The Astana Toastmasters Club, founded in 2010 by Samat Panov and Asem Panova, is the first registered Toastmasters Club in Central Asia, located in Astana, Kazakhstan. It aims to enhance public speaking, leadership skills, and personal growth. The club has around 40 active members and holds regular meetings at the American Corner and PwC office. It targets recent graduates, young professionals, and older individuals with proficient English. The club has facilitated the creation of other clubs in Kazakhstan but does not directly open new ones. President Kanat Bazaraly shared his personal growth through the club and outlined plans to establish a district club for better management and participation in global competitions.

The Astana Times features an interview with Candice Miracle, the bass player of Astana Bluegrass Survivors, a band composed of U.S. musicians based in Kazakhstan's capital. The band plays bluegrass, an American roots music genre, and has been active since 2016, performing at various venues including the U.S. Embassy and QSI International School of Astana. The members, some of whom are professional musicians, have adapted to their new environment by bringing a piece of American culture to Eurasia. Despite their full-time jobs, they perform several times a month and plan to reunite annually for performances even as some members depart Kazakhstan. The band's future gigs can be followed on their Instagram or Facebook page (@bluegrass.survivors).

The Kostanai car plant in Kazakhstan has begun serial assembly of the JAC iEV7S electric car, with sales expected in the second half of the year starting at 7.5 million tenge (US$23,300). SaryarkaAvtoProm, a shareholder in the plant, plans to assemble over 1,000 cars in three years for private and taxi use. The JAC iEV7S was chosen for its suitability to Kazakhstan's climate and landscape, and it can be charged using a standard outlet or a special station. The Allure Group, which provided the information, acknowledges the challenges of developing infrastructure and customer acquisition, particularly outside the capital and Almaty. They aim to reduce costs for consumers with preferred car loans and benefits for electric car owners. Other electric models like the KIA Soul EV and Lada Vesta EV were previously made in pilot mode without entering serial production.

Madiyar Kozhakhmet, deputy akim of North Kazakhstan, highlighted the region's engagement with the Digital Kazakhstan Programme, including transport and public health initiatives. Petropavlovsk introduced GPS navigators for buses and health apps like AntiInsult and OncoScreen. The region plans to implement 59 projects across eight priority areas, including precision farming and satellite field monitoring. A mobile app guides tourists, and Smart Petropavlovsk will develop smart city elements. An IT-focused school is under construction, aiming to nurture a digital generation.

Kazakhstan's first ammunition plant, overseen by Kaztechnology under the Ministry of Defence and Aerospace Industry, is set to begin delivering cartridges to the Kazakh Armed Forces this year. The plant, located in the Karaganda region's Saryarka Special Economic Zone, is being completed by Steel Manufacturing and will have a production capacity of 30 million ammunition. It will create approximately 160 new jobs and is expected to have a positive economic and social impact on the region. The project, which faced delays due to groundwater issues, has a cost of over 20 billion tenge and will feature advanced equipment from Canadian company Waterbury Farrel.

The Astana International Financial Centre's Financial Services Regulatory Committee has registered the Development Bank of China as its 10th participant, with expectations to reach around 100 by year's end. AIFC Governor Kairat Kelimbetov announced the registration at a government meeting and discussed the official presentation of AIFC on July 5, coinciding with Astana's 20th anniversary as the capital. The AIFC is preparing for the IPOs of national companies and aims to become a regional financial hub, with an International Arbitration Centre and plans for educational events.

Funke Kunststoffe, a German manufacturer of plastic pipes and engineering systems, transferred its window profiles production plant to Astana, Kazakhstan in March 2012. Now fully Kazakh-owned, the company invested approximately 10.5 million euros in the project with support from Kazakh Invest and Business Road Map 2020. The plant, which uses advanced German technology and materials, aims to adapt its products to the local climate and expand exports to Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Company director general Yegor Herlein praised Kazakhstan's investment climate and outlined plans for increasing production and working closely with construction companies.

The Jambyl Cement plant in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan, managed by Vicat Group, is a significant facility producing 1.4 million tonnes of cement annually, covering 15 percent of domestic demand and exporting to neighboring countries. Utilizing the dry method for production, the plant is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Since its inception, it has created numerous jobs and invested in local specialist training. Vicat Group aims to establish a long-lasting company contributing to Kazakhstan's national development and infrastructure.

Kazakhstan has been providing foreign aid for two decades and has recently established an official development assistance (ODA) system, launching two pilot projects with international partners. The first project, in partnership with Israel's Mashav, focused on agricultural knowledge transfer to Central Asian countries. The second, co-financed by the UNDP and JICA, aims to enhance the economic potential of Afghan women. Kazakhstan's ODA system was formalized with a presidential decree in 2013 and a law in 2014, emphasizing flexibility and alignment with foreign policy priorities. The country has identified Central Asia and Afghanistan as geographic priorities for aid and is working to create a national ODA operator, KazAID, to improve coordination and effectiveness.

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev's visit to the United States and its implications for bilateral relations and regional issues were discussed at the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC. The panel highlighted Kazakhstan's commitment to global peace, nuclear non-proliferation, and regional integration in Central Asia. Agreements worth over $7 billion were signed between U.S. and Kazakh companies. The discussion also touched on Kazakhstan's support for the U.S. South Asia strategy and its contributions to stabilizing Afghanistan. Former U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Richard Hoagland and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Dr. Ariel Cohen praised Kazakhstan's international initiatives and its role as a secular, majority Muslim country.

Astana's 20-year history and its future development were the focus of a forum titled 'Astana – 20 years of development and innovation'. The forum highlighted the city's achievements, its transformation into a national brand, and its role in attracting foreign investment. The Nur Otan Party's First Deputy Chairman, Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed, emphasized the city's innovative spirit, evidenced by EXPO 2017 and the introduction of Smart City technology. Astana Mayor Aset Issekeshev detailed the city's economic growth, with a 190-fold increase in gross regional product over 20 years, and outlined the strategy to transform Astana into a global, smart, sustainable city aligned with United Nations principles. The city's development strategy includes a focus on social development, ecology, and the integration of digital technologies across municipal services.

Anatoly Dobrovolski, a former political careerist in Astana, returned to his birthplace in the Arshaly district to pursue beekeeping, producing three and a half tonnes of honey last year. A member of the Zhas Otan youth wing of the Nur Otan party until 2012, Dobrovolski transitioned from politics to entrepreneurship, expanding his apiary to 150 beehives. He collaborates with the Ministry of Agriculture and leads the district's chamber of entrepreneurs, aiming to improve his honey products. Dobrovolski shared his success story with President Nursultan Nazarbayev, highlighting the economic potential of beekeeping in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan's new Tax Code, effective from January 1, introduces a simplified tax regime for SMEs, reduces the number of reasons for tax inspections, lowers the tax rate for individual entrepreneurs, and makes changes in various sectors including agriculture and finance. The social tax rate has been decreased, inefficient benefits have been eliminated, and tax privileges that conflict with WTO requirements have been cancelled. The code also establishes new principles for tax administration, aiming to support SMEs and ensure clear rules for interaction between state revenue bodies and taxpayers.

Genome Cosmetics, Kazakhstan's first high-tech cosmetics manufacturing plant, was opened in Stepnogorsk, Akmola region. The brand uses a unique technology developed by Kazakh and German scientists, featuring the ReH Bio-nucleotide complex. The enterprise head, Zhanibek Kenzhebayev, highlighted the potential economic impact and competitiveness of the products. The company sells its products online and aims to produce millions of units annually. The World Bank invested $1 million in the project, and the production facility meets ISO and GMP standards. President Nursultan Nazarbayev has shown support for the initiative.

Latvian Ambassador Jurijs Pogrebņaks discusses the 25-year diplomatic relationship between Kazakhstan and Latvia, highlighting the mutual visits by heads of state, the establishment of intergovernmental commissions, and the cooperation in various sectors including business, culture, and education. Latvia, as a member of the EU and OECD, supports Kazakhstan's integration into these organizations and fosters connections between Asia and Europe. The countries are also collaborating in the green economy, IT, and space industries, with Latvia offering expertise in niche areas. The ambassador emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and mentions upcoming events to celebrate the anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

By 2021, more than 720,000 Kazakh citizens will receive free vocational education, as announced at a government meeting. The initiative is part of the Free Vocational and Technical Education for Everyone project, which includes 817 colleges. The State Programme for the Development of Education and Science for 2016-2019 also supports the construction of educational facilities. Kazakh Minister of Education and Science Yerlan Sagadiyev and Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Tamara Duissenova outlined the progress and goals of the programs, with Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev emphasizing employment provision and increased loans.

The Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences opened a China Studies Centre in the Library of the First President of Kazakhstan to promote the One Belt One Road initiative, conduct joint research, and facilitate understanding between Kazakhstan and China. The centre will also organize visits by researchers and lectures on Chinese studies. The first seminar discussed the current state and future of the Chinese economy and its implications for Central Asia.

Kazakhstan is progressing with a draft law aimed at improving the regulation of entrepreneurial activity by introducing preventive control over legal violations, reducing redundant control mechanisms, and cutting business costs. The bill, which includes about 1,000 amendments to various codes and laws, is part of the country's efforts to stimulate entrepreneurship and improve its World Bank Doing Business rating. The Ministry of National Economy and the Prime Minister's Office have been instructed to submit the bill to the Mazhilis by the end of October. The legislation is expected to reduce information requirements for businesses by 30 percent and continue optimizing the licensing system.

Vera Swanson, a student ambassador at the United States Pavilion during EXPO 2017, discovered her family roots in Kazakhstan, the birthplace of her grandfather. While studying Russian and environmental science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Kazakhstan, where she connected with her relatives in Taraz. Her mother, a virologist at the Mayo Clinic, had not visited Kazakhstan for 40 years. Swanson's experiences in Kazakhstan included living with local families, learning the culture, and working at the expo to provide a real-life perspective of the United States to the Kazakh people. She hopes to raise awareness about Kazakhstan in the States and cherishes the warm connections she has made in the country.

S&P Global Ratings revised Kazakhstan's outlook from negative to stable while affirming the BBB- long-term and A-3 short-term sovereign ratings. The stable outlook is based on the expectation of robust economic activity through 2020 and the incorporation of fiscal costs from banking sector recapitalization. Kazakh Minister of National Economy Timur Suleimenov welcomed the upgrade, citing positive economic trends and effective monetary policy. S&P noted improved economic growth forecasts, a decline in foreign currency deposits, and contained balance-of-payments pressures. The agency also anticipates a new tax code to increase revenues and support fiscal consolidation. Despite potential balance of payments pressures from foreign liabilities, S&P does not foresee accelerated repatriation of profits and equity, citing the long-term commitment of investors in strategic sectors.

The Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture Askar Myrzakhmetov, has created a map of agro processing enterprise locations to promote sector growth and increase import substitution. The initiative, part of the third modernisation of the economy, aims to achieve a 5.3 percent average annual gross output growth rate. It identifies nine priority processing types across 435 enterprises, with plans to construct new enterprises in regions with raw material potential. The project, requiring 112.1 billion tenge (US$343.1 million) over four years, will be supported by state subsidies and is expected to increase processed product output and create 7,000 jobs.

The National Museum of Kazakhstan is featuring several exhibitions as part of the EXPO 2017 cultural programme, including the Terracotta Army, Sultan Baybars and His Epoch, East and West: Old Weapons from the State Hermitage, Scythian gold artefacts, Masterpieces of Russian Art from U.S. collections, and works from the Nicholas Roerich Museum New York. These exhibits showcase a range of historical and cultural artifacts from various regions and time periods, with some displays lasting until September 10, 2017.

WIP Astana, a new type of public space, was introduced in Astana next to the Keruen Shopping Mall during the Capital Day celebrations on July 6. It is a free, multifunctional area for non-commercial events, designed to identify the needs of urban communities and to define the characteristics of successful public spaces. The space has hosted various events, including master classes, TED talks, and film screenings, and will remain open until the end of October. The project was designed by the Urban Centre and supported by the Yessil district administration and Astana Art Fest.

Morocco's first Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Abdeljalil Saubry, in an interview with The Astana Times, discussed the opening of Morocco's first embassy in Kazakhstan, highlighting the potential for bilateral cooperation. Saubry emphasized the importance of enhancing political dialogue, economic cooperation, and cultural ties. He noted the modest trade turnover between the two countries and expressed hope for improvement. Morocco imports cereals, cotton, and hydrocarbons from Kazakhstan and exports citrus fruits and seafood. Saubry also mentioned the significance of agriculture, energy, mining, university cooperation, and tourism as areas of joint interest. He praised Kazakhstan's hosting of EXPO 2017 and its efforts in promoting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, as exemplified by the Astana Process for Syria and Kazakhstan's role in the UN Security Council. Lastly, Saubry highlighted Morocco's strategic position as a gateway to Africa, offering potential for tripartite cooperation with Kazakhstan.

Swiss Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, during his visit to Kazakhstan, expressed Switzerland's readiness to share its financial sector and budget management experience. The visit also focused on the One Belt, One Road initiative and the Astana International Financial Centre. Swiss State Secretary Jörg Gasser highlighted the global significance of the initiative and Switzerland's interest in Central Asian countries' handling of it. The Swiss delegation, marking the 25th anniversary of the Swiss Constituency in the IMF and World Bank, met with Kazakh financial leaders. Maurer praised Switzerland's 'debt brake' as a model for budget control and expressed optimism about Kazakhstan's new financial management strategies. The delegation also visited EXPO 2017, with Maurer commending the Kazakh pavilion.

Abu Dhabi-based Al Hilal Bank is expanding its services in Kazakhstan by launching Islamic banking products for individual customers. Al Hilal Bank Kazakhstan CEO Gordon Haskins sees potential in the retail market and aims to establish high standards of Islamic banking in the country. Kazakhstan has been improving its regulatory framework for Islamic finance since 2008. Al Hilal, the first Islamic bank in Kazakhstan and the CIS, offers investment deposits and plans to finance the retail sector. The bank operates under Sharia principles and its activities are overseen by a Sharia Council. The Astana International Financial Centre views Islamic finance as a core pillar and anticipates investment from the Islamic Development Bank.

The World Bank and Kazakhstan are marking 25 years of partnership, with the bank funding 45 projects totaling $8 billion. A new partnership strategy for 2018-2022 is being prepared, focusing on economic management, private sector role, economic integration, and human capital. Cyril Muller, WB’s Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, praised the strong partnership and Kazakhstan's development since independence. He emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and integrating Kazakhstan into global trade and supply chains.

Karaganda State Medical University (KSMU) in Kazakhstan has become a popular institution for South Asian students, particularly from India, with around 700 foreign students enrolled. The university's reputation, recognition of its diplomas in India, and the English language instruction are key factors attracting students. Vice dean Vilen Molotov-Luchanski highlighted the university's educational standards, clinical base, and the absence of specific scholarships for Indian students. Student Shreshtha Purohit from India appreciates the patriotic culture, responsible citizens, and the quality of education at KSMU. Despite initial challenges with language and climate, foreign students have adapted well to life in Karaganda. The university fosters a multicultural environment with various activities and celebrates diversity, aiming to produce skilled medical professionals.