Dushanbe, February 16, 2026 – As part of his official visit to Dushanbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ermek Kosherbayev held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin.During the meeting, the parties reviewed priority areas of political, economic, water and energy, transit and transport, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.The sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening political dialogue based on the principles of friendship, mutual trust and strategic partnership. They underscored the importance of regular contacts at high and highest levels for deepening bilateral relations and coordinating efforts on regional issues.Minister Kosherbayev emphasized the high level of personal relations between the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, as well as the importance of implementing the agreements reached at the highest level.“Developing mutually beneficial cooperation with Tajikistan is an important priority for Kazakhstan. Thanks to the political will of the Heads of State, our strategic partnership has been elevated to a qualitatively new level with the signing of the historic Treaty on Allied Relations,” the Kazakh Foreign Minister stated.For his part, Minister Muhriddin noted that the allied nature of bilateral relations fully corresponds to the traditional spirit of good-neighborliness and mutual respect between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.Particular attention was paid to expanding economic ties. The parties discussed further measures to increase bilateral trade, create favorable conditions for attracting investment and implement joint projects. For many years, Kazakhstan has consistently ranked among Tajikistan’s top three trading partners. Owing to joint efforts, bilateral trade exceeded 1.2 billion US dollars last year. The sides agreed to take coordinated measures to achieve the goal set by the Heads of State to increase trade turnover to 2 billion US dollars.The interlocutors also focused on prospects for cooperation in agriculture, including the development of agro-industrial cooperation and increased supplies of agricultural products.The ministers reviewed issues of cooperation in the water and energy sector, emphasizing the importance of rational and mutually beneficial use of water resources and the development of energy partnership.The parties also discussed prospects for deepening cooperation in transport and logistics, including infrastructure development and enhancing the efficiency of regional routes and international corridors. The Foreign Ministers agreed that Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, as landlocked countries, are capable of realizing significant transit potential by providing mutual access to major markets in Europe, the Caucasus and South Asia.The ministers exchanged views on pressing issues of the regional and international agenda. They highlighted constructive cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including such international organizations as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, as well as mutual support for the two countries’ international initiatives. They also exchanged views on ensuring regional security and sustainable development in Central Asia, reaffirming their readiness for close coordination of efforts on international platforms.Following the talks, a Cooperation Program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2026–2028 was signed.Mr. Kosherbayev also took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to Ismoil Somoni, the founder and first ruler of the Tajik state, located at Dusti (Friendship) Square in Dushanbe.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1162914?lang=kk

Dushanbe, February 16, 2026 – As part of his official visit to Dushanbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ermek Kosherbayev, was received by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon.During the meeting, President Rahmon expressed satisfaction with the steady advancement of bilateral cooperation in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance, emphasizing the importance of further strengthening comprehensive engagement between the two countries.For his part, Minister Kosherbayev conveyed warm greetings and best wishes on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and informed the Tajik side about the progress in implementing the agreements reached at the highest and high levels.“I would like to emphasize that Kazakh-Tajik relations demonstrate stable and progressive development and possess considerable potential,” – the Kazakh Foreign Minister noted.Minister Kosherbayev also briefed President Rahmon in detail on the current state and prospects for further expansion of Kazakh-Tajik cooperation. Particular attention was paid to deepening trade and economic ties, including joint efforts to achieve the goal set by the Heads of State to increase bilateral trade turnover to 2 billion US dollars.The meeting also covered topical issues on the international and regional agenda. The high level of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan within multilateral frameworks, including mutual support, was underscored.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1162910?lang=kk

Astana, 16 February 2026 – At the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a briefing on the outcomes of the work of the Constitutional Reform Commission was held for the diplomatic corps. Approximately 80 representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Kazakhstan, as well as experts, attended the event.The briefing was organized with the participation of Chairperson of the Commission and Head of the Constitutional Court Elvira Azimova, and members of the Commission, including Minister of Justice Yerlan Sarsembayev, Deputy Chairperson of the Constitutional Court Bakyt Nurmukhanov, Human Rights Commissioner Artur Lastayev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arman Issetov, as well as Chairperson of the Republican Bar Association Madi Myrzagarayev.During the meeting, members of the Commission presented the key novelties of the draft of new Constitution of Kazakhstan, as well as the conceptual foundations of the reform initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.“The sovereignty, independence, unitary character and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kazakhstan remain unchanged in the draft Constitution. Amendments to the Constitution will be introduced exclusively following a nationwide referendum. The republican referendum on 15 March 2026 will be a day of responsible choice for the people of Kazakhstan regarding the country’s future path of development,” E.Azimova stated during the briefing.The Constitution establishes a balanced and accountable model of public authority, providing for a transition to a unicameral Kurultai while simultaneously enshrining the legal basis for the Halyk Kenesi as a representative body of citizens vested with the right of legislative initiative in the Kurultai. The procedure for its formation and activities will be defined by a separate constitutional law.During the briefing, provisions of the draft Constitution concerning legal aspects of the Republic’s foreign policy were also explained.Deputy Minister Issetov emphasized that “the constitutional innovations comprehensively reflect our state’s commitment to the fundamental principles of international law and to national priorities under current conditions of transition to a new stage of development. The model of international cooperation of the Republic of Kazakhstan is based on the core principles of the UN Charter and the good-faith fulfillment of all assumed international obligations.”It was noted that international treaties remain part of the country’s legal system and are subject to mandatory implementation.Following the meeting, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations noted the openness and transparency of the constitutional reform process in the Republic of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1162907?lang=kk

Порядка 38 вопросов, касающихся финансового сектора, обсудили на очередном заседании Проектного офиса по внедрению Налогового кодекса под председательством заместителя Премьер-министра – министра национальной экономики Серика Жумангарина.Более 10 вопросов носили редакционный и уточняющий характер. Речь идет о расширении перечня сведений, не относящихся к налоговой тайне, порядке выписки электронных счетов-фактур и других технических нормах.Вместе с тем отдельный блок вопросов требует дополнительного анализа с точки зрения их влияния на инвестиционный рынок.НДС по гарантиям и факторингуПо информации председателя Совета Ассоциации финансистов Казахстана Елены Бахмутовой, новый Налоговый кодекс освобождает от НДС проценты по кредитам и микрокредитам, выданным в денежной форме.Однако операции по выдаче банковских гарантий и поручительств от НДС не освобождены. Также под налогообложение подпадают факторинговые операции.Факторинг – это инструмент, при котором поставщик получает оплату за товар раньше срока, уступив право требования банку или финансовой организации. По сути, это форма краткосрочного финансирования, схожая с кредитом.В то же время в Налоговом кодексе факторинг прямо не отнесен к займам, и поэтому к нему не применяется освобождение от НДС, предусмотренное для кредитов.Для ряда банков этот вопрос является принципиальным, поскольку значительная часть работы с клиентами строится через гарантии и факторинговые операции. На развитых рынках факторинг рассматривается как финансовая услуга, а процентный доход по нему, как правило, освобождается от НДС.Отмечено, что приведение налогового режима к международной практике может повысить конкурентоспособность финансового рынка Казахстана и снизить стоимость финансирования для бизнеса, прежде всего для малого и среднего.По итогам обсуждения подчеркнуто: освобождение от НДС является налоговой льготой и требует позиции Агентства по регулированию и развитию финансового рынка. Политика правительства заключается в том, что налоговые послабления возможны, если они способствуют финансированию реального сектора экономики и росту инвестиционной активности внутри страны.Доходы по ценным бумагамОтдельно рассмотрен вопрос определения дохода в виде вознаграждения по долговым инструментам.В действующей редакции дисконт при погашении ценных бумаг исключен из состава вознаграждения и отнесен к приросту стоимости. Это усложняет применение налоговых вычетов и может приводить к дополнительной налоговой нагрузке.Представители финансового сообщества предложили сохранить дисконт в составе вознаграждения, чтобы избежать неоднозначного толкования норм.Также обсуждалась норма о необходимости владения долговыми ценными бумагами не менее трех лет для уменьшения налогооблагаемого дохода. По мнению участников рынка, это может снижать интерес инвесторов к таким инструментам и создавать неравные условия между биржевыми площадками.Все предложения будут внимательно изучены с учетом принятого Кодекса.НДС при экспорте сельхозпродукцииЕще один вопрос касался корректировки НДС при экспорте сельскохозяйственной продукции.Согласно действующей норме, сельхозтоваропроизводитель при экспорте обязан уменьшить ранее принятый к зачету НДС на 80%. Соответственно, возврат производится в размере 20%, поскольку аграрии имеют право на снижение налоговых обязательств на 80%.Разъяснено, что данная норма распространяется исключительно на продукцию растениеводства и животноводства, включая продукцию их первичной переработки, в соответствии с профильным законодательством.Министерством национальной экономики будет подготовлено официальное разъяснение по порядку применения НДС при экспорте сельскохозяйственной и переработанной продукции.По данным Комитета государственных доходов, на 12 февраля, специальный налоговый режим на основе упрощенной декларации выбрали 921 тыс. налогоплательщиков, общеустановленный режим – 113 тыс.Около 500 тыс. налогоплательщиков пока не определились с выбором. Им направлены повторные уведомления через личные кабинеты с напоминанием о необходимости выбрать налоговый режим до 1 марта.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1162903?lang=kk

A special meeting was held at the Central Asian Innovation University to explain the new Constitution. The event was attended by the university's faculty and staff, who discussed the content and significance of the constitutional reform. Speaking at the meeting, Candidate of Law Botabek Imashev noted that stability is the main condition for the development of any state. According to him, positive changes in the political and legal system directly affect the future of the country. The current Constitution was adopted at the initial stage of independence and has fulfilled its historical mission in the formation of statehood with honor. – Today, the changing geopolitical situation in the world, the rapid development of science and technology, as well as the rise of public demand to a new level, require a new understanding of the legal system. At the stage of transition from the formation stage to the development stage, strengthening the country's internal potential and institutional stability is the need of the hour. In this regard, there is a need to adapt the norms of the Constitution to the needs of the times. The new Constitution is a concrete step towards creating a civilized state based on knowledge and science, which defines human rights and the rule of law as the main values, – said Botabek Yesenbekuly. In addition, the university's vice-rector for social and educational work, Nurlan Khaidarov, noted that the new edition pays special attention to the principle of the rule of law and mechanisms for protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. According to him, the proposed changes are aimed at strengthening mutual trust between society and the authorities and increasing the efficiency of the public administration system. During the meeting, the participants noted the importance of constitutional reform in the comprehensive modernization of the country's political system, expressed confidence that the proposed changes would give a positive impetus to the legal and institutional development of Kazakhstan, and expressed their support for the new Constitution.