In 2025, Kazakhstan recorded, for the first time in history, an excess of ice cream exports over imports. By the end of the year, the volume of export shipments amounted to 14,167 tons, while imports were 12,194 tons. This indicator reflects systemic changes in the industry and the strengthening of the positions of domestic finished goods producers in international markets.As Vice President for Corporate Affairs of "Shin-Line" company, Omarbek Zhuldyz, emphasized, the achieved result is a consequence of a long-term strategy of modernization and export expansion. "Back in 2005, Kazakhstan exported only 12 tons of ice cream with imports exceeding 12 thousand tons. Today, the situation has fundamentally changed: the geography of supplies has expanded to 10 countries, and exports have for the first time exceeded imports. This speaks to the high competitiveness of Kazakhstani products and the maturity of the industry," she noted.According to her, the key growth factors were large-scale investments in creating modern production capacities, the introduction of advanced technologies, as well as systematic state support for domestic producers. The growth in export revenue and the increase in the average export price confirm the transition from price competition to competition based on quality and brands.The "Shin-Line" company, which accounts for the main share of Kazakhstani ice cream exports, continues to strengthen its international positions, demonstrating the potential of domestic enterprises to form a sustainable export trend and promote the "Made in Kazakhstan" brand in global markets.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1166365?lang=kk

The Kazakh oil and fat industry has significantly strengthened its position on the global market in recent years. For the 2024–2025 marketing year, exports of vegetable oils and meal exceeded 1.3 million tons, amounting to $837 million in monetary terms. By the end of 2025, according to our estimates, Kazakhstan will rise by 2 positions to 6th place in the world for sunflower oil exports and is among the top three suppliers of sunflower meal to the European Union.This growth is not accidental. The industry is gradually transitioning from a raw material model to deep processing. Currently, over 90% of oilseeds grown in the country are processed within Kazakhstan. This means that finished products with high added value are now being supplied to external markets.The overall dynamics of agricultural exports also confirm this trend. According to QazTrade, in 2025, agricultural product exports grew by 37.8%, reaching $7.13 billion. The oil and fat sector made a substantial contribution to this result.As noted by Yadykar Ibragimov, Chairman of the National Association of Oilseed Processors, the industry has fundamentally changed in recent years."If Kazakhstan previously mainly exported raw materials, today we supply processed products to external markets. The modernization of enterprises, increased capacity, and logistics development have allowed us to establish ourselves among the world leaders in sunflower oil exports. Our strategic goal is to enter the top three largest exporters and increase the industry's foreign exchange earnings to $2 billion," he noted at a roundtable in Almaty. Since 2021, processing capacities have grown more than 2.5 times and continue to expand. The main sales markets remain China, Central Asian countries, and the European Union. The combined import of vegetable oils and meal in these directions exceeds 40 million tons per year—this is significant potential for further growth of Kazakh supplies. This dynamic fully aligns with the course set by the Head of State for developing deep processing and strengthening the country's position in external markets. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1166376?lang=kk

Last year, during the "Central Asia - Italy" summit, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, received a proposal to open an Italian trade house in Almaty. Today, February 20, 2026, in fulfillment of the President's instruction, the grand opening of the Kazakhstan-Italy Trade House took place in Almaty. The new center will become a platform for developing trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Italy.The opening ceremony was conducted by the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Arman Shakkaliyev. The event was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Edmondo Cirelli, the Deputy Minister for the Made in Italy program, Valentino Valentini, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Italy, Yerbolat Sembayev, and the Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan, Antonello Di Riu.Arman Shakkaliyev noted that Kazakhstan and Italy have strong partnership relations in trade, investment, and industry. Italy remains one of the country's key partners in Europe. The trade house will become a working platform for companies. Here, entrepreneurs will be able to receive consultations, seek partners, participate in joint projects, and exchange experiences.The trade house will support exports and investments. It will help enterprises establish joint ventures and industrial projects. Here, production cooperation and technology exchange can be arranged. The center will contribute to promoting products with the Made in Italy label and developing Kazakhstan's non-commodity exports.The trade house's infrastructure includes facilities for business meetings, negotiations, conferences, and presentations. Digital solutions for online interaction and hybrid events will operate here. To support business, information points of Kazakhstan's development institutions will be located on the premises. They will provide up-to-date information on cooperation opportunities and state support measures.Arman Shakkaliyev emphasized that the trade house will help turn business dialogue into concrete results. It will become a center for interaction between government bodies and businesses, simplify access to projects and investments, and create new opportunities for developing trade ties and attracting investments.Mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Italy in 2025 amounted to 16.9 billion US dollars. The main export goods from Kazakhstan to Italy were crude oil, unwrought aluminum, wheat, ferroalloys, hard coal, dried leguminous vegetables, and propylene polymers.Imports to Kazakhstan from Italy in 2025 amounted to 1.28 billion dollars. The main import goods were medicinal products, pipeline fittings, tubes and profiles of ferrous metals, heat treatment equipment, other food products, jewelry, and vaccines. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1166392?lang=kk

Kazakhstan faces the task of increasing exports of finished products and strengthening the positions of domestic producers in foreign markets. In this context, it is planned to increase exports of finished products from Almaty and Almaty Region by $1.5 billion USD by 2030. This structural shift was the key topic of a round table dedicated to the export potential of Almaty and Almaty Region. The event was attended by Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev, Deputy Akim of Almaty Olzhas Smagulov, representatives of local executive bodies, the quasi-public sector, and business.Today, the Almaty agglomeration unites almost 4 million people and over 35 percent of all small and medium-sized businesses in the country. It is Kazakhstan's largest financial, entrepreneurial, and logistics center. By the end of 2025, Almaty's foreign trade turnover reached $33.6 billion USD, growing by 5.2 percent. Exports amounted to $6 billion. Despite positive dynamics, export growth rates still lag behind the city's real economic potential. At the same time, steady growth in supplies to China, Central Asian countries, Europe, and the CIS confirms high demand for the region's products and opens opportunities for scaling Kazakhstani brands in foreign markets.Almaty Region demonstrates higher dynamics. The region's trade turnover increased by 15.6 percent, reaching $4.2 billion USD. Exports grew by 28 percent, exceeding the mark of $1.1 billion. Importantly, the driver of growth is finished products. This indicates a gradual transition from a raw material economic model to an industrial-agrarian one. As a result, a unified economic ecosystem of the agglomeration is being formed. Almaty acts as a center for management, finance, trade, and logistics. The region is becoming a production platform for large-scale industrial output."An additional direction for growth is the export of services. Almaty is already the country's leader in supplying business and IT services abroad. Their volume exceeds $300 million USD. Intellectual property, digital solutions, consulting, finance, advertising, and analytics are becoming new drivers of non-resource exports and forming the basis for developing a knowledge economy and creative industries," noted Arman Shakkaliyev. E-commerce provides the impulse for export activity. Almaty accounts for over half of the country's total online sales volume. This is about 3 trillion tenge. Essentially, this is ready-made infrastructure for small and medium-sized businesses to enter foreign markets. It allows for significantly reducing transaction costs and accelerating the integration of domestic companies into global supply chains.According to estimates by the Ministry of Trade, the aggregate export potential of the Almaty agglomeration is about $1.5 billion USD. The main part falls on high value-added products. Growth reserves are concentrated in the segment of finished goods. Primarily, this is the food industry, chemicals, and engineering. Significant potential also remains in pharmaceuticals, construction materials production, and the IT sector. The development of deep processing and industrial cooperation in these industries can provide a multiplier effect for the region's economy, employment, and tax base.The key strategic goal is to transform Almaty and Almaty Region into a leading non-resource export hub in Central Asia. To achieve this, a transition is planned from supporting individual enterprises to forming sustainable export clusters. The expansion of trade missions and digital B2B platforms, the launch of programs to promote service exports, and the creation of modern pre-export preparation infrastructure are also envisaged. This will include certification laboratories and e-commerce hubs.Financial business support instruments will play a substantial role in implementing the new export model. Together with the Export Credit Agency, the possibility of creating an Almaty Export Financial Pool is being considered. It will provide small and medium-sized enterprises with access to preferential lending, insurance, and logistics subsidies. This will allow companies to move from one-off deals to stable long-term export contracts.The updated architecture of the Single Window for Exporters envisages systematic business support at all stages of entering foreign markets. This involves personnel training, product adaptation to international standards, certification, finding sales channels, and supporting export transactions.Collectively, the proposed measures should ensure the achievement of the strategic target. By 2030, it is planned to increase exports from Almaty and Almaty Region by $1.5 billion USD and form a new model of sustainable economic growth based on processing, technology, and the global competitiveness of Kazakhstani products.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1166152?lang=kk

Akim of Kostanay Region Kumar Aksakalov reviewed the progress of the reconstruction work at the "Octopus" aquapark in the city of Kostanay."In our region, in addition to factories and plants, there should be more places for recreation and entertainment for children, youth, and families," he noted during the visit.Over the past three years, more than 30 sports facilities have been opened in the region, including 15 physical fitness and wellness complexes, 8 sports halls, 4 indoor hockey rinks, 2 stadiums, an equestrian arena, and a swimming pool. Last year, after modernization, the "Labor Reserves" sports complex resumed its operation.In the regional center, work on the reconstruction of the aquapark continues. Its total area will increase almost twofold and exceed 9 thousand square meters, while the water zone area will increase more than threefold and amount to over one thousand square meters. The capacity will be 500 people.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1166105?lang=kk

Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov inspected the progress of construction works in Kostanay.On behalf of the President, a large-scale modernization of railway stations is being carried out in the country.In our region, 6 railway stations are being reconstructed in the cities of Kostanay, Arkalyk, as well as at Tobol, Zhelezorudny, Amankaragai and Kushmurun stations. The railway station of Amankaragai station has resumed its work after major repairs.As a result of the reconstruction of the railway station in Kostanay, the total area of the building will increase from 7.4 thousand to 10.4 thousand square meters.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1166098?lang=kk

Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev visited the "Turksib" market in Almaty, where he familiarized himself with the progress of work on the expanded supply of socially significant food products and measures to stabilize prices. The visit took place against the backdrop of systematic work to provide city residents with affordable and high-quality food.Today, the "Turksib" market demonstrates stable growth dynamics in volumes. According to information from local executive bodies, direct meat supplies from farmers have been doubled here this year. If previously 230–250 carcasses were delivered to the market monthly, the current volume exceeds 500 carcasses per month. Expanding direct contracts with producers has allowed for an increase in supply and created real conditions for containing prices on meat products. The market has been fully modernized and meets modern trade and sanitary safety requirements. Its territory houses its own modern veterinary and sanitary laboratory, where daily product quality control is conducted. Specialized industrial-type refrigeration and freezing chambers are equipped for storing goods, ensuring compliance with all necessary temperature regimes. A separate initiative has been the organization of a special trading platform where socially significant food products are supplied directly from farmers in the Almaty region, Zhetysu region, East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Turkestan regions, as well as from abroad. A separate parking zone for trucks has been provided, which significantly simplifies logistics and allows for timely replenishment of the assortment, including during the off-season."A set of measures is being taken to curb prices and prevent unjustified increases in the cost of products in order to reduce inflation to an economically justified level. All available mechanisms are being used to ensure price stability and food accessibility for the population," noted Arman Shakkaliyev.  Since the beginning of 2026, the consumer price index for socially significant food products in Almaty has been 0.2%. For further price stabilization, the city akimat (administration) is implementing a set of measures. Within the framework of "revolving" loans and "forward" contracts, supplies of 26 thousand tons of products have been secured, including vegetables, rice, chicken meat, eggs, and sugar. Additionally, an increase in volumes is being worked out through the allocated 8 billion tenge, which will allow for expanding the supply of dairy, meat, and grocery products, as well as organizing off-season supplies of early vegetables from the Turkestan region and Central Asian countries. The format of "weekend" fairs is actively developing: by the end of 2026, it is planned to hold over a thousand fairs, 2.5 times more than the previous year. Modernization of existing social pavilions, expansion of their areas, and opening of new retail outlets are planned to improve product accessibility for the population. As part of state control since the beginning of the year, meetings of the regional commission have been held, administrative protocols have been drawn up, and fines have been imposed for exceeding the maximum 15% trade markup on socially significant goods. Inspections continue at food markets, convenience stores, and vegetable pavilions, while explanatory work among entrepreneurs has been intensified.For reference: The "Turksib" market, the total area of the trading complex is 6.9 hectares, the area of the trading building is 14,700 sq. m. It houses 741 trading places and is equipped with a parking lot of 20,625 sq. m for 1,650 cars. It represents a fully modernized, modern trading platform focused on providing residents of Almaty with quality food products and consumer goods at affordable prices.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1165702?lang=kk

A Family Support Center has started operating in the city of Arkalyk, aimed at strengthening family values and providing comprehensive assistance to the population. The new institution is designed to promote the development of the family institution, ensure social stability and provide comprehensive support to citizens in difficult situations.The Center's activities are focused on providing social, psychological, legal and informational assistance to families. The structure of the institution includes 6 divisions. These include the Department of psychological assistance, legal counseling, work with youth and parents, social support, mediation and dispute prevention, as well as the Department of Public Relations and mass media.The Center works closely with government agencies and non-governmental organizations to provide comprehensive and effective support to families. Cooperation with educational institutions, healthcare, internal affairs bodies and other structures ensures prompt response to crisis situations and high-quality assistance to families in difficult circumstances.In its work, the institution is guided by the principles of accessibility, confidentiality and respect for each family. These approaches contribute to creating an atmosphere of trust, ensuring the security of citizens' personal data and creating conditions for open resolution of family issues.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1165245?lang=kk

70% of new residents from 43 families belong to socially vulnerable population categories.Among the recipients of apartments in the "Astana" microdistrict of the Kostanay city agglomeration are orphans and children left without parental care, people with disabilities, large families, and single-parent families.The apartments are handed over with finished interior decoration and are fully equipped with all necessary utility networks."The President of the country pays special attention to the development of housing construction. Over the past three years, 1.5 million square meters of housing have been built in the region. Last year alone, 517.4 thousand square meters were commissioned, of which 63.7 thousand square meters were in rural areas. Thanks to this, 5.5 thousand families have improved their living conditions," noted the head of the region, Kumar Aksakalov.In the "Astana" microdistrict, the construction of 10 apartment buildings has been completed over the past year and a half, providing 450 modern apartments. Currently, the construction of another 13 five-story buildings continues. This year, it is planned to begin construction of another 16 apartment buildings.Overall, the microdistrict plans for the construction of 154 apartment buildings, which will provide housing for about 60 thousand people.Furthermore, the "Qostanai Zhastary" program is being implemented in the region, aimed at providing housing for young people. Over the past three years, about 5 billion tenge has been allocated for its implementation, thanks to which more than 340 young families have acquired their own housing. This year, it is planned to allocate another 1.8 billion tenge for providing loans.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1165032?lang=kk

The educational institution was built in accordance with modern requirements, and all conditions have been created for quality education and the development of students' abilities. The building of the previous school, erected in 1962, was in a dilapidated state, so the regional leadership made the decision to construct a new educational institution. Furthermore, the village of Enbek is located near the regional center and is a promising settlement with steady growth."In accordance with the instruction of the Head of State on modernizing school infrastructure in rural areas, a new school has opened in the village of Enbek. Over the past three years, 19 social facilities have been commissioned for the younger generation in the region, including 9 schools, 6 kindergartens, and 3 creativity centers. Two of these schools were built in the Kostanay district," noted the Akim of Kostanay Region, Kumar Aksakalov.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1165004?lang=kk

According to the results of 2025, the price index for socially significant food products was 8.6%. Kazakhstan maintains one of the lowest prices for SSFP among the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union. This was discussed at the extended board meeting of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This result was achieved by strengthening control over trade markups, active work of regional commissions and stabilization funds, measures to saturate the market during the off-season period, as well as by conducting trade promotions and agricultural fairs. Taking into account the inflationary situation, the list of SSFP has been temporarily expanded from 19 to 31 items. The TOP 800 retailers of the updated list have been identified, and the data has been sent to local executive bodies. Based on the analysis of commodity markets and the contribution of individual items to the inflation structure, a list of nine priority goods has been formed. It includes cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onions, sunflower oil, flour, beef, rice, and pasta. For these items, priority regulation is ensured during periods of seasonal fluctuations. The Ministry has developed a new model for providing the population with SSFP on a permanent basis, regardless of seasonal factors. It provides for fixed prices and the elimination of excessive margins of intermediary structures, as well as the consolidation of resources of akimats for coordinated market impact. On the instruction of the Head of State, a transition is being made from direct state price regulation to strengthening control over the maximum trade markup of 15% and providing targeted support to socially vulnerable categories of citizens. Pilot projects on the introduction of food vouchers in the cities of Akkol, Kokshetau, and Pavlodar have confirmed the effectiveness of the mechanism. By the end of the year, it is planned to scale up the project in stages across all regions of the country. As part of state control over compliance with the maximum markup in 2025, 2,913 administrative rulings were issued, including 1,743 fines totaling 57.1 million tenge and 1,170 warnings. 1,179 meetings of regional commissions to investigate intermediary schemes were held. 3,268 unproductive intermediaries and cases of exceeding the markup were identified. Administrative protocols were drawn up for 2,758 cases, and for 510 facts, intermediaries were excluded from supply chains. Additionally, 11,236 chains of electronic invoices were analyzed. More than 1,056 risks of violations of the trade, tax, and antimonopoly legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan were identified.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1164656?lang=kk

In accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, special attention is paid to protecting Kazakhstani manufacturers and promoting their products in the domestic market. In May 2025, amendments to legislation concerning the determination of the country of origin of goods were adopted, and the Register of Kazakhstani Manufacturers is being implemented. ST-KZ certificates and industrial certificates have been eliminated, simplifying the procedure for confirming the domestic origin of products. The Ministry of Trade and Integration is conducting enhanced monitoring of 14 product groups within the framework of the Situation Center on Technical Barriers to Trade, applying tariff and non-tariff regulatory measures. Tangible results have already been achieved: cement production has increased by 15 percent, granite curbs and paving slabs by 30 percent, heating appliances by 55 percent, and the automotive industry by 18 percent. In 2025, key standards were developed and implemented to support domestic manufacturers. These include ST RK 4025-2025 for heating appliances, which will increase production to up to 10 million sections per year, standards for construction glass ST RK ISO 12543-1-2025 and 12543-2-2025, as well as updates for drywall, cement, and pipelines. These standards protect manufacturers from unfair competition, improve product quality, and create opportunities for export. For 2026, the National Standardization Plan has been approved, including 50 topics in strategic economic areas. Among the priorities are artificial intelligence, digitalization, energy, metallurgy, construction materials, the food industry, and support for domestic manufacturers. Special attention is paid to implementing the HASSP management system in the food sector, ensuring the supply chain, and adapting modern technologies in industry. The implementation of the developed standards will protect domestic manufacturers from the import of low-quality products, expand Kazakhstan's export potential, introduce innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital data protection, and ensure consumer safety. As noted by the Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev, systematic work on standards and support for domestic manufacturers creates a sustainable foundation for economic growth, enhances the competitiveness of Kazakhstani products, and ensures the fulfillment of the state's strategic goals in developing industry and the domestic market.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1164665?lang=kk

Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Aset Nusupov reported on key trade digitalization projects in Kazakhstan, emphasizing that one of the main directions of the Ministry's work is the "whitening" of trade and increasing market transparency. By order of the Head of State, the General Classifier of Goods, Works, and Services and the National Product Catalog are being implemented, and the list of goods subject to labeling is being expanded. In 2025, legislative norms were adopted that established the procedure for maintaining the GCGWS and the mandatory application of the NPC.According to the Vice Minister, digital projects are forming a unified architecture for product identification. They are aimed at increasing trade transparency, promoting domestic goods on the shelf, and developing exports. Currently, active work is underway to populate the National Product Catalog. Several hundred thousand product cards are added daily; a system based on artificial intelligence checks the data for duplicates and assesses the completeness and quality of information. Based on the analysis, a unified set of "golden records" is formed. This work is being implemented jointly with the Center for Electronic Finance, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. The Ministry is conducting active explanatory work and regulating the activities of the Headquarters on the methodology for applying the NPC for the coordinated implementation of digital tools. It is planned to expand the list of goods subject to labeling. The introduction of digital labeling will occur gradually and transparently. According to forecasts, these measures will reduce the volume of shadow turnover by more than 1 trillion tenge.The Ministry continues to migrate the e-CTRM system to the QazTech platform. A test environment has already been deployed, and integration and network compatibility testing are underway. Over 150 thousand users and 170 thousand business entities are registered on the platform. 31 business processes have been automated, and over 5 thousand applications have been processed. E-CTRM is integrated with the Unified Register of the EAEU, and the international IT company EPAM acts as the technological partner. Particular attention is paid to cybersecurity: SIEM, PAM, DLP tools have been implemented, and penetration tests are conducted. As part of the digital transformation, an electronic trading platform, AgroTrade, is being developed jointly with JSC "Kazakhtelecom". The Ministry is also testing services based on artificial intelligence. These include a virtual assistant for consumer rights protection and an assistant for selecting laboratories, simplifying business interaction with the technical regulation system. In parallel, a database of national standards is being formed to launch the corresponding digital service. A trade flow analysis tool is being developed, which will allow for the creation of a single digital window with analytics on markets, trade facilities, and the price situation. The solution is aimed at enhancing food security, developing price and inflation process analytics, and creating tools for proactive management decisions.Vice Minister Aset Nusupov noted that the digital transformation of trade combines legislation, modern technologies, and analytical tools. This makes it possible to create a predictable and transparent market, protect consumers, support domestic producers, and expand Kazakhstan's export opportunities.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1164673?lang=kk

In 2025, Kazakhstan focused its efforts on promoting domestic goods and services in foreign markets. The country's export policy is aimed at expanding the geography of supplies, strengthening financial support for exporters, and increasing the competitiveness of Kazakhstani products.The Ministry of Trade and Integration is actively developing trade and economic cooperation with key partners, including EAEU countries, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Throughout the year, 10 trade and economic missions were conducted to Iran, Hungary, Afghanistan, China (Xi'an, Chongqing, Guangzhou), Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and Pakistan. More than 300 Kazakhstani companies participated in them. As a result of the missions, export contracts worth $477.8 million were signed, and exporters' costs were reimbursed for 6.26 billion tenge for 109 companies. Parallel development is underway for external infrastructure directions, including Uz-Qaztrade offices, Qaztrade offices in Tajikistan, Dubai, Termez, Budapest, Tehran, Urumqi, and Nanjing. Kazakhstan participated in eight major international exhibitions, such as Gulfood in Dubai, China Import Expo in Shanghai, Green Week in Berlin, as well as GITEX and exhibitions in Shanghai. Financial support for exporters through the Export Credit Agency reached 653.7 billion tenge, nearly doubling the 2024 figure. This includes trade and pre-export financing amounting to 92.2 billion tenge, which is three times more than last year. Support was provided to 121 exporters, recapitalization of 50 billion tenge was conducted, and state guarantees worth 250 billion tenge were provided. By the end of 2026, it is planned to increase insurance capacity to 1.1 trillion tenge. In 2025, Kazakhstan expanded its network of preferential trade agreements. An economic partnership agreement between the EAEU and the United Arab Emirates, a temporary trade agreement with Mongolia, and a free trade agreement with Indonesia were signed. Work is being finalized on concluding a services and investment trade agreement with the UAE, and the first round of negotiations with India has been held.International cooperation is actively promoted through multilateral platforms. In May, the second meeting of the "Central Asia-China" format of economy and trade ministers was held in Astana, where a memorandum and action plan were signed. In June, the eighth meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Committee in the trade configuration took place in Astana.To protect domestic producers and enhance competitiveness in the domestic market, customs and tariff regulation measures are being implemented. In 2025, 15 EEC decisions were adopted to change import duty rates, export duties on hides were abolished until May 31, 2028, and restrictions on the import of certain goods were established to protect domestic producers and ensure food security. Additionally, four anti-dumping measures were adopted, and ten new investigations into the import of certain types of products were initiated.According to the Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev, comprehensive work on expanding export policy, providing financial support to companies, and developing foreign economic relations creates a sustainable foundation for the growth of Kazakhstani exports, strengthens the position of domestic producers in international markets, and enhances the country's competitiveness in the global economy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1164682?lang=kk

In 2025, the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan achieved key indicators in the trade sphere and ensured the fulfillment of the instructions of the Head of State and the Government. In 2026, the Ministry's primary focus will be on reducing inflation and ensuring price stability in the domestic market. To achieve this, comprehensive measures will be applied, including saturating the domestic market, controlling prices for socially significant goods, regulating wholesale trade and exports, and eliminating unproductive intermediaries. As noted by Arman Shakkaliyev, special attention will be paid to protecting domestic producers within the framework of international and integration associations. Issues regarding the accessibility of store shelves for domestic producers will be addressed, including categories for startups and the provision of "green shelves," as well as transparent procedures for admitting goods into retail chains. In accordance with the instructions of the Prime Minister, new approaches to promoting non-commodity exports will be introduced. The Ministry's strategic focus is concentrated on diversifying the structure and geography of non-commodity exports, launching new support and incentive tools, with a special emphasis on the export of industrial goods. "In 2026, significant attention will be paid to the digital transformation of trade within the framework of the declared year of artificial intelligence and digitalization. The implementation of a national product catalog and a labeling system is planned, which will increase market transparency, simplify access to information for consumers and businesses, and create conditions for the digital control of commodity flows," emphasized Arman Shakkaliyev. Kazakhstan is chairing the bodies of the Eurasian Economic Union this year, which opens new opportunities for the development of international cooperation. The Ministry will focus on implementing the key directions outlined by the President in his address to the heads of the EAEU member states, including the development of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and the formation of barrier-free trade, as well as on conducting planned events within the Union. Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev emphasized that all instructions from the Head of State and the Government are under personal control and will be implemented with high quality. The Ministry's work will continue systematically, consistently, and proactively, ensuring the stability of the domestic market, supporting domestic producers, and strengthening Kazakhstan's position in foreign markets.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1164687?lang=kk

Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev, during a board meeting of the department, summarized the results of 2025 and outlined priorities for 2026. According to him, the past year was a period of confident growth and strengthening of trade's position within the country's economic structure. The index of the physical volume of trade at the end of 2025 amounted to 108.9%, contributing 26% to the overall economic growth. Domestic trade turnover increased by 14.6% and reached 80 trillion tenge, compared to 69.7 trillion the previous year. The main growth was driven by both wholesale trade, with a volume of 53.5 trillion tenge, and the retail segment with an indicator of 26.4 trillion tenge. «For the first time in the last three years, investments in the sector have demonstrated steady growth,» noted the minister. The volume of investments increased immediately by 42% and reached 1,229 billion tenge, indicating increased business confidence in the trade sector and the formation of new growth points. Despite persistent global challenges, foreign trade also showed positive dynamics. External trade turnover grew by 1.3% and reached 143.9 billion dollars compared to 142.1 billion dollars in 2024. Non-resource exports increased by 1.2% and amounted to 41 billion dollars. Services exports demonstrated more noticeable growth — by 3.7%, reaching 12.3 billion dollars against 11.8 billion the previous year. At the end of the year, a positive foreign trade balance is maintained at the level of 14.2 billion dollars. As Arman Shakkaliyev emphasized, the achieved results form a solid foundation for further diversification of trade, expansion of non-resource exports, and strengthening of integration processes in 2026.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1164649?lang=kk

Last year, comprehensive state support measures were launched in domestic trade, based on instruments for subsidizing and guaranteeing loans for industry entities through second-tier banks. The program is aimed at developing modern trade formats and modernizing infrastructure in the regions, while it does not involve the cities of Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and shopping and entertainment centers. For projects in regional centers, the loan amount should not exceed 3 billion tenge; for mono- and small towns, as well as rural settlements, 1.5 billion tenge. The subsidized remuneration rate for second-tier banks is 10.75%, the subsidy period for investment purposes is up to 5 years, for replenishing working capital up to 3 years.The Minister emphasized that the provision of state support is accompanied by reciprocal obligations from businesses. Entrepreneurs are required to ensure access to trading shelves for domestic producers: at least 20% for non-food goods and 50% for food goods, including 30% under the current Rules of Domestic Trade and an additional 20% under state support measures. Currently, the ministry is working on changes that strengthen the priority of Kazakh producers. In particular, when receiving financing for replenishing working capital, a requirement is introduced to purchase goods, raw materials, and materials from domestic producers included in the relevant register. It also provides for an obligation to place products from novice Kazakh producers, registered no more than three years ago, on a preferential period from three months or more upon their written request. Additionally, a prohibition is introduced on changing the rental fee within one year from the date of concluding subsidy or guarantee agreements, as well as an obligation to timely submit reports to the Bureau of National Statistics through the digital system statgov.kz. Approximately 4.3 billion tenge has been allocated for the implementation of support measures, which has allowed for the financing of 460 projects across the country through second-tier banks.   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1164653?lang=kk

Since the beginning of 2026, the Department of Trade and Consumer Rights Protection of the Karaganda region has intensified its work to prevent unjustified price increases for socially significant food products. Due to the expansion of the list of socially significant goods, explanatory events have been conducted for businesses. Control is carried out with an emphasis on prevention and prompt suppression of exceeding the 15% trade markup. Since the beginning of the year, 15 entrepreneurs have been held accountable under Article 204-4 of the Administrative Offences Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan: 6 wholesale suppliers, 4 supermarkets, and 5 convenience stores. The total amount of fines amounted to 934 thousand tenge. Violations were established during the sale of milk, rice, chicken meat, sunflower oil, eggs, flour, salt, as well as for newly included apples, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Additionally, 2 cases of violations under Article 193, Part 4 of the Administrative Offences Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (non-compliance of price tags) were identified.Thus, one entrepreneur was selling buckwheat groats for 370 tenge with a purchase price of 294 tenge. The trade markup amounted to 26%, which exceeds the established norm. Another supplier purchased cabbage for 100 tenge per kilogram and sold it to retail chains for 135 tenge. The trade markup reached 35%. As a result of the work carried out, the price was reduced both by the wholesale supplier and in the retail chains. Furthermore, among the goods included in the list of socially significant food products (SSFP), violations have been identified since the beginning of the year for items such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and apples. In particular, one entrepreneur purchased apples for 300 tenge per kilogram and sold them to retail chains for 710 tenge. The trade markup amounted to 136%. All identified cases have resulted in the enterprises being held administratively liable. As a result of the measures taken, the final prices for consumers were reduced. In addition, the measures taken have helped stabilize the price situation. For a number of items, a decrease compared to the previously established level has been recorded since the beginning of the year: rice - 93.1%, chicken - 92.0%, milk - 98.8%, apples - 98.3%, salt - 92.2%. Monitoring of wholesale and retail prices, as well as analysis of electronic invoices, continues on an ongoing basis. The Department urges entrepreneurs to comply with legal requirements and citizens to report cases of price gouging through the E-Otinish platform.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1163659?lang=kk

At a meeting of the akimat of the Kostanay region, which was attended by the regional akim Kumar Aksakalov, issues of preparation for the 2026 flood were considered. The event was attended by heads of regional departments, directorates, and responsible institutions.The Head of State paid special attention to possible flooding in a number of regions.To date, the material and technical support and the work of the Operational Headquarters in the region show positive results."For districts at risk of flooding, about 50 units of equipment worth approximately 1 billion tenge were purchased. Among them are 7 high-cross-country vehicles, 3 crew buses, and 20 off-road vehicles. In the Karasu district, the constructed water diversion channel has reduced the risk of flooding settlements and proven its effectiveness," reported regional akim Kumar Aksakalov.In the region, 32 protective dams have been built and reinforced, work has been carried out to strengthen the shoreline along the Tobyl River, more than 2000 water passage structures and sewer systems on highways have been cleared. On 13 road sections, 38 culverts have been installed. Restoration work has been completed on 9 hydraulic structures.To date, more than 1.3 million cubic meters of snow have been removed from the regions. A reserve of about 4 billion tenge has been allocated.Currently, locations for ice blasting operations have been determined.This year, the Operational Headquarters will begin its work on March 1.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1163591?lang=kk

Schoolchildren from the city of Rudny actively joined in the collection of waste paper for recycling.. The environmental initiative is being held within the framework of the republican campaign of Taza Kazakhstan, aimed at the formation of an ecological culture and the preservation of the environment.Young participants of the action collect old books, newspapers, magazines and used notebooks. They bring waste paper from home, turn to neighbors, organize collection at enterprises, and even find recyclable materials on the street. According to the organizers, such work not only helps to clean up the environment, but also educates the younger generation with a responsible attitude towards nature.Paper recycling is essential for the conservation of natural resources. Thus, each ton of waste paper collected can save at least 17 trees, as well as reduce the amount of waste in landfills and reduce the burden on the ecosystem.The action brought together schoolchildren, teachers and residents of the city, becoming an example of active youth participation in solving environmental issues. Such initiatives contribute to the formation of environmental awareness and demonstrate that even small efforts by each person can make a significant contribution to nature conservation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1163321?lang=kk