Almaty, in 2025, the microfinance organization "Almaty" MFI LLP, a subsidiary of "Almaty" Regional Financial Center JSC, extended 72 concessional loans to small and micro businesses in Almaty under the regional entrepreneurship development program "Almaty Business-2025." Both aspiring and established entrepreneurs received business development financing at preferential annual rates of 2% and 6%.The total volume of loans disbursed over the past year exceeded 3.2 billion tenge. The funding limit per borrower was 78.64 million tenge, with a maximum loan term of up to 7 years.Sector-wise, the largest share of loans was allocated to projects in manufacturing and processing, accounting for 32% of all funded projects. Projects in the services sector (24%) and healthcare (21%) also represented significant portions. These were followed by education (8%), the creative economy (7%), and tourism and sports (4% each).Since the launch of the "Almaty Business-2025" program in 2019, "Almaty" MFI has financed 659 projects in Almaty, amounting to 16.5 billion tenge. The largest volume of support was directed to manufacturing projects (29%) and healthcare projects (16%). A further 10% of funding was allocated to social entrepreneurship projects, which received loans at the minimum preferential rate of 2% per annum.Geographically, the highest number of projects were supported in the Bostandyk district (141 loans), followed by Alatau (110), Almaly (88), Medeu (80), Auezov (77), Nauryzbay (67), Zhetysu (49), and Turksib (47) districts.Through this concessional lending initiative, "Almaty" MFI has facilitated the creation of nearly 3,000 jobs in the city. Furthermore, as a result of business growth, program borrowers have contributed approximately 3 billion tenge in tax payments to the budget.Consideration is currently being given to extending the "Almaty Business" program, with further details to be announced in due course.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/1144331?lang=kk

Ulaanbaatar, January 16, 2026 – the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Mongolia Almas Seitakynov paid a working visit to Nalaikh District and met with the District Governor D.Nayanbayar.During the meeting, the parties discussed strengthening trade and economic links, enhancing investment cooperation, and expanding collaboration in agriculture, tourism and culture. They also considered opportunities to implement joint projects and explored further areas of cooperation of mutual interest.The parties exchanged views on the prospects for developing inter-city partnerships and underscored the importance of hosting a range of events, including the joint celebration of Nauryz.Following the talks, the parties agreed to remain in close contact and to continue developing mutually beneficial cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ulaanbaatar/press/news/details/1144316?lang=kk

Rules for Safe Use of Gas at Home Gas is a widely used source of energy in households but requires special caution. Improper use of gas can create hazardous situations for human health and life. To use gas safely, follow the rules below:1. General RulesGas appliances (stove, gas water heater, boiler) must be installed only by specialized service organizations.Before using gas equipment, check the chimney (exhaust system).Do not leave operating gas appliances unattended.Do not dry clothes on a gas stove or use it to heat the room.Do not store flammable materials near gas appliances.2. What to Do if You Smell GasImmediately turn off the gas valve.Open windows and ventilate the room.Do not switch on electrical appliances or ignite a flame.Leave the premises and call 104.3. Inspection and Maintenance of EquipmentGas appliances must be inspected by specialists at least once a year.When using gas equipment, install sensors with automatic gas shut-off and alarm systems that detect leaks of natural or carbon monoxide gas.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/akimat-goroda-zhanaozen/press/news/details/1144273?lang=kk

The Department of State Revenue for the Mangystau region informs that in accordance with the decision of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission dated 09/23/2025 No. 84 "On the introduction of tracking shipments in accordance with the Agreement on the Use of Navigation Seals for Tracking shipments in the EAEU dated April 19, 2022", tracking will be introduced on the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union from February 11, 2026 with the use of navigation seals in relation to goods transported across the territory of two or more Member States.Tracking using navigation seals will be introduced in stages for goods transported by road and rail during customs transit and export procedures, as well as within the framework of mutual trade between the member States of the Union.(unofficial translation)Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-mangistau/press/news/details/1144262?lang=kk

Cairo, January 13, 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan Askar Zhengis held a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Health and Populations of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar.During the meeting, the parties paid special attention to the importance of establishing cooperation in the areas of healthcare, medicine, and the pharmaceutical industry.In particular, the parties discussed the possibilities of developing cooperation in many other areas of healthcare and medicine, such as traditional medicine, pharmaceuticals, epidemiology, and etc.In addition, the parties agreed to consider the importance of exchanging experiences between qualified specialists and scientists in the medical field, as well as exchanging information and data on important infectious diseases through conferences and exhibitions.The issues of establishing close cooperation between prominent medical scientists of the two countries were discussed, including regular exchange of experience between specialists in complex surgical operations.Ambassador Zhengis also reported that the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared 2026 the “Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence” and that work has begun on creating a new system for monitoring the quality and volume of medical services in the country using artificial intelligence technologies.The Kazakh diplomat informed about specific measures being taken in our country to raise the status of doctors and improve their social situation.In turn, Minister Abdel-Ghaffar expressed interest in the proposals of the Kazakh side and his readiness to provide maximum assistance in their joint implementation, expressing confidence in the success of these initiatives and agreements.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-cairo/press/news/details/1144239?lang=kk

Yerevan, 16 January 2026 - Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Armenia Bolat Imanbayev held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Co-Chair of the Kazakhstan-Armenia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation Mher Grigoryan.During the meeting, the sides noted the dynamic nature of bilateral relations, which are developing in a spirit of trust, mutual respect and pragmatism. It was emphasized that elevating relations to the level of strategic partnership, established between the two countries in 2025, creates a solid foundation and additional opportunities for further deepening cooperation both bilaterally and within international organizations.The interlocutors discussed further steps and practical measures to implement the agreements reached following the official visit of Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan to the Republic of Kazakhstan. In this context, views were exchanged on the progress in implementing the decisions of the 11th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Armenia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.The sides also reviewed the priorities of the bilateral agenda for the current year and approaches to their implementation. In particular, tasks were outlined to further increase mutual trade, stimulate investment activity, expand industrial and technological cooperation, as well as promote joint projects in agriculture and the digital economy, with an emphasis on achieving concrete results. In this regard, the key role of the joint intergovernmental commission was noted as an effective mechanism for coordinating practical cooperation and developing solutions.Following the meeting, the sides confirmed their mutual interest in intensifying joint efforts aimed at the consistent development of friendly ties between Kazakhstan and Armenia.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-erevan/press/news/details/1144208?lang=kk

In 2025, the Wuxi city of the People's Republic of China hosted the final of the World Robotics Competition World Robot Contest Final (WRCF), which brought together young inventors from all over the world. In this prestigious international competition, young roboticists representing the Republic of Kazakhstan demonstrated a high level of training.In particular, Aubakir Khaknazar and Duissenbai Beknur, students of Amantogai Secondary School, Amangeldy district of Kostanay region, took part in the competition and successfully defended their engineering projects. They are pupils of the "Robosheberkhana" circle at the children's and youth creativity center "Shugyla". The preparation of the participants for the international competition was provided by the head of the Zhetibayeva group, Laura Yerbolkyzy.During the international competition, participants demonstrated theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of robotics, engineering thinking, as well as a culture of teamwork. The jury paid special attention to technical solutions, innovative projects and the quality of their implementation.This achievement was the result of the purposeful work of the students, the high professionalism of the mentor, as well as the comprehensive support from parents and the school. Such contests increase the interest of schoolchildren in science and technology and give impetus to the innovative development of the country.The success of young roboticists in Kostanay region is a significant achievement not only for the region, but also for the country as a whole. In the future, the students of the Robosheberkhan circle intend to conquer new heights and adequately represent Kazakhstan in the international arena.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1144230?lang=kk

On February 02, 2026, an Open House Day for residents of the East Kazakhstan region was held at the Office Department of State Revenues for Ust-Kamenogorsk city as part of the nationwide 'People’s Accountant' campaign.During the event, representatives from the State Revenue Department of East Kazakhstan region and Office Department of State Revenues for Ust-Kamenogorsk city, together with Svetlana Osikova, a professional accountant from Uchet.kz, provided advisory support to taxpayers. They offered guidance on the provisions of the new Tax Code, procedures for filing tax reports, transitional rules for special tax regimes, and the processes for VAT registration and deregistration, as well as the technical specifics of using official information systems.Special emphasis was placed on transitioning to self-employment. Participants received detailed explanations regarding registration procedures, taxation, and the fulfillment of tax obligations, along with answers to the most pressing and frequently asked questions."At the end of the event, the participants expressed their gratitude to the staff of the state revenue authorities for their assistance and professional consultations.The campaign will run through June 30, 2026, with taxpayer consultations provided on a regular basis in accordance with an approved schedule:January-February — on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am till 1 pm;since March — twice a week.Consultations are held at the Office Department of State Revenues for Ust-Kamenogorsk city, located at: 86 N. Nazarbayev Ave., 3rd Floor, Ust-Kamenogorsk.Taxpayers from other cities and districts throughout the region may also receive consultations via video call by contacting: 8 771 123 80 84.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-vko/press/news/details/1153923?lang=kk

Kazakhstan aims to become one of the top three global sunflower oil suppliers and increase its oil and fat exports to over $1 billion by 2028. To achieve this, the country is transitioning from disparate export support measures to systemic industry management, building complete export chains from raw materials and processing to logistics and target markets.The first meeting of the Export Headquarters for the Promotion of Non-Resource Exports this year was held in Astana, chaired by Aidar Abildabekov, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The focus was on new approaches to developing agricultural exports and removing systemic barriers faced by Kazakhstani producers in foreign markets.In 2025, the Export Headquarters' work was transformed into a fundamentally new format. While discussions had previously been focused on a case-by-case basis, five industry meetings were held at QazTrade from May to December, each dedicated to specific product groups: agricultural products, the oil and fat industry, grain processing, honey, and industrial and IT products. This resulted in a refocusing of the headquarters on developing systemic solutions based on the real economics of the industries.A key outcome of this work was the development of a Roadmap for the Development of Oil and Fat Industry Exports for 2026–2028. For the first time, the industry was examined across the entire value chain. As part of the document's preparation, a diagnostic assessment was conducted of more than 30 enterprises engaged in oilseed cultivation in the northern, eastern, and southeastern regions of the country, as well as processing in the Abay, East Kazakhstan, Akmola, Zhetysu, and Almaty regions. More than 50 representatives from the public and private sectors participated in the work, ensuring cooperation between three relevant ministries and utilizing the international methodology of the International Trade Centre with the support of the European Union.The roadmap defined measurable benchmarks for industry development, including increasing processing capacity utilization, expanding export geography, and Kazakhstan's entry into the top three global sunflower oil exporters by 2028. In essence, the industry received a unified, coordinated action plan focused on foreign market demand.The lessons learned served as the basis for scaling up the industry approach to other areas of the agricultural sector. Lentils, a crop demonstrating high export growth rates and surpassing traditional grains in terms of marginality, resilience to climate risks, and export attractiveness, were discussed as an example at the meeting. Special attention was given to systemic barriers to non-resource exports: freight prioritization by rail, phytosanitary and veterinary inspection procedures, registration of Kazakh companies in Chinese registries, reimbursement of export costs, and access to financial support instruments."The roadmap for developing fat and oil exports has created the foundation for the strategic development of the industry. At the same time, it is necessary to expedite the inclusion of oil mills in the register of EAEU commodity producers and simplify quarantine procedures, which will reduce costs and increase export potential," said Yadykar Ibragimov, representative of the National Association of Oilseed Processors."We have created a register of problematic issues, which allows unresolved cases to be manually escalated to the level of the Ministry of Trade and Integration and, if necessary, the Government Executive Office. It was decided to hold headquarters meetings on a regular basis, once a month, based on the industry," noted Aidar Abildabekov. As noted, since the establishment of the Export Headquarters, approximately 20 meetings have been held, including an Exporters' Forum in 2025. QazTrade continues to implement export acceleration programs, organize trade and economic missions, exhibitions, and business forums, as well as provide consulting and financial support to exporters.At the end of the meeting, representatives of the export community and industry associations noted the effectiveness of the Export Headquarters' new format. Exporters emphasized that this approach enables them to quickly find solutions to specific cases and strengthens interactions between businesses and government agencies when entering foreign markets.For reference: To support exporters, 109 industrial and innovation entities received reimbursement for expenses totaling 6.1 billion tenge in 2025. Domestic exporters are now gaining greater access to financial resources. The Export Credit Agency's financial support volume for 2025 reached 650.9 billion tenge, almost 1.9 times higher than the 2024 level (336 billion tenge). The focus is on trade and pre-export financing, which totaled 88.4 billion tenge, a nearly three-fold increase compared to last year. Support was provided to 113 exporters (SMEs accounted for 69%, and medium and high value-added enterprises accounted for 87%) (96 in 2024).Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1144238?lang=kk

In Astana, as part of the implementation of the “Taza Kazakhstan” environmental culture development concept, the environmental initiative “Taza Úi – Taza El” has been launched. The project was initiated by JSC “Zhasyl Damu” with the support of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Astana, and the Nationwide Social Democratic Party. The practical implementation of the project is being carried out by Astana Qaqazy LLP.Within the framework of the initiative, special containers for the separate collection of paper and plastic waste have been installed in courtyards and residential complex areas across the capital. Residents are now able to sort and hand over cardboard, paper, plastic, and bottles in clean condition. All collected waste is sent to recycling plants, where it is given a “second life.”The project is being implemented under the EcoQolday program. The installation of the containers has become an important practical step toward building infrastructure for separate waste collection and engaging citizens in environmentally responsible behavior.“Separate waste collection is not only an issue of ecology and economics, but also an indicator of the level of environmental culture in society. The ‘Taza Úi – Taza El’ initiative aims to ensure that every resident of the capital feels personal responsibility for the cleanliness of their home, city, and country as a whole, while also having the opportunity to earn income and use the funds for household needs,” said Nurzhan Kabdoldanov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of JSC “Zhasyl Damu.”The EcoQolday digital platform (https://apps.apple.com/kz/app/ecoqolday/id6475673696) helps reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, supports the development of the recycling industry, and fosters a conscious approach to resource consumption. For residents, it is a convenient and user-friendly tool for participating in the environmental agenda without additional costs or complications.JSC “Zhasyl Damu” and the project’s partners plan to gradually expand the geography of the initiative, engaging more and more residents in the separate waste collection system and consistently fulfilling their mission to create a clean, sustainable, and environmentally responsible environment in Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ecogeo/press/news/details/1144196?lang=kk

On January 19, a meeting of the Samara district administration was held. During the meeting, the implementation of the Head of State's instructions for the "Year of Working Professions" was reviewed, and current issues and tasks for the upcoming period were discussed.The 2025 tourism results were also summarized, and key plans and priority areas for 2026 were identified.Special attention was paid to ensuring safe and uninterrupted traffic on roads during the winter. It was noted that last year, the public utilities fleet was updated, which allowed for timely snow removal.Relevant instructions were issued on all issues discussed. The need for high-quality and responsible execution of assigned tasks, without a formal approach, was emphasized.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-samar/press/news/details/1144171?lang=kk

On January 13, 2026, 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 Denis Meleshkin, the newly appointed Consul General of the Republic of Belarus in Almaty, with regard of the opening of the Consulate General of the Republic of Belarus in Almaty, and wished him success in his mission. In turn, the Consul General of Belarus expressed his 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/1144101?lang=kk

On January 13, 2026, Ambassador-at-Large – Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty, Zhanibek Abdrashov, held a meeting with the Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic in Kazakhstan, Gulmira Tolganbayeva. Both sides emphasized the importance of further expanding partnership relations aimed at mutually increasing the level of investment and trade and economic ties between the two countries. In turn, the Honorary Consul expressed her willingness to contribute to the further development of bilateral cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-almaty/press/news/details/1144107?lang=kk

On January 19, 2026, 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 Tajikistan in Almaty Firuz Murodzoda and wished success in his mission. In turn, the Consul General of Tajikistan expressed his 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/1144110?lang=kk

In his Address, the Head of State emphasized the need to develop the deep processing potential of the agricultural sector.Therefore, everything produced in the region must be processed.Thus, a deep grain processing project, “Qostanai Grain Industry”, is being implemented, with a project cost of 71.0 billion tenge, a designed capacity of 415.0 thousand tons, and the creation of 650 jobs.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1144055?lang=kk

A regular meeting of the community was organized in bayandy village, where a number of important issues were considered.During the meeting, issues of forming the budget of Bayandy village for 2026-2028, determining the places of work to be carried out within the framework of the improvement program, making changes to the composition of community members, as well as other current issues were discussed.As a result of the discussion, recommendations and opinions were taken into account and appropriate decisions were made.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-munaily-bayandy/press/news/details/1144034?lang=kk

Within the framework of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence proclaimed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, jointly with the UNESCO Regional Office, officially launched a project to assess national readiness for the use of artificial intelligence.This UNESCO project is aimed at conducting a comprehensive analysis of the national artificial intelligence ecosystem. The assessment covers key dimensions of AI development in Kazakhstan, including the legal and regulatory framework, as well as sociocultural, economic, scientific and educational, and technological aspects.Special emphasis within the project is placed on ensuring effective cross-sectoral and inter-agency coordination as a key prerequisite for the development of a balanced and inclusive artificial intelligence policy.To date, a National Stakeholder Team has been established to implement UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). The Team includes representatives of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken”, Astana IT University, Ozim Academy, the Association for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan, the NGO “Technowomen”, the UNESCO Regional Office, the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ICESCO, as well as civil society organizations directly involved in the implementation of the project.Based on the results of the assessment, practical recommendations will be developed aimed at fostering a human-centred AI ecosystem in Kazakhstan.The implementation of this UNESCO project represents an important step in advancing Kazakhstan’s strategic course toward the development of artificial intelligence, grounded in international cooperation and respect for universal values, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-pretoria/press/news/details/1147187?lang=kk

Astana, January 19, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with Chairman of the Orascom Investment Holding Naguib Sawiris.The parties discussed priority areas of cooperation, including the mining and metallurgical industries, the financial sector, tourism and development. A particular attention was paid to Kazakhstan’s efforts to integrate into global value chains and attract strategic private investors with international expertise.The Foreign Minister emphasized that Kazakhstan is an open and predictable destination for long-term investments. Building a trust-based dialogue with investors remains an integral part of the country’s investment policy, with comprehensive support provided at all stages of project implementation.Chairman Sawiris highlighted Kazakhstan’s macroeconomic stability, its resource potential and its growing role as a regional investment hub in Central Asia. He stressed the importance of direct engagement with decision-makers and expressed interest in further exploring projects and expanding cooperation with Kazakhstani partners.The parties also exchanged views on prospective projects, including investments in the financial sector, and confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation in new areas.Following the meeting, the interlocutors expressed their readiness to make every effort to ensure the practical implementation of the agreements reached and further expansion of bilateral cooperation.Naguib Sawiris is the founder of Orascom Telecom, which has operated in more than 28 countries worldwide. He currently leads a diversified global investment portfolio through Orascom Investment Holding, La Mancha Holding (mining and metals sector), and Ora Developers (real estate and tourism).Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/invest/press/news/details/1144534?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1143884?lang=kk

On January 18, the final games of the Regional Ice Hockey League among the amateur teams of Kostanay region in 2025/2026 took place. All the teams demonstrated a high level of organization, athletic training and competitive spirit.According to the results of the matches, the prizes were distributed as follows:1st place — Kostanay.2nd place — Rudny.3rd place — Denisovsky district.In total, 16 teams from different regions of Kostanay region took part in the competition. We would like to thank all the participants for their active participation, correct wrestling and contribution to the development of ice hockey in the region. Special thanks go to the coaches, referees, organizers and fans for their support and assistance in holding the competition.The Regional Ice Hockey League continues to play an important role in the development of mass sports and popularization of hockey in Kostanay region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1143898?lang=kk