan Agreement, signed in 2009, established the Turkic Council, which aims to provide a…

ASTANA – Sezual Company has introduced an innovative musical tutorial device designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with low vision. This inventive solution aims to improve accessibility and inclusivity in music education. Moving from Braille tutorials to musical education  “The idea for creating a music tutorial emerged after speaking with children who…

ASTANA – Similar to any emerging technology, blockchain and digital mining, along with the associated innovations, have rapidly become global trends. In just a decade, this field has evolved into one of the most widely discussed trends worldwide, and Kazakhstan is no exception, said Dauren Karashev, chairman of Kazakhstan’s Association of Blockchain Technologies, in an…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates Republic Day on Oct. 25, a remarkable event that remembers the establishment of an independent and sovereign state. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration on the State Sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR (Soviet Socialist Republic) in 1990.   The declaration enshrined principles of statehood, including territorial integrity, indivisibility, inviolability, the development…

ASTANA – The Fabric of Time: Three Generations of Kazakh Art exhibition, featuring contemporary works by Kazakh artists, took place at the Asia Now Fair in Paris on Oct. 19-22, reported Kazakh Tourism national company’s press service.  The exhibition showcased works by Daria Nurtaza, Alibay Bapanov, Aidana Kulakhmetova, Saule Madiyeva, Almagul Menlibayeva, and Syrlybek Bekbotayev.…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan aims to ratify the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education, commonly called the Tokyo Convention. The initiative aims to enhance cross-border mobility, recognize higher education qualifications, and integrate into the educational framework of the Asia-Pacific Region.  In an interview with The Astana Times, Yerzhan Irgebaev, Deputy Director …

ASTANA – Out of the 33 historical sites in Kazakhstan listed in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), five are situated in the Zhambyl Region, which includes Akobe (Stepninskoye), Kulan, Ornek, Kostobe, and Akyrtas, a mysterious palace complex. Another significant cultural heritage site in the country is the ancient city of Tuimekent,…

ASTANA – Kazakh entrepreneur Yekaterina Payazitova from the Abai Region became a member of the International Cheese Guild (La Guilde Internationale des Fromagers) at the Le Mondial du Fromage international cheese competition in September. Payazitova spoke about the challenges of the competition and what it means for her to join the guild in an interview…

ASTANA – Central Asia’s IT sector, its key characteristics, the role of human capital in AI development and the outlook for innovative cooperation among Asian states were discussed by experts at an Oct. 13 panel session at the Digital Bridge forum in Astana.  The participants addressed challenges in the region’s IT industry, shared best practices,…

ASTANA – Digital Bridge international technology forum’s panel session, Kazakhstan – IT country, on Oct. 12, addressed the country’s achievements in IT, its focus on digital transformation, and the role of collaboration, education, and innovation in advancing the IT sector. Addressing the panel session, Bagdat Mussin, the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry,…

ASTANA – The world premiere of “Madina”, a film directed and produced by Kazakh filmmaker Aizhan Kassymbekova, is scheduled to take place at the Tokyo International Film Festival on Oct.23-Nov.1, according to the festival’s press service.  The film will be featured in the Asian Future competition section. “Madina” is a social drama that delves into…

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko held meetings with members of the European Parliament (MEPs) during his working visit to Strasbourg. The discussions centered on future cooperation with the European Union (EU) legislature and the forthcoming report evaluating the 2019 EU Strategy for Central Asia, currently under preparation by members of the EP’s…