E-Government - The Times Of Central Asia

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Nuclear power

Kazakhstan Names First Nuclear Facility the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant

Kazakhstan has officially named its first nuclear power facility the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant, following the results of a national competition. More than 10,000 unique names were proposed by citizens across the country, with “Balqash Atom Elektr Stansiyasy” (in Kazakh) receiving the most votes. Nationwide Contest Engages Public in Naming The competition to name the new plant was conducted via the eGov Mobile platform and ran from September 25 to October 10. Open to citizens aged 16 and older, the contest received 27,157 entries, generating 10,460 unique name suggestions. These figures accounted for variations in Cyrillic and Latin spelling, as well as synonymous formulations. A selection committee was established on September 5, comprising public figures, members of the creative sector, philologists, historians, and nuclear energy experts. In its final session, the committee reviewed the 100 most popular submissions. Why “Balqash” Was Selected The winning name, “Balqash Atom Elektr Stansiyasy,” was submitted by 882 participants, placing it at the top of the popularity ranking. The Atomic Energy Agency noted that naming nuclear power plants after their geographical location aligns with international conventions. In this case, the name references the Balkhash Lake region, where the plant is under development. The commission also approved the following official version of the name in English: Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant. Participants who proposed the winning name will receive electronic certificates of co-authorship via the eGov Mobile app within one month. Authorities have compiled a database of all name proposals, which may be used in future naming efforts for additional nuclear units or plants. Despite the public engagement, some citizens on social media questioned the outcome, expressing skepticism about the need for a contest that ultimately selected a geographically obvious name. Construction Progresses at Ulken Site While the naming contest was underway, initial construction began at the nuclear plant’s designated site near the village of Ulken in the Almaty region. Preparatory work commenced in August, led by the Russian state corporation Rosatom as the general contractor. By the end of October, design and survey work was already in progress. The Ulken Nuclear Power Plant is expected to play a central role in Kazakhstan’s long-term energy strategy. Discussions are also underway regarding a potential second nuclear facility in the Zhambyl District of the Almaty region, though this project remains in the evaluation phase. Experts consider the area a promising location for future development.

Afghanistan

Central Asia Expands Trade and IT Cooperation with Afghanistan Amid Regional Growth Plans

The Central Asian countries continue to develop their trade relations with Afghanistan, a crucial factor in the region's economic growth and resilience against economic and political challenges. Afghanistan's key trade partners in Central Asia are Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. While Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan play a smaller role, they still contribute by exporting electricity and agricultural products to Afghanistan. Afghanistan is Uzbekistan's fifth largest export market. Over the past five years, trade turnover between the two countries has grown by nearly 1.5 times, reaching $866 million in 2023. Currently, 550 enterprises with Afghan investments operate in Uzbekistan, with 443 being fully Afghan-owned. Joint projects span industries such as food production, construction materials, agriculture, tourism, and textiles. Recently, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan signed business agreements worth $4.5 million between their private sectors. For Turkmenistan, the most significant project involving Afghanistan is the TAPI gas pipeline. President Berdimuhamedov recently directed the government to accelerate the development of the Galkynysh Gas Field and expedite the TAPI pipeline's construction. The state company Turkmengas has already completed a 214-kilometer section on Turkmenistan's territory, fully preparing it for operation. This project is a key component of the country's socioeconomic development and investment program for 2025. Additionally, Turkmenistan is poised to become a transport hub for international corridors passing through Kazakhstan, particularly the North-South and Middle corridors, as well as the Lapis Lazuli corridor, which connects Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. Although Kazakhstan does not share a border with Afghanistan like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, it remains an active trade partner. The Times of Central Asia has previously detailed trade relations between Astana and Kabul, highlighting Kazakhstan’s potential not only for expanding trade but also for entering Afghanistan’s IT market. The Afghan news portal AVA Press notes Kazakhstan’s role in regional stability and economic development. It also mentions Kazakhstan’s humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including earthquake relief in 2023 and food assistance in 2024. The article touches on Afghanistan’s IT sector challenges and Kazakhstan’s potential role in addressing them. Afghanistan lags in IT development and relies on imported technologies, but Kazakhstan, recognized for digital transformation, could be a valuable partner. Kazakhstan’s e-government model, including the eGov platform, serves as an example of how digital services can improve governance and infrastructure. Choosing Kazakhstan as an IT partner is seen as a strategic decision based on the country’s internationally recognized digital achievements, strong economic ties, and mutual trust.

Digitalization

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

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...