Special Issue No 5, April 28, 2008
AMBASSADOR OF KAZAKHSTAN INVITES YOU TO ATTEND
A ROUND OF KAZAKH CULTURAL EVENTS IN WASHINGTON, DC
Please join us for tremendous cultural events in May
Special Issue No 3, February 8, 2008
PRESIDENT NAZARBAYEV DELIVERS
ANNUAL STATE-OF-THE-NATION ADDRESS,
ANNOUNCES KAZAKHSTAN’S “ROAD TO EUROPE”
The focal points of President Nazarbayev's keynote speech were economic development, further political modernization and democracy, social security and strengthening of Kazakhstan’s international alliances.
No 3 February 7, 2008
POLITICS
•
President Nazarbayev delivers annual Address to the People of Kazakhstan
•Kazakhstan’s ruling party actively implements its anticorruption strategy
ECONOMY
•JSC Halyk SavingBank Receives Euromoney Plaudit
•Kazakhstan plans new aluminium, steel plants
•IKEA enters Kazakhstan
OTHER NEWS
•First Ever in-depth English Language Guide to Kazakhstan to be released in March
•Falconry tradition soars back
No 2 January 23, 2008
POLITICS
•President launches “Ten Smashing Blows Against Corruption”
•Kazakhstan to chair OSCE Economic and Environmental Committee
•Kazakhstan’s Defense Ministry hails military cooperation with the United States
ECONOMY
•Kazakhstan ranks high in the Index of Economic Freedom
•Kashagan agreement reduces project's political risks – Fitch
•EU Energy Commissioner hails resolution of Kashagan dispute
•Kazakhstan to spend $2.5 bl on tourism infrastructure projects
OTHER NEWS
•Ambassador of Kazakhstan visits California
Special Issue No 2, January 19, 2008
THE STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE NATIONAL BANK AND FINANCIAL SUPERVISION AGENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN ON ECONOMIC POLICY GOALS FOR 2008
We part with 2007 with mixed feelings. Our economy continued to grow at a rapid pace, and according to preliminary estimates, achieved an 8.7% growth rate in 2007. However, this was also a year, which put the strength of our financial system to test. Recent turmoil that affected financial systems worldwide has reached Kazakhstan as well. Such events underscore the degree to which capital markets have grown to rely on one another...
Special Issue No 1, January 18, 2008
KAZAKHSTAN REACHES CONSENSUS WITH FOREIGN OIL COMPANIES OVER GIANT OILFIELD
According to an agreement between the Government of Kazakhstan and foreign contractors, production at Kashagan, the largest oilfield discovered anywhere in the world since 1960-s with estimated reserves of 35 billion barrels, will be further delayed to 2011...
No 1 January 14, 2008
POLITICS
•Kazakhstan’s Finance Ministry to unveil the actual economic situation in Kazakhstan to international rating agencies
•Seventh annual Eurasian Media Forum announced
•Kazakhstan has taken a further step toward abolishing capital punishment
ECONOMY
•Kazakhstan to Increase Uranium Output Fivefold, Overtake Canada (Bloomberg)
•London Stock Exchange welcomed Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation PLC to the Main Market on 12 December 2007
•Fitch Ratings is to hold a Conference on Kazakhstan in the context of global liquidity crisis: risks and ways for resistance
OTHER NEWS
•The Breakthrough of Kazakh Aviation
No 17 November 21, 2007
POLITICS
•Kazakhstan’s president to visit Slovakia, Romania and Hungary
•Kazakh government, UNHCR sign agreement on cooperation in protecting refugees
ECONOMY
•Kazakhstan sets up $4bn fund
•Bank Hapoalim acquires Kazakhstan Bank
OTHER NEWS
•Kazakhstan to enjoy 14 new domestic flights
•Kazakh success means Armenia misery
No 16 November 14, 2007
POLITICS
•Kazakhstan’s State Secretary visits US
•Kazakhstan to continue its cooperation with the OSCE on further election reform
ECONOMY
•First Summit of CIS Independent Directors to be held in Almaty, 27-28 November 2007
•Almaty's ratings affirmed with stable outlook - Fitch
•Japan steals march on Asia rivals over uranium supply
•Kazakhstan to automate ATM testing with Level Four
OTHER NEWS
•Handball: Kazakhstan – a 50-year-long quest to join the world’s elite
No 15 November 7, 2007
POLITICS
•Wasp hosts Kazakhstan dignitary
•UN helps Almaty city set up digital human rights library
•Ambassador Idrissov visits Chicago to support Kazakhstanian boxing team
ECONOMY
•EBRD mulls buying into Kazakh state investment funds
•Aldar enters Kazakhstan with project in Astana
OTHER NEWS
•“Samgau” establishes Innovation and Education Consortium
•Kazakhstan crowned Asian champions
No 14 October 31, 2007
POLITICS
•Amendments to the legislation on subsoil have been signed into law
•Bringing fight against corruption to a new level
•Russia values its partnership with Kazakhstan
•Indo-Kazakh cooperation on dynamic rise, says envoy
ECONOMY
•Kazakhstan’s Government readjusts 2007 GDP growth forecast
•Kazchrome to launch chrome pellet plant in 2009
OTHER NEWS
•Kazakhstan target Astana success at Tour de France
No 13, October 24, 2007
POLITICS
•USA optimistic about Kazakhstan’s OSCE chairmanship bid
•Germany Backs Kazakh OSCE, WTO Bids as Investors Are Reassured
ECONOMY
•Launch of Kazakhstan’s Regional Financial Center celebrated in Washington
•Subsoil law amendments to make no adverse affect on investment climate
•Kazakhstan to Join Nabucco Project
•Nokian Tyres to build car tyre plant in Kazakhstan with local company
OTHER NEWS
•Instant weekend: Almaty
•Kazakh mountaineers conquer world’s second highest peak
•Portugal scores 2 late goals to defeat Kazakhstan 2-1 in Euro qualifier
No 12, October 17, 2007
POLITICS
•President Nursultan Nazarbayev arrives in Iran to take part in the Second Caspian States Summit
•Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the United States testifies before the US Helsinki Commission
•China, Kazakhstan build on a solid foundation
ECONOMY
•Kazakhstan seeks diversification of routes for energy supplies – President Nazarbayev
•Much to explore and tap in Kazakhstan
OTHER NEWS
•Eleven Kazakh boxers to participate in largest world boxing championships in history
No 11, October 10, 2007
POLITICS
•President Nazarbayev welcomes Italian Prime Minister in the Kazakh capital
•Navy to help Kazakhstan with security
ECONOMY
•Kazakh Energy Minister sees no reasons for suspending Kashagan project over environmental claims
•EBRD may acquire a stake in Kazakhstan Investment Fund
OTHER NEWS
•Area phone codes in Kazakhstan changed as of October 5
•Chief Rabbi in Kazakhstan's Largest City Feature on State Television Program
No 10, October 3, 2007
POLITICS
•Presidents of Brazil and Kazakhstan pleased with their first talks
•President Nazarbayev advocates UN Peacekeeping Financial Fund and initiates Eurasian Energy Supply Pact during UN General Assembly session
•Kazakh parliament adopts a bill to toughening requirements for subsoil users
ECONOMY
•Wiener Börse launches links with Kazakhstan Stock Exchange
OTHER NEWS
•Kazakhstan to build super five star hotel in Sanya
•Women in Business in Kazakhstan
No 9, September 26, 2007
POLITICS
•Kazakh President to participate in 62nd session of UN General Assembly and pay official visit to Brazil
•Kazakhstan’s purpose is to enhance OSCE as a bridge between East & West: Kazakh Secretary of State
•New Human Rights Commissioner appointed in Kazakhstan
•Two keys in Kazakh hands, (article from RIA Novosti)
ECONOMY
•Kazakhstan: Building a Competitive Economy and Defeating the Resource Curse, University report
•Kazakhstan wants to be the first CIS country to implement administrative reform
•American Express and JSC "Kazkommertsbank" launch the first American Express cards issued in Kazakhstan
OTHER NEWS
•Kazakhstan: make benefit funky cities, (article from The Telegraph)
•Westerberg seals victory in Kazakhstan
No 8, September 19, 2007
POLITICS
•Kazakh President visited Turkmenistan on September 11-12, and discussed energy cooperation
•Kazakhstan considers Tajikistan important Central Asian partner
•Special Rep of US State Department visits Kazakhstan
•Ambassador Idrissov presents “New Kazakhstan” at John Hopkins University’s Central Asia- Caucasus Institute in Washington DC
•Kazakhstan: Nazarbayev's Regional Tour Shows Growing Economic Influence (article from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty)
ECONOMY
•Kazakhstan to publish its first EITI report in November
•Kazakh biofuel production can be twice cheaper than production in the US, article from Trend Capital
•Kazakhstan plans to attract about USD 21 billion to electric power development by 2015 - "KEGOC" president
OTHER NEWS
•Republican Representative Jo Bonner (R-AL) presents Kazakh Ambassador with money from Mobile students
•The Kazakhstan Open to welcome golfers in September
•Kazakhstan soccer national team rallies to draw 2-2 with Belgium
No 7, September 12, 2007
POLITICS
•Kazakhstan is aware of its responsibility for world energy stability
•School education in Kazakhstan must be trilingual – President Nazarbayev
ECONOMY
•Kazakh economy top performer in Central Asia
•Kazakh PM makes a statement on the Kashagan project
•Kazakhstan: Premier Warns Eni About Failures At Caspian Oil Field
OTHER NEWS
•Kazakhstan changing from Cyrillic to Latin alphabet
No 6, September 5, 2007
POLITICS
•New appointments in Kazakhstan’s government and legislature
•US Congress delegation visits Kazakhstan, attends international non-proliferation conference
•Kazakhstan becomes a center and crossroads of power and wealth. From World Affairs Monthly, interview with Ambassador Erlan Idrissov
•COMMENT: After Kazakhstan's elections - between stability and reform. By Ariel Cohen
ECONOMY
•Nokian Tyres in talks to build plant in Kazakhstan
•Bio fuel association established in Kazakhstan
OTHER NEWS
•Kazakh “Beatle” wins acclaim at the famous Beatles festival in Liverpool
•Kazakhstan coach calls on familiar faces
No 5, August 29, 2007
POLITICS
•CEC officially declares “Nur Otan” winner of Kazakh elections
•Kazakh President to participate in the UN General Assembly session
ECONOMY
•Kazakh environmental minister: Operations at Kashagan may be suspended because operator violates environmental laws
•KazMunayGas and Rompetrol Holding SA announce the acquisition of a 75% interest in the Rompetrol Group NV by the Kazakh company
•US intends to back Central Asian states’ WTO membership
OTHER NEWS
•CFO Summit Kazakhstan to be held in Almaty, from 6th – 8th November 2007
•Global interest in Kazakh oil & gas market reflected in largest ever KIOGE, 15th Kazakhstan International Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference to be held October 2- 5, 2007
Special Issue No 2, August 22, 2007
Elections to a new, party-based Parliament in Kazakhstan
provide landslide victory for “Nur Otan”
On Saturday, 18 August, landmark parliamentary elections opening way for a new, more powerful and influential legislature were held in Kazakhstan.
According to the preliminary report of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), the ruling “Nur Otan” party emerged victorious from the elections, winning 88.05% of the vote. However, this figure is still to be revised after the CEC completes the counting of all election protocols.
Preliminary results suggest that “Nur Otan” could be the only party to have passed the 7 per cent threshold set by the existing election legislation. According to CEC’s data, 5,174,169 people have cast their votes for “Nur Otan”, i.e. 88.05 per cent; 271,525 voters (4.62 per cent) have voted for the Nationwide Social Democratic Party; 44,175 voters (0.75 per cent) have chosen the Party of Patriots; 192,155 voters (3.27 per cent) have voiced their support for the “Ak Zhol” party; 77,274 people (1.31 per cent) have cast their votes for the Communist People’s Party of Kazakhstan; 93,023 (1.58 per cent) have voted for the “Auyl” party; and 24,308 (0.41 per cent) for the “Rukhaniyat” party...
No 4, August 20, 2007
POLITICS
•Kazakhstan votes in elections hailed as a step “forward” by the OSCE observers
•Chinese President visits Kazakhstan, signs important agreements
•Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Senate met with OSCE/ODIHR Director
ECONOMY
•China, Kazakhstan agree on Sino-Kazakh oil pipeline extension to Caspian Sea
•Kazakhstan's president proposed establishing an oil and gas regulating body for the SCO member states
•Kazakh stake in nuclear company
•Investment in fixed assets in Kazakhstan totalled 1.4982 trillion tenge in January-July, an 11.6 per cent increase on a year-to-year basis
•Kazakhstan's economy ranked 55th by the World Bank
OTHER NEWS
•Lufthansa and Air Astana to enter a partnership. Memorandum of understanding signed
•Kazakhstan to host international conference against nuclear weapons
No 3, August 15, 2007
POLITICS
•OSCE: Election campaign in Kazakhstan takes place in calm environment
•Western observers: Kazakhstan democratic reforms are a positive step, but the real test will be the Majilis elections
•President Aliyev: Azerbaijan’s borders remain open for resources transportation to Europe
•President Nazarbayev: Kazakhstan is committed to furthering ties with Jordan
ECONOMY
•Toshiba sells Westinghouse stake to Kazatomprom
•Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan sign documents on oil and gas cooperation
•Kazakhstan's economy grows 10.2% in H1
•The ADB issues 6bn Kazakhstan Tenge bonds
•Kazakh tax amnesty nets twelfth of GDP
OTHER NEWS
•Marriott Executive Apartments to open in Atyrau, Kazakhstan
•U.S. women stops Kazakhstan, now 4-2 in world grand prix
Special Issue No 1, August 14, 2007
Parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan
to live up to the OSCE standards
On May 16 President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced major Constitutional reforms aimed to strengthen the role of Parliament, and fresh parliamentary elections.
In his statement, he reiterated the basic philosophy which has underpinned the development of the country’s fledgling democracy, namely “the economy first, then politics”.
The President concluded: “We have been approaching this moment of political changes consistently and gradually. All views and proposals, including the most radical, have been studied and worked on. We have consulted the political parties, scientists, experts, and the representatives of the diverse ethnic groups of Kazakhstan. The ideas have all been discussed in the mass media in great detail.”...
No 2, August 8, 2007
POLITICS
•Briefing for foreign diplomats held in Astana
•High Goals Mean High Responsibility, article by the State Secretary of Kazakhstan
•Political and national mechanisms established by the President are like clock-work
•Japan views Kazakhstan as important partner in the region
ECONOMY
•Prime Minister Karim Massimov on Kashagan: Contracts with foreign extraction companies shall be respected by both sides
•The road to sustainable economic growth. Economist Intelligence Unit to hold the first Business Roundtable with the Government of Kazakhstan in Astana on 4-5 September, 2007
•Ascott Ventures into Kazakhstan with two management contracts
•Kazakhstan planning Foreign Trade Increase to $200 Billion
•Kazakhstan drafts renewable energy legislation
OTHER NEWS
•Kazakhstan carrier posts record first half growth
No 1, August 1, 2007
POLITICS
•Letter from the new Ambassador
•Early elections coming as Lower House of Kazakh Parliament dissolved
•The Democratic "Safety Valve"
•Common misconceptions in the West about Kazakhstan
•Kazakhstan looks ahead with confidence - US Congresswoman Shelly Berkeley
•Kazakh Minister promises greater media freedoms
•ODIHR deploys long term election observation mission to Kazakhstan
ECONOMY
•Private-sector marine base in Kazakhstan wins EBRD support
•Kazakhstan offers to join international fusion power project
•Kazakhstan to buy Westinghouse stake from Toshiba
•Uzbekistan looks forward to cooperating with Kazakh investors
•"Your Money Matters: Kazakhstan - a "great success" - article from Jerusalem Post
OTHER NEWS
•Marriott to launch JW Marriott Hotel Brand in Kazakhstan
•Kazakhstan Open to make European Tour debut in 2008
•Saka burial site discovered in Almaty suburbs
July 16
Kazakhstan looks ahead with confidence – US congresswoman Shelly Berkeley.
“During my short stay here I have come to understand that Kazakhstan is a country that looks ahead with confidence” – said Representative Shelly Berkeley on 13 July in the course of her visit to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s flourishing former capital.
July 9
Kazakhstan:
A new stage of political modernisation of the country
During the last two months significant changes occurred in the socio-political development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which marked a new stage of political modernisation of the country.
On May 16th 2007 at the joint session of both chambers of the Parliament President N. Nazarbayev put forward draft constitutional amendments to the existing Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to be reviewed by the members of the Parliament.
May 29
Kanat Saudabayev Moves on to Become Kazakhstan’s Secretary of State
Ambassador Kanat Saudabayev, who has been posted in Washington for six and a half years, was appointed by President Nursultan Nazarbayev as Kazakhstan’s Secretary of State,
one of the highest positions in the country with broad responsibilities, on May 15, 2007.
May 9, No. 19
Kazakhstan in a Changing World
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Marat Tazhin, addressed a gathering of U.S. policy makers, business leaders, academia, foreign ambassadors and journalists at a dinner hosted by the U.S.–Kazakhstan Business Association at the Capital Hilton Hotel Washington, D.C. on 8 May 2007. The Minister spoke on the role Kazakhstan is playing in the modern world.
April 26, No. 18
Nazarbayev Visits Bishkek, Pledges Economic Investment
Chevrolet Rolls Out in Kazakhstan, Competition Intensifies
Kazakhstan’s GDP Grows 10.3 Percent in First Quarter, 8.6 Percent Projected for 2007
Young Kazakh Artists Win Trip to DC Festival
April 25, No. 17
Special Edition
Prime Minister Massimov Marks First 100 Days in Office,
Stresses Team Approach, Focus on Real Issues
April 20, No. 16
Kazakhstan’s Parliament Ratifies Bioweapons Convention
Kazakhstan’s GDP Should Reach $300 Billion by 2015
Population Grows to 15.4 Million, More Births, Less Emigration Are Reasons
Kazakhstan Takes Three Straight in Int’l Ice Hockey
April 11, No. 15
Kazakhstan’s New Military Doctrine Tackles Security Challenges, Outlines Further Reforms
Stock Market Development High Priority for Astana
Samgau to Improve Management of Science
Symonyi Blasts Off from Baikonur, Stewart Bids Farewell
April 10
News Media Advisory
Kazakhstan’s Development Bank and US Ex-Im Bank to Sign MOU and Finance Projects Jointly
April 5, No. 14
PM Massimov Visits Azerbaijan and Georgia Talking Oil Transportation and Trade
Another ‘Kashagan’ May Lay Beneath the Caspian
Kazakhstan Explores Ways to Spur Afghanistan’s Economic Recovery
Kazakh Administrative Reform Moves Forward
President Says Kazakhstan Must Nurture Own ‘Nobel Laureates’
March 29, No. 13
Greater Push on English Studies Planned
Ambassador, Members of Congress See Bright Future in US-Kazakh Relations
Europeans Focus on Central Asia in Key Astana Meeting
Kazakhstan Develops New Navy Concept, Will Pool Resources to Fight Caviar Poachers
Kazakh Football Team Chalks Up First European Victory
March 21, No. 12
Kazakhstan Urges Financial, Economic Aid to Afghanistan
Kazakhstan and Russia Stress Strong Ties
Uranium Enrichment Center, A Means to Prevent Proliferation
Public-Private Partnerships Will Help in Building Schools and Hospitals
Medical Workers on Trial for Spreading HIV through Blood Transfusions
Action in Kazakhstan
March 14, No. 11
Kazakh Security Chief Says Drug Emergency Growing, International Cooperation Is
Key to Defeating Scourge
Kazakhstan and Egypt Seek Expanded Trade
Wawaweewa! Tourism’s Alive in Kazakhstan
March 9, No. 10
Kazakhstan Will Pursue Large Scale Diverse Investments in Georgia
First Modern Highway to Connect Astana and Borovoe
Kazakhstan Is Kyrgyzstan’s Largest Investor, Plans More Provided Political Stability Is There
February 27, No. 9
Kazakhstan Joins IAEA Safeguards Protocol, Refutes Claims of ‘Unexploded Nuclear Bomb’
U.S. Seeks Closer Cooperation with Astana on Regional Stability and Afghanistan
Kazakhstan, Egypt Draw Closer As another Visit Nears
Kazakhstan Approves New National Security Strategy
Kazakhstan to Host Next OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
Almaty Prodigy Stuns Chess World, Sets Eyes on International Arena
February 15, No. 8
Kazakhstan Seeks Greater Regional Involvement from Turkmenistan
New Government Admits Major Challenges, Focuses on Diversification, Reforms and Prudent Management
Wolfensohn to Advise on Creating Almaty Regional Financial Center
Aktau Seaport Free Economic Zone to Quadruple in Size, Attracting Export Oriented Businsses
Kazakhstan Reaffirms Vow to Combat Nuclear Terrorism
February 8, No. 7
Europe Sees Kazakhstan as Central Asian Gateway
NATO and Kazakhstan to Expand Ties
In Astana, U.S. Mission Focuses on Energy, Diversification
Kazakhstan’s Parliament, Reaffirming Commitment to Nonproliferation, Ratifies Additional Protocol with IAEA
Kazakh Men Lose to Japan Leaving It to Women to Avenge Them in Ice Hockey
February 1, No. 6
Kazakhstan, Germany Seek Stronger Ties
Another Opposition Party Registered in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Seeks Completion of WTO Talks in 2007
Kazakhstan Projects 2007 GDP Growth at 8.6 Percent
52-1, 38-0, and 17-1, Kazakhstan Hammers Rivals on Rink
Nuclear Ambitions, Pipeline Politics and OSCE Bid to Feature at Almaty Forum
Helping a Sister City Face Alcoholism: Arvada Reaches out to Kyzylorda
Kazakhstan Is One of Hottest Holiday Spots in Europe…Thanks to Borat!
January 25, No. 5
Kazakhstan Will Focus More on Central Asia, Vigorously Pursue OSCE Chairmanship, Tazhin Says
New Export Route for Kazakh Oil Gets Closer to Reality
Kazakhstan to Expand Ethanol Production
Kazakh Becomes SCO Secretary General
January 19, No. 4
PM Massimov Says Kazakhstan Remains Committed to Sanctity of Contracts
Kazakhstan Makes Progress in Gender Equality
Kazakhstan Buys U.S. Made Police Helicopter
January 16, No. 3
Nomad vs. Borat: Showdown in Theaters Near You January 26
New Government in Kazakhstan Takes Shape
South Kazakhstan Seeks Technological Development
Kazakhstan’s Oil Production Grows 6.8 Percent Last Year
Kazakhstan Signs Up to Protect Wetlands
Quarter Million Students Seek Education in Kazakh Universities
Kazakhs Present Their Best in Tucson
January 10, No. 2
New Government Called on to Speed Kazakhstan’s Development
January 5, No. 1
Kazakhstan’s Halyk Savings Bank Raises US$748 Million on London Stock Exchange
New Center Right Party Emerges in Kazakhstan
UN Lifts Ban on Caviar Exports from Caspian
Kazakhstan Enters 2007 with $33 Billion in Reserves
