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Kazakhstan Intends to Bring Its Scientists Back From Abroad

Hundreds of Kazakh scientists will be repatriated to Kazakhstan from abroad, according to the Kazakh Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek. He said that after the collapse of the USSR in the 1990's, many promising scientists left the country. The ministry head said that now they are working to bring science specialists back to their homeland. For example, Nurbek said that in the 1990s there were 52,000 scientific workers in Kazakhstan -- and by 2000 that number had fallen to 12,000 people. "Together with embassies we have created a database, we have 680 young or experienced scientists who work in leading scientific institutes or universities -- we have identified them. Now we are working on their return," Nurbek said. The Minister of Science and Higher Education noted that they are working on three areas. The first is when Kazakhstani scientists don't want to return to Kazakhstan. In that case, under the Bolashak mentoring program, young personnel are sent to them for training. "For example, Murat Saparbayev heads a large laboratory in Paris. Six of our scientists from Al-Farabi and Satpayev Universities work under his supervision. He trains them and [will help] create a similar laboratory in Kazakhstan," said Nurbek. There is also an option of "direct return" of Kazakh scientists. This is how Dos Sarbasov returned to Kazakhstan. According to Nurbek, he was given status as a member of the National Council on Science & Technology under the President of Kazakhstan -- and a laboratory at Nazarbayev University. The third way to bring scientists back is for scientists who have left the country to give lectures to their colleagues in Kazakhstan. The project is called the Digital Nomads Lectures series. Alternatively, emigre scientists can also be invited to become independent directors on scientific councils.

Kazakhstan Now a Global Top Ten Iron Ore Producer

Latest data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) puts Kazakhstan in the top 10 of countries by volume of mined iron ore. Almost 2.8 billion tons of metal were extracted in the world in 2022. Iron ore makes up 93.3% of that total, or 2.6 billion tons, which includes 1.6 billion tons of iron. The leaders in iron ore production are Australia (880 million tons in 2022), Brazil (410 million tons), China (380 million tons) and India (290 million tons). USGS has Kazakhstan in ninth on the list, with 66 million tons. Kazakhstan intends to increase iron ore production in the country, and plans to launch a new mining project in the Kostanay region. Its developers plan to put the Lomonosovskoye deposit into operation in 2025.

Great Women in the History of the Kyrgyz Republic

Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan boasts a rich tapestry of history woven by extraordinary women who have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation. From political pioneers to cultural icons, these women have left an indelible mark on the nation. To mark International Women’s Day, we remember some great women in the history of Kyrgyzstan, acknowledging their contribution and enduring impact. Kurmanjan Datka[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="15382" img_size="full" el_class="scond-image" parallax_scroll="no" woodmart_inline="no"][vc_column_text woodmart_inline="no" text_larger="no"]Photo: Carl Gustav Mannerheim Known as the "Queen of the South," Kurmanjan Datka, the “Tsaritsa of Alai” was a courageous and noble woman who was not afraid to break with tradition. An important politician, in the second half of the eighteen century Kurmanjan ruled over the region wisely. Seeking both compromise and fighting for the rights of her people, she played a crucial role in unifying the Kyrgyz tribes during a tumultuous period, when her leadership and diplomacy skills were instrumental in maintaining peace. Aside from Kurmanjan, no other woman has ever been honored with the title "Datka" - meaning "general" - in the history of Kyrgyzstan. Kurmanjan was the only woman to rule over the Kyrgyz nation. Recognized as the "mother of the nation," 2011 was declared the year of Kurmanjan Datka in the Republic, where her face adorns banknotes. Olga Manuilova[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="15302" img_size="full" el_class="scond-image" parallax_scroll="no" woodmart_inline="no"][vc_column_text woodmart_inline="no" text_larger="no"]Photo: ilgeri.kg Olga Manuilova's contributions were valued highly by the Government of the Kyrgyz SSR, which in 1954 recognized her with the prestigious title, People's Artist of the Kyrgyz SSR. In acknowledgment of her outstanding work, she was also honored with many other awards, including the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, the Badge of Honor, and the medal For Valorous Labor. Additionally, Manuilova received commendations in the form of diplomas from the Supreme Soviet of the Republic. Among her notable creations were artistic masterpieces such as "Builders of the Great Chui Canal," "In Aid of the Front" from 1942, and a monument to General Panfilov, which entwined her work with the fate of the nation. These remarkable works earned Manuilova the distinguished title of "Honored Art Worker of the Kyrgyz SSR." This recognition underscored the significant impact of her artistic endeavors and highlighted her exceptional role in contributing to the cultural and artistic heritage of Kyrgyzstan. In 1973, a main belt asteroid was named after her. Urkuya Salieva[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="15305" img_size="full" el_class="scond-image" parallax_scroll="no" woodmart_inline="no"][vc_column_text woodmart_inline="no" text_larger="no"]Illustration: limon.kg At the age of just seventeen, in 1927 Salieva became the secretary of her local Komsomol cell in the Osh Oblast, indicating her early inclination towards political activism. The following year, she defied societal expectations by assuming the role of chairperson for the council of her birth village of Murkut. Displaying exceptional leadership, Salieva was elected chairperson of the Kyzyl-Asker collective farm despite opposition from affluent individuals who underestimated her ability to navigate the challenges of this role. Showing devotion to her people, Salieva worked tirelessly to surpass all expectations, securing a seat on the Central Executive Committee of the Kyrgyz...

Chinese Company to Help Uzbekistan Develop Logistics Network

Chinese Shenzhen Neptune Logistics Co. Ltd. plans to invest about $10-$15m to build a transport and logistics center in Uzbekistan. The company held talks with JSC Uztemiryulcontainer, which is the operator of the container park of state railway company JSC Uzbekistan Temir Yollari. During the meeting the parties discussed cooperation on joint use of existing logistics centers, the creation of new ones, establishment of distribution services, and joint use of railcars and containers. Shenzhen Neptune Logistics offered to create modern warehouses of the "A+" category in Uzbekistan. The parties also discussed cooperation on transportation from the Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shenzhen provinces along the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan multimodal route, and along existing transport corridors, to Turkey and Europe. Shenzhen Neptune Logistics was founded in 2002 and has its own logistics centers in more than 10 provinces in China, plus Europe, Central Asia, and Singapore. In 2023 the company launched about 100 container trains from China to Europe and on China-Central Asia routes from Xi'an, Chengdu, Shenzhen provinces. The company specializes in multimodal transportation and owns 25,000 of its own containers. By modernizing and expanding logistics infrastructure, Uzbekistan and China are laying the foundation for a reliable logistics network that will link Central Asia and European markets. Earlier, Chinese logistics company Zhengzhou Hongyi Transportation launched road-freight transportation from Shenzhen to Tashkent. The 6,500-kilometer route reduced the previous travel time of 20 days down to seven. As experts note, new projects focusing on development of rail and road lines will compensate for the deficit of legacy trunkline infrastructure in Central Asia -- which will favorably affect both the economy of the country itself and its partners. According to the Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan, the volume of cargo that transited Uzbekistan in 2023 amounted to 11.3 million tons -- 22.8% more than in 2022.

S&P Global Ratings to Evaluate Kyrgyz Stock Exchange for Green, Social Bond Issuances

The Kyrgyz Stock Exchange (KYSE) in Bishkek has expanded its list of verifiers to include S&P Global Ratings, who will conduct an independent assessment of sustainable finance instruments. The audit is centered on the evaluation of bonds aimed at green, social and sustainability (GSS) initiatives, according to a report on the KYSE website. According to KYSE stakeholders, the participation of the high-profile rating agency gives investors who want to help GSS projects in Kyrgyzstan an opportunity to get an independent analysis and guarantees of sustainability of financial instruments on the exchange. The so-called Second Party Opinion will serve as a guarantee that investors' money will be spent on environmental, climate, social and other projects related to sustainable development. "The participation of a world-famous American company in KYSE activities will help attract the attention of international investors to Kyrgyz companies placing their green bonds. It will also create an incentive for Kyrgyz businesses to participate in these projects," Irina Ivanova, head of KYSE's sustainable development department, told the Times of Central Asia. In addition to the U.S. rating agency, KYSE's list of international appraisers includes several companies from Russia and Kazakhstan. Earlier this year, the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange created a portal for issuing green bonds on its platform, so that foreign investors could participate in financing environmental projects in the country on market terms. According to participants of the exchange, large global companies are now changing their strategies in favor of socially responsible policy and investing in green projects -- and an instrument like green bonds can serve as a driver for attracting foreign investment in the country. For example, in Kazakhstan the total market value of sustainable finance is $257m, of which the market value of green finance is $188m -- and green bonds comprise 65% of that amount. The advantages of such bonds are increased demand and trust from investors, which also has a positive impact on the rating of the issuer. Several commercial banks in Kyrgyzstan have already placed the first so-called gender bonds on the KYSE at a total amount of 114 million Kyrgyz som ($1.3m) to finance women's entrepreneurship projects in the country.

Titanium-Zirconium Deposit in Kazakhstan to Get New Owner

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Industry and Construction says that the Obukhovskoye deposit, which is located in the North Kazakhstan region, has been put up for auction. The sale of the titanium-zirconium deposit will be held electronically on May 15th. All three sections of the deposit will go on the auction block. The Obukhovskoye deposit may prove to be a very valuable asset due to its high-percentage concentration of minerals in the ore. Until 2021 the location belonged to a company called Tioline, which ended up losing its license due to violations of its financial and investment obligations. In February this year one of the co-owners of the Obukhovskoye mine, Viktor Dolgalev, was arrested -- he is accused of misuse of subsoil resources, tax evasion and illegal receipt of funds in excess of 26bn tenge (~$58m). These events have led to the current situation, in which the project needs a new investor who can prove their ability to execute a sustainable ore extraction and processing plan at the site. The Ministry of Industry and Construction has already disclosed that the size of the minimum bid for the signing bonus -is 1.85m tenge ($4,132). The company who submits the winning bid will be obliged to supply raw materials from the deposit to local producers at reduced prices -- to restore the project after the substandard work of the past license holder -- and to comply with environmental regulations. It will also be obliged to support the Kazakhstani market by using at least 60% locally-sourced goods and services in its work.