Kazakh PM instructs to remove barriers to ease truck passage at border with China
Images | primeminister.kz
A meeting to settle the issue with queues of freight trucks at the Chinese border was chaired by Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, Kazinform cites the press service of the Head of the Kazakh government.
Trucks delivering commercial cargo through the Nurly Zhol checkpoint lined up at the Kazakh border with China as the latter had lifted COVID-related restrictions for transport services.
The Nurly Zhol checkpoint handling less than 100 freight trucks per day is not fully operational partially due to administrative barriers affecting investment project’s implementation as well as hampering the country’s economic development.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed to prepare regulatory developments to remove artificial barriers in a three-day period to increase the capacity of the checkpoint to around 1,000 trucks per day.
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Olzhas Bektenov participates in Asia-Pacific Conference on Inclusion and Transformation
Images | primeminister.kz
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Inclusion and Transformation is taking place in Astana. The plenary session was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Armida Salcia Alisjahbana, as well as government leaders and technology experts, primeminister.kz reports.
On the margins of the ESCAP conference, they discussed topical issues on the digital agenda. Olzhas Bektenov and Armida Salcia Alisjahbana exchanged views on the potential for active application of digital solutions in such areas as infrastructure, governance, mobility, industry and trade. The Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Report 2024 was presented.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, in his welcome address to the conference, noted the important role of the Organization in promoting economic prosperity, social well-being and environmental sustainability in Asia and the Pacific. For some 80 years, ESCAP has had a significant impact on the lives of more than 4 billion people.
Kazakhstan had been a full member of ESCAP for more than 30 years, continuing the progressive development of relations in the spirit of partnership and good-neighbourliness. Over the years, cooperation has covered the most important areas, including environmental protection, natural resource management, investment cooperation, trade, energy and transport.
Olzhas Bektenov focused the attention of the conference participants on digital technologies that open new horizons for business, social sphere and ensure economic growth and expansion of opportunities for millions of people. The importance of ensuring equal access to digital resources for the entire region was emphasised.
Yesterday, the Head of State in his Address noted that Kazakhstan should become a country where artificial intelligence is widely used and digital technologies are developing. It is they that open new horizons for business, education and healthcare, ensure economic growth and expand opportunities for millions of people. We are actively developing these areas. Today our country is among the 30 most digitised countries in the world and ranks 8th in terms of online services provided," Olzhas Bektenov said.
Today more than 90% of all public services are available to the population of Kazakhstan from mobile devices. By the end of 2029, the country plans to build a full-fledged ecosystem that will provide equal access to digital resources for the population and businesses. Artificial intelligence products are being developed in the country to create their own electronic resources. The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence will become a key platform for selecting effective solutions. Its creation was announced by the Head of State in his Address to the people of Kazakhstan the previous day.
As part of the development of the Digital Silk Road, a project is being implemented jointly with neighbouring countries to lay fibre-optic communication lines under the Caspian Sea with access to the Persian Gulf countries. Integration will make it possible to form a modern infrastructure of data collection, storage and processing for the development of new technologies, attracting large Big Tech companies, as well as to ensure the launch of Kazakhstan's IT solutions on the world market. A key role in this process is played by the international technology park Astana Hub, which has created a favourable investment climate for 1,400 residents, including 400 foreign companies.
Head of the Government stressed that Kazakhstan is open to expanding cooperation in the field of digitalisation and is ready to share experience in this direction.
To achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the region, it is important to emphasise the principle “no one should be left behind”. Digital inclusion is an essential element without which the goals cannot be achieved. Only through co-operation, knowledge sharing and best practices can we ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all. We are ready to share our experience and knowledge. In this regard, I call on you to support the opening of the Centre for Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific in Kazakhstan. Its establishment will become an important catalyst for the development of effective regional cooperation and will reduce the digital divide between countries," the Prime Minister stressed.
In turn, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Armida Salcia Alishahbana noted the high achievements and potential of Kazakhstan in the field of digitalisation.
Digitalisation has become the norm. It is transforming our economies, opening up new opportunities for value creation and changing social structures, helping to address key sustainable development challenges. However, digital transformation is also associated with economic, environmental and social risks of unprecedented complexity and uncertainty," Armida Salcia Alisjahbana said.
The conference includes an exhibition showcasing Kazakhstan's developments in the digitalisation of public services and successfully used IT solutions. 1200 public services in Kazakhstan are provided online, covering more than 80 per cent of the economically active population. Among those presented to the conference guests is the Social Wallet project aimed at providing targeted and proactive state support to the population. The platform is integrated with the information systems of government agencies, including the Government's electronic portal e-Gov and the e-Otinish application system.
The conference participants were also introduced to the projects of NIT JSC, Alaqan technologies, DAMU Information Technologies Centre LLP, Freedom Holding Corp., Kaspi.kz, Smartestprep Ltd on personalised career guidance for young people, digital products in the field of financial, transport, social services, trade, education, healthcare and other areas.
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Kazakhstan takes a principled stance regarding nuclear disarmament, Tokayev
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General of Disarmament Affairs, Akorda reports.
The meeting discussed prospects of multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UN institutions to ensure regional and international security, nuclear disbarment and non-proliferation.
Greeting the United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Tokayev highlighted the exceptional role the UN plays in addressing the current issues of today and pointed out that there is no alternative to the organization.
Our country takes a principled stance regarding the disarmament and non-proliferation of mass destruction weapons. These issues are particularly acute and important in the context of the ongoing events in the world. Obviously, it cannot but cause concern. Tomorrow our country marks the International Day against Nuclear Tests. This important day reminds the entire humanity of dangers of nuclear testing and use of nuclear weapons. Kazakhstan is committed to close interaction with the UN institutions and regards this organization as a unique and universal international structure, said the Kazakh President.
For her part, Izumi Nakamitsu commended the leadership of Kazakhstan in the global process of nuclear non-proliferation as well as the growing role of the country as a middle power.
The interlocutors also exchanged views on the current issues of international agenda.
To note, in February this year, the Carnegie Foundation and the Council on Strategic Risks discussed the leadership of Kazakhstan in reducing nuclear and biological risks in the past 30 years in Washington D.C.
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Kazakhstan, Tajikistan sign Treaty on Allied Relations
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As a result of the talks between Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Emomali Rahmon, the Treaty on Allied Relations between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan was signed, Akorda reports.
The documents signed as part of the state visit of the Kazakh leader to Tajikistan include:
1. Memorandum of mutual understanding between the Kazakh Central Election Commission and the Tajik Central Commission for Elections and Referenda
2. Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan in the field of industry
3. Memorandum of mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of oil and gas between the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan
4. Memorandum of mutual understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Agriculture of Tajikistan in the field of innovative and digital development, training and retraining of agricultural personnel
5. Memorandum of mutual understanding and cooperation between the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan and the Agency for Innovations and Digital Technologies under the President of Tajikistan
6. Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan and the Committee of television and radio under the Tajik government
7. Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan and the Committee of architecture and construction under the Tajik President to promote information and communication technologies in the construction field
8. Memorandum of mutual understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan and the Committee of food safety under the Tajik government in the field of veterinary
9. Cooperation program in the field of physical culture and sport between the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of Kazakhstan and the Committee of youth affairs and sport under the Tajik government for 2025-27
10. Memorandum of cooperation in the field of standardization, metrology and conformity assessment between the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan and the Agency for Standardization, Metrology, Certification and Trade Inspection under the Tajik government
11. Memorandum between the administration of Almaty region and the executive body of state authority of Khatlon region on trade and economic, scientific and technical, humanitarian and cultural cooperation
12. Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan and the Service of Execution under the Tajik government regarding enforcement of judicial acts and acts of other bodies
13. Memorandum of cooperation between Kazakh and Tajik Railway Authorities
14. Memorandum of mutual understanding between Kazatomprom and Tajik Rare Metals state unitary enterprise
15. Memorandum of cooperation between Kazakhstan’s Youth Assembly and Tajikistan’s Union of Youth.
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Relations between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are developing upward in almost all areas, says Tokayev
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Presidents of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Emomali Rahmon held talks in a narrow composition, Akorda reports.
During the talks, Kazakh leader Tokayev highlighted that he attaches great attention to regular meetings at a high level, that offer a solid foundation for greater Kazakh-Tajik multifaceted partnership.
Relations between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are developing upward in almost all areas. Our countries are trusted allies, stated Tokayev, urging to move forward. ‘The goal of the visit is to give a serious impetus to the development of our cooperation. Today, the Treaty on Allied Relations is to be signed, which is of historical importance. So, I believe that a meaningful exchange of views on all the issues of interest is ahead of us, said Tokayev.
In turn, Emomali Rahmon commended the bilateral cooperation and expressed intention to further deepen the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
Welcoming the Kazakh leader, Rahmon expressed confidence that the outcomes of the visit are set to give a new impetus to the relations between the countries.
Both countries are enjoying dynamic relations in political, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian dimensions as well as in the security area, stressed the Tajik President, adding that he is ready for discussions on the state and prospects of cooperation between the countries as well as international and regional issues.
The talks focused on issues regarding trade and economic, transit and transport, energy, cultural and humanitarian cooperation as well as interaction in the field of digitalization, agriculture and water resources.
In addition, prospects for implementing breakthrough investment projects set to become new growth points of Kazakh and Tajik economies were considered.
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Central Asian countries and Japan have great potential for progressive expansion of cooperation
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On behalf of the Head of State, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov took part in the business forum of the Dialogue "Central Asia + Japan", primeminister.kz reports.
More than 450 representatives of delegations of the countries of the Central Asian region and Japan gathered at the forum. Business circles of Japan are represented by the management and managers of such large companies as Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries EMEA, Ltd., Mitsui & Co., Ltd, from the expert community took part scientific workers of branch universities and others. Prospects for strengthening economic ties and expanding cooperation, including in the field of digitalisation, transport and logistics industry, agribusiness, heavy industry sector, etc. were discussed.
Head of the Government Olzhas Bektenov in his welcoming speech outlined the key areas for increasing multilateral cooperation.
Japan is rightly considered one of the economic and technological leaders of global scale. Products of Japanese companies are renowned for their quality, reliability and innovation. The country is invariably at the forefront of progress, making an invaluable contribution to improving the quality of life of people around the world. In turn, Central Asia is a dynamically developing region with huge growth potential and all conditions for comprehensive cooperation. I believe that the countries of our region and Japan have great potential for progressive expansion of co-operation. The implementation of transnational projects with the participation of Japanese investors undoubtedly contributes to increasing the level of economic interconnectivity in the region. Today's productive negotiations are designed to bring our multifaceted partnership to a qualitatively new level," Olzhas Bektenov emphasised.
Prime Minister focused attention on the interaction between Central Asia and Japan in the transfer of advanced technologies and production of products with high added value. In this direction the possibility of creating joint innovation clusters, technology parks and incubators was noted.
A unique IT ecosystem is being created in the Central Asian region, which allows for significant modernisation of the public administration sector, fintech industry and e-commerce. In this regard, cooperation between the Central Asian countries and Japan in the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies, construction of data centres, cyber security can be fruitful for all parties, said Head of the Government Olzhas Bektenov. Japan's agricultural technologies based on AI, robotics and other advanced scientific achievements are also of interest.
Potential cooperation between the International Financial Centre of Astana and the Tokyo Stock Exchange can make a significant contribution to increasing cooperation in the financial sector and deepening interregional partnership.
Attention was paid to expanding partnerships in the development of rare earth metal deposits and the implementation of joint projects in the transport and logistics sector. The transit potential of Central Asia with access to the North, South, East and West offers great opportunities for Japanese exports and imports.
Chairman of the Management Board of NC KAZAKH INVEST JSC Yerzhan Yelekeyev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Marubeni Corporation Fumiya Kokubu and others also spoke at the business forum.
The outcome of the business forum within the framework of the Dialogue "Central Asia + Japan" will be the signing of documents on the implementation of joint projects designed to bring the multifaceted partnership to a new level.
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Central Asia’s future depends on trust-based dialogue and cooperation - President Tokayev
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Kazakhstan’s strategic course towards comprehensive strengthening of the regional partnership and raising Central Asia’s role at the global arena remains unchanged. Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said it at the VI Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Astana today, Kazinform News Agency learned from the Akorda press service.
At the national level, we firmly adhere to the "Successful Central Asia is Successful Kazakhstan" formula. I am confident that the future of our region depends on trust-based dialogue and cooperation of our countries, joint search for adequate answers to all internal and external challenges," said the President addressing the meeting.
Upon completion of the meeting, the President of Kazakhstan wished Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev success in his role as the next chairperson of the Consultative Meeting.
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took the floor at the event.
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Emomali Rahmon arrives in Kazakhstan capital
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President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon will participate in the VI Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and the first Summit of Heads of State of the Dialogue "Central Asia + Japan". The Head of Tajikistan was met at the airport by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, primeminister.kz reports.
To date, the countries are working to further increase trade turnover. In January-June this year, the volume of mutual trade between the two countries amounted to $575.7 million. Exports of Kazakhstani goods increased by 18.9%.
One of the strategic directions of bilateral interaction is the sphere of water relations. The energy project on construction of Rogun HPP in Tajikistan will bring multiplicative effect for the whole region of Central Asia.
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