06.08.2024, 19:46 67161

Minister of Education: 20 comfortable schools to be commissioned by August 20

Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev reported on the preparation of the education system for the new school year at the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, primeminister.kz reports.

According to him, from September 1, 3.9 million children will study in 7.9 thousand educational organizations, where 360 thousand are first-graders. The supply of textbooks in the regions is 90%. All textbooks will be delivered by August 20. Akimats have allocated the necessary financial resources to organize free meals. From September 1, 1.7 million pupils will eat free of charge. Compared to last year, there are 100,000 more pupils. Every year, assistance is provided to socially vulnerable families. This year, 510,000 children are being helped to prepare for school. Necessary funds have been allocated from the budget for these purposes.

Gani Beisembayev also said that 6,387 schools out of 7,859 are in good condition. There is a need for major repairs in 1,290 schools. The greatest need is in Zhambyl region, Pavlodar, Akmola and Turkestan regions. This issue should be resolved by 2027.

In order to create a comfortable environment, major repairs are being carried out in 280 schools. In 222 schools it will be completed before the beginning of the school year. In 58 schools it will be completed according to the established terms of construction and installation works. In addition, within the framework of monitoring conducted by the Ministry, risks of violation of terms of capital repair of 15 objects were revealed. These are in Karaganda, Almaty, North Kazakhstan, East Kazakhstan regions and Almaty city;

As a result of large-scale floods, 40 educational facilities were affected. Restoration works have been completed on 5 objects. Work is underway on 16. At the same time, there are risks on 19 objects;

By August 20 this year it is planned to commission the first 20 schools within the framework of the national project "Comfortable School". In 2024, it is planned to commission 302 schools for 536 thousand new pupils. These measures will solve the problems of 92 three-shift schools and 249 schools with a deficit of pupil places. Akims of regions should take necessary measures to prevent failure of school commissioning dates.

This year it is planned to purchase 1,383 subject classrooms for robotics, chemistry, biology, physics, STEM. The risk of non-fulfillment of the plan is observed in Almaty region, West Kazakhstan region, Kostanay region, Ulytau. It is also planned to modernize 1 thousand schools in small towns, district centers and villages in 7 directions. The risk of non-fulfillment of the plan is observed in Almaty, Atyrau, Pavlodar, Turkestan regions, Abay and Ulytau.

Together with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, new requirements for internet in schools have been established. Work is underway to revise the requirements with a minimum speed of 100 Mbps for all schools. Starlink satellites have now been installed in 1,731 out of 1,879 schools. ICRIAP is working to activate terminals in 137 border schools. Schools with low internet speed in Zhambyl region, East Kazakhstan region, Atyrau region, Pavlodar region, Turkestan region, WKO and Ulytau. Akimats need to take this issue under control," the Minister emphasized.

The priority task of the state remains to ensure the safety of children and protection of their rights. The requirements to ensure fire safety and anti-terrorist security, as well as to ensure the safety of children and their rights have been strengthened.

and anti-terrorist security, mandatory availability of panic button, video surveillance system, turnstiles and licensed security. For the first time, the maximum equipment of educational organizations with security systems has been ensured. For this purpose, regional bodies plans for 2024-2025 have been approved.

In order to equip educational organizations, the following works have been carried out:

72% of public schools have concluded contracts with licensed security agencies
87% of schools are equipped with panic buttons
Turnstiles have been installed in 62% of schools
70% of schools are connected to IAB Operational Control Centers.

There is also a growth of equipment in private educational organizations.

Considerable attention is paid to improving the safety of road infrastructure in the vicinity of educational organizations. A joint plan of the Ministries of Education and Internal Affairs, as well as regional plans for 2024-2025 are being implemented.

Under the Plan it is planned to equip 1,873 crosswalks, including 563 with traffic lights, install 1.8 thousand artificial road bumps, over 20 thousand pedestrian fences, over 15 thousand road signs, 2.4 thousand parking lots. Today, in accordance with the Plan, 70% has been executed," the speaker reported.

Gani Beisembayev also noted that on the instructions of the Head of State the work on increasing the state order in the system of technical and vocational education is actively carried out. 145 thousand grants have been allocated, 65% of which are directed to technical specialties. Also, from September 1, the scholarship of college students will increase by 50% of the last year's level. An important role is played by effective infrastructure and constant improvement of material and technical base of colleges. Its renewal is being carried out at an active pace. According to the results of the first half of 2024, the MTB of 104 colleges has been improved, which is 64 more than in 2023. It is important that this base meets modern standards and provides comfortable conditions for students' education and teachers' work.

In 2024, it is planned to build 8 dormitories for 2103 places. Two dormitories for 259 places have already been commissioned in Pavlodar and Turkestan regions. The results of the analysis showed that in the regions non-resident college students are insufficiently provided with places in dormitories. The acute shortage is felt in Almaty city, Astana city, Akmola region, Almaty region, SKO.

Spiritual and moral education of youth is a priority for the development of the state and society as a whole. The program "Birtutas Tarbiye" is implemented in 100% of educational organizations. According to the tasks outlined in March of this year at the National Kurultai, the Program has been updated.

It is aimed at education of a highly moral, honest, successful personality within the triad "Fair Kazakhstan - Responsible Citizen - Progressive Nation". Within the framework of the updated Program will continue the implementation of educational and educational projects, social practices aimed at the formation of positive values and quality competencies among students.

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06.09.2024, 14:48 29766

Olzhas Bektenov discusses NPP construction in Kazakhstan with Stepnogorsk Mining and Chemical Combine personnel

Images | primeminister.kz

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov during his working trip to Akmola region visited Stepnogorsk Mining and Chemical Combine, which is one of the flagships of domestic industry, where he met with the staff and discussed topical issues of energy security and development of domestic industry. Attention was paid to the implementation of the tasks set out in the President's Address to the people of Kazakhstan "Fair Kazakhstan: law and order, economic growth, social optimism", primeminister.kz reports.

During his visit to Stepnogorsk Mining and Chemical Combine Olzhas Bektenov familiarised himself with the advanced processes for processing of uranium-containing raw materials. Kazakhstan ranks first in the world in uranium mining, producing about 40% of the world's uranium. The Stepnogorsk Mining and Chemical Combine, which processes uranium, provides stable supplies for the world nuclear power industry and makes a significant contribution to the economic development of the region. Last year the Combine produced 1,650 tonnes of finished uranium products. The design capacity is 4,000 tonnes of natural uranium per year, and the processing capacity is up to 1 million tonnes of copper-molybdenum ore.

The town-forming enterprise employs over 1,000 people. During the inspection the Prime Minister was informed about plans for further modernisation of the plant aimed at increasing the processing capacity up to 6 thousand tonnes of uranium per year. From 2026, it is planned to reach full capacity with uranium-containing raw materials supplied from the Budenovskoye deposit. This will provide new jobs and stable employment for the residents of the single-industry town.

Addressing the production workers, Prime Minister emphasised the important role of the enterprise in ensuring energy security of the country. During the conversation the topical issues of industrial and nuclear industry were discussed.

Energy consumption in Kazakhstan is about 17 GW, which exceeds production volumes. In this regard, certain volumes of electricity are purchased in neighbouring countries. Kazakhstan needs to switch to other sources of energy.

It was noted that nuclear power can become a basic source of energy for Kazakhstan and contribute to the sustainable development of the energy system. The construction of nuclear power plants, in case of a favourable decision on the results of the referendum, will make it possible to fill the shortage of electricity in the market with growing demand and declining due to wear and tear of equipment generation. It will enable the stable generation of safe, clean energy.

The reliability and stability of the energy system is the Government's top priority. The growing challenges require radically new approaches and the solution of a perennial problem. Kazakhstan needs to introduce a new main generator of electricity. If there is support of the people at the referendum, which the President has scheduled for 6 October, we will go in this direction. Without it, neither industrial development nor ordinary life support is possible. All this will enable the country to develop," Olzhas Bektenov emphasised.

Peaceful atom contributes to the development of related industries, science, SMEs and the growth of the economy as a whole. A positive impact on the labour market was noted: during the construction of NPP it is planned to create at least 10 thousand jobs, at the stages of operation and maintenance of the plant up to 2 thousand permanent jobs.

Reporting on the development of alternative sources, Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev said that NPPs operate almost round the clock and all year round. This ensures a high utilisation rate of installed capacity and efficient use of investments. Currently, there are about 200 NPPs operating in more than 30 developed and developing countries. Modern nuclear power plants have the highest level of safety.

In their turn, the employees of the enterprise, following the discussion, expressed their support for the President's initiatives voiced in the Address, including the development of nuclear power and unlocking the country's industrial potential.

I have been working at our production facility for 17 years, the enterprise allowed me to get higher education, which, accordingly, led to career growth. I would like to express a collective opinion on this issue. Taking into account that the industrial cycle is now rapidly developing, and outdated technologies definitely require modernisation, the general opinion (note - collective) is as follows: we need to build a nuclear power plant," Andrey Chernykh, chief engineer of the enterprise, said.

In turn, Galymzhan Perdebaev, head of the loading and unloading section of the plant, spoke in favour of the initiatives of the Head of State to support industrial enterprises and instruments of social support for citizens.

I have been working at the combine for about 30 years. Our enterprise is actively developing, there is modernisation, expansion of production, increase in output of finished products. As you know, 2025 has been declared by the President as the Year of Working Professions. In addition, the direction for the development of technical specialities has been given. We fully support this point of the Head of State's Address. It is necessary to involve young people into working professions, which we are looking forward to at our enterprise," Larisa Bulatova, Head of the Central Research Laboratory of the Works, said.

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06.09.2024, 12:45 29996

Olzhas Bektenov checks Akmola region's heating season preparation progress

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Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov within his working trip to Akmola region checked the implementation of the President's instructions on modernisation and sustainable reduction of wear and tear of power supply networks and heat communications, as well as the progress of preparation of communal infrastructure facilities for the heating season, primeminister.kz reports.

Prime Minister familiarised himself with the current state of Stepnogorsk CHPP, which was commissioned in 1966. The facility provides heat and electricity to the residential sector and enterprises of the city, as well as Zavodskoy settlement.

Prime Minister was reported on the preparation of municipal infrastructure of Akmola region for the heating period. Today the readiness of boilers is 99%, inspection of educational facilities, medical institutions, residential buildings has been carried out. All social infrastructure is fully prepared for the heating season. At CHPP preparation of necessary fuel reserves for the autumn-winter period goes according to the schedule.

This year, 2.7 billion tenge was allocated from the reserve of the Government to repair heating networks in Stepnogorsk. Construction and installation works on the 11.3 km section have been completed. In addition, the owner of Stepnogorsk power complex allocated 7.9 billion tenge for modernisation of infrastructure and communications facilities. Repair of 4 turbines has been completed, reconstruction of boilers continues, 1.6 km of the planned 2.6 km of heat networks have been installed.

The ongoing works will allow reducing the wear and tear of the CHPP equipment from 65.6% to 61.9% and of the main networks from the current 80.7% to 70%. However, a number of problematic issues remain, Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev noted

Ongoing measures and investment in the renewal of existing energy sources is gradually reducing wear and tear. However, risks of interruptions remain, given the growing consumption. To ensure stable quality energy and heat supply, it is necessary to create alternative sources. In order to cover the needs of the population and ensure the launch of new enterprises, the development of nuclear energy will be an effective solution," Almassadam Satkaliyev reported.

Kazakhstan's existing power plants have a high level of wear and tear, reaching 70%. Electricity consumption in the country is growing by 3% annually. According to the Ministry of Energy's forecasts, by 2035, electricity consumption in Kazakhstan is expected to reach 152.4 billion kWh. At the same time, the existing power plants will be able to provide only 135 billion kWh.

The Prime Minister noted the need for significant modernisation of infrastructure.

You know, in his Address, the President instructed to develop a separate project to modernise the housing and utilities system. A very large one, which is calculated until 2029-2030. There is serious work to be done here. About 10 trillion tenge is required - both at the expense of the tariff, and the funds of natural monopolies, budgetary, borrowed funds. Complex work will be carried out. We understand the deplorable state of our housing and utilities system across the country. We need a responsible approach from everyone: from the owners, from local authorities and from the Government.

The main task of the Government is to ensure comfortable conditions for residents. Our country as a whole consumes about 17 gigawatts of electricity, while we produce only 16. That is, we are an energy-deficient country, and we have to buy electricity from our neighbours. We must not only restore worn-out networks, but also create a sustainable energy system," Olzhas Bektenov emphasised.

If the population supports the referendum on 6 October, Kazakhstan will build a nuclear power plant with the highest level of safety, which will solve the deficit problem and ensure energy security.

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05.09.2024, 20:55 40296

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chairs AIFC Management Council meeting

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired a meeting of the Management Council of the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), Kazinform News Agency cites Akorda.

Prior to the event, the Head of State got acquainted with the activities the AIFC actors, that have made a significant contribution to the promotion of the Center’s ecosystem. The heads of Freedom Finance Global, Astana office of the China Construction Bank Corporation, Fix Price Group, Grata International and Binance Kazakhstan Technologies presented the results of their work, including innovative projects as well as plans for future development.

Opening the meeting, the Kazakh President noted the rapid changes in the global capital market, formation of new international trade and economic ties as well as expansion of integration processes between countries and redistribution of financial flows.

According to Tokayev, the ongoing challenges and changes open new opportunities for Kazakhstan. In this regard, the Kazakh leader highlighted the key role of the AIFC in ensuring further sustainable and gradual development of the country.

In a relatively short period of its operation, the AIFC has achieved significant results, as conditions have been created to attract investments, that are unmatched at the regional level. Investors are offered favorable tax, visa and labor regimes. The principles of individual and comprehensive support for each investor are in place. A fair and impartial judicial system has been established. Thanks to new digital solutions, now every Kazakhstani can take part in an IPO, said the Kazakh President.

Head of State Tokayev also pointed out that the AIFC is facing a task to strengthen its status as a successful regional financial hub, highlighting a number of current issues.

In particular, the President stressed the importance of further attracting investments in the economy and the need to improve the investment ecosystem of the country.

The Center has already established close cooperation with the partners from the US, Europe, GB as well as a number of Asian and Middle East countries. Work is ongoing to promote investment projects with major companies of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, helping to significantly expand the investment potential of the AIFC and the Kazakh economy. However, it’s necessary to enhance the Center’s interaction with the government and national institutions as well as to continue to improve its regulatory framework, stressed Tokayev.

The Head of State noted that one of the key indicators of a developed stock market is liquidity, that is, primarily, provided by institutional investors. Tokayev went on to add that presently the citizens are offered to transfer up to 50% of their pension savings to private investment managers. To this end, the Kazakh President suggested considering the possibility of providing access of foreign investment management companies to pension assets and financial instruments of the AIFC.

In this context, the President recommended the National Bank together with the government, the Agency for Regulation and Development of Financial Market and the AIFC to look at the possibility of tightening the criteria for companies’ localization in the Center.

According to the Head of State, another priority task is to gradually increase the securities share and volume threshold in the local stock market in case of simultaneous placement in foreign markets. Tokayev stressed the importance of stimulating Kazakhstani private companies to go public, thus confirming their transparency and efficiency.

President Tokayev also pointed out steady observance of the set game rules as the next priority.

The AIFC’s tax regime, guaranteed by the Constitutional Law, is a key element of the Center’s development strategy. It plays a key role in increasing Kazakhstan’s attractiveness for global investors. It’s our unchanged position, that we will never compromise, he said.

The Kazakh leader noted that the development of carbon market in Kazakhstan is one of the priorities of the state policy. According to him, the EU countries is preparing to introduce a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Regulation, which could become a serious barrier to Kazakhstani exports to Europe.

In addition, the Kazakh President stressed the importance of creating efficient financial mechanisms for emergency response. According to him, different state insurance funds should become an instrument to fight consequences of natural disasters. In this regard, the Head of State instructed the government jointly with the Agency for Regulation and Development of Financial Market and the AIFC to explore in detail the issue of establishing such a fund under the jurisdiction of the Center.

Concluding the meeting, the Head of State approved the AIFC Annual Report 2023.

During the meeting, reports were made by AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov, Solidcore Resources plc CEO Vitaly Nesis, Amicorp Fund Services COO Robin Hoekjan, AIFC Court Chief Justice Ian Burnett, Chair of the Board of Directors of the AIFC Financial Services Authority Chair Angela Knight, and AIX Board of Directors Chair Timothy Bennett.

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05.09.2024, 12:41 30381

Olzhas Bektenov discusses implementation of large infrastructure projects with EDB head Nikolay Podguzov

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Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with the Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Development Bank Nikolai Podguzov. The issues of expansion of investment cooperation and EDB participation in the implementation of infrastructure projects were considered, primeminister.kz reports.

Olzhas Bektenov and Nikolai Podguzov noted the high investment activity of the Eurasian Development Bank in Kazakhstan. Since the beginning of this year EDB has already financed projects in various sectors of the economy for a total amount of more than $900 million. At the same time, $1 billion has been invested in Kazakhstan in 2023. By the end of this year it is expected that the volume of investments will be significantly increased and will reach $1.4-$1.6 billion.

The list of EDB priority projects implemented in Kazakhstan includes introduction of cyclic-flow technology of coal mining, construction of solar power plants, reconstruction and expansion of the main water pipeline "Astrakhan-Mangyshlak", construction and reconstruction of motorways.

Olzhas Bektenov emphasised that the Eurasian Development Bank is one of the important partners and reliable sources of investment.

The Head of State in his Address to the people of Kazakhstan outlined the tasks to solve priority infrastructure problems. Now the Government is carrying out large-scale work on modernisation and construction of engineering, transport, social and digital infrastructure. We are ready to expand cooperation with the Bank on mutually beneficial terms and are interested in joint implementation of projects important for the economy of the country," Olzhas Bektenov said.

In turn, EDB Chairman Nikolay Podguzov reported on the readiness of the Bank to strengthen co-operation in the implementation of major investment projects.

The parties also discussed the issues of the current investment portfolio of the Bank, diversification of the capital structure, improving the quality of corporate governance.

For reference: Eurasian Development Bank is an international financial organisation established in 2006. The Bank's authorised capital is $7 billion. The sectoral structure of the current investment portfolio is as follows: 21.7% energy, 18.1% transport, 27.5% mining, 9.2% financial sector, 5.8% infrastructure, 2.8% machine building, 3.3% agro-industrial complex, 7.3% chemical industry, 1.1% construction, 3.2% other sectors.

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04.09.2024, 18:37 30551

Olzhas Bektenov, on behalf of Head of State, presents awards to oil industry veterans in 125th anniversary of industry

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Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov in honour of the 125th anniversary of the beginning of Kazakhstan's oil production congratulated veterans and workers of the oil and gas complex, noted the importance of the industry in the economic structure of the country, primeminister.kz reports.

Addressing the participants of the meeting Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the selfless dedication and hard work of industry veterans, oilmen, engineers and scientists, through whose efforts Kazakhstan became one of the leading players in the world energy market.

For his contribution to the development of the oil and gas sector Prime Minister on behalf of the Head of State presented 40 awards to distinguished workers of the oil and gas complex. The Order ‘Parasat’ was awarded to labour veteran Makhash Rakhmetov, veteran oilman Oleg Gershtansky, industry expert Makhambet Dosmukhambetov, the Order "Kurmet" and veteran oilmen Turemurat Zharmagambetov, Rakhman Isayev, Madykhat Nurmukhanov, Nagangali Uteyev, pipeline operator Marat Taganbaev, Shakimurat Shamarov, Order ‘Yenbek Daneky’ of III degree was awarded to veteran oilman Keltir Shanenov, process compressor operator Akhmed Shadinov, "Yeren Yenbegi Ushin" Medal to veteran oilman Abdrakhman Kaziev, Kadirkhan Utesinov, repair mechanic Yesimbek Berdaliyev, oil and gas production operator Kosherbay Otsebayev and others.

Olzhas Bektenov noted that Kazakhstan has significant hydrocarbon reserves. Proven recoverable oil reserves are over 4 billion tonnes, which makes Kazakhstan one of the significant players in the world market. New oil export routes are being opened, including through the Caspian Sea. The volumes of oil and gas transit through our country are increasing. Kazakhstan's oil brand KEBCO has been launched, and work is underway to increase the resource base, improve the investment attractiveness of geological exploration, increase production, and implement new projects.

The Head of State in his Address to the people of Kazakhstan outlined the tasks of further development of the oil and gas chemical industry. Our achievements are not limited only to production and transportation. Great efforts are aimed at the development of internal processing of hydrocarbons. With the opening of a polypropylene plant in Atyrau region, a full-fledged oil and gas chemical industry has been created. New projects on polyethylene and butadiene production are ahead. Such enterprises not only promote import substitution, but also create the necessary environment for the development of small and medium-sized businesses. New generation gas processing plants will be built in the coming years. The oil and gas industry remains one of the drivers of the economy, and we are determined to develop it further, introducing innovative technologies and ensuring environmental safety," Olzhas Bektenov emphasised.

The development of domestic oil and gas chemistry and the implementation of projects to produce polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and urea will help meet domestic demand and increase exports of domestic technological products with high added value.

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