Washington, December 9, 2025 – The Microsoft Center for Policy and Innovation hosted an expert discussion focused on Central Asia’s role in shaping a new geopolitical and economic architecture.The event brought together representatives of the U.S. Government and Congress, along with leading experts from the academic and analytical community.Speakers emphasized that the region is entering a period of “renaissance” in its relations with the United States and now occupies an increasingly prominent place in Washington’s foreign-policy agenda. They pointed to the “C5+1” Summit held in Washington, DC, on November 6, 2025, the growing intensity of trade and economic engagement, and recent visits by high-level delegations.Experts highlighted the “C5+1” format and its potential evolution into “C6+1” as a foundation for building a full-fledged intergovernmental mechanism with a permanent secretariat. In this context, participants underscored Kazakhstan’s leading role as the region’s largest economy, a driver of integration processes, and a country with significant institutional and infrastructural capacity.Speakers also drew special attention to Central Asia’s strategic importance in transit and logistics. They noted the rapid development of the Middle Corridor and other routes, which shape a modern configuration of the Silk Road and turn the region into one of the key hubs of global transport connectivity.Participants examined Central Asia’s prospects as a source of energy resources and critical minerals, as well as a future center for digital infrastructure.American experts stressed the need to align U.S. policies and regulations with real business needs. They highlighted priorities such as removing outdated restrictions, creating more predictable conditions for investors, and supporting greater participation of the U.S. private sector in projects across Central Asia.The event concluded with a Q&A session, during which participants exchanged views on the prospects for further cooperation between Central Asian countries and the United States.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-washington/press/news/details/1123255?lang=kk

Today, a festive concert program entitled "The Future of an Independent Country - Youth" was held at the Friendship House of Shymkent, dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan, organized by the youth of the city Assembly. The event was attended by Nurken Alimkulov, head of the "Public Agreement" KMU of the Shymkent city internal policy department, chairmen and activists of the city's ethno-cultural associations, as well as city residents. The main goal of the concert is to promote the creative potential of young people, promote the national cultural heritage, and strengthen the continuity of generations. The program will highlight the contribution of young people to the development of our independent country, and special attention will be paid to the formation of a sense of patriotism through art. The event opened with a poetic and choreographic composition entitled "Generation Continuity - The Guarantee of Independence." On stage, young students depicted the path of prosperity and achievements of our country, and the "Shamsinur" dance ensemble performed the dance "Mereke", giving the audience a high mood. Nurken Alimkulov, head of the Shymkent city "Social Agreement" KMU, made a speech and said, "Today's event is an important event designed to showcase the creativity of our youth and strengthen the continuity of generations. We believe in young people and believe that their contribution to the development of our independent country is great. Our task is to give the younger generation the right direction, develop their creative abilities, and provide opportunities for patriotic education. This is not only a cultural event, but also an important initiative to explain the meaning of independence and encourage young people to serve the country." During the concert, works of various genres and directions were presented to the audience. Students of the O. Zhanibekov OKMPU held a fashion show of the "San" theater. In addition, the laureate of the republican competitions Izatullaeva Zardiana performed two songs, and the song "Zhanym" from the repertoire of the Urker group was performed by the laureate of the republican competitions Oleg Vimenko. At the finale of the event, the song "Kazakhstan is my country" was sung, and all the performers and flag-bearers on stage joined in the song along with the audience. It should be noted that the main task of the "Assembly Youth" public association is to develop and unite youth on the basis of public agreement and national unity of the people of Kazakhstan, to support youth initiatives and develop social activity within the framework of the activities of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, to carry out cultural and educational activities, to assist in the formation of public agreement among youth, to form a political and legal culture of youth based on democratic norms, to involve ethnic youth in the process of learning the state language, popularizing it and promoting it as a language of interethnic communication, to involve youth from ethnocultural and other associations in holding patriotic socio-political events, interethnic and intercultural dialogue, and to support the development of volunteering and charitable activities among youth.

The meeting focused on expanding inter-university cooperation and discussing the conditions of Kazakhstani students studying at the university.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-izmir/press/news/details/1123206?lang=kk

The Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan took part in the annual charity bazaar at the Palais des Nations, organized by the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG).Since 1976, the bazaar has brought together a rich diversity of nationalities and cultures for a common goal – supporting vulnerable children around the world. Throughout its existence, it has become one of the most anticipated public events for the international community in Geneva, gathering hundreds of participants each year.The Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan presented its products at a national stand, featuring Kazakh chocolate, traditional kurt, as well as national souvenirs, handicrafts, and books.The bazaar provided a valuable opportunity to promote Kazakh culture and strengthen cultural engagement within Geneva’s international community. All raised funds were donated to charitable organizations supporting children in various regions worldwide.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-geneva/press/news/details/1123189?lang=kk

Astana, December 10, 2025 – At the initiative of the Canadian side, a telephone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Anita Anand.Minister Kosherbayev took the opportunity to congratulate Canada on its successful chairmanship of the Group of Seven (G7). He noted the high level of bilateral economic cooperation, the positive dynamics of trade turnover, as well as the implementation of a number of major investment projects with Canadian companies such as Cameco, Ivanhoe, Teck Resources, First Quantum Minerals, and B2Gold.For her part, Minister Anand emphasized Canada’s interest in further expanding cooperation in the trade and economic, energy, investment, innovation, and education spheres, expressing readiness to maintain regular political dialogue and high-level exchanges.The ministers also «compared the notes» on key issues of the international agenda and on current aspects of cooperation within multilateral formats.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1123204?lang=kk

On December 16, the opening of the "Independence-Fundamentals" week was held at secondary school No. 190, dedicated to Independence Day.Purpose: To educate students to love the Motherland, understand the dignity of Independence, and glorify the national spirit. To pave the way for events to be held as part of Independence Week.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda-kazaly-kolaryq/press/news/details/1123137?lang=kk

       Today, Kurchatov Mayor B.T. Abdraliev held a meeting with the public, during which he detailed the work accomplished over the year, key achievements, and plans for the future. He emphasized that the city will develop in all areas, and a solid foundation has already been laid for this. Over the past period, numerous tasks have been accomplished: significant projects have been implemented, a number of pressing issues have been resolved, and systematic work to improve the city's infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for Kurchatov residents has continued. During the meeting, Bolat Tansykbaevich listened to residents' suggestions and comments. He noted that feedback is an important tool in planning the city's future development, allowing for timely adjustments to priorities and more confident progress.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/abay-kurchatov/press/news/details/1123143?lang=kk

The readiness check of the new snow receiving range has been completed in the city. Previously, four such sites were operating, but this year a fifth landfill was introduced. This will evenly distribute the load and speed up snow removal from different areas of the city.The installation of control and weighing points has been completed at all five landfills. The contractors have purchased and implemented five sets of hardware and software. The scale automatically records the weight of the car, date, time and photo. All information is transmitted to the Aikey system, where reports are generated for each flight and each contractor.This system eliminates attempts to overestimate the volume of snow removed. Now you can see the real picture: how much was exported, by whom, when, and with what equipment. This will strengthen control over budget spending and ensure transparency in the system of winter maintenance of urban roads.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1123124?lang=kk

      The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan has developed a new order in accordance with paragraph 15 of Article 175 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated November 7, 2025 No. 682.     The order has developed rules for obtaining, accounting, storing, issuing accounting and control stamps and submitting obligations, a report from the manufacturer on the payment of excise duty and (or) the importer on the intended use of accounting and control stamps, as well as accounting and the amount of security for such obligations, and labeling (relabeling) alcoholic beverages, with the exception of bulk wine (wine materials), beer and beer drink, accounting and control marks, as well as the forms, contents and elements of protection of accounting and control marks.      The order regulates the establishment of:    – the procedure for labeling alcoholic beverages, with the exception of bulk wine (wine materials), beer and beer drinks with accounting and control stamps;    – the procedure and timing of the re-labeling of alcoholic beverages with accounting and control marks;    – forms, contents and elements of protection of accounting and control stamps;   – the procedure for the provision of public services «Issuance of accounting and control stamps for alcoholic beverages (with the exception of bottled wine and brewing products)»;   – the procedure for submitting the manufacturer's obligation and report on the payment of excise duty, and the importer's obligation and report on the intended use of accounting and control marks;   – the order of accounting and storage of accounting and control stamps;   – the accounting procedure for excise duty obligations;   – the accounting procedure for the money deposited into the temporary placement account of the state revenue authority;   – the accounting procedure for the bank guarantee;    – the accounting procedure for the guarantee agreement;    – the accounting procedure for the pledge of property;    – the procedure for appealing decisions, actions (inaction) of the service provider and (or) its officials on the provision of public services;     – the amount of the obligation to pay excise tax by a person engaged in the production of alcoholic beverages in the Republic of Kazakhstan and (or) on the intended use of accounting and control marks when importing alcoholic beverages into the Republic of Kazakhstan.    Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1123061?lang=kk

Since the beginning of 2025, the Department of Trade and Protection of Consumer Rights in the Aktobe region has conducted a series of unscheduled inspections of trade enterprises that violated the requirements of the law on the application of marginal trade surcharges to socially significant food products. As a result of these measures, 116 entrepreneurs were brought to administrative responsibility.A detailed analysis of the formation of prices for basic social products was carried out in cooperation with the Department of Analytical Developments of the DER in the Aktobe region. Monitoring revealed serious violations. "Elit Product" LLP sold butter, eggs and flour with an excess of the maximum allowable trade markup more than five times. For repeated violations during the year, the company was fined 10 MRP under article 204-4, part 2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Individual entrepreneur "Kazbergenova" also increased the trade allowance - 3.5 times higher than the established norm. As a repeat offender, the entrepreneur is held liable under the same article and fined 10 MRP. LLP "NuroptTorg" allowed an excess of trade allowance by 3.5 times, for which it received a fine in the amount of 5 MRP according to article 204-4, part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan.For each identified fact, an administrative protocol was drawn up, a fine was imposed and mandatory instructions were issued to bring the price in line with the legislation. The department notes that compliance with the requirements for limiting the trade allowance is an absolute obligation of all trade entities, and any violations will be stopped in accordance with the established procedure.According to the results of 11 months of 2025, the amount of imposed fines amounted to 412,860 tenge under article 204-4 parts 1 and 2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and 141,552 tenge under article 193 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. The Department continues to monitor the retail market and reminds that the protection of consumer rights and prevention of unreasonable price increases remain the priority of its activities.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1123027?lang=kk

By Order of the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 13, 2023, No. 899, the "Action Plan for legal explanatory work for 2024-2026" was approved. The purpose of the plan is to provide access to legal information. Legal culture is an integral part of the social life of society, which indicates that citizens are aware of their rights and responsibilities, knowledge of the law and respect for the rule of law. According to this plan, a law office is operating in the building of the State Institution "Akim's Office of Saryterek rural district". This allows citizens to receive the necessary information about their rights and responsibilities at any time. Working hours: working days 08:00-17:30break: 12:00-13:30Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-zaysan-saryterek/press/news/details/1123005?lang=kk

On December 9, 2025, in the city of Astana, at the venue of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a solemn award ceremony was held to honor the winners of the “Best Customs Post” initiative.The initiative was organized by the State Revenue Committee with the aim of encouraging the achievements of territorial units, strengthening effective cooperation, exchanging experience, and implementing best practices in the provision of public customs services, as well as advancing the Committee’s key strategic goals in the field of customs affairs.The event was attended by representatives of the State Revenue Committee, deputy heads of state revenue authorities overseeing customs activities, and heads of customs posts and public service departments.Based on the performance of customs posts for the reporting period, 14 nominees from all territorial state revenue authorities were selected. The winner in the category “Best Inland Customs Post” was the “Ust-Kamenogorsk – Customs Clearance Center” customs post.This recognition confirms the high effectiveness of the work carried out by the team of the “Ust-Kamenogorsk – CCC” Customs Post of the State Revenue Department for the East Kazakhstan Region, as well as their professionalism, responsible attitude toward their official duties, and implementation of modern approaches in providing public services at the level of customs control.The achievement of the “Ust-Kamenogorsk – CCC” Customs Post of the ERD for East Kazakhstan Region serves as a motivation for further development and the application of advanced experience in the field of customs administration.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-vko/press/news/details/1123018?lang=kk

      Starting from January 1, 2026, the updated Rules for calculating the Tax Burden Coefficient (hereinafter referred to as TBC) will come into effect. The new provisions are set out in the Tax Code (paragraph 2 of Article 45) and in the Order of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 620 dated October 23, 2025, “On the approval of the Rules for calculating the Tax Burden Coefficient.”      The following innovations are introduced for calculating the TBC:the average industry TBC will be calculated separately for taxpayers applying the special tax regime and for those on the general taxation regime;the average industry TBC will now be calculated once a year as of May 1 of the year following the reporting year.      These changes aim to promote fair competition, increase transparency in business activities, and reduce the shadow economy.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1122978?lang=kk

Kazakhstan is transitioning to a preventive digital model of state audit, where risks are identified in a timely manner and blocked remotely. This was announced by Yerzhan Mynzhasarov, Chairman of the Internal State Audit Committee of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan, at a briefing at the Central Communications Service.The ministry's strategy is to introduce automated analysis systems, integrate with state databases, and use artificial intelligence algorithms for real-time monitoring. Thanks to the new online budget monitoring in the State Planning system, it was possible to identify and prevent unjustified spending plans for 2026-2028 amounting to 1.5 trillion tenge even before the budget was approved.Yerzhan Mynzhasarov reported that in the social sphere, with the help of digital solutions, the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan has prevented fraudulent schemes involving the payment of salaries worth 1.4 billion tenge. Automated monitoring makes it possible to eradicate systemic theft in the education sector under the guise of salary payments.As part of the control over public procurement in the current year, online monitoring covered about 5,000 payments worth 1.1 trillion tenge. Of these, 694 risky transfers worth 184.2 billion tenge were identified. The audit results revealed financial violations amounting to 59.5 billion tenge, and suppliers were charged a penalty of more than 237 million tenge.Electronic auditing, fully implemented since 2021, has proven to be highly effective. Since its launch, 804 remote audits have been conducted, identifying violations amounting to over 120 billion tenge. This system has minimized corruption risks by eliminating direct contact with those being audited and reduced travel expenses per auditor by almost 4.5 times.Effective working models have been recognized at the international level. For example, the PEMPAL community of internal auditors highly praised Kazakhstan's experience in digitalization. The Committee's work on the “Internal Audit Effectiveness” indicator received the highest rating of “A” from experts at the World Bank and Asian Development Bank."One of the ambitious tasks we have set ourselves is the complete digitization of the Committee's audit activities. This will ensure continuous control over the movement of state funds. This approach is fully in line with the instructions of the Head of State. The goal of our work is to make the work of state bodies as transparent and effective as possible," concluded Yerzhan Mynzhasarov, Chairman of the Internal State Audit Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/minfin/press/news/details/1122931?lang=kk

Seoul, 9 December 2025 — The “Forum on Korea’s Regional Strategies: Expanding Global Partnerships,” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, was held in Seoul.The event brought together more than 300 participants, including Government officials, leading domestic and international experts, diplomats, scholars, public figures, and media representatives. The forum aimed to discuss Korea’s key foreign policy priorities and explore ways to strengthen international partnerships amid a rapidly evolving global environment.One of the central sessions focused on the Republic of Korea’s engagement with Central Asia. Nam Jin, Deputy Director-General of the Bureau for Northeast and Central Asian Affairs of the Korean Foreign Ministry, emphasized that Central Asia has become one of Korea’s foreign policy priorities. He noted that Seoul is currently reviewing its approach toward Central Asia and preparing for the C5+K Summit scheduled for 2026.Speaking at the forum, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Nurgali Arystanov highlighted the deepening cooperation among Central Asian states and the expansion of engagement with external partners within the C5+1 format, which in 2024–2025 evolved to meetings at the level of Heads of State. The Kazakh diplomat underscored that Kazakhstan pursues a consistent multi-vector foreign policy and positions itself as a middle power playing a constructive role in the region.Ambassador Arystanov stressed the rapid development of cooperation within the C5+K format, which encompasses parliamentary and expert exchanges, cooperation between chambers of commerce and industry, as well as active subnational diplomacy under GAROK. He also drew attention to the significant growth of economic ties, noting that 894 companies with Korean capital currently operate in Kazakhstan.According to him, humanitarian exchanges are also expanding: tourist flows are rising, and educational initiatives are growing, including the opening of a branch campus of Woosong University and the launch of the AI School SeoulTech in Kyzylorda. He also noted that the region’s increasing openness — including the visa-free regime between Kazakhstan and Korea for up to 30 days and the availability of 20 direct flights linking Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent with Seoul and Busan — creates a favorable environment for strengthening connectivity.During the discussion, experts emphasized the need for the Republic of Korea to develop a new, targeted strategy for Central Asia, taking into account the region’s transformation, its rising strategic importance, economic potential, and demand for technological development. In their view, Korea aims to adopt a future-oriented approach focused on long-term cooperation, innovation, supply chain resilience, and human capital development.Participants highly valued the growing geopolitical and economic role of Central Asia. A question-and-answer session held as part of the forum allowed for deeper dialogue and additional recommendations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-seoul/press/news/details/1122828?lang=kk

On December 5 of the current year, as part of the activities outlined in the 2025–2027 Roadmap aimed at promoting the professional and personal qualities of civil servants in accordance with the ideals of “Adal Azamat”, an Open Day event was held to enhance the attractiveness of civil service and introduce the work of the government agency.To learn more about the work of the department, first-year “Construction” students from Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University visited the Construction Department and became acquainted with the institution’s activities.They were able to see firsthand how the civil service is organized and recognize the responsibility and importance of this field. Such events help young people in choosing their future profession and once again demonstrate the transparency of civil service.The principles of transparency, responsibility, and serving society provided strong motivation for the students.We are always happy to support young people and encourage their professional development!Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/bko-kurylys/press/news/details/1122841?lang=kk

On the first issue, deputies heard a report from N.V. Timashova, Head of the Department of Economics and Budget Planning for the Mendykara District: "On Amending the Maslikhat Decision No. 172 of December 26, 2024, 'On the District Budget of the Mendykara District for 2025-2027.'"On the second issue, they heard a report "On Amending the Maslikhat Decision No. 87 of December 27, 2023, 'On the Election of Precinct Electoral Commissions.'"On the third issue: "On Amending the Maslikhat Decision No. 187 of October 4, 2005, 'On the Composition of the District Commission for Coordinating the Registration and Record-Keeping of Citizens Affected by Nuclear Tests at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site.'" On the fourth question: "On amending the Maslikhat decision of March 18, 2005, No. 125, 'On the special commission for confirming work experience.'"On the fifth question: "On amending the Maslikhat decision of December 26, 2024, No. 172, 'On the district budget of Mendykara district for 2025-2027.'"On the sixth question: "On amending the Maslikhat decision of December 30, 2024, No. 177, 'On the budget of villages and rural districts of Mendykara district for 2025-2027.'"The district deputies asked questions and received answers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maslihat-mendikara/press/news/details/1122849?lang=kk

Islamabad, 10 December 2025 — The Embassy of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, in cooperation with Dr. Farhat Asif and Mr. Muhammad Asif Noor, Chairpersons of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies and the Diplomatic Insight group, held a traditional annual seminar for participants of the 6th International Young Diplomats School (IYDS).The event brought together young professionals and students from various educational institutions across Pakistan studying international relations, law, public administration, and public policy.During the seminar, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the current state and future prospects of Kazakhstan-Pakistan relations. In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted the high level of political dialogue between the two countries and placed particular emphasis on the development of trade and economic cooperation, transport and logistics connectivity, and collaboration in the field of education.The Ambassador underscored the importance of the academic dimension of bilateral relations, including cooperation between universities, expert communities, as well as youth and sports organizations.Participants demonstrated strong interest in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy priorities, regional cooperation, and the country’s role in strengthening connectivity between Central and South Asia.The Embassy of Kazakhstan expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Farhat Asif and Mr. Muhammad Asif Noor for organizing the event for young professionals.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-islamabad/press/news/details/1122860?lang=kk

       The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan announces improvements to the mechanism for deferring the payment of value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods, as provided by Article 134 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.      The updated approach aims to increase transparency, predictability and convenience for bona fide manufacturers who import raw materials and inputs used directly in their production processes.     Key updates:      Clear criteria for eligible goods. VAT deferral applies only to imported raw materials and inputs directly used in production.      Mandatory targeted use of goods. Failure to comply leads to cancellation of the deferral.     VAT payment deadline may be adjusted, provided that the assessed amount is reflected in the taxpayer's account no later than the 20th day of the month following the deferral period.     Restrictions on repeated use. If requirements are violated, the taxpayer is barred from using the deferral mechanism for 24 months.     Security is required if the total amount of granted deferrals exceeds 50 million tenge.     Ultimate objective:      To ensure precise support for the manufacturing sector, exclude non-production goods from the VAT deferral mechanism, and enhance transparency and efficiency in the implementation of Article 134 of the Tax Code. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1122863?lang=kk

During the meeting, the deputies discussed relevant issues related to aligning the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan with modern tasks in the development of local self-governance.Special attention was given to strengthening the role of maslikhats, increasing the effectiveness of work at the local level, and improving legal mechanisms for interaction with the population.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/altay-maslihat/press/news/details/1122812?lang=kk