The Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan has announced the establishment of a single time zone across the country. The decision is set to be implemented on March 1, 2024.
Unification to UTC+5
As of the specified date, the entirety of the Republic of Kazakhstan will adhere to the 5th time zone, denoted as UTC+5. This adjustment necessitates residents in certain regions, including major urban centres such as Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent, to revert their clocks by one hour during the night from February 29 to March 1.
Previous time zone disparities
Before this decision, Kazakhstan maintained two time zones, namely UTC+5 and UTC+6. Most of the country, excluding western regions, was situated in the UTC+6 zone. The move towards a single time zone was a proposal put forth by Kazakhstani scientists and experts, who actively participated in the working group responsible for calculating time parameters.
Scientific consensus on UTC+5
The consensus within the working group was that transitioning to a single time zone, specifically UTC+5, represented the most logical and optimal choice. This selection aligns with the natural time of the country, offering practical advantages for its residents.
International comparison
Positive impacts on coordination and communication
Experts involved in decision-making highlighted the positive implications of establishing a single time zone. Notably, this move is expected to eliminate time-related barriers between residents in different regions, enhancing coordination in transportation and various communication channels. Furthermore, it is anticipated to positively influence business operations, intergovernmental interactions, and emergency services.
Decree and implementation
The formalization of this decision is encapsulated in a forthcoming decree, which is slated for official publication. The decree will officially come into effect on March 1, 2024. The government anticipates that this transition to a unified time zone will contribute to the overall efficiency and synergy of the nation.
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