London, February 26, 2026 – At the invitation of the UK, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev, took part in the meeting of Central Asian and UK foreign ministers under the “Central Asia + UK” (CA5+UK) framework.The discussions covered a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including opportunities for economic growth, expanding trade and investment cooperation, and joint efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and develop international transport corridors.In his remarks, Minister Kosherbayev emphasized the importance of pragmatic, mutually beneficial strategic engagement between the region and the UK, aimed at supporting economic development and sustainable growth of all participating countries. “Kazakhstan plays a central role in regional connectivity. Thirteen major transit corridors pass through our territory and around 85% of overland cargo transport between Europe and Asia moves through Kazakhstan. The idea of the CA5+UK format stems from these priorities. Within this framework, we view the United Kingdom as a long-term partner and are committed to achieving tangible results that benefit our economies, societies, and shared future,” Minister Kosherbayev added.In her address, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted Central Asia’s significance as a dynamically developing region with steady economic growth, increasing regional cooperation, and a growing role in international affairs. The countries in the region are taking a pragmatic approach to engagement, strengthening interconnectivity, and gradually expanding their participation in shaping a modern framework for economic and political cooperation.The discussions also focused on opportunities to align Central Asia’s resource and transit potential with the UK’s strengths in finance, regulatory standards, technology, and education.For their part, the Central Asian foreign ministers praised the CA5+UK framework as an important platform for structured and results-oriented dialogue with the United Kingdom. They emphasized that the format has already proven effective in facilitating comprehensive discussions on regional priorities, while creating additional opportunities to promote economic initiatives and implement joint projects.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1170591?lang=kk

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has announced the 9th Astana Finance Days (AFD) 2026: Delivering Impact. Capital in Action – forum will take place on 9-10 September 2026 in Astana. The event will bring together professional market participants, including bankers, brokers and investors, as well as representatives of the financial and technology sectors, alongside government bodies and quasi-state organisations.Since its inception in 2018, Astana Finance Days has grown as a leading financial forum in the Eurasian region, bringing together industry leaders to attract investment, strengthen capital markets, and create new business opportunities in Kazakhstan.Participants consistently highlight the forum’s practical value: the platform enables the development of interactions that transform into projects, transactions, and long-term strategic partnerships. Business finds partners, financial agenda issues are resolved, and the number of participants increases every year.In 2025, the forum brought together over 5,500 participants from 82 countries, including asset managers overseeing a combined total of $1.5 trillion. The programme included 160 speakers, more than 40 business events, four new listings on the Astana International Exchange and the signing of seven agreements. Speakers at AFD 2025 included representatives of government bodies, top managers of Kazakhstani and international banks and investment companies, asset managers, regulators, fintech entrepreneurs and global financial thought leaders, including Brett King, the renowned futurist, entrepreneur and author of global bestsellers.AFD 2026 will continue the dynamics through in-depth discussions focused on delivering practical solutions. The forum will provide opportunities to analyze global trends, explore new business and investment opportunities, attend a professional financial services exhibition, and establish direct business contacts with investors, top managers and industry leaders.The thematic focus of AFD 2026 will include capital markets and investment products; trust infrastructure: regulation, law, market confidence; innovation at institutional scale; financing the real economy; regional and cross-border capital cooperation.Particular attention will be paid to the opportunities and advantages offered by the AIFC ecosystem. The forum will feature business development case studies within the Centre’s jurisdiction — from company growth stories to successful capital raising and international market expansion.Another key feature of the forum will be the AFD Exhibition – a dedicated exhibition platform where participants will present their solutions and achievements. For companies, this represents an opportunity to strengthen market positioning and establish direct connections with strategic partners.The forum is traditionally organised with the support of partners and sponsors. In 2025, partners included Freedom Broker, Solidcore Resources, ITS, MYD Production, LMAX Group, Teniz Capital Investment Banking, Allur, Binance, Mastercard and others.Companies seeking to strengthen their market presence and build strategic partnerships with leaders of the financial industry are invited to participate in AFD 2026 as sponsors. Companies are also invited to join the AFD Exhibition.Registration and the detailed programme will be available on the official website: astanafindays.org. For general enquiries, please contact afd@aifc.kz; for partnership enquiries, partnership@aifc.kz.  The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and business meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. Official website: www.aifc.kz    AIFC Press OfficeAinur Issabayeva, Press SecretaryE-mail: pr@aifc.kzSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-sofia/press/news/details/1170577?lang=kk

A meeting of the Standing Commission on Budget, Economy, Governance and Self-Government of the Kostanay City Maslikhat was held under the chairmanship of Arman Ismailov.During the meeting, members of the commission reviewed key issues related to the city’s socio-economic development, budget execution, improvement of administrative efficiency, and enhancement of local self-government mechanisms. The participants discussed the presented reports, exchanged views, and put forward proposals aimed at the effective implementation of planned initiatives.Special attention was given to the rational use of budget funds, increasing transparency in governance processes, and strengthening cooperation between government bodies and the public. As a result of the meeting, relevant recommendations and decisions were adopted.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1170510?lang=kk

On January 1, 2026, the new Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan entered into force, providing for significant changes in the procedure for conducting tax audits. The reform is aimed at reducing the administrative burden on businesses, increasing transparency of control procedures and speeding up the settlement of tax disputes.Key changes1. Cancellation of the division into scheduled and unscheduled inspectionsThe previous classification of tax audits into planned and unplanned is eliminated. Inspections will be carried out according to new regulated procedures without the formation and publication of public lists previously posted on the website of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan.This makes the process more targeted and systematic.2. Limitation of the appointment of comprehensive tax auditsComprehensive audits will be assigned taking into account the tax burden coefficient (CNI). If the taxpayer's VAT is at least 90% of the upper index of the industry average, a comprehensive audit will not be assigned for the relevant period.Exceptions are provided in the following cases::- appeals from the taxpayer himself;- the existence of grounds provided for by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan;- requirements of the prosecutor's office.3. Suspension of the limitation periodThe limitation period for the calculation of taxes and payments is suspended for the period of the tax audit – from the date of its commencement until the execution of the notification of the audit results.At the same time, special rules have been established for periods for which less than 30 calendar days remained before the expiration of the limitation period on the date of the start of the audit.4. Delivery of orders and appeal procedureThe order for the appointment of an audit must be handed over to the taxpayer within three working days from the date of his discharge.Appealing an order during the inspection period does not suspend the inspection itself.5. Limitation of the requirements for the provision of documents for micro and small businesses- the requirement to provide documents within the framework of the inspection can be served no more than twice.;- the deadline for fulfilling the claim has been reduced to 10 working days, with the possibility of extending it to 30 working days at the request of the taxpayer.6. Moratorium on inspections of small businessesStarting from January 1, 2026, a moratorium on tax audits of micro and small businesses will be introduced (subject to exceptions provided for by law).In general, the changes introduced form a more transparent, digitalized and predictable tax control system focused on supporting honest business and reducing administrative barriers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-pavlodar/press/news/details/1170538?lang=kk

London, February 25, 2026 – Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and member of the British Royal Family, hosted the Foreign Ministers of Central Asia for an official meeting in London, where discussions focused on expanding cooperation between the region and the United Kingdom in education, science and technology.“The visit in “CA5+UK” format marks a new chapter in relations between Central Asia and the United Kingdom. I am confident that our joint work within this framework will provide a strong impetus for the development of our countries and deepen interregional cooperation,” Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev said.The Minister also highlighted Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to position itself as an international education hub and underscored partnerships with leading British universities, including Cardiff University, Coventry University and De Montfort University, all of which have established independent campuses in Kazakhstan.During the meeting, the Kazakh side expressed interest in expanding access to British scholarships, grants and educational initiatives, as well as establishing joint research centres in priority areas – ranging from sustainable development and climate change to digital technologies and medicine.A particular attention was paid to the development of joint projects in history, the arts and tourism, along with the simplification of visa procedures for students, researchers and entrepreneurs, expansion of direct air links and the development of tourism routes between the regions.In his turn, Prince Edward underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties as the foundation of long-term partnership. He noted that the United Kingdom highly values Kazakhstan’s openness and proactive engagement in advancing cooperation in priority areas for both sides. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1170543?lang=kk