On February 20, 2026, a series of environmental and social events were held in several districts of the Kostanay region as part of the national program "Taza Kazakhstan" (Clean Kazakhstan). These events were aimed at developing the volunteer movement, fostering environmental culture, and supporting socially vulnerable groups of the population.In the Karabalyk district, a ceremonial opening of the International Year of Volunteers took place, declared by the UN General Assembly at the initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Following the official part, volunteers joined the "Snow Landing" campaign, during which 25 volunteers cleared snow from 12 yards where single mothers and pensioners reside. The event became an example of effective cooperation between government structures and active youth.In the city of Kostanay, the regional volunteer campaign "Snow Landing" was held at the Youth Palace, organized by the Youth Resource Center of the Kostanay Region. Student volunteers provided assistance at 25 addresses, carrying out work to clear the yards of elderly people living alone and persons with disabilities. Dana Tokzhanova, Head of the Information and Methodology Sector of the Youth Resource Center of the Kostanay Region, noted:"Every snow-cleared area is not just care for a home; it is a small step towards strengthening the sense of unity and support in our society. Our volunteers demonstrate that active youth are capable of doing real deeds for the benefit of people."The campaign contributed to strengthening social responsibility and developing a culture of mutual assistance.In the Fedorov district, an environmental event "Second Life of Things" was held, aimed at popularizing the principles of responsible consumption and careful attitude towards the environment. Participants discussed current environmental issues, learned about ways to reuse items, and took part in thematic activities that shape the environmental consciousness of youth.In the Zhitikara district, a meeting with students dedicated to the progress of the "Taza Kazakhstan" program implementation was held at the Abai School-Lyceum. During the event, the results of improvement work were presented: landscaping, elimination of unauthorized dumps, infrastructure development, and modernization of public spaces. Special attention was paid to involving schoolchildren and social partners in environmental initiatives.The conducted events demonstrated the systematic implementation of the "Taza Kazakhstan" program in the region, a high level of public activity, and the consolidation of efforts by authorities, youth, and residents of the region in matters of improvement, environmental responsibility, and social support for the population.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1166634?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1166625?lang=kk

The Almaty aport and its processed products attracted the interest of European partners at the international Grüne Woche 2026 exhibition in Germany. Now, Kazakh apples are entering a new stage of development. Within the framework of the Exporters Forum, the national export development operator QazTrade and the Association of Almaty Aport Producers signed a memorandum of cooperation to promote the brand in foreign markets.Today, the Association unites 8 farms. The total production volume ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 tons per year. Currently, the products are practically not exported, and the signing of the memorandum is seen as a step towards forming a sustainable export model.«The main advantage of aport is its uniqueness. Unlike mass varieties focused on volume and long-term storage, aport is distinguished by its bright taste, rich aroma, and large fruit size. Our orchards are located at an altitude of more than 850 meters above sea level, which affects the flesh density and depth of flavor. In Germany, we presented not only fresh aport but also processed products such as pastila and apple chips. We also produce juice, vinegar, and dried fruits from aport. We are grateful to QazTrade for this opportunity», noted the President of the Association, Roman Safarov.QazTrade emphasizes that participation in the international platform confirmed the export potential of the products. Following the exhibition, it became clear that the greatest interest is in precisely the processed products with high added value.«Almaty aport is registered as a geographical indication. This status confirms its unique properties, formed by the natural conditions of the Almaty foothills - special soils, clean water, and temperature fluctuations. The geographical indication protects the brand and allows it to be promoted as a premium product in foreign markets», noted the General Director of QazTrade, Aitmukhamed Aldazharov.Under the memorandum, QazTrade under the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MTI RK) will support producers in foreign markets, from participation in international exhibitions to negotiation support. It is expected that systematic work will expand the supply geography and strengthen the position of Almaty aport as a national brand with high added value.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1166607?lang=kk

The annual Exporters Forum is taking place in Almaty, where representatives from business and government agencies are discussing the development of non-resource exports and expanding the presence of Kazakh products in foreign markets."The forum's theme is directly related to the tasks set by the Head of State. It concerns the transition from a raw material model to the production of processed goods and increasing the share of high value-added products. We are conducting industry analysis and see a steady growth of interest in exporting industrial products," noted Aitmukhamed Aldazharov, General Director of QazTrade.According to him, the current focus is on practical case studies of companies entering foreign markets not with raw materials, but with competitive products.One example is the supply of railway products. Kazakh enterprises export rail fastenings and reinforced concrete sleepers to Central Asian countries and the Russian Federation, and are also negotiating to expand their sales geography. Currently, through the national export development operator QazTrade, entry into the Pakistani market is being worked on.As emphasized by Dinmukhamed Kuziev, President of the company "Firma 'BENT'", full set rail fastenings remain one of the key export directions."We are the only manufacturer of full set rail fastenings in Central Asia. With the support of the Ministry of Trade and Integration and QazTrade, we managed to establish supplies to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, as well as start exporting to the Russian Federation. Last year, as part of trade and economic missions, we visited Iran and Turkmenistan and are now actively negotiating. By the end of 2025, the volume of export supplies amounted to about $5 million. In 2026, we aim to increase it to $8 million."QazTrade notes that such projects reflect the general trend of growth in exports of high value-added products. The Center continues to support enterprises in foreign markets, from organizing trade missions to negotiation support and contract conclusion. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1166489?lang=kk

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

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov held a meeting with Ulvi Akhundlu, Head of the Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).The Mission is currently in Kazakhstan to assess the process of preparation and conduct of the Republican referendum on the adoption of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, scheduled for March 15, 2026.During the meeting, the counterparts discussed the issue of inviting international observers, including ODIHR to the referendum.The Kazakh side reaffirmed its commitment to the practice of extending official invitations to international organizations, which reflects the country’s openness, transparency and consistency in ensuring democratic procedures.In turn, the head of the NAM Mr. Akhundlu expressed his gratitude for the invitation extended to the ODIHR to observe the referendum, as well as for the assistance provided in arranging meetings with representatives of relevant government authorities.Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further developing partnership and continuing systematic efforts to improve electoral processes in line with the international commitments and national legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1166367?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

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1166410?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1166320?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

On 20 February 2026, a meeting was held between the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Sarsembayev, and Ulvi Akhundlu Deputy Director of the Elections Department of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights During the meeting, Yerlan Sarsembayev provided information on the activities of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan and briefed on the ongoing legal reforms and key results of the Ministry's work.The parties discussed preparations for the upcoming nationwide referendum on the draft Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, scheduled for 15 March 2026. Representatives of the ODIHR were informed about the work on preparing the draft Constitution.At the conclusion of the meeting, the participants expressed mutual appreciation and wished success in their future work.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/adilet/press/news/details/1166130?lang=kk

В городе Туркестан состоялась 14-я встреча министров экономики и торговли Организация тюркских государств (ОТГ). Участники обсудили дальнейшее развитие торгово-экономического и инвестиционного взаимодействия, а также согласовали конкретные шаги по углублению кооперации.В заседании приняли участие главы делегаций: вице-министр национальной экономики Республики Казахстан Асан Дарбаев, заместитель министра экономики Республики Азербайджан Ровнаг Абдуллаев, заместитель министра экономики и коммерции Кыргызской Республики Султан Ахматов, заместитель министра торговли Турецкой Республики Сезай Учармак, заместитель министра инвестиций, промышленности и торговли Республики Узбекистан Хуррам Тешабаев, Генеральный секретарь ОТГ Кубанычбек Омуралиев, а также Президент Тюркский инвестиционный фонд Багдад Амреев.Открывая встречу, Асан Дарбаев отметил символичность проведения заседания в Туркестане - духовном центре тюркского мира, исторически объединявшем народы Великого шелкового пути. По его словам, сегодня ОТГ последовательно трансформируется из площадки диалога в действенный механизм практической кооперации, формирующий новые цепочки добавленной стоимости и расширяющий торговые связи.По итогам 2025 года объем взаимной торговли стран ОТГ превысил 11,9 млрд долларов США. Наибольший товарооборот Казахстана зафиксирован с Узбекистаном - 4,3 млрд долларов, Турцией - 4,9 млрд долларов, Кыргызстаном - почти 2 млрд долларов, Азербайджаном - 425 млн долларов.Укрепляется и инвестиционное взаимодействие. За последние 20 лет (2005-2025 гг.) приток прямых иностранных инвестиций в Казахстан из стран ОТГ составил более 6,3 млрд долларов, из них около 210 млн долларов - в 2025 году. В свою очередь, казахстанские инвестиции в экономики государств ОТГ достигли порядка 5 млрд долларов, включая более 1,3 млрд долларов за 2025 год.В Казахстане действует свыше 12 тысяч компаний с участием капитала стран ОТГ и более 1300 совместных предприятий, которые вносят значительный вклад в развитие торговли и промышленной кооперации.«Президент Республики Казахстан Касым-Жомарт Токаев подчеркнул важность наращивания экономического потенциала ОТГ, развития транспортно-логистического и инвестиционного сотрудничества. Одним из ключевых инструментов в этом направлении обозначен Тюркский инвестиционный фонд. Мы предлагаем приступить к формированию перечня приоритетных проектов, потенциально готовых к финансированию Фондом», - подчеркнул Асан Дарбаев.Особое внимание уделено устранению торговых барьеров, развитию транспортных маршрутов и цифровых инструментов торговли. Подчеркнута стратегическая роль Среднего коридора как одного из ключевых направлений между Востоком и Западом, открывающего дополнительные возможности для роста взаимной торговли.По итогам встречи утверждена Дорожная карта сотрудничества в сферах экономики, торговли, инвестиций и финансов между государствами-членами Организация тюркских государств. Документ определяет приоритетные направления совместной работы и механизмы их практической реализации.Центральным событием заседания стала церемония подписания Коммюнике 14-й встречи министров экономики и торговли, закрепившего достигнутые договоренности.В рамках мероприятия также подписан четырехсторонний Меморандум о сотрудничестве между Внешнеторговой палатой Республики Казахстан, Союзом торгово-промышленных палат тюркских государств, Тюркский инвестиционный фонд и Национальной ассоциацией кооперативов и других форм экономического сообщества Республики Казахстан (NACOFEC). Документ направлен на развитие деловых связей и поддержку совместных проектов.Кроме того, заключен Меморандум о взаимопонимании о партнерстве в сфере торговли между государствами-членами Организации.Принятые решения подтверждают стремление стран ОТГ последовательно укреплять экономическую интеграцию и выстраивать современную архитектуру сотрудничества, ориентированную на инвестиции, технологическое развитие и устойчивый рост.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1166107?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

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1165998?lang=kk

В Министерстве иностранных дел Казахстана состоялись очередные двусторонние консультации по вопросам контроля над вооружениями, разоружения и нераспространения на уровне курирующих заместителей министров иностранных дел.Казахскую делегацию возглавил Первый заместитель министра Ержан Ашикбаев, с российской стороны – Заместитель министра Сергей Рябков. Стороны обсудили широкий спектр актуальных вопросов на повестке дня глобальной безопасности, включая проблематику укрепления режима ядерного разоружения и нераспространения, биологическую безопасность и вопросы экспортного контроля. Дипломаты также обменялись мнениями по основным приоритетам совместной работы в рамках профильных многосторонних структур, включая Первый комитет Генеральной Ассамблеи ООН, Конференцию по разоружению и предстоящую в этом году Одиннадцатую Обзорную конференцию Договора о нераспространении ядерного оружия.По итогам, стороны подтвердили намерение далее продолжать предметный диалог по данной тематике.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1165869?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 meeting was held in Shymkent to explain the draft New Constitution with representatives of the agricultural sector. During the event, the content and significance of the proposed constitutional changes were discussed in detail. Nurzhan Zhaksylykov, a senior lecturer in the law sector at Miras University, Candidate of Legal Sciences, participated in the meeting as a special speaker and focused on the main differences between the Constitution adopted in 1995 and the draft of the new edition. The Speaker highlighted several important areas of the reforms proposed for the referendum. According to him, one of the main changes is the clarification of historical and legal values in the introductory part of the Constitution. The new edition gives priority to the principles of law and order, justice, and clearly reflects the historical foundations and strategic positions of the state. Nurzhan Zhaksylykov also touched upon changes in the public administration system. According to him, modern technological development and the complexity of legal relations require the prompt adoption of legislative decisions. In this regard, proposals are being considered to improve the structure of the Parliament and optimize the lawmaking process. During the meeting, innovations in the electoral system were also discussed. According to the speaker, the new project will strengthen the role of political parties and improve competition mechanisms. This will increase the transparency of political processes and contribute to strengthening public accountability. In conclusion, the lawyer noted that every civil servant has a special responsibility in the formation of a Just Kazakhstan. He emphasized the need to be guided by regulatory legal acts when making state decisions, and noted that adherence to the principle of legality is the main condition for increasing public trust. About 50 representatives of the agricultural and veterinary sectors attended the event and asked questions that concerned them. At the end of the meeting, the participants discussed the practical significance of the constitutional amendments and expressed their support for initiatives aimed at the sustainable development of the country and the creation of a just society.

Astana, February 19, 2026 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted an excursion for students of 10-12 grades and members of the Diplomacy Club at the Canadian International School in Astana.During the visit, the students visited the Ministry's museum, where they learned about the history of the formation and development of Kazakhstan’s diplomatic service , as well as the main directions of the country's foreign policy.In addition to the excursion programme, employees of the Ministry's structural divisions delivered presentations for the students. During the lectures, diplomats spoke about the specifics of their work in relevant areas, Kazakhstan's key international initiatives and the peculiarities of diplomatic service.Special attention was paid to the formation of civic responsibility, patriotism and commitment to national values, which corresponds to the goals of the unified education program "Adal Azamat", implemented on behalf of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. At the end of the meeting, the Ministry representatives answered questions from students who demonstrated keen interest in the professional activities of diplomats.Following the visit, the school administration and students expressed their sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and its staff for the warm welcome, informative tour, and opportunity to receive detailed answers to their questions about diplomatic work.Such events help to increase young people's interest in international relations, as well as the practical implementation of the tasks of the "Adal Azamat" program aimed at forming a responsible, educated and value-oriented generation of citizens of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1165620?lang=kk