Washington, DC, December 8, 2025 – The “Atlantic Council” hosted a roundtable discussion dedicated to Kazakhstan’s potential in the field of critical minerals.The event brought together Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States Magzhan Ilyassov, Senior Director of the “Atlantic Council’s” Eurasia Center John Herbst, representatives of the U.S. Government, American development finance institutions, businesses, and the expert community.In his remarks, the Ambassador presented the key outcomes of the President of Kazakhstan’s visit to Washington, DC, and the “C5+1” Summit, including the signing commercial agreements worth over $17 billion and the conclusion of the region’s first MoU on critical minerals between Kazakhstan and the United States.Ambassador Ilyassov emphasized that the Memorandum establishes an expanded partnership framework, providing for the development of processing facilities in Kazakhstan, technology transfer, and access of Kazakh-produced goods to the U.S. market.As an example of the Memorandum’s practical implementation, the Ambassador highlighted the agreement with U.S. company “Cove Capital”, which envisages $1.1 billion in investment with the participation of American development finance institutions to support the production of high value-added goods in Kazakhstan.Participants received detailed information on Kazakhstan’s favorable investment climate, including recent amendments to subsoil-use legislation aimed at enhancing transparency and openness of licensing procedures.A representative of the national company “Kazakh Invest” presented around 50 ready-to-implement investment projects based on confirmed reserves of critical minerals and offering strong investment potential.The event concluded with a Q&A session, during which participants reaffirmed their strong interest in deepening cooperation with Kazakhstan in the critical minerals sector, noted the significant potential for bilateral engagement, and expressed readiness for further joint work.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-washington/press/news/details/1122348?lang=kk

On December 8-9 of this year, the First Republican Forum of Student Assemblies was held, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The event was attended by Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov, Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan Marat Azilkhanov, representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, leaders of the organization "Assembly of Zhastars", heads of student assemblies of universities and colleges of the country. The Forum has become a platform for sharing experiences and promoting new opportunities for the student community, as well as for strengthening unity and harmony among students. To date, more than 100 student assemblies have been established in Kazakhstan at universities and colleges, which actively participate in the activities of the Zhastary Assembly organization and contribute to the formation of future leaders of the country. In Kostanay region, young people receive comprehensive support: real conditions are created for their development and self-realization. Following the instructions of the Head of State, over the past three years, 27 educational facilities, 35 sports facilities, 37 health facilities, 6 cultural facilities have been built in the region, more than 4,000 jobs have been created, and housing has been commissioned in 15,000 apartments. Government programs on preferential housing purchase are being implemented to support young people. Since 2022, the Kostanai Zhastary program has been in operation, for which about 6 billion tenge has been allocated — thanks to it, 344 families of working youth celebrated housewarming. Otbasy Bank will continue to issue preferential loans in the amount of 1 billion tenge allocated this year. Additional education for young people is provided by open Higher Schools of mechanical engineering, metallurgy and mining, economics and construction, energy and information systems. Already, 55-70% of workers in new industries are young people under the age of 35, and this trend will only intensify in the future. Akim of the region Kumar Aksakalov noted: "The future of Kazakhstan is in the hands of talented and patriotic youth. We must create all the conditions for their energy, creativity and desire for development to benefit society and find practical implementation." The first Republican Forum of Student Assemblies in Kostanay provided participants with valuable experience, new knowledge and motivation for further work in the student community, and also became an incentive to strengthen student government throughout the country.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1122341?lang=kk

On December 6, 2025, the Altai Alps ski resort held the festive Opening Ceremony of the 2025–2026 Winter Tourism Season. The event brought together numerous guests, outdoor enthusiasts, tourists, and industry representatives.Visitors enjoyed a rich and diverse program, including concert performances, artisan master classes, a craft fair, dog-sled rides, an archery range, themed photo zones with huskies and a berkutchi (eagle hunter), product tastings, and a food court. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by animators and costumed characters.A key highlight of the event was the mass downhill run of athletes carrying the Flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan, symbolizing the official start of the winter season. Following this, the Akim of East Kazakhstan Region delivered a welcoming speech and presented letters of appreciation to representatives of the regional tourism sector.Throughout the day, guests took part in contests, prize draws from partners, artistic performances, musical blocks, as well as mass skiing and snowboarding activities.Artisan master classes, market stalls, thematic photo zones, and hot food stations were available. Every visitor found something to enjoy—from sports activities to family-friendly entertainment.The festive opening marked a bright start to the winter season and created a memorable atmosphere that brought together the culture, sport, and tourism of East Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tourism-vko/press/news/details/1122309?lang=kk

A working meeting on the road infrastructure of the Bereke microdistrict was held today. According to calculations, in the future the population of the district will reach 20 thousand people, while more than half of the territory is already inhabited. The main problem is the insufficient capacity of existing roads.The authorities reported that a fundamental decision was made this year to temporarily suspend construction and make adjustments to the project. The main goal is to adapt the transport scheme to the actual load and ensure safe and convenient movement.According to the updated parameters, the width of individual streets will be increased: from 4 to 7 meters, from 6 to 7 meters, and in key directions — from 6 to 14 meters. It is also planned to build a new street behind the Zhaily Mektep school, transfer and dismantle part of the fences to optimize flows, create parking and entrances to the school under construction. The decisions on the organization of traffic at the junction between Kostanay Plaza and the Tobyl Arena will be reviewed.The project adjustment should cover all necessary technical solutions. The state examination is scheduled for March 2026. After its completion, a phased expansion of the main streets will begin in sync with the construction of residential buildings.In addition, the authorities promise to ensure full-fledged landscaping of the territory. It is planned to complete all the work by the end of next year.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1122274?lang=kk

       The State Revenue Committee clarifies the procedure for taxation of income of foreign companies derived from the provision of services outside the Republic of Kazakhstan.According to the Tax Code, a non-resident is obliged to pay tax in Kazakhstan if it derives income from sources in the Republic of Kazakhstan.The list of such income is defined by Article 644 of the Tax Code.Income from sources in Kazakhstan includes:  works and services performed in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan (subparagraph 2) paragraph 1 of Article 644);    management, financial, consulting, engineering, marketing, audit and legal services provided by a non-resident outside Kazakhstan (subparagraph 3) paragraph 1 of Article 644).If the activities of the non-resident do not result in the formation of a permanent establishment in the Republic of Kazakhstan, such income:     is subject to corporate income tax withheld at source (CIT at source),     without deductions,    at the rate of 20%.The tax is withheld by the customer company in Kazakhstan acting as a tax agent.Pursuant to subparagraph 11) paragraph 9 of Article 645 of the Tax Code, income from works and services performed entirely outside Kazakhstan is not subject to taxation, except for the income specified in subparagraphs 3), 4) and 5) of paragraph 1 of Article 644 of the Tax Code.That is:✔ if a non-resident provides services only abroad;✔ and such services do not fall under the special categories specified in the Tax Code;→ such income is not subject to taxation in Kazakhstan.What does this mean for business?     Foreign companies operating in Kazakhstan or providing services to Kazakhstani customers must consider where the services are actually performed.      If the services are performed in Kazakhstan, the customer withholds tax at source.     If the services are provided entirely outside Kazakhstan and the income from such services does not relate to the special types of income specified in subparagraphs 3), 4) and 5) of paragraph 1 of Article 644 of the Tax Code, the tax is not applied.     These rules ensure clarity, prevent double taxation and promote fair business practices.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1122296?lang=kk