Page 441 – The Times Of Central Asia

01 Jan 2025

Central Asia, Home, Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Global Ranking: Kazakhstan Has the Third-Highest Unemployment Rate in Eurasia

January 1, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

In the global ranking of unemployment rates for 2024, prepared by ILOSTAT, Kazakhstan placed 104th out of 187 countries with an unemployment rate of 4.8%.

According to analysts from Energyprom.kz, the worst unemployment rates were recorded in Eswatini (34.4%), South Africa (33.2%), and Djibouti (25.9%), while Qatar boasted the lowest rate globally at 0.1%.

In the Eurasia region Kazakhstan ranked third highest for unemployment, ahead of only Tajikistan (11.6%) and Azerbaijan (5.6%). The best performers in the region are Moldova (1.4%), Russia (2.5%), and Kyrgyzstan (3.3%). For context, the global average unemployment rate stood at 5%, with the Europe and Central Asia region slightly higher at 5.5%.

The Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan (BNS) reported that by the end of Q3 2024, the country had 448,600 unemployed individuals – 0.6% fewer than during the same period in 2023. The official unemployment rate was 4.6%, with parity between urban and rural areas.

Family circumstances (100,200 cases), voluntary resignations (95,600 cases), and difficulties in finding employment (92,200 cases) were identified as the primary causes of unemployment.

In terms of job-seeking durations:

127,500 individuals searched for less than a month.
113,300 sought work for one to three months.
124,600 for three to six months.
36,800 for six months to a year.
46,000 were unemployed for over a year.

A small fraction of the unemployed (332 individuals) had already initiated entrepreneurial ventures or secured employment arrangements.

31 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan

English Proficiency Index: Kazakhstan Still Among Least Fluent Countries

December 31, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan ranks 103rd out of 116 countries in the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), improving by just one position from the previous year. Despite this slight progress, the country remains in the group of nations with very low English proficiency, according to Ranking.kz analysts.

Leading the global rankings was the Netherlands, scoring 636 out of 700 points, followed by Norway, Singapore, Sweden, and Croatia. In the Eurasia region, Belarus and Russia performed best, achieving scores of 539 and 532 respectively, while Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan showed comparatively low results.

Regional and Historical Context

In Kazakhstan, the highest proficiency scores were recorded in Almaty (476 points) and the Almaty region (475 points), with Astana, Akmola, Kostanai, and Pavlodar regions also performing relatively well.

Since Kazakhstan’s first appearance in the EF EPI rankings in 2011, where it ranked last among 44 participants, little progress has been made. Current scores remain similar to those recorded over a decade ago.

Globally, English remains the most widely spoken language, with over 1.5 billion speakers in 2024, according to Ethnologue.

The Cost of Learning English in Kazakhstan

English education costs in Kazakhstan vary widely depending on the method of instruction:

Individual lessons: Average 96,000 KZT ($182) for a course of 12 sessions.
Private tutors: Range from 15,300 KZT ($29) to 54,000 KZT ($102) per month.
Online tutors: Cost between 48,000 and 96,000 KZT ($91 to $182) monthly.
AI-assisted classes: Start at 5,000 KZT ($9.5) and go up to 25,000 KZT ($47), depending on the number of assignments.
Group lessons: Range from 36,000 KZT ($68) to 64,000 KZT ($121) for 12 lessons.

In major cities, free courses and conversation clubs organized by libraries and language centers provide alternative learning opportunities.

The low level of English proficiency in Kazakhstan continues to be a pressing issue, requiring systematic reforms. Analysts emphasize that improving the situation will demand enhanced educational programs, more accessible learning opportunities, and greater public engagement in mastering the language.

31 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Featurees

Public Opinion Survey: One in Five Kazakhs Considering Emigrating

December 31, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

One in five Kazakhstanis is contemplating leaving the country, citing low income and a lack of confidence in the future as the primary reasons, according to a survey by the Bureau of Express Monitoring of Public Opinion DEMOSCOPE. The study, titled “Attitude of Kazakhstanis to the Problem of Brain Drain,” was conducted in partnership with the MediaNet International Journalism Center, PAPERLAB research center, and supported by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Migration Sentiment in Numbers

The survey revealed that:

21% of respondents are considering emigration.
6.9% intend to leave within the next two to three years.
5.6% wish to move but lack the means to do so.
8.4% are open to moving under certain conditions.

However, the majority – 78.5% – do not plan to emigrate in the foreseeable future.

Young and middle-aged respondents were the most interested in moving abroad. Among 18-29-year-olds, a quarter said that they wanted to emigrate, while nearly 30% of those in their 30s are considering relocation.

Reasons for Leaving

The top motivations for emigration included:

Higher wages (24.5%)
Better prospects for themselves and their children (23.9%)
Access to better jobs (14%)
Opportunities for quality education (11.7%)
Self-development (13.2%)
Improved healthcare services (4.9%)

Younger respondents were more focused on education and self-development, while older individuals prioritized long-term opportunities.

Emigration Trends and Impacts

Despite growing migration sentiments, official data for the first three quarters of 2024 show a positive migration balance. Over 20,000 people moved to Kazakhstan, while 10,200 emigrated.

However, the qualitative characteristics of migration raise concerns. Many who leave are skilled professionals, including engineers, economists, teachers, and lawyers. A detailed analysis of migration patterns highlights this trend.

Popular Destinations and Public Opinion

The most desired emigration destinations are:

United States (7.7%)
Russia (6.2%)
European countries (5.1%)
Turkey (4.6%)
Canada (2.6%)

However, 35% of respondents had no specific preference for a destination.

Societal attitudes toward emigration remain largely understanding, with 63.3% expressing support for those who choose to leave. Only 11.4% voiced disapproval.

Looking ahead, 39% of respondents anticipate a rise in the outflow of skilled workers, while 21.7% predict an increase in immigration to Kazakhstan.

Addressing the Brain Drain

Experts stress that mitigating the brain drain will require a systematic approach, including:

Improving living standards.
Enhancing access to quality education and healthcare.
Ensuring security and economic stability.

The survey, conducted across 17 regions of Kazakhstan, included 1,100 participants. The margin of error does not exceed 3% with a 95% confidence level.

31 Dec 2024

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Central Asia Attracted $24.8 billion in Investments in 2024

December 31, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

Despite global economic challenges, Central Asia has experienced growth in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), investment in the region increased by 27%, reaching $24.8 billion in 2024. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have become the main centers of attraction for capital, offering investors significant opportunities in the energy sector and green technologies.

Uzbekistan attracted $4 billion in foreign investment, reflecting a 49% year-on-year decline. However, the country is actively developing sustainable environmental projects. South Korea’s Western Power plans to build a $152 million biofuel plant in Fergana region. The plant will process cotton stalks to heat greenhouses, which will replace coal and reduce emissions by 120,000 tons of CO2 over 10 years. This project reflects Uzbekistan’s policy of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and introducing “green” technologies.

Kazakhstan maintained its position as the regional leader in attracting investment, accounting for 63% of Central Asia’s total FDI. The country increased its investment inflow by 88%, reaching $15.7 billion. An important role was played by Qatari company UCC Holding, which invested $11 billion in the construction of two gas processing plants, a compressor station, and new main gas pipelines. These projects strengthen Kazakhstan’s role as a key energy hub in the region.

Kyrgyzstan recorded the highest relative growth in investment, increasing by 310% to $2.1 billion. Turkmenistan and Tajikistan received $339 million and $281 million, respectively.

As for outgoing investments, their volume from the region decreased by 58% to $2.3 billion. Russia remains the primary source of outgoing investments, accounting for 90% ($2.1 billion). Georgia invested $105 million, Azerbaijan $76 million, and Kazakhstan $47 million.

31 Dec 2024

Home, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

Digital Kazakhstan: Pioneering E-Government and AI Innovations Amid New Challenges

January 1, 2025
By Aliya Haidar

Kazakhstan has solidified its position as a global leader in digital transformation, ranking among the top 25 countries in e-government development and achieving significant milestones in IT innovation. After nearly two decades of digitalization efforts, the country is now aiming to surpass the most advanced nations.

The concept of e-government in Kazakhstan was first announced in former President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s address on March 19, 2004. That same year, a program for the establishment of e-government was approved, and the eGov.kz web portal was launched in 2006. Initially, the platform primarily provided informational services.

The second phase of e-government (2007–2008) introduced interactive services, allowing citizens to request certificates, submit inquiries to government bodies, and track their progress online. A key milestone was the establishment of Citizen Service Centers on January 5, 2007. Before the digital era, obtaining documents was a lengthy and cumbersome process, plagued by long queues and widespread corruption.

In 2024, digitalization in Kazakhstan reached new heights. The government reports that 92% of public services are now provided electronically. Innovations such as biometric identification and QR signatures have simplified access, with over eight million QR code signatures registered and more than 18 million identifications conducted through the Digital ID system this year, according to Kanat Tuleushin, the First Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry (MCRIAP).

The modernization of the e-government platform is ongoing, with plans to transition to the third version of eGov. Additionally, IT services from Kazakhstan are now exported to 86 countries, with key markets including Russia, Ireland, Mexico, the United States, and Singapore. A central focus of the government strategy is the development of artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024, a draft law on AI was approved, and a Committee on AI was established to oversee the development of this field in the country.

Kazakhstan continues to modernize its e-government platform, with plans to transition to the third version of eGov. The country has also made strides in exporting IT services to 86 countries, including major markets like Russia, Ireland, Mexico, the United States, and Singapore. A key priority for the government is the development of artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024, a draft law on AI was approved, and a dedicated Committee on AI was established to oversee advancements in this area.

In the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI), Kazakhstan ranked 24th among 193 countries, climbing four spots since the last assessment. The country also secured a place in the global top 10 of the Online Service Index (OSI), which evaluates the accessibility and quality of government-provided online services. South Korea leads the EGDI rankings, while Kazakhstan outpaces many of its regional neighbors, including Armenia (53rd), Russia (56th), Uzbekistan (59th), Kyrgyzstan (89th), and Turkmenistan (172nd).

Kazakhstan’s banking sector has also played a pivotal role in driving digital innovation. Major banks now integrate a wide range of public and business services into their apps. For example, Halyk Bank offers over 60 services, Kaspi.kz provides 40, Bank CenterCredit more than 30, and Freedom Bank is around 20.

Korlan Zhusupbayeva, an expert from the Eurasian Integration Institute, notes that digitalization tools not only improve sectoral policy efficiency, but also strengthen communication between the government and citizens. In his September address, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for further digital transformation, emphasizing the need to modernize tax administration, create an integrated medical information system, and incorporate AI into the e-government platform.

Looking ahead, the government has ambitious plans for 2025, including laying a fiber-optic communication line across the Caspian Sea and launching the National Artificial Intelligence Center in Astana.

However, the rapid expansion of online services has also led to an increase in fraud cases. In October, police issued warnings about scams involving the eGov.kz portal and the 1414 information service. Criminals posing as government officials have been requesting personal data or payments for fictitious fines. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, stating, “Government agencies do not request information through calls or messages. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click on links or share your data.”

Kazakhstan’s remarkable progress in digitalization reflects its commitment to innovation and efficiency, but challenges remain as the country navigates the risks of an increasingly digital society.

30 Dec 2024

Central Asia, International Affairs, Kazakhstan Justice, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Features

Kazakhstan Transfers Flight Recorders to Brazil for Further Investigation

January 7, 2025
By Andrei Matveev

The Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near the Kazakh city of Aktau continues to dominate media discussions in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Public attention has centered on statements from Azerbaijan’s leader, Ilham Aliyev, who appears dissatisfied with Vladimir Putin’s vague apologies, as well as on the actions of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who faces the delicate challenge of conducting an investigation that satisfies both Baku and Moscow.

Tensions between Baku and Moscow have escalated, with both sides imposing mutual migration restrictions. Russians are now limited to 90 days per year in Azerbaijan, while Russia has enacted asymmetric measures against Azerbaijani citizens. Amid this backdrop, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has taken personal control of the aviation accident investigation, which includes collaboration with specialists from both Azerbaijan and Russia.

On the evening of Sunday, December 29, the Commission on Aviation Incident Investigation, led by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Marat Karabayev, announced its decision to send the flight data recorder (black box) to Brazil’s Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA). Brazil is also the manufacturer of the Embraer aircraft involved in the crash.

According to the Kazakh authorities, the decision complies with the standards of Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention, which assigns responsibility for decoding flight recorders to the investigating country and allows it to select the location for the task. Kazakhstan, a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) since 1992, made the decision in alignment with this framework.

The commission emphasized that CENIPA possesses the necessary technical expertise, certified laboratories, and specialized equipment for decoding the flight data recorders.

Kazakh analyst Gaziz Abishev interprets the decision as a potential response to external pressure on Kazakhstan, though officials deny any such influence. According to Abishev, the rhetoric from Azerbaijan’s leadership reflects a lack of mutual understanding with Moscow, suggesting covert attempts to sway the investigation. “In this context, Kazakhstan’s decision to transfer the black box to CENIPA represents a principled step aimed at neutralizing pressure and ensuring an impartial decoding process that instills confidence in the international community,” Abishev stated.

A similar view is held by Aydos Sarym, a deputy in Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis.

“This is, in essence, a ‘Solomonic’ decision, as Azerbaijan is the aggrieved party, with the majority of victims being its citizens. President Aliyev has repeatedly emphasized Russia’s culpability in the tragedy and expressed distrust toward certain CIS institutions that have investigated past international incidents. To guarantee full transparency and objectivity, the decryption process has been entrusted to Brazil. This move seeks to accurately determine the cause of the tragedy and establish accountability while ensuring the investigation’s conclusions are accepted by all parties,” Sarym commented.

Azat Peruashev, leader of the parliamentary party Ak Zhol, also voiced support for the decision. He praised it as a testament to Tokayev’s diplomatic skill, describing him as a “high-class diplomat capable of finding balanced solutions in the most challenging situations.” Peruashev highlighted the advantages of shifting the investigation to a neutral and unbiased venue, allowing the manufacturer to confirm whether the crash was caused by external interference or structural issues.

This approach, according to Peruashev, removes doubts about the investigation’s credibility and helps de-escalate tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia. Most importantly, it enhances Kazakhstan’s reputation as a truly independent nation that adheres to international law and prioritizes transparency, even in highly sensitive and contentious circumstances.