Page 907 – The Times Of Central Asia

10 Jan 2024

Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Featurees

Almaty Ranked 25th in New York Times Cities to Visit 2024

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Almaty, the southern capital of Kazakhstan, has been included in a list of 52 places around the world that should be visited in 2024 by The New York Times, ranking 25^th. The former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty is known for its diverse culture, rich historical heritage and impressive nature; the city is located at the foot of the majestic Tien Shan Mountains, which creates an impressive panorama and offers many opportunities for outdoor activities.

The authors also mention walking the green nature of the city, stating, “Walk the leafy streets in an attentive mood and you’ll find endless delights await you – like a mustachioed man playing the accordion in front of the kaleidoscopic Ascension Cathedral.”

The publication notes that Almaty is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for gastro-tourism. The city offers a wide range of restaurants of different cuisines, both local and international. Neo-nomad restaurants are particularly popular among visitors. They cite the example of neo-nomadic cuisine, which is gaining in popularity in recent times. In addition, coffee lovers are advised to be sure to try the local coffee, as Almaty is famous for its coffee culture, and here you can find many cozy cafes where you can enjoy a fragrant drink in a pleasant atmosphere.

The green market also attracted the attention of journalists, as it is where you can find a “patchwork quilt” of fresh fruits and nuts. The market is a real kaleidoscope of colors, aromas and tastes which create a unique atmosphere.

10 Jan 2024

Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Home

Bishkek Delegation Visits Chinese Solid Waste Enterprise

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Mayor Zhyrgalbek Shamyraliev, together with a group of his representatives and Ulana Bakirova, an expert from the Information Policy Service of the Presidential Administration, visited Hunan Junxing Company in Changsha, China. The purpose of their visit was to study advanced waste treatment methods and familiarize themselves with the transportation and logistics complex.

Hunan Junxing is a high-tech enterprise engaged in the development and implementation of innovative methods for municipal solid waste treatment, municipal wastewater treatment, landfill leachate treatment, fly ash utilization, and other types of waste. The technologies used include advanced methods of physical and chemical treatment and mechanical sorting, which allows the company to effectively solve the problems of environmental pollution and waste utilization.

During the visit, the delegation was shown the transshipment complex of the Hunan Junxing Company, and received information on the operation of the waste utilization plant. The potential prospects for the application of technologies implemented in Changsha being adopted in Bishkek were high on the agenda. At the end of the meeting, a ceremony was held with the company gifting two advanced garbage trucks to the Bishkek administration.

During the visit, a meeting was also held with Gao Wenqi, Deputy Mayor of the People’s Government of Changsha, wherein the parties discussed the development of infrastructure of the city, and prospects for cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, culture, and the social sphere.

10 Jan 2024

Environment, Kyrgyzstan Environment, Kyrgyzstan, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features

UNDP Supports Kyrgyzstan in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Ecosystem Management

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has helped Kyrgyzstan to conclude the biodiversity conservation project in Western Tian Shan, and is now launching a new initiative for the integrated management of valuable mountain ecosystems of Pamir-Alai.

Speaking at an event marking the conclusion of the Western Tian Shan project, Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, highlighted the achievements of the project, which supported the adoption of a landscape approach, advocating for a holistic ecosystem strategy in biodiversity and natural resource planning, management, and monitoring. The project’s key achievements included strengthening protected area management, implementing high conservation value forest concepts, flagship species monitoring, revising sector legislation, expanding local community rights and opportunities, and promoting environmental education initiatives, UNDP Kyrgyzstan reported on January 9^th.

The Western Tian Shan project focused on preserving globally significant biodiversity and the sustainable management of land and forest resources. A major achievement was the establishment of the Chatkal ecological corridor and the Kabak buffer zone, spanning 89,000 hectares, linking three protected areas – Alatai, Sary-Chelek, and Padysha-Ata – and facilitating natural wildlife migration.

Recently adopted as the national symbol of the Kyrgyz Republic, the snow leopard, an ecosystem indicator species, plays a vital role in the health of entire ecosystems and in determining the well-being of its prey species. UNDP’s conservation initiatives focus on preserving and increasing the snow leopard population, with recent data showing a population of 15 to 28 individuals in the Western Tian Shan mountains.

Efforts to enhance conservation effectiveness include reducing ecosystem pressure through alternative income sources, local development, and expanding socioeconomic opportunities for residents near protected areas. The project supported income-generating initiatives in pilot villages of the Toktogul and Toguz-Toro districts, with a focus on expanding socio-economic opportunities for women and youth.

“Our current country program aligns closely with national priorities, focusing on low-carbon sustainable development and reliable ecosystem preservation. UNDP will continue to support Kyrgyzstan in sustainable ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation,” stated Solovieva, adding that in January 2024, “we will launch the Pamir-Alai project, funded by the Global Environment Facility, reaffirming our dedication and partnership in preserving natural heritage and invaluable ecosystems.”

10 Jan 2024

Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Features

New City, Alatau, Established in Kazakhstan

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

By a decree dated January 9^th, President Tokayev ordered that the village of Zhetygen in the Ili district of the Almaty region be classified as a city of regional significance and renamed Alatau. The new city is located 15 km from Almaty, and has a total area of 88,000 hectares and a population of 52, 700.

The Ministry of National Economy said that the creation of the new city will allow for the modernization of road networks, engineering and social infrastructure, create new jobs, attract investment and technology, develop entrepreneurial activity, and increase tax revenues.

A decision to expand the territory of the local Special Economic Zone (SEZ) from 30,000 to 96,500 hectares and rename the G4 City SEZ to the Alatau SEZ was also approved. As a result, the entire territory of Alatau and part of the nearby city of Konaev are now included within the territory of the SEZ. The SEZ is expected to host more than 170 projects with the creation of 110,000 new jobs, the ministry said.

In November 2023, the Alatau project was discussed at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov. According to the plan, the new city should become a magnet for attracting domestic and foreign investments and an international business hub operating to world standards based on the experience of such international business centers as Dubai, Singapore, and Tianjin.

The development of Alatau will also facilitate an increase in the level of trade and investment interaction with China and Central Asian countries, launch new production and commercial projects, and introduce best practices in various spheres and industries. For this purpose, conditions and incentives will be provided to attract investments and for doing business in the new city and its SEZ, including tax and customs.

10 Jan 2024

Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Kyrgyzstan Bans Inspections of Businesses Until End of 2024

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On January 9^th, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov signed a Decree “On the introduction of a temporary ban (moratorium) on conducting inspections of business entities.” The Decree has been issued with the purpose of stabilizing the economic activities of businesses, ensuring the further development of the business environment, improving the investment climate, and eliminating unjustified and unnecessary interference by government bodies, the presidential press service said in a statement.

The moratorium will run until December 31^st, 2024.

In a post on Facebook, President Japarov called on representatives of small and medium-sized businesses to report unjustified inspections to him. Japarov wrote that only enterprises against which a criminal case has been initiated will be subject to inspections. “If representatives of government agencies come to check businessmen without reason, without identifying signs of an economic crime, you can contact me through the Presidential Administration,” Japarov stated, promised that measures will be taken in such cases.

10 Jan 2024

Uzbekistan, Life & Culture, Uzbekistan Features, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Uzbekistan Life & Culture

Markets Should Attract More Foreign Tourists in Uzbekistan, Says President

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On January 9^th, the President Mirziyoyev attended a presentation of prospective designs for new tourism facilities. Mirziyoyev had earlier spoken about the need to effectively harness the country’s great tourism potential and increase the number of tourist sites and accommodations. At the presentation, the head of state examined projects developed in accordance with these objectives.

It was stated that the picturesque mountain landscapes of the Shakhrisabz district of the Kashkadarya region and the Parkent district of the Tashkent region attract numerous tourists, especially in the spring and summer seasons. In order to expand amenities to attract tourists, it is planned to build modern recreation centers in Miraki, Shakhrisabz, Nurobod, and Kumushkon in the Parkent region, and to construct hostels on the Maydanak plateau in the Kashkadarya region.

Markets, or bazaars, are one of the nation’s main attractions, but today some lack the national flavor necessary to entice foreign tourists, the President had earlier stated when instructing relevant departments to develop a project of complexes which reflect the national culture. The presentation reviewed draft proposals for transforming the markets of historical cities into complexes attractive to tourists.

“Markets should be turned into a ‘calling card’ of the country, preserving their unique features. Food, clothing, jewelry stores, gastronomic and entertainment establishments should harmoniously complement each other and attract buyers and tourists,” Mirziyoyev said, noting the importance of studying the experience of Turkey and Arab countries and attracting foreign specialists to design markets.

The presentation also provided information about the markets which are slated for construction in such tourist centers as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, with Mirziyoyev emphasizing that each should reflect the colors of its given region.