Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1041120?lang=kk

Shymkent on the move: how the city is rebuilding its transport system Shymkent is one of the fastest growing cities in Kazakhstan, and the transport infrastructure here has long required adaptation to new realities. Population growth, an increase in the number of cars and the expansion of the urban area pose the task for the authorities - to transform disparate road sections into a single and sustainable system. A comprehensive program to upgrade the transport infrastructure was launched in the metropolis in 2024. It covers not only the construction of roads and interchanges, but also the modernization of stops, safety systems and lighting. Scale: from streets to highways According to official data, by the end of 2024, 75% of city roads were already in good or satisfactory condition. In 2025, it is planned to increase this figure to 90%. The main efforts are aimed at developing connectivity and reducing the load on central streets. Among the major projects is the construction of railway crossings on Momynova and Tlenshina streets in the Yenbekshinsky district. They will connect the eastern part of the city with the center, which will redistribute traffic flows and reduce congestion on existing highways. Construction on Momynova started in December 2024 and is already half complete. At the same time, major repairs are underway on the emergency bridge at the intersection of Koikeldi Batyr and Aknazar Khan streets. The work will be completed by the end of 2025. One of the most ambitious projects was the extension of Kunayev Avenue. The total length of the route is 16.3 km, the work is divided into six stages. Some sections have already been completed, two more are planned to be completed by the end of the year, and the final stage - in 2026. The new avenue should become an alternative to the busy Respubliki Avenue and relieve traffic on the way out of the city. The reconstruction of the A-2 bypass road is also actively underway. This 28.2 km long transit corridor connects Shymkent with other regions of the country and plays a key role in cargo transportation. The first four stages have already been completed, and three more are planned for completion in 2025. The last stage will be completed in 2026. Part of the strategy also includes the construction of new connecting streets: the extension of Kaziyev Street (1.7 km) will provide an alternative exit from the northern microdistricts of Akzhayik and ShymCity. By 2026, the authorities intend to completely pave 850 streets with a total length of over 1,000 km. Of these, 540 streets will be paved this year. Focus on safety: from pedestrians to lighting Along with road construction, efforts to ensure road safety are being stepped up. In 2025, 32 new traffic lights will appear in the city, 10 of which have already been installed. Unregulated pedestrian crossings are another weak link in the system. Currently, more than 140 of the planned 200 points are illuminated. Work is also underway to install 6,000 road signs (half of which have already been installed), to install speed bumps near schools (1,200 meters), and to renew sidewalks — 180 km have already been put in order. Additionally, the markings on 500 km of streets have been updated, and new irrigation channels have been installed in flood zones (30 streets). The street lighting program covers 2,743 streets, of which 1,550 are already equipped with lamps.

To date, 67,949 small and medium–sized businesses operate in the region, employing 164.3 thousand employees, which is 3.2% more than last year (April 1, 2024 - 159.2 thousand people).The output of SMEs in the 1st quarter of this year also increased by 15.5% and amounted to 515.9 billion tenge (April 1, 2024 – 446.7 billion tenge).In general, more than 30% of the region's economy is provided by small and medium–sized businesses (the share of SMEs in the gross regional product is 30.2%).The positive dynamics of these indicators is greatly facilitated by the implementation of state support measures. Thus, within the framework of the Comprehensive Entrepreneurship Development Program for the 1st half of this year, 135 business projects for a total amount of loans of 15.9 billion tenge were provided with preferential lending conditions due to government subsidization of part of the interest rate and the provision of guarantees by Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund JSC and a special Guarantee fund to cover the shortage of collateral. Projects implemented in rural areas account for 26%.In addition, work is underway to provide enterprises, including those located in the Industrial Zone in Kostanay, with the missing engineering and communication infrastructure. To date, 7 such projects are being implemented with a total cost of 486.3 million tenge, including in the Dzhangelda, Kostanay and Mendykara districts.In order to develop entrepreneurial potential in regions remote from the regional center, the Business-Komek Regional Lending Program was launched in 2023 at 1% per annum, which has no analogues among all government support tools. To date, the total amount of financing has been fully utilized: 37 loans totaling 1.5 billion tenge have been approved. Most of the loans are aimed at the development of animal husbandry.              In addition, financial institutions also implement their own business support programs. For example, for entrepreneurs of the single-industry towns of Lisakovsk, Zhitikara and Rudny, Halyk Bank launched a program of preferential loans in the amount of up to 50 million tenge at 10% per annum for investments and working capital for up to 5 years in the manufacturing industry (excluding production of tobacco products).In turn, the Damu Foundation has launched the implementation of the Orleu program, which provides loans to entrepreneurs in priority sectors of the economy in the amount of up to 7 billion tenge for up to 10 years with a remuneration rate of 12.6% per annum. Applications are accepted by Bank CenterCredit JSC, Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, Freedom bank JSC, ForteBank JSC and Nurbank JSC.In addition, work is underway in the region to create small industrial zones. Two projects are being implemented – the construction of a Localization center for the production of automotive components (on the territory of the Industrial Zone in Kostanay) and the reconstruction of the sewing workshops of the Bolshevichka factory. These projects involve the placement of small businesses on prepared and equipped with the necessary communications facilities on preferential rental terms.Much attention is paid to the development of social entrepreneurship. Currently, 66 representatives from our region are on the Register of Social Entrepreneurs. This category of entrepreneurs is given the opportunity to participate in the competition for grants up to 5 million tenge, subject to the social orientation of the business. The competition is scheduled for September of this year.At the same time, various non-financial support measures implemented by the Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kostanay region covered about 1,500 business entities and individuals with entrepreneurial initiatives in the first half of this year.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1040858?lang=kk

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Astana, July 24, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov held a meeting with the Ambassador of Hungary to Kazakhstan Otto Iván Róna.During the talks, the sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Kazakh-Hungarian cooperation, placing particular emphasis on strengthening the political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, enhancing cooperation in transport, education, and culture, as well as on the practical implementation of the agreements reached during reciprocal visits.Deputy Minister Issetov emphasized that Kazakhstan sincerely values its strategic partnership with Hungary, a close and reliable EU partner. “The relations between Astana and Budapest are characterized by a high level of trust-based political dialogue, and the peoples of the two countries are united by common historical and cultural roots” the Kazakh diplomat noted.Priority attention was given to preparations for upcoming high-level bilateral events.At the end of the meeting, the Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister thanked the Hungarian Ambassador for his active efforts in promoting bilateral relations and voiced confidence in the continued strengthening of cooperation between the two countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1040125?lang=kk

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The forests of our region are of great ecological, climatic, economic and social importance.The Akimat of Kostanay region manages 462.0 thousand hectares of the state forest fund, including the forested area of 207.5 thousand hectares. Over the past 3 years, the total area of the state forest fund has been increased by 4.3 thousand hectares (from 457,718 hectares to 462,009 hectares), due to the transfer of reserve lands to the lands of the forest fund for logging operations.There are 6,188 hectares in the category of lands of the state forest fund "green zones of settlements and health facilities" around Kostanay, including 4,502 hectares covered with forest.During the period 2021-2024, 55.4 million seedlings were planted on the plots of the forest fund on an area of 8.7 thousand hectares, as part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Forest Reproduction Plan for 2021-2027. The planting plan for 2025 is 19.2 million seedlings on an area of 2.9 thousand hectares. In the spring of this year, 14.5 million seedlings were planted on an area of 2.9 thousand hectares. In autumn, it is planned to plant 4.7 million seedlings on an area of 0.8 thousand hectares.Work continues to eliminate the consequences of a large forest fire in 2022 in the territory of the Auliekolsky district. During the period from November 2022 to July 2025, logging was carried out on 61.7% of the area, and 34.8% of the forested area covered by the fire was also developed.In total, 2.9 million pine seedlings on 432 hectares were planted on the area of Gary. The natural renewal of the forest is also recorded: green shoots of birch and aspen have appeared, and self-seeding of pine is observed everywhere.Work on the reproduction of forests in the forest fund areas continues in order to increase the forested area of the forest fund, as well as increase the forest cover of the region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1037701?lang=kk

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KIA'S PLANT IN KOSTANAY IS READY TO START: KIA CORPORATION EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT ARRIVES FOR INSPECTIONThe new KIA automobile plant is one of the largest industrial projects in Kazakhstan, the largest construction site in the history of domestic engineering.Today, the Kostanay KIA plant has passed an important final control point. The company was specially visited today by Executive Vice President of KIA Corporation Jong Junchul, who oversees all production facilities of the company worldwide.The visit of the first executive Vice president of KIA Corporation to Kostanay region emphasized the importance of this stage: he personally checked the readiness of the enterprise.The plant was built in record time: construction began in the fall of 2023. KIA Corporation has financed 117 billion tenge into the plant, which makes it one of the largest investments of foreign capital outside South Korea in the automotive industry. The total investment in the project amounted to 131.5 billion tenge."This is the largest foreign production in the history of the region. Thanks to the support of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the well—coordinated work of all structures, the plant was built in just one and a half years," said Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov.At the state level, the project was provided with a complete infrastructure: roads, railway tracks, networks.The launch of a new production facility is not only large-scale in terms of investments, but also in terms of social impact. Over 1,500 jobs are being created at the first stage. This is the largest simultaneous job creation project, which will significantly strengthen the labor market in the region and open up new prospects for young Kostanay residents.Additionally, a Localization center is being built near the car factory, which will provide employment for another 800 people. The localization center will produce seats, mufflers and plastic parts.It is noteworthy that many processes at the new plant are automated and robotic.The plant is equipped with advanced automated lines, which makes it one of the most modern in the region. 67 robots are already involved.Personnel training for such high-tech production was conducted jointly with the Korean Dong-Eui University and the local regional university named after A.Baitursynov, as well as colleges, which allowed us to create a team of professionals already at the launch stage. The emphasis is on local personnel."When we were considering where to invest in Central Asia, our choice fell on Kazakhstan, a country located in the heart of Eurasia. This is an important and strategically significant project for KIA," said Mr. Jong Jooncheol, Executive Vice President of KIA Corporation. - Thanks to the strong support from the Kazakh side, especially in terms of infrastructure - not only the plant, but also the localization center - we were able to implement the project on time.We are currently working to resolve the issues of selecting suppliers of automotive components so that key parts can be produced directly here in Kazakhstan. We are confident in the future of this project and intend to develop a long-term partnership with Kazakhstan and Kostanay region. I would like to express my special gratitude for the professionalism of the local staff — we are really impressed by the level of training of Kostanay specialists."Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1037237?lang=kk

On the eve of the professional holiday — Metallurgist's Day — the Akimat of Kostanay region hosted a solemn ceremony of awarding state and departmental awards on behalf of the Head of State to the best representatives of the mining and metallurgical industry.The event was attended by Akim of the region Kumar Aksakalov and heads of industrial enterprises of the region.— The mining and metallurgical industry is one of the foundations of the regional economy. It employs over 15,000 people. In the first half of 2025, products worth almost 700 billion tenge were produced. It is symbolic that in the Year of Working Professions, awards were presented on behalf of the Head of State," Kumar Aksakalov said.🔹 Received state awards on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:Valery Ankudinov — Engineer of SSGPO JSCAnuarbek Tabylbayev— engineer of an electric mine locomotive, SSGPO JSCBulat Mukatov — locomotive engineer, KBRU (Aluminum of Kazakhstan JSC)Kuanyshbek Kulnazarov — crusher, JSC VarvarinskoyeAwarded with diplomas of the Ministry of Industry and Construction:Yerdin Baigenzhin — JSC VarvarinskoyeValery Kashtanov — Komarovsky Mining Enterprise LLP, Diplomas of the akim of the region were awarded:Vasily Andrianov — Shop Supervisor, LF Mine, Orken LLPNatalia Borodnikova — Laboratory assistant, Caspian Steel QZ LLPAnatoly Belyakov — separator operator, Orken LLPNikolay Yemshanov — metal heater, Caspian Steel QZ LLPMarat Ibrashev — Head of the crushing site, Orken LLPAlmagul Ismukhamedova — Chemical water treatment plant operator, Kachary Ore JSCNikita Kautz — KIPiA locksmith, Caspian Steel QZ LLPDenis Kovalev — electric welder, Kachary Ore JSCNurtai Medetkaliyev — electrician, Caspian Steel QZ LLPRuslan Nurmanov — Head of the production department, KBRUAlexander Ring — electrician, Orken LLPDamir Tautenov, Foreman for the movement of raw materials, Caspian Steel QZ LLPYelzhan Tokkuzhin — foreman of the main production, Kachary Ore JSCValery Ankudinov, an engineer at SSGPO JSC, made a response. He thanked for the high honor and noted that the award is a recognition of the work of the entire team.The governor of the region also spoke about key projects.:— We will implement two major projects in the coming years. The first is a hot briquetted iron (HBI) plant based on SSGPO JSC: 532 billion tenge of investments, capacity — up to 2 million tons per year, 1,000 jobs. The second is a steelmaking plant based on Caspian Steel QZ LLP: 308.4 billion tenge of investments, 1 million tons per year, 600 jobs. After reaching full capacity, they will annually bring over 60 billion tenge to the budget. This will be a new stage in the development of ferrous metallurgy in the region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1036779?lang=kk

Astana, July 17, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev received copies of credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan Sailas Thangal.During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.They emphasized the importance of the schedule of high-level visits and the coordination of joint efforts to enhance the dialogue between Astana and New Delhi.The diplomats expressed their readiness to continue close cooperation in multilateral formats, primarily within the UN, CICA, SCO, Central Asia – India Dialogue and other international platforms.The Indian Ambassador expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and confirmed his readiness to make every effort to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1036659?lang=kk

Beijing, July 16, 2025 – The annual consultations of the information services of the foreign ministries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states were held at the SCO Headquarters. The event was attended by Aibek Smadiyarov, Chairman of the Committee of International Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.During the consultations, representatives of the SCO Secretariat summarized the outcomes of information-related activities over the past year. The participants exchanged views on the accumulated experience in implementing joint projects, emphasizing the importance of transparency and promptness in disseminating official materials.Chairman Smadiyarov noted that “coordination of content and synchronization of key messages help strengthen trust within the Organization and build a unified information front in the international arena.” He also expressed special gratitude to the Chinese side and the SCO Secretariat for the excellent organization of the event and the creation of a constructive platform to strengthen information cooperation.The Chinese side presented an overview of media initiatives undertaken during its current chairmanship of the SCO, as well as the plan for media coverage of the upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin. Heads of relevant departments of the foreign ministries of the member states of the Organization took part in the discussion, proposing the introduction of new multimedia formats and enhancement of the SCO’s presence on digital platforms.The Kazakh diplomat emphasized the need to actively involve young journalists and bloggers in the SCO’s information agenda, stressing that this would help expand the audience and foster lasting interest in the Organization’s activities among the youth.In addition, the participants exchanged views on key areas of information interaction. Special attention was paid to the joint support of the principles of the “Shanghai Spirit” and the fight against disinformation in the region.At the conclusion of the meeting, the participants signed the protocol of the consultations and underlined that such meetings of the information services serve as an important platform for developing coordinated approaches to covering key foreign policy events and further strengthening the Organization’s unified information space. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1035782?lang=kk