AstanaCalling #283

ASTANA CALLING

ISSUE NO 283 FRIDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2012 WWW.MFA.KZ A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

UN Human Rights Day Kazakhstan to play active role on UN Human Rights Council

President Nazarbayev Welcomes Vice Premier of China Further strengthening of strategic partnership

Development Program for Single-Industry Towns 2012-2020

15th Anniversary of Decision to Make Astana New Capital

Review of first year

President joins in anniversary celebration

Things to Watch

Also in the News

Participants at this week’s round table meeting in Astana to mark UN Human Rights Day

UN Human Rights Day On December 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a round table to mark UN Human Rights Day, which is held on the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. And as Kazakhstan prepares to take its elected place on the UN Human Rights Council from January 2013, Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov reflected on how it plans to embrace this new role.

Participants in the round table were welcomed by the Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, Baglan Maylybayev; Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights Kuanysh Sultanov and Minister Idrissov. Among those attending were the UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Stephen Tull; UK Ambassador David Moran; Head of the EU representative office in Kazakhstan Aurelia Buchez; Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana Natalia Zarudna; and the Regional Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Central Asia, Armen Harutyunyan.

Following presentation of a number of reports, the national and international experts gave a positive evaluation of human rights protection mechanisms in Kazakhstan, and congratulated the Government representatives on the country’s election to the Human Rights Council.

The round table engaged in wide-ranging discussion on topics relating to the implementation of human rights and freedoms guaranteed by Kazakhstan’s Constitution and legislation, as well as improving national mechanisms to protect these rights in line with recognized international standards. The protection of labour rights, which has been highlighted by President Nazarbayev in the context of the need to improve social and labour relations under the Social Modernization program, was the focus of particular attention.

“We see our election to the UN Human Rights Council not as a goal achieved, but as the beginning of a new stage in our development as a country and our role in the international community. At home and abroad, we are determined to help bring closer the dream of the visionary architects of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov

Writing in the U.S. congressional newspaper “The Hill” this week, Foreign Minister Idrissov highlighted that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was formulated in the aftermath of the Second World War, when the international community came together to agree protections and freedoms to which every person was entitled. The Minister said that Human Rights Day is both a celebration of this achievement and ambition and a reminder of all that remains to be achieved to ensure and protect these rights.

“The current initiative to rewrite three criminal codes is a very important step. We support the recommendation to create a national preventative mechanism and hope that the draft law will come into force very soon. Kazakhstan is already displaying its leadership which goes far beyond the region’s boundaries. I sincerely wish you every success.

Britain is ready to offer you long-term support for human rights initiatives in Kazakhstan”.

UK Ambassador to Kazakhstan, David Moran

Minister Idrissov said that Kazakhstan is determined to play an active role on the UN Human Rights Council, which is now the key channel for the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. Kazakhstan’s position as a link between Europe and Central Asia, and the good relations it has worked to foster with its immediate neighbours and the global community, will bolster its effectiveness in its new role on the Council, the Minister said.

While underlining the considerable progress Kazakhstan has made in establishing and protecting human rights, notably in the areas of religious freedom, rooting out institutional corruption and tackling serious social issues in economically-deprived regions, Minister Idrissov acknowledged that much remains to be done.

Kazakhstan is ready to work with both domestic and international NGOs to bring human rights protections for its citizens up to the level of more mature democracies, the Minister said.

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President Nazarbayev Welcomes Vice Premier of China On December 7, President Nazarbayev welcomed Vice Premier of China Wang Qishan to Astana, and congratulated him on his recent election to the Politburo Standing Committee. The President and Mr Wang signed a declaration on further developing the strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Wang said that political mutual trust between China and Kazakhstan has been continually enhanced and that their strong bilateral cooperation and support has promoted regional stability and contributed to the development of both countries.

Mr Wang has served as Vice Premier of China since March 2008 and is a former President of China Construction Bank and head of China International Capital. In formulating his country’s response to the global financial crisis after 2008, he consolidated his own reputation as one of China’s leading economic policymakers.

In November 2012, Mr Wang was appointed to head the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the top disciplinary body of China’s Communist Party, where he will have responsibility for rooting out and preventing corruption in the party and in public life. He was subsequently appointed to the Politburo Standing Committee, whose seven members will lead China for the next ten years.

President Nazarbayev, who has visited China eleven times (most recently for the twelfth annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in June 2012), said that Kazakhstan will work with China’s new leadership to continue to develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. The President noted that bilateral trade reached USD 25 billion in 2011, driven by the strong cooperation in the energy sector, which exports over 20 per cent of Kazakhstan’s oil to China.

During the past two decades, China and Kazakhstan have also been developing the infrastructure to support bilateral trade, by creating border posts, energy pipelines and roads and railways. Achieving the target of USD 40 billion by 2015 will be helped by the completion of the natural gas pipeline between the two countries, the opening of the second China-Kazakhstan railroad via the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center and the construction of road transport links with western China, said the President.

Economic ties have been greatly strengthened since the establishment of the China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Committee in 2005. At the sixth meeting of the Cooperation Committee in Astana on December 8, Mr Wang put a five-point proposal on future cooperation between the two countries to his counterpart, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Kairat Kelimbetov. He outlined detailed proposals in the energy and transport sectors, as well as in non-resource fields; in science, technology and culture; and in security matters.

Mr Kelimbetov welcomed the proposals and confirmed that China and Kazakhstan are in agreement on these mutually beneficial measures. He also thanked Mr Wang for the strong support China demonstrated for Kazakhstan at the outset of the global financial crisis in 2008 and, more recently, for China’s support of Astana’s successful bid to host EXPO-2017.

Mr Wang and Mr Kelimbetov witnessed the signing of several intergovernmental cooperation agreements on energy, communication and trade facilitation.

“From the start of our independence, Kazakhstan and China have had relations based on friendship and trust…In particular, with Jiang Zemin as President of the PRC all border issues between our countries were settled; now our common border is one of friendship.

We have set the foundations for close economic partnership. For the past ten years, together with President Hu Jintao, we have paid particular attention to developing economic cooperation.

This has been a great success”.

President Nazarbayev

Vice Premier Wang meeting President Nazarbayev

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Kazakhstan’s Government is implementing a plan to regenerate 27 industrial towns built during the Soviet era

Development Program for Single-Industry Towns 2012-2020 It is now one year since a series of tragic events in and around the town of Zhanaozen in western Kazakhstan highlighted the economic and social problems of single-industry towns, which had for too long gone unaddressed. Following months of layoffs and peaceful industrial protests in Zhanaozen, a labor dispute between oil workers and executives of the national oil company escalated into violence which led to the loss of 16 lives and many more people injured.

The initial Government response to these events was swift and comprehensive. A thorough investigation of the causes and unfolding of the events led to custodial sentences of between three and seven years for eighteen people, including five police officers.

But it was clear that the underlying causes of social unrest also needed to be analyzed and addressed. In his January 2012 address to the nation, President Nazarbayev tasked the Government with formulating a dedicated program for singleindustry towns, focused on diversifying social and economic development, supporting the small and medium-sized business sector, improving local self-government and increasing the participation of citizens in decisions affecting local development.

“[Town Mayors must] point out fundamental problems and propose ways to implement the Program, and also to strengthen the role of central state bodies and Mayors in uncovering the potential of single-industry towns to successfully implement projects which can be mobilized with state support mechanisms”.

Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov

After extensive consultation with regional groups and drawing on the experience of other countries in regenerating so-called “mono-towns”, the Government working group proposed a detailed Development Program which will benefit 27 towns with a total population of 1.5 million people, amounting to 16% of the urban population of Kazakhstan.

These towns were developed during the Soviet era, each to serve a single industry, generally related to the development of local natural resources, but many of them have suffered severe economic decline as the related industries have reached the end of their life cycle.

The Development Program approved by Government in May 2012 covers the period from 2012-2020 and is structured in two phases: from 2012-2015 the necessary infrastructure, support, and legislation will be put in place, while from 2016 onwards the focus will be on achieving the growth necessary to meet the ambitious Program targets.

These include a 20% increase in industrial production in certain towns, a doubling in the number of active small businesses, and average unemployment below 5 per cent.

For the first phase of the Program, from 2012-2015, a total of KZT 135 billion (USD 896 million) has been allocated, of which KZT 6 billion (USD 40 million) has been spent this year, primarily on the development of essential infrastructure and social services, including heat supply networks, roads, bridges and street lighting; renovating housing units, parks, sports grounds and parking lots; and building new waste disposal facilities. Each of the 27 single-industry towns included in the Development Program now has a tailored development plan, formulated in close consultation with the local authorities and regional groups.

In keeping with the successful approach taken in Kazakhstan to developing large-scale projects, the Development Program encourages national companies to drive economic growth in the single-industry towns. Incentives will encourage both the creative transformation of the existing major industries into economically viable and competitive enterprises, and the development of new industries which can make use of the newly-trained professional workforce in the towns.

Minister of Economic Trade and Development Yerbolat Dossayev and Minister of Labor and Social Protection Serik Abdenov will have primary responsibility for the implementation of the Development Program 2012-2020.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Astana

15th Anniversary of Decision to Make Astana New Capital On December 9, President Nazarbayev addressed a reception marking the 15th anniversary of the decision to make Astana the capital city of Kazakhstan. Today, Astana is a city with over 775,000 inhabitants and a vibrant symbol of Kazakhstan’s determination to establish itself as a progressive and dynamic country at the heart of Central Asia.

But 15 years ago, when the Republic of Kazakhstan was just six years in existence, the decision to re-locate the capital from Almaty to Astana was a brave one. At this week’s reception, President Nazarbayev recalled that there were many sceptics, but that he felt it was essential to show the global community what Kazakhstan could do. Driven by the enthusiasm of all those who came to the capital in its early days and played an active role in its development, Astana has become a symbol of Kazakhstan’s achievements as a nation, the President said.

Among the many dignitaries joining in this week’s celebration were Kazakhstan’s national writer Abish Kekilbayev, who said that the transfer of the capital had heralded the start of large-scale economic reform as part of the “Kazakhstan 2030” strategy, and Majilis Deputy Kuanysh Sultanov, who said that the relocation, made in a difficult economic situation, was a strategic decision that had ensured the country’s internal and external security.

Astana (the name means “capital” in Kazakh) was envisaged from the start as a city that would embrace and reflect on the past but also exemplify the future of Kazakhstan as an independent country with a modern outlook. Some of the most celebrated architects from around the world were invited to create the buildings that would achieve this vision.

Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa won the international competition in 1998 to design a master plan for a new city based on the concepts of symbiosis, metabolism and abstract symbolism, that would be forward-looking, comfortable, bright and dynamic.

Norman Foster designed some of Astana’s most remarkable buildings, including the Pyramid of Peace and Reconciliation and the giant tent that houses the Khan Satyr shopping center, evoking the traditional Kazakh nomadic yurt dwelling. Manfredi and Luca Nicoletti are responsible for the futuristic Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall.

The innovation continues, with the Abu Dhabi Plaza expected to become Central Asia’s tallest building on completion in 2014.

“15 years ago I signed the decree on making Astana the capital of Kazakhstan…Now we can say with confidence that this was the right decision and the idea was fully justified. Soon we will celebrate the 21st anniversary of our independence and Astana is a symbol of Kazakhstan’s achievement” President Nazarbayev

Architects and engineers alike have risen to the challenge of creating a modern, functional and comfortable city in a region where temperatures range from -40C in winter to +40C in summer. Today, Kazakhstan is increasingly concerned with sustainable energy and the development of the green economy. Astana is now preparing to host EXPO-2017 on the theme “Future Energy”, in part as a demonstration to the world that, even in extreme conditions, the 21st century city can be ecofriendly and sustainable.

International companies have flocked to Astana, attracted by the Astana New City special economic zone and a package of government tax and financial incentives. Investment into the region has also grown steadily: in the first six months of 2012, Astana received KZT 295 billion (USD 1.9 billion) of investment, a 16.2% increase on the comparable period in 2011, while the full-year forecast for 2012 is KZT 600 billion (USD 3.9 billion).

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Also in The News…

• Kazakhstan’s net gold and foreign currency reserves increased to $29.1 billion as of Nov. 30 from $28.5 billion on Oct. 31, data published by the Central Bank shows. Total international reserves stood at $86.6 billion at the end of November, the Bank said in a statement. This total includes $57.5 billion in the National Fund, which collects windfall revenues from oil exports. (Reuters) • A share sale by KazTransOil, Kazakhstan’s oil pipeline monopoly, attracted demand equal to double the $186 million worth on offer in the launch of the country’s “People’s IPO” programme, the company said last week. KazTransOil is floating a 10 percent stake. (Reuters) • Speaking at a reception in Washington to mark Kazakhstan’s Independence Day, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Geoffrey Pyatt noted the important role of the US-Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership Commission for bilateral political consultations and praised US-Kazakhstan cooperation in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the promotion of regional economic integration. He also confirmed US support for Kazakhstan’s accession to the WTO. • Over 3,000 teachers from Kazakhstan have raised their qualification levels in line with the Cambridge system, according to the education organization “Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools”. The courses began in April this year. 3,278 teachers in 17 cities passed the qualification examination. The courses are a result of the Government’s efforts to develop teacher training programs.

In this case, a special center created by “Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools” teamed up with Cambridge University International Examinations, the world’s largest provider of international education programs and qualifications for 5–19 year olds, to develop a multi-level program for raising the qualifications of teachers in Kazakhstan. (Tengrinews) • Askar Mamin, President of National Railways Operator “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy” awarded five prizes for the most innovative and labour-saving projects put forward by young railway employees. “We are putting our hopes in the youth and the capacities that you possess. We should create the necessary conditions for your professional growth and progress in your careers”, he said.

Over 120 experts judged more than 100 projects, 40 of which were exhibited. The five prize winners were awarded laptops and smartphones and will also be sent by the company on courses in the CIS to obtain further qualifications. (Tengrinews) • Astana is preparing to launch a light-rail tram line with 50 trams by 2017, according to a representative of Alstom Transport that is building the network. It should be ready in time for EXPO 2017. The network is expected to carry 9,000 passengers an hour.

(Tengrinews) • The Executive Committee of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has announced its decision to hold the regular 38th UEFA Congress in March 2014 in Astana. Kazakhstan is the first CIS member country to host the UEFA Congress.

• Internationally renowned Technology Entertainment Design (TED) talks which had previously only been available online in English are now being transmitted on the “Bilim” TV channel in Russian and Kazakh. TED is a non profit foundation which organizes talks and conferences in support of its motto of “Ideas Worth Spreading”. Themes covered include science, art, design, politics, culture, business, global issues, technology and hobbies and famous people such as Bill Gates, Gordon Brown, Bill Clinton, James Watson and Murray Gell-Mann have taken part in the TED talks. (Tengrinews)

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• President Nazarbayev has been awarded the Chingiz Aitmatov prize together with the film producer, Andrey Konchalovsky and the actress Natalia Arinbasarova. The award ceremony took place in London on December 12. President Nazarbayev was a close friend of Aitmatov, the celebrated Kyrgyz writer, and helped him during difficult years of his life. The President was responsible for publishing in Kazakhstan the first full set of Aitmatov’s essays in Russian. The prize was inaugurated in London in 2011 and is awarded for the study and popularization of the legacy of Aitmatov and cultures of the peoples of Central Asia.

(Tengrinews) • The winning projects of the competition “Young Entrepreneur 2012”, initiated by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Education and Science, include a salon for producing national costumes, a restaurant business, an Internet portal for Almaty services, a workshop for manufacturing military uniforms and the servicing of computer equipment. In total, there were 50 applications and a jury chose the seven best and most promising projects. National companies and a number of second tier banks will advise the young entrepreneurs on the implementation of their projects and provide financial support. (Total.kz) • Kazakhstan won two bronze medals at last week’s Indoor Archery World Cup in Singapore. Viktoriya Belosludtseva who took part in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and Denis Gankin who participated in the 2012 London Olympic Games were the bronze medallists. (KazTag) • Climbing Santas and snow maidens on balloons will carry Almaty’s inhabitants into the New Year. It costs from 5-35,000 and even sometimes 70,000 tenge per hour to hire Santa and his helper. This depends on the setting, experience of the actors and also the length and originality of the festive visit. The more original Christmas greeting for 25-45,000 tenge involves Santa and the snow maiden climbing through the window on any floor and wishing family and friends a happy New Year. For 60,000 tenge people can hitch a ride with the fairytale heroes on a hot air balloon. For the ultimate Christmas experience people can pay 1,500 euros to spend one week with Santa Claus in Finland. (Tengrinews)

Things to Watch…

• President Nazarbayev will participate in the meeting of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Moscow on December 19. He will also take part in meetings of the Council of the Interstate Council of the Eurasian Union and a Heads of State meeting of the Higher Eurasian Economic Council.

• Prime Minister Akhmetov will visit Uzbekistan, December 21-22.

ASTANA CALLING is a weekly online publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Please send your requests and questions to pressa@mfa.kz

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