Kazakhstan Witnesses Fourfold Increase in Cases Won by Citizens Against State Bodies

ASTANA – The number of cases won by citizens and businesses from state agencies increased from 15% to 60% in two years, said Nazken Zhamaladin, the director...


President Tokayev Urges Global Unity Amidst Escalating International Tensions at CSTO Summit

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the gravity of the evolving situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action in the face of...


Turkistan Region to Build Largest Combined Cycle Power Plant

ASTANA – Akim (governor) of the Turkistan Region Darkhan Satybaldy laid the commemorative capsule for a combined cycle gas plant with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts in...


Year of Economic Transformation: President Tokayev’s Vision for Kazakhstan Comes to Fruition

ASTANA — In November of last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev unveiled his ambitious election program titled Just Kazakhstan – for all and for everyone, signaling a commitment...


Diverse Cultural Experiences Await in Astana

ASTANA — The vibrant capital of Kazakhstan is gearing up for a series of exciting events that promise to captivate and engage residents and visitors. From mesmerizing...


Silkway Accelerator’s Fourth Stream Generates $8.1 Million in Investments

ASTANA — In collaboration with Google for Startups, Astana Hub has successfully concluded the fourth stream of the Silkway Accelerator program, with $8.1 million of investments raised...


Kazakhstan Reveals Preliminary Results of Digital Tenge Implementation Project

ASTANA – The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) and the National Payment Corporation unveiled the preliminary outcomes of the initial phase of the digital tenge implementation project...


Kazakhstan’s Gulnar Gabdulova Becomes Honorary Member of Order of British Empire

ASTANA – Gulnar Gabdulova has become the first Kazakh citizen to receive the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award, the British Embassy in...


Kazakhstan Bolsters Collaboration with Vietnam’s SOVICO Group

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is ready to create the necessary conditions for SOVICO Group’s investment activities in the country, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a Nov. 22 meeting...


Preparatory Camp for Google Solution Challenge Launches in Almaty

ASTANA – The Google Solution Challenge Camp, which kicked off in the Almaty-based De Montfort University Kazakhstan (DMUK) on Nov. 18, is aimed to prepare tech specialists...


Kazakhstan Joins UNESCO World Heritage Committee

ASTANA – Kazakhstan was elected to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee for 2023-2027 at the 24th session of the General...


Astana Ballet Unveils Spectacular Lineup for Freedom Ballet Festival Celebrating 30 Years of Tenge

ASTANA – Astana Ballet set the scene for the Freedom Ballet art festival taking place for the second time in Astana with a program of contemporary and...


Kazakhstan Explores Collaboration with African Union Through KazAID

ASTANA — Kazakh Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union Barlybai Sadykov met with key officials from the African Union (AU) Commission focusing on...


SCO Commends Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship within Organization

ASTANA – The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Secretary-General Zhang Ming commended Kazakhstan’s efforts within its SCO chairmanship at the meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of...


Kazakhstan Secures $1.6 Billion Investments: Pfizer, Çalık Holding, and Global Giants Spearhead Economic Transformation

ASTANA — Pfizer, Çalık Holding, Alarko Holding, and several other foreign companies have inked new contracts for projects worth $ 1.6 billion during the Kazakhstan Round Table...


Kazakhstan Expects 35 Million Ton Surge in Transit Traffic by 2029

ASTANA – The transit traffic through Kazakhstan will increase to 35 million tons by 2029, said the Minister of Transportation Marat Karabayev at the government meeting on...


Kazakhstan Explores Enhanced Cooperation with Hungary 

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu engaged in discussions with Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó on Nov. 21...


Kazakhstan, IMF Affirm Commitment to Financial Sector Progress

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) affirmed their commitment to improving and developing the country’s financial sector at a Nov. 21 meeting in Astana,...


Kazakhstan and UK Strengthen Economic Ties

ASTANA – The United Kingdom (U.K) stands out as one of Kazakhstan’s principal trade partners and ranks as the seventh-largest investor in the country’s economy, according to...


EU Encounters Unparalleled Need for Cooperation with Kazakhstan, Says MEP

ASTANA – There is no alternative other than a close cooperation with Kazakhstan, said Ryszard Czarnecki, member of the European Parliament (MEP) in an interview with The...


IMF Forecasts Moderate Growth, Urges Fiscal Reforms and Highlights Climate Risks for Kazakhstan 

ASTANA — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts a more moderate growth rate of 3-3.5% next year from 4.8% this year, said the IMF mission chief for...


UK Outlines Promising Areas for Partnership with Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Nusrat Ghani, the Minister of Industry and Economic Security of the United Kingdom (U.K.), expressed optimism about future opportunities to strengthen economic ties and foster...


UN Geneva Hosts Presentation of Book on Middle Powers by Kazakh Expert

ASTANA – The United Nations (UN) hosted the first-ever presentation of the book “Widening the Scope: How Middle Powers are Changing Liberal Institutionalism” by Kazakh expert Miras...


Fitch Affirms Kazakhstan ‘BBB’ Rating with Stable Outlook

ASTANA – Fitch Ratings affirmed Kazakhstan’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook on Nov. 17, reported the agency’s press service. Fiscal...


Annual Charity Bazaar Bridges Cultures Ahead of Winter Holidays

ASTANA – The Christmas Charity Bazaar, organized by the Ambassadors Spouses Association (ASA), is scheduled to unite the diplomatic community and city residents on Dec. 3 at...


President Tokayev Leads with Social Reforms, Experts Say

ASTANA – As Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev heads into the second year of his seven-year term, the experts highlight his far-sighted social reforms that head the country...


Kazakhstan, Germany Expand Cooperation in Green Energy 

ASTANA – German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck conveyed Germany’s increasing interest in Kazakhstan’s green transformation during negotiations with...


Foreign Minister Attends Sixth Meeting of Kazakh-Hungarian Strategic Council

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu took part in the sixth meeting of the Kazakh-Hungarian Strategic Council on Nov. 20 in Budapest...


Kazakh President to Participate in Collective Security Council Session This Week

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will participate in the Collective Security Council session of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), scheduled for Nov. 23 in Minsk, reported...


Kazakhstan Takes Part in Meeting As Part of Global South Summit

ASTANA — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, at the invitation by India’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Subrahmaniyam Jaishankar, participated in...


Trade and Commerce Relations Rising Between Pakistan and Kazakhstan

In recent years, Central Asia has become a shining beacon of global collaboration, a nexus of alliances, and a thriving center for trade and commerce. Kazakhstan, among...


One Year of Tokayev’s Presidential Tenure: A Year of Reforms and Transformation

ASTANA — Exactly one year ago, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev secured a resounding mandate from the people, receiving over 80% of the votes in the presidential elections. Since then,...


Dimash Kudaibergen Set to Premiere New Music Video for His New Single

ASTANA –Kazakh popstar Dimash Kudaibergen has announced the upcoming release of a new music video, “When I’ve got to you” on his Instagram page on Nov.18. “A...


US and Central Asian Countries Launch B5+1 Business Platform to Boost Economic Integration

ASTANA — To foster economic cooperation, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States (US) inaugurated the B5+1 business platform on Nov. 16, announced the U.S....


Kazakhstan Sparks Green Energy Momentum in Collaboration with Foreign Partners

ASTANA – The Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu held discussions with representatives of foreign companies to advance joint investment projects in Kazakhstan, reported...


Kazakhstan Charts Course for Sustainable Regional Growth at KGIR 2023

ASTANA – Sustainable regional growth is a priority for Kazakhstan in its business activities in the transit sector and digital technologies. The Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR)...


Kazakhstan Showcases Tourism Potential at Exhibition in China 

ASTANA – The Kazakh delegation presented the country’s tourism opportunities at the China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (COTTM) exhibition, which is taking place on Nov. 15-17...


Transforming Urban Spaces: Need for Climate-Resilient Governance, Sustainable Urbanization in Central Asia

In the heart of Central Asia where rapid urbanization meets the challenges of climate change, lies a pivotal opportunity for transformation. Transition economies in this region are...


TikTok, Kazakh Tourism Unveil Virtual Journey Initiative Through Nation’s Hidden Gems

ASTANA ­­– TikTok and Kazakh Tourism have launched a large-scale initiative, under the GuideToKazakhstan hashtag, that promises a virtual journey to the country’s major sights, reported the...


US Consortium Plans to Embark on Film Projects Worth Over $200 Million in Georgia and Kazakhstan

ASTANA – A consortium led by the United States (U.S.)-based investment and advisory firm ESTech, in collaboration with film and television production studio WonderHill Studios (WHS), plans...


Kazakhstan Exports 2.8 Million Tons of Oil from Aktau Port in Ten Months

ASTANA – KazTransOil national oil transporter exported 2.8 million tons of Kazakh oil from the Aktau port in January-October, 981,000 tons or 54% more than in the...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Middle Corridor, Visa-Free Regime with China and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan published in international media across the world. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles...


Prime Minister, International Partners Address Kazakhstan’s Investment Landscape and Sustainable Infrastructure

ASTANA – Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov, leaders of top international companies, and experts reviewed Kazakhstan’s emerging opportunities and challenges in building investment infrastructure for long-term...


ACWA Power Unveils Vision for Renewable Energy and Water Solutions in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — In an interview with The Astana Times, Marco Arcelli, the Chief Executive Officer of ACWA Power addressed Kazakhstan’s potential in renewable energy and water shortages...


99 Kazakh Citizens Evacuated from Gaza Strip Arrive Safely in Almaty

ASTANA – A special evacuation flight safely transported 99 Kazakh citizens and their family members from the Gaza Strip to Almaty on Nov. 17, reported the Kazakh...


Kazakh President Signs Law on Children’s Payments from National Fund

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law on introducing amendments and additions to some legislative acts on allocating funds to children from the National Fund of...


Subsoil Users, Kazakh Producers Sign Offtake Contracts Worth $124.9 Million

ASTANA – Large subsoil users, represented by companies including Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), Kazakhmys, Kazzinc, and KAZ Minerals, signed offtake contracts, long-term agreements and memorandums totaling 58...


Malaysia’s AirAsia Х Plans to Launch Direct Flights to Kazakhstan in 2024

ASTANA – Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia X plans to operate direct passenger flights on the Kuala Lumpur – Almaty route from Feb. 1 next year, reported the...


Kazakhstan Launches Digital Tenge at Financial Congress in Almaty

ASTANA – Kazakhstan launched the initial phase of the digital tenge project at the 11th Financial Congress on Nov. 15 in Almaty, reported the National Bank of...


Must-Attend Events in Astana This Weekend 

ASTANA — As the weekend approaches, the vibrant city of Astana is gearing up for a series of exciting events that promise entertainment, culture, and exploration. Whether...


Kazakhstan Capitalizes on Geopolitical Shifts to Emerge as Eurasia’s Transport and Logistics Hub

ASTANA – Amidst a complex web of geopolitical shifts, Kazakhstan is emerging as the veritable powerhouse in Eurasia’s transport and logistics landscape. In his previous state-of-the-nation address...


Kazakhstan Outlines SCO Priorities and Initiatives for Foreign Media

...drew attention to the events hosted by Kazakhstan to deepen cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Stability, sustainable development, trade, digitalization, high technology,...


Kazakhstan Gears Up for KGIR, Highlights Investment Opportunities and Regional Development Focus

ASTANA — On the eve of the Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR) scheduled for tomorrow, Deputy Foreign Ministers Nazira Nurbayeva and Roman Vassilenko provided insights into Kazakhstan’s...


Indonesian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Talks Trade Diversification, Flights to Bali

ASTANA – Indonesia and Kazakhstan have substantial potential to boost cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, tourism as well as investment cooperation between the sister-cities Astana...


Kazakhstan Produces 74.8 Million Tons of Oil in Ten Months

ASTANA – Kazakhstan produced 74.8 million tons of oil in ten months of 2023, Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev said at a Nov. 15 meeting with President Kassym-Jomart...


UNESCO General Conference Adopts Kazakh-Initiated Resolution on World Metrology Day

ASTANA – The Natural Sciences Commission unanimously adopted a resolution, initiated by Kazakhstan, proclaiming May 20 as World Metrology Day at the 42nd session of the United...


Kazakhstan’s Population Reaches 20 Million

ASTANA – The population of Kazakhstan reached 20 million people on Nov. 14, reported the Bureau of National Statistics. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated citizens on this significant...


Kazakhstan to Become One of Europe’s Green Energy Exporters

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to create a project to export green energy to Europe, the Kazakh Energy Ministry’s press service...


Kazakhstan’s Economy Grows Nearly 5% in Ten Months

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s economic growth reached 4.9% in January-October, with positive dynamics in the real sector totaling 3.8% and in the service sector – 5.4%, said Minister...


Kazakh-French Joint Venture to Commence Uranium Mining at South Tortkuduk at Year-End

ASTANA – KATCO, a joint venture of the French Orano Mining and Kazatomprom national atomic company, will start mining uranium at Kazakhstan’s South Tortkuduk site at the...


President Urges Law Enforcement Agencies to Strengthen Justice and Order

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with heads of law enforcement agencies on Nov. 15, stressing their massive responsibility for establishing justice and order in society, Akorda...


Kazakhstan Evacuates 92 Citizens From Gaza Strip

ASTANA – Kazakhstan evacuated 92 citizens and members of their families from the Gaza Strip to Egypt through the Rafah checkpoint on Nov. 15, reported the Kazakh...


How Tenge was Born

Thirty years ago, on Nov. 15, 1993, 16 million Kazakh people woke up to a radically new reality — Kazakhstan had introduced the tenge, its new national...


Kazakhstan, EU Seek Touchpoints in Critical Mineral Development

ASTANA – The cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan in critical minerals has a promising future, forging sustainable solutions in energy and transport. This was...


Kazakhstan Celebrates 30th Anniversary of National Currency Tenge

ASTANA — Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Kazakh national currency, the tenge, a significant milestone in the nation’s economic history. The introduction of the tenge...


Exhibition of Polish Photographer Features Kazakhstan’s Beauties in Astana

ASTANA – A personal exhibition of Justyna Całczyńska, a Polish traveler and photographer, was unveiled in Astana, featuring 30 photographs depicting the landscapes and attractions of Kazakhstan,...


From Dust Storms to Desertification: UN Experts Unveil Central Asian Struggle Against Land Degradation

SAMARKAND – The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) experts highlighted land management challenges specific to the Central Asian region, which include virgin lands history during...


Kazakhstan’s Rise as Premier Global Investment Hub

In the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is quietly making a significant mark on the global investment landscape. Over the past decade, the country has undergone a...


Kazakhstan Deploys Peacekeeping Contingent to UN Mission in Lebanon

ASTANA — Kazakhstan sent the tenth peacekeeping contingent on Nov. 13 to assume duties in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), following their predecessors’ completion...


Kazakh Delegation Strengthens EU Ties at 20th Parliamentary Cooperation Committee Meeting in Brussels

ASTANA – The Kazakh delegation led by Aigul Kuspan, сhairwoman of the Committee for International Affairs, Defense and Security of the Mazhilis, the lower house of the...


Kazakh Film Receives Coveted Award at Africa International Film Festival

ASTANA — The acclaimed Kazakh film “Brothers,” directed by Darkhan Tulegenov, secured the Best International Feature Film award at the prestigious 12th Africa International Film Festival held...


Saudi Arabia Investors to Build Wind Power Plant in Zhetisu Region

ASTANA — In a high-level meeting focused on advancing collaborative investment ventures with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Nov. 14, Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov revealed...


Kazakhstan, OSCE Forge Media Collaboration

ASTANA – The representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro is on a visit to Kazakhstan...


It is Time to Measure Pulse of Planet, UNCCD Leader Says

SAMARKAND – With 100 million hectares of land degraded every year, it is time to measure the pulse of the planet, said Ibrahim Thiaw, the Under-Secretary-General and...


Kazakhstan Launches Construction of Key Railway Bypass in Almaty to Enhance Transit Efficiency

ASTANA —  Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov launched the construction of a vital railway line in the Almaty region during a Nov. 14 ceremony marking the commencement...


Kazakhstan’s Smart Policy: National Development and Progressive Reform Agenda

In late October, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered an insightful speech on the eve of the country’s Republic Day holiday. Not only did the address reflect on...


Kazakhstan’s Radmir Khaibullin Wins International Competition for Accordion

ASTANA – Radmir Khaibullin, an 11-year-old accordionist, took the Trophée Mondial de l’Accordéon, securing first place in the Classique category of 12 and under, the competition’s press...


Kazakhstan Anticipates 5% GDP Growth by Year-End, Reaches Record SME Contribution

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is expected to achieve a 5% growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) by the year-end, said Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov at...


CICA, Atameken Chamber of Entrepreneurs Promote Green Growth Agenda at Business Council Plenary Session

ASTANA – The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Secretariat and the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs hosted the sixth plenary session of...


Kazakh FM Attends League of Arab States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation Summit in Riyadh

ASTANA – Kazakhstan fully supports the legitimate rights of Palestinians to self-determination, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu said at a Nov. 11 extraordinary joint...


China to Host SCO Year of Tourism 2023 Forum Next Week

ASTANA – The Year of Tourism 2023 forum will take place from Nov. 23 to 26 in Ürümqi, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China, announced Secretary-General...


KIA Starts Building New Full-Cycle Plant in Kazakhstan, Marks First Direct Investment Beyond South Korea

ASTANA – KIA initiated the construction of a new full-cycle plant in Kostanai, marking a historic move with its first direct investment in a joint venture outside...


Astana as Financial Center of Turkic World: Elevating Economic and Investment Potential in Central Asia

ASTANA — Designating Astana as the financial center of the Turkic world will enhance the city’s standing as a vital economic and financial hub in the region,...


IMF Backs VAT Rise for Enhanced Competitiveness During Meeting with National Economy Minister

ASTANA — The Kazakh Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov convened with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Nicolas Blanchet, on Nov. 10. According to...


Tenge Turns 30: Astana Exhibition Marks Viability of Kazakhstan’s National Currency

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Presidential Center unveiled an exhibition on Nov. 10 dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country’s national currency tenge. It showcased the history of...


Kazakh Artisans Showcase Cultural Heritage at Berlin Bazaar

ASTANA – Kazakh craftspeople took part at Berlin Bazaar, the world’s largest international fair, on Nov. 8-12 to promote Kazakh tourism through arts and crafts, reported Kazakh...


Security Council Focuses on Kazakhstan’s Transport and Logistics Capacity

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Security Council addressed the strategic risks of unlocking the transport and logistics potential at a Nov. 10 meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported...


UN’s Review Session to Combat Desertification Kicks Off in Uzbekistan

SAMARKAND – The 21st session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Committee on the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC21) kicks off...


Almaty Aport: Kazakh Signature Apple Achieves Global Recognition with Geographic Indication Status

ASTANA – The Kazakh unique brand Almaty Aport (a type of apple) was officially registered in the State Register of Geographic Indications on Oct. 13, said the...


Kazakh Scientists Discover Earliest Human Burial in East Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The excavations in the Koken settlement of the East Kazakhstan Region unveiled the earliest known human remains, according to the Archeology of Kazakhstan international peer-reviewed...


Kazakhstan’s Adai Horses Gallop Towards International Recognition

ASTANA — In a remarkable stride towards recognizing and preserving Kazakhstan’s equestrian heritage, the Adai horse has officially been acknowledged as a distinct breed by the international...


Aigerim Abilkadirova Demonstrates Grace and Power as Kazakhstan’s First Grappling Champion

ASTANA – Women’s judo in Kazakhstan is progressing steadily, with accomplished athletes representing the country at international competitions. The sport continues to gain popularity, and more opportunities...


Outlook for Green Energy Growth in Central Asia

ASTANA – Renewable energy development in Central Asian countries is progressing unevenly. Some states have long been exploring the opportunities presented by alternative energy sources, while others...


Kazakh YouTube Thrives Locally, Eyes Global Expansion, Says Entrepreneur

ASTANA – Kazakh-language content on YouTube is picking up steam in the domestic media space. At the same time, it should venture into overseas markets, said the...


Central Asia-Based Film Awards Announces Short List of Nominees for 2023 

ASTANA — The Alternativa Film Awards, a highlight of the renowned Alternativa Film Project initiated by the global tech company inDrive in 2023, have unveiled their list...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Policy, Visit of Russian President, and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan published in international media worldwide. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles on President...


Kazakhstan to Increase Number of Flights to China

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Transport collaborates with airlines to boost the number of flights to China, anticipating increased demand for air travel following the mutual...


Kazakhstan – China Visa-Free Travel Comes into Effect, Intends to Boost Tourism Ties

ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the agreement on mutual exemption from visa requirements between Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China officially...


Kazakh Football Museum Unveils its Legacy: Triumph in Preserving 110 Years of Sports History

ASTANA — The Kazakh Football Museum opened its doors on Nov. 4 at the House of Football in Astana, marking the 110th anniversary of Kazakh football and...


Kazakhstan and San Marino to Establish Visa-Free Regime

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and San Marino signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption to boost tourism, enhance business relations, and foster international cooperation, opening new prospects for...