The technical launch of the largest indoor water park in Kazakhstan took place in Kostanay. The new facility is becoming part of the region’s emerging tourism infrastructure and is expected to give a new impetus to the development of domestic tourism.Kumart Aksakalov, the akim of the Kostanay Region, took part in the opening ceremony. According to him, the new facility should become part of the modern urban environment and expand the opportunities for recreation for the region’s residents.“The Head of State consistently pays attention to creating a comfortable urban environment, developing modern infrastructure, and ensuring high‑quality recreation for citizens.” “Our goal is to create conditions so that residents, from children and young people to the older generation, can spend their free time in a high‑quality way without having to leave the region,” said Kumar Aksakalov.The two‑storey complex covers an area of more than 9,000 sq. m and will be able to accommodate up to 500 visitors at the same time. For a region with a long cold season, it is crucial that the facility will operate year‑round. The water park will start operating for visitors in September 2026.At the center of the complex is a water area with seven pools, with a total area of about 1,500 square meters. It includes a wave pool with artificial waves, a children’s area, “Aquatonic,” and water attractions.“Octopus” will become not only a place for family recreation but also a new city landmark capable of attracting guests to Kostanay from all over the country and neighboring countries. The facility is expected to become one of the key features of the regional center’s tourism offering.Along with the development of tourism infrastructure, a modern and comfortable urban environment is gradually taking shape in Kostanay. New points of attraction are emerging: the triathlon park, the central square, and the park on the territory of A. Baitursynuly University; parks and squares are being improved, and avenues, walking, sports, and recreational areas are being created.At the same time, modern hotel infrastructure is being developed in Kostanay. Hotel complexes of international brands Marriott, Novotel, and Holiday Inn will be built in the city. As the head of the region noted, the growth of business activity and the arrival of new investors are increasing the demand for modern accommodation facilities. Taken together, such projects expand opportunities for recreation, social interaction, and self‑realization among young people, creating a more comfortable environment for living and working in the region.“Along with economic development and the launch of new factories and plants, it is necessary to create conditions for a comfortable life for people and meaningful family recreation. The Kostanay Region should have more unique facilities that are interesting both for residents and for visitors to the region. One such place will be our largest indoor water park in the country,” the regional akim noted.The opening of “Octopus” in this sense goes beyond the scope of a single facility. It complements the tourism offer of the Kostanay region and creates a new reason to visit the region, strengthening the role of the regional center as a point of attraction for tourists from different regions of the country.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1278425?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1278421?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1278408?lang=ru

On August 22, 2026, after a 33-year hiatus, Arkalyk was once again connected to Astana by regular flights. Today, the first passenger flight on the Astana – Arkalyk – Astana route took place.The resumption of air service became possible thanks to the restoration and modernization of Arkalyk Airport. The work was carried out in accordance with the instruction of the Head of State given at the IV meeting of the National Kurultai.The main objective of the project is to provide convenient and affordable air service for residents of Arkalyk and nearby districts.A new passenger terminal, an emergency rescue station, a garage for special equipment, a checkpoint, and a control tower have been built at the airport. The runway, taxiway, and apron have also been reconstructed.The airport has received an aviation security service certificate. Instrument approach charts have been published in the AIP of Kazakhstan.To date, the newly built airport has completed all certification procedures. On August 3, the airport received Aviation Security Service Certificate No. 8/26. On August 18, it received Certificate No. 21 from the RSE "Kazaeronavigatsia" as an air navigation service provider. On August 21, Aerodrome Certificate of Fitness Series ARD No. KZ01VKC00000389 was issued.Currently, Arkalyk Airport is ready to receive and service regional passenger aircraft of the CRJ200 type. Three routes are available for residents of Arkalyk and nearby settlements:Astana – Arkalyk – Astana;Almaty – Arkalyk – Almaty;Kostanay – Arkalyk – Kostanay.Following the results of the tender, SCAT Airlines was designated as the carrier. Thanks to government subsidies, the ticket price to Astana and Kostanay will be 10,000 tenge, and to Almaty 25,000 tenge.The new route will improve transport links for residents of Arkalyk, Amangeldy and Zhangeldy districts of Kostanay Region, as well as Zharkain District of Akmola Region.More than 80,000 people will have the opportunity to travel faster to other regions of the country, including for medical, educational, and government services.The new route also creates additional opportunities for business development, attracting investment, and economic growth in the Torgai region. The project plans to create 136 new jobs.The opening of the air route was accompanied by a theatrical and musical performance that took place at Astana Airport, on board the aircraft, and upon arrival in Arkalyk.In Arkalyk, passengers of the first flight were greeted with music, songs, and shashu.The return of regular flights after 33 years became an important event for Arkalyk and the entire Torgai region. Now residents have convenient air connections with the country's largest cities, and the region has new opportunities for business development and attracting investment.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1278388?lang=ru

Today, a meeting of the Public Council was held at the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, chaired by Minister Arman Shakkaliyev and Council Chairman Ruslan Shayekin.The event was attended by the senior management of the MTI RK, representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Construction, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken," as well as heads of relevant industry associations and the business community.As part of the discussion on state support for the "convenience store" format, Public Council member Marlen Smailov raised the issue of improving the Rules for providing support measures for private entrepreneurship. The current version of the rules lacks the possibility of subsidizing loans for the acquisition of already operating retail outlets within walking distance.The Public Council proposed including in the Rules the possibility of subsidizing and guaranteeing loans for the purchase of existing "convenience" stores, as well as allowing entrepreneurs to combine an investment loan with a working capital replenishment loan within a single project."Trade is the most important stimulus for the development of domestic production. I never tire of repeating that about 1.5 million people are employed in the trade sector, and the industry itself ranks second in the structure of GDP. Therefore, state support is the most important tool for the further development of our sector, increasing its efficiency, and creating new opportunities for business," noted Arman Shakkaliyev.On the block of digitalization and the functioning of the National Product Catalog, a representative of the Trade Promotion Association, Nurlan Nurmagambetov, voiced the problems of importers and SME entities in obtaining information about foreign manufacturers for previously imported products.To avoid financial losses for businesses, a reduction in the range of non-food products, and excessive administrative burden, the Council recommended introducing a transition period until January 1, 2027. The initiative provides for simplified registration in the NPC for previously imported goods, non-application of penalties on remaining stock until 2027, and temporary preservation of the right to indicate importer data."As a member of the Public Council, I want to note that we do not often talk about what actually yields practical results in the work of government bodies. The implementation of the National Product Catalog is just such an example. For the catering industry, this means more transparency, traceability, and order in working with suppliers, as well as fewer risks for business. Of course, implementation requires time and refinement, but it is important that the system is gradually becoming a working tool for the industry. For this, I would like to thank the government bodies and everyone involved in the development of the NPC," noted Catering Industry Chairperson Veronika Daugaliyeva.The leadership of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, NCE "Atameken," and the Department of Digital Transformation and Product Labeling of the MTI RK participated in the discussion.Regarding the metrological support of wastewater accounting, a representative of the SRO "Kazakhstan Register," Vasily Mikhalchenko, pointed out the problems of the lack of accurate measurement methods in non-pressure environments, which leads to financial disputes between water users and water utilities.A set of measures was developed, including the harmonization of the norms of the Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan with legislation in the field of ensuring the uniformity of measurements, the development of measurement procedures for non-pressure systems, and the updating of the Rules for the Use of Water Supply Systems. Representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, JSC "KazCenter for Housing and Communal Services," the Kazakhstan Water Association, and the Chairman of the Committee for Technical Regulation and Metrology of the MTI RK, Bauyrzhan Kasymov, participated in the discussion.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1278383?lang=ru