Central Asian countries are paying ever more attention to controlling their own national brands. “It is important to promote national values. All large-scale events should have a national spirit. Currently, I have some projects related to the country branding for Kazakhstan. I believe that international events create a platform for the formation of the image of the country. It has a flash effect. For many countries, holding the World Cup and other events provides a guide to the country for the world community,” former Kyrgyz culture, information & tourism minister Maksat Chaki said. He is engaged in political activities and tourism projects. He also delivers lectures on national security, tourism and political branding. He participated in competitions in Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Spain and Ukraine. “We developed the Sky Land brand for Kyrgyzstan. Every country has its second name. For example, Cuba is an island of freedom, Japan is the country of the rising sun and Korea is the country of morning dew,” he said. Published in Daily Times, January 24th 2019.