Astana Calling
A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION / WWW.MFA.GOV.KZ ISSUE NO. 344
President Announces Decree Halting Inspections of Small and Medium-sized Businesses
Finnish Parliament Speaker Visits Astana
Women, Mothers to Receive Financial Assistance for International Women’s Day
Five Paralympians to Represent Kazakhstan in Sochi
Also In The News
First Deputy Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev (left), President Nazarbayev (center) and Assistant to the President Yerbol Orynbayev discuss measures to boost entrepreneurship
President Announces Decree Halting Inspections of Small and Medium-sized Businesses
Move Meant to Boost Entrepreneurship
President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed a decree on Feb. 27 ordering measures to help foster entrepreneurial development. The decree declares a moratorium on inspections of small and medium-sized businesses from April 2 to Jan. 1, 2015 and directs the government to increase measures to help entrepreneurs do business in Kazakhstan. “The practice of scheduled inspections will be cancelled,” the President said on the same day, explaining the decree. “The state bodies should create an unbiased system to determine how and when to conduct inspections that meet international standards and is subject to the agreement of the Administration of the President. According to this system, after Jan. 1, 2015, entrepreneurs who have a high probability of violations will be subject to inspection. If an entrepreneur fulfils all legal requirements, inspection authorities should not come to them at all,” he said. Other measures are also to be taken to improve the business climate for entrepreneurs, the President said. Inspection procedures will be revised in the near future, and the number of inspection requirements will be reduced by more than 30 percent. Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, the liquidation procedure for small and medium-sized businesses will be simplified, and the General Prosecutor’s Office will provide access to business audit information to the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. The process of computerising some permit application procedures is to be finished soon and at least 140 permits will be accessible online, according to the President’s directives. Construction permits in particular are to be simplified. Starting on Jan. 1, 2015, the land registration process is not to exceed 30 days and the time it takes to receive or change land use permits, building permits and utility connection will be reduced by half. These business-friendly measures will require changes to the country’s current legislation. “Inefficient, cumbersome and irrelevant acts of government agencies will be cancelled,” Nazarbayev said, adding that a thorough revision of the relevant legislation should be conducted by the government and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs before June 1 of this year. Kazakhstan will also introduce a new business ombudsman to help protect entrepreneurs’ rights. In a Central Communications Service briefing the next day, Deputy Chairman of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs Zangar Nogaybay said that all organisations will not be covered by the inspection moratorium. “Financial organisations [and] enterprises operating in the fields of nuclear energy, arms trafficking, explosives will be inspected,” he said. So far this year, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, which was created in September 2013, has received about 1,625 complaints from businesses, The Astana Times reported on March 3. These are to be categorised through a new project, the Registry of Entrepreneurial Problems, which is then to interact with the Kazakh government to find solutions to systemic issues. Traditionally, the construction, manufacturing and public procurement sectors have the most problems. Illegal checks and inspections of businesses and complicated access to financial resources have also been significant obstacles. Most problems have to do with the need to improve legislation, the chamber reports. Kazakhstan has its sights set on joining the world’s 30 most developed nations by 2050, and improving the business climate is seen as one of the key steps toward that goal. The country currently ranks 50 in the World Bank’s Doing Business ratings, rising three places from 2013. It ranks highest in starting a business, registering property, paying taxes and protecting investors, while ranking lowest in trading across borders, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity and getting credit.
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President Nazarbayev (center) addresses a Finnish delegation in Astana led by Finnish Speaker of Parliament Eero Olavi Heinaluoma (left of Nazarbayev)
Finnish Parliament Speaker Visits Astana A Finnish delegation led by Finnish Speaker of Parliament Eero Olavi Heinaluoma paid an official visit to Kazakhstan from 2 to 5 March. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev welcomed the first visit by Heinaluoma, noting Kazakhstan is interested in developing economic and political cooperation with Finland. During a meeting between the delegation and Nazarbayev, the parties discussed bilateral cooperation and international politics. Heinaluoma noted the excellent relations between the two countries and conveyed greetings from President of Finland Sauli Niiniste to the President of Kazakhstan. The Finnish Speaker also emphasised the potential for increased business and economic cooperation between the two countries. “Finland is developing a lot in the area of green technology. There are many Finnish companies that use energy saving and energy efficient technologies. Finnish companies are also specialising in green mining to take natural resources from the earth without further damaging nature,” Heinaluoma said. Heinaluoma also updated the President on Finland’s decision to sign the Charter of the Green Bridge Partnership Programme, which is an initiative of the President of Kazakhstan. In addition, the Finnish Speaker noted Finland’s national air carrier Finnair is ready to start direct flights from Astana to Helsinki. During a meeting with Kazakh Mazhilis (lower chamber of Parliament) Speaker Nurlan Nigmatulin, the sides agreed Kazakhstan and Finland enjoy close political and economic relations and that contacts between the two heads of state demonstrate a desire to expand cooperation. Innovation, the green economy, as well as cooperation within the United Nations (UN), Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Council of Europe (CE) and other international organisations were recognised as priority areas for collaboration. Nigmatulin also emphasised the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy has united the nation to achieve the initiative’s development goals. Speaking of Kazakhstan’s contribution to strengthening peace, stability and security, Nigmatulin emphasised the importance of President Nazarbayev’s anti-nuclear initiatives and efforts. Nigmatulin also said Kazakhstan’s parliament members are prepared to take part in an upcoming international conference in Helsinki concerning the establishment of a Middle East nuclear weapon and mass-destruction-weapon-free zone. According to the Kazakhstan Speaker of the Mazhilis, one of Kazakhstan’s main priorities is to join the European legal framework. In this regard, the sides addressed inter-parliamentary cooperation. Cooperation groups established in the parliaments of both countries have contributed to bilateral relations. At the end of the meeting, Nigmatulin said Heinaluoma’s visit will strengthen political dialogue and mutual understanding between the countries’ parliaments. Heinaluoma also praised the role of Kazakhstan in the region and in the international arena and noted Kazakhstan’s stable success and development are examples for many countries. The Finnish delegation also met with Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov. The sides discussed bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, social, cultural, humanitarian and other sectors. The sides also noted the increased number of country visits and intensified relations between the two countries in recent years. The parties also discussed cooperation in tourism, innovation and energy saving technologies, as well as noted the importance of direct flights between the two countries in developing trade and tourism.
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President Nazarbayev meets with women on International Women’s Day
Women, Mothers to Receive Financial Assistance for International Women’s Day Approximately 7,700 women will share more than 23 million tenge (US$126,086) in non-recurrent financial assistance distributed the Office of Employment and Social Programmes in honour of International Women’s Day, the office informed astana.kz. “For several years, the office has been providing non-recurrent financial assistance from the local budget for International Women’s Day to large families … mothers of large families, and women awarded with pendants “Kumis Alqa” (Kazakh for silver pendant), “Altyn Alqa” (Kazakh for golden pendant) and to members of permanent commissions of the Veterans Council. It is planned to cover 7,700 people,” the office said. In accordance with the Kazakh law “On State Awards in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” a holder of the honorary pendant “Kumis Alqa” is a mother who gave birth to and has raised six living children above the age of one. The “Altyn Alqa” pendent signifies a mother of seven children above the age of one. March 8 is International Women’s Day in many countries and is widely recognized in Kazakhstan. Many organisations hold events devoted to women. Historically, this day has been celebrated in recognition of women’s solidarity in the struggle for equal rights. According to a United Nations resolution, western countries celebrate this day as International Day of Struggle for Women’s Rights and International Peace. The holiday’s history began at the end of the 19th century when women in the West began their struggle for equal rights. On March 8, 1908 more than 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding a shorter work day, salaries equal to men and the right to vote. But 8 March was not immediately recognised everywhere as International Women’s Day. On March 19, 1911 International Women’s Day was celebrated in Germany, Austria, Denmark and Switzerland. From 1910 to 1920, this holiday was also celebrated on different days of March. After that, the popularity of the holiday in these countries declined except for the USSR. In 1966, this day was approved as a holiday and day off in the territory of the Soviet Union. Nowadays, 8 March is observed in all post-Soviet countries, including Kazakhstan. But it no longer carries a significant political context. It has become a day honouring all women in which love, beauty and kindness are extolled. Every year, on the eve of the holiday, Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev meets with the women of Kazakhstan in the Akorda Presidential Palace and congratulates them on the holiday. The President also signed a decree on March 1, 2013 establishing a separate holiday, Family Day, to be held on the second Sunday of September. “We must strengthen the value of the family. This is another important step that will unite our families,” he said.
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Athletes ignite 2014 Paralympic torch
Five Paralympians to Represent Kazakhstan in Sochi Five athletes from Kazakhstan will take part in the 11th Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi March 7 to 16. The Kazakhstan team includes team leader, skier Alexander Kolyadin from Kustanai, Zhanyl Baltabayeva from Almaty, Denis Petrenko from the Akmola region and two Petropavlovsk athletes Yelena Mazurenko and Kairat Kanafin. Kanafin will participate in two competitions, skiing and biathlon. The Kazakh team recently completed the final stage of preparations for the Paralympics at the Alatau Skiing and Biathlon Complex in Soldier’s Gorge. Sochi figure skating bronze medallist Denis Ten saw the athletes off and wished them luck on their Olympic journey. 2000 Olympics boxing gold medallist Yermakhan Ibraimov also recently commented on Kazakhstan’s chances for Paralympic glory. “I think our Paralympians are able to set world records. The Zhambyl region, Astana and Almaty [have developed their athletes] very well. There are good athletes [on the team] and they may win medals. I’m sure we’ll get silver and bronze at least,” Ibraimov said. “The fact that they won five bids to participate in the Paralympic Games in Sochi is a great achievement. I think five bids is only the beginning. They can win more Olympic bids, including summer sports. So we will hope to get medals there,” he added. According to Ibraimov, Kazakhstan has not fully developed its Paralympic sports movement. Kazakh Paralympians should get more attention, he says, because it is difficult for people with disabilities get into sports and compete. The state and the government, he added, should treat Paralympians the way they treat other athletes. “I believe that the Paralympic winners should get bonuses and the akimats (city or regional administrations) should provide them with housing. Currently, this is not being done,” he said. Kazakhstan first participated in the Paralympics in 1994 in Lillehammer and until this year, the country received bids for only one athlete. “Domestic Paralympians received the needed attention less than a year ago. And with the support of the state, Samruk Kazyna, the Agency for Physical Culture and Sports, our athletes were able to participate and qualify for major international competitions. Less than a year later, the Paralympic team showed phenomenal results. And this is the first time in the history of Paralympic sport that Kazakhstan will be represented by five athletes,” said Vice President of the Paralympic Committee of Kazakhstan Galina Vanina. The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Torch Relay has involved lighting the torch simultaneously in several cities of one of the federal districts of Russia. The theme of each lighting ceremony has been unique and ranged from the sun, to the hammer and anvil, to the Russian stove and even a volcano eruption. More than 1,500 torchbearers and 4,000 volunteers have taken part in the Paralympic Torch Relay. The relay slogan “Fighting. Defeating. Inspiring” was chosen because Paralympic athletes find the strength to overcome difficulties and continue to fight. Every day they break stereotypes, inspire and instil confidence, inspiring fans and viewers worldwide. They all embody the Paralympic values of courage, equality, determination and inspiration. On March 5, the central square of Sochi will host the Paralympic Torch Ceremony. The relay will end at the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games at Fisht Stadium on March 7.
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Also In the News... •
President Nazarbayev discusses Ukraine situation with Minister of Foreign Affairs President Nursultan Nazarbayev recently met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov to discuss foreign policy priorities and urgent international issues, including the situation in the Ukraine. The President said that situation in the Ukraine was relevant for Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and the Customs Union states of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan and proposed holding a meeting soon to discuss the situation and any measures to be taken to deal with potential regional fallout. The foreign ministry has issued a statement on the situation in Ukraine. “Kazakhstan is deeply concerned with the current developments in Ukraine. Further escalation of tensions may lead to unpredictable consequences at both regional and global levels,” it reads. The statement calls on all parties to renounce options that imply the use of force, to resolve the crisis according to international law and to maintain a balanced, objective and responsible approach in resolving the conflict. (akorda.kz, mfa.gov.kz)
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President Nazarbayev congratulates Nur Otan members and supporters on the party’s 15th Anniversary Chairman of the Nur Otan Party, President Nursultan Nazarbayev, offered party members and supporters congratulations on the party’s recent 15th anniversary. In a statement, Nazarbayev called the anniversary “a key milestone in the history of independent Kazakhstan.” As a responsible political force, he said, the party had made difficult but necessary decisions and shared any hardships with the people of the nation. “The country’s achievements are inseparably associated with hard work of thousands of party members and with the high level of trust of the vast majority of Kazakhstanis who share our party platform and vote for our candidates at nationwide and local elections,” he said, crediting the party with creating values of unity in the new country. With the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy, Kazakhstan is aiming to join the world’s 30 most developed countries, and “it is the Nur Otan party members who will cement the unity of our people and be in charge of the fateful economic modernisation processes that are taking place in Kazakhstan,” the President said. (akorda.kz)
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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs attends opening of 25th session of UN Human Rights Council Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerlan Ashikbaev attended the opening of the High Level Segment of the 25th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on March 3 in Geneva, which was opened by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Addressing the session, Ashikbaev discussed the priorities and challenges of Kazakhstan’s membership on that council for 2013-2015 and said that Kazakhstan favoured strengthening systems of human rights protection and called for a critical analysis of world events in that context. He reported on Kazakhstan’s formation of a digital library of free human rights information and its new consultative body for dialogue on human issues. He also noted that Kazakhstan’s application for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 20172018 demonstrated the country’s commitment to international obligations. Ashikbaev held bilateral meetings with UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees T. Alexander Aleinikoff, Director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Rashid Khalikov and others. (mfa.gov.kz)
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Aslan Musin appointed Ambassador to Croatia Aslan Musin has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Croatia by Presidential decree. The 60-year-old new ambassador had been serving as chairman of the Accounts Committee for the national budget. Prior to this, from 2008-2012, Musin led the President’s Administration. He has also served as Minister of Economy and Budget Planning and Speaker of the Mazhilis. (akorda.kz, tengrinews.kz).
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Kazakh delegation participates in Assembly of Union of Parliamentarians for Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation A Kazakh delegation took part in the Assembly of the Union of Parliamentarians for Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (PNND) in Washington, DC, from Feb. 25-27. Secretary of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and Security Byrganym Aitimova, Secretary of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence Security Victor Rogalev, special envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Roman Vassilenko and Honorary Ambassador of the ATOM Project, artist Karipbek Kuyukov, attended the event for Kazakhstan. Members of parliaments and activists from Japan, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Egypt, the United States and other countries attended. Kazakhstan’s representatives reported on their nation’s achievements and initiatives in non-proliferation. Aitimova was elected to the Board of the PNND Senate. Kazakhstan’s parliamentarians held bilateral meetings with Congressmen Dana Rohrabacher, Mark Meadows, Robert Aderholt and others to discuss the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States, the goals and objectives of the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy and prospects for strengthening parliamentary relations. The visit of the Kazakh delegation attracted U.S. and international media coverage in publications including Roll Call, Voice of America and others. (mfa.gov.kz)
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Embassy of Kazakhstan holds reception about nuclear non-proliferation activities and achievements in Washington, DC On Feb. 27, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the United States, the Union of Parliamentarians for Nuclear Disarmament and NonProliferation (PNND) and Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey held a reception in the Kennedy Caucus Room of the U.S. Senate to encourage an anti-nuclear weapons dialogue. The ATOM Project presented the film, “Ending the Terror of Nuclear Weapons,” at the event. Markey, co-president of the PNND, thanked Kazakhstan for its leadership and cooperation on disarmament and non-proliferation activities. Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the U.S. Kairat Umarov said that Kazakhstan had a moral right to call on all countries to move toward a nuclear-free world. Artist Karipbek Kuyukov, honorary ambassador to The ATOM Project, addressed the reception, saying “I decided that my whole life is dedicated to the fight against nuclear testing and will make every effort to be the last or one of the last victims of nuclear tests.” Kuyukov’s paintings were on display at the reception. Kuyukov and Ambassador-at-large of Kazakhstan, Roman Vassilenko, held a lecture at George Washington University for students, faculty and guests earlier in the day. (mfa.gov.kz, ortcom.kz)
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World Weightlifting Championships to be held in Kazakhstan this fall The Weightlifting World Championships will be held in Almaty this November. Kazakhstan and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) will collaborate on preparations for the event, which is also a qualifying round for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Up 500 athletes from around the world are expected to participate in the competition, which will follow several days of meeting and the IWF Congress. At the meeting in Bangsaene, Thailand, where the decision was made, the expansion of ties between Kazakhstan and the IWF was also discussed with IWF president Tamas Ayan. (sport.nur.kz)
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Denis Ten awarded “Breakthrough of the Year” by Agency for Physical Culture and Sports Denis Ten, bronze medal winner in men’s individual figure skating at this year’s Winter Olympics, has been given the “Breakthrough of the Year” award by Kazakhstan’s Agency for Physical Culture and Sports. “I am honoured to receive this prize,” Ten said about the honour, calling the award an acknowledgement of all his hard work. “An Olympic medal is an award for our country,” he said, “this is something more personal. This prize is similar to an Oscar. Yesterday was the Academy Awards—I’ll say that now I have my Oscar.” Ten won Kazakhstan’s only medal in the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. (sports.kz)
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Astana Opera to perform in Russia’s Mariinsky Theatre The capital’s Astana Opera and Ballet Theatre will go on tour for the first time, heading to Russia’s Mariinsky Theatre and the Mariinsky-2 from March 8-10. Astana Opera Director Tolegen Mukhamedjanov noted that touring is important for a young company. “On one hand, it gives the opportunity to show large-scale theatre, opera and ballet productions to celebrate the art of Kazakhstan. On the other hand, it is also a tremendous development of creative skill, as performing on new stages, artists acquire new experience and artistic skills.” On March 8, Astana Opera will perform Attila, directed by Pier Luigi Pizzi of Italy, at Mariinsky-2; on March 9 it will take part in the Gala Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre and on March 10 it will perform “Birzhan Sarah,” by Kazakh composer Mukan Tulebaev, staged by Yuri Alexandrov of Russia. Astana Opera’s opening night performance of Verdi’s “Attila” was conducted by Director of the Mariinsky Theatre Valery Gergiev and the main role sung by Ildar Abdrazakov, the theatre’s world-renowned bass. (gov.spb.ru)
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