WNAM REPORT: From recent news about Kazakhstan strengthening ties with Cyprus, implementing a visa exemption agreement with Morocco, and launching its Digital Nomad Residency project to attract global IT talent.
The National Herald: Visiting Cyprus, Kazakhstan officials seek closer ties, trade
Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu came to Cyprus to meet President Nikos Christdoulides – who, as Foreign Minister in 2019 visited Kazakhstan, to talk about trade and having tighter relations, as per reports.
Nurtleu held talks with Christodoulides to discuss bilateral cooperation and confirm mutual desire to strengthen ties.
Christodoulides, as foreign chief, played a key role in boosting political dialogue and enhancing trade and economic relations between the two nations. Cyprus has identified Kazakhstan and India as priority partners in Asia, the report said.
Nurtleu gave greetings Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and emphasized Cyprus’ role as a reliable partner for Kazakhstan within the European Union and the Mediterranean region. Since 2005, Cyprus has invested $4.8 billion into Kazakhstan’s economy.
The officials also welcomed the mutual opening of embassies in their capitals, marking a significant step towards strengthening their partnership. The discussion included cooperation opportunities in trade, transport, digitalization, tourism, and global and regional security topics, the report said.
During his visit, Nurtleu was also scheduled to meet with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and engage with local business communities.
Morocco World News: Morocco-Kazakhstan visa exemption takes effect March 19
Morocco and Kazakhstan will implement their visa exemption agreement on March 19, allowing ordinary passport holders to travel freely. Signed on September 26, 2024, at the UN General Assembly, the deal marks a significant step in bilateral relations.
During a historic visit to Rabat on February 28, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. Both emphasized the agreement’s role in boosting tourism, trade, and cultural ties.
Bilateral trade surged 70% last year to $274 million, with Kazakhstan eyeing increased exports to Morocco, including petrochemical, metallurgical, and food products worth $130 million. Plans are also underway for a 2025 air communication agreement, potentially enabling direct flights.
The countries aim to strengthen regional trade by creating a Joint Commission, launching a Morocco-Kazakhstan Business Council, and enhancing logistics. Talks also covered setting up a logistics hub in Morocco for Kazakh wheat exports to Africa.
Other cooperation areas include technology, energy transition, transport, digitalization, and cybersecurity, with Kazakhstan keen on collaborating under the Digital Morocco 2030 program. Security and defense ties will also be reinforced.
Azernews: Kazakhstan launches Digital Nomad Residency project to attract global IT talents
Kazakhstan has launched a pilot project called “Digital Nomad Residency” aimed at offering new opportunities for foreign IT specialists, Azernews reports.
“The goal of the program is to attract global IT talent to work and permanently reside in Kazakhstan, becoming an integral part of its rapidly growing digital economy,” the report states.
The Digital Nomad Residency program allows foreign IT professionals to obtain a permanent residence permit in Kazakhstan through a simplified process.
The application review period lasts 45 calendar days, after which successful applicants can travel to Kazakhstan and complete their registration.
This initiative aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to enhance its digital economy and position itself as a hub for innovation and technological development in Central Asia. By offering foreign specialists an easier path to residence, the country aims to foster a dynamic and diverse tech ecosystem, attract international talent, and strengthen its competitiveness in the global digital landscape.
In addition to attracting skilled workers, the program could boost local job creation, increase knowledge transfer, and foster collaboration between international and local businesses. As digital nomadism continues to rise globally, Kazakhstan’s move reflects the growing trend of countries seeking to attract tech professionals and entrepreneurs to fuel economic growth.
The Times of Central Asia: Kazakhstan seeks cooperation with South Korea in lithium production
Kazakhstan is ready to expand collaboration with South Korea in the exploration, extraction, and processing of lithium, a strategically vital resource for high-tech industries and sustainable economic development, as per reports. This was stated by Nurgali Arystanov, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, during the Investment Dialogue on Critical Minerals between Korea and Kazakhstan, held in Seoul on February 28, according to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
The event, organized with the support of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), brought together leading Korean companies, including Hyundai Development Company, POSCO International, and LX International, as well as scholars from Seoul National University and Pusan National University.
KIGAM President Lee Pyeong-Koo encouraged Korean companies to increase investments in Kazakhstan, emphasizing the country’s significant potential in the development of critical minerals.
During the event, researchers presented findings on the Bakennoye lithium deposit in the East Kazakhstan region.
In March 2024, The Korea Times reported that KIGAM had discovered a lithium deposit in eastern Kazakhstan, in an area previously mined for tantalum. Since tantalum is often found alongside lithium and cesium, KIGAM began studying the site in May 2023 at the request of the Kazakh government. The deposit is estimated to contain resources worth $15.7 billion, according to Kazakh data cited by KIGAM.
Schengen News: Austria to lift visa requirements for Kazakhstan diplomatic passport holders
Austria has signed an agreement exempting Kazakh diplomatic passport holders from visa requirements for short stays. The agreement, signed by Austria’s Ambassador Andrea Bacher and Kazakh officials, allows entry without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Longer stays will require special accreditation or a residence permit from Austrian authorities.
The exemption applies only to diplomatic passport holders, while ordinary Kazakh citizens must still obtain a Schengen visa for entry.
Kazakhstan continues to push for a broader Schengen visa facilitation agreement. In recent talks with EU officials, Kazakh authorities emphasized the importance of easing travel restrictions, with both sides expressing readiness to move forward with negotiations.
Horti Daily: Growing tomatoes in Kazakhstan’s harsh winter was once a dream
Outside, winter rages at -30°C, but inside the Shakh Eco Food greenhouse, it’s a different world, as the Horti Daily article begins. Spanning 14 hectares, this high-tech facility allows tomatoes to thrive year-round.
Kazakhstan, the world’s 9th largest country, faces extreme weather—soaring to +40°C in summer and plummeting to -40°C in winter—making open-field farming nearly impossible. However, greenhouse innovations are changing the game.
“We have redefined agriculture. The Shakh Eco Food is set to take Kazakhstan’s agriculture to a whole new level,” says Elikram Mustafazade. Maintaining a steady 20-25°C inside requires smart energy solutions. Double-layer polycarbonate walls trap heat, and energy curtains reduce heat loss at night. “We’re utilizing sustainable solutions like gas and biomass energy, which help combat the brutal winter cold.”
Keeping irrigation water warm is another challenge. “If the water temperature is too low, the plant’s root system can become stressed,” explains Agasahib Gasimov. Heated pipes ensure roots stay at an optimal temperature, while sensors regulate water heating. “By keeping both the air and water warm, we create an optimal microclimate where tomatoes can thrive—even in the harshest winters.”
While cold might seem to prevent plant diseases, greenhouse humidity poses risks. “High humidity can lead to dangerous fungal and bacterial infections,” says Elikram. Advanced ventilation systems and biological pest control using beneficial insects keep plants healthy.
The Fujimaro tomatoes, grown in cocopeat substrate, are efficiently irrigated using a drip system that delivers precise nutrients, improving yield while reducing waste. “This approach increases yields, reduces waste, and makes sustainable farming a reality.”
With Russia as a key export market, logistics ensure freshness. Tomatoes are packed in ventilated boxes and transported in temperature-controlled trucks to prevent spoilage.
“Growing tomatoes in Kazakhstan’s harsh winter was once a dream. But now, it is a reality,” concludes Dr. Rasim Mammadov. “This is the future of agriculture: high productivity in extreme conditions. Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll even grow tomatoes on Mars!”
