Kazakhstan - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1201 - 1206 of 1220

Kazakhstan Aligns with UN Practice, Lifts Ban on Taliban

Kazakhstan, located 1,566 km from the Afghanistan border, has announced the removal of the Taliban from its list of proscribed organizations. Aibek Smadiyarov, Spokesperson for the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, declared this policy shift, signifying a significant change in Kazakhstan's approach towards the Taliban. Smadiyarov stated that this decision aligns with Kazakhstan's regular update of its national list of terrorist organizations, ensuring consistency with international standards and practices. The United Nations (UN) does not include the Taliban in the list of organizations recognized as terrorist by the UN Security Council. "These resolutions are binding, and we adhere to them," affirmed Smadiyarov, underscoring Kazakhstan's commitment to follow international norms set by the UN. Originating in 1986-1987, the Taliban - a group labeled as a terrorist organization by numerous countries worldwide - ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and returned to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. troops. The group is now striving to establish diplomatic relationships with various countries, including Kazakhstan. European countries have varied responses towards the Taliban. While no European nation has officially recognized the Taliban government, some degree of interaction has been initiated due to humanitarian and regional security concerns. For instance, the European Union has engaged in dialogue with the Taliban to address immediate humanitarian issues and evacuation efforts. Similarly, countries like Germany and Norway have been part of diplomatic negotiations with the Taliban, each guided by their respective foreign policies and national security considerations. The United States has also begun engaging with the Taliban albeit in a complex manner. Despite the Doha Agreement leading to the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan and outlining commitments from both parties, it did not equate to formal recognition of the Taliban government. The U.S.'s approach, termed 'pragmatic engagement', emphasizes that Afghanistan's future hinges on mutual engagement between the Taliban and the international community. However, there remains global apprehension about the Taliban's policies, particularly concerning women's rights and education. The Taliban has been widely criticized for its harsh treatment of women and girls, including banning girls from receiving secondary education. Many international entities continue to condemn the Taliban's actions and demand an end to human rights abuses. Kazakhstan, being a secular nation, is naturally concerned about the oppressive ideology of the Taliban, especially its potential ramifications on women. The recent decision to remove the Taliban from its list of banned organizations highlights the complex geopolitical challenges Kazakhstan faces. It also demonstrates Kazakhstan’s commitment to aligning with the United Nations charter and the positions of its respective organs.

Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Business & Economy Kazakhstan Featurees

Kazakhstan’s GDP Poised for a 36.8% Boost by 2028

Kazakhstan, the largest landlocked country in the world, has emerged as a regional economic powerhouse in Central Asia, according to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) World Economic Outlook. The report anticipates that by 2028, Kazakhstan's GDP will surge to $354.7 billion, marking an impressive growth of 36.8%, or a rise of $95.4 billion, compared to its position in 2023. This projection underscores the resilient performance of Kazakhstan's economy, which has been steadily improving over the years. As of 2023, the country's real GDP growth was reported at an annual rate of 4.6%, with total GDP standing at $259.29 billion. Moreover, despite global economic challenges, Kazakhstan's economy grew by 5.1% in the first half of 2023, bolstered by robust exports and fiscal stimulus. However, the IMF cautions that the economic growth is expected to moderate to 3.1 percent in 2024 due to an uncertain economic environment. Despite this prediction, the resilience showcased by Kazakhstan's economy in the face of global disruptions suggests a strong capacity to navigate through potential economic hurdles. The country's economic success can be attributed to several factors. Primarily, Kazakhstan has effectively utilized its abundant natural resources, including significant oil reserves, to fuel its economic growth. Furthermore, the government's commitment to implementing progressive economic policies and fostering a conducive environment for foreign investment has also significantly contributed to the country's robust GDP growth. On December 4, President Tokayev signed a decree with measures to attract investment into Kazakhstan’s economy and accelerate economic growth. Tokayev’s agenda of creating a “Just and Fair” state has involved tackling corruption and stabilizing the country through sweeping democratic reforms. Looking ahead, the predicted growth of Kazakhstan's GDP to $354.7 billion by 2028 presents an optimistic outlook for the nation and the region. This projection underlines the potential of Kazakhstan's economy and reaffirms its role as a key player in the economic landscape of Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. While the journey towards this ambitious goal will undoubtedly present challenges, the progress made by Kazakhstan thus far provides a solid foundation for continued economic growth and prosperity.

Kazakhstan Business & Economy Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Remains Regional Leader in Attracting Foreign Investment, Says PM

Despite the current global challenges, Kazakhstan remains attractive to foreign investors and is the leader in gross inflow of foreign direct investment in the Central Asian region. Last year, FDI in Kazakhstan grew by 18% and reached $28 billion - a record high for Kazakhstan over the past decade, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov said in an interview with the 24KZ TV channel. In his words, $13.3 billion was attracted into the country’s economy in the first half of this year, and about $27 billion is expected by the end of the year. Smailov said this was largely possible thanks to the diplomacy of Kazakhstan's President Tokayev, who, in the face of complex geopolitical tensions, is consistently strengthening relations with a wide range of influential players including China, Europe, Russia, the U.S., Turkey, and the Arab world. The Prime Minister also spoke about measures the Government will take to double economic growth in the medium term. “The Government has been given a big task to double the national economy by 2029. In this regard, we will continue to work to stimulate economic activity in the country. We will further reduce inflation and ensure macroeconomic stability,” Smailov said. The Government also has designs on further improving the investment climate. “Every year, we plan to attract at least $25 billion of foreign direct investment. In the future, a nationwide pool of investment projects will be implemented. Thanks to this, more than 160,000 new jobs will be created,” said the Prime Minister. “All this will allow us to ensure economic growth in the medium term at a level of at least 6%. In general, the order of the Head of State to increase the volume of the national economy to $450 billion will be fulfilled,” Smailov concluded.

Kazakhstan Business & Economy Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan and CNPC to Expand Cooperation

The partnership between Kazakhstan and the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is set to broaden, with plans to implement joint projects in the oil and gas industry. This information was shared during a meeting held via videoconference on December 28th between Kazakhstan's First Deputy Prime Minister, Roman Sklyar, and CNPC President, Hou Qijun. Sklyar highlighted the CNPC as a long-standing strategic and investment partner of Kazakhstan. In response, Qijun expressed the corporation's commitment to expanding its cooperation with Kazakhstan, driven by the agreements made by the leaders of both countries. As part of this renewed alliance, the Kazakh Government is actively working on specific projects within the Framework Agreement on expanding strategic cooperation in the energy sector. This agreement was signed during the state visit of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to China earlier this year. Current projects under discussion include expanding the production capacity of the Shymkent Refinery in south Kazakhstan, constructing the second line of the Beineu-Bozoy-Shymkent gas pipeline, and conducting joint geological exploration in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan Business & Economy Kazakhstan Business & Economy Features

EBRD to Tackle Bottlenecks on Major Logistical Hub

To tackle the identified bottlenecks within the Trans-Caspian corridor, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced on December 27th its commitment to providing financial support for the enhancement of modern logistical infrastructure. The bank's loan, amounting to up to U$ 40 million, is intended for Kazakhstan’s principal private rolling stock operator, Eastcomtrans. This support aims to bolster the operator's container handling capacity, specifically targeting one of the busiest junctions near Almaty city, thereby ensuring the continuous operation of its railway fleet. Eastcomtrans, an EBRD client since 2014 and the possessor of 8% of the nation’s total rolling stock, will utilize the allocated funds, available in both US dollars and Kazakh tenge, to further advance its Zhetygen logistical center. The investment will also facilitate the acquisition of approximately 250 new railcars and the maintenance of its existing stock. Located in close proximity to the Chinese border and adjacent to Kazakhstan's largest urban area, this upgraded logistical hub will function as a pivotal point along the Trans-Caspian Corridor. It is poised to enhance the smooth flow of cargo traffic across Kazakhstan. Anticipating a surge in trade volumes, especially in container traffic between Asia and Europe, the hub's development aims to accommodate the escalating demand for freight transit.

Life & Culture Kazakhstan Justice Kazakhstan Life & Culture Kazakhstan

Investigation Launched into Mobile Operators

The Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition of the Republic of Kazakhstan has established that in 2023, a significant price increase from 7.7% to 57.3% was recorded according to the tariff plans of mobile operators, who increased the cost of services provided on more than 30 plans with a monthly subscription fee. “Taking into account paragraph 3 of Article 199 of the Entrepreneurial Code in connection with the repeated detection of signs of anti-competitive coordinated actions in the calendar year, the Agency has now launched investigations against mobile operators Kcell JSC, MT–S LLP (Tele2/Altel) and Kar-Tel LLP (Beeline) under Article 170 of the Entrepreneurial Code," the Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition of the Republic of Kazakhstan said in a statement. Earlier, the Agency had detected signs of anti-competitive coordinated actions by mobile operators in setting the cost of calls per minute and SMS services. In this regard, notifications were sent to mobile operators to reasonably reduce their pricing. The Agency stated that in case of non-compliance by the operators within an established time-frame, an investigation would be launched.