August 26, 2016 on behalf of Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov in the Ministry of Energy was held a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on local content in major oil and gas projects.

The aim of the working group was to solve all issues between the major mining companies and oilfield services, it had a positive impact on the social situation in the regions, as well as the employment of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan in oil and gas industry.

Already on the first meeting a number of important and urgent decisions have been taken. Tengizchevroil company (TCO) and the North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC) should consider the possibility of introducing a mechanism of awarding contracts and the early placement of orders for test projects in Tengiz and Kashagan.

In addition three largest operators of oil and gas fields – Tengiz, Karachaganak and Kashagan, LLP “PSA” and JSC NC “KazMunayGas” are up to accelerate the integration of existing databases of these operators using a single database “Alash”.

The Ministry of Energy in cooperation with the Ministry of Investment and Development of Kazakhstan and the NPP “Atameken” plans to consider the possibility of amending the rules of acquisition of goods, works and services in terms of setting the terms of payment, commensurate terms of delivery of services and other measures.

It will be carried out by joint work with the NPP “Atameken” the market analysis of domestic suppliers, making specific proposals to the Government for the creation of joint ventures with major foreign oil service companies, taking into account current commitments NCOC, Karachaganak Petroleum Operating (KPO) and TCO complexity of the work and services, availability to local suppliers, provision of works and services, economic and technical benefits.

Further, the Ministry of Energy in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and the Minstry of national economy of Kazakhstan will conduct the possibility of reducing the time of registration of joint ventures and obtaining necessary permits, in particular, the license for the design, construction and installation works, etc ..

In addition, The Ministry of Energy, together with “Atameken”, the Ministry of National Economy, Ministry for Investment and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan plans to develop proposals for the measures of state support of domestic oilfield services, including releasement of providers from import duties and VAT on imported equipment used in projects by TCO, NCOC and KPO.

In addition, the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan jointly with “Atameken” begins work on the procurement of companies with Chinese participation for excessive demands in the technical specifications and unsubstantiated deviations by or to the Kazakh suppliers.

The Ministry of Energy is also planning to work together with “Atameken” to develop mechanisms to apply the principle of “one stop shop” for users of mineral resources, with a perspective to their interaction within the local market.

Reference: Currently, the oilfield services market in Kazakhstan is more than 1,000 different companies and a total workforce of at least 160,000 people. The oilfield accounts 40-50% of the total procurement of subsoil users.

Oilfield services market includes segments of works and services with the presence of engineers of the company employees. In particular: drilling, engineering, construction and geophysical services.

The largest number, 32% are concentrated in Atyrau region, more than 30 thousand people, next is the 29% of Mangystau, 15% Aktobe and 12% Kyzylorda and West Kazakhstan region, where the number of employees of the oil service companies are at least 12 thousand people. In wells drilling and construction the largest number of people is concentrated in Mangistau region and in other areas Atyrau city leads.

At the end of 2015 the overall cost of oilfield services in the sphere of subsoil use was amounted to 1 trillion. 310 billion tenge, which is on 3% less than in 2014 year -. 1 trillion. 346 billion tenge. If we divide the subsoil use market into 3 main groups, the share of purchases of three major operators will increase substantially being 72% of the total purchase, instead of 48% in 2014.

Source: energo.gov.kz

ASTANA. KAZINFORM The Ministry of Agriculture says that fish die-off in the Irtysh River was caused by high air temperature and sharp water level decrease. In one word, the fish died of suffocation.

“After the release of water from reservoirs in the East Kazakhstan region, fish kills were recorded in the reservoirs formed after the flood, where abnormal decrease of water occurred due to high water and air temperature,” say the experts.

Laboratory tests did not find any excess heavy metal concentrations in the river.

During the period from July 12 through 18, 2016 no cases of fish kills were registered.

Earlier Kazinform reported of fish kills in the Irtysh River in Maysky district and Aksu town.

Source: www.inform.kz

ASTANA. KAZINFORM – Kazakhstan is preparing for transitioning to the green economy. The security measures will be increased at the airports of Kazakhstan. The Prime Minister assessed the social and economic state of Kyzylorda region and gave recommendations on implementation of irrigation projects including the issues of increasing of the employment rate of the people living in rural areas.

Prime Minster of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov held a sitting of the council on transitioning to the green economy last week.

Minister of Energy Kanat Bozumbayev reported on the results of the participation in the meeting of energy ministers of the G-20 countries held in China. According to him, most of the countries think that the use of the renewable energy sources has to grow and become prevailing by 2030.

“The Minister of Energy should be personally interested in transitioning to the green economy. It turns out that it is going to be harder and harder to finance the “non-green projects”, and eventually it will be impossible. We have to keep up with global tendencies in this sphere,” K. Massimov noted.

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov assesses social and economic state of Kyzylorda region during his working trip to the region. The Prime Minister inspected “Krainy” airport upon his arrival. He also visited the maternity home of Baikonyr town, and familiarized with the development master plan of the town. K. Massimov also held a sitting where the issue of financing of Baikonyr at the expense of Kazakhstan and Russia was discussed. The Premier also visited a factory on production of salt, and familiarized with the technological process.

The Prime Minister also met with the residents of Zhaksykylysh village and discussed the problems and prospects of development of the region. “Everybody has his own destiny. We were probably destined to live at the same time with our President in our independent and prosperous Kazakhstan. We are glad to come here on the instruction of the President to help you to solve the problems you have here. All discussed here problems will be settled,” K. Massimov stressed.

The Prime Minister discussed the problematic issues of development of the region, and the issues of the state support of agriculture, development of the agro-industrial complex, employment of the youth and improvement of the social infrastructure in particular.

The Prime Minister assessed the quality of works on restoration of the northern part of the Aral Sea during his trip to the region.

Then, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov held a sitting on the issues of restoration of the hydroeconomic infrastructure of Kyzylorda region, where K. Massimov noted that irrigated lands top non-irrigated lands 8-10 times in terms by productivity. Thus, the involvement of these lands can lead to labour productivity in agriculture, which is the key task in the economy as of now.

Besides, the Premier noted that according to experts’ estimations, 1000 hectares of irrigated lands provide employment for up to 200 people.

1. Massimov also stressed that while implementing irrigation projects it is necessary to maximally use the potential of international financial organizations and the principles of the public-private partnership.

Karim Massimov and heads of households of Kyzylorda region discussed problematic issues of the region. The main theme of the discussion was measures on increasing of the employment rate in rural areas.

As K. Massimov informed, the state takes a number of measures in order to increase the employment rate, especially in rural areas.

He also noted that the number of self-employed people in rural areas now is about 1.5 million.

The Head of Government also held a Government sitting where he ordered to increase security measures at the airports of Kazakhstan due to the recent terrorist attack at Istanbul Atatürk Airport.

The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan informed that during his trip the regions of Kazakhstan he inspected local airports. “There are some issues that need to be addressed. Everything should be done as the President ordered,” K. Massimov added.

Besides, Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Kuandyk Bishimbayev informed that implementation of the state program on industrial and innovation development for 2015-2019 will require KZT 400 bln more.

“We think that in order to ensure financing of the investment projects of the state program on accelerated industrial and innovation development we have to use the previous experience when the joint funding at the expense of the National Fund, attracted and own funds of Baiterek Holding allowed to launch the projects totaling over KZT 220 bln in 2016,” he said at the Government sitting.

According to him, programs on export and leasing were supported within these mechanisms, and it allowed to sign export contracts for more than KZT 187 bln.

Source: www.inform.kz

KYZYLORDA. KAZINFORM – Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov is in Kyzylorda region within the framework of his working trip, upon arrival the Prime Minister assessed the quality of works on restoration of the northern part of the Aral Sea.

1. Massimov was reported on the implementation of the second stage of the project called “Regulation of the riverbed of the Syr-Darya River and preserving of the northern part of the Aral Sea, Pm.kz informs.

Besides, K. Massimov took part in the sitting on the issues of restoration of the hydroeconomic infrastructure with the participation of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, deputy governors of the regions and experts of the water management sphere.

Source: www.inform.kz

MINSK. KAZINFORM – Forestry industries of Belarus and Kazakhstan intend to advance scientific, technical, trade and economic cooperation. The agreement was reached when a Belarusian delegation led by Forestry Minister Mikhail Amelyanovich met with Deputy Agriculture Minister of Kazakhstan Yerlan Nysanbayev, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.

Representatives of forestry enterprises and organizations, educational and scientific institutions, and the embassy of Belarus in Kazakhstan took part in the meeting. The sides came to understand that it is now necessary to expand direct contacts between forestry enterprises, the relevant educational and scientific institutions. It is necessary to contribute to the expansion of bilateral scientific, technical, trade and economic cooperation taking into account the existing essential potential in a large number of areas.

Participants of the meeting also shared information about the current state and development trends in forest management and forest utilization, peculiarities of forest reproduction and protection in Belarus and Kazakhstan. They also talked over the main measures designed to expand mutually beneficial cooperation. The sides signed the relevant protocol with a view to implementing the arrangements they agreed on.

The Belarusian delegation is expected to take part in the 16th session of the CIS Intergovernmental Council for Forestry Industry in the town of Zerendi, Kazakhstan on 4-5 August, Kazinform has learnt from BelTA.

Source: www.inform.kz

In a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Erlan Idrissov, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated the country on its recent election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, as well on its signing of the Paris Agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).   According to a readout issued late yesterday by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, the UN chief and the Minister also exchanged views on projects in the field of sustainable development related to the cooperation between the UN and Kazakhstan, and the initiatives the country is spearheading in the UN, Kazinform reports.   Kazakhstan, along with Sweden, Bolivia and Ethiopia, were elected to serve on Security Council for a two year term, starting from 1 January 2017. The remaining seat will be shared by Italy and the Netherlands, each with a one-year term.   The Security Council has 15 members, including five permanent. The five permanent members, each with the power of veto, are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Other current non-permanent members are Japan, Egypt, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay.   Paris Agreement now has 180 signatories With Kazakhstan’s signing and as of 3 August, the Paris Agreement now has 180 signatories. 174 countries and the European Union signed the Agreement at a high-level signature ceremony convened by the Secretary General at the UN Headquarters in New York on 22 April 2016, the day the Agreement was opened for signature.   Also, of the 180 signatory countries, 22 have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval.   The agreement will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification or acceptance with the Secretary-General.

Source: Kazakh-tv.kz

Source: Bnews.kz

Today at the office of the organizer in Astana both countries have signed contracts on participation in the International specialized exhibition EXPO 2017, BNews.kz reported.

The contract on participation of Italy was signed by the chairman of the board of the Astana EXPO 2017 National company Akhmetzhan Esimov and the Commissioner of the Italian section of EXPO 2017, the ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Kazakhstan Stefano Ravagnan.
During the meeting, the head of the national company has told about the course of preparation for the EXPO 2017 exhibition, conditions of Italy’s participation, and also a state and prospects of bilateral interaction between our countries in the field of development of renewables.
“Experience of Italy in holding an exhibition for us is very useful, EXPO-2015 in Milan is recognized as one of the most successful. Considering achievements of Italy in the field of renewables, we hope that within EXPO 2017 your country will show the latest technologies in this sphere,” Akhmetzhan Esimov said.
It should be noted that now Italy actively develops “green” technologies and carries out policy of diversification of fuel. The commissioner of the Italian section said that the country’s share of RES in electricity generation for 2015 has made 38.4%, the press service of the exhibition reports.
Priority of perspective development the Italian government sees in stimulation of wind and solar power. Now in the country 150,000 enterprises developing helioenergy already function.
“We actively prepare for filling of our national pavilion as EXPO 2017 has the huge importance for future development of alternative energy in the world,” Stefano Ravagnan has emphasized.
South Korea has also expressed readiness to show at an exhibition the developments in the field of alternative and renewables. It during signing of the contract on participation in EXPO 2017 was declared by the commissioner of the Korean section, the ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kazakhstan Cho Yong Chong.
“Korea held exhibitions within the EXPO twice. Quite recently in 2012 in the city of Yeosu, and also in 1993 – in the city of Daejeon. After carrying out the EXPO it became the center of science and development of technology of all Korea,” Cho Yong Chong said.

Source: EXPO-2017 Astana

National Company “Astana EXPO-2017” and national tour operators have developed various and content-rich routes around the country. Thus, tourists will have a unique opportunity to see not only the sights of our capital and the Exhibition, but also all the cultural and historical places of Kazakhstan.

Today, the sightseeing list comprises environmental tours around the country’s national natural parks (Charyn canyon, Burabay resort, etc.), itineraries with visits to historical and cultural sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (Kozha Ahmet Yassaui Complex, Tamgaly Petroglyphs etc.), as well as special tours, such as watching a spacecraft launch at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The range of tourist services in the regions is expanded in the framework of the International Specialized Exhibition EXPO-2017 in Astana, which will become a powerful impulse for the development of the Kazakhstan travel industry.

We remind you that tour operators started selling EXPO-2017 Astana tickets on 10 July 2016. A special offer has been prepared for the first tourism partners.

Thus, during the promotional period that will last from 10 July to 10 August 2016, tour operators will be able to purchase tickets at special conditions. The basic package will be 2000 tickets and may include both fixed date tickets and open date tickets.

The more tickets are purchased, the bigger discounts are provided. The amount of purchased tickets is not restricted.

Detailed information will be sent to everyone who addresses the ticketing operator via the feedback form on the official Exhibition ticketing website tickets.expo2017astana.com.

One of the world South Korean companies has entered partnership with the Kazakhstan producers of LED technologies. Advantage of plant is lack of harmful substances and an opportunity to see objects at night days as at a sunlight.
“We presented the project on production of electroproduction in 2014. Today our plant makes more than 8 types of lamps of external and internal consecration. The plant is constructed on a half of 2 hectares of our site as in the future we plan to create laboratory which will make materials for production of our production not to import them. For today we work with the Korean technologies. The expiration date of one our lamp reaches 40,000 hours, these are about 5 years of a guarantee that well saves means of citizens,” the plant manager of Tecata Hanat Nurekenov says.

According to the Head of the agency of the Ministry of Energy, the Environmental Code has been amended to encourage the formation of a civilized market for recycling, establishing national standards to market participants and the procedure for handling the main types of solid waste.

These comprehensive measures can be implemented in all the regions of the Republic for separate waste disposal and develop small and medium-sized businesses for recycling solid waste.

Ministry of Energy has initiated arrangements for the development of the industry. Thus, successfully hosted a conference in Karaganda city with the participation of experts from international organizations, business and public associations. Similar workshops are planned in all the regions.

Source: www.energo.gov.kz