Building with BRICs in 2012

Investors hurt by last year’s market turmoil have enjoyed an encouraging turnaround, with many of the worst performing asset classes from 2011 having pivoted to become the standout performers of the new year. Such has been the case with emerging markets. READ MORE
Kazakhstan’s Next Stage of Development

Kazakhstan’s parliamentary election for the lower house (Majilis) held last month reflects the start of a new phase in its development based on broader parliamentary pluralism, economic diversification and the gradual introduction of competitive elements into the political system. The country is committed to reducing its dependence on raw materials exports and developing the conditions to accelerate the growth of the non-resource sector, in particular, competitive small and medium enterprises. This in turn requires the expansion of a middle class with a greater voice in the country’s development and a stake in successful institutional reform. READ MORE
Kazakhstan-UN cooperation to be enhanced and brought to a new level - Akmaral Arystanbekova

March 2012 marks 20 years of Kazakhstan's membership in the UN, Kazakhstan Ambassador and First Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ms. Akmaral Arystanbekova has shared her memories of the historical moment of Kazakhstan's accession to the United Nations in an interview with Kazinform. READ MORE
Putin's Return to Kremlin Could Boost Eurasian Union Project

A meeting of the prime ministers of CIS member states at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg in October, where Putin triumphantly announced an agreement to form a free-trade zone after years of fruitless negotiations. READ MORE
China sacrifices economic growth to slay inflation dragon

If inflation is a dragon that must be slain, China’s Premier Wen Jiabao has shown he is willing to sacrifice a part of the country’s most vital asset to do so – growth. READ MORE
NATO’s Central Asian interests

The Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan) have entered a period of serious challenges related to the situation in Afghanistan. READ MORE
Kazakhstan’s Socio-Economic Modernization Strategy: Challenges and Opportunities for the Next Decade

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev addressed the people of Kazakhstan with a statement titled “Socio-economic Modernization: the Main Vector of Kazakhstan’s Development.” In what now resembles an American state-of-the-union address, Nazarbayev outlined ten main priorities that will shape the country’s development in the next decade. Some of these priorities feed on the long-standing agenda of promoting a more diversified, innovative and industrialized economy able to compete in the globalizing world. Others reflect the lessons learned from recent events and the need to better tackle domestic socio-economic challenges that are also increasingly a function of fragile global conditions. READ MORE
Kyrgyz President 'Mixed Up' Over Russian Military Bases

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev confused Russian military facilities when he demanded that Russia pay off a $15-million debt for leasing an air base in the former Soviet republic, Kommersant daily reported on Thursday. READ MORE
Turkey and Kazakhstan have similar approaches on many international and regional issues - Turkish Ambassador Lale Ülker

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Kazakhstan. READ MORE
Countries of Central Asia deserve reparations from Russia and international community for damage to water resources during the Soviet times, U.S. scholar says

As a legal heir to the former Soviet Union, Russia should feel responsible for the serious damage to the water resources in Central Asia inflicted by huge irrigation projects during the Soviet era, according to a renowned U.S. expert on the region, reported Silk Road Newsline. READ MORE