Astana, January 8, 2026 – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev received copies of credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador of the United States of America Julie Stufft.The parties discussed the current state and prospects for further expanding the enhanced strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States.Following the meeting, the interlocutors reaffirmed their readiness for constructive cooperation and agreed to maintain regular dialogue.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1138353?lang=kk

Сегодня в Астане состоялась 3-я Генеральная ассамблея Союза тюркских торгово-промышленных палат, объединившая представителей государственных органов, бизнес-сообщества и институтов развития стран Организации тюркских государств (ОТГ).С докладом о торгово-экономическом взаимодействии Казахстана со странами ОТГ выступил вице-министр национальной экономики РК Асан Дарбаев. Он подчеркнул, что Казахстан рассматривает Организацию тюркских государств как стратегическую платформу для углубления экономической интеграции, развития инвестиций, промышленной кооперации и логистических коридоров.«Тюркский регион сегодня обладает значительным экономическим потенциалом. Наша общая задача - раскрыть его в полной мере, создав устойчивые цепочки добавленной стоимости и новые точки роста для бизнеса», - отметил Асан Дарбаев.По его словам, динамика взаимной торговли подтверждает устойчивость и востребованность экономического сотрудничества. По итогам 10 месяцев 2025 года объем товарооборота Казахстана со странами ОТГ составил 10,4 млрд долларов США, что на 10,9% превышает показатель аналогичного периода прошлого года. Экспорт Казахстана вырос на 17,1% и достиг 7,6 млрд долларов США, импорт составил 2,8 млрд долларов США, обеспечив положительное торговое сальдо на уровне 4,8 млрд долларов США.Рост экспорта был обеспечен за счет увеличения поставок меди и медных катодов, сырой нефти, пшеницы, нефтепродуктов, подсолнечного масла, а также продукции металлургии и агропромышленного комплекса. Это свидетельствует не только о сохранении сырьевой составляющей, но и о постепенном расширении номенклатуры товаров с более высокой добавленной стоимостью.Отдельное внимание в выступлении было уделено инвестиционной привлекательности Казахстана. Страна стабильно демонстрирует высокие позиции в международных рейтингах легкости ведения бизнеса, включая исследование Всемирного банка Doing Business и рейтинг Business Ready 2025.В рамках задачи, поставленной Главой государства по удвоению экономики к 2029 году, Правительство ориентируется на привлечение не менее 150 млрд долларов США прямых иностранных инвестиций, а также на увеличение доли инвестиций в основной капитал до 23% ВВП к 2029 году.Для достижения этих целей в стране формируется целостная система поддержки инвестиций. Принята Концепция инвестиционной политики до 2030 года, пересмотрены подходы к привлечению капитала с акцентом на развитие конкурентоспособных производств с высокой добавленной стоимостью. Инвесторам доступны как финансовые, так и нефинансовые меры государственной поддержки.Как отметил Асан Дарбаев, Казахстан, являясь активным участником ОТГ, последовательно продвигает инициативы по улучшению делового климата, снижению торговых барьеров и развитию транспортно-логистической связанности, поддерживая деятельность Тюркского инвестиционного фонда, а также запуск цифровых и торговых платформ.Справочно:Союз тюркских торгово-промышленных палат создан в 2023 году на основе Тюркской торгово-промышленной палаты. В его состав входят Кыргызстан, Азербайджан, Казахстан, Турция и Узбекистан. Венгрия и Туркменистан имеют статус наблюдателя. В 2025 году страной-председателем являлся АзербайджанSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1138227?lang=kk

Effective January 1, 2026, the employer's compulsory pension contribution (ECPC) rate increased to 3.5% of employee income (the ECPC rate increases annually in stages: 1.5% in 2024, 2.5% in 2025, 3.5% in 2026, 4.5% in 2027, and 5% in 2028).As a reminder, effective January 1, 2024, all employers began participating in pension savings and transferring employer's compulsory pension contributions (ECPC) to the UAPF for the benefit of their employees. Thus, Kazakhstan's funded system was supplemented with a new component involving employer participation, in line with international practice.The introduction of the ECPC is aimed at providing pension coverage to employees born in 1975 and later, given their lack of or insufficient work experience prior to 1998 to qualify for a solidarity pension. In the future, their combined pension will consist of three components: a basic pension from the state, a funded pension from compulsory pension contributions (CPC), and a notional funded pension (NFC) from employer's compulsory pension contributions (ECPC) from the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund (UAPF).Employers are exempt from paying NFC for the following employees: those born before January 1, 1975, individuals of retirement age, individuals with permanent disabilities of groups 1 and 2, military personnel, and equivalent individuals. The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan is responsible for monitoring the timeliness and completeness of ECPC payments by employers.It is worth noting that NFC pension benefit payments will be made for life, but they will cease if the beneficiary relocates permanently to another country or changes citizenship. Moreover, if a citizen leaves the country, they will only be able to withdraw the savings stored in their individual account, while the funds paid under the ECPC will remain in the UAPF, as they are not the property of the contributor and are credited to notional pension savings accounts. Accordingly, savings accumulated through the ECPC cannot be inherited by employees, and they are intended for the payment of pensions on a solidarity (distributive) basis. Therefore, ECPCs previously paid for individuals who subsequently lost their Kazakh citizenship or died will be distributed among the remaining participants.As a reminder, experts previously proposed transferring savings through the ECPC to contributors' personal accounts in the UAPF, and also, to ensure equal access to pension savings, making the ECPC available to all employees, regardless of age. These expert proposals are currently under discussion.UAPF was founded on August 22, 2013 on the basis of GNPF APF JSC. The founder and shareholder of the UAPF is the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan represented by the State Institution Committee of State Property and Privatization of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Trust management of UAPF pension assets is carried out by the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In accordance with the pension legislation, the UAPF attracts compulsory pension contributions, employer’s compulsory pension contributions, compulsory occupational pension contributions, voluntary pension contributions, as well as carries out enrollment and accounting of voluntary pension contributions formed at the expense of the unclaimed amount of guaranteed compensation for the guaranteed deposit, transferred by the organization carrying out mandatory guarantee of deposits, in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On mandatory guarantee of deposits placed in second-tier banks of the Republic of Kazakhstan", ensures the implementation of pension benefits. The Fund also carries out accounting of target assets and target requirements, accounting and crediting of target savings (TS) to target savings accounts, payments of TS to their recipients in bank accounts, accounting for returns of TS in the manner determined by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan within the framework of the National Fund for Children program (More details at www.enpf.kz)   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/abay/press/news/details/1138127?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1138087?lang=kk

Since the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with local executive bodies, has been actively monitoring prices. Monitoring is carried out daily, including weekends, allowing for the timely identification of deviations and the implementation of measures to stabilize the market.For example, on January 1, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev personally visited major retail chains in the capital and checked prices.Since January 1, price monitoring has been actively conducted in all regions of the country. Heads of the trade and consumer protection departments, together with akimats, inspected more than 600 retail outlets.In Ulytau, representatives of the akimat, headed by Akim Dastan Ryspekov, and the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection visited the Samadi hypermarket. They checked the prices and availability of socially important products—flour, bread, milk, sunflower oil, sugar, rice, and other goods. Particular attention was paid to product availability and inventory levels.In Kyzylorda Oblast, food price monitoring was conducted on December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, under the leadership of Deputy Akim Ardak Zebeshev. A working group, including representatives from the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Land Relations, the Department of Entrepreneurship and Industry, the Department of State Revenue, and the management of Baikonur JSC, inspected the Sybaga, Smol, and Kyzylorda retail chains in Kyzylorda.On January 1, Kaliyar Aitmukhambetov, Deputy Akim of West Kazakhstan Oblast, together with the leadership of the regional Department of Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Entrepreneurship and Industrial and Innovative Development, conducted a price monitoring at major retail chains in Uralsk.On January 6, Gauez Nurmukhambetov, Akim of North Kazakhstan Oblast, personally inspected prices for essential goods at major retail outlets in Petropavlovsk."A stabilization fund is in place to curb price increases in the region. Last year, its funding amounted to 2.9 billion tenge, and approximately 13,000 tons of produce were purchased, accounting for 50% of the city's three-month needs. Currently, the stabilization fund's reserves amount to approximately 12,000 tons," stated North Kazakhstan Region Akim Gauez Nurmukhambetov.Price monitoring was conducted in Mangystau Region at four large retail chains, more than ten convenience stores, and four wholesale markets.At the same time, the Trade Committee summarized the results for last year. In 2025, 2,796 administrative decisions were issued for exceeding the maximum trade markup on socially important food products under Article 204-4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including 1,625 fines totaling over 55.7 million tenge.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1138042?lang=kk

On December 25, the city of Kostanay hosted the opening of a new rehabilitation center for children with disabilities with neuropsychiatric pathologies and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The implementation of this project has become an important step in the development of the social support and rehabilitation system for children with special needs in the region.The volume of financing of social support measures for people with disabilities is increasing annually in Kostanay region. In 2025, more than 15 billion tenge was allocated for these purposes, which is twice the level of 2022, when the amount of financing was 7.6 billion tenge.A significant part of the funds is allocated to provide technical facilities and rehabilitation services. Thus, the cost of providing Tiflo and sign language aids, wheelchairs, prosthetic and orthopedic products, sanatorium treatment, services of an individual assistant and a sign language specialist increased from 3 billion tenge in 2022 to 7 billion tenge in 2025.Additionally, funds are allocated from the local budget to accompany people with disabilities of group I and children during sanatorium treatment. The geography of invataxi services has been expanded, which significantly increases the mobility and accessibility of social and medical services.In the last two years, hippotherapy and wheelchair repair services have also been introduced in the region. These measures have a positive effect on the health of children with various pathologies and contribute to the social adaptation of adults with disabilities.The opening of the new rehabilitation center has become the next stage in the implementation of the President's instructions to develop social infrastructure and improve the quality of life of citizens. The Public Fund "Kazakhstan Khalkyna" allocated 1 billion tenge to equip the center with modern high-tech rehabilitation equipment. Previously, such equipment was available mainly in republican medical institutions and remained inaccessible to residents of the region.The new center will provide a full range of special social services aimed at improving the health and social rehabilitation of children. Therapeutic and adaptive physical education classes, mechanical and occupational therapy, work in sensory and interactive halls, visits to salt and shungite rooms are provided here. In addition, water treatments will be performed using specialized baths for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as skin diseases.Previously, no more than 400 children per year could receive rehabilitation services in the regional center if there was a single center with 20 beds, but with the commissioning of the new facility, annual coverage will be at least 900 children aged 1.5 to 18 years. At the same time, the duration of the rehabilitation course has been increased from 14 to 21 calendar days.The opening of the center will significantly improve the accessibility and quality of rehabilitation care for children with disabilities, and will also be an important contribution to the formation of an inclusive social environment in Kostanay region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1137784?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1137682?lang=kk

 Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1137652?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1137606?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1137607?lang=kk

Kostanay region continues to strengthen its position as one of the key industrial centers of the country. The region occupies a leading position in the Republic of Kazakhstan in terms of machine—building products: it accounts for more than a quarter of the national production - 25.1% or 1,223.8 billion tenge, with a total volume of 4,881.6 billion tenge in the country.The region's enterprises are actively implementing innovations, digital solutions and industrial robotics. In 2025 alone, the number of industrial robots increased 40—fold, from 3 to 133 units, which confirms the high pace of technological modernization.One of the significant implemented projects was the construction of the KamLitKZ LLP iron foundry worth 78.2 billion tenge. Its launch provided the region with 500 new jobs.The construction of a large factory for the production of driving belts worth 160.5 billion tenge has been completed, which will create 650 jobs. Another large—scale project, a plant of automotive components for passenger cars, is being implemented with an investment volume of 17.8 billion tenge and provides for the opening of 800 jobs.A significant contribution to the development of mechanical engineering is being made by the new KIA plant (KIA Qazaqstan), built in record time — in just 1.5 years. The company will employ 1,500 people.In April 2025, SaryarkaAvtoProm LLP launched production of the Jetour X70+ car. The volume of investments amounted to 2.3 billion tenge, 200 new jobs were created.Ferrous metallurgy is becoming the driver of the region's economic growth. One of the largest and most capital—intensive projects in the industry, the construction of a factory for the production of hot briquetted iron, has begun in Rudny. At the first stage, investments will amount to 655 billion tenge, and over 1,000 jobs will be created.A project for processing man—made iron ore waste with a total cost of more than 36 billion tenge is being prepared for launch in Lisakovsk (10.4 billion tenge is the first stage, 25.9 billion is the second).The construction of the international transport and logistics complex "Tobyl" continues in Kostanay. The new facility will allow processing up to 400,000 containers per year. Investments amount to 63.8 billion tenge, the project will create 500 jobs. The implementation of the complex will increase the volume of cargo transportation in the region by 20%.By the end of 2025, 556.4 billion tenge of investments were attracted to fixed assets, which is 7.8% more than in the same period of 2024.Over the past three years, the region has attracted about 1.5 billion US dollars in foreign direct investment, which indicates the high confidence of international business in the investment climate of the region.The agro-industrial sector remains a key area of economic development in Kostanay region. In 2025, 207 billion tenge was allocated to support the industry, which is 20% more than a year earlier.According to the results of 11 months, the volume of gross agricultural output amounted to 924 billion tenge, and by the end of the year exceeded the mark of 1 trillion tenge. The grain harvest reached 7 million tons.There are 7 modern digital dairy farms operating in the region, and 5 more facilities are planned to be commissioned in 2026. The implementation of these projects will double the volume of industrial milk production from 75 thousand tons to 152 thousand tons.The food industry continues to develop. Bayan Sulu JSC is building a new confectionery factory "Confectionery Astana". The volume of investments is 14.3 billion tenge, 260 jobs will be created. The commissioning of the enterprise will expand the product range by 16.6 thousand tons.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1137331?lang=kk

In 2025, QazTrade, a subordinate organization of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, continued implementing its export acceleration program. The program aims to comprehensively prepare Kazakhstani companies for entering foreign markets and covers the entire exporter journey: from initial assessment and training to supporting negotiations and concluding export contracts.By the end of the year, 120 companies from 14 economic sectors participated in the export acceleration program. These included the food industry, mechanical engineering, light industry, chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, IT services, construction materials production, electronics, and services.The largest number of program participants were in the food industry (39 companies), mechanical engineering (25 companies), chemical industry (18 companies), light industry (9 companies), medicine and pharmaceuticals (8 companies), and IT services and services (9 companies).In 2025, the program expanded in both industry coverage and geography. While in previous years the focus was primarily on the food industry and IT, this year the acceleration program encompassed 14 industries and focused on eight target markets, including Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Italy.As part of the program, companies received training, export diagnostics, consulting and service support, and assistance with entering foreign markets. Following participation in the export acceleration program in 2025, export contracts worth $180 million were signed. Participants completed internships in China and South Korea.In parallel with the export acceleration program, in 2025, participating companies participated in trade and economic missions organized by QazTrade. During the year, 10 TEMs were held abroad, including in Iran, Hungary, China (Xi'an, Chongqing, Guangzhou), Afghanistan, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and Pakistan.By the end of 2025, the number of active exporters in Kazakhstan reached 1,000 companies, with approximately 80% of support program participants being small and medium-sized businesses, and over 60% representing the food industry.Export acceleration remains one of the key non-financial export support tools, focused on practical results and developing sustainable export competencies among Kazakhstani producers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1137307?lang=kk

По итогам четвертого квартала 2025 года количество субъектов социального предпринимательства в Казахстане составило 1 672, тогда как в 2024 году оно составляло 835, что свидетельствует о динамичном росте и развитии сектора.Формирование и ведение Реестра субъектов социального предпринимательства осуществляется на основании сведений, предоставляемых местными исполнительными органами областей, городов республиканского значения и столицы по результатам рассмотрения материалов специальной комиссией. Комиссия формулирует рекомендации по включению в Реестр индивидуальных предпринимателей и юридических лиц, за исключением субъектов крупного предпринимательства. Обновление Реестра проводится Министерством национальной экономики на ежеквартальной основе.Напомним, что законодательная основа для функционирования социального предпринимательства была создана в 2021 году. Впервые на нормативном уровне закреплено понятие «социальное предпринимательство» — предпринимательская деятельность, направленная на решение социальных проблем граждан и общества. К социальному предпринимательству также относятся бизнес, созданный людьми с инвалидностью, и предприятия, предоставляющие рабочие места лицам с особыми потребностями и представителям социально уязвимых слоев населения.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1137279?lang=kk

С 1 января 2026 года в Казахстане вступил в силу новый Налоговый кодекс, направленный на упрощение налогового администрирования, снижение нагрузки на бизнес и стимулирование экономической активности.Новый кодекс предусматривает масштабное упрощение налоговой системы: объем налоговой отчетности сокращен на 30%, количество налогов - на 20%. Проведена оптимизация налоговых льгот и сборов, а также внедрены новые подходы к налоговому администрированию. Камеральный контроль будет носить предупредительный и поэтапный характер, упрощены процедуры взыскания налоговой задолженности, а также предоставления отсрочки и рассрочки. При незначительных суммах задолженности счета бизнеса блокироваться не будут, а уведомления и меры воздействия станут применяться поэтапно - в зависимости от размера долга.В рамках нового Налогового кодекса от налога на добавленную стоимость освобождаются обороты по реализации услуг туроператоров в сфере въездного и внутреннего туризма. Принятая мера призвана придать дополнительный импульс развитию туристической отрасли, повысить инвестиционную привлекательность внутреннего рынка и способствовать формированию конкурентоспособного туристического продукта. Освобождение от НДС позволит снизить стоимость туристических услуг для конечных потребителей, создать более благоприятные условия для бизнеса и стимулировать рост туристического потока, в том числе за счет иностранных граждан.Одновременно налоговые преференции распространяются на сферу книгоиздания. С 2026 года от НДС освобождаются обороты по реализации книг отечественного издания, а также услуги по их изданию в печатном формате. Данная норма направлена на поддержку национальных издателей и авторов, развитие культуры чтения и повышение доступности печатной продукции для населения.Снижение налоговой нагрузки позволит уменьшить себестоимость выпуска книг, расширить ассортимент отечественной литературы и укрепить позиции казахстанского книгоиздания на внутреннем рынке.От налога на добавленную стоимость также освобождаются товары и услуги в рамках гарантированного объема бесплатной медицинской помощи, обязательного медицинского страхования, а также лечения орфанных и социально значимых заболеваний.В целях поддержки сельхозтоваропроизводителей увеличен размер НДС, дополнительно относимого в зачет, с 70 до 80 процентов, что позволит снизить их налоговую нагрузку по сравнению с действующим уровнем. Для импорта сырья и материалов, перерабатываемых в Казахстане, вводится отсрочка по уплате НДС сроком до одного года.Для стимулирования инвестиций и модернизации производства введены 100-процентные вычеты по затратам на строительство, приобретение оборудования и программного обеспечения, а также на их реконструкцию и модернизацию. Кроме того, предусмотрены супервычеты в размере 300 процентов на финансирование научных разработок.В целях стимулирования фондового рынка и расширения возможностей компаний по привлечению инвестиций в капиталоемкие и долгосрочные проекты сохранена льгота по освобождению от налогообложения дивидендов по ценным бумагам, находящимся на дату начисления дивидендов в официальном списке фондовых бирж, функционирующих на территории Казахстана. Также сохранены льготы, показавшие положительный эффект для привлечения инвестиций, в рамках специальных экономических зон и соглашений об инвестициях, предусматривающих освобождение на определенный период от уплаты ряда налогов.Отдельное внимание в новом Налоговом кодексе уделено стимулированию инвестиций в геологоразведку и разработку истощенных месторождений. Предусмотрены льготы для переработки полезных ископаемых и геологоразведки, включая установление нулевой ставки НДПИ сроком на пять лет для новых проектов. Реализация данных мер будет способствовать обеспечению устойчивого экономического роста и долгосрочному развитию отрасли.Оптимизированы специальные налоговые режимы: их количество сокращено с семи до трех - для самозанятых, на основе упрощенной декларации, а также для крестьянских или фермерских хозяйств. При применении режима самозанятых не требуется регистрация в качестве индивидуального предпринимателя, единый минимальный платеж составляет 4 процента. Для специального налогового режима на основе упрощенной декларации установлен предельный доход в размере 600 тыс. МРП, при этом число работников не ограничено. Предприниматели, применяющие данный режим, не являются плательщиками НДС и социального налога.С учетом социальной значимости вопроса и международной практики введено освобождение от уплаты индивидуального подоходного налога пенсионных выплат из ЕНПФ, за исключением выплат лицам, выезжающим за пределы Республики Казахстан, а также полученных в порядке наследования.Кроме того, снижен транспортный налог по легковым автомобилям в зависимости от срока эксплуатации: для автомобилей свыше 10 лет и до 20 лет включительно - на 30 процентов, свыше 20 лет - на 50 процентов. Также увеличен размер социального налогового вычета для лиц с инвалидностью первой и второй групп с 882 МРП до 5 000 МРП. Вместо действующих вычетов по ИПН, требующих документального подтверждения, введен увеличенный вычет в размере 30-кратного МРП для физических лиц, что позволит увеличить размер заработной платы, получаемой на руки.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1137250?lang=kk

For many years, Kazakhstan’s economic narrative on the global stage was closely associated with extractive industries, large-scale infrastructure projects and its role as a transit corridor across Eurasia. By the 2020s this perception has begun to shift. An increasing number of international corporations no longer view Kazakhstan merely as a sales market and start to establish manufacturing facilities, expand production capacity and integrate local suppliers. It turns the country into a regional industrial platform with export ambitions.From consumer market to manufacturing baseBy 2025, Kazakhstan’s economy clearly demonstrates signs of structural transformation. As global supply chains are being reconfigured amid rising geopolitical and logistical uncertainty, multinational companies are actively diversifying their production footprints. In this context, Kazakhstan is steadily emerging as a manufacturing hub capable of serving not only its domestic market, but also Central Asia, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and neighbouring regions.This shift is firmly embedded in national economic policy. Manufacturing output is expected to grow by around 6% in 2025, with a target of 6,2% set for 2026. Processing industries are increasingly becoming the backbone of economic growth, gradually reducing the country’s historical dependence on raw material exports.Metallurgy remains one of the core drivers of Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector. In 2026, output growth in the industry is projected at around 3%, supported by new facilities reaching full design capacity, including Kyzyl Aray Copper, Ekibastuz FerroAlloys, Kazferro Limited and Shagala Mining. In ferrous metallurgy, production of ferroalloys, steel, pig iron and flat products is expected to expand, while non-ferrous metallurgy will see increased output of gold, copper, aluminium and zinc.Mechanical engineering is showing even stronger dynamics. Growth of 13,4% is planned for 2026, driven largely by a 17% increase in passenger vehicle production and a 5% rise in agricultural machinery output. The chemical industry is also on an upward trajectory, with production expected to grow by 7% in 2026 following the commissioning of new capacities for sulphuric acid, sodium cyanide, hydrogen peroxide and liquid glass.Trade continues to play a significant role in the broader economic landscape. In 2026, total trade turnover is targeted at KZT 92.4 trillion, representing growth of 6,5%. This expansion will be supported by stable oil and petroleum product output, large-scale programmes for processing food and non-food goods, and the launch of four major B2B platforms focused on wholesale export trade, including the China-bound direction.Agriculture is also gaining momentum, particularly in food processing. In 2026, production of food products and beverages is expected to grow by 9% and 9,3%, respectively, reinforcing the value-added component of the sector and enhancing its export potential.This transformation is the result of reforms implemented in recent years. Measures aimed at improving the investment climate, modernising industrial zones and increasing regulatory predictability have created more favourable conditions for long-term capital investment. Special economic zones, tax incentives and streamlined approval procedures allow foreign manufacturers to plan production strategies with a long-term horizon.Building the institutional foundations for industrialisationAt a time when companies are reassessing the geography of their manufacturing networks, Kazakhstan offers a combination of political stability, proximity to several large markets and a regulatory environment that is broadly familiar to international investors. This makes the country attractive as both an additional and an alternative production location.A telling example of this shift is the global food corporation Mars. For many years, the company operated in Kazakhstan primarily as an importer and distributor, but it has already begun preparations to localise production in the Almaty region through the construction of a pet food manufacturing facility. Total investment will exceed KZT 88.8 billion, while the plant’s designed capacity is expected to reach up to 100,000 tonnes of output per year. This move underscores a broader trend among foreign manufacturers, who are increasingly opting for local production rather than relying solely on imports.New projects are also emerging in the pharmaceutical sector. An investment agreement has been signed with Khan Tengri Biopharma, which will build a manufacturing complex within the Alatau Special Economic Zone. The facility’s production portfolio will include 27 international non-proprietary names (INNs), covering medicines for the treatment of oncological, autoimmune, rare and inflammatory diseases. Total investment in the project will exceed KZT 103 billion, enabling not only import substitution but also, in the longer term, the launch of export supplies.Kazakhstan’s evolution into an industrial hub is equally evident in more capital-intensive and technologically demanding sectors. The launch of a full-cycle KIA automobile plant in Kostanay in 2025 marked a significant milestone for the country’s automotive industry. Investments exceeding USD 270 million are geared not only towards the domestic market, but also towards exports to Central Asia and EAEU member states. Full-cycle production requires a developed supplier network, skilled personnel and long-term planning, effectively turning such facilities into anchors for industrial clusters.Another example of deeper localization is Wabtec. The American locomotive manufacturer has operated in Kazakhstan for many years, but its role has expanded significantly with the growth of local content and the establishment of an engineering and technology centre in Astana. Long-term contracts with the national railway company provide stable demand, while the transfer of engineering expertise and management know-how strengthens Kazakhstan’s high-tech industrial capabilities.Localization is particularly visible in the metallurgical sector. ERG, one of the world’s leading diversified metals and mining groups, increased the share of goods and services sourced from Kazakh suppliers to 60% in 2024, up from 48% a year earlier. Special emphasis is placed on supporting local manufacturers in mono-industrial towns where ERG operates. In 2024, such procurement accounted for 21.5% of the group’s total purchases in Kazakhstan, with the trend continuing alongside the launch of new, including environmentally advanced, facilities.Qarmet, one of Kazakhstan’s largest metallurgical assets, is implementing two strategic projects that significantly strengthen the domestic industrial base. The first involves the launch of a section rolling mill in partnership with Chinese companies, enabling full import substitution in construction metallurgy and stabilising the domestic market. The second project is the construction of a casting and rolling complex in the Karaganda region, producing hot-rolled steel with widths of up to 1,850 mm and thicknesses ranging from 0.8 to 16 mm. This output is in demand across automotive, oil and gas, nuclear, medical and pipe manufacturing industries, as well as in household appliance production. The projects are expected to reduce production costs, lower energy consumption and expand Kazakhstan’s portfolio of high-value steel products.Building the investment pipelineThe government actively supports this industrialisation drive. A portfolio of 20 major projects with foreign participation, valued at approximately KZT 5.7 trillion, has already been formed, creating more than 11,000 jobs. In addition, nine multilateral projects involving companies from two or more countries are being implemented, with a combined value of around USD 2.4 billion and over 2,800 new jobs. Financing is facilitated through national companies and development institutions, helping to mitigate investment risks.Most new manufacturing facilities are designed with export orientation from the outset. Automotive production, metallurgy and machinery manufacturing are increasingly targeting markets in Central Asia and the EAEU. Localization generates a strong multiplier effect across the economy: employment growth extends beyond factory floors into logistics, engineering and related services, while skills transfer contributes to the formation of a more qualified workforce.While challenges remain, including the upgrade of technological capacity, the overall direction is clear. The expanding presence of global corporations reflects the emergence of an environment increasingly conducive to industrial development.Investments in localization and processing demonstrate business confidence in Kazakhstan’s long-term trajectory and underscore the country’s growing ability to integrate into global and regional value chains. By attracting multinational manufacturers, promoting localization and strengthening export capacity, Kazakhstan is steadily reinforcing its position as a key industrial hub in Eurasia.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mps/press/news/details/1137078?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1136664?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1136662?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1136231?lang=kk

In 2025, in his Message to the people of Kazakhstan, the Head of State stressed that the socio-economic development of the Torgai region should be under the special attention of the Government. In order to fulfill this assignment, a draft action plan has been developed for the development of the city of Arkalyk, Amangeldy and Zhangeldinsky districts for the upcoming three-year period.The plan is aimed at solving the main sectoral tasks of the region and provides for the achievement of the following results:- increased tourist flow;- bringing the level of preschool education coverage to 100% (from 90%);- increase the coverage of additional education from 66% to 68%;- an increase in the number of citizens involved in mass sports;- reducing the degree of deterioration of engineering infrastructure.In addition, the implementation of the planned projects will open up new jobs, improve the well-being of residents and boost economic activity in the region.In accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, a large infrastructure facility, a new airport, is being built in the city of Arkalyk.The construction of the terminal building is currently underway. The necessary engineering communications have been fully completed. The project is scheduled to be completed in July 2026.The implementation of this project will increase the transport accessibility of the region, as well as bring tourism development and investment attractiveness to a new level.The three-year plan developed for the Torgai region is of strategic importance and will give an impetus to its long-term development. The ongoing infrastructure projects, improvement of social indicators and improvement of transport logistics are aimed at strengthening the region's economy and improving the quality of life of the population.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1136209?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1136202?lang=kk