In 2017, Kazakhstan will become a platform for international events. The country will host Universiade, Expo, the SCO summit and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. Famous scientists and political scientists made an overview of all the trends at a round table in Almaty. According to their forecasts, global commodity markets will gradually recover in 2017. Oil prices will rise and stabilize in the corridor of $50 - $65. This will allow the commodity-reliant economies to improve their positions. The flow of investments from China to Kazakhstan is forecast to increase. Also among the important events are the decisions to be taken by Uzbekistan’s new leadership. The country intends to cancel entry visas for citizens of 15 countries. Presidential elections are expected in Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. Also, according to the Kazakh experts, the Central Asian population this year will reach 70 million people compared to 50 million 25 years ago. The growth is due to child mortality reduction and higher birth rate. Political scientists recommend governments in the region to take into account the new economic opportunities associated with the growing population. Experts stress that this is one of the ten most important events, which are expected this year.

YERLAN KARIN, POLITICAL SCIENTIST:

In the current review we see a strong influence of the external factors. This year, we expect that at least 50% of the population of Central Asian countries will have access to the internet and social networks. This also creates a new reality.