Skip to content
Sign In Subscribe
Kazakhstan — Daily

Kazakhstan Daily: Tokayev-Xi cement ties, SCO op-ed published, and China trade hits $44B

,   and  Lexica
25 min read

Today's Stories

Politics

Economy

Diplomacy

Infrastructure

Society

Environment

Innovation

Health

Sports

Politics

Astana and Almaty Space Centers Set to Be Removed from Strategic Facilities List

Published: 2025-08-30

The Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Ministry has drafted a government resolution to remove space centers in Astana and Almaty from the national list of strategic facilities, according to a notice published via Kazinform. While details are limited, delisting typically signals a shift in security status and oversight, potentially easing restrictions on access, investment, or privatization options. For operators and contractors, the change could alter governance, compliance requirements, and eligibility for partnerships, including foreign participation, pending final approval. The move aligns with broader efforts to recalibrate state control over assets and may precede restructuring within the aerospace sector. No implementation timeline or further operational guidance was provided in the draft publication.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Government Sets 2026 Reserve at 500 Billion Tenge, Allocates 285 Billion for Presidential Initiatives

Published: 2025-08-30

The draft 2026–2028 republican budget sets a 500 billion tenge government reserve for 2026, with 285 billion tenge earmarked specifically for presidential initiatives, according to state media. The reserve functions as a contingency buffer for priority programs and unforeseen needs, while the dedicated tranche for presidential initiatives signals continued funding for flagship projects and policy rollouts. For businesses and investors, the sizing of these reserves suggests predictable fiscal space for executive-led development agendas and potential rapid-response measures. Detailed allocation mechanisms and sectoral breakdowns were not disclosed in the brief, but the figures indicate a material share of discretionary resources concentrated at the center of government to support policy execution and macro-stability across the 2026 horizon.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Economy

China Trade Hits $44B as Agro Shipments to Chinese Market Rise 10% in 2024

Published: 2025-08-30

Bilateral commerce between China and Kazakhstan reached $44 billion in 2024, reinforcing China’s status as Astana’s largest trading partner and expanding cooperation in logistics, energy, agriculture, and high-tech. Agricultural exports to China increased 10%, led by vegetables, grains, corn, and cotton. Beijing-linked investors are signaling interest in deep processing projects in Kazakhstan, which could diversify exports and add local value, while supporting regional food security goals. The momentum suggests more cross-border projects across transport corridors and supply chains, with agriculture a key pillar of Kazakhstan’s diversification strategy.

"Despite global economic headwinds, our trade has grown significantly, reaching a historic $44 billion in 2024. China has strengthened its position as our largest trade and economic partner." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (egemen.kz)

"Chinese investors are keen to implement deep-processing projects for agricultural products in Kazakhstan." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (egemen.kz)

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Exchange Bureaus List Updated FX Rates in Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent as Central Bank Posts Official Fixings

Published: 2025-08-30

Exchange points in Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent published updated buy/sell rates for the U.S. dollar, euro, and Russian ruble, while the National Bank of Kazakhstan released its official rates for 30 August 2025. The market quotes from exchange bureaus offer a real-time snapshot of street-level pricing, which can diverge from the central bank’s daily fixings due to intraday volatility and local liquidity conditions. Such spreads typically widen during periods of heightened demand for cash foreign currency or when wholesale interbank liquidity tightens. Comparing bureau rates with the National Bank’s benchmark helps businesses time conversions and manage operating costs, especially for payrolls, imports, and travel. No officials provided commentary in the cited reports, and detailed numerical spreads were not disclosed in the summaries available.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Chinese Investment Tops $27 Billion with 6,000 Firms Active, President Highlights Tech and Industrial Upgrades

Published: 2025-08-30

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said Chinese enterprises have invested over $27 billion in Kazakhstan since 2005, with nearly 6,000 China-backed companies currently operating. He emphasized their role in technology transfer and industrial modernization, particularly in energy, transport-logistics, and agriculture, sectors central to bilateral economic integration. The scale suggests deepening ties under broader regional connectivity and resource development agendas, with implications for supply chains, job creation, and diversification of Kazakhstan’s economy. Tokayev framed the partnership as a long-term commitment to modernization and employment growth, signaling continuity in attracting Chinese capital to priority sectors.

"They are giving momentum to our country’s technological development and contributing to industrial modernization. Such partnership opens the way to new jobs and economic diversification. We will continue this in the future." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (egemen.kz)

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Rental Listings Heat Up Before School Year as Landlords Test Higher Prices

Published: 2025-08-30

The end of summer typically tightens Kazakhstan’s rental market, with a fresh influx of students moving to major cities and landlords adjusting prices upward. Inform.kz reports renewed activity ahead of the academic year, particularly in larger urban centers such as Almaty and Astana, where student demand historically drives short-term spikes and faster turnover of budget units. For prospective tenants, especially newcomers, this period often means limited supply in entry-level segments and the need to commit quickly or expand search areas. Landlords, in turn, capitalize on seasonal demand to reset rates and terms. Market watchers generally expect price volatility to ease after the initial September surge as listings stabilize, though affordability pressures may persist in university districts and near transit corridors. No official guidance or price caps were announced in the report.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Draft Budget Sets Minimum Wage at 85,000 Tenge for 2026

Published: 2025-08-30

Kazakhstan’s Finance Ministry has released a draft budget for 2026–2028 that sets the minimum monthly wage at 85,000 tenge starting next year. The disclosure came as the ministry opened the draft for public discussion, signaling the start of the budget cycle that will determine spending priorities and social benchmarks through 2028. While detailed fiscal assumptions and accompanying social payments were not provided in the brief announcement, the move indicates continued adjustments to wage floors in line with inflation and labor market conditions. International employers should watch for associated changes in payroll costs and potential ripple effects on public-sector wage grids and social contributions once the full budget package and explanatory notes are published and debated in parliament. No official quotes were included in the announcement.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Tenge Deposit Rates Hold High as Inflation Steadies; Short-Term Savings Lead Returns

Published: 2025-08-30

Kazakhstan Deposit Insurance Fund reports no major changes in August deposit rates after the National Bank’s base rate rose to 16.5% in spring. Sight deposits hover near policy rate, with one large bank trimming to 15.3% and a new entrant offering 15.5%. For term deposits, peak offers are 18.0% (3 months), 17.0% (6 months), and 15.0% (12 months), while savings products without top‑ups deliver the highest short‑tenor yields up to 19.0% for 3–6 months. Variable-rate deposits remain niche, offered by two banks with an effective 15.9%. With July inflation at 11.8%, authorities argue real returns are positive, but analysts caution on long horizons and recommend flexibility.

"Locking in tenge yields long term is risky now; use 3–6 month instruments and switch when better terms appear." - B. Ziyabekov, financial analyst (egemen.kz)

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Price Check on Frozen Dumplings and Cutlets Across Major Cities

Published: 2025-08-30

Inform.kz reports a comparative snapshot of retail prices for popular semi-finished foods—pelmeni (dumplings), manty, and cutlets—across cities nationwide. The brief indicates variation by location, reflecting differences in supply chains, local demand, and retailer pricing strategies. While specific city-by-city figures were not detailed in the excerpt, the focus suggests ongoing consumer interest in budget-friendly convenience foods and potential inflationary pressures in processed meat products. For businesses monitoring food costs, the comparison hints at uneven price dynamics between regions, relevant for procurement planning and retail positioning. No official comments or policy statements accompanied the pricing overview.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

KAMAZ-Engineering Marks 20 Years, Highlighting Kazakhstan’s Heavy Machinery Capacity

Published: 2025-08-30

KAMAZ-Engineering JSC celebrated its 20th anniversary on 19 August 2025, a milestone framed as significant for the domestic machine-building sector, according to Zakon.kz. The company’s longevity underscores sustained localization of heavy vehicle assembly and maintenance in Kazakhstan through a Russian-Kazakh joint venture model. For industry watchers, the anniversary signals continuity in the country’s ability to produce and support world-class equipment despite shifting regional supply chains and technology partnerships. The event serves as a reminder of the role large machinery manufacturers play in industrial diversification, workforce training, and after-sales networks across mining, logistics, and public services. While new production or export targets were not disclosed, the anniversary positions KAMAZ-Engineering as a stable platform for potential upgrades, component localization, and regional service expansion, relevant to contractors and fleet operators planning medium-term capital investments.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Diplomacy

China Daily Publishes Tokayev Op-Ed Highlighting SCO Role and Expanding Sino-Kazakh Partnership

Published: 2025-08-30

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined a broad agenda for deepening ties with China in an op-ed for China Daily, underscoring alignment within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and a rapidly growing economic relationship, with bilateral trade reported at $44 billion. He framed the relationship as historically rooted and increasingly strategic across economy, politics, and culture, citing the 1,700-km shared border as a symbol of trust. The message signals continuity in Kazakhstan’s multi-vector diplomacy and Beijing’s importance for trade corridors, investment, and energy, as well as coordination in multilateral forums like the SCO. The China Daily placement targets a global policy audience and reinforces momentum ahead of potential high-level exchanges.

"Our centuries-old good-neighborly relations are built on mutual trust, support, and understanding; today this friendship has become a model of strategic partnership and inter-state cooperation." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (egemen.kz)

"High-level visits and active political dialogue strengthen the spirit of an eternal and comprehensive strategic partnership." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (egemen.kz)

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Tokayev, Xi Reaffirm ‘All-Round, Permanent’ Partnership with Push on Trade, Logistics, AI and Energy

Published: 2025-08-30

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Tianjin for the SCO summit and held talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, underscoring momentum in a relationship both sides call an “all-round and permanent strategic partnership.” Discussions prioritized expanding trade beyond the record USD 44 billion in 2023, accelerating projects in transport corridors, energy, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and agriculture, and deepening cultural ties, including new Lu Ban Lab branches and a planned Kazakhstan culture center in Beijing. The engagement follows May’s China–Central Asia summit and aligns with regional supply-chain shifts involving Middle Corridor routes. Xi framed ties as resilient to geopolitical volatility, while Tokayev backed China’s SCO chairmanship and commemorations of WWII victory, signaling close coordination on multilateral agendas.

"International dynamics notwithstanding, China and Kazakhstan can always rely on each other as strategic partners." - President Xi Jinping (inform.kz)

"We fully support your country’s chairmanship of the SCO and are actively engaged in discussions on the agenda." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (aikyn.kz)

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Finnish Nuclear Regulator Engagement Advances Bilateral Cooperation on Safety and Waste Management

Published: 2025-08-30

A Kazakh delegation led by Vice Chairman G.E. Sergazin of the Atomic Energy Agency visited Finland’s Olkiluoto nuclear power plant and held a dedicated meeting with the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). Discussions focused on state regulation of nuclear energy use, the role of independent oversight, and future bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized exchanging expertise and aligning national regulation with high international standards. The visit showcased Olkiluoto’s advanced safety technologies and Finland’s deep geological repositories, including a 400-meter underground used nuclear fuel facility, the first of its kind globally. The parties agreed to sign a memorandum of further cooperation during the Finnish President’s planned visit to Kazakhstan this autumn, signaling momentum toward strengthened regulatory frameworks and knowledge transfer for Kazakhstan’s developing nuclear sector.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Business Delegation Planned as Pakistan, Kazakhstan Revive Chamber-Level Cooperation

Published: 2025-08-30

Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, held an interactive session at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) headquarters, aligning business groups on deepening B2B cooperation. The meeting, joined by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, reviewed avenues for trade, investment, and sectoral partnerships, with tourism singled out as a priority for Pakistan’s private sector. The Kazakh Embassy outlined ongoing efforts to create conditions for cross-border dealmaking and to expand commercial ties. As a tangible outcome, FPCCI agreed to send a business delegation to Kazakhstan to explore opportunities and establish contacts, signaling renewed momentum in chamber-to-chamber engagement that could translate into near-term matchmaking, site visits, and sectoral MoUs.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Ottawa Roundtable Advances Kazakhstan–Canada Cooperation on Peaceful Nuclear Energy and Security

Published: 2025-08-30

Kazakhstan and Canada deepened dialogue on nuclear disarmament and civilian atomic energy at a hybrid “Kazakhstan–Canada Nuclear Dialogue” roundtable hosted at the Canadian Senate, timed to the International Day against Nuclear Tests. Officials, lawmakers, think tanks, and business representatives discussed strengthening nonproliferation norms, technical cooperation, and adopting higher nuclear safety standards. Speakers included Togzhan Kassenova (University at Albany), Peggy Mason (Rideau Institute), Adilzhan Serikov (Kazakh Institute of Nuclear Physics), and Morgan Brown (Canadian Nuclear Heritage Preservation Society). Kazakhstan outlined long-term energy security plans, including constructing three nuclear power plants, and highlighted potential for joint projects using advanced Canadian technologies. The long-running uranium partnership with Cameco was cited as a model for mining-sector collaboration. Participants voiced support for Kazakhstan’s nuclear initiatives and signaled intent to expand peaceful nuclear cooperation.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Infrastructure

Almaty Defers Al-Farabi Avenue Gas Pipeline Upgrade to Summer 2026 to Ease School-Year Traffic

Published: 2025-08-30

"The existing medium-pressure underground gas pipeline was commissioned in 1974, so its modernization is mandatory." - Almaty Akimat press service (zakon.kz)

Almaty authorities have postponed reconstruction of the underground gas pipeline along Al-Farabi Avenue, citing the imminent start of the school year and the high concentration of schools and kindergartens in the area. Officials warned roadworks would exacerbate congestion on one of the city’s busiest corridors. The pipeline, in service for 51 years, requires renewal and is now scheduled for summer 2026, when vehicle traffic typically declines. The deferral aims to balance infrastructure risk management with mobility needs during peak commuting periods. Businesses and residents along Al-Farabi should anticipate planning for construction-related disruptions next summer season in 2026 and possible interim maintenance to ensure safety until full reconstruction begins.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Middle Corridor Gains Momentum with Rail Upgrade and New Logistics Hubs

Published: 2025-08-30

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted accelerating development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), positioning the route as the shortest, more resilient freight link between China, Central Asia, and Europe. Kazakhstan is reinforcing its role as a primary transit hub with a second track added on the Dostyk–Moynty rail section in 2024, expected to expand China–Europe throughput fivefold. Recent infrastructure milestones include the launch of a Sino-Kazakh trade and logistics center in Xi’an and completion of a container hub at Aktau port, enhancing multimodal capacity across the Caspian. Tokayev underscored the corridor’s wider regional impact beyond bilateral trade, signaling continued policy focus on transit diversification and Eurasian supply-chain reliability.

"The development of the Trans-Caspian, or Middle Corridor, is the result of our joint efforts… the shortest and more sustainable route for uninterrupted cargo between China, Central Asia, and Europe." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (egemen.kz)

"In 2024, the additional rail line on the Dostyk–Moynty section will allow five times more cargo to be shipped via the China–Europe corridor through our territory." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (egemen.kz)

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

UNDP to Advise IDB-Funded Buildout of Reservoirs and Irrigation Infrastructure

Published: 2025-08-30

The Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) discussed a project to expand and modernize water infrastructure, with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) engaged as international advisor. The initial phase includes construction of four new reservoirs, reconstruction of four existing reservoirs, and rehabilitation of 115 canals. The government has updated legislation, set up a dedicated institution, and allocated funding to strengthen water resources management, signaling a push to improve irrigation efficiency and climate resilience in agriculture and regions prone to water stress. Engagement by UNDP is intended to elevate project design and implementation standards and facilitate best practices.

"UNDP’s involvement will take the project to a new level... Now it’s important to complete what we’ve started effectively. We can deliver on the cooperation concept’s objectives." - Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation (egemen.kz)

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Turkistan Region Accelerates Village Gasification with 80 Projects and 2027 Target

Published: 2025-08-30

Turkistan region is expanding natural gas access through 80 funded projects in 2024, with construction on 46 sites in 37 settlements due this year and 34 more in 2025. Authorities aim to connect all consumers in newly piped areas before the heating season; Governor Nuralkhan Kosherov ordered timely completion and rapid remediation of defects.

"Ensure full connection of households in piped settlements before the autumn-winter heating season, finish facilities on time, and promptly correct identified deficiencies." - Governor Nuralkhan Kosherov (egemen.kz)

Recent connections include three villages in Maktaaral district, raising district coverage to 75% with full coverage planned by end-2025. Kentaū reports 87.2% of 18,063 subscribers connected, supported by the 2021 AGDS No.14 with ample capacity for growth. Arys’s Zhideli joined the grid, with Akqala next. By year-end, 37 settlements (about 73,000 residents) are set to be connected, contributing to a broader plan to reach 600 settlements (1.9 million residents) and ultimately 765 settlements by 2027.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Pavlodar Plans 109 Billion Tenge in Utility Upgrades by 2026 to Cut Network Wear

Published: 2025-08-30

Pavlodar Region plans to implement 109 billion tenge (about USD 240 million) in investment projects across the municipal utilities sector by 2026, aiming to reduce network deterioration by 3%. The program targets aging infrastructure—likely water, heat, and power distribution—which is a persistent issue in many Kazakhstani regions due to Soviet-era assets and underinvestment. A 3% reduction in wear suggests incremental modernization rather than wholesale replacement, but it signals a pipeline of tenders and procurement for engineering services, materials, and equipment. For businesses, the timeline implies staged works through 2026, potential service interruptions during upgrades, and opportunities in EPC contracting, pipeline and grid rehabilitation, and metering. Authorities will be judged on execution quality and whether the investment meaningfully lowers losses and improves service reliability.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Ministry Plans 142 km Overhaul of Bozoy Water Pipeline to Supply Almaty Region Villages

Published: 2025-08-30

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is moving to reconstruct the 142 km Bozoy group water pipeline to stabilize potable water supply for the villages of Aydarly, Akshi, and Bozoy in Almaty Region, as well as nearby farms. The plan follows a public reception hosted by the AMANAT party where residents from Akshi raised long-standing repair delays. The Ile District Akimat has prepared design and cost documentation under a memorandum with Kazsushar’s Alatau branch. Once the district submits a budget request, the ministry will review financing and implementation. The project targets chronic maintenance gaps and aims to secure rural water security in a fast-growing peri-urban corridor near Almaty, with the administrative steps signaling potential near-term budget allocation and tendering.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Society

Moscow to Pilot App-Based Residency Registration for Visa-Free Nationals from September 2025

Published: 2025-08-30

Russia will launch an experimental residency registration system in the Moscow region from 1 September 2025 for citizens of several visa-free countries, according to Kazakhstan’s Embassy in Moscow. The pilot, conducted under federal law, is intended to replace the current migration registration procedure and will require users to register their location via the “Amina” mobile application. The move signals a shift toward digital oversight of foreign residents in the capital region. For Kazakh citizens and other visa-free nationals staying in Moscow, compliance with app-based check-ins could become mandatory, altering arrival routines and employer onboarding processes. Authorities aim to streamline data collection and tighten migration control, while stakeholders will need clarity on data privacy, enforcement, and how the pilot integrates with existing employer and landlord notification duties.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Mass Amnesty Marks Constitution’s 30th Anniversary, Prioritizes Vulnerable Offenders

Published: 2025-08-30

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed an amnesty law granting leniency to over 15,000 offenders to mark the Constitution’s 30th anniversary, with about 2,000 to be released and the rest receiving reduced sentences. Eligibility covers minor and medium-gravity offenses, prioritizing women with children, the elderly, and minors.

"Only those who committed less serious and medium-gravity crimes will be amnestied, with priority for socially vulnerable groups such as women with children, the elderly, and minors." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (aikyn.kz)

Lawmakers frame the measure as part of a broader humanization of criminal policy and prison decongestion, aligning with UN Mandela Rules and European standards. MP Abzal Kuspan called it the most extensive amnesty in independent history, surpassing 2006, 2012, 2016, and 2021 rounds. Implementation has begun, with regional variations in projected beneficiaries. Authorities emphasize probation support, employment assistance, housing, and psycho-social services to reduce recidivism and aid reintegration.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Guidelines Outlined for Taking a Child into Guardianship or Custody

Published: 2025-08-30

Inform.kz reports that authorities highlight guardianship and custody as the most accessible route to provide family-based care for children without parental supervision in the country. The piece explains the mechanisms available to place such children with families, emphasizing that guardianship/custody is the most common option and detailing the procedural steps applicants must follow with local guardianship authorities. While specifics such as eligibility criteria, required documents, and timelines are typically governed by national child protection regulations and overseen by municipal guardianship bodies, the article underscores the government’s push for family-based solutions over institutional care. This framework aims to streamline placements, ensure oversight, and support children’s social integration through stable family environments. No direct official statements are quoted in the article.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Environment

Almaty Signs $280M Waste-to-Energy Deal with China’s Junxin, Targeting 60 MW Output

Published: 2025-08-30

Almaty city authorities signed an investment agreement with China’s Junxin Environmental Protection to build Kazakhstan’s first waste-to-energy plant, designed to process 1,600–2,000 tons of waste per day and generate 60 MW of electricity. The $280 million project will deploy multi-stage emissions control to meet EU environmental standards and includes capacity to treat municipal, medical, and sewage-sludge waste. City officials say Almaty produces about 1 million tons of solid waste annually; the plant aims to sharply reduce landfill use while supplying power and heat. Construction will create about 700 temporary jobs and over 120 permanent roles upon launch. The plant will also host training and public awareness functions and data processing on renewable energy. Authorities frame the project as a national pilot that could be replicated across regions.

"The new innovative plant will significantly cut landfill volumes and improve the environmental situation." - Darhan Satybaldy, Almaty Akim (dknews.kz)

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Syr Darya Water Shortage Drives Crop Shift and Irrigation Overhaul in Kyzylorda

Published: 2025-08-30

Kyzylorda region is intensifying water-saving measures as Syr Darya levels continue to fall, threatening irrigation for rice and other crops. Authorities say 189.6 thousand hectares were planted this season, including 80.9 thousand hectares of rice under a government roadmap, with a total irrigation limit of 3.9 billion cubic meters—3.7 billion already delivered via canals. Officials are deploying 57 pump stations to reuse drainage water, expanding drip and sprinkler irrigation, and promoting a crop shift from water-intensive rice to vegetables, melons, and potatoes to bolster food security. Laser leveling now covers 60 thousand hectares; water-saving technologies doubled to 8,100 hectares. Cross-border flows remain a constraint due to upstream use in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, underscoring the need for stronger regional water agreements.

"This year a 3.9 billion cubic meter limit was set to ensure stable irrigation; to use it efficiently, 57 pump stations are reusing drainage water across the region." - Asylzhan Zharylkasynov, head of crop production and plant protection, regional agriculture department (aikyn.kz)

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Youth Craft National Climate Statement for COP-30 after Multi-Agency Forum in Almaty

Published: 2025-08-30

A climate-focused forum in Almaty gathered representatives from Nazarbayev University, Narxoz University, UNICEF, UNESCO’s regional office, UNDP, and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation to push for concrete action on climate change. Speakers emphasized moving beyond discussion to implementation, with a key outcome: a National Youth Statement on Climate will be drafted and presented at COP-30. Nazarbayev University’s Director for Sustainable Development, Professor Kanat Baigarin, underscored urgency based on decades of scientific evidence and international deliberations.

"The time to make concrete decisions on climate change has long arrived. We must move from words to action, and I want young people to understand this." - Professor Kanat Baigarin, Nazarbayev University (egemen.kz)

The youth-led statement is positioned to channel domestic perspectives into global negotiations at COP-30, signaling an effort to align national youth priorities with international climate policy discussions.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Innovation

China-Backed Luban Labs Expand to Two Major Universities Following Presidential Talks

Published: 2025-08-30

Following high-level talks between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and China’s President Xi Jinping, two additional Luban Labs opened in Kazakhstan—at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana and the Logistics and Transport Academy in Almaty. The initiative extends a China-origin vocational and technical training model focused on hands-on, industry-oriented education across sectors. It builds on the country’s first Luban Lab launched in 2023 at D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University. The expansion signals deeper education and skills cooperation with China, aiming to align engineering and technical training with market needs and infrastructure development. For universities, the labs can strengthen partnerships with industry and Chinese institutions, potentially improving graduate employability and supporting transport, logistics, and engineering projects linked to regional connectivity and industrial modernization.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Seven Public Services Moving Fully Online to Cut Paperwork and Ease Service Centers

Published: 2025-08-30

The government plans to digitize three public services in the near term and add four more by end-2025, moving a total of seven services to a fully online format. While the article does not specify which services, officials aim to eliminate paper-based processes and reduce foot traffic at Public Service Centers (ХҚКО), targeting nearly a twofold decrease in workload. The shift aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader e-government agenda to streamline administrative procedures, lower compliance costs for citizens and businesses, and shorten processing times. Full online availability could also enhance data integrity and transparency if integrated with existing platforms like eGov and mobile ID systems. Implementation details—such as service categories, legal changes needed to accept digital documents, and user support—remain to be clarified.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Industry Dialogue Pushes Digital Integration and Super‑App Adoption

Published: 2025-08-30

A business and tech forum in Almaty spotlighted priorities for strengthening the digital economy, from industrial digitization and B2B solutions to venture financing and fintech collaboration. BTS Digital presented integration options for its Aitu super‑app, positioning it as a platform for chatbots, call‑center links, and mini‑apps across public and private services.

"The future lies in technological progress, and we view Aitu’s development as one of the important steps in that direction... This is new room for growth and partnerships." - Zharkynbek Azamatov, Acting CEO, BTS Digital (aikyn.kz)

Financial sector speakers highlighted 24/7 online banking as a key outcome of digitization and framed domestic platforms as strategic.

"The set of functions already implemented can be a strong competitive base, especially against foreign alternatives. This is an important step to strengthen the country’s digital sovereignty." - Dauren Sartayev, First Deputy Chairman, Halyk Bank (aikyn.kz)

Business leaders urged “digital consumer patriotism” to back local products, including Aitu, and enhance competitiveness in global markets.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

AI-Enabled Road Cameras and Citizen Apps Expand Police Response Capabilities

Published: 2025-08-30

Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry has equipped 19,000 traffic and public-safety cameras with artificial intelligence to recognize drivers, monitor road behavior, and detect suspicious objects, integrating the system with rapid response centers to speed police deployment. Officers are being outfitted with modern tablets and smart badges to streamline operations. New digital channels for citizens include the 102 mobile app and a Law and Order service accessible via eGovMobile and second-tier banking apps, enabling one-tap incident reporting and direct contact with police. The ministry also links digitalization to improved fraud detection and public literacy, reporting 2.2 billion tenge in illicit funds identified. These upgrades indicate a broader push to fuse AI surveillance with citizen-facing tools for faster incident reporting and enforcement.

"These cameras monitor road behavior, recognize the person behind the wheel, and identify suspicious items, helping police reach the scene promptly and take action." - Interior Minister Erzhan Sadenov (egemen.kz)

"Thanks to digitalization, it became known that fraudsters illegally embezzled 2.2 billion tenge." - Interior Minister Erzhan Sadenov (egemen.kz)

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

AI-Sana Launch Makes AI Courses Mandatory Across Universities; Dorm Capacity Expanded for New Academic Year

Published: 2025-08-30

Kazakhstan’s higher education system is rolling out mandatory artificial intelligence coursework across all universities under the new AI-Sana program, aimed at embedding AI skills into every discipline and fostering tech projects and startups. Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education Gulzat Kobenova said 93 universities have adapted curricula and 20 institutions opened 25 new programs, alongside campus upgrades that include security systems and safety compliance.

"The AI-Sana program launched this year to ensure students can turn knowledge into projects valuable for society and the future economy." - Gulzat Kobenova, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education (egemen.kz)

Dorm capacity is being increased: four dorms with 3,180 beds are open, 18 more with 4,877 beds are imminent, and an additional seven with 2,219 beds are due by year-end, targeting last year’s shortages centered in Astana and Almaty.

"Apart from universities in Almaty, there is no dorm shortage in other regions this year." - Akerke Ablaikhan, Acting Chair, Higher and Postgraduate Education Committee (egemen.kz)

Universities have also established crisis and information centers, strengthened security, and expanded student support, including psychological services and integrity officers.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Health

Health Ministry Reports 19% Drop in Physician Shortages Following Training and Incentive Push

Published: 2025-08-30

Kazakhstan’s Health Ministry reports a 19% reduction in physician shortages after expanding training pipelines and introducing rural incentives. In 2025, medical universities graduated 11,626 students, with 1,333 newly minted doctors assigned to rural facilities—quadruple last year’s figure. From October 2024, 254 rural doctors in 13 high-need specialties received a one-time 8.5 million tenge payment. Overall, shortages decreased by 7% among mid-level medical staff and by 16% in rural areas. The government added 1,000 residency grants and will start training in core specialties in internship from September 1. Pediatric capacity is being strengthened with 14 residency tracks. Pre-diploma curricula now include 10 additional credits in basic subjects, and scholarships rose 20%. Internationally, a dual-degree intake begins between Karaganda Medical University and Kazan Federal University, while a Kazakhstan Medical University branch opens in Pakistan, bolstering academic reach.

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Sports

Astana Police Report 31 Scooter-Linked Traffic Accidents as School Year Nears

Published: 2025-08-30

Astana authorities recorded 31 traffic accidents involving e-scooters, with 18 attributed to minors, prompting intensified police patrols and prevention efforts near schools ahead of the new academic year. The Local Police Service is conducting targeted raids to curb risky riding behaviors, including speeding, crossing outside designated areas, and ignoring traffic lights. The focus reflects growing concern over micro-mobility safety in urban traffic flows and potential liability issues for parents and operators. Officials emphasized adherence to traffic regulations and personal responsibility as key to reducing incidents.

"Riding a scooter carries risks: speeding, crossing roads at undesignated places, and ignoring traffic signals endanger both riders and others. We urge citizens to follow traffic rules and remember that road safety depends on each person’s behavior." - Erzhan Adilbekov, Head of Astana Local Police Service (aikyn.kz)

Coverage:

Back to Table of Contents

Comments

Related

Latest