Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1136138?lang=kk

On January 1, the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Arman Shakkaliyev, monitored retail chains in the capital. The minister visited the major retail chains Small, Magnum, and Anvar.Retail chains opened at 10:00 AM today. The Minister of Trade, one of the first visitors, paid special attention to price stability, shelf availability, and product selection."We specifically monitored retail chains on January 1. Our goal was to ensure price stability today. There are no changes or shortages. In anticipation of the New Year, we jointly held the 'Bereke Fest' promotion with retail chains. Retail chains continue to offer various discounts. Shelves are fully stocked. This stable situation should be maintained in all retail outlets," Shakkaliyev noted.During a meeting with representatives of retail chains, the minister instructed them to ensure price stability and prevent unjustified price increases. He also reiterated that markups on socially important food products are systematically monitored.At the Minister's direction, similar monitoring activities are being actively conducted in the regions by trade and consumer protection departments, in conjunction with local akimats. It should be noted that prices for socially important food products have remained stable over the past six weeks. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1136135?lang=kk

Within the framework of the environmental program "Taza Kazakhstan", projects on improvement and improvement of the quality of urban and rural environment are being actively implemented in Kostanay region.Since the beginning of the year, 80 squares and parks have been landscaped in the region, 164 playgrounds and sports grounds have been built, and 108 apartment buildings have been renovated. 143.9 thousand green spaces were planted, 8.5 thousand street lamps were installed.The Taza Kazakhstan program has become an effective tool for positive changes in the region. Thanks to its implementation, not only the regional center is being transformed, but also cities, districts and rural settlements. So, on 13 sites where previously there were empty territories, unauthorized landfills, abandoned and unattended houses, well-maintained parks, squares, alleys and public spaces have appeared today.The ongoing work is aimed at creating a comfortable, clean and safe environment for residents and will be continued in the future.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1136129?lang=kk

December 31, 2025Dear Colleagues,As of 1 January 2026, the Republic of Kazakhstan assumes the Chairmanship of the bodies of the Eurasian Economic Union.The outgoing year has been a milestone year for the Eurasian Economic Union. We have confidently entered the second decade of development of our integration association. Despite the global upheavals of recent years, our countries continue to demonstrate positive economic dynamics.Our shared task for the coming period is to enhance the effectiveness of integration and to strengthen the potential and relevance of the EAEU.Starting in 2026, the Declaration on the Further Development of Economic Processes within the Eurasian Economic Union until 2030 and for the period up to 2045, entitled “The Eurasian Economic Path,” will enter the implementation phase. The goals and objectives set out in this strategic document will be accorded priority attention.During its Chairmanship of the Eurasian Economic Union bodies, the Republic of Kazakhstan proposes to focus on the following key areas.1. Artificial Intelligence as a New Instrument for Advancing Economic IntegrationThe world has entered a new historical era that opens up unprecedented opportunities while simultaneously generating new challenges, including growing technological inequality.According to analysts, global investment in the development of artificial intelligence has exceeded one trillion US dollars in recent years, and AI’s contribution to the global economy in the coming decades may surpass ten trillion US dollars.Our task is to channel new technologies for the benefit of our peoples and to transform them into a key driver of Eurasian economic integration.Already today, artificial intelligence technologies are successfully addressing the forecasting of trade flows and accurately assessing the impact of customs duties and trade agreements on the economic development of states.The Republic of Kazakhstan has set itself a strategic objective of becoming a fully digital nation. Government initiatives such as the Alem.ai Center in Astana and the CryptoCity pilot zone in Alatau demonstrate our readiness to actively develop a digital ecosystem.Kazakhstan is open to sharing knowledge and experience with EAEU partners in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital regulation, and economic transformation. Through joint efforts, we will be able to adapt more effectively to new technological realities.We propose that, on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Forum to be held in Astana in 2026, a Joint Statement on the Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence within the EAEU be signed.This document is intended to define a new vector of cooperation in the digital transformation of our economies.2. Eurasia as a Logistics Hub: From Potential to LeadershipThe Eurasian Economic Union is a geopolitical bridge between East and West, North and South. Key transit routes pass through the territories of our countries. In this regard, we must pursue a shared objective — to become the leading logistics hub on the continent.To achieve this, urgent measures are required to improve transport, logistics, and customs infrastructure; to develop international transport corridors and multimodal transportation; and to ensure close cooperation among major logistics companies of the EAEU and third countries.The introduction of intelligent systems and the use of big data will make it possible to create “seamless” logistics. Cargo should move across the territories of EAEU member states as swiftly as possible, without unnecessary delays or bureaucratic hurdles.Kazakhstan is actively advancing in this direction. The Smart Cargo pilot project has been launched, and documentation is being transitioned to electronic formats. The platform is also open for integration with the systems of our partners in EAEU member states.Within the EAEU, we propose establishing an integrated AI-based cargo flow management system.Such a platform would reduce delivery times and financial costs while enhancing the competitiveness of Eurasian corridors. We propose joining efforts among EAEU member states to form a unified transport framework embedded in global supply chains.3. A Technological Leap: Digitalization of Industry and the Agro-Industrial ComplexIndustry and the agro-industrial complex form the economic foundation of EAEU member states.Our common objective is to expand and deepen cooperation in order to produce goods that are competitive at the global level.Within the EAEU, mechanisms for financing cooperative projects in both industry and agriculture have already been established. First and foremost, resources should be directed toward breakthrough innovative projects.It is important that every enterprise and farm be motivated to adopt digital solutions and artificial intelligence. This requires the creation of demonstration centers, the development of automation-focused startups, and the establishment of competence centers.The Eurasian Economic Commission should provide active support to breakthrough initiatives.4. Barrier-Free Trade as a Fundamental Principle of the EAEUIt is essential to eliminate the practice of creating administrative barriers.All artificial restrictions that hinder trade and the development of individual sectors, bans on the movement of citizens, and queues of freight transport at borders must become a thing of the past.Customs regulation and other forms of state control — transport, sanitary, veterinary, and phytosanitary — must not be used as instruments of pressure on the governments of EAEU member states.The EAEU has adopted numerous documents providing for the creation of a barrier-free environment. It is crucial to strictly comply with the obligations undertaken and to prevent violations. This is the responsibility of the Eurasian Economic Commission.To promptly identify potential barriers, we propose leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to monitor legislative initiatives of member states.5. A New Geography of Trade: Global DialogueThe EAEU should continue to actively expand economic cooperation with external partners.In 2025, Free Trade Agreements were signed with Mongolia and Indonesia, as well as an Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates. These are tangible results of the joint efforts of the member states and the Commission.Looking ahead, it is advisable to expand EAEU relations with countries of the Global South, the Arab world, Southeast Asia, and Africa, as well as with reputable regional integration blocs.****Economic integration is a vital instrument designed to ensure tangible outcomes of cooperation within the EAEU: the creation of new production facilities and modern jobs, the introduction of advanced technologies, and the formation of a free trade environment.During its Chairmanship, the Republic of Kazakhstan intends to contribute to the maximum extent possible to the implementation of the tasks outlined in this agenda.I am confident that only through joint efforts can we achieve our stated objectives, ensure the dynamic development of the economies of EAEU member states, and strengthen the overall potential of our integration association.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ottawa/press/news/details/1136071?lang=kk

Muscat, December 31, 2025 - A roundtable discussion titled «The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana as a Model for Sustainable Interfaith Dialogue» was held, bringing together religious leaders, diplomats, experts, and representatives of the Omani media.The event was attended by Sheikh Ahmad bin Saud bin Said Al-Siyabi, Secretary General of the Office of the Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman, who previously participated in the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in 2022. Also present was the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Sultanate of Oman, Abdusalom Khatamov, along with members of expert and analytical circles.In his remarks, Ambassador A.Tumatov provided an overview of the history of the Congress, outlined the key stages of its development, and focused in detail on the main outcomes of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held on September 17–18, 2025.Sheikh Ahmad Al-Siyabi shared warm recollections of his participation in the VII Congress, emphasizing that the forum in Astana has firmly established itself as a respected and authoritative international platform for promoting interfaith dialogue, mutual trust, and a culture of peace. He noted that the Congress clearly demonstrates that religion can and should serve as a source of creativity, harmony, and peaceful coexistence.Other participants also highlighted the unique experience of the Astana Religious Forum in organizing interfaith dialogue. In particular, they pointed to the similarities between the approaches of Kazakhstan and Oman in promoting peace, harmony, and intercivilizational understanding, as well as both countries’ shared commitment to the principles of tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.In conclusion, participants expressed their confidence that the continued development of such dialogue based on mutual respect, responsibility, and a collective search for solutions—constitutes an important contribution to strengthening global stability and mutual understanding.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-muscat/press/news/details/1136073?lang=kk