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Kazakhstan Considers Body Cameras for Ambulance Workers Amid Rising Violence

Kazakhstan’s Health Minister, Akmaral Alnazarova, has announced that her ministry is exploring the possibility of equipping ambulance doctors and paramedics with body-mounted video cameras to address the increasing aggression against medical workers. Over the past four years, more than 150 incidents of attacks on ambulance personnel have been reported in the country. “We are considering equipping our employees with video tags, similar to the devices used by law enforcement agencies. This issue will be regulated normatively, and I believe it is not so difficult to implement,” Alnazarova told reporters during a parliamentary session. Kazakhstani patrol officers have used body-mounted video recorders since 2017 to ensure accountability in law enforcement and to prevent corruption. For ambulance workers, the cameras aim to protect employees and document incidents of violence. According to the Ministry of Health, 158 medical workers were injured while performing their duties between 2019 and 2023. The urgency of this measure was highlighted by a recent incident in the town of Kostanay, where a paramedic was assaulted by relatives of a deceased patient. The assailants, against whom a criminal case has been opened, allegedly obstructed resuscitation efforts. The paramedic suffered a concussion and required hospitalization. Alnazarova previously stated on her Instagram page that her ministry, with the support of lawmakers, has initiated measures to introduce criminal liability for acts of violence against medical workers. “Such crimes must be met with fair punishment, including restrictions on freedom and condemnation by society. We must send a clear message: violence against medical workers is unacceptable and will not go unpunished.”

7 hours ago

Energy Security Atomic Energy NPP Nuclear Energy

Kazakhstan Plans to Accelerate Construction of First Nuclear Power Plant

Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister, Almasadam Satkaliyev, has announced that the selection of a contractor for the country’s first nuclear power plant (NPP) will be finalized in the first half of 2025. The government is awaiting proposals from bidders that focus on shortening construction timelines and reducing project costs. This follows President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive to expedite the implementation of the nuclear power plant project. “The commission will do everything possible to advance this process and make a decision on the contractor in the first half of 2025,” Satkaliyev told reporters. The shortlist for the potential builders includes four companies: China’s CNNC, Russia’s Rosatom, South Korea’s KHNP, and France’s EDF. Kazakh authorities have also indicated that a consortium involving multiple countries might be formed to leverage diverse technological solutions. Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar highlighted the benefits of such collaboration, where different countries could contribute specific components, such as nuclear islands, turbines, or distribution systems. Satkaliyev emphasized the need for faster construction solutions, citing a precedent where China’s national nuclear company built a power unit in Pakistan in six years. “In today’s world, there are possibilities for expedited solutions,” he stated. Kazakhstan previously projected a 10-year timeline for constructing the NPP. However, the country is expected to face a 2.4 gigawatt energy deficit by 2035, underscoring the urgency of completing the project. The energy minister noted that the process from construction to the launch of the first unit could take up to 14 years, making accelerated timelines crucial. The Times of Central Asia previously reported on the results of a referendum held on October 6, which showed that 71.12% of voters approved the construction of a nuclear power plant in the Almaty region. The accelerated development of the NPP reflects Kazakhstan’s commitment to addressing its future energy needs while integrating advanced international technologies and solutions.

7 hours ago

Agriculture International Cooperation Economic Cooperation Agricultural Produce

The Netherlands Strengthens Its Position in Turkmenistan’s Agricultural Sector

Dutch companies are expanding their presence in Turkmenistan's agricultural sector, exploring new business opportunities to modernize and enhance local farming practices. A delegation led by former Dutch Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Peter van Leeuwen visited Ashgabat in early December to assess potential collaborations. The delegation included representatives from prominent Dutch firms such as Agrotech Didam, Dalsem, Geerlofs, HZPC, and Kubo. Discussions focused on key areas for joint efforts, including the construction of modern greenhouses, the implementation of drip irrigation systems, and advancements in seed production. Turkmen officials expressed a keen interest in adopting Dutch technologies to boost agricultural yields and efficiency. As part of their visit, the Dutch representatives toured greenhouse complexes near Ashgabat, where crops like tomatoes, strawberries, and bananas are cultivated. They also inspected potato farms and storage systems. The delegation highlighted the significant potential of Turkmenistan’s agriculture and affirmed their willingness to tailor Dutch innovations to suit the country’s specific conditions. This visit followed a Turkmen delegation's trip to the Netherlands in the summer of 2024. During that visit, representatives from Turkmenistan's private sector and the Ministry of Agriculture participated in the international Green Tech Amsterdam exhibition. The event allowed Turkmen officials to explore cutting-edge agricultural technologies and establish connections with global industry leaders. The exchange of delegations underscores growing cooperation between the two nations, with Dutch expertise poised to play a pivotal role in the modernization of Turkmenistan’s agricultural industry.

1 day ago

Education Artificial intelligence UNESCO Technology

Turkmenistan Explores Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Turkmenistan has taken a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its education system by hosting a scientific and practical conference. Organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, the event marked progress in implementing the goals outlined in the “Roadmap of Cooperation for 2024-2025.” Key Discussions The conference explored critical aspects of applying AI in education. Topics included the development of education management information systems, improving teachers’ digital literacy, and adapting cutting-edge technologies to Turkmenistan’s specific conditions. Participants also presented a draft strategy for the development of AI in education and highlighted international platforms already in use in this field. Special emphasis was placed on the competencies required for both teachers and students to effectively work with AI. Experts noted that fostering such skills is essential in an increasingly digitalized society and workplace. They stressed that equipping young people with AI-related knowledge could significantly enhance their future professional prospects. Practical Implementation and Examples Turkmenistan is already incorporating AI into educational initiatives. A notable example was presented on October 4 in Ashgabat, where Selin Ataeva, a 12th-grade student at the Swiss School of Dubai and leader of a startup development team, showcased an AI-driven math learning platform. This innovative software adopts a personalized approach to education, catering particularly to students in rural and remote regions. By optimizing the learning process and improving access to quality education, the platform exemplifies the transformative potential of AI in bridging educational gaps. As Turkmenistan advances toward integrating AI into its education system, the conference highlighted the importance of aligning technology with local needs and preparing students and teachers for a digitally driven future. With initiatives like Ataeva’s math learning platform, the country demonstrates a commitment to using AI to enhance education accessibility and efficiency.

1 day ago

Export/Import Automobile Industry Trade Market economy

Kazakhstan Expects Record Car Sales

Kazakhstan's automobile market continues to grow, with sales of new cars on track to match or exceed last year’s record. In 2023, Kazakh motorists purchased over 198,000 new vehicles, and experts predict similar or higher figures for 2024. According to the Kazakhstan Automobile Union (KAO), 20,984 passenger cars and commercial vehicles were sold in November 2024, a 10.7% increase compared to November 2023. Over the first 11 months of 2024, Kazakh dealers sold 179,628 new cars, surpassing the 175,100 sold during the same period last year. Despite earlier concerns of a potential market slump, industry experts remain optimistic. KAO head Anar Makasheva had cautioned that the 2023 record represented “inorganic growth” driven by pent-up demand. However, Artur Miskaryan, general director of the Agency for Monitoring and Analysis of the Automobile Market (AMAAR), believes the market’s positive trend will continue. “Kazakhstan may well repeat or even surpass last year’s record for fleet renewal, potentially reaching 200,000 new car sales,” Miskaryan stated. He acknowledged some fluctuations, noting that in certain months, sales fell below 2023 levels but were offset by stronger performance in other periods. Kazakhstan’s domestic car manufacturers, based in Kostanai and Almaty, are also close to replicating last year’s success. In 2023, locally produced vehicles accounted for over 70% of the 198,000 new cars sold - approximately 148,000 units. Miskaryan estimates that domestic production will maintain a similar share in 2024. As previously reported by the The Times of Central Asia, stricter regulations for importing foreign cars into Kazakhstan were introduced on December 1, 2024. However, experts anticipate that these changes will not significantly affect the market until spring 2025. Kazakhstan’s automobile sector continues to demonstrate resilience and robust growth, positioning itself for another record-breaking year in 2024.

1 day ago