Society
Kazakh Foreign Minister Discusses Modernization of Infrastructure and Agro-Industrial Complex with Swiss Businesses 03.12.2025
Bern, December 2, 2025 – As part of his official visit to Switzerland, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held meetings with the management of EuroAirport, the senior management of the global container shipping operator Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the investment and technology group Kanadevia Inova, and industrial investor Roland Bartholet.The main objective of the meetings was to discuss specific investment projects and the prospects for Swiss company’s participation in the development and modernization of Kazakhstan’s infrastructure and agro-industrial complex.Tobias Markert, CEO of EuroAirport, one of Europe’s key transport hubs, expressed readiness to develop new cargo and transit air routes between Asia and Europe involving Kazakhstan’s aviation infrastructure, as well as interest in cooperation in airport management.At the meeting with Eduard Sigrist, Senior Vice President of MSC, a substantive discussion was held on the prospects for the development of Kazakhstan’s port and logistics infrastructure and further integration of the country into the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. MSC, one of the world leaders in maritime and container shipping, is considering opportunities to invest in expanding port capacity, developing terminal facilities, and railway routes connecting Khorgos to the Caspian.Tadashi Iwanaga, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Kanadevia Inova, one of the global leaders in “green” technologies, presented projects on waste-to-energy conversion involving international financial institutions. The company has extensive experience and has successfully implemented similar projects in major cities across Europe and Asia.Independent entrepreneur and investor Rolande Bartholet, representing Schnellstrom, proposed cooperation in creating energy storage systems, developing industrial energy infrastructure, and localizing technological solutions in Kazakhstan.The Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized that mutually beneficial cooperation opens significant potential for technology transfer and expansion of investment projects involving Swiss participation.Particular attention was given to the implementation of modern waste processing technologies, development of alternative energy, improving the efficiency of energy and tourism infrastructure, and modernization of the agro-industrial complex.The meetings clearly demonstrated the high interest of Swiss businesses in Kazakhstan and their readiness to implement joint projects in key economic sectors. Minister Kosherbayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to creating favorable conditions for investors, actively adopting advanced technologies and solutions, thereby strengthening its position as a strategically important trade and economic partner of Switzerland.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/invest/press/news/details/1122745?lang=kk
Construction of a large greenhouse complex has begun in Shymkent. 02.12.2025
Construction of another major greenhouse complex has officially begun in Shymkent. Today, Shymkent Mayor Gabit Syzdykbekov, along with the management of the Polish company Fabe-Agro, participated in a capsule-laying ceremony marking the launch of the $137 million project. The project is being implemented in the Martobe residential area. The total area of the greenhouse complex will be 144 hectares. Work has currently begun on installing the necessary infrastructure and preparing the construction site. Once operational, the facility will produce up to 36,000 tons of vegetables annually and create approximately 1,000 new jobs. During the ceremony, City Mayor Gabit Syzdykbekov noted that this project will be an important step in the development of Shymkent's agro-industrial complex. He stated that the new greenhouse complex will significantly improve the region's food security and provide the local market with high-quality and affordable produce. "Another economically significant project is beginning in Shymkent. As you know, the Turkish investors' greenhouse complex has already yielded its first harvest. These two major projects will make a significant contribution to the city's agricultural development and give the industry a new impetus," noted G. Syzdykbekov. Experts are also confident that the new project will significantly enhance the region's agricultural potential. According to Talgat Mekambayev, head of the city's Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Services, investors plan to implement the project in stages between 2025 and 2028 and introduce tomatoes and cucumbers to the market. It's worth noting that more than half of Kazakhstan's large greenhouse complexes are located in Shymkent. The implementation of this investment project will significantly contribute to food security in Shymkent, stabilizing prices, and increasing production volumes in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the introduction of modern greenhouse technologies will significantly improve productivity and produce quality, providing residents with fresh vegetables throughout the year.
CONSTRUCTION OF A LARGE HEATING COMPLEX BEGINS IN SHYMKENT 02.12.2025
The construction of another large greenhouse complex in Shymkent has officially begun. Today, the mayor of the city, Gabit Syzdykbekov, and the management of the Polish company Fabe-Agro participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new agricultural facility worth 137 million US dollars. The project is being implemented in the Martobe residential area of Shymkent. The total area of the greenhouse complex covers 144 hectares. Currently, work has begun on the delivery of the necessary infrastructure networks and the construction site is being prepared. After the large-scale facility is put into operation, 36 thousand tons of vegetables will be produced annually and about a thousand new jobs will be created in the city. During the event, the city's mayor, Gabit Syzdykbekov, noted the importance of this project in the development of Shymkent's agro-industrial complex. According to him, the new greenhouse will strengthen the region's food security and provide the local market with high-quality and affordable products. – The construction of another economically important project is underway in Shymkent. Earlier, the greenhouse complex of Turkish investors produced its first harvest. These two major projects will give a new impetus to the development of the city's agricultural sector, – said G. Syzdykbekov. Industry experts are also confident that the new project will strengthen the agricultural potential of the region. According to Talgat Mekambayev, head of the city's Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, investors plan to implement the project in stages in 2025–2028, producing tomatoes and cucumbers. Today, more than half of the country's large greenhouse complexes are located in Shymkent. The implementation of the new investment project will significantly contribute to ensuring food security in Shymkent, regulating prices, and increasing production volumes in the agricultural industry. In addition, the introduction of modern greenhouse technologies will ensure high product quality and provide the population with fresh vegetables all year round.
Defense Ministry officers held explanatory meetings in military units in Eastern Kazakhstan 02.12.2025
Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1117576?lang=kk
Ambassador of Kazakhstan Delivers a Lecture at NUST University on New Avenues of Kazakhstan-Pakistan Cooperation 02.12.2025
Islamabad, 2 December 2025 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin delivered a lecture at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) on “Kazakhstan–Pakistan Relations: Avenues of Cooperation.”The event brought together faculty members, experts, and students of NUST.In his address, Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin provided an in-depth overview of the current state of political, trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian, and educational cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, placing special emphasis on the prospects for strengthening partnerships between the universities of the two countries.The Ambassador underscored that expanding academic cooperation is an important component of further deepening bilateral relations, and expressed his readiness to support the development of joint educational programs and research projects.He also highlighted the transport and logistics dimension, stressing its particular importance for advancing cooperation between Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and Pakistan, and briefed the audience on the ongoing work in this area.NUST students showed strong interest in issues related to regional security, transport connectivity, innovation-driven development, and the role of youth in strengthening international cooperation.The Embassy of Kazakhstan expresses its gratitude to Mr. Amir Yaqub, Director for Operations and Collaboration at NIPS NUST and Dr. Ashfaq Hassan Khan for their warm hospitality and support in organizing the lecture.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-islamabad/press/news/details/1117545?lang=kk
Strengthening Air Links Between Kazakhstan and Montenegro 02.12.2025
On December 2, 2025, Gabiden Temirbek, Consul General of Kazakhstan in Montenegro, met with Mr. Susith Hettihewa, Air Astana’s Regional Manager for Europe. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the airline’s seasonal flights connecting Astana, Almaty, and Podgorica, which have shown strong performance and growing demand.The two sides exchanged views on expanding cooperation for 2026 and emphasized the importance of improved air connectivity in supporting tourism and fostering closer ties between Kazakhstan and Montenegro.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-podgorica/press/news/details/1117549?lang=kk
ANNOUNCEMENT! On December 3, 2025, from 09:00 to 15:00, an online conference will be held on the «Open Government» portal (egov.kz) on the topic: «Changes and innovations in the new Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding VAT taxpayer registration (types of VAT registration, deregistration, exceeding the VAT threshold, etc.)». 02.12.2025
On December 3, 2025, from 09:00 to 15:00, an online conference will be held on the «Open Government» portal (egov.kz) on the topic: «Changes and innovations in the new Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding VAT taxpayer registration (types of VAT registration, deregistration, exceeding the VAT threshold, etc.)». Questions on this topic can be submitted on the egov.kz portal at the following link: https://dialog.egov.kz/conference/5354. The questions will be answered by Edil Azimshaiky Serikuly, Head of the VAT Administration Department of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1117561?lang=kk
The Head of the Representative office met with the newly appointed Consul General of Türkiye 02.12.2025
On December 2, 2025, Ambassador-at-Large – Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty Zhanibek Abdrashov presented the exequatur to the newly appointed Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye Tugba Ozdenfedakar and wished success in her mission. In turn, the Consul General of Türkiye expressed her gratitude and confirmed willingness to work for the benefit of the development of bilateral relations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-almaty/press/news/details/1117500?lang=kk
The Head of the Representative office received the Hungarian company «Cardinal» 02.12.2025
On December 2, 2025, Ambassador-at-Large – Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty Zhanibek Abdrashov received the Director of the Hungarian financial-technology company «Cardinal» Nemchich Robert. During the meeting, the parties discussed the expansion of cooperation in the field of digitalization and technologies and confirmed their readiness to implement joint projects.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-almaty/press/news/details/1117507?lang=kk
In the West Kazakhstan region, a retail chain illegally demanded a 10% commission for a socially significant product 02.12.2025
In the West Kazakhstan Region, entrepreneurs included a clause in a supply contract requiring a local manufacturer to pay a retail chain a 10% commission on the value of the delivered goods. However, the subject of the contract was butter, a product included in the list of socially significant food products, making such requirements illegal.After receiving the information, the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection of the West Kazakhstan Region conducted an investigation and confirmed the violation. Experts determined that the retail chain had knowingly included the obligation to pay a commission in the contract, despite a direct prohibition under the law regarding socially significant goods.The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Regulation of Trade Activities" does allow for the inclusion of a commission in the price of food products. However, such a commission cannot exceed 5% of the product's value and can only be applied to products not included in the list of socially significant food products. Payment of a commission is completely prohibited for socially significant food products. Overall, the Department initiated administrative cases against 192 businesses during the past period of 2025. These figures demonstrate that the agency maintains strict and consistent government oversight in the trade sector, paying particular attention to compliance with legal regulations, particularly regarding price regulation and rules for handling socially significant food products. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1117476?lang=kk
On the preparations for Independence Day and New Year's celebrations 02.12.2025
Today, at the staff meeting, they reported on the preparations for the celebration of the main state holiday — Independence Day and the organization of New Year's events.By Independence Day, a significant holiday of the country, thematic meetings with public figures, lectures, exhibitions, quests, patriotic classes will be held in all educational and cultural organizations of Kostanay, and a flower-laying ceremony is planned at the monuments of Akhmet Baitursynov and Myrzhakyp Dulatovich.New Year's events will begin with the simultaneous burning of Christmas trees in the central square of the regional akimat, Zhastar Boulevard, Keruen Park, Kunai and Yubileyny neighborhoods. At the request of the townspeople, this year's Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 18 at 20:00. This time was set so that after the end of the working day and the second shift at school, parents with children could get to the venues of the festive events in a timely manner and enjoy them without haste.Traditionally, ice slides, illuminated skating rinks, an ice maze, themed glaciers and light compositions are equipped in the city center, as well as in other places.We remind you that during festive events it is important to observe safety measures, monitor children and carefully follow the rules for the use of pyrotechnics and festive decorations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1117478?lang=kk
Temporary storage facilities for goods are temporary storage warehouses and other places where, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 165 of the Code of Customs Regulation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, temporary storage of goods may be carried out. 02.12.2025
1. Basic requirements for the applicantThe applicant must be a legal entity registered in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He must have the right of ownership, economic / operational management or lease of a room and / or an open area intended for storing his own goods. If the property is leased, the lease agreement must be concluded for at least 6 months from the date of application. 2.Requirements for the warehouse/storage areaThe storage facility (room or outdoor area) must meet the following conditions: The availability of certified weighing equipment that corresponds to the nature of the goods and vehicles; if the warehouse is intended for gas, appropriate metering devices must be installed. Access roads that are technically sound: good access roads; as well as places for the inspection of goods that have a hard surface (concrete, asphalt, rubber or other) and, if necessary, covered areas with electric lighting. The warehouse area (including warehouses, platforms, loading and unloading areas) must have a single postal address and be solidly fenced around the perimeter. The territory/warehouse must be designated as a zone subject to the requirements of customs legislation — in accordance with Article 404 of the relevant Code "on Customs Regulation in the Republic of Kazakhstan". 3.Documents and application procedureThe application for inclusion is submitted through the portal (information system "KEDEN" keden.kgd.gov.kz ). It is necessary to provide documents confirming ownership or lease (lease period ≥ 6 months), as well as documents confirming the warehouse's compliance with technical requirements (plans, diagrams, equipment, address, borders, etc.).After submission, the territorial customs authority conducts an inspection of the premises and territory, verifies compliance with the requirements. The decision to include a warehouse for storing its own goods in the register is made within 10 working days from the date of registration of the application.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-karaganda/press/news/details/1117449?lang=kk
In accordance with the decisions of the city and district maslikhats of the Karaganda region, tax rates have been reduced from 4% to 2% when applying a special tax regime based on a simplified declaration. 02.12.2025
In accordance with the decisions of the city and district maslikhats of the Karaganda region, tax rates have been reduced from 4% to 2% when applying a special tax regime based on a simplified declaration.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-karaganda/press/news/details/1117450?lang=kk
Минтруда Казахстана и Минюст Кореи договорились о расширении временных рамок программы добровольного выезда 02.12.2025
Пресс-релиз02.12.2025 г. г. Астана Минтруда Казахстана и Минюст Кореи договорились о расширении временных рамок программы добровольного выезда Министерство труда и социальной защиты населения РК в ходе переговоров с Министерством юстиции Республики Корея по вопросам снижения нелегальной миграции и защиты прав наших граждан достигли договоренности по расширению временных рамок программы добровольного выезда (далее – Программа), позволяющей казахстанцам, работавшим в Корее нелегально, добровольно покинуть страну без штрафов и запрета на повторный въезд. Воспользоваться этой возможностью наши соотечественники могут в период с декабря 2025 года по февраль 2026 года включительно.Эти меры направлены на смягчение правовых последствий и поддержку тех, кто готов урегулировать свой статус. Программа не распространяется на лиц, совершивших уголовные преступления, подлежащих принудительному выдворению, а также на иностранцев, оказавшихся в нелегальном статусе после 1 декабря 2025 года.Для участия в Программе необходимы паспорт, заявление о добровольном выезде и авиабилет. Подача предварительного уведомления осуществляется через иммиграционные офисы Республики Корея в период от 15 до 3 дней до даты вылета.Министерство труда и социальной защиты населения РК (далее – МТСЗН) настоятельно рекомендует гражданам Казахстана устраиваться на работу за рубежом только на законных основаниях, чтобы избежать рисков нелегальной миграции, выдворения, штрафов, ограничения прав, а также возможных ситуаций трудовой эксплуатации.Необходимо пользоваться только официальными и проверенными каналами трудоустройства, включая лицензированные частные агентства занятости, государственные программы и официальные предложения работодателей.МТСЗН продолжит системную работу по защите прав граждан Казахстана, работающих за рубежом.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay-fedorov/press/news/details/1123809?lang=kk
Big chains, big fines: Metro, Small, Toimart, and dozens of others punished for price gouging in Almaty 02.12.2025
For example, the large retail chain Metro was held administratively liable for exceeding the 15% trade markup on socially important food products, according to Part 2 of Article 204-4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Metro Cash & Carry LLC appealed the Department's administrative decision in all courts, including through cassation, but to no avail, as the Department's actions were legal.It's worth noting that this is not the first time Metro has been held administratively liable for imposing a trade markup. Previously, in 2024, Metro Cash & Carry LLC was held administratively liable for a trade markup and also appealed the Department's administrative decision in court. As a result, the business entity's claims were denied, including by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Large Almaty retail chains, such as Small and Toimart, were also held administratively liable for exceeding the 15% markup.During the Department's comprehensive efforts to implement state oversight functions, the SMALL retail chain was held administratively liable by the court under Article 462 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan for obstructing Department officials in the performance of their state oversight functions.Comprehensive efforts are currently underway to hold unscrupulous entrepreneurs selling socially important food products in convenience stores administratively liable. Overall, the Almaty Department of Trade and Consumer Protection has imposed fines totaling over 32 million tenge on entrepreneurs who inflated the markup on socially important products.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1117468?lang=kk
An informational session on the topic "Religious extremism is a dangerous phenomenon’ was held 02.12.2025
at the Saken Seifullin Central Library, an information session titled “Religious Extremism – A Dangerous Phenomenon” was organized with the aim of strengthening society’s spiritual security and increasing readers’ religious awareness.The event began with an introductory speech by the presenter. Participants were provided with information about the essence of religious extremism, its harmful impact on society, and the danger of the spread of radical ideology. To enhance understanding of the topic, a video titled “Religious Extremism – A Threat to Society” was shown.The event was attended by Kanat Mutebayev, a theologian-specialist of the Zhetysu Region Center for the Study and Rehabilitation of Religious Issues, and a member of the Republican Information and Awareness Group. He shared valuable insights on maintaining religious stability, distinguishing reliable information, and identifying dangerous false movements, as well as answered participants’ questions. In addition, librarian Gauhar Bolatbekova continued the event with a bibliographic review of the book exhibition “Religious Extremism – A Threat to Society.” The information session was attended by 9th-grade students of the A. Abai Secondary School Gymnasium No. 1.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/zhetysu-archive/press/news/details/1117424?lang=kk
On the inadmissibility of violations when providing technical means of transport through the Portal 02.12.2025
The Social Services Portal is designed to provide individuals with disabilities with technical aids and rehabilitation services (TARS) with the ability to independently select a Provider. Interaction between the Recipient, Provider, and Authorized Body occurs within the framework of the Agreement concluded through the Portal.Providers are required to provide goods and services strictly in accordance with the information posted on the Portal. Any additional terms, promotions, advertising, or offers of additional goods, services, or rewards are prohibited. The Recipient pays only the difference between the cost of the selected TRS and the guaranteed amount established by law.If any violations, signs of fraud, or imposition of additional services are detected, Recipients are required to report them to the authorized bodies. This information may serve as grounds for removing the unscrupulous Provider from the Portal registry.For questions regarding the operation of the Portal, please contact the contact center at 1414 or the Administration at 8 (7222) 36-01-72.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/abay-kurchatov/press/news/details/1117428?lang=kk
The Ust-Kamenogorsk city Maslikhat hosted a meeting of the interim commission to discuss the draft budget of the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, presented by the Department of Housing Relations of the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk and the Department of Construction of the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk. 02.12.2025
The Ust-Kamenogorsk city Maslikhat hosted a meeting of the interim commission to discuss the draft budget of the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, presented by the Department of Housing Relations of the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk and the Department of Construction of the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk.During the meeting, the construction department was recommended to work out financing issues from the regional and republican budgets to complete projects implemented in the field of infrastructure and the construction of residential buildings.The Housing Relations Department needs to prepare budget applications for the allocation of funds for the repair of facades of apartment buildings, as well as for the purchase of apartments for owners of dilapidated houses with a view to their subsequent relocation from the emergency fund. In addition, the department should work out possible mechanisms for repairing elevator equipment on the city's balance sheet, with calculations of the necessary budget funds.The Ust-Kamenogorsk City Territorial Administration Center is recommended to calculate the required costs for repairing football boxes located in courtyards, determine the procedure for their transfer to the balance of a specialized organization (government agency), and prepare calculations to improve the material and technical base of the branches of the Ust-Kamenogorsk City Territorial Administration Center.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ukmaslihat/press/news/details/1117366?lang=kk
The intellectual quiz was held at Institution №50 02.12.2025
At Institution No. 50, as part of the implementation of the “Law and order” Concept, an intellectual quiz was held with the participation of representatives of the youth wing “Zhashtar Rukhy” of the Amanat party. The event was aimed at enhancing legal awareness, developing communication skills, and strengthening dialogue between young people and inmates.The quiz consisted of five consecutive stages, each designed to broaden the participants’ outlook and strengthen their knowledge.Teams composed of inmates and youth activists competed with one another. This format helped build constructive dialogue, promoted respect and mutual understanding, and contributed to breaking down stereotypes between generations.The event was held in a dynamic and positive atmosphere. Participants demonstrated high engagement, interest, and a desire for self-improvement. Such initiatives play an important role in fostering legal culture and expanding opportunities for the social reintegration of inmates.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/duissko/press/news/details/1117380?lang=kk
Improvement of the children's playground 02.12.2025
In the village of Marinogorsk in the Marinogorsk rural district, Seilkanov IP completed fencing a children's playground. The project cost was 730,000 tengeSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-samar-marinogor/press/news/details/1117359?lang=kk