Page 894 – The Times Of Central Asia

23 Jan 2024

Central Asia, Local Politics, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakh PM Reports On Country’s Economic Results For 2023

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On January 22nd Kazakh president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the country’s prime minister Alikhan Smailov, who reported on Kazakhstan’s economic results for 2023, the presidential press office reported.

In 2023 the country’s economic growth was 5.1%. Investments in fixed capital increased by 13.7%, to $39.5 billion, while over the first nine months of 2023 $19.7 billion of foreign direct investment was attracted. The number of people employed in small and medium-sized businesses increased by 14% (by 500,000) to 4.3 million people. Inflation was reduced twofold, down to 9.8%.

Kazakhstan’s foreign trade turnover last year increased by 2.2% and amounted to $126 billion, with exports exceeding imports by $16 billion.

Tokayev was informed that the government fulfilled all its social obligations. Pensions were indexed by 10.5%, and by another 9% since the beginning of this year. Payments to persons with disabilities increased by 23%.

The prime minister reported on the implementation of the Unified Pool of Investment Projects. Last year, 298 projects were launched. In 2024 it is planned to implement another 326 projects, including 180 projects in the manufacturing industry, creating 15,000 new jobs.

23 Jan 2024

Central Asia, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan International Affairs, International Affairs, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy

Turkmen Foreign Minister Visits Japan, Meets With Business Community

October 8, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

During a working visit to Japan on January 22nd, the Turkmen foreign minister, Rashid Meredov, held a meeting with the chief cabinet secretary of Japan, Yoshimasa Hayashi.

They exchanged views on the current state of their countries’ bilateral cooperation in priority areas, the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported, as well as prospects for developing ties. Mr Meredov stressed the positive dynamics in cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

The parties focused on the development of trade and economic ties, mentioning a number of successfully completed joint projects in the energy and gas chemical industries. They also identified priorities for further cooperation in the energy, industrial, and investment sectors, as well as in the fields of culture, science, and education.

Also on January 22nd, the Turkmen delegation led by Mr Meredov met with representatives of the Japanese business community. It was suggested to invite Japanese companies to produce export goods with high added value in Turkmenistan, as well as to involve small and medium-sized enterprises from both countries in joint projects. Representatives of Japanese companies showed interest in cooperating in the fields of infrastructure and energy transition.

22 Jan 2024

Kazakhstan Featurees

Earthquake related Fake News stirs concern among tense Almaty residents

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

In the wake of a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, Almaty residents went to social media to share their experiences and see what is happening to others.

Reported misinformation included a story about the destruction and casualties in KazNU dormitories as well as the destruction of the hostel.

Authorities urged everyone to be calm. N.B. Atygayev, the Emergency Situations Department urged not to spread false information and trust only official sources.

22 Jan 2024

Home, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan Features

Kyrgyz Republic Unaffected by Recent Earthquake, Says Chief Seismologist

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

In the aftermath of a recent seismic event, Kanat Abdrakhmanov, Kyrgyzstan’s chief seismologist, was quick to reassure residents via a Facebook post that no populated areas in the Kyrgyz Republic were adversely affected.

Apologizing for his delayed response due to a high volume of calls, Abdrakhmanov confirmed the occurrence of a significant earthquake. He explained that while the epicenter located in China experienced an intensity of 8-9 points, the impact in Bishkek was considerably less, registering at 3-4 points.

He further mentioned that there were three additional aftershocks following the main quake, but these were far too distant to be felt in the Kyrgyz Republic. Drawing on his expertise and previous earthquake patterns, he assured the public that no significant tremors were expected after the initial shock.

Abdrakhmanov ended his message with words of comfort for his fellow citizens, urging them to remain calm and not to succumb to fear. His reassurances seek to prevent panic and ensure that misinformation does not spread, contributing to stability and peace of mind during this potentially stressful time.

22 Jan 2024

Central Asia, Kazakhstan Environment, Home, Kazakhstan

Magnitude 7 quake strikes China-Kyrgyzstan border area. Buildings evacuated in Kazakhstan’s biggest city.

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

At nine minutes past midnight local time on January 23rd, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7 occurred near Almaty. The epicenter of the earthquake was located at a depth of 65 km to the south-east of the city on the border between China and Kyrgyzstan. According to the Emergency Situations Department, the earthquake had a magnitude of 5 MSK in Almaty, and 2 MSK in Shymkent. Thirty minutes after the first earthquake struck, repeated tremors of a magnitude between 2-3 points were recorded. The quake was also felt in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and China.

“Just after midnight we felt swaying and tremors, which was especially frightening considering we live on the 12th floor,” Raushan, an Almaty resident told the Times of Central Asia. “First the bed started to shake, and then I noticed the chandelier swinging violently. We quickly ran out of the apartment taking our passports and wallets. The worst part was that we were left with no communication as we had forgotten our phones, so we couldn’t contact our loved ones. After that, we went to help other residents, especially the disabled people who had a hard time getting down the stairs.”

In his address, the head of the city’s Emergency Situations Department, Nurlan Atygaev urged citizens not to panic, not to listen to rumors, and to stay on the street until they receive additional instructions.

The south of Kazakhstan, including Almaty, is considered a seismically dangerous region. About 40,000 earthquakes have occurred in Kazakhstan over the past five years, indicating a high level of seismic activity, though according to a forecast by the Institute of Seismology of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, the probability of a major earthquake in Almaty in 2023 was low. The last major earthquake occurred over a 100 years ago.

As reported by the Almaty Akimat’s press service, as of 17:00 on January 23rd, the earthquake led 67 people, 55 adults and 12 children, to seek medical assistance. Eight of these individuals (three adults and five children) were hospitalized, while the remaining patients underwent examinations and were released for outpatient treatment. Currently, three adults are receiving emergency hospital care, one of whom is in serious condition in the intensive care unit following surgery. Two other patients are in the traumatology and orthopedics department with moderate conditions. Four children – two infants aged six and seven months, along with children aged seven and sixteen years – are undergoing treatment at the Children’s Urgent Care Center after suffering falls in their homes. One infant fell from their mother’s arms, whilst the other fell from a crib. All of the children are in a stable, moderate condition, and are receiving treatment in the neurosurgery and traumatology departments.

In the aftermath of the quake, Bekbolat Bugabaev, head of Almaty’s emergency response department, announced a comprehensive disaster relief plan. This strategy will mobilize 55,000 personnel and 9,000 pieces of equipment from across the republic to assist in Almaty. Additionally, the city plans to establish 384 reception points for displaced individuals and 104 stations to address sanitary issues. The execution of these relief operations will be overseen by local executive bodies in collaboration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations’ headquarters, ensuring an organized and effective response to the crisis.

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Alikhan Smailov underscored the significance of providing prompt alerts and explicit guidelines to citizens during such circumstances.

Meanwhile, at least three people were injured in China’s Xinjiang province, according to CGTN, a Beijing-based news channel. The Chinese Government dispatched a rescue and relief team to the area. Extensive damage is “probable,” according to the U.S. Geological Survey. “The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and log construction,” it said. There were no reports of damage to buildings in Almaty. Tremors were reported as far away as New Delhi.

22 Jan 2024

Central Asia, Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Life & Culture, Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan and UNESCO: joint efforts to preserve cultural heritage

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

A regular meeting of the National Commission for UNESCO was held in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. It was chaired by foreign minister Rashid Meredov.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking representatives of the government and heads of key Turkmen agencies and ministries.

Last year four documents were signed between Turkmenistan and UNESCO. This made it possible to take active measures to preserve the cultural and natural heritage of the Turkmen people.

One of the main topics for discussion at this meeting was efforts to include Turkmenistan’s national values in the UNESCO World Heritage Lists. During the past year, three objects of Turkmen culture were added to the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Another important step for Turkmenistan is the inclusion of a collection of manuscripts by Makhtumkuli Fraghi in the UNESCO International Memory of the World List. UNESCO’s list of commemorative dates for 2024-2025 includes the 300th anniversary of the birth of this important figure in Turkmen literature.