“Today, the labor market is undergoing great changes. According to international experts, the following trends will affect the labor market in the world:- Digitalization and development of ICT;- Complication of jobs;- Introduction of flexible forms of employment;“Demographic changes,” Minister of National Economy Ruslan Dalenov enumerated today at a government meeting, reporting on the implementation of the state-run Employment and Mass Entrepreneurship Program Enbek for 2017-2021.According to the minister, the labor market will change under the influence of the following factors:Transition to a new high-quality GDP growth of 5% per year and higher.Implementation of a huge number of investment projects that will increase the demand for quality jobs in priority sectors of the economy.Strengthening the role of small and medium-sized businesses, whose share will increase to 35% of GDP.Increased labor market flexibility. This is flexibility for macroeconomic and other changes in the country and in the world.Dalenov informed that a pool of investment projects worth 41.6 trillion has already been formed. tenge until 2025.“Based on this pool, the demand for new trained personnel until 2025 is estimated at 1.3 million people,” the minister said.The largest number of jobs is planned in the areas of tourism, transport, agribusiness, trade and ICT, which will require the training of a large number of qualified personnel.In general, according to the Ministry of Economy, over the period 2019-2025, 2.6 million new jobs will be created. Of these, half will be created through the implementation of new investment projects worth 41.6 trillion. tenge. Of the 2.6 million new jobs, 600 thousand people will be provided with a net increase in labor force, 2 million will be provided with labor flows in the economy.“The number of employed people will increase from 8.7 million people in 2018 to 9.3 million people by 2025. At the same time, qualitative changes will occur in the structure of the labor market. Thus, the share of the self-employed population will decrease by 7.5%, the share of people employed in the real sector of the economy will grow by 3% due to the implementation of large investment projects in the agro-industrial complex, fuel and energy sector and manufacturing industry. The shares of tourism and the service sector will grow by 2%, ”concluded the head of the Ministry of National Economy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/34273?lang=kk

At a Government meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin, the implementation of the state program of employment and mass entrepreneurship "Enbek" for 2017-2021 was reviewed.The Minister of National Economy R. Dalenov reported on the impact on the labor market of the planned structural transformations in the country's economy and the development of entrepreneurship, A. Sarbasov, vice minister of labor and social protection of the population, implementation of the Ebek program, and S. Omarov, minister of agriculture, rural microcredit. , training in the basics of entrepreneurship - Deputy Chairman of the Board of Atameken NPP E. Zhumagaziev, regional work on the employment of citizens - Akims of Pavlodar Oblast B. Bakauov and Mangistau Oblast S. Trumov.Over three years, 1.7 million people took part in the state program "Enbek", including 500 thousand people since the beginning of this year, of which 178.8 thousand are youth, 12.6 thousand are disabled, 15.7 thousand low-income citizens. Since the beginning of the year, over 23.7 thousand people have passed short-term training, 45.4 thousand people have been trained in the basics of entrepreneurship under the Bastau-Business project, 11.6 thousand microloans have been issued, of which about 90% are in the countryside.“Our main task is to increase the welfare of citizens by enhancing productive employment. Over the years of the implementation of the state program "Enbek" from 2017 to 2019, good results have been achieved. 1.3 million people got jobs, 51 thousand opened their own business, 248 thousand people improved their qualifications, 53 thousand youth representatives get their first profession, ”A. Mamin said.The Prime Minister instructed by the end of this year to develop proposals for the comprehensive development of the labor market until 2025, as well as to improve the existing mechanisms of the state program "Enbek".“Short-term training should be based on guaranteed employment. Compliance with microcredit and grants is clearly monitored, ”said the Head of Government.The Prime Minister drew particular attention to ensuring youth employment.“To develop the potential of young people, the projects“ Zhas Kusipker ”and“ Zhas Maman ”are being implemented. Work in this direction should be continued, focusing on youth employment. I instruct in the state program “Enbek” to introduce a separate block on youth employment with clear indicators, ”said A. Mamin.The Head of Government emphasized that the creation of permanent jobs should remain the main priority of the akimats and branch ministries.Source: primeminister.kz Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/34272?lang=kk

Kazakhstan climbed three positions in the ranking of the World Bank Doing Business 2020 group and for the first time entered the TOP-25 countries.According to the World Bank report, Kazakhstan took the 25th line, having risen three positions and 11 positions over the past two years (2017 - 36th place, 2018 - 28th place).The Doing Business report has been compiled 17 times and covers 190 countries. He examines regulatory standards that promote or impede the development of a business throughout its entire business cycle, including setting up an enterprise, conducting business, conducting foreign trade, paying taxes, and protecting investors' rights.In total, Kazakhstan is estimated by 10 basic indicators. Of the 10 basic indicators, Kazakhstan improved its position in 3 indicators and retained its position in 1 indicator.The World Bank said that Kazakhstan has shown significant growth in the indicators “Getting loans” (+35 positions), “Registration of enterprises” (+14 positions), “Connection to the power supply system” (+9 positions) and retained the position on the indicator “ Enforcing Contracts ”(4th place).Kazakhstan is ahead of Austria (27th place), Spain (30th place), France (32th place), Portugal (39th place), the Netherlands (42nd place), Italy (58th place) and other countries in the ranking.Among the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), KAZAKHSTAN TAKES A LEADING POSITION, after Russia (28th place), Azerbaijan (34th place), Armenia (47th place), Moldova (48th place), Belarus (49th place), Uzbekistan (69th place) ), Kyrgyzstan (80th place), Tajikistan (106th place).Tops the Doing Business ranking New Zealand.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/34268?lang=kk

“As of October 1, the total number of PPP projects is 1,253 in the amount of 3.5 trillion. tenge. Including 615 contracts worth 1.6 trillion have already been concluded. tenge. At the stage of preparation of 638 projects worth 1.9 trillion. tenge, ”Minister of National Economy Ruslan Dalenov said today at a government meeting, reporting on ongoing work to develop public-private partnerships in Kazakhstan.As the head of the MNE of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted, in the context of industries, the largest number of projects are in the fields of education, health, culture and sports, energy and housing and communal services.The most capital-intensive projects are in the field of transport and infrastructure, energy and housing and communal services, education, culture and sports.“In May of this year, in order to move from quantity to quality of PPP projects, their categorization was introduced.PPP projects on budgetary reimbursements are divided into 3 categories:I category - full reimbursement of investments and operating expenses of a private partner from the budget.Category II - partial reimbursement of investments from the budget.Category III - no reimbursement from the budget. The bulk of the compensation comes from the market, ”the minister said.Meanwhile, the head of the Ministry of Economy and Economy drew attention to the measures taken by the Ministry to coordinate and control the quality of local projects, and this:- repayment limits of MIO;- monitoring of planned projects;- margin control in projects;- accessibility and transparency of concluded and planned projects.According to the Ministry, in order to create favorable conditions for attracting private investment in PPP projects, the following new measures are proposed:1. “One window” PPP;2. “Package solutions";3. “Returnable” PPP;4. Digitalization of PPP processes.To implement these innovations, the economic department has developed a concept for a draft law, and draft legislative amendments are being prepared.To date, the “One Window” project for PPP projects has been created on the basis of the PPP Center. The task of the Single Window office is to interact with investors, provide information and consulting support for PPP projects, as well as clarify legislation in the field of PPP and concession.Also, a separate tab “One Window” is available on the website of the PPP Center for investors with a database of projects and links to legislation on PPPs and concessions. Investors can independently receive information about any project of interest to them, both planned and being implemented.“In order to further improve PPP, it is proposed to transfer all procedures to electronic format. In order to digitalize the process, planning, tender procedures, conclusion, registration and execution of PPP agreements are planned to be converted into electronic format. It is planned to integrate these works with the government procurement portal, ”the minister concluded.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/34267?lang=kk

«Бүгінгі таңда Қызылорда облысы бойынша 34 млрд теңгеден астам сомаға 116 мемлекеттік-жеке меншік серіктестік жобасы жүзеге асырылуда. Бұл денсаулық сақтау, білім беру, спорт, мәдениет, энергетика, тұрғын үй коммуналдық шаруашылық және т.б. салаларындағы жобалар»,– деді Қызылорда облысының экономика және бюджеттік жоспарлау басқармасының басшысы Нұрғали Қордабай.БАҚ өкілдері құрылыс жұмыстарының кезеңдерін көріп, әрбір нысан бойынша толық ақпарат алды.Маңызды жобалардың бірі – «Тарлан» спорт кешені. «Тарлан батырлары» ЖШС МЖӘ шарты бойынша дене шынықтыру-сауықтыру кешенін пайдалануды қамтамасыздандырады. Мұнда 2 жыл бойы 350 балаға спорттың үш түрі бойынша сабақтар жүргізілуде, олар: бокс, ауыр атлетика және таэквандо.Облыстағы МЖӘ аясында жүзеге асырылған оңтайлы жобаның бірі – жаңа емхана. Бір ауысымда 400 келушіге арналған емхананың ашылуы 43 мыңға жуық адамды медициналық қызметпен қамтамасыз етуге мүмкіндік берді. Жаңа мекеме заманауи медициналық жабдықтардың арқасында диагностика мен емдеудің жаңа әдістерін енгізді, сондай-ақ медициналық қызметтердің сапасын жақсартты. Бұл жоба бір ауысымда 500 келушіге арналған емхана құрылысы бойынша концессиялық жобаның орнына іске асырылды. Осылайша, өңір 3,6 млрд. теңге сомасында бюджет қаражатын үнемдеп, 2 жылға арналған жобаны іске асыруды жылдамдатты.Сондай-ақ, биыл облыста қоқыс сұрыптау кешенінің қатты тұрмыстық қалдықтар полигонының құрылысы және Қызылорда қаласында сыртқы инженерлік желілерді жүргізу басталды. МЖӘ жобасының мақсаты – ҚТҚ кәдеге жарату деңгейін арттыру, сондай-ақ қалдықтарды қауіпсіз көмуді қамтамасыз ету үшін қалдықтарды жинау, тасымалдау, кәдеге жарату және көму бойынша тиімді, сенімді және әлеуметтік қолайлы қызметтер кешенін құру.Жалпы, Қызылорда облысында МЖӘ жобаларының 60%-дан астамы инвесторларды тартуда қиындығы бар ауылдық елді мекендерде жүзеге асырылған.30 қазан мен 1 қараша аралығында Нұр-Сұлтан қаласында «Қазақстандағы МЖӘ және инвестициялаудың ESG факторлары» Форумы аясында Қызылорда облысы студенттерді жатақханамен қамтамасыз ету жобаларына қол қоюды жоспарлап отыр. Мұндағы мақсат – Қызылорда қаласындағы студент жастардың өмір сүру жағдайын жақсарту.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/34265?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/34231?lang=kk

From Forum-2003 to Forum-2019: trade turnover increased by 3.5 timesThe Ministry of trade and integration conducted an analysis of how the situation has changed in trade between Kazakhstan and Russia, since the first forum of interregional cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia in 2003, which started in Omsk.And then, alternately since 2005, was held in Russian and Kazakh cities: Chelyabinsk, Uralsk, Novosibirsk, Aktobe, Orenburg, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Astrakhan, Pavlodar, Yekaterinburg, Atyrau, Sochi, Astana, Chelyabinsk, Petropavlovsk.As Bakhyt Sultanov confirmed, meeting with journalists on the sidelines of the Forum, the trade turnover has been growing all these years.Since the first interregional cooperation Forum was held in 2003 (over 15 years), the trade turnover between our countries has grown 3.5 times (2003 - $ 5,245. 5 million, 2018 - $ 18,517.3 million), including our deliveries to Russia increased 2.6 times ($1,967. 7 million - $ 5,279. 9 million).Practical solutions, real help and concrete suggestions! – this is what happens at the business Forum, where people who want to work meet. This the, sake of what, organized Forum. Therefore, speaking with journalists today, Bakhyt Sultanov stressed the importance of the Forum's networking platform, noting that since the first Forum, a lot of decisions have been reached, more than 100 different agreements. Basically, these are, of course, agreements between enterprises – this is the task of interregional cooperation.- Today, in parallel with the interregional forum at the level of heads of state, we are holding a business forum, where our enterprises are represented.There are already some results. A number of agreements are concluded today in the amount of approximately $ 40 million.But this is only the beginning-for yesterday and for today.Therefore, we hope that thanks to such business forums, entrepreneurs will have additional opportunities.We invite enterprises and entrepreneurs to create cooperation ties in the course of such work.In addition, speaking in General about the conclusion of large exports of national producers, The Minister of trade spoke about the major results of the trip to China, where he visited with the Kazakh delegation. He outlined the figure at the level of $ 130 million-this is the amount of those contracts that Kazakh entrepreneurs found in China:- Because thanks to this kind of work, we should just create cooperative ties and together break through such important markets. the Minister said.The forum is also the only platform where we allow regions to conclude agreements with each other.Speaking about the effect and usefulness of the 2019 Forum, it should be noted that as a result of the Plenary session with the participation of the Heads of state, 8 bilateral documents were signed, as well as 12 commercial agreements on the sidelines of the Forum:The Concept of the cross – border cooperation Program "Kazakhstan-Russia"was signed at the Plenary session.As well as between public authorities:- Memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of information and public development of Kazakhstan and the Federal Agency for youth Affairs of Russia (Rosmolodezh) in the field of youth policy;- Cooperation program between the Ministry of culture and sports of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of culture of Russia;- The program of joint actions between the Ministry of industry and infrastructure development of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of transport of Russia on the functioning of checkpoints on the Kazakh-Russian border.Agreement between the administrations:- Kostanay region and the Government of Chelyabinsk region on trade and economic, scientific and technical, social, cultural and humanitarian cooperation;- Pavlodar region And the government of Kurgan region on cooperation in trade and economic, scientific and technical, humanitarian and other spheres.Action plan for the implementation of the Agreement between the Akimat of Pavlodar region and the administration of Novosibirsk region on trade, economic, social, scientific, technical and cultural cooperationCooperation agreement between The Damu entrepreneurship development Fund and The Russian Bank for support of small and medium-sized businesses.According to commercial documents. Supply agreement:- semi-finished products between "iceberg PV" LLP and trading house "Eurasia»;- sausage products between LLP "Kazmyasoprodukt" and T "Eurasia".Agreement on cooperation between the:- Trading house " KSP Steel "(partner of Kazakhstan company "KSP Steel" LLP) and KazakhExport;- LLC "Control Leasing" and KazakhExport;- Moskommertsbank and KazakhExport;- S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar state University, Omsk oil refinery and state technical University;- Pavlodar petrochemical plant and Omsk oil refinery;The Department of entrepreneurship and industrial-innovative development of West Kazakhstan region and chamber of Commerce and industry of Saratov region;- Department of entrepreneurship and industry of Akmola region and the Ministry of industry, communications, digital and scientific and technical development of Omsk region.The agreement of intent of cooperation between LLP "BASICS-KS" and OOO "Titan-agro".Memorandums of cooperation between the Public Council of Karaganda, Kostanay regions and the Public chamber of Sverdlovsk region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/34229?lang=kk

On November 7, 2019, in Geneva, as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) procedure of the UN Human Rights Council, the third National Report of Kazakhstan on the observance of human rights and freedoms was successfully presented.The delegation of Kazakhstan included representatives of the Supreme Court, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministries of Justice, Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Health, Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Information and Social Development, Education and Science, National Economy, as well as the Human Rights Commission under the President of the Republic Kazakhstan.The head of the delegation of Kazakhstan, the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. M. Beketayev in his speech emphasized the importance of the UPR as an external tool assessing how a state fulfills its human rights obligations and follows the best international standards and practices of UN Member States.Kazakhstan has made significant progress in implementing the recommendations of the second National UPR report in 2014: a policy is being pursued to make the Government more accountable to society; measures are being taken to improve the quality of life of the population within the framework of the SDGs; modernized judicial and legal systems; measures are being taken to strengthen the protection of the rights of children and women, as well as interfaith harmony and respect.Representatives of the UN Member States during the interactive dialogue noted the high level of the delegation of Kazakhstan, openness and willingness to dialogue and cooperation, as well as progress made by Kazakhstan in the field of protection and promotion of human rights.In particular, appreciation was given to the successful conduct of the special operation “Zhusan” that has repatriated hundreds of Kazakh citizens from Syria. In turn, the head of the delegation expressed readiness to share experience on combating terrorism with other countries.The transition of the Government of Kazakhstan to the concept of the “Hearing State” was positively noted, as well as the creation of the National Council of Public Confidence, the purpose of which is to promote and protect human rights in all sectors, as well as to involve society in the discussion of urgent national tasks.At the end of his speech the Minister of Justice noted that the Republic of Kazakhstan will continue working on improving measures to protect and promote human and children´s rights, creating an inclusive society and strengthening relevant institutional structures.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/adilet/press/news/details/34214?lang=kk

November 1 of this year The regular meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Legislative Activities was held under the chairmanship of the Vice Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Natalia Pan, with the participation of representatives of government bodies, the non-governmental sector and the business community.During the meeting, the following were discussed:1. Concepts of the draft law “On Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Flora” (speaker - Vice Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources Nysynbaev Erlan)​;2. Concepts of the draft law “On Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Physical Culture and Sports” (speaker - Vice-Minister of Culture and Sports Ramazanov Eldos).Press Service of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of KazakhstanTel: 74-06-01, 74-06-02,pressgov@mail.ruSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/adilet/press/news/details/34211?lang=kk

Today, under the chairmanship of the region akim, chairman of the regional branch of Nur Otan party K. D. Iskakov held an expanded meeting of the bureau of the political council. It addressed issues related to crimes committed against minors, and ongoing work to prevent them, youth unemployment, and the problems of education in secondary specialized educational institutions.In the region, crimes committed against minors and adolescents themselves are not reduced. In this regard, the region akim gave a number of instructions to the deputy head of the regional police department Sh. Amitov to strengthen the work of the police in this direction.“It is necessary to strengthen work on the prevention of crimes against youth, to put in place work with relevant state and public organizations. We, as a whole, must jointly participate in the prevention and suppression of crimes committed against adolescents. Every year we allocate significant funds to strengthen the material and technical base of the region’s internal affairs bodies. However, I do not see the results of your work. Work in this direction should be intensified and should be implemented within three months. This issue will be under my personal control, ”said region akim K. Iskakov.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/34154?lang=kk

On 25 October 2019 the Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi hosted presentation of the book “Onegely Omir” dedicated to the ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, the first Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Doctor of Historical Sciences Akmaral Khaidarovna Arystanbekova.“Onegely Omir” is a series of books published by KazNU named after Al-Farabi and devoted to outstanding personalities, statesmen and public figures, scientists, teachers, organizers of science and education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who graduated this university.The book marks different periods of life and activity of A.Arystanbekova, comprises her scientific publications, autobiographical and archival materials, articles of colleagues about collaborative work. Wide photo archives, as well as official documents on Kazakhstan’s accession to the UN and initial period of its activity in the international organization attract attention.The first vice-rector of KazNU named after Al-Farabi M.Burkitbayev, Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty E.Iskakov, Director of the UNESCO Cluster Bureau in the Republic of Kazakhstan K.Pikkat, representative of the UN Global Communications Department in the Republic of Kazakhstan V.Samek, scientists M.Abuseitova and K.Bayzakova, as well as students of KazNU delivered speech at the official presentation ceremony.The book is designed for the young generation of the country, diplomats, scientists and experts in the field of international relations as well as representatives of public.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/34112?lang=kk

NUR-SULTAN, October 28, 2019 - The autumn issue of the “Diplomatic Herald” journal traditionally presents quality content to its readers. Just like autumn painted in different colors and motives, current issue of the journal contains exciting exclusive interviews and articles on various topics of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. Special attention is paid to the issue of nuclear disarmament, in particular, to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and Kazakhstan's initiatives in this area. The journal gives an insightful and comprehensive disclosure and analysis of bilateral and multilateral relations of Kazakhstan with Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Brazil presented by the leadership of foreign affairs agencies of the mentioned countries. The first state visit of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to China was one of the most outstanding events of this quarter. In this context, Zhang Xiao, ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Kazakhstan, shares his thoughts about the scope and depth of Kazakh-Chinese relations. The autumn issue includes other interesting articles: green technology development in Kazakhstan based on the EXPO 2017 legacy; reviews of the monograph of Akmaral Arystanbekova, ex-minister of foreign affairs of Kazakhstan, the first permanent representative of Kazakhstan to the UN, “Diplomacy in the modern world”; as well as of the book “Who Salim Kurmanguzhin was for me” written by Kazakh diplomat Ilyas Kozybaev. Interestingly, the running quarter saw a whirlwind of new personnel changes in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: starting with the senior management of the ministry, ending with the appointment of more than twenty new heads of foreign missions of Kazakhstan. This information is available in the section “New appointments in the ministry”.The Diplomatic Herald of Kazakhstan is published in Kazakh («Дипломатия жаршысы»), Russian («Вестник дипломатии») and English.The electronic version of the journal is available in PDF and HTML on the following website - http://mfa.gov.kz/en/content/JournalSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/34111?lang=kk

LONDON, 24 October 2019 – Kazakhstan delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko continued its visit to London with high-level events targeting enhanced multifaceted cooperation between the two states.The Sixth meeting of the Kazakh-British Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation (IGC) chaired by Mr. Vassilenko and the UK Minister of State for International Trade Conor Burns MP took place as part of the visit. The meeting participants, including over 50 British business executives, discussed the IGC’s progress and developments over the past year and outlined the core areas for future multifaceted cooperation. Prospects for cooperation in oil and gas, finance, education, technologies and mining sectors were also discussed.“The UK is Kazakhstan’s strategic and one of the core trade and economic partners. Our bilateral trade turnover shows positive dynamics from year to year. Kazakhstan’s commitment to opening up to the British and other Western markets can be seen in our government’s continued effort to make investment and trade easier for foreign businesses. As a result, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report which was published today, Kazakhstan now ranks 25th out of 190 countries, climbing 3 spots compared to last year,” Mr. Vassilenko said.The Kazakh diplomat called on the need for the two countries to further develop the dialogue based on “commodities-for-technologies-and-investment” exchange that is then to be followed by setting up joint ventures providing value-added services.  Minister Burns noted the growing UK-Kazakhstan cooperation in the areas of mutual interest – education, oil and gas, mining industry, finance, chemical industry, engineering, metallurgy and civil aviation.“Kazakhstan is precisely the kind of rapidly transforming and diversifying economy that our companies in the UK are aiming. This government stands ready to offer you the support you need to invest in this flourishing market to partner with Kazakh firms and grasp the ripe opportunities that lie ahead”, he added.The IGC session enabled its five working groups to proceed with more detailed debate on cooperation in oil and gas, mining industry, healthcare, education and financial services. Corporate management development at the Astana International Financial Centre, new Model Civil Aviation Regulations introduction, public-private partnerships projects in healthcare, technical and vocational schools establishment and other topics have been tabled for the working groups discussion.Given the importance the two countries attach, a specific reference was made to water management in rural areas, animal farming and waste management.The Sixth IGC meeting was crowned with Protocol signing that secured the shared intention to join forces to push forward strategic partnership in all areas of cooperation.The meeting also saw the signing of a number of bilateral documents:- Memorandum on financing investment projects in Kazakhstan with the participation of British businesses between Baiterek Holding and UK Export Finance;- Joint Venture Agreement between Artex Construction LLP and Independent Power Corporation PLC (IPC) to create a Clean Energy power development company focusing on a 250 MW gas fired CCGT project in Aktau;- Memorandum of Understanding between Artex Construction LLP and IPC to create a Digital Joint Venture to develop a greenfield data centre in Aktau where clean, uninterruptible gas fired and renewable energy is required to meet the needs of Western Kazakhstan;- Agreement between Astra Mining and Kazgeology on the exploration of three deposits in Kazakhstan;- Agreement between Aurora Mining and RPA Inc on the provision of consulting services in subsoil use. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/34109?lang=kk

BERN, October 24, 2019 – The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Swiss Confederation Alibek Bakayev presented his credentials to the Federal President Ueli Maurer.During the ceremonial meeting Sides noted the high level of development of friendly ties between the two countries and discussed the upcoming events agenda including the highest level visits as well as the next session of Kazakh-Swiss Intergovernmental committee for trade-economic cooperation to be held in Bern on October 28, 2019.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/34108?lang=kk

LONDON, 24 October 2019 – Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom aim to further strengthen the strategic partnership in the context of the important social and political processes taking place in the two states, including Kazakhstan’s large-scale reform programme and implementation of the long-term development strategy, as well as the UK leaving the European Union. These were discussed at the meeting between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and the UK Minister of State for Europe and the Americas Christopher Pincher MP.The diplomats focused on current and new topics on bilateral and multilateral agenda and touched upon the outcomes of the recent Kazakhstan Global Investment Forum 2019, the Kazakh-British Business Council and the 6th meeting of Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation.Mr. Vassilenko briefed his colleague on the current situation and the political changes taking place in Kazakhstan. “Kazakhstan’s modern political system is transparent, reliable and stable, and ensures constitutional continuity of power in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. We pledge to remain on the strategic course in Kazakhstan’s foreign and domestic policy,” he emphasised.The Minister of State Pincher praised the dynamics of the process of Kazakhstan’s political modernisation and reiterated the UK’s commitment to the further development of strategic partnership with Kazakhstan. He noted that the opening of the Astana International Financial Centre which operates based on the principles and norms of English common law is one of the significant achievements of bilateral cooperation.The sides also discussed the new draft Agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation between the two states, the signing of which is planned after the UK leaves the European Union.When discussing the new areas of cooperation within the Global Britain concept, the sides noted the prospects of the “British technologies and experience, Kazakh resources and transit-transport potential, Chinese investment and markets” formula.Speaking about the situation in the region, the sides noted the measures undertaken by Kazakhstan to help restore peace in Afghanistan, including the educational project for Afghan women recently launched in Kazakhstan and funded by the European Union.The meeting also discussed cooperation in defence and security, cultural cooperation, education and science.The sides reached mutual understanding on a wide range of topics and reiterated a shared commitment to further endorse the long-term partnerships across the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/34107?lang=kk

Samruk-Kazyna and Da Vinci Capital to create a $100 million joint private equity fund---TURKISTAN Special Economic Zone wins in three nominations of the Global Free Zones of the Year 2019 prize awarded by the fDi Magazine  LONDON, 23 October 2019 – Kazakhstan’s investment opportunities and the further development of Kazakh-British business relations were the key topics discussed during the visit of the Kazakh delegation representing the public and private sectors led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko.The 3rd meeting of the Kazakh-British Business Council and the Kazakhstan Global Investment Forum 2019 were held in London as part of the visit. The forum was organised by Financial Times, an influential international newspaper, the fDi Magazine, Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund, Kazakh Invest National Company, and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UK.Over 200 business executives from the manufacturing, agricultural, chemical, mining and financial sectors, as well as metallurgy, alternative energy, logistics and digital technologies spheres attended the forum.The event was dedicated to the vast business and investment opportunities Kazakhstan has to offer, as well as the latest political and economic transformations in the country. As a rapidly growing economy strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan has the potential to become an important commercial partner for the UK after Brexit.“Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia, accounting for more than half of the region’s GDP. We are also widely considered to have the best investment climate in the region, having attracted over $300 billion in foreign direct investment since independence,” Mr. Vassilenko stated in his opening address.He stressed that besides the business climate, foreign investors have been attracted by Kazakhstan’s political stability demonstrated, among other developments, by the smooth transition of power and the election of the new President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, earlier this year; well-educated workforce; and the access the country provides to a fast-growing regional market of 500 million consumers.Mr. Vassilenko noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, which since the beginning of this year was entrusted with attracting investment into the key sectors of the economy, is making every effort to achieve its objectives.The key forum speakers included the Chair of the Board of the Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Kairat Kelimbetov, UK Minister for Investment of the Department for International Trade Graham Stuart MP, UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Kazakhstan Baroness Emma Nicholson, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Belt and Road Initiative Faisal Rashid MP, and the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Sir Suma Chakrabarti.Speaking at the plenary session, Mr. Stuart noted that “The UK is now one of the biggest foreign direct investors in Kazakhstan, showing the confidence our firms have in your dynamic economy. Hundreds of British companies have their licenses to operate in Kazakhstan with total trade between our nations worth £2.7 billion last year. Now, as the UK prepares to leave the European Union and become truly a global champion of free trade, we want British firms to play an even more central role in helping Kazakhstan grow and develop over the coming decades”.Kazakhstan’s improvement in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 ranking serves as a demonstration of efficient efforts on improving the country’s investment climate. Kazakhstan joined the top 30 countries with the most favourable conditions for doing business, reaching 28th spot among 190 countries.“At the heart of Eurasia Kazakhstan’s GDP has expanded four percent in the past two ears and it provides a wonderful stable platform for which we are deeply grateful for British companies to access their neighbours in the Eurasian Economic Union, China and Uzbekistan. And Kazakhstan has attracted the lion’s share of inward investment into the heart of Eurasia. And today, the Astana International Financial Centre and many other institutions will show us  the potential investment opportunities and perhaps give us more current possibilities of the privatisation programme of state-owned companies,” Baroness Nicholson said.The role of Samruk-Kazyna, which manages Kazakhstan’s largest state assets in various industries, was a special topic on the agenda.“Taking into account the global economic trends, the [Samruk-Kazyna] Fund approved a new strategy aimed at diversifying income by investing in such promising sectors as petrochemical industry, renewables, high tech, Industry 4.0, as well as creating joint private equity funds with sovereign funds and major investment companies,” Mr. Yessimov said.He also noted that over the next five years, the Fund plans to invest more than $38 billion in the above areas, where $32 billion will be foreign investments of which British companies are expected to be a part of.The forum participants stressed the importance of the AIFC that operates on the principles of English common law. The Centre is an important platform for attracting investment, has the appropriate financial instruments and provides international level services. Investors operate in favourable conditions, which include an independent regulatory mechanism, a court and an international arbitration centre that meet international standards.Kazakhstan’s participation in the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative gained particular attention. The forum discussed the prospects of developing a tripartite partnership between the United Kingdom, Kazakhstan and China based on the principles of maximising efficiency through the use of the British project management system, Kazakhstan’s resources and Chinese investments.The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United Kingdom Erlan Idrissov and the British Ambassador to Kazakhstan Michael Gifford stressed in their closing addresses that such major economy-focused events indicate the firm intention of the two states to deepen and expand investment and economic cooperation.On the sidelines of the forum, Mr. Vassilenko met with top British business executives and the leadership of international organisations, including the EBRD, GlaxoSmithKline, Gap Insaat, Investcorp, Independent Power Corporation, United Green, Worley Parsons, and International Development Ireland Ltd.The 3rd meeting of the Kazakh-British Business Council, co-chaired by Baroness Nicholson and Mr. Yessimov, discussed further plans for developing cooperation. The sides also noted the state and prospects of the privatisation programme of Samruk-Kazyna’s portfolio companies, marking Kazatomprom’s successful listing on the London Stock Exchange last year.Following the Kazakh-British Business Council meeting, Samruk-Kazyna signed an agreement with Da Vinci Capital investment company on the creation of a $100 million joint private equity fund. Under the agreement, the fund is to invest at least $40 million in Kazakh enterprises in the IT and digitisation sectors to facilitate their development and subsequent IPO.Samruk-Kazyna also signed a co-investment agreement with EDP Renovaveis, the world’s fourth largest solar and wind power company. The document regulates the principles of the joint implementation of renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan. EDP Renovaveis plans to implement a project to build a 250 MWatt solar power plant in Kazakhstan.The event also saw the signing of two memoranda of cooperation:- between the QazIndustry Kazakhstan Industry and Export Centre and the International Development Ireland Ltd on the assistance in attracting Irish investment projects worth at least 50 billion tenge to the territory of Kazakhstan’s special economic and industrial zones, and- between the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan and the Gap Insaat company on the construction of a 350-bed hospital in Aktau using the financing provided by UK Export Finance.The forum also included the award ceremony of the Global Free Zones of the Year 2019 prize, annually awarded by the fDi Magazine to one of the 5,000 free economic zones of the world. The TURKISTAN Special Economic Zone won in three nominations: in the Asia-Pacific region for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, the Ones To Watch editor’s choice award, and Best Marketing Slogan, which reads “Honoring the past, creating the future”. The victory is expected to raise recognition and improve the attractiveness of the TURKISTAN SEZ for foreign investors.The Kazakhstan delegation’s visit will continue on 24 October, with the sixth meeting of the Kazakh-British Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33823?lang=kk

NUR-SULTAN, October 17, 2019 – The 9th meeting of the Kazakh-Vietnamese Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation (IGC) was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The Kazakh delegation was headed by Yermek Kosherbayev, chairman of the Kazakh part of the Commission, deputy minister of foreign affairs of Kazakhstan, while the Vietnamese delegation was headed by Hoang Quoc Vuong, deputy minister of industry and trade of Vietnam.The sides agreed that there is great potential in agriculture, including through interaction between research centers of the two countries to grow new varieties of rice. They noted a systematic implementation of the agreements of the previous Commission meeting, including the entry into force of agreements on extradition, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, as well as intensified inter-parliamentary cooperation.The Commission has identified such priority areas as holding the 1st meeting of the Subcommittee on Agriculture in 2020, developing AIFC cooperation, concluding agreements on cooperation in veterinary medicine, container transportation, transfer of sentenced persons and mutual legal assistance and cooperation in customs matters, as well as on cooperation between agricultural universities of the two countries.Kazakhstan and Vietnam, being parties to the Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement, agreed to intensify joint work to provide preferences for business communities of both countries to ensure greater export and import of goods between the two countries, as well as to create joint ventures in the light, food and processing industries, in particular, make efforts to set up modern manufacturing of clothing and shoes.IGC co-chairs welcomed the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held on June 8-11, 2020 in Nur Sultan and the fact that Kazakhstan joined the list of countries whose citizens are granted an electronic visa by Vietnam. The sides mentioned opportunities for the development of tourism cooperation, the most important prerequisites for which would be further liberalization of visa scheme for citizens of the two countries, direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the development of relations and twinning of Nur Sultan and Hanoi, Almaty and Ho Chi Minh City.The Vietnamese side was grateful for the assistance in the successful implementation of the investment project of the Vietnamese company Mareven in the Almaty region for food production ($50 million of investment, creation of 500 jobs).Overall, the meeting agenda covered a broad range of issues aimed at further developing and expanding cooperation in the political, trade, economic and financial areas, education and science, agriculture, transport, culture, tourism and sports. The success of the Commission meeting, which is a key mechanism for bilateral cooperation, has given a significant impetus to the further strengthening of trade, economic and investment relations between the two countries.The next meeting of the Commission will take place in Viet Nam.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33815?lang=kk

The first high-level meeting on economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States took place on October 18, 2019. Co-chair of the commission from the Kazakh side, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan B.Sultanov, from the American side - US Secretary of Commerce W.Ross.The meeting of the commission was carried out in accordance with the commitments reached between the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Elbasy N. Nazarbayev and the President of the United States D. Trump during his official visit to Washington in January 2018, as well as business meetings of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev in New York in September 2019. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the expanded strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States, noting with satisfaction the growth in mutual trade and investment. In addition, the Head of the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted the presence of significant potential for increasing Kazakhstani exports. So, at present 50 items of goods worth about $ 1 billion can be additionally delivered to the American market. According to the parties, the high dynamics of bilateral contacts at the highest level contributes to economic growth and the creation of new jobs in both countries. The ministers discussed the implementation of large joint investment and commercial projects, as well as identified promising areas of bilateral cooperation, including in the field of agriculture, energy, industry, high technology, tourism and the commercialization of space.   The agenda of the meeting included issues of interaction in the framework of multilateral mechanisms, including the WTO and OECD. The co-chairs of the high-level group also noted the need for mutually beneficial use of the capabilities of the US Corporation for International Development Financing and the Astana International Financial Center.Following the meeting, B. Sultanov and U. Ross agreed to consider the possibility of holding the second meeting of the high-level group on economic cooperation in Nur-Sultan next year.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33813?lang=kk

NUR-SULTAN, October 17, 2019 – Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, received the Ambassadors of Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and the United Kingdom.In   light of the upcoming official visit of President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Berlin, he discussed future bilateral cooperation with the Ambassador of Germany Tilo Klinner.At a meeting with UAE Ambassador Mohammed Al Jaber, the Arab diplomat presented to President Tokayev “the carpet of the world”, a symbol of tolerance, on behalf of the UAE’s leadership.During the talks with the Ambassador of Pakistan Imtiaz Ahmad Kazi, the sides agreed to continue to develop mutually beneficial cooperation, mentioning in this regard the importance of an early holding of the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission between the two states in Islamabad.Ambassador of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Michael Gifford informed the Minister about the preparations for the upcoming events in London on October 23-24, 2019, including the annual Kazakhstan Global Investment Forum-2019, the Business Council and the 6th meeting of the Kazakh-British Intergovernmental Commission. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33812?lang=kk

On October 14-18, 2019, Almaty hosted a regular meeting of the government delegations of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Joint Kazakh-Uzbek Border Demarcation Commission.The sides developed draft outcome documents on the demarcation of the state border at the section between the Mangystau region of Kazakhstan and Karakalpakstan of Uzbekistan.During the meeting, the sides prepared and signed draft protocols of border markers consisting of 160 pillars, as well as a list of coordinates and heights of these border markers.An agreement was reached to carry out field demarcation work in separate sections of the Kazakh-Uzbek state border in November 2019.The talks were held in a traditional friendly and constructive atmosphere.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33803?lang=kk