The 17th meeting of the Commission on Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi was held on November 18, 2019.The meeting agenda of the Commission included the implementation of global anti-nuclear and other foreign policy initiatives of the First President of Kazakhstan, Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev, strengthening of the country’s nuclear and biological security, as well as enhancement of the export control system and interaction with the international community.Moreover, the Commission supervises the launch of the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank in Kazakhstan and the training of relevant specialists.Ministers and heads of agencies participating in the meeting of the Commission informed about the progress in the implementation of the instructions given in the previous period. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35761?lang=kk

On November 13-14, 2019, a regional meeting of experts was held in Almaty to promote measures to nationalize and localize the gender goals of sustainable development (SDGs).The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, together with UN Women, was aimed at uniting the efforts of governments, the UN system, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders in order to mobilize all available resources to fulfill the gender equality commitments under the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev noted that a three-year project “Assistance in the Nationalization of Gender Goals of Sustainable Development in Central Asia” has been implemented to support national efforts to fulfill gender goals and indicators of the 2030 Agenda.The project has empowered national partners to formulate a holistic approach to nationalizing and localizing SDGs, with an emphasis on promoting gender equality and women's rights, strengthening regional dialogue and cooperation, and expanding the capacity of civil society in Central Asian countries to monitor the implementation of the SDGs for gender equality.The event was attended by representatives of state bodies, civil society, the non-governmental sector of Central Asian countries, as well as international experts.On the sidelines of the conference, Mr Ashikbayev met with the UN Women Deputy Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Blerta Cela, and discussed the pressing issues of cooperation with UN Women, in particular, the implementation of promising projects in the field of gender policy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35693?lang=kk

On November 14-15, 2019, in Moscow, the latest round of consular consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation took place, with the participation of the relevant authorities of the two countries.During the meeting, the parties discussed pressing issues of cooperation in order to protect the rights and interests of the two states, as well as to implement bilateral and multilateral agreements and conventions in the consular and legal field.Following the consultations, the parties confirmed their intentions to continue bilateral relations on consular issues on a regular basis.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35690?lang=kk

NUR-SULTAN, November 14, 2019 – Kazakhstan and Italy are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the bilateral Agreement on Strategic Partnership signed on November 5, 2009 in Rome. The successful implementation of this important document for Kazakh-Italian relations document was discussed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Manlio Di Stefano, who is currently on a working visit to Nur-Sultan. Delegations examined the conditions and prospects of enhancing political cooperation, as well as reaffirming their common positions of interaction in the international arena.Cooperation in trade, economic activity and investment were particularly emphasized. Moreover, they separately highlighted the transport and logistics potential of Kazakhstan, as well as the importance of cooperation between Kazakhstan, Italy and China within the context of the implementation of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.The ratification by the Senate of Italy of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Kazakhstan was noted in a particularly positive light. During the course of his visit, the Italian diplomat also met with Governor of the Astana International Financial Center Kairat Kelimbetov, and the leadership of the Ministries of Finance, Agriculture and Ecology.In addition, Mr Di Stefano spoke at the Kazakh-Italian business forum, organized in cooperation with the Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna JSC.For reference: Italy takes the second place among the trading partners of Kazakhstan and the first place among partners from the EU countries. Between January and September of 2019, mutual trade amounted to $6.9 billion ($5.9 billion in exports and $1 billion in imports). At the same time, the volume of direct Italian investments to Kazakhstan’s economy has reached $5.8 billion since 2005. There are 164 enterprises with Italian participation registered.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35687?lang=kk

Nur-Sultan, 2019, November 13 - The First Kazakh-Italian business forum was held in Nur-Sultan. The event, organized as part of the working visit of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic Manlio Di Stefano to Kazakhstan, was attended by over 200 representatives of business circles, national companies, government bodies of the two countries.During the forum, prospects for the development of projects in the field of energy, renewable energy, the petrochemical, manufacturing and agricultural sectors were discussed. Italian businessmen operating in Kazakhstan shared their impressions of activities in our country and recommended that the representatives of the Italian business community study objectively the business opportunities in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as the conditions for investors were found to be comfortable.In his speech, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Manlio Di Stefano noted that over the years of Independence and the transition to a market economy, Kazakhstan has managed to achieve significant successes, ensuring stable economic development and a favorable investment climate, and a high level of successful and effective relations between Kazakhstan and Italy has been achieved."I am sure that today's business forum will give impetus to the development of economies and business ties between the two countries. We have huge opportunities to expand trade, economic and investment cooperation, " said Mr. Manlio Di Stefano. In his turn, Ambassador-at-large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yerlan Khairov underlined that Kazakhstan and Italy have great potential for increasing investment cooperation, urging businessmen of the two countries to actively establish business contacts and implement investment projects.“Between our countries there is considerable potential for expanding and deepening bilateral partnerships in the economic sphere, especially in the three priority sectors, such as alternative energy, agriculture and digitalization. In our country, the national company KAZAKH INVEST operates, which works on the principle of "one window" for current and potential foreign investors, providing support for investment projects from the idea to its implementation. In general, I express my readiness to provide comprehensive support to both foreign and national investors, ”said the speakerV khode foruma obsuzhdeny voprosy sotrudnichestva v realizatsii proyektov mashinostroyeniya i produktov pitaniya. Krome togo, kazakhstanskaya storona ne tol'ko prezentovala svoi vozmozhnosti na polyakh foruma, no i provela ryad rabochikh vstrech s ital'yanskimi partnerami v formate B2B.During the forum, issues of cooperation in the implementation of engineering projects and food products were discussed. In addition, the Kazakh side not only presented its capabilities on the sidelines of the forum, but also held a number of working meetings with Italian partners in B2B format.For example, representatives of Pavlodar Social-Entrepreneurship Corporation JSC held talks with the management of Naba Carni companies on the implementation of a joint project for the processing of horse meat in the territory of the Pavlodar region. Also, an agreement was reached between the delegation of the Pavlodar SEC and the Rota Guido company to consider an investment project in the development of the agro-industrial complex.During the forum, the parties noted that the agreements reached and the decisions given gave impetus to enhance bilateral economic cooperation, as well as outlined new opportunities and prospects for partnership between business circles of both states.The first Kazakh-Italian business forum was organized by the Embassy of the Italian Republic in the Republic of Kazakhstan, JSC " NC "KAZAKH INVEST", JSC " SWF "Samruk-Kazyna" and the company "ITA italian trade agency". It will be remembered that Italy is the largest trading partner of Kazakhstan among the countries of the European Union and one of the leading investors in the economy of our country.By today,   the volume of Italian investments in the Kazakh economy is 6.6 billion US dollars. The foreign trade turnover of Kazakhstan with Italy for 8 months of 2019 amounted to 6.7 billion US dollars. Totally, in Kazakhstan work about 270 companies with the participation of Italian capital. It should be noted that the forum was held in the spirit of mutual understanding and trust, the parties noted that the agreements reached and the decisions taken gave impetus to the activation of bilateral economic cooperation, as well as outlined new opportunities and prospects for partnership between the business circles of both States.  JSC "National company "KAZAKH INVEST" 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 necessary for the implementation of investment activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's exports are fuel and raw materials (crude oil and gas condensate, petroleum products derived from bituminous minerals, fuel oil, and wheat. The second most important group are metals and their products (zinc, gold, copper and ferroalloys).The main commodity groups imported from Italy are consumer goods, and machinery and equipment predominate.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35684?lang=kk

BRUSSELS, November 13, 2019 – The leadership of Kazakhstan is committed to further enhancing cooperation with the European Union, and with the start of the new European Commission and the full entry into force of a large-scale agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU, this cooperation will receive a new significant impetus. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Roman Vassilenko, in Brussels, during a roundtable discussion held on November 13 at the Euractiv media agency on the topic “New Kazakh leadership: What impact for EU-Kazakhstan relations?” Additional speakers at the event included Andris Ameriks, Member of the European Parliament and Deputy Head of the European Parliament's delegation on relations with Central Asian countries, Samuel Vesterbye, Managing Director of the European Neighborhood Council, Philippe van Amersfoort, Deputy Head of the Central Asia Division at the European External Relations Service, as well as Jocelyn Guitton, Policy Coordinator for Kazakhstan of the DG Trade of the European Commission. The roundtable discussion was also attended by the European Commission, representatives of the diplomatic missions of the EU member states in Brussels, European expert community and the media.Roman Vassilenko introduced the audience to the first results of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s achievements, the main provisions of his first State of the Nation Address, as well as the priorities of his domestic and foreign policies. He pointed out that 2019 was an important year in the history of bilateral relations in light of the adoption of a new Strategy for Central Asia and the ratification of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the EU, signed on December 21, 2015. Confirming the commitment of the country's leadership to further enhancing the cooperation with the European Union, the Kazakh diplomat expressed his confidence that with the assumption of a new European Commission and the full entry into force of the EPCA, relations with Kazakhstan will receive a new significant impetus.Andris Ameriks pointed out that Kazakhstan is one of the key partners of the EU in Central Asia both in terms of political and economic cooperation, and in terms of regional security.In turn, Philippe van Amersfoort welcomed the reforms in Kazakhstan aimed at strengthening the rule of law and the work of the recently created dialogue platform between Kazakhstan and the EU on economic and business issues with the participation of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, which helps to build and diversify trade and economic cooperation.Jocelyn Guitton drew attention to the fact that Kazakhstan is the largest trading partner of the EU among the countries of Central Asia: 86% of trade between the EU and the Central Asian region is accounted for by our country. He added that the transit and transport potential of Kazakhstan as a country between Asia and Europe could be a powerful driver of the country's economic growth.Samuel Vesterbye, who had the opportunity to observe presidential elections in Kazakhstan in June 2019, noted the importance of wide-spread involvement of civil society in the processes of modernizing the country's social and political life.The participants of the event were unanimous in their opinion that the effective implementation of the EPCA will be key to expanding economic ties and increasing trade between Kazakhstan and the European Union, attracting European technologies and investments and creating new jobs.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35683?lang=kk

BRUSSELS, November 12, 2019 – The Berlaymont, the central headquarters of the European Commission, hosted an official ceremony of the European Union's joint educational program for training Afghan women in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the EU Nazifullah Salarzai, the leadership of the European External Action Service, the EU Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, as well as high representatives of UNDP and UN Women. In his statement, Deputy Minister Vassilenko reaffirmed that promoting stability in Afghanistan and establishing a regional peace zone in Central Asia was one of the most important priorities of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy. The trilateral educational program between the EU, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan should help to achieve this goal by supporting the empowerment of Afghan women. This initiative enables the training of 40 Afghan female students in higher educational institutions of Kazakhstan until 2025. The training will cover agriculture, applied statistics and mining. Ten more girls will study agriculture in Uzbekistan. Deputy Minister Vassilenko thanked the EU for supporting Kazakhstan's proposal to launch this program, in particular, for allocating 2 million euros to fund it. Moreover, he expressed gratitude to UNDP and UN Women for the practical implementation of the program.According to him, “the program is an excellent example of how Central Asian countries can, in  light of a new vision of cooperation and understanding, jointly propose and implement effective solutions for the benefit of the overall development of the region.” Moreover, this initiative demonstrates the willingness of Brussels and the Central Asian capitals to offer effective solutions for the practical implementation of the new EU Strategy for Central Asia.The Kazakh diplomat noted that in his statement at the 74th session of the UNGA in New York in September, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed to establish a Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Almaty, which would cover both Central Asia and Afghanistan. It is symbolic that the program for Afghan women covers, in one way or another, six of the seventeen goals – quality education (Goal 4), gender equality (Goal 5), decent work and economic growth (Goal 8), reduced inequality (Goal 10), peace, justice and strong institutions(Goal 16) and partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17).“Hopefully, in the near future this program proves its worth and success, which will allow us to work on its expansion, as previously planned. And we expect it to serve as a prototype for new mechanisms of cooperation in Eurasia, Central Asia, with the European Union, especially with regard to and in cooperation with Afghanistan,” the Deputy Minister said. Significantly, both Foreign Minister Kamilov and Deputy Minister Vassilenko in their statements unanimously called on the international community to see in Afghanistan the source of new opportunities rather than problems. At the ceremony, speakers of the European External Action Service, UNDP and other organizations, as well as the Ambassador of Afghanistan to the EU expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for initiating and implementing this program. They highlighted Kazakhstan's contribution to the stabilization of Afghanistan within its membership in the UN Security Council in 2017-2018, primarily during its presidency of the Security Council in January 2018.At the ceremony, UNDP presented a short video featuring Afghan girls participating in the program, as well as inspiring interviews with them about great opportunities that education in Kazakhstan will offer them. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35681?lang=kk

WASHINGTON, November 12, 2019 - The official reception celebrating the establishment of the US.-Kazakhstan Congressional Caucus took place on the Capitol Hill today. The US.-Kazakhstan Congressional Caucus is a bipartisan group led by co-chair Congressmen Steve Chabot, Gregory Meeks and Robert Aderholt. The establishment of the Caucus is an important step towards the further strengthening of the enhanced strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States as well as development of the inter-parliamentary ties between the two countries following the official visit of the First President of Kazakhstan – Leader of the Nation Nursultan Nazarbayev to Washington, DC in January 2018 and visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to New York in September 2019. The tradition of caucuses stems from 18th century when supporters would unite to achieve one common political goal. Today the caucuses are widespread in the legislative branch. There are democratic and republican caucuses.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35676?lang=kk

The head of NKR summed up the results of the socio-economic development of the region for 2019. Kumar Aksakalov announced the results of the work during a press conference in Nur-Sultan at the site of the Central Communications Service.North Kazakhstan region completes the year 2019 with good performance. Over three years, more than 320 billion tenge will be invested in the economy of the region. This year alone, 92 billion tenge have been allocated to address systemic issues.For three years, exports have increased by 1.3 times in the region. This year, exports have grown by 15%, amounting to more than 141 million dollars.An indicator of the development of NKR is agriculture. Over 3 years, gross output has increased from 411 billion to 580 billion tenge. By the end of the year, this figure will reach 600 billion tenge. In 2019, farmers have collected more than 5.1 million tons of grain in difficult weather conditions.The area of oilseeds has increased to 1 million hectares, that is, by 2 times. This year, North Kazakhstan region became a pilot region under «Northern Soybean» program, 20 thousand hectares have been sown. In 2020, an increase to 100 thousand hectares is planned.Over the recent years, modern wheat processing plants have been launched in NKR. In the future, such plants will allow processing up to 90% of the produced grain.The plant named after Kirov and PZTM are updating equipment. At the plant named after Kirov, the annual output has reached 10.7 billion tenge. The plant is launching production of computer equipment. PZTM began assembling thermal cars, the capacity will be 1200 cars per year.The opening of new enterprises and the creation of a favorable investment climate is facilitated by the special economic zone «QYZYLJAR».«There are already agreements with a leading global manufacturer of agricultural machinery, with the German concern Claas; one of the leading Turkish companies «YDA Holding», i.e. the construction of a multidisciplinary regional hospital with 500 beds; «Alageum Electric» — a factory for the manufacture of electrical equipment. Only these companies plan to invest about 90 billion tenge with the creation of up to 1.5 thousand jobs», — Kumar Aksakalov said.The amount of the initial investment will be 160 billion tenge. It is planned to create 3 thousand new jobs. Also, new plants are opening in North Kazakhstan region. The plant of metal-plastic products was launched. Stripping operations in the Syrymbet tin deposit have begun. In Petropavlovsk, they launched a new Factory of household chemicals for the production of solid and liquid soap.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sko/press/news/details/35653?lang=kk

North Kazakhstani residents celebrate the Day of the Workers of Agriculture, Food and Processing Industries. This year, local farmers have been able to grow and harvest over 5.1 million tons of grain. Today, NKR has the highest level of diversification of agricultural production.«Despite the difficult weather conditions, we managed to get a good harvest. 18 centners of grain have been collected from each hectare. This is the result of the daily painstaking work of machine operators, tractor drivers, combine harvesters, agronomists, and engineers. Every day, they go to work with one goal, which is ensuring the food security of our country», — Kumar Aksakalov said.The number of processing enterprises increases annually. So, for this year only, 3 digital dairy farms have been built. In the near future, it is planned to create another 10. NKR is the leader in attracting investment in the agricultural sector. That is proved by the launch of a modern robotic feed mill of Kazmeal LLP. Over 4 billion tenge was invested in the project, half of which was funds of foreign partners.Today, on their professional holiday, the best representatives of the agricultural sector received awards from the akim of the region, in total over 60 people. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sko/press/news/details/35641?lang=kk

LINZ, November 11, 2019 - In order to further develop and strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Austria, the Ninth Meeting of the Kazakh-Austrian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Agricultural, Environmental, Technical, Industrial and Technological Cooperation (IGC) was conducted in Linz.The Kazakh side was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko, while the Austrian side was represented by Florian Frauscher, Director General of Economic Affairs, Innovation and Internationalization Department of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs of Austria. The meeting was also attended by representatives of sectoral ministries and departments of the two countries.The regional context is gaining increasing importance in the relations between Kazakhstan and Austria, which allows establishing direct ties between certain regions of the two countries. In this regard, the regular meeting of the IGC was not carried out in the capital of Austria - Vienna, but in the territory of the federal state of Upper Austria - Linz.“It is very symbolic that the meetings of the Kazakh-Austrian IGC have a historical context as always. For example, the last meeting in Vienna in October 2016 was held on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Austria. Today's meeting is also significant, as it is for the first time not held in the capital, but in the region, which reflects the growing importance of the regional aspect of bilateral cooperation. In addition, this year marks 10th anniversary of the IGC meetings,” R. Vassilenko said in his speech.In accordance with the IGC agenda, an exchange of views took place on the current economic situation in Kazakhstan and Austria, and on measures taken by the governments of the two countries to develop economies. Confirming their interest in deepening mutually beneficial economic partnership, the parties discussed the prospects for further collaboration in the field of energy, transport, agriculture, healthcare, digitalization, utilities, and regional cooperation.Representatives of Kazakhstan’s sectoral agencies briefed Austrian colleagues on the current situation in the field of energy, environmental protection, waste management, transport and communications. Noting the mutual interest in building cooperation in a number of areas, the IGC participants updated the list of priority joint business projects and agreed to strengthen bilateral collaboration in specific sectors of the economy.Of particular interest to the Austrian side was the fact that Kazakhstan has introduced the “open sky” regime.“Since November 1, 2019, on behalf of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the open sky regime has been introduced at 11 airports in our country. Foreign companies are granted the fifth freedom of the air. This regime will operate for 3 years with the possibility of extension,” the Kazakh diplomat said, confirming the country's interest in opening direct flights between Nur-Sultan and Vienna.In turn, the Austrian side noted the existing high level of trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Austria. A number of major Austrian companies successfully operate in the Kazakhstani market in the field of information and communication technologies, light industry, and the agricultural sector. However, it was noted that the potential of bilateral interaction is still not fully realized and the parties should actively continue to increase the pace and volume of bilateral cooperation.“Kazakhstan is a very important partner for Austria. We pay great attention to the development of trade and economic relations. It is gratifying that representatives of Kazakhstan are participating in the Upper Austria Export Day, which is taking place here today in Linz. I also want to note with satisfaction that about 50 Austrian companies are successfully operating in Kazakhstan. All of this demonstrates that the IGC has a positive applied effect,” F. Frauscher, the IGC Co-Chair from Austria, stated.At the end of the IGC meeting, the parties signed the Final Protocol and agreed to hold the next 10th meeting in Kazakhstan.During the visit to Linz, the Deputy Foreign Minister, R. Vassilenko, also held talks with the Ministers of the Upper Austria Government on Economics and Infrastructure Markus Achleitner and Gunther Steinkellner. In the course of the meetings, the parties discussed the prospects for further promotion of bilateral cooperation between the regions of Kazakhstan and Austria. In this context, the parties elaborated on the substantive content of the Memorandum on Economic Cooperation between the Pavlodar region and Upper Austria, as well as between the cities of Wels and Uralsk. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35636?lang=kk

NUR-SULTAN, November 11, 2019 – Kazakhstan’s effective participation in European development programs within the new EU Strategy for Central Asia is likely to become an important tool for ensuring sustainable development of our country and the region. This was the keynote idea of the talks between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi and European Union's Special Representative for Central Asia Peter Burian, who arrived in Nur-Sultan to attend the 5th anniversary meeting of the Astana Club.The sides exchanged views on a broad range of relevant issues of the international and regional agenda, including strengthening partnerships between Kazakhstan and the European Union in such promising areas as environmental issues, digitalization, humanitarian exchanges and sustainable connectivity.The foreign minister stressed that 2019 became an important year in the history of bilateral relations in the context of the adoption of the new Strategy for Central Asia and the finalization of the ratification of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the EU, signed in 2015 in Nur Sultan.“We have high hopes for these strategic instruments, which mark the beginning of a fundamentally new stage of Kazakh-European relations. I am convinced that their successful implementation, first of all, will lead to the growth of mutually beneficial trade, economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union,” he said. The European diplomat emphasized that the European Union considered Kazakhstan as a crucial partner in the context of the Strategy for Central Asia. Mr Burian commended our country’s contribution to strengthening political, trade and economic cooperation, international security in Central Asia and Afghanistan. In this context, the European side informed about the launch of three new programs for the region with a total budget of 55.6 million euros. These projects are aimed at supporting investment, competitiveness and trade in Central Asia.The meeting also paid special attention to joint participation in the prospective calendar of events for 2020 through the Kazakhstan-EU and Kazakhstan-Central Asia cooperation, which includes high-level visits, participation in the Cooperation Council, conferences and round-tables. Following the talks, the parties agreed to maintain regular working contacts in order to realize the potential of constructive cooperation of the European Union with Kazakhstan and the region. In January-September 2019, Kazakhstan's foreign trade turnover with the EU countries amounted to $23.8 billion (export - $18.8 billion, import - $5 billion). In 2018, the trade amounted to $37.7 billion (exports - $31 billion, imports - $6.7 billion).According to the results of the first half of 2019, about $5.4 billion of direct investments were attracted from the EU countries. The gross inflow of FDI from the EU in 2018 amounted to $11.6 billion, which is 18.4% higher than in 2017 ($9.8 billion).Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/35635?lang=kk

A government working group led by the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Berdibek Saparbayev, arrived in North Kazakhstan region.It included the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan Birzhan Nurymbetov, the Vice-Ministers of Education and science Sholpan Karinova, of Healthcare Kamalzhan Nadyrov, of Culture and Sports Yeldos Ramazanov, of Information and Public Development Daniyar Yesin.The working trip began in Kyzylzhar district with a visit to residential houses for migrants from labor-surplus regions built as part of the Yenbek state program for the development of productive employment and mass entrepreneurship. This year, 688 families of immigrants have arrived in the region. Out of 2060 people, 1031 are of working age, 935 are children, 57 are students, 37 are pensioners. A comprehensive plan for the socio-economic development of the region envisages the construction of 2142 houses. 428 of them have been built this year.Berdibek Saparbayev visited the houses erected in the village of Baiterek, Kyzylzhar district, and talked with the new settlers.120 square meters, two bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen, sewer, fine finish. «Come and live in a warm house», — Ruslan Nasyrov says. He, his wife and two children arrived in Baiterek from the Kazygurt district of the Turkestan region in May.He does not regret his decision and does not plan to leave North Kazakhstan region.«I came here to visit a friend and he persuaded me to move. I went to the employment center, looked at what vacancies there were. They calculated everything for me, talked about the conditions. There were even a few options for work — in the end, I got a job as a driver. We were immediately told that we could get housing», — Ruslan Nasyrov says. — «We plan to stay here. We have a young family. It is necessary to achieve something in life. Baiterek is a good village. The people here are wonderful, always ready to help and come to agreement».There are no problems with new houses, new settlers say. Heating, light, there is everything you need for life.Then, the members of the working group visited the local school. There, they met with the residents of Baiterek, who expressed gratitude to the guests and noted that their village did not stand still and was developing, there were paved roads, water, and a good school. What they lacked was only a kindergarten. Local residents asked Berdibek Saparbayev to assist in making a preschool education institution in their village.The Deputy Prime Minister also visited Beskol aul. In the akimat of the district, the working group held a meeting with the population. The Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Birzhan Nurymbetov, spoke in detail about new approaches to state support for large and low-income families.In his speech, Berdibek Saparbayev noted that the main task of the working group was to assess the quality of life of the population and assist in solving problematic issues. In particular, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan spoke about the most important social areas: education and healthcare.«As for the transition to 12-year education, a special group is working now. The president gave the order: not to rush, the most important thing is the readiness of schools, teachers, textbooks and so on», — the deputy prime minister said. — «You have no serious problems with teachers, there are difficulties in the countryside. Under the program «With a diploma to the village», we must work with local executive bodies and provide teachers with appropriate conditions. Equip schools with laboratories and classrooms, this work is in progress and will be continued».Berdibek Saparbayev also urged citizens to use the opportunities that the state gave them and participate in state programs.«We have 14 state programs in various fields. They allow you to get a grant for 500 thousand tenge, you can also get a preferential microloan. But, unfortunately, not everyone uses the available mechanisms. Somebody does not want, somebody does not know. The main thing here is that the person has the desire to open his own business. We will continue to improve these mechanisms so that they work for the population and people use them, work, earn money and feed their families», — Berdibek Saparbayev emphasized.At the end of the meeting, members of the working group answered questions from the population.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sko/press/news/details/35439?lang=kk

Қазақстанның Экология, геология жəне табиғи ресурстар министрі Мағзұм Мырзағалиев "еститін мемлекет" тұжырымдамасын ілгерілету шеңберінде ұйымдастырылған Азаматтарды бірыңғай ұлттық қабылдау күнінде экология, қоршаған ортаны қорғау мəселесі толғандыратын қазақстандықтарды қабылдады.Азаматтар қойған сауалдардың ішінде мұнай тұнбаларын жою, су қоймаларын тазалау, қорықшылық қызмет жəне басқа да мəселелер бар."Барлық сұрақтарға түсіндірулер беріліп, кейбіреулері бойынша салалық комитеттерге неғұрлым кеңірек жұмыс істеуді тапсырдым. Өңірлердегі қабылдауларды экологиялық департаменттер басшылары жүргізді. Азаматтарды қабылдау тəжірибесі біздің ведомство үшін дəстүрге айналып, еститін мемлекет тұжырымдамасының нақты көрінісі болмақ",-деп жазды М. Мырзағалиев твиттерде азаматтарды қабылдау қорытындысы бойынша.Мəселен, Балтабеков Арманды Қазақстанның су қоймаларын биологиялық тазарту бойынша министрліктің қандай іс-шаралар жүргізіп жатқаны қызықтырады. Министр су қоймаларын тазарту қызметі ағымдағы жылы Су ресурстары комитетіне берілгенін түсіндірді. Қазіргі уақытта су қоймаларындағы төменгі шөгінділерді тазалау іс-шаралары жоспарын құру жұмыстары жүргізілуде. Еліміздің өңірлеріндегі қабылдауларды экология департаменттерінің басшылары өткізді.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ecogeo/press/news/details/34954?lang=kk

Since the beginning of the year, the number of representatives of small and medium-sized businesses in the region has increased by 1393 entities. This was announced at a press conference in the Regional Communications Service by the head of the regional department of entrepreneurship and tourism Ferdousi Kozhabergenov.“As of November 1 of this year, 52471 small and medium-sized businesses are registered in the region. At the beginning of the year, this indicator was 51078 subjects. In turn, the number of operating entrepreneurs increased by 3288 units, ”said Ferdousi Kozhabergenov.Currently, all conditions have been created for successful business, including training in the basics of entrepreneurship and financial support for start-up entrepreneurs. So, since the beginning of the year, 91 projects have been subsidized, with a total value of KZT 2.6 billion, and 81 entrepreneurs have received loan guarantees for a total of KZT 811 million.Along with this, the Head of State in his Address noted the importance of supporting small businesses. The government was instructed to develop a legislative framework for exempting micro and small business companies from paying income tax for a period of three years. This measure is aimed at stimulating the unemployed to start organizing their own business. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/34879?lang=kk

Since 2020, Fly Arystan has introduced a regular flight on the route Almaty-Kyzylorda-Almaty, Nur-Sultan-Kyzylorda-Nur-Sultan. Ticket cost from KZT 5999. This was reported in the Regional Department of Passenget Transport and Highways.“Dear Kyzylorda residents and guests of the city, flights from Fly Arystan will open from March next 2020,” the statement said.Recall the frequency of the flight is 7 times a week. Ticket sales start in January.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/34878?lang=kk

The World Grappling Championship among cadets, schoolchildren, youth and veterans ended in Baku (Azerbaijan).In the discipline of grappling-gi, in their weight and age categories, the Kyzylorda athletes Aiganym Bektibaeva, Nurtileu Nuradinov and Esirkep Seitbek won bronze medals.Grappling is a melee style in which the technique of all wrestling disciplines is combined.Athletes from 25 countries took part in the competitions. In the team event, the Kazakhstan team took second place.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/34568?lang=kk

Today in Kyzylorda, under the chairmanship of the chairman of the regional branch of the Nur Otan party, akim of the region Kuanyshbek Iskakov, party hearings of the Nur Otan party in the direction of Industrial Development were held. On the agenda, the work done on industrial development in Karmakshy, Shieli, Zhanakorgan and Kyzylorda were discussed.In Karmakshy district, within the framework of the first five-year state program, the Korkyt Ata Pilgrimage Center project was implemented. It was commissioned in 2013. The center can host up to 1500 tourists a year. Within the framework of the second five-year plan of the state program, the project “Opening a poultry farm with a capacity of 1500 tons of birds per year”. “One project was included in the industrialization map of the 1st and 2nd five-year plans for the district, the indicator is low. It turns out in 10 years only 2 projects. At the beginning of this year, the Dorstroy company leased the Korkyt Ata complex to a private entrepreneur. According to the plan, 15 jobs should be created at this enterprise, according to the Department of Revenue, currently only 3 people work there. Take control of job creation. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the design capacity, as well as the fact that the institution was opened 6 years ago, ”the region akim noted.The district akim Ashim Orazbekuly reported on the work done in the direction of industrial development in Shieli district. Within the framework of the first five-year plan of the program, 2 projects were included in the industrial map. This is IP "Palzhanov" for the production of bricks. It was established in 2012, the institution operates stably. Today it provides 10 people with permanent work. The second project is Altyn-bala-08 LLP for the production of reed slabs. Due to a dispute between the founders, his work by the decision of the regional coordinating council was temporarily suspended and excluded from the Industrialization Map. According to the second five-year plan of the program, 5 projects in the amount of KZT 149.2 billion are being implemented in Shieli district.“Why in the framework of the program only 2 projects were approved, why others are considered for a long time? There are no projects for light industry and furniture production. According to the results of 9 months of this year In the area there is a decline in light industry. Why, to solve this problem, the program does not provide financing for light industry projects? I ask you to take this issue under special control, ”K. Iskakov said.In Zhanakorgan district, as part of the first five-year plan, 2 projects were included in the industrialization map. The first is «SKZ-U» LLP, a sulfuric acid plant. The institution is stable. The second KH «Tatu Agro» for the production of tomatoes. This year, tomatoes were not planted due to bad soil, and corn is currently planted on 80 hectares of land.As part of the second five-year plan, 4 projects have been implemented in the region. This is «Premium Class - Stroy» LLP - lime production plant, «Kyzylorda AGROPlus» LLP - tomato paste production plant. In addition, within the framework of the republican industrialization map, the following projects are being implemented: the construction project of a mining and processing plant at the Shalkiya lead-zinc deposit, Kazakhstan Eurasian Logistic Service Company LLP, as well as the Agro-Industrial Complex LLP.Speaking about the program «Economics of simple things», the head of the region noted that not a single project was adopted in the region. K. Iskakov instructed to ensure the timely implementation of the relevant work.«Until the end of the year there is very little time left, not a single project has been adopted in the region, and you know that financing issues have been resolved for a long time. The plan approved for the district - KZT 2 billion, how will you master them? According to the results of 9 months, the region shows a decrease in light industry by 1.3%, construction - by 42.1%. Work on the implementation of projects in these sectors needs to be strengthened,» the region akim noted.In Kyzylorda city, in the framework of the first five-year plan of the industrialization program, 4 projects were implemented, and in the second - 10.Akim of the city N. Nalibaev made a report on the work done in this direction, and spoke about projects that will be implemented in the future.It is necessary to ensure timely implementation of industrial projects. Land plots of non-working projects will be returned to state ownership.It is necessary to organize work on the timely commissioning of projects located in the industrial zone, as well as on the return of non-working projects to the state ownership of land plots in conjunction with the relevant regional administrations, ”the akim of the region said, summing up the results of the party hearings. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/34564?lang=kk

Expansion of transit opportunities between Kazakhstan and Russia was discussed at the XVI interregional forum in Omsk, where the Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ruslan Dalenov took part in the delegation of Kazakhstan with a trade and economic mission. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of National Economy.According to the head of the economic department of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Russia is one of the largest and main trade partners of Kazakhstan.In his address to the forum participants, the head of the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted that at the end of last year, a steady increase in the indicators of mutual trade was recorded. Trade turnover increased by 13% and amounted to about US $ 19 billion.“Russia is also one of the main investment partners of Kazakhstan. The main inflow of investments fell on the manufacturing and mining industries, wholesale and retail trade, financial activities, transport and logistics, ”the Minister listed.Meanwhile, Ruslan Dalenov drew attention to the significant success achieved in the development of interregional cooperation and business ties between our adjacent territories.“This is a large growing market that we are jointly developing, including by simplifying trade procedures, increasing mutual investments, improving transport and related infrastructure. Taking into account the challenges in the global economy, we need to actively build up mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation and look for common points of growth. Interregional cooperation here should be a flagship and an example for others, ”the speaker added.“Kazakhs say:“ A relative from an ancestor, a neighbor from God”. Our good-neighborliness, exceptionally trusting relationships are based on deep respect and shared history, ”the head of the Ministry of National Economy underlined.For reference:The delegates discussed the prospects for interstate cooperation in the fields of industry, digital technologies, and non-resource exports.Important bilateral documents have been signed: intergovernmental, regional and commercial.Among the participants of the event are the heads of ministries and departments, heads of a number of subjects of the Russian Federation and regions of Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of business circles of both countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/34281?lang=kk

The First Public-Private Partnership Investment Forum organized by the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the support of the Asian Development Bank is held in the capital.The head of the economic department, Ruslan Dalenov, welcoming the forum participants, noted that public-private partnerships are an effective and progressive tool to stimulate economic growth. This, respectively, is an increase in jobs and an increase in the quality of life of the population.“I consider today's forum an important event where we can talk about the results of our activities and discuss future plans with invited international experts in the field of PPP, including from the Asian Development Bank, UN Economic Commission for Europe, UNESCAP and others.”, - added the minister.In his speech, the head of the Ministry of National Economy emphasized the experience of Kazakhstan in the development of PPPs, repeatedly noted by international experts: “Our country is becoming a kind of“ PPP library ”, where information, knowledge and experience on the implementation of PPP projects in the Central Asian region are accumulated and scaled”For reference: The PPP Forum is dedicated to the Day of adoption of the Law "On Public-Private Partnership" in the Republic of Kazakhstan (October 31, 2015).Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/34274?lang=kk