IV Astana Economic Forum
May 3-4, 2011
OPENING CEREMONY
Welcome Speech
The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Nursultan Nazarbayev
Ján Kubis
Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Executive
Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for
Europe
Robert Alexander Mundell
Economist, Nobel prize winner in Economics in 1999
“for analysis of monetary and fiscal policy under different
exchange rate regimes and his analysis of optimum currency
areas“ (Canada)
John Forbes Nash, Jr.
Mathematician, Nobel prize winner in Economics in 1994
“for equilibrium analysis of non-cooperative games theory“
(USA)
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PLENARY SESSION
Robert John Aumann
Mathematician, Nobel prize winner in Economics in 2005 “for the work on conflict
and cooperation through game-theory analysis”
Roger David Kornberg
Biochemist, Nobel prize winner in Chemistry in 2006 “for the studies of the
process by which genetic information from DNA is copied to RNA” (USA)
James Alexander Mirrlees, sir
Economist, Nobel prize winner in Economics in 1996 “for studies in the sphere of
informational asymmetry” (United Kingdom)
Eric Stark Maskin
Economist, Nobel prize winner in Economics in 2007 "for having laid the
foundations of mechanism design theory” (USA)
Finn Erling Kydland
Economist, Nobel prize winner in Economics in 2004 "for their contributions to
dynamic macroeconomics: the time consistency of economic policy and the
driving forces behind business cycles“ (Norway)
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BRETTON-WOODS CONFERENCE
The World after Crisis:
Building up new world monetary and financial architecture
Objective
Promotion and possible implementation of the ideas of the President of the Republic
of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev on the need for changes and improvements
in financial and monetary system, as well as broader discussions about
the global order of introducing alternative, regional and global currencies
Panel sessions
Kazakhstan and key players of the financial system
Islamic Banking principles` implementation into the Monetary system
Influence of the Monetary system on Kazakhstan and Central Asia
Establishment of Central Asian regional currency
More than 30 speakers from Kazakhstan, USA, European Union, China, Japan, Russia, Brazil
Organizers
Reinventing Bretton-Woods Committee, Nobel prize winner in Economics Robert Mundell, “Eurasian
Economic Club of Scientists” Association
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INNOVATION CONGRESS: FUTURE
TECHNOLOGIES
Challenge definition
Innovations are the way for the future. The rate of innovation - the central element of the Kazakhstan
Development
Strategy
up
to
2020.
Innovation,
industrialization
and
development
of innovative human capital should be a key factor to ensure the welfare of the country in the future.
However, today Kazakhstan faces the need to aggressively address the following issues: the low level of
innovation activity of companies and enterprises, the lack of scientific and technical
capacity, poor efficiency and productivity, and low knowledge-based economy and production
Objective
- innovative promotion, which would increase the competitiveness of Kazakhstan and bring it to a new
level of socio-economic development;
- the signing of agreements and memoranda of cooperation between the "National Innovation Fund”
JSC and the international institutions, innovative, launching joint projects in the field of innovation
Tasks
-discussion of real and applicable models of economic development through innovation and signing of the
framework agreement and memoranda on running joint projects within the Congress
-involvement of the reputable foreign and national experts into discussions
-development of specific solutions on real and applicable models of innovative economy development by the
authoritative international organizations and institutes for innovation
-research and development of further ways to develop a Kazakhstan model of innovation
Organizers
Ministry of Innovation and New Technologies, JSC “National Innovative Fund”
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GLOBAL AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION – NEW OPPORTUNITIES
FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
Challenge definition
The customs union develops into a pure economic size and becomes the new geopolitical
reality. Formed Single economic space is a key area of integration processes in the CIS and the Eurasian
Economic Community, which requires constant discussion to make good decisions. At the initiative of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the framework of this session, in connection with the presidency of
Kazakhstan and upcoming Summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) it is also planned to
conduct the conference “The day of SCO”. This conference will focus on enhancing and deepening regional
economic and trade cooperation between China, Russia and the Central Asian countries.
Objective
-search for new integration approaches and opportunities of competitive leadership of states by using
competitive advantage and opportunities of the economy, especially economic cooperation with China,
Russia and the other Central Asian countries
Tasks
-studying the experiences of the EU, NAFTA, SCO and other regional associations for effective promotion of
regional integration and Kazakhstan’s leadership in it
-study of measurement issues and improvement of competitive advantages
-development of state’s integration policy, in support of competitive business and export potential
-assistance for the promotion of the Customs Union and increase of member states
Organizers
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade , Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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ECONOMIC PECULIARITIES OF TOURISM
IN THE MODERN WORLD
Challenge definition
Modern tourism is one of the most rapidly growing industries of the world. It can be regarded both as an
independent type of economic activity and as an inter-disciplinary complex. Today, the vast tourism industry
is rightly ranked third among the leading industries of the world economy. The tourist industry in Kazakhstan
is at an early stage of development: the potential of tourism is almost not used. To become competitive
Kazakhstani companies should adopt global business experience in this industry. An effective way to deepen
their knowledge, express themselves, and find potential partners and clients is to discuss these issues at the
session of the IV Astana Economic Forum.
Objective
-involvement of world tourist and hotel corporations
-discussion the influence of sport and business events on the Kazakhstan’s tourism economy
-research and development of further ways to develop tourism in Kazakhstan
Tasks
-highlighting the excellent experience models of tourism development; progress of industries connected with
the production of tourist services; ecological and cultural tourism; infrastructures and hotel business
-discussing ways of revitalization of folk arts and culture development;
-assistance of the development of social and productive infrastructure in tourist centers; further development
of the “Silk Road” project
Organizers
Ministry of Tourism and Sport, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, “Eurasian Economic Club of
Scientists” Association
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ISLAMIC FINANCING: POSSIBILITIES FOR IPLEMENTATION
Challenge definition
Despite the growing interest in Islamic financing system in Kazakhstan grows, there are many barriers to its
effective operation, particularly:
-there are problems of adherence to the principles of Shariat in the halal entrepreneurship
-improvements in the legal basis of the Republic of Kazakhstan and regulation of Islamic banking operation
are required
Objective
-formation of integrated system of regulation of Islamic financing in Kazakhstan
-assistance in informing the population of Kazakhstan about Islamic financing (instruments of financing,
deposit instruments, capital assets)
-open the possibilities and prospects of Islamic financing products to small and medium businesses with
signing of contracts and memorandums
Tasks
-creation of an institutional infrastructure to provide stable development of Islamic financing, in the Republic
of Kazakhstan and other countries
-development of specific mechanisms and regulatory procedures in Islamic financing
Organizers
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Islamic Development Bank, Islamic Institute for Research and
Education of the Group IDB, “Istisna’a Corporation”, JSC “Economic Research Institute”, “Eurasian
Economic Club of Scientists” Association
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BUSINESS BRIDGE: BUILDING AN INNOVATIVE FUTURE FOR THE
YOUTH
Challenge definition
It is well known that many of today’s students receive a certificate of general secondary education and go on
to study without even considering a post-secondary professional education. This swells the ranks of the labor
market with people with unmarketable education. And from this actuality, it is business that suffers the most.
Both industrial giants, and small companies with only a few employees. Therefore, business is interested in
cooperating with educational institutions to receive specialists with qualifications they need. This is more
profitable than investing in training after hiring
Objective
-creation of bridges between Business and Higher Education Institutions
Tasks
-study the demand by industrial companies for innovative ideas and the orientation of universities to conduct
research in which business is interested;
-create the conditions for realization the scientific potential of young scientists, reaching agreements on
cooperation in science;
-making suggestions for developing programs that encourage business to cooperate with institutions of
higher education, invest in research and higher education;
-create incentives for institutions of higher education to create conditions for the innovative centers
development;
-raise the prestige of scientific activity; conclude cooperative agreements between institutions of higher
education and companies;
-promote agreement between institutions to share experience
Organizers
Ministry of Science and Education, “Eurasian Economic Club of Scientists” Association, «Zhas Otan», «NurOtan» and other youth organizations
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Mission
THE EURASIAN BUSINES CONGRESS:
MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL INVESTMENT
Expansion of mutually beneficial trade and economic ties and investment cooperation on Eurasian territory,
cooperation in development of perspective and high-technologically spheres of economy
Objective
-discussing and studying the experience of international unions of industrialists and entrepreneurs, summing
up of the first year of the Eurasian Business Congress
Tasks
-presentation of investment opportunities of Kazakhstan
-sharing information on business and investment legislation between the member countries of the Eurasian
Economic Community (EurAsEC)
-negotiations and bilateral meetings between business circles of the EurAsEC countries
-reaching agreement on cooperation for the joint realization of investment projects
-extending of the number of participants in the Forum of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan
Organizers
Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, National Economic Chamber of Kazakhstan “Soyuz “Atameken”
10
DIALOGUE OF NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS:
ADVICE OF THE MAESTROS
Challenge development
The influence of scientific discoveries resultant technologies on the world economy and social structure in the
XX and XXI centuries. What specific phenomena directly or indirectly determine the face of new economy.
Leading scientists, the Nobel prize laureates are ready to share their opinion and give recommendations to
authorities on key issues of economic and social development in post-crisis period
Objectives
-identify new approaches to the regulation of economy in post-crisis period and determine preferable
development vectors
-determine of advantages and disadvantages of economic policies
-renew and implement economic development models
Tasks
-review of key issues of economic and social development in the post-crisis period
-formulation of social and economic policy for Kazakhstan
-discuss the influence of the financial and economic crisis on the economy of individual countries
-summarize the crisis’s lessons and implement new tasks of the Eurasian countries’ post-crisis development
Organizers
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, JSC “Samruk-Kazyna”, “Eurasian Economic Club of
Scientists” Association
11
INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE OF APPLICATION PPP IN
SOCIAL AREA
Mission
Improving public-private partnership in the Republic of Kazakhstan through orientating it to the development
of social area and determination of prospects of development within the framework of the unique source
(international center) of PPP
Objective
-discussion of questions of further PPP development within the frameworks of the unique source
(international center) of PPP
Tasks
-analysis of existing problems of the PPP development in Kazakhstan and abroad
-evaluation of the influence of the financial crisis on realization of PPP projects
-identifying potential opportunities to prepare and complete PPP projects
-summing up the first year of the work of the World PPP Centers Association
Key topics for discussions
-creation of conditions to attract private investment in infrastructure development
-improvement of the PPP legal framework, strengthening of the PPP institutional system
-expanding the PPP application sphere
-increasing the effectiveness of state support of the PPP projects
-realization of state projects with the participation of private capital
-international experience in financing PPPs
Organizers
Ministry of the Economic Development and Trade, JSC “Kazakhstani Center of the Public-Private
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Partnership”
PROVIDING FOOD SUPPLY SECURITY
Challenge definition
Ensuring food security is one of the main tasks of the world community. According to the UN report 925 million
of people do not have food. In this issue the role of the agro-industrial complex (AIC) is to ensure food safety
with the usage of competitive advantage of individual regions and new technologies.
Objective
-discussion of questions on ensuring food safety and the AIC development
-achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in this area
Tasks
-improvement of agro-industrial complex
-reduction of poverty and famine
-issues of food clusters development and improvement of food security in countries
-solution of problems of water crisis
Organizers
Ministry of Agriculture, JSC “KazAgro”, UN Food and Agriculture Organization
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THE TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS (TNC) IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ECONOMIES – ARE WE AND GLOBAL
CORPORATIONS FRIENDS OR ENEMIES?
Challenge definition
This session represents the opportunity for dialogue between transnational corporations and states officials.
From the point of view of transnational corporations, the problems which foreign companies face in different
countries, include tax discrimination, corruption of legal systems, lack of local skilled manpower, and
technological backwardness of the countries. From the state’s point of view, should be considered what
advantages Kazakhstan gets from the TNCs. Some of these advantages include the so-called side effects:
technological base development, staff training, further attraction of TNCs, increase and competitiveness
between companies and resultant higher quality. Also the experience of other countries in attracting foreign
companies should be considered. It is necessary to attract companies which will produce high-tech products
in Kazakhstan, not just use natural resources
Objective
-dialogue between TNCs and government organizations on problems of TNC in different countries
-attraction TNCs to work in high-tech spheres of greater benefit to Kazakhstan
Tasks
-develop recommendations to modify the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan to create a more
favorable business climate in Kazakhstan
-receive information from other countries to attract foreign companies
-establish contacts between government organizations and TNCs
Organizers
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Innovation and New Technologies, Ministry of Oil
and Gas, American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan, “Eurasian Economic Club of Scientists”
Association
14
TWENTY YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE– THE BASIS FOR SOCIAL
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY
Challenge definition
Kazakhstan on the way of independence passed over several stages: the first steps of economic policy;
introduction of the national currency; the successful international policies of Kazakhstan toward achieving
international guarantees of its sovereignty and independence; voluntary renunciation of nuclear weapons on
its territory and proclaiming itself as a country free of nuclear weapons; overcoming the financial crisis at the
end of the XX century, the challenges of the new millennium; the struggle against global financial and
economic crisis; and its vision of its role in the post-crisis world
Objective
-discussion of questions on economic and international policy, since independence, leading into the future
Tasks
-highlighting of the excellent experience of Kazakhstan’s development model; sharing experience with the
representatives of other countries; analysis and issues of development on global safety and the goals of
millennium development; consideration of vision issues and the role of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the
international arena; bringing together experts and scientists in the development of further ways of
development of the Republic; sharing experience with the CIS and Eurasian continent
Organizers
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Akimat of Astana city
15
QUESTIONS OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: INTERACTION
BETWEEN CENTER AND REGION
Challenge definition
Effective territorial and regional development is very important for every country, but it acquires special
significance in the countries which have a large area and a variety of geographic conditions, such as
Kazakhstan. Territorial and spatial planning is one of the key instruments of creation of a long-term stable
framework for social and economic development, both of the country, and of its individual regions
Objective
-discussion of current status, prospects and mechanisms of spatial development
Tasks
-analysis of modern processes of spatial development, taking into account the factors of globalization and
trends of world economy;
-assessment of changes in the territorial structure of the economy and the evolution of the settlement system
in today’s economic development;
-development of the vision of the future spatial progress through the efficient use of resources and
comparative advantages of the country and its regions, optimal territorial organization of the economy and
rational distribution of productive forces, formation of competitive specialization of regions
Organizers
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, JSC “Economic Research Institute”
16
SME - THE ENGINE OF ECONOMY
Mission
Ensuring of sustainable economic growth requires both the development of large enterprises and small and
medium enterprise (SME) development. In the history of developed countries there are both examples of
SME being developed and on their basis, large companies being formed. There are also examples of large
companies causing satellite SMEs to develop. Development of the securities market is necessary for both
SME and large enterprises. SME companies can invest in shares of big companies, which in turn will support
SMEs. The Government is also important in the development of SMEs. It is necessary to carry out
educational activities among citizens in order to make the financial markets and their opportunities more
accessible
Objective
-dialogue between national corporations, representatives of large companies and SMEs
Tasks
-bilateral and multilateral treaties and agreements
-development of strategies for progress of SME and securities market
Organizers
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Entrepreneurship Development Fund “Damu”, “Eurasian
Economic Club of Scientists” Association
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GREEN GROWTH – POST-KYOTO PERSPECTIVE
Challenge definition
As a country with a sharply continental climate, Kazakhstan is very vulnerable to global climate change.
Climate change is regarded a likely stress to water supplies and usage of transboundary watercourses. The
shrinking of glaciers will lead to change in the water regime. Possible reduction of pasture and arable land,
migration problems, as well as problems of possible “climate refugees” from the southern countries. Global
climate change has already influenced the economic interests of states as exporters of energy and raw
materials
Objective
-development of method of adaptation to the results of climate change, and new economic mechanisms of
environmental improvement and ecosystems restoration, in order to prevent climatic catastrophe
Tasks
-to assess the economic potential of the priority ecological industries
-to develop recommendations for the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on adoption of “green
growth” principles
-to develop proposals for progress and support of green business and infrastructure
-to introduce stable production and consumption; guide Kazakhstan’s participation in Post-Kyoto
Organizers
Ministry of Environment Protection, School of Law of the People’s Democratic party “NUR-OTAN”
18
QUASI-STATE SECTOR:
ROLE IN THE POST-CRISIS DEVELOPMENT
Challenge definition
In connection with necessity of the improvement of state programs realization, the state administration
acquires more importance. As the state administration in the western countries has already reached a
considerably high level, so the dialogue between structures of the state administration of Kazakhstan and
other countries is necessary
Objective
-sharing of experience between the national corporations of Kazakhstan and other countries
Tasks
-prospects of the development of national companies
-role of the state in regulation of the financial sector
-prospects of the Kazakhstani sovereign funds development
-conclusion of bilateral and multilateral agreements of memoranda on cooperation and sharing knowledge
between counties’ governments
Organizers
National Welfare Fund “Samruk-Kazyna”, “Eurasian Economic Club of Scientists” Association
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ASTANA CONSENSUS:
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR G-20 COUNTRIES
Challenge definition
One of the main results of the forum is to develop recommendations for leaders of the G-20 countries, which
will be published in all the materials of the Forum and in the media. In this connection, a special working
group will operate, which during a year will be developing a project of recommendations. On the last day of
the Forum during the Round table, the recommendations will be complemented by taking into account the
discussions that took place during the Forum.
Objective
-development of recommendations for the leaders of the G-20 countries
Tasks
-discussion of developed recommendations for the announcement at the closing ceremony and its
presenting to the G-20 Committee
-consideration of the possibility to incorporate the resolutions and results of the Forum events
Organizers
JSC “Economic Research Institute”, “Eurasian Economic Club of Scientists” Association
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TALK-SHOW “THE MOMENT OF TRUTH”
Mission
For an hour-and-half, a number of selected top corporate executives working in Central Asia will have 5
minutes to present their annual results over 2010 in front of a panel consisting of 4 local and 3 international
economic journalists of name and fame. In the following 1,5 hours following a half-hour break, the panel can
fire questions to the executives, demanding details and explanations on their companies’ performance
Objective
-direct dialogue with investors, working in Kazakhstan to reveal their financial and economic activity, and also
advantages to and barriers against of working in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Tasks
discussion of the following questions :
-presentation of annual results over 2010
-which industries are more interesting for investors
-for which period are foreign investors planning to continue their activity in Kazakhstani market in future
-corporate social responsibility
-ecological problems in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Organizers
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Communication and Information, National Welfare
Fund “Samruk-Kazyna”, International Herald Tribune, “Eurasian Economic Club of Scientists” Association
21
EXHIBITIONS
OF INDUSTRIAL AND INNOVATIVE PROJECTS
Objective
Presentation of the industrial and innovative potential of Kazakhstan, its further development in the postcrisis period, as well as giving new impetus to the development of the real sector of the economy
Tasks
-presentation of scientific achievements, and the demonstration of the industrial and innovative potential of
Kazakhstan, to foreign audiences
-support of local industry and innovative developers of innovative projects
-conclusion of investment agreements and/or letters of intent within the framework of the signing ceremony
Organizers
Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, National Welfare Fund “Samruk-Kazyna”, JSC “National
Innovative Fund’”
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CLOSING CEREMONY
Objective
-summing up the IV Astana Economic Forum results and announcing contest awards to nominees
Summarizing documents and events
-adoption of an Open Letter for the leaders of the countries participating in G20
-summing up the results of the Contest for “The Best Research in Economics”
-announcing the awards for “Top Investors”
-summing up the results of the Internet Forum discussion contest
-summing up the results of the Youth Conference
Organizers
“Eurasian Economic Club of Scientists” Association, JSC “Economic Research Institute’
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CONTESTS
Objective: imparted inspiration to and involvement of the scientists and experts in the activity of the AEF;
creation of instructional materials from the economics, business and other fields
Best Research
on Economics
Books, articles,
reports and works
Best Report
(Youth Section)
Reports and presentations
Internet – contests
(10 categories)
Reports, articles
and commentaries
Database of reports, articles and materials
Selection and
evaluation
Best works, active participation
Awards
Diploma
Cash Awards
Publications in the EFI magazine
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INTERNET ACTIVITIES
• Creation of AEF informational and communicational infrastructure
• Development of participant’s “Personal cabinet” on the web-site
• Development and launch of the “Four-in-one” project:
1) expert reviews
2) electronic debates
3) business projects
4) public opinion polls
• Launching video-conferences from the Forum on the web-site (2011-2012) with
possibility to:
1st stage: access interactive observations and discussions on the web-site
2nd stage: participate at the AEF via web-site
• Launching mobile version of the AEF site (2011-2012)
• Creation and administration of the AEF external pages on the informational
social sites such as Twitter, Linked, Facebook, Xing, Wikipedia and others
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