Kazakhstan ratifies CIS Agreement on Free Trade in Services
Images | Akorda
Head of State has signed the law ratifying the CIS Agreement on Free Trade in Services, Establishment, Operations and Investment, Kazinform News Agency learned from the Akorda press service.
The text of the law is published in print media.
Earlier, the Senate of the Kazakh Parliament approved the draft law on free trade in services with the CIS states.
The purpose of the document is to expand trade and economic cooperation between the parties, to provide access for Kazakhstani exporters of services to the markets of partners, to open opportunities for establishing enterprises with the participation of Kazakhstani capital and to create additional conditions for attracting investment and protecting mutual investments.
The main objectives are to ensure sustainable development of the free-trade zone of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as to create favorable conditions for further growth of the CIS states’ economies.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev meets with EEC Board Chairman
Images | Akorda
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met today with Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), Akorda reports.
The meeting discussed the ongoing activities and issues of further development of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
President Tokayev was informed about the preparation for the 4th Eurasian Economic Forum and a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, which are set to take place on June 26-27 in Minsk, Belarus.
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Comfortable and Safe Stay for Tourists: Government Reviews Implementation of Presidential Instructions
Images | primeminister.kz
At a Government session chaired by Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, the issue of ensuring a comfortable and safe stay for tourists in the country was discussed, primeminister.kz reports.
During the session, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerbol Myrzabosynov reported that the tourism sector of Kazakhstan is developing every year and increasing its potential. In 2024, the number of domestic tourists amounted to 10.5 million; the number of foreign visitors reached 15.3 million. Currently, a visa-free regime is in place for 87 countries, and citizens of 107 foreign states have the option to apply for an electronic visa.
For his part, Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov stated that the ministry is carrying out all necessary work to create favorable conditions for tourists. In particular, procedures for entering and staying in the country are being simplified. Currently, foreigners are exempt from the procedure of registering at the police; the host party can complete this procedure online. A special mobile website has been created for foreign guests, containing essential and useful information in Kazakh, Russian, English, and Chinese.
To ensure the safety of tourists, tourist police units are operating in the regions, staffed by officers who speak foreign languages. In tourist areas, surveillance systems are functioning, preventive work is carried out with individuals engaged in private transportation, and assistance is provided to drivers of transit transport.
Our Head of State has repeatedly emphasized the importance of tourism development as one of the key drivers of the country’s economic growth. In this regard, the country must create conditions to enhance Kazakhstan’s attractiveness as a country friendly to foreign tourists. Significant work is being done in this direction. The geography of international air, rail, and road connections is expanding. Migration procedures for foreign citizens are being simplified. Special attention is being paid to ensuring the comfortable and safe stay of our guests," Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.
The head of the Government noted that work has been done in Almaty, East Kazakhstan, and Zhetysu regions to welcome tourists from neighboring countries. This experience should be scaled up.
Tourism products should be adapted to specific tourist groups, especially in border regions. This concerns not only the activities of small and medium-sized businesses but also digital products. High-quality mobile communication and internet access must be ensured at tourist sites. Hotels and other tourist attractions must pay attention to a high level of service and safety, and an adequate pricing policy. Favorable conditions for tourists must be provided, especially in high-risk areas," Olzhas Bektenov added.
Following the Government session, the Prime Minister issued several instructions. In particular, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, together with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry, was instructed to expand the functionality of the national tourism portal, the eQonaq migration service, taxi services, and other useful resources for tourists.
The Ministries of Internal Affairs, Emergency Situations, and Healthcare were instructed to strengthen safety measures for tourists and to work on establishing a multilingual hotline for foreign visitors.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, together with relevant government agencies and regional akimats, was instructed to develop within one week a set of measures to ensure the favorable and safe stay of foreign tourists in Kazakhstan.
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23 branches of foreign universities operate in Kazakhstan today
The Ministry of Science and Higher Education presented a map of branches of foreign higher education institutions located in the territory of Kazakhstan, Kazinform News Agency reports.
The Ministry of Science and Higher Education actively promotes Kazakhstan as a leading academic hub of Central Asia, through the development of international cooperation and expansion of opportunities for students," the Ministry highlights.
The ministry has established partnership with 39 foreign universities so far. 23 branches of the leading universities of Great Britain, Italy, China, Russia, the U.S., France and South Korea are operating in Kazakhstan today.
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Kazakh Senate adopts law on territorial defense
The Senate of the Kazakh Parliament adopted on Thursday the law on territorial defense and amendments to it, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
According to Senator Galiaskar Sarybayev, the law aims to enhance territorial defense, mobilization readiness as well as ensure the safety of the population in emergencies.
Under the law, territorial defense is viewed as a separate branch in the state defense system with its own objectives and tasks, rules and activities. The document also provides for essential funding as well as provisions to regulate issues of territorial military bodies and units.
The law introduces and defines terms a "recruiter" and a "self-defense command". It also states powers of the President, government agencies directly subordinate and accountable to the President, Government, Defense Ministry, General Staff of the Armed Forces, central and lobal executive bodies as well as the rights and duties of legal entities and individuals.
In addition, the law envisages a separate section "territorial defense forces," regulating their composition and operating procedure. Territorial defense forces include forces and resources of law-enforcement bodies, those allocated by the Armed Forces, other military units and structures, territorial forces, special units and self-defense forces.
The law defines the composition of territorial defense forces, whose missions and operating procedure are regulated by the guidelines for territorial defense preparedness and operations. It also provides for provisions of state control in event of violations.
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Kazakhstan announces amnesty ahead of 30th anniversary of Constitution
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The lower chamber of the Kazakh Parliament is discussing the bill "On amnesty on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan," Kazinform News Agency reports.
Snezhanna Imasheva, member of the Majilis Committee for Legislation and Judicial Reform, says that the draft law was developed by deputies for the purpose of humanization of criminal policy, and in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
It is offered to release the persons convicted for the crimes which do not pose serious threat to state security and citizens, including from vulnerable groups: women with underage children, pregnant women, veterans and disabled veterans of the Great Patriotic War and equal-status persons, pensioners, disabled people and others," she said.
Majiliswoman Unzila Shapak announced potential number of persons subject to amnesty.
According to her, 4,100 people will be released. By preliminary calculations, some 632 convicts will be released from correctional facilities. Another 3,500 people will be excluded from the probation control lists. For 5,400 inmates and 5,500 people registered by the probation service, the unserved term of punishment will be reduced. In general, the reduction of term will affect 11,000 people, she added.
In her words, 833 women will be subject to amnesty. 109 of them will be released, while sentences of 724 will be reduced.
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Tokayev hails Kazakhstanis’ contribution to progressive development of the country
Images | Akorda
Kazakhstan is to mark 30 years since the adoption of its Constitution this year, Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during the flag raising ceremony in Astana, Akorda reports.
The main law establishes the core principles, shaping our society. Guided by the values of the Constitution, we uphold the law and order as well as pursue large-scale transformations, said Tokayev.
Hailing each Kazakhstani’s contribution to the country’s progressive development, President Tokayev highlighted that "a turquoise passport, shared aspirations and unwavering faith in reforms’ creative force are the key unifying elements of the nation".
Our only path and goal are to build a Just, Safe and Clean Kazakhstan, said Tokayev.
Then, the Kazakh President delivered his message to military graduates, presenting them with rank straps.
The event was attended by heads of government agencies, Parliament deputies, members of the Ulttyq Qurultay, holders of Hero of Kazakhstan and Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan titles, cadets of the top military education facilities and their family members.
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