Issue 4347 - 06.12.2023
06.12.2023

Meeting of FMs of Caspian littoral states kicks off in Moscow

A meeting of the foreign ministers of the five Caspian littoral states has begun in a narrow format in Moscow, Russia, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports. 

The meeting is attended by the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia and Turkmenistan. The Kazakhstani side is represented by Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the consultations, a wide range of issues of mutual interest in the Caspian Sea zone will be considered. In particular, the heads of foreign affairs departments will discuss the priorities for the development of Caspian cooperation and the regional agenda.

After the narrow format, consultations of the delegations of the Caspian ‘five’ foreign ministries will take place in an expanded format.

By Kazinform

Kazakhstan has consistently stood for the strengthening and deepening five-way cooperation with the Caspian states, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu said during a meeting of the foreign ministers of the five Caspian states in Moscow. 

Speaking at the meeting in an expanded format, the head of the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan noted the dynamic development of the potential of the Caspian region.

Our region has a special role to play in ensuring energy security and transport accessibility on the Eurasian continent. Kazakhstan continues to improve its transport infrastructure, including the ports of Aktau and Kuryk. In 2022, traffic through these ports increased 2.5 times and reached 1.5 billion tons. This work will contribute to the systematic increase in the capacity of this corridor to 500 thousand containers by 2030, he said.

The Kazakh foreign minister also noted the positive dynamics of the growth of mutual trade between Kazakhstan and the coastal states.

In eight months of this year it reached $18 billion, he said.

Nurtleu emphasized that the development of investment partnerships in agriculture, mechanical engineering, petrochemicals, healthcare, and tourism opens up great prospects.

Kazakhstan invariably stands for strengthening and deepening five-party cooperation, said the head of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.

Speaking of the current Caspian negotiation process, Nurtleu noted the importance of the task of ensuring the entry into force of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea.

The Foreign Minister also noted the need to create a Secretariat of the Tehran Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.

Upon the initiative of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, by the end of this year, Kazakhstan will create a research institute for the study of the Caspian Sea, said Nurtleu.

The head of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry also noted the need to complete the work on a number of five-sided documents.

During the meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted the growing importance of the demand for such meetings at the level of heads of foreign policy departments of the Caspian countries.

By Kazinform

Kazakhstan General

06.12.2023

President meets with Russian ambassador

During the meeting, the Kazakh Head of State noted that a stable dialogue has developed between the countries on the entire spectrum of interstate relations. 

According to him, the agreements reached during the recent official visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Astana once again confirmed the mutual desire to comprehensively...

During the meeting, the Kazakh Head of State noted that a stable dialogue has developed between the countries on the entire spectrum of interstate relations. 

According to him, the agreements reached during the recent official visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Astana once again confirmed the mutual desire to comprehensively...

06.12.2023

Head of State receives Chinese ambassador to Kazakhstan

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during a conversation with ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao noted the positive dynamics of the development of bilateral cooperation.

The President said that Kazakhstan seeks to intensify interaction with China in all directions.

The importance of further enhancement of mutually beneficial...

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during a conversation with ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao noted the positive dynamics of the development of bilateral cooperation.

The President said that Kazakhstan seeks to intensify interaction with China in all directions.

The importance of further enhancement of mutually beneficial...

06.12.2023

About 1st round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Kuwait

The 1st round of Kazakh-Kuwaiti political consultations was held via video conference, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakaev and the Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs of the State of Kuwait Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat (in the rank of Deputy Minister).

During...

The 1st round of Kazakh-Kuwaiti political consultations was held via video conference, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakaev and the Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs of the State of Kuwait Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat (in the rank of Deputy Minister).

During...

Finance and Investment

06.12.2023

Asian Development Bank approves $350 million loan to Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, with money from the ADB, will reform financial management and increase the economy’s resilience to external shocks, with reference to the bank’s press service.

“Kazakhstan’s reforms are critical to strengthening financial governance, transparency and sustainability, as well as the stability and inclusiveness of the financial sector. Progress in these areas...

Kazakhstan, with money from the ADB, will reform financial management and increase the economy’s resilience to external shocks, with reference to the bank’s press service.

“Kazakhstan’s reforms are critical to strengthening financial governance, transparency and sustainability, as well as the stability and inclusiveness of the financial sector. Progress in these areas...

06.12.2023

Issuers under sanctions: Kazakh investors cannot return more than $160 million

The assets of investors from Kazakhstan, blocked in the securities of Russian issuers, exceeded $160 million. In response to an official request, the ARDFM noted that as of November 1 of this year, the total amount of funds on Eurobonds of issuers from Russia, not received by Kazakh investors, increased...

The assets of investors from Kazakhstan, blocked in the securities of Russian issuers, exceeded $160 million. In response to an official request, the ARDFM noted that as of November 1 of this year, the total amount of funds on Eurobonds of issuers from Russia, not received by Kazakh investors, increased...

06.12.2023

Fitch confirms rating of Kazakhstan Sustainability Fund at BBB

Fitch Ratings has confirmed the long-term issuer default ratings of Kazakhstan Sustainability Fund (KSF) in foreign and local currencies at the level of BBB with a Stable outlook.

“The rating was confirmed on November 20, 2023 by Fitch without changes. At the end of 2022, Fitch assessed the government's ability and...

Fitch Ratings has confirmed the long-term issuer default ratings of Kazakhstan Sustainability Fund (KSF) in foreign and local currencies at the level of BBB with a Stable outlook.

“The rating was confirmed on November 20, 2023 by Fitch without changes. At the end of 2022, Fitch assessed the government's ability and...

06.12.2023

National Bank of Kazakhstan discusses development of digital financial infrastructure

The National Bank of Kazakhstan, together with the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, the National Payment Corporation, the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan and second-tier banks, held a meeting on the development of the National payment system, digital financial infrastructure and the expansion of lending to...

The National Bank of Kazakhstan, together with the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, the National Payment Corporation, the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan and second-tier banks, held a meeting on the development of the National payment system, digital financial infrastructure and the expansion of lending to...

06.12.2023

Weighted average US dollar rate on Kazakhstan Stock Exchange reaches 461 tenge

The weighted average dollar exchange rate on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) on December 5, 2023 at 17:00 amounted to 461.00 tenge. Compared to the data as of 17:00 on December 4 (461.38 tenge per 1 dollar), the national currency strengthened by 0.38 tenge against the dollar.

According to KASE information,...

The weighted average dollar exchange rate on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) on December 5, 2023 at 17:00 amounted to 461.00 tenge. Compared to the data as of 17:00 on December 4 (461.38 tenge per 1 dollar), the national currency strengthened by 0.38 tenge against the dollar.

According to KASE information,...

06.12.2023

Greenback halts decline as stock markets stagger

The U.S. dollar regained some ground on Tuesday and hovered near a one-week high against a basket of currencies, ahead of a flurry of employment data that could upend investor expectations for the outlook for interest rates.

The euro took an early knock from comments by European Central Bank member Isabel...

The U.S. dollar regained some ground on Tuesday and hovered near a one-week high against a basket of currencies, ahead of a flurry of employment data that could upend investor expectations for the outlook for interest rates.

The euro took an early knock from comments by European Central Bank member Isabel...

Oil and Gas Sector

06.12.2023

Kazakhstan puts into operation new oil field in Aktobe region

On December 4, in the Mugalzharsky district of the Aktobe region, the East Urikhtau field was put into commercial operation, with reference to KazMunayGas. As reported on the official website of the national company KazMunayGas, the East Urikhtau oil and gas field was discovered in 2015. Recoverable oil reserves amount...

On December 4, in the Mugalzharsky district of the Aktobe region, the East Urikhtau field was put into commercial operation, with reference to KazMunayGas. As reported on the official website of the national company KazMunayGas, the East Urikhtau oil and gas field was discovered in 2015. Recoverable oil reserves amount...

06.12.2023

Kazakhstan extends ban on export of gasoline and diesel fuel by road

The draft joint order of several government agencies proposes to extend the ban on the export of gasoline, diesel fuel and other petroleum products from Kazakhstan for six months from February 14, 2024, that is, until mid-August next year.

“Introduce a ban for a period of six months on the export...

The draft joint order of several government agencies proposes to extend the ban on the export of gasoline, diesel fuel and other petroleum products from Kazakhstan for six months from February 14, 2024, that is, until mid-August next year.

“Introduce a ban for a period of six months on the export...

06.12.2023

Brent veers up on output discipline doubts

Oil prices jumped by nearly 1% on Tuesday, lifted by uncertainty over voluntary output cuts by the OPEC+ group of producers, tensions in the Middle East and some encouraging economic signals in Europe.

Brent crude futures rose 63 cents, or 0.8%, to $78.66 a barrel by 0946 GMT. U.S. West Texas...

Oil prices jumped by nearly 1% on Tuesday, lifted by uncertainty over voluntary output cuts by the OPEC+ group of producers, tensions in the Middle East and some encouraging economic signals in Europe.

Brent crude futures rose 63 cents, or 0.8%, to $78.66 a barrel by 0946 GMT. U.S. West Texas...

Metals and Minerals

06.12.2023

Freedom Broker recommends buying Kazatomprom shares

Freedom Broker analysts analysed Kazatomprom’s reporting for nine months and set a target price for the company’s shares at 22.5 thousand tenge, which is 22% higher than current market quotes. Experts advise buying papers from a uranium producer.

The authors call Kazatomprom’s interim reporting moderately positive, but not yet indicative enough,...

Freedom Broker analysts analysed Kazatomprom’s reporting for nine months and set a target price for the company’s shares at 22.5 thousand tenge, which is 22% higher than current market quotes. Experts advise buying papers from a uranium producer.

The authors call Kazatomprom’s interim reporting moderately positive, but not yet indicative enough,...

06.12.2023

Bullion and peers lose steam as frenzy cools down

Gold prices edged lower on Tuesday, trading $100 below the record high level hit in the last session, as the dollar held firm and investors awaited more U.S. economic data this week that could influence the Federal Reserve's rate outlook.

Spot gold was down 0.3% at $2,024.30 per ounce by 1200...

Gold prices edged lower on Tuesday, trading $100 below the record high level hit in the last session, as the dollar held firm and investors awaited more U.S. economic data this week that could influence the Federal Reserve's rate outlook.

Spot gold was down 0.3% at $2,024.30 per ounce by 1200...

06.12.2023

Ferrous, coal benchmarks pressed by demand constraints

Dalian iron ore futures declined on Tuesday on lingering fears of China's supervision of the markets to ensure price stability, though analysts cautioned that the downward trend may be short-lived.

The most-traded January iron ore contract on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange DCIOcv1 fell 0.4% to 966 yuan ($135.12) per metric ton at closing.

On...

Dalian iron ore futures declined on Tuesday on lingering fears of China's supervision of the markets to ensure price stability, though analysts cautioned that the downward trend may be short-lived.

The most-traded January iron ore contract on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange DCIOcv1 fell 0.4% to 966 yuan ($135.12) per metric ton at closing.

On...

06.12.2023

Non-ferrous base metals depreciate on supply control

Base metals prices mostly declined on Tuesday, as a steady dollar made greenback-priced commodities more expensive to holders of other currencies.

Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) was almost flat at $8,446 per metric ton by 0554 GMT, while the most-traded January copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) SCFcv1 fell 0.9%...

Base metals prices mostly declined on Tuesday, as a steady dollar made greenback-priced commodities more expensive to holders of other currencies.

Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) was almost flat at $8,446 per metric ton by 0554 GMT, while the most-traded January copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) SCFcv1 fell 0.9%...

Manufacturing industry

06.12.2023

Founder of metallurgical company in Kazakhstan suspected of embezzling 400 million tenge from shareholders of residential complex in Aktau

The director of Bagis was authorised a preventive measure in the form of detention for the misappropriation and embezzlement of 400 million tenge from depositors of the unfinished Atameken residential complex in Aktau, the Agency of Financial Monitoring of Kazakhstan (AFM) reported. The director of the company is also listed...

The director of Bagis was authorised a preventive measure in the form of detention for the misappropriation and embezzlement of 400 million tenge from depositors of the unfinished Atameken residential complex in Aktau, the Agency of Financial Monitoring of Kazakhstan (AFM) reported. The director of the company is also listed...

Trade and Consumer Goods

06.12.2023

Kazakhstan supplies South Korea with deer antlers

Kazakhstan sold South Korea not only watches, but also deer antlers. In January-October this year, exports to this country amounted to 5 million tonnes, which is 2.5% more than in the same period last year. Kazakhstan earned $3.4 billion.

Mostly oil was transported to South Korea at 5 million tonnes (+2.3%)....

Kazakhstan sold South Korea not only watches, but also deer antlers. In January-October this year, exports to this country amounted to 5 million tonnes, which is 2.5% more than in the same period last year. Kazakhstan earned $3.4 billion.

Mostly oil was transported to South Korea at 5 million tonnes (+2.3%)....

Agriculture

06.12.2023

Kazakhstan imports tangerines

The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan published statistics on the import of citrus and exotic fruits. From January to October of the current year, a total of citrus and exotic fruits weighing 51,969.9 tonnes worth 35,607.2 thousand dollar were imported into the country (for 10...

The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan published statistics on the import of citrus and exotic fruits. From January to October of the current year, a total of citrus and exotic fruits weighing 51,969.9 tonnes worth 35,607.2 thousand dollar were imported into the country (for 10...

06.12.2023

Kazakhstan confiscates 9.5 million hectares of land over year

In Kazakhstan, issues regarding 12.7 million hectares of problem lands have been resolved: since the beginning of 2022, 9.5 million hectares have been returned to the state, land users have begun to develop 3.2 million hectares, with reference to the government press service.

“The head of state has set the task...

In Kazakhstan, issues regarding 12.7 million hectares of problem lands have been resolved: since the beginning of 2022, 9.5 million hectares have been returned to the state, land users have begun to develop 3.2 million hectares, with reference to the government press service.

“The head of state has set the task...

06.12.2023

Booming trade subdues US wheat contracts

Chicago wheat futures fell on Tuesday after rising to their highest since August in the previous session when the U.S. government confirmed the largest one-off private wheat sale to China in years.

Soybeans edged higher after falling in recent sessions as rain forecasts eased fears about supply from drought-stricken areas of...

Chicago wheat futures fell on Tuesday after rising to their highest since August in the previous session when the U.S. government confirmed the largest one-off private wheat sale to China in years.

Soybeans edged higher after falling in recent sessions as rain forecasts eased fears about supply from drought-stricken areas of...

Communications and Transportation

06.12.2023

Pinterest and YouTube most popular social media in Kazakhstan

At the end of October this year, the most popular social media in Kazakhstan were Pinterest and YouTube, with a share of 28.1% and 20.64% respectively. Facebook (18.1 per cent), Instagram (10.16 per cent) and Twitter (9.82 per cent) followed. The Russian social network VKontakte also accounted for a significant...

At the end of October this year, the most popular social media in Kazakhstan were Pinterest and YouTube, with a share of 28.1% and 20.64% respectively. Facebook (18.1 per cent), Instagram (10.16 per cent) and Twitter (9.82 per cent) followed. The Russian social network VKontakte also accounted for a significant...

06.12.2023

Kazakhstan develops mechanism for distributing foreign permit forms for cargo carriers

On December 5, during a government meeting, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov summed up the development of road freight transportation and transit in Kazakhstan. Separately, he focused on questions regarding roadside service.

“For example, the transit corridor Western Europe Western China was introduced more than 5 years ago, but the development of...

On December 5, during a government meeting, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov summed up the development of road freight transportation and transit in Kazakhstan. Separately, he focused on questions regarding roadside service.

“For example, the transit corridor Western Europe Western China was introduced more than 5 years ago, but the development of...

06.12.2023

Kazakhstan wants to earn over 260 billion tenge on transit of goods from China

The volume of transit traffic through Kazakhstan may increase fivefold by 2029. According to Vice Minister of Transport Satzhan Ablaliev, today 370 Kazakh carriers with a fleet of 7.6 thousand vehicles operate long distances.

“It is expected that by 2029 the volume of transit traffic will increase fivefold. This is facilitated...

The volume of transit traffic through Kazakhstan may increase fivefold by 2029. According to Vice Minister of Transport Satzhan Ablaliev, today 370 Kazakh carriers with a fleet of 7.6 thousand vehicles operate long distances.

“It is expected that by 2029 the volume of transit traffic will increase fivefold. This is facilitated...

06.12.2023

Kazakhstan finds new routes for transporting goods to Europe

Kazakhstan has found alternative routes for transporting goods to Europe by road. According to Vice Minister of Transport Satzhan Ablaliev, 8 out of 13 checkpoints located between Belarus and European countries are currently closed.

“Also, all checkpoints between Russia and Finland are closed, that’s eight units. According to the Belarusian side,...

Kazakhstan has found alternative routes for transporting goods to Europe by road. According to Vice Minister of Transport Satzhan Ablaliev, 8 out of 13 checkpoints located between Belarus and European countries are currently closed.

“Also, all checkpoints between Russia and Finland are closed, that’s eight units. According to the Belarusian side,...

06.12.2023

Mobile operators in Kazakhstan get punished for poor communication

Kazakh operators were fined billions of tenge due to communication problems. This was reported by the Ministry of Digital Development.

According to the department, as of November 24, 2023, 685 unscheduled inspections were carried out against telecom operators regarding poor quality services. As a result, fines amounting to 2.6 billion tenge...

Kazakh operators were fined billions of tenge due to communication problems. This was reported by the Ministry of Digital Development.

According to the department, as of November 24, 2023, 685 unscheduled inspections were carried out against telecom operators regarding poor quality services. As a result, fines amounting to 2.6 billion tenge...

06.12.2023

Freedom Holding Corp finances 5G network deployment in Kazakhstan through bonds

Previously, I already outlined plans for the development of the telecom department of the large business Freedom Holding Corp. (FRHC), now it’s time to talk about this most important project of the group in more detail, including what resources it will be supported by and why we chose this particular...

Previously, I already outlined plans for the development of the telecom department of the large business Freedom Holding Corp. (FRHC), now it’s time to talk about this most important project of the group in more detail, including what resources it will be supported by and why we chose this particular...

Regional News

06.12.2023

Decline in supplies from developed countries to Russia accompanied by increase in supplies to its partners

The reduction in exports from the EU countries, Great Britain and the USA under the influence of sanctions for the Russian military operation in Ukraine becomes less pronounced when taking into account supplies to the countries of Central Asia, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Belarus; in some cases,...

The reduction in exports from the EU countries, Great Britain and the USA under the influence of sanctions for the Russian military operation in Ukraine becomes less pronounced when taking into account supplies to the countries of Central Asia, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Belarus; in some cases,...

06.12.2023

En+ enters top Russian investor companies

The energy and metallurgical holding En+ was included in the Forbes rating of 30 largest companies investors in Russia 2023. The group took 11th place, rising 11 positions from the previous ranking. In 2022, the volume of En+ investments amounted to 118.5 billion rouble.

As explained in Forbes, to calculate the...

The energy and metallurgical holding En+ was included in the Forbes rating of 30 largest companies investors in Russia 2023. The group took 11th place, rising 11 positions from the previous ranking. In 2022, the volume of En+ investments amounted to 118.5 billion rouble.

As explained in Forbes, to calculate the...

06.12.2023

Dollar ditching keeps yuan steady

China's yuan held steady against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, as the sale of dollars by major state-owned banks outweighed Moody's decision to cut China's credit outlook.

The spot yuan opened at 7.1374 per dollar and closed the domestic session at 7.1420 per dollar, 15 pips firmer than the previous late session close.

The...

China's yuan held steady against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, as the sale of dollars by major state-owned banks outweighed Moody's decision to cut China's credit outlook.

The spot yuan opened at 7.1374 per dollar and closed the domestic session at 7.1420 per dollar, 15 pips firmer than the previous late session close.

The...

06.12.2023

China stock markets downbeat on economic pessimism

China's blue-chip stocks slumped to nearly five-year lows on Tuesday amid worries about the country's growth, with talks of a possible cut to China's sovereign ratings by Moody's denting sentiment during the session.

Foreign investors sold the most shares in one month and a half, while market participants cautiously awaited fresh...

China's blue-chip stocks slumped to nearly five-year lows on Tuesday amid worries about the country's growth, with talks of a possible cut to China's sovereign ratings by Moody's denting sentiment during the session.

Foreign investors sold the most shares in one month and a half, while market participants cautiously awaited fresh...

Prices and Statistics

06.12.2023

Commodities

Date: December 05, 2023; Source: Bloomberg.com
...

Date: December 05, 2023; Source: Bloomberg.com

06.12.2023

Exchange Rates

Date: December 06, 2023; Source: the National Bank of Kazakhstan
1 US DOLLAR USD / KZT 461.05
1 EURO EUR / KZT 499.32
1 RUSSIAN ROUBLE RUB / KZT 5.03
1 CHINESE YUAN CNY / KZT 64.56
1 KYRGYZIAN SOM KGS / KZT 5.16
1 GREAT BRITAIN POUND GBP / KZT 582.31
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR CAD / KZT 340.23
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR AUD / KZT 303.19
...

Date: December 06, 2023; Source: the National Bank of Kazakhstan

1 US DOLLAR

USD / KZT

461.05

1 EURO

EUR / KZT

499.32

1 RUSSIAN ROUBLE

RUB / KZT

5.03

1 CHINESE YUAN

CNY / KZT

64.56

1 KYRGYZIAN SOM

KGS / KZT

5.16

1 GREAT BRITAIN POUND

GBP / KZT

582.31

1 CANADIAN DOLLAR

CAD / KZT

340.23

1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR

AUD / KZT

303.19