Kazakhstan in Focus: International Perspectives on Tourism, Nuclear Energy, and Beyond
WEEKLY GLIMPSE OF ASTANA THROUGH FOREIGN EYES
Get a peek into Kazakhstan's tourism, nuclear energy, AI development, and global engagement straight from international sources. This week's foreign media digest covers a range of topics, including Kazakhstan's tourism boom, new nuclear energy agency, AI ambitions, and global engagement strategies.
Let's dive in!
Portugal and Kazakhstan: A Blossoming Partnership
Tourism in Kazakhstan is on the rise, with a steep increase in visitors both domestic and international. Portugal's news outlet DNOTICIAS.PT reported on this development, acknowledging Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage and unique landscapes as key attractions for visitors and investors alike. The government's targeted policy, substantial investments, and international promotions seem to be paying off, making Kazakhstan a dynamic tourist destination. Read more about this budding tourism industry here.
Cardiff University: Expanding Horizons in Astana
Cardiff University's press service recently announced its plans to establish a branch campus in Astana, Kazakhstan. This decision is part of the institution's global engagement strategy to diversify its reach and income by expanding transnational education. The proposal, subject to final legal agreements, highlights Cardiff University's ambition to be a key player in the global higher education scene. You can read Cardiff University's official statement here.
Kazakhstan Mulls Over a New Nuclear Energy Agency
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed decrees establishing the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy on March 18. Almassadam Satkaliyev, previously Minister of Energy, will head this new state body, which will take over various functions and powers from the Energy Ministry. The agency is expected to focus on subsoil use, atomic energy, ensuring radiation safety, and other related tasks. The details behind this move can be found here.
Kazakhstan's AI Sovereignty: A Dream in the Making
The Diplomat discussed Kazakhstan's aspirations to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI). The government has been investing in infrastructure, such as creating large language models (LLMs) and a national supercomputer, with the aim of developing AI models tailored to the Kazakh language and cultural context. Projects like KazLLM and Sherkala aim to preserve linguistic and cultural heritage while promoting technological advancements. However, obstacles like limited Kazakh language data, geopolitical factors, and delays in AI infrastructure development threaten to hinder progress. Learn more about Kazakhstan's quest for AI sovereignty here.
Building a Just Kazakhstan: A Comprehensive Approach
The EU Reporter published an article outlining the political, economic, and social reforms that have been carried out under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev over the past three years. Starting in 2021, Tokayev's administration focused on modernizing political systems, improving local governance, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing social welfare to create a Just Kazakhstan. Efforts have been made to support small and medium-sized enterprises, improve healthcare and education, and invest in infrastructure projects, among others. Read more about Kazakhstan's comprehensive reform efforts here.
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Here's a summary of Kazakhstan's tourism, nuclear energy, AI development, and global engagement based on the available information:
Tourism Industry
- Tourism Boom: Kazakhstan welcomed 15.3 million foreign tourists in 2024, with a $1.8 billion investment in infrastructure and policy reforms.
- Ecotourism Growth: Kazakhstan has witnessed a 40% increase in ecotourism over the last three years, making it a destination for 2.8 million ecotourists in 2024.
- Infrastructure Development: Sustainable tourism infrastructure is being developed in national parks, with projects like visitor centers and campsites underway.
Nuclear Energy Agency
Kazakhstan is setting up a new state body, the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy, to take over various functions and powers from the Energy Ministry. This agency will focus on tasks like subsoil use, atomic energy, radiation safety, and the creation and operation of the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone in the field of uranium production.
AI Development
There is no recent information available on Kazakhstan's AI development in the search results. However, the country's recent focus on digitalization and technology suggests potential AI initiatives.
Global Engagement Strategy
- Increased International Connectivity: Kazakhstan is launching flights to several countries, including Hungary, Germany, and China, to boost global connectivity and tourism.
- Investment and Diplomacy: The government is promoting Kazakhstan as a competitive destination in Central Asia, with investor-friendly policies like the "golden visa."
- Economic Growth through Tourism and Investment: The government's efforts to stimulate economic growth through tourism and investment are part of a broader strategy to engage globally and attract more international visitors.
- Foreign media outlet DNOTICIAS.PT reported on a blossoming tourism partnership between Portugal and Kazakhstan, acknowledging the Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage and unique landscapes as key attractions for visitors and investors.
- Cardiff University announced plans to establish a branch campus in Astana, Kazakhstan, as part of its global engagement strategy to diversify its reach and income by expanding transnational education.
