Brasília, 14 January 2026 - A meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Federative Republic of Brazil, Bolat Nussupov, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Susan Kleebank, with the participation of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brazil to Kazakhstan, Marcelo Biato.The parties reviewed the progress in implementing the agreements reached during the 7th Kazakhstan–Brazil Political Consultations held on 8 December 2025 in Astana, aimed at strengthening bilateral political dialogue, expanding trade, economic and sectoral cooperation, and enhancing coordination within regional and multilateral frameworks.Special attention was given to organizational and substantive aspects of participation in upcoming international events, including the Regional Ecological Summit (April 2026, Astana) and the International Conference on the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (March 2026, Campo Grande).The meeting also addressed the organization of bilateral visits at high and highest levels, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further developing Kazakhstan–Brazil relations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-brazil/press/news/details/1141521?lang=kk

Hong Kong, January 9, 2026 –  As part of an initiative to develop cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and information technology between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Hong Kong, a meeting was held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong SAR with representatives of “Huazhi Future”, “ChinoLite”, and “OMIS Inc.” from Pavlodar city.Taking into account the participating companies’ experience of cooperation with Hong Kong law enforcement agencies, Bauyrzhan Dosmanbetov, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong SAR, informed the Hong Kong companies of Kazakhstan’s interest in implementing AI-based solutions in security systems, facial recognition technologies, and efforts to combat cybercrime and drug trafficking in the regions of Kazakhstan.On their part, representatives of “Huazhi Future” presented data centers that have been commissioned in Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen in mainland China. In light of the growing global demand for computing power, the CEO of “Huazhi Future” expressed interest in building data centers in Kazakhstan.The parties emphasized the significance of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to declare 2026 as the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan. In this regard, the Consul General expressed interest in organizing joint events, hackathons, and startup presentations.The IT company “OMIS Inc.” implements digital solutions for government and business, while working closely with the Pavlodar Regional Prosecutor’s Office and regional law enforcement agencies in the field of law and order for several years.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-hongkong/press/news/details/1141525?lang=kk

A meeting with the chairpersons of Housing Maintenance Cooperatives (KSK) and Associations of Property Owners (OSI) was held at the Akimat of the Almalinsky District to discuss issues related to housing relations, residential property management, urban improvement, and safety.The meeting was attended by Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Erlan Dauletovich Stambekov, Deputy Head of the Department of Communal Infrastructure Zhandos Maratovich Kaiyrkhanov, Head of the Public Security Department of the Almalinsky District Police Saadulla Siyazkhanov, as well as representatives of KSK, OSI, and local residents.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty-almaly/press/news/details/1141499?lang=kk

Prague, 14 January 2025 – At Prague Castle, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kairat Abdrakhmanov, presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel. As part of the formal ceremony, a meeting was held during which the high level of bilateral relations was reaffirmed and mutual interest in their further deepening was expressed.Significant attention was paid to the creation of favorable conditions for trade, economic, and investment cooperation, as well as to the development of cultural and humanitarian exchanges. In the context of discussions on current regional and international issues, the importance of cooperation within the frameworks of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was underscored in the interests of strengthening global security and stability. The positive momentum of cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia was also noted.The Czech side was briefed on the new stage of modernization in Kazakhstan, including the priorities outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his New Year interview with the Turkistan newspaper, focusing on the development of a rule-of-law state with a sustainable economy, a stable political system, and a fair distribution of public goods. It was noted that Czech business circles are demonstrating practical interest in Kazakhstan’s economic reforms, particularly in the energy and utilities sectors, where they possess advanced resource-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.Along these and other areas of mutually beneficial Kazakh-Czech cooperation, coordinated efforts will continue through the governments of both countries, as well as their business and public communities, with a view to preparing meetings at the highest and high levels.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-prague/press/news/details/1141504?lang=kk

On January 4 of this year, a temporarily expanded list of socially significant food products came into effect in Kazakhstan. While the list previously included 19 items, it has now been expanded to 31. The updated list includes products that had the greatest impact on food inflation, including cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, tea, sour cream, fish, beef (with and without bones), chicken, horse meat, and hard cheese.According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the price index for socially significant food products was 0.2 percent in the first week of this year. This indicator remained at the same level for the same period last year. It is important to note that this year's index was calculated taking into account the expanded list of products, indicating stable price dynamics for essential goods.Furthermore, a number of new items included in the expanded list have already seen price declines ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 percent. Despite the insignificant nature of this decline, these figures confirm that the process of price stabilization has already begun and the first results have been achieved very quickly. Specifically, among fruit and vegetable products, prices for apples fell by 0.5 percent, while cucumbers and tomatoes fell by 0.4 percent. In the grocery segment, prices for hard and semi-hard cheeses fell by 0.3 percent, while black tea fell by 0.2 percent. In the meat and fish product group, prices decreased by 0.1 percent. Among dairy products, sour cream also fell by 0.1 percent.To curb prices, active monitoring of retail outlets and outreach to businesses have been underway since the beginning of the year. On January 13, Daulen Kabdushev, Deputy Chairman of the Trade Committee of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with representatives of the local akimat, conducted price monitoring and outreach to vendors at the capital's markets."Our colleagues in the regions are currently conducting similar work today. We are explaining to businesses that products previously not included in the SZPT list are now classified as socially significant food products. This means that the Trade Committee will exercise state oversight to ensure compliance with the maximum trade markup. I would like to point out that, in accordance with current legislation, the maximum trade markup on socially significant food products should not exceed 15 percent," noted Trade Committee Deputy Chairman Daulen Kabdushev.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1141505?lang=kk

"Ребенок и закон"В начальных классах проведен воспитательный час на тему «Ребенок и закон». В ходе воспитательного часа учащимся было разъяснено, что закон – это правила, установленные для правильного сосуществования людей в обществе. Было сказано, что каждый ребенок имеет право учиться, отдыхать, играть в игры, жить в безопасной среде.Также учащимся было разъяснено, что наряду со своими правами есть и обязанности. В частности, было сказано, что каждый ребенок обязан соблюдать школьные правила, уважать старших, слушать слова учителя, дружить с друзьями. Во время урока были организованы вопросы и ответы, учащиеся объяснили, что узнали о своих правах, нарисовав картинки.Воспитательный час повысил уважение учащихся к закону, способствовал осознанию своих прав и обязанностей, становлению дисциплинированным, сознательным гражданином.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda-kazaly-shaken/press/news/details/1141463?lang=kk

In the city of Zhanaozen, multi-child mothers were awarded the “Altyn Alqa” and “Kumis Alqa” badgesIn accordance with Decree No. 1119 of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 12, 2025, 61 multi-child mothers in the city of Zhanaozen and its subordinate rural settlements were awarded state decorations. In particular, 18 mothers were presented with the “Altyn Alqa” badge, and 43 mothers received the “Kumis Alqa” badge.The Deputy Akim of Zhanaozen, Zhanabay Aimagambetov, congratulated the mothers on the awards, emphasizing their special role in the family and in society. The award recipients expressed their gratitude for the recognition shown by the state and noted that raising children is the most honorable and responsible mission.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/akimat-goroda-zhanaozen/press/news/details/1141473?lang=kk

On January 14, 2026, an Open Day for residents of the East Kazakhstan Region was held at the State Revenue Office of Ust-Kamenogorsk as part of the national “People’s Accountant” campaign.During the event, specialists of the state revenue authorities, together with a professional accountant from “Uchet.kz”, provided consultations on the new Tax Code, tax reporting procedures, VAT registration, special tax regimes, and the transition to self-employment.The “People’s Accountant” campaign will run until June 30, 2026. Consultations are held at 86 N. Nazarbayev Avenue, 3rd floor, Ust-Kamenogorsk:in January–February — Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;starting from March — twice a week.For taxpayers from other cities and districts of the region, consultations are available via video call at +7 771 123 80 84.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-vko/press/news/details/1141381?lang=kk

Dmitry Nikolaevich Verigin, deputy of polling station No. 5, held a personal reception for citizens in the village of Novopolyakovka according to the schedule for receiving voters. During the reception, a number of social and topical issues were raised from the villagers.In particular, the villager expressed concern about the close proximity of arable land to the settlement, as well as the facts of the mass destruction of bees as a result of the treatment of crops with chemical agents on the part of the Tauli LLP farm.In addition, the issue of the absence of a paramedic in the village of Novopolyakovka was raised. Currently, a paramedic from the village of Besui provides medical services to the villagers, which creates inconveniences for the residents.In addition, elderly villagers complained about the lack of a pharmacy and reported that they were forced to go to the district center for medicines.The deputy provided relevant explanations on all the issues raised, outlined solutions and recommendations within the framework of legislation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maslikhat-ulken-naryn/press/news/details/1141363?lang=kk

Social tax: changes in calculation from 2026. From 2026, the social tax rate (SN) is 6%, while eliminating the need to reduce the amount of social tax by the amount of social contributions..   For agricultural producers, the VAT rate is 1.8% (instead of the previously applied 70% reduction in the rate) for the production and sale of agricultural products of their own production.; - processing of agricultural products of own production and sale of products of such processing.   Individual entrepreneurs and individuals engaged in private practice calculate the SN: - for themselves - 2 MCI; - for each employee 1 MCI.   Peasant or farm enterprises, when engaged in the production and sale of agricultural products of their own production, as well as their processing, calculate the SN: - for themselves -0.6 MCI; - for each employee -0.3 MCI.   Taxpayers applying a special tax regime are exempt from paying taxes, including: - for the self-employed; - on the basis of a simplified declaration; - for peasant or farm enterprises.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-kostanay/press/news/details/1141317?lang=kk

The open door day at the Aksu District Tax Office was an important event for taxpayers. The event was organized with the aim of explaining the key changes in the new Tax Code and conducting the national 'Tax Consultant' campaign. During the open door day, taxpayers received comprehensive information about the innovations in tax legislation, the tax payment procedure, available benefits, and the conditions for receiving tax privileges.In addition, full and clear answers were provided to the questions raised by the taxpayers. The employees and specialists of the tax office gave consultations on current taxation issues for individuals and legal entities, delivering all the necessary information. Special consultations were also organized within the framework of the event to explain the rights and responsibilities of taxpayers, filling out tax declarations, and tax reporting.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-zhetysu/press/news/details/1141325?lang=kk

From January 20 to March 1, 2026, the city of Kostanay is accepting proposals within the framework of the "Budget of National Participation" project for implementation in 2027.The project allows residents to directly participate in the allocation of city budget funds for urban improvement and development activities. The project administrator is the Department of Housing and Communal Services, Passenger Transport and Highways of the Akimat of Kostanay city.Participants: adult residents of Kostanay.How to submit a project:Go to the Akimat's website: gov.kz → The budget of public participation.Select the "Budget of public participation" section.Fill out the application: project name, brief description, address of the facility.Attach a sketch, an estimate, and photos of the current condition of the facility; if desired– a presentation.Voting: from April 5 to April 24, 2026 in electronic format. The results and decisions of the Expert Council will be published on the Akimat's website.Information about the progress of the projects will be publicly available to residents and the media.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1141335?lang=kk

As part of the working visit, First Vice Minister Askarbek Yertayev met with the company’s management. The parties discussed issues of occupational health and safety, industrial safety, social protection of employees, and improvement of working conditions. The guests were presented with Qarmet’s key projects, as well as the capabilities of the updated Qarmet University—a modern platform for staff training and professional development.The delegation visited production facilities and reviewed the modernization processes. Following the visit, the parties confirmed their readiness for further cooperation in the field of social and labor relations and occupational safety.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/karaganda-enbek/press/news/details/1141337?lang=kk

Amman, January 11, 2026 - The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan H.E. Mr. Talgat Shaldanbay met with Director of the Department of Political Affairs at the Royal Court of Jordan H.E. Mr. Moath Al-Zoubi.During the conversation, the Parties discussed the state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations, as well as the expansion of multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and Jordan in the context of the implementation of the agreements between the Heads of two States, reached during their mutual official visits in 2025. The importance of supporting Astana and Amman's initiatives in the international arena and building a full-fledged dialogue within international organizations was also noted.Director of the Department H.E. Mr. M.Al-Zoubi expressed appreciation for the Kazakh side's efforts to promote the two countries' foreign policy initiatives. He also noted that the official visits of the President of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Amman (february) and His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan to Astana (august) in 2025 open new horizons between the two countries.Ambassador H.E. Mr. T.Shaldanbay emphasized Kazakhstan's interest in strengthening the mutually beneficial partnership with Jordan and expressed Astana's readiness for full-fledged cooperation with Jordan. He also confirmed the Embassy's commitment to facilitating the creation of favorable conditions for enhancing bilateral relations.Following the meeting, mutual interest was expressed in regular contacts and the joint development of practical measures aimed at progressively strengthening the Kazakh-Jordanian dialogue.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-amman/press/news/details/1141355?lang=kk

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan expresses its serious concern over the attacks carried out on January 13, 2026 by unmanned aerial vehicles against three tankers en route to the marine terminal of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) in the Black Sea.In this regard, during immediate meetings with ambassadors of several European countries, as well as with representatives of the United States and other international partners, we emphasized the urgent need to take effective measures to ensure the security of hydrocarbon transportation, including along maritime routes, in full compliance with international law.We underscore that the Republic of Kazakhstan is not a party to any armed conflict, makes a significant contribution to global and European energy security, and ensures the uninterrupted supply of energy resources in full accordance with established international norms. Accordingly, we note that the aforementioned tankers possessed all the required permits and were equipped with the necessary identification systems.The increasing frequency of such incidents highlights the growing risks to the functioning of international energy infrastructure. We therefore call upon our partners to engage in close cooperation to develop joint measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-hague/press/news/details/1142539?lang=kk

Dear residents of our city! We would like to inform you about the start of the collection of project proposals, which will be carried out from January 20 to March 1, 2026 within the framework of the "Budget of National Participation" project for implementation in 2027.Within the framework of this project, citizens can participate in the distribution of local budget funds for events, the administrator of which is the Department of Housing and Communal Services, Passenger Transport and Highways of the Rudny City Akimat.The aim of the project is to develop and beautify the city on the initiative and suggestions of the citizens. All residents of the city of Rudny who have reached the age of majority can send their proposals. Applications are posted on the website of the Akimat of the city of Rudny in the "Budget of national participation" section.A public vote of the city's residents will determine the projects to be implemented. All the necessary information is posted on the website of the Rudny city Akimat in the "Budget of national participation" section https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-rudnyi-kalasy-akimat/bnu/1033?lang=ru Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-rudnyi-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1141182?lang=kk

Seoul, January 14, 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Nurgali Arystanov, paid a call on Maeng Seong-gyu, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and Chair of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee.During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of transport and logistics, which constitutes a strategic priority of the policy pursued by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.The interlocutors also emphasized the relevance of cooperation in the development of the Alatau Smart City. In this context, particular importance was attached to the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2025 between the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, the state fund “Alatau City Authority,” and the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND).In addition, the Kazakh diplomat invited the member of the National Assembly to visit Kazakhstan to participate in international events to be held in Astana.Overall, the positive dynamics of bilateral contacts and tourism exchange were underscored, facilitated by the expansion of direct flights operated by Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, Asiana Airlines, and Eastar Jet.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-seoul/press/news/details/1141168?lang=kk

The KSU "Family Support Center of the Abai district" of the Department of Employment and Social Programs of the Abai district has started work in the city of Abai.The institution was created to provide comprehensive assistance to families and individuals in difficult situations.The Center provides social, psychological, counseling and legal assistance. Main areas of activity:▪️ identification of families and citizens in need of support ▪Social support▪️ prevention of social ill-being▪️ assistance in restoring family functions▪️ life situation stabilization The activity is aimed at increasing the level of social protection of the population and preventing family problems in the territory of the Abai district.🏢Address: Abai village, Abai str., d53,kv,1Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/social-abay/press/news/details/1141151?lang=kk

A summary meeting on the results of activities for 2025 was held at the DepartmentThe meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan — Chairman of the Committee of the Criminal Executive System, Colonel of Justice Abay Serikuly Kairbekov, who delivered a report. In his speech, he comprehensively reviewed the main results of the operational and service activities carried out in 2025, highlighted the achievements and existing challenges, and outlined priority areas and specific tasks for the upcoming period.During the collegium meeting, reports were heard from the department’s leadership, heads of institutions, as well as heads of district and city Probation Services. Based on the analysis, all shortcomings identified in the work of institutions and probation services were thoroughly examined, and the causes of these issues were discussed. Specific and measurable tasks were assigned to eliminate the identified deficiencies, with particular emphasis placed on the personal responsibility of each manager.The Head of the Department, Colonel of Justice Rustan Serikuly Akhmetzhanov, briefed the personnel on the key issues discussed at the collegium meeting of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and communicated the decisions adopted and requirements set forth. In addition, within the framework of the strategic priorities for 2026 defined at the initiative of the Head of State, the tasks facing the Criminal Executive System were clarified, and the need to strengthen efforts to reinforce discipline and the rule of law, as well as to improve the quality of service, was emphasized.Following the meeting, all structural divisions, institutions, and probation services were assigned specific tasks aimed at eliminating shortcomings, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring the timely execution of assigned responsibilities.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/duisastana/press/news/details/1141155?lang=kk

Measures to develop the educational infrastructure and increase the availability of quality education are being consistently implemented in Kostanay region.9 schools with 5,860 student places have been built in the region, of which 7 will be put into operation in 2025. New schools have been opened in the residential districts of Bereke and Auezhai in Kostanay, in the towns of Arkalyk and Rudny, the villages of Zarechnoye and Enbek in Kostanay district, the village of Kusmuryn in Auliekolsky district, as well as in the village of Kolkamys in Zhangeldinsky district. Currently, the construction of 2 more schools with a total capacity of 1,9 thousand places is underway.In parallel, active work is underway to develop the preschool education system. In three years, 14 kindergartens for 2.2 thousand places have been built in the region. As a result, the coverage of children aged 2 to 6 years of preschool education increased from 90.5% at the beginning of 2023 to 96.4%, and the coverage of children aged 3 to 6 years reached 100%.Special attention is paid to the development of the creative potential of the younger generation. The IQostanay SMART center operates in the city of Kostanay, the Balalar Alemi Center for Children's Creativity in the city of Tobyl, and the Zhas Orken house of creativity in the village of Torgai in the Zhangeldinsky district.Modern conditions are the basis for the successful development of children and the future of the region. It is in educational institutions that the knowledge, skills and values necessary for the self-realization of the younger generation are formed. Creating a comfortable, safe and technologically equipped educational environment ensures equal access to quality education.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1141165?lang=kk