Kazakhstan - time

DECLARATION ON THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF STATE
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Kazakhstan : a global leader in nuclear responsibility

KAZAKHSTAN - THE MOVIES

3 films on different aspects of contemporary Kazakhstan are available here to view. Journalists requiring broadcast quality copies, or rushes of a particular, covered subject should Contact Us.

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FILM: THIS IS ASTANA

Astana. The capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the world's most ambitious urban development projects.

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KAZAKHSTAN - USEFUL LINKS

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS: 1.5 MILLION PEOPLE TO GET NEW JOBS 1/27/2012

In his State of the Nation Address President Nazarbayev instructed his Government to make sure 1.5 million people get new jobs within the Employment Program before 2020. He said that the Program seeks to put in place an effective personnel professional development system, support entrepreneurial initiatives in rural areas and spur labor resources mobility through smaller towns development. According to President Nazarbayev, the Program launched in 2011 as a pilot project covered a total of 60 000 people. Click here to read more

DECLARATION FOR NUCLEAR- FREE WORLD TO BE CONCRETIZED AT SEOUL SUMMIT 1/27/2012

PETROL PRODUCTION TO BE BOOSTED THREEFOLD 1/27/2012

KULIBAYEV SUGGESTS AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 1/26/2012

The Head of Atameken National Economic Chamber Timur Kulibayev has suggested developing a new agriculture development program: “In Kazakhstan there are over 200,000 farms (…) The aim is to help the farmers join the stable middle class (…) Larger farms own property eligible as collateral and may use borrowed funds. How can smaller farms turn to lenders?” Kulibayev said, adding that respective suggestions could be worked out in partnership with the Association of Financiers and that it would be good to “have domestic banks say on what terms they are willing to provide loans to agriculture small and middle-sized businesses”. Mr. Kulibayev reminded about earlier suggestions of launching an Agro Bank. “In Russia there is such a bank; Kazakhstan is in the same Common Economic Space. And Kazakhstan’s farmers are in a less favourable position than those in Russia”, he said.

STATEMENT BY THE PROSECUTOR GENERAL ON ZHANAOZEN 1/25/2012

On the 16th of December 2011 in the town of Zhanaozen in Mangystau province during the celebration of the Independence day of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Central square a group of former (previously fired) workers of the “OzenMunaiGaz” oil producing enterprise with the support of the hooligan youngsters started mass insurgencies leading to debacles, looting, setting fire and violence against civilians and police officers.

Read the full text of the statement by clicking here.

4.1 MILLION TONS OF GRAIN EXPORTED LAST YEAR 1/25/2012

From September to December 2011 Kazakhstan exported a total of 4.1 million tons of grain, the country’s Agriculture Ministry announced. The overall grain exports figure for the period under review stands at 4.1 million tons, including flour exports”, the Ministry’s press-release reads. To fully unleash the grain exports potential of 15 million tons, Kazakhstan should be able to export by June (2012) a total of 10.2 million tons of grain, including flour exports. One of the hurdles to the exports plan is shortage of railway grain carriers. The national fleet currently comprises of 5200 grain carriers, with only 4500 of them being actually in operation. Twice more grain carriers are needed to effectively export the planned volumes of grain. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy National Railways Operator rents another 2880 carriers from neighboring states. Starting from March 2012 Kazakhstan may start subsidizing grain supplies to the sea ports of the Azov, Black and Baltic Seas, according to Agriculture Vice Minister Muslim Umiryaev. According to the State Agency for Statistics, grain production in Kazakhstan in 2011 totalled 26.9 million tons (net weight).

KAZAKHSTAN, EU DISCUSS RELATIONS 1/25/2012

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kazykhanov received the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia Pierre Morel today. Both parties discussed the current state and prospects of relations in the format of 'Kazakhstan - Central Asia - the European Union'. In addition, the foreign minister and Mr Morel discussed issues on combating terrorism and drug trafficking, border management, regional and trans boundary cooperation and future consultation on Afghanistan. According to Mr Morel, the Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Kazykhanov and EU foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton will meet early February.

KAZYKHANOV TO MEET CLINTON IN WASHINGTON 1/24/2012

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Kazykhanov will pay his first official visit to the United States of America from Jan. 30th through February 1st. Mr Kazykhanov is expected to meet with Hillary Clinton (picture shows the pair meeting in Vilnius last December) and other officials in Washington as well as public and business circles.

IPO TO START IN WEEKS 1/24/2012

People’s IPO programme in Kazakhstan, initiated by President Nursultan Nazarbayev in early 2011, is set to start in the coming weeks. The initial public offering will sell shares on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KSE) in Almaty from holdings of the Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund. Among the IPO’s major goals are efforts to boost the KSE’s institutional capacity, amid a growing wave of global stock market mergers, and to increase economic participation by Kazakhstan’s citizens.

CRISIS IS INEVITABLE, BUT WE ARE PREPARED – PM 1/24/2012

Kazakhstan will soon announce its new anti-crisis programme to cope with another wave of global financial crisis, said Prime Minister Massimov. In his first interview with Russian Kommersant and Gazeta.ru since reappointment last week, Mr Massimov spoke of the new Cabinet’s priorities, the present state and prospects of the Single Economic Space, as well as the situation in Zhanaozen. According to him, the second wave of the crisis will inevitably happen in 2012-2013. To deal with it, Kazakhstan has prepared a new anti-crisis programme similar to what it did during the “first wave” of crisis in 2008-2009. “Our first priority is the macroeconomic stabilization. If we do not preserve macroeconomic stability, then no other anti-crisis measures will help,” he said. The new Cabinet considers combating unemployment as its second priority. Mr Massimov said.that the Government is actively engaged in implementation of a special employment programme that has been developed on the instruction of the President. “The third direction is the promotion of small and medium enterprises. Not by tax cuts, our taxes are already low, but by further stimulating domestic demand,” said the PM who also gave an account of the current situation in Zhanaozen and its causes. “Zhanaozen is a very sore subject for our Government and all Kazakhstan citizens. Causes of the conflict, both lying on the surface and the deeper ones, are numerous. The Government has decided to actively solve problems of one-company towns such as Zhanaozen. “No matter how hard we try to diversify the economy and support small businesses in these towns, it does not work,” said Massimov.

MUKHTAR KUL-MUKHAMMED NAMED SECRETARY OF STATE 1/23/2012

According to Presidential Decree, ex-Minister of Culture Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed has been appointed Secretary of State of Kazakhstan. His predecessor Kanat Saudabayev has been appointed Director of Multifunctional Scientific-Analytical and Humanitarian-Educational Public Institution ‘Nazarbayev Center’.

NEW CULTURE & INFORMATION MINISTER APPOINTED 1/23/2012

Prime Minister Massimov has introduced a new Minister of Culture and Information - Darkhan Mynbay. Mr Mynbay was born in January 1962 in South Kazakhstan. In 1985 he graduated from Moscow State University, a journalist. He has been an editor at the Information Agency under the Council of Ministers of Kazakh SSR (KazTAG); editor in chief of the republican newspapers "Orken" - "Horizon" and Akim and Deputy Governor of South Kazakhstan region. In November 2008, he was appointed head of the department of internal policy of the Administration of the President of Kazakhstan.

PEOPLE’S IPO WILL PROCEED 1/23/2012

“We are not halting the privatization plans and intend to proceed with the People’s IPO Program”, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Karim Massimov said in an interview for Russia’s Kommersant newspaper. “The right timing is yet to be defined. The Program is designed to benefit people of Kazakhstan. The goal is not to secure the greatest possible profit for the participating companies.” In December 2011, the Managing Director of Samruk-Kazyna Welfare Fund Peter Howes said that the price of one share would be affordable for average-income Kazakhstan citizens; “We cannot name the price of one share right now, but of course we can make the price not 10 thousand tenge, but around 100 tenge. We will make the prices low enough to allow everyone to buy at least one share or a batch of shares. We want people to feel that they have their say,” Howes said.

EMIR OF QATAR TO VISIT 1/23/2012

A Kazakh delegation led by Kazakh presidential aide Nurlan Yermekbayev met with the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. On January 22nd, Yermekbayev handed over the invitation of President Nursultan Nazarbayev to the Emir to take part in the IV Congress of the Leaders of the World and Traditional Religions this May in Astana. Qatar's monarch congratulated Kazakhstan on the 20th anniversary of independence – adding that he appreciated the country's political and economic success. He also positively assessed the recent parliamentary elections of Kazakhstan. During the meetingn, the parties debated urgent international issues, including situation in the Middle East and North Africa.

PRESIDENT OPENS 1ST SESSION OF NEWLY ELECTED MAJILIS 1/20/2012

President Nazarbayev opened the first session of the newly elected Parliament, where deputies of the fifth convocation were sworn in at an official ceremony. This marked the re-introduction of a multiparty Majilis, the lower house of parliament, after a spell of four and half years of undivided control of the chamber by the ruling party Nur Otan. Speaking at the session, President Nazarbayev hailed the formation of the multiparty system in Kazakhstan which “proves that the Central Asian country’s democratic development proceeds steadily and consistently. The Majilis now widely presents groups of various social, gender, and professional segments”. Addressing the deputies of both houses Nazarbayev expressed hope that in the next five years the renewed Parliament will become an effective political force capable of taking responsibility for the country’s future, stability of the society, and its comprehensive modernization. “It is in your hands to make Kazakhstan a more powerful, stable, and strong state. And we will unite in implementing this task,” Nazarbayev concluded.

MAJILIS CONFIDENT IN GOVERNMENT 1/20/2012

SARKOZY CONGRATULATES NAZARBAYEV ON 20 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS 1/20/2012

President Nazarbayev has received a congratulatory letter from President of France Nicolas Sarkozy in connection with the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and France; the Kazakh President's press service reports. Mr Sarkozy noted significant potential of all directions of the Kazakh-French cooperation and expressed confidence in success of the plans on modernization of Kazakhstan's economy. The French President welcomed holding the Year of France in Kazakhstan in 2013 and the Year of Kazakhstan in France in 2014.

NAZARBAYEV COUNCILS CAUTION IN ALLOWANCE PAYMENTS 1/20/2012

Measures taken to raise pensions and social allowances in the years to come will be more gradual and cautious, with due consideration of the global economic situation, Newskaz.ru quoted President Nazarbayev as saying today when speaking before the newly elected Majilis (lower chamber). “Kazakhstan is facing new challenges (…) Global economic uncertainty, possible new waves of the global crisis, possible drop of prices for major Kazakhstan’s export commodities may have a negative impact on the Kazakh economy (…) When it comes to the social security network, in the years to come we should be gradual and very cautious. We will be raising pensions and social welfare payments with due consideration of the inflation rate; earlier we raised the amounts by 20-30%; however nowadays we should take into account what is happening in the world [in terms of economy]”, Head of State said.

PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES POST-ELECTION PRIORITIES 1/19/2012

President Nazarbayev announced the after-elections priorities on the presidential website. One of the key goals is to continue political modernization of the society in Kazakhstan. “As a result of the elections the parliament will be at least bipartisan. We will go forward with the reform of law enforcement bodies, particularly of the judicial system. We will continue to fight corruption with no compromise. This is a new stage in the political development of the country. We will work with all parties in a constructive way. We will further strengthen inter-ethnic and interdenominational accord,” the President said. Another priority is a large scale social modernization aimed at further increase in the citizens’ wealth. “All our actions will be laid out in detail in several national programs. These are “2030 Quality of Life,” “2030 Healthy Nation,” “2030 Informational Kazakhstan.” These are very specific programs with allocated funding, and we will work according to it,” the President affirmed.

1ST SESSION OF NEW PARLIAMENT CALLED FOR JANUARY 20TH
1/18/2012

NUR OTAN SPURS SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SAYS HU JINTAO 1/18/2012

The Communist Party of China sent a congratulatory message addressed to Chairman of the Nur Oran Party, Nursultan Nazarbayev and the party authorities on the election win. "Under the leadership of Nursultan Nazarbayev the Nur Otan People's Democratic Party of Kazakhstan has become the prime force that spurred the country's socio-economic development, won wide public support and confidence," the message sent by Chinese President Hu Jintao reads. "We are confident that Nur Otan will achieve greater success in attaining power and prosperity and people's wellbeing. Over the past 20 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and China, the relations between the countries regardless of changes in the public situation have consistently preserved the trend of sound and dynamic development.”

OIC CONGRATULATES KAZAKHSTAN ON ELECTIONS 1/18/2012

At the invitation of the Kazakh Central Election Commission a delegation of observes from the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation monitored the parliamentary elections held on January 15th. The delegation visited various polling stations in districts of Astana and observed all phases of the voting. They noted a high voter turnout, the voting was held in a cal atmosphere, without any violations. OIC Secretary General, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed satisfaction with the process and congratulated the people of Kazakhstan on the promotion of national unity and strengthening democratic institutions of the country.

KAZAKHSTAN PARLIAMENT RESULTS ANNOUNCED 1/17/2012

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kazakhstan announced final results of the election to the lower chamber of the country’s Parliament, Majilis, held on Sunday January 15th.

People’s Democratic Party ‘Nur Otan’ – won 83 seats;
Democratic Party of Kazakhstan ‘Ak Zhol’ - secured 8 seats;
Communist People’s Party of Kazakhstan – won 7 seats.

According to the CEC, the voter registers in the Republic enrolled 9,303,693 citizens - of them 7,018,927 people or 75.4% took part in the voting. 178,385 voted outside polling stations (in embassies abroad, for example).

On Monday, January 16th, the election of deputies to the Majilis by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan was held. Nine deputies representing various different ethinc minorities including Tatars, Ukranians, Uighurs, Germans, Uzbeks and Koreans were elected.

OSCE - PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS ON ELECTIONS 1/17/2012

FOREIGN MINISTER KAZYKHANOV ON ELECTIONS 1/16/2012

"The early Parliamentary election on January 15, 2012 took place in a peaceable, calm, free and transparent atmosphere and represents an important step in Kazakhstan’s continuing political development. The authorities have ensured all the necessary conditions to allow the people of Kazakhstan to express their constitutional right for free and democratic expression, which has contributed to high voter turnout. The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its work in an open and transparent manner. The most important outcome of the election campaign, according to preliminary results of the CEC, is the entry of three political parties into the new Majilis of the Parliament, which reflects the interests of the majority of the population and its mature civic society. This represents another step forward for our nation: it will increase debate and the competition of ideas, strengthening our Parliament and our political system as a whole... We understand that democracy in our nation is still a work in progress. Kazakhstan will continue to pursue a steady path of democratization, ensuring fundamental freedoms and human rights.

PRELIMINARY ELECTION RESULTS ANNOUNCED 1/16/2012

READ QUOTES FROM PARTY LEADERS ON ELECTION DAY BY

NAZARBAYEV OUTLINES SOCIAL/POLITICAL MODERNISATION 1/14/2012

President Nazarbayev described this week’s elections as important for the development of the country and the strengthening its democratic values. He addressed the nation before the end of campaigning on Janueary13th. He urged his fellow-countrymen to go to the polls on Jan.15, saying the future of the country, its unity and stability depend on the choice the people will make. He underscored the government is providing all the conditions for conducting open, fair, transparent and competitive elections while the political parties have enjoyed equal access to the media, and have had the opportunity to introduce their campaign platforms to the voters. Elections are always a test for any society, Nazarbayev said. “This is a period of test for social values, the unity of the nation and the correctness of the chosen solutions,” he stressed. He also warned of the instability of the global economy, the likelihood of a new wave of crisis and decline in export prices that can affect the economy of Kazakhstan. But Kazakhstan, he said, has been preparing for it.
The President’s address also outlined the government’s agenda beyond the election.
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PRESIDENT SPEAKS ON PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 1/13/2012

Just hours before campaigning ends, Prezident Nazarvayev spoke to the people of Kazakshtan:
"The upcoming elections are important for the development of our country and strengthening its democratic values. The government is providing all the conditions for conducting open, fair, transparent and competitive elections... The rule of law has been ensured at all the stages of the election campaign. The political parties have enjoyed equal access to the media.
All the participants of the electoral process have had all the opportunities to introduce their campaign platforms to the voters."

NINE MILLION KAZAKHS VOTE FOR NEW PARLIAMENT ON SUNDAY 1/13/2012

On Sunday 15th January, the fifth parliamentary (Majilis) and local (Maslikhats) elections of the republic of Kazakhstan take place. Campaigning ends at midnight tonight.
107 deputies of the Majilis will be elected in two stages: on 15th January, political parties will compete for the 98 seats decided by a general vote. On 16th January – 9 Majilis deputies will be elected by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, a national body established to represent the diverse ethnic groups across the country.

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SHUKEYEV ELECTED KAZMUNAIGAS AND KAZATOMPROM BOARD MEMBER 1/13/2012

At today's extraordinary meeting the board of directors of Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund JSC debated and took necessary decisions to credit suffered entrepreneurs - legal bodies of Zhanaozen town through Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund. Damu will back small and medium business subjects in Zhanaozen, the Fund's press service reports, In addition, Umirzak Shukeyev, chairman of the board of Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund JSC was elected a member of the boards of directors of the National Company KazMunaGas JSC and National Atomic Company Kazatomprom JSC.

KAZAKHSTAN INVITED TO JOIN COUNCIL OF EUROPE 1/13/2012

The visiting head of the PACE Mission for observation of parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan Elsa Papadimitriou said, Kazakhstan has all the prerequisites to become a fully-fledged member of the Council of Europe. "Even if such countries as Azerbaijan and Georgia are the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe then Kazakhstan with its European territory ranging from the Caspian Sea must inherently be the part of the PACE. We believe, the country has all prerequisites to be a full-fledged member of the Council of Europe," Elsa Papadimitriou told journalists after talks with Kazakh Foreign Affairs Minister Yerzhan Kazykhanov. Kazakhstan has already applied for the status of an observer country of the PACE.

PM TAKES PART IN SAMRUK-KAZYNA MEETING 1/13/2012

PARTY COVERAGE DURING ELECTION CAMPAIGN 1/12/2012

CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL'S DECISION ON ZHANAOZEN VETOED 1/10/2012

President Nazarbayev has put a veto on a decision by the Constitutional Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the impossibility of holding elections in Zhanaozen. Today - January 10th - the President made an objection to the Additional resolution of the Constitutional Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan (January 6th), which implies the impossibility of holding the elections of deputies of the Majilis of the Parliament of of Kazakhstan and Maslikhats in Zhanaozen. Making an objection, the Kazakh President took into account the anxiety and concern of Zhanaozen residents over the fact that this decision limits their voting rights provided by the Constitution and laws of the country. Kazakhstan’s Central Election Committee (CEC) is now waiting for the resolution to be taken by the Constitutional Council with regards to next Sunday’s ballot.

TRANSPARENT ELECTIONS ANTICIPATED- SENATE SPEAKER 1/9/2012

Kazakhstan is interested in conducting transparent and fair elections in accordance with international standards, said the Chairman of the Kazakh Senate Kairat Mami. "The upcoming elections aim at formation of a multiparty Parliament and are an important step on the way of democratic development of the country," he said.

GOLD AND CURRENCY RESERVES GROW 1/9/2012

TITANIUM PLANT TO INCREASE OUTPUT 1/7/2012

Despite the current shortage of raw materials on the global markets, a titanium-magnesium plant in Ust-Kamenogorsk (“Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium-Magnesium Plant” JSC) in the east of Kazakhstan has set-out to achieve a 20% increase in its output by the end of 2012, announced the president of the company Bagdat Shayakhmetov.

CONSTITUTIONAL BODY RULES-OUT VOTING IN ZHANAOZEN 1/6/2012

OSCE/ODIHR OBSERVATION MISSON PUBLISHES REPORT 1/6/2012

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Election Observation Mission (OSCE/ODIHR EOM) has published its second interim report on campaigning, election administration and political environment ahead of the 15 January parliamentary elections. The report covers the period from December 22, 2011 until January 4, 2012 summing up the activities of all the stakeholders of the forthcoming election: the Central Election Commission (CEC), the Prosecutor General’s office, the political parties, the media, the observers and the civil society. The report shows the election campaign is running smoothly, but certain mistakes and shortcomings did occur.

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OSCE REPORT ON ELECTION CAMPAIGN DUE TODAY 1/5/2012

STATE OF EMERGENCY PROLONGED IN ZHANAOZEN 1/5/2012

The state of emergency was prolonged in Zhanaozen on January 4th uuntil 7AM on January 31st. The state of emergency was first announced on December 17. It was scheduled to last until 7:00 a.m. January 5, 2012. Clashes in Zhanaozen happened on December 16. The number of victims reached 16 people. The situation in Zhanaozen is stable. Shops, banks and other facilities are functioning. The town’s appearance has been restored. Fired workers are being re-employed – and schools have reopened.

TWO DECADES OF BILATERAL TIES WITH CHINA NOTED 1/5/2012

PRESIDENT SENDS BEST WISHES 1/3/2012

President Nazarbayev sent New Year greetings to all Kazakhstani people..
“Dear friends!” he said, “This solemn moment of New Year 2012 is filled with joy and warmth in every Kazakh family. Together we open a door to the future. I wish you health, peace and welfare, dear compatriots! Happy New Year!”

FIRST LIVER TRANSPLANT IN KAZAKHSTAN A SUCCESS 1/3/2012

EXPERTS INVITED TO ZHANAOZEN 12/30/2011

The government Kazakhstan is taking steps to ensure complete and objective investigation into all circumstances of the December 16th mass disturbances in Zhanaozen, and is considering inviting independent foreign experts to join the process. “The Government of Kazakhstan is committed to ensuring full and objective investigation of crimes, the establishment of true organizers and all participants of mass disturbances in Zhanaozen with the observance of human rights of citizens in accordance with the Constitution and international obligations of Kazakhstan,” Altai Abibullayev (above), the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson said at a briefing on December 29th.

PARLIAMENT ADOPTS NEW BROADCAST LAW 12/30/2011

The Senate of Kazakhstan’s Parliament adopted a new bill on television and radio broadcasting in Astana on December 28th. The bill was adopted after discussions at a plenary session of the Senate chaired by its speaker Kairat Mami. According to the government, the law has been developed to improve the content and increase access to products featured in the national media, as well as to protect Kazakhstan’s media space against external influence. It is also believed that the new law will regulate the relationships that arise in the sphere of TV and radio broadcasting, defining the rights and responsibilities of its main actors and providing a strong impetus to the development of domestic television and radio services.

PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION CAMPAIGN - UPDATE 12/28/2011

PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION CAMPAIGN - UPDATE 12/28/2011

Azat Peruashev, Chairman of the Akzhol Democratic Party of Kazakhstan (above),noted in his recent interview that demand for change is the essence of his party’s election platform entitled “Changes to Move Forward”.“Our greatest ambition is to extend, or rather strengthen the parliament’s authority and restore the balance of the system of checks and balances, which will allow the Parliament to adopt laws and the ministries and departments to perform them. In fact, it is about the transition from the current presidential republic to a presidential-parliamentary system, albeit a gradual one,” he said.

The Communist People’s Party of Kazakhstan (CPPK) launched a campaign train along the route Astana - Ekibastuz - Pavlodar – Semipalatinsk - Ust-Kamenogorsk on December 22nd. Among the participants are party leaders Vladislav Kosarev, Zhambyl Akhmetbekov, Boris Sorokin and Gaukhar Nugmanova.

TRANSPARENT INVESTIGATION IN ZHANAOZEN 12/27/2011

PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES POSITIVE ECONOMIC RESULTS 12/26/2011

President Nazarbayev chaired a meeting with the presidential administration, the government, and the Nur Otan party today. In his address, Nazarbayev announced preliminary results of the work in 2011. "Kazakhstan is completing the year of the twentieth anniversary of its independence with good indicators. GDP real growth at year-end has reached 7.3%, and GDP per capita has reached US$ 11,000. Aggregate international reserves totaled US$ 75 million. The year has been successful for the agrarian sector, with production output growth reaching 25.5% from a year earlier. There is growth in every sector: almost 3% growth in construction, around 4% in manufacturing, as well as trade, and transport." The President said the Industrialization Map currently includes a total of 609 projects worth 9.6 trillion tenge. A total of 90,000 jobs have been created over the past two years. Production of 106 items that have never been produced in Kazakhstan before have been mastered.

CEC REGISTERS ANOTHER 145 OBSERVERS 12/28/2011

COORDINATOR FOR EXPO-2017 IN GERMANY 12/24/2011

Rapil Zhoshybayev, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry’s executive secretary and national coordinator of the EXPO-2017 project paid a working visit to Germany on December 23rd. The main purpose of the visit was to promote Kazakhstan’s bid to hold an international exhibition in Astana in 2017. As part of the visit Mr Zhoshybayev met with Karl-Ernst Brauner, deputy minister for economy and technology of Germany, who co-chairs the Kazakh-German intergovernmental working group on trade and economic cooperation. The federal ministry of economy and technology is also the competent authority which is in charge of EXPO issues. They discussed topical issues of bilateral political, economic and trade relations. Mr Brauner said Kazakhstan is the most important political and economic partner for germany in the Central Asia region. The volume of mutual trade between the two countries increased by 26% and exceeded 3.5 billion Euros in the first half of 2011. Kazakhstan accounts for 63% of the total trade between Germany and eight countries of central Asia and the Caucasus. More information on Astana’s bid for expo 2017 is available at www.expo2017astana.com

PRIZE-WINNING SLOGAN BUILDS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS 12/24/2011

The nationwide contest for the best motto and essay on the theme ''Energy of the Future', Support EXPO-2017! Support Your Country' presented its results on December 12, 2011, and announced the winning slogan as “Save Today. Survive Tomorrow”. The contest was part of the bidding campaign of Astana to host an International Specialized Exhibition EXPO-2017. The essay of Magzhan Kutzhan (above right), a participant from the Karagandy Oblast, was announced the winner. Gaukhar Zhanzholova (above left), a student of the Lev Gumilyov Eurasian National University, won the motto contest for “Save Today. Survive Tomorrow”.

GOVERNMENT ALLOCATES 3 BILLION FOR ZHANAOZEN 12/22/2011

GOVERNMENT COMMISSION CALMS ZHANAOZEN 12/20/2011

Members of the government commission created by the decree of Kazakhstan’s President met with Zhanaozen residents. The residents who witnessed the clashes of December 16 shared their opinions on the events.

“I am sure such campaigns are impossible without prior planning and organization. Being a witness, I can say that groups of people were gathering to the square from different parts of the town that day. It was obvious that they were managed and directed by someone,” chairman of Zhanaozen Veterans Council Assylbek Aidarov said.

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STATE OF EMERGENCY IN KAZAKH OIL TOWN AFTER RIOTS 12/18/2011

PRESIDENT UNVEILS TRIUMPHAL ARCH IN ASTANA 12/16/2011

Today - Independence Day - President Nazarbayev unveiled the ‘Mangilik Yel’ Triumphal Arch in Astana. 20,000 residents and guests of Astana city, members of the government, heads of state agencies attended the ceremony held outdoors in temperatures’ of minus 30°. Kazakhstan's first Triumphal Arch is a new symbol of the modern republic and the triumph of its people in achieving the long-held dream of sovereignty. The arch is 20 meters high and symbolizes the twentieth anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence. The project was overseen by Astana’s chief architect Sagyndyk Dzhambulatov and architect Kanat Kurganov.

LAVISH CELEBRATORY CONCERT IN ASTANA 12/16/2011

The Head of State attended a lavish concert commemorating the 20th anniversary of independence of Kazakhstan at the Kazakhstan Cinema and Concert Hall in Astana. The televised event featured 20 separate acts - with the participation of 1,000 performers. Another gala concert takes place tonight at the new Astana Arena stadium - accompanied by a son et lumière show. The day will conclude with a mammoth firework display across the Kazakh capital.

“WE HAVE CLEAR-CUT PLANS FOR THE FUTURE…”
12/16/2011

"We have clear-cut plans for the future," said the President and Chairman of Nur Otan at a party campaign meeting. "The people can see what great triumphs we have achieved in the country's social life over the past 20 years. We have clear-cut plans for the future. We embark on a new stage of our development. We are going to debate the tasks awaiting us during the electoral period until January 15," said President Nazarbayev.

KAZAKH PRESIDENT CALLS FOR A ‘G-GLOBAL’ 12/15/2011

At today's celebratory meeting on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence, President Nazarbayev suggested the creation of a G-global instead of a G-20 in his speech.

“So far nobody has suggested a global anti-crisis plan that would to be acceptable to everyone. Unfortunately, the G-20 and G-8 are demonstrating inefficiency in their approach to the current crisis. I suggest expanding the number of participants searching for anti-crisis solutions. I suggest calling this new communication platform G-global,” said the President.

Mr Nazarbayev said that Astana’s economic forum could become an effective platform for a new formation.

Along with the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Kazakhstan is calling for the Global Anti-Crisis Forum to be held next year for the countries of the world to develop a plan of reforms that could become the UN's anti-crisis plan.

KAZAKHSTAN AT 20
FOREIGN AFFAIRS SUCCESSES EXAMINED & PLANS DEFINED

KAZAKHSTAN AT 20
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Kazakhstan is 20 years old this week. In just two decades, the largest land-locked country in the world has become an independent nation, a market economy and a democracy. Kazakhstan has emerged as the central Asian pacesetter – with ambitious programmes for even more impressive growth. Such programmes include building plans to enrich the country’s capital, a city that is a mere 14-years old.

In 1994, President Nursultan Nazarbayev decided the capital of the newly independent Kazakhstan should be moved here from Almaty. In 1997, the city’s name – briefly Akmola, and before that Tselinograd - was changed to Astana, a word meaning literally ‘capital’.
Moving the capital to Astana allowed President Nazarbayev to build and — with the extraordinary level of foreign investment that the country has attracted since the discovery of its oil reserves — to build on an epic scale...

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FOREIGN MINISTER PUSHES SECURITY IN OSCE REGION 12/6/2011

Today in Vilnius, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Kazykhanov addressed the 18th Ministerial Council meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and called for special attention to be paid to updating the 1994 OSCE Principles Governing Non-Proliferation, for implementation of projects on stockpiles of conventional ammunition and further facilitation of the UN Security Council resolution 1540 (which obliges all UN member states to enforce effective measures against the proliferation of WMD, their means of delivery and related materials) in the OSCE region.

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KAZAKHSTAN TO EXPERIENCE RAPID DEVELOPMENT SAYS EXPERT 12/6/2011

According to an international expert, Kazakhstan’s economy will gain rapid pace of development in the next five years. Some 470 investment projects worth over 57 billion US dollars are currently being implemented within the industrialization programme in Kazakhstan, and according to the Ministry of Industry & New Technologies, their number will grow annually and the country’s innovations will increase as a result.

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WTO ACCESSION TALKS CONTINUE 12/6/2011

Kazakhstan’s delegation headed by Minister for Economic Integration Zhanar Aitzhanova will hold negotiations on Kazakhstan’s WTO accession with heads of the Office of the United States Trade Representative for Multilateral Affairs in New York on December 7th. Ms Aitzhanova is also to meet with Michael McFaul, the Special Assistant to the US President, Deputy US Trade Representative Demetrius Marantis as well as participate in the 4th Kazakhstan-US Investment Forum.

11-YEAR-OLD SKATER WINS BRONZE 12/6/2011

Elizabet Tursynbayeva, an 11-year-old figure skater from Kazakhstan won a bronze medal at the Dortmund NRW Trophy-2011 tournament, on December 5th. Tursynbayeva was the only representative of Kazakhstan in the German competition. She had to compete against 46 other figure skaters from 12 countries in her age group.

GEORGIAN PRIME MINISTER VISITS 12/6/2011

Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri pays an official visit to Kazakhstan on December 6-7. Prime Minister Gilauri will meet Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Prime Minister Karim Massimov.

"WE ARE COMMITTED TO A SOLUTION IN AFGHANISTAN" 12/5/2011

Speaking at the International Conference on Afghanistan that took place on December 5th in Bonn, Germany, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister, Yerzhan Kazykhanov, called upon the international community to pursue an integrated policy aimed at addressing threats and ensuring economic recovery of Afghanistan.

The Kazakh Minister said that three issues could already be addressed by the international community: to take stock of the efforts of the international community over the past 10 years; to identify the goals for the near future or, at least, adjust our joint efforts regarding Afghanistan; and to consider new ideas that could in practical terms improve the situation in the country.

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PPK PRE-ELECTION CONGRESS LAUNCHED 12/1/2011

FAIR ELECTIONS FORECAST 12/1/2011

Kazakhstan encourages active participation of international observers in the elections for the lower chamber of Parliament, Majilis, and local representative bodies, Maslikhats, which are scheduled for January 15, 2012, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Kuandyk Turgankulov (above) said at a special briefing for foreign diplomats in Astana on November 28th. Recommendations of international experts and observers have played a great role in improving and developing the national electoral legislation, Mr Turgankulov said at the briefing. “At the same time, we understand that the presence of observers increases the credibility of the electoral process and ensures openness and transparency of elections.” He added that the Constitutional Law “On Elections” was amended and supplemented twelve times since its initial adoption in the 1990s and overall 780 amendments were introduced.

PRESIDENT TO OPEN ALMATY SUBWAY 11/29/2011

Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev is to take part in the subway opening ceremony in Almaty on December 1. He will also give a welcoming speech at the Forum of Kazakhstan Scientists which will be held at the Academy of Science and attend the ceremony of re-opening of the Republic Palace that has been closed for reconstruction for a year.

AK KHOL OUTLINES ELECTION PLATFORM

11/29/2011

KAZAKH-EU FOREIGN TRADE TURNOVER REACHES NEW LEVEL 11/24/2011

KAZAKHSTAN’S BID FOR EXPO 2017
11/23/2011

A Kazakh delegation headed by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for EXPO 2017 and First Deputy Prime Minister, Umirzak Shukeyev, presented today Kazakhstan’s bid to host in Astana EXPO 2017. The bid was presented during the 150th session of the General Assembly of the International Exhibitions Bureau (IEB) held in Paris on November 22nd-23rd.

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KAZAKHSTAN APPLIES FOR OECD MEMBERSHIP 11/22/2011

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Mr. Karim Massimov, was today in Paris to file an application for the country’s membership in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). When addressing representatives of the 34 OECD Member States at the Organisation’s headquarters, he highlighted the country’s determination to adopt OECD Standards and collaborate further with the different Committees of the Organisation.

Already an active member of the OECD Eurasia Competitiveness Programme, Kazakhstan has applied to become an observer in four key Committees of the OECD. Kazakhstan's application comes ahead of the nation’s twentieth anniversary of independence on 16th December.

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KAZAKHSTAN’S CREDIT RATING UPGRADED BY FITCH RATINGS 11/22/2011

KAZAKHSTAN’S CREDIT RATING UPGRADED BY FITCH RATINGS
Fitch Ratings upgraded Kazakhstan's sovereign credit rating to BBB yesterday. This is the second upgrade this month for Central Asia's largest economy.

Kazakhstan had its long-term foreign-currency rating raised from BBB- to BBB and its national currency rating from BBB to BBB+.

The Fitch upgrade takes Kazakhstan's long-term rating a second notch into investment-grade territory and carries a positive outlook based on projected annual GDP growth of 6 percent until 2013.

Fitch expects the country's net foreign assets to reach 49 percent of gross domestic product by the end of 2013, up from 37 percent of GDP at the end of last year.

It forecast the government would record a budget surplus of 6-7 percent of GDP in the period from 2011 to 2013.

This follows Standard & Poor’s raising Kazakhstan’s foreign-currency debt one level - to BBB+ earlier this month.

KAZAKHSTAN SIGNS ACCORD ON EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION 11/22/2011

Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan, Dmitry Medvedev, President of Russia, and Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, signed on Friday an accord in Moscow to integrate their economies in combined output and form the basis of the Eurasian Union. Following this accord, the Eurasian Economic Commission will be established to manage the countries’ integration into the new union.

The three countries, with a combined population of 170 million people, will create a single economic space from January 1. The Eurasian Union, which will not be formed before 2015, aims to coordinate economic and currency policy and adopt unified visa and migration rules.

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PRESIDENT NAZARBAYEV SETS EARLY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION 11/16/2011

VOLLEBAEK PRAISES KAZAKHSTAN FOR OPEN DIALOGUE 11/14/2011

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek praised Kazakhstan’s commitment to the promotion of inter-ethnic harmony within the country and to an open dialogue and cooperation with his office. While in Astana on November 11th, Vollebaek met Secretary of State Saudabayev, Foreign Minister Kazykhanov, deputy chairman of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan Yeraly Togzhanov, as well as other officials. “Kazakhstan has successfully implemented OSCE recommendations in various directions. Thanks to President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s leadership, Astana has held a number of events, including the OSCE Summit, and the OSCE high-level conference on tolerance and non-discrimination… Kazakhstan has been one of the main partners for our office over many years and has played an important role as the OSCE chair last year and I believe with the help of Kazakhstan, this year chairing the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, the OSCE can have a significant role to play in the Central Asian region,” Vollebaek told journalists.

KAZAKHSTAN TO JOIN THE VENICE COMMISSION 11/14/2011

On November 9, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg invited Kazakhstan to join the Venice Commission.

This followed Kazakhstan’s application submitted by the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Kazykhanov to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland during his visit to Astana on October 11. The membership in the Commission will give an additional impetus to a greater cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Council of Europe. It will also serve as a catalyst for the country’s further enhancement of effective public administration based on the principles and standards of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. For Kazakhstan to become a full member of the Venice Commission the country now has to fulfil internal legal procedures and then submit an instrument of accession to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

KAZAKHSTAN’S S&P CREDIT RATING BEATS RUSSIA’S 11/10/2011

Kazakhstan has a higher debt rating at Standard & Poor’s than Russia for the first time since the Soviet Union collapsed.

S&P raised Kazakhstan’s foreign-currency debt one level - to BBB+ on a par with South Africa and Thailand and two levels above Brazil.

Grigoriy Marchenko, governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, called the upgrade "a step in the right direction," adding that Kazakhstan should have an even higher rating because it's a net creditor to the world. "We have a huge creditor position," Marchenko argued. "That's why we believe Kazakhstan deserves a rating of at least a single A." He pointed out that the government's external debt is just $4.5 billion while the national oil fund has swelled to $42.5 billion. Moreover, the central bank has reserves of $32.5 billion, he said.

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KAZAKH PM CALLS FOR CREATION OF INTERSTATE RESERVE BANK 11/9/2011

At this week’s Heads of Government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Saint Petersburg (see ‘family photo’ above), Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Karim Massimov (second from left) put forward an initiative “to foster economic cooperation through the establishment of an Interstate Reserve Bank or Fund for minimizing the risks within the SCO”. This measure, according to the head of the Kazakh government, will contribute to the effective use of financial resources in expanding trade and economic relations and will also serve as a reserve capital in case of worsening situation of the world economy.

Mr Massimov also called for greater interaction of the SCO member states’ economy ministries and central banks in order to minimize the consequences of a possible second wave of the global economic crisis through regular consultations which would ensure adequate response and development of concerted anti-crisis measures.

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AFGHAN STUDENTS STUDY IN KAZAKHSTAN 11/8/2011

KAZAKHSTAN MOVES UP U.N. RANKING 11/8/2011

NEW COINS ISSUED FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE 11/3/2011

The National Bank of Kazakhstan put into circulation commemorative coins dedicated to the 20th anniversary of independence of Kazakhstan.

The coin of fifty thousand tenge nominal value is made of gold. The coins made of silver are of five thousand and five hundred tenge nominal value, and a silver nickel coin is worth fifty tenge. The emblem of Kazakhstan and coin's value are depicted at the front face. The standard of the metal is indicated on silver and gold coins. A map of Kazakhstan along with an image of winged panther are depicted on the obverse of the coin.

A collage of Almaty and Astana famous buildings, representing succession of epochs and formations is depicted in the centre of the verso. The 20th anniversary of independence emblem is depicted in the centre of the verso of the silver nickel coin. The gold coins were issued in 100 copies, the silver five thousand coin in 200 copies and silver five hundred coin in 5000 copies. The mintage of the silver nickel coin is 50 thousand copies.

URANIUM ENRICHMENT JV CONFIRMED 10/28/2011

A Russian-Kazakh centre for uranium enrichment will be launched in Russia’s Novouralsk (Sverdlovsk Oblast) in 2012.

According to Sergei Kirienko, the head of RosAtom (the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear industry); “We have reached a full understanding with our partners in Kazakhstan… The joint venture will be fully operational in 2012.”

Kazakhstan will take part in operations at Russia’s giant Uralsk Electrochemical Works (UEIC) - thus gaining access to uranium enrichment capabilities.

In exchange, Russia will have access to Kazakhstan’s uranium mines which are among the most cost-efficient in the world.

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AMNESTY FOR 16,000 FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY 10/27/2011

The lower house of Kazakhstan’s parliament voted yesterday to give amnesty to 16,000 prisoners to mark the 20th anniversary of the Central Asian state’s independence from the Soviet Union.

The bill, overwhelmingly approved by the Mazhilis (lower chamber), has been sent to the Senate for passing. It will then be sent to President Nazarbayev for signing.

Kazakhstan celebrates Independence Day on December 16th.

Kazakhstan’s total prison population is currently 45,859 people, and another 6,605 people are in custody in pre-trial detention centres, according to Interior Ministry data.

Under the bill, those sentenced to up to five years in jail as well as juvenile offenders, pregnant women or women with children, pensioners and disabled persons are to be given amnesty, said Deputy Justice Minister, Amirkhan Amanbayev. Presenting the document, he said the amnesty would also cover those in custody in pre-trial detention still awaiting sentence.

KAZAKHSTAN-UN COOPERATION SET TO EXPAND 10/26/2011

On October 24, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a roundtable devoted to the United Nations Day and the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence, which gathered representatives of state bodies, the diplomatic corps and UN agencies. Foreign Minister Yerzhan Kazykhanov of Kazakhstan and the UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Stephen Tull (see above) addressed the participants. In his speech Mr Kazykhanov noted that Kazakhstan became the UN member on 2 March 1992 at the 46th Session of the UN General Assembly under the Resolution 46/224, passed unanimously. The Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized that the event was of great political importance for the country and quoted President Nazarbayev as saying: “The significance of this fact is invaluable: we not only reaffirmed the commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, but also came under the protection of the most authoritative international organization, which has accepted the major task of ensuring security in the world.” Over the years of its UN membership, Kazakhstan has successfully integrated into the international community. Most of Kazakhstan’s international initiatives, which are now being successfully implemented, have been put forward from the UN rostrum, Including proclamation of August 29th as the International Day of Action against Nuclear Tests

KAZAKHSTAN GROWTH RATE IN TOP 3 10/26/2011

KAZAKHSTAN ENTERS TOP 50 WORLD ECONOMIES FOR BUSINESS 10/20/2011

Kazakhstan’s business climate has improved dramatically in 2011, climbing 11 places in the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business’ rankings. For the first time, Kazakhstan has entered the top 50 world economies.

The World Bank’s ‘Doing Business Report 2012’, released today, showed that Kazakhstan stands at 47 - with strong progress made in protecting investors and paying taxes.

The placement continues a steady trend for Kazakhstan, the world’s fastest reformer in last year’s rankings, when it rose fifteen places to 59.

Commenting on the report, Prime Minister Karim Massimov said: “The World Bank’s report shows our ongoing programme of business reform is working. We are more open to foreign investors than ever before. We are also building an environment in which small and medium enterprises will flourish – as they are at the heart of our drive to build a diverse, resilient and sustainable future economy. Kazakhstan has had twenty years of economic success, but in today’s tough financial times, it is the Government’s responsibility to continually improve the business environment and maintain the march up the rankings.”

The World Bank’s report is published as the Kazakh economy prepares for the implementation of the Customs Union’s Common Economic Space on 1st January 2012, which will permit the free movement of capital, goods and labor between Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. The ranking makes Kazakhstan by far the easiest place to do business in a rapidly growing consumer market of 165 million people.

KAZAKHSTAN SIGNS FREE-TRADE AGREEMENT WITH RUSSIA & OTHER CIS STATES 10/19/2011

Russia has signed a free-trade deal with Kazakhstan and six other former Soviet republics that will scrap export and import tariffs on a number of goods.

The agreement was announced following talks in St Petersburg.

In addition to Kazakhstan, signature countries are Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan and Ukraine (Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan may join the free trade by the end of the year).

The agreement now needs to be ratified by the parliaments of the eight countries who have so far signed up, before becoming effective in 2012.

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KAZAKHSTAN SUBMITS RETURN TO “A” FOR OSCAR CONSIDERATION 10/19/2011

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – members of which choose Academy Award or Oscar winners every year - has announced the list of sixty-three films submitted for nomination consideration in the category Best Foreign Language Film. Kazakhstan is represented by Return to “A”, a movie directed by Yegor Mikhalkov-Konchalovsky.

For Kazakhstan, Return to “A” is a debut in two senses. Firstly, it is the first local movie made in a 3D format, and, secondly, it is the country’s first feature-length film about Soviet intervention into Afghanistan. The movie was filmed by the Kazakhfilm Studio together with the Baiterek National Production Centre.

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INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR A NUCLEAR WEAPONS FREE WORLD OPENS IN ASTANA 10/12/2011

NEW HEAD OF KAZMUNAYGAS ANNOUNCED 10/5/2011

Bolat Akchulakov has been appointed Head of KazMunayGas National Oil & Gas Company, replacing Kairgeldy Kabyldin. Mr. Akchulakov was introduced to the Company’s team by Timur Kulibayev, Chairman of Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund. Previously, Akchulakov (40) was head of PSA LLP; held the position of the Managing Director at KazMunayGas; from 2008 to 2010 was member of the Board at Samruk-Kazyna, being in charge of electric power and O&G assets. In 2006 he was Vice Minister of Energy & Mineral Resources. Outgoing Head, Kairgeldy Kabyldin is expected to head KazTransOil.

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NATIONAL COMPANIES COULD FUND MAJOR PROJECTS

National companies may overtake financing of major projects in Kazakhstan, says Kazakhstan Finance Minister Bolat Zhamishev, whose Ministry is looking for ways to optimize budget expenses, according to Nursutan Nazarbayev’s instructions on January 27th.“I think that the expenses related to implementation of major projects are still expenses that have to be financed by development institutions and national holdings. They have the capacities… Additional expenses will be required for those projects that can be allocated from the budget only, e.g. construction of roads. The West Europe-West China project is financed from the budget, but we need to find ways to shorten the construction period,” Minister Zhamishev said after the meeting of the Finance Ministry on January 30th. “Correction of the budget is not an easy task. Considering that the year has just started and it hard to foresee macroeconomic developments and the budget performance indexes. The task to decrease budget deficiency in the 3-year budget to 1.3% of GDP has not been dropped, as this is the issue of security of national finances. Maintaining a low debt level is one of the key priorities,” said the Finance Minister.

BIE EXPERTSTO ARRIVE IN ASTANA

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to France Nurlan Danenov presented a formal application on behalf of Kazakhstan to host EXPO-2017 in Astana to the Secretary General of the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales. A BIE expert commission will arrive in Astana on March 12-17, to familiarize themselves further with the Kazakh application. During the visit, a meeting with the Kazakh Prime Minister, representatives of the ministries, the Astana akimat (administration), are scheduled. According to Rapil Zhoshybayev, National Coordinator of EXPO-2017 (and a Executive Secretary of the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs), "We hope that the visit of the commission will be successful, and our country will be admitted for voting. Astana's victory in the election race to host the EXPO-2017 is a very important event for the state, a big step forward for the international promotion of Kazakhstan.

UNDERGROUND MALL FOR ALMATY

The first underground mall Almaly will open in Almaty in March. Architects have presented drafts of the new building on Facebook. “An underground walkway is being constructed to join Almaly mall with the opposite side of the Republic Square. Two entrances are located on both sides of the Independence monument. The mall will have around 20 shops selling gifts, accessories, national souvenirs, as well as a pharmacy and a dry-cleaning service” says public relations manager Nina Petunina. Almaly mall will have two trade levels with the total area of 25,000 square meters and three levels of underground parking with the total area of 10,000 square meters. Both ground and underground parking lots provide 550 parking spots. The mall will have over 60 stores and a food court that will include Il Gusto, Starburger, El Taco, Southern Fried Chicken, Baskin Robbins, Nazik and Coffemania. The mall was supposed to have been constructed by 2010, but the construction was suspended in 2008 because of the economic crisis.

FUEL PRICES TO REMAIN UNCHANGED IN FEBRUARY

LARA FABIAN FOR ALMATY BALL

Belgian-born francophone singer Lara Fabian will perform at the 4th Charity Ball in Almaty.. The ball has already become an annual tradition for Almaty’s residents and guests. Russian and Ukrainian celebrities are expected to attend which Russian actress Tatyana Arntgolts will host. Other participants will be announced at a presentation at the Royal Tulip Hotel on February 1st. Over 2,700 people have already applied for tickets to the ball scheduled on April 14th.

NEW AMBASSADORS APPOINTED

JUPITER ENERGY CONFIDENT AFTER OIL FIND

JANELLE FOR SALTA LAUNCHED

Zhanel Musakhanova, winner of six Open Way fashion awards in 2011, has begun work on a fashion line called JanElle for Salta, which soon will be offered for sale in company stores. The collection by Ms Musakhanova was considered the best of Open Way-2011 and attracted much attention. The young designer received a grant for creation her own exclusive fashion line for designer Saltanat Baimukhamedova.

NAZARBAYEV UNIVERSITY OFFERS MAJOR SCHOLARSHIP

Nazarbayev University in Astana together with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) opened a six month PhD scholarship to study at the Churchill College, UK, Prime Minister’s official website reported on Jan. 24th. Candidates for the scholarship have to be citizens of Republic of Kazakhstan with at least one year PhD research experience with fluent proficiency in English.

ADOPTION INCREASINGLY COMMON

Over the past couple of years Kazakhstan has seen the number of orphans and children left without parental care decreasing. According to the Committee for Protection of Children’s Rights of the Ministry of Education and Science, in 2009, there were 42,494 orphans and children left without parental care in Kazakhstan, whereas in 2011 this number dropped to 36,777. This positive trend affected orphanages. Over three years the number of children in such institutions decreased by 2,191.This is largely the result of an active work of the Committee for Protection of Children’s Rights and its departments in the regions. Regular meetings with children deprived of parental care, inviting them to host families, helping and supporting foster families have given a positive social effect. In accordance with the national legislation, the priority right for adoption is given to the citizens of Kazakhstan. In 2011, they adopted 3,219 children, or 119 more children than in 2010. 332 more people than last year have registered as prospective adoptive parents, and that makes a total of 1,380 people.

KAZYKHANOV TO MEET EU SPECIAL REP

JAPAN COMMENDS KAZAKHSTAN 1/25/2012

NUCLEAR ENERGY & INDUSTRY EXPO SCHEDULED

INDUSTRIAL PROJECTs IMPLEMENTATION EQUALS 2% OF GDP

In 2011, GDP growth in Kazakhstan equalled 7.5% of GDP. In December 2011, unemployment levels in Kazakhstan were estimated at 5.4%. The government of Kazakhstan has announced that in 2011, the general effect of the implementation of the Industrialization map and the Business Road Map-2020 equalled 2% of GDP. In general, the country introduced 237 projects equal to one trillion tenge. Due to these projects, the country created almost 45 thousand new jobs. In 2012, it is planned to employ another 100 thousand people as part of the Employment programme. According to the results of 2011, the programme involved 56 thousand Kazakhstan residents.

GASPROM INCREASES DELIVERIES

WORLD BANK PREDICTS GDP GROWTH IN 2012

In 2013 the GDP growth in Kazakhstan is estimated to reach 5.8%. The World Bank announced that in 2011 the growth of this index is estimated at 6.6%. The Global Economic Prospects for 2012 international organization has reported that according to the World Bank, the GDP of Kazakhstan will be around 5.5%. The World Bank group involves five international organizations in the area of development with 187 member states being shareholders of these organizations.

NURLAN NIGMATULIN FOR MAJILIS CHAIR?

Nurlan Nigmatulin has been put forward as the only candidate for the position of Chairperson of the Majilis at the first plenary session of the Lower House of Kazakh Parliament today.

SOCIAL MEDIA SNOWBALLS

Development of social media is both a grassroots youth movement in Kazakhstan and one encouraged by the government. The goal is not only to get the youth online, but to focus on giving residents of the landlocked nation access to the 'global vilalge' and its expanding markets. About one third of Kazakhstan’s population of 16.5 million uses the Internet. Kazakhstan first registered the .kz internet code in 1994, with the first websites in Kazakh launched in 1998. But little was done to progress this registration – people did not really had access to the Internet until the advent of mobile technology in the mid-2000s. Kazakhstan’s E-government project was developed by the National Information Technologies JSC. The developers describe the project of e-gov as giving the opportunity to the citizens of Kazakhstan to solve all their questions via the internet. In the nearest future, people will not need to bring a bunch of papers with them, duplicate copies, or have them certified by notary public. There will be a single database, and the system will provide data about the citizen. In January 2009, Prime Minister Massimov started a personal blog, with the stated aim of giving high-quality, interesting and useful information to users interested in the activities of government and the socio-economic situation in the country. Many politicians - such as Foreign Minister Kazykhanov have followed suit.

VOSKOBOEVA LOSES TO POLISH ACE

Kazakh tennis-champ Galina Voskoboeva lost to Polish Agnieszka Radwanska in the third round of the Australian Open. The game finished with 6:2, 6:2 score. There are no more Kazakhstan representatives left in the Women’s Singles. Kseniya Pervak, Yaroslava Shvedova and Sesil Karatancheva dropped out of the tournament earlier. Mikhail Kukushkin is the only Kazakh player that continues playing in Australia Open. Yesterday, January 19, he won over Viktor Troicki (Serbia) in a difficult five-set game. In the next round Kukushkin will play against Gael Monfils from France.

KAZAKHSTAN RANKED HIGHER THAN FRANCE IN FREE ECONOMY LIST

MORE WOMEN IN MAJILIS

US PROMISES SUPPORT

BTA TO NEGOTIATE WITH STAKEHOLDERS

"BTA Bank" JSC thanked its GDR holders and creditors for attending meetings and for the constructive approach that was demonstrated during the investors' presentations organized by the Bank in Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, London, Miami, Munich, New York and Stockholm on January 11th and 12th. Around 130 people, representing 70 financial institutions, attended the meetings, during which the Bank presented its current situation and detailed the decisions that shareholders will need to take at the General Shareholders' Meeting on January 26th. The Bank is pleased to confirm that it plans to enter into consensual negotiations with its stakeholders with a view to developing a Restructuring and Recapitalization Plan under Kazakhstan law that could ultimately be submitted to all relevant bodies for approval. To this end, it will hold preliminary discussions with creditors during the week of January 23rd with a view to preparing for the engagement of a Steering Committee.

PNND VISIT

KAZYKHANOV SPEAKS WITH CLINTON

TEAM ASTANA WINS 3RD PLACE IN DAKAR RACE

GOLUBEV & VOSKOBOYEVA INTO 2ND ROUND OF AUSTRALIAN OPEN

QUEST CONTINUES FOR EXPO’17

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Economic Development & Trade - with the support of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) - opened on January 11th ‘Travelling Exhibition’ EXPO of EXPOs in Astana. Apart from displaying the history of EXPOs, the exhibition aims to promote and strengthen relations in all fields of cooperation among the BIE member countries. Welcoming the guests and participants at the exhibition opening ceremony, Rapil Zhoshybayev, Kazakhstan foreign ministry’s executive secretary and the national coordinator of EXPO-2017 project, noted EXPO of EXPOS is a unique mobile museum, which displays all the stages of development of innovation and provides a rare opportunity to retrace the history of mankind through these international exhibitions.

BIG FOREIGN TRADE INCREASE REPORTED

KAZAKH PRESENCE IN ABU DHABI

ALMATY: BOXING CENTRE

KAZYKHANOV: A STEP FORWARD FOR YOUNG NATION

NEW OIL AND GAS VICE MINISTER NAMED

Bolat Akchulakov has been appointed by Government decree as Oil and Gas Vice Minister of Kazakhstan, the Ministry's press service has announced. Akchulakov born April 9, 1971, is a graduate of the Kazakh State Academy of Management. In June 2010, he was appointed director general of PSA LLP. Between October and December 2011, he acted as chairman of the board of the National Company KazMunaiGas JSC.

SHVEDOVA AND KARATANTCHEVA DROPPED OUT OF AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Kazakhstan tennis professionals Yaroslava Shvedova and Sesil Karatantcheva dropped out of the Australian Open after the first qualification round of the Grand Slam series tournament. Shvedova played against Dutch Bibiane Schoofs to reach the next round of the competition. In first set she lost 4:6, then she won one set 6:3 and the lost her decisive match in an intensive fight 9:11. Karatantcheva's match against Japanese Nara Kurumi was also very intense. They had a tie-brake in the first set with Karatantcheva loosing 7:9. She won the second set 6:3 and lost the final one 4:6. It’s most likely that two other Kazakhstan tennis professionals Kseniya Pervak and Galina Voskoboeva will start playing in the main draw of the tournament that will be held on January 16.

4 BELARUS’ MPS TO MONITOR ELECTIONS

KAZAKHSTAN, AZERBAIJAN AND RUSSIA TO ESTABLISH ISLAMIC BANK

PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION CAMPAIGN COVERAGE

KAZAKHSTAN CHAIRS CSTO

KAZAKHSTAN FALLS FOR FACEBOOK

Kazakhstan ranked 101st in terms of the number of Facebook users, with 362,560 people registered in the social network. Over the past six months, the number of users has grown by 96,520, enabling Kazakhstan to remain the unparalleled leader among Central Asia states. The ranking is led by the USA with over 157 million users, followed by Indonesia and Mexico. The least number are registered in Aland Islands, the Vatican and Samoa.

'EXPOxEXPO’ TO OPEN

over 50 million calls made on New Year's night

Kazakhstan makes over 50 million calls on New Year's night. Cell phone users in Kazakhstan made over 50 million calls on New Year’s night and sent around 13 million text messages. The population of the republic is 16.6 million.

216 Bolashak scholarships awarded

KAZAKH TENNIS ACES IN BRISBANE

152 LEGISLATIVE ACTS PASSED IN 2011

In 2011, the Senate of Kazakhstan’s Parliament has had 36 plenary sessions and passed 152 legislative acts. This year the parliament members have made 206 parliamentary inquiries to the Government, most of which have been implemented through specific measures. One of the most recent documents was the Declaration of Kazakhstan’s 20th anniversary of Independence adopted by the Senate on December 10th.

GDP GROWS AS ESTIMATED

Kazakhstan’s country’s GDP - as estimated - has grown by 7.5% this year announced the Minister of Economic Development & Trade Kairat Kelimbetov at a Governmental meeting in Astana on December 28th. The volume of the gross agricultural output increased by 27.3%, the social welfare of the country’s citizens is improving, where real cash incomes increased by 6.7% and real salary increased by 5.5% in the ten months from January ‘till November 2011, he said. Processing industries have seen growth of 6.7%, with the mining sector growing by 1.6%. Industrial production output for the period grew by 3.8%. Mr Kelimbetov concluded saying that Kazakhstan is capable of overcoming a new wave of the global crisis.

DIASPORA MEET IN PARIS

NEW LAW TO SUPPORT FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF NGOS

HIGH-SPEED INTERNET FOR ALL KAZAKHSTAN

The villages of Kazakhstan’s five regions will soon have full access to high-speed Internet, Communication and Information Minister Askar Zhumagaliyev said via twitter on December 27th. Installation of EV-DO technology has been completed in Almaty, Zhambyl, Kostanay, South Kazakhstan and Aktobe regions.

KAZAKHSTAN IS A TOP INVENTOR IN CIS

5 MILLION TONNES OF GRAIN EXPORTED SINCE SEPTEMBER

FOUR NEW FISH-PROCESSING ENTERPRISES TO EXPORT TO EU

NATIONAL SPEED SKATING CHAMPIONSHIP BEGINS

Boxing tournament for Almaty

RISE IN POPULARITY OF DEER ANTLER TREATMENT

NO NUKES EXPO IN VIENNA

E-AMBULANCE PROJECT LAUNCHED

NEW GAS-TURBINE PLANT OPENS

PRESIDENT APPOINTS NEW AMBASSADORS

KAZAKH MEDALS AWARDED IN FRANCE

An awarding ceremony on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of independence of Kazakhstan took place in France. On behalf of the Head of State, Kazakh Ambassador to France, Nurlan Danenov (centre above), awarded special medals to (amongst others) ex-President of the French Senate Christian Poncelet, the head of the inter-parliamentary friendship group ‘France-Kazakhstan’ Andre Dulet, member of the inter-parliamentary friendship group ‘France-Kazakhstan’ at the National Assembly, head of the French delegation to the OSCE PA Michel Voisin, Transport Minister Thierry Mariani, Total President Christophe de Margerie, ex-Ambassador of France to Kazakhstan (2006-2009) Alen Kuanon. The Kazakh Ambassador spoke of the country's socio-economic achievements over the past two decades, the country's role in the regional and international arena. He also emphasized the personal contribution of those awarded medals in expansion and consolidation of the Kazakh-French strategic partnership, strengthening of the nationhood and economic development of Kazakhstan.

CIS REVIEW 20 YEARS OF COOPERATION

In the past 20 years, CIS countries have increasingly enhanced cooperation across various fields and will continue to do so. An informal summit of the CIS Heads of State, which was held in Moscow on December 20th, conveyed this idea as the main message. President Nazarbayev attended the summit, as well as meetings of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation’s Collective Security Council, the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, and the Eurasian Economic Community’s (EurAsEC) Interstate Council.

CHARTER ON ELECTION CAMPAIGN COVERAGE

UNICEF HONOURED BY PRESIDENT

Kazakhstan’s Health Minister Salidat Kairbekova presented President Nazarbayev’s Letter of Gratitude to UNICEF Representative Jun Kukita at a special ceremony at the Health Ministry on December 15th. In the letter the President has underlined UNICEF’s role in and contribution to the development of the National Programmes to improve child care as well as UNICEF’s support in the implementation of social policies for children.

KAZAKHSTAN & GUATEMALA SIGN WTO DEAL

Kazakhstan’s bilateral negotiations with Guatemala on entering the WTO concluded in Geneva, with the signing of a protocol on December 14th. Several rounds of negotiations were held to discuss the customs duties that Kazakhstan is going to apply to commodities that would economically interest Guatemala after entering the WTO. The protocol was signed by Kazakhstan Minister of Economic Integration Zhanar Aitzhanova (above) on behalf of Kazakhstan and Guatemalan Economy Minister Luis Antoniu Velasques on behalf of Guatemala.

FINANCIAL RATING OF KAZAKHSTAN IMPROVES. AGAIN!

XINJIANG CULTURE IN ASTANA & ALMATY

Days of Xinjiang Culture will be held in the cities of Astana and Almaty on December 18-24. The cultural event is dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence and the 20th anniversary since the establishment of Kazakhstan-Chinese relations.

KAZAKHSTAN’S NEXT BIG THING

McFly band-member Harry Judd may have won British television’s Strictly Come Dancing, but as the celebrity dancers waltz away to cash in on their success, it is the professionals people should remember – in this case Aliona Vilani, the Kazakhstani who showed she could become a dancing superstar. The 27-year-old led Judd to victory in the final against rivals Chelsee Healey and Jason Donovan.
In the aftermath of Saturday's final, with an audience of 12 million, an exhausted Vilani said that "I love that people recognize all the hard work that I put in to Harry to make him shine and I'm so glad that the effort I've put into making this whole thing happen," she said. "The choreography, hard work and the teaching was all worthwhile." Vilani left Kazakhstan at a young age to pursue her dancing career, first in Russia and then in New York where she became the youngest professional ballroom dancer in the USA at the age of 17.

GOOGLE CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

The Google search engine congratulates Kazakhstan on the 20th anniversary of independence of Kazakhstan today (December 16th). On www.google.kz (and above) the special Google doodle features a variant on the official holiday logo in honour of the 20th anniversary of the country's independence.

ALMATY TO HOST SKI JUMPING WORLD CUP STAGE IN 2012

Almaty will host a stage of the Ski Jumping World Cup in 2012. According to Andrey Verveykin, president of Kazakhstan’s Ski Jumping Federation; “We successfully hosted a stage of the Continental Cup in December. The ski-jump is in excellent condition. Now we are planning to host the World Cup in December next year,” he said.

KAZAKHMYS SIGNS MOU WITH CHINA DEVELOPMENT BANK

REFORMS HAVE POSITIVE IMPACT ON RUSSIAN-KAZAKH PARTNERSHIP - MEDVEDEV

Successive reforms in Kazakhstan have a positive impact on the high dynamics of Russian-Kazakh strategic partnership, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev noted in his letter addressed to Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence.

ALL ABOARD.
ALMATY METRO OPENS!

From today, the residents of Kazakhstan’s second city can ride their own subway. This current single line will transport 300,000 passengers per year and the construction of the second line to outlying residential districts is underway.
The network is state-of-the-art with the most modern rolling stock in the world. Each train has four wagons with capacity to carry 940 people. The maximum speed of the locomotive is 80km per hour.

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PRESIDENT OPENS TULPAR TALGO COACH FACTORY

President Nazarbayev has opened the new Tulpar Talgo high-speed coach factory in Astana and surveyed the first nine coaches. The Tulpar Talgo factory was designed and built to the highest international standards of quality, profitability and production process efficiency. It has no equivalent anywhere in the CIS. The new plant plays a key role in implementation of the high-speed passenger service development program throughout Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan-Spain joint venture will revitalize the rail industry in Kazakhstan - producing 150 Talgo wagons per year. Every wagon weighs 18 tonnes. It has an independent clip, which makes movement softer. The centre of balance is low, which guarantees the steadiness of a train at the speed of 200 kilometers per hour. The plant provides 366 people with jobs. 30 lead engineers have undergone advanced training in Spain.

PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION CAMPAIGN STARTS IN EARNEST

DEFENSE MEETING IN ASTANA

INNOVATION PROJECTS LAUNCHED

INTERNET SPEED INCREASE

NEW EU AMBASSADOR TO KAZAKHSTAN

Ms Aurelia Bouchez has been appointed as new EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan. She replaces Ambassador Norbert Jousten. Ms Bouchez has long worked for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and lately in the agency of foreign policy of the European Union.

NEW MINERAL NAMED AFTER PRESIDENT

This week Almaty plays host to the Forum of Scientists of Kazakhstan which focuses on scientific achievements gained over 20 years of independence. Scientists attending dedicated one of the recent discoveries - a new mineral of hydrocarbon clusters - to the 20th anniversary of independence and decided to name it as ‘Nurnazen’ (after President Nazarbayev).

NEW OIL FIELD DISCOVERED

TRADE TURNOVER BETWEEN KAZAKHSTAN & RUSSIA TO EXCEED US$ 20 BILLION

11-YEAR-OLD FROM ALMATY IS WORLD CHESS CHAMP

Kazakhstan’s 11 year old chess player Zhansaya Abdumalik from Almaty won the gold medal in the under 12 open category of the World Youth Chess Championship 2011 held in Caldas Novas, Brazil to become a four time world champion on November 27th. Abdumalik participated in the group of under 12 years old, finishing with seven wins and two draws.

NEW FILM ADDRESSES CREATION MYTH

Following its world premiere in Estonia at the 15th edition of Poff, the Black Nights Film Festival, the director of the new Kazakh film Akkys,, Zhanabek Zhetiru (above), described the work as a modern interpretation of ancient Kazakh mythology on the creation of the world. According to legend, God, before creating all living things, created a white swan and life on Earth comes into being from an egg laid by this sacred bird. The film, however, takes place in present-day Kazakhstan. "Man has always dreamed of flying, which may have given rise to legends related to birds. I myself have read stories about men who were metamorphosed into birds. One of these inspired me to make the film" said Zhanabek Zhetiru.

KAZAKHSTAN HOLDS PRESENTATION FOR EXPO-2017 IN PARIS

A Kazakh delegation, headed by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for EXPO-2017 and First Deputy Prime Minister, Umirzak Shukeyev, is attending the 150th session of the General Assembly of the International Exhibitions Bureau being held in Paris on November 22-23. The delegation also includes Minister for Economic Integration Zhanar Aitzhanova, Kazakh MFA's Executive Secretary and National Coordinator of EXPO-2017 Project Rapil Zhoshybayev, and Deputy Mayor of Astana Kanat Sultanbekov. The delegation presented 3D plans for EXPO-2017 as well as infrastructural opportunities offered by Astana. They highlighted Kazakhstan's readiness to hold an event of such scale.

ARCELORMITTAL TO FORM PRODUCTION VENTURE WITH KAZAKHSTAN RAILWAY

ArcelorMittal's Kazakh unit agreed to form a joint venture with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway company, to produce rails and long products. The venture will be based at ArcelorMittal Temirtau's facilities, according to the national railway company. The venture is expected to start by the end of 2013, with annual production capacity of 400,000 metric tons, divided equally between rails and long products. The venture will target exports.

RECORD URANIUM PRODUCTION FOR KAZAKHSTAN

KAZAKHSTAN’S POPULATION GROWS IN Q3 2011

WEIGHT LIFTERS WINNERS IN PARIS

MINISTER KAZYKHANOV FOR BONN & VILNIUS

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Kazykhanov is scheduled to participate in both the Bonn summit on Afghanistan and the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vilnius, Lithuania, on December 6th-7th.

PIANO COMPETITION FOR ALMATY

ZULFIYA CHINSHANLO SETSWORLD RECORD

Zulfiya Chinshanlo, the 18 year old athlete, set a world record to win the gold medal in the women’s 53-kilogramme division at the World Weightlifting Championship in Paris on November 6th. Chinshanlo lifted 130 kilos in the clean and jerk to beat the previous mark of 129 set by China’s Li Ping in 2007. Zulfiya also managed 97 kilos in the snatch for a combined 227. Aylin Dasdelen of Turkey took silver for the second year in a row with 219 kg. And Chinshanlo’s main rival Ji Jing of China finished third with a combined 214 kg.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ACCELERATES

SOVEREIGN CREDIT RATING UPGRADED

SAMRUK-KAZYNA SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED

Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund (NWF) will launch 20 scholarships for young researchers in Kazakhstan, NWF Chairman Timur Kulibayev announced on November 1st.

NAZARBAYEV FOR GAGAUZIA

KAZAKH SINGER CROWNED

Kazakhstan singer Svetlana Kasyan, a youth opera programme artist of the Bolshoi Theatre, won the first laureate prize at the Fifth International Vocalist Contest in China on November 3rd. The Contest is one of the biggest musical contests in China is held every three years in the city of Ningbo.

USAID A PARTNER TO KAZAKHSTAN

100TH LOCOMOTIVE PRODUCED

The one hundredth diesel locomotive has been produced in Kazakhstan at the locomotive production plant EVOLUTION in Astana. The machine was successfully tested, and will now transport freight along the ‘Aktogai – Semei’ route. The locomotive was a gift by railway employees for the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence. The machine is a part of the fifth generation of the EVOLUTION series, manufactured under license of the General Electric Company and is of the same high quality as its foreign analogs.

GRAIN HARVEST MORE THAN DOUBLES

Kazakhstan’s grain harvest is 29.5 million metric tons, more than double last year, the Agriculture Ministry said. The crop was harvested from 99.9 percent of the planted area as of today, the ministry said on its website. The harvest was 13.8 million tons at this time last year, it said. Kazakhstan may harvest about 26 million tons of grain in “net weight,” while 90 percent of the crop will be food-quality grain announced the Ministry.

WIKIPEDIA SNOWBALLS!

Kazakhstan’s Wikipedia has more than 100 000 entries. The project to widen the Kazakh segment was launched in June 2011. Since the starting date, the number of entries has grown tenfold. The number of active users contributing to writing and editing has grown from 4 to 230 people for the period. Today the Kazakh language has risen in Wikipedia’s language ratings from 125th to the 38th position, joining the list of 40 so-called “mature” Wikipedias of 100,000 entries and over. Now the objective is to bring the number of Kazakh-language entries to 200,000 by the end of the year. This was announced by Rauan Kenzhekhanuly, founder of Wikibilim Foundation (an NGO to develop the Kazakh Wikipedia).

IMF PREDICTS GROWTH OF 6.5%

OIL PROJECTS EXEMPTED FROM FOREIGN LABOUR LIMITS

Kazakhstan’s authorities will not be limiting subsurface users within Karachaganak, North Caspian and Tengiz oil projects in terms of attracting foreign labour before 2015. Employers can only obtain permits to attract foreign labour in a case where the total amount of foreign specialists of the 1st category does not exceed 50% before January 1st, 2012; from January 1st, 2012 the amount of foreign labour force of the 1st category should not exceed 30%; at the same time the percentage of labour force of the 2nd and 3rd categories should not exceed 30% before January 1, 2012st and 10% after that date. However, this provision is not applicable to subsurface users within the Karachaganak, North Caspian and Tengiz oil projects, their respective operators and subcontractors before January 1st, 2015.

HOLLYWOOD MEETS KAZAKHSTAN IN NEW $30 MILLION MOVIE

Hollywood stars Antonio Banderas, Sharon Stone and Bond girl Olga Kurilenko will feature in a new Kazakh film The World is Your Oyster. Earlier this month, Banderas and Kurilenko arrived in Almaty to shoot some of the scenes of the film. Other scenes in which actors are involved will be shot in Hollywood. The US$ 30 million movie is directed by Salamat Mukhammed Ali. Irish actor Peter O’Toole, famed for his work in Lawrence of Arabia, is due to come back to Almaty to continue shooting in early November (earlier this year he was hospitalized in Kazakhstan during initial shooting).
A gangster melodrama with elements of action and martial arts will be the first film to be released worldwide in four languages: Kazakh, Russian, English, and Chinese. Actor Armand Assante is a co-producer and co star – alongside Japanese actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Memoirs of a Geisha, Mortal Combat, Hachiko), and Chinese star Bolo Yeung.. Karlygash Mukhamedzhanova of Kazakhstan will play the leading female role. The film will be released in 2012.

NEW OIL REFINERY BEING CONSIDERED

Kazakhstan is considering constructing a 4th oil refinery in 2017, said. Sholpan Khaidargaliyeva, Director for Petrochemistry Department of the country’s Oil and Gas Ministry. “We are considering a number of options. There will be more crude coming from Kashagan; TengizChevroil is set to increase its oil output; Karachaganak is a good source. The major task is to have the domestic demand met. Later (…) we can think of exporting”, she said. According to Khaidargaliyeva, refineries in Pavlodar (see pic.), Atyrau and Shymkent process a total of 13-14 million tons of oil a year. Following the planned overhaul of the three facilities, the overall volume of processed crude will reach 17 million tons. In May 2011 Oil and Gas Minister Sauat Mynbayev announced that Kazkahstan might construct a new oil refinery by 2020.

PEOPLE’S IPO - UPDATE

The timing of the People’s IPO can be adjusted in case of a serious crisis on the market, Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund managing director, Peter House, said on October 26th. “Should there be a serious crisis, it’s always possible to postpone [the People’s IPO]”, he said when speaking at a round-table discussion in Almaty.
The Program was to be launched originally in late 2011.“But [the launch plan] was premature. We have postponed the initiative to make sure that companies are ready. Everything should be done right (…) to exclude risks”, he said. According to Mr House, the securities’ value is relatively low and the timing is right for individuals to purchase them. “With the undervalued assets offered for sale, there will be a lower risk of the securities’ value falling drastically… The first wave (KEGOC national power grid operator, AirAstana airline) of People’s IPOs is to be run in Q2-3, 2012, with the second wave (KazTransGas, KazMorTransFlot, Samruk-Energo) following in 2013 and the third wave (KazakhtanTemirZholy National Railways Operator, KazTemirTrans) in 2014-2015”, he elaborated, adding that KazMunayGas O&G Company and KazAtomProm Nuclear Company may run IPOs after 2015.

STATE BOOSTS SME DEVELOPMENT

AL-FARABI UNIVERSITY & UN JOIN FORCES

On October 20, the United Nations in Kazakhstan and the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University signed Memorandum on mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of enlightenment, education and culture in Almaty. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Stephen Tull and Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Galimkair Mutanov.

KAZAKHSTAN AND COUNCIL OF EUROPE TO EXPAND COOPERATION

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yerzhan Kazykhanov, and Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, reiterated their commitment to intensify cooperation in order to build up the necessary capacities and facilitate the accession of Kazakhstan to the conventions for which it has already expressed interest. Further parliamentary cooperation was another important area that was discussed. Following this meeting that took place yesterday in the Kazakh capital, Astana, Foreign Minister Kazykhanov and Secretary General Jagland adopted a joint statement.
The two sides also identified during the meeting a number of areas for future enhanced cooperation: rule of law with an emphasis on the fight against corruption and criminal justice system; human rights with an emphasis on children rights, juvenile justice and human rights education; democracy and more particularly, cultural cooperation, inter-ethnic and inter-cultural dialogue. The list can be expanded in the future with an agreement of both sides.

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CRUDE OIL & GAS CONDENSATE FORECASTS

GDP GROWTH REACHES 7%

OIL TRANSPORTATION THROUGH CPC WILL BE 32 MILLION TONS IN 2011

Oil transportation through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) network in 2011 will make up 32 million tons, says CPC Director General Nikolai Platonov. He added that the 2012 figure will be lower than the 2011 indicator. “We cannot name any precise figures so far. Suspension of the pipeline - to expand its capacities - will result in certain decrease of the volume transported. In addition, there are a number of adjacent minor projects that also require suspension”. According to Platonov, following the expansion the pipe will be transporting a total of 52 million tons of Kazakh oil per year. The rest of the oil will be supplied by LUKOIL and Rosneft of Russia.

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EBRD CONSIDERS FUNDING WIND FARMS IN KAZKAHSTAN

The European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) is considering financing wind farm projects in Kazakhstan,” said Riccardo Puliti, EBRD Managing Director and head of energy and natural resources. "We are considering two or three projects for an amount of up to 100 million Euros ($133 million) and are still considering whether this will be debt or equity," he said on the sidelines of the KAZENERGY conference in Astana which took place October 4th and 5th.

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BANK CARDS HOLDERS HIT 8.5 MILLION

As of September 1st, Kazakhstan banks issued 9.1 million bank cards, announced Kazakhstan National Bank. The number of bank cards holders reached 8.5 million people. Debit cards are the most popular type of cards - their share is 87.6%. Share of credit cards is 10.8%. Debit cards with credit limit and prepaid cards stand for 1.6% and 0.1% of the market.

KAZMUNAIGAZ & CNPC SIGN AGREEMENT

FINNAIR TO LAUNCH FLIGHTS TO ALMATY

Finnair is planning to launch flights between Helsinki and Almaty. Kazakhstan’s Transport Minister Berik Kamaliyev met with the Ambassador of Finland to Kazakhstan Mikko Kinnunen on Friday, September 30th. Mr Kinnunen talked about future areas of cooperation with Kazakhstan. Finland is interested in development of a partnership in power-saving technologies, construction and mining.

FIRST KAZAKH CHILDREN'S TV CHANNEL

The first TV channel in Kazakhstan dedicated entirely to children – Balapan- will celebrate its first anniversary tomorrow. Thanks to a variety of entertainment programmes and cartoons Balapan has won many young viewers. According to Kazakhstan’s Minister of Communication &Information Askar Zhumagaliyev, "Balapan will continue to please the younger generation with domestic television programs. They are designed to educate and instil a love and knowledge of their homeland.

UN AND CSTO TO BOOST JOINT PEACE-KEEPING COOPERATION

KAZAKHSTAN AND LATVIA COMBAT ILLEGAL MIGRATION

STATE REGISTRATION FOR ENTREPRENEURS SIMPLIFIED

HEALTH CARE SPENING IS UP

HARRY POTTER IN KAZAKH

Kazakhstan Communications and Information Ministry’s website announced results of the public opinion poll on what books by foreign authors should be translated to Kazakh language.
The list comprises 29 titles so far, with Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien; the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling; The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, the Children of Captain Grant by Jules Verne and Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers being the most popular suggestions. The Ministry launched the poll August 22nd. The Kazakh language and many of traditions and customs of the Kazakh people have been forgotten throughout the past century when Kazakhstan was part of the USSR. Real sovereignty is only now being reestablished in Kazakhstan, and these abandoned traditions are being rediscovered by the Kazakh people.

PRESIDENTS AGREE TO SAVE THE URAL

Measures to save the great Ural River, the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia, were among the topics discussed at a meeting in Astrakhan, on the Volga.
between the Russian and Kazakh presidents, Dmitry Medvedev and Nursultan Nazarbayev. "We are witnessing an unprecedented silting of the river border, and an increasing lack of water” said the Kazakh head. “According to experts, if this process continues, the Ural River is likely to disappear. We spoke last week of the establishment of a special joint fund for cleaning the Urals… I propose to return to this issue" added President Nazarbayev."You have to monitor the implementation of decisions already taken. This includes decisions relating to the ecological basin of the Urals. A working group should define the modalities for establishing such a fund", said President Medvedev. The Ural River arises in the southern Ural Mountains and ends at the Caspian Sea. Its total length is 2,428 km making it the third longest river in Europe after the Volga and the Danube. Along with the Volga, the Ural River is one of the major rivers feeding the Caspian Sea.

CENTENNIAL OF FIRST OIL EXTRACTION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan celebrates 100 years since the first industrial extraction of oil in the country took place in 1911 near the town of Dossor, in the Atyrau Oblast.
The area of Dossor subsequently attracted a great deal of interest in the emerging oil markets of Russia and Europe, which led to further development of oil exploration, not only in the area of the Jaik (Ural) and Jem (Emba) rivers, but throughout western Kazakhstan.

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GOLD MINING PROJECTS BOUGHT BY BRITISH FIRM

EXPORTS INCREASE BY 52%

DOW JONES WELCOMES KASE

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR PASSPORTS & I-D CARDS

MOU BETWEEN KASE & KRX SIGNED

FOREIGN MEDICAL TREATMENT BILL SIGNED

102 MILLION TONS OF OIL BY 2016!

HOUSE PURCHASES INCREASE

KAZAKH ALPHABET DEVELOPED FOR INTERNET USE

KAZAKH INFORMATION MINISTER REPORTS ON DIGITAL TV

PRIVATIZATION IS THE WAY AHEAD

The Minister of Economy and Budget Planning, Kairat Kelimbetov, says that the watchword of Kazakhstan’s economic policy for the next five years should be large-scale privatization: “Privatization will be run in two stages”, according to Mr. Kelimbetov. “In the first stage (2012-2015,) Kazakhstan will launch the so-called People’s IPOs of national companies. Afterwards, some national holdings will be floated to attract strategic global investors".

FURTHER SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

National FUND GROWS

ARCHEOLOGICAL FINDINGS ACCELERATE IN KAZAKHSTAN

PRESIDENT APPOINTS FINANCIAL POLICE DEPUTIES

TAX CODE REFORM PLANNED

DRIVE TO PRODUCE MORE MEAT

On his working trip to Akmolinsk oblast, President Nazarbayev said that by 2015 Kazakhstan plans to exports 60,000 tons of bovine meat: “From year to year it has been more complicated to sell grain. We’d better produce meat which is much in demand in neighboring countries. As we have said, we will be opening four large-scale feedlots. Over 2500 small farms will emerge around them. This will create a lot of new jobs and enable us to export meat. By 2018 Kazakhstan is to bring meat exports figure up to 180,000 tons”, said the President Nazarbayev.

MODERNIZATION OF HOUSING & PUBLIC UTILITIES

MOBILE PHONE MARKET CHANGES

Today, Kazakhstan’s mobile telephone market is presented by four mobile phone companies: three companies such as the ‘GSM Kazakhstan’ JSC with Kcell and Active brands, Kar-Tel with the Beeline brand and new Tele2 are working in the GSM standard and Altel with Dalacom and Pathword - which is working in the CDMA-800 standard. All told, the mobile phone market in the Central Asian country has perked up. With the arrival in Kazakhstan of the Tele2 international mobile company, players of the market started forming new offers. For example, the KarTel Company started the promotion of the ‘Dos’ tariff.

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REGULAR FLIGHTS LAUNCHED BETWEEN ALMATY & TAMCHY

OVER 600 ENTERPRISES SUPPORTED BY ROAD MAP 2020