Euronews Kazakhstan celebrates one year anniversary

A year ago, as part of its drive to bring more first-hand reporting from as many countries as possible, Euronews opened its first office in the Kazakh city Astana in January.

Identifying Central Asia as one of the fastest developing, most vibrant regions in the world and the market that is increasingly open and engaged with investors and industry of the European Union, Euronews hired a team of renowned local journalists to cover the news from the region.

The aim was to present this part of the world to our global viewership, highlighting its cultural, economic and touristic potential, and bring it closer to audiences in Europe and beyond.

"Our goal is to showcase the region's rich heritage, culture, traditions, places to see, events to attend, food to eat, business opportunities to seize, investment possibilities to explore. And its people," Astana bureau chief Bojan Brkic said.

"In other words, we want to inform the audience about everything they are often interested in but did not know exists in this region."

One year into its operations, the Astana bureau has produced more than 50 episodes focused on Kazakhstan, delivered live coverage on key events such as the EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan and Astana International Forum, and published dozens of articles, that garnered over a million views across Euronews platforms.

"We collaborate with Euronews in the production of high-quality, informative projects designed for an international audience. These projects are commendable for both their high production value and carefully selected topics," Adlet Alimkhanov, the CEO of the Media Development Fund said.

"They allow us to show the dynamic development of the country and allows our media industry to become more competitive on the global level."

The Astana bureau's most striking portrayals of Kazakhstan are featured across three distinct series.

"Modern Nomads" explores the country's culture, history, heritage, and natural landscapes. So far, 22 episodes have been produced, on topics ranging from traditional clothing, jewelry, opera, ballet to traditional food, festivals, historic places and national parks.

"Voices from Central Asia" presents the tales of notable persons, including academics, surgeons, musicians, athletes, actors, archeologists and more. With its 12 episodes, stories revealing the "Kazakh dream" and way of life.

On business, the "East West Connect" series explores Kazakhstan and Central Asia's economy, following the development of the regional economy and focusing on investment and cooperation ties between Central Asia and Europe.

“Euronews is the information window into Europe for Kazakhstan. It is the source of current information about the main global events. The opening of its bureau in Kazakhstan facilitated the spread of information about our country to the wide global audience," Maksat Urgenshbaev, the CEO of the "24 KZ" TV Channel, part of the Habar Agency said.

"We got a unique opportunity to introduce our culture and history to the world. Also, to relate our experience with the economic and social reform. Owing to that, Kazakstan now stands shoulder to shoulder with the developed countries in the information flow. And, among other benefits, Kazakstan's journalists now also have the opportunity to to cooperate and exchange experience with their European colleagues," he added.