Economics
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
Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Participated in Investors Annual Meeting 2026 06.05.2026
Alibek Kuantyrov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, took part at the Investors Annual Meeting 2026.The event brought together leading institutional investors, asset managers, and government officials to discuss the prospects for the investment climate in Central Asia.Last year alone, gross FDI inflows reached $20.5 billion. By UNCTAD's count, Kazakhstan is the number one FDI destination in Central Asia.Alibek Kuantyrov outlined the country's key advantages, including the location of 13 international transit corridors in Kazakhstan and the implementation of advanced digital logistics solutions. He also noted the country's extensive natural resource base, as well as its agriculture potential."The Government provides comprehensive support for investment projects that includes financial and non-financial incentives. Additionally, a new state support tool - Investment agreement can be directly concluded with the Government," – the Deputy Minister emphasized.As part of the forum, Alibek Kuantyrov held a number of bilateral meetings with representatives of leading international investment institutions.BlackRock representatives discussed prospects for expanding the company's presence in Kazakhstan's digital and traditional asset markets.During a meeting with Timur Akazhanov, General Partner at B Capital, the development of venture and private capital in the region was discussed.Emanuela Cisini, Partner and Head of Middle East and Asia of Investindustrial, discussed opportunities for creating export-oriented manufacturing and integrating Kazakhstan into global value chains.The holding of the Investors Annual Meeting 2026 underscores Kazakhstan's consistent policy of integrating into global capital markets and strengthening the country's investment image. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1215358?lang=kk
Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan and Poland Hold Telephone Conversation 06.05.2026
Astana, May 5, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev and Deputy Prime Minister- Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Radosław Sikorski held a telephone conversation initiated by the Polish side.During the call, the foreign ministers discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Kazakh-Polish relations, based on mutual respect, trust, and constructive dialogue.The parties confirmed their mutual interest in further maintaining regular political contacts, intensifying interagency cooperation, and expanding collaboration in such promising areas as transport and agriculture.Following the phone conversation, the diplomats agreed to continue their joint efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnership between Astana and Warsaw. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1214942?lang=kk
A Meeting with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development was Held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan 05.05.2026
Astana, May 5, 2026 – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, received the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development, Surya Deva, who arrived at the invitation of Kazakhstan to study the national experience in the implementation of the human right to development.During the meeting, the Kazakh diplomat briefed on the political reforms being implemented in the country at the initiative of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, including the adoption of a new Constitution on 15 March 2026.Particular attention was drawn to the modernization of the public administration system, the strengthening of the role of the Constitutional Court, the development of human rights institutions, the expansion of mechanisms for public participation in decision-making, as well as the further enhancement of social policy and the reinforcement of safeguards for vulnerable groups of the population.Surya Deva positively assessed the reforms being carried out in Kazakhstan, including measures aimed at strengthening the national system for the protection of human rights. In this context, the parties discussed Kazakhstan’s role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as its international initiatives at the regional and global levels.The parties reaffirmed their commitment to an open and constructive dialogue on human rights, as well as to advancing the right to development as an essential component of sustainable and inclusive growth.Special Rapporteurs of the United Nations Human Rights Council are independent human rights experts with mandates on specific countries or thematic issues. They serve in their personal capacity, conduct country visits, engage in dialogue with governments and civil society, and submit reports to UN bodies. Специальные докладчики Совета ООН по правам человека — это независимые эксперты в области прав человека по отдельным странам или тематикам. Они действуют в личном качестве, проводят визиты, ведут диалог с властями и гражданским обществом и представляют свои доклады в органы ООН.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1214935?lang=kk
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Received the Ambassador of Ukraine 05.05.2026
Astana, May 5, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Kazakhstan Viktor Maiko.During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakh–Ukrainian cooperation, and exchanged views on topical issues of the bilateral and regional agenda.Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing cooperation in priority areas of shared interest.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1214875?lang=kk
This year, the construction of 520 thousand square meters of housing is planned in the region. 05.05.2026
A meeting of the regional akimat on the development of housing construction and the architectural appearance of settlements in the region was held under the chairmanship of the Akim of the Kostanay Region, Kumar Aksakalov.Housing policy is one of the key strategic directions of the state aimed at improving the quality of life of the population. As the President noted, it is important to pay attention not only to the volume of housing commissioned but also to its affordability and quality.In the region, funding volumes for housing construction have been significantly increased: if 19.1 billion tenge was allocated from the state budget in 2022, then in 2025 it is already 49.3 billion tenge, which is 2.6 times more. The plan for housing commissioning is exceeded annually. As a result, about 1.5 million square meters of housing have been commissioned over the past three years: 251 apartment buildings and 1,809 individual houses have been built. 14,729 families have improved their housing conditions.Modern and high-quality housing is also being built in rural areas. Last year, 517.4 thousand square meters of housing were commissioned, of which 63.7 thousand square meters were in rural settlements. In total, more than 5.4 thousand families have been provided with housing. To increase housing affordability, social housing is being built and preferential mortgage loans are being provided. Over three years, 1.7 thousand social apartments have been commissioned. This work will continue.To provide housing for young people, the "Kostanai Zhastary" program is being implemented in all regions of the oblast. Over three years, about 6 billion tenge has been allocated for its financing, resulting in more than 400 young families acquiring their own housing. An additional 750 million tenge has been allocated this year.This year, it is planned to build 520 thousand square meters of housing in the oblast.According to the results of the first quarter of this year, the plan for housing commissioning exceeded 50% in the Denisovsky district (96% of the annual plan or 2.8 thousand sq. m), the Kostanay district (67.6% or 46.6 thousand sq. m), and the Kamystinsky district (50.1% or 2.1 thousand sq. m)."I gave instructions three years ago to restore vacant houses. This is also one of the opportunities to provide people with housing. Funds from the regional budget were purposefully allocated for these purposes. Over three years, 56 houses have been restored in the oblast, including 30 apartment buildings. For example, in the city of Rudny - 11 houses, in Arkalyk - 3, and 2 houses each in the Denisovsky and Kamystinsky districts," noted the head of the region."The architectural appearance of settlements also requires special attention. Requirements for architecture and landscaping must be observed everywhere - both in cities and in districts. Our task is not just to build buildings, but to create a high-quality and modern environment for residents. The result of all decisions should be the comfort and safety of people," emphasized Kumar Aksakalov.The Akim of the oblast instructed the akims of cities and districts, together with the construction department, to ensure the fulfillment of housing commissioning plans, to acquire housing in the planned volumes for socially vulnerable segments of the population, and to develop and adjust urban planning projects in a timely and high-quality manner.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1214807?lang=kk
Kazakhstan and Austria Outlined New Areas of Cooperation 05.05.2026
Astana, May 5, 2026 – The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria Beate Meinl-Reisinger and the Federal Minister of the Interior of Austria Gerhard Karner during their official visit to Kazakhstan.The parties confirmed the high level of Kazakh-Austrian relations based on mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation. “Today, we discussed key areas of Kazakh-Austrian cooperation and outlined new horizons for interaction. Austria is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union, and we intend to further deepen our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally,” the Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized.During the talks, particular attention was paid to the progress in the implementation of agreements on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports and on readmission, which opens up additional opportunities for further strengthening bilateral cooperation. In addition, the Austrian side within the framework of cooperation with the OSCE will hand over 25 passport readers to Astana International Airport.Special attention was paid to the development of trade, economic and investment ties, including the holding of a business roundtable. In this context, the role of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, as well as Austrian companies operating in Kazakhstan, was highlighted.The interlocutors noted significant potential for cooperation in such sectors as mining industry, transport and infrastructure, energy, tourism and education. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding transport and logistics cooperation, including the development of the Middle Corridor and participation in the “Global Gateway” initiative, opening up new opportunities for Austrian businesses in Kazakhstan.In the context of economic cooperation, the parties discussed issues of energy collaboration. The role of Kazakhstan as one of the key suppliers of oil to Austria, as well as its contribution to ensuring energy security and stable supplies, was underlined.The parties also exchanged views on current international and regional security issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation and resolving contemporary challenges exclusively through peaceful means in accordance with the UN Charter.Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence that joint efforts would give a new impetus to Kazakh-Austrian partnership and contribute to the further expansion of cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1214449?lang=kk
On measures of social support for veterans on Victory Day in Kostanay region 05.05.2026
Systematic work continues in the Kostanay region to ensure social protection for veterans and persons equated to them in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Veterans". As of today, 4 participants of the Great Patriotic War, as well as 3040 veterans and other categories of citizens covered by the relevant legislation, reside in the region.Throughout the year, veterans and home front workers are provided with a range of social, economic, and cultural measures aimed at improving their quality of life and strengthening social support.As part of the celebration of May 9 - Victory Day, by decisions of local representative bodies, participants of the Great Patriotic War were provided with a one-time social assistance payment of 5,000,000 tenge.Additionally, payments are provided for other categories of citizens, including: underage prisoners of concentration camps, ghettos, and other places of forced detention created by the Nazis and their allies during the Second World War; citizens who worked during the siege in the city of Leningrad at enterprises, institutions, and organizations of the city and were awarded the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad" or the badge "Resident of Besieged Leningrad"; persons awarded orders and medals of the former USSR for selfless labor and impeccable military service in the rear during the Great Patriotic War, as well as persons who worked (served) for at least six months from June 22, 1941, to May 9, 1945, and were not awarded orders and medals of the former USSR for selfless labor and impeccable military service in the rear during the Great Patriotic War; widows of soldiers who died in the Great Patriotic War and wives of deceased veterans of the Great Patriotic War, recognized as persons with disabilities.The amounts of payments for these categories are determined by decisions of the maslikhats of cities and districts.In addition to one-time payments, monthly social assistance is provided on a permanent basis to veterans, home front workers, as well as persons equated to veterans, and members of their families.In accordance with the decisions of local representative bodies, these categories of citizens are also provided with social support measures in the field of health improvement.According to the decision of the regional maslikhat, veterans are provided with free vouchers for sanatorium-resort treatment. In 2026, health improvement for 360 people is planned at the expense of the regional budget.Additionally, starting from 2024, an alternative support mechanism has been introduced - reimbursement of costs for sanatorium-resort treatment. The compensation is provided in an amount not exceeding the guaranteed cost of the voucher established on the portal of social services.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1214428?lang=kk
The coast of Tobol has been cleared: traditional diving took place in Kostanay 05.05.2026
Another environmental event — plogging — took place in the city of Kostanay on the banks of the Tobol River. The running community Run in Joy acted as the organizer. The community leaders are Dmitry Kaptyol and Anna Blyum.Plogging is a modern environmental initiative that combines running and cleaning up the environment. The event took place on the section from the restaurant "Ak Shanyrak" to the Gagarin Dam along the Tobol River. The main goal of the event is to develop environmental culture and promote a healthy lifestyle.Armed with gloves and bags, the participants ran along the route while simultaneously collecting household waste along the shore. In addition, some eco-activists used stand-up paddleboards to clean up trash directly in the river. The Department of Housing and Communal Services of the city of Kostanay provided support by supplying two tractors and the necessary equipment.It is worth noting that the location for the plogging was not chosen by chance. This is one of the popular routes for training and holding sporting events. It is here that the "Self-Transcendence" trail marathon takes place, the start of which is located near the mausoleum of Ybyrai Altynsarin.In just a few hours, the participants collected over 100 bags of trash. More than 40 people took part in the event — students, representatives of the "walruses" community, running clubs, and active city residents.It is worth noting that plogging in Kostanay has been held on a regular basis since 2019, and the number of participants grows every year.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1214082?lang=kk
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry Holds Meeting with Members of the Parliament of Japan 04.05.2026
Astana, May 4, 2026 - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev held a meeting with members of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Japan, including Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Arfiya Eri and Chairperson of the International Bureau of the Liberal Democratic Party Taro Kono.During the talks, the parties discussed priority areas for further strengthening Kazakh-Japanese cooperation, including interaction in the trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.Particular attention was paid to the development of cooperation in transport and logistics, environmental issues, as well as the implementation of joint projects in the fields of rare earth metals, digitalization, and advanced technologies.The parties also exchanged views on current issues on the international and regional agenda, including coordination of efforts on multilateral platforms.Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in maintaining regular dialogue and further expanding cooperation across a broad range of areas of mutual interest.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1214005?lang=kk
80th anniversary! 04.05.2026
The head of the region, Kumar Aksakalov, congratulated the outstanding scientist, wise mentor, and public figure Kalkaman Khasenovich Zhakyp on his 80th anniversary.Kalkaman Khasenovich dedicated his conscious life to serving the people. His life journey, which began in a simple village, reached significant heights thanks to hard work and perseverance. More than 300 scientific works by the scholar are dedicated to issues of interethnic relations, the state language, history, culture, and the development of society.Currently, serving as the chairman of the regional Council of Aksakals under the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, he sets an example for the younger generation, contributing to strengthening unity and harmony in the country.The respected aksakal has also achieved significant success in the field of sports. He participates in marathons of various levels, covering thousands of kilometers."Dear Kalkaman Khasenovich, I wish you and your spouse, Damesh Saktaganovna, long life, good health, prosperity for your families, and the joy of spending more happy days together," noted the regional akim in his congratulatory speech.The work of Kalkaman Zhakyp has received high recognition from the state and is marked by various awards, including the "Kurmet" order. On this day, the head of the region, expressing sincere gratitude to the jubilarian, also awarded him the special breast badge "Ybyrai Altynsarin." Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1213573?lang=kk
