The Valdai Story with Piotr Dutkiewicz

In today's episode, we're excited to chat with Tim Gitzel, the President and CEO of Cameco Corporation, the world's largest uranium producer. With over 25 years of senior management and legal experience in Canadian and international uranium mining, Mr. Gitzel has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with our listeners.

As the Honorary Council of Kazakhstan to Saskatchewan and a Board member of various prestigious organizations including the World Nuclear Association and the Kazakhstan - Canada Business Council, Mr. Gitzel provides valuable insights on the transformation of Kazakhstan's mining industry and what makes the country an attractive destination for foreign investors.

Related links to this episode:

Cameco

Kazakhstan Canada Business Council (KCBC)

Kazatomprom

Timeline:

00:00 Intro

00:36 - Introducing Tim Gitzel

1:56 Growing up in communities of Northern Saskatchewan

2:59 Hockey passion and a call that never comes

4:30 Breaking into the uranium industry

7:06 Uranium 2011: from ‘’sky-high” to “now what?”

10:44 Cameco, as the largest industrial employer of Indigenous people

13:14 Expanding to Kazakhstan market

16:07 Modernization of Kazakhstan’s mining sector

18:00 Adapting to JORC code principles

19:03 Cameco-Kazatomprom joint venture

21:46 Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Saskatchewan

24:33 Meeting with the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

27:49 Political leadership of the government of Kazakhstan

30:22 Mr. Gitzel’s advice on entering the Kazakhstan market

33:35 Kazakhstan-Canada Business Council (KCBC)

38:11 What made Tim Gitzel a leader?

40:09 What does the future hold for Tim Gitzel?

43:34 Outro

Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

In today’s episode we are joined by Mr. Peter McCann, a Management Consultant, an author of two business books, and now Advisor to the Rector at Tashkent Chemical Technologies Institute. Peter has over 30 years of experience in consulting small and large businesses in the USA & Canada, as well as taught and lectured in Finland, Germany, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Peter shares his firsthand experience in establishing his own business and new professional and social life in Central Asia, education reforms in Uzbekistan and large-scale projects in partnership with the world leaders in vocational training. How will applying the best international practices address the core challenges in education? What opportunities does this tremendous transformation open for Canada-Uzbekistan cooperation?

Related links to this episode:

Tashkent Chemical-Technological Institute

SAIT

'Strategy & Business Planning of Privately Held Companies' book by Peter McCann

'Turnarounds: Brains, Guts & Stamina' book by Peter McCann

Timeline:

00:40 – Introducing Peter McCann

1:40 – Radical transformation of the Tashkent Chemical Technologies Institute (TCTI)

7:30 – Growing up in Ottawa's rural northwest

9:20 – First career breakthroughs

12:32 – Turnarounds and Consultancy practice

13:42 – Early steps towards Kazakhstan in 1998

16:28 – Aftermath of moving to Central Asia

21:55 – Meeting your better half and strengthening family bonds

24:25 – Uzbek progress and hard work

25:07 – Partnership with SAIT – the World Leaders in vocational training

27:45 – “The LEADER” Project from Ivey Business School in TCTI

30:03 – Life lessons taken from Judo

33:50 – What made Mr.Peter McCann a leader?

35:35 – What does the future hold for Peter McCann?

36:49 – Closing

Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

Today we’re hosting Dr. Jean-François Caron, an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, where he teaches Political Theory. Dr. Caron has authored 6 monographs and more than 20 peer reviewed articles and book chapters.

Jean-François shares a story of his career development in a cross-national perspective, forming family, teaching and living in Kazakhstan. He also elaborates on principles and admission criteria in the Nazarbayev University, as well as discusses State Scholarship Opportunities for foreign students.

Related links to this episode:

• Nazarbayev University

Timeline:

0:40 – Introducing Jean-François Caron

2:18 – Early life integration into educational environment

3:41 – English-based teaching in Nazarbayev University

4:59 – From Plato to Francisco Nguema

7:45 –  From Canadian Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to affiliate work in Poland

9:41 – Meeting significant other on a 1st day in Kazakhstan

12:43 – Merit-based admission to Nazarbayev University

16:15 – hard work is always gets paid off

18:57 – The logic of meritocracy

24:17 – Adjusting to virtual environment

29:27 – Tapping into technology

30:37 – Subtleties of the Kazakh language

33:54 – Kazakh wedding traditions

35:52 – Canada-Kazakhstan cooperation opportunities in education

39:20 – Foreign students at Nazarbayev University

41:05 – What made Dr.Caron a leader?

42:46 – What does the future hold for Dr.Caron?

44:29 – Kazakh hospitality

47:22 – Closing

Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

Join us on a journey through the heart of Central Asia and the birthplace of 1001 Arabian Nights - the Republic of Uzbekistan. Visit Tashkent and Navoi, Khiva and Samarkand, Kyzylkum and Aralkum deserts - all through the eyes of the Canadian Honorary Consul of Canada in Uzbekistan and Managing Partner at Dentons Uzbekistan - Mr. Eldor Mannopov.

In this episode, we discuss the progressive reforms and improvements introduced by the government of Shavkat Mirziyoyev in support of the foreign business, Uzbek's extraordinary hospitality and personal experiences living and working in the country.

Related links to this episode:

• Dentons Uzbekistan
• Canadian Consulate in Uzbekistan

Timeline:

00:40 Intro

00:50 Considering an “honorable profession”

04:26 Merging with Dentons

05:10 Landmark M&A: privatization of Coca-Cola in Uzbekistan

06:21 Gosplan years

08:23 President Merziyoyev era

9:51 Monetary policy reform

14:33 Tax reform: stable and transparent regime

17:31 Public procurement laws and e-government innovations

20:23 1001 Arabian Night stories' birthplace

21:51 Mining industry reform in Uzbekistan

27:27 Foreign investors in Uzbekistan mining

30:13 Desert fishing with Ambassador John Kur

32:22 6 million tons of cotton and the death of the Aral Sea: ESG solutions

34:46 Extraordinary hospitality of Uzbek people

36:26 Goals-based living

36:52 What does the future hold for Eldor?

37:23 Outro

Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

We are excited to host Mr. Darren Klinck today, President and Director at the Arras Minerals – a Canadian junior mining & exploration company operating in Kazakhstan.

Darren has extensive international experience in mining, having raised over 800 million for the projects globally including Guatemala, Laos, Australia, New Zeeland and Myanmar. He is sharing his personal stories about growing up in rural Alberta, getting involved in mining and capital markets, founding the first ever Canadian junior mining company in Kazakhstan and providing a piece of advice for Canadian investors considering Eurasia.

Related links:

CECC

Arras Minerals

Kazakhstan Canada Business Council 2022 (KCBC)

Timeline:

00:00 Intro

00:40 Introducing Darren Klinck

01:26 Growing up in rural Alberta

02:30 Close encounter in snowy Sierra, Northern Mexico

06:03 Headhunters in the Philippines

06:54 From Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw

08:52 Gold Rush in South Carolina

11:32 Getting excited over an opportunity in Kazakhstan

12:44 Similarities to Canada

13:58 Western approach to doing business

15:30 Do investors feel comfortable? Perceptions

17:30 Attracting more junior miners to Kazakhstan

19:45 Crisis management

22:00 Going public

25:46 Advice for Canadian investors

26:53 Enchanting and eclectic Nur-Sultan

28:22 Kazakhstan Canada Business Council 2022

29:25 Fundraising insights

30:39 What made Darren a leader?

31:27 What does the future hold?

32:45 Closing

Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

We are hosting Mr. Jim Gibson today, Chief Catalyst and Community Leader at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Jim is a passionate serial entrepreneur and author of “Tip of the Spear: Our Species and Technology at a Crossroads”. Jim brings over 30 years of experience in digital technologies, innovations, mentorship, and technological ventures into the conversation.

With his help we are exploring the notion of digital literacy and digital citizenship as well as investigate the coming tsunami of technological change. Precisely, how will the exponential technological growth influence our lives, education sector and contemporary youth?  What are the opportunities for Canada-Eurasia collaboration and what does “How to change the World” program contribute to the global education industry?

Related links:

SAIT

SADT

"How to change the World" Program"

Tip of the Spear: Our Species and Technology at a Crossroads" book by Jim Gibson

Timeline:

00:00 Intro

00:40 Welcome Jim Gibson

1:27 What does it mean to be digitally literate?

4:46 Digital Intelligence classes for digital natives by SAIT

9:05 Understanding your digital footprint

11:00 Technology genie out of the bottle but the legislation is lagging

14:21 What skills will students need in the future?

16:12 Will we reach singularity soon?

18:03 20 years of change in 20 months

20:51 International programs and corporate trainings

24:03

Smart cities

26:43 “How to Change the World” program

31:17 SAIT School of Advanced Digital Technology (SADT)

34:00 The role of mentorship in education

36:02 What made you a Leader?

36:56 Pay attention! Or What does the future hold?

38:20 Outro

Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

It’s time to hear words of wisdom from our honoured guest and oil and gas expert, Mr. Don Streu, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Alberta and President, CEO and Director at Condor Petroleum.Don has over 35 years of experience in the oil & gas industry globally: from Angola to Indonesia, from Canada to Central Asia. He’s sharing his personal experience of operating a company in Kazakhstan, exploring the Uzbekistan market, working with oil & gas reserves, and leading LNG technological revolution in Central Asia.

Related links:

Condor Petroleum

Chevron

Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada

Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Kazakhstan,Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan

Timeline

0:00 Intro

0:40 Welcome Don Streu

1:24 The heart of the new West (Alberta)

2:36 Will the current uptick in Gas & Oil price help Alberta’s economy?

3:50 Starting with Shevron in 1986

5:52 The “Three No” Rule and move to Angola

11:04 Experiences in Indonesia and Nigeria

14:09 Founding Condor Petroleum: turning to Kazakhstan

16:25 What does it take to discover oil?

17:53 Step in the right direction: introducing LNG technology in Kazakhstan

20:19 Ethical oil

22:48 Can-do attitude: Kazakhstani and Uzbekistani culture and professionalism

25:36 Opportunities in Uzbekistan

26:43 Leading the small-scale LNG revolution

29:53 What does it mean to be an Honorary Consul of Republic of Kazakhstan in Alberta?

31:39 Enjoying Alberta and Ontario beef in Kazakhstan

33:12 Positive reforms in Kazakhstan

36:14 What made Don a leader?

37:09 What does the future hold for Don Streu?

39:21 Outro

Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org

We’re turning the tables on Nathan Hunt today - the host for the ICE/Breakers Podcast - making him the interviewee. Nathan is a Yale University graduate, summa cum laude, and a former Russia Director of the Canadian meat and dairy traders, Ronald A. Chisholm Limited.  Nathan is one of the founders of CERBA and has chaired its Moscow Chapter since its inception. He’s sharing his experience of living and doing business in rapidly changing Russia reinventing himself and discovering new potential throughout two and a half decades in the country. 

Related links:

CERBA

Ronald A.Chisholm Ltd.

LP/AD

Lada

Cherkizovo Group

Timeline:

0:00 Intro

1:19 Setting the stage

2:17 80s and early 90s speculating on cassette tapes in Russia

4:40 Chicken purchase gone afoul

7:30 Pivoting to the Canadian angle 

10:00 Late 90s/early 2000s: Pioneering new sources of meat to Russia 

12:10 CBAR inception

13:58 Time when Russia favoured Canada

15:30 Lada imports from the USSR to Canada

17:58 Punching above our weight: CERBA story

23:46 2008 recession and new beginnings 

25:36 Early 2010s: CERBA expansion to Vancouver and Kazakhstan

29:00 Hollywood Hunt: Larry King, Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher 

31:41 Let’s be honest: Jean Charest meeting with Yuri Luzhkov 

35:15 Business diplomacy 

37:26 “Russia – a lousy place to do business, a great place to make money”

38:59 “Harper, Putin to star in 1972 Summit Series rematch”

44:00 The challenges and opportunities of the pandemic and climate change 

47:04 What does the future hold for Nathan Hunt?

51:32 What made Nathan a leader?

Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org

In today's episode of Icebreakers, we welcome Darren Dietz, Canadian-born, former "Barys Nur-Sultan" team captain and current Russian CSKA hockey player. After a successful transition to "Barys" and KHL League, he became a national treasure among Kazakh fans and was awarded a KHL Defenseman of the Year in 2018/2019.

Darren shares his professional hockey journey throughout the NHL and KHL leagues, as well as his experience living in the Republic of Kazakhstan. He also discusses international sports cooperation opportunities between Canada and Eurasia and his latest transition to the CSKA Moscow.

Related Links:

Barys Nur-Sultan Hockey Club

CSKA Moscow Hockey Club

National Hockey League

Kontinental Hockey League

Timeline:

00:00 Intro

00:41 Introducing Darren Dietz

01:49 What is it like living in Kazakhstan?

03:24 Alberta and "Medicine Hat Tigers" Team

05:00 Drafted by Montreal Canadiens - Dream Come True!

06:00 New experiences in KHL

09:09 Greetings from Barys Team

10:35 Becoming a Kazakh hockey legend and Team Captain

13:24 Speaking Russian

16:40 Fast-forward transition to CSKA Red Army team

20:50 Darren the "Ptichka!"

21:58 Reciting "Zimnee Utro" by Pushkin at All-Stars KHL event

24:00 Common traits between Canadians,  Kazakhs and Russians

25:27 On perspectives between NHL and KHL

28:05 50th Anniversary of Canada and USSR Superseries

29:10 What made Darren a leader?

29:55 What does the future hold for Darren Dietz?

30:48 Conclusion

Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org

Today we are joined by the former Canadian Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (2006-2009) – Honourable Margaret Skok.  Margaret started her career with the RCMP Canada, as well as served with Global Affairs Canada at the Embassy of Canada in Moscow (1991 – 1994).

She is sharing her experiences of unlocking Eurasian markets to Canadian businesses, the role of women in Central Asia, mobilizing change in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and Canada’s place in the international nuclear strategy.

Related Links

• CERBA Kazakhstan Canada Business Council
• Cameco
• Ronald A. Chisholm
• Centerra Gold
• Canadian Trade Mission to Russia, Uzbekistan and Armenia
• Canadian Trade Mission to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Timeline

00:00 Intro

00:40 Introducing Margaret Skok

1:36 Merry Christmas and Happy New Years: Julian and Gregorian Calendars

2:05 Background: From WWII Poland on Queen Elizabeth through Pier 1 in Halifax to Saskatchewan 

3:05 Career launch in federal public service

4:07 Joining AG Canada

5:20 Moscow 1991 - 1994

7:11 Farms in Russia and in the West

12:31 Coup in Aug 1991

13:57 “Le Chateau Montebello” in Yakutia

15:10 Elections and difficult transformations in Ukraine and Belarus

17:24 Becoming an Ambassador of Canada to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

19:20 Mobilizing change

20:17 The New Way – reforms in Kazakhstan

21:15 Gold and education in Kyrgyzstan 

24:00 Tajikistan: women in AG

26:00 His Highness the Aga Khan

26:40 Role of women in business – Central Asia

28:31 Kazakhstan Canada Business Council

31:50 Canada and international nuclear strategy

34:11 What made Margaret a leader?

36:30 What does the future hold for Margaret?

37:30 Special thank you notes

38:28 Conclusion

Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org