Foreign media on Kazakhstan: Kazakh oil, Middle Corridor, agro exports to China
From the surge in the transportation of Kazakh oil via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, the agricultural exports from Kazakhstan to China to the development of the Middle Corridor, Kazinform News Agency presents a review of foreign media coverage about Kazakhstan this week.
Caspian News: Oil Flow from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan via Azerbaijan Rises
Baku-based Caspian News agency published an article on February 22, reporting the surge in the flow of oil from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to European markets through Azerbaijan’s territory by 17.3 percent of the total volume of oil transportation in January via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline.
“According to data released by the State Statistical Committee, the BTC pipeline transported over 430,000 tonnes of oil originating from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan combined during January.
The BTC pipeline carried over 2.4 million tons of crude oil in January, representing 76 percent of the total oil transportation volume. Of this, Azerbaijani oil made up 82.7 percent, equivalent to 2.05 million tons, of the overall volume transported via the BTC pipeline in the same timeframe.
“BTC pipeline links Sangachal Terminal on the shores of the Caspian Sea to Ceyhan marine terminal on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Along with Azerbaijani oil, crude oil from Turkmenistan and some volumes of Tengiz crude oil from Kazakhstan are transported through the BTC pipeline,” reads the article.
AzerNews: Development of the Middle Corridor is of great importance for Kazakhstan - Minister
AzerNews published an article on February 17, citing Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapayev, who addressed the meeting of the Kazakh-German Intergovernmental Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation and stressed the importance of the development of the Middle Corridor, or Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
“Development of the Trans-Caspian international transportation route is of great importance for Kazakhstan as a reliable supplier of energy resources and strategic goods to Europe,” said the minister.
The minister highlighted the strategic synergy between Kazakhstan and Germany, emphasizing that Kazakhstan’s advantageous geographical position at the nexus of intercontinental transportation and energy supply routes bolsters its role as a regional investment hub and a significant actor on the global energy stage.
He also pointed out that bolstering Kazakhstan’s industrial capacity is a key area of collaboration with Germany, underscoring the mutual benefits of this partnership in enhancing Kazakhstan’s standing in both regional and global contexts.
Eurasianet: Kazakhstan achieves agro-export breakthrough with China
Eurasianet, an independent news organization that provides news, information and analysis on countries in Central Asia, the Caucasus region, Russia and Southwest Asia, reported on February 21 the substantial agricultural exports from Kazakhstan to China.
“After a prolonged lobbying campaign by Kazakhstan, China has agreed to lift import bans on Kazakh meat. But it may take a while for Kazakh officials to enjoy the fruits of their diplomatic labors, as logistics bottlenecks continue to hinder cross-border freight rail traffic,” reads the article.
From February 7, 2024, the restrictions on the import of poultry products from Kazakhstan to China have been lifted, along with the previously existing restrictions on foot-and-mouth disease. The embargo on Kazakh poultry that had been in place since 2005 has been lifted, along with the restrictions imposed on pork and beef in 2022 due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak among livestock.
“Although Kazakh imports can resume, Chinese officials established strict importation parameters. At present, only two plants will be able to ship up to 8,000 tons of frozen meat to China, according to a report distributed by the APK News outlet. The report did not specify a timeframe for the duration of the meat import quota,” reads the article.
AkiPress: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to build border industrial complex
AkiPress reported on February 19 that the construction of the industrial cooperation complex would begin on the Uzbek-Kazakh border in August.
“The industrial complex, which will be built in the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan and Syrdarya district of Syrdarya region of Uzbekistan, will occupy almost 100 hectares. In accordance with the project, the facility will have conditions for production and wholesale trade,” reads the article.
Daryo: Kazakhstan launches Pandemic Fund to fortify health resilience
Uzbekistan’s Daryo news agency reported on February 19 that the Ministry of Healthcare of Kazakhstan, the World Health Organization (WHO), supported by the World Bank, launched the Pandemic Fund in Kazakhstan. This initiative aims to enhance the country's preparedness and resilience against possible future pandemics.
The Pandemic Fund, established to strengthen Kazakhstan's ability to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases, has been supported with a $19 million grant. This grant is further supplemented by $3 million in co-financing and complemented by $36 million in co-investments from the government of Kazakhstan.
The agency quotes Priya Basu, the Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund, who underscored the shared commitment to protect Kazakhstan and the wider region of Central Asia and beyond from future pandemic threats.
“The project embodies our shared commitment to safeguarding not just Kazakhstan but the broader Central Asia region and beyond from the threats of future pandemics,” she said.
Times of Central Asia: Exclusive: Breaking Down Kazakhstan’s $21.6 Billion Claims Against International Oil Consortiums
Times of Central Asia published an article on February 22 discussing Kazakhstan’s claim against major oil giants operating in the country.
“The total amount of claims brought against the consortiums, North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC) and Karachaganak Petroleum Operating (KPO) is the largest in the history of Kazakhstan,” reads the article.
In March 2023, PSA, the state institution overseeing these projects, initiated claims in international arbitration concerning Kashagan and Karachaganak, amounting to $13.5 billion and $3 billion respectively. Furthermore, the environmental regulator of the Atyrau Region has filed a $5.1 billion claim against the NCOC consortium for issues such as excessive sulfur storage on-site and untreated wastewater discharge.
The claims by PSA LLP span from 2010 to 2019 and address the oil consortiums’ expenditures on major projects, including tenders and the execution of incomplete work.
Travel+Leisure Asia: What To Do, Where To Stay, What To Eat: The Ultimate Kazakhstan Itinerary
Travel+Leisure Asia, a leading travel magazine in Asia, published an article on February 18 offering an itinerary for those planning a visit to Kazakhstan.
“Moored in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth-largest country, extending from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east. Home to 131 ethnicities, Kirghiz steppe, architectural marvels, and myriad sacred sites, it promises a getaway teeming with cultural influences. Based on our research, a 7-day itinerary for Kazakhstan is ideal for exploring its multicultural hues and pocket memories of a lifetime,” writes the author.
The author suggests the best time to visit Kazakhstan is from April to May and September to October. During these times, the country showcases its vast landscapes, ranging from mountains to tundra and expansive steppes, under more moderate weather conditions. The summer months from June to August experience extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, making outdoor activities less comfortable.
