Astana will create a new research center in its priority sectors on the basis of Nazarbayev University, said the Chairman of the Samruk-Kazyna JSC Board Umirzak Shukeyev Sept. 5 during the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Nazarbayev University and the Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund.

"It is planned to establish a Samruk-Kazyna JSC corporate research center for the development of Nazarbayev University intellectual innovation cluster under the Science Park of the Astana Business Campus University," Umirzak Shukeyev said.

The planned research center will focus on the industries which are priorities for the Kazakh economy. These are the chemical industry, production of raw materials for the steel industry, renewable (green) energy, "green" building, energy efficiency and performance improvement.

In addition, he said, the University plans to create center for the provision of Executive Education programs and research in the field of business. The centre will provide corporate programs with open registration for employees of the Fund with the subsequent award of the degree.

The document was signed by the Chairman of the Samruk-Kazyna JSC Board Umirzak Shukeyev and Rector of the Nazarbayev University Shigeo Katsu.