A total of 5 teams participated in the competition, demonstrating interesting and dynamic gameplay.Final results:1st place - the school students' team2nd place - the school's junior staff3rd place - the school teachersAdditionally, letters of appreciation were awarded to the village youth and the rural district akimat. All participating teams were awarded medals.Sports are a symbol of unity and solidarity, friendship and respect. We hope that such kind events will continue in the future!Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-samar-sarybel/press/news/details/1163160?lang=kk

Для снижения импортозависимости и насыщения рынка отечественными товарами Правительство применяет новые инструменты финансовой поддержки. О деталях внедрения механизма «Заказ на инвестиции» и планах по капитализации холдинга «Байтерек» до 1 трлн тенге сообщил заместитель Премьер-министра – министр национальной экономики Серик Жумангарин.По его словам, совокупный объем мер для развития реального сектора экономики будет доведен до 8 трлн тенге.Основной упор делается на устранение дефицита базовых товаров, который является одной из причин инфляции. В частности, определено 12 ключевых направлений в продовольственном секторе (от переработки мяса и молока до сахара и плодоовощной продукции) и 24 – в непродовольственном (бытовая техника, стройматериалы, химия). До 2030 года через структуры холдинга «Байтерек» планируется профинансировать промышленные проекты на сумму порядка $100-120 млрд."Суть механизма «Заказ на инвестиции» – в системном насыщении внутреннего рынка отечественными товарами. Сегодня одной из ключевых причин инфляционного давления является дефицит ряда базовых товаров. Наша цель – обеспечить рынок своей продукцией и снизить импортозависимость. Проактивная политика станет ключевым инструментом индустриализации и диверсификации экономики, обеспечивая выполнение стратегических задач, поставленных Главой государства", — сообщил Серик Жумангарин.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1163152?lang=kk

Правительство обеспечит переход к новой модели экономического роста через привлечение $400 млрд совокупных инвестиций до 2029 года. О механизмах реализации задач, поставленных Главой государства на расширенном заседании Правительства, доложил заместитель Премьер-министра – министр национальной экономики Серик Жумангарин.По его словам, согласно Национальному плану развития, доля инвестиций в ВВП увеличится с текущих 14-15% до 23%, что позволит к 2029 году нарастить объем инвестиций в основной капитал в 2,5 раза по сравнению с уровнем 2024 года.Основной упор будет сделан на развитие металлургии, нефтехимии, производства газа и фармацевтики. Вместо пассивного ожидания инвесторов государство внедряет Проактивную политику экономического роста. То есть Правительство само будет формировать «заказы на инвестиции» под нужды местного бизнеса и привлекать зарубежных партнеров с готовыми технологиями для запуска новых производств."Суть этой политики заключается в переходе от модели, где государство лишь приглашает инвесторов, к модели активного государственного участия в формировании и запуске конкретных инвестиционных проектов. Данный подход сфокусирован на конкретных потребностях отраслей экономики. Обозначенные проекты увеличат среднюю производительность труда в стране, что является необходимым компонентом для преодоления «ловушки средних доходов» и дальнейшего роста подушевого ВВП", — сообщил вице-премьер Серик Жумангарин.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1163135?lang=kk

On February 18, 2026, from 09:00 to 15:00 on the Open Government portal (egov.kz ) there will be an online conference on the topic: "Monitoring of VAT registration". Questions on this topic can be asked on the egov portal.kz on the link: https://dialog.egov.kz/conference/5758.The questions will be answered by the head of the Department of Value Added Tax Administration of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Azimshayyk Edil Serikuly.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1163072?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1163044?lang=kk

Helsinki, February 16, 2026 – A delegation of Kazakhstan in the field of the agro-industrial complex, led by Vice Minister of Agriculture Yermek Kenzhekhanuly, paid a working visit to Finland. The delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, akimats of Akmola and North Kazakhstan regions, as well as representatives of the agricultural business.During the visit, discussions were held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland and the International Chamber of Commerce «EastCham Finland», as well as separate meetings with Finnish companies.During the meetings, the parties discussed the potential for expanding partnership in the agro-industrial sector, including enhancing cooperation between authorized bodies, exchanging best practices, implementing innovative solutions, and increasing productivity while maintaining the environmental sustainability of agricultural production.Developing business cooperation between Kazakhstan and Finland, particularly through the activation of B2B contacts aimed at implementing joint projects, became one of the key topics of discussion.Special attention was given to negotiations with «Valtra», one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery, during which further practical steps for developing the partnership were discussed.Following the visit, agreements were reached on continuing the dialogue, organizing subsequent business contacts, and exploring opportunities for developing specific joint projects. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-helsinki/press/news/details/1162927?lang=kk

Al-Kuwait, February 16, 2026 – Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Kuwait Yerzhan Yelekeyev held a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Oil Company, Ahmad Al-Eidan.During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kuwait in the oil sector, including the exchange of experience in hydrocarbon exploration and production, the development of oil refining, and the training of industry specialists.The sides also discussed opportunities for the participation of Kazakh oilfield service companies in the implementation of technological and service-related tasks, including engineering, drilling operations, and equipment maintenance.Particular attention was paid to the involvement of Kazakh engineers and technical specialists in the implementation of the company’s production and infrastructure projects. The high level of training of Kazakh personnel in the oil and gas sector, as well as their practical experience in major international projects implemented in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, were noted, including the development of the Tengiz and Kashagan fields.Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further develop sectoral dialogue and to elaborate specific areas of practical cooperation between the relevant institutions of Kazakhstan and Kuwait.Kuwait Oil Company is a key state-owned company in Kuwait’s oil sector, responsible for oil exploration, production, and storage. The company manages the country’s major oil fields and accounts for a significant share of national oil production. Kuwait’s oil production amounts to approximately 2.5-2.7 million barrels per day (over 120 million tons per year). The company employs around 11-12 thousand people, including more than 1,500 foreign specialists, mainly from South and Southeast Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines), as well as from a number of Arab and Western countries. Among the foreign workforce are also citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan, whose number exceeds 50.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kuveyt/press/news/details/1162940?lang=kk

Dushanbe, February 16, 2026 – As part of his official visit to Dushanbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek 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.Minister 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-dushanbe/press/news/details/1162947?lang=kk

Dushanbe, February 16, 2026 – As part of his official visit to Dushanbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yermek 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-dushanbe/press/news/details/1162946?lang=kk

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-beirut/press/news/details/1163525?lang=kk

About 38 issues related to the financial sector were discussed at the next meeting of the Project Office for the Implementation of the Tax Code, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin.More than 10 questions were of an editorial and clarifying nature. We are talking about expanding the list of information not related to tax secrecy, the procedure for issuing electronic invoices and other technical standards.However, a separate set of issues requires additional analysis in terms of their impact on the investment market.VAT on guarantees and factoringAccording to Elena Bakhmutova, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan, the new Tax Code exempts interest on loans and micro-loans issued in cash from VAT.However, bank guarantees and sureties are not exempt from VAT. Factoring operations are also subject to taxation.Factoring is a tool in which a supplier receives payment for a product ahead of time, ceding the right of claim to a bank or financial institution. In fact, it is a form of short-term financing, similar to a loan.At the same time, factoring is not directly attributed to loans in the Tax Code, and therefore the VAT exemption provided for loans does not apply to it.For a number of banks, this issue is fundamental, since a significant part of customer service is based on guarantees and factoring operations. In developed markets, factoring is considered as a financial service, and interest income on it is usually exempt from VAT.It was noted that bringing the tax regime to international practice can increase the competitiveness of the financial market in Kazakhstan and reduce the cost of financing for businesses, primarily for small and medium-sized enterprises.Following the discussion, it was emphasized that VAT exemption is a tax benefit and requires the position of the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market. The government's policy is that tax breaks are possible if they contribute to financing the real sector of the economy and increasing investment activity within the country.Income from securitiesThe issue of determining income in the form of remuneration on debt instruments is considered separately.In the current version, the discount on the repayment of securities is excluded from the remuneration and attributed to the increase in value. This complicates the application of tax deductions and may lead to an additional tax burden.Representatives of the financial community proposed to keep the discount as part of the remuneration in order to avoid ambiguous interpretation of the norms.The norm on the need to own debt securities for at least three years to reduce taxable income was also discussed. According to market participants, this may reduce investors' interest in such instruments and create unequal conditions between exchange platforms.All proposals will be carefully studied, taking into account the adopted Code.VAT on the export of agricultural productsAnother issue related to VAT adjustments for agricultural exports.According to the current norm, an agricultural producer is obliged to reduce the VAT previously accepted for offset by 80% when exporting. Accordingly, a refund is made in the amount of 20%, since farmers are entitled to a reduction in tax obligations by 80%.It is explained that this norm applies exclusively to crop and livestock products, including products of their primary processing, in accordance with relevant legislation.The Ministry of National Economy will prepare an official explanation on the procedure for applying VAT on exports of agricultural and processed products.According to the State Revenue Committee, as of February 12, 921 thousand taxpayers had chosen a special tax regime based on a simplified declaration, while 113 thousand had chosen a general regime.About 500,000 taxpayers have not yet decided on a choice. They have received repeated notifications through their personal accounts reminding them to choose a tax regime before March 1.https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1162903?lang=ruSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-ekonomika-zhosparlau/press/news/details/1163059?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.

A special meeting with representatives of the healthcare sector was held in Shymkent. The main purpose of the meeting was to explain the content of the Constitutional reform and broadly discuss the significance of the proposed changes. The meeting was attended by Atakozha Ismailov, Candidate of Law, and Kuanysh Srailov, a representative of the Shymkent City Health Department, who made reports. The experts discussed in detail the updated provisions of the Constitution and explained the legal and social significance of the changes being made. During the meeting, the speakers noted that the proposed amendments to the Constitution play a special role in strengthening the foundations of the state and maintaining public harmony. According to them, the new edition is a profound document, developed in accordance with the needs of society and the requirements of the times, aimed at modernizing the legal system. It was emphasized that the Constitution is the pillar of the state and the main legal guideline for the development of society. Its stability and justice are of decisive importance for the strategic development of the country. The speakers noted that the scope and content of the changes correspond to the requirements of the current legislation and the long-term development goals of the state. The new project was assessed as an important step towards gradually moving away from the legal model of the post-Soviet space and towards the formation of a modern and effective state model. In addition, the meeting noted that the healthcare sector is a strategic area of national security. In this regard, it was noted that any illegal actions that harm the health of citizens, including unlawful actions under the guise of religious slogans, will be subject to appropriate restrictions within the framework of the law. At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed their support for the new Constitution, expressing their belief that the proposed constitutional changes will have a positive impact on the legal and social development of the country.

In Almaty and the Almaty region, spring 2026 is expected to be moderately warm, with alternating warm spells and brief cold spells, and increased precipitation in the first half of the season. This forecast was announced by Daulet Kisebayev, Head of the Meteorological Forecasting Department of the Kazhydromet branch for Almaty and the Almaty region, at a press conference of the Regional Communications Service dedicated to the service's preparedness for the spring flood season. According to the speaker, weather conditions will be consistent with a typical transitional season. In March, the average temperature in the region is expected to be close to normal, with temperatures in the northwest Almaty region expected to be one degree above normal. In April, temperatures in most of the region are also expected to be one degree above normal, while in the foothills and mountainous areas, they will remain within normal limits. In May, temperatures will stabilize and be within normal limits throughout the region. "Spring is traditionally characterized by unstable weather, and 2026 will be no exception. We expect alternating warm and cool periods, without any sudden or abnormal changes. These are normal spring conditions, for which city services are well prepared," noted Daulet Kisebayev. A separate forecast for Almaty was presented. Significant temperature fluctuations are possible in March: in the first ten days, nighttime temperatures could drop to -5 to -10 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures will rise to +23 degrees Celsius in the second ten days, with brief cold spells likely at the end of the month. In April and May, average temperatures will gradually increase and remain within the climatic norm. Regarding precipitation, above-normal amounts are expected in Almaty in March and April. In March, with the average climatic level of 72 mm, rain and snow are expected to be fairly frequent, especially in the first and third ten-day periods of the month. In April, with the average 112 mm, increased precipitation is also expected, while in May, precipitation will be in line with the long-term average of approximately 99 mm. "It's important to understand that April and May are traditionally the wettest months in Almaty. Increased precipitation during this period is not an emergency, but rather a characteristic of the region's climate. This forecast is advisory in nature and will be updated as new data becomes available," emphasized Daulet Kisebayev. Overall, forecasters predict that spring 2026 in Almaty and the surrounding region will be calm and normal, with no extreme weather events. The forecasted conditions allow city and emergency services to conduct planned preventative and preparatory measures.

This year's spring in Almaty and the region will be moderately warm. In the first half of the season, it will be either warmer or cooler, and the amount of precipitation will increase significantly. Daulet Kisebayev, head of the meteorological forecast department of the Almaty and Almaty region branch of the Kazhydromet RSE, gave such a forecast for the future at a press conference dedicated to the preparation for the spring flood period in the regional communications service. According to the speaker, the weather will be typical of the transitional season. In March, the average air temperature in the region is expected to be close to the climatic norm, one degree higher in the north-west of Almaty region. In April, the temperature will be one degree higher than the norm in most of the region, and will remain within normal limits in the foothills and mountainous areas. In May, the temperature background will stabilize and will correspond to the climatic norm throughout the region. "The sun changes every year in spring. It will be the same this year. The sun warms up and cools down again. But there are no days when it gets very cold or very hot. This is a normal situation typical of spring, and city services are well prepared for it," says Daulet Kisebayev. A separate forecast for Almaty was also provided. Temperatures in March can fluctuate significantly: in the first ten days of the month, night temperatures are likely to drop to −5…−10 degrees, in the second ten days, daytime temperatures will warm up to +23 degrees, and a short cooling period is possible at the end of the month. In April and May, the average air temperature will gradually increase. In March and April, Almaty is expected to receive more precipitation than usual. In March, the climatic norm is 72 mm, with frequent precipitation in the form of rain and snow, especially in the first and third decades of the month. In April, the norm is 112 mm, but precipitation is likely to be more. In May, precipitation will be approximately 99 mm, in line with the long-term average. "April and May are considered the rainiest months in Almaty. The increase in precipitation at this time is not an emergency, it is just a climatic feature of the region. We make the forecast as an advisory and constantly refine it based on new data," Daulet Kisebayev noted. Forecasters estimate that this spring will be normal in Almaty city and region. This will allow city and emergency services to carry out preventive and preparedness work in a planned manner.

Almaty is undertaking comprehensive work to prepare city services for the spring flood season. Arshat Bakhtygereev, Deputy Head of the Almaty City Department of Ecology and Environment, provided details during a briefing at the Regional Communications Service. He stated that the flood situation in the city remains stable, and the risk of flooding of residential areas and infrastructure in the coming spring is minimal. Almaty has 153 water bodies, including 109 watercourses with a total length of 586.2 km and 44 reservoirs. The city has 29 operational hydraulic structures, seven of which require repair, including six municipally owned structures. "The city's meltwater and rainwater drainage system is based on a 1,525-kilometer network of irrigation ditches. To ensure its capacity, the ditches and crossings are cleaned daily. During periods of precipitation, 52 mobile teams are deployed to quickly eliminate flooding," said Arshat Bakhtygereev. In preparation for the flood season, projects are being implemented to construct and reconstruct irrigation ditches and storm sewers in the central, eastern, and western parts of the city. Thus, in the central part of the city, work has been completed in full: 76.6 km of irrigation ditch networks have been reconstructed in 158 areas. In the eastern part, 58 sections with a length of 26.2 km have been completed, and another 7.6 km on 30 sections are planned for completion in 2026. In the western part of the city, 9.3 km have been completed to date, with the plan for 2026 being 41.7 km. To respond to potential emergencies during the 2026 flood season, 1,867 personnel, 775 pieces of equipment, 119 motor pumps, and six floating craft have been prepared. More than 23,500 bags and 17,843 tons of inert materials have been prepared, as well as tents and temporary accommodation sites. As the administration noted, preparations for the flood period are under the control of the city's relevant services.

Almaty is working on preparations for spring floods. This was announced by Arshat Baktygereev, deputy head of the Almaty Department of Ecology and Environment, at a briefing at the Regional Communications Service. According to him, there is no reason to worry about floods, and the risk of flooding of the housing sector and infrastructure facilities in the spring has significantly decreased. There are 153 water bodies in Almaty, including 109 water channels and 44 reservoirs with a total length of 586.2 kilometers. There are 29 supporting hydraulic structures operating in the city, seven of which require repair, six of which are in municipal ownership. "The city has a 1,525-kilometer-long network of ditches that provide drainage for meltwater and rainwater. The ditches and crossings are cleaned every day to prevent waterlogging. 52 brigades are ready to work urgently if the water rises," says Arshat Baktygereev. Currently, a project is underway to construct and modernize a drainage network and storm sewers in the central, eastern, and western parts of the city. This time, work in the central part of the city was fully completed, with 76.6 kilometers of sewer networks reconstructed in 158 sections. Work has also been completed on 58 sites, covering a length of 26.2 kilometers on the eastern side, and similar work will be carried out on an additional 30 sites, covering a total of 7.6 kilometers, this year. In the western part, 9.3 kilometers of work have currently been completed, and the plan for 2026 is 41.7 kilometers. To prevent an emergency situation during the 2026 flood, forces and equipment consisting of 1,867 people, 775 units of equipment, 119 motor pumps and 6 floating devices have been prepared. More than 23,500 bags and 17,843 tons of inert material have been prepared, as well as barriers and temporary shelters. Special services are well-equipped for the flood season.

Almaty city services are working hard to prepare for the flood, landslide, and mountain season. The situation is under control, necessary preventative measures are being implemented in advance, and sufficient manpower and resources are available for a rapid response. This was announced by Almaz Kurmanov, Head of the Prevention Department of the Almaty Department of Emergency Situations, at a press conference of the Regional Communications Service. According to him, possible seasonal changes are primarily related to heavy rainfall and spring snowmelt, a common natural process in Almaty. This year, the soil freezing depth will not exceed 37–39 cm, which is considered favorable and facilitates the natural absorption of meltwater. Relatively mild weather is expected in February, with temperatures around -2.4°C and precipitation amounts slightly above normal. "We analyze all natural factors in advance and prepare for them according to a planned schedule. The situation is currently stable, and city services are working in a preventative mode rather than responding to emergencies," noted Almaz Kurmanov. The Department of Emergency Situations is constantly monitoring seven areas in the Alatau and Bostandyk districts where seasonal flooding has previously been recorded. Engineering solutions are already being implemented at two of these sites: the Boroldai River is being widened in the Kokkainar microdistrict, and preparations are underway for the installation of a pumping station on Zhangir-Khan Street. The remaining areas are classified as medium-risk and are regularly monitored by specialists. In preparation for the spring, 147,000 cubic meters of snow have been removed from the city in advance. The necessary team of personnel and equipment—over 1,800 people and over 700 pieces of specialized equipment—has been assembled, and materials and equipment for potential preventative maintenance have been prepared. "Our goal is to prevent complications and ensure residents' comfort. All services are fully staffed, equipment has been tested, and action plans have been rehearsed in advance," the speaker emphasized. Work to reduce landslide risks is also being systematically carried out. In Almaty, approximately 190 potentially landslide-prone areas are registered. Since 2025, engineering work has been carried out at eight key locations to protect residential buildings and tourist infrastructure, including along the Medeu-Shymbulak route. Last year, similar work was completed at 15 more sites. Furthermore, systematic work on mudflow safety continues. All moraine lakes above the city are in winter mode and pose no danger. Preventive measures to monitor and drain them will continue as scheduled during the summer. Specialists also remind everyone to observe basic safety precautions in the mountains during the winter and spring seasons. Avalanche activity is a natural feature of high-altitude areas, so residents and tourists are urged to heed the recommendations of relevant services and plan their routes accordingly. Overall, the Department of Emergency Situations emphasized that Almaty is calmly and consistently preparing for seasonal natural processes, and all necessary measures for the safety and comfort of residents are being taken in advance.

Almaty services are preparing for the flood and landslide season in a normal working mode. They have started to monitor the situation and take the necessary measures in advance, and there are enough forces and equipment for rapid response. This was stated by Almaz Kurmanov, head of the Warning Department of the Almaty Emergency Situations Department, at a press conference held at the Regional Communications Service. According to him, seasonal changes are often caused by abundant precipitation and snowmelt in the spring, but this is normal for Almaty. This year, the depth of soil freezing does not exceed 37–39 cm, which is a favorable indicator, allowing for rapid absorption of melted snow. The weather in February will be relatively favorable, with an average temperature of about −2.4 °C, and precipitation slightly above normal. "We analyze all natural phenomena in advance and take appropriate measures. The situation is now stable, and city services are being vigilant and taking the necessary precautions to prevent emergencies," says Almaz Kurmanov. The Emergency Situations Department is monitoring seven previously flooded areas in the Alatau and Bostandyk districts. Currently, the Boraldai River channel is being widened in the Kokkaynar microdistrict, and preparations have begun to install a pumping station on Zhangir Khan Street. Since the remaining areas are at an average risk level, specialists are constantly monitoring them. As part of preparations for the spring period, 147 thousand cubic meters of snow were removed from the city in advance. The necessary forces and equipment have been mobilized. More than 1,800 people and more than 700 pieces of special equipment have been involved in this work, and materials and equipment for preventive work are also ready. "Our task is to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of residents. All services are fully equipped, equipment has been checked, and we have prepared all the upcoming work in advance," the speaker said. Systematic work is also being done to reduce the risk of landslides. There are approximately 190 landslide-prone areas in Almaty. Since last year, engineering measures have been taken in eight areas to protect residential buildings and tourist infrastructure, including the Medeu-Shymbulak route. Last year, work was carried out in 15 more such areas. In addition, protection from mudflows is also taken into account. All moraine lakes above the city are in winter mode and do not pose a threat. Work to monitor and release them will continue as planned in the summer. Experts remind us of the importance of maintaining basic safety in the mountains during the winter and spring periods. Since avalanches are a natural phenomenon in high-mountainous regions, city residents and tourists are advised to plan their routes according to the weather, taking into account the recommendations of specialized services. In general, according to the Emergency Situations Department, Almaty is calmly and systematically preparing for seasonal changes, and all necessary measures have been taken in advance to ensure the safety and comfort of residents.

In Almaty, the transitional provisions of the new Tax Code were explained, and special tax regimes were announced that came into effect on January 1, 2026. This topic was the subject of a press conference at the city's Regional Communications Service, where the leadership of the Almaty Department of State Revenue explained in detail how conditions will change for the self-employed, small businesses, and farms, and what taxpayers should do during the transition period. Before the introduction of the new Tax Code, Kazakhstan had seven special tax regimes, including patents, mobile applications, simplified tax returns, fixed deductions, retail tax, and separate regimes for agricultural producers. Starting in 2026, the system will be simplified: three special tax regimes will remain: for the self-employed, based on simplified tax returns, and for peasant farms. The goal of the changes is to make taxation more understandable, reduce the administrative burden, and expand access to social protection. Particular attention is being paid to the new special tax regime for the self-employed. It will be available to Kazakh citizens and individuals with low incomes who are not registered as individual entrepreneurs, do not employ hired labor, and are engaged in permitted activities. Monthly income must not exceed 300 minimum monthly calculation indices (MCI), which is approximately 1.3 million tenge. Self-employed individuals do not need to register as individual entrepreneurs, there is no tax reporting, and the personal income tax rate is set at 0 percent. "The new regime for the self-employed has been simplified as much as possible and is aimed at people with small and irregular incomes. The only remaining obligation is to pay social contributions equal to 4 percent of income, which provides access to pensions, health care, and social insurance. This is an important step toward legalizing self-employment and protecting citizens' rights," explained Nurlybek Uspanov, Head of the Administration of Individual Entrepreneurs and Individuals at the Almaty Department of State Revenue. All transactions for the self-employed will be handled through a dedicated mobile app, which generates receipts, tracks income, and automatically calculates social security payments. For those working through online platforms, contributions will be transferred by the platform operators. In areas without internet access, payments are made at the end of the month. A special tax regime based on a simplified tax return has been retained and updated for small and medium-sized businesses. It is available to taxpayers with an annual income of up to 600,000 monthly calculation indices (MCIs)—approximately 2.6 billion tenge—provided their activities are not on the list of prohibited activities. The regime provides for a flat personal income tax (PIT) or corporate income tax (CIT) rate of 4 percent, exemption from VAT and social tax, and requires filing and paying taxes only twice a year. "We've retained the simplified tax return but made it more flexible and convenient for businesses. The high income threshold allows entrepreneurs to grow without fragmentation, and the ability to account for wages encourages the payment of official wages and the legalization of employment," noted Baktugul Seitova, Head of the Public Services Department of the Almaty City Department of State Revenue. For peasant and farming households, the application of the special regime has been largely retained. Following the abolition of the single land tax, such households continue to pay individual income tax at the previous rate of 0.5 percent of income. They are exempt from a number of taxes, including property tax, transport tax, VAT, and social tax, and are required to submit reports once a year. Tax payments are made twice a year, taking into account the seasonality of agricultural production. The procedure for transitioning to the new tax regimes was also explained at the press conference. To apply the simplified tax return, a notification must be submitted by March 1, 2026, via the taxpayer account, the E-Salyq Business app, a banking app, or in paper form. Otherwise, the taxpayer will be automatically transferred to the general tax regime. Self-employed individuals who previously worked under a patent or through a mobile app will be automatically deregistered as individual entrepreneurs unless they choose a different regime. For farms, the transition will occur automatically without submitting a notification. "The transition period is intended to allow taxpayers to adapt to the new rules smoothly and without unnecessary complications. It's important to determine the tax regime in a timely manner and, if necessary, submit a notification. All changes are aimed at simplifying procedures and creating a more understandable and fair tax system," the department emphasized. The Almaty Department of State Revenue urged entrepreneurs and the self-employed to familiarize themselves with the new requirements in advance and use available digital services to transition to the appropriate tax regime.