Week in Brief: 10 key developments shaping Kazakhstan this week
This week in Astana and beyond, Kazinform News Agency presents a roundup of the top headlines that shaped the past seven days in Kazakhstan.
1. Referendum result: Kazakhstan votes in favor of building its first nuclear plant
“Thus, the referendum is considered valid. A positive decision on the issue submitted to the referendum has been made,” the statement of the Central Referendum Commission reads.
2. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposes to launch Commonwealth Fair inter-state program
The President proposes to launch an interstate program called "Commonwealth Fair," where trade events involving artisans and agrarians from across the entire Eurasian region could be held in various CIS cities. He mentioned that one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan, Taraz, is ready to host the first fair.
3. President Tokayev to participate in international forum 'Interconnection of Times and Civilizations: The Basis of Peace and Development' in Ashgabat
Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Serdar Berdimuhamedov adopted the Declaration of Strengthening Friendship and Deepening Multifaceted Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
4. How international consortium for construction of NPP in Kazakhstan might operate
Timur Zhantikin, General Director of LLP “Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants” shared his opinion on the advantages of an international consortium in building a NPP during an interview with a Kazinform News Agency correspondent. He notes that currently, almost all NPP projects around the world are implemented in cooperation with several companies.
5. Kazakhstan ranks among top 10 countries with largest increase in gold reserves
An analysis of the 10-year period from 2013 to 2023 shows that Kazakhstan increased its gold reserves by 151 tons, placing it in seventh place globally. Since the beginning of the year, gold prices in Kazakhstan have risen significantly showing a 31% increase.
6. World Bank supports Kazakhstan’s efforts to reduce sugar consumption with smart taxes
The World Bank is backing Kazakhstan's initiatives to reduce sugar consumption through the introduction of smart taxes aimed at promoting healthier dietary habits. These taxes target sugary beverages and foods as part of a public health campaign to address rising rates of obesity and diabetes.
7. Aruhan's exhibition brings Kazakh culture to the UK's Wetherby Festival
Bissengalieva, a member of the International Feltmakers Association, became the first Kazakhstani artist to take part in the Wetherby Art Festival in its long history, starting in 1977. Aruhan, known for its innovations in the field of felt art, uses this ancient material to tell the story of the Great Steppe, exploring symbols of national identity, transformation and rebirth.
8. Kazakhstan's heritage in coins: A journey through National Bank's collectible series
Kazinform News Agency invites readers to learn more about interesting and artistic coins of the NBK, each dedicated to important historical and cultural themes. One of the latest novelties was the “Shanyragynyz shattyqqa tolsyn” (Peace to your home) collectible coins from the "From Heart to Heart" series.
9. Top 5 dishes served to celebrate World Nomad Games in Kazakh capital
The Ministry of Tourism and Sport presents the top 5 Kazakh dishes that were popular among foreigners during the World Nomad Games in Astana.
10.27th ITTF Asian Table Tennis Championships 2024 kicks off in Astana
The 27th ITTF Asian Table Tennis Championships have officially begun in Astana, bringing together 210 athletes from 26 countries across Asia. The event is set to run till October 13.
