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. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrives in Turkistan region for a working visit

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is set to visit educational, cultural, sports facilities as well as industrial enterprises. As per the program of the visit the Head of State is expected to familiarize with the investment projects implemented in the region.

2. Astana Media Week Kicks Off in Kazakhstan

A solemn opening of the annual Astana Media Week was held at the Kazmedia Centre in the Kazakh capital. Get a glimpse into what’s next for Kazakhstan’s media industry.

3. Kazakhstan's economy to slow down in 2024, accelerate in 2025

The Asian Development Bank forecasts a slowdown in Kazakhstan's economic growth for 2024, followed by a strong recovery in 2025. The ADB has revised its economic growth outlook for Kazakhstan in 2024, following weaker expansion in services in the first half of the year coupled with lower oil outputs, massive floods, and a slowdown in investment.

4. Astana leads financial center rankings in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Astana has emerged as the leading financial center in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index. The study identified key challenges for international financial centres in the medium term.

5. Foreign Media highlights Kazakhstan’s oil deals and lab upgrades

From the recent developments such as Germany’s biggest refineries set to receive crude oil from Kazakhstan for an extended period, the meeting of the five Central Asian heads of state with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Astana, and the WHO and UNDP announcing a strategic partnership to upgrade the country’s critical health infrastructure, Kazinform News Agency provides a weekly review of Kazakhstan’s coverage in foreign media.

6. Kazakhstan to launch cutting-edge flood forecasting system

Kazakhstan is set to introduce a flood forecasting system. It will support in making decisions and assessing inundation risks.

7. The Golden Age of Kazakh literature: A look at 19th-century writers

Step into the rich literary heritage of 19th-century Kazakhstan, an era that saw the rise of iconic writers who shaped the nation's identity. Discover the key figures and works that left an indelible mark on Kazakh culture.

8. Kazakhstan secures last-second victory over Portugal in Futsal World Cup

Kazakhstan’s futsal team snatched victory from Portugal in the final seconds of their FIFA Futsal World Cup match in Uzbekistan. Recall, the national team of Kazakhstan took second place in Group D, scoring seven points.

9. Prince William recognizes Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala Initiative for Earthshot Prize

Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala Initiative has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Earthshot Prize by Prince William. Learn more about this groundbreaking project that could bring global recognition to Kazakhstan’s conservation efforts.

10.Kazakhstan’s Bauryna Salu selected for 2025 Oscars

Kazakhstan’s drama “Bauryna Salu” movie will represent the country at the 2025 Oscars in the International Feature category. Bauryna Salu focuses on a young boy in rural Kazakhstan who is handed over to his grandmother at birth, in accordance with the nomadic tradition of “Bauryna Salu” whereby a close relative, and not a child’s birth parents, are tasked with raising a child to adulthood.