On October 11, 2019, a regular meeting of the joint Working Group on the implementation of the investment policy of the Council of Foreign Investors was held in Nur-Sultan, the agenda of which included a set of specific issues of decriminalization of tax offenses and improving customs legislation.According to the head of the Ministry of National Economy, Ruslan Dalenov, the work of the Working Group is very important for creating favorable conditions and solving systemic problems, primarily for investors implementing their projects in Kazakhstan.According to the work plan, this year the Working Group of the Council of Foreign Investors is working in such areas as improving legislation in accordance with international standards in the field of taxation, customs regulation, promotion and stimulation of investments.For reference: the Council of Foreign Investors is a deliberative and advisory body chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It was created in 1998 to provide a direct dialogue between the Government and foreign investors to solve problematic issues related to investment activities and improving the investment climate in the country. The main objectives of the Council are to develop recommendations and proposals submitted for consideration by the President and the Government of Kazakhstan on key aspects of the investment policy and economic development of the country.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/33728?lang=kk

Today in Nur-Sultan, a press tour was held on the facilities of a natural monopoly subject in the field of thermal energy production of Astana-Energy JSC with the participation of the Chairman of the Committee for Regulation of the Natural Monopoly of the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan A. Darbayev, the leadership of the territorial unit of the Committee for the city of Nur -Sultan, management of Astana-Energy JSC, as well as representatives of public organizations and the media.First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Astana-Energy JSC A. Nikiforov reported on the implementation of the Company's Investment Program for 2018-2019.Then the engineer of Astana-Energy JSC conducted safety briefings to the participants of the press tour and introduced the general work of the CHPP-2, showing the turbine shop of the CHPP-2, network pumps with a flow rate of 2500 cubic meters per hour, sections of the heating pipelines C- 1 and S-2 at the CHPP-2 site, the boiler house of CHPP-2 and the fuel and transport shop of CHPP-2.Chairman of the Committee Asan Darbaev also answered questions of the media representatives regarding the implementation of the investment program of the enterprise.It should be noted that the investment program of Astana-Energy JSC for 2018 on thermal energy was approved as part of the "Investment program of Astana-Energy JSC for 2018 - 2022." The Department of the Committee for the city of Nur-Sultan and the Energy Administration of the city of Astana in the amount of 963 699 thousand tenge.Priority areas of investment are:- ensuring the reliability of heat energy production;- implementation of environmental activities;- replacement of worn equipment;- increase the coefficient of performance (COP), equipment;- increase in heat energy production.According to the 2018 Investment Program for the Production of Thermal Energy, it was planned:- at CHPP-1 - 10 events;- at CHPP-2 - 17 events;- in district boiler houses - 4 events.As of January 1, 2019, 25 events were carried out in the amount of 891,993 thousand tenge, which is 92%.For the remaining 6 events in the amount of 73,093 thousand tenge, agreements were concluded, however, as of December 31, 2018, suppliers did not fulfill their contractual obligations.In accordance with Order No. 14-OD of March 1, 2019, “On Amendments and Additions to the Investment Program of Astana-Energy JSC for 2018 - 2022”, the Investment Programs of 2018-2019 were adjusted from the postponement of events to the amount of 73 093 thousand tenge for 2019.According to the 2019 Investment Program for the Production of Thermal Energy: 17 events are planned at TPP-1, 13 events are planned at TPP-2, and 8 events are planned at district boiler houses. Total with a total of 1,052 million tenge, adjusted.According to the 2020 Investment Program for the production of thermal energy in the amount of 976 million tenge: 10 activities are planned at TPP-1, 26 events are planned at TPP-2 and 5 events are planned at district boiler houses.The following main activities were carried out as part of the Investment Programs of 2018-2019 for the production of thermal energy:at CHPP-1- To improve the reliability of heat energy generation in 2018, “Development of a project for the reconstruction of a Vacuum Deaerator with the replacement of a jet apparatus for a column” was completed. To date, work is underway to implement the project.- The project “Modernization of the dust suppression and aspiration system at the unloading units and telescopic ejectors of the conveyor belt of station No. 6 of coal delivery to the warehouse No. 1 of TPP-1 of Astana-Energy JSC was implemented. The total number of upgraded equipment is four dumpers.The dust suppression system has improved the ecological state in the territory of TPP-1 and in the sanitary protection zone of the station.- For the operational maintenance and repair of equipment, a trailed welding machine was purchased (on the chassis) - 2 pcs .;- Overhaul of the chimney barrel No. 1 with a height of 100 meters was completed. at CHPP-2- To increase the degree of flue gas purification, four new swirl emulsifiers of boiler unit st. # 6 were purchased and installed;- to improve energy efficiency, a variable frequency drive (VFD) device for CHPP-2 buffer pumps was implemented;- to reduce nitrogen oxides, the installation of a tertiary blasting system was carried out on hot-water boiler units at st.No.1,2 VKTs CHPP-2;- Installed new network pumps with a flow rate of 2500 m³ in the amount of 2 pcs .;- Replaced VCC battery;- overhaul of the DZ-59 bulldozer was completed;- the fireproof material was coated with power and control cables. by District boiler houses- Purchased a truck with a carrying capacity of 15 tons (1 pc.);- purchased and replaced hot water boilers KVR-1.45 - 4 pcs .;- the installation of a new fire alarm for the boiler house UPTK in the city of Nur-Sultan;- Design and estimate documentation “Dismantling of old and construction of new boiler chimneys in the village. Industrial and in the village. Railway- Overhaul of the chimney of the boiler house of the village was completed UPTK. Public procurement competitions were held and contracts were concluded for the following events in 2019:- Purchase of a bagger pump. Delivery under the contract on October 20, 2019.- Reconstruction and partial replacement of sections of the pipelines of the heating network S-1 and S-2 at the CHP-2 site. 95% fulfillment. Completion of work on October 30, 2019.The event will increase the reliable and uninterrupted supply of thermal energy to the city.- Development of design and estimate documentation “Reconstruction of boilers of CHPP-1 and reconstruction of boilers of the hot-water boiler plant of CHPP-2 with conversion to gas”.This event is carried out within the framework of five social initiatives of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, namely, according to the fifth initiative: "Further gasification of the country." To date, design estimates have been developed and are undergoing state examination.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/33726?lang=kk

October 4 this year In Kostanay, the next seminar was held in the form of a business game to inform the public about the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Kazakhstan for representatives of local executive bodies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, academia and youth.The seminar was organized by the Institute of Economic Research JSC with the support of the United Nations Development Program, the Asian Development Bank in Kazakhstan, ADB and the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Opening the event, the director of the Center for Strategic Research and Sustainable Development, Institute of Economic Research JSC Hambar Bakytgul, emphasized the importance of consolidating the actions of all interested parties, as well as reaching all segments of the population, in particular socially vulnerable groups.The business game at one table brought together more than 50 people. Participants discussed current problems in the region, noting the most promising tasks and ways to solve them.Priority issues for the region are the need for access to quality medical services, full employment and decent work for all, the development of a high-quality and reliable infrastructure, an accessible and environmentally sustainable transport system, the elimination of social barriers, increased resource efficiency, rational development and efficient use of natural resources , the reduction of corruption and bribery in all its forms.The game allowed the people of Kostanay from different fields to share opinions with each other, hear everyone’s problems and agree among themselves on further actions for the sustainable development of the region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/33725?lang=kk

Among 141 countries, Kazakhstan took 55th place, having improved its position by 4 points compared to 2018.The rating is estimated by 12 factors, which consist of 103 indicators (55 statistical and 48 survey).Out of 12 factors, Kazakhstan’s position improved on 5 factors, worsened on 4 factors, and on 3 factors, the positions did not change. Positions of Kazakhstan in the ranking of GEF WEF№Name of factor A place2018A place2019Dynamics Общий рейтинг   1Institutes             6164▼32Infrastructure      6967▲23ICT implementation        4444-4Macroeconomic stability6260▲25Health                 9795▲26Skills                       5757-7Рынок товаров     5762▼58Рынок труда             3025▲59Финансовая система                     100104▼410Commodity Market4545-11Business agility                   3735▲212innovative potential  8795▼8 The competitive advantages of Kazakhstan are the factors “Labor Market” - 25th place (improvement by 5 positions) and “Dynamic business” - 35th place (improvement by 2 positions).At an average level, the factors “ICT implementation” - 44th place (no change), “Market size” - 45th place (no change), “Institutes” - 64th place (worsening by 3 positions), and “Infrastructure” - 67th place (improvement by 2 positions), “Macroeconomic stability” - 60th place (improvement by 2 positions), “Skills” - 57th place (unchanged) and “Commodity market” - 62nd place (deterioration by 5 positions).Kazakhstan's weak positions are identified by the factors “Health” - 95th place (improvement by 2 positions), “Financial system” - 104th place (deterioration by 4 positions) and “Innovation potential” - 95th place (decrease by 8 positions).Kazakhstan takes 1st place in the following indicators:shareholder rights in corporate governance;credit gap in the area of ​​financial system stability;regulatory framework for business insolvency.In addition, Kazakhstan ranks 2nd in the degree of electrification, and 7th in the cost of starting a business.In the GIK 4.0 rating of 2019, 141 countries took part. The five leading countries in this ranking included Singapore (1), USA (2), Hong Kong (3), Netherlands (4) and Switzerland (5).Kazakhstan is ahead of countries such as Colombia (57), Greece (59), Turkey (61), India (68) and Argentina (83).Among the CIS countries, the leader is Russia (43rd place), then Kazakhstan (55), Azerbaijan (58), Armenia (69), Georgia (74), Ukraine (85), Moldova (86), Kyrgyzstan (96), Tajikistan (104 )More detailed results of the rating can be found on the official website of the World Economic Forum https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-global-competitveness-report.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/33724?lang=kk

At a meeting of the working group held at the site of the antitrust authority, the problems of developing competition in the market for the construction of roads and building materials (bitumen, cement and gravel) were examined.In the examined product markets, experts identified the following problems: additional requirements for potential participants that create risks for an opaque tender; non-transparent formation of prices on the exchange, limited access to resources, a high level of influence of intermediaries on selling prices.According to the results of the operator’s procurement, a narrow circle of general contractors is annually recognized as winners in Kazakhstan. Moreover, in fact, up to 70% of the volume of work is carried out by subcontracting organizations, including with less cost.To solve the existing problems, the experts of the working group made proposals for the development of competition: to eliminate duplication of requirements stipulated by licensing when organizing procurements, reduce the amount of work (services) transferred by a potential supplier to subcontracting to 30%, reduce the basis for procurement from one source, improve the mechanism exchange trading, ensuring transparency in pricing, to work out the issue of ensuring access to subsoil plots of common mineral resources, include bitumen in the list of exchange trading.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/33721?lang=kk

PRETORIA, 15 October 2019 - Kanat Tumysh, new Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of South Africa, presented his letters of credence to Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa during a solemn ceremony held in the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse.During the course of this event, Ambassador Tumysh conveyed to the Head of State sincere greetings and warm wishes from Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, especially for the RSA’s outstanding UN Security Council Presidency, commending the high level of Kazakh-South African political, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations aimed at strengthening interstate cooperation across the entire spectrum of ties. The Ambassador confirmed the adherence of Kazakhstan’s leadership to further building-up efforts to improve mechanisms of mutually beneficial cooperation and updated about the key areas, outlined by President Tokayev in his this year’s most important speeches, in particular, the Inaugural statement and the State of the Nation Address. Yet, he mentioned Kazakhstan’s measures to diversify its economy, promote transit and transport potential and attract investment, and updated on the modernization of his country’s development in the political, social and economic spheres. This go in tune with the new initiatives of President Ramaphosa, elected in May 2019.Tumysh also focused on the need to deepen cooperation in the international organizations, where both sides have repeatedly proved their reputation as promoters of the principles of multilateralism and supporters of anti-war and anti-nuclear policies. In particular, on the UN Security Council seat, with the tenure of Kazakhstan in 2017-2018, and South Africa in 2019-2020. He also voiced important initiatives of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President and Leader of Nation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in particular, to create a new geopolitical reality based on three dialogues, as well as to free our planet from the scourges of terrorism and WMD.He pointed to the ideas of tolerance, as well as inter-ethnic and inter-confessional peace and harmony, promoted by his country. Kazakh diplomat also added, “Our countries have much in common. Both South Africa and Kazakhstan boast a diverse population with different ethnicities, religions, and traditions – a diversity that strengthens and enriches us”. As President Ramaphosa highlighted: “It is friends like you with whom we seek to work to protect and strengthen the rules-based multilateral system of global governance… as well as to address poverty, inequality, war, terrorism and climate change. These challenges are inter-related and mutually reinforcing. We should work together to discourage unilateralism in matters of international trade and security. We must work together to defend the integrity of our multilateral institutions by ensuring that they are effective, inclusive and truly democratic”.Touching on economic issues, the head of the host country called for the development of mutual tourism and investment: “To this effect, we will be hosting the second South Africa Investment Conference next month, from the 5th to the 7th of November. We welcome investors from your country to attend this Investment Conference and to see for themselves the potential for opportunities that exist in South Africa.”The President also emphasized the commitment of the government and the people of South Africato deepening economic partnership, political dialogue and cooperation with Kazakhstan on matters of mutual interest, conveying warm greetings to the leadership of this friendly country. He wished to Ambassador K. Tumysh enjoyable and meaningful stay in South Africa.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33433?lang=kk

On 14 October 2019 the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan R.Vassilenko as a guest of honor attended the celebration of the ITEC Day (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation).In his statement, the Deputy Foreign Minister noted the importance and relevance of the ITEC courses to Kazakhstani specialists in various fields (information technology, English, cybersecurity, medicine, etc.) and wished success to this program in further deepening cooperation between Kazakhstan and India.As the Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan P.Kumar informed, 1020 citizens of Kazakhstan from 1990s to 2019 were trained at various courses of the ITEC, which was established in 1964.   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33422?lang=kk

BAKU, 14 October, 2019 - The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan Serzhan Abdykarimov presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev this morning in Baku.During the conversation, the President of Azerbaijan emphasized the warm and good relations that have historically developed with the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev, which continue to develop successfully with the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which allowed bringing bilateral cooperation to a high level of strategic partnership. Ilham Aliyev shared his vision on further strengthening and expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation in investment, trade and economic, fuel and energy, transit and transport, agricultural, cultural and humanitarian and other fields.The Ambassador thanked the President of Azerbaijan for agreeing to his appointment, spoke about his plans and expressed his readiness to take efforts to intensify the entire spectrum of relations between the two fraternal states and peoples.President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Ambassador Abdykarimov on his assuming to new position and wished him success in his future activities.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33419?lang=kk

Almaty region, 04.10.2019 - An international business forum Jetisy Invest-2019 took place in Taldykorgan, Almaty region. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ermek Kosherbayev, Akim of Almaty Region Amandyk Batalov, Deputy CEO of KAZAKH INVEST Birzhan Kaneshev as well as over 400 representatives of the diplomatic corps, financial organisations and international and local business circles from 7 countries. The forum participants signed commercial agreements for 13 projects worth $ 859.7 million. The Akim of Almaty region Amandyk Batalov noted that despite the global economic crisis and general decline in investment inflows, domestic investments grew by 27% in Almaty region between 2014 and 2016. In 2018, the Almaty region was Kazakhstan’s leading region in terms of attracting foreign investments. Volume of investments in the region has been growing annually by 20% since 2016. In turn, the Deputy CEO of KAZAKH INVEST Birzhan Kaneshev emphasised the importance of favourable investment climate in the country: “The Government carried out a number of reforms to improve the country’s investment climate by introducing and implementing global best practices. Today, we have a three-level system for supporting foreign investors, including Kazakhstan’s representative offices abroad at the external level, KAZAKH INVEST at the central level and regional front offices operating on the “one-stop shop” basis. The representatives of large and multinational companies, such as Leroy-Merlin, Mareven Food, Waste Energy KZ, ArKazInvest and others shared about their successful experience in the region. During the forum, it was noted that the region is suitable for implementation of renewable energy projects. Thus, 24 out of 74 renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan operate in Almaty region. One of the projects, Kazakhstan’s largest solar power plant with a capacity of 100 MW, was implemented with participation of a major investor from Singapore - Universal Energy and launched in September. Next year, the same company plans to launch a solar and a wind power plants with a capacity of 50 MW each. In addition, another 28 renewable energy projects are at different stages of implementation.Currently, KAZAKH INVEST project pipeline includes 34 projects worth $3.8 billion in Almaty region. Of these, 12 projects are at the construction stage and 22 - at the development stage. By end of the year, there are plans to implement 10 projects resulting in creation of 1200 jobs.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33219?lang=kk

Almaty region, October 4, 2019 - The front office for investment attraction and investors’ support started operations in Almaty region. The office was launched in line with the Government’s order to establish special front offices for investors in the country. The office, operating on the principle of "one-stop shop", is located in the financial center of Kazakhstan – Almaty city with the address Zheltoksan St. 112. “The front office, operating on the “one-stop shop” principle, provides not only comfortable conditions for obtaining public services, but also availability and transparency of procedures as well as effective interaction with authorities” - said Birzhan Kaneshev, Deputy CEO of KAZAKH INVEST.The front office will house specialists from local executive bodies, public service centers, Regional Chambers of Entrepreneurs Atameken, Damu Entrepreneurship Fund, socio-entrepreneurial corporations (SEC), migration, customs and tax authorities, as well as public notaries and translators.  At the front office, all investors and businessmen will be served in nine directions, namely provision of public services, project support, marketing and accounting services, procurement consultations, CT KZ certification, assistance from financial institutions and development institutes, protection of rights and legitimate interests of business, as well as assistance in solving all migration, customs and tax issues. It is worth noting that, today, across Almaty region there are 34 investment projects worth $3.8 billion registered in the KAZAKH INVEST Monitoring System. Of these, 12 projects are under the construction, while 22 projects are at the development stage. In general, 10 projects will be implemented by the end of the year creating 1200 jobs.National Company KAZAKH INVEST JSC is a subordinate organization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. KAZAKH INVEST, acting as a "single negotiator" on behalf of the Government of the country, provides a full range of services to support investment projects, including registration, obtaining various permits and approvals required for the implementation of investment activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33218?lang=kk

On May 14 of this year, the Justice Department of Atyrau region,together with representatives of the Regional Notary Chamber and second-tier banks of Atyrau,passed a round table in order to clarify the requirements.Of the Law «On state registration of rights to real estate» and the implementation of works on state registration of rights to real estate on-line.During the meeting, notaries were explained to the parties,making the transaction the efficiency of the electronic registration format,talked about the issues that arose when registering transactions.Also, the bank's employees explained,that all documents passed electronic registration must comply with the legislation and that it is necessary to correctly explain to the population the pattern of electronic registration.At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed their views and clarified the existing issues. Press Service of the Department of JusticeAtyrau regionSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/adilet/press/news/details/32898?lang=kk

Following the conducted analysis of Almaty’s economy, budget and credit profile over the last five years, Fitch assigned the investment grade “BBB” in terms of Long-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs), and a Standalone Credit Profile (SCP) of “BBB+”https://www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/10088964.According to Fitch’s international rating scales, “BBB” represents a good credit quality of the issuer, indicating current low expectations of the credit risk.The new rating is an acknowledgement of the city’s efforts, supported by International Finance Cooperation (IFC, a member of the World Bank Group) through its Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Cities Program, to identify long-term private finance solutions that support the city’s ambitious infrastructure program. ECA Cities Program partners with municipalities to facilitate green and sustainable municipal infrastructure development and improve key services including in public transportation, water, sanitation and waste management, energy efficient and smart city technologies.  As part of its work with the city, IFC provided guidance and recommendations to Almaty in preparing relevant documentation for applying for an international credit rating and throughout the process of obtaining a rating. An international credit rating is crucial to provide investors with an indication of Almaty’s creditworthiness and fulfilment of its financial obligations and is a first step of strategic partnership between IFC and Almaty to pave the way for long-term, non-sovereign financing solutions for major infrastructure projects. This work is being implemented in close partnership with the World Bank, which brings its extensive urban infrastructure and policy expertise to the partnership.  «Receiving an international credit rating is an important step in enhancing the city’s ability to attract commercial long-term financing for its growing investment needs. IFC’s objective is to spur investment in modern infrastructure and help Almaty deliver efficient and sustainable services to improve the quality of life of its residents», - Cassandra Colbert, IFC’s Regional Manager for Central Asia.Almaty’s credit rating will be included in the list of leading world capitals assessed by Fitch Ratings to draw the attention of international business communities and financial institutions.«A high credit rating creates a favorable investment climate in the city of Almaty and facilitates the establishment of a promising investment platform for business initiatives. It is worth noting that we aim to further improve the current SCP “BBB+” up to the higher investment levels and leverage long-term financing from world leading international financial institutions», - says Usserov Ilyas, Deputy Mayor.IFC and the Mayor’s Office of the City of Almaty signed an agreement in February in which IFC would help support the municipality in accessing long-term capital and ramping up its investments in critical infrastructure.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/32245?lang=kk

The Republic of Kazakhstan welcomes the accession of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking states (Turkic Council, CCTS).On 14 September 2019, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a Decree on the accession to the Nakhchivan Agreement on the Establishment of the Cooperation Council of the Turkic-speaking states. On the same day Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, send the instrument of accession to the CCTS Secretariat.Turkic Council was established on 3 October 2009 by the initiative of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Leader of the Nation Nursultan Nazarbayev. The founders of the organization are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey.This historic decision important for the Turkic world coincides with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Nakhchivan Agreement. The Heads of States of the organization will sign the decision on the membership of Uzbekistan into the Turkic Council during the 7th Summit of the Turkic Council devoted to the development of small and medium-sized business, which will be held in Baku on 15 October 2019.Uzbekistan’s membership in the CCTS will strengthen the integration of the Turkic world and bring new horizons of cooperation at the times when the Turkic Council is taking concrete steps to strengthen the economic interaction of the Turkic states. In May 2019 in the capital of Kazakhstan within the framework of the XII Astana Economic Forum, the joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkic-speaking states was launched with the aim to further enhance ties between businessmen and increase trade turnover between countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32243?lang=kk

On 17 September UN Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt visited Almaty, in the framework of which he attended the new UN building. This is the first visit of the UN representative at this level to a new building. During a tour inside the building, UN Special Envoy was introduced with the initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan on establishment of UN Regional Hub on the basis of a new building, which was positively received by him.In his opinion, Kazakhstan is an important partner of the organization and makes a significant contribution to the efforts in development of a global partnership to improve road safety. Kazakhstan also pays special attention to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals not only in the country, but also with a focus on the Central Asian region.After visiting the UN building, J. Todt met with the mayor of Almaty Bakhytzhan Sagintayev, and also met with representatives of secondary education at school No.90.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32240?lang=kk

While in Hangzhou, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited the China National Tea Museum.During the tour of the halls, the Head of the Administration Committee of West Lake Tourist Attraction of Hangzhou Wen Wenjie and Director of the Museum Wu Xiaoli told the President Tokayev about the subtleties of tea traditions and tea etiquette, as well as about the peculiarities of tea culture in various provinces of China. The President was shown a tea ceremony.Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also visited the Leifeng Pagoda and examined the ancient manuscripts collected in the library on the territory of the pagoda.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32236?lang=kk

As part of his two-day state visit to the People's Republic of China, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Hangzhou, located in Zhejiang province.In Hangzhou, Kazakhstan’s President visited the leading global supplier of innovative products “Hikvision” company.Hikvision’s CEO Chen Zongnan told President Tokayev about his company’s activities and implementation of some commercial projects in Central Asia.Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was presented the company's developments in the robotics, big data processing, artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32234?lang=kk

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia Fernando Huanacuni Mamani in Astana on August 17, 2017. This is the first ever visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia to Kazakhstan in the history of bilateral relations.The agenda of the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was focused on multilateral cooperation, considering that Kazakhstan and Bolivia are currently non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council for 2017-2018. Ministers noted the importance of coordination of joint efforts within the framework of the UN and other international organizations to promote common interests and strengthen Kazakhstan-Bolivian partnership in such areas as nuclear disarmament and creation of a world free of nuclear weapons.Ministers also discussed the present state and development prospects of bilateral relations, based on positive experience of participation of Bolivia in the EXPO 2017. They noted the potential to develop bilateral cooperation in the energy and mining industry and to promote small and medium business ties. They also expressed shared interest for cooperation in education and sports.In conclusion of the meeting Kazakh and Bolivian Foreign Ministers signed the Political Declaration that reflects the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation, including the decision to hold political consultations between Ministries of Foreign Affairs to support further broadening of dialogue between Kazakhstan and Bolivia.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32003?lang=kk

August 19, 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Portuguese Republic. Throughout a quarter-century of friendship and rapport, cooperation between Astana and Lisbon has developed in an environment of mutual benefit and progress. The visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, to Portugal in 2010, as well as the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic, Paulo Portas, to Kazakhstan in 2014 became significant milestones in bilateral relations. Collaboration between the foreign ministries and relevant agencies of the two nations is strengthening. The first political consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs took place in 2012. The opening of the Embassy of Portugal in Astana in 2015 gave additional impetus to the development of bilateral cooperation. Economic ties are seeing steady expansion. Astana and Lisbon host business meetings on a regular basis, which increasingly lead to the opening of new avenues for mutually beneficial partnerships. Among the promising fields for bilateral economic cooperation are energy (including alternative energy), electronics, agriculture, food industry, pharmaceuticals, civil engineering, and consumer goods. An important line of cooperation is multilateral interaction within the framework of the UN, the OSCE, and other international organizations where Kazakhstan and Portugal hold similar or identical positions on key issues on the international agenda. Kazakhstan is committed to further strengthening political dialogue and expanding comprehensive collaboration with Portugal.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32001?lang=kk

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Honduras Maria Dolores Aguero, who is paying the first visit by the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Astana in the history of bilateral relations.During the meeting held in a friendly atmosphere the parties expressed their interest to establish political dialogue between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Honduras. They also noted the need to identify the most promising areas of bilateral relations, including trade and tourism.The Ministers exchanged views on pressing issues of international relations and regional security. They noted similarity in approaches of two countries on key matters of multilateral agenda and underlined the need to continue fruitful engagement within the framework of the United Nations, where Honduras has put forward its candidacy to the Security Council for 2022-2023.Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov informed about Kazakhstan's engagement with such platforms of regional cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean as the Organization of American States, Association of Caribbean States, Caribbean Community and others. Another important organization is the Central American Integration System that has Honduras among its members and aims to create a free trade zone and common market.Minister of Foreign Affairs of Honduras led respectable delegation to participate in the celebration of the National Day of Honduras at the EXPO 2017 in Astana. Honduras is operating a pavilion and celebrated this day with an exciting performance of its artists.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/31375?lang=kk

ASTANA, 10 September, 2017 - President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev opened the First Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on science and technology.The heads of delegations adopted Astana declaration of the First Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on science and technology “Science and technology, innovation and modernization in Islamic world"Also, the OIC Chairman's summary report of the meeting of heads of State and Government on the Rohingya muslim community in Myanmar was approved.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/31267?lang=kk