Author: Beibitzhan Alibiov

Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev took part in the business meeting on Feb. 1, where Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) experts presented new reports on Trade Facilitation in Central Asia and on Realizing the Potential of the Middle Corridor, reported the ministry’s press service. In its report, the OECD focused on the development of trade relations among Central Asian countries and Kazakhstan’s export ecosystem. According to the OECD, countries in the region have achieved positive results in simplifying and optimizing trade procedures and automating customs operations. Opening the event, William Tompson, Head of the OECD…

While much of the speculation about the potential for future conflict between China and the United States and its allies is focused on Taiwan and its surrounds, increasing Chinese antagonism in the South China Sea begs the question, which one is more dangerous? There is no escaping that the western Pacific and north Asia, in particular, are a hotbed of geopolitical and strategic competition. At the core of this is Beijing’s increasing belligerence and acts of hostility towards regional neighbours ranging from established powers like Japan and South Korea to emerging powers including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and, of…

For western liberals and progressive champions of open, democratic government, a clutch of recalcitrant regimes around the world seems firmly stuck on what Barack Obama once called “the wrong side of history”. Iran’s misogynistic theocrats and Myanmar’s genocidal generals are among the worst offenders. Then there’s Vladimir Putin’s Russia, harking back to largely illusory former glories. Belarus, Syria, Nicaragua, Cambodia and Eritrea meet the regressive criteria, too. What all these regimes have in common is denial of the basic human right to self-determination – the individual’s right to have a say in how society is ordered. Yet for sheer malignity, few…

An intense phase of cold weather in Kazakhstan has caused damage to a gas pipeline and knocked heating and power stations offline across at least eight cities, once again exposing the creaking condition of much of the country’s key utility infrastructure. State news agency Kazinform reported on December 13 that damage sustained by a gas pipeline in the southern Zhambyl region left at least 1,200 homes without the fuel. A similar incident on the same section of pipeline, which has been in operation since 1991, reportedly occurred last winter. Two days prior to that incident, freezing temperatures knocked out heat and power…

ASTANA – The Turkistan and Kyzylorda Regions will receive 11.1 cubic kilometers of water by April 1, according to an agreement reached between Kazakh Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov and Central Asian countries at the 85th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) on Nov. 2 in Tashkent, reported the ministry’s press service. It is anticipated that 11.1 cubic kilometers of water will flow into the Shardara reservoir, whereas the Dostyk interstate canal will intake 487 million cubic meters of water. This will ensure a necessary water supply for the next growing season in both…

ASTANA — The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan has recently unveiled a comprehensive ranking of the most popular visitor centers within its national parks. The compilation highlights the significant role these centers play in providing essential services to visitors while ensuring minimal environmental impact. Turgensai, the Ile-Alatau National Park in the Almaty Region Offering a breathtaking natural panorama, Turgensai secured the top spot in Kazakhstan’s ranking of visitor centers and was attended by a total of 258,632 people. It is located 80 kilometers from Almaty. As a starting point on a journey through the protected areas of Turgensai Gorge,…

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday said his government will provide $1 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Speaking at the 10th leaders’ summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Astana, Tokayev said the ongoing escalation in Gaza could lead to “most serious consequences.” Israel has bombarded Gaza since the Oct. 7 surprise cross border attack by Palestinian group Hamas. It recently expanded the military campaign with ground invasion. There have been widespread calls for a cease-fire, but all have been ignored by Tel Aviv. Besides casualties and displacement, Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are grappling with shortages of…

PENTAGON — All 31 U.S.-made M1A1 Abrams tanks promised to Kyiv by the Biden administration have arrived in Ukraine, according to the U.S. military. Col. Martin O’Donnell, a spokesman for U.S. Army Europe and Africa, told VOA that all of the Ukrainians who trained on the tanks with U.S. forces in Germany have also returned to Ukraine, along with ammunition and spare tank parts. “We have lived up to our end of the bargain. From this point forward, it is up to them [Ukraine] to determine when and where they will deliver this capability,” O’Donnell said. Military officials say it could…

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in history. And we in Kazakhstan are proud of the fact that Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt during his visit to Kazakhstan in September 2013. This proposal, along with the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road proposed later in the same year, makes up the Belt and Road Initiative. Another interesting fact is that while last year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and China, this year marks 10 years of the Belt and Road Initiative,…

ASTAN. KAZINFORM – During the meeting, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave a number of instructions aimed at ensuring stable gas supplies, timely preparation for heating season, introducing the concept of careful gas consumption, and further price reforms, Kazinform cites Akorda. QazaqGaz Chairman Zharkeshov reported on the main financial and economic indicators of the national company in the first half of the year and the gas sector reforms. According to him, the company has implemented investment projects worth KZT400bn in Atyrau and Mangistau regions as well as in Almaty at its own expense since the beginning of 2022. QazaqGaz has subsided…