CAREC Institute Welcomes First Visiting Fellow Under 2025 Program

The CAREC Institute (CI) recently welcomed Dr. Serik Orazgaliyev as the inaugural Visiting Fellow of its 2025 Visiting Fellows Program (VFP). Dr. Orazgaliyev is an Associate Professor at Nazarbayev University and Co-Chair of SDSN Kazakhstan, which is a country chapter for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The VFP, supported by the Asian Development Bank, aims to foster cross-border research and collaboration on regional development priorities.

On August 6, CI hosted a VFP Talk featuring Dr. Orazgaliyev’s presentation, “Resource Nationalism Old and New: The Case of Oil and Critical Raw Materials in Kazakhstan.” In his presentation, Dr. Orazgaliyev analyzed how Central Asian countries manage strategic resources. He focused on Kazakhstan’s shift from traditional nationalization to a “participation doctrine.” This new approach aims to build national capacity while balancing economic, social, and environmental goals.

The event brought together CI’s senior management, including Director Mr. Charymuhammet Shallyyev, Deputy Director One Professor Li Kouqing, Deputy Director Two Dr. Kuat Akizhanov, and research specialists. During the discussion, participants emphasized the importance of transparency, data-driven policies, and community benefits in resource governance. They highlighted Kazakhstan’s involvement in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative as a positive example of accountability.

Comparative insights from countries such as Indonesia and Brunei showed how market size and policy frameworks affect investment and taxation in resource sectors. A key takeaway is that effective resource management strategies must be tailored to each country’s unique context.

Dr. Akizhanov serves as Dr. Orazgaliyev’s peer supervisor during his fellowship. The successful launch of the VFP Talk demonstrates CI’s ongoing commitment to fostering scholarly exchange and advancing sustainable development across the CAREC region.

Since its inception in 2019, the VFP has supported research on topics such as connectivity, trade, and digital transformation. The program has helped strengthen knowledge sharing and policy dialogue among CAREC member countries.