Since the beginning of 2026, the Department of Trade and Consumer Rights Protection of the Karaganda region has intensified its work to prevent unjustified price increases for socially significant food products. Due to the expansion of the list of socially significant goods, explanatory events have been conducted for businesses. Control is carried out with an emphasis on prevention and prompt suppression of exceeding the 15% trade markup. Since the beginning of the year, 15 entrepreneurs have been held accountable under Article 204-4 of the Administrative Offences Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan: 6 wholesale suppliers, 4 supermarkets, and 5 convenience stores. The total amount of fines amounted to 934 thousand tenge. Violations were established during the sale of milk, rice, chicken meat, sunflower oil, eggs, flour, salt, as well as for newly included apples, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Additionally, 2 cases of violations under Article 193, Part 4 of the Administrative Offences Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (non-compliance of price tags) were identified.Thus, one entrepreneur was selling buckwheat groats for 370 tenge with a purchase price of 294 tenge. The trade markup amounted to 26%, which exceeds the established norm. Another supplier purchased cabbage for 100 tenge per kilogram and sold it to retail chains for 135 tenge. The trade markup reached 35%. As a result of the work carried out, the price was reduced both by the wholesale supplier and in the retail chains. Furthermore, among the goods included in the list of socially significant food products (SSFP), violations have been identified since the beginning of the year for items such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and apples. In particular, one entrepreneur purchased apples for 300 tenge per kilogram and sold them to retail chains for 710 tenge. The trade markup amounted to 136%. All identified cases have resulted in the enterprises being held administratively liable. As a result of the measures taken, the final prices for consumers were reduced. In addition, the measures taken have helped stabilize the price situation. For a number of items, a decrease compared to the previously established level has been recorded since the beginning of the year: rice - 93.1%, chicken - 92.0%, milk - 98.8%, apples - 98.3%, salt - 92.2%. Monitoring of wholesale and retail prices, as well as analysis of electronic invoices, continues on an ongoing basis. The Department urges entrepreneurs to comply with legal requirements and citizens to report cases of price gouging through the E-Otinish platform.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1163659?lang=kk

At a meeting of the akimat of the Kostanay region, which was attended by the regional akim Kumar Aksakalov, issues of preparation for the 2026 flood were considered. The event was attended by heads of regional departments, directorates, and responsible institutions.The Head of State paid special attention to possible flooding in a number of regions.To date, the material and technical support and the work of the Operational Headquarters in the region show positive results."For districts at risk of flooding, about 50 units of equipment worth approximately 1 billion tenge were purchased. Among them are 7 high-cross-country vehicles, 3 crew buses, and 20 off-road vehicles. In the Karasu district, the constructed water diversion channel has reduced the risk of flooding settlements and proven its effectiveness," reported regional akim Kumar Aksakalov.In the region, 32 protective dams have been built and reinforced, work has been carried out to strengthen the shoreline along the Tobyl River, more than 2000 water passage structures and sewer systems on highways have been cleared. On 13 road sections, 38 culverts have been installed. Restoration work has been completed on 9 hydraulic structures.To date, more than 1.3 million cubic meters of snow have been removed from the regions. A reserve of about 4 billion tenge has been allocated.Currently, locations for ice blasting operations have been determined.This year, the Operational Headquarters will begin its work on March 1.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1163591?lang=kk

Schoolchildren from the city of Rudny actively joined in the collection of waste paper for recycling.. The environmental initiative is being held within the framework of the republican campaign of Taza Kazakhstan, aimed at the formation of an ecological culture and the preservation of the environment.Young participants of the action collect old books, newspapers, magazines and used notebooks. They bring waste paper from home, turn to neighbors, organize collection at enterprises, and even find recyclable materials on the street. According to the organizers, such work not only helps to clean up the environment, but also educates the younger generation with a responsible attitude towards nature.Paper recycling is essential for the conservation of natural resources. Thus, each ton of waste paper collected can save at least 17 trees, as well as reduce the amount of waste in landfills and reduce the burden on the ecosystem.The action brought together schoolchildren, teachers and residents of the city, becoming an example of active youth participation in solving environmental issues. Such initiatives contribute to the formation of environmental awareness and demonstrate that even small efforts by each person can make a significant contribution to nature conservation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1163321?lang=kk

Для снижения импортозависимости и насыщения рынка отечественными товарами Правительство применяет новые инструменты финансовой поддержки. О деталях внедрения механизма «Заказ на инвестиции» и планах по капитализации холдинга «Байтерек» до 1 трлн тенге сообщил заместитель Премьер-министра – министр национальной экономики Серик Жумангарин.По его словам, совокупный объем мер для развития реального сектора экономики будет доведен до 8 трлн тенге.Основной упор делается на устранение дефицита базовых товаров, который является одной из причин инфляции. В частности, определено 12 ключевых направлений в продовольственном секторе (от переработки мяса и молока до сахара и плодоовощной продукции) и 24 – в непродовольственном (бытовая техника, стройматериалы, химия). До 2030 года через структуры холдинга «Байтерек» планируется профинансировать промышленные проекты на сумму порядка $100-120 млрд."Суть механизма «Заказ на инвестиции» – в системном насыщении внутреннего рынка отечественными товарами. Сегодня одной из ключевых причин инфляционного давления является дефицит ряда базовых товаров. Наша цель – обеспечить рынок своей продукцией и снизить импортозависимость. Проактивная политика станет ключевым инструментом индустриализации и диверсификации экономики, обеспечивая выполнение стратегических задач, поставленных Главой государства", — сообщил Серик Жумангарин.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1163152?lang=kk

Правительство обеспечит переход к новой модели экономического роста через привлечение $400 млрд совокупных инвестиций до 2029 года. О механизмах реализации задач, поставленных Главой государства на расширенном заседании Правительства, доложил заместитель Премьер-министра – министр национальной экономики Серик Жумангарин.По его словам, согласно Национальному плану развития, доля инвестиций в ВВП увеличится с текущих 14-15% до 23%, что позволит к 2029 году нарастить объем инвестиций в основной капитал в 2,5 раза по сравнению с уровнем 2024 года.Основной упор будет сделан на развитие металлургии, нефтехимии, производства газа и фармацевтики. Вместо пассивного ожидания инвесторов государство внедряет Проактивную политику экономического роста. То есть Правительство само будет формировать «заказы на инвестиции» под нужды местного бизнеса и привлекать зарубежных партнеров с готовыми технологиями для запуска новых производств."Суть этой политики заключается в переходе от модели, где государство лишь приглашает инвесторов, к модели активного государственного участия в формировании и запуске конкретных инвестиционных проектов. Данный подход сфокусирован на конкретных потребностях отраслей экономики. Обозначенные проекты увеличат среднюю производительность труда в стране, что является необходимым компонентом для преодоления «ловушки средних доходов» и дальнейшего роста подушевого ВВП", — сообщил вице-премьер Серик Жумангарин.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1163135?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1163044?lang=kk

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov took part in a meeting of the Regional Investment Headquarters (RIH) of the Abai Region during his working visit to the region.The event was organized by the regional Akimat with the participation of representatives of government agencies and the business community.As part of the visit’s working agenda, a meeting was held with the Akim of the Abai Region, Berik Uali. The parties discussed key areas of the region’s investment development, the formation of a перспектив investment portfolio, as well as measures to enhance the region’s investment attractiveness and ensure effective investor support.Addressing the meeting of the Regional Investment Headquarters, A.Kuantyrov noted that the new investment policy model is focused on unlocking the potential of the regions and actively promoting investment projects.At the regional level, the key objective is to establish an effective investor support system that ensures prompt resolution of emerging issues and creates favorable conditions for project implementation.“The work of the RIH enables us to bring interaction with investors to a fundamentally new level. It serves as a platform for the consideration of project-specific issues, strengthening interagency coordination, and systematically promoting investment initiatives in the regions,” the Deputy Minister stated.The meeting reviewed issues related to the implementation of investment projects in the Abai Region, provision of engineering and transport infrastructure, allocation of state support measures, and removal of administrative barriers for investors. Particular attention was given to enhancing the personal responsibility of government agencies and improving the effectiveness of interagency coordination.Following the meeting, further measures were identified to develop the region’s industrial and agricultural potential, as well as to strengthen cooperation between central and local government bodies.During the visit, A.Kuantyrov, together with the Akim of the region, participated in the official opening ceremony of a legumes and oilseed processing plant of Agro Leader KAZ LLP. The launch of the enterprise is aimed at developing the regional agro-industrial complex, expanding export potential, and creating new jobs.The Deputy Minister also familiarized himself with the operations of several industrial and processing enterprises in the region. In particular, he visited Kazpoligraf LLP – one of the largest enterprises specializing in packaging production and secondary raw material processing – as well as the worn tire recycling complex of Eikos LLP, which implements projects in waste processing and the production of high value-added products.Following the events, priority areas for further cooperation in supporting investment projects were identified, and readiness was reaffirmed to provide comprehensive support to investors at all stages of project implementation in the Abai Region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1162898?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1162790?lang=kk

Astana, February 16, 2026 – An extraordinary meeting of the Regional Contact Group of Special Representatives of Central Asian countries on Afghanistan was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.The meeting brought together the representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.Special Representative of the President of Kazakhstan for Afghanistan Yerkin Tukumov stressed on Kazakhstan’s interest in a constructive exchange of views and in identifying practical solutions to pressing the issues of engagement with Kabul.The parties discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and matters of practical cooperation, including the development of trade and economic ties, expansion of transit and transport corridors through Afghan territory, as well as regional security issues.Participants underscored the importance of coordinating the efforts of Central Asian states in the interests of ensuring stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan.Following the meeting, the participants reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular consultations and maintain working-level contacts within the framework of the Regional Contact Group.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1162699?lang=kk

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The winners and prize recipients of Alem Tech Fest 2026, the largest robotics and STEM technology festival in Central Asia, were awarded in Astana.More than 5,000 school students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Estonia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong took part in the festival.The award ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Minister of Information Technologies and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, Chairman of the Management Board of Samruk-Kazyna JSC Nurlan Zhakupov, as well as representatives of sectoral ministries and organizations.Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev highly praised the engineering potential of young people and noted:“Developing robotics is an important direction of our country’s digital transformation. Today we see not only students working with construction kits, but future engineers and specialists in artificial intelligence. These talented young people will introduce advanced technologies into industry and public administration, strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the global market.”As a result of the Central Asia FIRST Championship tournament, 50 best teams were identified and awarded cash prizes and educational grants.In addition, Kazakhstan’s national robotics team was formed from 16 top winning teams. The national team will represent the country at the FIRST Championship 2026 world finals in Houston, USA. Other prize-winning teams received qualification spots for international tournaments in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.The following teams were included in Kazakhstan’s national team:FIRST LEGO League Explore: Alem Innovators;FIRST LEGO League Challenge: FIZTEX, ToleBi Daryn, Tidal Tumble;FIRST Tech Challenge: JelToqSun, TGJ, xCeption, SANA, KAP, Panheya, OVERTIME, Nomadic.Dragons.FTC, FIZMAT ROBOTICS, FoxSlide, MLP, Celestial.The festival program also featured competitions in the following categories: Alem Drone League, RoboCup Soccer, Physical AI Championship, RoboCup Rescue, and Battle of Bots.The event was organized with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan by the USTEM Foundation public fund and the Republican Scientific and Practical Center “Daryn.” Partner organizations included the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Astana Hub international innovation cluster, and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The general sponsor was Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund JSC. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/edu/press/news/details/1161888?lang=kk

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A 55-apartment residential building has been commissioned in the city of Arkalyk, intended for citizens on the waiting list for state housing.In 2025, a 48-apartment residential building at 13 Baitursynov Street was renovated, after which the apartments were provided to representatives of socially vulnerable segments of the population. This year, work in this direction continued, and the 55-apartment residential building at 12 Baitursynov Street has been handed over to citizens in need of housing.The new building includes 17 one-room apartments, 20 two-room apartments, and 18 three-room apartments.Keys to the apartments were presented to large families, orphaned children, citizens with disabilities of groups I–II, single-parent families, as well as families raising children with disabilities.This initiative is a concrete result of systematic work to provide housing for citizens in need of social support.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1161836?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1161838?lang=kk

The population of Abay Region as of January 1, 2026, amounted to 595.7 thousand people, including 374.5 thousand urban residents (62.9%) and 221.2 thousand rural residents (37.1%). Compared to the beginning of 2025, the population decreased by 7.2 thousand people, or by 1.2%.Natural population changeOverall, in Abay Region for January–December 2025, the natural population increase amounted to 2730 people, which is 33.1% less than in January–December 2024 (31408142 people). The total natural increase rate was 4.56 per 1000 population.According to information recorded in civil status acts submitted by the civil registry offices, the number of births for January–December 2025 amounted to 8105, which is 14.9% less than in the corresponding period of 2024 (9521). The total birth rate was 13.53 per 1000 population.During the reporting period, the number of deaths amounted to 5375, which is 1.2% less than in January– December 2024 (5440). The total mortality rate was 8.97 deaths per 1000 population.For January–September 2025, 45 infant deaths (under 1 year of age) were registered in the region, which is 36.6% less than in the corresponding period of 2024 (71 infant deaths). The infant mortality rate was 5.55 deaths per 1000 live births.Population migrationAccording to data provided by the migration service, for January–December 2025 the number of arrivals to the region amounted to 30569 people, while the number of departures totaled 40455. As a result of external and internal migration, there was a net loss of 9886 people.The main external migration exchange occurs with CIS countries. The number of arrivals from CIS countries amounted to 116 people (66,3%), and the number of departures was 179 people (87.3% of all migrants). The majority of arrivals and departures are associated with the Russian Federation.With non-CIS foreign countries, the migration balance was positive: 59 people arrived in the region, while 26 departed. The main part of the arrivals is in China, while those who left are in Germany.Regarding interregional migration within the country, 13023 people arrived and 22879 departed, resulting in a negative balance of 9856 people._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Methodological explanationsThe natural growth rate is the difference between the total fertility and mortality rates.The total fertility rate is an indicator that determines the intensity of childbearing in relation to the entire population. Represents the ratio of the total number of live births during the period to the average population. As a rule, it is calculated per 1000 population.The total mortality rate is an indicator that determines the intensity of mortality of the population. Represents the ratio of the total number of deaths during the period to the average population. As a rule, it is calculated per 1000 population.The infant mortality rate is an indicator that determines the mortality rate of children under the age of one year. It is calculated by the ratio of the number of deaths under the age of 1 to the number of live births. The infant mortality rate is calculated per 1,000 live births.Population migration -   the   movement  of people (migrants) across the borders of certain regions with a change of residence.Migrant - a person who commits a migration with change of residence.Number of arrivals -    the   number of people who have entered into the region because of its limits during the reporting period.Number of departures - the number of people who left the region outside of its boundaries during the reporting period.www.stat.gov.kz / Official statistics / By industry / Demographic statisticsHead of the  Division of social and demographic statistics:S.KondratyevaТеl. +7 (7222) 36 25 49 Address:180000, c.Semeyst.Mangilik el, 25 © Agency for Strategic planning and reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bureau of National statisticsSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/abay/press/news/details/1161646?lang=kk

Bishkek, February 13, 2026 – As part of an official visit to Bishkek, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Zheenbek Kulubaev.During the talks, the heads of the foreign ministries discussed a wide range of issues concerning Kazakh-Kyrgyz cooperation.The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan emphasized that thanks to the political will of the heads of state, bilateral relations between the two countries have reached a qualitatively new level of interaction.“Following reciprocal high-level visits, a clear vector for further strengthening the fraternal Kazakh-Kyrgyz relations has been set. On our part, we intend to make every effort to work jointly on the comprehensive development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the spirit of enduring friendship and good-neighborliness,” said Minister Kosherbayev.In turn, Minister Kulubaev confirmed the progressive development of allied relations between the two states, based on the principles of brotherhood and good-neighborliness.The parties thoroughly discussed measures for the practical implementation of agreements reached at the highest level in recent years and expressed their readiness to continue promoting closer ties through intergovernmental cooperation.“Kazakh-Kyrgyz relations are rapidly developing. Bilateral trade, economic, and investment cooperation is strengthening year by year, and we intend to comprehensively deepen allied relations with Kyrgyzstan,” Kosherbayev emphasized during the discussion.The head of Kazakhstan’s foreign ministry noted that Kazakhstan firmly holds a place among the top three largest trading partners of Kyrgyzstan. The volume of mutual trade reached 2 billion US dollars, with a goal set to increase this figure to 3 billion. This will be facilitated by the planned diversification of the commodity turnover, further development of interregional links, and the launch of new joint projects, including the establishment of a cross-border Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex, the multiplier effect of which will impact the entire spectrum of Kazakh-Kyrgyz cooperation.Minister Kosherbayev also noted that over the past 20 years, Kazakhstani companies’ investments in the Kyrgyz economy have amounted to 1.4 billion, at the same time, it is in the interest of both countries to expand the sphere of investment cooperation. In this regard, the heads of the foreign ministries, emphasizing the significant potential for cooperation, expressed their readiness to support the development of fruitful collaboration in energy, transport, logistics, and agriculture.A separate point was devoted to prospects for deepening cultural and humanitarian ties, which form the foundation of strong and long-term relations between the two fraternal peoples. The parties expressed satisfaction with the intensity of the events conducted. Last year, the Days of Kazakh Cinema, the 3rd Kazakh-Kyrgyz Youth Forum, and the ceremonial opening of the “Golden Bridge” monument in Bishkek were held in Kyrgyzstan. In Kazakhstan, the premiere of the musical “Jamila,” based on the eponymous story by Chingiz Aitmatov took place. In January of this year, the Days of Kyrgyz Cinema were successfully held in Astana.During the meeting, the ministers also compared notes on current regional and international agenda issues. They confirmed their commitment to close cooperation within the framework of the UN, as well as mutual support in promoting the international initiatives of the two states.In conclusion, the readiness to further strengthen inter-ministerial cooperation, including within the framework of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, was reaffirmed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1161450?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1161422?lang=kk