Economics
Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom Discuss Expanding Trade and Investment Cooperation 14.05.2026
A meeting was held in Astana between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov and the His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia David Reed MBE.The discussion focused on prospects for further strengthening Kazakh-British trade, economic and investment partnership, as well as priority items on the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission.Positive dynamics in bilateral trade and significant potential for its further growth were noted. In this context, it was emphasized that Kazakhstan is the United Kingdom’s largest trading partner in Central Asia: of nearly GBP 5 billion in UK trade with the countries of the region, around GBP 2.7 billion accounts for Kazakhstan.Particular attention was paid to the development of investment cooperation in critical minerals, energy, infrastructure, transport and logistics, financial services, digitalization, artificial intelligence and education. The potential for cooperation in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route was also highlighted, taking into account Kazakhstan’s strategic location and its role in ensuring resilient supply chains between Europe and Asia.The meeting also addressed opportunities to attract British expertise and financial instruments for the implementation of infrastructure, energy and industrial projects in Kazakhstan. In this context, the ratified Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was noted as creating a favorable framework for advancing concrete mutually beneficial projects, expanding institutional engagement and ensuring the practical implementation of agreements across key areas of the bilateral agenda.Humanitarian and educational cooperation was also noted to be gaining momentum, including through the expanding presence of British universities in Kazakhstan. Education, skills development and the advancement of the innovation ecosystem were highlighted as important elements of long-term economic partnership.Following the meeting, readiness was reaffirmed to further deepen the Kazakh-British strategic partnership, expand mutual trade and ensure the practical implementation of the agreements reached.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1220051?lang=kk
Republican forum "Taza Kazakhstan – Taza Bulak" 14.05.2026
The republican forum "Taza Kazakhstan - Taza Bulak" was held in the city of Arkalyk. The organizer of the large-scale event was the Y. Altynsarin Arkalyk Pedagogical University. The forum was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, vice-rectors for educational work, heads of relevant departments of the country's universities, as well as representatives of youth organizations.The grand opening of the forum took place at the city Palace of Culture. The event began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan, after which participants were shown a special video dedicated to the history and modern activities of the university.Welcoming speeches were delivered by Deputy Akim of Arkalyk city Abzal Tashimov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akerke Abylaykhan, and Rector of the University Talgat Yeshzhanov. In their speeches, they emphasized the importance of the "Taza Kazakhstan" environmental program, implemented on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.During the plenary session, substantive reports were heard on issues of environmental culture, youth education, promotion of spiritual values, and development of social responsibility.Deputy Director of the Department of Social and Civic Development at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Candidate of Legal Sciences Erkebulan Nugumanov noted the special role of such events in educating the younger generation.As part of the forum, participants who contributed to the development of science, education, and public initiatives were awarded letters of appreciation from the city akim and the university rector.Also, the renowned master of applied arts, local historian, and honorary citizen of Arkalyk Shoptibay Baidildauyly blessed the youth and shared instructive thoughts on the unity of the people and the upbringing of the younger generation.After the plenary session, the forum guests visited the university's new academic building and familiarized themselves with the infrastructure and material-technical base of the educational institution.The republican forum "Taza Kazakhstan - Taza Bulak" became an important public platform aimed at shaping environmental culture, increasing the civic responsibility of youth, and promoting national values.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1219545?lang=kk
The Speaking club 13.05.2026
On May 8, 2026, another session of the internal speaking club "Speaking Club" was held.Moderator - Kairat Syundikov, the ethics commissioner of the apparatus of the akim (governor) of the Kostanay region.Training topic: "The Culture of Public Speaking".The event was held to improve the culture of public speaking, overcome language barriers, and develop skills for working in front of video cameras and large audiences. How to overcome fear, hold the audience's attention, make a positive impression, and keep to the timing? What speaking techniques and tools of influence should be used?The trainer, a state language teacher from the regional language learning center "Til Darin," Bazarkul Akhmetzhanova, focused the listeners' attention on these and other questions.Public speaking requires preparation, psychological resilience, and self-control.Public servants should not publicly express their opinions on matters of state policy and official activities if those opinions do not align with the main directions of state policy, disclose official information not permitted for public release, or contain unethical statements regarding state officials, public administration bodies, or other public servants. Public statements on the activities of a state body are made by its head or officials of the state body authorized to do so. Public servants must conduct discussions in a proper manner, without undermining the authority of the public service.A public servant, regardless of position, must be able to formulate their thoughts, express them competently, and convey information to citizens (service recipients), colleagues, and partners.This applies not only to public speaking at receptions, meetings, and gatherings but also to daily work, including telephone communications. All seminar participants had the opportunity to speak before an audience, demonstrate public speaking skills, and their level of proficiency in the state language. Among the speakers were Natalya Sukhacheva - head of the department of the Regional Department of Physical Culture and Sports, and Madi Tolegen - chief specialist of the apparatus of the regional akim, a young public servant.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1218831?lang=kk
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Receives the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund 13.05.2026
Astana, 12 May 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with the UN Under Secretary-General, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Diene Keita.During the talks, the head of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy ministry noted that President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attaches particular importance to comprehensive cooperation with the United Nations. Kazakhstan remains a steadfast supporter of the UN as a universal platform for addressing global issues and actively participates in the implementation of the “UN80” initiative aimed at a comprehensive reform of multilateral dialogue.In this context, the Minister positively assessed the cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and UNFPA in improving maternal and infant health outcomes, developing youth health centres, and conducting comprehensive demographic and population studies.As noted by Minister Kosherbayev, healthcare, youth policy and gender equality should become key areas of regional dialogue with UNFPA.In this regard, the Minister called for the active use of the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty as a platform for expanding UNFPA’s presence in the region.For her part, Diene Keita stressed that the United Nations commends Kazakhstan’s systemic reforms in promoting gender equality, protecting women’s rights and expanding opportunities for women.She also noted that Kazakhstan has achieved impressive results in healthcare, the development of youth and family policy, as well as in reducing maternal and child mortality rates.During the meeting, the UN Under Secretary-General announced the Organization’s decision to establish the UNFPA Central Asian Hub on Demographic Resilience in Almaty, which will serve as a regional centre for collecting, analysing and researching demographic development trends in Central Asia.At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue their constructive dialogue on pressing issues of the global and regional agenda. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1218504?lang=kk
Another settlement in Kostanay region was connected to gas 12.05.2026
About 2 thousand residents of the village of Diyevka in the Auliekol district have gained the opportunity to connect to gas supply networks.The implementation of the project for the construction of a supply gas pipeline from the automated gas distribution station in the village of Auliekol to the village of Diyevka was carried out from August 2024 to October 2025. «Today is an important event for the residents of Diyevka village. We are supplying blue fuel to homes. This is not just an infrastructure project, but a real contribution to improving people's quality of life», – said the Akim (Governor) of the Kostanay region, Kumar Aksakalov, at the ceremonial event.The total estimated construction cost amounted to 2 billion tenge from the local budget. 56.3 km of gas pipeline were built.To reduce gas pressure from high to low, four block-type gas regulator stations were installed. For the gasification of the village, a project for the construction of gas distribution networks in Diyevka was also implemented, completed in October 2025.The total estimated cost of the gas distribution network construction project amounted to 535.625 million tenge. 17.4 km of gas pipeline were built. «On behalf of the elders and personally, I want to express deep gratitude to the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev, the regional leadership, and all the specialists whose work made it possible to implement this large-scale project. Seeing the fruits of such care for villagers is a great joy. May warmth and prosperity always be in your homes with the arrival of natural gas», – shared the joy of the village elder, Kaby Kusainov. Thus, the gasification level in the district will increase to 51.8%.It should be noted that currently in the district, 3 projects are at the implementation and development stage – these are the construction of gas distribution networks in the villages of Kushmurun (first phase), Novonezhinka, and Timofeyevka.In the Kostanay region, out of 501 settlements, 87 are supplied with natural gas.The total length of gas pipelines in the region is 5.1 thousand km, including distribution pipelines – 4.3 thousand km, and main pipelines – 819.7 km.Over the last three years (2023-2025), approximately 8 thousand people have gained access to the gas supply network. The region's gasification level increased to 60.4% in 2025. The implementation of the project in Diyevka village will have a positive impact on the socio-economic and environmental living conditions of the population, and will also contribute to housing construction and the development of agricultural product processing enterprises.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1218251?lang=kk
Prevention of smoking and promotion of a healthy lifestyle 12.05.2026
On May 12 of this year, a seminar on smoking prevention and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle was conducted by K. Sundikov, the Ethics Commissioner of the Kostanay Region Akim's Office, together with A. Sadvokasova, the head of the "Jastar MED" Youth Health Center.Employees of the regional Akim's office and regional departments took part in the seminar. The participants received consultations, informational booklets, and reviewed a presentation.The speaker discussed the harm of smoking tobacco, electronic cigarettes (vapes), and their components—nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide—on the human body, people around them, including pregnant women and underage children.The risk of asthma and chronic bronchitis increases. The organs of the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular and nervous systems are affected. Men's sexual function and women's reproductive function decrease. The speaker also informed about myths related to "light" cigarettes.During the meeting, employees were able to take rapid tests to determine cholesterol and sugar levels, and measure their blood pressure. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1218121?lang=kk
Kazakhstan and Brazil Strengthen Political Dialogue and Business Ties 11.05.2026
Astana, 11 May 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil Mauro Vieira, who arrived in Kazakhstan on an official visit.During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation, including political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian interaction, as well as coordination within international organizations and multilateral platforms.The foreign ministers noted with satisfaction the steady development of political contacts, including systematic interparliamentary engagement and the mechanism of political consultations, which enables the two countries to regularly exchange views on pressing bilateral, regional, and international issues.“Kazakhstan views Brazil as a key and reliable partner in Latin America. Today’s talks confirmed the mutual interest in further deepening cooperation and implementing new joint initiatives,” noted Minister Kosherbayev.Particular attention was paid to trade-economic and investment cooperation. The parties noted the positive dynamics of bilateral trade, which reached 295 million US dollars in 2025, and emphasized the significant potential for further expanding cooperation in industry, agriculture, energy, and investment.The strategic importance of transport and transit potential with access to international markets was also highlighted. Kazakhstan and Brazil are well positioned to serve as mutual “gateways” to Eurasia and Latin America respectively.Within the framework of the international agenda, Kazakhstan and Brazil reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, and also noted the convergence of their approaches on global climate issues.In this context, the Kazakh Foreign Minister presented the initiative of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish an International Water Organization within the UN system.Following the talks, the parties expressed confidence in the further strengthening of Kazakh-Brazilian cooperation and in giving new impetus to the development of bilateral partnership.As part of the visit, a business forum was also organized with the participation of leading business representatives of the two countries, during which B2B and B2G meetings were held. The participants discussed prospects for the implementation of joint projects in such priority areas as high-tech agriculture, water resource management, and digital technologies.Following the event, memoranda of understanding were signed between the ministries of agriculture of the two countries in the field of livestock breeding, as well as between KAZAKH INVEST and ApexBrasil.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1217285?lang=kk
The initiative of schoolchildren has received support: a new playground will be improved in Kostanay 11.05.2026
An important project aimed at supporting youth civic engagement and public initiatives will be implemented in the city of Kostanay. A project for the improvement of one of the children's playgrounds, proposed by schoolchildren, became the winner within the framework of the "Participatory Budgeting" program.The initiative includes the improvement of a children's playground.The proposed project successfully passed the expert selection at the akimat (local administration) and was admitted to the voting stage among residents. As a result, the initiative received 322 votes and took first place among the participants.According to the press service of the Nazarbayev Intellectual School, the initiative, which received public support, is aimed at creating a safe and comfortable environment for children and residents of the courtyard. This is a vivid example of how the younger generation actively participates in public life and makes a real contribution to the development of their hometown.The practical implementation phase of the project will begin soon. It is expected that this initiative will contribute to the improvement of urban infrastructure, increasing the accessibility and comfort of public spaces. Furthermore, this experience is considered an effective example of supporting civic initiatives and enhancing the social responsibility of youth.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1217278?lang=kk
Kazakhstan’s Investment Opportunities Presented in the Republic of Korea 09.05.2026
A roundtable discussion on "Kazakhstan's Investment Opportunities for Korean Business" was held in Seoul, as part of the visit of the Kazakh delegation, led by Gabidulla Ospankulov, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.The event brought together representatives of government agencies, national companies, financial institutions, and business communities from both countries. Approximately 50 leading Korean companies representing the energy, industrial, infrastructure, financial, and technology sectors participated in the discussions.Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Korea, Asset Issenali emphasized the progressive development of the Kazakh-Korean strategic partnership and the growing interest of South Korean businesses in the Kazakh economy.Gabidulla Ospankulov, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan detailed the Kazakhstan's competitive advantages as the largest economy in Central Asia, an important transport and logistics hub, and a reliable platform for long-term investment projects.Korean partners were presented with promising areas of cooperation in energy, mechanical engineering, agro-industrial complex, transport infrastructure, logistics, and digital technologies. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), which is increasingly important as a key transit route between Asia and Europe.Participants focused on the opportunities offered by Kazakhstan's special economic and industrial zones, current government support measures for investors, and project support mechanisms based on the "one-stop shop" principle. Presentations were also given by representatives of the Aktobe Region Akimat, Baiterek Research Holding JSC, Samruk-Kazyna JSC, KAZAKH INVEST National Company JSC, KEGOC JSC, QazaqGaz National Company JSC, Almaty Invest, and the Korkyt Ata SEZ Management Company. The presentations focused on infrastructure initiatives, production localization projects, and prospects for jointly implementing high-tech manufacturing projects with Korean capital.The Alatau City project was presented separately during the event. The Kazakh side highlighted opportunities for attracting advanced Korean technologies and investment to develop modern urban infrastructure and the industrial and innovative potential of the new growth center.It was noted that the project is being implemented in accordance with the adopted Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Special Legal Regime of Alatau City," which provides special conditions for doing business, simplified administrative procedures, and a stable and predictable regulatory environment for foreign investors. Representatives from KIND, Korea Eximbank, Doosan Energy, KNOC, Shinhan Securities, BNK Financial Group, and other leading South Korean corporations and financial institutions participated in the discussions.A number of bilateral meetings with current and potential investors took place on the sidelines of the roundtable. The parties discussed specific projects, prospects for expanding industrial cooperation, and new areas of collaboration.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1216659?lang=kk
Respect for veterans – a bow to the feat 09.05.2026
On the eve of Victory Day, regional governor Kumar Aksakalov congratulated veterans of the Great Patriotic War. The feat and labor of the front-line soldiers are worthy of the deepest respect from future generations.Today, all veterans living in our region have passed the century mark.Among the local front-line soldiers is the poet, teacher, and journalist Kasymkhan Aldabergenov. He fought on the Ukrainian fronts, participated in the liberation of Hungary, Austria, and Czechoslovakia. In peacetime, he made a significant contribution to the development of education, culture, and the spiritual sphere.The pride of our society is also Dildabek Nurushev, who went through a combat path as part of the Ukrainian Front. He participated in heavy battles on the Oder River and the liberation of Poland. After the war, he dedicated himself to the development of the region and created a worthy labor dynasty.Tank commander Mikhail Podolyakov took part in the Battle of Kursk and operations to liberate Ukraine. Returning to his homeland, he worked for many years in public service and was one of the leaders of the veteran organization.The head of the region wished the front-line soldiers good health, long life, and well-being for their families, noting that their resilience and devotion to the Motherland will forever remain an example for future generations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1216932?lang=kk
A modern IT school opened in Kostanay 07.05.2026
An important project in the field of digital education development has been implemented in the Kostanay region. The official opening of the innovative IT school Tomorrow School took place at the Akhmet Baitursynov Kostanay Regional University via a teleconference with the participation of the Head of State.Tomorrow School is a new-generation educational project based on the Peer-to-Peer principle. Its key feature is the rejection of the traditional learning model: there are no teachers or classic lectures here. Participants independently master the material, exchange experiences, and collaboratively complete practical assignments.The project is being implemented within the Astana Hub ecosystem with the support of the corporate fund Alem.ai Foundation on the basis of the international educational platform 01 Edu.The training is completely free and available to all interested individuals over 18 years old, regardless of prior programming experience.The educational process is practice-oriented. Participants work on real projects, develop teamwork skills, and reinforce knowledge through peer review of assignments. This format effectively builds applied competencies in demand in the IT sector.The program covers the full cycle of specialist training — from the basics of programming to more complex areas. All assignments are as close as possible to real-world industry tasks.The campus operates 24/7, allowing participants to flexibly plan their time and build an individual educational trajectory.The implementation of the project is aimed at developing the region's IT ecosystem, increasing the accessibility of modern education, and training a new generation of specialists in the field of digital technologies.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1215877?lang=kk
Key constitutional amendments discussed in the office of the akim of the region 06.05.2026
On May 6, 2026, a legal education session was held at the apparatus of the regional akim on the topic:«The New Constitution as a Stage in the Development of Constitutional Building of the Republic of Kazakhstan».The speaker was Ukin S.K. — Candidate of Juridical Sciences, Associate Professor of A. Baitursynov KRU University.During the session, key changes to the Basic Law, issues of the rule of law, protection of citizens' rights and freedoms, as well as the role of civil servants in implementing constitutional norms were considered.Conducting such events is aimed at improving the legal culture and professional competencies of civil servants.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1215791?lang=kk