TCA Interviews - The Times Of Central Asia

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TCA Interviews

Kazakhstan’s Logistics: Mukhtar Tolegen on Infrastructure and Reform

Kazakhstan has invested tens of billions of dollars in transport infrastructure in recent years and has positioned itself as a key transit link between Europe and Asia. Yet the country still ranks in the middle of the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI). Why have these large investments not produced a sharper improvement, and what reforms are needed to change that? The Times of Central Asia spoke with Mukhtar Tolegen, executive director for transport logistics at the Union of Transport Workers of Kazakhstan, “KAZLOGISTICS.” TCA: What is Kazakhstan's current position in the LPI, and how has it changed? Mukhtar: In the World Bank's 2023 LPI ranking, Kazakhstan ranks 79th out of 139 countries, with an overall score of 2.7 on a five-point scale. This represents a decline from the previous ranking, when the country ranked 71st. It's important to note that the index's methodology was updated in 2023. In addition to expert assessments, the calculation now includes real-world cargo tracking data, including GPS-based data. This made the ranking more objective and simultaneously increased competition between countries. Despite its decline, Kazakhstan is demonstrating steady progress in a number of areas. This is primarily due to the development of transport infrastructure, the construction of new highways, the modernization of checkpoints, and the creation of transport and logistics centers. Strengthening the country's transit potential within international transport corridors, including the Middle Corridor, the North-South Corridor, and the China-Kazakhstan-Europe route, is also playing a significant role. At the same time, digitalization of logistics is rapidly advancing, including electronic customs solutions, cargo tracking systems, and other technological tools. An additional driver is the growing interest of international investors, including in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. TCA: How does a country's position in the ranking affect its economy and investment attractiveness? Mukhtar: The LPI index is not simply a reflection of the state of the logistics system, but an important indicator of a country's economic competitiveness. The higher a country's ranking, the lower its logistics costs for exports and imports, the faster cargo flows across borders, and the higher the level of trust among international partners and investors. Low scores, on the other hand, indicate bottlenecks, for example, in customs procedures or infrastructure. Under such conditions, large international companies may choose alternative routes, which reduces the country's transit potential. Thus, the LPI serves as a tool that directly influences the development of international trade, investment attractiveness, and the country's strategic position in the global market. TCA: In which index components is Kazakhstan showing progress, and where are challenges remaining? Mukhtar: The LPI index is based on six key components, and the dynamics of these components in Kazakhstan remain uneven. Quality of Infrastructure Steady progress is being observed here, driven by large-scale investments in the transport system. The modernization of the Dostyk-Moiynty railway section has significantly increased the capacity of the Kazakhstan-China route. Projects are underway to build new lines, including a bypass of Almaty, as well as the Moiynty-Kyzylzhar, Darbaza-Maktaaral, and Ayagoz-Bakhty routes....

TCA Interviews

How Kazakhstan’s Animation Industry: An Interview with an ARA Studios Co-Founder

Kazakhstan’s animation industry is gradually developing despite a number of persistent challenges. The Times of Central Asia spoke with Bakytzhan Shabdukarimov, co-founder of ARA Studios, about how the team was formed, the difficulties animators face today, and how he views the future of the industry. TCA: How did the idea to create ARA Studios come about? Bakytzhan: The studio has two co-founders: Bakytzhan Shabdukarimov, that’s me, and Meirzhan Sandybay. The idea first emerged in 2017, and the studio was officially established in 2018. Before that, we worked on the project Shyraq. Last year, we had to disband most of our team after joining the animated series Säbi for the Balapan TV channel. That’s when we began transitioning to 3D projects. Originally, the studio focused more on 2D, while I personally worked in 3D. Over time, we fully shifted toward 3D production. TCA: Who is behind the studio and how many people are on the team? Bakytzhan: Right now, the core team is essentially just the two of us. But last year, we had more than 20 people. Unfortunately, projects and orders suddenly stopped, and it became difficult to maintain a large staff. So we switched to a new format, an online studio. We used to rent an office and maintain a large in-house team, but that has recently become too challenging. Now our team works remotely, and we come together when we take on larger projects. TCA: Which projects do you consider the most important? Bakytzhan: Of all our projects, Maqta Qyz remains the most important because it’s our flagship and we continue to develop it. But in reality, all our projects matter to us; each one has contributed to our growth and given us valuable experience. Our YouTube channel is active, and we’ve gained around 7,000 subscribers organically, without advertising or targeting. We plan to keep releasing new episodes and possibly expand into merchandise in the future. TCA: How is the animation industry developing in Kazakhstan today? Bakytzhan: Honestly, I haven’t been closely following all industry developments lately, but from what I can see, progress is slow. The industry remains relatively small; there is hardly a fully developed market. Most studios either work on government commissions from the Ministry of Culture or collaborate with “Qazaq Animation,” which allocates funding annually for short films, with the aim of developing them into larger projects. Other studios, including independent teams, focus on commercial work, advertising both domestically and internationally, as well as short films. At the same time, we do have strong 2D and 3D specialists and talented teams. TCA: Is there any support for animation studios? Bakytzhan: Yes, there is some support. As I mentioned, part of it comes through “Qazaq Animation.” There is also a new creative fund being launched that will support not only animation but the broader creative industries, film, music, and dance. Private funds are also emerging. For example, there are initiatives involving private investors and financial institutions. However, they mostly invest in feature live-action films. I’ve...

TCA Interviews

“Ornament Is a Language”: How a Tattoo Artist from Almaty Turns Culture into Art on Skin

Almaty-based tattoo artist Saltanat Kuanova, known under the pseudonym tana.creator, is among those reinterpreting traditional culture through contemporary art. In her work, Kazakh ornaments become more than decorative elements, they form a complex system of symbols, personal stories, and cultural memory. The Times of Central Asia spoke with her about why Kazakhstanis are increasingly choosing national motifs, how attitudes toward tattoos are changing, and whether tattooing can serve as a means of preserving identity. Path into the Profession TCA: When and why did you start practicing tattoo art? Saltanat: I became interested in tattoos at around 14. Even then, I had a clear sense that it was “mine.” It wasn’t just curiosity, I immediately knew I wanted to become a professional in this field. At 16, I began tattooing. By that time, I had already studied the theory, watched videos, and understood the process, so I was well prepared for formal training and quickly started working. After completing my training, I was offered a position at a studio. That was important because it provided a steady flow of clients, and my work stood out. I worked there for about three years before moving into independent practice. I have now been working independently for more than five years. I’ve gained experience in different studios, and today I have my own private workspace in Almaty and manage bookings through Instagram. TCA: Do you remember your first work? Saltanat: Of course. It was a small tattoo with Roman numerals that I did for a friend during my training. She came as a model to support me, and honestly, I was more nervous than she was. My first paid piece left an even stronger impression it was a wolf with a dreamcatcher. That was the moment I first felt real responsibility toward a client. At the same time, I was surprised that I could actually earn money from this. Even now, years later, I don’t feel like I’m “already a pro.” It’s an ongoing process; there is always room to grow. [caption id="attachment_46606" align="aligncenter" width="225"] @instagram.com/tana.creator[/caption] Working with Kazakh Ornaments TCA: When did you start working with Kazakh ornaments? Saltanat: It happened gradually. At some point, I realized that ornament is not just a pattern, it’s a full-fledged language. It has structure, logic, even “grammar.” Everything matters: the shape, the number of elements, the color. Even a small detail can completely change the meaning of a piece. TCA: Who usually comes for such tattoos locals or foreigners? Saltanat: Primarily Kazakhstanis and, more broadly, representatives of Turkic peoples, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Tatars. But there are also many foreigners, and their number is growing. I tend to group them into categories. The first group includes people who come to Kazakhstan for work or travel and want a lasting memory of the country. The second consists of those who have a partner from Kazakhstan. They come together and, through tattoos, connect with each other’s cultures. The third and most touching category is people who were adopted abroad as...

TCA Interviews

Kazakhstan Pushes to Unlock Private Investment as IFC Backs Reform Drive

Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for private investment, as authorities push to expand infrastructure, improve access to capital, and strengthen its role along key Eurasian trade routes. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Lisa Kaestner, the new Regional Director for Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), outlines how the World Bank Group’s private sector arm plans to support that shift, from backing transport corridors to mobilizing capital for businesses and infrastructure projects. TCA: Since taking up your new role, how has your career path and leadership experience shaped your approach to this position? Kaestner: I joined IFC as Resident Representative in Georgia in 1999, and that early experience shaped how I approach working directly with local partners and stakeholders. Since then, I've held several leadership roles across IFC and the World Bank, primarily in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, while also expanding into Africa, where I led advisory services to governments across Eastern and Southern Africa — working across sectors like agribusiness, tourism, housing, technologies and financial services to support private sector-led growth. More recently, I served as Country Manager for Ukraine and earlier also Moldova, where I led IFC's strategic work on expanding support for businesses and financial institutions and helping lay the groundwork for private sector participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction. In March 2026, I stepped into my current role as Director overseeing IFC's activities in Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, focused on mobilizing private investment and advancing reforms in close partnership with governments and the private sector. TCA: How do you assess the investment attractiveness of Kazakhstan at present? Kaestner: Kazakhstan presents a compelling investment story. The country benefits from a strategic geographic position at the heart of Eurasia, significant natural resources, and a government that has demonstrated a genuine commitment to reform and private sector development. From our point of view, several factors stand out as particularly encouraging. Kazakhstan has made meaningful progress in strengthening financial sector regulation and advancing infrastructure development. At the same time, we recognize that challenges remain. One key factor is the dominant role of the state in the economy, which represents roughly 40% of GDP, especially in major sectors like natural resources, electricity, telecommunications, and infrastructure. In this regard, we support the government’s efforts to increase private sector participation through privatization, IPOs, and public-private partnerships (PPPs). Additionally, maintaining steady progress on governance, transparency, and the rule of law remains crucial for sustaining investor confidence in the long term. Diversifying the economy away from commodity dependence — while significant strides have been made — remains a priority, as does deepening domestic capital markets to reduce reliance on external financing. Broader reforms are needed to achieve stable economic growth and improve the business climate, which will allow Kazakhstan to reach the level of developed countries. Significant efforts to develop the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC)—also known as the Middle Corridor, which is becoming increasingly important as an alternative trade route between Asia and Europe are...

TCA Interviews

Actor Rauan Akhmedov on Cinema in Kazakhstan and Why He Has No Interest in Hollywood

Rauan Akhmedov is one of Kazakhstan’s most sought-after young actors. Despite his rapidly rising career and growing international interest in Kazakh cinema, the 22-year-old says his priority is to continue developing within the domestic industry. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, he discusses the state of cinema in Kazakhstan, the role of personal experience in his acting, and why tradition and modernity are not mutually exclusive. TCA: Your breakthrough came with Black Yard, directed by Dias Bertis. Is it true he noticed you while you were filming a small cameo in the series The Player? Rauan: Yes. I came to the audition, and we were rehearsing a scene with another candidate, I think he was reading for a doctor. We weren’t getting it right, so at some point the director stepped away. I then suggested to my scene partner that we try a different approach. Dias overheard us, came over, and said, “Switch roles.” We did, and he decided I should take the part. Apparently, he liked my performance, and later he invited me to Black Yard. TCA: You have three films coming out this spring. Is the Kazakhstani film industry becoming overcrowded? Do you feel the urge to work abroad? Rauan: Not yet. I want to follow my own path and realize my potential here. I believe Kazakhstani cinema can reach a very high level. I don’t dream about Hollywood. If I ever end up there, I want it to be through a Kazakhstani project. It’s important for me to stay at home, the language, the culture, the people. I want to grow here and contribute to the development of cinema in my country. Especially as audiences abroad are beginning to take an interest in our films. We haven’t conquered the world yet, but we’re improving all the time. Kazakhstan has strong potential. TCA: Would you describe yourself as a patriot? Rauan: Yes. I respect our filmmakers. When someone succeeds, when a film performs well at the box office, I’m genuinely pleased, even if it’s not my project. I think that once we overcome internal divisions and start supporting one another, we can achieve a great deal. TCA: Many films are now being shot in the Kazakh language. Does that give Kazakh-speaking actors a competitive advantage? Rauan: Probably. But in my view, that’s natural. Every country produces films in its own language. We are Kazakhs, who else will make films in Kazakh? At the same time, I respect all languages, Russian, English, Chinese. The more languages you know, the broader your perspective. TCA: You often portray characters from the 1990s, even though you were born in the 2000s. How do you research that period? Rauan: Partly through my parents. But it’s not that long ago, you can find a lot online, and I experienced some of it myself. For example, we had a rotary phone at home. We often used a VCR to watch home videos, family celebrations, my parents’ wedding. I saw how young they...

TCA Interviews

Why More Students in Kazakhstan Choose to Study Abroad

An increasing number of students in Kazakhstan are considering education abroad. For some, it offers access to high-quality academic programs; for others, it provides opportunities to gain international experience, learn new languages, and improve career prospects. Interest in foreign universities is growing among school graduates and their parents, who increasingly view overseas education as an investment in their children’s future. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, 678,100 students were enrolled in higher education institutions in Kazakhstan at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. At the same time, data from the International Trade Administration indicate that more than 90,000 Kazakhstani citizens are currently studying abroad. Sanzhar Uvashev, an employee of InterPress Abroad, a company that assists applicants seeking admission to foreign universities, spoke about the factors influencing students’ choices and the opportunities offered by international education. TCA: Tell us about your work. What does your organization do? Uvashev: Our company helps students apply to universities abroad. We support applicants in selecting academic programs, preparing documents, and navigating the entire admissions process. One of our distinguishing features is that we are not limited to a specific list of partner institutions or countries. We can assist students in applying to a wide range of universities, depending on their individual preferences. TCA: Which countries are currently the most popular destinations? Uvashev: We work with a broad range of destinations, particularly the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, as well as countries across Europe and Asia. Recently, students have shown greater interest in exploring multiple options rather than focusing on a single country. Some prioritize studying in an English-speaking environment, others seek more affordable tuition, while some focus on scholarship opportunities and employment prospects after graduation. TCA: What opportunities exist today for students from Central Asia to study abroad? Uvashev: Opportunities are expanding. Many universities are paying closer attention to applicants from Central Asia, as international students contribute to a more diverse academic environment. As a result, institutions are offering scholarships, tuition discounts, and preparatory programs. Awareness of the region is growing, and with it the range of options available to students. TCA: Why do students continue to choose the U.S. and other destinations? Uvashev: The U.S. remains one of the most popular destinations because of its strong universities and perceived career opportunities. At the same time, countries such as Italy, Austria, and China are also attracting interest. Italy and Austria appeal to students because public universities there can offer relatively affordable, and in some cases almost free, education. China has gained popularity due to the quality of its universities, their rising positions in global rankings, and the availability of scholarships for international students. TCA: Are there programs that allow students to study free of charge? Uvashev: Yes. Students often inquire about scholarship schemes that significantly reduce tuition fees or cover them entirely. Examples include the Bolashak international scholarship program, Stipendium Hungaricum, and Erasmus Mundus. These initiatives provide talented applicants with real opportunities to obtain an education abroad, provided they are well...