In an exclusive interview with Qazinform News Agency, Vice President of the Federal Council, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Guy Parmelin, discussed the strong and evolving partnership between the two countries, highlighting economic, scientific, and digital cooperation.He emphasized Switzerland’s role in promoting multilateral diplomacy, supporting regional stability through initiatives like Blue Peace, and advancing joint projects in infrastructure, agriculture, and artificial intelligence.Kazakhstan and Switzerland have always enjoyed the long-standing partnership. How would you describe the current level of relations between our nations and in which areas do you think our potential needs to be unlocked?I am pleased to say that Swiss-Kazakh bilateral relations are good and intense. I appreciate the strong relationship based on mutual trust in the past decades. Kazakhstan is the most important economic partner for Switzerland in Central Asia. Swiss companies consider your country a growth market, mainly due to its rich natural resources, developed infrastructure, young workforce, and its strategic position in Central Asia.Both Kazakhstan and Switzerland are recognized for their roles in peaceful diplomacy and are considered as bridge builders. Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a rising middle power by acting as a peace broker between East and West. In a world marked by polarization, how can Kazakhstan and Switzerland’s bridge-building diplomacy serve as a model for other nations?Switzerland and Kazakhstan both recognize that the respect for international law and dialogue are fundamental for a peaceful and prosperous world. Today’s fragmented world is marked by polarization with a ‘me first’ approach which is not conducive to the search for responses to growing global challenges that require international cooperation and global responses. It is in this context that the bridge-builder roles of Kazakhstan and Switzerland are more needed than ever. Like Kazakhstan, Switzerland is a strong believer in the multilateral system and is actively supporting multilateral actions.Switzerland is one of the largest investors in Kazakhstan. In which fields do Swiss companies see the strongest potential for new investments in the country, and what steps are needed, in your view, to propel this promising partnership to a new level?Kazakhstan is a key country in the development of a modern transport corridor from Asia to Europe [Ed.note - Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, “Middle Corridor”]. This opens up interesting opportunities for cooperation in the areas of transport and logistics.In the railway sector, Switzerland offers a wide range of first-class products. I am very pleased with Stadler Rails cooperation with Kazakh railways to supply modern trains and to build a maintenance center in Kazakhstan.Swiss companies in the fields of water management and water infrastructure are very interested to share their expertise and to contribute to infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan.We have started cooperating in nuclear energy by importing uranium from Kazakhstan. Our companies are interested in expanding cooperation in the areas of nuclear waste management and nuclear risk insurance. Kazakh students can also benefit from nuclear education programs in Switzerland.Our companies are looking for a stable framework when it comes to commercial activities and investment abroad. This includes legal security, the protection of intellectual property rights as well as data protection.In this respect, I am pleased that the Kazakh government has taken steps that go into a very promising direction. Swiss companies are watching with attention the comprehensive reform program launched by the Kazakh leadership back in 2022.The Middle Corridor is gaining importance for global trade. Switzerland and its European partners’ interest in the Middle Corridor stems from its potential to offer a strategic alternative to more traditional routes. How can the corridor benefit from Swiss investment and technical expertise?In 2021 the Swiss government and the Swiss private sector launched “Team Switzerland Infrastructure” which actively promotes companies’ access to major international infrastructure projects, especially those that combine sustainability with technical excellence and innovation.Apart from Swiss federal offices, the main actors include the two associations Swissmem and Swissrail, the association of Swiss consulting engineers and architects (suisse.ing), the Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV and the export promotion agency Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE).Team Switzerland Infrastructure can help establishing direct contacts between Kazakh actors and Swiss companies. Our infrastructure-related industries are ready to share their expertise in key sectors such as transport, energy, as well as in water and waste management. In the transport sector Swiss companies offer highly innovative solutions in railways, urban transport, airports, roads, as well as ports, bridges and tunnels.Kazakhstan is actively adopting AI across government and industry. It launched Central Asia’s most powerful supercomputer this July. Switzerland, for its part, has invested millions in IT infrastructure and constructed its supercomputer “Alps”. In your opinion, how Switzerland and Kazakhstan can facilitate bilateral cooperation in the field of advanced digital technologies?I believe that there exists a potential in partnering with Kazakhstan on advanced digital technologies. Both our countries understand that artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and secure digital infrastructure are strategic assets for economic growth, innovation, and public services.Initial prospects for cooperation in the field of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, fintech, and the development of the digital economy were already discussed in Lugano last month between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, Zhaslan Madiev, and the Mayor of Lugano on the sidelines of the Plan B Forum.Swiss and Kazakh companies can collaborate to bring digital solutions to the market, for example in sectors like energy, logistics, and healthcare, where both countries have strong capabilities. It is important to promote responsible and ethical AI standards, ensuring that emerging technologies serve people and support sustainable development.Launched by Switzerland, the Blue Peace Central Asia Initiative is instrumental in fostering cooperation among Central Asian countries in the water sector. How can Switzerland and the Initiative help Central Asia and Kazakhstan promote joint solutions, build structures for transboundary water management and reinforce water governance across the region?The role of water in fostering peace, stability, and regional cooperation is crucial. The Blue Peace initiative was launched by Switzerland in 2010 with the aim to promote water cooperation across borders, sectors and generations. In Central Asia, we have been working hand in hand with our partners since 2017, combining hydro-diplomacy, regional water cooperation projects and capacity building of water experts and youth engagement. The Blue Peace Central Asia initiative has become a key platform for dialogue, joint solutions, and stronger water governance – contributing to sustainable development across the region. Switzerland is proud to support this initiative and believes its continued evolution will bring tangible benefits to countries and communities throughout Central AsiaWhat do you think the future holds for Kazakh-Swiss agricultural relationship, given the growing interest of major Swiss firms, Harvest Agro and Swiss Re, planning to invest millions of dollars in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector?Several Swiss companies are expressing interest in exporting animal products to Kazakhstan. Our exporters perceive Kazakhstan as an important growth market, particularly regarding the export of dairy products and genetics for diary breeds. Several Swiss companies are supplying and producing fertilizers in Kazakhstan for local farmers. Swiss authorities would welcome to strengthen the bilateral relations to promote direct trade and knowledge exchange between the two countries.Are there opportunities for new partnerships between universities and research institutes in Kazakhstan and Switzerland? Is Switzerland ready to broaden exchange programs for students and young professionals from Kazakhstan?The Swiss education, research and innovation system encourages bottom-up collaboration, which takes place directly between universities, institutions or individual researchers.We are convinced that when it comes to research and innovation, recognizing novelties and constructively dealing with them is a task that needs to be carried out bottom-up by the research and innovation actors themselves.The scientific relations between Kazakhstan and Switzerland are good and supported by a variety of instruments. Cooperation in the field of research takes place primarily through Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for foreign researchers, as well as in direct collaborative projects funded via competitive grants (Swiss National Science Foundation, EU research framework programs).Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Swiss company plans to invest over $700 million in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-geneva/press/news/details/1115518?lang=kk

On November 27, 2025, the International Conference “Vectors of Kazakhstan's Economic course towards Moldova and Eastern Europe”, organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Moldova, was held in Chisinau. The event was attended by representatives of government agencies, businesses, expert structures and international organizations. The national development institutes of Kazakhstan, such as KazakhInvest, Atameken, QazTrade, QazPost, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, have joined the online format.The conference became a platform for discussing new opportunities for cooperation in logistics, agriculture, digital economy, processing, investment and innovation.Kazakh Ambassador H.E. Almat Aidarbekov noted the growing interest of Moldovan business in Kazakhstan and stressed that the key goal of the conference is to transform this interest into real economic results. He presented Kazakhstan as the largest economy in Central Asia with a GDP of over $300 billion and a population of over 20 million people, as well as as the "gateway to Central Asia", a region with more than 90 million consumers. The Ambassador highlighted the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and stressed that Moldova can become an active participant in it thanks to the Giurgiulesti port infrastructure.The Kazakh diplomat said that at the initiative of Kazakh President H.E. Kassym Jomart Tokayev, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development was established this year and a strategic goal was set to turn Kazakhstan into a fully digital state over the next 3-5 years. AI and digital services are also being implemented on a large scale in Kazakhstan throughout the economy and public administration in order to increase the efficiency, transparency and technological effectiveness of interaction with businesses and citizens.The Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Kazakhstan, H.E. Ștefan Gorda, presented the work of the Embassy and announced a preliminary agreement on the opening of a Moldovan Trading House in Aktau, which will allow the systematic promotion of Moldovan products on the Kazakh market. He stressed the willingness of the regions of Kazakhstan to provide venues for exhibitions and presentations.Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of the Republic of Moldova H.E. Sergiu Grecu noted the strategic importance of expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector and stressed the need to activate the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. He expressed interest in increasing the supply of Moldovan products to Kazakhstan and expanding trade in the sectors of crop production, processing, seed production and winemaking.Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova H.E. Grigori Stratulat called on Kazakhstani entrepreneurs to join Moldovan projects on “recycling”, waste recycling, reuse of materials and green energy, noting the accessibility of European programs and Moldova's readiness for environmentally oriented development.Representative of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Ruslan Amanov and QazTrade Mr. Yerzhan Shakargaliev, spoke about export support mechanisms, trade missions, and business support tools. The potential of agricultural trade between the two countries may reach $50 million.QazPost representative Mr. Abdrakhman Amreyev presented logistics opportunities for handling mail and e-commerce flows between Europe and Southeast Asian countries, emphasizing readiness to launch pilot projects.Mr. Tungat Abylkasymov, Chairman of the Moldova-Kazakhstan Business Council, noted the possibilities of flights between Kazakhstan and Moldova, which will strengthen the transit potential of both countries. He also noted the intensification of humanitarian projects, including cooperation between the national libraries and archives of the two states.Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Roman Stankov presented the digital potential of Kazakhstan, noting that the IT sector accounts for about 5% of GDP, includes more than 15,000 companies and is growing dynamically. Today, Kazakhstan ranks 24th among 193 countries in terms of digitalization, and about 95% of public services are available online. He expressed readiness to expand cooperation with the IT Park of Moldova, especially in the fields of AI, fintech, cloud platforms and cybersecurity.Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan Mr. Iurie Jardan presented the activities of JLC Group in Kazakhstan, noting the support of the state, favorable conditions for production and significant demand for Moldovan products. He also outlined the logistical challenges and spoke about the preliminary agreements on the supply of Moldovan premium wines to Kazakhstan.The Conference participants confirmed their readiness to strengthen bilateral economic ties, expand logistics routes, and develop cooperation in the agricultural, industrial, digital, and environmental fields.The event has become an important platform for new practical projects between Kazakhstan and Moldova.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kishinev/press/news/details/1115519?lang=kk

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Guy Parmelin's visit to Astana opens up good opportunities to give new impetus to the bilateral agenda.The head of state stressed that Kazakhstan considers Switzerland an important political and economic partner in Europe, as well as one of the largest investors in our country's economy, having invested $35.8 billion since 2005. The president said that there are almost 400 Swiss companies and joint ventures operating in Kazakhstan.According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, political dialogue between Astana and Bern is developing at various levels in an open and constructive atmosphere.Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid special attention to the dynamic development of economic cooperation. Kazakhstan and Switzerland are fruitfully cooperating in the fields of energy and mining, manufacturing and construction, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, finance, and new technologies.In turn, Guy Parmelin expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and highly appreciated the dynamics of bilateral cooperation. He confirmed Switzerland's commitment to further strengthening political dialogue, expanding investment projects, and promoting joint initiatives in key sectors of the economy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-geneva/press/news/details/1115524?lang=kk

VAT administration: main changes from January 1, 2026As part of the new Tax Code, which was signed by the Head of State on July 18, 2025, the VAT rate from January 1, 2026 is 16% and applies to the amount of taxable turnover and taxable imports.Reduced VAT rates for medicines and medical services have been established: 5% - from 2026 and 10% - from 2027 (with the exception of those exempted from VAT). A reduced VAT rate is provided for the implementation of domestic periodicals - 10%.In addition, the threshold for mandatory VAT registration has been reduced from 20,000 MCI to 10,000 MCI.This will create conditions under which the costs of splitting the business will exceed the possible benefits. As a result, equal conditions will be ensured for all market participants, and tax evasion schemes will become unprofitable.Lowering the VAT registration threshold also plays an important role in creating a fairer and more transparent market environment.Limiting the obligation to pay VAT until a certain turnover is achieved helps reduce administrative barriers, facilitates accounting and improves the conditions for the development of entrepreneurship.As a result, the number of registered business entities is increasing, the tax base is expanding and economic activity in the country is stimulated.KFH is not a VAT payer, and for legal entities - agricultural producers it is envisaged to increase the additional amount of VAT credited from 70% to 80%.This measure is aimed at reducing the tax burden and equalizing the conditions for food production, and increasing the competitiveness of Kazakhstani goods in relation to imported analogues. In addition, the reason for the rise in prices for agricultural products is excluded.From January 1, 2026, the exemption from VAT is canceled when selling and renting residential premises. This change will simplify tax accounting and eliminate the need for a complex distribution of input VAT between residential and non-residential parts of buildings.The deadlines for submitting a VAT return are changing: the report can be submitted no earlier than the 15th day of the month following the reporting quarter, and no later than the 15th day of the second month. The new deadlines are aimed at reducing the number of desk notifications and additional reporting.Taken together, these innovations form a comprehensive system aimed at increasing transparency and designed to make tax administration more efficient, fair and conducive to sustainable economic development of the country.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-abay/press/news/details/1115507?lang=kk

Helsinki, November 26, 2025 – The office of EastCham Finland hosted a meeting with Finnish companies that were part of the business delegation accompanying President of Finland A. Stubb during his official visit to Kazakhstan on 28-29 October 2025.Participants reviewed the outcomes of the Kazakhstan–Finland Business Forum, the agreements reached, and the first practical results of the cooperation.Finnish business representatives highlighted their strong interest in Kazakhstan as a strategic partner in Central Asia. Special attention was given to the sectors of energy, transport and logistics, education, healthcare, forestry, water management, tourism and environmental protection.The meeting also included discussions on proposals to further develop joint projects and expansion business contacts within the framework of trade, economic, and investment cooperation.During the meeting, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Finland Azamat Abdraimov emphasized that the visit of such a significant business delegation to Kazakhstan will serve as a starting point for further strengthening business partnerships, increase the interest of companies in the region, and open new opportunities for the dynamic growth of bilateral relations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-helsinki/press/news/details/1115508?lang=kk