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

Today, a meeting on economic issues was chaired by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev.During the meeting, the results of the country's socio-economic development, implementation of the plans, implementation of the monetary policy, the reform of targeted social assistance, issues of social development and employment were considered. Presentations were made by Prime Minister Askar Mamin, Chairman of the National Bank Erbolat Dosaev, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Birzhan Nurymbetov.Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev noted that in general the macroeconomic situation in the country is stable, the main indicators of socio-economic development of Kazakhstan show positive dynamics, but at the same time, the problems of diversification of the domestic economy, productive employment, incomes of the population, accessibility of social benefits have not yet been fully resolved.According to the Head of State, the solution to the main task, improving the living standards of the population, depends on the quality implementation of strategic programs.The President instructed to develop a set of measures to preserve the country's macroeconomic, financial and social stability under various scenarios of the development of the situation in the world, and also focused on the tasks of the current stage of the implementation of the Kazakhstan-2050 Strategy.Kassym-Zhomart Tokaev emphasized that when making government decisions, the analytical component should be radically strengthened.The President believes that medium-sized businesses should become a driver of economic diversification. The industrialization program allowed to stop the decline in industrial production and the manufacturing sector, and to launch new types of products. However, in the opinion of the Head of State, fundamental changes in the structure of the economy did not occur.- The main emphasis should be placed on the growth of labor productivity by at least 1.7 times and a significant increase in Kazakhstan's export of processed products. The government will have to increase non-resource exports by 1.5 times by 2022 and 2 times by 2025, the President instructed.The head of state pointed out the need to form at least 3-5 technologically developed industries that are competitive at least on a regional scale.- The attention of local and foreign expert community is riveted to industrialization. To previous programs, his attitude is more than restrained. We must not allow the idea of ​​industrialization to be discredited, ”the statement noted.According to Kasym-Zhomart Tokaev, economic integration within the EAEU should contribute to the development of the country's economic potential. The President considers it necessary to strengthen analytical work in order to strengthen the country's position in the EAEU and protect domestic producers - exporters of products to the Eurasian market. He believes that attracting investment is also an important issue for the country's economic modernization.- We are constantly improving the investment climate. But how does this climate translate into investment? Why is there no explosive effect? In the matter of attracting foreign investment, not only fiscal incentives are important. Systemic problems - the narrowness of the domestic market, the difficulty of exporting, insufficient coordination of actions of state bodies at the central and local levels, the Head of State emphasized.Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev instructed to ensure the development of the product promotion chain to the shelves in all regions of the country, as well as to use an integrated approach to the formation and development of the national commodity distribution system in the context of all sectors of the economy.- Today we have many export support tools that are provided by 3 operators: NPP Atameken, National Company KazakhExport and QazTrade. We are talking about the need to combine all available export support measures into a “single window”. I instructed the Government to conduct a professional survey of exporters, identify problem points, urgent needs and build state support tools on the basis of this. I hope you will make organizational decisions, ”the President said.Speaking about fiscal policy, the Head of State expressed the opinion that a policy of gradually reducing transfers from the National Fund should be maintained. According to him, you need to go there only in cases of emergency.- The government should primarily rely on the revenue side of the republican budget. The National Bank is obliged to reconsider approaches to managing the funds of the National Fund in order to increase the received investment income. Proper asset management can significantly increase the volume of the National Fund, ”said Kasym-Zhomart Tokaev.The president criticized the situation when commercial banks, in the pursuit of profit, redirect resources to consumer lending and reduce lending to businesses.- The National Bank urgently needs to make adjustments to its policies. According to the regulator, more than 50% in each sector of the economy are stable and financially independent enterprises of interest to banks. However, they are not interested in attracting bank loans. Why? Perhaps this means that these enterprises consider the conditions dictated by commercial banks unattractive. Faced with a dilemma: ensuring stability of the financial sector or developing lending to the real sector, the National Bank must make a rational decision, the Head of State said.The President instructed to develop a Monetary Policy Strategy until 2030. Kassym-Zhomart Tokaev called on the National Bank to improve communications and the ongoing outreach policy, which will increase confidence in the actions of the regulator on the part of market participants and the public, as well as reduce unreasonable devaluation expectations.The head of state did not ignore the issues of implementing a unified housing policy.- It is necessary that every Kazakhstani person has a clear understanding of the prospects for the acquisition or rental of housing, the conditions for its receipt. For this, it is necessary to determine the criteria for housing affordability, systematically reduce the cost of construction, establish the proportions of multi-unit and individual housing, civilize the rental market for apartments, ”said Kasym-Zhomart Tokaev.In conclusion, the President emphasized that the identified priorities and the decisions worked out with the proper approach would increase the pace and quality of economic growth, as well as lead to higher living standards.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/33731?lang=kk

At a Government meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Askar Mamin, the results of the country's socio-economic development and the implementation of the republican budget for January-September 2011 were considered.Minister of National Economy R. Dalenov, Chairman of the National Bank E. Dosaev, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance A. Smailov, Chairman of the Board of NPP Atameken A reported on the state of the economy, banking sector, execution of the republican budget, local content in government procurement Myrzakhmetov, situations in the regions - akims of the West Kazakhstan region G. Iskaliev, Kyzylorda - K. Iskakov, North Kazakhstan - K. Aksakalov.For January-September of this year, GDP growth amounted to 4.3% compared to the corresponding period last year. Positive growth is observed in construction - 13.5%, trade - 7.6%, transport - 5.5%, manufacturing, including engineering - 18.2%, light industry - 19%, metal ore mining - 16.1%, oil refining - 7.2%, communication services - 4%.A number of budget program administrators have a lack of budgetary funds, the largest sums were ministries of ecology - 1.5 billion tenge, culture and sports - 1 billion tenge, trade - 0.9 billion tenge, akimats of Almaty - 2.2 billion tenge, Almaty oblasts - 1.1 billion tenge, Turkestan - 1 billion tenge, East Kazakhstan and Karaganda regions - 0.8 billion tenge, West Kazakhstan - 0.7 billion tenge, Akmola region - 0.6 billion tenge.The maximum indicators of the local content share for ST-KZ for 9 months in the light industry (46%) were achieved in the Kyzylorda region, furniture (59%), food and construction industries (54%) - in Pavlodar region.“According to the results of 9 months on the basic basic indicators of economic growth, I would like to note the positive work of the Akimats of Atyrau, East Kazakhstan, Turkestan, Zhambyl, Pavlodar regions. This is a good example for lagging regions. In turn, some akimats are decreasing in a number of indicators, ”said A. Mamin, instructing regional leaders to correct this situation as soon as possible.The Head of Government pointed out the need for akims to take all necessary measures to implement the approved indicators for local content, as well as ensuring compliance with the requirements of the legislation, industrial certificate and ST-KZ certificate.The Prime Minister noted good performance in increasing the Kazakhstani content in purchases from akimats of Kyzylorda, Pavlodar and Turkestan regions. The Head of Government instructed Atameken NPP and the Ministry of Finance to conduct additional seminars with akimats regarding the correct work on public procurement.“Once again, I note that upon the achievement of these planned indicators the work of the leaders of the regions will be evaluated,” summarized A. Mamin.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/33729?lang=kk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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