As part of the continuation of his official visit to China, the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Arman Shakkaliyev, held a meeting with the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), Chen Xiaojiang.During the meeting, it was noted that XUAR plays a system-forming role in Kazakhstan-China relations, acting as the main land bridge between the two countries and forming a significant part of mutual trade. As of the end of 2025, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and XUAR amounted to approximately 18.9 billion US dollars.The Chinese side provided an overview of the current pace of socio-economic development in XUAR, emphasizing the region's sustainable growth, expansion of foreign economic ties, and active infrastructure modernization. It was noted that XUAR continues to strengthen its role as a key center for cross-border cooperation and a transit hub for interaction with Kazakhstan.Special attention was paid to the development of transport and logistics infrastructure. The parties discussed measures to increase the capacity of border checkpoints, modernize railway routes, and synchronize infrastructure projects.The importance of implementing initiatives such as the expansion of the "Dostyk–Moyynty" section, the construction of the "Ayagoz–Tacheng" railway crossing, and the development of the "Khorgos" and "Alashankou" border hubs was noted. The need to further increase capacity and eliminate infrastructure bottlenecks was emphasized.Separate attention was given to the development of the "Khorgos" International Center for Cross-Border Cooperation, including the modernization of its infrastructure and the expansion of opportunities for trade and investment.Logistics, energy, tourism, and the development of cross-border trade were also identified as priority areas.The parties reached an agreement on the active participation of the Kazakh side in the international EXPO "China–Eurasia," where Kazakhstan will participate as a guest of honor. The event will take place from June 25 to 29 of this year and is one of the key international platforms in the region aimed at developing trade and economic cooperation, promoting exports, and strengthening business ties between Eurasian countries.Interest was also confirmed in ensuring the participation of delegations from Kazakhstan's border regions in the Second International Conference of the Greater Altai.In turn, the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan emphasized the strategic importance of XUAR:"Xinjiang is a key link in the system of cross-border and transit interaction. The main flow of goods passes through the region, making it Kazakhstan's most important partner in the development of trade, logistics, and industrial cooperation."The Minister invited the Chinese side to visit Kazakhstan to participate in the Forum of Interregional Cooperation and the Friendly Dialogue of Border Regions, which are scheduled to be held this year.Separate attention was paid to the need to diversify mutual trade, including increasing the share of high value-added products, developing agricultural exports, and launching joint production facilities.Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further deepen cooperation, including the implementation of joint infrastructure, investment, and industrial projects.The Minister emphasized that the development of cooperation with XUAR is a key element of Kazakhstan's strategy to form sustainable trade routes and strengthen the country's role as a transit and logistics hub between China, Central Asia, and Europe. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1193984?lang=kk

From April 22 to 26, the IX International Book Exhibition and Fair Astana Eurasian Book Fair 2026 will be held at the Presidential Center in the capital. It is one of the largest cultural and educational events in Central Asia, according to the official website of the city administration. The event is organized by Foliant Publishing House with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of Astana. Approximately 80 companies representing the publishing, printing, bookselling, and academic sectors will take part in the fair. Around half of them are Kazakhstani organizations, while some 40 companies are expected from Russia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Spain, China, Iran, Belarus, Portugal, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom. The five-day program will feature a wide range of cultural and business events, including book presentations, meetings with authors, autograph sessions, and special masterclasses at the children’s activity zone. Among the highlights are presentations of the following publications: «Turkish Cuisine» (published with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey), Bekarys Shoibekov’s collection of aitys «Bekarys — The Golden Voice of Aitys», Marzhan Yershu’s poem «A Solitary Hand», «Yeldos Smetov. Endurance. Faith. Victory» from the «Contemporaries» series, Yerlan Kozhabayev’s photo album «Kazakh Ornaments», Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novel «The Witcher», Ularbek Daley’s historical novel «Batu Khan», «The Ownerless Shadow» by Alisher Rakhat, «The Journey of Hope» by Spanish writer Javier Moro, «For Whom the Bell Tolls» by Ernest Hemingway, «A Poem-Woman» by Azerbaijani poet Rasmia Sabir, Baiyt Kabanuly’s «Mongol Poetry», «The Tears of the White Zhaiyk» by Nursultan Myktybay, as well as the album books «Turkestan — Eternal and Ever New» and «Dimash Qudaibergen. Infinite Music». On April 23, in celebration of the National Book Day, an official award ceremony will be held for the winners of the national competition Ulttyq Kitap, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan. The official opening ceremony of the exhibition will take place on April 22 at 11:00, with the participation of government and public figures, prominent writers, and foreign ambassadors.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ankara/press/news/details/1193970?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1193961?lang=kk

In the Kostanay region, systematic work continues on the development of social infrastructure. A vivid example is the construction of a new polyclinic for 250 visits per shift in the Zarechny settlement of the Kostanay district.Currently, the main construction work has been completed. Only the work on the external finishing of the building, the arrangement of the basement, and the sewage system remains. According to specialists, all work is planned to be completed within the next month and a half, followed by the commissioning of the facility.After the opening of the new polyclinic, the quality of medical care in the Kostanay district will significantly improve. To date, the Kostanay District Hospital serves more than 51 thousand residents.The commissioning of the modern medical institution will completely resolve the existing issues. Comfortable working conditions will be created for medical workers, and the accessibility and quality of medical services provided to the population will significantly increase.Thus, the new polyclinic in the Zarechny settlement is one of the significant projects aimed at developing the region's healthcare system.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1193943?lang=kk

Yaoundé, 29 March 2026 – The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC14) concluded in the capital of the Republic of Cameroon, bringing together ministers and heads of delegation of WTO Members to discuss key issues related to the development of the multilateral trading system.The Conference resulted in meaningful outcomes reaffirming Members’ commitment to an open, inclusive, and rules-based international trading system.In particular, ministers adopted a number of decisions aimed at strengthening the resilience of global trade and supporting developing and least developed countries. An important outcome was the advancement of work on the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, reflecting the collective efforts of WTO Members to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.Special attention was also given to WTO reform. Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to modernizing the Organization, enhancing its effectiveness, and adapting it to the evolving challenges of the global economy. Discussions identified key areas for future work, including improving decision-making processes, strengthening trust among Members, and reinforcing the WTO’s role in ensuring fair trading conditions.Significant progress was made in discussions on digital trade. WTO Members agreed to continue active work under the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, with particular emphasis on bridging the digital divide and expanding opportunities for developing countries.The Conference also served as a platform for in-depth dialogue on agriculture, food security, and sustainable development. Ministers emphasized the importance of finding balanced solutions that take into account the interests of all Members, including least developed countries and net food-importing countries.Discussions also covered issues related to investment facilitation for development, support for least developed countries, and enhancing the participation of small and vulnerable economies in international trade.Within the framework of the Conference, the delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan actively participated in discussions on key agenda items, including agriculture, digital trade, and WTO reform. Kazakhstan delivered a number of statements emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open and rules-based trading system, as well as the need to take into account the interests of developing countries, including landlocked developing countries.Participants noted the high level of organization of the Conference and expressed their appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Cameroon for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements.The outcomes achieved in Yaoundé provide a solid foundation for advancing negotiations and strengthening the multilateral trading system in the lead-up to future meetings in Geneva.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-wto/press/news/details/1193933?lang=kk